#and they can take away the right for a lawyer or trial - who in their right mind would be okay with that?
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
breckstonevailskier ยท 2 years ago
Note
Reblogging for the tags.
Tumblr media
what misconception? ๐Ÿ‘€
I assume this is about the Civil War post I made and oh boy, so many. So, so many. Let me preface this by saying I actually like Civil War enough as a movie. Not as a Captain America movie, but it's engaging and I enjoyed it for the most part. I mostly dislike the dogshit opinions about it. To prevent this from turning into a dissertation, I'll just list the ones that come to mind first/irritate me the most:
"Steve was completely against regulation and oversight" WRONG. He was against the vagueness of it all. He explicitly says that he wants to know whose going to be holding his leash if he has to have one. In fact, he was about to sign the Accords before Tony told him about them preemptively enforcing it and detaining Wanda. Steve was willing to consider the Accords, Steve was trying to discuss the Accords, Steve was on the path to being open to the Accords before the moral failings of it were already shining through. Steve, rightfully so, is distrustful at this point of anonymous authority. Following the news that Hydra had their nasty paws in SHIELD and other high positions in government, Steve decides that he wants to know more about the people who have authority over him. Seems reasonable enough.
"Steve was only against the Accords for Bucky" WRONG. 1) Before he was certain that Bucky was being framed, he says that he has the best chance of bringing him in to minimize damage. Then, when he was certain Bucky was innocent, it became a matter of not letting his bestie be falsely imprisoned and/or killed on the spot. 2) Lemme just add on that Steve would have still been against the Accords if Bucky wasn't a factor. I need people to understand this. It wasn't just a "oh no I need to save my best friend". 3) If you read what was in the Accords, you'd understand why Steve would generally be against them. They're abhorrent.
"Steve didn't read the Accords/Steve didn't even attempt to communicate or compromise." I haaaaattttteeee this one with a burning passion. Did we watch the same movie? He's quite literally the only one on screen we see even look at that long ass document. Probably also the only one would could even manage to read the thing since it was sprung up on them 3 days before the meeting (which is a whole 'nother issue for later. For now, I'll just say I support the Ross conspiracy theory). He also tried to tell Tony & Co. before the airport fight that Zemo was the one behind all this conflict, that Bucky is innocent and about the 5 other ultra-dangerous super-soldiers who, as far as he knew, were about to be unleashed onto the world which would be disastrous. Unfortunately, Team IM was wracked with tension and didn't listen and attacked.
"Steve and Bucky jumped Tony (+ variants of this statement)." This is one that confused me so much. Such a bullshit take. I am begging people to rewatch CW and watch the fight. Tony, whose emotions is dialed to a thousand (and not only because of the Bucky thing mind you, but I can talk about that a lot more later because I like talking about Tony's emotional/mental state during Civil War) attacked first, then tries to kill Bucky, Steve tries to get Tony to stop killing Bucky, Tony is trying not to kill Steve, Bucky is trying to get Tony not to kill Steve or him. It's a mess. Mind you, Steve isn't even trying to excessively harm Tony in this scene. It's confirmed that during the entire fight, he was trying to disable the suit. Not trying to beat Tony to a pulp - DISABLE. THE. SUIT. Which he manage to do in the midst of that shitshow.
"*insert any anti-CW Wanda take*" Please, someone please tell me why people think Wanda has any blame for what happened Lagos? Wanda quite literally didn't CAUSE that. I need to understand this point of view before I get an aneurysm. She didn't make the bomb, bring the bomb, set the bomb off. It was Rumlow who had that bomb that would have ended up killing way more people on the ground than where Wanda managed to put it. She absolutely was as much of a hero as she could be in that instance, trying to redirect the bomb away from civilians. Unfortunately, it still ended it casualties, but a lot less than it would have been if Wanda hadn't intervened.
I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. Fanon CACW quite literally has some of the worst fan comprehension I've seen in the MCU. I imagine that a lot of it is not understanding characters, the movie not elaborating on important plot points in an effort to make it 50/50 (which they failed at lol), and the fandom being a lot more conservative than I thought. I can expand further on anything if you want!
264 notes ยท View notes
junkissed ยท 10 months ago
Text
pro bono
Tumblr media
member โ€” lawyer!wonwoo x lawyer!reader genre โ€” smut, fwb to ?? word count โ€” 1.1k synopsis โ€” you and your coworker jeon wonwoo have been working on this case for months. now that it's finally over, he shows you that "for the public good" doesn't mean that he can't be good for you, too. aka: lawyer wonwoo fucking coworker reader after winning a case smut warnings โ€” descriptions of female anatomy, prone bone (the title is a pun hehe), creampie (shocker i know!), spanking, hair pulling, dacryphilia, mirror sex, coworkers fwb!wonu, gratuitous descriptions of how wide wonu's shoulders are just because i can notes โ€” requested by @junhuisms sorry this took so long bff </3 โ€” lots of love to @onlymingyus for proofreading !! โ€” probably some legal inaccuracies bc i know nothing about the law i'm just here to fuck the hot man so go easy on me pls. i really meant for this to be a longer fic but it's been in my docs for almost a year and i've been trying to not pressure myself to write a certain amount so i hope this is still able to live up to your expectations :) i know i've been pretty mia recently but i'm trying to get back into the swing of things so feedback is super super appreciated! hope you enjoy! note #2 โ€” tumbly still hates me and is super finnicky about putting my posts in the tags so i haven't been able to use my regular divider image bc it bugs out :(( i've tried everything i'm sorry but pls lmk how you like this new one!
Tumblr media
youโ€™d been working on this case for months, and it had been one to make or break your career. weeks upon weeks of research, reviewing documents and studying laws to make sure your arguments were seamless.
the upside to all this work, however, was that you got to know your coworker wonwoo better, who youโ€™d been assigned to work on the case with. and by โ€œget to know him,โ€ what you really meant was โ€œget railed every night after workโ€.
and tonight, after the trial had wrapped up and the courtโ€™s final decision had ruled in your favor, you found yourself where youโ€™d grown accustomed to spending all your nights: in his penthouse apartment, and more specifically, in his bed.
the floor-length mirror in his room was one of your favorite things, because no matter what position you were in or how you were angled, you could always see wonwoo. see his broad shoulders, see his muscles flexing, see his abs tensing right before he cums; and god, it drives you crazy.
but it drives him even more crazy as he fucks you into his mattress, watching in the mirrorโ€™s reflection how your eyes are squeezed shut and tears stream down your cheeks onto his pillowcase.ย 
itโ€™s one of his favorite positions, as youโ€™ve learned over the past few months, to have you lying flat on your stomach as he fucks you from behind. with your body at this angle, he can get so much deeper into you, you can practically feel it in your stomach, and with only just a handful of thrusts he can make you fall apart on his cock in a matter of seconds.ย 
tonight, however, itโ€™s taken less than that to make you cum. the pride of winning the case has him on a high, and he barely even needed to get you stretched out first. but he did anyway, his face buried between your thighs for what felt like eternity until you were pushing his head away and begging him to stop teasing.
you yelp as he twists his hand in your hair, yanking your neck back so you can see your reflection in the mirror.
your eyelids droop heavily, jaw hanging open as wonwoo meets your eyes in the mirror. โ€œyou see how well i fuck you, baby?โ€ he groans, squeezing your hip with his other hand. โ€œtaking it so fucking wellโ€ฆ iโ€™ve fucked you stupid, havenโ€™t i?โ€
all you can manage is a moan as tears begin to form in your eyes from the pleasure. you whimper quietly, noises muffled by the pillow as you struggle to catch your breath in between thrusts. you can already feel the burn of another orgasm in the pit of your stomach, and wonwooโ€™s hands pushing down on your lower back are making it impossible to hold back.
โ€œmy good girl,โ€ he coos and he lets go of his hand in your hair, barely giving you a chance to catch yourself as your head falls forward and back down onto the pillow. โ€œdonโ€™t hold back those pretty sounds. let everybody hear how you like to celebrate your wins. you deserve it, baby.โ€
โ€œjust as much a win for youโ€” as it is for me,โ€ you manage to gasp out. you struggle to keep your eyes open but you force yourself to, determined to see the way his face contorts in the mirror. his eyebrows furrow as he adjusts the angle of his hips, staring down at your ass, back arching into him and forcing his cock deeper with every stroke.
he leans down over you, caging your body with his own, his mouth brushing against the back of your neck. โ€œwe both know you did most of the work. and thisโ€ฆ this is your reward.โ€
โ€œwonwooโ€”โ€ you moan out brokenly as his hands knead your ass roughly, grabbing at your skin and spreading you apart so he can push into you with more force. you clench around him and he curses, his hips starting to stutter.
without warning he pulls out, rolling you over onto your back. you whine at the sudden loss and at the ache in your muscles, but wonwoo just leans forward over your body to kiss you and suddenly you forget everything you were thinking about. youโ€™re so caught up in his mouth on yours and his hands sliding over your body that you barely even notice when he pushes his cock back into you, never breaking away from your lips as he starts out a steady rhythm, gradually building back up to his pace from earlier.
finally he pulls away, sitting up to put his hands on the back of your thighs and push your legs up to your chest. your breath catches in your throat with each thrust, your mind reeling as you concentrate on the feeling of him so deep inside you, pressing against that sweet spot over and over again.
his broad chest is the only thing that fills your vision as you cum, and your brain barely registers the words that leave his mouth in that deep, gravelly voice youโ€™ve become accustomed to hearing nearly every night.ย 
โ€œtaking every inch so fucking well,โ€ he grunts, forehead glistening with sweat. โ€œgod, you look so good taking my cock.โ€ his movements become more and more desperate as he starts to chase his high, his fingers digging into your skin so roughly to the point that you know youโ€™ll find bruises there in the morning.ย 
still breathing heavily, you whine out his name one last time, sending him over the edge right behind you in a matter of seconds. he lets out a guttural groan, continuing to snap his hips frantically as your walls squeeze around his throbbing cock.
Tumblr media
wonwoo chuckles, handing you your purse and helping you shrug your coat on as you attempt to wipe the smudged mascara from your cheeks with your thumbs.
โ€œsame time, monday night?โ€ you ask as he walks you down the hall to the elevator, holding the doors open with one hand.
he nods, not even making an attempt to hide the grin on his face. โ€œyou keep winning cases like you did today, and you might as well just move in. save you the trouble of calling a taxi every night.โ€
you laugh, knowing heโ€™s not serious but your heart races at the thought anyway. โ€œyou keep fucking me like that, and i might take you up on that offer.โ€
he hums and raises his eyebrows, but you can tell heโ€™s pleased. โ€œi knew having that mirror installed was a good investment.โ€
you might not be getting paid for taking on pro bono cases, but just knowing that youโ€™re helping people makes up for it. and of course, the compensation you get from your coworker is more than enough to keep you coming back for more.ย 
Tumblr media
i hope you enjoyed this!! if you did, consider reblogging or leaving a comment or an ask :) it shows me this is something people want to see more of, and knowing people like this makes me want to write more of it! thanks for reading!!
taglist | @wonderfulshinee @noniestars @photographic-girl @onlymingyus @just-here-to-read-01 @darlingvernon @wonuziex @enhacolor @yourfavoritefreakyhan @dkakapizzaboy @zozojella @rainyjeno @jwnghyuns @uwuheeseungie @miriamxsworld @synthetickitsune @simeonswhore @junhour @foxdaisy @limesorbets @98-0603 @fairybinie @anthropologymajorkpopmultistan @mingminghao @jeanjacketjesus @luvwonyy @tinkerbell460 @novalpha @ronnie97b @ohmygodwhyareallusernamestaken @usari @hyneyedfiz @honestlydooetree @ktackore @k-drama-adict @cloecard @valentxi @aaniag @aaasia111 @hyneyedfiz
strikethrough means your blog cannot be tagged, please check your visibility settings and make sure they are off so i can tag you properly!
if you want to be notified when i post a new fic, you can join my taglist here!
1K notes ยท View notes
sukunasweetheart ยท 11 months ago
Text
the whole court and justice system stuff going on right now in jjk is giving me ideas for modern au where criminal!sukuna put on trial for some heinous deeds he's done... but upon a fated happenstance he gets to hire the most perfect and competent defence lawyer who manages to somehow get him out of the situation as a free and innocent man. and being the charismatic and so very thoughtful man that he is, he decides he wants to do something for you in return...
warnings; female reader, smut, oral fem!receiving, mentions of murder and killing, dubcon-ish, morally corrupted reader, mildly submissive sukuna, male masturbation, cum in panties
words: 2.3k
criminal!sukuna, who's showing you gratitude in the only way he knows how... somewhere in a secluded room with the door locked behind. he sinks to his knees and hikes up your skirt, slides your panties down...
criminal!sukuna, who's kneeling down while your back is against the wall, one of your legs propped up on his shoulder as he eats you out so good that you're shuddering and twitching with every flicker of his tongue against your clit...
criminal!sukuna, who is getting drunk on the taste of you on his tongue, disregarding the fact that his face is beginning to sweat from the heat between your legs, and his cock is so hard that it hurts right now.
criminal!sukuna, who pulls out orgasm after orgasm out of you, not minding your slick that dribbles down his chin from doing so.
(how far will you let him take this?)
sukuna hadn't really cared much, whether he were to be ruled as innocent or be judged as guilty and sent to prison. he really was just planning on going with the flow, whichever direction life threw him in-- he's not one to cry and throw a tantrum over spoiled milk... if he gets locked up, so be it, he'd either find a way to cunningly get back out or he'd probably rise to the top amongst the inmates inside.
so even when he was introduced to you, a famously proficient defence lawyer and the top in your field, he wasn't expecting much from you at all.
but upon his first meeting with you, you managed to pique his interest when you confessed that you didn't give a fuck whether he's actually a criminal or not. as long as he's paying good money, you're going to get him out with 100% innocence. and to do that, you'll need a bit of his cooperation and honesty. whatever information you ask for, he needs to provide. so you can either slip it under the rug, or use it to your advantage in court.
he already thinks you're pretty fuckin' sexy. your formal and classy lawyer fit, tight ass pencil skirt... he'd like to get under it. your snobby and overly professional attitude. hah. he'd like to rip that away from you and see what's underneath all of it.
but for now, he does as you advise of him.
there were many instances where masses of journalists with their obnoxious mics and flashing cameras surrounded sukuna while he was getting moved from place to place with cuffs on his hands. he remained expressionless, all while thinking of how nice it would feel to paint the concrete floors with the blood of all these people. he'd even spare one of them, so they could publish whatever rubbish story they wanted. let the whole world know what he is.
and amongst all those who were against him, there really was only you. he's not quite used to this feeling, of having someone at his defence. he's never really needed it until he eventually slipped up and a detective caught onto his trail. he spent a considerable amount of time with you one-on-one.
while he was detained for a time before the trial began, there were times you visited him because you needed some confirmation on some of the information you had, but you also wanted to give him some advice on how he should answer questions when he was being interrogated.
"well, aren't i lucky to have a visitor with such a pretty face? nothing but unsightly insects and the stench of men in this filthy place," sukuna crooned with mischief in his tone, sitting himself down in front of you as a thin transparent wall separated the two of you.
"endure it. you won't be here for long after all."
god, he'd never seen someone with more confidence than himself in a long while. he wondered how you'd look if you did end up losing the trial. what a humiliation that would be. but something inside him said that you were going to prevail. his gut feelings are usually never wrong.
he's still quite nonchalant about it all, but oh boy, when he's sat next to you in court and watches you defend him against the prosecutor in front of a crowd for the first time... it does something to him. your voice, confident and clearly audible, how you articulate your words... all for his sake? (not really. but you get what i mean.)
"i know being cocky is your whole theme... but it'd be helpful if you could refrain from smirking or looking unapologetic during the trial. to get the jury on our side." you'd told him.
and he's trying, he really is (kind of...), but the corners of his mouth keep rising every time you debunk a piece of evidence presented by the prosecutor with ease. their expressions are really amusing. it's obvious how frustrated they are getting.
then he also thinks about what you'd said to him after that.
"ah, but perhaps... the media will favour you a bit better. they're always biased towards handsome faces. and don't underestimate the public's influence on court rulings."
you'd called him handsome, in such a matter of fact way. not that it was a rare occurrence- but something about you openly admitting it with your rigid personality had him going in a way no one else could.
in a matter of weeks, the tables had turned completely, and the court ruled him as an innocent man.
triumphant, you gathered your documents neatly put them in one pile. he's declared free to go, and while the place slowly empties of people, you meet sukuna in a now empty hall.
"so, you've set me free. knowing that i really was the one who did it," he voices dangerously, with a smirk. "i'd have to say, it's foolish thing to do. what if i made you my next victim? criminals know no courtesy, after all."
"you paid me a hefty sum. i don't do this for courtesy, you should know this by now. if i die by the hands of someone i defended, then so be it. i'll gladly bear the consequences of my own actions."
part of him wants to test your words. but it'd be such a waste to have you dead. right now, he's aching for something else.
"bold statement. you're not even a bit afraid? my cuffs have been off for a while now." you don't flinch even as he reaches out and palms your cheek. his hand is warm.
"not at all. you've been the most unreadable criminal i've defended, but after speaking to you for a while, i believe i've gotten better at interpreting your expressions."
"you've been reading me like a book, hey? well, enlighten me. i'm interested in hearing your thoughts."
"i may know what you want, but i don't plan on giving it to you. that's one line i don't cross with my clients."
"...oh yeah? well, good thing i'll be the one giving instead. how about we find an empty room first?"
"i don't need-"
"or should we do it here? do you like being an exhibitionist?"
you purse your lips together and give him a stern look, arms crossed.
"c'mon sweetheart. keep staring at me like that, and i'll get hard."
"enough. i have another client waiting."
"i'm sure you do. so i'll make it quick. you deserve a little something after all that hard work."
in the end, he successfully drags you off to a secluded room, somewhere in the building.
which finally brings you to present time...
sukuna's knees are probably going to be bruised later on. but at the moment, he doesn't feel a thing. all he can feel is arousal when he hears your whines and moans that seem so unlike you. gripping at his head, full body twitching as he sucks around your puffy and swollen clit, every huffing breath he takes in having the scent of you drenched in it.
you reach your third orgasm while standing in his manner, and he groans deeply as he feels it, your cunt pulsing against his lips.
you're clasping a hand over your mouth, but your muffled noises are still audible. deep down, you're starting to admit that perhaps you needed this, after all. sukuna was undeniably attractive, and you'd been constantly reminding yourself that he was but a murderer with blood on his hands... all for your efforts to come crashing down now.
it feels too good. he's getting you hot and bothered in a way no one else does. his hands palm and grope your asscheeks, touching whatever he can. whatever you'll let him.
once your clit begins to get too sensitive that it hurts, you have to push him away. and when he comes out from under your skirt, you take quite the liking to the state of his disheveled hair, flushed cheeks, your slick shining on his chin, and his glassy eyes. your leg comes off his shoulder, and the two of you are panting for a full minute before saying anything.
"fuck... i'll be honest, it was better than i thought it would be," you tell him, chest still rising up and down from the sexual high.
"bet it was. it's the least i could do after you were so good to me..." sukuna responds teasingly with a hoarse voice, looking up at you with his knees still against the floor, grinning.
you stare back, until your eyes wander down to the outline of his dick in his pants, clearly strained by the fabric.
"and what about you?" you ask with plenty a playfulness in your tone, smiling so gracefully. his cock visibly throbs when you mention it. you nudge it, gently dragging the tip of your toe up it's shape, still wearing your heels. sukuna doesn't hate it. in fact, he has to swallow up a moan coming from the back of his throat.
"feeling gracious enough to help relieve me?" he says with a cloudy haze in his eyes, grabbing your ankle with one of his calloused hands.
"hmm...not really. but i'm willing to watch you do it yourself."
"how perverted. to think you were so opposed to this, minutes before-"
you press down harder against his erection using the sole of your heel, and he groans, unable to stop himself this time.
"is that a no?"
"...if you'll let me finish in your panties, i will," he relents.
you give it some thought. and then you agree to it.
sukuna stands, and he stands close, towering over you with his height. he wastes no time in unbuckling himself.
revealing his thick cock, you marvel at its size and the way its drooling precum, veins running along its side and twitching against his palm. he begins to stroke himself. other hand against the wall behind you, he starts jacking off like he would if no one were around. like you're not there right in front of him.
you watch with a small smile, staring at his hand that goes up and down his erection at a fast pace. staring down at his leaking tip. listening to his small grunts and the wet sound of him fucking his fist.
then your gaze begins to wander. your eyes trail up and up, reaching his face, where you realise that he's looking directly at you. lust in his irises. your reflection shining in both those pupils of his.
sukuna hasn't touched himself in a while. he's never really needed to. but with a few words from you, he willingly obliged. now when you meet his eyes like that, he can't resist leaning down for a messy kiss with you, all while mumbling "mm..fuck-" against your lips.
he angles his hips closer to your pussy, making it so that every stroke makes his tip catch onto your clitoris. his hand speeds up. you hitch in a breath at the tension, at how close he is, as he's basically leaning into you now.
"i'm close... open up," he mutters into your ear, breaking the kiss.
your panties are hanging between your thighs, and you slip them up a little more up for him. his breathing starts to get faster.
"shit... 'm cumming-"
he aims it to the fabric of your underwear, and releases. sukuna groans deeply, twisting his hand towards the head of his bulbous tip as he spurts rope after rope of his seed on, hips jerking and dick throbbing with every hot string that comes out.
your hole clenches around nothing at the sight. there's so much. you're slightly starting to regret agreeing to this. it might seep out if he continues letting out this much.
thankfully, he comes to a stop soon. he squeezes himself for one last drop, and then his cock starts softening in his hand.
"all done?" you ask.
"every last drop." he watches you with a smirk as you pull it up. the warmth of it hits your cunt and you hide the way it feels arousing. he also tucks himself back in.
"now i'm running late," you say with a frown, taking a quick look at your wristwatch.
"so you actually had someone waiting?" he questions, raising an eyebrow.
"of course. why would i lie about that?"
the thought of you seeing another client with his sticky mess between your legs makes him a little hard again. you start heading off to the door, but he blocks your way.
"we'll be seeing each other again, won't we?"
"i don't know. will we?"
"of course we will," he offers slyly. "i'll have you choking on my dick, next time."
he's very adamant about it, and it doesn't seem like he'll let you through unless you give some sort of agreement to him.
"we'll see about that," you tell him. and then you follow it up with a small kiss to his cheek, which stuns him slightly. you make your way out the door and he stands as he listens to your footsteps that get further and further away.
...he knew that jerking off once would be far from enough for him. he regrets not asking for your panties instead.
Masterlist
2K notes ยท View notes
cravetive ยท 6 months ago
Text
๐”ธ ๐”ฝโ„๐•€๐”ผโ„•๐”ป ๐•†๐”ฝ ๐”ธ ๐”ฝโ„๐•€๐”ผโ„•๐”ป | โ„‚โ„. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ˜
Tumblr media
| ๐’๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ: ๐€๐Ÿ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐›๐ž๐ข๐ง๐  ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐œ๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐š ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐š๐ ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ž๐ค ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ซ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๐ฏ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ž ๐š๐ ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ž ๐ฐ๐ก๐จ ๐ฐ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ, ๐›๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐›๐ž ๐š๐›๐ฅ๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐š๐ฐ ๐›๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฆ๐š๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐  ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ.
|๐†๐ž๐ง๐ซ๐ž/๐š๐ฎ: ๐„๐ง๐ž๐ฆ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ,๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ญ,๐œ๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž, ๐ฅ๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ, ๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐š๐ ๐ž ๐š๐ฎ, ๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ, ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ญ.
| ๐๐š๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐‰๐‰๐Š ๐— ๐…๐ž๐ฆ!๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ
| ๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐œ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ: 7k
| ๐–๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ: ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐จ๐ฑ๐ข๐œ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ, ๐š๐›๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ & ๐š๐ฅ๐œ๐จ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ, ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐  ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐š๐ ๐ž ( ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐›๐š๐œ๐ค), ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐š๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐ž๐ ๐œ๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž, ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ž๐ซ, ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ญ, ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก, ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ ๐›๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ค, ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฑ๐ฎ๐š๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐ฅ๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ), ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฑ ( ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ), ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ & ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ, ๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž
| ๐€/๐: ๐ข ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ž๐ฅ ๐š๐›๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐œ๐ก๐š๐ฉ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ, ๐ข๐ฆ ๐š ๐›๐ข๐ญ ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ ๐›๐ซ๐จ๐ค๐ž๐ง.
previous chapters
-
โ€œWill the Jury foreperson please stand?โ€ย 
The judgeโ€™s voice is a mesh of muffles and white noise in Jinโ€™s ears - his mind absent from the courtroom as his client faces his sentencing. Everything seems to move in slow motion around him, the whispers of his client asking anxious questions, only further inducing the headache that presses harshly against his temples.
