#and i'm just so mad because she has a fucking partner they're both working full time and pulling in twice-and-a-bit my salary

[drdemonprince]

So I met a guy on a dating app. He’s also Autistic and we have a lot in common. Really hit it off and after some conversation he’s like To be honest I’m not looking for a relationship and I have someone else I really like but she’s not wanting a full on relationship either so we’re looking at ENM or maybe Poly but if that’s not your thing I understand. So I’m a bit disappointed but he’s sweet so I’m like ok let’s be friends.

Then it almost immediately gets sexual and we talk a lot about kink and fetish stuff that we seem pretty aligned with. Which is rare. We sexted a bit and it was great.

But today he told me he’s going on a date with someone. It’s actually a chick I also met off the the same app (I’m bi) but that didn’t bother me. What did bother me was that I got this instant reaction like upset that he was going on a date. It triggered something in me.

Not mad at all with him as he’s been super honest. But didn’t anticipate my own reactions.

So now I have to decide if I stop talking to him and let this go or if I try to move past it and enjoy the positive sides of our friendship.

We had tentative plans to meet in a few weeks time (we don’t live super close to each other). As a date but not a date.

Now I’m super confused about what to do. Especially as I really don’t meet many people that I vibe with and share similar “interests” with etc.

Just not entirely sure I’m built for the whole sharing thing…

Respectfully, it sounds like this dude fucking sucks ass at polyamory and doesn't know what the hell he's doing, and you're gonna get hurt.

First of all, he told you that he was poly because he is down bad for someone who doesn't want to be in a relationship with him? And so what, he's using his other dating partners as some kind of emotional or sexual stopgap?

That's objectifying and downgrading his potential future partners, including you, from the very start -- and it's setting you up to always be in the position of offering him temporary succor from the unrequited desires he has for this other person, only to be sidelined when she IS giving him a lot of attention. Sure, it's great he's being honest or whatever -- but the situation he's inviting you into is honestly disrespectful. You were disappointed to learn about this situation from the start. That feeling is an important signal! He's made it clear that he's not actually emotionally available and will NOT be consistent with you, and believes he has no reason to be.

It's also quite telling that after he established the nature of his relationship with this other person, he pivoted to getting very overtly sexual with you. This makes me wonder a lot about the woman he is pining away for, and what the terms of their relationship is according to her. (because if they're agreeing to get ENM or poly together, that's a relationship! Even if she says it's not a relationship).

Did she tell him that she cares about him but that she doesn't want to fuck him? Is she just less available than he'd like her to be, in terms of time and number of dates? What the hell is this arrangement between the two of them, how much of it was her proposal versus his idea, and where the hell do you fit in in all that?

If two people aren't fully sexually compatible and both parties want to explore sex and kink outside of their relationship to one another, that's fine; I'm living in that situation and it works great. But you have to approach prospective sexual partners with equal respect as you would your pre-existing partner (or whatever the hell she is to him, since they say they're not in a relationship?), and be clear about what you are and are not available for. It seems to me he asked you to be some kind of non-monogoamous, not-exactly-romantic-but-intimate "friends" with one another, and then tried to transition you into being a kinky sex partner once you expressed you could work with that.

I don't mean to remove your agency from this or act as if this is all something he is doing "to" you, because you expressed some interest in him and said the sexual connection is there. But... how much of this arrangement or how any of this is going has had anything to do with you or your stated preferences? Are you just going along with the flow because he seems nice and you want to see some possibilities there and for each new curveball he's throwing you, you're having to find some new way to justify it and make sense of it? What about what you want? What about your feelings? Why do you not get to determine what the relationship even is or where it is going, and he does? Because he's not getting what he wants elsewhere? That's not a good reason. That has nothing to do with you.

It makes sense to me, in light of what a mess his handling of this has been, that when you found out he was also pursuing other casual sexual partners that you felt jealous. Perhaps seeing him seeking out other non-committal, kind of formless sexual encounters with other people made you worry that you were being seen and treated by him in the same way, or that you were basically just a cog he was trying to slot into place for the time being. Or maybe you already felt on some level that you weren't given primacy in your relationship -- because this is a relationship of a kind! -- and now you have to worry about a whole other person who he has his own feelings for and agendas about altering how he relates to you.

You're not in the driver's seat in this relationship, hell you're not even really being consulted -- he's just making decisions about the various women in his life that he's trying to have meet needs for him and plugging them in and out of those roles as it suits him. The actual arrangement you all have entered into could be completely fine if all parties actively wanted it and had clarity and control over their own positions -- I'm a non-monogamous but *not* polyamorous person who dates people casually, and so i explicitly seek out others who are looking only for casual sex, that kind of stuff is fine -- but instead, this guy seems to be just making his choices up on the fly based on when he's horny, or lonely, or who is around and easy to get to.

I think you're giving a lot more latitude to him than he deserves, here. I'm not saying you need to dump him if you don't want to, if the sex seems like it could be fun you should go for it -- but on your terms. What do YOU want out of this connection? How do you see it? How much quality time, consistency, and commitment do you need? How comfortable are you with being non-monogamous and what kind of non-monogamy do you actively *want*? Do you see this guy as a friend? A casual partner (but a partner nonetheless)? A fuckbuddy?

There's a significant distance between you two, you two have been talking a lot, you call him a friend, and you call your plans to get together a "date." This is a relationship, whether he likes to admit it or not, and that comes with responsibilities to treat one another well and be honest, and to respect the other person's needs. And he doesn't seem to be showing any sense of responsibility toward the people he is in relationships with, and maybe doesn't even see them as relationships at all? He might seem nice, but the way he is navigating all of this is very selfish and instrumentalizes other people -- and so I think you should listen to that feeling you have of insecurity, because it's signalling that he's put you in a very insecure place.

Tagging in my homie @pastimperfection who always enjoys yelling about people doing poly badly

[deconstructthesoup]

*lights the candles on my summoning ritual and starts chanting your name*

So what more ya got about The Damsel & The Damned?

*rolls over my corkboard that's full of paper and red sting* A LOT MORE

But we'll start with some simple triva!

-The world that they're in is called Nexus, which is a world that I'm actually creating for a future D&D campaign---it's mostly steampunk-meets-art-nouveau levels of tech, with some notable exceptions. There's a few civilizations who have less advanced tech or rely more on magic, but Deepside (Nexus's version of the Underdark) is fully living in a 1930's-40's film-noir, art-deco, Golden-Age-of-Hollywood era, complete with a thriving film industry. And yes, my weird elves are in full swing in this world.

-Everyone's sexualities are as follows: Adelina is biromantic ace, Romi is an ace lesbian, Hilda is pansexual, Kassius is gay, and Tilly is bisexual. (Julio is achillean and demisexual, and Lorelai is the campiest goth lesbian you'll ever fucking meet.)

-The Damsel & The Damned is a fairy-tale-with-D&D-elements-adventure, but it is, at its core, a love story between Adelina and Romi. I've read a lot of allosexual love stories, and don't get me wrong, some of them are really good, but I kind of wanted to write a fairy tale that I could see myself represented in---with sapphic characters, genderqueer characters, and ace characters. It's a slow-burn, it's about being each other's anchor, it's about becoming devoted friends first and partners second... I dunno, man, I just love these guys.

-Kassius and Julio have a "classroom-rivals-to-frenemies-to-casually-dating-to-exes-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers" dynamic. It is fun, it is fraught, it has a lot of angst on both sides, it shows how both of them are absolutely insane in different ways... and yes, they're both undead, because I love spooky romance. Just a mad scientist vampire and a huntsman Frankenstein's monster being dudes.

-Hilda's "not my ex-wife, we're just separated" is named Madeline Bane (who was an NPC in the first campaign I ever DMed, and seeing as I literally designed her to be as appealing to my sapphic heart as possible I needed to bring her back), and she's a drow in charge of a smuggling ring in Deepside that's focused on bringing upper-world resources to the underground and vice versa, since there's some hostility between the two realms and Madeline wholeheartedly believes that they'd both benefit if they worked together. Basically, she's a crime lord for a good cause. (And, yeah, she and Hilda are gonna get back together eventually, but they've both got growth to go through.)

-Initially, I had a completely different villain in mind for Damsel & the Damned---a cold, quiet, almost regal man who sought to bring about a reign of permanent undeath and viewed himself as a savior who would be removing the world of pain. However, in the end, my desire for a campy, IDGAF, evil-because-it's-fun female villain won out, and I made my previous villain Lorelai's now-deceased father---who she's attempting to one-up as a fuck-you to his memory. Even though she's well over a century old, she still very much acts like a spoiled, egotistical teen... and, well, that's partially why she's so dangerous. (Also, yes, her full name really is de Crypt. Like, "the crypt," as in a place to bury your dead, and the word "decrepit." Yes, I'm aware it's an awful pun. Let me be a little bit silly.)

-This story is inspired by the following: Slay the Princess (the inherent horror that comes with actually being a damsel in distress, maybe the trapped princess is actually incredibly dangerous and she doesn't even know it); Dimension 20: Neverafter (see my first reasoning for StP, as well as the very unique take on fairy tales and curses) and Dimension 20: Fantasy High (the incredibly rich and unique world perfectly suited for adventuring, the interpretation of devils as not truly being evil but instead just serving to punish evil souls, the impeccable friendship dynamics); Adventure Time (see my first reasoning for Fantasy High, Kassius's character and conflict with vampirism, engaging fantasy stories don't need to take themselves too seriously); and The Owl House (Hilda and Madeline's relationship, Romi's unstable magic, magic as an intrinsic, natural force)

-I do have D&D classifications for pretty much everyone (Adelina: College of Spirits bard/Fiend warlock, Hilda: Swashbuckler rogue/Battlemaster fighter, Kassius: Chirurgeon artificer, Tilly: Oath of the Ancients paladin), but Romi's power set required me to create an entire homebrew sorcerer subclass for them... and honestly, I might make a homebrew artificer subclass for Kassius, since we still don't have an official necromancy-themed artificer subclass. (Julio is a Gloomstalker ranger, and Lorelai is... well, either a really OP Necromancer wizard/Shadow Magic sorcerer, or just a straight-up lich.)

-Adelina has an undead cat named Paczki, who looks like a very fluffy, glowing purple cat... except for the fact that she is completely translucent, and you can see her bones. And those bones are black. Paczki is meant to be a combination of a princess's animal companion and a witch's familiar.

-All of the main cast (thoroughly unintentionally, but that's the way it shook out) are in some way based off of established fairy-tale tropes: Adelina is the damsel in distress (obviously), Romi is the cursed royal (think Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, Prince Lindworm, etc), Hilda is the heroic knight (without, y'know, the knight aesthetic), Kassius is the wise old wizard (who is also, again, a mad scientist vampire), Tilly is the fairy godmother, Julio is the huntsman, and Lorelai is the evil queen.

-Even though Adelina's prison is very Rapunzel-esque (fitting, as it's my favorite fairy tale), her overall tale ended up being largely inspired by Snow White. Honestly, once I made Julio a badass hunter-assassin-type, there was no going back. It's actually kinda ironic, since Lorelai does, in fact, have pale white skin, pitch-black hair, and... lips that would likely be red if she wasn't always wearing black lipstick.

I will talk more about character dynamics and personalities later... if I get more asks :p

[autisticburnham]

for the ship asks, pick any of these you feel compelled to talk abt!

mariner/boimler, mariner/t'lyn, t'lyn/tendi, tendi/rutherford, mariner/tendi, boimler/rutherford, mariner/ransom

I actually just answered Mariner/Boimler in the last ask!

Mariner/T'Lyn, I ship it

1. What made you ship it?

Empathalogical Fallacies!!!! Mariner being the one to figure out what was going on and knowing exactly what to say to make her feel better? It was wonderful and I hope we get to see more episodes with them paired up

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

Disaster girl x disaster girl my beloved ship dynamic. The ways they both struggle with emotionality pair together in such an interesting way, they could easily make each other better or make each other worse, but most likely will do both, and I'm so excited to see it happen

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on the ship?

