#just started season 2. i'm so hooked | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

doctorbitchcrxft · 6 months ago

Text

Provenance | Supernatural Series Rewrite | Dean Winchester x Reader

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader (Eventual)

Warnings: canon violence, canon gore, j e a l o u s y

Word Count: 6703

A/N: Taglist will be closing at the start of season 2! if you aren't currently tagged, and you'd like to join, please please let me know within the next two posts!!

Mobile Supernatural Series Rewrite Masterlist

Supernatural Series Rewrite Masterlist

Supernatural Series Rewrite Playlist

You gripped your beer tightly watching Dean getting a girl’s number across the bar from you.

“(Y/N), if you hold that thing any tighter, you’re gonna break it,” Sam snorted. “What’s your deal?”

You looked back at Sam but were unable to pull your eyes from Dean and his new “friend” for longer than a few seconds. “Nothing.” You took a swig of your drink.

“Are you sure you don’t know how you feel about Dean?” the brunet taunted.

You shot him a glare. “Shut up.”

He snickered in response and returned to looking over the papers in front of him.

You waved Dean over, who held a hand up behind the woman’s back to get you to wait. You gestured again and his smile dropped. He said something to her quickly before making his way back over to you.

“I think we got something,” Sam told his brother.

Dean grinned over his shoulder. “Oh, yeah, me too. I think we need to take a little shore leave; just a little bit. What do you think, huh? I'm so in the door with this one.”

You rolled your eyes. “So, what are we today, Dean? Rock stars, army rangers?”

“Reality TV scouts,” he grinned at you, ignoring the bite in your voice. “Looking for people with special skills. I mean hey, it's not that far off right?”

“If by ‘not far off’ you mean ‘completely off the mark,’ then you’re spot on,” you deadpanned.

Dean shot you a look while he turned to his brother. “By the way, she's got a friend over there. Possibly hook you up. What do you think?”

“Dean, no thanks, I can get my own dates,” Sam responded to his question.

“Yeah, you can, but you don't.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Dean shook his head. “Nothing. What you got?”

“Mark and Ann Telesca of New Paltz, New York were both found dead in their own home, a few days ago. Throats were slit. There were no prints, no murder weapons, all—” He trailed off as his brother looked back at the women at the bar.

“Dean!” you snapped your fingers at him.

He turned back. “Huh, what?”

“No prints, no murder weapons, all doors and windows locked from the inside,” Sam continued.

“Could just be a garden variety murder, you know, not our department,” Dean answered.

“No. Dad says different.”

“What do you mean?” Dean’s interest was piqued at the mention of his dad.

You pointed at the map. “John noted three murders in the same area of upstate New York. First one here in 1912, second, right here in 1945, and the third in 1970. Same M.O. as the Telescas. Throats slit, doors locked from the inside; the whole nine. Now, so much time passed that nobody checked the pattern. Except for your dad. It’s frustrating how much better he is at this than me sometimes,” you muttered at the end of your sentence.

“Alright, I'm with ya. It's worth checking out. We can't pick this up ‘til first thing though right?” Dean asked, trying to contain his excitement.

“Yeah,” Sam answered.

“Good.” Before you could stop him, Dean was off to the two women again.

You were fuming; staring daggers at him and downing the rest of your drink.

Sam snickered at you. “Let’s get you out of here before you end up killing one of those girls.”

“Nah, I’d kill your brother. They didn’t do anything wrong,” you responded, helping Sam pick up the papers scattered about the table. “How ‘bout the Telescas’ house?” you asked.

***

You and Sam headed back to the motel you were staying in to research the history of the Telescas’ home. You sprawled out across Dean’s bed with your laptop, and Sam sat on his bed with his laptop.

“Finding anything?” you asked him.

“Nope. You?”

You shook your head. “Nada.”

He shut his laptop. “So? You wanna talk about it?”

You shut yours, too. “About what?”

“Dean?”

“Oh, hell no,” you snorted.

“You two are made for each other,” he deadpanned at your boxed-up emotions.

“Fuck off, Sam,” you retorted. “What about you? Still not ready to jump back into the dating pool?” You snuggled into the blankets on Dean’s bed, reveling in his scent emanating off them.

He shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“What was she like?” you asked after a moment.

“Who?”

“Jessica. You never told me much about her.”

He sighed. “She was just… the best, man. You two would’ve gotten along great, honestly. She was—” he grinned sadly at the thought of her, “—so smart. So beautiful. Quick, witty, and…” he shook his head. “I was looking for wedding rings. Few weeks before she...”

You smiled sadly at him. “She sounds amazing.”

“She was,” he responded. A quiet settled over the room.

“Don’t you think she would’ve wanted you to be… I don’t know, happy? Do you think she’d want you to move on? It’s been almost a year,” you said. “Jesus, I’ve known you guys for almost a year now," you realized.

He chuckled before going quiet again momentarily. “I think she would. But Jess… I don’t know if I’ll ever be fully over her. She was my best friend, y’know?”

You nodded. “I get it. I’m glad you had that with her, though. Sounds like you really loved each other.”

“We did.”

You and Sam went silent once more, and you succumbed to the tiredness of your limbs and mind. You were so comforted by the scent of worn leather, Dean’s cologne, and whiskey, that you slept better than you had in years.

***

When you woke up the next morning, Sam was standing over you, shaking you gently. You popped up and grabbed his wrist, twisting it and putting a hand to his throat. “Hey, hey,” he tried to calm you down, “Dean’s back.”

You released him immediately. “Sorry, dude. Uh… reflexes,” you laughed awkwardly.

“It’s okay. Dean does that, too.”

The man in question stumbled into the room tiredly. “Move your asses. Let’s go.”

***

You and Sam had just swept the Telescas’ house for EMF while Dean slept in the car trying to get over his hangover. When you returned to the car, you beeped the horn. Dean shot up a foot in the air and groaned.

“Man, that is so not cool.” He adjusted his sunglasses and leaned back against the car door. You and Sam climbed into your seats and began to explain what you had been up to.

“We just swept the Telescas with EMF. It's clean. And last night, while you were, well, out—” Sam trailed off.

Dean’s smirk made your stomach drop. “Good times.”

“—we checked the history of the house.”

“Nothing strange about the Telescas, either,” you said, swallowing your feelings.

“Alright,” Dean’s gravelly voice came, “so if it's not the people and it's not the house, then maybe it's the contents. Cursed object or something.”

“The house is clean,” you said.

“Yeah I know, you said that.”

“No, no, it’s empty. No furniture, nothing,” you explained.

Dean turned back to you. “Where's all their stuff?”

***

You felt so out of place in the swanky auction house the Telescas’ belongings had been brought to. Even the Impala looked like an outcast in the parking lot full of McLarens and Corvettes.

You and the brothers wandered around the auction house, and you wrapped your jacket tightly around yourself.

“Consignment auctions, estate sales. Looks like a garage sale for Wasps if you ask me,” Dean commented. He took some food from a tray table as a man came up behind you.

“Can I help you?” the man questioned.

You wheeled around to face him.

“I'd like some champagne please,” Dean said in a mock posh voice.

You could’ve killed him. “He’s not a waiter.”

Dean cocked an eyebrow at you, and you held out your hand to the man. “I’m (Y/N) Dewitt. This is Sam and Dean Connors. We’re with Connors Limited. We’re art dealers.”

The man didn’t give you the courtesy of a handshake. You fought the urge to make an inappropriate comment.

“You. Are… art dealers,” the man said, clearly having difficulty grasping that concept. “I'm Daniel Blake, this is my auction house. Now, this is a private showing, and I don't remember seeing you on the guest list.”

“We're there, Chuckles, you just need to take another look.” Dean, of course, talked through a mouth full of food.

You shot a sharp look at Dean as he took a glass of champagne off the tray. He turned and walked off, and you followed him.

“Can you chill out?” you asked him.

“What?” he asked through a mouthful of champagne.

You rolled your eyes. “You know what I’m talking about. I don’t like this crowd either, but relax.” You noticed a painting just beyond where you and Dean were talking. It was of a family in an American Gothic style; presumably from the early 1900s. The family contained three young girls in frilly dresses, a man with a gaunt and creepy face, and a woman you assumed was the mother seated in a chair.

“A fine example of American Primitive wouldn't you say?” a woman’s voice called from behind you.

You turned to the place the voice came from to find an extremely good looking woman in a sleek black dress with glossed lips descending the staircase. You noticed Dean beginning to ogle her as Sam answered her. “Well, I'd say it's more Grant Wood than Grandma Moses. But you knew that, you just wanted to see if I did.”

The woman smiled as she approached you. “Guilty. And clumsy. I apologize. I'm Sarah Blake.”

“I’m Sam,” he said. “This is my… brother, Dean.” Dean was still stuffing his face with food from passing trays. “And our friend, (Y/N).”

“Dean. Can we get you some more mini-quiche?” Sarah questioned.

You snorted. You liked her.

“I'm good, thanks,” he smiled through a full mouth.

“So, can I help you with something?” she asked Sam. You knew she liked him; she was giving him the same look you often gave Dean.

“Yeah, actually. What can you tell us about the Telesca estate?” Sam asked her.

She grimaced. “The whole thing's pretty grisly if you ask me, selling your things this soon. But Dad's right about one thing, sensationalism brings out the crowds. Even the rich ones.”

“Is it possible to see the provenances?” Sam asked.

The man from earlier came up behind you. “I'm afraid there isn't any chance of that.”

“Why not?” you asked.

“You're not on the guest list. And I think it's time to leave.”

You rolled your eyes, dropping your polite disposition. “Don’t have to tell us twice.”

“Apparently, I do,” he said.

“C’mon, Dean,” you said, dragging his arm out.

***

You and the brothers found a decently priced motel and approached the rooms you had been assigned.

“Grant Wood, Grandma Moses?” Dean scoffed at his brother.

“Art history course. It's good for meeting girls,” Sam replied simply.

Dean unlocked the door to his room and chuckled. “It's like I don't even know you.”

You walked a little further down to the room next to theirs and unlocked it only to find a gaudily outfitted room full of obnoxious disco decor. The "do not disturb" hanger was even of John Travolta’s silhouette from Saturday Night Fever.

“Huh.” You dropped your bag off and headed back to the boys’ room.

“What was… providence?” Dean was asking as you entered the room.

“Provenance,” you corrected. “It’s like a biography for a painting. You use ‘em to check the history of the pieces; in this case, to see if they have a freaky past.”

“Alright, professor,” Dean taunted you. “Well, we're not getting anything out of Chuckles, but Sarah…” he smirked at his brother.

“Yeah, maybe you can get her to write it all down on a cocktail napkin,” Sam smirked back.

“Not me,” Dean laughed.

You shot a look at Sam, too.

He seemed only mildly horrified. “No, no, no, pickups are your thing, Dean.”

“It wasn't my butt she was checking out,” Dean snorted.

You giggled despite yourself.

“In other words, you want me to use her to get information,” Sam deadpanned.

“Sometimes you gotta take one for the team. Call her,” Dean instructed his brother.

Sam rolled his eyes, but took out his phone. You weren’t sure when he had gotten her number, but he left about an hour later to take her out to dinner.

You and Dean sat in awkward silence for a bit.

“So…”

You went silent again.

“What’s goin’ on with us, (Y/N)? You’ve barely spoken a word to me this whole trip.”

You huffed. “Nothing.”

“Obviously, it’s not nothing.” Dean held your challenging stare.

“Seriously, drop it, please,” you said.

“Fine. You wanna go get some food?”

You smiled despite yourself. “You know I do.”

You and Dean found a crappy diner with deliciously greasy burgers to stuff your faces with.

“So, how ‘bout you, sweetheart? Why don’t you ever go out?” Dean asked.

“On dates, you mean?”

He nodded.

You nibbled on a fry. “I’m just not one for hookups. I can’t take ‘em,” you admitted. “You, though, are king of the unattached drifters.”

He chuckled. “What’s wrong with hookups?

“I get too attached, which kind of defeats the whole purpose,” you replied. “The idea of being intimate with somebody I don’t even know makes me want to throw up.”

“Why? You’re gorgeous. Anybody would kill to get with you," he said casually.

You ignored the way your heart swelled in your chest. “It’s not that, it’s just…” you sighed. “I’m, like, allergic to vulnerability.”

“I get it,” Dean chuckled. “You know by now I’m not exactly the best with it, either.”

“Oh, yeah, you’re worse than me,” you quipped. “You look like you’re gonna throw up any time you have to tell me you’re sorry or something like that.”

“Maybe it’s just your face,” he retorted.

“Hey!” you giggled. “You can’t call me gorgeous one minute then tell me looking at me makes you sick the next.”

He chuckled. “I just did, so…”

“Whatever, Winchester. What is it about hookups you enjoy so much, anyway?”

He shrugged and took a bite of his burger. “Sex is just fun, I guess. Always helps me blow off steam.”

You scoffed. “I’m sure it does.”

“I’m serious! Helps me take a break from… all this.” He gestured around him.

“That’s why you have hobbies, Dean. Sex is not a hobby.”

“It can be! You draw, Sam reads, I fuck."

“Well, get a better one,” you scoffed.

“What would you suggest I do? Knitting?”

You rolled your eyes. “No, just… something a little more wholesome, maybe. You said it yourself, it doesn’t always make you feel great.”

“Never should’ve told you that,” he responded.

“Well, ya did, so.”

He snorted at you. “It’s frustrating how well you know me sometimes.”

“Oh, look at that, another crumb of vulnerability from Mr. Closed Book.”

“That’s the best diss you could come up with?”

“Hey, it’s not easy being effortlessly funny all the time,” you retorted. “It’s a lot of pressure.”

***

When you and Dean returned to the motel room, you pulled out your whetstone to sharpen your knives.

“Who you plannin’ on carvin’ up, sweetheart?”

“Haven’t decided yet,” you answered.

“Remind me not to piss you off,” he remarked.

“You do literally all the time,” you quipped. “You’re lucky you’re still in one piece. If you give me yours, I’ll sharpen ‘em, too.”

“Thanks,” he said. He handed his knives over to you.

Sam burst through the door at that moment holding a stack of papers. “Got ‘em.”

“So she just handed the providences over to you?” Dean questioned.

“Provenances,” you corrected.

“We went back to her place, I got a copy of the papers—”

Dean raised his eyebrows expectantly. “And?”

“And nothing. That's it. I left.”

“You didn't have to con her or do any… special favors or anything like that?” Dean questioned.

“Dean, would you get your mind out of the gutter, please?” the younger brother scoffed.

“You know when this whole thing's done, we could stick around for a little bit,” he suggested.

“Why?”

“So you could take her out again. It's obvious you're into her, even I could see that.”

Sam ignored his brother. “Hey, I think I've got something here.”

You headed over to Sam’s seated position at the desk and looked over his shoulder at the papers. “ ‘Portrait of Isaiah Merchant's family, painted 1910’,” you read off.

“Now, compare the names of the owners with my dad's journal,” Sam said.

Dean pulled it out. “First purchased in 1912, Peter Simms. Peter Simms murdered 1912. Same thing in 1945. Oh, same thing in 1970.”

“Then stored, until it was donated to a charity auction last month. Where the Telescas bought it,” Sam continued.

“So what do you think? It's haunted? Or cursed?” you asked.

“Either way, it's toast,” said Dean, getting up from his bed.

***

Under the cover of night, you and the brothers broke into the auction house. You were consistently impressed with and sexually frustrated by how easy scaling tall fences and gates were for Dean.

“Come on!” Dean urged you.

You disarmed the security alarm, wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. “Go ahead,” you whispered.

Dean picked the lock at your cue. You shone your flashlight ahead of you searching for the painting. When you found it, you and the boys were in and out within minutes. You and the boys had clearly been breaking and entering for years. You found it comical almost how good you were. You brought the painting out to a field behind the arthouse and set it alight.

Dean dusted off his hands. “Ugly ass thing. If you ask me, we're doing the art world a favor.”

***

Dean banged on your door the next morning. “We got a problem. I can't find my wallet.”

You opened it. “How the hell do you lose your wallet?”

“I think I dropped it in the warehouse last night.”

“Fuck, dude, that’s bad.” You started pulling on your boots as he paced around the room.

“Yeah, I know. It's got my prints, my ID— well, my fake ID anyway. We gotta get it before someone else finds it. Come on.”

You and the brothers hurried around the auction house searching for the wallet. Sam was clearly frustrated with his brother until he caught sight of Sarah.

“Hey guys!” she smiled.

You wheeled around at the sound of her voice and attempted to act cool.

“Sarah! Hey,” Sam breathed.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Ahh, we.... we are leaving town and, you know, we came to say goodbye,” Sam responded.

“What are you talking about Sam, we're sticking around for at least another day or two,” Dean grinned as he strolled up to the two. He took his wallet out of his pocket and shot a look at Sam. “By the way, I'm gonna go ahead and give you that $20 I owe you.” He turned to Sarah. “I always forget, you know.” Dean chuckled and you grinned as he held out the cash to his brother. Sam took it and glared at him. “Well, we’ll leave you two crazy kids alone, I gotta go do something… somewhere.”

“Smooth, Dean,” you told him as you walked away from Sarah and Sam. The two of you headed back out to the Impala and sat in it waiting for Sam. When he returned, he was frantically saying the painting was back in the auction house.

“I don't understand. We burned the damn thing,” Sam rushed out.

“Yeah, thank you, Captain Obvious,” Dean remarked.

“Alright, we just need to figure out another way to get rid of it. Any ideas?” you chimed in.

“Well, um, in almost all the lore about haunted paintings it's always the painting's subject that haunts 'em,” Sam began.

“Yeah. So we just need to figure out everything there is to know about that creepy-ass family and that creepy-ass painting. What were their names again?”

“Merchant,” you answered. “I say we find us a bookstore.”

***

And so, that was where you headed. You found a proprietor whose personality was interesting, to say the least. You found his quirk had a bit of charm to it.

“You said the Isaiah Merchant family right?” he asked you.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Sam said.

You and Dean were flicking through a book with pictures of guns in it. The proprietor laid a book of newspaper clippings on the table in front of you. “I dug up every scrap of local history I could find. So, are you folks crime buffs?”

“Kinda. Yeah. Why do you ask?” you responded.

He held up the newspaper article before him. It talked about the sinking of the Titanic, and just next to it, read “Father Slaughters Family, Kills Himself.”

“Yes. Yeah, that sounds about right,” Dean replied.

“The whole family was killed?” You tilted your head.

“It seems this Isaiah, he slits his kids' throats, then his wife, then himself. Now, he was a barber by trade. Used a straight razor,” the proprietor explained.

“Why'd he do it?” Sam questioned.

“Let's look. Ahh... ‘People who knew him describe Isaiah as having a stern and harsh temperament. Controlled his family with an iron fist. Wife, uh, two sons, adopted daughter…’ “ he skimmed on. “Yeah, yeah, yeah… ‘There were whispers that the wife was gonna take the kids and leave.’ Which of course you know in that day and age, um, so instead, old man Isaiah, well, he gave them all a shave.” He drew his hand across his throat and made a noise to go along with it. You and Dean joined in laughing with the proprietor.

“Does it say what happened to the bodies?” asked Dean.

The proprietor shook his head. “Just that they were all cremated.”

“Anything else?” you asked.

“Yeah. Actually, I found a picture of the family. It's right here. Somewhere. Right— here it is.”

It was a picture of the painting, but something seemed off to you.

“Hey, could we get a copy of this please?” Sam asked the man.

He nodded, and returned a few minutes later with it.

***

You and the boys sat at a table in the motel room and looked over the copy of the picture.

“I’m telling you,” you started, “The picture at the auction house, Dad’s looking down. Here, dad’s looking out. The painting changed.”

“Alright, so you think that Daddy dearest is trapped in the painting and is handing out Columbian neckties like he did with his family?” Dean questioned.

“Well, yeah, it seems like it. But if his bones are already dusted, then how are we gonna stop him?” Sam asked.

“Maybe other things changed in the painting, too. Maybe it could give us some clues,” you answered.

“What, like a Da Vinci Code deal?” Sam asked.

“Maybe,” you shrugged.

Dean looked down at you, confused. “I’m lost. Still waiting for the movie on that one. Anyway, we gotta get back in and see that painting.” He walked over to his bed and laid back, crossing his arms. “Which is a good thing ‘cause you can get some more time to crush on your girlfriend.”

Sam huffed. “Dude, enough already.”

“What?” he responded.

“What? Ever since we got here, you been trying to pimp me out to Sarah. Just back off, all right?” he said defensively.

“Sam, relax,” you told him.

“Well, you like her don't you?” Dean pushed.

Sam threw his arms up and looked to the ceiling.

“Alright, you like her, she likes you, you’re both consenting adults…” Dean trailed off with a smile.

“What's the point, Dean? We'll just leave. We always leave,” came Sam’s frustrated response.

“Well, I'm not talking about marriage, Sam.”

Sam snarled angrily. “You know, I don't get it. What do you care if I hook up?”

“ ‘Cause then maybe you wouldn't be so cranky all the time,” Dean answered calmly.

Sam stared at him and huffed before looking away.

“Look, I’m not crazy about hookups either, but maybe it would be helpful,” you suggested.

“And this isn't about just hooking up, okay?” Dean continued. “I mean, I think that this Sarah girl could be good for you. And... I don't mean any disrespect, but I'm sure this is about Jessica, right? Now I don't know what it's like to lose somebody like that, but... I would think that she would want you to be happy.” Sam’s eyes welled with tears as his brother continued to talk. “God forbid, have fun once in a while. Wouldn't she?”

“Yeah, I know she would,” Sam responded softly. “Yeah, you're right. Part of this is about Jessica. But not the main part.”

“What’s it about?” you asked.

He wouldn’t answer you.

“Well, we still gotta see that painting, which means you still gotta call Sarah, so…” Dean trailed off.

Sam picked up his phone and cleared his throat. Dean shook his head and closed his eyes, settling back on his bed.

“Sarah, hey, it's Sam… Hey, hi… Good. Good, yeah. Umm. What about you?... Yeah good, good, really good.”

Dean opened one eye and looked at his brother. “Smooth.”

You suppressed a laugh.

“So, ah, so listen,” Sam continued. “Me and my brother were, uh, thinking that maybe we'd like to come back in and look at the painting again. I- I think maybe we are interested in buying it… What?!”

At Sam’s tone, you and Dean snapped to attention.

“Who'd you sell it to?” Sam stood up.

Dean rose and came to stand next to you.

“Sarah, I need an address right now,” Sam urged her.

Once she’d given it to you, you and the boys sped away in the Impala to an upscale neighborhood. You and the boys were surprised to see another car parked right outside the building: Sarah’s.

“Sam, what's happening?” she asked as you and the boys ran up the front steps of the house.

“I told you, you shouldn't have come,” he responded.

“Hello, anyone home?” Dean banged on the heavy front door.

“You said Evelyn might be in danger; what sort of danger?” Sarah asked Sam frantically.

“I can't knock this sucker down. I gotta pick it.” Dean crouched down in front of you and you moved over to the windows, banging on them with all your might.

“What are you guys, burglars?” Sarah yelped.

“I wish it was that simple. Look, you really should wait in the car. It's for your own good,” Sam told her.

Dean got the door open and you followed him inside quickly.

“The hell I will. Evelyn's a friend,” she said, trailing behind you and the boys. “Evelyn?” She moved over to the elderly woman sitting half-turned away from you. Something was wrong and you knew it; the woman’s gaze seemed completely empty. “Evelyn? It's Sarah Blake. Are you alright?” She touched her shoulder gently.

“Sarah, don't. Sarah!” Sam told her.

Evelyn’s head tipped back, exposing her slashed throat.

Sarah jumped back in horror and screamed. Sam put his arm around her and led her out of the room. You and Dean stared up at the painting before following the younger brother out of the house.

***

Back in the motel room, you and Dean clacked away at the keys on your laptops while Sam paced in front of you. A knock on the door stirred all of you from your thoughts. Sarah stormed into the room and brushed past Sam.

“Hey. You alright?” he asked her.

“No, actually, I just lied to the cops and told them I went to Evelyn's— alone— and found her like that,” she answered, wheeling around.

“Thank you,” Sam nodded.

“Don't thank me. I'm about to call them right back if you don't tell me what the hell's going on. Who's killing these people?”

Sam looked back at you and Dean, and you shrugged.

“What,” he told her.

“What?”

“It's not 'who'. It's 'what' is killing those people,” he explained.

Sarah was still looking at Sam like he was insane.

“Sarah, you saw that painting move,” he sighed.

The woman began to pace. “No, no. I was— I was seeing things. It's impossible.”

“Yeah, well, welcome to our world,” Dean grinned.

“Sarah, I know this sounds crazy, but we think that that painting is haunted.”

Sarah laughed humorlessly but had tears in her eyes. “You’re joking.” She looked between you and the Winchesters. “You're not joking. God, the guys I go out with.”

“Sarah, think about it. Evelyn, the Telescas, they both had the painting. And there have been others before that. Wherever this thing goes, people die. And we're just trying to stop it. And that's the truth,” the brunet told her.

“Then I guess you'd better show me. I'm coming with you,” she said matter-of-factly.

“What? No. Sarah no, you should just go home. This stuff can get dangerous and… and I don't want you to get hurt,” he admitted.

“Look, you guys are probably crazy, but if you're right about this? Well, me and my Dad sold that painting that might have gotten these people killed. Look, I'm not saying I'm not scared, because I am scared as hell, but I'm not going to run and hide either.” Sarah strutted over to the door. “So are we going or what?” She walked out.

“Sam?” Dean said. “Marry that girl.”

***

You and the boys returned to Evelyn’s house to scope out the crime scene a little further. Sam picked the lock to let you, his brother, and Sarah inside.

“Uh, isn’t this a crime scene?” Sarah protested.

Dean smirked. “You've already lied to the cops. What's another infraction?”

Once inside, you and Sam got the painting down from off the wall to examine it.

“Aren't you worried that it's gonna kill us?” Sarah asked.

“Nah, it seems to do its thing at night. I think we're alright in the daylight.”

You took the copy of the painting out of your pocket. “Sam, check it out. The razor: it's closed in this one, but it's open in that one.”

“What are you guys looking for?” she asked.

“Well, if the spirit's changing aspects of the painting, then it's doing so for a reason,” Dean explained.

“And look, the painting in the painting,” you pointed out. “Looks like a crypt, or a mausoleum or something.”

Dean grabbed a thick glass ashtray and used it as a magnifying glass. You ignored how your body came alight as he wound his arm around you to reach the painting. “Merchant,” he read out.

***

Your next stop was a graveyard. Several, in fact. You stepped over gravestones carefully to avoid disrespecting the dead even further.

“What, are you superstitious?” Dean asked.

“A little, actually. I think I’m in such deep shit with the spirits already; I don’t wanna make it worse,” you laughed.

“You are somethin’ else, woman,” he smirked. “This is the third boneyard we've checked,” Dean addressed your group. “I think this ghost is jerking us around.”