Jin hasnโ€™t slept in days, each morning blending in with the night, an endless cycle that leaves him spent. he wishes he can say itโ€™s due to this case or any of the other 9 heโ€™s currently handling for that matter but thatโ€™s not what has been leaving him wide eyed in his bed at ungodly hours of the night, in fact they havenโ€™t even played a factor.ย 
Today he finds himself representing yet another vile criminal, charged with a crime that has shaken society to its core - the trial televised for the entire world to see. His eyes scurry away from the camera that stands right in front of him, antonizing a certain anxiousness that Jin has never felt in a courtroom before. The stakes are stacked high, his reputation on the line and yet, he canโ€™t bring himself to focus - his heed placed elsewhere.ย 
From the untouched glass of water that sits before him he can see his distorted reflection, the plum hue under his eyes further demonstrating the stress his body is undergoing - his compressed chest unable to feel relief no matter how much he tries to breathe.ย 
would his client feel reassured of his fate if he knew that it wasnโ€™t one of the best lawyers sitting besides him now but instead a ghost?
Jinโ€™s mind wanders through the walls, his eyes scanning the nearest exit and for an instance he feels as though this is his own trial, one in which no one would come to save him - all evidence pointing to his guilty conscience all while the cameras capture every uneasy breath he struggles to take.
As his stare travels back to the Judge - he notes her disapproving expression, it is the look of someone who knows what he has done, oblivious to the fact that Jin is already inside a prison, his own morality caging him inside of a cell that has no key.ย 
He has condemned himself to feelings he canโ€™t control, all because he wanted to be a better man - Heโ€™s unable to balance his integrity on the scale of good and bad. his inner darkest fears shaken by the mere phone call of someone he owes his life to, someone he has pledged loyalty to.ย 
The sound of Jungkookโ€™s voice still rings inside his ears, a nauseating reminder of Jinโ€™s betrayal.ย 
When you came to him asking for help he had already foreseen how things would play out, you had unknowingly put him against a wall, a sword pressed to his chest and all he could do was stretch out his hand and aid you in bringing down one of his closest friends.ย 
For the first time he had a choice to stray away from the life of depravity he had chosen, to clear his conscience of all the bad he had done along his career. You were the first person he had ever helped who he truly felt was innocent, how could he say no while he saw the despair in your eyes?ย 
So, he decided to defend you without a single beat of hesitation, forgetting his loyalty belonged to someone else.
That late night conversation with Jungkookย  had left him burdened, bringing out a certain paranoia that perhaps remained dormant inside of him, lured into slumber with each day he met you in that coffee shop where he would convince himself he was being virtous and although, the phone call was short and vague, he had engraved Jungkookโ€™s impatient tone inside his head.ย 
Jin didnโ€™t need clues to conclude what his friend was after, he didnโ€™t need to ask what it was Jungkook needed from him to repay his debt, Jin already knew. Jungkookโ€™s rampage in search of you being all the city could speak of, the destruction he left in his wake landing on Jinโ€™s radar like the morning news.ย 
He never meant to get involved, in fact he had preferred to stay oblivious. How could he choose? you his dearest friend, someone he looked to protect and aid - and then him ... .his childhood friend, the one he always seemed to end up picking up the broken pieces for, no matter how much his hands bled.ย 
Both sides tug at his fealty.ย 
โ€œHas the jury reached a verdict?โ€ย 
Whilst his client trembles in his chair, Jin feels the pressure of his phone that is kept turned off inside his pocket - the thought of receiving yet another call from Jungkook, beginning to torment him in ways his pride will never allow him to divulge.ย 
โ€œYesโ€ย 
He needs to focus, this is important but his mind drifts, searching for ways in which he can justify his decisions - trying to find a way out of the predicament he has placed himself in, in a way only a man like him can.ย 
โ€œWe the jury find the defendant not guilty on all counts of murder and assault.โ€
A hefty sigh leaves Jinโ€™s mouth, his hands clamping together underneath the table as his eyes flutter shut - he had hoped that this relief that washes over him now would be enough to clear his mind of the thoughts that burdened him but reality is, nothing can. He feels his client grip his arm and pull him into a hug - his cheers filling the ears of the abstracted man.ย 
At another time Jin wouldโ€™ve probably celebrated too, after all was this not a demonstration of his capabilities? Yet, he canโ€™t bring himself to cheer, to celebrate nor to feel triumph. Jin is used to walking out of courtrooms a victorious man but now he is rather conflicted and as he pushes away from the strong embrace his client offers him, he finds his eyes trailing back to the victims family - offering them a silent apology, one that he never tends to offer.ย 
Something has changed inside of him - a shift he canโ€™t understand. Previously, Jin had never bothered to care if his clients were guilty or not, if he was a bad man for even protecting them, perhaps because his clients were only reflections of someone he knew, someone who he has been great at defending.ย 
But Now he feels just as culpable as the man standing next to him, the one who has stabbed his wife to death.ย 
In the past he wouldโ€™ve defended Jungkook above everything else and walked past a victim like you, a victorious man.ย 
Something has changed.ย 
โ€œThe verdict is sustained, The jury is thanked and excused. Court is adjourned.โ€ย 
The Judge slams her gabble and soon the murmuring and heavy whimpers of the victims family fill Jinโ€™s ears, eating away at his vulnerability.ย  The sound of their agony causes his heart to rumble - the sensation becoming too much to withstand.ย 
His own shame begging to beat him down.ย 
His vision is blurred, unable to concentrate on anything as he stands there motionless
- his intestines turning as he finds the eyes of the man whom he has just freed. Jin has fought like hell to prove without a reasonable doubt that this man has not committed the crime he has been accused of, even if within himself he harbors the truth that only the 2 of them know.
The worst part of it all is that Jin knows he will be back here - perhaps with someone much worse than the man that he has just defended and he canโ€™t help but question if the real reason why he fights so hard in the first place is to prove he himself isnโ€™t like them.ย 
โ€œThank you Mr. Kim '' his client exclaims with excitement whilst he interlocks his hand with Jinโ€™s in a firm shake. Jinโ€™s stare remains withdrawn - his mouth unable to open and form any words and as he glances down at their knotted hands he pictures blood dripping from them.ย 
His body runs cold, his hand retracting quickly while his blinking eyes inspect the skin there.ย 
Heโ€™s losing it.
โ€œHow will I ever repay you?โ€ Jinโ€™s eyes snap back to stare at his client, the room beginning to spin around him and he tries to smile, to at least pretend like he shares this manโ€™s joy but he canโ€™t move a muscle and as he goes to speak he hopes his tone wont give away the immediate regret that has settled inside of him.ย 
โ€œI just hope youโ€™ll never need me again.โ€
But they always do and Jin is more than positive he will reoffend - he will take another life, he will leave another bloody trail and Jin prays to any god that will listen that when that day comes the DA will have enough evidence to put him away.ย 
His client responds with a mocking laugh, his chest heaving at the joke Jin has just made but Jin means it with every morsel of his being, his role as the devil's advocate beginning to eat away at his soul.ย 
Jin can feel all eyes on him as he begins to step out of the courtroom, lowering his head as the cameras flash in his direction - the victory he should be indulging in, feels more like a loss, the way in which he has let hisย  previous wins feed his ego is starting to disgust him. His steps are no longer confident and he fights with the urge to turn around and request the judge to reconsider, he wants nothing more than to beg her to give his client the full weight of the law.
Even if he has to drop to his knees for it.ย 
As he steps out into the empty hall his eager hands reach into his pocket, sliding his phone out and staring at the screen until it turns back to life, his weary eyes scanning the notifications that flood in but he can only see emails from his firm and texts from a girl he met at a bar a few nights ago when he found himself sleepless again
ย none of them from the man who has taken his appetite away.ย 
He sighs, standing completely still and then the hallway that once had been completely quiet fills with reporters - greedy cameras and microphones waiting for his client to exit the courtroom and all Jin hopes for is for him not to say anything stupid.ย 
For him not to leave another mess for Jin to clean up.ย 
He holds his breath, deciding to take the nearest exit in his wishful attempt to avoid the eye of the media. This time he feels no desire to stand beside his client as he throws out thank youโ€™s and excuses, he canโ€™t digest the idea of reporters asking him questions regarding his morality - of why he chooses to defend the people he does or if he thinks they are guilty.ย 
9 times out of 10 they most likely are.ย 
The cold air ripples through Jinโ€™s suit as he makes a quick exit of the courthouse, his eyes focused on the sun which sets between the tall buildings ahead of him, the city roaring with life. He can hear laughter, traffic, and random conversations from those who pass by. the sounds - the normalcy in everything and he has almost forgotten that time hasnโ€™t stopped, no matter how stagnant he feels.ย 
ย though, the distraction does not last long as he feels a faint buzz against his chest and heโ€™s swiftly reeled back into his reality - his breaths becoming labored, his eyes darting in every direction. Once he again finds himself succumbing to paranoia.ย 
Jinโ€™s shaky hands slide the phone from the front pocket of his suit and he stares at the unknown number flashing through the screen for a moment - every nerve in his body standing at attention, the lethargy that had clung to his body dissipating into thin air.ย 
For a second he contemplates if he should answer, he wonders if heโ€™s prepared to hear Jungkookโ€™s voice again but even if he isnโ€™t what other option does he have, avoiding the issue would only cause it to grow.ย 
He quickly answers the call and presses the phone to his ear, frantic eyes focusing on the lively city in front of him, attempting to find a random object he can anchor himself to.ย 
โ€œHelloโ€ he answers coldly-ย  trying to conceal the utter worry in his tone.ย 
โ€œJinโ€ the voice is soft, delicate even and it takes him back to when he was just a college student, sitting across the dining table with a math book in hand, a red pen in the other.ย 
โ€œY/nโ€ he breathes out, eyes blinking quickly while he registers itโ€™s you on the other line.
โ€œYou sound disappointedโ€ you giggle and Jin smiles for a moment, though it does not last.ย 
You are but a reminder of the secret he conceals.ย 
โ€œUhโ€ Jin chuckles dryly โ€œquite the opposite actually.โ€ย 
Jin expects to feel at ease, after all you are someone dear to him but he canโ€™t push away the guilt that creeps inside of him while he hears your giggles flow through the line.ย 
In that moment he doesnโ€™t know which voice he would have preferred to hear, yours is supposed to be a breath of fresh air, a cup of cold water to tame the turmoil inside of him. to know you were okay , to know you were safe, to recognize no panic in your voice should be alleviating but the feeling never arrives.ย 
Do you even know who he is? Who he has betrayed for you? Would you still consider him a friend if you were to find out?
โ€œAre you okay?โ€ย  He asks, a question he isnโ€™t fully prepared to make nor one that he has been ready to hear the answer to.ย 
There's a long pause, a pause that Jin doesnโ€™t particularly like. It causes his chest to compress, for his palms to grow cold.ย 
โ€œYes, im safe.โ€ย 
Itโ€™s not the answer to the question he has asked but he takes it, because if you are safe it means you are okay, right?
Jin hadnโ€™t spoken to you since your swift escape from the Jeonโ€™s banquet and though he had been worried sick for some time, Jungkook had arrived in almost comical timing to strip away his concern for you, replacing it with the sour reminder of the debt he owed.ย 
He wants to pretend that hearing from you is a good thing but your voice, although quiet and careful, stabs away at his heart harshly. So he fakes a heavy sigh, feigning a relief that isnโ€™t there.ย ย 
โ€œWell, I'm glad,โ€ Jin mutters.ย 
โ€œAre you okay?โ€
Jin canโ€™t bring himself to answer that, his mouth pressing together and his jaw cramping. His eyes stare into nothingness as his brain tries to compile a good enough answer, an answer worthy enough to bring you some kind of ease.ย 
Jin begins walking towards his car, briefcase held tightly in his hand as the loud sounds of the city begin to drown out his inner thoughts again. He should be okay, He has just won another case, another accomplishment to add to his resume and he contemplates if he should share this with you, butย  he fears youโ€™re going to read through his tone, peeling away at his facade.ย ย 
Nothing can hide the anxiousness that sprouts inside of him, sprawling and taking up spaces where his tranquility once remained.
โ€œYeah, i've been fineโ€ he responds quietly, offering you a lie - hoping that you will take it.ย 
A heavy sigh falls from your mouth and Jin inhales sharply, while he gives you a breath of air - he pulls himself deeper into despair.ย 
โ€œGoodโ€ you whisper, your vocal cords burning after having held your breath.ย 
Jin blinks quickly trying to moisten his tired and scratchy eyes as if you could see him through the phone. his hand subconsciously moving to straighten his tie and suit jacket, perfecting his deception.ย ย 
โ€œI saw you on the news giving that press conference on the caseโ€ you comment, a smile emerging on your face, one that Jin can picture in his mind.ย 
โ€œMhmโ€ Jin hums, caught off guard by the topic.ย 
โ€œYou looked very professional, very mister lawyerโ€ your voice holds childish excitement and Jin smiles again, closing his eyes and beginning to imagine a life where he is but a typical lawyer and you his friend, a girl who hasnโ€™t gone through the things that you have. A Y/n that has remained the same cheerful and spoiled girl that he once knew so well, never having been pushed into a life of crime and deception, much like he has.ย ย 
His Y/n, his friend that he will never betray.ย 
โ€œOh yeah? I wore my good tie todayโ€ he jokes, beginning to descend the steps in front of the courthouse.ย 
โ€œHow did it go? Did you free the guy?โ€ you inquire and Jin remains silent, his chest becoming heavier with the question.ย 
โ€œGive me details, i want to know how you kicked ass todayโ€ the harmony of your laughter causes him further shame, There is so much you donโ€™t know and no amount of bravery can convenience Jin to tell you.
โ€œWell you know me i canโ€™t loseโ€ Jin sighs and his line fills with your laughter again.ย 
โ€œItโ€™s a good thing I have you on my side then.โ€ย 
Those words cause Jinโ€™s heart to stop full throttle, the hand that presses the phone to his ear growing limp. It takes everything for him not to divulge the truth, to not break your heart further. If heโ€™s honest it's not clear to him whose side he stands in, who is he truly helping? For someone as calculated as him, that question still remains unanswered.ย 
His god complex has led him to believe there is a way he can help the both of you without betraying the other but atlas, as he hears your voice for the first time in weeks he concludes he has been foolish.ย 
Dread fills him up, his body unresponsive and he feels as though the phone call has lasted an eternity, your innocent statement only further torturing him. His intentions were always to protect you like an older brother would, trying to conceal you from the man he had built a bond with so many years ago, but who is he kidding, who is he lying to?
To you or to himself.
โ€œYou should come to visit me, it gets lonely here - I thought I would be able to escape it but it appears it has followed me here too.โ€
Your voice is but a whisper yet Jin can hear the strain in it, can almost picture you swallowing back tears that you have not allowed yourself to release in a long time.ย 
โ€œWe can meet at the cafeโ€ he interjects, purposely avoiding your offer.ย 
โ€œOh donโ€™t be silly, I trust you.โ€ย 
His heart lurches forward and he rips the phone from his ear for a moment, unable to endure the conversation any longer, you are oblivious to the pain you are causing him, to the agony he is putting himself through the longer he stays on the call with you.ย 
โ€œY/n i think -โ€ he speaks into the line.ย 
โ€œ86 Pyeongchang- dong, Jongno-gu-โ€ย 
Jin shuts his eyes as the address falls from your lips, a grimace pouring over his features and he wishes you hadnโ€™t said that, he prays he can forget.ย 
โ€œSo what do you say?โ€ your voice echoes.
ย Jin clears his throat, trying to break himself out of the panicked trance he is currently in, his throat aches as he tries to find an excuse good enough for you not to suspect him, because what kind of friend would he be if he didnโ€™t go?ย  What kind of friend would he be if he did?
His mouth opens to give you a gentle rejection, his eyes roaming the front of the courthouse whilst he trashes his brain for an excuse. โ€œYou know i would love to but-โ€ his eyes stop moving and the words he means to say trail into silence, from the corner of his eye he catches a glimpse of a black SUV - its owner leaned comfortably against it as a puff of smoke falls from their lips - their eyes completely focused on him.ย 
Jin can feel every muscle in his body constrict, his skin growing pale - he blinks, hoping that the sight before him is only but a product of his lack of sleep and paranoiaย  but when his eyes open again, the same man remains. his eyes held in a glare as a mischievous grin rips through the cigarette that lays between his lips and the dread Jin had been trying to suppress for days now comes pummeling down all too fast through his veins.ย 
โ€œJin?โ€ you ask, noticing the long pause.ย 
From where Taehyung stands he watches as Jin stares wide eyed in his direction. He leans away from the SUV, unfolding his arms from his chest, offering Jin a small wave.
โ€œJin?โ€ you call out again and this time Jinโ€™s eyes trail back to the phone in his hand.ย 
โ€œI have to go Y/n '' he whispers, there's a change in his tone but you can barely make it out from the shuffling that follows after, your eyebrows furrowing with concern.
you arenโ€™t unfamiliar with Jin's tendency to abruptly say goodbye but this time itโ€™s different, you can sense panic through the silence he gives you - your line now crowded with the sound of the city.
โ€œWait, Jin what is happening?โ€ you ask frantically and Jin can hear you but he doesnโ€™t answer, his mind wondering if you would be this concerned for him if you knew who he truly was.ย ย 
Jin ends the call before he can speak again, sliding his phone into his suit jacket carefully - he clears his throat and adjusts his posture, his hand moving to push back the strands of his hair that have fallen in front of his face. swiftly changing his expression from one of utter fear to casualness, the shift causing him to grow dizzy.ย 
โ€œTaehyung,โ€ he calls out eagerly through his teeth.
Taehyung studies Jinโ€™s demeanor, his fingers moving to dispose of the cigarette in his mouth before he forces a chuckle out.ย 
โ€œJin, long time no seeโ€ he responds, the lack of enthusiasm in his voice appareant.ย 
Jin scoffs and laughs slightly, trying his hardest to conceal the panic that rips through him.ย 
โ€œIt's always a good day when you don't have to see me โ€ Jin replies and the statement causes Taehyung's smile to slip. In the past Taehyung wouldโ€™ve taken the insignificant words as banter but given the circumstances, given the strain that has formed between the friendship it sounds more like a threat to him.ย 
โ€œIs this something that couldnโ€™t wait for office hours?โ€ Jin continues, looking towards the 2 other men who stand beside Taehyung, their hands held by their belt - indication of the gunโ€™s that remain concealed there.ย 
It's not a friendly visit.ย 
โ€œI wanted to stop by to congratulate you on the big winโ€ Taehyung states but Jin knows better, theyโ€™ve never shown up for any of his other oneโ€™s.ย 
โ€œA bouquet of flowers and a pretty card would have sufficedโ€ Jin says nonchalantly standing in front of them now, the grip on his briefcase growing tighter with each second that passes by,ย  his body consumed with the urgent need to throw up.
โ€œI was watching you know?โ€ Taehyung smirks โ€œyou looked a bit off, a bit nervous.โ€
Jinโ€™s smile fades, his jaw locking with the reminder of his previous state in the courtroom - the vile memories flood into his head and his casual facade drops for a moment, his eyes flickering with distress.ย 
โ€œMe? Nervous?โ€ Jin chuckles, attempting to recuperate from the humiliation.
โ€œIm Kim Seok-Jin.โ€ย 
โ€œThat you areโ€ Taehyung distills poison with his words, his tone simmering with a certain harshness.ย 
โ€œJungkook wants to congratulate you too, you should come with usโ€ Taehyung adds, his smirk pulled wide.ย 
Jinโ€™s heart slams into his chest, his head heavy on his shoulders. He wonders how much Jungkook knows, if he is aware of the role he has played in the chaos his family is currently facing and as his eyes remain on Taehyung's face he canโ€™t read past his meek expression - his talent to perceive things momentarily tested by the exhaustion that sinks in his body.ย 
He knows Taehyung is not making an offer he can decline, but rather an invitation he has to accept. A pact of loyalty made many years ago imposed by guilty reminders of the person he used to be.
โ€œYou guys shouldnโ€™t have gone through the troubleโ€
Jin laughs sarcastically - stepping closer to Taehyung.ย 
โ€œTrust me, it's no trouble at allโ€ Taehyung taunts, raising his eyebrows and tilting his head.ย 
Jin can feel his throat closing in on itself - his eyes lowering to the guns that poke out of the pressed suits the men standing along with them wear, warning him that the friendship he once shared with Jungkook and Taehyung has changed. No longer were they just boys being boys, no longer did they blindly trust each other.ย 
Now they were men waiting for the moment one crossed the other.ย 
Jin nods faintly, his eyes looking in every direction ensuring thereโ€™s no one around to bear witness to what is happening or perhaps hoping someone is.ย 
He does not object, instead he willingly steps forward even if he feels his heart racing with each movement he makes - the sensation is uncanny, he should be able to trust the man who stands holding out the door for him but contrary to what he knows he should be feeling, the desire to run for the hills remains.ย 
Jin can feel the thick, tense air choke him as the car peels away from the courthouse, his heart feeling as though it's stuck inside of his stomach, applying agonizing pressure and though he sits in complete silence, unable to move an inch - he can feel Taehyung eyes intently observing him.ย 
He wants to say something, anything that will bring them back to like when they were younger - longing to mend what has been fractured but no words come to him and as the seconds pass by in the harrowing car ride alongside someone whom he once shared everything with,ย  he comes to the inevitable conclusion that he doesnโ€™t want to reconcile. The similarities that once had tied them all together now being differences he canโ€™t bring himself to overlook. Yet, The desire to make amends leaves its residual inside of him.ย 
Time is cruel and they were not exempt from its vicious wrath.ย 
It had all begun with a school punishment, one that would lead Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jin to cross paths and become the bestest of friends and while Jungkook and Taehyung enjoyed a life of luxury and gluttony all thanks to the blood money their families were producing, Jin fought against the poverty that ripped through his. Who could blame him for wanting that same life? Not when his friends had allowed him such quick access to it, not when Jungkook paid for his college education under the promise that Jin would some day work for him.ย 
A promise that Jin had kept for a long time, until he came face to face with the truth of what his friends had become or in retrospect what they had always been.ย ย ย 
Back then Jin never thought of the consequences his actions would someday bring him, back then all he wanted was to be in Jungkookโ€™s and Taehyung's world and now that he was, now that he was who had always dreamed of being - he was forever indebted.ย 
What could he do now that their interests no longer aligned? The only person that could blame Jin now was himself.ย 
The SUV arrives at the small restaurant Jin has visited many times before, it is the same restaurant where they have all shared their first drinks, their first heart breaks. Where they shared stories of their childhoods and their dreams. Where Jungkook had served Jin his entire future on a silver platter and the starving boy had eaten from it without a second thought.ย 
The meal now heavy on his shoulders, the weight of the burden forcing him to kneel before a man he has betrayed.ย 
As Jin steps out he notices Jungkookโ€™s men standing along every corner of the street, evidence of the havoc he has contributed to in full display. His stare lowers as he stands in front of the restaurant and with a heavy sigh he takes in all that has changed since the last time he was here. memories of their laughter fills his mind and it dissolves his courage, in its place now a feeling of vulnerability he does not like nor is willing to accept. He senses Taehyungโ€™s presence standing besides him and then feels his hand harshly slam on his shoulder, a tight grip coming soon after.ย 
โ€œWelcome backโ€ Taehyung whispers eerily into his ear.ย 
Jin is guided inside by the men who have accompanied him, Taehyung following closely behind. He hasnโ€™t seen Jungkook in a long time. he fears he might not be able to recognize him, fears he won't be able to see the boy that he had once defended against the world, the boy who trusted him but due to the lack of contact probably no longer does.ย 
Not that he would expect him to either.ย 
He notes the vacancy inside of the restaurant which is usually packed with customers at this time, all the tables empty while music softly plays through the space. It reminds Jin of a museum. While the outside looks like a completely different place, the inside appears to be stuck in the same year the 3 of them had made the pact to always stay together.
ย He is soon filled with acrid nostalgia, the same feeling he had felt when he first saw Taehyung standing in front of the courthouse.
