#he really was planning that shit from day one

[fumiscripts]

✦ DEDICATED TO YOU

✦ one shot ,, rin itoshi x gn!reader

content:: you're a famous idol. and you're dating a professional player. of course you'll be making headlines when your relationship was made public.

for @yui2aku ,, fluff ,, 822 words

additional:: swearing, they're both whipped for eachother, might be ooc

Itoshi Rin is a rising star in the football industry. And you were in the peak of your idol career.

Obviously, the media would freak if they find out that the two of you were dating.

So you kept the relationship a secret, doing your best to not give out any hints. From making sure not to mention each other too much in interviews, to carefully crafting social media posts to ensure that fans won't be able to tell that you were going to a place together. Both of you and your management carefully concealed it from the public view.

But, of course, not everything goes to plan.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE ITOSHI RIN AND SOLO IDOL [L/N] [NAME] SEEN HOLDING HANDS AT HANEDA AIRPORT.

This was the headline of one of the many, many articles that flooded all across the internet. Your heart stopped, then slammed back at full force. You stood up straighter, brows furrowing together. The first time you opened your phone for the day, and you find posts about this everywhere.

Oh fuck. You fucked up, didn't you?

“Shit. What the hell,” you curse under your breath, reading more into the article.

Meanwhile, Rin looks up from your lap, opening an eye, disturbed from resting on your thighs when you suddenly stopped running your hands through his black locks. Your eyes flicked towards his,and he gave you a look, as if to ask what suddenly bothered you to halt playing with his hair.

You blink at him, before sheepishly turning your phone around, showing him what's been blowing up all over the media. “So… maybe we weren't discreet enough with the clothes I wore to greet you.”

His face instantly dropped, turning into something more serious as his teal eyes skimmed through the overview of the post. Rin sighed, grumbling something under his breath before burying his face onto your stomach. “...I told you to just stay at home and wait for me,” he murmured after a while, draping his arms around your waist.

“C’mon… you know I had to greet you right away. It was after a big overseas game I couldn't come to— it was the same time I had a concert,” you scoffed, reasoning with him. “The least I could do was pick you up at the airport.”

Rin didn't look up. He was touched by your little gesture to try and make up for not attending a vital match, so he didn't use that argument further. “Tch. Should've at least covered up more of your features,” he lightheartedly remarked. Though he really liked the uniqueness you had with the way you dressed up, so he can't hate on that. “Well, what do we do now?” he asked, moving the topic along from the problem to finding a solution.

You stared down your phone, anxiousness coming back to loom over you. “I should contact my manager,” you remark, watching as he finally lets go of you and sits up properly. “We could schedule a meeting with our PR teams?”

He nodded. “Right. So go do that,” he replied, though he already had a vague idea what they might propose for you two to do. It was a guess.

That guess was right.

The day after those rumors about the two of you having a secret blew up, you hard launched your relationship to the public.

They decided that coming out clean about this would be the most logical way to proceed— way better than the media speculating that the two of you were just a fling and start tarnishing both of you’s reputation. A proper relationship sounded way better than a one-night stand to the public.

After confirming on each official account, the masses began to be a little more welcoming to it. Hell, the ship tag between you and Rin seemed to blow up with positive posts, even. So that fix was successful.

Once the news calmed down through weeks, everything was back to normal. Well, as normal as it could be with being an idol with a soccer player for a boyfriend. Majority of fans seemed to love the two of you, often making fan media dedicated to your relationship. And in all honesty, it was cute. Plus, you had more material to tease Rin with.

Now, you couldn't help it. You personally asked for your next album to be something special, convincing management it's for the sake of the publication of your relationship. Though, it was dedication for someone special.

An album dedicated to him.

Rin knew those songs were dedicated to him. If those vibrant eyes of yours while you performed on stage— looking straight at him who sat by the vip seats— said anything, it was all about how much you loved him.

Oh, and with the way he looked at you with pure adoration, it was obvious he loved you, too.

Rin was utterly, hopelessly dedicated to you.

(a/n):: Grrrhsjua not my proudest work since I barely write nonchalant asf characters

taglist:: @shrii-kk, @tired-xyra-urstruly, @fishii28, @yui2aku

@lakeside-paradise

© fumiscripts 2024. don't steal, repost, translate or modify my works without my permission.

[rie-092]

idk what is this but listen—

just imagine ijekiel alpheus, now the head of alpheus dukedom. saw a child, which is you, on the streets. even though he claimed that he already moved on from the princess, now the empress of the empire, there is still this part of him that doesn't.

so, you who had no relationship with the imperial family and your family died because of an accident back then. for some reasons, you had the same eyes as athanasia. and your hair color was similar with ijekiel. so, what did he do? he adopted you as his child!

honestly, ijekiel alpheus was a great dad. this dude has no plan on marrying anyone. and his vassals and lucas and athanasia was practically never stop on telling him to get married. i mean, athanasia was telling that because he doesn't want ijekiel to be alone. while lucas, this little shit, just want to mess up with him and ruin his day. while his vassals just wanted a heir for the alpheus dukedom.

so, why not bring a child from the streets? look, his intentions was clear. he wanted to help you. but the people who saw you with ijekiel thought you were his secret love child or smth like that. like the good ol' manhwa plot, ofc, they spread rumors that the top husband material in the empire wasn't as clean as they expected. does ijekiel cares? ofc, no. this guy was too busy to spoil the hell outta you to make your heart open up to him. i mean, he's your father from now on, so it's normal for a father to spoil his child, right?

but honestly, here's this shitty side of ijekiel that he hides from everyone. this shitty delusional side of him that imagined you as his and athanasia's child. and this side of him became more worse when he brought you with him to the palace. and athanasia, unaware of your jeweled blue eyes behind the contact lenses that you were wearing. thinks that you were really so adorable. so she too, started to spoil you like you were her own child. how adorable, you're like mother and child— of course he was the father— wait, no.

ijekiel always tries his best to calm himself down whenever he sees the sight of you with athanasia. no, this is not right. the empress was already married to that shitty tower master, this is wrong. he should just focus to you— but...

you see, ijekiel never let you meet lucas. even though that guy was practically saying that— "how cold whitey's boy, you're acting like we're not close friends!" when the truth is they are never friends in the first place. besides, he already got athanasia— that's why he will never, as in never give you to him.

but ijekiel was the kind and understanding one. that's why, when you told him you wanted to learn magic. he supported you, he bought you books about magic, he even goes far on asking lucas for help. but you see— ijekiel too can lose his temper.

“ijekiel, where the hell is ( name )?"

that was the first thing that lucas asked as he left your room where he teleported. ijekiel nonchalantly said that you were at his family's villa, after you threw up blood last night because of using too much magic. but boy, lucas was more perceptive than he thought. saying that he should stop spouting bullshits. but ijekiel didn't say anything.

ijekiel was kind— but the truth is he was beginning to lose his mind. he hated the way how you look at lucas the same way you look at him. he hates the way how you and lucas looks more father and child than you and him. he hates the way how you seemed to like lucas praises than his. and the thin thread that left on his patience snapped when you told him how much you idolized lucas.

ahh, that night when he visited you on your new room in the manor. where he put your beloved toys and books, but put a mana restricting chain on your wrists. he couldn't help but to smile. now, it'll be only you and him.

ijekiel was kind, but when someone is threatening his child. he has no choice but to do this, right?

￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣

notes: idk, but I'm really tempted to make unhinged versions of every green flag manhwa men. anyway, happy 2k followerssss! I'm planning on doing an event to celebrate this, and then i'm going to do the 100+ requests in my inbox. ♪⁠┌⁠|⁠∵⁠|⁠┘⁠♪

pls bear with my laziness (⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

[everythingspokenfor]

𝓜𝓻. 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵

Pairing: Bakugou x reader. All characters are aged up 18+. MDNI. ﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏Summary: Maybe you should have looked up what your boss looked like...

Thinking about foreign!reader who comes to Japan as a support tech engineer and having an eventful first meeting with Bakugou

Bakugou hates airports, especially around this time of the year, too crowded, too loud, bustling with people. If he had a choice he wouldn't have come, send in a driver and cozied up in his bed but, his mom had different plans, she had called him the night before, specifically told him to pick her up from the airport. So, here he was, waiting for her plane to land, 3:45 am in the morning, a rapidly cooling coffee in his hand.

He was growing agitated at the whispering around him, it's easy for him to get recognised, blond hair and striking red eyes not easily forgettable. He sharply turns to leave the waiting room, not necessarily paying attention when his hand, the one that was holding cold coffee slams into someone and boom now he is staring at the aftermath.

You are staring start ahead, breathing deeply, you turn your head towards the jerk that slipped coffee all over you. Cold seeped through your shirt, the chill almost chilling your bones. You could feel the coffee seeping into your shirt, then inner wear and then your bra.

"Are you going to apologise or what?" You scowl at him, the coffee seeping through your shirt, the wet cloth irritating you further.

Bakugou continues to stare at you, anger evident on your features, he assumes you aren't Japanese from the lack of accent in your english. Before he could apologise you speak again.

"At least have the courtesy to apologise, asshole" you spit out at him, before throwing him the nastiest little glare.

Bakugou is surprised that you don't him, maybe it's his ego but again he is the top hero maybe not his rankings but he is famous and infamous for reasons. Everyone knows him, even people outside of Japan.

"Do you not know who I am?" He finally speaks, not the smartest response but a response nonetheless.

"Am I supposed to know you?" You look at him incredulously, anger subsiding and confusion settling in.

"you know what, don't answer that, i don't care and I am tired, all I know is you are a jerk and I really wish to never run into you again!" You semi-yell at him and leave the waiting room.

He almost chased after you but he phone started ringing, his mother's contact displayed on the screen, informing him of her arrival.

He looked back at the direction you had gone, but you already disappeared. Sighing he left to pick his mother from the arrival gate. And he leaves, slightly bummed that he didn't get to apologise.

-------

"-nd like he walked straight into me and didn't bother apologising." You waved your hands around, trying to emphasize your impromptu collision with Mr. Brick wall, to your new housemate and colleague.

Not necessarily a good think, shit talking on first day of work, but you had to kinda explain why you were doing laundry in the middle of the night.

"That's rude, could've at least apologised.". Mari agreed, both of you walked down the hallway as she was showing you around the agency building.

"Well, hopefully no further mishaps occur." She had stopped in front of a large laboratory, you could already spot your stuff on one of the tables.

"Yeah, hopefully." You mumbled mindlessly, eyes admiring the lab, it was the largest you had seen, with more advanced equipments as well. Mari left you alone at your destination, already going back to her work.

You also got to work, looking into boxes of broken and damaged support equipments, you had already read about them, their functions and materials used to build.

It was an easy job to repair the items, folding your sleeves you got to work, one by one you repaired majority of the items the only thing left where, chunky, hefty, gauntlets.

You knew the belonged to Pro-Hero Dynamight, read about him in passing, already aware of the architecture of the Gauntlets, it didn't take long for you to fix them up, even being generous enough to replace parts with your tech.

Assuming your work was done you called Mari.

"You still need to see if the function alright." She paused before looking at her laptop screen," Pro hero Dynamight is already in the building, you should give him the equipment and see if it works properly."

Even tho, you were slightly peeved, cause of course it works, you just fixed it, you still took the hefty box to 12th floor of the building.

You entered the office without knocking, hands busy holding the box, barely even looking at the people standings there you deposit the box on the table next to the couch.

"Here, it's for Dynamight, fixed it, they should work top notch." You gasp out, breath slightly rapid due to carrying all that weight.

You turn around and spot 2 people in the room, one was Pro-Hero Red Riot, whom you recognised because he has least amount of support equipments listed and the other was Mr. Brick wall.

"You little shit, what are you doing here?" You blurt out without thinking, finger accusingly pointing at him. Not yet aware that the Pro-Hero you were looking for is right there, at the end of your accusatory finger.

Kirishima stared at you in amusement, before speaking," You must be the new tech, Welcome to the agency, I am Kirishima Eijirou." He stood up and extended his hand for a shake, you politely took his hand and uttered your name. Before looking over his shoulder at Bakugou.

"Don't mind me, but what did lil' shit over there do?" Kirishima semi-whispered in your ear, thumb pointing back, at where Bakugou stood.

"I spilled coffee on me, and then stared at me like it was my fault." You stated, arms folded, glaring at him, Bakugou stared back at you, hands shoved in his pocket as he leaned against the table.

"It was an accident, you scurried away before I could apologise." He finally spoke, Kirishima nodded his head, like accepting the explanation.

"NO, I waited and Mr. Brick Wall didn't apologise." You yelled, looking at Kirishima to back you up.

"That's not cool," Kirishima looked at you, shit eating grin on his face, you grinned back, feeling confident that Pro hero Red Riot was on your side, he continued,"You should apologise, Dynamight."