I don't think so? I don't think the ship is popular enough to have established popular opinions about it. I will say I hope we get to see more of T'lyn supporting Mariner in the future- there's a pattern with fictional interracial relationships where the black character will provide all the emotional support for the nonblack character and get little to none in return. It's way too early to say that Mari'lyn falls into that, but I really, really hope it doesn't in the future

I'm gonna do all the others too, but under a readmore

T'lyn/Tendi, I'm gonna go with I don't ship it, though I used to

1. Why don't you ship it?

This is difficult to put into a dichotomy of do/don't ship it because I don't not ship it, it's just that my enthusiasm has definitely waned. I certainly wouldn't be mad or say it was out of character if they did get together, but it's not something that I'd describe myself as shipping anymore.

During the break between seasons 3 & 4 I was very excited about the little hand hold, but Tendi's enthusiasm and effort to become friends felt to me like she was ignoring T'lyn's boundaries. Which made it feel a little like the Tuvok/Neelix dynamic, a dynamic which I despise. Tendi/T'lyn certainly aren't that extreme, and it's clear that Tendi's gonna work on those boundary issues, but it was enough to put me off it for now.

2. What would have made you like it?

I still could very easily like it in the future, I just need to see more of Tendi respecting T'lyn's boundaries

3. Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it?

It's certainly full of potential! Like I said, I could easily ship it in the future, and even as it is now, they clearly care about each other and have settled into a sweet friendship

Tendi/Rutherford, again, this is complicated. I don't ship it romantically, I think they should be in a QPR. So I'm gonna hesitantly go with I don't ship it

1. Why don't you ship it?

Parth Ferengi's Heart Place. They were so uncomfortable pretending to be a couple, and while you can certainly read that as "they both like each other and are nervous about the other one finding out," it very much read to me as "neither of them are interested in each other romantically, but they don't want to hurt the other by addressing that because they are so enmeshed in each other, they are partners, but discussing a romantic aspect to it could fuck it up."

2. What would have made you like it?

Again, I don't dislike it and I wouldn't be mad if they got together, but given my current reading of the characters, I think they work best as platonic partners

3. Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it?

Yeah, I love their relationship! They're definitely codependent in an unhealthy way, but it's fascinating to watch

Mariner/Tendi, I have no easy opinions. I don't ship it anymore, but I used to

1. Why don't you ship it?

I was so hype for them for the first season or so, even before the show started. This was one of the first promotional images for the show

and I was immediately like "The girls are looking at each other? Lesbians💚❤️" And I drew fanart for them during the break between seasons 1 & 2, but over time my enthusiasm for them has really waned, just because we don't ever see them together by themselves. When they are together, it's part of the group, so I don't have a concrete dynamic to hold on to for them. And I can only be excited about a dynamic that only exists in my head for so long

2. What would have made you like it?

Seeing them together!

3. Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it?

I love them! I just need more of them!

Boimler/Rutherford, I don't ship it

1. Why don't you ship it?

Like above, we just don't see enough of them together. I can see a version of them I would, but that version doesn't exist in the show as of yet

2. What would have made you like it?

Same as above, seeing them together.

3. Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it?

We do have a bit more of them together than with Tendi/Mariner bc they hung out together while the girls went on their trip with T'lyn, so I will say little fucking freaks (complimentary) about their Mark Twain bit

Mariner/Ransom, I don't ship it

1. Why don't you ship it?

While most of the time I don't have a problem with trek ships of different ranks because most characters are pretty chill about it, they've made it clear Ransom is Mariner's direct superior, so I'm not personally comfortable shipping it. I'm also not overly fond of mentor/mentee ships, which they're starting to fall into. I don't think there's anything wrong with shipping it or anything, it's just not for me.

2. What would have made you like it?

I don't think I could. The entire structure of their relationship puts me off from reading it romantically. I guess I could like it in a fucked up watching a car crash way.

3. Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it?

I really like the growing friendship they have, and they clearly have fun together, even if that fun mostly consists of pissing each other off

[bunni-bun]

we did it, lads, we finished only friends. can't believe this fucking messy ass show made my cry. incredible. also.......

like i get why some people would be mad about boston in the end tbh. but i also have to side with mew on this since i've been in that kind of situation.

like do i think boston can be a better person? absolutely. if ray's awful ass can do better for sand then so the fuck can boston. but nick was right to let him go because you can't force someone to change. they have to do that themselves and make that choice themselves. they also have to deal with the consequences of their actions. to forgive doesn't mean you forget. boston making out with boeing was fucked up, especially because nick's not stupid. and that being the nail in the coffin for nick really hit me more than i expected.

nick having put boston on that pedestal of love where a person can do no wrong is truly a steeple of a toxic relationship. i think they're so cute together and i love when they understand that they have love for each other. but some people do have to change and boston telling nick to accept him as he is isn't love, it's an excuse. you fuck around and eventually, you find out when everyone leaves you, including your friends.

i say that as someone who's ex is still just continuing the cycle of being manipulative and downright bad to someone else now, almost 14 years later. he can chose to change but he's also gotta face the consequences of his actions, like boston. they have to be alone for a while and make peace with themselves first before they can make full peace with others.

that said, ray's apology in therapy really had me crying with him because sand is just so patient with him, so kind and caring and so incredibly loving. a good partner, to me, is someone who you want to be a better person for. i think about my sister and her fiancé and how my sister can be a huge bitch but ever since she's been with him, she's been a lot kinder and nicer overall. i think her fiancé has made her better.

i know that the heavier topic of alcoholism only really delves into the story towards the end but i'm glad that ray went to rehab and got the help he needed. my father is a recovered alcoholic and he's been sober for over 16 years now. i'm proud of them, both of them. ray facing his fear and also understanding that he's the person he needs to control, not the environment, is a big step and i'm glad sand's by his side.

topmew and forgiveness is a really good arc. because forgiveness doesn't magically come at once but also holding that grudge won't help you forgive. his moms are great and so real for saying that. gotta love older lesbians for being the voices of reason. forgiveness takes time but one must find it in themselves to forgive first.

as always, lesbians are the only people i've trusted in this entire show. mew's moms and cheum & april make the mess worth it because they are all so wonderful together. to see older lesbians, who dote and love their son as much as they love each other, is just so wonderful, it brought me so much joy. to see lesbians my age just work through a rough patch but stay together no matter what was so hopeful. i love them.

overall, this show was so fucking messy and no one is a good or bad person, which is interesting. i liked it, all things considered. also, again, absolutely excellent soundtrack, 100000/10 no notes.

[nymph-bitch]

That's Junkie Shit, We Don't Get Involved

I call him my partner.

I call him my partner in theory, we're engaged.

But I've been sleeping on the couch for at least a month. I'm good. I'm over it, I'm saving money

But it's easiest to refer to him as my partner.

And I, despite constantly forgetting to do anything to my profile, am a she/her in a straight cis relationship who calls him my partner. Because fiance? Gross, I'm not marrying him. Boyfriend? Still implies some kind of love or care. I just don't. Partner feels more neutral to me, it feels like something I can swallow.

My partner and I are both resellers. We go to thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, etc. and find things to flip.

He mostly does videogames, and last night, he got an inquiry from someone. This is an approximation of the conversation.

Customer: Hey, can you tell me more about this item?

Partner: Has the case, includes manual, no scratches, good condition

Customer: I don't know what kind of operation you're running, but I have proof that you/Bowman have been stealing from me for years.

We do not know Bowman. We do no know any Bowman, and we make most of our purchases from thrift stores-they're donated. Nobody's stealing this guys stuff and donating it.

Now, before anybody gets mad about what I'm gonna say, I've been involved in some shit ok? I've worked in almost every strip club in my state. I've won fights with several addictions. I have very few friends, and all of them are addicts who go in and out of homelessness. I've spent days getting fucked up in trap houses and Observing the people, because I do the tiniest amount of drugs now. I just want a little boost, to be on a similar wavelength with the people around me. And I was. I loved those people so much and felt a deep connection to them and their problems. I understand why addicts act out. I understand the paranoia and the fear and the poverty and how awful it is to not be able to trust the people who you love, who you probably adopted as family at one point.

So to me, this looks like junkie shit. This looks like an addict being paranoid because he can't trust his friends.

And it's kinda funny, if I'm being honest, it's just a really odd out of nowhere situation.

And again, I'm thinking about specific situation that people who I care about. In my head, I'm laughing with people who understand what I've been through about this relatable situation.

That's some junkie shit

My partner sends the man an offer on the item, because it's funny.

And then he gets a reply

That's fine but I just want you to know I'm taking my life tonight. Bowman stole everything from me and now I have nothing

the last line is very assumed, because really all I heard before the panic set in was the suicide threat. Correct content. Incorrect phrasing.

My partner was still laughing when he read this out to me.

I got angry. Told him to not tell me about stuff like that if he's not going to do anything about it.

He got indignant and said oh I won't it would be crazy, never letting me finish, never apologizing, never asking any questions.

(hey, just fyi, I lost my virginity to a literal diagnosed psychopath who trained me to be codependent by threatening to kill himself and very damn nearly doing it several times, I do not take this lightly)

So I start looking up the website's policies on relinquishing customer information, and I'm gonna need to call the police to get the man's address to send someone out for a wellness check.

I do not take this lightly.

Me: If you're not going to do anything can I have that guys username so that I can do something

Him, full of disdain: I blocked him and deleted the conversation. What are you gonna do? That's junkie shit, we don't get involved.

I need a break

[realmsalot]

Homographs AU (AKA: My 2012 X Rise Crossover)

Just writing down some thoughts about the AU that lives in my head to make me feel better. Full names for the 12 turtles, nicknames for the Rise turtles. 12 April is just April, Rise April is Apes. 12 Casey is Casey, and Rise Casey is Cass. And finally, 12 Splinter is just Splinter while Rise Splinter is Splints.

OK? Got that? Great.

First things first, 2012 and Rise take place in the same universe. There's no dimensional hopping going on here. Yes, this messes with the timeline a lot. Yes, this means there are a lot of kinks I've got to work out. That's why there isn't a fic about it yet. I'm working on it.

THIS ALSO MEANS I'M COMPLETELY IGNORING THE MUTANT APOCALYPSE ARC!!! THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN!!!

Okay so, getting into it during the Kraang Invasion that happened in S2-half of S3 the Rise boys were completely unaware of what was happening.

All they knew was that they were on complete lockdown for a couple of months. They weren't allowed to leave Donnie's lab (the safest place in the lair) much less the Lair. But hey! Apes and her parents lived with them during that time!

Also, because of that experience, Apes' parents know the Rise turtles, and the turtles call them Aunt and Uncle O'Neil!

Cass, although already under the Rise Foot influence, REALLY throws herself into the Foot because of the invasion. The invasion really messed her up.

With the 12 people, post-series they all tried to keep themselves busy.

Leonardo with teaching Beepbop and Rocksteady how to be good guys, helping out Karai and the Mutanimles. Though most of the time he's reading through Splinter's old scrolls.

Raphael also helps out the Mutanimles (tho more than Leonardo) and goes on dates with Mona Lisa (who he eventually marries)

Donatello starts dating both April and Casey (cus fuck the love triangle). He and Casey also start a mechanics shop together (from one of the old Kraang hideouts). Casey is the face of the company, obviously. April helps when she can. Mostly with budgeting and making sure the boys don't go overboard with the repairs. (i.e. try to add weapons to clients' cars)

Michelangelo started learning how to cook properly from Mr. Murakami. He's gotten good enough to actually help out with the restaurant at night.

Also Murakami's restaurant has become a place where all mutants and yokai can come to eat. This is how the 12 people found out about the Hidden City.

The restaurant is also how they met Senor Hueso. He came barging in one day cause he thought they were poaching his customers.

Cassandra is Casey's little sister.

Casey does not go easy on Cass when they play hockey together. He knows she can not only handle it but will be mad if he doesn't give 110% when playing with her.

Cass has only met one of Casey's partners and that's April. She thinks April's nice and can definitely make sure her older brother doesn't die doing something stupid. She still gave her the shovel talk.

Cass knows that Casey has another partner she hasn't met but just thinks Casey is nervous about coming out as poly so she's just waiting on that.

Back to Rise, Donnie caught a glimpse of Tokka when she visited and that inspired Pizzasarus

Apes parents did a LOT of research on turtles after the invasion and that led a LOT of awkward situations. Like trying to feed the turtles mealworms.

Leo eats mealworms from the bag like they're chips. His brothers and Apes think this is disgusting.

