#duskwood alan x mc

[hacked-by-jake]

𝗗𝗪 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 "𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗲"

Characters: Jake, Richy, Dan, Thomas, Phil, Alan

Warnings: None, I guess. Phil got slightly suggestive but it's Phil so. Oh, and no beta read.

A/n: Hey, look what this is. A little, silly, headcanon thingy. What can I say? No idea how I came up with it. But I was bored. Don't expect too much. It's small and it's silly, as I said. Hope you like it anyway. 💚

𝗝𝗔𝗞𝗘

Oh boy, he would freeze on the spot and be unable to move.

He would stare at the table as if he could set it on fire with his eyes. Although he has clearly heard the nickname, his mind needs a few more moments until it has seeped through every cell of his body and the real meaning breaks over him.

You could swear the man is starting to shake with tension.

He is completely shocked that you give someone like him a pet name and indirectly express your feelings for him.

On the inside he explodes with joy and in his imagination a tear rolls over his cheek which he holds back in reality with everything he has.

Either way, he would be absolutely powerless against the crooked grin which is slowly creeping over his lips, so he does nothing but let it happen.

He has clenched his hands into fists and his cheeks turn slightly red in embarrassment but he has to hear it again.

"Can you repeat it?" he would whisper with broken voice.

You would of course repeat it and it would burn into his memory and he is one hundred percent sure that this is the most beautiful thing he has ever heard.

If possible his love for you would increases even further and if you would ask him right now to commit a murder for you then he would only ask which weapon you want him to use.

If he were to stand, his knees would probably give in and he would collapse.

He’s completely at your mercy.

𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗬

Pah, the hyperactive rubber ball would lose all composure.

He would look at you with the widest grin and you would be worried that his cheeks would tear open as much as he smiles at you.

He would wrap his arms around you to pull you happily in for a hug. Probably the hug is a little too tight.

He would kiss your forehead and then rattle down all the pet names he can think of to test what would be the best name for you and how it feels to pronounce it.

He would continue without interruption throughout the entire day.

𝗗𝗔𝗡

Pff, Dan is a macho.

That man would immediately start grinning like the greatest charmer and would tease you with it.

"Well, see, see, babe it is now, huh? Took long enough. But I’ve known for a very long time that you call me that every night in your dreams, I mean, how could you not"

He would smirk sinfully before placing his arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer to kiss you.

Then he would whisper "I love you too, babe" against your lips.

𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗦

What should happen? The guy’s a puppy through and through.

He would look at you like he was your pet and you just showed him his favorite little toy and he would be waiting for you to finally throw it so he can bring it back to you happily.

You can swear that you see his eyes getting a little wetter but he would say "I have something in my eye" to distract but you know of course that it’s just an excuse and would have to grin about it.

He would kiss you gently and tell you how much he loves you, of course not without also using a pet name for you.

In his head, however, he already plans that you both move into an apartment together, how you get married and have children and lead the happiest life until the end of your life.

𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡

First of all, he would warn you and ask you how many times he has told you not to use his police radio at home to "call" him. He has a private phone with which you can make calls very well.

But then he would have to concentrate completely on not grinning broadly and would tell you that in his lunch break would come home so that you can continue talking there.

The rest of the shift he’d be a little grinning idiot no matter what case he’s working on.

After he came home, he would wink at you and confess how much he enjoyed you calling him that and telling you to always call him that.

Of course, you will do it with utmost pleasure. Of course, you'll be using the police radio.

𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟

He would smile cheekily and answer you. But of course not without using the same pet name at the end of his sentence and emphasizing it extra strongly.

He would stop cleaning the bar to come around the counter grab you by your hips.

Of course he would kiss you and then whisper in your ear.

"Babe? That’s fucking hot, I think I can go home earlier tonight, the others can do the rest on their own. We should go home urgently."

It's obvious that he would wink at you.

[lyon-amore]

It was necessary to do this experiment with the AIs 😏🤭

Wink your eye again and I eat you with kisses ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Why do I have the feeling that he is undressing her with his eyes?(?)

I'm very sorry, I am very weak for Alan that I had to do it he is Dilf material for me, ok???

NOT DARKNESS BEING ADORABLE!!! 😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️ AAAAH!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[zmayadw]

|| I WILL FIND YOU ||

Duskwood (meets) Moonvale Oneshot

WARNINGS : contains Moonvale episode 1 spoilers

CHARACTERS: mostly Alan Bloomgate and Jake, with mentions of Richy and Mc ofc 😊

A/N: Hello, hello! 😊 Uhm, well, I kinda wrote something that got inspired with the (very) end of Moonvale 🤭 So here, have my first Duskwood meets Moonvale oneshot! Hope you'll find it likeable! 💚 Oh, and please, don't mind any mistakes you might stumble upon, it's 2am here, and I'm barely keeping my eyes open 😅

The hell with the FBI!

Alan curse inside for the umpteenth time already, as he slowly and carefuly searched through the Duskwood forest. He was the bloody Chief of Duskwood's police, and the moment the FBI showed, they treated him as some kind of rookie?? Outrageous!

He was actually grateful to be alone right now, because if that arogant FBI's agent in charge once more addressed him with such undermining tone, he would punch him right in the face with all he got!

He stops for a short moment and takes a deep breath to calm his raging nerves. Continuing on, his thoughts began to wander back to all that happened ever since he managed to finally get in touch with Mc.

Could the outcome of this all be any different if he only listened to her, like REALLY listened, from the start?

Would he be able to stop the explosion that happened in the mine, and not wander around feeling guilty and responsible for the most probable demise of young Mr. Rogers? If only he trusted that little voice at the back of his mind just a bit more...

His train of thoughts suddenly gets interrupted by a rustling coming from a close vicinity.

"Who's there?" his voice comes out firm as he turns toward the source of the sound, his flashlight and gun pointed steadily in the same direction.

He waited for a moment, and when there was no response he tries again.

"My name is Alan Bloomgate, Duskwood's Chief of Police. I'm armed, so I suggest you come out, slowly, and show yourself."

"Don't shoot, I'm unarmed."

A short heartbeat later he grips his gun tighter as rustling comes once again from behind a tree a few feet away from him.

Alan watch as a young dark haired man slowly appears from behind the tree, and from the way the man moved, he immediately knew he wasn't alone either.

"Please, he needs help."

Alan stood still in his spot, closely paying attention to every move the dark haired man did. But when he finally looked at the other person, his eyes open wide.

"My god, Richy Rogers!"

Unable to keep both of them on their feet, the dark haired man collaps to the ground, Alan instantly movig towards them, putting his gun away.

"Is he all right?" he drops to his knees next to Richy, quickly putting his fingers on his neck to feel his pulse.

"I- I don't know." dark haired man replies, Alan detecting discomfort in his voice.

He turns his gaze to him, his expert eyes noticing right away some bloody stains all over his hoodie, which looked pretty torn on some places, too.

'And you? Are you all right?"

The black haired just nods before Alan speaks again "Mind telling me how you got out of the mine?

The young man tried to hide the surprise from his face at his question, Alan smirking in response "No need to act so surprised. After all, I have a pretty good guess who you are."

He could notice the young man tensing so he quickly speaks "Also, you do not have to worry - your seizing isn't at the top of my list right now." He turns his attention back to Richy "But helping him is - his pulse is very weak"

He starts to get back up, lifting Richy along in his arms. "So, if I were you, I would start moving in that direction."

"Wait!" the dark haired man calls confused afer Alan, who already started to walk from him in the opposite way "Why are you doing this? Letting me go - the FBI won't go easy on you for it."

"Screw the FBI!" Alan yells over his shoulder, but then stops and turns back "But if you must know, I owe it to someone - and that someone happens to be very fond of you."

The young man breaths in astonishing making Alan chuckle. But his face turns back serious again "But also, firstly and mostly, I am a police officer. So go now, use this leverage as best as you can. Because our next encounter won't be this pleasant."

The young man stare silently as Chief Alan turns and continue on his way. And even though he was tired and in a lot of pain, a smile crawled on his face as he watched Alan vanish among the dark of a forest "There won't be next encounter."

4 WEEKS LATER

Jake's eyes jumped all around the screen in front of him. His fingers were flying hastily over the numbers and letters on his keyboard. He wanted to do this as fast as possible. It already passed too much time before he managed to recover and acquire new equipment. And he also did not want to spend another second with the thought how Mc must be worried about him, not knowing if he's even alive.

And that thought pained him intolerably.

So he begin to type even faster, and not a minute later he leans back in his chair, waiting eagerly for confirmation tha she accepts the message he just sent her.

He didn't have to wait long for the sound alerting him of her acceptance, his hand lifting and hitting the enter key on his keyboard ao fast and hard, it was a miracle it didn't break.

With longing, he imagined her surprised face as she watched how Alan found his things in the forest, wishing that he could tell her in person that he is alive and well.

But just like that, that longing dispersed, and his face beamed with a smile, just like the one he knew for sure she has on her beautiful face right now, as his message came to its end and the image appeared on the screen:

A/N: I'm sorry, but I just had to use this picture! 🥺🥺😭😭💚💚

[miss-celestia13]

The Ending You Deserve

Jake x MC - Duskwood One Shot

I wanted to practice angst and creating suspense. This happened. It has a touch of humor, a hint of fluff, and other things! Sassy MC. No smut for a change. It feels weird 🤭

Can Jake run from death and make it to MC?

Or will his demons win the race?

MC isn't named or described as it was more for the emotions. It's all from Jake’s POV.

Pain. 

Aching. Cold. Hot. Burning, burning, burning. It rolled through him in waves.

He couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t see.

Dread wove through his internal organs and strangled him from the inside like an invasive vine had taken root in the core of himself.

Smoke and ash choked his airways as he stumbled and tripped through the mine.

His heart rattled savagely against his ribs.

It felt like a creature in its death throes, trying to break out of his chest.

His foot collided with a jagged, jutting rock and he went down like a house of cards. Crumpled and folded as he rolled and rolled.

Hissing as tiny sharp stones cut into his face and hands.

