#butchers bill chapter 2

[akronus-writes]

The dragons eclipse chapter 2: Investigations into the unkown.

Hallowed knew that the Occult detective would take a while, and decided to requisition a room for which to work on the case from. returning to the front of the motel, He walked into the empty reception, its decor was a relic from the 80's, with dark oak display cabinets filled with old sports trophies flanking a large desk made of the same wood; the back of an old computer peeking up from behind the desk. approaching the golden bell next to the computer, Hallowed noticed a silver key attached to a black diamond shaped key charm with the golden number 15 emblazoned on the middle, sitting on a note next to the bell.

"we understand you might need a room to stay in while you investigate, and would happily give you one of our rooms for as long as you need." Hallowed spoke to himself, carefully picking the key up with his cybernetic hand and looking at the key, quickly scanning it with his cybernetic eye before walking off, looking for his room.

finding it on the other side of the motel, hallowed easily pushed the key into the lock and twisted with a satisfying click. pushing open the door and walking in, Hallowed found himself in a stock standard Motel room; with a king bed on the left of the room with a neat flowery quilt, two white pillows neatly placed side-by side under the wooden bed head, two oak bedside tables with pink lamps flanking the bed. on the other side of the room was a desk, a lone black lamp sitting on the far end of it.

closing the door behind him as he walked in, hallowed left the keys on the desk as he stretched, and began to undress. leaving his leather jacket draped over the chair under the desk, he left both his revolver and its holster, as well as his bandolier of specialized bullets on the desk. throwing the rest of his clothes, as well as the skull mask he normally wore onto the bed, he stepped into the bathroom. it was a small bathroom with only the bare necessities, its tiles were impressively clean for such an old building, a trait shared with the rest of the bathroom.

turning the knobs on the shower, Hallowed went to place his cybernetic hand below the stream of water before replacing it with his intact one. pleased with the temperature he stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him. instead of the pleasant feeling he was used to, he instead felt a strange emptiness, the water washing over his cybernetics not even registering to him, the reminder of his wounds removing and semblance of warmth the shower could bring.

turning the shower off once sufficiently clean, Hallowed dried himself with a towel before walking back into the living room and beginning to re-dress himself. as he went to pick up his shirt, he noticed his reflection in the full body mirror in the corner. he looked almost the same as always, the same short Brown hair, the same well-toned muscles, but different in some places. the entirety of his right arm, shoulder down, was replaced with a metal cybernetic, his right eye and parts of the face around it replaced with a similar metal, the eye replaced with a dull red visor. pulling the rest of his clothes on, Hallowed slowly picked up his Fedora and skull mask, hesitant to put them on.

stomaching his own hesitation, he placed them on, the skull mask hiding all of his face but the metal eye, its eerie red glow growing in intensity. turning back to the desk he saw a familiar part-cat warlock sitting on it, tail laying lazily next to the occult detective.

"Akronus," hallowed spoke, used to the occultists tendency to appear randomly.

"Hallowed" The occultist spoke, re-adjusting the black face mask they wore.

the tense silence hung in the air as Akronus dropped down to the floor, pulling back their long black hair and cat ears with a gloved hand, letting the streak of red fall to the front of his face. the two stared at each other for a moment, Akronus' red irises dulled by the red glow coming from Hallowed's cybernetic eyes.

"I see you've become more chaste," Hallowed noticed, observing the pants Akronus had swapped their usual booty shorts with.

"why, you wound me! I just thought these pants would help my transition from villain to vigilante. plus, I kept my signature sleeveless shirt! oh, and don't get me started on what I've been doing in my free time-" Akronus began.

"we don't have time for verbal recounts of your many supernatural partners, we need to investigate the disappearances," hallowed quickly interrupted, both wanting to stay on task and avoid the topic of Akronus' sex life.

"fineeeeeeeeee, what's the thing you need me for?" Akronus responded, annoyed at their allies seriousness.

"I found shadows in the alleyway behind the motel one of the disappearances happened in," Hallowed matter-of factly responded with.

"ok, so did it stick to your body, exist with the sun shining on it, or try to eat you?" Akronus asked, treating the topic as a normal occurence.

"existed with the sun shining on it, any ideas what it is?" Hallowed replied, drawing his notebook from his jacket.

"ah, possibly shadow demon residue, I'll go run some tests on it to confirm that," Akronus answered after a few seconds, leaning forward.

"good, you do that and I'll go look through the first victims room," Hallowed responded before walking out the door.

"on it!" Akronus walked off to where the strange shadow was.

on the other side of the Motel Hallowed approached the room the Mexican drifter had lived in, reaching a hand out to the door, he twisted the handle to find it unlocked. Walking into the room, hallowed quickly noticed the first signs of something being off.

the bed looked like somebody had been sleeping in it, but was yet to get up, the quilt was laying on the mattress, messily covering most of the bed, and both the pillows and the mattress still had the imprint of what looked to be a 20-25 year old man of about 5"8 height.

on the other side of the room the lamp on the desk was unplugged, papers messily spread across the desk haphazardly with a duffle bag thrown up against it. approaching the bathroom, Hallowed opened the door to the bathroom to find a relatively normal shower, the only difference from his own bathroom being the soap and shampoo bottles, a common brand, most likely from a nearby store.

walking back to the papers, hallowed reached to turn on the room lights to illuminate the papers, only to find that flicking the switch did nothing. Crouching down and plugging in the lamp, he found it didn't turn on either.

Standing on the bed and puling the light bulb from its socket, Hallowed saw that it was completely fine. Rushing over to the lamp he carefully pulled out its bulb, and found the exact same was true with the lamp.

Activating the X-ray system of his cybernetic eye, Hallowed followed the trails of the wires that connected to both the power socket and the lights, looking for any breaks. Following the wires around the room, Hallowed found no discrepancies in the wiring for the room until the point that all of the wires in the room connected and began to join the rest of the motels power network, where a quick scan showed a strange energy radiating at the wires, seemingly blocking the electricity.

Quickly collecting the files on the desk, Hallowed put them in his jacket before standing up on the handrail, and pulling himself onto the roof. Carefully walking down one of the crevices of the valley like roof of slanted red tiles. Hallowed approached where the wires would be corresponding to the location of the roof.

Crouching down, Hallowed saw the source of the energy, a small square piece of white paper with a strange, almost runic symbol on it, radiating that energy. Picking the paper up and taking a photo of it with his eye as a precaution, Hallowed noticed through his eye that the Drifters room had gained power.

As he walked back to the edge of the roof, Hallowed heard the sounds of somebody running nearby. Pulling himself up onto the top of one of the peaks, Hallowed saw a figure wearingin a shadowy cloak holding a double-sided sword, face covered in shadows, standing on the nearby chimney.

"I'm guessing you aren't here for a chat?" Hallowed quipped as he drew his revolver. But as he did the figure leapt towards him at superhuman speeds, slashing at Hallowed with his sword mid-draw.

part 1 part 3

@f4y3w00d5 @gobodegoblin @monsterfucker-research-wizard @anyone else who likes my writing

[macabr3-barbi3]

God, That's Good!

Chapter 5: Pentious' Miracle Elixir

A few weeks after Lucifer's arrival, Husk is witness to a couple spectacles at the market.

Tags: Sera is Still the Worst™️, Huskerdust Beginnings, Niffty Shenanigans

THINGS ARE PICKING UP IN THE NEXT CHAPTER RADIOAPPLE FRIENDS 📻🍎 here is a secret lil apology to Sir Pentious (I'm sorry, I love you, but the plot must plot) and here is my weekly thank you and handover of my heart and soul to @fraugwinska ily 💕

Act 1:  Chapter 1 🥧 Chapter 2 🥧 Chapter 3 🥧 Chapter 4 🥧 Chapter 5 🥧 Chapter 6  🥧Chapter 7 🥧 Chapter 8 🥧 Chapter 9

As soon as he saw the little kid running around and setting up a makeshift stage, Husk knew he was going to end up with a headache today, one way or another. It had been a few weeks now since that Morningstar character had come into the picture, and from behind the bar, opposite the wall to Alastor’s living quarters, he could hear the pair of them chatting all hours of the day. It was basically up to Husk these days to run the show since they didn’t have any ‘meat’ for the pies lately, not with Alastor so wrapped up in his new passion project that he didn’t have any spare time to scout for targets. The news was lamenting the fact that the Bayou Butcher seemed to be on vacation- great for the people he wasn’t killing, but bad for ratings.

He heard the story Alastor gave the man- that he valued ‘quality’ over quantity and waited until he had enough revenue from the bar to get decent meat rather than using whatever roadkill he could find like some others did. He didn’t tell him the truth, of course; only Husk was privy to the information about the real source of the filling of Lovett’s pies. He knew already, somehow, that this Lucifer was going to get sucked into it like he himself had.

Alastor wasn’t the kind of guy to get involved with if a person could avoid it, even before his extracurricular activities. He was too perceptive, too intuitive, too fucking good at getting people to trust him and then stabbing them in the back- whether that was literal or figurative. He didn’t know what the angle was that he was working with Lucifer, but it couldn’t be good if Alastor wasn’t even hunting because of it. If Alastor was interested then the guy was fucked.

And sure, Husk wanted to do the decent thing and warn him. He had tried to steer him right, steer him away, the first time he stepped into the shop; he had seen him outside looking at the place upstairs, abandoned for God knows how long, and knew, somehow, that Alastor would sink his claws in. His employer was borderline obsessed with the apartment above the pie shop, constantly going up there for no reason, checking the locks, making sure people stayed away, refusing to rent it out to the few people that did ask about it despite the stories that surrounded it. 

But Benjamin Husker was no fool- not when it came to Alastor Lovett, not anymore. He had made that mistake one time, and once was all it took.

They met at his speakeasy when it was still open- the height of Prohibition, he had a real popular one just outside of New Orleans, and Alastor had been a regular when he acted as the bartender. He went by Jack, keeping his real name off the record for both his business and his more pleasurable ventures, the weekly gambling parties he held in his back room where Lady Luck was his steadfast companion in keeping his wallet lined with bills and his establishment with flowing alcohol. Those with lesser luck were no fan of his, but he kept out of the public, kept his cheating on the low, and never let anyone close enough to betray him- before Lovett. They were friends, he and Alastor; good enough friends that when his place was raided, police pouring through every opening the building had and hunting down the bartender specifically, he had fled to Alastor’s newly acquired shop on the other side of town. He had expected support, sympathy, the normal things that one expects from a friend when their life had gone to shit.

Alastor had given him that shit eating grin and said, “why, they acted on that tip faster than I expected!”

