#i'm so sorry charles but someone is giving you a run for your money for the pretties boy on the grid spot

[livetogether--diealone]

FRANCO, quali reaction - BAKU 24

[redclercs]

DELICATE✰ CHARLES LECLERC.

xiii. and all the pieces fall right into place

— the one where he’s in love with you.

warnings: mykonos inaccuracies, mentions of anxiety, language, not proofread sorry! have mercy and ignore the mistakes, i feel like this is very romcomish and i actually quite like it! 3.5k words (+articles!)

currently playing: i'm in love with you by the 1975!

masterlist ✢ next

IT doesn't come as a surprise that actress y/n y/ln is surrounded by rumors and he-said-she-saids, her life has been a constant rollercoaster since March of the present year, when the news of her breakup to superstar Aidan Kim due to her cheating were made public by various outlets.

Since she decided to 'speak up' not two months ago, after letting the world drag her throught the mud, which in this writer's humble opinion, is the clearest sign of guilt. y/n has been on the road of digging her reputation out of the cemetery, not minding that what's dead should stay that way: Dead AND buried.

The public's opinion on the 'Queen of Romcoms' is progressively changing to her benefit, call it manipulation or excellent PR, word on the street is that y/n has landed a role that will mean the complete turnaround for her career in Greta Gerwig's version of 'Little Women' (as if we needed YET another version), alongside industry figures such as Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep and Saoirse Ronan.

One thing's for sure, this role will make or break her sorry excuse of a career. I hope you have taken acting lessons, y/n, because actual actors are about to give you a run for your money.

SEE ALSO:

→ Aidan Kim's 'In Your Pocket' M/V features ex girlfriend's belongings.

→ y/n y/ln and Charles Leclerc meet again in Paris.

→ Matilde Bassi takes on the role of Elphaba in her return to Broadway.

August 18th, Mykonos, Greece.

It's true what they say: everything is worse in your head.

It isn't like you to prove motivational Pinterest quotes right, but they are right. This trip looked wildly different in your head and not exactly in a positive way, though, to be fair after the shitshow you've lived through for half the year, your head is not the happiest place on Earth. Or the one that sees the glass half-full.

Anxiety was the only thing fueling you (besides a shaken espresso, again not the brightest idea) as you left Paris with Charles. Hyper-aware of his presence next or behind you as if he was this magnet you couldn't tear yourself apart from.

"What is it?" he'd asked a couple times when he felt your gaze on him as you waited by your gate for the flight to Athens. Charles was the textbook definition of confident and composed, hiding his expression behind a pair of Bvlgari shades. At the end of the day your destination had been his choice, which was fine by you. If you had to think any more than absolutely necessary about the trip and everything it involved, you would have backed out and ran back to New York with Matilde. And Charles knew this, so he took charge.

You only had so many 'it's nothing's in you before admitting that you were terrified. Not of him, of course, but the jumble in your brain and your heart didn't translate properly into words and it only added on to another fear: making a fool of yourself. After all this was, in its reason, absolutely terrifying. Confronting your feelings for Charles after months of denying you had them felt like some twisted exposure therapy. And the voices in your head that sometimes sounded a lot like Mati and others way too close to Victoria and Aidan, went from telling you that it is obvious Charles feels the same way to reminding you of how unlovable you truly are.

But it was all worse in your head.

Your brain has toned the fight or flight instinct per your insistence that it is supposed to be for actual life-threatening situations, not seeing Charles Leclerc in a bathing suit.

So you're enjoying the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. It's a beautiful place and you deserve to have a good time with someone you have grown to care about so much.

“Having fun?” You ask, letting your sunglasses slide past the bridge of your nose to look at Charles properly.

It’s yacht day, and although you don’t usually fare well in boats and were dreading the nausea even before you set foot in the thing, you’re doing pretty well.

“Of course I'm having fun, I'm with you.” Charles replies, smiling. He's lying next to you in a lounge chair, basking in the sun.

It's probably not a good idea for you to be tanning, since, if you get lucky you'll be playing a girl in a piece taking place in the United States Civil War. But if anything, you'll find a way to solve it.

"Are you sure that's going to look good?" you question, raising an eyebrow as Charles points the Polaroid in your direction. The quite strict 'no phones' policy was his idea, and you agreed in a heartbeat. You were willing to let the outside world outside. Which is what led you two to buy an extremely overpriced Polaroid camera in a tourist shop. "There's too much light."

Charles shrugs, snapping the picture while you still have your eyebrows raised. "We'll see."

You already have a collection between the pages of the book you carry with you in your suitcase, and it's only been one day since your holiday started. Charles and you take turns with the camera, but to be honest it's mostly him taking candids of you and showing them off excitedly.

"Gorgeous," he says after he's shaken the little square enough to reveal your image glaring at him. "Even if you are giving me a dirty look."

You laugh before rolling your eyes. His compliments come more often now, and he awaits your reaction with a slight anxiety that recedes when you smile. "My turn to have it."

Charles holds the camera close to his chest. "Not yet."

"You're so unfair,"

This makes Charles laugh again, but still doesn't give the camera up. "Fine. Let's take one together, soleil."

This would be your second picture together in the whole trip. The other one is a very bright depiction of your confused faces as you tested the camera for the first time. You wanted to throw it to the trash before Charles took it from you and kept it in the pocket of his trousers.

Charles makes the most space for you to sit down in the lounge chair as he possibly can, but there's a reason they're individual, so you're still halfway on top of him as you try to fit in the frame. His skin is warm, as it was expected from being in the sun, but your body reacts in the opposite way, exploding in goosebumps.

"Are you okay?" he asks, lowering the camera. His Adam's Apple bobs as he swallows, trying to keep his eyes on your face and not the bright pink top of your bikini.

"Perfect," you retort too quickly to be truthful, "I just— I'm in your personal bubble."

Charles chuckles. His free hand goes down from your shoulder to your bare waist in a second, pulling you closer to him and over-confident movement that shocks even Charles himself. "I like you being here."

You don't know how to react to the most obvious flirting you have been subjected to by Charles. You are not even sure you're capable of flirting back.

Your relationship with Aidan just happened. That's the only way you could describe it for the three years that you were with him. It happened because it was supposed to, you met in the set of a romcom, you kissed and kissed and kissed, and suddenly you didn't have to act as much in love as you had to just live it in front of the cameras. It made sense, at least for a while.

You couldn't pinpoint the exact moment in which you had fallen in love with Aidan Kim. You had just let your relationship from coworkers to fictional lovers to actual lovers run its course the way you thought was normal and expected. Maybe that was the first mistake in a long line you can't seem to stop dragging around. It's not like you didn't love him—in some moments more than others—but it didn't feel like you had fallen in love with him.

And with Charles, it couldn't be like that. It hadn't been like that from the start, but you still felt like you could fuck it up any second just by not being able to make a flirty retort without sounding like you were being strangled.

"You do?" you reply, letting your weight fall a little more on his legs. Maybe words can be left behind if you can get a grip on your actions. You don't want to be afraid, and you want to cross that threshold with him, finally.

He only holds your waist tighter, clearing his throat before readying the camera once more. Charles wants to kiss you, of course he wants to kiss you. He has probably wanted it since he saw you that day in his Driver's Room sneaking away with a granola bar and a bottle of water. But he also doesn't want to do it in the middle of a yacht, rushed and mostly hormone-driven.

"Ready, soleil?" Charles asks, his breath tickles your neck and you sink your fingers into his shoulder.

"Ready." you smile, enjoying the warmth of his body more than you do that of the sun.

─────────

You finish applying your peach colored lipstick three seconds before Charles knocks on the door to your room. Although you're exhausted from the sun, you're also relaxed and content, you can't wait to spend more time with Charles.

"Hi," you greet as you open the door. Charles is wearing khaki shorts and a half-unbuttoned white shirt, and the same Bvlgari sunglasses he's been carrying everywhere rest low on his chest. "I'm ready!"

Charles nods, holding his hand out for you. "You look beautiful, soleil."

"Thank you," you smile at him, taking his hand, although you wish you could have wiped it on your sundress before giving it to him. After the yacht, the whole aura shifted. Charles' gaze lingers on you more than usual, your fingers look for his, grazing each other until he finally intertwines them. You hope the sun melts you into one another.

Though maybe you should start by hoping you finally get the guts to kiss him.

It was your idea to get some drinks before dinner, and after a simple Google search you found a pretty place where you could chill while watching the sunset. Regrets came after that, when you found out you had to walk uphill to get to the place. Charles can't stop laughing as you whine and drag your already sore feet.

Once you are led to your seats—a pair of cushions on the floor of the terrace—you stop complaining. The view is magnificent and the expectation hanging in the air has you buzzing in the best way. Something is going to happen, and you know for the first time in months, it is going to be good.

Charles is talking about last year's Dutch Grand Prix, when your phone rings. While the idea of no phones allowed was lovely, it was a little unrealistic considering both your careers. But you have made it work with the "only urgent calls" feature and automatic response texts, so you know this is probably really important.

Matilde is staying at your house per your insistence that, even if you weren't there, she could make herself at home. But sometimes she still calls you to make sure that whatever she's doing is okay with you.

"Go ahead," Charles nods gently, thanking the waiter as he places your drinks in the tiny table between your cushions.

The unregistered number appears familiar as you stare at your screen, and you snap back to reality before missing the call. "Hello?"

"Hello," it's a female voice on the other side of the line, chirpy and clear. "Am I talking to Amy March?" she laughs, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Charles notices the way your demeanor changes and he's unsure of how to react in return. The hand holding your iPhone against your ear has begun to shake and your mouth is hanging slightly open, lower lip trembling.

You did it. You got the role.

You are coming back.

"y/n?" Charles ventures, anxiously.

"YES!" you speak to the phone again, unable to moderate your tone. "Yes, this is her!"

The casting director on the phone laughs again, although her ear is probably ringing. "Hello y/n, I just called to let you know about the role you got in..."

You try your best to pay attention to her as your eyes drift to Charles, your free palm pressed to your mouth, yet unable to hide your grin. The muscles in your face are still trembling with a mixture of excitement and the urge to cry. You thought happy tears would never come back to you.

Still unsure of what's happening, Charles looks at the people around you. Some have started to stare, others have already made up their minds about you being some crazy, noisy tourists and aren't interested in that. At least he's starting to feel relieved that you're smiling, although there are tears in the corner of your eyes.

You agree to a meeting next week and thank her around a million times before hanging up. It's official.

Charles remains silent, anxiously waiting for you to share the news.

"I got it!" you screech, and tears roll down your cheeks. The salt in them touches your lips, but you relish them. You are happy, ecstatic. "I got the role, Charlie!"

An audible sigh escapes from Charles' lips and before he knows it, you're throwing your arms around him. Not even giving him time to speak.

You're still crying as he envelops you in a hug that leaves you breathless. His hand runs down the back of your head and pulls you closer by your lower back.

"I knew you could do it," he whispers softly, before his lips brush against your temple. "Congratulations my sun."

The possessive has your stomach filling with butterflies and you hug Charles even tighter. You are grateful for him, because he did believe in you, and he has stuck to your side no matter how crazy your environment gets. He cares about you, genuinely and deeply.

Later you will have a recollection of moments that are tinted pink in your mind. Reminding you of all the times where you realized you were in love with Charles. But this one right here is the one where you realize you are so in love with the man holding you in his arms you can hardly breathe.

"Thank you, Charlie," you hiccup slightly, overwhelmed with every single emotion in your body. "Thank you."

Charles kisses your cheek gently, holding your face with both hands. "I'm really proud of you."

You smile widely as he runs a thumb across your cheek to wipe your tears. "Thanks."

You return to your own cushion hurriedly, too happy to feel embarrassed about the show you just put up for the rest of the tourists.

Now there's just one thing left for this to be perfect.

─────────

You're walking hand in hand back to the hotel, stopping with any chance you get. Attempting to make the night longer before you have to part ways at the door of your respective hotel rooms and spend yet another night tossing and turning, haunted by what could be or what could have been between the two of you.

But time is running out as you reach your floor and neither has given that step that will throw you both off the edge. In a good way, though.

"So, goodnight?" Charles rubs the back of his head anxiously, letting go of your hand as you rummage your beach bag for the key to your room.

You look up at him, the keycard already between your index and middle finger. "Goodnight, Charlie."

It's all awkwardness as Charles reaches for your hand again and gives it a gentle kiss. His stubble feels raspy against the back of your hand. You wrap your arms around him again letting your hand touch the back of his neck. Neither of you want to actually say goodnight.

"See you tomorrow," you mutter, aware that you've already hugged him more than what's socially acceptable.

Charles nods, squeezing your hand one last time before letting you disappear inside your room.

You want to scream into your pillow and hit yourself in the head. But Charles would probably be able to hear the banging against the wall and it would mortify you. You make yourself busy for a few minutes by removing your makeup and changing your clothes, before you finally listen to the impulse nagging your brain.

Go and find Charles.

You open the door to your room before your anxiety makes you hesitate and you find Charles closing the door to his.

"Oh," you say, slowly.

"Do you want to sit with me on the balcony?" Charles rushes to say, fighting against his anxiety much like you.

Both your rooms are the exact same, so when he points to his room, you move out of the door to yours instead.

"Yes."

Charles enters your room slowly, as if it's unknown territory, although it mirrors his. Maybe a little messier since you just threw your clothes all over the place as you ranted to yourself about how stupid and childish you were being just ten minutes ago.

"Sorry for the mess," you cringe, throwing the bottom of your bikini to one side with your left foot. You will probably be looking for that thing like crazy tomorrow, but you're trying to focus on the now.

"It's okay," Charles assures, smiling as he crosses the room to the glass door that leads to the balcony. Two lounge chairs and a simple table await.

You follow after him once you've grabbed some tiny bottles from the mini bar, two Red Labels and one Hennessy. Offering one to Charles before sitting in the chair next to him. Liquid courage, if anything.

Charles uncaps his Red Label and jiggles it gently towards you. "Toast?"

"To what?" you question, placing the tiny cap on the table. You've toasted to your new role several times already, and honestly it doesn't get old, but you want Charles to say whatever is on his mind.

"To us," Charles smiles, his eyes never leaving you. "For being here, together."

You clink the tiny bottle against his before downing half of the whisky in one gulp.

Both stay silent for a few minutes, listening to the waves crash against the shore and the sounds of people getting back to their rooms on the other side.

"I can feel you looking at me," you hum, still staring out the balcony and not back at Charles. "Charles?"

"That's because I'm looking at you," he responds nonchalantly. "Because you're beautiful."

You finally look at him, shaking your head lightly. "Thank you."

"And I'm in love with you, y/n," he's almost breathless by the time he says your name, but doesn't stop to take a sharp breath. He doesn't even hesitate as he changes his position in the lounge chair, his whole body facing you. "I am so in love with you, I don't understand how the fuck is my heart able to keep beating."

It's like the world has paused for Charles to continue with his confession in peace. All of Mykonos is holding its breath, even the sea.

"I know you already know," he adds as you open your mouth. "But I have to tell you because I cannot keep swallowing the words every time you look at me like that. I'm in love with you, and you don't have to say it back."

You're moving in slow motion as you leave your chair, you can feel your hands shaking but fight against the motion of pinching your thigh or pulling on the string of your shorts. You're nervous, but you're not about to back down. Charles holds his breath when you stand in front of him, but stands up too.

"I'm in love with you too," you breathe, placing a hand on his chest. His heart is going so fast, it's like the words he spoke not a minute ago float in the air. "I really am in love with you, Charles."

Charles is mildly afraid of touching you, as if by doing so you would disappear. But the urgency to finally kiss you is bigger than his fear, and he wants to hold you and blend your bodies together and so, so many things all at once.

His hands grip your face firmly, but not with enough strength to hurt you and you close your eyes, melting into the way his lips touch yours. Softly, tentatively at first. As if testing the pieces of a puzzle you're not quite certain they fit together. But you respond immediately, moving your mouth against his and taking your hand to his jaw.

And it's like overflowing gates have finally opened.

Charles stumbles back to the low chair, pulling you with him swiftly yet with care. His hands have traveled down to your hips and he helps you settle on his lap, straddling him. He has wished for this moment so many times, has fantasized about it on countless occasions, and none of those daydreams compare to the way your lips feel against his. The way your hands move to his hair and how you grip his shoulders to maintain balance.

And it's only when you really need to breathe again that you break the kiss. Your chests rise and fall frantically, matching your heartbeats. You can't wait to kiss him again. You never want to stop kissing him.

He's staring at you, and he has never looked more beautiful than right now with his disheveled hair and reddened lips. And his eyes are so bright when he looks at you, your heart races even more.

So you kiss him again, pressing your chest tighter against him as he holds the back of your head and your lower back. His tongue tastes like whisky and mint as he runs it down your lower lip, and you let him deepen the kiss as much as he wants to. Both of you have wanted this for months, and it's enough and nothing at all, at the same time.

"I'm yours, y/n," Charles says between kisses, breathless and with a tinge of desperation. "Je suis à toi, mon soleil."

And you kiss him again, and again, and again. Because you're his too. You have been his for so long.

─── team principal radio: ❝in the wise words of taylor swift: it's been a long time coming! thank you so much for reading I hope you enjoyed this chapter because i LOVED writing it. also, thank you so much for being so patient and waiting for an update! i'm glad you're still here❤️❞

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[lestappenforever]

hi angel c:

may I just say that this gp was as a fiction? it served us SO MUCH Lestappen content from the begging to the very end! i was scared that at some point it's gonna be fucked (yep talking about Charles' "luck") but instead we got a joint interview, a lot of waist grabbing, smiles and giggles, press conferences with "inchident" jokes and karting days (i'm so sorry for Checo and Carlos being the third wheel but it's inevitable, guys) AND the most important – a battle even in FP2 and then in race! i mean, Charles has done FANTASTIC job (not only in race but throughout the whole weekend. his quali laps? fuck that was hot). i don't remember when was the last time someone overtook Max in battle for the lead. i wanna scream to see Charles in capable and suitable for his style car (and reliable team that does not fuck up the strategies *side-eye to RBR*) 😭😭😭

is Vegas gp gonna be Austria 2.0? we even had the "dirty move" from Max which helped him to took the lead (as in 2019 but thanks fuck no grudges are left no divorce and yeah this time it was just a grip problem), then battles and the sensual podium. damn let us have every gp as Austria and Vegas and Lecstappen tumblr will go completely insane ._.

i'm also still not over the fact that Max apologized. I mean this man is literally the entire weekend was: FUCK YOU OKON FUCK YOU GEORGE FUCK YOU VEGAS FUCK EVERYONE OF YOU except you charlie you're my sweety lovely im sorry for the turn 1 schatje 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

i've seen some people being afraid of "lestappen divorce" after that turn 1, but i wasn't one of them. i really think that their relationship has seriously changed. sure that Max always treated Charles in a special way, congratulating him on good positions, even if he himself lost. but for some reason I feel that Charles himself now does not transfer what happens on the track beyond its boundaries. Austin sprint was also the proof.

okay thanks for listening to my rambling, i'm sleep deprived, these FPs at 5:30 and a race at 7:00 at the weekend the only fucking days when I can get some sleep kinda killed me

anyway, let me just remind you that you're beautiful and precious and just incredibly wonderful person🖤 i'm always looking forward for your posts and every time you reply to anons it's so warm, it makes my day better when i read it. just all your love and kindness you're giving people here... it's valuable. you're valuable. love ya, have a great day!!❤️

Denis, my darling, hello! ❤️

Once again you are dropping truth bombs in my ask box, and I am so happy to read them. I agree with every take you've shared here: the Las Vegas GP practically being taken straight out of a fic, and it actually giving Austria 2022 a run for its money. (Which I doubt any of us were prepared for, let's be honest.)

Both Max and Charles have grown so much over the years, and it's wonderful to see that their relationship has reached the point it's at now. Max apologizing to Charles for the incident in turn 1 is definitely a testament to the severe shift their friendship has taken recently, and it's just beautiful to watch.

I wasn't worried at all about their friendship suffering because of what happened in turn 1, and I think those who were worried about a potential "divorce" are people who haven't been as up-to-date on the shift of their friendship recently. They've reached a point where they can have incidents like that during a race without it impacting their relationship negatively at all. And if that isn't growth, then I don't know what is.

I hope you're catching up on some much needed sleep following this race weekend. 💙

Denis, you have given me such a good reason to smile this Monday morning with yet another heartfelt and kind ask, and words can't express how much I appreciate that and you. You are such a sweetheart, you're so incredibly beautiful inside and out, and you deserve the entire world. I'm so moved by your words, thank you so, so much. I'm so happy my posts can have that kind of impact on you.

Thank you so much for making my entire day with this. You're so valuable too, and I love you. 💕

[bellarkeselection]

Hi can you write Charles Xavier hears about a mutant who sees death ( kind of like future but not really ) he shows up at her house when she was getting robbed and he takes care of her

sorry if it doesn't make sense

Knight in a Wheelchair

Waking up from a nap I feel my heart beating faster. The world knows of mutants after a man named Erik Lehnsherr nearly killed the president of the United States. Running my hands down my face my eyes glowed seeing two men in black ski masks getting knocked out before me on the floor. Shaking my head I don't want to see the horrible vision anymore. Ever since I turned thirteen I get visions of death. Sometimes they are future ones or from the past but it haunts me in the middle of the night. Tonight is different though I am laying in my bed until there's a sound in the kitchen making me get out of bed. Grabbing a baseball bat from underneath my bed I sneak into the living room. It's like a nightmare is happening right in front of me because those men I saw earlier are inside my house.

