#cross fingers for tomorrow amigos

[calworks]

The Marigold Bridge, ch. 2

Daily Drabble, August 5, 2018 Prompt: “Crossing the Marigold Bridge” Fandom: Coco (2017) Summary: Miguel can See the dead. It’s not a huge deal; he’s met lots of dead at this point. Miguel can See the marigold bridge. That’s a bigger deal; just looking at it makes him remember how it felt when his heart stopped beating in his chest. Words: 1060

Chapter 1: Seeing the Marigold Bridge Chapter 2: On the Other Side (you are here) Chapter 3: (link pending)

(read on ao3 and ff.net)

“Lo siento, Señor, do you have a moment?”

Héctor looks up from his song to see a woman in fairly modern clothing approaching. With a flourish, he finishes the phrase on his guitar and leans forward, smile already in place.

“Of course, of course! What can I do for you?”

The warm light of the streetlamps reflects off of her bones as she shifts hesitantly—pristine and white, clearly either a fairly recent arrival or a huge celebrity.

“I think I’m lost; can you give me directions to the Rivera zapatería?”

“Ah, sí, you have come to the right place!” Héctor sets his guitar aside and bounces to his feet, the better to flail his arms under the guise of pointing the way. “I live there!”

“You—what?!”

The woman actually steps away from him in shock; it’s only as her eyes drop to his guitar that he realizes why she’s reacting so dramatically. Ah, so she’s a recent arrival, then.

“Is something wrong?”

Her shock fades as she picks up on his awkwardness, and she steps forward as she apologizes, “Lo siento, it’s just… I thought…”

“No es nada, it’s okay—it’s a recent arrangement.”

“I lived in Santa Cecilia,” she explains unnecessarily. “The Rivera music ban is legendary. The only Rivera I’ve ever seen enjoy music is… Lo siento, I’m getting distracted.”

“No, no, what were you going to say?” Héctor refrains from grabbing her arms when she cuts off her story, but only just. “One thing everyone in the Land of the Dead knows—family news is better than gold!”

The petals on the woman’s forehead reflect the lamplight as her eyebrows rise in understanding. “You are a Rivera, then! Muy bien—I can just give Miguel’s message to you, then!”

Héctor reels back, stunned—he almost falls over the wall he was sitting on earlier. “Wh—what about Miguel?”

“He showed my family the way to the Land of the Dead,” the woman explained, smiling warmly. “He helped us when we were lost; all he wanted in return was for me to carry a message to his family.”

“Wait, wait wait, wait—wait.” Héctor can’t quite make it make sense in his head. “He—so this was after you died?”

“Sí.”

“You’re sure he’s still alive.”

“Sí, Señor, he’s alive.”

“Lo siento, I just… What did he say?”

“He said to tell you ‘Thank you,’ and he wants you to know that he’s okay, his Mamá Coco is okay—the whole family is fine.”

Something in Héctor’s chest—perhaps his memory of a heart—warms at the woman’s words. “Ah, that kid…”

“He’s a sweetheart,” the woman agrees.

“Muchas gracias for the message, Señora.”

As she turns away, he suddenly remembers—“Wait! What were you going to say before, about the ‘only Rivera you’ve seen enjoy music’? That’s Miguel, right?”

She just looks at him for a moment, considering. “Sí, how did you know?”

Héctor sits back on the wall and pats the stone next to him. “Can you tell me about him? A free pair of shoes in exchange for news of mi familia?”

She laughs and obligingly takes a seat. “A free pair of Rivera shoes? Just for news?”

“Like I said earlier—worth more than gold.”

“Okay, okay. Well, the boy’s the town’s worst-kept secret, you know? Everyone knows how much he loves music, but we also take the…the ban seriously.” She looked across Héctor at his guitar, questioning, but continues: “Everyone knows that it’s a matter of life and death that no one in his family know how bad he has it for music. Though…”

Her expression grows distant. “Actually, now that I think about it… When I talked to Miguel last, he…might’ve had a guitar on his back. How did I miss that?”

Héctor, accustomed already to the way memory slips and fades between a skeleton’s metacarpals, ignores her crisis in favor of crowing, “A guitar, really? That boy!”

She blinks, coming back to herself, and self-consciously smooths down her blue skirt. “Sí, a white one.”

“A…what?”

“I think…I wasn’t paying attention, but it looked a lot like Ernesto de la Cruz’s famous guitar.”

“That boy,” Héctor repeats in awe. “How did he… No matter; do you know anything about his Mamá Coco?”

Over the months, the Riveras learn to recognize when someone has come bearing a message.

No matter who it is, they walk with uncertain steps—their bones gleam with the glowing white of the newly dead, their clothes are fairly modern, and their eyes immediately seek out people instead of shoes.

“Are you the Riveras?” they ask, and whoever is on duty in the shop replies immediately, excitedly, “What did Miguel say?!”

Sometimes, it’s a simple “We’re okay, I miss you.”

Sometimes, it’s actual news—that Miguel’s mother is going to have a little girl soon, that Miguel can play music openly now, that he’s started learning to make shoes, that he and Mamá Coco sing “Remember Me” every night, that Rosa is learning the violin.

Frankly, the Riveras don’t know what to do about it. They love the constant stream of news—they love hearing from their boy, knowing that he’s happy, that the family is doing well. They treasure every word he sends across, but—is he really okay? They discuss in quiet, concerned tones what could possibly cause Miguel to continue to see the dead, if it might hurt him somehow, if it’s something that needs to be fixed—is there something they should do about it? Anything they can do about it?

One day, a spirit comes with the message that the whole world knows that Ernesto de la Cruz murdered Héctor Rivera and stole his songs; the family asks incredulously how Miguel managed to prove that, but the spirit, a man dressed in work clothes and bearing red starbursts around his eyes, can only shrug. “The kid proved to Santa Cecilia a while ago that the songs were stolen. I died before anything else happened, though.”

They apologize somberly for his loss and send him on his way with a promise of a pair of shoes, the same as they have every messenger before him.

Just a few months after Día de los Muertos, they get a call from the Department of Family Reunions—they have a new arrival.

This was very much an interlude, to bring the Land of the Dead up to speed with the Land of the Living. Next chapter, we return to Miguel and the whole point of the story: dealing with  Mamá Coco’s death.

__Tag List__

@ravengrangergirl

Let me know if you want to be tagged in chapter 3!

[teenagegoldrush]

The Runaway

Words: 5,170

MASTERLIST Season One

A/N: I do not claim to, nor do I own Outer Banks; the concept, characters, plot, etc

DAY FIFTEEN

Andy awoke the next morning in bed. She must’ve fallen asleep while sitting on the floor, and JJ put her to bed.

Andy winced at the thought of him being affectionate like that to her, before digging through her bag for some clean clothes. (As clean of clothes as you can get after almost two weeks without power.)

Pope was in the kitchen, trying to find himself some sort of breakfast. “There’s pop-tarts in the cabinet beside the fridge.” Andy said, walking into the living room.

Through the window, she could see JJ outside, toying with the excavation supplies, and Kie sitting in a hammock.

“She spent the night out there.” Pope said, ripping open a pop-tart pack. “I think you really upset her.”

Andy turned to Pope, furrowing her eyebrows at him. “Yeah well she really upset me too. Like a year ago, and you guys forced me to make up with her.”

“You had that entire night to air out your grievances.”

“Well I didn’t have my thoughts in order then.” Andy rolled her eyes, looking back at the window. “And we weren’t on a time-dependent gold hunt. Plus, you’re one to talk.”

“I’m sorry, how is this my fault now?”

Andy laughed, turning back to Pope. “You’re the one who hasn’t expressed your feelings yet either! Everybody’s switching shit up, Pope, you might as well be next.”

“That’s not gonna happen.” He shook his head.

Andy sighed, stepping past him and towards the front door. “Never say never, amigo.”

“Hey!” JJ noticed her presence, dropping the pile of rope he was playing with and rushing over to her.

He leaned in to give her a kiss, but she pulled away. “What gives?” He frowned.

Andy sighed, twisting one of the rings on her finger. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but maybe we should keep PDA to a minimum, for the peanut gallery.” She nodded towards Kie.

JJ took a moment to understand what she was saying, before nodding in agreement. “That’s probably for the best. I think you’ve torn a big enough hole in your friendship with her for now.”

Andy glared at JJ. “Don’t start the blame game-“

“No time for games, Kane, we’ve got gold to collect.” Pope interrupted her, crossing in front of her and JJ to start assembling the winch.

“Well go help him, man!” Andy swatted JJ off of her, and like a pouting puppy, he followed Pope.

Andy also got busy, gathering the flashlights and testing them, wrapping the ropes up nice and neat, any little thing she could do to make it easier for them tonight. Eventually JJ became no help to Pope, and she and him switched jobs, Andy assisting Pope in setting up the winch.

“Hey Kie, come sit in the bucket, make sure it can hold weight.” Pope called her.

Andy fought the urge to audibly groan at Kie’s involvement, so instead she chose to ignore her completely, only listening to when Pope told her to do something. “How’s it feeling?” He asked as Kie was suspended in the air.

Kie held onto the rope. “Feels good.”

“I’m taking you down.”

“John B pulling a Houdini.” JJ sighed, setting his beer in one of the cupholders on the hot tub, in which he had his feet in.

Pope was wheeling Kie down. “Yeah, where is he? I got my scholarship interview tomorrow. We gotta get this done!”

Andy looked up, conveniently seeing John B walking past the tree Kie was in. “Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.”

“Dude, I set up the entire winch to pull up the gold and everything.” JJ greeted John B.

“No he did not, me and Andy did that.” Pope corrected JJ, as Kie hit the ground in the bucket.

“Hey, John B?” Kie asked as he rushed past all of them without a word.

“So that’s it?” JJ asked, looking at Andy.

She shook her head, following him into the house.

"John B, are you okay?” Andy asked as John B rummaged through all the cabinets in the living room, clearly looking for something. “What are you looking for?”

The others joined them inside, as John B dug through the couch cushions, pulling out the gun.

“John B, what do you need the gun for?” JJ asked, rushing forward. “Talk to us!” John B shoved JJ, and the two struggled a bit before throwing him onto the bed.

“John B, chill!” Kie yelled. “What are you doing?”

He passed her, tying to walk into the kitchen, where Pope was waiting for him. “What, are you JJ now?” Pope asked as John B slammed into him, pushing him into the table, and the table into Kie.

Andy clenched her jaw, following him again. “John B, what the hell are you doing!” She called, walking up on him.

He whipped around, standing chest-to-chest with her. “What, you wanna fight with me too? Cause I’ll tell you right now, John B, it’s not gonna end well. I am not the fucking one!” She placed her hands on his chest, moving him away.

He shook his head, turning and mounting JJ’s dirt bike. Kie, Pope, and JJ rushed out of the house. “What is wrong?!” Andy yelled.

“Ward knows about the gold!” He exclaimed, finally answering them. “He killed my dad.”

Andy’s stomach dropped.

“What?” She asked, but John B didn’t hear her, instead he took off, riding fast down the driveway.

“No. No, what is he talking about?” Her hands shook, as she turned to look at her friends. Kie ran past her, trying to chase John B down, but he was faster than she was.

"JJ-“ Andy started to speak, but wasn’t sure what she was trying to say.

JJ’s eyes widened, and he stepped forward, grabbing her hands. “I don’t know what the hell just happened, man.” He looked at Pope.

“I don’t either.” Pope sighed. “I’ll go after her.” He took off after Kie.

JJ pulled Andy into a hug. “He’ll come back, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Andy nodded, struggling to figure out what the hell happened on that fishing trip. “C’mon, let’s start packing up for tonight.”

Shortly after they began packing up, Kie and Pope returned, and by the time they had finished everything, the sun was gone.

"Maybe we should go over to Sarah’s. She might know what happened.” Kie suggested.

They all loaded up onto the Pogue, JJ driving, Pope next to him, and Kie and Andy sitting at opposite ends.

They pulled up to the Cameron’s dock, Andy and Pope tying the boat up. “So what, we just go up to the front door and ask if they’ve seen John B?”

“Look, he lives at Tannyhill now. It’s plausible.” Kie shrugged.

“Did she not hear a word John B said earlier?” Andy asked. “Ask her if she heard a word he said?”

“I heard what he said!” Kie glared at her.

“What did she say, JJ?”

JJ rolled his eyes. “Knock it off.”

“It’s pretty late.” Pope sighed.

“I’ve never seen John B like that.” Kie said. “We should honestly be going to the cops.”

“The cops?” JJ asked. “And say what, “we’re worried about our friend because he’s going off on a rampage because Ward Cameron killed Big John”? They’re not gonna believe us."

Pope took his binoculars out of his bag, pointing them towards the house. “I see Ward.”

“Let me see.” Andy stood up, taking the binoculars from him. She watched as Ward stepped out onto the patio.

“Doesn’t look dead to me, let’s go.” Pope tried to take the binoculars away from her.

“What?” Kie asked.

“Obviously Mr. Cameron is fine, and even if John B was here, he isn’t now. Plus, I have the biggest, most important moment of my life in six hours.”

“Yeah, well our friend is in trouble!” Kie replied.

“I’m in trouble!” Pope exclaimed. “I haven’t been home in three days! My dad’s probably put all my shit out on the street by now!”

“So that’s it?” Kie sighed. “In a time of need, you’re just gonna bail? You’re just gonna walk away?”

“Yo, guys can we not do this right now?” JJ asked, taking his hat off and running his hand through his hair.

“I have a scholarship interview in the morning.” Pope repeated.

“Well what about John B?” Kie yelled.

“Why is it always about John B?” Pope asked.

“Oh, here we go with this again.” Andy mumbled, picking at the black polish on her nails.

Kie glared at her. “It’s not always about John B! You’re so stupid, it would be any of you in this situation!”

“Oh, bullshit!” Pope shouted back.

“This is about friendship!” Kie sighed, tears forming in her eyes. “This is about Pogues for life!”

“What about forensic pathology, huh?” Pope clenched his jaw.

“Forensic pathology-“

“It’s my life! It’s everything I’ve worked for!”

“That’s your priority?”

“Stop with your moral-highground bullshit!”

Andy sighed, looking over at JJ. “Pope, come on.” JJ stopped him.

“No, she has no room to talk!” Pope looked at Andy for help. “Where were you when Big John went missing? You weren’t there. You weren’t there for John B, you weren’t there for any of us! Remember your Kook year?”

“Dude-“ JJ attempted to cut him off again.

Pope was on a roll. “Yeah, you forgot about us. Now you feel guilty.”

“Give me a break.” Kie sniffled, shoving Pope. “Is that what you need?” She started wrestling him.

JJ jumped up, rushing over to them and breaking up their fight. “Yo, yo, yo! Cut it out, alright!” JJ stepped between them.

“If I’m the one mediating, we’ve hit rock-bottom!” JJ and Pope stared at each other for a moment. “Bow. Now. Up there with Trouble.”

Kie sat down behind JJ, and Pope sat across from Andy. “I’ll drop you guys off.”

Since they were already in Figure 8, they dropped Kie off. “See you tomorrow.” She mumbled to JJ as she got off at her dock.

Then they took Pope home, but he didn’t say anything when he left.

As the boat was empty, Andy went back to sit beside JJ. “Home?” He asked.

“Home away from home.” She said, sighing softly as he began to drive towards the Chateau. They docked the boat, there was still no sign of John B, so they went inside.

"You think he’s coming home tonight?” Andy asked as she crawled under the covers of the guest bed.

JJ shrugged, laying next to her. “I dunno, but he’ll find his way home eventually." Andy nodded, pulling the blanket around her, sleep coming for her fast.

DAY SIXTEEN

Andy and JJ were woken up the next morning by the sound of the Twinkie barreling down the driveway.

JJ jumped out of bed, running into the living room to try and see what was happening. Andy quickly followed. “What’s going on?”

“It’s JB. He’s going somewhere.”

“Well at least we know he came home?” Andy sighed, sitting down on the edge of the couch. “Where could he be going?”

JJ shrugged, turning to her. “Couldn’t say.”

“So, what, are we just supposed to wait for him? I mean we can’t chase after him, it didn’t work the first time.”

“What are we supposed to chase him with? The Pogue?” JJ squinted at her.

“That’s what I’m saying!” Andy groaned. “It’s best to just wait.”

So they did.

They went for a morning swim, to try and make it seem like it hadn’t been a week since they had showered, then they waited on the dock for John B to return. And when he did, the news he brought wasn’t good.

“Hey, man, where’ve you been? We’ve been worried about you-“ JJ jumped up from his spot, rushing to greet him.

John B didn’t look well. “He got it.” He said.

Andy furrowed her eyebrows, sitting up from where she was laying on the dock. “He got it? Who got what?”

“Ward.” John B sighed. “Ward got the gold.”

Andy’s heart dropped again. “He got the gold? All of it?” John B nodded, sitting down at the edge of the dock.

“Man, what the hell!” JJ exclaimed. “That’s such bullshit! He didn’t even do any of the work! What the fuck-“

“JJ, please.” Andy shook her head, motioning to John B.

“And I know what happened to my dad.” John B said quietly. Andy and JJ said nothing.

“Apparently my dad hit a wall with the search and enlisted Ward’s help. He had money, a big boat, supplies. So Ward agreed, they came up with a deal, and with Ward’s assistance my dad made a breakthrough. But he switched up the deal, and Ward got pissed so he fought with my dad. They were out on my dad’s boat, he tripped and hit his head and Ward thought he was dead so he dumped his body, sunk his boat, and left him for dead.”

Andy sighed, clenching her fists to stop her hands from shaking. “John B-“

“That’s not even all of it.” He paused. “My dad wasn’t dead when Ward dumped him. He was still alive, and he washed up on an island in the middle of nowhere, with no food or shelter, and nobody to help him. That’s where he died. Alone. All alone and I couldn’t even do anything! I had no clue!”

Andy jumped up, rushing to wrap her arms around John B’s shoulders. “It wasn’t your fault!” She said, squeezing him. “There’s nothing you could’ve done!”

“Yes, I could’ve! I should’ve went looking for him, I should’ve gone with, he needed my help-“

“John B!” Andy made him stop.

“It wasn’t your fault.” She said firmly. “It’s not your fault.”

John B nodded slowly, leaning into Andy’s hold. “You’re gonna be okay.”

The pair sat quietly for a bit, waiting for John B to calm down. When he was finally ready, he continued his story. “So I went over to the Crain house again this morning. And it’s gone, every single bar is gone.”

Andy sighed, sitting back down by JJ. “I’m sorry John B.” She said. “I know that was all you had left of your dad and now it’s gone.”

John B nodded, looking at her. Footsteps on the dock broke them out of their trance. Kie was walking down to meet them.

JJ jumped up, rushing to her. “Kie, hey, c’mere for a second, got something to tell you.”

Andy rolled her eyes as JJ pulled Kie away, no doubt telling her about Ward and Big John, so that John B wouldn’t have to relive the story again.

"So what's going on between you two?” John B asked, noticing Andy’s change in body language.

She raised her eyebrows. “Me and him? Or me and her?”

“There’s two things going on?”

“Well they’re connected.” She shrugged, watching Kie’s face.

“Oh they’re not talking right now.” JJ answered, rejoining them. Kie followed, sitting down on a chair above John B.

“And why’s that?” John B turned around to face them.

JJ looked at Andy, silently asking for approval. She shrugged. Pope and Kie already knew, they might as well tell John B too. “I think me and Andy are boyfriend and girlfriend now.”

John B’s eyes widened. “Holy shit-“

“Boyfriend and girlfriend now? What are you, five?” Andy groaned, hiding her face.

“Well what am I supposed to say?!” JJ asked.

“No way, holy shit!” John B grinned, kicking his leg at Andy. “Never thought that would happen.”

“Oh shut up.” She shook her head.

“No, I’m not kidding, I honestly thought one of you would kill each other before you ever reached this point, but apparently I was wrong.”

“Relax, man. It’s not a big deal.” JJ fought a smile, his cheeks blushing.

“Oh, are you blushing?” John B laughed, reaching up to pinch JJ’s cheek.

JJ swatted him away. “Man, knock it off!”

John B shook his head again, still smiling. “At least something’s going good for some of us.”

“Yeah…” Kie said, looking at them. “So you’re sure he got everything?” She quickly changed the subject.

“Every bar.” John B laid down on his back. “The whole enchilada.” He groaned, struggling to pull his cast off, but he did. Andy shook her head. “It’s not like I expected a completely happy ending or some shit-“

“JB-“ Andy scolded him.

“What D? It’s a hairline fracture, who cares?”

“You should care. Your arm’s gonna be messed up for life.” Kie jumped in.

JJ leaned back, handing Andy the blunt he had lit. “It’s fine ladies, see?” John B wiggled his fingers.

“Very convincing.” Andy shook her head, taking a hit of the blunt.

“Guys!” Pope yelled, running full-speed down the dock. “Guys!” He stopped, panting.

His dress-shirt was soaked with sweat. “I ran all the way here, oh God.”

“You alright?” John B asked.

“Yeah, how’d the interview go?” JJ chimed in.

“Don’t ask.” He panted. “JB, look, I’m sorry dude. About everything.”

“It’s fine.” John B sighed, turning away from Pope.

“I don’t have a lot of time. I have information that is tactically relevant.”

Everyone nodded, waiting for him to continue. “So before I had my interview, my dad said he was going down to the private airstrip to cut palms for Cameron’s big plane. Because it was too heavy and it needed a longer airstrip to take off. So I’m sitting there in my interview, thinking to myself, “Why would Cameron need a longer airstrip to take off?”"

John B sat up, the pieces clicking together in his head. “What could be so heavy to weight it down?” Pope asked.

Andy’s eyes widened.

The gold. That asshole put the gold in his plane.

JJ turned around, swatting at Andy’s shoulder. “Gold.”

Pope nodded, doing a weird little excitement dance. “Exactly!” He nodded frantically. “Guys, this is our chance. But the plane leaves tonight, we have to go.”

Kie jumped up from her chair. “We can’t give up now.”

“What’s the plan big man?” JJ looked over at John B.

“We’re gonna steal that shit back.” He smiled.

Everyone jumped up. JJ grabbed Andy’s waist, holding her in the air as he followed Kie and Pope down the dock. “To the magical, mystical Twinkie! Gold awaits!” He cheered.

John B drove to the opposite end of the island, pulling up right outside the Kildare Airport landing strip.

“So what’s the plan?” Kie asked as they all rushed to the fence.

“I don’t think we got that far.” John B replied, standing next to her.

Pope held his binoculars up, which he had apparently started traveling with. “They’re loading up the gold.”

Through the fence, you couldn’t really see details. Just a lot of vehicles, and men, moving back and forth from the vehicles to the plane.

John B grabbed the binoculars, pointing them towards the landing strip. “There’s Ward.” He noted.

Another car had pulled up, Ward, as she assumed by John B’s statement, got out. Then from the passenger side, another person, a female. “Is that Sarah-“ Andy squinted.

John B lowered the binoculars, looking down at Andy. “It’s Sarah.” He nodded.

“What’s she doing with him?” Andy asked, rhetorically.

John B shrugged, putting the binoculars back up to his eyes and looking at the landing strip again. The others also looked back there. It looked like Sarah was struggling with her dad. “He’s hurting her.” John B said.

“What?” JJ asked. He looked at Andy, who shrugged.

Kie grabbed the binoculars from John B, looking for herself.

In the distance, the plane’s engine started. They were running out of time, fast. “Hey, what are you doing?” Pope asked, as John B jumped back in the van.

He and JJ turned around. “John B, where are you going?” JJ asked as John B gassed the van, flooring it.

Kie and Andy managed to jump out of the way before he crashed through the fence.

Andy ran after him a bit, before JJ stopped her, grabbing onto her wrist. Kie and Pope shouted at John B too, but he wouldn’t turn around.

“He’s gonna get himself killed!” Andy yelled, yanking her arm from JJ’s grasp.

“Well you’re not going after him!” JJ yelled back.

Andy scoffed. “Why not?”

“Because it’s too dangerous! If he wants to be an idiot, then that’s fine, but I’m not gonna let you put yourself in harm’s way for him.”

Andy clenched her jaw, looking between JJ and the landing strip, where John B was driving to try and catch up with the plane. All of the sudden John B came to a stop, the van halting directly in the path of the plane.

“John B!” Andy shouted, launching forward, the plane wouldn’t stop.

“No!” JJ yelled, grabbing her wrist again.

Ward managed to hit the brakes on the plane just in time, he was only a few feet away from the Twinkie.

Andy stayed still, with her wrist still in JJ’s grasp as she watched John B jump out of the van, then Ward and Sarah get out of the plane.

Beside them, Pope had his arms around Kie, unable to watch the scene unfolding. JJ let go of her wrist, running his hands through his hair nervously.

In the distance, the sound of sirens approached them. Pope let go of Kie. “Guys I can’t get arrested.”

“We’re on probation.” JJ nudged Andy.

“Look, we’re no good if we’re all in jail.” Kie sighed, tapping the gun in JJ’s hand.

Andy stood firmly, she knew what her friends wanted to do, they wanted to bail.

They wanted to save themselves, and let John B fend for themselves. Granted, half of them had not-so-great track-records, but they all saw the struggle against Ward and Sarah and Ward and John B, four witnesses would be better than none.

They couldn’t just leave him.

"Come on.” Pope said, and he and Kie headed back in the direction they had come from.

JJ turned around, taking a few steps, but returning back to Andy when he realized she wasn’t following. “Yo, let’s go! You and I cannot get picked up again D, or we’re in the can!”

Andy bit her lip, turning to look at him. “We can’t just leave him JJ!”

JJ shook his head, walking forward and looking her in the eyes. “I’m real sorry for this.” He grabbed her by the waist, throwing her over his shoulder and began running.

Andy felt a fire rise in her, and she pounded her fists against JJ’s back. “You asshole! Put me down! We have to go back!”

“I told you Andy, I’m sorry!” JJ panted, dropping her to the ground. “We gotta keep moving! He’ll find his way home but we have to go now!”

He tugged on her arm, pulling her to run with him. Begrudgingly, she did, but not without making him pull her along a bit, for dramatic affect.

They ran and ran, all the way to JJ’s secret spot, hiding themselves amongst the array of things he had compiled over the years. The sound of a plane was heard overhead, as the Cameron’s jet took off, with all their hard-work onboard.

It was over.

“There goes the gold.” JJ shook his head, turning and kicking a lawn chair out of frustration.

Andy sat on the ground, sulking. She truly couldn’t believe her friends had abandoned John B like they did.

“Fuck!” Pope screamed, picking up a rock and throwing it into another pile of junk. He began throwing things, whipping them full-force into other things, using his frustration to break anything he touched.

“Pope!” Kie scolded.

“God damn it!” He picked up a metal bat, whacking it against an old microwave. “Shit! Fuck!”

The other three watched with wide eyes as he went to town on everything he could see, dust and debris flying all over. His tantrum lasted a few more minutes before he finally sat down, panting.

Andy got up, examining his damage. “Damn, dude.” JJ sighed, walking over to him. “I was wondering when this was gonna happen.”

He reached into the pocket of his shirt, pulling his juul and handing it to him. “Here you go chief. A little weed never hurt anyone.”

“JJ.” Kie warned. “You know he doesn’t smoke.”

Andy rolled her eyes. “Relax.”  Pope reached forward, taking it from JJ.

JJ sat down next to him, watching intently as he examined the device in his hand. “What is that gonna help?” Kie asked.

“I lost my scholarship.” Pope sighed. “I walked out in the middle of the interview. Everything’s gone. It’s not gonna happen.”

Andy frowned. “You did that for us?” Kie asked.

“No, not for us.” Pope clenched his jaw, standing up. “For nothing.”

JJ also stood up, grabbing Pope’s shoulders semi-comfortingly. “I’m here for you Pope. Welcome to my world.”

“JJ-“ Kie warned again.

“What? He’s right! It doesn’t matter anymore!” JJ shrugged.

Pope took a hit from the juul. Andy watched, pursing her lips. “You don’t have to do that.” Kie frowned.

“What do you care?” Pope glared at her.

Over their shoulders, Andy watched as John B appeared, looking once again, unwell.

Andy rushed over to him. “Yo, John B, are you okay?” 

He didn’t say anything. She grabbed his hands, yanking on them to get his attention. Upon touching him, she went stiff, looking down at his hands in shock.

They were slick with blood, dripping wet. Andy’s eyes widened, dropping them and looking at her own, now smeared with the blood. “Who’s blood is that!”

Andy’s outburst caught the attention of the other three, who ran over to them. “John B!” Kie exclaimed.

JJ grabbed Andy’s arms, pulling her away from him. “Is that your’s?” He asked John B, as he stared blankly at them.

Andy’s hands were shaking.

“John B, are you okay?” Pope asked.

“Shit!” He mumbled, dropping to the ground as a cop car passed by. JJ dropped too, pulling Andy with him. 

They stayed down until the sound of the sirens faded away. Andy couldn’t stop staring at the blood on her hands.

“You need to tell us what happened right now.” Kie demanded.

John B shook his head. “We need a place to hide. Then, I’ll tell you everything.”

Kie nodded reluctantly. “I’ll go get my car. Stay here.” She ran off, and the four of them stayed low to the ground, Andy still looking at her hands.

JJ nudged her with his knee. “Stop looking at it.”

Instead she looked over at John B. His hands were worse.

She’d rather look at her hands.

Kie returned with her vehicle, the five of them climbing in quickly. “Where am I going?” She asked.

“Just drive. Take the back roads. We can’t get caught.” John B commanded.

Andy’s hands were shaking, her chest tightening up.

“Would you tell us what happened already, John B? Please, before I go into full mental-breakdown mode!” Andy exclaimed, waving her blood-covered hands in front of his face.

JJ grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his body. “Hey, relax!” He held her hands in his, making it so she couldn’t see the blood.

“Sheriff Peterkin came to the airstrip to arrest Ward, but as she was going to put his cuffs on, Rafe came outta nowhere and shot her.”

Andy’s eyes widened. Rafe Cameron shot the Sheriff?

“Wait, what? What the hell, is she okay?” Kie asked.

