#how much do we miss sierra!

[imunbreakabledude]

"severance is just dollhouse" has never been realer than this week. it's giving dollhouse season 2 episode 4 "belonging". it's giving dollhouse but with sadder interior decor. it's giving dollhouse except she didn't get to murder her rapist in this one. it's giving dollhouse without a sensible explanation for the megacorporation's business model

[ethersierra]

Some drawings based on "Why does it feel so lonely (when you are around)" by @mysteriouscynic. Go read it by the way. It also made me listen to the song it's based on and now I'm like forever changed as a person.

[blade-liger-4ever]

Why I feel Jack Darby isn't like Orion Pax/Optimus Prime

This is probably not gonna do me any favors in the wider Transformers community, but that's fine; I don't want to be in the good graces of half those people. Besides, I've grown to really dislike Jack over the years, and now that there's a new TF film that actually shows us Optimus and Megatron's past that has everyone cheering, I can actually cite that film in my argument should I encounter any whiners.

Fair warning, this will not be in Jack's favor.

So, as we see of him in Transformers: Prime, Jack had a really poor life. His dad is missing for reasons unknown, his mother is working herself to the bone to keep the roof over their heads, and Jack himself is working a horrid job to try and lift some of the burden from her shoulders. A standard modern day life for teenage boys, right? Oh, and don't forget him going all gaga over prissy cheerleader Sierra; that's of course the icing on the cake of this cut and dry trope, because the loser boy has to have a thing for the social climber girl who he can't recognize as trouble.

However, when he crashes into the Autobot-Decepticon War, Jack is adamant against getting involved. He whines about his new lot in life, complains that he just wants "a normal life", and overall is ungrateful to the Autobots that saved his skin a short time ago. Yes, he pulled through in the five part premiere and did so at other points in the first and even second seasons - but those were all life or death situations.

Every other time, Jack caved to peer pressure and stayed inside the lines. He never stood up to the school bully, let himself get embarrassed by said bully in front of Sierra, and then broke his deal with Arcee by going to an underground race. Heck, if you ask me, the only reason he helped save the bully in that episode was because Jack didn't want to have a dead guy on his conscience. Sure he said "it's the right thing", but where was that nobility when you were ogling your crush throughout the episode, hm?

And to say that he's like Orion Pax after all of the above is an insult to Orion and Optimus' integrity. Can you truly see Optimus whining over his lot in life, being spiteful and rude to guys who were mean to him specifically and not his friends, or just losing brain cells when a pretty girl is involved and getting himself into trouble in a misguided attempt to impress her?

No.

Orion/Optimus would never do that. He'll take the hits to himself and make the best of it with a smile on his face, he'll fight for his friends rather than himself alone, and even if he's head over heels for Ariel/Elita One, he won't compromise himself or his morals just to impress her. Orion/Optimus is better than that, and would never stoop to such actions.

But you know who would do all of that?

This guy.

As TF One shows, Megatron in his youth was much like - gasp - Jack Darby. They both kept their heads low to avoid further ridicule and pain, they never wandered outside the lines for fear of the unknown/repercussions, and despite advocating for a change or better life, they didn't really lift a finger to do that. They both needed an outside force to push them onto a new path. And they both ended up having a low chance of heroism when there was pressure on them: Jack's was anytime Sierra or Vince the Bully was involved, and Megatron's was when the 'Bot responsible for ruining his life and all of Cybertron's population was at his mercy.

Speaking of, what are the odds Jack would have a similar reaction to meeting his father? Yeah sure, he spared Megatron in S1, but Megatron also taunted him by asking what Optimus' response would be if he killed him. Put Jack in a position where he gets to beat up his dad, and are we sure that Optimus would still have that sway over him?

Just ask Sentinel, he can tell you how well that turned out when Orion Pax tried talking down D-16 - oh wait, you can't, because D-16 killed him.

Honestly, there are far more similarities between Jack and Megatron than Jack and Optimus. I'm tired of Jack getting all the love and being heralded as Orion-like or Optimus-like when he never was. He's far closer to Megatron, and if I'm the only one who can see that, fine. I don't care.

These are my observations, my beliefs, and I'm sticking with them.

Now on the same token (but coming later), Smokescreen actually has more in common with Orion Pax/Optimus Prime, something the new TF flick has shown, even if I disapprove of a chunk of the writing and characterization in it. But, given I'm probably setting some people's hair on fire, I'll leave you alone for now to digest this post.

Good day, and remember:

"Autobots, transform and roll out!"

[the-marshals-wife]

Refuge (Sierra Six x Reader)

─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ 𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 ⋅☆⋅ 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 ⋅☆⋅ 𝐀𝐎𝟑 ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─

A/N: It's official: I'm obsessed with The Gray Man. I've watched it 3 times so far in under 2 months, and I really wanted to write something sweet for my current favorite Goose character.

Description: Sierra Six/Courtland Gentry x Fem!Reader, established (secret) relationship; flirty, steamy fluff + angst if you squint | Warnings: suggestive themes, kissing, alcohol | Setting: post-movie | Word count: 1,746

Gif credit: user magnusedom

Imagine Six returning to you, his best kept secret, and asking you to come away with him

There was only one thing in the world that could make you open the front door of your apartment after midnight. The instant you recognize the familiar, distinct sequence of knocking, you shoot upright from your slumber and scramble off of the sofa, the book on your chest flying across the floor from where you had dozed off. Having almost tripped on the rug, you release the dead bolt and frantically fumble with the chain lock. Heart pounding, you slide it loose and jerk open the door.

Waiting on the other side like an apparition was a smiling face you weren't sure you'd ever lay eyes on again.

"Sorry for the late hour, ma'am. Could I trouble you for a cup of sugar?"

"Court!"

You couldn't help it. His name, the name only you could use, escapes your lips like a cry.

"May I come in?" he gestures.

You grab his arm and usher him inside.

"Where have you been?" you asked in a hushed voice, looking over him.

"Here, there, everywhere," he answers, leaning back against the closed door. "Spent a little time in nowhere too."

"I've been so worried about you! I haven't heard from you in months. I know that's the job, but it's been so long without a sign or anything. I was afraid something happened to you. I didn't know what to think," you say all at once.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll explain everything, I promise. Just, let me look at you first," he says, gazing on you softly, "Wow. How is that possible?"

"What?"

"How are you more beautiful than the last time I saw you?"

You feel your cheeks turn red, but it doesn't keep you from pointing a finger to his chest.

"If you think being a smoothie is going to get you out an explanation, think again, buster."

He wraps his arms around your waist.

"Fair enough," he nods, "It's still true though. You're even prettier when you're angry."

"I must be stunning then," you smirk.

He brings his hand up to lift your chin, leaning in close, "Incredibly."

The waning space between you vanishes as he captures your lips. You lean into his touch, savoring every sensation you'd missed so much. From the warm, smokiness of his scent to the gentle scratch of his beard on your skin. When he finally pulls away, you're nearly breathless.

"Why don't you make yourself at home, stranger?" you propose, composing yourself, "You want a drink?"

"I wouldn't say no to a beer," he replies.

"Coming right up," you say, turning towards the kitchen, "They feed you in 'nowhere'? I got half of a leftover sub here, and some really leftover pizza I can nuke in the microwave."

"Tempting, but I'm good for now, thanks. Just the beer," you hear him say as you grab two bottles from the fridge.

"Good call, honestly. We can just order take out or something."

He doesn't respond, and it immediately catches your attention. You grab the bottle opener from the drawer and make quick work of the caps. With a faraway look in his eye, he stands on the other side of the modest island that separates the kitchen area from the living area. You extend the bottle towards him, and even when he takes it from your grasp, he's barely shaken from his silent reverie.

Too worried to imbibe, you set your own drink down on the counter. "Court, what's wrong? I can tell something is bothering you."

He takes a drink, which is followed by a long pause.

"Do you remember Fitzroy's niece, Claire?"

You nod. "Of course. Is she alright?"

"She is now," he sighs, setting his jaw, "Fitzroy is gone."

"What?" you say, rounding the island to be at his side.

"It's a long story, but some bad people got ahold of Claire to get to him, because of something that I did. We took care of it in the end, but...he didn't make it."

He takes another hefty drink and puts down the bottle.

"Court, I'm so sorry," you say, touching his arm, "I know how much he meant to you."

He turns to face you. "He did. Now Claire has no one, except me. And that's what I came here to talk to you about."

Your pulse quickens at the seriousness in his voice.

"Her and I have been on the run the past couple weeks. Staying ahead of Carmichael and his goon squad."

"Wait, you escaped the agency?" you ask, shocked.

"Didn't have a choice after they tried to use her as leverage to get me to keep doing their dirty work. I got her out, which means I'm out too, for good," he confirms solemnly, "I've found a place for us where we might actually have a shot at a normal-ish life."

You stare at him wide-eyed.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying...I'm all she has left. She needs me. And I need you," he says, gently rubbing your upper arms, "Before, I couldn't give you the life you deserved. But this could be my second chance. I think I might have finally gotten to the top of the hill, and I want you there with me."

"Oh Court, I don't know..." you hesitate, mind reeling, "I don't know anything about raising a kid."

He grins. "Neither do I. We can figure it out together. I mean there's gotta be a manual or something, right?"

You can't help but snort at the idea. Just as more protests are forming on your tongue, he gives you a look so disarming that you forget the words entirely.

"Come away with me, Y/N."

He takes your hand in his.

"It won't be easy, and it definitely won't be perfect. I know I've got no right to ask you to leave everything behind. But I've loved you from the very beginning, and I will protect you with everything I have."

His vow brings tears to your eyes. He laid his heart bare, and in doing so, he'd banished the last of your meager doubts.

"Well, when you put it that way," you say.

You grab the collar of his jacket in your fists and pull him into a kiss. He hums in pleasant surprise and laces his fingers through your hair. After another heated moment of rediscovery, you at last loosen your grip and surface from the embrace.

"Is that a yes?" he chuckles.

"It is," you answer, your smile becoming nervous as your thoughts turn to the future, "Do you think Claire will like me?"

"Oh, don't worry, she's going to love you," he smirks, letting you go and walking over to the window. "Honestly, I'm not sure I'm going to survive you two. This was probably a bad idea."

"Now I really I can't wait to meet her," you tease.

Your amusement fades, however, as you watch him part the curtain and cautiously peer up at the surrounding rooftops.

Dread stirs in the pit of your stomach.

"How much time do we have?" you ask.

"We should probably get you packed up," he says over his shoulder.

"Really? I thought we'd at least have tonight. Are you being followed right now?"

"Not yet. No one knows about this place. But the longer I'm here, the greater the possibility that changes," he frowns, "I need to get back to Claire. I took a risk coming here. She can't be alone for long."

You mind begins to race as your gaze darts around your apartment and belongings. The framed pictures scattered across the walls of old friends and family you hardly see suddenly meant more than anything tucked away in the safe beneath your bed. But could you even take them? Would having any ties to your old life be too dangerous?

Old life. The thought makes your head spin.

"This is happening so fast," you say as you rub your temples, "I never thought I'd just leave everything. I don't even know what to take with me."

"Hey," he says, stepping back over to you, "It's alright. Listen, I know I got caught up in pouring out my dumb old heart a minute ago, but you don't have to do this, Y/N. If you want to stay, I understand."

"No, I'm coming with you," you deny, "I want to be with you, no matter where we have to go. I've never wanted anything more. You have made it to the top, Court, and I wouldn't miss the view for anything."

All this time, you had been the only refuge in the world for "Sierra Six". Now, more than ever, he was becoming yours.

He kisses your forehead softly and smiles down on you.

"How about we just start small, and go from there. Baby steps. Like, maybe a suitcase?" he suggests.

"Sounds good," you agree, "Guess I don't need to pack the kitchen sink for wherever we're going?"

He snickers, "No, we have one of those. Got one in the bathroom too. We even have a toilet."

"I wasn't expecting such luxury," you smirk.

"I mean you have to hold the handle down a little to get it to flush, but other than that," he quips.

"Well, I suppose I'll survive," you say in mock exasperation.

"We do have a TV, so that kinda makes up for it. Plus, I got queen bed all to myself. I might could be persuaded into sharing, though."

You cross your arms, eyeing his suggestive look.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, but you'll have to sleep on top of the covers. I don't wanna get your girl germs on my sheets."

"Courtland Gentry," you grunt, smacking his arm.

You take off down the hall to your room, and he follows after you laughing.