As he continues his path he can feel his steps falter and it's like heโ€™s forcing himself to walk, unable to take the guilt that makes a home inside of him the longer he remains in here. He is reminded of who he was, of who he no longer is and it aches, an ache his sleepless body canโ€™t process.ย 
When Jin reaches the back of the restaurant his eyes land on Jungkook, his lungs drawing a breath he doesnโ€™t dare release as he scans the man who does not notice his arrival. Jungkook sits in one of the many empty tables, his face lowered as he brings another string of noodles to his mouth yet, thereโ€™s not a hint of tranquility in his demeanor, his shoulders tensed and eyebrows furrowed.ย 
It's apparent he is disgruntled, Jin can perceive the strain his body and mind are under from where he stands- the scene before him causing him to grow mortified and his thoughts don't miss a beat as they remind him that this is his doing.ย 
โ€œKookโ€ Taehyung speaks, dragging Jungkookโ€™s attention to the men that stand before him, apprehension carved into his expression.ย 
The breath Jin has been gripping in his lungs escapes through his nostrils as he takes in Jungkookโ€™s face - his skin pale and eyes hollowed and if he thought he was tired, perhaps drained then Jungkook has got him beat.ย 
โ€œWas any of this necessary?โ€ Jin raises his eyebrows, a smirk forming on his lips - his voice echoes within the empty restaurant and he concludes it is best to push his conflicted thoughts to the side.ย 
Jin can see the exhaustion in Jungkook's eyes, proof of the many nights he has spent in search for you and Jin struggles to believe that itโ€™s just anger that fuels him but he concludes that there is too much he has missed and although he wants to think that he is staring at a friend, just as he had expected itโ€™s like he is facing a complete stranger.ย ย 
Jungkook slowly wipes his mouth and pushes away the plates in front of him, a smirk crawling onto his mouth accompanied with a small laugh.ย 
โ€œJust a bit of guidance, you know in case you got lostโ€ he chews.ย 
โ€œHow polite of youโ€ Jin retorts sarcastically.ย 
In spite of the fact they both attempt to conceal the animocity, the distance between the two friends is evident. Their bond strained, the thread that once held them together a pull away from snapping and they can both sense it as their eyes met.
โ€œTake a seatโ€ Jungkook offers, gesturing to the empty chair in front of him.ย 
โ€œIm fine hereโ€ Jin responds, eyes glancing over at the men who stand on each side of Jungkook, holding the same threatening posture as the ones who had shown up withย  Taehyung moments before.ย 
โ€œJinโ€ Jungkook snaps, his patience withering away with each minute that passes.
โ€œSit.โ€
This time his voice is stern, demanding and it rattles Jinโ€™s composure.ย 
Jungkookโ€™s glare holds irritation; his fruitless vendor slowly drives him further away from rationality. The utter desperation that runs through his body makes him grow a little bit more insolent as time ticks by.ย ย 
Jin pulls out the chair in front of him and slowly sits in it- concern written all over his expression as he stares Jungkook down.ย 
โ€œHow have you been Jungkook?โ€ Jin asks, the worry in his tone genuine.
โ€œ I'm pretty you know the answer to thatโ€ Jungkook retorts, pouring himself another cup of whiskey.ย 
Jinโ€™s eyes trail from Jungkook to the amber liquid that falls into the glass, a grimace emerging on his expression while he watches the alcohol hit the rim.ย 
โ€œWell now you have me here, what is it that you need?โ€ Jin clears his throat, he knows it's a stupid question to ask, he has already made his own assumptions of what this is all about but he opts to feign ignorance.ย 
Jungkook raises the overflowing glass to his lips, the taste causing him to hiss but he takes another gulp and then another until his tongue grows numb and his chest aches - the glass now half empty.ย 
โ€œOh i'm sorry, am i taking up your time Mr. Lawyer?โ€ Jungkook leans his head to the side, a crazed look in his eyes โ€œare you too busy for me? All those big cases, all those big winsโ€ Jungkook's words drag with venom - dispersing into the hostile air and tricklingย  down Jinโ€™s skin.ย 
โ€œAll thanks to me of courseโ€ he concludes and Jin lowers his head, a small chuckle emitting from his lips.ย 
โ€œIs that why I'm here then? You thought I needed a reminder?โ€ Jin comments.ย 
โ€œIt seemed like you had forgottenโ€ Jungkook snaps.ย 
But Jin hasnโ€™t, The thought that he has everything he has because of a criminal is rather ironic given his line of work, an irony that has enabled him to defend the most evil kind of men, something he has never been able to remove from the back of his head, the only thing that keeps him from believing he is a good person.ย ย 
โ€œYou have been holding onto that one for a while havenโ€™t youโ€ Jin smirks, a hint of repulsion in his tone.ย 
โ€œTrust me i don't forget, i have to live with that decision for the rest of my lifeโ€ Jin adds bitterly and Jungkookโ€™s expression twists with certain chagrin.ย 
Jungkook sighs and leans his head back, placing the glass in his hand carefully on the table. He presses his lips together with distaste, his eyes closing for a moment while he allows Jinโ€™s words to settle in his brain.ย 
Jungkook knows how much his decisions have brought them apart, it hurts him to know that now Jin can no longer see him as a friend and though the remorse remains packed up inside of him, there are no words significant enough that can express it.ย 
Yet, they both know he had no other choice. He couldnโ€™t dream like Jin could - couldnโ€™t choose a career apart from the one forced on him the day his parents were killed but he doesnโ€™t dare open his mouth to defend himself this time, allowing their friendship to fall victim to collateral damage.ย 
โ€œI need to know where Y/n is, Jin.โ€
Everything becomes muffled for Jin once again and those emotions that had left him trapped within his own mind in the courtroom come back crashing down all too fast, his throat compressing, which he tries to remedy with a gulp.ย 
He has known the motive for this meeting since that phone call and yet, nothing has prepared him for the statement Jungkook makes, his stare faltering at what this implicates.ย 
Jin canโ€™t bring himself to speak and when he finally dissects Jungkookโ€™s demeanor he confirms what he has feared all along, Jungkook knows something and though, he might not know the entire extent of his betrayal, the fact that Jungkook believes he can come to him for information is sufficient for his heart to swell with dread.ย 
โ€œWhy-โ€ the word comes out a mumble, quieter than a mouse, his mouth filled with cotton as he tries to make sense of what he wants to say or better yet how he will excuse the accusation Jungkook has silently made but his mind is as blank as his stare.ย ย 
Jungkook watches Jinโ€™s expression with careful eyes and though he is tired and his eyes feel heavy as he blinks, he inspects Jin with precision. ready to pick up on any hintย  of deceit.ย 
โ€œHave you forgotten who placed you in her life? Or did you convince yourself it was pure coincidence?โ€ Jungkook states โ€œi made you apply to be her tutor, i fabricated recommendations, i made sure that you appeared to be the best fucking tutor there was in fucking korea so that you could keep tabs on her, to ensure that she was living a good life in spite of her fathers endevors.โ€ย 
Jin lowers his stare, the reminder seeping cruelly inside of him - the fact that he has been lying to you for years revealing itself through Jungkookโ€™s mouth, he has been unable and unwilling to divulge the truth about what his real intentions were when he appeared in your home under the guise of a tutor, of a mentor.ย 
It had been all a lie.
But He had miscalculated how much you would eventually mean to him, how much he would come to want to protect you even from the man he was most loyal to.ย 
He gained your trust, your friendship all so that Jungkook could monitor you and though initially it had been an orchestrated lie, everything else after that has been real.ย 
Jin glances away, his eyes filling with tears. His heart fills with disappointment, with inexpicable pain as his eyes flicker back to Jungkook.ย 
โ€œSo Imagine my surprise when i find that you have been meeting her for yearsโ€ Jungkook spits, his hand sliding a manila folder in front of Jin, his intense glare on Jin as he waits for him to open it.ย 
โ€œJungkook '' Jin utters, his eyes fixed on the folder lying in front of it.ย 
โ€œGo onโ€ Jungkook demands, his voice jumping from the walls.ย 
Jin sighs heavily, his reluctant hand reaching for the folder. His mind rushing with ideas of what the folder can contain.ย 
ย His hand trembles against the paper as he throws it open. In Front of him now an array of pictures taken of you and him entering and leaving the small cafe on different occasions and he swears in that moment his heart stops beating.ย 
โ€œHave you been the one that has been putting things in her head? Did you not measure how dangerous this all could be for her?โ€ Jungkook barks.ย 
Jinโ€™s ears ring with the questions thrown in his direction - his hand closing the folder quickly before he pushes it away. He raises his stare back to Jungkook, who hasnโ€™t stopped glaring in his direction.ย 
โ€œYou had me followed?โ€ Jin asks.ย 
โ€œAre you surprised?โ€ Jungkook retorts.ย 
โ€œYou are insaneโ€ Jin scoffs โ€œyou have really lost it this time Jungkook - you go around the city destroying everything in your path, go to Yoongiโ€™s club like a fucking manic for what? On a whim that he would know where she is?โ€
โ€œI'm going to stop you right there Jin,โ€ Jungkook interjects, standing from his chair.ย 
โ€œI would burn this entire city to the ground if it means I get to find her.โ€ย 
When Jin stares into Jungkookโ€™s eyes he can see the utter determination ripping through his exhaustion.ย 
โ€œI don't know where Y/n isโ€ Jin responds coldly.ย 
Jungkook smirks, his eyes glazing with darkness - his patience withering dangerously thin.ย 
โ€œPlease dont take my generosity as weakness Kim Seok-Jin, you will tell me where Y/n is even if i have to torture it out of youโ€ Jungkook regrets those words only after they have been said, his mind flooding with hesitation - the feeling only increasing as he notices the fear he has instilled in Jin.ย 
It pains him to know he has been pushed to this point - his own desperation luring him to see the cause of their strained friendship in Jinโ€™s eyes.ย 
โ€œShe is my friend, i would never betray her, if you had been different to her, if you had shown her how much you cared about her then perhaps -โ€ Jin speaks and though the words are meant for Jungkook, itโ€™s like he is trying to convince himself that he wouldnโ€™t betray you once again.ย 
โ€œHow much will she consider you a friend when she finds out the truth?โ€ Jungkook asks and Jin canโ€™t answer - he knows Jungkook is right but it doesnโ€™t make the idea of him giving you away any easier.ย 
โ€œWhen she finds out the real reason you walked into her life? When she knows that you have been my friend for years, covering and cleaning up behind me?โ€ย 
Jinโ€™s mind is flooded with the memories of all your meetings - of how much he had retracted from the information he had given you in hopes he could conceal the role he had played in the desolate life you had been living.ย 
Jungkookโ€™s dad wasnโ€™t the one that kept his criminal record clean, he was.ย 
And Taehyungโ€™s accident, He was the one who paid that family off.ย 
And all the other countless messes he had made go away, all because they were his friends.ย 
โ€œWhy are you so keen on finding her? Havenโ€™t you done enoughโ€ Jin asks, his eyebrows furrowing with confusion. He had never seen Jungkook so desperate, if he truly wanted revenge against you he knew Jungkook to be the type of man to wait out that kind of retribution, why was he so relentless, it didn't make sense.ย 
Jungkook lowers his gaze - the clock ticking inside of his head leaving echoes in each empty space that is not taken by the thought of you.ย 
โ€œI have no intentions to hurt her Jinโ€ Jin picks up on the dejection in Jungkook's tone, his stare faltering โ€œnot anymore but my father on the other hand, he needs someone to blame - for someone to punish and i need to find her before he can.โ€ย 
Jin disassociates from the room- a culmination of feelings rampaging through his body and he doesnโ€™t know if Jungkook's words are true, his own lack of sleep and the complexity of the situation leaving him stunt.ย 
will he really protect you in the way he says he will? Or is this another plan?
Another method to get you back in their hands.ย 
Was this for your own good?ย 
โ€œJinโ€ Jungkook exhales.ย 
The answer Jungkook needs sits on the tip of Jinโ€™s tongue - uncertainty keeping his mouth shut. He can feel his heart drumming rapidly, the sound leaving him deaf. Would this really count as a betrayal? If he was only doing what he thought was best for you?
โ€œJinโ€ Jungkook repeats, a sense of urgency in his tone.ย 
โ€œGive me-โ€ Jin sighs, tears building on the edge of his eyes. He stares at Jungkook while his chin trembles, his eyes speaking words he canโ€™t bring himself to say.ย 
โ€œ86 Pyeongchang- dong, Jongno-guโ€ Jin whispers.
In that moment Jin comes face to face with the inexorable truth, that no matter how much he fights, no matter how much he changes, no matter who he defendsโ€ฆ.he is just like them.ย 
-
๐‰๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ค๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐ก๐š๐ ๐š ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง ๐ก๐ž ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ง๐ž๐ž๐๐ž๐ ๐š ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ญ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ.
๐ข ๐š๐ฉ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐ณ๐ž ๐ข๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ฆ๐ฆ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฐ๐š๐ฌ ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ž ๐ฏ๐ฌ. ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐š๐ฉ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ
๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐š๐ง ๐š๐ฌ๐ค/๐๐ฆ ๐ข๐Ÿ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐›๐ž ๐š๐๐๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ญ๐š๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ!
ยฉ ๐‚๐ซ๐š๐ฏ๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž, ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ž๐.
@ane102,@thisartemisnevermisses,@jamlessstars,@cookysstuff,@gyeomibearr,@multiasf ,@lydinews,@vminkookgf,@chl0buggy, @peterstarkchrishiddleston , @koostrawberry , @jcrl99 , @coree730 , @melodiesforari , @taemond-in-the-ruff , @whoa-jo @jksusawife , @hoseoksluv89 , @piecesofapril11 , @coralmusicblaze , @junecat18 , @amiradumas , @mageprincess7 , @heartjiminie , @parkinglot-nights , @douknowbts , @str4gguk , @sarzkh31, @jjk970971 , @xwniazx, @jalexad, @hubbytaehyung, @wobblewobble822, @llallaaa, @gojosatoruhere, @defnotxara , @somehowukook , @jk-190811 , @googie-jeon , @melodiesforari , @harmonic55 , @kooliv, @heartwith0uthe, @somehowukook , @coldcoffee2121 , @anle102001, @whoa-jo , @yunoyeol
301 notes ยท View notes
fairyhaos ยท 1 year ago
Text
how seventeen act with their lawyer s/o
requested by anon ^^
masterlist
Tumblr media
seungcheol, joshua, wonwoo, minghao
sometimes, he comes home from work and he's exhausted because it's 3 in the morning and he's had dance practice for the past 5 hours but you're still up, sitting at the dining table with your laptop and notes spread around you. and he may be tired, but he pulls up a chair next to you and says he'll help with whatever you need. you'll push him away, softly telling him to go to bed, but he shakes his head, puts on his glasses and leans over your laptop to look at what you're researching this time. after all, he's never really too tired for you, and he knows how draining your cases can be. he's aware of client confidentiality, but he tells you that you can vent to him whenever you want, runs his fingers through your hair as you lay in his lap and rant vaguely about how frustrating your newest case is, and smiles and kisses your nose and tells you he has the greatest faith in you, and if you need him, he'll always be right by your side
jeonghan, mingyu, seungkwan, chan
the Most proud in the entire world, like. this man never shuts up about it. the day you pass the bar exam (with flying colours, might he add), it's all he talks about for a solid two weeks after, somehow managing to bring it up in every conversation he has with anyone. "oh you're drinking water, vernon? well guess what, my LAWYER s/o who's a LAWYER also drinks water. did i mention they're a LAWYER?". is bouncing about with the biggest, proudest grin on his face. sends you off to your first day at work as a Whole Actual Lawyer like a mother would send their child off to their first day at school. clucks over you and fussed over your clothes and presses one last kiss to your head before beaming widely and waving you off, and he swears he's never been prouder
junhui, hoshi, woozi, dokyeom, vernon
simplyโ€ฆ fascinated. he sometimes asks if you can explain what you do to him, and you've told him time and time again that you take part in corporate law so everything is really fucking boring, but he just shakes his head and smiles and says he wants to hear it anyway. his eyes might glaze over as you're explaining ADRs to him but he still thinks you're so, so incredible for doing something like this. tries to do his own casual studying of law, purely so he can try and understand what stuff you're doing this time, throwing you random law questions across the dining table while you're having dinner together. he's the sweetest about it, and even when he's busy he makes sure to text you when you're at work, sending you off with a kiss when you have a trial coming up, giving you massages when you're at your most stressed, and just being the most supportive bf ever
Tumblr media
request guidelines
reactions tags:
@jeonginssa @magicaltonaru @weird-bookworm @minhui896 @turningcarat @zarara @bunnyiix @slytherinshua @haowrld @belladaises @summery-bat @newgirlygirl @moonlitskiiies @ejspencer14 @mirxzii @wonranghaeee @saythename-chess @yonabutnotyuna @youthoughtiwasfeelingyou @crackedpumpkin @wqnwoos @sunshinekyeom-sang @zozojella @thesmellofcoffeeandrain @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @kawennote09 @a-wandering-stay @icyminghao @nananacomeonnnn @valenhui @sweet-like-caramel @hansolaria @gam3bo1z @marisblogg @evasaysstuff @odxrilove @kyeomyun @chansburgah @pepperonijem @jeonride @kellesvt @butiluvu @hanniehaeism @sakufilms @immabecreepin @astrozuya
590 notes ยท View notes
pigeonpeach ยท 10 months ago
Text
Forced proximity
Prompt: forced to take shelter together from various environmental hazards, how will they handle being so close to you?
Characters: Shenhe, Diluc, Chevreuse, Dehya, Kaeya, Zhongli
Tumblr media
Chevreuse
โ€œMy musket is waterproof, so we wonโ€™t be stopped with the rain.โ€ She said as you ran with her to find shelter. You two had been trying to set up a trap for local criminals using you, a newbie as bait with her in the shadows. Normally you would be against this but you had actually used this before and you didnโ€™t end up with even a scratch from it. As long as Chevreuse was the one you were working with, it was fine.
โ€œIโ€™m more worried about the hypothermia personally.โ€ You complained. Your dainty dress was by no means waterproof. Infact it acted like a sponge, you would be warmer snuggling with cryo slimes than in this getup.
โ€œOver there! Thereโ€™s a ship wreck, that could offer some shelter if weโ€™re lucky.โ€ She said. The shipwreck seemed recent, probably from the flood of fontaine which displaced many. It seemed this one was relatively in good condition, rust only starting to form on its metal exterior. You ran in with her as you two quickly sought to remove your wet exterior clothes. โ€œWeโ€™ll have to remove your dress, sorry if thatโ€™s uncomfortable but its just too drenched.โ€ You were a bit surprised but understood.
โ€œYes I know, just give me sometime.โ€ You said. It wasnโ€™t easy but you knew it had to be done. What made it more difficult was how it clung to you. Hiding behind a broken wall, you undressed to your underwear. You looked to see if she was watching but she had her back turned, trying to get a fire started. You began to squeeze the water out, trying to not get it on you in the process. Next time you should ask for a jacket when she approaches you with the disguise.
โ€œAre you done yet.โ€
โ€œAlmost.. thereโ€™s alot of water in this.โ€ You groaned. You noticed she had successfully started a fire. Making sure to isolate it from any flammable objects. You were so cold at that point you just draped your wet dress over your self and sat a bit away from her.
โ€œthat bad huh. Iโ€™ll just keep my eyes elsewhere then.โ€ She said. โ€œI didnโ€™t think itโ€™d rain today, especially considering how warm it was a second ago.โ€
โ€œThat dastardly hydro dragon. Someone should give them emotional support animal at this rate.โ€ you cursed under your breath.
โ€œItโ€™s probably that one ongoing trial with the serial killer. Heโ€™s go a bastard of a lawyer whoโ€™s really good at loopholes. Supposedly the final trial is today.โ€
โ€œTheyโ€™re not letting that pyscho back out surely?!โ€ You jolted.
โ€œRelax, all it takes is one slip up and heโ€™s got no defense then. Besides, Neuvillette will definitely not let him go if he still considers him guilty.โ€
โ€œYouโ€™re right but considering I fit the bill for his primary victims i canโ€™t exactly sleep soundly until his head is off or heโ€™s imprisoned! I wish Furina was still in the courts, she wouldโ€™ve never let that man get this far.โ€
โ€œIโ€™m sure she has her own reasons, but considering how much help youโ€™ve been Iโ€™m not going to let you go unguarded. Iโ€™ll schedule patrols by your district more and by your areas.โ€
โ€œYou would do that for me? Iโ€™m impressed. I didnโ€™t know I did such a good job at being a damsel for hire.โ€ You snickered.
โ€œI mean it. Oh and by the way, your clothes look dry now.โ€ She said. You almost forgot about that.
โ€œOh, give me a second.โ€you went back behind your wall to redress yourself, this time leaving the hoop skirt out of it.
โ€œIf youโ€™re still cold we should huddle together. That way we can share body heat.โ€ She said as you approached her once more. โ€œMy body is warmer than usual because of my vision after allโ€
โ€œIโ€™ll take you up on that offer then.โ€ You smiled sitting much closer to her than she mightโ€™ve expected. โ€œDo you mind a bit of cuddling?โ€
โ€œWith you? No.โ€ She said, her arm wrapped around you almost on instinct. โ€œYouโ€™re a bit more special than other people to me.โ€
โ€œDo you tell that to every damsel you hire?โ€ You tease.
โ€œOh god of course not! What do you think I am?โ€ She cackled. โ€œYou make it sound like youโ€™re some.. prostitute!โ€
โ€œI am selling my body technically.โ€ You added, jokingly, your head resting on her shoulders almost by instinct.
โ€œWhy did you take up that offer anyways? You have a good job, enough to live on the surface anyways.โ€
โ€œBecause I wanted to get stuck in the rain with you obviously! But in seriousness.. i uhh.. had a loan i had to pay and i spent a good majority on my paycheck already. So i needed fast cash and i saw the paper and i took it.โ€ You explained.
โ€œHuh, you sure you werenโ€™t trying to hit on me? Because you were eyeing me during that little training session.โ€ She adds.
โ€œIf thatโ€™s what you would like it be then yes I was hitting on you.โ€ You said, your eyes trailed to her cheeks to catch a glimpse of her blushing face.
โ€œHmโ€ฆ I guess you were then.. lets get some rest.. the rain should let up by then.โ€
You couldnโ€™t help feeling delightful that you finally broke her cold exterior. And with your body so close to hers, you truly felt victorious.
Diluc
โ€œThere. Its not much but it should offer some shelter in the meantime.โ€ He said pointing to a old caravan. The roof of it was intact. You two quickly hid under there. Quickly finding your bodies pressed against each other.
โ€œS-sorry.. i canโ€™t move over any more.โ€ You said nervously. But In reality, you didnโ€™t want to move from his warm body at all. It felt like laying on a warm patch of sunlight.
โ€œIts fine. Iโ€™ve been told Iโ€™m warm enough already. Here.โ€ He took off his jacket, wrapping it across you.
โ€œThank youโ€ฆ and thank you for saving me from those hilichurls earlier too.โ€ Your heart was racing, it sounded like his was too.
โ€œIts nothing. Those knights, they were supposed to clear the area for merchants.โ€ He scowled.
โ€œWell, it was my fault for making the delivery without a jacket. I shouldโ€™ve taken Saraโ€™s advice and gone the long way. Its a good thing I still have it.โ€ You managed to pull out the food in question, it was just a simple chicken skewers.
โ€œI suppose you wonโ€™t be able to deliver it now, thereโ€™s no harm in having it if youโ€™re hungry.โ€ He said. But you offered it to him.
โ€œHave one, you must be hungry. I canโ€™t imagine its easy wielding a claymore on a empty stomach.. besides, thereโ€™s already one for myselfโ€
โ€œWhy did they order chicken skewers, its the most simple dish to make?โ€ He said almost judge-mentally.
โ€œWell its a special one, we used a marinade for the chicken, try it.โ€ You again offered it to him. He took it. You watched his eyes light up. โ€œGood right? It would be better if it was warm.โ€
โ€œIโ€™m sure could try it while stopping by.โ€
โ€œThat sounds niceโ€ฆ youโ€™re really warm by the way..โ€ you blurt out. He looks surprised.
โ€œI hope so. Are you warm too?โ€ He asked. You nod.
โ€œWe should wait out the storm. Iโ€™m sure it shouldnโ€™t be too long.โ€ He said, you realized his face has been red this whole time.
