#and vincents not here cause this was from before i added him

[issdisgrace]

FISTING VINCENT SINCLAIR

WARNINGS: Fisting duh, romance, Vincent is just a little baby

A/N: @charliedakotariley I hope you enjoy this and I hope you don't mind that it isn't a fic and more of a he type thing.

It would be probaly be a while into ways your guys realationship before Vincent brings up the idea of you fisting him.

The reason why it took a while for him to bring it up is because Vincent veiws fisting as an act of trust more than anything. So he needed to know he could fully trust you before he brought it up.

Anyway with that all out of the way.

When Vincent first brought up you fisting him it was when you guys were cuddled in bed togeather.

To say you were shocked was an understatement.

He was very worried when he saw your reaction but you quickly put that to rest. Assuring him that it was completely fine and that you would love to do it and you were just shocked since it came out of left feild.

You guys then talk about it a little more and you prodded on what brought it on. And thats when Vincent tells you that it is a thing of trust. Your heart was throughly warmed that he trusted you that much.

So you decided that you would make it extra sepcial for him as a thank you for him trusting so much. It was a big step specially because Vincent had life long trust issue thanks to his oh so lovely parents.

Ok, now i'll acutally get on to the good stuff.

The night started with you making a dinner for the two of you. After dinner you drew Vincent a bath and while he had a nice soak you got your guys room ready.

You added extra blankents and made a nest of sorts with the blanket. You set out the rest of the stuff you needed and eventually went to collect Vincent.

You wrapped him in a nice towel and carried to your guys room.

You placed him in the nest of blankets then stripped yourself of your clothes and disgraded his towel.

You got on top of him and you guys had began a nice and slow makeout session with maybe too much tounge.

After you guys makeout session you kissed slowly down his body leaving hickies here and there. All while whispering sweet words.

You started first by finger him open with 2 fingers. Vincent whined and moaned pushing himself back onto you. It wasn’t enough he need more.

When he was ready you added more lube and added the third finger into him. Vincent felt so nice and full but he still craved more. He whined desperately as you fucked him open.

It felt so fucking amazing then you added a four finger and felt like he died and had gone to heaven. It was amazing. He never felt such pleasure. He needed more and more.

When he was open enough you slipped in your fifth finger. He had thought four fingers felt amazing but this was something else.

He was overwhelmed with pleasure as you fucked him. He felt on top of the world and your hand fully slipped into him.

And he fell over the edge cumming all over the blanket bellow him.

Despite having just cummed. Vincent fucked himself back on to you.

Which explicit a laugh from you. You speed up your thrust. Causing Vincent to give out a pornstar worthy moan.

He felt overwhelming love coming from you as you whispered sweet things into his ear as you fuck him.

He felt so safe and secure in that moment. His mind went blank and all he could do was feel. Feel your movements. Feel the love coming from you.

He felt so warm inside as he spilled onto the blanket bellow him yet again. He let out a sigh of content as he melted into the nest of blankets.

It didn’t take long for the exchange of the day and your guys activity to catch up to him. And he started to drift in and out of consciousness. As he was drifting in and out he felt you pull out which explicated a whine from him. But he was too tired to fight back.

After Vincent went to sleep you finished yourself off and then cleaned up the two of you before joining him in bed. Cuddling up next to him soon following into a blissful sleep.

[adalwolfgang]

Yandere Vincent w an AFAB or GN reader? Romantically, ofc (I’m a simp lmao)

so y/n has a bit of a struggle w a victim in Vincent’s art room and ends up ruining one of his carving tools (so she basically just brutally murdered the victim) and Vincent was late to the action, but got to see the after math

and he thought that only added to her attraction. Like, omg u used one of MY tools?? So kind of u to bless me w ur murderous tendencies. Anyways, the reader apologizes and.. yea

(Idk what should happen from there like what’s goin on but could u elaborate on that idea, maybe change it around and make it something less awkward?? Thanks man, love ur writing!!)

Yan!Vincent Sinclair x GN!Reader

Warnings: Swearing, Soft!Yandere (sorta), blood/killing/violence, (Name) is there own warning.

"YOU MOTHERFU-” you curse out as you leap over one of Vincent’s art tables toward a victim.

Currently you were trying to take care of one of the victims who wandered from his group of companions and down to Vincents basement. He started to make a quick beeline for the stairs. With one swift motion, you grab one of Vincents shaping tools and yeet throw it toward him with all the force you can muster. The tool immediately piercing his skull, and his body going limp on the ground.

You let out a sigh of relief. A cheeky grin appearing on your face at the small victory. Your ears perk up when you hear the stairs creek as someone walks down into the basement. You were about to grab another one of Vincent's shaping tools, in case it was another victim tourist. You immediately toss the tool to the ground once seeing who it is.

"Oh, hey Vince! Look what I did!" You state proudly, motioning to the lifeless body at the edge of the stairs.

Vincent cocks his head to the side as he stares at the body. He doesn't move a muscle for a good minute. Your smile never falters when you see his eyes crease up through his mask. He was smiling.

There's an awkward silence as he steps over the body and closer to you. Incasing you in a comforting embrace. He starts checking over you, to make sure you didn't have any scratches or bruises.

After a few minutes of him checking you over, you break the silence. "I'm sorry for dirtying up your wax carver." This makes him stop in his tracks as he raises his face back up to look at you. He starts shaking his head quickly before signing.

"Do not apologize. If anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I should've been here to help protect you. But, from the looks of things, you can do that just fine."

This causes another smile to appear on your face as you both hug each other firmer. He begrudgingly pulled away from the hug after hearing Bo's callings from upstairs. He takes a step back before pulling out his camera and snapping a photo of your kill. He wanted to keep a photo as a memory of you using his tool to take out someone. He then turns back to you, encasing you in another quick and final embrace before rushing back upstairs to take care of the remaining victims.

A/n: Please let me know if you want me to add more to this story or leave it as is. My mind went blank toward the end of writing it.

[livewireprojects]

June and Lou ref

@tay-likes-toons asked me to draw their Zoot/Lips fankids for them & this ref happened. I've shown them before but now I got actual refs, well they're redesigned refs. These are remakes/updated versions of S's past fankids Juniper & Lou, the two have changed a lot.(Scroll to the bottom for pics)

June:

June is the 35 year old daughter of Zoot & Lips, she's one of the reasons Lips has been absent from the band for years as he was busy raising her & her brother. June is the copy editor/assistant at a fashion magazine, sometimes when she's not working she's helping her family. June is often busy with her work & doesn't focus on her appearance. Though they weren't close growing up thanks to Zoot being busy with the band & also just being a forgetful tired man, June cares about Zoot & helps out where she can even if not asked. Though unlucky in love, June tries to look on the positive side of being a single woman in her mid 30s: At least she hasn't ended up like her little brother, Lou.

Lou:

Lou is the 27 year old son of Zoot & Lips, he is the other reason Lips hasn't been playing with the band in years thanks to being busy raising him & June. Lou is unhinged & has caused issues for his family when he still interacted with them. He's a narcissist that believes he's destined for starhood, his biggest dream is to get onto the Muppet Show to start his career. Unfortunately for him the show hasn't been on the air for years & he didn't take it well when Kermit(who he convinced to let him show off for an audition) tried to tell him. This led to Lou having a complete emotional breakdown, fleeing the theatre to go cry in the rain, where he met Sage Wilder, a human serial killer cult leader that would become his husband, resulting in a horrific insanity-laden match made in hell. Lou is currently the mother of multiple half puppet kids, & sometimes spends his days telling tales to the cult of his days as a star which are stolen from Kermit's starhood. Lou lives far away from his family, he doesn't talk to them anymore due to distance & having not having very good internet.

Despite being the average size for Muppets for some reason they can change to a more human size depending on the situation. This is mostly cause Vincent doesn't want Lou to look awkward thanks to his size especially due to the fact he has a human husband that is tall/more of a human height.

I was asked to remove the old versions from the post Here is a link to the new post about the old versions with more pictures & shit added

Also here is another link to Vincent's post for these two(they asked before posting), it has a similar summary but different details that you should read.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikemen Vampire - Vlad's Sequel

These translations are not intended as a replacement for the game. Please support Cybird by buying their stories. Spoilers under the cut. Expect mistakes.

The next day, I went to the city in the morning to help Vlad.

Vlad: “I see a lot of people buying red flowers, probably because Christmas is coming.”

Mitsuki: “Holly and mistletoe are also popular.”

Vlad: “Both are essential for Christmas.”

While we were talking, a customer asked if we had a mistletoe, and we looked at each other, laughing.

After seeing off a few customers in this way, the crowd suddenly died down.

Vlad: “Everything’s settled. Mitsuki, are you tired?”

Mitsuki: “I’m fine. Seeing the smiles on the customers’ faces energizes me.”

As I replied to the concerned Vlad, I heard small footsteps approaching.

Marcel: “Hello! Big bro, big sis.”

Vlad: “Marcel, welcome.”

Marcel ran up to us.

I first met Marcel when I had just started helping Vlad, and he became one of his regular customers after that.

Marcel: “I want a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers in the world. I want to give it to a special someone.”

Marcel wanted to tell that girl he liked her, but was hesitant to express his feelings because of his status.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but cheer him on.

(I saw him before holding hands with a pretty girl about his age.)

Mitsuki: "Is that girl doing well?"

Marcel: "Yes! And Emily gave me this."

He took out a bookmark from his pocket and showed it to me.

Marcel: "I gave her a bouquet for her birthday, and she gave me a pressed flower from the bouquet as a bookmark."

Mitsuki: "Wow, it looks nice!"