Peaking around the wall one of the guys digs around in a kitchen drawer searching for something but I don't know what. The other guy dug around behind the tv finding a safe I kept money in that used to be hidden inside the wall. He managed to unlock it until I shouted. "That doesn't belong to you!" The guy in the kitchen suddenly came at me where I take a swing at him with the bat. But he's stronger than me so he pinned me on the ground about to hit me. Suddenly my front door gets thrown opened and someone rolled inside sitting in a wheelchair. The first guy yanks me to my feet pulling out a knife cutting me. He almost hits me again but the guy in the wheelchair raises his fingers to his head freezing both men hitting me and creating bruises.

Shuffling towards a corner I gulped afraid that he might hurt me like those guys did. "Don't be afraid Y/n. I'm a mutant like you. My name is Charles Xavier." I heard a British voice inside my mind with the guy staring at me his bright blue eyes. Shuffling my hand around I found the bat getting ready to hit him. "How can I trust you. I don't know what to believe anymore. Those men just died - I had a vision." Charles rolled forward reaching for my hand but I shake my head no so he kept his fingers to his temple. "They're not dead love. The vision that you see of them dying is my mind knocking them out. But they still are alive." Lifting my gaze up to his I mumbled under my breath still shaken up at the two men laying asleep inside my house. "Can you help me, Charles...I haven't slept right since I was twelve years old." The attractive man nodded still holding out his hand for me to take.

Slowly placing my hand in his he pulled me to stand upright. My other hand falling to my side still holding the bat which he noticed. "I have a question Y/n. Why didn't you take a swing at me with that?" Raising a brow at him I shrugged my shoulders dropping the weapon feeling it not necessary anymore. Somehow I feel at ease around the charming man I had just met. Like he could protect me from the darkness that controlled my mind. "I don't know I just feel safe around you. Can you help me please?" I begged until he gently squeezes my hand in his giving my hand a kiss making me lightly blush. I am thankful that we are slightly dark lighting so he couldn't see that. "Yes my dear I believe that I can. I have a school for other mutants like us. Where you can learn to control your powers. Although I must say I haven't ever had a crush on a student." He blushed as I did but confidence came over me when I kissed him and he kissed back smiling. "But don't you worry I'll make an exception for you, love."

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[procrastinatorimagines]

Elevator

Fandom: Chicago Med

Series: One Shot

Pairing/s: Connor Rhodes x Reader

Warning/s: None

Word Count: 1,010

Request: ooooo Connor Rhodes and Reader where they both are surgeons and get trapped in a elevator together and the others hope they admit their feelings for each other

The weather had been affecting power all across the city, but Med had seemed safe from the storm. That was, until all the power went out. With the back up generators that shouldn't have been a problem, and it wasn't, for everyone not currently riding an elevator.

"What do you mean you can't get power to us?" Connor asked over the telecom, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing in frustration.

One moment, you'd both been on your way to surgery, bickering as always about who would take lead, when all of a sudden you lurched to a stop and everything when dark.

You had emergency lighting, thankfully, but maintenance told you you weren't going anywhere. You were stuck until the power came back on, or fire and rescue turned up.

"Maybe a company will come get us out," Connor said, more hopefully to himself than you.

"Doubtful, with this blackout they'll be stretched thin as it is, we're not in imminent danger and the surgery can be done without us or postponed, we're stuck," you explained, leaning back against the elevator wall.

"We're stuck," Connor conceded.

What now?

-

"Twenthy bucks says the tension becomes unbearable, they finally admit their feelings for each other," Will laughed, leaning over the nurses station to where Maggie was taking bets.

"Oh I'll take some of that action," Dorris agreed, laughing as she slid Maggie her bet.

"Connor and Y/N? Give them some credit, they spend so much time in surgery together anyway, you think time together in an elevator will open their eyes?" Ethan asked, his duties running the ED forgotten for the moment as they all talked, waiting for the next wave of blackout related emergencies to arrive.

Doctor Charles walked over, took in what was going on, and the others waited to be scolded for their attitude to the situation. Instead, he slid a twenty of his own across the desk without a word to Maggie, nodded and walked away.

"Go Doctor Charles," she laughed, counting up the money, this was going to be interesting.

-

"Well, I guess neither of us are leading the surgery now," you say, trying to start some kind of conversation. If you were going to be trapped in here, you may as well talk.

Connor laughed dryly, shaking his head, "guess not."

The two of you had always been competitive, ever since med school, so when Connor had come to Med mere months after you, it sparked that old school rivalry.

"Who do you think they'll bring in instead?" He asked after a moments silence, looking your way.

"Definitely not someone as good as either of us," you replied, rubbing your stiff neck. You were both now sat on the cold floor, desperate to move around in more than the confines of the damn box.

"Was that, sort of a complement?" Connor blinked, both laughing.

"Maybe a little," you admitted, "don't get used to it."

"Yeah well, you're right, we are the best surgeons in this hospital," he said.

So you'd finally found something you agreed on, always competing to see who was better than each other when you both could have just settled on the fact that you were better than everyone else.

"Honestly," Connor started, clearing his throat a little and shuffling where he sat, "I always admired, envied even, your dedication and ability in school, and at Med. I guess my jealously made for some unpleasant tension. For that, I'm sorry."

Now it was your turn to be surprised, mutliple complements and an apology in one conversation?

"I just made this awkward didn't I?" Connor asked, embarrassed.

"No no I... Admired and envied huh?" You thought about what he said, "well, if we're being honest, I was always a little intimidated by you in the operating room, everyone turns to you first when something needs to be done. I guess it kind of made me resent you a bit, you aren't entirely to blame for our icy relationship."

"Huh, guess we both had different ideas of each other," he seemed to mull it over in his head. "Do I really come across as intimidating?"

"Sometimes yeah, I guess I thought you were out to one up me because you thought you could do a better job," you told him.

"Oh no, I was always just trying to keep up with you," he replied.

This was not a development either of you saw coming, and you had to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. All this time you'd been at each other's throats had been because, what? You both thought the other was a brilliant surgeon? You were both secretly jealous of each other? Unbelievable.

"If we're carrying on the honesty train," Connor spoke up after a moments contemplative silence, "I always thought about asking you out for a drink back in med school, but then we started competing... and I figured you didn't like me all that much."

"Oh..." You were at a loss for words.

"Crazy right?" Connor back tracked a little, playing it off, worried he'd crossed a line.

"No, no, I just, well, I would have said yes if you'd ask," you shrugged.

Connor met your eyes, an unspoken understanding flashed between the two of you.

He was able to say something else when the lights flickered on full and the familiar hum of machinery could be heard starting up again.

"Looks like we're moving," you both stood up as the elevator jerked into action, taking you up to the next floor.

When the doors were open you both stepped out, glad to be breathing fresher air.

"Looks like you two missed all the fun," Lanick said, seeing you both has he rounded the corner.

"Surgery?" Connor asked.

"Postponed until tomorrow," came the answer, "you should both head home, you were working ragged before you got stuck, and we're sorted for downstairs."

"Thanks," you nodded as he wandered away.

"Tomorrow?" Connor turned to you, "guess there's time for that drink now."

"Guess there is," you smiled.

[thekillingjoke-haha]

Angel With A Shotgun

Summary: The Novak family was big talk,but not nearly as famous as the L/n’s. Togther they can be unstoppable,so what say family ties like guns,drugs,money,and murder?

Paring: Michael!Dean x Male!Reader

1900's Mafia/Gangsters AU

A/N: this is a Micheal fic,but its him in Dean's body so like...idk its the same snake different skin. Also Chuck is referred as Charles

Warning:Blood,guns,knives,gore,torture,swearing. Homophobic comments like just a few. No proof reading

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The Novak's that a family that was one of the most feared yet respected. The way people talk about them down south you'd think they were inspiration for the Bible itself. A man by Charles or Chuck Novak is the head honcho with five sons to help him run is kingdom.

The youngest is Castiel he was probably the nicest of all his siblings,but also the most protected with three other brothers, Gabriel is the definition of trouble and if he slipped up head could easily get lynched good thing he puts that silver tongue to work. Raphael was one of the more head strong,but sadly he was shot when several rivals attacked at on of their bars. Lucifer is the second oldest and the most hot headed with a temper to match the black sheep in his family if you will, then last,but not least Michael he was something else entirely the play boy,a demon is a flat cap and tailored suit.Now that the Novak's have been introduced the world's most feared gang the L/n's is one family not to be fucked with.

(Father's name) leading his kingdom no...empire with his wife (Mother's name) and togther they had only two sons. The second born William and the oldest M/n. William wasn't much involved with the criminal side of the business,but his big brother was the prime example of a gangster. No one besides the L/n gang has seen him he stays out of newspaper coverage and that only allows his terror to run ramped. A man with no face and a title of Satan himself made the oldest Novak just a little timid when he found out. "WHAT THE HELL!!!" Michael threw the newspaper on his fathers desk in anger the older man looked up after glancing at the paper. "I'm due to be wed to a L/n and none the less a man! I can be hanged for so much as saying I do and it IN THE FUCKING BULLETIN!!!" He was seething with hatred in every word. Michael will admit it hurt a lot finding out he was to be wed by the slight disgust look he got while grabbing the paper before getting coffee. "I wanted to tell you sooner,but you were handling something. There's no way out of this a deal was made before you were born me and (Father's name) have been waiting for his wife to bare a girl or your mother to do the same,but your mother's untimely passing and (Mother's name) having gone unfertial our oldest are due to wed." Chuck sighed taking off his thin wired glasses.

"You two were once friends,but I guess time got rid of those memories." Chuck sat down his spectacles down looking at his son. Michael turned to father with shock evident in his eyes. He was friends with M/n L/n the man with no face. Everything was too foggy. The shorter male stood up to a shelf in the office and grabbed a small match box opening it looking around before pulling out a picture. Handing it over to his son he sat back down. "He was one of the only people you'd go to when you were a baby. Heavens he was probably the only person you liked,but when he was five and you were three the fact that our business was centered around blood and there's on bonds it became a fight,mafia versus a gang, and you guys saw eachother less and less till around the time Luci was born not at all." Chuck sighed. The young man was in shock a little boy maybe two or three was cuddled up to a baby in a pale blanket that he remembered was blue fully awake and if the picture could come to life he's sure the boy was humming all while rubbing the infants back.

"No ones seen a picture of him in twenty six years and he was on his fathers hip with a match box car. He's in town and should be coming for dinner here by himself in three days time. So til then keep your brothers in check we don't need them to shoot the young man with a stray bullet." With that Charles dismissed his eldest son as the green eyed boy stormed off in a huff. Michael started to do digging. M/n L/n was in headlines weekly in every post known to man from shootings,assassination,and gangbanding to rumors of his love-life,what he wears,and people claiming to have met him. One thing caught his eye that made him falter. "Gangsters M/n L/n Captures Murderer" that when he started reading the full paper that crumbled a bit due to age. Maybe he's not so bad the guy he caught never saw a courtroom,but met a far worse end all because he caused problems with his people. It was admirable the brunette knew he'd do the same,but not just for anybody. Marriage wasn't settling well with him that didn't mean it felt completely wrong.

One day later

Looking in the mirror Michael watched as his maid adjusted his tie while another smoothed the wrinking in his white button up and vest of his three piece suit. As the oldest he had business to handle people to keep in line. When their hands left his body they scurried out of the room rushing to be down stairs before him. His dress shoes met the floor as he grew closer to the door his youngest sibling ran up next to him. "Can I come,please!" His raven head of hair and doe blue eyes almost made him cave,but with a firm look he gazed down at him. "Sorry little raven,but I have things to handle another time." The pout on Castiel lip didn't move as he held up his hand his pinky out. "Promise?" Interlocking with the ten year olds pinky. "Promise." With that he happily skipped away to play in the garden.

Out the door he went. His flat came on his head and coat thrown over his shoulder his effects tucked in his waistband. Screams caused him to smile as he stood before the butcher on payroll. He wore the man's leather apron having abandoned his tailored suit jacket in the front of the deil. "Were is my money?" He cut the man some more as he continued to scream in pain the white fire from the rusted meat hook in his shoulder flaring with each jerked motion. "Help please!" He yelled all of a sudden in the past hour he hasn't called for assistance. "No can do." A deep voice said behind the oldest Novak turning around sharply his green eyes clashed with e/c. The man looked like anyone off the street his shoes tattered and clothing dirty form labor no bet. "I came for my five notes." The didn't seem fazed at the torture. "Fuck you gypsy scum!!" The pig of a man responded as the tall s/c man crept closer gripping a knife Michael was using. "I just unloaded a load of meat in the summer heat that would give the devil a sweat and all I asked for my effort was five notes nothing more nor less so cough of the money that you clearly owe both of us or I'll carve it out of you and make you squeal like the piggy bank you are." His tone dropped further the blade under the man's fat chin and the Novak felt aroused at the threat. This guy meant every word when the hanging man spat in his face the off color of snuff and blood made the normally clear liquid seen and thick. Let's just say Michael sat back crossing his legs in a attempt to compose himself as the man hit pitches not even the girls in the church choir could master. The heavy weight man forked over the money then some I got my full and he ended up giving the mystery man a hundred notes if he made the pain stop after pocketing the money he shot the man.

He turned around and began to leave when the brunette stopped him. "Wait! I give you my thanks friend he was stubborn for a hour almost" The h/c man turned looking at him giving a smile tilting his head for the Novak to follow as he stepped out the deli. Scrambling he walked down the street next to the man their attire clashing a well tailored suit next to rags that looked more like a potato sack then cloth. "Glad I could help a fine looking fella like yourself." His flirtatious grin caused butterflies to run ramped in Michael's guts. As they walked down the street they slowly moved from the good side of the town to the slums. No cars drove on the gravel a fire hydrine spat out water for all the children playing around it,women hung up clothes on wire between tenements and men looked more like the mysterious gypsy next to the Novak. Speaking of the mystery man he went to each crowded tenements door and knocked the women or young men of the families came to the door and he handed over twenty notes each. The women cried and clung to his tall figure and the boys almost men looked at him in wonder like a hero before running off to tell the adults of the place. "Why did you do that?" Michael asked as they walked out of the town. "You worked for that money and gave it all away." He was confused he's never seen a man work for a family that wasn't his own.

"They need it more. Schools out the children don't get meals and the men work hard to feed them at least a meal a day. I'm alone here no lover or children with the energy and muscle to work." Novak wasn't sure before,but he was sure now this was love and it felt better then any harlot he could spend the night with. "Thats very admirable of you." Michael complmented which was not a normal accuracy. "It was truly nothing to admire,handsome. I'm not saying I'm amazing,but sometimes I'm decently above average. That's what people need someone decent enough go care."

Before he knew it they were back on his side of town and getting closer to the business. "It's been a pleasure,Mr. Novak." The man dripped his head as he turned to leave somewhere. "You know who I am and I don't even get a name." He turned back around and got closer to him his chest pushed up against his till he was pinned to the wall he leaned down his lips so close to his face just out of reach. "I'm N/n,but you can call me the man of your dreams." Michael almost leaned up to peak his lips when the warm body pulled away taking with it the lust filled tension. N/n turned and left out of sight that night was full of the man tossing and turning dreaming of the e/c man that made him feel high as the clouds above. N/n smiled as his men drank around him he finally saw his baby boy all grown up and he's taking what's his this time.

Two days later=Six Hours Before Family Dinner

The buzz of the New Yorker coming to Kansas was the rage. Any man that was new in town was watched like a hawk by commoners and the Novak's. Michael was no longer looking forward to this marriage he didn't want this man no matter who he was. N/n stole his heart like a petty thief and ran away from him. No one in Kansas knew who he was a s/c skinned,h/c haired,e/c eyed gypsy was all he had to go on no last name just a image that burned bright in his mind. Michael sighed as he left his office and went down to the bank he needed enough cash on hand to throw away on booze and maybe angel dust. People parted for him like the red sea and he easily got money when gun shots went off. The teller in front of him fell to the ground wounds ridding his body and Novak turned to see men...no boys with guns.

"Everyone get down on the ground. We've come only for the money we won't hesitate for blood as well." The group chuckled as the leader smirked people shook as they easied to the ground all except Michael who stood tall. "Ah! If it isn't Michael Novak no men to protect you now." A man he didn't realize came behind him hit him over the head with his gun causing him to fall to his knees. "Pathetic." The band of thugs leader grabbed the Mafia bosses chin looking and the blood coming from his brow. Someone stood from on their knees a flat cap covering their hair and a long trench coat that was only slightly open. "It would be in your best interest to leave,boys." They all train their guns at the man. "Why's that,you motherless bastered?" The man turned his gaze upward deadly sharp e/c orbs looked at him and Michael was in shock it was N/n. "Cause I have twelve guns ready to blow holes in you and your men." After his words ten men stood up all wearing the same clothing flat caps,overcoats,and suspenders with a Tommy on every man except the leader. The cowardly man looked frightened looking around keeping his gun on the s/c man. "I only count ten I still have the upper hand." N/n gave a devilish smile that made Michelle gaze on love struck and excited for what's to come. His gray trench coat hit the floor and two sawed-off shotguns in each hand. "Upper hand you say?" He pulled both triggers the left one killing the man sending himself flying back and the right killing the man behind Michael blowing his brains painting the tan walls this made the others fire as well. The bodies of the criminals and one civilian litter the floor.

N/n sent the men off to get the people out as he walked up to the bleeding Novak. "Thank you." His green eyes gleamed making the standing man give a grin as he held his hand out to help him up. "Consider it a gift from M/n L/n." The gleam disappeared from his eyes his soon to be husband was in town has been in town and set his men up to keep him safe. "Now if I'm not mistaken you have a dinner to get ready for,pretty boy." He takes the handkerchief out of his waist coat dabbing the blood away. "Will you be there?" Michael voice sounded weak so full of hope. "You can count on it. We'll be seeing eachother alot more." The man stood up and quickly left and not a moment later Mafia men came in running tending to the boss. Looking longingly at the piece of cloth (Your Initials) were sowed into the reddend white square of fabric.

Family Dinner was about to start the Novak's sat at the table Charles sitting at the end his three eldest sons to his right while his youngest sat to the left two spots were available one across from Michael and the other on the opposite end of Charles. A maid came in the dinning hall and cleared her throat. "The L/n's are here." Two young men came through the door one taller then the other the shorter of the two sat across from Michael while the other sat at the other end of the table closest to Michael and the other man. Charles smiled at them both and Michael was in a state of shock. "M/n been a long while hasn't it?" The oldest Novak looked at the man infront of him waiting for a response when the man he thought to be just a gangster working under the L/n's answered. "That it has Chuck. Sorry father couldn't come he had some other business to handle." N/n or M/n now to Michael's knowledge said before placing a hand on the man beside him. "This is Benjamin or Benny my right hand man don't mind him." The man gave a nod of acknowledgment his blue eyes piercing. "Heard about the blood bath at the bank quite impressive from what Michael has told me." A side smile and a teasing look was turned the mentioned Novak's way. "Saw low life scum trying to rob the place and touching what's mine,their little toys they call guns were child's play compared to my men." M/n sent a wink addressing the men hitting Michael from behind.

"Are you a knight that saves people?" The youngest asked his blue eyes wide in wonder. The s/c males eyes turned to the child a warm smile gracing his lips. "Sometimes when I want to be." A bubbly giggle rang out. "You saved Mikey making him your prince." Those words caused different reactions from all the men. Gabe covered his mouth trying not to laugh at his older brother,Lucifer grinned leaning over to his brother. "Did he have to kiss you sleeping beauty?" He chuckled lowly making kissing noises in his ear,Micheal was beet red as he couldn't bear to face any of them,Chuck smiled looking at his son and son-in-law,Benny nudged his boss sliding something to him while everyone was distracted. "Yeah and I'm gonna make him my king and take him to my castle." M/n leaned towards the boy and whispered in his ear. "We'll ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after." Castiel was gobsmacked as he gazed at his brother all giddy he was gonna live a fairy tale like in all the books their mother use to read. "Um if you'll excess me. I need some air." Micheal stood up and not long after M/n followed when given a reassuring nod from Charles.

The garden of the estate was beautiful in the moonlight and it wasn't hard to spot the oldest Novak on a bench on looking the pond that reflected the night sky. "You knew the whole time who I was." Micheal didn't look up at the man as he sighed. "Yes I knew who you were...we were once closer then the stars and the skies itself." The L/n sat next to him on the bench looking forward. "Chuck knew as well." Michelle turned in shock at that statement a goose chase for nothing. "He didn't know what I looked like now,but letters everyday asking about you seemed to do the trick." Those e/c eyes turned to look into those apple green ones. "Learning from a young age that in you grasp was the person you were due to wed was shocking I almost hated you,but the moment you grabbed my finger as if I'd slip away made me realize it can't be so bad." M/n held out his hand palm up so the younger male rested his hand in his grasp. "I was afraid at first you'd hate me. So I swore to protect you always. Some of my men live here with their families and they keep me posted. Just last year a rat was found on you door step admitting his faults."