Sam and Sarah talked amongst themselves behind you and you and Dean walked a bit ahead.

“Over there,” you said, pointing to a mausoleum. The group followed you into the mausoleum where you found four urns in front of little glass-fronted boxes on one wall. On the opposite, there were five brass nameplates.

Sarah looked at one of the boxes containing a little porcelain doll with brown hair. “Okay, that right there is the creepiest thing I've ever seen.”

“It was a sort of tradition at the time,” Sam told her. “Whenever a child died, sometimes they'd preserve the kid's favorite toy in a glass case; put it next to the headstone or crypt.”

Wind blew in the mausoleum, sending a chill down your spine.

“Notice anything strange here?” Dean asked.

“Ah, where do I start?” remarked Sarah.

Sam snickered.

“No, that's not what I mean. Look at the urns,” said Dean.

“Yeah. There’s only four. Where’s the dad?” you questioned.

***

You and Dean discovered that Isaiah’s body had been buried in that same cemetery away from the rest of his family. You returned there that night with Sarah in tow.

You stood watch with Sarah while the boys dug the hole down to Isaiah’s corpse.

“You guys seem to be uncomfortably comfortable with this,” she said.

Sam climbed out of the hole laboriously. “Well, ah, this isn't exactly the first grave we've dug. Still think I'm a catch?”

You giggled when Dean’s shovel tapped something hard. “Think I've got something.” He cracked the coffin open to reveal Isaiah’s rotten bones. You helped him out of the ground and began pouring salt and kerosene over the body.

“You've been a real pain in the ass, Isaiah. Good riddance.” Dean tossed the match he’d struck down on top of the body.

“God, I will never get used to that smell,” you commented.

“What? Burning flesh?” the older Winchester turned his head to you.

You made a face and scrunched up your nose to which Dean just smirked at you and chuckled.

***

You returned to Evelyn’s house soon after to make sure the job was complete and bury the painting. You and Dean remained outside and told Sam to go in with Sarah. You and Dean smiled at each other before turning the radio up. A love ballad played loudly through the speakers, and Sam turned to the two of you. You both snickered at the “what the fuck” gesture he was giving you. Sam motioned for the two of you to cut the music. You sighed and turned it off.

Before you and Dean could say a word to each other, the door slammed shut behind Sam and Sarah. You and Dean jumped out of the car and ran across the lawn, trying your best to unlock it.

“Guys! Hey! Is that you?” Sam called from inside.

“Sammy, you alright?” the older brother asked. Moments later, you got a call from Sam.

“Tell me you slammed the front door,” you said after you answered.

“Nope, it wasn't me. I think it was the little girl,” he told you.

“The little girl? What girl?”

“What’s he saying?” Dean interjected, leaning close to your ear and the phone.

“Yeah, she's out of the painting. I think it might've been her all along,” Sam said.

You snorted humorlessly. “The dad was trying to warn us all along. He was looking down at her the whole time.”

“Hey, hey, hey, let's recap later all right? Just get us out of here," the younger brother rushed out.

“Well, Dean’s trying to pick the lock, but the door won’t budge.”

“Well, knock it down!”

“Okay, smartass, just let me get my battering ram,” you remarked.

“(Y/N), the damn thing is coming!”

“I know, I know, just hold it off til we figure something out. Get some salt or iron or something,” you responded. “Stay on the phone with me!”

Moments later, you heard Sam say to himself, “What kind of house doesn't have salt? Low-sodium freaks.” Another minute or so went by before he spoke back into the phone. “Uh, (Y/N), give me a sec, don't go anywhere.”

You and Dean began to walk around the outside looking for an alternative entrance. A bit of yelling and crashing was heard on the other end of the phone. “You okay, dude?”

“Yeah, for now,” he responded.

“How’re we gonna waste her?” you asked.

“I don't know, she was already cremated. There's nothing left to burn.”

Dean got close to the phone again.

“Then how's she still around?” you challenged.

“There must be something else!” Sam went silent on the other end, but you could faintly hear Sarah’s voice.

“(Y/N), Sarah said the doll might have the kid's real hair. Human remains; same as bones.”

“The mausoleum,” you and Dean said in unison.

“Hang tight, Sam,” you said, snapping your phone shut. You and Dean sprinted back to the car, and Dean drove as fast and as wildly as he possibly could.

“One of these days, your driving’s gonna fucking kill us all,” you said, gripping the leather of the seat next to you and the door.

“Not now, (Y/N),” he responded evenly, driving even faster. He plowed straight through the fence of the cemetery and drove right up to the mausoleum. You and Dean jumped out of the car and hurried into the building.

Dean pounded the door of the glass box containing the doll with the butt of his gun, and then went to walk out of the mausoleum. “Come on, Dean,” he grimaced. “Cover your eyes!” He told you. He shot at the box, and you shielded your face as he did so. You leapt back into action and knocked away more of the glass with your hands, cutting them as you did so. You ignored the burning in your palms and took the doll out of its case.

You held the doll’s hair over the lighter, which Dean was having trouble lighting. “Come on, come on!” he said. Thankfully, the lighter caught the hairs of the doll and sent it up in flames. You dropped it on the floor between you and Dean and watched the rest of the doll burn.

Dean pulled out his phone moments later to call his brother. “Sam, you good?” He breathed a sigh of relief and hung up the phone.

You looked down at your bloodied hands. Dean followed your gaze. “(Y/N), you maniac, what were you doin’ pawin' at that glass with your bare hands, huh?”

“It seemed like a good idea in the moment,” you mumbled.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, huh?” He guided you back to the car. He held your wrists and sat you down in the front seat of his car. He went to his trunk and returned a few moments later. He sat next to you and gingerly began wiping down your hands. You hissed and grabbed his hand at the pain. He looked back up to you and paused momentarily.

“Sorry,” you said.

“All good,” he responded and went back to work. He gently cleaned your wounds with an alcohol-soaked rag and began to wrap up your left hand. You watched as he worked, heart swelling at the kind gesture.

“Thank you,” you said.

“You’d do the same for me,” he muttered.

“I would,” you affirmed, smiling.

He picked a piece of glass out of your right hand. You hissed again.

“I know, I know, I’m sorry,” he said. “This one’s probably gonna need stitches.” He handed you his flask. “Drink this.”

You did as told and took a sip, swallowing sharply as you felt the first prick of the needle in your palm. “I’m not trying to be a little bitch. I’m really not when it comes to pain,” you said. “I can finish stitchin’ me up on my own if you wanna get back to Sam—”

“No. Let me,” he responded authoritatively. He looked up through his eyelashes at you before returning his attention to your fingers. He ran his along yours and gingerly cleaned the cuts, giving special attention to the deeper ones before bandaging the exterior of your hands. You flexed them painfully.

“Thank you. Seriously,” you said softly.

“Any time,” he responded.

***

“This was archived in the county records. The Merchant's adopted daughter, Melanie. Know why she was up for adoption? 'Cause her real family was murdered in their beds," Dean explained to you. “Who'd suspect her? Sweet little girl. So then she kills Isaiah and his family. The old man takes the blame. His spirit's been trying to warn people ever since.”

“Huh,” you said. “Psycho bitch.”

He scoffed. “You know you’re talking about a kid, right?”

“Yeah. Psycho bitch all the same.”

You and Dean were waiting outside of the auction house for Sam to finish talking to Sarah. You and he leaned against the car, watching Sarah and Sam talking at the door. Sam turned away from her before turning back moments later. He grabbed Sarah’s waist and pulled him to her, kissing her deeply.

“That's my boy,” Dean smiled.

“Alright, perv,” you remarked. You shoved him down into the car.

Series Rewrite Taglist: @polireader @brightlilith @atcamillanorrman @jrizzelle @insomnia-bookworm @procrastination20 @mrs-liebgott @djs8891 @tiggytaylor @staple-your-mouth @iloveshawn @jesstherebel @rach5ive @strawberrykiwisdogog @bruhidkjustwannaread @mxltifxnd0m @sunshine-on-marz @big-ol-boat @mgchaser @capncrankle @davina-clairee @chervbs @simpingdeadcharacters @nesnejwritings @stillhere197 @stephshaww @tearsforhan @take-it-on-the-run @iloveyou2mia @maxinehufflepuffprincess @ohgeehowdigethere @here-for-the-extravaganza @seninjakitey @berarenado @s0urw00lf @princessleahorgana @quarterhorse19 @rei0812 @isla-finke-blog @silverdoragon @karacaroldanvers @gayandfairycore @examishbookwyrm @more-espresso-less-depresso-og @mysticmyth @favoritefandoms27 @star-yawnznn @real-sharena-h

quite a few tags are broken; so sorry, my loves!! make sure you have my blog notifs on so you don't miss a chapter, and please let me know if ive misspelled your blog name!

#dean winchester x reader #dean winchester x y/n #dean winchester x you #dean x reader #dean x y/n #dean x you #dean winchester #spn #supernatural #supernatural series rewrite #spn series rewrite

332 notes · View notes

dianawinchester03 · 24 days ago

Text

Season 2, Episode 19 - Folsom Prison Blues

Series Masterlist

Author's Note: Hi loves! Quick disclaimer, this chapter is a bit longer than I intended, it’s currently just a little over 17k words and I know a lot of people would love that lol🥰

But I feel compelled to let you know that it’s a long one and to remind you to take breaks in between, drink water and eat something because as a reader myself, I get lost in reading stories that I forget to eat and I end up getting yelled at😭

So get a snack and enjoy besties!!😘😘😘

____________________________________________

Third Person POV

After the successful hunt and seeing Dean hook up with her favorite actress, Y/N made it her duty not to sulk over this, refusing to let a guy get to her, even if it was Dean. So the second they entered that dive bar, she started her engine. Sam and Dean were at one end of the bar in a dingy old booth while Y/N sat at the bar, chatting up the bartender.

"What can I get you, beautiful?" The bartender asked, leaning across the bar, eyeing her like a snack. "I think I need something strong," Y/N said suggestively, giving him a smirk, swirling a lock of her hair around her finger.

The bartender chuckled, a low rumble that sent a shiver up her spine. "Strong, huh? Trying to drown your troubles, I'm guessing?"

“Something like that” She snorted, shaking her head as she tried to swallow that sick feeling down her stomach.

Sam and Dean were well into their fourth or fifth beers when they spotted Y/N chatting up a chick at the bar; a very pretty brunette chick. She was buying her drinks, smiling and laughing.

“Did heaven lose an angel?” Y/N joked, flashing the woman a coy smile. The woman laughed, leaning against the bar, resting her hand on Y/N's forearm. "You're not exactly bad-looking yourself, sweetheart," she said back, giving her a wink.

“I didn’t take you for the type to laugh at a cheap pick up line. Here I was expecting a drink tossed in my face” Y/N chuckled, leaning into the woman’s touch. The brunette chuckled, her fingers gently tracing Y/N's arm. "I guess I have a soft spot for pretty (h/c) gals," she said, her eyes darting down to Y/N's lips for a moment before meeting her gaze again.

Y/N bit her lip, extending her hand to shake the woman’s. “Y/N. And you are, sweetie?” She introduced herself. "Jenna," the brunette replied, giving her a dazzling smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Y/N." Jenna’s fingers were still wrapped a bit around Y/N's hand, lightly rubbing the inner part of her wrist with her thumb, sending shivers up her spine.

“The pleasures all mine, beautiful” Y/N shot back with a sly wink, “Can I buy you a drink?” Jenna chuckled, tilting her head to the side, eyeing Y/N with a smile. "A pretty thing like you buying me a drink? You know I can't say no to that" she leaned into Y/N a bit more, her leg brushing against Y/N's.

From across the room, Dean noticed Y/N was sitting at the bar with a woman who was, by his standards, incredibly hot. The sight made his chest a bit tight. It was a feeling he didn't often like to acknowledge or confront whenever it crept up on him.

Seeing her sitting so close to another woman, talking and flirting with her so openly, it was grinding his gears and not in a way he liked...yep, he’s a hypocritical asshole.

Dean's jaw tightened as he watched Jenna lean in and whisper something in Y/N's ear; she'd thrown her head back with a laugh, shaking her head. He felt himself clenching his jaw as he took another mouthful of his beer while Sam sat beside him on his laptop, practically giggling into his beer because of Dean’s growing jealous of seeing y/n and Jenna, as if he didn’t just hook up with her favorite actress.

After a few more rounds and a copious amount of flirting from Jenna, Y/N suddenly jumped down off her stool. She then wrapped an arm around Jenna’s waist and pulled her away from the bar. The brunette woman let out a playful gasp, a smile on her face as she intertwined her fingers with Y/N’s. “Where are we going, gorgeous?” she asked, shooting Y/N a sultry smile.

Y/N chuckled, turning her head to give Jenna a wink. "Somewhere more…private" she said, giving Jenna's hip a squeeze. Her eyes flicked over her shoulder to where Sam and Dean sat, and she noticed how Dean looked rather brooding. She felt a little smug satisfaction from that.

____________________________________________

Y/N was pushing Jenna against the closed door of her motel room, their bodies pressed together as they frantically kissed. Y/N’s hands were on Jenna’s hips, fingers sliding under her shirt to brush against her skin, while Jenna’s hands were tangled in Y/N's hair, pulling it loose from the bun she kept it in. All while Y/N ignored the pangs of guilt and the voice in the back of her head that sounded suspiciously like Dean.

They stumbled into the room, their lips still connected as they stumbled back towards the bed. Y/N’s hands roamed, pushing Jenna’s shirt up her stomach, pressing kisses to her throat and collarbone. She was trying to drown out the thoughts of a certain Winchester brother in her head, replacing them with the feeling and scent of Jenna.

Jenna’s hands went to the hem of Y/N's shirt, pulling it up and over her head, before they both fell onto the bed. Jenna was now nipping and sucking at her neck, her hands sliding down Y/N's body, making her gasp.

Y/N moaned lightly at the feeling of Jenna’s mouth against her neck, and before she could even think about what she was doing, she suddenly flipped them so she was on top, pinning Jenna’s hands above her head.

The next morning, Y/N woke up to the sun spilling through the motel room curtain. Her eyes fluttered open. She was met with the sight of Jenna sleeping peacefully beside her, her hair messy from all the fun last night, but she had a peaceful expression on her face. Her head was pressed into Y/N’s naked chest, the hunter’s arm draped protectively around the petite brunette. Y/N smiled as it soon faded when the memory of the previous night finally caught up to her.

The sound of her phone ringing pushed her out of her thoughts. With a groan, she fumbled around her jacket on the floor until her hand wrapped around her cellphone. She answered the phone, rubbing her eyes with her free hand.

"Hello?" Y/N said wearily into the phone. She could faintly hear the sounds of Sam and Dean arguing in the background. "Oh good you're awake" Dean grumbled, his voice gravelly and filled with annoyance. "We found a case"

“Dean, it’s-“ She checked the time on the wall clock, “6am!” She lowly exclaimed. “Couldn’t this have waited?” Y/N spat, pulling Jenna into her chest closer. “No it couldn’t have ‘waited’.” Dean snarked, “We got bodies piling in a prison and we’re wasting time waiting for your beauty rest” he huffed, making rude gagging noises.

“Oh for fucks sake- fine. Give me 10 minutes” Y/N cursed, groaned from her pounding hangover. “See ya soon,” Dean grumbled before the call went dead. Y/N dropped her phone next to her on the bed before looking down at Jenna, who was still asleep.

Y/N didn’t want to wake up the woman, but she knew she had to leave. With a soft sigh, she placed soft kisses along Jenna’s shoulder as she began to stir. "Jenna, I have to go,” she whispered, continuing to place gentle kisses along her bare shoulder.

Jenna let out a soft grumble, burying her face further into Y/N’s chest. Y/N chuckled softly, her hand brushing through Jenna’s hair. She would’ve loved to stay in bed with the woman, but duty called.

After a few minutes of convincing and more kisses, Jenna finally peeled her face away from Y/N's chest, groggily blinking her eyes open. She looked so damn adorable with her hair messy, her eyes half-lidded, and her lips in a pout.

“You have to go?” she mumbled out, her voice filled with annoyance. “Yeah, I’m sorry” Y/N apologized, pressing a kiss to her lips before forcefully peeling herself from the bed.

Jenna whined as Y/N untangled herself from her, and the hunter chuckled. She was now sitting up in bed, the comforter pooled around her hips.

After a quick (yet steamy) shower together and a change of clothes, Y/N was getting ready to leave. Jenna sat on the motel bed, her back propped up against the headboard, watching Y/N finish buttoning up her overshirt.

“You sure you can’t stay a few more hours?” Jenna joked, giving Y/N a small pout. Her eyes were locked on Y/N's neck, which was littered with various hickeys, mirroring Jenna’s neck.

“Duty calls, sweetie” Y/N chuckled, lacing up her combat boots. A knock at the door startled them, “Come on, Princess. We don’t got all day!” Dean's voice boomed from behind the door, along with Sam’s, “Chill out dude, give the girl a break” this made Y/N roll her eyes in annoyance.

“Hold on a second, asshat!” Y/N called back, placing on her leather jacket before slinging her bag over her shoulder. A small smirk appeared on her face, and she turned to face Jenna, who looked rather disheartened at Y/N leaving. But Jenna swallowed it down and slung her own bag over her shoulder.

Y/N pulled open the motel door, revealing Sam and Dean on the other side. Dean’s jaw was tight, his gaze fixed on the hickeys decorating Y/N’s neck. It took every inch of self-control he had to keep his mouth shut.

Sam, meanwhile, was giving Y/N a proud knowing smile, but he also noticed how pissed off and brooding his older brother was.

Jenna then appeared behind Y/N, giving her a small smile and wrapping her arms around her waist. "I guess this is where we part ways," she said, placing a gentle kiss on Y/N's cheek. Y/N returned the smile, wrapping her arms around Jenna in return, and leaned her back into her chest.

This made Dean's eye twitch, even more, "I really did have a great night, darlin',” Y/N said, placing a hand on Jenna's hip, giving it a squeeze. Jenna looked down at the floor, fiddling with the edge of her shirt.

“Just wish you could’ve, y’know, stayed a bit longer,” she mumbled with a pout. Y/N grinned, pressing a final kiss to her lips. “Oh, trust me I would’ve loved to keep you all to myself a bit longer,” Y/N replied in a hushed tone, her hand going up to caress Jenna's cheek. Their little bubble was interrupted by Dean clearing his throat, an obvious impatient look on his face.

"Can we get a move on? We got a case to solve" he spat out. Sam shot Y/N an apologetic glance, but Y/N just shook her head, her own eye twitching in annoyance as they darkened. “Watch your tone with me, Winchester” She warned harshly, narrowing her eyes at him before turning back to Jenna with a soft smile. “I’ll see you around, hun. And I’ll call you”

Jenna smiled, “Hopefully sooner rather than later” she said, giving Y/N a final squeeze before pulling away. Y/N returned the smile, placing a chaste kiss to her cheek before walking out of the motel room, not even bothering to look at Dean as she headed towards the impala.

“Don’t judge me, charming” She spat with a smug smirk, opening the back door as she and Sam shared a quick high-five. Dean scoffed as he made his way to the driver’s door. “Whatever you say, Princess” he muttered as he got in the car, starting the engine. Sam chuckled from the passenger seat as Y/N got in, a knowing smile on his face.

Y/N rolled her eyes at him, closing the door of the impala with a slam. Dean glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his left eye twitching at the sight of some faint hickeys still visible on her skin.

Needless to say, Y/N definitely enjoyed herself last night. And she was intending on calling Jenna.

____________________________________________

•One Week Later

Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas Museum of Anthropology

Sam and Dean Winchester shone their lights in the dimly lit halls of the museum, “This way” Dean whispered to his brother, ushering him down the hall. “I hate this plan, Dean,” Sam whispered back, following behind his brother. “Yeah, I got that the first 10 times I heard it” Dean muttered back sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

The two continued down the hall, purposefully setting off security alarms as they walked down. They made it to a case, picking the lock and opening it. Retrieving some old antique weapons. The unlocking of a door down the hall caught their attention, the two shared an alarmed look before stuffing the items into their bags and rushing down the hall, right into the arms of police officers.

“Freeze!” Two officers yelled at them, pointing their guns and flashlights, they spun around to be met with another pair of officers. “Don’t move!” The other pair ordered. They attempted to make a break for it but they were bombarded by another pair of police officers.

“I said freeze!”

“Hold it right there!”

“Get down on your knees now!”

Both Winchesters did immediately as told, Dean wore a smirk as he got down on his knees with his hands pressed to the back of his head while Sam looked terrified. The cops handcuffed their hands behind their heads as Sam shot his brother a deadly glare. Dean just shrugged in return.

____________________________________________

“Front. To the right” The photographer instructed Sam as he took his mugshot. The younger Winchester looked stoic as he took his picture.

While Dean, “I call this one the Blue Steel” Dean snarked before pursing his lips and furrowing his brows in an exasperated attempt to joke the situation away. “Yeah, that’s great. To the right. Okay. Back to the lineup” The photographer deadpanned.

“Wait. Who looks better? Me or Nick Nolte?” Dean smirked, “Shut up!” The photographer groaned in annoyance.

As they were shoved into adjoining interview rooms, Dean began drumming on the table, whistling and even kicking the chair to try and annoy a certain brother sitting in the interrogation room next to his own. Dean smirked as he heard a muffled “Cut it out!” from the room next to his, he did it again and in reply. “Knock it off!” Came the reply.

The door finally opened revealing Victor Henriksen in his formal FBI attire and a familiar face. Dean instantly recognized the man to be Alexander Thompson, Y/N’s ex boyfriend from high school. He clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening as they connected with Thompson’s. “Well, it’s about time. I’ll have a cheeseburger” Dean sassed.

Victor tilted his head at Dean as Alexander shut the door behind him, a grim look etched on the cop-turn-FBI Agent’s face. “Extra onions” He shot at Xander with distaste. “You think you’re funny,” Victor scoffed. Dean pursed his lips, “I think I’m adorable” Dean shot back with sass, flashing Victor a cheeky smile.

“They letting anyone into the FBI now? Last I saw you, you were working a shitty beat” Dean snarked at Alexander, the envy and hatred clear in his tone. Xander clenched his jaw, standing across from Dean, his hands on his hips, while Victor stood beside him, a smug grin plastered on his face. “Last I saw you, I was picking your ass up on that shitty beat” Thompson rebutted with equal sass.

“What are you, here to measure my dick?” Dean snapped, shooting the ex-boyfriend a venomous glare. “I don’t have my ruler on me” Xander replied back, just as venomously, the smug smirk on his face made a fire grow in Dean’s chest.

Victor chuckled in amusement at the two men with clear vendettas against each other, “It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Dean.” Victor chimed in, glaring at Dean, who’s eyes were piercing Alexander’s. Dean finally broke his gaze on the agent and turned to Victor. “I’m Special Agent Victor Henricksen. This is my partner, whom you seem to know, Special Agent Alexander Thompson.”

“Henricksen. Not the Milwaukee Agent Hendricksen” Dean said in recognition, the smug look returning to his face. “Live and in person” Victor confirmed, rolling his eyes. Dean chuckled as Victor took out a picture of Dean and Y/N at the bank robbery. “Nice shot” Victor said sarcastically, Dean noticed Alexander gulp when Victor tossed the photo on the table.

Assuming that y/n still had some weight on his heart, Dean rolled his eyes. “Thanks. You should see us from the back” Dean stated nonchalantly as he looked at the picture before leaning back in his chair. Xander’s glare darkened when Dean made the comment, wanting nothing more than to smack the smirk off the hunter’s face.

Victor didn’t miss the jealous look on Xander’s face nor did he miss the venomous glare that he sent back at Dean. Victor could sense the built-up hatred the two men had for each other.

“You can hang that up in your cell at Supermax. Right after you tell us where Y/N is” Dean kept the smug look on his face, knowing that he wasn't gonna give up his girl even if it meant torturing it out of him. “Alright, maybe we can just forget the cheeseburgers, huh?” Dean chuckled.

“Oh, yeah. Keep that game face on. Try and cover up how cornered you are” Victor shot back as Dean pursed his lips. “Read him the charges” He instructed Alexander. The agent rested his hands on his hips as he began, “We got mail fraud, credit card fraud, grave desecration-” Xander began.

“Skip to the good ones” Victor cut him off. “Armed robbery, kidnapping and, oh, three counts of first degree murder” Xander smirked. “And after Milwaukee, your brother and your girlfriend are now suspects in murder cases themselves.” Victor chimed in, Alexander had to stop himself from flinching when he referred to y/n as Dean’s girlfriend while the elder Winchester smirked.

Trying to mask his clear irritation. “I’d say for you three, ‘screwed to hell’ is a major understatement” Victor snarked, a smug look on his face. “Well, where there’s life, there’s hope, huh?” Dean snarked. “See, that’s what I kept thinking when I was searching for your asses all over hell and gone.” Victor shot back.

Xander clenched his jaw, his face turning a slight shade of red in anger as the elder Winchester chuckled in amusement. He continued his smirk as he leaned forward with his hands clasped together. “You searched for me on your own time?” Dean asked, his voice dripping with sass.

He leaned down on the table, pressing his hands to it. “Your dads taught you well. The way you cover your tracks. And after Milwaukee, the way you-” Victor whistled, “-vanished. Near went nuts trying to find you. But two outta three, I’d say I did great myself” This line from Victor made Dean snort. “Ask him,” Victor pointed to Xander

“He damn near went nuts” Xander deadpanned as Dean craned his head back over to him, wearing a cocky grin on his face while Dean glared at him. “And after all that, you get tripped up on a motion detector” Victor said in a low tone. “Pretty rookie move” He snorted. “Gotta say, I was…surprised”

“Yeah, you and me both” Dean’s grin widened as he leaned back in his seat. Xander clenched his jaw, his hands clenching in a fist as he tried to hold himself back from punching the smirk off his face. “We got into a tight spot,” Dean added.

“Henricksen. Can you give me a minute with him?” Alexander chimed in. Victor turned to the agent, an amused look on his face. “Sure” He said before eyeing Dean and walking out of the room. Dean’s cocky smile dropped slightly when he realized he was alone with Xander.

“I'm gonna keep it real with you, Dean” Alexander snapped, leaning down to face Dean. His hands pressed into the table. “I’m not here to be your friend. I’m here to do my job. Now, where the fuck is Y/N?!” He demanded, his voice filled with authority.

Dean raised his eyebrow, his lips curling up in a cocky smirk once again. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Dean replied in a sarcastic tone. Alexander’s jaw clenched tightly, his lips twisted into a grimace as he tried to control his anger.

“Look, smart ass,” Xander began, his jaw grinding in frustration. He grabbed Dean by the collar of his shirt, yanking him forward so that they were face to face. “She was a good person. And this crap you’ve gotten her and Sam into, it’s on you!” Xander growled in disgust, shoving the elder Winchester back forcefully, causing him to stumble back into his chair with an annoyed glare etched on his features.