The gratification of getting the apology didn't last long when you registered his last word.

"Dyna-dynamight??" You spluttered," As in Pro Hero?" You looked dumbfounded between the two heros, face flushing in embarrassment, before you turned to Bakugou, who was looking at you bemused.

"I didn't kno- I am sorry, it was my fault." You uttered desperately, the fear of getting fired on your first day making you forget your past grudges. You haphazardness making Kirishima giggle, and Bakugou sigh.

"Oi, it was my fault, should have seen where I was going" Bakugou said calmly, moving to smack the back of Kirishima's head, who promptly shit up.

"You don't have t-." Bakugou shushes you before you could speak," The mistake was mine, me being a hero doesn't change that."

You stared at him, hoping for him to dismiss you soon, so you could sob in the corner of your big, beautiful lab.

"How about this, I get you a coffee, as an apology." He asked, Kirishima let out a snort, before Bakugou glared at him.

"You don't have to, it's not an issue anymore, Mr. Bri-Dynamight." You looked sheepishly at him, hoping he didn't change on the nickname you had given him.

"Let me, I'll get you a coffee, you'll need it after working here for a while."

"Fine then, we can get it sometimes." You accept his proposal (?),before looking at him, awkwardly trying to gesture at the door.

Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows, watching you flare your arms towards the door, before Kirishima spoke," You can leave now, I am sure the gauntlets would work just fine."

At the dismissal you scurried out the door, running zig zag avoiding the few people present in the hallway.

"So, that's the 'fireworks' you were talking about, Mr. Brick wall." Kirishima queried, head resting against his palm, as a smug expression formed on his face.

"Don't fucking push it." Bakugou gritted out, trying to think of how he could fix his image in your eyes.

"Whatever you say, Mr. Brick wall." Kirishima chimed.

[maintitle]

Okay but this is actually an underlying theme that plays through Origins that I think is really clever and gets overlooked! Repeatedly in DA:O, the player is asked to confront the Warden's so-called neutrality. Alistair serves as the voice once Duncan is gone that the Wardens' don't become involved in politics, and you have no reason to question him for quite a while. You also really have no reason to question it when Alistair reveals his parentage, although if you're a Cousland that's likely when the first alarm bells go off. I'd also argue that's the case for Aeducan.

One of the most important additions to Origins to me is the Soldier's Peak DLC. It's cool we finally get a container for all our shit, and it's interesting as a possible cure for the Blight, but that's not at all what I mean.

The story of Soldier's Peak is not only the first time you're forced to confront the Wardens possibly being not all you were told they were, it's also a parallel for the possible consequences of your own decisions. Sophia Dryen wasn't just a noblewoman who joined the Wardens, she was a rival for the throne of Ferelden. We don't know all of the particulars, but what we do know is that Sophia lost the claim for the crown, but refused to relent, and was taken as a prisoner of war until she was offered a place within the Wardens. If this all rings as familiar, it's meant to.

What happened at Soldiers Peak was a political revolution. Sophia Dryden made a move on Arland. We've obviously been told that Arland was a tyrant, and considering we see a lot of the younger Wardens agree with that sentiment, it's probably true. But KNOWING this information is enough to make one raise an eyebrow, and ask if Sophia's decision was entirely noble. Was this her caring for the people of Ferelden? Or was it her making a move out of revenge to reclaim what she rightfully saw as hers, using Arland's cruelty as a weapon to do so? It's hard to say... but what is clear is that the decision to take someone of such royal import into the Wardens was what lead to the tragedy at Soldier's Peak, and also the banning of them from Ferelden.

Riordan is meant to be the vehicle through which you begin to see the Wardens as less heroic and a bit more opportunistic. He's more brutal, he is willing to do more to get things done the right way, he's willing to step over lines you wouldn't expect based off what you've heard of the Wardens, again through Alistair, who has idealized them, who also is in line to be King. And this man, who's rougher than the Wardens you've known, who says that Weisshaupt is too cold and brutal for his taste, and he didn't mean the environement. It's Riordan who suggests Loghain join you, who should've known this has happened once before... but there's a Blight, and the immediacy of the moment is too crucial. An issue the Wardens have always had.

It's not unlikely that Duncan knew who he was recruiting and why. Duncan was likely planning for the future. The evidence is there, and the culmination is likely not far from Duncan's own backup plans. At the end of the day... the Wardens will play whatever cards necessary to stay on good terms with nations and stop the Blight.

This is something Bioware does a lot, put the hero on the path to repeat history. DA:I is most obvious with it regarding Jaws Of Hakkon, Trespasser and the fate of the Inquisition itself, but Veilguard does it as well. I just wanted to chime in and mention that Origins does it as well, and that's sometimes a bit lost in the sauce.

the thing about the cousland origin, to me, that sometimes turns me off it completely and sometimes intrigues me, is that it says something completely different about who duncan is, what he wanted, and what the grey wardens are

[nowimjustastranger]

Omgg the dimension in the stcmo au where Stanley destroys his own dimension with Stanford and the dead twins in it is fkn killing me 😭 He was fully ready to die with the world, seeing that his world (the kids) had already ended anyway :(

How do you think Stanley died in the other dimension, where Stanford and the twins survived but he didn't? I also really wanna know what their reactions were to meeting each other again or if their memories were altered or not!

I love this AU to death and beyond, please never die 😔🙏

Honestly, the possibilities are endless in terms of how exactly Stan goes out (destroying Bill in the process).

And as for the relocated Stan...

Stan hit the ground and, for the first time in his life, he just stayed down. That tiny voice in the back of his head that had kept him going all these years had finally fallen silent, leaving him to drown in his overwhelming despair. He didn’t care to pick himself back up again. There was no point.

His kids were gone. Snuffed out before they could even live their lives. His brother, who he had just brought home, killed with the press of a button. He was pathetically thankful that he hadn’t been the one to activate the doomsday device, he didn’t think he could’ve lived with himself knowing that he had killed his big brother with his own hand.

Not that he had been planning to survive the explosion, which was another matter that he was just too worn down to address. Honestly, he didn’t really give a shit about the mystery man or his intentions. Even so, he should be furious that the mystery man kept him from joining his family, but he was hollowed out by the realization that he was the only one left.

Why was he always the last man standing?

He couldn’t bear to go another day without Mabel’s smile. The girl had bullied her way into his heart and carved out a space for herself, bringing enough love for the both of them with her. His sweet girl who loved glitter a little too much and drew trouble to her like a magnet, the girl who saw a sad old fuck and reminded him that life was worth living with every joke, every kind word, every laugh, every hug.

How could he possibly face another day without Dipper’s laugh? The boy had snuck into his heart not long after his sister had gotten comfortable, settling down like he had simply always been there. His brave boy who reminded Stan so much of his brother and himself, a strange amalgamation of both of them. Their best qualities put into one body.

Had he told them that he loved them? Even once? Had he ever uttered those words to his kids?

Did they die unsure of how much they meant to him? Did they die doubting that Stan loved them more than anything in the entire universe? Did they die quick or slow? Did they die scared, wanting their Grunkle to protect them from a cosmic bully? Did they die wishing that they’d never met him? Did they die cursing that they ever came to Gravity Falls–

His kids had to know that Stan would’ve given anything, struck any deal, endured any torment, killed anyone he had to so long as it meant that they got to be happy.

Stan didn't even realize he was crying until he pressed his forehead against the ground, shocked back into his own body by the soft rasp of greenery against his face. His shoulders heaved with the force of his sobs, hands fisted into the grass as he wailed his grief into the soil.

Grief for not telling Soos that he was like a son to him. Grief for not thanking Wendy for putting up with his shit. Grief for not telling Dipper that he was proud of him. Grief for not putting Mabel’s insecurities to rest before they could fester. Grief for waiting for a fucking ‘thank you’ instead of just hugging his damn brother like he had longed to do for the past forty years. Grief for not spending more time with all of them while he could.

As Stan’s pathetic tears finally dried up, a sound was carried on the breeze, every muscle in his body locking up as he raised his head. His brain stalled like an old engine, wide eyes staring off into the thick foliage. He was half convinced that his mind had finally fractured and he was hallucinating even as his body moved, scrambling to his feet to race through the forest.

Even if it was just a cruel trick of his mind, he couldn’t just ignore it. Not when it was his kids. And certainly not when his kids were crying. In no world could he ignore the sound of the niblings' distress. If they needed him, he’d be there. Easy as that. He would sooner light himself on fire than let them think that they couldn’t come to him with their problems, his discomfort with feelings and emotions could fuck right off.

As he got closer to the origin of the sound, he could actually make out words. His heart stuttered in his chest as he pushed himself faster and faster still because they were calling for him. They were wailing his name like two scared little kids lost in a big world that was too cruel for the likes of them. So, he answered their desperate call, just like he always would.

“Kids!”

Stan charged through the brush, erupting into a small clearing with three people standing in it. The first figure he recognized immediately as his brother, whose arm was raised to aim a triangular gun at Stan’s chest. The niblings were hidden behind him, clutching the fabric of his slacks as they peeked at Stan with huge wet eyes. Stan stumbled to a stop, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

Surprisingly, no one in the clearing broke the silence, a voice ringing out from a sturdy branch in a nearby tree.

“It’s not a trick, Stanford.” A heavily modulated voice spoke as a dude in flashy getup stared down at them from his perch. In the blink of an eye, another gun was drawn from Ford’s trench coat, pointed at the man that Stan had been manhandled by earlier. His face was set with grim determination, but there was a telling shake to the hand that aimed the gun at Stan.

“You better start talkin’ or I’ll come up there n’ beat some answers outta you.” Stan demanded, sparing a glare for the stranger. He must’ve followed Stan here, which meant that he had also seen Stan blubbering like a pansy earlier. Great.

“The Stan of dimension F9-2 took his own life to defeat Bill, leaving your dimension without a Stanley Pines. Stan from dimension C40”0 was the only one to survive Weirdmageddon, his world destroyed by his brother’s last-ditch effort to kill Bill, leaving him without his family.” The stranger explained, gesturing to each brother in turn as he addressed them.

“So, you… brought him here?” Mabel tentatively piped in with a sniffle, poking her head out more, and Stan had to swallow the urge to tell her to keep out of sight. Now that he was getting a good look at the trio, he was noticing the differences, like how Ford was wearing the same suit that Stan himself currently had on, except it was far less tattered.

“I did.” The stranger confirmed with a slow nod and the niblings shared a look, communicating with just their eyes. Stan remembered when he used to do that with Ford, way back when their only worry was if they could get one last game of pirates in before they were called home for dinner. Stan hadn’t been that close to Ford since middle school, back before a yawning chasm of distance opened between them.

“Who are you?” Ford growled, his eyes narrowed as he shifted most of his attention to the stranger, who tilted his head in a predatory manner that made the hair on the back of Stan’s neck stand on end. Stan let his arms slowly drop down to his sides since the gun that had been aimed at him had been lowered slightly, Ford clearly prioritizing the bigger threat.

“A concerned third party.” The stranger said, not missing a beat before he shifted his weight to fall backward. He disappeared in the blink of an eye only to reappear right behind Stan, who squawked in alarm and outrage as one hand seized the back of his neck while the other pointed a weird gun behind them to open another colorful gateway. Stan threw an elbow back at the stranger, who caught it with practiced ease after swiftly holstering the gun.

“But if you’re unwilling to house him in your dimension–” The stranger began, before being unceremoniously interrupted by two small bodies darting out from the safety that Ford's body provided and throwing themselves at Stan.

“No! You can’t have Grunkle Stan! Please don’t take him away!” Mabel wailed with no small amount of terror, her tiny arms struggling to fit around Stan’s waist, clutching fistfuls of his jacket. Dipper was no better, quite literally sitting on Stan’s shoe in order to cling to his right leg with all four of his limbs while he begged the stranger to let Stan stay with them.

“Hey, hey… I ain’t goin’ anywhere.” Stan soothed, voice lowered to a low rasp as he abandoned his effort to get the bastard behind him to let go in favor of getting a hand on each of the kids. One of his hands went to Dipper’s head while the other pressed against Mabel’s hitching back, the two pressing into the contact like they were starving for it. Stan turned his head just enough to level the visor of the stranger’s helmet with a dark look, daring him to disagree. “Right, pal?”

“Depends on him.” The stranger retorted, pointedly nodding at Ford, who had taken to aiming the gun directly at the stranger’s helmet. Thankfully, the portal had closed on its own, shrinking out of existence, and as a result, Ford’s posture had visibly lost some tension. Stan figured that it was because the kids had been in danger of going through with him had the stranger followed through with his threat.

“My brother stays.” Ford bit out through clenched teeth, something bordering on manic in his eyes. Stan noticed that Ford’s hand wasn’t shaking this time, his aim perfectly steady. Stan wasn’t sure why this stood out to him until he recalled that Ford’s hand had been trembling earlier when he had the gun pointed at Stan, which was far more shocking than it should’ve been.

