#can we get fucking real? and also a grip? and also a clue? do you think i come on this stupid fucking app to swallow rage the way i do irl.

[distraughtlesbian]

sorry for speaking my truth it will happen again. i think my main issue with valax’s redemption arc is literally just that there’s never a moment where the mc gets to actually talk to her about what she did—there’s not really a cathartic conversation, so valax and mc moving past what she did to them feels less like forgiveness and redemption and more like an agreement to ignore the elephant in the room

like sure we got to talk about our trauma (in chapter 17 of 20. lol. lmao, even) to the party, but valax wasn’t present for that?? and like, sure, she says once that she is sorry “for the pain she caused [them]”, but there’s a difference Tew Me between “sorry for hurting you ig ✌️😗” and actually being like “yeah, i abducted you and forced you into a magically induced coma and stole your blood and robbed you of a full year of your life and repeatedly tried to murder you, to say nothing of the grief i caused your loved ones. i did all that shit and i’m sorry for it and deeply regret it, and i acknowledge that you don’t owe me forgiveness, but i will spend the rest of my life working to build a better world for my people instead of being my mother’s pawn”, and a difference between “my mother is unhappy with me for saving you :(” and actually like, giving the mc space to talk about the impact of her actions towards them. like girl you are not getting out of this shit with one sentence’s worth of apology and a sex scene lmfao!!!

during the first half or so of the book the focus for mc is not falling the fuck apart bc they have a friend group to tentatively piece together and they’re averse to showing fear in front of valax, so they’re repressing all their trauma—and by the time valax joins the party, the narrative has gone full Valax Cool And Good mode, and fully allows you to flirt with her and tease her and generally stops taking her seriously as an antagonist. which would be all fine and good if we had actually at any point gotten to be like, “hey, you abducting me and keeping me in a magically induced coma and stealing my blood and trying to kill me has actually caused me a lot of lasting fear and pain,” followed by some set of choices wrt forgiving or not forgiving her for all that in light of the revelation that she did all that shit bc her mom tortured and brainwashed her

like why are my friends more pissed off about the time this bitch abducted me and did evil little experiments on me than i am. free valax she did all that shit bc of her mommy issues but i should’ve gotten to call her a cunt just once. pb stop making all your mcs generals in the idgaf war challenge (IMPOSSIBLE)

[warmilikeit]

Yandere Batfam x Camp half-blood (Neglected reader)

DC x Pjo

Part 7

Again like- a lot of timeskips

____________________________

Present

"Yellow? You- you're giving me yellow?" Duke's brows furrowed at the color

Batman sighed "is something wrong with it?"

"no- just, everyone has dark colors, I don't wanna be a lightbulb"

"you will take what you'll get" Batman escorts Duke to the exit "Training starts tomorrow"

Bruce slumps in a chair, his hand crawling to a tv remote

"Okay- so- I'm bored right now, here is my cover of rolling in the deep------" A small nine year old kid holds a hairbrush as a mic

Countless videos of this child playing all by themselves, they found the iPad in the kid's room, while trying to search for a clue of what kind of person his child could be

-----"okay so, I'm on patrol right now, it's not allowed to record but loooook!" The camera pans to three small kittens in an alley

Bruce remembers, He made the kid throw the kittens back out on the street, Now he wonders how they felt when he let Damian's pets wander around the manor

__________________________

11 years old (Name)

"-You are no longer needed since Damian is here now"

The kid tightens their grip on their clothes "Is it that easy for you to replace me?" They asked, voice wavering, and their head lowering so Batman wouldn't see the tears that would fall

"(Name) I need a proper vigilante, not bait, so far you got attacked three times today alone" he pinched his nose

"And I managed to fight them all! If you're gonna turn Damian into a vigilante that's fine with me, but you're excluding me all together!?"

"this is not a discussion. If I ever find you in that suit again you won't be allowed to even get out of the Manor" he coldly said and turned away

(Name) has stayed away from the library since that day

____________________________

Aquaman stands before the council of governments and the justice league

"we are not responsible for the ocean's uprising! My empire has been doing everything to calm the ocean down, but it does not listen to my trident anymore!"

The sky and the seas have been raging lately, the shores have been rampaging, the justice league forced to evacuate sea dwellers

Wonderwoman spoke up "Aquaman is right, it is not his fault, it... It is the gods"

The crowd murmured in confusion

"Zeus and Poseidon have been having disputes, A powerful weapon was stolen and both sides are accusing each other, it is best to try and appease even a little of the gods anger, and pray they won't share their wrath with the humans" She finished

An uproar started

"You mean to tell us, lives were lost because of their arguing!?!"

"They're gods! Why can't they just talk amongst themselves?!"

"this is why I pray to Jesus... He is real right?" A reporter asked

"he is, but he's from a different Pantheon" Wonderwoman answered

"It's ALWAYS about fucking weapons, humans fight for nuclear weapons, and the gods fight about them too?"

"Do they need a spokesperson? I'll sort out their fight for them if they want"

A reporter raised his hand "Is there a place safe from their anger?"

"Well... Egypt is under the control of the Egyptian gods, but even, they are in conflict, Set is currently causing chaos, Boston and the land of the Vikings are protected by the Norse... Unfortunately- Loki has been freed from his prison and is also causing chaos" Wonderwoman sighed in stress

"But so far, no other Pantheons have been fighting, go to them, pray at them to protect you, just don't try to do anything that will anger the already angry gods as is, we might be the butt of their anger if we do"

With that the meeting ends, but not their fear though

___________________________

6 months later

"NNGGGHRRROOAAARRR" A roar from the Colchis bulls shakes the camp

Gerald Thanes (An ares kid) charged at the bull but was thrown at the table nearby

"What the fuck is that" you scream, A girl from your cabin grabs your hand and you run, "Can't we help!?"

"We can but we have to be careful, get a weapon or run to the armoury for protection first" with you guys being in a safe space now, she lets go and hugs you "I'll call on some dryads to help with the fire, stay safe okay?"

"you too" you say as you grab a spear on the floor, you throw it at the bulls feet, it nicks some gears off of it, but then It starts to charge at you

You ready to point your spear but then

?????

What?

It was running but it wasn't going anywhere, you walk to the side to see a cyclops holding it by the tail

He looks at you "Hi! :3 I'm Tyson"

You smile awkwardly "I'm (Name)"

Then two figures hug you to the ground

Percy laughs "I missed you so much!", Annabeth smiles at me "(Name)... let's finish this quickly, I want to tell you a lot of things"

Clarisse grunts as she gets thrown in our direction "can the three of you stop being sentimental! It's not the right time"

"Nice to see you too Clarisse" Percy says

______________________________

@delias-stuff @sadslasher13 @ellaprime7 @wpdarlingpan @mountvesuvu @chinxinsomnia @nathaly36 @vanessa-boo @bat1212 @ceramic-raven @sweetconnoisseurgardener @dhanyasri @bella-wolf100 @shortnsweetsposts @roseapov @d3sperate-enuf

[eloquentlytired]

18+mdni

— full.

pairing: biker!syverson x fem reader

word count: 4k

warnings: semi public sex, raw, breeding, dirty talk

author's note: wanted to pair it w the gif but it got flagged 🥲 I used an ss of it in the edit (3d icon). it's from a movie called Lorelei and the character reminds me of sy!

you're not invisible but sometimes you're just there. your girlfriends are giggling about things you don’t relate to — about boyfriends. about sex. you suck on your straw, although your milkshake is by far gone, because you're too deep in thought to realize it.

there's silence and then you realize the waiter is standing before you. did they order something else? you release the straw with a faint pop when you realize he's looking at you and suddenly there's another milkshake on the table like the one you had finished drinking moments ago. “he said uhm—” the waiter stutters over his words anxiously and you kind of feel sorry for him. “he said it's a gift to occupy your mouth” and then he's leaving without any other information about whoever it is that treated you.

your girlfriends seem more excited than you do because your interest overpowers all excitement. your eyes scan the bar and take in every possible suspect, it isn't packed since it's not a busy day. everyone seems normal or they're too good at acting nonchalant. until you spot them — a pair of blue eyes watching over your every move possible ever since you entered this establishment. your breath hitches and although you have no clue of who the man is, you just know the tasty gift is from him. his stare forces you to clench your thighs as you take him in — piercing eyes, ungroomed beard and a shaved head. the sleeveless leather he's wearing makes him even more intimidating but it isn't fear that you experience upon exchanging glances with him. the stranger eventually gets up, muttering something to the other men in his table, and walks away. you follow.

“ya’ know, it ain't real kind to leave gifts unattended like that.” you turn so fast that you have to grip the sink behind you to not lose balance. “w-what?” the blue eyed man scans you from head to toe as he takes a step forward, towering over you. “the milkshake. ya didn't drink it.” you aren't sure where to look — his eyes, his lips, that beard. or maybe those large tattooed arms that looked like they're not afraid to handle you. you try to take a step backwards but the sink digs into your waist and you gasp. “i... i’m full.” the man laughs loudly and you realize he's amused while you're utterly taken aback by the situation. “full? have you any idea what it takes to be full?” his gaze darkens and you swallow as your heartbeat reaches your ears. you don't get him but you're about to.

the message in his words becomes obvious when sy’s hand clutches the side of your waist while the other hand lifts your leg to slide it around his body. “there we go. what a sweet girl you are.” he rasps as he slides his cock inside your pussy and all you can do is whimper as your walls wrap around him too tightly because it's been a while. and oh he's so thick. “gonna move now. gonna show ya what full really feels like,yea?” he doesn't wait for your reply as he draws back until only the tip of his cock is breaching your entrance. you stare at him with those wide eyes of yours and he can tell you're excited but also nervous. he lowers his head to supposedly kiss you but brushes his beard against your cheek instead and the action makes you smile. your smile turns into a silent ‘o’ because he's thrusting his cock inside you then, inch by inch, until you've swallowed most of him and his tip is kissing your deepest parts. and gods you get it now because this is what makes you full. this completes you.

your hands grip his leather jacket as he fucks you, feeling every inch of his thick cock splitting you open without any mercy. he’s impatient and he deserves this — he deserves this ever since you've walked into the bar and drawed his attention. “so fucking pretty. so wet too.” he growls and grounds his hips against yours while your pussy flutters around him when he starts pressing wet kisses across your neck. “made my whole day, baby. come here.” you can't even think straight as he presses his lips into yours and kisses you. he fucks you like he hates you but he kisses you like you're his favourite sweet. your mouth parts for him willingly and you let his tongue devour you, the taste of your drink still lingering in your pretty mouth. “please.” you find yourself muttering between open mouthed kisses and deep thrusts that have your eyes rolling to the back of your head. each time the man thrusts his hips forward, his skin slaps against yours painfully. it burns and you enjoy every moment. “please what? use your words baby.” you whine in protest and he rolls his hips punishing slow to make you feel the entire stretch his cock offers to your pussy. “want to come- want to be full-” you say and he smiles because this is good, you're a fast fucking learner. he grins, teeth on full display, as he picks up the pace and slams his cock directly into the spot that clouds all your senses. you arch your back and your breasts are squished against his chest, pebbled nipples brushing on him and making him lose his mind. “you sit so kindly. pretending to be good.” you want to protest and say that you are good but his hand clutches your hip and pushes you down on his cock as he thrusts up. “sipping on your milkshake. so sweet,aren't ya?” it's like you can't think anymore when his other hand slides from your hip to your swollen clit and starts rubbing there deliciously. the drag of his cock is heavenly and his eyes can't help but take a peak between your bodies whereas you're connected. it's difficult to not cum just by the sight of your wetness coating his bare cock but he holds back to care for you first. you cum with a cry around his cock and his fingers stay on your clit, toying around with it until you feel so oversensitive. “no more— can't do more!” you protest but he's silencing you with a kiss again while dragging his cock in and out of you, the sight of your unshed tears bringing him closer to the edge. “course ya can — fuck — come on. one more, baby.” and you really don't want to disappoint this big man as he places both of his hands on your hips and holds you flat on the sink, driving his cock exactly where it should be. you don't know how long it takes you to get there but you're squeezing around him again as you orgasm and this time he doesn't hold back either. his chest crashes against yours as he empties himself inside you, burying his face into your neck, and you can feel his cock faintly pulse within you. you're spent as he pulls his cock out of you and helps you stand properly, his hands still resting on your hips. “thank you.” you mutter almost shyly as you fix yourself and your clothing — just enough to look presentable. he does the same although his eyes never leave yours and you can tell that he has things to say. “ya got a paper on ya?” his question surprises you but you shake your head. “scuse me for this then.” he mumbles as he fishes a marker out of his trousers. you want to question him but you don't need to when he's grabbing your arm gently and writes on your skin with the marker. “in case you want another milkshake.” he says with a wink and he's out the door before you know it.

you stare at your marked arm. then at the phone number. and then at the giant syverson written on your skin.

your week is bound to be full.

[d0youc0py]

I am ✨obsessed✨ with your page rn and would absolutely devour literally anything you give us.

I’d love to see your take on a kidnap/break in fic though!

Something like they’re coming home from deployment and their girlfriend/wife calls them (or laswell) freaking out about a weird car outside, or someone following them home.

Just damsel in distress x protective husband vibes all the way 💕

“If we’re gonna go after them we’ve got to do it tonight. They’re expecting us to wait till they get further south.”

“What about all the civilians in the city?”

“No explosives. Everyone keep your silencers on. They won’t know till mornin’.”

“Ghost has a point. If we wait till next week our chances of hittin’ ‘em are slim. They aren’t expecting it now.”

“Yeah, they aren’t expecting it because it’s too damn risky. We do it tonight they have home advantage. We wait- all of us are on an even playing field.”

“They outnumber us 10-1. We’ll never be even.”

A knock at the door halted the conversation. A errand boy stuck his head in.

“Sorry to interrupt but this came for Lieutenant Ghost. Labeled urgent.” He held out a yellow package for Ghost.

“Thanks.” Price nodded his head, politely dismissing him.