Micheal remembered that the maids came rushing to get the family and a man bloody and beaten spilled his guts about planning to cross the family having been hired by a rival Mafia to get information to attack them at a weak state. "I know this won't mean munch to you know,but maybe at some point you'll be happy to carry my last name and call yourself my husband." In M/n hand that wasn't interlocked with Micheal's he opened a box revealing two wedding bands both were silver while one had a gold trim and the other had a f/c trim. "No matter what,Novak,I'll be there when yiu need me through it all most of the times guns blazing." M/n chuckled lightly taking in a deep breath. "Just ponder on it,pretty boy,I'llbe here waiting." as he slipped the ring on the silent man's finger before doing the same with himself he gently kissed the top of his head as he stood up and left wanting to give him space. Micheal smiled at the ring that perfectly fit his finger. The one man he felt attracted to was his guardian angel always there no matter what.

Lifting his hand up he kissed the metal band as a laugh left his lips. "My angel with a shotgun."

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A/n: Second Male reader and I had to spell check for almost 50 she/her in her so I think I got them all lol.

@spnquotebingo

Quote: "I'm not saying I'm amazing,but I'm decently above average."-Blacklist @spnquotebingo

[bwoahtastic]

16 Charles And lewis 🙌

I saw spiderman kiss and just had to make this an AU msjs Sorry if thats not what you wanted! So Charles is spiderman in this hehe

~~~~~~

"Shit shit SHIT!" Charles cursed, running down the streets of New York and flinging himself against one of the large skyscrapers. He slung back and forth between the buildings, shooting web after web from his hands to keep high in the air.

The villain was standing on the top of the empire state building, doing god knows what and Charles knew he was running out of time.

Charles shot out another web, but misjudged the distance to the nearby office building. The webbing could not reach so far, and so Charles fell, cursing some more as he tumbled down a good 10 metres. He landed on some parasols, which broke his fall a little, but the breath was still pushed from his lungs as he fall on one of the benches on the little terrace below, straight on someone's lap.

"Misjudged a jump, little superhero?" A posh British voice spoke. Charles huffed, making sure his mask was still on his face as he looked into a pair of pretty dark eyes.

"Something like that." He mumbled, momentarily rooted to his spot. The man helped him up, giving him a wink.

"Better go save the world, little superhero." He muttered. Charles nodded dumbly, turned, and ran off.

He only realised much later that the man had been one of the only ones still brave enough to even be outside with the threat looming over them, and definitely the only person calmly sitting on a terrace and drinking coffee.

He was intrigued.

~~~~~

It was already dark outside when peace and quiet had once more returned to New York.

Charles was limping, his whole body sore as he tried to make his way home. The suit was torn on a few places, but the mask was still in one piece, which at least saved Charles's identity from being exposed.

A few people gave him weird looks as Charles headed to the metro stop, but hey, not every superhero was as rich as Iron Man.

Charles sighed and stood in front of the ticket machine, suddenly cursing the design of his suit, for it definitely left no room for him to leave change somewhere.

"Need help, little superhero?" A posh voice spoke up. Charles turned to find the same dark eyed man from before.

"I don't have change." Charles murmured. The stranger winked.

"Let me buy you your ticket." He said with a smile, walking over and dropping some coins into the slot of the machine.

"I can pay you back..." Charles muttered as the stranger handed him the ticket. The man smiled and handed him a business card as well.

"Give me a call later this week. I'm sure there is something to arrange."