Ash ridden sweat trickled down his face and stung the many small slices leaking blood as he lay on his back panting and cursing himself as the ominous orange glow of raging flame inched along the underground tunnel.

The air grew thinner and thinner.

The smoke grew thicker and thicker. 

The gasoline fueled fire was a monster bearing down on him and he scrambled to his trembling feet. Taking off at a staggering jog, one hand braced on the rough, dirty wall.

A pinprick of light opened up far ahead and a jolt of adrenaline surged through his bloodstream. He hurried, panting and terrified, breathing too shallowly as the rising heat nipped at his neck.

He knew he had a choice to make.

It was death by fire or FBI.

Neither option appealed to him, but as he looked back and saw the swirling, furious flames licking nearer and nearer. He knew he had to decide.

It wasn’t fair.

He wasn’t innocent or free from any wrongdoing. But he didn’t deserve to die like an animal, run over and left bleeding out and twitching on the side of the road until he grew cold and stiff. 

No one would miss him.

No one would look for him.

He was all alone. It was a surety. He was always, always alone.

That’s not true though, is it, Jake?

It hasn’t been for a while now.

The voice in his head made his breath catch, and his heart pounded painfully in his throat.

It felt as though someone had reached inside his chest, broken through his flesh, muscle and grasped his bones to pry them apart, an invisible fist that gripped his pulsing heart and shoved it in his mouth. Forcing him to swallow it.

It beat there like a Wardrum. Marching him to his death. 

It throbbed and choked and filled his mouth with copper. He couldn’t stand it. The pain was corrosive as it ate through his nerves and left them exposed to the heat and acrid taint of smoke.

She is waiting for you. Don’t let her down.

You PROMISED.

A soul deep sigh huffed through his nose as his feet sped up, pebbles and broken glass crunched under his boots as he raced toward the gradually growing dot of light.

The roaring fire and echo of his escape bounced off the stone and haunted him as he ran for his life.

Four years of running.

Four years of searching and shame and seclusion. Running had been his gift. His lifeline. 

Yet he felt wholly unprepared for this last sprint.

He was tiring.

Steps shortening faster than his scalding breath as black smoke slithered overhead and wrapped its insidious tentacles around his body.

He would not make it.

He would not see her after all.

The thought felt like a poisoned blade sinking into his chest. He could feel the barbs of it twisting and cutting through sinew.

He would soon bleed out without a sound.

The fight left him as the intangible knife punctured his hope and foolish dream of having a love he didn’t deserve.

They’d been writing their own story, filling the pages with dreams and fragile, flourishing love.

He felt like coming here was akin to him tearing out those pages and ripping them up.

It broke him so completely he almost stopped and let the flames embrace him.

He could already smell the sickly sweet and pungent scent of his blistering flesh. Like tanning leather over a flame.

He was going to burn.

It would hurt more than he already did.

It would roast through his flesh, flay it from his bones and incinerate muscle and blood to dust.

He could already feel it.

Creeping closer, singing the hair on his nape, and filling his nose with the cloying scent of dangerous smoke.

No one would know it was him.

Nothing would remain for her except blackened bones and the memory that he had gone to the mine instead of her.

She would blame herself for this.

It would destroy her.

And it was all his doing.

No.

Never.

He wouldn’t be a cause of her pain anymore than he already had.

A burst of fresh speed and determination glittered through him as the fire drew so near he could feel the flames whispering in his ear.

Too slow, Jake. It’s too late.

You can’t run away from this.

Your luck has faded.

He forced it aside and sobbed through his clenched teeth as the dot of light swelled and came toward him.

His legs were heavy. Growing weightier with every leap over fallen support beams and shattered rock.

His rabbit heart raced faster and faster. It deafened him to the groaning, popping wood as the fire devoured it.

Tears streaked through the soot and blood on his face. Leaving pale tracks through the grime and coating his chapped lips with brine.

His vision blurred as his emotions broke free of the locked and coded vault he’d stuffed in the back of his hive mind to come here.

He attempted to shove them back in.

It didn’t work.

They spilled out and utterly overwhelmed him.

He’d spent years locking them down. Beating them into submission, so they listened to him and not him to them. The steel and stone fortress he erected around himself had already crumbled for her and there was nowhere left to hide.

He’d given her everything he had, and it wouldn’t be enough.

You always knew you weren’t enough. Let’s not think too highly of ourselves.

She deserves better than this.

Better than you.

That is a truth you will never escape.

His heart fractured as his mind fought against him and his flagging spirit frayed further.

She deserved better than this.

He was failing her. Had failed her since he let her in.

He’d always known he’d cause her future hurt.

He just hadn’t expected it would come so soon. That he wouldn’t get to watch from afar as she healed from his vanishing.

They had always lived on borrowed time.

And now, the fire was so close sweat slid like rivers down his back and legs, eating away at his nerves as they flared wildly under his soaking skin.

Jake knew it was futile. The ball of light in his vision seemed to run away from him as his eyes blurred and cleared repeatedly. His hands curled into two tight fists and he fought the urge to punch the wall in fury.

He bit down on the inside of his cheek instead. Biting down hard until the skin gave and blood welled over the tattered edge, glazing his tongue with the buttery, metallic taste of it.

It acted like a stimulant.

His eyes focused and his heart pounded fiercely as he ran and ran and ran.

Feet pounded stone as fire blazed through the mine. He had to outrun it.

He would outrun in it.

There was no other option as his blood pressure skyrocketed and his breath became harsh, shallow.

The fire sucked away the air before it could go in as he tried to gulp it down.

There was no oxygen.

His insides kept writhing and twisting.

They knotted up and up so tightly he swore felt something tear. Something that made him cry out as the air was crushed from him.

He could see shadows in his periphery. Specks of darkness and sparks of light as his lungs ached and screamed for oxygen. For rest.

Resting meant dying.

Dying meant failing her.

Failing her was never an option before.

It couldn’t be one now.

He put his head down and ran.

He jumped over another wooden beam as the light ahead broadened and he landed atop aged wooden boards.

He only had time to scream as they broke under his weight and their age.

Jake fell. And fell and fell.

He screwed his eyes shut before he hit the ground.

The impact was so brutal, he almost wished it had killed him.

He hit the ground with a resounding whack.

His head cracked off the stone. Pain, blinding and bleeding, radiated through his skull and brain, frying his rationality completely and leaving room for fear to consume him wholly.

Warmth seeped across his scalp and his hand came away, stained in crimson when he reached to feel the damage. 

Head wounds bled worse than they were and the gash didn’t feel too bad once the stinging pain subsided a little. He internally surveyed the rest of himself. Finding nothing broken despite his ribs feeling as though a giant had stomped him flat.

Dirt and blood coated his teeth as he wheezed and coughed. Choking and spluttering as he tried to get a handle on himself.

He’d bitten through his lip, and it bled like a bitch.

Something was stabbing into his shoulder. 

As he stared up at the hole he fell through, a sensation like a thousand razor blades slicing down his skin moved down his spine, coiling in his lower back. It swirled there, a ball of cutting, primal fright that soon bled through the rest of him.

A rickety ladder leading up and out offered a small ray of hope.

He clung to it and calculated how long it would take to climb in his current condition. 

Fire scoured over the opening and left no place for him to escape.

His hope died with a breathless whimper.

He barely even heard it as agony rippled through his bones and he rolled onto his knees, panting.

“Fuck!” He spat. The word was more like a vicious curse as it rebounded off the mine walls and into his ears.

Mocking him as he squinted into the darkness and tried to figure out what to do next.

The fire would keep the police and FBI away from the mine until it burnt out. They wouldn’t rush in until it was safe enough. He knew that.

He could use that.

Jake kneeled on the filthy ground and schemed.

The temperature rose and rose as he shuffled through his thoughts.

He neatly ordered and arranged everything, thinking of his brain like a filing cabinet.

He could slide one drawer open and find a treasure trove of data and memories.

Some would get stuck as he tugged at them. Rusty and dusty, hardly ever opened for fear it would cut off his ability to feel nothing.

He pulled at one that had eroded so much he had to kick it and smash it to smithereens to pull the files out.

It was like opening Pandora’s box and expecting sunshine to pour forth. 

A veritable flood of emotion, memory, and agony spilled free of the mental drawer and absolutely annihilated his hold on himself.

He’d forgotten what it was like to feel everything so fully.

Everything of the last few years had felt like he was competing against time itself. And time was humanity’s greatest enemy. There was never enough of it and it actively fought back when you tried to beat it.

It was a losing game and in order to keep playing, he’d become a ghost.

He muted everything that made him human in order to survive.

Calculated.

Clinical.

Cold.

Jake was all of that.

Now, he felt everything.

He wanted to survive. He wanted to live.

Lingering as a phantom on the periphery of reality no longer appealed to him. He wanted to feel and touch and be. He wanted everything life had to give.

The bitter and the sweet. The hurt and the relief. All of it.

Jake just wanted.

And when Jake wanted something, he got it.

He pushed up on his hands. Curling his fingers into the gravelly dirt and ignoring the bark of pain as his nails cracked and split.

His blood mingled with the muck, and he clambered to his feet.

Everything ached and bled and felt so heavy he could barely put one foot in front of the other as he carefully headed down the tunnel he’d dropped into.

His throat was raw. Torn to shreds from smoke and screaming. His hands quaked and his mouth was so dry his tongue curdled in his mouth as he smacked his lips together and tried to create some lubrication.

It was useless. He needed water.

He needed to rest soon, or he would pass out in sheer fright and exhaustion.

It’s too late, Jake.

Give up.

Only fools persist in fighting when the odds are stacked.

Jake’s head throbbed as he thrashed it, as if to dispel the sinister crooning, and muttered, “The odds are always stacked. It’s how you play the system.”

The voice went quiet again, and he breathed a sigh of relief as he tripped over rock and wood, hands scrabbling at the walls to ensure he wouldn’t get himself lost.

He risked taking his phone out of his pocket, scowling at the shattered screen as message after message came through.