โ€œAlthough.. My winery isnโ€™t too far from here.. but you said your foot hurt right?โ€
โ€œI did earlier yes. I mightโ€™ve sprained it.โ€ You sigh. โ€œIt feels fine now.โ€
โ€œHmmโ€ฆ thatโ€™s no good. Lets wait until it lightens up then. I canโ€™t risk you injuring yourself further now.โ€
โ€œI-if you want you could go ahead. It might be better so youโ€™re not stuck out here too.โ€ You say. He seems upset at the idea.
โ€œAbsolutely not. You could freeze to death. Lets stay here where I can keep you safe.โ€ His words stuck out to you. Is it possible that he meant that in a more romantic context? Are you just overthinking it?
โ€œI-Iโ€™m getting rather tired though.. I almost just want to sleep..โ€ you said. Your eyelids felt a bit heavy, he was justโ€ฆ so warm, his body pressed up against you.. his arms around youโ€ฆ you hoped you would feel this again.
โ€œIโ€™ll keep watch. Just rest a little bit.โ€ He said. As you drifted off to sleep you noticed a light kiss on your head.
โ€œCute.โ€ He mumbled to himself.
Dehya
โ€œUgh! Iโ€™m so sick of the sand.โ€ You and Dehya were taking shelter inside a cave, you were a professor at the Akademiya, you came out to the desert to study the giant ruin machines so you could do a lesson on them only to get caught in a sandstorm. Lucky for you, Dehya who you had hired, was well versed in the desert.
โ€œWell thatโ€™s what you get. Lucky that you hired me, Iโ€™m certain you would have never found this cave.โ€ She grinned proudly.
โ€œIโ€™m certain iโ€™d be dead with that stupid wenut poking around. Ugh, what do those things even eat?!โ€ You shook your clothes to get the sand out.
โ€œIdk Iโ€™m not the scholar here so.โ€ Dehya grinned.
โ€œHey my expertise is in machinery.. not oversized worms with no business of existing!โ€ You fussed over your hair, to your shame, it hadnโ€™t survived well. The hair tie you wore mustโ€™ve broken while you were busy trying to block the sand out of your eyes. โ€œUgh.. so much sand in my hair tooโ€ฆ this is so unbecoming of me.โ€
โ€œUnbecoming? Youโ€™re a scholar not a model.โ€ Dehya said.
โ€œThanks.โ€ You said sarcastically. โ€œBut I need to look professional and well put together. Iโ€™m not the prettiest sure but I should at least look like I am a scholar and not some rat drowing in sand!โ€ You found your hair had also knotted together in what you horrifically realized was a huge mess. Not even your hairbrush could save you.. โ€œoh godโ€ฆโ€ you winced as you got your hairbrush out, it felt painful to brush it out.
โ€œYikes.. let me help you there.โ€ Dehya said. You turned to her.
โ€œHow is your hair fine!โ€ You felt ashamed.
โ€œI dunno, I wasnโ€™t trying to fight the wind back there, but its really not that bad. Here just sit infront of me and Iโ€™ll help.โ€
โ€œWell.. i guess youโ€™re the expert on desert stuff.. do you encounter this problem alot?โ€ You asked, obliging by her request.
โ€œOh definitely. Alot of eremite gals use praids or tie their hair up in some way. I could put yours in one if you like?โ€
โ€œIf any of it is salvageable that would be nice. Youโ€™re actually rather smart yourself.. you would do well in the ak-โ€œ
โ€œNope.โ€
โ€œWhy? Iโ€™m not trying to insult your job, especially right now, but I really think you could do alot more in your life!โ€
โ€œThen who would you hire for all your little adventures then?โ€ She said.
โ€œWell.. thereโ€™s dozens of eremites, i could find another. I just think you have potential that you canโ€™t explore in this position.โ€ You sighed.
โ€œI know you mean well but honestly I like it. Thereโ€™s no way Iโ€™d give up the thrill of adventure and fighting for studying some stupid class like.. calculus.โ€ Her voice carried a confidence you envied. But you noticed her hands were quite skilled, you didnโ€™t feel any pain as she brushed out your knots.
โ€œIโ€™ll give you that, math isnโ€™t the most interesting. But even just like reading some books might do you good! Iโ€™m not asking you to become my student I just think maybe investing in a library card could be useful!โ€ You felt at ease strangely. You had been a regular of Dehyaโ€™s. Mostly because she was the most trustworthy by review, and also she was a woman. You didnโ€™t exactly want to travel alone with just a man you didnโ€™t know. And also she was rather pretty to look at.
โ€œThat is actually a interesting suggestion. I might take you up on that sometime.โ€ She smiled. โ€œSay, how come you always pick me? I heard from the other Eremites that you even canceled a whole trip you had planned because I wasnโ€™t available.โ€
โ€œW-well..โ€ you blushed. โ€œI just trust you the most. These conditions arenโ€™t exactly easy for me and Iโ€™d rather traverse dangerous terrain with someone I trust and someone I know. Besides it gives me the opportunity to not rely on my colleaguesโ€™ decisions. Iโ€™m not as social as you might think.โ€
โ€œYou sure thatโ€™s it? Youโ€™re willing to sacrifice papers and lessons just because you donโ€™t trust the other eremites? You know we didnโ€™t start off besties here, what made you pick me in the first place? And it not like its just because Iโ€™m a girl, thereโ€™s plenty of female eremites out there well versed in combat like myself. I could recommend them to you.โ€
โ€œI- just.. have a preference for you. Nothing wrong about that is there? Its more mora in your pocket so why should you care?โ€ You pouted. She chuckled behind you.
โ€œEasy now. I didnโ€™t mean to sound like I was complaining. Its nice seeing how loyal you are to me.โ€ You just feel her cocky smirk from behind. But your ego was quickly forgotten as she finished brushing out your knots, now starting to braid them. โ€œIf it does any good, you are my favorite customer. That and the traveler but its not like they hire me or anything. Iโ€™ve rather enjoyed our adventures. Maybe you should join the eremites~โ€
โ€œAbsolutely not! If i could handle it on my own then i would. Y-you do realize that- oh.. I see what youโ€™re doing.โ€ You sigh.
โ€œSee, its not fun when people question your career choices. Much less trying to push their own onto you. This is my dream job, I donโ€™t need to take a class to perfect it.โ€
โ€œWell to be honest I just would like to see you more thatโ€™s all.โ€ You blurted out. Dehya realized you had been blushing this whole time. She seemed a bit surprised. โ€œThose other scholars at the Akademiya are most old geezers with flies in their head reiterating the same sentiments with little flexibility. I much rather talk to you even if you donโ€™t understand those concepts. I justโ€ฆ like to be around you thatโ€™s all.โ€
โ€œWoah. That makes scholarly life alot less appealing you know?โ€
โ€œIโ€™m not trying to recruit you here! I just.. wanted a excuse to see you around more.โ€ Silence fell between you two. You worried if you had been too open then, letting her know how you feltโ€ฆ โ€œY-you know thereโ€™s talk from Faruzan about opening a school or class in the desert. I think you could help with that.โ€
โ€œThatโ€™s actually rather interesting. Whats her plan?โ€
โ€œOh just literacy. Its so they can read more complex topics. Oh and Kaveh was working on a library for the Aaru village too. I wanted to ask what books you think would appeal to the desert kids?โ€ You added.
โ€œMaybe if you have some textbooks thatโ€™d be easy or-โ€œ
โ€œI mean like fiction. What did you want to learn about as a kid?โ€ You said looking at her. You were a bit surprised to see such a fond look in her eyes. It made your heart thump ad your confidence wavered.
โ€œWell.. I wanted to- hey.. the storms over.โ€ Dehya said looking out at the entrance. You almost forgot about the storm.
โ€œOh.. maybe we should spend the night here just in case.โ€ You said.
โ€œYou just want to keep talking donโ€™t you.โ€ Dehya smiled.
โ€œWell yes. But also my feet are killing me still.โ€
Shenhe
โ€œIts getting cold out, we need to seek shelter immediately.โ€ Shenhe said. But it was only a light downpour. You felt a little whimsical.
โ€œOh its such a pretty sight. Rain in the snow.. oh I love it.โ€ You quickly got out your camera to take a few photos. โ€œThere will be more icicles soon. Ooh it would make fo such a go- OH?โ€ You quickly were picked up by Shenhe as she located a nearby hilichurl camp.
โ€œWait but what about- wait why is it empty.โ€ You noted how old it looked. Dust collecting, various masks strewn about, broken. Shenhe set you down letting you looked around.
โ€œI use this camp as my training grounds. Unfortunately they stopped trying to claim this area. But we should be aboe to take shelter in here.โ€ She said. You were surprised by how nice it looked. Hay bedding, animal skins. You could easily make a bed with this. The roof did leak but it would do.
โ€œI still think we could find somewhere better. The rain isnโ€™t so ba-โ€œ you were startled back into her arms as lightning struck not too far away. โ€œOkay lets go inside..โ€ you started to bunch up the hay together into a nest almost. Shenhe watched with curiosity.
โ€œWhat is that for?โ€ She asked.
โ€œIโ€™m making a bed. You can join if you would like. Its good to keep warm.โ€ You said, bringing the animal skins to use as blankets. She joined you as you two cuddled in the makeshift bed.
โ€œIt is quite warm actually. Youโ€™ve done well.โ€ Shenheโ€™s praise had you beaming with pride.
โ€œAh thank youโ€ฆ you donโ€™t have to be so close you know?โ€ You said.
โ€œDo you want me to move away?โ€ She seemed confused.
โ€œActually its fine. I donโ€™t mind it.โ€ You said.
โ€œIโ€™m getting rather tired.. youโ€™re quite warm actually.โ€ Shenhe pulled you in closer catching you off guard.
โ€œO-oh. Thatโ€™s good. I think we can take a rest. So long as No hilicurls come by.โ€
โ€œThey wonโ€™t. I laid out those masks to warn them not to come back. Its been months since any have returned.โ€ She mumbled. โ€œI should move them then. They make for good practice.โ€
โ€œLets not talk about murdering hilichurls right now please?โ€ You asked.
โ€œRightโ€ฆ so.. do you sleep outside often? You seem to know what to do.โ€
โ€œNo but I know that the barn cats use the hay in my familyโ€™s cellar for their bedding. I figured it must be comfortable.โ€
โ€œYou were right. This is quite nice.. I can imagine this bed would make many catโ€™s comfortable.โ€ She said. You smiled at her imagination.
โ€œThank you.. I thinkโ€ฆ i may rest my eyes for a bit.. the sound of the rain outside is luring me to sleep, but im still nervous.โ€
โ€œIโ€™ll keep watch then. You get some rest.โ€ She said. You smiled resting your head on her chest.
Zhongli
You were traveling with Zhongli, a funeral consultant on your way to Chenyu valley. But you two ran into a problemโ€ฆ
โ€œI didnโ€™t know it could rain like that here!โ€ You felt spooked as you clung to the much taller male. โ€œI just hope it doesnโ€™t start to thunder ei-โ€œ on cue lighting struck the bridge right infront of you.
โ€œLets find shelter then. Stay close to me. We donโ€™t want to get separated here of all places.โ€ His eyes scanning across the landscape. He spotted a cave and immediately pointed. โ€œThere. We should find some shelter there.โ€
You two quickly retreated into the cave, you silently thanked rex lapis that caves were abundant in this area.
โ€œLucky for us, there isnโ€™t anyone else here.โ€ He said as you two came in deeper. Finding it empty and relatively dry.
โ€œI-its a shame we canโ€™t make a fire. There isnโ€™t any wood in here..โ€ you lament. โ€œIโ€™m cold.โ€
โ€œThere seems to be a bit of a coal deposit here actually.โ€ He said, poking at what just looked like a splot on the wall. โ€œHere, Iโ€™ll retrieve it.โ€ Using his Geo abilities he was able to crack some out of the wall. Putting it in s pile as you watched with fascination.
โ€œYouโ€™re very well versed in rocks for a funeral director. Is it your geo vision or just your knowledge.โ€ You asked.
โ€œA mix of both, Iโ€™m quite well versed in the topic yes, but my vision does help.โ€ He said. โ€œNow we can use two rocks to make a spark.. we should be careful as coal leaves alot of smoke.โ€ You took two stones and rubbed them against each other, looking to make a spark. It worked and a small flame started to grow.
โ€œExcellent. Weโ€™ll stay here until the weather dies down.โ€ You said, instinctively sitting next to him, leaning on him. He seemed a bit surprised. โ€œO-oh sorry i didnโ€™t mean to-โ€œ
โ€œOh itโ€™s quite alright. It might help to cuddle for warmth. I hope you donโ€™t mind.โ€ He said politely.
โ€œI-i donโ€™t mind.โ€ You said. His hand wrapped around you, not too tight but not to loose either. It felt rather nice like this. Your cheeks were tinted with red as he pressed himself against you.
โ€œAre you comfortable right now?โ€ He asked. You nodded. Maybe you should consider traveling with him a little more.
Kaeya
โ€œYou do know youโ€™ll need more firewood than that.โ€ Kaeya teased as you attempted to start a fire. You sighed.
โ€œThen get some. Donโ€™t just sit here and look pretty.โ€ You grumbled as you rubbed the sticks together. He chuckled.
โ€œRight right. And it was you who insisted they didnโ€™t need a second jacket.โ€ He smiled, you wore his cloak as he had offered it earlier.
โ€œWell I didnโ€™t expect us to stay the night here.โ€
โ€œYou should know a trip to dragonspine isnโ€™t a one day venture. But with that out of the way, Iโ€™ll get some firewood.โ€ He said leaving briefly. Just as he left you got the fire going. You smiled.
โ€œSee! I told you i could- oh right.โ€ You said. Feeling his absence quickly. You huddled by the fire as you waited for him to come back.
It felt like he was gone forever when he finally came back. Arms full of firewood.
โ€œMiss me?โ€ He said as he noticed the frozen tears on your cheeks.
โ€œNo.. just come over hereโ€ฆ youโ€™re probably cold..โ€ you said. Patting the ground besides you.
โ€œOh now you want to cuddle.โ€ He smiled as he took your offer. Setting the firewood aside.
โ€œYou scared me you know..โ€ you said.
โ€œWell I just wanted to gather as much wood as possible. That way we can make it through the blizzard. These blizzards can last very long you know?โ€ He snickered as you jolted.
โ€œDonโ€™t scare me like that!โ€ You grumbled.
โ€œIโ€™m not trying to scare you. Just preparing you for the worst. Donโ€™t worry, we have plenty of rations. And this fire is quite strong. You did a good job.โ€ He smiled drawing his hand across your shoulder.
โ€œThanks..โ€you grumbled. You scooted closer to him as you felt a chill run down your spine. โ€œI canโ€™t wait to get out of here.โ€
โ€œYouโ€™re cute when youโ€™re grumpy like this. But you do realize we still havenโ€™t made it halfway to Albedoโ€™s office right?โ€ He said. You stared at him with a look of defeat.
โ€œUgh! Iโ€™m never going to make it!โ€ You whined.
โ€œOh youโ€™ll live.โ€ He chuckled. โ€œIโ€™m here afterall. Iโ€™ll drag you up that mountain if I have to.โ€
โ€œWellโ€ฆ I guess its good I have you then. Iโ€™d probably be dead by now if I went by myself.โ€
โ€œOh please, Jean would never send a new night here alone. But your gratitude is appreciated.โ€ He smiled.
327 notes ยท View notes
pruneunfair ยท 25 days ago
Text
If I were these villainesses lawyers and if I could convince court they are innocent. (The court in this case is the manhwa community so the guilty/innocent factor will be based on if I can convince the community they did nothing wrong)
Yvonne.
Tumblr media
I mean this one would be easy. She was body-napped by a Leila follower so all the crimes would be charged on the follower not Yvonne, and shes been trapped in a mirror anyway so the poor girl has been going through enough. She's got a solid case to prove her innocence.
Rashta
Tumblr media
Honestly with how much the fandom is growing to love her she's not as screwed as one might think. If anything she could have rights to sue the Rimwells for years of unpaid labor and wrongfully taking away her child. Still, murder and mutilation are crimes worthy of hating her, not to mention those who think stealing someone's man is somehow worse then that. The best I could give Rashta is probably 5 years with a chance of parole
Rhyse
Tumblr media
I feel like we would first have a guaranteed innocent verdict but then someone would reveal evidence that she's the author and we'd be done for ๐Ÿ˜ญ because that's essentially what happened to me when I read the newest chapters of NYTRS. Rhyse is probably gonna get sentenced to 30 years with no parole.
Isabella
Tumblr media
I'm gonna look her right in the eyes as I say "you are screwed." Because I don't know how I'm going to convince the community that a pure evil villainess who killed her sisters, one of which was a child, that she is a good person deep down. I can't even say she's a good villain cause that sure as hell isn't true. Sorry Isabella but your gonna get life with no parole.
Diane
Tumblr media
I think I could get her out.. maybe worst case scenario she gets 1-3 years since someone will probably point out she kidnapped and beat a maid for supposedly trying to seduce the Emperor. But she did kill said Emperor and redeemed herself plus she kinda drank poison and gave herself a death penalty already so I think she's already dealt her punishment.
Marianne
Tumblr media
Normally if we were going by actual morality Marianne would get the lethal injection, but since we are going by fandom laws which are all based on "love" for a character Marianne is probably gonna just get 10 years since she's so well beloved as a villain and character and then the public is gonna get pissed that she got it easy for her long list of charges.
Soleia
Tumblr media
Soleia is gonna be the reason the Salem witch trials come back in modern day BUT she has actual black magic so she'd probably never even show up to court but if she did best case scenario she can leave on bail since what she did was for revenge and the people she hurt were willing to drop the charges if she agreed to not relapse, the fandom likes her more then Yerenica so she's almost guaranteed an innocent verdict by fandom law.
Freya
Tumblr media
I could probably defend her for wanting to be with Izek so badly since she was trying to escape her toxic family but unfortunately 2/3 community despise her existence and would call for life in prison. If I reallly put in the effort Freya would get 10-15 years with a chance of parole.
Sumin
Tumblr media
I already know I'm gonna be stressing as her lawyer. She murdered her mother in-law and even before that she did that she was still mean to the FL and thats a cardinal sin in the manhwa world to be mean to the FL. She's got a backstory sure but it's extremely contrived and dumb and even if it wasn't she still had a multitude of other friends and help from others so there's really no excuse. I might love her craziness but I don't think I'm gonna talk her out of life in prison with no parole.
Cosette
Tumblr media
Another easy innocent. She is possessed by a demon who used her body to break havoc on the world so Cosette herself is in the clear and ready to go, and if we go by the novel, Cosette is dead.. gonna be real hard to charge a dead girl for Ragibachs crimes.
Mielle
Tumblr media
Definitely gonna fail her and at best she's gonna get 35 years for arranging Aria to be executed for basically no good reason, pushing her father down the stairs and in general being a horrible person with a superiority complex, not like she's even gonna see the light again after 35 years cause we all know Aria isn't gonna let that slide.
Dodolea
Tumblr media
I'm not even gonna try. I'm just gonna take the money and let herself get the electric chair cause even though I like white lotuses. Dodolea is the rare case where I actually hate a character and my only good thoughts about her is that she's a fantastic villainess.
75 notes ยท View notes
thankskenpenders ยท 1 year ago
Text
As I'm sure many of you are already aware, Did You Know Gaming (who have been doing some really great investigative work lately) recently put out a video on canceled Sonic games. The whole thing's worth a watch, but I have to bring it up here specifically because they talk about the plans for Sonic Chronicles 2 with a LOT of new info directly from the lead designer.
youtube
The section on how the story of Sonic Chronicles 2 would have went starts at 9:45. It's very interesting! He outlines the whole plot, including the fact that they were going to end with ANOTHER obvious plot hook for a sequel in the hopes that they or some other studio could keep the Sonic Chronicles series going indefinitely. Sonic Team even claimed they were interested in using Chronicles characters like Shade in other games. It's crazy to imagine a timeline where this might have become a pillar of the franchise.
I refuse to mourn the loss of the sequel, though, because y'all saw me stream the original. It was miserable. And with the original game selling and reviewing decently well, they would have had little reason to go back to the drawing board and overhaul that game's bizarrely hateful design.
Of course, DYKG also had to talk about the reason why the game was canceled. I was dreading this because of how often people tend to get the basic facts of the Penders cases wrong or downplay the obvious Archie Knuckles inspiration in Chronicles. But no, they did their homework! And they got the details right in part because, well... they asked Penders for comment directly. And he sent them back a MASSIVE wall of text about the whole ordeal, including some fascinating details that I don't believe I've heard before!
You can go to 15:19 in the video and scrub through to read the many, MANY screencaps of their emails from Ken, but here are the most interesting and/or hilarious tidbits to me:
#1: Perjury!
As we already knew, Ken claimed that the incomplete, photocopied contract Archie presented in court was a forgery, and that he had never signed a work for hire contract.
The judge obviously knew that one side had to be lying here, and thus was more than willing to present the case to a jury to let them decide the truth... and send whoever was deemed the liar to jail for perjury. (The judge apparently looked Ken directly in the eye when he said this, which... well, make of that what you will.)
Archie's lawyers knew that they didn't have a completely airtight case and obviously did not want to go to jail. So they decided to settle instead of going to trial in front of a jury.
(I will reiterate that Archie's arguments not working out is overall a GOOD thing, because we really do not want to set a legal precedent where corporations can "lose" a contract for a creator, make up a story about what was on the contract, and then have that hold up in court. They gotta get that shit in writing. And they didn't. They fucked up!)
#2: Sega was threatening to revoke the Sonic license!
As we knew, Sega wanted nothing to do with the comic copyright lawsuit. To them, it was Archie's job as licensee to deal with their freelancers. (Y'all watch Succession? You know how Logan loves lackeys who will eat shit for him without him having to even hear about the problem? Yeah.) And, in fact, according to Ken, Sega gave Archie an ultimatum: if they wanted their license to make Sonic comics renewed, they were gonna have to deal with Ken on their own, and cover all the costs.
Yeah, uh, this kinda makes me think that Sega being pissed about the ongoing Scott Fulop copyright case in 2016 may have been a bigger factor in Archie Sonic's cancellation than I previously thought. There was a lot going on at the time that could have contributed, but, y'know.
Anyway, Archie sued Ken for "damaging their business" largely because Sega was threatening to take away the Sonic IP. But because Archie couldn't ask Sega for help and they couldn't produce an original contract, they had to settle.
There's another detail I find funny here, though. Ken WANTED Sega to get involved in the comic copyright case, thinking that Sega would strongarm Archie into paying him the millions of dollars he wanted for "using his work without permission" so that they could be done with it. I mean, sure. I guess Sega wouldn't have cared about Archie's finances, but still. I'm not so sure that would've worked out for him.
#3: Shade!
Yes, Penders still claims he legally owns Shade, and under advice from his lawyer still intends to put out an NFT of her to put his claim to the test. Yes, it's incredible that he still hasn't put out the damn NFT. It only needs to be one image, which he already drew! The market has collapsed!
Anyway, building an argument off the legal concept of estoppel, he says that if Sega continues to not do anything about his claims that he owns Shade then, in the eyes of the court, they'll be forfeiting their claims to Shade altogether. But they aren't going to do anything because they never wanted any part in the copyright battles in the first place, and to them Chronicles is a long dead asset not worth fighting over. Why bother trying to use Shade again and giving Ken a reason to take them back to court when they can just move on? It's not like this franchise is short on characters. And so Ken can say that Shade and Julie-Su are literally the same character, and if he owns Julie-Su then therefore he also owns Shade.
Our copyright system is, indeed, a nightmare. Chronicles should have been halfway to the public domain by now.
#4: Sega's oversight on the Archie comics!
Ken says that in his first year on the series Sega only requested some dialogue changes here and there through the editor. They never requested huge script changes, and also never spoke to Ken directly. After that first year, they stopped asking for dialogue changes altogether, and Ken "had a free hand to do pretty much whatever he wanted." Yeah, no surprise there.
He does, however, say that Archie's original deal with Sega stated that they weren't allowed to create ANY new Sonic characters without informing Sega. They would've needed to make a contract every single time to get Sega's approval and make it absolutely crystal clear that Sega owned the whole cast. And then Archie just... didn't do that! And didn't tell any of the freelance creatives not to come up with new characters! Had Archie followed this rule, the trajectory of the comics would have been completely different, but there also never would've been a copyright battle in the first place.