He hadn’t so much as pulled his fist back before Alastor had revealed the dirt he had on him- “wouldn’t those you’ve bankrupted just love to know the real name of the man that’s been emptying their pockets?” - and he was backed into a corner. He was roped into helping Alastor with disposal of his hunting prizes, and while the Prohibition laws were now taken out of effect there were still members of the law trying to retroactively imprison those that had been operating the speakeasies; so Alastor still kept him under thumb by threatening to go to the authorities.

He wasn’t getting involved anymore. Whatever Alastor had planned for the poor guy, it wasn’t any of Husk’s business. He was only looking out for himself these days- caring about people, trusting them, it only led to getting fucked over in the end.

The kid he had noticed in the market had finished setting up their stage and now stood atop it, a drum that was far too big for them held against their body as they beat on it. “Ladies and gentlemen!” They called across the crowd, high pitched and feminine, waving their arms around to catch people’s attention. Looking closer, Husk realized it was a girl under the hat they wore, wispy blonde bits poking haphazardly from under it. “If I can have your attention! I am here to tell you about something absolutely stupid!”

A hush falls across the crowd and some laughter breaks out. From the curtain behind the girl, Husk hears a hissed, “stupendous! It’s stupendous, not stupid!”

She giggles. “Oh, right! Something stupendous! Do you, sir, have trouble growing hair?” She sticks her finger directly in the face of an older gentleman with a full beard, salt and pepper at the temples and seeming to have grown just fine. He raises an eyebrow at her and Husk stifles a chuckle- there’s a muffled sound behind the curtain, like someone smacking their palm to their face in frustration and another hissed whisper. “Ohhhh, the bald ones. You got it, sir!” She turns in place, finger still pointing out and redirecting to someone that might fit what she seemed to be looking for. “Do you have trouble growing hair?”

The man- properly bald this time, apparently- shrugs. “Sometimes, I guess,” he tells her, and she bangs on the drum harder, more eyes turning her direction.

“Excellent news! I have something wonderful for you then!” A basket is pushed from behind the curtain, overflowing with bottles of which she grabs one, holding it high above her head to show the crowd. “Introducing to you, New Orleans, Pentious’ Miracle Elixir! Hair falling out? Hair doesn’t grow at all? Take me for example- I was just as bald and ugly as that guy until I came across the illustrative-”

“Illustrious!”

“Oh, sorry! The illustrious barber and miracle worker, Sir Edward Pentious! He gave me this elixir less than thirty days ago and now look at me-” She reaches up to whip off her hat and tugs a little too hard. The hat sticks to the blonde hair beneath it, tugging back far enough that it starts to slip from her forehead- a wig, poorly applied, with luscious blonde curls falls to the floor before the girl can scoop it back up and tug it sloppily onto her head again, bits of a bright ginger sticking out from under it. “It’s grown back better than ever!”

The crowd laughs, likely thinking it was more of a comedy act than anything else, and Husk prepares to leave when he senses a presence at his side. “Whaddya think? Gonna get some of that miraculous elixir?”

Husk has seen this particular prostitute before, and has sent him off more than once- he always gets right into the innuendo and offers, so the teasing question is unexpected and maybe not entirely unwelcome. He’s taller than Husk by a good bit, lean muscles that fill out his buttoned shirt and too-short shorts well and fluffy blonde hair that hangs over his eyes. He’s looking away from Husk now, gaze trained on the girl on the stage, but it’s obvious that he’s chosen Husk as his potential mark.

Again.

The sleazy fucker that runs the brothel in town is watching the pair of them closely, thin arms folded across his chest and waiting for the young man to make a move like he does every week when Husk makes his way to the market for some bullshit or another. It’s the first time the man’s greeted him with a question about what was happening around them rather than a statement about what he could do for the right price- Husk doesn’t even know his name yet.

In answer to his question, Husk scoffs. “Fuck no,” he says, and the corner of the man’s face that he can see quirks up. “At best it’s river water with some food coloring in it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s worse,” he adds, as a man steps out from behind the curtain of the stage. He’s pulled the young girl back from the edge, hissing under his breath at her to stop handing the bottles out without payment and fix her wig correctly, that she was embarrassing him.

“Ya’d think if she was doin’ such a bad job he would do the advertisin’ himself,” the young man says, gesturing to the long, black hair that flows down the salesman’s back, sleek and shiny and definitely not a product of the green stuff in his bottles. “I guess people are a little easier with their ‘fuck off’ sentiments when it’s a kid.” His eyebrow creases, eyes dark as he watches the man grab the girl’s upper arm and pull her out of the way to address the crowd himself- she stands to the side of the stage wiping at her eyes, loading her arms up with the bottles again. Husk notices, at the front of the crowd, is Alastor; Lucifer stands just to the side of him, some combative expression on his face as the man speaks.

“Well, whether my ‘fuck off’ is gentle or not, I know when I’m being sold to- whether it’s some bullshit medicinal crap or a warm body.” Husk says, and irritation flashes across the young man’s face when he turns to him. Even if he was still turning him down, this was a lot more interesting than the simpering whore act he usually put on, and for once Husk thinks there might be more to him than is being marketed. “Take your goods elsewhere.”

And wow, Husk might be sick of the propositioning but he would never get tired of those eyes. That Valentino always brought the same kind of guys and gals on board for his whore house, short and skinny as a twig with tits or an ass to round them out; this one was different. His eyes, for one, were different shades, a brown and a green that complimented the shade of his hair; a tiny gap between his two front teeth that made his smile seem genuine even when he was leering; and he was tall, unlike what the pimp usually favored.

“My goods, huh? Usually it’s ‘getcha ass outta here’ when you’re turnin’ me down. Aww, are ya warmin’ up to me?” He slides an arm around Husk’s shoulders, leaning his non-existent weight on the bartender, and bends to whisper in his ear. “I could return the favor, ya know- warm you up instead. Whaddya think?”

Husk sighs, but doesn’t forcibly remove his arm like he normally would, instead turning to meet his eyes properly. “Look, I know your boss keeps sending you over here when I’m out because I look like an easy mark or whatever but I’m not interested in paying for sex- especially not from someone that could be doing better things with his time than being a hooker.”

His face twitches and he laughs. “Val does say you look nice and repressed,” he says, glancing back over his shoulder where the pimp has been distracted by another one of his wards. “But he actually told me if I couldn’t get ya in the sack today that I had to stop tryin.’ Guess it’s been nice gettin’ to know ya, even if I do think we would have a lot ‘a fun together.” He winks his brown eye, and the smile he gives Husk is soft and genuine. “Ya ever change your mind, stop by the house and ask for Angel.”

It startles a laugh out of Husk. “No way that’s your real name.”

“Might as well be- sounds better for business than ‘Anthony’ anyway.” He shrugs and turns back to the house where Valentino stands outside with an unkind smile on his face, crooking his finger like a ‘come hither’ at the young man. “See ya around.”

“You ever find yourself on Fleet Street,” Husk says before he can really think about the words, “come into Lovett’s Pies. Can’t recommend the main dish but I can hook you up at the bar. Ask for Husk if I’m not around.”

Angel- Anthony- chuckles. “Is that your real name?”

“Stop by and find out,” he replies with a grin, and when he laughs and heads back to the whore house Husk doesn’t miss the nasty glare that Valentino is shooting his way before he swings it to Angel.

His distraction gone, Husk turns his attention back to the stage- Lucifer and Alastor are on it now, off to one side with a random townsperson in the chair with a face full of lather as they watch Pentious flick shaving soap onto the crowd as he wildly gestures and waves his hands above the person that sits in the chair before him. Lucifer looks almost offended by the display, eyes narrowed and his mouth half open in shock; Alastor, as usual, wears a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, and seems to be more focused on Lucifer than the raving madman beside them. He stops waving his arms and holds his hand out to the girl- she’s not paying attention, her mind clearly elsewhere until he snaps, “Niffty! My razor!” He closes his eyes and holds his hand out.

She startles, reaching into the pocket of the jacket she wears and pulling something out that she slaps into his hands- he immediately brings it to the face of the man in his chair, only noticing when the crowd begins to laugh that she’s handed him a drumstick and not one of his razors that she’s opened for him. She apologizes with a giggle, diving back into the jacket and bringing out a folded razor that she opens carefully. He takes it, more hand waving and gesturing before he actually brings the blade to the man’s face and starts shaving him in short, sloppy strokes. There’s shaving soap everywhere, streaks on the poor man’s face that have been missed, stubble peeking through where the blade wasn’t angled correctly. 

A murmur ripples across the crowd as Lucifer opens his blade, finally tuning the flamboyant man out- and Husk sees the glint in Alastor’s eyes as the razor catches the light before Lucifer brings it down to swipe in swift, smooth strokes across his impromptu customer’s face. Excited cries fill the air, and even Husk is impressed with the dexterity and skill of the shave. Pentious doesn’t seem to realize what had happened yet, still jerkily shaving away until Niffty tugs at his coat and he drops his razor to the ground in sheer shock.

“Beadle Dempsey, if you would,” Alastor says, snakeoil grin in place as he steps aside so the Church official can come forward and place a delicate hand to the faces of both men.

“Mister Morningstar is the clear winner,” she says, wiping her hand off on the coat of the man that still had shaving soap on his face. To Pentious, she gives him a stern look. “Swindlers are not taken kindly to in this area, sir. I think it would be for the best if you move along elsewhere.” And like that she has dismissed him, turning back to Lucifer with a raised eyebrow. Pentious mutters something under his breath to the girl and her face falls.

Husk creeps closer, not needing to hear the salesman berate the young girl for her failed performance but ready to step in if needed. She’s perked up by the time he’s close enough to hear though- “this area was a bust, but maybe if we go the next town over I can practice my lines!”

“Niffty dear, I’m not sure your idea is accomplishing much more than giving me a reputation as a grifter. Perhaps we dispose of the bottles and go back to the demonstrative shaves!”

She tilts her head at him in question. “But you’re not any good at shaving, we have to give people a reason to come to you! Let’s brainstorm…”

The pair wander off behind the curtain, leaving Husk to wonder who the brains between the two of them was and allowing him to catch the end of the conversation between the Beadle and his own employer and guest.

“I think Judge Cain would be pleased to be attended to by such a fine barber,” she was saying, “but of course I shall have to come see the establishment myself first- as a man of both the law and the Church it’s important that he not be exposed to an unseemly environments. No disrespect to either of you,” she adds with a tone that drips insincerity, “but you must agree that Fleet Street is in the less desirable part of town. So many nasty rumors, and such colorful, dreadful history.” She looks Lucifer and Alastor up and down, the way they stand closely together, the clench of Lucifer's fist. “I suppose I’ll try to stop for an inspection of sorts in the next week or so. In the meantime- Emilia, Charlotte, come along.” She snaps her fingers like she’s summoning dogs, and two young women part the crowd to stand beside her.