MC: Jake. You can’t just tell a woman you love her and then ignore her!

Answer me.

Please.

Just give me a sign. A smoke signal. Send a damn carrier pigeon if you have to! They’re saying there’s no way in or out. But I know better. You’ll find a way. 

Keep going. Please don’t give up. You’re not alone in this. I won’t allow it.

If you die, I will hunt you down, drag you back and kill you again. You must live, Jake. Not for me, not for Hannah or Lilly, but for you. You will make it back to me.

He swiped them away. Deleting them. They made his heart shiver and fracture more. The rubious fissures would leave silver scars behind. He groaned as another came through and he immediately memorized the coordinates she gave him. Deleting the message once he had. He put all his remaining energy and will into planning his escape.

His mind wheeled with memories from before.  Prior to being forced into hiding, he had experienced a life of color and fluctuating joy. It wasn’t a perfect life, but it was his. The day he had to leave it all behind, he’d severed all strands of his old life and assumed the identity of many and none. 

He’d learned a lot about humanity and its cruelty in that time. He knew how it worked.

Life was a battle against human cruelty. It always was and always would be. Wisdom, strategy, and hope were the only factors that could hope to gain over cruelty.

And his hope lived on. 

Hope, he understood it lived with her now. He’d given her it and she had offered him her own. He would not waste it.

He flicked through his brain and memories, shelving what didn’t matter and keeping what did. Everything that made him ache, he kept. Everything that made him feel safe, he lost.

If safety meant being alone, lost in a mine until he either burned or starved to death, he didn’t want it.

He reached into the mental vault containing their chats. 

Their conversation about her coming here was the most potent file he had, and it would fuel him to make it out.

She had complimented his research on the mine and he’d told her about some entrances/exits.

He informed her of the ones he thought were most likely to get him caught. It was a manipulative decision, so she wouldn’t get the stupid idea of following him.

He kept one exit loaded like a bullet in the back of his mind.

It was risky.

It was idiotic. 

Still, Jake took off running for it. 

The tunnel was narrowing as he traveled along it. He had to duck before long.

His heart still frothed behind his sternum. Relentless and out of time, with his sawing breath as the walls closed in on him.

He had to crouch now. His head scuffed off the rugged ceiling and he bit back a shout as the pain merged with that of the wound still leaking blood on the back of his skull.

He felt drained. His body became so weighty, he was grateful when the tightening passage forced him to his hands and knees.

Jake crawled and crawled. Palms scraped and searing as sweat irritated all his grazes. His eyes prickled with fresh tears as a draught of fresh air snaked into his nose.

Dread rose to swallow him, but he kept going. He didn’t know what awaited him on the other side, but it was better than dying alone, never to be mourned or found.

The fear of being arrested was so strong it almost halted him as he squeezed through the ever shrinking tunnel and felt like he was caught in a vice.

If he got stuck—No, he couldn’t think it.

He had to turn his fear into a weapon. Run from this place and reclaim his name. The sweat on his brow, the blood running through his veins; it was that of a survivor.

This was just another glitch.

He told himself that over and over as he army crawled through the crushing mine.

He was blind.

The darkness entrenched him.

It would entomb him if he allowed it.

His coat snagged on the rough wall and dragged him back. He shook his sore body as much as the tight space would allow and panted through his clenched teeth.

It kept sticking. He had stretched his hands ahead of him.

There was no room or way for him to tug the fabric free.

His heart stopped dead in his chest.

Helplessness stole his flagging fight, and he slumped into the dirt, hiding his filthy face in it.

Abruptly, Jake started sobbing like a child. Great, gasping cries tore from him and his entire body shuddered with it. So violent and soul destroying he couldn’t temper it.

No matter what he did, it went against him. He’d never worked with such horrendous odds. His brain was a mess of emotion and regret.

He wished he’d written everything he felt and hoped for them down and mailed the letter to her before he entered the mine, but he’d been cocky then. Too confident in his ability to escape any trap or cage.

Jake gave up and accepted his fate.

If he died, if that was his due, there was no stopping it. He’d been living off begged and borrowed and stolen time for years.

It had finally caught up to him.

He was so lost in defeat. Consumed by it. His throat contracted, and he felt like he might be sick.

He hoped he choked on it.

Make it quick.

“I don’t want to die,” He whispered without meaning to and his mouth kept moving, the words kept falling from his bloodstained lips, “Not like this, anything but this.”

His heart shriveled and went cold as he struggled and tried to shuffle forward. He couldn’t breathe properly. All his weight was on his front. His ribs felt bruised and cracked, every tiny inhale felt like a sledgehammer blow.

It is over, Jake. Feel that? The cold creeping in? Soon, it’s all you’ll know. This darkness? It’s all there is. All there ever will be. It’s what you –

“-- I don’t deserve this.” Jake growled with a certainty he’d never known.

Adrenaline coursed through him, lighting up his veins and filling him with new trembling energy as if someone had injected him with a drug.

He rocked and shook his body until his bones jolted and his skin felt too tight. He forced what little breath he had out through gritted teeth and felt the tendons in his neck straining as he dug his fingers into the dirt and put all his strength into pulling himself free.

The sound of fabric ripping caused his heart to start beating again.

He gave a laugh like shattering glass.

Unhinged and desperate as the momentum of his coat coming free shoved him forward a few feet.

From there, it wasn’t easy. He felt like a clumsy serpent as he slithered through the mine.

He kept laughing. His heart kept pounding.

The voice in his head was silent as his hands connected with something that fell away as he shoved at it.

Glorious, clean night air hit his sweaty face, and he gulped it down as he pulled himself out of the horrible tunnel.

It seemed to cling to him. Like invisible hands tugged on his ankles to keep him trapped. He refused to allow it.

Damp earth, long green grass, and dried leaves crunched under his hands as he lay on his back on the forest floor and stared at the starry sky.

He considered the spectacle of stars as the greatest gift he could have received. He analyzed it, finding the North star and thinking of the co-ordinates MC had given him. He quickly checked them on his phone before he threw it away, and was relieved when he discovered it wasn’t too far to make it there on foot.

If he headed in a North- Easterly direction, he could make it there at sunrise.

He didn’t bother looking toward Duskwood, didn’t need to know how close his pursuers might be or he’d lose his nerve.

He shakily got to his feet and started walking.

Time meant nothing to him as he traipsed through forest and open fields. He stayed away from the roads he knew were always busy.

In his current condition, some good samaritan would call for help thinking they were aiding him when in fact they’d be signing his death.

He was so tired. It clung to him like a shroud of smothering fog he would never break out of.

He kept moving. 

Through shadow and moonlight, he kept walking and ignored the pain in his body as best he could. 

There was no end to his exhaustion as pink tinged sunlight shimmered through the pines.

The sun was rising.

How strange, he thought, that his world could burn down around him and yet the sun still rose.

He eyed it and felt strange, like it was an abstract painting absolutely out of place in this world of cruelty, death, and flame.

No matter how deeply or irrevocably the world burned. No matter how thick the shadows grew and the amount the freezing darkness consumed, the sun would always rise.

It filled the world with light, warmth, and color and precious hope.

He felt the soft warmth kiss his hurting face, and it energized him as he broke out of the cover of trees and came to a halt in a motel parking lot.

Jake frowned, glancing around in suspicion and doubt as he failed to understand. Why would she send him here? He hadn’t stayed here. It was too out of the way.

And just how did she know of it?

He stood straight and fear thickened in his throat as his attention snagged on a window. The curtains had moved. He was sure of it.

He moved as though to sink back amongst the trees, but the creak of a door opening made his head snap toward it.

A small, slender hand poked through the gap in the door, beckoning him. He was moving toward it before he could give his feet the command.

His heart picked up speed again. His pulse and distress ratcheting up and infusing him with tension like someone was turning a screw too tightly.

He was only a few steps away from the door now. His skin felt too sensitive and everything hurt in some way. His throat felt like he’d been eating sandpaper and gravel.

The shake in his hands intensified, flight or fight. His nervous system couldn’t decide.

As he hesitated, a female voice trailed through the open door and it was like a salve on his exposed nerves. He had heard that voice, he could recognize it anywhere.

His heart raced for an entirely different reason as he listened to it.

“It’s safe. Come in and I’ll explain.”

Jake didn’t care about her explanation as the adrenaline left him so suddenly he drooped and nearly dropped to his knees.

He tripped through the door instead.

She didn’t give him time to rake his gaze over her the way he wanted to. She gripped him and forcefully dragged him into an embrace, causing him to groan in pain as it aggravated his many minor injuries.

She instantly pulled back, grimacing and apologetic.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t think. Here, I have supplies. I figured one of us would get shot or stabbed or maimed. It felt important to be prepared. Thankfully, the worst injury I’ve had is paper cuts. You don’t look like you’ve been so lucky. Are you bleeding anywhere? What do I do first? Are you burnt? You smell like someone roasted you over a spit! Are yo-”

Jake chuckled roughly at her babbling. Touched and amused by her care and thoughtfulness.

It was the first genuine laugh he’d had in years, and it turned into a cackle before long. It just slipped out of him and sounded more like crying by the end.

His gritty eyes closed as emotion swallowed him and he welcomed the darkness they offered.

It was familiar.

It was safe.

He woke hours later very confused and so stiff it felt like he was breaking his bones to sit up. His grunt of pain escaped his teeth as a lilting voice cut through the static in his mind.

“Oh, good. I was worrying. That’s nothing new, but you look like someone just dug you out of your grave. I cleaned and patched you up as best I could without stripping you. I thought I’d let you buy me dinner before we got to that stage!”

Her tone was light and filled with humor, but there was an edge of despair and anxiety in it that told him she’d fussed over him the entire time he slept.

His sluggish heart resided in his empty stomach as she approached him slowly like she thought he was an injured animal and she was afraid to spook him.

“Where are we? Why are you here? You promised to stay away.” He managed as he accepted the glass of water she offered him.

His fingers left dirty streaks on the glass as the dirt mingled with the condensation. The water was cold and crystal clear and he gulped it down to clear the sour taste out of his mouth.