“If you ever hurt Stan… I’ll be back and you will never see him again.” The stranger warned, drawing the weird sci-fi gun in a dark blur and firing it off to the side, smoothly stepping into the swirl of colors before both the stranger and the portal were gone. Stan stood there dumbly, staring at the empty space where the portal used to be until his attention was redirected to the warm body that crashed into him.

Stan yelped as he went down in a heap of flailing limbs, instinctively struggling as strong arms wound around his body. However, Stan froze when he heard a choked sob, blankly staring up at the cloudless blue sky in utter disbelief as Ford broke down in tears. Ford’s face was buried in the crook of Stan’s neck, his glasses digging into skin, but Stan didn’t care because he was clinging to him and the kids just as tightly.

And if his eyes were wet and his cheeks damp, it was just allergies.

[fictionalmenxyn]

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞

Pairing: Rafe x Reader established relationship

Warnings: language, mentioned of blood/dried grazes

𖣔𖣔𖣔

Once again, summer rolled around. Having only to do your weekend job, you were free to do whatever.

So you woke up just around nine in the morning. You had a fresh and cooling shower to start your day. Drying your hair then doing your skincare. As you were doing your skincare Rafe started to FaceTime on your phone.

You accepted it and put your phone straight back on the counter. Making the view from your end, just the ceiling. Rafe spoke groggily “morning, baby.” You chuckle softly at his tired voice “good morning, Rafey…” you could hear him shuffle in bed a little. Most likely moving so he was sitting up against his headboard. He moved his phone close to his face. Only his eyes on the camera as he asked “why’re you finding that ever so pretty face of yours, babe?… you know I need to see it when I wake up…”

You had realised that your phone wasn’t resting against the mirror up against your wall. You answered “I forgot, sorry” you smile as you could see yourself in the camera view. You also see Rafe’s famous smirk plastered on his face “that’s more like it… what’re you doing? Your face wash shit?” You laugh “yep, I am, why?” He playfully groaned “why you always gotta do that shit?? Isn’t it like makeup or something? You know I don’t like makeup on that face of yours, sweetheart.” You playfully roll your eyes with a grin. You replied “Rafe I keep telling ya, it’s not makeup it’s healthy for your skin.”

𖣔𖣔𖣔

After your morning and going out with your friends for breakfast. You were driving your baby-blue bronco. The sunroof down and your shades on. Your music was cut short when your phone ringtone went through the speakers. You use your free hand to press the screen and you spoke “hello?”

Once again, the voice you love oh so much, replies. “Hey, baby, are you busy right now?…” you answered “not really, just getting back from breakfast with the girls, why?” He answered “me and the boys are out on the golf course… was wondering if you wanna join?… cause I know I’ll loose my head if they keep it up with all the shit that’s coming outta their mouths.” He says with zero venom behind. You laugh “sure, sure, I’ll be there in fifteen.

And soon enough, you arrived at the golf range.

You grab your keys and phone. Locking up the bronco you head through the building and out onto the range. Walking over to where the three guys were. You put your phone and keys into your one hand as you call out “hey guys!” You smile and wave as they turn.

After being greeted by Kelce and Topper. Rafe opens his arms “hey, pretty girl, you okay, babe?” Smiling as you nod you answered “yeah, thanks, how’re you?” You added a joke on “still got your head screwed on I see.” He lets out a chuckle as he keeps his arms wrapped around your waist. “Mhm, still have.”

As the guys swing their clubs. You stand in front of Rafe. His arm slung around your shoulder that looks like a very loose headlock. The hand by your shoulders playing with your hair. He moved to rest his chin on your head. He spoke “looking beautiful today, darlin’” you smiled softly “thanks, I only threw these together to go-” “babe, stop, let me compliment you, hush…” you chuckle softly as he pecks your temple. “So? What’s my pretty girl going to do today?… got plans?” You hummed in agreement. “Gotta babysit Ollie and Issac. Then I’ll probably sit in the hammock.” You smiled as recently your dad and older brother helped set up a hammock at these two trees in your backyard that overlooks the beach. A nice reading spot.

Rafe looks down, seeing your grazed knees and dry blood. He hated when you got hurt. But he knew you were okay as he knew the reason behind your somewhat battered knees. “How did roller blading with Issac go?” You chuckle at the memory. Lifting your one leg up showing him “great, can’t you tell?”

Rafe smiled softly, god you were so sweet. “Oh yeah? Glad to hear… Mind if I crash those plans?” You shrugged “I don’t mind, you know Ollie will be shy of you, but Issac couldn’t give a shit.” You both laugh. Rafe added “yeah, that’s true… I’ll help you babysit.” Topper added his own comment “Rafe Cameron, babysitting? Yeah nah, that’s true ain’t happening… what really is gonna happen is Y/n will be the one actually babysitting and Rafe will either drool over Y/n being an auntie or he’ll be play fighting with Issac again.” Rafe playfully clipped Topper at the side of his head with his free hand. As you laughed knowing what Topper said was 100% true.

𖣔𖣔𖣔

Later in the day, you sat in the backyard. Sitting at the indoor-outdoor dinning area. You had turned the chair to face the garden. Having Ollie (who’s two) sitting on your lap as you both watched Rafe and Issac (who’s nine) play fighting. Ollie wasn’t a play fighting type, hence the reason he’s sat on your lap. Ollie liked playing toys and going in the pool. While Issac was a play fighting and adventure type.

Rafe playfully yet gently tackled Issac into the soft grass. Cupping the back of Issac’s head so his hand would protect him. Rafe then stood up with Issac over his shoulder, laughing and squirming. Rafe patted his back “alright, buddy… time for a break… uncle Rafe needs a drink.” Issac kept laughing then as he was put down. Issac ran over and gulped his lemonade.

Rafe moved to sit next to you, grabbing his ice cold bottle of beer. Taking a few sips. He then placed the glass bottle down. Moving his arm to rest against the back of your chair.

Rafe looked down at the toddler in your lap. Seeing Ollie look up at Rafe with wide curious eyes. Rafe leaned down to Ollie’s level. He spoke in a soft yet playful like tone “hey buddy, having fun on auntie y/n/n lap?” Ollie nodded a little then looked down to his toy. Feeling shy again.

You rubbed your hand over the toddlers curls “hey, no need to be shy, bub. Races pretty much family.” Rafe nodded. He leaned over and pecked your lips. He playfully said “yeah, who knew you’d have such a smokin’ hot aunt-” “Rafe!” “What?! I’m stating the obvious??” “In front of the two years old, seriously?!” “True true… my bad?”

𖣔𖣔𖣔

As the sun sets, you hold your current read in your hands. Feeling Rafe’s chest against your back as you turn the page. The slight breeze licking up ever so slightly as the tide comes in then out.

Rafe plays with your hair, not caring about the book or the scenery. His focus elsewhere, you. He counties to play with your hair. Whispering a sweet nothing into your ear or kissing your cheek every so often. The hammock swaying slightly under both of your weight.

This was the life, you didn’t expect it to be this, maybe you did. But it was thee life.

Rafe started to gently massage your shoulder as you finished the chapter. Placing the bookmark with was an old piece of magazine. You place the bookmark in your lap. Tilting your head back enough to see Rafe’s face. He joked “finally finished that god awful romance book??” You playfully roll your eyes “Rafe, it’s a book about Achilles and Patroclus. It does mention love and grief… but it is also Greek mythology book.” He chuckled “I’m messing with ya..” he tilted his head down and give your lips a soft kiss. “I love you, sweetheart.” You smiled softly. Yes he did. Yes, the Rafe Cameron loved someone. And it was you.

“I love you too, Rafey.”

𖣔𖣔𖣔

And soon enough, the moon has shown itself. You brush your teeth. Wearing some random summer pjs you had from last year. You put your hair into some braids. While Rafe stood next to you, brushing his teeth, in just his boxers. As usual, he does it every time. You’ve gotten used to see his walk around in his boxers. He always liked to strut his stuff. He knew what he was doing and packing. So why not show it off to your amazing girlfriend? That’s exactly what he says when he catches you rolling your eyes with a smile.

The two of you eventually climb into bed. Rafe pulling you to his side as you get comfortable. Resting your head on his bare toned chest. You use your nail to gently trace shapes into his tanned skin. He smiled lazily. He rested his cheek against your head as you both chat about everything and anything. That’s a thing you’re grateful for. It never got boring with him.

Eventually you both say your good nights and hit the hay. Ready for another day to come. That’s a typical day of Y/n Y/l/n. Another great day done. What are you up to tomorrow? We’ll find out…

𖣔𖣔𖣔

[quokkaholic]

Give Me Face l.f

Warnings: fluff, little angst, slightly suggestive, bi besties to ??, alcohol consumption, kissin and touchin, cussing duh

Synopsis: You have been really down lately, your best friend Felix notices and wants to go out to the club to snap you out of her slump. The club is filled with hot people and some jealousy ensues.

Song recommendation: MADRE by Young Miko and Villano Antillano

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You’ve been rotting in bed all day and have no plan on moving for the rest of the night, that is, until you get a message out of the blue that Felix is on his way over. Flinging the covers off, you start frantically picking up the place. Your apartment is such a wreck you don’t even want your best friend to see it in this state, so instead of brushing your hair or changing the clothes you’ve been wearing for the past two days, you are shoving shit in your closet and shoddily loading the dishwasher. Before you even get the chance to pick up the food wrappers and takeout bags, Felix is opening the door with his spare key. He stands there in the doorway taking in the scene before tilting his head to the side and giving you a sympathetic look.

“Oh baby” he coos and closes the door behind him before opening his arms for a hug, and you immediately oblige. He mimics your tight squeeze as you nuzzle your face into his neck taking in his familiar scent: clean and floral with a touch of amber and musk.

“What are you doing here Lixie?”

“You’ve been slow to respond the past week and haven’t attended a single group hang in like a month. Come on girl, you think as your best friend I don’t know your signs that you’re down?”

You can’t help but grip tighter at his words. You are so lucky to have such a considerate and caring person as a best friend.

“Plus I have your location and saw you haven’t gone anywhere besides work and McDonalds in like 3 weeks. What's going on, babe?”

You spill your guts to him about problems at work and in your love life. Ever since you and your partner split 5 months ago, you have only had shitty dates and situationships, and the loneliness is now setting in. You know isolating yourself from your friends only makes the pain worse, but for some reason, it is just instinct when you start feeling bad to pull away. Luckily, Felix can always see through your bullshit.

“Y/nn, we need to get you out of this apartment. We need to get you out of your head too. Tonight we are going out! Don’t even try to fight me on this. Let's get ready.” He states, rushing back to your room. You follow quickly in toe, but when you get there, its too late, hes already pulling open your closet door.

“Felix no!” As the words leave your mouth, the mound of questionably clean clothes fall around his feet, and the room is filled with his sweet laughter and a few happy claps. You both rummage through your wardrobe looking for things to wear, trying on countless items making an even bigger mess than you began with. He lands on an outfit; after looking at himself in the full length mirror that hangs on the closet door, he turns to get your approval.

“How do I look?” He asks. You admire him for a moment. Felix looks so good in everything he wears, but there's something about seeing him in your clothes that makes your heart flutter.

“Honestly, cunt” He chuckles at your response then continues searching your drawers to help you with your look. His searching persists, tossing out options until finally finds what he’s been looking for, a sexy but elegant tank top you’ve had forever. With the shirt in hand, he strides over to where you sit on the bed surrounded by failed prospective outfits.

“I’ve always loved this one on you. Arms up” He instructs and slips the shirt over your head. You’ve always been comfortable around each other, being dressed by him just feels like second nature. There might’ve been some slight tension at first, but he has always so gracefully ridden the line between making you feel sexy and beautiful but also respected and appreciated. That is just one of the million reasons you love him. The love you feel for Felix is so deep, and your relationship is so special to you. You’re constantly pushing your romantic feelings down in the name of preserving what you have, too scared to take the risk of losing it. After pulling the shirt down and smoothing you the wrinkles, he offers you his hand to help you off the bed.

“Spin for me” he commands and you do just that. This wouldn’t be the first time you played dress up with him styling and you modeling for him.

“Stunning, y/n. Truly” He compliments, eyes raking over your form then landing intensely on your own. You don't give yourself time to feel the coyness rising up your spine, turning to your vanity and flicking on the light.

“Makeup time!”

You quickly style your hair in a way to keep it off your face and neck because you know you'll be sweating later and go to the kitchen to pour some pregame drinks for you both. You turn on some confidence boosting ‘feeling myself’ type of music and scoot next to Felix to share the mirror. Before starting your makeup, you order your ride to be there to pick you both up in an hour. You pass products back and forth and bounce along to the music occasionally using the brushes as microphones to sing along. He has already finished his makeup and is picking up clothes trying to undo the disaster you two created earlier.