The taller of the two, blonde haired and blue eyed, waves to Lucifer, and he looks as though he’s been punched in the stomach. He straightens up immediately- which still only put him at about Alastor’s shoulder- and looks Beadle Dempsey straight in the eyes; a feat many men in New Orleans struggled with even when they weren’t significantly shorter than her.

“I can assure you, ma’am,” Lucifer says clearly, “that both you and the esteemed Judge are welcome in my parlor anytime. I’ll be sure to make it extra welcoming, just for you.” He smiles and it doesn’t meet his eyes, and Husk feels unease run down his spine, like he’s looking at something that shouldn’t be witnessed. He thinks he understands now, Alastor’s unspoken obsession with the man- there was more to him than met the eye, something dark that lurked beneath the facade he put up. Something dangerous and raw- and from the way that he was looking at Lucifer, it looked like Alastor fully intended to bring that darkness clawing to the surface.

Act 1:  Chapter 1 🥧 Chapter 2 🥧 Chapter 3 🥧 Chapter 4 🥧 Chapter 5 🥧 Chapter 6  🥧Chapter 7 🥧 Chapter 8 🥧 Chapter 9

just poppin in here with the AO3 link just in case ❤️https://archiveofourown.org/works/57993799/chapters/147639037

[akronus-the-redeemed]

*shoots her with a chibi-ether blast, which while being like a toddler chucking a plastic ball at someone, is making contact with a very light chibi*

*chibi Akronus slowly sneaks into Fayes kitchen as I sleep on the couch*

*Xenos is cooking something*

[filthy-khajiit]

I would like to preface this fic a bit.

{ ☆ Butcher x Fem!Reader ☆ }

The character, kinda made to be like me, personality wise. I don't relate the the aggressive girls in fics. I'm a 30 year old mom, I cook, I clean and I take care of people, and I wanted the fic to reflect that. This is also my first ever The Boys fic. I used to write supernatural fan fiction way back in the day, and I haven't written anything fully in SUCH a long time.

This is all fluffy and what not, only a smidgen of action. Romantic themes, but no smut. Smut free. Was feeling down and I just needed the comfy stuff. Ya know? 💚

Also keep in mind, I was half alive writing and editing this, haven't slept in two days and I'm losing my mind as I'm trying to type this. So this shit has been so lazily and sleepily written because it was for cozy times. Feel me? Alright cool. Thanks 💚 ~ F. Khajiit

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♧ Chapter 1: The Job Offer

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Y/N Y/L/N had always considered herself an ordinary woman. At thirty years old, she had settled into a quiet routine of solitude, her life marked by the steady cadence of uneventful days and peaceful nights. She worked a series of menial jobs, each as uninspiring as the last, but they paid the bills and kept her modest apartment in Queens running.

One chilly afternoon, Y/N came across a help-wanted ad that piqued her curiosity. It was vague, mentioning only the need for someone to keep a "base" clean. The address was in an obscure part of the city, one she wasn’t familiar with, but something about the anonymity of the ad intrigued her. With a shrug and a hopeful heart, she dialed the number listed and scheduled an interview for the next day.

When she arrived at the nondescript warehouse, she was greeted by a large, bald man with a stern expression. His name was Mother's Milk, though he insisted she just call him MM. He led her inside without much fanfare, explaining the job’s responsibilities in a matter-of-fact tone.

"You'll be cleaning up around here," MM said as they walked through the dimly lit hallways. "It's a bit of a mess most of the time, but we need someone who can handle it. Think you can manage?"

Y/N nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the cluttered surroundings. "I can manage," she said confidently.

◇ Chapter 2: Meeting the Team

Y/N’s first week on the job was a whirlwind of dusting, mopping, and organizing. She quickly realized that this was no ordinary cleaning gig. The base, as it turned out, belonged to a group called The Boys, and they were involved in something far more dangerous than she could have imagined.

Her initial encounters with the team were brief and formal. MM was the most approachable, often giving her a nod or a few words of encouragement. Frenchie, with his charming smile and thick accent, always had a kind word for her, though his frequent absences left her curious about his activities. Then there was Kimiko, silent but fierce, whose mere presence commanded respect.

And then there was William Butcher.

Y/N’s first impression of Butcher was a whirlwind of intensity. He stormed into the base one evening, his voice echoing through the halls as he barked orders and swore in his distinctive Cockney accent. At first, Y/N tried to keep her distance, intimidated by his aggressive demeanor. But as days turned into weeks, she found herself drawn to him in ways she couldn’t quite understand.

♡ Chapter 3: The First Encounter

One evening, Y/N was scrubbing the floor in the main room when Butcher walked in. She could feel his eyes on her, a prickling sensation that made her heart race. She glanced up to find him watching her intently.

"Oi, you missed a spot," he said gruffly, pointing to a corner she had yet to clean.

Y/N flushed, hastily moving to correct her oversight. "Sorry," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Butcher smirked, a rare expression that softened his otherwise harsh features. "Don't worry about it, love. You're doin' fine."

His words, though casual, sent a thrill through her. She ducked her head, hiding her smile as she resumed her work. From that moment on, she kept herself looking forward to their brief interactions, cherishing the rare moments when Butcher’s gruff exterior seemed to crack, revealing glimpses of the man beneath.

♤ Chapter 4: Compassionate Care

As time went on, Y/N began to take on more responsibilities around the base. She noticed that the team often came back injured from their missions, and her natural inclination to help kicked in. She started tending to their wounds, offering a gentle touch and a reassuring smile.

One night, Butcher staggered in, blood seeping through his shirt from a nasty gash on his side. Y/N hurried to his side, her concern overriding her usual shyness.

"Let me help you," she said firmly, guiding him to a chair.

Butcher grumbled but didn’t resist as she carefully cleaned and bandaged the wound. Her hands were steady, her touch soothing, and for once, he allowed himself to relax under her care.

"You're too kind for this lot," he muttered, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it.

Y/N met his gaze, her y/e/c eyes filled with determination. "Someone has to be," she replied quietly.

《》 Chapter 5: Hallucinations and Heartbeats

Butcher’s nightmares were a well-kept secret, but Y/N had inadvertently stumbled upon them one late night. She found him in the kitchen, arguing with a man who wasn’t there.

"Joe, I told you to sod off!" Butcher growled, his eyes wild and unfocused.

Y/N froze, unsure of what to do. She had heard the others mention Butcher’s hallucinations in hushed tones, but seeing it firsthand was jarring.

"You can't keep ignoring me, Butcher," the apparition said, his voice dripping with condescension. Joe Kessler, the figment of Butcher’s fractured mind, was a tall, lean man with an eerie presence. He leaned against the counter, his eyes locked on Butcher. "You know I'm right. You're losing your edge."

"Shut up," Butcher spat, his hands clenching into fists. "You don't know a damn thing."

Kessler smirked, his gaze drifting over to where Y/N stood frozen in the doorway. "Ah, who's this then? Little miss housekeeper? She's a looker, ain't she? Bet she doesn’t know the real you."

Butcher’s eyes snapped to Y/N, a flicker of panic crossing his features. "Y/N, go back to bed," he ordered, his voice rough and desperate.

Y/N took a hesitant step forward, her concern for Butcher outweighing her fear. "Butcher, who are you talking to?"

Kessler laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "She can’t see me, Butcher. I'm just in your head, remember? But that doesn’t mean she isn’t real. Look at her, all soft and sweet. Bet she has no idea what she's gotten herself into."

"Shut up, Joe!" Butcher roared, slamming his fist on the counter. The noise echoed through the kitchen, making Y/N jump.

She took another step forward, her y/e/c eyes wide with concern. "Butcher, please, talk to me. What's going on?"

Butcher’s shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him. He looked at Y/N, his expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "It's nothin', just... go back to bed."

Kessler shook his head, his eyes gleaming with malicious amusement. "You think she’ll stay after she sees you like this? You're deluding yourself, Butcher."

Y/N hesitated, then reached out to touch Butcher’s arm. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here," she said softly, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

Butcher stared at her for a long moment, something unreadable in his eyes. Then he nodded, a curt gesture, and walked away, leaving Y/N standing alone in the dimly lit kitchen, her heart aching for the man she was beginning to understand.

☆ Chapter 6: Growing Closer

Despite Butcher’s abrasive exterior, Y/N found herself growing closer to him. She saw the way he softened around her, the way his tough facade cracked just a little when they were alone. She started to notice the small things: the way his heartbeat quickened when she was near, the way he lingered in the same room longer than necessary.

One evening, as they sat in the common room, Butcher glanced at her with an intensity that made her breath catch.

"Why are you still here?" he asked abruptly.

Y/N frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Why do you stay? This place, this life... it's dangerous."

She shrugged, meeting his gaze. "I stay because I care about all of you. And because I want to help."

Butcher's expression softened, and for a moment, he looked vulnerable. "This ain't right fer someone like you, love."

Y/N smiled. "Maybe. But I'm here, and I like it, so I'm not leaving. Unless you fire me, I guess." She glanced away, feeling a bit self-conscious about her rambling.

¤ Chapter 7: The Kidnapping

It was a quiet evening at the base, the kind that Y/N had come to appreciate amidst the chaos that often surrounded The Boys. She was in the kitchen, preparing a simple meal, when Butcher walked in. He leaned against the doorway, watching her with a rare softness in his eyes.

"Smells good," he remarked, his Cockney accent adding a rough edge to the compliment.

Y/N smiled, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "Thought you might be hungry," she said, her tone light. "Sit down, it'll be ready in a minute."

Butcher nodded and took a seat at the small table, his eyes never leaving her. There was a comfort in the routine, a sense of normalcy that was hard to come by in their line of work. But that peace was shattered when Homelander appeared.

He strode into the room with an air of casual arrogance, his presence instantly changing the atmosphere. Butcher stiffened, his jaw clenching as he stood up, positioning himself protectively between  Y/N and Homelander.

"What do you want, you bloody wanker?" Butcher snarled, his fists clenching at his sides.

Homelander ignored him at first, his attention seemingly on some trivial aspect of the kitchen. But then, he paused, tilting his head as if listening intently. His eyes flicked to Y/N, and a slow, predatory smile spread across his face.

"Well, this is interesting," Homelander drawled, his gaze shifting back to Butcher. "You know, Butcher, your heart is racing. And it only started when I looked at her."

