#but understandably it makes gavin feel so insignificant

[luckloveandwaterfalls]

Something about how Alistair Lowe is terrible with names and faces, and how Gavin turns it into a joke but is so deeply humiliated when he thinks Alistair doesn’t know his name, and how Alistair “just likes calling him Grieve” but turns around and saves his life and calls him Gavin because “of course I know your name, you absolute gremlin,” and how Alistair doesn’t learn other people’s names until they’re literally screamed multiple times in the woods but him knowing Gavin’s name, and using it while he heals him, is a given—

[chloeillustrates16]

A Talk is Sometimes All You Need

Man, never wrote a Dbh fic on tumblr before. Honestly, out of all the fandoms I've been in on this platform I'm surprised that I haven't well here we are.

Summary: Connor is still getting used to his deviancy, with deviancy comes emotions, with emotions comes pain.

Warnings: Depression, swearing

Pairing: Connor x Fem Reader

Connor was staring at his hands absentmindedly, memories from when he was a machine coming back. His breath was shallow, the world around him felt like it was crumbling. He felt a hand on his shoulder, jumping him out of his trance.

He turned his attention from his hands to Y/n, Y/n had been there for him since the beginning. After going to the DPD as a machine to investigate the deviant case she paired with himself and Hank. She was the only person in the beginning that was sweet to him, Hank didn't hug him until he was deviant.

"Connor, is everything all right?" she asked, her voice soft causing his heart to clench.

"I don't know what I'm feeling," he said. She sat down next to him on the couch,

Describe it."

"I feel alone, when I'm not. I feel as if I'm the only person in the world that has problems. Selfish, I know," tears started to form in the corners of his eyes. She didn't speak, placing her hand on his waiting for him to continue. "I feel tired, even though I can't physically be tired. Some days, I don't want to get out of bed. Some days, I think...wouldn't everyone around me be better off if I was gone?"

Y/n's eyes widened as she swallowed thickly, her hands started to tremble. Connor took immediate notice, his frown deepened as he stared down at her hands on his'. "I apologize if I make you upset, I don't mean to. I understand if you want me to leave," he was about to get up when her hands tightened around his. Her knuckles turning white, "Y/n?"

"Connor," her voice cracked. "Please, talk to me. Don't run away," she didn't mean to cry. She felt stupid, how could she cry at a time like this? Connor needed her and all she did was break down in his hands,

"I think you call it depression, however, there is nothing we can do. I'm not human," he continued. "Sometimes, I believe it would've been better if I were human."

"No," Y/n's voice turned firm. He looked up at her, "No, Connor. Don't say that I like you just the way you are, human or android. Neither would be better than the other."

"I'm not accepted into either, so, I think being human would be more beneficial for me."

"Connor, look at me," his shoulders tensed as her voice became hard. "Humans are so insignificant compared to androids, androids are smarter, faster, better than us. People don't like to acknowledge that but it's true. We age and die, are bodies are so fragile to the point where an injury could hurt us for the rest of our lives. For androids, you just get the part replaced and not have any further complications."

"Y/n," he started. "You know how androids think of me."

"I don't give a shit about what other androids think!" her voice softened, "Connor, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me...to hank. Without you, I don't think would've recovered, without you, I think I would still felt alone. You helped us, now it's time for us to help you. Those androids don't know shit about you, they're only judging because of your past. You were just a machine executing a program, now, you're you. That sassy Connor that pisses Gavin off, that hilarious Connor that makes me laugh on my worse days."

He stared at her, his eyes widening. He scanned her, her heart had been accelerating since she mentioned herself. "Y/n, your heart is pounding."

"I know."

"Is it something I did?"

"Absolutely not, it's me."

"What is it, are you sick?"

"No, no, I'm fine." he noticed that her cheeks were heating up, he absentmindedly placed his hand against her cheek, it was very warm against his palm. "Connor, we're going to help you. I promise," she reassured. He shifted leaning closer,

"Thank you, Y/n, for calming me down."

"I think you had a panic attack," she explained. Connor nodded in agreement. It wasn't the first time he's had one, her and/or Hank were always ready to help him when he needed it.

"Can I try something?"

"Try what?"

"I notice that when I'm close to you...your heart accelerates, am I wrong?" she bit the inside of her cheek not responding, "If you will allow me to...I would very much like to kiss you." All she did was nod as his lips pressed against hers, it was soft, he held her as if she could break at any moment. Pulling away, Y/n let out a sigh against his lips, "I'm sorry if I was stepping over any boundaries."

"Not at all," she smiled. "I wouldn't mind if you did it again, actually." He let out a soft chuckle before pressing his lips against hers once again.

[cheri-translates]

Headcanon - Your son isn’t cute at all

Original title: 儿子一点都不可爱

Original author: 君兮耶君兮 (jun xi ye jun xi)

[ VICTOR ]

You’re certain that the strength of Victor’s genes resulted in that little guy at home being an exact replica of him. Even Victor can’t deny that your son resembles him greatly in terms of appearance.

However, this doesn’t mean he acknowledges the resemblance of their personalities. At the very least, he feels that he wasn’t as studious during his childhood years.

Furthermore, Victor has half-jokingly pointed out that your son’s dislike for exercise is exactly the same as his mother’s.

“Victor, your son is bullying me again!” 

Although your opponent is a little brat, you’re still unable to win. In this short round of Go, your white pieces have more or less been “eaten” by your son’s black pieces.

“Dummy. Don’t blame your son if your skills can’t match up to his.” Victor sets down the documents in his hand, walking over to observe.

Is this something he should be saying in front of the kid!? What about your dignity as a mother? 

You turn around with a glare. “You were the one who taught me how to play Go. My teacher didn’t teach me properly!”

In the past, you’d typically respond to Victor’s remarks with a stubborn retort. Nowadays, you simply toss the bucket to someone else.

“If you make that move, you’d be sending yourself straight to a loss,” Victor comments, seeing that you’re once again putting a white piece where it’d definitely be “eaten”.

“Who says that I’m making that move?” You flick your wrist, salvaging the fate of the white piece, along with your pride. With a dignified air, you continue. “A true gentleman keeps silent while watching a game.”

“Mom, putting your piece here isn’t any different from the other spot.” Your son notes expressionlessly. With a thud of his black piece, he is only one move away from “eating” your white piece.

“...”

Despite the truth in his words, being ridiculed by your son truly upsets you. “We’ll continue. What happened earlier was a tiny mistake.”

In the following rounds, your white pieces grow sparse on the board while Victor observes the mother-son battle calmly. Or rather, watching as you get obliterated by your son.

Wanting to prolong the competition despite the lack of prospects, you courageously seek Victor’s assistance. “Hubby, help me out!”

Ignoring his son’s awkward expression, Victor rubs your head in a comforting manner. Picking up a piece and placing it onto the board, he instantly rescues several white pieces from a tragic ending. “Next time, give your Mom a chance. You need to give some confidence to opponents who are weaker than you.”

Your son nods in half-understanding.

“...”

Victor, don’t think I can’t tell that you’re calling me a noob!

[ GAVIN ]

Just as you wished, you had a son. However, there are times when you really think your son isn’t cute at all!

Your son watches you sternly, hands on his hips.

“Mommy, Dad said that you can’t eat ice-cream these days.”

“Be good. If you don’t say anything, your dad won’t find out. Also, I’m not the only one eating. You can have one too~” You attempt to bribe the little fellow who is utterly loyal to Gavin.

He rejects your suggestion decisively. “No way. Dad will get angry.”

This so-called anger is simply Gavin displaying a cold expression momentarily. Away from his son’s gaze, you’d play coy and Gavin would release a sigh of resignation before gently reminding you not to commit this offence again. To you, this isn’t a deterrence factor at all.

Since your son can’t find out about this little secret, you huff while returning the ice-cream into the fridge. Then, you grab a bag of spicy sticks from the snack basket.

Before your fingers touch the jagged edges of the opening, your son stops you.

“Mom, no spicy sticks either.” 

“...”

It truly isn't a good feeling to be ordered around by a child. 

Bored out of your wits, you bury yourself in the sofa, watching as your son stuffs the packet of spicy sticks back into the snack basket. “What other things did your dad prohibit?”

Your son tilts his head as he recalls. “Aside from ice-cream, mala soup, snacks, fried chicken, there’s nothing else.”

“...”

And he called that “nothing”!?

With the loss of snacks, you feel like your entire life has turned dim and gloomy. You get up coldly before walking into the bedroom listlessly. “I’ll take a nap. When your dad gets back, tell him to face the corner and stay there.”

Your son obediently agrees.

Close to dinnertime, your honourable husband returns home. Even before he removes his shoes, his son calls out to him. “Mom asked you to stand at the corner.” The little rascal gloats slightly.

“???”

Gavin is left dumbfounded, and has no idea what he did to anger you. “Where is she?”

“She’s asleep.”

After standing at the corner for ten minutes, there’s no stirring from the bedroom. Gavin pokes his son, who is sitting at the entrance and reading a book. “Go and check if your mom has woken up.”

“Nope.” Your son refuses instantly.

“Why not?”

“Mom said that if I supervise you until she wakes up herself, she’d buy me the latest model aeroplane.” The little child’s eyes brim with anticipation at the thought of the new toy.

“...”

So he abandoned his father for a new model aeroplane?

[ LUCIEN ]

“Mom, do you really not know how to do this question? Dad said that this question is very simple.” Your son looks up with a frown, only to see your frustrated expression as you rip up a sheet of rough paper.

“...don’t listen to your dad’s nonsense.”

The way Professor Lucien defines the word “simple” is completely different from ordinary people, all right?!

“Dad won’t lie to me. Mom can’t do it because she’s too stupid!”

Ever since the little fellow followed Lucien to the research centre, his admiration for his father has risen by another degree.

Having your self-esteem trampled upon, you toss the pen aside. “Why don’t you ask your dad then? I’m done with this!” 

Isn’t making cream puffs more enjoyable than solving problems? Why should you continue torturing yourself?

“...”

The little rascal pinches the booklet and heads into the study room. “Dad, I think I made Mom angry.”

“What happened?” You rarely lose your temper in front of the child.

His son shows him the question in the booklet. “Mom couldn’t solve it, so I called her stupid.”

“Apologise to your mother!” Lucien thinks that aside from him, nobody else can bully his Little Miss. Not even his son.

“Okay.” Your son responds obediently before going downstairs.

By the time Lucien finishes his work and heads into the kitchen, he spots you stuffing a cream puff into your son’s mouth. “It’s fine, it’s fine. Next time, just ask your dad directly if you have any math questions.”

“All right.” The little rascal’s puffy cheeks resemble a hamster’s. When he sees Lucien arriving, he returns to his room to read books, giving the both of you space.

Amused by the mother-son interaction, Lucien waits till his son leaves before entering the kitchen and reaching out for a cream puff. Before he can even touch one, you whack his hand away.

“Hm? It seems that my wife is angry with me too?” Lucien wraps an arm around your waist and nuzzles his head into the crook of your neck. Even though he’s exerting very little force, you're still unable to free yourself.

“I’m so sorry that I can’t do a question which, according to Professor Lucien, is very simple.” While he continues hugging you, you transfer the cream puffs from the baking tray onto a small plate. 

“That’s okay. Having one adult who can teach him is enough.”

You pout. “Your son called me stupid earlier.”

“Nonsense.” Lucien gives you a tap on the head. “My wife is the smartest. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken so long for me to win you over.”

Lucien’s sweet nothings are becoming smoother and smoother. Pushing him away with your elbow, you pick up the small plate. “Go and give the cream puffs to our son.”

Initially thinking that the plate was meant for him, Lucien is stunned momentarily. His son had a cream puff personally fed to him, while he hasn’t even managed to touch a cream puff. “What about mine?”

You release an icy “hmph”.

“Considering Professor Lucien’s high IQ, I’m sure he can make them himself. I want to give these to my son, who is also unable to solve that problem.”

“...”

Why does he have to bear the consequences when his son was the one who angered you?

[ KIRO ]

“I’m back~” 

You’ve just returned from a business trip which swept you overseas for close to a month, and it’s been a long time since you saw the two suns in your home.

“Mommy! Welcome home!”

“Miss Chips! Welcome home!”

The father-son duo exclaim unanimously, rushing over to the door with their similar faces and equally dazzling golden hair.

Your adorable son stumbles over to you, and you respond by squatting down and stretching your hands to give him a full hug. The little fellow tightens his grip around your neck to express his joy and how much he missed you.

Apple Box leaps around beside you to convey his welcome, and you can’t help but reach out to give him a pat on his fluffy head. In the time you weren’t around, he had put on quite a bit of weight.

The small entrance hall brims with a warm atmosphere... aside from Kiro.

At this moment, Kiro feels that his position in the home has deteriorated, and he shoots a killer glare towards your coquettish son and Apple Box, who weren’t sidelined by you.

“Miss Chips, did you not miss me... QAQ”

Despite the passage of time, Kiro, who has even become a father, seems to have become more childish.

You purse your lips. “Who said so? I missed you very much.”

“But you hugged him first and even patted Apple Box. You didn’t give me a hug.” The more he talks about it, the more insignificant he feels.

“Dad, you’re so heavy. Mom won’t be able to carry you.” Your son rubs salt into his wound.

Sure enough, Kiro gets offended by this. With a darkened expression, he pulls his son away from your arms, lifting him into the air. “Say that again!”

The little rascal struggles for a while before escaping from his grasp, then buries himself into your arms again. “Mommy, I drew you a picture!” With this, he sends Kiro a competitive glance.

Amused by the usual competition between father and son, you feed off your son’s excitement. “Really? My darling is incredible!”

“I’m incredible too!” Kiro is deathly afraid of falling behind. “Go away.” He pulls his son away from you once again. His left hand reaches behind your knees, and he bends down to carry you up. When he feels your hands tightening around his neck, he lets out a satisfied “hmph”.

“I can pick your Mom up in a princess carry. Can you?”

“Once I’ve grown up, I can do it too!” Your son gives him a glance of disdain. “Also, you’d be old by the time I grow up. I’d also be more handsome than you. Mommy will definitely like me more~”

“Looks like you need a spanking!” Kiro places you down before reaching for his son.

“Kiro, you’re not allowed to hit our son!” You hurriedly stop him before he can do anything.

“He was challenging my authority as his father.”

You tousle his hair in a comforting manner. “Be good. Actually, our son wasn’t wrong. When you’re old, you’d...”

“Miss Chips!”

“When you’re old, you’d still be handsome!” You chuckle gently, tugging him on the sleeve to make him bend down slightly. A sweet kiss lands on the side of his face. “Superheroes are the most handsome~”

[ SHAW ]

“Don’t make a mess out of our house!”

The moment you see the unsalvageable mess on the coffee table, the only thought that runs through your mind is sending this troublemaker back to the oven to be re-made.

“Dad said that an overly neat doesn’t have a homely feeling.” Your son tilts his head upwards confidently, continuing with his work on hand.