“Lixie, will you do my eyeliner?”

He immediately drops what he was doing to aid you; his hands are gentle but firm as he cups your chin and tilts your head up. You feel your drink start to hit you as you hand him the black liner and stare up getting lost in the freckles peppering his cheekbones that he intentionally leaves uncovered and his sweet but alluring brown eyes.

“You gotta close your eyes, love” unable to think of an excuse, you just default to apologizing.

“Shit, sorry” You mumble as you lightly close your eyes so as to not create any creases giving him a smooth working surface. When you feel him lightly using his fingers to smudge the edges to match the smoky look of his own makeup, you know it’s safe to open your eyes again. When you do, you see Felix has lent down to get a closer look at his work. His eyes immediately snap to yours, and his smudging finger slowly drags down your cheek. It's as if you were both in a trance for a moment, and when you snap out of it simultaneously, you turn your head to look in the mirror and Felix shoots back up straight.

“I need another drink,” he says, heading back to the kitchen.

Your ride picks you guys up in front of your building, and drops you off not 10 minutes later at the club you and your friends used to frequent a few years ago. Felix is not a big club guy, really only going when you invite him, but when you do go out together, it is always a night to remember. Tonight was will be no exception.

The club is packed and bumping. Music blaring, lights flashing, and the smell of sweat and perfume think in the air. While you’re surrounded by strangers, the atmosphere is familiar and welcoming. You immediately open a tab at the counter close to the main dancefloor as that is where you plan to spend most of your night. It’s not that you need to be drunk in order to dance, but it definitely helps the “get out of your head” thing that Felix prescribed. You and Felix are quick to find a corner of the dancefloor to lay claim to and start dancing separately for now, but that won’t last. Felix gets very touchy when he drinks, yet another thing you love about him. You are both quick to down your drinks in order to free up your hands to dance. Taking the empty cup from your hand, he leaves you to toss them in the garbage with intent to return quickly. You dance by yourself for a minute, feeling the rhythm flow through you and bass thumping in your chest, arms raised in the air and occasionally caressing down your body in the most stereotypical club dance fashion.

A song or two later, you realize Felix hasn’t returned. It doesn’t take long scanning the crowd to find him still by the trash can being held there by a stunning creature of a man chatting and lightly brushing Felix’s arm with his hand. Felix is giggling at the man's words flashing his perfect pearly smile. The beat leaves your body and your movements slow coming to a halt for you to stare. Felix is such an angel in appearance and personality, it's surprising there isn’t a line forming to simply get a second of his time. While you feel that's what he deserves, you’re so glad it's just the one guy, but still, Felix is yours your best friend. This is your night with him.

When Felix’s eyes meet yours from across the room, his feet move without thinking carrying him to you while a genuine, playful grin spreads across his face biting his bottom lip. As he approaches, his steps become more rhythmic and he holds his hands out to you. Instead of remaining hand in hand to dance, he uses his grasp to spin you around, back to him. His hands grip your hips, and he helps you once again find the rhythm. Together, you start slow, rolling side to side on every other beat. Felix allows his hands to roam up and down your sides every now and again squeezing or sliding to your stomach to hold you back against him. When a faster tempo song comes on next, one of his hands slides up you back to rest on your shoulder, and he pulls you back into his chest and his lips graze the shell of your ear. You only get a few seconds to listen to his heavy breathing before you feel slight pressure pushing you to lean forward creating more direct contact of your ass on his front. Again his hands find your hips, this time less to guide you and more just to hold on as you grind back into him. You could’ve sworn you heard a groan that sounded a lot like Felix, but in the noisy environment, there's no way to be sure, and you sure as hell aren’t going to turn around to ask him.

This continues for a few songs, until the DJ turns plays a song neither of you are vibing to. You let Felix know you're going to run to the bathroom. Typically he would accompany you, but neither of you want to lose your spot. The line to the ladies room is surprisingly short, but the bathroom itself is unsurprisingly filthy. Two clogged toilets, a soapless hand rinse, and an obligatory drunk mirror selfie later you are ready to head back to Felix. Luckily you were prepared and brought your hand sanitizer with you. Trudging across the sticky floor and pushing through the building crowd, you finally make it back to the dance floor, but to your chagrin, someone is in your spot. An actual sex siren of a person is dancing next to Felix as they go back and forth speaking into each other ears behind cupped hands. Yet another party interested in your man. You're done being mad about it; you are ready to be sad about it, but instead of letting the rain clouds drown your fun, you decide its time for another drink. You find an empty spot to lean against the bar and wait for the bartender’s attention. When they finally approach, you graciously request another cocktail, but when they ask for the name on the tab the person next to you speaks up.

“Whatever she’s getting, put it on mine” The woman hands her card to the tender before turning to you.

“Are you sure?” you question, was your gloom written all over your face? She must’ve pitied you. She had been standing there the whole time, but you are just now noticing how handsome she is. She says nothing in response but holds eye contact and nods. Even if it was out of pity, you’ll always take a free drink. You thank her with a big grin.

“You have such a beautiful smile,” she says with a pleasant and sincere look. Oh. This isn't pity. She asks for your number; you maintain flirty banter waiting for your drinks, but once they arrive, you have to get back to Felix. This night is about spending time with your best friend not finding a rebound.

“You wanna dance?” She asks, gesturing back to the rolling crowd of bodies.

“Actually, I have to get ba…” You couldn’t finish refusing her offer as a hand grips the wrist of the hand not holding your new drink. Felix has his back to you dragging you back to the dancefloor. He forfeited your spot in order to steal you back. While you get pulled around, you chug your drink and toss the cup in a passing waste bin. When he finds an empty area, he stops and turns to you.

There is no playfulness left in his gaze, just a sultry glint as he drags his fingers across your collarbones and down your arm to your hand. Unlike the way he gripped your wrist, the way he intertwines your fingers can only be described as intimate. His touch is warm and bold as he spins around and raises your joined hands pulling you against his back. Just like he did to you earlier, you grip his waist and roll your hips with his. All inhibitions out the window. Your bodies moving as one, eyes closed, feeling his body on yours. The countless strangers fade away, and it's like it's just the two of you. Felix leans back into you dropping his head back onto your shoulder swaying his hips side to side. You think he’s saying something, but you can’t make out his words. You just let out a sound of agreement into his ear to appease him not wanting to stop dancing to try to figure it out. Despite your efforts to keep him grinding, Felix raises his head and turns to face you and throws his arms around your neck crossing his wrists in the back. You stand with your feet staggered with his to be as close as possible as you continue to dance together. Before you can really process, Felix is pressing his full and glossy lips to yours. His lips are salty from sweat but also sweet from his drink and lip oil and oh so rousing, causing your stomach to flip. Unlike other makeout sessions you’ve seen throughout the night, this one isn’t rough and needy, but passionate and sensual. The rhythm of the kiss matches the dance matches the song. You, again, are transported out of the club to somewhere just you and Felix can occupy made of your love and connection and desire. This isn’t the first time you’ve kissed Felix, but this kiss stands apart. It isn't the normal drunk kiss you share with your friends, it's so much more, fueled by fiery desire and years of longing. The kiss ends too soon as Felix leans his head on his upper arm that rests on your shoulder so his lips are inline with your ear. He whispers to you,

“Be mine y/n, please” He almost begs before placing a soft kiss to your earlobe and continuing,

“Be with me”

You don’t give a verbal answer but grab his flushed cheeks with both hands and peck his face with kisses before a final powerful one on the lips. Resting his forehead on yours, you’re both smiling so hard your cheek start to cramp. Thankfully, you both kept your drinking under control, perfectly walking the edge between tipsy and drunk, or you’d be scared this was an intoxicated dream or misremebrance. Felix already has his phone out ordering a ride to a nearby 24 hour diner to stave off your hangovers and chat about what the future has in store.

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A.n- thanks for reading :) I’m posting this on my lunch break lol.

-mo🪩

Masterlist

[vanillesuiker]

Random Weasley headcanons because today was the first day of school so obviously I've had much time to think about things that aren't school!

Arthur Weasley loves birds. You can't convince me otherwise and that's mostly because I love birds but shush. He seems like a bird watcher.

He has tried to get the kids into it, but they just don't get it. Not even Percy can be convinced that birds aren't actually boring, they're so interesting!!

He brags that he does it the "muggle" way but he really doesn't. He has magical binoculars that auto focus on a bird or some shit. If he has the time he takes a broom and flies out to a good bird spotting place. He's sitting in the bushes with about sixty silencing and concealing charms up just to look at a common buzzard (AND I WOULD DO THE SAME)

Sorry I just really love birds. I can't promise this was the last bird thing I have a fic planned. Anyway!

Percy is always one of the first to be awake in the morning. (Excluding Arthur who is... at work)

He goes downstairs, gets some coffee or tea (do wizards have coffee???) and stares out of a window for a bit.

He's a window guy.

On the other side of the spectrum you have Ron. Who wakes up last and has to be woken up most of the time.

I'm not hating on Ron I swear, I love him.

Molly does that thing that all mothers do where she yells someone's name from downstairs. And then the child responds. And she doesn't.

Charlie Weasley can make a mean fried egg.

That's it that's the headcanon. He's the eggman.

Speaking of eggs. If there's boiled eggs, Fred takes the egg white while George takes the yolk. This has been their arrangement since they could communicate that they didn't want THAT part of the egg, only the other.

That's totally based on @bastaardsuiker and me though. I <3 projecting.

Whenever Ginny leaves one of her brother’s rooms, she turns the light on. Like the big light that no one uses unless they've lost something. I'm going to pretend that's possible without electricity.

Wait how do underage wizard's turn lights on? They can't use magic and they don't have electricity (which is fucking stupid but okay)

Do they have magic circuits?

They have magic circuits now I've decided that.

Sorry another bird headcanon.

If there's a bird sitting in the window or something, Arthur will shush everyone. And everyone must listen. Because guys there's a coal tit on the window!

Yes that's an actual bird name. Why are English bird names so weird? Wdym woodCOCK? Coal TIT? Blue footed BOOBY?

Fred and George use bird names to get away with saying bad words.

They learned that from Bill.

Well. That's kinda all I have. It's mostly birds, I'm not sorry. This is my blog and I decide how much bird content there is <3

[galaxymagitech]

Bleeding Heart

For @jasontoddweek2025 — Day 1

Drive | Time Travel | The Batmobile Tires

Summary: Jason may have escaped the traffickers that caught him, but he promised the other children that he’d save them too. Fortunately, Jason has a plan. Unfortunately, that plan involves attracting the attention of a dangerous vigilante by stealing his tires—and then bargaining for the trafficked children’s lives.

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne

Warnings: Child Trafficking, Fear of Rape/Non-Con (none actually occurs)

You can read it here or on AO3!

Jason’s ribs ache as he twists the tire iron, the remnants of a harsh beating. At least, Jason thinks, I’ve still got my wits about me. He’d shielded his head well, when the traffickers punished him for his disobedience. Although, given the sheer insanity of Jason’s current plan…it actually wouldn’t be that shocking if he did have a concussion.

Jason could run. It would be the smart thing to do. He could run and never look back. Spend a fitful night in his hideout, tossing and turning with guilt-ridden dreams, and then wake up and go back to eking out a living, slightly wiser than he was two weeks ago.

But Jason had promised. He’d held Fatima’s small, chubby hands in his own as the other children crowded around him. He’d sworn that he would do everything he could to keep them safe. He hadn’t sworn he couldkeep them safe. That was a longshot, and even Jason knew it. But he had promised to try. And anyway, Jason knows he could never live with himself if he left the others to their fates.

His mom always said he opened himself up too wide, that he was a bleeding heart. This must’ve been what she meant.

Carefully, Jason removes the second tire and begins to roll it away. He’s hiding this one in a different location from the first, in case Batman has already spotted him. No matter what, Jason has to keep his leverage, or he won’t even get an audience with the Batman.

See, everyone knows that the foster system is shit. Everyone knows about the trafficking rings, knows that children go missing from the group homes, knows not to go to certain shelters lest you disappear. Everyone knows, and Batman has never lifted a damn finger to stop it.

Not shocking, really. Batman, like the cops, exists to protect the rich. He never patrols Crime Alley. And well, everyone’s seen Robin’s costume—Batman obviously doesn’t care about stuff like this.

So Batman’s not gonna listen to Jason screaming for help unless Jason makes him listen.

The tires aren’t just an elaborate ploy for attention, though. They’re also leverage and—most terrifyingly—an audition.

Batman has no reason to break up the trafficking ring that, until a few hours ago, had held Jason captive. Jason will offer the location of the tires in exchange for Batman saving the other children, but he knows that won’t be enough. Not when Batman could just as easily beat the information out of him. As much as Jason postures, he knows that he’s a child—his bones snap so easily.