She huffed at his words and waited for him to sink the water before she responded, “Typical. I come and help you and you scold me. Well, shove it.  If it weren’t for me and Alan, you would be dead or rotting in a cell. And I did stay away! I didn't go to the mine, did I?” 

His gaze flew to her indignant face, lovely and open despite the fury razing hell in her narrowed eyes.

He felt shocked that he could speak because his tongue felt so thick in his mouth. “My apologies. I’m still—I’m sorry... Alan? I thought he would be more interested in helping them catch me?”

She smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she sat down beside him.

“That was until I ripped him a new one. The fire helped most, but Alan is currently playing down your involvement to give us time. He’ll make contact with us once we find a safe place to stay.”

He opened his mouth to demand she go back home, and he’d message once he was safe, but she flung up a hand to silence him.

“None of that. I’ll explain better once we know the scope of the fallout in Duskwood. But I am coming with you. No, if ands or buts about it, Jake. I make my decisions, not you. The last time someone tried to decide for me, I bit them. Don’t make me bite you too. Are you in?”

Her eyes were hard and unwavering, not a sliver of doubt to be found.

Everything inside him protested against dragging her into his mess, but he was tired.

He was tired of being alone.

He was so tired of losing everything.

Four years of fatigue and depression sank through him like a millstone and he hung his head in defeat. He was in no condition to run alone, anyway.

And he didn't want to. It was selfish. It was daft. But he didn't care.

He hadn't expected to survive this long. Plus, she had been his reason to make it out. He sighed and let his shoulders curl inward. Having someone else to protect would keep him sharp and ready for anything. She must've sensed his resolve weakening. 

She reached out and threaded her clean fingers through his muddy ones, dark and light; he thought stupidly as his skin tingled at the contact.

It had been so long since he’d been touched gently. With obvious affection and because someone wanted to, not because they had to. 

He was used to bruises and hurt. This was — this was what he'd survived for. 

He’d forgotten what it felt like as he met her gaze and felt his stomach fluttering with something that felt like excitement.

It felt like hundreds of tiny birds had taken flight in his abdomen and a frisson of tentative anticipation filtered through him. 

Her eyes glittered and his mouth twitched with the want to smile as he gave his response.

“I’m in.”

—————————

Thank you for reading. I hope it was worth your time despite this being done so many times before me. Oh, and if you leave a comment or reblog, thank you. It is appreciated ❤️

[giu-world]

MC: My boyfriend is too tall for me to kiss him on the lips. What should I do?

Alan: Punch him in the stomach. Then, when he doubles over in pain, kiss him.

Thomas: Tackle him.

Dan: Kick him in the shin.

Jake: Don't do anything to all of those. Just ask me to lean down.

[satveek]

Jake X MC

Jake: what are you doing here MC? MC: You were hiding here, so i came here. Jake: You want me to help Phil? MC: Nope, I helped him. He ran away. Jake: You helped Phil run away? MC: Yes. I did. Jake: You know it's a crime. MC: Yes. I know. Jake: Where is Phil? MC: Behind you! Jake: Police will arrest you both. Phil: That's why we are here. MC: From now onwards you won't be on the run alone, we will be accompanying you. Phil: All for one. MC: One for all. Jake: I am most experienced in hiding, I will be leading you both. Phil and MC: Aye aye captain.

[reality-exodus]

Broken promises

Ch. 1 Lost and Found

Pairing: M/c x Jake, Words: 1280 Summary: What if m/c went to the Grimrock mines to warn Jake of the police?

I had promised him I wouldn’t go but he tricked me, I would have gone to the mines just like Michael Hanson requested, however Jake has other plans.  I must admit it was really sweet that the group had asked of me not go. Well only Thomas encouraged me to do so. I am obviously not mad at him, I could understand how he was feeling, the devastation and the fear that was dominating him when it came to Hannah.

I was so scared, Jake kept talking to me, keeping me updated on what was going on in the tunnels, what he was seeing. He kept texting every motion he would make even though the signal was getting weaker and weaker until he said someone was coming and went offline. I felt my knees go weaker at the thought of the culprit getting to him, I haven’t even seen his face but in my head, my last call with Richy keeps repeating, this time though it is Jake who falls in blood. God! I don’t even know his face and yet I don’t want to lose him.

Once I realized Bloomgate was on his way there I picked up my stuff and took my bike on the mines as well. I was most likely going to be late, nonetheless I was unable to sit down and just wait for Jake’s reply. I was staying at the motel. No one was aware of that not even the man without a face apparently or perhaps he realized only now.

I was riding as fast as I could, my eyes fixed on the road, taking small breaks only to stare at the navigator of Duskwood made sure I had on my device. Suddenly my phone rang… I was Alan Bloomgate.

“Hello, Nellie… I have gotten to the tunnels of the mines” He sounded older than it felt on the text messages.

“Owo, good job chief. How did you find this information all by yourself?” I asked making sure the mock and sarcasm in my voice was distinctively highlighted.

“You did a good job.” He spoke up and then gasped, there was a pause in his voice “There is a room full of files, archives. And there are pictures of all your friends…” He told me.

“Really Sherlock? Maybe there’s an envelope with my name a big sign saying revenge and plethora of raven graffiti?” I wondered and panted lightly, the freezing breeze of December was hitting my skin like many small stab wounds. It was Christmas and I was probably riding my bike to my death. I hoped that Alan wouldn’t notice the back ground noise of my bike and my dragged breathing.

“How do you know?” he asked me, his tone surprised. I was rather satisfied that he didn’t see many of these facts coming.

“That’s what we wanted you to see at the Hanson old residence.” I explained and braked abruptly.

“Are you outside?” He asked me and I didn’t reply. “If you are thinking of coming here, change mindset, it is too dangerous.” He started off.

“Too late for that chief.” I spoke and parked my bike. I was wearing heavy clothes that wouldn’t allow me to move freely, I kept my beanie and scarf. “the culprit threatens me quiet sometime now and today he told me that he would let the two go if I came at Grimmrock waterfall…” I unriddled my ponders leaving Jake out of my speech, he was already in there somewhere. I was in danger running towards a trap and all I could think of is how close we are to each other for the first time.

I strolled over the area, it was a really impressive and beautiful place, I was to the place I was supposed to meet with Micheal Hanson but he seemed nowhere around, I had started shivering without really realizing it.

“There’s someone there.” Alan said and his voice got quieter.

“Be careful, do not shoot…Can you hear me?” I asked as I saw the screen glitching. The damn reception of that place… I forgot where I was standing, I was only scared that he would fall face to face with Jake.  I raised my gaze to see the culprit 50 meters away from just staring blankly and I gulped.

“Mrs. Donford.” Alan exclaimed and I looked at the screen. He had found Hannah.

“Find Richy” said she immediately before the call was over.

“Notifying the police wasn’t part of the plan.” The man without a face said, his voice still altered.

“Many things were not in the plan and yet, here we are, aren’t we?” I asked and hoped to stall him as long as I could so the rest would come out of the mines and find me.

‘Bloomgate found Hannah, she is safe...’

‘And I am standing face to face with our cute little legend.’  I texted the groupchat and I saw everyone coming online immediately.

‘What do you mean?’ Lilly asked.

‘Awe some one ran out of braincells, Nellie, WHAT THE HECK?’ Dan texted.

‘Get out of there’ Cleo was next.

‘Please, please, please, Nellie, you can still leave… There’s Jake and now the police too.’ Jessy tried convincing me and I sighed.

‘Nellie where are you?’ Lilly asked as I couldn’t reply at that point, the legend was laughing but thankfully not walking, he kept the distance between us and this offered me some sense of security that I couldn’t really explain.

‘Answer, please don’t scare us like that’ Jessy added.

‘Guys give her time.’ Thomas tried to be the common sense .

“What do you want from me?” I yelled loudly as this staring contest was unnerving me, I made sure to press voice record and sent it to the groupchat. “Why did you involve me?” I yelled even louder. However, he seemed unphased. “You are scared of me, but I do not know why… I only came here for two months and suddenly I am tangled in this mess because of you… You just stand there… You want to scare me? Well congratulations you’ve made it…”

“You see, this mine stopped operating after a great explosion, many innocent people died back in the day, therefore the cause of the explosion isn’t still known… This is how it works, explosion usually has causalties.” He spoke and I inhaled deeply.

“You didn’t…” I breathed out in disbelief.

“Or maybe I did.” He said and I felt wings on my legs as I sprinted down the entrance and I saw him chase after me when Alan’s voice was heard and maybe a few shots. I don’t know if he was still after me. I soon found myself on the ladder Jake showed me and started climbing down, if he was after me he would have made it to the entrance cut down the ladder and I would already be dead… Right?

“Jake!” I exclaimed and my voice echoed all through the tunnels. I started running and running I was lost by now. My phone bombardised with concerned messages while I was looking everywhere for him or the explosives. Not that I would know what to do with them.

I was out of breath, I have no idea how long I have been running around those tunnels, it must have been twenty minutes and I was in denial. I was lost. I paused in a fork path and took a deep breath when I heard a crack from the floor and I felt a pair of hands pulling me on a narrow tunnel. I was out of breath I felt a pair of hands pulling me on a narrow tunnel. It was over my mouth and pressed over my neck. I couldn’t escape or scream… I froze.

A/N: Hey, I replayed the whole game and I feel pretty confident into staritng a small fic again. There will potentially be more chapters on the way. I accept requests of duskwood characters and I would also appreciate your opinion.

Have a great day:)

Yours, silvermist

[digital-corruption]

Alan knocks on MC's apartment door. MC opens the door.

Alan: MC.

MC: Alan. I didn't realise it was that time of the month again.

Alan: There have been reports he's been in the area again.

MC: Well I haven't seen him.

Alan: No? You haven't seen him at all in the past nine months?

MC: Nope.

Alan: ... Shall we talk about the elephant in the room? Or should I say in your uterus?

MC: What? Oh my God, I'm pregnant! When did that happen?