“Johnny I’ve dealt with groups like this before.” Ghost spoke tearing open the flap of the package. “We need to get ‘em while their sitting pretty.” He blindly reached his hand into the package, his brow furrowing when he touched something soft. He pulled out a clump of hair.

His right leg gave out and he grabbed the table to steady himself.

“Ghost?” Price questioned. He gripped Ghost arms to steady him- and also urge him to give him an answer.

“No.” Ghost mumbled. He ripped open the rest of the package frantically searching for any sign that this was a prank. It couldn’t be real. Couldn’t be. “No.” He growled out. He pushed his way out the door his whole body shaking from anger and distress. The rest of the 141 followed quickly behind him. “Laswell.” She jumped as the door slammed open. “What the fuck is this?” The sight of him was enough to send a spike of fear through her heart. He threw the package with your hair on the table in front of her.

“Oh no.” Her eyes were wide and she wracked her brain for any answer she could give him.

“You said it would be alright.” He was seething at the point. Tears welled up in his eyes and he couldn’t be bothered to hide them. The air felt like it was being choked out of the room. Everyone’s skin was crawling. “You said they couldn’t trace her.”

Laswell looked over at Price for some relief, but he had not the slightest clue as to what was going on- or how to fix it. Just that Ghost was more worked up than he’d ever seen. Even Soap was shifting nervously from foot to foot.

“What going on?” Price asked. Ghost growled not answering the question, his eyes still trained on Laswell.

“I didn’t think they could.” She said calmly. “I didn’t enter it into the computer- it’s in your file, but not electronically.”

“Someone clarify what’s going on.” Price snapped.

“Ghost, let’s not jump to conclusions. Are we even sure this is Y/N’s hair?” Laswell tried to soothe.

“You think I don’t know my wife’s hair?” Ghost gritted. Wide eyes and jaws hung open around the room.

“Wife?” Soap whispered.

“Yes, my wife.” Ghost affirmed. “After I had that accident a few months ago I thought it would be a good idea to finally make her my emergency contact. So if I died she wouldn’t be locked up in the house waitin’ for me.” He explained. “You told me it was safe.”

“It is. They had to have gotten her info somewhere else.” Laswell insisted. “I’ll start tracking her down. You need to calm down.”

“Fuck off.” Ghost sneered. Price gave him a warning shoulder shove.

“We’ll go see if we can find anything on our end.” Price sighed.

•••••••••••

It only took an hour to find you. Gaz was able to PinPoint your location- conveniently the sight they were debating on hitting tonight. They could barely keep up as Ghost began to load up. The odds weren’t great for them. They knew they were coming, they were outnumbered and they had a hostage- who they knew at least one of the team members would die for in a heartbeat.

“Ghost you need to keep your cool. Stick to the plan. You can’t help her if you’re dead.” Price was trying to talk him through it. Ghost had completely shut down. He’s had nightmares just like this before. You being tortured- just the way he had been. He swallowed back bile just thinking about it. He paced back and forth on the plane, growling and grumbling like a caged bear.

They were ready for the 141. All waiting patiently in their places ready to take down the infamous task force. Smirks spread across their faces and they could practically taste the celebratory dinner that awaited them. What they weren’t ready for was the absolute hell that was about to be unleashed on them.

They all had just stepped off the plane before Ghost was blowing through people like they were paper. Soap would bet his life on the fact that he saw Ghost go through a wall at one point. He wasn’t sticking to the plan. He was moving at inhuman speed. It was impossible to keep up with him.

“Found her. Back building, fourth floor second door on the left.” Soap’s voice rang through the comms.

“Hey, I’m a friend of Ghost’s.” Johnny spoke softly. You seemed to be relatively unharmed. When Johnny pried open the door he caught a glimpse of you diving under a small cot- your hair peaking out from under it.

“I’ve told you I don’t know who that is.” You murmured. He could hear the fear in your voice. Johnny sat down a few feet away from the bed.

“Oh right.” He whispered. “A friend of Simon’s.” Soap corrected. Your head peaked out from the bed. You had a bruise on your cheek- a slap mark?

“Simon?” You repeated slowly. Soap nodded his head. “Johnny?” You asked. Soap smiled.

“So he does talk about me.” His humor was wasted on you, but it did calm you a bit. Suddenly Ghost practically tumbled through the door. You shrieked not realizing who it was and dove back under the bed.

“Sweetheart.” Ghost quickly ripped off his mask, (not wanting to scare you more) laying on his stomach to get a look at you. You shot out from under the bed wrapping every limb you could around him. His hand gripped the back of your head pressing your forehead against his lips. “I’m sorry.” He pressed a few quick kisses against your head, before pulling away, worried eyes scanning all over you.

“I’m fine.” You assured. You had been lucky- well as lucky as one could be in this situation. Your worst wound was a slap to the cheek and a shitty haircut. The worst part was the fear. Fear of what they would do to you. Now that Simon was here you were at ease. His fingers skimmed over your cheek. “Got that because I bit a chunk out of someone’s hand.” You smirked.

“Good Girl.” He growled, pressing another kiss to your forehead. “We’ve got to get out of here, yeah? I’m goin’ put my mask back on and you’re going to stay between me and Johnny, understand?” You nodded your head, while Johnny was still reeling from all the affection Ghost had displayed.

Safe to say the mission was a success.

*ring*

“Sweetheart?”

You thank the stars above that John always picked up on the first ring.

“Not to worry you”-

“You need me to come get you?”

“No, can you meet me somewhere? There’s a red car that’s been following me and I don’t want to lead it to our house.” You explained, checking in your rearview mirror. Sure enough, a bright, red sports car was bearing down on you.

“Go to the coffee shop. Don’t park until you see my car in the parking lot. Don’t hang up either.”

“Affirm.” You snickered. John was in absolutely no mood to joke with you. You could hear the sound of his car starting.

“Hope I don’t have to get in a fight tonight. Only wearing my boxers and a shirt.” He wasn’t trying to be funny, but it still made you laugh.

“Could’ve thrown a pair of pants on.” You commented.

“If the difference between you being worm food and you being alright was me wrestling with a pair of jeans I’d never forgive myself.” He grumbled.

“I’ll be fine John. Captain’s coming to save me.” Normally he would melt at that but he was too focused dodging in and out of cars. You could hear a horn from over the phone. “Please be safe.” You sighed. “I’m here.” He said suddenly. Your eyes glanced to your phone. You had only been on the phone for seven minutes and it took at least fifteen to get to the coffee shop from your house.

“Don’t worry about it.” He said as if he could read your mind.

“It’s still following me John.” You whispered. Your fingers dug nervously into the steering wheel.

“Don’t get scared on me now, Sweetheart. How far away are you?”

“Ten minutes?” You weren’t entirely sure. “I can take a shortcut through the neighborhood.”

“No.” He interjected. “Stay on main roads with traffic. Doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to get here, just make sure you stay with people.” You nodded your head. “You hear me?”

“Yes sorry. I nodded my head but you couldn’t see that.”

“I’m standing outside the car. Pull up next to me, don’t get out, I’ll get your door for you.” He had his Captains voice on. You wondered if this was how team briefings went.

“You always get my door for me.” You smiled.

“Damn right I do.” He scoffed. “But it’s important this time. I don’t just want to leave your car in the lot because who knows what type of things they’ll put on it.”

“Like a tracker?”

He hummed in agreement.

“You’re scaring me John.” You gulped.

“Don’t need to be scared. I won’t let anything happen to you, you know that. Just want you to be aware of what’s gonna happen when you park. Just stay in your car, yes?” His voice was calm. Like he had done this a million times before. You nodded your head again. “Did you nod your head again?” You swore you could hear a chuckle.

“Yes, sorry. I understand.” Time seems to slow as you finally pulled into the cafe parking lot. It hadn’t closed yet people still wandering in and out even as the sun has set. You were surprised no one noticed the large man in a pair of light blue boxers and white t-shirt. A t-shirt so thin you could see his chest hair. You did as he told and pulled up right next to him. The red car pulled in right next to you. Your eyes quickly fled to your left to look at John. He had a look on his face you weren’t familiar with.

The sound of the red car door opening caught your attention. A medium sized man stepped out. He just looked greasy. He shut his door and began walking over to your side of the car, seemingly not noticing John.

John met him in the middle, using one hand to grab him by his shirt and slam him against the hood of his own car. You covered your mouth, your eyes going wide. John’s face hovered over his. You couldn’t hear anything that was said, but when John finally let him go the man scrambled to get back into his severely dented car. John stood at the front of the car as he started it up and ripped out of the parking lot.

John tapped at your window signaling for you to unlock your door.

“You alright?” He checked, crouching down to your level. You eyes were still wide and you slowly nodded.

“What did you say?” You mumbled. John took your shaky hands with his, pressing a kiss against your palms.

“That’s a secret.” He smirked. “Didn’t scare you too bad did I?” He asked softly. His brows furrowed and he ran a hand up and down your arm.

“Honestly?”

His face paled. He hadn’t thought about scaring you. He didn’t think he acted too rash. In fact he was holding back.

“Honestly.” He affirmed.

“That was really hot.” You admitted, a hot blush across your face. His face went blank for a moment before a wide smirk crossed his face.

“Then we better get home.” He murmured, pressing a kiss against your shoulder. “Safe to drive?”

“Yes!” You said a little too enthusiastic.

You’re so sweet! I absolutely loved this request and probably went a little overboard. I was only able to fit Ghost and Price in this but would gladly do this with the rest of the 141 and other cod characters! Hope you liked it and thank you for making my day!

[like-a-omen]

Best friend! Folio

@darling-millicent-aubrey @alloraiona @english-fucker @pathion @foliosgirl @livingdeceasedgirl

18+ below the cut minors DNI

Best friend folio would definitely drag you along on fishing trips to keep him company. When it's quiet between bites he's pulled you close under the blanket rubbing slow circles on your clit, you know later when he calls it a night he's going to fuck you in the tent as his way of saying thank you for coming with him. Without warning he picks up the pace catching you off guard as a loud moan escaped you causing him to smirk at your reaction, now pulling you in for a sloppy kiss as his fingers entered you to muffle your moans you feel that familiar knot building. Your close and he knows it the way your grinding your hips into his hand tells him all he needs to know, a sudden beeping of the bite alarm pulls you back to earth and folio away from you to start reeling in the fish "sorry babe got a bite!" In that moment all you could think was fuck that fish.

Best friend folio setting up a nice little smoke session for just the two of you after hearing how rough your day at work had been, ever seen your text he's been snack shopping and pre rolling preparing for your evening. You finally arrive at his and are greeted with a big bear hug before leading you to the sofa the coffee table laid out with everything you guys will need, as you both lay there cuddled up joint passing between you both you slowly felt the stress from today melt away. Folio laid there stroking your hair and you couldn't help but smile thinking how did you get so lucky to have such a caring best friend, it was always that boys mission to make you smile and he was pretty damn good at it.

Best friend folio would 100% take any opportunity to make you laugh watching you light up like that always brightens his day, plus he thinks your laugh is just adorable he'd make it your personal ringtone if you let him. Even in the bedroom he will try to make you laugh the way it makes you clench around him puts that boy on cloud nine, thrusting into you while he's making you laugh just gives your boobs that exta bounce that he just loves.

Best friend folio would love it when you ask to go out on his bike with him, you was cruising along with no real destination but that's what made it even better you'd always find the most stunning locations. You watched the world go by arms wrapped round him tight just getting lost in the scenery it was a great way to clear your head, folio had offered plenty of times to help you learn so you could ride together and as much as you loved that idea you'd miss admiring the views. Typically you'd stop by some lake he finds before heading back, but you didn't mind you loved watching him get all excited scoping out a new potential fishing spot.

Best friend folio noticed your gaze fixated on his arms as he was practicing a new drum solo, he just knew your mind was going to some very dirty places. "Hey Y/N can you chuck the towel?" No answer "Earth to Y/N?" He snapped his fingers a few times dragging you out of your fantasy, you felt a blush creep across your face realising you'd been caught but also not having a clue what he just asked you. "Umm I thought it was great.. looked really technical" he laughed before heading over to grab the towel himself wiping away the sweat, you couldn't help but bite your lip as you watched. "Bit distracted are we? Wanna tell me what we was up to or do you wanna act it out? " That's how you ended up bent over his drum stool, the grip he had on your hips was definitely going to leave bruises but you didn't care.

Best friend folio wouldn't admit it but he'd definitely get jealous if other guys were chatting you up at a party, he could tell that they only intended to use you for the night and you just didn't deserve that. He watched this guy like a hawk and just didn't like the vibes he was giving off, so once he left he decides to save you from a night of disappointment. "Hey Y/N this party is a bit lame wanna come back to mine and have a smoke?" Shortly after you both was in a uber on the way to folios the guy that was flirting with you wasn't that interesting anyway, besides he probably couldn't fuck you better than your best friend. Folio definitely made sure it wasn't a disappointing night you started to wonder if come round for a smoke was just code for sex, because here you are getting absolutely railed into next week by your best friend.

Hope you like it! I really enjoyed writing this one so expect some more best friend folio in the future 😉

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A05

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: Missing Brother's Memorial

Characters: Toi, Daniel, Ryui

Summary: Toi promises to take on any request from the protagonist if they decide to help him find his brother. Seeing as the protagonist doesn't have the heart to leave him alone, they agree to lend a hand.

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt

Location: Fortune-Teller’s Parlor “Angel Eye”

Momiji: … Fate?

Toi: Yes.

Daniel: Like I said, shady… 

Toi: If I may confirm, the two of you came here because you had a request for me, right? 

Momiji: That’s right.

Toi: And I happen to have a request for you too… Don’t you think that fate is in play here?

Momiji: I… I suppose so?

Toi: If you would help me search for my brother, I’ll take on any request of yours. That’s a promise.

Momiji: Um… Were you also able to foresee that we came here with a goal in mind?

Toi: Yes, although I’m not quite sure of the reason yet.