After they meet, Leo offers Michaelangelo some mealworms and he tries some and says, "Oh wow, these are much better than earthworms." Leo is disgusted by the aspect of eating earthworms.

Raph was very happy that Leonardo agreed to their sensei, especially because they'd been doing the hero thing for a little bit. (Context: the officially meet during/after Donnie's Gifts)

Shelldon and Metalhead have playdates.

Michaelangelo was the one who made that Ice Cream Kitty statue that Cass breaks in the auction house

Mikey has pulled out his Dr personas on Leonardo many times because he is still a self sacrificing idiot

That's all I can think of right now that doesn't spoil anything. If you have any questions you can ask me.

[lovelywingsart]

Since y'all seemed to enjoy this post, have the 'thread' i made on twitter for it, but with more detail. 😂

TLDR; Karl jokes about calling Emelia his wife and... she... agrees...???

(Completely non-canon btw, but a fun dumb thing- but I MAY work more with it if requested...? 👀)

---

He was honestly joking. It was just a stupid idea that crossed his mind after a few comments he had heard, and he decided to say something since he knew she had heard them, too.

But the last thing he expected was for her to agree, even jokingly, and he almost wished he had kept his mouth shut...

Almost.

Because as awkward as it was, the conversation following was... oddly calm. It was a rare, genuine conversation between the two that led to a mutual agreement and understanding. It wasn't like they hadn't talked about stuff like that before, with theur talks of plans after freedom and whatnot... The only difference was that they had never considered... well, eachother. She was his assistant and occasional 'partner', and both were just far too busy and distracted for something like that. And they're both dense as fuck- Not to mention, there wasn't THAT kind of attraction between them...

Right?

Nah, definitely not. Sexual and physical, yes. Romantic? Hm. Doubtful. (😏)

But, as pointed out by Emelia multiple times before and during this conversation, some individuals of the village didn't take her as seriously as they did Heisenberg. So, in the end, it was moreso a 'status' thing agreed upon by the two. But, just for 'fun', y'know?

'Fun'.

But there was... DEFINITELY alot more to work through than simply saying 'hey we're married, some respect please', and uh... that 'alot more' unfortunately had to do with... 'family'.

The other Lords and Miranda, to be exact.

So of course, the easiest course of action was to bring her to the next meeting. That meeting, of course, felt like a long time coming by the time the day arrived, and admittedly both of them were just two giant balls of nerves.

"Are we really going through with this...?"

"You're the one that agreed, Doll. For the record, I was joking."

She knew he was joking. She knew full well he was joking. Even as she sat next to him like usual during the meeting, she knew he had been joking, and she wondered what ungodly force made her open her mouth and agree. She wondered as the meeting progressed, to which she wasn't paying attention at all because how could she, and she wondered as it came to an end and Karl stood up and addressed Miranda personally. She wondered as she heard the other Lords make comments, listening to him shoot back insults to silence them. It was 'important', he said. She wondered as Miranda questioned him, and couldn't help but flinch as he spoke loud and purposeful, simply to drown out the chaos of the others that had erupted-

"I'm taking a wife."

His words followed closely by abrupt silence... and then laughter. Specifically laughter from Dimitrescu, and even a chuckle from Miranda- but Alcinas words even burned Emelia;

"What proper woman in their right mind would EVER take a beast such as yourself to be wed?"

Emelia wasn't a proper woman. Hell, sometimes she didn't even feel like a 'woman' at all, only considered one for obvious reasons, and he knew that. She was just... there. But that jab and Karls resulting angered silence in the following laughter were painful, and she couldn't stop herself from speaking up despite never intending to.

"Me."

Silence again, this time all eyes on her;

Including Karl.

She suddenly stands, slowly makes her way to stand next to him, and has a staredown with the woman they both despise, all while he and the other Lords are staring at her liks she's gone mad, though his stare goes between her and Miranda. Miranda obviously isn't gonna be like 'oh yeah sure, go ahead', because why would she? But hey, this is the most amusement she's had in a while, so she'll bite.

"And why, pray tell, would you be willing to do so?"

Both Emelia and Karl know damn well this is a trick question. She can't FULLY admit care towards him gods forbid Miranda takes that as a challenge, but she also doesn't want it to seem like she's using him which ALSO seems like a challenge.

"Because I want to." Is her simple reply. When asked for more of a reason, she more or less gives the 'we've been living together for this long, I'm basically already his partner, may as well make it official' type speech, and... Miranda actually agrees.

She ACTUALLY agrees to allow them to do so, which pretty much floors everyone but Moreau, who seems excited to welcome his best friend into the 'family'.

But who will 'officiate'? When will it be done? What kinda hoops will they have to jump through?

Well, the answer comes easily, and through quick thinking on Emelias part-

Duke.

He can do 'anything', and he likes them enough... Why not ask him, right?

So, they do.

Its actually a surprisingly painless process and Duke is, of course, excited for them; especially when he offers to do it that very moment.

"It's not often we get a 'happy' couple such as you! And for a Lord, no less. Please, allow me."

And, with Miranda and the other 3 there to bear witness(and a few villagers peeking), it was done.

It was... probably one of the most awkward kisses they've shared, honestly...

But sweet dear lord, the look he gave her afterwards was enough to nearly have her on her knees.

Bright eyes and a small reassuring smile that they could go home after this and the gentle hand at her lower back while giving short thanks to Duke nearly made her pass out from embarrassment, and she ended up leaning on him and attempting to hide her reddening face.

It wasn't until Miranda spoke a few words that they could finally leave, and she just... clung to him the entire way back. She had no idea what the hell to say or do, now she was 'married' to a Lord out of a whim and a joke, and even already experienced a few 'Lady Heisenberg's here and there from the villagers who had seen. But Karl himself was... surprisingly calm.

"That was eventful."

"'Eventful' is... certainly a way to describe it..."

She didn't say much until they reached the gates, and of course he decides to be a bit of a... showoff.

"I know what'll make you feel better." He claims. "How about a ride in?"

"A what-"

Next thing she knows, he scoops her up in his arms with a squeal and is carrying her into the factory field. She's stunned at first.

"... You're taking this a tad more serious than I thought..."

"Gotta play it off for prying eyes, hm?"

He's got a point, so she just... gets comfy until they get inside.

Life afterwords is... odd. She has to get used to the new name, used to the new 'title', though she appreciates the new respect it grants her from villagers... But whats even weirder is getting used to the new... 'affection' he gave. It started that night(gotta throw that 'consummation' in somehow ALDHAKHAKDHA-) , and just... didn't stop. An odd gentleness and careful meaning to words and touches when it came to her for years afterwards unless she said otherwise, even when working...

Almost like he was taking it seriously the entire time.

But is it actually 'love'?

Well... A few of you already know the answer to that.

Hell, maybe they even admit it a bit earlier on this time around if the mood calls for it. Because, hey... Marriage can change alot of people, y'know...?

Even if it started as a joke.

⚒💙⚒

[manikas-whims]

A Tantalizing Surprise

[Read on AO3]

for Kanej Week (@kanejweek) Day 5: Love (domesticity)

It took around eight years and a lot of mutual support to achieve this level of intimacy. But he was glad they never gave up..

• Friend 1: write Inej in a silk dress and some sexy Kanej moment Friend 2: No! Write injured Kaz being patched up by Inej Me: *an unbiased friend* mixes both requests into this fic ~♥ • I headcanon Liddies being a gang run by women :)

Kaz Brekker utterly despised private parleys. Majority of the time they were a farce. Excuses crafted in order to get him alone and put an end to his reign forever. Everytime a haughty barrel boss offered him a drink or a condescending mercher invited him for dinner, it wasn't for the sake of striking amiable business deals with him. But to drive a knife through his rotten heart or shoot a bullet into that scheming head of his.

And yet he had agreed to meet the leader of the Liddies in a small coffee house on the bustling streets of the East Stave. They were stirring up too much ruckus and if left unchecked any longer, they'd embolden every other gang to go against the Dregs. Dirtyhands couldn't let that happen, now could he?

As suspected, no pleasantries were exchanged. The door was jammed shut immediately upon his arrival.

Their lieutenant, a burly, middle-aged brunette, attacked first. She tried smashing her wooden bat into his face but thankfully Anika blocked in time with a crowbar. Two other females followed, swinging rustic metal pipes at him which he managed to counter with his cane. Roeder was struggling on the other side, engaged in a one-on-one with their spider.

"This ends tonight, Brekker." Their leader howled from her perch atop a stool. "Barrel needs a queen."

"Barrel already has one." He responded calmly.

"The little whore? The one who's barely in this city?" she grinned sharply, getting up.

"Careful." His gaze turned steely and his gloved fingers flexed tensely onto the crow head of his cane. "I can gut you and your ladies for insulting my Wraith."

"I'd like to see you try." She sneered, madly lunging at him with her bare hands.

He sighed. This was going to be a long night.

The fight lasted for an hour. Liddies finally ran off when more Dregs arrived on the scene and broke down the coffee house's door.

Kaz dictated his gang to double the security around the Crow Club and his other establishments just in case. He then dug his fingers into his right leg in hopes of quelling a little of the ache there as he dragged himself back to his place. Not the slat anymore but a luxurious mansion on the Geldstraat. He had purchased it under a pseudonym after Councilman Hoede had passed away three years ago.

Blame Wylan for making him waste his kruge on a deadman's house. Though the dark wood walls and coffered ceilings looked amazing upon his first visit, he did get a few things renovated. Such as converting the dilapidated Grisha workshop into an ordinary shed and the addition of wild geraniums to the vast variety of flowering plants in the gardens.

Despite his habits, he pulled out a key that he kept within the hidden pocket on the left side of his coat and swiftly unlocked the large, black, entrance gates. The next few minutes of the long walk through the front stone pavement didn't feel regal, atleast not to his leg. He retrieved another key upon reaching the main doors. It was an odd experience every time— to enter a house this big without utilizing his skills in lock-picking.

He didn't stop to admire the blown glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling or the stolen DeKappel displayed mockingly on the opposite end of the hall. He simply braced himself for the walk up the long staircase leading towards the more private quarters of the mansion.

His steps came to a halt only when he reached the master bedroom. And that too, not because it had been his destination all along but because he felt her presence.

He shook his head in disbelief. Maybe six months of being apart were taking a toll on him, playing tricks with his senses. Or maybe it was just an effect of blood loss due to the cut he'd taken during the fight with the Liddies.

He turned the knob and entered, the room same as ever. A bookshelf tucked in the left corner from the door, a vanity table with a full-length mirror right next to it; a door leading to the balcony and another door to the bathroom on the other end. And of course, the king-size bed atop which his eyes found her tantalizing form, aglow under the golden flame of the dimly burning lone candle.

Kaz regarded her silently. Her lithe frame was covered in a purple, silk nightgown that left barely anything to his imagination. Or rather, it was exactly the sight he envisioned every night. An ideal reverie where he pulled her onto his lap and kissed down the delicious curve of her neck. A fantasy where he relished in her whispers of his name. A fantasy where they did all the unholy things they're capable of now. A fantasy he had been yearning for yet kept locked in the darkest recesses of his twisted mind.

But this was different. This woman in his bed had longer hair and was far more breathtaking than any imagery he could will his mind to conjure. This was real. She was real.

"Saints!" She slid off the bed. "Kaz, what happened?"

Yes, she was real.

And she had chosen an interesting outfit for their reunion.

But it was unusual of her to dock in Ketterdam and not send a runner to let him know. Not to mention, she had somehow managed to sneak into their mansion without any keys.

"You're hurt!"

He scoffed at her concern and proceeded to discard his coat. After all the times they've fought and bled together, she should be used to witnessing him a little roughed up.

He peeled off his gloves with methodical ease and tossed them onto the table. Then he tentatively reached for one of her hands, his thumb stroking along the pulse in her wrist. There was no harm in confirming she was real and alive.

"Welcome back, Wraith."

She freed her wrist, completely ignoring his greeting, and placed her palms over his stubbled cheeks. Fortunately, no waves lapped up his skin. So he let her turn his face this way and that to check for any signs of injuries. When she found none, she smiled in relief and pulled his face down so their lips could meet. His arms immediately snaked around her waist. And he was glad her only reaction was a soft sound of contentment, not tensing or vanishing in his hold. It took around eight years and a lot of mutual support to achieve this level of intimacy. But he was glad they never gave up and worked together to get accustomed to one another's touch.