But Robin got old and disappeared. That means there’s a vacancy. By stealing Batman’s tires, Jason will show that he has the skills and courage to fill that position. And spunk. Robin has argued with Batman publicly enough that Jason knows Batman must like that.

Jason doesn’t want to be Robin. But it’s certainly a better deal than he’d get if trafficked. And if Batman breaks up the trafficking ring, everyone will know Jason squealed. Snitches don’t get stitches—they get days of torture and then a cold, wet grave at the bottom of the harbor. Working as Robin, at least, would keep Jason alive.

After stashing the second tire, Jason returns to the Batmobile, kneeling down and beginning to detach the third tire.

Only—

Jason freezes. Someone’s right behind him.

“Well…come to finish the job, boy?” The low, deep growl echoes through the alley. Jason looks up at the shadowy form looming over him and tries his very best not to tremble in fear. This is the plan, he reminds himself. “You’re going to give me back my tires,” Batman orders.

He hasn’t started beating Jason yet, so that’s a good sign. A sign that he’s willing to talk, that he’s at least somewhat…amused. Jason’s grip on the tire iron tightens. “You—you have to hear me out first,” Jason says.

Batman stares at Jason for a moment. He’s clearly not used to being contradicted by kids who aren’t Robin. “How about you return my tires, and then we talk.”

Talk. Yeah, right. Jason doubts there will be much talking involved, unless you count talking with your fists. “No,” Jason insists. “You help me, and then I’ll tell you where the tires are. Or else you’re never finding ‘em.”

Batman steps forwards. Jason begins to step back, but instead forces his left leg to remain still, turning what was a retreat into a solid fighting position. If he wanted, he could swing the tire into Batman’s stomach or knee with a decent amount of force and then run. Fat lot of good that would do, though, now that Jason has the Bat’s attention.

Well, that’s what he wanted, isn’t it?

“Help,” Batman echoes, white eye-lenses narrowed. Jason’s heard people say the Bat’s a demon, but he never believed them. Up close, Jason can see the man’s jaw, a hint of the human face beneath the cowl. No, he’s no demon. But Jason is jaded enough to know that men are far worse than any of the demons in his stories. Jason can’t banish Batman or trap him in a summoning circle or escape him with the right words. He has nochoice but to bargain—and since Jason has only a couple of tires and himself to trade away, he’s not optimistic about ending this negotiation with his own safety assured. “What do you need help with?”

Jason swallows. “There’s a trafficking ring. They got me, took me to the warehouse down on Fifth and Rupert. I escaped, but the others are still there. If you get them out, I’ll tell you where your tires are.”

Jason knows that the offer not enough. He expects Batman to reject it, to threaten Jason, to say that the only thing Jason will be getting in exchange for the location of the tires is his life.

But instead, Batman nods, expression blank. “Tell me everything.”

“They’re moving everyone at 1 AM.” It’s not one yet, Jason knows, but that’s only a few hours away. This plan was thrown together in desperation. “I was in there with fourteen other kids, but I think they’ve got more. Some of them were older, teenagers, but there were—some of them were really little.” Fatima couldn’t have been more than eight. “They’re moving people in trucks from some catering company.”

Batman nods. “Anything else?”

Jason tries to remember, but his thoughts are scattered by fear. “They’re tied up with the White Shark somehow,” Jason adds, eventually. He doesn’t know how, but…

Jason hangs around the working girls on one of the corners a block away from his hideout. They remind him of his mom, just enough that he can gain some small measure of comfort from their presence, and they trade information with him. But Jason had spent too long with them, and he’d been noticed. Their pimp, a member of the White Shark’s gang, had made Jason an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Jason had refused.

That hadn’t worked out well for him, obviously.

“Thank you for telling me this,” Batman says. “I’m going to fix this, I promise.” He pulls some weird gun thingy out of his utility belt, and for a single, fleeting, wonderful moment, Jason thinks that Batman is about to leave him here. It’s probably fair, to trust that Jason won’t run. Most kids would be too terrified. But Jason has guts—probably too much guts, to be honest—and he’ll run at the first opportunity. With those two tires, Jason can buy a ticket out of Gotham, can find another city where the White Sharks can’t track him down. And then, in four words, Batman sends Jason’s hopes crashing down. “Wait in the car,” he orders.

Jason’s gaze flickers to the nearby alley. He could still run. But…he’d get caught, and then Batman wouldn’t save the others. “Okay,” Jason says quietly. He lets Batman open the door to the passenger’s seat and sits down, knowing that he’s probably dooming himself. As Batman fires a some sort of metal cord from his gun—is that a grappling hook gun?—Jason hears the locks on the car door click shut.

Breathe, he reminds himself, aware of how his breaths are turning shallow. Just…breathe, Jason. Batman is going to help them. Batman is going to get them out.

For a price. A price that has to be more than just the location of the tires. And because Jason didn’t get a chance to make his offer, he has no idea just what that price will be. Or if he’s willing to pay it.

(He is, though. Willing to pay it. If it means that Fatima and Amy and Lucia and Yael get out, get saved, Jason is willing to pay the price. Could Batman see that in Jason’s eyes, when he tried to bargain for the other children’s lives?)

(Stupid bleeding, bloody heart.)

It strikes Jason instantly, the thing he was forgetting. The place where the traffickers beat Jason for trying to protect Beth, the place where kids disappeared to and sometimes didn’t come back. It was hidden in a nearby building connected to the warehouse by an alleyway. Batman won’t find it on his own. And by the time he returns to the car, the traffickers will have already triggered the evacuation. All the kids there will be gone.

And Jason can’t let that happen.

He has to get there and tell Batman. Now. But he’s locked into the car.

Jason climbs into the driver’s seat, but that door’s locked from the inside. He swings his tire iron at the windshield, but it doesn’t even crack. Desperately, Jason mashes at the buttons on the dashboard, but none of them do anything at all.

Maybe he can lower the windows? But no, trying that doesn’t do anything either.

Wait. The Batmobile has got to have an eject button, right? All the super cool cars in movies have eject buttons. And if Jason was designing a super cool car—and the Batmobile definitely fits that description—he’d make the eject button work even when the car was turned off. Never know when you need an escape route.

Crawling into the legroom, Jason squints and begins to inspect the passenger seat. And sure enough, he finds it, a small red button clearly labelled ‘eject.’ Jason sits in the seat, reaches down, presses the button, and shoots through the roof.

Literally. A metal sphere folds around Jason and the seat, the roof opens up, and Jason goes flying out. He rolls and rolls and rolls and, just as he thinks he’s about to vomit, the sphere unfolds, depositing Jason on the sidewalk. He stumbles and pukes right by a dumpster.

For a moment, Jason is struck by the sheer shock at what he just did.

And then he remembers why he needed to escape the Batmobile and takes off running.

***

Never let it be said Jason doesn’t know how to make an entrance.

He originally planned to wait outside the warehouse and tell Batman before the man tried to go back to the car (and then slip away in the middle of the ensuing fight). But Jason can’t help but watch from one of the high-up windows as Batman destroys the monsters who hurt Jason and the other kids, who planned to sell them like cattle. Justice in Crime Alley is rare. Plenty of people who have hurt kids never see the consequences. But today, these men do.

It's not enough. It’s not nearly enough. It shouldn’t be just these men. It should be all the traffickers, all the abusers, all the rapists. And Jason can’t help but notice that Batman never lands the killing blow.

But it’s something. It’s more than Jason ever thought he would get. 

And so, when Jason watches one of the few remaining traffickers break the catwalk away from the wall, watches Batman get taken by surprise and collapse under the wreckage, watches the trafficker aim his gun and line up the shot—

Jason can’t help it. He finds himself moving before he even makes a conscious decision. One second he’s watching from the window, and the next he’s sliding down the catwalk’s remaining metal support like a fire pole.

Jason is under four and a half feet tall, doesn’t even come up to Batman’s chest. But he takes the trafficker completely by surprise. Jason aims a kick at the man’s arm, forcing him to drop his gun, and then socks him hard enough in the jaw that he stumbles away—straight into the recently-recovered Batman’s fist.

“What are you doing here?” Batman growls. “I told you to wait in the car.

“There’s another building,” Jason explains breathlessly, resting his hands on his knees and breathing raggedly like he just finished a sprint. “Where kids disappear. You have to—you have to rescue them too.”

Batman nods sharply. “Where?” Out of the corner of his eye, Jason spots one of the traffickers twitching his hand towards his gun. Batman follow’s Jason’s gaze, walks over, and steps on the man’s wrist until there’s a sickening crack. Jason grins. He recognizes that man. He would taunt them, gleefully tell the younger children exactly what would happen to them, like he got off on their terror. Probably did.

Jason leads Batman into the alley, then points at the building where they took him to punish him for trying to protect the others.

“Stay here,” Batman orders. “I mean it. You’re untrained, and they’re armed.”

Jason nods. He looks back at the warehouse, where the traffickers are still unconscious, zip-tied and waiting for the cops. They’ll get off lightly. They might not even be punished at all.

Jason can fix that.

Batman grimaces, following his gaze. “I took out those criminals, but the children are still trapped. Go and get them out. And don’t go through the main room, or you could get yourself killed.”

Jason lowers his head and nods. He wants to walk through the warehouse’s main room and shoot the traffickers in their foreheads one by one. That way, they’d never touch another child again. But, Jason reminds himself, Batman is only bothering to rescue these children because of Jason’s deal with him. Otherwise, he would’ve rescued them long ago. If Jason doesn’t follow orders, one of the little kids could end up as the next Robin instead.

So, Jason goes straight to the shipping containers where he and the others were kept. One by one, he opens them. He was right—there were a lot more children than he thought. Around fifteen per container, and seven containers—

Jason’s gonna be sick. Again.

He focuses on the kids.

“It’s okay,” he tells them. “You’re safe, now.”

“Are you Robin?” A boy asks Jason. He’s probably a little older than Jason, maybe thirteen or fourteen, but he looks at Jason in wonder.

“No,” Jason says. “I’m one of you.”

Jason has just finished helping the kids out of the last container when Batman arrives. “The police will be here shortly,” Batman says. Some of the kids tremble. “Commissioner Gordon will be there. I trust him. He’ll make sure you’re all safe.” That helps a bit, but not enough. Batman frowns, and then kneels down by a young boy—maybe ten or so. Only two years younger than Jason, but it feels like a world of a difference. Jason resists the urge to throw himself in-between Batman and the child. “What is your name, son?”

“Luke,” the boy says shyly.

If Jason squints, Luke almost looks like Robin. Batman won’t try anything right now, Jason reminds himself. Not with all the kids watching. Plausible deniability has its limits, after all. “You’re safe now, Luke,” Batman says. “I promise.”

“Pinky promise?” Luke asks. Batman holds out his pinkie, locks it with Luke’s, and pinkie promises.

“I have to go now,” Batman says. “But you’ll be in good hands.” He turns to leave. For a moment, Jason feels himself relax.

And then Batman places a hand on Jason’s shoulder and he flinches, hard. Right. Jason still hasn’t told Batman where his tires are. And then, there’s the rest of the unspoken deal.

Batman steers Jason out of the warehouse, into the street. “You did well,” he says. Batman’s voice has lost some of its growl as he talked to the children. Jason isn’t sure what to make of that. “Now, son, where are those tires?”

Jason leads Batman to the tires’ hiding spots, the man’s gauntlet burning on his shoulder like a brand. It’s all in your head, Jason lies to himself. It’s just your shoulder. Give him the tires, and then you’re free. Give him the tires, and it’s over. (It’s never gonna be over. Not until Jason escapes or dies, and he’s betting on the latter.)

“Different hiding spots,” Batman notes. “Clever. What did you say your name was, again?”

Jason didn’t say. But Batman’s asking, and Jason can’t just not answer. “Jay,” he says, grudgingly. Harder for Batman to hunt him down again with a nickname.

“Jay…”

Jason swallows, shrinking beneath the hand on his shoulder. “Todd.” There. Might as well throw in his middle name while he’s at it. “Jason Peter Todd.” He tries to straighten his shoulders and say it proudly—it’s the name Mom and Dad gave him, after all—but he doesn’t think he succeeds.

Batman watches as Jason reattaches the tires. He goes twice as slow, the pressure causing his arms to tremble. It doesn’t help that his chest aches terribly with every twist of the iron. But Jason finishes, stepping back to let Batman see his handiwork. “Where are your parents, Jason?” Batman asks. His hand is on Jason’s shoulder again. Jason can’t run.

Jason summons up the last bit of bravado he has left. “I dunno where my dad is. Probably doing time again. Or maybe he’s just fucked off and died already. Wherever he is, I don’t care. And my mom’s—she got sick.” Batman just stares at him. “She died,” Jason clarifies.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” 

Yeah, right. Watching Jason carefully, Batman opens the passenger-side door of the Batmobile.