And then he was gone again.

~~~~~

The man's name turned out to be Lewis Hamilton, and Charles spend the next few weeks keeping an eye on him. Charles thanked his spider sense for making his stalking job much easier.

Lewis was a lawyer, and Charles spent many days on top of the court building, looking out for Lewis. He was intrigued by the man, by his kind and calm nature, but he didn't know how to approach him.

Until one night, 4 weeks after their initial meeting. Lewis was out for an evening with his bulldog, and Charles moved along with him over the roofs of the nearby buildings, just keeping him safe in case it was needed.

Lewis walked into a narrow alley, whistling softly under his breath before coming to a sudden halt.

"I know you're there, little superhero." He spoke suddenly. Charles huffed, not understanding how Lewis had seen him.

"I came to pay you back." Charles called out. Lewis chuckled.

"I don't need money, darling." He chuckled. Charles cautiously moved closer.

"But I need to pay you back. Superhero oath and stuff." He lied. He made sure his mask was secure, before sliding off the building, hanging upside down from his webbing until his head was on the same height as Lewis's.

Even when looking at him upside down, Lewis was gorgeous, with tattoos covering his skin and a mop of messy curls on his head. Lewis smiled at him.

"Well, if it's part of your superhero oath, there is one thing you can do for me." Lewis whispered, bringing his hands up and slowly pulled the edge of the mask down, just enough to bare Charles's chin and lips.

"What is it?" Charles murmured, nervously exhaling. Lewis chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that made Charles shiver lightly.

"A kiss." He whispered, before leaning in to lightly press his lips over Charles. The angle was weird, Charles not having a clue how to kiss upside down, but Lewis's lips were soft and warm against his.

Lewis pulled away way too soon, pushing Charles's mask back up before smiling and turning, calling his dog and heading out of the alley.

"Bye, little superhero." He called. Charles smiled.

"Charles. My name is Charles." He said. Lewis turned and grinned at him.

"See you later, Charles."

[shyrose57]

Brothers anon back with a worked out timeline! And Misstressoffandoms sorry im responding so late! I completely missed your reply. Thats what I ended up doing but im hoping to eventually be able to completely copy those eailer asks and put them on my notes app.

When this gets a major update I'll resend if you want me too.

CURRENT AGES! (When they left Subbin)

Ran-19

Ranbob-26 (Previously 28 but decided to change it a bit, decided I didn't like the 9 year age difference between the brothers)

Watson-33 (Previously 35 but decided to change it a bit)

Jackie-16

Grievous-22

Benjamin-30

Cletus-24

Charles-25 (Previously 27 but decided to change it)

Isaac-29

CURRENT TIME LINE! (THIS IS NOT INDEPTH AND IS INSTEAD INTENDED TO GIVE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF EVERYTHING, DETAILS MAY BE CHANGED DEPENDING ON WHATS ADDED)

-Dream gets control of Ranbob and uses him to basically commit genocide in Mizu, Ran barely escapes. 

-After living alone for 6 years Ran arrives in Subbin, takes part in the Pit tournament, and gains a family. At the same time the fishermen find and rescue Ranbob, bringing him to their home.

-2 years past with Ranbob recovering and having a haunting, and Ran fighting while spending time with his own haunting. 

-Isaac manages to convince his group to go to Subbin even though Ranbob is a bit nervous, the fishermen join The Pit for the promise of money and fun. Ranbob gets pinned against Ran (doesnt know its Ran) and sees the King of The Hill is on with Ran at the top. Ranbob climbs up to see Ran there, he is shocked and approaches him with weapon dropped and shaking, Ran kicks him off the edge. Ranbob slams his head into the ground and dislocates his shoulder, rises up to see the King of The Hill dropping. Ranbob tries to talk to Ran only for Ran to run to him and slam him into the ground, yelling at and threatening him. He carries him over to the edge of the arena and at this point Porkius calls off the fight and the fishermen and Gladiators enter the arena to seperate them. Ran cursing out Ranbob as he gets dragged away. Ranbob gets treated in the medical wing as Ran storms about and the two groups talk and match everything up.

-Weeks past with incredible tension in the air. They decide that taking a trip may help and after getting approval from Porkius, manage to convince Ranbob and trick Ran to come along.

-After agurements and tense moments while in a carriage, they get out and walk to their next destination. A flower biome. Where they manage to relax and have fun for a few days before moving on.

-Next Watson leads them to a nearby waterfall he found with a tunnel behind it, the brothers get water splashed on them by Isaac and Jackie being idiots, and from dripping water in the cave, leaving Ran with burns to his neck and hands, while Ranbob has burns to his cheeks and also to his neck. The burns fade quickly with help of burn cream Watson brought with. 

-After they pass the tunnel they see a shattered Savanna, and decide to travel through it. Tension ramps up when both Grievous and Cletus almost fall off halfway up a mountain, and when Rans scowling and growling end up sending Ranbob so far away from him he almost walks off the edge. 

-Watson says the Savanna is to dangerous and leads them to a nearby roofed forest, where they have their first run in with Raq and learn that Ran is still being hunted. 

-After 3 morw run-ins with Raq they move to another forest, this time Oak, and stumble upon a village, where they stop for supplies. This is also where they learn of Kelalen, but the librarian they learned it from dismisses them as lunatics and to avoid them. Upon pressing for more info they find out it was like Mizu, to which Ranbob shows interest and excitement.

-They move on to a Tagia biome where everyone attempts to tame a wolf and fails, expect Charles, Watson, and Ran. Charles gets 4 dogs from this and is very happy.

-While running to shelter in a cave from a thunderstorm, the brothers lag behind the rest, and start to badly agure. At the end Ran shouts something that makes Ranbob stop, stare at him with teary eyes, and run away. Ran almost goes after him but doesnt and instead goes to tell the others. While Ranbob finds another smaller cave to hide it, and after some harsh words, everyone goes searching for him. Leaving Ran alone and leaving him with his guilt ridden, horrible feeling, and merciless mind

-They get Ranbob to come back to find Ran gone, at first almost no one wants to go after him. Saying how it's all his fault. But eventually they agree to look for him after the storm has passed. Its a full day until the storm passes and the gladiators have become very worried for Ran. 

-When they finally look for him, it takes them hours to find him. And they only find him when there's a sudden shout through the woods, leading them to Raq mid-attack on Ran, taking advantage of his distraction of being lost in his own mind. Sadly their a bit late and aren't able to save Ran from a blindness potion. But are able to chase Raq away. Ran suffers due to the potion, and everyone is distressed.

-3 days pass until they manage to collect themselves up enough to move, after Ranbob said that he believes the town of Kelalen is nearby, he believes traveling there is worth the risk.

-It takes a week to travel to Kelalen and at first they get turned away, before Lucia recognizes some features of Ranbob and feels bad turning them away when Ran is blind. So they get brought in and Ran gets cured. 

-They stay in Kelalen for 4 weeks (minimum, may be more later on, im actually thinking along the lines of months) where they learn more about everything and Foolish who is particularly interesting. And after a while and long conversations they say goodbye and continue on to their next biome, a snow biome.

-While in the snow biome they meet a particular old enderman who used to live with members of the SMP. He reveals his name as Edward and upon meeting Ran and Ranbob he makes the connection with them to Ranboo. And starts to happily tell stories and teach lessons. But when Ran leaves to go to bed, Edward reveals that Ran does love Ranbob, but is struggling with his own nightmares that make it hard for him to show it to Ranbob. Who hesitates believing him, but eventually does. From here on Ranbob looks at and thinks of Ran in a different view. 

-After the snow biome theres no real destination next on their list, so they decide to just explore. 

-3 months past before something interesting happens. Whenever they come across a village Jackie has formed a habit of asking them about Foolish, as he took a interest in him. And he eventually gets a village that goes "Yes Foolish is that way." And he excitedly drags everyone else with him to meet Foolish. 

-They get to Foolish's home and start exploring. Jackie is alone when Foolish confronts him and Jackie brings him to the others. Foolish isn't exactly nice at first but warms up upon seeing the brothers again, as he's reminded of Ranboo. Hes informed about Dream and he is horrified to learn that and offers his help, they decline beliving themselves already free of Dream. Just before the group leaves Foolish gives them access to his armoury, saying how he feels like they'll need it. Before Ran can leave Foolish gives him a special totem of undying, saying he truly means he'll help, and that he feels they may face Dream again. Foolish tells Ran to break it when they need help and he'll be summoned to them. Ran leaves disturbed.

-2 years have passed with the group and brothers getting closer, along with occasional attacks from Raq and other hunters. They head back to Subbin. Their goal of getting the brothers closer achieved. Their still not as close as they used to be, but their close enough they can joke around, be left in the same room together alone without someone being stabbed, and even hug. Though Ran still hasnt fully forgiven Ranbob yet, but he's trying his best. Their on their way back to Subbin when nightmares between the two start ramping up, and Ranbobs episodes where he tries to run back to Dream are also on the rise. Everyone is starting to suspect something is happening but isn't sure what and so try to move on. When next Raq attack he brings back up again, this time instead of focusing on Ran, they focus on Ranbob. When Raq is defeated and finally caught, they ask why, and Raq reveals that theres a person who put a high bounty on Ranbob. Raq dies from Ran and Cletus.

-Ranbob fears its Dream, the others comfort him saying Dream can't escape Mizu. Their wrong.

-They finally get to Subbin and things are normal for a while, until Porkius reveals that Ranbob probably shouldn't be alone for a while. When asked why he reveals that the bounty on Ranbob has been put back up in Subbin, although he's going as fast as he can to nullify it. Benjamin, Charles, and Watson go to the local bar where bounties are put. And sure enough there's one for Ranbob there.

-When they get back Ran reveals what Foolish told him about facing Dream. They realizie Dream somehow got out and is hunting Ranbob down. Ranbob is terrified but they manage to comfort him. And they come to the conclusion they need to fight Dream. They spend months preparing and training for it. 

-(This is the end bit and has yet to be fully figured out. So it'll be added in at a later time.)

Notes: During the whole time traveling, unless specified, Ran and Ranbob are far away from each other. Ran tending to be in the very front of the group with Ranbob in the very back. And whenever Ranbob got close to a gladiator Ran would growl at him to back off. 

If you have any questions feel free to ask! (And if I missed anything please tell me so I can add it)

And I wanna check, am I still ok to send these?- to like talk about my au or no?- I'm afraid I've overstayed my welcome honestly and if I did I dont want to annoy you and will stop! And if you still don't mind, is there anything you want me to change? In general?

This’ll be helpful for the future! Also, Charles has four dogs, that’s adorable. 

Of course you’re okay to send ‘em, I love reading these things! 

I will never be annoyed about getting to see someone’s cool ideas and see how they choose to build on them. That sort of thing is awesome, and I love seeing it, your AU most certainly a favorite in that like. Send as many as you’d like, and I’ll be all the happier for it.

[sourbat]

Oh my god I'm sorry I only asked for magtock for my friend HAHA uhh how about abigail/charles for 10 instead?

Sounds cool, friend. Charles/Abigail it is. 

A hello/good-bye kiss that is given without thinking - where neither person thinks twice about it.

Again, took some liberties with this one. 

Another all-nighter, Abigail muses as she saves and exits a document. A glance of her wristwatch reveals it is nearly midnight. She expels an amused sigh. Fourteen hours today. Not quite as impressive as her seventeen-hour record, but still worthy of a few self-praises. She mentally pats herself on the back, shuts down her laptop and begins packing her belongings, ready to head to her room when the door to her office clicks open. She raises her head and sees Charles slowly making his entrance, looking poignantly reserved, but carrying a frightening weight on each stiffened shoulder.

“Long night?” Abigail asks, smiling clearly as Charles takes a seat in front of her desk.  

Charles rolls his thumb and forefinger into the corners of his eyes. “When is it anything but?” he remarks, shutting them as he presses the appendages into the sockets.

“Would you like to talk about it?

Charles ceases his complaints, raises his head and stares auspiciously at Abigail. Her smile nets his eyes, and without breaking away, he answers, “With you? Always.”

Like always, his response comes off as overly formal. Even his stare, though expressive at its most center, gave off a natural severity to it. Years of important planning, business ventures, and life-threatening scenarios have left each pupil permanently radiating solemnity.

It takes an expert to read between the lines.

Abigail raises a finger. “One sec,” she says, then leaves her desk and heads to one of the shelves tucked in the corner of her office. She picks up a bottle of gin. “Martini?”

He raises one as well; first, to protest, but drops it as the thought lingers. With a glance around the room, Charles relaxes into his seat. “Why not?”

“How dirty do you like it?”

“I like the alcohol to speak for itself.”

Abigail pours an equal amount of vermouth and gin into a mixer. “Coming right up.”

Charles listens to her pour the concoction. A few seconds, then ice clinks into the steel mixer. His eyes shut as she gives it a shake, and when he opens them, smells the subtle tang of green olives wafting in the air.

Holding the drinks, Abigail passes the desk, taking a seat by the dying fire. She places the glasses on a coaster, then reclines into a sofa, resting one leg on top the other. Her tired eyes close, and for a while, it’s the sound of crackling wood and Charles’ footsteps approaching her. She waits until she feels the pressure of the neighboring cushion shift, then, without opening her eyes, asks, “what was it?”  

Charles picks up his drink, then stares into the flames. “The boys tried turning the hallways into a slip-n-slide, with alcohol as their liquid of choice.”

“Sounds like quite the havoc.” Abigail smiles as she hears Charles sigh next to her. She opens her eyes wide enough to catch the glimmer of weakened flames on her right, then runs to her left to rest a hand on Charles’ lap. “Let me guess,” she says, “Toki and Pickles?”

Charles huffs. “And Nathan.”

“Nathan was part of it?”

“He suggested the location,” Charles replies with closed eyes. A hand drags through his furrowed brow, failing to ease the strain of the recent memory. “It was Toki’s idea, and Pickles supplied the alcohol.”  

“How very organized,” Abigail notes, then raises her glass for a sip. She stirs an olive that bobs at the bottom center while Charles contemplates his own. A snicker. “They’re evolving.” 

He stops himself from taking a sip. “That’s not funny,” he warns, but she merely smiles at his frown, then rests her head on his shoulder.  

Dancing shadows begin to stretch as the last of the firewood snaps, cracks in half and reveals its molten red core. Abigail waits, feels the rough knob of Charles’ muscles against her temple, but doesn’t respond to it. She knows he doesn’t mean it. It’s the stress. The long, unpredictable shifts that could easily result in someone’s life ending if one wasn’t careful.

Since meeting Charles, Abigail’s been nothing short of astounded. Charles’ long term connection with Dethklok was an impressive feat on its own; few managers had the honor of sticking with their band for such a long time. More remarkable was the empire he created since launching the band’s career. Abigail knows it’s unusual, perhaps outright insane that she’s spent several hours navigating dangerous hallways loaded with traps, conversing in meetings with klokateers who will likely die by the week’s end, or working alongside a band that seems to draw death in its wake. It is insane, but when she takes a step back and sees the results, the rising bar graphs reaching impossible levels, the scientific breakthroughs and the growing economy, she can’t but push a little more, try a little harder. She does this because she knows she’s part of something great, something far bigger than she can completely comprehend.

Abigail carefully brings the glass to her lips. 

Whatever she’s taking part in, the music she’s helping produce, none of it would be possible if it weren’t for Charles. She sighs a refreshing breath, tasting the remains of a subtle, smooth burn. “Relax,” she says, then, with the hand resting on Charles’ leg, gives it a light pat.  

“Took an hour to clean it up.” A burning piece of wood cracks as the two sit in silence.

Abigail raises her hand, locates Charles’ chin and, with just her index finger, brings it up to meet her expecting stare. “Just say the word, and I’ll have him kissing your feet when I’m done with them.”

Charles’s lidded stare glimmers under the deepening orange flare. His jaw slackens, and lips part. “There’s no need to be cruel.”  

“Are you sure?” she asks, and watches in mild amusement as Charles returns to his drink.

Martini glass pressed under his nose, Charles takes a whiff. His eyes slowly close as he raises the glass to his lips, and takes a hearty gulp. The wood cracks and embers sizzle from the center. Abigail uncrosses her legs to stretch.

Charles swallows. “You sent them to another country.”

“I did.”

“With no money or guards to look after them.”

Drink finished, Abigail takes the olive from her empty glass. “You’re correct,” she says. She bites into her olive and savors its tangy flavor.

Charles stares at the remains of his drink and shakes his head at it. At her. “For music.” 

“And I made damn good music,” Abigail declares, then wraps her arm around Charles’ neck. She pulls him in gently, letting him consciously do the work for her. “And you need a break.”

The words come off too sultry to be professional. Abigail’s aware of this, but doesn’t mind. She’s only been working at Mordhaus for a few months, but since becoming a member of the staff, has spent more than her fair share of tiresome, therapeutic nights with Charles. It had started as a mistake, him entering her office confusing her for a previous assistant, but sticking along to provide her some suggestions when she complained of the many distractions offered by the band. He showed up again a week later, appearing stressed; and she, remembering his service to her, offered her support. Since then, they maintained these impromptu meetings, with one appearing before the other, always unannounced, but usually asking for the same, unspoken thing. Until recently, Abigail assumed it to be good company, but the more she dwells within Mordhaus’ cold walls, the longer she works and watches the expanding empire, and then concludes her day here, in the middle of the night, with him, Abigail isn’t sure she can remain satisfied with such a answer.  

The fire dies, and the light dims, held only by the few lamps Abigail kept on as she worked. Shadows cast over each of their forms, creating dark silhouettes that make it near impossible to read another, but Abigail is confident she sees something glimmer, a sparkle of hope that reflects in Charles’ glasses. 

The door bursts open.

A klokateer steps forward. “My Lord. Madam.”

Charles breaks from Abigail. “What is it?” he asks, weary voice replaced with a more controlled tenor.

The klokateer raises a flashing, red screen. “It’s Lord Skwigelf. He, along with Lord Wartooth and Murderface–”

Sighing, Charles readies to stand up, but is met with Abigail’s arm blocking his path.

“I’ll take of it,” she declares, not looking at Charles until she leaves the seat. She buttons her suit top, runs her hand through the bottom of her weighted hair, and puts on a fresh smile. She faces Charles, appearing before him as a new, refreshed person. “Finish your drink.” 

Charles frowns. He stirs the floating olive as he twirls the glass between his fingers, then, with an exhale, raises the glass and finishes the rest of his drink. Oh, so it’s like, Abigail thinks. Amused, she watches Charles come to stand. Like her, the effects of the day are washed away. He stares firmly at her. “I must insist that you let me talk to the boys.” 

Abigail crosses her arms. “And I insist you let me make their remaining night hell.”

The room goes silent again. Charles narrows his eyes into a testing, but apologetic stare. Abigail easily counters it with one of her own, abundantly filled with immovable determination. 

“We go together,” Charles finally announces. “I will speak with the boys.” 

“And I’ll offer… suggestions,” Abigail adds, watching Charles’ expression shift from concern to approval in a matter of seconds. A snicker unfolds from her person.  “And–”

“And?”

“And if one of them insults you,” Abigail leads, watching Charles’s brows lift at the unfinished suggestion, “then maybe I come up with a suitable punishment that makes them second guess their actions?”

Charles fixes his glasses. “Nothing…drastic, alright?”

“Of course, Mr. Offdensen,” Abigail replies. It’s dark, but the few remaining embers behind her light up enough to catch the formation of a small, relieved smile. “Alright,” she says, louder so that the klokateer can hear, “let’s go then.” 

Charles nods. “Of course,” he responds, then offers her his hand. “Lead the way.

It’s the first time he’s offered. Abigail says nothing, but gives a proud nod, and as she turns to the turn, feels the weight of the alcohol lift her spirits, fluttering across her chest as she approaches the door. A hand brushes her, large and cooler, and when she reaches for a coat, takes it from the hanger, rises and turns, meets soft lips brushing against her.

It’s a moment in time that ends quicker than either can register, and with a klokateer describing the unfolding events, how the guitarists challenged each other to a series of games, and after a row, were evenly matched, thought it was best to drive drunk to the nearest Round One and conclude their marathon, neither has time to react, much less respond to the fading embers of affection. Abigail listens intently, and Charles by her side, neither expressing anything more than what’s expected, and neither giving the other more than the sporadic, but overly professional glance.

A hellicopter takes flight. Its passengers huddle close, standing beside one another, arm around waist, another carrying a set of binoculars to locate the three missing guitarists.

Under the roaring turbines, a hand shifts across the side, sending a welcoming shiver.

Green eyes flutter. A head rests on a shoulder, and hair pools and flows gently in the wind.

It's the beginning of a brand new day, and Charles finally smiles.

A klokateer assigned with cleaning enters the office sometimes later, finds the lingering warmth and empty glasses. Sensing a return, they replace the sullied glasses in preparation for round two, walk to the fireplace, and add logs and set the hearth aflame.

[thatssonanii]

Just the Two of Us (5)

HAHN AU

The hair salon Lainey worked at was visited by women from all different walks of life. It wasn't out of the ordinary to see prominent women there or women from her neighborhood. No matter where they were from all the stylists treated them with the same respect and made them feel relaxed and welcomed.

When she heard her boss call her name, Lainey looked up from the frontal she was installing with a smile on her face.

"Yes, Blair?"

Blair approached her smiling wider than usual. "I'm gonna finish this for you, there's someone in my office to see you."

Lainey didn't have time to ask any questions before Blair pushed her out of the way and shooed her to the office. Getting to the office, Lainey carefully pushed the door open and went in. Her heart was in her throat when she saw the woman looking back at her.

"Alaina, right? You look so much more beautiful in person, dear."

Lainey played with her hands nervously. "I...thank you, First Lady. Everybody calls me Lainey though."

"I'll call you Lainey if you agree to call me Victoria," she smiled patting the chair beside her, "Come sit. I want to discuss something with you."

Quickly, Lainey sat not wanting to disrespect or offend her.

"Alright so, my sister is having an event in a couple days and we need someone for hair and makeup."

"I can recommend some stlyists for you if you'd like "

"Unless you're recommending yourself that's not necessary. I want you to do it. I've seen your work and I was blown away. Please say that you'll do it."

Lainey nodded excitedly. "Oh yes ma'am, I would love to."

Victoria grabbed her hands and smiled. "Great! I already have your number, Blair gave it to me, so expect a call or text from me. You'll be doing me, my sister, my daughter and her son's girlfriend's hair and make up. Is that okay?"

"Yes ma'am," she nodded, "Just send me some ideas of what you all want and I'll make it happen for you."

"Then its settled," Victoria sighed getting up, "Your hard work won't go unnoticed either, you'll be paid your worth. You my dear are worth a lot."

Lainey thanked her as she was leaving the office. She sat there for a moment trying to take everything in. Never did she think she would be approached by the first lady to do hair and makeup.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Knowing her brother had spent all day packing up the rest of their house, Lainey got a ride home from a co-worker. She rushed inside and almost knocked her brother over.

"Whoa, whoa, road runner. You gon take me out," Benny laughed setting the box he was holding down.

"Guess what, B!"

"You finally realized you got chicken legs?" He joked earning a hit to his chest

"No! The First Lady came into the salon today and she asked me to do hair and makeup for her sister's event! She said that she admired my work, B!"

Benny's face lit up at his sister's excitement, he pulled her into a hug and lifted her up off the ground. He knew his sister's talent was major and it would take her places. He sat her down after a few minutes.

"When? What's the details?"

"In two days. She said she's gonna call or text me and give me more information. And I'm getting paid my worth, she said. Finally!"

"I'm so happy for you, baby sis. You deserve this plus so much more."

Lainey hugged him tight again. "Thank you, B. I'm gonna use the money to pay up some of the mortgage on the house."

"No, you not. You know we already got that all the way covered." He said quickly and firmly. "You gon take that money and work on opening your shop and whatever more you need, I'll put down. I'm sure if Marcie found that house for us she can find a shop for you."

"Really, B?" Lainey said excitedly.

"Yeah, really. Gone in there and tell Mama. Ima run these boxes over to the new house."