“I don’t know! She was bleeding a lot, there was so much blood.” John B shivered. “Rafe was inconsolable, and I tried to do chest compressions on the Sheriff but Ward just told me to go, so I did. I just ran.”

“Where’s Sarah? Is she okay?” JJ asked.

“Rafe took Sarah.” John B answered.

“Rafe took Sarah?” Pope repeated. “Rafe took Sarah, where? Who stayed with the Sheriff?”

John B shrugged. “Ward. Ward stayed with her.”

“Oh god.” Andy mumbled. “This isn’t good. This is not good, John B.”

Andy had a habit of expecting the worst out of situations. Maybe it had come from the chronic bad luck she had inherited from her dad, or just the overall less-than-ideal circumstances of her life. But a sickening feeling washed over her.

This wasn’t going to end well.

They drove around until dark, John B instructing Kie to drive to the police station. “John B, what are we doing here?” JJ asked.

“Somebody’s gotta tell them what happened.”

JJ had lit up a blunt, to calm both Pope and Andy’s nerves.

Currently, Pope was choking on smoke. JJ sighed, turning to John B. “Alright, I’m just gonna be real with you right now, You might end up in the lion’s den, but you go in there on purpose.”

He paused. “It’s fundamental. My old man always told me you should never trust cops no matter what the circumstances are.”

“Your old man’s an abusive liar.” Kie shook her head.

“Hey-“ Andy scolded. “Not everyone’s born with storybook parents.” She defended JJ.

“I agree with JJ.” Pope coughed again. “Fuck the police.”

Andy chuckled, taking the blunt from his hand. “You goin’ to the dark side now?” Kie blinked at him.

“When’s the last time the police have ever helped us?” Pope asked.

“Peterkin looked out for me, alright?” John B interrupted the brewing argument. “Or tried to, at least. They need to know.”

Andy frowned, nodding at John B.

He got out of the car, walking up to the door of the police station and going inside.

“I don’t think this is gonna go the way he thinks it is.” JJ sighed.

Andy nodded in agreement. “I know I’m not usually an optimistic person, but I just have a really bad feeling about this.”

“You have a bad feeling about everything though.” Kie mumbled.

“Yeah, well everything I’ve had a bad feeling about lately has been correct! So shut the hell up!”

“Yo, yo, don’t start that now!” JJ yelled, breaking up the argument. “John B needs us together right now, so just cut the bullshit for a little bit-“

“Kie! Start the car!” John B screamed, running full-speed to the X-Terra.

Kie jumped into action as John B jumped into the car. “Start the car!”

“What did you do?” She asked frantically.  

“The cops are coming!” He yelled at her.

“Kie, drive! Just go!” JJ yelled as a female deputy ran up to the car, tugging on the handle of John B’s door. The car lurched forward, dragging the deputy with it.

“What did you do?!” Kie screamed again, trying to maneuver the car.

“Open it!” Pope shoved John B and he opened the door, knocking the officer to the ground.

The car was quiet, filled with the sound of the teens breathless gasps.

“Tell me what happened, right now!” Kie demanded, still driving.

“He framed me.” John B said. “Ward framed me for the Sheriff’s murder.”

TAG LIST

@nerdypartytrashpsychic @makkarrii

[katerix]

(How old is New Vegas? And it’s still my fav part! I feel like I need more Raul content even after all these years🥺)

Drink with the living dead

Characters: Raul Tejada x Reader Summary:  Courier and her companion returned to New Vegas after a long wandering to get a drink and gamble, but faced serious inhospitality. Six was not ready to leave her friend behind, so they changed their plans. Warnings: - Words: 2781

***

It was almost half past midday, when a dusty dirty road to New Vegas welcomed the wanderers with just another sandstorm without any declaration of war. Courier’s mirror aviator sunglasses could hardly stand that gusts of winds, so she decided to hide it in the pocket of her jacket until the better times. Six and her ghoul-companion were on foot for nearly five hours, and now the hightower of «Lucky 38» looked huge in contradiction from its look an hour ago.

It was not their first visit to New Vegas, but every time she saw a glowing and sparkling casino’s signs, she was bringing up the idea of going there and wasting an evening gambling and drinking. Just like everyone does. The fact that she spent here some time, passing all the entertaining places by, met with Mr. House and performed several missions for NCR ambassador, but still never took a break to try some of those things, these poor fellows from all Mojave wasteland were arriving for - was a crime by its definition.

Coddling this thought, Courier continued to trudge the nasty weather, until they walked up to the Northern gates of Freeside.

- What’s the plan when we reach Strip, boss? - asked Raul, shaking his dull-green jumpsuit down: it all was full of pervasive grains of sand, as well as the girl’s clothes.

- At first I wanna visit the «Lucky 38» apartment and change the outfit, then go to the bar and win big in the kazino!

- Perfect plan, chief, ironclad like my revolver. - the ghoul was sarcastic as usual, but didn’t evince any sight of disagreement.

When she turned around to continue movement, he added: “Wait, amigo, there's a tuft of straw stuck under your collar.” - and carefully extracted an annoying piece of flora, stuck to during the storm.

“Gracias!” - Six smiled widely and made a fast gesture of gratitude with her hand. Without wasting time, they passed heavy metallic gates.

Freeside met companions with a funky, stinking smell. She still couldn't get used to it. Dusty air seemed to mar the cityscape: it looked much pale and lighter than from the outside. Just fifteen minutes and they’ll reach the destination. The picture couldn’t be called unusual for this time of the day in this part of town: one or two shabby hobos against the dingy walls, kids in wrecked clothes playing a tag-game in the area of the «Mick & Ralph's», random citizens with roving glances, sneaking around, wasting their time in an idle attempts to figure out how to spend their life in this Dump. On the other hand, there are many places where people live even worse: take a look at Westside, for instance.

«What a hopeless sight, - thought the girl. - Hope the Followers are really able to do something about this in the future».

- Something on your mind, boss? - it felt like nothing could hide from Raul’s inquisitive look.

- Just thinking. I find this picture quite dismal, like there’s no tomorrow, and humanity is still doomed. Like there’s no chance to restore life, as it was before.

- When we are on the road again, I’ll tell you about the Football Cup in Mexico, if you like to hear another one “before the Bomb” story. - he obviously picked up on her mood and decided to cheer up the girl, carefully diverting the theme.

- I do. Have you attended it?

- Sure thing. That was a big day. We drove to the capital to see it with our own eyes.

- Sounds pretty good! Let’s not ruin the intrigue.

- You asked.

They passed a small cross-road, which didn't have to be called like that anymore, as it was just one of the ghosts of the past with it’s burned skeletons of cars, left here motionless as evidence of human lost ambitions. The air in this part of the town was stale, despite the fact that they were in the streets, the smell of some broiling meat and spoiled vegetables was sticky like an ant's nectar. Sudden wild cryings and shouts were heard from the nearest dead end. 

One glance was enough to understand that the Kings had cornered swashers, their prey, who were too fucked up and all-fired sure of themselves to attack the town’s main showrunners just a couple of minutes ago. And the Courier was not going to do anything about that: she herself was nearly butchered by one of them, shown up from nowhere. If it was not her loyal companion who dealt with it with one precise shot, she, probably, would be dead by now.

It took more than ten minutes to cover the distance between the East and Strip gates - right now there was no reason to hurry. As they got closer, the protectrons took up their positions immediately. One of them articulated “Move along” with a familiar metallic cold of lifeless voice of his, when companions were passing by.

“Never liked these guys. They are like slow mines: you never know what they do the next second.” - grunted out the Courier, as two of them found themselves on the first line of the Strip between “Lucky 38” and “Gomorrah”.

“Hey, so who is an old one here?” - the ghoul chuckled in response.

She went ahead, so he could never see how her lips slightly bended in a ready-to-laugh smile.

***

Presidential luxe met nomads with a deep, wrapping silence of a broad, gloomy space. This was definitely not the place a person could wish to stay in: walls with, once being gorgeous - now - greasy dark-wine wallpapers were giving an oppressive feeling. Six was happy that they didn’t have to stay here for long. Only to sleep or change the outfit maybe.

She got near to the wardrobe in her room, where the majority of things, accumulated during the long travels, were stored. Took out two dresses, went to the guest-room with a billiards. Raul was civilly waiting for her there.

- What you think? Which one?

He raised up his head, looked from under the sunglasses for several seconds, examining, and answered in a casual tone:

- It’s really up to you, boss. - made a pause, then added, like a little confused: - But I like the pink one. Might look graceful.

- Great! Exactly the one I wanted to pick.

The ghoul just gave her a hesitant nod, wondering if she noticed that detail. Courier went back to her sleeping-room and returned after some minutes, informing: “Ready to go! The next stop is “Ultra-Luxe”, yee-haw!”

***

After a while they were in the street again. All they needed was just to reach the second line of the Strip and pass a hundred meters to the “Ultra-Luxe”. Lots of NCR soldiers were hanging around, goofing off, as long as they had a chance, and indulging in lust in the nearest private clubs. Nothing unexpectable. When they passed by a small group of drunk, barely balancing on their feet big guys, Six suddenly heard a hushed voice from behind her back, addressing his teammates. “Do they let ghouls on the Strip now? Perfect, let’s make it a spooky ghost-town.”

“Yeah. That’s why civilization will start floating away again. Our attempts are meaningless.”

Only just Courier wanted to turn around and shout out something to those sons of a b or event take out a gun and shoot beneath their feet, Raul caught her arm:

- Hey, hey, calm down, that’s okay. NCRs are many here, you know, even for a dashing rider like you, boss. Even with me backing you up. From behind the farthest stone.

- But we can’t simply swallow that shit, Raul!

He just spreaded his hands:

- Fine, then go shoot them and be killed by protectrones because of two drunk idiots. Very helpful, chief. I’ll stay all alone, without my beloved companion but with a protected pride. Thank’s.

Six stood still for some seconds and nodded after that.

- Fine. Whatever.

Then merely continued walking in the direction of the cazino. The ghoul hesitated for a bit. He understood that she was acting out of good intentions and she just wanted to protect her partner, as she was the one who had a right of speech here. And that made his heart melt and he was silently praising her for that, because nobody seemed to do anything like that for him in a while. But picking a fight with these dummies, who fill the streets of Strip like water fills the canyon, was not wise.

“Sorry for that, Niña. I really appreciate what you do. I just don’t want you to get in trouble because of me. You don’t notice, but there are often lots of sidelong looks and hardly heard whisperings along the way. I'm used to it and don’t want it to affect you.” - he tried to lighten things up.

The girl turned her head a bit just for him to see her glance softening.

- Let’s just reach the bar and relax.

*** 

An unexpected trouble struck them further - black line has not ended yet. Courier already picked her place at the bar desk in the distant hall and ordered a glass of whiskey, when a bartendress leaned over and said in a low tone:

“I’m sorry, but here, in “Ultra-Luxe”, we serve only the citizens and guests of the Strip. I’m able to bring a drink only for you, ma’m.”

That was the last drop of her patience. The girl slowly raised her head at the bartendress, ready to blow up, and responded:

- Are you fucking kidding me?

- That’s the rule. I don’t need problems. You can ask any guard or another worker.

She bowed her head and gave a fast hidden glance at her ghoul-companion. He was sitting there next to her and looking straight at his arms crossed on the desk, like he had nothing to do with it. But he, of course, heard every word. His eyes weren't moving, just a finger was slightly knocking the air, producing a rhythm he alone knew. Six couldn’t even imagine what her friend might feel at the moments like that. An anger came upon her.

“Are you all that scumbags here? Keep your drinks for acceptable ones. Ma’m.” - the girl said, getting up from her barstool and heading towards the exit.

Raul stood up without a word and, as he always did, followed Courier. He had mixed emotions. On the one hand he was glad they left that place and that Six is such a kind and loyal partner, but on the other hand he felt a little guilty for himself. After all, it was him who was the reason for such inhospitality in some kind of place. Even now she couldn’t get what she wished for so hard. Her idea of “winning big” in the kazino seemed to be falling apart, as together they won’t be even let to the gambling table. And she, obviously, won’t leave him in the street and have fun on her own, and an old ghoul didn’t want to be a ball and chain.

- Boss? Are you sure we need to leave? Maybe you’d better stay there? And I’d wait for you somewhere else or go back to “Lucky 38”. Fresh air won’t do any harm for my old lungs.

- What are you even talking about? You know, even the best drink worth nothing, if there’s no one to share it with.

- You have a heart of gold, chiff. - these words came fast, in an undertone, as if he was embarrassed, - Well, I saw a small sign in Freeside. I believe we’ve never been in that part of the city before.

- Hope it’s not an «Atomic Wrangler».

- Nope.

- Great! You lead. They passed the ruins, generously spread all over the suburbs, while every their step sounded louder thanks to trash, small pieces of brick and other rubbish. The sun was already going down and the heat was getting less intense.

Finally they reached a small inconspicuous wooden door. Only a little sign next to it represented that place as a bar.

As they entered, nothing changed. There was not much to be changed. There were no crowds of gamblers, no fancy casino machines and no shiny-polished bar desk. Bartender was a man in old ragged clothes, probably in his late fifties. He was slowly wiping cut glasses with a gray dusty piece of fabric full of holes.

When the companions stepped in the room he just looked up at them without raising up his head and got back to his plain, simple activity. There were not many customers besides the two of them. A woman was sleeping on the table in the far corner - her head rested on her arms while her shoulders were calmly going up and down. Another guest settled down at the edge of the bar desk.

“Fancy,” - giggled the girl.

“Ah, let’s get down. Ladies first.” - Raul just waved his hand.

Six made a few steps in the direction of the bar desk and sat down, Raul followed her.

“Barman! Two beers, please”. - she laid some bottle caps in front of him.

The barkeeper took them and then put two opened bottles onto the surface.

“Bon appetit.”

Courier took her bottle up and clinked it loudly with Rauls one. His soft non-blinking sight of half closed eyes was locked on hers, while he made a sip. His heart always went pop when it felt like there were just two of them in the world, though he never showed that.

Raul looked around and suddenly his eyes stopped on a guitar lurked behind the racks.

“Hey, can I…?”

The barman followed ghoul’s gaze and shrugged his shoulders: “This piece of wood? Be my guest.”

In the next second he was on his feet. The courier raised her eyebrows as she almost forgot if she saw him that agile. Raul approached the metal shelves, put aside some garbage and waste paper, then carefully extracted the instrument and blew away the dust.

Six and the bartender were watching him closely. The ghoul got back to his chair, sat down crossing his legs to position the guitar more comfortably. Then pulled the first string to check out the tuning. It was no surprise that it was out of tune, so the next minute Raul spent trying to fix the instrument.

When everything, as he thought, was ready, he played a couple of notes in fingerstyle to flex some life back into his fingers. After nearly 200 years the skill was obviously weakened.

“I didn’t know that you could play the guitar.” - said the girl.

“Sure you didn’t. I never told about that.” - he looked back at her with a little smirk, - “What was the point if there were no music instruments left anyway?”

He laid his right arm down on the body of the guitar, fingers on the cracked wooden surface, and took a deep breath.

At first Courier could hardly hear or see the slightest movement of ghoul's fingers on strings, but soon the sound became more clear. She was sitting there with a bottle in her hand, unable to look away from her companion.

The sound of slow mexican melody floated across the room, filling every corner of the room with itself. The windows were closed with wooden boards from the outside, so the sunlight was trickling down through narrow gaps between them. Warm light was leaving gold-yellow lines on the walls, tables and the bardesk where the Courier and Raul were sitting. She could even see the tiniest specks of dust freeze in the air. The ghouls face was half hidden by a shadow and the sunbeams were highlighting one of his eyes which now looked like a beautiful transparent crystal and his hands all covered with veins and partially with thin skin.

The whole space imbued with peace and calm, even the impenetrable bartender set his glass aside and leaned his head on the hand, listening to the sensual music.

They travelled together for a while now, but never before had Six seen him the way she did now. Something new was arising in her soul.

“Hey chief,” - Raul closed his eyes and slightly threw back his head grinning a little, fingers still dancing over the strings. - ”You’re the best friend and partner one could ever wish for, you know. Thank you for always being on my side.”

“Raul, I’ll never leave my partner in crime behind!” - she chuckled as she felt like something pinned her heart.

The ghoul continued playing the tune without opening his eyes. A grin turned into a soft smile and the feeling of joy span all over him for the first time in a while.

“I’m following you to the world’s end, boss.”

Also, here’s a link to this fanfic on my AO3 (gif is mine \ use credits if repost)

[jitter-bug]

Just Like Me

Taglist: @artemisfowl11

Nines x Reader (Detroit: Become Human)

A/n: Did I hear costumes with a plot twist? And 10x scary???👀 so that the request wouldn't be too short ???🔫👀 I certainly fuckin' did. This one is too long. Sorry for rush. I love you :') plz enjoy(plz) I have so many request. And I am getting around to all of them. So don't worry for anyone that's waiting for your request, they will get done I promise! (Plz don't hurt me--)❤ enjoy- p.s I also had a hard time choosing the costume. I wanted something race neutral because as a person of color myself. There's not many couple costumes out there, that...you know. So 😌 uh. I had to run off a limb here for all my POC readers. (Gang gang 😩) (give me feedback if you any more of this, I know some people messaged me about continuing Fear. I don't do series. But I'll do em' we lit over here😩😪💅) p.s.s I edited it to gender neutral, so sorry for any errors-- (donthurtme)

-

"What do you mean, no?" The defeated tone of the detective echoed through the bullpen. Arms crossed as they stared at Hank. He was sitting at his desk. A hand placed on the desk as he stared at the terminal. In a way so he wouldn't have to stare at the perplexed expression of Y/n. 

"Kid. I'm too damn old to be dressing up in costumes." Was his reply. 

Y/n had woken up that very morning. An idea engraved in their brain like their body threatened them to remember it and not let the wonderful idea go. 

The DPD was throwing a Halloween party. Which was really a celebration for Chris, he was finally promoted to being an official Detective, and for his celebration. There would be a themed party. Considering the fact that Halloween was creeping in around the corner. Y/n soon thought that they wanted to wear a costume, with someone that is. They thought sharing laughs or even going to the party dressed as characters would be fun and yet entertaining. Their first thought was Hank. But, he undoubtedly shot the idea down. And declined. Hank saw the unamused expression on their face when he tore his gaze from the terminal. Their fist was planted on his desk. As their hand was on their hip. Their eyebrows furrowed. Giving him a look that he was used to seeing when they helped him speak with suspects in the interrogation room. Though, their expression was not as hard and more so serious.

Connor, who was sitting at his desk. Across from Hank. Stared between the two. His LED teetering back and forth from yellow to stark red. 

"Go ask Gavin." Hank brought up the name that seemed alien to him as he scoffed slightly at his name. Y/n quickly lost their expression before shaking her head. They couldn't say Y/n and Gavin were enemies. But they haven't interacted with each other to a point where Y/n would see themself asking him to join them on their dress up crusade. 

"No." They replied. Hank has been staring at the ceiling. Arms crossed. Once hearing Y/n once again. He landed his gaze back onto them. His index finger tapping his arm. 

"Go ask your partner."

-

Nines stared at Y/n. The two staring right through each other, but Y/n could feel themself crumble under his steel gaze. His eyebrows furrowed slightly. In an attempt to see through Y/n. 

Nines originally was Gavin Reed's partner. Until Chris was recently promoted to a Detective and made to be Gavin's partner. Which pulled Y/n from Hank and Connor, into being Nine's newest partner. 

Before then. They hadn't really interacted with him. Occasional greetings and ludicrous jokes between Y/n and Gavin. In which the rk900 ignored, he never cared to learn much about Y/n- or anyone at the station at that. He was reserved, observant, stern and very stoic. He...lacked certain things other deviant androids had. 

Emotions. 

People around the prescient knew about him. But never spoke to him, reasons being his lack of expressing himself gave people the assumption that Nines was genuinely just a rude android. Which...Y/n could see why. He didn't tolerate childish behavior, at all. Rarely participated in any outings the station threw, such as celebrations if someone was promoted. Birthday parties. Or just a genuine outing to celebrate and catch up with one another. Nines was always at the station, he - In a way deemed to separate himself from others. His eyebrows were always furrowed. In a way to resemble a scowl of some sort...which he always did. 

Of course, Y/n could somewhat tolerate him, once they were paired together, Nines was non-stop pestering Y/n with things they needed to get done, things that weren't done right. He always pointed out the imperfections and mistakes rather than the good. Y/n couldn't say they were exactly friends with the rk900. He made it hard for it to be anything other than being partners. But, today was the day, Y/n decided it would be best to try and find a way through his cold exterior. 

Nines didn't say anything. Y/n held her hands behind her back. The slightest smile trying to make its way onto their face. "So...I was thinking." 

They started. They didn't feel nervous. But rather awkward from the sudden request. Nines didn't say anything. Instead keep his arms behind his back as Y/n slowly sat down on the desk. Planting their hands on their knees. "I was thinking, maybe me and you should go to Chris's celebration together tomorrow night, you know. As partners? Amigos? Buddies?" Y/n reached up. Placing a half-heartedly punch on Nine's shoulder. 

"And. You know. Dress up? Costumes? I'd think you'd enjoy it. You know, you've been really working your heart out for these past few weeks Nines, and I think maybe you would like a break. You know, wind down." They explained. In their head. The explanation was fool-proof. Nines had been working a lot. In fact. The whole station was. With the new cases of Red Ice popping up around Detroit. Everyone had constantly been on their toes. 

"I'm incapable of getting tired, Detective." Nines replied. He turned to fully face Y/n. His arms that were once behind his back, now by his side. 

Y/n felt themself run into a dead end. 

"I know that Nine's I'm not stupid." She muttered. Instead of replying. He only stared at her. Blinking once, that was so it took. Y/n could tell what he was thinking. They sneered.

"That's not funny, I'm serious."

"My apologies. I was unaware I was making a joke--"

"Anyway!" Snapping their fingers to get back on track. Y/n sighed. Rubbing their temple before looking back at Nine's form.

"If. You go to the party with me, and agree to wear a costume with me. I promise I'll stop fooling around on the field." They tried to compromise watching as Nine's was already turning away from her to walk over to his desk. 

"I'll even stop making those lame ass jokes for an entire week. I can't say for..forever, But I mean a week has to be at least decent." They spoke up. Raising their voice so he could listen. 

"A month." Nines said. His back turned from them. But Y/n could see him grabbing stacks of papers and placing them in their designated manilla folders. Y/n stared at his back. Eyebrows furrowed as they tried to piece together what he meant, the rk900 seemed to be aware of how perplexed she was. 

"You'll focus on the assigned case you have, without constantly getting distracted, for a month. If you can agree to that. Then you've found yourself someone to go to the party with."

He explained. Y/n jumped slightly, the excitement shot through them like electricity, sparking them to life. This was new! Certainly new!

"Wait, are you serious? Oh my god!" They squealed. Kicking their feet so hard Y/n was afraid their shoe would fly off, flying across the room. As funny as the scenario might sound, Y/n was too distracted with the offer to worry about anything else. 

"1 month?" They asks. 

"1 month." He repeats. 

"I mean...what about 2 weeks?" They bargained. A month, where they couldn't bullshit around at work. It felt like a sin to Y/n.

"1 month."

"But...Nines that's too long." They tried to whine. But Nines turned around. Holding the folders in his hands. 

"1 month." He repeats.

"2 weeks?"

"1 month."

"....3 weeks?"

"1 month."

"No! Come on. 2 weeks. Take it or leave it!" Y/n shoots their hands in the air. Drastically expressing their distress. But Nines didn't seem to show an ounce of sorrow or care for the matter.

"Do I hear 2 months?"

"Okay, no! 1 month!" 

With what Y/n assumed would be the end of the discussion to Nines. He nods. 

"Okay then. Now. What is it that you have planned?"

-

"Okay. So. I think maybe we should do something scary. 2 years ago. Me and Hank dressed up as clowns, and scared the hell out of Gavin. It was hilarious." Y/n absently spoke. They searched through their phone for ideas that may spark interest in them. Deciding on creating something new and from scratch. 

Nines was busy placing items in Y/n's bag so the two could leave the station and do whatever it was Y/n had in store.

Nines zipped up the bookbag before turning away from the desk to face. Only to find them already examining his form. 

The yellow soon took the place of the blue on his LED. His eyebrows furrowed. 

"What?" He asks. Y/n hummed. 

"I was thinking of what would suit you." They replied. As they spoke Nines handed Y/n their bookbag, which they thanked him before slipping it on over their shoulders. 

"We can head to my house and see ideas from there." Y/n started. Adjusting the straps onto their shoulders as they took several steps forward towards the exit. They didn't have much time from now till tomorrow night, the gears in Y/n's head were turning. What should they do? What should they dress as for their costumes? And most importantly. Make sure Nines had a good night out for his first ever outing. 

Y/n placed the phone back in theirpocket. Before reaching over to unlock the door. They felt Nines walk behind them, swatting and flicking their hand away from the latch to open the door. 

"I'm driving. You get to the passenger side and think about what your plan will be." Nines spoke. Y/n flinched their hand away from the latch. 

"Ow, okay, okay--" they made their way around the car to the passenger side. Y/n was positive the only real reason he wanted Y/n to sit out on driving was because last time they were behind the wheel, a favorite song of theirs that they vaguely remembered from some time ago came on the radio station when they were patrolling the downtown area of Detroit. 

All Y/n could say was how Nines was extremely pissed with their screeching out lyrics that he wasn't paying attention to. More of Y/n's abrupt screaming. Which is why he didn't want them touching the wheel while he was in the car with them.

Slipping inside the car. Y/n closed the door. Hearing from their opposite side that Nines was in the car as well. 

"Keys." He spoke up. Y/n automatically reached in their dress pants pockets in search of the keys. Once feeling the cool metal against their digits. They handed them to Nines. Where as he started the car. 

Y/n slide off their bookbag. And turned to toss it in the back of the car. Where a paper bag was seen lazily balled up on the floor. Seeing the Red Ice cases increased exponentially, there were many stakeouts that Y/n and Nines were assigned to. Sitting out in the car for long periods of time did spike up an appetite in Y/n's stomach every once in a while. Of course, Nines scolded them for not eating before arriving on the scene, but that didn't stop them from getting food. 

Once situated and Nines driving down the street. Y/n slipped their phone back out. 

"So. How do you feel being a butcher?" They asks. Nines stared at the road. Silent for a moment as he contemplated what Y/n said. 

"A butcher..? Odd, how would that in any way be a good costume?" He asks. Y/n placed their phone their lap. 

"Bloody butcher. You know. Kill people? Chop chop? Blood. Chains and all that jazz." They replied. Flipping through the many photos of cheap costumes that would wear out in later than a few months if they were to purchase one.

"I can't make a firm decision on what to wear. You do that." He spoke up. Y/n hummed in acknowledgment. As much as they wanted Nines to choose for himself. He often had a hard time doing so. Of course he did things his own way, but only for a purpose of doing his job. Completing his mission. 

"Well then. Butcher it is," they replied. 

Once making it into the warm house that groped around Y/n with its comforting warmth. Y/n dropped their bookbag on the ground by the couch. Plopping down onto the cushion. And letting out a long needed sigh. They heard Nines close and lock the front door. 

The tension in Y/n's muscles slowly eased its way into relaxation. This wasn't the first time Nines had seen Y/n's place. Only resorting to be at their doorstep to wake them up at ungodly hours for emergency crime scenes that so happened to pop up out of nowhere. Or to drive them home when they are tired to do it half the time themself.

The TV was still on playing from earlier in the morning when Y/n left. On the same channel and same soft spoken volume. 

"Alright. Come on. Sit." They finally mustered up the energy to speak. Nines - who was standing next to the couch, took a seat next to Y/n as they opened their phone once more. 

"So. I was thinking on the way here. A bloody butcher. Both you and I. I think that would be fun." They proclaimed it was some extremely good news. But to Nines, it was more of good news to Y/n, but he didn't say anything. His pale optics pierced Y/n's face. His eyebrows raised slightly. Y/n gave him a smile, one of reassurance. "Oh come on, don't worry. You'll love it. I saw you have a knack for violent things." They chuckled. Moving over to their coffee table to pick up the laptop that was sitting on it. Nines LED flickered a stark red. 

"I'm assuming you would think I'm a violent person because of how I handle things on the field?" It didn't sound like much of a question.

 "Well duh. You do tend to man-handle the hell out of the suspects." Y/n replied. Nines didn't say anything else. Instead, watch as Y/n typed into the computer. After a while. They sat back on the couch and glanced at Nines. 

"This should work out. Not to mention be a good sight for my budget." They said. Y/n turned the laptop around and showed a photo of the costume, which was just general ideas of what items they planned on looking for. 

Nines stared at the screen. His LED circling around. Once. Twice. Before turning yellow. 

"Are you purchasing these from a store?" He asks. Y/n nods. Nines nods as well. 

"Yeah. Tomorrow after work we both are going to go gather the materials to put together the costume. Oh, this should be fun! Believe it or not. Gavin is such a scary cat. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to scare the hell out of him!" They gave a laugh before setting the laptop on the table. 

"But, really Nines. Thanks for agreeing to do this with me. I promise. That when this is all over. I'll not goof around for 1 entire month." They said. Y/n lifted their hand, poking out their pinkie finger. Nines stared at their hand before looking at them.He lifted his hand before pushing Y/n's hand away with his back hand.

"I'll take your word on it, Detective." He says. 

"Oh come on. Don't be like that. Smile for once. My gosh." Y/n lets out a chuckle. Lifting one hand to pull at his cheek. Her thumb tugging at the corner of his right lip in an attempt to tug it upwards. Nines - once again, swatted their hand away from his face. A scowl interrupting his blank expression.

"Stop."

"Whatever, tomorrow. It'll be great, you'll have fun, I promise."

-

Nines watched as Y/n stated at the rack of clothes. Having trouble deciding what Nines would best fit his costume. They decided to purchase his first. The two left the station an hour ago, to get ready for the party that was only 4 hours away. And time was ticking rather quickly with Y/n staring at the rack of clothes as if they had a hard time finding what to wear. 

Nines felt his hand lift up. Rubbing at his temple. His elbow resting on his other arm which was across his torso. 

"Y/n..."