“Why don’t you ride with me?” Batman says, stepping aside and holding the door open.

It sounds like an offer, but it’s more of an order. Jason doesn’t have his tire iron on him to surprise Batman, and he’s too exhausted to run properly. So, he ignores the way his instincts scream runhidefight and sits down in the Batmobile. Batman sits next to him and starts driving.

“Who’s taking care of you?” Batman asks, after the car has pulled onto the road.

Jason knows where this conversation is going. It’s hurtling downhill like a runaway trolley. And Jason can’t divert it, because he already did. He pulled the fucking lever like an idiot, and that’s what got him here. He doesn’t even regret it, he’s that dumb. Because the other kids got out, at least temporarily. They have a chance. The ones that have parents have a chance, at least. “I take care of myself.”

“You’re a child,” Batman says. “You’re not safe on the streets. That’s how the traffickers got you.”

Jason rolls his eyes, but even that is half-hearted. “We’re in Gotham. Everyone knows foster care’s just a front for trafficking.”

“That’s not true.”

Jason crosses his arms. “I’m twelve, not two. You don’t gotta lie to me. You go in, you disappear. I spent a month there, okay? I know how it is.”

“I…see,” Batman says quietly.

“Yeah. So you can stop with the fairytale bullshit. No way I’d end up in a ‘decent home’ in the foster care system.”

Batman is silent for a moment. And then, he smiles. The image strikes fear into Jason’s bones. “Don’t bet on it,” Batman says, “…Robin.”

Jason’s stomach turns. He doesn’t—he doesn’t want—he’d thought—he just wants to be safe.

But this had been the plan since the beginning. This was something Jason had been prepared to sacrifice. He just—

It doesn’t matter. The others got out, and that’s enough. And Robin gets to help. Batman may not protect Crime Alley, but Jason as Robin sure can. He’ll be able to listen to all the children whose screams go unheard. That’s worth whatever hell Batman will put him through.

So, Jason forces a smile onto his face. “Robin?” He asks, trying to project enthusiasm. To his own ears, he sounds ill.

But to Batman, he must sound excited, because the man smiles. “Robin,” Batman confirms.

And in the passenger seat, Jason’s heart pumps and pumps and pumps until his body drains of blood.

[goddamnitmahtin]

How I think it would go if I ended up inside a tumbler dc x dp universe

Okay so falling through a portal into Crime Alley? Not the worst thing that’s ever happened. Definitely not the best either though. Phone? Gone. Money? Gone. Mental and emotional stability? Was gone before this ever happened. So this is fine…

The dark streets and the sun’s refusal to come out of the clouds literally ever would probably scare most people but honestly it was a nice vacation from bright light. The city itself was gods awful and hella unsafe but hey- it had aesthetic you know? The only thing that really made it hard to live here was the fact that no one wanted to hire me.

“You look like one of them Wayne kids. Don’t even bother with me. Just go back to your mansion and ask Brucie if you need cash.”

Ah. Well. I would if I actually was “one of them Wayne kids.” Alas I was not. Eventually I was rejected enough times that I started to contemplate whether or not “asking Brucie” would actually work. According to locals he seems ditzy enough and adopted more children than he could keep track of. Was it a stupid idea? Absolutely. Was I gonna try it anyways? Fuck yeah.

Anyways that’s how I ended up living in the walls of Wayne Manor for like a month.

…

To be honest? It wasn’t that hard to get in. I looked the part so to speak with black hair and blue eyes so when I hopped into the back seat of a fancy looking limo, the driver just kind of assumed? and drove me right to the manor.

It was late and it seemed like there wasn’t much staff in the house itself. Just some old butler guy that looked like he knew way too much. About what I couldn’t tell you but he had that vibe that he’s seen enough death to know when to not ask questions.

“Master Wayne?” I looked at the man. He totally knew I wasn’t supposed to be there. He had that look in his eye. But he was playing along.

“Uh yeah. I’m just gonna go grab some food real quick and then leave,” maybe if I just bounced from the joint after a meal he wouldn’t tell anyone?

The butler nodded, “I will prepare you a meal then and have it ready for you in the dining room.” Holy shit he was actually playing along for real. Okay well then.

After exploring the place a little, it seemed pretty empty at the moment, I went to the dining room and sure enough this butler guy had actually made me some food. And it was fucking good. After living on the streets for several months at this point, this was the best thing ever.

I ate as much as I could, shoveling food into my face. This was the first real meal I had been able to really eat since spawning into Gotham. Hell it was the first real meal since even before that.

After I ate as much as I could, I stole as many bread rolls I could fit into my pockets and was about to leave just like I had promised I would when I heard voices that did not belong to the butler guy.

I uh… well I didn’t make the best decision when I hopped through the wall to hide. I was expecting to find another room on the other side but no, these wall were thick and I could stand comfortably in the space between the plaster on either side of me, given I didn’t bump into a wire or two that was running along the studs.

I was planning to leave once the coast was clear but ended up passing out as the exhaustion of constantly fighting off muggers and evading goons from various villains (not me mention I hadn’t slept in nearly 72 hours) caught up with me.

After that I just kind of… forgot to leave? It was easy enough to get around the manor just inside the walls and whenever I did need to get somewhere in the manor where people could see me, I was most of the time mistaken for someone else who also lived there.

“Oh hey Dick,” said by a sleep deprived and slightly delirious man I later learned to be named Tim as he headed out one day.

“Tim go to bed,” said by a just as, if not more, sleep deprived man who was older than the rest that I figured was Bruce. He had been in the library and had seen me walk by.

I once got a wave from a blonde girl who seemed to be on a mission to get somewhere.

Only the butler who I learned was called Alfred seemed to really grasp that I was in the house at all. And I knew this because he kept leaving plates of food or cookies or even sometimes small handfuls of candies out for me to find. Sometimes he would even give the wall a little tap to tell me he left me something.

Life in the walls of Wayne Manor was alright enough. That was until I kind of… well I got bored. I figured that if I could pull off pretending to be one of them in passing and even for short conversations, why not try to up the wager a little? For fun.

So during one of the family dinners that they held together sometimes, I just kind of… sat down at the table. And started eating with everyone.

At first it was pretty easy to keep my head down and not be super noticeable. Bruce hardly looked up from his food and everyone else looked too tired to really think about how many people were actually at the table.

That was until a tank of a man walked in and sat at the table, late for the function. He reeked of death. The amount of anger and grief this guy had oozed out of him and it was honestly suffocating.

“Hey B, when did you adopt another one?” Jason asked as he sat down.

“I didn’t-?” Bruce looked up from his food and scanned the table, his eyes eventually falling on me, “… who are you?”

Shit

“Ah- well…” I didn’t get to really explain before Bruce spoke again.

“And why didn’t anyone tell me someone was in our house?”

“Ah well I just kinda assumed,” said Tim.

That got a lot of murmurs of agreement from the rest of the table, Damian giving a pointed, “Given your track record Father, you cannot blame us.”

Bruce sighed and looked back at me, a very tired man, “What are you doing here?”

“I uh… I’m here for the food mostly.” It was all I could really think to say at the moment.

The air hung thick with tension as we all sat silently for a longer time than I was really comfortable with. That was until I heard a familiar voice.

“Hey guys, sorry for being so late. I would have gotten a ride from Jason but I had to work a little later than I wanted to.”

Motherfucker.

I whipped my head around to look at the man that just walked in, “DANNY?!”

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

((Umm...... Lucifer did grab their rings 😅))

He had to make heaven think he was serious and that he wasn't going to be coming for Adam so it wouldn't be obvious, how could Adam seriously think he didn't matter to him?

Lucifer risked everything for him, he beat the shit out of an archangel for him! He was a little more focused on making sure they got the fuck out and didn't die.

He ran his hands down his face, he's so tired and he just wants to hold his fucking husband but he can't even have that.

Lucifer growled and hit his fists on his thighs only to hit something in his pocket: Ow!! The fuck is in there?

Angrily he shoved his hand in his pocket and he touched something small and smooth. Two somethings. Pulling them out part of wanted to fucking cry and the other wanted to throw them in frustration.

Their wedding rings. He forgot he picked them up when he grabbed Michael's sword.

Would have been nice to remember that five fucking minutes ago.......

Lucifer slipped his on his finger and looked at it, he remembered when Adam gave it to him and how amazing it felt and how happy he had been. How could he think any random replacement ring would have been okay? It would look okay, but they would be the real rings the true symbols of their love.

Lucifer cried, he found a piece of paper placed Adams ring on it with his name on it and placed it somewhere he would see it.

If he even wanted it anymore. Or him.

Lucifer never should have taken his fucking ring off and he never would again, he'd super glue it to his fucking finger if that would make Adam happy.

He left for what was now his office, maybe he could find something about this extermination day. Though he was certain it was exactly as it sounded.

Opening the office door, Lucifer was grateful that Satan was well organized the place was in good order.

Lucifer sat down and got to reading, he supposed he should know these things as King now......

Oh who the fuck was he kidding, he was as much a King as that fucking pen was.

-

Charlie: That was amazing!

Adam: See? There's a lot you can do kid.

She felt so energized and it was nice to finally have some one on one time with Adam. They had been at it for hours and now she was a little pooped.

Charlie: Adam? Can I ask you something?

Adam: Yeah sure.

Charlie: Are you two okay?

Adam froze: Look, that's-

Charlie: Because we spent a week working out the perfect plan to save you and the first thing you do when you get home is fight......... I know you're hurt.... But he loves you.

They spent a week on a plan to help him?

Adam: Charlie -

Charlie: Look, maybe it's none of my business but he made a mistake. Haven't you made mistakes?

Adam has made plenty of mistakes especially in their relationship. His biggest one killed Lucifer.

Adam: ...... Let's just call it a night.

Charlie sighed but nodded and went to her room. Adam probably should find him and talk about..... Even a little.

Adam: Lu?

He wasn't in the throne room, but a piece of paper caught his eye...... With a ring on it.

With a shaky hand, Adam picked up the ring. His ring. He could tell from the wear and the engraving on the inside..

Adam: Fuck....

He slipped it onto his finger and it was a perfect fit. When did he get this?

He needs to find him.

Adam walked around until he found the office where Lucifer was sitting behind the desk. He tried not to laugh, Lucifer looked so small sitting behind that giant desk. Papers everywhere, he looked so tired and broken.

And he had his ring on.

Adam: Lu?

Lucifer jumped, he didn't hear him walk up. He felt his heart break, was Adam here to tell him it was over? For good? He really tried not to cry but he should have known he never deserved to be with Adam, who was a fucking God of all things.

Lucifer: Y-yeah?

He was going to cry this was too much.

Adam came closer and before he could say anything Lucifer just broke down crying and apologizing.

Lucifer, his voice thick with emotion: I-I-I'm sorry, I'm so fucking sorry! I just wanted to get you back, I wasn't thinking. You mean everything to me, I-I-I love you so much, please I'm so sorry.

He sobbed and he didn't care, if Adam wanted to take his axe and split him in half he'd let him, he didn't care.

Lucifer didn't want to live in a world where Adam didn't love him.

I miss our God!Adam Au

Sequel 👀

In Canada Eh! Lmao

CANADA FOREVER

Yes plsss! I miss our stupid, power-hungry boy 😫😫

[queenjunothegreat]

Tumblr fix your shit or I swear to god I'm gonna lose it (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)

ANYWAYS!!!!! Here is the link to the long-awaited Hallmark fic! I have been informed that chapter one is sad but I PINKY PROMISE things get better ASAP. Anywho, on with the important shit.

May I present Where the Love Light Gleams Chapter One: When You Pine for the Sunshine of a Friendly Gaze

Jason squeezed his eyes shut. “Okay, fine. We’ll handle it. How do you want to do this? Trying to do everything over the phone is going to be a bigger pain than either of us are willing to deal with.” Thalia went quiet for a moment before she very hesitantly said, “What if we… went back?” Jason’s eyebrows shot up, even if he knew Thalia couldn’t see it. “You mean back to California?” “Sure. I mean, I don’t see why not.” Jason sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “Look, Thalia, I don’t think you know what you’re signing yourself up for. Wills and estates are a nightmare to deal with and– “We could spend Christmas together.” Jason’s teeth clicked shut at her interruption. Silence hung heavy between them before he broke it. “I don’t like Christmas.” *-*-* After the sudden death of his mother, Jason agrees to travel across the country to spend Christmas with his estranged sister who hates the holiday as much as he does. Things manage to go worse than he could have ever imagined when he finds himself stranded in Oklahoma in the middle of the night, but maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Jason Grace was having a bad day. He’d woken up with a feeling of dread that he couldn’t explain as anything other than mounting dread for the fast-approaching holidays and a desperate desire to do anything other than walk into the office. Things hadn’t gone much better from there, first with him pouring hot coffee all over his hand instead of in his cup and then nearly missing his train and stepping in a mysterious puddle just inside the subway station. Then, of course, he’d had to smile and grimace through all of his coworkers gushing about their Thanksgiving plans for the next day before they noticed him and awkwardly cleared their throats, asking him if he was planning on spending the day with his father. He hadn’t managed to get much of anything done all day, despite the looming deadlines, but he figured he was still more productive than everyone else in his department. But somehow, all of that still didn’t manage to be the shittiest thing that happened to him that day. No, that illustrious title went to a phone call.