"What? What'd I say?" he asks, knowing full well.

"Why don't I just sleep on the floor?" you pose.

You bolt over to your dresser and start rummaging through your clothes, keeping your back to him.

"Okay, you're right. That was unfair of me," he concedes.

Biting your lip, you spin around with your eyebrows raised.

He stands in the doorway, pulling a stick of gum from his pocket and unwrapping it, "You can get under the comforter."

You throw a shirt at him, shaking your head.

"Shut up and help me pack."

He pops the gum in his mouth and smiles.

"Yes ma'am."

[snailsgoingdowntown]

Help, I Reincarnated as the Female Lead’s Sister-in-Law!

Chapter 3.

Story Masterlist

'Slight' Yandere! Dion Agriche x Fem! Reader.

Arranged marriage AU.

SOME SPOILERS FROM THE NOVEL

Warnings: Maria once again being a creep and sadist, mention of the reader becoming a ‘toy’ (aka being experimented on, abused, losing all her human rights), Dion is most likely out of character, some things are conveniently there, the yandere themes will show up eventually just not now. I should probably add ‘Yandere! Dion’ to the other chapters. Probably. Edit cuz I completely forgot hahahahajajajajaja: one (1) mention of incest. Please tell me if I missed anything else I'm so tired I only slept 3 hours I do recommend doing that

Slightly edited.

Disclaimer: I do NOT condone any of the harmful and/or dangerous actions/behaviors that take place in this piece of FICTION. These actions/behaviors should not be normalized or romanticized as they are extremely toxic and dangerous.

This blog writes and interacts with DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT/DARK CONTENT

MINORS/BLANK BLOGS/BLOGS THAT DO NOT REBLOG FANART/FANFICTION DNI.

Chapter summary: teatime with your mother-in-law(s)… how wonderful. But Maria makes a strange comment on her son that has you overthinking.

Word count: 3041k

===

The greenhouse was beautiful, all kinds of flowers adding color, the lush green bushes making it look peaceful. Butterflies that flutter around, the bees that pollinate, the birds that chirp – so peaceful. The warm ray of the sun keeps your skin warm. The weather was perfect.

“You know… I just couldn’t see Dion with anyone. That boy shows no interest in anything – but I’m curious to see how this plays out. Although if you ask me, I think he should be grateful to get such a beautiful wife such as yourself!” Maria claps her hands as she praises you.

Yes. The weather was perfect. But being cornered and held hostage by Maria Agriche under the pretense of teatime was not. The blasted woman found you not even an hour after your bath – truly a morning person. The worst part was that it’s been two hours since she dragged you into her little game.

“Don’t you agree, Sierra?” The woman in question looks at Lant’s third wife timidly. Her deep blue eyes filled with both pity directed at you, and fear for her well-being glances at you. Her honey blond hair practically floats with the wind. She looks back at Maria.

“Yes, of course.” Then she looks back at you.

“Please don’t hesitate to ask us for help.” Hah. Funny, especially when her eyes are silently begging for it. But you’re in the same spot as she is – unable to escape. You’re just happy you don’t have a child. Yet.

You repress the cold shiver that attempts to crawl up your spine.

“Oh, thank you…” how should you address them as? Sierra wasn’t technically your mother-in-law… but Maria was. Sierra catches on before Maria does.

“Oh, you can call me Sierra. After all, it’s Maria that’s your mother-in-law, if we consider that Dion, is her biological son.” A forced smile tugs at her lips. The short haired brunette stares at her favorite person in awe.

“Oh my, Sierra!” she coos before turning her attention towards you. Unfortunately, her smile was genuine. Like she didn’t force both of you victims to have tea with her. You take a sip from your cup, hiding your frown. And then, you smile.

“Thank you, Sierra and mother-in-law.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. Anything for my precious, beautiful daughter-in-law!” she chirps. Her purple eyes shine brightly as she offers you more tea. You accept, watching as she personally pours it. Part of you do hope that’s it’s poisoned – maybe just enough to keep you bedridden with a stomachache for a day or two.

Which would mean that most likely, no one would be allowed near you. Well, maybe.

“Do tell me if Dion bothers you at all. He means well, but… he can be too much, at times. Oh! If you ever get lonely, feel free to find me – these kids get so busy.” She props her elbows on the table, resting her hands on the back of her hands. Like a curious child she observes you, gauging your reaction.

Your legs are begging you to run. You resist the urge to flip the table over and run for the hills; she would just kill you once she catches you.

Or turn you into a toy.

“Thank you again, mother-in-law. But I’m sure that we’ll get along fine.” You’re smiling on the outside but you’re screaming and crying mentally. You’re caught by surprise when her white gloved hands carefully reach across the small table to grab yours gently.

“You’re sweet… truly, I’m happy that Lant picked you to be our son’s wife.” Her beauty is breathtaking, pale skin and soft hair, her hat casting a shadow over her face. But it does little to hide that hint of sadistic pleasure in her eyes. You already knew she was a sadist and mental.

But you failed to realize that she would add you to her list of favorite targets until now. Mulling over it, you think that this could be helpful – maybe like with Sierra, she would guard you like a dog. However, that would also mean she would drag you around like a doll. And if she ever got bored of you…

“Oh, are you cold?” She feels how your hands tremble. Right. You shouldn’t think of such things right now. Not in front of her.

“Ah, sorry mother-in-law… I was just excited to meet you so quickly after the wedding. We didn’t get to talk much during the engagement party nor at the wedding ceremony.” You lie, and part of you knows that she’ll only take it as half-truth. Still, her smile twists into something warm yet sinister.

You’re her new prey.

“I’m happy about that too. But my, those events must have left you tired.” She ‘comforts’ you, squeezing your hands before releasing them. They tingle coldly.

“Yes… I never thought that they could be so busy and complicated.” From out of the corner of your eye you notice Sierra busying herself with a slice of cake. She mentally checked out. Oh, how you wish you could do the same.

“Mm, but it was exciting, wasn’t it?”

Exciting? How would she know? She didn’t even want to marry Lant in the first place – she only stayed for Sierra. If you’re remembering correctly from spoilers anyway. Fuck, you wished you finished the entire series.

“It was… different from how I imagined. From the novels I read and what I was told by some relatives, I thought it would have been a breeze. But it was exciting.” Just in a horrible way you mentally add. This woman probably knows your true thoughts so why state them.

Still, you should play the role of a ‘loving’ daughter-in-law.

“Dion,” she starts while pressing her lips against the rim of her teacup, “helped a bit with the preparations. Not much, just with the little things… specific things.”

“What?”

With the way she smiles, it’s clear that she’s enjoying how baffled you are. But forget that – Dion? Help? With wedding preparations?

All she does is grin before changing the subject.

Sierra exchanges a look with you but leaves it be.

---

Your legs give out the moment the bedroom door shuts behind you. Hana went to get you something once she escorted you back to your room. You forgot what though.

“Ah… I thought it’d never end…” you slump against the door, worn and torn. How long was that hostage situation? Three hours? Four?

You need to work on a plan to avoid Maria. Otherwise, her gossip and sadistic tendencies will be the death of you. You’ll die before Dion can even hold a sword against your throat.

“Husband, husband… mother-in-law, husband… which one is worse…” your thumb becomes victim to biting. “The mother-in-law…? She is the reason, well, one of them… I feel bad but I probably shouldn’t…” you mumble to yourself.

“But my husband is also…shit, I’m so fucked….” Is this how Roxana felt? Hopeless and weak? Unlike you, however, she was able to adapt quickly. And unlike her, you weren’t one to stay strong under pressure. Not to that degree. You’re not sure if you ever will be.

Thud, thud

Banging the back of your head against the door seems like a sane choice. Maybe you’ll wake up from this nightmare. Yeah, that’s it! This is just a nightmare. If you hit your head enough, you’ll wake up from it. You’ll wake up in your nice, fluffy bed. It’ll be your eighteen birthday and instead of being told about a fiancé you’ll be told that… you don’t know.

Think (Name), think. There must be something you could conjure up in your mind that could overwrite this nightmare. Something. Anything!

Creak

You fall backwards as the door opens, head landing against something warm and firm. You look up only to see crimson eyes that’s emptier than a void.

“Oh,” you blink up at your husband, “we-welcome…back?” You question rather than greet. He’s like a statue, only looking down at you. He doesn’t move, simply gazes at you. You can’t tell what he’s thinking. You’re not sure if you want to.

“Wife.”

At Dion’s words you suddenly remember where you were – his room.

You scramble to your feet, tripping once before dusting yourself off to make yourself presentable. Doing a curtsy, you greet him properly. Your head hangs for longer than necessary; you don’t want to see his face nor for him to see the look of fear in your eyes. Cold sweat forms on your temples and you hope he doesn’t notice.

Honestly, you’re surprised to see him. You thought he would avoid you, seeing it as unnecessary to interact with you.

Or maybe he didn’t expect to run into you here. Either way, as you look up at him, you can’t help but wish you would drop dead. To be woken up by your brother shaking you, like the little shit he is. To smell the coffee your mother would make for the dead tired servants.

“I heard you had tea with mother.” He walks past you, causing you to quickly face him. No brush of the shoulders. No questioning why you were sitting on the ground like a dog. Not even a glance is thrown your way.

“Y-yes,” you shouldn’t stutter. Probably. “It was…” nice? Horrible? Exciting or boring? “…a unique experience.” You answer, fiddling with your hair. That should be a neutral response. You decide to keep quiet about what Maria had told you – that he helped with some of the preparations.

Most likely, she lied about it to see your reaction.

Dion doesn’t say anything else. Just goes the closet and slip off his shirt to change into a new one. Your cheeks feel warm as you look away, bashful. Now was not the time to admire his muscles. Rather, now was the time to excuse yourself and come back once the coast was clear.

Now that you think about it… where would you even go? There were too many twists and turns, with insane, awful and bestial people. What if you ran into one of his many siblings? Or another wife that decided you were a weak little thing they could get their hands on?

Or worse yet, run into Lant? The realization of how alone and weak you are, has your fingers pulling at your hair. Are you safer here after all? With Dion Agriche? The most brutal of all siblings?

Well, you are his wife… but that doesn't mean he won’t dispose of you. More so if he really did take after his father as others said. He did in the series, you think, but everything was turned on it’s fucking head. You don’t know what to expect anymore.

“Mother enjoys playing with the weak,” Dion informs you as he walks past you, glancing at you over his shoulder. You can’t breathe. “So, I suggest you don’t show weakness.” He leaves you like that. You watch as he closes the door behind him, silent. It was all you could do.

Voice caught in your throat and heart threatening to burst out your chest, his advice replays in your head. Yes, you knew that. But you’re unsure why he made the choice to warn you. He had no reason to. Wife or not, he showed no interest in you – maybe he had a good day today. Felt generous.

As generous as he could be. If so, you pitied Roxana – he probably ran into her and annoyed her. It probably made his day, too. It was the only thing that you could think of.

Your lungs release the deep sigh you didn’t know you were holding. Body finally relaxing, your legs give out on you. Again. The tile is hard and hurts your knees. Will they bruise?

You should work on this. You’ll lose the use of your legs and knees if you don’t. …maybe you should find and talk to Roxana.

No. She won’t help you. Even if you tell her everything, she might pull some strings and get rid of you, not wanting to take a chance. Not willing to have you accidentally have a slip of the tongue.

Funny. The only hope of your salvation will likely see you as a nuisance. To be fair, you can’t and won't blame her – you held no importance in this family. Lant is probably looking for a new wife for Dion this very second. Why stop at one wife?

“Haaaah… why couldn’t I be reincarnated into something like…’The Otaku Love Connection,’ or ‘Positively Yours,’… at least I wouldn’t have to walk on eggshells and worry about dying…or tortured…” you lament, trying your best not to fall apart. If you were going to be reincarnated as a character that shouldn’t exist, couldn’t you at least be away from the main and side stories?

Away from all the action. Just living a peaceful life. That’s all you’re asking for.

The again, you probably don’t deserve that… not after…

“…No use in thinking about the past. I guess God is making me pay my dues,” you force yourself to stand. Your legs may be wobbly, but you can’t keep acting like this. Sure, some of your in-laws may leave you alone once they realize you pose no threat; however, that doesn’t go for everyone.

Once everyone sees that Dion holds no interest in you, good or bad, some will dig their claws into you. Especially Fontaine. That creep… he’s worse than Dion with certain things. Like incest.