Butcher’s expression darkened, and he took a step forward. "Leave her out of this, you psycho."

Homelander's smile widened. "Ah, but why would I do that? It's so rare to find something that gets under your skin. And this... this is fascinating."

Before anyone could react, Homelander moved. In the blink of an eye, he was standing next to Y/N, his hand gripping her arm tightly. She gasped, fear flashing in her y/e/c eyes as she looked to Butcher.

"Don't you dare hurt her," Butcher growled, his voice shaking with barely controlled rage.

Homelander chuckled, lifting Y/N slightly off the ground as if she weighed nothing. "Oh, I won't hurt her. Much. But I do think it’s time for a little field trip."

Y/N struggled, her heart pounding in her chest. "Butcher," she whimpered, her voice a desperate plea.

Butcher took a step forward, his eyes locked on Homelander. "Put her down. Now."

Homelander tilted his head, as if considering the request. Then he shook his head, a mocking glint in his eyes. "No, I think I'll take her with me. Just to see how far you're willing to go for her."

With that, Homelander shot up through the ceiling, taking Y/N with him. The last thing she saw was Butcher’s anguished face, a look of helpless fury etched into his features.

○ Chapter 8: Butcher’s Rage

Y/N was gone, something inside him snapped. He tore through the base, his heart a thunderous roar in his chest.

"That bloody bastard took her!" he shouted, his voice breaking with fury.

The team scrambled to form a plan, but Butcher was a man possessed. He couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t function without the thought of Y/N driving him forward.

"We'll get her back," MM said firmly, gripping Butcher's shoulder. "We'll get her back."

□ Chapter 9: The Rescue

The rescue mission was a blur of violence and chaos. Butcher led the charge, his sole focus on finding Y/N. When he finally burst into the room where Homelander held her, he saw red.

Homelander laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "Ah, Butcher. I was wondering when you'd show up."

Butcher didn’t waste time with words. He attacked, a fury of fists and rage. The fight was brutal, but with the team’s help, they managed to drive Homelander away.

Y/N, bound and bruised, looked up as Butcher approached. Tears filled her eyes as he knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he untied her.

"Are you okay? Love?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

She nodded, collapsing into his arms. "I knew you'd come."

Butcher held her tightly, his heart pounding against her chest. "I'll always come for ya, Y/N. Always."

■ Chapter 10: A New Beginning

The aftermath of the rescue brought a new understanding between Y/N and Butcher. They didn’t need words to express what had grown between them. The bond forged in fire and blood was unbreakable.

Butcher’s hallucinations didn’t disappear, but Y/N’s presence brought him a measure of peace. She was his light in the darkness, and he would do anything to protect her.

One evening, they sat together in the dimly lit common room. Butcher’s fingers traced the delicate lines of Y/N’s hand, his touch surprisingly gentle for a man who so often embodied fury.

“Dunno how you put up wif all this madness, love,” Butcher murmured, his gray-green eyes searching hers. “Most people would’ve legged it by now.”

Y/N smiled, her green eyes meeting his. “I chose this, Butcher. I chose you.”

He snorted, a rough sound that was more affectionate than derisive. “Still, can’t figure out why. I’m a right bastard, and vis life... it ain’t exactly easy.”

She squeezed his hand, her expression unwavering. “Because I see you, the real you. And you’re worth it.”

Butcher stared at her for a long moment, his eyes a mix of confusion and somethin' deeper, somethin' that scared 'em more than he’d ever admit. “Never fought I'd see fe day I'd meet someone like you in fis 'ellhole.”

Y/N leaned closer, resting her head against his shoulder. “But here we are.”

He wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. “Here we are,” he echoed, his voice a low rumble. “Don’t think I’ll ever understand it, but I ain’t complainin’.”

They sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their experiences hanging between them. Butcher knew he wasn’t an easy man to love, but he felt something he hadn’t in a long time: hope.

“You ever need anyfin’, Y/N,” he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper. “Anyfin at all, you come to me. Don’t matter what it is.”

She nodded, feeling the sincerity in his words. “I know, Butcher. I know.”

He kissed the top of her head, a rare gesture of tenderness. “Good. ‘Cause I’m not lettin’ you go, not ever. You’re stuck wif me now, like it or not.”

Y/N chuckled softly. “I think I can handle that.”

[chaptersleftunwritten]

Chapter’s Ficlets

I’m opening submissions for small ficlets that can range from 100 - 1k words (depending on how inspired I get).

The characters I will write for are as listed below;

(Stranger Things) Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Billy Hargrove.

(Bill Skarsgärd) Eric Draven, Roman Godfrey.

Feel free to suggest a character to me and I will either confirm or deny the request. It is also of great importance that you read my rules (that can be found on my pinned post) before you submit a request. Please stay kind and respectful. I am only human.

To submit a request please send me either 1 or 2 of the below prompts alongside the character you wish to see and a rough brief what you want the request to entail.

Prompts

Threesome

Bonfire

Gym shorts

Mean and scary?

Vibrator

New Years Eve

Matching pyjamas

Somnophilia

Supernatural

Slow dancing

New apartment

Guitar lessons

Warehouse

Pillow humping

Enemies

A flock of crows

Botanical garden

Tattoo gun

Narcotics

Basement

Dildo

Abandoned

Graveyard

Speed drive

Bandaged knuckles

Eyeliner

Bathtub

Butcher

Tortured artist

Book store

Monster

Tavern

Crumpled paper

Potion shop

Role play

Nude painting

Hollow

Sleepy mansion

Music

Public sex

Bound and gagged

Stalker

Abduction

Lazy evenings

Tentacles

1800’s/1900’s

Dunking for apples

Dust

Skinny dipping

Free use

Ice skating

Decorating the tree

Dinner conversation

Crime

Fists or knives?

Blindfold

Angels and demons

Sea salt

Lingering scent

Mirrors

-

(If there’s nothing on here that tickles your fancy then suggest something to me and I’ll see what I can do!) xoxo

[akronus-the-redeemed]

Just realised the only person who’s given any attention to my butchers bill chapter 2 is @wanderingwierdo, I might not continue it.

[melodymunson]

Get to know me

My name is Melody. I'm 33. I've been a Stranger Things since early 2017 and an Eddie Munson stan since May 2022. Writing requests for Steddie x reader, Steve x reader, Eddie x reader, Steve x Robin x reader are open! (Platonic Robin and Steve only.)

My former tumblr username was MelodyLangdon

About me: I’m a passionate concert-goer, a horror convention junkie, and a Halloween lover.

My favorite series are SAW, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, American Horror Story, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paradise City, South Of Nowhere, Rob Zombie’s Firefly family trilogy, and Hemlock Grove. I love thrillers and horror books and my favorite authors are Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Megan Hart, Anne Rice, JRR Tolkien. My top favorite bands of all time are Type O’ Negative, Bullet For My Valentine, Otep, Manson, Rammstein, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills, Arch Enemy, Kittie, David Bowie, Motley Crue, Poison, Butcher Babies, Children Of Bodom, Apocalyptica, Raven Black, Straight Line Stitch, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Ghost. Metal, punk rock, nu metal, thrash metal are my favorite music genres. The Soska Twins, Eli Roth, and Mary Harron are my favorite directors. My top favorite movies are American Mary, American Psycho, American Satan, 10 Things I Hate About You, Girl Next Door, Strangeland, Mistress Of The Dark. The coolest celebs I’ve met are Twiggy Ramirez, Tobin Bell, Manson, Otep, MIW, Butcher Babies, Elvira, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, and Felissa Rose. My favorite actors are Keanu Reeves, Joseph Quinn, Joe Keery, Heath Ledger, Cody Fern, Bill Skarsgard, River Phoenix, Blake Lively, Megan Fox, Susan Sarandon, Amber Tamblyn, and Margot Robbie. 

I follow back any active Stranger Things blog/fan who interacts with me and is 18+. Ask box/inbox open to questions/asks. Minors, creeps, bots, and anyone who’s intolerant towards women, any racists, any anti- POC/WOC and anyone exclusive of any part of the LGBTQIA+ will be blocked no exceptions. Intolerant of intolerance and my blog is a safe space.

My favorite Stranger Things characters are Eddie Munson (obviously). Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, 001/Henry Creel/Vecna, Joyce Meyers, Dustin Henderson, and Argyle.

Favorite ships and couples of ST: Steddie, Chrissy/Eddie, and  Nancy/Eddie/Steve/Robin (the fruity four).

I write and take requests for Chrissy/Eddie/reader, Chrissy/Eddie, Eddie/reader, Steddie/reader, Steve/reader, Robin/reader/Steve (platonic Steve+Robin ONLY), Chrissy/reader, and Eddie/reader/Corroded Coffin groupie.

Works in progress/completed: My first Eddie/reader fic was rockstar Eddie x reader headcanons. I have also published 2 Steddie/reader holiday fics on ao3, an Eddie/Chrissy/reader oneshot, Stobin/fem!reader, and a cheerleader reader/Eddie 3 part series. My ao3 username is MelodyLangdon. My next fics to be published will be an Eddie/reader/Corroded Coffin groupie. Rockstar Eddie/fem reader fic series in progress.

18+ only and preferably 21+ following me/interacting + reading my fics. No exceptions.

My newest fics: 

Steve/fem!reader/Robin https://archiveofourown.org/works/47570095

Older rockstar Eddie x younger fem!reader https://archiveofourown.org/works/47570314/chapters/119891428

My profiles/socials: https://bento.me/melodymunsonharrington

Masterlist: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2020/03/fanfics-masterlist.html

Moodboards: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2023/03/moodboards-for-stranger-things-fics.html

More moodboards: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2023/03/cody-fern-character-moodboards-for-fics.html

[thehyperrequiem]

Diego and the Scary Monstrous Revival (Bendy and the Dark Revival parody) cast

"Return to the cartoon studio from Diego and the Dino Machine™. See the ink-soaked kingdom of Diego Brando™ like never before through the eyes of Edge/Jolyne, an animator with mysterious abilities. Deeper, darker, and with more horror-stoked action, the Scary Monstrous Revival will keep you on the edge."