Momiji: I didn’t know fortune-telling could find out all that… Or maybe he’s on a different level altogether since he’s from a prestigious family of diviners… 

Toi: I’m begging you… Please, help me.

Momiji: Toi-kun looks so earnest right now… I just can’t leave a kid like this alone.

Momiji: Daniel-san.

Daniel: Blah, don’t look at me like that. Do whatever you want. It’s not like I can stop you when you set your mind to somethin’ anyways. 

Momiji: Thank you for understanding.

Momiji: Toi-kun, let’s find your brother, together!

Toi: R-Really!?

Toi: …! Thank you so much! I’m so happy… ! I can’t tell you how grateful I am right now…!

Toi: Mashiro, I managed to convey my request properly!

Mashiro: It seems that those from beyond the veil have sent you their blessings! I am truly happy for you!

Daniel: So, tell us what this Ryui fella looks like, some clues on what he’s like and the sort.

Toi: Of course! I made a special episode that showcases all the best sides of the coolest, most handsomest, most PERFECT big brother in the whole wide world! I’m sure you’ll understand his charms in no time!

Momiji: Er, a special episode…?

Toi: *dreamy sigh* They’re all top tier scenes, with their own CGs*. First up is–

Memorial start:

Toi: Ani-sama… He’s not here yet… Did I get our meeting place right…?

Ryui: Oh, you’re already here? There was somethin’ I had to take care of, sorry for making you wait… 

Toi: It’s okay! I didn’t have to wait long, don’t worry!

Ryui: If you say so… Toi, about those clothes you’re wearing… 

Toi: Yes? Is there anything wrong?

Ryui: They look real good on you. You’re so cute that even literal angels wouldn’t stand a chance. But you’re always cute, haha.

~~~

Daniel: Aw geez, spare me… 

Momiji: Seems like they’re already at MAX affection level…  ~~~

Ryui: Oi Toi, you keep wanderin’ around again… I told you to stick close to me.

Toi: I’m sorry… I couldn’t help but follow the sweet scent coming from the Castella bakery… 

Ryui: Geez, you’re so clumsy… Can’t take my eyes off you for even a second.

Ryui: Here, give me your hand. I’ll make sure you won’t get lost again.

~~~ Momiji: Oh, the classic “You’re so clumsy” trope comes into play… 

Daniel: I mean, phones exist for a reason y’know… 

Momiji: Honestly, I was expecting info like his height, what he wears, what kind of places he frequents… Not whatever this is… 

Mashiro: Toi, I believe you are omitting a crucial piece of information that you must disclose.

Toi: Ah, you’re right! I need to remedy that…  ~~~

Toi: Ani-sama… Can I come closer to you?

Ryui: … Sure.

Toi: ….. 

Toi: I’m gonna intertwine our fingers… 

Ryui: *sharp inhale* ...! You… 

Toi: Ah, he gripped it back tightly… I want to touch him some more…!

Ryui: W-What’s up with you today… You’re not usually this bold– Hey! Where do you think you’re touching!? Fuck… Just do whatever you want…!

Ryui: ... You're fine if I touch you back right?

~~~

Daniel: Those are some crazy rose-tinted glasses he’s got on! I’ve got a huge itch to punch something right about now, where’s a sandbag when you need one!? ~~~

Ryui: Ah… I've been meaning to ask, you been seeing any good dreams lately?

Ryui: I’m always worried about you, y’know. You’re the most precious thing in this world to me.

Ryui: If the good dreams ain’t coming to you, I’ll accompany you all night long.

Ryui: … You know what that means, right?

~~~

Momiji: Daniel-san looks like his soul’s left his body… 

Toi: My Ani-sama was super duper cool just then! Right, Mashiro?

Mashiro: Indeed, it has been safely documented within the CG Gallery of our hearts. There is not a shadow of a doubt: he is, without question, the finest big brother in the world. 

Toi: Right~? I think so too!

Momiji: Yeah, I can tell he’s a, um, very kind brother. Yeah. 

Toi: And then there was… Ah! I can’t believe it’s already this late!

Momiji: Is something wrong?

Toi: The truth is… There is someone else besides you who’s necessary to lead me to my brother.

Toi: All of us have to gather together at a certain spot by 11 pm.

Momiji: There’s only one hour left until then…!

Momiji: Then we’ve got to hurry! Do you know where we have to go?

Toi: I do. It’s within HAMA, so it shouldn’t take too long to get there.

Toi: I’m sorry for being all over the place… The two of you can go ahead and wait outside the parlor, I’ll come out soon after I change my clothes.

Daniel: Huh, so there’s more people involved in this fate mumbo-jumbo.

Momiji: Yeah… It’s got me feeling a little excited though!

Daniel: Really? Can’t bring myself to believe in this stuff, leads to nothing but trouble anyways.

Toi: Thank you for waiting!

Momiji: Hey Toi-kun… Oh?

Momiji: Toi-kun… did you perhaps attend Ev3ns’ Hospitality Live before?

Toi: Eh?

Daniel: What, so you knew him after all?

Momiji: I wouldn’t say we’re acquainted, I only saw him in passing.

Momiji: He really stood out amongst the fans while I was making the rounds, that’s why I remember him.

Toi: I did go to the Ev3ns Live, yes… Wait, does that mean…?

Toi: You’re an employee at Chii-sama’s company!?

Momiji: Yeah, I am.

Toi: R-R-Really!? Oh my! I can’t believe I’m in the presence of someone who works closely with Chii-sama!!

Momiji: Wow… He brightened up considerably hearing that.

Toi: Chii-sama is a one-in-a-million talent that’s rare to find! His dance technique is the best and he really knows how to sell his fanservice! 

Toi: Chii-sama was born to be an idol! I’ve been a fan of his since the beginning!

Mashiro: Now, now, Toi. I must stop you there. It would be most unwise for the Master of the House* to discover your plans.

Mashiro: You must depart from here quietly.

Toi: Ah… You’re right, sorry.

Momiji: It’s fine with us, don’t worry.

Daniel: Haa… Can’t believe you’re making me do overtime… It’s ok if I come in late tomorrow right? Like, 8 hours later.

Momiji: Nope.

Toi: Mashiro, I’m leaving the parlor in your hands.

Mashiro: Rest assured!

Momiji: So, Toi-kun really is a fan of Chihiro-kun… He even attended Ev3ns’ Live.

Momiji: Somehow this feels like a night for fateful encounters. The place we’re headed is within the 18th Ward… 

Momiji: I can’t help but think this next meeting will lead to the formation of the Night Team… Yeah, I’m sure of it.

Momiji: After all, tonight is–

Daniel: Oi! Stop spacing out over there, we’re moving!

Momiji: Coming!

Momiji: My heart can’t help but pound in excitement!

Notes:

CG is known as "Computer Graphic" in the Visual Novel community, including Otome games, which are specially illustrated scenes that involve the love interest and sometimes the protagonist in unique poses and background art. This is important to note because Toi is a huge fan of Otome games.

Master of the House refers to Toi and Ryui's grandfather, who is the true authority of the family despite Toi being the current head.

The title might be a play on a popular Japanese dating-sim series "Tokimeki Memorial", of which the otome game series is named "Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side" The scenes from Toi's "CG Gallery" are very similar to how they play out in the original games.

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Masterlist

[kanmom51]

Gonna just place this here

If the pics of JK 'smoking' wouldn't have been all over the internet, I wouldn't have posted this to start with.

But seeing they are, and seeing that someone might have maliciously tried to cause him damage, I think that is reason enough.

I will start by saying that JK is a fucking adult and is allowed to do what the fuck he wants to as long as it's legal of course. Drink, smoke, have sex with you know who.

It is ok to not like the idea of him smoking.

It is ok to say so.

It's ok to think it's not good for him nor his voice.

But at the end of the day, it's his body, his life, his decision as an adult.

Saying that, this whole thing just might be a big fat lie.

Here you go:

The last one is cropped so hard to tell.

I guess the difference in coloration between the cigarettes was a clue. The lit ends as well, seeing we don't get to see JK taking a drag not even once all the time the camera is on him (enough for the cigarette to become clearly much shorter, as in smoked). Oh, and where's the smoke? We clearly get smoke off the other guy's cigarette, but none form JK's with the big ass lit tip?

Ah, and another weird thing was the way he was holding the cigarette while demonstrating the Seven moves.

Who in the fucking hell holds a cigarette between his middle finger and ring finger?

Also, the whole cigarette looks wrong, including the tip.

And if we are already on that, if the camera was there all that time, how didn't we get a pic of him taking a drag from that cigarette the whole damn time. I mean, if you're out to get him, that would be the kicker pic, no? We get one of the others taking a drag from his cigarette. Where's the pic of JK doing it?

The camera was there the whole time, right? So, we have pics with JK without any cigarette in hand standing alone. Then 3 pics of him with the cigarette. Different looking cigarettes. Who gave him the cigarette? Who lit it for him? How don't we get a pic of any of that?

The other guys are smoking (supposedly). Wouldn't we have had the whole lighting the cigarettes process going on you get with social smoking? The lighter/s, the taking a drag to light the cigi? Again, how was none of that caught on camera?

And I kind of find it interesting how see through the cigarette is too. You can literally see JK's finger through the cigarette. Must be a new kind of brand.

Now, I don't have any fancy photography apps handy right now, but that whole hand looks kind of weird to me.

Also, between the see through cigarette pic and the brown looking cigarette (both photos with JK talking to same man) cigarette looks to be around same size (?) and strangely his grip on the cigarette changes from holding it between his index and middle finger to middle and ring finger. Doing this with a lit cigarette one handed, idk...

Could the photos be real? Maybe?

Maybe they look off because of the quality of the photos? Possibly, I guess. Although bad quality would be true about all the pics. So, for instance, no smoke showing could be due to bad quality if the same couldn't be said about the other's cigarettes.

Could either of the batches of pics be edited? Of course they could.

The cigarettes could have been edited in or out.

It's just that there are so many discrepancies in the cigarette holding pics that I am leaning on thinking they aren't authentic.

End of day conclussions:

Fucking hell!!!

You just cannot believe everything you see now days in the media. Not in photos and not in videos either.

Check, double check, triple check and always stay vigilant and suspicious unless it's from a confirmed and trustworthy source.

As of this one, the jury is out on it.

Oh, and either way, it's his life, his decisions.

[strawbubbysugar]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @pillowspace I MADE IT JUST UNDER THE WIRE- ENJOY THIS FRANKENFATE AU BIRTHDAY SNIPPET !!!

(Under readmore!)

“Can I come in yet?” Vale sat against their bedroom door, arms crossed, head back as they stared at the ceiling. It was a particularly sunny, warm day, the sort of day that had fluffy white clouds rolling across the sky, high enough that no shadows were cast. If it were up to them, they would’ve been out in their- .. THE forest, helping Sun look for his crown, as they usually spent their days.

However, today they’d been tasked to stay in their room while their unexpected roommate (well, one of them) worked on something secret. They didn’t have a single clue as to what it could’ve been, though with all the banging sounds and the occasional hushed whisper, they weren’t feeling too optimistic.

“June!” They shouted at the door, shutting their eyes and groaning. “JUNE, I JUST HEARD YOU DROP A FULL BOWL.”

“YOU DIDN’T HEAR ANYTHING, YOU’RE IMAGINING THINGS. YOU’RE LITERALLY CRAZY. YOU’RE ACTING CRAZY.” June shouted back, accompanied by the sound of something heavy being dropped back onto the counter.

Vale heard the hushed whispers of Sun, who had asked if he could help- to which June had delightedly agreed that yes, he could! They could vaguely hear June whispering ‘that’s gaslighting, but I’m doing it as a joke so it’s okay. Yeah don’t worry about it big guy.’

They chuckled and rolled their eyes. June was still getting used to this time period, something that still baffled them to no end. There seemed to be plenty of modern conveniences that were so commonplace, so ingrained in daily life, that June barely had the words to describe them.

A machine that washed and dried your clothing for you was simple enough to understand, but a machine that would let you speak to someone far away, that also showed you images of them, as they spoke, as if they were there? That did about a million other things as well, the least of which involving a light brighter than a candle coming from the front of it? The device had been broken upon June’s arrival, and Vale still wasn’t entirely convinced they weren’t pulling their leg about it.

They’d had enough of simply sitting there staring at the ceiling, zoning out in between clangs and hushed whispers. They began to stand up, though they had unfortunately begun to do so the moment the door was opened, knocking them forward after wobbling on their feet.

“Oh, shit! Dude, fuck, sorry!” June gripped under their arms, helping them to stand up, much to Vale’s chagrin.

They dusted themselves off, the only real injury sustained being to their ego as June had watched them faceplant into their carpet, ass over teakettle. “You’re oddly light on your feet for someone who never does put their laces.”

June snorted, grinning their usual lopsided, cheeky smile. “And you’re oddly easy to push over with a door. Were you just sitting there listening??”

“No, I was sitting there awaiting permission to enter the rest of MY house.” They shot back, though their annoyance was undercut by the clear tone of amusement in their voice. “What were you two doing out there?”

“Jeez dude I woulda left you, like, a book or a flower to look at if I’d known you were just gonna sit there.”

“What did you think I’d do??”

June paused for a moment, frozen as they did what June had once called ‘loading’, while they registered what Vale had asked and formulated a response.

“Uh.” They smiled, though a bit more sheepishly now. “Man, I dunno! I thought you’d knit or something!”

“Knit??”

“Something old-timey, yeah!”

“You don’t have knitting in your time???”

“Wh- yeah, we do, but it’s like.. a grandma hobby. I think it’s coming back into fashion though.”

Vale shook their head, once again rendered speechless by June’s nonsense.

“No, June, I didn’t knit. Can I leave the room?? I’d like some fresh air.”

June quickly blocked their way, arms spread out to the sides. Unfortunately for Vale, they did have the height advantage.

“Wait! Wait wait wait. Are you sure you’re ready?”

“Ready to enter my own house??” They scrunched up their nose, eyes squinted in confusion as they placed their hands on their friend’s stomach, pushing them forward.