No, no, no! You shouldn’t just assume that about Dion! Sure, the vibe he gives off in the series is… questionable. But-!

Knock, knock.

You jump, startled. Hana must be back. With what, you absolutely have no idea. You had checked out mentally by the time you escaped the clutches of Maria.

“My lady, I have brough you the indigestion medicine, as Lady Sierra had requested.” Her statement puzzles you before you feel some warmth spread throughout your chest. She’s sweet. Too sweet.

You feel horrible for her but even worse for her children.

You push the thought away.

You force yourself onto your feet.

“Come in.” you order, praying that Hana didn’t hear the crack in your voice. One breath, two breaths, your lungs work overtime to ensure you keep breathing. It hurts, like you’re being stabbed from the inside. You need to work through the pain.

Fuck, you need to work through the pain if you want a fighting chance to survive here. Maybe make it out if you’re lucky.

Hana comes into the room, holding a tray of water and a small white pouch of medicine. Doubt starts to swirl inside you. How could you be sure that Sierra was the one who sent this? What if it was Maria playing a ‘prank,’ to see your crying face?

Man, why did you zone out during the last ten minutes of that damn get-together.

She walks closer until she’s barely a foot away. You take the medicine with wariness, unable to reject it in front of the maid. Her eyes are glued to you. Expecting you to accept this so-called ‘medicine’ without hesitance. And so, you do.

You can feel the pills go down your throat, the water barely helping. When you place the near empty glass down onto the tray, Hana bows before taking her leave with your permission. Again, the door shuts. Only for her to come back immediately afterwards.

Great, just great.

“My lady, I forgot to tell you… I’ll be helping you get ready around six.”

“Oh? For what?”

“Dinner with Master Dion. I’ll come back here and there; forgive me for not staying near your side for the entire day. As for now, I am not your personal maid yet.” So, Hana is going to be your personal maid. But why isn’t she right now?

How strange.

Wait. Maybe this is a good thing – you’ll be alone for quite a bit. Away from preying eyes. Maybe you could conjure up a plan on how to survive this hellhole.

“It’s fine, Hana,” a sweet smile as you clasp your hands together, ‘understanding’ of her position. “I’m grateful and happy that you will be checking on me regardless of.” Hopefully you seem sweet enough. Genuine despite everything being faked.

She looks at you oddly. In the end she just bows her head before leaving.

“…I think I’m going to die from stress before anyone gets to me…” dragging your feet, you sluggishly fall face first onto the made bed. Your feet are begging to be released from the torture device that is your heels; so, you kick them off. Huffing, you proceed to climb further onto the bed till your feet also rest on the mattress.

It’s soft and smells nice.

It smells like your bed back at home, oddly enough.

‘Dion…helped a bit with the preparations. Not much, just with the little things… specific things.”

“…What did that witch mean by that…?” Maria’s words come to mind the longer the scent engraved itself into your nose and mind. “She must be joking,” you muse, letting your eyes flutter shut.

But… things are starting to get a bit creepy.

Your eyes open. The longer you think about it, the gears turn in your head.

First, the shampoo. Sure, it was a popular brand, but you doubt your husband wanted to go around smelling like lavender. His… victims would smell him instantly if he used the product. The smell was more subtle than strong, but it would be best not to take any chances. Now, the bed.

It smelt like fucking citrus. Bergamot oranges to be exact, the same smell your bed has.

 You shake your head. It was just a coincidence – cirtcus smells were known to keep the bedbugs away. And as for the shampoo… maybe Maria sent it. As a wedding gift, probably. That or she didn’t want you to smell like him.

Either or neither, it shouldn’t matter. You’re just overthinking this. The insanity that takes over this mansion is just stressing you out. It would only make sense that you overthink about common scents.

“…I wonder if I’ll be allowed to write to my family…”

With that, your eyes flutter close. Everything turns back and sound is no longer a thing.

[mintsturniolo]

alcohol and heartbreak (c.s)

bsf!chris sturniolo x f!reader

a/n: this one been sitting in the drafts lmao for months. edited kind of? reacquainting myself with angst cause i haven't written something like this since my last fandom

summary: when chris's girlfriend cheats on him he finds himself drunk at his best friend's doorstep

warnings: angst, crying, alcohol... idk. no happy ending ig

Hurt didn’t begin to describe how Chris felt at this moment. He felt broken. Betrayed. He never knew his heart could physically hurt the way it did. His whole body hurt. Currently he was wandering through the streets of Boston. Matt and Nick had tried to stop him from leaving. They wanted to know what was wrong. Chris just didn’t have the energy to tell anyone what had happened. When Sierra had said forever he’d believed it. The last thing he’d expected was to be sent proof that his girlfriend was cheating on him. As if things could get worse, when confronted, Sierra didn’t even deny it.

How could Chris go from loving someone so much to hating them? How could he miss the red flags? What did he do to deserve this? It felt like it was always him. Matt and Nick had gotten their significant others, yet when it was turn, everything went wrong.

Tears streamed down Chris’s face as he found himself in the parking lot of a bar. He wasn’t one to drink. He’d always been against it. Tonight he needed a drink. He knew he would regret it later, but he didn’t care.

Almost two hours passed, and Chris didn’t know how but he found himself sitting at the bar with a third bottle of some drink he didn’t know in his hands. Everything felt like it was spinning and blurry. Everyone’s voices sounded like they were under water. His cheeks felt warm and wet, but he couldn’t figure out. “Sir. Excuse me sir?”

Chris looked up to see the bartender looking at him with a concerned look on his face. “Hmmmm,” he hummed tracing the rim of the bottle with his finger.

“Are you okay? Why are you crying? Do you need me to call someone to take you home?” the bartender asked.

Chris shook his head as he got to his feet. “M’fine,” he slurred. “Thanks.”

He tried to stand up, but almost collapsed. “Woah,” the bartender said, coming around to help Chris. “Is there anyone you want me to call?”

Chris shook his head as he steadied himself. “I can make it where I need to go,” he mumbled placing some money on the bar. “Thanks.”

The bartender nodded and went back to what he was doing as Chris stumbled out the door.

***your pov ***

You were in the kitchen of your small apartment, cleaning up when you heard a knock at your door. “Hello?” you asked, looking up.

When you got no response you made your way to the door and opened it. You gasped at the sight in front of you. Your best friend Chris was leaning heavily against the doorframe, his eyes were red, and tears streaked down his face. “What happened hun?” you asked worriedly, as you led him inside and closed the door.

“She cheated…” was all he managed to say as more tears started to run down his face.

You were stunned as you watched Chris stumble across the room and opened the fridge. He turned to you with a half empty bottle of tequila in his hand that he had just found. “Chris…” you sighed. “Join me on the couch?” you offered.

Chris shrugged and took the offer. He was silent for a couple minutes, staring blankly at the wall in front of him. You placed a hand on his knee, causing him to glance at you briefly. “You want to talk about it? Do you just want to go to bed? You can have the guest room.”

“What’s there to talk about?” Chris muttered, and you could hear the anger starting to build in his voice.

You shrugged as you watched Chris take a sip of the tequila. “We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,” you replied. “Whatever you want.”

Chris didn’t reply as he stood up, and you assumed he was about to take your offer of the guest bedroom. He turned towards you, looking defeated. “I was scared. You know that?”

You looked up at him. “Scared?”

“My biggest fear has always been the vulnerability that comes with relationships,” Chris replied. “I told her that. I fucking told her that.”

You didn’t know how to respond, so you chose to sit quietly and let Chris rant. Chris took another sip of tequila as he started pacing. “You know how she responded when I asked about what I’d heard?”

You shook your head. You could see a look in Chris's eyes that you'd never seen before. “She didn’t even react. She just said she was interested in the other guy now. Could she not just have the guts to break up with me?” Chris ranted, raising his voice with every sentence.

“I’m sorry,” was all you managed to say as you watched Chris get more restless by the second.

“I did everything for her. I was there for her and she turns around and throws it in my face,” Chris snapped at no one in particular.

You nodded quietly. You knew what he’d gone through with that girl. You had witnessed him constantly do everything for her and put her over so many different opportunities he could’ve had.

Chris was shaking as tears started to roll down his flushed cheeks again. Your heart hurt for your friend as you watched him try to calm himself down. The amount of alcohol Chris had consumed tonight seemed to be having an effect as his rage changed to sadness. His blue eyes swam in tears as he let the glass bottle he was still holding slip from his hands and shatter on the floor. “What am I doing wrong?” he slurred, starting to sway slightly.

You stood up and hurried to his side, avoiding the broken glass the best you could. “Nothing. It’s not your fault,” you tried to assure him.

That was all it took for the dam to break. “I know. It’s okay,” was all you could think to say as you listened to Chris’s heartbreaking sobs.

It was several minutes before Chris’s sobs quieted. You brushed his hair out of his eyes and sighed. “I know it hurts.”

“She didn’t even care,” Chris said tearfully.

You wiped a stray tear from his cheek. “Come back to the couch with me?”

The two of you settled back on the couch and you pulled Chris in for a hug. “She didn’t deserve you. I’m so sorry,” you whispered, running your fingers through Chris’s hair.

Chris was quiet as he stayed in your arms and you knew he was exhausted from the combination of alcohol and emotions. His breathing started to slow and you glanced down to see his eyes starting to close. You started to offer the guest bedroom to him again, but you didn’t think he would be able to stay standing and you certainly couldn’t take his full weight. You reached for the blanket next to you and gently covered Chris with it “M’sorry,” he slurred. “Bout the glass. I’ll clean it up.”

You shook your head. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll clean it up later.”

“Hmmm,” Chris hummed.

You absentmindedly scratched Chris’s back as you closed your eyes. It would be a long day tomorrow, and you know Chris wouldn’t remember anything from tonight.

Taglist

@adirtylittleheart @sturniolo04 @yourenogoodforme @flouvela @mattyblover07 @sturnioloveniamh @slutforsturniolos

[holylulusworld]

SHG for killers (1) - The first meeting

Summary: 6 men meet up to talk about their problems. They soon realize they need someone to help them solve their problems. This person is you. Whether you like it or not.

Pairing: Steve Kemp x fem!Reader, Lloyd Hansen x fem!Reader, Robert Pronge (Mr. Freezy) x fem!Reader, Andy Barber x fem!Reader, God, the bounty hunter x fem!Reader, Ransom Drysdale x fem!Reader

Warnings: mentions of murder/killing for money, serial killers/hitmen, mentions of blood/gore, talk about crimes, self-help group for killers/hitmen, world building, we get to know the men first

Self-help group for killers masterlist

“IT STINGS!” His screams of pain and agony echo in Lloyd Hansen’s mind when he wakes from another restless slumber.

He’s a stone-cold mercenary. Merciless and fearless. Or he was. That was until a certain former CIA lapdog pissed onto everything Lloyd stands for. It doesn’t help that he lost two fingers while hunting Six down.

“Bastard,” he curses under his breath as his eyes focus on his hand mutilation. “Still miss my pussy fingers,” Lloyd grumbles angrily. “Wait until I find you, Sierra Six. You’re a dead man; you just don’t know it yet.”

He closes his eyes, replaying the scene again. Lloyd grits his teeth, remembering how he got into a grapple with Six, who blew off Lloyd's left pinkie and ring finger.

The finger prosthetics don’t make him feel better. Sierra’s win over him, the loss of his fingers and reputation, still stings. His self-confidence and ego were not only bruised but torn in two.

For months, he fails mission after mission. His team is long gone, and so is his patience. Lloyd is angry and out for blood. Preferable Sierra Six’s blood.

He tried anything to find the renegade assassin. So far, he didn’t even find a trace. Sierra Six is a master at hiding from his enemies. Lloyd gives him that.

“One day, you’ll pay for what you did.”

“No drugs. No contact with other offenders. No missing an appointment,” Ransom’s probation officer recites all the rules he must follow. “Mr. Drysdale, did you even listen?”

“All of you are telling me the same thing.” Ransom sneers. “You’re the fifth guy in not four months. I know the rules.” He leans back in the uncomfortable and cheap chair the probation officer offered him. “All of you try to get me behind bars again; I get it. You’re pissed because I got out earlier than everyone expected.”

“Mr. Drysdale,” the probation officer replies, watching Ransom munch another cookie. “I really don’t have the time to make plans to get you behind bars again. That’s not in my job description. If you don’t have any problems, we can end the meeting for today.”