Y/n let out a hum, signalling they heard what he said but kept their gaze on the rack.

"I think this would go by much quicker, if I were to pick out the clothes, and when you get home. You can put them together." He spoke. Y/n turned to face Nines. He saw them cross their arms. 

"Are you calling me slow?" They asks. But, he could tell Y/n wasn't offended by their ack of anger that he so happened to be acquainted with. 

"More, indecisive." He corrected. He saw their eyebrows furrow. But they quickly rose up as they understood what he meant. 

"I'm not having a hard time picking...just--look, this is supposed to be a me and you thing. Partner to partner, friend to friend. You know. So we can spend more time together instead of always yelling at each other like at work."

It was true. Nines and Y/n rarely got a long at work, Nines being a reason for the constant start of an argument between him and Y/n. That being either working on a case. At the station. Or even at a stake out. He always seemed to feed the flame just to spark Y/n's anger into nothing more than a hungry flame ready to lash out at anyone. But that was because Nines wanted things done the way he wanted them done. And Y/n rarely gave him what he wanted...and that was being serious on the job. But the explanation did make sense. More time spent outside to get to know more about each other...or rather spend more time with each other, could lower their rate or going after each other's throats. 

"So, you know. Come on. Let's Both pick our stuff out together." A hint of hope was evident in Y/n's voice. Nines nods, taking several steps forward, to analyse the rack. 

"I think you can do something with this."

-

"Ow! Stop! Stop!" Y/n hissed in pain, feeling Nines peel off the face mask from their face. They tried lifting their hand up to push his hand away. But he was one step ahead. Smacking their hand away for the upteempth time that week. The two finished picking out the clothing and items for their costume, only had 2 hours left to get dressed and ready, a lady that was an entrepreneur and had a clothing line. Gracefully gave Y/n and Nines a discount on what they needed for their costumes. Finding the generous offer kind, Y/n paid more than needed for the clothes, and spent almost half an hour speaking to the woman. Which knocked off much more time than needed. And Nines didn't want any delays in getting dressed - so almost immediately once the two reached Y/n's house. He started laying out stuff so the two could get ready. 

The first step being to peel off the face mask for Y/n so once they put the make up on their face for the costume it wouldn't be mixed with any bacteria and dirt. Which also was a pain in Y/n's ass to feel the mask pulling at their skin. And how Nines didn't seem to care much, instead. Resulting in him snatching off the mask piece by piece.

"You asshole! You're doing that on purpose!" Y/n barked. They reached up to punch Nines in his chest. But was interrupted by him snagging at the mask on their face once again. Placing the pieces in a trash can he took from the kitchen. 

"It shouldn't hurt that bad, stop whining. Or else this will take much longer than needed." He finally spoke up. Y/n sneered slightly as they felt him tilt their head so he could get the rest of the god-forbidden mask that seemed to be glued to their skin. 

After finally getting the pieces peeled off and placed in the trash. Nines stood up to take the trash back to its original spot in the kitchen. Y/n rubbed at their face. The skin feeling somewhat smoother, her pores finally able to get air comfortably. 

"Okay. Happy? The horrible dreadful part, as you quoted, is out of the way." Nines said. As he spoke Y/n mumbled a 'fucking finally' - and stood up. 

"Okay, we have plenty of time, Oh my god, this is going to be fun. Okay!" Almost immediately, Nines saw the excited expression overtake their expression again. Watching as they grabbed one of the bags and tossed it over to Nines. 

"Get dressed. I'll come back in here when I'm done."

Y/n was surprised with how their costume came out. The idea in their mind wasn't as exciting as they once was thinking. But seeing the white knee length apron. Black dress shirt, the tattered jeans that were tucked into the dark rain boots showed that the costume was supposed to resemble some sort of butcher. A few things are missing here and there. But was still proud of how it came out. 

Deciding on going back in the living room to get the last back on the coffee table they remembered leaving on the table. Which contained the makeup and fake blood for the costumes...which of course was supposed to be added last. 

Walking down the hall and into the living room. Which was empty, in which Y/n didn't seem to take surprise. Thinking Nines went off somewhere in the house(such as the bathroom) , go get dressed. They didn't bother calling out for him. Instead, picking up the bag on the table to look through it. Seeing the many items in the bag, having a hard time choosing what to use first, they stared at the back in contemplation. Unaware of the sauntering figure that was creeping up behind them.

Deciding on finding it to be best, wait for Nines to come back and help with choosing what happens next. They places the bag on the table once again. They turned around to go and look for Nines. Only to quickly pause in their movement upon seeing the figure behind them Y/n jumped slightly. Their calves hit the coffee table. 

It was Nines, dressed in the costume, the black apron tied to his waist tightly, instead of a dress shirt that Y/n sported, Nines had on a black turtleneck, which really fit with the costume. Y/n could see the chains wrapped around his wrist, the sound of the metal clanking against each other. 

They saw the pig mask, the one Y/n picked out because Y/n found it oddly suiting Nines. The boar's head seemed pretty realistic, the blemishes and red markings on the facial area wavered Y/n's sense of security. They could barely see his eyes through the mask...where the eyes are of course.

"Jeez. You scared me there for a second." Y/n mumbled. 

But, Nines didn't say anything. The feeling of his form towering over Y/n, made them realize how some suspects the two brought in everyday had to face his wrath in an interrogation...or just a simple ass kicking. From what Y/n remembers. Nines never lost in a single fight. 

"Is this your way in trying to scare me? If so. It's not working." They let out a chuckle, which was half-heartedly. Nines - instead of replying. Let out a grunt. Which Y/n could deem animalistic. Y/n flinched. Shooting him a glare in a way to get him to knock off whatever he was pulling. 

"The hell? Did you growl at me?" They spat. Instead of - once again. Not replying. Nines turned around to walk off down the hall where the bathroom was located. 

"Where are you going?" They asks. There was no reply. Only the sound of the chains clanking against each other and the squeaking of the rainboots answered them question. 

"..." Y/n felt their eyebrow twitch. Almost a second letter. Nines came back out the hall. Looking the same, except holding the boars mask in his hand, which he didn't seem to have any interest in wearing. 

"Dude, what the hell?" 

Nines looked at Y/n. His LED flickering to yellow almost instantly. He raised an eyebrow; "is there a problem?" He asks. Y/n scrunched their nose up and nodded. 

"Uh, yeah. You were just out here - not even a minute ago. You just walked off. Not to mention, growled at me." They answered. Y/n saw the LED on Nines temple slowly circled to the stark red, his eyebrows furrowed. 

"I was in the bathroom all this time." He said. Y/n only gave him a blank expression. Which only remsebled an expression that they didn't believe what he said. 

"I was--"

"Anyway. Come on. Let's put this last bit of stuff on so we can leave."

-

"You're getting blood everywhere." Nines informed. Watching as Y/n drove down the ride they tried sitting themselves in the seat comfortably so the fake blood on the apron wouldn't smear on the car seat. It would be a pain to get it out. 

"I know that, Nines. Shut up, pighead. Besides, it's not even real." They muttered. Nines lifted the corner of his lip in a way to sneer. 

"Hilarious. I almost forgot to laugh at that one."

"You forget to laugh everyday." They quickly shot back. Nines only rubbed his temple with a sigh. "You truly are a mess." He sighs. Y/n laughed, keeping their eyes on the road. 

"You're damn right, a hot mess. Trust me. Tonight will be fun! Don't worry, really!" Nines didn't reply. Instead watched the road and the many buildings that passed by. His gray optics flickered over to Y/n. Spending an entire day with his partner did have its ups and downs. But it wasn't as life-threatening as he thought it would be. 

"So. Are you enjoying yourself so far? You know. Being costume twins and all. I think it's fun." Y/n asked. Nines tapped his index finger in his knee. 

"Rather childish. But if it can get you to stop quiping me about dressing up with you. I guess this won't be too bad." He responds. Hearing Y/n tap the wheel with their fingers. 

"Thanks for doing this with me, really. Maybe tonight you and I can go and get something to eat."

"I don't eat."

"....I mean. You could at least act like you do. Like jeez, what the hell." They muttered. Once again, complaining. Mumbling about. "Just stuff the food in your mouth and spit it out. Make it seem like you can or something--"

"Alright--okay. I'll take you out to dinner tonight. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Nines finally spoke up. Interrupting her from her charades of complaining. Almost quickly, a smile replaced their frown. 

"Yes, sir. That's exactly what I want to hear. You. Nines. My partner. Taking me to get dinner." They quipped. Nines glanced at them. Shaking his head slowly. 

"Holy shit!" Gavin stared at the two. Watching as Nines was busy behind Y/n speaking to Hank from behind the boar's mask. A smile graced Hank's lips. His hands on his hips. He didn't dress as anything like the majority of the people did. Instead...well...showing up in his casual clothes. 

"Wow. Next year. Me and you and dressing up together." Gavin nudged Y/n's shoulder. Causing them to chuckle. 

"I mean. I was going around the office asking people. And they either were dressing up as something already, or were dressing up as something already. Same thing. I know." They grinned, already knowing what Gavin was about to say. 

"You didn't ask me you little shit!"

"Oops?"

Gavin rolled his eyes. Swatting his hands in a way to shoo the conversation away. "Nines look terrifying as hell." He looked over at their partner who was still speaking with Hank. Y/n nods. 

"I'm not surprised. You're scared of everything." She said. Gavin shot her a look. 

"Hey, plastic-prick. Over here!" Gavin snaps his fingers. Y/n saw Nines look away from Hank. And over to Gavin. Hank looked over as well. Nines walked over to the two. Once in earshot he turned his head away from Y/n to look at Gavin. 

"Yes?" He asks. Gavin flicked the boar's snout.

"Sup." 

"I don't know what I expected wasting my time walking over here." Nines muttered. Gavin laughs. Almost immediately, Nines jumped towards Gavin. Which also startled Y/n. The two shrieked at the sudden action from Nines. Hearing Hank laugh in the background was what pulled Gavin from his pose. Which he moved to grip Y/n's shoulder. In a pose like he was hiding behind them.

"You Jackass!" Gavin shouts. Hank howled with laughter. Walking over to give Nines a pat on the back. 

"Good one!" 

Y/n felt their heartbeat in their chest like drums. They couldn't find an exact reason why they got jumpy. Letting out a sigh as they placed a hand on their chest. Hearing Gavin bicker in the background along the lines of "I'll fucking end you!"

Meanwhile, Y/n stared across the street. Which had a good view of an alleyway. Seeing two figures facing each other. Once being noticeably shorter than the other.  The short figure...which the two really resemble the silhouette from the lack of light in the area (considering the sun had set) the short figure seemed to be pointing its finger at the taller figure's chest. From the body movements the person seemed to be angry. As on the other hand the taller figure - standing still and stiff as a plank just stood there. 

Y/n watched for a few more moments. Whatever commotion they were hearing on their side of the street was muffled to them.

Soon, the short figure head turned towards the direction Y/n was in - across the street. Which the taller figure took notice of. The two stared at them. The tall figure seemed to tap its leg. Causing the short figure the scurry off somewhere in the shadows of the alleyway. 

Raising a hand. The tall figure that was left in the alleyway waved. Y/n furrowed their eyebrows. 

Who the hell was that?

"Y/n! Come on, get your ass in here before you freeze!" Y/n heard Hank shout from the door. Y/n quickly snapped from their clouded reality. Looking at Hank who was holding the door open. Shoot a gaze back at the alley, only to see nothing. 

-

"And I said. Give me my shit. Or I'll put a foot up your ass." Gavin said. The booth that was placed in the back of the room, either chuckled, laughed or said commented on his story. Which was Chris. 

"Honestly. I wouldn't be too surprised if she got a restraining order on your crazy ass." Chris chuckled. Gavin only shot him a large grin. Chris's wife smiled at the two. Shaking their head. The majority of the party dressed up. Either it being werewolves, vampires, zombies. It was something...despite the fact that one of the officers came with a macaroni box. 

The booth sat, Connor, Hank, Nines, Y/n, Gavin, Chris and his wife. Drinks were passed, and also laughs. (Will except from Nines of course)

The night was smooth. And not to mention fun. 

Y/n, still kept tethering back and forth from the odd altercation at home with Nines. And from what they saw in the alleyway. 

Nines sat next to them. Listening to Gavin speak. On and on. 

"So. Are you two still together or not?" Chris asked. Gavin's and his significant other had...somewhat of a toxic relationship. Constant fighting, either it be verbal or...from what Gavin didn't want to admit. But it was obvious. Physical. From both parties. But, Y/n never really intervened. It wasn't their business. So they didn't care much about it. Though the stories were funny. 

Digging into their pockets in search of their phone. They didn't feel it. Taking note they must have left it outside in the car. 

"I'll be right back. I have to go get my phone."

-

Sitting in the driver's seat. Y/n checked to see if the device was at a proper percentage. She closed the car door and sighed. Scrolling through it sees nothing new. They turned around to face the building to return. They stopped and looked up. Seeing a figure by the light pole in front of them The figure had the same costume as Y/n. The apron. The boots. Pants. Looking up they saw...the same face. It was Y/n!

The dark circles under the eyes were much noticeable. The blue surgical mask covered the lower half of the person's face. But Y/n wasn't stupid. They saw themself many times in the mirror to tell who it was. And every strand of hair on the person's head. Could tell that certainly was Y/n. 

The e/c eyes stared at Y/n's form. Boring into their face. A feeling they similarly got only from Nines.  But the gaze coming from..them, made Y/n freeze.

Staring at the person. It was like an exact replica, a doppelganger. 

Y/n could hear the sounds coming from the person. A muffled purr of some sort, scuffling shoes. It couldn't seem to stand still.

"...who are you--" Y/n was cut off by the doppelganger launching itself towards them - gripping the side of their face. It's nails digging into their skin. Y/n let out a surprised scream. Hearing the strained grumbles and grows coming from the thing on top of them.

Y/n felt themself land on the ground. The concrete knocking the wind from their body. Y/n was more surprised than scared. Of course they had many hand to hand combat on the field. But this didn't feel right at all.

Acting quick and raising an arm to shove off the doppelganger. Switching sides as they were now on top of the person, straddling it by the hips, Y/n felt it shift and swing an arm. Y/n quickly backed off of the person in an attempt to not get hit. It had a knife. Making it clear that it was meaning to harm Y/n. Y/n quickly backpedaled and stood up.  The sound of their huffing and puffing. And both of their shoes scuffling on the pavement. The person stood up. Shaking itself as if to remove the dirt that collected on its shirt from the pavement.

"Y/n. What's ta-"

"Okay, so Nines! There's some weird shit going on!" Y/n jogged over to the door that Nines held open. He was now staring at Y/n's doppelganger who quickly had stood up staring at the two. Once it made eye contact with Nines. It seemed to stop in its former actions and stare, before scurrying away down the sidewalk. 

"Who was that? What's going on?" He asks. Y/n shoved Nines into the building as he spoke. 

"I don't know! But we have to do something!" She shouts. The LED on Nines temple was flickering from red to yellow. Y/n was already making their way towards the booth. 

"Hank. You would not believe this. But I just got attacked by my own self. We need to find out what's going on." Y/n interrupted whatever conversation he was having with the group at the table. Connor was the first to look over. 

"Yourself?"

"Yes! Now come on. This is serious." Hank could tell whether or not Y/n was joking or not. Which...truly wasn't that hard to tell if they were. He stood up from the booth, luckily he was seated on the outside. 

"What's going on?" 

Nines soon made his way over to the table. 

"I was attacked by someone who looked exactly like me. Which, that can explain what happened earlier today. But! I have a crazy ass doppelganger!"

"Oh Christ." Hank muttered. Crossing his arms and looking at Y/n and then at Nines. And back at Y/n.

Gavin soon stood up.

"Oh, I have to see this." He spoke up. Hank ignored the man and looked back at Y/n. "Where did you last see this person."

"When I was outside. It attacked me--"

"The hell? Did you go after them?"

"No. They ran away before I can even do anything." Hank nods. Snapping his finger and pointing towards the exit.

"To the car. Let's go. Connor. Come on." Connor stoop up and stood next to Hank.

"Looks like we got some searching to do."

[clockwork-fayz]

The Most Perfect Proposal Chapter 3 (SIMBAR)

Chapter One        Chapter Two         Ao3

“Mis amigos. I need your help. Tomorrow I am taking Ambár to dinner and then for a walk around the park where I first kissed her. And I am going to ask her to marry me. Will you help me make it work?”

“ ¡Órale!” Luna shouted, “¡Si claro, we would love to help! Right Matteo? This is so exciting, I cannot believe that it is finally happening! Can you believe it Matteo? ”

Matteo tried to stifle his laugh and looked surprised. “I can’t!

Simón and Matteo had a lengthy argument about Simón telling Luna about the proposal. Matteo wanted to keep everything a secret from all of the girls, and to a certain extent Simón agreed, but Luna was his best friend. She would kill him if he didn’t tell her he was going to propose to Ambár. 

“You can’t say anything to her though, ok Luna?”

“I promise I won’t!” Luna squealed, “This is going to be so much fun!” 

The following afternoon, Matteo and Luna hauled all the supplies that Simón had provided for the proposal. 

“Dios mio, how many candles did Simón think he needed?” Matteo asked, breaking a sweat at carrying the heavy bag. 

“As many to light up this whole path!” Luna exclaimed, bouncing beside him carrying the paper lanterns. “This is going to be so romantic looking!” 

“This is going to be a fire hazard is what it’s going to be,” Matteo grumbled. 

Luna ignored the comment and ran to the bench under the tree where the proposal was to happen. 

“Simón really did scout out the perfect place! We just need to figure out how to get these into the tree.”

“Well we have exactly two hours,” Matteo said, looking at his watch. “Hope you can climb trees Luna.”

They found out quickly that they should have brought a ladder instead. Climbing the tree was simply not going to work. Instead, Luna climbed up onto Matteo's shoulders and she strung them the best she could. Then they wrapped the trunk with string lights. 

Afterwards they set out the candles, 36 of them to be exact. They lined them along the path, waiting to light them until the last moment so they didn’t run low. Luna then had a ball throwing rose petals along the path and around the bench. 

“Are you la niña de las flores?” Matteo laughed. 

“I never got to be one as a little girl,” Luna replied, matter of factly. 

“Maybe Simón and Ambár will let you be theirs,” Matteo joked. “You’d be amazing at it.” 

“I would kill it,” Luna agreed, “We have forty five minutes, let’s figure out the camera settings before we light the candles.”

They sat on the bench arguing over the camera settings, unaware that the sun was quickly setting, bringing the darkness around them. Luna suddenly sat up straight, grabbing Matteo’s arm to look at the time.

“Matteo! They will be here in 10 minutes! We have to light the candles!”

Each of them grabbed a lighter, taking a side of the path to light and racing to see who could get done the fastest. Luna won, Matteo claiming that cheated. 

“Okay, okay. Go plug in the tree Matteo and I am going to grab Simón's guitar from the car.” Luna sprinted off, leaving Matteo to wrangle the extension cords over to the electrical outlet. When Luna came back she gasped. 

Matteo was jogging back, stopping when he saw Luna frozen in amazement. 

Matteo whistled. “I think we missed our calling Luna. We should have been decorators.” 

Luna gave him a high five. “Seriously, we should be getting paid.” Luna went and rested the guitar on the bench and the look was complete. 

Matteo grabbed her hand. “Let’s go hide in the bushes.” 

……

While Luna and Matteo were decorating, Simón was nervously eating dinner with Ambár at a restaurant not so far away. Simón always thought that Ambár was beautiful, but tonight she was dressed to the nines. She was wearing a white dress with silver earrings and a necklace. He couldn’t help but think that the ring in his pocket would compliment the look. 

Ambár could tell that Simón was nervous about something. His hand shook when he took a sip of the wine. He nervously smiled at her when she asked what was wrong. 

“Nothing, my love. I am enjoying my time with my beautiful company.”

 The thought crossed Ambár’s mind that this could be the night, the night that he finally proposed to her after the last several years of dating. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up so she brushed the thought off. But they came back after dinner when Simón said “Let’s go for a walk.” 

“A walk? It’s dark outside,” Ambár laughed. But Simón took her hand and kissed it. 

“Trust me, mi amor. Let’s go for a walk.”

Ambár gave him a skeptical look but let him lead her into the night. After walking a ways, Ambár figured out where they were going.

“We are walking to the park where you first kissed me. Simón , what are you planning?”

He gave her a wink and said nothing. Her questions were soon answered when twinkling lights appeared ahead. 

The path ahead was illuminated with the candlelight. The warm glow trailed to the tree, lit up with strings of lights and lanterns. Ambár saw Simón’s guitar resting on the bench below the tree and she turned to him. 

“Simón, what is all of this?” Ambár asked. Her eyes were wide, sparkling as she looked at her boyfriend. Simón thought he could look into those eyes forever. He kissed her on the cheek, taking her hand and leading her down the path. She walked closely to him, constantly glancing over to see that he was watching her. 

“I wrote you a song,” Simón said when they were under the tree, letting go of her hand and picking up his guitar. Ambár sat on the bench, her gaze never leaving the man in front of her. He sat down beside her, and started to strum. 

“I hope you like it,” he said, before he started to croon to her. 

“Creo en tu amor, por mi

Sólo atrévete, y sigueme hasta el fin 

Y ya te encontré, tal dulce tú te ves

Nunca pensé que tueras tú lo que siempre esperé”

Tears started to come to Ambár���s eyes. She wiped one away with her shaking fingers as she let the sound of Simón’s voice engulf her. 

“Eramos niños buscando amor 

Sin saber sentirlo 

Pero Ahora No renunciaré

Besamé lento amor

Tengo tú corazón

El mio en tus nanos ya está”

Simón’s eyes started to tear up as he watched Ambár listening to him. He tried to put everything he felt into his voice. Every word of love he thought, every spark of joy that she gave him, every beat of his heart that she made happen. 

“Bailaré

En la oscuridad, Abrazandote 

Descalzos al bailar, Nuestra favorita ya sono 

Dices que te ves tañ mal 

Yo susurré y dÿe 

Eres tan bella

Y la más Perfecta amor” 

He put the guitar down and took Ambár’s hands, getting down on his knee in front of her. 

“Ambár. Years ago we met under less than ideal circumstances. I was living in the warehouse in your backyard, we were not on the best of terms. So much has happened since then. We have both changed as people for the better. You are so full of love Ambár, I see the way you care for our friends and for the rink and it fills me with so much joy and happiness. I cherish every minute that I spend with you and I want to spend every moment with you for the rest of our lives.”

Simón let go of her hands so that he could reach into his pocket and pull out the small black box. 

“Ambár Smith. ¿Te casarás conmigo?” 

Ambár nodded tearfully, grabbing Simón's face in her hands and kissing him. 

“Si, a million times yes Simón.” 

Simón's smile lit up the night as he took the ring out of the box and slipped it on Ambár’s finger. She gasped, looking at it for the first time. The teardrop shape diamond outlined by tiny diamonds sparkled. Pearls adorned the top of the diamond, giving it a crowned look. 

“It’s beautiful Simón,” Ambár said, leaning to kiss Simón again. 

“It came all the way from México just for you mi amor.” 

Simón sat on the bench next to his fiance, Ambár leaning on his shoulder admiring the ring.  

“I have to warn you, Luna and Matteo are somewhere in the bushes taking pictures.” 

Ambár gave a little laugh. “Perfect.” She looked up at Simón, He kissed her head. “Of course my love.” And he grabbed his guitar. 

[savittski-writes]

Doppelgängers Part Seven

So this is part seven of my AU crossover fic between Beetlejuice the Musical and School of Rock the Musical. Anyway, usual disclaimer that this is my first time writing for these characters, so it might be a little out of character. The idea for the story is based off this post:

https://colanom.tumblr.com/post/613740109133742080/au-where-charles-and-rosalie-are-cousins-and-ros

Title: Doppelgängers

Part: 7/9

Word Count: 1,117

Summary: Rosalie Mullins and Charles Deetz are cousins who have always been very close, if not a little emotionally stilted. When Charles and Delia invite Rosalie and her plus one to their wedding, what shenanigans will ensue? And why does Rosalie’s new boyfriend bear a striking resemblance to a certain stripey demon?

In this part: Everything has been explained to Ros and Dewey. Ros must come to terms with what is going on while Dewey is just glad he’s not the biggest screw up in the room.

Part One

Part Six

Part Eight

Chapter Seven: Whaddya Say, Amigo?

Deetz Residence, Living Room

“Remind me again why I couldn’t at least tell my side of it?” Beetlejuice asked grumpily from where he sat on the couch, arms crossed over his chest like a petulant teenager. Charles, Delia, and the Maitlands all rolled their eyes, glaring towards where the demon rested. Rosalie and Dewey, who was now sat on the floor in front of her armchair, both looked rather pensive as they took in the story the group had just finished telling them.

“Probably because you get very distracted, Beej,” Lydia drawled from where she sat upside down on the couch next to Beetlejuice.

“That and you tend to retell your Katherine Hepburn story a lot,” Barbara spoke up, glancing sideways to Adam. Both shivered in disgust as they remembered all the awful times they had to hear him recount the story. 

“Yeah, whatever,” the demon muttered as he waved a hand at the ghosts. “How’re you doing over there carbon copy? Still with us?” Dewey blinked, looking up at the demon’s words and gave a slight shrug.

“Well… I guess I’m a little relieved,” Dewey admitted at last, fighting back the smirk that was threatening to form on his face.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Beetlejuice asked at the same time Rosalie questioned, “Dewey?”

“Relieved that… someone actually fucked up more than I did,” Dewey said with a small chuckle before tilting his head back to look at Rosalie. “Hear that, Ros? Someone topped what I did!”

“That doesn’t make it any better, Dewey,” Rosalie chided in a disapproving tone, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend.

“Ah, you love me. Besides, I only lied. At least I didn’t torture, extort, or attempt murder,” Dewey pointed out helpfully with a smile. Rosalie’s eyes narrowed at the man, almost forgetting the other people in the room. In truth, she was thankful for the banter between herself and her boyfriend. It was a welcome reprieve from the situation that would allow her a few extra moments to come to terms with everything going on right now.

“You kidnapped children under false pretenses!”

“I did no such thing,” Dewey argued back immediately, turning fully to face her now. “I mean, one, I had already come clean by that point. So there were no false pretenses to speak of. And two, they kidnapped me, if anything. They hijacked the bus and came to my apartment. I was totally prepared to spend a night wallowing in self pity and drinking alone.”

“That… is pathetic,” the demon doppelgänger commented from across the room. Dewey turned back to him with a glare, though it seemed the gothy teenager was on his side just this once.

“Not any more pathetic than moping on a roof with purple hair and singing about how you’re invisible,” Lydia pointed out, drawing the demon’s ire. Beetlejuice couldn’t stay mad at Lydia for long though, and he couldn’t really argue the point. “Touché.” 

“I’m not sure I even want to know what you’re talking about, Rosie,” Charles decided as he massaged his temples, looking about ready to pull his hair out.

“Is it hardwired into your DNA, and the DNA of pretty much anyone who looks like you to be… slightly unhinged?” Adam asked, mostly rhetorically from where he and Barbara stood by the stairs. He glanced between the two doppelgängers, shaking his head at their similar mannerisms, energy levels, and general chaoticness they exuded. The only thing Adam was thankful for was that Dewey obviously had a functioning moral compass and general understanding for boundaries.

“Definitely. You should see our actor. He’s just as chaotic as we are,” Beetlejuice added, nodding sagely.

“What?”

“What?”

“What?” Beetlejuice asked innocently, glancing between Dewey and Lydia, who had both spoken. “Nothing, nothing! Forget I said anything at all!” The room’s occupants stared blankly at the demon, looking slightly concerned. Even those who were used to his antics were rather confused and uncertain of exactly what to say. Deciding that the weirdness had reached a level she was not prepared to deal with, Rosalie cut the tension.

“So… back to the most important topic. You moved into a haunted house and your daughter summoned a demon who went haywire, you brought to life and killed, and now plays house with you?” Rosalie summarized, looking to her cousin. Charles could only nod silently, not really sure of what else he could say to alleviate the tension or to assuage his cousin’s fears or worries. 

“Yeah, and for some reason my dead dumbass looks exactly like your living dumbass,” Lydia added, gesturing between the demon and Rosalie’s boyfriend. Both men bristled slightly at her words and shot her almost identical annoyed looks. “Okay, that’s weird, and I’ve seen a lot of weird shit. Even your clones don’t look this exact, Beej.” 

“That’s actually a very valid point. Why do you guys look so much alike?” Barbara asked as she stepped further into the room, glancing back and forth between the two men. “It’s uncanny. I mean, you would look identical if you just-”

“-Did this?” Beetlejuice questioned with a grin as he snapped his fingers and disappeared behind a wall of green smoke. Once the smoke had cleared, he looked remarkably cleaner with similar messy dark hair and beard. The only obvious difference between the two at that moment were their outfits and postures.

“Holy shit!”

“Language, Lydia!” Adam chided tiredly, glancing between the now identical demon and man.

“Whaddya say, amigo?” Beetlejuice asked as he reappeared sitting next to Dewey, elbowing him in the side. “Up for raising a little Hell?” Dewey for his part, looked slightly torn between being responsible and giving into his immature urges to have a little fun and take advantage of the situation.

“Well… I never was great at following the rules. And a little fun never hurt anyone,” Dewey conceded with a small smile, earning groans from most of everyone in the room apart from the demon and the goth. He was pleased to note that Rosalie’s groan sounded more fondly exasperated than genuinely put out.

“Tomorrow will be a disaster,” Charles groaned as he dropped his head into his hands, leaning forward in the other arm chair he sat in. Delia tried to soothe her future husband once more, rubbing his shoulders.

“Everything happens for a reason, Charles, so try not to stress. As my guru Otho always says, every success-”

“Starts with sucks and ends with yes,” the Deetz family chorused in varying degrees of enthusiasm, much to the confusion of Dewey and Rosalie. This was going to be a long day, and probably an even longer weekend.

[theonewiththefanfics]

Not So Bad After All (one-shot)

Synopsys: When the Reader’s car won’t start and the only person around is Billy Hargrove, she’d rather let the Demogorgon take her out on a date. But when her crazy ex decides to roll around, having another person in her corner might not be that bad. 