June didn’t budge, fingers hooked on the doorway to keep steady. “Are you ready for your SURPRISE!” He laughed. “Stop. I’m ticklish.”

Vale could practically hear the sound of Sun registering that information and saving it for later use, even from where he presumably was in the kitchen. Vale cracked a smile and shook their head. “Yes, I’m ready to both see my surprise, and clean up whatever mess you two made.”

“Oh come on, you know Sun was already all over that. I’ve never seen a dude more excited to wash a dish in my life.”

Vale chuckled at the idea. Taking favours from the gods certainly wasn’t something they’d ever do, not in a million years. However, June seemed more than happy to take whatever the god offered. It was more than once Vale had to stop them from agreeing to receive ridiculous, extravagant things in exchange for the two human’s assistance- worried that it would count as them taking the favour as well. However, once Sun had promised to clarify when something was a friendly gesture and when something was a godly boon, June had been allowed to accept as much help as they’d like.

Though Vale still wouldn’t be partaking. Just in case.

June let them through under their arm, grinning with delight and waving their hands in clenched fists at their sides. They’d called it ‘stimming’, once. Vale had tried it and had to admit that it felt nice to get that energy out, but found they preferred to keep their limbs under control. They glanced back to them with furrowed brows, beginning to grow nervous about the supposed surprise. It couldn’t possibly be.. no. It couldn’t. They hadn’t told a soul.

Stepping around the corner, they were greeted by their divine housemate, as he held out his hands in greeting.

“SURPRISE!” He beamed, flourishing his hands as small colourful sparks rained down from his fingers.

In front of him was a cake, lopsided and frosted in a manner that appeared not too dissimilar to the way Vale imagined a raccoon would frost a cake. Dollops of icing littered the edges in what seemed to have started as a pattern, but soon collapsed into complete chaos. The colour was somewhere between grey and blue, a result likely to be due to the berries used that also acted as decoration on the top, dotting their own pieces of frosting. Coming closer, they saw the elegant cursive handwriting, as well as the smeared icing hastily scraped off from previous attempts that had been deemed less than perfect.

Happy Birthday Friend!

Vale blinked several times in surprise, glancing between Sun, who was still beaming, and the cake. “I .. I didn’t tell either of you that it was my birthday, how did you ..”

“I’m the god of day!” Sun piped up. “And it is a birthDAY! Stands to reason that I would know each of them by heart!”

“Oh, I told Sun that if he told me when your birthday was, I’d take his favours and ask him to make dragons real.” June smiled, leaning their hands against the counter. Sun looked to them, eyebrow raised in confusion.

June quickly waved their hands at Vale when they saw the immediate flush of panic on their face, laughing worriedly. “WHOA WHOA IT WAS A GOOF ITS OKAY-“ their hands met Vale’s shoulders, steading them.

“Not funny-“ Vale groaned, head lolling back. “Gods, I felt my heart touch my feet.”

June chuckled, patting their head and mussing up their hair the second they were sure they had a solid footing once again. “Aw cmon, it was a little funny. I asked the baker in town, after he mentioned next week being special last week when we visited.”

“I should really ask him not to give away secrets to strangely dressed newcomers.” Vale muttered, glancing over their two odd companions. They looked over the cake and felt a fondness settle over them like a warm blanket.

These two had really put in far more effort into this cake than necessary. They’d tried so hard on it, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was clearly a labour of love. The sort that sent warm fuzzies to Vale’s cheeks at the thought that their friends would do this for them.

“.. but thank you. Truly. It looks .. delicious.” They smiled warmly at the both of them, though they stumbled over the last word. Delicious wasn’t the first one they’d thought of.

They were surprised once again as they were pulled into a large, warm hug by June, soon followed by a Sun who had spent a good majority of the morning cooling himself down for this. He easily wrapped his arms around the two mortals and gave a gentle squeeze, earning an ‘eep!’ From Vale, and a laugh from June.

Eating the cake would be its own challenge later, but for now, the hug was its own gift, and one welcomed with open arms as Vale melted into their friend’s arms, closing their eyes and basking in the warmth.

[aerodaltonimperial]

Hmmm okay how abt rain for the kiss prompt?

(💚🖤)

It's pouring when the car pulls in: absolutely pouring, the kind of deluge that's only possible during the summer months. The clouds overhead are dark and rumbling, and the headlights click off. There isn't that far between the curb and the picnic structure Darby’s sitting beneath, propped up on the top of one of the peeling wooden tables, but Jack takes the distance at a sprint anyway, shaking his jacket once he's beneath the roof.

"Jesus," he grumbles. "Great weather you made me come out here in."

"What are you, the Wicked Witch?" Darby throws back. "You gonna fucking melt?" He holds his hands up, gesturing at either side. "Whatdya wanna do, have this conversation at the hotel everyone we work with is also staying at?"

"What conversation, exactly, Darby?" Jack asks.

Gonna be like this, huh. "Are we done with this yet?" Darby asks. "The whole beating the shit outta each other thing?"

Jack’s mouth thins. It's hard to see, now, with the beard. "Depends."

"On what, your fucking Elite buddies?" Darby kicks at the bench his boots are propped up on. "They're gonna turn on you."

"They're not."

"They're just using you."

Jack scoffs. "And that was different from what you did how?"

"I wasn't using you," Darby hisses, because ouch. "I was in love with you." He shakes his head. "But this is what you do, isn't it? Destroy the people who love you?"

Jack's face turns so all Darby can see against the backdrop of the wave of rain is his profile. "I don't do that."

"Yeah? How's Hook?"

A pause. Jack’s grinding his teeth together, the tendons in his neck popping. Then, he says, "Is this all you wanted? Cause you don't need me for this. You can rail against the sky on your own."

"Jack," Darby warns.

"No." Finally, Jack looks at him again, and there's fury written across his features. "No, Darby, I'm not staying for this."

"For what, you finally having to listen to what I have to say?" Darby hops off the table. "Can't dodge calls anymore, can you? Now you have to deal with me."

Jack smiles, wan and false. "Only because you've decided to be singularly focused on me. You want people to figure it out, cause you're leaving an awful lot of clues."

"You're the one who didn't want people to figure it out," Darby says, softer. He probably should have pitched it louder with the rain beating against the roof.

Jack sighs, dragging his hands through his hair. "I don't wanna do this, Darby."

"Fine. You know what? I'll back off. I'll leave you and your asshole buddies alone. But you answer me first. Answer me, and I'll disappear." Darby takes a step closer to Jack’s position. "An honest answer, and I'm gone. You'll never have to deal with me again."

"Ask the question, Darby," Jack says, low. "Don't threaten me with a good time."

Darby moves until they're face to face, a few inches separating them. It's been awhile since he was this close to Jack without the other trying to kill him; been awhile since he's seen the flecks of hazel in Jack’s eyes.

"Answer honestly," Darby says.

"If it makes you go away, I'll do—"

"Are you happy?"

Jack’s face goes still and tense. His eyes shine. He stares at Darby for long enough that Darby’s fingers twitch at his sides and only then does Jack pull his gaze away, off to the left. The way he always does when he's preparing an answer that doesn't come naturally as the truth.

"Fuck you," Darby mutters. This was a mistake. He should have known better than to think he'd get anything real out of Jack by this point. He shrugs past Jack’s form, dragging their shoulders together, and heads out to the parking lot that's filling with wide puddles.

"Darby!" Jack calls, which Darby ignores. He's almost out from beneath the roof when Jack’s fingers close around his wrist. "Darby!"

"No," Darby growls, spinning on his heel. Jesus, Jack’s got a death grip on his skin, pinching. "Let go."

"No," Jack says.

"I'm gonna fucking make you—"

"No," Jack repeats. "That's my answer."

And that... takes Darby enough by surprise that he can't get his tongue to obey, pushing uselessly against the roof of his mouth. "What?"

"I'm not happy." Jack’s fingers don't relinquish an inch on Darby’s arm.

"Then why are you—"

"I don't know what else to do," Jack admits. "I don't... I don't have anyone else." He grimaces, the corners of his mouth disappearing beneath the bristles of his beard. "I thought you hated me."

"I do," Darby says.

"But you asked me here. To meet."

Darby shrugs, and finally, Jack’s fingers fall away from his skin. "Yeah, but I still hate you."

Jack frowns. "Then why would—"

"Jack, when it comes to you, you name it and I feel it. It's just one of the things in there right now."

"Then you still...?"

"Fuck you, I never stopped." Darby reaches for Jack’s face. Jack doesn't pull away when Darby’s palms slide along his cheeks, and that's not nothing. "You're an asshole."

"Yeah," Jack agrees, a bit lost.

"I'm so fucking mad at you."

Jack inhales, sharp. His eyes never leave Darby’s face. "Yeah."

"I'm gonna kiss you, you dick," Darby says.

"Okay," Jack breathes, and hopefully he didn't want to say anything else, cause Darby’s already smashed their mouths together. Overhead, the rain hits the shelter roof with tiny plinks; against Darby’s lips, Jack sighs, mouth parting as Darby coaxes it apart.

[the-cult-of-riley]

Sleeping With Ghosts (Act One: Chapter Nineteen)

Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Female OC

[[Masterlist]]

A/N: Some good ol’ Christmas drama and also some very protective Simon.

Nine Inch Nails - In This Twilight

Watch the sun

As it crawls across a final time

And it feels like

Like it was a friend

If it's watching us

And the world we set on fire

Do you wonder

If it feels the same?

And the sky is filled with light

Can you see it?

All the black is really white

If you believe it

As your time is running out

Let me take away your doubt

You can find a better place

In this twilight

Dust to dust

Ashes in your hair remind me

What it feels like

And I won't feel again

Night descends

Could I have been a better person

If I could only

Do it all again

But the sky is filled with light

Can you see it?

All the black is really white

If you believe it

And the longing that you feel

You know none of this is real

We will find a better place

In this twilight

Simon had sworn he’d never hit a woman, not after watching his father take his hand to his mother far too many times, yet right now, his resolve was getting weaker and weaker.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” he asked harshly, dark eyes burning like coal as he glared at the woman at his door. The woman's eyes narrowed dangerously and she put one of her hands on her hip.

“I don't know who you think you are, I’m not here for you!” she snapped and Simon’s sanity was hanging onto dear life with a fragile piece of thread. 

“And I don't know who the fuck you think you are! Turnin’ up here like you have the fuckin’ right!” he hissed back and his hands gripped the door handle so tightly that the metal groaned under his touch. 

“I’m her mother,” she growled.

“You’re nothin’ but a fuckin’ surrogate!” he bellowed, his composure well and truly gone. “Bein’ a mother is more than pushin’ her out your dirty fuckin’ minge, you daft cunt! You’ve got no right to come here on Christmas fuckin’ Eve to ruin her day. It’ll be a cold day in hell when I let you near her,” he seethed and he was sure his face said it all because she had the sense to take a step back. 

As if Charlotte’s fucking mother turned up at his doorstep like this. He was glad his girl was at work because god only knows what this would have done to her and he had no fucking clue how the bitch found out where she was. The woman pursed her lips before pulling an envelope out of her coat pocket.

“Will you at least give her this?” she asked him and he snatched it off her, seeing Charlotte’s name scribbled on the front of it. He wanted to tell her no, wanted to set the fucking thing on fire so she never had to see whatever lay inside of it but he knew he couldn't do that. This wasn't his place, wasn't his right to take away from her, so he just nodded with a clenched jaw.

“Fine, now fuck off and don’t come back,” he spat harshly. 

He wished he felt better when the twat was gone but he didn't feel any more relaxed at all. He sat heavily on the couch, glaring at the envelope on the coffee table. He wanted to tear it open and read it, to see if he should allow her to read it or not. What if she was grovelling for another chance? Lottie and her soft, bleeding heart would do it, he fucking knew she would and she didn't deserve to get hurt again and he knew that's exactly what would happen. It's what always happened with useless parents like them. 

What if she wasn't begging for forgiveness she’d never earn though? What if she was being horrible? What if whatever was in that envelope would crush his girl's sweet soul? The very thought made his chest burn and he snatched the letter off the coffee table, leg bouncing as he tried to shake himself out of the anger he found himself stewing in. He really didn't want to invade her privacy, didn't want to take the choice away from her to know what was in it, but he loathed that he had no idea just what the letter said or what it would do to her. 

He was broken out of his thoughts by the girl in question coming through the front door. Despite it being Christmas Eve, she’d volunteered to work so some of her colleagues with kids could have the day off, always the softie she was. She’d told him not to walk her back because he wasn't at base and she didn't want him turning up in the cold for her. He had been planning to anyway and then the woman from hell had turned up and ruined it all. 

“Hey,” she grinned at him, shaking her hair and letting some of the snow shake out of it before she took her coat off and hung it up. When he didn't answer her or greet her in a way he typically would, her face turned into a frown as she slowly started to walk over.

“What's up?” she asked warily and he swallowed thickly, rubbing his free hand over his face.

“Sit with me, love,” he murmured, trying his hardest to make himself sound softer than he felt on the inside. Wasn't her fault he was this pissed off. She walked over carefully, perching on the couch next to him as she eyed him suspiciously. He couldn't look at her and he cleared his throat, handing out the envelope. She took it with tentative hands, brows furrowed as she read her name.

“Your… your mum turned up,” he bit out and her head snapped to him, eyes wide and confused. 

“What… how…?” She looked absolutely bewildered and he still had no idea either other than perusing the electoral roll to find out where she was living. 

“Dunno but… she left that,” he gestured with his head to the letter now in her hands and her eyes dragged back to it, watching it now as if it was a venomous snake. 

“Do you… do you know what's in it? Did you open it?” she asked him and he couldn't get a read on her tone. 

“No… Wanted to, won’t lie to you but… it's not my place,” he muttered, wanting to be truthful with her. She nodded and blew out a shaky breath. She looked like she didn't know what to do with herself.

“Will you read it to me?” she asked after a long moment and his heart dropped at the notion. 