Hanna was extremely proud and happy. Seeing her kids thriving and so many things going in their favor had her forgetting about her sickness. She hugged her daughter tightly, praying over her.

"I'm proud of you, little girl. You and your brother have grown so much."

"Thank you, Mama. After you beat this, me and Benny are gonna take you to the place you've always dreamed of going."

Hanna smiled, "And where is that?"

"Aruba, Mama. You used to tell us about it when we was little. You said you were gonna go and bring us back sand," she laughed. "Remember?"

"Of course, I do. Yall got so offended when I said that," she laughed, "Tellin me I couldn't go nowhere without yall."

"And can't," Lainey agreed kissing her cheek, "I'm gonna run next door to Ms. Tilda's house. She cooked dinner for us to celebrate the move, ima help her bring it over."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Benny dropped his sister off at the Harrington residence. He helped her get her rolling bag out and walked her to the porch. As always, he let her know to call if she needed anything. He didn't want to leave her but he didn't have a choice, he was moving the rest of their stuff into their new house while she was gone.

One of the Harrington's housekeepers let her in then left her in the foyer. She stood idly waiting for someone to help her, after a few minutes she realized that no one was coming. She heard voices and decided to follow them leaving her bag by the front door.

The voices led her to an office. She saw four men standing with drinks and talking. Taking a chance she knocked on the door frame and cleared her throat making all four men turn to look at her. She recognized them immediately--the president, David Harrington, Jim Cryer and Governor Charles Frederickson.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm here for hair and makeup and I have no idea where I'm supposed to be."

Hunter whistled, "I'd say you came to the right place, sweetheart."

"No," Lainey shook her head, "I don't think I did, President. I'm looking for your wife."

David smiled and stepped forward.

"They are upstairs. Follow me and I'll take you there, Miss."

"Just call me Lainey, the miss isn't necessary." She assured him.

Charles smiled, he knew she was slightly intimidated when she first walked in but she was tough she didn't show it.

"Miss is just a sign of respect, I don't mean to offend, Lainey."

Lainey nodded, "Miss is manners, calling me by my name is respect, Mr. Harrington."

David gave an amused smiled and nodded, "Well okay then, Lainey. Would you allow me to show you where you should be?"

"Please," Lainey waved politely at the other men, "Enjoy your drinks."

David led her upstairs to the women, leaving his friends to.talk amongst themselves. Between Jim and Hunter they discussed Lainey in an unflattering manner while Charles stayed quiet thinking about how he could see her again.

"You're here! Did you get lost?" Victoria asked hugging Lainey.

"No, um the housekeeper let me in and just left me there. I had to ask for help."

"You need new maids, Ronnie. Come this way, I'll show you where to set up."

Lainey followed closely behind the First Lady with her bag to what looked like a vanity room. She got set up then started to work.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, you're Lainey, right?"

Lainey turned and smiled, "Yeah, that's me. You must be Melissa."

Melissa nodded closing the door to the room before walking over to the station Lainey had set up. "Yeah. Verinica wants my hair straight mostly."

Lainey nodded getting her flat iron ready. "What do you want? I think loose curls would look better on you."

"I do too but thats what she wants."

Lainey nodded not wanting to overstep her boundaries. She'd already done Veronica's hair and didn't get a good vibe. The twonof them talked and laughed while she did Melissa's hair and make up.

"Damn, girl! You look good! Jeffery is gonna love you!" Lainey hyped fixing a few pieces of hair. "Yeees! I did that!"

"You did a bomb ass job," Melissa complemented looking in the mirror, "But Jeffery won't notice and I don't care. I look good for me."

Deciding not to get into their business, Lainey started to clean up her area and put her things away. Halfway through, Lainey sent Benny a text letting him know he could come get her and she noticed Melissa was still standing there.

"Oh I'm sorry. Did you need something?"

Melissa nodded a small smile on her face, "Yeah, your number."

"Um, huh?"

"No, not like that," Melissa laughed, "You're pretty cool and I don't really have anyone outside of this family to talk to."

"Oh, oh," Lainey laughed, "Let me see your phone."

Melissa handed her the phone and wagched Lainey put her number in. When she get her phone back she sent her a quick text.

"And now you have my number. I gotta go get dressed but expect me to text you tonight."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Victoria thanked her profusely when she went to say her goodbyes. She assured her that by the time she got home, the payment would be in her account and that she would be in contact to do it again. Even though Victoria told her she could wait in the living room, Lainey decided to wait out on the front porch for Benny.

The door opened behind her and she slid over thinking someone wanted to get by.

"You're not in my way."

Lainey turned just as Charles stepped beside her. She didn't k ow what to say so she just nodded.

"You're very talented. The ladies look nice," he complimented.

"Thank you, Governor."

"Charles," he corrected, "Call me Charles, Lainey."

She nodded looking out at the large driveway. "Okay, Charles. You need something from me?"

Charles laughed loudly making her jump a little.

"I'm sorry, i just definitely expected you to be less forward. You seem sweet."

"I am sweet, Charles. I just dont have much patience and I'm not a pushover."

Charles nodded, "Noted. Well since you're impatient let me ask, are you seeing anybody?"

Lainey shook her head checking her text from her brother. He was turning in.

"In that case, would it be okay if changed that?"

Seeing he brother pull up, Lainey looked at Charles and shrugged her shoulders staring at him. She heard Benny's door open and his footsteps getting closer.

"Lemme get that," Benny said grabbing her bag ig oring the man, "You ready?" Lainey nodded looking away from Charles. "Aight, come get in the car."

Lainey smiled and started to walk off the porch only for Charles to grab her hand gently that didn't go unnoticed by her big brother.

"Ayo, my man," he spat with a huff, "Dont touch my sister."

"I didn't mean any harm," he said cooly. "Her and I were just talking. I was waiting on an answer. Well, Lainey?"

Lainey thought for a moment then nodded. "That would be okay. But I'm. Not giving you my number."

Charles smiled wide, "I'll find it. Don't worry."

Benny pulled his sister gently along with him, glaring at Charles giving a flash of his fronts. He got a good enough vibe from the guy but being at the Harrington house was a little iffy for him. He helped his sister in the suv, put her bag in the back then got in and drove off.

"B," Lainey called out fifteen minutes down the road.

"Yeah?"

"You think he likes me or he wants to sleep with me?"

Benny glanced over at her and sighed. "I think he likes you. But that don't mean you let your guard down, aight?"

"Alright, B. I won't."

[porkchop-ao3]

A Thrill I’ve Never Known (Chapter 45)

Opening Up

This chapter focuses on reader and Charles, I really liked writing this one, I love Charles so much <3

(All chapters tagged with #ATINK and also posted on Ao3, username PorkChop)

-

I'd been following the same path in circles around the bayou for a while, crossing over to each side of the Kamassa River over and over again. I'd been out on a ride around Scarlett Meadows but when it began to get dark, I'd started heading back. I couldn't quite bring myself to return to camp, however. I thought a ride would help clear my mind, give me a chance to get my head straight and absorb what had gone on. But truthfully, I felt no different than I had when I left. It was so odd, continuously bouncing back and forth between sinking into a deep cavern of grief and dread, then reminding myself that I didn't know for sure the boat that had gone down was carrying Arthur. It was all I could think about, though, I couldn't shift my focus for more than a moment. 

Bored of seeing the same path, I veered off. I headed down the familiar trails of the swamp, knowing exactly where I was headed but not quite knowing why. Rayna carried me from the denser part of the bayou, and out into the surrounding land where there were fewer trees. It was as if she remembered, and I barely had to direct her before we came upon the place. 

It looked a lot different now. Someone had moved in and tore down what once was my house and rebuilt it into something smaller, yet more solid. Though, that wasn't saying a lot. Like most buildings in this area, it looked a little run down; perhaps it was the moist air taking its toll on the wood by softening it. I didn't know or particularly care. I stopped a ways away from the shack, glancing around the patch of land, recognising it despite the changes. There was a particularly tall tree over to the left, underneath which sat two crosses. I didn't look at them for long, looking down at Rayna instead; I petted the top of her head, breathing out a soothing shushing sound despite the fact she wasn't in need of soothing. It was more for my own benefit. 

There was a light on inside the shack, and I knew that if I stayed too long or made too much noise, whoever was inside would likely come out and blow my brains out. That's just how the people were in these parts. I kept my distance, hoping the trees and the shadows would be enough to conceal me. 

I sighed softly and leaned forwards, leaning against the horn of my saddle and pressing my forehead against the back of Rayna's neck. I closed my eyes, listening to the toads and the crickets. If I focused hard enough I could place myself back in the night Arthur and I had laid down on the deck of the shack back at Shady Belle, staring up at the stars side by side. I imagined that he was close to me and took comfort in it. If I kept my eyes closed then my brain couldn't know that it wasn't true. 

In those few peaceful moments I was finally away from it all. I didn't notice the hoof beats or the huff of breath through horse nostrils as someone sidled up to me. That's why I all but shit myself when–

"Hey."

I jolted upright. Charles and Taima were by my side. 

"Jesus Christ," I hissed, slamming my hand against my chest. 

"I'm sorry," he said. His voice was low, all but a whisper. 

"How did you find me?"

"It's a skill of mine," he shrugged.

"Just like creeping up on people?" I questioned, it came out harsher than intended. Charles didn't flinch. 

"Come back to camp."

"I–" 

"I don't care if you don't want to. I don't wanna have to be tracking down your corpse in the morning."

"I wasn't going to say that," I said, narrowing my eyes slightly. "I was just about to come back." 

"Oh. Okay then," he murmured, softening his tone. "I'm sorry. I'm just… I'm a little worried about you. Today was not a good day." 

"Don't worry about me. I'm alive and well," I shrugged. 

"Physically, maybe. I'm more worried about what's happening up here," he pointed to his head. 

"I'm not going mad," I frowned.

"No, you're not. But you're hurting and you're isolating yourself. When that happens, it's rarely a good outcome." 

"Charles you keep to yourself more than anyone I know. I could say that you isolate yourself," I pointed out. 

"No, I just don't talk much. I don't walk around in circles for hours on end– and by the way, what the hell?" He gave me an incredulous look. 

"I was taking a ride," I grumbled, feeling my face get hot. 

"Some ride. You're not yourself right now. What if the nightfolk jump you while you're in this mindset? Do you think you could fight them off?"

"No, probably not," I admitted with a shrug, and he stared at me, slack jawed. "And no, that's not what I'm hoping for, before you start to think I'm…" I trailed off, shaking my head. 

"Speak to me," Charles sighed. 

"Charles, I'm not going to sit here whining and crying to you, using you like that."

"So, if I was upset and wanted to let it all out, you'd think of it as me using you?" He asked. 

"Of course not," I frowned at him. He stared at me, letting my words speak for him. When I didn't seem to respond correctly, he sighed. 

"So why'd you think you'd be using me?" He asked. I didn't have an answer. Charles sighed my name, "you're my friend. At least I like to think so."

"I think so too," I clarified. 

"Then let me be your friend."

I stared at the ground for a while, letting the silence drag on. Eventually, I met his eyes, then nodded. 

"This is where I grew up, you know," I started, and Charles looked over at the shack ahead. 

"In there?"

I shook my head. "Our house was torn down. But it was here. My parents are over there," I nodded towards the tree with the crosses underneath. Charles followed my gesture with his eyes and I found his expression hard to read. 

"Do you miss them?" He asked. I pursed my lips.

"Of course, sometimes. But I don't often think about it, now, until I came back here anyway," I explained and he nodded in understanding. "Do you still have your parents, if you don't mind me asking?" I looked at him, and his brows jumped a little at the question, surprised I'd asked. 

"No. I lost my mother when I was just a kid. I grew up with her tribe, then the army came and destroyed our way of life, then they took her," he told me, his voice flat and level, far calmer than I'd expect from such a story. I closed my eyes, shook my head. 

"That's…" I didn't just want to say that it was a terrible thing, sound hollow, I just trailed off. "I can understand why you're so eager to help those at Wapiti."

Charles nodded, paused for a moment, then continued. "My father didn't deal well with it. He fell head first into a bottle and I didn't stick around long enough to see if he ever came out. Ran away when I was something like thirteen, fourteen," he told me. Then his eyes flickered to mine. "I thought we were talking about you. You're sly."

"I'll find it easier to open up if we're both exposed," I reasoned, and he seemed to accept that. "I know what it's like to watch a parent lose themselves to alcohol. My mother," I looked over at her grave. 

"I'm sorry." 

"She didn't die that way. She was sick with the flu, just like my pa. But she had a problem with it. I don't like seeing Karen how she is right now, it reminds me too much of her."

"I understand," he nodded sympathetically. 

"I don't know why I came here. I guess I wanted to see how it'd changed. I thought it might change the way I was feeling somehow. I'm not… I'm not doing well, Charles. I know that's obvious. Perhaps admitting it will help," my voice was just above a whisper. 

"Come on, let's dismount and find somewhere to sit down," he suggested, and we did just that. 

I led Rayna over to a spot nearby, further from my old home. We found a fallen tree to sit on and we lit a lantern, placing it on the ground in front of us so we weren't sitting in complete darkness. I checked the area thoroughly for snakes and gators before sitting down next to Charles who was leaning forwards, elbows on his knees, watching a moth flying around the light. 

"Can I be completely honest with you? And you won't judge or tell anyone, or think badly of Arthur or me?" I queried, so desperate to tell him the truth about what had been discussed between Arthur and I. 

"Of course. That's the idea of this," he said. I nodded and looked down at my hands. I took a few moments to build my nerve up. 

"Arthur and I made a plan," I began, speaking very quietly. "He was worried about me being in this gang. He was starting to feel restless too, questioning whether he needed to make different choices. After this bank job… Arthur was counting on us having enough money to go and start a life somewhere else. We weren't going to join Dutch in Tahiti." 

"You weren't?" He murmured, though he didn't sound shocked. 

I shook my head. "He didn't want to go to some tropical island. Neither did I. We said we'd try and head west, avoiding Blackwater. He thought we had a better chance with just the two of us."

"I see," he nodded, a crease forming between his brows.

"I guess this is just… if this hadn't happened, he and I could be somewhere completely different," I pointed out, feeling tears coming. I resisted them. 

"I'm sorry," he momentarily leaned over, pressing his shoulder against mine. 

"He wanted to make sure that you were all okay. That you had money and a plan, a future. He didn't want to leave before he had that peace of mind. It was difficult for him, and honestly I felt awful about it, that he was doing it for me–"

"He was doing it for himself too, don't feel bad about that. I know Arthur, he wouldn't quit the gang if he didn't want to, that's for certain," Charles interjected. "He must've really wanted to start a life with you to talk about walking away from Dutch." 

"I– I suppose you're right," I squeaked. "It doesn't really– well, it's all changed now. Charles, what if he's–" I couldn't say it, my eyes welling. I blinked to try and clear them but one tear escaped down my cheek, I scrubbed it away. 

"There's nothing I can say that will make this better, I know that. But it's a fact that we don't know what boat they boarded. It's not necessarily set in stone," he reminded me softly, then squeezed his hands together, fidgeting, "but of course. I wouldn't be doing you any favours trying to convince you that he was definitely okay." 

"I know," I nodded. "I'm sorry Charles. Arthur's your friend, too." 

"Yeah," he breathed, eyes fixed on the lantern. "I hope that we're mistaken, I truly do. That bank job," he shook his head, scrubbed the heels of his hands into his eye sockets then dragged them back over his head.

"The worst idea Dutch ever had," I sighed, then shook my head, "but I can't blame him. None of us saw this coming."

"Do you think you'll stick around if Arthur– if they don't–" Charles didn't finish and he didn't need to.

"I have no idea. What about you?" 

"I don't know, either. I'm wondering if the gang will disband without Dutch. Molly's already gone," he pointed out and I looked at him.

"Yeah? I don't know. My understanding is this gang formed from people with no place in the world, and they found it here. You think it's just Dutch holding everyone together?"

"It's hard to say. Things haven't exactly been great since he and the others haven't been here," he noted and I hummed in acknowledgement, "what if he does come back, you think you two'll still leave?"

"I hope so. Especially after all this. I don't really want to tempt fate any more, I doubt I could handle him robbing any more banks, you know? I used to be able to tell myself he'd always be fine, he's been living like this for years and years, he knows exactly what he's doing. It'd be enough to calm my nerves until he came back. Now I know what it's like when he doesn't, and this is so much worse than when the O'Driscolls had him. That was a couple of days. This…" I sighed and held my head in my hands. I felt Charles' hand on my back. I could no longer prevent tears from spilling. I sniffled, pressing my hands into my eyes. 

"It's okay," Charles reassured me, his hand rubbing back and forth across my shoulder blades. I broke.

"I love him so much," I sobbed, "and the worst thing is, I never told him that. I never said the words to him." 

Charles' arm wrapped around my shoulders, tugged me closer, against his chest, his hand scrubbing up and down my arm briskly. I surrendered to it, leaning into him and letting the tears come as they pleased, ignoring the voice in the back of my head telling me I'd be embarrassed about it once I pulled myself together. 

"Love is more than just the words. People show that they love each other in the things they do; I'm certain Arthur knows how you feel." 

"Have you met the man? He barely believes that I think he's handsome," I said and despite it all, Charles released a fond chuckle. "I used to count on him just knowing but now I fear I'll never get to tell him for sure, I wish I'd told him every damn day." 

Charles didn't say anything, he didn't need to, all he had to do was listen to me and give me the chance to pour my heart out as he held me. I hadn't hugged many people in my life. Just my parents, a couple of the gang members, and of course Arthur. Charles' hug was solid and steady, I felt protected in his arms, but there was a distance to it, too. He did not feel over familiar, he kept it to the tenderness of a friend. Which was why it felt so different to being held by Arthur, and though the hug comforted me, it made me miss him all the more.

"Being with Arthur felt like the first time I'd felt true happiness since my parents passed. I don't know how to deal with the fact that he might now be– that he could be gone forever. How do I begin to get over it? My heart feels like it's–" I shook my head, unable to put it into words. "It hurts."

"I wish I had answers for you," Charles said quietly. "I've– I've never really loved a person, not like that," he revealed. 

I shifted and he loosened his arms, allowing me to sit up again. "You haven't?" I asked. 

He shook his head. "Anyone I have gotten close to, it just hasn't–" he shrugged, "I've never felt that way in the end."

"I hadn't before meeting Arthur," I told him. 

"I understand what it's like to lose someone important. Just not like that. I'm sorry, I'm not really good with advice. I'm a better listener than a talker," he said under his breath apologetically and I shook my head, patting his arm. 

"I'm not looking for advice. For something like this, I don't believe there is any," I admitted, glancing off to the side, "but you've shown me a great deal of care. That means a lot."

"I promised Arthur I'd look after you when I left the docks," he told me, pressing his thumb into the palm of his hand, rubbing at a patch of scar tissue idly, "seeing you these last few weeks, looking as down as you have been; didn't feel like I was doing a good job."

I didn't know what to say to that. To think my name had been mentioned that night, amongst all that disaster, Arthur had thought of me. My chest hurt. 

"It's funny. I've spoken to you more than I've spoken to some of the others, and you've been here for the shortest time. I guess I'm not particularly sociable. But when you arrived, you reminded me of myself when I first joined. You threw yourself into work, never wanting to sit idle. I'll never forget when you pleaded with me to let you go hunting," he chuckled. "I think when you're alone you get so used to doing everything yourself, you're constantly active. Joining a group where the workload is spread, it's an adjustment."

"Yeah, it is," I nodded. 

"I think that may be why you and I gravitated towards Arthur," he pointed out, looking at me. "He seems to have a similar attitude. Doesn't want to let anyone down. But he's never– I may sound like a cold bastard, but I find certain members of the gang very annoying. Arthur's never that. His company is preferable to the rest of them," he waved a hand in the general direction of camp. 

I nodded. His company was certainly preferable over anyone I'd ever met, but I may have been biased. 

"I don't really know where I'm going with this. I guess I just wanted you to know that I feel like I relate to you in a number of ways. And you've never been annoying. Only when you lie and say you're fine, thinking I'm dumb enough to believe it," he nudged me and I exhaled a laugh through my nose.  

"Thank you, Charles," I told him softly, smiling, "this may sound strange, but I've always found your company very calming."

"It's not strange. You're not the first to tell me that," he said. 

"Well, maybe this is your calling. Bringing people back down to Earth, calming them down."

He chuckled to himself. "I guess I've had a lot of practice calming myself down. I used to let my emotions – usually anger – get the better of me. Years ago. I try not to let that happen anymore. It still does, sometimes, but now I feel things can usually be solved better with words, so long as people keep their heads about them." 

"That's very wise," I said. 

"It's what I'm trying to convince Eagle Flies of. He's the son of the chief of the tribe I've been helping. He has a lot of passion, and with that comes anger. And rightly so. Unfortunately, it's not the right solution for their problems. His father knows that."

I perked with interest, looking at him with curved brows. "What exactly are they going through right now?"

"Yet another treaty has been broken. Their people are being treated like animals, no regard for their health whatsoever. A lot of the tribe is sick, and vaccines and medicine are being withheld. The whole situation disgusts me," he explained, his voice low and resonant.

My mouth opened, but I didn't know what to say. Charles sighed, his silence lasting only a moment. 

"War has weakened them. If things get worse with the army– I fear for them," he admitted. 

"What those people are going through… what the army and the government are doing to them; it's shameful," I said, and I saw him nod from the corner of my eye. 

"I'm doing all I can for now, to convince Eagle Flies to listen to his father. If he continues to fight with anger and violence, it will only add fuel to the flame. They like to think of our kind as savage, as reckless and uncivilised. They expect these reactions and take it as proof, never mind how much they provoke it," he said and I nodded in understanding. 

"I don't know what use I would be, but if there is anything at all– please ask me," I whispered, and he met my eyes.

"I will. Thank you," he replied. 

A noise came from behind us, a rustling and a snap. We both jolted and looked towards it. I couldn't see anything through the dark, our lantern only serving to light up the mist surrounding us, making everything beyond a few feet invisible. I looked at Charles, his eyes were narrowed as he scanned the area from which the noise came. Nothing happened for a few moments, but he slowly rose to his feet, taking my arm in his hand. 

"We should leave," he said quietly. He didn't need to ask twice and we made for our horses. 

We left not knowing if anyone or anything was actually there. It could've been the nightfolk, it could've been a rat, it could've been a falling twig. Neither of us felt it was worth the risk of sticking around to find out. I maintained my opinion that the bayou was creepy, especially at night. It was incredibly easy to run away with your imagination there, convincing yourself that all sorts was lurking in the mist and the foliage.

A lot of the gang was asleep by the time Charles and I returned to camp. Lenny and Miss Grimshaw were both on watch duty for the night, and they asked how I was feeling when I passed. I told them I was starting to get my head on straight, I just needed everything to sink in before I could begin to deal with it. They were kind to me and reminded me that the gang was a family, we were there for each other.

We crept into the main cabin where most people slept and went to our respective bedrolls, guided by the limited light of the two lanterns that were dotted across the space. I sat down on mine, curled up on my side, facing the wall with Mary-Beth behind me fast asleep. My satchel sat next to Arthur's in my line of sight and I reached out to touch his, running my hand over the front of it, feeling the soft, pliable aged leather interrupted by the coarseness of warn, scuffed spots as my fingers passed over it. I pulled it over to me, tracing my fingertips over the partially matted fur that made up the flap. I inhaled. If I was being honest, it didn't smell great. There was an undertone of leather and Arthur's own smell, but it was sadly overpowered by a bouquet of spoiled food, too many herbs and plants clashing with each other, blood and horse.

