#he'd still make a good jack... especially with how young he looks)

[grasshopperdoingdogpaddle]

How would you rank the characters living under Jack's reign in the bad future from who's having the "best" time vs who's having the worst? (excluding Jack himself obv he's having a good time lol)

6-Hannibal Roy Bean

Being stuck in this undersized, undignified cage and blown up to a size where you can't even move, and labeled as "The Musical Fruit" are all humiliating.

But Hannibal's been locked up for centuries before, so this is hardly going to break his spirit, especially Jack is mortal and getting very old, so it feels like the immortals in the dungeon have this mindset that they can sort of just wait it out.

Granted, Hannibal does look weirdly mishappen and... mushy? So I wonder what exactly Jack has done to his body to make him end up like this.

With how distended and full his lower body looks now, and with the suspicious absence of Hannibal's only companion, I sort of suspect that Jack somehow forcefed Ying-Ying to Hannibal...? But even if that's not the case, the absence of Ying-Ying is another form of torture for him, since that's the only other being who he truly likes.

5-Master Fung

Master Fung is as skilled and untouchable as ever. Moreso in fact, because he seems like he doesn't really get winded by battles anymore. His mind may have dulled somewhat, but his physical form and skill has sharpened with age during the time skip.

The gladiator shows they're forced to put on are miserable for everyone, but none of Jack's bots are able to even scratch Master Fung, and he beats them without a sweat.

He has an easier time against Jack's lion-bots than he did against the real jungle cats, who he also handily beat.

And Master Fung's confusion and memory problems seem to stave off despair, at least. Though he's still having an awful time here.

4-Wuya

Hers is mostly another humiliation thing, but unlike Hannibal's, Wuya's also has this visceral, creepy factor to it. Jack apparently forcibly changed her clothes and did up her hair in accordance to his own taste for cheerleaders, complete with pigtails and his initial.

In addition to that, she's also suspended over a pit of boiled lava. The rising heat from that is probably the physical torture, along with just how uncomfortable the chains are.

But the worst part for Wuya is probably that Jack has somehow stolen the powers that were sealed away from her and is in control of her stone golems now, to add insult to injury. That probably stings more than any aspect of this setup.

3-Le Mime

Also in this gladiatorial thing, but Le Mime's never really been shown to be able to fight and he can't even take a hit from his own scrawny arm. And since he's just cowering here, the lion bots apparently have some way of getting past his Miming, so he can't protect himself behind his invisible walls.

He's got nothing he can do but weather the humiliations and pain of these losing battles.

2- Chase Young

His torture devices is definitely the most intricate.

Water drop torture, stripped of his clothes (including his underwear because those boxers notably aren't Chase's), suspended in this metal contraption with a paintbrush spreading something over his abdomen.

Chase's is also the only torture device that is surrounded by bloodstains.

And he's in a dungeon with Wuya and Hannibal, the people who he'd least want to be trapped with. None of them are gagged, so they both could at least take as many pot-shots at Chase as they wanted to. Those two are better at getting under Chase skin than anyone else, and even though Chase probably shot insults back, it was 2-against-1 there.

And the first and only line we get from Chase implies that he's been on the edge of hope waiting to see Omi again after all this time with no word on his fate. Despite everything that's been happening, Omi's still been on his mind this whole time with no answers for 80 years.

So he had quite a bit of both physical and psychological torture to deal with.

1-The Monks

They have frequent gladiatorial matches and an awful living situation. Old age has definitely slowed them down, so their matches probably don't end without injury like Master Fung's do.

And they still never found out what happened to Omi and Dojo, after all this time. They're all mentally beating themselves up over that, and over the state of the world. They're crushed by this feeling that they've failed in their duty towards it, and they don't know if their friends are dead or alive.

And the end, minutes after they find their first spark of hope in decades, where they're all brutally murdered. They're extremely painful deaths, too. Clay is shot by lasers, Raimundo is crushed, Kimiko is pulled apart limb-from-limb.

Taking that into consideration definitely makes them number one on this list. Can't have a much worse time than that.

Honorable Mention: Omi

He was only there for a little bit, so I can't really rank him anywhere on the list. But watching all his friends be brutally murdered in front of him certainly left an impression.

And Omi's the only one who will have any impression of all this at all. Whether you think the space-time merging of the alternate timeline left ripples of memories in the others or not, this is just a bad future of the main timeline, so no one's actually experienced it. Omi's the only one who'll remember this nightmare. It's seared into his memory for good.

[rockybloo]

Feel like dropping a Beanstalked funfact before I go to take my daily nap so here is one about Jack's Slayer mode. This at some point becomes me rambling about fairy tales again so it's a long one:

Jack's Slayer mode exists because I grew up loving the trope of protagonists in anime that had an alternate side to them. I think one of my first encounters with such was watching Yugioh as a kid with Yugi and Yami Yugi...though that's like...a more positive spin on it. STILL - I loved how there was that switch up between a nice and innocent face to someone who was more skilled and experienced.

Then you got me getting into Inuyasha and his entire full demon mode he entered under specific circumstances, and then Ichigo's whole thing with his hollow self, and Maka's temporarily going insane during her battle with Crona. All of which are instances of protagonists becoming more antagonistic (or just losing some chill).

All a lot less wholesome than the Yugioh example (and all are things I got into when I was older)

BASICALLY - That switch being flipped in a character you typically see as the good guy, doing some wild ass shit just STUCK with me forever. It's very cliche and many kids these days would call it edgy but I adore how corny it is.

For Jack specifically, I felt like he'd be the best character for such a trope because Jack and the Beanstalk is a very interesting fairy tale to me. It's my favorite and I think one big reason (aside from how cool a gigantic beanstalk is) is the fact Jack isn't explicitly a good guy. He def can be depending on the story you are reading (especially one meant to be read to children) but some old retellings lack that moralization for him.

And that's something that has led to a very large amount of fairy tale adaptions featuring their own beanstalk Jacks that are viewed as the bad guy or are more mischievous than a Cinderella or Little Red Riding Hood.

TO BE FAIR the fella kind of just breaks into someone's house, steals their shit, leaves and cuts the beanstalk down, killing the giant in the process.

It helps ease the "illegality" of Jack's actions that the giant is typically a giant maneater with his whole "I'll grind your bones to make my bread" shtick. But many choose to just look past the cannibalism (or non-cannibalism since giants aren't really humans) to point at Jack and go "Hey that's actually really fucked up man"

Growing older, I def can see that perspective and understand it more than younger me who grew up with a more moralized version of the story where Jack was depicted as a little kid instead of a young adult (or straight up grown man).

So I always grew up with a bias towards a good guy Jack.

CIRCLING BACK AROUND TO MY FAV TROPE - Jack was the best OC for it because of the duality to the character he was based off of. His default personality is the Jack I grew up used to imagining: A wholesome guy just trying to do his best in a situation he very much didn't fully understand and winded up doing something drastic just because he didn't know what else to do.

And his "cool and edgy" personality was the Jack that would purposely cut down a beanstalk to kill a giant in cold blood.

Over the years of working on Beanstalked, Jack's Slayer mode became a lot more dynamic and wasn't just tied to him being angry. It shifted to something that triggered when he felt adrenaline and winded up being a peek into the emotions he'd bottle up and push down because Jack, at his core, just wants to make people happy. And some emotions make that a bit more difficult.

But it basically is just my way of having my cake and eating it too. I wanted a nice and sweet farm boy but I also wanted one who wouldn't hesitate if placed in the right (or wrong) situation.

[thewritersofdeceased]

“you should get some rest, kid.” [ lean ] sender rests their head on receiver's shoulder

Oscar Delancey + Morris Delancey ;; Set after the fight at Newsie Square ;; Morris is older than Osc by about a year ;; @delancey-asks

Bloody knuckles. Jesus fuck did they hurt. Oscar sat with his back against the bed he'd been in ever since he was a young kid that was dropped off at his uncle's terrible place. He was looking at it with one eye, the other being a black eye and difficult to open without hissing out in some sort of pain. He remained silent, staring straight at the ground between his two feet, his boots being off and his mind remaining at it's quickened pace. The next time he'd get his hands on Jack, it wouldn't be a pretty sight, yet a much more bloodied one. He'd murder Jack if he could.

He had to get away from that stupid fight no matter what. He just had to. He didn’t leave Morris behind, but he did run when the bulls had bega to officially show up. Himself and his older brother didn’t have any good connections with the law, especially when the two were younger, right before their teenage years leading up to where they were now. A low sigh and huff would escape the younger boy, his eyes closing eventually. He was processing it all. How himself and his brother had managed to not kick the ass of any of the newsies. Well, they sure as hell had gotten some of them. The blonde, Race, they got him. At least he knew his brother did. 

Speaking of his brother, the sound of someone pushing open the door was something that didn’t even make Oscar lift his head. Just the pure born silence was it. There was the remaining silence before the younger had noticed Morris sit beside him. “...your knuckles are bleeding, stupid.” Morris’s voice would ring through the cold air, the feeling of the older boys calloused fingers taking a hold of his hands. “I’m fine, Morris. I always am.” The younger's voice was partially cold, shaking his head right after. He knew he wasn’t fine. But Oscar despised help sometimes. Let alone from the man he idolized. He idolized Morris. The boy who would protect him from all harm and everything of the sort. 

“No, you ain’t, Oscar.” The older would speak against the younger's protests, letting go of the shorter boy's hands. He had pulled the shorter up, not as forceful as he would to a newsie. Morris would be much more forceful and harsh with those stupid kids. Sure, he was a year or so younger, but the violence he held in the back of his mind always remained when it came to the newsies. If he had the chance, they’d all be stuck in that stupid refuge. At least one of them was though. The one with the limp. Though as he pulled his brother along, of course, Oscar would protest. “Morris, I can take care of myself-!” He’d complain, trying to get out of his older brother's hold.

Yet the attempt didn’t work in Oscar’s favor, as he was eventually tugged to the bathroom. “Sit.” Morris would grumble under his breath, yet it was still audible to the younger boy. Oscar didn’t exactly have a choice as he sat on the edge of the bath, looking down at his knuckles. They were aching like a bitch, that was something he wouldn’t hesitate to admit at all. “You gotta’ be more careful, Osc.” Morris would start to speak, searching for bandages in the mirror’s cabinets. “You shoulda’ let me handle the tougher and older ones.” He’d continue, taking out bandages from the cabinet. “Didn’t want you getting hurt.. Took them for you.” The younger one commented from the bathtub’s edge. 

“Oscar. We’ve been brothers our whole life. I’ve been taking the hits for you since dad started to drink. You realize I’d risk my life for you to be safe, yeah?” Morris questioned as he gently took the younger boys hands again, gently tugging him once more. “Ow-.. Careful, stupid.” Oscar grumbled, hissing out in pain slightly at sudden movements close to where his knuckles had been. He’d hear his brother muter a quick sorry, before the sound of water had been all he could hear. “Wash your hands.” Morris would speak up, moving out of Oscar’s way, who only held a confused look. “It’ll hurt.” The younger grumbled, earning an eye roll. “Yeah, I know it will. But it’ll help clean the debris out of the wound.” 

Even if Oscar didn’t want to hiss out in pain constantly, he listened to his older brother's suggestion, cleaning his hands thoroughly with soap and water, hissing out in pain every couple seconds or so. “Fucking-” Oscar would hiss out, going to move his hands away from the sink. The soap didn’t help at all, it was KILLING him to do this. “Couple more seconds, Osc. Then after the bleeding stops, rinse em.” His older brother would explain calmly, leaning against the wall just besides the door. He was making sure his brother was okay, something his father and uncle couldn’t even do. Now that Morris thought about it, the two had nobody that cared about each other. Nobody but theirselves.

“We got tweezers or anythin, Mor?” Oscar would ask as the taller boy had gotten a soft feeling cloth, knowing how the scratchy and uncomfortable feeling ones would annoy the younger boy. “Yeah, yeah. Just- let me do this real quick, okay? Then I’ll get everything else out and wrap it up. Got some stuff to put onto it too.” Morris would explain, focusing his attention on what he’d been doing, gently cleaning the skin around his brothers now sliiightly less bloodied knuckles. Of course, Oscar would hiss out in pain and let out curses of who knows what, but Morris didn’t stop him. “There ya go, let ‘em all out, Osc. I ain’t gonna stop ya.” Morris would mutter aloud to his brother, who continued on with the cursing before being gently pushed down back onto the edge of the bathtub. 

Morris would grow quiet as he eventually would search for the tweezers, searching the same place the bandages were in. “Alright, you trust me enough to do the whole tweezer thing?” He questioned the younger, earning the slow nod from Oscar before he’d take Oscar’s hand into his, beginning to get to work taking out dirt and everything of the sort out of his brothers knuckles. “Ow, ow, ow-! Jesus, fuck!” Oscar complained, hissing out in pain every once and a while. Morris wouldn’t reply, allowing the other to squeeze his wrist or arm. It was a little bit before the older brother would talk once more, standing to his feet. “There we go. Dump it in the trash. I got to put the ointment and the bandages on, okay?” He didn’t want to hurt his younger brother any more than he already had been. 

“. . . Yeah. Got it. Just be careful. Shit hurts enough.” Oscar’s tone had grown slightly harsh, but he didn’t mean to. He was tired, getting frustrated and in pain. “Ain’t gotta tell me twice.” Morris would respond to his brother's harsh tone, his eyes rolling slightly. He’d been used to harsh tones almost all his life, just letting it happen. It’s not like they were going to fight, both boys were too tired for it. “Here, hold the bandages.” Morris would hum, beginning to put the ointment onto his brother's hands whilst humming a tune their mother would sing to either of them before they’d fall asleep. Morris remembered it more than Oscar had most of the time. Though a comment from the younger made a small smile form on Morris’s face. “You’re singing mom’s song..”

Morris would merely hum in response to his brother's comment, continuing to hum the tune as he carefully put the ointment onto his brother's knuckles, which merely led to more hisses of pain. “You’re okay, Osc. Just gotta bandage them now.” His voice remained soft, Morris not daring to get all snappy at his brother. He took the bandages from the shorter and younger, beginning to wrap the gauze bandages around the now cleaner wounds. “Here we go… just…” Morris spoke to himself whilst fixing the bandages, eventually moving the bandages away and going back to the cabinet. “Go get changed, Osc. I know we both need sleep.” He mumbled out to the younger now, who merely nodded his head and headed towards the two’s shared room.

It took Morris a while to come out of the bathroom and to relax on the bed his brother had sat back on. He held a calm expression, tired. He knew he’d have to take care of his younger brother, but he’d do anything for the kid. Morris closed his eyes, just for a quick second, but he felt something hit his shoulder. Opening his right eye, he noticed his younger brother leaning his head against the oldest shoulder. “...you should get some rest, kid.” He’d comment softly, wrapping his arm around his baby brother's shoulder, who only hummed a noise of protest in response. “...that’s what I’m trying to do, dumbass..” Oscar would grumble out in response, keeping his eyes closed. Morris would hum out, nodding his head slightly, remaining still so his brother could sleep. “Alright, alright… love ya, Osc..” He didn’t often say that, but he did notice that a smile seemed to form onto his brother’s face. “Love you too, Mor. “ 

[jinxthejubilee]

Hi, how are you? It's been a while since I've asked a question. I wanted to ask how do you think each of the recruiters would be if they were in love (with whom doesn't matter, it's a hypothetical situation). What kind of person in love would they be? What romantic gestures do you think they would have towards their partners?

Oh hey! Welcome back! Don't worry, it's also been a while since I've even talked about the Recruiters, so thanks for giving me a reason to!

In love, you say.....

Apple Poison 🍎

He probably wouldn't be able to identify his feelings for a while.

Whether you go by either idea of his state of being as a homunculus created by the Evil Queen or as an indoctrinated orphan taken in by his mistress, both could explain his cold-hearted exterior.

He's never had to consider self-reflection, so it doesn't come naturally. But for him to become so attached to this person in such a way... Apple is a man of action. He'd confront his emotions and the person of his affections to figure out a solution.

Once they solve that issue, I believe they'd fall into a classic, professional couple romance. Or, at least, Apple likes to think so.

Nothing too over the top, but bouquets of flowers, long talks over dinners, reading over the fireplace, and cozy dark academia-esque activities are staples.

Apple puts his all into being the perfect partner, so long as said partner does the same.

Jack Heart ❤️

Unlike most of the folks on this list, Jack is pretty forward in his desire to be with his s/o. In Wonderland, everyone is a blunt as can be. Practically no secret is kept, especially pertaining to love.

He'd flirt with them often, tell or do anything to make them laugh, bond over their favorite activities; just anything to help him get on their good side.

He will get flustered every now and then, should his s/o say or do something truly sincere or catch them off-guard some other way. But overall, it's a pretty sweet romance.

Gift giving and words of affection are his love languages, so both are big priorities for him. He just adores them so much, and they should know it!

Malfi/Malfie 🪞

Malfi is a man of ego whose main priorities in life are beauty, power, and his mistress. At least, that's how he appears.

The raven will sing his own praises 'til the cows come home, but should anyone, especially his love interest, give a sincere compliment or show genuine care of his well-being, he will spiral.

And that's part of the problem: Malfi's insecurities stem from his kill-or-be-killed worldview he grew up on as a young fledgling cast from the nest for being weak, as well as his belief that he's ugly and unworthy of true love. The man thinks he's legitimately irredeemable.

It may take time for him to acknowledge that his partner likes him for him, but once they get past that phase, he's a wonderful partner.

He's a little tricky, prickly, and showboatish at times still, but he adores his s/o to death. He's very physically affectionate; he just loves being in their presence. Cuddles are a must.