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x f!Reader

Genre: fluff, lil bit of angst, but only like if you squint

Warnings: swearing, mentions of stalkerish behaviour, suggestive talk, but nothing much. If there’s anything else, please let me know :)

Word count: 3008

        Summer nights in Hawkins were like a game of Russian roulette. They could be hot and sweltering, and to the point that you wanted to camp on the lake for some kind of relief from the heat, or they could be ruled by piercing winds, and temperatures that dropped below 50 degrees, despite the weather during the day being literal Hell.         Fortunately for Y/N, it was the first one, as she had no harrowing want to go back to the community pool in barely there jean shorts, a bikini top and a loose Jaws t-shirt over her body.         Working at the pool was a tradition at this point for her, and forgetting her bag with her driver’s license, wallet and house keys much the same.         Letting out a frustrating huff, she opened the gate to the pool and strutted towards the women’s changing rooms, not acknowledging Billy Hargrove who had applied for the lifeguard job and had gotten it, becoming her partner. Sort of.         They shared shifts, as there needed to be two lifeguards on spot at all times, but if Y/N was being honest, she’d rather share her time with a Demogorgon, than Billy.         He was stuck up, thought he was better than everyone else, flirted mercilessly with anyone that would come up to him, had two boobs and a vagina between their legs. Not that she really cared, but when in the timespan he was offering Nancy Wheeler’s mom ‘private swimming lessons’, a kid had slipped and broken his nose and another one had twisted her ankle, Y/N was very much so over his bullshit.

        Y/N groaned seeing as someone had left the women’s sauna door open, which meant all the heat had escaped into the showers, and she could only hope it hadn’t been left open cause Billy had wanted to have some fun with a girl.         Sighing, Y/N peeked inside and crossed her fingers that she wouldn’t have to clean all that mess up, and it turned out luck was on her side, as everything seemed clean. Heather would still have to mop down the floors in the morning when her shift started, but that was not Y/N’s concern.         As quick as possible, she closed the sauna door, placed a towel by the entrance to soak up the moisture on the tiles and rushed to get her stuff. She was starving by that point, and her dad had promised they’d be having a barbecue night. Just at the thought of food, her stomach released the loudest grumble ever.         With her bag slung over her shoulder, Y/N pulled out her car keys from the back pocket of her shorts and gave Billy a small tight-lipped smile as he held the gate open for her before closing for the night.         “You sure you got everything?” he asked, and she nodded.         “If not, I’ll just get it tomorrow.”         And that was it for their conversation. They weren’t enemies, but they certainly weren’t friends. Y/N hung out with Steve Harrington most of the time, and let’s just say Billy and him were not buddies. Besides, it’s not like Billy had expressed any interest in getting to know her, so why should she?         She pulled back the hair that had stuck to her forehead from the humidity, and dropped her bag into the passenger seat, putting her foot onto the clutch and twisting the key.         Her eyebrows furrowed, and she repeated the motion.         Like before, the engine sputtered, rattled and did nothing.         “Fucking, hell, are you kidding me?” Y/N muttered and slapped her hands against the wheel, stepping out of her car and sighing. “I just fixed you.” It was an old car, but it wasn’t ancient so it made no sense why it would be acting up.         From the corner of her eye, she saw Billy approach, and Y/N rolled her eyes at the cigarette he dumped onto the ground and extinguished with his foot. “Need some help, sweetheart?”         “I’d rather shove a spoon through my eye.”         Billy let out a small snort and shook his head, the dirty blond curls that had stretched out a bit from the heat swishing along his forehead in soft waves. “Come on. I just want to help. I promise that’s all.”         Y/N eyed him sceptically but relented in the end. Maybe she’d need his help and have him spark her car up. “But if your hands go somewhere, I can’t see, you’re dead.”         “Noted, princess.”         She rolled her eyes at the nickname, which seemed to be Billy’s favorite pastime, but nevertheless, Y/N opened her door and leaned to open the glove compartment where a flashlight resided. You never knew, when it could come in hand, and the lighting outside the pool’s parking lot wasn’t the best.         “Pop the hood,” Billy said, and Y/N pressed the button on the inside, the hood obscuring her vision of her ex-classmate.         “Your ignition cable’s gone,” he immediately announced.         “What?” she rushed to his side, shining the light to where Billy was pointing at, and true to his words – the cable was gone.         “Are you kidding me?” Y/N leaned closer but nope, the view didn’t change. The cable was really gone. Right then, the sound of a car engine rolling up next to them made the two look up. Even without glimpsing the shitty green paint job on the Mustang, Y/N would’ve recognized the car and the owner in a matter of seconds.         “You’ve gotta be joking,” she mumbled glaring at the car that was approaching them as if she could see through the metal hood.         Billy’s eyes flitted down to where Y/N was glaring a hole in her car.        "Know who it is?"         “That’s my insane ex-boyfriend. Ever since I broke up with him, which, mind you, was months ago, he’s been stalking me.” She slammed down the hood, and it would’ve made Billy flinch, had it not been for the overwhelming feeling of anger that started to course through his veins. “And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my car’s dead.”         “The pool’s closed, amigo,” Billy called out to the boy who stepped out from his car. The Californian would never admit, but he’d grown really attached to Y/N. He didn’t show it, nor did it seem like she noticed one bit, but he always kept out an eye for her.         Whenever she was the one on closing duty, he lingered around under the guise of trying to hook up with a girl in his car, but in truth, it was to see if she got to her own vehicle safely.         He always made sure Y/N took her lunch breaks and wasn’t in the direct heat of the sun for too long. There had been one time she’d passed out in the girl’s locker room, according to Heather, after having basically worked a double shift, and Billy’s protectiveness just grew. He'd even given half of his sandwich when the only thing Y/N had had time to pack before rushing for her shift had been an apple.         “Y/N,” the dark-haired boy’s tone had the fake-shocked note to it. “I didn’t expect to see you here… is everything alright?”         She crossed her arms and popped her hip out. “It was. Until you showed up and completely ruined my evening.”         “That’s a bit mean, isn’t’ it?” the guy chuckled, and pretty much simultaneously both Y/N’s and Billy’s jaws clenched. Hers because Derek was the last person on her list of people she wanted to see, Billy’s cause he could instantly tell what a disgusting slime ball he was.         “We’re alright here,” the blond answered and puffed up his chest a bit if only to make it clear Y/N didn’t need his help and neither wanted him there. “And again – the pool is closed. So, piss off.”         Derek scoffed. “Yeah, I wasn’t talking to you, Hargrove. I was talking to the lady here.”         “Well I don’t think she wants to talk to you,” Billy sneered in response and looked over at Y/N who was just looking at Derek. For the first time ever, he was glad her eyes were not on him. Whenever he caught her glancing his way, his heart sped up in excitement, but now... if looks could kill, Billy was sure Derek would be twenty feet under.         “I think she can talk for herself, right, lovie?”         And Derek got what he wanted – a reaction out of her. Y/N hated that nickname, had always despised it, but it took two to play a game.         “Car trouble,” she said and slowly walked closer to Derek and coincidentally, but not really so coincidentally, her trunk. “Couldn’t start it, and Billy here offered his help.”         “You know that you can always ask me for help, right?” Derek’s tone was softer now but held an edge to it as he eyed Billy. “We might not be together, but I still care about you. Unlike the slut of the town who probably just wants to get in your pants.”         “Oh, I don’t doubt that,” Y/N smiled at the ground, and it made Billy’s heart clench. He knew he had a reputation, but that didn’t mean he didn’t genuinely care for her. Though when she pulled out a baseball bat, her grip tight around the handle, his mood shifted. “But there’s caring about someone,” she said, “and then there’s your absolute psycho behavior.”         “Y-Y/N?” Derek stuttered, and Billy crossed his arms with a smug look on his face.         “See here’s the thing, Billy boy here said that my ignition cable’s gone, which is funny, cause I was at the pool for barely five minutes,” she tossed the bat from one hand to the other before flipping it in her palm. “And less than two minutes after I’m in a little bit of trouble, you,” she pointed at Derek with the bat, “show up. And if you think I believe in coincidences such as this, you’re dead wrong.”         Derek bristled, and Y/N smiled seeing a muscle in his jaw tick, especially when Billy went to tower behind the other guy’s back. “You can’t be serious and think that I'd do something to your car? This is ridiculous.”        “Then you wouldn’t mind me searching your Mustang?” She pointed with the bat at the window. From the corner of her eye, Y/N could see Billy’s lips pull up in a smirk. She’d be lying if the thought of having him on her side wasn’t a soothing one.        Derek’s eyes widened at the sight, and he gulped when she gently slid the piece of wood across his back window.        “You wouldn’t mind me taking a look, would you?” Y/N repeated in a way too sweet of a tone.        “You’re crazy,” he said, making her eyes darken.        “Fine. Then I guess I just have to make myself fit that label,” she sneered and swung the bat back. Just as it was about to reach the window, Derek screamed, ‘alright, fine!’        His chest was heaving up and down, but Y/N could see how his fists clenched and unclenched. “Do whatever the fuck you want.”        In mock gratitude, Y/N put a hand against her chest. “Thank you.”        Her eyes flitted to Billy. “Would you mind keeping an eye on him?”        The Californian’s grin widened, and his tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip. “Not at all, princess. Take as much time as you need.”        But Y/N only had to look for three minutes, before she remembered that under the backseats, there was a compartment Derek had made to stash his weed, fearing his parents might find it if he hid it in his room, so with a little bit of prying and almost breaking off a nail, Y/N opened the little compartment and was greeted by a greasy tube sticking out from it.        “Oh, Billy, would you look at that!” Y/N exclaimed not surprised at all as she threw the boy the cable. “I think we found the hidden treasure.”         “Well, I think you need to change professions from a lifeguard and become an archaeologist, miss Indiana Jones.”         “Exactly my thoughts,” but her sarcastic reply was not filled with any humor at all.        “Listen here, you absolute psycho,” Y/N growled as she moved closer, grip tightening around her bat. “If I even smell you anywhere near me, your ass is dead. Got it? I broke up with you cause you were a piece of shit, but I wanted to remain civil. Though, now, it seems like it’s not possible.”        But as much as Derek was scared, ‘cause he knew Y/N never made threats only promises, he still wouldn’t see the error of his ways. “Come on, darling. I just miss you. Why don’t we go grab a bite and talk everything out? Let’s not let this dent our relationship…”         “Dent,” Y/N chuckled and shook her head. “The only dent that I’ll ever acknowledge, cause there’s no relationship between us, is the dent in your car.”         Simultaneously as Derek yelled ‘what?!’ Y/N swung back the bat and let it connect with the passenger door.         “You bitch! What are you doing you psychopath?!” her ex screamed as his hands went to tangle in his hair. “I’ll make you pay for that, just you wait!”        “Go on,” she smirked heaving in a breath after she left another dent on the side, “tell your daddy and mommy your crazy ex busted up your car. And I’ll tell Hopper how you’ve been parked outside of my house for the past three months trying to spy on me. Or how about the times you've followed me with your car? Who do you think he’ll believe – me, someone with evidence – or you – a bitter boy who just can’t get over a girl that doesn’t want him?”        Derek’s eyes widened in fear. “What evidence?”        Y/N scoffed and crossed her arms. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice you lurking outside my house and not do anything about it? I know how people treat women, that whenever they say something it’s because they’re crazed bitches. So,” she smiled smugly, “I had my parents install a security system with cameras. And your license plate shines brightly under those streetlights. Oh, and how could I forget our star witness tonight. Billy, sweetheart, if I went to Hop and told him about everything, would you mind corroborating the story? You know, how I came here to get my stuff, how I couldn’t start my car and we found out my ignition cable was gone. Not to even mention, how it turned up in the back of Derek's car here?”        “Of course not, princess,” he smiled mimicking Y/N’s position. “It would be an absolute honor.”        “You’ll never get into her pants,” Derek sneered at the other guy, trying to strike a chord, “in three years she didn’t put out once.”        “Trust me,” came Y/N’s immediate reply. “Billy has more chance of getting with me than you ever had or will. Now stay away from me, or it’ll end uglier than it started.”        Derek swung open his door and hopped in his car, sneering out a ‘you’ll regret this, you bitch’, before driving away into the night.        “Gotta say, Y/L/N,” Billy smirked and helped reinstall the cables to her car, “I’d be lying if I said I’m not scared and aroused at the same time.”        “Busting up a car makes you hard?” she let out a genuine laugh sitting down into the driver’s seat and turning the key, fist-bumping the air as her car roared back to life.         “No, but a girl not taking anyone’s bullshit might,” the look on his face was the pure embodiment of what she thought of Billy, of his womanizing ways, and Y/N rolled her eyes.         “If you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been taking your bullshit either.”         He sucked his bottom lip between his teeth before answering completely honestly. “Then why do you think I’ve been trying so hard to make you like me?”         Her jaw practically slammed through the car floor, because when Y/N’s eyes met his, there was not a single trace of him lying or scheming something up. This was Billy without his bravado, asking out a girl he had actual feelings for, and hoping that she wouldn’t break his heart too much.        “What are you doing this Friday?” Y/N asked both hands on the wheel to have something to hold on instead of fidget with her fingers.        For a second, he was stunned but quickly regained his composure. “Dunno,” Billy smirked, “have any ideas?”        Y/N shrugged but didn’t hide the smile that blossomed on her lips. “They’re still showing Day of the Dead. Wanna go and watch?”        He seemed to contemplate her proposal but then shook his head. “Can’t,” he chuckled. “I’m taking this smokin'-hot chick on a date tomorrow morning, so hopefully on Friday it’ll be our third one.” But his face had this huge grin on that made her frown in confusion.         “Then why did you say you don’t know?”         “Cause first I have to take you out for breakfast.”        “What?” her eyebrows scrunched up and she let out a small laugh. Billy pointed at her before hopping into his Camaro, rolling down the passenger side window and stating, “10 AM. Benny’s. Be ready or I’ll leave without you.”         With that, he revved up his beloved blue baby and reversed out from the parking lot.         What she didn’t see was how he smiled all the way back to his house even doing a little dance as he walked up the steps.         What he didn’t see was how she squealed in excitement and hugged both her parents when she got home so hard they thought they’d pass out.         “What’s up with you?” Y/N’s father laughed seeing his daughter so over the moon that he had to look at her mom with a raised eyebrow.         “Nothing,” she shook her. “I’m just… happy.”         Luckily they didn't question her any further, and just let her smile as widely as her cheeks would allow.        Maybe the bad boy of Hawkins wasn’t that bad after all.

Tags (crossed out wouldn't take):

Forever tags: @lumelgy @palaiasaurus64 @supernaturalbaesduh @breezy1415 @crazy--me @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @sea040561 @staryeyedgirl @deathbyarabbit @s-c-a-r-e-d-po-t-t-e-r @reblogger-not-a-blogger @m-a-t-91 @dalilx @i-need-a-hero-i-need-a-loki @maladaptive-ninja-returns @averyrogers83 @in-the-end-im-still-trash @gallifreyansass @dewy-biitch @avxgers @unlikelygalaxygiver @sweet-ladyy @magicwithaknife @ollyoxenfrees @bnhvrdy @tvwhoresblog @celebsimagines @thatkindofgurl @sj-thefan @teenwolflover28

Billy Hargrove’s tag list: @la-reina-tigresa @youcanstandundermyumbrella

A/N: thought I’d get something else up as well for Billy :)

[guigz1-coldwar]

'Running on the roofs' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

"Running on the roofs"

Chapter Summary : Yirina is still struggling with her bad thoughts as her & Garrett are awaiting for the mission to happen....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3300

-----------------------------------------

After I called Park with Garrett's satellite phone, I stayed a bit in my room, trying to think that my presence in Cuba wasn't going to be very long and it's sure that tomorrow in the morning, we will be back at West-Berlin in the safehouse maybe next to Park in our common bed. Garrett has planned almost everything in here and since we know where is exactly Vargas, our little trip here is just going to be for today. I was still feeling mixed between sadness and happiness....first to be here....second to have talked to Park, it was the best thing I did in here.

Once I was able to calm myself down in the bed, I decided that it was time to leave my room to join Garrett in the small living room of the apartment, giving him back his phone and to finally get myself to work. Instead of staying all day in here to wait until we had to meet Garret's contact at that bar, we decided to make some scouting about where Vargas was living : an big apartment with at least enough place to have an lot of men at his charge. Since we didn't bring any big firepower in here, it will be Garrett's contact that will do the trick....must be someone well-placed to do that.....

There were an thing that astonished me during our walks in the city and I just saw it only at these moments : this place was like really back in time opposed to the West. All the cars, the clothes....it was like this place never left the 50's. It can mainly be explained by the US embargo on Cuba due to be the only communist regime in the whole America and frankly, it was very strange to discover some sort of a new world in here : I had a feeling to discover the 50s as an fully-growed adult.

However, there were no time to look at these details anymore as the night were starting to fall on the city, meaning that we had to go to the meeting point : the 'Montserrate Bar'. We arrived at the place at 9 PM and we installed ourselves in a discreet part of the bar, wanting us to keep an low profile as perfect looking westerners in a communist country.

"So, when will your contact arrive ?" I asked Garrett as I put my arms on the high table we installed ourselses, looking behind him in case my question could be quick answered.

"Maybe in 10 minutes, said he got something to take care of." He replied as he started to light up an cigarette before he proposed one to me. "Want one ?" I shook my head.

"Not for the moment." I gestured to him, raising slowly my hand to put the cigarette away. "I don't want to stress too much."

"Smoke is stressing you ?" He raised an eyebrow, confused.

"No, I didn't say that but it's just the place that is stressing me."  I confessed, looking at the bar around me. "I only want to deal with Vargas quickly and then, get away from here." I added in a low voice before looking back at him....my bad thoughts was just coming back in my head.

"You're still thinking of what happened to you here ?" I nodded to him.

"There's things I can't forget, Garrett." I affirmed, clear in my voice "What happened here is still in my mind, I can't forget." I continued

"Listen, we're gonna be quick here and those bad thoughts in you will fly away like that when we will be gone." He snapped his fingers, blowing smoke. He was trying to recomfort me but it couldn't work like that.

"No, it's not going to work like this." I exclaimed, holding my forehead with my left hand, arms on the table. "It's not just little bad thoughts."

"Shit, the tone of the voice means that it's damn serious." He told me, surprised.

"Of course it has to be !" I raised my voice against him but I quickly get it down, wanting to stay silent as people almost looked at me. "Someone I considered like an brother died in this country because of me." I whispered, sniffing and holding back my tears.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." He was apologizing and I could understand, he wasn't aware of it before I had an thought in my head

"You...you want to know what happened that day ?" I asked him and frankly, I wasn't so sure of myself and my own words.

"Hm....Yirina, I'm not sure if it's a good idea." He bit his lips, looking at me with wide eyes, not okay with my idea.

"No, you might need to know why I'm like this." I said to him and I could see on his face that he realize that he had to know.

"Uhm....okay but...if you don't want to do this...."

"No, I will !" I cut him straight in his words, looking at him seriously. "Okay !" I breathed before I redressed myself standing up, ready to concentrate myself and then, I closed my eyes "It was 3 years ago....."

"RPG !" It was Lazar's voice yelling to me & Park as I was just getting hooked up to the ballon that was going to extract us from the complex Perseus used to hide an Greenlight asset. To be honest, his voice....I could feel the fear in it and the urge to run away from the place before we got blow up....They didn't have time to hook themselves to the ballon that the soldier who had the RPG fired and the rocket flied at our position.

I was sent away by the rocket's blast and the last thing I saw before I blacked out for an few instants was Park & Lazar flying above me in each one direction.....you understand ?....It was the last time I saw Lazar not hurt and not harmed. When I slowly opened my eyes, I could taste the blood in my own mouth, looking at the ground in pain as I was regaining consciousness of the fucking situation we were now.

When I looked up, I could see Park & Lazar on the ground wounded and they couldn't move at all, each one of them were hurt. Park....she couldn't feel her own legs and Lazar....a piece of metal was in his left leg, unable to move it at all...he was like paralyzed in place, handing his both hand to me & Park.

"Jess...I....can't....I can't feel my legs !" Park was sounding too hurt, she was looking at me with her face with cuts and open wounds on it. I breathed heavily as I was looking at her before I looked at Lazar.

"Help Park, Bell, quick !" He ordered me as he tried to remove the piece of metal in his leg. "Do it !" He asked me again as I slowly started to move to get to Park, him focused in removing that piece of metal.

"I'm....I'm here !" I whispered to Park as I arrived next to her, she was looking petrified at me, seeing me in that state and me too, looking at her. "It's okay..." I start to hook her with me, strapping her around my waist before she put her both arms around my neck.

"Lazar...."  Park's voice was sounding too low as she was looking to him before I did the same....He succeeded to remove the thing from his leg but he was still unable to move.

"Lazar, take my hand !" I handed over my hand to him and he was doing the same.....before we could hear the sound of an plane coming in.....the plane that was going to take us away....just nearly going to hit the ballon....and Lazar wasn't hooked to the ballon. "Lazar !" I shouted to him.

"Bell !" He started to breath loudly before he closed his eyes and then reopened it again....surely knowing that he wasn't going to make it out alive. "Promise me....take care of Park !" He exclaimed loudly to me.....before I could feel myself & Park getting off the ground, shouting Lazar's name as I saw him getting shot by Tropas....that was the last moment I saw him alive !

Take care of Park.....it was....his last words to me !

"Take care of Park..." I whispered to myself as I reopened my eyes in the bar, facing Garrett who was shocked to hear me talking about that event, he couldn't know how to feel right now as me....I was still hearing Lazar's voice asking me to fullfill his promise in my head....I didn't know how to feel right now....guilty ?

"Shit..." Garrett looked away from me, holding his cigarette in hand, he was certainly bewildered now, trying to keep his cool. "Yirina, I'm....I'm so sorry."

"It's my fault that he died, Garrett." I told him, taking back an normal voice, looking at him seriously. "I wasn't faster to save him." I sniffed. "I'm the one to blame in here....and to be honest, don't try to tell me that it wasn't my fault." I passed my hand through my hand & face, sort of ashamed of myself.

"Yirina, it's....." He stopped himself, looking troubled. "I know that you said it but it wasn't your fault." He affirmed to me but I wasn't listening like if I closed my ears....I'm the one to blame here...."Maybe I'm not the only one who told you this but it's true....it isn't your fault." I crossed my arms on the table, looking at it.

"Listen....let's...let's change the subject." I breathed, not looking at Garrett. "It's better, right ?" He nodded to me as I put my eyes on him again, just trying to remove the bad thoughts I just got back after reliving that.

"Yeah, it's better..." He replied before I looked behind him, seeing an hooded man enter the bar, having his eyes in all his directions before he put his eyes on Garrett himself.

"Think that your contact is here." I spoke to Garrett who turn his head around to look discreetly to verifly my claim.

"Yes, it's him." He told me, crushing his cigarette in the ashtray on the table between us as the hooded man arrived next to us with an friendly face. "Garcia !"

"Donovan, mi amigo !" The man exclaimed as the two shook hands in front of me. "The MI6 didn't send you here for vacations as you told me." He added, making me curious about how this 'concerned citizen' knew of Garrett MI6 status.

"Not about Vargas himself." Garrett finished to shook hands before he looked at me. "Oh, Garcia, she's Yirina Grigoriev, working also with the MI6." I handed over my hand with Garcia who agreed and we shook hands as well. "He's Mendo Garcia....working with the DGI."

"DGI ?" I asked, confused to Garrett, knowing that the DGI is the cuban organization for counter-espionage and to be sure, an rival to the West organizations.

"Even if we are maybe enemies, we can work well together !" Garcia exclaimed, making Garrett smile about it and me, doing the same thing but more a little one. "Besides, we all have an common enemy !"

"Anything new for Vargas ?" Garrett asked him.

"I was able to get the police close their eyes and ears for about 20 minutes, will be an large window for you to act." Garcia responded, tapping Garrett left shoulder. "As I promised you an favor an long time, I will help you with that." He added, surprised to hear Garcia saying that he will help us. "Follow me, it's time for us to go to work." He then start to walk away to get out of as we followed him.

It was time for us to get into action, to get this done very quick and then, be in our very way out of Cuba. We followed Garcia outside the bar with Garrett reassuring of Garcia's good motives before we arrived at, what I supposed to be Garcia's car, hidden from the public sight right next to Vargas hideout, he opened the trunk of it, revealing bulletproofs vest and also 3 guns with at least 4 four mags for each : a AK-74u, a MP5 and an Milano 821. I took the MP5 with me as Garrett took the Milano and Garcia the AK-74u

"Courtesy from the DGI !" Garcia scoffed as we put the bulletproof vest on top of our jacket.

"Can say that it's nice from you, Garcia." I told him as he smiled at me.

"The friends of my friends are my friend, mi amiga." He affirmed as he closed the trunk of the car with us fully prepared and armed in hidden sight from the civilians. "Come on, time for you to get Vargas." He loaded his gun before walking away in the direction of Vargas apartment with us behind him.

We arrived behind the apartment that was more looking like an house and by luck, there were an garden where we could infiltrate ourselves in. We jumped in it to discover Vargas, talking to some of his mens around an table, apparently drinking and laughing....an perfect occasion to strike and once we were ready, we opened fire to the inside, aiming mainly Vargas mens and not him directly. Unfortunately, as soon as we start to shoot that he was already running upstairs. We killed at least 8 guys with just mag each.

"Shit, he's running away !" Garrett yelled as he just saw starting to run from his cover.

"So, we're doing the same." I exclaimed as I entered the apartment very fast from the broken window we shot through, spanning over the dead bodies on my way before I started to get up the stairs, still aiming on top to not be surprised by someone. Garcia & Garrett was just behind me from up close.

We arrived on the first floor, realizing that Vargas was actually trying to flee away by taking the roofs of the building around us meaning that we had no choice to do the same as him. I was the first to step on the roof and I was greeted by an man who tried to knock me out with his own gun but I countered him, striking him first before taking his own knife to plant right under his chin and then, I got myself into cover as at least 2 guys were shooting us from behind some chimneys.

"They're blocking our way to get to Vargas." Garrett peaked his head from his cover as we were seeing Vargas fleeing away as his men were covering him. "We got to find a way."

"I know the place, amigo." Garcia said, reloading his gun "There's an way to get around them." He showed to us an open door just next to him and it was some sort of large corridor and when I tried to find the end of it, it was just leading just behind the covers Vargas mens

"Let me do it." I said, seeing the opportunity presenting itself. "Stay here, they still need to believe that we all here." I added before I moved quickly to get to Garcia's cover and then I entered rapidly inside the corridor, aiming forwards and advancing faster.

I arrived at the end until I was surprised by an third guy that was probably awaiting for me. I reacted quickly to avoid his punch before I headbutt the guy open and I took his pistol that was strapped at his jacket before realizing he had an grenade on it. So, I shot the guy in the chest before I removed the pin of the grenade and throwing the guy right behind the covers the other were using to shoot us. They didn't have one second to react that the grenade exploxed, making a lot of noises around as I put myself into cover from the explosion.

"Quick, he's getting away !" I shouted to Garcia and Garrett, gesturing them to follow me as I was starting to get up the roof before I realized that Vargas had arrived in an dead end with the next roof leading to nowhere except the void.

"Let's do this !" Garrett reloaded his gun with the last mag he had before he start to run with us.

We had to slide on the roof as the last men Vargas had was shooting at us during our little slide before we jumped off the roof, shooting to them....I was feeling like our moves was in slow motion as we were blasting with our guns in the skies, literally jumping over an street before we landed on the roof perfectly without a scratch, having neutralized every of Vargas men during our jump, dead or badly wounded as Garrett walked towards Vargas.

"Wait, we can...." Vargas tried to plead before Garrett punched him right into his face, making him fall on the ground.

"Yirina, he's yours." Garrett told me as he move away from him, getting next to an wounded guy, Garcia staying back from the scene as I moved to grab Vargas by the collar.

"Wait, you have rules....MI6 has rules !" Vargas spoke with Garrett, having recognized him or maybe because of our accent. I looked up to see Garrett, holding the wounded guy.

"Rules has changed, Vargas !" Garrett exclaimed before he literally throw the guy off the roof, making him land into an car.....as Garrett told me, Vargas's men deserved that fate and to be honest, we're showing them that sometimes, we don't stick to the rules.  "You killed british citizens." He added before he nod at me

"So, you better start talking because there's plenty of cars." I moved Vargas next to the edge of the roof, pointing at the multiple cars on the ground level.

"Ok, what do you want to know ?" He asked me, fear in his voice.....I thought that he was very thought but not here with us. "I'll tell everything."

"Russians guns, who's supplying them to Perseus ?" I questioned him, holding him by the collar.

"I don't know." He replied, scared and by that, I threw an punch at him.

"You told us that you would talk, so talk !" I affirmed, moving his head right above the edge.

"Ok....okay." He started, looking down. "It's a KGB officer based in Moscow who's doing this."

"Have an name ?" I asked him clearly as he start to breath loudly from having me on top of him. "Speak !" I prepared my hand, clenching it in case he didn't want to talk more

"Wait, I know...." He said loudly. "She's named Yirina Portnova !" Hearing that name and I could feel myself froze in place, my eyes going wide.....Portnova is still in Moscow ?....Does that mean that....I wasn't able to save her from Perseus ? I was still holding Vargas as these new thoughts came in me.

"You're kidding ?" I told him, almost angry.

"No, I swear it....she's named Yirina Portnova....been working with us since 1981 !" He affirmed before I decided to remove myself from him, having enough of him.

"I'm done with him." I said to Garrett as I helped Vargas to get up on his feets before I threw him into Garrett's direction who literally punched him again, making Vargas knocked out. "What now ?" I asked to Garrett

"We're going to get that guy out of the country to the MI6." He responded as he took his satellite phone he kept during all the fight. "You're okay ?" He saw me getting pale from hearing Portnova's name.

"Yeah, I'm good." I replied in a very low voice.

"Nice." He grinned at me before he looked at Garcia who was taking Vargas body on his shoulders.