Alan: That’s what I am wondering.

MC: An immaculate conception?

Alan: Try again.

MC: Ok, fine. I met this guy at Aurora.

Alan: Uh-huh... And his name was Jake?

MC: No! It was... let me think... J-ack? Yes, Jack!

Alan: Jack? And does this Jack have a last name?

MC: Geez, do you remember the last name of all your one night hookups?

Alan: I just assumed you'd want him for child support.

MC: Oh, uh, no, I'm good.

Alan: Or maybe baby Jesus would like to know his daddy.

MC: Mighty bold of you to assume it's a boy!

Alan: You have bright blue icing on your cheek.

MC: That could be anything!

Alan: So if we check your apartment right now, we won't find any evidence of Jake?

MC: Really, Jake who, am I right? Tell me you're not going to be searching my place for the rest of my life! Cause if you wake the baby, there's going to be hell to pay!

Alan: You know it's either me or the FBI. You agreed to comply to random checks.

MC: Ugh, fine, can you get it over with quickly? You've had me standing for like an eternity already and my cupcake is still waiting for me. You shouldn't provoke pregnant women like this. Take too long and we're going to have a situation on our hands.

Meanwhile, Jake, hiding on the exterior fire escape stairs: Who is Jack!?

[jakesnymos]

Duskwood is Calling (SNEAK PEAK)

A/N: Hi friends, hello. Here's the start of the novelization I talked about a while back. This is just the intro to the first chapter, so think of it almost as a prologue, if that makes sense. Obviously spoilers through chapter 10 of the game, so don't read if you're avoiding those. Anyways. Here it is:

You don’t know how you got here. Not really. 

 If they asked you- everyone, all of them, Thomas and Cleo and Dan and Lilly and Jessy and Hannah and-

 And not Jake. Not Jake, because Jake was stuck in the mines. Stuck with Richy, and the fire, and the unstable mineshafts and the dark and the cold and-

 “(Y/N).” Alan breaks you from your train of thought. “(Y/N), I’m sorry. But I need to ask you a few questions about tonights events.” You nod. “How did you get here?”

 I don’t know, you think. “I took a train.” You answer, because Alan means ‘What was your mode of transportation to Duskwood?’ and not ‘How did you come to know these people so intimately that thier loss has shattered something deep inside you?’

 “I took the earliest train I could get out of Grand Central Station to Duskwood.” You pause, thinking of the frantic way you’d run to the ticket booth, of how the minutes it took to get your ticket felt like hours, and how the couple of hours on the train itself felt like eons. “It was only a few hours.” You continue, “I didn’t tell the others I was coming. They didn’t know until-” You gesture vaguley, still not comfortable acknowleding the nights events outloud. 

 “You didn’t tell any of them?” It seems to have genuinely shocked him, and that, in turn, surprises you. “Not Jessy, or Thomas?” You shake your head. “Why?”

 “I didn’t want to worry them.” You shrug. “After everything else with Richy, and you finding Hannah, I didn’t-” You swallow against the lump in your throat. “I didn’t want them to worry about someone else being in danger.” 

 “But someone else was in danger, (Y/N).” Your eyes close against the harsh truth of the words, and you force yourself not to respond. “Jake Donfort was in danger.”

 “I don’t know who that is.” You lie. You open your eyes again. Sitting before you is still Chief of Police Alan Bloomgate, this time looking much more sympathetic. He nods. “I don’t, Alan. I don’t know who Jake Donfort is.”

 “I believe you, (Y/N).” He pauses, making sure to hold your eye contact. “I think that’s all we need from you, now. End of interview.” The click of the recorder puncuated the following silence. You stare at Alan in confusion. 

 “What-”

 “You should get some rest, (Y/N).” He fixes you with a stern look. “You’ve had an emotional night.” You nod. “Do you have somewhere to stay?” You nod again, though this time it’s a lie. You didn’t think about what would happen after the mines. You didn’t think about anything but getting to Jake. “Miss Hawkins is outside.” 

 That grabs your attention. “Jessy is here?” Alan nods, collecting the files and paperwork from the interrogation table in front of you. “I’ve been told she refused to leave when she learned you were being detained for questioning.” You manage a small laugh. “She’s worried. Perhaps you should stay with her tonight. I’m sure the motel will keep your booking.” And something in his voice tells you he knew you were lying. 

 “Yeah, thanks.” You agree, finally standing from your chair. It bothers you, though. The fact that he didn’t push you about Jake. About knowing him. “Detective Bloomgate-”

 “It doesn’t matter, (Y/N).” He cuts you off again. “No one could have-” He pauses, seeming to think over his words. “I’m sorry. But no one could have survived that fire. And even if he could, those shafts were unstable before the fire. I can’t imagine thier state now.” He shakes his head, sighing to himself. “I’m sorry. I truly am. But he’s gone. It doesn’t matter if you knew him on record or not. Jake Donfort is dead.”

 He’s right, and you know it, but you don’t understand. You can’t understand how this could be happening. 

 I don’t know how I got here.

[schnattchen91]

Preview:

“I'm certainly not going to let a wanted criminal into our house just like that,” Dan argued.

“Jake's not a-” I began and was immediately interrupted by Dan.

“Honey, I'm more than pleased to remind you that the FBI was at Grimrock to arrest your boyfriend.” Dan put a particularly pejorative meaning on the word “boyfriend”.

Read on:

[mysteriouslover1516]

This part always sends chills down my spine...

[hacked-by-jake]

H (E R O) A C K E R

[lyon-amore]

Reaction to "I'm pregnant" Part 1

Guys

Poor Jake!! 😂😂

Get in line to hit him ಠ⁠ಗ⁠ಠ

And you think she does?!

Me too Dan, me too...

You deserve it...

ALAN! TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY AS A PARENT AND DON'T PASS IT ON ANOTHER!!!

Hdjgfjcchjkgg!!!

I swear it really is the best sibling reaction I can see between the two of them 😂😂😂

REALLY STEPHAN?!? IT'S WORTH SEEING JAKE EVERY FEW MONTH!! BUT THAT DOES NOT IMPLY THAT IT IS NOT FROM ANOTHER!!

Part 2

[duskwoodgirl4life]

Trap of lies

Chapter 24

This is a collaboration with @x3kristax3 it's based in the 1700s where Jake and MC meet while in this chapter there are not trigger warnings. In other chapters there are so I ask you too read with caution ⚠️ you can check out the other chapters here

Jake's POV

I woke up early my mind drifted back to last night's events, thinking about MC and what Alan did to her. She told me to trust her I trust her with my life ever she has planned I hope Alan suffers.

Today is the day I take over the family business, Charlie's guidance I know I can do this. He told me to meet him at 9 am sharp so he can go over things with me.

Before I leave I have to take care of my wounds making sure they are cleaned and rebandaged. I have a slight bruise on my hand from where I punched Alan god it felt so good doing that.

I start to smarten myself up ready for the events of the day, I am both excited and nervous about taking over the business I feel very honored that the business has been entrusted to me. My mind drifts back to the events of last night, I should have been the one to take care of Alan. I know MC is more than capable but I don't want her hurt anymore.

I get snapped out of my thoughts when I notice it's time for me to leave, I grab my coat and trusty cane and make my way to Charlie's. I start making my way to Charlie's people walking about ready to start their day. I notice the flower stand being set up putting out all the beautiful flowers. I see MCs favorite they are almost as beautiful as she is I decide to go over and fix get them for her. I make sure to pick some up for Mary as she has been so kind to me.

Arriving at the shop I knock on the door and Charlies lets me inside I hand the flowers to Mary who smiles and gives me a big hug. She goes to put them in water leaving us to go over what needs to be done.

I never realised just how interesting the trade business can be. When you're the one running it. It's like a whole new world has been opened to me. Charlie teaches me all I need to know and says he will be with me for the next couple of weeks.

I see Charlie looking at my hand the bruise has gotten much darker than before, I can see in his eyes he wants to ask me about it but I have the feeling he knows how it got there.

Charlie's POV

Jake arrives at the shop and instantly I notice something off about him, he has a bruise on his hand. He's been fighting, he's been fighting with Alan I can't blame him for wanting to do that. I know how much he loves my daughter I think he would even kill for her.

A few nights ago I saw Jake and Alan arguing in the town, they thought no one was there but I saw and heard everything that happened. I saw how the anger roared up inside Jake he wanted to end Alan's life right then and there.

Something stopped him that night it was as if Jake saw someone in the background and pulled himself away. I could hear Alan moking Jake he made sure to let Jake know he would never get MC back.

Alan turned and walked away laughing he thought he had won some kind of victory over Jake, but in fact, he hadn't really won anything well apart from impending death brought to him at the hands of my daughter.

I need to talk to Jake about what happened, some things need to be said. He must understand that he can't keep getting in the way as hard as it will be to hear I know he will understand.

I invite Jake into the backroom where we can take in private, I ask Mary to keep an eye on things and to call me if she needs me.

Charlie: Jake, we need to talk about the other night

Jake: you saw me and alan?

Charlie: yes I did, I saw you two arguing over MC you can't keep doing this Jake you need to stay away it's for your own good

Jake: but I love her, I need her so bad

Charlie: I understand that, but staying away is what's best. You have to tell let her to choose her path

Jake: I'm sorry, I never meant to...

Charlie: Jake my boy, I do truly understand why you did what you did, please promise me you will stay away

Jake: I promise, I never meant to cause any trouble

Charlie: how did you get that bruise on your hand?

Jake: I was angry when I got home so I punched the wall

Charlie: Okay then, we will leave it at that come on there is a lot to go over.

That morning I stopped by and got the paperwork from the courthouse to give Jake full ownership, all I had to do was having him sign it which he did right away after last nights conversation before he left Jessy’s. I’m still hoping this works to keep Alan out of this business, as I never wanted to hand it over.

As we walk bac outfront the door opens and in walks my daughter and Alan. i see a bruise on her face and shes looking down. I have no idea what this man has done to her but he’s breaking her fight that we all love.