“Shit, just a sec.” Robert doesn’t have the time to talk to his ex today. “Listen, you got the money and the car. Let’s part on good terms.” He’s poorly hiding his anger. If she says one more word, he’ll sneak into her new apartment and kill her and the bastard who’s banging her brains out now. “I got a job to do.”

Robert hangs up the phone. He’s not done with the body yet. The client wants proof that her husband is dead. She’s a naughty one, Robert thinks to himself while getting the saw out. Well, all for customer satisfaction.

The doctor is not happy. He tried anything to make sure his business was flowing. Sadly, some people try to stop him from being successful.

“You had to cross me, didn’t you?" He looks down at his former partner and sneers. “We could’ve made so much money. But you had to find your conscience.”

Steve kicks the dead man, grunting as he’s bleeding on the brand-new carpet at his office. Killing his partner wasn’t in his plans for today. It’s not the first time he got his hand dirty.

If Steve were honest, he’d admit that he likes to get his hands dirty. As a doctor, he should save other people’s lives, not take them. Still, he can’t help but feel excited about his latest decision.

Watching the family grieve over the death of their recently killed father and husband, God furrows his brows. He never understood human emotions. The man he killed was a tyrant. He betrayed his business partners, terrorized his family, and cheated on his wife.

The man remains in his hideout to watch the family and friends mourn their loss. Lately, he likes to stick around to watch their reaction. Some scream. Others silently cry.

God likes the ones who put on a show for others the most. He did so all his life. Pretending in public that he’s a normal guy.

The truth is, he feels hollow because he never belonged...

Andy Barber steps out of the courtroom with his head held high. He won another case and can’t help but smirk as his opponent seems to be salty.

“Barber,” the prosecutor says, venom in his voice. “Congratulations on letting another monster go free.”

“If you wanted them in jail,” Andy says, and he dips his head to watch his client smirk at the victims of his cruelty, “you should’ve been a better lawyer.”

Andy walks toward his client, a spring in his step to shake the monster’s hand. He smirks and assures the man he deserves to walk out of the courtroom as a free man. Andy squeezes the man’s hand hard, making him wince. Who would’ve thought a lawyer could be so strong?

The serial rapist ends up dead after the accused was acquitted for lack of evidence. Lloyd recites the newspaper. “I see you’ve been very active lately, Barber. Do I need to remind you to keep it low?”

“No one asked you,” Andy shoots back. He doesn’t know why he’s still coming to the so-called self-help group. Andy doesn’t feel guilty for killing his clients. Who else would punish them for their crimes? “They had a choice, Hansen. It wasn’t me letting him go.”

“He’s not wrong,” Ransom says between munching a cookie and sipping on the expensive mochaccino he bought on his way to the group. “Barber got a point there.”

“Who asked you, amateur?” Robert sneers. He just can’t stand Barber or Drysdale. They are not worth his time, or so he thinks. He’s fine with Hansen and the guy calling himself God. They are like him—professionals. “I don’t even know why you, Mr. Lawyer, are here.”

“I invited them,” Hansen grunts. “If you want to leave, you can go anytime. I founded this group, not you.”

“Man, stop making a fuss!” Pronge shows his palms. “I only wanted to point out that they are not professionals. What if the cops find out about their hobby? What if they decide to get a deal and rat us out?”

Lloyd snorts. He looks at the black leather glove hiding his prosthetic fingers. “No one rats Lloyd Hansen out. We all agreed on complete secrecy. What we discuss here stays within this room.”

Andy rubs his bearded chin. Coming to the group to talk about the crimes he committed helped him improve. Lloyd and God even gave him advice on how to make his crimes look like accidents. “I’m going to therapy now,” he admits. “Not to talk about my hobby, though.”

“Therapy, huh?” Lloyd taunts, while Ransom smirks. God and Robert busy themselves with checking their phones for new clients. “I hope you’re not talking about our little group with the doctor.”

Steve sneers. “Don’t call these incompetent wannabes doctors. They are by all means nothing but pathetic losers trying to tell you how to live your life.”

“No one asked you, Dr. Frankenstein,” Ransom snaps at Steve. “Did you work on some nice asses and tits lately?”

“Shut up,” Steve jumps up, knocking his chair over. “At least I got a job, and I don’t live off my family’s money.”

“Shut up yourself!” Ransom puts his cookies aside and throws the rest of his mochaccino at Steve.

“Gentlemen!” Lloyd yells at Steve and Ransom. “We come here to talk about our problems and help each other improve. I didn’t come here, freezing my ass off on the way to watch you fight like girls over the latest fashion trend.”

“The therapy helps me more than coming here,” Andy raises his voice. “Your advice was good, but I think I’ll stick to her.”

The men stop fighting and stare at Andy.

“Her?” Lloyd licks his lips. “You’ve got a pretty little doctor for your therapist? Why didn’t you tell us before? We would’ve been all ears.”

“Why does this make a difference?” Andy cocks a brow. “She’s got a good reputation and listens to me. I talked to her for months, and she never pressured me into talking about my family.”

“Boohoo, your wife killed your murderous son and is as dead as your latest victim,” Lloyd mocks Andy. “Let’s talk about that pretty ass you’re seeing. Show us her reputation and shit.”

“Why?” Andy sighs deeply. He knew it was a mistake to talk about you and your sessions.

“For science,” Lloyd grins and snatches the phone out of Andy’s hand. Before Andy can protest, Lloyd throws the phone at God, nodding at him. “Unlock it, and look for the doc.”

Steve rolls his eyes. He didn’t come here to talk about some therapist. “Can we go back to business? Barber has a therapist. Maybe he even bangs her. Who cares?”

“Bangs her?” That picked Lloyd’s interest. “Not the worst idea. Maybe as a new version of therapy. Fuck all the bad memories out of her sweet cunt.”

“Got it,” God says and throws the phone at Lloyd. Y/N Y/L/N,” he recites your address and contact information. “She looks cute.”

“Cute?” Ransom laughs. “I didn’t know the word cute is in your vocabulary. Show me.” Ransom walks toward Lloyd to look at the phone in his hands. “Not bad. Hey Barber, does she have a cute ass too?”

“Why are we talking about some woman? If our meeting is over, I’ll go back to business,” Steve says as he gets up. He wants to walk past Lloyd but glances at the phone. “Hmm…I’ve seen her before.”

Steve snatches the phone out of Lloyd’s hands. He looks at the pictures of you, licking his lips.

“Stop stalking my therapist,” Andy angrily says. “Can I get my phone back now?”

“I remember now,” Steve exclaims while staring at your pictures. “She accompanied one of her patients. They wanted surgery, but she talked them out of it. I hated her.” He shrugs.

“I bet she’s an uptight little doctor,” Lloyd muses. His smirk darkens as he looks at the men he brought together around two years ago. “Barber, did you already have a taste? I bet she tastes like strawberries.”

“Hansen, that is enough,” Andy grumbles. He snatches the phone out of Lloyd’s hands and turns to leave. “This was a waste of time!”

“Not to me.” Lloyd clenches and unclenches his fists. “I think I found something that will help us improve as a group. You all came here to talk about your problems and to get better at what you’re doing. I think this sweet doctor will be a big help.

Part 2

Tags in reblog.

[dramaticallytotal]

The Rise of Team E-Scope Headcanons: Part Four

Idea Post Part One Last Part

• Paris challenge was one that Noah vehemently hated. Not only because he was made to go through the stupid lasers but also because stupid Justin and sneaky Alejandro kept trying to partner up with him to find their statue pieces and he kept having to remind them it was a team challenge. The attention caused an uptick in Heather's dislike for Noah, but he thought it was because they had been close to beating The Amazons, not because she was jealous of him.

______

New format for headcanons for this AU and maybe others! You may have noticed that I have a need or want for things to be organized, and the way the headcanons are now has kind of gotten to me. XD. They're not bad, but they are all over the place, so I think I'm going to do episode by episode headcanons so they are easier to follow! Let me know which format you like better!

Anywho, onward to the rest of the headcanons!

____________

Walk Like An Egyptian Pt 1 & 2:

• Noah, of course, already knew about the singing part of their contracts and told Izzy and Eva. Chris let him know so he could help convince Eva to stay for the new season. It took a lot of convincing from him and Izzy, but thankfully, Eva agreed to sing.

• Again, Ezekiel has a deal with Chris/ the network to go "feral," so him being thrown out of the plane was planned. As was his stowing-away in the cargo hold till they got to Egypt.

• This season will have reward challenges, elimination challenges, and double elimination challenges since it is a bigger cast and supposed to be the bigger and better season. Chris, of course, chooses when a challenge is a reward, elimination, or double elimination. Sometimes, it's purely strategic views wise, and others he rolls a dice.

• Those who go over the pyramid: Alejandro, Bridgette, Lindsay, Tyler, Courtney, Gwen, Duncan, Katie, Sadie, Trent

• Those who go "under": Noah, Izzy, Owen, Eva, Leshawna, Harold, DJ, Cody, Sierra, Heather, Justin, Ezekiel

• If you think Eva would go over the pyramid, you're absolutely right, but only if she was by herself on the season. She would also go over if it was just Team E-Scope that got on the show. She would carry them the whole way up and down kinda like Alejandro did with Lindsay and Bridgette. But because Owen is there, she knew Noah and Izzy would go through the pyramid, and she didn't want to leave them, so she went with her friends. UwU she a ride or die friend.

• They do get separated, she stuck by mummy Izzy, and they somehow lost Noah and Owen.

• Noah and Owen do run out screaming, and when the others tease him about running away from Zeke, he just dead pans, "You guys know the peanut gallery had to watch the show right? Gwen ended up facing an actual escaped convict in season one. A convict who was a serial killer. I'm not taking my chances."

• Everyone is so nonchalant in how they agree, and a couple even laughed about that incident except Alejandro, who on the inside was terrified by how casual they were about it and even more how they laughed like it was a fond memory. He regrets all his decisions. UwU

• When they're weaving the boats, Heather makes fun of Noah for actually trying because she thinks he regrets getting out so early in season one by not being a team player. Everyone is surprised at his reaction. He laughs.

"Honey, you're not as smart as I thought, which mind you wasn't much, if you didn't figure out that I got myself thrown off."

"WHAT!?" From everyone except Team E-Scope + Owen. Alejandro's was more confused than outraged like the others.

"What do you mean what? Do you really think I was going to stay in that rinky dink run-down camp when we were promised a resort? Yeah, no."

"But...but..."

"I mean, sure, I missed out on the money, but think of it this way. I got to stay in a five-star, fully catered, fully equipped resort for the whole competition, and you got to be humiliated on international television. Looooved your work in 'I Triple Dog Dare You', by the way."

Did Alejandro feel his heart skip a beat at the little smirk Noah had at the end? Not that anyone can prove and not that he could understand the reason why. Perhaps he was just excited to know there was someone at least a little funny on his team.

"And before you start yapping like the chihuahua you are, I was already punished for being thrown off on purpose by the producers. Why do you think I was Chris's assistant?"

"Because you love me?" Chris said out of nowhere.

"Ha."

• That's how everyone found out Noah was made to be Chris's assistant. Which is true! For at least the rest of season one, but he was so efficient that Chris asked him to continue and Noah actually liked the work despite the chaos and agreed.

• Ezekiel is voted out like planned, but Chris is still upset that Duncan quit. It threw off the numbers and the uniform look of the teams!!

• Back on the plane, Justin immediately gets started on flirting with Noah because he finds his anger so entertaining. In this au, Noah and Cody joke about being ex boyfriends like in my other au, so Cody jumps in.

"Flirting with another in front of me? Noah how could you! The wound is still fresh."

"Good to know you're still obsessed with me. It's been like what? Two years since our summer camp romance? I'm flattered."

Justin is irritated that his entertainment was cut short, but the way the two joked with each other was somehow so wholesome it had the whole cast amused. That is until they heard a loud thud and saw Eva on top of Sierra.

• Eva tackled Sierra because the girl had been ready to lunge at Noah. Or well, it looked like it to Eva. The bubbly stalker's face in that moment had honestly scared her, and she worried for her friend.

• After that, the Amazon's awkwardly went to first class for the night while the rest went on about their own business, but they all were thinking about Sierra and her reaction to Noah and Cody play flirting. Noah was disturbed and not that he would admit, but also a little terrified.