"Come here, gringo." Garcia taunted the unconscious Vargas as he was taking him on his shoulders. "My british friends want to talk to you." He added as he was fully ready to get out of here with us as Garrett dialed an number on his phone and me....I was thinkful about Portnova, wondering of what could have happened to her after I maybe helped Zasha escape......

What happened to you, Portnova ?

[monsterlovinghours]

Hey Linds, so that thing we were talking about on discord with the vibrating plug and Bee’s shadow and the ruined orgasms...feel like making that a full fic? Because I have a latent humiliation kink and I’m fucking feral now 😬

They had always called you their little kitten, almost as soon as they began courting you. Bee had even offered only half-jokingly to give you cat ears and a tail; with his magic, it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility, but you had swiftly shut him down. Though it seemed the idea hadn’t been entirely forgotten, least of all by Cia, who was calling you into the smoking room.

“Come on in, leannan, we’ve got a surprise for ya.”

The five of them had perhaps a little too much anticipation in their eyes as you entered the room, and you felt a wary sort of apprehension. “What’s the surprise?”

Cia grins and holds up a box for you to open, and your cheeks turn red when you open it; now the looks on their faces made sense. Nestled inside the box was a collar with a delicate little bell on it, made of pink leather with your name stamped into the side. And beside it, a specially crafted plug, tapered and shiny, with a furred tail attached. “For our little kitten,” Cia all but purred as Zhuk plucked the collar from the box and fastened it around your neck, placing a kiss at the clasp. “Bend over the desk, pretty girl, let’s see how the other half of your gift fits.”

Gentle hands pull the clothes from you before you bend obediently over the desk, already shivering with want when you hear the unmistakable sound of lube being applied to the device. It was cool when it nudged against you, Cia’s hand splaying across your lower back to keep you still as he edged it in, bit by bit, cooing praise to you in a mix of English and Gaelic. Bee bent to stroke your hair, running silk gloved fingers soothingly down your cheek. 

“There you are, darlin’. Aren’t you just cute as a button?”

“And speaking of buttons,” Gio added, fishing around in the box and withdrawing a small remote. You had only a split second of dawning horror before he pressed the “on” button and the plug began to vibrate, drawing a whimper from your lips, much to their delight.

“Such kittenish sounds she makes already,” Bajo chuckled. They helped you back to your feet, your knees only a little wobbly from the vibrations deep inside of you. 

“Now, off you get,” Cia said gently, stroking his fingers down your neck. 

“Just remember,” Zhuk added in a low voice that seemed level enough but carried an unmistakable undercurrent of threat, “you are not allowed to cum without permission, kotenok. You know how to gain permission, yes?”

“By being good,” you mumbled obediently.

“You’re off to a wonderful start, ma cher. Go on, now.” Bee’s hand slipped down your back as he nudged you toward the door, and you did as told, stepping out into the hallway. That could have been a lot worse, and the vibrations are bearable enough. No sooner do you have that thought then the intensity suddenly spikes, sending you clutching at the wall and yelping. From behind the smoking room doors, you can hear muffled laughter. 

Bastards.

Going about your day was difficult, not only because you were traipsing around the manor in no clothing, not only because the bell around your neck announced your presence wherever you went, but because of that damn plug. It had been hours, and you were dripping, slick practically running down your thighs as you tried to concentrate on your work. Surely the batteries would run out at some point? You prayed they would, but the vibration never lowered from that base intensity, though it jacked up several times, leaving you shaking and whimpering, more often than not driven to the ground because your knees refused to hold you up any longer. You needed relief, were getting desperate for it, but you had already asked three times and were denied. They wanted you to be patient, they wanted you to be good. There was only so much you were willing to take, and you were quickly approaching that threshold.

Later in the evening, when the five of them were holed up in their offices, you snuck across the house, into an old parlor that nobody used, well away from them. You sank down onto the old couch and, with one final look around to make sure you were completely alone, the house completely silent around you, you began to touch yourself. Oh God, that was exactly what you needed, and you bit your lip to stifle a needy moan. It didn’t take long to get yourself up to that edge, and with barely a moment’s hesitation, you made yourself cum, biting on your hand to quiet yourself. A smug smile crossed your face as you finished and got back to your feet, feeling satisfied that you’ve gotten away with it, and that they’d be none the wiser.

Then, breaking the silence, echoing laughter, dark and sinister and horrifyingly familiar, seemingly coming from the walls themselves.

“Naughty, naughty kitten. Didn’t we tell you that you weren't allowed? And you thought you could pull one over on us? Oh, ma petite, you are sorely mistaken."

Shadows began to peel themselves off the walls, grinning spectral wisps that slithered toward you; Bee’s shadows. Oh no. 

You tried to make a run for it, but something wrapped around your ankle, tugging you to the ground. Cold wisps coiled around your wrists, holding them behind your back as your legs were yanked apart, pulling your lower half into the air as your face was shoved into the carpet. Light spilled into the room as the five of them gathered at the doorway, the faint glow of Bee’s eyes matching the glow of his cane. They didn’t say a word, but the vibrations reached their maximum intensity, and you began babbling apologies, pleading with them to let you go. Still, they were silent. Impossibly, the plug went beyond its highest setting, spurred on by their magic, and you howled, thrashing in your bonds. 

Something cold and slippery ran over your aching clit, and you yelped, jerking against the shadows that held you pinned. You could hear Bee’s ominous little chuckle as that phantom tongue flicked over your clit, wrapped around it and gave vibrations of its own. In seconds, you were on the brink of orgasm, but just as you began to fall over that edge, all sensation ceased. You cried out, sobbed and cursed as your orgasm was ruined. 

“You know, mi amigo, I don’t think our kitten has learned her lesson just yet.”

Then, it all began again. Now, a second cold appendage began to work its way into your dripping entrance, curling within you to press against that sweet spot, your toes curling as another orgasm began to build, and, just like its predecessor, was ruined. 

“Again, malishka.”

This continued for the better part of a hour, the carpet beneath your hips soaked with your slick, the carpet beneath your head soaked with your tears. You were beyond words now, beyond begging or pleading or crying; all you could manage were whimpers and incoherent babbling. Finally, after perhaps two dozen ruined orgasms, the shadows released their hold on you, letting you collapse to the floor in a twitching, sobbing heap.

Five pairs of hands, cool against your damp, feverish skin, petted you, soothed you, gently eased the plug out of you. “Easy, gattina, we’ve got you. Did you learn your lesson, sweet girl?” You nodded as Gio brushed his fingers through your hair, Bajo gently massaging your legs as they carefully turned you onto your back. “Good girl. Tomorrow, once you’ve rested, you can have those orgasms you so desperately wanted. We can spend the whole day ravishing you, how does that sound?”

“Mmmm.” 

You could only hum and nuzzle into his hand, nodding shallowly, before Zhuk gathered you into his arms, lifting you as if you were no heavier than a paper doll. You weren’t quite sure where you finally succumbed to exhaustion, or in whose arms you drifted off in, but you knew that you were safe, and that despite the punishment, that you were loved beyond belief. 

[splat-dragon]

His heart soared when he remembered that, tomorrow, they would be singing it together. He always knelt in front of her, like a knight before his princess, often after a game in which he was a knight and she a princess, but tomorrow he wanted to have her curl up against his side as he played. Maybe, even, he could convince Imelda to let her sleep in their bed.

'Dios mío,'

A sharp pain in his stomach.

Héctor was moving before he truly felt the pain, doubling over and cradling his torso as though, somehow, it could make the pain stop.

Translations:

Mí amigo - My friend ¡Salud! - Health/Good health/To your good health/Cheers! Hermano - Brother Amor - Love Sí - Yes Dios mío - Oh God

 Please, feel free to correct my translations! I used an online translator so they may not be the most accurate.

"To our friendship! I would move Heaven and Earth for you, mí amigo. " 

 "¡Salud! " 

 Héctor's voice joined Ernesto's, clinking their shot glasses together as they had done so many times before, downing his, not noticing how his hermano watched him closely before spilling his own over his shoulder.

"Hate me if you wish!" Héctor had said, and he had meant it. But he had hoped, more than anything, that Ernesto wouldn't. They were brothers, had been since they were children, growing up in the orphanage together, and then on the streets. And he would never forgive himself if 'Nesto hated him for leaving in the middle of their tour.

 Although it could hardly be called the middle of their tour. It was supposed to have ended months ago. First he was supposed to have been home for Cinco De Mayo, then for Imelda's, then Coco's, birthdays (and oh, had he and Ernesto fought then!), then for Dia De Muertos.

 He was determined to be home for Christmas.

 Héctor missed his family like he'd miss his arm, their absence like a hole in his chest. Each letter from his Imelda was read, over and over, until he could recite them without having to even look—he never did, though, he always read from the letter, from the swirling rise and fall of his amor's writing. Every letter would find itself folded into his pocket, held close to his heart as he performed, before being tucked away into his notebook, crinkled and faded and worn, when her next letter arrived.

 He felt bad for leaving Ernesto, of course. They were a pair, always had been. They were hermanos, even if not by blood. He'd been the one who taught Ernesto to play his guitar, even!

 But he knew Ernesto could make it on his own. He'd let Ernesto play all of his songs that they'd already performed, the man already had them memorized, all of them aside from those he hadn't finished and Remember Me. Ernesto was good, was the stronger singer of the two, and surely he could find someone else to write his songs? If Ernesto wanted, he'd be more than happy to write songs for him! They were brothers, had busked together for years, so of course he'd be willing to help him.

 Héctor would always believe in his hermano, no matter what. And he knew he could do it without him.

They walked in companionable silence, Héctor enjoying what time he had left with Ernesto, feeling guilty for how badly he wanted to run, to sprint to the station, even though that wouldn't get him home any faster. He missed Imelda and Coco so, so much, and he'd be home by morning. 

 He could hardly wait.

His arm cramped, and his hand spasmed. Héctor frowned, shifting his guitar case to his other hand, shaking the one that had clenched. Ernesto glanced at him, a funny look in his eyes, "Are you alright, amigo? " 

 Héctor nodded, shrugging as he wiped his sweaty brow, "Must have played too much," he chuckled, throat clicking on a swallow, "hand's cramping."

 Ernesto tilted his head, furrowing his brow as he slowed his already sluggish steps, "Are you sure? Why don't we go back to the hotel, you can leave in the morning." he offered, already beginning to turn around.

"No, Ernesto." Héctor frowned, licking his lips—how much garlic had been in that chorizo? 'Not this again.'  Ever since the toast, Ernesto had been trying to get him to stay the night, so he could treat him to 'one last breakfast' before seeing him off on the train.

 And, as he had each time, he said "I already bought my ticket, Ernesto," he had bought it right after their show, when the homesickness had gripped him by the heart as he watched a little girl dance along to El Poco Loco, so that Ernesto wouldn't be able to talk him out of it, "And I can't afford another one." He had already sent almost all of his earnings to Imelda with his last letter, and their show had been compensation for their food and board.

 A funny expression crossed Ernesto's face—frustration? annoyance?— but he simply said "Whatever you say, amigo." 

 Héctor's other arm cramped, and he grimaced, shifting his guitar case back to the other hand, but that one hurt, too. "Let me carry that for you," Ernesto offered, but Héctor waved him off. He didn't want to burden Ernesto more than he already had.

They continued to walk, Hèctor switching the guitar from hand to hand as the cramps demanded it, "I don't know how I'll make it without your songs," Ernesto broke the silence suddenly, "before you know it, I'll be playing street corners in Santa Cecilia again." 

 Héctor frowned at the distaste in Ernesto's voice. He knew his amigo wanted to make it big, but to sound so disgusted at the mere thought of playing in Santa Cecilia? In their home? "We'll be playing street corners in Santa Cecilia again." he corrected, before shaking his head, grimacing as it set his mouth to watering. "No you won't, 'Nesto," he sighed. "There are plenty more songs for you to sing. You don't need my songs to be famous."

 "Everyone plays those songs, Hèctor!" Ernesto was clearly beginning to grow agitated, gesturing boldly with his hands. "It's your songs that everyone notices! When people listen to me-to us playing, it's your songs that they remember! That they hum and sing! People ask 'What song is that?' and when they tell them they'll know it's us, they'll say 'It was written by Héctor Rivera! I saw him and Ernesto De la Cruz perform it'!"

 Héctor couldn't help but grin, although Ernesto did have a point. "Sing it your own way, then. Make them your songs." He cleared his throat.

"You should visit for Christmas," the younger man extended an olive branch, trying to break the silence. "We can perform for all of Santa Cecilia!" his fingers tap-tap-tapped on his guitar case, already planning a playlist.

 "Sí," agreed Ernesto, "I'd enjoy that." Héctor couldn't help but to be relieved; with how Ernesto had been talking earlier, some part of him had feared he would never return home.

They fell into silence once more but, relieved to know that his friend held neither resentment towards him nor distaste towards their home, Hèctor didn't much mind it. It was nice, even, just enjoying the company of his amigo, the cool air of Mexico City at night, looking at the stars overhead.

 It wasn't that late, he realized, about time for he and Coco to sing their song. With how sore Ernesto seemed to feel towards his music, and how much he had pushed to perform a changed Remember Me, he didn't think singing, or even humming, it would be a good idea. So he settled for tapping out the fingering on his guitar case, able to hear each note in his head, hear his precious Socorro's voice as though she were sitting right in front of him, sitting on the edge of her bed in her nightgown, hair in pigtails (that he had done, Imelda was hopeless at it despite how hard he tried to teach her), looking up at him as though he had hung the moon.

 His heart soared when he remembered that, tomorrow, they would be singing it together. He always knelt in front of her, like a knight before his princess, often after a game in which he was a knight and she a princess, but tomorrow he wanted to have her curl up against his side as he played. Maybe, even, he could convince Imelda to let her sleep in their bed.

 He decided, then and there, as the train station came into view that, starting the day after tomorrow, he'd teach Coco to play their song on the guitar. His guitar might be too big for her, but he'd scrimp and save every peso he could to get her a guitar.

'Dios mío,' 

 A sharp pain in his stomach. 

 Héctor was moving before he truly felt the pain, doubling over and cradling his torso as though, somehow, it could make the pain stop.

 His face twisted, head turning from side to side out of his control, bile rising in his throat.

 Héctor was only barely aware of a hand patting his back, another coming up to his chest to steady him. His hands, his feet, his everything was beginning to tingle.

 "Perhaps… was… Chorizo?" 

 That was Ernesto's voice. And Ernesto was almost never wrong.

 Right. Right. It was… just the chorizo. He'd just had some bad chorizo. He'd be fine by the time he got on the train, he'd be in perfect health when he got home. 

  "I need to get home… to Coco… to Imelda…" 

 It was just the chorizo. Just the chorizo, not sitting right with the tequila. He just had some food poisoning, and it had picked a bad time to hit him. He could rest on the train, and he'd be fine by the time 

Héctor Rivera was dead before he hit the ground.

[wftc141]

Blackwatch Chapter 3: DedPersons

9:11 AM, Local Time

Rome, Italy

June, 2018

"Grazie." Amélie said as she took the hot cup of coffee from the young cashier.

She simply returned a warm smile before turning back to the long queue. Amélie turned away and headed for the door where Gabriel was waiting for her, leaning against the door frame with a cup of coffee as well. The cafe was quite bustling and full, especially during the morning. A lot of customers were either doing errands or getting themselves the newest arrival on the board. Once Amélie walked past Gabriel, he turned away and followed her out onto the crowded plaza.

"As I was saying," Gabriel started, continuing his earlier conversation. "I think we might be going back to Zambia."

"What makes you think that?" Amélie asked.

"The fact that the NSA scooped up some footage of a new leader taking over the Macaba militia camp. They don't know who it is but they believe it's someone from the Macaba family."

"How many relatives do you think he has?"

"Probably enough to run an army."

No words were spoken between them afterwards. Gabriel stared out at the glint of the scorching sun from a distance with his sunglasses reflecting the blinding light off. His frown, surrounded by the goatee, remained plastered on his face and he tugged the collar of his shirt sticking to his skin.

"What's with the long face?" Amélie asked, grabbing Gabriel's attention.

"What'd you mean?" He replied as he sipped his coffee.

"You look like somebody slapped you really hard."

"Isn't this how I normally look?"

"Gabe, you and I have been together since the first day Blackwatch was activated. I already know what you look like by now."

Gabriel sighed while tapping the cup with his fingers. He stared at what's in front of him without glancing at Amélie. His other hand slid into his pocket.

"I just found out my kids are about to graduate yesterday and when I asked Jackie if I could come, she wouldn't let me. Doesn't want me involved in their lives anymore. Guess that's what happens when I'm a dedicated soldier with no time for family."

"You two still haven't worked things out?" She asked.

"Sadly, no."

"C'est une honte. What about your kids?"

"We're still on good terms but my daughter still doesn't approve of the war and she probably hates my guts for it."

"Would you really blame them? Not everybody is into killing." Amélie said, adjusting her sunglasses.

Gabriel scoffed. "Says the woman who once murdered rich people and performed ballet as if nothing ever happened."

Amélie ignored him and took a sip of the coffee as they walked out of the plaza and into the street. As they stopped by a crossing light, Gabriel took out his phone from his pockets which buzzed in his hand. He answered it and lifted it to his ear.

"Hello?"

There was a brief pause, attracting Amélie's curiosity despite voices around them drowning each other out. Gabriel nodded shortly with his eyes flicking downwards.

"Alright. We'll be there."

The call finished and Gabriel lowered his phone. Amélie stared at him, waiting for an answer.

"Well, this is a surprise." He said, slipping the phone back into his pockets.

"Mission?" Amélie asked.

"Maybe. Sombra's in Virginia with the CIA and she needs us there tomorrow afternoon sharp."

Next Day

3:21 PM, Local Time

McLean, USA

George Bush Center for Intelligence

The team arrived at the headquarters after a long flight to McLean. As they entered inside, they were immediately greeted by the sight of Sombra reclining on one of the couches nearby. Several other people at the very back filed in back and forth across the reception area where the large CIA seal was plastered on. Once her eyes locked onto the team, she got off the couch and approached them.

"About time, amigos. You guys are really slow, ya know?" She said.

"Get straight to the point, Sombra. What's going on?" Gabriel replied.

"Blackwatch." A voice called out, attracting the team's attention.

They turned towards the source of the voice and noticed Salvatore approaching them. He wasn't alone however as there was a woman walking beside him. Blonde Hispanic with hair tied into a bun and a grey suit. Possibly in her forties.

"Glad you were able to make it, Reyes," he said before gesturing towards the woman. "Allow me to introduce you all to Mrs Alexis Morales, Director of the National Clandestine Service. Mrs Morales, this is the Blackwatch unit I was telling you about."

"I see," the director hummed as she glanced across the team. "Pleasure to meet you all. If you would just follow me to the debriefing."

She turned away and walked off towards the corridor on the right. Salvatore nodded towards them, prompting the team to follow her. Once they arrived at the conference room, they sat down facing the projector in front of them. Morales and Sombra stood beside it while Salvatore watched from the side.

"I would like all of you to open up the folders placed in front of you and read all of the contents thoroughly." Morales ordered.

The team picked up the folders and read through the documents in silence. Morales then started up the projector, presenting a PowerPoint on their mission.

"Last week, the CIA was hit by a DDoS attack for two hours and by the time the servers were back online, the data inside vanished. Thanks to the efforts of Sombra, we have discovered that the attack came from a group of hackers via a digital trail they left behind."

"You know, I actually found it funny that you guys were able to miss that one tiny detail. I mean, come on! Was that so hard to find? I thought your analysts were meant to be the brains of the agency." Sombra said.

"As Mrs. Morales was saying," Salvatore continued, ignoring the red-haired hacker. "Based on the emails Sombra intercepted, the hackers were hired by a communist mafia who call themselves the People's Republic of Romania."

"So, a communist mafia. That's new." Marvel commented.

"These men are loyal to the ideas of communism. Formed during the Cold War, they were known for many crimes of the states, mainly in countries that don't support their views. Money laundering, arms trafficking, murder, counterfeiting, anything that falls under the category of organized crime."

"What'd they steal?" Ray asked.

"Oh, you know. Just a buncha names and secret stuff that could be used against the government, the same old." Sombra answered.

"And it's best that we retrieve the data back and if possible, eliminate the mafia by all means. We cannot risk retaliation or worse, a conflict. The digital trail Sombra found led us to a ranch in Bennington, Vermont where satellite footage has reported sightings of what appeared to be the mafia taking over the ranch along with the hackers. We are safe to assume this is where the data would be at."

"Me, McCree and Sombra can take this one." Gabriel said.

"What do we do about the hackers?" Sombra glanced at the leader.

"Unless they try to shoot back, they aren't our main priority."

5:47 PM, Local Time

Bennington, USA

After touching down at the William H. Morse Airport, Gabriel and his group got off the plane where several agents were posted nearby. They made their way to a black Tahoe parked near the entrance gate where a pair of agents were. McCree took the driver's seat while the rest took the passenger seats. Starting the engine, McCree drove themselves past the gate and out to the narrow road.

As the drive progressed to the highway, Gabriel looked at the rear mirror and caught sight of Sombra at the back with purple headphones on and a phone on her right hand resting on her lap. God knows what she's listening to but it wasn't much of his concern and interest. He looked away and stared out of the window. The drab autumn trees tossed lightly, obscuring the sky while dark, ragged clouds close in. There was a report of wet weather on its way so the group brought in some jackets to keep them dry.

Few minutes later and they arrived at the road leading to the ranch. The entrance's gate was completely loose with its support wedged out of the terrain. Parking the Tahoe by the gate, the group hopped out with their weapons and backpacks and delved into the bushy forest next to the gate. Gabriel put on his ski mask partially like a beanie.

As they navigated through the forest, the leaves began to rustle and the shadows closed in completely. The sky by now was completely concealed by the clouds. The team stopped once they got close to the end of the forest where a fence was placed, leaving out the forest.

"Sombra, get your drone up."

Without a word, she went with it and took out her recon drone with an installed camera. After getting it airborne, she used her tablet to control the drone. Gabriel pulled out his binoculars from his backpack and scouted the ranch. There were fewer gangsters around the ranch than he had anticipated. The main entrance of the ranch was guarded by two armed men under a portable gazebo along with a white car parked near them.

"How many inside the house?" Gabriel asked.

"That's strange," Sombra muttered. "There's only like five guys and that's not including the hackers. Thought there was gonna be more."

"Maybe we're just overestimating 'em." McCree said.

"My guess as well." Gabriel replied.

Sombra glanced at the team leader while controlling the drone. "So how do you wanna pull this off?"

"If it follows the term 'stealth', then that's how we'll do it," Gabriel tossed his binoculars into his bag and pulled his mask on. "Lets go."

Once Sombra retrieved her drone, she held the custom MP7 slung around her shoulder and followed Gabriel and McCree out of the forest and over the fence. The lawn outside the ranch was overgrown with its grass rustling and waving to the breeze; It was long enough for the team to hide behind the foliage undetected. As Gabriel led the team towards the ranch, McCree and Sombra were at his rear checking back at the two men at the entrance.

The team reached the curved walkway, closing in on the house that stood in front of them. The dark brown paint and some of the wooden aspects of the two-floor house definitely stood out with the autumn forest around it. They can see the calm river behind the house as well.

As Gabriel approached the side of the house while crouching, he noticed a drip of water bounce off the rail of the rifle before continuous drips of water skimmed upon his body in a stable rhythm. Gabriel did his best to ignore it and pulled the hood over his head. By the time they reached the side, the rain was pouring on like wildfire. McCree and Sombra both pulled on their hoods from the oncoming rain.

Gabriel advanced towards the porch, walking up the stairs while aiming his rifle with the others following him and covering their rear. There, the team were shielded from the downpour with water dripping off the edges of the roof. They can hear the fierceness of the rain from the noisy impact from the roof.

"So, five hostiles inside, Sombra?" Gabriel whispered as he approached the door.

"Yep," She nodded. "Three upstairs and two downstairs."

Gabriel clasped his free hand over the doorknob. Turning it over, the lock clicked and the door slowly moved. Gabriel slowly pushed the door open with his right shoulder without bumping it hard and peeked through the narrow gap. Through the gap, he could see a defect washing machine stacked against the wall. There was no sign of anybody from what he could see. Gabriel pushed the door further and made his first step onto the wooden floor.

Once the door swung open, Gabriel made his move first while scanning the area with his rifle. Sombra was the last to enter and closed the door softly, shutting out the hailing rain outside. Gabriel glanced around as he headed out of the room and into the corridor, leading to what appeared to be a dining room.

He stopped once he reached the end and peered to his right where he noticed a stout man sporting a work shirt in the kitchen, grabbing something from the fridge. Gabriel stepped back and held out his right hand curled into a fist while holding the foregrip tightly. Sombra and McCree stopped but still held their weapons. The man called out to someone in Romanian with whoever it was responding back.

Gabriel checked up on the man who closed the fridge door and walked back towards the living room with a beer can. Gabriel moved forward in a fast pace and aimed his rifle for the head, flicking the safety pin off. He had no reason to doubt whether that guy was one of the mobsters or not. Pulling the trigger, the suppressor flashed and the man fell in an instant with two bloody holes on the back of his head, tumbling over a chair. A loud hiss coming from the fallen can rang across the room.

"One down." Gabriel muttered, flicking the safety back on.

As he went around the table to check on the body, he heard the voice from the other room call out in concern. Gabriel jumped over to the right side of the arch and aimed his rifle at the corridor next to the living room, safety off again. Shortly, a slightly skinnier man in a worn sweater emerged from the corridor with a pistol in hand. Just as he noticed the body, Gabriel fired several rounds to the gangster's chest before he fell back.

"That's the second one down."

Sombra and McCree walked past him as he checked the fat mobster he meant to look at. After making sure both of them were dead, Gabriel caught up with Sombra and McCree where they were by the stairs. Patting McCree's shoulder, he advanced up the stairwell with McCree taking the lead. Once they reached the upper floor, they found themselves facing a door with a narrow corridor to their left, leading elsewhere. The lights were off, leaving nothing but shuttered shadows with drips sliding down.

Gabriel approached the door, closed and silent. A room with a closed door is more likely to be occupied by hostiles, which was something Jack Morrison taught back in the day. He still remembered how much he tried to one-up the Sergeant during their early years when he was still a Private searching for the thrills.

Gabriel stood next to the door and waved at Sombra and McCree, prompting them to stack up next to it. Once they were ready, Gabriel stepped in front of the door and kicked it open, boot making contact near the doorknob. As the door flung open, Gabriel stormed into the room. He noticed several people facing the computer monitors spin around, startled. His left eye caught sight of a gangster reaching for his gun on the table. Gabriel aimed and fired several rounds to his body. He fell onto the table forcibly before sliding off. Several suppressed shots were fired and more bodies landed on the floor.

"Room clear!" McCree barked.

Gabriel aimed his rifle at the hackers, still stuck to their seats. All of them had their hands up, keeping their backs towards them. They looked young and dressed in clothes young people would wear.

"Stay right where you are." Gabriel ordered.

The hackers remained frozen, probably already got the message. As his breathing kept a steady pace, Gabriel began to step away from them while keeping his aim at them.

"Sombra, get the data and everything they stole into this drive." Gabriel took out a hard drive from his pocket for Sombra.

"Got it, jefe." She replied, taking the hard drive and approaching one of the server racks nearby with a laptop on it.

"McCree, go outside and keep watch."

"Yessir."

McCree quickly left the room but left the door open. Sombra plugged in the hard drive into the laptop and began to make that computer magic. As she tapped into the network, one of the hackers began to turn around while still keeping his hands up. His hair was light blonde and a necklace hung in front of his maroon hoodie. Gabriel didn't bother to order him to turn back, unless he was armed.

"Wait a minute," he muttered with a Polish accent. "Y-you're Sombra? The actual Sombra?"

She turned around and pulled the hood off, letting her hair loose. "Who's asking?"

The hacker and the others exchanged glances of surprise, gasping and chatting amongst each other. Gabriel still kept his aim at them.

"Niesamowite! I can't believe it! You're a legend in the hacking industry!" The Polish hacker exclaimed.

"Aww, it's nice to know I have some fans," Sombra replied, turning away. "I heard about you guys too and how you managed to break into the servers with a DDoS attack. Took some bolas for you boys to rob the CIA."

"Wait, wait? The CIA?" The Polish hacker repeated.

Sombra wasn't too surprised since one of the emails she retrieved indicated that none of them knew who they were actually robbing.

"Oh? They didn't tell you?"

"N-No," he replied. "We were just told to steal some stuff from a rival mob and that was it."

"They were gonna pay us half the money we stole from the mob once we finished." Another hacker with a Finnish accent added.

Sombra hummed in a doubtful manner. "Take it from me, guys. Gangbangers nowadays don't play ball when it comes to money."

Gabriel wasn't into the conversation of any way. This was a mission, not a get-along group.

"How's the progress, Sombra?" He growled, glancing at her.

She tapped a key, displaying a loading bar on the screen and turned to Gabriel. "Gonna take a while, jefe."

"Reaper, you might wanna see this." McCree called out from outside.

Gabriel went out of the room and noticed McCree watching the window at the corridor. He was staring outside with his free hand holding the curtains aside.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Some of our Romanian buddies are back." McCree said, moving away for the leader.

Gabriel pushed the curtains away and glanced out the window overlooking the front yard. Two SUVs and the white car from the entrance were closing in on the house. Gabriel had a gut feeling that these guys now knew they weren't expecting visitors.

"Shit, they must've discovered our car." He muttered as the vehicles stopped and the doors opened.

"What do we do, boss?" McCree asked.

The front door opened and voices filled the floor from below. They heard footsteps advancing up the stairs. Gabriel got his rifle ready and aimed at the stairs while approaching it. McCree followed suit. Just as he reached the start of the stairs, Gabriel immediately caught contact of a large, bald man with a pistol in his right hand heading towards their direction. Gabriel opened fire first with three rounds to his chest. The pistol went off, hitting the ceiling as the gangster tumbled back down and slammed against a rail.

As voices began to escalate over the sounds of the hailing rain, Gabriel and McCree went down the stairs and got a glimpse of another gangster appearing from a room near the front door. Gabriel quickly put him down before he could raise his own gun. He approached the living room to his right, only for two gangsters to come into his way.