Dean’s hands clenched into fists tightly in his cuffs. His glare darkened significantly. “Don’t you dare pin this on me. Y/N is her own grown woman, she can make her own decisions” He warned, his voice low and menacing. His muscles tensed as the anger boiled inside him, he wanted nothing to smack the agent across the face.

“Where.Is.She?” Xander asked again. Dean gritted his teeth, he felt his irritation growing by the second. “Somewhere where you won’t touch her. I swear to god, if you lay one finger on her, I will kill you” Dean threatened, the anger was now clear in his voice.

Xander scoffed, shaking his head at the fact that Dean threatened to kill an officer of the law, “After all these years, you’re still pining after her like a lovesick puppy” The agent chuckled dryly. The fire inside Dean's chest burned with every word that came out of Xander's mouth.

His jaw ached from how tightly he clenched his teeth and his knuckles turned white from how hard he clenched his hands into fists. “You have no idea what you’re talking about” He snarled back through clenched teeth.

“Oh, I think I do,” Xander shot back, a smug look plastered on his face which only made the anger inside of Dean grow more as he picked up the picture of them on the table. “You have fun in Supermax, dick. And when we do find Y/N, I’m gonna make sure she doesn’t see your sorry ass again” Xander spat, fixing his suit and with that, he left the interrogation room.

Dean slammed his fists against the table, cursing as the door slammed shut. The anger inside him was at its boiling point. He growled lowly, the veins on his forehead popping and a muscle in his jaw twitching.

____________________________________________

Green River County Detention Center

The boys’ lawyer explained to them that they would be staying in the county jail for a week until their sentencing. Which meant they had a week to catch this spirit and bust out.

The prison bus pulled up to the county jail, unloading all the prisoners, the Winchesters included. “Alright, let’s go! Watch your step!” The prison guard ordered the men as they piled off in a single file line.

The prisoners jeered at the boys as they walked, still cuffed and detained. “You’re mine baby!” A prisoner threw a lustful kiss in Sam’s direction, making the Hunter grimace in disgust, wishing he had Jo by his side right at this moment. “Don’t worry, Sam. I promise I won’t trade you for smokes” Dean said to him from in front.

Sam rolled his eyes as Dean snickered.

They finally got suited up in the classic Orange jumpsuits, now hauling their stuff, which consisted of a pillow, an extra pair of clothes and toilet paper. Dean entered his cell he shared with a fellow prisoner, “I call top bunk” Dean smiled but the man scoffed, taking the top bunk. “Okay” He muttered, turning to see his brother Sam come face to face with a man who was actually larger than him.

Sam’s face dropped as the guards locked their door simultaneously, turning to face his brother who was behind held across the hall from him.

Now in a line outside to get strip searched, Sam stood behind his brother. “My roommate doesn’t say much, has yours?” Dean asked Sam in a low tone. “He just keeps staring at me, in a way that makes me…really uneasy” Sam admitted, making Dean smirk and chuckle. “It sounds like you’re making new friends,” Dean snickered.

“Dean. This is, without a doubt, the dumbest, craziest thing we’ve ever done. And that’s in a long, storied career of dumb and crazy” Sam whispered in a harsh tone. “Calm down, it’s all part of the plan” Dean whispered back. “Oh, really? So Henricksen and fucking Alex showing up to as part of the plan?” Sam shot back.

Dean could feel the pressure build up in his chest at the mention of Alexander, “Yeah, well they move a little faster than I thought” Dean covered up his distaste with humor. “I mean, can you believe it? That jock is FBI now” Dean scoffed, shaking his head.

“A lot can change in six years, I guess” Sam retorted as the man behind him grabbed his arm. Sam instantly tensed, looking over his shoulder towards the man who was leering creepily at him. The man just smirked and winked at him, causing Sam to shiver and look away again quickly.

Dean snickered before changing the subject, “Look, all we gotta do is find this ghost, put the sucker down and then grab ourselves a couple of teardrop tattoos” Dean said as if it were simple, “That’s not funny” Sam grumbled, looking at the back of his brothers head disapprovingly. “Dean, what about this escape plan? It-?” Sam stammered.

“It's a 100-percent sure thing. I wouldn’t have gone in if it wasn’t.” Dean assured him. “I mean, come on man. This place has all the signs of a haunting” He whispered back. “And innocent people are dead. Four so far” He added. “Yeah, innocent” Sam scoffed ironically, rolling his eyes. Dean picked up on his tone, looking back at his brother.

“What? You from Texas all of the sudden? Just because these people are in jail, doesn’t mean they deserve to die. If we don’t stop this thing, people are gonna continue to die. We do the job wherever it takes us” Dean said firmly, turning to face the front again. “Look, Dean. Just be straight with me, alright? You’re doing this for Deacon?” Sam asked him for reassurance.

“Damn right” Dean assured him. “Well, you barely even know the guy,” Sam pointed out. “We know he was in a corps with dad. We know he saved Dads life. We know we owe him” Dean insisted. “Yeah, but don’t you think he’s asking a little much?” Sam stated. “It doesn’t matter” Dean shot back, keeping his eyes to the front where men were getting scanned with metal detectors.

“We may not be saints, but we’re loyal and we pay out debts. Now, that means something to me, it means something to y/n and it ought to you too” Dean said in a firm tone, an underlying principle in his tone. “Look, I’m not thrilled about this either” He admitted, his heart on his chest aching at the fact that he has to spend a week away from the woman he loves.

“But Deacon asked us to hunt this thing down, and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do”

____________________________________________

Sam Winchester’s face contorted in disgust as he sniffed the unappetizing looking noodles on his fork, now in the cafeteria with Dean scruffing down his own food next to him. “You know, this chicken isn’t half bad” Dean commented, clapping his tongue. “Great. Finish mine” Sam groaned, plopping his fork down on his tray before shoving it aside.

Dean raised his brows before shrugging and taking up the chicken from Sam’s tray with his fork, “Alright, so let’s go back over this, Dean. Spirit suspect number one is Mark Moody, right?” Sam began. “Yeah. Psycho-Killer extraordinaire. Satanism. Ritual murder. Died in jail” Dean listed off, stuffing a piece of chicken in his mouth. “Are you sure it’s him?” Sam asked.

“Pretty sure. Y/N looked into his file, seemed legit” Dean nodded, chewing on the chicken. “Dean, considering our circumstances, I’m gonna need a little bit better than pretty sure or seemed legit” Sam exaggerated. “Really pretty sure” Dean rolled his eyes. Sam sighed deeply as Dean continued.

“Moody died of a heart attack, which is exactly what all the victims in here are dying of. Okay? He died in the old cell block which they closed right after he croaked 30 years ago. They just opened that back up, that’s when the killings started” Dean explained, filling his mouth with noodles. “So, you think his spirit was released somehow?” Sam asked.

“Mm-hm.” Dean shrugged. “What if he was already cremated?” Sam suggested. “Y/N assumed there’s something in the old block that belongs to him that’s keeping him around. She’s got a point” Dean replied. “Now, whatever it is, we gotta find it, and you know the rest” He finished. “I’m done,” Dean muttered, placing his fork down before dusting his hands off.

Sam sighed, nodding as Dean got up before getting up to follow behind his brother. As Sam was walking, he accidentally bumped into another inmate, grunting harshly as the man stumbled back a bit. The older inmate turned to Sam with wide wild eyes, “Sorry, I-” Sam instantly went to apologize, his heart rate increasing.

“Watch where you’re going” The inmate growled. “Yeah, sure. I just-” Sam nodded frantically, but Dean instantly went into protective mode. “He said he was sorry” The elder Winchester stepped in, his tone standoffish as he got in the face of the other inmate. “Dean-” Sam tried to warn his older hotheaded brother.

“You talking to me?” The inmate scoffed, Dean didn’t answer, instead, he kept a brooding look on his face. “Are you talking to me?!” The inmate repeated. Dean rolled his eyes before muttering. “Great, another guy who’s seen Taxi Driver one too many times” he snorted, “Yeah, I’m talking to you” Dean spat.

“Trust me. Let it go” He said firmly, the prisoner clenched his jaw before walking away. “Dean, come on,” Sam pleaded. “See, that’s how you gotta talk to these guys. Instant respect” Dean grinned and winked at his brother. Sam’s eyes stayed trapped on the prisoner who made his way over to another yet large inmate.

The two whispered indistinctly to each other, “You were saying” Sam whispered to Dean with wide eyes as the two approached Dean. “Great” He groaned before the prisoner swung at him, knocking him straight in his jaw. “We can end this right now. No harm, no foul” Dean growled as he snatched the inmate by his hair. The inmate didn’t let up so Dean retaliated.

Sending him face first into the wall as he held his hands behind his back, the inmate then stepped on Dean’s foot harshly, making the Hunter hiss in pain. Dean retaliated with a kick straight to his groin, making him double over in agony. The prisoner groaned in pain as Dean sent a kick right to his face, causing him to fall on his back, clutching his face.

“That’s enough!!” A guard bellowed, breaking up the fight. He approached Dean with a stern expression, “On your feet, Lucas!” The guard barked at the prisoner who was previously attacking Dean. “Yes, sir, boss” Lucas grunted before pushing himself up from the ground, clutching his bleeding mouth.

The guard kept his gaze on Dean before retracting his baton at his waist, he approached Dean, pressing the baton under his chin. “What’s your name?” He gritted his teeth at Dean. “Winchester” Dean glared at the man, “Well, Winchester, not a good start” He snapped before retracting the baton from Dean’s chin.

“Solitary. You too, Lucas!” The guard ordered, pushed his way through the crowd as another guard grabbed Dean, “Yes sir” Lucas said obediently. “Are we having fun yet, huh?” Dean grinned at Sam as he was being escorted. Meanwhile another prisoner, Lucas’s friend, Tiny, pressed his thumb to his neck, dragging it across while looking at Sam.

The younger Winchester internally rolled his eyes and groaned at the threat.

____________________________________________

Now in solitary, Dean leaned his back against the wall, bored out of his mind, “I wish I had a baseball” He said out loud, “What? What’d you say?” Lucas said from the other cell. “I said I wish I had a baseball,” Dean repeated. “You know, like Steve McQueen,” he said through the single open slot. “Yeah? Well I wish I had a bat, so I could bash your fucking head in” Lucas growled.

“Okay. Well, so much for the bonding-in-solitary moment.” Dean muttered, pushing himself back against the wall before dusting his hands off. His mind wandered to y/n, within the past few days being here, Dean had grown a sense of loneliness. Sure, Sam was here but he missed his girl.

Thankfully, he got Deacon to sneak them a few phones, claiming that “Sam missed his girl”, referring to Jo. When in reality, Sam wasn’t the only one missing ‘his girl’. He had hidden it in his boxers so he quietly fished it out from his pants.

Dean switched his phone on and instantly looked in his contact list, clicking on her number and holding the phone to his ear. Soon enough, he heard Y/N’s voice after about three rings. “Hello?” Her sweet voice filtered through the phone. “Y/N,” Dean said instantly after hearing his love’s voice, a smile growing on his face at the sound of her.

“Dean?!” Y/N exclaimed in a low tone, she crushed her cigarette bud in the ashtray before gently peeling back the curtain to the motel room window she was hiding out in. “Hey, sweetheart,” Dean chuckled as he heard her reaction as she heard his voice. It was a voice he was craving to hear for days.

Call it toxic codependency, but after not hearing her voice for those few days, he thought he was gonna go insane.

He stayed quiet for a moment, taking in her voice before sighing, “God, it’s good to hear your voice” He admitted, resting the back of his head against the wall, “Are you okay, sweetie? How are you holding up?” Y/N asked him gently, she could hear the tension in his voice. This skyrocketed her concern.

“I’m holding up fine. This place is shitty” Dean assured her while clenching his jaw, “But don’t worry about me” He added instantly, “I’m more worried about you” He admitted while closing his eyes, imagining the look on her face right now.

“Charming, you’re the one in prison and you’re worried about me?” Y/N chuckled dryly, shaking her head. “I hate this plan” She muttered, running her hands over her face as she sank into her bed. The corner of his mouth curled up a bit, “Of course, I am, princess” He chuckled softly, imagining the pout on her face.

He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her right now and assure her he was okay. He shifted in his spot, now laying on his back as he spoke to her. “It’s a risk, yeah, but it’s what we do, baby” He replied gently, he understood her worry.

Y/N’s heart fluttered when Dean called her ‘baby’. But she quickly swallowed it back down, reminding herself that it’s just how he talks and it doesn’t mean anything, “How’s Sammy holding up?” She asked him, concerned wavering in her tone.

“He’s alright. A little freaked out, though” Dean admitted, closing his eyes as he exhaled deeply. As per usual, his main concern was his little brother’s well-being. He always was a protective older brother. He clenched his jaw remembering his previous interaction with the other inmates.

“Just a minor scuffle so far,” He added quietly. “Of course you’re getting into fights” Y/N scoffed disapprovingly, shaking her head as she placed her hand on her forehead. “Let me guess. Someone tried to steal Sam’s lunch money?” She mused with a roll of her eyes.

Dean cracked a smirk as he stayed quiet for a moment, a little surprised and proud she immediately guessed right. “Ahh, you know me too well” He chuckled as he rolled his eyes, a smile on his face. “Can’t let some assholes push Sammy around” He replied, closing his eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, he then added, “I miss you…” He confessed, opening his eyes as he stared up at the ceiling. He was never one to express his emotions, especially not on the phone, but he couldn’t help it anymore. He missed her so damn much.

Y/N felt her heart practically shift in her chest, she hated the thought of those fellas behind bars, she knew they could handle themselves. But she had been worried sick, “I miss you too” She whispered back, biting her lip slightly as she took a deep breath.

Dean’s heart ached at hearing her words, his features softened as he pressed the phone against his ear, hearing her voice. “Y/N/N, it’s okay. We’re gonna be okay” He said gently, attempting to soothe her anxieties. He didn’t like being a source of worry, and he knew she wouldn’t stop worrying about them as long as they’re in here.

“You better be. Because I’ll kick your ass” She mockingly threatened with a weak chuckle, “If you need help with anything on the case, you call me. Don’t hesitate, I’ll always be here for you” Y/N said firmly.

A soft smile tugged at his lips, he would expect nothing less from her. She was protective when it came to the people she cared about, especially him and Sam. “Don’t worry, we’ll call ya if there’s any development” Dean replied with a soft chuckle.

Inside his cell, Sam leaned the back of his head against the wall, his eyes closed. As he sat there in silence, the only sound in the room was the sound of the guards patrolling outside the door. He held the phone in his hand, thumb hesitantly hovering over Jo’s contact on the screen.

After a few seconds, Sam caved, pressing on her name. He held the phone to his ear just as it began to ring, mentally preparing himself to hear her voice, it was almost like it would be too much to hear her yet it wouldn’t be enough at the same time. Sam waited for her to answer, his breathing slowed and his heartbeat quickened.

Finally, after what felt like both a long and short time, Sam heard the familiar and oh so sweet sound of Jo’s voice come through the receiver. “Sammy?!” She exclaimed in a low tone, sounding a little surprised. “Hey angel” Sam responded with a low chuckle, looking up on the bunk to make sure his cellmate was asleep.

“How are you? Are you okay?” Jo instantly asked, concern clear in her voice. Despite the low tone and the low volume, Sam could tell she was worried. He smiled at the fact, his heart fluttering at being greeted with her sweet voice.

“I’m fine,” Sam assured her, “Deans in solitary confinement. Got into a fight” He sighed, resting his head against the bricked wall. Jo rolled her eyes at the news that Dean was sent to solitary for getting into a fight, “Of course he is. Idiot” She muttered into the phone, a part of her was annoyed, but a part of her was secretly amused.

Sam chuckled, shaking his head gently. “He’s Dean” He laughed softly, he could never blame his brother for being the way he is, he would never change him. As stubborn, and infuriating, and idiotic as he could be, Sam loves his brother.

“I miss you” Sam confessed, his heart heavy at not seeing Jo for weeks on end. He was feeling it worse now being locked up. Jo’s heart fluttered at hearing his words. She missed him just as much. “I miss you too. I hate not seeing you” She whispered into the phone, she wanted to see him, hell, she wanted to at least give him a hug to reassure him.

“We’ll be outta here soon enough” Sam said gently, mentally reassuring himself at the same time. It’s so hard sometimes, being apart from the people you love. As they were both caught up in their conversation, Sam’s cellmate let out a loud snore, jolting Sam’s attention for a moment.

Well into their conversation, Jo let out a soft breath, “Hey, Sammy? Just…” She trailed off, she didn’t know what to say, “Just be careful, okay? Please” She said quietly, she would be devastated if something happened to either Sam or Dean while in prison.

Sam’s heart ached at hearing her words, he felt so guilty at how worried she sounded. “I will, I promise” Sam assured her, his features softened at hearing the quiet worry in her voice. No matter what happens, he promised himself he’d always come back to her.

Now back to Dean, he laid down on the dusty uncomfortable ground as he continued to talk to his love, “Everything’s fine. I’m fine, Sam’s fine” He assured her for the millionth time. Just the sound of her voice alone was enough to make him feel better, he needed to hear her voice to keep himself sane in this place.

“Yeah, sure you are” Y/N responded with a scoff, not believing a word coming out of his mouth. She rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. Despite her worries, she felt peace hearing his voice, even in the middle of this shitty situation, just hearing his voice was everything.

Dean chuckled deeply, swallowing harshly as the air in the cell grew colder and the lights began flickering. “Oh fuck” He muttered upon seeing his own breath. Y/N’s brows furrowed when she heard his muttered curse. “Dean? What’s going on?” She asked in a serious tone, sitting up in her bed at hearing the change in his tone.

Dean slowly pushed himself up in a sitting position, his eyes shifting around the now chilly and dim cell. “It’s nothing sweetheart-” Just as he was about to dismiss her worries, a rattling sound cut him off, his gaze darted to the cell door. “Fuck, I’m gonna need to call you back” Dean said urgently.

Before Y/N had time to say anything, Dean quickly ended the call. The cold air seemed to grow even cooler as the rattling became louder and more urgent. Something was coming.

“Lucas, listen to me. Stay very still” Dean said through the louvers on the door to his next door cellmate. Lucas looked through the louvers to see nothing, but he felt the air growing colder. His heart nearly stopped when a pair of eyes appeared through the louvers, staring back at him.

Lucas’ body became rigid, beads of sweat already starting to appear on his temple as the chill spread through the room, his breathing hitched, “What the hell is that” He choked out. His eyes were wide and glossy as he stared into the terrifying pair of eyes.

Dean could hear Lucas screaming from his own cell, his heart pounding out of his chest, his eyes wide as the inmate shouted, “Aaarrrggghhh!!” Through his ears.

____________________________________________

Back in the station, Victor Henricksen and Alexander Thompson were working the case of the Winchesters and L/N’s together. “Hey Vic?” Alexander drew his superior’s attention to him. Victor snapped his attention to Alex with a questioning look, he arched a brow at him. “Yeah?” He asked him with a raised brow.

“I’ve been going through the Winchester and L/N charges, and I gotta say…there are some weird inconsistencies” Alexander sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair as he took a seat across from Victor.

Victor rolled his eyes as he listened to Alex. He leaned back against his chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Welcome to my world” Victor scoffed. “I talked to a cop in Baltimore who swears up and down that Sam, Dean and Y/N saved her and helped her catch a killer. And there’s a witness to the bank robbery in Milwaukee, she swears they saved her life” Alexander listed off.

Victor pursed his lips as he listened to him. “Saved her from what?” He let out an annoyed sigh. “She- she was a little unclear” Alexander sighed, leaned back into his chair. “That’s because she’s nuts,” Victor insisted but Alex wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.

“Look, I was in Milwaukee, I spoke to her, I spoke to all the witnesses.” Victor began. “And?” Alex questioned. “And, all I know is that where they go, people die. It’s that simple” Victor said firmly. Alexander huffed out a sigh. “That simple?” He repeated, his voice filled with skepticism. “No, it can’t be that simple” He argued.

“It’s never that simple. They’re good people” He insisted. “At least- y/n was..” Alex’s voice died in his throat. Victor scoffed at the roomie agent’s stubbornness, he rolled his eyes before sighing softly. After staring at him for a beat, he leaned closer to the table towards Alex. “Look kid, I get it, you had a past with the girl, she’s the one that got away” Victor said the last part a bit sarcastically.

Alex crossed his arms over his chest, furrowing his brows. “But you’ve been here, what? A year? I’ve been on this racket for years, they’re not the people you knew.” Victor said firmly, pressing his hand into the table. Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the mention of Y/N, he hated how right Victor was about her.

It was no secret he had feelings for her still. But he chose to remain stubborn and ignore the feeling he felt in his chest when he thought about her.

After a few moments, he scoffed and shook his head. “Whatever” He muttered. “You let your feelings for her cloud your judgment and it’s going to kick you in the ass one day” Victor warned him, looking stern and serious, trying to knock some sense into his agent.

“They just don’t seem cut-and-dry guilty to me, Vic” Alex said, running his hand through his hair. “I think, there’s more to this”. Victor’s face hardened a bit as he listened to him. He sighed deeply and let go of the table, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. “And I think you’re letting your past with Y/N affect the way you’re viewing this” He replied back to him.

Alex remained quiet, a mixture of anger, denial, and frustration building up in his chest. But he knew there was no point in arguing with his superior, once he made up his mind about someone or something, there was no stopping him.

Victor gave him a weary stare, he could tell the agent was pissed off but didn’t care much for it. He sighed and dropped the subject before looking down at his watch and checking the time.

After a few more minutes of silence and Alex not responding back, Victor let out a sigh. “You’ve been working all day, kid. Why don’t you go get some rest and come back tomorrow” He said with a softer tone this time, trying to ease the tension that was in the room.

Alex looked up at him in surprise, his angry expression fell for a moment. He took a breath and let it out shakily, he was tired, exhausted really but he didn’t want to admit it. He was the new guy, and he wanted to prove that he could handle this job. But he had to listen to his superior.

Alex stood up from his chair and nodded, “Yes sir” He responded in a mumbled tone before turning around to head out of the office.

____________________________________________

It was the next day, Sam was mopping up the bathroom with another fellow inmate, Randall. “How you doing?” Sam attempted to make casual conversation. “I’m 54 years old, mopping the floor of a crapper with bars on the windows. How do you think I’m doing?” Randall responded sarcastically, earning a chuckle from Sam in return.

“Alright” Sam muttered, dipping his mop in the bucket. “Bad icebreaker” He sighed as he took the mop out and wiped the floor. “I’m Sam” He introduced himself. “Randall” Randall responded. “Nice to meet y-” Sam said politely before the familiar name dawned on him. “Randall? Hey, weren’t you there the night that guard died?” Sam asked, referring to the last death of a prison guard.

“Yeah” Randall confirmed, “Well, what happened?” Sam asked curiously. “They say the stress of the job got to him” Randall shrugged. “Yeah? What do you say?” Sam smirked, Randall’s head snapped over to the hunter as he cocked his brow. “Why are you inside, kid?” Randall questioned, continuing to mop.

Sam sighed deeply as he returned to mopping, “Cause I got an idiot for a brother” Sam muttered, “That’ll do it” Randall mused, “Yeah” Sam sighed. “Well, this place ain’t so bad. Compared to the old cellblock, this is the fucking Hilton” Randall assured him. Sam’s ears perked up at this. “You spent time in the old block?” He asked.

“Oh, yeah, I was a regular customer” Randall responded casually, “Didn’t they have Mark Moody over there for a while?” Sam asked, “He was there,” Randall confirmed, turning to face Sam. “You know, I was there too, the night that lunatic bought it” Randall gossiped. “Yeah? It was a heart attack, right?” Sam carried on the conversation.

“Sure, his heart stopped right after the guards stopped using his head for batting practice” Randall snorted, this made Sam’s jaw drop. “Next morning, I was in his cell mopping up the blood. What a mess” Randall sighed. “Wait- so he was- he was beaten and nobody reported it?” Sam asked in shock.

“You kept your mouth shut unless you wanted to die from the same heart attack, you know?” Randall put it simply. Sam thought for a second before asking. “Randall…exactly how much blood was there?”

____________________________________________

Sam immediately went out into the prison yard after his shift to see Dean playing poker with a fellow inmate for cigarettes. “Call.” Dean said, placing down a card. “Three Aces” The inmate smirked, holding up his cards. Dean feigned a sigh, “That’s a bad beat.” The inmate went to pick up the cigarettes, “That is a bad beat, but see, I’m full. Threes over aces” Dean smirked widely as the inmate huffed in frustration and smacked the table.

Sam rolled his eyes as Dean laughed, “I’m sorry. Hey, it’s a cruel game, my friend” Dean laughed, shrugging as the inmate tossed his cards on the table and left. “Sorry guys” Dean smiled tightly as he gathered the cigarettes laying on the table up and placed them into a little baggy. Sam took the inmate’s seat, sitting across from his brother.

“It’s like picking low hanging fruit” Dean cackled, as he bagged the cigarettes up. “You rarely smoke, Dean” Sam scoffed, pointing out the obvious, “You kidding? This is the currency of the realm” Dean retorted, earning a deadpan look from Sam that said, ‘Yeah, right’. Dean rolled his eyes, “Fine, it’s a little gift for Y/N. Sue me for being an awesome friend” Dean shot back.

Sam rolled his eyes again, Dean was more excited about having cigarettes to give Y/N than he usually was about anything. The younger Winchester cleared his throat, wanting to get Dean’s focus back on to something else. “Dean…” Sam began.

“Yes, Sam?” Dean responded, gathering the cigarettes and bagging them up. “I’ve been doing some talking” Sam began, “I’ve been talking too” Dean retorted, “Yeah?” Sam asked, a little skeptical. “What have you been talking about?” He inquired. “I think I’ve got a good lead on Moody,” Sam said.

“Yeah, me too. His spirit paid a little visit last night” Dean replied, stuffing the bag into his jacket. “What?” Sam gasped, “Clock-stop, flickering lights, cold spot. I mean, he did everything but yell ‘Boo’” Dean scoffed, “Well, what happened?” Sam asked concerned. “He walked right by me,” Dean sighed, looking down at his hands.

“Lucas wasn’t so lucky. I mean, the way he was screaming…The guy was a jerk, but he didn’t deserve to go like that” Dean shook his head, “What'd you find out about Moody?” He asked Sam. “Yeah, so I think I know where we might find his remains. Blood in his old cell” Sam explained. Dean furrowed his brows at this.

“Blood? I thought it was a heart attack” Dean said, “it was, after the guards worked him over” Sam scoffed, “I mean, apparently, there was so much blood in there, they had trouble mopping it out” He further explained, Dean nodded in return, reaching into his jacket to take out a cigarette from the baggy, “How are we gonna get in?” He asked Sam as he placed the cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

“I got a plan” Sam shrugged, earning a smirk from Dean. “That’s the Sammy I know. I mean, come on. You’re like Clint Eastwood from Escape from Alcatraz” Dean chuckled as he let the steam from the cigarette out through his nose. “Look, the problem is, Even if we do find something, how are we gonna salt and burn it? We don’t have any accelerant” Sam signed heavily.