“What if it's… I can’t read some bullshit to you, love. I won’t be nasty to you,” he frowned with a vehement shake of his head.

“It won't be you, Simon. It's her. I just…  don't think I can read it myself but I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't know what it is,” she pleaded and he hated how he could never deny her anything. He took the letter, opening it with a heavy feeling of dread weighing down his stomach. His eyes scanned the page rapidly to see what he was getting into and the feeling of dread intensified as he squeezed his eyes shut with another shake of his head.

“Love… don't make me read this to you, please. Let's just bin it,” he begged, full blown pleading with her because he couldn't do this to her, he really couldn't. He wanted to fucking find that bitch of a woman and cave her face in, woman be damned. He didn't care, not when she dared to write such a vile note to his girl. Her face paled at his words and his heart squeezed when she shook her head.

“Please… I need to know, I’ll be okay,” she reached out and put her hand on his leg, looking at him with those sad and wide eyes. The ache in his chest was so intense he started to worry he might be on the verge of a medical emergency. But he did as she asked because she’d asked and he could never say no. He took a deep inhale, steeling himself as he started to read the letter.

“Charlotte… your dad’s dead,” he started, unable to look at her face but he heard her breathing falter, felt her hand grip his leg tighter. He really didn't want to continue but he knew she wanted to hear it, maybe on some level she needed to. Maybe this horrible letter was exactly what she needed to move on fully from her awful family. 

“I hope you know it’s your fault. You took off years of his life when you were born… wretched little thing you were. Probably still are. My biggest regret in life was not gettin’ an abortion as soon as I found out I was pregnant,” he continued, his hand shaking slightly as he held the letter. He peered at her, brows furrowing at her glazed over expression as she stared off at nothing. When he didn't continue after a few minutes, she dragged her unseeing eyes over to him.

“Just get it over with, please,” she whispered and her broken tone absolutely ruined him. 

“Your dad left because of you but I always thought he’d come back to me someday, and now because of you he's gone. You killed him. When I looked you up I found out you were livin’ with someone and I don't know who this Simon Riley is but I feel sorry for him… You don't deserve him, you don't deserve to be happy… You're nothin’ but a disease who poisons everythin’ you touch and you deserve nothin’ but loneliness- I can’t, I’m not readin’ the rest. We should fuckin’ burn it,” he bit out, the lump in his throat getting bigger by the second. 

He felt like he’d betrayed her somehow by reading those words to her, like he was the one saying that. Feeding into her own insecurities like that was a dirty move from her mother and he didn't think he’d ever wanted to hurt another human so badly in his life. Said a lot that since his dad had evoked plenty of feelings in him. Charlotte jumped up suddenly, so suddenly it made him jump and he watched with wide eyes and she hurried off to the bathroom tearfully. 

“Lottie, wait!” He called out but it was too late. The door slammed shut and he followed after her, lingering outside the door. The sobs she was letting out gutted him and he squeezed his eyes shut, jaw clenched tightly.

“Charlotte… love… don't hide away from me. Let me in,” he begged. He didn't want her alone and hurting like this, he wanted to hold her, to try and take away all the horrible pain she was feeling. 

“No, I’ll… I’ll be fine,” she cried and he rested his forehead against the cold, wooden door.

“Love-” he started but got cut off by her frantic and upset voice.

“It’s fine, I know… I know it's stupid to be upset, I knew she was a twat. But I…” she didn't need to finish her heartbroken words because he knew it well enough himself. She thought maybe this time was different. Maybe this time her mum had come to her senses and things would change. Been there, done that and wore the fucking t-shirt with his dad. His heart ached for the poor girl who still yearned for a mother's love, even after all this time. 

“It’s not stupid, sweetheart. It's normal to be upset. Let me in, yeah? Please, love,” he pleaded and he felt relief sweep through him when the door unlocked. 

He moved off the door as it opened and she stood there still in her work uniform with tears streaking down her face. His face fell even more looking at her and he wasted no time in scooping her into his arms, holding her tightly. She wrapped her arms around his middle, hands bunched into fists in the back of his top. Her face was pressed into his chest as she tried to use him to stifle her sobs but it didn't work very well.

“You're alright, love, I’ve got you,” he murmured as he stroked her hair. He held her for a good long while as she cried it out. Eventually, she pulled away with a red and puffy face looking a little out of it. 

“You wanna talk about it?” he asked tentatively. She shook her head, wiping at her eyes quickly.

“Nothing to talk about. It just reinforced what I already knew,” she shrugged. It hurt him seeing her like this and he pressed a kiss to her forehead before moving around her. He put the plug in the bath, turning the hot tap on.

“What are you doing?” her question was a bit of an obvious one and he knew it wasn't so much what he was doing, clearly running a bath, but more so why.

“We’re gonna get a nice hot bubble bath and enjoy Christmas Eve. I won't let her ruin it for you,” he insisted and he meant it too. 

This was their first Christmas together and from what he’d put together from things she’d said, she didn't really do Christmas before. Not as a kid when her mother didn't care enough to pretend Santa was a thing and then never really bothered as an adult. He wanted to change that for her. His childhood had been rough and some Christmases were like any other day. Sometimes though, his mother had tried her hardest to at least get a tree or to get him and Tommy something if his dad would allow it. Fucker would always still ruin it though with his yelling and drinking and he hated Christmas ‘cause it used to end with his mum being beaten black and blue. It was different now and he always went to his mum’s for Christmas with Tommy. Lottie would be coming this year and with the new addition of little baby Joseph, it was supposed to be a special one. He wouldn't let that fucking slag ruin it all. 

Charlotte gave him a watery smile and all he wanted to do was wrap her up and cuddle her. He put a lot of the lavender bubble bath in that she liked, making sure the water was hot like she liked it, even if it made his balls ache at first. He turned the tap off once it was all done, stripping off and Charlotte did the same. He helped her into the bath and she let out a relaxed sigh when she sunk into the hot water. 

After she’d scooched forward, he climbed in behind her. Was tight fit but she shifted so he was able to put his legs either side of her. His chest was pressed against her back and he smoothed his hands down her arms before grasping her hands and linking his fingers with hers. She relaxed into him and he rested his head on her shoulder.

“I love you,” he murmured and she smiled softly, a little brighter than before.

“I love you too,” she replied, turning slightly to show him just how pretty that sweet smile was. He kissed her cheek, making her smile widen and he couldn't get over how much he fucking loved her. 

It was quiet between them as he washed her, his touch light and gentle as if she was made of glass and he was scared she might shatter. They wound up staying in the bath until the water got cold and then he helped dry her and get her in her pyjamas. Didn't take long before he bundled her up in a blanket on the couch, hot chocolate on the coffee table as it cooled down for her. 

He grabbed the small metal bin from next to the couch, emptying it before setting it down on the floor in front of her. She looked at him questioningly as he moved to disconnect the smoke detector and then he sat down, handing her that fucking letter and a lighter. She eyed them for a moment before looking at him, taking the items from his hand. 

“You need to burn it, get some closure,” he murmured. She took a deep breath and nodded, looking a little more relaxed after the love he'd tried to shower her with. She looked so serious as she looked at the letter, brows furrowed slightly and her lips pursed. She looked like she was having some internal conflict but then nodded to herself, coming to some sort of resolution. 

She flicked the lighter, sparking the flame before bringing it to the corner of the letter. Once it caught, she dropped it into the bin and both of them leaned over slightly to watch as it burned. He hoped it would be cathartic for her and he didn't speak until the letter was nothing but ash. He turned to her, causing her to angle her body closer to him in response and he cupped her cheek, thumb stroking her soft skin as he gazed at her pretty pink cheeks. 

“You deserve the world, Charlotte,” he breathed, a mere whisper in the room. She looked away, brows pinching a little and as her mouth opened to protest him, the hand on her face slid over her mouth and she blinked up at him with big, round eyes. 

“I don't care what that bitch said, it's bollocks. You're the sweetest, kindest person I've ever met. You deserve nothin' but good things. And I'm not sayin' I'm a good thing but… but I'm tryin’ to be… for you,” he admitted, watching her eyes soften right before him, those blue hues sparkling at him like the reflection of the sun in the ocean. His hand moved from her mouth to reveal a beautiful smile, a smile he wished was on her face all the time. It was so radiant and warm that it felt like the light seeped into every pore in his body, filling him up completely.

“You are a good thing… you're the best thing to happen to me,” she said simply, as if her words didn't mean the world to him, didn't make his chest feel like it expanded. He knew logically that it wasn't a hard task given how everything in her life had been shit, but still, hearing her say that touched him deeply. He leaned down, pressing his lips against hers in a chaste kiss before rubbing the tip of his nose against hers. It made her smile again and his stomach swarmed with butterflies.

“Let's get you to bed, ay? Got a lot goin’ on tomorrow, we should get a good night's sleep,” he murmured. She nodded, no doubt agreeing as they both knew it would take a lot out of them going to the Riley household and putting up with Tommy all day. 

She grabbed her hot chocolate that he’d completely forgotten about and before he could tell her they’d go to bed when she was done with it, she started chugging it like a student on freshers week. He watched on in amusement as she finished the whole thing off, some whipped cream around her mouth giving her a funny moustache when she moved the cup.

“Fuckin’ hell, what am I gonna do with you?” he snorted and he got a cheeky smile in return. He reached out and wiped the cream off her top lip, sucking it off his thumb as he shook his head at her and slapped her thigh through the blanket she was wrapped in.

“Up, bed,” he ordered. She rolled her eyes with a playful pout and a huff, standing and carefully setting the blanket back over the couch. 

He was exhausted by the time they were both tangled in bed yet he struggled to go to sleep, even as Charlotte snored softly wrapped around him like a koala. It was their first Christmas together and he was a little nervous about his gift for her. They’d both agreed to only one gift each. It was Lottie’s idea, telling him that she couldn't really afford to get him a lot of things on her wage and knowing he got paid more than her. She didn't feel comfortable with him showering her with stuff if she couldn't return it. Ruined his plans a bit since he had been intent on spoiling her, but he got where she was coming from and she’d been pretty worked up about it. 

He’d put a lot of thought into this one gift and while most of him thought she'd like it, there was a nagging voice in the back of his head that sounded suspiciously like his father, telling him she’d hate it. He tried his best to ignore it. Between his nerves, his excitement and Lottie’s cunt of a mother showing up and causing problems, his brain was a fried mess. He didn't end up getting to sleep until past midnight.

He woke up before her, pleased that his body clock was still working fine as he got up at 5 am. He’d planned on getting up first because he wanted to make a proper breakfast for them. First, he worked out with The Dillinger Escape Plan blasting through his headphones. Whenever he woke up before her, he tried to get the workout in. It had been every day, even weekends when she wasn't in his life and he didn't want to let himself go. He had to be more prepared now he was going for selection for the SAS and he really needed to pick his routine back up. 

After he worked out, he got her present from his hiding spot on top of the kitchen cupboards. He knew she couldn't reach there so it had been safe. It was wrapped in silver and green wrapping paper to the best of his abilities, which wasn't much, but he’d put a pretty green bow on it, hoping it would help it look better. He slipped it under the tree besides the other boxes there. One for his mum, one for Tommy, one for Beth and of course a few for little baby Joseph. Simon couldn't help spoil him even if he wouldn't have a fucking clue what was going on. 

Then there was one with his name sprawled in pretty writing on a tag. He’d caught sight of it a couple of times now but he knew to leave well enough alone. If Lottie caught him eyeing it she’d probably shiv him with a kitchen fork for trying to spoil his gift. It was a small and almost flat box, wrapped in shiny black paper. She’d wrapped it meticulously for someone who didn't really do Christmas, so meticulously that he’d convinced her to wrap the ones for the others too. 

When he was done, it was still only 7 am and while he wanted to get breakfast done before his angel woke up, he knew it was still early and he didn't want to wake her up too soon. He wound up sitting on the couch for a bit to read, deciding on starting food at 8. He was sprawled on the couch reading the ultimate collection of Edgar Allen Poe after Lottie recommended it, surprised himself by liking it. The one he was on currently was The Masque of the Red Death. When it reached 8 am, he put his book away and wandered into the kitchen, making a mental catalogue of all he needed to do. 

He went all out, a proper full English but switching the fried eggs for scrambled because he knew she liked them better. He tried to be all fancy about it, using a toast rack to put the toast in the middle of the dining table, made the tea in a little teapot that his mum had given him, had the milk in a matching jug and sugar in a little bowl. 

He’d been pondering on how to wake her, feeling a little bad about disturbing her sleep and knowing most people didn't feel like eating the second they jumped out of bed. He hadn't needed to worry though because just as he was putting the cutlery on the table, a sleepy Charlotte waltzed in, rubbing her eyes with a yawn. She stopped dead in her tracks, eyes going to the table set all nice and proper and then going to him.

“You made breakfast?” she asked with a curious smile and he couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips.

“I did, Merry Christmas, love,” he moved over to her, ushering her to sit in the chair and scooching it in for her. She giggled, looking up at him as he moved around the table and sat in his own seat.

“Merry Christmas. You made a real fancy breakfast, I don't think I've seen a toast rack outside of work,” she smirked and he felt the tips of his ears burning as he looked down, grabbing his knife and fork to distract himself. 

“Wanted it to be special for you,” he admitted and when he chanced a glance at her, her chin was propped up on her hand as she gave him a look. It was dreamy and moon eyed and in that moment, there was no way he could deny she was in love with him. It made him feel far too many things all at once. 

“It’s special because I’m spending it with you,” she murmured and her words only furthered his intense emotions. Why he felt a lump in his throat was beyond him, he was happy so why did he feel like he was on the verge of tears? He didn't do tears. 

He cleared his throat, trying to aggressively rid himself of the lump. He wasn't sure what his face was saying to her but he knew she saw something because she reached out, laying her hand over his on the table. He looked back at her then and she gave him a warm smile.