Picnics, walks or flights around the forest, skincare routines, and dress up parties together are what he looks forward to.

He simply couldn't live without you....

Eight Foot Joe 🐙

Joe understands love enough. He might have loved before, but this is different.

He feels...less tired when they're around. Lighter; less burdened.

He wouldn't go into a state of denial per se, but he wouldn't be too happy about it. Love is distracting and complicated. How can he perform as a recruiter for the Sea Witch if he can't stop thinking about them?

So he puts all of his feelings on the back burner to ignore it. It goes about as well as you expect.

The s/o would have to confront him first about the issue, which he would readily deny and cause a fight, but should they fall into a romance, it's very sweet.

Late nights doing paperwork, exploring the city, trying new foods, and other stuff of the sort. Maybe he'll take them to see his home under the sea someday.

When the relationship is at a point of absolute trust, he'll reveal his octopus form to them. He'd be embarrassed by their curiosity at first, but the fact that they accept him in any form brings tears to his eyes.

Mr. Dalmatia 🐾

Although Dalma, should you ship him with Pretty Scar, is a massive tsundere when it comes to love, depending on the circumstance he may not be.

If Dalma is in love, he will chase after it like a dog to a bone. He will do everything in his power to prove how good of a boyfriend he'd make.

Acting overly gentleman-like, such as opening doors, pulling your chair, protecting them from the mailman. Things like that.

It's a bit superficial at first, but that's probably due to the puppy-love nature of it all. But should the relationship continue, Dalma mellows out, and his tsundere tendencies may come in.

Even so, his favorite thing to do together is eat dinner, watch their favorite movie or show, cuddle up on the couch, and fall asleep. It's simple, but such a relaxing thing to do that's not overly physically affectionate.

Pretty Scar (Mzuri) ✨️

In love with Dalma or not, it's really all the same with this girl.

Overly lovey-dovey, overly affectionate in all aspects. Just very overwhelming at first.

Should the person like her too, boundaries are set right away. This may cause some friction as she may cross the lines a few times, but if she loves the person as much as she claims she does, she must respect their personal space.

Her over the top nature comes from her deeply rooted fear that if she isn't, she'll end up alone from being too boring and not standing out. It's difficult for her to not be such a try-hard when her family back home despises her for not being strong or capable enough to be a defender or leader of the pack.

But should she and her s/o cross that hurdle, Mzuri will be much more relaxed and understanding. She's still the most physically affectionate out of everyone on the list, but she'll mature and be better at reading the room.

Ms. Hades 🔥

Ms. Hades' understanding of love was taught in the movie Hercules' version of Ancient Greece. Even Disney-fied, that's not a great place to start...

MH is the embodiment of fire: all-consuming and dangerous, yet vibrant and comforting. While she may be indifferent and professional, she's curious about the concept of love and it being described often as a "spark," a "kindling flame," and other adjectives relating to her element.

She'd admire them from afar at first. She's studies human behavior regularly, so it wouldn't be so strange to anyone else, and no one would know this is different unless they paid more attention. Little would she know they'd study her right back.

Progress would be slow but passionate. Compliments, dances, and candle lit dinners.

Once they've settled and MH has realized her feelings are legit, they settle more comfortably. Late work nights, stories of long forgotten Greek myths, bashing and sh** talking the gods.

Oh yes. The tired mother of the group has found her peace.

Veil 🔔

Veil would probably be excited at the prospect of dating, but she'd immediately turn down any opportunity due to her unwavering duty and loyalty to Frollo.

Of similar reasoning to Joe, Veil views true love as a distraction, though Joe is significantly less loyal to Ursula. He fears her more than anything. Whilst Veil is almost obsessed with pleasing Frollo.

She'll strongly deny her feelings and insist she could never care for them like that. Not in the way they deserve anyway...

It takes a while for her to figure herself out, but once she does, words of affirmation become her love language.

She'll sing them romantic songs from France, or any song she knows is their favorite, acknowledge their hard work and dedication to whatever they set their mind to, or simply tell them how much she adores them.

Lady Hock (Hook) 🪝

Lady Hock would probably be the most unbothered by it all. She seems like the type to have a few flings here and there. But I'd like to think that she'd be a bit unsure should things get serious.

Stability is something Hock's never had, so she's not sure what to do with it. Though, she'd be a lot less indecisive than the others. Once she sets her heart out on something, she'll go after it.

Adventures await for the two of them! Whether that be finding sunken treasure to enduring cookout get togethers with family members. Nothing is boring when they're by each other's sides.

Faja (Farja) 🌹

Tsundere all the way, baby!

This spitfire magician can not handle ANY emotion, much less love of all things.

The denial doesn't last as long as Apple or Malfi's, but it does take some time. She's terrified of rejection and doesn't want to risk getting heartbroken.

She knows she's not as elegant as Ms. Hades, or as charming as Apple and Malfi, or as fun Jack, PS, Dalma, and Hock. So what's the point in trying when all she'll be is a disappointment?

Once the s/o makes it clear that they like her for who she is, she'll fall even harder.

Food and flowers are her love language, so you bet she'll make their favorite dishes and arrange beautiful center pieces.

Faja is passionate, and should her love interest reciprocate that passion, she'll be loving til the end.

Thank you for the ask! Sorry this was so long, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

Making Christmas Gay

🎄 Previous Holidays Here 🎄

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: mentions of past abuse (childhood), Dom being nervous about Holidays, Kells being silly, Christmas puns, arousal, improper enjoyment of a candy cane, a cat trying to attack a Christmas tree, naughty Santa, not much else it's pretty tame actually ❄️ Rating: I suppose mature

Dom woke slowly to the scent of fresh hot tea and… peppermint? He'd stayed up far too late the night before because he'd waited until the last second to wrap his lover's presents. He was always good at procrastination and anxiety when it came to what seemed like big moments. He'd realized how important holidays were to his man when they'd shared their Thanksgiving but Christmas? He truly couldn't have prepared. The house looked as if Jack Skellington exploded and he loved every bit of it. He was just… surprised.

Growing up he'd been forced to act jolly and enjoy the day with his family though they always fought worse around Christmas. When he was young the day had frequently felt black and blue hidden behind red and green lights and ribbons. It was the first time he didn't feel like he had to go home to his family. In fact, it was the first time the punk felt like he actually had a home. He was still adjusting though and he couldn't exactly give away how eager he was, especially not if his boyfriend went as crazy on Christmas as he had on turkey day.

“Ho ho ho. Get up bitch!” That raspy smokey voice danced over the boy's skin as he opened his eyes and grinned at the man kneeling over him. In fact, somehow he had completely missed Colson crawling on top of him and the rapper was straddling his hips and holding a steaming cup too close to Dom’s chest for his comfort. The man had steady enough hands but he didn't feel like risking it. Even so he felt the rest of his body wake up at the sight that greeted him. Kells was clad only in red boxer shorts trimmed with white fur and a Santa hat with a fake white beard.

“Is tha’ why ya bleached ya hair so white?” The Brit teased, pushing himself up on his elbows to get the full effect of the look.

Colson rolled his eyes and shrugged, the kid might be right but he didn't have to admit it. He couldn't agree that he'd bleached his hair all for a bit. He'd never live it down. “Asks the fucking skunk.” He grumbled back as he watched his lover rub his jade eyes and yawn.

“Did you call me a ‘ho’ and a ‘snunk’ in less ‘an five minutes? Trying to insult me enough it feels like ‘ome?” The singer joked a bit darkly but his boyfriend huffed a laugh. They were meant to be, even their trauma responses matched. “If you got a kink you ain't told me about…” Dom trailed off as he took the tea and set it on his bedside table but he did take the offered peppermint stick sitting on the side of the plate to cure any possible morning breath. No offense to the American but he still hadn't mastered tea. He had a feeling his man wasn't planning to allow a bathroom break anytime soon either. “You can jus’ tell me now cause beards ain't really me fing.” He mumbled around the sweet. If he sucked it a little deeper than was strictly necessary to show off, that was his business. “But I get it. Ain't like you can grow one.” He slurred, twirling his tongue around the confection as he watched those Santa shorts tent slowly. It always gave him butterflies knowing how much he turned the man on.

“Asshole. I do nice shit for you and get treated like this? Fuck me then.” The rapper huffed but they both knew they were teasing each other.

“Alright you, I'm sorry. I'll be good. Ain't used to waking up on Christmas ‘appy.” Dom sighed back, biting the tip of the candy before he set the rest back on the plate.

“Same, but don't be a ‘right bitch about it'.” Col’s voice did that awful British impression that Dom knew was supposed to be him but for once he didn't roll his eyes. He would try and be good. Ish.

“Long as you ain't got a ribbon wrapped ‘round ya cock I'm good.”

For just a moment Kells paused above his boyfriend and Dom worried he'd fucked something up but he knew there was no way he'd keep a straight face for that. “Damn. I didn't even think about that. For next year.” The man teased, happily rolling off his lover and bouncing off the bed. He reminded Dom of a golden retriever but he wouldn't say it out loud.

“Wha? No morning kiss or cuddle? Fuck me ���en.” The punk turned Colson's words around but he found himself excited. Grinning even. He couldn't wait to celebrate and that almost brought on his anxiety all over again until the rapper reached down to slap playfully at his thigh, completely distracting him.

“Nope. You don't deserve any of it. You're taking too long.” Kells growled before wandering off. Dom was sure he had gone downstairs but he almost wanted to linger, just to be a dick. He'd always been rushed at home too but he supposed at least this was out of excitement instead of fear. He just had to remind himself he was allowed to be happy.

Kells paused in the living room, biting his lip and fiddling with the beard on his chin. He was trying desperately to make sure it was a good day for them both but he knew he was being over eager. He knew if he kept them both busy they couldn't stop to think about how rough the day normally was. Thanksgiving had started bumpy for them but they found their way. They could do it again. Damn that kid for making him so gooey. “Whiskey! For fucks sake!” He cursed as he caught the cat trying yet again to go to war with the Christmas tree. He wanted everything perfect.

Dom found his way downstairs after pulling on his pinstripe black boxers. Technically it was Christmas-y, he was sort of like Jack Skellington. He hoped it was an acceptable amount of holiday spirit. What he found in the living room was a sight though, his boyfriend was crouched over a pile of presents trying to catch the cat who was hiding under the tree. He paused next to the couch and tried not to giggle. “Mm, going for tha’ ‘fuck me’ bit of wha’ ya said? Fhought we was opening presents.” He joked, picking up a cat toy and shaking it which of course called Whiskey straight to him. “Least resistance and all tha’. Bribe ‘em. Don't scare ‘em.”

Kells grumbled under his breath as he tried to push himself back up only to fall over sideways but he counted it a win he didn't smash anything.

“Tha's wha’ ya get being a right bitch.” Dom purred, tossing the cat toy to their pet before he moved to pull his gangly lover off the floor.

“I was trying to- fuck. Just- just close your eyes.” The older man commanded as he righted himself. He watched as jade eyes closed but he fully expected the confusion written across Dom’s face. After making sure nothing was broken he took a seat on the dressed up chair next to the tree and grabbed for his phone to turn on the lights and start playing some silly Christmas music. He knew it was over the top but he didn't mind. He found himself enjoying cheesy bullshit with Dom around. “Okay open.”

“I mean probably still yeah but-” Dom’s sexual joke stopped short as he opened his eyes and took in the room. Since he'd been asleep his lover had added more lights to the room and everything was honestly- “Beautiful.” He whispered, smiling wide when his sight landed on his lover who looked quite the naughty Santa waiting for his lap to be filled. When he didn't automatically move the rapper patted his lap and reached for him, pulling the boy into his arms. “You can't ‘andle me on one leg- I'm too fhick!” But Kells didn't care, he pulled him onto one knee and wrapped his arms around Dom's waist.

Blue eyes were a little too earnest as Colson looked at him and asked softly- “What do you want for Christmas?”

And a Christmas miracle happened when Dom let his walls down enough to wrap himself around Col in return and whisper back- “You. Jus’ you. Always.”

Of course Kells had to break the sincerity with a tease. “Fuck. We'll I spent a lot of money I didn't need to then. Guess you don't want-”

“Whatever it is, give it!” The boy joked back, tangling his fingers in the thick fake beard before he tugged it off the man and moved close, kissing him with as much feeling as he could and probably a little too much tongue.

Author's Note/Tags: @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @fenoy7 @cole-way-iero28 🖤

I know it's not the double fic I had hoped I could do and it's probably not even up to my normal standards but I've been incredibly sick and my mom has been worse lately so 😅 I'm sorry. I hope you all still enjoy the late Christmas present. I'll try to do more soon 🎄❄️🖤

[h3k3t]

🍱spicy sushi confession anon. I hope you've been getting my (granted it's only been two) asks! If ever you want me to ceases and desist the confessions I most certainly will. This turned into a freaking mini fanfic so I guess I should just say that it's a) spicy and b) underlying with a plot involving a mate AU that I really just made up along the way 🥴

The way Jack would be so needy and ultimately submissive really kills me. He'd watch with wide eyes as you kiss the bulge of his dress pants, nuzzle him with your nose and continually praise him. Kissing his pelvis as you draw his pants down and he hisses to himself. "Keep going?" You whispered. Your own voice is wrought with desire and it amazes Jack that you actually want him. Him, an old man, a man who had seen war, who has unwittingly slaughtered entire villages. And you, so young and spry, so beautiful with loving glints blossoming in your eyes. So soft...especially your lips. Your lips are soft as they press against his cock, and he can't help but stifle a moan with his palm as he looks down at you. Your mouth parts; pink tongue crawls out. It rests at the underside of his huge cock and it's so warm and wet. His tip is already dripping out smooth precum. You immediately lap it up, the way he had once seen you lap at a popsicle. Your soft lips close around his tip and he can no longer keep it in. His large hand, unclean with the blood of innocent and guilty alike, cradle the back of your head. He's stammering and moaning out, his deep voice babbling in a way you'd never heard. It's like he had never been...worshipped before. It's a damn shame that he hasn't. His cock is thick and swollen in a way that you yearn to feel it inside. His body is beautiful and rough. Scars on his abdomen, flecks of red and brown moles on his hips and pelvis. His thighs muscular as they clench. And, God help you, you feel your stomach churn with heat as his hips buckle up. "Stop," he pleads. "I don't want to-"

"I want you to," you suddenly say, your tone harsh and clear. You envelop him in your mouth again, taking him deeper and revelling in the delicious sounds he makes. He sounds like he's crying, and you look up to see that he very well could be. One hand is still around the crown of your head, and the other has now intertwined with yours. Your knees ache, your jaw is tight, but you don't care one bit. Oh and how good it feels to just hear Jack babble and moan about how good you make him feel. His hips buck against you and you make a sound of approval, trying to signal to him that you enjoy how needy he is. You love to see him so unwound. He warns you that he's going to cum and when you let him he feels like he would combust. He expected it to stop. But it didn't. "Mi corazón es tuyo," he gasped as he flexed his fingers in your hair. "Tómalo! Tómalo! Ah, fuck! Tómalo!"

Ah, that was it, you thought as his thighs trembled. His hand crushed yours with a fierce grip that reminded you of the beast that lurked within. But you couldn't lie and say you wanted it to stop. You loved how shaky he became when you forced a second orgasm. You loved how sensitive he was at any touch, how overstimulated. You nuzzled your nose against his tip and he swore, twitching away as he begged for a moment of peace. It was a bit funny, but you obliged, sitting back on your knees and watching him with intense infatuation as he caught his breath. He still gripped your hand in his.

Finally his pretty, green eyes caught yours and they lit up with true happiness. He grinned sheepishly. "Don't look at me like that," he said, bashful.

You pushed up and crawled into his lap. "Why not?"

"You just shouldn't!" Jack insisted.

"Why not, papí?" You asked in an overtly teasing manner.

Jack glared, but he couldn't hold it for too long without laughing. You surrendered. "Alright, alright, I won't push it."

You laid against his chest, listening to his heartbeat slow down as he relaxed. His arms were around you. You felt so, undeniably, incandescently happy.

"Is it always this way?" You finally asked.

"What do you mean?" Jack replied as he twirled some of your hair in his fingers.

"For...mates."

Jack made a sound of understanding. Your face burned as you realized you'd finally broached the topic neither of you had dared to approach. The fact that you and Jack were mates hadn't yet been properly discussed. The learned fact had somehow been slipped into the back burner, getting away from you both in all the chaos.

"I don't know, amore," Jack answered honestly. " I don't think all mated couples have the luxury of liking their partner. Sometimes the moon's fate has different plans. Maybe She thought they'd have strong offspring, or they'd make a good duo in battle. Luckily for me, She paired me with the most beautiful, loving soul I could have asked for. Lucky that she wanted me to love."

You kissed the corner of his gentle mouth. "Lucky for us," you corrected.

Jack laughed; it was a musical sound. "Yes, amore. Lucky for us."

I hope in the future you will delight me with more such spicy scenarios, 🍱Anon. You really have talent, bestie. You also have a great talent for making me have real heart attacks from too many feels, now I'm calling 911.

[mtreebeardiles]

Afterparty

@cronusamporaofficial i believe you mentioned a little afterparty so I wrote a little extra scene haha, hope you enjoy!

Takes place immediately after Ceremony and can be found on AO3 as well.

~~

"Damn, Sunshine, that's gotta be some kind of record." 

James grinned as he slid into the booth next to Everett, earning a mock-glare from his former commander. The N7 ceremony had ended a scant ten minutes ago and already Shepard was dressed down into casual, comfortable clothing. "How long did it take you to ditch the uniform for sweats?"

"Excuse you, I am wearing jeans!"