“Good thing I’m like James Garner from The Great Escape” Dean winked at him before taking out the cigarette baggy, ready to bet more and win more to take back home, “Hey fellas?! Who’s ready to deal?” Dean shouted, holding up his lit cigarette and the baggy of cigarettes. Sam rolled his eyes in return as Dean took another drag from his cigarette and more inmates piled around him.

____________________________________________

Y/N was pacing around the motel room, her anxiety was over the top today since that phone call with Dean and the fact that her best friend was running late wasn’t helping. She looked at her watch and groaned loudly, “Where is she?” She muttered under her breath and continued pacing around the room.

Y/N has been on edge since the boys purposefully got themselves caught, she hated the idea and was very vocal about it but she understood where Dean was coming from when he said that they repaid their debts. That didn’t stop her from worrying though.

Because she herself was a fugitive, Y/N was under motel arrest and she had no way to comfort herself other than her pack of Dunhill and wearing one of Dean’s old shirts. It still smelt like his musk and gave her the comfort she needed right now to stop herself from running into a wall repeatedly.

Did she feel stupid because her friend's shirt was bringing her comfort? Yes, she felt insane and as though she was desperate. Was she gonna admit that to him? Fuck no. But was she going to continue wearing it and most likely sleep in it tonight? You bet your last dollar she was.

After waiting impatiently, there was a knock on the door. Y/N’s head snapped up and she quickly went to the door, opening it to reveal her best friend, Jo Harvelle. “Oh thank God ” Y/N sighed, pulling Jo into a tight hug.

“You’re late,” Y/N scolded once she pulled away from the hug, closing the door behind her. Jo raised her hands up in defense, “I know I know. I’m sorry, I had some stuff to take care of” She replied apologetically. Y/N’s harsh facade quickly melted to concern, “Everything okay?” She asked worriedly.

Jo sighed as she sat down on the edge of one of the beds, “Yeah, no, it’s no biggie” She replied, watching Y/N take a seat on the other bed. Y/N didn’t believe that for a second, she knew her best friend too well to believe her. She raised her eyebrows at Jo, “Don’t lie to me, Joanna” She pointed a finger at her.

Jo chuckled a little at the use of her full name, she rolled her eyes and sighed, “Alright, I had a bit of a run in with my mother” She admitted. Y/N sighed, offering her friend a small smile. “She still mad about you hunting?” She said softly as Jo nodded, peeling off her jacket, a small frown on her face.

“She’ll come around, Jo. She loves you” Y/N assured her as she took out two beers from the mini fridge, handing Jo one. Jo took the beer from Y/N’s hand and took off the cap, “Yeah, but I wish she did a better job at showing it” She replied with a hint of frustration, taking a swig of the beer. Y/N sat down next to her on the bed and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“She’s just worried about you,” She said softly. “Besides the point” Jo tried to change the topic, taking a seat next to Y/N. “How are our boys?” Jo asked, sipping her beer. Y/N let out a sigh, “Sam is doing alright. Dean on the other hand…” She trailed off, looking down into her beer. “He hung up on me last night and I’m worried.” She added as she brought the beer to her lips, taking a long sip.

“Now I know they can handle themselves in there but fuck, I’m worried” Y/N murmured. “Did you talk to Sam?” Y/N asked Jo. The younger hunter nodded, “Yeah but you know how vague they can be” Jo shrugged, “All he told me was that they were both fine and not to worry” She added, Y/N rolled her eyes, “Yeah, that’s reassuring” She muttered sarcastically.

They sat in a moment of silence, both sipping on their beers. Y/N’s mind was going at a hundred miles an hour as a hundred different thoughts, worries and scenarios ran through her head. Jo studied Y/N for a few moments before noticing she was beginning to bite her nails which was a sign of anxiety. Jo gently smacked Y/N’s hand, “Stop it, you’re nervous” Jo scolded.

Y/N flinched at the smack and looked over at Jo, “Sorry” She mumbled, pulling her hand down and putting it in her lap, “I’m just worried” She admitted. “I can’t stop thinking about all the things that could go wrong in there” She added, fiddling with one of the rings on her fingers.

“Hey, hey, stop it” Jo interrupted, “They’ll be okay. You know that, our boys can handle themselves” Jo said in an attempt to reassure her, but she didn’t sound too confident and it sounded more so she was trying to convince herself.

Y/N exhaled and nodded, “Yeah, I know they can but there’s something about this case that’s making me worry more” She confessed, fiddling with the ring in her fingers. “This is prison we’re talking about, there’s a lot more stuff that can go wrong” The young psychic said, her voice laced with concern.

Jo sighed softly, reaching over to rest a comforting hand on Y/N’s leg “They’re gonna be fine. You know them, they’ll come back in one piece” She assured her, squeezing her leg in a gentle way. Y/N nodded, attempting to believe her words, “Yeah, okay. You’re probably right” She mumbled.

Jo gave Y/N a small smile, “I know I’m right” She said, gently poking Y/N’s leg, trying to make her laugh. Y/N chuckled, gently swatting her hand away. Jo chuckled lightly in response, “There’s that laugh” She smirked. Y/N shook her head before sighing deeply.

“Well, I’m under motel-arrest until they call me when it’s time to come pick ‘em up when the case is over. You sticking around till then?” Y/N asked hopefully, “You could surprise Sam” She added in a teasing tone, nudging Jo with her foot.

Jo blushed slightly, a grin broke out on her face as she playfully shoved Y/N’s foot away. “Maybe I will” She giggled, trying to hide her smile. Y/N grinned widely at her friend, it was so easy to tease Jo about her crush.

“Ooh! We could order in, watch crappy movies and paint each other’s nails” Jo said, getting excited, she loved girl time, especially with her best friend after being on the road for so long. “You’re talking like we’re a couple of thirteen-year olds having a sleepover” Y/N teased, laughing. “I’m totally down for a movie night, though” Y/N added.

“We’re in our twenties and we’re fucking hunters, we need to have girl nights once in a while. We deserve it” Jo said as she placed her beer bottle on the table beside the bed. “Now, we’re going to order some food, and you are going to chill, because worrying is not going to do anything and those two dumbasses will be fine” She said, fixing Y/N with a look.

Y/N rolled her eyes playfully as she picked up her phone, “Whatever, but I’m picking the movie, you can pick the food” She shot back, handing Jo the phone. Jo chuckled and took the phone from Y/N, “Only because I don’t wanna listen to you complain” She said as she began ordering the food. Y/N rolled her eyes again, “You suck” She muttered, trying to hold back a smile.

After Jo ordered the food, Y/N sat with her, sipping on her beer, chatting and waiting for the food. Y/N smiled to herself as a wave of unfamiliar happiness took her over. Sure she spent the majority of her time with the boys and she loved the brothers like her own family.

But there was something special about having a girls night, even if it was just in a motel room while waiting for a call from Sam or Dean to haul their asses out of prison and the “girls night” was just movies, room service and girl talk. It made her think of the home she never really had, of how Y/N would wish she had a mother to have girls nights with.

Sure, growing up she would twist Sam or Dean’s arm (mainly Dean) into watching chick flicks with her, but she never had that bond with another girl, as much as she wanted to. It sucked moving from town to town and never being able to grow a strong friendship with someone she could call a ‘sister’. Not that she wasn’t grateful for her brother, she’d die for Sammy in a heartbeat.

Her friendship with Jo had a rough start, but she’ll forever be grateful for Jo’s forgiving nature and allowing her to experience the wonders of sisterhood. But what she didn’t know is, Jo felt the exact same way about her. She was her sister, they were sisters and nothing was going to change that.

____________________________________________

Sam and Dean were currently in the lunch line, “You sure about this?” Dean whispered to his brother as they scooted along the line, “Pretty sure” Sam whispered back, Dean rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, considering the circumstances, I’d like a little better than pretty sure” Dean shot back, using Sam’s words from the day before against him.

Sam scoffed in return, “Okay, really pretty sure” Sam sassed before moving out of the line. Dean shook his head before turning to the cook. “I’d like mine al dente” He mused as the cook just slapped down a pile of noodles on his tray harshly along with some beans. “Perfect” Dean grimaced, smiling tightly as he made his way over to a table.

Sitting by the table was Tiny, Lucas’ friend. He slapped his tray on the table as the heavy tatted and rather large inmate glared at him. “Save room for dessert, Tiny” Dean laughed as he sat across from Tiny. “Hey, I wanted to ask you because I couldn’t help but notice you are two tons of fun” Dean said sarcastically, making Tiny’s eyes darken in his direction.

Dean then leaned in, “Just curious, is that a thyroid problem or is that just some deep-seated self-esteem issues?” Dean smirked, trying to get a rise out of the inmate. Sam gulped from across the room, trying to be subtle about his action. “Because, you know, they’re, uh, just doughnuts. They’re not love” Dean chuckled as Tiny narrowed his eyes at him.

Tiny nodded with a faux smile as Dean continued to laugh, Sam kept an eye on the two, waiting for someone to hit the other. Tiny did exactly as anticipated and balled his fist up, right hooking the elder Winchester in a flash. Dean was tumbling to the ground, grunting as he pushed himself back up to see Tiny standing over him.

He wore a smug grin before punching Tiny across his jaw. The inmate barely reacted, earning a confused and slightly fearful look from Dean. So he left hooked him quickly before punching him in the gut but Tiny was still standing. He snatched Dean by his collar before head butting him, making Dean grow dizzy as a guard attempted to subdue Tiny.

But Tiny quickly grappled the guard and sent him reeling in a table back first. The fight finally caught the attention of a few other guards, “Guys, give me a hand!” One of the guards yelled as they charged at Tiny and Dean, both were still throwing punches at each other.

Meanwhile, Sam took the opportunity of the distracted guards to sneak into the kitchen. The younger Winchester quickly pocketed a jar of salt before making his way to one of the vents, pulling out the covering before crawling into the open space.

Dean was still outside, the guard trying to part him and Tiny. With a couple more heavy grunts, they finally separated the two riled up inmates, three guards were holding back Tiny as a one yanked Dean up from the floor. One of the familiar guards gripped Dean by his face, forcing him to look at him.

“If we waited longer, you’d be dead” The guard said firmly before pushing his face away. “Well, you waited long enough,” Dean said, feeling a bit woozy from the fight. The guard gritted his teeth before kneeing Dean in his gut. The Hunter doubled over in pain, gripping his midsection. “Do yourself a favor. Don’t talk” The guard growled, gripping Dean by his hair.

Dean Winchester winced, blood dripping from an open wound on his cheek, his eye was already looking bruised from the fight the day before and it was just getting worse from the blows he received from Tiny. “Take the both up to the infirmary” The guard ordered his subordinate. He nodded in agreement before escorting a groaning Dean out of the cafeteria.

Meanwhile, Sam finally made his way into the old cell block after crawling his way from the vent in the kitchen. He scanned the area, investing and looking for the old cell of Moody.

Eventually he stumbled on an old cot, grimacing as he turned it to reveal old dried blood. Sam groaned in disgust as he took out the salt from his pocket and Dean’s lighter he used to light his cigarette. He salted the blooded cot before breaking one of the lighters and emptying the lighter fluid onto the cot.

He then struck a match before tossing it onto the cot, burning it fully, hoping that the spirit was now put to rest.

During this time, Dean was in the infirmary. His head pounding, his jaw aching and the only thing that was keeping him sane was the thought that his brother was nearby and the woman he loved was waiting for him on the outside. All he wanted right now was a warm hug and to inhale that coconut shampoo and tobacco he’d never grow tired of smelling on her.

“Hey, Tiny?” Dean called out to Tiny, who was in the cell next to him on his own infirmary bed. “Yeah?” Tiny responded. “Hey, sorry about the things I was saying earlier” Dean apologized sincerely, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned on the cold wall. “I can’t really tell you why, but I had to get you angry,” Dean said vaguely as he sighed.

“So, uh….anyways, sorry” Dean added, looking as his hands. He couldn’t see it, but Tiny smiled a bit at his apology, the large and heavily tatted inmate nodded, “It’s okay. Truth is, I have low self-esteem issues” Ting admitted, tears welling up in his eyes. Dean’s brows cocked up in surprise as Tiny opened up.

“My old man treated me, my brother and my little sister like crap. Right up until the day he died” Tiny told him, standing up to lean against the bars. “How'd he die?” Dean asked curiously, making casual conversation with the inmate. “My brother shot him. And my sister buried the body” Tiny admitted.

Dean's eyes widened at how casually Tiny said it, “Okay…” Dean muttered, pursing his lips when his eyes landed on an unfamiliar figure. What looked like the figure of a very nasty looking woman was staring back at him. The room grew colder and the clock at the corner of the room stopped. “Oh fuck” Dean cursed, pushing himself up from his cot.

“What is it?” Tiny asked upon hearing Dean curse. As Dean stared at the ghost, he couldn’t help but think if Y/N was here, she’d say she was getting ‘that feeling’ and Dean would mock her about her ‘ESP Thing’. He tilted his head as the dirty pale woman dressed like an infirmary nurse made her way towards him.

Instantly, Dean tried to push at the bars but it was no use, the guards had locked him in along with Tiny. “What’s going on?”’ Tiny asked again as Dean rattled at the door and the ghost inched towards them. Dean quickly reached into his tray of food, taking up the salt but the ghost quickly sent him flying into the wall, back first.

Dean grunted in pain as he tumbled into the ground, “Oh, fuck!!” Dean shouted, “What is it?!” Tiny yelled back in concern, hearing the commotion but he couldn’t see from the angle his cell was in. Dean opened his eyes to see the ghost standing above him, she instantly placed his hand over his heart, causing him to groan, feeling as if his heart was slowing down.

The ghost growled at him, the hunter could feel his heart begin to give out but thought quickly and flicked the cap off of the salt in his hand, tossing it on the ghost. Making her disapparate. Dean gasped as the tension of the ghost attempting to kill him left his body, the pain easing. But his eyes widened when he heard Tiny scream in terror, “NOOO!!” The inmate cried out.

“Tiny!!!” Dean shouted, pushing himself up from the ground. “Tiny!!!!” Dean tried to warn him, but Tiny was fading, groaning and screaming in pain. “Guard!!! Guard!!!” Dean rattled at the bars, shouting for the guard, but it was no use.

The sounds of the inmate’s tortured scream echoed through the block, sending a cold shiver down Dean’s spine as he gripped the bars tighter, his knuckles turning white.

However, like in the blink of an eye, silence fell over the two blocks. The sound of Tiny screaming had ceased. The hunter panted heavily, his heart beating hard and fast in his chest. The air was eerily thick as the silence continued.

____________________________________________

The next morning, Dean was giving Sam the rundown of the events in the infirmary. “Wait, so you’re telling me it wasn’t Moody?” Sam asked surprised as they strolled through the prison yard. “Not unless he liked going around dressed like a nurse” Dean shot back, burying his hands in his jacket. “Poor Tiny, man. Poor…giant Tiny” Dean sighed.

“Wait so, this is- this is like the ghost of some nurse who worked here or something?” Sam asked, “I don’t know man, I guess” Dean groaned, “You know what, Dean. At this point, ‘I don’t know, I guess’ isn’t really working for me” Sam sassed, “See, uh…I thought we were done” The younger Winchester retorted, “I called Deacon, it’s happening. We’re getting out tonight” Sam informed him.

“I guess we gotta do some quick research, then” Dean said as if it were simple. Sam looked at his brother as if he were crazy. “How? I mean, maybe you haven’t noticed, we’re in jail!” Sam exclaimed in a whisper tone, gesturing to their surroundings.

“So you wanna know about some nurse? Why do you wanna know” Randall asked the boys as they interrogated him in the prison yard. “We got our reasons” Dean said bluntly, earning a side eye from Sam. “But, uh…we’ll make it worth your while” Dean smirked, holding up one of the packs of cigarettes he won.

Randall smirked in response, accepting the cigarettes from Dean. “So this nurse, she would have had white hair, one screwed-up eye. Is that ringing a bell?” Dean asked, pointing to his eye. “Yeah. Yeah, I remember her” Randall nodded. “You remember her name?” Dean asked, “No, that’s still kinda fuzzy,” Randall smirked.

Dean rolled his eyes as Sam chuckled, “Give it to him” Sam told Dean, indicating to the cigarettes. Dean clenched his jaw, “It’s for Y/N” He whined, “Dean, you’ve got tons remaining. Just give it to him” Sam insisted, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Oh, come on, man!” Dean groaned, handing over the cigarettes to Randall begrudgingly, who took it without hesitation. “Glockner. Nurse Glockner” He told them, stuffing the cigarettes into his pocket. “Nasty old bitch worked here in the 70s” Randall scoffed with distaste.

“You knew her?” Sam asked, “I met her once. I had to get a tetanus shot” Randall told them. “She damn near jammed the needle through the other side of my arm. At least I got outta there alive.” He explained. “What do you mean?” Sam asked curiously.

“Well, there were these stories, you know? I don’t know if they were true. Cons love to talk, but we’re all liars” Randall shrugged. “What kind of stories?” Dean asked. “Well, guys would go up to the infirmary with a cold, next thing you know, they’re in a body bag. A whole rash of heart attacks. Young guys, old guys” Randall further explained.

“Heart attacks?” Sam raised his brow at this. Randall nodded, “Yeah. The story was Glockner had it out for cons and she did the Charles Bronson thing with a hypodermic.” Sam and Dean shared a look as he spoke. “But anyway, that was a rumor. Nobody proved anything” He added. “Whatever happened to Glockner?” Dean asked.

“I don’t know. I finished my bit and left. Next time I landed back in here, she was gone” Randall shrugged.

It was now lunchtime and the Winchesters were discussing the case in the cafeteria, “Okay, let’s say those stories on Glockner were true.” Sam began. “It’s a thought. In life, she’s a vigilante. In death, same thing” Dean whispered. “Right, but I mean, how’s she tied in with the old cellblock?” Sam questioned. “And if she’s going after cons, why kill that one guard?” He added.

“Well, I did hear in the yard that that guard wasn’t exactly squeaky clean. So, maybe she’s going after anybody that breaks the law, like me” Dean stated, Sam’s brows furrowed as he narrowed his eyes at his brother. “You heard in the yard?” Sam gave Dean his classic bitchface. “Yeah” Dean shrugged. His normalcy made Sam snort.

“Dean, does it bother you at all how easily you seem to fit in here?” Sam pointed out, “No, not really” Dean shrugged again. Sam rolled his eyes again in return, “Alright, well, listen. Either way, we need more info on Glockner. If she’s buried. If so, where. And we got…five hours to get it” Sam stated. It was Dean’s turn to give Sam a bitch face.

“No, no. Don’t you dare give me that ‘we-gotta-see-this-thing-through’ look.” Sam warned Dean, pressing his index finger to the table. “We are leaving tonight, no matter what” He said firmly. “I just don’t wanna let Deacon down. We owe him” Dean whispered back. “Yeah. But we don’t owe him our lives, Dean!” Sam lowly exclaimed.

Dean clenched his jaw, thinking deeply. He thought for a few seconds before making up his mind. He then got up from his seat without a word, “Where are you going?” Sam scoffed, “I'm gonna go have a chat with our favorite psychic” Dean smirked.

____________________________________________

Dean was currently sitting in the non-contact visiting area, patiently waiting for Y/N to arrive. Sure he had his phone that he could use to call her, but as selfish as it sounds, he needed to see her. Of course, y/n was skeptical about coming. It was a risk for her to show herself, but being a hunter means you gotta learn to disguise yourself.

She wouldn’t admit it, but she needed to see Dean just as much as he needed to see her. So, she made Jo wait in the Impala while she met with Dean.

It wasn’t too long when the glass doors opened and Y/N walked through, being led inside by a guard. She was wearing a long beige trench coat to cover her entire body, along with a dusty long wig with bangs that looked like she bought it from Party City to hide her natural (h/l) (h/c) hair.

Dean’s heartbeat quickened as he eyed her, it was as if she were an ice cold drink on a burning hot day. His eyes raked her up and down, he hadn’t forgotten just how damn good she looked.

Y/N sat in the seat across from him through the glass and picked up the phone, “Hey charming” She greeted with a smile that had clear relief behind it, putting the phone up to her ear. “Hey, princess” Dean replied, his heart fluttering in his chest as he took in the view before him.

Seeing Y/N’s face had lifted his mood instantly, he missed her more than he’d like to admit. “You have no idea how much I missed you” He added. She chuckled at his words but the sound was only heard through the phone, “Right back at you” She responded. Her eyes roamed his face, his rugged look as well as the look of his orange jumpsuit.

Her eyes landed instantly on the dark red bruise on Dean’s eye, her heart dropping. “They treating you okay in there?” Y/N asked, noticing the bruise. Her question made him smirk, “Nothing I can’t handle, sweetheart” He assured her. Y/N’s brows furrowed in response, not convinced, “Dean, this isn’t funny. Be serious” She said.

“I am being serious” He countered, his smile never leaving his face, even with the bruise. She stared at him with a firm expression, “How did you get that black eye?” She asked, cocking an eyebrow. Dean’s smile began to falter, “Um, uh-“ he stuttered, hesitating a moment.

She narrowed her eyes and cocked her eyebrow at him again, “Don’t lie to me, Dean” She warned. Dean knew there was no use in trying to get out of this one, “Okay, I um…I got into a little scuffle” He admitted sheepishly. “Another one?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” She lowly exclaimed through the phone.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hey now. Calm down, I’m fine” He told her, holding one of his hands. Y/N pursed her lips out, “You promise you’re fine?” She questioned. “I promise” He nodded a little, seeing the pout on her face. Her worry was always endearing to him.

However, Y/N wasn’t convinced. Dean noticed it so he instantly held up his pinky, waving it from the other side of the glass. “I pinky promise” He said with a charming smirk. Her lips finally curled up into a smile at the sight of his pinky. She rolled her eyes fondly at him as she let out a soft sigh, “You can’t break a pinky promise” She teased, holding up her own pinky in return.

“Okay, now onto what I called you here for” Dean’s tone switched to a serious one as they placed their pinkies back down. Y/N’s face dropped to a more serious face as he did, “Yeah” She nodded, ready to listen. “We need you to dig up some intel on a Nurse Glockner. She worked here in the 70’s.” Dean informed her, keeping his voice quiet incase if anyone was listening to their conversation.

“Wait, wait. Glockner? I thought Moody was haunting the prison?” Y/N responded, keeping her voice low. “Yeah, that’s what I thought too but, turns out, he’s just a regular con” Dean explained, the conversation was sounding a bit ridiculous. “Turns out the ghost of Nurse Glockner is our culprit,” He added.

“We think she was doing some vigilante thing. Killing the cons she felt deserved it” He whispered. Y/N leaned her forehead against the glass thoughtfully and chewed the inside of her bottom lip as she listened. “Alright. I’ll get on that right now.” Y/N nodded, “And Dean?” She said quietly, her eyes flickering to meet his.

“Yeah?” He responded, leaning his forehead against his side of the glass, their faces mere inches away from each other, the only thing separating them was the glass. “Please be careful” Y/N pleaded, placing her hand up against the glass.

He smiled softly at her, a look of tenderness appearing in his features. His hand instinctively went up to the glass, mirroring hers. He wished he could touch her, hold her, bring her in his arms. He missed that more than anything, but he couldn’t. His gaze was soft and gentle as he spoke, “I will” He promised.

“Good. I want you to come back in one piece” She told him firmly. “No promises, sweetheart” He joked with a smirk, but deep down he was serious. She narrowed her eyes at him in response, not amused. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding” He put his free hand up in front of him, as if surrendering before leaning his head on the glass again.

She finally chuckled softly but rolled her eyes at him. “Seriously. Be careful, sweetie.” She warned again, more firmly than the previous time. She didn’t let him respond, instead, she placed a kiss on her hand and pressed it against the glass. Offering him a small smile before reattaching the phone to the compartment.

Dean felt his chest flutter at the sight of it, a feeling of warmth spreading through his body. He gave her a smile in return, a real smile. His heart ached for her, he missed her so damned much. His heart almost exploded when she planted the kiss behind the glass.

Dean watched as she walked away, mimicking the action after she left. He pressed a kiss to his hand before placing it in the exact spot she placed her own kiss. Unfortunately, her back was turnt to him as she walked out the door, so she didn’t get to see, but he didn't care. Just seeing her, even if there was a glass separating them, just made his day.

A feeling of emptiness consumed him when her figure disappeared through the door. He sat in the chair, staring at the closed door with a look of disappointment and heartache before placing the phone back into the compartment. He wanted to get out so badly, he felt like a caged animal in a prison cell. He knew he was getting out in five hours, but it felt like an eternity.

He sighed as he ran a hand down his face, “Dammit” He muttered to himself.

Y/N could feel her heart in her ass as she exited the building. Her hands were buried in her pockets of her trench-coat, quickly making her way to the Impala where Jo sat waiting in the passenger seat. Jo had a bored expression on her face, looked back towards her upon her seeing Y/N walking towards the car. “Well?” She asked, wanting to be updated on the visit.

Y/N sighed heavily as she opened the driver's side door, plopping into the seat. “They want us to do some research on a Nurse Glockner who worked there in the 70s. We gotta get this like yesterday because Deacon already called me, they’re breaking out tonight.“ Y/N explained as she peeled off the dusty blonde wig, tossing it in the backseat.

“Glockner? That’s kind of a weird name ” Jo responded, her head tilted as she watched her friend toss the wig into the back. “Wait, they’re getting out tonight?” Jo’s eyes widened at the news. “Yep, you’re getting to see your boy toy, don’t worry” Y/N teased Jo about Sam as she started the ignition to Baby.

“Shut up,” Jo muttered with a roll of her eyes to Y/N’s joke about Sam, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’ll get to see your boy toy too, you know” She retorted with a smirk on her face. Y/N’s heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Dean soon, “Shut up,” She responded, pulling out of the parking lot.

Two hours later, Sam was waiting in the prison yard for Dean, his eyes scanning the area. It was pretty easy to point out that Sam hated being there, he was just counting down the hours until they could bust out of this hell-hole and he can get back to a dingy old motel and call Jo but he didn’t know she was already in town with Y/N.

Sam let out an impatient sigh as he paced the yard of the prison, his hands shoved deeply into the pockets of his orange jumpsuit. He hated it, he’d much rather just hunt monsters down than be stuck behind a set of bars.

He also missed Jo a lot. He had missed seeing her smile, her laugh, her eyes, the way she could make him feel things he didn’t normally feel. Just the thought of her made his heart skip a beat. All he wanted to do was-

His thought process was cut short when Dean came into view, he waved at his brother from across the yard. Quickly making his way over to him, “How’d it go?” He asked Dean about his visit with Y/N. “As good as a visit through a piece of glass can go, I guess” Dean responded, not able to hide the disappointment in his voice.