Edge (Mario + Rabbids) as Audrey Drew (Real World)

Jolyne Cujoh (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Audrey Drew (Cycle)

Starscream (Transformers Prime) as Wilson Arch

DIO Brando (JJBA Stardust Crusaders) as Shipahoy Wilson

Mikitaka Hazekura (JJBA Diamond is Unbreakable) as Porter

Mariah (JJBA Stardust Crusaders) as Betty

Wambus Troubleham (Bugsnax) as Steve McGregor

Carne (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Big Steve

Gwess (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Carley

Dr. Ferdinand (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Slicer

Foo Fighters (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Heidi

Bakugou (My Hero Academia) as Bill Danton

Ghiaccio (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Mad Artist

Changelings (My little Pony) as Widows

Queen Chrysalis (My little Pony) as Widow King

Ringo Roadagain (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Lord Amok

DIO Brando (JJBA Phantom Blood) as Shipahoy Dudley

Decepticons and Vehicons (Transformers Prime) as Keepers

Glamrock Animatronics (FNAF SB) as The Ink Jets

Limp Bizkit Zombies (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Iridescent Lost ones

Weather Report (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Henry Stein

Cromdo Face (Bugsnax) as Joey Drew

Scary Monsters Diego Brando (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Bendy/Baby Benders

Partial Utahraptor! Diego Brando (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Ink Bendy

Utahraptor! Diego (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Beast Bendy

Hot Pants (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Alice Angel

Partial Utahraptor! Hot Pants (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Susie-Alice

Yukako (JJBA Diamond is Unbreakable) as Allison Angel

Koichi (JJBA Diamond is Unbreakable) as Himself/Allison’s Boyfriend

Gyro Zeppeli (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Boris the Wolf

Johnny Joestar (JJBA Steel Ball Run) as Himself/Boris’s Friend

Giorno (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Tom

Pucci (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Sammy Lawrence

Rubber Soul, Devo the Cursed, ZZ and Steely Dan (JJBA Stardust Crusaders) as The Butcher Gang

Legoshi (Beastars) as Norman Polk

Formaggio (JJBA Vento Aureo) as The Projectionist

Daniel J. D'Arby (JJBA Stardust Crusaders) as Bertrum Piedmont

Dark Enchantress Cookie (Cookie Run) as Susie Campbell

Joseph Joestar (JJBA Battle Tendency) as Wally Franks

Caesar Zeppeli (JJBA Battle Tendency) as Thomas Connor

Snorpy (Bugsnax) as Jack Fain

Chandlo (Bugsnax) as Himself/Jack’s Lover

Tiziano (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Swollen Jack

Squalo (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Himself/Swollen Jack’s Lover

Triffany Lottablog (Bugsnax) as Allison Pendle

Floofty (Bugsnax) as Grant Cohen

Salt Cookie (Cookie Run) as Shawn Flynn

The Pillar Men and Santana (JJBA Battle Tendency) as The Butcher Gang Enemies

Utahraptors (Jurassic Park series) as The Searchers

Zombies (JJBA Phantom Blood) as Lost Ones

Megatron (Transformers Prime) as Nathan Arch

Airachnid (Transformers Prime) as Tessa Arch

Perceptor (Transformers Animated) as Alan Grey

Gramble Gigglefun (Bugsnax) as Telly Wester

Mario Zucchero (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Angus Newman

Tonio (JJBA Diamond is Unbreakable) as Dale Little

Eggabelle (Bugsnax) as Kay Lee

Beffica (Bugsnax) as Jane Todd

Gingerbrave (Cookie Run) as Lance Derby

Ratchet (Transformers Prime) as Hank Scott

Juno (Beastars) as Grace Conway

Deku (My Hero Academia) as Phil Clark

Sale (JJBA Vento Aureo) as Archie Carter

Carrot Cookie (Cookie Run) as Kitty Thompson

Quinn (Flipline) as Sally Newt

Telence T. D'Arby (JJBA Stardust Crusaders) as Hudson Doyle

Shockwave (Transformers Animated) as Chef Buck

Ironhide (Transformers Animated) as Muncie Dunn

Tea Knight Cookie (Cookie Run) as Eugene Lloyd

Thunder Mcqueen (JJBA Stone Ocean) as Carl

Scary Monsters Diego Brando (JJBA Steel Ball Run) (With Raptor teeth and eyes) as Sinful Bendy

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Drawn to Darkness

Chapter 2: The Raptor's Domain (The Demon's Domain)

Chapter 3: The Eternal Stand Power (The Eternal Machine)

Chapter 4: The Prison of Horrors (The Factory of Horrors)

Chapter 5: The Scary Monstrous Revival (The Dark Revival)

[casspurrjoybell-17]

Heart’s Choice - Chapter 29 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

John checks in on me in the morning via text.

I spend the day at the library, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi and looking for a new place to live.

I can't imagine my garage will be usable again any time soon and who knows what will happen to the property, now that Lucille is dead.

In the meantime, I try not to think about John and his confession or the questions that went along with it.

Did I love him, too?

Did I even know what love felt like?

I knew it when I saw it, like I saw it between Ian and Sam but I wasn't sure I'd ever experienced it myself, at least, until now.

But where was the line between like and lust and true love?

How did I know what I felt for John wasn't just shallow attraction?

Or some vampire mate-bond shit?

We were compatible in bed, at least, that was something and he was easy to live with.

I think back on the week I spent at his house.

I liked him and I liked his dogs, I liked his sense of humor 'on the occasions he relaxed enough to let it out' and I liked the way he made me feel, like I was someone worth the effort and worth caring about.

And yeah, I want him to kiss me again, I want him to do a lot more, too.

The attraction between us is undeniable.

But if I could never touch him again, would I still want his company?

I decide that I would and maybe that's the difference.

I don't just love John's body or the things he does to mine...

'I love John.'

Maybe what 'love' means can change over time, too.

A couple who've been together for fifty years probably aren't 'in love' the same way they were when they first met but they may love each other none the less.

Whether we would get the chance to find out if our 'love' could stand the test of time remained to be seen and largely depended on John's ability to restrain himself and not literally love me to death.

In the meantime, his confession deserved a reply.

After steeling my nerves and rehearsing in my head, I call him.

"John Turner's phone. Becky Wu speaking."

I choke on whatever I was going to say.

"Hello?"

"Uh... Hi, Becky. This is... that guy you saw at John's house. Carlos. Is John there?"

"Oh, hi, Carlos," Becky giggles.

"Sorry, he's in the shower. Can I take a message?"

My head swirls with reasons why John would be in the shower and Becky would be at his house, most of which don't make sense.

"No. Just tell him I called and to call me back."

"Sure thing. He's been telling about this case you're on. Sounds like a real head-banger."

"Head-banger?"

"Yeah, you know. Makes you wanna bang your head on your desk."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess it does."

I thought she meant a mind-fuck but it's sort of the same thing, anyway.

"For real. First, one or both of the Peters kill Kyle's parents. Then they adopt Kyle. Next, Mr. Peters dies, my theory is he found out and Lucille killed him, John thinks he was the killer and had a guilty conscience, drank himself stupid and fell down the stairs."

Her excitement translates clearly through her tone and I can almost see her counting off the list on her fingers.

"Fast forward to the present and Kyle is killed. Lucille is a suspect but she pays your hospital bills when you're injured. A deflection tactic? But when Kyle's parents' remains are found, Lucille butchers herself in the most bizarre way possible. Oh and to top if off, she left her house to the gardener. What kind of murderer does that?"

"What gardener? Her yard is a disaster."

"Right? And then your only other suspect has an alibi for Daryl Spark's death, if a thin one."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the first part of the night he was working at a bar, that's solid. But the second half he was with some girl and she's the only one who can vouch for that. Believe me, the DA would tear that to shreds like a cat with a ball of catnip spiked tissue paper."

"A girl? Wait, are we talking about Alejo?"

He looked like the sort who'd call you maricón (Sissy) and beat the shit out of you if you looked at him wrong but he couldn't get it up with a girl if he tried.

Or so he'd told me.

"That's according to John," Becky says.

"You'll have to ask him when he calls. I'd wait and talk to you in the meantime but he's taking one of his 'stress' showers. He'll be awhile."

I frown at the idea that Becky knows more about John's habits than I do, even though it's obvious she would.

They may not have been in love but they were married and lived together for much longer than I've known John existed.

Unable to stop myself, I ask the burning question.

"Um... what are you doing there, anyway?"

"Just picking up the dogs. John asked me to take them back for a few weeks while he moves."

"Moves? Moves where?"

"He hasn't told you? I guess this town just doesn't have the right 'vibe' for him or something. He's thinking of taking another position in San Fran. He's got family there, you know."

I try and fail to think of something appropriate to say.

"Hello?"

"Sorry."

I hold the phone away as I cough to clear my throat and remind myself to breathe.

"Uh, no. He hasn't mentioned that."

"Oh. Well... I'll tell him you called."

Becky's tone contains a wince, as if she's wondering if she's inadvertently said too much.

"Thanks. Um... and give Rick and Morty some belly rubs from me. I'm gonna miss those two."

"Sure thing, Carlos. Bye."

She ends the call.

I stare at my phone.

Then I pull up Alejo's number and call him.

He knows the shit on just about everyone, in certain circles, anyway and he might know something about this 'gardener.'

Moreover, I want to know about this 'girl' because if Alejo was lying about his alibi, then we've still got a solid suspect on the line.

He answers on the first ring, barely giving me a chance to second-guess myself.

"Pendejo? (Fool) Que va! (No way) I thought you were dead or something."

"Oh? Is that why you never bothered to call me after I fell down a flight of stairs and broke my arm?"

"What?" Alejo laughs.

"That Cabrón (Bastard) didn't tell you? I rode to the hospital with you. I was there the whole way. Then he showed up and told me to fuck off. You didn't tell me you were serious with nobody."

"I'm... I'm not," I say, swallowing.

"That guy... doesn't know what he's talking about. We're not together."

"Oh. So, you free tonight?"

Wow. Right to it, then.

"Yeah. That's why I called."

He chuckles, a low, soft sound that sends an unpleasant shiver up my spine.

"Come to the bar. I'm on shift until ten. Then we can have some fun."

"I'll be there."

"Can't wait."

He makes a kissing sound that makes me cringe and hangs up.

I grab my wallet and keys and head for the door.

I've lost my home and my business. My aunt 'and only living family member' is missing and the only man I've ever loved has decided I'm not worth the effort, after all.

What else have I got to lose?

[ezithemuse]

Cupid's Punk! Chapter 2- do it exceptionally well

SORRY I PROMISED I'D POST MORE HERE AND FORGET CONSTANTLY HERE ARE TWO CHAPTERS TO MAKE UP FOR IT

2- do it exceptionally well

            Scarlet slept a dreamless sleep, only to spend most of the next day at work blushing, trying to shove the last night out from her brain. She would get engrossed in a task, mind focused and honed, an Olympic athlete mentally blocking out the crowds. Her mind performed at its peak, only to trip on the last hurdle and have a vague association to trigger a flash of bizarre erotica in her mind and a coincidental flash of red on her cheeks. Reading “best” on an email would evoke a breast, a bird call became a woman’s whining moan of pleasure. A woman jogging out the window in white spandex evoked a diaper, most embarrassingly. She excused herself often to the restroom to try and control herself. 