Marcel: "Yes. I thought flowers die when they wither, but when I see this, I remember Emily's smile, and it cheers me up."

Marcel: "Thank you for making me a beautiful bouquet!"

Vlad gently narrowed his eyes at the smiling Marcel.

Vlad: "We just helped a little."

Vlad: "Your feelings paid off because you believed in her and moved forward with hope in your heart."

(Hope and moving forward is the language of the gerbera he gave to Marcel back then.)

Marcel smiled shyly and quietly tucked the precious bookmark into his pocket.

Marcel: "I'll come back to buy more flowers for Emily."

Vlad: "Yeah, I'll make you the most beautiful bouquet then."

The figure of Marcel waving his hand blended into the cityscape.

(Marcel looks so happy.)

(And the cause of this happy future was because...)

Mitsuki: “Marcel showed courage, so they became friends.”

Vlad: “Yeah. Let’s continue to support their love, just like watching over a blooming flower.”

(Just as Marcel walks into the future, I want to walk together with Vlad.)

We smiled at each other, seeing our future in Marcel and Emily’s image.

Then, suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached the wagon.

Theo: “Looks like you’re working hard, hondje.”

Vincent: “Please give us some flowers too.”

Mitsuki: “Theo! Vincent!”

Vlad: "You guys are here. What kind of flowers do you want?"

Vlad smiled at Vincent, who also smiled back angelically.

Vincent: "I'm holding a solo exhibition, and I need some flowers for the gallery."

Theo: "Hondje, you probably know everything about flowers since you always help here, so you choose them. Make sure it shows off my broer’s painting."

Mitsuki: "That's a lot of responsibility. Okay, leave it to me!"

(Since Christmas is almost here, and if it's a bouquet for the two of them...)

Mitsuki: "Vlad, can you make me a bouquet with the flowers I'm about to mention?"

Vlad: "Sure. As you wish."

Vlad arranged the flowers I chose, and in no time at all, he had created a beautiful bouquet.

Mitsuki: "Here you go. I added poinsettias, white roses, and hollies to make it more Christmassy."

Vincent: "Wow, they're beautiful!"

Vlad: "Poinsettia symbolizes blessings and good luck, while white roses symbolize respect and innocence."

Mitsuki: "Yup. Respect for you who inspire the viewers through your paintings, and respect for the hard work of the two of you in holding the exhibition."

Mitsuki: "I wish you good luck using the language of flowers. What do you think?"

Theo stared at the bouquet and grinned.

Theo: "I have no complaints. And the word "innocent" is also very much like broer."

Vincent: "It's a beautiful bouquet. I'm glad to see you express your feelings in this."

Vlad: "Then, I'm going to give this to you as a gift to celebrate the opening of your exhibition."

Vincent: "Are you sure? Dankje. The exhibition will stay open until Christmas Eve, so you should both come."

Mitsuki: "I'll definitely be there."

Vincent happily stared at the bouquet.

Vincent: "Fufu, I feel like I got an early Christmas present."

Vincent: "Like these flowers, I hope my painting will bring joy and hope to those who see it."

Vlad: "Art heals the heart. I'm sure your paintings will save some of them."

Vlad: "I'm looking forward to seeing your exhibition."

Theo: "Everyone in the mansion will be there since we're having a Christmas party that night, broer."

???: "A party at the mansion?"

Another voice joined the conversation, and I turned my gaze in that direction.

Mitsuki: "Charles, Faust!"

Charles: "I thought for sure Mitsuki would come to the castle on Christmas Eve."

Faust: "There was no way the mansion's residents wouldn't hold a party."

Charles: "Ehhh, but I was so excited to get Mitsuki to eat my food."

Vincent: "I see. Vlad and Mitsuki are lovers. Then why don't you attend the party?"

Mitsuki: "Huh? Umm..."

As Vincent and Charles slumped their shoulders, they simultaneously shot sharp glances at each other.

Theo: "Hondje, you wouldn't make broer sad, would you?"

Faust: "No, come to the castle. Without you, the old geezer will be unreasonably stubborn."

(Yikes. What should I do?)

I looked around me as a depressed-looking angel, a little devil, a sadistic devil, and a demon priest surrounded me.

Vlad: "Ahahaha! Hey, you four, you're making her confused."

Vlad: "Don't take my Mitsuki away without my permission."

His light yet undeniably powerful laugh changed the atmosphere.

I blinked at the four of them, who instantly stopped arguing, and at Vlad, who was smiling at me.

In the end, we agreed to invite Vlad and the others to the mansion for a party on Christmas Eve.

(I'll tell everyone in the mansion when I get back.)

(Actually, I'm glad because I was hoping we could all have a party together.)

Vincent and Theo went to the art gallery, while Faust and Charles went to the church. As soon as we were alone, Vlad spoke up.

Vlad: "A party with the mansion's residents, huh? This is going to be an unexpected Christmas."

Vlad: "A year ago, I never would've imagined this."

(A year ago, huh?)

Mitsuki: "It's already been that long since then."

December 24th, one year ago

That day when a rose-like crimson dyed the pure white snow一

The people of Paris rushed to the theater to attack the aristocrats holding a Christmas party.

The riots were due to frustration with the difference between the rich and the poor, but some of the rioters took up arms just to vent their sorrows.

It was Vlad who stopped it.

He was all alone until everyone in the mansion rushed to him, and they all stopped them, so they wouldn't hurt each other, and create a chain of suffering.

As a result, he got wounded by a sharp blade and bled.

------------Flashback------------

Vlad: "Even if I only protect what I can reach out and touch like this, I know nothing will change in the future."

Vlad: "Since the day I saw that world with my own eyes, I vowed to change the future, no matter what I have to leave behind."

Vlad: "And yet..."

Vlad: "I wanted to believe in the true nature of the human heart. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Just like what you wished for, Mitsuki."

---------Flashback Ends---------

Vlad chose the human heart over his ambitions.

At that moment, Vlad's self-righteous ambition became a dream that he wanted to fulfill by trusting people.

(It's already been a year since then.)

Feeling the passage of time as the cityscape changed to the Christmas colors, a soothing voice reached my ears.

Vlad: "Hey, Mitsuki. Remember that place?"

I looked, and Vlad was pointing to a flower bed facing the street.

(That place...)

Mitsuki: "That's where you planted the flowers with the city folks."

I remember wishing for the trampled flowers to bloom again.

Vlad: "Everyone has been tending to the flowers ever since."

Vlad: "It's like nurturing hope."

The sprouted seed blossoms in spring survive the summer sun and autumn winds and sleep under the soil in the winter cold.

Vlad: "The future of that moment continues into today."

Vlad: "The flowers that people poured their hearts into will bloom beautifully again next spring."

Mitsuki: "Yeah, you're right."

His eyes had a gentle light in them as he thought about the time that was to come.

(Vlad truly believes that day will come.)

He had once traveled through time to see a devastated world far into the future and had grand ambitions to change it, but his sad-looking eyes were now gazing into the future.

(We can move forward, little by little.)

There's a seed of hope in every person's heart, just as there is now, thus sprouting a brighter today.

Mitsuki: "Hey, Vlad. I'm sure this Christmas will be a lively one. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the party."

Vlad: "I'm fine with anything as long as you're here, but..."

Vlad: "Christmas Eve is also the night we got together. We'll have some alone time, won't we?"

His seductive whisper made me blush, and I nodded, his chuckle grazing my ears.

Vlad: "Christmas Eve just got a lot more fun."

I smiled, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.

But in the middle of exchanging smiles, Vlad's lips tighten, and the air takes a different turn.

(Vlad?)

Vlad: "Mitsuki, I have a place I want us to go on Christmas Eve."

Previous Part╏Side Story 1╏Next Part

[specters0rd]

Writing SNEAK PEAK/update!

I'm hating everything about this.... I need ideas helllppp.

@natimiles @bicayaya

-------

“And here I thought Theo was bad…”

“Oh shut it, Arthur. You're one to talk here.” 

Theo shot a glare at his typical flippant frenemy as Arthur's attempt to soft the atmosphere slightly failed. MC's mind was fried at this point so even bickering didn't help nor rubbing her temples and guilt away.

“Was that really bad? God…” MC knew it was a rhetorical question especially with the sympathetic and annoyed looks at the table.

“I don't know what your definition of “bad” is, but typically, bumping into paintings, eyebags, and breaking plates more than you usually do is quite bad, Hodje” Theodorus leaned back in his chair as his blues scolded the “family dog”.

“Not to mention forgetting food and leaving close behind,” Mozart added as he took a bite of his breakfast, paying no mind to the soft glares from Napoleon, Issac, and Vincent.

Arthur shifted closer in his chair as his hands intertwined on the table; a sigh escaped from his lips.

“She is starting to get the point, lads. It's about time to start getting to the heart of the matter now.” Arthur gave a soft chuckle, the seriousness never leaving his eyes as he continued.  “So, do you think you can explain why exactly that's causing this? Or is this the whole reason you haven't talked about it at all?” He arched his brow at her as he noticed [Y/n] immediately trying to puzzle it.

“I think the answer is quite obvious, but hey…” A voice hunches over Arthur, making the man jump and almost flings his coffee across the room.

“OH JESUS,MARY, AND JOSEPH. USE THE BLOODY DAMN DOOR DAZAI.” Arthur cursed at the tardy man before him, his glare never leaving him as Leonardo with the help of Jean drags Dazai and throws him into a chair. 

A smile never leaves the eccentric, in fact, it only widens when looked at [Y/N] reaction. Not even the patriarch's glare seems to wipe it off him.