The contact overwhelmed him everytime, in a good way of course. It was exhilarating to be able to brush his lips against hers. A common gesture for most couples but a very big accomplishment for them. Just like everything else.

Everytime they shed a piece of their armor, touched longer, touched more, they counted it as a new milestone. He was thankful to their patience and to whichever of Inej's saints had blessed them for their persistent efforts.

The kiss deepened with every passing moment, all those months of separation provoking their dormant desires. But as soon as his tongue slid past her mouth, he felt a twinge of pain in his abdomen and broke away. "Fuck! What the hell, Wraith!?"

In trailing her hands along his torso, she had accidentally discovered the cut wound on the left side of his lower abdomen. She glared down at the small dot of blood staining his clothes. "You have absolutely no sense of self-preservation!"

He laughed at the furrow of her brows as she pushed him back until he was seated in a chair. "Takes one to know one."

He heard her huff before she disappeared inside the bathroom and returned seconds later with a roll of bandage, cotton swabs, and a disinfectant.

The blade of the knife had torn past both his vest and shirt but fortunately, barely grazed his skin. The cut wasn't deep or life-threatening, only seeping slow trickles of blood. However, that didn't stop his fiercely gentle partner from worrying. She began undoing the buttons on his vest and in the heat of the moment, he joked. "Someone is eager."

This time she glared at him directly and resumed her task. She was cautious in shrugging off the vest. Even more whilst removing his sweaty shirt.

As soon as the disinfectant-soaked cotton pad grazed his wound, he pressed his lips into a thin line. "Care to explain why I wasn't informed of your arrival?" He gritted out through the light haze of pain. He wasn't mad. But had he known, he would've cleared his schedule for her. Denied that parlay altogether and avoided being injured.

Her hands hesitated in cleaning the blood. "I wanted to surprise you."

Now his brows quirked.

"And was this part of the surprise?" He stared at the thin slip of nightdress snug on the curves of her beautiful body. His voice lowered an octave. "You put this on for me?"

She chewed on her bottom lip, a small action he had noticed her doing when in contemplation. "My intention was to doll-up for the King of the Barrel."

He shook his head, tugging on the hem of her dress. "Seems to me the Queen of the Seas was intent on arousing me with her alluring silks."

She punched his shoulder lightly. "You're bruised and bleeding and this is what you think?"

"Inej," He spoke earnestly, his ardent gaze focused on her as she continued bandaging him, "I always think about you."

"Aside from when I'm out there making money." He added as an afterthought.

She giggled.

He waited until she was done tying the last knot of the bandage to stand up. His fingers disappeared beneath her dress, glided tenderly over the flesh of her thighs in the moment he lifted her up. Her legs naturally came to wrap around his waist and she looked at him. "Kaz?"

He responded with a soft, lingering kiss before pulling back, his breath fanning her lips. "Still in the mood to surprise me?"

She nodded, her eyes averted shyly for once as he carried her towards the shower.

[the-ghosts-sys]

oh boy, full circle huh?

go dormant anonymously expressing all my angst on tumblr, come back and we're anonymously expressing our experiences on tumblr.

my system is self conscious. full circle again I suppose.. they don't want me to be public yet because they've split twice recently and me coming back they're afraid they'll face more judgement. Franny has this friend who (trigger warning ⚠️ S.H.) was more concerned that Franny had a healthy relationship with Meloy and Gee than he was then Franny relapsed in se1f h@rnn. that same friend sat Franny down and was like "you've split twice in like three weeks and before you started embracing this still you only split once, it seems like it's getting worse" and like, his words really fucked with Franny even though like - they're stupid.

he's not educated, he WANTS a dissociative disorder but acts like it's a game and something he'll have complete control over and like - idk a lot of us are pissed at him but like, we don't have many friend options right now.

umm... but yeah I'm back... the girl I love is dead apparently, but my emotions are shut off from that right now. yeah... shut off from that.

anyway I woke up this morning full of piss and vinegar and Franny was like "who the hell is this?" and everyone was like "not me" and they uh.. were concerned haha. Jove has been talking to me, so she was able to tell them who I am because I just wanted to sleep in and not do the whole "Hi guys" thing.

my name is Lynn, although apparently now we have negative association with that name so maybe I'll switch to my last now Kas. kinda hate both of them tbh - now that we're talking about the whole gender thing and being open I have a lot to re-work through. wish the girl I love was here to work thru it with, but ayo she's dead.

I went dormant June 21st 2017, now August 20 2022 I'm back I guess. they want Lily back.. I mean don't we all - but I think they need to chill a bit. don't gotta solve all the world's problems right away.

(tw: eating issues) I uh - I have not worked thru any of the eating-based-trauma the rest have so uh.. I'm so hungry but that's just like, normal yaknow? Meloy is like "bitch eat" haha, but none of them want to take front from me because it's kinda a big deal being back. Gee has been silent... I hope she's not mad at me for how things were - I honestly don't know if I was the ass to Gee or if it was Harley or Franny - the memory thing is kinda a shitshow at present.

*sigh* God there's soooo much to figure out and I've wasted our whole morning laying in bed haha - but I'm enjoying the peace of knowing when I open the door I won't have to hide from my parents. I don't think Franny's partner will judge us... but I don't know these people the memory thing is a shitshow, so I'll stay quiet for now. there's a friend, we'll call them Confidant, and something in me is saying to message Confidant but honestly I'm content not being known. being known sounds exhausting.

[bangtanreadingcorner]

despite it all • park jimin

chapter 2 — soft spot

plot – when you finally go to the bar on 17th street, it's not for help.

words – 3.1K

chapter 1

For a long time you thought you would never take Jimin up on his offer to go to the bar on 17th Street.

Then the day came that you did.

***

Things go back to normal for a few weeks after the night you helped Jimin. You go to work and for the most part it's easy to put that night out of your mind. Then there's the hours when you can't sleep or you don't have a shift, and it all comes rushing back. You visit your dad's grave and you tell him about Jimin, asking if he'd be mad at you for helping him. You don't talk to your mother, she never could forgive you for becoming a first responder.

Three weeks after that night, you get called to the scene of a gunshot victim in an alley. You and your partner Jeongguk immediately start to help him. Or you try to, at least. He's so young, no older than eighteen or nineteen.

"Come on, kid, hold on!" You mutter under your breath as you try to stop the bleeding. You look at Jeongguk, who looked at the victim with wide eyes, face pale. "Hey! Snap out of it! We need to get fluids in him, start a saline and blood line."

You work on him for almost fourty minutes before he's gone. Your gloved hands and shirt are drenched in blood. You sit back on your heels, a sense of defeat coming over you. You take a second to pull yourself together before you reach over to close his eyes, sending Jeongguk to get a blanket to cover him with, and that's when you see it.

The outline of a tattoo on the left side of his neck. Your blood runs cold and you hope that you're wrong. You reach out with shaky fingers, turning his head just a little, to get a full view of the tattoo. You suck in a deep breath when you see it.

A serpent.

You were right. This kid is in the same gang that Jimin is in.

"Funny, isn't it?" A voice asks above you.

You look up, and the badge around his neck tells you he's a cop. You frown slightly at him, "Who are you?"

"Detective Choi, Gang Unit."

"Well, Detective, I don't see anything funny about this situation." You are tempted to glare at the man.

"They spend their days breaking the law, hurting people and then expect to be helped when they get shot as a result of their own actions." He said, sneering down at the body.

"They're still people." You say, heart twisting at the man's careless words.

"Barely." The detective scoffed, looking down at the body with interest, pointing down at it. "But this one. He was important."

You don't understand what a kid has to do with all of this as you frown crossly up at the detective. "He's just a kid."

"Yeah, but he's a Park." The detective says, a glint of excitement in his eyes. It makes anger stir inside of you. "Park Jihyun, in fact. Second in line to the most dangerous gang in the province."

"So, what? Because of that he doesn't deserve to live?" You scoff in disbelief as Jeongguk returns and start to cover the body. Before the press could arrive and take pictures and videos for the six o'clock news.

The detective shrugs, "I'm just saying, no one will cry over his death."

"You just said he has a family. I'm sure they will." You remind him.

The Detective shakes his head, "No, they're not gonna cry. They're gonna go to war."

"And what? You're going to use the war to catch his brother? While he's grieving? Seems a little cold." You say as you push to your feet. You could see Jeongguk frowning as he looked back and forth between you and the detective.

"I figured I'd give them a taste of their own medicine."

"Are you going to tell that to his brother when you notify him?" You retort, mentally yelling every kind of curse you could possible think of at him.

"I'm not going to tell him."

Your mouth drops open in shocked disbelief, appalled by the detective. "What? You have too. You're bound by law."

"They don't follow the law. Why should I extend them that courtesy?" He shrugs.

"Because his family will be worried sick! And you're a cop!" You exclaim, voice rising a little.

"I'm counting on it." The detective grins before walking away.

You clench your hands into fists, an overwhelming urge to hit the detective coming over you. You look at Jeongguk, who still seemed out of it. You frown at him, he's never reacted like this to seeing someone being shot before. "Hey, are you okay, Jeongguk?"

"Yeah," He nods quickly, a little too quick, but you don't say anything. "Just, his family . . .

they deserve to know."

"They do." You agree immediately. "And I'm going to make sure they find out."

Jeongguk's head whips to you, curious and kind of relieved. "How?"

"I know this guy, he's in the same gang as the kid is, or was."

For a second, Jeongguk looks amused. "You know a guy in a gang."

"Shut up." You feel you're cheeks burn, suddenly feeling shy. "And yes, I do. His name is Jimin and I helped him out once. He told me that if I ever need something to go to the bar on 17th Street. I may not need something, but I figure he would probably be able to tell Jihyun's family."

You turn to Jeongguk, who went quiet by your side. His eyes was open wide again, but this time there was a sliver of fear in them. "A guy named Jimin, who is in the same gang as the kid with a bar on 17th Street?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Nothing." Jeongguk all but squeaks, shaking his head furiously, eyes still wide.

You side eye him, "You're judging me for doing this, aren't you? Meh. Whatever. They deserve to know. I'm telling them."

***

After your shift, you immediately go to the bar on 17th Street. It was a nice, casual kind of place. On another day, you could see yourself having a drink there. You look around and you don't see Jimin, so you head to the bar to ask for him.

The bartender is tall and buff. And gives off a scary vibe with his tattoos and the emotionless expression on his face. You notice the same serpent tattoo Jimin has on his neck, on the bartender's forearm. This guy is probably your best bet on finding Jimin.

"Uh, hi, I'm looking for Jimin." You blurt at the bartender, who is busy wiping down the counter. You feel a flush rising on your cheeks. That sounded so demanding.

"Who's asking?" The bartender asks without look

"Y/N."

That gets the bartender's attention. He stops wiping the counter and looks at your with sparkling eyes, a boxy smile breaking the blank look on his face, making him look more like a puppy as he shakes his curls out of his eyes, "So, you're Y/N."

You're caught off guard by the fact that he seems to know you. It makes you a little defensive, "What does that mean?"

"It's means you're the girl, or woman, who saved Jimin." He says, looking like the cat who ate the canary.

Your cheeks heat up even more, "I didn't save him, just helped him out."

"The cops and the gang who he went after by himself, like the dumbass he is, was after him. If he was alone that night, he would have been killed. Or worse." The bartender tells you, restarting his task of wiping the counter, but there's only one thing that registers in your mind.

"I helped a fugitive?" You yelp, feeling your heart stutter in shock.

The bartender frowned at you, "I thought Jimin said you know who he is."

"I know he's in a gang."

The bartender stops in wiping the counter, looking at you with scarily serious eyes. "Y/N, Jimin isn't in the gang, he leads the gang."

Your mouth drops open and it feels dry. "I helped a gang leader, who is also a fugitive?"

"Aren't you one for the history books." Taehyung notes with a boxy grin.

"Not exactly something I'd like to be remembered for." You tell him, legs feeling weak all of a sudden.

"Eh, apples, oranges." The bartender shrugged, putting down his cloth. "I love strawberries, by the way. Anyway, my name is Taehyung. I'm Jimin's best friend and second in command, in case you were wondering. You said you're looking Jimin right? Well, he's busy right now, but he did say to call him right away if you ever come, so, I'll go get him for you."

And with that, the bartender - Taehyung - disappeared. You looked after him in bewilderment, "What the fuck?"

Less than five minutes later, Jimin walked out from the door where Taehyung disappeared into. He looked different from the last time you saw him. He was wearing black skinny jeans with a black polo neck sweater and a black leather jacket. He looked more dangerous than when he was covered in blood. More attractive, too. You very carefully cut that train of thought off before it could grow roots. You watched as everyone in the bar eyed Jimin, but also gave him a wide berth.

When he stopped infront of you, his features softened ever so slightly. You frowned down at his clenched, bloodied fists, "Have you been punching people again?"

"Punching people is in my job description." Jimin answered, jaw visibly tensed. He looked at you, and you could tell right then that something is very wrong. "You are always welcome here, Y/N, but right now I'm a little busy. One of my men has been taken and I am trying to find him."

You face falls and suddenly a lot of things make sense. "I think . . . I think I might know where he is."

Confusion falls over Jimin's face, "You? How could you know?"

"I had a call today. Gunshot victim in an alley. He had that tattoo-" You point to Jimin's neck, where his serpent tattoo is. "And I wanted to come and tell you. I mean, I didn't know if you know everyone in your gang, I didn't every know that it is your gang, until Taehyung told me just now, but I just wanted to tell you in case you knew him."

Jimin looks at you with wide eyes, a spark of light returning to those cold eyes. "What did he look like?"

"Uh, he was young. I didn't really notice much else, sorry. I was trying to save his life." You tell Jimin, and then something occurs to you. "Wait, one of the detectives on the scene told me his name. I don't know how they know but-"

"His name." Jimin interrupted, a little sharp, but there was an urgency to his voice.

"Uh. Jihyun. Park Jihyun." You tell him, watching as Jimin both deflate and light up in the span of five seconds. You almost get whiplash with how quick his mood changes.

"What hospital did you take him too?" Jimin asks eagerly, hopefully.

You heart twists, knowing that you're the one who has to break that hope. You soften your voice, making it as gentle as possible. "Jimin, we didn't. We tried our best, but we couldn't save him. By the time we got there, he had already lost too much blood. I am so sorry."

Jimin's expression shutters and it makes you feel like someone punched you in the gut. He takes a breath before saying, "Thank you for coming to tell me. And thank you for trying to save him."

Jimin walks away and you want to stop him, to comfort him somehow, but you don't because it's not your place.

You turn to Taehyung, who looks so incredibly sad it broke your heart a little. You know you should leave but you can't just put leave without at least trying to help. "Are you okay, Taehyung?"

"No," He shakes his head, fiddling with the cloth he used to wipe the bar down earlier. "But I will be."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yeah, actually." He says, surprising you pleasantly. You thought he would refuse your offer. Your heavy heart lifts a little, happy to help, and you nod at Taehyung, indicating to him to tell you what he wants you to do. He looks at you for a long while and it makes you fidget a little. He's not going to ask you to hurt someone, right? You sincerely hoped not. Finally he spoke and you could have never guessed what came out his mouth next. "Jimin is going to come to you. I don't know when, but he will. I don't know what exactly happened between you and him the night you saved him, but it changed something in him. He's been different since that night and it's because of you. So, he'll come to you and seek comfort and when he does, I only ask one thing."

You swallow thickly, having no idea what to do with everything Taehyung just dumped on you. "And what is that?"

"Please be gentle with him. People think he's dangerous and fearsome, and he is. For the most part he really is, but that's not all he is. Underneath that, he has the biggest heart. A heart he usually keeps hidden and locked far away, but somehow, you made it past all of his defences in a night. And right now, his heart is hurting badly."

You give Taehyung a strange look, thinking that he must be reading something wrong somewhere because you and Jimin didn't spend that much time together. Maybe two hours. How could that have been enough time to get past his defences, as Taehyung said? "Uh, I think you might be exaggerating the situation but okay. If it will make you feel better. I promise to be gentle with him. Whatever that means."

Taehyung was visibly relieved by your sincere promise. "Thank you."

"It's nothing." You waved him off. "Anything else I can do for you?"

"No." Taehyung smiles, small and much dimmer than the bright boxy grin he gave you earlier, but just as true. "But I think I'm starting to see it."

"See what?" You look curiously at him.

"Why Jimin has a soft spot for you." He answers nonchalantly.

You very almost choke on thin air. "I helped him out once and told me he'd return the favour. That does not mean he has a soft spot for me."

"Yes, he does. Have you not been listening to a word I've said?" Taehyung all but demanded, placing his hands on his hips.

"I'm listening," You give him a slight smile. "Still working on believing."

"Well, believe it." Taehyung huffs. "Earlier, when you came in and asked for Jimin and I went to get him? He was busy, uh . . ." Taehyung trails off, unsure how much Jimin wants her to know. He knows better than to outright lie though. He settles on a word that is both discreet and understandable. "He was interrogating a guy for answers about Jihyun's whereabouts. You are the only person on this planet I was allowed to interrupt that interrogation for."

"He did say to come anytime I want." You defend, feeling heat creeping up your cheeks again.

Taehyung looks like your words just proves his point. "Exactly."

You sigh, resigning yourself to the fact that you won't be able to change his mind. You glance in the direction where Jimin went and your mood deflates, "You think he's going to be okay?"

"I don't know." Taehyung admits honestly, eyes lingering on the door.

"I have this foreboding feeling that this is the calm before the storm." You say, nodding in the direction where Jimin went. "He was too quiet when I told him the news, but I could see the grief in his eyes. Was he close to the guy who was killed?"

"Very." Taehyung nods. "Jihyun is, or was, Jimin's brother."

You felt your heart drop to the bottom of your feet as the last pieces of the puzzle fit together. You should have realised, the detective told you Jihyun's brother is the leader of the gang and Taehyung told you Jimin leads the gang. "Oh my God."

"Yeah." Taehyung nods, biting his lip.

"I can't imagine how Jimin must feel right now." You say, wanting nothing but to barge through those doors and go hug Jimin.

"I think it helps that it came from you, instead of the police. Those smug bastards would have just rubbed his nose in it." Taehyung says with a distasteful look on his face.

"Why would they do that?" You ask, deciding not to tell Taehyung that the police wasn't even planning on telling Jimin at all.

"Because we're in a gang. Although, they can't proof anything against us. Especially against Jimin. They don't know much, but they know he's our leader. He took over from his dad when he retired, when Jimin was twenty-one. Which really pisses them off." Taehyung looked a little smug over that fact.

"I get that. I mean, my dad was a cop, before he died in the crossfire of a gang war. I was seventeen at the time, so I can still remember how he would get angry or frustrated when he couldn't solve a case or find evidence to prove his case."

"Sorry about your dad." Taehyung says, looking like he actually means it.

It makes you smile a little, "It's okay. I mean, it still hurts like hell sometimes, but they found the guy who pulled the trigger and he's spending the rest of his life in jail."

"Want me to take him out for you?" Taehyung offers. "We got a couple of guys in prison and I'm sure Jimin wouldn't mind."

"No, absolutely not!" You exclaim with wide eyes, heartbeat kicking up its pace as panic shoots through you for a second. "Jesus Christ, first Jimin and now you. What is wrong with you two?"

Taehyung's eyes get a wicked gleam and you somehow know what he's going to say before he opens his mouth. "We're-"

"In a gang, yeah, I know. That isn't an excuse." You sigh, running a hand over your face. A heaviness settles around your heart. "This is going to get ugly, isn't it?"

"Maybe. Maybe not." Taehyung shrugs. "But probably."

"Great." You mutter. Better stock up the ambulance then.

***

chapter 3

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it!

[punkscowardschampions]

Gen 4 Ideas

Junie B Jones: Alright so golden boy lucked out in all the ways the others didn't, is he a dick with it or a good egg? Embert: In my head, he's always been not a dick about it but obviously in relating to his sibs/fam, there's only so much he could do when Indie's resentment is already real so maybe her kids wouldn't fuck with him by the side of the story they've been told? Junie B Jones: ooh that's a good idea Embert: Astrid would've been mad as a kid but now they could be pretty close, obvs there's still the age gap and obvious reasons why not besties but I think they'd get on Junie B Jones: Yeah I vibe that she'd love him and like wanna look after him even though it'd lowkey be him looking after her more Embert: Exactly Embert: his mum, in my head is about early- mid 30s to Drew's 47 when he's born, as you say not much older than Indie but not like a bimbo 20 something and she's always been really mothering, like everything Ro ain't tbh so Callum is probably spoilt by her but not in a financial way like some but with love Junie B Jones: Indie would not fuck with her obvs but Astrid would so that adds to their closeness Embert: Exactly, like its too late for Indie literally she's having her own kids at the same time so she doesn't need a mum now and I reckon the woman would respect that, she's a good egg, like she knows Drew has been shit and ain't gonna make apologies for it, ahem, Ro, ahem Junie B Jones: I like the sound of her tbh soz we killing your son Embert: Maybe she should have kids from a previous? Because if he's her only son like I'm so sorry lol Junie B Jones: Yasss I love that because more interactions we can do Junie B Jones: [potentially one of Indie's sons get with I assume they are straight? Callum's half sisters even if it's not like a lasting ship should defs happen] Embert: Perhaps this mum goes for like bad eggs so this sister was old enough to remember like however many partners before Drew so then when she gets with him and he's clearly him she's like nah and makes his life difficult 'cos don't wanna do it again Embert: [If she's 5/6 when Callum that makes her 7/8 years older than Dash] Junie B Jones: [early 20s sudden death situ] Junie B Jones: he should have a boyfriend/girlfriend whatever when he dies who's also lowkey part of the fam cos then it's awks like do I stay or go Embert: ooh that's a good idea Embert: he's probably straight but maybe we could do bi so he's a less annoying example of a gay than most we've done whoops Junie B Jones: a mood Embert: so a girlfriend who is really close to his fam Junie B Jones: and really pretty damn Embert: he probably has a job I think, I can't see him being super academic Embert: maybe something like an estate agent or in a bank, a job where you show up and wear a suit Junie B Jones: his girlfriend could work there too cos that couple Junie B Jones: so when he dies she's not gonna wanna go back there either Embert: what fun Embert: but real Embert: they're just pretty and living their best life but in a chill way Junie B Jones: we all know the vibe Embert: Cosmo, same age as Callum, Indie's 1st Embert: so in my head the dad always plays football with them both and without intending to be pushy, does push him into that field, clearly Dash weren't as good/arsed whatever so it kinda all ends up on him because say he does get into an academy/on a junior team Embert: so then that becomes his life, training and matches and all that intenseness that comes with Embert: not to mention lad lifestyle, getting with WAG type girls, always going out partying, you know the vibe Junie B Jones: whereas Dash be like nah this ain't fun anymore I'm out Junie B Jones: cos I don't think he sticks with anything Embert: what if, their dad gets injured Embert: or tbh, is too lowkey old 'cos they put them out to pasture real quick Embert: I think by the time they're 19/17 when we start it, he'd already be too old to be a professional himself, so he could be a coach, hence he'd be even more pushy 'cos he could be on a professional team by now, they're ridiculously young like Junie B Jones: yeah it's usually like 30s at the latest isn't it unless you're like famous af which we ain't going that hard Embert: exactly, so without intending to its like, take on your dad's legacy Embert: 'cos in my mind he isn't naturally inclined to be like a ladladlad and is just doing it to be the full-package Junie B Jones: poor boy, again we all know the vibe Embert: 21st bday breakdown Embert: I think the zoe kravitz girl should still exist in some way, obviously not the way before Embert: because she's so anti-wag and clearly what he's actually into Junie B Jones: we could stay that Dash fucked her and that's how they cross paths if we want Junie B Jones: but he's clearly not interested and they are into each other Embert: it has potential to be different from other ships we've done 'cos he'd be tryna keep her on the dl which is shady but not just being an out and out dick Embert: like, I like you but no one can know don't ask why Junie B Jones: I agree, it'd be really interesting Embert: 'cos from her POV, casual headfuck Embert: used to boys being like Dash and just being like bye but not like showing you they like you then blanking you Junie B Jones: exactly dr phil I'm invested already tbh Junie B Jones: I also imagine Dash hanging at the commune so there's potential for lots of different dynamics there and he could be there when the fire too if we want/need but obvs not hurt or anything Junie B Jones: I'm also lowkey debating having Jules from Euphoria as one of his many love interests cos like her face and we've never done trans but it'd be a good way without it being someone's whole identity Embert: OH Embert: this is a tangent based on that thought which I also feel btw Embert: but Astrid's face is like bffs with the Kat face from Euphoria irl, so I'm thinking what if that's her gf and she's the one with an eating disorder, bulimia vibes, and then 'cos Astrid is her she's like okay you must be right Imma support you in this and accidentally enables her/joins in too Junie B Jones: YAAS I WAS GONNA SAY I WANNA USE HER FACE TOO BECAUSE SHE'S BEAUTIFUL BUT I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE/HOW Junie B Jones: this makes so much sense Embert: exactly, with Ro as a mum she wouldn't even question it, like oh yeah I guess you are fat you probably should, even though she'd think she's so pretty and perfect Junie B Jones: Boo you are so smart Embert: also, when we killing Ro, by this point she's like 54 Embert: okay, so Ro is 34/35 when Astrid is born so if we kill her off when she's 9 that would make Ro 43, so 2044, so when we're doing Astrid's story at 19, its about 10 years ago Junie B Jones: I like that cos it's not raw for these characters Junie B Jones: we're actually gonna let you recover though ladies, fuck you ghost Ro Embert: Seriously, like I don't want it to be full-blown its more of a deep insecurity thing but one she can get past Junie B Jones: 100% feel that Junie B Jones: [so yeah like I said just gonna write this down so we don't forget the Jules girl lives at the commune and probably has done for quite a few years by the time the fire happens so then she's got nowhere to go and goes to stay with Dash cos step up for someone dickhead and they are either otp or brotp to be decided] Junie B Jones: because I think he wouldn't be as supportive as he should be to Cosmo's whole breakdown in the sort of ableist vein of oh well you overreacted Embert: it fits, 'cos in my head its a very Nick and Matty vibe where they don't acknowledge each other Embert: like the whole 'how is that your brother' moment from his footie friends and being like yeah I know Junie B Jones: same tbh cos Dash's friends would be like damn your bro is uptight Embert: exactly so they aren't close anyway Junie B Jones: and never are [evil laugh] Embert: soz Indie Junie B Jones: not your fault babe they are just too different it happens Embert: although part of the breakdown is obvious resentment that he's just allowed to be a fuckup and he feels like he has to do all this shit and be perfect so Embert: that kinda does need to be acknowledged if we're going recovery Junie B Jones: family therapy time Embert: 'cos like if Dash just continues to be him and shit it'll come to brawl even if he has to stop being this footballer moment and do what he wants, its still about how its all come down on him, you know Junie B Jones: they totally should have a fight cos what a moment Embert: yeah, like it either fixes or breaks totally, I don't think they can just be meh Junie B Jones: agreed Junie B Jones: maybe we could do like a Joe mood of him distancing himself from the whole fam but then ultimately a more healthy resolution for everyone Embert: We could work that Junie B Jones: and obvs him ultimately getting with his gf and figuring out what he wants to do with his life and all that jazz Embert: exactly dr phil Junie B Jones: and Dash can work out what he cares about whatever the hell that turns out to be Embert: Jac is born 48, (year after Callum and Cosmo and same year as Ollie's girl, Mila) Jude is 49, as is Lily's 1st boy Adi and dash, Jameson is 51, same year as Lily's girl Priya, a year after Ollie's boy Ash, Iggy's 1st Arlo, Diego's kid Tayo and Bobby's teen pregnancy girl Cammie Embert: My characters, Callum, Cosmo, Mila, Jac, Adi, Jameson Embert: My boos, Dash, Jude, Priya, Ash, Arlo, Tayo & Cammie Embert: Potentials, Jac, Jameson and Cammie, would've been raised together, essentially Embert: Jimmy is a photographer for advertising, Bobby a graphic designer for same and Janis as a massage therapist moment Embert: Cammie has 2 younger brothers born 60 and 62 so they exist but we aren't playing Junie B Jones: lots of dogs please Embert: all the dogs lmao Embert: so my initial vibe for Jac is that she's like JJ in the sense she's quite grumpy and anti-social 'cos it suits her face but also with a more shy but not shy if you know what I mean vibe, 'cos they're both quite self-assured and I don't see that for her, I potentially see Jude having that element though? Junie B Jones: I agree, like I don't wanna shamelessly Miley but I defs see her as being that self assured kid Embert: the most out of anyway Embert: Jameson should be their nerdy side because the Cammie face has a very Cara silly side when you peep her socials so that could be those two Junie B Jones: Cute cos he looks like such a bad boy but he's actually a babe Embert: I know we said this for Adonis so either need to change it to him or not go as hard but what if he gets a gf that's like really jealous and doesn't let him hang with Cammie 'cos she's a girl even though they're like siblings and have been besties long before you came Embert: and like she could try and change his personality like be really unimpressed and like 'you're embarrassing me' if he tries to be a cute nerd Junie B Jones: I love that because always such a thing like boys and girls can't be friends like bitch we're related calm down we're not incesting again Junie B Jones: like she thought he was such a badass or whatever soz hun Embert: yeah like the mood of, you're fit so i'll just make you what I want you to be Embert: and she could be a real cunt to Cammie in sly bitchy ways 'cos clearly the mood and that's a throwback to how Mia and co treated Janis without us like putting this fam through too much trauma, you know? Embert: esp if Cammie is less like Janis and Cass in a way she's not like, fuck you, I'll just deck you Junie B Jones: I fuck with this heavily Embert: and obviously, it can be resolved in the end, he can get rid and they can be friends again, so I feel its a good level of angst and drama for them both, 'cos it is serious but not like, well there's nothing to be done, vibes Junie B Jones: and we can potentially ramp up the angst when things are at their worst cos maybe Cammie's mum gets a new job and she's like come live with me in wherever (not far but like far enough she would've been like no cos close to them all and not wanting to change schools) but she's like maybe I shall but then of course won't cos it's like the peppa pig when her mum don't get the job and gets mugged off Junie B Jones: but they all think she's going and it's like noooo Embert: are Bobby and this mum still together, like is she the boys mum too? Embert: but yes, I fuck with that Junie B Jones: In my head they would've been together for ages so it depends how far back we go into their childhood/teens but maybe she isn't the mum to the boys Embert: Okay just so we know Junie B Jones: but they always on good terms we don't need that drama again Embert: yeah I feel you, and she's chill with the boys mum, 'cos she's only 10 when the first one is born so she's been around since then? Junie B Jones: Yeah exactly Junie B Jones: We can potentially give her more younger sibs on the mums side if we want but they'd also only be ref-ed Embert: defs plausible Junie B Jones: Like let's say they broke up when Cammie's like 7 so it's all chill on both sides Embert: I vibe Junie B Jones: she could totally spend half the week at her mum's house and half at her dad's but same school cos nearby so again no drama Embert: that makes sense like its all in the area 'til she wanna pull a suzy sheep Junie B Jones: hahaha yeah Embert: so that's a start for those two Junie B Jones: I really like that Junie B Jones: it's just what we wanna do with the girls Embert: I was thinking Embert: and I'm just speaking it out now Embert: we've done people being shunned out of their friendship group/being the bullied Embert: but what if we do someone being the sort of ringleader of the shunning Embert: I'm vibing like you know that story we listened to/all teen girl murder stories, like Jac has a friend that she's really too close with (Grace and Mia vibes) and we show them like ditching a third Embert: maybe something happens, not murder but like you know, an action serious enough that she's like I need to sort my shit/we can redeem in the end Embert: but she's the Mia, not the Grace, you feel me, like its her pushing it Junie B Jones: Oh snap I never even thought of that but we haven't actually that's such a good point even if Janis would be so triggered by the ghost of Mia lol Junie B Jones: Like yeah there could totally be some kind of accident like how baby Ali and Ro but she's not a child Junie B Jones: I also like it cos Jude is the louder one so you'd think it'd be her but it's the quiet ones you've gotta watch Junie B Jones: and it's a nice contrast to how Cammie and Jameson are literally being bullied so Junie B Jones: maybe we should have jude as like more of a background character then? cos don't want too much drama in one fam unless it's as big as Cali's Embert: Yeah she can be more chill, like a Tommy vibe, like we use her but only when we need lowkey Junie B Jones: Yeah like obvs I'll still try and flesh her out into a character and who knows what could happen like we could think of a cool ship or whatever but Junie B Jones: it makes sense as of now Embert: agreed Embert: like obvs this twosome vibe has a lesbian one 'cos always do but I maintain she shouldn't ever like get with her it should just be friends that are too obsessed with each other, regardless of what's behind it Embert: like maybe the other girl is closeted or whatever but it ain't happening lol Junie B Jones: I agree she gives me straight vibes Embert: plus it would be easy to make her gay 'cos everyone does ala Lily Junie B Jones: not doing it on principle Junie B Jones: they all seem straight to me in this group Embert: I think so Embert: 'cos like you said, you don't wanna make Miley Junie B Jones: it would be so easy to make her a musician but I must not Junie B Jones: I might make her a tattoo artist though professionally cos Ali and Iggy both dabbled but it was never a thing Embert: That's a good idea, she fits that well Embert: okay so my random idea, which we could attach to anyone really but let's see who we vibe Embert: we did a teacher crush, what if we did a crush on a friend's parent Embert: so Arlo having a crush on a commune mum and thinking he can go there 'cos why not and then the shitstorm that can ensue from that Junie B Jones: such a good idea Junie B Jones: like maybe his friend is a girl so peeps be like aw he likes you he's trying to get your mum on side Embert: yas again, always a thing like maybe he's just lowkey using you soz babe Junie B Jones: and maybe the friend actually fancies him secretly even though they 'just friends' so it's awks af Embert: yeah and if Barley's boyf is with this fam and they leave Embert: she could be the one (or one of the ones) like I said that wants to be normal and already hates living here so its like well you took the one thing Embert: 'cos we said dating within the commune for the kids wouldn't be encouraged obvs 'cos one big family, so the fact she was was already like no no missy Embert: then we said about her not acknowledging the other mum/the two kids that are from that woman as family and just generally fucking with your hippie paradise 'cos its coming to and end lads Junie B Jones: 10000% and she could still be sneaky seeing him long distance behind their backs/ get back with him after the fire when they have to leave themselves/both if long distance is too hard Embert: I vibe with this 'voice of reason' character for you Embert: like no wonder he fucked up you can't give us 'no rules' but then have all these unspoken ones that contradict how you wanna live like, loads of this hippie bullshit is so hypocritical read 'em tbh Junie B Jones: it makes sense cos Arlo as the oldest buys in totally and then the two kids she don't fuck with come after her in quick succession so it's logical Embert: exactly, and then Shea is her biological sister and the baby so she don't know nothing about nothing Junie B Jones: Okay so Echo is like a Naomi vibe v passionate and studious and does not fuck with commune life etc Junie B Jones: wants to be some kind of researcher/ lecturer kind of vibe in like philosophy but a nihilist not hippie bullshit Junie B Jones: Arlo and Dash should be friends I say even though I play them both but just acknowledged Embert: I thought the same Embert: Dash would probs encourage him with this crush lbr like thanks Junie B Jones: I was just gonna say that cos he's always getting with older girls and generally being a hoe Embert: Exactly Embert: right, so circling back a lil, we can do Cass' Embert: what do you reckon her relationship status is and her career Junie B Jones: her career should be like we said she's set up a charity organisation to look for missing people Junie B Jones: she should still be with her man cos everyone's breaking up looking at you bobert Junie B Jones: maybe their marriage is lowkey a bit dead though and its a stay together til the kids move out mood cos we've never Embert: I vibe, 'cos casually triggering Jimmy but not in an OTT way just like well that's sad Junie B Jones: yeah like neither of them would cheat or be violent or any of that Ian shit but they obvs not in love anymore Embert: its a good way to do it 'cos idc what you say the kids always know and obvs we're unlikely to ever do that in a ship 'cos if they make it to adulthood they're OTP and teens don't stick together just 'cos like lol Junie B Jones: exactly my thought and like she would wanna hold it together and think that she was doing it well cos of Ian like Embert: exactly like it is sad but when that's your standard you would think you were slaying it Embert: like the positive she can see with JJ she might just think that's one-off and she can't have that 'cos obvs around the time she has the boys, Bobby's first has fallen apart Junie B Jones: and because JJ are such a good couple you wouldn't wanna be like my relationship has failed bye Embert: samesies babe lol Junie B Jones: ooh and maybe they aren't married so if one of them leaves the other gets fuck all Embert: which assumedly, is her because as much as you do get salary for charity work, if its a smaller one, she wouldn't be bringing in the bulk so the mortgage could be in his name Embert: so she'd be in the position of moving out into a one bed flat, two if she was lucky so the boys could at least come see her, it happens that way a lot Junie B Jones: precisely what I was thinking Junie B Jones: it's sad but real Embert: idea though, although this is suddenly just becoming about Cass not her kids lmao, what if her lil boyfriend from back in the day was Tylers face and then they can reconnect later but its actually a positive and not drow Junie B Jones: He was and they should cos I'm screaming Embert: again, he can bring kids into the mix for faces and stories should we wanna Embert: but it'd be a nice way to take a situ that is sad and shit for her, and for her boys to see, and then have a happy but realistic ending like yeah you do need to leave your man but you can be happy and it'll be alright Junie B Jones: I love it Embert: Alex having anger issues like Cass did and also due to the home situ as mentioned, Max, as the older brother trying to hold it down in a very Jimothy way and not causing more trouble as he sees it Embert: Alex ending up in young offenders but actually turning it around/ending up okay too Junie B Jones: and there's potential for characters he could interact with when he's in there, before and after Junie B Jones: like remember on DG when Electra was in that gang and then the bitch came back around like Embert: yes I do FAT mood Embert: also Max should get help too 'cos it ain't just the one that causes trouble that needs it and its nice full circle for that fam to have that Embert: but my idea, could be related to Alex but I think is big enough we could give this to another character entirely Embert: you remember on this is england when combo turned it around and he saved lol and he was working with the young