“I could hardly see her,” He added. The disappointment that Sam heard in his voice was obvious. Dean cleared his throat, shook his head and stuffed his hands into his own jacket. “She’s digging up some dirt on the deadly nurse” He filled him in.

“We can’t wait around too long, Dean,” Sam said impatiently. “Sammy, relax. It’s Y/N, the chick can dig up lore half asleep, running on a pack of cigarettes and a cup of Joe. She’s got this” Dean assured his brother. Sam scoffed, rolling his eyes as he stuffed his hands in his pockets again. “Even if she can’t do it, we could give it another day,” Dean added firmly.

Sam clenched his jaw, “No no no, we’re leaving tonight, and that’s it” He said stubbornly, “So we’re not gonna finish the job? We’re just gonna let these people die?” Dean gritted his teeth as Sam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t give me that, alright? This was your stupid plan. And me and y/n went along with it, much to our demise, so we’re sticking to the plan, Dean” Sam kept his voice low but firm.

Dean’s nostrils flared as he ran his fingers along his bruised eye, “Okay, you leave. I’m gonna stay” Dean spat before turning on his heels to walk away. Sam’s eyes widened. “Hey, don’t turn away from me!” Sam shouted, “Fuck you!” Dean shot back angrily, “What?! Fuck you!!” Sam’s blood boiled as he grabbed his big brother by his shoulder, forcing him to look at him.

Dean instantly retaliated, shoving his little brother harshly by his chest. A herd of guards were instantly on their asses, one holding back Dean and another holding back Sam. “Alright, hard case. I see the usual methods ain’t gonna work with you!” The familiar guard said harshly as he tossed Dean into the other guard's hands.

“You too, sweetheart” He growled at Sam, snatching him by his shoulder. The Winchester brothers glared at each other as they were escorted from the prison yard and to the showers.

One of the guards shoved Sam and Dean into the shower as the familiar guard said, “Take off. I wanna handle this alone.” He instructed him, the subordinate listened, doing exactly as told. As he left the showers, the guard turned to the pair of brothers, approaching them slowly.

A smile broke out on his face as he ruffled Dean’s hair, the three men chuckling. “Deacon, you are beating the holy hell out of me, man” Dean groaned as they turned around, Deacon chuckled in response as he undid their handcuffs. “Sorry, Dean. I thought I was going easy on you” Deacon shot back playfully, undoing Sam’s handcuffs.

Dean laughed in response, “I’m just, uh, trying to make it look real” Deacon assured them as he unhooked the cuffs. “Yeah, well, mission accomplished,” Dean snorted. “Thanks for those phones, by the way, came in real handy” Dean said gratefully before patting his brother on his shoulder. “My brother here was missing his girl” He chuckled, earning a bitchface from Sam.

Deacon chuckled as he watched the Winchester brothers, finding the interaction slightly amusing. Sam was already pissed off for a few reasons, and Dean's words about him missing Jo just pissed him off more as he shoved him by his shoulder.

“Shut up. Speak for yourself” Sam hissed, rolling his eyes at his brother’s comment and shoving Dean back. Deacon chuckled once again at the exchange, “No worries, man. So, is it over?” Deacon asked them as he stuffed the handcuffs into his pockets.

“No, it turns out it wasn’t Moody” Sam sighed, “What?” Deacon's jaw dropped, “Yeah” Sam nodded. “Then who?” He asked, “Uh, we think it’s some nurse who used to work here. But we’re still shy on all the intel we need. Now my sister is working on it but we’re not sure if she’s gonna get the intel in time” Sam explained.

“Which is why we should stick around until we find it” Dean said, receiving a glare from Sam in return. “Oh, hey, guys” Deacon began as he pulled something out of his pocket, Sam started on Dean’s case. “You wanna have this fight for real, Dean?! We gotta go, we gotta go now!” Sam shouted at his brother.

“I’m just saying, Y/N will get it done!” Dean defended. “Guys-” Deacon tried to butt in. “We’re leaving, Dean! Otherwise we’ll be leaving in shackles for Milwaukee with Henricksen as company!” Sam argued, “Oh come on!” Dean scoffed, waving a dismissive hand at Sam. “Guys!!!” Deacon shouted.

“What?!” The Winchesters snapped in unison, turning to Deacon. The prison guard had an amused look on his face as he held up a paper, handing it to Dean. “Your girlfriend left this for you” Deacon chuckled. Dean's heart fluttered for a split second as he snatched the letter from Deacon.

Dean chuckled victoriously before turning to Sam, “I told you y/n would get it done!” Dean exclaimed triumphantly, waving the paper with the information on Nurse Glockner on it. “Man, I am fucking velvety smooth” Dean said smugly as he tore open the letter, “You wanna maybe open it, you know, after you’re done patting yourself on the back, loverboy??” Sam sassed.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” Dean grumbled, rolling his eyes Deacon snickered in amusement at the exchange between the brothers as Dean opened up the letter. “Wow,” Dean muttered as he read the information that was neatly written in Y/N’s handwriting. “What? Well, you wanna share with the class, Dean?” Sam asked impatiently.

“Glockner died in the old cell block right after Moody bit it” Dean informed them, Sam’s eyes widened as he and Deacon shared a panicked look. “Seems like they had a little inmate uprising, she got caught in the middle. They dragged her to a solitary cell, gave her a severe cerebral edema” Dean read. “Someone bashed her head in,” Sam gasped.

“Yeah.” Dean muttered, “Say where she’s buried?” Sam asked, “Yep. Seems like y/n already handled it” Dean nodded, a proud smile on his face at the fact that within a couple of hours, she got the information and took care of the spirit. Sam smiled in relief at this, “Alright, let’s get you the hell outta here” Deacon said before moving over to a vent in the showers. .

Sam and Dean nodded in obedience, “Boys, uh…I can’t thank you enough for this. I know it was asking a lot, but you two and your friend still came through.” Deacon said gratefully, “Your daddy and his friend raised you kids right” Deacon complimented them, Dean smiled softly, appreciating the compliment as Sam gulped.

“Well, we owed you” Sam assured him with a timid nod, placing his hand out to shake Deacon. The guard accepted, pulling Sam into a firm bro-hug. “I hope to see you again, huh? Just not in here, okay?” Deacon said to the pair as he hugged Dean. The three chuckled as they nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll do our best” Sam assured him, “Right, yeah” Dean laughed as they moved over to the vent. Dean then suddenly remembered something, turning back to Deacon with his fist up. “Oh. Where do you want it?” He smirked at Deacon. “What?” Deacon asked, confused.

Dean gave him his classic cheeky smile in hopes he’d get to punch him as a cover up of them escaping after Deacon practically beat the hell out of him. Realization dawned on the prison guard’s mind as he snorted, “Yeah, uhem..” He pointed to his cheek. Dean instantly reeled back his fist. “Uh-” Deacon stopped him.

Dean raised his brow at him, “Make it look real, son” Deacon smirked, Dean chuckled in return before nodding and reading his fist back. Sam instantly turned his head away as Dean right hooked Deacon across his jaw.

Deacon groaned in pain as he clutched his jaw in agony. Sam chuckled as Deacon continued grunting and groaning in pain, as Dean watched with a smirk on his face. “Damn, you sure know how to put some force behind those swings,” Deacon grunted, “I’ll be feeling that for days, man” He added, wincing as he spat out some blood from his mouth.

“That’s the idea, big guy,” Dean said gruffly as he patted him on the back. Deacon chuckled as he held his jaw, “That hit was for kneeing me” Dean retorted, patting his midsection.

____________________________________________

Sam and Dean appeared in the parking lot a few minutes later, quickly making their way over to the beloved car. “Hey!” Sam called out as they approached Y/N who was leaning against the Impala, smoking a cigarette. “Woahh, look at those handsome faces. I hope you fellas didn’t drop the soap” Y/N teased as she tossed the cigarette on the ground, crushing it with her boot.

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny” Sam rolled his eyes with a scoff as wrapped his arms around her shoulders into a quick hug, Y/N returned the hug as a smile stretched across Dean’s face, “Oh, baby. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes” Dean muttered, eyeing his car. “Are you talking to me or the car?” Y/N teased as Sam stripped out of his jacket, he was yet to see Jo in the passenger side as they were all on the drivers side.

“I’m talking to the most beautiful girl I know who just so happens to be leaning up against my car” Dean smirked, Y/N rolled her eyes, she never failed to blush or get butterflies in her stomach whenever he would compliment her, especially with that mischievous smile that was a hundred times more sexier in the orange glow illuminated from the orange lamp in the parking lot.

“Don’t try to be smooth now, asshat” She chuckled, pulling him in for a hug. Dean wrapped his arms around her frame, pulling her into him. He inhaled her scent which always seemed to soothe him as he buried his nose into the crook of her neck. Y/N smiled and tightened her grip around his waist.

Sam rolled his eyes at the two, crossing his arms over his chest. “I got a gift for you, Sammy” Y/N told him as she and Dean pulled away from the hug. Sam’s brows furrowed in confusion, then a honk from the Impala caused him to jump. His heart stopped when he heard, “You better give me one of those hugs, Winchester” Jo’s voice filled his ears as she climbed out of the passenger side.

His eyes widened as he looked over at the passenger side, his breath hitched in his throat as his heart skipped a beat or twenty when he saw Jo, she closed the car door after hopping out. As quickly as he could, Sam wrapped his arms around her frame, hugging her tightly against his body as Jo chuckled softly, returning the same affection.

Sam buried his nose into her hair, inhaling her scent as Y/N watched in amusement alongside Dean as they leaned against the hood, watching the scene play out in front of them. “I’ve got a gift for you too” Dean smirked at Y/N, reaching into his jacket pocket.

Y/N looked up at him curious as to what ‘gift’ he had for her. Dean’s smirk grew, knowing that she would absolutely love it and probably laugh her ass off. “You do, huh?” She smirked back as she shoved her hands into her leather jacket.

“Mhm,” Dean responded with a small nod, his smirk still firmly in place in his face as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes he saved from when he won playing poker. “Tada” He said in a mockingly theatrical way, waving the pack in her face. Her eyes widened, excitement filling in them as she eagerly took the pack from him,

“Prison cigarettes?” She gasped mockingly, placing a hand over her mouth. “A man after my heart” She teased. “Something like that,” Dean responded, his smirk widening. He noticed the way her eyes lit up when he handed her the cigarettes, and her sarcastic comment made him chuckle. He loved seeing her excited and happy, even if it was over a simple thing like a pack of cigarettes.

“Ahem” Jo cleared her throat dramatically, leaning against the Impala with Sam beside her, a smug smile gracing his features. Dean and Y/N had seemingly forgotten Jo and Sam were right there. Y/N and Dean snapped out of their own little world and turned their attention to the other pair, who were casually leaning against the Impala, watching them with amused expressions on their faces.

Y/N chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck, feeling a bit embarrassed for not paying attention while Sam and Jo stood there, grinning at the two. “We don’t mean to break up the love fest, but we gotta go before they haul all our asses in jail” Jo joked as Sam opened the back door for her.

Y/N shot Jo a nasty glare for her comment, “Shut up, skank” She huffed in annoyance as she opened the drivers side door, the keys dangling in her hand. Dean smirked, a little bit of pink playing on his freckled nose. He would never get tired of watching her drive Baby. He climbed into the passenger's seat, while Sam got into the back next to Jo.

“Bite me, slut” Jo retorted, grinning widely as Y/N started the Impala. “Oh, I’ll bite you alright” Y/N threatened with a smirk, “I’m not promising you’ll like it though” She added as she shifted into drive and started pulling out of the parking lot. “Oh, baby I’ll like it” Jo winked playfully at Y/N, this made her roll her eyes as Dean bursted out into laughter.

“Jesus, you guys are gross” Sam muttered from the backseat with a roll of his eyes, Jo giggled as she elbowed him. Y/N heard his comment and flipped him off through the rearview mirror, causing him to scoff out a laugh.

When Dean’s laughter subsided, he narrowed his eyes at Y/N’s chest, and not for the reason you’re thinking of. A wide smirk graced his face, his eyes flickering to the back where Sam and Jo sat, the two seemingly now in their own bubble as they spoke. Dean gently bumped Y/N on her knee.

Y/N looked over at Dean in puzzlement, confused as to why he was smirking at her. “What?” She asked him. Dean nodded down to her chest, that smirk still plastered on his face. “Nice shirt” Dean mused, pointing out the fact that Y/N was wearing his Led Zeppelin shirt.

Y/N chuckled as she looked down at the shirt she was wearing. It was also one of Dean’s favorites, it was very worn-out and well-loved, but she loved wearing it. “Yeah, well I didn’t do laundry. You know I hate it” She responded teasingly, waving it off but he wasn’t dumb and knew that she stole it.

“Uh-huh” Dean hummed in amusement, seeing right through her excuse. “Sure you didn’t” He added sarcastically. Y/N rolled her eyes at him and shoved his shoulder playfully with her free hand, the other on the steering wheel.

“Whatever. It’s comfy, okay? Sue me” Y/N muttered, trying to change the subject. Dean shook his head with a light snort. The gesture went straight to his head, boasting his ego. He thought she looked unbelievably hot in them, but he was gonna only admit that to himself.

As Y/N drove, the car was filled with laughter, playful banter and casual conversation. Sam and Jo continued to tease each other in the backseat while Dean and Y/N engaged in their own conversation, practically in their own little bubble again. The atmosphere was light and carefree, a nice change of pace from the previous intense and dangerous situation from the prison.

____________________________________________

Author’s Note: Hi beauties!! I hope you guys loved this episode because so far, it was one of my favorite’s to write for this season (Born Under A Bad Sign has a special place in my heart since it was the one I was most excited for🫶)

Now we all know which episode is next *coughs dramatically* I’m so freaking anxious for it gaaahhhhh😩

Can I just say, how I think this was a lot to unpack and how fucking TIRED I am of Dean and Y/N because they’re already acting like a damn couple but won’t ADMIT THEY LOVE EACH OTHER FUCKKKKK. I’M PHYSICALLY ILL BROOOO JESUSSS🥲

Okay, I’m done having my breakdown😭Once again, I hope everyone loved my interpretation of this episode, I’m not gonna lie, I really wanted y/n in prison😔

Tell me what you loved and what you hated about it, don’t be shy! Until the next episode…. *coughs dramatically again*

Taglist: @hjgdhghoe @rach5ive @tiggytaylor @star-yawnznn @quarterhorse19

@deangirl96 @bitchykittenconnoisseur @globetrotter28 @hobby27 @mrsjjkwinchester

@juwu-theliciosa @magiccliopleurodon @nesnejwritings @karrah89 @whattheduckisupkyle

@iloveyou2mia @thelittlelightinthedarkness @lmhf1 @littletomboy2 @zigzoggy

@hey-its-zoe @modiddys-blog @thvxr

Xoxo

94 notes · View notes

fullyvisible · 1 month ago

Text

Since I found it helpful for Seasons 1 and 2, I've also made a list of all the songs in Season 3 of Heartstopper, with notes on what's happening while each plays! While I've kept the descriptions relatively brief/vague, there are (obviously) still spoilers below:

1. The Way Things Go - opening, Tori, Charlie rehearsing in the mirror

2. It's Euphoric - arriving at the beach

3. Paradise Calling - Tao and Elle get ice cream

4. Happy, Healthy, Well-Adjusted - sand castles, song in Charlie's headphones

5. A Letter to Myself at 17 - Charlie and Nick in the sea

6. Superinlove (Roll Credits) - Tao cooks for Elle

7. Duet - Charlie looking at pictures and remembering

8. Best Day Of My Life - I love you, kiss under streetlight, Tara and Darcy sleeping, Tao and Elle dinner, end of episode one

9. **It Gets Better - beginning of episode two, Nick leaving for vacation, texting Charlie

10. I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Trying) - exam results

11. Shell - Charlie scrolling insta stories, won't send selfie

12. Abigail - Nick looks at phone and listens to music

13. Vertigo - Darcy unpacks with Tara and Elle

14. My Vine - Nick and his Aunt talk on the beach, end of episode two

15. Car Park - beginning episode three, first day of school

16. Pretty Boy - Nick and Charlie see each other!

17. Genesis - Tao following Elle's every move on social media

18. One That Got Away - zoo!!!

19. complex - Nick goes with Charlie to talk to his parents, end of episode three

20. I Spend Too Much Time In My Room - beginning of episode four, Nick and Tara talk, Nick journals

21. Black Friday -Nick trying to be there for Charlie

22. BLUE - Halloween party, Tao's video

23. I Wanna Know - Halloween party

24. Wide Eyes and Halos - Halloween party

25. Liquer & Cigarettes - Halloween party

26. darkwave sabbat - Halloween party

27. leavemealone - Halloween party

28. Witchcraft - Halloween party

29. Wish on an Eyelash - Visiting Charlie

30. Seratonin - Charlie arrives at treatment

31. That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! - beginning episode 5, Tori waking up and going to Charlie

32. Are You OK? - Christmas montage with the group chat

33. Bruises Off the Peach - Charlie leaves Tori and goes to Nick

34. So Clear - Christmas with Nick's family

35. Too Much Time Together - Nick and Henry getting ready

36. Enjoy Your Life - New Year's house party arrival

37. Rush - New Year's party

38. Devotion - New Year's party (Tao and Elle)

39. Loveher - New Year's party (Tori)

40. In My Head - New Year's party (Imogen and Sahar, Tori and Michael, midnight!), end of episode five

41. I Used to Be Fun - Charlie's birthday

42. A Young Understanding - Charlie's party, tents

43. Just Stay For Once - Charlie's party, drinking

44. good 4 u - Charlie's party, more drinking

45. Sad Disco - Charlie's party, talking future

46. A Running Start - therapy, end of episode six

47. Dive - beginning episode seven, Tara's ballet class, Nick and Charlie heart eyes

48. Pegasus - Tara and Darcy hooking up

49. Heartbreaker - Nick and Charlie in the locker room and rugby pitch, Nick suggests sleepover

50. The Most Beautiful Thing - Tao's movie for Elle

51. Ode to a Conversation Suck In Your Throat - Nick and Charlie hooking up, end of episode seven

52. Love You - Charlie gets to school, montage of Nick and Charlie's exams

53. Right Here, For Now - touring Kent

54. Close One - touring Oxford

55. Joe - Nick and Charlie phone call, Leeds tour

56. A Good Thing - Charlie looking at Head Boy application and choosing outfit for band performance

57. The Outsiders - leaving the fair

58. million little reasons - Nick and Charlie's sleepover, end of season three

#heartstopper season 3 #heartstopper #heartstopper spoilers #heartstopper soundtrack #charlie spring #nick nelson #tao xu #elle argent #tara jones #darcy olsson #imogen heaney #tori spring #isaac henderson #sahar zahid #music #i also have the artists for each of these #feel free to ask!#mpf

97 notes · View notes

frostbytemyrik · 10 months ago

Text

Danny Phantom Required* Watching

*It isn't actually required. I know there are a ton of phans who have never even seen a single episode of the show, but it's a fun watch and I would recommend at least catching some.

Sorting the episodes into colors (with the first letter in parenthesis by the title for those who might be too colorblind to tell). Note that this is all just my objective opinion, and everyone is free to leave their own thoughts on this!

Green (G) - Introduction of an important character or major plot development, such as a new power for Danny or another major shift in the status quo. If you can only watch a few of the episodes, watch these.

Pink (P) - Introduction of a side character or minor plot development.

Red (R) - Introduction of a new character worth mentioning or other general status quo change, but the episode is generally considered to be...not great by most people. (But hey, nothing wrong with liking these episodes!) They'll be summarized at the bottom of each episode description for those who can't be bothered to watch them.

Blue (B) - Nothing important happens to the overall plot, but it's a fun episode that fleshes out the characters.

Season 1

Episode 1: Mystery Meat (R) - Establishes the show and its main characters: Danny, Sam, and Tucker, as well as a lot of other important characters such as the Fenton parents and Jazz, and minor recurring characters like Dash and the Lunch Lady. The writers are still getting their footing so the main trio is unfortunately among the flattest they get here.

Episode 2: Parental Bonding (P) - Introduction of Paulina and Dora, first look at Valerie, and most importantly, Danny's power to overshadow people. Fun episode in general, Tucker makes a weird comment at the start but this is one of Sam's absolute best episodes as a character. (Tucker and Sam actually getting to be fun characters instead of just "butt-monkey comic relief" and "selfish asshole" is rarer than I'd like, so I always like pointing out the episodes where they get some love.)

Episode 3: One of a Kind (G) - Introduction of Skulker, a recurring major antagonist, and his motivations.

Episode 4: Attack of the Killer Garage Sale (P) - Introduction of Technus, Ghost Master of Technology and Destroyer of Worlds, Manipulator of Machines, Lord of all Gadgetry, Wizard of Integrated Circuitry, Master of All Things Electronic and Beeping.

Episode 6: What You Want (P) - First appearance of Danny's Ghost Ray and introduction to Desiree and the Ghost Catcher (a Fenton device with an unfortunately rather...culturally insensitive name and design), explores Tucker and his relationship to Danny. I went back and forth between making this green and pink because I'm biased in my love for this episode, but it isn't necessary to comprehend later episodes. (If you can watch it, though, it's a lot of fun as we get to see how close Danny and Tucker are and how Tucker feels about Danny's powers.)

Episode 7: Bitter Reunions (G) - Formal introduction to main series antagonist, Vlad Masters, and his relationship with the Fentons and the ghosts of the Ghost Zone. (Antisemitism tw: Vlad has hired ghost hitmen that are vultures with Yiddish accents, hooked beaks, and fezzes. They thankfully don't show up anywhere else, as far as I can remember.)

Episode 8: Prisoners of Love (P) - Introduction to the Ghost Zone itself and Walker, a side antagonist. Shows Alicia, Danny and Jazz's maternal aunt who never appears again after this episode.

Episode 9: My Brother's Keeper (G) - Gives Jazz a focus and formally makes her a major player in the plot through a certain discovery she makes. Also introduces side antagonist Dr. Penelope Spectra.

Episode 10: Shades of Gray (G) - Valerie Gray, a background character from Episode 2, gets new motivations and becomes an important part of the series going forward.

Episode 11: Fanning the Flames (P) - Ember is introduced, and she hypnotizes the entire town to fall for her with her music. To keep Danny out of her hair, she makes him fall for Sam. Whether this episode is a Pink or a Red depends on whether or not that bothers you. (Racism tw: there's a sequence towards the end of the episode that shows people around the world watching Ember, and they're all very stereotyped appearances of Japanese, Eastern European, Arabian, and Indigenous Australian people. Thanks, Hartman.)

Episode 12: Teacher of the Year (B) - A fun episode with Technus. It does have some of that early 2000s "don't underestimate me because I'm a girl" stuff, but it's still a good episode with a lot of heart.

Episode 13: Fright Night (P) - Introduces Fright Knight. A Halloween special that has its ups and downs (eating underwear?) It's just really funny that an actual ghost, who has been to the maddeningly twisted and alien world of the afterlife, still can't scare anyone to save his life.

Episode 14: 13 (P) - It's a shame this isn't actually the 13th episode. Anyway, it introduces Johnny 13 and Kitty, while Tucker and Sam get to hang out without Danny while trying to solve Tucker's new run of bad luck and the fallout for his reputation.

Episode 15: Public Enemies (G) - Walker's back and he's making a major shift in the status quo: ghosts are confirmed to exist as he stages a major invasion of the town. Things don't go well for Danny, and the repercussions will be felt for well into the series. Also introduces Wulf, a ghost who looks like a werewolf, exclusively speaks Esperanto, and has the ability to tear the fabric of reality to create portals between Earth and the Ghost Zone. He's putting this power to use for Walker, but it's clearly not by choice...

Episode 17: Maternal Instinct (B) - Maddie notices her son is growing distant from her and tries to take him to a science symposium to bond with him, but disaster strikes and leaves them in the woods, with the only shelter available being...a cabin owned and occupied by none other than Vlad. Meanwhile, Jack tries to understand Jazz, who doesn't seem to want anything to do with him or ghost hunting. Lots of great character moments for the Fentons.

Episode 18: Life Lessons (B) - Danny and Valerie, arriving late to class because they both were out ghost hunting, get paired up in home economics class to raise a flour sack baby together. We get more insight into what Valerie's life is like after Shades of Gray, and she learns to get along with both Fenton and, temporarily, Phantom, after an excursion through Skulker's part of the Ghost Zone. As a B-plot, Tucker makes money babysitting other students' flour sacks while ignoring the one he has with Sam, and Sam tries not to get attached to the sack. It's not important to the plot AT ALL but I'd put this as a must-watch if I could. Alas, I made the rules and must follow them.

Episode 19: The Million Dollar Ghost (B) - A million dollars is placed on the head of the ghost boy, Public Ghost Enemy #1: Inviso-Bill, known to us in the audience as Danny Phantom.

Episode 20: Control Freaks (G) - The circus is in town! New villain Freakshow gets introduced, and he becomes important later. Kinda. Depending on how much you like a certain blue episode that comes on down the line. The trio go to this cool new goth circus, but there's a string of ghostly robberies in town and Danny has been acting strangely lately...

Season 2

Episode 1/21: Memory Blank (R) - Danny and Sam have a fight, Sam wishes she'd never met him, Desiree makes the wish come true and now Danny has no powers and neither he nor Tucker remember her at all. Sam gets him fried by the portal again to get his powers back, but this time with a new logo she designed slapped onto his chest. Really all that happens is Danny gets his logo. This can be skipped...if you wish. ;)

Episode 2/22: Doctor's Disorders (B) - There's a bug going around - literally - getting the kids at Casper High sick. Symptoms include sneezing, chills, coughing, congestion, and various ghost powers depending on the student. The only ones immune seem to be Danny (thanks to his ghost powers) and Tucker (wearing his new homemade cologne that smells awful in a different way to everyone). A new hospital opens up to treat them, but something fishy is definitely going on. ...But Tucker is afraid of hospitals. Great Tucker episode.

Episode 3/23: Pirate Radio (P) - Introduction to Youngblood, an occasional antagonist. A new radio program pops up, and every adult in town (and Jazz, who's 16 but sees herself as an adult) is enraptured by it and the one song that it plays on loop. Then one day, every single adult in town leaves behind a note that they're going on a cruise, and it's up to Danny to rally the teens of Amity Park to discover what's so fishy about the cruise and get their parents back.

Episode 4/24-5/25: Reign Storm (G) - The creepy castle in the Ghost Zone Danny accidentally freed Fright Knight from in Fright Night holds yet another secret: the coffin of the Ghost King, known as Pariah Dark, whose goal is to rule over the Ghost Zone and the human world with an iron fist. Vlad frees him hoping to snatch the powerful artifacts on him, but it backfires and now the King is free and follows the fleeing ghosts to Amity Park, which he promptly invades. Danny, Valerie, and various enemies including Vlad need to team up to seal King Pariah back within his sarcophagus and save both Amity Park and the Ghost Zone as a whole. Major status quo shifts happen here.