"And a hoodie--"

"--which he stole from me," Kaidan interjected from where he sat across from them, smirking at his husband.

"And a hat --"

"--which he stole from me," came Joker's voice from the next booth over. "As if it'd make him more inconspicuous. Un-fucking-believable." 

"So honestly the jeans are a bit of a surprise, if I'm honest."

"I had sweatpants, but Kaidan hid them."

"That makes more sense." 

Everett bit his lip, trying and failing not to smile. He gently bumped his shoulder against James's. "So," he began after a moment, sliding the milkshake he was sharing with Kaidan closer to his husband. "How's it feel?" He nodded to the emblem he'd pinned to James's uniform earlier in the evening. 

"Surreal, if I'm honest," James admitted, fiddling with the label on his beer bottle. "The whole evening hasn't really sunk in yet, you know?" 

"I do," Evvy agreed quietly, smile sofening. "I uh… I hope it was okay, by the way. My showing up like that. We wanted it to be a surprise, but…"

James found himself grinning again, and he bumped Evvy's shoulder right back. "It was a surprise -- a good one. It means a lot, you being there with me, Sunshine." He paused a moment, considering. "Especially since I know it probably wasn't easy on you." 

Everett's smile went wry and he offered a slight shrug. "Honestly? Not as difficult as you might think. I wasn't showing up for the Alliance -- I was showing up for you. And that's always an easy thing to do."

James felt himself go warm all over and he grinned into his beer. "Well, I appreciate it all the same." He glanced out beyond the booth, taking in the sight of so many friends gathered around. Foster's Bar had become something of a familiar haunt for those still active in the Alliance, and was a particular favorite of the current Normandy crew. A more intimate space than the ceremony hall, and he wondered if they'd requested the place to themselves for the evening when he realized the only patrons were all Normandy affiliated -- past and present. It was pretty likely -- Piper and the owner were good friends -- and lord knew his people were good customers. 

He watched as Jack, Tali, and Traynor gathered around the bar, intent on the colorful concoction being crafted by the bartender. Spied Miranda and Gianna catching up with Jacob Taylor and Dr. Cole a few booths down, Taylor and Cole's young son nodding off against his father's chest. Heard the murmur of conversation behind him between Joker and Steve and, when the music pouring out of the speakers shifted to something distinctly jazzy was not surprised to spot Shawn and Leigh over by the jukebox. 

"I love this song," Ashley declared as she appeared at his side. "C'mon, Vega; dance with us." Beyond her Piper was already moving over to where Shawn and Leigh were now dancing. 

"Go on," Evvy encouraged, giving him a little nudge. 

"Only if you come with, Sunshine."

Everett wrinkled his nose, but before he could protest Kaidan reached for his hand across the table. "C'mon, Nerd," he said. "You've been improving!" 

"It's hard to look bad with Kaidan leading," Ash added with a grin. 

"Yeah, yeah," Everett retorted, shaking his head, but he was still smiling. "Make Shawn put on something slower and I'll think about it." 

"Deal." 

He took Ash's offered hand and leveraged himself out of the booth, abandoning his beer and following her over to Piper. It didn't take long before others had joined them, some dancing alone, some dancing in a group, and it reminded him of another time, another party, better, now, without that persistent sense of dread hanging over them. 

Better, now, to be together again under the best of circumstances. 

[anonyanonymouse]

I saw the first year polycule with Ortho in your ship list and was hoping you had more to say about them? It's just the nature of it, but it's rare to see Ortho included with them romantically and I'm really curious about how he adds to the dynamic

Thanks for the ask, anon! I'll put my reply, which is including some nsfw, under the cut :) again, the back button is always there for you i it's too upsetting haha

I've seen some pretty hot debate for whether Ortho should be considered ~8 years old or 16, and personally, I don't think he's either! He's his own experience unlike anyone else in the world. That said, at least after the events of book 6, his narrative of growth and maturation is really compelling! Everything about him in Fairy Gala IF was so fun. If I have to choose, then I do like to see him as 16 more, and I really do want to see him with the other first years!!

I always think of Ortho as being this really extroverted, popular kid, especially now that he's good friends with Vil and can be seen walking around with him a lot. Most people at NRC respect him (as much as an NRC student can) and think he's super cool and useful. He's so popular, and we're all so proud of him :") it just makes sense that he'd fit right into a big, weird friend group like the first years, and as for a polycule...

I kind of see it less as an agreed-upon situation they all decided on, and more like something that just added up over time until it was undeniable that something was going on between all of them lol like, deuce and epel are dating, deuce is also dating jack and flirting with ace, ace is dating sebek, sebek is flirting with jack and dating epel, and so on lol Ortho might be the only one to straight up say "hey, can I date all of you? It looks fun :)" and create such a storm of chaos omg

And now that I'm thinking about it, Ortho does still look a lot like a younger kid, so I'm sure most of them will have reservations about it (though Ortho can be super pushy when he wants to be. They'll end up going along with him pretty fast). Sebek is the only one I can think of who wouldn't be bothered at all by his looks. Fae, like Lilia and his mother, can look really young despite being centuries old, so it's not something he thinks about, especially since he has barely had any interaction with people his age anyway. He's way more concerned about the fact that Ortho is made of technology... But otherwise, I think he takes this very well. He respects Ortho and his abilities, and he has much to learn from him!! Omg, can you imagine Ortho playing teacher with Sebek... Putting on a sultry voice like "let me teach you about my core ;)" god lol

I think, in private with them, Ortho would be super flirtatious and touchy. For Deuce and Epel, they're going to be so sensitive to it, and he's going to have a lot of fun teasing them, especially if they point out how young he looks. I can just imagine Deuce being like "aren't you too young for this..." and Ortho's all cocky like oh :) am I?? And yet you're the one getting hard for someone like me?? :) poor Deuce isn't going to last a minute with him TT and Epel doesn't fair much better, he's all "this is weird!!" when Ortho starts getting really handsy with him, and Ortho's like "oh is it? Why's that?? Do you want to explain in detail why it is so weird? I just want to understand!!"

Jack would get straight up angry with him for teasing him, but it'll just get Ortho excited to tease him more until Jack hits a breaking point 😔 Jack holding him down and having his way with him, super frustrated and mad about it, like this isn't exactly what Ortho wanted him to do?? omg. He's going to be so upset with himself when the post-nut clarity hits...

For Ace, I'm not super sure. He has enough issues just holding hands with another man lol he represses his feelings so hard, so in private, he's probably not going to fall that much for Ortho's tricks. Only after Ortho leaves him alone will Ace continue thinking about it and wonder why he feels so weird... Give Ortho until the end of the semester, I think he can crack this one 😌

[grasshopperdoingdogpaddle]

People are asking for random ratings from people so I request a ranking of Chase Young's top 5 attempted murders

Not sure what criteria to use to rank attempted murder... but I'm game?

A lot of the time Chase doesn't bother with actually trying to merk someone since he'd rather use them as pawns or intimidate and rule over them. So I'll only use the genuine, unambiguous times he was definitely trying to end someone's life on-screen.

5 - Jack, by trying to crush him with a boulder

The best part about this one was all the facial expressions we got. From Chase's smug smile as he says he's "finally about to get rid of him" to the look of absolutely shock and disappointment he shares with Wuya when Jack manages to get up. It’s golden, especially coming from someone as composed as Chase. It feels almost like a Swiper "aw man" moment, but about murder instead of petty theft.

He's pretty flippant about holding a life in his hands. He revels in it, in fact, says that Spicer’s painful death has been a long time coming. So seeing him so confused at not actually pulling it off was funny. This isn’t someone who’s used to messing up his assassinations.

Also, it's quite cute how the Xiaolin monks were the ones who saved Jack from this untimely fate.

4 - Raimundo, by almost biting him in half

It is a good thing Clay is a quick thinker, because Chase was really going for it. He was fully primed to bite someone in half for trying to take back Omi. 

It gives us confirmation that Chase will eat a human without hesitation, and the moment had some excellent tension in it. A nice quick show of the bond between the monks and how hard they try for each other.

A nice glimpse of how Chase's thoughts, too. The look on his face switching from that smug smirk as he caught the punches, into the murderous glare right before he shifted his dragon form, is very interesting to read into. It’s fun to get that occasional reminder that Chase is capable of being very brutal and evil, just in case him burning down that entire village for a laugh and plunging the world into darkness doesn’t quite doing it.

3 - Guan, by pushing him in the pit of fire

The first time we really see how far Chase is willing to go. It was a neat way to set the tone for what kind of villain Chase Young is, and the scene is definitely harsher in hindsight once we learn the history between Guan and Chase.

The other monks all on the sidelines reacting with such abject horror, and the visible beads of sweat on Guan's face while he struggles, before he finally managed to free himself just in time... This fight felt fun and intense to watch.

2 - Hannibal (disguised as Clay), by pinning him down and trying to stab him in the face

The only time on this list where I was actually rooting for Chase.

Usually Chase’s staff has blades at its ends, so I assume Chase was about to shoot out the blades and stab Hannibal? I’m not entirely sure that would even work on Hannibal, but Chase sure hoped it would.

This whole scene was such a great use of dramatic irony. It hurts all the more that this was their last chance at preventing the evil that is Hannibal Roy Bean from being released into the world and the monks themselves accidentally got in the way. Chase waiting by the temple gate and Ying-Ying being so happy to see Hannibal again that she flies straight to him really elevates the moment. It establishes a lot of interesting dynamics in just a minute.

1 - Dojo, by almost making him into Lao Mang Lone Soup

I love Dojo but this was just too hilarious.

Dojo sat in a simmering pot of soup and still needed more hints to figure out what was happening here. 

Chase introduced himself into the story by getting ready to murder Dojo’s legendary dragon, and he even makes a thinly-veiled threat to throw the monks into the soup and eat them, too. 

The usually cautious and skittish Dojo has lost his sense of self-preservation because he was given a nice cookie. And Chase has been planning this for apparently so long. Comedy gold, truly.

The animosity between Chase and Dojo is set up and stays consistent for the whole rest of the series after this. Chase puts the blame for his finale plan falling apart squarely on the fact that he was robbed of the chance to eat Dojo then and there.

[vorpaelyzis]

YOU'VE GOT IT RIGHT, FAUST IS CANONLY DEMI. You've got his other traits down quite nicely I will wail /pos

(Putting all the rambles under read more for mobile users convenience so they don't have to suffer)

As for his name, I don't think he has any negative feelings with his old name (I'm thinking Fawn but I'm still deciding - it would be so so so good for symbolism and stuff tho!!!) but it simply makes him feel weak. He wanted to be strong, and the name Faust still has that similar sounding pronunciation (Faw-nn & Fau-st) so it is still him, but stronger?? That was my idea at least. And I thought it'd be so cute if he allows only selected few to be able to also call him by his old name, because he feels safe (emotionally and physically) around them. Cuz Fawn makes him feel weak- so only those he really trusts get to see him 'weak' in a way, to call him and know the vulnerable side of him ya know??? Am I making sense I'm rambling LMAO

As per Abigail and Chiyoh- YESSS OH MY GOD. I think Faust would be closer to Abigail than Will, too. I feel like Chiyoh would almost be like, older sister kinda figure to him while Abigail reflects him when he was younger/around her age so that would meant she'd be his younger sister 🤔

I leave Faust's childhood quite vague, because he feels so disconnected from it after going through hell and back he literally sometimes forget he used to be a child too(I'm not sorry for traumatizing him). But I feel like he doesn't get along with most kids, especially with those eyes of his- they tend to drive others his age away, too wise for his years and too unpredictable??

His relationship with Freddie would be quite rocky just because how she treats Will- but let's be fair I think Faust might have acted similarly if he wasn't attached to the profiler as he was + was told/spoken like that to.

Chronically pissed of at Jack? PERHAPS.. but he also respects the guy a lot, and since his father and Jack are old friends, he'd be like, some of the first choices his father would make into Faust's godfather?? I feel like there's just that banter energy™ between them, a little bond. Doesn't make him any less grumpy tho, and I feel like it's gonna be along the lines of "Oh you're in trouble young man" "JACK, I swear to god if you snitch on me-" "I am telling your dad" "JACK ". I think Faust would be there for him too sometimes, despite going through shit himself, when Jack is just weeping over his wife.

CHILTON. THE SILLY. the silliest. Ohhh i love that man in a way like. Cuteness aggression kinda thing? I want to squeak the living soul out of the man. I think Faust is rather annoyed by him but I haven't thought toooooo much into it yet 🤔 since Faust himself is quite an 'enigma' I think he would want to interview the man or have him behind bars too??? I likeeeee to ponder about scenes in the court in SS2... Cuz by then it'd be so evident Faust is a Will is Innocent believer and tries really hard to help his case, try to find evidences etc. and well, with their history together and what a loyal dog he is- I think Faust could also be suspected as an accomplice????? Doesn't help that he has papers that diagnosed him as schizophrenic which is also quite a misunderstood mental disorder, they could be looking to drag him down too. That would also make it like - make people less likely to trust ANYTHING Faust say in SS2? (At least before Will is proved to be innocent) But I think after that shenanigans Faust is gonna be more closed off than ever with everyone else, especially losing Bev. That'd take a big toll on him, too.

I HOPE THESE KINDA COVERS STUFF. I'm SOOO excited to talk more about this lmao so giddy

GENTLY GRABS YOU (endearing)

HEADCANONS FOR FAUST AND SOME OF THE CAST PLEASEE (I'm curious what you think he's like with the forensic team, Alana, or Freddie Lounds- idk if i told you ideas i had for Jack / Chilton but i wanna hear from YOUUUU)

FAUST HEADCANONSSS some of which I’m leeching off of ideas you’ve mentioned:

-So I headcanon this for Will too and I think it makes a lot of sense for Faust: I read him as demisexual. I feel like he specifically becomes attracted to Will and Hannibal because of their emotional connections—it doesn’t read as being influenced by physical attraction.

-I’m agreeing with you so hard that the name given to him at birth was Fawn like THE HUNTER AND THE FAWN SYMBOLISM GOES HARD

-He sees Abigail and Chiyoh as sister figures of a sort. Losing Abigail was extremely difficult for him.

-He doesn’t feel insecure about his scars until Hannibal talks about the fact that his wrist scars were a consequence of love. At this point, Faust’s apathy towards his scars starts to deteriorate.

-Sometimes he psyches himself out when he’s alone and thinks he’s back in that place. It’s a big part of why he started going to therapy with Hannibal.

-His near-constant expression since he was little appears very serious and deep in thought. He spends a lot of time in his head and has for as long as he can remember.

-A funnier headcanon based on something I’ve experienced: He once cut his hair short when he was a kid, then immediately regretted it because “oh my god I look like a lesbian.” He’s never not had long hair since.

-He has a big encyclopedia on his shelf about the language of flowers.

-I don’t know much about Faust as a child but I can’t help feeling like it would make a lot of sense if he was very sheltered and isolated as a child? That could’ve spurred his irrepressible curiosity.

As for his relationships with the aforementioned characters, here’s my guesses on how their interactions would go:

-Faust likes Alana in some respects. He appreciates her strong personality and her understanding of the mind. Her inclination towards Will being based on “professional curiosity” however, rubs him the wrong way and makes him a little more cautious about what he says and does around her.

-Jimmy and Brian are a little overbearing, and Faust sometimes feels like he’s on the outside of the forensic team, but he sneaks a joke in every now and then while they work together and they seem to like him for it. Beverly is more his pace and puts more of an effort into keeping him in the loop than the other two (mostly because they’re oblivious). Shouts out to her for inadvertently bringing Faust and Will together in Chapter 1 of the fic, thanks Beverly very cool

-OK SO HEAR ME OUT: FAUST DOES ACTUALLY HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF FREDDIE? She craves knowledge. She seeks to understand and make others understand. Her arrogance and curiosity is directly aligned with Faust’s own. They see themselves in one another and are suspicious of one another because of it because “oh no it’s the worst version of me”

-Feeling like Faust would be chronically pissed off at Jack. He knows Will can handle himself with Jack, but does that mean he should have to? No.

-As for my man Chilton, Faust isn’t scared of him, but he is scared of what he represents to him: Isolation and captivity. In Season 2, when Chilton starts being more of a Will-is-innocent believer, I can see them working together in some capacity, though.

LMK WHAT YOU WERE THINKING FOR JACK AND CHILTON, this was so fun to think about!!

[immajustvibehere]

Chance Encounter

Chapter 17

Chapter 1 // Chapter 16

warning: SMUT (has very much first time vibes, fluffy, consensual, slow) Also, this is my first time writing smut. I'm very sorry if it sucks ._.

summary: After the gang had settled in at Shady Bell, it took Arthur and the other men almost a week to locate Jack. When they returned one evening you and Arthur are desperate to spend some time together.

4600 words, 25 minutes reading time

You barely saw Arthur for the next couple of days, as he was busy asking around in Saint Denis for some information on Angelo Bronte, who was the guy who held Jack hostage. You spent your days in bed or outside in a chair, resting your leg as much as possible, while still trying to help, especially Abigail. She needed someone to talk to and since you weren't too capable of doing much else, you gladly lent her an ear. Occasionally, you'd have a nice conversation with Kieran, who was so kind as to take care of your horse the whole time. Conversations and card games aside, you felt useless.

Every time Arthur stopped by at camp, it was only to rest or sleep for a short time. As soon as the sun was up, he was already in town, tracking down young Jack. You had the privilege of using his room. It was a debate Arthur had with Mrs. Grimshaw, who only agreed when Dutch stepped in and argued for your case, as "we might need her firepower soon". Oh boy were you glad you had a real bed to sleep in. The swamps were a weird and uncomfortable place, at least you didn't have to sleep on the ground. It was tricky getting up the stairs with your injured leg, but it was well worth it.