Scarlet would breathe raggedly as she slapped herself and looked into the restroom mirrors, unsure of who was staring back at her. I haven’t even had a remotely sexual thought in months, have I been too depressed to notice? Was it the medication? She had started her antidepressants in a vaguely similar time. I can’t remember specific dates for anything on a good day! She squeezed her eyes for a moment, willing her memory to cooperate without the aid of her phone calendar for once. Nothing came to her. Not the last time I masturbated, let alone had sex, or the day I started the medication. Before that, my fucking hormones flared and had me almost feral with Barbara. A stab in her chest again. It had been a while even before they broke up. Pity attempts at reconciling through coitus that went nowhere don’t count.

            When Emilia and Scarlet left for the day, Scarlet made sure to avoid her phone for the evening, lest the same material rear its self-indulgent head at her. Scarlet let unpacking focus her mind instead, and much of the evening was spent unpacking her old workhorse laptop, more dishes, and the rest of her closet. Her precious collection of books had been butchered, sold for additional moving funds. The remains were stacked on her lone cabinet, one of a meager handful of furniture pieces. Her copy of Ariel, ragged with love and use and stained with tears, sat atop the neat pile. Scarlet tried not to focus on its missing companion; an equally well worn, notated copy of the Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson. It had not survived when she had split their… shared belongings. 

            Scarlet’s night winded down, so tired from the day and unpacking that she automatically did her skincare routine and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. The next day would not be kind to the woman still trying to ignore how such smut made her feel.

            The clock over the door struck one and Scarlet was at her desk. Emilia had a single meeting left on her calendar. The secretary was on a streak of definitely-not-thinking-about-it. Certainly not hiding flushed cheeks. Absolutely not keeping her legs tightly closed under her desk.

She heard Emilia’s door open, and her designer shoes clicked down the hall. Scarlet’s eyes went wide, a ghost of an image in her mind portraying Emilia holding her down. She shook her head, feeling the thought fly out of her brain and made sure she was presentable, and turned to face her. Emilia’s eyes were up, lost in thought, as she approached Scarlet’s desk.

            “Scarlet, our next meeting is important for two reasons.” Emilia began, her eyes finally locking with her subordinate’s. She sat on the edge of the desk before continuing. Scarlet tried not to think about it extremely hard. Emilia’s long wide hips were within reach, and she fought to quiet a thrill in her chest. Her boss settled, a confident air radiating from an assured smile and intense eyes. No! STOP! It’s day three and you’re already fucking around on the job. YOU. HAVE. BILLS.

“The first reason is that he happens to be a good friend of mine. Chris, and to a lesser extent, his partner. They have been together for about six months but I’ve known him for ten years. It is not a perfectly neutral position I find myself in, but I try very hard to be impartial. And Lila knows that.” Scarlet tried to follow, getting the impression that Emilia was to some extent thinking out loud.

Why would someone need mediation with their girlfriend of six months?

Emilia continued before Scarlet could vocalize. “Secondly, you and I are going to be putting that “legal discretion” matter I mentioned to the test. I would like you to sit in, and take notes. From the outside it may seem,” she paused, searching for her word with her eyes in the air above her, “atypical. However, taking detailed notes will help the process tremendously. Do you understand so far?”

Scarlet nodded, not expecting Emilia to ask her anything. She had so many questions, and her mind raced trying to find an appropriate boundary. How personal was too personal for a professional distance? Was she expected to make personal conversation? Sit here and keep working? Her head started to spin. Her modicum of self assurance from her first day had evaporated.

“Let’s just say it’s a…unique and private agreement, made between consenting adults.” The taller woman’s nonchalance astounded Scarlet, as if she had merely stated the sky was blue.

“Just keep a straight face, and remain professional. We can expect them any moment,” Emilia’s words each landed like a loaded grenade tossed to the younger woman. So many questions remained, and Scarlet tried to hide her confusion behind her work appropriate smile. Not too friendly, calm and confident. She had been told it suited her, and she found memories of blushing at a woman using Emilia’s same poised tone at a bar back home.  Emilia checked an elegant platinum wristwatch, and began heading back to her office.

“Page me when they get here, escort them back.” She called behind as she turned, and Scarlet felt her mask drop at the sight of Emilia’s perk ass walking away. Her footsteps faded around the corner. She waited to hear the telltale office door click closed, and nerves still unsatisfied, she bit a knuckle to calm herself down. She definitely could not focus on transcription if that was what was all she could think about. She cursed under her breath at the sudden, impossible return of her libido after a dull, eventless few months. It was hard to want sex when you weren’t sure you could pay rent. She bit harder, just enough to barely leave a mark, and reminded herself she hadn’t been paid yet. She can find NORMAL porn or have NORMAL fantasies after she knew that she wouldn’t be thrown out on the street in a strange city.

As if orchestrated, the front door opened the moment Scarlet calmed enough to work again. A woman, around Scarlet’s twenty-nine, stepped in while a man held the door open in the hall. She was petite, and her bright blue eyes went wide as they locked with Scarlet’s. The woman panicked and turned to the taller man in confusion. By the time she looked back Scarlet was ready to greet her with a polite smile. It’s no different than library patrons, grocery customers or any other bullshit from being a barista.

“You must be Ms. Finch. Emilia told me about you. Lila, don’t be rude, say hi.” The man, all broad shoulders and muscle, prodded the nervous woman with a kind grin. He was head and shoulders taller than the blonde woman, but radiated the same compassion and excitement as a floofy golden retriever. Or maybe that was just the styled gold curtains that evoked a nineties heartthrob and framed a sharp jaw.

Lila gave a nervous wave and smiled. Her own blonde hair, closer to a bright Malibu Barbie shade, did nothing to hide a bashful red in her cheeks. Scarlet wanted to raise an eyebrow at his patronizing, but held back for a moment. She was distracted, seeing her own fears in Lila’s eyes, in spite of the girl's first impression. Her own anxiety, fear of saying the wrong thing in front of someone else, as if it had flown out of the secretary into Lila from moments before their arrival.

“Chris Arnold and Lila Smith, it’s a pleasure.” Her mask was returning, but she swore her own voice trembled. Should she stand? Shake hands? She settled on paging Emilia from her computer. She got back a message to lead them back and bring whatever she needed for notes. The ever-present blade of Rent Due kept her legs from shaking.

“Emilia’s ready for you, follow me please.” She stood, gathering the weathered, hand-me-down laptop she brought for the occasion. She got a better look at the two as they followed her. Scarlet watched as Lila trailed slightly, hanging on Chris’s arm like she was going to drown in the marble tile if she let go. The man was taller than Scarlet and the woman only came up to her chest. Scarlet refocused, opening the door for them, and holding it as Emilia stood with a smile, pretending she just noticed them.

“It is so lovely to see you two again, how are you? Christopher. It’s positively been ages!” Emilia walked over to the tall man, somehow still the tallest person in the room with her elegant heels. They hugged with the distance of old colleagues who only met once a year. Scarlet watched, noting how everyone besides her seemed to be much closer to a runway ready wardrobe compared to her…how old was this blouse? She realized it was a subtly patterned one she’d bought before her interview at the library. Three years, four years ago? She took her seat in a chair on the far wall, behind Emilia, and began booting the laptop. Chris took Lila’s designer jacket, and Scarlet noted it was just a tad too big for her even with the oversized cut.

“Same to you! We’re so thankful you were willing to do this, Emilia.” Chris let Emilia loose from his arms, and Scarlet watched the awkward handshake between her boss and Lila.

“And Lila Smith, I do adore your hair. Are you settling in from the move?” Something irked her about the way that they interacted, like Lila was an afterthought. To Emilia’s credit, she made the effort to grab Lila’s tiny hand in both of hers, and make an attempt at personable smalltalk. Lila barely squeaked out one-word answers to Emilia’s interview.

“Wonderful. Now that the pleasantries are done,” Emilia clapped her hands and leaned back, sitting on the edge of her desk, “shall we resume our business? I would implore the two of you to not bargain, bluff, or otherwise try and coerce one another. Understood?”  Chris and Lila sat in the two padded seats across a small table in the middle of the room. Lila produced a folder.

“We, uh…” She started speaking, and stopped. Scarlet looked up, seeing she was passing the folder to Emilia, but cut herself off when she noticed Scarlet again. Emilia took the folder, and began leafing through it before noticing Lila’s discomfort.

“Oh, dear? If you are uncomfortable speaking on such…delicate matters in front of a stranger, I assure you that Scarlet here is bound to the same discretion as I am.” Lila looked over to Chris for assurance, and he merely smiled softly and reached out his hand for hers. Her hand leapt to his, and she spoke.

            “It isn’t anything personal, I promise. I’m just…private.” She whispered. Chris nodded sagely.

“We made a copy of the original contract and made notes on the things we’d like to change moving off of the trial.”

Scarlet tried giving her a smile in return, and zipped her own lips closed with one hand for Lila’s benefit. Remain professional….no matter what you hear. Lila seemed to relax as Scarlet’s fingers went to task of bulleting Chris’s points.

“I see. So, in red here is you and…” Emilia began, scanning a document deeper in.

“The pink pen is Lila, yes.” Chris answered, chuckling a little under his breath at Emilia’s smirk and Lila’s subdued blush. “Is there a good place to start? Should you lead, or us?”

            “Start with whatever you think is most important. Lila if you feel strongly about something you are welcome to start. Remember, we’re here to reach an agreement where everyone is happy.” Emilia circled around to sit at her desk, and neatly separated three copies of a stapled document from the folder. While Emilia organized her thoughts, Lila repeated her scared rabbit glance to Chris, and took a shaking breath before speaking.

            “Miss Kane,” Emilia cupped her chin in one hand and turned to face Lila, “I thought I wanted it, but I’d really like to remove the ‘plug clause.’” Scarlet typed away, Lila-no more plug clause. Chris laughed and leaned in to whisper.

“The BUTT plug clause?” Scarlet’s eyes went wide before she got them under control. Emilia gave a quick glance from the corner of her eyes, reminding Scarlet of her place.

 “Sorry, I…uhh…know you like it. Maybe on off weeks? That, and… I’ve been wanting to try… twenty-four-seven in diapers.”

***

Scarlet stayed wide-eyed and silent. The room exploded with voices overlapping.

“Are you serious, babe?”

