#i think she likes emilio guys

[vanguard-if]

lil sketch of Emilio waiting for u to train with him….

[juniperskye]

I Can’t Do This.

Sneak peek: Reader is recently off of a long-term undercover operation (similar to Emily’s) that left her in a bad way. Director Cruz reaches out, assigning her to the BAU. After speaking to her therapist and expressing her concerns, they come up with a solution of how to inform her new boss of some of the horrors she endured on her mission. Hotch keeps a close eye on her, being careful not to trigger her…until one day, he accidentally does in the worst way. ITALLICS ARE FLASHBACKS! BOLD ARE THERAPY SESSIONS.

Aaron Hotchner x (Fem) BAU! Reader

Angst/Fluff

Word count: 5605

REQUESTS ARE OPEN - not edited - please be kind. Requests are open and feedback is welcome if it's constructive!

Warnings: My blog is 18+, minors DNI,YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN MEDIA CONSUMPTION. age gap (reader is in their 20’s and Hotch is in his 40’s), explicit language, mention of canon typical violence, mention of therapy, reader attends regular therapy sessions, mention of a toxic previous “relationship”, mention of a previous dom/sub dynamic, murder, talk of trafficking, forced consent (reader is working the undercover op) mention of previous abuse and manipulation, some use of y/n, Hotch accidentally triggering the reader, let me know if I missed anything!

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

“Y/n it has been three months since you returned from your undercover op, it’s time. The BAU needs an additional agent, and you’d make a great addition. It’s really not up for discussion.” Director Cruz ended with finality.

“I really don’t think I am ready. Director Cruz, I know it has been three months, and you guys have been so gracious with the paid leave, but I’m still working through everything I went through when I was under.” You explained.

“Your therapist and the FBI issued psych eval have both cleared you to return y/n. You’re joining the BAU. You’ll begin next Monday.” Cruz decided.

“Okay.”

With that you stood and exited his office. It’s not that you didn’t want to work for the BAU, in fact, under normal circumstances you’d have been begging for this placement. But after everything you endured while undercover, you weren’t sure you could handle being on a team, especially not one run by Aaron Hotchner.

--

“You were recommended to me by Sheri, did she tell you anything about me?” He questioned.

“She mentioned you were looking for someone who knew how to follow rules.” You answered.

You had been assigned to an undercover operation in which a very powerful man would finally be brought to justice. Emilio Alvatorre, one of FBI’s most wanted. This man did unspeakable things and lucky for you, he was in the market for a new submissive. Normally the FBI wouldn’t jump at putting an agent in this kind of situation, however, in this case Emilio was known to keep his subs knelt at his side in his office. That would mean that you would be privilege to information that could take him down.

“So, are you good at following rules?” Emilio said in a voice meant to be sexy, but it was truly repulsive.

Leaning in to whisper in his ear, “The best.”

--

“I’m worried that Agent Hotchner is going to give me a directive and that I will follow it whether I agree with it or not. I am terrified that I have completely lost myself, and that I will just blindly follow.” You explained.

“Y/n we’ve talked about this, you are strong, you are capable of making decisions and speaking up for yourself.”

“Yeah but being at the BAU with Agent Hotchner, he’s a very commanding and dominant man, what if I fall right back into…” You trailed off.

“He is commanding and dominant, but he isn’t Emilio. I am going to give you some homework, and then I’d like to see you again on Thursday so we can go over it before you join the BAU Monday.”

“You’re right. What’s the homework?” You asked.

“I want you to first come up with a list of coping strategies for when you begin to feel anxious or overwhelmed on the job. Then I want you to write a letter to read to Agent Hotchner giving him some insight as to what you have been through.”

“Absolutely not! Sylvia I can’t do that!”

“Y/n I am not asking you to give him all the details, just a little bit that might help him to know you.”

“Fine.”

--

You had a hard time figuring out what to put in the letter to Agent Hotchner, debating what was too much versus what was too little to say. How much did he need to know, how much were you comfortable sharing…it was all becoming a bit much.

Ultimately, you’d written something up along with a perfect list of coping strategies that you knew would satisfy your therapist.

After meeting with her on Thursday and going over what you came up with, and allowing her to help you tweak a few things, your body filled with dread, anxiously awaiting Monday morning when you’d have to go into the BAU.

--

Director Cruz escorted you to the floor that houses the BAU, bringing you into Agent Hotchner’s office for introductions. You felt like you had just walked out on a stage completely naked with the way all the other agents were looking at you.

“Hotchner, this is Agent y/n. I sent over her file last week. She is going to start with the BAU today.” Director Cruz announced.

“Yes, I saw your email. It is nice to finally meet you.” Agent Hotchner greeted.

“Y/n would you excuse us for just a moment, I’d like to speak to Hotch here.”

Without another word you followed the director’s order. You stepped out of the office and stood patiently waiting for their conversation to end.

--

“She’s anxious.” Spencer mumbled.

“Wouldn’t you be?” Emily replied.

“No, look at her, she’s digging her nails into her palms, a light sweat has broken out on her neck, her heartrate has increased slightly, and she hasn’t looked up at us once. She’s probably suffering from severe anxiety.” Spencer rambled.

“Don’t profile the newbie Spence.” Emily scolded, patting his shoulder.

--

“Alright, y/n go on in and Hotch will fill you in on what his expectations for you are.” Director Cruz headed off.

With a light knock, you awaited Agent Hotchner’s approval before entering his office once again. Mentally chastising yourself for your submissive actions.

“Agent y/n, please, have a seat.” Hotch gestured.

You sat in one of the chairs across from him.

“It says here in your file that you’re recently returning from a twelve-month assignment. I noticed the assignment isn’t labeled as classified, but quite a bit of it was redacted. Can you speak on that at all?” Hotch inquired.

“Agent Hotchner, if it is okay with you, I have somethings I’d like to discuss. Some of which is relevant of that case, but it is primarily regarding the effects that case had on me.”

“Go ahead.” Hotch nodded.

“The undercover op I was working put me in a position in which I was forced and manipulated to blindly following directions from someone. I had to do this for twelve months, and since then, I have had a pretty hard time finding my voice again. Certain things can be triggering for me, so I wrote up some things for you, with the help of my therapist. There are coping strategies that I may need to utilize and there are somethings there for you, to navigate situations that may come up.” You were worried that this was all going to lead to Hotch doubting your ability to do this job. “I also want to make it known that I told the Director that I wasn’t ready to return to work.”

“Thank you for sharing this, I think it’ll help me to make your transition back to work smooth. As for you being ready, I think you sharing that information shows a lot about your strength and I think you are more than ready to be here.”

--

“Kneel.” Emilio ordered with a snap of his fingers.

You slowly dropped to your knees, sitting back on your heels and resting your palms on the tops of your thighs, your gaze focused on the frayed rug that covered the hardwood floor in front of you.

“Bring him in.” Emilio spoke into the intercom that connects him to his security.

The guards drag in a man who appears to be near death, clearly beaten. Emilio rests a hand on your head, gently petting your hair before speaking in a tone you don’t recognize.

“I heard you’ve been snooping around. Talking to Jeremy and his guys.” Emilio spat.

“I haven’t sir I swear!” The man was begging for his life.

“I don’t like snakes.” Emilio raised his gun and shot the man point blank.

You couldn’t help but flinch at the sound. A strong hand was quick to grip your chin.

“Flinching is a sign of weakness. I can’t have a pet that is weak.” His grip tightened “Are you weak?”

“No sir.” You reassured.

“Good.”

--

Working with the BAU had been going well, Hotch had truly been incredible. He’d encouraged you to share your thoughts and theories while on cases. He also reminded you to use your coping strategies when the cases became particularly overwhelming.

Like today for example. The team was working on a case that was taking a toll on you, mentally and emotionally. Women were being kidnapped then brutally tortured and left for dead in the street. It was becoming increasingly difficult to detach yourself from what these women must’ve been feeling.

Hotch was quick to notice the change in your demeanor and he made it a point to assign you with Spencer at the precinct. You were tightening up the victimology while Spencer worked on the geographical profile. You had come to the conclusion that the unsub was targeting victims primarily on their looks, they had all been of similar height, had same color hair and eyes. Worse than that…they all kind of looked like you. The sound of Derek and Emily approaching made your stomach sink. Spencer had clearly picked up on your anxiety since you’d been with the BAU, but the others, not so much.

“Hey guys, what did you find out?” Emily inquired.

“Well, I’ve narrowed down the geographical profile. This area right here…” Spencer gesture to the map covering the screen “this is his comfort zone, all the abductions and dumpsites fall within this five-block radius.”

“What about you new girl?” Derek nudged you gently.

“I looked into all the victims, and they all were approximately the same height and build, same color hair and eyes. I spoke to Penelope; she confirmed that all of the women frequented the same coffee shop.” You explained.

Hotch, Rossi, and JJ all entered just in time to hear Derek confirm your thoughts…which led to a suggestion that made your heart sink.

“Y/n these girls all kind of look like you...” Derek walks over to where their pictures are pinned up to the board. “Maybe we should send you to the coffee shop undercover. It could help us find this guy.”

You heart was pounding, causing a loud whooshing sound to drown out your hearing. You closed your fists and dug your nails into your palms. You could feel the sweat breaking out along your forehead.

In and out…deep breaths. You reminded yourself of the coping strategies you’d come up with for instances like this. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven…

“Absolutely not!” Hotch commanded, shaking you from your thoughts while simultaneously distracting the others from your very obvious panic attack.

“Hotch man come on! She fits the victimology perfectly; it could end this case if she could catch his attention.” Derek argued.

“It’s not up for discussion. I will not send a new agent undercover, not until she is more comfortable on this team. Undercover ops like that require a significant level of trust, one that she may not have yet.” Hotch shut Derek down.

“We know he must go to this coffee shop; JJ and I could go in and watch. Keep an eye out for a man acting suspicious.” Emily suggested.

“Good, first thing tomorrow.” Hotch said before dismissing the team for the evening.

--

“Sir, is it safe to be talking about this…with her here?”

“Are you questioning me?” Emilio sneered. “My pet is well behaved. I wouldn’t have her here if I thought otherwise. Who are you to question my decisions?” His voice raised.

“I’m sorry sir! I didn’t mean to insinuate anything. I just wasn’t sure.”

“Don’t let it happen again. Now I’ll ask again. What is the update on the shipment?” Emilio demanded.

“There are going to be three crates in the shipping container. The boat is set to anchor Friday at midnight.”

“And everything we were promised will be there?” Emilio asked.

“Well, not the girls. This shipment is just the weapons.”

“Excuse me?” Emilio’s expression turned sinister.

You were knelt by his desk like always. This conversation had been one you were banking on; it was hopefully going to allow your team to pick him and his associates up. Only, this conversation had taken a turn that you weren’t expecting. His shipments thus far had only contained drugs and weapons, so why was he asking about girls?

“I was assured that everything would be included. How fucking hard is it to follow orders?” Emilio shouted, his fist slamming onto his desk.

You sat still, silently taking in the situation. That night you’d check in with your team and fill them in on the new information. You just needed to get the logistics of when the second shipment would arrive, and honestly, you were scared Emilio would kill this guy before you got that information.

“I know boss. They told me that the girls would be here soon. There was an issue getting paperwork for some of them. But it should all be worked out now.”

“I need a date and time. By the end of the day. Otherwise, you’re done.” Emilio hissed. He then brushed his hand over your head. “C’mon pet, let’s go to bed. And you, I’ll be expecting your call.”

Going to bed with Emilio had initially been the worst part of this assignment. Thankfully he’d had you STD tested which meant you were both clean, and he’d ensured you received birth control shots. The sex had surprised you; you had expected it to be rough and painful but, it had been soft and gentle. Emilio whispered sweet nothings to you, and he held you close, and he’d carefully bathe you afterwards.

It may be sick and twisted…but it didn’t bother you, having sex with him.

--

A light knock at your door had startled you. You made your way over to check the peephole, and there he was waiting patiently.

“Hotch, is everything okay?”

“I should be asking you that. Morgan was out of line suggesting we send you in.”

“It’s okay, really. He doesn’t know any better.”

Hotch gave you a sympathetic look. You could tell he was doing everything in his power not to profile you. You appreciated his effort, and it truly was endearing. Around Hotch, you’d started to feel more comfortable around him and his consistent care of you and your mental health had been the thing that drew you in. He cared so much, and it meant the world to you.

“You seemed nervous earlier, does that have to do with the undercover assignment you worked?”

“Yes.”  You sighed.

In the last two months of being with the BAU, you and Hotch had been teetering this fine line of coworkers and more. It wasn’t necessarily leaning toward something romantic, at least that’s what you were both trying to convince yourselves of but, it had definitely become a friendship. Hotch had allowed you a safe space in which you were starting to feel like yourself again. He had never pushed you for information about your past and he continuously checked in with you to make sure you were comfortable and okay. More recently though, as things like what happened today occurred, you have felt like maybe you should tell Hotch a little more about what you endured.

“You know, if you ever want to talk about it, I am here for you. I don’t want you to feel pressured or like you have to tell me anything! But if you should choose, I’d listen.” Hotch admitted.

“I was sent in undercover to investigate Emilio Alvatorre…” You began.

“Emilio Alvatorre? He was one of FBI’s most wanted! Lucrative arms dealer, importing drugs…I heard he was ultimately brought down for sex trafficking.” Hotch was stunned.

“Yeah, that was me. Emilio took part in a certain lifestyle; he is a dominant and he was seeking a new submissive…and I guess I fit the bill. He essentially owned me, and he referred to me as his pet. It was my job to follow his orders blindly, and I did.”

“What was it like?” Hotch questioned.

“Well…

--

“Good morning pet.” Emilio purred pressing a kiss right below your ear.

“Mmm, good morning sir. Can I make you breakfast?” You offered.

“No darling, the cook will prepare our meal. I think it is sweet you still ask.” His kisses travelled down your neck.

“Do you have meetings today?” You inquired.

“Today is all about you pet. We are going to get you some new clothes, shoes, and maybe a new necklace. I want to spoil you today! We are celebrating!” Emilio gushed.

It was the moments like this that fucked with your mind the most. Emilio could be so kind and gentle, he wanted to take care of you and in the time you’d been with him, it had been increasingly easier to let him. But then there were moments when he turned dark…the other side of him came to light and you couldn’t help but question your mind.

“Boss…” Emilio’s associate barged into the office, only to find you bent over his desk while he pounded into you from behind.

“Not now!” Emilio growled.

“But boss!” This guy really couldn’t take the hint.

Emilio wasn’t one who took well to being interrupted, in any aspect of his life. So, when this associate decided what he had to say was more important than Emilio’s time…you knew it would be bad.

Emilio’s hips never faltered, not upon the initial interruption and certainly not when he leaned to the side, grabbed his gun, and shot the man standing in the doorway. You pinched your eyes shut, knowing better than to react to the horrific sight before you. Emilio continued thrusting, his grunts becoming more erratic, and when he finally finished, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the back of your neck.

“Go run a hot bath. Get in and wait for me. I need to go see about this issue and get this cleaned up.” Emilio stated as he assisted you in standing upright.

“Yes sir.”

--

“It was really hard for me to deal with the two sides of him. I became confused and my mind was so foggy as to whether or not he was truly awful. And I know that so much of that is the manipulation of being his submissive, but I was with him for a year, it was easy to forget what things had been like before Emilio.” You trailed off.

“I can’t even imagine all the things you must’ve seen and gone through in that time. I can understand why you weren’t sure about joining the BAU initially…but I am really glad you did.” Hotch expressed, placing his hand atop your own.

“I’m glad I did too.”

--

The next morning Emily and JJ were sent into the coffee shop that all the victims frequented, and they couldn’t track the unsub. Either he was far too subtle, or he hadn’t shown up. The team was currently in the precinct trying to figure out the next steps, when Derek suggested it again.

“I still think y/n should go undercover, it’s our best bet in finding this guy. What do you say new girl?”

You were taken aback; your mind was screaming at you to decline. You weren’t ready for this, going undercover, blindly following team orders. It’s for the greater good though, isn’t it?

“I could do that.”

“Morgan, I already said it’s not happening. She isn’t ready.” Hotch commanded.

“Hotch, we have all had to go undercover. There is no reason that she can’t go into the coffee shop and order a freaking latte. We will all be there to keep her safe, just like any other case!” Morgan was practically shouting.

“It’s okay. I can do it.”