"Hey, they're back! I think I see Jack!", somebody yelled. You looked up from the table you were sitting at with Kieran. Dutch yelled for Abigail, who ran out the house as if her life depended on it. You stood up and leaned against the table to better overwatch the scene. Abigail hugged Jack desperately. It was not possible to make out what they were saying, but you were sure it was nothing else but an expression of how much she had worried and how glad she was of having him back.

"Y/N", Arthur said your name as he came closer to you. You cracked a big smile; you knew Arthur would have at least this night off. "Thanks for bringing Jack back", you said. Arthur looked around quickly before he pressed a fleeting kiss on your forehead. It made your stomach flutter. There had been occasional kisses on cheeks and foreheads over the last few days, always in the privacy of your room or when nobody else was looking. You had also shared a bed, though Arthur often stood up way earlier. He'd try to get up silently, and still he would either stroke your cheek or give it a kiss before he left the room. It had always woken you and you were happy it did.

"I'm glad we got the kid back", Arthur nodded and left his big hand on your shoulder to guide you to the campfire, "Gives us a good reason to party." He gave you a warm smile. It was at this moment that you realized you wanted him. You had missed him terribly and you just wanted some peace and quiet, lay down next to him and cuddle. Feel his skin against yours. But this wouldn't happen any time soon, the night was still young, and the first bottles were just being opened.

Everyone was gathering around the fire. "Come on! Are we celebrating here or what!?", Karen yelled and handed out beer. Javier was supplying the group with a song. You sat down on a wooden chest a bit further away. Still close enough to consider yourself joining in on the action, but all the chairs and trunks were occupied. Everyone was cheerful, humming along and joining in on the refrain. After the song had ended, John, Jack and Abigail excused themselves and some other people dispersed, getting more beer and forming smaller groups. You stayed on your chest, observing everyone. It was difficult not to stare at Arthur, who walked around to talk to different people.

From time to time, yours and Arthur's eyes would meet. It happened rather often, regardless of whether he was having a conversation at the moment or not. You'd search him and find his eyes already resting on you, smiling when your eyes met and then looking away. You listened to Hosea telling a story and talked with Lenny about his day. Kieran and Karen were having a fun conversation, it seemed, and you were happy about how relieved Kieran was about Jack's return. Kieran had been on edge the last few days, blaming himself for Jack's abduction. Not even you had managed to ease his conscience, despite offering distraction and consolation. Especially because Kieran was a nice and gentle soul, it was hard for you to see him so nervous. Which is why it made you even happier to see him relaxed tonight.

Barely an hour had passed since the party had started, when once again you met Arthur's eyes. This time though, he was not occupied with someone else, he was simply leaning against a table, watching the scene, or better: watching you. He took a swig from the bottle which he held in his hand, lowering it after he had done so and placing it on the table. Neither of you looked away. You watched as his eyes sometimes broke the staring contest to check you up and down and as if agitated, he adjusted his stance. Suddenly, barely noticeable for anyone else but you, he nodded towards the house.

You knew what this was supposed to mean. Not only that he wanted you in the house, but it meant much more. You suppressed those thoughts for now because they made your stomach turn, you simply told yourself to be calm. You walked inside, your leg was barely bothering you anymore. Running or heavy lifting was still not an option, but you could walk without a crutch by now, even if it meant limping a bit. Climbing the stair still took you longer than you would have wanted, but Arthur had given you a head start for probably exactly this reason.

When you had reached the room you lit the lantern, illuminating the dark room. It was night already and in the last quarter of an hour, clouds had formed and hidden the moon behind them, so the lantern was absolutely necessary to not hit your foot somewhere. (This had actually happened a few days ago with your injured leg and you had been careful to know where you were stepping ever since.) The door creaked as it was opened again and Arthur walked in. You stood at the window and turned around as he entered.

"You okay?", he asked with a calm voice. He put his hat on the table and walked over to the bed and got out of his boots.

"Yeah." He looked a bit exhausted, you thought. Unsurprising of course, he had been out the whole day. You again looked at each other, both at a complete loss for words. There had been no long private conversation the last few days. The privacy and tranquility of this moment was unusual, you didn’t quite know how to handle it.  Arthur lit a cigarette after he had unfastened his gun belt, which now rested discarded next to him on the bed. "I missed ya", Arthur admitted, attentively watching you while he finished his cigarette. The smile came to your face involuntarily. "It was difficult...getting up so early, having you sleep all peacefully next to me. Never thought I'd...feel like this again."

"I missed you too", you replied. Your cheeks had burned up from Arthur's confession. Though he had told you before that he cared about you and he liked having you around, it had never come so close to him telling you that he had stronger feelings. Arthur nodded and shifted his position a bit, then tossed the cigarette away and put one hand on the mattress for support, while he lightly clapped on his thigh with the other one. This was an invitation to sit down on his lap, and you wouldn't let him ask twice.

You sat on his thighs, facing him with a slight smile. He watched you find a comfortable position and asked all innocently: "How's your leg?" "Much better. It doesn't hurt anymore if there's no pressure applied or something like that...it's just a slight, dull...throb, if that makes sense." Arthur nodded in affirmation as he carefully placed his hand on your injured thigh, just resting it close to where he remembered the wound to be. "I had the same with my shoulder. Just means that it's healing well", he explained. Your faces were only inches from each other, so it wasn't too difficult of an act to lean in closer until your lips met.

It was as if you kissed him for the first time, the butterflies in your stomach went mad and you felt yourself melting into his touch. Arthur left his hand on your thigh, lightly stroking it with his thumb. You barely felt it through your pants. But you definitely felt his other hand, which found its way to your lower back. The kisses were gentle and careful. You could barely form thoughts explaining how happy you were that this was happening again. For no reason other than overthinking you had feared that the kiss a week ago could have been a one-time thing. You were proven otherwise at the moment, so you couldn't help but crack a small smile during the kiss.

Arthur stopped, looking at you curiously, but finding you content and smiling he gave you another kiss on the lips before he worked his way down from your cheek to your neck. You chuckled satisfied and with new courage managed to place your hands on his shoulder, playing with the collar of his shirt. Arthur hummed as he placed a final kiss next to the neckline of your shirt. His beard was softer than the last time, probably because it had reached a length longer than stubble, so instead of scratching, it tickled your neck. Arthur's hand which had rested on your back was no looking for an opening, carefully peeling your shirt out of your pants so it could slip under and touch your bare skin.

The sudden contact surprised you and Arthur must have noticed you tensing up because he kissed your cheek again and whispered a "Ya know ya can tell me if yer uncomfortable..." You only managed a nod. Arthur smiled at you kindly and said: "I better make sure you know that, because you don't look like the type to tell someone else to slow down." It took you a couple of seconds, but you recognized those words. Arthur had said the exact same thing to you when he rode with you all the way from Valentine to Rhodes. It had been your first time on a horse and Arthur had decided to ride behind you, so you wouldn’t fall behind. It was obvious that he had said this as a homage to this ride, and you couldn't be more thankful. Arthur had always been kind and considerate to you and there was no reason this would change if you relaxed a bit more.

"Thank you", you whispered. This time, you initiated the kiss. The feelings from earlier; just wanting to feel Arthur from skin to skin, hadn't dissipated. The contrary was the case, they had only gotten stronger since you sat on his lap. This time, the kiss grew passionate quickly. You let Arthur's hand roam across your back, where it found a place to rest under your undergarment. "How 'bout we get this off, darlin'?", Arthur mumbled. You leaned back a bit, just enough so you would be able to move your arms without hitting Arthur and got out of your shirt. Arthur enjoyed the show. His two arms rested on your thighs while his eyes followed every movement of yours.

Your undergarments were a two piecer, so you could get out of your undershirt without removing your pants. Your fingers trembled in excitement as you tried opening the last buttons, and finally, stripping out of the cloth that had hidden your breasts. For a few seconds the feeling of exposedness and embarrassment almost overwhelmed you, but Arthur was quick to let go of a happy sigh he had been holding and exclaimed a weak "Amazing" before leant in to kiss you again. This time, however, his hands went directly to your boobs. His touch was very tender, only holding them at first to see if you'd object. You found it appropriate to let the kiss grow more passionate, as sign that you were alright. When he slowly started kneading them, a soft moan escaped you.

You could have sworn you felt the shiver that went through Arthur's body as he heard you moan. He broke the kiss, looking at you admiringly: "Yer driving me mad, ya know that?" "Sorry", you mumbled back in a chuckle, using the momentary distance between you to unbutton Arthur's shirt, which proved quite difficult with your trembling fingers. When he realized you struggled, he helped you and finished the work. You had never seen Arthur's bare chest, only ever with the cover of a union suit. So of course, you could have guessed how broad and muscular he was, but it still had you in awe when you finally saw it.

"Ya okay, y/n?", Arthur asked.

"Yes. Of course", you had been okay up to the second Arthur had asked you. Because now you remembered what you were here for, and you felt anxious once again. You considered not telling Arthur, but after you sighed you still blurted out: "I'm pretty nervous."

"Tha's okay", Arthur smiled and cupped your cheek in his hand; "I'm...too, to be honest with you."

"What?"

"It's been a long time since I was with a woman. And I don't wanna mess up...", Arthur admitted.

You shook your head: "What should you mess up?"

Arthur shrugged and looked around in the room before he asked: "What are you nervous about?"

Of pain, mostly. That you'd have to tell him to stop. That you wouldn't be brave enough to tell him to stop when you needed to. That you looked weird. That you wouldn't like it. That he wouldn't like it. The list was long...but it could be summarized: "That I mess up."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Yer teasin' me!", he chuckled lightly. His grimace made you laugh in turn. Arthur pressed a quick peck on your cheek before he said: "So are you gonna lie down yerself or should I throw ya off?" You looked at him confused, the smile still on your face: "What?" Arthur rolled his eyes playfully and sighed an "Alright then" before he grabbed you under your arms, carefully of course, lifted you off his lap and threw you onto the bed.

You knew he had done this to make you laugh, and it worked like charm. "That's better", Arthur commented on your laugh and took a seat on the edge of the bed next to you. You saw him palm his bulge as he found a comfortable position to sit in. Yes, you wanted him. You searched for eye contact to tell him exactly that. And it worked, because when your eyes met, you started to peel out of your pants while Arthur got rid of his belt first, dropping it on the floor together with the gun belt which had been clinging on to its dear life on the edge of the bed.

Both of you were now naked. You did your best to look into Arthur's face, out of embarrassment, mostly. You weren't sure if you were ready to look down. He, however, let his gaze wander, absorbing and observing every part of your exposed body. Arthur’s whole body seemed to shiver again, he couldn't resist to immediately lean forward and kiss you again. "I want ya, y/n"

"I want you too", you stuttered. His hand first stroked your cheek and then wandered down your whole body, only stopping when he had reached your hip and went all the way up again. It gave you goosebumps. "We're gonna get'cha ready, okay?", Arthur asked and dutifully looked you into the eyes, searching for consent. You nodded. He plastered your face and neck with tiny kissed while his hand wandered down again, this time further, stroking the outside of your thigh before he let it touch the inside.

"Ya might be more ready than I thought", Arthur commented surprised as he felt the slick between your legs. You only squirmed lightly under his touch, but he didn't miss another second before he slowly started to drag his finger through your wet folds. He was now half lying next to you and while one hand was busy between your legs, he supported his weight on his other arm, allowing himself to have a better view over the situation. It didn't take long for his finger to stimulate a point which made you moan into the kiss you were just sharing.

"You like that?", Arthur whispered, his face so close to yours, you couldn't even focus on his eyes. Your eyes were half closed anyways. You nodded as reply, and Arthur continued to stimulate the same spot with frightening accuracy. He pulled you into another kiss when he slowly let a finger slide into you. You barely noticed. Honestly, Arthur's little growl when he did so told you more that something happened than anything else, but you were just glad it didn't hurt.

"Ya doin' great, darlin'", he praised, as he slowly moved his finger. You wanted to answer something along the lines of 'no, you are doing great' but just as you opened your mouth, he found another sweet spot which instead pulled a moan out of you. You felt the second finger more than the first and it made you whimper silently when you perceived the stretch. Arthur mumbled an apology and went even slower if that was possible. The pain was only short though and quickly replaced by pleasure. You felt full. Full, safe and satisfied. Hearing Arthur's heavy breaths and seeing as he always closed the eyes for a few seconds after you moaned made you think that this could be going on forever.

"Arthur, I think I'm ready", you announced in a whisper. Arthur pricked up his ears. He was on edge, ready to act in seconds, but you knew he forced himself to act slowly. A low hum was his only answer. Then he sat up and looked at you, all the while his two fingers still buried in you: "D'ya wanna touch it?" You knew what he meant, obviously. You hadn't even looked at it yet, but of course you wanted to give Arthur something back. He was holding back and being considerate, the least you could do is try; so you nodded in affirmation.

Arthur slowly slid his fingers out of your pussy and smiled as you shuddered at the sudden emptiness. A bit ungracefully he wiped his hand on the bedsheet before he held it open, waiting for your hand to guide it to his cock. You were grateful for the gesture. Making proactive moves would cost you too much courage and you spent most of your nerves on staying calm. Arthur led your hand to his dick. Now you had a reason to look down, so you'd know where to grasp. You didn't have enough experience with men to judge how well-bestowed he was, you could only tell that he was definitely thicker than two of his fingers. Your thumb barely touched your other fingers when your hand was wrapped around it.

Arthur's hand was still on top of yours, though he now let go of it and left you alone with the instruction: "Now just move your hand up 'n down, darlin'." You whimpered silently, not moving just yet: "I'm afraid of hurting you." Arthur chuckled: "You couldn't, even if ya tried." So you moved your hand up and down. You saw how the mountain of a man next to you melted, breathing a satisfied "for Christ sake" and absolutely being at your mercy. He shamelessly buried his face into the crook of your neck, pressing a few kisses on your skin before he stopped you by taking your hand off his dick. You were confused why he did that, because he had seemed to like it and you thought the reasonable thing to do was to go on. It was only later that you understood he wanted you to stop so he'd last longer. He hadn't had sex for a long time and waiting for something for so long, you had no idea at the moment of how excited he must have been.

"I'mma go slow, alright? It might hurt a bit. You tell me if ya need to stop", Arthur assured you as he lined up his cock with your entrance. He used his one hand to spread your legs further apart. He didn't touch your injured one, letting it rest on the bed in the position you had put it in, where you didn't feel your wound throbbing too much. You closed your eyes when you felt his tip slowly pressing into you. He pushed into you incredibly slowly, stopping when you winced and slightly rubbing the spot with his thumb that made you forget about pain momentarily. With every inch he buried into you, his breaths became heavier. When he had finally bottomed you out, he let out a deep growl and cursed in illegible words.

He tried not to move too much as he bend his torso forward, so he'd be closer to your face. "Ya feel amazing, darlin'. Yer doing really great", he praised. You lifted your head and gave him a quick kiss. The burn and stretch was clearly discernable, but you were too entertained of how done Arthur seemed. Panting before he had even properly moved, sweet praise falling from his lips so silently, you wouldn't have possibly understood it.

Arthur started slowly thrusting into you, barely moving at first. There was discomfort and this new sensation, it brought tears to your eyes. When Arthur noticed them and stopped, you were first to speak: "No, go on please. Arthur. It feels good." You weren't lying. The uncomfortable stretch had almost disappeared and was replaced by an interesting feeling. Suddenly Arthur began hitting a spot that at first drew a loud moan from you and then let you whimper every profanity known to you. He picked up speed and a few moments later his thrusts became sloppy.

With a growled "fuck" he pulled out so suddenly if you would have had the energy you would have protested at the sudden emptiness. You felt his warm cum on your stomach. Arthur didn't rest one second, mumbled a hurried "'m sorry" and stumbled to the little washbasin he had resting on his desk. You laid still on the bed, catching your breath and watching Arthur as he dipped a rag into the water, wrung it out and came back to you. He cleaned you up tenderly, also still trying to calm his breath. The cold wetness of the rag was a relief. The swamps are very muggy already, and the activity had both of you covered in a thin layer of sweat.

You had no problem begging for eye contact, which Arthur was keen to avoid. Even in the dim light of the lantern you saw his red colored cheeks and awkward hand movements. You smiled to yourself. In many ways this had gone better than you'd have expected. "Thank you...you", you swallowed and tried to get rid of your raspy voice, your throat dry from the moaning, "you were great." Finally, Arthur looked at you. "Did it hurt?", Arthur asked tenderly. You shook your head. It did at first but it got better and in the end the pleasure outweighed the pain. You had been prepared for a bit of pain and you knew it would only get better the next times.

"'m sorry I didn't last long", Arthur apologized as he laid down again next to you. You squeezed yourself against the wall, so he'd have more space. "Don't be stupid", you simply replied. You couldn't care less about how long he lasted. To stress how much you didn't mind, you pressed a kiss on his cheek. "Might go for a second round later to make it up to ya", Arthur said, his embarrassment now replaced by sass. You chuckled and sat up. Arthur had covered himself with a blanket from his hip downwards, but you still had a wonderful view on his torso.

Oh god, how you adored this man. Thinking back to a few minutes earlier how you had him at your mercy. Never before had you seen a man of Arthur's caliber - or any man to be precise - so responding and soft to a woman's touch. You could flick, hit and kick this man, he wouldn't feel more than when a fly landed on him; yet you had his knee buckle and body shiver. Suddenly, something came to your mind. Something, your mum had always done to you when she was still alive.