“I love you,” she said softly. Was mad how three simple words could crack him in half completely. A choked noise left his lips that only left him more confused and his eyes widened in horror as he felt it coming. He snatched his hand away, his chair scraping horribly against the wooden floor of the dining area as he went to flee. A tiny hand clamped hard around his wrist though as he stood and he looked down to see Charlotte looking at him carefully.

“You asked me last night to not hide from you and I didn't. I let you in,” she pointed out.

Her words were gentle and soft but her eyes felt penetrating and he knew what she was asking him, pleading with him not to shut her out. He wanted to run off because he didn't want to be like this around her, it was fucking embarrassing, but he couldn't deny her anything when her eyes looked at him so pleadingly. How could he expect her to open up to him if he wouldn't do the same? He fell back into his seat with a thump and he was only glad no tears were leaking from his eyes.

“I uh… I don't know what's up with me,” he bit out and his voice sounded raw as he forced it around the growing lump in his throat. She gave him a sympathetic smile before she stood, moving over to where he sat. She moved to straddle him and he knew it mustn’t be comfortable doing that on a dining chair but she didn't seem to care. She settled against him nicely, her soft hands grabbing his face on either side and he was powerless to look away from her. 

“You feel overwhelmed?” she asked in a soft voice, like talking to a spooked animal. He nodded, not wanting to risk talking in fear of the dam fully breaking. Her thumbs swiped over his cheeks and his dark eyes swept over her face.

“I feel overwhelmed too. It's not a bad feeling, like I’m not… sad. But it's a lot, to finally have a Christmas with someone I love. Today's gonna be the first time I have a Christmas dinner,” she admitted shyly and his heart dropped a little at her words. He knew she hadn't done much but to not even have a Christmas dinner was bonkers to him. His hands smoothed her thighs before settling on her hips, squeezing them lightly. 

“I know I’m not sad but I… got emotional, I guess. Still don't know how I got so lucky to have you in my life,” he murmured, wanting to get it off his chest. She nodded, her hand moving to around his neck where one of them toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck. 

“I could list all the reasons if you want?” she asked cheekily and he rolled his eyes with a snort. It was all the ammunition she needed it seemed. 

“You're ridiculously handsome, like it's really unfair how you just look perfect even when you've just rolled out of bed,” she started and he ducked his head shyly as she watched him. “You’ve got a massive dick and know exactly how to use it,” she grinned impishly with her brows wiggling for emphasis. 

“Jesus Christ,” he huffed in amusement but she wasn't done.

“You're stupidly brave, I have no idea how you do any of the shit you do for work. I certainly don't have it in me,” she shook her head before moving an arm back to his front, laying her hand over his thumping heart. “You have a heart of gold, even if you don't see it. You literally glued your family back together after everything they went through because you love them so much. You're always thinking of other people and what you can do for them. You're way more selfless than you realise,” she breathed and he swallowed thickly, the grip on her hips tightening a little. 

He never thought himself a good man although he was trying his best. Always trying his best as the shadow of his father haunted him, always trying to be different. Her eyes softened as her hand travelled up his chest, neck and then his face, taking his jaw much like he had done to her many times. He could only imagine how comical it must look from her view with how small her hand was. She made him look at her, face serious as her blue hues danced across his features. 

“You take such good care of me and you do it without complaining. I know I have my issues and they probably won't ever fully go away but… you've helped me overcome so much. You've made me realise that… that I do deserve to be loved. That I’m not broken and what happened wasn't my fault. For the first time ever I feel loved and I'm learning to accept it,” she admitted tearfully and Simon grabbed the back of her head and pulled her down, face buried in his neck as he held her tightly. Wasn't so much for her although he was definitely trying to comfort her, but more so because those tears that had been threatening to fall had finally gone over the edge at those heartfelt words. Knowing he’d made her feel that way was more than overwhelming and if he died right now, he’d die happy that he’d at least allowed her to understand she was worthy of love. 

He used the hand not cradling her head to swipe at his eyes quickly, not wanting her to see him so emotional. He really hadn't expected Christmas to be so emotional for them. He hadn't known what to say in response and he was sure his tightened throat wouldn't allow him to anyway. She didn't seem to mind, didn't seem to need a response as they just held each other for a moment.

“We should eat before it all gets too cold,” she murmured into his neck, placing a sweet kiss to his skin before pulling away. Despite his effort for breakfast he wouldn't have minded it if it had all been spoiled after her words. He smiled at her, pulling her down for a sweet kiss before allowing her to get up and sit back down. He felt his manly ego inflate at every pleased noise she made as she scoffed his food like she’d never eaten in her life. It was such a primal feeling, to feed his woman, to satisfy her that way, to take care of her. When she was done and was sipping her tea, he stood and grabbed the dishes.

“Siiiimon,” she whined, giving him a dirty look.

“Nope, don’t care. It’s Christmas and I wanna do the dishes, so shush and drink your tea,” he huffed, earning a playful scoff from her before an obnoxiously loud slurping noise hit his ears. She kept it up the entire time he washed the dishes and pans and he felt like he deserved a medal for not paying it any mind or giving her a reaction. 

“Can I give you your present yet?” she asked eagerly the second he turned around. He wasn't shocked that she was more excited to give gifts than to receive them but he couldn't say he wasn't curious about what she got him. 

“Only ‘cause you're so cute when you're excited,” he snorted and she let out a little excited noise, jumping off the chair and bounding over to the tree. He was a little more casual with his stride as he went over, perching on the couch beside it and watching her as she sat on the floor. 

She snatched his gift before shoving it at him. He could see the excitement swirling behind her eyes but also nervousness and he knew exactly how that felt. He took it, feeling somewhat awkward at her watching him so intently. He’d always hated that, when people just stare at you when you open a gift. He'd make an exception for her though even if he did feel out of place. He carefully ripped the wrapping paper, feeling a little bad at ruining something that looked so pretty and then tossed it into the bin next to him. He’d already known it was a small flat box but he could see now it was black and velvet. He cracked it open slowly to reveal a simple silver round pendant. There was no chain with it, just the pendant and he recognised the engraving on it easily as coordinates. 

N 53° 29' 6.967"

W 2° 13' 56.4609"

He took the pendant out carefully, so delicate as if he was trying to disarm a bomb. His eyes drifted from it to Lottie who was watching him with eagle eyes. 

“It's uh… the coordinates… for the bus stop where we met,” she explained, looking slightly sheepish like she thought it was stupid as her cheeks flushed pink. He was speechless for a moment, eyes darting back to the engraving. 

The bus stop. Such a stupid place yet he’d met her there, laid his eyes on her and fell in love in an instant, bound to her forever. If he’d have sat at any other bus stop, and there were plenty in the area, he’d have missed her. It was an uncomfortable thought to him, to think of missing her by such little distance, ships passing in the night. She wouldn't be here with him right now, he wouldn't feel so complete and happy. He’d go back to being an empty shell and honestly, he couldn't even remember what that felt like which was even more terrifying. He didn't want to go back to that. Choosing that bus stop had changed the course of his life forever in the best way possible. His lips curled into a smile as he lay his soft eyes on her. It was such a sentimental gift and he knew he’d keep it safe always. Everytime he thought he couldn't love her more, she proved otherwise. 

“I love it, Lottie… thank you, love,” he murmured, reaching out and grabbing her hand from her seat in front of him on the floor. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand and a bright smile lit up her face.

“You really like it? It’s supposed to go on your dog tags, that's why there's no chain,” she explained, looking so happy that he liked the gift. He pulled the dog tags around his neck over his head, attaching the pendent with no hesitation. He’d started wearing them at home more at Lottie’s request and he was pretty sure it was only because she found them sexy. He thumbed his tags with the pendant, an overwhelming warmth blooming inside of him before he slipped them back on. It felt like a way to have her with him no matter what and considering he’d be gone for a while with no contact, it meant the world to him. 

“I don't even know what to say, sweetheart. I… I love it,” he said sincerely, feeling like he could never put into words his gratitude. As usual, she didn't need his words though, smiling so pretty at him, eyes shining with happiness. 

“I’m glad you like it,” she beamed. 

He gestured with his head to her gift under the tree since she was closest to it and she grinned, picking it up quickly. She looked shocked by the weight of it, turning her eyes at him suspiciously as she hefted it. She tore at the paper and as the front was revealed to her, her hand stopped mid rip, eyes widening like saucers as she stared at it. She looked like she’d malfunctioned for a moment, unmoving and unblinking before she turned those wide and watery eyes to him and he felt like he’d been punched in the throat again. 

“Simon…” her voice wavered and she blinked rapidly to stave off her tears.

“I know… I know it can’t ever replace the one you lost, but I… I know how much those stories meant to you and maybe this one can be a stand in. It’ll still remind you of the librarian and what she did for you,” he rambled nervously as she turned back to look at the leatherbound book of the Grimm’s fairy tales. She inhaled a shaky breath, tearing the rest of the paper off with more care before she cracked it open, eyeing the scribble he’d left for her inside the front page with damp eyes. He’d never have thought of defiling a book like that but she’d mentioned in the past about how romantic she found it when she’d come across an old book with a love note in the front. He hadn’t been sure what to say, not wanting to be too sappy, so he’d settled with something simple.

‘Grimm stories for my Grim girl. 

All my love,

Simon’

A distant echo of their first encounter at the bus stop all that time ago. He’d made sure to get a fucking fancy one, leatherbound and embossed, edges of the pages gold. She flicked through the pages with a sniffle, stopping at Little Red Riding Hood and he remembered how she read that one to him when he was deployed. She stared at the pages for a moment before closing the book with a gentle thud and he watched warily as she got up and went into the bedroom. 

He wondered where she was taking the book, if he’d find it on her nightstand just like her old one had been back at her old place. She came back out after a few minutes, wiping her eyes as she padded over to him. He stood up reflexively and she made a beeline for him, wrapping her arms around his middle. He sunk into her, one hand splayed on her back to hold her as close as possible as the other cradled her head.

“Thank you… that’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever gotten,” she admitted with a muffled voice against his chest. He didn't doubt it knowing her previous company and he gave her a squeeze.

“Wanted to get you somethin’ special, that meant somethin’,” he murmured as his fingers toyed with her hair. He’d sat there for ages trying to come up with ideas, none of which felt special enough until this idea popped into his head. She moved her head, arms still around him as she peered up at him. 

“I’m the luckiest girl in the world to call you mine, Simon Riley,” she smiled and he could have melted into a puddle. He’d hardly agree with her but he couldn't argue without being a hypocrite, so instead he leaned down and claimed her lips with his. She pressed closer to him, standing on her tiptoes a little as she kissed him back firmly, insistently. If they didn't have places to be he’d have taken her back to bed. After plundering her mouth thoroughly, he pulled away feeling breathless. 

“Shall we get ready to go to mum's then?” he asked hoarsely. Her lips curled into a self satisfied smile, knowing the effect she had on him.

“Okay,” she leaned up to give him one last kiss before she untangled from him. He watched her go into the bedroom and he stayed there for a moment, hands going to his tags through his top as he took a few deep breaths. 

She thought she was the lucky one but it was him that was lucky. She’d saved him, brought him back to life, giving him a reason to live and not just exist. She was everything to him and he’d never take that for granted. He wanted her and he wanted her forever, wanted her longer than that. He wanted to spend his life trying to be a good man for her, to keep showing her she should be loved and he could do that well. He had more than enough love for her and he knew no matter what, that would never change.

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

Forgiveness - a Malevolent fic

Court was a drag (as always), but at least John felt the right to participate more.

He’d chosen a name for himself. Nobody knew it but him; that didn’t matter. He knew who he was.

Part of the Surrogate Series. Written with @sepiabandensis.

AO3

--------

It was on their last day that they made a plan.

“Look,” Parker said softly, his words hidden by the wild, chanting musical about a Founding-Father politician. “We get outta here, he’s not all we got to deal with.”

“I know,” said Arthur softly.

“Whoever tried to get you two is gonna try again.” Parker looked grim. “You know that. Don’t you?”

Yes, John growled, low and dangerous. And I will tear out their fucking eyes when they do.

“I’m sure you will, buddy,” said Parker, still softly, “but we don’t know who they are, and that puts us at a real disadvantage. Don’t know whose eyes to get at, you feel me? They came at us from a weird angle last time.”

“Yes,” said Arthur. “Using the seal of Hastur’s dead son.”

Sunny made one sad noise.

John snarled.

“Yeah,” said Parker. “So. Way I see it, our job ain’t done. We got some work to do.”

Arthur looked troubled. “I know Hastur’s people are working on it.”

“Yeah,” said Parker. “They missed a pretty big hole, didn’t they?”

“Anyone would have. Who could have known something like that?”

“Maybe not about the debt owed,” said Parker softly, “but we knew something was wrong. The head cook was off. He was condemning himself and trying to warn us. Everybody heard it. We just ignored it.”

Arthur sighed. “All right. What’s our game plan?”

“First, we gotta get ourselves in as good a shape and as good a position as possible,” said Parker. “That means you two in court, fucking behaving.”

John growled.

Parker ignored that. “And it means me and Sunny need to make more friends. A lot of friends. The kind of friends who’ll tell us if they think something’s wrong. The kind of friends who’d never say boo to someone like Hastur, because he’s scary, but we’re not. The kind of friends who’d hide us in a fuckin’ pinch.”

Arthur nodded. “Covering both ends. I get it.  We can watch the mucky-mucks, meanwhile, for behavioral clues.”

“Yeah.” Parker gripped his arm. “We can do this.”

“We can.” Arthur nodded, grim. “And we will.”

I am not throwing away my shot! declared the Keeper’s speakers, and leaning against Faroe, Tabby cheered.

#

They were really doing this. Arthur was really doing this—and he knew, against all instinct, what that had to mean for his next step.

You’re thoughtful, said John. Also, you’re veering left.

Arthur corrected and mentally added a few steps to his count to Court. “I know something I have to do, but I don’t want to do it.”

And he felt John flex in him, just a little, swelling, straining just for a second, pushing the air out of Arthur’s lungs. What? What now? More confrontation?