Episode 6/26: Identity Crisis (B) - Not my favorite episode, but I'm including it here because it was popular with the Phandom a decade ago. Danny gets tired of trying to balance his human and ghost lives, so splits himself in two using the Ghost Catcher that was introduced in Season 1 episode 6: What You Want. That also, unfortunately, divides his personality to two extremes; the human half ("Fun Danny") is lazy while the ghost half ("Super Danny") is an absolute ham of a superhero stereotype, and Tucker and Sam struggle to put their friend back together so he can stop Technus in a way only he can (and also because both halves are honestly really annoying them).

Episode 8/28-9/29: The Ultimate Enemy (G) - This is THE episode of all time. Maybe not the best episode, but it's great in its own right and, more importantly for this list, introduces another major status quo shift. It's also basically required viewing for the comic that came out last year (at time of writing), as that comic is a direct follow-up to this episode. Clockwork, a ghost that is essentially a deity of time, has a mission to eliminate the greatest threat to Earth and the Ghost Zone that has ever been before he comes into that role: a ghost named Danny Phantom. Danny comes face-to-face with a version of himself that caused a doomed future, and needs to fight to ensure that future never comes to pass.

Episode 10/30: The Fright Before Christmas (B) - The boy Danny Fenton, a Grinch to his core, finds the holiday season to be quite a chore. Into the Ghost Zone to blow off some steam, he accidentally causes a scene: the Ghost Writer's finished manuscript in ashes, and with Danny's indifference he clashes. He traps him in a book that warps space and time, and forces all events in his life to rhyme. You're in for a treat if you like all these rhymes, but if they annoy you, then don't waste your time. (This factoid may not matter to you, but this is where we learn of the Christmas Truce!)

Episode 11/31: Secret Weapons (R) - Jazz is overbearing, Danny doesn't like it, so Jazz decides to go to Vlad. The episode's latter half isn't bad, but it's R because Jazz's constant invasions of Danny's privacy and the repetitive thermos jokes grate on me. If you plan to skip, the thing that makes it a red episode is this: Vlad learns that Jazz is in-the-know.

Episode 12/32: Flirting With Disaster (G) - A lot of the more plot-relevant episodes in season 2 (and one in season 1) have been building romantic tension between Danny and Valerie, and here's where it comes to a head: they actually start dating! However, after some jealous stalking thorough investigating, Sam finds that there's someone pulling the strings, and manipulating their real feelings for each other to pull them together and get them out of the way... Valerie especially undergoes a lot of major character moments, and we learn a lot more about her as a person. One of my personal favorite episodes (and I don't just say that because I'm a Danny/Valerie truther) (the "engraved" ring and Sam being a stalker about it aren't great, but honestly I just try to ignore those parts. Yes, I know I'm biased).

Episode 17/37: Kindred Spirits (G) - While Danny's busy being an asshole to his friends leaving Sam and Tucker to take the blame for property damages during his fights, he finds a strange girl named Danielle (or "Dani") who claims to be his cousin and shares an eerie resemblance with him. The similarities go more than skin deep, as she quickly reveals that she's ALSO half ghost. Tucker and Sam warn Danny that there's something suspicious about the whole ordeal (in between being left behind to be blamed for collateral damage more times than I'm bothered to count right now), but when Danny winds up in trouble anyway, they still skip detention (that he got them in) to save him before it's too late. Danny's a dick, but despite that, it's still a good episode and we get introduced to Dani before her next appearance.

Episode 19/39-20/40: Reality Trip (B) - Freakshow gets the Reality Gauntlet: an off-brand Infinity Gauntlet that can warp reality to anything he desires. He gets Danny's secret revealed to the world, causing the government agency the Guys In White (from Million Dollar Ghost in season 1) to relentlessly pursue him. Luckily, thanks to knowledge Sam gained from a book on the gauntlet, the main trio manages to warp the gems to different parts of the United States, severely limiting Freakshow's power. Unluckily, Freakshow retaliates by kidnapping their parents and Jazz, forcing the three to go on a cross-country road trip to get the gems back to Freakshow and save their families while evading the law. No permanent shifts of the status quo, but one of my personal favorite episodes. It's a fun ride!

Season 3

Episode 1/41: Eye for an Eye (R) - A prank war between Danny and Vlad ends in Vlad becoming mayor and passing a lot of horrible laws specifically to spite Danny. The laws are undone by the end of the episode, but Vlad stays mayor.

Episode 2/42: Infinite Realms (R) - In trying to map out the Ghost Zone, the main trio end up meeting Frostbite: leader of a realm in the Zone known as the Far Frozen, filled with spirits that take the form of peaceful, yeti-like monster folk who revere Danny as the chosen one who defeated Pariah Dark. Frostbite is also keeper of the Infi-Map: a map that can take the user anywhere in the Ghost Zone. Now for the bad news: Vlad is here, he wants world domination now for some reason, and he wants the map to help him do it. Vlad steals the map, the trio needs to get it back. It's not the worst episode, but Vlad's villain decay is...tragic. Tl;dr: Frostbite is the leader of a tribe of friendly yeti spirits and keeps the Infi-Map, which can take the user to any point in the ghost zone.

Episode 5/45: Forever Phantom (B) - One of the only actually fun filler episodes in season 3. Introduces us to Amorpho: a ghost with the power to shapeshift into anything and anyone, who uses their power to cause mayhem for attention. They bite off more than they can chew when they impersonate Danny Phantom, however, and a Fenton device gone awry locks both Amorpho and Danny into the form of Danny Phantom. Wacky hijinks abound.

Episode 6/46: Urban Jungle (G) - Haha green. Like plants. Anyway, Danny has been cold lately. No matter what he does or where he is, he's consistently freezing. It gets worse: while Danny's in this weakened state, a giant plant ghost named Undergrowth takes over Amity Park and possesses Sam. Unable to fight the constantly-regenerating Undergrowth or to keep himself from freezing, he flees into the Ghost Zone to seek Frostbite's aid.

Episode 9/49: Frightmare (B) - Danny wakes up one night to learn, to his horror, that Nocturne, the ghost of dreams, has put all of Amity Park into a deep sleep to feed on their energy. He enters the dreams of his friends to wake them and get their help taking Nocturne down. A good episode for people who ship Danny/Sam, and a GREAT episode for people like me who like to pretend that all the episodes I left off the season 3 list were just bad dreams.

Episode 10/50: Claw of the Wild (B) - The students of Casper High are ending summer with a camping trip in a foggy forest. All seems normal until, one by one, campers go missing. Danny, Tucker, and Sam go investigating and find their ally Wulf, who seems to know something about the disappearances...

Episode 11/51: D-Stabilized (G) - Regarded by most as the final good episode of Danny Phantom. Dani had been on her own in the world since we last left her, but over time, her form has been getting unstable, causing her to be slowly melting into a puddle of ectoplasm. She tries returning to Amity Park to get help, but is now being hunted down by Valerie, who Vlad commissioned so he could melt Dani down and study her remains to make a superior clone. (Valerie thinks he's just going to keep her contained for the safety of Amity Park; she isn't informed of the cloning.) Valerie turns Dani in to Vlad, but Danny manages to form a shaky alliance with Valerie to get Dani back, since Valerie knows that Dani is half human.

Episode 12/52-13:53: Phantom Planet (R) - The only reason this is here is because the comic continues from where this episode left off. If it didn't, I'd suggest ignoring it entirely. Rapid-fire summary: an asteroid is about to hit Earth, Vlad reveals himself to the world and demands unquestioning rule over Earth (and one trillion dollars or something) in exchange for turning the asteroid intangible. Vlad can't turn it intangible since it's made of Ectoranium, an anti-ghost substance we never hear of until now. Jack leaves Vlad in outer space. Danny gets every ghost he knows to help him turn Earth intangible, it works somehow, and Danny reveals his secret identity to the world. Statues of Danny are built all over the world, Sam and Danny start dating, and Tucker becomes mayor of Amity Park. A bunch of other stuff happens too but it's all stupid. Valerie gets thrown into a dumpster on live TV and that's her only appearance besides clapping for Danny at the end. I'm still mad. Don't watch Phantom Planet.

The Comics

Book 1: A Glitch in Time (G) - Danny's life is perfect: his secret identity is out, and the world accepts him not just as a part of it, but as its savior. His parents and former bullies fight on his side now, he's in a committed relationship with Sam, and Amity Park seems to be at peace. There's just one problem: his powers are getting weaker by the day. Unbeknownst to him, there's another problem in progress: Dan Phantom, the evil future Danny from The Ultimate Enemy, is released and fuses with Clockwork, causing present Danny and those near him to experience unstable glitches in time. Vlad returns to warn Danny of the threat of Dan, and they all team up to venture into the depths of the Ghost Zone to find a way to stop Dan and get Danny back to full strength. Meanwhile, Jazz and Valerie hold down the fort at Amity Park, holding Dan off for as long as they can while the trio and Vlad search for answers.

Book 2: To be continued in 2025!

Danny Phantom can be watched on Paramount Plus, but if you don't have a subscription, there may be DVDs at your local library! Other people may also have resources on how to watch the show, so feel free to ask around!

Danny Phantom: A Glitch in Time can be found anywhere books are sold! Abrams Books Amazon Barnes and Noble Google Play Waterstones

#danny phantom #danny phantom agit #a glitch in time #dpagit

402 notes · View notes

writeplace-wrongtime · 1 year ago

Text

The Bet

*cracks knuckles* fine, I'll do it myself.

Okay but seriously, I've only binge watched the first 6 seasons of criminal minds, so I'm probably a bit off with character personalities.

This turned into mostly the team finding out, so if anyone wants a part 2 with more scenes pre-reveal I'd love to write it!

masterlist coming soon

Word Count: 3k

CW// brief mention of kidnapping case, use of y/n (i'm sorry), not beta'd

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘When was the last time you saw Hotch leave before the rest of us?’

The most recent case had been a relatively short one, allowing the team to get back to Quantico reasonably early. A young man caught kidnapping local women, caught easily when he appeared on CCTV taking his latest victim. Three women, three days. All had minor injuries, but all were alive. It had been the ideal end to the case and no loss of life meant the paperwork was minimal.

Emily’s voice caught the attention of Derek, who followed her gaze to the elevator, where the Unit Chief stood waiting. He raised his eyebrows, trying to think back on the last few months of late nights, week-long cases and multiple middle of the night calls.

‘Not since before his divorce,’ Spencer piped up helpfully from behind his desk, packing away the days half-finished reports and case notes before he too looked up. ‘Hey, has anyone seen y/l/n? They mentioned going for food on the jet, and I know this really nice Indian restaurant not far from here, I was going to suggest we all go.’

Now that Emily thought about it, she hadn’t seen you after you’d gone to Hotch’s office to drop off your report. Barely five minutes later, Hotch had made a beeline for the elevator, leaving unusually early compared to normal, and then you too had disappeared.

‘Holy shit.’ The dots were connecting in her head. ‘They’re totally hooking up!’

This gathered the full attention of everyone in the room.

‘Who’s hooking up?’ Penelope had her bag in hand as she peeked in the door, drawn to the gossip like a moth to a flame.

‘Y/l/n and Hotch!’

‘Oh my god!’ Penelope was quick to rush over to the group now huddled around Emily’s desk.

‘No way,’ Derek was shaking his head, arms crossed over his chest. They’d been working as a team for years, there’s no way you and Hotch were in a secret relationship, and no one had noticed. ‘Come on, you really think they could have hidden something like that from us?’

Spencer shrugged, joining the conversation fully. ‘Hotch hid the fact that Emily was alive from all of us for months, so a secret relationship wouldn’t be that hard for him.’ Emily grimaced at the comparison, searching for any hint of bitterness in his tone, though found none. He had been hurt that they hadn’t trusted him to know the secret, but that hurt had faded over the couple years since Emily had returned. He offered her an apologetic smile, as if only realising what he’d said.

‘Want to make this more interesting?’ Quick to bring the conversation back to inane office gossip, Emily reached into her bag to pull out her purse. ‘100 dollars they’re doing it.’

‘Oh, you’re on. 100 they’re not.’ Derek placed two fifties on top of Emily’s two. Another two went down, and they both looked up to see Spencer sheepishly tucking his wallet back into his pocket.

‘I think they’ve been dating for a couple weeks now, I assumed everyone else had noticed.’

Quickly, Penelope had joined, and much to everyone’s surprise, so did Rossi. Penelope thought they’d just started dating, and Rossi thought it had been at least six months. JJ scooped up the cash, promising to be a neutral party to assure the winner got the whole lot. Plus, when this inevitably went wrong, she did not want to be involved in the fallout.

‘Okay, but how do we get them to admit-‘

‘Or not admit,’ Derek cut in.

‘Or not admit, what’s going on?’ Emily mused. Everyone’s eyes instantly went to Penelope.

‘Oh no, no, no-‘

Penelope’s office felt quite cramped with some many people in it, the space only meant to house one technical analyst, not one technical analyst and five nosey special agents. Five nosey agents who were all huddled around Penelope to peer at the screen over her shoulders.

‘Oh it does not feel right tracking their phones like this,’ Penelope’s fingers danced across the keys as she brought up both locations, ‘My powers should only be used for good, not- not snooping on our friends personal lives!’ Still, she let the trace run its course, displaying the address for the others to see.

‘That’s Hotch’s apartment.’ Spencer recognised the address immediately. Two little dots blinked on the screen, Hotch’s address hovering above them.

‘So they’re together, that doesn’t mean they’re hooking up.’ Derek knew his argument was weak, but hell he had 100 dollars riding on it.

‘Oh come on, they sneak out and go to Hotch’s apartment and you think they’re what, making cookies?’

‘Kids, stop fighting,’ Dave put a hand on both Derek and Emily’s shoulders. ‘Why don’t you just phone y/l/n, invite them for food, see what happens.’

‘You think they’d lie to us?’ Spencer asked, as Penelope pulled out her phone and dialled your number.

‘They’ve been lying to us about this for weeks, if you’re bet is right anyway,’ Emily nudged him with her elbow. He nudged her back.

‘Technically it’s an omission not a lie, since none of us directly asked if they’re-‘

‘Shhh its ringing!’ The room fell to silence as Penelope put her phone to her ear.

Even though it had been a short case, you had been looking forward to getting back. And by how quickly Aaron had offered up his apartment for a movie night, he had been too. It was important to keep a clear line between boss and boyfriend while in the field, and it was only professional to stay in separate rooms during cases, so it felt good to have Aaron back in boyfriend mode, with comforting touches and quality time away from the office, away from the titles and roles that accompanied your positions at the BAU.

You had finished your report in record time. It was pure luck that everyone was too caught up in their own work to notice you slipping away. After dropping your report on Aaron’s desk, you had made a quick exit, waiting by Aaron’s car until he joined you in the car park. It had become routine to leave short gaps between your arrivals and exits, allowing the illusion that you had travelled separately, from different apartments, in different cars. It was a short ride back to his apartment.

You had only just settled back against Aaron’s side, a bowl of popcorn perched between your thighs when your phone buzzed.

‘Hey beautiful, where’d you run off to?’ Penelope’s sweet voice rang out from the other end of the line, ‘We’re going for food, you coming with?’

You glanced sideways at Aaron, who kept his eyes on the TV, though you knew he was listening in by the way his arm tensed around you. You gently squeezed the arm closest to you, relaxing further into his hold so he knew you weren’t planning on leaving.

‘Sorry Pen, not tonight, I’m, uh, not feeling great after today’s case…’ You trailed off, hoping she’d accept the excuse and you’d be home free. You should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as that. There was pause, and you could’ve sworn you could hear hushed conversation. Must’ve been the rest of the team packing up to leave. You felt almost guilty that they were still at the office, when you’d left as soon as your own report was done.

‘Oh honey!’ Her voice was laced with sympathy, ‘That’s it, we’ll bring the food to you! Nothing like good food and company to cheer up the soul!’ Your head fell back against Aaron’s chest with more force than necessary. Curse her and her kindness.

‘No, no it’s okay, really-‘ You tried to prevent your voice from giving away your panic, ‘No need to go out of your way! Tell the guys I said enjoy!’

‘Its not out of our way at all! See you in twenty, gorgeous.’ The line went dead before you had a chance to respond. You could feel the vibrations of Aaron’s quiet laugh behind you, tilting your head back to look up at him.

‘You think this funny?’ Your words were pointed, but the smile on your lips gave away your hidden amusement. In lieu of an answer, he leaned down to pepper kisses along your shoulder, the side of your neck, anywhere he could reach. You savoured the warmth of his lips against your skin, a soft moan escaping your parted lips as the kisses became more heated. Tilting your head back to give him easier access, you let out a disappointed whine when he instead detached from you, gently pushing you up until you were sitting straight.

‘They’re going to be at your apartment soon,’ He reminded you, giving your arm a squeeze before moving to stand. Your cheeks were flushed red, taking a few steadying breaths as he took the popcorn from your lap, placing it on the coffee table, before holding his hands out to you. Shooting him a mock glare, you resigned yourself to getting off the comfortable couch and getting your shoes on. As much as you loved your co-workers, so much that they were practically family, you really did not want to spend the evening with them, not when you could be curled up on the couch with Aaron, pretending the outside world didn’t exist.

‘Shit,’ You nearly tripped over your untied laces in your hurry to turn, ‘My car’s still at the office, Aaron I don’t have time to get back there, get my car AND-‘ Your words were halted by the soft press of his lips on yours. Clearly, you weren’t the only one wishing you could stay. Melting against him, your hands found purchase on the solid expanse of his shoulders, fingers digging into the soft material of his t-shirt. He pulled back, just far enough so he could press his forehead against yours.

‘I’ll drive,’ His voice was quiet in the minimal space between you, ‘Tell them your car broke down and I offered you a lift home.’ You just hummed your agreement, too caught up in his closeness to really be paying full attention. Overwhelming warmth encompassed you as you breathed in the faint smell of his cologne, trying to catalogue the feeling in your mind as your panic disappeared with the gentlest of touches.

‘Or,’ You offered mildly, blinking up at him through your lashes, ‘We could just turn our phones off, lock the door, and deal with all of this tomorrow?’ Soft open-mouthed kisses were pressed to the column of his throat in between your words, hands climbing to wrap around the back of his neck. Your fingertips teased the baby hairs at the base of his skull. You knew he wouldn’t take you up on the offer, even when his hands gripped at your waist, pulling you flush against him as he once again claimed your lips with his.

It had been a tough decision, keeping the relationship from your team, but you had both ultimately decided that it was for the best, at least while things were still new. Then, six weeks had turned into six months, and six months into nearly a year. It was becoming harder and harder to keep a secret, and you nearly wanted the team to catch on. You’d met Jessica, and had a proper introduction to Jack, even going so far as to have gone to a few of his soccer practices at Jack’s insistence. You had been slowly moving your stuff into his room, small things like toiletries, pyjamas and a few spare work outfits. You spent more time at Aaron’s apartment than your own. You loved it. What you didn’t love, was having to hide it all from your friends.

‘We really should go,’ Aaron murmured against your lips, ‘At least you’ll get free food out of this.’

You laughed softly at that, pressing one last kiss to his lips before pulling back, cheeks dusted pink. ‘I’d rather have you.’ A rare boyish grin was your only response, before he turned to grab his keys and you quickly tied your laces. You were soon on the familiar road home.

They didn’t wait around to see if you were rushing from Hotch’s apartment, instead piling into the back of Derek’s car haphazardly. All but JJ, who had familial responsibilities, and Rossi who just wanted to go home, managed to fit into one SUV. If Rossi had been with them to take some of the blame, Derek might’ve even thrown on the sirens and lights. Instead, he skipped through a few orange lights, and just barely stuck to the speed limits. When they arrived at the Indian restaurant, Spencer was sent to pick up the order, being deemed least likely to do something stupid like flash his badge for quicker service. Emily followed him inside to help carry it all back to the car. Even without the badge, they managed to make it in and out in under ten minutes. Luck was on their side, getting them to your apartment just 25 minutes after Penelope had hung up on you.

When they came to a stop outside your apartment complex, your car wasn’t parked in its normal spot, and they had a moment of celebration before Spencer realised the light was on inside. A light that meant you had beat them.

They all had to hide their disappointment when you greeted them at the door, not showing any sign of having rushed from one apartment to the other. Being one of the closer apartments to the office, yours was often used as a base for nights out, girl’s nights, and team movie-nights. It was the team’s apartment more than it had ever been just yours. Moving seamlessly through your kitchen grabbing plates, cutlery and glasses, Emily and Penelope set to organising the food, while Spencer and Derek moved your coffee table to the centre of the room so everyone could sit around it. It warmed you to know they felt at home here.

‘I’ll have to get someone to look at it tomorrow,’ You sounded morose enough that Emily almost believed your “car trouble” story. She just hummed her commiserations before stealing some chicken from your Jalfrezi. As much as she’d hoped to catch you and Hotch in your lie – or omission as Spencer would remind her – she enjoyed spending time with you, and this had been the perfect excuse for a team night.

‘Hotch didn’t stick around after dropping you off?’ Emily asked casually, scooping up a mouthful of curry with the edge of a poppadom. If you noticed the groups sudden interest in your conversation you didn’t show it. You shook your head, pushing the thought of his hands on your waist and his lips on your skin, out of your mind.

‘He was just being nice, he probably has better things to be doing after a case than hanging out here.’

Derek had to hide his laugh with a cough. You frowned at him, but before you could question it, Emily dragged you back into a conversation about Sergio and how he stole her bagel the other day. She glared at Derek when you weren’t looking. Conversation flowed easily after that, and it wasn’t long before everyone was on their second helping of food and the booze cupboard had been ransacked.

‘Hey babygirl, you seeing what I’m seeing?’ Derek had just sat back down with his second full plate when he spotted it; the start of your downfall. He nudged Penelope, nodding his head toward you. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, before rising nearly to her hairline. A sharp “oh my god” left her lips, before she covered her mouth. Just beneath the edge of your oversized t-shirt, a small red mark was blooming on your skin. It looked suspiciously like a hickey. A very, very new one at that. Penelope’s little outburst was quickly noted by Emily, who paused mid-conversation to notice what they had. Her shit-eating grin matched Derek’s perfectly.

‘What?’ You frowned at her, quickly glancing at Spencer opposite you. He shrugged, offering no help.

‘Maybe Hotch stuck around for a little while after all?’ There was a teasing lilt to her tone as she reached out to tug your collar a little lower. You could feel heat rising up your neck into your cheeks, a beautiful shade of crimson. Covering the offending mark with your hand, you tried to come up with an excuse. Nothing came. Opening your mouth and then closing it a few times, you tried to look anywhere but at your friends. You were caught and you knew it. They knew it too.

‘Is there any point in me saying I burnt myself?’ You tried for a smile, but it turned out more like a grimace.

‘Nope.’ Emily said, popping the “p”.

‘Aaron and I, we, uh…’ You fidgeted with the hem of your shirt, your blush darkening, as Penelope mouthed “Aaron!” at Emily, who practically giggled. You were going to have to restock your alcohol cupboard before they came round again. You took a breath, glancing around the room. All eyes were on you.

‘We’re dating.’

There was an immediate outburst of “oh my god!”s and “I knew it!”s. You had expected to feel awful when your secret was finally out in the open, but all you could feel was relief. Well, and a tinge of embarrassment. Warmth bubbled in your chest, looking around the room at your team, your family, knowing you didn’t have to hide it from them anymore.

‘What ya thinking about over there?’ Emily nudged your arm, a small tendril of guilt creeping through her. You’d obviously wanted to spend your evening with Hotch, and instead they’d dragged you away in a hurry, all just to invade your privacy. A small grin broke through your façade.

‘I’m thinking, seeing as it’s not a secret anymore, I can leave you losers and go back to spending the night with my boyfriend.’ A chorus of cheers followed your words, and someone (you suspected Emily) shouted “Go get some, girl!”.

Spencer wrinkled his nose at that. ‘Gross, remember that’s Hotch we’re taking about, he’s pretty much our work dad.’ His words caused a laugh to bubble in your chest, and you leaned over Emily to plant a big kiss on his cheek.

‘Guess that makes me your new work-mom!’ He made a big show of wiping your kiss from his cheek, but the small smile that followed gave away his charade.

‘What are you waiting for beautiful? Your man is waiting for you!’ Your wide grin echoed Penelope’s as she ushered you up and out of the living room. Your overnight gear was already at Aaron’s, so all you needed was your shoes and phone. You felt almost giddy as you threw the spare key to Spencer.

‘Don’t stay up too late kiddos!’

‘Hey, hold on a second,’ You glanced at Derek, who had started stacking plates to take to the kitchen, ‘How long has this been going on?’

‘Oh… Y’know, only about 11… months.’ You shot them an abashed smile, before darting for the door as all hell broke loose.

‘You didn’t win the bet either!’ Emily and Derek’s argument floated out the door with you, and you couldn’t help but laugh. Of course they had bet on it. You didn’t have it in you to care, instead shutting the door with a sound click. Pulling your phone out of your pocket, you dialled Aaron’s number.

‘Hey handsome,’ You couldn’t help the smile that carried through in your words, ‘You want to finish that movie?’

#aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner #criminal minds fandom #fanfiction #secret relationship #x reader #gender neutral reader #reader insert

413 notes · View notes

wrenreid · 2 years ago

Text

Hands-on Learning

synopsis: Spencer Reid’s best friend pays him a visit in DC. She meets his coworkers and they spend quality time together while she’s in town. But their friendly dynamic changes with he asks her a question she was not expecting. (season 2 glasses reid)

word count: 4k

content: 18+ MDNI, oral (f receive), penetration

Spencer has been begging me to come visit him again since the last time I was in D.C. six months ago. And I won't admit it to him, but I've been dying to see him again so much it physically pains me. Going six months without seeing your best friend is the worst feeling in the world, but I'd take the emotional turmoil any day because it's for him.

And I suppose he's worth sitting on this plane, lodged between a sleeping old woman and a man who has gotten up to pee ten times since take off. I must really love him because I'm only an hour into this five hour flight.

Spencer and I met when we were 18. I'd just started my freshman year at CalTech and was in an advanced class with a bunch of 22 year olds. My eye caught his immediately. He was the only person my age in the lecture hall.

I sat next to him and told him my name. I knew I had to make him my friend because he was the only other freshman in the class.

Or so I thought. I didn't know until a month into our friendship that he was indeed not a freshman, and he was taking the class for fun while he worked on his second PhD. A small part of me hated him that instant, but I had already fallen into the Spencer Reid charm. I couldn't get rid of him, no matter how hard I tried (which was not very hard at all.)

We became close pretty fast. Almost every moment we weren't in separate classes, we were together. I was pretty much his only friend and he was the first person I met in uni, and probably the only one to accept me a hundred percent as I was. Being so far from home was hard, and he made it worth it.

Usually we'd do homework or watch scary movies in his single dorm room, which I totally took advantage of. I'd spend the night with him instead of my over-sharing roommate who thought I needed to know every detail about her and her long relationship with her boyfriend Kyle, specifically the phone sex. TMI.