"Could you sit up? And have your feet on the ground", you instructed Arthur, who at first only rolled his eyes back to look at you questioningly. When he saw you smiling innocently, he sat up as you told him. He let the blanket rest in his lap. You crawled around on the bed until you were positioned behind Arthur. Then you placed your hands on his shoulders. They were huge. You knew that, of course, but now, touching them consciously, skin to skin, you felt nothing but hard muscle. You started to knead them, lightly at first, but quickly adjusting to a firmer grip.

Arthur chuckled: "What's that about, darlin'?"

"Figured you'd like a massage", you explained. You regretted not touching Arthur enough, so having him lie naked next to you, you thought you couldn’t let this chance pass. You were right to assume that his muscles must be tense. He had survived an intense week of riding and running around and if you could possibly offer even the slightest relief, you were up for that. You wouldn't admit it to him, but your hands got tired quickly. His shoulders being so broad and his muscles so hard, you had to put a lot of effort into the massage. Arthur's occasional hums made it worth it though.

"You should relax more often", you instructed after about five minutes when you had to take a break, now massaging your own hands that had almost gone numb. "Guess I'll have time to relax in Tahiti", Arthur turned around and smiled slightly. He gave you a peck before he stood up. It surprised you that he held the blanket in place when he waddled to his pants, but as he lowered it to get dressed, you saw why. He had hidden another erection which he now quickly covered with his underwear and pants. You smiled faintly. Without a question, you were way too exhausted for a second round. Your feelings were going crazy too, it was almost overwhelming. Nevertheless, you were proud of making Arthur feel this way.

"I'll get down to the others again, night's still young", Arthur said after a quick glance out of the window. "You coming?", he added. "In a minute. Mind handing me the blanket?", you asked and pointed at the blanket which Arthur had just dropped on the floor. Slowly, Arthur looked at the blanket, then at you. You sat on the bed, stark naked. He shrugged and cheekily said: "I'd rather not."

------x

this is my first smut, sry it took so long. I thought I had fallen from grace after I uploaded the first chapter of this story. Now I've uploaded smut. There's definitely no turning back now.

[entamewitchlulu]

Any thoughts about Yuma and Yusei role swap since you already did Yusei in Zexal? It's just I think Yuma have abandonment issues and a lot insecurity. And Yuma might not deal with very well with the whole Kalin thing and thing later Jack's betrayal if we're keeping him at 13.

you know it's been a very long time since i've dabbled in any thought experiments about protag switches, but i'll give this a surface level go at least? Took me a million years to answer this, so thanks for your patience lol.

I think the big issue here for Yuma in particular is that he's so much younger than the rest of the cast. He'd fill a totally different role to the other characters than Yusei did. Rather than being the cool, stoic pillar that others rely on, Yuma would be more of a little brother type of person to characters like Kiryu, Jack, and Crow. So just to start, everyone is in a much different dynamic.

So let's think real quick about Yusei's role in the backstory, particularly with Team Satisfaction. Yusei isn't really a natural leader. He sort of ends up sliding into that role in the absence of others, but he doesn't have much of a desire to lead. He's more comfortable supporting others. It's not until he gets the dragon's head that he becomes more of a leader. But he's more than happy to defer to Kiryu as the leader of Team Satisfaction, and after the team breaks up, Yusei alone can't keep them together. He's only sort of the leader of his little band of Satellite mechanics because he's calm and stoic and people tend to gravitate towards him.

Yuma is totally different. So if we plop him into Yusei's role, things change immediately. He's probably not as close to Kiryu as Yusei was (by that i mean, kiryu and yusei are definitely gay for each other and yuma is Too Young for kiryu lol). He didn't grow up with Jack and Crow, either, as Jack and Crow are both older. He's probably a scrappy orphan kid from Martha's orphanage who follows Jack and Crow around because they're the Cool Older Kids, but often gets them all into more trouble when he trips and skins his knee or knocks some stuff over. Jack probably finds this annoying, while Crow probably thinks its endearing. Crow's probably the first one to take Yuma under his wing (ha bird pun), and while Jack is irritable about it, we know he's generally pretty good with kids, so he bears Yuma's constant questions and interruptions. Crow is probably the one to teach Yuma how to play Duel Monsters in this situation.

When Jack and Crow eventually meet Kiryu, Yuma is already pretty ensconced as their little brother. At first, Kiryu doesn't want to evolve this little kid in his duel gang schemes, but Yuma keeps getting himself involved while he tags after Jack and Crow, or more likely, sneaks out after them. Yuma still kind of sucks at Duel Monsters for a while, but he starts to improve over time as he practices with Team Satisfaction. Kiryu never really officially makes him a member of Team Satisfaction ("maybe when you're older, kid"), but he does give Yuma one of their jackets. So Yuma isn't directly involved in the fallout between Jack, Crow, and Kiryu, and he isn't Kiryu's last resort to lean on when things start going to shit. He probably misses the fight between the three of them, and only finds out what happens when Jack and Crow return all pissed off, and don't want to talk about Kiryu anymore.

Yuma probably has just a little bit of idol worship for Kiryu (especially since at this point, he's like...11-12?), so he wants to find out what happens and goes looking for him. He happens to run into him after Kiryu has killed the Security officer, and he's pretty traumatized by it, so he runs away and runs into some other Security officers who end up arresting Kiryu. Kiryu does see Yuma with the Security officers the way he saw Yusei, but since Yuma is so little and he didn't have that direct falling out with him that Yusei did, Kiryu doesn't immediately come to the conclusion that Yuma sold him out. He does think that Yuma must have said something to Jack and Crow, and they probably sold him out, so that's where his budding hatred and anger that makes him a Dark Signer starts from.

This whole thing absolutely traumatizes Yuma, and he kind of closes off for a while. Due to Yuma being so young and not having been the last one to stick with Kiryu, he doesn't grow apart from Crow the way Yusei did, so Crow sticks close to try and keep an eye on him, being his normal papa bird self. Jack, for his part, does stay away for the most part. Crow tries to convince him to help support Yuma, but Jack doesn't feel like he can, so he keeps his distance.

Another big change here is that Yuma is so little (and also, not mechanically inclined) that he doesn't build his own D-Wheel. In an attempt to cheer him up, Crow tries to get Yuma to help him build a D-Wheel, and Yuma kind of starts to feel slightly better over time as he works with Crow.

Unfortunately, it's not long after this that Godwin makes his offer to Jack, and Jack is so disillusioned by the Kiryu situation that he accepts, even though it means stealing Stardust from Yuma. He takes a different tack with Yuma than he does with Yusei, because Yuma doesn't really need to be coerced with the Rally situation. It's actually pretty easy for Jack to just take Stardust from Yuma while he's left his deck out somewhere. Then he steals the D-Wheel that Yuma's been working on with Crow and fucks off.

This is pretty much the straw on the camel's back, and Yuma totally shuts down the way he does briefly in Zexal. He's lost the guy he admires, Kiryu, his big brother, Jack, and his precious card, Stardust, which is all he has to remember his long-dead parents by. Even Crow trying to lure him with building a new D-Wheel isn't enough, and Yuma pretty much just burrows into himself and finds places to hide. Eventually, Crow gets busy with the other kids he's been collecting over time, and he has less time to try and keep up with where Yuma has hidden himself this time.

In this scenario, it's actually Rally who manages to get through to Yuma. They're close in age and they both really looked up to Jack, so they've always been close in this situation. Rally is probably Yuma's best friend in this version of events, since Crow, Jack, and Kiryu are all more like big brothers. Rally encourages Yuma, and Yuma becomes determined to find a way to get to the City and confront Jack, and try to understand why he left him and everyone behind. He once again meets up with Crow to start working on a D-Wheel, again, but he secretly plans to use it to get to the City somehow. Crow's just glad that Yuma's come back out of his shell again and doesn't dig too deep; this also means that Crow comes into the story much earlier than he does in 5Ds canon, as he's essentially Yuma's guardian at this point.

At this point I'm not sure I want to overwhelm this already very long post by going into canon events, so I think this backstory is probably enough to address your question for now! I hope you found my take interesting :)

[doggernaut]

Zimbits, aging, and the mortifying ordeal of being known (especially by the one who loves you best)

I posted this little Zimbits ficlet the other day, which was inspired by this post by @weneedtotalkaboutfic, and it got me thinking about some of my older!Zimbits headcanons that I draw on when I'm writing future fic but have never really shared in one place. So, here are some headcanons about Bitty and Jack, specifically as they relate to how they handle getting older and the inevitable changes that accompany that. (Warning, talk of body image, diet culture, and other less desirable aspects of getting older.)

Jack, being older and in a profession that really takes a toll on his body, is the first to experience everything. At first it sneaks up on him. Is his ankle stiff because he's spent a lifetime playing hockey, or is that just something everybody experiences when they hit their thirties?

(A little of both, actually. There are definitely old hockey injuries that he just feels, all the time, but sometimes he'll sleep the wrong way and his neck will be stiff for a week. Or his knees will twinge when he has to get down on the floor and reach under the couch for a lost dog toy.)

Jack retires and puts on a little weight and at first it makes his anxiety flare. He's been on one sort of "diet" or another since he was a young teenager (first to lose weight, then to build muscle and stay in peak playing condition) and it's kind of scary to relinquish that control.

(I have this headcanon that Jack's parents tried to shield him from the worst of the criticism he received simply for existing as a child of two famous people, and didn't pressure him to be a certain way, but eventually he internalized the comments about how awkward and strange looking he was. They stuck with him. At some point when he's a young teenager he overhears a hockey coach or one of his father's friends complimenting his game and adding that if he were to lose the weight he'd be even better at hockey, and that sort of kickstarts his obsession with protein and calories and eating the "right" kind of foods. But to young Jack it's not about losing weight or looking "good," it's about being better at hockey.)

So relinquishing that control after actual decades is scary, but it's also kind of freeing. The alternative would be to spend hours a day working out or turn down Bitty's desserts, and Jack is not about that life. Have you tried Bitty's desserts?

(It helps that Bitty genuinely loves the way Jack looks at every stage of life, and doesn't hesitate to tell him. It also helps that their kids have never known him any other way and now that his body is built for snuggling toddlers instead of winning hockey games? It's actually pretty great.)

Bitty didn't think Jack could get any more handsome but once he starts going gray (silver, really)? He's so handsome Bitty can't stand it. Like, he's seen Jack's parents, he knows he has good genes, but mid-40s Jack is next level. Bitty regularly congratulates his 20-year-old self for having such good taste.

So Jack, for the most part, really leans into aging. It's Bitty who has a harder time with it. He's not insecure as much as he's just indignant that this has to happen.

With good reason though, since he's a TV personality. The camera doesn't lie. He's hyperaware of every line on his face and the slightest fluctuations in his weight.

Bitty's always looked younger than his age, so it's a rude awakening the first time he doesn't get carded while buying alcohol. Yes, he also complained when he was still getting carded at 28. It's the principle of the thing!

Bitty knows better, but he always falls for slick marketing campaigns, so he has a bathroom cabinet full of fancy anti-aging creams and expensive facial washes.

(Jack uses them too, but only because they're there and they smell good. He doesn't actually know what they're supposed to do, or how much money Bitty spends on them. Jack is just as happy to wash his face with the free bars of soap he gets in hotels.)

Bitty gets Botox once, right before filming on the new season of his show starts up, and Jack and their now-teenage kids gently chirp him about it. ("Are you mad at us, Dad? You sound mad but we can't tell because your face isn't moving.")

Every so often Bitty will dramatically declare he's going on a diet and cuts something--carbs, dairy, sugar, whatever evil he decides is the source of his woes--out completely. This never lasts more than two weeks, and Jack and the kids are always very relieved when he comes to his senses and starts baking again.

Bitty is also overly dramatic about the slightest ache or pain. He tweaks his back at a Zumba class and it's the end of the world. Jack, who thanks to hockey has lived with some baseline level of discomfort since his mid-twenties, isn't afraid to call him out. ("I'm dying, Jack!" "Take some Advil, put the heating pad on it, and make an appointment with the chiropractor in the morning.")

Okay, so maybe Bitty is a little insecure. This is Bitty of the Bitty's Better Booty Bureau, after all. He just needs a little reassurance once in a while. Which Jack is always happy to provide.

Because at the end of the day, Jack is still absolutely attracted to Bitty. He's hot, yeah, but his confidence and competence is also really sexy. Bitty's worked hard to get to the point in his career where people consider him a leader in his field. Jack accompanies him to awards shows and charity dinners and somehow it's not as bad as when he was the one in the spotlight because Bitty just shines. And even with all he has going on, he still finds time to whip up 200 cupcakes for the PTA on a moment's notice.

Those short shorts Bitty used to wear that drove Jack to distraction? Yes, he still has them. No, he doesn't wear them in public anymore. They're strictly a bedroom-only thing. Maybe he'll wear them around the house if the kids aren't home. Yes, they still drive Jack to distraction.

[purposefully-lost]

It took a second to dawn on her, but when it did, she couldn't help but laugh. What a coincidence, huh? The same kid that'd gotten Alex into trouble years ago was the one sitting beside him now, still.. She didn't want to think that he was trouble for Alex. She really didn't, not after the hard week he'd had and especially not after the change she'd seen in Alex since they'd met. It wasn't her best kept secret that she'd been worried over him for a while now; he'd struggled hard in those last couple of years of school and after graduation, it'd only clearly gotten worse. Going from her daughter to her son had seemed to bring him some comfort, sure, but his social life had been nonexistent apart from a part-time job. He'd been lost and as much she'd been aware it, she hadn't exactly known how to navigate it.

Jon made him happy. More than that, he kept him busy, kept him social. As much as he was the center of everything Alex talked about, there'd been mention of others, too. Other young men and women at the home that they'd gotten to know, that case worker Alex seemed to look up to. He had plans now, and ideas, and Jon was as much to blame for that as he was the swear words.

"I spent ten years waiting on that apology," she told him, her smile warm. "Thank you. ...You know, Alex used to ask if we thought you'd be there again. Every time we went for the next couple of years." He'd taken a quick liking to that little boy they'd met. Milly had regretted, just a little bit as they'd left, not asking his parents just where exactly they were local to for that reason alone. But there was also the reasons she'd refrained. There'd been something about the parents she hadn't exactly liked, and it hadn't just been that their youngest had a foul mouth. She didn't remember any details now, just the feeling.

Looking at Jonathan Stone, she wondered if that feeling shouldn't've been the thing to make her ask. She took a breath, her expression softening. She'd been wanting to talk to them about it all. Now didn't seem like such a bad time. "Listen, both of you.."

Alex's hand had slipped easily into Rabbit's, despite his own embarrassment. He was leaned against him too, the sudden memory of having asked after him prompting a quiet laugh. They'd both been looking for each other for far too long. The look on his mom's face sucked some of the giddiness out of him, though. He knew that look, the serious look that told him a conversation was due to happen. He bit his lip, giving her a small nod.

"How long has this been going on?" She asked, looking between the both of them. "The relationship."

"A few months," Alex answered. He squeezed Jack's hand. "Uh. A little after I started working with him."

She nodded. "I figured. ..I'm not mad, Alex, you can calm down," she told him, which only resulted in an increase to his embarrassment. She rolled her eyes a little at him, good-natured, and looked to Jon. Surely he knew more than anything how Alex's anxieties could get the best of him. Even so, the smile faded as she continued. "Listen," she started again. "You're both.. pretty much adults, now. It's not my job to sway you one way or the other. And honestly... you have been good for him."

Walking closer, she settled at the edge of the coffee table to level with them. Her attention was mostly on Jon. "He's been hiding you from me, but the effect you've had has been good. But," she searched the young man's face. It was hard to be stern with him-- he was a sweet and dorky kid and Alex's worry over him wasn't helping any. "That said. What I'm gonna ask of you is that you keep your head above water. I.. know you've had a hard life, Jon. And I know it's not always easy. But that one," She nodded towards Alex, "Cares too much to see you go under. You're not gonna hurt him like that. Okay?"

"Mom.."

"I'm talking to Jon. Deal?"

A week. Three days stuck a basement, four days stuck in a hospital. He couldn't take much more of this. Rabbit sat curled in the corner of his bed, tired from both the medication in his system and from just... existing. He knew he promised Alex he would behave, and he'd been trying his hardest, but he wasn't sure he'd get through another day without freaking out. Tugging his blanket up and around his shoulder, he grabbed the radio to cradle in his arms as he stared at the blank wall in front of him.

Rabbit wanted to pace. He wanted to pace and scream and cry, but his body stayed glued to his corner as a testament to the hot-and-cold game hid brain was playing with him. Mere seconds ago, he was worrying about breaking his promise to Alex, and now he was stuck wondering if he'd ever have the strength to move again. Clenching his jaw, he wrapped himself a little tighter and forced his eyes closed. He didn't want to sleep anymore, but it was better than this.

The sound of Blondie's soft, distinctive voice filled the four corners of the room as he dozed. Her heart was glass, and his was heavy like a stone, but still shattered all the same.

"That's mine!" Jack snatched the book from his foster brother's hand and frowned. His fingers were shaking as he checked the bound cover, running over the new dents on the outside. Maurice, E.M. Forster. It'd quickly become one of his favorites despite it being outside his usual interests of high fantasy and nonfiction survival books. He didn't dare peek through the pages; he was already terrified of the implications of Desmond knowing he was reading it in the first place. Without looking at him, he stepped back and swallowed, hoping to God the other boy would just pass by and leave him alone for the night.

"How old are you now?"

Jack blinked and brought his gaze up to his brother. "...Thirteen." He answered, his voice soft.