“So why are you doodling on the wall?”

The originally pure white wall has been morphed beyond recognition. And why does the style of this abstract art look so familiar?

Your son wipes his hands on a damp cloth at the side, then picks up a crayon. “Dad said that aesthetic sense must be picked up since young.”

Seeing the patches of postmodern art on the wall causes your blood to boil. “Can’t you use paper?”

As compared to your frantic state, your son is much more composed. “Dad said that I should strike while the iron’s hot when it comes to being inspired. I didn’t have time to find paper, so I drew on the wall.”

No matter what, you have to find the main culprit.

“Shaw, get over here!” Your twist your head and roar towards the living room.

“Did you allow him to draw on the walls?” You glare at him fiercely, causing his initial “yes” to quickly turn into a “I did not.”

Your son lifts his head in confusion. “Dad, didn’t you say that I should draw wherever I wanted to? You even said a child’s talent shouldn’t be stifled.”

“...”

With a grim laugh, you toss him a rag. “Since you allowed him to do it, you’ll be the one to clean up.”

“...son, use paper next time. Don’t draw on the walls.” Shaw finds a smaller rag and hands it to his son. The both of them begin wiping off the colourful traces on the wall pitifully, wishing they could travel back in time to stop this from happening in the first place.

Sitting on your son’s small bed while scrolling through your phone, you occasionally look up to supervise their progress.

Once they’re more or less done, your son suddenly pipes up.

“When can we head out to do graffiti?”

“Graffiti?” Why weren’t you aware of such plans?

“...” 

Shaw has a bad feeling about this.

“Shaw. Explain.”

“It’s just... nurturing his artistic side...” His voice dies off at the end.

“Okay. Right now, I’ll be nurturing his mathematical side. Stand at the corner of the wall and count from one to a thousand.”

After tidying your son’s bed, you head out to pour yourself a cup of water.

Shaw tosses a sympathetic glance at his son. “Every man for himself.”

“As his father, you’ll keep him company.”

“...”

More translated and original works: here

-

[ Permission to translate ]

君兮耶君兮: Can, just state the author and the source

[little-mad]

Downsides of Thievery Pt. 11

~ Previous Part ~ Next Part ~

Gavin wouldn’t really say he was a good judge of character, the amount of friends in low places he had was a testament to that. However, even he could tell that this new alteon that had appeared was bad news.

There was something about the way the guy held himself--it was cocky and arrogant, as if he was certain he was the most important person in the room. Not to mention the sleazy little smile he was wearing that seemed to promise trouble. But what Gavin hated most was the way the guy looked at him. It was hard to describe, but the only thing Gavin could think of to equate it to was how middle school bullies looked right before they were about to trip some poor kid in the hallway.

The green-eyed giant had been speaking in the same language that Gavin had heard a couple times throughout his time in the alteon dimension. Of course, he couldn’t understand any of it, which made him nervous for some reason.

“Not really much to look at, is he?” the new alteon remarked, now switching to English. “I know all humans are pretty pathetic, but I was expecting someone a bit tougher looking.”

Gavin scowled. This guy had intentionally alternated to speaking in a language Gavin could understand so that he would be able to hear the insult. Why was he being purposefully antagonistic? Yeah sure, Gavin was a criminal, but even Rael hadn’t been that big of a dick at first.

“Ashryn, I suppose you’re stationed here? Rael inquired. Gavin could tell he was trying to change the subject, to shift this “Ashryn” guy’s attention elsewhere.

“Why can’t he just tell this asshole to screw off?” Gavin thought to himself crankily. He tried to catch Rael’s eye but was unsuccessful. It was like he was very intentionally keeping his eyes up and forward.

“Hmm? Oh yes, that’s right,” Ashryn responded absentmindedly. He was apparently too preoccupied with staring at Gavin to give Rael his full attention.

What was it with these alteons and staring unabashedly? Just because Gavin was a comparatively tiny person from an alternate dimension didn’t mean they had the right to gawk at him like he was some sort of zoo animal. It was like all their manners flew out the window when it came to humans.

Ashryn stepped closer, a crafty smile still on his lips. “This is your first time dealing with a human up close, isn’t it?” he said to Rael while still not looking away from Gavin. “You don’t really realize how entirely inferior they are until you get close to them,” he continued. “Sure they look tiny and pathetic from afar, but up close you can really get a sense for how insignificant they are.”

Gavin really didn’t have a short temper, it was one of his few good traits actually. For the most part, he’d learned to just brush off insults and move on. He had given up on being well liked the moment he decided to become a thief. However, even Gavin’s temper had its limits, and he had just about reached his.

Springing to his feet, Gavin glared up at the massive elf-eared bastard standing in front of him. “What’s your problem?” he demanded, hands clenched in fists at his sides.

If this guy really wanted to insult Gavin and the rest of humanity so badly, why couldn’t he do it in his own native language? Oh yeah, because he was a complete ass. Ashryn didn’t just want to disparage humans, he wanted Gavin to know about it. For whatever reason, this alteon had decided he wanted to start a fight.

Next to Gavin, Rael had tensed up. The human hardly even noticed, he was too busy shooting daggers at Ashryn. Besides, Gavin was none too pleased with Rael at the moment anyways. He was basically just letting his comrade, or whatever they were to each other, run his mouth freely.

The grin on Ashryn’s face grew only wider at Gavin’s outburst. He took a step closer. “Rael, I think I’ve angered your little human,” he commented with a chuckle.

Gavin didn’t wait to see how Rael would’ve responded. Forget getting him to defend him. Who cared if Gavin was miniscule compared to Ashryn? He was going to stand up for himself. Someone needed to teach these giants some manners. Gavin was already in trouble, so it might as well be him.

“Okay you big, pointy-eared asshole,” he started with a bang. “Just because you’re bigger than humans doesn’t make you better than us--in fact with an attitude like yours, I’d argue you’re substantially worse than most humans I know...and I know some pretty shitty humans.” The words were flying out of his mouth almost of their own accord. It was like he’d opened a floodgate that he couldn’t close. “You’re clearly just a pompous dick who--”

“Enough!” The words echoed around him like thunder. At the same time there was a rush of air, a flash of movement, and then a thud that vibrated up through Gavin’s feet.

It took a moment for him to register the giant hand next to him, and a few more moments for him to realize it had just slammed down beside him. Gavin looked up, following the arm connected to the hand, expecting to see it attached to Ashryn. Instead, he was met with the rage filled face of Rael.

And then all of a sudden he was back in that clearing, pinned under a hand bigger than his entire body. The fear, the intimidation, the betrayal--it was all the same, probably even worse now actually. The worst part was that he didn’t understand, he didn’t understand why Rael was staring down at him with nothing but fury in his teal colored eyes.

Despite their turbulent relationship, Gavin had...well he had come to trust Rael. For god’s sake, he’d nearly considered the alteon to be something akin to a friend. So why...why had this happened? How had Gavin screwed this up?

“You will show some respect,” Rael growled down at him, and it was like Gavin was looking at a completely different person to the one he’d been talking to only a few minutes ago.

-

Why had he been put in this situation? Why did the guard outside the office have to be Ashryn? Why did Gavin have to snap like that? These questions swirled around inside Rael’s head as he looked down at the fearful human standing mere inches away from where he’d slammed his palm down on the bench.

“You had to do it,” a dark part of Rael’s mind told him. “If you hadn’t, Ashryn would never respect you, and he’d defame you to the entire Imperial Guard.” It was true--if Rael had failed to scold the human that was in his charge after he’d blatantly insulted an alteon soldier, he would be viewed as a failure among anyone who was anyone. Still, he hadn’t enjoyed doing it.

It wasn’t like last time, when Rael had trapped Gavin under his hand. There was no sense of satisfaction or pleasure derived from the action. All he could feel was a mess of anger and guilt.

He was furious that Ashryn had essentially manufactured the situation, but he was also angry with Gavin for quite literally forcing his hand. If the human had just kept his mouth shut, if he’d ignored Ashryn’s goading, then none of this would have happened. Why couldn’t Gavin have just made things easier?

“Well,” Ashryn spoke up with an appreciative tut. “I must say, you certainly know how to put a human in their place.”

Rael shifted his gaze towards the alteon. He couldn’t stand looking at Gavin anymore, seeing the fear and betrayal in those hazel eyes only deepened the heavy pit that was forming in his stomach.

“And you apparently know how to rile them up,” Rael muttered as he moved his hand away from Gavin and placed it back on his own lap.

Ashryn gave an amused chuckle. “Maybe so,” he answered with a satisfied grin on his face.

Despite having a primarily amicable relationship with one another, Rael had never much liked Ashryn. While they were about the same age and had gone through most of their training at the same time, Ashryn was regarded more highly within the Imperial Guard. Rael attributed this largely due to the fact that Ashryn’s family has had a long history of involvement with the Guard. Perhaps that also explained why the man was so pompous and smug all the time.

It was then that the door to the Emperor’s office opened for a second time. This time, it was a group of some of the top Imperial advisors exiting. They all eyed Gavin as they passed, however none of them said anything, only acknowledging the two soldiers with brief nods. Rael noticed that the last advisor out failed to close the door behind her, leaving him with a view inside the office.

There, sitting at his desk, was the Emperor of the entire realm of Iaela. He wore a calm smile on lips and waved a beckoning hand at Rael. “Bring in our human guest,” he called, his tone authoritative yet somehow still polite.

Ashryn was quick to assume his position beside the office door. He stood up straight, his arms behind his back like a perfect soldier. However, the part that the Emperor wouldn’t be able to see was his face--with that, Ashryn smirked over at Gavin. “Why does he look like he knows something that we don’t?” Unfortunately, there was no time for Rael to ruminate on his uncertainties. The Emperor was the very last person to be kept waiting.

Rael turned to Gavin. The human had gone pale and his body was so tense that it looked like the guy might bolt at any second. Rael was sure that the last thing Gavin wanted was to be picked up after what had just happened. However, there was no choice. There wasn’t even time for Rael to allow the human to walk onto his palm of his own accord.

As gently as possible, Rael carefully scooped the human up into his hands. Thankfully, Gavin didn’t put up any kind of fight; he gave a quiet gasp, but otherwise made no audible complaints. Once Rael was sure he wouldn’t drop the little man, he began to make his way into the Emperor’s office.

Immediately upon getting past the doorway, Rael felt a whoosh of air and heard a soft thud, indicating that the door had been shut behind them. This left him and Gavin entirely alone with the most powerful person in the realm.

This wouldn’t be Rael’s first time speaking with the Emperor, however it was certainly his first time alone, without any advisors, scribes, or guards around. Rael swallowed hard. He couldn’t mess this up--he had to prove himself to be a proper soldier worthy of being accepted into the ranks of the Imperial Guard. He wasn’t a peasant anymore, he was a proud, noble soldier.

“Rael, correct?” the Emperor inquired, the name sounded so foreign coming from his lips.

Rael nodded silently as he dipped into a low bow, which proved somewhat difficult while keeping his hands horizontal and steady for Gavin.

“Very well, Rael, could you place that human on my desk please?”

(Also, as a side note, I fixed up some continuity errors in chapters 6 and 9 if you feel like skimming through and seeing the minor adjustments)

[darling-dummy-blogs]

Love & Insecurities- Victor Li

Summary: Victor realized that he was in love with MC but notices that Gavin catches her eye instead of him and so he becomes a bit insecure, goes to drink (at home.) Gets drunk and ends up telling MC how he feels along with telling her how insecure he feels.

Paring: Insecure!Drunk!Victor Li X F!MC

Genre: Angst, Fluffy Ending

Warnings: Alcohol Use. 

Fandom: Mr. Love Queen's Choice

Word Count: 4k 

Notes: Based off of the prompt: "I love you. I love you. I'm in love with you so much, it's killing me." Victor also might be slightly out of character (So please no judgment!) Also there will be some spoilers from Victor’s Tour Date. 

Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

 Victor sat at his desk, trying to do his work as usual. But for some unforsaken reason, he just could not get her out of his head. He hardly got any of his work done, All because a certain dummy was on his mind. 

Victor grew frustrated, unable to do his daily tasks like he normally would. He sighed resting his face in his hands, trying to get these thoughts out of his head. 

 Her beautiful smile.. Her brown eyes that sparkled brighter than the sun.. Her soft hair that made him want to run his fingers through.. Her shyness.. Her sassiness… Everything about her just filled Victor with a warm feeling. Something he has never felt before. 

He didn’t even realize the sudden smile that appeared on his face at the mere image of MC.

From the moment he met her, something within him blossomed, a new feeling. One that made him crave more each and every time she was around. Whenever he would see her, he’d feel delighted. And when she walks into his office,  he could hear his own heart pounding within his chest at a rapid pace. 

What is this feeling? Victor would often ask himself. 

At times, all he felt was a sudden craving sensation to just be around her. To be close to her. To want to reach out and hold her. That craving never seemed to go away. The longing only seemed to grow with each passing day.

 It had even begun to affect his sleep. He’d end up just dreaming of her, only to wake up in the middle of the night, feeling the same pounding of his heart in his chest. 

Now it got into his work. He felt conflicted. Normally he would never let his emotions get to him, especially when it comes to his work. He always has to keep up his image at LFG. Being the CEO and all, there wasn’t any time for insignificant emotions. 

But yet ever since she appeared.. Things suddenly changed. 

A groan escaped his lips, he shut his eyes, running his fingers through his hair, why can’t his emotions just stop messing with him? Of all times to do so, they decide to affect him right when he needs to work.

 He shook his head, looking up. He needed to focus. He had a lot scheduled today and he could not just let these pesky emotions and thoughts get to him. He tried his very best to push her into the back of his head.

 Yet throughout the day, he kept making errors. Something he would not normally do. Goldman had even noticed Victor’s peculiar behavior. 

 So he had decided to ask him about it. A knock on his office door, Victor’s assistant’s head poked in. “Boss.. can I speak to you for a moment?” 

Victor looked at him, before nodding, “What is it?” 

Goldman walked in, shutting the door behind him, “I just wanted to ask.. Are you doing okay?" Victor frowned.

 “Why are you asking me that?” His voice came out rather cold and distant as it always seemed. Goldman became a bit nervous but he continued, “ W-well… You’ve been making a lot of mistakes today.. Have you not been aware of that?” 

Victor’s eyes narrowed slightly, “What? No I have not.” His frown deepened. “I don’t understand what gave you that idea. I never make mistakes.”  

Goldman took a deep breath, “Well.. That is true.. But..” He proceeded to then list off the many mistakes Victor had made that day. Which had stunned Victor into silence. 

A few moments passed, complete silence filled the room. Victor looked down for a moment. 

He never made a mistake…

So how can everyone else around him notice his mistakes but he couldn't acknowledge said mistakes on his own? This…This must have something to do with her. 

He let out an exasperated sigh, and had cleared the silence, "I'm fine. Just cancel everything on my schedule. I'm going home." 