What a shitshow. Truly.
774 notes ยท View notes
justlemmeadoreyou ยท 9 months ago
Text
Hopelessly Devoted to You-Part 2
Summary: Y/n agrees to Harry's offer; a flashback from the camp.
Words: 1.9k
Warnings: Mentions of abuse, a LOT of cute shit in the end (harry with kids :(((( (my weakness))
(previous part here) | (series masterlist) | (main masterlist)
Tumblr media
Harry wasnโ€™t this much of a hopeless romantic he is now, over Y/n. Sure, he had had his fair share of heartbreaks in the past, but that didnโ€™t stop him from loving unconditionally.
So, when he found out about Y/n, it made his heart ache. He didnโ€™t know if she wanted her as her lawyer, or just wanted to talk to him about it as a friend
Either way, he was happy to help.
There was a call from his secretary, Anna, when he was going through a document.
โ€œYes?โ€
โ€œMrs. Clark is here to see youโ€ she said through the phone.
โ€œMrs. Clark? Oh, Y/n? Yeah, send her inโ€
He would never get used to her carrying the name of her douchebag husband.ย 
She knocked the door softly, even though he had already allowed her to come in.
โ€œCome inโ€
She unlocked the door, a smile on her face as she let herself in, closing it behind her.
โ€œHiโ€ she greeted him, coming and sitting on the chair in front of his desk.
โ€œHi, how have you been?โ€ he asked.
โ€œIโ€™m alright. I-I thought aboutโ€“the offer you gave me the other dayโ€
โ€œOh yeah? What did you decide?โ€ย 
โ€œIโ€™llโ€“Iโ€™ll take it, yeah. I just want this all to be over as soon as possibleโ€
His smile faded away. Did something bad happen? Because if it did, God forbid he would go to her house right now and beat him up.ย 
โ€œDid-did something happen, Y/n? You know you can tell me, right? Iโ€™m here for youโ€
She smiled again, shaking her head in no, โ€œNoโ€“nothing bad happenedโ€“itโ€™s justโ€“he kind of got suspicious that dayโ€“after I went home, he kept asking me where I had gone and what I doโ€
โ€œOhโ€“what did you tell him?โ€
โ€œI told him it was lunch with a friend. He asked me who it was, and I told him it was Graceโ€“she is a friend of mine. He called her and she said that I was with her the whole afternoon, sheโ€™s super sweet, and saved me.โ€
He sighed in relief, thankful that he hadnโ€™t hurt her.
โ€œHeโ€™s such a bastardโ€“itโ€™s like he feels that he owns you or somethingโ€ he huffed.
โ€œI know! Thatโ€™s whyโ€“I want you to be my lawyerโ€
He grinned wide, a victory for his heart as he shook her hand.
โ€œIโ€™m so happy, Y/n. And I want you to know that you donโ€™t have to worry about the money, alright? You donโ€™t have to pay me at allโ€
Her eyes widened. Why was he doing this for free? She knew this was going to be a long trial, because he wonโ€™t let go that easily. Plus, she would have to fight for Ellieโ€™s custody too.
โ€œButโ€“Mr.Stylesโ€“I canโ€™t take it. Itโ€™s a super generous offer, but I really canโ€™t.โ€
Of course she wonโ€™t. Heโ€™ll just have to make her take it, then.
โ€œY/nโ€“okay, tell me, how will you pay me, then?โ€
Her shoulders slumped, mouth quirking in a pout, that he wanted to kiss. But he pushed that thought to the back of his mind, where numerous others were locked in.
โ€œI have my savingsโ€“since the abuse started, I started to save money for myself, and Ellieโ€™s education-in case I ever needed to leave him, or he left me for someone elseโ€
If anyone leaves her, her, for someone else, he has to be the biggest moron on the planet.
โ€œY/n, you know I wonโ€™t let you do that. You are leaving Elliot, and youโ€™ll need it after you move out of his houseโ€
โ€œButโ€“butโ€“โ€
โ€œNo butโ€™s. Please. I insistโ€
She sighed, licking her lips as she reluctantly agreed. She began to think, lost in thought as he began to scribble something on the notepad nearby.
โ€œOh-what if I get a job till then? Then youโ€™ll let me pay you, right? Because then money would be coming in and savings wonโ€™t be an issueโ€“โ€
โ€œWeโ€™ll see about thatโ€
He dismissed. He wasnโ€™t going to let her pay him even a penny.ย 
. ย  . ย  .
โ€œSo, youโ€™re a lawyer?โ€
Y/n asked him.
They were sat by the bonfire. After a long, long day of kids screaming, playing around, crying for their parents, lots of first aid kits because they kept falling off the trampolineโ€“all of them had a moment of rest.
A bonfire was lit, after the kids were put to sleep. Everyone had found someone they could talk toโ€“just like Y/n and Harry found each other.
They were sat side by side on the mat, a cup of tea in their hands as they talked and laughed with no care in the world.
โ€œYeah. Family lawyer. If you ever need help, you can come to me, Iโ€™ll help youโ€“no money in exchangeโ€
She had giggled softly back then, but that offer was her lifeline today.
โ€œAlright. Notedโ€ she smiled, taking a sip off her cup.โ€
โ€œWhat about you? Your husbandโ€“he works in accounts?โ€
Her smile slipped away at the mention of him, and Harry took a mental note to not bring him up again. She was hoping he would do that too.
โ€œYeah, heโ€™s an accountantโ€
โ€œThatโ€™s good.
They fell into silence after that, the sounds in the background only being the sounds of crackling fire and then suddenly, there was a cheer. They looked up to see someone had gotten a guitar, and began to play a song. It was difficult to identify which one it was from just the guitar tune, but Harry knew.
"Horse with No Name," Harry said, a nostalgic smile tugging at the corners of his lips.ย 
Y/n's eyes widened in surprise. "You play guitar?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Harry nodded, a hint of bashfulness in his expression. "Yeah, I used to play quite a bit back in college. It's been a while, though."
Encouraged by his confession, Y/n urged him, "Well, why don't you play something for us now? I'd love to hear."
Harry hesitated for a moment, but the warm glow of the fire and Y/n's encouraging smile emboldened him. With a nod, he took the guitar from the musician and began to strum a gentle melody.
As the soothing notes filled the air, Y/n felt herself relax, the tension of the day melting away. Harry's fingers danced across the strings with practiced ease, and soon, the melody took on a life of its own.
Lost in the music, Y/n closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the melody. For a brief moment, there was nothing else in the world except the sound of Harry's guitar and the crackling of the fire.
When the song came to an end, there was a moment of silence before applause erupted from the small crowd gathered around the bonfire. Y/n opened her eyes to see Harry smiling at her, a twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered, her heart full with the beauty of the moment.
Harry returned her smile, his own heart lightened by the connection they had shared. "Anytime," he replied, his voice soft with sincerity.ย 
โ€œSo, when did you decide to become a lawyer?โ€ she asked, wanting to talk to him more. The camp was only a week, and that was a small amount of time for her to get to know this gentleman who found her interesting.
"Well, ever since I was a child, I've had this innate sense of justice. I couldn't stand seeing people treated unfairly, and I knew I wanted to make a difference." Harry replied.
Y/n nodded, impressed. "That's admirable. Not everyone has the courage to pursue their passions."
She knew she was talking about herself.
Harry smiled gratefully. "Thank you. It hasn't always been easy, but knowing that I can help people in their time of need makes it all worthwhile.โ€
He noted how she had said โ€œnot everyoneโ€ and he suspected she was talking about herself.
โ€œAndโ€“I donโ€™t mean to intrude, but I think when you said, โ€œnot everyoneโ€, you meant yourself?โ€ he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders, gulping down as she replied, โ€œYeah, Iโ€“I wanted to be a teacher. Iโ€™ve always loved children, and it was my dream to get a job at a primary school and teach and take care of little children.
Harry smiled. She was so innocent, so pure. But she had seen more than he ever did.
โ€œSo, why did you quit?โ€
Her smile faded away again, โ€œIt was mostly me, but I got married young, you knowโ€“I fell in love with him in high school, and I was just a young, naive, innocent girl who did not know betterโ€
He nodded, listening intendedly as she talked about it.
โ€œSoโ€“I got married, and then pregnant, and all of that faded away. Like, I completed school and my degreeโ€“that was when I got pregnant so I never really had a chance to complete my masters degree or look for a job. And then Ellie was a premature baby, so Elliot suggested that I stay at home.โ€
It was so easy to talk to him. Even though they had met today, the way he was able to get her to talk so muchโ€“open up about her past, and talk about stuff she never had with anyoneโ€“was magic.
โ€œSo, would you work if you got the chance to?โ€ he asked. If she was his wife, he would never have gotten her pregnant if she didnโ€™t want to, and he wouldโ€™ve made her complete her masters, and get a Phd, even, because she was just that smart.ย 
โ€œI meanโ€“yeah sure, I would. But I would need a masters degree to work in a decent school, and the opportunities are already so low. So, itโ€™s a lost causeโ€
Harry immediately protested, โ€œHey, donโ€™t say that. No, itโ€™s not a lost cause. If you want to, you can still get your degree, and then work. Youโ€™re young tooโ€
She blushed at that. It had been a while since she had heard that.
. ย  . ย  .
The next morning, Y/n took Ellie to meet Harry.
โ€œHoney, this is Harryโ€“heโ€™s mommyโ€™s new friendโ€ย 
She introduced him, and he smiled so big, his dimples and bunny teeth were on display.
โ€œOh god, who is this pretty little girl?โ€ he exclaimed, and she giggled, already looking up at him with adoration.
โ€œHi Harry, Iโ€™m Ellie. But my mom calls me cupcakeโ€
He giggled again, crouching down on his knees, taking her tiny hands in his.
โ€œSo, what can I call you, Miss.Cupcake?โ€
She giggled again, and seeing the way Harry was with kids, made Y/nโ€™s heart swell.
โ€œYou can call me cupcake tooโ€ she replied, and he reached into his pockets, pulling out a candy, โ€œHere, take thisโ€ he gave it to her, and she smiled.
โ€œNext time, Iโ€™ll have a cupcake for youโ€
โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก~~~โ™ก
tell me if you like this! please reblog or comment if you like, it makes my heart happy :)
feedback
taglist: @freedomfireflies @gurugirl @thechaoticjoy @styleslover-1994 @gem1712 @ellaorchard @bxbyysstuff @opheliaofficial07 @rafaaoli @tchlamqtsgf @the-mouse27 @indierockgirrl @vrittivsanghavi @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @drewrry @babyiamperfectforyou @me-undiscovered @tbsloneely @whoreonmondays @kathb59 @avalentina @kittenhere @speedywritingharrystylesjudge @mypolicemanharryyy @theendx888 @ladscarlett @daphnesutton @youcan-nolonger-run @prettythingsworldย  @chesthairrry ย  @becauseheartsgetbroken-hs ย  @hisparentsgallerryy ย  @storyschangingย  @selluequestrian ย  @islakp217 @swiftmendeshoran @princessaxoxo @tenaciousperfectionunknown @hermoinelove
157 notes ยท View notes
fortuositywritings ยท 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
Never Gonna Happen Masterlist
Summary: The way to get over someone is by finding someone new, at least thatโ€™s your friends say. You follow their advice rather reluctantly.ย 
โ€œGo talk to her.โ€ Jennifer nudges you a little too hard. You nearly fall off the stool youโ€™re sitting on.
Youโ€™ve accompanied her and her friend/coworker Nikki to a night out in the city and wound up at a fancy bar. For the past five minutes, theyโ€™ve been trying to get you to go talk to the blonde woman that hasnโ€™t taken her eyes off you since you walked in.ย 
โ€œI donโ€™t know,โ€ you say hesitantly. โ€œI havenโ€™t asked anyone that wasnโ€™t Wanda out in the longest time.โ€
โ€œDamn it,โ€ Nikki mutters, taking her purse out and fishing for some money while Jen laughs triumphantly.ย 
You watch confused as Nikki hands Jen a ten dollar bill and Jen says, โ€œAnd I still had fifteen minutes left.โ€
โ€œFifteen minutes left for what?โ€ you ask.
โ€œFor you to bring up Wanda,โ€ Nikki explains, making you gasp in return. โ€œI do not talk about her that much do I?โ€
โ€œEnough for me to make ten bucks out of it,โ€ Jen answers, waving her prize in front of your face. You smack her hand away. โ€œOh, donโ€™t pout. I think itโ€™s adorable how in love with her you are.โ€
โ€œI am not in love with her,โ€ you lie.
โ€œOkay, prove it. Go over there and ask that blonde out,โ€ Jen challenges.ย 
โ€œLike I said, Iโ€™m rusty,โ€ you claim.ย 
โ€œWhat better way to get back out there than walking over and chatting her up? This could be your trial run,โ€ encourages Nikki.ย 
โ€œI donโ€™t know. I think I should start safer. What about you, Nikki?โ€
โ€œWhat about me?โ€
โ€œYou like women, right? So how about you be my first date?โ€
โ€œWeโ€™ve got a nice thing going here. Letโ€™s not ruin that, Y/N,โ€ Nikki says, patting your shoulder.
โ€œBoom! First rejection right there. The rest comes easier,โ€ Jen interjects.ย 
โ€œFine,โ€ you groan and reluctantly stand up. You down one of the shots on the table before making your way over to the blonde. Your friends cheering you on can be heard faintly.ย 
โ€œHow bad do you think thatโ€™s gonna go?โ€ Nikki asks Jen as they watch you introduce yourself to the blonde.ย 
โ€œOh so bad,โ€ Jen responds. โ€œBut this will be good for her. If we get her asking a few girls every time we go out, someone is bound to say yes.โ€
โ€œOh, weโ€™re thinking like men now, are we? Where is the confidence for our new friend? Sheโ€™s cute! Sheโ€™ll get plenty of yeses.โ€ย 
โ€œThen why didnโ€™t you say yes?โ€ Jen counters with a knowing smirk.
โ€œCause you and I both know she is still way into Wanda and the last thing I am gonna be is one of those insecure women who compare themselves to another girl throughout the whole dating period. Nuh-uh. Thatโ€™s not for me, honey,โ€ Nikki explains and then takes a sip of her drink.ย 
โ€œExactly. Girls can spot a lovesick puppy from a mile away, which is why Y/N is coming back right now with that face like sheโ€™s been rejected as I predicted.โ€ Jen looks in your direction and sure enough Nikki sees you walking back with a small frown on your face.
โ€œItโ€™s okay. It takes some practice, buddy,โ€ Jen coos.ย 
Nikki is about to sympathize until she sees the napkin in your pocket and pulls it out. She praises, โ€œBut not for Y/N! Holy shit, you got her number and on a napkin? Talk about moves.โ€ Jen doesnโ€™t quite believe her until Nikki hands the napkin over.ย 
โ€œWho even carries a pen around?โ€
โ€œDonโ€™t you have one in your bag?โ€ you remind her.ย 
โ€œYeah, but Iโ€™m a lawyer. It would be weird if I didnโ€™t,โ€ Jen jokes. She reads the name on the napkin. โ€œSo, are you gonna call Trish?โ€
โ€œI donโ€™t know.โ€ You shrug. โ€œShe seems nice enough, but I donโ€™t know if I am ready to date yet.โ€ย 
โ€œThatโ€™s all right. This was a good step to moving on,โ€ Jennifer declares.
Nikki readily agrees, โ€œA great step!โ€
Jennifer lifts her drink up to you two and cheers, โ€œTo moving on!โ€
You reluctantly join, clinking your drink to theirs.ย 
You wake the next day to a rap on your door, initiating an equally heavy pounding in your head. Not even Wandaโ€™s sweet voice on the other side calling your name can soothe the ache. โ€œY/N, are you there? We have to head out in ten minutes.โ€
Shit. You have a mission today.ย 
Wanda hears shuffling on the other side of the door, then a thud and a groan. โ€œAre you okay?โ€
โ€œYeah, yeah. Iโ€™m good. Iโ€™ll be right out,โ€ you reply in embarrassment, internally thanking the lord Wanda didnโ€™t see you trip putting on pants. Despite the slight mishap, you think you set a personal best getting ready whilst hungover.ย 
โ€œMorning, Wanda,โ€ you greet her when you open your door and see her leaning against the wall seemingly waiting for you. Your raspy morning voice interrupts her reviewing key notes for the mission on her phone. Sheโ€™s about to greet you back but the sunglasses on your face distract her. She narrows her eyes at you.
โ€œAre you hungover right now?โ€ she accuses.ย 
โ€œNo,โ€ you lie, before closing your door comically softly giving you away. She scoffs, โ€œUnbelievable. Letโ€™s go. Bucky is waiting for us.โ€
She walks ahead of you annoyed. She walks rather quickly too as you follow behind her. She has to be doing it on purpose. Anytime you are close to falling into step with her, she picks up her speed. If the car was any farther, you think you and Wanda would have ended up jogging. Luckily, Bucky has pulled the car up front.ย 
Wanda and you wordlessly get into the vehicle, she taking the passenger seat and you making your way into the back seats. You close your door gently. Wanda in turn practically slams hers shut, causing you to grab your head and groan. Wanda wouldnโ€™t say she takes pleasure in causing people pain, but in this rare instance it does satisfy her a bit.ย 
โ€œSomeone had a good time last night. I donโ€™t think I have to ask who you were with yesterday,โ€ he teases you as you stretch out in the back seat throwing an arm over your face in order to block out the sun after tossing your sunglasses. He gets a grunt in response.ย 
โ€œHere, this should make you feel better,โ€ he says. You look over to see him handing you a water bottle and some painkillers he apparently stashed in the car. You sit back up, taking the items gratefully.ย 
โ€œYouโ€™re a godsend,โ€ you dramatically thank him and lean over the console to give him a hard kiss on the cheek. Wanda watches beside you two, her stomach twisting uncomfortably. She determines the feeling must be disappointment in herself for not being a good friend like Bucky. Had she helped you soothe your ache instead of making it worse, maybe she would be the one whose cheek youโ€™re kissing.
Nope. Not the point, Wanda, she tells herself. The point is to be a good friend. Bucky shrugs it off and turns on the car. โ€œYeah, yeah. Put your seatbelt on.โ€
โ€œYes, sir,โ€ you reply jokingly, but do as he says. โ€œThatโ€™s the last time I'll try keeping up with Jenโ€™s drinking,โ€ you declare, and suddenly Wandaโ€™s thoughts about being a better friend fly out the car window and she holds herself back from turning on the radio at full volume.ย 
You open the water bottle, taking the pills. You go through the water rather fast. Bucky notices and warns you to slow down. โ€œWeโ€™re cutting it close as it is, so no bathroom breaks.โ€ย 
Youโ€™ve practically chugged the whole bottle already. โ€œI can hold it.โ€
โ€œYou wouldnโ€™t have to had you woken up on time,โ€ Wanda points out.
โ€œI thought I had set my alarms last night, but I guess I forgot,โ€ you replied.
โ€œForgets to set her alarms, but not to get drunk the night before a mission,โ€ she mutters not so under her breath. She doesnโ€™t even know why she is so upset with you.
โ€œWhy are you mad at me?โ€ you ask. Obviously you could feel it, but you sincerely donโ€™t know what you did to upset her. You and Wanda both laughed when Clint showed up to work once hungover. You figured it would be Bucky who would give you an earful about it, not Wanda. Bucky doesnโ€™t say anything, instead focuses on getting you to your destination.
โ€œIโ€™m not mad,โ€ Wanda lies.
โ€œYou look mad,โ€ you reply.ย 
โ€œIโ€™m not mad,โ€ she repeats, getting annoyed.
โ€œYou sound mad.โ€
โ€œIโ€™m not mad!โ€ she yells.
You wince at the loudness. Bucky gives Wanda the side eye, clearly not believing her. You back off, โ€œOkay, youโ€™re not mad.โ€
The rest of the car ride is quiet, but it gives you time to get your head in the game. You have a job to do. Whatever is going on with Wanda can wait. Bucky parks the car across the building where your person of interest plans on meeting someone your team had apprehended four days ago.
โ€œThere. The black Maserati,โ€ Bucky announces when he spots who youโ€™ve been waiting for. The three of you wait for the sedan to make its way inside the parking structure before getting out of the car to follow.ย 
โ€œYou two up front. Iโ€™ll go around back in case he tries to run,โ€ Bucky orders. You and Wanda nod before heading into the structure to find the Maserati. You catch your target right as he is walking away from his vehicle.ย 
โ€œWow, is that your car, Mr.?โ€ you ask over-enthusiastically to the guy dressed in a suit and tie.ย 
The man looks up at you two realizing you are speaking to him. He gives you and Wanda a once over before smiling to himself and replying rather smugly, โ€œYes, it is. You girls like cars?โ€
You bite your lip to hold back your laughter when Wanda grimaces after he calls you two โ€œgirlsโ€. You reply to him, โ€œI sure like yours.โ€
โ€œIf youโ€™re a fan of this one, you should see the one I have at home,โ€ he boasts and throws a wink at you in good measure. Wanda rolls her eyes, quickly getting annoyed with the guy and with you. Could you hurry the chit chat so she can do what she came here to do and not have to watch the guy youโ€™re supposed to take down flirt with you?
โ€œWow, you have two of these?โ€ You ask and your target is eating this up thinking youโ€™re really impressed. You turn your head to tell Wanda, โ€œMaybe we should get into dealing alien weaponry illegally. Seems to pay better.โ€
His smirk turns into a frown and he takes a step away from the two of you. โ€œWho are you?โ€
โ€œIโ€™m Y/N and this is Wanda. Weโ€™re going to ask you kindly to come with us for questioning,โ€ you answer. He panics, you see it in his eyes, the way they drift between you and the nearest exit. Wanda notices this too. She warns him, โ€œDonโ€™t run.โ€
He doesnโ€™t run straight away, youโ€™ll give him that. No, he decides to pull a gun out first and shoot Wandaโ€™s way first before making a break for it. Luckily you saw this coming the moment he reached under his jacket, so you pull Wanda safely behind a car in time for the bullet to miss.ย 
You make sure your body cushions Wandaโ€™s from hitting the hard ground and yet what hurts more is her elbow hitting your rib when she lands on top of you. More shots ring so you and Wanda stay where you are. He was running towards Buckyโ€™s way anyhow.ย 
You hear the clattering of a gun hitting the floor and a few groans, all signs that Bucky is kicking his ass right now.ย 
โ€œThat was close. Thank you,โ€ Wanda says.ย 
โ€œWill you forgive me now for whatever I did to make you upset?โ€ you ask sincerely.
โ€œI wasnโ€™t mad,โ€ she insists with a roll of her eyes and then more quietly adds, โ€œBut yes, youโ€™re forgiven.โ€
You laugh at her response and she smiles back. Your hands grasp her waist, giving her tummy a warm feeling. You couldnโ€™t pull her any closer if you tried. Gravity is already doing its thing keeping her body flush against yours. โ€œWanda?โ€
โ€œYeah?โ€ she replies. Her eyes drop to your lips and she nervously gulps. Right when she thinks of finally breaking the tension and leaning in, you tell her, โ€œI think itโ€™s safe for us to get up now.โ€
Realization that you were trying to push her up and not keep her against you dawns on her and embarrassment ensues. โ€œOh, sorry,โ€ she squeaks, cheeks tinged red. She gets up off of you at the speed of a bottle rocket.ย 
โ€œYouโ€™re fine,โ€ you assure her. You wish you could say the same for yourself.ย 
โ€œYeah, donโ€™t worry, ladies. Take your time. I got this,โ€ Bucky interrupts sarcastically as he passes by you two carrying the unconscious culprit over his shoulder.
โ€œDo you think heโ€™ll let us stop by McDonaldโ€™s?โ€ you ask Wanda as you both follow Bucky back to the car.ย 
โ€œNo,โ€ Bucky answers, having heard you. Wanda giggles while you argue, โ€œWe donโ€™t have to stop. They have drive-throughs, you know?โ€ You smile when she gives a full loud laugh after you say, โ€œIt doesnโ€™t have to be McDonaldโ€™s.โ€
*****
โ€œHave you texted her yet?โ€ Nikki asks while stabbing her salad. She and Jen invited you to lunch a few days later.ย 
โ€œTexted who?โ€ you ask.
โ€œWho do you think? The woman from the bar!โ€ Nikki reminds you. The way you scrunch your face gives her your answer.