They both opened fire while backing up. Gabriel ducked below oncoming bullets while still aiming his rifle. The skinny gangster he was aiming for was really bad at aiming or even holding it properly, therefore allowing several rounds hit his body while the rest penetrated the slider doors. The other one was out of sight. Gabriel heard several suppressed shots from the other side as he entered the living room.

He turned to the kitchen where he found the rest of the gangsters holed up together. Gabriel counted three gangsters before taking cover from suppressive fire. He switched the rifle to his left hand and fired back without peeking over. The gunfire slightly ceased, prompting Gabriel to grab a stun grenade under his jacket. With a hard toss, he listened to the grenade bounce and slide on the wood before a deafening bang erupted.

When the groans and shrieks followed up, Gabriel moved out of cover and raised his rifle, taking out the two gangsters who moved away from the kitchen before approaching the last one. As he moved towards the counter, Gabriel noticed a gangster hiding behind the table too late before he made his attack.

They both shuffled and struggled as the gangster's hands gripped over Gabriel's rifle with the discharge hitting elsewhere being unhelpful. Gabriel kicked his leg with little effect. The gangster pushed Gabriel against the wall, knocking off something hanging on the wall. Just as Gabriel felt a fist slam across his face, his rifle was yanked off his grip. His left hand balled into a fist and it felt as if he had no control of the hand.

As soon as let his hand loose, it flung at the gangster's side and Gabriel let it continue until his muscles gave up. He lifted his fist and sent it flying to the gangster's face, hitting his jaw. With the gangster dazed, Gabriel punched the arms holding him, breaking himself free. He noticed the gangster's pistol tucked in front of his pants and pulled it out before he could. Without hesitation, Gabriel fired two shots to the chest and a final blow to the head.

As the gangster fell onto the chair, tumbling down with it, Gabriel scanned the rest of the room with the pistol. After making one last sweep and confirming the house was empty, Gabriel lowered the gun to take a look. A Mauser C96. Very old fashioned. Dropping the gun, Gabriel reached for his rifle and patched in.

"Main house is clear. Shadow 3, what's your status?" He said, holding his fingers on the earpiece.

"Clear on my position!" McCree huffed, sounding like he had a massive firefight outside.

Gabriel then ordered him to head back inside and went upstairs. He walked up to the door which was shut. Sombra would be at her defensive position at this point.

"This is Shadow 1, hold your fire." He called out.

The door suddenly opened and Sombra appeared in his view, holding her MP7. Gabriel walked inside where the hackers were still there. Shaken but fine overall.

"Is it done?" Gabriel asked.

"Yep," Sombra replied, holding up the hard drive. "Everything they stole is in here."

Gabriel nodded, ignoring the hackers. "Alright, lets go."

"What about them?"

He stopped and turned around where Sombra was facing. The hackers were still there. They may be tricked into stealing from the world's well known agency but their crimes can't go unpunished. Unless they were willing to accept. The CIA or Salvatore could give zero shits if he puts them down or not but they were lucky he wasn't given that order. Gabriel approached them and aimed his rifle at them, startling the hackers and prompting them to raise their hands.

"Jefe, what the hell are you doing?" Sombra called out.

He ignored her and remained fixated at those young men, aiming across them with a sight focused on each of them. For the next few seconds, it was silent except with the frantic breathing.

"You do know the rifle's safety is on?" Gabriel said, still aiming his rifle. "That means I can't shoot anything out of it unless I flick it off. And you know what happens when it's off?"

No response.

"R-Reaper, we got what we came for. You don't have to-" Sombra tried to say.

"I can kill all of you right here, right now. In fact, I wouldn't be here to waste my time talking to you kids. I can just pull the trigger and get this over with...but you're lucky I don't have the order."

Gabriel moved slowly towards the Polish hacker and held his glare at him.

"What you've done and how you did it can't be left ignored. And I don't give two shits if you were hired by the mafia or whoever that was. You pay for the price, no matter the circumstance. But I'm not in the mood of taking a life of another man so I can tell you this and you better listen closely cause I won't repeat myself."

The Polish hacker was on the verge of breaking down, trembling non-stop. Gabriel glanced at the rest of the hackers. He already had their names way back at Virginia from the leaked trail.

"Daniel. Antero. Miles. Noah. Roman. You leave this house and you don't speak of this ever again. I don't care how, just as long as you're outta here. And don't try anything stupid on the way out cause we will be watching you. But if I hear another mention of any of your names, we will hunt you down and once I find you...this safety won't be on. Do I make myself clear?"

The whole room was dead silent with fear. Roman was already petrified with the barrel of the rifle pressed against his chest as well as the others. Everybody nodded frantically.

"SAY IT." Gabriel barked.

The hackers all said 'yes' hastily and between squeaks and mumbling. Gabriel sighed and lifted his rifle away from Roman.

"Good," he began to dig into his pockets and took out the keys to their car. "The car's at the front entrance down the forest. Black Chevrolet. Take this and get outta here. No smart moves, got it?"

All of them nodded beyond normal and Gabriel handed the keys to Roman. As soon as the keys were off his hand, the hackers began to gather their things with the backpacks and they dashed out of the room. He turned around where Sombra was standing outside, bewildered and surprised. Gabriel got out the SAT phone and dialed the number.

"Jesus, Reaper," She muttered. "Was this part of your Scaring Kids to Death initiative or something?"

"It's done," Gabriel said, ignoring Sombra. "The data is in the drive."

There was a pause before Gabriel nodded and finished up the call. He slipped the phone into his pockets and went down the stairs.

"We're leaving. The cops are already on their way," he tapped the earpiece. "McCree, find a car that is still running because we'll be using it."

"Got it."

As Gabriel and Sombra left the house, they walked off the porch to the sight of bodies scattered and sprawled around the field with bullet-ridden cars left behind, smoke rising from the front. A white SUV backed up to where Gabriel and Sombra was and turned to the side with McCree driving. The two stored their equipment and backpacks in the boot and got in, staining the seats with soaked clothed. Just as they did so, the car sped off and drove around the dumped cars before reaching the front gate, hearing nothing but the raging downpour.

[naromoreau]

Crime Does Pay

A Far Cry 5 fic Pairing: Sharky Boshaw/ Female Deputy Rating: Explicit Words: 5121 Also on AO3 Note:  Another super self indulgent oneshot of my now fave pair, because I have no life. Also big thanks to @shelbypnw (love you sweetheart!) and to the Awesome Far Cry Discord (YOINK you guys!) for pushing me to post this long ass thing. 

============== Summary:  In the aftermath of Faith's demise, the Resistance has a bit of solace and Rook is finally confronted with her feelings for the pyromaniac.

art by @colonelrogers

“So, honey, care to tell me when are you jumpin’ those bones?” Adelaide took a sip from her beer, sitting cross legged on the stool at the bar, while Mary May chuckled, cleaning a jug absentmindedly.

Rook flushed up to her ears, green eyes open wide and mouth hanging. “I-I dunno what you mean Addie,” she stuttered flashing glances to Mary May as if she was looking for a savior. Her pulse quickened slightly as she fiddled with the glass in her hand.

��O’cmon Dep, you ain’t that dense,” Mary May intervened, lips curled in a crooked smile. “Girl, you have it bad.”

She flicked her tongue across her lips, to gain some time, brow furrowed and boot tapping against the wooden panel of the bar. “Seriously you guys, I have no idea what you’re--” she was almost slurring, and she knew it. Damn .

“Stop that love,” Adelaide cut her words, waving a manicured hand in front of her, “I’m old enough to know you want to drag that pretty mouth of yours all over my idiot of a nephew.”

Rook spilled her drink gracelessly, eeking a faint yelp followed by a grunt as she hid her beet red face on her arms. “Oh for fucks sake, Adelaide!” she whispered agitatedly, lifting her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Sharky and Hurk standing by the pool table.

“Nah, honey, you no need to worry,” Adelaide said patting her head with one hand and taking a sip with the other. “I’m just sayin’ I don't get why you’re still here and he’s there, like don't you want to be spanked or somethin’?”

Rook grunted, straightening on her seat, trying not to shrink before Adelaide and Mary May intense gazes. “It’s not that simple,” she said taking a gulp of stale air, diverting her eyes to the dance floor, where Kim and Nick swirled at the rhythm of an upbeat tune. “I’m his best bud, and I can't do this to him, I mean -- I don't think he sees me like that--”

For the second time her words were cut short, but this time by the ringing laughter of Adelaide and Mary May combined.

“Oh hon, you’re a good deputy, but you’ve no idea ‘bout this,” Adelaide said bumping her shoulder with her own, “you should trust me and put to good use that cute outfit of yours.”

“I don’t see how--” Rook felt all the blood on her body pooling on her now scorching cheeks. She was completely sure she’d kept her crush for the pyromaniac in check, even if half the time her eyes swept his ass or the front of his pants, gaze cautiously hidden behind her sunglasses. God bless sunglasses. She would’ve known if what they said was truth, but in fact all his comments lead to believe that thought was a very far fetched scenario. “I don’t wanna embarrass myself,” she said taking a swig of her drink, putting it back on the counter with excessive force, the glass hitting wood with a hard click, “he’s definitely not into me.” Oh damn, was she bitter?

“Okay now,” Mary May chimed in, “that’s where you’re wrong. Haven’t you seen his goo-goo eyes whenever you’re around? He checks your ass at least four times each hour, and it’s a non-stop screwball when he talks to you.”

“And Mary here hasn’t been around us on the field, sweetheart,” Adelaide offered, with a wicked smile, “that’s just pathetic to see-- I mean, Charlemagne is not the most subtle individual around so I think even Hurk Jr. knows by now. Seriously honey, we all could be dead tomorrow, or-- are you waiting your chance with Johnny Boy?”

Rook cackled at the last sentence but it didn’t deter her mouth of going dry, the tip of her fingers numbed by a sudden rush of adrenaline. She shot a glance towards the pool table, eyes fixed on the familiar green hoodie for a second. Oh, she wanted him bad . A hot curl uncoiled between her thighs, her heart thumping under every inch of her skin.

“So?” Mary May said, elbows on the counter, staring at her with an amused expression, “what you waiting for?”

Rook cleared her throat. Fuck, just do it.

“Can I have some liquid courage first, Miss Fairgrave?” Rook asked, offering her empty beer mug to Mary May, but she took it, putting it aside and offering her two shots of tequila in return. No salt. No lime.

“Trust me dear, this is better.”

It was now or never. The semi-unplanned gathering was the perfect frame to get rid of that thorn on her side. She gulped the shots, one after the other, furrowing her brows and squinting. “‘Kay. I’m all geed up so bring it.”

She stood up, adjusting her black skirt that seemed determined to roll up her thighs. She heard Adelaide and Mary May laughing and clapping at her back, like fucking teenagers. Really . Nevermind. No one would notice. The music was loud and the alcohol had everybody focused on their own stuff.

She gave slow steps towards her target, where Sharky was apparently arguing with Hurk. It’d been a matter of events, one intertwined after the other and she couldn’t help to fall for him. He had the most beautiful smile she’d seen, and he was always so keen to follow her without question, it was heartwarming. And when he held his flamethrower bustling around her, laughing and yelling at the rhythm of peggie bullets, it made her feel alive. And, was she about to spill all those things in front of him? Her breath was shallow, and she felt sweat breaking on her palms. It was stupid really, now that she thought about it. What if Addie and May were wrong? But the rational part of her brain that screamed to back off, was muffled by alcohol and blood buzzing in her veins.

She was thinking that maybe it was just better to take her own ass back to where it came from, when Hurk lifted his face from his drink. She didn’t fail to notice how he digged Sharky in the ribs before she stepped in front of them, trying to pull her no bullshit facade out her ass.

“‘Sup Dep?” Hurk scratched his forehead beneath his banana, looking a bit high, “so are you sure Faith’s dead huh?”

“Pretty much Hurk, why?”

“I dunno, I was just thinkin’- it’s sad man, ‘cause she had this potential to be Mrs. Hurk Drubman Jr. y’know?, what a cute little thing she was,” Hurk said taking a long swig from his drink.

“I don’t think your mom would’ve approved that, Hurkie,” she said snorting, and quickly added, “maybe you should go there and ask her what she thinks, and bring me a beer on your way back, ‘kay?”

Hurk blinked for a second before perking up again. “‘Aight Dep, sure, sure, I got you babe, you gotta celebrate your victories!”

When he was gone, she closed the inches away from Sharky, ignoring the whirring sound in her ears, and her skin tingling, every breath more heavy than the last.

“Man I love Hurk but his screws are way loose,” she said, standing next to him, hopping on the pool table.

“None of that Shorty, he’s a fucking genius!,” he said as he took his beer bottle to his lips, and her hands tugged at the hem of her flannel to draw away her need to reach a hand and touch him. “‘Cuz’s been around a lot, and he kicks ass, he’s like-- like a one man army. Damn I wish I was more like him y’know?”

“What you talking about Boshaw? Your scrawny ass is the cornerstone of the resistance, man.” She chuckled, breathing in, breathing out, trying to quell her nervousness. “And by the way, never thanked you for saving my head from being blown up by peggies today, that was a swell move, man.”

“I got you shorty, I’m like--- I’m smooth like a ninja,” he said turning slightly with the same smirk he flashed everytime they blew up some outpost and it caused breath catch in her throat. “Gotta be your protector ‘cause your reflexes ain’t that good, but don’t feel bad, not everyone is like me y’know? I’m like-- I’m like the lovechild of Bruce Lee and James fucking Bond.”

Rook almost bent over with laughter. Damn she loved this man. Wait, what? She kicked the thought to the back of her mind. That path was just trouble and then some.

“Woah, woah easy there, you heathen,” she said hopping down the table with a fake scowl on her face. “My reflexes are much better than yours-- I’m a fucking officer with training and I’m gonna fucking prove it to you.”

Without giving it much thought and before her words could sink in his inebriated brain, she stood on her tiptoes and swooped his hat from his head, grasping it far behind her back.

“Hey! That ain’t fair, give it back, that’s theft!”

He extended a hand but she swatted it away, like if it was a pestering mosquito.

“Uh huh, you want it, you gotta take it from me,” she said shaking a dainty finger at him, leaning forward with a mischievous grin.

“Oh yeah? Well, bring it on chica.”

He tried to pounce at her by her right side, but she dodged him, giving a few steps back, away from the pool table. She giggled as he strode in her direction trying to clasp her arms, but she swirled around a table, bumping into a chair.

“You ain’t going free amigo! Hey Joey, handcuff the Dep!” He yelled in Hudson’s direction, but Joey rolled her eyes and shook her head, continuing her conversation with Pastor Jerome, unbothered.

“No one can help you, Boshaw,” she said with a smug grin, retreating into a small corridor out of everyone’s sight. She almost lost her footing, skirting around. Damn, the alcohol was kicking in.

He followed her close behind, but she didn’t relent. She jumped back when he tread to her, a half smile on his face. When her butt hit the wall, she understood her mistake.

“Got ya!” Sharky leaned forward, extending a hand in her direction. “Give it back, shorty, crime don’t pay.”

She exhaled a shuddery breath. He was so close her cheeks were flushed, heat that she didn’t know if came from the situation or the booze in her system, pooled in her belly.

“I said, you gotta take it from me,” she dared, boldly.

A question popped in his eyes, and she held up the cap and glasses in her hand. When he leaped forward, she swiftly hid her hand again. He slanted pressing both palms against the wall for support, her body now bracketed between his arms.

She was already dizzy from his scent, leathery and musky, a tinge of sandalwood and propane climbing up her nostrils. She moved a leg slightly upwards, to brush his inner thigh.

“Ah, Dep? You okay?” He wetted his lips, his words hiding an undeniable tremor.

She put his hat on her head, tilting her head up. Even with her high heeled boots she barely reached his chin. “More than fine,” she said placing her hands on his shoulders.

“Shit, I-- I think no more drinks for you tonight,” Sharky said, but his voice was lower and huskier that she’d ever heard before. He dipped his head an inch and stopped, lips slightly parted.

His breath was hot and moist, and she could feel it puffing against her lips. She flicked her tongue out, sweeping her lips, locking eyes with him. The dark hue of his usually bright blue eyes sent a shiver down her spine, a curl of need drifting down her groin, as his gaze fleeted from her lips, down her neck, up her eyes again.

“I’m not drunk, if that’s what you think Shark,” she said whispering practically into his lips.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he went down the last stretch, pressing his thin lips against her full ones. It was a timid kiss, nothing more than a chaste peck, before he pulled back.

“Jesus fuck Dep, you sure ‘bout this?” He asked, fanning her face with breathed words. “‘Cause I’m totally into this, but you’re like, you’re-- you’re ten football stadiums outta my league and I’ve been wantin’ to-- been wantin’ to do this from since fuck knows when.”

She gave him a lopsided smirk, and caught his lips with hers, sucking and nipping at his bottom one, pushing her tongue into his mouth, earning a soft groan from him. She felt him loosening up, his right hand now holding her tight at the small of her back, pulling her flushed up with him with an eagerness that made her moan. Wetness spread on her panties at the feel of his erection rubbing against her stomach, trembling as she thought of his calloused hands grazing her over sensitive skin, dipping into her. Fuck.

She felt her knees buckling and held onto the hard line of his shoulders as his tongue circled and pressed against every corner of her mouth, his ‘stache and beard tickling her chin and jaw.

“Ain’t you gonna bust our asses for public indecency po-po?” He said between gasps, his lips nibbling the rim of her jaw, sucking on the soft skin of her neck.

She smiled, lost in the tingling sensation of his tongue against her skin, craning her neck to allow him better access. And boy, oh boy, as much as she liked to be fucked against the wall by the pyromaniac of her dreams, they definitely needed a better spot.

“Mary’s office is-- is just right there,” she managed to stutter between sharp gasps, signaling to the door at their right.

He said nothing, pulling her into a tight embrace, ushering her inside the dark room. When the door closed behind them, he crashed her mouth with his and picked her up from the floor sliding his hands down to cup her ass. He squeezed gently making her gasp into his mouth as she felt each one of his fingers digging into her skin. Her parted thighs closed around his hips, skirt rolling up, as he moved her to the sturdy desk in the corner, placing her on top. His hard on rubbed against her panties and she grinded her hips, coaxing a growl from him that she swallowed eagerly, tongues tangled in a wet mess. He rolled his hips in response, cajoling a loud moan from her.

“All good Dep?” He smirked breaking an inch apart, his pupils blown wide with hunger of her, flaring up her own desire.

She didn’t remember to have wanted anyone as she wanted him, in that knee-weakening, panty-drenching, make-you-shiver all around kind of way.

“You ass.”

He gave her an eyebrow waggle that elicited a chuckle from deep within her belly. God, she was screwed. She fucking loved this idiot and he--. Don’t go there .  She finally surrendered her trophy, taking his cap off and her fingers skidded under his hoodie, digging into the lean muscles of his shoulders, licking his jaw, and pressing flat kisses in every inch of exposed flesh she could reach. She couldn’t believe how wet she was already, a sodden patch on her undies that was probably soaking the front of his pants as well. A pink flush bloomed on her cheeks at the thought. He unbuttoned her flannel, slowly, taking his time as he sucked her earlobe without stopping the infuriating roll of his hips. It was something she wasn’t expecting. Sharky jumping her bones like a rabbit in heat? Yeah. Sharky being all smooth and devouring her one course at a time? Definitely not.

“Fuck, Sharky,” she said huffing a moan and tugging at his chestnut hair, while he finally opened her shirt and unclipped her bra, stripping them off her.

He traced the rose tattoo on her upper left breast with flitting kisses, his beard adding to the pleasure of it. “Shit babe, you’re beautiful.” His raspy voice scrapped across her skin, flaring goosebumps all over her, and she tilted her head back, mewling when he closed his mouth around one nipple.

Her fingers carded in his hair as he sucked, tongue circling and lapping at it, while his hand groped her other breast, kneading it gently as his thumb rolled over her nipple. The pace of his tongue had her rolling her eyes, as he licked the valley between her breasts, mouth now moving and closing around her other hard nipple.

“Jesus fuck, shorty, you got such a nice pair,” he said squeezing both in his hands, before giving two hard sucks to her pert peaks, “could eat them all day long.”

“Ah! Glad you-- like them,” she whimpered.

He pulled back, taking off his shirt and hoodie, and she admired his flame tattoo going up his arm, joining to a skull on his right pec. She propped up on her elbows, humming when her fingers grazed the toned lines of his abs and chest, not too buffed but just enough. Just right .

He rolled up her skirt, bunching it up at her waist and hooked his thumbs at the sides of her black panties. Her cunt was already throbbing in anticipation and she bit her lip watching him getting rid off her underwear.

“Grab onto some shit babe,” he said kneeling in front of her, grinning with teeth at her, “Imma give you the Boshaw special.”

She barely had time to brace herself before he hoisted her legs up on his shoulders and his lips skimmed along her inner thighs, fingers stroking her damped folds, sliding along her slit.  

“Fuck Dep, you’re so fucking wet.” He was almost purring, one hand now palming on her mound to squeeze gently while the other spread her open, two fingers slipping easily inside her.

She shivered, spilling broken words, digging nails in his scalp and her thighs tensing around his head. He started thrusting his fingers in and out of her, controlled and steady movements building up her orgasm, lips and tongue teasing her vulva, nuzzling the patch of wiry hair.

“Man, look at ya, you’re perfect y’know?,” he said planting fat kisses along her inner thighs, lazily pumping his fingers into her, his other hand grabbing her hip, thumb drawing circles on her skin.

She grunted as any response. Her whole body was on fire, every last nerve raw and feeling his every move. He started scissoring as her breathing became ragged, chest going up and down as he now sucked on her labia. He stopped suddenly and she mewled in disappointment, before she felt his tongue at her entrance. He gave big, broad strokes along her slit, finally pushing his tongue all the way in, curling it, following the angle of her walls.

“Holy shit-- shit, man, ah!” She yelled and her voice sounded like a screech in her own ears. He was tearing her apart, one thrust at a time, her throat unable to emit more than cracked moans and whimpers. She writhed on the desk, her body now covered by a thin sheet of sweat.

She groped and squeezed her breasts, pinching and rolling her nipples, her hips bucking instinctively into his mouth.

“Holy fuck shorty, you put my porn collection to shame,” he said with a hoarse voice glancing at her, eyes fixed on her fingers teasing her nipples, his gaze almost searing her through and through.  

His cheeks were flushed as he finally closed his lips around her clit, making her holler louder than before. Fuck! His fingers filled her again, before her walls complained at the loss of his tongue, and he let out a moan that pulsated on her clit wrecking her completely.

Her head was spinning, heart thrumming in her ears as he sucked the nub, adding his tongue to the mix, alternating between light flicks and steady strokes. She was positively thrusting her hips forward. Her stomach tightened, the ache in her core now a pulsing beat she was closer to topple.

“Ah-- shit Shark, you’re amazing, ah, shit!”

She entwined tense fingers on his hair, pulling his face closer as his rhythm quickened, licking and sucking her more frantically. His teeth raked at the bundle of nerves, then sucking again and his fingers curled inside her hitting against that sweet spot. Her vision blurred and with a loud, keen cry she finally came on his face, gushing out all over him. When he stood up, licking his lips and cleaning his mouth with the heel of his hand and a cocky smile plastered on his face, she knew she needed him. All of him.

“Jesus Shark, I-- that was some good shit ,” she panted, the quivers still raking over her body, her legs feeling like jello.

“Told ya I wasn’t kidding, babe.” The look on his eyes was feral as he pulled her up, kissing her roughly, biting her lower lip, and pushing his tongue inside her mouth. She melted in his embrace, tasting her own salty tinge in his lips.

His bulging cock still trapped in his jeans rasped her over sensitive skin and she arched in his arms.

“Can you-- can you fuck me now?” she almost begged when they broke apart.

“Don’t need to tell me that twice, shorty.”

He unbuckled and unzipped his pants as fast as he could, and his cock sprang free in no time. Her walls clenched at the sight. It was thick and longer than she’d thought, the perfect curve at the tip sending a bolt of lust to her cunt.

He pressed his body against hers, rubbing his tip along her entrance, coating himself in her wetness. They kissed slow and thoroughly, his hands clasping her waist.

“Can we change scenery?” she whispered a scant inch away from his ear eliciting a gulp from him.

“What you got in mind?”

She guided him to sit in a padded chair, and he flopped down with a thud, his pants pooling at his ankles. She shimmied her hips, shucking off her creased skirt, bending over before him with her back turned.

“Now that's just cruel Dep,” he drawled.

She faced him, giggling as she straddled him, sitting high on his thighs, his hard dick pressed between them, his tip brushing below her navel.

“That's better,” Sharky said and she hummed in approval.

He cradled the nape of her neck, pulling her down for another kiss, as his other hand crept up her thigh grabbing a handful of her ass.

She closed her hand around his cock, her thumb smearing down the pre-cum beads from his tip. His tongue glided across her lips as she pumped him slowly, gulping down his moans and throaty grunts.

When she lifted her body off him supporting with a hand on his shoulder, he looked at her almost in awe and a tide of prideful lust beamed inside her. Yes, he wanted her, maybe as much as she wanted him. He lined him up to her entrance until his tip grazed her folds. Sharky bit his lower lip, his fingernails now almost scratching her skin. She sank down slowly, both staring down at his cock disappearing inside her to the hilt.

He let out a strangled moan, tilting his head back. “Oh shit.”

“Damn, Shark,” she whimpered.

He filled her just right, the stretch stinging slightly but not painful. She moaned rolling her hips, adjusting at his size.

“You okay babe?,” he asked between a low moan and a heavy grunt, clasping her hips and steadying her on his lap.

“Mhm,” she mumbled, closing her eyes for a second, reveling in the sensation of his erection throbbing inside her.

She started bouncing with a slow rhythm, savoring how he spread her wide every time she dropped down on his cock. Her toes curled, and a myriad of small gasps whiffed against his neck as she buried her face into his maddening scent. He shifted his position a little to angle into her, meeting her thrust for thrust, rocking his hips upwards.

“Oh, fuck Dep, you’re so fuckin’ tight, so fuckin’ tight--,” he said brushing her ear shell with moistened lips, “best fuck I’ve had, shit!”

“You’re- ah, you're not so bad yourself,” she said with a smirk, feeling the layers of his control tattering with every clench of her cunt around his cock.

He shot her a wolfish smile, a hand sliding to cup her breast, taking it to his mouth. She cried out when he sucked hard, his teeth grazing her nipple, and fingers massaging the surrounding swell.

Damn, he was good. With a strong hand on her ass cheek he guided her movements as she kept plunging onto him harder and faster. She arched into his touch when he snapped at her breasts and then anchored his hands at her bottom.

“Oh fuck, fuck, fuck!,” she yelped almost singing her curses when he grounded her down on his lap, licking and sucking at her collarbone.

“Shit Dep,” he moaned between airy grunts, “wanna-- wanna fuck you forever babe, you’re fucking delicious.”

She was barely listening at this point. The way he angled his hips to ram into her, knowing exactly where to hit was making her vision bleed to white, her cries probably loud enough to let anyone outside know what was going on there. His mouth seeked hers, kissing her softly, almost sweetly, in complete contradiction to their hard fucking. When they broke apart, foreheads touching, he looked at her breathless and longing. Her heart flitted in her chest, getting all fuzzy but she stomped the feeling down. Live the moment . And so she did, closing her eyes focusing in the rippling pleasure bursting inside her in wild flames.

“Look at me Dep,” he begged her, pressing his thumb flat against her clit, and she cooed while his hips jerked against hers. “Wanna see you come on me, shit- you’re more than beautiful.”

He circled her nub with steady movements and she leaned back supporting on his thighs for more leverage, pushing down harder and faster until it was too much.

“Oh, shit, shit, fuck Shark, holy shit! ” She crumbled forward, scratching his shoulders, walls clamping down on him and boy had he been right all along, she was hollering her lungs off.

He kissed her, pounding steadily still, whispering words she was too far gone to catch and held her tight as she rode the waves of her orgasm, her skin prickling with random bursts of pleasure flooding her like a tidal wave. His fingers now threaded in her hair, another hand spread wide on her back as he chased his own release, mouth wide open against her neck.

“Fuck babe, I’m close,-” he grunted.

Shit . Her mouth watered at the thought of having him all over her, so she rotated her hips when he wanted to stop, lifting her ass and dropping down, still managing to fuck him how she wanted.

“Please, Dep, I can’t--” he begged digging his fingers in the plump flesh of her hips.

When she felt the tremor in his body, she pulled off of him as he growled, letting him pump out his load, hot and thick, on her breasts.

He looked at her slack jawed, almost awestruck, as she slid a finger through his cum, tasting him with a moan. “Fuck shorty, you’re amazing,” he panted, milking the last spurts of his throbbing dick onto her. “I fucking love you-- shit, fucking love you.”

She felt her cheeks burning, as her brain fumbled with dignified responses for that scenario. It was probably just the afterglow talking, she decided, so she tried to compose herself and smiled at him.

“I love you too Shark,” she said, standing up and kissing his forehead, amicably enough she thought.

She quickly searched for her flannel and something to clean with, to try and make a hasty retreat, but she found nothing. She picked up his cap from the floor and grunted, making short use of her shirt, not yet deciding if framing it or burning it later.  

She heard the ruffle of his jeans and the clicking of his belt at her back, so she quickened her movements, putting on her panties and skirt.

“You mean it?” He grabbed her hips, turning her to face him.

If she could, she would’ve melted in a puddle of goo under his bright eyes, but she spur herself to not let her knees betray her. She placed the hat on him and rehearsed a confident smirk, one that she was far to feel as she stood in front of him, shirtless and emotionally wrecked.  

“Yeah, hon, best pals, right?” She gave a gentle tug to the bill of his cap, but he didn’t relent.

“C’mon Dep, y’know what I’m talking ‘bout,” he said and she trembled feeling his thumbs drawing circles on her hip bones, “‘cause I was dead serious.”

She gaped at him, as he towered over her and-- Maybe she didn’t get that right.

“I don’t understand Shark,” she said blinking as if she had been staring at the sun for too long.

“Jesus fuck Dep,” he bristled, “I’m tryna telling ya I love you!”