• That night, Izzy made Noah sleep between her and Owen just in case Stalkerlicious came out for some odd idea of revenge. Little did they know, but Eva didn't get a lot of sleep because she was watching the door from her spot on the sofa closest to it for that same reason. She wouldn't let anyone hurt her little brother.

• They did get to stay in Egypt for about two days once they landed the plane closer to a city. It was nice. They got to stay in a hotel, and Eva got to hang around her friends without it seeming suspicious or like they were in an alliance.

• It's during this time that Noah and Izzy see how Alejandro's flirting was getting to Harold and saw the way this seemed to please the charming boy. Izzy is the one who guessed Harold and Leshawna were Alejandro's first targets. But over the two days, Harold had been getting on Noah's last nerve with how the dude always tried to correct something Noah said or debate the validity of whatever Noah said. Noah knows he's right each time because he legit can't forget information he takes in, so it just irritated him that Harold thought he knew more than him.

• It's not in an arrogant way, Noah is legit a genius with an eidetic memory. It's not that he thinks he's right. He knows he's right. The way Harold had been confronting him had him feeling overwhelmed and more than a little frustrated.

• Izzy is so ride or die she's prepared to throw Harold off the plane herself once they are told it's time to fly again, but Noah just got this look on his face before he smiled maniacally and Izzy knew he had a plan. Thankfully, he did, and over the days they were flying, Noah and Izzy made sure to talk up the cultural insensitivity of Chris and the show in Egypt. What with the costume and the way he didn't even learn about the culture.

• I do see Chris as Birdie coded from Glass Onion, so he genuinely doesn't see what he's doing as wrong or incorrect.

• Noah and Izzy were hoping Harold would be so annoying that he would get Chris so mad he sabotaged the team by giving them a disadvantage, or he annoyed his team so much they sent him home.

• No one knows they planned this. Not even the viewers because they don't apologize and confess in the confessional like in future eliminations. It looks like it was all Alejandro's fault, which looks great for them as they view his as competition/the enemy.

• They know because, look, Noah can put two and two together and a guy who was going to be on a show called Total Drama: Dirtbags has got to he bad news but also because he's the one who cast him in the show in the first place. He knows what he's capable of. But also because he's attracted to him, and he almost always found the bad guys in movies/shows to be really attractive.

Next

[notmorbid]

annie bot.

dialogue prompts from annie bot: a novel by sierra greer.

come to bed. i know how to cheer you up.

i have no delusions about where i come from.

i love when you get all righteous and compassionate.

what's your name, honey?

am i pathetic?

a secret will make you real.

you have to be smarter than you were.

regret is for cowards.

look at me, please.

this is not a safe place to be.

who do you think runs the show around here?

i don't want to be this person.

i can see you thinking.

there's this saying, 'your possessions come to own you'.

why didn't you tell me this before?

you didn't ask. i didn't think it mattered.

we might be safer together.

i should come with you. we should stay together.

stay here and hide. i'll come back for you.

will you stay with me?

wake up. don't make a sound. we have to go.

i love you, but you're still a dick.

sorry about that. i'm always putting my foot in it.

we're fucked. you know that, right?

you made a mistake. it's easily fixed.

what's it going to take for you to quit?

you're growing and changing. you're going to make mistakes.

what would you do, if you were me?

i don't want to be dead. i want to live.

you'd be eaten alive in the real world.

you're a complete puzzle to me.

let me do the dishes.

how easy it must be to be you.

traveling is a fantastic way to expand the mind.

we're on a new frontier. anything's possible.

perhaps that's what unhappiness is: comprehension.

i miss having a secret. is that wrong?

i don't have the right to be happy.

you can't throw away __ years of friendship.

i get it. i'm the douchebag.

timezones? fucking travesty.

it couldn't hurt, could it? to talk to someone?

i wish i knew how to make things better.

you deserve to be happy.

i'm thinking of getting a dog.

what else? think it over.

what is it that's troubling you?

did you have pets when you were a kid?

i miss who you were, back then.

you can leave. no one is stopping you.

i wish i understood you.

i've never been angry like this before.

not everything is about you.

what's really going on with you?

you don't sound like yourself. everything okay?

do whatever you need to do to protect your own heart.

a little jealousy is okay. it shows you care.

i actually laughed today. really hard.

i miss laughing.

fulfillment starts with being truly honest with yourself.

we missed our anniversary.

you have no idea how messed up i feel.

i can't tell what's true anymore.

is there something you want to ask? or say?

you knew me so well.

you're a good teacher.

thinking too much will make you unhappy.

you'll be with me the whole time, right?

but you don't want me to go.

you make me want to be more like you, and when i try, i'm better.

are you alright? can you hear me?

you don't have to process everything at once.

you're fine. you have time.

[carlos-in-glasses]

How are you dealing with Tarlos being over? I’m seriously not good. It helps that Ronen said they are best friends off screen but knowing that we will never see them together again is really making me sad.

Hello! Thank you for this question. Firstly, a huge internet hug for you because I really feel your pain 💔❤️❤️❤️❤️ and this is a topic we're all grappling with I'm sure. In terms of Tarlos as characters, I'm trying not to look at it as them being totally 'over' because they and the other characters can live on through art and fanfic, just like they did during the hiatuses between seasons. We didn't need 'new' canon content to keep creating. We just...kept creating. Although this was perhaps fuelled by looking forward to the show’s return, I don't see why that has to be all that different now. There are fandoms that revolve around single books, single movies, and thrive on a lot less content than we have to work with. 

However, I appreciate that you might not be a reader of fic, and indeed even if you are…..The show itself and the physical portrayal of these characters is certainly ending far too soon, and honestly I fucking hate that. I feel sad in my body. I'd go as far to say I'm actually bitter about it, and bitterness is a horrible, horrible feeling! I keep thinking – if we hadn't had a season 3, we'd have missed out on so many amazing moments on screen, culminating in the proposal. If we hadn't had a season 4, we'd have missed out on the soulmates scene and the wedding! No season 5, no seeing TK being flung onto a dresser, no dancing at the party, none of the Enzo/Jonah/Carlos' investigation stuff that I'm LOVING. Which leaves me with this strong ache as I wonder what we are missing out on with no season 6, 7, 8... 

So, the silver lining is that the fandom will make the best out of a shit situation creatively, but it is a shit situation in reality. I think it's absolutely fine for us to mourn this loss and be there for each other, because those of us who profoundly love this show and Tarlos are all in it together and understand the magnitude. I am certainly in a weird state of grief not related to death but related to this different kind of loss, and there will always be part of me hurting over this thing I love so much. I only found the show after season 3 and it just doesn't feel like I've had enough time with it. I haven’t had enough fun!

I hope we do get to see Ronen and Rafa reunite again from time to time. They’ll be at the Paris convention in December, and maybe others along the way if their schedules allow. I was lucky enough to go to the one in June last year and Ronen, Rafa, Natacha and Sierra certainly did appear to be very close irl, so definitely do take heart in that – it’s a reason to believe we’ll get at least glimpses of them together going forward.

So yeah. I’m finding good things where I can in all this, but the headline is that I really am sad and struggling too, and I’m so sorry you are and I hope you’re able to fill your day with things that help you to feel a bit better. I hope everyone who reads this is able to do the same.

[morganas-pendragons]

how long | the master chief

people have been digging up my master chief fanfiction with the release of halo season 2. so. here's a new one shot ft my favorite shot of the show! Spoilers for episode 1!

this will be multiple parts as we span throughout season 2. this is loosely associated with you're losing me by Taylor Swift!

A couple of tags for people who've come my way recently wanting Chief fic... @silverpelt3600 @embarrassedauthornerd (who is still getting a Game!John fic at some point) and I know there were more but I literally can't remember :(

***

Being a part of Silver is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. It’s a team. A unit. You aren’t forced to rely on old instincts of survival on your own when you have Master Chief Petty Officer Sierra 117 covering your back.

John. Your John.

My beloved.

He hadn’t been the same since Cortana was removed from his head. You knew why. It was like losing a crucial part of himself, and no one still knew where she was. You both felt her loss so acutely.

You still sometimes turned to call out, “Little love?” In the darkness of your quarters, and waited for “Soles..” to echo back at you. The nickname she’d given you herself.

She’s not dead, but she might as well be.

You had initially suspected that Parangonsky had something to do with it. The woman was as conniving as Halsey, choosing to own the facade of the imperfect military leader with a world of decisions on her shoulders to bear. Her own cross. Just like Halsey.

No one bothered asking though, so neither did you. You and Kai continued to work as The Master Chief's shadows as the months passed. Mission after mission became civilian evacuation after evacuation. ONI was not letting you into combat.

May have something to do with the fact that the entirety of Silver has taken out their inhibitor pellets.

You repositioned yourself between Kai and Vannak as the three of you peered out over the cliff face you were occupying on Sanctuary. "Babysitting duty," Vannak muttered. "Aren't we better than this?"

You snorted and flexed your finger against the trigger of your assault rifle. "We're here to keep an eye on Chief. And this complaint is coming from the guy who indulges in documentaries for fun," You mutter, to which Kai also breaks out into laughter. "And feeds his pigeons."

"I'll have you know-"

Kai nudged your shoulder as John and Riz approached the group of civilians where Captain Shepherd was currently trying to coax their leader, a native priestess, into evacuating. "Shut up and pay attention you two," She teased. "Looks like Captain Shepherd is trying to work on his negotiation skills."

The UNSC had sent the five of you to Sanctuary to evacuate before the Covenant arrived to glass it. That had been happening to a lot of colonies recently.

More often than not, you found yourself huddled next to John in his cot on the nights that the dead just would not stop screaming. It was easier to deal with when you were The Lone Headhunter. When you had your pellet.

When you were more machine.

"This would be so much easier if Cortana was around." You whisper to yourself, thankful that neither of them pay attention to your statement. The AI had become a welcome friend and presence in your life since you'd found yourself becoming closer to The Master Chief. Since you'd found yourself loving him. Loving John.

John hadn't been John in... six months. And you missed him.

They never did say loving from afar was easy.

By the time you were properly paying attention again, John was communicating his position through TEAMCOM as he took off toward the upward cliff face that would lead to where Bravo Team was at. A nagging feeling gnawed at your stomach as you stood to your feet.

"Where is he going?"

"To retrieve Bravo," Vannak replied as he pressed his hand against the side of his helmet. "Comm signal is static. Can't get a clear answer. Seems like there's some type of interference from the relay."

You were already on your way towards John’s location being displayed in your HUD. There was no way you were going to let him do something like that on his own. Especially with his emotions being at such a heightened state since Cortana’s removal, you didn’t quite trust him to make a logical decision right now.

You stopped at the base of the cliff. The fog above loomed above menacingly, like a bad omen waiting to make itself known. You still couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in your stomach.

“Silver One, this is Silver Five. Come in.”

Static.

Cursing under your breath, you steadied your feet and activated the grapple shot recently installed to your Mjolnir. The tech’s had done it per The Chief’s request. Something about needing his most lethal and stealthy team member to be able to utilize that skill to the best of their ability.

Quick, quiet.

The grapple shot up into the fog and took you along with it.

***

How long has it been?

You ask yourself this question every night you sneak into his bunk while Silver sleeps on either side of you. John sleeps at the far end, prone with his arms at his sides, hazel eyes cast toward the ceiling. This is your curse. You cannot sleep without hearing the screams of those you know who have died.

Those you failed to save.

How long has it been since I've seen John? The real John?

You wordlessly settle at his side when his arm comes up to allow you to tuck yourself into him. Despite being only a few inches apart in height, you automatically feel safer with your cheek pressed against his chest and the bulk of his muscle sheltering you from any outside threat.

It's the whisper of your name that catches you off guard. "Soles.." John's voice cracks in the darkness as you lift your head high enough to meet the gaze that stares back at you. Despite how much he's changed since losing Cortana, you can still see remnants of the very broken man he has been trying so hard to hide. "When does it end?"

"When does what end, John?"

"The war."

You know very well he isn't talking about the Human-Covenant War. He's talking about the internal war that Spartans face when they're able to feel too much. The conflict of being made to be more machine then man. More soldier. Being forced to execute orders despite knowing they're morally wrong.

"I don't know.. but I don't think it ever will."

How long has it been, since the two of you had been able to just enjoy each other? To be at peace?

***

Too long.

You were barely able to get your footing before a hand was wrenching you into the dark. Your visor tipped upward to meet the glowing gold of The Master Chief's before you, just barely concealing the lone marine who stood petrified behind him.

"You shouldn't have come, Silver Five."