Desmond leaned closer to appraise the young man in front of him. What a little creepy freak. Since the moment his parents dragged him home five years ago, he'd been nothing but trouble with his crying and his tantrums and the running-- He was annoying and weird; he couldn't fucking stand him. A few weeks back he'd been found in the back yard with a lighter and now he'd been caught red handed with some book about a couple of homos? Desmond took him by the chin and pasted a smile on his face. "Old enough to learn to shave."

Jack's eyes widened. Before he could deny the suggestion, a flash of silver metal caught his eye. The moment he saw the knife in Desmond's hand, he wrenched himself free and stumbled into a sprint. No! No, no, no!

The click of the door had Rabbit shooting up and reaching for his face, grabbing at his upper lip. His whole body was trembling, and his heart was racing, drumming and shaking beneath his ribs. He was fine; his lip was fine. It'd healed over five years ago, leaving only the thick scar tissue there as a physical memory.

Eyes shifting to the door, he watched as the nurse tottered in. No cups. She wasn't here to medicate him?

"Jonathan. You're being discharged." She said and offered him a small smile. "You're free to go home. Do you want me to call anyone for you?"

Rabbit stood up slowly. He glanced around the room to make sure he wasn't still asleep before padding his way over. The nurse moved, pushing the door back open and holding it for him, watching carefully as he moved outside. They moved him through the motions, had him sign his paperwork, and gave him a bag of the things he'd come in with. He had the check-in nurse give Jen a call before they escorted him outside the ward.

Brows pinching, he glanced down the hospital hallway and sucked in a small breath. He was free.

@purposefully-lost

[fitzs-trained-monkey]

Chapter Thirty-Six: How I Did It - By Jack The Ripper

Rated PG-13: For dark themes and language

Masterlist

~We'll never get free Lamb to the slaughter What you gon' do When there's blood in the water? The price of your greed Is your son and your daughter What you gon' do When there's blood in the water?

Beg me for mercy Admit you were toxic You poisoned me just for Another dollar in your pocket Now I am the violence I am the sickness Won't accept your silence Beg me for forgiveness~

"He's here."

Crossing the Event-Horizon

That's what that's called. I've always thought that's the most beautiful way of putting it. The words have a certain ring to them.

Crossing the Event-Horizon

It means crossing the point of no return. That itself - the point of no return - could mean a lot of things. It could mean the beginning. It could mean the end. It could mean the infinite. It could mean life. It could mean death. It could mean war, peace, happiness, sadness, or anything in between.

But it means one thing for sure.

Crossing the Event-Horizon means there's no going back.

If I had to identify a beginning to the end of my story, then I think that little red dot on the map of time is where I'd stick my proverbial pin. That one little sentence, those two little words.

Yes, it was that moment, I think.

That was when it all started to go wrong.

"Felix is here," I said quietly, "He's outside."

I didn't know what I was going to do to get my revenge from that point. All I knew was, in order to kill Felix, I would need to get to him. And that meant getting away from Jack. Getting away from the son of the devil is something certainly easier said than done.

I would have to do it in a manner which would compel him and the Winchesters to come 'save me'. Of course, I could just knock Jack out and ditch him, but then I would have no back-up if things with Felix went sour. Now, if there was one thing I had learned in the five years leading up to my presence in that lighthouse, it was redundancy. It never hurts to have a safety net. Mine just happened to be a Nephilim.

"You remembered to lock the door, right?" Jack joked. I huffed a laugh. "We're safe in here. Don't worry, Marty. I'll protect you."

Isaac shook his head. "Felix has hostages. Two of 'em." He informed me.

"It's not me I'm worried about," I said to Jack, "This is a hostage situation."

The Nephilim's expression darkened and Isaac rolled his eyes.

"Personally, I say we go on the offensive. I mean, ya boyfriend here has more than enough juice to disintegrate seven dudes, right? Just waltz out there like we own the place, boom, clap, poof, TA-DA!"

"Ya know, that's actually not that bad of a plan," I said, nodding. I relayed the message to Jack who nodded.

"I could do it." He seemed confident.

"Felix brought six helpers. Have you ever dusted that many guys before?" I asked.

"I have, yes. Many more, in fact."

Well, that was... thoroughly disturbing. He seemed so calm about it. As if anyone who stood against him was nothing more than an obstacle. That could be me one day. That could be me tomorrow.

"Alright then, lead the way," I said, smirking.

Is it bad that I hoped something would happen to Jack? Nothing deadly, of course. Just something that would stop him from using his powers to take my revenge for me. Felix was mine. I needed to be the one to kill him. If Jack did it then what had been the point of it all? So, was it bad of me to hope that the quickest, cleanest solution wouldn't be the one that played out?

Was that wrong?

Did that make me evil?

Did I care if it did?

"Everything's going to be fine, Marty. You'll see." And Jack smiled at me softly and I wondered how long that would last.

I found myself standing beside him at the door to the lighthouse. My blood was boiling for a fight because this was it. Felix was on the other side of that door and in a few hours, I would be free, one way or another. Jack turned the handle.

Across the Event-Horizon.

A vampire, a ghost, and a Nephilim stepped out into the muggy night air. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but it was more the beginning of a new era, at least for me. I stayed mostly hidden beside Jack, maintaining my air of powerlessness. Isaac stepped into place at the Nephilim's other side to match. I could feel the heat of Felix's presence bleeding through the space between us. He carried with him the foul stench of burning tar and just his scent made me want to wrinkle my nose.

He stood about ten feet away from Isaac, Jack, and me, flanked by six other vampires. There was no army, not that I had expected there to be - that wasn't how Felix worked. He didn't need an army, he'd brought two hostages. Two humans knelt on the ground in front of each of Felix's lackeys, poised to die.

Felix's lips stretched into something that approximated a smile but his little ruse was transparent. I could see the hate simmering in his eyes.

"This little game of ours has been fun but a score still stands to be settled and its resolution, I do believe, is long overdue. There is no place left for you to run, child. Are you finally ready to face judgment for your crimes, Martina?" He said. A smile spread across my face to match his.

"Are you?" I challenged, leaving all human emotion out of my voice. I had been so afraid of him before, but that fear was in the past. I had come to witness true power, I had seen it up close and Felix Ashton Monroe was nothing in comparison. I wasn't afraid of him anymore.

"I suppose you'll just have to find that out," He said. "Now, I've just had a rather unsavory chat with one Samuel Winchester. Barbarians those boys are - him and his brother. I do so hope you'll remember the manners I taught you and come along like a civilized being."

"Ready when you are," Isaac reported. His Darth Vader figure was tucked safely in my boot and I counted the fact that Felix didn't know about him as one of the few advantages I had. Both Isaac and I knew that in order to keep that advantage my brother would have to suffer through being dragged behind a car via his attachment to the figure to prevent Felix from noticing his presence. We had decided a long time ago that I wouldn't face Felix alone. Isaac had protested against us facing him at all.

It was ironic, really. He was the ghost, yet out of the two of us, I was the vengeful one. See, Isaac had never sought revenge against Felix. The only person Isaac wanted vengeance against was himself. He sought punishment for his failure to keep me safe, to keep any of us safe. I suppose he got his wish. Ever since that night, Isaac remained trapped on earth with what was less of a mission and more of a duty. To keep me alive. If one looked at it properly, that was another advantage. Isaac had been formidable when he was alive, but as a vengeful spirit and with a threat on my life to power him up, Isaac was alarmingly deadly.

I didn't need to send him a discreet nod to acknowledge his words. The two of us had been preparing for this moment for five years. We knew our roles. We knew what we had to do.

"Marty isn't going anywhere with you," Jack cut in, his voice firm.

"You're Jack Kline I presume," Felix said in his usual drawling tone. His voice too reminded me of tar with the way it oozed lazily around his words. Everything about him was so clean and sharp yet somehow it was all horrifically revolting.

"I am, yes." Jack nodded. He was trying to sound confident and authoritative, mimicking Sam or Dean or Castiel. But he wasn't like them, it wasn't in his nature. Jack was too soft. Felix regarded him with a smirk, studying the boy in a calculating manner as if Jack were merely a rare antiquity he was appraising in an effort to determine its value.

"The boy born to rule..." He hummed, drawing out the words almost reverently. "Yer smaller than the rumors describe ye to be."

"So are you," Jack replied, standing up straighter and lifting his chin confidently.

"Oh, I'm afraid not." That slime ball cracked a smile. "I'm much too careful to allow for rumors of my physical appearance to drift beyond my reach."

"Really?" Jack challenged. "Because it seems like Martina found us. She told us everything about you."

Felix just laughed like he was talking to something as insignificant as a flea.

"Do ye never listen, young one? I said I don't allow rumors to drift beyond my reach. Seeing as Martina is standing directly ahead of me, I'd say she is well within my grasp. That which is mine does not escape me, laddie. She knows that better than anyone," Felix said.

"If you're so careful, then why come here yourself?" Jack asked, struggling to remain impassive. He didn't really have a poker face.

"Why, because unlike an amateur I actually quite enjoy getting my hands dirty every now and again. Especially with a vendetta this personal. Isn't that right, Martina?" Felix taunted. "Will you be coming willingly or not?"

"I said you can't have her," The half-angel forcefully growled. Jack pushed me behind him, shielding me from my creator's gaze.

"Is that so? I was unaware you had a choice in the matter," Felix accosted, seemingly amused. "Were your circumstances not clearly implicit in the situation? No? Very well! If you insist against using so much as a modicum of intelligence, I suppose I'll have to explain this situation to you. See, these dirty, pathetic excuses for intelligent life forms you see trembling before you are called humans, dear boy. I hear you're quite fond of them, and today they are playing the role which we in the criminal world usually refer to as the hostage. Now, their miserable little lives are in your hands, Jack. I am a man of my word thus I will gladly release them, alive and well, upon the prompt return of my property. However, I will not hesitate to rip them both to shreds right in front of you if I don't get my way. Do you understand that , boy?"

Jack didn't respond. He appeared torn between protecting me and saving the lives of the hostages.

"Good," Felix droned, "Now, are you ready to leave, Martina dear?"

" You don't get to speak to her ," Jack snarled. His teeth snapped together with an audible click as he threw his arm out in front of me, not quite ready to give up. Felix rolled his eyes.

"Must we really do this the hard way?" He asked, boredom evident in his tone.

"Yes."

Felix tilted his head and his gaze flicked to me. I could see a hint of amusement in his expression.

"Tell me, lassie. Have you kissed him yet?" He chuckled. Then, abruptly, his expression darkened. "Or is he just that stupid? "

"Who says I did anything?" I replied evenly. Felix huffed, rolling his eyes.

"So you have?" He turned his attention to Jack who just seemed confused. "Did you enjoy it, me boy? If you'll recall, I did wish you a very exciting first, did I not?"

"Marty, what's he talking about?" Jack asked, doubt wavering in his voice. I didn't answer him. Felix was taking a chisel to the wall I'd built in that boy's head. Not causing enough damage to send it crumbling, but planting enough doubt for it to hurt even worse when it did.

"Ah, my devious little Martina," Felix sighed, shaking his head dramatically. "You're as predictable as you are appallingly cruel."

"Guess I learned from the best," I hissed, glaring at him.

"Does that mean you'll be sensible?" He asked, raising a brow.

"You're not taking her!" My angel boy yelled. "She's mine. " A shock ran through my bones as Jack's powers ignited and his metaphysical wings spread out in front of me in a terrifying reminder of what he truly was.

Felix didn't flinch. Instead, he chuckled.

"That's cute," He said, gesturing to Jack's massive wings. Then, he straightened the cuffs of his suit and sighed. From out of his pocket he retrieved a box of matches, pulling one out and striking it. He tossed the match lazily in front of him, the reflection of its tiny flame dancing in his eyes.

The match hit the sand and flickering orange flames erupted from where it landed. The fire spread outward in a ring that encompassed the entire lighthouse, trapping me, Jack, and Isaac inside.

Jack hissed through his teeth as he watched the flames die down. They were low enough to pass easily through, so how were they supposed to contain us?

"In case ye can't tell, that there is holy fire," Felix informed, tucking the matches back in his pocket. "Any angel who finds themselves encircled by holy fire is rendered powerless, and if one tries to step through those flames, one will be instantly vaporized." He looked up again, unimpressed. "Don't get smart with me, boy . I am thousands of years your senior. I'll do with that disgusting whore whatever I damn please."

"No, you won't !"Jack yelled. His wings flared out and a blazing golden light poured from him like molten metal. The air buzzed with a divine power that burned my skin from standing so close. He was like sunlight, and it burned. I cowered away but watched in awe as Jack's veins lit beneath his skin as if gold were pumping through them instead of blood. Because that's what Jack Kline was. He was power. With a sudden ferocity, the flames leaped up, roaring around his body in an effort to keep him trapped inside. But Jack did the impossible and stepped beyond the ring with a cry of effort.

Felix did not cower away as his underlings did; he merely tilted his head with slight interest.

"How intriguing," He mused, folding his hands in front of him. "Tell me, lad. How did you manage that?"

Jack glared at Felix, his chest heaving, for I could tell that act had caused him pain.

"I'm not an angel."

Jack raised his hand, poised to snap the monsters all into dust.

"Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you," Felix half-heartedly warned.

"Why not?" The Nephilim ground out.

The vampire smiled coolly. "Because these fine specimens here are not my only hostages." Of course, he had more. He was always prepared.

"Where are the others?" Jack demanded, eyes flaring.

"They're safe and sound, I assure ye. Unless, of course, you try to do somethin' stupid, such as kill me. If that's the case, and I do hope it's not, then my people have orders to do some rather unsavory things to a room full of children." Felix raised a brow, daring Jack to make a move against him.

"I can save them," Jack said, confident.

"Please! Ye don't even know where they are!" He scoffed. "Do what ye must, Jack Kline. But I really do fear for the children." Jack gritted his teeth but said nothing. He knew he was beaten. "That's better." Felix turned his attention to me. "Give up this pitiful act of yours, Martina. Come on out. You know this is checkmate."

I stepped away from Jack and stood tall, allowing the thing that had made me to see the steel in my eyes. I passed Jack and planted myself in front of Felix.

"This isn't checkmate, Monroe. This is merely check. I'll be damned before I walk into something with no way out, you know that better than anyone." My voice was calm and cool and I let it chill him. It was my real voice, not that other one I always used to put people at ease. My real voice was the one that makes people do what I want.

The corner of Felix's mouth twitched up. "Oh, yes. I know." He leaned down, his face merely an inch away from mine. "I'm looking forward to it."

"So, where's the car?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Right this way, m'dear." He gestured towards the dirt road a ways away and started toward it. I began to follow but Jack's voice made me stop.

"You're a monster," He spat, shaking with rage. His pained expression had morphed into one of hatred and his glowing golden eyes fixed on Felix.

Felix twisted around, mildly amused more than anything.

"Empathy, humanity, and morality make you weak, boy. Alas, weakness is a bitch , isn't it?" He smirked, basking in the pain he caused.

"I SWEAR I WILL KILL YOU!" Jack screamed. His power flared with his anger but there was nothing he could do. The absolute helplessness and hopelessness of his situation finally dawned on him. He never could stand feeling helpless.

"Hold on, I'm confused. Is that not what you do ?" Felix jeered, lifting a brow. Jack froze, his eyes going wide and puppy-like as the vampire's words hit him in the heart. His rage and power dimmed.

"W-What?" Poor thing. His voice sounded so small. He had never been made for this.

"You're the Winchester's attack dog, are ye' not?" Felix clarified. "Playing judge, jury, and executioner for anything you deem a monster."

"You are a monster," Jack scowled, clenching his fists.

"Oh, I know that!" Felix laughed. "But I like to think I've done quite a bit to earn me that title. There are, however, six quite innocent and quite human patients in critical condition at a Manhattan hospital. Six patients, who you put there. Those weren't monsters now, were they?"

Jack's face paled. Sam and Dean had said everyone was fine. Sam and Dean had lied. "H-How did- How did you-"

"That was some stunt you pulled in Times Square, boy," He mused. "Did you really think I wouldn't know about it?"

"Th-that w-was... I-it wasn't... I didn't mean to I-" Jack shook his head in denial. "It was an accident!"

"Why, of course it was!" Felix laughed. "You've not a malicious heart nor the disposition to take an innocent life. Dear boy, you are but a loaded gun for the Winchesters aim at anything they don't like."

Jack shook his head. "T-that's not true! I kill things that are evil because they hurt people." His words sounded hollow like they were something practiced. Like something that had been pounded into him.

"Do ye now? Because as I recall, you killed your own mother and ye' don't even know why. Sad, that." Felix smiled. "You kill because you were bred to; it's your purpose. It's almost cute, the son of the devil thinking he's a hero."

"I am ! I'm a hunter!" Jack insisted.

"You are not a hero," Felix sneered, shaking his head. "You are a murderer, Jack Kline. What else could ya be?" The Scottish man turned on his heel, not caring much to hear what the Nephilim had to say.

"Y-you're wrong. You're wrong about me!" That was all Jack could force out. He tried so hard to keep the tears at bay. I shook my head and turned away from him to follow my creator. "M-Marty?" Jack called out from behind me, his voice laced with desperation and confusion.

I stopped.

In that moment, I finally stripped away the final pieces of the human girl I'd made for him. The girl I'd designed for him to love. Jack would never see her again. That girl was gone now. And good riddance to her; I hoped she'd never come back.

Because she was weak.

And I was not.

Because she was human.

And I was a monster.

Because she was kind.

And I was cruel.

Because she was innocent.

And I was insane.

Because she was honest and grateful.

And I was a deceitful manipulator.

Because she was the blissful mirage.

And I was the horrid reality.