“Y/n you don’t have to do this. Not if you aren’t comfortable.” Hotch was obviously trying to profile you based on his expression.

“I’m okay. I’ll do it.”

--

You were ordering a coffee, meanwhile Spencer was sitting in the back of the café reading a book and Rossi was in line, about three patrons behind you. Hotch insisted on sitting at a table just outside the entrance to keep a close eye on everyone coming and going. JJ, Derek, and Emily were all in the surveillance van parked across the street, waiting for the signal.

After you received your coffee, you found a seat at an empty table. It wasn’t long before a man approached you. He was tall and clearly strong; he had a very sinister aura that gave you the chills.

“Mind if I sit here?” He asked.

“Oh, sure.” You agreed.

The man sat, but only after he moved the chair closer to you. He was talking to you, but you were having a hard time listening. You were silently begging the guys to come to help and get him away from you.

“You know, you’re really pretty. Why don’t we get out of here? We could go get lunch.” The man suggested.

“Oh, I’m not sure I should.”

“C’mon, be a good girl and get up.” His tone became more aggressive.

You stood up without a second thought, much to the unsub’s delight. He grabbed your arm in a bruising grip and began leading you out of the café.

“They’re on the move. Why is she going with him? This wasn’t the plan.” Derek exclaimed.

Hotch’s demeanor instantly changed. After you opened up to him about your previous assignment, he understood now why you had seemingly always followed orders willingly, only your willingness had been conditioned. Instilled in you through the manipulation of a very dangerous man.

“I got it.” Hotch

Hotch stood up and turned abruptly, purposefully plowing into you and the unsub. He made a move that shifted you away from the unsub and placed himself between you.

“Oh, I am so sorry!” Hotch feigned innocence.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Watch where you’re going asshole. Let’s get out of here.” The unsub reached for your arm once more.

“She’s not going anywhere with you.”

“You want to bet?”  he said, pulling a gun from his waistband and pointing it directly at your head.

You didn’t flinch, in fact you didn’t move a muscle. All the while everyone else sprung into action. Hotch tried to talk him down while the rest of the team surrounded him on all sides. You had stood there completely disassociated while this man threatened your life and ultimately met his untimely end via Emily’s weapon.

--

“Y/n would you please come to my office?” Hotch requested.

You silently followed Hotch to his office. You were wringing your hands, hoping that he wouldn’t reprimand you for your behavior today. You couldn’t handle disappointing people.

“You didn’t even flinch. You had a gun pointed at you and you didn’t even blink. You also willingly left the café with him, which was not a part of the plan we had discussed.” Hotch stated, his tone calm.

“I’m sorry Hotch. He told me to get up and I just…I wasn’t sure what to do. I know we needed to catch the guy.”

“I don’t want you getting hurt.” Hotch admitted. “I don’t know what I would do if you got hurt. I also don’t want you to agree to do things simply because someone tells you to. Like agreeing to go undercover.”

“I don’t know how to do that. Disagree I mean. I’m not sure I have that in me anymore.” You did everything in your power to keep the tears at bay. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“Y/n I’m not disappointed. I do think that it is very important you continue to work with your therapist.”

“I will.”

--

“…and I just stood there.”

“Y/n you we conditioned for over a year to sit still when any sort of firearm was shot, you watched people die right in front of you. You were covered in their blood and forced to remain kneeling until instructed otherwise. I can’t say I am entirely surprised that you didn’t react to having a weapon pointed at you. What does surprise me though was that you agreed to going undercover.” Sylvia finished.

“I knew it was our best option to finding this unsub. I fit the victimology, and I was able to fish him out. It was a no-brainer.” You shrugged.

“Now that sound like someone making a rational decision.” Sylvia smirked.

“Yeah well, after the case Hotch called me out and I felt like a child being scolded. I could barely hold back tears.”

“Why do you think that is?” She pressed.

“I don’t know. I guess, I’m afraid of not being good enough and worse, disappointing him.”

“The only person you should be worried about disappointing is yourself. Y/n you have made huge strides in the last five months and as long as you stay true to yourself, you will continue to do so.”

--

The months went on, as did the cases and your therapy sessions. Oddly enough, you had started to feel more like yourself. Things with the BAU have started to become easy, you were opening up little by little to the others and you were getting better at making your own decisions.

Hotch had also noticed the change. It had warmed his heart to see you really coming into your own, to really get to know the real you. Which had only strengthened his feelings toward you, causing him to work extra hard to shove them down. Rossi knew simply from the look Hotch gave you, but that’s a story for another time.

The team had been working back-to-back cases all over the country for the last few weeks. It had been exhausting and the team were getting to a point where everyone was snippy. Lack of sleep had led to a horrible lack of patience, and the local officers weren’t making matters any better.

“What if we were wrong, I think the unsub is a woman. I mean look at the attention to detail in the clean up and at how the bodies were presented.” You offered.

“Y/n could be right; a woman would take the time to be precise and it would explain the…”

Before Spencer could finish his thought, Officer Riley decided to provide his own theories.

“There is no way it is a woman. They don’t have the courage to take care of people like this. That’s why the statistic proves that the unsub is a man.”

“With all due respect, women are just as capable of murder as men, and when they do it they are often far more meticulous which is why that fits better here.” You explained.

“Well, with all due respect ma’am, I’ve been doing this job longer than you could walk.”

“Excuse me?” You couldn’t bother hiding your surprise.

“All I’m saying sweetheart, is that perhaps you’d be better off getting us some coffee.” Officer Riley sneered.

“Last time I checked, I’m the one working for the FBI and not some Podunk little police station in the middle of nowhere, Idaho. So how about you back off and let us finish our…”

“Y/N TAKE A SEAT.” Hotch demanded.

Despite your shock at Hotch’s tone toward you, you took a seat without hesitation.

“Officer Riley, please let my agents do their work. We have much more important things to be doing than arguing about the duties of a woman.” Hotch chided.

“Well, you clearly agree with me given the fact that you gave her an order. If you’d been on her side you’d have probably told me off.” Riley turned to you, “and you clearly do know how to listen to a man in charge. Perhaps I misjudged you.”

With that, Riley made his leave with a low chuckle, and you sat there considering what had just happened. Hotch had commanded you to sit down knowing full well you’d comply, that way he could deal with Riley without you continuing to tell him off. He used what he knew about you against you, despite all the conversations you’ve had with him. Despite him knowing full well your fear of blindly following orders.

“I can’t believe you.” You stood up and walked out, heading straight for the precinct exit.

“Y/n wait!” Hotch followed you.

As you landed on the sidewalk just upon the exit, Hotch’s had made its way around your upper left arm in a desperate attempt to slow you down and hear him out. Only you were in no mood to listen to him or anyone else right now. All you felt was the sense of betrayal blooming in your chest.

As he swung you back around to face him, you did something that shocked even you. You right arm followed around, landing a harsh slap to Hotch’s cheek. Your breathing was ragged, a look of surprise painting your features…a look of guilt flooding Hotch’s.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…” You paused.

“No, Y/n I am so sorry I shouldn’t have-” Hotch pleaded.

“I need to go. I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” With that you left, calling a taxi, and heading back to the hotel.

--

“YOU STUPID BITCH! HOW COULD YOU?” Emilio Screamed, lunging toward you.

“Emilio I didn’t, I just…I”

Emilio wrapped his hand around your throat, harshly choking you as SWAT swarmed the shipyard. They quickly made their way to you, removing Emilio from his position over you. As they pulled him away you couldn’t help but watch him.

“Kneel Pet!” Emilio commanded.

You couldn't help but follow his order. Immediately dropping to your knees, resting your hands atop your thighs and letting your gaze fall to the ground.

“I will always own you! You will always be my pet, perfectly broken in!” Emilio hollered as they put him in the back of a vehicle.

“Y/n you’re okay, lets get you up and checked out.” Your unit commander suggested.

Only you didn’t move. You couldn’t get up, not without his permission.

That night, the paramedics had to sedate you to get you into an ambulance. And after that you were placed in a psychiatric facility for 30 days to help undo the brainwashing you’d endured.

--

“Sylvia, I slapped him. My boss, I slapped him right in the face!”

“Y/n you reacted to a situation and based on what you just explained to me, it seems like he knew he was in the wrong. You shouldn’t be blaming yourself and honestly, you should talk to him.”

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

“Maybe tell him how you feel.” Sylvia suggested.

--

You spent the afternoon practicing what to say to Hotch, Spencer had been texting you updates of that case as it progressed. He’d let you know that they caught the unsub and were headed back to the hotel. So, as you opened your door to make your way to his room, you came face-to-face with the man himself.

“Hotch.”  You gasped.

“Y/n can we talk?”

You moved aside to allow him access to your room. You couldn’t help but feel nervous about the conversation that was to come.

“Hotch, I am so sorry for slapping you! I was just-”

“You shouldn’t be the one apologizing. Y/n I am so sorry, I heard you going off on Riley and I knew that if you kept talking he’d report you and I’d be forced to suspend you, only I hadn’t considered the effect that me demanding you take a seat would have on you. I need you to know it was not my intention to take advantage of you like that and even worse, I shouldn’t have put my hand on you the way I did. You had every right to slap me.” Hotch explained.

“You were trying to protect me?”

“Riley had made threats of reporting our staff for going against orders of the precinct. I knew that he’d report you for your behavior, despite him clearly being in the wrong. I didn’t want to suspend you.”

“I didn’t realize. But Hotch telling me to take a seat, in the tone you did, it felt like I was right back there. Following orders without thinking. With you, I can’t explain it, I would do anything you asked me to and that terrifies me. My feelings for you only add to that need to do anything you say, to do anything to please you. I can’t help it.”

“You have feelings for me?”

“Aaron! Is that all you took from what I just said?”

“Please say that again.” He whispered.

“Aaron.”

He let his eyes close and took a deep breath. You could tell he was holding back and though part of you was begging you to walk away, the other was telling you to jump in. You thought about what Sylvia would say, and you couldn’t help but release a breathy laugh, knowing full well that she would tell you that only you can make the right decision, and it is okay to trust yourself.

“Aaron, I am terrified…and it is going to take me some time to fully trust myself again, but I really like you and if you’re up for it, I’d like to give this a shot. Unless you don’t feel the same way, then please ignore what I just said an-”

Aaron pulled you in and pressed his lips to yours in a searing kiss. One that told you everything you needed to know.

“I’m scared too, but I want to try this Y/n. I know that you’re still working to find yourself, I am willing to wait if that is what you need, but I am also willing to be by your side every step of the way.”

“I don’t want to wait.”

[your-unfriendlyghost]

Thinking about your fic where Dallas is Tex’s older brother, where does mark come into play? Is there an au where they can be happy 😭💔💔

Well truthfully, in that fic, I think Mark’s in prison still, like at the end of That Was Then, This is Now 🥲

BUT let’s make an AU where they’re happy!

(TW- mentions of canon-typical violence/canon-typical darkness)

(Not a fic btw- just a rambly outline/headcanons)

In this AU, obviously Dally and Johnny live. (they still both have near-death experiences, but they survive yk?)

And canonically, Ponyboy and Mark Jennings are friends when they’re about 15-16ish. Now that we’ve made Dally survive, the two just end up meeting through Ponyboy. Now they know of each other, but they don’t know that they’re half-brothers. Dally thinks of Mark as a pesky kid who’s more annoying than Ponyboy but less annoying than Curly Shepard, and Mark thinks of Dally as a tough-hood-turned slightly pathetic guy who “Couldn’t even get the cops to kill him right smh” (crude I know but I genuinely think that’s what Mark would think 😭)

Then I’m gonna have Steve (he’s observant- in the book he was the one who found Johnny’s jacket in the lot, and the one who noticed Dally had taken his ring back from Sylvia) and Johnny (also pretty observant, just in more of a literary analysis way than in a physical way) discuss how similar the two are.

Eventually they mention it to Two-Bit, who’s like “Uh yeah they’re half brothers? Obviously?”

And Steve and Johnny are like “The fuck do you mean Pony’s buddy is Dally’s half brother??”

Two-Bit, who I’m making Mark’s cousin in this ‘cuz Emilio Estevez played both of them, goes “Yeah no- his mom, my aunt, cheated on her husband with Dally’s dad when I was like…four or five…which was how she got knocked up with Mark…y’all didn’t know that??”

Anyhow all three go tell Dally, who doesn’t initially care all that much. Mark’s got a stable life, and Dally doesn’t particularly feel the need to be part of it, although he does maybe start inviting the kid along to the drive in with him, Pony, and Johnny just a little more often

Mark is similarly indifferent when Pony tells him, just sorta says “Aw man, why’s Shepard get to have the cooler hood for an older brother??”

But that all comes crashing down when the events of TWTTIN come to pass. Now, instead of getting arrested when Bryon calls the cops on him, Mark remembers Dally. So he runs from the cops and shows up on Buck Merril’s doorstep just like Pony and Johnny did two years prior.

Dally’s initially mad about it- it’s one thing helping Johnny and Pony, and a whole other thing helping this annoying kid who got himself into this mess. But…he can also see himself in Mark, because the kid’s scared and helpless and alone, and is covering it with anger just like Dally always did.

So Dally lets Mark in. Angrily, and with a ton of complaints, but he lets him in all the same.

When the cops come around, looking for the runaway dealer Mark Jennings, Dally denies knowing anything, and the cops lose Mark’s trail and just kinda give up.

Then Dally forces Mark to dye his blonde hair brown (in a reverse-Ponyboy move lol), and bullies Buck Merril into giving the kid a job even with his record. (According to Mark on pg 147 of the book, he only started dealing to begin with because no jobs would take him with his police record) I’m pretty sure that Tulsa is actually big enough that no one recognizes him, especially with the dye job. I mean the town I’m from is a quarter of Tulsa’s size, and I still barely ever run into folks I know without planning it. And I get out a lot. So like if Mark’s at Buck’s place, I don’t think a lotta people will know of him- he’s sixteen, no one who goes there will know him. (And if they do, well, it’s Buck Merril’s place, nobody would dare to call the cops there anyhow.)

So Mark carries on like that, living low…ish…I mean c’mon he’s still Mark Jennings he still causes trouble. Just not so much trouble that Dally can’t keep him in check. He probably does still hate Bryon- just not enough to wanna kill him?? (Although again idk he’s still Mark maybe he wants revenge anyhow…he won’t get revenge tho ‘cuz I have other plot priorities and anyhow I think Bryon’s suffered enough)

Dally and Mark evolve to be kind of like fanon Tim and Curly- not particularly affectionate, but they care for each other. Mark shows it by helping Dally with chores occasionally, and sometimes stealing him stuff like rings and cigarettes. Dally shows it by letting Mark tease him, and by taking Mark places and spending time with him. And letting Mark call himself “Mark Winston”. (Again, Dallas acts like he doesn’t want to- hell, he probably believes he doesn’t want to, he’s pretty good at lying to himself- but he clearly does) (Tim, Johnny, Two-Bit, and Steve bully him mercilessly for this) (Sodapop doesn't ‘cuz he thinks it’s sweet and doesn’t wanna discourage it lol)

Then, about two years later, we’re at the start of my Tex fic, Hail Mary. That plays out about the same, except both Mark and Johnny convince him to help out with custody of a ten-year-old Tex.

Dally is annoyed still, but has begrudgingly grown to like these stupid kids- including Mason, who isn’t technically related to anyone but Tex, but hey he had a shitty cowboy dad too so he gets to be in the “shitty cowboy dad club” lol

I figure Dally stays in Garyville with Mason and Tex during the weekdays, and takes them to Buck’s on weekends ‘cause he does still have most of his life in Tulsa. Sometimes Johnny stays with them in Garyville too, ‘cuz yk, Johnny’s Dally’s best friend lol, and besides he’s not only an adult now too but is also an adult who is much more patient and easy to get along with than Dally.

Mark and Tex are a horrible combination to be around, even though Mark is eighteen now and really should be more mature than a ten year old. Dally has his mischievousness, sure, but neither Mark nor Tex were born with the little voice in their heads that says things like “arson is bad” and “actions have consequences”. Like Dally likes breaking laws- Mark and Tex don’t even consider laws. It’s bad. Dally and Mason leave them alone to go grocery shopping once and come back to see Mark has let the horses into the house, all because Tex triple-dog-dared him to. Another time, after Cole Collins tells Mason not to hang out with his kids anymore, Mark uses Cole’s car to teach Tex how to hot-wire things. Dally nearly murders him. So does Mason. It’s a problem…

Anyhow, those are my thoughts for now, lemme know yours!

[yisony07]

Wood in Half

Based on a story plot by @adonismask. Thanks to @greenface94 for the masked pics.

“Are you ready to go?” Nate asked somewhat eagerly from the door.

Emilio pulled out his left earphone. “Yep, I’m all set!” 

He grabbed his wallet and phone and headed toward the front door. Nate was waiting for him. Emilio and Nate have been friends since high school when they were paired up for biology. Nate had always been the more athletic of the two. He didn’t play any sports but he went to the gym often. Emilio, however, has been the shy one; he preferred staying at home and reading. They had always made an odd pair, but their differences made them better friends, somehow. After high school, they found an apartment to move into together. Nate found a job at a local mechanic, and Emilio studied at the college. 

“Let’s head out then,” Nate said. He has been pushing Emilio to get out of the house a bit more, so they have a weekly arrangement to go on an “adventure”. That was as far as the planning goes. Nate had casually referred to these as their “dates”. Emilio could only wish it were true. He has been in love with Nate for years but never wanted to tell him for fear of ruining their friendship. 

They locked up the apartment and headed down the stairs to street level. Once outside, Nate asked “Left or right?” Emilio looked down both ways. Both of them usually left to the right to get where they needed to go, so he really didn’t know what could be down the left path.

“Let's take the left today.” 

“Okay, we’re shaking things up a little. That’s more like it!” 

Emilio couldn’t help but roll his eyes. They walked down the street and caught up on work and studies. From time to time, they looked through the windows of stores, a pizzeria, a casual clothing store, an ice cream parlor... but nothing couldn’t grab their attention. 

“What about that?” Nate pointed to a costume store. 

Emilio sighed. He had never been one for dressing up. He never found a costume that fitted or looked good on him. He wasn't out of shape, but his body wasn't what you'd call "athletic”. Nate started pulling him towards the shop. 

“C’mon, it’ll be fun! We can try on all the costumes we want, and we won’t have to go out, so you’ll have no reason to be embarrassed.”  

Emilio couldn’t even think of a way to argue with his logic, so he reluctantly agreed.

 A bell rang as they entered the shop. Both Emilio and Nate were surprised to see how clean and modern the shop looked. They were expecting too many decorations and weird smells, but the place appeared to be a normal clothing store, aside from all the weird outfits on display, of course.

A shop attendant approached them with a warm smile. “Hello! How can I help you gentlemen today?” The woman asked.

Emilio involuntarily held his breath as his pupils constricted. He has never been that good in these kinds of situations. Nate cleared his throat and stepped forward to grab the attendant’s attention. 

“Hi, this is a really weird thing to be asking, but I’m trying to get my friend here to come out of his shell. Would it be right for us to try on a few costumes just for fun? We won’t be too annoying, I promise.” 

Emilio blushed as he subtly glared at Nate. The attendant looked at the two of them amused.

“It’s no trouble,” she said with a soft smile. “You would be surprised how often people do this. Just make sure to put everything back when you’re done.” 

“Of course,” Emilio said.

The guys decided to start with the silly hats and wigs first, before getting to the bigger costumes. They spent hours in the shop, trying on everything they could. They joked, they laughed, they did impressions and skits. Emilio couldn't help but blush occasionally, as he subtly peeked through the curtains when Nate was in the locker room. Nate sometimes did the same thing, but neither of them brought it up. 

It was only when the shop attendant told them the store was closing soon that they realized how late it was. They packed away the last things they wore and headed towards the exit.

“Wait,” Emilio said, stopping suddenly. “We have to at least buy something, it’s just polite.”

Nate agreed instantly. As they approached the counter, they looked around for something to get, but beyond funny costumes, they didn't see anything worth buying. The woman, who they learned was named Helen, saw them searching the shelves. 

“Is there anything I can help with?” 

“Hmm… We-we are just looking for… some kind of memento, you know? To… To remember the day,” Emilio told her with a stutter and avoided looking her in the eyes, although for a few seconds, he did.

Nate subtly nudged Emilio with his elbow and smiled at him, as if congratulating him on improving. Helen watched them intently as if she was thinking about something. Then, she smiled widely.

“Well, I have been observing you two all day, and I think I might have just the thing.” 

She brought out a box from behind the counter. When they opened it up, they found a wooden mask inside. Not the prettiest thing, but still pretty interesting. 

Helen witnessed their hesitance. “This one is a good option for friends," she said, emphasizing 'friends' with a perhaps suggestive tone, but one that Nate seemed to like. "It has a trick, see?” She banged the mask against the counter, and there was a cracking sound. The front and the back of the mask separated into two identical masks. “One for each of you.” 

Emilio thought that it was pretty cool. “So… What do you think?” He turned to Nate, but Nate was staring transfixed at the masks. 

Nate looked back at Emilio, he blushed and then slightly shook his head, as if to clear it.

“Yeah, I really think we should get them," he said slowly.

They paid Helen and said goodbye to her. On the way home, they stopped at a deli to get something for dinner. Nate seemed very fidgety as if he couldn't wait to get home. Emilio didn't know if he was imagining it, but on the way home he sometimes caught Nate's voice whispering his (Emilio's) name with a tenderness and anticipation that made the shy man's heart beat strong, with hope… However, Emilio played it down. It couldn't be like that because Nate was a lot braver to hide that kind of thing, right? Maybe one of those costumes was just a little itchy. 

They ate dinner at the kitchen counter, before deciding to call it a night. 

“Oh, here.” Nate handed one of the masks to Emilio. “I’m pretty tired, g‘night”. Then, Nate ran to his room and slammed the door behind him. 

He’s acting so weird, Emilio thought. He cleared up the kitchen before going to his room as well, with the mask in hand. 

After Nate shut the door, he leaned against it, breathing heavily. Finally, I’m alone. He couldn't shake the feeling he had since the costume shop. Since the moment when he laid his eyes on the masks, something had stirred in him. He knew that there was just one thing he must do.

He pulled the mask out from the bag. He held it in his hand, facing him. He stroked the side of the mask, feeling along the edge until he reached what would have been the jaw. The empty eye sockets seemed to look into his soul, and it looked like they were lighting up. He started feeling the face with his other hand, tracing the metal piece down the middle, until he reached his final destination: the mouth. 

He felt his dick stiffen in his jeans. It was decided, he had to do it. He tossed the mask onto his bed and started undressing. When he was completely naked, he jumped onto the bed and grabbed the mask in his hands. Keeping the face towards him, he lowered it until the mouth was in line with his throbbing penis. He brought the tip closer before finally shoving his dick into the mouth of the mask. 

Emilio closed the door to his room. As he started stripping for bed, he felt a strange pull. His sight landed on the mask. Could that be it? He wondered without looking away.

That sensation grew stronger. It was magnetic as if having the wood placed on his skin was his inevitable destiny. But believing it was just his imagination, Emilio shook his head, took off his clothes, then a shower, and tried to put on his pajamas. However, his gaze constantly fell on the mask.

But what is happening to me? He asked herself. He was breathing with difficulty, while his chest seemed to contract; his heart was beating fast, he was sweating coldly and he was moving his legs quickly unconsciously. I must… I must…

Then, before putting on the shirt, Emilio noticed a greenish glow fleetingly run across the surface of the mask. Without thinking twice, he threw the shirt aside, launched himself towards the mask, and put it on.

“Fuck…” he moaned as soon as he felt the wood. It seemed to exert a grip on the edges, like thin claws digging into the contours of his face.

But then…

“Hmmph…!!!” He moaned in a choked voice. He felt a somewhat stiff piece of meat invaded his mouth. Confusion filled him, for there was nothing there, and yet he licked it. It didn’t taste so clear, so he continued licking and sucking it, and after a while of excitement filling him and enjoying it, he couldn’t help but think it was a dick.

With that thought in mind, he increased his pace. Sometimes he felt the piece in his mouth go in and out more, and that excited him even more. Emilio couldn’t help but grab and massage his cock. He didn’t want it to end: he wanted to be like this for as long as possible.

Suddenly, Emilio felt a tug that took him to the floor. He didn’t know where he had to go but he did know that he had to walk. He wanted more, he wanted to go to the source…

Without even bothering to get up, Emilio walked down the hall on all fours. He continued sucking and sucking, leaving his mouth covered in saliva. Without knowing why, he went to Nate's room, and as soon as he arrived the door opened by itself, so he entered without hesitation.

It was in that place and at that moment that Emilio understood: he saw Nate in his bed, revealing his toned abdomen, his divine legs, and his strong arms. With his enviable hands, he moved the front half of the mask with the mouth hole around where his cock should be, which, given the space that Emilio felt it occupied inside him, must be enormous.

The halves must be together... Emilio thought, enthralled, sucking even more eagerly. Hearing Nate's moans made him hornier, demonstrated by the hardness of his cock as well.

“Fuck, Emilio…” Nate moaned, still with his eyes closed.

That gave Emilio the impulse to crawl to the bed. Then he climbed on top of it. Feeling the increasing weight, Nate opened his eyes, but the gasp that was about to escape his lips turned into a moan the moment Emilio reached for Nate's balls and pressed his head against the mask.

At that instant, the mask became one again and immediately began to extend tentacles that animatedly covered Emilio's head. Nate was in the ecstasy to try to stop it, and Emilio was too focused on Nate's cock to notice.

“I'm going to… cum…” Nate warned and, in a matter of seconds, he squirted a jet of cum directly into Emilio's mouth.

At that moment Emilio separated from Nate and the mask emitted a green glow that blinded both of them as Emilio's body fell to one side of Nate's.

When the light disappeared and Nate could see again, he stood up and saw his roommate beside him, who had long, loose hair and a green face, like a second layer of greedy skin, and a peculiar smile.

“What's the problem, babe?” He asked with a certain impudence and licked the remaining drops of cum from his face. “You don't think that was all, do you? Because my love for you is as hard and hot as we are right now.”

And, before Nate could answer, Emilio snapped his fingers. Then, Nate was magically pushed back onto the bed and received a passionate kiss from the green-headed man. With his heart racing and immersed in heat, the man reciprocated, and the couple kissed with passion that not only reflected their carnal desires, but the mutual feelings they had been harboring for a long time.

Then they separated and green-headed Emilio moved until he was on top of Nate, his ass aligned with Nate's salivating, big large cock. Emilio then took Nate's hand and placed it on his chest. Nate quickly removed his hand.

“It burns…” Nate said waving his hand as if that would cool his hand down faster.

“My heart burns with love for you,” Emilio replied with a smile and lowered his body until his hole was almost in contact with Nate's cock. “Let me make what's coming an explicit seal of our relationship, how about that?”

“I thought it was obvious,” Nate replied eagerly.

“Say no more, my love,” said Emilio and lowered his body until all of Nate's flesh was inside him, and began to vibrate as if it were a drill on automatic and Nate screamed with pleasure.

And the couple continued in the act, enjoying each other's bodies throughout the night and accompanied, for some strange reason, by cartoonish sounds that hid from the public the moans that were exhaled in the room.

It was uncertain how much time had passed, but Emilio still woke up tired, as if the hours of sleep had been in vain. His skin was the same as before, and his body the same as before. His head hurt a little and everything around him looked blurry. Emilio waited a few seconds until he could focus his vision.

He realized that he was in Nate's room, in his bed.

"Why...?" Emilio asked as he looked around, but he stopped when he noticed Nate's sleeping, naked body next to him. Between them, were the two pieces. The memories of what had happened occupied his mind at that moment, and in that long moment Emilio, blushing beyond belief, hid his face with his hands. Together... we are a couple... he thought, almost unable to believe his words.

His gaze fell again on his now boyfriend. Seeing him asleep like that caused a strange feeling in Emilio. Nate looked so pretty, so attractive...

Then the halves flashed fleetingly and Emilio remembered once again the preamble to the wild act that took place. A giggle left his lips as soon as he took the outer half of the mask and, remembering what his room... boyfriend had done, he inserted his cock into the hole in the mask that corresponded to the lips.

It feels so good... Emilio thought, moaning. It was as if an invisible mass was warmly embracing his meat provisionally, waiting for the real one. However, Nate was still snoring.

But then, Nate moved a little. The lower half of the mask was face down as if waiting for a face on it, and Nate's was temptingly close. But Nate didn't move any further… if only it were a centimeter...

With one of his hands, feigning innocence, Emilio touched Nate's upper shoulder a little. His movement brought Nate's face closer for a moment. The back half of the mask had taken advantage of this and jumped on its own to his head from his shoulder. Nate's body spasmed, but at first, he didn't wake up; but then Emilio increased the movements of his half and that's when he realized that his meat was inside Nate: it felt very warm, almost like a cozy home.

Nate moved his head from side to side several times, restless from the sudden invasion, before waking up with a moan. As soon as he sucked, he realized what was happening and, without waiting any longer, he moved towards Emilio and fused the masks once again. Immediately it hugged his head and Nate's body was transformed.

"This is the real deal!" said Masked Nate. "This feels amazing!!"

"Hey... I was doing the same thing, that's not fair," said Emilio pouting. Masked Nate couldn't help but laugh at the cuteness before giving her a lust-filled look.

"Don't worry..." Masked Nate said. "I'll make it up to you with a treat... What's next is going to be wild."

And they both had more than a second round.

[sufferu]

I remember seeing on Twitter that if genderbent Stella and Subarus relationship would be toxic https://x.com/LilineSara91932/status/1835137507081507231

"I think it would be worse with male Rem. Stalk femBaru by watching her while she sleeps. Follow her everywhere. Shouting strange things to the white whale. about how only he can smell Subaru. Being willing to be second. under Emilio. Just to secure his place at Subaru's side."

Well I can assure you Rem as a male would definitely not be as much loved as she is right now if that happened 😂 I genderbend the author actually tamed her obsession by a lot because she's a "guy" now and so it seems he thinks it's "incorporate" Sarah Sep 14 A cute maid can get away with her comments and behavior labeling it as "cute" and enduring behavior, a boy however would immediately get stoned for this and of course if "that" group of people discover this we will need to defend how re zero is not "misogynistic" or something 😂

I mean: the whole reason Rem GETS AWAY with everything she does is because she’s playing into the image of a Perfect Submissive Waifu that Subaru loves so much (even if he only likes it as an abstract concept or a familiar anime trope — see: his reaction to Shaula). This applies to both the audience and Subaru himself: Rem can disguise her more…insidious traits, because she‘s a pretty girl and knows how to use it. It makes perfect sense that male Rem would tone it down, then, because he would know better than to think he could get away with that sort of thing. He’d probably present himself as more of an ikeman prince or something.

But like: Satella and Rem are ALREADY toxic. Hell, post-Amnesia Rem is already explicitly calling out the messages that SHE MADE SUBARU INTERNALIZE as toxic and harmful, even if she doesn’t realize it yet. And whatever her true motive may be, Satella literally signed Subaru up for the Death Carousel and squeezes his heart whenever he tries to reach out to anyone that isn’t her. Like, neither of these people are prime girlfriend material.

[cozymochi]

Asking because I forgot to include it in my other ask, but do you have Yuu OCs, too? May we see them 🙏 👀

I have one defacto MC and her name is Tia Dumarais 🪷 someday I’ll go into it properly, there’s kind of a lot. Just imagine if a princess Tiana type got isekai’d. She’s kind of the only person I think about when consuming this stuff

BUT I have random NRC guys. Namely Emilio for one- (tho he’s kind of a collab thing, given I didn’t name him.)

and excluding random other folk there are …two…other guys 😩 but they haven’t dropped yet, so I—

pretty much all my junk has existed for a year or more, i just am really bad at sharing. These are kinda collaborative it’s just im the only person drawing so it’s like

[scrollonso]

Papa's Boyfriend — Checo/Pol

Checo had spent a lot of time preparing his children for this moment. Even though they were still quite young — 3, 4, 6, and 8 years old — he had carefully explained, in terms they could grasp, that Pol was someone very special to him. His boyfriend.

Sergio and Carlota, being the two oldest, seemed to comprehend the most. They had asked questions and nodded solemnly when Checo told them that Pol made him very happy. Emilio and Lucia, however, were still a bit too little to fully understand, but they knew enough: this man they hadn’t yet met was someone who brought a big smile to their Papa’s face.

When the day finally came for Pol to visit and meet the kids, the air was filled with both excitement and a touch of nervousness. Checo had spoken about Pol so often that when he walked through the door, his name was already familiar to them. Sergio, always the most inquisitive, was the first to speak up. As Pol stepped into the house, Sergio stood there, his small brows knitting together in concentration as if he was trying to match the man before him to the stories his Papa had told.

"So... you’re Pol?" Sergio asked, his voice filled with curiosity, not caution. "The one Papi talks about?"

Checo, standing just behind his son, couldn’t help but smile at the innocence in his boy’s voice. He placed a hand gently on Sergio’s shoulder, nodding. "Sí, mijo. That’s him," he said, glancing over at Pol with a soft expression full of pride. "I told you, Pol is really important to me. He's Papa’s boyfriend."

Sergio gave a slow nod, the wheels still turning in his mind as he processed this information. But his curiosity quickly shifted gears, and in typical six-year-old fashion, he was far more eager to show off his latest toys than dwell on the idea of relationships. "Vale!" he said enthusiastically before turning to Pol. "Do you like racing cars too?"

Pol crouched down to Sergio’s level, a smile tugging at his lips as he chuckled. "I actually race motorcycles, but I think racing cars are pretty awesome too."

Before Sergio could ask more questions, Carlota, who had been sitting cross-legged on the floor playing with her dolls, looked up. Her wide eyes studied Pol with open curiosity. "Mi Papa says you make him happy," she said, her voice matter-of-fact as though she were stating the simplest truth in the world.

Checo felt his heart swell at his daughter’s words. He glanced at Pol, who was beaming at Carlota’s blunt sweetness. "He makes me very happy," Checo agreed softly, kneeling beside her and scooping her up into his arms. She giggled, settling comfortably against him, her little arms wrapping around his neck.

Emilio, always shy but observant, had been quietly clinging to Checo’s leg, his large, round eyes peering up at Pol. His voice was barely above a whisper when he finally spoke. "Are you staying for dinner?" he asked, his tiny hand gripping Checo’s pants as though Pol’s answer held great importance.

Pol smiled warmly, his gaze softening as he looked at the little boy. "If it’s okay with you guys, I’d love to stay for dinner," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Just then, Lucia, the youngest, who had been toddling around, slowly made her way over to Pol. Though she was always hesitant around new people, the curiosity in her gaze was unmistakable. Without a word, she reached out toward him, a clear sign of trust that caught both Checo and Pol by surprise. Pol didn’t hesitate; he carefully picked her up, and she immediately snuggled against his chest, contentedly playing with the zipper of his jacket as if they had known each other for ages.

Checo watched the scene unfold, warmth spreading through his chest. His kids, even little Lucia, were already beginning to welcome Pol into their world. Sergio was still the first to break the quiet moment, looking up with newfound understanding. "So... that means you love him, right?" His brow furrowed again, but this time with a mixture of curiosity and the need for confirmation.

Checo smiled down at his son, his heart swelling with pride and affection. He rested a hand on Sergio’s shoulder. "Yes, I love Pol, and he loves me," he said softly. "Just like how I love all of you."

Sergio paused for a moment, digesting this information, and then, as only a child could, he grinned brightly. "Okay!" he said with sudden enthusiasm. "Can we show Pol our new toys?"

Pol laughed, exchanging a glance with Checo that seemed to say everything was going to be just fine. "Of course," Pol said, his smile warm and genuine. "I’d love to see them."

And just like that, the children rallied around Pol, pulling him toward the living room, eager to show him their prized possessions. As they excitedly tugged him along, Checo stayed back for a moment, watching them go with a deep sense of peace. Pol had only just met his children, but it was clear they were already embracing him with open hearts.

A few hours later, Checo decided to check in on the living room, where laughter and playful shouts had echoed just a while ago. As he walked down the hallway, the warmth of their joy lingered in the air, mixed with the comforting scent of dinner simmering in the kitchen. He opened the door to the living room, and a wave of tenderness washed over him at the sight before him.

There, curled up together on the couch, were Pol and his four children, a peaceful tableau that spoke volumes about the bond forming between them. Sergio had fallen asleep sprawled across Pol's lap, his small hand clutching a toy car that had become an extension of him. Carlota nestled against Pol’s side, her head resting against his shoulder, a doll still clutched in her arms as if she needed it to dream. Emilio was curled up at the other end of the couch, his thumb in his mouth, a soft expression on his face that hinted at the dreams dancing behind his closed eyelids. And Lucia, the youngest, lay sprawled atop her siblings, her tiny form completely relaxed as she snuggled into Pol’s warmth.

Pol, completely at ease in the chaos of little bodies, wore a contented smile. His eyes sparkled with affection as he glanced up at Checo, who stood quietly in the doorway, not wanting to disturb the serene moment. Checo could see the way Pol gently brushed his fingers through Carlota’s hair, a gesture of tenderness that made Checo’s heart swell with love.

The sight was almost too perfect — a new family, a blending of lives, and love overflowing in its simplest form. Checo felt a rush of gratitude wash over him; Pol had fit seamlessly into their world, embracing the chaos and joy of fatherhood alongside him.

Quietly, Checo stepped further into the room, careful not to make a sound. He felt a sense of pride wash over him as he looked at his kids, who had welcomed Pol so warmly. They had only met a few hours earlier, but already they were creating their own memories together, wrapped in the warmth of love and trust.

As he moved closer, Checo noticed Pol’s gaze returning to him, filled with an unspoken understanding. It was a look that said, This is where I belong. Checo smiled back, a silent acknowledgment that this was just the beginning of their journey together.

He could hardly believe how quickly things had shifted — from a tentative introduction to a cozy family scene, where laughter had turned into soft breaths of sleep. The earlier tension melted away, leaving only the beautiful reality of their lives entwining.

Checo took a seat in the armchair across from the couch, his heart full as he watched them. He couldn’t help but think how fortunate he was to find someone like Pol, who not only accepted him but also embraced his children so effortlessly.

[idontplaytrack]

✧ Have you to catch me

AJ Campos x fem! reader

Warnings: fluff, age regression, AJ’s dad being an asshole

A long day at work tired you out, but you already promised AJ go to go to dinner with her parents. You already know it wouldn’t go well, you already knew it would end in anger for all parties involved. So…there’s that.

You knew you were better off not going to dinner with AJ’s parents tonight. But yet, you were still on your way to the restaurant after an eight-hour day at the office, plus some overtime. You saw and heard how these dinners went for Chantal and Gabi, then it was your turn to experience it a year ago when you and AJ started dating. You knew he was traditional, but it very soon got on your nerves because he could see neither AJ nor Mrs. Campos were happy about how he flat out interrogated you the first time AJ brought you home.

You usually were absent from these dinners after the first few weeks of your relationship with AJ. But you hadn’t seen Mrs. Campos for awhile so you thought you’d go, just to see her. She treated you like her own daughter, which was amazing in contrast to the rudeness you got from AJ’s dad. She let you call her by her name, and she got a kick out of it seeing her husband get just a little annoyed everytime he hears it.

“Hi, mija. So good to see you again, how was work?”

“A little busy, but I’m good. How are you, Clarisa? Mr. Campos?”

“Good, good. Sit down, honey. AJ just went to the bathroom. She’ll be right back.”

You nodded, the guy looks at you and raises his brows without saying anything. His arms still crossed on his chest. You were ready for the dinner to be infuriating, but every time he opened his mouth to talk, you never knew what to expect. AJ returned to the table a few minutes later, smiling brightly when she saw you. “Hi.” She grins, sitting down next to you and resting her hand on your thigh. “I already ordered for you.”

“Thanks.” You smiled appreciatively.

“You don’t take rules seriously, do you?” He asked you, leaned back in his seat.

You looked up from the table cautiously.

“She’s been busy.” Knowingly, AJ answered before you could.

“She has time for work and no time for family?” He rolled his eyes

“Family?” Clairsa wondered. AJ wanted to laugh. “She’s always absent. You think you’re some big, big shot, too good for my daughter? You’re just a girl.”

Your breath hitched. Right then, the food arrives. A quick, tense silence fell around the table as the waiter put the plates down. Clairsa thanked the waiter and she quickly departed the area. You were glaring at him now, unintentionally. You don’t even know why you were so shocked. He always says shit like this. You’ve heard worse. But given the exhaustion you were feeling from work, it didn’t take a lot to make you feel angry. Or…sad. You weren’t sure. Maybe both. “Cat got your tongue, eh?” He continued to provoke you. He wanted you to get mad. So he could use that against you. You didn’t want to let him win, so you kept quiet and just ate your dinner. So did AJ and Clarisa. “Don’t know what you see in her when you could easily get a good guy.” He grumbles.

“Emilio.” Clarisa warned.

“How is this natural to you?”

“What even is natural in today’s world? So much crap’s manmade.” AJ remarked, obviously ticked off.

“She’s not that good looking either, you could’ve done better, anyway.”

You’d put your fork down, and AJ feels how tense you were. And you were trying not to fidget. You wanted to run out of there. She knew it, one more remark and that would be your last straw. AJ squeezed your thigh again, you glanced at her and she saw that look in your eyes. And the tears forming. You made it through most of the meal, before Emilio opened his mouth again. “Don’t have the guts to speak up?”

“Speak up? She did that and you chewed her out when she did. She’s doing what she needs to do to follow your family dinner rule, without getting yelled at for no reason.” AJ looked him in the eye, you knew she was fuming, “I’m speaking up— again. You shut up your stupid mouth and stop treating her like a fool, like a criminal. I love her, and that’s that. You don’t have to see what I see in her, because she’s not your partner. She’s mine, and more than good for me. Unlike you, a father who doesn’t act like one. Who only loves your children the way you want to. Not the way they need to be loved.”

“I don’t know what you want from them, Emilio. You’re like playing some sort of sick game with them. They don’t appreciate it and neither do I.” Clarisa nodded, chiming in. Feeling a sense of pride when she heard AJ’s words.

“I’m not talking to you.” He interjected, glaring at his wife.

“Mama, we’re gonna go. Okay? I’ll Venmo you the money for dinner. Good night, I love you.” AJ stood up, tossing the napkin on her lap, onto the chair behind her. She tugs on your hand and you got up too. “No need, mija. You two take care, do you want me to call you a cab?”

“It’s okay, no need. See you soon, mama.”

You sat down on a bench outside the restaurant, still holding onto AJ’s hand as she was typing away furiously on her phone. You swung her hand slightly and she looks down, “You okay?”

You shook your head, unable to talk, fearing that you’d burst into tears if you tried. AJ frowns, but sat down next to you and hugged you without a second thought. You melted into her touch in an instant.

“Yeah— hey, Gabs? Could you pick us up?”

“Of course. Where?”

“The Smith?”

“On Broadway? I got it, I’m on my way now.”

After Gabi hung up, she shared her location pin with AJ so she could see where she was. You didn’t care about anything else at this point besides clinging onto AJ. Whatever he said to you has rudely pushed you over the edge. So now, while Emilio was definitely smugly enjoying the remainder of his dinner, you were weeping into AJ’s arms but not knowing the reason due to being in a regressed state.

You feel her palm rubbing your back in a very calming motion, but that didn’t exactly help how terrible you were feeling. Especially in this state of mind— you simply couldn’t understand why he hated you that much. It was not a situation where he said ‘I don’t like you’ to your face but rather being just subtle enough about it constantly and making you uncomfortable. Well, subtle in comparison to straight up bullying you out of the family. You had your arms wrapped around her, resting your chin on her shoulder. “You’re okay, Hm?” AJ said softly into your ear, “Look at me, baby.”

You shook your head, sniffling as the tears seeped into her shirt. She turned her head and kissed you on the cheek. “...’m sorry.” You muttered. “No. No, you don’t ever have to say that. That wasn’t your fault.” AJ licked her lips, “Don’t say that, okay?” You didn’t react, nor respond. She couldn’t blame you at all for this lack of…anything. You were already tired from working overtime so much, and you were always sleepy when in a regressed state. It didn’t take Gabi any more than fifteen minutes to pull up in front of her, which was a little strange. Was she already in Manhattan? She must’ve been.

“Come on, baby.” She nudged, intertwining your fingers with hers and brushing her thumb over your knuckles.

“Tired.” You mumbled.

“I know, I know.” AJ squeezed your hand, “Gabi’s gonna drive us home right now, alright?” She opened the car door and told you to get inside. You do, without saying a thing once you set foot into the vehicle. Once the door was shut, Gabi locked it and started driving away immediately while AJ opened up her arms to let you lay on her. Now feeling way safer than before, you nodded off, vaguely hearing AJ talking to Gabi. Even then, you weren’t worried about what they were talking about— you never had to be worried with them.

“AJ, please stop going to those ‘family dinners’. He will never stop doing that, being nasty to our partners.”

“Oh, yeah. And let him have more reasons to get mad at me for?”

Gabi sighs, “He doesn’t care. He just wants to be right, but he’s already wrong. Cut him off, if you want to go to dinner, mom’s the one to go with. You know, right? Mom’s only doing those dinners with him so he doesn’t blow his top and treat her like shit?”

“I know, which is why I don’t want her to be alone with him.”

“I love you both, and I don’t want this, to keep happening.” Gabi continues, “I know he’s our father but it’s time to let him go, you got this, okay? You’re better off without him.” AJ looked between you and Gabi as she still rubbed your back even though you were already asleep.

“I’ve been hoping he would finally see our point of view, finally hear what we’re trying to tell him but you’re absolutely right. There is…no point trying and wasting our energy and breath.” AJ shrugged. Then scoffed, “This was the worst one of all. He actually triggered an episode right at the table and she couldn’t…thank goodness we got out of there when we did.” At this time of the night, driving back to Brooklyn took roughly an hour so you got a nice nap in the car.

“I’m glad you called me.”

“Thanks for coming so quickly.” AJ smiled gratefully, “Where’s Chantal?”

“Of course. She’s babysitting, actually. Her niece and nephew.” Gabi chuckled, “So I was with her in the city already when you called.”

“Oh.” AJ exhaled, now patting your back. “Sorry to trouble you but she really— I just had to keep holding her because she was…”

“I get it, don’t worry. I’ll always be here for you two.”

AJ had to wake you up once Gabi pulled up at the front of yours and AJ’s apartment. Thankfully, that went well. “Say good night.” AJ chuckles at your sleepy face. “Night, Gabi.” You smiled lightly. “Good night, niña.” Gabi smiled back, “You too, AJ. Te quiero.”

“Love you too, Gabs. Have a good night.”

With an arm around your waist, AJ safely guided you back home. You didn’t even want to brush your teeth. “It’ll be quick, honey. Sit down, okay?” You whined, but still did as she told you to. “Brush teeth, put on jammies then we’re off to bed. Promise.”

“Okay.” You sniffed, sitting on the closed toilet.

“Here, you wanna do it yourself while I go pick out some jammies for you?” She asked enthusiastically, trying to keep you awake for just a few minutes more— AJ did not want you to be in bed wearing clothes you’ve already been in all day. You nodded, blinking your eyes as you took the Winnie the Pooh toothbrush from her and started to brush your teeth. AJ took a peek at you over her shoulder before she rummaged through the drawer for a set she thinks you’d like— even though you were usually too sleepy to care in a time like this one. Sometimes, though. You wanted what you wanted and would be crying immediately until you got the design you had in mind. You got up and rinsed your mouth at the sink then walked up to AJ. “All done?” She turned around. You nodded softly, she cups your cheek, taking the toothbrush from you, “Good girl. Let’s get you all changed and ready for bed, hm?” AJ set the toothbrush down on the nightstand then promptly helped you change into the pyjamas so you could sleep for the night. Tucking you under the thick, cozy blanket she asks, “You want a paci?”

“No.” You murmured. She reached over to the storage net hanging in the corner above the bed, pulling out a brown teddy bear from the rather colourful pile and putting it in your arms. You naturally snuggled closer with it, telling her a quiet little ‘thank you’ while your eyes were barely open. AJ plants a kiss onto your head, “Good night, sweet girl. I love you.”

“...night night.” You exhaled deeply, your frame relaxing under her touch, “Love you.”

AJ stayed up for some time trying to get some art orders fulfilled. But she also spent a bit of time just watching you sleep…finally peaceful. Two hours later, at midnight, the sleepiness hits her too. So AJ climbs into bed with you, holding you in her arms protectively and drifting off to dreamland too herself. In the morning, she woke up before you and called in sick on your behalf— something she’s never done before, perhaps that was why they didn’t put up a fight and press her for more information. Either way, AJ was going to make sure that you got your rest for the day. She strolled to the kitchen and made you your favourite pancakes for breakfast which didn’t take long at all. So, she set the table, made herself some coffee then went back to the room to sit with you.

While she sipped on her coffee in the armchair, AJ watches you roll onto your back right around nine-thirty a.m., the teddy bear moved along with you, its head nicely laid on your arm. You reached for it and then smoothly rolled to face the other way. She chuckles to herself imagining your face smushed up against the pillow. Then you sneezed, which snapped her out of her little bubble. Then, you were mumbling something so she walked up to you. AJ sat down right next to you as your back was facing her, her hand going up and down your side soothingly as she saw your eyes fluttering open. “Hi.” She greeted airily. You laid on your back again and smiled at her, still groggy. AJ’s smile grew wider, “Did you sleep good?”

You nodded, “Yeah.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” She bent down and pecked your cheek, making you giggle, “Guess what?”

“What?” You asked with a chuckle as you grabbed her hands with yours, playing with the rings on her fingers.

“I made pancakes.” She grins. “You want some pancakes?”

Excitedly, you nodded. But you were still lying down. “C’mon.” AJ chuckled, palm on your tummy as she briefly tickled you. You laughed, the melodious sound making her smile harder. “Breakfast time.” She held your face in her hand, “Then we can do some colouring, yes?”

Now convinced, you sat up. “Hey, there’s my girl.” AJ was still cheesing hard, “Let’s go eat, baby.” You took her hand and walked out to the kitchen with her, she even reminded you to take the teddy bear with you. “Alright, sit down and I’ll get you a plate.” So you did, you sat down at the table, teddy bear in your lap as you watched her moving around in the kitchen plating the pancakes.

“Apple or grape juice, baby?”

“Grape.” You told her after a second.

“Okay.”

She was beyond relieved that you were still regressed, so that meant you weren’t going to be worrying about work— not that she hasn’t already got that settled, but it was only when you were regressed that you could really rest and relax.

After breakfast, you and AJ were sitting on the floor in the living room with colour pencils and colouring books on the coffee table and the TV playing cartoons in front of the both of you. This time also allowed her to rest and relax, so it was really a win-win situation. AJ was now determined to make things better for you and herself, no more dinners with her Dad, or rather…no more contact with her Dad. At all. He was the cause of a lot of tension and stress for you. And you’ve already helped yourself by excluding yourself from the dinners completely, but you didn’t want that. You wanted to have nice dinners, just maybe with only Clarisa from now on. Because, Clarisa? She was the parent you deserved to have and that woman welcomed you with open arms. The only parent in your life that has ever done that, and ever loved you the way you wanted to be loved, not the way they wanted to love you.

And AJ…was a godsend. She loved you, the way she knew how. But that type of love was just what you needed too. AJ loved you for who you were, was incredibly patient and kind and always listened and appreciated you. It was a different feeling when you were with her… that security and comfort. AJ was like a ball of sunshine, and a big hug personified. And when you were regressed, AJ wasn’t going to lie and say her maternal instincts weren’t especially strong with you either. Because, they were. And she really loved caring for you when you were in the headspace, I mean, really, really loved to. She got to give you that love you never had from a caretaker, she took their places and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It was always going to be you and her, taking on the world forever.

“So lucky, I’ll always have you

to catch me, we’re partners in crime,

you’re stuck with me your whole life.

So different, out of our minds

From a planet that's hard to find

Every second every day”

🏷️Tag list:

@ashecampos @auliisflower @cheesysoup-arlo @frogs00 @ludoesartandstuff @pda128

💭A/N:

Missed my girl AJ so I had to write a little something to feed that part of my brain and soul :3

[pralinesims]

Hi! I was a first-time anon who had asked about the movie theater story you were working on a little while back (I never got to respond but I always like making people happy, and I'm glad I motivated you to continue it bc I love it so much).

But anyways, I wanted to ask this because I was genuinely curious: if each of your OCs had a Letterboxd, what would be their four favorite movies? Some might be bigger movie buffs than others, probably, but for the ones who are obsessed with them, is there a way they would organize their favorites, or do they just go with vibes?

HIYA and welcome back aaaa ;_; MWAH thank you so much!

Emilio: is totally into action movies, especially loves stuff where he can identify with the main hero. Laughs tears when watching movies like Hangover or other bromance comedy typa shit.

Vale: Give him anything sci-fi, horror or thriller and he'll be happy. For example I feel like he'd be obsessed with The Thing. Also probably enjoys stuff like Mad Max.

Luca: MAJOR MOVIE BUFF ALERT. Enjoys watching indie movies, even if they're a total slog. Also loves the classics from the golden age of Hollywood and things like comic adaptions, think of Batman and such. He'd probably be a very active Letterboxd user. I truly feel like he'd watch every movie out there.

Sharon: Hmm I don't really see her watching much movies. I'd figure she'd rather be into documentary typa things.

Aaron: I think he'd watch stuff like The Matrix, The Godfather, and similar movies which are rather hard hitting? Enjoys a good plot twist. Also The Lord of the Rings and such, he'd love adaptions of his fav books. Genres wouldn't matter much to him I feel like, but he'd DEFINITELY cringe at romcoms.

Gina: Something she can cry her heart out to. I'd figure she'd love dramas. Titanic and other tearjerker kinda stuff. And anything Ghibli!!! I'd believe she'd like the animated kinda type of movies a tad more.

Devyn: Hmm, I feel like he'd be a Fight Club and American Psycho typa guy. Prolly always rewatching critically well acclaimed classics. But also does not say no to sillier movies, and sings along to musicals.

Kaia: She's that kinda girl that probably almost exclusively watches horror movies. Has built up a heavy tolerance over years, so nothing is really shocking to her anymore. Yet she still can't be assed to watch another type of movie for once.

Maggie: Regularly watches the most disgusting, goriest splatter movies you can find, and laughs out loud when people die. Besides these, she's totally into sillier, lighthearted movies, like romcoms or stuff like Mean Girls.

// some whining from me + extra explanation under the cut:

...and to be frank, but THIS is one bigger aspect I kinda struggle with assigning to my OC's, only rarely I directly know which movie fits, bc I simply don't know enough ones. I do know what THEY like. Just no very specific examples. But generally, I am able to assign their preferred genres or type of movie. But really like. oh man. forgive me. I am the absolute WORST person to ask when it comes to movies because I very rarely watch some?

So here have my vague answers bc with this theme, I legit have to base it just around my general feel for it, cause my movie knowledge barely is developed lmao. Nor do I know anything about Letterboxd, but I might update some answers once I remember specific movies I felt like were right assigning to? But so far please have these ones ok!

[vanguard-if]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Jayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeee!!

Lemme just bother you for a bit by putting you into a relationship quickly. Shhh it's not weird ok.

So I'm asking all my fav authors who among their wonderful cast that they created in their weird ass brains. If they had to romance an RO for a totally real totally serious commited relationship who would it be and why?? 👀

Also you know my parasocial dumbass just loves bugging the hell out of you. I hope school's treating you well and if not fuck them teachers they can go jump into a firey lake.. no not really but it's the thought that counts. Right? ♥️

HIIIIIII ALWAYS SUCH A TREAT TO SEE YOUR MESSAGES IN MY INBOX and stoppp im one of your favourite authors?! combusted and exploded actually. if this is considered bugging me..please keep bugging me. and school is. Okay. It is okay.

this is such a loaded question. i have so many thoughts on this. my mind immediately goes to Emilio, Cirrus, or Vera. which i think most of you expected anyways.

realistically? Emilio. i mechanically engineered this man the way i think a man should be so…yeah. he’s so bizarre. and i can really appreciate that in a man. in my mind i want to date Vera and Cirrus but let’s be 100% honest i absolutely CANNOT pull them and i know it. Emilio though? he’s strange and kind of pathetic and i can fuck with that. and fun fact, he’s actually smart! and without being the 🤓 “erm ackshually” kind of man (i have had enough of these people, i’m in STEM.)

the entire cast of Vanguard are dateable to me because i am sad and bisexual and think they’re all pretty. Emilio is also extremely romantic, in the hand kissing, gift giving, gentlemanly kind of way, and this is something that is so URRGRHHHHH in people. especially men.

okay enough. i’m done now. long story short, i have a crush on Emilio. like i didn’t want to say it, but he’s straight up just hot as well. his face card NEVER declines!!

save me Prince Emilio Lovell save me . save me Prince Emilio Lovell save me save me Prince Emilio Lovell save m

[mscutino]

╰─ ✧*̥ 𝐌𝐂 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 爱

═════════════════════

╰─ ✧*̥ CH. 2 • Peru | Leon S. Kennedy

═════════════════════

CONDOR ONE

October 20, 2011

Berlin, Germany

══════════════

"Can't catch a break," Leon whispered to himself. He stared down at the message from Jill, letting him know she was in town and needed to talk. "Never can catch a break."

Leon pulled himself off the adorned street lamp, casting a long shadow across the brick ground. The plaza was empty. The lights were the only sign that people were once there. It felt warm, like a dream. His flight out would be in a few hours - early morning - but he had to come here at least once. Just to bathe in the normalcy a city plaza gave.

The restaurants and cafes had closed hours ago, but Leon walked slowly past them. His eyes filtering through the dark windows. His phone lightly buzzed, but he ignored it. Jill wouldn't be in town if it didn't mean a new assignment. An assignment the BSAA didn't want to deal with. Home was just a flight away, but he knew turning down a mission wasn't an option.

Leon plucked his phone back out of his pocket, swiping to see what else Jill had sent.

"I'll tell you the details tomorrow morning. Sorry, Leon. See you then."

══════════════

The sun was up in just a few hours, much to Leon's dismay. Moving swiftly through the thin crowd of people, he was back at the plaza, where Jill said she'd be.

"You're early," a voice cut through, accompanied by a hand on his shoulder. Leon didn't have to turn to recognize Jill's voice. "Come with me."

Leon was led to a pavement cafe, where chairs and tables were laid out across the plaza's center. The early morning sun beat down on them both.

"Here," Jill spoke first, placing a small folder in front of Leon labeled with the BSAA logo.

Leon huffed, "Good morning to you too. What's this?"

"Chris has been on my ass about this case. He wants me to hand this mission over to someone else. The BSAA is stretched thin, and they think we can't spare the resources for Chavez. Doesn't want to bother with it. Bigger fish to fry, I guess."

Bigger fish to fry?

Rolling his eyes, Leon fidgeted with the folder, opening it only slightly to see the contents inside.

"It's a case on Emilio Chavez, that one guy they keep complaining about on the news."

"Yeah," Leon sighed, "I'm familiar."

The D.S.O. has been trying to get rid of this guy for years at this point. Chavez was a corrupt politician and previous Umbrella patron. Nowadays, there's talk he funds bioweapon research for his own personal use.

"I thought we dealt with this guy years ago?"

"We never properly dealt with him; we just buried the problem under bigger ones." Jill squinted, shielding her face from the sun.

"And what do you want me to do about it?" Leon asked, frustration clear on his face and laced in his words.

"Assassinate him. Then you can go home."

Leon paused just to look pointedly back up at Jill. He dropped the file back on the table, "I'm not a hitman."

"I know," Jill grimaced at Leon's tone. She knew Leon well enough to know he would never agree to a flat out assassination. She waved towards the folder, "You'll find the information on your partner in there."

Looking back into the folder, Leon pulled out a paper plastered with your name and face. Everything he'd need to know, and only that.

"Not much on here. You sure this is even a real person?"

"Give me some credit; it was hard enough just to track her name down," Jill jokingly pleaded. "I've only talked to her once or twice. She's a catch."

"Sounds like you're setting me up on a date," Leon joked absentmindedly, scanning your file.

Jill ignored his statement, continuing, "She'll be doing the dirty work for you. She's the D.S.O.'s best sniper."

This fact piqued Leon's interest. No wonder he hadn't heard of you. You seemed to have a knack for going under the radar. A fact that rubbed Leon the wrong way.

He continued to skim through the short paragraphs, only stopping when he read the name of your F.O.S. agent.

"Hunnigan?" Leon sounded surprised. He hadn't talked to Hunnigan in months, and if he was being honest, his new partner wasn't half the agent that Hunnigan was. He missed the thoroughness only Hunnigan was capable of. "Small world."

"Y/N is already in Lima. You'll meet her there. I'm sure your F.O.S. agent will let you know."

Leon scoffed at her statement, leaning back in his chair. "I'll be surprised if she even knows how to turn her computer on."

"Then do yourself the favor and look through those files beforehand." Jill glanced sparingly at her watch before standing up from her seat.

Just before leaving Jill tapped the table, briefly catching Leon's attention one last time. "You should get some sleep. You look like you need it."

══════════════

Leon didn't get any sleep. He had been awake for over 24 hours by the time he arrived in Lima. The weather was warmer, and Leon welcomed it with open arms. It was comfortable enough to lull him to sleep.

He found himself in the middle of the town square, much like you just a few moments ago, staring up into the lights that adorned the city streets. They really could replace the stars.

"Condor One. She's arrived," spoke his F.O.S. agent, Harper. "Wouldn't want to give the wrong impression being late."

Leon sped up his pace without a word, opting to ignore whatever Harper was trying to relay to him. She really was just a half-ass excuse of an F.O.S. agent. She was a plethora of things, but 'good at her job' wasn't one of them. They'd only been paired up for a few months, yet she's managed to almost get him killed more times than Leon cared to count. Anything she could be saying now just fell on deaf ears.

He rounded a corner before being met with the cozy environment that was Cafe Central. Leon peered through the window briefly before landing on you. At least, who he hoped was you.

"She's here already, you said?" Leon asked his earpiece. Harper confirmed his question, yet it didn't ease his suspicions.

Your gaze was hardened and sharp. You seemed to be mumbling a few words under your breath. Maybe talking to Hunnigan, or maybe talking to yourself. Compared to the picture Jill provided, Leon, you were older. Your hair was longer. Your features were sharper. Your eyes were trained. A perfectly tailored product of war.

"Close enough," Leon sighed before walking through the doors of the cafe.

[a-misfortune]

Hey gyatts!!! Made a tiny little doodle board for my Cards Au lol (What should I call it lowk)

The dialog is unreadable cus my handwriting is ASS💜 so here's the translation

1 - Tobias: you... you guys wouldn't actually make me wear THAT? .. Right? It's just a cage job, Can't I just wear an apron?

2 - Vanessa: I know, but it's so cute! And I worked really hard on it! (Oh god he HATES it!)

3 - Tobias: I know! I know, miss Vanessa, but I just think --

4 - Emilio: Awe but little Vanessa worked so hard on it! You wouldn't want to make her feel bad, right Tobias?

5 - Emilio *whispering*: Listen Tobias, I know you don't want to wear that but she's my sister, MY child, and I would HATE for her to be upset. Just wear it. I'll buy you some porcelain dolls if you wear it. Tobias: Fine.

6 - Tobias: Hi! Welcome to the Cat's Cradle! What can I get you?

7 - Rudy: Something's off... / Tobias: Omg why is he starring at me? Is it because my uniform is ugly? Omg please just order your food.

So like the context behind this is that Emilio's gang usually targets people they deem as "corrupt" so in this instance Emilio took over a Cafe with corrupt owners and made it into a cat Cafe instead HOWEVER he can't really publicize his name as the owner of the establishment due to his criminal record so he makes Tobias the "owner". Tobias is sort of the "acting" owner of the cafe (The name of it is Cat's Cradle cus genshin ref) but he also likes being a barista because it's fun to him. Coincidentally, Rudy (who's a police officer) frequently visits the Cafe but was surprised that it was under new management/ownership so he visited the Cat's Cradle 3 days after it's grand opening. Through there he met Tobias :3

[bottomtim]

[steddie, rated T, 1k, pre-relationship, hospital bedside bonding, smitten losers in their pre-crush era]

Steve is trying to relax further into the uncomfortable chair at Eddie’s bedside, sipping orange juice from a plastic cup, when Eddie croaks, “So… what are we?”

Steve chokes on his drink. It’s not the first time he’s heard that line, but coming from Eddie Munson, after Steve hauled his ass out of the Upside Down, threatened the hospital staff (verbally, financially, not physically, of course) to treat him, and then sat by his bed for the last 2 plus weeks watching crappy daytime TV reruns and feeling his brain rot (better to let his brain rot from the TV than to let it work itself into a panic focusing too much on the… everything else going on, he supposes)—it makes Steve sputter on his drink. 

What are they? What are they? It's a ridiculous question—preposterous even. Well, they’re—Of course, they’re…  

What are they? Well, it turns out Steve doesn’t really know, either.

At Steve’s silence, Eddie continues, “Not to get all Breakfast Club on you, but. Is the Prep going to be hanging out with the Bad Boy come Monday?” 

“Well, we’ve already surpassed two Mondays," Steve quips. He can't help it. "We’re coming up on a third.”  

Eddie gives him a deadpan look. “Semantics.” 

Steve runs a hand through his hair. “The Prep gives the guy her earring in the end, doesn’t she?” Steve knows that’s… That’s really a non-answer. He’s deflecting. Maybe Eddie will just run with it. 

(No such luck). 

“Yeah, but I mean,” Eddie starts after taking a moment to think, shifting in his bed, grunting when he moves a little bit wrong. “Do you really think the Prep and the Bad Boy went to school on Monday and hung out like everything was normal? Or that they ended up hooking up? Or even that the Jock and the Basket Case kept seeing each other? And she actually changed her looks for him.” Eddie scrunches his face in an over-dramatic grimace that Steve tries not to laugh at. 

Steve shrugs. Because, well, here’s the thing. If you had asked Steve 3 years ago, when he was at his peak, when he was the Emilio Estevez of Hawkins High, when he was King Steve, if he’d be hanging out with anyone in the Party other than Nancy, he would have thought you were insane. He probably would have laughed in your face. But here he is, 2 weeks into a vigil at Eddie the Freak Munson’s bedside after saving his life from interdimensional monsters. Here he is 3 years into fighting said interdimensional monsters with the weirdest cast of misfits he’s proud to call his friends and happy to call his family. But there are no monsters in the Breakfast Club, so they're a special case, aren't they? Eddie just doesn’t see that, yet. Eddie has no reason to believe Steve, or anyone besides Dustin, Mike, and Lucas are going to bother to stick by his side once this is all said and done (if it’s ever said and done. Steve has a harder and harder time believing it ever will be). 

“Look, this…” Steve trails off, trying to gather his thoughts and gesturing vaguely with his hands. “We’re not going to leave you alone to deal with all this, if that’s what you’re wondering. You’re stuck with us.”

The corner of Eddie’s lip quirks up just a smidge. “Good to know,” he murmurs. His eyelids look visibly heavy, and Steve thinks he’s seconds away from dozing off when Eddie perks up a bit to once again ask, “but what are we, Harrington?”

Steve sighs and thinks for a moment. He doesn’t really know how to say he would probably die for Eddie despite them barely knowing each other. It feels too all consuming, and even a little misplaced. It's not a lie, it's just too big of a truth. So he settles on what he does know. “We’re friends, Munson.”

Eddie smiles, a sly grin stretching across his face (and considering Steve’s seen Eddie nearly lifeless and spent several days not even knowing if the guy will wake up, seeing him smile makes something warm settle in Steve’s gut—something like happiness, something like relief, something like something else Steve doesn't know the name of). 

“Friends? Really? The King of Hawkins High friends with little ol’ me?” His voice cracks a bit, maybe a mix of strain from disuse and sleepiness. Eddie seems to have relaxed further into the bed and his eyes look heavy again. 

He could tell Eddie he’s not a king anymore, hasn’t been in years, but it doesn’t feel condescending coming from Eddie. It feels like a joke between old friends. “A good king spends time with his subjects, doesn’t he?”

Eddie snorts out a soft laugh. “Subject? Nah, I demand to be part of your royal court. Your Jester.” 

Steve laughs softly, too. “Cool. Does that mean I get to kill you for not being funny?”

“Oh, ha ha, Harrington. Just you wait. I’ll make you laugh so hard. Besides. Can’t undo all this hard work, bringing me back, and all.” 

Steve rolls his eyes. “Go to sleep, Munson.” 

“Been sleepin’,” Eddie slurs, eyes closed. “You sleep.” 

“I will,” Steve says, and Eddie hums in acknowledgement.  

He probably won’t. Vecna’s body floating in the Creel attic, Max’s broken bones and white eyes, Eddie’s body nearly drained of blood… It’s all too fresh in his mind, still. But Eddie doesn’t need to know that. 

Next thing he knows, Eddie’s out like a light, sleeping heavy and breathing deeply in the bed next to him. No, Steve probably won’t sleep, but he’ll stay at Eddie's bedside, watching shitty reruns until Wayne comes in with a cup of stale, hot coffee and they switch out their vigils. He’ll look out for his—his friend? Even now, it doesn’t feel right. It feels like a lie. Like trying to save the world with someone and bringing them back from the brink of death makes them more… But it works for now. Eddie’s his friend. And he’ll stay by his side come Monday and every Monday thereafter.

[seeminglyranch87]

Taylor & Travis Timeline

September 2023 - part 1

September 2 - Travis liked a Louboutin IG post about Taylor's legs ; ) (x)

September 5 - Taylor leaves Electric Lady Studios, NYC

September 6 - New Heights Ep 52 (x) with guest Kylie Kelce on life as an NFL spouse, Jason's Tinder Bio and Setting Up Travis. Personally a favourite episode of mine!

(9:30) When discussing the definition of a "diva" Jason says a diva is" just a famous singer", Kylie looks to Jason with a knowing smile... do they know about Travis' interaction with Taylor?

(20:00) Advice Kylie gives on Travis dating and what he should put on a Tinder profile... "I think you are doing great on your own Trav..."

(25:40) Talking about a tinder profile would Kylie recommend Travis go "Stache or no stache? " Kylie jokingly replies "if they swipe right at your worst, then they'll love you at your best"

(28:00) Jason begins telling Travis how he felt first meeting Kylie after a drunken first date...

Jason tells "it was love at first sight, let me tell you" Kylie replies " he doesn't even believe in love at first sight" Jason responds " I didn't until I met you... it was like fireworks. It was like fireworks exploded the moment she walked through the door..." "I want to feel those fireworks" Travis replies wistfully "It was like you when a movie has like an angel walk through doors and there is only one light on that person" Jason continues "that's what happened, I've always wanted that to happen" says Travis

September 7 - Travis is benched for the Chiefs vs Lions game due to a knee injury (x). Chiefs are defeated 20 - 21. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

September 8 - Taylor is seen at Electric Lady Studios, NYC for a suspected album release party (x)

September 11 - Taylor has dinner with Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Zöe Kravitz, Channing Tatum, Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne at Emilio’s Ballato Italian restaurant in NYC (x)

September 12 - Taylor attends the 2023 MTV VMA's wearing a very reputation-esque custom Versace look and the VMA's afterparty in a demin look with a red lip (x x)

Our girl cleaned up at the VMA's

ET publishes an article (x)

A source tells ET that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the "Anti-Hero" singer are not officially dating.

A source tells ET, "Travis has been into Taylor for a while and definitely has a crush on her. He is a simple guy that is very funny, charismatic, chill, and loves playing football."

'Kelce', Jason Kelce's Prime Video documentary is released

Rumours circulating (x x) according to The Messenger

"Taylor and Travis have been quietly hanging out," the source said. "She saw him when she was in NYC a few weeks ago."

September 14 - In an interview on TNF Nightcap (x), Jason Kelce mentions that he saw the rumours about Travis and Taylor but couldn’t comment on their relationship status, saying

"I've seen these rumours. I cannot comment... I don't really know what's going on there, so yeah, I know Trav is having fun. We'll see what happens with whoever he ends up with."

September 16 - ESPN's SportsCenter reporter Adam Schefter & Kevin Negandhi playfully reference Swift's song titles as they allude to Travis & Taylor dating rumours.

"Clearly, Travis Kelce, at this point in time, is trying to Shake It Off and get back out there. He knows how much he's needed and that he's The Man."

"It was a little bit of a Cruel Summer for Travis Kelce with that knee injury but he can see the Daylight, Kevin, he looks like he's Ready For It. And Travis [Kelce] is now tracking to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite the fact that he was just limited today."

September 17 - Chiefs v Jaguars, Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL. Chiefs defeat Jaguars 17 - 9

Travis returns to play after his knee injury in the Chiefs vs Jaguars game. During the game, sports commentator Ian Eagle makes multiple Taylor Swift song references (x)

"Kelce finds a blank space for the score!"

Taylor goes out for dinner at Zero Bond with Blake Lively in NYC (x)

Go to previous update -> August 2023, part 1

Go to next update -> September 2023, part 2

Return to the timeline

[purplerakath]

School Spirits - Tragedy and Despair

So I've been rewatching the whole thing, and with the ending in mind a pattern emerged. Which I think ties it all together very cleanly on a narrative and thematic note, across (most) of the characters connected to the hereafter.

Spoilers for- everything.

So every ghost we really get to know has one thing in common with each other, one line that can be easily summed up by Maddie:

"She killed my spirit."

Rhonda was just betrayed by the person she trusted most. Charley had just destroyed the heart of the person he loved most. Wally got his entire being crushed by his mother's fervor for his success for her. Dawn had her entire world shatter because none of her friends liked her. Maddie had just been emotionally destroyed by her mother's betrayal.

And Simon did not know what to do next without Maddie in his life.

I include Simon because, like Maddie, his tether to the hereafter happened while alive. And that's why the pattern works so well. I don't think the tragic death is enough here. I don't think they just have to die with unfinished business. They have to already be destroyed by something in the living world to trap them in the other world.

Maddie heard Janet before she died. She could see Janet and Mr. Martin before her body got taken for a joyride. And she got there because of who she is. Because, if we trust Sandra in the finale, Maddie will fight for you. So hearing someone in distress, of course Maddie runs into the trouble.

The Theme

So this shared detail gives everyone the same tragedy, a betrayal at the heart of what's trapped them in place. A common through line of every character we have. Which can get improved by adding more examples, I'm guessing Season 2 someone else in Maddie's living circle will be able to see her, and I imagine it'll be whoever gets emotionally destroyed early in the S2 Premiere.

My bet, for the record, is Claire or Xavier. Claire I think has the strongest impact, her life is also a disaster but out of focus while she was 'the most obvious non-red herring suspect.' But I can see it being 'boy who nearly died with an abusive as hell powermad father' just- being destroyed by anything there. Hell, I can see 'my ex-girlfriend nearly killed me with my truck' leaving a lasting impression on his psyche too.

This shared point of trauma, different kinds but the same timeline, is too many examples to be dismissed. And every narrative has a degree of facing, and accepting, that pain. We've seen small steps from everyone towards this, but nobody really getting there because they wanted a Season 2.

We don't know the exact mechanism for how Dawn left, and I don't know if we will ever see it unless they decide that Mina or the Band Ghosts move on. We know that healing is probably internal, because it didn't move Charley on. He healed Emilio, but that isn't looking at the pain in Charley's chest.

The Flaw

The big caveat is that there are four ghosts (three ghosts and one group) we've met but don't have evidence of a tragedy before their death.

Mr. Martin

Janet

Mina

Band Kids

Mina's high strung, but we don't know the extent of what happened to her before she died. I can see her being belittled or dismissed as the high strung stage crew she is right before her death from the bright lights.

The Band Kids don't really have innate personalities and if they were all pretty normal beforehand, they could undermine everything. However based on the way those guys interact I think they were at each other's throats on the bus, and haven't forgiven each other.

The last two are the big mystery for S2 so we'll find out as S2 rolls along, whenever it happens. They aren't a point of disproving things, rather they are just the next natural stop in the story.

[mortemoppetere]

TIMING: current LOCATION: van's apartment PARTIES: @vanoincidence & @mortemoppetere SUMMARY: emilio helps van hang a gay painting. somehow, it manages to become chaotic. CONTENT WARNINGS: none!

Van sat on the couch across from where Emilio stood, shaking her head. “No, you need to do like, a little to the left.” It had been like this only for a few minutes, snacks provided forgotten due to Emilio’s inability to take literally anything from her. He wasn’t her first choice when it came to asking for help, but unfortunately for him, he was the only one who answered her call. She could’ve gotten a step ladder, but that would’ve been a whole other thing, so it made more sense to call somebody who had some semblance of… being an adult to help, right? “Yeah, like that! Okay, do you um– I think Regan is like, totally okay with nails in the walls. If not, I’ll do the whole landlord's special thing later.” 

— 

He liked to be useful. It was nice, feeling like things were better with him around instead of worse, though it seemed a rare thing these days. When Van called and asked him for help hanging some decoration in her home, he’d been a little surprised she was asking him, but he hadn’t hesitated in saying yes, anyway. He liked to be useful, and it would be good to get out of the house. Besides, he’d like to see her with his own eyes to make sure she was in one piece after Aesil, anyway.

He’d just forgotten how annoying she was. “I had it a little to the left,” he replied. “And you said to move it to the right. Do you even know where you want this thing?” But, despite his grumbling, Emilio shifted the decoration to the left and Van seemed satisfied. “I think Regan will be fine with it.” He had no idea if that was true, but he also had no idea what the landlord special thing was, and driving a nail into the wall sounded like good stress relief. “Hand me the hammer.” 

—

“Yeah, I want it a little to the left.” Van pulled one of the throw pillows she’d gotten with Regan��s Ikea gift card into her lap, picking at the loose strands of fabric. “I don’t think Regan will care… she’s like, letting me live here and stuff.” She even let Thea live there, even without meeting her. Maybe that’s what being respected was like– being allowed to do things and exist as she wanted to. “I thought you had like, a tool belt. You’re an old guy, don’t old guys have tool belts?” Van tossed the pillow to the side and got up, slinking down to where the hammer was before extending it up towards Emilio. 

“Do you need anything else, Bob?” He probably wouldn’t get the reference, and he would probably remind her that his name was Emilio. Van took a step back and crossed her arms over her chest, nodding in approval. “This is a cool painting, right?” It was just Catradora hugging each other, but she had finally gotten the print framed after being gifted it like… eons ago. It made her feel a little more adult. “You like gay things, right?” 

—

It was hard to say for sure how Regan would about Van hammering nails into the wall of the apartment, but only because it was hard to say for sure how Regan would feel about anything. Emilio didn’t think he’d ever successfully predicted her reaction to any situation. Mostly, he just didn’t want to deal with Van going back and forth about whether or not something was allowed for half an hour, so he nodded. “She’ll be fine with it,” he said, with more confidence than he felt. Still holding the decoration in place, he turned to look at her when she mentioned a tool belt. “Do I have a — Does it look like I’m wearing a fucking tool belt, Van? You are looking right at me. I am not wearing a tool belt. Why would I own that?” The closest thing he owned to a tool belt was a harness for holding weapons, though he rarely wore it. It was a little too clunky for his tastes

He gave her a blank stare, predictably missing the reference entirely. “Who the fuck is Bob?” He’d ask if she’d hit her head or something, but… Van was just like this. Emilio had learned not to question it. Looking to the painting, he shrugged. “I don’t know these people,” he replied. He wasn’t sure why she wanted a painting of two people hugging in her living room, but maybe they were important to her. “Well, I like Teddy, so I guess I must. Is that what this is? A gay thing?”

—

“I think that you should probably own a tool belt if you’re like, oh let me come help you hang things up in your apartment.” The last part was in lower pitch in an attempt to match Emilio’s tone of voice, but Van knew that she totally butchered it. He would get annoyed regardless of how she sounded, and she would laugh it off, because even though she knew his annoyance was… a palpable thing, it was all in good fun. Or, at least she wanted to pretend it was. If she really pissed him off that much, he wouldn’t have shown up when she asked. 

“Bob the builder. I guess you’re not building anything though, so maybe it was a bad reference.” Van sighed, knowing well enough that she’d need to message Teddy later and force them to give Emilio a masterclass on all things child media. They probably would, knowing their love of the bit. Maybe together they could convince Emilio that Bob the Builder was the next Inception or something. The longer she looked at him though, the more she realized he probably didn’t even know or care what Inception was. She wondered what his favorite movie was, and thought about asking, but she snorted in response to the gay thing. “Yeah, Teddy is definitely like, categorically one of the gay things.” She loved them for it, too. “You should know these people, though. It’s a good show. I think you’d like Catra. You share…” She motioned faintly towards him. He wouldn’t get that reference anyway, and he’d probably yell at her for comparing him to a cat. He was more of a badger, anyway. 

—

“You called me to help you hang things in your apartment,” Emilio protested, sounding a little outraged. “And I don’t sound like that. You are bad at trying to sound like me. Are you this annoying to everyone you call for help?” The answer was probably yes. Van seemed to have a singular talent towards being annoying. It was an effective thing, really; his irritation doubled as relief, because it meant that she was all right. Whatever had happened with Aesil, Van was still Van. Emilio would take his victories where he could get them.

“And I’m supposed to know this man? Do you expect me to remember every builder in town?” It was a ridiculous expectation, especially since she was right and he wasn’t building anything. He was hammering one nail into a wall to hang a painting of two people hugging. It wasn’t exactly delicate construction work. He lined the nail up with where it needed to go, shifting to move the painting as he prepared to hammer it into place. “It’s a show?” He pounded the hammer against the nail once, careful to check his strength. If he let himself hit the nail at full slayer strength, there’d probably be a hole in Van’s wall. “Ah, not so sure I’d like it. Never been good at watching the TV.” He pulled back, nail firmly in place with the single tap, and picked the painting back up to hang it. Carefully, he straightened it out before stepping away from the wall to inspect it. “Share what? Because I am gay, I am like this person in the gay painting?” Bi, technically, but he’d learned it all fit under a certain umbrella. “Does that look okay?”

—

“Yeah, and you said you would. I thought that somebody who like, said yes would definitely have a tool belt of some kind.” She knew she was dragging this whole tool belt thing on for way too long, but it was funny to watch Emilio get flustered over things that didn’t actually matter. Although, she felt as though she’d known him long enough to realize that this was just who he was. There wasn’t really anything else to it. Van was kind of glad for it, too. It was something familiar, considering all of the unfamiliarity that’d swarmed around her lately. “I’m not even being as annoying as I could be, Emilio.” She gave him a pointed look, because they both knew that she was right about that, at least. 

“You should really try and meet him. Maybe Teddy can introduce the two of you or something.” Sometimes, Van tried to imagine who Emilio was outside of Wicked’s Rest. She tried to imagine who he was outside of his scowls, but she had seen it in moments with Wynne and with Teddy. With her, too, when she wasn’t pushing him over the edge of annoyance. “Yeah, it’s a show. It was like, an old show– uh, he-man, but then they remade it for she-ra. It’s good.” The older version was… severely outdated, but she knew it still deserved some flowers. She had forced herself to sit through moments where both Adora and Catra showed up, only to be visibly disgusted by the blatant sexualization. “You should watch more t.v, I think. Maybe you’d get like, literally any references.” She figured he’d argue with her that he had better things to do, and maybe he did. As Emilio took a step back and asked for clarification on whether she meant the gay thing, she waved away his question. “It doesn’t matter. That looks like, really good actually. Thanks.” It was probably the most polite she’d been to him. She turned towards the kitchen, back to the wall, and then heard a loud thunk. The painting was already on the ground, and Van looked at Emilio. “I thought you said you knew how to do this.” 

—

“I can say yes without having a tool belt. I came here to help you, because you are too short to hang things on your own. You should be nicer to people who are tall and come over to help you hang things.” He threw his hands up in frustration, the end of the hammer getting dangerously close to her wall but not making contact. Emilio didn’t seem to notice the close call at all. “You are always annoying. It doesn’t matter how annoying you are being, because it is always there. I’m always annoyed when you’re here.” 

Meeting a builder seemed like the last thing that Emilio wanted to do, though he was unsurprised to learn that Teddy was familiar with this ‘Bob.’ He’d learned a long time ago that Teddy knew pretty much everyone. “I do not want to meet him. I know enough people in this town already.” Some days, it felt like he knew too many. There was something a little uncomfortable about knowing how many people would mourn him now. He tried not to think about it. “Are those names supposed to mean things? He-Man. She-Ra. It sounds made up.” Maybe it was. Maybe this show didn’t exist at all, and Van was messing with him. It wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. “Don’t like sitting still for that long. Get, uh… restless, I think.” Stakeouts usually consisted of him getting bored ten minutes in and going for a more hands-on kind of investigation; watching television tended to end with him abruptly getting up halfway through an episode to do something else and forgetting he’d been watching anything at all. He’d resigned himself to not understanding references, at this point. He shrugged when Van said it didn’t matter, relieved that she was happy with the painting’s placement. At least that meant he could leave. 

Leaning down, he set the hammer against the couch. A thunk sounded the moment he turned away, and he looked up to see the painting he’d just hung laying on the floor. His brow furrowed in quiet confusion, and he looked back to the hammer. “I do know how to do this. I hit the nail with the hammer, I hung it up, it was fine. There must be something weird about your walls.” It was Kavanagh’s apartment; that didn’t seem far fetched. “Whatever. I’ll just hang it again.”

—

Van frowned, “I’m not– you aren’t– you’re not that tall.” He was much taller than her, but she had definitely seen taller. She’d seen taller people everywhere, especially compared to Emilio. “You came here, so that means like, you specifically came to help me, knowing you’d be annoyed. That sounds like your problem.” She arched a brow, not totally sure that her argument made any real impact, but she was still kind of annoyed that he’d suggest he was tall. Didn’t he know that other people were way taller? “I could’ve called that French guy who ran around the zoo naked. I think he’s taller than you, actually.” She didn’t know for sure, but based on their public conversations, Emilio seemed annoyed with him, too, and Van was sure that’d hit a sore spot. Wasn’t that what most of their conversations were about? Tearing one another down without any actual psychological damage? “But like, even I have standards. So that’s why you’re here. Not because you’re taller.” She felt the need to clarify, only because… well, she wasn’t sure why. 

In reality, what she would have done was call Jade. But Jade was short like her, and the two still weren’t really talking. So it was Emilio’s problem. “I think you’d like Bob,” Van hummed, not fully believing in her own words. Only because Emilio would never meet Bob, unless this town created a manifestation of children’s shows and made him. “Somebody made it up, yeah. Then it got turned into a show. That’s how like, language works I’m pretty sure. None of what we’re saying even meant anything at one point, I don’t think.” If she thought about language and how it worked, it’d hurt her head, so she quickly ventured off from the subject, “maybe you can do what those like, soccer moms do, you know? Put your phone on Netflix and run on a treadmill.” That probably would’ve gotten her to exercise more, too, but replace it with Mario Kart and she’d be golden. She’d be so fit. 

“They aren’t even my walls, they’re Regan’s walls, and I don’t think you should say that. She might get offended.” Van gave him a pointed look before sighing, walking back over to the painting. The frame wasn’t cracked, at least, and neither was the weird plastic-y glass that covered the photo. She held it up towards Emilio, “I thought you’d need the help ‘cause you’re kind of short and stuff.” He deserved that one, only because he clearly didn’t know how to hang a painting. 

—

“I’m much taller than you.” It wasn’t saying much, but in this town? Emilio had to take height victories where he could get them. Most people in Wicked’s Rest seemed to tower somewhere above six feet, which made Emilio’s respectable height seem so much less impressive than it really was. He shot Van a look, brows raised as she pointed out that he’d come here, even knowing how annoying she was. “That’s because I’m a Saint,” he replied flatly. It was categorically untrue, of course, and there was a hint of white-hot guilt at the mere implication of it — religion was a hard thing to outrun, even if he hadn’t believed in the Church’s teachings in years now — but he thought it was funny and it would probably piss Van off, and that was what was really important here. “Langley? He isn’t tall. He wears special shoes. They make him look taller.” Emilio knew that wasn’t true, but he thought if he said it with enough conviction, Van might believe him and spread it around town.

He snorted at the implication that he might like this Bob, offended without any real reason. “I wouldn’t like Bob. I don’t like anyone.” That wasn’t a complete lie. Emilio did tend to dislike most people, but he could hardly pretend he hated everyone when Van had seen proof of the opposite. “Most of what you’re saying doesn’t make sense to me now,” he replied flatly, though he could admit that she probably had a point. Language was all made up, invented by people who probably had big egos and inflated senses of self importance. “I don’t run on a treadmill.” He didn’t do much running at all, these days. Walking, sure, but running? Attempting it tended to make his knee protest so loudly that he paid for it for days afterwards. 

“Exactly. If they’re Regan’s walls, who knows what kind of weird shit is going on with them.” Maybe the small people from her computer were responsible, the ones she’d said had gone to live in the clouds after their disappearance from Jade’s broken laptop screen. “I do not need help. Shut up.” He lifted the painting again, holding it up and looking back at her. “Here?”

—

“Yeah, that’s like, a lot of people. Do you want a medal?” Van hadn’t ever been super upset by her height, only because her entire family practically stood at her same stature. Maybe if she had some taller cousin who loomed over her or a sibling, it would’ve been different. But it’d always been her, her parents, and her grandma. Now, it was none of them. Now she was left with people taller than her. “Your name is Emilio, not Saint.” She knew what he meant, but she wasn’t going to feed into his delusions. She’d let Teddy do that, or maybe Nora and Wynne. She was supposed to be the challenging annoying one, after all. “Wait, really? That makes like, total sense. I guess a guy who runs around naked in public would wear special shoes, too.” Van knew that Emilio was probably lying to her, but if she could scrounge up more ways to make fun of somebody else (especially somebody unapologetically French), then she’d definitely do it. 

“You like Teddy. Should I tell Teddy you don’t like them?” She never would. If for some odd reason, Emilio came to her with his deepest, darkest secret, she wouldn’t divulge it to anyone. He had kept her secrets intact (or at least hoped so), and so she’d do him the same favor. Van knew it wasn’t true, though– that he didn’t like anyone. He looked at Teddy like they’d hung the moon and stars in every specific spot in the sky, and looked at Nora and Wynne as if they were his own. Maybe he didn’t notice it, but Van definitely had. “Nothing I ever say makes like, any sense to you. Maybe you need to get a dictionary or something. I’ll write you one with things I say so you can translate it.” It wouldn’t be the first time somebody had suggested she do just that, but the idea of actually following through and seeing Emilio trying to parse out what she was trying to say from a book was funny. The knee, right. She knew about the bad knee. “Me either.” Tongue in cheek, she decided to let that one go. “Maybe you can watch it when you’re letting paintings fall to the ground after you were like, all sure you did it right.” There, that was better. 

“I’m going to tell her that you think her walls are weird.” She probably wouldn’t care, and would probably come by the apartment to figure out why he would think such a thing. Van sighed, nodding as Emilio placed the painting back up exactly where it’d been before. The nail was still there, which didn’t make all that much sense as to why it had fallen. “Is the hook on the back messed up or something? Do you see how it fell?” 

—

“I deserve ten, for putting up with you.” Despite the faint irritation that came with being in Van’s presence, Emilio found some relief in the familiar back and forth. It felt as though so many things had changed lately; it was nice to know that this hadn’t. Van was still annoying. Emilio would still bicker with her. There was comfort in the constant. “I said a Saint. Not that my name is Saint. Saint of putting up with annoying people.” Though… that probably wasn’t entirely true. Emilio tended to lose his patience pretty quickly, after all. He wasn’t sure if Van actually believed him about Kaden wearing special shoes, but she seemed interested in it, which would serve his purposes all the same. He nodded. “Yes. Has them on everywhere he goes.” At least making fun of Kaden was something he and Van could agree on.

He huffed a laugh at her threat to tell Teddy, recognizing it as an empty one. “Sure. Tell Teddy I think they’re annoying, too.” It would inspire a back and forth with Teddy that was just as familiar as the one with Van — and just as comforting. There were few people who could make him feel steady with as much ease as Teddy. Emilio figured that made him a sap. He couldn’t bring himself to care about it very much. “Or maybe you should just start saying things that make sense. If you have to write down everything you say so someone can look it up in a book later to understand you, I think you are the problem.” He probably wouldn’t understand any book Van wrote, anyway. Knowing her, her definitions would make as little sense as the terms they were meant to define. He shot her a glare, though there was no heat behind the expression. “It isn’t my fault it fell.” He knew he’d hung it up just fine.

He shrugged off her threat to tattle to Regan on him the same way he’d laughed off the one to tell Teddy. Van really was a little snitch, wasn’t she? “I’ll tell her myself, but then it’ll be your problem.” She’d probably come in with a hammer of her own and knock down the walls looking for bones or something. Turning the painting over, he looked at the back of the frame. The hook was intact, just as the nail was. “I’ll give the nail another hit,” he offered, pounding the hammer against it again to drive it further into the wall. Then, he put the painting back in place and took a step back. It looked stable. “There. Must have just been a fluke, hm?”

—

“Ten is way too much.” Van didn’t put it past Emilio to put in an Amazon order (if he even knew how to do that) and order himself some plastic medals just to prove a point. Maybe he’d figure out another way to do it, or maybe Van would buy them for him herself, and they’d all read I SMELL BAD on the back in some language she knew he wouldn’t bother to translate. Somebody would read it and be able to figure out what it meant. “For putting up with annoying people, you sure act like, really annoyed.” She figured that Emilio’s patience had long since expired a while ago, and it was pretty clear he didn’t actually care about being polite in any capacity. “Do you wear special shoes, too?” She couldn’t let him win entirely, brushing off the whole height argument onto the weird French guy. 

“I’m not the problem. I think there are lots of things that you say that don’t make sense, and I could definitely use a book.” That wasn’t necessarily true, considering Emilio was particularly forward. But really, Van figured he could benefit from a translation on whatever the hell she meant. Maybe Regan could, too. Both of them almost always misunderstood her. Then again, it wasn’t their fault– it was their age, wasn’t it? A generational divide, or maybe some divide between fae, magic users, and … annoyed old men who kind of fell onto the track that Jade did. But she didn’t want to think about that right now, much less the Jade of it all. “I’ll make sure to laminate the book, that way if you spill any coffee on it, it won’t make it unreadable and then I have to re-do the whole thing, okay?” It was an empty offer, but if he agreed, she’d do it just to commit to the bit. “I think it is, since you’re the one who hung it up in the first place,” Van countered with another sigh. 

“How is it my problem? You’re the one being rude.” Van didn’t actually intend on even telling Regan Emilio had been over, mostly because she felt it didn’t matter. Was this even really the woman’s apartment any longer? Sure, some mail got delivered to the address, but for the most part, it was just her, and whoever decided to crash for that night. The noise from the hammer hitting the wall was grating and Van clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “A fluke? Or you just don’t know how to hammer things.” It stayed put for as long as Van looked at it, but as soon as she turned away, it fell again. This time, she caught something out of the corner of her eye scurrying away. “What was THAT!” Van pointed towards it, stepping forward to shove Emilio at the small… she wasn’t even sure what to call it, “there!” She pointed behind one of the drawers at the side of the t.v. “Do you see it? Emilio, what is that?” 

—

“Ten is not enough,” he shot back rolling his eyes. He wasn’t invested enough in the conversation to bother with obtaining the medals, though he could be pushed to change his mind if Van continued irritating him. Emilio was nothing if not petty, after all. “I didn’t say I wasn’t annoyed. Real strength is being annoyed and putting up with you anyway. That’s what makes me a Saint. If I weren’t annoyed at all, putting up with you wouldn’t be hard.” He crossed his arms over his chest, shooting her another half-hearted glare as their brief truce came to an abrupt end. “I do not need special shoes. I’m tall on my own. This is why you called me to hang your gay painting on your weird wall.” Maybe she needed the reminder that she’d already admitted to his impressive height just by inviting him here.

“You are definitely the problem. You are all of my problems.” It wasn’t even remotely true. Emilio had more problems than he could rightly count, and Van wasn’t the source of any of them. (He wondered if she’d feel as though she were, if she knew what had happened with Aesil. It was better, he thought, not to bring it up. He’d rather not know the answer.) Still, this was how the back and forth was supposed to go. Emilio made a bold, sweeping statement. Van argued against it. She made a statement of her own, he argued against that. The script was already written. It was nice to be able to just sit back and read it. “I wouldn’t spill coffee on it. Unless it was on purpose, because you are annoying. Then maybe I would spill coffee on it.” Frustrated, he threw his hands up again. “It’s your weird walls!” 

With the painting hung again, Emilio turned away. And, again, the moment he did, it fell. He turned back too slowly to see what had caused it, but apparently Van had seen something, and she shoved him towards it. Emilio, not expecting the push, stumbled a little as he moved towards the dresser. “Relax. It’s probably a rat or something.” He held the hammer up, preparing to smack whatever it was on the head. “If I kill it, are you going to yell? I’m not going to kill it if you’re going to yell.”

—

Van stared at him, not certain she was even really following his line of logic. Was this how he felt when she spoke to him? Clearly it was, considering he often looked confused every time she opened his mouth. Really, she had chalked it up to him being old. “You sound totally convincing, by the way.” Maybe hanging a comment off of his comment would be the best way to counteract whatever the hell he had meant by his words, right? That way, he’d wonder if she actually thought he was convincing. She wasn’t sure why she cared so much, even though in the back of her head, she knew why. Her conversations with Emilio reminded her of ones with her dad, where they’d bicker back and forth. Of course, he never… no, he had definitely called her annoying a few times. Calling her too much had definitely meant that, right? But Emilio wasn’t her dad. They couldn’t be more different. “Maybe I thought you were taller because you’re wearing special shoes. Ever think about that? I did say I could’ve asked the French guy.” She rose a challenging brow, knowing that both of them knew she wouldn’t actually have asked Kaden to help her with this. 

“Wow, a twenty– I mean, a twenty-one year old is really the source of all your problems? It sounds like you need to get bigger problems.” In this town, he probably already had bigger problems and she knew that, but joking about it was easier than blatantly stating it with a straight face. Van rolled her eyes, “you’d probably spill coffee on it ‘cause you were clumsy or something.” She didn’t actually take him as a clumsy person. Even with the bad knee he complained about a lot, he was actually pretty fluid in his movements. Maybe that was the Jade-adjacent thing. She pushed it from her mind again, the sour taste beginning to coat her tongue. That meant anxiety was on its way. She needed to deflect that for as long as she could. “Not my walls,” she reminded him in a sing-song voice. 

But it didn’t matter whose walls they were, because there was some weird little guy (or what she assumed was a weird little guy) living in them. Or outside of them. Maybe in the drawers, or in the dust bunnies that Van had forgotten about time and time again. “You’re going to kill it? Why don’t you just let it out! It’s not like it can open doors!” She didn’t think it was a rat, or at least she hoped it wasn’t a rat. She knew the “rats” that had eaten the metal at Sly Slice weren’t rats at all, but something else, but she really didn’t need them to be here in Regan’s apartment. “It’s right there! In that corner!” Maybe she should grab a bucket like Jade had. As soon as she moved, though, the little creature scuttled away. Unmistakably, it was wearing a cloth hat– the very one that had disappeared from the top of her Keroppi plush. “Hey! That’s not yours! That’s not a rat! You’re not a rat– Emilio what IS THAT!” She clambered towards it, practically diving at the floor as she tried to move another piece of furniture it was trying to hide behind. Now, eye level with it, she let out a high pitched scream. “IT’S A LITTLE MAN!!!! AND HE IS WEARING A HAT THAT ISN’T HIS! THAT’S MINE! IT’S MINE!” 

—

What was that supposed to mean? He was convincing. And his logic made sense. Maybe he should ask Wynne about it without mentioning Van by name and allow them to weigh in; he was pretty sure they’d agree with him so long as they didn’t know it was Van he was calling annoying. “Maybe you know I am tall because you are short and always need to look up at me.” Not his strongest argument by any stretch of the imagination, but it didn’t much matter where Van was concerned. Emilio thought ridiculous arguments might actually work better on her, given how their conversations often devolved. “Ask the French guy next time, then. Invite a French man into your home to hammer things on your walls. Is that what you really want to do?” The challenge was a bold one, but he knew the answer.

“I have very big problems, actually. You’re just annoying enough to cancel all of them out. People are trying to kill me every day, and still you are so annoying that it means nothing.” It was a blatant lie, which Van would probably pick up on, but that was part of the game. “I am not clumsy. If I spill coffee, it is because I want to spill coffee.” He wasn’t the hunter anyone had wanted him to be, but he still had those old skills firmly in place. Bad leg or no, he moved with purpose. He’d probably still spill coffee on her book just to spite her, though. “I don’t care whose walls they are! They’re stupid.” 

Of course, he knew now that the walls weren’t to blame. There was some kind of something knocking the painting from the wall, and Emilio figured it was his job to take care of it. With a hammer, preferably. “Let it out? If I pick it up, it will probably bite me.” Not that it would hurt, given Emilio’s tolerance for pain, but there was a principle there. He spotted the creature and lunged towards it without thinking, but it was a little too fast. And… decidedly not a rat. And wearing a hat? “I don’t know what it is!” The scene devolved into chaos so quickly. Van fell down to eye level with the creature — the little man in a stolen hat, apparently — and Emilio lunged towards it again. It scurried out of reach, hat still firmly on its head. “I am trying! Why do you have a hat so small? That wouldn’t even fit you!” He threw the hammer at the creature, hoping to startle it into slipping up.

—

“Um, obviously. That’s kind of what being shorter than somebody else means. Having to look up, right? But I could used a step stool, but it’s not like I’m going to just carry one around. That’s stupid.” She would’ve done it, should she need to, but the whole point of this had been so she wouldn’t need to use a step stool. It occurred to her as she looked at Emilio that she could’ve asked Thea for help, but she still wasn’t sure what was going on there given the whole… kiss of it all. The accidental kiss, and the actual kiss that Van hadn’t been able to stop thinking about. But now was not the time to think about the kiss, especially when somebody like Emilio (who was decidedly stinky) was in front of her. It wasn’t like she could ask him for advice, anyway. Only slightly defeated, Van rolled her eyes again. “No, that’s not what I want to do.” She could’ve made a joke about how at least they’d smell the same, but she didn’t actually know what Kaden smelled like, and if he smelled good, then that’d be a compliment in Emilio’s direction. She couldn’t chance that. 

“Maybe you should be less killable. Did you think that maybe people want to kill you because you’re annoying?” She felt as though she had made a good point with that one. It made sense, considering… well, everything. She was sure people had tried to kill her because she was annoying. Van thought about the banshees and grimaced. Yeah, they definitely hadn’t been impressed with her. “Why are you spilling coffee on things? That’s kind of weird. Do you just go around doing that a lot? Spilling things on purpose? That’s weird, and you should like, totally examine that behavior.” She did a lot of things that she should probably examine, but it wasn’t like they were talking about her right now. They were talking about Emilio! Or, at least, she was. 

“it’s Keroppi’s hat! Not my hat, but it is mine!” Van crawled on her hands and knees to where she had last seen the small creature scurry. This time, it was caught in the corner. Its little chest was heaving, and its little arms were in front of its face. DON’T LOOK AT ME! I AM HIDEOUS! Van hadn’t anticipated that, so she froze. “Did you… hear him?” Van looked over her shoulder at Emilio who looked now slightly disheveled. I AM HIDEOUS! USE THY EYE TO LOOK AWAY AND YE SHALL BE SPARED FROM– The little man started to cough, and he tucked the hat further down over his eyes, PLEASE, I AM JUST A HUMBLE… LITTLE MAN, AS YOU CALLED ME, AND I AM ADJUSTING THIS HOME TO THE WAY I KNOW HOW. Van couldn’t quite keep up with the reason as to why he was doing what he was doing, but she stared at him, still close to the ground. Now that she was closer to him, though, she could pick out the parts of him that might make him… well, discouraged by his physique. But Van certainly wasn’t anyone to judge another on their physical appearance, even if he was actually quite terrifying. Her stomach lurched and she forced down the anxiety. “Emilio, tell him he’s handsome.” It was said in a tone that even surprised her, and she looked over her shoulder as she shoved the last item the little man was hiding behind. “Tell him he’s handsome. If he tells you you’re handsome, will you leave?” She looked back at the little man, not quite in disbelief that this was her life now (because of course it was). 

—

“Then get a step stool! Stop inviting me over just to be ungrateful for my help!” There was no real malice to the words; if anything, someone who knew him well enough would be able to pick up on the hint of amusement lurking somewhere in the undertones of the exclamation. But Emilio couldn’t let Van know that he was amused by her, and Van probably didn’t want him to drop the act, either. He flashed a victorious grin as she admitted that, no, she didn’t want to invite Kaden into her house. “Then you have to be quiet and deal with me. Or next time, you get the French guy.”

He huffed at her statement, rolling his eyes. “People do not try to kill me because I am annoying.” Except… that was why Aesil had targeted him, wasn’t it? He swiftly pushed the thought away. Thinking about the demon at all made him feel sweaty and stupid, but thinking about them in Van’s presence seemed like a risk. Like, somehow, she would pull his thoughts from his expression and know what had happened, like she could internalize it from his furrowed brows alone. “Maybe I should try spilling coffee on you.” It was easier to fall back into that, into the bickering. It was simpler.

In a way, even the strange creature scurrying around the floor was a relief. It gave him something else to focus on, another way to be useful. Emilio liked that, even if he got the feeling he shouldn’t admit to it while Van was screaming about a hat belonging to someone named Keroppi, who must have had a very small head. She managed to corner the creature, and Emilio rushed over… only to pause as it spoke. “Uh…” He glanced to Van, wide-eyed as she asked him to… compliment the thing. In a low tone, he said, “Why do I have to tell him he’s handsome? Why can’t you do it? You’re the one who gave him the hat.”

—

“This is like, the only time I invited you over. You broke in the last time, remember? The cat? The cookies?” She would never let him live that down, even if she didn’t exactly think he cared about being reminded. It had been an inconvenience to her, so surely he thought it was funny. “Maybe you should stop saying you know how to do these kinds of things when you don’t even have a tool belt.” Van scowled at him, knowing well enough that having a tool belt or not didn’t really mean anything when it came to hanging paintings. It probably would’ve been different if he had come over with the intention of fixing her sink or something. Which luckily, it didn’t need any fixing. 

“They probably most definitely do. You’re like, threatening to spill coffee on me and you don’t think that’s annoying? That’s weird of you.” Van knew the back and forth would never end, and that was a part of the fun, wasn’t it? There was no thinking about the words that would come out of her mouth. She wouldn’t be reprimanded, and instead met with the same kind of energy. It was kind of nice, all things considered. 

“I didn’t give him the hat, he took the hat, and I think that it coming from you would mean a lot more than it coming from me! You’re both men, right?” The small little man nodded his head in agreement, teeth glaringly obvious the longer that Van looked at him. He was kind of disgusting, and Van felt kind of bad for him. “Tell him he’s handsome.” It was said again with more desperation this time. “If he tells you you’re handsome, will you leave and stop knocking over my painting? I can take you to somebody else’s house you can terrorize.” Janice would hate this, and she’d never find out what was happening, and Van was fine with that. “Not your house,” Van said quickly before Emilio decided that obviously he was the next victim. I WILL LEAVE, YES. LEAVE I WILL, AND I WILL GO WHERE YOU TELL ME. I LOST MY FAMILY.. THE OTHERS, THEY ARE GONE. SWEPT OUT, NOW I AM HERE. I AM NOT HANDSOME, PLEASE TELL ME I AM HANDSOME, TALL MAN. Had the little man heard their conversation? Did he know that Van had told him he wasn’t that tall? God, Van was never going to live it down now. “It’s because he’s also small,” Van quickly commented before Emilio could get any ideas. 

—

“It doesn’t matter how many times you invited me over, it matters that you invited me over to help you and then argued with me. Do you do this to everyone you invite over to help you? It’s very rude.” As if Emilio, of all people, had any room to accuse anyone else of rudeness. “I don’t need a tool belt! Who brings a tool belt to hang a painting? You need one tool. You need to hammer, and that’s all. You don’t need a screwdriver or — or other tools.” It occurred to him that he didn’t know much about tools. He wasn’t much of a handyman; most of his attempts at fixing things were made with makeshift tools rather than formal ones.

“I would only spill coffee on you because you are annoying. That is not weird. Me being annoying in response to you being annoying is fine.” They could do this all day, he knew; this bickering, this easy back and forth. Maybe they would. Maybe it would make things feel a little less heavy to just argue about shit that didn’t matter for a while. 

“How do you know it’s a man? You’re not supposed to just assume that!” Granted, the little creature had referred to itself as a man, but it had only been parroting what Van had said in the first place. Emilio didn’t know if that counted. Van was trying to negotiate with it — and she was right in thinking that if she hadn’t clarified, he would have assumed she planned to release the thing in his house — and Emilio sighed. But the thing went on, talking about its family and how they were gone and — shit. He was not going to empathize with a rat-sized man-thing that stole Van’s tiny hats. He had to draw the fucking line somewhere, didn’t he? He crossed his arms again, shifting his weight uncomfortably. Goddamn it. “Fine,” he grumbled, shooting Van a triumphant look as the creature called him tall. It turned back into a scowl when she immediately pointed out that the creature was also short. “You are very handsome. More handsome without the hat, even.” Anything to make this be over. 

—

“You’re always arguing with me, what do you even mean?” Van could say anything, and she was sure that Emilio would find an issue with it. Although, the same could be said for her. Anything he said, she’d try and one-up, whether in terms of ridiculousness, or out of something  else. “I don’t know. Maybe if you had a tool belt, it could hold your one tool, and then you wouldn’t need to hold it in your hand, you know? Free hand, or whatever. I wouldn’t have to hand you the hammer. You’d have it already. It’d save time.” Maybe she should be a salesman instead of a cashier at a pizza place. She’d do good, she thought. “You could also probably keep duct tape on it. You use that a lot, right?” She swore the last time she was at his old apartment, she’d seen it on one of the walls holding the wallpaper in place. Or maybe it was the actual wall. 

“If it’s hot coffee, I could sue you, you know. I could totally sue you for that.” She would never sue anyone, that’d take way too much effort, and she’d probably cry on the witness stand. The government made her nervous in pretty much any capacity, even if it was supposed to be on her side.

“He literally said he was a little man!” Van splayed a hand out at him, still on the ground, though she didn’t put it near him out of fear that he might actually bite her. His little chest was heaving, and he had his hands still covering most of his face, but Van could see the important parts– the parts that were clearly meant to be… terrifying. Van watched the little man with baited breath as Emilio’s compliment splintered into the space before them. Astonishment rose over the little man’s features and he quickly took off the hat, revealing… Well, Van felt guilty for being disgusted, so she quickly waved at him, “no, you can keep the hat! Parting gift! It’s yours now!” The little man’s eyes widened and he quickly tucked the hat back over his head. FOR GRATITUDE, I HAVE! I HAVE SO MUCH, AND I WILL LEAVE NOW, AS OUR DEAL IS COMPLETE. I AM MORE HANDSOME THAN THE TWO OF YOU, AND THOUGH I WILL NEVER BE AS TALL, I AM BEAUTIFUL. I AM A FLOWER. Van wasn’t entirely certain where he had gotten all of that, but he sauntered off, no longer pressed to the corner of the wall that both Van and Emilio were looming in front of. His little boots that she hadn’t noticed him wearing (were those Polly Pocket rubber boots???) squeaked as he scurried off. THE DOOR, PLEASE. FOR I NEED THE DOOR TO LEAVE. Van quickly got up and half-ran to the door, yanking it open. He hurried over the threshold, disappearing down the stairs in a clunky fashion. “I didn’t even tell him where Janice lives,” Van said quietly as she shut the door. She turned around to look at Emilio. “Are you going to uh, hang the painting now?” 

—

“You know what I mean,” Emilio replied, mostly because he’d forgotten what they were arguing about and figured this would piss Van off the most. “Why is it a problem to hold it in my hand? I have two hands. I don’t need two hands and a belt. It seems like these belts are for people who do not know how to hold things. I know how to hold things.” Though the idea of being able to carry more duct tape did intrigue him, he was careful not to let the interest show on his face. Van would be insufferable if she knew she was even a little right. Emilio wouldn’t be the cause of something like that.

“Sure. Go ahead and sue me.” Emilio wasn’t sure what suing someone did beyond the fact that it ended with you getting their money, and he didn’t have a lot to give in that sense. Most of his money was either stuffed in the mattress of his Worm Row apartment or lining the cabinets of Teddy’s kitchen in the form of cheap whiskey. There wasn’t much to be gained from suing him. 

“He was only copying what you said!” He kept an eye on the creature through the conversation. For all he knew, the thing was just waiting for them to be distracted enough for him to gain the upper hand. He wasn’t about to risk having it attack him or Van, no matter how small and harmless it might have seemed. The compliment seemed to appease it, though, and Van’s offer for it to keep the hat only furthered its excitement. Emilio made a sound of protest as the creature claimed to be more handsome than the two of them. “Now I didn’t say that—” he started, but cut himself off before he could get too much further. They just needed the thing gone, really; let it think whatever it wanted. In any case, it did seem to be leaving. It took off for the door and was gone the moment Van opened it. Emilio stared after it for a moment. “He really was ugly,” he mused, glancing back to the wall. “Yeah,” he agreed, “all right. Let’s get your gay painting up to stay this time.”