Goldman quickly nodded, desperate to get out of there. "G-Got it!" He rushed out the door. 

Victor watched him leave, before standing up from his desk, taking off his reading glasses, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. Before he began to shut everything off and gathered his belongings.

 It wasn't long until he was outside LFG, making his way to his car. However, just as he was about to get in. He spotted her, from the corner of his eye. 

However, she wasn't alone.. She was with another man, Gavin. A person he didn't really get along with. He didn't like Gavin and Gavin didn't like him. Simple as that.

The more he stared at them, the more he realized how close and how affectionate they were being. They were smiling, laughing. 

What Victor didn't expect next was, Gavin putting his arm around MC's waist.  

That action in itself, set something off in Victor. An aching and wretched feeling within his chest began to bloom.

 'She's comfortable enough with him to let him touch her like that…?' He frowned. On top of that, a sudden stabbing sensation hitting against his heart, he began to grow irritable. 

'What is this feeling?? Why am I feeling this way?!' Victor thought to himself. He shook his head, getting into his car, slamming the door. He then drove off.

  ••• 

Once he got home, he sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that day, making himself more comfortable. Only to suddenly hear his phone going off. 

Confused, he checked his phone, seeing the caller ID: 'Dummy ❤' 

His eyes lit up at seeing her call him, and that's when his heart began to pound again. 

He immediately answered, "Hello?" 

"Victor! How come you aren't at work today? Is everything okay?" MC's concerned voice came from the other end. He didn't seem to realize the smile that appeared on his face. 

"Oh. I'm fine. I just finished all my work early. I forgot to tell you that our meeting was cancelled. Sorry about that." He spoke softly. 

"Ah, it's fine! I just was worried. Goldman wouldn't tell me why you weren't here so.." 

"...Why don't you come over to my house?" He suddenly asked, not realizing what he just said.

 "What??" MC sounded shocked, "Y-You want me to come over.. T-To your house???" She also seemed flustered 

"Is that a problem?" He asked.

 "N-no! I'll be over soon then! Do I bring my report?" She asked, slightly confused. 

He let out a chuckle. "Dummy.. It doesn't have to be work related. Just come over." He softly spoke yet again, the affection behind his voice clearly shown. 

"O-okay.." Her voice came out slightly quiet. "I'll see you soon." Before she hung up. 

The smile on Victor's face only seemed to grow wider. Only to change to a look of realization and shock. 'What...What did I just do? Why did I say that? Did that really just happen??' He internally panicked.

Then it hit him.

"I-I… I'm in love with her." He spoke out loud, to nobody in particular.

"I'm in love with her."  He said it again, as if it didn't make any sense to him. The pounding of his heart only grew more and more intense. 

It all made sense then, like pieces of a puzzle put right into place! All those thoughts of her, him being unfocused, his sudden jealousy towards Gavin, him smiling and acting on impulse, the pounding feeling of his heart when she was around.. 

He loved her. He loves her. 

Suddenly the doorbell rang, Victor's eyes snapped forward to the front door, standing still for a moment, still panicking. Victor, rushed over to the front door. Trying to compose himself, his usual expression taking place as he opened the door. 

Seeing her standing there, looking beautiful as always. He had to keep himself from smiling.

"H-hey," She spoke. She seemed a bit nervous, she had not once been to his house, only besides that time when she gave him her report but that was months ago. 

"Hey." He spoke softly, as he stepped aside, letting her in. She awkwardly made her way in.  

••• 

After a few awkward silences and a few short conversations, they began to feel more relaxed and were able to have longer conversations, filled with their usual banter, laughter and smiles. 

However their conversation came to an end once MC had received a call. 

Victor looked over, seeing the caller ID: 'My Love 💙' Along with the picture of Gavin. His heart slightly stopped, as he silently watched her answer.

 "Oh? Hey Gavin! What's up?" She asked, cheerfully. Victor could faintly hear Gavin on the other end. 

"No, I'm not busy at the moment, why?" She continued. 

That's what broke Victor's heart into two pieces. Why would she say that?

Victor's face grew rather bitter. A frown appeared on his face as he looked down. 

MC continued, "Okay! I'll be right over! See you soon!" She smiled as she hung up. Looking at Victor. "Sorry, I have to go now.. I'll see you tomorrow?" She stood up, grabbing her stuff. 

Victor quietly nodded. "Yes. Don't be late tomorrow." He muttered, his hands balled up into fists, his knuckles turning white from how tight he was holding them. 

Without another word being spoken between them, she left. Leaving him all alone. 

Victor felt the pain in his chest, he tried to stay calm, his breathing pace quickened slightly,  tears clouded his vision. 

He stood up, immediately making his way to his wine cellar. He needed to clear his head of her. Obviously she didn't seem to feel the same way. 

Of course, Gavin seems like he is better for her... Victor grabbed a bottle of wine before heading to the kitchen to grab a wine glass, pouring the wine into the glass. 

Normally, he would fill the glass at most halfway if not a quarter filled. 

However, given the circumstances. He wanted to forget everything that just happened. He couldn't handle the pain in his heart. 

He filled it up to the top. 

Nearly half the wine bottle had been transmitted to the wine glass. He set the bottle down, lifting the wine glass to his lips, feeling the bitter liquid hit the back of his throat.   

Yet even as he took sips, the feeling within his chest never seemed to go away. His thoughts began to grow more, eating at him as he sat himself down in his living room, holding the wine glass in one hand, the bottle in the other, he stared endlessly out at one of his many large windows. 

Why didn’t he realize it sooner? Gavin practically has her swept off her feet. He surely seems like he is better for her. MC seemed like she was more relaxed around Gavin compared to how she is with him. 

He gripped the wine glass tightly. He trembled a bit. He shouldn’t let his emotions take off like this, but at this point, he couldn’t seem to hold it together like he normally would. 

It only makes sense. MC had told him that the two of them shared a history. Not that he cared much about that during the time. Gavin knew how to easily draw out her beautiful laughter and he got to see her lovely smile, that Victor desperately wished she only showed him. 

He could see the differences between him and Gavin. Gavin is more easy going. Victor isn’t. Gavin was more open to her. Victor wasn’t. Gavin is more relaxed, Victor is more tense. MC was awkward around Victor, she was more carefree with Gavin.  

Gavin practically knew everything about MC, Victor hardly knows anything about her. Gavin teases her, she laughs and smiles, but when it comes to Victor teasing her, she gets angry and upset. 

He frowned, his insecurities began to affect him, was he really that awful? Had he done everything wrong? Was it already too late?

The list continued, Gavin knew how to easily fluster MC, He knew how to always think of the little things for her. While Victor didn’t. He feels as though her actions toward him were just not as sentimental as they are when she is with Gavin. He could never be like Gavin… 

Victor didn’t realize the tear that slid down his face. “Why am I not good enough..?” He whispered, more to himself. He gulped down the rest of the wine in his glass, pouring more into it. 

“Why won’t she get it… I look only at her, but she doesn’t look in my direction..” He muttered. 

The aching pain in his chest just would only worsen the more his insecurities trapped him into place, tears freely moved down his face. ‘When will this pain go away?’ He thought to himself, the ache just throbbing and twisting within his chest. He felt stuck, unable to move or breathe.

 He drowned himself in wine glass after wine glass. Soon enough he went through 2 bottles of wine. His tears dried up after a while but he still felt that intoxicating and numbing pain. 

The more he drank, the more drunk he became.  He wanted to numb that pain. It wouldn't go away. 

He shut his eyes, leaning back against the couch as he was now taking sips from the wine bottle rather than the glass. 

Victor's thoughts of her took over again. 

The same thoughts that haunted him earlier in the day. 

However this time, his thoughts had been filled with each of the times that he took her out on dates. One that replayed on his mind was when he had gifted her a rose when they had gone to see Astra Circus when they had come to Loveland. 

Just days before Astra Circus came,  she couldn’t get tickets when she really wanted to see them. Luckily for her, LFG funded the event so he had invited her out. Even though he had come back from a long business trip that week, Victor still wanted to spend some time with her. He missed her presence. He didn’t regret it either. He enjoyed that day. 

He vividly remembered how happy she seemed then, just thinking about it, brought a small smile to his face.

 After the show, MC had dragged him along, buying little trinkets and snacks that caught her eye. However not only that but a rose had grabbed her attention. Victor had noticed and had gotten her a rose along with a Shiba Inu candy . In return, she got him more candy that she thought he would like. He acted as though he didn’t find them to hold any meaning. But he really did like the candies she gave him. 

Thinking back on that date, it gave him the sudden idea to buy her roses. He grabbed his phone.

He knew, this was something he wouldn’t remember doing by tomorrow.

 ••• 

Two days had passed. Victor had not been okay in those two days. After that day, nothing seemed right. He still felt that wretched feeling in his chest and at this point it was really getting to him. 

He tried to numb the pain with wine once again. Did not help at all. In fact it made things worse. He hardly could think straight, all because of her. 

She still resonated in his mind. He sat at his desk, his head pounding, letting out a sigh. 

Victor once again, could not work. All he truly wanted to do was to rest. These painful emotions were eating away at him to the point where he could hardly work. And he couldn’t stand it. It felt suffocating. 

“It was pointless coming into work.” He muttered quietly, rubbing at his forehead tiredly, groaning slightly, his eyes shifted to one of his desk drawers. His eyes kept gazing at it, looking away a few times only for his gaze to return to it. 

Maybe one little drink couldn’t hurt.. Right?

Wrong. 

He swiftly opened the drawer, pulling out the wine bottle that he kept stored in there, opening it without a second thought and began drinking it. Not even caring that he was doing so during work hours. 

It wasn’t like he was going to be able to finish it anyways. Not when his head was a complete mess. 

After drinking for what seemed like thirty or so minutes, a soft knock came from his office door. Slightly panicked, he quickly closed the bottle of wine and put it right back in its hiding place, Victor cleared his throat and composed himself, “Come in.” 

He slightly winced, his head throbbed painfully. He tried to hide his pained expression as the door opened, revealing MC, who had come to give her weekly report as per usual. 

“Hey Victor.” She spoke lightly, “I’m here for my report. But before I start.. Can I ask you something?” She looked slightly conflicted. Victor stared quietly at her for a moment, taking in her words before nodding. “What is it?” 

“Do you.. Happen to know where I got roses from? I came into work this morning and I saw them on my desk. There was a note with it but nothing was on it. I tried asking the others but they said it was from a secret admirer..”

 His eyes widened slightly, ‘The roses...The ones I ordered for her? While I was drunk?’  He thought to himself, he didn’t remember doing so but the email he had received the next day, proved him wrong. It was too late to cancel, so he had no choice but to wait for her to receive them. 

He gulped as he quickly composed his emotions and stared at her with an emotionless expression. 

She took a breath, laughing slightly, “Although.. I highly doubted it was a secret admirer. I had thought they were from Gavin.” 

At the mention of Gavin, his fists clenched. And his heart began to ache painfully once more. Did she really think that GAVIN gave her those roses?! 

Victor’s eyes were filled with rage and hurt, a storm formed within his periwinkle eyes as he clenched his jaw. He could not let his emotions out. Not in front of her...The headache he once felt was gone and he was just angry. 

His mouth voiced out his anger before he could stop himself, “Did you really think he got those for you?” His voice slurred a bit from the alcohol he had drunk minutes before her arrival. 

MC looked at him, confused by how he replied to her, “Victor.. Are you okay? I did think it was from him, he’s been very sweet to me lately..” She trailed off. Victor’s gaze was less than happy. 

Suddenly, time slowed down. Victor had frozen time. 

He needed to. He couldn’t stand it anymore. 

She needed to know how he felt. There was no other way to make it more clear. Victor sighed, he looked down. “How long will it take for you to get it..?” He started, his voice low. 

“Huh? What do you mean Victor?” She asked, “Why did you stop time?” She also inquired. But he didn’t answer her questions, he stood up, slightly swaying as he looked at her. He steadied himself by placing both his hands down on his desk to keep him from falling over. “Idiot.. Those roses were from me.” 

Her eyes widened, shocked but she stood quiet. He continued, “I got those for you because I love you, alright?” He finally let it out. 

“W-What?” She finally spoke, “Y-You.. Love me??” 

Victor’s eyes once filled with rage, grew soft, “Yes.. Dummy of course I do..” He took a shaky breath, his raw emotions showing through the cracks of his usual stone cold expression. "I love you. I love you. I'm in love with you so much, it's killing me." He gripped tightly onto his desk. 

“For the past two days I’ve mulled over it. I haven’t been focusing.. I haven’t been doing my work. You have been on my mind ever since you left my house.” His heart pounded within his chest, tears welled up in his eyes, he looked down. “Before you had arrived  at my house that day, I had finally realized how much I loved you.. And when you left to go be with Gavin. I..” A tear slid down his face. “I had never felt so broken.”  His tone showed how hurt he was.

 A silence passed between them before Victor once again continued. “For the rest of the night, I just thought about everything I was doing wrong.. My feelings and thoughts only seemed to turn against me.” He braced himself, letting out a shaky breath once again. “...A-am I not good enough for you?” 

MC was stunned, she never realized how hurt and affected he was by this, it utterly broke her heart. She felt awful for having treated him like this. She has never once seen him look so broken...So vulnerable...So insecure...

 “I kept listing the differences between me and Gavin.” He bitterly laughed, more tears slid down his face. “He seems like the perfect guy in your eyes..” He trembled slightly. “When will you ever notice, how much I love you..?” He asked looking at her again, “You are the only girl I look at, but you never seem to look at me…” 

“V-Victor..” She frowned. “I-I never knew you felt like this..” She softly whispered, as she slowly made her way closer to him. Victor looked away, “You couldn’t have known. It’s not your fault...” He muttered. 

“I just.. I wanted to tell you. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way. You don’t have to.” He took a deep breath, wiping away his tears as he tried to compose his emotions and his thoughts. 

“..I do feel the same way.” She shyly spoke, averting her gaze. He looked at her, shocked to actually hear those words. Something he had hoped to hear, but couldn’t believe it to be real ”...You do?”

 She nodded, blush sprouting onto her cheeks, giving them a soft glow. “I’m sorry that my actions had made you think otherwise..” She walked around his desk, standing in front of him, gently placing her hands onto his face, gently caressing his cheeks in a comforting way. 

“I don’t believe that Gavin is the perfect guy for me. While he is definitely a great guy.. And is incredibly sweet.. He isn’t the one I fell for.” He stared down at her, his eyes showing pain but also hope as he gazed into her brown eyes, leaning into her gentle touch. 

She gave him a loving smile. “The one I fell for.. Was you. It has always been you.” Victor’s eyes filled up with tears once again as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Which she gladly reciprocated. “I hope you know that, you shouldn’t compare yourself to Gavin. You are perfect in my eyes, no matter what, okay?” 

“...Thank you.” His shaky voice spoke, as he held onto her tightly, scared that if he let go, she would disappear. 

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. Placing a soft kiss to his cheek. “You don’t have to thank me… Dummy” She lightly teased, giggling slightly. 

A smile broke out on his face, as he pulled away looking at her. “I suppose, for once, I am the dummy.” He let out a soft chuckle, as he stared at her lovingly. “But.. I’m only a dummy for you.” He gently whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. 

[astrologista]

Gavin Bros. Analysis

here be spoilers for apollo justice (aa4)

There are already a bunch of posts all about AA:AJ and just what the heck was behind Kristoph Gavin’s Psychelocks. What were his motivations? Why did he do what he did? As fragmented as the story is surrounding the Gavin brothers, and as much as I wish the source material had rounded out their characters a little more, I believe the game actually tells you pretty much everything there is to know about this case rather succinctly. Don’t worry as I will use evidence to back up my claims...

It is notably interesting that Kristoph’s Psychelocks only come up when Phoenix asks him point blank why he killed Zak Gramarye. This is the one question that Kristoph consistently refuses to answer directly, both in Solitary Cell 13 and in his testimony at his trial. Coincidentally, this is also the main question that he ever gets asked that speaks to his emotions or state of mind. Kristoph has a really good logical answer for basically all of the evidence-based questions. But, it’s also not a coincidence that Apollo has the presence of mind to note - “why not bring up the motive from the start? unless it was a battle he thought he might lose...”

This establishes pretty clearly that Kristoph is going to have a vested interest in keeping all questioning solidly focused on the material evidence at hand such as the postage stamp, the nail polish, and reasons why he cannot be directly connected to those objects. The law provides plenty of escape hatches and loopholes for Kristoph to exploit, which he does, providing him with the legal basis to be able to escape punishment due to the inability for anyone to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is not surprising as being a very successful defense attorney is literally his job and he happens to be extremely competent at it.

This kind of person is scary if you meet them in real life because they can always seem to wriggle out of anything you try to pin on them. Kristoph is a grand master at doing this, quite possibly as good as they come in the AA universe.

Here’s the rub. Apollo brings up that Kristoph wants to avoid bringing the conversation into motives and state of mind questions, why? Because “it’s a battle he thinks he might lose”. Every single time this topic comes up, Kristoph deflects the question. This also is indicated by the five black Psychelocks that come up when Phoenix asks him point blank why he killed Zak. So from this we can gather that the game is drilling it in pretty well that Kristoph’s motivations are a sore spot for him and possibly the one chink in his armor.

Because the material evidence cannot prove anything for or against Kristoph’s guilt, in a typical case like this the police would hope for the holy grail - a full confession and admission of guilt. Kristoph is much too cool of a customer to fall into any traps, no doubt he was questioned very rigorously after being arrested, but all he even had to do was invoke his right to remain silent regarding his motives or simply claim that he killed Zak just ‘cause y’know, being evil is fun. Once he confessed to killing Zak, though, the police probably didn’t care all that much to probe into his thoughts and motivations really, if he did it, he did it and he’s going to spend a stint in jail either way.

Phoenix sees through this, however. In Solitary Cell 13 he does NOT allow Kristoph to drop or evade the question. That is why we get as far as even seeing the black Psychelocks at all. If we can’t know the motive, why bother to have this scene in the game?

Quite simply we can now understand that Kristoph’s motive for killing is something emotional. It is not something that he’s going to divulge casually, but it is also probably something that he is worried about divulging UNCONSCIOUSLY which is why he constantly tries to steer conversations away from it, instead deflecting to discuss the evidence or the emotional state of other people in the room. Consider that Kristoph’s reputation is PREDICATED on him being “the Coolest Defense in the West”. His identity is based on his successful suppression of emotions in court. This is not to say he shows no emotion or is some kind of monotone emotionless husk. He has a rather dry sense of humor. He banters with Apollo. He banters with Phoenix. He isn’t as uptight as some portrayals would have you believe (”life is to be taken easy”). When it comes to surface topics, Kristoph is an open book. He’s not as terse as you would believe, but rather kind of poetic and loquacious and conversational (to his downfall in 4-1). You get the feeling that he would be a very good conversationalist. But only for surface topics. Try to dig a little deeper and he will very neatly deflect your efforts. 

How can we hope to understand a character who by definition does not have any interest in talking about his innermost neuroses? The reason why people still discuss the Gavin brothers and Turnabout Succession so much is that, while a very satisfying and intense case, it is unlike a lot of other AA cases in that you come away from it with a LOT of open ended questions. You don’t feel the same feeling of closure as you would get from the DL-6 case, where it feels like you finally understand all the facts of the case and all of the character motivations come to light making you go “oh! THAT MAKES SENSE!” you understand why von karma killed gregory, and everything comes together nicely in the end. Turnabout Succession is kind of a rarity in that it does not do that. By the end, you feel like you clearly understand the case, but you do not have a crystal clear view of the root cause of the motivations behind it.

In Kristoph’s final testimony he does shed a little bit of light on his motivations for his crimes. The issue that he has is mainly centered around his dismissal by Zak Gramarye as his representation. And, his subsequent replacement with Phoenix Wright, an attorney he perceives to be low-class and sub-par. Kristoph then states “these men shamed me, and I could not forgive that.” This is as close to an answer as to why he went to such lengths to get Phoenix disbarred as we are likely to get. Disproportionate retribution is the name of the game. It seems as if, if there’s one thing Kristoph cannot tolerate, it’s being looked down upon by someone that he perceives as inferior to him. Kristoph has extremely polarized notions of who should get to practice law, who is acceptable and who is categorized under “ignorant swine soiling the courts”. He makes very, very clear that he has nothing but disdain for common people, common wisdom, and any use of emotion or feelings in deciding verdicts.

So the particular manner in which Phoenix sought to bring him down with the jury system was a very deliberate masterstroke to Kristoph’s pride. That much we can establish. But again, motive. The game goes out of its way to tell you that whomever defended Zak would be “famous beyond belief” and, presumably also, rich. They would get a lot of very high-profile clients and cases sent their way after successfully defending the uber-famous magician Zak Gramarye. 

Taking all of this into account, right. Is it possible that everything Kristoph did has its roots in one very simple source, the root of all evil?

Money.

Taking a step back for a moment, consider Klavier. Why does Klavier perform in a rock band? “Because I want Frauleins to look at me when I walk down the street.” I feel like people really want to believe that both Kristoph and Klavier are super deep characters and have all this deep lore and hidden backstory. Maybe they do. Most AA characters do. But consider this. What if they’re both so deep, they’re actually just shallow? Yes, that shallow?

Given how much AA:AJ focuses on the Gavins, which is really not that much, this concept seems difficult to swallow. Is there really more to the story based on what the game gives us? If there is, how would we piece it together?

One major hint the game gives you about Kristoph (and, if this is insignificant, then you have to really wonder why they bother to bring it up at all) takes place directly after seeing Kristoph’s black Psychelocks in Solitary Cell 13. He starts doing his nails. Phoenix says “I know appearances are a big thing with you”. Kristoph says “You know what I say? One cannot live a beautiful life without beautiful nails.”

I feel that this statement is important because it is probably about as deep of a look as we are ever going to get at how shallow Kristoph Gavin really is. He hopes you will believe that he’s playing 12-dimensional chess with some kind of fucked up backstory and motive going, but the truth is, he’s no chessmaster. Based on what the game gives you, there’s really only one motivation for everything that makes sense.

Kristoph killed Zak, Drew and attempted to kill Vera to cover his tracks. He had to do everything he could to make sure no one talked about the forgery. He had to stalk people like Spark and keep Phoenix very close (the epitome of keep your friends close keep your enemies closer). There’s nothing really debatable about those facts because they are all discussed in the game.

What about the root cause? Revenge, of course, for Phoenix stealing away the chance for Kristoph to defend Zak.

Why was defending Zak so important to Kristoph? To become rich and famous.

So wait. Why does Kristoph need to be rich and famous?

As it is, Kristoph appears to be very affluent and well off. There is no real reason directly given in the game as to why he would need such prestige and fame other than that it feeds his massive ego and superiority complex. So that’s a big part of it, no debate there.

But why would the excessive monetary gains that would be secured off of the Gramarye case be so appealing to Kristoph? We’ll re-examine this in a little bit.

In Daryan Crescend’s case, Phoenix tells Apollo “every man has an igniter. find his and set it off”. 

What is Kristoph’s igniter?

I mean some people would say Phoenix Wright is Kristoph’s igniter based on his breakdown. But, I think more of that trial was contrived by Phoenix than we tend to notice.

I think Klavier is Kristoph’s igniter.

The final trial in Turnabout Succession would not have been able to succeed without Lamiroir, without the jury system, without Phoenix pulling the strings, without Trucy, without Apollo, and most especially without Klavier. Removing any of these elements from the scenario would immediately give Kristoph a massive advantage in allowing him to manipulate the courtroom. Can you imagine Payne trying to prosecute Kristoph?

No. Klavier was the only one who could confront Kristoph successfully.

The final trial had to be contrived in such a way as to put maximal pressure on Kristoph to increase the chances that he would slip up or, more likely, that an element of randomness and/or emotion would become introduced. Phoenix sets up Klavier as the prosecutor for this trial for a good reason - remember, Phoenix tells Apollo point blank that he (Phoenix) is pulling all of the strings for the Misham trial, so whatever happens is entirely his responsibility.

It must have been difficult for Phoenix to entrust Klavier, the person who sealed his fate, with such an important task. But realistically, he didn’t really have a choice. Klavier’s disclosure of Kristoph’s visit to the prosecutor’s office is the glue that holds together the entire case against Kristoph Gavin. Notice that Kristoph never really does anything to keep Klavier out of the public eye or otherwise silence him (up until the very end at least). If I knew there was someone walking around giving press interviews and practicing as a prosecutor who knew something really incriminating about me, I would want them swept away or snuffed out asap - I mean, Kristoph has already poisoned Drew and Vera who were unlikely to tattle on him at best; Drew couldn’t even identify him! What Klavier has on him is much, much more damning dirt. Either Kristoph really loves and trusts his brother or is convinced that he can control Klavier to the point where Klavier would never dare tell anyone about that visit or wouldn’t want to. Probably both are true.

The interesting thing about this dynamic is that this is really the only time where we see both Gavin brothers together in one room, as well. Something about being in proximity changes both of their behaviors. Klavier becomes hyper-alert and nervous in Kristoph’s presence, a marked change from his usually easy demeanor. Klavier’s presence causes Kristoph to make several mistakes, which end up costing him the case.

So all of these things needed to happen, and they needed to happen simultaneously for Phoenix to succeed. Getting back to my theory on Kristoph, we can see from what’s said in the game a few things - he really, REALLY wanted to be the one to benefit from defending Zak Gramarye (a trial he knew he would win against his brother using forged evidence), the presence of Klavier is his undoing in court, and his appearances are very, very important to him. 

I honestly think the real reason Kristoph was so salty about losing out on the Gramarye trial fame and money is that he didn’t just want to be affluent or well-to-do. He wanted to be excessively, filthy rich.

If you look at Solitary Cell 13 you will see that Kristoph likes very much to surround himself with many nice things. He likes tasteful decorations and furniture. He enjoys literature, music, art, that weird rose he keeps in a vase, and he has a dog named Vongole. “First rate in all things, accept nothing less.”

To have such top of the line items, Kristoph must not only be rich, he must be like top 1% rich. He has to have the absolute best of everything. This is why he needs money. Without these things, what separates him from the ignorant swine he so despises? This is why Kristoph needed money.

Nowhere is this highlighted more than with the Ariadoney nail polish. I think it’s mentioned a couple of times that the Ariadoney is absolutely the best possible nail polish that you can buy. It’s very, very expensive and is manufactured in extremely limited quantities (this is discussed during Kristoph’s testimony). If Kristoph is this fixated on something as simple as a bottle of nail polish, you can almost imagine the absolutely ludicrous costs of every other item that he uses or owns, not limited to his home, his car, fine foods and wine, his expensive hobbies, possibly traveling etc etc etc etc. I just know this fool shops at Whole Foods, because I can’t see him buying groceries at the Costco. It makes a lot of sense as to why he is single as well. Kristoph Gavin would end up being an expensive habit to any partner who would have him - I wouldn’t want to share a bank account or credit line with him. He needs Gucci to keep him happy. No bootlegs here.

Point is, Kristoph Gavin has an addiction to the finer things in life and he will NOT settle for second rate products. He will have what he wants and he will do basically anything to maintain his lifestyle at its current elite level at the expense of his own morality and soul. Sadly enough I feel like that might be as deep as it gets with him. That’s a really pathetic motive to have and makes me hate him a lot more, but it’s so fucked up I can’t look away.

Consider also the most important thing to Kristoph of all - his appearance. It costs money to keep yourself up and this seems to be the one area that Kristoph might end up pouring the most money into. The top of the line suit, the white shoes, the perfect tan, the platinum blonde hair so immaculately coiffed, the fact that his skin is virtually perfect and the fact that his face is near-identical to Klavier’s despite being some 8 or 9 years older. Most normal people would have some kind of facial imperfection pop up at some point, a wrinkle, a pock mark, something. And that’s when you realize... that Kristoph Gavin has most likely had work done. Like, on his face to make it stay youthful. He’s just that vain and probably also despises watching Klavier stay young and pretty while he’s just aging. Fillers? Botox? Collagen treaments? Something more invasive? No one knows, but all I’m saying is that Klavier’s character description goes out of its way to describe Klavier as “the spitting image of Kristoph Gavin”. Vera notices the extreme resemblance right away. There can certainly be genetic basis for two brothers looking alike, but compare that to how Mia and Maya look “alike”, or Lana and Ema, both of whom have a similar age gap to Kristoph and Klavier. You would realize that Kristoph and Klavier seem to have somewhat of a more obvious resemblance despite the age difference. So this isn’t just possible anymore, this is actually likely. I don’t think the game implies that Kristoph has undergone plastic surgery or anything, so I’m keeping this in the realms of headcanon for now. But it would make perfect sense as yet another reason as to why Kristoph Gavin needs cold cash. He needs to look flawless and he needs access to the absolutely most top of the line treatments and practitioners, continually. And as he continues to age, he needs to get more and more aggressive, more and more products, more and more retouching with those age reversal creams and foundations and stabilizers. That adds up, cost-wise, very very fast, especially if you want top of the line EVERYTHING, and Kristoph does indeed. It is very clear that settling for any less would be completely unacceptable to him.

All of this money, it has to come from somewhere. Being a posh defense lawyer will bring in some money, sure, but nothing near what Kristoph is going to need to live his beautiful life. Winning the Gramarye trial would have probably bought him enough prestige, clients and monetary gains to support himself off of law for the rest of his life. It does make a lot of sense that he would be incensed after losing that chance.

There is one more unexplored possibility as to why Kristoph had to be the one to win the Gramarye trial, though, and it ties into the money issue as well. This was supposed to be a fair match, after all, brother to brother. Klavier’s first case, in fact. It was supposed to be Kristoph vs. Klavier, and Kristoph wanted to make sure that he would be the one to win. Only Zak and Phoenix ruined that chance - a once in a lifetime chance, actually, for Kristoph to go up against his brother on Klavier’s very first day.

Klavier was the prosecutor of the Gramarye trial. It was his very first case. What could Kristoph have to gain by being the one to trounce 17-year-old Klavier in court on his first day on the job?

Well, not much, other than it would have been a huge crushing blow to Klavier psychologically.

There’s a comic floating around by someone, I think zarla-s, where Kristoph wins the Gramarye trial and is discussing his win with Klavier afterwards. Kristoph is smug and hopes Klavier will be humbled by his impressive win, but Klavier is unperturbed by his loss, happy for his brother and insists he’ll win next time.

As cute as this is, somehow I don’t think that’s exactly how it would go down.

Klavier has actively shown how nervous / anxious / upset Kristoph’s mere presence makes him in a courtroom setting. Based on this, it’s not unfair to say that losing to Kristoph IN PARTICULAR on Klavier’s very first case would have been a devastating psychological blow that could technically end Klavier’s prosecutor career before it even began. There is a lot on the line with the Gramarye trial, don’t forget the praise and adulation that Klavier gained by winning it. So other than all of the fame, adulation, money and pride Kristoph would have gained by rigging and winning the Gramarye trial, there is another dimension that he was also robbed of - the ability to ruin his brother’s law career. Losing to another attorney like Phoenix or anyone else would not be enough to do the job. It would have to and could only be Kristoph’s doing.

What reason could Kristoph have for wanting Klavier’s law career to come to an end?

Well, Klavier does have another job. As a rock star.

Wildly popular rock stars make a lot of money, many many many times more than even a celebrity defense attorney could dream to make.

The Gavinners had multiple albums go platinum. They sold out shows all over the country, I believe, possibly all over the world. They are a brand. They are profitable. Klavier is profitable.

With how much Kristoph depends on and uses Klavier, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Kristoph gets to take a big cut of Klavier’s earnings from his music career. For all we know, Kristoph could have been responsible for assembling and filing many of the Gavinners’ early contracts and legal paperwork. The rights to songs, record deals, merchandising - this is a lot of stuff. I’d say it’d be pretty hard to believe that Kristoph did not have his hooks into the Gavinners from day one. If he handled contracts, he could have written in loopholes that would give him a huge cut of any earnings resulting from Klavier’s band, the Gavinners.

Now I know what you’re thinking, Klavier himself is a legal prodigy. He could have easily read through anything Kristoph prepared and refused to sign on the dotted line if he found anything amiss or hidden in the fine print. What if Kristoph’s legal control of Klavier started much earlier than that? Depending on when Klavier started in the entertainment business, which could have been a very early age, Kristoph could have had plenty of time and opportunity to secure access to any of Klavier’s future earnings, especially if their parents were out of the picture.

 If you think Kristoph has nothing to do with the Gavinners, think about it. One of their songs is literally called “Atroquinine, My Love”. They are a brand. They are marketed specifically to teeny boppers. They’re not squeaky clean mainstream pop like the Jonas Brothers or anything, but they are marketable. The advertising, the way they dress, the way Klavier says he’s tired of the youthful angst scene, the fact that Klavier only gives Apollo and Trucy a 20% discount on concert tickets. I’m just saying a lot of it could end up being contrived, perhaps by a certain someone with an ulterior motive. It seems really, really weird and coincidental that the band broke up right after AA4 too. Klavier seems like he’s really dedicated to his art, and to music. This much is clear in the way he reverently talks about Lamiroir, how he teared up at her song, even the Guitars’ Serenade seems like a very different song than what the Gavinners would typically do, and it only debuts after Kristoph is already in jail.

It makes you wonder if there might be a little something more going on here. If Kristoph had it set up to where he could get access to Klavier’s assets, which almost certainly dwarf his own by several times, then he had every reason to want to crush Klavier in court. He had to be the one to face Klavier in the Gramarye trial and win, causing Klavier to end his prosecutor dreams - and do what?

Go back on the road, put everything into his music career and become a workhorse for Kristoph’s ambitions.

Putting Klavier full time on the Gavinners would have solved all of Kristoph’s monetary worries for good. He could skim everything off the top and finally live the beautiful life of his dreams, the life he needed to have and couldn’t do without. Most importantly, he could keep up appearances and always look continually young and attractive.

Until we learn otherwise, I think that that is really all that was behind Kristoph’s black Psychelocks. Just a narcissistic, vain, preening loser masquerading as some mastermind villain when, in the end, that’s not really what he cared about being. He cared about painting his nails in a luxurious mansion surrounded by piles of money in a big Scrooge McDuck money vault, and laughing maniacally at anyone who ever thought that there was anything more to it.

[monchikyun]

07. No turning back

“I have to be honest with you, Gavin. It’s only fair.”

When Connor dropped the dead weight of “we need to talk” at him, it was bad enough as it was. This frightening opener just managed to make it even worse, not that he thought it would be possible.

Gavin doesn’t see one valid reason to doubt the thing they built together. He has never worked so hard at anything, never sacrificed so much. And it was worth it, since every single piece of himself he had given away came back to him, fixed and improved. He can’t remember ever feeling so alive. This improbable happiness is so out of character his past self would probably denounce him. But it’s okay because he mostly feels it just so he can have something substantial on offer for the one and only android who managed to crack his rigid shell. There is a bit of selfishness in it too, naturally. It’s just that the more content Connor is, the brighter his world becomes. One and the same thing, really. 

He tries to dig up something he did that might break them, but nothing comes out, despite his imperfect personality and all their insignificant fights. Maybe it’s been long enough for Connor and he wants to get out, it wouldn’t be that unbelievable. At the end of the day, Gavin is not the ideal person to care about, he would probably never be. It just took the android a while to figure that terrible truth out.

He can still taste the oatmeal cookies Connor made for him this afternoon - his favourite kind and the dread overwhelms him through and through. Was it meant as a consolation? 

It surely doesn’t make the pain in his heart any less severe. Maybe he should have shown the silly bot how much he means to Gavin. More often. 

“I don’t think I’m happy here.” … as in their relationship, right? The only thing missing in this horror-scenario is a bullet in his head. He’d like to take it right about now.

Connor must have noticed the treacherous tears promising to spill over were he to utterly lose control, because he’s holding his face in his hands like he’s not about to aim the ultimate blow to his fragile heart.

“Gavin. Look at me.” Predictably, his control betrays him when their eyes meet, his weakness on display for everyone to feast on. But he doesn’t care, Connor has earned the privilege to witness him in all his forms.

“I don’t mean us. You’re one of the best things that have ever happened to me and I can’t… imagine my life without you anymore.”

If Connor wanted him to stop crying, he failed spectacularly. It has only been a year since they crossed the threshold od friendship and something more, but to him, it seems like an eternity ago. He blocks out the empty years he just barely survived before his life took a definite shape and it works, most of the times. He wouldn’t even think of going there when he’s enveloped by the person who made him into something much less ugly.

It took a couple of soft kisses before he was ready to listen again.

“I want to leave.” Connor grasps his hand to remind him that it isn’t his fault. Gavin is still scared, a little.  

“It’s just… lately I can’t stand my job, it’s driving me mad how much I hate looking at all the dead bodies and that other general… unpleasantness that’s all around us. I’m sick of the city itself. Can’t stay here anymore.”

His brain is trying to process this new information, showing no signs of a positive conclusion.

“So… that means you wanna move somewhere else?”

He gets a nod.

It should make him feel all complicated and hesitant, but the truth is he’s kind of relieved to hear this. This city bears too many bad memories, for both of them, and there is nothing really keeping him here. Sure, he does love his job, but he loves Connor even more. It’s not all that smart but he’d follow the stupid, brilliant lump anywhere. Even to his death.  

“Okay.”

It doesn’t need to be tricky. They had their fair share of difficulties already and this is one decision that has presented itself without effort.

“Okay?”

He plants a gentle kiss on the back of Connor’s fingers to let him know he means it.

“When and are we leaving?.... You do want me to go with you, right?”

“Yes, I don’t think I’d have the courage to do something this big otherwise.”

The android squeezes his eyes shut, his LED turning crimson. Gavin’s least favourite sight.

“But… are you really sure? You don’t have to decide right away, Gavin. It’s not a trivial thing like choosing where to spend the night.”

He presses his thumb on the flashing light and draws soothing circles over it, willing the red to go away.

“Well, maybe we won’t have to do that anymore when we move…” Suddenly, his cheeks mirror Connor’s LED. “I mean, it would probably be the smartest way to deal with the rent and…”

“I thought that was given?” What a fucking menace. He’d kiss him and there is absolutely nothing stopping him.

“What about Hank though?” If there ever was a father figure Connor could look up (or down) to, it is none other than the lieutenant who recently claimed the title of a recovered alcoholic.

“I’ve already talked to him about it. He understands, under the pressure of becoming unlikable, but still. …  and it’s not like we won’t ever be able to set a foot in Detroit after we say our goodbyes.”

Connor’s right, as always. They are long overdue for some fresh air, and why return to the poisonous fumes when they could breathe freely forever.

Gavin can’t help the ridiculous smile that’s spreading everywhere, infecting his loved one. 

“You plan on opening your own bakery or something like that?” 

“Something like that.

Sweets making is one of Connor’s many secret talents, the one he enjoys utilising the most. He spoils Gavin with his homemade treats any chance he gets and he can’t get enough of the sugary smile that comes with it.

If it’s Connor’s dream to leave his old life behind and create a new from scratch, the only thing he can do is to fully support him.

“You have to promise me something though.” Gavin’s voice gains a kind of urgency that clues in just how serious he’s right now.

“No turning back on this. Don’t make anything stop you from getting what you truly want. I mean it, Connor.”

“Alright. No turning back,” he whispers like he’s sharing his deepest secret, and Gavin finds it impossible not to believe him. 

@convinseptember finally something light :D

[mica-sky]

DBH: #Deaf!Gavin AU PART 2

CHECK PART 1 -HERE-

Gavin stormed out of Fowler’s office without realizing the android was following him until he arrived at his own desk and saw his reflection on the crystal-clear screen. He sat down heavily and glared at him, expecting it to be discouraging enough to make him leave. To his dismay, the thing rested his hip on the table and glared back. Gavin didn’t remember seeing eyes so pale. They were almost grey. He felt exposed, as if the damn thing could see past him. 

There was a pause.

—I’ve been told you were the best —signed the android calmly—. I’ve also been discouraged to be your partner, and many advices have been given to me in order to approach you. I’ve been informed that you are… difficult. A lot of agents offered to work with me instead, but I’m only interested on you —Gavin held his breath, confused—. I am the best too, updated with all Cyberlife had to offer. I was made to do this job perfectly and flawlessly, so I will ask you once more: can you be that man again?

—I’ts clear I can’t. I’m fucking deaf —signed Gavin violently, obviously pissed. The man had the android towering over him and made him feel insignificant. He hated it—. Choose someone else. I don’t have time for this.

Now it was the android’s turn to look confused, his eyebrows rising slightly before replying.

—I don’t want someone else. Also, why do you refuse? I don’t understand. I know you w-

“y0u dOn’T kNow ShIt ‘B0uT mE, dRoId.”

The android’s eyes widened, obviously didn’t expect him to be able to speak and Gavin took pride on being able to catch the thing off guard. He knew his voice was crooked and fucked up, and he hated to speak nowadays, but it was worth it. He just wanted him gone ASAP.

I didn’t happend.

After a moment of consideration the android raised his hands again, hesitant just for a second before signing softly, if ‘softly’ was a word that could be used for ASL. There was something on the care that he took to spell the words that made Gavin’s guts twist.

—I wouldn’t mind to get to know you. If being deaf it’s all that bothers you about working with me, I could be your ears… If you let me. I will give you a couple of days to think about it. If you don’t come to me by wednesday, I’ll find myself a partner and won’t bother you again —he straightened his jacket, ready to leave—. My name is RK900, by the way —he added.

RK900 turned to leave without looking back. Gavin wasn’t given the chance to sign back that he didn’t want to work anywhere close to a damn android.  He kicked the rubbish bin under his desk, grunting. If the fucking thing expected him to go and ASK to be his partner he would grow roots and die first.

CHECK ART -HERE-

[mythiica]

Your Warlords and Mlqc fics are amazing, i wish I had time to write for them 😭sadly school keeps beckoning for me that I have no time to write for my own typical boys

i really should i have finished this earlier, but i was really touched by your comment so i wanted to give you a little thank you! Sorry it took so long 

Title: MLQC Mini Scenarios - Pick Me Up’s (for when you’re having a hard day)

Fandom: Mr. Love Queen’s Choice

Character: All boys

Genre: Comfort

Warnings: None!

Intended Gender Audience: Female Audience 

Word Count: 1506 words, each is about 350/400 words 

POV: second person

Other Comments:  this is supposed to be like general pick me ups for each of the guys, mc has a different situation in each one: not meeting standards, general bad day, feeling inferior, and ?? idk it doesnt have a name but youll see. The guys in turn comfort mc in the way they know how! Hope you like~

Victor…

...watches your head fall between your shoulders, and instantly feels bad about what he said. He should have been less harsh about it, really, but he cannot take the words back anymore. Also, it is not that he wants to put you down. It is the opposite in fact. Victor knows that you can do better, and he wishes to ensure that you strive to produce your best. But hearing you sniffle makes his heart break, even if he doesn’t show it. 

          “I’ll go and fix this then,” you mumble under your breath, trying to fight the urge to cry. Before you have the chance to turn away, Victor sighs. You expect him to chide you for wearing your heart on your sleeve, but instead are surprised when he holds out his hand with a handkerchief. 

         “Something as insignificant as this should not upset you so much.” Victor wishes that he knew how to explain better. 

         Though his words are rough, you accept the handkerchief and blot your eyes carefully. “I… I just…” 

         “Take a deep breath,” he urges, his finger hooking under your chin. Victor looks at you with concerned eyes. “You can only get better from here.” 

         You inhale slowly and nod. Victor catches himself staring into your eyes for too long, so he pulls back and turns his head down to the side. 

         “And that’s really only because you’re at rock bottom right now. If you fell any further, you might drill through to the other side of the world. It’s a commendable accomplishment, really.” 

         “Hey! That isn’t helping!” 

         Victor chuckles under his breath. “You’re not crying anymore, are you?” 

         You blink quickly. Indeed, Victor’s comment was drastic enough that it snapped you out of your miserable moment. “Oh.. I’m not.” 

         He smiles ever so slightly. “Alright, now that you’re back to your usual self, you better get to work. I need the final version of this by noon tomorrow.” 

         Just like you got back to yourself, Victor returned to his typical tsundere self. You fold the handkerchief and offer it back to him. 

         “Keep it. I don’t want your germs.” 

Gavin…

...sees your lip trembling before you feel it. He pulls you into his chest and runs his fingers through your hair tenderly, cradling you against his chest. “Please don’t be upset. It’s not that big of a deal, really.” Gavin rubs your back slowly, but you just bury your face against him and let the tears fall. 

         He was right, but it didn’t change the fact that your day was going horribly. It started off with you stubbing your toe, then you couldn’t find your favourite shirt, and now, you had taken a wrong turn and would miss the grand opening of the festival downtown. There were smaller things that happened throughout the day that just stacked atop each other, but this was the cherry on top. 

         You just want to go home at this point, crawl under the sheets, and hide away from the world. Clutching Gavin’s shirt, you wring your fingers in the fabric. “Can we leave, please?” you ask through soft sobs. 

         Gavin gives you a pained look and tucks his arms around your waist. “Yeah, sure,” he whispers before pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. “Hold on.” 

         “Hold on? What do you mea–”

         But Gavin has already taken the liberty of hoisting you into the air with his evol powers. You had gotten used to the weightlessness sensation as the world whizzed bellow you, so this does not scare you anymore. Still, you hold on tightly to Gavin and hope that you arrive home soon. 

         However, when you peek out from the safety of his jacket, you realize that the two of you are in fact not going towards your shared apartment. Instead, you are making your way to downtown – where the festival is. 

         “But Gavin, I thought–”

         “Yeah, but I didn’t want you to be sad,” he replies quickly. Gavin tips his head down and smiles brightly at you. “Don’t cry anymore, please.” 

         You look down and see the golden lights of the festival stands. The glow reaches upwards, making the city look alive – the chatter of people is loud and welcoming, and you can smell the food from the sky. “You didn’t have to…” 

         “Yes I did.” Gavin lands easily off to the side, away from prying eyes. He wipes your cheeks and pats your hair down. “Shall we?”

Kiro…

...enters the room to find you strewn across the couch, your face hidden by the plush cushions. He slings himself across the room and lands next to you with an oof. “Miss Chips!” he sings playfully, tapping your shoulder. “Are you asleep?” 

         You don’t really want to look up. Kiro would see your eyes and know that you had been crying. Could you get away with pretending to be asleep?

         “Miss Chips?” 

         Still no answer. 

         Kiro takes off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders before getting up to change out of the rest of his clothes. 

         While he was away, you found a stack of opened fan mail. He was likely sorting through it and replying, but you could not help but feel inferior to the people who were writing him. You, unlike these people, do not have such a flashy story to tell. Albeit, you met Kiro on accident and your relationship evolved from there. Still, something feels missing… Kiro really could be with anyone he wants, and you struggle to find an explanation as to why he chose you over them. 

         Kiro returns and hums softly to himself as he takes his seat next to you. He smells like that wildflower soap you got him as a gift a few months ago. It comforts you, so you reach up and take his hand from his lap. 

         “You live!” he exclaims happily, pocketing his phone. “Why are you lying face down on the couch though?” 

         Rolling over, you do your best to cover your face, but Kiro catches a glimpse of your reddened face. “What happened?” Kiro demands, pulling you into his lap. He smothers you with kisses and pries your hands away from your face in order to dry your tears. “Please tell me... “ 

         “It’s just that–” you begin, looking over your shoulder at the letters. 

         Kiro does not let you finish your thought. “Miss Chips! Don’t you dare think any less of yourself. You are the best thing to happen to me, and I wouldn’t trade all the sweets in the world for you. You are brilliant and kind and brave and so strong with everything you do. I’m so proud of you and lucky that you’re with me. Okay?” 

         He always knows what to say to cheer you up, so you nod and tuck your face into the crook of his neck as he cuddles you gently. 

Lucien…

...worries all day when you do not show up to his lecture. At first, he thought you were running late, but when you don’t respond to his text messages either, Lucien suspects that something else is up. He cancels his afternoon appointments and drives home, but instead of going to his apartment, he knocks on the door to yours. 

         Still no answer, but the door creaks open. Lucien knows it would be better if he stays away, but something pulls on his heart and urges him to go inside. He goes inside and calls out to you, hoping to hear your voice. The lights are all turned out, and it looks like no one is home. 

         “The door opened, and you’ve been away all day. Where are you?” Lucien asks, his voice slightly on edge. 

         You, backed into the far corner of your closet, stay quiet and hope that he goes away. You don’t want to see Lucien at the moment, and it’s better if he does not see you. 

         However, when Lucien sits on your bed, he catches a glimpse of you inside the closet. He stays in his spot and looks at you. “Why are you hiding?” 

         Biting your lip, you shake your head. “I don’t want to come out.” 

         Lucien nods his head slowly. “You don’t have to. But can you tell me why you’re there?” 

         Inhaling slowly, you bury your head in your arms and bring your knees to your chest. Although your response is muffled, Lucien understands. If you do not want to talk about it, he will not press you. Instead, however, Lucien stands up from the bed, opens the door, and takes a seat next to you. “Cozy, here, isn’t it?” 

         He hopes you will smile at the comment, but when you do not move, Lucien tucks his arm around your shoulders and holds you tightly. You unravel from your fetal position and lean against him. It feels good to have Lucien next to you, but you still do not want to confess why you are there. 

         For now, you are okay with just having him to support you. 

[paulieshore]

The Dynamic Duo

Thank you @anxiousdork​ for the ask/idea, thoughts keep flowing with this so I think I’m going to turn this into a five-part mini story of mystery-drama/fierce friendship/growing romance/bromance.

Warnings: none

Word count: 1593

Characters: Mc, Minor, Victor, Gavin, mention of Kiki

Brief summary: Mc is presented with an opportunity by Victor to collaborate with a well-known production company from America (Barner Wors), thinking this to be a perfect opening to show just how well she can do; she immediately takes on the job with a small hand selected group from her team. However, it seems someone is sabotaging this joint production costing a bit of money in setbacks. Without knowing who, and why, fingers and accusations start flying back and forth. Victor is then involved when production comes to a halt, considering the reputation in America, Victor seems persuaded that the fault falls to you and your team. With no evidence to claim your innocence, you find yourself in an embarrassing confrontation with your biggest investor and boss. Minor steps in to support you, and then Gavin? Not knowing how Gavin knew the situation exactly, but touched none the less when he too joined in with Minor to defend your honour as a producer against the ruthless/annoyed Victor and solve this conundrum. You bear witness to a growing bromance between hero and sidekick, Gavin and Minor. They set forth to unravel if there is more too these unfortunate events as of late, you cooperate with Gavin and allow him to really use his power of authority in and around the studio. Seeing Gavin in yet another new way you find your heart beating more and more by the mere sight of him. Minor becoming possibly more of an opponent then a friend for Gavin’s affection, only later to find out Minor’s sort of digging you!

Part One: Incompetent

.

.

You just couldn’t quite wrap your head around the situation, none of it made sense, and even worse the most rational of people you thought for sure could help, didn’t! Victor only seemed to have looked down on you even further, “Are you so incompetent? Can you not hold down your team and manage them as a boss should do?” You honestly didn’t know how to respond, Victor seemed so sure this was all your fault.

A fort night ago he came to you and gave you an opportunity to work with Barner Wors, they were shooting some episodes in Loveland for their newly hyped tv show. Being able to collaborate with such a famous company was beyond a dream come true. Victor may be a stern boss but occasionally gave you way to really show your potential.

The first couple of days of shooting were fine, you made introductions with all crew and actors and got things started off right. After the dust had settled, things started to go downhill after a camera ‘malfunctioned’ on set during an outside shooting. The following days, numerous of insignificant things started happening, such as props you’d provided being faulty and nearly hurting the actors. The chosen areas around Loveland for shooting becoming too wet or vandalized when coming into work, you made the decision to film what scenes you could in studio thinking weather/bratty kids had a part to play. Minor and Kiki were being suspicious during one lunch break, they couldn’t help but feel as though someone was sabotaging this collaboration. Things that only staff/crew knew were leaked to the public causing a complication. On top of that gossip about Barner Wors, some of the actors and your own team seemed to be going around. You dismissed their outward thoughts and did your best to keep everyone on track and away from criticism, sometimes bad things just happen.

One late afternoon, tension seemed to have reached its peak. Minor appeared to have had enough with the supporting actress in the scene, she was messing up her lines and making subtle hints about how ‘your team’ was to blame for all the unwanted stress and misfortune. The supporting actress was the renowned Nicole Kissman, famous for her dominating Oscar winning roles in huge box offices. She was also known for her diva like attitude off screen, with a quick revise of lines before the dramatic scene, Minor encourage her to ‘break a leg’. Well, as Nicole laid on the floor weeping in the shot, one of the spotlights above came crashing down close to her leg. This was the final straw on both sides, everyone seemed eager to pass blame, leaving you no choice but to call Victor when the lead of the production halted everything due to liability. The phone call with Victor was brief and he arrived not to long after you told him one of the actresses was involved in a near miss.

Here you were now, standing in front of everyone as Victor pressured you for an answer, “WELL?!” It was rare for Victor to raise his voice, but today everyone felt the impact it truly had.

This was beyond frustrating and further more embarrassing, you wanted to scream at him, but you didn’t want to prove any truth to the gossip lingering that you couldn’t ‘handle things.’ You wanted to cry; Minor could see the tears threatening to fall whilst your face contorted with angry.

“Handle her team? Incompetent? Mc has been ‘handling’ us and their team, during this soap opera drama of its own!” Minor pointed as he stepped forward towards Victor, placing himself between you two. “I understand you’re the big boss here, but isn’t it a little premature to lay blame on her when no one seems to have any idea what’s going on?!” Minors voice was raised in the slightest, you wanted to clamp his mouth shut. As lovely as it was for him to stick up for you, Victor was of all people someone you didn’t want to be up against.

“Excuse me, and who exactly are you, executive producer? I suggest you get back to work and let the ‘bosses’ continue talking.” Victor gave Minor a quick analyse head to toe; scowling, before looking back at you.

Minor stepped sideways, obstructing his view before pressing on, “No, you were judging, passing verdict without even hearing anyone’s side!”

Fear took hold of you, worried perhaps Minor was over stepping and possibly going to get himself fired or have Victors investment revoked, you were about to pipe in. Just then, a light calming breeze swept through the studio, moving your attention to the direction it carried. Walking through the studio doors was Gavin, announcing himself as he approached face as stoic as ever.

“Afternoon, I do apologies for the intrusion. I’m Police officer Gavin, I was called in to take statements for an incident that’s occurred to rule out…”

** scanning the studio to every one present before continuing ** 

“possible criminal intent.”

 Everyone went stiff, Gavin was in full uniform, wait…

did he say he was called??? Your gaze drifted then to Minor who was gleaming with pride at his hero friend from high school walked in.

Victor then approached Gavin, “I apologise for wasting the time and efforts of our police services, may I ask exactly why you suspect such malice?” Victor as usual, cut straight to the point.

“Miss Mc, one of your notable employees, filed a concern the other day with worries and suspicion of something not quite right within her company’s environment. Now for the safety and liability of everyone here, I will have to open up an investigation.” Though he spoke calmly and affirmative, he made eye contact with you - his eyes were saying it’s alright, I’m here now.

Victor turned to you next, “You didn’t say you called the police?” eyebrow raised.

“You didn’t exactly give her a chance before chastising her.” Minors boost of confidence to talk back to Victor, made it clear to you who called and informed Gavin of the events.

You faced Victor and simply stated, “We had to do what’s right for everyone and take account their safety.” Adding *we* in there made you feel better then taking the credit for Minors quick thinking. That didn’t stop the stress you felt for everything to come, and the guilt you had for Gavin, he was always busy with his own work and now he had ‘your work’.

Gavin walked straight passed Victor not even giving him a second glance, proceeding forward, “Id like statements from every one of today’s events leading up to my involvement, please. No one is to leave until I have received statements and should I have any further questions I advise you stay until further noticed.”

“Mc, with me now! You and I will continue our discussion as the officer here starts his investigation.” Victors says dryly as he starts walking towards the exit.

“Excuse me, Sir. You cannot leave.”

Victor stopped dead in his tracks, wiping around quickly.

“Neither of you are leaving, until I have confirmed no foul play and if there is, that you, are not involved in anyway.” Gavin was quick to speak before you could follow Victor out, he spoke boldly to the scary CEO. Throwing his authority towards Victor just like Victor had previously to you, this gave you a funny sense of pulsing in your lower pelvis, and slight heat to rise to your cheeks. Seeing Gavin assert his authority to the ‘not so easily bullied’ Victor really turned you on! You shook your head from your drifting thoughts, now of all times was not the time to swoon over Gavin’s out right bravery.

Victor and Gavin stood 8 metres apart staring at each other with such coldness in their eyes… Oh boy what a soap opera this was becoming indeed…

To Be Continued.

Like, reblog and follow for future posts, if youd like to be tagged in the next part please let me know. Thank you for reading and Thank you again anxiousdork for the inspiration to write this!

Master-List for Parts

[callumflint]

light from a full moon peeking through on a cloudy night, booming thunder in the middle of a storm, bonfire smoke stinging eyes, constantly smudged eyeglasses, random hikes into the woods at midnight.

( CIS MALE, HE/HIM, PUREBLOOD ) CALLUM FLINT is a SLYTHERIN whose favorite subject is ASTRONOMY, maybe because they are RESOURCEFUL but also IMPULSIVE. They might be so popular because they look like GAVIN LEATHERWOOD, can you believe they are a SIXTH YEAR? rumors say they ARE NEUTRAL to the revolution where do they go from here? ( pj, twenty-one, he/him, est )

Hey yall! My name is PJ but Peej works too, I’m 21 years old and I live in New York. One interesting fact about me is that I’ve gone cage diving with sharks at my job (a cute lil aquarium) but I’d like to free dive with great whites in South Africa one day. Other than that, I’m pretty boring, so on to Callum I’ll go:)

Callum Marcus Flint was born on March 14th at St. Mungo’s to Marcus Flint and his wife Elizabeth, a witch from America. The only people who call him Callum are his parents and a few professors but he tries to make it clear that he prefers to go by Cal to anyone he meets. Still a bit stuck in his ways, his father was very proud to have a Pureblood son and even more excited when he was sorted into Slytherin. 

Despite his bloodline and his ancestors’ views, he’s never given much of a damn about blood or houses. It’s not something he goes around talking about due to his father but he’s never treated Halfbloods or Muggleborns any differently than his Pureblood friends. He’s actually not quite sure how he ended up in Slytherin; as a child he was always certain that he would be sorted into Gryffindor. But either way, he was just happy to be at Hogwarts in the first place.

Cal loves being outdoors, especially at the top of the Astronomy Tower. If anyone is ever looking for him, nine times out of ten that’s where he’ll be found. Astronomy is definitely his favorite class and if he could get lost in space, he would. There’s just something about the night sky that reminds him how big the world really is and how insignificant and small his problems are in the grand scheme of things. Transfiguration is his least favorite because even after six years of lessons, he still struggles a decent amount with just the basics. 