Because she was perfect.

And I never could be.

Because Jack Kline loved that sweet girl.

But that girl wasn't ME.

She never had been.

Of course, I still loved him which only made this harder. But I supposed that in a few hours that would be of no consequence. He wouldn't care. And that fact hurt like a needle to the heart, but pain only brings power to those with nothing left to lose. So, I threw my head back and I laughed as I embraced that pain, just as I did for every other cut and bruise I had ever received. That needle was one in a million and all that pain was what made me real. So, I sighed and turned back to where my angel boy stood, staring at me like some lost puppy.

"I'm sorry, Jack," I said sweetly, "Thanks for getting me this far, I don't think I could have done it without you. Unfortunately, this is something I have to do on my own. This is my last page and nobody can write it for me."

"You can't go," He said, shaking his head. There were tears in his eyes but none in mine. I smiled at him and that was the first he'd seen from me that was real, because, for the first time, Jack was talking to me.

"Why are you worried, Jack?" I was surprised at how smooth and pleasing my own voice sounded, now that I took notice. My real voice was why I was dangerous; when I used it I could make anyone do anything. But there was a reason I had been masking it for so long. It was what had gotten me into this in the first place. "I know you'll come to save me."

"What if I'm too late?" He asked, his voice breaking.

"Then I'll be there waiting for you," I answered.

"You'll die," Jack whispered. I laughed lightly, shaking my head.

"I'm not going to die today, Jack."

"You don't know that!"

"I've known for longer than you think," I said. I watched his teary, desperate expression and copied it to my memory as best as I could. It was the last time he'd look at me that way. At least for a while. "Just do me one last favor?"

"Anything," Jack promised.

"There's a girl you haven't met yet, try not to hate her when you do." I smiled and Jack nodded, trying his best to stay strong.

Then I left him there.

Alone in the sand, he watched a stranger he thought he loved going to what he thought was her death and vowed to save her from it.

Was it wrong for me to deceive him?

Did I care if it was?

***

Sam paced back and forth along the length of the lighthouse as he waited for Dean and Castiel to return. Every few minutes or so he would check his watch anxiously and run a hand through his hair, muttering something unintelligible under his breath before he resumed his pacing.

But Jack wasn't paying attention to that. He was busy staring at his hands. There were too many thoughts racing through his head for him to focus on any one of them. It had all happened so fast and there was nothing he could have done, but it didn't feel that way. Jack felt responsible. Martina was going to die because of him. It was his fault.

It was always his fault.

The door of the Lighthouse burst open, revealing Dean and Cas standing there in the driving rain that had come on before anyone had time to notice. Dean threw himself inside and Cas trailed after him, taking the time to close the lighthouse door while Dean shook the rain off like an oversized dog.

"What took you so long?" Sam was immediately questioning. "Where were you?"

"Gettin' information," Dean smirked. "It took a while, but one of the bloodsuckers squealed. What happened here, Jack?"

"I kissed Martina," Jack blurted out.

"What?" Sam, Dean, and Cas asked in unison, sharing the same disbelieving expression.

Jack hadn't meant to say it but it just sort of came out. It probably wasn't his fault, though. Jack simply couldn't stop thinking about every detail of his time with the girl in the lighthouse. He wanted to focus on what had happened after, but his brain simply wouldn't cooperate.

"I, um... I kissed Martina..." He repeated, somewhat nervously. "And I think I liked it..."

Had he liked it? Jack thought so; he was pretty sure. But something about it felt off.

Why had he kissed her in the first place? What had compelled him to do that? Jack didn't know.

His memories of the kiss were strange. He remembered clearly the emotions he'd felt, and the intensity of them. Yet, for some reason, Jack couldn't seem to recall where those feelings had come from. He had wanted to kiss Martina, but not like that... Or... maybe he had? It felt to Jack as if the decisions he'd made weren't his own. He couldn't even remember making any decisions, really. All he remembered was those feelings and acting on them. Something about that seemed off to him but Jack wasn't sure. He supposed it wasn't that out of the ordinary for him to behave impulsively. On the contrary, he tended to do that quite a lot. So, what was bothering him?

"Wait..." Dean paled, "You and Marty... You- You two didn't, like... do it in a lighthouse, right?"

Jack tilted his head, brows furrowing. "Do what?"

"C-Cas?" Dean's face whitened another shade as he turned to the seraph. "Please tell me your son didn't-" Castiel gave a long-suffering sigh.

"No, Dean. I really don't think they did anything," He said, rolling his eyes.

"Not everyone is like you," Sam added. Dean waved him off.

"Yeah, okay, but why am I the only one gettin' weirded out by this?" He exclaimed.

"Because we have bigger problems, Dean!" Sam pointed out, exasperated. Sam seemed anxious and Jack wondered what he wanted to tell them.

"Well, I think this is pretty big!" Dean insisted, turning to Jack. "Dude, what the hell?"

"I don't understand what you mean. Martina and I kissed." Jack said simply.

"Dean, seriously. I-" Sam tried. Dean held up a hand, sighing.

Dean sighed. "Jack... Y-You don't do that."

"Dean! Listen-"

"Not now, Sam!" Dean cut him off again.

"Why not? Jack asked, frowning.

"Look, ya just- Ya gotta wait a little while, man!" Dean said, running a hand over his face. "I mean, Marty's like, twelve!" He insisted. By then, Sam had decided he'd had it.

"No, Dean! She's really not!" The younger Winchester yelled, throwing his hands in the air.

"What?" Dean was shocked by his brother's sudden outburst. Sam took a deep breath to calm himself now that he had everyone's attention.

"Martina's not as young as we think she is. I-I think she's older, m-much older." Sam said, stress leaking into his tone.

"What are you saying, Sam?" Cas asked.

"I'm saying we've been played."

***

The car ride was smooth and it was the first time I'd been in a limo, so naturally, I took the comforts offered me. I stretched out across the seat, lounging as I stared out the tinted window. I didn't worry about Felix sitting directly across from me. I knew he didn't want to kill me. Not yet anyway.

"I'm curious, how did you manage to fool them?" He asked, watching me with a comfortable expression.

I shrugged. "Long story, lots of boring details."

"Indulge me," He insisted.

"Why should I?" I asked. He shrugged, mimicking me.

"I'm simply curious."

I hummed. "I bet you are."

He smirked. "Well, what can I say? It's just my nature." I nodded vaguely, continuing to stare out the window. We both knew how this would end. There was no real reason not to tell him.

"Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester and the angel Castiel..." I said their names thoughtfully, allowing the corner of my lips to twitch up into a sly smile. "They seem so simple at first glance. You have the poor unfortunate soul who lost so much yet kept his kindness, the perfect killer who spent his whole life at war, and the fallen angel who found a home. But if that was all there was then I never would have fooled them. However, for men who claim to be so faithless, there's so much they want to believe in."

"Whot do ye mean?" Felix asked, tilting his head. I smirked lazily. T

"I'll start with Sam. Sam is kind because he's damaged, but the last thing he is is a fool. When someone's good at unraveling lies, the last thing you do is give them a really big one to unravel. If you do that, then they'll cut right through and they'll figure you out easily. So, what do you do? You give them distractions. Hide puzzles within puzzles and Sam will stop to solve each one because he loves it. But how do you get him to ignore the big picture?" I stopped and grinned.

"It's easy really. All I had to do was appeal to his hate. Sam Winchester is so extraordinarily full of such raw and powerful hate, that if you simply aim it at a conceivable target, he can ignore anything else. And of course, with his hate blinding him to the truth, Sam can't figure out the lie. All one has to do to fool Sam is give him a puzzle to solve and something to hate.

"So, I made him hate you."

***

"How?" Castiel asked, tilting his head.

"It's Marty. We can't trust her," Sam said. Dean scoffed

"After all that lecturing earlier? Why the hell not?" He demanded. Sam took a nervous breath.

"Because she's been lying to us, Dean," He said. "I-I think she's been lying to us this whole time."

Dean's jaw clenched and he crossed his arms over his chest. "What are you talking about, Sam?" His voice was tight and guarded.

"I talked to Felix after I saved the little girl," Sam admitted.

"You just stood there and talked to that son of a bitch! He's a sick, messed up, psychopath! Sam, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Dean yelled. Sam held out his hands in a peacemaking gesture.

"I know w-what he is, Dean. A-and, believe me, I thought the same things you are now and I swear it was over the phone a-and all he did w-was tell me things. But-" Sam hissed through his teeth and tugged at his hair, seemingly at war with himself.

"But what, Sam?"

"I don't know. He- he just-"

"You don't know?!" Dean interrupted accusingly.

"H-He said things, alright! Felix told me things. Things about Marty. A-and they- they made - They just made so much sense! And I hate him just as much as you do and I don't wanna believe him but-" Sam's voice faltered and he shook his head seeming lost.

"What did he tell you?" Castiel pressed, gentle but still firm.

"He told me Martina killed his wife."

***

"Now, Dean? Dean's a little harder," I said as the driver made a sharp left-hand turn. "Dean's not just a hardened killer, though that's mostly what he wants people to see. He wants people to see the machine without a heart so no one will see how horrifically broken he really is." Thinking of what Dean was really like made me laugh and I flicked my gaze at Felix. "And believe me when I say that there's nothing that could fix him by now."

"But there's so much more to him than the killer and the brokenness. Dean's the righteous man who's never known a day away from war. There are so many things he wants so desperately. Dean dreams of walking peacefully along a beach yet he's never even been to one. For all he's never had Dean tries to give it to others. For all the blood and death he's seen he's remarkably full of love. Love is the key, really. Dean Winchester loves more powerfully than anyone I've ever met. If Dean loves someone he'll do anything for them.

"He sees my age and sees in me the child he never was. He sees me afraid and wants to provide me the protection no one gave him. He sees me flinch when someone yells and wants to offer me the security he never knew. He sees an orphan and wants to give me the parental love he never had. All one has to do to fool Dean Winchester is give him a child to love.

"So, I made him love me."

***

"And you believed him?" Dean scoffed. "Marty is a kid, Sam! She's a kid! Just a scared kid who needs our protection! Marty never could have done something like that."

"Why not?" Cas spoke up. All eyes snapped to the angel.

"BECAUSE SHE'S A KID!" Dean roared. Jack flinched away from him, he'd always hated when Dean yelled. It scared him. Though, this time Dean sounded less angry and more desperate. As if there was something he didn't want to believe. As if yelling the words would make them true.

"T-that's what I thought too. But what if we're wrong?" Sam asked.

"How could we be wrong?" Dean demanded.

"What if Marty's not a kid?" Sam carefully spoke, "What if she's not human?"

Dean shook his head. "No," He said, "No, you're wrong. I know what you're thinkin' and you're wrong." Jack shook his head too. There was no way... was there? Something itched at the back of his mind. He didn't know what it was. Did he want to?

"Dean, I know this is hard to accept, but we need to think this through," Sam said, holding his hands out beseechingly.

"We don't have time for that!" Jack spoke up. "Felix is going to kill Marty! We can't just let her die!"

Sam held up a hand. "He's not gonna kill her, not for a while. We have time."

"No, you don't get it! I promised I'd save her!" Jack said.

"Exactly!" Sam pointed out. "Jack, that's exactly what she wants! She's been planning this the whole time."

"What do you mean 'the whole time'?" Dean inquired, crossing his arms.

"Think back to the beginning, w-when we first met Marty," Sam said, walking them through it. "Why were we in Copper Harbor?"

"For a ghost hunt," Jack answered, impatience leaking through his tone.

"You're right, but there was another case there. What was it?"

"Blood was being stolen from the hospital..." Cas said slowly as if remembering.

"Exactly! Exactly." Sam took a breath. "Now, that ghost in the viral video, who was it? Was it whoever's bones we burned?"

"No, it was..." Jack made the connection. Why hadn't he noticed that before? "It was Isaac."

"Okay, so that means..." He trailed off.

"That Marty was lying about the hunt and the bones," Cas finished.

"Right, now why would she do that?"

"I dunno, professor. Maybe so we wouldn't torch her brother?" Dean rolled his eyes.

Sam pursed his lips, sighing. "Well, yes, b-but no! This isn't about Isaac, this is about Marty. What would she have been hiding?"

"The blood theft," Cas said decisively. Dean shook his head.

"That's a coincidence. Marty can't be - She can't-" He couldn't even say it. He could hardly think it. "Marty can't be a vampire."

***

"Castiel was harder," I continued. "Aside from the fact that he's a multi-billion-year-old cosmic being, Castiel also lacks a soul. That made tapping into his emotions significantly more difficult, but once I did that it was quite clear that I could never fool him. At least, not directly. He's intelligent, not easily deceived, and he always tries to do what he thinks is best. Whatever that course of action might be, more often than not, it hasn't been the right one.

"Castiel is, primarily, a screw-up. There's a lot of history and even more drama involving his fellow angels and the Winchesters, and he has consistently attempted to fight for both sides of the war between them. His torn loyalties have caused a great many more problems than they've fixed and it seems as though any attempt to fix one of said problems breeds yet more chaos. Castiel is rebellious. He can never seem to do what he's supposed to. So, naturally, that makes him the most dangerous piece on the board.

"When Castiel sets his mind on something, there isn't much that can sway him. His actions have proven, repeatedly I might add, that he is even willing to go behind the backs of the Winchesters if he believes it's for the greater good. But his destructive pattern stops only for the one person he's never betrayed. Thus, to fool Castiel one has to fool his son.

"So, I got my hands on Jack."

***

"Why not?" Cas snapped.

"'Cause she just can't!" Dean's voice broke.

"She single-handedly killed five vampires, Dean! Remember?" Cas pressed. "There's no way a mere child her age could have done that."

Jack shook his head, refusing to believe it. "Marty can't be a vampire. Dad, she just can't be."

Castiel sighed, his eyes soft. "I know you want to believe that."

"Why shouldn't we?" Dean challenged.

"Because she killed five vampires single handedly! What part of that escapes your understanding?!" Cas repeated with frustration.

"We don't know what happened in there!" Dean persisted.

"Exactly! WE DON'T KNOW!" Cas yelled.

"THEN WE CAN'T ACCUSE, CAN WE?" Dean shouted back. Jack flinched again and Cas took notice, forcibly relaxing his posture in hopes of reassuring his son.

Sam groaned. "Look at the facts, Dean. The research!"

"Damn the research, Sammy! This is Marty! We know her!"

"We know she's an empath!" Sam spat. "She's been playing with all our emotions, we know that! We need to look at this objectively and, as hard as that might be, it means looking at the facts!"

"What about the facts?" Dean asked reluctantly.

"Think about it," The younger brother said. "W-we did the research, remember? Remember how none of it lined up?"

"Yeah, because Felix messed with it!" Dean tried.

"Not all of it," Sam pointed out, "Marty said she was nine when she died, but her youngest brother was ten. Remember that? How could she have been younger than her youngest sibling?"

"Sam, that-"

"Because she wasn't, Dean," He hissed, "She wasn't nine. Marty was sixteen."

"I-I remember..." Dean froze, his eyes flicking up to meet his brother. "Sammy..." He said, his voice tense and shaking, "How did I forget that?"

Dread coated Castiel's tone as he answered instead.

"I think she wanted us to."

***

"Jack is a very special boy," I said, sarcasm lacing my tone. "Although, he is the offspring of a fallen archangel, so I'd assume that 'special' comes rather naturally. Thanks for that clue, by the way. It would have taken me much longer to figure him out if it wasn't for that itty bitty little detail."

"You would have gotten it regardless." Felix shrugged.

"Of course I would've!" I snorted, shaking my head. "I didn't think my abilities were of any question."

"They weren't," Felix replied. "I know what you're capable of, lassie."

I smirked devilishly. "You should." Felix's hand clenched into a fist and he sent me a tight smile.

"Indeed." He forced the word through his teeth. "Which is why I'm surprised you enlisted to lie to that boy so completely. Doesn't that violate whatever moral code of Donoghue's it is that you've adopted?" I nodded and shrugged with a sigh.

"You're right, it does. Jack is in many senses young and vulnerable and on top of that, he's dreadfully naïve. He could never deserve what I did to him." I huffed out a humorless laugh as my face twisted into a sneer. "But you do. So I made an exception."

Felix shook his head as if disappointed. "Now, now, Martina. When one has a goal, one does not make exceptions. Lest they desire to fail, of course. Only hypocrites make exceptions. Did I teach you nothing?"

"I'm not like you," I spat.

"Is that what it looks like from where you sit?" He mused quietly. I flashed him a barred toothed grin and continued.

"There's only one that Jack Kline truly wants in this world. He wants to be good - to prove to himself and those around him that despite his parentage, he can be good. He's been told that there's something wrong with him, so he wants to find a way to somehow purge it. But he can't because there's nothing wrong and there never was. Yet, he can't believe that. So it leaves him with an insatiable desire to please.

"It's pathetic, really. He seeks validation in everything. He thinks he has to be useful to be loved. Otherwise, he's just a burden, one that nobody wanted. Jack doesn't want to believe that; he wants to be told that isn't true. Jack Kline may be powerful but he's also soft - moldable if you will. See, he's so haplessly needy that it's honestly sickening. He'll do anything for you to tell him what he wants to hear. And he'll do anything to keep hearing it.

"Jack is a combination of his three guardians. He's desperate. Like Dean, he doesn't want to see what's right in front of him. But he's not stupid. I had to erase his memory more than once. Then, like Sam, I simply distracted him and, much like Castiel, I had to keep him in line by appealing to that insatiable need of his. To fool Jack Kline one has to give him someone to save.

"He thinks he's saving me." I smiled fondly when I'd finished, glancing up at Felix with a challenge in my gaze.