Jason sucked his teeth and gripped his phone a little tighter. “So, she’s really dead?”

Thalia clucked her tongue a couple times like she always did when she was uncomfortable. “Yep. Doctor called and let me know this morning.”

Jason heaved a deep, heavy sigh and buried his face in his free hand. “Alright. I’ll call up Octavian. He deals with estates, and he owes me a favor so–”

“No,” Thalia cut him off sharply. “We can handle it. I don’t want lawyers getting involved. I don’t like lawyers.”

Jason took in a quick huff of air through his nose to calm his temper. “I’m a lawyer,” he reminded her in a slightly clipped tone. Had it been a few years earlier, Thalia would have blustered about how obviously he didn’t count, but now she just remained silent. He squeezed his eyes shut. “Okay, fine. We’ll handle it. How do you want to do this? Trying to do everything over the phone is going to be a bigger pain than either of us are willing to deal with.”

 Thalia went quiet for a moment before she very hesitantly said, “What if we… went back?”

Jason’s eyebrows shot up, even if he knew Thalia couldn’t see it. “You mean back to California?”

“Sure. I mean, I don’t see why not.”

Jason didn’t bother to tell her exactly why he was so surprised. She didn’t need to know how she’d left a twelve-year-old boy devastated when she’d shouted at their mother that there was nothing in California worth staying for and stormed out the front door for the very last time. It had been fifteen years since that day, but considering he hadn’t been in the same state as his sister in four years, he didn’t really think much had changed. 

Jason sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “Look, Thalia, I don’t think you know what you’re signing yourself up for. Wills and estates are a nightmare to deal with and–

“We could spend Christmas together.”

Jason’s teeth clicked shut at her interruption. Silence hung heavy between them before he broke it. “I don’t like Christmas.”

“That’s because it sucks,” Thalia scoffed. “I can count on one hand the number of not-shitty ones I’ve had, and I don’t remember when the last one was. I think maybe it was the year I turned twenty and we were in Milwaukee for a show.”

Jason remembered his last good Christmas. He was eleven years old and his big sister had given a pair of Superman pajamas that he wore until his mom threw them out years later because she was sick of looking at them in their ratty state. He didn’t tell her that either. “Then why the hell would we do that?”

“I dunno. It’s December,” Thalia said, and Jason could almost see the casual lazy shrug that accompanied the suggestion. “Families celebrate Christmas together.”

“Are we a family?”

The words were out of Jason’s mouth before he could bite his tongue, and he grimaced. “Sorry, I– That was uncalled for.”

“You’re not wrong,” Thalia said quietly. “I don’t know if we even are a family any more, Jason. But we are family, so… maybe we can be a family again?”

Jason frowned down at his desk, brows furrowed deeply. “I– I’ll think about it, okay? I don’t even know if I can get the time off at this short notice.”

“You’re the managing partner’s son,” she pointed out derisively. 

“Yeah, well, you’ve met the guy,” Jason pointed out. “Look, I said I’ll think about it, and that’s the best I can promise you right now. I can’t just drop everything and move across the country for a month. I have a real job.” The last bit was an unnecessary dig, but it felt pretty good, so he didn’t take it back.

Surprisingly, Thalia didn’t rise to the bait. She just sighed, and Jason couldn’t help but notice that she sounded tired. “Okay,” she said eventually. “Okay, just… Just think about it. Let me know one way or another. We’ll figure something out if we can’t do this.”

“Okay, I’ll call you back soon,” Jason promised, his tone equally gentle. 

She hummed softly. “Jay?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you. I hope you know that.”

Jason squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath, unwilling to admit just how much those three words made him want to burst into tears. “Yeah, no, I– I know, Lia. I love you, too.”

“Okay, I’ll, um,” Thalia cut herself off by awkwardly clearing her throat. “I’ll let you get back to your big important lawyer job. Talk to you later. Bye, Jason.”

“Bye, Thalia.”

The line went dead and Jason slumped over on his desk burrowing down into his arms. His mom was dead. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and his mom was dead. He wondered how normal people would feel about that. He was pretty sure he was supposed to be at least a little upset, not feel like an invisible noose had fallen from his neck. It had been months since he’d last talked to her over the phone. It had been years since he’d seen her in person. He remembered trying to surprise her for Mother’s Day the year he’d graduated from law school. He’d shown up on her front door with flowers and a pearl necklace just like the ones in movies she’d always yearned for when he was growing up. She’d answered the door with a scowl on her face, smelling of cigarette smoke and soured whiskey and demanded to know what he wanted from her. Things hadn’t gone much better from there, even when he’d presented his offerings. After that, Jason had moved to New York and never made an effort to go visit her since. Not that she’d exactly made the effort to extend an invitation, either.

He wondered if his father knew she was dead. If he knew, did he care? Doubtful. Thalia had always been more like their father than she wanted to admit. He cut ties and walked out on anyone and anything he deemed less than deserving of his time and attention, just like she did. Which left Jason to be like their mom. Left behind, bitter and hurt and waiting for someone who’d never bother to come back.

He shook his head and stood from his desk. He had briefs that he still needed to write, but he knew he wasn’t going to get any more work done today. He sent a quick message to his department head that he was feeling ill, so he wanted to know if he could head home early. She responded with nothing more than a thumbs up emoji, so he packed his things without a second thought. It wasn’t like he didn’t have the necessary off time built up to skip out a few hours early. Truth be told, he hadn’t taken a vacation in the four years that he’d been working there, so between that and the two week bereavement leave he was due, he could easily arrange to go to California for a month. He just… didn’t want to. He didn’t want to go back to that awful house. He didn’t want to share awkward meals with Thalia while they discussed divvying up their dead mother’s estate. He didn’t want to sit in front of a half-assed fake tree and exchange gifts with Thalia that neither of them gave a shit about. 

But he’d have to do something. His mother was dead, and he’d need to do something. But that would just have to wait. That would have to wait until Jason ate enough Chinese food to make himself sick, drank an entire bottle of sauvignon blanc, tortured himself with a marathon of his mother’s favorite movies, and had a good, long crying session. My mother is dead, Jason thought to himself once again as he stepped outside into the cold afternoon. 

He marveled at how little that mattered.

*-*-*

Jason was sitting in front of his TV, eating reheated leftovers from the office Thanksgiving party two days earlier as brightly colored floats and balloons rolled across the screen. He hadn’t actually woken up early enough to watch it live, but through the marvels of the modern age, he’d found a channel streaming it all day long. So, naturally, he’d sat himself down to partake in this national tradition that was older than his grandfather. 

He hated the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But, well, he didn’t exactly have any other plans, and this made him feel a little less like a lonely, half-orphaned sad sack. He figured most people in his position would be connecting with family on a day like this, his father lived in New York City as well, after all. And if there was one thing that was certain, it was that his father would be having the finest Thanksgiving party imaginable. He had a large family, a whole Rolodex of important clients, and an image to maintain, after all. Right about now, his penthouse apartment was probably dressed to the nines with a feast fit for kings weighing down his dining table. His whole family would be there. 

Except Jason. 

The first year Jason had moved to New York and joined his father’s firm, he’d been eager to partake in the festivities. His mom hadn’t really put any kind of effort into holidays after Thalia left home, and he’d been alone for all seven years of college, but this was going to be his big chance. He’d mentioned it to his father after a department meeting, and he’d been told that one of the secretaries would email him the details of the event. The email never came, but Jason had held out hope that maybe it was just a clerical error, and he’d patiently waited for a Christmas invite. Then New Years came and went, and he quit asking. Despite what some people thought, he could take a hint.

Jason shoved another forkful of food into his mouth and grimaced. He hated turkey, and the half-congealed gravy wasn’t helping much. He wondered what his coworkers were doing at that moment. Most of them were probably with their families, though he’d overheard a few of them discussing arrangements for a friendly get-together for those who didn’t have families in town. Jason hadn’t been invited to that, either, because, well, he had family in town, didn’t he? They didn’t need to invite him to Friends-giving.

As much as he wanted to deny it, he was lonely. He didn’t have friends, not really. There were a few people at work who offered him smiles and friendly conversation, and a few people from school who occasionally sent him a message, but nothing else. He didn’t go out, he didn’t take classes. He just came home every day after work and worked until his eyes ached for sleep, went to bed, then woke up and did the same thing the next day. 

As he slouched there in his recliner, dwelling on all the ways his life sucked, the camera panned over to some celebrity he couldn't be bothered to remember the name of, standing on the back of a float designed to look like a gingerbread village. She gave the camera a blinding smile while all the various gingerbread people around her waved. Then, the float rolled to a stop and she stepped forward to the microphone. There was the sound of bells and humming before she opened her mouth and began to sing.

I'll be home for Christmas 

You can plan on me

Please have snow and mistletoe 

And presents by the tree

Jason stared at the TV with something that bordered a little closer to offense than he would have liked to admit. His mind skipped down a handful of streets to that glittering penthouse he wasn’t invited to, and his phone was in his hand and pressed to his ear before he really knew what he was doing. It rang a few times before finally picking up. 

“Jason?”

“Hey, Thalia. Yeah, it's me,” he said. He couldn't blame her for being confused. The two of them didn't exactly make a habit of calling one another on holidays. He heard a bunch of background clatter, and his brows knit. “Are you… at a party?”

“No,” Thalia said, a little too quickly. “Well, I mean, not really. Some of the Hunters and I met up at Phoebe's place. That's all.”

“Oh.” Jason sucked his teeth and added another person to his list of people having a better day than him. He dismissed the thought and pressed on. “Hey, were you serious about going out to California?”

“Yes!” Thalia almost shouted the word down the line, then she cleared her throat, obviously embarrassed at her eagerness. “I mean, uh, yeah. I was serious. Do you want to?”

“Sure,” Jason shrugged. “Like you said, getting the time off won't actually be all that hard. How soon can you get there? It's gonna take a while for us to get everything taken care of.”

“Um, how about the sixth? We're doing a show out in Denver on the second, and then we're off until after New Years. Does that work?”

Jason ran through the basic plan he'd outlined in his head. If he knew his mom, she likely didn’t have a will or anything drawn up. That could potentially make things messier, but he doubted he or Thalia would be all that interested in disputing any rulings the court made. He shrugged. “Yeah, that should be fine. Hopefully.”

“Yeah. I, um, yeah.” Jason could hear the big beaming smile Thalia wore when she said her next words. “Thanks, Jason. This really– It means a lot, you know?”

“Yeah, I know,” Jason said with a gentle smile. “I love you, Lia.”

“I love you, too, Jay. And, um, happy Thanksgiving.”

“Happy Thanksgiving. See you on the sixth.”

“See you.”

Jason hung up the phone and let out a soft sigh, eyes sparkling. He was going to go home. He was going to see his sister for the first time in years. He was going to celebrate Christmas with his family.

*-*-*

Then he froze, and his face paled in horror. He was going to have to go home. He was going to have to see his sister for the first time in years. He was going to have to celebrate Christmas with his family.

He glowered at the TV and the celebrity lady who was once again smiling and waving at the camera. “This is all your fault.”

Leo Valdez was many, many things. He was a mechanical genius. He was the textbook definition of a plucky orphan. He was an amazing cook. He was the best adopted brother Piper McLean could have ever asked for, and they both knew it. He was smart, he was talented, and above all else, he was incredibly humble.

But at the moment, he was most importantly the only mechanic in Crooked Hollow Bend, Oklahoma, and there wasn’t another one for almost a hundred miles. 

He’d been minding his own business, idly flipping through a car magazine when the shop phone went off, which was odd partially because most everyone in town just waltzed right on in when they wanted their car fixed, but mostly because it was well past half the town’s bedtime. Still, he figured that talking to whoever was on the other end of the line would be more entertaining than his magazine, even if they were just a prank caller or a very confused old lady with a very wrong number.

“Valdez Automotive. How can I help you?”

“Hey, Valdez, it’s me.”

Leo narrowed his eyes, trying to place the voice. “Stoll?”

“Yeah.”

“Connor or Travis?”

“If I say Travis, what will you do?”

“Hang up.”

“Oh, good. Then it’s Connor.”

Leo snorted and rolled his eyes. “Alright then. What do you want?”

“You willing to take a look at a car tonight?”