“I’m sorry…”

“Lila, don’t apologize in mediation, it’s nothing to be sorry for-”

“You want MORE?”

Scarlet tried typing rapidly, the clacking getting louder as her fingers joined the uproar in the room. Emilia stood from her chair and with a deadly look silenced the couple.

“We’re are *far* off track. I told you, you were ‘equals, honestly negotiating’ in here. I made you two promise me. Chris, you are paying for my services no matter if you listen to me or not.” The two looked away, abashed as children in the principal’s office. Scarlet was listening, but had to strain over the sound of her heartbeat in her ears. What are the fucking odds?

“Chris, if you want to explain? You owe that to your Submissive in exchange for her trust.” Emilia scolded, seemingly stepping into the role of a punitive schoolteacher. He nodded meekly, and the couple made eye contact again. Scarlet got the sense she was prying on a session of couples counseling.  “And Lila, please, do not apologize. It will not do you any good.”

The negotiations continued, Scarlet’s head still spinning as she tried to glean enough details to understand and take adequate notes at the same time. The couple were Dominant and Submissive, but those terms meant little to her as someone who was fairly plain in the bedroom and never had an affinity for a certain popular yet overwrought BDSM movie. Well, that wasn’t entirely true, she certainly let Barbara be in charge in the bedroom.  That cursed video she had seen the other night certainly was related to all this. Every single one of the dozens of line items in their “contract” was as intense as the last, and the one before, and all the way back to the …diapers.

Twenty-four-seven?

Thinking of that is what caused Scarlet’s fingers to lock up and her cheeks to go red. Of all the fucking things that could happen today, she clenched her jaw, looking at the clock in the corner of her laptop.  They had already been at that for hours, and it certainly felt like it in Scarlet’s lower back. She prayed they remembered how long their meeting was, even if they were two thirds of the way through. Debating, explaining, pleading, pouting, the meek woman and the gentle but…controlling man went through things Scarlet only partially understood from context. Scarlet’s phone beeped and buzzed from a notification, drawing her back to the present as she silenced it with a flush of her cheeks. Thankfully, it seems that was the impetus Emilia needed.

“Goodness, we have already gone over time,” she announced, turning the same wristwatch up to look at, “Do you two not have plans after this?” Lila seemed to drop her shoulders and Chris slunk back, as if they both were exhausted from this.

“You’re right.” Chris sighed, and stood, picking up his and Lila’s coats. “I’m sorry for how I acted earlier, Lila. I just wasn’t expecting it.” He offered her his arm, and she took it, nodding to him, to forgive. Scarlet sat there, dumbfounded with her ass falling asleep. They waved goodbye, and Scarlet could only numbly wave back, and once again she was drawn back to reality.

“I can tell that was unusual for you. I understand. You’re already done for the day; you can clock out if you want. Email me the notes and we can talk in the morning.” Emilia coolly leaned back in her office chair, almost imperceptibly giving away her own exhaustion. The two had made it hard on her, and Scarlet couldn’t imagine doing this for work for the rest of her life. Well, maybe her usual clients weren’t this…deviant? Hedonistic? The word escaped her.  Scarlet nodded, sending the notes from her work email, and left as quickly as she could. Her brain would not stop replaying the moments again and again as she rode in the back of the car. It was the most bizarre cab ride back to her apartment she’d ever had. So far.

            The apartment was starting to enter that space between “motel room on the side of the road” and “hotel for a multiple week work trip.” It still certainly wasn’t home, but it was losing the foreign, transient property it had the first two nights. It was that liminal state that she now had to ponder the most surreal work day. Scarlet sat in her dining room in the rickety chair that was in the apartment when she moved, head in hands and mind racing.

What the fuck have I gotten myself in to? She went for the cheap wine again, a moscato so sweet it was another dose of the juicebox and nail polish remover. It was really growing on her. It relieved the tension in her neck and she felt like the surreal end of her work day was a mile away. Scarlet’s evening consisted of her skincare routine followed by a cheap, long expired face mask she found in the bottom of a moving box. Lying on her bed and halfway through her second glass, she got the urge to open a private browser on her phone again. Her hand shook, this time surely from nerves, as her fingers hovered over another appealing thumbnail. She had to close her eyes in order to click it.

A doe eyed woman, curly brunette hair rolling down her back, was in cute pink cuffs and bound to the ceiling. A colorful, patterned diaper was wrapped tightly around her midsection, and her legs spread by some plastic pink bar. Scarlet watched her plead and whine, begging to be let out and Scarlet felt that familiar excitement in her chest. Another woman approached, mocking the brunette for wearing the diaper, calling her all kinds of tantalizing and patronizing pet names.

Honey.

Darling.

Babygirl.

Scarlet allowed her hand to touch her hardening nipples through her shirt. The girl continued pleading as Scarlet’s breath quickened. It wasn’t until the girl called the other woman Mommy, that Scarlet felt her erection coming to full attention inside her panties.

The girl pleaded further, begging not to drink an entire baby bottle of water, bouncing from foot to foot, whining behind the rubber nipple to do as much of a potty dance as the restraints allowed. Her face was red, her eyes wide, and the other woman stood there, a combination of matronly affection and a cruel Mistress. Scarlet twisted her own nipple, and suppressed any thoughts that called this depraved.

“Just let it happen, be good for Mommy. Let me do everything.” The other woman tweaked and teased and rubbed as the girl lost control and began wetting herself. She loved it. She hadn’t felt so alive in a long time, heart pounding in her chest as it was now. She flipped up her skirt and-

The video didn’t matter anymore. Something about the motion, something she’d done a thousand times over the years, didn’t remind her of her own movements. They recalled a different set of hands. Softer, smaller than hers. Always short nails, she didn’t want to break them playing basketball. Sometimes she’d let Scarlet paint them, usually a navy blue or a nude.

Those were the hands that she saw in her mind. The ones she loved, adored, held with conviction from deep in her heart. Then she heard it, from inside her memory, the deepest part of her brain that revolted against her.

Just let me do everything, Lettie~

Tears welled, but refused to fall. Scarlet harshly threw her phone across the room, bouncing off the wall and onto the carpet. She wiped away the tears and buried her face in the pillow, muffling a pained wail. 

[akronus-writes]

In celebration of chapter 1 of The butchers bill releasing tomorrow, I’m going to pit the master list for all of my characters and a paragraph of their lore here. this is part 1, part 2 and 3 are in different posts

Akronus, the occult detective, wielder of the god-binder blade, and master of eldritch magics. Started existing at the same time as Akrosion when a magically gifted teen died in a fire, creating the two from the corpse in a form of mitosis.

Hallowed, the silver gun. Born in a poor family, hallowed ended up becoming a mercenary at 16 to support his family, meeting his then boyfriend Deltan in the work. After the oblivion eclipse left hallowed missing an arm and an eye, and Deltan a second consciousness inside Hallowed. He transitioned into a cybernetic detective and superhero.

Aldira, the ex-bloody queen. Born to a family of blood controlling crime lords, Aldira took up the family trade and recruited a number of mercenaries after a rival family killed her parents. Though after the oblivion eclipse she ended her families empire and became a hero to honour. A dead friend’s memory.

Antros, ember of fear. One of the four embodiments of fear, Antros took up mercenary work to feed himself, eating his victims fear to survive. After the oblivion eclipse, Antros found heroics to be abetter option for both the morals, and to cause fear.

Crow, master of nature magic.

After being left for dead by a group of bullies, crow adopted his moniker and became mercenary to get money to fund wildlife reservations. After the oblivion eclipse, heroics would probe itself to be the more effective option for preservation.

Clockwork, time guardian.

After witnessing his parents death at the hands of a wanted killer unlocked his ability to freeze time, clockwork took up his mantle to protect the innocent and stop people like his parents killer from hurting other again.

Jormungand, seas wrath.

The magically enchanted pet snake of Aldira’s best friend, Jormungand retreated into the ocean after the oblivion eclipse, where she would naturally unlock her ability to to enter both a humanoid form and a world snake form. And took up heroics to protect the oceans her master once loved.

Archon, the unrelenting time traveller

created when Akronus' arcane energy caused a would-be child of theirs to be sent to the future. Archon would spend the 20 years he lived in the year 2150-2170 developing "archo-tech" an array of weapons and gear that he would use as a hero when he was abruptly sent back to the present, the day after he was conceived.

@gobodegoblin @tales-of-the-caves @a-secret-rpblog @a-scientist-reborn @f4y3w00d5 @aelin-the-soft @monsterfucker-research-wizard @the-bound-demon @the-blood-mage @good-wizard @mynaemsophie

[a-ramblinrose]

A Weekly Reading Journal 10.13.24

My All Hallows Read is still a blast! I'm currently reading just a bit at a time from many books but I am reading so that's a win!

Currently Reading:

Fiction:

It Devours! by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

Harrowing the Dragon by Patricia A. McKillip

Poetry:

The Collected Poems 1912-1944 by H.D.

Poems For Tortured Souls by Liz Ison

Wound Is the Origin of Wonder: Poems by Maya C. Popa

Nonfiction:

Lady Killers by Tori Telfer

Graphic Novels:

Dead Boy Detectives by Toby Litt & Mark Buckingham

Something Under the Bed Is Drooling by Bill Watterson

Just Finished:

Fangs by Sarah Andersen ★★★★

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver ★★★

Everyone In My Family HAs Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson ★★★★★

DNFs/Try Again Later:

Underground Hocus Pocus by Denise Nicole ( just a meh kindle freebie)

Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman (another kindle freebie and it felt really juvenile for an adult romance so out it goes)

General Reading Thoughts:

Started the week off strong and then I slowed down a bit due to fanfiction distractions. No regrets! XP

🖤👻🎃🖤🎃👻🖤

Happy Reading!!!

Current Reading Tag || General Original Content || 2024 Reading Page

And a few more ramblings under the cut:

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is one I kept seeing on booktube so spotting it thrifting was neat. This is going to be a weird one and I'm excited for it. Probably a book where I'll read a chapter or two at a time but not binge.

Angela Carter!!!! How did it take me so long to read her stuff??? I have a bunch of it so really how? Amazing!

Lady Killers is annoying me. When writing/publishing a group of what's basically mini biographies group them either chronologically or my theme. Not randomly with no pattern. No. Almost a dnf but it's easy to read when I walk with my Grams in the mornings.

Dead Boy Detectives is just meh so far. I looked at reviews and a lot of people say the show is better. I wanted to read at least some of the source material 1st but maybe it would of been better if I hadn't. I will finish because it take some epic bad for me to dnf comics.