“Actually, you’re not far off,” said Arthur. “I’ve been putting it off because I don’t want to do it. I hate it. I hate it with all my heart, but I have to. If I don’t, John… then I’m a hypocrite. And there are many things in this world I’ll do—many pits I’ll fall into, many mistakes I’ll make—but I will not do that. ”

John was spooked now. What is it, for fuck’s sake?

“I have to talk to Larson.”

John made a gagging noise.

Arthur laughed lightly. “You’re completely correct, yes. But… I have to. If I don’t, John, all the work you and I are doing with the Keeper is going to stall. I have to do this.”

Do what?

“Just… please have my back. I can’t… if I try to say it out loud now, I’ll lose whatever courage I have for this.”

The fuck are you going to do, kiss him?

Arthur snorted. “No.”

Better not. John sounded relieved. I’d fucking kill him if you did.

The jealousy was a can unopened and buried in the back yard. “We can’t kill him,” Arthur pointed out.

I’ll make him wish I had killed him.

“Let’s just get this part over with,” said Arthur, and headed into the courtroom.

#

Court was a drag (as always), but at least John felt the right to participate more.

He’d chosen a name for himself. Nobody knew it but him; that didn’t matter. He knew who he was.

Especially after the mess of the last month. The… vulnerability of the last month.

No. He would not mull over it now. It did not matter. He was here now, and in charge, or close enough, because Hastur could not be. He’d shown his soft underside, and now that John had seen it, he could not unsee.

He would never be like that. So… weak. Never. Never!

John paid keen attention to every case before them, to every conversation nearby; he watched so hard that he kept forgetting to tell Arthur what he was seeing. At least, until Arthur said, “Tell me like a story, John. Spin me the tale of this crazy courtroom filled with gods.”

Oh, John could do that.  Before us seethes the vagrancy of the powerful, like poison smeared in place of paint. Those who have eyes pretend not to stare at each other, but they do, watching with the caution of old wounds and deadly plans. Arthur, it’s a glittering horse, beautiful and nightmarish; they are monsters, breaking minds at their very approach, and happy to do it. They are cruel, and greedy, and flaunt both their power and cosmically insane appearances.

“Thank you for being my eyes, John,” said Arthur, and took his hand.

Which was one hell of a reward. None of them seem to need Hastur’s specific attention today.

“Then we’ve got a chance to observe them as candidly as possible. See everything. I need you, John.”

Nothing he said could have spurred John on better. He memorized, calculated, analyzed. He fell silent for a while, focusing, trying.

Which was good, because Arthur needed that time to think.

#

Arthur didn’t want to do this. “Which way?”

Arthur, are you sure?

“Yes, John. Which way?”

Left. Librarian is left.

He really didn’t want to do this. “Let me know when we’re in sight. Please.”

Sure. Arthur…

He really, really didn’t want to do this. “ No , John. This is happening.” Because it was. Because it had to.

Because Arthur would not be a hypocrite. 

The smell of books and the sound of rustling pages told him where they were before John did, those two senses casting nets further afield than sight. They’re around the next corner, about six steps forward, then left. Arthur…

“I’m sure, damn it.”

I just… I’m trying to say I’m with you. 

Arthur took his hand, lifted it, just touched his lips to the back of John’s hand. “Thank you. With you at my back, I could conquer the world.”

John was roiling happy gold when they walked around the bend.

#

Larson and the Librarian sat among piles of books, staring at manuscripts and scribbled translations. Larson scowled; the Librarian’s pages ruffled.

“I know,” snapped Larson, who somehow put sharp edges into his drawl. “I just don’t know how the fuck to put this in a way a kid would get.”

The Librarian flipped some pages.

Larson sighed. “‘May he be unable to chain bears, may he lose with every bear, may he be unable to kill a bear on Wednesday, in any hour, now, now, quickly, quickly, make it happen.’ Look. That’s literal. Literal’s fine, but the job is to translate by thought, not word, so it’s relatable. What do we relate cursed bear training to in Carcosa, huh? What?”

And it was time. “Hi,” said Arthur.

The Librarian flipped pages.

It’s showing music notes all across both sides of its head, said John. I think it’s happy to see us.

Arthur smiled. “Nice to see you, too. Hello.” But then his smile faded. “Larson. We need to talk.”

They’re staring at you.

“I’ll bet they are,” Arthur murmured. “Larson, I mean it. It’s nothing bad. You can get back to work right afterward.”

He looks so confused, Arthur. Suspicious; his brow is knit, and his frown is tight. 

“Do you,” Larson said, having picked up that Hasturian habit of asking a confirmation that wasn’t actually asking, but denying.

“I do,” said Arthur. “Please come.”

Pages flipped.

The Librarian has presented us with an image of… high tea?

Arthur guessed at the meaning and smiled weakly. “Yes,” he said. “I promise it’s civil.”

The Librarian gestured. I think it means, go on. Uh. Thumbs up, so yes. 

Larson stood. “How serious is this talk, Arthur Lester?”

“It’ll only take a moment.”

There’s a balcony to our right.

“That’ll work. Follow me.” Arthur led the way.

#

The breeze was warm; it was beginning to get sticky out, as Arthur thought of it, not uncomfortably hot, but the kind of weather that let itself to gentle sweats and memorable sex, and wasn’t that a weird thought for him to have?

It was. Arthur didn’t think about sex at all, most days. But something about this particular level of heat and humidity brought the Woods back to mind, and—

Right. None of that . He shook it off, leaned on the balcony, and waited.

Larson came up behind him. Paused. Then leaned beside him, hesitant. Wary. On guard.

“I have something to say to you,” said Arthur carefully. “It’s more for me than for you. But if you follow it, sort of like a…  will-o'-the-wisp or something, it might really help you in the long run.”

“Not exactly making this sound desirable,” drawled Larson.

There was no graceful way to do this. No smooth segue, no easy entrance. Arthur stood straight and faced him. “I want you to know I forgive you.”

Larson laughed.

Arthur knew he would. He was prepared for it, braced, the same way Dis taught him to tense his abdominal muscles in case of a punch there. It still fucking aggravated.

“You what?” said Larson.

“I forgive you,” said Arthur. “It doesn’t mean what you did was in any way excusable, or in any way makes you anything but complete and utter scum. You don’t get a free pass. I’m saying I won’t hold you responsible anymore.”

Larson thought that was even funnier.

Arthur’s breath was short, through his nose, carefully controlled. He kept his hands open, choosing not to clench.

John was surprised.

John was flabbergasted.

John had Arthur’s back. You should be grateful for his consideration .

“Grateful!” Larson just kept laughing like the asshole he was. “For pittance, dribbled out by the likes of you? Ha! Ha! ”

Arthur took a slow breath. “It’s important, and here’s why. If you don’t let go of the past, you can’t steer to a new future.”

Oh, said John softly.

“Ha!” said Larson.

“So,” said Arthur. “So here’s the thing. You can forgive yourself—which is the first step on this journey, and I know it’s hard—or you can refuse to do that, and march bold-faced toward your destruction. It’s up to you, Wallace. Nobody can make that choice but you. Only you. It’s all fucking on you. ”

John held his metaphorical breath.

“You’re full of shit, Lester,” said Larson.

“Just think about it,” said Arthur. “And know that I’m offering this because I’m choosing that way , because people who care about you… get hurt when you just punish yourself.” His voice cracked. “It isn’t worth it, when you punish yourself. And it doesn’t fix it, anyway.”

“You think I’m punishing myself, do you?” Larson said, low. “That’s what you think I’m doing?”

“I think you think you’ll be absolved if you become a god,” said Arthur.

Larson went so still. So very still, as if he’d utterly given up breathing.

And Arthur was done. He left. Walked out. Turned away and the conversation, leaving Larson to his ha and his haughtiness, because he’d done what he came to do, and didn’t expect anything more.

Larson stared.

Larson stayed for a long moment, leaning on the balcony, teeth bared, breathing fast. He barely had it together when he returned to work, but translations would wait for no man. “Aw, nothing,” he said when the Librarian showed him a big question-mark on a page. “Just that idiot being self-righteous, is all.”

#

Arthur walked. He walked, letting John guide him away from walls and through doors, until they were finally in the garden, in open air, sweating slightly in the sun, and at last, he breathed evenly.

That was…

“Yes?” said Arthur, genuinely curious as to what John would say.

I don't know how to feel about that. It wasn’t what I expected.

“Well, like I said… I didn’t do it for him .”

Does this… John stopped, gulped. Do… does… will you… does this mean you’re choosing to live?

Arthur’s eyes filled, then spilled, and he wasn’t sure which of them was crying. “Yes. I don’t… I don’t feel it yet. But I know I will. I’m choosing a direction, and a… a thought pattern. I’ll feel it in time. I’m choosing. I’m… I’m steering my ship, John. Because I love you, and I hate… I hate that it’s hurt you, all this time.”

John’s arm rose and wrapped around Arthur’s chest, clutching, fisting Arthur’s shirt tightly, and said nothing.

For right now, it was enough to be , to walk together in the gardens, to step out of the thick and glutinous wake of this one-sided forgiveness, and breathe the air of a possible future.

And John would guard that future. Arthur had chosen to live , and that mattered more than anything else in the world.

--------

Notes:

The curse Larson mentions is real? Because history is amazing? Link one Link two

[chungledown-bimothy]

Yes!!! I didn't like Gerard at first because I was like "oh this is just a cowardly, vain man" but then once we started learning more about him and seeing him actively put himself in danger to save the children (as well as pulling Ylfa aside and trying to cheer her up and give her some confidence), he's really growing on me. Murph characters are usually some of my favorites, though, so it's not that surprising!!

Ylfa getting all those tokens, though... Yikes. And it's always when they fail charisma checks specifically, which has to mean something. I don't know what it means exactly, but I'm excited to find out!! Do you have any theories?

Ex fuckin actly!

I also wasn't super sure on him at first, but I had faith that Murph can give depth and incredible growth to every character he rocks up into the dome with.

I think Cody Walsh also was a character who was, at first, similarly one-dimensional and not very interesting, not much more than comic relief, if I'm being entirely honest.

I still didn't like him by the end, but Murph certainly did an amazing job with how he, in very real and natural ways, grew into an actual person.

Oooh boy those tokens. I think that her getting three upon failing against something that made someone who was being set up as part of the Big Bad react the way she did put some pieces into place for me.

This isn't an original theory, I've seen a couple people positing it, but I really like it.

I think that they're insanity markers, or something along those lines. Something that shows them losing their grip on the reality that they're in. No clue how that'll mechanically play out, but I'm confident that, if they die again at least, how many they have will have major negative repercussions.

I think it was Ally who theorized that, if they keep dying, their stories will keep getting muddled, and Brennan said that they REALLY don't want to keep dying, that things will get Bad if they do. I think that how bad will be influenced by how many tokens they have.

idk though. I'm not really all that genre-savvy here, certainly not as much as I was with acofaf, so I'm far less confident in my theories.

Brennan's got a massive fuckin brain, and I cannot wait to see what other fucked up shit that cunty little nerd has in store for us ^_^

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

THE IDOL 1x03: Review

For me the best thing from this episode was the new (or unreleased) song from the Weeknd: “Take Me Back”. The lyrics are so powerful and so truthful to this episode. At least, Abel is good at something. So please, stick to the music and stop acting (even if it was a little be better this time because you were mostly wearing sunglasses). Did you notice that so far he doesn’t appear in the short behind the episode. 

Also, again, some shots were amazing, especially the one from the pool. 

I will not comment on the “sex scenes”, because honestly I couldn’t care less, and someone told me they are just not realistic at all (position, fonctionnement, ...). I will not look at the fitting rooms the same way. 

The hairbrush during Jocelyn and Chloé’s scene should have told us a clue about the revelation we’ve got at the end of the episode. But I don’t understand Chloé’s role in all of this. 

Honestly congratulations to Lily-Rose for playing in front someone so bad (as Abel). There is nothing left in his eyes and his glance have really something bovine in them. Il n’y a plus rien dans ses yeux. And his face is all bloated.

Even Tedros’ name is stupid. 

So, we just learned that Jocelyn’s label wants her to be portrayed as a “bad girl”, it’s not her wishes. Like they did to Britney Spears? 

Honestly, the cover album with cum on her face as a success? 

As all the cocaïne in LA will have inside it Fentanyl? 

Jocelyn smoking to mirror a French girl? 

Tedros’ family gives me more and more Manson’s cult vibes (who killed Sharon Tate). From the club to the house. 

Can someone explain to me who are Head (the guy with the tattoo) and Ramsey (The new girl with black hair)? It’s like they appear out of thin air. 

Finally, the girl from Vanity Fair is not present. 

But Nikki is replacing step by step Jocelyn by Dyanne. The music industry will keep chugging along with or without you and that they don’t care about your individual Voice or Vision as an artist what matters most at the end of the day is how they can turn a profit and it doesn’t matter who they use to do that.

At least in Euphoria, the make up was amazing. 

Every intervention of Leia is kind of dumb. 

The conversation between Izaak (which’s still gay) and Jocelyn raises the question of whether or not embracing pain can lead life changing art that is truly impactful? I must agree with it, because it’s bring something so powerful after it, that’s completely addictive. 

We just learned that Jocelyn is on her third album only and her last hit was “Daybreak” on her second album.

The diner scene was truly amazing! But question: who cooked? Knowing that Andrés, the chef has been fired. haha.  At least, this time Tedros was asking the good questions. He is a fucking good narcissistic parasite. He becomes in control of almost every aspect of Jocelyn’s life. 

Whether it’s the music industry or Tedros’ manipulation, it’s so so fucked up to use Jocelyn like this, knowing the state of her mind. 

Her team’s concern is hypocritical. They couldn’t save or help her from her mother, so how could they save her from the grip of Tedros. 