“Why the hell do you need me to look at a car tonight?” Leo asked, gobsmacked. “Can’t you just wait until tomorrow, dude? It’s, like, ten.”

“It’s not for me. Travis and I were driving home when we saw this dude stuck on the side of the road. He’s fine, but his car’s in rough shape.”

Leo’s brow furrowed. “Who is it?”

“No idea. He said he’s driving from New York to California.”

“Hmm…” Leo glanced over at his empty schedule and shrugged. “Yeah, alright. Tell him to limp it in and I’ll take a look at it. He’ll probably have to wait until tomorrow for it to be fixed, though.”

“Yeah, about that. He’s not limping this thing anywhere. Travis and I are gonna be towing it in with our truck.”

Leo let out a low whistle. “Yikes. He’ll definitely have to wait until tomorrow for me to fix it, then. You want me to call Piper? She’s for sure got a room open, but she might have to get it ready.”

It rang a few times before she picked up, her voice thick and gravely with sleep, “You’d better have a damn good reason for calling me at this time of night, I swear to god.”

“Yeah, if you wouldn’t mind. We’ll get this guy’s car hitched up and drag it in. See you in thirty.”

”See you.” With that, Connor hung up, and Leo called Piper. 

“Hello to you, too,” Leo scoffed. “And I do have a good reason, thank you very much.”

“Leo, I’ve told you before, finding a chip shaped like a video game character isn’t half as cool as you think it is, and nobody is gonna buy it on Ebay.”

“First of all, fuck you, I could have made bank on that Sonic chip if you hadn’t eaten it,” Leo huffed. “Second of all, I was just calling to let you know that you’re going to be having a guest soon, so you might want to get ready.”

Leo heard Piper shifting around, likely sitting up in bed, finally paying proper attention to him. “What? A guest? Really?”

“Yeah. Connor just called me and said he’s on the way in with some guy from New York whose car broke down. He’ll be stuck in town, and he can’t sleep in his car, so he’s gonna need a place to stay tonight.”

Piper made a soft, sympathetic noise. “Poor guy. I wonder if he was on his way to visit family for Christmas.”

Leo hiked an eyebrow, even if she couldn’t see it, and smirked. “Pipes, it’s, like, the second. I think it might be a little early for Christmas traveling. I know you’re a little freak when it comes to the holidays, but not everyone is.”

“Connor didn’t specifically say he was by himself, but he also didn’t mention anyone.”

Piper blew a very loud, wet-sounding raspberry down the line. “Whatever. I’ll see about getting a room ready. Do you know if he’s traveling alone?”

“Mkay. I’ll get something set up for him. You’re still coming tomorrow, right?”

“Duh. I’m pretty sure you’d skin me if I bailed on you.”

“I for sure would,” she said with syrupy sweetness. “Anyway, gotta go. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Leo hung up the phone and got to his feet, making sure to stretch all of the stiffness out of his arms and legs before he made his way through the kitchen and out to the garage. Running a mechanic’s shop out of his house had its fair share of challenges (expanding the dinky little two-car garage and getting it properly tricked out with everything needed to run a proper garage had been a nightmarish eight months) but it meant he got to just hang out in his livingroom in his pajamas when he wasn’t working, so he figured it was worth the hassle. Besides, he never had more than two cars in the shop at a time, so it’s not like he was exactly pressed for space. He quickly got changed into his coveralls, and started moving stuff out of the way so he could properly work on whatever it was that the Stolls had dragged in.

Not too long after he was done, there was a short honk from outside, and he opened the garage door to see the Stolls sitting in his driveway, a sparkly dark blue Audi tethered to the back of their pickup truck. Leo tipped his head back and groaned, readying himself for a real pain in the ass. 

Leo bounded over and put his arms through the open passenger window of the truck and put on his most winning smile and best customer service voice. “Alright, dude. Let’s see what we– Wait a minute.” He scowled at the truck occupants. “What did you two do with the guy?”

“He’s in his car,” Connor (Probably) reported. “We offered to let him ride up here with us, but he said he’d rather stay back there.”

Leo frowned before he shrugged and went to the other car. The guy inside was sitting in  the front seat, forehead pressed to the steering wheel. Leo couldn’t see his face (or anything but his broad shoulders and fluffy blonde hair) but he’d recognize that defeated slump anywhere, even on a complete stranger. He cleared his throat, and tapped on the window.

Immediately, everything about the mystery man changed. His spine straightened, his shoulders pulled back, and his chin got a confidently charming tilt to it. The whole display reminded Leo of a marionette being jerked to life with the strings of its puppeteer, and he felt a shiver, unrelated to the cold, go racing down his back. The guy quickly got out of his car, straightening his charcoal peacoat as he went, then offered Leo a polite smile and a handshake. “You must be Leo Valdez. The mechanic?”

“Uh, yeah,” Leo said hesitantly, shaking the man’s hand. “That’s me.”

“Jason Grace,” he said, his smile still perfectly poised and uncomfortably approachable. “Sorry about the late call. Thank you so much for taking the time to see me. I can assure you that I will happily compensate you for the inconvenience.”

“Yeah, dude, it’s no problem.” Leo felt like he’d been spun around one too many times. There weren’t a lot of people in town who made the effort to talk with that level of detached professionalism, and even fewer who bothered to do it with Leo. He shook his head and gave Jason a blinding smile. “Alright, dude, let’s see what we’re working with.” Jason blinked at him for a moment and Leo just arched his eyebrows. “Do you maybe wanna try starting it?”

Jason jolted like he’d been hit with a taser before his cheeks went pink. “Right. Yeah. I can do that.” He sat back down in the driver’s seat and pressed the ignition button. The car revved to life in an instant, then immediately started making the most awful grinding sound Leo had ever heard. Before he could clap his hands over his ears or make any kind of signal to kill the engine, Jason turned the car back off with a wince. “And that’s what made me decide to pull over.”

“Yeah, I can see why you were stuck,” Leo agreed with a nod. “Alright, I’ll see about getting you unhitched while you get your stuff out of the trunk. I’m not gonna be able to fix this until tomorrow, and you’re gonna need a place to stay for the night.

Without waiting for a reply, Leo started unhitching Jason’s car from the truck. When he was done, he trotted back up to the front to hand over the straps they’d tied up Jason’s car with, which Travis (Probably) tossed in the back seat before looking at Leo eyebrow hiked up near his hairline. “You think you can fix it?”

Connor (Probably) snorted and grinned. “Good luck, man.”

“Obviously,” he scoffed. Then he winced. “It’s definitely not going to be easy, though. Sounds like a transmission issue. I hate transmissions. And Audis. I don’t know who designed them like that, but they need to be shot. Twice. Or more. I’ll tell you when I finish dealing with the transmission.”

“Thanks. Lemme know if you guys find any more lost travelers, yeah?”

“You got it. See you.”

“See you.” Leo waved at the Stolls as they drove away before he turned back to Jason. He was once again in that same miserable slump he’d been in before, this time leaning against the car. Leo bit his lip and gently said, “Hey, man. You alright?”

“Well, I haven’t slept in over thirty-six hours, I’m stranded in an unfamiliar town because my car decided to break down in the middle of nowhere, and my mom’s dead, so I decided to drive across the country to divvy up her estate with my sister who I haven’t seen in years while we both try to pretend that we don’t hate Christmas, but other than that I’m just great,” Jason snapped. Leo sucked his teeth for just a moment before Jason stiffened and turned to Leo with a horrified expression. “I’m so sorry. That was wildly inappropriate.”

Leo gave him a half-hearted smile. “It’s cool, man. It does sound like you need some sleep though.”

“Yes. Please,” Jason agreed, rubbing a hand over his face. “One of the gentlemen from before mentioned something about a hotel?”

“Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to call the Stolls gentlemen, but they were right about there being a place in town for you to stay,” Leo grinned. “Come on, I’ll give you a lift.” 

[tantamounttoflirtation]

Drinking game where you watch nbc Hannibal and take a shot every time he manipulates someone

[grimaldiapologist]

And yeah so about this being fun? Funny? Yeah I remain incapable of that. Like I've written a lot of horrible shit but this easily ranks among the most difficult scenes I've had to put up. Just for the concept of the whole thing. It hits bad in every sense.

---

“We have a decision to make,” Lucilla said then.

Her voice had a hint of sorrow to it, and when Acacius looked at her, she was looking across the table at the two young men - boys, really - seated there, waiting for their judgement. The day’s wait, and whatever had passed between them after Geta had left the courtyard, seemed to have defeated any fight in them. Perhaps they’d come to feel their circumstances again; the reality of death which lingered so close now, inevitable if not for the hope that enough of their enemies would prioritise their execution lower than a mere chance of a smoother transition toward the Republic which they wished to bring forth.

They were not good odds. It was strange to Acacius to feel his own pain at this knowledge: it was becoming harder and harder for him to look at them now, in all their vulnerability, and see the enemy he’d so desperately wanted to be rid of. He could not get past the two frightened children, and the dawning awareness that perhaps they’d never stood a chance to begin with - no one had ever told them how to rule, and here they were, waiting for the final judgement on that inability. How would he have fared, elevated to such a status with nothing to guide him at their age? Once more, he was glad that it had not been his burden to bear, yet he could not help but feel that it was unfair to have placed the twins in this position. In other circumstances, perhaps they could have lived longer, healthier lives; lives which had not ended so many others, and cast thousands more to destitution.

So much damage for such simple incompetence.

“We all have our grievances,” Lucilla continued. “Put them aside; we must think of Rome first, our own feelings second. Before us sit Geta and Caracalla - the Septimius twins, Emperors and tyrants of Rome. The goal of our plan was to put an end to this reign, the suffering it has brought the Empire and its people. Though many things changed along the way, our ends did not, and here we are, at the final turn of that path, and the beginning of another. Of the options we have, each must be carefully considered: the vote after shall be binding. General Acacius; if you could.”

Just barely, he thought. Standing up, he cleared his throat and shifted the now empty goblet out of his way. It felt improper there, as if the occasion was a celebration.

“Our first option, which we have at length discussed: the Emperors will be brought to public trial for their crimes against the Empire, her people and the Senate, and judged accordingly.

Our second option: to bypass trial for its obvious outcome, announce the transition of power alongside its reasons, and finalise the verdict with a public execution.

Our third option: to change nothing so fast, allowing for a natural, slow-paced transition from one form of government into the other, at the cost of withholding trial and punishment.

In every case, our ultimate goal will come to pass - merely the means of how, and the messages we send the people of Rome, differ. The decision is up to the majority. Votes will be cast by hand.”

---

unhinged concept (I'm entering that stage): Lucilla actually does adopt Geta and Caracalla which ruins Acacius's life but also makes him their step-father and they finally get an actual father figure who teaches them how the fuck to hold swords and not be the worst people ever.

and we just cancel Macrinus entirely, which, I don't know what the hell happens to Lucius but that's someone else's unhinged concept to worry about.

And we put Caracalla on a leash because the boy cannot behave. That's no way to treat your mother

[dykedvonte]

Curly had two days to act and Swansea had two months.

I think it’s just interesting that every defense of Swansea not immediately acting are the same ones that are argued against for Curly. “He didn’t want to alert Daisuke or makes things worse for Anya either Jimmy!” I mean people also assume that about Curly and the crew. “He has to think about his plan of action and a right moment!” Again so did Curly, power and authority aside, he still would have to think of what he had to do. “He makes sure he doesn’t have to be around Jimmy!” So did Curly and they only do this to an extent, both give Jimmy more than a few opening to keep harassing Anya.

This isn’t defense of Curly nor a damnation of Swansea. Their actions are very parallel to each others in tragic and sour ways when it comes to how they approached helping Anya. In the grand scheme of it all they both did the same thing: Nothing. No action either took stopped the inevitable outcome of her death nor Jimmy’s continued damage to themself.

The only real difference is Swansea didn’t like Jimmy which is pretty substantial, but also just as damning as Curly knowing how bad Jimmy could get to an extent. He had even less of a reason to wait, even more of a reason to act seeing as he was now worried for Anya AND Daisuke. He is not bound by the possible procedure as Captain and actively does not care about what happens next. So what does it matter if he acted in the moment? Why did he wait? I think he’s just as morally complex and grey as Curly and we hold him on a pedestal that still perpetuates things in rape culture the game critiques.

It’s not just enough to dislike and be abrasive to predators/abusers like Jimmy. It’s not enough to just put yourself between them and the other person. It’s not enough to hold tensions when you know someone is vulnerable. He and Curly do the exact same things but on different sides of the coin. I ask how is it better to not turn a blind eye but still not really do anything about what you are seeing? Not until it affects you atleast…

The game makes a big point to not put men doing the bare minimum or who wait to do more on pedestals and I’m actually surprised so many are missing that point.

[pallases]

IM FREEEEEE