You shrug noncommittally. "I don't care, Chief. Sitrep." You remarked sharply as the two of you moved to pull the girl between you. It was the only way she'd be protected without any kind of armor to shield her from the threat in the fog.

"Something's in the fog. The Covenant were here before we were-"

It's only then that you see the Elites lingering in the shadows. Decades of instincts and training immediately kick into gear as you remove your weapon from your belt - a newly obtained energy sword, courtesy of the last high ranking Elite who'd tried to rush you - and activated the blade before charging at your nearest opponent.

Blood spattered against your armor while John continued to cover you from behind. They yell at you. Mock you. Call you Demon. You know enough to understand that singular word in their mother tongue.

You cut them down anyway. You are Sierra-343. You are built for this.

But ONI is determined to keep you from it.

***

The glassing beam is terrifying. You haven't quite been afraid for your life in a long, long time... but the stinging heat that comes from it sears the back of your armor as you sprint across the field to the Condors.

The Priestess was not about to let The Master Chief leave the planet without prophesying over him.

"Find your faith, Spartan. I have seen your death." Her eyes slowly shift to your fingers wrapped around The Master Chief's wrist, desperately urging him forward to the Condors where Kai and Vannak were waiting for you. "You are not long for this world. It comes soon. "

How long?

You're running against the clock as the three of you sprint into the Condor just in time for it to take off. Breathless, you cast aside your helmet to stare at the amber hue of fire as Sanctuary is overcome by the glassing beam from the Covenant Carrier.

***

Ackerson spent the first several days of his time in ONI working on you. As his Lone Headhunter, he saw you as an asset to utilize with a skill that far outweighed Silver Team combined.

"Do you think that at his core.. The Master Chief is broken?"

Unarmored and dressed in your civilian clothing, you stared out at the open expanse of Reach City right beyond the window.

“I think that The Chief is a human being who had undergone a significant amount of trauma in a very short amount of time. I think ONI overlooks that because the only use he has to them is to be the hero you need on the front lines of a war we’re not going to win,” You replied coldly, turning around to face Colonel Ackerson with your hands neatly folded behind you. “Do you have any other questions that pertain to my role in Silver Team or my history as a Headhunter, sir?”

“I am not your enemy here. You know that. You’ve undergone some of the most extensive types of torture under covenant hands from your time on The Exalted.” You froze at the remark, disdain and anger flashing across your gaze as you met his eyes. “You are remarkable. Resilient. I want that for the future of what we have here. I do not wish for such contempt to come between us.”

“Then I would prefer you keep my past and my trauma out of conversation.” You motion towards the door to ONI’s main office. “Am I free to go?”

Ackerson flashed a tight-lipped smile. He knew you would be the most difficult to crack on Silver Team. Kai had said as much. Given your involvement with the Spartan Two program and how quickly you'd taken to working with a team, he'd anticipated you would be loyal to them.

He hadn't anticipated the extent of how loyal you'd be to The Master Chief though. There must've been something there. Something else the others didn't know about.

"Yes, you are. Thank you for speaking with me."

You bit the inside of your cheek so hard that you tasted blood as you and John locked eyes passing one another in the main doorway of the ONI office.

He'll have questions for you later.

***

Kai caught John's gaze wandering to you as you and Riz continued working on your hand-to-hand on the gym floor. There was just something so graceful about the way you moved, and the way you looked...

"Hey, Chief," Kai's voice broke through his reverie as John turned away from you to gaze at the monitors near the lockers. "Come take a look at this."

You narrowly avoided an uppercut to the jaw as you attempted to tune into Keyes speech where he was awarding Talia Perez a Colonial Cross. You knew the truth though. A truth that Ackerson was not hearing, and a truth that John had attempted to get Ackerson to reveal during their meeting.

He didn't breathe a word. And unfortunately, when he'd intercepted you an hour later, neither did you.

How long since you stopped trusting me, Soles?

"Turn it off." Vannak demanded. "I've heard enough from this guyat debrief."

"What questions did he ask you?"

The main point of conversation between you both again rang in your ears as Riz moved to sweep your legs out from beneath you. Do you think that The Master Chief is, at his core, broken?

Dread bubbled in your stomach. Did he know?

Did Ackerson know about you two?

You didn't have enough time to react as Riz swept your legs out from underneath you just as Cobalt Team walked into the room. You didn't bother learning any of their names. You just knew you hated the blonde one the most.

Riz extended a hand to you just as she approached you both. "You see, this is why you don't go taking your pellet out. Makes you emotional." Cold blue eyes regarded you as you both stepped into her space. "Makes you weak."

Your eyes narrowed. "You know, for someone who's barely encountered The Covenant.. Tell me. Who endured torture at the hands of high-ranking Elites aboard a Covenant Cruiser for months before I got myself out?"

"And who's to say you're not a whining Covenant sympathizer now?"

Rage flashed behind your eyes as you lunged and very nearly caught Val, had it not been for John winding his arms through yours to keep you from making a rash decision.

You weren't paying attention to anything else that was said until Cobalt was gone. John bent to whisper in your ear, "Stop trying to get yourself killed, Soles."

You wrenched yourself from his grasp and jabbed your finger into his chest angrily. You weren't mad at him, persay. You were mad at the place that loving him had put you in. That loving him was now a way to be exploited. And you swore you wouldn't be in that position again when Halsey was gone. When you became part of Silver.

"Then stop trying to protect me, Master Chief."

But they had spent years telling you a very simple truth: You were a machine created to serve a singular purpose. Machines were not conditioned to feel.

And they certainly did not love.

***

You didn't come to John's bed that night. You didn't come for quite a while after that, and he then determined that you were the one thing he feared you to be.

A liar.

And he didn't understand why you were hiding it. Why were you hiding what happened on Sanctuary, and why were you avoiding Ackerson? What had he asked you?

Why were you running?

***

He wasn't expecting this. The whole point of coming to this place was to find some semblance of her, something that offered comfort in the way Cortana would have if she were here.

She wasn't dead, but she may as well be.

He swiped his credit chit and sat down with his hands in his lap. "I don't really know what people say to each other. And the one person I want to talk to right now is..." John swallowed the knot in his throat. "Isn't themselves. And I'm-"

"Lost?"

"Yeah. I think there might be something wrong with me. That's why they ran. They figured out there's a part of me that's missing. Sometimes there's a sound like something in my head is there that doesn't belong. And maybe it's part of you that got embedded in me."

"Oh, sweetie... You miss them, don't you?"

John grimaced. He did. He did miss you and Cortana. He'd give anything to go back to that medical table where he'd kissed you the first time.

He was so deeply engrossed in his memory of Sanctuary, of seeing Makee, of hearing her voice, that he didn't even notice you come in. You stood in the doorway with your hood concealing your face and slowly lowered it as John stared up at you in shock.

There wasn't just shock there though. There was... desperation.

How long since you willingly let someone in?

"Soles?"

"John. We need to talk."

part two?

[punkassfrance]

Sierra Nevada - Chapter I - Ellie/Abby

Chapter I: Donner (Work Length ~1.4k) This work is rated M for canon-typical violence and gore. Please look here for a full list of warnings for the series, specific warnings will be provided at the start of each chapter. This work contains passing mention of cannibalism and discussion of a massacre. (Aftermath- corpses, smell, etc.) Full Series - Next Chapter

“Even though I told people to call me Linda, that was another girl’s name. I had to change my name several times because of what I had done, or rather, what had been done to me.” - Aimee Parkison, “The Innocent Party”

-

Abby

It was hard to say exactly what happened to the Fireflies. They didn’t have much to go on, once Abby and Lev finally made it to Catalina island. There were no notes, no maps, no audio logs explaining everything they needed to know. From what did remain, Abby could only say one thing for sure- it was a fucking bloodbath.

The bodies weren’t fresh. They weren’t old, either. Sometime between 2425 Constance and the moment they made it to the island, the Fireflies were wiped out. It had been a few weeks, maybe a month since the bodies hit the ground where they laid. There was no getting away from the smell; nowhere on the island was safe from the harsh reminder of whatever had happened.

Some of them looked like they went down fighting, gunpowder residue still on their fingers. Some were executed. There were missing boats along the docks- some must have made it out alive, she thought with the last bit of hope she had left. It didn’t last long.

Lev looked up from the shambles of the Fireflies, looking to Abby for hope, a plan, anything she could offer. They’d spent almost two years looking for the Fireflies, they’d been so close. It was all Abby had wanted.

But they still had fresh rope burn. They both still hungered from the pillars, and she had injuries to take care of from the cure. She still tasted blood, and tried not to focus too hard on what was stuck in her teeth.

“…come on, Lev.”

That was almost a year ago, now. Maybe if they weren’t both exhausted, starving and beaten like dogs, they would have kept looking. They wouldn’t have given up on the Fireflies.

But Santa Barbara changed things. After all they’d seen, all that had happened, some part of Abby decided it was just over. All Lev wanted was to be with Abby, and all Abby wanted to do was get the fuck out of this city.

The sailboat made it as far as San Francisco before it couldn’t keep going. Abby had tried to fix it for about a week before Lev confessed he wanted to explore inland- see what the world was like outside the coast.

“Abby?” She looks up from her journal as Lev calls her from a few yards away, pointing to a road sign he’s spent the last ten minutes uncovering. “How do you say this? Trucke?”

Abby stands and walks over to him, squinting at the sign. “It’s Truck-ee. Just how it looks. Means we’re getting close to Nevada.”

There’s been…some interruptions on their trip, to say the least. Some things Abby can’t bring herself to remember, let alone talk about- but they’re past that. Abby’s hair is slowly growing out, past her shoulders now, just enough to braid. Her hair hasn’t been this short since she was a teenager. Lev’s kept his hair short, but not fully shaved- he gets nightmares when it gets too long. But then, he gets nightmares most nights.

“What’s Nevada like?”

“What is it, October? Should be nice. We should leave before spring, though. It’s a lot of desert. We’ll go around Reno if we can help it.”

“Have you been there?” Lev lets the foliage fall back over the road sign, hands resting on the straps of his backpack.

“Nope. We’re both gonna see something new.”

They’re just outside of Donner, Abby pausing their lesson on the history of the area to take a short rest. He’s fascinated by what he’s heard, even the morbid details she barely remembers. “Book on Donner Party/murder?” is written down in her shopping list, one of the dozens of things she needs to find at some point. He’d like that, she’s certain.

“We should get moving. Should just be another day or so to Nevada.”

Lev nods and starts off down the road as Abby puts her journal away, half-jogging to keep up with him. “Hang on, Lev-”

“Gotta get a move on!”

She huffs quietly and runs until she catches up to him, glancing around the woods. He knows she’s been trying to get back in shape. It’s been tricky, after everything that happened in Santa Barbara, but not as hard as she feared it would be. Muscle comes back easier once it’s been gained the first time around, even if the limited calories complicate things. Whatever anyone had to say about the Washington Liberation Front, they kept their people fed. One of the few things she misses from Seattle.

“I’m coming.”

Ellie

“No. I’m not gonna do this again. If you walk out, I’m not going to be here if you come back.”

“That’s up to you.”

-

There was no real point in going back. There was nothing left for Ellie, after all. The possessions she’d turned into a life meant nothing anymore- Tommy probably took most of them when Dina left. If she ever decides she wants any of it back, if she ever returns to Jackson to beg for Dina’s forgiveness, she hopes Tommy at least has the decency to feel ashamed.

Not that he matters, anymore. Not that anyone in Wyoming matters. Not that anyone matters.

When she journals about it, she wants to say she hasn’t been this disconnected since she was…younger, but she can’t settle on an age. First it was Riley. Then Marlene. Then Joel. Then Dina. As much as loneliness has haunted her entire life, the more she thinks about it, it was never so tangible. There was always something there, someone keeping her tethered to humanity.

But Santa Barbara changed things. After Abby disappeared into the fog, after she stood from the water on the last shreds of energy she had and watched the horizon, it was too late. When the stars started to appear on the water, it hit her that there was nothing for her anywhere. Jackson might welcome her, but it would never be home again.

So, east. There was no real plan to it, nothing beyond get out of Santa Barbara, so that’s what she did. Wandered until she found somewhere suitable to settle down. She’s not sure what the name of the town is, just that it’s quiet. Joel would have liked it, she thinks- he loved the mountains. They never managed to get this far west together.