[Y/N] was trying to hold back their laughter at the scene before immediately stopping when eyes were all on her, a sense of anxiety in the pit of their stomach as they spoke.

“Well, yeah…  It's pretty obvious for the perceptive folks here. I'm just gonna assume you want more details from me, right Arthur?” They looked at Arthur for confirmation, which earned a quick nod from him as he checked if his good old suit survived.

“Well…” They paused for a moment to gather their thoughts and ease the tightness of their throat. “I'm starting to think it finally dawned on me that I can go home yet… And the fact I never really fully processed everything. I kinda just threw myself into the chores. I mean it helps! Only to the point though”.

A comforting hand from Vincent laid on [Y/n]’s shoulder, noticing they were shaking at little.  While [Y/n] smiled at him, they looked back to see everyone contemplating how to solve the issue now they got the reason for. Well, something tells them there's more to that... Something before this.

[cxtetootsie]

Dear Dolly,

Uptown girl…living in an uptown world…. If the soundwaves from the clock radio weren't enough to get me out of bed, then the skittering of nails against the floor and barking was. It was like the whole world was heralding me as I finally turned eighteen after five excruciating years of waiting. Despite taking the same steps yesterday, each breath and step I took felt as if there was an added weight to it. The dolls on my shelf grinned at me from where they sat. Dolls of wood, paper, and yarn sat like an eccentric rainbow. The smell of fresh poppies from the garden invaded my nose as I opened the window. I sat at my desk before pulling out a chisel and working on the hardwood before me. "Happy eighteenth birthday…" I said as I began to chip away at it.

"Happy thirteenth birthday." I sighed as I strolled down the street, the sun's heat pummeling me. My knees felt like they needed to be oiled, barely cranking high enough to do a full rotation. My hair felt like hay, scratching the back of my neck. Only one side was braided; my grandmother's fragile hands couldn't form three strands.

 In all honesty, she couldn't do anything anymore. My fingers curled into the basket as I took another breath, the wood pricking me slightly. I tried recalling the groceries Grandma sent me out to get. Eggs, milk, ham, cereal, bread, and cheese. Eggs, milk, ham, cereal, bread, and BARK!

 I reached down to pet the family dog, Annie. Grandma got me here to keep me company and support me after Mama died. She gave odd a smoky scent like the poppies mama, and I used to tend to. My toes wiggled slightly in my tiny red shoes, and I clicked them twice, shutting my eyes for a second.  

"Take me home…" I whisper. But Mama wasn't home. I looked down at the bright yellow streets and took a deep breath. Sometimes, I feel like Rumplestikin has already gotten to me. Put me on strings, and I spin gold daily with no sign of light. 

I continued to walk, and soon, the building turned into hollow dead trees with flying monkeys taunting me. My breath felt constricted within my chest, trying to break out and grasp onto something. 

Then I saw it, my little beacon of light. A bright green shop with a golden framed door; the paint was peeling, and the door handle was rusty…but it felt like it was just begging me to open it. DING! 

 The door closed behind me with a low thud, a cloud of dust greeting me. Paintings framed by golden bars and clicking grandfather clocks were scattered throughout the store, along with more antiques. Little dolls stared at me from the shelves, the hairspray just radiating off their hair. The gag-inducing smell of old peeling paint from the shelf caused me to scrunch my nose.

 A man with light grey hairs creeped out from the back of the shop, his back slightly hunched and a small but sturdy wooden cane supporting him as he walked over. He smiled softly at me, wrinkles creasing his forehead and around his lips. Despite his old age, he seemed to radiate life. His eyes twinkled like stars, and he stared at each antique as if Tinkerbell had sprinkled them with fairy dust, turning them into gold. He continued throughout the shop, picking things up and dusting them off before he finally came to the shelf where I looked at the dolls. 

 "What's your name?" He asked, breaking the layer of silence.

"My name is Elizabeth," I say. "I'm not very fond of my name… it's too proper. No adventurous lady has a name like Elizabeth." 

"Your name doesn't define you. You define you." He picked up a doll whose hair was wheat-coloured like mine and pointed towards the arms.

 "You see these wooden carvings? You'll never find the same pattern twice on these dolls. Similar, yes, but never the same, no." He pulled up the fabric and revealed the whole arm. Each swirl and curve looked like one of Vincent van Gogh's paintings.

 "They were made to be changed, unlike those dolls they sell nowadays with the clip-on clothes. No, you had to design your own out of the fabric you had, carve each defining line on it." He held the doll out towards me. "Just like how you define yourself. One line at a time."

I carefully picked it out of his hands, my fingers feeling the carvings as they dug into my skin. It seemed to radiate warmth like the warm embrace of my mother. 

"Happy eighteenth birthday, Lizzie!" my friend's voice rang from outside my window. I smiled as I ran out of my room, passing by my desk, where a little doll with golden-coloured hair, one braid, and little red pumps sat on a book called "Lizzie's Great Adventures." 

[ignitedfms]

[ oscar isaac, cis man, he/him ] Look who just landed! CESAR VINCENTE, I sure hope you packed all you need. Perhaps you’re not worried as LEADER/POLITICIAN of THE GOLDEN TEARS/CITY OF NEW JAKARTA. The city has plenty of spots for a 45 year old HUMAN like you. You’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE SHADOW KING, being CHARMING and TWO-FACED. ( alyx, 25, EST, removed for discretion )

00000 - - INTERVIEW INCOMING - - - 001

001101 1- - ARE you A LOCAL OF MARS OR HAVE you LANDED HERE RECENTLY? WHAT IS your OPINION OF THE CITY OF NEW JAKARTA? - 00011011

Cesar tilted his head, eyes examining the overseer who sat across from him. He was used to having individuals prying into his background—- the life of a politician meant one’s life story was open to the public (or at least— everything that one doesn’t mind revealing). He paused a moment before a charming smile, the one that won him his election, overtook his features. ❝I’m a proud NEW JAKARTA local. Born and raised in this thriving city, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.❞ Why wouldn’t he? He had money, power, and connections laced throughout the city. Only a fool would abandon the throne by anything other than force. 

The second question caused a smirk to adorn his features. The interview took him back to his campaign trail, where he echoed false promises to the lower-class citizens while working to make the upper class richer in the shadows. His opinion of the city? Well, it’s simple. He saw the NEW JAKARTA as his own chessboard, something to move around as he saw fit. Of course, he wouldn’t admit that out loud. Instead, he echoed one of his answers from his early days in politics. ❝I see this city as the future of Mars. It’s a city filled with potential and endless possibilities, and as a representative of this city, I intend to make sure it becomes the best it can be.❞ 

0101022 - - ARE you AWARE OF THE CRIMINAL CIRCUIT OF NEW JAKARTA? WOULD you BE WILLING TO INFORM THE OVERSEERS IF you SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY? - 001200

Cesar found himself living a double life in the city. To the outside world, he was a charming politician who vowed to bring equality to the city. Behind closed doors, he provided X ACADEMY with weapons and helped the rich get richer. He didn’t consider himself a criminal, though. Was it a crime to give people the false hope they needed to get through the day? Was it a crime to help a city’s thriving business? Maybe if the citizens saw the poison that lurked behind the smile, but he’d sooner die than let that happen. 

 ❝Yes, I’ve heard rumors of these underground dealings. Drugs, illegal weapons dealings, and violence are all issues that I vowed to address the moment I took on a role in this city’s government. We need to make this place a safe place for law-abiding citizens, not the criminals who lurk in the shadows.❞ He paused a moment before adding, ❝And of course, I’d inform the overseers if I see anything out of the ordinary.❞  

000111311 - - HAVE you BEEN TESTED FOR ANY TRACES OF SIGHIR? HAVE your TESTS ON THE VIRUSES COME BACK CLEAN? - 0012133

❝If I had any viruses, it would’ve been on the front page of the news by now. The press loves a fall-from-grace story, after all.❞ The question irritated him. He carefully chooses the persona he displays in public. He doesn’t need anyone trying to find any imperfections tucked behind his mask. One slip-up could send his whole career tumbling downwards. ❝And the only magical abilities I possess are my humor and charm, though I don’t suspect those have any connections to SIGHIR.❞ 

0113114 - - DO you HAVE ANYTHING TO DECLARE? WEAPONS, AUGMENTATIONS, MECHANICAL PARTS OR AI-RELATED APERTURE? - 0012444

Cesar’s mind flashed back to the shipment of weapon parts he sent to the X ACADEMY moments before the interview began. If he were a worried individual, he would’ve begun to suspect that the question was targeted towards him and his role as the head of the GOLDEN TEARS. Of course, he didn’t let those worries phase him too much. As far as anyone was concerned, he was just another citizen participating in a routine interview. That’s the mentality he had to embrace as he entered the questioning, and that’s the line of thinking he held as he pondered the question.

❝I have no weapons on me.❞ At the moment, he thought to himself. Half-truths were a politician’s bread and butter, and after so many years, it became next nature to Cesar. ❝If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to search me. You’ll find nothing out of the ordinary, besides a mole that should be checked out by my doctor.❞

[ruvviks]

– SHIP SONGS.

TAGGED BY: @morvaris & @devilbrakers, thank you so much!! TAGGING: @reaperkiller, @steelport, @arklay, @aartyom, @swordcoasts, @faarkas, @cultistbase, @liurnia, @girlbosselrond, @katsigian, @dickytwister, @shellibisshe, @adelaidedrubman, @henbased, @phillipsgraves, @strafethesesinners and YOU!

vincent x vitali || mikhail + vincent || mikhail + vitali

cwjbhn - jake scott, josie dunne mikhail & vitali, teen years

even if it doesn't work out, even if it doesn't make sense // and you never see me again, can we just be happy now

and all that i know is here in this moment // sun is still setting over the ocean // here in this light the green in your eyes is all that i see // i'm right where i wanna be

director's commentary: this song is specifically what i have in mind for their last evening together before mikhail moves to the other side of town. i added the second bit because that's literally what they spent their evening doing; watching the sunset on the docks together, and vitali gifted mikhail a necklace nadya had given him to one day give to his significant other. vitali believed he would never find someone so he wanted mikhail to have it instead

i don't want to watch the world end with someone else - clinton kane mikhail & vitali, years apart [vitali pov]

but i've, i've finally realized // if this is our last goodbye until we're gone // who cares about the wrongs we've caused ourselves // 'cause i don't wanna watch the world end with someone else

falling deeper, deeper into hopeless thinking // remember when you pulled me out // wishing you would come around again // when the room goes quiet // i'm hit with my regret like a riot // reminds me what i really want // but have i waited for too long?

director's commentary: vitali loses his phone and with that loses contact with mikhail for six years. he believes he's never going to see him again and most of his bad decisions during their years apart are a direct result of mikhail's absence

i don't wanna be okay without you - charlie burg mikhail & vitali, years apart [mikhail pov]

now i can't find the words to say // that'll be the perfect balance between loud and clear // and i can hear so well, your lovely voice inside my head // saying you love me, oh // but i only think of you, will we be together soon? // i'm thrown to the wayside, you're planted in my mind // but i don't wanna be okay without you

director's commentary: mikhail is also not handling losing vitali well. he believes it's his own fault- thinks he didn't make enough effort to keep in touch with vitali and now he's ignoring him because of it. mikhail is trying a bit harder to move on, mainly because he has to focus on school a lot; but he can't help but keep thinking about vitali and wondering if he will ever see him again

anyway - noah kahan mikhail & vitali, reunited at arasaka

today you looked older than me // hair in your face, it fills the space between your teeth // and all of your falling, does it get exhausting? have you gotten sleep? // you said you were sorry that you hadn't called me in over a week // and i said, always, i'll wait

director's commentary: when mikhail and vitali reunite at arasaka, they move on very quickly from everything that happened mainly because they no longer want to think about it. but both of them realize that things are different now; and they worry about each other, not used to each other's new habits and quirks and especially mikhail worries a lot about vitali. but he also stays patient with him. they have all the time in the world now

boy who has everything - annika bennett vincent & vitali, late 2076 [vincent pov]

what do you give to the boy who has everything? // his world is almost too good to be true // what do you say when he's starting to let you in // and you see he's better off without you?

director's commentary: when vincent and vitali meet, vincent falls in love very quickly but also worries that because of their differences vitali will never be interested in him like that. his self-confidence at that point is basically below rock bottom and all of it together causes him to be very anxious about being in love at first

higher - blanks mikhail & vincent, early 2077

sun is going down, we go look for adventure // both a little scared, but it's better together // maybe it's the way that you looked in my eyes // i haven't been able to get you off my mind // driving through the valley, got your hands in my hair // tell me where you wanna go and i'll take you there

director's commentary: vincent and mikhail take a while to become friends because vincent is at first intimidated by mikhail, while mikhail just struggles making new friends in general. they're both essentially stepping out of their comfort zone a bit to befriend each other and because of it get a fresh new start and it's all worth it in the end, and that's the vibes this song gives me

meteor showers - andy kong vincent & vitali, early 2077 [vitali pov]

tell me it's love that i'm feeling // if it's not then i'm afraid my heart cannot take much more // you're staring up // i can't take my eyes off you // 'cause i realize the reason why i'm here tonight and what i breathe for // and i found love while dreaming of meteor showers

director's commentary: vitali has been with many men in the past but none of them have made him feel quite as vincent does. he also falls in love relatively fast but at first tries to just shrug it off, feeling like he should just focus on his professional life- but it's impossible to get vincent out of his head and he is very deeply in love with him now and it's too late to back out of that

tongue tied - grouplove mikhail & vincent, 2077

take me to your best friend's house // i loved you then and i love you now // don't take me tongue tied // don't wave no goodbye

director's commentary: another song that's just a bit more fun, mikhail and vincent's dynamics are just very fun and they love each other so much by now. it's interesting how they both started out very shy and nervous around each other but at the same time didn't want the other to walk away; some of that still lingers now, but they're enjoying the time they have together anyway

i don't wanna know - goldhouse, mokita all three of them, 2077+

if the sky's about to fall or if we lose it all // if we make it or we don't, i don't wanna know // if the music starts to fade and this feeling slips away // don't wake me when you go, 'cause i don't wanna know

director's commentary: despite the fact only vincent and vitali are actually together, they do all three live together and have become such an important part of each other's lives that they all can't go too long without each other. all three of them often worry that they'll still end up alone somehow; but they will in fact spend the rest of their days together, as long as they live

[openshanklygates]

What Is Righteous

Whumpril 2024 April 1, 2024 LIMP Tyler Bateman/Savannah O'Ryan (Original Character) Main Verse

These new friends her Vincent found himself surrounded with were not exactly the kind of men that made Savannah O'Ryan comfortable. Maybe it was because she was still stuck on how exactly Vincent had joined up with said new friends. The betrayal of the man she loved against her brother, TK O'Ryan, and the man she considered a brother, Matt Taven, had been something that broke her at the core. Meeting these new friends had not been any better. But Savannah was a bleeding heart, so seeing anyone who needed a home tugged at her heartstrings.

Tyler Bateman reminded Savannah of a Victorian gentleman in a way. It was in the way he carried himself, using a cane to work as a fashion statement instead of a support. The top hat he wore added to the mystique, though she knew it was all in the mustache. The way it twisted at both ends, as if curled perfectly, stood out to the young manager. It made Tyler unique, even alongside the larger of Vincent's new friends, a simple man by the name of Dutch, and even Vincent himself. It was that uniqueness that almost always drew her attention when he was around. That wasn't the case tonight.

Vincent, acting as the benevolent leader of his new team The Righteous, had chosen Bateman as the representative for the team in the annual Survival of the Fittest tournament. If Bateman could qualify, could make his presence felt, it would undoubtedly lead to glory for the team. The problem was that Bateman had lost to Bandido, had not moved on to the qualifier. The honor was lost and Vincent was not pleased. Before he had led Dutch and Savannah to the ring, she had tried to plead with him. "Vincent, darlin', please. He's your friend, ain't he? You ain't gotta be mad at him..."

Vincent had simply given her the smile that did not reach his eyes, carding a hand through her wavy blonde hair, "I gotta do what has to be done, Vannah. Ya dig what I'm sayin'?"

Now here the three stood, circled around Bateman who sat looking dejected in the center of the ring.

"You know I would never lie to you like the rest of society, man," Vincent began, sitting down cross-legged on the mat next to Bateman, "I know you were born with the devil in ya. I mean, that's why I gave you the mission, man. And you've done amazing! You've done such a good job! But on my journey alongside the orange sunshine, I had a moment of clarity, and I've realized what's been important to me now. And that's the Ring of Honor World Championship."

He had sounded happy for a moment. Savannah stood in the corner, watching the tears in Bateman's eyes. He really had done well, despite his loss. Dutch stood behind Bateman, never faltering, never wavering. Savannah often wondered if the former clown knew more than he let on in situations like these. Vincent's hand reached out to touch the openly sobbing Bateman's shoulder and Savannah expected a moment of praise. Her blood ran cold the moment Vincent spoke again.

"But ya failed me..."

Savannah moved forward and whispered to her beau, "He's upset enough. You-"

Vincent cut her off with a look. The message was clear. This message needed to be passed on, it served a purpose, and she was not to interrupt again. "Death," Vincent continued as he glanced back at Bateman, "is the greatest form of love."

Tyler raised his arms, outstretched to either side, and closed his eyes. Savannah was confused until Vincent glanced from her to the man offering himself as a martyr. Vincent expected her to attack, to be the first nail to the cross. Wordlessly, her blue eyes welled up with pleading tears. She wanted to beg, to ask why they had to sacrifice a friend, but the look in Vincent's eyes was a demand. They had to do this, for the cause.

She had to do this for him.

Savannah booted Tyler in the face, the sole of the black snakeskin boots she always wore landing hard against his cheek. She knelt over the top of him, one hand on his neck and the other throwing weak punches. She wasn't a fighter. She shouldn't be doing this. "I'm sorry," she mouthed at the limp body beneath her, at the friend who offered no fight. Vincent pulled her away after a moment, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Dutch finally moved, pulling Bateman's limp body into a standing position and wrenching his head back to expose Bateman's throat.

"This is what failure brings," Vincent whispered in her ear, pressing a kiss to her hair as Dutch lifted the man for a spinning slam to the hard canvas of the mat, "This is what failing you brings."

She was crying openly now, one of her hands on her red painted lips, "I don't...I don't understand. Why...he's our friend..."

"He's a sacrifice for my goddess," Vincent chuckled, "he will come back better. Stronger."

Vincent let go of her, crossing to exit the ring with Dutch. Savannah knelt at Tyler's side, holding his limp hand in her own. This wasn't right. None of this was right. She slid the flower crown she wore from her head, laying it against Tyler's chest before pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. It may not have been right, but that act of kindness was the least she could do.

[klcthebookworm]

WIP Wednesday

The past finally comes to a head.

Hannah made a growling whine. “I’m trying to be productive here.”

“Why do you think you need to be productive?” Meryl asked with exhaustion leaking into her voice. It probably was just a way for Hannah to avoid thinking about Joanie or pass out.

“So we’re ready for the next Gung-Ho Gun sent after us.”

Vash flinched with his whole body, but he got up from the camp stove and came to the open car trunk. “I don’t need you to be a weapon-smith, Hannah. For God’s sake, please just be a kid for a while longer.”

Well, that plea got Hannah out of the trunk at least, even though it reinforced Meryl’s concern about Vash. Hannah dropped off the Gatling gun to the dirt, turned off the helmet lights before taking it off, and stared up at Vash. “Okay, what’s eating you? ‘Cause I thought we explained this already.”

“Yes, you explained how you two expect to fight but we didn’t settle anything! You shouldn’t fight; you’re just kids.”

Chuck snorted. “Don’t freak out, bro. Mom, Dad, and Uncle Modo all have to remind Hannah she’s not an adult yet.”

“But not your uncle Vinnie?” Milly asked.

“Nope,” Chuck said. “Dad has a pre-no for him. ‘The answer is no, Vincent. For whatever Hannah wants to do or borrow, the answer is no.’”

“It’s not my fault it is easy to bribe Uncle Vinnie. But is that the problem?” Hannah pointed at the Gatling gun with her thumb. “Because we can file it under educational.”

“Educational for making guns!” Vash yelped.

“It’s the first thing I’ve seen with as much modularity as Martian motorcycles and Mom’s designs based off them. Why shouldn’t I want to see if its applicable to more things?” Hannah asked.

“Because you’re always focused on logic and preparation and worst case scenarios and not love and not peace and I don’t want you to turn into Knives!” Vash’s expression flickered between astonishment he actually said that and fear that what he said was coming true. Meryl moved to his side before anyone else shifted and wrapped her arms around his rigid body.

“Who’s Knives?” Chuck asked. “The blue-haired man?”

Vash was a mass of rigid dismay and self-loathing that he was keeping trapped behind his pursed lips. Meryl sighed. “That’s who Vash thinks is behind your blue-haired man and Monev the Gale.”

Hannah’s eyes widened. “A diablo like you? It’s not just you and Meryl and the plant angels in the bulbs!”

Vash’s face crumpled and his shoulders slumped. Meryl tightened her hug around him. “Come on, you promised to tell me. Let’s go sit around the stove.” The kids moved readily enough and Meryl nodded at Milly as Meryl turned Vash to face the light. Milly nodded back and shut the car trunk as they walked around the car.

They sat in the spot Vash had claimed while eating supper with the rock outcropping where they could lean their backs against it. Vash’s left hand crept toward his inner pocket for his sunglasses, but Meryl grabbed hold of his hand before he reach inside. She squeezed it reassuringly.

Vash took a deep breath. “Suspicious word choice is not proof positive that Knives is the guilty party.”

Chuck plopped down on the sand between Vash and Hannah. “That depends on the words. Vile vermin means Limburger is trying out a new mask or that person has talked to him a lot lately.”

“Enough to get a rant about the Biker Mice,” Hannah added. “What’s the suspicious word choice we should look out for?”

“Bluesummers called Chuck a spider,” Vash said flatly.

Chuck nodded. “That’s a new one. Limburger mostly uses vernal vile vermin because he has a thing for using all the same letters. So what does calling me a spider mean? I can’t climb walls.”

Vash stared at the coffeepot on top of the camp stove as his arm around Meryl’s back tightened slightly. He needed help to start and Meryl wasn’t going to leave it to Hannah’s prodding. “They said I was the fourth. Tesla was the first.”

“Knives always claimed to the older twin and Rem never corrected him. But we never did see that list of theirs.”

“No, we didn’t. So are you twins of the same bulb or just of the same time?”

“Same bulb. I guess Rem and the rest of the crew was pretty lucky the other bulbs of the ship didn’t spawn. Steve didn’t need any more targets.” Vash shuddered and his grip on her hand tightened.

“Steve?” Meryl asked.

“The ships needed a crew to make sure it functioned and to keep the fleet together and to look for a suitable colony planet. A lot was automated with computers so the max number of crew was five. I don’t know how long their on duty status lasted, but when it was over they would wake the second crew up from suspended animation and sleep until it was their on duty time again. The crew when Knives and I were born was Captain Joseph Delgado, Rem Saverem, Rolan Kozlov, Mari Bjornson, and Steven Paddock. Rem took care of us the most and Joey started teaching us stuff when we got older. Rolan and Mari were nice, but Steve….” Vash swallowed hard without looking up from the flames. “We were monsters to Steve. He told us that as constantly as he touched Mari inappropriately. And if he got one of us alone, he hit us.”

Hannah growled in her throat but didn’t say anything.

Chuck looked confused as he tilted his head. “Why didn’t Rem stop it? Or one of the others?”

“We heal fast, so they never saw us when we were bruised. And they didn’t stop him with Mari so why would they help us? Rem loved us but we were different, so we didn’t bother them with it.”

“You didn’t tell them?” Chuck asked.

“Because abusers make the punch all your fault,” Hannah said with barely restrained rage. “I have to because you’re a monster. I have to because you don’t listen and you’re a bad girl.” Hannah’s face was harder than bedrock. “You don’t dare tell someone nice because what if they tell you the same thing? That you deserve it.”

[bluemoonfantasiesiii]

The two chefs were pleased with the help they received from the boy and when he was done with his task, the lady waved at him telling the boy to get closer to her "here, dear~. These are your reward for helping us tonight~. You've been such a great help~" she said in sweet tone handing Rubedo a small bag full of many kind of candies from Liyue and Inazuma.

"You are a smart Cryo whopperflower boy, ey~? Then, would a Cryo Element give you a boost for tonight's feast~?" The lady asked him with big smile wondering of his answer.

"Ask him first before act, sis. He might not like cuddles" Kale warned her as he moved around the kitchen placing the last ingredient in some pots which was the meet pieces.

"Oh I know~. But being from Mondstadt, I can tell he likes hugs~" she argued with her brother "but I doubt his two other old men would like that" he said back "surely not asking them~, silly~. I just wanted to boost the boy energy, after you nearly cooked him~!" She throw back at him which caused the man to blush and try to hide him embarrassment "sorry, friend. Really didn't mean tiring you like that" the man apologised to Ruby remembering how stupid that mistake was.

"I'm a Cryo vision user~. If there is a way to help you~, please tell me~" Susu said sweetly to the boy not forcing the hug on him thinking he might be shy with strangers.

---

Vincent was a bit tired after all the tease from many members of the crew. He was resting on the bed when the door was opened to see Lily peeking inside the room "PAPA~!" She called cheerfuly and happily went to tackle him in a hug.

The adventurer chuckled and ruffled her hair playfully before get it back to normal neatly "what are you all doing~?" He asked her with smile.

"The Captain gave me and Ruby a gift and tasks to do around the ship~! We are members now of this ship~, papa~!" Lily explained happy about it while her dad felt a sweat slip against his cheek "and what was the tasks, if may ask?" He sounded a bit worried.

"Me~: go to crow's nest and check the weather and the sky~. Angel~: go help the chefs in the kitchen~!" She told him with a bright smile that forced her eyes closed from joy as she spoke.

"Wow..! Guess it was fine..? How did you do it~?" He is more scared but calmed himself to listen well "Ruby got me up~! Then my new friend there got me down~!" then she added with starry eyes "it was so amazing up there~!" such joy was clear in her eyes forcing the father to sigh in relief hearing she was secured and wasn't too afraid.

"Well then, did you tell the Captain of your findings?" Vincent asked with sweet smile now after he calmed down "Not yet~! Help me look for him~?" She asked with big eyes. The man nodded and stood to look for their prey now as the girl was happily holding on his hand.

“It’s okay!” Rubedo said, elated that the crew didn’t seem to care that he was a monster. “I love hugs! And I could tell you’re a Cryo user because I feel a little more energized around you~”

———

“What do you want to ask Aether?” Albedo asked. “Or is that also classified?”

Nigredo gave him an apologetic smile as his answer. “Sorry, baby brother.”

Albedo sighed. “I admit, it’s a little frustrating, but if it’s something I’m not supposed to know as someone tied to Irminsul, I understand.”

[rose-of-pollux]

AU Roulette, Entry 3/3

My chosen fandom for the AU Roulette challenge was Scooby-Doo.

My third and final prompt was: Indiana Jones/Archaeology AU.

I'm going for a Last Crusade vibe, so Vincent is, once again, Daphne's (and Flim-Flam's) official adopted father in this AU.

As before, posting this just to tumblr for now; if I ever expand on this, I’ll crosspost it to AO3 (...and I'm very tempted to expand on this one).

Title: Daphne Blake and the Three Gems of Olympus (1/1-?) Fandom: Scooby-Doo Rating: K+ Summary: [AU] Archaeologist Daphne Blake, adopted daughter of Vincent Van Ghoul, confronts her father's former partner, Mortifer Quinch, after Vincent goes missing in the headquarters of notorious treasure-hunter Harriet Mullins.

“I’m going to ask you one more time,” Daphne said, glaring daggers at the man in front of her.  “How could you let this happen!?”

Mortifer couldn’t even bring himself to look her in the eyes.

“I… I tried to get the Ruby of Apollo back from those robbers—we both did, Vincent and I—”

“I don’t care about the ruby—at least not at the moment!” Daphne shot back.  “I’m talking about how you abandoned my father—how you betrayed him!  And this isn’t even the first time—you betrayed him once before, nearly causing the Chest of Demons to be opened!  Dad forgave you and gave you another chance because of how close you used to be—and this is how you repay him!?”

“Vincent told me to save myself!” Mortifer pointed out.  “Harriet Mullins’s men were closing in—there were so many—”

“And you took advantage of his selflessness and left him to his fate!” Daphne interrupted.  “Well, here’s something you didn’t know—my father had his suspicions that you would betray him!”  She turned to her younger brother, Flim-Flam, who was cradling his wide-eyed Great Dane puppy Scrappy in one arm; with the other arm, he reached in his pocket and pulled out the emerald pendant that Vincent Van Ghoul had entrusted to them—the Emerald of Athena.  He proceeded to hand the pendant to his sister.  “He left this with me before he went with you—good thing, too, or else you probably would’ve handed this right over to Harriet Mullins, wouldn’t you?”

“Daphne, I don’t think you should’ve—” Mortifer began, but she cut him off.

“No!” she fumed.  “You betrayed my father; you don’t get to talk!”

“Hey, Daphne… maybe you should hear him out, huh?” Shaggy asked.  “It sounds like he knows what Mullins has going on in there.”

“Rheah!” Scooby barked.

Daphne looked back at her team—Shaggy, her long-time archaeology partner; Velma, her fellow professor at the university; and Fred, who helped her obtain transportation to anywhere she needed to go.

“Look, I know what you’re thinking,” she said.  “But you don’t understand—I was very young when Mullins took me away from my birth family—I can’t even remember them.  It was only in the middle of one of her confrontations with Vincent Van Ghoul that he was able to rescue me from her and raise me as his own.”  She glared at Mortifer again.  “I suppose the only thing I can thank you for is allowing me to return the favor to my father.  But if anything has happened to him, I’ll make you wish you were still in her clutches.”

“Daphne, listen to me!  Mullins has the Ruby of Apollo—she needs the Emerald of Athena and the Sapphire of Poseidon to complete her plan to unlock a great power!” Mortifer exclaimed.  “You’ll be walking right into her trap!”

“And why should I believe you after you abandoned Dad?” Daphne asked.  “As I’ve said before, your record is against you!”

“Because, more than anything, your father wanted to make sure you and your brother were safe!” Mortifer insisted.

“That does sound like your dad, Daphne,” Fred pointed out.

“I think the evidence is pointing to Mr. Quinch telling the truth now,” Velma added.  “Even if he did betray your dad in the past.”

Daphne shut her eyes for a moment, thinking.

“Whether he is or not, I can’t abandon Dad,” she said.

“You shouldn’t go alone,” Flim-Flam said, quietly.  “Scrappy and I can watch him to make sure nothing happens.”

“Yeah!” the puppy agreed.  “Take the others with you.”

“No,” she declared.  “It’s too dangerous.  And Mullins’s crew will be less likely to notice one person sneaking around.  All of you, keep an eye on Mortifer.”

“Daph!” Fred called, as she turned away, aiming her motorcycle towards Mullins’s headquarters.  She paused, but didn’t turn around.  “…You’ve got three hours before we come in after you!”

“Guess I’ll go along with that,” she sighed.

“Just be careful out there, Daphne!” Shaggy begged.

“I will,” she promised.  She threw a leg over the motorcycle and zoomed off.

“Just hold on, Dad—I’m on my way,” she promised.

[enzoxhuxley]

House of Memories // self para

“You’ve been staring at that photo for a solid hour, baby.” Enzo raised his head from the spot he sat on the bed’s mattress, seeing his wife’s form in the doorway. The light shining from the living room cast an ethereal glowing halo around the woman, making her appear as heavenly as the day they met. It is true, however, Enzo had the framed photograph of their wedding day propped in his hands and wasn’t keeping track of the time since he plucked it from its spot on the dresser. Amelia was a vision in cascading white, using the same dress her mother did with a few minor alterations to fit her style. Even sitting here and experiencing the same anxiety-inducing giddiness could cause Enzo to continuously wonder how he had wound married to someone so perfect for him. “Just needed a blast from the past, I guess. You were stunning.”

Amelia smiled with a hum, stepping further into the room as she nodded, “You insisted on wearing a leather jacket, but I had to beg you to practically shove yourself into a suit.” She placed her palms in front of her, reminiscence crossing her expression. There was the tension at the wedding, particularly with Enzo’s side of the family, yet she played the mediator keeping the storm calm. The level-headed one, the conflict negotiator distracting both Huxley siblings from their former nagging guardians. Enzo would have lost control of his temper and faced a screaming match before they even cut the cake. “Don’t forget your sister and Pandora stole more than their fair share at the bar and spent the entire night trying not to spill their drinks on the dance floor. You were this close to carrying Sid home. It was...sweet.”

“Beg? Honey, you wouldn’t stop dropping hints and demands until I finally fucking gave up. The old ball and chain at work.” Enzo grunted satisfactorily, his fingers tracing the faded gray frame bordering the picture and shaking his head at her next statement, “She didn’t need to worry about ruining my night. I got to take care of my girls.” He assured her of such even if she disagreed, again, though, not a single moment of the wedding or the reception’s events destroyed how beautiful marrying the woman he cared for immensely had been. To make such a profound promise, to have and to hold, until death did they part. It wasn’t something Enzo thought he needed until he had it. Nothing else mattered but his family, nothing but Sid and Amelia. Adding to that family was a goal he would willingly shoot for.

“You’re always taking care of those around you more than yourself.” She observed matter-of-factly, her gaze drifting to the photo of their smiling faces in happier times. When their hopes and dreams were at their strongest even in a city drowning in bloodshed and faction wars. Enzo played his part in those battles for the Vincent name, proud and loyal to a leader who unleashed the monster within her husband as much as she tamed it. “Enzo,” Amelia’s vocal tone lowered by a breathy whisper, a melancholic one, as she lowered to a seat beside him. “As fervent as you are to become the caretaker, it’s not just on your shoulders alone to protect them. You can’t protect everyone.” There was a growing pause Enzo dreaded would end, she could see the lines forming on his hardened features that often softened in her presence. The bleeding heart man behind the dark passenger he carried. 

“You couldn’t protect me.”

The realization, the reminder of all he has lost when looking at the empty void beside him where his wife should have been. A reminder that, yes, Amelia was still dead. The child she carried, the life cut short by a poison concoction of drugs pushed into its mother’s system. Enzo wasn’t crazy in his hallucinations, just...in need of comforting familiarity. The woman who could understand him and contain the fury gripping his soul. The man knew the phantom haunting his dreams wasn’t real, only a remnant from the past he couldn’t shake. Wallowing in a game of pretend is one thing, knowing he came home to an empty house every night is another. No wife, no son or daughter, filling the days with happiness. “I tried, god damn it, I tried.” He forced out, placing the photo frame between them and resting his head in his hands before fingers rubbed through his cropped hair, “And it wasn’t enough, Amelia. I still lost you. I still lost-” Enzo sliced the sentence short, knowing exactly what he no longer had, “You and the baby slipped through my fingers. I can’t move on from this.”

“Yes, you can. Honey, look at me.” The apparition of Amelia paused to allow her husband the opportunity to lift his gaze, but now he could barely stand to, “Look at me.” It took him a moment for his head to rise and their eyes to lock firmly, “You already are moving on from this and you don’t even realize it, baby.” How can he move on without her planting his feet on the ground? What could possibly give her the impression he exited the mourning period and left behind the grief? Certainly, Enzo distracted his mind by stepping to the plate and helping the younger members of the faction, being the guiding hand those kids never possessed whether they needed a parental figure or the big brother. There were one night stands, flings lasting no more than a week, nothing stuck permanently, not that he ever permitted anyone to grow that close. He only needed Sid, really. There was one thought, however, one person, that did cross his mind who shouldn’t have so swiftly, and it’s that thought Amelia voiced as if she read his soul. “Eleanor Cabello.”

Enzo immediately shook his head in denial, “This isn’t about Eleanor, honey-”

“Isn’t it?” Amelia interjected, lifting a cocked brow with a slow breathing sigh. Of course, her husband would pretend his little crush didn’t exist or he hoped to downplay it immensely. Enzo couldn’t lie to her and she knew this for a fact, not that he would’ve dared to in the past when she knew his tells. “Knowing she holds a connection to the faction you believe is responsible for how I died suffocates you with the guilt to keep anyone up at night. She’s an Ainsworth, or was an Ainsworth, and you’re a Vincent, forbidden relationships a tale as old as time. You sacrifice your own happiness by not letting people in, Enz.”

“And what if I do, huh?” Enzo pushed himself to his feet and turned to face the woman, growing agitated, “That I go fuck all and push everyone I meet away at arm’s length? Doing that shit protects me, Amelia, it protects me from ever losing someone I love the way I did when you left me here alone. That every day you’re gone is another day I feel like I’m dying slowly and nothing is stopping it. Not when I sleep in our bed or...or when I walk by that nursery.” He pointed a finger toward the doorway, indicating the unfinished room the couple began decorating the evening after the first appointment. “So, I want something I can’t have with Eleanor. So, I’m milliseconds away from betraying everything that I am to feel something again. I don’t care about my happiness anymore when you took that with you, sweetheart.” The rant spilled from the man the same way helium leaks from a balloon, sending Enzo’s body deflating with a similar manner. “Five years and I’m living my life like a ghost.”

Amelia gracefully rose from the bed and glided toward him effortlessly, “Imagination or not, take it from someone who is one, life is for the alive and I will happily kick you in the ass if you don’t pull your head out of it. Don’t do this to your sister, don’t do this to yourself. Look at where the misery has landed you, Enzo.” Half a decade and the stubbornness still remained intact in mint perfect condition. Fear of change was average, understandable even, but there came a point where refusal to budge meant dying unhappy and alone. “Ignore what your head is telling you. What does that big old heart of yours want? To bury yourself six feet under,” Amelia reached out a hand and placed her palm against the left side of Enzo’s rising and falling chest with each breath of oxygen he took, “Or do you want someone else to see what I saw? A good man, caring, loyal, temperamental yet quite hilarious when he desires to be at the same time?”

“Amelia...” All that was needed as a response in the form of her name as it touched his lips in a breathless whisper barely audible to the human ear. Mia lifted herself on her tiptoes and pressed their foreheads together, causing Enzo’s eyes to instinctively slip closed. This stance was a gesture they shared often as a sign of levity from years’ past and if anything calmed his nerves quickest, it was that. “I’m not asking you, Enzo, I’m not begging you. I’m telling you,” A command, dripping with resolution and firmness. Oh, how he missed it. The only woman who could wrap him around her pinky finger and tell him what to do without fearing repercussion. Knock him off his ass, rip out his heart, and pick up the pieces. That was love, that was Amelia. Defiant, headstrong...gone.  “Let me go.”

Let me go. The words echoed deafeningly, jackhammering his skull until the time came where he made the conscious decision to heed the demand. Enzo’s eyes slowly peeled open as the space in front of him was no longer filled by Amelia’s form, her advice to let her go becoming all too clear. How is he expecting to move forward when the memories of a past tragedy tied him down with heavy chains? For Sid, or Eleanor, or any one person who depended on his resolve to keep going? He couldn’t live like this forever, wouldn’t feel like this, like the world fell apart.

Enzo reached for the photo frame still laying on the bed one last time, staring at his reflection in the little glass pane, and sensing a rise from the swirling pit of despair he hadn’t dared touch since Amelia and his unborn child’s funeral. The only thing he could do.

He wept.

[meat-husband]

Slashers first time doing it with their s/o ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° ?

I’ve been waiting for this ask lol thank u for stepping up anon, you’re braver than any US marine. 

Sorry this took forever to get out, I just had a hard time organizing my thoughts about these stinky boys. 

Brahms

Lots of really uncomfortable mask kisses. No, he’s not taking it off and yes, you are expected to smooch it. You get a lot of bruised, and possibly bloody, lips as a result. Way, way in the future, once he’s as certain about your loyalty as he can be, maybe he’ll take it off if you promise not to peek. 

Let's be honest here - he busts outta that wall with his dick hard. He is the human embodiment of DTF, so the literal moment you’re ready for it, he’s already taking his pants off. 

He thinks he knows what to do, but once there is a real chance at getting laid, his mind is blank. Probably just ends up sort of awkwardly humping you until you put a stop to it, but don’t laugh otherwise he’s going to have a tantrum like you’ve never seen before. 

Anyone who tells you that he wouldn’t nut before the clothes even come off is lying. And he’s not super concerned with your lack of release, either, so you have to somehow get off before he does or wait for him to stop being a brat, neither of which are very likely. 

Speaking of that, he’s going to make a mess and yes, you are expected to clean him up afterwards. No, he’s not getting out of bed to take a shower, it doesn’t matter if that would be easier. 

Absolutely no technique. He grabs everything too hard, bites where he  shouldn’t, and is overall just clueless about what to do and when. Way too eager, so he tends to just try and blow past foreplay completely. 

He’s fine with you teaching him or showing him what to do, but don’t expect him to catch on to the parts that aren’t about him very quickly. The goal is for him to get what he wants, and if he’s feeling generous then you won’t be left hanging. 

Eventually he’ll come around to the idea that pleasing a partner is just as much fun as being pleased. He’s still going to be selfish and bratty about it, and more often than not he’s still going to be the one who cums first, but he’ll quickly learn to enjoy it once he sees how desperate it makes you. 

Unbelievably smug afterwards. Somehow very, very proud of himself and the ego boost is just insufferable. On the upside, you’ve got a few days with him as well behaved as he’s ever going to get, so enjoy the calm while you can. 

You’re not going to have a second alone though, because he’s going to be feeling that clingy, cuddly afterglow for a while. Wants lots of affection and attention, so you’d better be ready to drop everything and coo over him on command. 

Michael

He’s got the general idea down, but not really any of the details. He’s not about to let you sit him down and teach him though, he’s just going to do what he wants. He may not understand exactly how it works, but he’s not going to take it slow either. 

You can try and direct him, but he’s just going to ignore you. He’s pretty much ready to get right to it straight away, and he doesn’t take suggestions. There’s no romance or affection to it when he approaches you. 

The mask stays on. He’s probably never going to be comfortable taking it off during something so intimate, maybe pulling it up just enough so he can bite. He won’t go in for a kiss on his own, but he won’t complain if you kiss him, just so long as you realize that the mask is going to be more involved in it than he is. 

Way, way too rough. He digs his nails into you everywhere he squeezes and he’s got no idea how to be gentle with someone else. He doesn’t pin your wrists, but rather holds you to the bed by your hair, so you can still squirm around without being able to go anywhere. 

If you’ve got a dick of your own there is a special danger that comes with this experience - he’s masturbated before and it’s not a slow, gentle process when he does it. The first time he gets his hands on you, his grip is bruisingly firm and not at all pleasurable. 

He’s very physically dominant and he’s going to pretty much do what he wants, putting you where he wants you and deciding what’s going to happen. His goal the first time is simple, so he’s not going to try out anything too complicated. 

There’s a lot of build up and expectations going into it, mostly on your side, but it’s over quicker than you had anticipated. To be fair, it’s likely his first time with another person involved, and he isn’t entirely comfortable being around people, or you, yet. 

He’s probably not going to stick around for cuddles afterwards. If he doesn’t just get up and leave, you can get away with curling up against his side, maybe putting an arm or leg over him, but don’t expect him to stay there for long. 

Prepare to be woken up in the middle of the night, because he isn’t going to wait until morning for round two. After the first few times he’s more open to suggestions, but you’re going to have to outright ask for anything you want, there’s no room to be shy about it when he probably has no idea what you’re subtly hinting at. 

It might not be noticeable to you, but he’s much more possessive afterwards, following you around and keeping a closer eye on the people you spend time with. This is the point of no return, and after this you pretty much straight out belong to him in his mind. 

Bubba

He’s got a little bit of an idea about what’s expected of him, but it’s vague and only what he’s picked up from being on the farm and hearing his brothers talk. He’s seen the animals in the pastures, so that’s about his only reference for how sex works. 

He falls in love pretty quick and he’s ready for sex just as quickly. He might not really know what he wants exactly, but if you happen to ever share a bed at some point, it’s pretty easy to figure out for yourself. 

You can set the pace, because he doesn’t really have any idea on how to start things, and he wouldn’t want to push you anyways. He isn’t going to pick up on anything subtle though, so you’ve pretty much got to just come out and say it. 

Later on down the line, you can maybe talk him into removing the mask when you’re alone, but he’s not comfortable with it just yet. He’s happy to switch to whichever face you like the best, though. 

You’re going to have to guide him through everything, but so long as you provide a lot of praise, he’s happy to let you take charge. It’s a big relief to have you making the decisions with this, because he would just be a worried mess otherwise. 

He’s very, very eager and that makes him more than a little clumsy even though he’s trying so hard to be gentle. It’s more awkward than painful, but as long as you gently correct him, he’ll figure it out. 

He wants you to tell him what to do, but that doesn’t mean he’s completely submissive about it. He’ll still pick you up and hold you down if he’s on top, or use his size to keep you still when you start squirming. 

It’s going to take a few tries before you actually get to penetrative sex, because he is a big fan of foreplay. He likes being the one to make you feel good and having you call out for him, so he’ll spend the whole time focusing on you if you let him. 

He will stay in bed for cuddles as long as he can, but you both probably have work to get back to. If there’s time, he wants a snack because all that work has made him hungry. 

Good luck handling him after, because anything as simple as prolonged eye contact is going to get him going. Now that you’ve shown him what to do, he’s going to be more confident seeking you out. 

Thomas

He’s rather shy when it comes to affection or romantic things in general, but that does not extend to this. You might think you’re safe to tease him and then act innocent, but that’s probably what pushes him over the edge. He might be a little hesitant to start with, but once you get him riled up any nervousness goes away real fast. 

The family never really thought he’d find anyone in the first place, so there’s not much education when it comes to this. He’s heard the men talk and picked some things up from that, and once you come around they go into overdrive catching him up on what he ‘needs to know’, but he’s given a lot of information all at once about things he’s never heard about before. Please take a moment to explain that anything that Hoyt has ever told him about this subject should not be trusted. 

This is a no smooching zone, but feel free to put your lips anywhere other than his face. As he gets more comfortable, small kisses will be allowed, but never without the mask on. 

He’s not used to having to be gentle with people, so even though he doesn’t mean to, he’s more than a little rough. Even if you happen to like being manhandled, you’ve got to be careful that he doesn’t go too far, and there will most likely be some bruises at the least. 

Probably going to happen in the basement, because although he doesn’t really know enough to be shy about it, that’s just where he’s most comfortable. In the future you will have to try and get him to understand that, no, he cannot just bend you over the nearest piece of furniture whenever he feels like it. 

You need to slow him down unless you just wanna skip straight to the main event, because he has no idea what foreplay is at all. He’s not going to want to slow it down either, so he’ll be eager to hurry up and get to it. 

He’ll do whatever you tell him you want, but if you don’t speak up, he’s just going on instinct. He’s impatient when you stop to explain things to him, he’d rather just figure it out as he goes. 

Falls asleep almost immediately afterwards, and good luck getting out of bed when he’s holding you down. Everyone else has a pretty decent idea of what’s going down, so you have to endure a lot of raised eyebrows and vulgar jokes, as well as some not so subtle encouragement to get started on grandbabies. 

He has a pretty loose concept of marriage, but this definitely counts as something similar in his mind. He was territorial before, but he’s much more possessive afterwards. 

He’s a little bossier afterwards, stepping in more to help you around the house and keeping a closer eye on you in general. You’re his now, and that means he’s responsible for you. 

Jason

You might think that you’ll have a lot of issues about sex to help him get over, but good news! He’s already got a loophole - Jason is a good boy, and good boys get to do whatever they want. He’s special, so it’s not bad when he does it. 

Despite catching more than a few people going at it, he’s got no idea what to do. Besides the lack of knowledge, you’ve also got to get that strength under control because he can get carried away really quickly when he’s excited. 

He’s not shy about it at all, and is open to whatever you want to try with him. There’s no hesitation when you want him to get undressed, and he’s more than eager to get your clothes off as well. 

Absolutely wants the first time to be with you sitting on his lap. Even if he didn’t make that preference known, it was probably going to happen that way regardless, because it’s where you are most of the time anyways. 

Big boy is big, and you’re going to feel like you deserve a medal once you’re fully seated. There’s got to be some kind of award for perseverance that you qualify for now. 

Kisses are a must. He’ll take the mask off, or leave it on depending on what you prefer, but one way or another, he's getting his mouth on you. 

You’re going to have to teach him pretty much everything, but he catches on easily and is quick to let you know what he likes the best. 

He really tries to be gentle with you, but he can’t always stop himself from getting rough. He tends to move you around himself if you’re not where he wants you, picking you up and tossing you around. 

You’re getting cuddles, whether you actually want them or not. Maybe you’re sweaty and dirty, but you’re not getting out of his arms until he’s satisfied that you’ve been properly snuggled for as long as he can get away with. 

He was always physically affectionate, but it goes through the roof now. You’re constantly being followed, one hand in his, as you go around the house, and frequent stops for kisses are required. 

[early20sfailingplenty]

Thought of this while laying in bed at 3PM cause I can't find the will to get up

BLURB: the Sinclairs helping y/n get up in the morning, y/n is not a morning person but needs to be up at like 5-6 AM to help the boys

“C'mon, wake-y wake-y, eggs n' bake-y!” Lester sounded WAY too happy for – you lifted your head up and squinted at the clock on your bedside table – 5 in the morning. He was giggling at his own words and you heard a loud groan in response – Bo.

“Fuckin' really?” Bo huffed incredulously. “That ain't gonna make 'em do anythin' but wanna go BACK to sleep.” Heavy footsteps, then, “Y/N, get! Up an' at 'em! Got lots ta' do today an' it ain't gonna get done if y're in bed.”

You groaned and shut your eyes as Bo leaned down to stroke any hair away from your face, his touch fleeting but tender. You rolled away from his touch and you heard a huff of amusement from behind Bo and Lester – that must be Vincent.

“Noooo ~ “ You groaned, wrestling the duvet away from Bo, who had seized it from your grip first, “Lemme sleeeeep ~ !! Work later, sleepy now.”

Lester couldn't do it any more – he burst into laughter, shoulders shaking and chocolate eyes alight with mirth. “Reckon we leave 'em, Bo?”

“Like hell,” the eldest Sinclair snarled as Vincent stalked past his brothers and scooped his arms under you, jostling you from your position practically IN the mattress.

You scowled at Vincent, “and here I thought you were on my side! Traitor!” You pouted and this time, Bo DID laugh, too.

“You always like this first thing, darlin'?” His voice was thick with laughter, and you smiled. You didn't often get to see Bo so relaxed and of course it would be first thing in the morning, before his ghosts caught up with him.

You and Vincent nodded at the same time; he was usually the one who woke you up if you needed to be awake early because of the three brothers, he was the one LEAST likely to give up and let you go back to sleep.

He had more self-control than his brothers did and everyone knew it.

“Christ. No wonder you ain't getting' up 'til y'do.” Bo scoffed, his icy blues watching you and Vincent, who was still poking and prodding you until you were so annoyed that you got up just to get away from him.

“C'mon, Y/N!” Lester had finally stopped laughing and flopped down beside you, making a show of rubbing his boots all over the duvet, making Bo pull a face in disgust. “Quicker y'get up the quicker y'can get back in? We really need help, sweetpea, wouldn't ask 'less we had ta'!”

You considered Lester's words, darted away from Vincent's next intended poke, and finally let Bo grab the duvet from you, though it didn't get very far due to Lester's added weight.

“Tick tock,” Vincent's hands caught your attention. “Need a fourth but not just any fourth. Need you, Y/N. Get up?”

You looked between the brothers and sighed, rolled your eyes, and sat up.

“Okay, okay, m'up! Y'got me, I'll help.”

You swung your legs over the bed and Vincent helped you to untangle yourself from the duvet, all the brothers stepping back to let you up; you couldn't very well do much of anything with three grown men invading your personal space, and there was only so much wriggle room in your bedroom. You could smell breakfast, now you were awake, and the scattering of doggy feet downstairs, the scent of coffee, too...

The quicker I'm up, the quicker I can get back in.

“So, what first?”

“Breakfast,” Bo started, “Then, uh, we gotta - “

You filed down the stairs, one by one, Jonesy barking excitedly, and the day began. But only when you did, and not a moment before.

[hautevaux]

The very second that Vincent's demeanour chances back to that lifeless and emotionless facade, Vaux is unnerved. 'T was almost as if naught had happened, were the reminders not painted' pon Vincent's cheeks right before Vaux's own eyes. It's almost a readable battle, that in which they fought deep within, in the shimmer of their eyes - - and for but a moment Vaux wonders what he ought to do.

He isn't about to walk away as if such hadn't occurred, he's not the kind to turn his back and pretend something hadn't happened but it was rather clear that he ought step carefully. Even as words reached his ears, apology after apology, did he sink deeper into his own thoughts for a solution.

Eventually, he legs go of Vincent's hand and instead reaches gently for his face with both of his own: one poised either side, resting upon the fabric of his collar so that unnecessary contact need not be made and make the situation worse.

"Vincent. You look at me and you listen." Far be it for Vaux to ever take on a serious tone, but he feels as if the moment calls for it - even daring to lift the lithe confines of a thumb up to brush aside the remnant of a tear from the others nigh grey complexion.

"Don't apologise. You've no need to." He took a second to pause, to truly think over words before they left painted lips: "You cried because you needed to, like we all need to sometimes, and there is never any shame in that. It's safe to do so around me, I'll never shun you for it. Know that mine is a shoulder always available to you, and it'll never come with judgement. I'll only ever offer comfort and an ear - - and it is never of inconvenience to me. You and your feelings, no matter how old they may be, matter and I will always be here for you, whenever they dredge themselves up. "

He losens his grip, of which was never particularly firm to begin with, and furrows pale brows slightly. It is more a look of concern than aught else, and Vaux wars with himself ad to what he ought to do.

"As for my past - - I've long accepted and come to terms with everything that happened. It still hurts, yes, but I'm able to speak of it and it... It causes me no more harm to speak of it than it doesn't." Because it haunted him in some aspects, either way - but the depths of those thoughts were best kept for another time." - - I think we have some elements of our past in common, and sometimes it's easier to speak with those who we know might just understand a little bit more than most..."

Vaux pauses again, this time relinquishing his grip entirely:

" Maybe it is... Unwise to be entirely by yourself for the moment? I've a spare bedroom you're welcome to for a few nights..." I the very least, they could have their solitude of they wanted it, but Vaux would also be close by - worried but understanding. "-- and before you say it, darling: no, you won't be invading my personal space or disturbing me or aught like that. I'm inviting you because I would like you there." A brief pause, no longer than a heartbeat: "Please."

They could barely hear Vaux over the overwhelming noise in their head. The screaming, the laughter and the shouting of memories long thought lost careened through their brain at dizzying speeds.

There was barely any room to comprehend, to even breathe, but they tried anyway.

For a while they sat there, breathing erratic and heavy. Their lungs rattled in their chest as they desperately fought their body for air that they did not need and could not grasp. They clung desperately to Vaux's hands and tried everything they could to calm their breathing.

You aren't the only one who struggled, Valentine, pull yourself together.

Stop being so pathetic.

Why won't you stop crying? Do you not know when to shut up?

What is the matter with you? Why are you so weak?

Shut up! Shut up!

Finally, they stop crying. It is like a switch has been flipped and any emotion they bore on their face was gone, their tears flowing to a stop and their eyes dimming.

"I apologise," they whisper, voice still trembling ever so slightly beneath the flat and lifeless tone, "My problems should not become yours to bear as well. Such a lapse in my emotions will not happen again."

What are you doing now you fool?

Do you want to push him away too?

God, you're useless.

"Wait... no... I..." they seem confused, worried, as they rapidly whip their head around to look at Vaux, "I didn't mean it like that. I... uhm..."

Why are they so awful at conversations? Now one of the few people they would admit that they trust must think they hate him. They don't, of course, but that sense of looming dread filled their soul.

"I'm sorry..." they apologise again, more heartfelt and scared than before, "I'm so sorry... I don't know what is wrong with me and why I cried like that... I did not wish to make you speak of things that you would rather not..."

Clearly, they would need to make sure they never said anything so stupid again. How long would it take to drill it into their own head that no one needed to know of their problems?

Tears were for little girls. Tears were for Morticia, not Vincent.

They left that part of themselves behind a long time ago. Buried the little girl they once were and moved on.

So, why is she haunting them now?