I had taken the liberty of throwing out the rotting meat and cheese I'd realised was in there about a week ago, when I kept catching the odor when laying in bed. I hadn't pried too much into what the contents of his bag were, but I'd noticed a mishmash of all sorts of stuff; drawings, photographs, trinkets. He carried around the world in his satchel. 

Without thinking, I lifted the flap and reached inside, my knuckles immediately brushing against his journal. I paused for a moment, then retrieved it. Sitting up on my elbow I placed the book down in front of me, bracing my palm on the smooth, well-loved and broken in leather of the cover, flexible from continuous opening and closing. My thumb inched towards the strap that held the thing closed, mousing along its raw edge, dipping underneath and prying it away from the cover but not quite releasing it from its fastening just yet.

I drew a breath, long and slow through my nose, then released it, wondering how Arthur would feel about me peeking inside his journal. A sad, nasty little voice told me he would never know if he was dead, and I would end up looking at some point during the grieving process. I sighed and relinquished the strap from its slot, smoothing it out away from the cover. I fingered the edge of the page, toying with it, not quite giving myself permission to open it. Instead I slipped my hand under the front cover, running my fingers across the page, feeling the grooves and indentations where his pencil had once pressed into its surface, revealing his inner thoughts. 

I was struck with this uncanny feeling at once. There was a sense of grief, longing, of course. But then a surreal sense of personal connection, feeling the marks that Arthur had made. It brought tears to my eyes in an instant and I removed my hand, closing the strap once more and concealing his journal back within the confines of his satchel where I decided it would stay for the foreseeable future. There was no way I could bring myself to read it, not while there was still a chance that he was out there, alive, tangible, of flesh and blood and with privacy that needed respecting. 

I decided I would read it only when given his direct verbal permission, or when beginning to forget the sound of his voice.

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

Hey! Non-native english speaker here! Thanks for answering my ask! I'll use the tips! They can be very helpful! However, I'm bilingual and use English all the time! I read in English and I have most of my study courses in English, so my question wasn't much about grammar or punctuation but mostly about how to use the language in a way that seems natural! Like figures of speech etc and how to expand my vocabulary ? But thank you very much for your answer! Sending you love and good vibes!

Oh, okay, sorry!! And thank you!

How to Expand Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary is important. The more expanded your vocabulary, the better the flow of the story and the more professional you will sound.

1. Make Use of the Thesaurus

This only really helps if you write in Microsoft Word.

If you think you need to make a word stronger, you can right-click it and select the “Synonym” option, which will bring you to a whole list of words that can be used as substitute. 

Just by seeing the other options, your brain is storing the words away for later.

2. Take Notes While You Read

Many people utilize expanded vocabulary in their writing, so whenever you stumble across a word that you like, is interesting, or just plain sounds cool, jot it down and look up the definition! It can only help.

If you’re willing for a challenge, pick up some of the old writers like Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde. Their books are very, very challenging, and even though the vocabulary is a bit dated, there are a few gem words that I’ve found that have stuck with me through all of my writing to this day.

3. Use A Vocabulary Website

Not to sound like I’m promoting anything, but the way that I personally expand my vocabulary is this amazing website that I’ve been obsessed with ever since I was forced to use it to study for vocab quizzes in tenth grade.

It���s called Vocabulary.com (brilliant and original name, I know) and it helps you learn vocab in quiz-format.

The more questions you get right and words you learn, the more points you get! The more points you get, the more badges you earn!

It’s really fun, and it feels more like a game than research!

How to Use Figures of Speech

Figures of speech in idioms can also be called “idioms” and they’re basically phrases that no one else from other cultures understands but make perfect sense to native speakers. Every culture has them, but English has a ton, to the point where I could never write down all of them/

Here are a few common idioms (in English) that everyone should know:

A blessing in disguise: a good thing that seemed bad at first.

A dime a dozen: Something common

Beat around the bush: Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable

Better late than never: Better to arrive late than not to come at all.

Bite the bullet: To get something over with because it is inevitable

Break a leg: Good luck

Call it a day: Stop working on something

Cut somebody some slack: Don’t be so critical

Cutting corners: Doing something poorly in order to save time or money

Easy does it: Slow down

Get out of hand: Get out of control

Get something out of your system: Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move on

Get your act together: Work better or leave

Give someone the benefit of the doubt: Trust what someone says

Go back to the drawing board: Start over

Hang in there: Don’t give up

Hit the sack: Go to sleep

It’s not rocket science: It’s not complicated

Let someone off the hook: To not hold someone responsible for something

Make a long story short: Tell something briefly

No pain, no gain: You have to work for what you want

On the ball: Doing a good job

Pull someone’s leg: To joke with someone

Pull yourself together: Calm down

So far so good: Things are going well so far

Speak of the devil: The person we were just talking about showed up!

That’s the last straw: My patience has run out

The best of both worlds: An ideal situation

Time flies when you’re having fun: You don’t notice how long something lasts when it’s fun by itself

To get bent out of shape: To get upset

To make matters worse: Make a problem worse

Under the weather: Sick

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it: Let’s not talk about that problem right now

Wrap your head around something: Understand something complicated

You can say that again: That’s true, I agree

Your guess is as good as mine: I have no idea

There’s more here.

Good Luck and Happy Writing!

[captain039]

Midnight myths part 3

Arthur Morgan x reader

Summary: After the Micah incident Arthur has gone extra protective and shares some of his deep secrets.

Warnings: light swearing.

Waking up to a cold bed wasn't very pleasing, you groaned pulling the covers closer only to snap your eyes open remembering what happened.

"Hey, easy" You glanced the the voice, Arthur he placed a hand on your shoulder handing you some coffee. Mumbling a thanks you drank it sighing quietly afterwards.

"You ok?" he questioned you scoffed.

"Oh yeah I'm stuck in the middle of werewolves hunting each other and I almost died I'm peachy" You huffed he gave a concerned look.

"Well, I can get you out of here after Micah leaves it isn't safe not after what we pulled" Arthur sighed running a hand over his head.

"I'm sorry" You whispered.

"Dont be it ain't your fault well a little for not leaving but still" You shook your head a small smile crossing your face.

"Arthur" You jumped at the new voice a dark man Indian by the looks of him peeking through the door.

"Charles?" Arthur questioned walking out with him. You sat against the wall waiting for his return to figure out what to do.

So great plan wait here till they attack, great just great, you wanted to smack the man but listened anyway. His associates were, Charles, John, a elderly man Hosea and young Lenny as Arthur called him, quite a gang of ruffians you says.

The night was young at you sat by the fire wishing you had some wool maybe or something to do.

"Hungry?" you jumped as Arthur walked in with some food.

"Thank you" You said taking it from him as he sat down beside you.

"Who are these men? they obviously know about well you" You said glancing to him, he let a sigh nodding his head.

"That old pack I mentioned the one we had slaughtered well we didnt all get slaughter but what I saw sure looked like it, I found Charles and John fighting down at Saint Denise trying to make money, Hoses was barely holding onto life when i found him and young Lenny well he found me, in a bar" He smiled snickering at the memory.

"So are they also?" he shook his head.

"John is got bit like an idiot and went missing for a year was 'to scared' to face us" Arthur rolled his eyes.

"But the others no, but they helped me when controlling it I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them" He said softly this was his family.

"Micah?" you questioned hating the name.

"Micah was apart of said pack, damn traitor led the hunters right to us and Dutch well he believed the son of a bitches lies and died like the rest only Micah the dick made it out somehow" He growled this man had gone through everything.

"He killed my loved ones, my family he needs to be put to rest I wont let him hurt no one any more especially you" You glanced at him the determined look on his face, you felt your stomach do loops as you shuffled closer placing a hand on his arm. He glanced to shocked by the sudden contact.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault I probably should've left but, I dont know something kept me here, you didnt scare me enough" You chuckled lightly.

"I was real pissed when I though you killed my chickens I would've shot you again" He chuckled shaking his head.

"Its ok I have a abnormal healing rate" Arthur said as you nodded finding yourself leaning into him ever so slightly.

"Guess I'm stuck here now, man the stories I could tell" You joked looking to him again.

"I think people would send you straight to the sheriff" You laughed Arthur's eyes kind as he looked to you.

"Your a good man Mr. Morgan even in these few months I know that" You said softly patting his arm gently.

"I ain't a good man Miss. Y/l/n" You smacked him as he frowned.

"Its Y/n and yes you are even with your rough edges" You commented staring at the fire.

"I ain't gonna argue with a woman" Arthur surrendered making you smirk in victory.

"Good, because you'll end up with another shot leg" He scoffed smiling looking to you.

"Your real brave Y/n I'll give you that, but maybe after this do get somewhere far away think one beast is enough" You frowned at the statement as he chuckled to himself, leave? did you really want to leave? after everything you wouldn't be able to just pack up and go like nothing happened, Arthur he- well he was different in the good sense.

"Well I best get some rest" You snapped out of your thoughts nodding.

"Yes as shall I, good night Mr. Morgan" You said.

"Arthur, and goodnight Miss" He walked out as you sighed heading to bed.

Running with wolves, a odd thing to be doing but you were safe the large golden furred beast running beside you as you laughed falling into the meadow. He stopped prancing around you like a puppy as you laughed some more pretending to tackle him, he licked your face as you made a disgusted noise laughing some more. You both settled down as you lent against his body his warmth seeping around you.

"I will always love you" You whispered as the wolf smiled leaning his head on your lap giving you a gentle nudge.

You woke up trying to figure out the dream you had it looked just like Arthur, but why did you say those words? you huffed getting out of bed and outside by the dying fire. You rolled your eyes seeing the men all asleep a few with drinks in their hands.

"WAKE UP" The all jumped awake as you smirked seeing them jump.

"Good morning gentlemen" Arthur groaned as did the others rubbing their faces.

"Breakfast?" You questioned starting it.

"Damn well be for waking me up" Arthur grumbled making you shoot him a glare.

"Alright, Alright sorry" he said his voice deep with sleep.

The day was rather boring you weren't aloud very far away from the house even though you knew it was unsafe you needed to get out.

"Arthur?" you called as he turned to you cocking his head.

"Hm?" he said as you approached.

"Can you take me somewhere please maybe the stream I cant be cooped up here, I know it's dangerous but I will shoot myself so help me" He sighed going to argue but the look on your face was begging.

"Fine but only for an hour" You fisted saying yes as he took you to the stream keeping on guard. You sighed happily taking off your shoes and socks.

"What are you doing?" Arthur questioned you smiled dipping your feet into the water.

"Cooling off" You said as he made an adorable confused face.

"Right well uh dont go to far" He said looking away awkwardly aw the man was a gentleman. You smirked splashing him with water making him flinch glancing to you seeing your playful smirk. You splashed him again with more water as he scoffed smiling.

"Well Miss I do believe you'll regret that" You smirked before yelping as he tackled you into the water. You came back up laughing as you pushed your hair back. You splashed him as he splashed back smiling as well.

"Ah ok I'm sorry! im sorry" You gave in as he smirked sending you one last splash.

"Aw didnt think you'd give in that easily" you had a small smirk before he knew it his head was dipped underwater you pressing him down before letting him up

"Why you little" You laughed running back to shore kicking some water ar him. He got out grabbing you around the waist as you tried to run laughter echoing in his ear.

"Let go" You laughed as he smirked to himself.

"Uh uh say your sorry" You wiggled in his hold but he was to strong.

"Alright I'm sorry" You smiled he nodded his grip loosening but not letting go.

"Arthur?" you questioned looking back at him. His eyes held something new something you've never seen.

"Why did you stay?" he whispered.

"Arthur, i-i dont know, you- ugh I dont know Gods truth" You said softly not really sure. He nodded his face in deep thought before someone came.

"There you are come on we've seen Micahs men" Arthur let you go nodding to John as he grabbed his hat nodding to you to follow. What just happened?

[uncovereliminate]

Splicers

Since I needed to do some research for a project I will be starting soon,  I decided to put everything I found interesting about Splicers in one compact post for me to always find it back.

General Splicers

Thuggish Splicer

Leadhead Splicer

Spider Splicer

Nitro Splicer

Houdini Splicer 

Because of the way this game works,  a lot of the ‘standard’ splicers listed above use either the Splicer-models I am getting into further into this post or the standard model showing on their wiki.

Baby Jane

Came to Rapture to make it big in show business, but ended up having to resort to other means to get by.  Can be heard constantly questioning the reality of the situation happening around her and regretting her loss of beauty.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"Get away from my face!" [Screams] "Not on my face!"

"Look at yourself! And you would do it too!"

"Why did you cut me?! Why?!"

"It's my part! Mine!"

"Stop ogling me!"

"You're making me lose my place! STOP IT!"

"Get your FAT. HANDS. AWAY FROM ME!"

"Just say something, goddammit!"

"Honey? Is that you…?"

"I'm sorry… We can do it together!"

"DARLING! I'M HOME EARLY!"

"I don't- I don't wanna- I don't wanna hear this… I- [Whimpering] I don't want to hear this…"

"Pretend you're not interested. They like that."

"He's gone! They always leave…"

"He left, he left, he left, left, left! He left! He left!"

"Came here to be a star! Came here to be a star- Not too late, not too late!"

"Mr. Ryan's gonna notice me, and I'm gonna be a star! It's not too late, not too late!"

"I used to be beautiful. What happened to me?!"

[Laughs] "And even that was a bad performance."

[Crying] "They'll be okay, right?! I mean, it was just- it was just an accident!"

"Tell me you love me! Go on, say it!"

"Someone shou- should do this for me, someone should be doing this for me!"

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE

"Ow—! And I— used to love bees!"

"I had real talent!"

"I had innocence- I was innocent!"

"I had innocence! You took my innocence!"

"Parasite! Paparazzi!"

"Stop — STARING!"

"You're a plain little girl! Plain- too plain."

"This wasn't part of the deal!"

"Only geniuses get saved, lunkhead!"

"Your memories? Yeah, we don't need 'em."

"Why would you bring a kid?!"

"Send your daughter home, freak!"

"Just me and the roaches."

"Rejection." [Cries]

"I don't understand." [Cries]

"To have seen what I have seen… see what I see…"

"I worked hard to look this good, and they still appreciate it… some of them…"

"Hello my baby, hello my honey, la da di da da da [Hums] nothing like a good old picture show…"

"Siren Alley [Sigh] well, the rent is cheap and there's work."

"Can we try that scene over? I forgot my line."

The Breadwinner

A wanna-be big-shot who thinks money and fame are everything.  He's convinced himself that Rapture’s downfall was just a small problem in his ultimate goal.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"Finally. [coughs] Happy."

"I was right, I tell ya. I was right, god damn it."

"Come on! Just- just let me explain, will ya?"

[Disgusted noise] "I'm too busy for this shit."

"She should not have come here."

"Ah, a man can start a business down here, yeah. Now now, it's- it's not too late. I'll get to it."

"Yeah. Yeah, Ryan's gonna stake me, huh? Yeah! No, he- he'll stake us all. Just give it some time. Yeah, just a little time."

"It's just a bad quarter. Naw, that's all. Yeah, market'll come back, huh? Yeah! Everything'll be fine. Yeah, it'll all be fine… Augh."

"You think that I'm dumb? Sure, sure, why not? You keep on thinkin' that."

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE 

"You can’t take this from me!"

"Think you can take what’s mine?!"

"I ain’t gettin’ reborn with you, no way."

He also has very gross misogynistic lines that are uh...  interesting for his character,  but I don’t want to be near them with a ten-foot pole,  so you can check out the wiki-page for those.

"I ain’t lost my touch, just look at me! I’m a king down here, a king! Yeah!"

"You think I’m that dumb?! Sure, sure, why not. You keep thinking that!"

"The business world’s ruthless, kid. Get used to it."

Dr. Grossman

A roaming medical professional who’s use of ADAM twisted his germophobia into something horrific.  He can be seen trying to destroy/murder anything he deems unclean/unhealthy.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"You're infecting this whole place!"

"You keep away from my patients!"

"You're crawling with disease!"

"Well, he won't get any better that way."

"I'm- I'm covered in his filth! DISGUSTING!"

"I've got patients to see, no time for distractions!"

"The subject… appears to have been ripped apart from the inside… probably a failed teleport."

"I- I try to help, but- sometimes I- I make mistakes… I try to help! But sometimes I- I make mistakes."

"I hate the babies, the most. They come out covered in death."

"I like the prestige, but I don't like the germs. The germs, they-they get under your nails, they crawl around at night."

"It's unsanitary in here, filthy! Come, let me take care of you."

"Haven't slept in weeks."

"Typical behavior for someone with your condition!"

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE

"My services, for free? [laughs] Get out!"

"I no longer require your services… nurse."

"Don't dare get your disease on me!"

"I killed [coughs] lost you! Once already."

"I guess it was just the wind… or was it a dream?"

"I gave up on helping people long ago, but I still ease their suffering.

"Might as well call me an undertaker these days… But, it suits me just fine."

"I come away from that damn clinic smelling like death. Everywhere! It smells like death!"

"Wait, my scrubs! All a-tatter?! Wha-what's happened here?"

"The thing about genes, they're just germs, and we're all crawling with them, all of us."

"Eternity will be so clean. So clean! So very, very clean!"

"The days are getting shorter! No no, that's not right!"

Ducky

A bitter lonely old man with a lot of prejudice who works security around Rapture.  Becomes a  devout part of ‘The Family’ during Bioshock II.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"He-hey? Hello? I'm here." [Crying]

"Poor sucker… my soul… my soul."

"They'll never find out about this. It's all gone away."

"Stop this… this isn't what ya think it is."

"Those stupid kids… they don't even know."

"Somebody gotta keep order around this place. If not, it'll go to the parasites."

"All these parasites want a piece of this place. And we gotta guard the borders, we gotta keep 'em out."

"They want what we got. And we gotta defend what's ours!"

"The parasites, the papists, the race mixers- I got my eye on all of them!"

"I'm just lonely! I— I'm lonely!"

"Down on the ground! DOWN ON THE GROUND!"

"You can run, but we'll find you! We run this place from tips to toes!"

"Oh… gimme my hat, Emma. Sweet mother of mercy!"

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE 

"Fuck it! God dammit! I hate bees!"

"Not the blood of the Son... my blood!"

"You wear the mark of the beast!"

"¡Qué estúpido!"

"¡Por favor! Help me!"

"¡Aye, Madonna mia! I'm bleeding!"

The rest is all religious rambling,  and tbh  ??  I have no time for it.   Ducky really annoys me.

Lady Smith

One of the upper-class matrons of Rapture and pretty much a WASP stereotype.  (I really don’t like her.)

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"Darling, is that you?"

"Hello? Oh, get the door, Sydney!"

"Nothing there, but we should bring in the hounds from the stables, just the same."

"Audrey, Michelle, Peter, Thomas, William, Joseph… no wait, n-not Peter."

"My dear elite, no, distinguished friends. I've finally found the answer we've all been looking for!"

"Too introverted for anyone to notice."

"Charles! I think the negro cook's been stealing. It's always like that with the coloreds. Take, take, take."

"They always arrive with out-stretched hands. They're a tuneful people, I'll grant you, but so lazy."

"It's not like those people in Apollo Square. Animals, every one of them!"

"They talk talk talk, but in the end they've got nothing to offer society. Just more mouths to feed."

"Look at him, just lying there! Another parasite!"

"Run away! You people will never amount to anything!"

"You know what they do to vagrants in Rapture? They hang them!"

"You think you can just take what you want? This isn't the jungle!"

"There's proper folk, here. You don't fit in."

"It's always the same with you parasites, looking for a hand out."

"Yes, Dr. Steinman. Uh, no Dr. Steinman… sorry, Dr. Steinman."

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE

"Audrey, Michelle, Peter, Thomas, William, Joseph… Oh, no! No no no! Wait, not Peter!"

"I'm writing down your name, you filth!"

"The times may be unkind, but did you have to take our home? I raised my children there! Bastards!"

"I'm surrounded by them, and yet they can tell… I'm their better! They know it… I know it!"

"Three children. Yes, three little angels, all gone now. I wonder if they miss their mommy?"

"I'll not associate with your kind."

"This is an outrage! AN OUTRAGE!"

"Lester, where is my doll…?"

Toasty

I hope you guys will forgive me and also understand that I will honor the memory of Henry R. Lumley as he actually was and not as the horrible person the Bioshock devs painted him as.

I am still really disgusted by the fact that they would use his face as the model for Toasty  (a literal murderer/rapist!)  and never even asked his surviving family members if they could do such.  

So I will skip this one,  hope you don’t mind.

Pigskin

A young American football player pressured to Splice to become a better athlete.  Unlike most Splicers,  they seem to have partial awareness of what is happening to them.

(Honestly  ??  they’re my personal favorites.)

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"Uh, baby…? I'm- I'm… I'm all calmed down, now… Okay? So-… Just open?! Would ja- shit!"

"Hey, come on- come on… Joey's gone, alright? You- you could come out, now."

"Not today, Dad, alright? I mean god damn!"

"Eh, Mom…? Mom…? I- it's er-"

"It's alright, Dad. It's alright, Dad."

"It's cold… Stay- stay focused, stay whatever, stay in the game. Stay."

[Chuckle] "Oh, shit. Hey, Dad, check this out!"

"I… I know you… No, I- I know you. I- I- I know I know you. You're- you're- you're that guy with the writing."

"It- it's different, this time, ya know? Really, it is. It- it certainly is."

"I'm good enough…! Why don't you believe it?"

"I'm tryin', Mr. Ryan. Please don't judge me! Please!"

"Look at me, Mr. Ryan. I- I've got nothin' left to give."

"Mom…? Dad…? Can you come get me?"

"It hurts… It- it- it hurts just to breathe."

"He's an intruder… and- and they make us kill intruders."

"I just wanna go to sleep… Just wanna go to sleep, I just wanna go to sleep."

"They make me hate everything I see! They make me hate everything I see! They make me hate everything I see! They make me hate everything I see!"

"I do what I'm told! I just do what I'm told! I always just do what I'm told!"

"Where are you?! They'll kill me if I don't find you!"

"Better come out! It- it'll go easier for both of us!"

"Please, come on out! It'll be so much worse if you hide!"

"Do you have any idea what they'll do if I don't find you?!"

"Yeah, am I entertaining you? Great! Is this fun to watch?!"

"Mom. Mom? Look what I've done. Mom?"

"I did it, okay? He's dead! Now just leave me alone!"

"Why did you make me do it? Why?"

"There! He's dead! Now just shut up!"

"It's over, okay? It's over! Now just get out of my head!"

"It hurts! It hurts! Jesus, it hurts!"

Plastered Splicer

Splicers that fell victim to being turned into Cohen’s art-work.  There are no specifics on how this exactly happened or how they function and are even still alive,  but they are and they’re scary as feck.

Rosebud

A female worker frantically looking for her lost child  (who has most likely been turned into a Little Sister).  She is known as ‘ruthless and deceptive’,  being one of the few Splicer-types that can actually set traps.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"Behind every door, an opportunity is so dangerous. "

"A floor, one two three four six seven… twelve thirteen thirty-four twenty-seven."

"She's still breathing… Oh, of course she is, she's just a child…"

"Shh… Oh, no… Of course you're not dying, my little one. You're just a baby… Babies don't die."

"No… they won't take you… you're just a- a little child."

"But she's my little girl… She has my eyes, can't you see?"

"Ah, don't hurt her! No, please! Take me, instead!"

"Oh, please… please… you don't want my girl. She's no use to you… can't you take… the neighbor's girl, instead?"

"Take me! Take my body! Take anything! Just don't hurt- take my little one!"

"Wake up, sleepy. [Chuckle] They're gone… Please? Please…? Please?!"

"I have time monster. I have all the time in the ocean."

"Kislány! Are you there, little child?"

"Sweetness? Mama's here to hold you."

"Sweetheart…? Where are you…? Come out, please… Mama just wants to hold you."

"Why would you take my little one?!"

Waders

The model for the secretly religious zealot from Bioshock  (pretty much the same function as Ducky from Bioshock II)  he believes he is avenging angel serving an angry God by punishing the sinful denizens of Rapture.

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK  DIALOGUE

"You'll open up if you know what's good for you!"

"Open up! ¡Ay! Qué mierda."

"I traded You, oh Lord, for Mammon, and what did it get me, huh?!"

"I'm sorry, Father! I'll do what You say, I-I'll do what You say!"

"Even miles under water, He still sees everything, sees everything, sees everything, sees everything, sees everything!"