Finally, the real villain is the music industry that preys on those seeking fame and fortune, and they’ll pit women against each other in the process as long as you play by their rules you will get the career you want but it comes at the cost of your own voice as an artist, this further the undeniable parallels between Tedros’ cult and the music industry, both groups are attempting to exploit and profit off of the artist through any means necessary however they have vastly different approaches to doing so but what are these differences. Well the music industry and record label Executives believe that proven data tired clichés and previous methods of success can be repackaged and resold to the masses. They think the general public will listen to or watch anything that is put in front of them because of this they’re more likely to keep all the pieces that work and swap out old artists for new ones that are willing to do their bidding ultimately it is about business over the individual person. As on the other hand, Tedros represents the complete opposite. He encourages being as unique and individualistic as possible because your personal experiences shape your art in a distinct way. Tedros believes in taking risks rather than calculated bets he goes so far as to encourage Jocelyn to lean into publish the leaked intimate photo being used for her own personal gain rather than letting the world paint a picture of who she is without her input it could work or fail but at least she would have tried something new rather than stick with the old such as the music industry typically does although both groups are extremely exploitative and harmful to the artist the series showcases how both sides push Jocelyn into making a difficult decision exploit yourself or be exploited. 

Jocelyn inevitably chooses to exploit herself her pain and her trauma as this will allow her to be the artist she always dreamed of becoming but what is that trauma she has yet to tap into and why hasn’t she done so before you see the reason I found the opening sequence to be ironic and the concern of her team to be hypocritical is because of what we learn about Jocelyn’s mother and their involvement or lack thereof she was physically mentally and emotionally abusive toward Jocelyn and she controlled almost every aspect of her life we get hints of this unprocessed trauma in previous episodes when Jocelyn would spend a significant amount of time in front of a mirror brushing her hair it was with this hairbrush; being the perfect daughter and pop star the physical and emotional scars from that abuse were evident to her team but Tedros points out that no one stepped in to stop what was happening because they were all profiting off of Jocelyn at the time. Tedros sees this as an opening to fully indoctrinate Jocelyn into his cult by convincing her to embrace her pain in order to create music that is authentic and comes from somewhere deep within her earlier in the episode. 

The next day Jocelyn thanks Tedros for taking care of her symbolizing her falling back into the cycle of abuse she was familiar with in the past will result in Justin becoming crazy relatively unstuck 

Overall it was a tough episode to stomach as there were many uncomfortable and provocative questions being raised about Jocelyn’s experience in the industry to me it’s clear that the series is highlighting the similarities amongst the music industry, Tedros’ cult and Jocelyn’s family as they all claim to be looking out for her best interests but that they all are only comfortable with her exploitation as long as they profit from it or have something to gain even Leia who is positioned as someone seemingly innocent and genuinely worried about Jocelyn’s well-being is only okay with exploitation if she is under her management team’s guidance we have to remember that while she’s Jocelyn’s best friend she is also her employee whose livelihood is dependent on Jocelyn’s success as a pop idol.

Honestly, I don’t think that the show is glamorizing these difficult topics just for the sake of being shocking it is trying to make a point about how Fame and the spotlight dehumanized the person behind the music and ultimately turns them into a profit generating machine that commodify is their own trauma.

Dream is never easy and oftentimes it is filled with wolves in sheep’s clothing. 

[thevindicativevordan]

Comics this week?

Action Comics #1053 - Finally found a Metallo design that I like! Way Sandoval has the remnants of his skin clinging to his metal frame makes him look like one of the Flayed Necrons from Warhammer 40k, and I love it! With Lex shifting towards trying to "help" Clark, it's good to have another villain who does terrible acts and holds Superman responsible for them. Metallo turns a bunch of Blue Earthers into cyborg zombies? It's all Superman's fault! And I am a fan of Corben's path to villainy starting when he first encounters a gun, and now he's become a gun himself. But the real intriguing point for me this issue was Kon, Kenan, and Otho. Kon and Kenan express reservations about saving one of Metallo's minions. Clark advocates compassion for all, but those two clearly have doubts. Then at the end we have Otho seemingly attacking the Blue Earthers. Three members of the Superfamily are already chafing under Clark's authority. I'm excited to see how Clark handles members of his Family not being totally aligned with his approach and outlook. If PKJ is building up to a revolt within the Family, I can't wait to see the fallout of that!

Stargirl #5 - Weakest issue of the run, too much exposition for me. It's a mini Johns, you don't need to treat every issue like it's someone's first and do a big info dump. Sue me though, I like Boom and I am interested in how she is going to fit into the JSA. Anyone want to place bets that Hourman is recruiting sidekicks for a crisis in the future that will also tie into the War of the Four Legions I expect Johns to announce on Friday at Megacon?

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #5 - Good start! Has enough of the DP patented weirdness to *feel* like the DP, while also being recognizable as something set in the mainline DCU. Never could buy the Way/Derington run as set on the same Earth as the mainline capes, but this I can. Beast Girl is cute and Degenerate might prove entertaining if Cliff is around to keep him in check. Degenerate's attempt to act tough bouncing right off of Cliff's blasé attitude was funny. And really even if the writing had been bad, the Burnham art alone is worth the price. Seems like we're finally going to see Malluh move on from Brain and do his own thing with Immortus.

Detective Comics #1070 - One of Ram's weaker issues. Enjoyed the analysis of the nature of Gotham and the Vigil poking their heads in, but at this point "what if YOU'RE the real villain Batman?" is not a hard hitting or particularly gripping question.

Gotham City: Year One #6 - Best "Batman without Batman comic" since Gotham Central ended. All the same I would prefer this stay out of continuity, not really a fan of how King all but says Slam is the true father of Thomas Wayne. I don't like when they try to make Bruce into someone with oppressed minority heritage. I like that it's the story of a WASP billionaire who beats the shit out of criminals. Trying to smooth out his edges so he can be Twitter and Tumblr's "unproblematic fave"? Nah fuck that, Batman's at his best when he's a character that makes you uncomfortable and unsure if he can overcome the unsettling parts of who he is.

Waller vs. Wildstorm #1 - Not a Wildstorm guy so I have no clue who Battalion is or what's his deal beyond what the issue shares, but I love Lois here. We get to see rookie Lois who has doubts and fears, it's a different take on her from the norm which I enjoy. Also dig the Cold War setting, that period between the JSA going away and the new age of superheroes that Superman kicks off is prime setting for stories about civilians and non-cape metas.

Blue Beetle: Graduation Day #5 - Not really sure what the conflict with Horizon would even be at this point. They sent Beetles because they feared the Reach taking over Earth, Jaime has shown the other Beetles he's not a threat, unless the Horizon are bad guys after all, what's left to do?

Invincible Iron Man #4 - Good issue but... I don't buy this "rivalry" between Fei Long and Tony at all. Long comes across as a total poser and try hard that Tony takes apart with ease. The Mandarin or Justin Hammer this guy is not, even gets called out on how he's just rehashing old clichés. Doesn't come across as arch nemesis material, nor does he even really have a compelling reason to be feuding with Tony.

Sabretooth & The Exiles #5 - Didn't end anywhere near as strongly as it began, but I respect how it made no compromises about what a piece of shit Sabretooth is.

Planet Hulk: Worldbreaker #5 - Had high hopes for this mini but it sadly ended up being yet another example of why creators who have done seminal work before on a character shouldn't return.

[primalspice]

Selma - ✈️, 🖊️ , 💯, 💤, 🔺, 🐶, 💘, 💜, 🎂, 🍛, 🍸, 🤔, 😓,

🌸

✈️  — does your oc like traveling, or do they consider themselves a more homey person?

He doesn't travel much bcz he cant drive <3 hes a homebody by default of that and his busy schedule, but he does enjoy the concept of traveling and does enjoy checking out new places given the opportunity.

🖊️ — does your oc have any tattoos? do they want any (more) tattoos?

he doesnt have any tattoos but i think he would if it was more of a common thing around there... he enjoys art and attention and drawing attention away from his Deformities so i think it'd be perfect for him. No clue what kind of tattoo he’d get tho.

💯 — share three random facts about your oc that others may not know.

he is an appreciator of avant garde art and music and probably used to draw a little for fun. he lets his disability get in the way of him making his own art nowadays, but will hopefully have an epiphany one day that tells him thats exactly the thing that may make it more effective.

he's a family doctor but he kinda really hates dealing with kids. because it's depressing to diagnose kids with preventable issues but also hes not putting the baby voice on for ANYONE

he doesnt actually care that ppl mistake him for a woman it makes him feel pretty

💤  — is your oc a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? how are their sleeping habits?

i think he sleeps somewhat lightly due to his poor sleeping habits LOL hes exhausted but he also wakes up a lot/at weird times bcz of work and/or restlessness. he'd sleep real hard if he finally got some peace and fucking quiet tho.

🔺 — does your oc know how to use any weapons?

short answer is no. long answer is he’s been shown how to use a gun multiple times in his life (military multiple times, with harvey…) and didn't retain much of that information either due to pacifism or not caring or not being very physically able to grip a gun well enough that it’d be a safe and effective form of defense LOL

🐶 — does your oc have any pets?

I think he takes care of ivy's oldass cat still, and feeds the radioactive squirrels enough to call them pets

💘 — what and/or who do(es) your oc consider the most important to them?

the most important (specific) people to him are leslie and ivy. they're his best friends and the only ppl who can handle his obnoxiousness. he cares deeply about them and their opinions. the most important Thing to him in general is probably his community. everything he does is out of a love for people and a love for the place he lives (once you get past all the bitching and arrogance).

💜 — what is your oc's ancestry/genetic background?

his ancestors are turkish and iraqi american. the past 3(?) generations have all been region zeroites additionally tho so that's all he's really most aware of.

🎂 — when is your oc's birthday? how old are they? what are their sun, moon, & rising signs (if known)? what about their tarot card, ruling planet, & ruling number (if known)? do they fit the typical traits of these sun, moon, & rising signs?

his birthday is june 16, 1941 (i think i did the math wrong on my written info sheet??). so hes 37 turning 38. hes a gemini sun, pisces moon, libra rising apparently. thats SO real for him.

🍛 — what does your oc's typical dinner look like? do they usually eat dinner?

he eats dinner, altho the time at which he does that is pretty inconsistent (along with the rest of his daily schedule, really). He eats pretty lightly most of the time bcz he is poor. he is a vegetarian and can probably make a great soup and/or fancy bread. eats stuff from the garden, but that grows with varying success. lest we recall the rice and beans or beans and rice pic.

🍸 — what is your oc's favorite alcoholic drink, if they can drink?

He doesnt drink that often but i think hes a fruity drink enjoyer. however he would take shots or otherwise hard liquor in the name of competitiveness.

🤔 — what are some of your oc's quirks/mannerisms?

He's so quirky. His quirk is being really fucking mean 99% of the time even when he doesnt intend to. He thinks out loud at inappropriate times (being a hater). Has weird house rules in regards to temperature control and answering Jeopardy. As of recently, very excessive with his personal hygiene/grooming.

😓 — is your oc open-minded or stubborn? are they inquisitive or do they prefer to keep to their bubble of knowledge?

He’s stubborn in attitude but open-minded in principle LOL. He’s interested in and open to learning and asking questions but it doesn’t mean he won’t vocally disagree with the outcome. He’s always right, after all.

[lostplay]

Game 40: Judgment Having a spin off title of the Yakuza/ Like A Dragon series be focused on a washed up lawyer detective was not something I thought I wanted or even be interested in, yet here we are. Judgment does a great job of not only differing itself from it's mother series, but carves out it's own identity of what it wants to be. While it certainly has hiccups, and some what repetitive gameplay; overall Judgment is a series that grips you with a good overarching mystery and likeable characters. Now when I say hiccups, I certainly do mean hiccups because I genuinely don't think Judgment really has anything bad per say, but just things they could have done better. For instance, there is nothing inherently bad about tailing (in the game, in real life this could led to a restraining order), but it certainly does get boring after the 5th time you have to do it. There honestly just isn't more to this aspect aside from waiting, and slightly moving forward. If we could have gotten more interactions or more complications to it I certainly think it would have been a far more interesting aspect aside from the usual break it provided an otherwise combat focused game. Investigating crime scenes is also a nice change of pace, but largely we get next to nothing to do and only go through these kind of things once or twice a chapter. The fact this is a detective game, and we honestly don't do a lot of detective work is sad. Yagami isn't Kiryu, and having the game more focused on the finding out over fucking around really would have helped separate this game with Yakuza / Like A Dragon far more. On top of these minimal detective parts, we have an over abundance in fighting parts with the Keihei gang. While it does get subtly introduced, slowly the alerts and rampage of the Keihei gang is annoying to the player way into the games end and throughout post game. Not only do these higher rates of Keihei gang make the leaders of the gang show up, but the encounter rate for fights get to unbearable levels of suffocation. While they are not always present, and can be easily avoid, the point still stands that they are annoying. I get that the presence of this gang basically helps get you into more fights and gain more experience, but overall I would have preferred more detective experience than combat. In other words, there really are just some moments that suck about Judgment, but it's never enough to get the player to quit or lower the quality of the experience that the story provides. Not bad, just annoying. The cast of characters is by far the main selling point, and between the oddball cases that it's mother series is known for, Judgement isn't lacking in personality. Heck, a really cool thing about Judgement having slight connections to Like A Dragon is subtle references or nods to the main series with cameos or references during side missions. Plus all the character introductions and chemistry is simply on point throughout. From subtle dialogue choices to slowly learning about a person's past, Judgement really makes their larger ensemble cast shine in a way that the Like A Dragon series doesn't even do. Really the main course of the game is the mystery behind it all, and while I wouldn't say that it's predictable, it certainly does give the player enough clues to solve it before even Yagami does. It's fairly gripping to on how everything connects throughout, and how each member in Yagami's crew tie into the whole situation. It really is a good mystery in the sense that it's captivating throughout, and while it isn't always at the forefront, largely the game doesn't waste time with it. Conclusively, Judgment is a wonderful game with a good mystery, great cast of characters, and some annoyances that can be looked over. Considering this is the start of the series, it makes me hopeful that the games only improve on the foundation, and give us more interesting stories about Kamurocho.