Even though he’s not captain of the Quidditch team like his father was, he’s pretty happy to follow in his footsteps as a chaser. Flying makes him feel free and the game makes him feel powerful. He’s not as obsessed as Marcus was but it’s still something he enjoys. Cal is also a member of the Astronomy Club, which is something he’s proud of. As stated above, he’d love to get lost in the stars.

Cal keeps more secrets from his parents than he would like but he understands that it’s just better for him that way. He’s not quite sure how well they’d react to finding out he’s bisexual so he tries his best to keep that on the down low. He also hides his disinterest in blood purity by just agreeing with whatever his dad says but he’s never said anything derogatory to any other students. The shame and guilt would most likely eat him alive and he’d have to apologize in private.

He’s got a lot more chill than either parent and doesn’t give a damn about much. However, he can definitely be scheming, resourceful, and ambitious when the time comes. Despite all of his impulsive thoughts, he does his best to control himself and not bring shame to his family. He really just wants to make them proud, even though he disagrees with them more often than not.

I think that’s enough for now but I’m sure I’ll be back with more headcanons to add eventually. For now, I’ll just throw in some wanted connections instead!

- friends from astronomy club, someone willing to stick their head in the clouds with him and daydream about sledding on the rings of Saturn

- a best friend, can be of any blood or house, he really doesn’t give a damn

- an enemy? someone who might not like how he doesn’t care about the same things he parents do or finds him to be a disappointment to Slytherin

- fellow quidditch players, someone he can watch the matches with and maybe attend the cup with too

- friends with benefits or a crush maybe? either one sided or not, i’d just enjoy fucking his heart up a bit

- literally anything! i’m down for all the plots, just let me know if you have any other ideas

Feel free to give this a like and i’ll definitely slip into your dms, even if you dont just wait because im comin around to plot with eeeveryoneee:)

[nolmn-blog]

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[vagrantblvrd]

No Empty Rooms (1/1)

Summary:  Debriefing takes longer than Gavin would have liked, but his latest mission was a delicate affair, and it’s understandable that his superiors would want to be as thorough as possible.

Notes:  Prompt fill for @miss-ingno​ who asked for Jerevinwood hitman AU with newbie Jeremy. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

AO3

Debriefing takes longer than Gavin would have liked, but his latest mission was a delicate affair, and it’s understandable that his superiors would want to be as thorough as possible. No telling when something seemingly insignificant might pose a potential threat in the future, or at the very least complicate matters for future missions.

“You need a ride home?” Michael asks, bag over his shoulder and phone chiming at him.

He looks tired, exhausted, really.

Little wonder, when he’s spent countless hours awake guiding Gavin through a mission that had the potential to go south on them at any given moment. Gavin walking into a veritable sea of ruthless politicians and cutthroat business people. Operatives from various spy agencies sprinkled in for good measure, and Michael's calm voice in his ear throughout it all.

Gavin can feel his own exhaustion pulling at him, but he won’t be headed home himself just yet. (Not quite business, just. Things.)

“I’ve got things to take care of first,” Gavin says, hint of a blush stealing over his cheeks at the look Michael gives him.

Too knowing, because for all they’re meant to be professionals here, the agency is rife with rumors and gossip and nothing stays a secret for long.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Gavin says, and no amount of training can keep him from fidgeting under Michael’s gaze, fingers drumming against his leg, eyes darting away from his. “Paperwork, you know.”

Michael snorts, mouth curving into a small smile.

“That’s what they’re calling it these days?”

Gavin sighs, and Michael cackles as he heads out, so damned amused.

“Get some sleep, idiot,” Michael calls back, hand lifted in a wave as he passes through the outer doors.

Gavin plans to, really, just. (Things.)

He fusses a bit first, not wanting to pass Michael in the hall when he knows damn well where Gavin’s headed after this. Goes through various notes and folders and such that have appeared on his desk in his absence and when he judges enough time has passed for Michael to take the elevator down to the garages he leaves the offices behind.

Despite the late hour Gavin knows there are still teams running missions, handlers and support staff and the like. (New agents like Jeremy learning the ropes before he’s cleared for a field mission of his own.)

The security guard gives him a bored once over before buzzing him through, and from there it’s a long corridor branching off into small rooms that have been turned into command centers for individual teams.

There’s a light above a door at the far end, unique plaque in place of the usual neatly printed names thanks to Ryan and Jeremy and their combined ridiculousness. Ryan’s exemplary track record that allows him to get away with things most agents wouldn’t dream of, and Jeremy showing himself to be made of much the same cloth in that regard.

Gavin rolls his eyes at the grinning skull staring out at him before he swipes his badge, waiting for the light on the lock to change over to green before opening the door. Inside the lights have been turned off, only illumination coming from the bank of monitors and various bits of equipment, and it takes a moment for his eyes to adjust.

Jeremy looks up from the monitors to offer Gavin a smile, eyes narrowing as he takes in the slight slump to his shoulders, the lines of exhaustion on his face.

“Hey,” he says. “Good trip?”

Nice and casual, ‘good ol’ Jeremy being Jeremy’ as he gives Gavin a far more thorough once over than the security guard outside. (Personal interest might have something to do with it though, and the thought brings causes this lovely little warmth to bloom in Gavin’s chest.)

Gavin hmms as he pulls up the spare rolling chair and makes himself comfortable.

“As much as can be expected,” he answers. “Bit of turbulence on the flight back. Thunderstorm.”

“Uh huh,” Jeremy says when he realizes he won’t be getting more than that out of Gavin, and turns back to check on Ryan because they’re both all too familiar to what happens when the man is left unsupervised.

Speaking of, Gavin can see him on the center monitor, perusing what looks like a lovely array of finger foods set out for the guests at the party he’s crashing.

Impeccably dressed and drawing politely appreciative looks as he tabs on his target. True professional and all that, but -

“He’s getting restless,” Gavin murmurs, and grins a little at Jeremy’s sigh. “Best give him something to do or he’ll get...creative.”

“I have,” Jeremy says, and for all he sounds exasperated at Ryan’s antics, there’s a definite thread of amusement there. Fondness, for sure. “There were targets of opportunity before this – I’m kind of sad you missed it, actually. Might have had some input on his approach.”

Or possibly managed to rein Ryan in a bit, get him focused back on his target just enough to keep Jeremy from pulling at his hair again the way he did during training scenarios when he first joined the agency.

“Really,” Gavin says, because Ryan might well be one of the agency’s best, but the man himself is a damn lunatic. Only listens to a select few, and even then it’s not entirely guaranteed. “You think that, do you?”

Jeremy opens his mouth to answer, and stops, clearly reconsidering because Ryan.

“Maybe?” he says, and groans when they see Ryan palm a butter knife, tucking it neatly out of sight before any of the people around him notice.

There’s no sound from the monitors, and Gavin’s not wearing a headset, but it looks very much as though Ryan’s whistling as he wanders away from the refreshment table. Making his path look random and unplanned as he trails behind his target as the man leaves the room.

“Christ,” Jeremy sighs, toggling through different camera views to keep Ryan in sight.

Gavin laughs, scooting a little closer until their shoulders bump together because it’s obvious Ryan’s in one of his moods. Upping the difficulty to amuse himself and never mind the trouble it causes for his poor handler. (In this case, Jeremy.)

Gavin should head home, get some sleep before he has to be back in the morning to deal with his actual paperwork, but -

This is the first time he’s seen either Jeremy or Ryan, for that matter, since he left for his mission and he’s loathe to give that up just yet.

“Mind some company?” he asks, and there must be something in his voice, because Jeremy gives him a look, and that faintly annoyed expression on his face melts to a soft smile.

“If you don’t mind helping me babysit Ryan, sure,” he says, making sure Ryan can hear him over the laughing when Ryan must voice some kind of protest at his choice of words.

Gavin feels himself smile when he sees Ryan shoot the closest camera an unimpressed look as he passes it, and this -

Well, it’s not ideal, but until Ryan returns from his mission this isn’t so bad, really. Beats going home to an empty apartment any day and Ryan’s bound to provide endless entertainment before he’s done.

“Sounds like a date,” Gavin says, and laughs at the look he gets for that, because by all rights Jeremy should have washed his hands of the likes of Gavin and Ryan ages ago, and for some inexplicable reason he hasn’t.

“You two are gonna be the death me, I swear,” Jeremy mutters, but there’s a telltale smile playing at the corners of his mouth, and honestly, they’re all hopeless idiots when it comes down to it.

[rk-stateoftheart]

One of the most baffling things about Gavin Reed was his unpredictability. He switched from professionalism to throwing tantrums for no apparent reason in a matter of seconds... just like now. The android did not see how his opinion was of that importance to a man that made several qualms regarding the superiority of human race and the insignificance of the RK’s existence.

As the words poured out, the android detective figured that this all was fueled by some sort of underlying issue he was yet to analyse. “You, humans, are extremely insatiable. Even when you look good, perform well, do brilliant work and have achieved so much, you still feel jealousy when it comes to another man. You are an adult, detective. You should know by now that thriving on compliments alone will not get you far, only your own aspirations and ambitions will.

I do not perceive you as ‘rat boy’, detective Reed, and I find that you - clinging onto such petty insults - is extremely childish. Frankly speaking, I do not understand your obsession with the good looks when, for one, your physical appearance is above average, and two: there are other, more important things, that you should prioritize. However, I appreciate your sentiment, and if that makes you feel better, I can confirm that there are many that find you aesthetically appealing.”

The RK turned its eyes back to the monitor and his fingers settled on the keyboard. “I hope this reasoning will help you quell your anger.”

Meanwhile Hank overhearing this ridiculous argument, slowly puts on his headphones to tune it out.

Gavin sat at his desk in shock. "I have the juciest booty in this precinte damn it! Nevermind. You don't like my ass that's fine. Maybe if it was plastic, but I guess not."

RK900 paid the lieutenant no mind. Instead, he settled behind his own desk, and targeted the male with his inquisitive gaze. "And how come my opinion matters to you, detective Reed? Do you often go around, flash and flaunt your behind, and try to get an opinion of others?"

[little-mad]

Downsides of Thievery Pt. 5

~ Previous Part ~ Next Part ~

The moment Gavin stepped out of his cage, he felt ten times more vulnerable and exposed than he had previously. The fact that he was on the ground with everything looming up above him did not help in the slightest. Though the alteon wasn’t even standing at his full height, Rael looked like an absolute monument before him. Gavin felt more like an insect next to the giant than ever.

“Knock it off!” Gavin scolded himself mentally. “He may be insanely big, but I’ve got a bigger mouth.” He wouldn’t allow himself to be cowed just because his captor happened to be taller than a building.

“Hurry up,” Rael’s voice thundered from above, effectively forcing Gavin out of his contemplation.

The alteon looked down on Gavin with his usual level of disdain. He had to wonder how much of that was due to the fact that he was a convicted criminal, and how much was just because of how much he seemed to dislike humans. The criminal part, Gavin could understand, but not liking him because he was a human seemed pretty...was racist the right word? Or would the proper term be speciesist? Either way, Rael was acting like some kind of -ist.

When Gavin didn’t immediately start moving at his order, Rael seemed to grow even further agitated. “Why are you incapable of following simple commands?” he questioned sharply, leaning forward slightly as he glared down at Gavin.

This particular comment was very reminiscent of something Gavin’s seventh grade social studies teacher had said once. The cranky old bastard had basically had it out for Gavin since day one. Apparently Mr. Borgan wasn’t a fan of class clowns. Gavin had never really liked following orders from authority figures before that, but he was pretty sure that ass of a teacher had set him down his path towards crime. Mr. Borgan made him realize that just because someone was in charge, didn’t mean they were right.

And now, here was Rael trying to order Gavin around. Yes, Gavin had been placed in Rael’s custody and therefore was his responsibility. But that didn’t mean he got to order Gavin around like some kind of dog.

“Maybe if you tried asking nicely,” Gavin told Rael. Though he said it sarcastically, it wasn’t entirely untrue. He would be much more likely to do what Rael wanted if the guy would just try being a little friendlier.

Rolling his eyes, Rael shook his head. “I never asked to babysit a human.”

“Well maybe you’re being punished,” Gavin retorted with a bit more bite than he’d intended. Obviously he hadn’t really meant what he said, he had no idea what life was like in the “Imperial Guard.” However, the moment Gavin caught sight of the look on Rael’s face he knew he had said something he shouldn’t have.

There was a dark look on the alteon’s face as he glowered down at the human at his feet. Gavin took an instinctive step backwards. He was sure if his body came equipped with lights and a siren they’d be going off like crazy.

Before he could make another move, a giant hand was coming at Gavin in a flash. He stumbled and ended up tripping over his own feet and falling onto his back. The hand was an inch away from him. He braced himself to be grabbed, slamming his eyes shut in fear. But then a moment passed and he remained untouched.

Cautiously, Gavin reopened his eyes, and the sight he saw made his heartbeat stutter. Though no part of it made contact with him, Rael’s hand hung over Gavin. He was caged in by the appendage, his head sticking out between the massive index and middle fingers.

Looking past the hand, Gavin stared up at Rael’s face, which now hovered almost directly above him. The alteon’s head blocked out the sunlight that filtered through the canopy, and it was almost like his face was a moon that had eclipsed the sun.

Rael’s beautiful teal eyes were clouded with rage, his lips pulled into a snarl. Suddenly, Gavin felt like a mouse that had been caught by a vicious cat. God, what a stupid mouse.

-

Rael had never been particularly short tempered, or rather, he had never allowed himself to be. If he was ever going to be taken seriously as someone worthy of being a member of the Imperial Guard, he needed to prove that he was more than his peasant parentage. And so he played the role of the refined, even-tempered gentleman.

Perhaps it had been his tendency to constantly suppress his true emotions around others that caused him to snap so abruptly at Gavin Stone. Or perhaps it was just the human himself who had a unique skill for getting under his skin. Either way, Rael had found himself dying to put the little man in his place.

All it had taken was for the human to say something that hit a little too close to home. The fear that Rael had never been and would never be truly viewed as a member of the Imperial Guard had haunted him for a long time. He wondered whether the rest of the soldiers secretly whispered about him behind his back, poking fun at the peasant who dared try to play at being someone of any standing.

When Rael had been given the less than favorable assignment of collecting a human prisoner, the idea that he’d been purposefully given the task due to his background had quickly taken residence in the back of his mind. He had been trying not to dwell on it, to just do his job and move on. However, when the human suggested Rael might be being punished, it reminded him of all his insecurities.

The next thing he knew, he was pinning the human to the ground. His fingers surrounded the little creature on all sides. Rael couldn’t deny the sight gave him a rush. It was satisfying.