Charlies: What can I do for you Alan?

Alan: I’m here to take what is mine as I am taking care of your daughter now.

Charlies: Sorry but the business is no longer mine. Jake is the rightful owner of this trade business now. I am just helping him with all the stuff I’ve been doing all these years.

We watch Alan slam his can on the ground and he’s losing his temper. I see’s MC face and she looks scared. Mary notices as well.

Mary: MC, darling, can you come with me please?

MC: Yes mama.

MC goes to walk away and Alan grabs her hand and gives her this look. I watch my daughters face and I know nothing good is coming out of this. I just hope she’s acting this way and he really hasn’t broken her spirit.

MC POV:

I walk into the back with my mama and I see the concern on her face. She grabs a bag and some ice and puts it on my face on the bruise. I flinch at the coldness of it but I know I need it. He hit me good last night before Jake showed up and it only got worse after he woke back up from being knocked unconscious.

Mary: Hunny, do we need to pull you home?

MC: Jessy and I have a plan. Please don’t step in okay? Its bad enough already, but he hasn’t broke me yet but I need him to think so mama.

My voice is soft so he can’t hear but we hear yelling out in the front. I look at her and she looks at me and we walk out to where the men are and see Alan holding his face,

Alan: We are leaving now

MC: what happened?

Charlies: don’t think we don’t see that bruise. I know he laid a hand on you and as your father it’s my right to protect you.

MC: *sigh* please just let me be with who I choose. I choose Alan, why is it so hard for everyone to understand that?

Charlies: Because we know you darling. Even the last time you two were together you weren’t happy.

MC: happiness is not what matters to me anymore. Its about being safe and not lied to

I glare at them as check on Alan and I see Jake clench his hands. He knows the truth but he’s still angry at Alan for last night.

Jake's POV

It has been a long day filled with so many emotions, I had lied to Charlie about my hand. I couldn't tell him what happened I promised I would stay away but I find myself being pulled back. As I make my way home I think about MC I am so worried about her.

I have to keep reminding myself that she is more than capable of taking care of Alan but still I should be protecting her from the evils of this world. As I get to my front door I see a note sticking out the corner of the door. I pull it out and open up the paper I see that there are only a few words on the paper but I can't help but smile a little.

Everything is okay X

[lala3244]

It's the second part of the post "I am not good with title... etc"

Part 1

Thank you @rafa-elle for yout help (merci)

So, it was supposed to be one part but finally I will do three part as it's quite long actually and I couldn't wait to post.

Also, sorry for any mistake, sometimes it's hard to write in english but I enjoy it!

(Some warnings: suggestive but quickly and I think that is it)

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I enter Jessy’s flat and she is next to the window looking at me, beaming. She runs to me and squeals while jumping. “YOU GUYS KISSED! It was so cute!”, I blush and don’t answer. What can I say? She saw everything. She laughs, happy and goes to the bathroom to get ready for the night. I go to my bedroom and put on my pyjamas. Some sweatpants and a T-shirt. She finishes her ablutions and leaves the bathroom’s door open for me. I take my makeup off and brush my teeth. I say good night to Jessy before I lay down on my bed, tired and I am starting to sober up a bit. I can’t believe Alan and I kissed! I don’t know how I really feel about it. Of course, I was giddy when I left him because he was a really good kisser and when I think about this kiss my heart skips a bit but I keep thinking about what he told me, about Jake. He came to the bar to see me and apparently he still has feelings for me. I don’t really know what to think about that but I kinda want to see what will happen with Alan. I guess I still have to talk things through with the hacker but I am not sure how or what to say. My thoughts are disrupted by the vibration of my phone. I look at it and I see it’s Alan. 

Alan: I am home now. Thank you for tonight and your nice surprise 🙂. I am sorry that I had to leave… but before that, it was really enjoyable and I hope we can do it again and maybe more…?

I laugh and I hear Jessy through the wall asking me why I was laughing. I walk to her room and lay down next to her, my phone still in my hand. I show it to her and she snickers. I nudge her on her shoulder for her to stop. “So what are you going to say?”, she enquires.” I don’t know! What do I say to the “and maybe more?”. Knowing myself I will just ignore it.” I think out loud. 

I start typing while Jessy reads my text, she has her head on my shoulder and she encircles my arm with both her arms as if she doesn’t want to let me go anywhere anymore. The message sent, she slides down under her duvet and with a small voice, she asks me to sleep in her bed. I agree I can’t really be bothered to move. I move the duvet to get under and before I even get myself comfortable, Jessy puts her head on my chest, her leg and arm on my body and snuggles up to me. I am a bit surprised but I take my arm out and she snuggles even closer to me. My phone vibrates in my hand and I see that Phil texted me.

Phil: How are you beautiful? Got home okay? I didn’t get to see you much tonight :(.

I take a picture of jessy and me and send it to Phil

<Image sent>

Me: What’s up, bartender!? Yes, we are home and already in bed. Look at your cute sister! I know it’s a shame but we will see each other again 🙂

Phil: How lucky she is ! I wish I were there with you…

Me: Lol! Only Jessy is lucky enough to have me in her bed ;). Well, my eyes are closing by themselves. Good night Mr Aurora. Thank you for tonight!

I lock my phone and fall asleep, stuck in Jessy’s arms. 

I wake up early as usual, sore from not being able to move all night. I try to move slowly so as not to trouble the young girl. I go to the kitchen and look through the cabinets to look for some food. I am a bit hungover and some food will do me good. I find something that I feel my stomach will be able to handle. I make myself a coffee and go back to my room. I grab my sportswear and get changed. I find a notepad and write a note in case Jessy wakes up before I come back. It’s nice and crispy outside. I start my run. I try to remember where I run so I am able to find my way back. After 30 minutes, I start to go back to Jessy’s flat. I go straight to the bathroom to take a shower and once I am dressed, I go to her bedroom to grab my phone. She stirs when I open the door so I try to be as quiet as possible. I take my phone and go back to the kitchen to have another coffee. I unlock my phone and I have a message from an unknown number.

Unknown number: Good morning. I saw you running earlier. I didn’t know you like running? 

Anyway, I was wondering if we could meet up sometimes. I think I owe you some explanations. 

Jake.

I look at the message? UNBELIEVABLE! If I weren’t here in Duskwood he wouldn’t have texted me… I think about what to say and IF I should text him back. I guess it would be nice to close this chapter of my life. 

Me: Good morning. I guess we can meet up. I am free anytime today if you are but I want you to know that you don’t owe me anything. You clearly made your choice and I am okay with it. 

Jake: I see you are angry. I understand. But still, I want to talk to you. Are you free now? 

Me: No, I am not angry. Jessy is still asleep. Where do you want to meet?

<Location shared>

I sigh, I don’t know what I am getting into but I still decide to go. I leave another note for Jessy so she doesn’t panic when she wakes up. I follow the itinerary and I find myself in front of a cute coffee shop. I go inside and look for Jake. “At least now I know what he looks like” I giggle to myself. I find him but before I join him I order a coffee. I see him walking towards me. He walks with so much more confidence than I thought possible. All the other patrons look at him. He is really mesmerising. I can see he has a smirk on his face that doesn’t go away when he stands in front of me. I don’t dare to look at him and turn to the lady who is making coffee. He gets closer and whispers in my ear to get what I want. I shiver at his voice.

I don’t know why he makes me feel like that when I am angry at him and what’s more, I met him briefly once! I nod and tell the lady my order. We wait in silence for my order to be ready. I grab the tray and follow Jake to the table. We sit down in silence, him watching me and me drinking my coffee, trying to get my composure back. I am trying to get myself angry and give myself encouragement to look at him. When I do, he is still looking at me with a smirk on his face. I can’t believe he would be so arrogant. I really didn’t imagine that. But it helps because I want to slap his smirk out of his face. I contain myself and I tell him, with gritted teeth, to talk. He raises an eyebrow but ignores my tone and he starts talking. How thanks to me, Alan found him and they went back to his house and how they got him his freedom back. That, at first, he couldn’t text me because the FBI was still around and he was scared that they would pick up his trace or me. It lasted for a few weeks but as the weeks passed, he felt it would be better to leave me alone so I could move on, even after he was free. He stops talking and sighs, relieved. I just keep staring at him. He is just unbelievable. Why does he always have to decide for me? I am speechless really so I don’t say anything. I can see he is waiting for me to talk. He clears his throat, bothered by my non-responsiveness. I take a sip of my coffee and smile at him. I thank him for the explanation but he shouldn’t have assumed what was best for me. Still keeping my “cool”, I stand up and leave the coffee shop. I begin strolling on my way back to Jessy’s, still thinking about what he told me. I can’t wrap my head around it. I don’t really know what to do now, well more what to think. I hear my phone ringing, snapping me from my thoughts. I grab it and look at the ID and sigh, relieved, it’s Alan. I smile, answering the phone, he wants to know how my morning has been and what I am doing later. He invites me to lunch and I accept the invitation. I don’t mention my meeting with Jake, I don’t think it’s the right thing to say by phone. I still got a couple of hours before lunch time. I would like to chill with Jessy for a bit, I hope she is awake! 