She blinked again, frozen in place and she felt his hands sliding off her. No, no don’t go.

“Wait, Shark!” She reached to hold his hand, and took his fingers to her mouth, kissing them softly. “I do-- fuck, by now saying I love you it’s an understatement.”

An all teeth smile broke on his face. “Shit, for real?”

“Real deal,” she said, tenderly caressing his face as she had dreamed so many times before. Fuck, it was finally true.

He smiled at her with unbridled love and kissed her, slowly, tracing the line of her jaw with his thumb.

“So, what now?” She asked looking around, when they parted, “I can’t leave in a jizz-covered shirt.”

“It’s cool, babe. I got you.”

He reached for his shirt and hoodie, giving her the latter. When she put it on, it almost covered the hem of her skirt.

“It looks like a fucking dress on me,” she complained.

“Nah, you look fine as hell, Mrs. Baeshaw.” He slid a hand around her waist, nuzzling her ear, unable to erase the foolish smile from his face.

She gave a short laugh. ”Pet names and all uh? You look awfully pleased with yourself Boshaw,” she said quirking a brow.

He chuckled, hugging her tightly. “Hell yeah, finally nailed it babe, you’re the fucking jackpot.”

[sapphiresterreart]

Puzzling Pieces Chapter 7 UNFINISHED

As per request, here are the unfinished pages of what would’ve been chapter 7 of the Hiro x Miguel ship fic Puzzling Pieces. Under a read more.

Could he do it? Could he summon the Hamada parents? There was no guarantee and he’d have to ask Cass for photos, but how incredible would it be if he could not only reunite the Hamada brothers, but the whole Hamada family?

Tadashi would get to talk with their parents. Hiro would get to meet their parents. And Cass would get to see her sister or brother!

He bit his lip. As of now he could go ahead and summon the Rivera by calling for their blessing, but maybe he should wait until he had the Hamada family photos? That, and no one in their group had weapons or armor ready to use to fight against Ernesto and possibly Bruce.

His gaze skimmed across the ofrenda to the Hamada brothers. If Ernesto really had been shot by Tadashi’s ghost repellent gun, then he would need to take time to heal. Meaning, they had time before the attack. Enough time to wait till tomorrow to ask Cass for photos, then.

Still…wouldn’t hurt to call for the Rivera’s anyway, just in case if the Hamada parents couldn’t in fact cross over.

Miguel inhaled and closed his eyes, picturing the family. “Papá Héctor? Mamá Imelda? If you can hear me, I need a favor…”

Clothing rustled behind him. Someone murmured but he ignored them.

“See, De La Cruz is in the land of the living. He wants to…” his breath hitched. “He wants to kill me to bring himself back to life but he’s not alone. There’s–”

“Miguel?” Hiro’s voice startled him. “Miguel, your skin!”

He snapped open his eyes, darting them to his hands. Fear slammed in his chest. Where there once was skin, there now was bone. Just barely, he could see the transparent outline of his hand and a scream ripped itself from his throat.

Footsteps scuffed cement and slender arms wrapped around him. Miguel jerked his gaze up to meet Hiro’s own and saw an orange glow reflected in brown eyes. Hiro held him tight as he struggled for air.

“Miguel, holy shi–are you okay? What’s going on?” Hiro yammered into his ear. “We can see your bones. You’re glowing! What the hell?”

“Y-you can see me?” Relief soared. “I’m not cursed again?”

“What?” Hiro pulled away just enough to check him over. “Your skin’s coming back!”

Shaking brown hands lifted and Miguel confirmed that yes, his skin had returned to normal. He exhaled and sagged into the hug. Moments passed and he realized Tadashi had approached with a searching expression.

“Maybe…” Tadashi mused. “Were you trying to summon them? Or just bless the altar?”

“Both?” Miguel shrugged helplessly, heart still racing.

Hiro fussed over him. Fingers combed through his hair, a palm checked his temperature. Eyes scanned his face and hands flitted across his arms and down to his hands as if to confirm that they were, in fact, real and solid.

Though the concern was welcome, it was a bit embarrassing with the man’s older brother watching them. Especially since that brother slowly started to smile.

Tadashi shoved a hand against his brother’s head. “Knock it off, bro. Either kiss him or give him space.”

The two of them jumped apart, spluttering. Hiro cursed, scandalized. “Bro!”

Miguel grabbed his wrist and yelped. “Don’t I get a say in this?”

Tadashi laughed. “Alright, alright. How ‘bout this, then.” He closed the files on the computer and holographic displays. “We leave the supernatural for tomorrow. It’s getting late and we need our rest.”

Though Hiro protested, another teasing line at Miguel’s expense sent the two of them up to their room. After a confusing moment of deciding sleeping arrangements, Tadashi shooed them away and said he’d sleep on the red couch in the garage.

Now Miguel found himself curled under the covers, occasionally shifting. He dozed in and out of uneasy sleep. It wasn’t until he felt someone else’s presence did he open his eyes to find one shadowed man staring him down.

“Hiro…?” Groggily, he rubbed his eyes. “Whaddya wan’?”

“Nothin’!” The shadow jumped. “…are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah?” Miguel rolled onto his side to better look at the man. “Wha’s wrong?”

“Nuthin’ I just…” a beat passed. “Something’s been bugging me.”

“What is it?”

“Earlier today, you said ‘amorigo,’ but was it amor or amigo?”

“Dios mío, Hiro.” Miguel felt himself waking up more and dodged the question to check his phone. “It’s two am!”

“Okay, but do you have a girlfriend?” The man’s voice quickened speed like a hamster on a spinning wheel. “Did you get one while we were fighting? Wait, is it a crush, do you have a crush, who is it?”

This couldn’t seriously be happening.

“It’s not a skeleton is it?”

Dios mío, it was happening.

“So is it a crush, girlfriend, or a friend cause–”

“Hiro, it’s two–”

“–Do I know them or–” Hiro paused just long enough to reveal horror. “Are you crushing on my brother, dude?”

Miguel groaned. “Relajaté. Go back to bed, you can’t possibly stay awake all night just to think about thi–”

“Yes.”

“You are seriously gonna stay up all night? Just to wonder?”

“…no.”

“Then go to bed.”

Instead, Hiro stayed right where he was and continued to annoy his poor, sleep deprived form. “...but is it Tadashi? Like, what do you see in him? You've only known him for a day.”

Miguel grabbed the pillow and haphazardly aimed for the man. Desperately, he tried to sidetrack the pest. “If you’re worried about me cause of the skin-to-bone thing, I’m fine.”

Hiro dodged and stubbornly chewed him out. “I mean it’s okay if you lik–do you like dudes? I’m a dude. Do you like me?”

Miguel’s heart stopped. Mierda, mierda, mierda, he’s getting too close, mierda mierda mierda.

Hiro paused, as if realizing his words. “Oh shi–I sound like the kinda jerk who asks all gay guys to date me, oh my–Wait, wait, oh no–what if he dies and I never find out? Scratch that, what if he dies. Period.”

Enough was enough. Miguel snagged Hiro’s wrist, flipped open the covers, and dragged him beneath the sheets. After an alarmed yelp, Hiro finally, mercifully, shut up and Miguel snuggled him close with soothing nonsense.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I’m not gonna die, okay? I’m right here, okay Hiro?”

“O-oh no.” Hiro stammered. “I-I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

“Yes,” Miguel cleared his throat. “But it’s okay, I’m here. So go to sleep, okay? Sleep. Here, I’ll even sing you something, okay?”

“Yeah…” Hiro breathed, back to his chest. “Yeah, okay.”

He rifled through songs before settling on one Socorro helped him to write. Softly, he sang.

“Someone gave me a shooting star,

and said to make a wish.

There were many things that I could ask

but nothing more than to fish.”

Hiro snorted. “Fish?”

“Roll with it.” Miguel playfully shoved his shoulder and continued to sing.

“See, I’ve never seen the ocean,

but I’d love to see it soon.

Even better if I could see it with you

and we could fish from the moon.”

A light sigh escaped Hiro and Miguel smiled. Works every time. He hummed the rest of the melody until Hiro’s breathing evened. He would’ve drifted to sleep himself if it weren’t for the realization that one Hiro Hamada was wrapped in his arms. He inhaled to steady his own heartbeat and exhaled.

Roll with it. Miguel tossed worries to the side. They were both safe and alive. Might as well enjoy the moment while he still could.

He closed his eyes.

~oOo~

A low baritone pulled his awareness into the waking world. “…so this is why you two haven’t come down for breakfast.”

Groggily, Miguel dragged bleary eyes to the speaker. “Tadashi?”

He mumbled and shifted, the warm pillow in his arms moving with him. The man continued to speak. “Wish I had a camera.”

The pillow muttered. “Go ‘way, ’dashi…”

Alarm shocked Miguel and he shrieked. Instinctually, he kicked the living, breathing thing and it flew off the bed with a squawk and landed with a thud and a pained groan. His heart hammered, laughter roared in the background, and he peered over the edge of the mattress. The pillow was not in fact a pillow, but one grumpy young man.

“…oops,” Miguel winced as Hiro shot him a deadly glare. “Sorry, Hiro.”

Muffled slapping and loud laughter prompted Hiro to growl and snap at his brother. “I liked you better six feet under.”

Tadashi wheezed. “It was a fire. I woulda been cremated, bro.”

Hiro bared his teeth. “Then I’ll take your ashes, mix it with confetti, compress it into a bullet and shoot you. So you better stay dead.”

The older Hamada pouted. “What’s the confetti for?”

“Celebration.”

Miguel eyed the bloodthirsty Hamada warily. “Uh…”

Hiro continued viciously. “When the bullet explodes, you’ll die in a shower of confetti. Then, I can dance over your dead body with bright pieces of paper falling everywhere. It’ll be beautiful and quiet and I’ll finally be able to sleep.”

“Still a bear to wake up.” Tadashi lidded his gaze with a sly smile. “Hope you two slept well…in each other’s arms.”

Hiro launched to his feet, screeched, and chased his brother out of the room.

Miguel stared at the stairway, thoroughly perturbed, and debated whether to save Tadashi from untimely death (especially after he worked so hard to bring him home) or to change out of pajamas. In the end, he decided to rescue weeks of hard work and pursued the Hamada brothers.

“Hola, Señorita Cass!” He greeted and swung himself onto the second floor.

“Good morning, Miguel!” She chirped. “Catch them before they kill each other, won’t you?”

“¡Por supuesto!”

He followed the angry yells and hustled into the café portion of the building. There, Hiro had his older brother backed into a corner with only a table between them. Tadashi grinned when he spotted Miguel and waved.

“My savior!” The man called. “Save me from this madman!”

Hiro hissed incoherently.

Miguel took another moment to debate priorities. But, good-nature won and he put himself into the line of fire. Placating hands lifted and Miguel tried for a one-dimpled smile as he sidled into Hiro’s view. He cranked up the charm.

“Señorita Cass is cooking breakfast.” He sang. “I bet you’re hungry. Smelled like she’s making pancakes.” When Hiro continued to glare, he kept his mouth moving. “Personally, I would add vanilla extract to make them sweeter but I know you prefer spicy food.”

“I wonder if there’s such thing as spicy pancakes? Could you put hot sauce in pancakes? Wait, ew, that’s gross. Why would you eat that? Huh. Maybe I could make it work. Is that a challenge? I think it’s a challenge. Are you challenging me?”

Over the course of his rambling, Hiro softened from murderous rage and interrupted. “I’m no chef, but I’ve never tasted your cooking. Is it awful?”

Insulted, Miguel puffed his chest. “Excuse you. I am an excellent cook!”

Hiro snorted. “Yeah, yeah. I’m hungry, let’s go.”

Miguel perked and checked behind him to find Tadashi had escaped. Probably during the distraction. He shrugged and trotted after Hiro. They settled around the folding table and thanked Cass for the meal.

After they finished eating, he shooed away the brothers to help Señorita Cass with the dishes. Once alone with her, he took the chance. “Señorit–”

She shot him a look.

“Ah, Cass. Tía Cass.” He corrected. “Do you…” he hesitated. Should he really ask? It could easily fail. Raise hopes only to crush them. No, no, he had to try. No time to hesitate.

“Do you have any photos of the Hamada parents?”

Cass jolted and turned away from the dishes to study him. “Of course! But why do you ask?”

Miguel scrubbed the plate with unusual focus. “Oh, um. Did Tadashi tell you about where he’s been all this time?”

“Yes, but–”

“Did he say anything about, uh…unusual things?” The dish dripped with soap.

“I…guess?”

“What about really unusual–” The soap flowed off the plate as he quickened pace.

“That dish is clean.”

Gentle fingers plucked it from his hands. He halted. Cass grasped his sudsed hands and turned off the tap.

“Miguel, what’s this about?”

He exhaled and took the plunge. “I don’t know if it will work or if you will believe me, but…” He met her worried gaze. “I want to summon Hiro and Tadashi’s family, and yours if you will let me. I just need photos and–and it’ll be good for them! They could see their family after so long and Hiro could meet their family and you coul–”

She shushed him with a quiet smile. “I have photo albums. We can use some from there.”

He brightened. “You believe me?”

Cass shrugged and smiled, helplessly amused. “How can I not? You brought my nephew back to us. He can see ghosts now and apparently there’s a madman after all of you and it’s all so crazy but.” She huffed and rolled her eyes. “But since when have I done anything except crazy?”

Miguel tackled the amazing, incredible, wonderful woman into a hug. “Graciás, tía Cass.”

“I should be thanking you, Miguel!” She returned the hug. “You just keep bringing home surprises.”

“And you,” he pulled away, “keep a home to come back to.” He glanced at his soapy, wet hands. “Sorry about–”

She merely dipped her hands into the soapy water and flicked her fingers. Droplets darkened his pajama shirt “There, now we’re even. Go change and I’ll finish here. Then we can get the photos.”

He laughed. “Sí, tía Cass!”

Miguel hurried up the stairs. A quick change into a red shirt, jeans, and a worn out blue hoodie later brought Miguel to tía Cass’ side in the kitchen. She had finished the last of the dishes and was rifling through the wood cabinets below the cushioned seat alcove below the windows.

A mix of familiar voices chattered on the first floor. She handed him a photo album and checked the time.

“It’s not organized at all and I have to open the café, but there should be enough photos with the right names here and there for you to figure out who’s who. Hope it helps!”

He accepted the thick album and nodded as she hustled down the steps. He tucked the book beneath an arm and followed after her to find the team had gathered in the café portion of the building. Tía Cass slipped on the black apron and flitted through the café front before switching the sign from ‘closed’ to ‘open.’

The team had yet to notice him as Hiro and Tadashi served them their coffees and baked foods. Tía Cass took over once they were served. Fred noticed him and gestured for him to follow the group to the garage.

He waved farewell to tía Cass.

[soaringlanddormitory]

Title: The Risks [5/5]

Summary: A supposedly new head of the family quits his role to make his own gang. It was his choice to make, and this was the path he decided to take.

Word Count: 5353

Notes:

This will contain some canon characters and this will also be the longest chapter [I think]!! Also the last chapter for this Yakuza AU story!! I hope you’ll enjoy it and if you read all chapters, I appreciate it a lot and I hope you loved the story as a whole!! <3 <3

Hanako/Lotus belongs to @polar-stars!!

Emile/Canción belongs to @polar-star-dorks!!

Part 1: here! Part 2: here! Part 3: here! Part 4: here! Comments are appreciated, and remember that I love you!!

I hope you enjoyed the first multi-chapter story I wrote !! <3 <3 I love you guys a lot and thank you for sticking with me!

Once the leader of the gang had a couple of drinks with his members, he decided to go upstairs to get some food from the fridge. His eyebrow raised when he heard several violent knocks on the door. Curiosity built up in his veins, and he wanted to check who was behind the door. Was it an enemy who found out their location so easily? He wouldn’t be able to tell unless he turned the knob on the door.

A sly smirk was present on the leader’s face as he carefully approached the door, and one twist of the knob, there was a gun to someone’s head. Before he even spoke, he felt a  sharp knife pressing on his skin, but it wasn’t enough to cause a cute. His eyes widened to see a familiar face... A face he never expected to see in those hours.

“Eizan?”

“No shit, Atitarn.”

The rest of the gang members were waiting for their leader to come back, and they wondered where he was. “Do you think Kaoru was drunk enough to fall on the floor and sleep there?” The person who acted like the oldest member brought up. “I know he wasn’t drunk before he went up, but it could have hit him late.” He was trying to explain what may have happened to him. 

“Possibly.” The planner of the gang shrugged. “I can see him being that kind of person... Getting suddenly drunk out of nowhere. But despite the possibility of that being true...” She raised her finger. “We should still check him up. We wouldn’t know the truth until we check.” She was the first one to get up and start going upstairs and the rest followed.

“If there’s a stranger there, I’d have to bring out my knife... The paralysis one...” The most petite figure brought out a knife, her red eyes perfectly matching her threat. “I wouldn’t let anyone hurt the people I have left. They should perish.” Her voice got rather cold, and normally she didn’t speak like this around them. Her dark demeanor instantly dropped once someone behind her ruffled her hair.

“We should hear what Kaoru has to say first, mi amiga!” He tells her this and he was actually right. “Just because you don’t recognize someone’s face, it doesn’t mean that you should take them down. There is a possibility that he may know the person! He may have never mentioned them to us before.” Emile always knew what words to say, and the girl slowly placed her knife away.

That was an awful first impression.

A man who they never met in their life currently had a knife at their leader’s throat and the person who they were looking for was pointing a gun at the intruder.

Before they started anything, Kaoru had to capture their attention first, especially when one of them was already running to the visitor with a knife at hand. “Calm down, you all.” He started to speak before he placed his gun down. “It’s not someone who should be killed. See?”

Eizan placed the knife away from Kaoru, glaring at him. “If you didn’t point the gun at my head, I wouldn’t move by instinct.” He placed his knife away before crossing his arms.

“Aroon, you should have expected Gaia to act like that.” 

“I know, Lotus.” Kaoru began laughing despite the atmosphere. “I apologize for worrying my one and only gang. It’s my fault.” 

Emile blinked and tried to familiarize the face of the person who just entered. “I’ve never seen you before, but I think it’s best if I remember your face.”

He pushed up his glasses in annoyance before he turned around to Kaoru. “I only came here to talk to you.”

“You enough told me before you came. I and my gang is celebrating the first official mission we completed together.” The gang leader spoke up. “So if you wish to tell me something, please reschedule it to tomorrow. I want to celebrate.”

Eizan was irritated by Kaoru, but he did believe he made a point. Normally, he’d schedule something. But because of the whole suddenness of everything that was going on his side, he didn’t think clearly. “Fine then.” Eizan sighed, showing a sign of anger. “However, you better promise you’ll go to District 9.” He turned around, but before he could place a cigarette in his mouth, someone slapped his hand. “What the fuck-”

“If Canción is around, no one is allowed to smoke.” The girl who was previously holding a knife stated, her eyes half-lidded. “If you can’t obey the rules, get the hell out.”

“So what if I don’t?”

“Are you testing me?

“Eizan.” The person who owned the house suddenly changed the tone of his voice, sounding less playful than usual. “I promise to meet you there as long as you calm down. I wouldn’t want to be mad at this time... Or see you paralyzed. Don’t underestimate her, she beats both our speeds and the tiniest cut can do the worst.” He pulled the girl back. “And Gaia, you too. Calm down.”

He knew that Kaoru was the kind of person to train all his subordinates, but he didn’t know that he’d be able to make their skills meet the maximum potential. “Whatever.” He continued walking away, but before he closed the door, he specified the time. “Be there at 8pm sharp.”

The door closed at their faces and the gang members began eyeing their leader.

“You want to know who he is, huh?”

“He was rather impolite.” Hanako brought up before sighing. “You’ve never brought someone like him before, I never knew you’d have a bond with someone like him.” 

“I... I’m happy that he didn’t smoke inside the room.” Emile began smiling. “I might not know him, but I do think that he’s someone that you consider as important. I can read your eyes... so I’m curious!”

“Never have I ever thought you’d actually have someone visit this secret house of yours besides the gang of Dai Adachi.” Tetsuji stated. “Oh. And your parents. Do you have a history with him?”

“Not interested. I want to slit his throat. That’s all.”

Kaoru stared at each of his members one by one before he walked back to the basement. “I’ll tell you guys tomorrow morning. First, let’s continue celebrating.”

Once the door was locked by Tetsuji, everyone ended up going down to continue having their small little party... even if they had a billion questions in their minds.

“So you’re telling us that you’ve had a gang before us?” Emile was rather shocked when he heard this. “I thought we were your first, but no wonder you’re so experienced! I thought that you were only trained by your family!” A pleasant yet very excited expression was on the face of the male.

“I did. But it was just a temporary thing. The gang was formed so we could bond with each other.” Kaoru answered the questions being thrown at him, and the flashbacks with his old gang made him want to flip a table. “... But trust me, I will prefer you 4 more than them any day.”

“Of course, you will.” Hanako already predicted that he was going to say that. “They seem like the only people who could... piss you off. Even if you do consider them as your friend, they seem like and enemy towards you too by how you told us the story.”

“Yeah. They make me stress the fuck out.” What she said was right. They may have been his friend, his ally, and also they were certainly significant to him- but there were times when he was done with their shit. “Added to that, they don’t have anyone as beautiful as you, Lotus. They could never be as sweet as Canción. They’re not as soft as Gaia. And of course, they can’t beat the dadness of Sukiru.”

A blush was on the cheeks of the first person mentioned, before she placed her palm on your forehead. “Now isn’t the time for flirting.”

“Mi amiga, I think he’s being serious! He actually mentioned that you were the most beautiful person in the world when he was drunk last night.”

Hanako was already asleep by the time when he said that, and her cheeks went darker. She tried to keep her cool and only raised an eyebrow at the drunkard that night.

He gave a sheepish smile before changing the topic. “Anyway, what I truly meant is that none of you can beat your intelligence, if you want my true answer. Seriously. With you all combined, your skills, your abilities- they couldn’t take us down easily. Lotus has the plans, Canción has the words, Sukiru has his hands and Gaia has her knife.” He gestured at his holster. “And I’ve got the guns.”

Kaoru never missed the chance to compliment his members, and he always told them the truth. Every time they showed their potential, he never wished for a better team. “But yes. Going back to topic. Eizan Etsuya and Kuga Terunori were my first gang members, and... if you ever see them, please do not fight with them. That isn’t the best choice. We’re technically... allies with them, you know? Eizan may be a dick, but he surely could be useful. Kuga is a runt, but he can be nice. Try your best to at least tolerate them. You’ve seen Eizan yesterday, but maybe we can meet Kuga another time.”

“Question... Are we supposed to be with you? When you meet him at 8 pm?” Masae suddenly brought up, her head tilting. 

“Yeah, sure. He didn’t tell me I should come alone.” He did have a point there. “Plus, I want it to be a better first meeting... At least better than yesterday. You were all ready to shoot him down.”

“Mi amigo, I was ready to shoot him with command... I thought he was planning something dirty, and after thinking you died yesterday... I can’t help but worry...”

“Canción...” He muttered before lifting his hand to give some pats on his head. “If you say it like that, I feel guilty about yesterday. I wouldn’t die on our first mission together.”

A little smile appeared on the brunet. “I know, but I overthink sometimes.” 

“To be fair, you didn’t do what I told you to do. Once I lost any contact with you, I too, may have panicked.” The person with blue hair began speaking, her eyes drifting to the side. “I thought I may have failed on the first official mission, and I even believed my plan was flawless. I may have wanted to bring out the Swiss Knife you gave me the moment he had the knife at your throat.”

Tetsuji agreed with the other two who spoke. “I may have been the driver, and I wanted to do your command. But I hesitated a lot. If something bad happened to you, I would have placed on my brass knuckles to punch him.”

“I was already ready to slice him. Watch him get paralyzed, then poison him later.” Masae spoke up. “If you didn’t tell me to stop, I would have killed your previous team member. I can’t stand the thought of losing you... Anyone in the gang, actually.”

The room was silent, and suddenly the gang members was surprised with the sight of their leader.

He was crying.

“Oh god! Don’t feel guilty about it, Kao-”

“I’m not crying because of that.” He brought at small laughs before trying to crack up a smile. “I’m just very happy that you were that worried about me... I love you guys a lot, and I thought it wasn’t possible to love you guys more...” 

Suddenly, two other people began tearing up. One of them let their tears flow down, while the other was sniffing. Luckily, Gaia didn’t place her contacts yet.

“I’ve never seen you cry before... this makes me so happy that you showed this side to us!” Emile almost pounced on Kaoru, giving him a tight hug. “Of course we’ll worry about you! We love you so much!”

It was followed by another person jumping to him, and she tried to snuggle between her two friends. “You’re our leader... No, our friend. A close friend. You should have expected us to feel that way...”

Tetsuji tapped the shoulder of Hanako before pointing at the three who were currently hurdling up. “Should we join them?” He didn’t get a verbal response, but the person he was talking to stood up before joining in and he ended up being a part of the hurdle too.

“Damn. I fucking love all of you. I’d die for you.”

“Leader, I think... “I’ll live for you” sounds better.”

After an emotional ride, there was someone calling the landline of the house. The person who picked it up was no other than Hanako. “Hello?”

“Oh! Lotus!” A cheerful tone was on the other side of the phone. “May I talk to your leader, Aroon?”

“Of course.” She replies. “Please hold on for a minute.” He was one of the only people who visited their house often, and his voice was so familiar, even when he was only on the phone. “Kaoru, Isshiki Satoshi wants to talk to you.”

Kaoru lazily went off the couch. “Damn it. Emile was already playing the guitar.” He began walking to the place where the phone was. “Thank you, Hanako.” He thanks his friend before he sat down on a chair. “Hey Isshiki! It’s been a while since you called.” He placed his elbow on top of the desk. “What is it this time? Is anyone bothering you? Should I shoot someone?”

“It isn’t that, Kaoru.” The happiness in his voice was slowly fading. “I want to ask if you’re available at 8 pm.” Wasn’t that the same time he was going to meet Eizan?

“No can do, Sir. I have someone to meet already.” He was unable to mention who it was since Isshiki has never met Eizan before, and he should keep his identity from him. “Can’t mention their name. But may I ask why?”

“I wanted you to meet the person who was protecting me.” Isshiki laughed nervously and suddenly Kaoru almost shouted through the phone.

“What?! Someone’s protecting you now? Wow! Lucky you! They better be great. I thought you only needed me, but apparently I’m wrong.” He laughed, and Isshiki sighed.

“I do think he is. He does mention all the rewards he’s gotten for being great... But maybe we can meet another time! I was also planning to meet Nene that time as well, so we could make sure that the gangs defending us could become allies.”

Kaoru felt a bit disappointed, knowing that he had to still meet up with Eizan. “Aw... What a shame... Maybe I can meet the person tomorrow? I’m sure that I’ll tell my gang to be nice to whoever that is!”

“I’ll also make sure to tell him that he should be nice to everyone in your gang as well!”

“Thanks Isshiki.” 

After a few conversations, he placed the phone down and began stretching. “Man, what a waste of time! I have to meet Eizan instead of Isshiki and the person he’s protecting! He better be good. I don’t want that kind guy to die early.” He went back to his group before sitting on the couch again.

He didn’t expect what was coming at 8 pm.

Kaoru spotted a male with glasses and he instantly shot a bullet near his face. “Greetings, old pal!”

“You idiot! Don’t do that here!” He spat, before twitching. “Not everyone is part of a gang in this place at the moment!”

“Not... everyone?” He looked behind him. “I mean, the people with me are all part of a gang but...” He faced Eizan again before spotting a female figure who he was covering. “Ah. You actually have someone with you for once.” He smiled before skipping to the person. He had a warm smile on his face, but his eyes were closed as he approached her. “Hello, miss! Pleasant to meet you, I’m-”

“Atitarn?”

His eyes popped open when he heard the familiar voice. “... Miss Kinokuni?” He didn’t expect to see her here. He glanced at Eizan for a moment, then back at her. “Wait... Nothing is adding up. Why are you with this dangerous man?”

“You fucking dumb ass.” Eizan placed his two fingers on the bridge of his nose before shaking his head. “Should I really explain what the hell is going on?”

“No, you don’t need to.” The gang leader replied before looking at Hanako. “Lotus, make an intelligent guess.”

“I assume that the woman with him is someone who he has to protect, considering the fact that he said that there was someone who was not part of a gang.” Hanako hit the bull’s eye in just one single guess.

“Oh. Damn. Miss Kinokuni. You trust this man?”

Nene shrugged, before answering his question. “My parents do. So I assume I can trust him.”

“Wait... Weren’t you suppose to meet Isshiki? He said that he’s going to meet you at 8 pm...”

“We were.” Eizan was the one to give his reply before he looked at his watch. “And it’s already 8:03, and they aren’t here yet.”

Kaoru couldn’t guess what was going on, but he backed away before going next to his gang members. “Hey, if any of you notice anything or anyone, please inform me. It’s dangerous when a gang is together, it’s a perfect way to hit two birds in one stone.”

Emile blinked before bringing up a question. “Does something odd count?”

“Yeah. Something dangerous or odd, you can tell me. Did you see something?”

He was staring into an empty space for a moment, but he soon shook his head. “I saw something, but it could be my imagination! I just thought I saw something shining!”

The gang of Kaoru began talking to each other, but after 10 minutes- they all stopped talking.

There was a car that stopped by, and suddenly someone was coming out of it. Kaoru waited to see if it may be someone he knew, or someone he had to shoot. His relaxed the moment he spotted the person who came out.

Nene started squinting at the man who just arrived. “I said 8 pm. Why is it already 8:15?” 

“I’m sorry.” Isshiki laughed nervously before scratching the back of his head. “The person who’s supposed to protect me had something important to do.”

“And where is he now?”

Before Isshiki could make the person who was currently slightly pissed at him for being tardy, he felt an arm wrap around him. “Kaoru?”

“God! What a coincidence! Look, we ended up meeting after all! Now who’s this person that my gang should be nice to?”