โ€œThatโ€™s a no,โ€ Jen jokes.ย 
โ€œI totally forgot. Iโ€™ve been busy.โ€ Itโ€™s a lame excuse. You havenโ€™t been doing anything of importance at all after that small mission with Bucky and Wanda. Jennifer and Nikki know this too.
โ€œYeah, busy getting sucked right back into Wanda,โ€ Jen comments with a laugh, but you know she means it and it annoys you that Nikki agrees.
โ€œI am not,โ€ you deny.
โ€œRemind me, Jennifer. Where did Y/N say she went on Sunday?โ€ Nikki begins with faux forgetfulness. Jen plays along.ย 
โ€œThe farmerโ€™s market with Wanda.โ€
โ€œShe asked me if I had any plans and I didnโ€™t so she invited me to go with her and I couldnโ€™t say no right after I just told her I wasnโ€™t doing anything,โ€ you defend yourself.
โ€œWhat about the trip to Target on Monday?โ€ Jen adds.
โ€œShe was buying a bookcase and wanted a second opinion,โ€ you answer with a shrug.ย 
โ€œOpinion on what? There are like three choices.โ€ Nikki has a point there.
โ€œI donโ€™t know. I guess sheโ€™s indecisive,โ€ you reply and Nikki mumbles, โ€œSure seems like it.โ€
โ€œCan we change the subject, please?โ€ you ask, no longer feeling like being attacked by your friends.
Jen appeases you. โ€œFine, fine. What were you doing earlier that you were running late?โ€ย 
You mumble something they donโ€™t catch, but they already have a feeling what it might be.ย 
โ€œSorry, I couldnโ€™t hear that with your head hung down shamefully. What did you say?โ€ Nikki teases you.
โ€œI said I was putting a bookcase together,โ€ you repeat, rolling your eyes when they both laugh. โ€œWell it wasnโ€™t going to build itself!โ€
โ€œDoesnโ€™t Wanda have telekinesis or something? She doesnโ€™t even have to lift a finger to build it,โ€ Jen tells you.
Nikki jokes, โ€œBet she doesnโ€™t have to lift a finger when Y/Nโ€™s around.โ€
โ€œY/N, how are you supposed to get over Wanda if you are always around offering her your time and services?โ€
โ€œI canโ€™t just start ignoring her. I tried it before and it was just mean. Sheโ€™s my friend,โ€ you remind them.
โ€œA friend you have feelings for,โ€ Jennifer returns with a serious disposition. โ€œLook, weโ€™re just trying to look out for you as your friends. And if Wanda is your friend like you say, sheโ€™ll understand if you need some space to get over your feelings for her.โ€
Yeah, thatโ€™s a conversation you donโ€™t want to have. โ€œThatโ€™s definitely an idea.โ€
โ€œOr,โ€ Nikki gives you a second option, โ€œyou can move on like originally planned and actually stay busy seeing someone else. Text the woman from the bar right now. Ask her out!โ€
You prefer Nikkiโ€™s idea. Youโ€™ll go with that one. Before lunch is over, you text Trish and by the end of the night you have a date to plan.
You freak out about what to do for a first date so you search online and the one that speaks to you is a picnic. You know that Trish is easily recognizable after sheโ€™s told you she is a radio host and you saw her face on the side of a bus so a picnic in the park would not be the best idea. Maybe you could set up on the roof. You wonder if thatโ€™s a good idea or if sheโ€™ll hate it. Self conscious about it, you ask your teammates what they think while you are in the gym with Steve and Sam.ย 
โ€œIs a picnic on the rooftop for a first date too much? Or what do you guys think?โ€ You drop your weights to look at the men. Only Steve bothers to look your way.
โ€œI think itโ€™s a waste of time and energy if sheโ€™s just gonna say no,โ€ Sam replies, continuing to punch the bag Steve is holding still for him.ย 
โ€œBut she already said yes,โ€ you say. That gets Sam to stop his punches. He and Steve look at you surprised. You wonder why they look so shocked.
โ€œWanda said yes?โ€ Steve asks. Oh.ย 
โ€œNo, not Wanda. Someone else,โ€ you sigh.ย 
โ€œTsk, man, you got me excited for nothing.โ€ Sam goes back to working the punching bag. Steve though carries on the conversation. โ€œWho is it? Do we know them?โ€
โ€œMaybe,โ€ you answer with a shrug. โ€œSheโ€™s a radio host. Her name is Trish Walker.โ€
โ€œNo way.โ€ Sam stops again. โ€œYouโ€™re going on a date with Trish Walker. The Trish Walker.โ€
โ€œWhoโ€™s Trish Walker?โ€ Steve speaks up.
โ€œSheโ€™s Patsy from โ€˜Itโ€™s Patsyโ€™!โ€ย 
โ€œPatsy?โ€ Steve looks at you in confusion but you canโ€™t explain this to him because truth be told you donโ€™t know what Sam is talking about either.ย 
โ€œHow do you not know- oh yeah,โ€ Sam interrupts himself. โ€œI forget youโ€™re both a different generation. It was a tv show and she starred in it. I had a huge crush on her when I was younger. And youโ€™re going out with her?โ€ย 
You nod in response, making Sam shake his head. โ€œThatโ€™s foul. You would do that to me, your friend?โ€
You roll your eyes at his dramatics. โ€œYou havenโ€™t answered my question, friend. Is a picnic a good first date?โ€
โ€œI think itโ€™s romantic. I think she will appreciate the effort and thought you put into it,โ€ Steve pipes up. His comment makes you feel better about it. That is until Sam speaks.ย 
โ€œItโ€™s corny is what it is. You have to do something fun and interesting. No restaurant, no picnic. It has to be something sheโ€™ll definitely remember. Take her scuba diving,โ€ Sam suggests.
You look to Steve for his thoughts on this. He is shaking his head and immediately saying, โ€œDonโ€™t take her scuba diving.โ€
You leave the gym still thinking over the picnic idea but definitely not considering scuba diving as a substitute for a good first date. You donโ€™t notice Wanda or the way her eyes linger over your body as you walk down the hallway heading toward your room for a shower until sheโ€™s two feet away.ย 
โ€œOh, hey, Wanda,โ€ you greet her with a smile. Her head snaps up and she smiles back with pink cheeks, praying you didnโ€™t catch her checking you out. You didnโ€™t. Instead youโ€™re thinking Wanda is a girl. Her opinion over the first date matter would be valuable, so you ask her next, โ€œWhat do you think about a picnic on the rooftop as a first date?โ€
Wanda was not at all expecting those to be the next words out of your mouth. Itโ€™s been so long since youโ€™ve asked her out and she can freely admit to herself anyway that she missed it.ย 
โ€œYouโ€™re asking me?โ€ Wanda double checks that this is actually happening. You look around the hallway confused. Of course youโ€™re asking her. Thereโ€™s no one else here. You nod and she asks furthermore, โ€œFor a first date?โ€
โ€œYeah, or is that too much?โ€ You look so unsure. This is different than all the other times youโ€™ve asked her out. You would be so confident in your delivery. This is something new. Wanda thinks itโ€™s kind of cute.ย 
You take Wandaโ€™s quietness as an answer. โ€œItโ€™s too much isnโ€™t it? I knew it. Damn it.โ€
You sigh. Back to the drawing board you guess. Scuba diving isnโ€™t sounding so bad anymore. Wanda pulls you back from getting too far into your brain. โ€œWait, Y/N. No,โ€ she starts. Is she really about to do this? Is she about to agree to go on a date with you after having said no a hundred times?ย 
โ€œI-โ€ she hesitates. What if the date goes wrong? What if it ruins what you have now? This past week she realized just how much she enjoys your company, how comfortable she is when itโ€™s just the two of you. What if it becomes awkward?
โ€œYou?โ€ Your sweet eyes look at her, asking her to finish her thought.
What if the date goes really well? Then there is a second and a third and then youโ€™re dating and youโ€™re wrapping your arm around her and watching tv together and calling her beautiful. Okay, so not so different from what youโ€™ve done before but with dating you would kiss her whenever you wanted and youโ€™d smile when she kisses you back and... that actually doesnโ€™t sound so bad.ย 
Oh what the hell. Itโ€™s one date.ย 
โ€œA picnic on the rooftop sounds perfect.โ€
You smile in relief. No scuba diving for you. โ€œReally?โ€
โ€œYes. When were you thinking?โ€ Wanda asks.
โ€œOh um. Weโ€™re both free tomorrow, so I was thinking like five-ish cause the sun is supposed to set around six and the view looks awesome from the roof.โ€
She looks at you surprised. โ€œYou really thought it through.โ€
โ€œYeah.โ€ You donโ€™t give her much more than that because it would be embarrassing to admit that originally you had planned a date like that for you and Wanda. You would have had Wandaโ€™s favorite food from her favorite places in the city and have had a cute set up you pictured in your head. But itโ€™s fine. Hopefully Trish enjoys it. You clear your throat. โ€œOkay, well. I should really shower.โ€
โ€œYeah, I was wondering what that smell was,โ€ Wanda jokes.ย 
โ€œHey! Three hours at the gym with Sam and Steve, this is as sweet as anyone could smell,โ€ you defend yourself.ย 
โ€œThree hours?โ€ she gasps. โ€œWhy do you do that to yourself?โ€
โ€œAn ass like this takes work,โ€ you jest, turning around to walk back to your room but not without a shimmy of your butt to make her laugh. You feel proud when it works and you hear her giggle.ย 
โ€œYou better not smell like that tomorrow,โ€ she warns you. You laugh the rest of the way to your door. Before entering your room you call Wanda one last time. โ€œHey, Wanda. Thank you.โ€
โ€œYouโ€™re welcome?โ€ she says, confused. Itโ€™s the first time anyone has thanked her for agreeing to go on a date. She giggles to herself after you close your door. Tomorrow is going to be interesting.ย 
All morning Wanda radiates nervous energy. She supposed she shouldnโ€™t overthink it. Itโ€™s just a date. Sheโ€™s had her fair share of first dates before. First date jitters is a thing, but as much as she wishes itโ€™s simply that, she thinks there is more to it this time.ย 
Sheโ€™s never dated a coworker before. Coworker? That doesnโ€™t sound right. Teammate? Better, but still not fitting. Friend? Are you friends? You had always shown romantic interest so Wanda was always skeptical considering you a friend, but thatโ€™s what you ended up being, wasnโ€™t it?ย 
Any way you put it, coworker, teammate, or friend, Wanda has never dated anyone of the category. It always seemed messy. If things go wrong, you would have to see that person at work all of the time or your friendship wouldnโ€™t be the same and youโ€™d fall out. Was it worth it?
By 11am, Wanda has convinced herself dating you would be too complicated. So she goes to find you and tell you the date is off. Would you be upset? Would you think sheโ€™s playing with your feelings? That sheโ€™s leading you on like Natasha said?ย 
But itโ€™s not leading you on if she wants it too. She can confirm she does want it. Screw the outcome. Dating is meant to be fun and there is never a dull moment when youโ€™re around.ย 
By 11:30am, Wanda finds you with your arms full seemingly on your way to the rooftop. It looks like you are about to set up and you tell her so when you catch her staring.ย 
โ€œOh, hey, Wanda. Donโ€™t mind me. Iโ€™m just going to start setting up now so I have time to get ready. I promised Iโ€™d smell good, you know,โ€ you joke with her. Seeing the blankets in your arms, the nerves come back to Wanda but this time they donโ€™t feel so bad. There is excitement mixed in there too. โ€œWhile I have you, do you think this is enough blankets? Is it enough cushion for the ground? I donโ€™t want our butts numb twenty minutes into the date, you know?โ€
She laughs but she goes to feel the stack of blankets and decides you need more. โ€œI think maybe two more. You can grab some of mine,โ€ she offers.
โ€œNo, thatโ€™s okay. Iโ€™ll just steal some more from Samโ€™s room. No need to get yours dirty,โ€ you reply, waving her off.
โ€œOkay, hey, Y/N,โ€ she calls you back before you can get too far. You look up in her direction. She smiles at you and says, โ€œIโ€™m actually kind of happy this is happening. Iโ€™ll see you later.โ€
She quickly dismisses herself with a blush on her cheeks. She doesnโ€™t know what possessed her to say that but she leaves before she does anything else more embarrassing.
You stand in the hallway with the weight of the blankets in your arms and a new weight on your heart left by Wandaโ€™s words. She basically told you sheโ€™s glad you are moving on. Although that is probably how she feels, you think she could have taken pity on you and not say it out loud.ย 
You canโ€™t have this weigh on you. Thereโ€™s a date you need to set up and there is still much to do. You quickly organize everything on the rooftop before moving on to getting yourself ready and by five oโ€™clock you are greeting Trish at the door before leading her inside and up to the rooftop.
While you are hoping you donโ€™t run into Sam on the way up, Wanda is dolled up and waiting for you to knock on her door. She grows impatient after waiting half an hour. You did say five, didnโ€™t you? Tired of waiting, she knocks on your door. Sam catches her waiting at your door frowning down at her phone. You are not answering her texts.
โ€œSheโ€™s not in there,โ€ Sam tells her.ย 
โ€œWhere is she?โ€
โ€œSheโ€™s on a date,โ€ he discloses with a pout. Then he takes notice of Wanda dressed like she is also going out. โ€œYou look nice. You have a date too?โ€
โ€œToo?โ€ She storms up to the roof, not bothering with a reply. She bursts through the exit door that leads to the rooftop. She doesnโ€™t have time to admire your work or realize that there is someone else here with you. All she knows is she has been waiting a long ass time for you to knock on her door and youโ€™ve been here the whole time.ย 
โ€œY/N! Iโ€™ve been waiting for an hour. What have you been doing?โ€ she snaps, startling you and your date. Wanda looks upset.
โ€œWanda? Did we have plans?โ€ You ask, totally confused.ย 
โ€œOur date?โ€ Wanda reminds you. She doesnโ€™t understand why you are acting like this is the first time you are hearing about it.ย 
โ€œDate? I thought you werenโ€™t seeing anybody,โ€ the blonde woman next to you scoffs. Wanda finally turns to see a whole other human being present. Who the fuck is this?
โ€œIโ€™m not! This is just a misunderstanding. Give me one moment. Wanda, can I talk to you for a second?โ€ You pull Wanda off to the side. โ€œWhat are you doing?!โ€ You ask her.ย 
โ€œWhat am I doing?? What are you doing?! Who is she?โ€ she fumes.ย 
โ€œThatโ€™s Trish. I met her at a bar when I went out for drinks with Jen and Nikki.โ€ Itโ€™s more information than she needed but it doesnโ€™t really answer what she actually wants to know.
โ€œOkay, what is she doing here?โ€ย 
โ€œWhat do you think sheโ€™s doing here? Weโ€™re on a date!โ€ you whisper yell.ย 
โ€œNo, youโ€™re not.โ€ Wanda denies.ย 
โ€œWhat? Wanda, look around. We literally talked about this yesterday,โ€ you remind her, waving your arm in the direction of the picnic setup.ย 
โ€œThis was supposed to be for me, not her.โ€ย 
This trips you. You never thought anyone would catch you. How could Wanda possibly know that you had this planned for her originally. โ€œWh-who told you that?โ€
โ€œYou did yesterday!โ€ she hisses, both her hands shaking in front of her in clear frustration. Itโ€™s making her angrier that you still wear the dumbfounded look as if none of this is ringing a bell.
โ€œWanda, what are you talking about?โ€ You couldnโ€™t be more confused. What is going on?ย 
โ€œHey, so this looks like more than a misunderstanding. Iโ€™m gonna head out. Call me whenever you get this sorted,โ€ Trish speaks up, grabbing her stuff, before she leaves.ย 
โ€œTrish, wait-โ€ you call after your date but all you get is the sound of the rooftop door closing. You turn to your teammate to demand an explanation. โ€œWanda, what the hell?โ€ย 
โ€œWhy did you stop?โ€ Wanda asks instead, tone full of hurt.ย 
You sigh, โ€œStop what?โ€ย 
โ€œWhy did you stop asking me to dinner?โ€ย 
You frown. Why is she bringing this up now? โ€œYou said no.โ€ย 
โ€œIโ€™ve said no plenty of times and you still came back. You still texted me corny lines. You still chatted me up when I was trying read or exercise. You still sought me out and spent time with me no matter how many times I turned you down.โ€
You looked away from Wanda with your cheeks flushed. Yes, you tried a little too hard and it did you no good. Why is she bringing this up? Is she trying to embarrass you?ย 
If you bothered to look back at her, youโ€™d see the tears forming in her eyes. โ€œYou never left me alone. You still tried. Now the only time you are around is when I find an excuse for you to be. Whyโ€™d you stop trying? Why did you leave me alone?โ€ย 
You work up the courage to look her in the eye and give her an honest answer, using the same words she used before. โ€œI guess it finally clicked in my head that we are never going to happen.โ€ย 
Never did she think those words would come back to bite her. Wanda swallows hard, realizing you heard her and Nat outside her room weeks ago. The hurt expression on her face morphs into a guilty one. She didnโ€™t know you were listening, but of course you were. You were probably waiting to see her find the gift you left at her door. But she didnโ€™t actually mean any of what she said. Maybe she thought she did, but none of it was true, at least none of what Wanda said was true. Natasha on the other hand laid out some hard truths Wanda didnโ€™t want to own up to.ย 
โ€œY/N-โ€ she tries, but you donโ€™t let her get very far.ย 
โ€œItโ€™s okay. Youโ€™re right. I should have taken the hint. I donโ€™t hang around you as often because I get that I can be annoying.โ€ A lump forms in your throat from recalling that night and what was said, but you push on through.ย 
โ€œY/N, youโ€™re not-โ€ย 
โ€œAnd the less time I spend with you, the easier it will be for me to get over you.โ€ย 
โ€œYouโ€™re over me?โ€ She asks sadly.ย 
โ€œNot yet,โ€ you reply candidly, โ€œbut Iโ€™m trying to move on. Iโ€™m sorry if you feel like I donโ€™t care about you anymore because Iโ€™m not there all the time, but I just need some space. I hope you can understand.โ€
You didnโ€™t think it would come to this, at least you hoped it wouldnโ€™t, but it seems Jennifer was right in the end. You need a break from Wanda. Itโ€™s the only way to move on.ย 
Wanda doesnโ€™t say anything and you donโ€™t wait for her to. โ€œFeel free to grab whatever you want.โ€ You point to the food leftover on the picnic blanket, not wanting it to go to waste. โ€œIโ€™ll clean it all up later.โ€
You leave Wanda on the rooftop alone with her thoughts and the scraps of a date that should have been hers.ย 
_______________________________________________________
A/N: This was meant to be posted like five days ago but I felt it was a little too short so I took the time to make the chapter longer. I hope you like it. Let me know what you think! Thanks for the patience and I hope I got everyone on the taglist thus far. Taglist: @skis1501 @xastrydx @almosttoopizzaโ€‹ @m-r-nicelyโ€‹ @matildeboh @ksslhdg @youlookterribleilookawesome @miss-chew @idkyidownloadedthisbutididanyway @simpformommywandaโ€‹ @wandanatfanโ€‹ @idcplss @poteitaloucaโ€‹ @lizlilโ€‹ @watashiwaglr38โ€‹ @natashaswifeuโ€‹ @unicorn2003โ€‹ @kellexforthefuckingwinโ€‹ @sojo154 @sheriffhaughtearpโ€‹ @grxvityeโ€‹ @lissaaaa145โ€‹ @pawiieโ€‹ @anitavdwโ€‹ @tearsofglitterโ€‹ @justyourwritter69โ€‹ @natashasnoodleโ€‹ @vizoxxโ€‹ @anki-of-beleriandโ€‹ @an-evergreen-roseโ€‹ @jadechasesworldโ€‹ @lorsstar1stโ€‹ @captains-simpโ€‹ @natblackwidow2 @hella-hecka-gay @wandsmxmffโ€‹ @nothingisrealanywayโ€‹ @b0mbdotc0mโ€‹ @mmmmokdok @lonewalker17 @ageofolsenโ€‹ @infinnitycatchersโ€‹ @dark-hunter16โ€‹ @ireadtofeelโ€‹ @reereeineedtopeeโ€‹ @infrunamix @how-to-disappearrโ€‹ @username23345 @panthastichumanbeing @kurosstuffโ€‹ @chasethemoonโ€‹ @etheriaalyโ€‹ @youralphawolf72โ€‹ @karmasgxrlโ€‹ @medinalethal-blogโ€‹ @capswifeโ€‹ @puathepig @whataloadofโ€‹ @splatasha-jumpinoffโ€‹ @afuckingshituniverseโ€‹ @justlurkingforyouโ€‹ @maximofflover @blackluthxrโ€‹ @scarletswandawitchโ€‹ @imdreamingbloโ€‹ @anxietyisgreatโ€‹ @xxromanoffxxโ€‹ @romanoffomixam @diaryoflifeโ€‹ @natashasilverfoxโ€‹ @harleyswandaโ€‹ @gimaximoffโ€‹ @simplysimping999 @cmaysfโ€‹ @frvnyโ€‹ @sadpiscesheart @chasethemoonโ€‹ @olsensnpmโ€‹ @chaekhanโ€‹ @dumpaccdontmindmeโ€‹ @iliketozoneoutโ€‹ @lordesolddepression @devriesgoode @shittylittleweirdoโ€‹ @i-have-no-life-charlieโ€‹ @dutifullysuperbwitchโ€‹ @teenybeanโ€‹ @nothingisrealanywayโ€‹ @kas1644 @m-h-r-hโ€‹ @bpluvieโ€‹ @bottomforwandaย  @daenerys713โ€‹ @sandyche3ksโ€‹ @justyourwritter69โ€‹ @get-the-fuck-outta-hereโ€‹ @s1ut4natโ€‹ @rooooooe @lenalesbianโ€‹ @alienstookourbunniesโ€‹ @lainjupi @mi-yo-0โ€‹ @lesbesapphicโ€‹ @sylencrโ€‹ @i-wanna-be-a-deerโ€‹ @nightimemommyโ€‹ @donnietarantino @celticjess08 @esposadejoyhuertaโ€‹ @fxckmiupโ€‹ @casquinhaaโ€‹ @paaandiculationsโ€‹ @detectivepineapple @oh-thats-cute-blogโ€‹ @jusnoughโ€‹ @aliherreraaa @wandanats-goodgirlโ€‹ย  ย  ย  ย 
524 notes ยท View notes
umbrify ยท 1 year ago
Note
hello i saw u tagged jimmy solidarity on that "free my man he did none of that. he did a bunch of other shit though" post and i am incredibly compelled by the implications here. please may i have an essay on the subject
YOU MAY.
Okay so weโ€™re gonna be specifically talking about Empires SMP Season 2 Jimmy (henceforth, Jimmy,) and the way he conducts himself, how those actions reflect on him, versus how he sees himself (and how the fandom sees him in turn). Welcome to my Ted Talk.
The most important thing to understand about Jimmy is that he lies. He lies about everything, and convinces himself that his lie is true to the point where he really thinks it is. Take, for example, a moment in Sausageโ€™s episode 41 [full exchange from 9:10 - 19:37] where Jimmy kills Sausage, and then when Sausage, followed by fWhip, return to Tumble Town to discuss the murder, Jimmy blatantly lies about the altercation to fWhip, claiming โ€œ[Sausage] came over, and he assaulted me, fWhip!โ€ Jimmy insists that it was Sausage who physically started it, despite that being completely untrue. Jimmy then goes on to deny having killed Sausage Sausage at all, sounding affronted at the idea and demanding to see the player head that drops on death. fWhip asks how many levels Sausage has, which is none, and Jimmy claims that Sausage must have used all his experience. Jimmy denies and lies, and when fWhip goes looking for Sausageโ€™s things, finding them in Jimmyโ€™s storage, Jimmy acts shocked, saying โ€œI think Iโ€™m being set up! [โ€ฆ] Iโ€™m gonna leave this conversation, you do what you gotta do, but I donโ€™t think Iโ€™m the bad guy here.โ€ As if Jimmy didnโ€™t explicitly kill Sausage moments ago!! As if it isnโ€™t his fault!!!
And the problem here, the core problem, is that so many people justโ€ฆ believe him. They take Jimmyโ€™s words at face value and assume that heโ€™s always a reliable narrator in his own stories, despite the fact that it couldnโ€™t be further from the case. The issue is less that people assign New and Different problems to Jimmy, more that they strip him of any wrongdoing at all, making him out to be some sad little pathetic wet cat who didnโ€™t deserve it. Andโ€” donโ€™t get me wrong, he is extremely sad, but he also did it to himself.
I think one of the more interesting ways to illustrate this, is to talk about the way Jimmy perceives himself. From the start of the season, he always insists on being called โ€œThe Sheriff.โ€ Heโ€™s not Jimmy, heโ€™s The Sheriff, and throughout the season, he can be seen constantly insisting upon and chasing after that title. He wants respectโ€” or, his version of respect. What he really wants is a yes man. This difference can very clearly be seen in the way he treats the two deputies he had throughout the season.
When fWhip was the deputy, itโ€™s because he wanted to be. He sought Jimmy out because he wanted to be Jimmyโ€™s right hand man, and Jimmy let him. fWhip consistently referred to Jimmy as The Sheriff, upholding Jimmyโ€™s version of the laws as best he could. And, there really is something to be said about the fact that fWhip, as a goblin, inherently didnโ€™t understand the concept of arbitrary laws, or that sort of morality at all, and was only one, upholding it because he cared about Jimmy, but two, treating the laws as Jimmy treated themโ€” i.e, making a shrine for that which Jimmy made a church for, but thatโ€™s a whole separate essay that I want to write at some point. Either way, he was good to Jimmy, though their time together was short. He made Jimmy a home away from home in Gobland [fWhip episode 8 timestamp 20:28] and helped Jimmy win the court trial by serving as his lawyer in the case against Joel [Trial best seen in Jimmyโ€™s episode 10 starts at 3:03]. After fWhip was fired, he went around Tumble Town noting down a bunch of โ€œlawsโ€ that Jimmy was breaking. I wrote a whole post about this set of interactions already [here] but the short version is this: In fWhipโ€™s episode 12 [5:54], he goes around and marks down all the laws that heโ€™s saying Jimmy is breaking around Tumble Town. [โ€ฆ] Of the seven instances that fWhip writes down, SIX of them almost directly relate to Jimmy not taking good care of himself or his empire. To me, it almost reads more like he cares about Jimmy, and is worried about him.
All this to say, that fWhip didnโ€™t Respect The Sheriff as much as he Cared About Jimmy. And thatโ€™s an important distinctionโ€” he cared about Jimmy, the person. He had this whole veneer of respecting the lawsโ€” laws that he didnโ€™t really understandโ€” because he cared about Jimmy. And Jimmy fired him for a prankโ€” one that wasnโ€™t specifically targeted or maliciousโ€” because he saw that as Disrespecting The Sheriff. He didnโ€™t want someone who Cared About Jimmy, he wanted someone who Respected The Sheriff. And fWhip wasnโ€™t that.
Enter Scar.
During the Hermitcraft crossover, Scar started gunning for the position as deputy because he wanted the shiny deputy badge. That was it, that was the reason, and Scar acted accordingly. Everything was about acting like he Respected The Sheriff, even when he was blatantly breaking one of the core laws, wearing another playerโ€™s hatโ€” both the sheriff hat [Jimmy episode 19 4:07] as well as trading away a sheriff hat, and being seen wearing one of Scottโ€™s Chromia hats [Jimmy episode 22 14:27]. In this episode, Scar backhandedly compliments Jimmy, โ€œoh, youโ€™re just aโ€ฆ cute big guy, arenโ€™t you?โ€ to which Jimmy seems uncertain, asking โ€œIโ€™m real big, right?โ€ to which Scar says he is. Jimmy then asks him about the Chromia hat Scar wears, and Scar tells him that he traded one of the sheriff hats to Scott. Jimmy gets upset at Scar, but before he can get properly mad, Scar distracts him by showing off a new section of Tumble Town that he made. Scar wears the mask of respect for just long enough to get the badge. When Jimmy gives him the badge, he says he has something else that he wants to give Scar as well. โ€œI have found something real special for you, real special.โ€ Scar says โ€œI already got something special, this badge.โ€ Jimmy says โ€œyou mean our friendship?โ€ Which Scar dubiously agrees to. This is the last time Jimmy sees Scar before the hermits leaveโ€” Scar got what he wanted, and that was all. And yet, Jimmy hired him, because Scar put on the show. Scar was his yes man, Scar Respected The Sheriff, even if he didnโ€™t Care About Jimmy.
He does it to himself, Jimmy does. He pushes away anyone that tries to care about him as a person, and surrounds himself with people that will be his yes men, his little sidekicks, anyone that holds the sheriff title in high regard. Itโ€™s why he takes so well to the Old Sheriff, who treats the sheriff title with the same reverence that he does, respecting the title of sheriff without actually respecting Jimmy much at all.
The thing about Jimmy is that he causes his own problems, and theyโ€™re all his fault. Yes he is crushingly lonely, and filled with self hatred, but he actively surrounds himself with it. Itโ€™s not that people are just inherently mean to him, he is almost asking them to be, by pushing away anyone that seems to care about him as a person.
I think, as my final note here, I wanna bring up a moment from Jimmyโ€™s finale, episode 38. He and the Old sheriff, as theyโ€™re making their way to the Nether portal, discuss how fWhip only ever referred to himself as goblin fWhip, never as king. Jimmy says โ€œI donโ€™t think he ever held himself to the regard of being a king, and thatโ€” dโ€™you know what? That sucks. He was my deputy for a while, he didnโ€™t really think much of himself, Iโ€™m not gonna lieโ€ [9:19]. I just find it interesting, that Jimmy says that it sucks how fWhip never called himself kingโ€” a title ostensibly higher than sheriffโ€” and that fWhip was only a deputy. As if he thinks that fWhip couldโ€™ve been king, perhaps was worthy of the title, and just never took itโ€” that he sees the taking of a title such as that to be so important, when for fWhip, it never was. I dunno, I just think thereโ€™s something to that. I think it says something about Jimmy and about the importance he places on titles that donโ€™t really matter.
Jimmy ran away, in the end. He and the Old Sheriff ran far away from everything they ever knew. fWhip stayed, choosing to live out his days happily in the empire he helped to found. fWhip never took the title of king. Jimmy thinks he shouldโ€™ve.
Isnโ€™t that something?
257 notes ยท View notes
paleprincessturtle ยท 1 year ago
Note
Hiii I saw your post and I couldn't agree more, the world definitely needs more Harvey Specter in it. I've only recently started to watch suits but I'm absolutely in love! Do you think you could write one where the reader is an associate who is nervous about the mock trials because she's shy/soft spoken and doesn't want to have to go against Mike or thinks that Lewis has something out for her maybe? I'd love to see a softer side of Harvey.
Hi you! Thank you for the request. Hope it can capture your imagination :) Feel free to send more requests. Enjoy!
The Sun is Going Down
Pairing: Harvey Specter x Female Reader
Harvey walked past the bullpen when Louis stood in the middle of gathered associates. Harvey stopped dead in his tracks when he realized what actually happened there. It was Louis, who stood so close, too close, to his girl. Harvey seethed. "What's the matter, little mouse? You don't think you can't take down Jeremy here in a mock trial? Maybe you should just pack your things now and sell hotdogs in Central Park." She looked down, shook her head vigorously. "I can do it, Louis," she said, just above a whisper. "Can anyone hear what she said?" Louis spun around, granting laughs from other associates. Mike stood at the far end of the group, pity visible on his face.
"Louis," Harvey's voice boomed even in the midst of laughter.
Upon hearing Harvey's voice, Louis stopped laughing and tried his best to compose himself. No matter how hard Harvey tried to hide his anger, everyone there saw anger very much visible in his eyes. "What's wrong?" Louis asked, worry etched in his voice. "Just go," Harvey gestured with his head and Louis scurried away. Harvey looked at each one of the associates there. He caught the eyes of his girl. The sadness, oh Harvey was sure he could actually feel a physical pain in his chest. "What you looking at? Go back to work," Harvey commanded and everyone rushed to go back to their cubicle. Harvey stole another glance at his girl, who happened to also looking at him. Harvey smiled subtly at her as he walked away from the bullpen.
It was late that day when Mike strolled inside Harvey's office. The firm is now quiet, the dimmed light illuminated the corridor. Mike leaned by his door, "Go see her, she was quite shaken." Harvey just looked up at him, no words needed to be spoken. They both knew who was Mike referring to. "She's always been shy, so soft. To think again, I never thought a lawyer was a good career for her." Mike was shocked at Harvey's honest answer. Harvey always had her back, being all positive. "You should talk to her, guide her. She just needs to come out of her shell. You've seen her works, it was meticulous." Harvey sighed and glanced at his watch. "She's at the library," Mike said before leaving. Harvey rubbed his eyes before finally left his office.
Harvey saw her back. Deep in some books, reports of cases. Harvey walked quietly and put his hands on her shoulders and started rubbing. "Let's go home," Harvey whispered, lips touching her right ear. She shivered and whipped her head around. "Don't worry, everyone left hours ago." She sighed a sigh of relief and slouched in her chair. "Come on," Harvey offered his hand and she took it.
Harvey carefully observed the younger woman on his sofa, a glass of red wine in hand, as she stared blankly at the fireplace. Harvey sighed, prepping himself. He poured himself another glass of wine for him and walked to the sofa. "Wanna talk about it?" Harvey offered. "I'm not supposed to be a lawyer," she said slowly, expression blank. "Baby.." Harvey cooed, he abandoned his glass and took his girl's hand. She pulled her hand away forcefully. "You don't understand, Harvey!" She screamed as she stood up. "You're all successful, everyone opposes you fear the name Harvey Specter. You are born to be a lawyer. But look at me! Louis embarrassed me daily, everyone laughed at me, Mike looked at me with pure pity, and I just stood there because what else am I supposed to do? I know that Louis has something for me in the mock trial. He hates me, Harvey! He'll ruin me." she sobbed and fell to her knees. Harvey knew that Louis roasted her the most because he saw something in her. He needed her to fight, fall, and stand back up. Louis was always like that with associates. But this wasn't about Louis. "My darling sunshine," Harvey sat down in front of her. Her breath rapidly increased, her face red, stained with tears. "Hey, look at me," Harvey ordered gently, oh so gently. She shook her head, looked down at her clenched hands. "Sunshine," Harvey touched her chin with his finger, guiding her to look at him. She finally looked up. Harvey's heart ached at the sight of her forlorn face. "Calm down, okay? Close your eyes," she just looked at him, confused, "close your eyes," Harvey nudged her hands with him. She finally obeyed. "Calm down, imagine. The sun is going down, breath baby. The sun is going down," Harvey guided her slowly. Harvey watched his girl, "the sun is going down, the sun is going down," she whispered slowly. Harvey saw her finally calming down. "Good girl, that's my good girl." Harvey praised her and not long after she opened her eyes. "Thank you," she mouthed. "Anything for you. I'll make Louis an associate again if I have to," Harvey joked and earned a giggle from his girl. With the sound of that, the shadow in Harvey's chest lifted. Harvey lifted her from the floor, he laid them down, spooning her. He pampered the top of her head with kisses as she nuzzled back, closer to him.
They laid down quietly there, enveloped in each other's warmth for some time before Harvey finally spoke. "You know, I wasn't first in my class when I was in law school. Scottie was." Harvey said. "Your ex-girlfriend?" she mocked and Harvey squeezed her tighter in his arms. "You know why I wasn't first in my class?" she shook her head. "I wasn't sure how to hold myself there. Just like you, I was shy," both of them got quiet. Harvey continued, "I was from nowhere, from a mail room yes. And everyone was just so..." Once again Harvey paused. "So poise, so sure about what they were doing." Harvey sighed, no one really knew this story. "What I want to tell you is that I can overcome it. And I believe that you could too," Harvey said softly. She turned her body around. Eyes gazing at each other. "Why you told me that?" She asked not breaking eye contact. "It was always something I'm ashamed of, but if it could help you be the best lawyer that I know you are, then I'll do everything in my might. You're not alone, I'll always help you." He whispered the last few words against his lips. She smiled as Harvey gently kissed her lips.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was just 3 hours before the mock trial when she saw Jeremy and Louis huddled in the corner of the library. "Gentlemen," she greeted them. Louis was about to give her a snarky comment when she raised her finger. "If this is how you two will ruin me in mock trial, please try again." She smirked as she dropped the file to the floor in front of them before walking away. She caught Harvey just outside the library, smirking at him. She walked in his direction, close enough for her to hear him say, "That's my baby girl."
MASTERLIST
286 notes ยท View notes
sailorsenshishitposter ยท 3 months ago
Text
Hiromi Higuruma x Reader
Tumblr media
Hiromi Higuruma:
You miss Nanami, are tired and stressed out 24/7 or you're just a big ace attorney fan.
First Date:
"Oh thank God you made it!" Today was the start of your trial. You had been arrested on the suspicion of posting leaks to Twitter and you needed a good lawyer to defend your case. Unfortunately, Saul Goodman was busy so you went with your next choice. Hiromi Higuruma, a man in his mid thirties known to take on the most helpless of defendants. Due to how crime is dealt with in Japan, prosecutors are known to be corrupt, leaving him with a 0.1% outcome rate but you were just glad that someone was willing to defend you.
"I can't promise you anything ####, but I will do my best!" He opened the doors and began to find his seat. It was then that he noticed who he would be up against. The legendary prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth. He began to scream a string of profanities in his mind and cursed the day he was born. "You can do this, everyone is counting on yo- Argh, who am I kidding? I'm screwed!" He was about to drink some of his coffee but then he remembered the Dahlia Hawthorne case and decided against it.
He looked down at his desk and picked up his photograph. It was a picture of him and his wife on their honey moon vacation in Malaysia. "I can't wait to go home and see my him." Suddenly the loud banging of the gavel rang him out of his thoughts. "Is the defence team ready?" Higuruma took a bow. "Yes your honour."
"Good. Now let us get on to the case at hand. Now, Miss ####, is it true that you are being charged with leaking highly valuable information to the public?" You glanced to your lawyer. "This is a joke right...?" The prosecutor then cut in "Disclosing sensitive information is not a laughing matter maddam!" You rolled your eyes. "Important info my ass! All I did was post some stupid pages of a manga!"
The judge then stroked his chin. "Hmm. Answer me this. What series was it?" You were shocked that the judge was even bothering with your case. "It was Jujutsu Kaisen your honour..." He then frowned. "That's too bad. If it had been One Piece I would have given you a more lenient sentence. I'm afraid the court finds you guilty! As punishment, you will have to attend a smash bros. tournament!"
You screamed. "ANYTHING BUT THAT YOUR HONOUR! THEY SMELL SO BAD! THESE PEOPLE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT SOAP OR DEODERANT IS!" The judge sighed. "It's either that or the death penalty..." You jumped straight up and began to cry tears of joy. "I'll take one execution please!"
"Well I guess that settles it!" The judge then banged his hammer and the words G U I L T Y appeared over your head. "Take her away, next case!" Higuruma then heard the crowd cheering and saw confetti fall from the ceiling. "You did it again Mr. Edgeworth!" The prosecutor then waived the scruffy man away. "Yes Gumshoe, I know. Now go make yourself useful!"
"WHAT KIND OF TRIAL IS THIS!? THAT'S IT, I'M BRINGING OUT MY STAND [ JUDGEMAN ] !" The creature then threw the previous judge out the window and took his seat. A loud bang was heard and then Edgeworth began to hide under the table. The door pushed open and revealed that it was prosecutor Godot. "Sorry for knocking so loud. Is everything alr-" He then looked at the situation in front of him. 'I may be blind but not stupid!' he thought. "I'm just going to check and see if we have anymore coffee..." The door then closed, the only noise being Miles sobbing and the relaxing rythmn of smooth jazz.
Judgeman then went through the inventory and skimmed through the court records. "Alright, we shall begin with the next case. Will the defendant Sukuna please take the stand?" Higuruma began to bash his head into his desk and cried. "Please not this guy again! Gege why!?"
31 notes ยท View notes
daughterofcain-67 ยท 11 months ago
Text
๐„๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ž๐ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ (epilogue)
(Beau Arlen x Female Reader)
Tumblr media
(masterlist)
๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ: After the court case was finally over and things are finally returning to normal, the sheriff comes back into your cafe just like normal and with the help of your nosey but well-meaning sister, she helps nudge Beau along to ask you out now that the case is over.
๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ: none, just fluffy Beau x Reader content ๐Ÿ’•
Tumblr media
Eight Months Laterโ€ฆ
This was it.
This was the day that would determine if Andre would be getting off Scott-free or if he would be serving his time behind bars.
You hated that you had to be there as a witness. You hated that you had to describe everything that happened, describe the people who kidnapped you. What was worse was that Andre's lawyers did their best to make you out to be a liar, saying that your judgement may be impaired for whatever their reasons were.
The case seemed to take ages and you couldn't believe it was this long of an ordeal to even get court dates settled.
Now here you were, in the booths with the other families whose lives were ruined by the defendant. But Beau was right there beside you just like he had always been through this mess. He was waiting in anticipation with you, anxious to find out the jury's verdict.
You had just been called back into the court room a few minutes ago since the jurors were apparently done making their decision. When you saw them coming back into the room, you and everyone else in the courtroom stood as a part of courtroom etiquette. Though, you carefully held Beau's hand, which he squeezed a little. He seemed just as nervous as you were, despite his confident exterior.
God it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop after the jurors were all settled in their spots.
"Has the jury reached their verdict?" You heard the voice of the judge say.
"We have, your honor."
"And it's unanimous, correct?"
"Yes, Sir, it is."
Then the clerk walked over to the first juror and was handed the file before making their way back to the judge. When the judge said everyone could be seated, the room went back to being silent as he looked through the paper.
Now it all came down to this, what was on those sheets of paper that the jury handed over. It was like the entire room was holding their breath if they weren't glaring at the defendant.
When the judge said that the defendant would rise and face the jury, the judge handed the sheets back to the court clerk so she could make the final announcements.
"The state of Montana verses Andre Bolkonsky," The clerk began to read.
One by one as each of the charges were called out, Andre was guilty to a certain extent of the law if not completely guilty. He was partially guilty of your kidnapping since he orchestrated it, and of course he was guilty of your assault in the fullest.
When you heard the verdict you couldnโ€™t help but feel this immense weight fall off of your shoulders. Yet a part of you wondered if this was really happening and if this was your reality, or if this was some kind of really good dream that you would have to wake up from just to return to some harsh reality.
โ€œBeauโ€ฆโ€
He looked down at you and he had a smile on his face, โ€œItโ€™s real, Y/N. Heโ€™s going away for good.โ€
That reassurance was everything you needed in that moment and you threw your arms around the sheriff, hugging him so tightly.
It was finally over and you could hardly believe it!
Tumblr media
Morning Glory Coffeeโ€ฆ
You never thought you would be able to come back here again. It felt so surreal to have even been able to open this place up again since your kidnapping. But now you were back in the building, bright and early and itโ€™s been about two weeks since the trial ended.
You and Cadence were both there at the shop to straighten everything up so you can open. You brewed some fresh coffee and baked some goodies before putting them on the display table. That was when a pleasant little surprise came up.
The sound of the bell on the top of the door rang out as the door opened up. When you looked over, you saw Beau Arlen standing there.
โ€œYouโ€™re here early.โ€ You grinned at him and you could watch a smile begin to form on his face.
โ€œWell, I did miss having your coffee everyday.โ€ The sheriff said, causing you to roll your eyes, grinning at him.
โ€œJust the coffee huh? Let me guess, the usual?โ€
โ€œActuallyโ€ฆ I think I might go with something different this time around.โ€ Beau said as he walked closer to the counter.
โ€œSomething differentโ€ฆ well if you still want to go with the bitter kind of taste, thereโ€™s the Americano, and some cold brew. Or if youโ€™s like something a little sweeter I can make you a mocha, maybe a frappuccino or something like that.โ€
โ€œI may go with something a little on the sweeter side.โ€ He said and you hummed a little.
โ€œI think we can go with a caramel macchiato.โ€ You nodded and Beau chuckled.
โ€œWhatever you think Iโ€™ll like.โ€ He told you.
Beau watched as you started making the espresso and whatever else you needed to make the drink with some ridiculous name. Arenโ€™t all coffees made the same anyway? He supposed that he wouldnโ€™t know for sure. But he knew that he was glad that you were back.
From the corner of his eye, Beau saw Cadence standing in the corner with a certain sort of look on her face. She glanced at her sister that was busily making Beau a drink before she walked over to the sheriff.
โ€œWhat are you waiting for? She went through something terrible and you were right there by her side through the trials.โ€ Cadence told him in a whisper so you wouldnโ€™t hear anything.
โ€œWhat do you mean what am I waiting for?โ€ Beau questioned and Cadence rolled her eyes before she reached over and flicked Beau on the forehead with her middle finger.
โ€œHey! What was that for?โ€ Beau asked and rubbed his forehead.
โ€œYou know exactly what I mean, donโ€™t play dumb.โ€ Cadence said.
โ€œI was an idiot for suggesting that she go and date Andre. And Iโ€™ll regret that for the rest of my life. But you know what else? I regret not encouraging her to go out with you more. Sheโ€™s had feelings for you for such a long time but sheโ€™s never made a move because she doesnโ€™t want to distract you from your work.โ€
Beau lifted a brow slightly. You actually had feelings for him? Then again, before you were taken, you did owe him a date since she rain-checked. Did he actually stand a chance with you?
โ€œAre you sure that she wants to actually date someone right now after everything thatโ€™s happened?โ€ Beau asked.
โ€œBeau, sheโ€™s had her struggles long before Andre even came around. She just went on that date with Andre to try and move on before the date obviously went wrong.โ€ Cadence said but when she looked over she saw that you were almost done making Beauโ€™s beverage.
โ€œMake a move, like ASAP! I want to be an aunt before I die and I want her to be with the right guy.โ€ She said before she went to the back to go and prep something for the day before some other customers would end up coming in later.
Beau looked over at you and smiled a little to himself. There was a glimmer of hope burning in him and it made him wonder if Cadence was telling the truth about you having feelings for him. How long were they there?
โ€œHey, is something on your mind?โ€
Your question seemed to make Beau jump and you were a little worried. Was something wrong? Was there another case that he was stressing over? You wished that he could get even a little bit of a break.
You watched as Beau tucked his bottom lip in between his teeth and he looked as if he wanted to talk to you about something, โ€œActually, there was something I kind of wanted to ask you about.โ€
โ€œUmโ€ฆ okay?โ€ You said and handed him the drink.
โ€œDo you remember when I missed movie night and you said that maybe I should make it up to you?โ€ In truth, you almost didnโ€™t remember with everything that happened but when you thought about it, you remembered.
โ€œItโ€™s been a while since that rain check, huh? Literally months and I think youโ€™ve made up for it since then.โ€ You chuckled a little but leaned over the counter, curious as to how this came to his mind.
โ€œYeah, I know itโ€™s been several monthsโ€ฆ But maybe we could still go out and find something to do. I insist. So are you free tonight?โ€ He asked you as he leaned over as well.
You bit your lip a little. The same feeling that you had when you wondered if the court case with Andre was over had returned, causing you to wonder if Beau was really asking if you were free or not.
โ€œUm.. y-yeah. I should be free.โ€ You answered.
A certain softness seemed to flicker in those beautiful, forest green eyes of his. It made you feel warm on the inside and you were almost certain that you could kiss him in that moment.
โ€œGreat. Iโ€™ll come and pick you up after work.โ€ He insisted, you nodded in response before watching him stand up and leave.
As he walked out of the door, you smiled fondly to yourself. You never thought that you could feel this happy again. Granted you couldnโ€™t just pretend that everything that transpired with Andre never happened, but it was easier to move past all of it because of Beau. Things were at least beginning to go back to normal other than the nightmares you had. He was always there to comfort you when you needed him .
โ€œOkay, Y/N.. stop daydreaming and help me stock up some cups and lids and everything. If you want to get off early for your big date with the sheriff, I need a little help making sure everythingโ€™s in line while the ownerโ€™s away.โ€ Your sister reminded you, causing your cheeks to turn pinkish.
โ€œWhy do I get the feeling youโ€™re behind him saying something?โ€
โ€œHey, he was already going to do that anyway. He just needed a little push in the right direction. And Sheriff Arlen is a guy we can actually trust this time.โ€
Tumblr media
Five oโ€™clock finally came around which meant that it was time for you to get ready for Beau to pick you up.
You were in the back after you had taken your apron off and you placed it in your little locker. You were looking at the camera on your phone, trying to fix up your hair and freshen up a bit. Cadence was leaning against one of the tables in the back just smiling at you since there werenโ€™t any customers at the moment.
โ€œYou know, I donโ€™t think heโ€™s going to be too worried about how your hair looks. He knows youโ€™re a working woman.โ€ She reminded you and you shrugged a little.
โ€œI know.โ€ You sighed, โ€œItโ€™s just that I donโ€™t want to mess this up. After everything thatโ€™s happened, he still remembered about missing some movie night? Weโ€™ve had plenty of those over the past eight months after he got me back.โ€
โ€œSweetie, of course he was going to ask you if you wanted him to actually make up for it. You can be a bit naive when it comes to him, canโ€™t you?โ€ Your sister laughed, making you wonder what about this was so amusing but you didnโ€™t really want to question it.
โ€œI guess Iโ€™m just shocked for whatever reason.โ€
โ€œWell donโ€™t let it shock you. You like him, and he likes you enough to ask you out. So enjoy tonight and see where this goes. You know heโ€™s not going to hurt you and these past several months have only proved that point. You deserve happiness and you deserve to have that happiness with someone that will stop at nothing to make sure you have it. And obviously Beau is that person.โ€
It surprised you how obvious Cadence made it sound, but you supposed she was right. Maybe you were overthinking about something here and you just needed to relax and enjoy whatever moments that you would have with Beau that night. You were sure Beau needed some time to relax as much as you did, so maybe this really would be good for the both of you.
โ€œAnyway, I still want to look halfway decent instead of going on some kind of, whatever this is, in my uniform shirt.โ€ You said but then you heard the sound of a locker door opening up. When you glanced over and saw Cadence going through her locker.
โ€œYou are so lucky that Iโ€™m prepared.โ€ Cadence chuckled, โ€œBut you need to start packing some little outfits to wear incase this becomes a regular thing with the sheriff.โ€ She smirked and wiggled her brows a bit.
You smiled and rolled your eyes a little but then your sister pulled out two shirts for you to pick from. When you did, she handed the shirt to you.
โ€œNow donโ€™t let him tear it up or anything. I like that shirt.โ€ Cadence smirked and your entire face turned red as you clutched the shirt close to you.
โ€œW-We arenโ€™t gonna do anything like that on the first outing!โ€
โ€œOh for the love of- Y/N, itโ€™s a date! Call it a date before I strangle you!โ€
โ€œOkay, we wonโ€™t be doing stuff like that on the first date.โ€ You insisted and the biggest smile appeared on your sisterโ€™s face when she heard you call it a date after all.
โ€œOkay, okay. Now go change! Heโ€™ll be here any minute.โ€ Cadence practically shoved you out of the back so you could change in the rest room and finish getting ready.
After a few minutes, you had now changed into a more comfortable shirt and it actually fit your figure quite well. You put on a denim jacket over it since that was what you wore to work with the uniform, and you pulled your hair into a side, French braid. You were glad your sister trained you to pack a little tube of mascara and some gloss for spontaneous moments like this. It was simple and you preferred simple anyway.
When you stepped out you saw that Beau was just coming into the cafe and you smiled when you saw him.
โ€œHey. Youโ€™re right on time.โ€ You grinned and he looked over at you. He smiled warmly and you could feel the butterflies in your stomach.
โ€œYou look nice. I like that shirt on you.โ€
โ€œThanks.. itโ€™s my sisterโ€™s.โ€ You admitted and you looked over towards the back to wave goodbye to Cadence, and Beau did the same. She waved back at the two of you before Beau looked down at you.
โ€œYou ready to head out?โ€
โ€œI think so.โ€ You nodded and he offered an arm for you to take. Once you took it he escorted you out of the door and took you to the car.
It was still around the time where it would get darker a little earlier in the day, and Beau ended up taking you to some place for dinner. They had some tables outside and it was a pretty night so thatโ€™s where you sat. There were several square tables outside and there were some lights strung out on the patio. Then in one corner, evidently there was a local band playing too.
โ€œYou mustโ€™ve known theyโ€™d be playing when you brought me here.โ€ You said and Beau placed one hand up in the air.
โ€œNo clue. Swear that this was a surprise for me too.โ€ He insisted and he pulled out a chair for you so you could sit down. Then he sat across from you.
You gazed at him and saw that he was looking down at the menu. You took the time to observe and admire the way he looked and appreciate the small details. Like the way his freckles showed up a little better with this lighting, or the way his hair was falling in front of his face when he was looking down at the menu.
When a waitress came by you got distracted and you looked up when she was asking you and Beau what youโ€™d like to drink. You just ordered a water while Beau ordered his favorite beer. Then she left to get the drinks for the both of you and that was when you looked over at Beau again, who you caught gazing at you too.
โ€œThank youโ€ฆ for taking me out tonight.โ€ You said and he grinned.
โ€œNo need to thank me. Itโ€™s something that I wanted to do.โ€ He said but then he rubbed the back if his neck a little, โ€œActually itโ€™s something Iโ€™ve wanted to do for a while now.โ€
โ€œWellโ€ฆโ€ You trailed off and decided to make kind of a bolder move and you placed a hand on his that was on the table, โ€œIโ€™m glad that you did.โ€
He maneuvered his hand to where he could hold your own and it felt like your hand fit perfectly in his.
โ€œHow did everything go today?โ€ You asked him, trying to start some sort of conversation and he smiled a little.
โ€œIt was an easier day. Luckily weโ€™ve not had anymore kidnapping cases. We had a few house calls but it was nothing too serious. Just nosey neighbors calling because a radio was too loud or a dog was barking and annoying them. Nothing overly serious.โ€
โ€œWellโ€ฆ at least it was an easier day.โ€
โ€œYeah, although there were some case files that we havenโ€™t had any leads on that ended up going cold. I hate they did.โ€ He sighed and ran a hand through his hair but you gave him an empathetic smile.
โ€œWell, some cold cases donโ€™t stay cold forever. Somewhere down the line people slip up and sometimes those cold cases get re-opened.โ€ You reminded him.
โ€œYeah but that doesnโ€™t happen often enough.โ€
โ€œCut yourself some slack. I know you hate when cases get cold, but thereโ€™s always hope.โ€
You could hear the little scoff he made and he looked down at the menu again but you gave your hand a gentle squeeze, โ€œYou taught me thereโ€™s always hope.โ€
He looked up at you again before you spoke again, โ€œThe FBI had been chasing after Andre and his group for a long time. And even if some of those members got caught, they didnโ€™t serve time for long. They thought for sure that they could get away with me and get me out of the country and for a moment, every part of me thought they would be right.โ€
โ€œBut..?โ€
โ€œBut even when I was so close to giving up, I would think about you. How your determination would drive you and I knew somehow youโ€™d find me, even if it would take a while. If you can persevere, then I knew I could too and I needed to figure out how to get out and think of what you would do in some of the situations I was in.โ€ You told him.
Beau listened carefully to what you were saying and he was a little stunned. He had no idea he would be on your mind to help you fight back like that. You were a strong individual and he was so proud of you for taking that risk of screaming out on that phone call. He was proud when you somehow managed to get a phone and call him.
โ€œYou knowโ€ฆ I think you may be a lot stronger than I am.โ€ He admitted but he carefully intertwined your fingers.
โ€œBut youโ€™re right. Those cold cases, I know, will be in the back of my mind and someone will slip up eventually like Andreโ€™s group did.โ€ He said but then he decided to move on.
โ€œWhat about you? Iโ€™m sure your sisterโ€™s glad that youโ€™ve been back. Howโ€™s your day been?โ€
โ€œIt was a little slow today. But it does get pretty slow on week days since a lot of people are working.โ€ He heard you speak and he grinned a little.
โ€œI suppose thatโ€™s fair.โ€ He smiled.
โ€œBut I canโ€™t complain. The downtime is nice. Iโ€™ve actually been thinking about changing up the interior of the cafe. So the downtime gives me some time to think about some of the interior designs.โ€ You said with a smile, gosh your smile was so adorable to him.
โ€œWell if you ever need any help when the time comes, you know you can always give me a call.โ€ Beau insisted.
โ€œI think I might keep that in mind.โ€ You smirked, then the waitress came back with your drinks and she took both of your orders.
Beau ended up getting a burger and you got some sort of salad.
After a while of conversation and after the both of you had eaten your meals, Beau heard the band start to play some sort of slow song that he didnโ€™t really know by heart, but he saw some couples going up there to dance
Then Beau had an idea and he stood up, which caused you to look up at him.
โ€œWhat are you doing?โ€ You asked him and he just grinned at you.
โ€œCome on up there with me.โ€ He said and you lifted a brow a little.
โ€œYou sure? I might step on your toes a bit.โ€ You chuckled a little and he rolled his eyes playfully.
โ€œOf course Iโ€™m sure.โ€ He insisted and he took a hold of your hand and started leading you to the floor where some other people were dancing.
Then, Beau placed a hand on your hip and he could feel one of your hands on his shoulders while the two of you were close together. He lead you to the rhythm of the song that was playing as you danced and he swore this would be one of the moments with you that he would always have in his mind.
You looked so beautiful, with the way your hair framed your face perfectly or the way the lights seemed to shine in your eyes so beautifully. You were perfect in his eyes in every way and he didnโ€™t think heโ€™d be spending a moment like this with you. He supposed he needed to thank your sister for giving him that push.
He could feel your hand move from his shoulder to his cheek. Your touch felt so soft and he leaned into it before he ended up giving you a little twirl as you both danced, your laughter filled his ears when he pulled you back into him. Then he leaned down and kissed the top of your head softly.
โ€œWhy donโ€™t we go back to my place? Tonightโ€™s the perfect night to have a little fire or something.โ€ He suggested and you nodded.
โ€œI think that sounds perfect.โ€
After a while, you realized that the two of you had made it to Beauโ€™s little camper and when he opened the door for you, Beau held out a hand to help you out of the vehicle. When you got out, the two of you went inside of the camper.
โ€œHere, let me help you.โ€ You insisted and you grabbed whatever he needed you to get but that was when the both of you heard some faint tapping on the window.
When the both of you looked out, you saw that it was starting to rain, but then you heard the thunder in the distance.
โ€œI guess the fire pit might have to wait.โ€ Beau said with a chuckle but then you smiled while you gazed at the raindrops, starting to get lost in your own thoughts.
โ€œY/N? You okay?โ€
โ€œHm? Yeah, just thinking about something.โ€ You said and you felt his hand on the small of your back.
โ€œCare to share?โ€
You carefully leaned into him, feeling his chest on your back, โ€œI was just thinking about that night..."
"The night in the woods?"
"Mhmm," You hummed fondly, "It was raining and you carried me to the car because you realized I wasn't wearing any shoes. I swear I thought my toes were going to fall off because it was so cold." You laughed.
"I was just glad that we got you home." He said.
"I was so tempted to kiss you that night..." Then you swore you could feel his muscles tense a little, but they soon relaxed as you looked up at him.
"You wanted to kiss me that night?" he asked and your cheeks started to heat up a bit as you looked out of the window.
"I-I mean, um... maybe." You said bashfully.
"I guess looking back on it, it would have been some silly little movie moment and I know chick flick moments might not be your thing. Kissing in the rain or something like that is so juvenile..." You rambled on before you suddenly felt Beau take your hand and he started taking you outside.
"Beau? What are you doing?" You laughed.
"Something that I should have done a long time ago." You heard him say but then the two of you went outside and luckily the rain wasn't pouring too hard just yet.
When Beau stopped walking, he stood in front of you and you could feel his soft yet slightly calloused hand touch your cheek.
"Y/N... I've known for a long time now what my feelings were for you... And I should have done something about it long before now." He said and you placed one of your hands on his shoulder again.
"Why didn't you?"
"Because I let my job get in the way. Because I thought you wouldn't want to take a chance with me. And because of stupid reasons that don't really matter. But I know that the moment you went missing, I couldn't bare the thought of losing you. Then when the trials happened there was so much going on and I didn't want to complicate anything. So I wanted to wait until the court dates were over and when we knew for sure Andre would be gone for good."
"And what about now? Since all of it is over?" You asked in a slightly hushed tone.
"Now... there's nothing else for me to wait for." He said and he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. Then both of his hands were on your face and he leaned down and kissed you.
The wave of adrenaline rushed through you but then you melted into his touch and closed your eyes. His kiss was so warm and sweet, enough to make you feel light headed as you kissed him back. You could feel the rain hitting you and it was cool in contrast to the closeness between you and Beau.
Your hand went from his shoulder to the back of his neck and he tilted his head, deepening the kiss. This was so worth the wait, and you couldn't dream of a better moment. You fell so hard for this man, and knowing that he felt the same way for you made you feel happier than you've been in such a long time.
When Beau pulled away, your foreheads were pressed against each other. He had taken your breath away and you were trying to remember how to form words.
"I love you, Y/N L/N..."
Those words, even if they came a bit sooner than you expected, were the very words you had wanted to tell him for the longest time.
"I love you too, Beau Arlen."
And from there, you knew that the two of you would spend a lifetime that you had always dreamed of having. You knew that this would be something that not even the best fairy tale could match, and the rest of your life would be spent with the man that meant the world to you.
Your heart was his, and his was yours, forever intertwined and maybe even entangled for eternity.
Tumblr media
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this Beau x Reader fanfiction and it was such a joy to write! Thank you to all of you who commented, reblogged, and liked. It's truly appreciated.
Tag List:
@deans-spinster-witch @roseblue373 @chriszgirl92 @nancymcl @fanfic-n-tabulous @globetrotter28
73 notes ยท View notes
wrenreid ยท 1 year ago
Text
Off Limits
Tumblr media
Part Twenty-Seven
My freshman year of high school, I was put into a junior level government class. I was only in there because it was the only class that fit into my schedule other than ag classes I couldnโ€™t have been less interested in. I didnโ€™t talk much in the class because everyone was older than me, and they thought I was a kiss up because i always made good grades. I didnโ€™t particularly love the class, but of course, I still did my work and did it well.
Toward the end of the year, we did a mock trial. We drew for positions within the trial, mr flynn the judge. I drew attorney.
The case was a business lawsuit, I was the lawyer who was going against the business for their supposed cruel acts.
Mr. Flynn told us that we would receive extra credit if we dressed up, so me, a fourteen year old with a desperate need for academic validation, borrowed one of my motherโ€™s pencil skirts and a suit jacket from my dad. I looked like a mini Aaron Hotchner, even my mom said so.
I remember preparing for the trial for at least a week, being a little excited about the project. I wanted to win the case, especially since I was, as I believed, on the right side of the law.
My opposing attorney was Noah Kincaid. He was a smart but cocky kid who also cared about winning the trial.
I remember standing up from my desk when is was my turn to ask questions to the kid under oath. I felt as though I had stepped into myself for the first time. It was just a mock trial that lasted half an hour, but I felt proud and confident. I was good at it.
Mr. Flynn pulled me aside after class and told me I should consider law school in the future. He said, and I quote, โ€œThe way you handled yourself was the most confident and concise Iโ€™ve ever seen in a student. You surprised me, Hotchner.โ€
I didnโ€™t take it to offense that he said my skills surprised him. In his defense, heโ€™d only heard me talk when I turned in a paper or answered a question, which the latter was usually rare since I didnโ€™t particularly like to โ€œshow offโ€ in front of juniors who already thought I was a kiss ass.
I did, however, take his first sentence as a compliment. I was confident and my statements and questions were concise.
I smiled, nodded, thanked him, then left. A lawyer was not on my top five career choices at the time. I didnโ€™t want people to think I was doing it because of my father. I was definitely not. But after some research and a few binge watches of crime shows, I knew I actually did want to be an attorney. Not because of my father but almost in spite of him.
My dad quit his job as a lawyer and took the job Agent Gideon offered him at the BAU. I resented him for it, still do, but thatโ€™s besides the point. He wasnโ€™t around much in my most influential years, and at fourteen, I decided I would be a lawyer, and if I happened to have a family, I wouldnโ€™t take a new job that prevented me from being there for them.
So now, Iโ€™m currently four weeks away from grad school and three years away from the BAR. And Iโ€™m going to rock the shit out of them both. Because I can and because Iโ€™m determined. Itโ€™s also way less about my unresolved daddy issues now than it was in high school and even some of college, itโ€™s a dream of mine.
Spencer has made it his mission to make sure I enjoy the last month of summer as much as I can. Heโ€™s taken me out on a million dates like picnics, movies, late night drives around the city and out into the country, and more every chance he gets between cases.
At least now we donโ€™t have to sneak around and lie about our relationship. Though I was prepared to keep this from my dad for however long necessary, Iโ€™m pretty glad we accidentally outed ourselves at my graduation dinner.
My dad cooked a big meal for me, some family, friends, and we invited the team too. Spencer and I didnโ€™t even sit near each other. We barely talked the whole dinner just to be safe.
But as love-sick, horny couples do, when we saw an opportunity to take a minute alone, we did just that.
Having your father catch you making out with a guy will never not be awkward, but when the guy happens to be his employee, itโ€™s fucking weird.
Though, I will say, the look on his face was priceless. Iโ€™ve hardly seen him have that much emotion on his face.
After a very awkward, flushed-face, and stuttered explanation from Spencer and me, we were able to calm my father down. He was a lot more excepting than I expected; I think he finally realized he canโ€™t dictate my life, and he saw how happy we are together.
The rest of that dinner consisted of a lot of teasing from Derek Morgan, my brother being grossed out by me having a boyfriend, and everyone asking about law school.
Iโ€™m excited and anxious to start the rest of my life as a law student. Iโ€™ve prepared for this for nearly 8 years now, and Iโ€™m getting closer and closer to my dream career. Itโ€™s terrifyingly exciting. Iโ€™m grateful to have my family and Spencer by my side through all of this.
hey, so this is it for this story! this is also most likely it for my fanfiction in general.
and for a little life update: i started college a month ago, and iโ€™m adjusting to my new life which has been interesting and scary and fun. im also in a healthy relationship and have been for a while which has been pretty amazing. i hope all my mutuals/ readers are doing well. thank you guys for sticking around :)
tags: @pauline5525mgg @theintimatewriter @lilibet261 @greysviolets @jazzymariexoxoc @one-sweet-gubler @thatsonezesty13 @necromaniackat @awhoreforspencerreid @sebs-oxygen @scarredelirium @bts-sugaplum @awesomeness1679 @preciousbabypeter @yazzyu @cynbx @r3idsp3ncer @1010lizz @tiredbut-here @skulzombiw @lena-1895 @eevee0722 @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @daydreamingqueen1 @regulus-black-223048 @virginmusicloverr36 @jazzerbelle14 @kylakins88 @f-me-reid @lovejules888 @marimorena06 @daph-421 @idkusername8787
115 notes ยท View notes
miracles-and-butterflies ยท 7 months ago
Text
Posting an old AU, which did later and very loosely inspire my work: Intertwining Threads of Gold.
Allow me to introduce Severed Threads AU.
As this is a really old AU (the second Encanto AU I made after Fracture), itโ€™ll be no surprise to you thatโ€™s itโ€™s already completed. No spoilers or withholding information here! So, with that said, Iโ€™m just gonna drop the plot below.
Story starts in 1951. (For reference, Casitaโ€™s rebuild/the return of the miracle came about at the end of 1950).
With Isabela no longer having to be the golden child, there is a huge question of who will be Almaโ€™s successor. She is leaning towards leaving the matriarchy to her children, the triplets, when she passes but the council talk her out of this. The council want to rule themselves but do respect most people wouldnโ€™t accept a leader outside of the Madrigals, as Pedro was the one who sacrificed himself and itโ€™s their miracle that has made their town a paradise. Soโ€ฆ their candidates are limited to the Madrigals.
It doesnโ€™t take them long to settle on Mirabel, as the weakest link, and plan to rule through her.
They easily manage to convince Alma to appoint Mirabel as her successor, who agrees that Mirabel (though will need some training) would be a good candidate. After signing over the rights, she doesnโ€™t tell any of the Madrigals, naturally wanting to wait until Mirabel is older. The only Madrigal who does know is Dolores because of her gift but she is sworn to secrecy.
Though the council did initially plan to just wait for Alma to die, they just get impatient as they realise that may be further away than they first thought because of Julietaโ€™s healing food. They plan to murder her.
Cut to early November. Mirabel is usually away with Dolores at the Guzmรกns preparing for her and Marianoโ€™s wedding, which makes her ties with the family distant. The council decide now is the perfect time to strike because Dolores is out of the way. At a party, one of them slips poison into Almaโ€™s glass and she quickly dies over the next few days.
Before the news of Almaโ€™s death can spread through the entire town, the council take Mirabel to the town hall and basically announce the death of her abuela, read out the documents naming her the next town leader and officially make her the next town leader. Soโ€ฆ Mirabel is going through a lot. Because what the fโ€”
The death is immediately suspicious to the rest of the Madrigals, as it came out of nowhere. Only made more suspicious by them finding out, through the other townspeople, that Mirabel is now the town leader. They donโ€™t get a moment to ever talk or even see the girl, who is incredibly busy and being pulled like a puppet on strings. The council are purposefully keeping them apart, to keep control over Mira.
Julieta and Bruno are the ones who eventually workout their mother has been poisoned - thought it should be noted that Antonio and Isabela also assisted in this discovery. The news spreads like wildfire through the town and a mob rises up, the Madrigals included, demanding answers and that the person responsible be killed.
Realising this has blown up massively, the council act quickly. They pretty much abandon Mirabel and save themselves. Mirabel is arrested and is to stand trial in the future for her alleged crimes. While under arrest, she is driven โ€œinsaneโ€ by the lawyers who try to speak with her - they are all being paid off by the council, so they are just trying to make Mirabel confess to being guilty anyway they can.
The council unanimously agree to stand against Mirabel, fishing out any evidence they have and bringing it to court. This also includes the manipulation of Dolores, who agrees to say what they need her to. As she is made to believe that by Mirabel being guilty, she can be saved because of her age.
The trial runs over a couple of days. Mirabel finds out that Dolores is to stand in trial on the last day and plans to an escape (into the prisons garden) to be able to plead with her cousin as she head to court. Which, to her credit, does work. Only Dolores is pulled away and Mirabel never gets any sign that her cousin thinks/knows sheโ€™s innocent. Mirabel realises that she is completely screwed; sheโ€™s going to die.
Mirabel is found to be guilty and her means of death is left to be decided by the head of the council. As there is no official town leader, the rest of the council are left to make the choice. Based on something Mirabel said when they first made her town leader about Marie Antoinette, they pick beheading. Mirabel dies shortly before her seventeenth birthday.
Julieta becomes the next town leader a few weeks after. The council thought she would be the most controllable after Mirabel, which they were right on.
The family, though shaken over Almaโ€™s death and Mirabel being a murderer, they do slowly fall back to normality and learn to move on. All saving Dolores, who is driven mad by her guilt and frequently claims that Mirabel is haunting her - she is kept in her room for the most part. Only her parents, Julieta and Camilo visit her regularly.
Luisa is also not as easily moved on. She gets pissed when Mirabelโ€™s belongings (that she had in prison) are returned to them, mainly just books. She writes on the front page, mentions nothing about what she did or didnโ€™t do to Abuela - just talks about the book itself.
While complaining to Isabela about it, Isabela points out that Mirabel would have been monitored and probably not allowed to write something so freely as her final words or a message of love. Which gets them both to thinkingโ€ฆ how much control did their sister have? Both in prison and before?
They basically become detectives. Thereโ€™s some breaking and entering, stealing things from the council, trying to make sense of anything Dolores has to say, and ultimately realise that Mirabel is innocent and the council are pieces of shit.
Timeline of events:
Late December 1950 - Casita is rebuilt and the magic returns
1st May 1951 - Alma signs over rights of succession to Mirabel
20th July 1951 - Dolores and Mariano are engaged
2nd September 1951 - Alma is poisoned
4th September 1951 - Alma dies and Mirabel becomes the matriarch
9th/10th September 1951 - Mirabel is arrested
4th November 1951 - first of Mirabelโ€™s trial, she pleads her case
5th November 1951 - second day of Mirabelโ€™s trial
6th November 1951 - final day of Mirabelโ€™s trial, she begs Dolores for help and fails
8th November 1951 - Mirabel is sentenced
13th November 1951 - Mirabel is beheaded, Dolores is the only Madrigal in attendance
1st December 1951 - Julieta becomes the new town leader
Summer 1952 - Isabela and Luisa realise something isnโ€™t right
33 notes ยท View notes