When I arrive, Jessy has just woken up, eyes still sleepy and she is yawning while making her coffee. I look at her, smiling. “Hi Jessy! Did you sleep well?” I ask her. She turns around “yes thank you. You woke up early.” She doesn’t ask, she states the fact. “Yes, I went for a run and had a coffee with Jake”. She stares at me, looking like she is searching for her words but doesn’t say anything. “I don’t want to talk about it. I am still processing all of it and actually I was looking forward to spending the next couple hours with you and chill.” Still staring at me, she nods and makes me another cup of coffee. I thank her and we sit on her sofa. We start talking as if we were some long-time friends when, really, we’ve known each other for less than a year and this is the first time we meet face to face. I look at the time and tell Jessy that I have to go and see Alan for lunch. She is starting to doze off, she doesn’t look at me and just hums her answer. I smile and leave her flat. Alan is already waiting for me in front of the restaurant. My heart skips a bit, I think to myself what am I supposed to do? Do I kiss him hello or just hug him or should I not do anything and wait for him to make the first move? But all my questions are moot as he comes over and takes me into his arms and gives me a sweet kiss on the lips. I smile at that, I really should stop worrying about stupid stuff like that. He takes my hand and we both enter the restaurant. I can feel eyes on us, I assume it must be weird to see your police chief in a restaurant with a stranger. We sit down and look at the menu. Everything looks delicious. As usual I hesitate between dishes so I ask him what I should choose. “I can’t make a decision between those two dishes. Have you tried them?” I show him which ones I am talking about on his menu. He smiles back, he looks happy that I am asking for his opinion. “I liked the second option best.” “ Okay then I’ll have it” I smile back at him and he takes my hand which is still on the menu. He interlaces our fingers and looks up at me with a smile. The waiter comes over and I start to feel embarrassed at the small display of affection as I can see the waiter looking at our hands. “Hum, Are you ready to order?”. I nod but Alan orders for both of us and I am relieved, I have never liked to order.

While waiting for our plates we start to make small talk but I feel as if I need to tell him something but I can’t really put my finger on it and then it hits me! Of course… “Alan? I just wanted to tell you that I had a coffee with Jake this morning. He explained some stuff and I left. I wanted you to know by me before he tells you or somebody else”. “I see. Did you get some sort of closure?” I can sense that there is a double meaning with this question. I weigh my words before answering, I see that he starts to get agitated. “Closure is not the right word but I think I kind of understand his point of view and what’s been done is done and we can’t change anything. But at least, I’m not waiting for him anymore” I add with a smile and stroking his hand that I’m still holding with my thumb, hoping to soothe his agitated state. He relaxes a bit and smiles. The waiter arrives with our food and we eat silently, enjoying the presence of each other. We talk some more and decide to share a dessert. We leave after paying and we walk around town before he brings me back “home”. We kiss goodbye, it was a quick one but somehow more intimate. He puts his forehead against mine and closes his eyes. “I am glad you are here”, he says while smiling. He opens his eyes and before I can say anything he leans in and kisses me again before he turns around and leaves. I stare at him and smile, I walk up the stairs to my friend’s flat, happy. 

The days pass in a daze. Jessy and the others have planned a lot of activities and the free time I have I spend it with Alan having coffee dates near the police station during his breaks or walking around town. I finally have an evening free and he asks me if I wanted to go on a date that evening. I happily agree, I want to spend more time with him. Not an hour every now and then. We agree on a place and a time and it is perfect timing as I have a girl’s day out with Jessy, Cleo, Lilly and Hannah. We decided a few days ago to go shopping with just the five of us and spend some quality time together on that day as they were all free. 

We all go to a mall near Duskwood. I tell them that I need a new outfit for tonight and that I need their help to choose one as I don’t know what is appropriate for the restaurant we are going to. They all squeal at the same time, happy to help. I become the centre of their attention for the whole afternoon. It is actually a bit overwhelming. I try different outfits but one of them really stands out to me and to the other girls. I decide it is the one and buy it. We finish our shopping spree and we stop at a bar with a terrasse to finish our day. We stay there for an hour and go back home. Jessy has decided on our way back that she is going to help me get ready and she becomes my hairdresser and makeup artist. I shower first and put on my outfit. I walk over to the makeup station she set up on her dining table. She is almost as excited as I am, it’s cute. She gets started and by the time she is done, her doorbell rings. “He’s here! You have to tell me how everything goes”, she says while hopping to open the door. She greets him with a big smile plastered to her face and giggles while she turns to me. “Your date’s here, my dear” and she runs to her room before I can say anything. I laugh at her and shake my head.

I look at Alan who looks stunning and I smile, happy to see him. He smiles back “Are you ready to go?”, he asks me while holding his hand out. I nod, I see him looking me over with an appreciative look. I blush a bit, embarrassed by his stare. I grab his hand and he pulls me over for a passionate kiss. He pulls away while I gasp for air, not used to him being this intense for the few days I have been with him. We take his car to get to the restaurant. The ride is silent and filled with some tension that I can’t decipher oblivious to what is happening. He parks and gets out first to open the door for me. I exit the car with his help, he pulls me into his chest and kisses me again. He moves back and places his hand on the small of my back and guides me towards the entrance of the restaurant. He seems to be in a better mood tonight compared to the other days when I see him during his breaks. He seems more relaxed and looks like he enjoys himself as do I. I guess the wine we drink helps a bit. The food is delicious as is the company. We talk a lot about everything, our past lovers, relationships, our biggest regrets then the conversation shifts and becomes more flirty which I am not good at usually but I think with the alcohol flowing in my veins I am becoming bolder. We finish our dinner and we leave the building. It’s still warm outside and we decide to walk for a bit. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and brings me closer to him. I put my arm around his waist and look up at him. He is watching the clear sky with a slight grin. I smile and nuzzle my head against his chest, trusting him to walk us around safely. I don't want the evening to end. We continue for a few minutes then he stops, grabs my chin with his hand so he can look in my eyes and he says “Would you like to come to mine?”. I see some hesitation behind his gaze. I frown my eyebrows a bit making a show to think about it and I flash him a toothy grin while I nod. He exhales loudly and chuckles a bit. He turns us around, his arm still around my shoulder and walks us back to his car. 

We enter his apartment. It’s exactly how I imagined it. The apartment of a bachelor, the colour grey predominant everywhere your eyes look. There are some stairs leading to three doors which I am guessing are the bedrooms and the bathroom. Everything is neatly tidied and cleaned. He puts his light jacket on the clothes rack near his door and he invites me over to the sofa. He brings me a glass of water which I take gratefully and gulp it down quickly. He sits down next to me, puts his hand on my thigh and leans in and whispers to my ear “Can I kiss you?”. My breath hitches and I just nod, unable to form any words. The kiss gets passionate and more lustful, hands roam each other’s body and after a few minutes, clothes start to fly everywhere. Suddenly, he stands up, he puts his hands under my body and carries me, bridal style, to his bedroom. He lays me down on his bed and starts to kiss my face and to go down on my body. Each kiss sends electricity through my whole body and I start to moan. I gasp realising that he doesn’t live alone and I muffle the next sound that comes out of me. He stops what he is doing, looks me up with an annoyed face and shakes his head “No, I want to hear all of you. Don’t be shy” and with a smirk on his face he carries on. The night goes on with a lot more pleasure than I thought was possible. Finally, we go to sleep but when I wake up hours later, I am alone in his bed. I sigh and when the sleep starts to disappear from my brain I realise that he told me he had to work today. I look at the clock on his nightstand, it is still early. I try to fall back to sleep but being in a strange environment I can’t so I get up and look through his wardrobe for a T-shirt or something to put on as almost all my clothes are on the floor, in the living room. I giggle at the thought. I find a plain black T-shirt and my underwear and put them on to go to the bathroom. After the bathroom, I walk down the stairs and start looking for my phone. I can see that he tidied the living room and my clothes are neatly stacked on a chair with a post-it on top of it.

*I didn’t want to wake you up, you looked so peaceful. I’ll be back at noon, I hope you will still be there…*

I smile to myself and I put the post-it inside my bag for safekeeping. I head to the kitchen to make myself some coffee and I am looking through the cabinet to find a mug. I can hear someone opening and closing a door and going down the stairs. I know it’s Jake and I can’t be bothered to look at him and I am not going to lie that I am a bit embarrassed about how loud we were last night. All of the sudden, I can feel his presence behind me and he stands still. I freeze, afraid to turn around and to face him. He steps closer to me and his chest is directly against my back. He leans in and smells my hair while putting his hands on my hips. Still frozen, I wonder what he is doing then I can feel his breath against my ear when he whispers “You know, you have a lovely voice”. He touches me slightly on my thigh with his fingers and goes up to the hem of the shirt I am wearing which is barely covering my ass. I can feel the heat coming from my stomach to the top of my head, embarrassed by what he just said. He chuckles darkly still against my ear “Soon, it will be me hearing your lovely voice coming from my bedroom and hearing your praises”. With that, he kisses the top of my head, takes the mug I am still holding and helps himself to some coffee. He leaves me flabbergasted as I struggle to comprehend what just happened. Is that really the same Jake from the messages? I frown and look at him, actually none of us knew what he looks like and he could be an impostor who pretended to be him but why would anyone be doing that? I guess he is just THAT cocky and arrogant even though I thought he was like that only with his hacking skills. He has that smirk still on, the same he had at the coffee shop. I really want to take it off his smug face but I still need my coffee and it is more important than him anyway. I decide to ignore him, there is no point in indulging him. I grab my coffee and my clothes to go to the bedroom. After drinking the coffee and replying to the messages from my friends, I start to feel tired so I go back to sleep. When I wake up, I see multiple notifications from Jessy. She is really nosy and really wants to know what happened. I chuckle and tell her that I will spill the tea when I see her.

I wish I could go running but I don’t have anything with me so I will probably go later. I decide to take a shower to clear my head of the tiredness. I find the towels in the bathroom, I get out of the shower and realise I forgot my clothes. I facepalm myself and think of my options. Well, option. I have to go out with only the towel covering me and I hope Jake isn’t there anymore. I open the door and look briefly in the corridor, I sprint to the bedroom door which is literally next to the top of the stairs and of course Jake is on the top when I arrive. I bump into him and he catches me before I fall on the floor. We stay like this for a few seconds when we hear the front door closing. We turn our heads at the same time and see Alan staring at us, angrily. I gasp while Jake, still holding me, smirks AGAIN. I push him away from me and enter Alan’s room rapidly. I hear Alan going up the stairs and Jake going to his room. Alan enters the room, eyes squinted. I look up at him and run up to him. I whisper to him, really flustered “Oh my god, Alan! It’s so embarrassing! I took a shower and I forgot my clothes in the bedroom so I had to sprint to your room so I wouldn’t see Jake but as soon as I reached your door Jake was at the top of the stairs and I crashed into him. I almost fell but he caught me. I was so embarrassed!” His eyes soften, believing me. He grabs my chin and pulls me into a kiss. We hear some steps outside the room and the front door closing. We are intimate again but this time I won’t feel embarrassed as we are alone. We stay a bit in bed snuggling in each other arms, legs tangled up in the sheets. It is a peaceful moment, I wish we could stay like that all afternoon but he starts to pull away from me, regrettably. I can see that he doesn’t want to go but as the chief he can’t really call in sick. I get up too and start to get dressed, “Can you drop me off at Jessy’s?” I ask shyly as if he didn’t see me naked a few minutes ago. He stops what he is doing and nods. He looks disappointed, I approach him and circle him with my arms, “what’s wrong?” I ask him putting my head on his chest. I feel his chest heave as he sighs. “I wanted you to stay with me again tonight.” He whispers back. I smile against his chest and kiss him there. “Oh I know but I promised Jessy we would spend the evening together but I can come back tomorrow evening?” He grabs my face and kisses me on the forehead before replying “Yes, please”. 