My other friends would joke about how we were in love, but the truth is, we weren't. Not in that way at least. He was my best friend, and I was his. We were there for every big moment in each other's lives.

Well, not every big moment. Spencer was not invited when I finally lost my virginity during spring break of freshman year. But he was there when the guy I'd hooked up with broke my heart. And he bought me ice cream and told me stupid facts until my lips broke into a smile.

I was there when he got his second and third PhDs far quicker than any graduate student should. And he was there when I graduated with my masters in psychology and cognitive science.

"You're a nerd too," Spencer said, his voice teasing as he bumped my shoulder. "You can admit it now that we're done with this place."

I told him to shut up, but a wide grin was plastered on my face. We'd made it through the highs and lows of college together.

However, that grin was soon replaced with tears. Spencer had gotten a job offer with the Behavioral Analysis Unit at the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. He was going to the academy, and I was starting my research job. He was going to the east coast, and I was staying in California.

"You're leaving me," I said through tears, knowing me guilt tripping him was wrong. But I needed him to stay.

"I'm leaving California, not you," he said, his eyebrows knit together with worry. I could tell it was eating up at him, but I couldn't stop hating the situation. Losing my best friend was the absolute last thing I wanted.

The day he left, I drove him to the Las Vegas airport after he said goodbye to his mom. I didn't help him get his bags, instead I stood there moping. As I watched my best friend walk away, I realized I needed to be happy for him. He was excited about this opportunity, and my bitchiness was ruining that for him.

It wasn't romantic movie-esk the way I ran after him. It was more of an anxiety filled scene where snot ran down my face as I chased him down. Honestly, I probably looked like a stalker.

"Spencer," I breathed out, looking up at him.

He smiled softly. "I knew you wouldn't let me leave without giving me a proper goodbye," he teased.

I shouldn't have taught him teasing and sarcasm. It's bitten me in the ass so many times.

I wrapped my arms around him, ignoring his comment. My face pressed against his chest as his arms held me close. My eyes were closed and I steadied my breathing. Even though he was going what seemed like a million miles away, he'd always be my best friend.

And that's stayed true even three years later. We've kicked this long distance shit in the ass. Of course, we don't talk as much as we'd like, but we still talk. And whenever he can, he visits me in LA after seeing his mom, or I take a visit to the nation's capital just to see my favorite FBI agent.

——

"Every time I see you, you look different," I say with a chuckle as Spencer helps me get my bags into his guest room.

"Is that a bad thing?" He questions, eyebrows furrowed.

"Take it as you will," I say, plopping down on his couch.

He joins me shortly after. He really does look different. He's gained some weight, changed his style up just a little, his hair is parted at the side almost neatly, and he's finally wearing glasses again. Except these ones are far different from the ones he wore in college. These ones are kind of hot, but I won't tell him that because I can't feed the genius's ego any more.

"So," I say, wiggling my eyebrows. "Tell me about your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend," Spencer says, his cheeks already turning pink.

I roll my eyes. "Tomato, tomahto."

"Y/n," he warns.

"Fine, fine. Topic for another time. Don't forget, I'm here all week, Dr. Reid," I flash him a grin.

He sighs dramatically, rolling his eyes.

"You know you've missed me," I say, leaning my head on his shoulder.

He shakes his head, but a small smile creeps up onto his lips. He's missed me. But rather than admitting that he asks, "What would you like to do tonight?"

"Food. What's the best restaurant in the city?"

"The best or my favorite?" He asks. "Because they're different."

"Your favorite," I request, a soft smile on my face.

Spencer nods. "Alright. I'll let you nap off the plane drowsiness, then we'll have dinner."

The smile on my face grows wider. He knows me so well.

After my way-longer-than-I-intended nap, we get ready for dinner. I don't dress up fancy because Spencer has seen me at my worst, drunk, crying, and throwing up.

That was the one time I've ever seen him drink. I drug him to a party that we both ended up hating. We left early and instead bought our own liquor. He'd just turned 21, and I used that to my advantage.

Spencer and I ended up drunk in his dorm room. Surprisingly, he handled his alcohol much better than I did. I got wasted and threw up in his sink before making it to his toilet to repeat the action. He held my hair back as tears streamed down my face from the burning in my throat. Then, he threw up from the sight of me vomiting. It was not our finest moment.

"Ready to go?" Spencer asks, coming into the restroom where I'm touching up my makeup.

"Sure am, doc."

The dinner is amazing. He catches me up on all things BAU cases before asking me how my promotion has been, which is, in simple words, pretty damn great.

——

"Oh you're not Spencer," says a way too handsome black man as I open the apartment door.

"Nope. I'd like to think I'm prettier," I joke.

"Yes, you are," he flashes me a smile.

The footsteps behind me halt. "Don't even think about it, Morgan," Spencer says, a warning tone present in his voice.

The man in front of me holds his hands up in defense, the charming smile still on his face.

"This is Morgan? You did not describe him this hot," I turn to my best friend.

He glares at me. "You also don't even think about it."

I laugh softly and offer my hand out to Derek.

"Y/n. Nice to finally meet you."

His firm grip shakes my hand. "So you're the competition I have as Reid's best friend."

"In the flesh," I grin. "And it's no competition. I've got years on you."

"Ooh she's bold. I like her," he says.

I haven't had the opportunity to meet all of Spencer's coworkers because of both of our busy schedules and us making sure to spend every second together while I visit. I've met his boss one time and friend JJ. I liked them. I know enough about everyone from Spencer's stories to know that he's in good hands.

"Did you need something?" Spencer asks his friend.

"Oh right. Yeah I was just going to see if you wanted to come out with us, but I see you are occupied," Morgan says, looking to me.

"Go out where?" I ask, not letting Spencer respond.

"Bar. To drink and play games."

"That sounds fun! We'll be there," I say.

Spencer fake coughs behind me, and I turn to my best friend. He gives me a look.

"C'mon, Spence. It'll be fun. I want to get to know your team."

He can't say no to me. "Fine. But let's not stay out too long, okay? You know you can't handle your alcohol."

"Hey, I've grown up since college," I chuckle.

——

“Have you two ever...?" Spencer's gorgeous dark haired friend asks me as she takes a swig from her glass. She cuts her eyes to Spencer, then back to me.

He's currently at the bar with Morgan who's attempting to flirt with the pretty bartender.

"What? No! God no," I laugh, shaking my head.

"Hm," Emily hums. "I just thought I sensed something."

"Nope. He's my best friend. Why mess with that?" I smile softly.

"So you've thought about it?" She's nosy. I can't blame her, I am too.

"No," I answer.

That's the first lie I've told to Spencer's friends. Of course I've thought about it. I don't think anyone has been friends with an attractive person without thinking about what would happen if the relationship dynamic changed. My best friend's kind of hot. I know that. Before we were close, I debated on asking him out. But we're just friends. We're best friends. And nothing is going to change that.

I get to know Spencer's friends a little more, get slightly tipsy, and start a game of darts with Morgan.

After he beats me, not by much I'd like to add, we're just about to start a rematch, but a hand touches my back lightly. I turn around to face Spencer, and a soft smile creeps up onto my lips.

"What's up?" I ask.

"Can we head back? It's getting late," he asks, checking his watch.

I nod, brushing my hair behind my face. "Sure, but tell Morgan I totally could've beaten him in a rematch."

Spencer laughs softly. "She could've," he says to Derek behind me who rolls his dark brown eyes.

"Getting old, doc?" I ask Spencer as we walk to his car. He's 99% sober, so he drives us back to his apartment.

I sit in the passenger's seat, hands folded in my lap. My eyes are on him.

"Hm?"

"Why'd we leave so early?"

"10:30 is when the guys in the bar start getting drunker and handsy. I didn't want you to get dragged into some asshole's grasp while dancing," he explains.

"Oh," I nod. "I can handle myself, you know that right? Just because you're a big federal agent now doesn't mean I need you to protect me." My voice is thorough, but a small smile is on my lips anyway.

"Just returning the favor, Y/n," Spencer says. He knows I protected him all throughout our shared college days.

My cute going-out clothes have begun to get uncomfortable. I unclasp my bra, keeping my somewhat sexy shirt on and slip it off from underneath the blouse, letting it fall to Spencer's floorboard.

"Much better," I breathe out an exasperated sigh.

He's silent in his seat, eyes on the road. I see his hands grip the steering wheel a little harder.

"I missed you a lot," I say honestly. Usually I'm not one to say what I'm feeling or be mushy gushy, but the two shots of tequila have opened me up.

His eyes flick to me, his lips formed in a soft smile. His face is being lit up by the passing cars' headlights. I can see how sharp his cheekbones are, his jawline. "I thought you were heartless."

"I take back my previous statement."

"I missed you too," Spencer says.

"Of course you did, I'm a delight," I gloat.

The sound of his soft laughter fills the air. It pulls on the strings in my chest.

"How is it possible that I leave in three days already?"

"Shh," he shakes his head, eyes still on the road ahead of him. "Don't mention that right now." Spencer's hand pats my knee before squeezing it comfortingly.

——

"I have a question," Spencer says, coming into his room where I'm currently laying on his bed, reading a book I grabbed off one of his many shelves.

I look up from the page I'm on. He looks nervous, cheeks red, his hands fiddling with themselves.

"Hit me," I say.

He sits down at the edge of the bed. "I don't really know how to ask this... It's a weird question. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, and..."

"Spit it out, Spencer,” I eye him.

"Could you... would you tell me how to please someone. Specifically a woman. During sex."

A huffed laugh releases from me, and his cheeks burn redder. I think I'm blushing too. "What?"

"I'm sorry. That was weird. Forget I said-" he starts softly.

"Have you never...?"

Spencer shakes his head.

I didn't really think he had, but I didn't ever expect him to tell me when or if he lost his virginity anyway. He's reserved, even with me with some things.

"Wait," I sit up straighter. "Is this about your girlfriend?"

"Not my girlfriend," Spencer corrects me. "But yeah. We have a date the night you leave, and I think she's going to expect it. I mean, this is our fourth date."

"Well, if you don't want to have sex, don't have sex," I say sternly.

"It's not that I don't. It's just that I've never done it. I don't know what to do. I've read, and I'm good at anatomy. But what if I'm bad at the physicality of it all?" He presses his lips together, his teeth gnawing on the inside of his bottom lip.

"I don't really know how to explain it," I chuckle nervously. The blood is rushed to my cheeks, they're probably scarlet. "It just kind of happens."

"I shouldn't have asked," Spencer says.

"No, it's just that... like with anything, practice helps people get good sex," I tell him.

He looks up at me, his eyes asking what his lips won't. I feel my heart pounding against my chest, faster than usual.

"Do you want me to... show you?" I ask. He has always preferred hands-on learning.

"Would you?"

I nod slowly, hesitantly.

He moves toward me slowly, hesitantly.

"Kiss me," I tell him, hoping this won't get too weird.

Spencer and I have been best friends for years, we're extremely close, but this may bring us too close. This could ruin everything, but for some reason, I can't stop it.

He presses his lips to mine gently, his hand cupping my face. My eyes flutter closed. I reciprocate the kiss, and it's a lot easier than I imagined. Not that I've entirely imagined it.

My hands trail up his arms slowly. He's gained muscle. I guess that's a part of his FBI agent glow up. His tongue roams my mouth, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how good of a kisser he is.

He pulls away after a few minutes. He's breathing heavy. "Are you sure this is okay?"

I nod, then lean in to kiss him again but he leans back.

"Say it."

"It's okay, Spencer," I tell him. This time he lets me kiss him again.

I lay down, my back against his bed. He hovers above me, his hand on my waist now as he kisses me. He's good at this, and that thought comes to my mind again as his lips suck on my neck.

"Keep doing that," I whine softly.

He obliges and nibbles my skin gently. "Is this okay?" He whispers.

"Mhm," I noise.

I let him take the lead for now, do what he's comfortable with so far. His hand trails up a little further. I tell him he can touch me, and he does, though hesitantly at first. His fingertips graze against my breast before he finally gets comfortable enough to take hold of it through my shirt. He squeezes then pinches my nipple. He knows more than he lead on.

A soft moan releases from my mouth, my back arches just a little. His hand slips beneath my shirt, his warm touch on my belly. Spencer takes ahold of my shirt then lifts it up. I help him take it off me. I'm completely bare hips and above since I wasn't wearing a bra anyway. His eyes widen a little, and he smiles softly.

"Stop staring at me," I laugh a little.

"We're about to have sex and I can't look at you?"

I roll my eyes. "Let's just continue."

Spencer nods. "What do you want me to do?”

"Well, most women like to do other stuff before actually getting into the sex. Penetration alone doesn't do it for most of us," I tell him.

"You included?"

"Me included."

"What do you like?" He asks.

"What are you comfortable with? Do you have any ideas?"

Spencer thinks for a moment. "I want to learn how to-I want to give you... oral."

I burst into a laugh. "Spence, never say oral to a woman. Just say head."

"Head. Noted," he nods.

He's adorable when he's nervous and nerdy. Which is pretty much always.

"Kiss me first. Anywhere," I tell him.

He chooses the soft flesh of my stomach. I smile down at him. I reach down, pushing down my shorts, my underwear too. I'm growing needy.

Spencer slips them the rest of the way down and tosses them down to the ground. After slipping off his glasses, he kisses the inside of my thigh. God, I need him to do something right now.

His big hands push my thighs apart. Then he pauses. The clocks in his brain turn.

I feel like he's just about to call this whole thing off, but then I'm hit with a shock of pleasure. His tongue licks in between my folds.

“You’re really wet,” he says, more like an observation that a tease. Then he attacks my clit with his lips after taking a second to find it. Fuck. He definitely knows more about sex than I was led to believe.

Spencer's fingers leave marks on the inside of my thighs as he grips onto them. His lips suck on my clit, tongue flicking back and forth often too.

Soft moans spill from my lips. I'm trying to be quiet. I shouldn't be enjoying this as much as I am.

The sudden shock of Spencer's mouth removing from my clit makes me whine in protest, but his fingers sliding inside me make up for it.

I groan, my head leaning back into the pillows.

“Do you like this?”

I bite my lip, “Mhm. Curl your fingers.”

He does as he’s told.

When Spencer both fingers my cunt and sucks on my clit, I'm a moaning mess. "Holy fuck, Spencer," I whine. My legs are shaking within minutes, and even though he's still sloppy and new at this, my body loves it. My hands grip into his hair.

"Just like that, Spencer. So good."

A loud moan rings out from me as I finish. I couldn't even warn Spencer before my release pours from me.

My breaths are heavy and loud. Spencer pulls away, looking up at my eyes.

"Was that okay?" His breathing is heavy too.

"No," I say. "Spencer that was fucking amazing. You've seriously never done that before?"

He shakes his head.

"Wow."

"Told you, I'm good at anatomy," he smiles bashfully.

"Take your pants off," I command. "I want you inside of me."

I find a condom in my purse as he shrugs his clothes off. I sit up and find myself staring at his bulge with wide eyes. He's bigger than I expected. Not like huge to where it's unnatural, but big enough that I will probably need a minute to adjust once he's in me.

I tell him to lay down, and he does. He's a good boy. I like it.

I help him get the condom on, then swing a leg over his lap so that I'm straddling him. "Are you ready?" I ask him, my hand holding his face gently.

He takes a second, processing that he’s about to lose his virginity. Probably freaking out a lottle that it’s to me. “Yes ma'am," Spencer nods.

"Just a gentlemen," I grin.

I lower myself onto him, and once he's inside me, I do need a minute to adjust. Moans come from both of us, and I love the sounds we make together.

"Fuck," he groans, his voice raspy. He repeats my name over and over as I start to roll my hips.

"Oh my god." My eyes shut, and I bite my lip to keep me quiet.

"Don't do that," Spencer tells me. "I want to hear it."

I give him what he wants. I bounce up and down on him, his length hitting me in the right spot every time.

Both of our sounds fill the room. Spencer holds my hips down, stopping me.

"Wha-?"

"I want to do it," he says softly. "Please."

"Do what you want with me, doctor," I tell him, nodding.

He flips our positions, and he's on top of me. Spencer's lips crash into mine as he enters me again.

I bite his lip, causing both of us to moan into each other's mouths.

Spencer doesn't last much longer since it's his first time, but I don't even mind. He rubs my clit until I come again, and I feel I'm floating.

We lay on his bed, heavy breaths morphing together. "I think you're going to blow her mind, doctor Reid," I chuckle softly.

"Who's?"

"You're girlfriend that's not your girlfriend," I say, eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh, right. I don't think I'm going on that date. Okay, actually I canceled that date when you got here."

"What?" I chuckle, confused.

"There's no date,” he says, point blank.

"Did you just trick me into sleeping with you?" My eyebrows are still furrowed, but I'm smiling.

He presses his lips together. "Well, if you put it that way... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"No, no. I admire the hustle, doc," I laugh softly, my fingertips circling on his bare chest.

Men and women can be purely platonic friends, no romantic feelings involved. But maybe Spencer and I aren’t that type of friends after all.

tags: @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @kylakins88 @jazzerbelle14 @cynbx @yazzyu @regulus-black-223048 @virginmusicloverr36 @sebs-oxygen @jolotta @booktvmoviefangirl @nevielei @pauline5525mgg @necromaniackat @r3idsp3ncer

2K notes · View notes

writeroutoftime · 1 year ago

Note

Can I request a carmy x reader where they’re dating and carmy blows up at her and he immediately feels bad and tries to apologize and she brushes him off and keeps cooking but gives him the hand signal from s2 and after service he’s a big apologizing mess

pairing: carmen berzatto x reader

words: 0.7k

a/n: anon, thank you for this request! had a little trouble with this one, so I'm sorry if anything feels weird or ooc, but I hope you enjoy! (and if we're saying when this takes place - probably few weeks after the bear has been open, so after the end of season 2 but no spoilers)

oOoOo

It started with little annoyances throughout the day that kept building and building. A late delivery of ingredients, last minute cancellation of a large party, and a call-in sick from one of the new hires. Each new development sent Carmen spiraling further and further, all culminating during The Bear's dinner service.

"Where the fuck are my entrees for table 33?" Carmen shouted, his voice ringing out in the kitchen.

"Coming right up, chef." you called back, plating the dishes as fast as you possibly could.

Order after order came through, all night, and being one chef down meant those left in the kitchen had to pick up the extra slack. But the synergy was off and the moment you stepped back to pour the sauce, someone slammed into you from behind, and the sauce went everywhere but the dish - including all down the front of your apron.

"Chef, entrees for 33, now!" Carm's voice rang out with a notable edge to his tone.

Huffing, you quickly salvaged what was left of the sauce. "Hold on." you grounded out finally placing the dishes next to Carmen, waiting for a server to deliver them to customers.

"What is this shit?" he demanded before you could skitter back to your station. "This is looks completely fucked."

"Carmen, calm down. It's fine." you placated, rushing back to work on the next set of orders, but Carm wasn't done just yet as he let the rest of his day finally boil over onto you.

"No, it's not fine. We need to be better than this." he yelled, stalking towards you. " Don't pull this kind of shit again. You need to be better than this!" he yelled, then scoffed as he headed back to expo. "God, don't know why I hired you." he muttered, pulling out the next ticket.

Though his words were hushed, he might as well have yelled them because the entire kitchen went silent, all eyes turning to stare at Carmen. Yes, it wasn't unusual for his outburst, but he had been doing better at managing his stress and frustration. Not to mention he never spoke to you that way before.

It took Carmen a moment, but he finally registered his words once his brain processed the silence and the narrowed glances his way. As though he had been shocked, Carm jumped back from his station and hurried over to yours, wiping sweaty palms on his apron.

"Hey, y/n, I-I shouldn't have shouted at you like that." he started, trying his best to look you in the eyes.

The only response Carmen received was a harsh chop of your knife as you diced the vegetables in front of you for the next set of orders you needed to finish up. Your own rage boiled inside, but this wasn't the time or the place to deal with it, so you channeled everything into your cooking.

"Seriously, that was uncalled for. I didn't mean what I said." Carmen continued, his voice growing a little more desperate at your lack of response. But before he could speak again, he caught your hand gesture through the corner of his eye.

Taking a moment, you placed your knife down and rubbed a closed fist against your chest. Of course, Carmen wasn't off the hook, but you knew dinner service had to be finished before you could address the line of your relationship that had been crossed. With a half-defeated sigh, Carmen nodded his head, copying the gesture, and continued to call out tickets - this time noticeably calmer.

oOoOo

A few hours later and the kitchen was just about empty. Most of the other chefs had rushed to clean their stations and leave the moment the last order went out. No one wanted to stew in the tension any longer. Though, Tina did offer you a half smile and a comforting touch on her way out.

When it was just you and Carmen left, you kept your head down, scrubbing away at your already cleaned surface. You could hear his footsteps echo until he stood only a few feet away, but you knew he needed to be the one to initiate this conversation.

"Look, y/n, I shouldn't have done that tonight."

"Done what?" you pushed, but Carmy only shook his head, confused and grasping for a response. "You shouldn't have said those words to me, or you shouldn't have shouted at me like that when the rest of the kitchen was also a fucking mess?"

"Oh, um, both." he stuttered out, clearing his throat. Then after a few moments. "I'm sorry, I really am. I just get so caught up in it all, and I know that's not an excuse. I'm going to do better." he promised, fighting back to tears that began to mist over his eyes.

His words washed over you, and you let out a huge sigh. This wasn't the first blowout you'd had with Carmen, and you knew how difficult it could be for him to allow himself to be vulnerable.

"Look, what you said, really hurt, Carmy, but I know you didn't mean them." you began, and Carmen had his own moment of relief when you used his nickname and held out your arms for him to step into. "The Bear is going to be a success, okay? All of us are going to get it there. But, in the meantime, let's find some ways to help us cool down. We're a team right?"

"Yeah, yeah we are." he mumbled against your skin, thankful to be so close to you once more, and willing to do what it took to keep it that way.

#carmen berzatto x reader #carmy berzatto x reader #carmen berzatto imagine #the bear imagine #rita writes

769 notes · View notes

ruffboijuliaburnsides · 2 years ago

Text

Can I just say that I'm truly actually loving the pace of this season of Hermitcraft?

Like, for one, we've got multiple super-long-term projects that are meant to be like. for everyone to play with eventually, and none of them are close to being DONE but no one's feeling rushed, they're just putting their all into making their projects good. Like yeah the TCG is live, but Beef's clearly got a lot of expansion plans to provide over time. Etho and Ren have their huge ice race course that they're doing but not like rushing, Decked Out 2 is like... maybe 2/3rds done? Since so much of the redstone work and excavation is done even if there's still a couple levels to build/decorate/hook up into the system. And then it's meant to be played over time. Joe's pinball machine is coming apace at a steady rate but it's SO huge and fiddly that it's not exactly a quick build. Scar's got like 2-3 more areas of Scarland that haven't even been started. But clearly the end of the season isn't anywhere near, because everyone is very comfortable with their pace.

Plus like... there's been room for people to go off the server for a few weeks or months and then sure they don't have anything as big as other folks, but they've still got plenty of time to come back and get back in the swing of things and get back to working on the things they wanna do. Mumbo, notably, was gone for nearly a year. Stress was gone for ages. I know nearly everybody's taken at least a little bit of time.

IDK it just feels nice. s8 was a nice crash course when I was new to everything (including the game of minecraft tbh) but this season has been, while obviously EVENTFUL, also been nice and slow-paced, and I think it's really working well, and it seems to be doing most of the hermits I've watched well, bc it's giving them a chance to do big things and not burn themselves out trying to get those big things done as quick as they can.

There's no point to this post, I was just feeling happy about this season and wanted to share <3

#hermitcraft #mcyt #like yeah it means there's sometimes a LOT to catch up on #but frankly that's what the hc recap is for #pix and sloy do good work and it's a lot easier to catch up on like #60+ 15ish minute episodes that summarize everybody's work that week #than it is to catch up on 60+ 20-60 minute episodes for a single hermit #(not all of them are updating every week OBVIOUSLY but some are!)

692 notes · View notes

billybob598 · 1 year ago

Text

Scary Crashes (Katie McCabe x Reader)

2 fics in 1 day I'm literally so awesome. Also, sorry for the shit title I couldn't think of anything else sooo, just ignore that bit. Remember, any feedback good or bad is welcomed! As always, have fun reading!

Word Count: 1K (Kinda short but who cares)

“This is gonna be so much fun!” Katie exclaims as she walks alongside you in the paddock. You chuckle at her excitement.

“Yeah, it’s going to be great babe,” you say before stopping to take some photos with fans. You were a driver with Ferrari and while it had been a tough season, you were confident heading into Silverstone this weekend. What made it even better is that Katie, your girlfriend, was attending. She had come to a couple of races, but it always made you feel better to have her there.

The weekend had been tough, free practice had been okay and you were out-qualified by your teammate, Charles. Katie watched excitedly from the garage as the race got underway. The race had been terrible, Ferrari in complete Ferrari style had fucked up your strategy,

“No! Guys, we can’t keep doing this. Fuck! Mate, this has gone from bad to an absolute shithole of a race,” you say over the radio.

As it gets closer and closer to the chequered flag, you try your very best to make some places back up. After your pit stop you came out P13, but you were able to crawl back up to P8. You tried multiple times to get past Pierre Gasly’s Alpine in P7 but to no avail. You were starting to get frustrated,

“He’s driving a bit dangerously, no? Did you see him do the double move on the straight?”

“Yep, we saw it. Just keep focused Y/N, you’ll get him,” your engineer says back to you.

On the next lap, you get a good exit out of Woodcote and use the slipstream to your advantage as you guys head into Copse. Gasly defends the inside so, you decide to try around the outside. Katie holds her breath as she watches on the TV. One second you’re thinking you’ve got him on the outside, the next you’re spinning around as gravel spills into the cockpit. At first, you think you’ve just span out and that you’re probably beached in the gravel trap. That is until you smash into the tyre barrier at over 200km/h. All the air gets pressed out of your lungs when you hit the wall with over 50G’s. Immediately after you hit, you black out.

Everyone inside the Ferrari garage is scrambling, trying to see if you’re okay or not. Your engineer is getting no response over the radio. All the cameras on the car had been broken. Katie was full-on panicking. As the team tried to see if you were okay, Katie couldn’t help but fear for the worst, especially when the ambulance had to come.

You wake up when someone starts to shake your shoulders. Your eyes adjust to the light and when you look up you see a marshal standing over you asking if you’re okay. You give him a nod and thumbs up, before switching on the radio,

“You okay? Y/N, are you okay?” The engineer keeps repeating.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Ahhhhh fuck, everything kinda hurts though,” you answer.