people and making a difference but then milky set his fam on him for what he did to him when he was a racist and was like you have to pay and he was like okay Embert: what if something like that happened like, Alex DID hurt someone, or like I said, another character did, and did do something bad Embert: but then turned it around but sometimes you do for yourself but you still have to pay and the person you wronged could call that at any moment and you just being good now isn't good enough for them Junie B Jones: OKAY YES because what if another character is doing that shit with Alex but don't get caught and so they carry on and escalate and yeah they do hurt someone and yeah it's like that Embert: what about Israel 'cos he's the same age Embert: and it can be another sins of the father moment, 'cos Pablo is a dick especially to women like he's 34 when he has his one child 'cos he's still being a fuckboy very Drew Embert: so he is not a good role model in anyway Junie B Jones: and like we said that'd make sense like if he started out stealing and shit because Pablo's debts and being bankrupt but he wants nice things like it all ties in he has his own motivations Embert: right, fully Embert: maybe he ends up doing something to a girl, like something Pablo would never but shows how your kids see you isn't how you see yourself if you often show a bad side of you to the world Embert: 'cos then the girls family/friends/boyfriend anything could come for him and its like, fair Junie B Jones: OMG THO that's so legit Embert: 'cos we said an assault moment 'cos that's something that's indefensible Embert: like stealing and drugs and what have you, its scummy but you see why, like we all get why Tess has to deal etc Junie B Jones: we have to Embert: so if we want a family death, that could be one, again, leaves you conflicted Embert: 'cos no one obvs wants him to die but then he did do a bad thing so you can't blame her family fully Junie B Jones: yeah instead of killing of fam in the fire we could kill him instead that's so much more interesting Embert: *** in said commune fire, Dash gets burnt, severely, face/neck area, and changes his life 'cos people change around you, you can't rely on your looks and you aren't gonna just sit around and get stoned when you nearly die, Jules can and will still fuck with him Embert: Zelda having Crohns or UC and having a stoma and meeting someone brotp or otp at a support group/hospital moment, dealing with people being shady/saying you aren't disabled etc all those fun times and then the person dying and losing that understanding you only get from someone who also has the thing you have Embert: ALSO I've had another idea whilst we're just spitballing Junie B Jones: Me too because we mentioned Tayo and like yeah I've said about K-stew being a carer to her mum but we could do some of that too in a different way like maybe unlike her he really doesn't wanna be/is scared of having to cope alone with his mum's fits and shit like Embert: I'm so about that Embert: 'cos so many kids have to and its really hard and thankless, so he 100% needs a confidant whether its within the fam or a friend or OTP moment Junie B Jones: like maybe he doesn't ever wanna be alone with her now in case and it's like putting a strain on their whole relationship obvs Embert: 'cos Diego has his own things like he gotta work etc he's not like a replacement carer Junie B Jones: yeah like he'd do a lot of course but he also works a lot Embert: so Adi because his mum also has a disability like it isn't the same but he'd get it enough to not be totally clueless and annoying Junie B Jones: yeah and they can have fun together it'd be cute Embert: Wid it Embert: so my idea, completely unrelated but I was thinking we need to give someone an addiction issue but someone who gets over it and is within the fam 'cos like Joe and Ronnie do but you know they're still like, fucked and not here lowkey so Embert: I was like hmm who can I and then I was like, it NEEDS to be a ruster child Embert: because its canon that Fraze drinks too much and doesn't address it and Buster is v similar Embert: so yeah genetic and also if it was drink, they'd not take it serious just like oh slow down a bit but you're fine but then it affects the kid in the ways it didn't affect them like not functioning and not going to work etc so they have to take it serious Embert: also think it should be one of the girls 'cos double standard of being like a lad Embert: is going to be Sekhmet, okay Junie B Jones: because the twins and their younger sister could all be lowkey party girls because rich so they'd all have to deal with the change in their social lives and behaviour Junie B Jones: since she'd need to not drink ever again let's assume Junie B Jones: we know the whole fam is about that party and entertaining life Embert: exactly so like, they're all gonna be put out like really, just don't go as hard and ruin it for yourself and us Embert: hence it can get to a problematic stage like they just think she's being a typical teen/20-something 'cos it is socially acceptable to binge and be a mess like ok Embert: my vibe is she's in uni but also has an internship that she royally fucks up 'cos she can't get in on time and then maybe there's like a work dinner like on can't cope won't cope and she is wrecked and embarrasses herself and the boss is like goodbye 'cos no one fails in this fam its not an option and if you do its all on you so Junie B Jones: and maybe one of her sister's is a DJ cos literally a lifestyle and they'll have to be like excuse me while I go straight edge to support my sister Embert: I can see that for her twin Embert: my idea for her is fashion but actually designing and buying and the business side of it, not like, imma just model 'cos I'm pretty, no shade Junie B Jones: Yeah the aesthetic feels real for both of those tbh Junie B Jones: Their sister is a holiday rep so loads of travel loads of club promo etc Embert: Jay is a PT, mommy issues for commitment etc, travels a lot, ultimately will get over commitment phobia; is 6 when Chloe admits Buster is her dad (as Ruster was outed around the time she was born, Chloe denied it and went with James, James goes uni and finds someone else so that being over etc can prompt her to change her mind) and allows access, at 11, moves in with Ruster for good (Chloe has new man and babies what have you so allows it without argument which also fucks her up duh) Saint is 8, King is 6, Venus is 5, Adonis is 4, the twins are 2 and Nefertari is 1 Embert: so when all the Venus drama is unfolding, surprise you have a child too Buster lol, Saint is 3, King is 1, Venus is baby Embert: so Saint Embert: firstborn son, their first child too which is relevant 'cos both Jay and Venus would get doubly spoiled either side of him for not being Embert: so then he'd probably get spoiled too 'cos just a mess of a time really Embert: like he can't not be a bit of a prick really 'cos he can do no wrong and no offense to the other two boys but he's the most masc and conventionally 'perfect' so that's obvs going to your head too Embert: okay so mood, Leilani is 15 when her mum (works with Grace, close) dies in 2053 and Grace, 30, takes her in so she doesn't have to do a care moment or be homeless and struggling alone Embert: is friends with Stevie from joining this fam, can also know Janis' kids before this even but is 6/7/8 years older than them so knows them more in a protective capacity than a friend vibe Embert: comes in Saint who is 3 years older, thinks he's god's gift, tries to sleep with her just 'cos lbr and when he gets a no his world is shooketh 'cos no one tells him no for all the reasons Embert: can end up friends when he's humbled etc Junie B Jones: oh but maybe King is little and really fierce like 🥊 Junie B Jones: don't be underestimating him so hard dickheads Junie B Jones: he should be the angry one lol Embert: you would be if people treated you like that so I buy it Junie B Jones: all of y'all stop being extra and let him live Embert: and no one takes your anger seriously if you can't do anything about it so again, real Junie B Jones: so rude Embert: Next up is Venus good lord Junie B Jones: we know what the story is, her dad only cares when she's little and cute and lives in Paris anyway pretending he's still in his 20s forever instead of a grown ass man Junie B Jones: would obvs be proud when she's gay though even though can't relate to anything about the female form cos that kind of gay Junie B Jones: like Saint she thinks she's gods gift but unlike him how are we backing that up hun cos unlike him you aren't talented at anything you're just pretentious Junie B Jones: like okay you're beautiful but JESUS you know it and can't take any criticism again like Saint but you're never getting humbled Junie B Jones: instead you're getting a gf who looks like you and probably a fine arts degree pop off sis Junie B Jones: only wanna be part of the fam when it suits you which is when you're getting spoilt Embert: but I think we don't have to redeem her 'cos like, its not a fixable situ so you just get to be a shit person 'cos you got fucked over and that is everyone's bad Embert: like they can't take it back, even though you could also blame your father 'cos he's more at fault than anyone else 'cos he should've never but you do you girl Junie B Jones: yeah and not everyone gets redeemed even when they can be so it's real Embert: that said, I think she should have a teen gf that looks like her as we said but then she realizes she can't hack any situ where she potentially might not be the 'prettiest' so she then only dates butches Embert: or androgenous artsy types but no femmes Junie B Jones: I feel that for her Embert: like she literally should be in love with this girl as much as she's capable but dump her 'cos clearly your insecurities are so deep-rooted Embert: then just be with people you lowkey don't even fancy Embert: 'cos then we could play that out, the girl just like what the fuck Junie B Jones: oh honey Embert: we all know hoes that sabotage themselves always and then blame the world Embert: which starts by picking to be on her dad's 'side' even though everyone can see he's most at fault, even you Junie B Jones: bitch #past me I am triggered by this Embert: like a lot of her stuff I feel like we just know at this point so it might not be all here 'cos its well developed within gen 3 Embert: we know that her and Jay just would not get on, mainly 'cos they aren't alike but do you wanna come at it from her POV and then I will Venus' Junie B Jones: I think the way she sees it is like she is so team ruster like she'd refer to Rio as her mum and shit cos Chloe is not the one and so she would not fuck with how Venus treats the fam and doesn't wanna be part of it but is still happy to benefit from it Junie B Jones: And how quick she is to call peeps racist or fatphobic or whatever else would not ever help the situ of course like bitch I'm trying to talk to you Junie B Jones: But also there's some similarities whether they acknowledge them or not in them both not being able to hack relationships that makes it interesting as another reason to avoid talking to/ acknowledging each other seriously Junie B Jones: like she'd so pretend Chloe doesn't exist if someone mentioned her mum she'd be all oh you mean Rio lol lol lol Embert: 100000% all of that Embert: also another reason you cannot fuck with each other, casually never shutting up about your dad Embert: okay, so from her POV I vibe it that as a kid she literally just wanted all the attention and 'til the twins which is when she's 3 so (literally so petty you can't remember) its like I should've been the only girl and you came and took my attention lmao Junie B Jones: Oh god she'd be such an annoying child though Embert: then as they get older and she doesn't want to be part of the fam she'd think its unfair (as if Jay can help it lol) that Jay is obviously not Rio's 'cos she's white whereas she fits Embert: its the anti-Edie of it all Embert: like I fit and I wish I didn't Embert: basically she doesn't wanna be here but she's not a runaway type or willing to not live lavish so she ain't leaving Embert: she needs her dad to take her in but he's said no so like, you'll have to make it happen yourself but how Junie B Jones: sad but true Embert: and you can only feel so bad 'cos she whines like she's dying in all situations but like Embert: it ain't that bad and there's plenty you could do about your situation so Junie B Jones: Grace of this gen I've said it before baby Embert: oh honey Embert: makes you barren to humble is not an option 'cos you wouldn't want kids Embert: the tea of it all like you wanna live like your dad but he had a kid and shouldn't be so pick a better role model tah Junie B Jones: literally this fam is so big you're surrounded by potential worthwhile role models girl Embert: honestly she'll never be satisfied she's that hoe in a very Ro way like my god do something about it but she won't Embert: casually making it your life's work to make everything harder than it needs to just be miserable because something happened to you when you were a baby (again, so Ro) that you couldn't control Junie B Jones: all y'all frustrate me like I wasn't that bitch #tea Embert: loads of peeps are never happy though or are but then lose it so or fuck it up, we gave Ro a kid as a chance and I think Venus should actually love this girl/ she should be good for her in a way that makes her feel #seen hence she has to end it too Junie B Jones: agreed and she never gets her back because sometimes you don't and you can't Embert: mhmm mhmm mhmm Embert: I don't think we need to go as in-depth on any of the other sibs, like Saint would probably tolerate her the best, as mentioned she'd patronize King 'cos just that bitch without it being intentional 'cos self-absorbed, Adonis would do his best to ignore her and she wouldn't fuck with any of the girls 'cos she can't with girls so Junie B Jones: agreed on the legitness of all that Junie B Jones: Oh maybe Xander could be a hypochondriac because his sister is actually ill all the time like remember on skins when Liv thought she was dying Junie B Jones: obvious idea but I'm drawing a blank otherwise like Junie B Jones: also have we ever done online dating? Junie B Jones: because my thought is maybe he's lowkey catfishing someone pretending to be like a badass when obvs not Junie B Jones: like maybe he catfishes loads of peeps as if it's a hobby Junie B Jones: but then someone could find him out Embert: that's a really good idea 'cos we haven't Junie B Jones: like potential for otp/brotp to come from that even in a slow burn way Junie B Jones: if they end up liking who he actually is or whatever Junie B Jones: despite everything that's happened Junie B Jones: oh snap what if he's using pics of one of the other boy characters and whoever he's catfishing finds that person's socials or whatever and are talking to them thinking they are a thing and the person be like um Embert: omg yes Junie B Jones: Jameson was my immediate thought cos badass look and you play him but could be Ollie's boy cos also or whoever else Junie B Jones: cos they don't need to be a you character necessarily could just refer like Embert: that ties in well though 'cos his jealous girlfriend Embert: make it a huge thing so then Xander kinda has to shame himself like that was me 'cos feels bad that he's now getting accused of cheating even though it'd be a blessing to be out of that relationship Junie B Jones: ooh true that'd be good Embert: and the other person/the catfished could have like found his socials and seen he was in a relationship/know 'cos his highkey gf and be like calling him out so less embarrassing on their end 'cos bad enough they're being catfished as is Junie B Jones: that's a really good idea Junie B Jones: even with the age gap between Xander and him I still think we can make it work cos adds to the catfish of it all Junie B Jones: even if we can't then get him with the catfished person we can always do that he's himself online in the future and blah Embert: yah Embert: wid it Embert: so Stevie Embert: Billie is 17 when she has you with another male model in NYC, you live your life with Nancy too so factor that in Embert: moving back to Dublin when you're 10 and like, maybe the dad and her have phonecalls but like, he doesn't make an appropriate amount of effort like Junie B Jones: visit her you dick Embert: and we've said that Billie as a mum is like not the best 'cos Edie only died like 3 years ago when this and she left 'cos not coping so its not like NYC fixed her or anything Embert: she'd take care of her but she'd be distant 'cos giving a shit too much fucked her up so Junie B Jones: sad but true soz Stevie babe Embert: we also said before she'd like take her to work and shenanigans that someone like Venus would think is so cool but she does not 'cos it would actually be so boring if that was your life and you had to Junie B Jones: and on any shoot there's so much sitting around even if you're the person doing it never mind for her Embert: exactly, like in my head they make a ThingTM of them being like a model couple with a model ass child but as soon as she's old enough to have say she's like well I don't wanna do it thanks Junie B Jones: a mood Embert: so my vibe when they go back to Dublin is Billie has to face up to what she's not for the last what, 13 years Embert: so she'd lowkey be a bit of a wreck no offense so I feel like someone else needs to take care of her but I'm like Embert: do we make Nancy come back for a bit like the #lifepartner she is or do we say someone else does lol Junie B Jones: we could because it'd be less traumatic for Stevie or we could make someone in the fam and make it more awks for her Embert: I don't know which way I prefer it lol, also from a Nancy POV Embert: like should you come back or are you good you know Embert: hmm Junie B Jones: yeah I'm not sure what I fuck with more, who would be able to if not her cos that might help us decide Embert: so it would be 48, let us see Embert: Ruster have all their kids, including Jay Embert: hokay so Embert: maybe we bring Nancy back but she's like ehh about it like obviously she can work from wherever anyway but she's dedicating to some time she can't really travel whilst Billie sorts herself so she could be talking to Junie about it 'cos can vent without sounding like a bitch and he's like I'll come help and then she can help him get back in touch with the family properly 'cos low-key avoiding everyone else still and Venus is the same age as Stevie so if this is happening when she's like 10, Junior could actually talk to her and explain what happened from his perspective and answer questions best he can Embert: and like she can pretend it never happened when she's older but it did, like not saying it has to be good enough for you but he did try Junie B Jones: that makes my heart happy cos he's so young still don't be in exile forever boy Embert: and like Nancy can spend the time with all the Ruster kids too and reconnect more herself Embert: like they can both go back 'cos Billie won't be like totally incapable forever but they can both put in the time and feel better about it Junie B Jones: Okay so then she's like 12 ish and back with her mum and shit is better but obvs her dad is still not showing up ever Embert: and you have an accent and a 'famous' (ish) mum and you've been in shoots with her and you're pretty and so to me a vibe of like, this is too much attention and I'm not about it seems real Embert: not even necessarily shy just like, everyone likes me for the wrong reasons vibe and I don't fuck with it Junie B Jones: that's very real Junie B Jones: so if we did do the opposite of Jay and Venus and like I gotta find someone to like me for the right reasons and give it my all I think that would make sense Embert: I see it Embert: and she isn't like woe is me about it 'cos that would be unbearable but she's also not faking it like I'M LOVING LIFE and bad shit has happened so Junie B Jones: Yeah exactly Junie B Jones: and like nobody could blame her for being 'too much' with said person if her mum and dad are both distant Embert: exactly and she'd probably need to have a fair few failed relationships 'cos people aren't about that for loads of reasons like you're too full on too quick, or people would be about that for the wrong, i.e. they sense it and use it against you so then you have to leave which she'd be bad at doing so, in that case, she should have a boyfriend/girlfriend who is equally fucked but in different ways and its just a disaster 'cos she won't be the one to end it Junie B Jones: I feel that, there's loads of potential for doomed relationships there Embert: like, it doesn't even have to be like they're abusive levels of bad, its just it doesn't work and they treat her like crap in a like, do something about it way and then she don't and they're like...why, lowkey what's wrong with you Embert: like it could end up being right but not through the relationship but just by being like, you gotta work on that Junie B Jones: 100% Embert: much like how Grace was with boys like lowkey just love me and I'll deal with whatever tbh Junie B Jones: maybe there's someone on the sidelines watching this like I wish you'd sort your shit cos ILY but we can't be a thingTM Embert: I'd vibe Junie B Jones: idk who or why but like who doesn't love pining from afar while someone fucks their life up Embert: so helpful whoever you are godbless Junie B Jones: honestly Junie B Jones: and they should get together like this man thinking he's gonna fix her and it's like guess what twat you can't Embert: and it takes someone actually wanting you and wanting to to be like hmm, I gotta fix myself 'cos this ain't it Junie B Jones: mhmmmm Embert: I think we can start Junie B Jones: we did it boo *Echo abortion storyline