Once the engine of the car stopped, a blonde went out of the car before fixing his clothes. “Yo! Yo! The best Yakuza head of the world has arrived!” He posed, giving a very extra appearance. “I’m going to be nice to you because Mister All Smiles told me to-”

“Why the fuck are you here?!”

The person who came out of the care suddenly became quiet, before he replied. “Same goes to you, Greedy Shit!”

Kaoru didn’t even need to look at the person to know who it was. His face immediately paled before turning to Isshiki. “The person protecting you... is he Kuga Terunori?”

Isshiki gave a nod, with a bright smile on his face. “Yes! That is him! How did you know?”

“Oh my fucking god. This is going to end up badly.”

The gang of Kaoru heard the familiar name, and they realized that he was the other person that was part of his first gang. “Leader, are you okay? You’re turning pale.” 

“I’m... dying in the inside, Sukiru. I’m fucking... dying.”

“I promised myself that I’ll never see that fucking glasses of yours again!”

“I told myself that I won’t see a midget in my damn life again!”

“YOU FUCKING BITCH!”

Kaoru began twitching and he tried to keep his cool. “Anyway...” He tried to block out the annoying argument. “Isshiki, Nene... do you want us to be allies with the person who’s currently protecting you?”

“I wasn’t the one who decided this. It was Isshiki.” She eyed the male. “I didn’t even know you were part of the Yakuza. When he said “ally”, I never expected you.” 

“I didn’t know that the people who are protecting us would hates each other this much.” He really didn’t expect this to happen. “But I think if you help in protecting us, that means we have more chances of living. I trust you and your gang.”

Kaoru felt that compliment was sincere, so he only ended up smiling. “Of course you can trust us, isn’t that right?” He glazed at his gang for a moment, and they nodded their heads. “Every person in my gang is amazing and-”

Bang!

“... Kuga. Eizan.” Kaoru turned his head to spot both of his previous members pointing their guns at each other.

“I want to fucking kill you.”

“Aim better then, midget.”

“I missed on purpose, you fuck!”

“Wrong. You’re just horrible in shooting.”

“Says the man who needs glasses!”

Bang!

“At least I’m tall enough to see the fucking target!”

“Excused the fuck ME?!”

Bang!

“Listen up you too...” Kaoru brought out both of his pistols before pointing it at their heads. “If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll bring both of you to fucking HELL.” He already snapped. “Both of you should know that we’re not supposed to fucking fight at the moment, and here you are- shooting each other!”

“Oh wow, Stupid Red Clips brought out his gun! This is rare! Wow wow!”

“And what are you going to do, Atitarn?”

He was done with this bullshit. 

He pulled both triggers.

“What the fuck, Aroon?! You shot my suit! I just bought this!”

“You broke my damn suit too. I have other pairs too but is that why you were fucking late?!”

“I was fashionably late, Greedy Shit. You, however-”

“If you two continue to talk, I’ll aim for your skulls. You know I’m good with guns.” Kaoru hissed. “My gang protect both Kinokuni Nene and Isshiki Satoshi ourselves. I don’t need you here.”

“... Tch.”

“Fine then, Aroon.”

It was all quiet. Nene never saw him all angry, neither did Isshiki. The people inside “LA5T 5HOT5″ also were in shock, knowing that their leader was capable of being this angry towards his “friends” to the point of threatening them.

“Good.” He kept his guns inside the holsters. “I hope you both know that we’re supposed to be fucking allies. We’re supposed to help each other protect these two.” He gestured to the two people who he was talking to before he ended up being too pissed. “So we’re not supposed to be at each other’s throats. Trust me, I would rather not deal with you guys being TOGETHER but it is a request from them. And I won’t deny it. They need the best protection.”

Eizan kept his gun away before he sighed. “I know.” He sighed before trying to avoid eye contact with Kuga. 

“Yeah. Well informed about it! Mister All Smiles was the one who suggested it, after all.” 

“We should discuss everything...” Kaoru crossed his arms. “Formally.”

“So we’re all in agreement?” Isshiki began looking around seeing everyone nodding. “That’s great then!”

“Are we free to ask questions to each other since we’re officially allies?” 

“Yes, we are, Canción.”

“Why are Eizan and Kinokuni wearing matching rings? I spotted something shining... and now I know what it is!”

“Good eyes, Canción.” Kaoru smiled before he began freaking out. “Wait... Miss Kinokuni, you’re engaged?!”

“And you’re still alive?”

“WHAT?! NO WAY IN HELL GREEDY SHIT IS ENGAGED BEFORE ME!”

“It was the deal. If I were to get engaged to him, I and my family would be protected, so there will be no further deaths. However, in exchange, we also share money with them. It’s a win-win, but I have to marry him in a year.”

Eizan didn’t talk about it, all he did was sigh. After short moments, he explained further. “I only accepted because it improves the business side of the whole Eizan family.”

“Wrong. You’ll end up falling for her.”

“Excuse me, Atitarn?”

“You’re going to end up fall in love.”

“I won’t.” Eizan disagreed. “I only am with her for the business part. Nothing further.” 

“Let’s have a bet. If you end up actually falling in love with her, you better make me the godfather of your kids.”

“As if that will happen. Sure. If I don’t fall for her, you have to pay me 100 USD.”

“Deal!”

“But yes. I am currently engaged to this woman and I have to protect her with my whole life or the deal is off.” Eizan brought his attention to Nene, who only listened the conversation. “So I have to deal with her for eternity.”

“I don’t really mind, as long as you don’t go overboard with your ways.” Nene looked up at him. “I’ll stop you if you do.”

Kuga was still in too much shock to react properly. “Thank god my family isn’t like that. I’m straight and I don’t want to be engaged with Mister All Smiles.”

“Shut up, midget. No one asked for your opinion.” Eizan glared at the male. “I didn’t want to be engaged with her, but if it’s to get a better reputation inside this Yakuza life of mine, I’ll do it.”

Kaoru laughed a bit, before winking. “Seems like a fair trade. Miss Kinokuni is pretty.” He complimented Nene and she turned her head to look at him.

“Shut up.”

“Come on! I was being nice!” Kaoru sneered. “Eizan may be a bit of a trouble, though. You and him seem to have the opposite kind of morals, but you’ll get through it.”

“I already know that very well.”

“Dang, I can see why you think it’s a possibility of love. Greedy Shit and Woman on her period. Seems like a romantic love story.”

“Die.”

“Oh oops. I’m not dead yet!” Kuga grinned before sticking out his tongue. “Are you disappointed?”

“Please don’t go too far.” Isshiki tried to stop him, and Kuga only pouted. Damn, why did he have to protect such a peace maker? It was no fun at all!

“Since we know... that... Eizan is engaged, and the reasons for it... Why did you protect Isshiki?”

“It’s easy as this. Their family is really hecking rich!” Kuga told them facts about this person. “And this makes him famous! If someone like me, who’s already famous enough, protects this man... Fame will be all around me! I bet that I’ll be the greatest Yakuza member in the world in everyone’s eyes!”

“It’s stupid if you call me greedy when you have an explanation like that.

“You’re greedy for money. I’m just hungry for game. It’s two different things!” Kuga complained. “Sheesh, always trying to look for something to go against me, huh?”

“I’ll just ignore your whole fucking existence.” Eizan began ignoring Kuga, and he wanted to listen to the side of his other previous gang member. “And you, Kaoru? Why are you accepting this?”

“You see, Miss Kinokuni is someone who I knew since middle school, and it’s the same with Isshiki. I knew something like this would happen, and... I’ve worried about them. It’s now my chance to make sure they stay alive.” He explains his side.

“And the rest of your gang?”

“We follow with whatever Aroon has to say, unless it’s morally bad. I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Hanako replied for the gang. “He usually picks the just decision. But personally, I just don’t mind. You all would need a planner after all.”

“Lotus is correct! Not so sure... but I think you might need a negotiator sooner or later! I’m also great in gaining information according to my other gang members!” Emile smiled warmly at them. “Since we’re allies now, I hope I will be a great help!”

“Obviously, you two alone can’t defend both of them all the time. I offer my services as back-up.” Tetsuji explained. “I’ve seen Isshiki enter the house of ours a couple of times, I would miss him if he were to not come back. For Kinokuni, I believe that she should be protected for the sake of my own morality. I wouldn’t let an innocent person die.”

“Whatever Aroon says, I follow.” Masae answered their question before spinning a knife around her hand. “I have no further reasons.” Without any warning, she threw the knife near someone’s face

“You could have hit the damn woman I’m protecting!”

“I wasn’t aiming for her.” Her expression darkened. “People found us.”

There was a single person who dropped on the floor. The knife went exactly on their neck.

Kuga began sighing before preparing his gun. “I wanted to bond with everyone first but here we are.” He wanted to personally get to know the rest of his gang more because of a request, but he had to let that go for a while. “We’re gonna do the same thing as old times, huh?” He hated the fact that he had to team up with the person he despised most and the person he had a large debt to. Isshiki was pulled by the blonde to get closer to him so he can make sure he won’t get shot.

“I guess so. But it doesn’t mean I want to.” Eizan brought Nene behind him.

“I told you, I can manage.”

“Obey me, woman. You’re going to make things harder for me if you stay near me.”

“Hey gang, are you ready?” Kaoru had a grin on his face. “This is the first time we’re going to protect people, I hope you’re alright with this.”

“I’m going to get the car for escape. I’ve already planned ahead if something funny happens.” Hanako was completely ready for any outcome to happen. “Give me 3 minutes, and I’ll be sure to bring the car here.”

“I’m going to distract the enemies while Lotus is at it!” Emile saluted his leader. “I can handle this!”

Tetsuji cracked his knuckles while the girl beside him got her special knives out. “I and Gaia is always prepared, Aroon.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s do this.”

[fruitqueen8]

HEROES and Villains Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE:

Virgil crouched low on the roof looking around

“where are you Shadow…”

he mumbled under his breath worried for the kid.He was suppose to meet him hours ago. And yet he was nowhere to be seen.  Alex suddenly appeared out of breath and stressed out.

“Sorry i shouldn’t have chased those morons”

“S’okay you only gave me a panic attack when i noticed you were gone”

“Again i’m sorry I screwed up now get off my case”

Virgil glared at him.

“Shadow, you can’t do that every time you’ll get caught”

“And you can’t just sit back and let innocent people get hurt”

“I do not let people get hurt I just stop the more meaningful crimes”

“Robbing banks is not more meaningful it’s just a little bigger then a mugging”

Virgil sighed he knew he wasn’t gonna win this argument he never did. He stood up and headed over to Alex putting his hands on the young hero’s shoulders.

“Just...try to be more careful okay? I don’t want anything to happen to you”

Alex nodded shrugging Virgil’s hands off.

“Yeah yeah okay I get it you worry just try to focus on the job DK...and OH MY GOD IT’S HIM!”

Virgil whirled around.

“Where?”

Alex snickered

“Man you are gullible”

Virgil glared at him then grinned wickedly

“Oh? You want trouble oh sidekick of mine? I’ll give you ten seconds to bolt before I make you regret that little stunt”

Alex pretended to look scared

“Oh no!”

He ran off laughing and Virgil grinned counting down the seconds before he was allowed to bolt after his sidekick.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”

He suddenly paused he felt a presence but not a good presence a weird one, one that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He slowly turned around and there he was Dark Heart standing tall in his dark costume cape fluttering in the wind he grinned nastily.

“Well if it isn’t everyone’s favorite dark hero…”

Virgil scoffed

“Please i’m no one’s favorite people barely know me”

“Well then I guess no one will miss you when your finally dead”

Virgil laughed

“Please! Even if I did die why would I want people to miss me? All those sobbing crying people at a funeral for me? Not my style”

He took a step forward and Dark Heart laughed

“Don’t try it I haven’t been caught and I don’t plan to now”

He pulled out something and threw it to the ground the air filled with black smoke Virgil frustrated turned into a tornado and whirled the smoke away.  But the Villain was gone he sighed frustrated.

“One day Dark Heart you won’t be so lucky and i’ll catch you”

Alex suddenly teleported behind him

“Hey! Are we going home or are you just gonna sit here?”

Virgil whirled around smiling

“Wasn’t aware you needed a babysitter”

“Yeah? Well I wasn’t aware you were as slow as a turtle”

“I take that as a compliment turtles can be very fast”

“Yeah? Okay Logic...can we just go home so I can see my friends and you can go back to knitting that ugly sweater?”

Virgil glared at him

“I’m doing awesome and if you keep saying that you’ll be running away from a tornado”

Alex smirked

“Go ahead I could use a challenge”

“Alright you ask for it”

The two jumped off the roof  and Alex ran as Virgil became a swirling tornado he ran and ran but Virgil was hot on his heels he was so close to home but it wasn’t likely he’d make it he never did he always ran a little too slowly Virgil swept him up in a whirling chaotic disaster.

“WHOA!”

Virgil stopped catching the dizzy teen in his arms who groaned.

“Your gonna make me the sickest sidekick at headquarters if you keep spinning me like that”

Virgil tsked

“That’s your fault”

Shadow glared at him then teleported them to headquarters he got out of his partner in justice’s arms and shoved him.

“Your a jerk”

He walked away and Virgil sighed.

“Angry teen? I think not”

“Give him some credit Virgil he does more than you do most nights”

“Lo, I give him plenty of credit he’s just mad that I keep catching him he keeps thinking he has to prove himself so he can go take down Dark Heart but I've made it clear i’m not allowing him to do that”

Lógica tsked as he went over to his desk.

“Oh mi Amigo he is not angry at you because you keep catching him he is angry at you because a certain hero’s sidekick gets more chances to fight the villain then he does”

The dark hero gave the Spanish hero a confused look

“Pardon Lo? Run that by me again”

Lógica sighed

“It’s better if I show you, Invisigirl run clip four hundred fifty please”

“My name is Piper and yours is Logan but fine since you're obviously too lazy”

She typed a few keys and pulled up a clip of a battle between Dark Heart and Prince Lightening. Then went  to the projector and turned it on. It clicked to life playing the video

“Halt Villain you will not escape me and my sidekick again”

Growled Prince Lightening, Luck Charm his faithful sidekick stood beside him with the same determined look Virgil looked annoyed.

“I don’t see the point Lo...it’s just another dumb video of Prince doofus and his dumb sidekick”

Lo laughed.

“Prince Doofus i’ll agree with...but dumb sidekick I think not watch this”

He sped up the fight between Dark heart and Prince Lightening, to where Dark Heart was trying to escape.

“Luck! He’s getting away”

Luck nodded

“Not on my watch”

He ran after Dark Heart jumping the building he was keeping a good run Luck jumped and pulled off a twist tackle jumping in the air and managing to tackle Dark Heart he hit the ground and Luck pinned Dark Heart’s arms to his back in a police arrest format

“YES! GOOD JOB LUCK CHARM!”  

Luck smiled as Prince Lightening flew over. He picked up the villain and put him in a special type of handcuffs. He ruffled Luck’s hair and smiled.

“Good job my faithful sidekick we finally have are villain i’ll award you tomorrow okay”

Luck smiled but Virgil could see the kid wasn’t happy

“Ugh that joker doesn’t appreciate his sidekick...if it weren’t for Luck the guy would have…”

Logan put a finger up he turned the volume up. “News reports they’ve finally caught Dark Heart once and for all thanks to Prince Lightening and his sidekick do you have any inspiring words for our viewers?”

Asked a bubbly reporter with a smile on her face.

“Ah, yes ladies and gentleman, boys and girls if you try your very hardest your dreams will come true…right luck?”

Luck nodded smiling at the camera

“Yeah guys you don’t need powers to accomplish dreams go do something for yourself and great things will come from it”

Suddenly someone shouted in the background

“BULLSHIT!”

The camera whirled to face Dark Heart who wasn’t in cuffs at all but standing on the building

“Har de har har you idiots did you think it would be that easy?”

He laughed at all the shocked faces and continued.

“Who you have in handcuffs? My sidekick Manipulation”

the camera turned as the villain shape shifted into a mouse and then into a boy in an orange villain costume he winked at the camera then turned into a bird and flew up to the building he landed next to the true Dark Heart and shape shifted back to normal.

“I knew that was too easy...after all you’d never let us catch you that quickly”

Spat Luck angrily. Dark Heart grinned at Luck Charm

“It was? Aw, that’s unfortunate I really wanted to make you believe you had done a good job”

“Yeah? Well I don’t want your damn pity or your charity act when we catch you for real you’ll regret thinking I couldn’t do these things I promise”

Dark Heart laughed

“Oh you silly silly boy I don’t think that at all! In fact I think your fantastic at your job and you could make an excellent Hero...on your own”

Luck Charm looked surprised

“W-what?”

“Aw, Lucky your so naive he’s holding you back, taking credits for your actions, using you the way stereotypical heroes always use their sidekicks”

Prince Lightening put a hand on Luck’s shoulder and squeezed lightly.

“Don’t listen to him he’s playing your emotions”

Luck nodded then grinned at Dark Heart

“That’s funny because I don’t feel that way but you Know Manipulation i would take Dark Heart’s words into careful consideration because I think he might be using you”

Manipulation laughed

“I didn’t know you were this funny Luck i’ll enjoy my time fighting against you”

Dark Heart’s Grin disappeared.

“Oh and to all of you let this be a warning rely on others you will fall hard but rely on yourself and maybe just maybe you’ll get somewhere because here’s what I predict in your future Prince Lightening a fallout with your partner in Justice and the Death...of yourself”

With that the two vanished in a puff of Black smoke and people went right back to asking questions. Logan turned it off and Virgil sighed.

“If i’m honest? I don’t see where your coming from this just makes me not wanna let Alex fight even more and it makes me wanna slap both Prince Doofus and the stereotypical villain cross the face just because DH is right the kid is being hold back but he ain’t strong enough to fight on his own”  

Logan smirked

“Hmm perhaps if you let Alex fight with Luck he’d get the action he wants and Luck would get the courage he needs”

Virgil glared at him.

“Heck no! People know Luck exist they don’t know Shadow does i’d like to keep it that way”

Alex came down in his street clothes

“Heading out”

“Fine be back soon okay?”

“Will do DK, Pipes! You coming?”

Piper reappeared and stopped floating landing lightly on the floor.

“Yep”

The two left, leaving the two heroes behind.

“Luka should be here soon…”

Alex muttered as he stirred his ice tea listening to the ice clink together.

“HEY! Sorry i’m late uh…”

Luka quickly sat down and whispered.

“Hero work you know?”

Piper rolled her eyes.

“We know we saw it “Logan” loves keeping an eye on you he thinks you're smart”

Luka sighed.

“I disagree i’m a complete idiot I knew that take down was too easy but I went along with it I should have said something sooner”

Alex glared at him

“You are not an idiot! You were doing your job L, I give you props  for even having the guts to take him down because neither of us would have”

Luka sighed.

“I had to...sir sing a lot would have complained about it all morning if I hadn’t”

Piper scoffed

“Virgil is right...he is a doofus why did he even let you be his sidekick?”

“He needed the publicity? I dunno he literally showed up at the orphanage and said and I quote “which one of these Lucky children will come with me?” I about fell over when he pointed at me”

Alex paused

“Wait a freaking minute you said he never adopted you the last time we talked about this so what happened?”

Luka sighed.

“Your right he didn’t he says he’s still trying to figure things out I think he’s just making excuses”

Piper sipped her drink.

“Agreed he is obviously avoiding the subject”

“Can we talk about something else you two I mean seriously someone could hear us”

“Fine, Mr. Baker can we order now?”

Mr. Baker came over smiling happily he was like a big ball of sunshine always perky and happy.

“Sure kiddos! What’ll it be?”

Luka sighed

“White hot chocolate please”

“Another ice tea Mr. Baker”

“Coffee I am tired”

Mr. Baker grinned

“Don’t you sweat it kiddos i’ll be right back”

He left then came back a few minutes after he gave a black coffee to Alex with a dark chocolate cookie, a white hot chocolate with a little plate of macaroons and Piper a green apple and ice tea they smiled.

“Thanks Mr. Baker”

They chimed in unison. He laughed

“Enjoy it kiddos”

He left and Alex sighed

“Gosh he’s a really cool guy but it’ll suck when he has to close this place”

“What do you mean?”

“Someone said he’s running out of money he isn’t getting paid enough and it’s because of Dark Heart robbing all those damn banks”

“That’s horrible”

Luka heard his phone ring he checked it.

“Damn it Princey needs me sorry guys”

He quickly left the two who sighed

“Now what do we do?”

“Go home I guess?”

Piper nodded and the two stood up and started the long tread back to base.

[lupitaf19]

Princesa

 an Erick Colon imagine requested by @original-expert-collector 

{English Version}

Green.  That’s the first thing that popped into your head when you met him.  His eyes were a vivid green color that reminded you of the forest that existed behind your house that you often walked into when you needed to clear your mind or when you needed a break from all the stuff going on in the world.  Coincidentally, after becoming friends with Erick your favorite color also became the one that resembled his eyes and deep down you knew the reason why.  

Growing up with Erick,  you’d always seen him as a best friend and being the same age as him caused you to venture to him when you needed to ramble or vent about the typical teenage dilemmas- crushes, gossip, the usual every teen talked about.  However, you never thought there would be a day when you had to refrain from speaking to him about something because he had become one of those topics.  A crush. A crush on the boy you’d known since you were diapers and a crush that could make a friendship awkward and tense if it was brought into the limelight. 

To make things worse,  he was leaving for tour again soon and you didn’t know if you could hold it in much longer.  You yearned to tell him how when he looked at you, your insides would melt and you could feel yourself getting nervous as if he didn’t know everything about you already.  Every time you saw him with a fan there was an undeniable jealousy inside of you that one of those gorgeous girls could catch his attention and it was then that you knew you had to say something.  You figured that if you told him before he went on tour that you wouldn’t have to deal with the embarrassment of seeing him face when he rejected you.  A part of you hoped that he wouldn’t but you figured he’d just friendzone you or say he saw you as a sister because that’s what he did when people asked if you guys dated.  He hadn’t done so in a while though which gave you a tiny glimmer of hope that things would go in your favor.  Instead of denying it, he would just smile in interviews and just dodge the question.  A part of you wonder what he would do when you told him how you felt. 

In an effort to clear your thoughts, you headed over to your tree house in the woods that let you look over the city and usually made you feel peaceful. As you made your way towards it, you were surprised to find the light in the tree house on which indicated someone was already in there. You figured it was one of your siblings but were surprised to find Erick sitting in your tree house, sitting with his legs crossed on one of your pillows.  

“What are you doing here?,” You asked, feeling your nervousness get the best of you already as you felt your palms start to sweat because it was now or never. 

He gave you a look as if to say how ridiculous your question, “You’ve been acting strange with me, mami, so I’m here to ask you what’s going on.”

“I’m not acting weird.”  You replied but he knew you better than you knew yourself so instead he patted the pillow next to him and asked you to sit down.  As you did so, your breath hitched in your throat as you gazed directly into your favorite pair of eyes. 

“Now, tell me what’s wrong.  I leave tomorrow and I want to make sure that my best friend and I are on good terms.”  

Best friend.  Friend.  That’s all you kept thinking about and didn’t even notice you had spaced out and were staring at the floor until he used his finger to bring your chin up back to his face.  

“Tell me, princesa.”  You felt your face heat up at the name even though it wasn’t the first time he had called you things like this before. 

You bit your lip out of nervousness and shook your head, “It’s stupid, Erick.  I’m okay.”

“No you’re not.  If you were, you wouldn’t be so awkward with me right now.  Did I do something to upset you?”

You quickly shook your head, “No, you’re perfect.  It’s fine, really.  No need to worry about me.” 

“Well, I’m not leaving until I get an answer so we’re going to have to do this the easy or the hard way.”  

Just as you were about to ask what both ways were you found yourself in a fit of laughter as he tickled you and said, “Tell me.,” repeatably.  As you felt yourself out of breath, you didn’t even think about what you were saying until you heard yourself say, 

“I like you.” 

You felt his hands freeze and he looked down at you from his position in which he was currently on top of you.  

“You what?” 

You gulped before pushing him off, feeling your throat get tight as you mumbled,

“I’ve got to go.”

You heard him yell out your name and ask for you to wait but your embarrassment got the best of you as you left your tree house, running towards your house.  However you didn’t get very far until your felt yourself getting pulled into his chest.  He brushed away the tears that had began to fall with his thumbs as he cupped your face in your hands.  His voice was barely a whisper as he asked, 

“Why are you crying, nena? I like you, too.”  You felt your heart beating in your chest as he leaned down to kiss you, making all your previous worries about his reaction to your confession seem foolish and insignificant. Feeling him smile as he kissed you,  you wondered if there would ever be another moment as perfect as this one.  

version en espanol 

Verde. Es lo primero que te vino a la cabeza cuando lo conociste. Sus ojos eran de un color verde vívido que le recordaba al bosque que existía detrás de tu casa al que a menudo entraba cuando necesitaba despejar su mente o cuando necesitaba un descanso de todo lo que sucedía en el mundo. Casualmente, después de hacerse amigo de Erick, tu color favorito también se convirtió en el que se parecía a sus ojos y en el fondo sabías la razón. 

 Al crecer con Erick, siempre lo has visto como un mejor amigo y tener la misma edad que él te hizo hablar cuando necesitabas divagar o expresar los típicos dilemas de los adolescentes: aplastamientos, chismes, lo usual que cada adolescente hablaba acerca de. Sin embargo, nunca pensó que habría un día en que tuviera que abstenerse de hablar con él sobre algo porque se había convertido en uno de esos temas. Un flechazo. Un enamoramiento por el chico que conocías desde que usaban pañales y un enamoramiento que podía hacer que una amistad fuera incómoda y tensa si era puesta en el centro de atención. 

Para empeorar las cosas, se iba a ir de gira pronto y no sabías si podrías aguantar mucho más tiempo. Anhelaste decirle que cuando te mirara, tu interior se derretiría y podrías  nerviosa, como si ya no supiera el todo sobre ti. Cada vez que lo veías con una fanática había dentro de ti celos innegable de que una de esas preciosas chicas podía llamar su atención y fue entonces cuando supiste que tenías que decir algo. Pensaste que si le contabas antes de salir de gira que no tendrías que lidiar con la vergüenza de verlo cara cuando te rechazó. Una parte de ti esperaba que él no lo hiciera, pero pensaste que él simplemente te haría friendzone o diría que te veia como a una hermana porque eso es lo que hizo cuando la gente preguntó si salían juntos. Sin embargo, hace un tiempo que no lo hizo, lo que te dio una pequeña luz de esperanza de que las cosas irían a tu favor. En lugar de negarlo, solo sonreiría en las entrevistas y simplemente evadiría la pregunta. Una parte de ti se pregunta qué haría cuando le dijeras cómo te sentías.

En un esfuerzo por despejar tus pensamientos, te dirigiste a la casa de tu árbol en el bosque que te permite mirar la ciudad y por lo general te hacía sentir en paz. A medida que avanzaste hacia ella, te sorprendiste al encontrar la luz en la casa del árbol en la que se indicaba que alguien ya estaba allí. Pensaste que era uno de tus hermanos, pero te sorprendió encontrar a Erick sentado en la casa de tu árbol, sentado con las piernas cruzadas sobre una de tus almohadas.

¿Qué estás haciendo aquí? ", Preguntaste, sintiendo tu nerviosismo sacar lo mejor de ti ya que sentiste que las palmas de tus manos comenzaban a sudar porque era ahora o nunca. 

 Él te echó un vistazo como diciendo cuán ridícula era tu pregunta: "Has estado actuando de forma extraña conmigo, mami, así que estoy aquí para preguntarte qué está pasando".

 "No estoy actuando rara". Respondiste, pero él te conocía mejor de lo que te conocías a ti mismo, así que en vez de eso dio unas palmaditas en la almohada junto a él y te pidió que te sentaras. Mientras lo hacía, tu aliento se enganchó en su garganta mientras miraba directamente a su par de ojos favorito. 

 "Ahora, dime lo que está mal. Me voy mañana y quiero asegurarme de que mi mejor amigo y yo estamos en buenos términos ".

 Mejor amiga. Amiga. Eso es todo en lo que seguiste pensando y ni siquiera te diste cuenta de que te habías espaciado y mirabas fijamente al suelo hasta que usó su dedo para llevar tu barbilla nuevamente a su cara. 

"Dime, Princesa". Sintió que su rostro se ponía caliente al oír el nombre de princesa, aunque no era la primera vez que le llamaba de esa manera antes. Te mordiste el labio por nerviosismo y sacudiste la cabeza, "Es algo tonto, Erick. Estoy bien." 

"No tu no eres. Si fueras así, no serías tan torpe conmigo en este momento. ¿Hice algo para molestarte?”

Rápidamente negaste con la cabeza, "No, eres perfecto. Está bien, de verdad. No hay necesidad de preocuparse por mí ".

 "Bueno, no me iré hasta que obtenga una respuesta, así que vamos a tener que hacerlo de la manera fácil o difícil". 

 Justo cuando estaba a punto de preguntarle qué era lo que hacía, se encontró en un ataque de risa cuando le hizo cosquillas y te dijo: "Dime". Repetidamente.

 Cuando te sentiste sin aliento, ni siquiera pensaste en lo que estabas diciendo hasta que te escuchaste decir, "Me gustas."

Sentiste que sus manos se congelaban y te miró desde su posición en la que estaba encima de ti. 

 "¿Que?"  Sentistes que tu garganta se ponia tensa mientras que decias, "Tengo que ir." 

Lo oíste gritar tu nombre y pedirte que te esperes, pero tu vergüenza te quitó lo mejor de ti cuando saliste de la casa de tu árbol, corriendo hacia tu casa. Sin embargo, no llegaste muy lejos hasta que te sentiste atrapado en su pecho. El secó las lágrimas que habían comenzado a caer con los pulgares mientras  tomaba tu cara entre sus manos. Su voz era apenas un susurro cuando preguntó, "¿Por qué estás llorando, nena? También me gustas ". 

Sintiste tu corazón latir en tu pecho mientras se inclinaba para besarte, haciendo que todas tus preocupaciones previas sobre su reacción a tu confesión parezcan tontas e insignificantes. Sintiéndolo sonreír mientras te besaba, te preguntas si alguna vez habrá otro momento tan perfecto como este.

PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK, TYSM FOR READING 

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