"Well, we both know that's impossible," He said, eyeing me with a smirk, "There's nothing left in that cold shell of yours worth saving." I grinned, showing him the insane thing he'd created.

"You're damn right."

***

Then, like a memory, there were words running through Jack's head. Words and voices, but he didn't remember hearing them.

'You said you were nine then! But y-you - you weren't!' That was his voice in his ears. But Jack couldn't remember saying those words. 'You haven't aged a day... Five years and you haven't aged a day.'

'I aged about a month, actually.'

The other voice was Marty. The words buzzed like static, making his headache. Jack shook his head. It was like Deja Vue but entirely more vivid. Sam, Dean, and Cas kept talking. It was hard to hear them through the ringing in his ears.

"Cas, are you saying she can wipe memories?" Dean asked.

"I'm not sure," Castiel replied, shaking his head. "But she can certainly suppress them."

"But it-it must only work when she's around b-because when she's gone - I know for me - When Marty's not around I-I start to remember," Sam said.

The ringing in Jack's ears intensified, making him groan and grasp at his head. He clamped his hands over his ears but the ringing only grew louder. It was like angel radio, but instead of being surrounded by fire, Jack felt like he was burning from the inside out.

"Jack?" Cas was calling his name. "What's going on?"

"I-I don't- I-" Jack gasped, the pain growing stronger. "It hurts! Dad, please make it stop!"

"Jack? JACK!"

He stumbled into Cas's arms as another blurred memory hit him like a train.

'I'm gonna need you to forget that,' Marty's voice whispered in his head. She sounded so gentle, so inviting. She sounded like a spider.

'I wish I could,' His own voice shook as Jack listened to himself say words he couldn't remember speaking. It felt like a memory that didn't belong to him.

There was more to it this time. There was a picture frame, but the picture inside was out of focus. There was an image. It was Martina. She had fangs. And there was something else too. Jack could feel it like a phantom pain. It was terror. The paralyzing kind. The feeling of being trapped. Jack felt the shadow of limbs and he couldn't move. He was trapped. Jack couldn't get out. He was trapped like a fly in a web. Marty was the spider. He couldn't get away. He couldn't get away from her.

She wouldn't let him.

'I can make you forget,' She was going to hurt him. ' Take us back to the night we met. '

'What do you mean?' His voice asked cautiously. He was scared. He was so scared. He couldn't get out.

'I'm going to talk to you, and then you're going to forget, and everything will be back to the way it was.'

'You're a monster.' He'd said

The ringing in Jack's ears faded and he bolted upright, gasping and shaking as panic set in. He needed to tell Sam, Dean, and Castiel what he'd remembered but he couldn't seem to find the words.

"S-She lied." That was all he could force out.

"Jack, what happened? Are you okay?" Castiel worried, checking over him. Jack just shook his head.

"She did something to me," He choked out, shaking. "I don't know. I can't remember. Why can't I remember? She did something to me!" He felt sick. There was something wrong with him.

No.

There was something wrong with Marty.

She was sick.

"What? What did she do?" Dean demanded, eyes wide.

"She-She made me forget. I knew. I-I knew and she made me forget!"

"Forget what?" Sam asked.

"I figured her out a-and she made me forget but I remembered." Jack stopped and only then did he realize he was crying. "She's one of them."

Because she had betrayed him. Marty had betrayed all of them. Jack didn't even know what to believe anymore. Had any of it been real? Or was it all some twisted lie?

"I'm sorry, Jack," Cas offered quietly.

"You were right, Sam," Jack whispered. He couldn't stop his voice from shattering. "Martina is a monster. A-And she lied."

There was silence for a moment. Then, Dean spoke up. Because someone had to take the lead and it was always him. It wasn't fair, but it was always him.

"We gotta go," He said, struggling to make his voice sound cold and firm. But he'd lost a daughter today.

"W-Where?" Sam asked.

"Me and Cas know where Felix is taking Marty. That kid's got some answering to do," Dean answered, his green eyes darkening with his tone. Castiel stood, helping Jack climb to his feet.

"Martina is dangerous, Dean. Are you sure you're willing to do what may be necessary?" Cas asked, watching Dean with a somber expression.

"It's not gonna come to that," Dean said.

"And if it does?"

"I will." Jack's voice was quiet but it caught the adult's attention.

"Jack, are you- Are you really sure?" Cas asked gently. Jack shook his head.

"I don't want to kill Martina. But you're right, she is dangerous." His voice faltered. "I can't let her hurt anybody else."

***

Felix's limo pulled into the garage of what was easily a multi-million dollar home. It was four stories and it reminded me of a castle with its dull grey stone and tall windows. The interior of the garage was constructed simply of polished cement and was entirely empty aside from the car now parked within it. I sent Felix a smirk and climbed from the vehicle, slamming the door shut behind me. The car was surrounded. Twenty or so of Felix's vamps stood guard but I knew they were more for display than anything else. Some of them I recognized, some I didn't.

"And here I thought this little girl's night was just gonna be you and me," I huffed dramatically upon seeing them, "You had me feeling all special."

"Sorry to disappoint, Lassie," Felix drawled. "But don't worry, I invited some of your friends too. Well, just one to be exact."

I shot him a curious glance but shrugged before sauntering my way past Felix's lackeys like I owned the place. I supposed I had, but that was so long ago. Were his minions really still so afraid of me? I surveyed one of the vamps as I passed him, taking notice of the bead of sweat dripping down his neck. He was clearly terrified.

So, they remembered who their queen was. Good.

Spinning on my toe like a ballerina, I let a bubbling laugh escape my throat. All of Felix's soldiers turned to face me, watching with careful eyes.

"Hello, Lovelies!" I called, grinning. A few of them shifted nervously. "Just thought you all should know, both your beloved Prince and Princess are dead! I killed them!" Murmurs spread around the empty garage, echoing off the polished grey walls. "That's right! Boyd's head I ripped off with a tractor, though I'm sure your leader was glad to finally be rid of his bastard son." I glanced at Felix who stood there stoically and winked. "I knew about that, by the way. As for Elwyn, I had the Devil's son snap her into dust like Peter Parker in Infinity War. 'Cept she ain't comin' back!" I giggled in reaction to the horrified expressions of Felix's soldiers and send the man himself a smirk before whipping around again.

"Ye know, Martina?" His voice made me pause though I kept my back to him. "I look at you and I don't see anyone looking back..." He trailed off, his tone thoughtful. "Where is that soul you used to have?"

"Just like I told your daughter, I lost it in the woods in favor of something else. You wanted me to learn something and I learned it!" I eyed him over my shoulder. "You never should have sent me there."

"I know that now." Felix sounded almost solemn. "Whatever Sampson brought back with him wasn't the girl I tossed in, was it?"

I shrugged. "That's where you're wrong. It's still me. Like I said, I just learned something over there is all."

"And what did you learn?" He wondered.

"That you were wrong."

"It doesn't seem I was," He said. I chuckled softly.

"You said I was made to be a queen. You were wrong."

"Aye?"

"I'm not a queen, Monroe." I turned to face him. "I'm a damn Empress." I grinned. "And, honey, you should see me in your crown."

I didn't bother to watch his expression. I just turned and walked.

Pushing my way through the garage door, I skipped down a long, dark hallway decorated with dark wooden pieces that I was sure had cost more money than they were worth. I smirked upon hearing Felix's footsteps trailing behind me. Whirling around and walking backward, I grinned at my former torturer.

"Got anything you didn't wanna say in front of your minions?" I taunted.

"I do, actually." He huffed a laugh that held no humor. "For the record, I'm sorry."

My expression soured. "No you're not."

"I am, truly." He placed his hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity. "I apologize for my greed and my stupidity. I unleashed you upon this world; that will be my greatest regret, I think. I made you into a plague and I lost control over you."

"You never controlled me," I hissed.

"And I the second I realized that I should have put you down," Felix said. "I just hope the Winchester's don't make the same mistake."

I shook my head. "That's the think, Felix. They will."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not." He shrugged.

"I guess I'll find out, won't I? So! Where's this friend of mine?" I asked, rubbing my hands together.

"Two doors down on your right," Felix answered. I glanced at the door he was referring to then back to him.

"Ooh, goodie. Before I open it, why do I get a present?"

Felix shrugged. "Call it a joke."

I nodded. "Dope."

Then I skipped over to the dark wooden door and grasped the handle. It wasn't locked, of course, so I pulled it open. I didn't look for traps. I knew Felix would never stoop that low. The room was pitch black and there were no windows, but I found the light switch easily enough. Bright fluorescent bulbs flicked on and washed the space with light.

Sitting on a wooden chair in the middle of the room, was a rather muscular man. His arms and legs were tied to the chair and his head was tilted down. I may not have been able to see his face, but I would have recognized that old, grungy cap almost anywhere. I crossed the space between us and tapped him on the shoulder. The man inclined his head, squinting against the light, but when he caught a glance of my face, his usually bright eyes filled with terror.

I had forgotten how fun it was to instill that level of fear. I smirked.

"Hey there, Benny! I haven't seen you since the Hunger Games!"

~We'll never get free Lamb to the slaughter What you gon' do When there's blood in the water? The price of your greed Is your son and your daughter What you gon' do When there's blood in the water?

Beg me for mercy Admit you were toxic You poisoned me just for Another dollar in your pocket Now I am the violence I am the sickness Won't accept your silence Beg me for forgiveness~

Lyrics from: Blood In The Water by grandson

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Put On Your Raincoats #21 | Double Chinn Double (Double) Feature (with Hyapatia Lee)

By the time the '80s rolled around, Bob Chinn, best known for his collaborations with John Holmes (the inspiration for Boogie Nights), had been directing movies for over a decade. For much of that time, he'd been making them for peanuts (in an interview with the Rialto Report, he recounts being once asked to make a movie for five thousand dollars, which was handed to him in fifties on the spot), but in the early '80s, he was directing for Harry Mohney's Caribbean Films, working with respectable budgets (by porn standards). Some of these films starred Hyapatia Lee, one of the most popular porn stars of the era and one of the first contract girls. Now, I suspect these aren't necessarily the defining works of Chinn's career, and I do intend to get to some of his movies with Holmes. But Vinegar Syndrome had a sale and there were two double features of their collaborations going for dirt cheap, and because I am weak and foolish with money, they ended up in my cart and a few weeks later in my grubby little paws. How did this happen? Through the magic of Canada Post, of course! Anyway, what I found was that these didn't represents any extremes of artistic ambition. They were neither seeking to elevate the genre, nor were they hackwork. Rather, they represent a happy medium, movies that seek to deliver the genre's goods in a polished, diverting package. Slick cinematography, courtesy of Jack Remy. Catchy theme songs that wouldn't sound out of place if you caught them on the radio. Flashy titles. Lee recounted the atmosphere on set as one of professionalism and engagement, where everyone present wanted to do as good a job as possible. Chinn claims to have been losing interest in his work at this point, but the results onscreen are the result of confident execution by somebody who had been doing this kind of thing for years and knew how to put the production's resources to good use.

The first one I watched was The Young Like it Hot, where the operators at a phone company worry about being replaced by computers. To keep their jobs, they scheme to go the extra mile in helping their callers. As this is a porno, most of this help is sexual in nature, as when Rosa Lee Kimball stays on the line while an obscene phone caller played by Bill Margold finishes. (In an interview on the DVD, Margold says after shooting his scene, he was invited to record additional dialogue. Being the method actor that he was, he insisted on whipping it out during the recording session despite the lack of cameras.) Sometimes they are informative, as when Bud Lee (real life husband of Hyapatia at the time) explains why the perineum is referred to as taint ("cuz it taint cunt and it taint ass"). But the highlight of their efforts are Shauna Grant's increasingly life threatening home improvement advice to one poor sap played by Joey Silvera. Hyapatia Lee is ostensibly the star, and has a certain charisma, playing the supervisor, but this is really an ensemble piece, and she's joined by more experienced actors like Kay Parker and Eric Edwards. The latter I've occasionally found bland elsewhere, but he has a nice obnoxious quality that serves him well as the villainous manager whose idea it is the automate the operators' jobs. The movie reflects a very real concern (that's very much still an issue in the modern workplace), but overall this is a breezy, affable comedy.

A bit more serious in tone is Sweet Young Foxes, a coming of age story whose dramatic parts are more sensitively realized than I expected. The screenplay was written by Deborah Sullivan, Bob Chinn's wife at the time, and this is a case where a movie definitely benefited from having been written by a woman, and it seems like an earnest effort to capture the anxieties and yearnings of its young women protagonists. Lee moves closer to a real starring role, and is joined by Cara Lott and Cindy Carver as her friends, who aren't quite as strong actors as her but do have decent chemistry. I can believe they're friends even if their line delivery can be stilted. (That the movie has a good ear for genuine sounding dialogue also helps.) Kay Parker is especially good as Lee's mother, hitting some of the same notes as Taboo, and has a credibly emotional masturbation scene in front of a mirror that did not leave me unmoved. (In what way? That's none of your damn business.) This was shot by Jack Remy, the same cinematographer who worked on The Young Like it Hot. That movie looked nice and slick, but this one is a little more stylish, with the solo sex scenes in particular resembling magazine centerfolds. There's also some nice new-wave-ish music that shows up on the soundtrack, which I certainly didn't mind. I do wish some of the sex scenes didn't run quite as long (the previous movie kept them refreshingly concise) as I'd prefer more of the runtime was dedicated to the dramatic elements, but what's there is still good.

Body Girls goes back firmly to comedy territory, where Hyapatia Lee and the members of her gym are trying to win a bodybuilding contest despite a rival gym's attempts to undermine them. This comes in the form of a pair of schlubs in yellow tank tops who break into the gym after hours to sabotage their equipment, only to be foiled by Hyapatia and her girls who just happened to be having sex in the locker room as people do. Of course, despite Lee's attempts to teach them a lesson (which depending on your proclivities, may have the opposite effect), they don't give up, and during the contest threaten the judge at gunpoint. Not one to take things lying down (okay, poor choice of words here), Lee finds a way to influence the judge back in her favour. (The judge is played by Francois Papillon, bringing a dopey charm to the character as he fumbles through his lines in his French accent.) Her method is pretty ridiculous and certainly in service of genre requirements, but I did laugh.

Now, there's probably a dilemma in audience sympathy here as both Lee and her rivals are cheating, but Lee's methods are more agreeable and directed at the judge instead of her rivals so I guess we ought to root for her. She's also buoyant, charismatic and has a real star quality, and is joined by such fan favourites as Shanna McCullough and Erica Boyer, all of whom sport wildly different hairstyles. As can be expected given the exercise theme, most of the ladies have toned, athletic bodies (and given the decade, voluminous coiffures), with the exception of Tigr, who brings a wiry punkish energy that stood out to me despite her limited screentime, and she also performs the miraculous feat of making a mullet look cute. (I'd previously been moved by her work in Kamikaze Hearts, the great mockumentary about a porn production and her relationship with Sharon Mitchell. She didn't stay in the industry for too long, but I'd be interested in seeing more of her work.) The screenplay was written by Lee with her husband Bud (who plays the judge's assistant with an agreeable presence that's neither too alpha nor too schlubby) and is full of exercise-related dialogue. Most of this is pretty clunky and calling it wordplay might be a bit generous ("sexercise" features at one point), but I did appreciate the effort. Also as is requisite for the premise, the longest set piece in the movie is an orgy in Lee's gym with the various participants snaked around different pieces of equipment. I must note that one of the male actors resembles Barry Gibb and that Francois Papillon is shown to wear a tiger-striped speedo. Did I enjoy the movie? Yes, but not for reasons cited in that sentence.

At the end of Body Girls, Bud Lee suggests to Hyapatia, "Let's get physical", which is the title of the next movie. (Body Girls also features a character looking at dirty magazine with stills from Sweet Young Foxes and ends with a plug for some of these other movies, anticipating the MCU's narrative and marketing strategies by a few decades.) Now, all of these movies have had decent theme songs, but the one in Let's Get Physical has lyrics that are plagiaristically close to those of Olivia Newton-John's 1983 hit. (The delivery however is more shrill but not unpleasing.) This movie is a drama where Lee plays a dance instructor trying to put together a ballet performance despite her strained relationship with her impotent husband played by Paul Thomas. (In the interview I listened to, Lee speaks well of almost everyone she worked with on these films, with the pointed exception of Paul Thomas. If there was bitterness behind the scenes, it arguably helps their performances.)

Lee wrote the screenplay for this one, and unlike Body Girls with its surface level references to bodybuilding and exercise, the dialogue here feels packed with knowledge of the real thing, which is understandable given Lee's real life interest in dance going back to her childhood. (I looked up "Luigi jazz dancing" after finishing the movie and was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a real thing.) This movie goes all in on her star power, and features a number of dance numbers that seem genuinely interested in the form rather than just leering at the performers. (There is one scene where the song Lee dances to sounds suspiciously like "Beat It".) I did appreciate that the sex scenes were kept relatively concise and tied into the dramatic aspects, although in some cases, the choices made could be goofy, like the scene where Lee makes love to her student Shanna McCullough while Thomas, in a dramatically justified but still awkward gesture, watches from another room and jacks off. (I assume he's playing the audience in this scene. Also, McCullough's character remarks "I've never done this before" when going down on Lee, and yeah, okay Shanna.) Other highlights include a car stunt that may or may not have been lifted from elsewhere but still looks decently executed, as well as a dream sequence where Thomas (or his character at least) plays the piano and sings a song. This is held back a bit by the genre's demands, like when it places a completely superfluous sex scene at the end after Lee's reconciliation with Thomas, but on the whole this is probably the best one of the lot.