[Singing] "Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong!"

And other religious stuff.

Brute

A result of Splicing with a concoction of  Sports Boost and Armored Shell Gene Tonics.  Brutes are very aggressively masculine and homophobic,  which is revealed to be internalized homophobia once you Hypnotize him and he flirts with Delta.  (I could not make this shit up.)

FAVORITE BIOSHOCK II DIALOGUE

"A million little pricks- fuck, fuck! Leave me be!"

"Fucking sodomites everywhere."

"I know what you're thinkin'."

"Not my bloody type, luv."

"Oh, you're pissin' yourself now, eh?"

"You're mine now, lil' girl."

"I'm top man down here!"

"We're just mates, you titface!"

"Clip your wings, ya fairy!"

[Chuckles] "Oh, he wants a tussle."

"She's gonna watch me do ya, son!"

"Who's the daddy NOW, son!?"

"Suit don't make you a man."

"I feel… nothin'…"

"Peace, quiet, solitude. Proper solitude."

"These fuck's gotta bring more in, or I'll hafta…" [Chuckles] "I'll hafta start teaching 'em. Ooh…"

"We can start over down here, once we drown out all the buggers and the queens. It'll be real men only."

"Some thoughts are just wrong. Nasty thoughts. Gotta stomp them thoughts right out!"

"Doctor Lamb says to embrace the man in the mirror. How bloody queer is that?"

"Sander Cohen. There was a man! Sharp suit, good mustache, took no guff!"

"Lass wanted me to try wrestlin' before the city started pissin' itself, but I don't go in for all that touchin' and sweatin'. I'm a boxin' man."

(Just to point out,  this is him after being hypnotized)

"I love you, ya lil' shite. I do."

"Jus' tell me who to kill, guv."

"Feel so—what you call it—comfortable witcha."

"Nice to have a proper mate at last."

"Partners, yeah? I like the sound of that."

"I like a man what keeps his mystery."

"Mates, right? Mates. Yeah."

"Do anything for ya. I mean that."

"Right, guv, let's get into some nasty."

"I'd look a poof in that suit, but you carry it."

"Shite! Gah! You fucked me 'ead!"

"Lyin' lil' mince! I trusted ya!"

The Mother

A very overprotective mom who sees herself as very nurturing and self-sacrificing,  but is fairly possessive and restrictive in actuality. 

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE

"Nothing could happened to my boy, I made him wear his best scarf today… he's bundled up tight!"

"I would never leave him with the sitter, they're all perverts."

"Wake up son. You worry me when you sleep so deeply."

"Gonorrhea, that's what you'll get. And there's no cure but the madhouse."

"Franklin, get Mother's cream out of the armoire. I need you to do your magic."

"Franklin, why don't you come over and rub mother's feet? They're barking."

"Friends? Of course he's got friends, but I always come first."

"There's no relationship like mother and son, it's deeply intimate."

"Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!"

"I'd like to see you run away, you wouldn't last the night!"

"No one'll ever love you as much as me!"

"I only worry so much because I love you!"

"I raised you better than this!"

"What's mothering but a thankless job?"

The Performer

A singer who hasn’t had work in a while,  but never let it dampen his spirit.

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE 

"Yeah, folks always stare when I make the scene… You get used to it!"

"I told Sander Cohen, I'm always ready to cut a record or put on a show! Said he'd call."

"Yeah… Those old numbers sure got some high notes. But I got something new in the works!"

"I been on sabbatical for… goin' on 15 years now… I got some work, but I want to get back to real acting!"

"I warned you to stop following me!"

"Hello? You from the "Stars and Screen" magazine?"

"Don't leave me! Not again!"

The Social Darwinist

A doctor of psychiatry who advocates for the survival of the fittest and evolutionary superiority no matter the cost.  (Hate this sob.)

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE

"That's right… Cry like a baby. Your mother didn't love you… Why should she? What did you ever do to earn it? Nothing."

"You were the worst kind of parasite! Only taking, giving nothing in return! That you were a child means nothing!"

"Do you know what they call men who shy from adversity in war-time? Deserters… They shoot them… And rightly so!"

"Very painful, I assure you… But you will be hardier for it! More highly evolved! Superhuman!"

"No it's not the strongest that survive, but the fittest! Those most capable of change! A good start is thinking for yourself…"

"Did you come to Rapture because it seemed fashionable?! Or did you intend to make something of yourself? If you don't keep ahead of the rest you'll be resigned to follow."

"If you're going to disappear before my diagnosis, why did you come in the first place?!"

The Small Business Owner

Okay,  I take back everything I was about to say about  The Salesman,  this is Sinclair 2.0!  The description literally says  ‘This businessman is willing to do whatever it takes to thrive, even if it's technically illegal.’  JFC,  they could have at least tried.

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE

"So I greased a few palms here an' there, time-to-time… What of it? I've been told this town is friendly to free enterprise!"

"'Fat Cat'? If that's what they call a fella who's prosperous?! Determined?! Uncompromising?! Then, FINE! The shoe fits! You got me."

"Criminal Dealings?! [short laugh] Fallacy! Misdirection! From those afraid to let the market take its natural course."

"You ain't no big shot round here!"

"Push me? I push right back!"

"You'll never amount to nothing!"

[short laugh] "I'm gonna bring you to heel!"

The Beauty Queen / King

A woman who recites her prepared speech for the Rapture Pageant.

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE

"I'm just honored to be in the competition and… gee, I hope you like me… Because I'd like nothing more than to be Miss Rapture 1958…"

"Mother always says it's important to be yourself, so here I am, 100% the genuine article."

"Well, he's gotta be handsome AND smart and self-assured like A​ndrew Ryan… [short laugh] And good with his hands like Dr. Steinman!"

"No need to hide. I'm 'a regular person.' Just like you!"

"Butterflies in your stomach? C'mere. I have just the thing!"

(male variant)

"We're all adults… Nothing we can't work around with a little elbow grease."

"Women don't care for character anymore. It's all money and looks."

"Hello? You from "Star and Screen" magazine?"

Ryan Security Agent

Men and women handpicked by Sullivan to maintain order and keep the city safe from potential threats.  There’s not much else known about this specific character model.

FAVORITE BURIAL AT SEA DIALOGUE

"Atlas' followers have been living on borrowed time if you ask me. Who knows, maybe Ryan got tired of footing the bill for this place."

"Told Ryan he should've given each of these clowns a bullet, not a prison."

"Guy made a city at the bottom of the ocean, and they thought it was a wise idea crossing him."

"We get in, disappear the girl and Atlas' crew, back before happy hour."

"I'm smart enough to know Ryan's smarter than all of us."

"You judge a man by his enemies? Then Ryan doesn't amount to much."

"Fontaine's followers put up a good fight at the fisheries. I'd expected more from this lot."

"What did you think was gonna happen? You cross Ryan and get off scot-free?"

Misc.

Didn’t really feel like getting into the Crawlers,  Buttons,  Heady,  The Hypochondriac,  The Ex-Boyfriend,  The Schoolteacher,  Frosty Splicers,  Houdini,  Survivors and Jockey Splicers because they either feel uninteresting to me or are super area restricted.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ronnie, Bronson, Charlie & Bea

Ronnie: I'm going on a run Ronnie: who wants? Bronson: My stash is depleted for some unknown reason 🤔 please stock me up Charlie: Ooh, new year new you babe? Charlie: couch to 5k is it aspirational af 😍 Bea: ✋ me Ronnie: fuck off i just dont need you pussies crying when you can't scav my gear Ronnie: what'll it be princess? the usual Charlie: c'mon, we've always shared everything, nothing is your own #carekidlife Bronson: Ha! That'll be why the lock on my door never sticks Bea: yep, not decided to get heavily into crack since we last spoke, just lots of amphetamines in any form you find 'em, tah, got exams coming up Ronnie: Shame Ronnie: reckon I'd like you more on the hard shit Charlie: just in case you missed the old place, man, giving you that nostalgia for when you had to padlock anything that wasn't bolted to the floor 😜 Bronson: Good times! 😀 Bea: Shame I'm not trying to be your type then, I guess Bea: soz darling, spoken for 💋 Charlie: Truly, missing that tenner a week pocket money, LUXURY! Ronnie: fucking am Ronnie: pissing jobcentre Bronson: I'll add it to your tab if you're desperate as Charlie: gotta learn to play their game, babe Charlie: not throw the board in a hissy Ronnie: 🖕 doss cunts Bea: catch me here fanning myself with sweet, sweet debt for future me to give a shit about Bronson: I'll wipe it out if you use some to keep me sweet Bea: sweet enough sugar 😘 Bea: but forreal, if you could manage that I would be your sugar mama for LIFE 🙏 Bronson: It's student loans not the feds Bronson: Easy peasy Bea: true, like all branches of the gov, pretty fucking useless Bea: but I'm an immigrant as far as they concerned so they treat me SO good 😋 Bronson: Same, but we can always stretch our hands out a little further Ronnie: To jack it and pat yourself on the back at the same time, yeah? Ronnie: calm it down Bronson: New year, new look too! Green looks ace with black 😄 Bea: Clearly do not have natural rhythm Ronnie, that's really not that difficult Bea: You're not a drummer, are you? 😕 Ronnie: get off my tits all of yous Ronnie: do you want gear or nah? Bronson: 🤐 Bea: I thought you'd already gone tbh Ronnie: not trying to score that weak gay shit Ronnie: hitting up a more reliable source like Charlie: rude, i'm RIGHT here Ronnie: are you even gay fitzy? always in my pussy lad Bronson: 😷 Bea: 🤢 Charlie: idk, ask ur man 💖 Ronnie: that'll be why me and Bron's dads did a bunk Bronson: Get yourself locked up at the same time just for the d, did you? Romantic Charlie: if the porn n the stereotypes n the rate of STIs are anything to go by...love is in the air always in cell block h Ronnie: princess'll have some handcuffs to get you on your way to that good loving Bea: 🚿🧠 anyone got any bleach? Bea: Charlie isn't worth the 💰 use cable ties, more authentic Bronson: 99 🚔 My fingers are on the button....Stop for the love of god Ronnie: Bron can help you out there Fitz Ronnie: 🤓 Bronson: Take that over a thicko label Charlie: Look, babe, know you wanna tie me down forever but do it yourself, don't involve the kid Charlie: 💍 diamond or no D, soz Ronnie: Bring a needle I'll snag a gem Bronson: Don't go there, C, I'm still riding the ear infection wave Bronson: It's been 84 years Ronnie: yeah cause you're a mong that can't turn an earring Bronson: In my defense I was a legit child Bea: nothing screams low-class like stabbing your friends for the bants Charlie: and i already scream homo loudly enough, don't need another reason to be hate crime-d, a thank you Bronson: If I didn't know you I'd guess bisexual Bronson: You can have that for free Charlie: what a smooth-talker! thanks babe 💖 Charlie: and if i didn't know you, i'd guess you were trying to see my dongle Bronson: Been there, repressed the trauma o that Ronnie: get a fucking room benders Charlie: why you being so homophobic when we all know how bad you want on princess? cliche stuck in the closet much Bea: shut up Ronnie: in your wet dreams Charles Ronnie: fuck off Charlie: oh the delicious tension Charlie: too much for either to bear Ronnie: I know where she's been Ronnie: fuck that Ronnie: like you wish you could gayboy Bronson: Wait, you fancy Fraze, Charlie? Ha Bea: Bron can you not encourage either of them Bea: thanks Bronson: Sorry my mind's just blown I thought he was out of his straight boy phase Charlie: What? Its a compliment for you, he's adorable, why else would you be with him? Ronnie: they're both annoying cunts Ronnie: match made Charlie: and never out of that phase, bro 😍 #daddyissues Bea: get his name out of your mouth bitch Ronnie: oi get your mouth off his dick Fitzgerald you heard her Ronnie: princess is raging like Ronnie: when your mans a slag and youre a prude Bea: As if Bea: Only one McKenna fucked up to go near you Bea: #singletear Charlie: Children, enough Ronnie: Bron do that final 9 she's going off 😂 Bronson: Walking away Bea: know you're hard up but as per we're all funding you getting your rocks off so run along and do it, no need to bore me trying to get your kicks Ronnie: know youre a snobby cunt but I don't work for you Bea: you don't work for anyone, not even JC gonna fund your lack of a life Ronnie: 🖕 mad cause I don't need reddies to fund myself Bea: yeah fuming Bea: if only I'd have thought of selling my body, wouldn't even NEED to be at cambs rn omg Ronnie: nailed it Bea: 😂 Bea: whodathunkit Bea: talking to the cure for cancer stuck inside a waster here Bea: and I'm the snob, okay Ronnie: fucking hell Ronnie: devvo like Bea: We can tell Bea: you don't need to shout about it, you've got the energy of a walking wasteland Ronnie: can't wait until you take some more speed and get more smug Bea: Right? Bea: Must sting, better only getting better Bea: why don't you get something to numb the pain- Ronnie: let you know how it feels when the lads come up Bronson: A rare compliment, you hitting it already? Ronnie: you'll have your share calm the fuck down Charlie: i don't want any, i'm busy Charlie: glad you all noted my silence, feel so listened to usually! hmpf Ronnie: so now you're a little bitch too Ronnie: fuck's sake Bronson: PARTY TIME, am I right? Really in the mood now thanks everyone Charlie: who's in who's pussy, dollface? Charlie: keep your shirt on, Bro 😂 got enough with the two angry feminists here Charlie: I've got previous plans, if you're really so hurt, you can save me some, no? Whaddya mean that'd hurt more? 😏 Bea: you're alright, I personally rather you weren't there, suits me 😘 Bronson: Shirts already off, too late 😜 Bea: Standard 👌 Charlie: you big man whore Charlie: when i'm not around to be predatory, too, tuttut Bronson: I'd wilt under your stare, you know you aren't missing out Charlie: our beautiful wallflower Charlie: I bagsy being a red rose, lil trashy but iconic Bronson: Thorn in our sides Bronson: accepted Bea: Nice one, babe Bea: i'll be an orchid, because i'm beautiful, ornamental and high-maintenance Bea: getting in there before any of you fucks can Charlie: though your silence IS noted, wonwon Charlie: don't be cross at me 😘 Ronnie: fuck off Ronnie: you're not the only one who's busy Ronnie: got a dick in my mouth too like Charlie: such a skilled multitasker Charlie: teach me your ways Bronson: in private please Bronson: not a lesson I want to learn Bea: we're not living in that teen movie Ronnie: On my way Bea: 👍 getting cash out, meet you there Bronson: Doors on the latch

Bea: Morning sweetness 😴 Bea: manage to recover your good vibe/night? Bronson: is it? 😪 Bronson: Until now it wasn't too bad Bronson: Do you get to say the same or is it pure suffering? Bea: Wow, when you hit bae up with that morning text and he's like day=ruined 😰 thought we was forever 😉 Bea: Decided to get off with someone around the same time I lost track of yous, so it was fucking awful, don't tell me you coulda told me that Bronson: It's only the comedown I wanna dump you're welcome to come and nap 💗 Bronson: Not to be that know it all Bea: Molly's such a cruel, cruel mistress, she wants you to miss her when she's gone 💁 Bea: Poor bubba, better than waking up next to that pushy bitch from last night though, Jesus, what was her damage? Bea: I reckon he'd actually gone out and had his drunken kebab and THEN PAID TO GET BACK IN Bea: No sir, not alright Bea: Why do I bother? Bronson: But I'm shamelessly smitten, only girl for besides present company like Bronson: Whatever it is she's not the first or last sufferer Bronson: Thanks for the bail out and sorry I wasn't there to do the same with kebab Kev Bea: N'awwh 💞 glad I hold more appeal than Tina, don't need to be going down that route Bea: It's an epidemic! Basic bitches who can't get a man willing, yeah take that out on innocent onlookers who ain't buying and talk about how your ex ain't shit for being a creepy letch Bea: We see you sweets 💅 Bea: Any time, even if you weren't there to take that donner breath bullet Bea: I'd never ask that of anyone, even Ronnie, though she'd brag about not being arsed, I'm sure 😂 Bronson: Next time I'll carry gum and throw it at whoever you deem worthy Bronson: Give me the nod Bronson: It was all over her socials like we had a good night together until I got there first Bronson: Rather take out Tina and all her mates Bea: as if you don't already Bea: if only little miss would-be-rapist knew that strong jawline was from gurning up a storm 😉 Bea: not so sexy now Bronson: there's nothing in my pockets I'm just pleased to see you Bronson: Seriously though, some of those selfies had to go for that unflattering reason alone taking into account none of her other antics Bronson: I looked a state Bea: 😂 not fallen for that one before but i'll make an exception for you boo Bea: catch me in my duvet cocoon, please don't look at me 'cos same Bea: I dread to think Bea: kept off my accounts for that reason and many more, some of us have reputations to uphold, skank Bronson: want me to check Bronson: clean up the carnage Bronson: Then brunch, your treat Bea: please Bea: roleplay my IT bitch and I'll be feeling my boss best in time for a liquid lunch Bea: will have to damage control my face first, enjoy watching me lovingly whilst I turn a -2 to an 11 Bronson: Never get bored of staring at you, you know that Bronson: Make my hair great again Bronson: Thanks Bea: when you shoulda been Trump's campaign manager 😕 Bea: sort the weave, clean up that twitter Bea: what a wonderful world it coulda been Bronson: Last night proves I can't stop him pussy grabbing Bronson: Need you for that one Bea: This pussy bites back 😼 Bea: its not your fault, girls like that, if you tell her to fuck off, and rightly so, it'd be made like YOU were being a prick to her Bea: gotta bullshit these hoes sometimes, tis the only way Bronson: Or playing hard to get...they fire that one at me loads Bronson: 😦 Bea: 🤢 gross Bea: got that one myself a fair few times, when I'm not being accused of being a prude by Ronaldo, hilariously Bea: People are the worst Bea: 'cept us Bronson: It's only because she likes you Bronson: Flattering, isn't it? Bronson: Being called broken is my fave Bronson: "Who hurt you?" You are right now, fuck off before you get a slap yourself to feel the pain of Bea: Wouldn't that just be the perfect solution in their simplistic little world? If only Bea: Save myself the feelings of disgust not brought on by kebab breath Bea: Though, if you think that that's love coming from Ron, then you do have an answer to their riddle right there, not real but the masses'll take one look at her and buy it 😜 Bronson: No arguments here Bronson: Your socials are sparkling now so that's real comfort to take Bea: 💖 yay Bea: the world never need know Bea: as long as I didn't drunk dial or text Fraze, this day is looking up, tah babes Bronson: Not to be a know it all again so quick Bronson: but I'm going to go ahead and guess the answer to that one Bea: BITCH DON'T KILL MY VIBE Bea: I'm sure I'd have angry ranting in my inbox if I had Bea: or a passive indirect on the socials, come across one perchance smartiepants? Bronson: Might've Bronson: I'll spare you Bea: Noooooooooooooooooooo Bea: Coulda had it all Bea: Really sours my Bloody Mary Bea: Fuck sake, now he's going to think I FUCKED kebab kev and enjoyed it meanwhile I sit here virginal and scrubbing my mouth out with soap Bea: How's this game fair again, please remind me Bronson: It isn't Bronson: But I can't tell you to stop playing Bronson: All yours Bea: you're meant to be a superwhizkid Bea: can't you think up a strategy so I win Bronson: Thinking cap is on Bronson: Because my hair still looks shit as much as Bea: I'll fix your barnet Bea: Between you and Charlie, honestly Bea: Never known boys like it 😂 Bea: blatant lie, have you seen how particular Fraze is but he doesn't really have much hair to be stylin' so Bronson: 👴 awkward Bea: you fool Bea: not like that 😂 Bea: though I'll keep it in my backpocket for when we inevitably row later Bea: #malepatternbaldnessBITCH Bronson: Freebie to kick your day off right again Bea: if you refuse to tell me what to do, could you use your skillz for good at least and fucking disable my phone when i'm fucked Bronson: Last time I tried you tried to fight me like Bea: Look, I didn't say it was a task for the fainthearted 😉 Bea: and yes, you would be the first to succeed too Bea: but if anyone can, its my man 😘 Bronson: Ego boost before eggs Bronson: Whoa Bronson: Today is looking up Bea: Gotta keep you sweet with all the bitching I'll no doubt do at brunch Bea: such a Carrie move, like no one cares bitch, write it in your column or books or...what did she even write? Or was she just monologuing at her computer, like all been there babe but don't act like its buying you all that designer Bronson: Her real true love was that laptop Bronson: Solved it Bea: 😲 Bea: but Mr. Big Bea: clue in the name Bronson: Could be his wallet Bronson: explain the designer gear Bea: Exactly Bea: Just my type Bronson: I'd go in for it if I can spend and send him the receipts Bea: you must be aware there are websites for that Bea: get on it boy Bronson: It all gets too sexual for my tastes Bea: set out boundaries Bea: different strokes for different folks Bea: i'm SURE there's a millionaire out there that just wants to chat Bronson: 🤔 There's enough fighting off advances in the club Bronson: Shelving that until millionaires become good people Bea: not bad people by default Bea: just a bad system they profit from more than you Bronson: Getting deep in here Bronson: Truth though Bea: real talk take #2 Bea: where do you think charlie was last night? and who or what was he doing? Bronson: Good questions that I have no answer to Bronson: If he had a job we'd all know Bea: I need to know, suspense is killing me Bea: I didn't think anything beat drugs in his book Bea: somewhat encouraging? Bronson: You could ask but I doubt you'd get far enough into the real Bronson: It is Bronson: Boy's growing up? Bea: Full of the #bants them two Bronson: Since day 1 Bronson: I'm coming to get you, Barbara Bronson: Ready yourself Bea: *falls over gravestones like a dumb bitch* Bea: i'm good to go and looking fly Bronson: I'll do the coded knock Bronson: Made up rn Bea: Helpful Bronson: That's my thing Bronson: Soon, my love, soon

[porkchop-ao3]

A Thrill I’ve Never Known (Chapter 38)

Out In The Wilderness

Arthur and reader head out for some time away from camp after the trolley station job goes badly. Deep conversations and smut ensue. Enjoy!

(All chapters tagged with #ATINK and also posted on Ao3, username PorkChop)

-

Arthur returned to camp in a foul mood. So did Dutch, and to a lesser degree, Lenny. They all looked dishevelled and bashed up; Dutch had a pair of black eyes, their clothes were filthy and ripped, Arthur's hands and face were dotted with cuts and bruises. It was clear before anyone said anything that the trolley station job had not gone to plan. I'd been discussing the art dealer job with John when they all returned home, and I watched as Arthur went straight upstairs to his room; presumably to get changed.

John said my name, and I turned back to him. He was staring at me expectantly. 

"I'm sorry?"

"What day? You were telling me when this job was going down," he reminded me. 

"Oh, yeah. Saturday, so tomorrow. Evening time; I've spoken to Arthur about it, he said he'd talk to Lenny. The wagon will be coming from Saint Denis to Valentine, so I'd suggest mapping that route, picking a spot on the outskirts of Valentine, going for it then."

"You're not joining us?" He asked. 

"We all saw how well I handled waving a gun around yesterday."

"Oh right, yeah. How're you holding up, by the way?"

"I'm okay. Ain't the first time a gang of psychos has knocked me down and brought me close to death," my laugh was empty, and John gave me a careful smile. 

"I heard you handled it well, in the end."

"I shot a guy, yeah, no need to congratulate me. People keep praising me for it, it's real odd," I frowned to myself. 

"It's okay not to be proud of it, but you did the right thing; was all you could do. That's all people are praising you for," he shrugged, then clapped a hand on my shoulder, giving it a convivial shake. 

"I guess," I smiled.��

"Hey, Arthur mentioned that job to me," Lenny said to me as he passed me by on the way to Pearson's pot, "sounds like a good one. Well, I hope it is, today didn't go so well."

"I thought as much, what happened?" I frowned, and John spun around in his seat to listen to him. 

"Barely made enough to buy groceries, and Dutch took a real knock to the head. It weren't good. But we made it, so that counts for something," Lenny flashed an optimistic smile once he'd finished, then carried on walking. 

John and I shared a look, and eventually I rose to my feet. 

"I'm gonna go see Arthur," I told him.

"Sure, you tell him I'm in on that job tomorrow," John nodded, and I patted his back appreciatively before heading off. 

I knocked on Arthur's door, calling his name, and he invited me in. He was just buttoning up a fresh shirt when I entered, his back to me. I walked inside, picked up his clothes for something to do, bundling them up and putting them on the table neatly for me to wash for him later. I met his gaze, noting the tension in his jaw and brow. 

"I heard it didn't go well, I'm sorry," I started, and Arthur shook his head, releasing a breath. 

"Will you ride with me?" He requested, surprising me.

"Of course," I nodded, then followed him out of the room as he pulled his suspenders up and over his shoulders.

"Could do with just some space between me and everyone else, this place," he said under his breath as we walked through the house, downstairs and over to the horses. "I'm sure you could, too."

"You're not wrong," I agreed, and we mounted up on our horses and headed out of camp. 

We rode in silence for some time, heading away from the swampy area, out towards the firmer grounds of Scarlett Meadows, where the air was just a little dryer. That was immediately more pleasant on its own, the swamps could be so suffocating. 

I decided to breach the silence. "You wanna talk about what went wrong today?"

"It all went wrong, right from the start. We shouldn't even have bothered with it in the first place; it was a bad idea. Should've known that when Bronte told us about it."

"Wait, Bronte? The feller who had Jack?"

"Yeah, yeah, you don't have to tell me how dumb it was to trust him with a tip-off after that nonsense," Arthur grumbled and I shook my head. 

"I wasn't gonna say that."

"Well, it was dumb. I can't believe Dutch went ahead with it. But it's done now. We're just lucky we got out of there alive," he scoffed, shaking his head bitterly.

I pursed my lips and looked ahead, running my fingers through Rayna's mane briefly. 

"We stuck the place up and there was barely any cash, then the number of lawmen turning up– it had to be a set up. We had to shoot our way out of the city, almost killing ourselves in a trolley crash in the process. It was all complete shambles," Arthur continued.

"Trolley crash?"

"I'm sticking to horses as my getaway from now on," Arthur grunted and shook his head. "At least we got your job tomorrow."

"John said he's in on that, by the way," I let him know, and he nodded. 

"Seems straightforward enough, hopefully it'll make us some good money."

"Don't jinx it," I snorted. 

"Any more bad luck, at this point I'm jus' used to it," he sighed. 

"Cheer up, Arthur. As long as we're alive and free, things are okay," I reassured him, smiling at him. He let out a wistful sigh and glanced over at me. 