It looked like an old vacation town, somewhere rich people would visit when the season was right. It’s been nearly a year since she settled here, and if there’s anything she’s learned, it’s that nobody in their right mind would be here in the winter just to visit. The snow should be coming in any day now- she’ll have to prepare for it soon.

At least there’s a nice view from the back porch of the cabin she settled on. Her cabin, now. The previous owner was quickly dispatched, his spores fully aired out within a week. Now it’s just her place. She drinks the tea in her hand, thumb rubbing over the design on the mug. It’s not the same owl mug Joel had, but it’s close enough to remind her. Remind her she cared about someone for a little while.

Her place is so quiet. There’s no voices, no humming from the kitchen, no kids giggling and playing outside. It’s nothing like Jackson. If she doesn’t speak, nothing needs to be said. It’s nice. A bird sings nearby— it’s one of Ellie’s favorite sounds. Joel told her it was called a Mourning Dove.

Pushing herself back from the balcony railing, she gives the woods one last look before she turns back to the house. There’s a laundry list of things to do- prepare firewood, move the few plants that can be moved indoors, clear out the gutters— small things to handle before the snow really sets in. The greenhouse still needs fixing up, just another thing for her to get to once summer returns.

As endless as it feels, the list she’s built up is only a few years long. Ellie’s not sure what she’s going to do once she hits the end of it.

But for now, she sets her mug next to the sink and reaches for her jacket. She’s fresh out of distractions for the morning.

I'm so excited to start this series- hopefully you enjoyed chapter one, more on the way soon! Again, heed the warnings for each chapter, please be safe! Huge thanks to @jennaispunk for looking this over for me, the help is very much appreciated!!

Thank you to @plum98 for the forest divider! Feel free to say hi or drop your thoughts in my askbox, check out my AO3 or my about me if you're interested!

[faded-florals]

Hello! I am a newcomer to POTO, and was introduced 3 days ago by deciding to randomly watch the 25 RAH. I fell so in love with the 25st cast, but especially and everlastingly with Hadley Fraser as Raoul. It was a little disheartening for me to realise that it wasn't a popular opinion, and when I found your tumblr, it was like finding a kindred spirit and even a wise elder spirit that showed me all the nuances I missed before. I must have read and adored each one of your Raoul posts - thank you.

(My apologies for the delayed response, this time of year is always so busy for me, and I've fallen behind!)

Hello, thank you for sending such a kind and thoughtful message! 🥰 I love to hear about new Phans falling in love with POTO RAH and Hadley's Raoul, and I'm glad my posts have resonated with you. I feel I've analyzed pretty much every moment of his on-stage time in that production, both in writing and in gifs, and you've summarized my thoughts very well here.

I really like how there is a distinct shift in Hadley's Raoul from act I to act II, from speculative but ultimately unbothered to fiercely protective and frustrated, almost in parallel with how we the audience are made aware of the steadily increasing threat the Phantom is becoming. His Raoul is charming but genuine and sweet in his first few scenes, and I agree his mannerisms at the end of the show are quite different from the young man we were introduced to in Little Lotte. His lines in the final lair are soaked in desperation and anger, especially his "Let me see her!" and "Why make her lie to you to save me?"

It's important to remember that the staging/blocking for POTO RAH is very different from the original - I'd argue it's much more organically emotional for all three of the characters. While many of the changes were made out of necessity for how the RAH stage was set up, the impact of the altered staging to the scene is undeniable. Some examples being the Phantom holding Christine by the throat, the prolonged doomed trek that Raoul has to make across the stage to ultimately be caught in the lasso, and the visual of Christine climbing down and back up the stairs of the Phantom's "hell" one last time to say goodbye.

Combine that with the fact that Ramin, Sierra, and Hadley all have very high-strung interpretations of their characters to begin with, it doesn't surprise me that Hadley's Raoul culminated in practically lunging at the Phantom at the end of the final lair. I think a lot of it had to do with Ramin and Hadley's chemistry, too, and while it is very different from most productions I ultimately feel that it works.

I think the point I'm trying to make in all of this is that POTO RAH was a very special production, with a remarkable cast in a unique situation that has left a lasting impression on me and many Phans. I really love to hear how special this production and these actors are to you, thanks for reaching out! 💕

[harleykeeners]

Runaway - Sierra Six

Sierra Six/Court Gentry x Male!Reader

Prompt: It’s been nearly a year of radio silence, and Six finally returns home.

Word Count: 2367

Note: reader is a firefighter cause I’m a firefighter in training.

The last thing he told you as he frantically packed his bags was that he loved you and to not wait for him. He sensed that he wouldn’t be safe for a while, and wanted to run as far as possible from you. Keeping you safe mattered more than holding you. You remember the screams and the tears as he held you tightly, whispering empty promises and kissing your temple.

That was 6 months ago. Now, you come home to an empty house, get a full night's sleep, and never worry about blood on the sheets. Your morning runs aren’t as enjoyable, and your phone doesn’t blow up with texts in the dead of night. It’s lonely, truly. You throw yourself into work more, taking longer shifts to avoid going home to nothing. It’s not horrible, your bank account and savings have gone up. Not needing to feed another person means less spent on groceries, less cleaning supplies, and Six hasn’t called so your phone bill has gone down. It’s hard explaining to friends and family. They don’t understand his job, and you’re not at liberty to explain. Everyone thinks he got up and left you, and you tell yourself he didn’t. That he was coming back for the wedding. That he was coming back for the life he promised you. But your words would get trapped in your throat. He is not safe, and he needs to be away.

You’re coming back from another 48 hour shift. You’re exhausted and starving. The calls were non stop and you could use some quiet. As you enter the front door, you drop your bag as a scream erupts from your throat, and transforms into a sob.

Standing in front of you, Court catches your eye and dashes the kitchen to catch you as you drop to your knees. In an instant, he wraps his arms over you, holding you as your sobs become more violent. You feel his shirt is soaked and you pull back from him. Starting into his eye you notice the cuts and bruises all over his face. Mentally you’re still at work. “Stand up. Go to the counter,” you mutter and Court tries to argue. You refuse to listen to him, pushing aside the fact that he’s back, you stay in work-mode and direct your attention to his wounds.

“How old are these?” You mumble as you open your bag to grab alcohol wipes. Without waiting for his response, you begin cleaning the cuts across his face. Court winces slightly at the burn before saying, “A couple of hours”. You nod, “Are you safe now?” You meet his eyes again, he tells you yes.

After cleaning the dried blood off him and stitching the two deep cuts in his torso, you finally allow yourself to breathe. “I’ve missed you so much…” you whisper as you try not to cry again.

“Six,” a voice speaks from the hallway and you jump in fear. However upon looking at the voice, you notice a child. “Do you know him? Did we break into someone’s house?” It’s a young girl, and before you can answer Court takes your hand and leans his forehead against yours. It’s something he does to ground himself and right now, you don’t know what he’s been up to. You look at the girl and notice she also has small cuts and a black eye.

“Claire, this is my fiancé, we’re going to stay with him for now,” Court says as he exhales once again. You don’t miss the small look of surprise on Claire’s face, and so you get up from Court and make your way over to her.

“Hey sweetie, I’m a paramedic. Mind if I check your cheek?” Claire nods softly and you inspect her cuts. They aren’t as deep as Court's, which is both a relief and a pain since that means he took the brunt of the attacks. She won’t need stitches but you clean them up and place bandages to prevent any infections. “You’ll be okay, they won’t scar,” you tell her as he gives an appreciative smile.

“You told me you didn’t have any family?” Claire asks as Court makes his way over to the couch. “Yeah. You met the psychos I work with. Why would I tell them anything about me?” He grumbled as he went to lie down on the couch, and you followed him. You're exhausted, but all you care about is making sure you’re not dreaming.

“Are you really back?” You softly ask. He’s on the couch and you curl up next to him. His breathing is steady, and you try to match it. “Yeah, I am,” he says. You don’t resist as he intertwines your hands and kisses your wrists.

“When do you leave again?”

“I’m not. Not for a while,” which only means that everyone after him is dead. It’s uneasy, knowing he’s taken the lives of hundreds, but some could argue so have you. “I’ve missed you so much,” you say again as you sob some more. You bury your head into the crook of his neck as he wraps his arms around the small of your back. “I know, baby. I’ve missed you too. So much, you don’t understand.”

You find the small rubber ring around his neck on a golden chain. How he hasn’t lost it, you don’t really know. You slip it off his neck and place it back on his finger, pressing a soft kiss against his lips. God, how you’ve missed him.

“So, mind explaining the girl?” You ask as you notice Claire clearly shift in the corner. She’s clearly uncomfortable in her new surroundings and probably still on edge from whatever she and Court have just escaped.

“Boss’ niece. Now in my custody, I suppose,” he says and you nod. You knew how close Court and Fitz were, so you offer him a warm embrace as you feel him exhale. “I’m sorry,” is all you can say. He shakily wraps his arms around you and you stay with him for a moment. It’s not often death gets to him, since he never gets close enough to anyone for it to come to that. However, you know that you and Fitz are the only two people he’s ever deeply cared for. And now, you assume Claire.

After a few moments, Court picks himself up. So, you finally turn to Claire. “Hi honey, it’s nice to meet you,” you extend your hand out to her and introduce yourself. “Are you hungry? I have some leftover pasta if you’re interested,” you say as you notice the time. It is nearing 4 A.M. You get up to make your way to the laundry room for some oversized pajamas as you say, “Tell you what, how about you take a shower downstairs. Get all the dirt off and relax a bit. I can heat up some food, and I’ll prepare the guest room for you. Would that be okay?” Claire nods with a polite thank you. Court wraps his arms around your waist when you’re back in the room with them.

“And you,” Court perks up as you face him, “go shower upstairs. I’ll be with you in a bit. Let me just get her situated.” He nods before mumbling, “Didn’t you just get off a shift? Go to bed, I can take care of her.” However you refuse, as stubborn as you are and make your way to handing Claire some clothes and towels. She finds her way to the guest bathroom and once the door clicks, you turn to Court.

“Do you wanna explain what’s going on? I haven’t heard from you in months. Nothing, Court. Nothing! Not a call, a text, a fucking letter!” You’re frustrated and exhausted.

“They killed Fitz,” he says. That much you figured. “They were after me, after some files I took. It wasn’t just one person, it was the entire CIA.”

“Please, tell me you didn’t not eliminate the CIA?” On second thought, you shake your head. “I don’t wanna know, just tell me now, are you safe?”

“No one who is after me is breathing.” As eerie as it sounds, you let out a shaky breath. Court brushes a small strand of hair out of your eyes as he whispers, “How have you been?” It’s such a soft question, whispered in the centimeters you two are apart.

“Honestly, I’m trying not to fall apart,” you say with an exhale. “Working more. A lot more. I made it to Captain, so the pay bonus is nice,” you whisper as you see Court smile. He doesn’t have to tell you he’s proud of you, he shows you by the kiss he places on your forehead. “But it’s been hard. I miss you so much. I don’t wanna have to do this again, not for this long,” you take a shaky inhale. “Everyone told me that you left me. That I was crazy for holding onto you.”

“Well, Mr. Fire Captain, I’m not leaving you again. Fitz is gone, and I believe that means I’m done. I don’t think the CIA wants to work with me ever again, and I’m feeling the same,” a soft kiss meets your lips again. He stinks of gunpowder and you’re almost certain he’s dehydrated given his chapped lips. Still, you melt into him. You pick on the familiar scent of wood and line underneath the blood and dirt, and find your finger running through the familiar blonde locks.

“Go shower,” you say as you pull away. “I’ll prepare some food.” He nods and with another kiss, he goes upstairs. You return to the fridge and grab the leftovers you stole from the station. As the pasta reheats in the pan, you come to the conclusion that Claire will probably be staying with you two. If she’s with Court, that means she has no one left. You don’t mind, you always wanted kids. Given you and Court’s professions however, you never thought that would be a possibility. You consider this a small trial run, to live out that dream for a little while.

Setting two plates down, you pour yourself a small glass of milk as you settle in the dining room. Claire comes out first and she nervously looks around. With an encouraging nod, she sits down and begins eating. “I’m really sorry, Six never told me about you,” she says. You wave it off, given that Court never tells anyone anything.

“Yeah, he’s like that. So, how do you know him?” Claire cracks a small smile, “He used to be my babysitter. Whenever my uncle had to go out for some business, Six would hang out with me. Keep me safe.”