We get into the car and we drive in silence, not wanting our time together to end. We arrive at Jessy’s and I kiss him goodbye. I open the door to the flat and Jessy is waiting for me on the sofa, cups of tea steaming on the coffee table and she bears a big smile. “Welcome back! I made you a cup of tea. I’ll wait for you to change into something more comfortable and come sit next to me”. I nod and change into my sweatpants. I head over the sofa and Jessy moves a bit more and opens the blanket for me to go under it. She moves close to me and leans her head on my shoulder. I place my head on top of hers and I start talking about my evening with Alan, how it ended and what happened without going into too much detail. We talk till late and we fall asleep on the sofa. 

The next day, we wake up to the door bell ringing. We stand up in a haze and Jessy opens the door. It’s Hannah. She and Thomas found a new apartment and they are moving in the next day. They are going to have a small party in a few days and we are both invited. Jessy, still half asleep asks “Sure, we’ll come but why are you here?”, “Well, I was near your building so I thought I would pop by for a coffee and invite you at the same time.” She smiles, happy with herself. I look at Jessy and we both giggle, I help Jessy with the coffee and set the cups on the table. We sit around the table and talk for a few minutes, I can see Hannah glancing at me from time to time “What’s up Hannah?”, she looks surprised “I… I…” she stutters but then sighs “ I also invited Jake. I hope that’s ok with you?”. I smile fondly at her “Of course Hannah, you don’t need to worry about that, it’s your party and your home. I don’t hate Jake”. She nods, relieved and carries on talking about the party.

I spend the day with Jessy, we go to the lake to picnic and she gives me a tour of the town telling me different stories about her childhood. We go home and I get ready for my evening with Alan. He picks me up and drives me to his flat. He is making me dinner tonight as Jake isn’t home for the evening. We spend a nice evening, we even go for a stroll as the weather is still warm. When we come back Jake is on the sofa eating the leftovers of our dinner. I can feel Alan tensing up next to me. They talk to each other while I go upstairs in Alan’s bedroom. Alan joins me soon after and we start kissing. We spend the night like last time and we fall asleep after whispering sweet nothings in each other’s arms.

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Part 3 soon I hope. Find it hard to finish it if you have any idea please feel free to DM me!

[adalindofcabinsix]

that kind of love never dies | chapter one

summary: the one where barbara thinks about an act of rebellion.

pairing: jake x mc

word count: 1.3K

warnings: tkolnd takes place after the events of episode 10; cover images found on pinterest; english is not my first language.

author’s note: even though she lives in the usa, my main character, barbara, is brazilian. i added terms and expressions that we use in our country, as well as cultural elements, to this fanfic. the words that appear in portuguese are highlighted and you can contact me if you have any questions.

masterlist

Barbara was sprawled out on the dorm carpet, reading a Lucy Maud Montgomery novel she found by chance in the university library, when her cell phone began vibrating on the nightstand. Without wasting time, she closed the book and got up, waiting to hear from her roommate, Meera, but, when Barbara swiped her finger across the lock screen, she found some text messages from an unknown number.

i would like to invite you again to eat something at that chinese restaurant

if you want to meet me, just show up there tomorrow

i'll be waiting for you :)

Her head started to throb just at the possibility of it being who she was imagining, but she quickly pushed the thought away.

Jake wouldn't put himself in danger like that.

After everything that happened in Grimrock, Duskwood's chief of police, Alan Bloomgate, personally went after her to conduct the interrogation, and, more than once, made it very clear that it was best for her to stay away from her new friends for a while. He didn't go into detail when he told her about what happened at the Ironsplinter Mine, but he confirmed that Richy was alive — despite having some serious injuries — and that Jake had fled from the FBI agents during the confusion caused by the explosion.

All the messages she sent and received during that time became evidence. Barbara had what it took to close Hannah Donfort's case literally in the palm of her hand, including the kidnapper's confession.

Consequently, she also had the means that could lead the people who were after Jake straight to him.

She was interrogated by the FBI countless times for months, until Alan decided to intervene and convinced her to hand over her cell phone to them in exchange for her old life. Since then, Barbara has not been part of the joint investigation. Or at least that's what they say — she's too smart to really believe that.

For a few seconds, she considered the chance that it was someone trying to play a trick on her. The video Lilly Donfort posted accusing her of kidnapping had gone viral across the Columbia University campus. Even her grandmother, who lived in the interior of Brazil, found out about her involvement with a hacker wanted by the North American government. However, no one else knew about the brief conversation they had about the chinese restaurant.

Except, of course, the FBI.

Without a doubt, it was a trap. Barbara felt her face turn red. It seemed that solving an old international murder case, giving up her privacy, being forced to abandon her group of friends and possibly cheating on the guy she was in love with was not enough. She also needed to act as bait when it was convenient.

Barbara huffed, irritated. Little did they know that Jake had no contact. Their partnership in crime had ended almost a year ago.

Still, there was no reason to decline the invitation. She could very well take advantage of the opportunity to tell some truths to those nosy agents, and as a bonus she would have an excuse to go to Germany without Alan being able to question her too openly.

Her lips lifted into a smile as the plan emerged in her mind.

After going through customs at Zurich Airport, picking up luggage and going to an exchange office to exchange some notes, only an hour and fifteen minutes by car separated Barbara from Duskwood. Luckily, there were several yellow taxis forming a line next to the sidewalk, because it would be a nightmare to have to deal with someone trying to compete for the same vehicle as her.

She walked out of the lounge, pulling her hot pink rolling suitcase, and turned on her smartphone to announce on the family's group chat that she had arrived safely. But before she could check her contact list to see if her parents were online, she collided with a young man's broad chest.

She jumped away from him, apologizing — or at least trying to — in german. He laughed softly, grabbing her arm to stop her from tripping over herself, and for a moment, Barbara forgot to even breathe. The young man seemed to be a few years older than her, he was tall, had dark hair and prominent round eyes that resembled the curve of a teardrop, he was wearing a white sweatshirt with a hood and black jeans.

“I'm sorry, I didn't see you.” He spoke in english, with a slight accent.

“No problem, it was my fault.” Barbara quickly straightened up, realizing that she had somehow stared too long.

The young man analyzed her from head to toe with amusement before bending down and picking up the cell phone that had flown out of her hand during the impact.

“I believe this is yours.” He joked, handing the device to her.

“Thank you.”

He nodded curtly and turned, making his way through the travelers entering and exiting the airport, as silent as a wraith.

She was inexplicably disappointed to see him leave, however she had more important things to deal with. Then, she handed the luggage to the driver to put in the trunk and got into the taxi, giving the address of the Gates Hotel, on the outskirts of Duskwood.

Barbara ran across the room, feeling the cold floor beneath her feet. She was considerably late, but as far as she remembered, she had never arrived on time to participate in the interrogations, so whoever was waiting for her at the restaurant wouldn't mind too much. She put on a black strapless dress, put on her highest heels and curled her wet hair with her fingers, leaving a small trail of water on the floor.

Through an opening in the peach curtains, she noticed that the rain had picked up outside, beating violently against the window pane. She cursed under her breath, hoping someone at the front desk could lend her an umbrella, and before Barbara could procrastinate her meeting with the FBI Special Agent any further, she took one last look at the floor mirror near the entrance hall, realizing that she was dressed for revenge.

“Someone would definitely approve of that.”

Smiling to herself, she went down a small flight of stairs to the ground floor, where the girl at the reception was reading a magazine with Nicholas Galitzine's photo on the cover.

“How can I help you?” She asked in english, without taking her eyes off the celebrity gossip.

“Hey, how you doin'? Could you lend me an umbrella, please?”

“Of course.” She said, reaching for the object under the counter and handing it to her. “A fee of two euros will be added to your room bill.” Barbara sighed, surprised, as she mentally converted the currency. “What?” The receptionist looked up, frowning. “Did you think it would be free?”

“No, obviously not.” Barbara lied, smiling politely.

“Return it by midnight or I will have to charge the full value of the item.” The girl announced, turning her attention to the magazine. Then she added: “Nice dress.”

“Okay, I'll pay when I check out.” She assured, walking towards the glass doors while opening her rented umbrella. “And thank you.”

“Have fun, Cinderella!”

Barbara regretted walking out the door as soon as she set foot on the sidewalk. Not just because of the rain, but because of the wind blowing your hair back. In any case, she had come too far to give up, and despite the storm, she could see the lights of the chinese restaurant through the blue haze a few meters ahead, on the other side of the street.

Before she could take another step, someone grabbed her arm and turned her around.

“What?” She blinked in amazement at the handsome young man she had met at the airport.

“Come with me.” He said, pulling her away from the hotel entrance.

“You are crazy? I do not know you!” Barbara shouted, dropping the umbrella near her feet. The rain completely drenched them both in moments. “Me solta!”

“Barbara, please.” He asked, breathing short.

The sadness in his voice stopped her struggling.

“How do you…?” She gasped, eyes wide. “Jake?”

taglist: @daniiiworlds; @labemquarts; @deinily