[batsarebetterthanpeople]

Re: Ed and Izzy's relationship throughout and post a potenital redemption arc. If I can talk about a completely different TV show for a second I want to I promise it's relevant. Spoilers for Season 2 and 3 of Harley Quinn (the animated series). Also if any Izzy stans see this Izzy does not have to be abusing Ed for this parallel to work, argue with your mother.

So I think we're all familiar with the relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker, and how downright abusive it is. Harley Quinn (the animated series) despite being a goofy campy comedy depicted that abuse, including some scenes where Joker continues fucking with her after they've broken up. He's textually an abuser, he controls her entire life, is pissed when she breaks free of that control, and then tries to bring her back under control by threatening the lives of her friends.

Without revealing too many plot details, at the end of season 1 something happens to the Joker which makes him forget all about being the Joker and forget all about Harley, allowing them both to enter a new stage of their lives where they don't think about each other. They meet back up again near the end of Season 2 and Joker gets his memories back, and it's revealed to us that Joker, during his amnesia, began dating a latina nurse practitioner suburban mother of 2. (there's a really sweet scene in which he describes how he feels about her over a montage of Harley and Ivy, it's full Mary talking about Doug over the Blackbonnet montage core it's great I took psychic damage watching it). Then in season 3 we get an episode about Joker's new life. He cooks dinner for his family, he's in a fight with a rich white pta mom because she pulled strings for her kids to have preference over his step kids in the spanish fusion education program despite the fact that his step kids would benefit more from the program, and he decides to run for Mayor to help make the program more widely available so that his step kids can get a bilingual education. He's a socialist running on a platform of free health care. He makes sacrifices to protect his step son. He doesn't do crime anymore. He's a loving father and caring partner and a community leader. He tells Twoface that the Joker that he knew isn't who he is anymore.

He also never apologizes to Harley for what he did to her, and she never forgives him. Harley seeks him out a couple of times because he has information or because he's the mayor and kidnapping the mayor is boilerplate supervillan stuff, but they live completely separate lives from one another and never willingly interact. That relationship was toxic and there's no saving it. There's no being friends after he did what he did. He is unforgivable to Harley, but to the narrative of the show he's moved on and he's being better and doing good.

I'm sure it exists but I've never seen the main character's abuser get redeemed like this ever. They're always either written out of the source material as villains, or it's a shitty 'forgive your abuser' narrative, or they self flagellate until the character they abused forgives them, or they are redeemed through death. While the first one makes sense, none of those other paths to forgiveness never sat right with me, but this one does because it allows the abused party to move on without forgiveness and it provides the former villain to prove that they aren't that person anymore. It sat with me because of that. It's freeing also because it says just because you don't forgive him doesn't mean you have to be mad forever.

After I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the Joker's arc in this show, and also enjoyed most of the rest of the show, I of course went back to thinking about Our Flag, because it is my current hyperfixation. In the Joker's redemption arc I see the bare bones blueprint for what I think a successful Izzy Hands redemption arc could look like. Izzy and Joker both obsessed with Ed and Harley respectively, they both tear Ed/Harley down verbally, they both lose control and have a tantrum about it, they both threaten the lives of Ed/Harley's loved ones in an attempt to force Ed/Harley back them back into a relationship that they were unhappy in. They both even attempt to murder Ed/Harley's new gay lover. Obviously the mechanism wouldn't be the same but Izzy being forced to spend time away from Ed in season 2 and finding something else to do and then in season 3 being shown doing things that prove that he's changed, and Ed never being forced to forgive him but getting the closure knowing that Izzy's different now and won't be back to hurt him would be how an Izzy redemption arc would be successfully executed. Ed and Stede don't have to forgive him then, the forgiveness of the audience and the distance from the people he's hurt would be enough.

It's frustrating that ppl can't seem to differentiate between a character doing something unforgivable To A Specific Character, rather than narratively unforgivable, where they're punished by the writer. I can't imagine a story line where Ed forgiving Izzy & allowing him back in his life, would be good for him (Ed) in any way as the plot stands- that doesn't mean I think Izzy is irredeemable- but he'd have to break & become an entirely different person for a relationship to (maybe) work, imo.

fr tho, the only unforgivable thing anyone can do in ofmd is Be British (just like real life)