Butcher & Blackbird was fun junk food but I could not take it seriously with how bad the two serial killer main characters were about NOT GETTING CAUGHT. Real names with witnesses around, obvious travel plans, texting details, and so much more. How did they not get caught? As a romance it was fun but noting special. I've heard horrible things about book 2 so I'm done with the series unless book 3's reviews are GLOWING!

[im-getting-help]

I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR THE LONGEST TIME!!!!!!

It 2017 and the miniseries shows friendship! It 2019 is so uncomfortable in their relationships it drives me INSANE.

In interviews the cast seems to like eachother a lot, they have fun together, but it absolutely doesn't translate to the movie. And actually, they're barely together!! We get Jade of the Orient, the clubhouse and then the final battle, other than that they're always separated or in small groups.

They don't touch eachother, they don't lean on eachother, they look tense around one another for almost the whole film. No hand holding or hugs or nothing unless absolutely necessary. Verbal communication too, and this is the part that actually sucks the most. When they're bickering or playing with eachother it doesn't work like in the first chapter cause they never seem to be comfortable with it. They don't "laugh it off", it just escalates or ends in an awkward silence.

FOR EXAMPLE! The scene in the clubhouse when Richie tries to make a dumb joke/jumpscare and Eddie asks 'are you going to be like this the whole time?' It was the perfect opportunity for some bickering between the two, but instead we get 'right, i'll go fck myself' IT LOOKS LIKE THE LOSERS CAN'T STAND RICHIE! IS SO UNCOMFORTABLE. ALSO BEV WOULD'VE LAUGH A LITTLE!!.

Also in Jade when they ask for Stan and Richie says 'he's not going to come, he's a pussy' and nobody laughs or comments or anything, is so fcking awkward. Eddie would've tell Richie to fuck off, Bill would've said something like "that's not funny Richie" and Richie would've either apologize or take it too far. If you're not going to commit to it don't use Richie.

If you were to tell me that actually all the adult cast hated eachother I would've believe you, no doubt in my mind, makes perfect sense.

I get (or i try to understand) that they use these wierd interactions to show how scared and out of depth they feel, but they butchered the friendship aspect so much that they feel like a group of strangers at times.

THEIR FRIENDSHIP IS THE WHOLE FCKING POINT!!

And a special mention to: Benverly's kiss.

This scene is SO upsetting, i don't know what they were thinking. Your friend Richard is blind and crying! can you stop the horny for like 2 seconds???

Those aren't friends. They didn't even try to find a way to get Eddie out, and then they have the audacity to JOKE about "how Eddie would've hate being here"?! Then when the only person who apparently missed him starts crying you hug him for a sec and then go to kiss your new boyfriend?????

WHAT ARE WE DOING?! WHAT'S GOING ON?! ONE OF YOUR BESTIES OF ALL TIME JUST DIED. MY GOD.

Is so SO bad. I love those movies but is literally the worst aspect. The fix-it's i read tend to have lots of "Losers spending time together and being happy" cause for me it's literally like a death, the death of their friendship.

something i feel very strongly about is that the IT films do a bad job making the adults feel like friends. i don't know if it's a script issue, a directing issue, or an acting issue, but it's incredibly frustrating to me.

the movie does a great job showing close relationships between the losers in specific pairs (richie and eddie, ben and beverly, mike and bill), but otherwise they do not feel like friends to me (they almost get there in the jade scene, but nothing like in the miniseries, and the rest of the movie is awful in this regard). like you want me to believe eddie died and beverly and ben are just??? making out??? like richie is here sobbing on a rock and he loses his glasses and the other losers go looking and bev and ben are just???? kissing? like these are not beverly and ben these are imposters. like tell me why richie was the only one who showed any significant emotion over eddie dying. they were all friends, thats the whole goddamn point.

and idk what happens in the book, but the losers leaving eddie in the sewers is so stupid, like he is constantly noted to be tiny, and you're telling me none of the losers could carry him out? ben's whole thing (which i will be ranting about later because it pisses me off that ben had to get skinny and buff to be hot like shut the fuck up) is that he got buff and he couldn't pick up eddie? seriously? it makes no sense for the losers to leave him down there he hated the sewers the last place in the world that he would ever want to rest forever would be in a disgusting sewer. they love him and they know him they would never leave him down there

the relationships between the losers in the miniseries feel so much more substantial, yes richie and eddie are shown to be notably close, same with ben and bev, but that doesn't mean they don't all love each other. it's very notable to me that in the miniseries the losers are always touching each other, and not just in brief offhand ways, they lean into each other, they lay on each other, they caress each others faces. it isn't just that they love each other and are comfortable sitting close together on the couch or something, they are constantly actively touching each other, both because they love each other, and probably because they're so amazed to have each other back and want to commit their friends to memory. like literally any scene with more than one loser in it? they're touching each other or otherwise very close, whereas in the film you don't get that impression at all.

[eldritchboop]

How to Speak With the Dead: A Practical Handbook (1918)

Today, I've decided to read through one of the books from my Internet Archive roundups because man, nothing makes you want to read the book than hunting it down. Please note that I do not believe in ghosts/spirits/afterlife, and take my perspective with the snarky tone it is intended to have. I'm just live-reacting as I go.

But why not start with a how-to book? It might be as good as the vintage hypnotism book that took a hard left halfway through and started talking about the utopian Martian society. Really.

If you're going to call yourself Practical, let's see how practical they actually mean. I have high hopes considering the author is billed as "Author of Recognized Scientific Textbooks". And his name sounds like Science (Sciens) so obviously he's legit.

I'm ten pages in and apparently we're barely years away from anti-gravity technology because of ghost communication. Only (checks notes) 105 years later, still waiting! It's the Cybertruck marketing prequel.

The first chapter is so far trying to convince me that: 1) Souls exist because fingernails keep growing after death. 2) Dreams are the consciousness detaching from the body. 3) Appeals to science and quoting out of context are useful rhetorical tools.

The second chapter is some seriously butchered thermodynamics and biology. But my favorite so far is that life has no individualities or idiosyncracties, but that the soul does. The soul also has a full understanding of good and evil. Therefore, which animals can we determine have souls, and can some animals therefore commit intentional genocide?

Also, the soul apparently cannot originate from any source and cannot reproduce. So where does it come from? If you're arguing not being able to source the origin of life is a flaw, you better be able to source where souls come from.

Ooooh, we're finally getting into the good stuff. Telepathy time!

Summary: So we don't know how things like telegraphs work, and telephones are just so hard to comprehend, therefore telepathy. Tele-mnemoniky (memory-reading) is a new one to me though.

...I might just skip to the good parts. I'm 50 pages in and only on chapter 3. Skipping about why ghosts haunt places, how mediums are just talented people, and all the different fun things you can do to talk to ghosts. Let's get to the practical advice (Ch 7).

So sit, late at night and in a calm environment, and ask for ghosts to show up. Though I appreciate their idea that skeptics can be mediums anyway, so might as well try things! Their group mediumship activities happen at noon, so it might be worth throwing a Ghost Party just to see what you can do. Final score: two jump-scares and the fear of a neighbor who critiques your Pride decor.

[awesomecooperlove]

How come in the same year, 2018, Vladmir Putin handed Donald John Trump a soccer ball? “The ball’s in your court, Sir.”

 

What year did Russia “invade” Ukraine? 2022?

 

What year did the FIFA World Cup of soccer start? 2022?

 

How come Russia did not participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

 

How come FIFA rejected Zelensky a video speech at the World Cup?

 

Why is Russia only bombing Ukraine cities with Biochemical Plants?

 

How come the C-40 Clipper I’ve been tracking, Registration 0041, that “carried” and “brought” Zelensky to D.C. never went to Ukraine?

 

What part of exposing the RINOs and Federal Corporation of the festering rot of D.C. do you not understand at this point?

 

Explain to me how Donald John Trump gave Angela Merkel a White Flag of Surrender in July 2021 if he’s “Former President” or “Civilian.” The white flag of surrender is titled the White Flag of Truce in Chapter 12 of the Law of War Manual.

 

Explain to me why Donald John Trump exerted Executive Privilege over classified documents in November 2021 and “Biden” hasn’t? You know… only the ‘privilege’ of the Executive Branch. You know… one of those 3 Branches of Government 75% of Americans cannot name.

 

If he were real, and this wasn’t a Military Operation and COG, how come “Biden” revoked Bossman’s Executive Order, the 1776 Commission, which would put our American History, Foundation, Revolutionary War, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress, the Bill of Rights, Marbury vs. Madison 1803, the War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, the Gold Rush 1849, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Abraham Lincoln, the meaning of historic events, etc.

 

How come “Biden” and these RINOS want to cancel History and History Lessons, yet they always misconstrue, misuse, abuse, twist, and butcher quotes by the Founders and our History to fit their narratives and agendas?

 

How come so many Americans overlook this? How does this not outrage Americans?

 

Why does an honorably retired United States Veteran shows what’s happening by Laws and Orders that SUPPORT the Constitution and Foundation (Marbury versus Madison 1803) and the same Laws and Orders being interpreted correctly by Foundation and History and receive hate, threats, ridicule, slander, and defamation of character?

 

Americans living in America but don’t want to know the history of America that makes them Americans.

 

YOU are only in this Nation due to our Foundation. And there’s way too many of us that are fighting to maintain the Foundation as she stands.

 

Many people are experiencing karma from laziness and complacency from comments such as: “I’ll fight for this country if I had to.”

 

Well, you must. Every single day. You must understand your Foundation, History, and how the Government Systems, Courts, and Military operate to the best of your ability.

 

You cannot debunk the Laws and Orders because:

 

1.         Laws are changed by: Rescinding, Revision, and Revoking.

2.         The Orders have not been rescinded by those who gave the Orders.

3.         The 9 National Emergencies have NOT been terminated and addressed as prescribed by Law.

4.         The National Guard are still on ORDERS that activated them to Active-Duty. These ACTIONS prove the Laws and Orders are being upheld and carried out.

 

Majority of Americans’ laziness, stubbornness, complacency, lack of discernment, lack of education, lack of intelligence, lack of knowledge, lack of integrity, lack of honesty, lack of responsibility, lack of accountability, lack of spine and backbone, haughtiness, self-entitlement, drama loving, short attention spans, say one thing – do another, never practice what they preach, talk the talk never walk their walk, judgmental, attitude problems, lack of discipline, lack of structure, spoon fed, and spoiled… avoiding, dodging, ignoring, hiding from reality, facts, history, structure, foundation, and responsibilities are why most will stay in the same hamster wheel…

 🔥🔥🔥

[magic-can]

Sindel’s voice actress upon reading her script: