#i wonder what happens if you try to bring horses into the apartments

[the-cooler-sidestep]

i slipped and bought sims 4: city living oops

[whitecreekvalley-if]

[ Demo TBA ] • Character descriptions • Pinterest •

Genres: Slice of life, drama, mystery, romance

WCV is rated 18+ for explicit language, violence, alcohol and drug use, and explicit sexual content.

Life's taken a nosedive—no apartment, no job, no friends. Desperation pushes you to cling to a chance from a kindly stranger offering a ticket to a town hidden beyond mountains and plains, a place people don't seek but always seem to need.

Welcome to Whitecreek Valley, where the Brass Pine Ranch needs your unique skills to mend a crumbling homestead, and a crumbling family. As you tackle the decay of the ranch and the town alongside the rancher's son, deeper troubles emerge—livestock falling ill sparks fears of a town on the brink of extinction. Can you navigate this community, help them rejuvenate, or will it become another link in the list of ghost towns of America's Wikipedia page?

FEATURES

Customization: Appearance, personality, gender & sexuality, what job they had before, their hobbies, etc. Choose how they feel about being a farmhand, how they're adjusting to the rural life, and - with your choices - how the town as a whole sees them. Are they part of the community or an perpetual outsider?

Skills: Depending on your previous job, you'll have a unique set of skills to help the community. Choose to learn new skills, like woodworking, bronc riding, or sheep shearing, to mention a few.

Animal husbandry: The distances around Whitecreek Valley are hefty, so it's necessary to have at least a horse to get around. Choose your favorite out of a cast of individual equines, each with their own personalities. Also, help a calf into this world and realize how fun it is to raise a baby cow! As long as you're in good standing with the rest of the herd, of course.

Rebuilding: Try your best to rebuild the Brass Pine ranch, and the town adjacent. The better job you manage, the more opportunities (and challenges) come your way.

Community outreach: A dying town is still home, and there are stories to be heard, problems to solve. Lend a helping hand to your new community and see how one kindness can pay itself back.

Romance: Not everyone in town is adverse to strangers, and if your heart yearns romance, there is a chance for a spark along the way. Just be careful as to who you're trying to woo in front of whom. Small town gossips, we've all seen it.

Mystery: There's something hanging over the valley, like a rot in the air. Why are people moving out? Why are exports not moving out? And who's behind the animals getting sick? Don you detective hat and lend a hand to the entire four local police officers working the bizarre case.

THE LOCALS (RO'S)

THE RANCHER'S SON

Mason "Mace" Gannon - 27 - he/him

He used to be so much fun. I miss hanging out with him, out by the bonfires. He'd always make everyone feel so included and happy, and oh, that homemade cider he'd bring? Warmed us up on those chilly late fall nights, when we had nothing else to do. Did I tell you about the time he got us all to go skinny dipping? He was such a charmer, I wonder --

Imagine Mace as your human golden retriever – the guy who's a blast to be around, a bit mischievous, and the first to rush to your aid whenever you need it. After being gone for five years to live his rodeo dreams, he's back, now the sole caretaker of the family ranch in his hometown. He goes to great lengths to keep his personal issues personal, and it's the butt of many jokes how he's always there to help others but has the worst time asking for help himself.

He's you boss, and probably one of the best you'll ever get. Just don't pay mind to the spats between him and his dad.

THE BARTENDER

Alice Marks - 25 - she/her

Alice, she's a feisty one! Like her poppa, rest his soul. How I love the drinks she comes up with at the bar, and that horse of hers! She could go into rodeo, but I don't think after what happened with her pa... Oh, but she's a wonder! Always there with a quip, how they drive her suitors mad. Good thing she stopped with the talk about moving away, the town would be so dull without her!

Alice is the town's most known inhabitant, running the show from the only bar in town, which she just happens to own. Her mind is like a machine for fun, and she's the brain behind all the pop-up events and happenings around town. Sure, she can be a bit like a hurricane of enthusiasm, but hey, that's Alice for you. If the town had a social heartbeat, it'd be Alice – the vibrant, smartass soul making everyday life feel like a blessing.

THE DEPUTY

Word of the wise: Never challenge Alice to a drinking game. You will lose, spectacularly, and it'll all be on film.

Judge Gannon - 34 - he/him

Judge is a bit strange, don't you think? He just vanished as soon as he turned eighteen and popped back out of nowhere! That must've been, let's see... Five years ago? He doesn't spend much time with us commoners though, but I think I've seen him at the bar once or twice. I don't actually think he knows how to make nice with people, he always has that glower on. Gets it from his dad, let me tell you --

Bold and straight to the point, Judge isn't out here trying to be intimidating – it just kinda happens. If his brother is a golden retriever, he's definitely the doberman of the family. He's got this brash, no-nonsense vibe that some folks mistake for arrogance, especially when they try laying on the charm and he's not having it. He steers clear of small talk unless it involves his job, and when duty calls, he's more than ready to throw down to protect his town and county.

There's this local urban legend that he cracked a smile once, but it's like spotting a unicorn – not everyone's buying it.

THE LAWYER

Mercedes "Sadie" Diáz - 32 - she/her

The new girl, yes! Oh, a beauty! And so curious. I do love sitting down with her though, oh the stories she brings from the big city, so intriguing! I hear she finds our town intriguing too, the mayor once - don't tell anyone I told you this - the mayor once said he caught her breaking into the city hall archives! I know, scandalous, but good on her, maybe now someone will argue that my neighbors fence post --

Sadie, the big-shot lawyer from the city, doing her solo act in town. When she's not in court, folks are lining up just to get a piece of the urban tales she's got. A trailblazer and truth-seeker, she's got this knack for poking her nose where it probably shouldn't be, and surprise, she knows more local secrets than the town gossip. Sure, she's all passionate and calculated, a bit out of sync with the town's warmth, but hey, that logical mind of hers might just shake things up and get the town back on track.

It's a well known fact that she could get access to places with the right documents, but she herself has said it's more fun to pick locks. Go figure.

LIST OF MAJOR NPCs

LIST OF MINOR NPCs

[jxncywarrior]

Stranger Things characters and ships as Taylor Swift Albums

Part Two: Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

*Disclaimer: I’m tagging all the ships and characters featured. I’m gonna try not to be biased. MOST of these are strictly based on canon. No hate to ANY ships or shippers.*

Fearless: Jancy (Nancy’s POV)

“Well you stood there with me in the doorway…It's the first kiss, it's flawless, really something, it's fearless”

Fifteen: Will

“In your life you'll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team but I didn't know it at fifteen”

Love Story: Lumax (Max’s POV)

“Romeo, save me, they're tryna tell me how to feel. This love is difficult, but it's real. Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess”

Hey Stephen: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“Hey Stephen, I could give you 50 reasons why I should be the one you choose”

White Horse: Byers Brothers to Lonnie

“I was a dreamer before you went and let me down. Now it's too late for you and your white horse”

You Belong With Me: Byler (Will’s POV)

“I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're 'bout to cry”

Breathe: El to Hopper

“Cause it's tragedy and it'll only bring you down. Now I don't know what to be without you around”

Tell Me Why: Max to Billy

“I need you like a heartbeat but you know you got a mean streak. Makes me run for cover when you're around”

You’re Not Sorry: Mileven (El’s POV)

“You got your share of secrets and I'm tired of being last to know”

The Way I Loved You: Jopper (Joyce’s POV)

“Breaking down and coming undone. It's a roller coaster kind of rush. And I never knew I could feel that much”

Forever & Always: Byler (Will’s POV)

“Oh, and it rains in your bedroom. Everything is wrong It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone”

The Best Day: Will to Jonathan

“know you were on my side even when I was wrong. And I love you for giving me your eyes. Staying back and watching me shine”

Change: The Upside Down

“These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down. It's a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win and we'll sing hallelujah, we'll sing hallelujah”

Jump Then Fall: Lumax (Lucas’ POV)

“I realize your laugh is the best sound I have ever heard”

Untouchable: Byler (Will’s POV)

“It's like a million little stars spelling out your name. You gotta come on, come on. Say that we'll be together”

Come In With The Rain: Elmax (El’s POV)

“I've watched you so long, screamed your name. I don't know what else I can say”

Superstar: Steddie (Eddie’s POV)

“And all the girls in the front row scream your name”

The Other Side Of The Door: Jancy (Nancy’s POV)

“You carried me from your car up the stairs. And I broke down crying, was she worth this mess?”

Today Was A Fairytale: Jopper (Joyce’s POV)

“Can you feel this magic in the air? It must have been the way you kissed me”

You All Over Me: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“I lived, and I learned. Had you, got burned”

Mr Perfectly Fine: Mileven (El’s POV)

“But that was when I got to know Mr. "Change of heart" Mr. "Leaves me all alone, " I fall apart. It takes everything in me just to get up each day. But it's wonderful to see that you're okay”

We Were Happy: Lumax (Max’s POV)

“No one could touch the way we laughed in the dark”

That’s When: Stonathan (Jonathan’s POV)

“I said, "I know" when you said, "I did you wrong, made mistakes and put you through all of this"”

Don’t You: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“Don't you smile at me and ask me how I've been. Don't you say you've missed me if you don't want me again. You don't know how much I feel I love you still”

Bye Bye Baby: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“I want you bad but it's come down to nothing and all I have is your sympathy”

If This Was A Movie: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“I know people change and these things happen but I remember how it was back then”

Links to other parts of this series: Debut, Speak Now, Red, 1989, reputation, Lover, folklore, evermore

[succubusphan]

Two Man Team - Chapter 10

Summary: This is the story of two struggling friends who after many trials and tribulations find their way back to each other and build the life they've always dreamed of.

Or how Phil changed his life by talking to random strangers on the internet.

Rating: E

Tags/warnings: Friends to lovers, Friends with benefits, mental health issues (mainly anxiety), Slow burn, Dan is a psych student. Canon divergence (the timeline is altered and some things never happened), Slutty Phil, Angst with a happy ending. The fic spans many years.

Author's Note: Written for the OSPBB 2023 @oldschoolpbb. Thank you @effingmeteors for being my life saviour and beta as usual and to my artist Lin @anironsidh.

Edits and the art will be added at some point, we are busy bees.

POSTING EVERY DAY UNTIL IT'S COMPLETED.

Total Word Count: 75k ish

Read on Ao3

CHAPTER 10: Wild Horses

The following morning, Noah and Mark made him breakfast and hugged him before leaving for work. Phil smiled at the thought that Mark and Noah sometimes acted like his stand-in parents; he was glad that they never made him feel like a third wheel and that Noah was so wonderful, just accepting their friendship and joining instead of trying to break them apart.

Taking a deep breath, Phil thought about the day ahead. He was not going to check his phone for any sign of Dan because he knew that it would probably take a few days for him to reach out. If he put it into his head that today was the day Dan would text, he would only get anxious. Instead, he went for a morning walk after breakfast, bought lunch and came back home to work on his next video. He considered it for a moment. If Dan really wanted to go on with the project he’d mentioned, it would bring his own sexuality into question, so why not take the opportunity to make a coming out video of his own?

To be fair, Phil wasn’t really in the closet, everyone knew. Or most people knew anyway, he just didn’t announce it. Maybe it was time for a change. 

He grabbed a notebook and started the script titled “Coming Out To You.” It was a bit sassy but it was the truth; Phil wasn’t coming out in general, this was just for his viewers, for them to know a bit more about him, to feel loved and accepted, and to open the door to that conversation. This would come with the added bonus of finally being able to make gay jokes on his channel and it would also probably cost him some sponsors, but if he couldn’t afford to come out with so many subscribers and after 10 years on the platform, what was the point?

He made this script his lifeline, a mental escape from his reality and the imminent wrecking ball to his mental stability that Dan’s text could potentially be. He paused briefly to consider what he would do if Dan backed out of his own project or on wanting to name Phil. He decided that he had made himself to focus on the video so much that he was going to work on it anyway.

It took 3 more days for Dan to contact him. By Sunday, Phil was starting to worry, despite his attempt to avoid thinking about Dan. Maybe the problem was that the script was ready and he had even chosen an outfit to film in. Luckily, just as he was finishing his lunch, Dan texted through Messenger.

“Hey, can we talk?”

“Alright,” Phil replied.

“Really? Just like that?”

“That’s what we agreed on when we last spoke and my friends think that I should talk to you.”

“Mark?” Dan asked and Phil could hear the jealous tone even in written form.

Phil rolled his eyes. “Partially. His boyfriend said that we should talk. Mark didn’t comment on it but said that he would break your legs if you hurt me.”

“I see,” Dan replied. “Where would you like to meet?”

“You can come to my flat.”

“Does Mark still live with you? I need my legs.”

“Planning on hurting me?”

“Technically I already have so I am looking out for myself.”

“I like how you used technically right there.”

“I feel like if we continue this conversation in writing it will not end well for me, so please give me your address and let me know when I can come over.”

Phil sent his address and paused for a moment. “You can come over today, any time that works for you.”

“Thank you. I will take a shower and take a taxi.” 

Phil reacted to the message with crazy eyes.

“Don’t react me,” Dan said, making him laugh.

An hour and a half later, the doorbell rang and Phil checked himself in the mirror before opening the door. “Hi,” he said, sounding almost shy.

Dan smiled at him, probably relieved to see that Phil was not immediately angry at him. “Hi,” he said and handed him a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. 

Phil looked at his cup and thought back to the endless hours they had shared at Starbucks back in Manchester. “Thank you.”

“I just figured this would make it so you don’t have to keep making us drinks that we forget to drink,” Dan said and stepped inside, looking around already. “This is nice.”

Phil resisted the urge to remind Dan that this was supposed to be their shared flat. He had never sent Dan the link to the ad because he was already distant towards him. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad that YouTube has been good to you.”

He smiled and didn’t comment.

“What?” Dan asked.

“Nothing.”

Dan raised one eyebrow at him. “Really, Lester?”

Phil sighed. “I moved into this apartment in 2013 to take the job at the BBC and paid one year of rent upfront in cash with my savings.”

“Oh, this is the one… I didn’t know. You don’t really show your flat a lot in videos.”

Phil’s lips formed a tiny O as he caught onto that tidbit of information. “So you still watch my videos.”

Dan blushed. “I’ve always been your fan,” he said, and for once, he wasn’t being sarcastic or trying to sound edgy. “Are we going to sit somewhere or are we just going to stand here by the door?”

Phil rolled his eyes. “Come on. Let’s sit on the sofa and drink these before they go cold.” He took a few sips as they walked for good measure. Phil let Dan sit and joined him on the sofa, taking a spot near him, but leaning back against the armrest to avoid any awkward touching. Besides, from this spot, he could really look at Dan without it being so obvious. His eyes followed the outline of Dan’s nose, his dry lips, his rosy patch and all the way down to his black sequin jacket that was catching the afternoon sun and projecting rainbows around the room. 

“So…” Dan said.

Phil stayed silent and just gave him a look, indicating that he should start.

Dan swallowed and gave a small nod. “I gave your analysis of everything a lot of thought and I couldn’t untangle it alone, so I called my therapist and booked an emergency session, which turned into almost 3 and then I continued on my own,” he said. “I believe you were right. I thought that I had everything fairly processed so this caught me off guard. I was so mad at myself for not seeing it sooner.”

“I’m glad that you agree.”

“This whole situation, meeting you in a random street in London… it brought so many memories and, honestly, so many issues back.” He took a sip of his drink and continued, his eyes looking around the room, avoiding Phil’s eyes. “I thought that I had it together and I liked the life I was living, but then I saw you and - I’m not over you.” He finally looked into Phil’s eyes with an openness that made Phil shiver. “It was so easy to see when I was not focusing on helping other people, when you were no longer just part of my past, so I had a mental breakdown.”

Phil tried not to smile but failed miserably. Even if it amounted to nothing, and even though he might not have wanted to admit it to himself the first time he heard it, he was happy to know that Dan still had feelings for him. It almost sounded too good to be true.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Dan asked, frowning.

“I am saying many things - inside my head.” He sipped on his coffee and set it back on the coffee table.

“Care to share with the class?”

“Fine,” Phil huffed. “I thought that I was over you because I’ve tried my best to not even think about you, but Noah said that it’s obvious that I have not moved on and other things I am not going to repeat. And I realised that he’s right.” He paused, doubting on whether he should really say it but seeing Dan in front of him, nearly holding his breath, made him take that leap of faith. “I had managed to convince myself that everything was fine, but no. Happy?”

“Very,” Dan said with a gorgeous smile. “Do you think we can try again? I would like to see where this goes and if it doesn’t work out, I would still like to stay friends.” He reached out once again, just like he had a few days ago, waiting for Phil’s reaction.

Phil looked at him, hesitating briefly and nodded, taking Dan’s hand and lacing their fingers together before setting their joined hands on his leg. Then, a thought crossed his mind. “What about Sebastian?” he asked. “Isn’t he your boyfriend?” 

“Not anymore. I thought I was happy with him, but there was never a chance that I would choose him over you and he knew that even before me,” Dan said, chewing on his lip for a moment. “He actually broke up with me before I could even think about it.”

“Oh,” Phil said, trying to not sound happy about it.

“He was right to break up with me,” Dan said, downing the rest of his coffee and setting the cup down. “It’s ok. When I came home from the play and he had moved out I felt relief. That’s a horrible thing to say, Phil. But it’s the truth.”

“How long had you been together?”

“Almost a year.”

“Never made it that long with anyone,” Phil blurted out before he could stop himself.

“Really?” Dan frowned.

“They weren’t you,” Phil said, watching Dan’s gleeful smile appear at the comment. “I stopped going out, I stopped hooking up with random guys. At this point, I could almost qualify as a virgin again.”

Dan smirked and his eyes darkened. “I doubt that.”

Phil knew that look well. “Behave,” he said, squeezing Dan’s hand. “We can’t just pick up where we left off. Things don’t work that way. Last time we rushed into it and it got complicated.”

“That’s true but -” Dan pouted.

“No buts. Let’s just hang out and see how we feel about it. See where it goes, if it goes anywhere.”

“Alright,” Dan said, but the air around them was still charged. “Let’s play some games.”

Phil smiled and let out a sigh of relief, he was hanging onto the will to resist Dan’s lustful eyes from a thread. He wanted it too, but not just for a day. He wasn’t going to repeat that mistake. There was still a chance that Dan would freak out again. He reluctantly let go of Dan’s hand. “Mario Kart?”

“Always,” Dan smiled.

Phil turned the console on and reached for his coffee, downing the last third of it.

“You still haven’t finished it?”

“No, you know I forget I’m drinking something and I finish it when I remember it.” He grabbed a cup containing half of his morning coffee and finished it as well just to prove a point. “This was my breakfast.”

“Come on, man!” Dan said. “Get it together!”

Phil winked at him with both eyes, sending Dan into a fit of laughter. Fuck, Phil had missed that sound. The hyena laugh.

To the surprise of no one, Dan won most of the races until Phil decided to slide closer to him and lay partially against him. Slowly but surely, Dan started to shift his attention from the game towards Phil, giving him little touches, playing with his hair and eventually, just pulling him to sit on his lap. That was the moment they dropped the controllers and just put on a random Studio Ghibli movie. 

Dan was fully enjoying messing with Phil’s hair, giving him odd hairdos. He ran his fingers through it, pushing it into a quiff. “I like your hair pushed back.”

“Did you just quote Regina George to me?”

Dan barked out a laugh. “I think I did.”

“I know you did,” Phil said, poking Dan’s tummy. It was so soft. Phil wanted to lift his T-shirt and look at it.

“You look so gorgeous, Phil,” Dan mumbled. “I hope you don’t mind me saying it. You were always hot but right now you’re just stunning. I can’t cope with that.”

“Me?” Phil said and paused. If he told Dan what he was thinking about his body, things were going to get out of hand, so he reformulated. “Your curly hair suits you so well and your back looks so good too. You look so strong now.”

“Thanks, I think I finally hit puberty,” Dan laughed. “Do you really like my hair like this?”

Phil nodded. “It’s perfect. So pretty,” he said looking at Dan over his shoulder.

Dan wrapped his arms around Phil’s frame and dropped a small kiss to the tip of his nose.

Phil pressed his back to Dan’s chest and dropped his head back just so, their breaths mixing together as they got lost in each other’s eyes, the moment held them captive. Phil swallowed and cleared his throat, giving him a wide smile before looking away. It was not time yet. “How is your video idea coming along?” he asked instead.

“I paused it until we could discuss it again.”

“I like it a lot. I started a script of my own.”

“Oh?”

Phil finally got up from Dan’s lap and went in search of his notebook. He found it laying on his bed, uncapped pen at its side and everything. No, there was not a blue dot on his sheets, thank you for asking. “Here,” he said, handing it over to Dan.

Dan’s eyes widened when he read the title but he kept going, laughing here and there until he reached the end and looked up at Phil. “I love it. It’s much more detailed than your usual draft. Or - more detailed than what you used to write long ago.”

“I still draft the same way, it’s just for this project. I want to say the right thing and keep it brief, you know?”

Dan nodded. “I was thinking about hiring an editor, some are not as expensive as I’d thought. And for visuals… Do you remember Hector from Shittywatercolour? The one who made illustrations of us back in the day? I contacted him and can you believe that he agreed to do some illustrations for it?” He let out a deep sigh and shook his head, twirling a paper napkin between his fingers. “There are almost no people following me anymore, I’m below a million, so this is just for me. I need this video, or a part of me will always feel inside the closet no matter what  I do.”

“ I understand,” Phil said. “Are you scared of your family’s reaction?”

Dan shook his head. “I emailed them last week.”

“What?”

“I kept backing out so one day I just sent them all an email. Everyone was cool except for my dad, so I cut him out of my life. No surprise there. Nana and Popsie said that it’s ok as long as I’m happy but I think they don’t get it. Hopefully they will soon so that I can flaunt you at family gatherings and vacations.”

“Really?” Phil asked. He could almost picture that, but Dan was getting a bit ahead of himself.

“Yeah,” Dan said. “For now, I would like to flaunt you in a few weeks, if you’d like to go see my play. It’s called ‘Family Disaster’ and it’s about a family crumbling as one of its members spirals. The narrator is the person spiralling so things get a bit crazy and abstract at times.”

“Sounds interesting,” Phil said. “Of course I’ll be there.”

“Thank you, Philly,” Dan said, kissing his cheek quickly.

Phil felt his heart grow twice its size inside his chest just from hearing Dan calling him Philly again.

----

Phil both loved and hated the fact that he and Dan were so compatible, now maybe even more so than before. Having grown as individuals had given them a sort of new perspective on life, yet their opinions, their humour and even their flirting had followed the same path. It was almost as if they were soulmates, just as Dan had said in the past, despite insisting that he didn't believe in any of that.

In the following weeks, proofreading and reworking Dan’s script for his “June Video” was easily overtaking his life. Dan’s passion was just that infectious and it seeped into Phil’s soul, making him even more excited over his own coming out video. At first, he didn’t want to show Dan his work because they were very different videos but Dan was so eager to see it that Phil just couldn’t deny him. 

“So you’re filming it literally inside the closet,” Dan snorted. 

“I thought the old-time viewers would appreciate the irony,” Phil said with a smirk. 

Dan leaned in for a quick peck on the cheek. “I do appreciate it, thank you for thinking about my preferences.”

“Dork.” Phil felt himself blush and couldn’t help but smile like an idiot. It was all so new yet so familiar. They were officially doing a take two on their friendship but after some debating, they decided that certain things were allowed, such as hugging, cuddling and oftentimes, hand-holding, although not in public. “I was thinking, do you think it’s still alright for me to go see your play? I mean, if we are trying to be low-key about it.”

“I doubt that anyone we know will go see it and actually notice you in the crowd,” Dan said. “But if you feel unsure about it you don’t have to go. We can totally skip that and I can come over after, if you let me have a shower though; I’ll be a sweaty boy.”

“No, it’s not that I’m unsure about it,” Phil rushed to reassure Dan. “It’s just that-” he stopped himself, not wanting to plant the seed in Dan’s mind.

“What? You can tell me,” Dan said softly.

Phil knew he would confess all his secrets to Dan if he asked in that tone. He sounded calm, open, honest, ready to discuss things maturely and willing to listen carefully. “I am a bit hesitant because… I fear that you will freak out if someone realises I’m there, and I don’t want that to happen. I want to avoid any setbacks.”

Dan nodded. “I understand, but I don’t think I will. I know that the chance always exists but I know the chance exists, but even if it were to happen, I’m ready.”

Phil pulled him into a tight hug and smiled widely, slowly swaying from side to side, taking his time to let Dan know how proud of him he was without a single word. He pressed a kiss to Dan’s shoulder. “Look for me in the audience.”

“I never stopped looking,” Dan whispered.

---

When the day for Dan’s last show came, and with the support of his friends, Phil was ready to watch the play. He, along with Mark and Noah, sneaked almost last to a decent sized theatre and took their seats in the gallery, waiting for Dan to make an appearance. 

Phil was in awe, his eyes fixated on Dan as he did such an amazing job of fleshing out his character's emotions, putting his entire body into it and not only relying on the dialogue. It was a sad play but it had a hopeful ending as ‘Tom’ underwent treatment for his mental disorder, which had gone unnamed the entire play and the family sat down to eat in a much calmer way, the lighting brighter, reminiscing of a summer afternoon in contrast to the dark and moody ambient from before.

The lights were on and the entire cast came out to bow for their audience. Phil stood and joined the crowd in the final applause. Only then did he tear his eyes away from Dan and saw Noah and Mark at his side, clapping and giving him a knowing look. 

Looking back to the stage, Phil made eye contact with Dan, who winked at him and made a head incline. Phil smiled, feeling as if the butterflies in his stomach were going to fly out of his mouth at any given moment.

Noah leaned closer. “I liked the idea of going out to dinner and finally meeting Dan but it looks like you might want some privacy.”

Phil raised one eyebrow at him and blushed but didn’t address the comment. “We can go out to dinner as we agreed.”

“Please, he has managed to sneak looks your way the entire time,” Mark said. “We can go out some other time, I’m sure he’ll stick around.”

“Really?” Phil asked. “I thought I was imagining it.”

“No, it was obvious if you knew what to look for. He was smart about it,” Noah said. “He’s a good actor.”

Phil nodded proudly. “He was a theatre kid.”

“That makes sense,” Noah said. “Well, we’ll see you another time. Keep us updated.”

Mark wrapped his arms around Noah, setting his chin on his shoulder happily. “Remind him what I said. He better be good to you.”

“Shush,” Phil said, rolling his eyes. He looked down at the stage and found Dan still staring at him with a huge smile.

----

Phil stayed in his seat until most people had left the theatre and only then went in search of  Dan at the back entrance. He whispered a brief hello and grabbed Phil’s hand, catching him by surprise, and led him to a taxi. Once they were sitting inside, Dan just blurted Phil’s address and turned to look at him with wide eyes. “Is that alright? Sorry, I’m just tired and since your friends left I figured we could stay in.”

“Of course. Pizza and Mario Kart sound good?”

Dan let out a breathy laugh. “You know me so well,” he said, wrapping one arm around Phil’s frame.

Letting his head rest on Dan’s shoulder, Phil relaxed and kept thinking about what he’d seen on stage. Dan was born to be in the spotlight, it’s where he looked more comfortable and at peace. 

“What did you think of it?” Dan asked.

“You were amazing and the play was very interesting. It was very creative.”

“Hmm, Is that a good thing?”

“It is. I could tell that you put some of your psych knowledge into it. It was a nice metaphor on mental health and the impact it has on the person and their family.”

Dan nodded happily and stared straight ahead. “Can I still take that shower?”

“Sure,” Phil said, begging his mind to stop in its tracks. He looked at a droplet of sweat, or perhaps it was water, that fell from Dan’s hair and ran down his neck, disappearing under his white shirt.

Dan pinched Phil’s leg when he tried to pay the taxi, paying it himself instead and helping Phil out of the car. Once they were in the flat, Dan pulled him into a tight hug and stared into his soul for a moment before pressing their lips together. The fireworks igniting in Phil’s body were threatening with setting him on fire. They moved slowly, tentatively, but Phil could feel Dan’s love for him in every touch of their lips, in every sigh, in the way Dan’s hand rested on his neck softly. 

Dan was relentless and it was starting to affect Phil, the heat rising within him by the second. It was too soon for that. Phil stepped away and smiled when he caught Dan’s lips chasing after him. “You can use anything from my closet, the shower is down the hall.”

“Sorry,” Dan mumbled, blushing slightly and running upstairs, presumably to Phil’s bedroom in search of clothes. 

Phil pulled his phone out and called Domino’s ordering what used to be their usual. He then went to the living room to set the console and the plates before sitting on the couch for a bit. He was startled by a hand on his shoulder but relaxed when he opened his eyes and saw Dan, his hair still dripping from the shower, wearing his cookie monster pyjama pants and his York hoodie. That pulled at his heartstrings; Dan had always loved to wear that hoodie. “Did I fall asleep?”

“You did,” Dan laughed and pointed at the pizza on the coffee table.

“Fuck, I missed the doorbell?” Phil mumbled.

“It’s fine, it was a funny interaction with the delivery guy. I came out in a towel.”

“You went all the way down in a towel?” Phil asked with wide eyes. 

“No! Oh my god!” Dan snorted. “I buzzed him in and got the door here. Still an unsettling view for the poor guy though.”

Phil rolled his eyes. “Unsettling, right.” He paused. “Have you considered being a model?”

“Are you serious? I could never! I look like a potato.”

“Shut up, you’re gorgeous!”

“I don’t see it,” said Dan and Phil was sad to look into his eyes and realise that he still believed that. “Don’t give me that face,” he said.

“I just think you’re so beautiful and I wish you could see it. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes,” Phil said, still trying to find the right words.

“I’m working on it... Baby steps,” Dan said and shoved him to the side unceremoniously to fit at his side. 

“What’s wrong?” Dan asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

Phil poked his side and smiled at Dan’s childishness. As the night progressed, they melted deeper and deeper into the couch until Phil checked his phone and his stomach dropped at the amount of Twitter notifications. He hadn’t posted anything for a few days, this couldn’t be good news.

“Is this 2012? My 13 year old self is crying tears of joy! My ship is sailing! @amazingphil @danielhowell” Attached to the tweet were three pictures. One taken from Phil’s back as he watched Dan on stage, one zoomed in from across the street as Dan guided him to the taxi and another at the first stoplight where Dan had already settled his arm on Phil’s shoulder.

[the-firebird69]

We're sitting here wondering about social security if we offer him a temporary apartment and they're going to mess with it regardless it wouldn't be in dance hands and it would not be in Trump's hands. And we became aware of it and we're pulling out and I start to think about it and looking around and I can see one of them poking their heads out beaming it to us they're saying that trumpsters we don't have verification and a friend says that Tommy f is over there probably watching and he's having his guy doing but it's because that's what Trump is going to be up to. And we do see who the other guy is and it's probably a trumpster which is hilarious so bring it out there because we are offering a temporary apartment and he said he's accepting doing it it was flooded as well but we don't detect mold and we look and it's clear so he wants to accept the offer and stay in the temporary apartment in that way he will not incur more expense the resort life is expensive and it's kind of crazy that they're doing that but there was nobody there and it is kind of odd it's kind of a gesture opening it to people who are downtrodden but it's really all of us. And that's kind of what we needed it was hell it's much better and we have ways of doing stuff and he's not spending too much but there's a limit and he is having trouble with his diet his legs are killing him and he needs to eat a lot more food we did figure out how much he was spending it's not that much by comparison it's about $8 for his big meals so it's half that's a big difference in the long run so make a big difference and he can get his ebike and his stuff together clean everything and get it all ready and move back in and that's what we want to do and he likes it and he's going to be getting ready in the meantime we will be waiting for the storm season to end and it's wise he says and he's very thankful that he has an option and he didn't have an option before that was like this he would have to go through FEMA and it's not a guarantee and it's hard to find even a hotel so we're very thankful that he likes it we are going ahead and we're going to talk to Stan but this is important that he's going to be screwing with social security and he's going to be messing with us and messing with Stan if he goes into a temporary apartment because he won't be at the resort I want to conclude by saying he'll try to extend the resort and if they don't it's on Trump and it does make a difference

Lily

Good. I was there Aaron is listening and I do understand it and he wants to stay at the resort because it won't have must or mold or mildew and just in case and he also wants to reduce the pressure and put it on to Trump and Trump doesn't care it doesn't really know about it and things are happening that people aren't happy with and they're pursuing him and he thinks it's a good time and a good thing to do and so on so he won the election and he blames it on him being there so he should be able to extend it and he's going to go back and go down and try and do that and it's a moment and it's hell but he's got to do it

Hera

Department is talking about was underwater it was nearby my place is only about 2 ft and we opened up some of it and then we don't see any mold and it is old horse here and we're going to patch it back but it's not much work and we do see what you're saying if you need to stay somewhere temporary and it's a place to stay it's not near my house like you said but he's not remembering it or something. Probably not remembering it right and it's not bad it's got two bedrooms and if you found a roommate he'd be saving money it's a little bit more rent but not a ton so we are going ahead with that and he said it would be great so I'm going to look at how long and see if he can get a hotel if not we can move them in and we're going to go ahead with that and he appreciates it

Stan

We're feeling a little better today it's going to be hell and Trump demands it but he's going to get pummeled

Lily Jason

Olympus

[stardust-in-my-mind-blog]

melancholy slayer of kingdoms

my daughter made me a playlist awhile ago

my phone is a treasure that I rarely use

all the kids love to mess around on it

she called the playlist "slay" with star emicons all around

most of the songs are taylor swift

with some of my usual bangers I sing in the car

today I lived up to the verb

I took my oldest two aside to tell them of the changes

fuck, they never tell you how to do this stuff

and I've taken college classes on child development

fucking aced that shit too

I knew it was going to hurt them

I knew I was going to have to hold space for that hurt

and I was going to have to let them express it

however they wanted to and just be there to witness

and comfort where I could as the news sank in

they say the millennial burden we struggle with

is not "up hill both ways" or some misquoted bootstraps

it's holding space for feelings when we didn't get to have them

and let me tell you I've always had them

I just never had the right ones for anyone to handle

but that can always change and it will

the despair came up first after the first sadness

I wanted to avoid everything and cancel the plan

I didn't really consciously make it was more like

my intuition dragged me over the threshold to tell them

gave me the perfect opportunities and environment

oh, hey gavin looks like we are in the car alone together

let's talk about the changes that are going to happen

knowing how disconnected and isolated I've been

it fucking stabbed me and twisted when he said

something about his experience not mattering

how he was fine and it was my relationship

my inner critic wanted to tear me apart for that

look at me repeating cycles and making my son

feel exactly like little me who never belonged

not even in her own family let alone the world

but I'm changing it now so I can't get caught up in it

deep breath and a few more tears to wipe away

fiona wondered if we'd bring the dog

if she'd have to change schools or quit cheer

I told her if was just me changing locations

everything else would stay the same

I apologized to them both for letting myself be blinded

for not seeing the dysfunction for what it was

for not being able to move more quickly

at least I know now and have the strength to forge new

feel the feelings but don't attach to them

now I understand what the cards meant

I want to hold the guilt and the shame and the blame

against me and use it as a warm fire of self-loathing

that's what I used to do to make myself feel better

hate myself more than everyone around me

I could do it so much better than they ever could

that's not my practice now and my inner knowing

that glowing soothing warmth in this adjusting soul

it tells me I am doing my best and can only learn so quickly

as long as my intentions are good I can't control the rest

fuck this is hard but another step is taken

there's no going back and I'm taking inspired action

to be absolutely sure of history not repeating itself

"this one only brings pain and destruction"

yeah maybe that's true and I'm living up to my name

fi was worried about my room and asked how

we'd decorate it to look so nice in here again

they adjust so quickly and take things as they are

I held her weeping and told her it was okay to cry

I heard her breathing deeply to try and reel it in

my little dragons, my babies, those little sea horses

I created inside of me and brought into this world

that I'm still learning in and we're all growing together

through my mistakes and life's challenges

another step forward and another check on the list

I do feel a lightening of my burden now

this was the part I dreaded the most somehow

more of the fog has lifted and things feel more hopeful

outside there is thunder and flashes of light

I love the sound of the raining

I have this little black stuffed mothman I got at the mall

he's soft like my rabbits were

the sensory information I get from petting him

comforts me and my breathing evens

maybe the body never stops being a child

our intellect just fools us into thinking we're grown

[apatheticcrossovers]

Hey it's same anon that requested biltzo x monika,I was wondering if you could make a part 2?

part 2 can be about biltzo looking for a way to monika out of game while also telling her about best horse names and maybe she can come up with her own names for horses if she ever get one

Oh yeah, sure! I hope you like it anon! - Mod Apathetic

All for You (Part 2)

Fandoms: Doki Doki Literature Club, Helluva Boss Ship: Blitzo (Helluva Boss)/Monika (Doki Doki Literature Club) Characters: Blitzo (Helluva Boss), Monika (Doki Doki Literature Club Tw: none Summary: Trying to find a way to bring Monika to his world has not been easy, that's for sure. They decided that in the meantime, they'll learn more about eachother. Monika finds out very quickly that Blitzo loves horses.

Blitzo let out a sigh as he continued searching the internet for ways to bring a self-aware fictional character into reality, which was surprisingly hard, given the type of stuff you could do in hell. Monika's game ran in the background as Blitzo did his searching, mainly because Blitzo wasn't sure what would happen if he turned the game off with her still in it.

"Blitzo, maybe you should take a break..." Monika said, crossing her arms as she looked at Blitzo through the screen. Blitzo had been searching ever since he promised her that he'd find a way to bring her to life. 

"Oh come on Monika, I promise, I'm getting really close!" Blitzo waved his hand dismissively, letting out a small scoff as he continued on his search. There was another small moment of silence before Monika spoke again.

"Blitzo, I can see your screen..." Blitzo stopped typing as she said that, becoming embarrassed as he switched to the window with her game.

"How long have you been able to see my screen?"

"The entire time."

"And why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you knew!" Monika put her hands up defensively, trying to explain herself to Blitzo. Blitzo didn't seem too mad though, it's not like she's seen anything bad, all he really had done outside of searching for a way to bring Monika to his world is just goggle about words he didn't understand. "Listen, just, if you're so persistent on keeping up this search, why don't we talk for a bit? Ya know, get to know each other more?"

Blitzo was quiet for a moment, thinking to himself. Well, that would be good, Blitzo could just probably google stuff about Monika, but Monika probably couldn't do that for him, and even then, he wasn't sure if everything he'd seen about Monika online was true. "Alright, sure, why not, whatcha wanna talk about?"

"Well..." Monika rested her elbows on her desk as Blitzo switched back to his search engine, continuing to search for at least something that could help him. "Let's start with something simple. What's your favorite animal?" She continued, causing Blitzo to perk up a bit.

"I uh... I like horses! A lot, actually..." Blitzo let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of his head as he felt a bit of embarrassment forming inside of him. He remembered how his last relationship fell apart because he was just obsessed with horses. Monika though seemed intrigued by this.

"Really? That's great! I would've never thought you'd be the type of person to like horses!" Monika exclaimed, straightening her back as she spoke. She had to admit, Blitzo did not really seem like a horse guy, but it was a pleasant surprise. "I've actually thought about taking horse riding lessons before! Maybe we could take them together once I'm in your world!" Monika let out a giggle as she saw Blitzo's eyes light up.

"W-wait, really? You wanna take horse riding lessons with me?!" He sounded ecstatic, tapping his fingers against his own desk as her leaned towards the screen slightly. Monika let out a giggle and nodded.

"Yeah! I've also thought about maybe owning a horse myself. I know they have to be a lot of care though, and I doubt the horses in hell are any easier, but I wouldn't mind the work it would take!" Monika explained, resting her chin on her hands as she looked at Blitzo, who, needless to say, was overjoyed by this information.

"Oh, I can help with naming the horse if you want, I know a lot about horse naming. There are always the common ones like Blaze, Seabiscuit, Bailey, Buck. But if you're feeling you want something more uncommon, you could always go with stuff like Shadowfax or-"

"What about Sugardust?" Monika Interrupted, putting a finger up in interjection. "Oh, I've heard cinnamon is actually a pretty common horse name, and I always thought that was pretty!" She continued, letting out another giggle as she saw Blitzo's face.

"Monika, honey... Sugardust is such a good name! It's like Sugarcube, but, well, different!" Blitzo slammed his hands down onto his desk in excitement, smiling at Monika with stars in his eyes. "And yeah, Cinnamon is a pretty common horse name, but hey, there's nothing wrong with common names! It's like, the safest option when it comes to naming."

Blitzo had gotten so caught up in their conversation, that he completely forgot about finding away to bring Monika to life, at least for a moment. Monika didn't mind in the slightest though, seeing Blitzo talk about something that made him so happy made her happy, and for now, that's all that really mattered to her.

[vaultofqueenorion]

Rot and Silver and That Which Lives in the Woods

Trying to get back into writing again, so here's a little something.

It ends well I promise.

_________________________________________

It lives in the woods, they say. 

With a razor mouth and writhing limbs, all ashen fur and ruby gem eyes. He hadn't seen it, and that wasn’t for lack of trying. So many nights he’d spent staring into the dark trees that stretched for him, branch fingers tangling in his hair as he walked. 

So many nights with nothing but the giant star cat’s one eye keeping him company, the fireflies lighting his way. He knew the trail by heart by now. One step left, one right, one down and a fall up until he was finally standing where he was supposed to be. 

Where those glinting eyes would greet him, rending claws spreading dirt through his hair. Where fire from torches did not burn and they cupped the fire between them.

It lived in the woods, they say. 

His chest burned whenever he came here. He told himself that he’s getting out of shape and that the sharp sting that formed beneath his eyes is from the heels of his hands digging into them.

His cheeks get wet, anyway. 

The carcass was more macabre now that it was when it happened, and he looked away from it. He couldn’t quite figure out whether his inability to bury it was a curse or a blessing, whether the rings of colorful flowers were nourished by the blood that ran rivers through the clearing or whether they would have grown despite it. 

He forced himself to go closer, hands clenching and unclenching, feeling somehow incomplete without their clawed, furred counterparts enveloping them. He settled for hugging himself, brushing away the ice that he swore was there, the one that no one from the town could ever see.

There had been something so thoroughly maddening about that - something that tore away at the cracks and made him want to scream until his voice gave out, until he splintered apart, until he coated the whole world in the ice that grasped his heart. 

You must be mad, they said. 

He should have known when they couldn’t see the ice that coated him from head to toe, the flames that pixies use to spell their poems, and feathers that always seemed to drop from a raven as it passed you by. 

He should have known what they’d see.

It’s a monster, they’d said. 

Was, he corrected in his own mind, hands running over ashen fur, the stench of rot cloying his nose. He wondered whether he could stomach taking a bone, something to bind into the ice that seems to never let go once he lost those warm nights of grasping at the fire. 

But he couldn’t bring himself to light one now, let alone stand near it. He traced the charred fur, sulfur and smoke and burned flesh writhing within his mind, a play of shadows where the town becomes a living mass of undulating pain, razor sharp and burning up from within. 

And those fangs had glinted, the claws unsheathing before those gemstone eyes found him in the dark, coiled in rope and caked in blood and mud from having been strung from the nearest horse until the creatures refused to run further. He’d been no more than a struggling sack of potatoes to them as they closed in on the clearing.

You or him, they’d sneered. 

That was the moment he’d attempted to carve open his own throat upon the blade pressed into his neck. If he was gone, there would be nothing stopping fangs from tearing the rest apart. 

He’d failed, of course. 

And here he was, sitting next to the remains with tears trailing down his face. It had taken him too long to convince the town that he had let go of his previous notions - that he had made a mistake and stepped sideways into madness instead of forwards into the family business. 

He leaned forwards, pressing a kiss above the one eye that was not a bloody crater, the eyelid closed as if merely in slumber.

Above, the star cat blinked.

A single drop of silver stardust slithered from the eye, sliding down the outer parts of the cosmos before finding its way to him. Softly illuminated, he traces the parts that lit up, the carcass glowing as if buried under layers upon layers of moondust. 

The gemstone red cracked open, covering a wince with a fanged smile as sickening squelches of bone and sinew and muscle knitted itself together. 

There’s no such thing as love for monsters, they’d growled. Besides, it is already dead. 

He cupped the chin, kissing along those glinting, deadly fangs as the tears continued to stream. 

A true love's kiss, huh? They said, rubies glinting in the moonlight. I wouldn’t have bet on it. 

That’s why I won, he said, hair filled with fresh dirt from rending claws.

[thecountoflondonfansite]

Victor immediately raced towards Rachel’s body. He knelt down and put two fingers on her neck to check for a pulse. Victor let out a sigh of relief when he felt something. She was alive, just unconscious. “What happened here?” Adrian asked, his voice sounding panicked. Victor examined Rachel and noticed a few tranquilizer darts sticking out of her arm. “Someone came in here and drugged Rachel. Victor looked back towards the door. “There are no signs of a break in so Rachel seemed to know this person and let them in, whoever they were.” Victor exclaimed in a stoic tone. Adrian said nothing but the expression on his face contained restrained hints of alarm and terror. Quickly Adrian ran around the apartment, looking for something or someone. Victor was confused by Barton’s expression and actions. ‘What is the guy doing?’ Victor wondered to himself. He then looked around the room to search for clues until he caught sight of something that once again made his stomach drop. Right across from Rachel was Winne, laying discarded, without her owner around. Adrian soon came rushing back into the living room. “I couldn’t find anyone else here.” Adrian exclaimed. He then looked down at what Victor was staring at and let out a gasp of horror. Victor’s expression became stoic and determined as he picked up the toy horse. “Adrian, help me carry Rachel to my car. I’ll drive us to my brother’s lair if he’s still there. He should have some vials that will help bring Rachel back to consciousness.” Victor commanded. He hated that he didn’t bring anything with him to immediately help out Rachel. Adrian nodded and proceeded to help Victor as fast as they could. Hugh felt bad about forcing Dr. Jekyll into a difficult and emotional state. He wasn’t trying to be nosy. Hugh was genuinely concerned about Henry and Robert’s health as he is with anyone who has a health issue. Slowly, Two Brains released Henry from his grasp and gave the man a kiss on the forehead. “I love you hun. Nothing will ever change that. You are one of the best things that has happened to me. I don’t want to lose you.” Two Brains exclaimed in such a loving voice. It made Henry melt and feel more ashamed of himself. Here he had, such a caring and understanding boyfriend who wasn’t pressuring him to confess, and the biggest secrets he was keeping were Hyde and the fact that he knows Becky is Wordgirl. “Thank ye darling. Ah love ye so much as well. Ah…ah do want to tell you everything. Ah am just not ready right now.” Henry exclaimed. ‘What the bloody hell are ye doing Jekyll!’ Hyde exclaimed in frustration. He couldn’t believe his counterpart was considering revealing their biggest secret. Hyde wasn’t ready for Henry to reveal things. He especially wasn’t ready to confront Two Brains after seeing the blood drinking and Becky being a superhero. Unfortunately the way things were going, it looked like their secret was about to be revealed sooner than intended. The other three soon returned. Patricia and Archie had some blood on them which likely came from disposing of the body. Jenkins looked a bit squeamish and pale but otherwise fine. “We’re back. Did anything happen while we were gone?” Archie asked. Two Brains looked at them with a stern look while Henry looked nervous. “I’m sorry. I asked Dr. Jekyll about the HJ7 formula and about Robert Lanyon. Apparently he and Dr. Lanyon share the same issues that I told you about earlier.” Hugh explained. He then turned to Henry. “I’m sorry for making you upset, Dr. Jekyll. I was only concerned about your physical health. I didn’t mean to push you into an uncomfortable position.” Hugh apologized. Henry gave him a small smile. “It’s fine. Ah am not mad at ye. Ah am actually impressed and touched by how much genuine concern ye show for others.” Henry replied. Hyde just huffed but didn’t make any insulting comments. He really wasn’t mad at this Hugh fellow. The guy did seem genuine and caring. He unfortunately just had a huge mouth.   

Though someone this Miss Ito did know Henry Jekyll. Did his brother's new boyfriend get this woman to look into him? If so, why didn't this man just ask Dr.Two-Brains about himself? This raised more questions than it answered. Maybe Henry didn't have the courage to look into his brother after he gave him a little 'friendly' talk. Yet the thinly veiled threats Victor had made shouldn't have been enough to get the teacher looking into Dr.Two-Brains. There was also the fact that Henry had no idea that Victor could find out who was hacking. Perhaps the man was intelligent enough to have the heat on someone else just in case they were found out, but he didn't seem like the type to do so. Especially to someone he had entrusted The Society to. Victor was going to have to get a few agents to take a little trip to check out why they decided to hack like they did. Maybe Robert Lanyon had someone to do with Miss Itos hacking. It would be expected when the man's father had been murdered. Perhaps he wanted to make sure that Henry was safe. Maybe this man was protecting Henry from someone who was threatening him. This could've had the culprit retaliate against the doctor by going after Henry or Robert could be responsible for his own father's murder and for Mr. Carew's attempted murder. The reason both Mr. Hyde and Henry left could be because Robert was threatening one and framing the other. Victor felt a headache coming on. For now, he was going to find out exactly where Robert was. If he wanted to take over The Society, he would've easily done so. Yet he didn't, instead only oversaw important business. He couldn't scratch any of his theories out just yet. He didn't know what was going on, but he was going to find out. He didn't realize that Eris had finally gotten home. He didn't notice the sound of the apartment door opening and closing. “Victor, are you okay? You look like you're stressed about something.” He expressed his concern, brows furrowed. “Eris! I'm fine. I was just overthinking some things.” Eris went over to Victor and placed a kiss on his temple. “Get some rest, my sweet. You'll be able to figure things out better with fresh eyes.” Victor smiled at his boyfriend. “You're right. I'll take a nap. If you'll join me.” Eris smiled at that. He found Victor endearing. The toymaker closed his laptop. Meanwhile in another part of the city, two people were arguing. “Must you stalk these people? I would rather not have the police sniffing around if they take legal action.” The woman shook her head. “It is necessary. I must save that girl from that horrid man. Who knows what he could do to them. I'm doing what is right.” The blond man shook his head. “You admitted that you were interested in our plan.” Calvin frowned at that. “I didn't do anything too crazy. I promise.” Athena muttered under her breath. Athena began to pace a bit. She wanted Dr.Two-Brains to break and admit who he is. “You're making me dizzy, cousin.”

Athena gave a weak glare towards Calvin's rudeness. "You know I can't help it. I haven't been the same after what that demon did to me!" Athena snapped back. Calvin merely huffed. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel some intimidation from the mouse man, especially when he knew what that abomination was capable of. At first, Calvin was shocked to hear what the man did to his cousin. He had always viewed Steven, or Gene, or whatever it called himself, as a sniveling worm with goody moral ethics. He never thought that the man was capable of doing something that heinous, even with his paternal instincts heightened. Things made much more sense to Calvin once he learned of his former coworker's family background. "Very well. Continue with your plans. I have other matters to attend to." Calvin exclaimed in a haughty tone, waving off Athena's anger. Athena gave him a suspicious look. "What are you planning that is more important than my mission?" She inquired. "Well why you have been playing vigilante stalker to a babysitter and her charge, I have been looking into the reason for the Mad Science League's sudden movement here." Calvin explained. Athena looked surprised at that. "Adrian Barton is here?" The B.E.A.W labs' leader has expressed interest in the mysterious Mad Science League. A small group of scientists lead by a self proclaimed immortal man whose made it his mission to fight against tyranny and corruption of the higher classes. Adrian Barton and his associates had proven too slippery for capture due to the man's chaotic and unpredictable movements. Athena was curious and confused as to why he came here of all places. "We don't know why he is here or what business he has, but for some reason he has made himself more open in public though he has maintained a cautious guard. I last saw him talking with Professor Doohickey, though I highly doubt the reason he came to this city was to help the man's predicament." Calvin answered as if he seemed to understand what his cousin was thinking. "Do you think it has something to do with the murder of Mr. Hastie Lanyon?" Athena asked as she recalled hearing about the murder. Calvin shook his head. "I doubt Barton was behind that. He has a clear hatred for the rich and elite, but he would have been more subtle in killing that man, actually making it look like a robbery in progress that went bad. There is another reason why Mr. Barton is here. One in which I intend to find out. So hopefully your antics won't interfere in my mission. Good day Athena." Soon Calvin walked away, leaving the deranged woman to her own thoughts and delusions. "Blimey! Those cleaners know how to clean out goop stains. It looks brand new." Hyde exclaimed in a joyous tone once he received his outfit from Rachel. "Yep. It appears people getting their clothes ruined by goop is a common occurrence around here. So they developed a new way to remove the stains and residue even thought it takes a lot of time. It's definitely well worth it. I must say." Rachel replied with agreement. Hyde ginned widely at his clean outfit. He then looked back towards Rachel. "So, anything happened while ah was gone?" Hyde inquired. Rachel quickly shook her head. "Not really. Like I said, we waited a long time at the cleaners. Also Wordgirl showed up trying to stop a robbery caused by Lady Redundant Woman. She gave a wave to Amber before she flew off. Amber got a little fussy on the way home, but it was likely due to us being out for so long. She's fine now." Rachel explained. Hyde nodded but the usually grinning blonde had a serious expression as he thought back to what happened and what Whiskers admitted to him. "Did Wordgirl seem okay to ye?" Hyde inquired. Rachel looked confused by his question and expression. "She seemed alright to me. Why do you ask?" Rachel was surprised to hear Hyde express genuine concern for anyone that wasn't Amber, herself, or one of the lodgers. Hyde let out a sigh and proceeded to explain what happened today with Two Brains and his sister. @unhingedexperimenter

[h3rmitsunited]

If you're wondering if it's worth it watching (at least) the first episode of Billy the Kid for the Joey content, I think, yeah, it was pretty worth it. Joey is in most of the episode, even though he doesn't have a whole lot of lines, he has a good amount of screen time.

I'm in the US and was able to watch it on Amazon Prime, where they had the two first episodes posted for free (with a subscription to Prime). I'm not sure where else it is available, and if it's on Prime outside the US, but that's where I watched it.

If you want to read my thoughts on the episode, what happened in the episode, and how Joey did, (with spoilers, obviously) you can check it out under the read more.

The show is a story on Billy the Kid, the infamous outlaw. The first episode, The Immigrants, details Billy and his family's journey from New York out west to Kansas, seeking somewhere that they could find work and prosperity since the opportunities where they were living were non-existent.

His family are Irish-Catholic immigrants, and Joey plays Billy's father, Patrick McCarty, a man that when we're introduced to him, already feels beaten down and exhausted by the reality of life as an immigrant, but with a quiet love for his family, and a sadness from the difficulty he has in providing for them. The mother, Kathleen, is portrayed by Eileen O’Higgins, and she also does a good job in her role, a determined and optimistic woman, pushed forth by the desire to keep her family safe and taken care of, while watching her husband fall into a deep depression.

Summary of the episode:

Patrick and Kathleen live with another Irish family in a tenement house, and they decide that they are going to leave and go to Kansas where the government has said that there are plenty of jobs out there for hard working people. They put all their money together and pack all of the belongings that they have in the world and hire a driver to bring them to Kansas. It's a dangerous trip. One of the carts breaks apart as they are crossing a river and Patrick nearly drowns trying to salvage their belongings, but they lose everything to the water. The patriarch of the other family they are traveling with gets shot one night when horse thieves ambush their camp. The final blow comes when they arrive at their destination, Coffeyville, Kansas, and it turns out to be a mud filled backwater nothing town with no jobs, and no opportunities. Kathleen tries her best to make something of their time there, working her way into a job in the boarding house, as Patrick descends deeper into the depression that he'd been falling into during their journey, losing everything they owned, and losing hope for anything more. Billy watches all of this, quietly protective over his mother, and with confusion and concern for his father. We see the beginnings of the gun-wielding outlaw for a few moments. Patrick sees the town's doctor, hoping for an answer, but is told that his illness is of the mind and it's not something that he can fix, and if he can't pull out of it, it will kill him. Patrick shares a conversation with Billy under the stars, and it's emotional, and feels like a last goodbye from his father, wanting Billy to be more than he could give to him. Kathleen brings the priest in to give Patrick his last rites and he ultimately succumbs to the depression, leaving Kathleen alone to care for her two boys in the middle of nowhere.

Review of Joey:

Joey's performance as Patrick McCarty is quiet, but deeply emotional. There's a weight to his presence when he is on the screen, the way that he uses his energy and stillness to get this hopelessness he's feeling across. The actor is present in most of the episode, but you see the character loses his presence, feeling out of place and lost in his own body and it's heartbreaking watching as he's beaten down further and further during their journey. There were a few moments in the episode where I felt like Joey really shined (though honestly it'd be anytime he was on the screen).

There is a scene, before the family leaves New York, where Kathleen and Patrick are in bed, trying to sleep, and Kathleen is talking to Patrick about leaving. Kathleen is optimistic and Patrick is afraid and hesitant. Kathleen says she wants to open a boarding house and a restaurant and asks Patrick what he thinks and he's quiet, and there's a pause.

Kathleen: Are you crying?

Patrick: (whispered) Yeah.

Kathleen desperately tells him God will provide and Patrick doesn't seem reassured, but he pulls her into his arms and the scene ends.

I just felt like it was a really good scene to show us where the two parents are at, emotionally. We get an idea of Kathleen as this devout woman who believes in a better life, who's supportive and understanding, and Patrick is quiet, the emotions keeping him locked in his own mind, letting out this tearful moment with his wife in their bed at night. 

I think it was also interesting that the subject of depression and Patrick as a character, wasn't treated as a shameful thing, considering the environment of the time. There's a moment after the loss of the other father, where Billy glances back at Patrick who is just staring off blankly, and Billy asks the old driver Moss what his father was like, and Moss understands his meaning immediately and responds something like things don't always turn out the way that we hope they do. Even with the doctor, Patrick tells him he doesn't care about his body, that he feels sad most of the time, he doesn't feel hungry, can't get out of bed, and the doctor tells him that it's not an illness he can treat, that he doesn't have medicine to prescribe to heal him, and that the mind could kill the body, and not to let that happen to him. It's the 1800s, so it's not like therapy, and it's not helpful, but it's also not what I would have expected from a doctor in this rough backwater town to have said. Patrick's on his death bed, and even then, there isn't a moment of anger towards him for not being able to pull himself out of this, just this desperate sadness and loss.

Another scene that stuck out was the moment near the end of the episode where Patrick comes outside one night before he's really bad off, and talks with Billy under the stars. Patrick knows he's not going to be able to pull himself out of this. Billy tells him he'll get better, and Patrick tears up, not wanting to take away Billy's hope of a better life, and tells him that he's like one of the stars, that he's going to shine so brightly, and they hug, and it's emotional and sad, and we get to see Joey being emotional and sad and he does a very good job.

There was like a single second where Patrick had some energy that reminded me of Jaskier, just because he actually had some energy and fight to him, and that was when Patrick was arguing with the cart drivers about the costs and he's calling them fucking charlatans and Kathleen pulls him back and he says some line I can't recall, but the delivery and his expression was giving me very subtle Jaskier/Joey vibes, and then they were gone.

Anyways, Joey did a terrific job, which isn't a surprise. I liked seeing him in period clothes, with a big beard and soft looking hair and sad sad eyes and all the gratuitous hand shots and being a quiet and subdued man very very very different from Jaskier. 

I watched the second episode also because Amazon prime had them both up already for free and it obviously did not have Joey in it, so I was less interested from the beginning lol, and I'm also not that into straight up cowboy/outlaw shows anyways. I liked Billy being protective over his mother and showing this like progression towards his outlaw stuff, and Kathleen pushing herself to do what she can to keep her and her sons alive. It's obviously not like a fun carefree story There is an attempted sexual assault at the beginning of the episode, aftermath of assualt against a sex worker later in the episode, brief nudity, violence, and a pretty graphic hanging scene. Also a CGI snake at the end that gets shot in the head by Billy.

A review of the episode here writes this about Joey's performance.

"Mentioning Patrick’s demise hardly qualifies as a spoiler. His spirits were so thoroughly crushed by a brush with death during a river crossing that recalled a similarly devastating incident in 1883, it seemed like the poor guy just gave up all desire to live, and was merely marking time until he could simply will himself to die. If ever there was a character in a western who, for all his good intentions, clearly lacked the right temperament to persevere as a pioneer, Patrick filled the bill, and Joey Batey played him accordingly and effectively. Unfortunately, all it takes for some men is to be knocked down once, and they never get up again."

[stcrmcps]

plots based on my playlist ( pt 5 )

ALBUM: a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun by aly & aj ( link in source ) / part 2 / part 3 tba 

song: pretty places

notable lyric: “all the pretty places / pull us away from where the pain is / these open skies / leaving the past behind” 

MUSE A and muse b, maybe they’ve known each other forever or maybe they happened to meet at the right time. they both needed an escape from whatever was going in their lives. maybe it started as a joke, “hey...let’s pack up the car and just go. all we need are books and music and we can get the hell out of here, right?” except...it turned into something totally unexpected. an actual trip, a getaway, seeing the world from the rearview mirror of the beat up car they both filled up with gas as the sun was rising and setting. and everything is changing. now they’re closer--if they were friends before, maybe something else is brewing now, and if they had barely known each other, it’s the beginnings of a deeper connection. they’ve left their past behind to find something new, with each other. 

song: lost cause

notable lyric: “like we're a lost cause / like we're betting on a dead horse / i try reaching out with both arms / for something that never was”

it’s that relationship on it’s last leg. when neither MUSE A or muse b wants to admit it to themselves, let alone to each other. they’ve tried everything to mend their relationship together, but maybe it’s just a lost cause. there’s so much love in the relationship, but there’s just something missing. so it’s come to that time where it’s the tough decision to break up, but neither of them want to make that first move to bring up that conversation. a promise of maybe someday they can come back, because they’re trying to reach out for everything that this relationship started as. but it’s just not there now. but...someday? 

song: break yourself

notable lyric: “it's an impossible day / might be the time for a change / you hit the ceiling, burning the candle light / you wanna re-light the flame”

it’s time for a change. and that’s what everyone knows, but when MUSE A and muse b meet, they’re just trying to change themselves. whatever circumstances brought them to that decision it was their own, and now somehow the world brought the two of them together. it’s no longer feeling like a pressure cooker, they’re feeling finally like themselves. but is it the time to get into a relationship? should MUSE A and muse b be trying this when they’re so freshly in their own new space? 

song: slow dancing

notable lyric: “i don't need anything fancy / i just need me and you slow dancing”

MUSE A and muse b come from different worlds. they’ve been together for a while, but something always seems to be getting in their way--or trying to at least. and both of them just want one thing: to be with each other. both muses have put everything on the line to be together, but all they need is each other. no money, no fame, nothing else. just being in each other’s arms makes it worth it at the end of the day. but...does that erase all the extra pressures? can the two of them really just focus on their own relationship and slow dance away in the kitchen without the world around them tearing them apart? 

song: paradise

notable lyric: “running on bad ideas like they're nothing / racing through red lights like we're young / living on gut feelings, high rollers / wanting the time to stop and it won't ... would you say we made it to our paradise, paradise? / will we know that it's paradise?”

MUSE A and muse b were always reckless. they were the duo that everyone knew would do something and probably wind up in trouble. getting back at weird hours, pulling up in different places and always making a mess. but paradise in some form was something they looked for. wanting the best they could have looked for, and now at least one of them wonders if they’d even recognize paradise if it walked up to them and told them what it was. was that how it was supposed to be when they wound up walking around like that when they were young and looking for everything they wanted? or do they still just want to go around and act like they were when they were kids and hope for that same feeling to come back around?

song: symptom of your touch

notable lyric: “if you're asking me for closure / don't expect it to happen when i lose my composure?”

MUSE A and muse b were together for a while, but broke up for whatever reason. or maybe they’re still together in some way--fwb, never really ended things officially? and for some reason it’s harder and harder to say goodbye to muse b each time they’re around. MUSE A keeps saying “it’s just for closure”, but they keep falling back into these same patterns. winding up together even though they’re not supposed to be, even though they broke up. MUSE A keeps losing their composure every time they’re around muse b. and maybe it’s because they just can’t seem to let them go? but then why does it hurt when they’re around each other and not together? 

[cheekygreenty]

Hi, I just saw your prompt list for Shadow&Bone!! could you possibly do No. 2 from Angst, but like with a happy ending? Like reader n Kirigan are togeather but then Alina's comes along.. just, please let be happy at the end. I like angst, but my heart can't handle sad endings 😢😢 thank you!!! ❤❤

Future- The Darkling x Reader

(Very very angsty with a happy (?) ending. It made me cry a lil bit writing it ngl)

You trusted him, wholeheartedly. At least that's what you told yourself every day since she came to the Little Palace; the place you had always called home, where you felt safe from the prying eyes of the public.

Yet now, the place was fueled by harsh rumors of him and her. Everywhere you went you could hear a whisper, nobody tried to hide it anymore, the words were always entirely devoted to your crumbling union;

'I thought they were happy'

We were.

'How can he and Alina not be together, it's destiny.'

I'm starting to think so too.

You didn't acknowledge it. Just put on a sweet smile and a brave face. Don't let them see you're hurting. Even in your own home, you had to pretend and lie, which at the end of the day, when you laid in an empty bed, made you exhausted.

He told you she meant nothing more to him than a mere weapon. But that was when she first came and when he still managed to make it to your shared chambers and would whisper sweet nothings as you fell asleep.

It was different now, on more than one occasion you caught a glimpse of them together, him looking at her the way he always looked at you. However much he claimed to be a good actor and manipulator, there was something there and he couldn't deny it either.

You hadn't confronted him about it yet fearing that if you did, the truth would hurt and sting and make all those rumors true. In addition, you haven't seen him in days and the last time you did, he told you to stay away from the wonderful Sun-Summoner.

The truth was you knew deep down in your heart that she wasn't at fault. That she was not the root of the problem. You constantly fought with yourself to stop any hatred you felt towards her. She was lovely, kind compassionate, and innocent. She didn't deserve to feel your wrath.

But with that came the confusion of who to blame. You or Him. It made you tired and weak. The smallest of tasks made you drained and tears would well in your eyes at the thought of having to live another day like this, a day full of questioning yourself and the man you loved more than anything in the world.

No matter how much of a strong person you swore you were, this was taking a substantial toll on you. He had become your support network and he knew it, he loved it. He always said he finally felt appreciated when you came around, that he wasn't alone anymore. He had conditioned you to be this way. When times got tough, he was always your shoulder to cry on.

No doubt that shoulder was now next to Alina. Perhaps they went on a horse ride, visited the Black Heretic fountain, or were enjoying a rendezvous next to the lake.

You didn't want to know, all that mattered was that he wasn't there with you when you were falling apart. Maybe you relied on him too much.

You wondered if he noticed the whispers too, or the way you'd been missing crucial meetings, or even if he noticed you wearing your red kefta more often, ditching the black once you'd heard Genya speak of making a golden-black kefta for Alina, per the Darkling's request.

That was a punch in the gut. It hurt more than him avoiding conversation with you or even his deterrence of touching you. He had bestowed his colors to her when not even three months ago he didn't know she existed. It had taken you a long time to gain his trust and don his signature black yet all she had to do was waltz in and show up. And it hurt.

And now here you were, training the next generation of heartrenderers, as you did almost every day. You had given your life to the Little Palace and its Grisha and this is how you were being repaid. Not even Ivan, who you had shaped into an excellent soldier, had looked your way lately.

'Excuse me Ms. Y/L/N I have an urgent request from the General' You whipped your head around to the young Grisha boy with an obviously hurt look on your face which he couldn't understand.

'Of course' you choked out and took the piece of paper from his hands and watched him in sorrow as he left.

Ms.Y/L/N? what happened to moya sovereignny? You were never one to uphold the formality, but this was just another blow to your confidence. You were no longer referred to as his other half which only meant your position in the palace was quickly dwindling.

You opened the wax-sealed envelope and took out the thick sheet of paper. There was a time when he himself would deliver the news to you himself and use it as an excuse to spend extra time with you.

'I cannot make it to the meeting with the King this evening, attend and report back to me anything relevant, no horse business'

You scoffed loudly, drawing attention from the young Corporalki around you and leaned on the table in front of you. Not even a please or thank you. With the note clutched in your hand and tears of frustration in your eyes, you stormed out of the Corporalki room and towards his war room.

You peeked through the open door and seen him. He didn't look at all busy as he chatted with Zoya, Ivan, Fedyor, and some other Squaller you didn't recognize. Zoya threw her head back in laughter at something Fedyor said but Aleksander kept his stony expression. You threw the door open dramatically and everyone froze.

'Leave us' you cautioned as Aleksander's onyx eyes looked right into your own.

Nobody moved but Zoya was the first to speak ' Y/N, we're actually in a meeting if you couldn't tell' while everyone nodded along, except him.

You never had anything against anyone in that room, but in that moment you couldn't help yourself and used your small science to bring everyone to their knees in front of you, except him.

'Leave us' His voice rang out in the midst of their sharp breaths and chest-clutching. They scrambled to their feet and left one by one, Fedyor quietly muttering 'moya sovereignny' as he passed you which filled you with some courage. The door shut and the sound echoed over the walls.

You threw the note across the room and let it hit his arm. 'Did you forget your manners General? Or does it only apply to the people you claim to love?'

'Funny you should say that Y/N, you haven't attended any meetings in weeks without providing a reason. You're making me look like a fool'

'I'M MAKING YOU LOOK LIKE A FOOL?!' Your tears were now streaming down your face, falling quicker than you could wipe them away.

He stayed silent and that broke your heart even more, he could've said something, anything.

'Aleksander, I'm trying to keep myself together for everyone, I'm trying so very hard to appear normal and happy but I don't think I can do this any longer. The whispers and the rumors, watching you and her-' You slid down the door and sat on the floor, head resting on your knees. '-It's getting to me.... and it's killing me.'

You thanked the Saints you didn't see his face, for the silence spoke for itself. He didn't deny anything or reach out to comfort you. I've lost him.

'All I wanted was a happy ending.' You laughed a sad laugh that pulled at his heartstrings. With your eyes still facing away from him, you didn't see his hand go up to wipe the lone tear that fell down his face or the slight shake in his hands as he did so. He had no words that would comfort you. He knew what he'd done. He'd been avoiding you ever since he realized it. He didn't want to see you cry or see how his actions affected you.

Telling you that it means nothing to him was of no use. You had it in your mind now, forever engrained around his name, the rumors wouldn't stop and Alina was still around. He truly felt nothing of importance for her. All she meant for him was a key to a better future with you.

He approached you slowly, getting down on his knees next to you. He took your hand in his and held it up to his lips. He never prayed, but right now he silently muttered words to all the Saints. Don't let her leave.

'I'm so sorry Darling. Y/N I love you so much.'

'But you love her more' You yanked your hands away.

'NO. no. Y/N. I swear it. You are everything to me' He had grown serious now, he wanted you to look at him. He missed you.

'Then explain why you're parading her around like a Queen, letting her wear your colors, probably sleeping in her bed'

'I have never toucher her in that way. I'm yours Y/N.' Please look at me.

You lifted your head and looked at his beautiful face. He too looked tired, exhausted. His eyes were red and puffy. Saints, I've never seen him cry.

'You will have a happy ending. I promise Darling' He took your face into his hands and connected your foreheads together. 'I promise. I'm doing everything I can to make sure you will, and even if I can't, I swear you will you and our children-'

Children. Aleksander never spoke of them to the point where you had settled with the idea you'll never have them. Something about the desperation in his voice made you believe him, Aleksander was strong, he never gave up but he also never sacrificed himself for anybody. Up until now, you didn't think yourself worthy enough to be saved in exchange for him.

'-I would give up everything to see you and them safe, away from harm's way. Right now, the world doesn't deserve them, but once I do what I have to do, I'll give you children. However many you want, Just stay. Please'

You were borderline hysterical as you melted into his embrace. Weeks of frustration and hurt disappeared into thin air. Aleksander held you so tight you were having trouble breathing but you didn't care. He held you all day and all night. All meetings and tasks forgotten.

He explained everything in detail, from the stag and firebird to what happens if things don't go to plan. He kept nothing from you, not even the stress and pressure he felt. You comforted him as he always does to you. You fell asleep together and dreamed of a life with a happy ending, one where you never had to doubt his motives, you dreamed of your future.

Taglist (if you want to be added, plz tell me!)

@theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @lostysworld

@0-artemis

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Evermore

Simon Basset x Reader

Words: 2319

Summary: While residing in the same house, Simon and his wife could not be further apart. His resistance to love may cost him the only thing he holds dear while he can merely stand and watch it fade. 

Notes: I love Simon waaaaaaay too much. I have been dying to write for him, so please please let me know what you think! 

More period dramas: HERE

-

I never needed anybody in my life

I learned the truth too late

From this spot, he had a view of the entire garden. He watched as you strolled between the flowers, pausing occasionally to smell a particular bloom. You used to walk together, but now, he could hardly bear to even look at the gardens. Seeing you there sent a feeling through his heart that he could not rid himself of. It was better this way. The happiness that you had felt in your first few months of marriage was an illusion. Simon knew that he could never truly make you happy, no matter how badly he wanted to. Still, these days of silence ate at his soul. 

You felt his gaze upon you before you spotted him in a second-story window. Looking up from the rose in your hand, you held his stare with your own, as if daring him to come out from behind his closed doors. This was the first time you’d seen your husband in two days and even when you had seen each other, it was in passing, shrouded in bitter quiet. 

You looked away first, dropping your flower and storming back into the house with renewed frustration. From the corner of your eye, you could see him vanish from the window, probably to disappear into his office for yet another day of avoidance. Through your anger, your heart ached. He never explained his sudden hatred towards you. One night, he simply stopped speaking to you. When you confronted him, he’d shouted and shut himself away in his room. No word between you had been uttered since. 

To fill your lonely hours, you walked the length of the house. Clyvedon was a beautiful estate and offered at least some distraction from your empty heart. This time, however, your usual path was interrupted. 

“Your grace,” You greeted coolly. It was odd to see him in this part of the house, so far away from his usual fortress. He rarely left his office anymore. “I must say, I am surprised to see you away from your desk. You have been married to your work recently.” You put as much venom into your words as you could muster. For a moment, you thought you saw him flinch. 

“Y/N, I understand you are uncomfortable with our current situation-”

“Uncomfortable?” You exclaimed furiously. “You think that I am uncomfortable? This is not an ill fitting dress or-or a pebble in my shoe. I saw you in that window and I couldn’t breathe. Even now, it feels like my heart is trying to leap out of my chest and give itself to you, for maybe that will finally be enough for you.” His eyes shifted to the window, desperately trying to escape your hateful stare. 

“You are more than enough for me-”

“Then tell me, your Grace,” You spat, “why you can’t even bring yourself to look at me!” You had raised your voice beyond what was proper, but you didn’t care. You wanted him to see the anguish that this forced solitude was bringing you. “Explain to me how we can be making love one morning and by that afternoon, you can hardly utter a word to me. Look at me, Simon! For God’s sake just look at me.” 

Whatever his reasoning for coming to you was lost to him now. He could only hear the anger and frustration in your voice. The hatred you must hold for him. While his eyes finally found yours, it felt as though he was looking past you. 

“I presume you will be eating in your quarters again.” Was all he said. The return of his indifference was the final straw for you. Having had enough, you charged off to find the furthest place in the house away from him. Simon watched you go in quiet agony, cursing himself for being unable to shut out his affection for you. He told himself again that this was how it must be. If only that was enough. 

-

Wasting in my lonely tower

Waiting by an open door

He wasn’t sure how late it was, but his eyes were starting to burn from staring at documents all night. He could hardly keep them open. Setting his work aside, he ran a hand down his face, trying to rub the exhaustion from his eyes, and slowly dimmed his lamp until the light was gone. When he looked up, he found you standing in the doorway, shrouded in shadow. If he didn’t know better, he’d say you looked like a spirit in your white nightgown and tear stained face. 

“Why are you not in bed?” He questioned, only half awake himself. 

“I came to…” The words caught in your throat, making them sound garbled and broken. You stepped into the moonlight and composed yourself. “I came to say goodbye.” Simon froze. 

“What?”

“I have arranged for a carriage to take me back to London at dawn.” You stared blankly at him, your face sunken and despaired. He hadn’t realized the depths of the misery he had caused you until now. “My presence is clearly unwanted and I feel that we may live our lives more peacefully apart.” 

“I see you’ve already made up your mind on the matter.” Simon scoffed, the pain your words inflicted fueling anger. You didn’t reply. Instead, you turned and started back down the dark hallway to your quarters. He caught your arm before you got too far. “You cannot just leave.” 

“I see no reason to stay, your grace.” 

“You are my wife.” He growled. Finally, your sullen exterior broke away to reveal the anger burning inside of your chest, threatening to swallow you. 

“Am I?” You jerked your arm away, stumbling backwards in the dark. “Because these past few days I’ve felt like a stranger, wandering these beautiful halls, looking for something in them to keep me here. There is nothing but emptiness and grief and pain and I cannot-” 

He placed a hand on your cheek, your words halting on your tongue. You stepped closer into his touch, a touch that you had been aching to feel for days. Simon dipped his head down, bringing your lips slowly to his own. 

His movements were fast and urgent, his lips moving against yours like he depended on you for breath. You felt the familiar feeling rush over you. It was the intense feeling you’d felt so many times at the beginning of your marriage, one you had feared you’d never feel again. But it wasn’t enough. 

“Simon, wait.” You pushed back, trying to find anything in his eyes that could explain to you why he’d been acting so distant. “Talk to me, my love.” 

He tried. He wanted so desperately to be able to share with you his fears, but every time he opened his mouth he felt like that stuttering little boy again. Your gaze pleaded with him. 

“Please, say something.” Still no response. You pulled out of his grasp forcefully, that feeling fleeing just as quickly as it had come. “Tomorrow, I am leaving for London. At least there I will not be reminded how little I must mean to you.” 

You gave him no chance to reply, vanishing into the dark night while he furiously went back into his office, knocking almost every paper off his desk. Simon craved to follow you back to your quarters and show you what you really meant to him, but his feelings didn’t matter. You were miserable and it was his doing. 

Still, the idea of being away from you, the feeling of abandonment sunk into him like sharp claws. It was dark and grim and kept him awake, pacing back and forth in the confines of his office. That night, he did not get a moment’s rest. 

-

I let her steal into my melancholy heart

It’s more than I can bear

Days passed, each one quieter and darker than the last. You were gone. He had watched your carriage leave from his window, solemn and alone. Each day he waited. He waited to hear the rattling of the carriage, the pounding of the horse’s hooves. He left the door to his office open as if he expected you to walk in like nothing had happened. In fact, he hardly left his office at all in hopes that his waiting would conjure you somehow. 

It was the fifth day of your absences when he received the letter. Lady Danbury started by inquiring as to why his wife was in London unaccompanied, but it was the end of the letter that sent an icy fear through his blood. You had fallen ill and had doctors in and out of the house for the last two days. While she did not know the severity of your illness she had heard that you had been bed ridden and unable to take any visitors. She feared the worst. 

Simon didn’t waste a second readying his horse and taking off towards the city. It didn’t matter how many hours the ride took, he went on without stopping. His horse sped through the city, having little care for the foot traffic around him. Hastings house stretched ominously over him, adding to the dread filling his chest. He didn’t wait for a servant to open the door, he didn’t wait to be shown to your room. He ran through the halls like a mad man only to find your quarters empty. 

“Your Grace?” Your lady's maid gasped, nearly dropping the bundle of fabrics she was carrying. “I-I thought you were staying in-”

“Where is she?” He barked, making her jump. He didn’t mean to frighten the poor girl, but he did not have the patients for explanation. 

“S-she’s having tea with Lady Danbury in the drawing room.” The girl squeaked. His confusion was quickly replaced by rage and he stormed into the drawing room, Lady’s Danbury’s letter crumpled in his fist. Your eyes widened at the sight of your husband, sweating and disheveled. 

“Simon, what are you-”

“Your Grace, how wonderful for you to join us.” Lady Danbury smiled triumphantly. 

“Is this meant to be some kind of cruel joke to you?” He snapped viciously. You’d never seen him this way before and, frankly, it frightened you. Lady Danbury didn’t seem phased. “My life is not a game for you to meddle in!” 

“Someone had to show you how much you stand to lose, your Grace.” She said, keeping incredibly calm under the circumstances. 

“How dare you.” Simon was seething. “You wretched woman-”

“Simon!” You exclaimed, jumping up from your seat. “A word, your Grace.” You opened the door to the garden and waited outside for him to join you. 

“I think it’s time for you to leave.” Simon glared. Lady Danbury stood and walked past him with enviable elegance. 

“Don’t lose her, your Grace. Not when she’s finally made you believe in love.” She left without further comment. 

Simon finally walked out and you resisted the urge to slap him. Your fists were balled at your sides and you were walking furiously back and forth on the path. 

“How dare you come here and speak to my guest in such a manner.” You wanted to scream and cry and kiss him all at once. “What on earth are you doing here, anyway?” 

“Lady Danbury sent me a lie in order to get me to come here.” He finally let the exhaustion of his ride rush over him and he leaned against the wall. 

“And what lie could have been so great to get you to leave your office?” You scoffed. Simon’s face softened. 

“She said that you were ill.” He said quietly, his voice betraying the truth. For those few hours before he arrived were the most terrifying he’d ever experienced. “I thought that… I was afraid I would lose you.” 

“You haven’t seemed that concerned these past weeks.” You muttered in irritation. Simon’s face fell. 

“Do you really believe that?” He asked with such pain in his voice it nearly broke your heart. “That I am not concerned for your well being? That I do not care if you are hurt or-or sick?” 

“What else am I to believe, Simon?” You said, exasperated and exhausted with his constantly shifting moods towards you. “You avoid me at all costs when I am with you, you have suspended any affection towards me, and now you tell me that you came all this way because you thought I was ill? I don’t understand you, your grace, I truly don’t.” 

“Everything I have done has been for your benefit.” He stepped towards you. “My affection towards you runs deeper than I could possibly explain and that is why I cannot condemn you to a life cast into my darkness.” His eyes did not look through you now. Rather, they pierced down to your very soul. You stood in shock, trying to find the right words to convey your true feelings. 

“Simon…” You gasped, laying a hand on his chest to feel his racing heartbeat. “You are not a shadow. You are the moon. Yes, you have darkness. Yes there are parts of you that I do not yet understand, but that does not mean I do not wish to know you. You are the guiding light in my darkest nights. You are my husband and I love you.” 

You wrapped your arms around him and brought his lips to yours. It was like your first kiss, hesitant at first, but soon evolved with passion and need. Simon cupped your face in his hands and vowed. 

“I will not hide my love from you again. I will cherish you the way you are meant to be. And I will remind you how dear you are to me every moment I can.” He brushed a joyous tear from your cheek. “For evermore.” 

-

General Tag: @rae-gar-targaryen; @takemepedropascal; @childhood-imagination;  @mylovegoesto; @yellowbadgergirl; @itmejado; @suckmyapplejacks

[elsascushion]

Hollywood B!tch

Pairing: Bea X Poppy

Kinda Safe for work yall, swearing involved but no smut. this is more of a prologue than chapter 1 as The pair doesn’t meet yet and this is set a year after graduation

Chapter 1

It has been over a year since Bea has met up with anyone from Belvoire. Of course Zoey and her occasionally FaceTime or go out for coffee when they both happen to be in New York, their schedules have just never really matched. Now that Bea is officially a superstar on the rise, studios are just waiting for the chance to work with the actress. For over the past year Apoidea have been extremely helpful in helping to kickstart her new career with some of her shows and films rivalling Zendayas at the box office. Of course even with Apoidea connections the pressures of Hollywood was just as tough as she thought, but Bea of course was already trained to handle the drama world thanks to good old Belvoire.

Speaking of Belvoire, Bea has recently returned back to New York from filming in Korea just in a weeks time before Veronica’s little top 15 “reunion”. Now for why Veronica decided to hold a Belvoire reunion is unknown considering she hated everyone there but it could be due to the fact that Bea’s name is trending everywhere now days and the clout she would be getting would be insane. So just a few weeks prior Veronica had created this group chat to discuss potential dates on when to do this and when everyone was free. She had added Bea, Zoey, Chloe,…….so on and a few people who Bea had forgot even existed. To be honest Bea didnt even want to go at first but after checking everyone’s names on the list one really stood out to her. Poppy Min-sinclair. A name that she could never forget no matter no hard she has tried to. Ever since her confession at graduation she never was able to see or contact Poppy again. That girl practically pulled a Persephone Dalton and went MIA maybe she even now has a new identity, and due to Beas busy schedule she was never able to visit the Sinclair’s closing mansion one last time wondering if it is even still there now days. How Veronica got Poppy’s contact details is still a mystery but I guess she just has her ways, although Bea began to wonder if that was even poppy considering she never typed anything on that group chat.

Now weeks later with everyone (except poppy) confirming their availabilities Bea was back in New York. She first checks into this penthouse apartment building, a curtesy of Zoeys, before throwing her luggage down on the floor and grabbing out a few boxes of expensive looking chocolate she got as gifts in Belgium a while back, in preparation for her meeting with zoey. She heads down the apartment and slinks into a nearby cafe where she was greeted with the face that helped her survive her Belvoire years.

“OMG BITCH YOU’RE ACTUALLY HERE THE BEA HUGHES” Zoey dramatically gasps drawing the attention of other customers

Bea quickly covers Zoey’s mouth with her palms whispering loudly “Girl not so loud!” Before dragging her upstairs into a more private booth.

“Heyyy did you not miss me” Zoey rolls her eyes sarcastically, smoothing down her skirt as she sits down at the opposite side of Bea.

“Babe of course I did but I’m trying to avoid press while being jet lagged and all if you know what I mean” Bea blinks a few times as Zoey takes note on the dark circles around Beas dead brown eyes

“Of course, of course so do not want to be caught outside after a late night concert” Zoey says as she takes a sip of her coffee before speaking again

“Ok but are you excited for Veronica’s reunion i mean we haven’t seen those people in like forever”

But Bea doesn’t respond instead she stares off into the distance at some peculiar looking potrait of a two headed horse

“Hello earth to Bea!” Zoey snaps her fingers a few times bringing Bea back to reality

“Oh sorry sleep deprived and all” Bea sighs taking another sip of her iced latte “so what were you saying?”

“Right, as I was saying” Zoey coughs “are you excited for Veronica’s reunion party thing”

It was technically just a party for her to clout from everyone but no one is questioning it as they all wanted to see Bea again

“Well about that could I ask you something?”, Zoey nods preoccupied by her coffee as Bea continues “it’s about Poppy”

Zoey shoots Bea a sharp glare making the brunette freeze a little before saying “hun do you remember what I told you night after graduation as we were packing up our stuff”

Bea sighs “That life wasn’t a whatpad and for me to move on from people who made our lives miserable for the past two years especially she devils named Poppy”

“Yes and I still stand by that”

After that the girls exchanged gifts to avoid an awkward conversation and changed between a variety of topics such as how Chloe and Ohio even managed to graduate, stories about Zoey’s time on tour to Bea spilling the tea about scandals in Hollywood. As time flew by it was almost late in the afternoon when Zoey had to meet with another producer bidding Bea goodbye and that they will meet up again soon.

Bea traveled back up to her apartment, ran straight to the couch and took a fat nap for an hour. When her eyes fluttered open she noticed a figure on top of her, one she’s all too familiar with. The women she spent her senior years trying to ruin the life of instead of confessing sooner. Her blond hair fell like curtains around Bea’s face making her blush all too noticiable. Then finally a whisper in her ear “god Farmsville you’re still obsessed with me it seems like you haven’t changed at all” a cool breath hits Bea’s ear seeming all too real

“AHH Poppy how the fuck did you get in here!” Bea screamed as her eyes shot wide open looking around her apartment to see if Poppy was actually there, slightly disappointed when she wasn’t.

“Just a dream huh” Bea thought to her self as she layed back on her $25000 couch questioning her life.

However she wondered how that dream could’ve ended if she had not woken up just before the fun parts…. Soon the girl’s desires overcame her as she rolled over to grab her phone shooting a quick text to Veronica

Bea: hey V it’s Bea I’m back in New York planning to give some gifts to our cohorts 😜 but just wondering if you know where Poppy is staying for education purposes

Not long after a notification shows up on her phone with an address attached from Veronica. Bea quickly inserts the address into her maps app noticing the location was only an hour away.

Shocked She quickly unpacks her luggage to find a cute outfit, retouched her makeup before spraying on her favourite YSL perfume.

“Alright let’s go see if our favourite bitch is still alive”

—————

To anyone who reads this sorry if it is bad writing has always been my weak point and I needa practice for my final year of HS 😞

[so-this-happened-i-guess]

Detective, guide me?

[Goro Akechi x Reader]

Summary: You’re visiting your cousin who lives in Tokyo and you just happen to meet the Detective Prince, Goro Akechi.

Warnings: NONE

Author’s Note: I feel like we need more of Akechi, am i right? Sure I am. Just a short story, please bear with me.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32248585

“Like I said, cousin, I have literally no idea where I am or where I am supposed to be going,“ you huffed as you talked to your beloved cousin on the phone, while also being completely lost in Shibuya. Well, it seemed like such a good idea to visit him while he was here during his probation. Now you were not so sure anymore as you stood completely dumbfounded next to the famous Buchiko statue.

Out of self pity you reached to rub the dog’s paw, listening to your cousin’s attempt to give you the easiest possible directions. Easy, my ass, you thought bitterly.

You eyed the people go on and about their business and you caught yourself spacing out, suddenly the voice that spoke to you on the phone became a white noise.

“You got that? Just make sure you get to Yongen-Jaya. I can pick you up there at the station...“ your cousin hummed, a cat-like noise in the background that made you think the cat was telling him something. Ha, ridiculous. Thank Anime for those thoughts.

You blinked once - then twice. You felt hot and cold at the same time and you glanced around nervously. What was it he just said?

“Uh- yeah! Got’cha! No prob. Be there. Y-Yongen-Chia- was it?” you stuttered.

“What? No, Yongen-Jaya. Good luck, I gotta do something now,” your cousin laughed. “I trust you can do it!”

“W-wait- wait don’t hang up- Wait- Yongen-Jaya- how there?” you called desperately but the call was already disconnected.

Awesome-- you’re doomed. Were you supposed to just call a taxi? Surely that’d be the best course of action-

You had to look very lost and pathetic, because a young man approached you. You weren’t paying him much attention at first, frantically searching on your phone for any help internet could give you.

“I apologise for eavesdropping,“ the man said, forcing you to look up at him. You realised two things: his voice sweet like sugar and his face as handsome as that detective’s you saw on the TV just the other day-- huh, what?

“You were.. eavesdropping..? On me?“ you questioned suspiciously.

“Oh yes, how rude of me, I know. I overheard you’re headed to... Yongen-Jaya?“ he asked, giving you a sweet smile.

“You’re hearing things, sir,“ you remained cautious as you looked up and down his slim figure. You noticed the familiar uniform he was wearing, the attaché case with an A. in a circle. The reddish-brown eye colour that somehow reminded you of red wine.

He laughed softly, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“My, I understand your concerns, but let me assure you, I approached you with good intentions. I, myself, am headed there. There’s this restaurant I’d like to visit.“ he hummed, still smiling.

Well, you should’t look given horse in the mouth if he was offering to help, right?

“What’s your name, sir?“ you mumbled, at this point just making sure.

This question seemed to take him by surprise as he blinked at you, his shock bringing you just a little satisfaction.

“Goro Akechi, Miss. I am-“

“Oh, so it is you,” you gasped quietly, covering your mouth. “Sure have guts talking to random person on the street. Should I start screaming that I see ‘the Detective Prince’?“ you teased, really just testing his intentions.

“Please don’t. Don’t you need help getting somewhere?” he smiled innocently, which took the wind out of your sails.

You nodded, defeated.

“Let me help you.”

With that, you followed Goro Akechi.

_____________

The train was packed.

You could not believe the amount of people that managed to squeeze in, and it was even more shocking to you that it felt comforting when the detective stood between you and the others, shielding you from the rest of the passengers, as you stood with your back pressed against the train’s window.

Admittedly, it was a little weird having his hands just centimetres away from your head on both the left and the right side of you, but he was steadying himself from falling or being pushed on you. What a gentleman.

In return, you were holding his briefcase.

“I apologise, i didn’t think it’d be quite this crowded at this hour in the evening,“ Akechi mumbled, as if annoyed by the others.

“It’s alright, not your fault,“ you offered him a shy smile.

Akechi smiled back at you, keeping as much distance as he could when he felt someone’s backpack press into his back, forcing him closer to you. He still tried to keep calm.

“You know, you seem more patient on TV,“ you thought out loud.

“I try,“ he mumbled, eyeing you as you let out a quiet giggle. Well, that was cute.

"So, you said you're going to some restaurant?" you asked, fancying the idea of trying to have a small talk with the detective.

"It's famous for curry and coffee," Akechi nodded.

That made you pause a little. You were pretty sure your cousin was saying that exact same thing. Curry and coffee of the best quality. A restaurant located in a back alley with a French-like name. Hmm, name. What was it called again?

"-- anyways, in case you were interested, thats the restaurant's name," you caught the last portion of whatever Akechi was saying.

"Huh?" you blinked up at him, now actually feeling his breath on your skin as the crowd made him close the distance between the two of you almost completely. Centimetres apart, literally.

For reasons unknown, you felt your cheeks heat up. On the other side, it was pretty warm these days and the train was pretty full. Yup.

"Quite the habit of not listening, huh? I wonder if you have in common with whoever you're visiting," Akechi voiced his thoughts with a small snicker, either ignoring or not noticing the blush on your face.

Don't be stupid, he was a detective, he had to notice--

“No, not really. He’s a really good listener, actually,“ you shook your head slightly, gripping Akechi’s case tighter.

Akechi didn’t answer verbally, giving you a small nod instead. At this point his elbows were bent and his forearms also rested against the window. So close.  You were pretty you’ve read about scenes like those online.

“Can I know his name and your destination, then? I could just escort you there, seeing how close we’ve gotten over our short ride,” Akechi said, an almost amused look on his face when you choked on your saliva. He meant literally. He meant literally!

“Akira Kurusu. Uhh, I am not sure what the place is called-“

“Akira Kurusu?“ Akechi blinked.

You nodded shyly. Did you say something wrong? Surely not?

“Then, assuming you weren’t listening when I first mentioned the restaurant’s name, are you headed to LeBlanc?“

Your gasp was all he needed to hear and you heard him sigh, mutter a quiet ‘Seriously,’ under his breath.

“Is there something wrong?“ you frowned a little. “Do you know my cousin?“

“Ah yeah, We... have met. A few times, actually. Yes.“ Akechi gritted through his teeth quietly. Well, what a full 180° turn in the atmosphere.

You couldn’t help but giggle. This was quite interesting. You loved to annoy your cousin and seeing Akechi’s partially annoyed expression gave you ideas.

Maybe you found a partner in crime.

_____________

Akechi helped you step out of the train, holding your wrist tenderly as he pulled you aside as the crowd flowed through the station. He held your wrist for a bit, watching the people exit and enter the train.

“Here, your thing,“ you mumbled, pushing the briefcase into his free hand, letting him hold onto your wrist as long as he thought was necessary.

“Hmhm,“ he nodded. He fell quiet after he confirmed your destination and Akira’s name.

“Does it bother you that much?“ you asked.

“Does what bother me?“ he frowned a little.

“That Akira’s my cousin, that you volunteered to take me to LeBlanc,” you shrugged nonchalantly, noticing he still didn’t let go of your wrist.

“You said it, I volunteered - and I am headed there too, either way. And it was just... an unexpected information, don’t make it a big deal,“ he mumbled, looking around. “Let’s get going.“

Holding your wrist, he pulled you along, avoiding people as he followed the path he knew so well.

What a tsundere, you thought. That meant Akira knew this man too, then, right? You’d ask him later. Now, all you could do was drag yourself behind this fast paced detective.

_____________

“(Y/N)- finally- why didn’t you call m---“ Akira paused in whatever he was about to say as was left speechless after he just opened the door to LeBlanc to greet you - and Akechi who was still holding your wrist-- wait, what?

“Cousin!“ you beamed, throwing yourself at Akira who caught you in his arms, holding you close - and you realised it was because he was just kind of glaring at the man who guided you here.

“Hello, Kurusu,“ Akechi faked his famous TV smile. “I apologise for this late intrusion, but I happened to run into (Y/N) here and seeing the lost look in your cousin’s eyes, I couldn’t not-help,“ he explained, oh so sweetly.

Akira rolled his eyes, glancing at you as he held your shoulders.

“I’m really sorry, Akira! I just felt so bad calling or texting you again, it felt so embarrassing! And he happened to be headed the same way!“ you apologised as you wiggled out of Akira’s hold.

“... Sure, alright. Uh. I will make you coffee on the house, tomorrow?“ Akira mumbled to Akechi who beamed in response.

“Splendid, how kind of you, Kurusu.”

“Yeah. Uh, (Y/N)... I will ... just...  prepare your dinner, you must be hungry... uh... say thanks to Akechi...?“ Akira mumbled, actually unsure how to talk to the detective when you were present. He turned on his heels, shaking his head as he went inside the restaurant.

You glanced at Akira and then turned to Akechi who crossed arms over his chest.

“Thank you so much for the help. I am sure I’d be still at Shibuya station if it weren’t for you!“ you laughed nervously.

Akechi gave you a small nod.

The silence stretched, but you weren’t sure you wanted to say goodbye to the detective-guide that you met today.

You grasped all of the courage you could as you leant to peck Akechi’s cheek quickly.

“Please, be my guide again, sometime soon, detective,“ you smiled sweetly and then rushed inside the restaurant to bother your cousin.

Akechi stood outside with a dumbfounded expression, eyes wide as he watched you disappear inside LeBlanc. He blinked once, then twice, as a smile spread on his face. His gloved fingertips touched his cheek where your lips touched his skin.

“I’d love that,“ he mumbled, to no one in particular.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Hue and Cry XVII

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape (series), trauma, some elements untagged.

This is dark!medieval!Bucky Barnes x reader and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Synopsis: The reader and Zemo try to figure out what’s next.

Note: Hey, I banged this out quicker than expected. This part went longer than I expected to not as much happened as I thought hahaha. But here we go, again.(I will try to update the masterlist asap)

Thanks to everyone and thanks in advance for all your feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

MASTERLIST

Two Summers Later

The sun raised beads of sweat across your brow, even in the shadow of the tree. A gentle breeze rolled over the grass now and again, a soft sort of heat. You laid across the blanket in your thin dress, a subtle movement beside you, low babbling and grasping fingers. You breathed in the scent of pollen and watched the lush leaves sway above.

The footsteps were light but he was careful not to frighten you. The baby girl murmured, over a year old now. She stood, unsteadily, and he caught her before she stumbled too far. His shadow loomed above you as he lifted Elina and smiled at her round cheeks.

“How is my little baroness?” he cooed as he bounced her and her gibberish grew louder as she grabbed at his pale tunic, “my lady?” he peered down at you, “you look… serene.”

“She likes to watch the cloud but it’s much too bright today,” you sat up and grabbed your cane from against the trunk. Lord Zemo offered his hand and helped you to your feet, “so we have watched the bloom instead.”

“She is getting big. More agile,” he commented as she tugged at his beard. He’d grown it over the winter but hadn’t cut it even in the heat. She liked to pet it and you suspected that was the reason for his obstinacy, “how will you keep up with her?”

“I have learned,” you poked him with the tip of your cane, “still learning.”

“Very quickly,” he praised, “the accent is better,” he pinched two fingers together, “I almost believe you a woman of this land.”

“Sometimes I believe it myself,” you went to the bench and sat heavily. Your hip never healed quite as it had been before so you limped with the carved wood capped with silver and made the best of it, “bring her here,” you set the can aside and pulled the thin scarf over your shoulders, “she should eat.”

“I told you, a wet nurse would do her better,” he neared and handed her over after a final peck on her cheek, “and she is getting older. She eats at the table now.”

“She will have some proper food when we get in,” you covered her against your chest and unlaced the front of your gown, “I like having her close.”

He nodded and paced through the grass. He removed his silk cap and ran his fingers through his dark hair. He was anxious as of late, you noticed only because it was an unusual trait for him. He sighed as he tucked his hat into his belt.

“Would you tell me?” you asked sharply as Elina latched.

“Tell you what?” he tilted his head coyly.

“What makes you uneasy?” you urged.

The tugging in your chest calmed you as you cradled your daughter close. When she was born, that had been difficult. She reminded you of her father then but now she was yours. She was the only gift he’d ever given you.

“It is… complicated,” he said with a frown, “I think it best we put the child down before we talk on it.”

“If you wish,” you relented, “Werner says she is doing well. I went to him this morning.”

“And you?” Zemo crossed his arms, “does he say you are doing well?”

You kept one arm around Elina and unthinkingly brushed the scar that stretched from your hairline to your chin, a rippled line along your cheek, one of a dozen markers of that fateful day. You still dreamed of it but they weren’t so much nightmares as vague memories.

“I will need the cane so long as I live,” you said and dropped your arm back under the scarf, “the scars will fade but not entirely. I suppose none of that matters.”

He nodded and rubbed his chin as he began to pace again, “back from the dead,” he mused, “we have a legend here, about a woman, a queen…” he went on, “she married a king who did not love her nor she him. He wanted another and he was… quite intent on it. So he accused her of adultery and witchery and passed on her the harshest sentence; she was drawn and quartered, pulled apart by horses.

“We have since done away with such punishments, too savage, but the legend goes that they buried the parts of her and the king married his lover on her grave. The gods saw it as an affront, the lies, the trial held in their names, the death imparted in the same vein, and then a mocking marriage on the site of their sins…

“In her casket, her body reformed though she still showed the signs of her fate. She climbed out of her resting place and visited her king in the night. She’d never done that before you see because he had no love for her, he never even tried, and she tore him piece by piece, worse even then the horses. Fingers, toes, tongue… balls, every bit of him plucked little by little until he was nothing.

“The legend never did say where she went after that, her grave was found disturbed and her body gone. Those women who suffer with violent or cruel men, they pray to her, they burn candles for her, and even, they kill their men for her.”

“Why are you saying all this?” you interrupted as you wiped up your chest and clumsily tied up the laces of your dress as Elina slobbered down it.

“Because I see you are reformed like the queen but I wonder, where is your sense of vengeance?”

You were quiet as you fixed your dress and lifted Elina above the scarf to pat her back. Soon she would no longer take the nipple and you were stubborn to keep it up for so long but the time passed and the thought of separation frightened you. Soon she would be old enough to realise how odd everything was and she would ask questions. You weren’t sure if you could ever answer them.

“Take her please,” you held her out and he came to lift her. He set her down on her feet instead and held her hand as she took some steps. She grew more bold by the minute. He bent as he ushered her around. You planted your cane in the ground and stood, “vengeance,” you said carefully, “I remember you warned me not to trust you, is that why? Are you ready to use me against him?”

“I always knew you were clever,” he smiled as Elina bent her legs and bounced in place. He chuckled at her and suddenly scooped her up. He tossed her and caught her as she trilled in excitement, “the time comes closer but the path is not clearer.”

You watched him as he stilled your daughter and balanced her against his side, “I don’t know if I can ever face him again,” you confessed.

“That is not what I ask,” he said, “it is not what I intend but...the winds begin to blow and I must let them carry me.”

You followed him as he set off towards the castle, The Tower Zemo, a bastion of brick among the grasslands. It was so tall one could see for miles in any direction and it could be seen in turn from just as far. He was patient as your cane plunked down after each step and he made silly faces at Elina.

“You have bided me longer than I expected. And her,” you said as you approached the open doors of the castle. The stairs were another task but you’d learned to take them with your hip.

“Her? You think I forsake her her father? She is nothing like him,” he replied as he waited at the tip of the steps, “and she is all the good parts of you. All that he didn’t take.”

“I am indebted to you, I am aware of that, but you do not attempt to collect your dues,” you challenged as you came level to him, “it makes me wary.”

“Would it be too… ridiculous to say that she is payment enough,” he smiled at your daughter, “she has brightened many of my days here.”

“It is because I know how things are. How it works among you noblemen,” you countered, “there is something more you want.”

“Tess,” he called and the pudgy maid appeared, “she is hungry, see that she is fed before she is laid down.”

“My lord,” Tess took the child eagerly and poked her nose playfully, “come here, little poppy.”

You watched her go as she began to sing to Elina. Her voice carried through the corridors as her wide hips swayed and her white hair wisped from under her cap. The old woman had seen your daughter into the world and since helped keep her there.

“So what is it you haven’t told me?” you turned on Zemo.

“Wouldn’t you like to sit?” he asked slyly.

“You are welcome to recline, sir, but I would hear you now. I’ve waited long enough,” you insisted.

“Well…” he took a deep breath and walked ahead of you. He turned back and clapped his hand together as the summer flowed in through the open doors, “I must send you away.”

“Send me away?” you gulped and looked to the door which Tess had just taken your daughter through.

“You will have Elina, I am not heartless,” he said, “though I will miss the little baroness.”

“Where are we going?” you quivered in relief.

“I have a castle on the lake, Heinrich’s Creek,” he explained, “it is a lovely little place. My mother’s favourite of my family’s holds. It is far away from court, further than this, and safe. Only my blood knows where it lies and… so only me and those who I would have escort you.”

“And why? Why do we have to go? Why now?” you prodded.

“I have received a letter from your King Samuel, co-signed by my own king. A party is on the road already and I have been once more tasked with hosting the negotiations. Your people are persistent. They will come here and I will represent the kingdom in these meetings and hopefully I can appease them quick enough that I needn’t worry about them sniffing around,” Zemo bristled, “I have not been allowed the privilege to know of who I host but any in the capital for the tournament, they would know the woman who gave them such a violent finale.”

“And after?”

“We will see how it unfolds first. It will be a chance to gain a measure of the climate. I might even hear after your former keeper, then I will decide what needs be done,” his dark eyes narrowed as mischief ticked in his cheek.

“Why?” you asked, “why cling to it?”

“I am as stubborn as he,” he said carefully, “I was willing to set it aside but he could not. And, my lady, if you haven’t the fire left for your vengeance then I can simply take it upon my own wrath. 

“Perhaps it is low of me but how he treated me, how he chased me out even if it did prove convenient to my deceit, it cannot be forgotten. And your people, the war I fought against them, they come to us for help and yet they still boast of their victory. I was there, no one won those battles.”

“So it is all a game of war?”

“Oh, no, I do not long for another war but… retribution leaves few options for the wronged,” he said.

You lowered your chin and moved around him. You sat on the stool by the wall and leaned back against the stone. “And if it put Elina in danger?”

“That is the last thing I want to do. That is why I would send you away.”

“But you said it yourself, you will have need for me… what then?”

He sniffed and his sole scuffed on the floor, “I promised you Elina’s safety, her life. You knew yours wasn’t part of the bargain.”

“I know but… if you--”

“I have friends who can see to the girl. I have made arrangements for the little baroness.”

“But--”

“It was never a title I gave her lightly,” he intoned, “she has noble blood and I have no heir. She will grow, she will live, she will flourish.”

You gripped your cane tightly and ran your nails along your skirt, “when do we leave?”

“Within the month. The party will not be here so soon, their progress will be hampered by the heat. There are droughts in the west.”

“And we will be safe at the Creek?”

“Impenetrable,” he assured, “enjoy your time there with your daughter.”

“While it lasts, right?” you uttered.

He looked away grimly and brushed his knuckles against this beard, “we both knew this wouldn’t go on forever.”

“Yes, we knew,” you stood and held your hip, “but you can’t blame me for hoping it would.”