“Yeah, you were a pain in my ass,” Court says as he approaches from behind. He leans down to kiss your cheek and thanks you for the food as he settles down next to you.

“She still calls you Six?” you say. “She never asked.” To this, Claire cracks a smile as she meets your similar look. “Gee Six, what’s your real name?” She jokingly asks. He lets out a dry laugh, “Court. Now eat your pasta, no one wants to reheat it again.” Claire makes an odd face, “That’s a weird name. But not as weird as Six, I guess,” she says as she takes a bite of her pasta. You notice she and Court devour their plates in minutes. It breaks your heart, knowing they haven’t eaten in God knows how long.

As they finish, you take the plates to the sink, before Court comes from behind and takes them from you. “I got them, go to bed. You look tired.” As much as you want to complain, your body aches. Pressing a kiss to his lips, you promise to see him in bed as you make your way upstairs. You check in on Claire and she appears to be settling in. She gives you a hug, “I’m sorry for how long he’s been gone.” She shouldn’t have to apologize, but you appreciate it. Not knowing her boundaries, you pat her on the back and thank her. “Get some rest. Sleep as long as you want, I’ll have breakfast for you tomorrow.” With a smile and a wave, you close the door and return to your bedroom upstairs.

Opening the door you’re greeted with the sight of Court wearing nothing but his pajama pants, sitting on the edge of the bed. He smiles as he pulls up to him, wrapping his arms along your waist. You smile as you follow his lead, and straddle him. His hands rest in your back, slowly tracing up and down your spine. “Take this off, I wanna feel you,” he mumbles. A soft laugh escapes your throat as you remove your shirt. Now, you’re chest to chest, skin to skin, and you forgot how much love you have for him. At this moment, everything is perfect.

“I thought about you, every minute of every day,” he says. You fall back onto the bed, taking him with you. Getting comfortable under the sheets, you wrap your arms around him, cuddling into his chest. “Every time I thought it was my time, I would think of you and keep pushing. Cause before I had nothing to live for. Get the job done and move on. But now,” Court whispers as he picks up your chin to look at him. “Now I get to come home to a gorgeous man, with an incredibly noble career, and a heart of pure gold. And I’d be an idiot to lose that,” he says. You tear up and capture him in a messy kiss.

“I just want to marry you, Court. I just want to spend forever with you,” you cry against his lips as he holds you tighter. “I swear to you on my brother's grave, that I will marry you and give you the life you deserve.” His arms pull you in tighter. You feel his heartbeat and suddenly, a way of exhausting takes over you. A soft ‘I love you’ is the last thing you remember before falling asleep.

End.

Hope you all enjoyed that! I plan to hopefully post more on tumblr as I’m starting to branch into more x reader, and frankly there isn’t enough male!reader content out there.

[peppershark]

WOLFER --- The real California history behind the Tomione Fic

Convict Lake Camp (OwensValleyHistory.com)

When I was a kid, my family frequently visited Bishop, California. I can still feel the light-headed enchantment of hopping out of the van at a relative's green, creek-watered ranch shadowed by towering granite faces of the High Sierras. The dusty road and sage-sharp aroma propelled my imagination two hundred years into the past.

Wolfer is set in 1890 Bishop Creek, and while some of the location names are changed to fit the story, the town really had ranching barons like the Sacred 28 families, churches which exerted certain levels of social power with the well-to-do folk, boarding houses for mill workers and on-farm worker housing for fruit pickers and cowboys--or perhaps the odd wolfer.

It's amazing what you can dig up when you're procrastinating working on your WIP, lol. I did a lot of initial research while writing a Gingerrose fic set in post Civil War Bishop Creek.

Here are some things I found.

Main Street, Bishop Creek 1880 (OwensValleyHistory.com)

In Chapter 1, Tom rides down Main Street to the marshal's office (played by a grudging Severus Snape) and runs into Hermione.

Way off into the upper right you can see the steeple of the First Baptist Church on Main Street.

East Line Street, Bishop Creek (OwensValleyHistory.com)

Tom chases Hermione to Line Street, where he pushes her up against the Brown's Machine Shed, which is of course re-named to fit Lavender Brown's family.

(OwensValleyHistory.com)

Check out that snow! Sitting at 4,000 feet of elevation in the foothills of the East Sierras, the snow can get quite voluminous.

W.D. Roberts Ranch, Round Valley (OwensValleyHistory.com)

The ranch near the dry saltbeds of Owens Lake where Draco visits Harry, (by way of Mad Eye Moody) might have looked like this.

Cerro Gordo photo taken some time between 1871 - 1879 (OwensValleyHistory.com

We get a brief glimpse of the Cerro Gordo silver mine when Draco and Harry ride off into the sunset together for a night of wild debauchery. The brothels and bawdy houses within these sprawling mining towns would have perhaps been some of the only public places for late 19th-century gays to be themselves. Miss Lola's was among the more famous, and I'm struggling to find the website where I originally learned this this but I believe she hosted queer sex workers and provided space for an early LGBTQ+ scene.

The silver mine itself brought together a richly diverse group of fortune seekers. I accessed California census documents and found that while Bishop Creek was mostly white, Cerro Gordo had a much more diverse population (interestingly all marked with 'I', even Latinx names).

I did a phone interview with the Inyo Historical Society and chatted for an hour with a local historian, telling him I was getting context for a novel. (He didn't need to know that my novel was also a fanfic, hahaha.) The historian told me the mine had Mexican, Black, Chinese, and Indigenous populations working as miners, teamsters (people who drive wagons), cooks, brick masons, farm laborers and all kinds of interesting jobs related to running the mine.

Main Street in Bishop Creek, 1878 (OwensValleyHistory.com

One thing that sticks out in my mind from the conversation with the historian is how the white and Mexican ranchers demolished the irrigation canals the Numuu Indigenous tribes had dug to create a green landscape in Owens Valley. Native Americans have been 'farming' America's landscape for thousands of years in a low-impact way. In Chapter 4, Tom muses on this detail as he's setting a wolf trap on Rosier's ranch.

Perhaps the most illuminating account of the region comes from Sarah Winnemucca, daughter of Chief Truckee (after whom the town is named). Sarah travelled as an advocate for Indigenous rights and cataloged her experience and the story of white settler colonization in her book, Life Among the Pauites: Their Wrongs and Claims which you can read for free here.

Thank you for diving into California history with me!

Read Wolfer here.

[kinderartifact4]

A list of my Total Drama AUs because I love them all wholeheartedly, feel free to ask questions about any of them.

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Animal Mutant AU 🐾🧬

+this AU was just an excuse to make Noah an owl person

+canon divergence happens shortly after Action/before World Tour

+The mutations are a worldwide phenomenon, it’s happening to everyone and no one knows why

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A Bloodsucker and A Mutt🩸🐺

+Alenoco AU

+Show goes on as normal for the most part

+Noah’s a vampire

+Alejandro’s a werewolf

+Cody’s just there

+made this AU for fun

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Magic AU ✨

+Magical creatures living amongst humans type thing, but it’s my takes on them

+Like we got merfolk, satyrs, angels, demons, elves, harpies, that kinda thing

+It’s like an assimilated society thing, they’re mostly at peace with each other with some mild species specific discrimination mostly courtesy of humans

+mild feels like an understatement

+everything’s got so much lore

+and of course, we got ✨magic✨

+there is a war that happens later on in the AU, so there’s that too

Posts

Assigned Species: Gen 1 Cast, Hosts, Emma & Kitty

Assigned Species: Gen 2 Cast

Assigned Species: Gen 3 Cast

Assigned Species: RR Cast pt.1

Assigned Species: RR Cast pt.2

Assigned Species: Reboot Cast

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Monster Apocalypse AU 🏚

+It’s an apocalypse, but not with zombies, these things are smarter than zombies

+People do die, so warning for that I guess

+Almost nobody is having a good time

Posts:

Duncan’s Group

Emma & Kitty’s Groups

Shawn’s Group

Cody’s Groups

Tyler’s Groups

Gwen’s Group

Fic Snippets

Mike’s Old Group

RR Beginning Groups pt.1

RR Beginning Groups pt.2

Sky & Scarlett’s Groups

Reboot Groups

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Drider! Duncan Dunoah AU🕷

+Sort of a high school AU? Most of them go the same school since a lot are kept human for this)

+Just a clingy drider with abandonment issues and his human bf who doesn’t actually understand how he got here

+definitely more of a self indulgent AU

+I don’t remember why I made this AU but now I can’t get rid of it

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Godly Patron AU ✨🙏✨

+Some of the cast each has a god that has taken a liking to them

+they’re my take on gods because I like having full creativity, so none of the ones people usually know about are here(like greek or norse gods)

+Alejandro is not having a good time

+Noah has the oldest god

+Alejandro’s got a lot more lore than he was originally going to have

+Made this AU because I wanted Cody to have a proper parental figure, then it kinda turned into this along the way

+Aleheather got that “Doomed Love” trope going on

Posts

Assigned Gods pt.1

Assigned Gods pt.2

Fic Snippet

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Wings of Fire AU 🐉

+My favorite book series combined with one of my favorite shows

Posts

Assigned Tribes: Gen 1

Alejandro’s Design | José and Carlos’ Designs

Trent’s Design | Bridgette’s Design

Heather’s Design | Cody’s Design

Tyler’s Design | Justin’s Design

Geoff’s Design | Lightning’s Design

Zoey’s Design | Noah’s Design

Owen’s Design | Fic Snippets

Harold’s Design | Gwen’s Design

DJ’s Design | Izzy’s Design

Cameron’s Design | Lindsay’s Design

Katie & Sadie’s Designs | Duncan’s Design

Sierra’s Design

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Trollhunter Cody AU🧌🗡

+I just thought it’d be fun

+Cody would be the type of guy to say “crispy” wouldn’t he

Posts

The only post I have

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Project Cythraul AU💉

+The whole concept is old, like 2019 old, but it has since then been revamped

+The entire WT cast goes missing like halfway through Egypt, with almost no trace other than what’s on the plane and something left in the sand

+They stay missing for 2 or 3 years before one of them finally shows up again with amnesia

+Main premise of the AU is a secret facility that specializes in DNA manipulation

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Hidden Magic AU 😶‍🌫️✨

+AU is otherwise known as “A group of immortals build a camp in a magic pocket dimensional forest for some reason and end up with a bunch of kids”

+there are other residents but the amount of children that show up there is concerning

+humans are quite irrelevant here, we don’t see them much

+the lore for most of the characters is a bit dark, but hey

Posts

Reassigned Species

About the Burromuertos

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Nivi AU 👽

+This AU was an excuse to give Cody a best friend, and that friend is my OC Nivi!

+Nothing really changes, even though she’s in World Tour

+This AU has since evolved into “Alejandro and his gaggle of idiots™”, ie. Alejandro, Nivi, Cody, Duncan, and Lexi(OC/Nivi’s girlfriend) all share an apartment. It’s an interesting concept.

+I think of this AU often

+During Island and Action, people don’t really think Nivi exists because “Cody couldn’t possibly have actual friends outside the show!”

+This makes Nivi feel like some kind of cryptid and she loves it.

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“What If?” Mutant AU ☣️

+A small AU I came up with, sort of a “What if?” AU. The what if being “What if other people came into contact with toxic waste?”

+The people who are mutated are the same as canon (Dakota, that one intern, Ezekiel had some toxic waste exposure, it’s just more obvious here).

+Additional mutant individuals include Noah, Duncan, Alejandro, and maybe a couple others but I’m not sure.

+The mutant individuals can’t go back to their families, they don’t want them to see them like this anyways, so Chris keeps them on Pahkitew Island (in the facility for the duration of that season).

+Alejandro is lost at sea for a bit before they finally catch him and put him with the others

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ToA IOTS AU 🔪

+Technically still a TD AU since the AU it’s based off is TD. Idk I’m not making a separate post for my ToA AUs there’s too few of them for that. And this is the only one I’m sharing probably.

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Interdimensional Remnant AU🔚

+Area 51, something went wrong, everything was destroyed. The base, the earth, the galaxy, the universe, everything.

+The gods tried to stop it in time, remove the source. When they realized it was too late, they instead grabbed the thing closest to it.

+Alejandro Burromuerto is the only remaining piece of a dead dimension, and the gods blame him for its destruction.

+Came up with this AU while listening to a song AXOLOTL by bumr, I do love the concept, great angst potential.

+Technically a branch off of the Godly Patron AU in the sense that the gods do exist.