"That's real nice. It's a pity I ain't got much room for optimism right now," he said apologetically and I shook my head in amusement. 

"It's alright, Arthur, you ain't gotta be sunshine and rainbows. Just don't dwell on it, okay? It's over, you and the others got out mostly unscathed and you're free to rob some other poor bastards. You don't have to think about it no more, think of somethin' else," I said cheerily and he chuckled. 

"You seem chipper," he commented. 

"Well, I'm just trying to keep us afloat. Things aren't bad enough to be all in despair just yet, and I don't like seeing my man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. That's Dutch's to carry, our mighty leader," I teased, catching the shake of his head and his badly hidden smirk. 

"Your man, huh?"

I looked at him for a while, pressing my lips together. "How 'bout we set up camp out here?"

"Now?" He quirked a brow.

"Sure. I could kill us a rabbit for dinner, we could camp out here. You got your tent, right?"

"Sure I do."

"Alright then, what do you say?"

"You ain't worried 'bout Dutch getting mad with us again?" He questioned, though he let me veer us off the path towards what looked like an ideal campground. A patch of trees with a decently sized clearing in the middle, far enough away from passing travellers.

"He already hates me, so I don't care. Are you worried?" 

Arthur made a noise and the two of us dismounted, hitching the horses up against a tree. 

"He don't hate you," he tried to assure me, and I smiled in amusement.

"Well he sure as shit don't like me," I laughed, "don't worry, I don't mind. It's you I'm sticking around for. Along with folk like Charles and John, Mary-Beth, Abigail… decent folk."

"So you don't think Dutch is decent?" Arthur queried, retrieving the canvas for his tent off the back of Jet. 

"I never said that."

"You didn't, but it sounded like you meant it."

I shrugged my shoulders, wandering around the immediate area to look for firewood as Arthur pitched the tent. We worked in silence for a while, I'd gathered up an armful of sticks for the fire by the time the tent was standing and Arthur was laying down blankets inside. The sun was starting to go down, and I hurried off with my bow to catch us some dinner before it got dark.

When I got back with a rabbit slung over my shoulder, Arthur had a fire going. I sat myself down next to him where he was poking at it, staring into the flames. His face was aglow with yellow light, dimming and brightening with the shivering of the flames; he looked deep in thought. I was in the process of skinning dinner when he spoke again. 

"You think I'd be upset with you if you admitted you had zero trust in Dutch?" He asked. His tone was curious, not in the least bit irritable; it put me at ease, but not enough to want to open up on the topic. 

"You mean the man you've been following since you was just a boy?" I began, then snorted, "I wouldn't blame you if you were, but I don't think you would be."

"Right, so why're you dodging that question just now?" He followed up.

"Because I believe it's far above my station to sit here and spout off what I think about a man I've known for five minutes, to you, who's known him decades," I explained, "sure, I won't keep my lips fully sealed, I'm quite honest about the fact that he's not my favourite man in the world, and that I don't think he reckons all that much to me. But I don't feel right going any further than that."

"There's more to it, I know there is, and I want you to be able to tell me these things. You're my lady, I don't put you at any station lower than myself, you understand that, don't you?" 

"Well, I'm happy to hear that," I told him quietly, putting the rabbit skin aside and beginning to cut the meat from the animal.

"Come on, sweetheart," he pleaded.

"I'm wrist deep in a rabbit, Arthur," I chuckled, "what do you want me to say?"

"Tell me why you don't like Dutch. And I ain't asking so I could try to change your mind, I wanna know because I'm–" he stopped abruptly, paused to think, "Dutch ain't been acting the way I'm used to, lately. I just wanna hear from someone who has a fresh perspective."

I sat back on my heels and looked at him. He held eye contact for some time, then broke it to spear a piece of meat on the end of his knife and hold it over the flames. 

"Okay," I said meekly, "well, I get the impression he likes having people around him that'll do whatever he says without question. And sure, that's understandable to some extent, him being the so-called brains behind this whole gang, but…"

"Keep going."

"I don't think it's all that healthy, is all. He obviously cares about you, but the way he acts with me, it's like he's worried your loyalty's being split. I don't know how best to say it," I explained, shrugging a bit. "Just look at how he was when we went to Saint Denis. You took one night away, while the whole camp was gettin' drunk anyway, and he made out like it was a terrible thing you did. 

"And yesterday, acting like you were keeping secrets from him just 'cause you didn't go runnin' to him the first time we shared a kiss… like he deserves to know everything even when it don't concern him. Like you ain't just allowed to be your own person. Perhaps I'm being melodramatic," I shook my head, looking to Arthur to see him focusing completely on the meat he was cooking, his brow lowered only enough to be noticeable. 

"So I guess that's part of it. The way he seems to have you on such a short leash despite all you do, all your loyalty," I concluded. 

"I have to set an example, I suppose is his thinkin'," he explained and I gave him a look.

"Thought you said you weren't gonna try changing my mind."

"No, I'm– yeah, you're right. Sorry."

"Anyway, you said yourself he ain't treating me like everyone else, that he trusted Micah sooner than this. I've said this before, 'bout how I feel I could be accused of trying to steal you away. Maybe there's some truth in that, 'least for what Dutch thinks of me," I hypothesised.   

"Maybe," he said softly, surprising me with his acceptance. 

"Arthur, just remember that I don't care about all this. Last thing I want is for me to change the way you and Dutch are. Just 'cause he can be unfriendly with me, don't mean I want you to take issue with the man. I ain't been here long enough to make waves so big, never mind what you and I mean to each other," I said, putting my hand on his knee and giving it a squeeze. 

"Don't worry about that. I ain't gonna act any sort'a way with him. But I gotta say, I been thinking stuff since before you, back in Blackwater. He's been doing things I don't understand, I guess he's just been a little more ruthless. I've been hoping it's a rough patch, but things ain't improving; and since being with you and hearing what you've gotta say, well," he sighed, shaking his head a little, "I've been seeing more clearly, is all."

"What do you mean?"

"It means a couple months ago I wouldn't've dreamed of quitting, leaving the gang. Now I think of it damn near every day."

 My heart thumped and I stared with wide eyes. Did he really just say that?

Arthur handed me the knife by its handle with the cooked meat on the end. I took it from him, blowing on it to cool it as I processed his words. 

The sky was painted navy blue, now, with streaks of pink only just visible on the horizon. I couldn't see the stars through the thin layer of cloud, but it was a pleasant evening regardless. Too pleasant to feel so jarred by such a conversation.

I pulled the meat off the knife once it was cool enough to touch, then speared another raw piece and handed it to Arthur to cook for himself. 

"If you're really thinking that way," I began carefully, taking a bite of meat to break up my words and allow me time to think, "then I can only say I'm sorry. I know you've been there a long time and it must be daunting to suddenly have these feelings."

"Yeah, no doubt," he snorted, watching the fat ooze from the meat, dripping into the fire and sparking bright.

"I'll stick with you, no matter what," I told him confidently, "I didn't have much at all when I joined, I was just floating along, getting by. You've made me happy, sweetheart, given me something more to wake up for than just surviving."

"You know, I could say the same thing to you. Maybe it's realising that that's made me consider getting the hell out. If I could spend each day with you, without all the crap that plagues us now," he trailed off and shook his head with a wistful sigh. 

I reached to him, stroking my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. His shoulders loosened at my touch, dropping down as he took a slow breath. 

"Let's just enjoy this, hm? Being out here, just us, on a nice warm evening. Isn't this lovely?" I smiled at him and he chuckled. 

"You're too goddamn precious, you know that?"

I grinned and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

The two of us ate the rabbit between us and spent the evening sat around the fire in peace. It really was lovely, just enjoying some time alone with him. I felt as happy as I had in Saint Denis, even without the cushy bed; perhaps even more so. I liked being outdoors, breathing in cool, clean air, enjoying that sweet smoky smell of the fire, hearing crickets and owls working together to compose a constant song. No comfy bed could beat it, not when the city could only offer less savoury sounds and smells. 

We crawled into the tent together, letting the fire smoulder on outside, keeping us warm while the temperature dropped once the sun was hidden beyond the horizon. Arthur was curled around me from behind, his body knitted against mine in a perfect copy of my silhouette, his hand around my front where I held it in mine. We slept like that.

Not through the night, however.

I awoke at some ungodly hour – the sun not yet close to rising – needing to pee. The last thing I wanted was to remove myself from Arthur's arms, but I knew I'd never be able to fall back to sleep without taking care of business. So, I very gently lifted his arm and scooted out from under it, and out of the tent. I crept away from our campsite and did what I had to do. 

I fed our dwindling fire with a couple more sticks before heading back into the warm privacy of the tent, settling down on my side next to Arthur. I was tempted to pull his arm back over me, but I was too scared of waking him. It didn't matter, though, since he shifted and wrapped it around me himself.

My heart warmed at the sleepy action, and I smiled at his tired, breathy groan as he moved around to get comfy huddled up behind me again. I thought he was asleep until I felt his lips at the back of my neck, pressing soft, sweet kisses there above the bandage wrapped around it.

"You okay?" He murmured. 

"Call of nature," I whispered and he hummed in understanding, kissing me again as his arm tightened around my waist. "I'm sorry for waking you."

"Don't be," he breathed, letting his hand creep up my body, dragging along, unabashedly exploring. I let out a surprised laugh. 

"Arthur?" I questioned, feeling him hum and talk against my neck as he continued to trail his mouth around to the space below my ear. 

"What is it?" 

"What're you–" my voice left me as his hand reached my breast, fondling me through my clothes as his hips curled forwards, pressing himself against my backside. "Arthur," I repeated, this time in a breathy moan. 

I tilted my body, pressing my backside firm against him, giving my permission for things to go further. His hips rolled, a shaky groan vibrating below my ear. He was hard. Not even just getting there, already totally hard. I gasped, my body stiffening involuntarily, in turn making Arthur freeze. 

He made a dazed sound, let my breast go, backed off a little.

"Shit, I'm sorry, I weren't–" he huffed a sheepish laugh, "I weren't quite with it, there."

"What? Oh, don't stop," I pleaded with him. There was a pause.

"Really?" 

I hummed my agreement, nodding. 

"I wake up like this sometimes," he whispered, pressing his hips back to my behind, rubbing subtly, "usually it don't matter. But waking up like this, with you lying there…"

Arthur took a deep breath, his nose buried in the crook of my shoulder.

"Well, Dutch ain't likely to interrupt us here," I whispered, and Arthur laughed harder than I expected him to. 

"I would not put much past him," he joked, then kissed the side of my neck, steering clear of my bandaged wound, allowing his hand to move downwards, exploring my thighs. 

His kisses turned to sucking, his lips closing over a spot on my neck that made me gasp. Over time he'd desensitised me to my once unbearable ticklishness, now it was only pleasure I felt.

As he sucked on my skin, making me tingle, he tugged open the button on my jeans and pushed his hand inside. I cursed under my breath. This is really happening out here, I thought. He stroked me fast, perfect pressure over my clit, tight circles, having me panting in no time. 

Arthur sucked on my neck until it was on the verge of feeling tender, then he released me, pressing a kiss to the spot before resting his chin on my shoulder and peering down my body. He watched as he pleasured me, made me moan softly, forced my hips to roll on their own, encouraging the motion of his hand and simultaneously grinding against his arousal. Arthur groaned into my ear, shifted. I was trapped between his hand and his hips, pushed back and forth between the two. His heavy breaths, sighs of my name, it took away all tension in me. I wrapped my hand around Arthur's arm and clung to it as two fingers entered me, the heel of a hand grinding down. 

"Mm, I need you," he sighed to me, tilting his head and letting his nose and lips make trails of goosebumps on my neck and shoulder. His breath tickled me and I came close to losing it, my core pulsing and feeling hot and sensitive.

He fucked me with his fingers, his pace moderate, yet careful. He was always careful with me. 

My ass was exposed as Arthur used his free hand to pull my pants down along with my underwear, the air hit my skin and though it wasn't cold, I shivered. There was shuffling behind me, the sound of shifting fabric and metal belt buckles; then Arthur was hot against me, his freed erection rubbing up against my backside, a guttural moan vibrating through his chest to my back.

I came on his fingers, gripping his arm tighter, thrusting against him as the pleasure took over and drove my body to move. I moaned Arthur's name, uttering my pleads for him to have me, to take me there and then. 

"I got you, baby," he whispered, slowing his strokes, removing his fingers, giving my sensitive clit a couple of swipes that made me whimper and twitch. Arthur took his cock in his hand, guided one of my legs forward to give him access.

"Please," I sighed, unable to keep the needy desperation out of my voice. I didn't sound like myself to me, I sounded utterly debauched. Perhaps I'd be ashamed of myself if I wasn't so helplessly aroused. 

He guided himself inside me; each time we did this was easier than the last. I no longer felt any pain. Once we were fully connected, Arthur made a shaky, broken sound as he took a moment to wrap his arm around my front and hold me to him. He remained still for a moment. His face was pressed against my shoulder and I could feel his stuttered breaths rolling over me, hot and humid. 

"You're too good to me, lettin' me do this out here," he rumbled, barely audibly. His hips gave a minute pull and push, enough to have him sucking air through his teeth. 

"You say that like you're the only one who likes this," I laughed though it was more like a series of heavy breaths.

"Yeah, well, I'm pretty sure I'm the one with the better deal. You're goddamn perfect," he whispered, thrusting, picking up the pace. His movements were measured and deep, lingering on the inward thrust, staying buried in me for a second, so deep I felt an ache bloom in my gut. 

"Wouldn't be so sure, you ain't felt what I'm feeling," I said, squeezing my muscles around him and delighting in the shot of pleasure it provided. Seemingly for Arthur too, who released a sudden, loud moan. 

"Ahh, fuck," he gasped, then began fucking me in earnest, quick and hard enough to bounce me back and forth on his length and rob me of my breath. 

I brought one hand to Arthur's, gripping it tight, my other hand going between my legs. I curiously teased my fingers along my folds, reaching down to where we were joined, straddling two fingers either side of his cock. He hummed at the contact, kissing me then clamping down to suck on another part of my neck, right where it joined my shoulder. I whined and tilted my head, encouraging him. 

Arthur was particularly confident that night, it seemed; eagerly pawing at my breasts after slipping a hand underneath my shirt. He played with my nipples, tugging and thumbing them until they were hard and sensitive. He was less hesitant than he had been before. I wondered why, but it struck me with the way he was grunting in my ear and fucking into me quick and needy, that he seemed to have a lot of pent up tension. I understood, it'd been a terrible couple of days. 

"Baby, can we– up on your knees, for me?" He requested after a moment, his movements faltering, his hand planting itself in front of me to hold himself up as he began to reposition himself. 

I was breathless as I kicked my legs free of clothing and rolled onto my front within the confines of his arms; breaking our connection only temporarily. I pushed myself up on my hands and knees and Arthur was immediately settling in behind me, grabbing my hips. He re-entered with a hiss of a curse word. The change allowed him more freedom, and he pulled me back to meet his thrusts as he picked up where he left off. His cock so firmly stimulated an incredible spot inside me and I cried out in pleasure, collapsing forward to rest my head on my folded arms as I took everything he gave. 

"Is this nice, princess?" He asked me, breath laboured.

"Yes!" I sighed, hearing his moan of a chuckle in response. He took a hand and stroked it up my spine, lifting my shirt and camisole with it. 

Arthur slowed enough to appreciate the position, only for a moment, to cast his hands down the curve of my waist, over my hips, to my backside (which he squeezed rather zealously), and back up again. All the while a low moan built in his throat. 

"Fuck, you are beautiful," his words were uttered quiet and gravelly, his voice coarse and earnest enough for me to really believe it just for that moment. It was odd, feeling such a way. 

I squeezed my muscles around him again, earning a grunt and a chuckle and a breathy that's nice. Then his breather was over and he fucked me hard, his hips smacking against my backside, his hands gripping me almost enough to bruise but not quite; he'd never lose himself enough to unintentionally mar my body with his passion. Though, I suspected my neck would bear a few signs of it with the way he'd been ravishing it, entirely intentionally.

I reached between my legs again, this position allowing me to touch him more easily. My fingers found the edge of his cock again, I enjoyed feeling him pumping in and out of me. His balls met my hand with every thrust, and I reached to cup them, hearing the way Arthur hummed and sucked in a shuddering breath. 

"What's that hand doin' down there?" He queried playfully, leaning forwards and holding himself up with a hand next to me. His chest pressed against my back, the cold metal of the fixings of his suspenders reminded me he was still fully dressed, taking me through the opening of his pants. The thought thrilled me, oddly. 

"Do you like it?" I giggled. Arthur pushed my shirt further up with his nose, then kissed me between my shoulders. 

"Mmhm," he hummed his affirmation, rolling his hips in an upward motion, breathing heavy across my back as he pressed his forehead to me. "'m close," he told me. 

He pushed himself upwards, taking his cock in hand as he withdrew. He rubbed the head of it along my folds, circling my clit until I was groaning. He was drawing out our pleasure, making it last. 

The few moments of emptiness made it all the more exhilarating when he returned to my warmth. His hands spread my ass cheeks, his thumbs venturing down to part the lips of my nether regions around his length; spreading me open. He let loose an indulgent sound, and I turned my head to look over my shoulder at him. 

"That's real pretty," he whispered, making me flush, "God, I'd love to–" he stopped, biting down on his lip and appearing to make a conscious decision to leave the sentence unfinished. 

I gave his balls a gentle fondle, and he dropped his head back to gaze at the top of the tent with a moan. 

"What's that?" I asked him sweetly.

"I'm being filthy, don't mind me," he chuckled, looking back down at me and smirking.

"Be filthy out loud, will you?" 

Arthur laughed at my bluntness, but it dissolved into a groan when I pulsed my muscles around him; a trick I'd learned very quickly that he liked. 

"You're gonna kill me, woman," he growled, his cheeks flushing peach. "I hope you realise I'm stalling, I don't wanna finish just yet. This is too damn good."

"Tell me what you were gonna say," I pleaded and with a soft sigh, Arthur squeezed my backside, letting his thumb dip between the cheeks. I jerked at the sensation.

"I'd love to finish inside you," he told me, and I swore I felt his cock twitch at the utterance. "See the mess it'd make. Told you it was filthy." 

"I'd love that too," I admitted, and he quickly shook his head. 

"I trust you don't need me to tell you why I won't."

"Of course. It's nice to imagine, though," I licked my lips and brought my hand to my clit, slowly playing with myself. I was incredibly sensitive and I released a breath, letting my eyes close. 

"Oh, it certainly is," he murmured, and began to move again. "I wanna make you cum, angel, wanna see how it feels when I'm inside you." 

"I'm almost there," I told him, rubbing myself quicker. He took me at a faster pace, grunting with exertion as he buried himself over and over, making my insides flutter and my mind grow absent; orgasm building fast. 

"That's it, darlin', I love hearing those moans," he commented, and at that point I was barely aware of the fact I was moaning. But I was. Very loudly. Any late wanderers passing by would no doubt be getting an earful. 

"Oh fuck– Arthur," I cried out, everything in me clenching up, teetering on release. 

"Where'd you wan' it, baby; when I cum?" He asked, his voice under strain and hoarse. 

"Anywhere you want," I gasped. 

Arthur's hand cupped my ass cheek, squeezing and spreading, his thumb wandering down the cleft. The presence of the digit there once again made me jerk and clench, the pleasant sensation sent me. My pleasure hit it's crescendo, my body shuddering and pulsing around Arthur's length, intensity dimming everything around me but him and the way he made me feel.

"Shit, that's nice," Arthur hissed through clenched teeth, "good girl." 

Why he felt the need to praise me, I wasn't sure, but I knew for damn sure I enjoyed it.

In that wonderful period of worriless bliss after my orgasm, Arthur pulled out of me, pushing his cock against the cleft of my ass and grinding until I could feel him spilling over my backside. His breaths came heavy and sounded like growls and he rode out his orgasm thrusting against me. 

It was intense and quick, and it ended abruptly when he pulled away, catching himself from falling backwards out of the tent with a hand behind him. A moment later I felt the blanket on my backside, wiping away his seed. I shifted and made a strange sound; it was extremely odd feeling him wipe me there.

"Sorry, I got a little slapdash with my aim, there. It was about to drip down and I–" his eyes were apologetic as he looked at me, willing me to understand what he was saying without having to spell it out (for once). 

"Oh, it's okay," I told him. 

"I didn't want it to– could'a–"

"I got it," I grinned at him and he let out a relieved chuckle. 

"I'm sorry," he whispered, leaning over me, kissing my temple. 

"Why're you apologising? That was incredible," I breathed, shifting to lie on my back below him, my shirt and camisole still bunched up, exposing my breasts. His eyes drifted down my body, between my legs briefly. His eyes – usually so soft and easy when looking at me – held an exhilarating air of hunger and pride.

After a moment, he spoke. "Yeah, it was, weren't it?" His little smirk and his cheeky tone sent me into a giggle. "You're an incredible woman," he added, leaning down and nuzzling his face against my neck, gently pressing a kiss to my bandage. 

His body settled over mine, his cock nestling between my legs, coaxing gasps from the both of us.

"I never know what to say when you say things like that," I whispered. 

"You ain't gotta say nothing, just believe it," he answered, kissing my neck, then my jaw, then my cheeks. 

"You could take your own advice, there; the most handsome cowboy I ever did lay eyes on," I grinned up at him and cupped his face in my hands, trailing my thumbs over his cheekbones, "though he don't know it."

"You ain't seen my last bounty poster," he scoffed out a laugh and I rolled my eyes playfully. "I look like one ugly son of a bitch."

"Well, they couldn't put a real flattering picture up, otherwise who'd wanna bring you in? They'd be hunting you down to marry you instead."

"Alright, Miss Jemima Jones, what con you pullin'?"

"Never mind," I sighed, shaking my head at him, "I guess if you really knew how nice you were to look at, you'd get nothing done. Jus' be staring in the mirror all day like Miss O'Shea."

Arthur laughed, but pushed his face into my shoulder as if to hide it. 

"That's why she don't do much. Her beauty's a blessing and a curse," I added.

"Dutch let's her off jus' to keep her quiet. Molly, she… she don't have it as easy as it looks," Arthur told me, lifting his head to look at me. 

"No, I don't imagine she does. Can't be easy being in love with someone like Dutch," I acknowledged.

"No. I've known Dutch years, and I have to say… he don't always treat his lady friends all that good."

"In what way?" I frowned. 

"Easily replaced," he simply murmured. "So, I'd say falling for him; that's her worst curse. He's been brushing her off a lot, lately."

"You think he's getting…" I trailed off, not wanting to say bored, but meaning it. Arthur understood and nodded. 

"Seen it plenty of times, unfortunately."

Well, I thought, Molly could do a lot better than him anyway. But I didn't say it.

After a moment I said; "where are my pants? It's odd talking about Dutch when I'm naked from the waist down," and Arthur laughed, sitting up, back on his heels. 

He handed me my pants and I redressed – an easy process with my drawers still lining the inside of my jeans – as he fixed his own clothes. He moved to sit down beside me, and we were both a little out of breath after moving around in the confined space. We laid side by side, staring up at the top of the tent and watching the shifting light dance across the canvas. A reminder that the thing was fabric, not brick, and we'd essentially just slept together out in the open in the middle of nowhere. Goodness me.

"What we just did," I began, rolling my head to the side to look at him; he did the same, "was real naughty." I smirked.

"What did you expect when you hooked up with a lowlife criminal?" He quipped and I snorted, shaking my head. 

"Well, I don't know. Never envisioned myself doing that."

"You disappointed?"

"Absolutely not."

"Well, I wouldn't worry too much about our bad behaviour, then," he grinned at me. 

"Is that your life moral? Bad behaviour is okay as long as the result is satisfactory?" I questioned, all in good fun, of course.

"Well, not consciously, no. But it does look that way, don't it?" He said, almost a little sheepishly. We shared a laugh and I shook my head at him affectionately.

"You're a funny man," I breathed, rolling over to snuggle up against his side, laying my head on his chest. I listened to his heartbeat, a little elevated. 

I wanted to tell him I loved him, but I could not find the courage. Instead I thought it, over and over, hoping he knew it.