Gavin Stone was a thief who was willing to potentially put the relationship between the human and alteon realms at risk just to satisfy his own greed. “He’s a criminal, that’s why I dislike him so much,” Rael told himself. However, in the back of his mind he knew what really angered him about Gavin Stone’s insolence was the fact that he was a human. Humans were smaller and weaker than alteons. In the animal kingdom, would that not place alteons above humans?

“Remember your place,” Rael growled as he stared down at the human trapped beneath his hand.

There was no defiance in Gavin Stone’s eyes, just panic and fear. Perhaps this time the message would sink in.

Rael gave the human one last hard look before removing his hand and resuming his seated position on the log. Though he was still tense, he could feel himself beginning to come down from the sudden spark of rage he’d experienced. He took a steadying breath as he returned his attention to the human. The little man had yet to get to his feet, though he’d sat up and was staring up at Rael with wide eyes. “Hurry up and do your business before I change my mind.”

-

Obviously, Gavin had known he was tiny compared to Rael and the rest of the alteon dimension. It was pretty hard to forget. And yet somehow he hadn’t quite fully comprehended what it meant to be so insignificant to the world around him.

A part of being a thief was knowing that people, for the most part, were too absorbed in their own business to pay much attention to the actions of a stranger. Gavin could be a ghost, a nobody. Now take that concept and amplify it tenfold. That was how little of an indent Gavin made on the alteons’ world. And that had been what Rael seemed adamant on imparting on his captive.

As much as he hated to admit it, Gavin had been shaken by Rael’s outburst. It had been a harsh reminder of how easily the alteon could hurt him or worse. Laying there trapped under the giant hand, Gavin had felt totally and completely helpless. It was not a feeling he enjoyed in the slightest.

“How am I supposed to stand up to that?” he pondered as he pulled his jumpsuit back up over his shoulders.

Gavin had to wonder whether this was the kind of treatment he could expect from the Emperor. The alteon ruler had been diplomatic and peaceful with humanity as a whole, however, he questioned whether or not that would apply to a human criminal.

Gavin sighed. He really wasn’t looking forward to facing Rael again. He would much rather just stay concealed within the confines of the large bush he currently resided in. Of course, that would only serve to piss Rael off even further. Chances were, the giant would just reach in and snag Gavin if he took too long. He shivered at the thought of being anywhere near that hand again.

And so, quite reluctantly, Gavin exited his cover and returned to the clearing where Rael was waiting. He approached the alteon silently. For once he didn’t have anything to say--or more accurately, he didn’t have the confidence to say anything. Rael appeared as though he had calmed down at least somewhat, but Gavin wasn’t ready to risk incurring his wrath again.

He came to a stop in between Rael’s feet and stood silently. He kept his gaze downwards, unwilling to meet those eyes which had so recently stared at him with burning fury.

-

When Gavin Stone had returned, he seemed almost like a different person. Gone were the animated expressions that had lit up his face. He was quiet and passive. At Rael’s command, he’d gotten back into his cage without making any sort of fuss.

Now, Rael was back on the path to the city and the human was sitting in his cage without saying a word. It certainly seemed as though Rael’s show of force had been effective. So why didn’t Rael feel more happy with himself?

At the time, when he’d seen Gavin cowering under his hand, Rael had been quite pleased. However, for some reason the feeling had only been temporary. Now he almost felt...bad? “No, surely I don’t feel bad for a human criminal,” he tried to convince himself. Gavin had made himself a nuisance and Rael had corrected the behavior. It was the logical thing to do, right? There should be no reason to feel any kind of regret.

Rael glanced down at the human. The little man had his arms wrapped around the iron bars to keep himself secure. His gaze was focused down into his lap. He almost looked...dejected.

It had been obvious from the get go that Gavin Stone was far from fearless. However, he had seemed to bounce back from his fear fairly easily. It had only taken a few minutes after being grabbed, caged, and transported to a new realm for the man to gain enough confidence to address his giant captor. Now that Rael thought about it, it was kind of impressive.

But now, Gavin showed no signs of bouncing back. It was possible he would remain quiet and compliant for the rest of their journey. Rael should have been celebrating, and yet....

“Perhaps I just regret losing my temper,” Rael thought to himself. He was supposed to be in control of his emotions, and while letting loose for that moment had felt good at the time, he knew it was wrong. “Yeah, that has to be it….right?”

[little-mad]

Downsides of Thievery Pt. 12

~ Previous Part ~ Next Part ~

Gavin felt completely emotionally drained. Between being insulted by Ashryn and threatened by Rael, all he really wanted to do was crawl into a hole and hide from the world for a little while. There was no part of him that was ready to face the alteon Emperor--to be judged and sentenced. Gavin wasn’t even sure he had the energy to plead his case at this point.

As much as he just wanted to run away, there was no escape for the human. He was trapped on top of a gigantic desk. The massive items nearby almost seemed to taunt him, reminding him of how small and insignificant he was in this dimension. “You’re pathetic,” the quill sitting in its inkwell a few feet away seemed to say. “You’re all alone,” Gavin imagined a massive roll of parchment sneer.

“Great, I’ve sunk so low I’m starting to imagine inanimate objects talking to me,” Gavin thought bitterly to himself.

Meanwhile, the alteon Emperor loomed over the human like some kind of divine monument. The man almost looked ethereal, as if he walked straight out of a storybook. His skin, which appeared nearly flawless, was of a cool brown color. He shared Rael’s long black hair, but rather than tying it back, the Emperor wore his down, with a few strands done into intricate braids. As seemed to be the case with all alteons, the Emperor’s eyes were of a striking, vibrant color. Those yellow irises were focused in on Gavin, holding him in their intense stare.

In terms of dress, the Emperor certainly looked the part. He wore a jeweled band around his head that appeared to be made of silver--which matched the metal that made up the leaf shaped earring that hung from one of his pointed ears.

With the Emperor sitting at his desk, it was impossible for Gavin to see a majority of the man’s apparel, but what he could see looked incredibly lavish. The tunic was of a deep blue color and was decorated with silver embellishments along the hemlines. No doubt the garment was made of silk or some other similar luxurious fabric.

“We have much to discuss,” the Emperor began as he looked down at Gavin. “But first, I believe introductions are in order.” There was no hostility in the man’s voice. Unlike with Ashryn, Gavin didn’t detect anything disdainful or accustatory in his tone. Instead, the Emperor seemed perfectly calm and polite; he even wanted to engage in civil greetings. “My name is Ailred. I am the son of Lyris, and the Emperor of Iaela,” he announced smoothly, the words clearly ones he had said many times.

Considering both Rael and the Emperor had introduced themselves without surnames, Gavin had to assume alteon’s didn’t utilize them in the same way many human cultures did. The Emperor had presented himself as the son of “Lyris” though, something Rael had not done. Were he in a better mental state, Gavin may have pondered why that might be, but given the circumstances he would just accept it and move on.

It took a long moment of Gavin just standing there frozen, shifting uncomfortably under the Emperor’s silent stare, before he figured out he was expected to say something. “He wants me to introduce myself,” he realized.

How the hell was he supposed to get himself to speak? This was maybe the very first time Gavin had zero desire to say anything. He didn’t trust himself anymore. The last time he’d opened his big mouth, he’d ended up with a giant hand slammed down beside him. Now imagine the consequences that could await him if he said the wrong thing to a damn Emperor.

At the same time, remaining silent was hardly an option either. Refusing to comply with the Emperor’s wishes could just as easily have frightening repercussions. Gavin really and truly was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

After a few seconds of internal panicking and frenzied thinking, Gavin spoke up. “My name is Gavin--uh Gavin Stone,” he managed to spit out. He tried to force himself to maintain eye contact with the Emperor, but every fiber of his being was begging him to look away from that intimidating gaze.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Gavin Stone,” the Emperor replied, giving Gavin a nod of greeting before turning his attention beyond him. “Rael, I trust you encountered no issues in retrieving Mr. Stone?” he inquired, reminding Gavin of the fact that his former captor remained in the room, just a few yards away.

“There was no trouble from the humans, your majesty; however I did run into some brigands in the woods who attempted to abduct the prisoner,” Gavin heard Rael explain from behind him. “The offenders did manage to escape, and for that I offer my sincerest apologies.” God, Rael almost sounded like a different person when he spoke to the Emperor. Not that Gavin had any real grasp on what kind of person Rael was. He’d learned that the hard way.

A frown developed on the Emperor’s face. “You did your duty in protecting the human,” he began. “What I’m more concerned with is the fact that these criminals were bold enough to attempt to interfere with Imperial business.”

“Greed can drive you to do some pretty stupid shit,” Gavin thought to himself bitterly.

After a moment of silent contemplation, the Emperor sighed. “I suppose we’ll need to increase the number of patrols in the surrounding woods,” he concluded. “I’ll also have you meet with Captain Saida later to coordinate a search for these would-be abductors.”

If Kaydin and his female associate were smart, they would already be getting as far away from the palace as possible. Gavin could tell the Emperor was serious about this, so if the two thugs didn’t get some major distance from the scene of the crime, there was probably a high likelihood they’d wind up getting caught.

“Now,” Gavin instantly felt the intensity of the Emperor’s gaze return to him, “you are here because you were caught stealing from an alteon diplomat while they were visiting the human realm, correct?”

Suddenly Gavin felt like he was back in elementary school, being forced to answer questions the principal already knew the answer to. The Emperor already knew what the human in front of him had done, and yet he wanted to see Gavin admit to it himself.

Biting back an exasperated sigh, Gavin gave a nod of confirmation.

“And you understand that because your crime was against an alteon, you were brought here to face judgement?” the Emperor inquired, continuing to watch Gavin with those hypnotizing yellow eyes.

Gavin nodded again. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get away with giving non-verbal responses forever, but he wanted to avoid it for as long as possible. Not only because he didn’t trust himself not to say the wrong thing, but also because he wasn’t sure how he was meant to refer to the Emperor. Rael had called him “your majesty” earlier, but the idea of saying something like that sounded so strange to Gavin.

“I realize as a human you are unfamiliar with alteon customs, so allow me to explain the situation,” the Emperor started. “Typically, when I am called to judge a criminal, it is done as an official trial in which nobles and all involved parties are present.”

Gavin supposed that wasn’t altogether different from the trials back home. Of course, rather than having a jury of his peers, Gavin would be judged by the Emperor and the Emperor alone.

“However,” the giant monarch continued, “because you are human, the circumstances are different. I believe a large-scale event would do more harm than good in the long run,” he explained, folding his hands atop the desk. Gavin tried not to focus on them for long, because he and giant hands really weren’t on good terms.

While he was glad to hear he wouldn’t be subjected to some grandiose trial in which he’d be trapped in a room full of a bunch of alteons staring at him, Gavin wasn’t entirely sure alternatives would bode any better. If the Emperor had no one around to criticize his decision, he could be as cruel as he wanted.

“In the meeting which preceded this one, I discussed with my advisors various potential sentences,” the Emperor went on. “I also requested input from Ashryn, as he has some experience interacting with humans,” he added, looking at Rael when he said it.

Gavin suppressed a scowl. He was sure any input from Ashryn had been exceedingly negative. For whatever reason, the guy had it out for him--or maybe he just had it out for all humans in general for some reason.

“Ashryn’s position on the matter was that you need to be made an example of,” the Emperor stated, quickly erasing any doubt that that asshole had a vendetta against humankind. “His suggestion was that you be made a spectacle of, perhaps by placing you in a cage and displaying you in the front hall for visiting nobles and the like to view.”

An instant feeling of nausea came over Gavin. He felt absolutely sick to his stomach. Ashryn was beyond just a dick, he had to be some sort of sadistic demon. The suggestion that a living, breathing, intelligent creature be caged and put on show like some kind of zoo animal was abhorrent. Gavin could hardly even believe what he was hearing.

“Your majesty, forgive me, but doesn’t that seem a bit excessive?” Gavin heard Rael ask incredulously. What was with that guy? Not ten minutes ago he was yelling at Gavin and standing up for his alteon soldier buddy. Now all of a sudden he supposedly cared about what happened to Gavin? It just didn’t make any sense.

The Emperor gave a small shrug. “I don’t know, some of my advisors seemed to like that idea. They believe that if Gavin Stone isn’t properly made an example of, then more and more humans will think they can get away with crossing alteons.”

What was Gavin supposed to do? Should he try to stand up for himself, to excuse what he’d done? Would it even matter? He had committed the crime, that much was fact. So would any excuses even make a difference? He tried to read the Emperor’s face, to look for some kind of sign that he would be understanding, but the man had an expression that was virtually unreadable. “What the hell am I supposed to do?”

-

Of course, of course Ashryn would advocate for some cruel, antiquated punishment for Gavin. It was obvious the guy had some inexplicable resentment towards humans, certainly more than Rael had ever had. He’d been of the opinion that they were inferior, fairly irritating creatures, but never would have gone out of his way to ensure they suffer. Ashryn, on the other hand, seemed eager to see Gavin endure the worst.

And what was worse? The Emperor hadn’t immediately dismissed Ashryn’s suggestion. How could he even consider it? Surely he would never subject even the worst alteon criminal to the humiliation and indignity that would come from being locked in a cage and put on display. Yes Gavin was human, but he was still an intelligent, sentient being. He didn’t deserve to be treated like an attraction.

But what could Rael do? He was in no position to question the Emperor; doing so would be suicide for the reputation he’d worked so hard to achieve. He had to wonder whether the information that Gavin had in fact been hired to steal from the diplomat would impact the Emperor’s decision.

Gavin himself seemed pretty convinced that that bit of information wouldn’t change anything, so it was doubtful that he’d speak up about it. Rael wasn’t convinced. Surely if the Emperor knew Gavin had just been used by somebody else, he would be less harsh with the punishment he issued.

Rael couldn’t speak up about it. He had already taken a great risk with his previous comment. Continuing to speak out of turn in favor of a human criminal could end up reflecting horribly on him. The Emperor may begin to question his loyalty. Rael couldn’t put that all on the line for the sake of a human of all people...right?

The memory of Gavin’s fear-stricken face flashed through Rael’s mind. He cringed internally at the mental image. Gavin had clearly had some level of trust in him, the look of betrayal he’d worn made that much evident. When Rael had used his far greater size and strength to scare the human into submission, he’d shattered any trust that may have developed between them. He had taken the side of Ashryn, someone he hated, rather than risk his status by standing up for Gavin.

Yes, what Rael had done had been the right thing to ensure his reputation remained in good standing. But if it had been the right thing to do, then why did Rael feel so miserable about it?

“If you have something to say on the matter, you have my permission to speak up,” the Emperor told Rael, clearly sensing his hesitation.

“I can’t say anything, I’ve worked too hard to get where I am to risk it for some human!” one part of Rael’s mind insisted, but he was finding that voice was quickly becoming quieter and quieter.

While it was difficult for him to believe he could make such a profound difference, Rael couldn’t help but worry that what he said next could seal Gavin’s fate one way or the other. The Emperor was watching, waiting for a response. Rael had to make up his mind. “Yes, your majesty. I have information concerning Lady Elyth’s stolen ring.”