“Yeah, just stay where you are, marshals are coming and so are some paramedics,”

“Okay, copy,”

It takes a couple of minutes for the marshals to get you out, but when they do you are met with thunderous applause from the crowds. Waving a hand to let them know you’re okay, Katie breathes a sigh of relief. She gets informed by your assistant that you are heading to the hospital for a check-up because it was quite the impact. Katie drives to the hospital as quickly as possible. She knows you’re more or less okay considering you were able to walk out of the car, but she needed to see you with her own eyes. The Irish woman asks the receptionist where you are quite urgently, maybe a little rudely, but she’s Katie McCabe what do you expect from her? When she’s shown to your room she’s informed that you are sleeping. So, she quietly tip-toes into the room and sees you laying there with a couple of machines hooked up to you. Deciding you should keep sleeping, she goes and asks the doctor about how you are. The doctor says that for the most part, you’re okay, your only injury being bruised ribs. He tells her that you're only going to be hooked up to the oxygen machine for a little bit, they just didn’t want to take any chances.

It’s a couple hours before you wake up and when you do you’re met with your girlfriend looking anxious. She has no idea you’re awake yet, so you slowly reach out for her hand and slip her fingers in between yours. Her head jerks up.

“Oh my God, Y/N. Jesus Christ you had me so scared there,” she says quickly. You point in the direction of the door, silently asking for her to go get the doctor so he could take the oxygen mask off. “Oh yeah, right of course. I’ll go get him.”

The doctor does a quick check-up on you before ultimately deciding that you were good to go. He releases you from the hospital, much to your happiness and Katie’s worry. When you guys get back to the hotel, Katie carries all your bags inside, even though you did offer multiple times. All night, Katie won’t let you do anything. Water? Brings multiple glasses of it. Hungry? Don’t worry, she’s got a plate stacked sky-high with food. In pain? She’ll force multiple painkillers down your throat. Some might find it overbearing, but you on the other hand found it endearing. Katie usually acted tough, but it was in moments like these that she shows just how caring and thoughtful she can be.

“Are you good? Do you need anything else?” Katie asks.

“Nah, babe. I think I’m all good. Thank you for everything today,” you say gratefully.

“Of course, you scared me there Y/N,” she says the last part quietly. You drag her beside you on the bed.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” you say scratching the back of your neck.

“Never again Y/N, never again,” she says sternly. She grins at you before kissing you.

As you fall asleep you can’t believe how lucky you are to have a girlfriend as awesome as yours.

#katie mccabe x reader #katie mccabe #woso x reader #woso imagine #woso x f1 reader

477 notes · View notes

youmakethelight · 2 months ago

Text

Dear AMC

Okay, so here's where I'm at following the David Zabel quotes released yesterday. I truly hate to be in this negative mindset and I wanted my tumblr to be a fun space only, but it's what I'm feeling, so I'm going to get it out. This is the most serious post I'll ever write (hopefully) so buckle up.

I'm not doing this because I don't want to continue to spread joy about caryl. I'm doing this because, if there's any chance, however small, that I can help to make a positive difference for the people I've come to care about, then I'm going to do that. This is because I care about female representation and empowerment. And because I care about what these stories mean to and for people, and especially people who relate to characters who have experienced abuse. Holding these characters' stories is a responsibility and those who do so need to be held accountable for how they do it.

I'm going to talk a lot now, but it's going to mainly be about Melissa, Isabelle's character, David Zabel, Greg Nicotero, and the idea of romantic caryl. I'm going to try to break it up into sections just because it's so long.

Melissa

Melissa McBride snuck up on me. I started watching TWD a couple of years after it first aired and like many, I fell for Daryl as a character. I observed his chemistry with Carol and always thought their relationship was something special. But like many, I gave up on the show around season 6/7. When TWD was released on Now TV in the UK this year, I decided to catch up, and season 9 hooked me on #caryl. Specifically, I was mesmerised by Melissa McBride and I've only grown to love her more. It's been beautiful finding the fandom and realising that Melissa McBride is the beating heart of it. She might not have as many Twitter followers as Norman Reedus, but she is valued more than I have seen any actor and she honestly doesn't even have to try. Fans will support her for walking to a car. I like Norman but I love Melissa.

Melissa looks happier than I have ever seen her look and she is honestly the only thing that has been keeping me tethered to any hope that I will enjoy this spinoff. My hype has been 100% driven by Melissa and how she has spoken about being back. I've already paid for Carol merch, which is something I never do. And if it wasn't for the fact I knew she was coming back at the end of season 1, I honestly wouldn't have watched Daryl Dixon. After investing in their relationship over 12 years of TWD, I'm not interested in seeing Daryl solo travel the globe and find a girl in every port. I'd rather watch something else and pretend the spinoff doesn't exist. But since Melissa is here and she's happy, I've still been hooked.

Seeing Carol confront her trauma surrounding Sophia is something I have been wanting for years. Since I started watching TWD again this year, all you'd ever hear me say is "why does no one ever talk about Sophia?". So I am beyond happy that story is receiving a spotlight in season 2. And I sense this is what Melissa is happy about too.

Beyond that, I really feel like Melissa doesn't have much space for her own voice. At SDCC, she said that she's quiet on her EP notes because she's the new person. And David Zabel made a joke that she doesn't want to make him cry (hilarious). Of course, I have no idea what the reality is, but my gut feeling is that Melissa is happy that she finally had some control with her character's own story after 14 years. But I truly don't believe she has even been given the space to think about how she *personally* would like the caryl story to look, let alone what they choose to do with the other major female character's story. I think Melissa respects Norman and trusts him with that part of the story. She knows he's had more power with the other producers - he was there for all of season 1, it's his name on the title of the show, and he chose the showrunner and writers.

And as for everything else, Melissa has spent the majority of her career in a male-dominated genre, all of her most powerful coworkers are part of that demographic, and in response to caryl, she has been the target of misogyny and ageism that is ongoing today. If I were her, I'd feel I can only speak so loud for so long before someone feels I've stepped on their toes.

While I do believe Norman cares about her deeply, I don't have any reason so far to trust that he understands the nuances of sexism well enough to be able to make the calls I'd want him to make. I really feel that if he did, he would never have agreed to the half naked shipbait nun scene in season 1. On to my next section...

Isabelle, David Zabel and Greg Nicotero

I will die on the hill that Isabelle's story should never have been touched by any inkling of shipbait, because she is a dedicated nun. The idea of romance for her present day story (especially with the male lead) grossly over-simplifies the decisions that led her to become a nun.

I do personally feel that the isabelle-laurent-daryl surrogate family idea is *pretty much* just that. I think, personally, DZ is lying when he says that the idea of romance wasn't manufactured. I think he wants us to believe that what we see on screen is organic. Absolutely nothing about the half naked wound helping scene, the happy stares across rooms with a happy score, and the 'isabelle just woke up in hospital and oh look its daryl's crossbow he must have been looking over her' scene is organic. Those are manufactured. Until episode 6, I liked isabelle and I think clemence is great. But daryl and isabelle's chemistry is non existent. I honestly think calling it a friendship is a stretch. Maybe the god awful, problematic "are you going to do to laurent what your dad did to you" could have been forgiven if they'd genuinely had any compelling bond whatsoever, but they didn't, and at best, it came off as needy. At worst (and what it actually was) was emotionally abusive. The thing I have always loved about caryl is that they *never* guilt-tripped each other like that. I really hope Zabel knows that line was truly offensive.

So anyway, I don't know, I think DZ would have liked it to go romantic, but nobody liked it. And based on the way they talked about it at SDCC, I think Norman is set on the idea it's really all about Laurent, and Isabelle is just another adult who cares about the kid so he cares about her too. However, I do think Nicotero and Zabel are invested in the idea that Daryl is falling for her. Nicotero in particular is obsessed with the idea that Daryl's falling for her while he doesn't know Carol is on her way - I actually find him enjoying that idea repulsive. So, I think they've written some ship bait in there, but I think Norman's acting choices will be reluctant. So, as long as there isn't something physical between them, I think Norman and Melissa's chemistry can recover from it. But. Zabel (and Nicotero) are showing their true colours.

While we're on Nicotero. I recently discovered that he has spoken about supporting b*thyl before. So, if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about him and his idea of how women and romance should be presented on screen in 2024, I don't know what will.

Romantic Caryl

Finally, I want to address the idea of whether Carol and Daryl should or could add a romantic element to their relationship. Lots of people that I agree with have already written well articulated thoughts about this, including this by my-mt-heart. My personal feelings are these.

Carol and Daryl have built a layered, deep, and emotionally rich relationship over 11 seasons of TWD. Fans are aware of the romantic layers throughout the years, and even those who don't follow it closely can see the romantic potential. It would be a disservice to fans to let those years of layering and emotional depth fall flat. And frankly, so many fans simply won't follow. (And if you're worried about fans who don't like the idea not watching - well, honestly, I don't like R*chonne. Love them both individually but I never saw the chemistry and it felt random to me. But I still watched them and cared about them and their story and I even watched The Ones Who Live despite cringing the whole time.)

The creative opportunities are huge. Carol and Daryl are not a stereotypical love story by any means. Their dynamic has been fuelling creative minds for over a decade. I would personally admire any showrunner/writer who steps up to the challenge. Alternatively, not bothering comes across as lazy and cowardly to me.

At this point, there's absolutely no doubt in the audience that Carol and Daryl are soulmates. Their happy ending has been an important theme for a while now. And they are the characters that fans care about. Even fans who don't care about whether they have a romantic relationship agree that their idea of a happy ending would be with each other (and Dog). This wouldn't have to be romantic, but since we know that they are both interested in romantic relationships and have some romantic foundations together - why not? No other romantic relationship either of them could have is ever going to match up against Daryl and Carol's relationship. And why should they both be deprived of romance if they are both interested in romantic relationships? Who does that serve?

The idea that two people can so selflessly love each other for over a decade and end up together romantically is the ultimate bond of love. Suggestions that romance would 'cheapen' or 'ruin' a bond make me question what those people think romance means. It isn't the same as R*chonne's romance. It's quiet and calm and careful. It's two damaged souls uplifting each other. So many viewers are empowered by that sort of story.

It would show that AMC are progressive and not ageist or sexist.

Final thoughts

I can't express enough how much I wanted to ignore all of my doubts about this spinoff because of Melissa's involvement and because I genuinely do trust her creative imagination more than anyone. But the comments by Zabel that were released yesterday have brought back the pit I was feeling in my stomach. I trust Melissa and I will always trust Melissa. But I don't trust Zabel. I don't trust that Zabel is doing right by Melissa or by the characters of Carol and Daryl. That doesn't mean that I think he's evil and doing nothing at all right. I just truly believe that we deserve better and Melissa deserves better.

I will give all of my hard earned cash and time to Melissa projects, but I won't do the same for Zabel, or even Norman without Melissa.

#caryl #book of carol #twd #daryl dixon #the walking dead #melissa mcbride #the book of carol #carol peletier #norman reedus #tboc

64 notes · View notes

alchemistc · 4 months ago

Note

okay….. can I ask about Buck in the hockey au?

Buck was a middling college player who got drafted in the third round after his team missed the Frozen Four, and he kind of labored in obscurity for a few years in the AHL before his current team picked him up trying to unload cap space to buy out a problem players contract.

Buck plays four regular season games with his new team before he gets sent back down. The company line is that he's just Not Ready but in actuality he's been hooking up with girls in visitor facilities and once in the team bus. His coach (the coach is Bobby I'm just still working out the details) tells him he sees a lot of potential in Buck, and he could make it if he could just find a way to get his head on straight.

Buck gets his head on straight. He kills it with the affiliate team, runs a point streak through twenty-three games as a defenseman, quarterbacks the power play to the point that fans of the NHL team are up in arms that he hasn't been called up.

They're playing with numbers, trying to give Buck as much ice time as possible while they lose the weight of one of their underperforming D-Men - the usual contract juggling. Then they call him up. He has a few good games, scores a few goals, has a wicked wrister from the blue line. He also scores an own goal against Chim his fourth game up and keeps taking stupid penalties. It's 2-4 penalty minutes a game for too many men or delay of game because he keeps getting too overexcited and slinging the puck over the glass instead of along the boards.

Abby works for TNT, and Buck catches her eye while she's between the pipes for a national broadcast game. She's got enough pull to get his number and they start up a phone based relationship.

Buck's team makes playoffs his first year, and gets slaughtered in the first round. Abby's mom dies and she takes a break from sports casting and Buck, not that she really lets him know that.

During the off-season Buck's team trades for a defenseman who's been in the KHL for a few years. His name is Eddie Diaz.

Buck hates him for about half a day. He feels like he's being replaced. He's worked so fucking hard to make it and now there's this guy who just gets a spot right away?

(They're best buds by the end of the week, and by the time the regular season starts they're playing 25 minutes a night as the top D-Pair)

Buck's career comes to a screeching halt in the second round of the playoffs that year when he gets tripped on a breakaway and slides awkwardly into the boards.

(No one makes the connection at the time, but the player who trips him is the same one one of their old wingers, Deluca, saved from the bottom of a dogpile years ago when a skate got way too close to his neck)

The injury isn't an easy one. There's no quick recovery time. Buck is just sort of stuck in limbo for a while. And then when he's cleared to return they find out there were complications. Coach Bobby benches Buck.

And Buck has been nothing but hockey for most of his life. It was the only way to get his parents to pay attention to him. The only outlet for all his anger. And he's good at it. He's the best. He could be the best, anyway.

Buck takes to twitter during his 'recovery' time. At first he's just posting stupid shit, but then people start paying attention to him. The PR dept does Not Like the way Buck calls out bullshit and trolls on Twitter. The GM gets involved, things blow up. Buck is reluctantly allowed back at practices and quickly jumps into game readiness.

And it's clear he's come back better.

The team toils for years in first and second round exits, and some of their stars are coming close to contract years, and they just can't break out. Buck places third for the Norris a few times, and he and Eddie are often talked about as one of the best Defensive pairings in the league, but their team is fast and light and they get beat to shit every time playoffs roll around. Eddie's feisty, he'll talk shit until the opposing bench is FUMING, he'll get scrappy along the boards, he'll duke it out when necessary, but he usually has to keep a lid on that because he can't let Buck down by getting injured.

At the end of year six for Buck, after a heartbreaking out, Buck's end of year presser goes viral when he talks about how he's been in the league for six years and hasn't won shit.

The fanbase panics because he's in his second to last contract year. If they can't contend, they're convinced he's gonna want out before the All-Star break. (None of them are aware that Buck would rather re-break his leg than leave this team he considers family, and his agent would like to keep it that way)

The team has a banner fucking year. They've got record game winning streaks and record point streaks and their aging goalie has never played better. He has four shutouts in the first half of the season. And Buck was never planning to leave so no one really broaches the contract thing. They'll figure it out in the off-season. Buck's got games to win.

With the trade deadline looming and Buck's team looking like a shoe-in for top of their conference, the front office makes a... strange move early in. They trade for Tommy Kinard. He's a bruiser, real old school type, skates like he's got bricks attached to his ankles but will knock a motherfucker down for looking sideways at his guys. He hasn't announced he's retiring at the end of the season, but he's planning to hang it up either way.

The team is hesitant about that, at first, once they know. He and Chim played together for a few years, and Chim welcomes him to the team by filling his car with golf balls. Pointed, maybe, but Tommy laughs it off, and retaliates, and the team starts to grow fond of him. BUCK starts to grow fond of him. Buck has a Cup run to worry about but Tommy is there, playing five minutes a night and knocking dudes on their ass that would normally be going for Buck and Eddie so consistently that Buck and Eddie feel a little invincible. People are second guessing whether or not they want to risk incurring the wrath of Kinard for a meaningless late March game.

And that is where I leave this because I'm actually seriously considering writing this fic now and that's about where I'd start it.

#bucktommy #bucktommy hockey au

106 notes · View notes

ladyluscinia · 1 year ago

Text

Ok, I think I might be exiting the "are you fucking kidding me?" period and ready to make a real argument, so lets talk about Three Act Structure!

Is OFMD S2 just the "Darkest Hour"?

A very common explanation I've been seeing for some of the... controversial... aspects of S2 is that it's meant to be that way. That the middle act is where the protagonists hit their lowest point. Where we get the big failure point. Where everything looks kind of shit.

S2 is supposedly just that point. It's The Empire Strikes Back. People have been making that comparison since before the first episodes even dropped, telling everyone to expect something that could be disappointing or unsatisfying - it's just a matter of needing to wait for S3 to pull it all together.

It's not a baseless framework to consider the show through - I'm pretty sure David Jenkins has mentioned it in interviews (or at least mentioned he planned for three acts / seasons) so it's certainly worth asking how he's doing at the 2/3rd mark.

So - quick summary of Three Act Structure:

Act 1 introduces our characters and world. It includes the inciting incident of the story and the first plot point, where a) the protagonist loses the ability to return to their normal life, and b) the story raises whatever dramatic question will drive the entire plot. Act 2 is rising action and usually most of the story. The protagonist tries to fix things and fucks them up worse, in the process learning new skills and character developing to overcome their flaws. Act 3 is the protagonist taking one more shot, but this time they are ready. We get the climax of the story, the dramatic question gets an answer, and then the story closes.

If you want examples, the Star Wars Original Trilogy is a very popular template. And, hell, he said it was a pirate story... the main Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy also does a solid job with their three acts.

Let's compare. (Spoiler: I'm not impressed 🤨)

---

First thing I need to establish... Wait. Two things. First is that Three Act Structure is flexible, so we can't really analyze success or failure by pulling up a list of necessary plot beats that should have been hit in X order. Second is that if you tell me you are writing a romance with a Three Act Structure - where "the relationship is the story" - the first thing I'm going to do is ask you how you are adapting it. Because while there's not necessarily anything preventing you from applying this to a character driven plot, most people are familiar with it as plot structure for externally driven conflict.

Unless there's a reason the status of the main relationship is intrinsically tied up in the current status of the war against the evil empire, a standard Three Act Structure is going to entail either an antagonistic force that absolutely wants your main couple apart being the main relationship obstacle OR the romance aspect being a subplot to the protagonist's narrative adventure. None of those sound like how the show has been described.

So how is OFMD adapting it?

---

Act 1

(Can't figure out how well Act 2 is doing if we don't start at setup.)

Right out the gate, OFMD breaks one of the main "rules" for a story where the Acts are delivered in three parts. Namely the one where the first Act is treated as an acceptable standalone story, with it's own satisfying yet open ended conclusion.

In Star Wars, A New Hope ends with the princess rescued, Luke finding the Force, Han finding his loyalty, and the Death Star destroyed. The Empire isn't defeated, the antagonists still live... the story is not over, but this one movie doesn't feel unfinished.

Similarly, Curse of the Black Pearl gives Jack his ship back, Elizabeth and Will get together, and Norrington has the English Navy let them all off the hook and give Jack and the pirates one day's head start.

OFMD's final beat of S1 being Kraken Arc starting is not that, even if Stede returning to sea is still a pretty hopeful note. Now... I don't necessarily think this was a bad call. At least, not if the story is the relationship. It's easy to close on a happy ending and then fuck it up next movie if the conflict is external and coming for them. Not so much if you're driving the story with your protagonists' flaws, in part because it should be really obvious at the end of setup that your main characters need development and can't run off together right now. I actually like that they were risk-takers and let S1 look at the situation clearly vs doing a fragile happy end, because it takes into account the difference between a character-driven and plot-driven narrative.

I think OFMD's Act 1 actually ends at maybe the Act of Grace? Well, there through the kiss on the beach, counting as our "first plot point" before everything goes wrong, basically.

At that point, they have setup the story and characters. We've been introduced to Edward and Stede's current issues. Signing the Act of Grace does make the intertwined arcs between them real - it's no longer a situation that either one of them could just walk away from like it was in 1x07 - and we narrow in on the (alleged) driving question of the show:

It's not about "Will Stede become a great pirate?" or "Will we develop a better kind of piracy for the crew?" - the show is the relationship and the big question is "What is Stede and Edward's happy ending?"

Act 1 ends on their first solution, being together and making each other happy and admitting it's more than just friendship. Act 2 starts, appropriately, by saying both of them are currently too flawed for that to go anywhere but crashing and burning.

Now... looking back, what does Act 1 do well vs poorly?

I think it's really strong on giving us the foundation for BlackBonnet's characters and flaws. We aren't surprised Stede goes home or Edward goes Kraken (or at least... we weren't supposed to be surprised. There are still a lot of holdouts blaming Izzy for interrupting Edward's "healing" despite how at this point in the story it doesn't make sense for Edward to have the skills to heal... but I digress). The relationship question is compelling at the end of S1, the cliffhanger hooks, and the fandom explosion of fics did not come from nowhere - the audience was invested.

I also think Act 1 does a great job of settling us in the universe. We understand the rules it abides by, from how gay pirates are just a fact of life to how there's no important organs on the left side of the body. Stede has a muppety force field. Rowboats have homing devices, and port is always as close as you want it to be. Scurvy is a joke. The overblown violence of pirate life is mostly a joke, but we are going to take the violence of childhood trauma seriously.

Lucius's fake-out death, while technically part of Act 2, works well because Act 1 did a good job of priming everyone to go "obviously this show wouldn't kill a crew member for shock value, and we're 100% supposed to suspend disbelief about how he could have survived getting flung into the sea in the middle of the night." And we do. And we get rewarded for it.

Regarding antagonists - a big focus of any setup - the show is deliberately weak. The one with the most screentime is Izzy, and he's purposefully ineffective at separating our main couple. Every antagonist is keyed to a particular character, and they function mostly to inform us of that character's flaws and development requirements. The Badmintons tell us about Stede's repression and feelings of inadequacy, and Izzy tells us about Edward's directionless discontent and tendency to avoid his problems. Effectively - the show is taking the stance this will be a character driven narrative where Stede and Edward's flaws are the source of problems and development the solution. No person or empire (or social homophobia) is separating them...

...which leads me to something not present - there nothing really about the struggle of piracy against the Empire. Looking at Curse of the Black Pearl... we see piracy is in danger. The Black Pearl itself is described as the last great pirate threat the British Navy needs to conquer. Hangings are omnipresent - Jack is sentenced to die by one almost as soon as he's introduced to the story, when his only act so far had been to wander around and save Elizabeth from drowning. OFMD tries to invoke this kind of struggle in 2x08, but there's no foundation. Our Navy antagonists are Stede's childhood bullies, and so focused on Stede the crew isn't even in danger when they get caught. The Republic of Pirates is getting jokes about being gentrified, not besieged.

Even the capture of Blackbeard by the Navy is treated as a feather in Wellington's cap but not a huge symbolic blow against piracy... because we just do not have that grand struggle woven into Act 1. You only know the "Golden Age of Piracy" is ending if you google it, or have watched a bunch of pirate shows.

Overall, a solid Act 1, well adapted to the kind of story they've said they were looking to tell - a romance in the (silly-fied) age of piracy, instead of a pirate adventure with a romantic subplot.

---

Now, Sidebar - Where is the story going?

The thing about the dramatic question - in OFMD's case: "What is Stede and Edward's happy ending?" - is that a) there's normally more than one question bundled up in that one + sideplots, and b) while you aren't supposed to have the answer yet, you can usually guess what needs to happen to give you the answer.

Back to our examples... Luke's driving question is "Will the Empire be defeated?" Simple. Straightforward. Also: "Will Luke become a Jedi?" The eventual climax of our story from there is pretty obvious... the story is over when Luke wins the war for the Rebellion in a Jedi way. That's the goal that they are working toward.

Pirates of the Caribbean is a bit more complicated. We're juggling more characters and have a less defined heroic journey, but there are driving questions like "Is Jack Sparrow a good man?" and "Is Will Turner a pirate / what does that mean?" and even "Will the British Navy defeat piracy?" They get basic answers in Curse of the Black Pearl, and far more defined ones in At World's End. Still, this is another plot-driven narrative. They've laid the foundations for the Pirates vs Empire struggle, and when that final battle turns into the trilogy climax then you know what's happening.

OFMD is not doing a plot-driven narrative. To judge how they are doing at their goals, we have to ask what they think a happy ending entails in a character sense.

Clearly it's not the classic romantic sideplot, where the climax is the first kiss / acknowledgement of feelings. They've teased a wedding in Word of God comments a lot, so that's probably our better endpoint. Specifically, though, a wedding where both of our protagonists aren't ready to flee from the altar (big ask) and where they've both grown enough that their flaws / mutual tendencies to run away from life problems won't tank the relationship.

In Stede's case it's still massive feelings of inadequacy and being too repressed to talk about his problems. Also he ran away from his family to chase a lifelong dream of being a pirate - "Is Stede going to find fulfillment in being a pirate captain, or will the real answer be love?" Edward meanwhile expresses a desire to quit piracy and retire Blackbeard, but we also find out he's struggling with massive self-loathing and guilt from killing his father - "Is retiring what Edward wants to do, or is he just running away?"

If they are going to get to a satisfying wedding beat at the climax of their story, what character beats do we need to hit in advance?

Off the top of my head - both characters need to self-realize their flaws (a pretty necessary demand of anyone who runs away from problems). They are set up to balance each other well, but also to miscommunicate easily. They have to tell each other about or verbally acknowledge that self-realization so it can be resolved. Stede has to decide how much being a pirate means to him. Edward has to decide if he's retiring and what he wants to do. They both need to show something to do with getting past their childhood traumas given all the flashbacks. Through all this, they also need to hit the normal romance beats that convince the audience they are romantically attracted to each other and like... want to get married.

Oh, and this is more of a genre-specific sideplot, but once they demonstrate a behavior that hurts the people who work for them, they need to then demonstrate later how it won't happen again. Proof of growth, which is kind of important in a comedy where a lot of the humor is based in them being massively self-centered assholes. Stede doesn't earn his acceptance in the community until he kicks Calico Jack off the ship, making up for causing the situation with Nigel in the first episode. A workplace comedy can get a lot of material from the boss as the worker's antagonist, but if you want the bosses to stay sympathetic you have got to throw them some opportunities to earn it.

All that sounds like a lot, but like - the relationship is the story, right? If we spend so much time on establishing flaws big enough to drive a story, we also have to spend time on fixing them. Which is where the turning point hits.

---

Act 2: How it Starts

This is where the full story reality-checks your protagonist. Glad you saved your boyfriend and embraced new love in Act 1, but his repressed guilt means he's about to completely ghost you, and your own abandonment issues and self-loathing are about to make his dick move into everyone else's problem.

Again, it's a non-conventional choice OFMD has this start at the very end of S1 rather than with a sudden dark turn in the S2 premiere, but it's still pretty clearly that point in the Three Act Structure.

In Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back opens with a timeskip to our Rebellion getting absolutely crushed and hiding on a miserable frozen planet. The Empire finds them as the plot is kicking off and they have to desperately flee. They get separated. Han and Leia try to go to an ally for help and end up in Vader's clutches. It's a sharp turn from the victorious note that A New Hope ended on.

Pirates of the Caribbean's Act 2 starts dark. Dead Man's Chest opens with our happy couple Will and Elizabeth getting arrested on their wedding day for the "happy end" escape of the last movie. Jack has not been having success since reclaiming his ship, and we'll soon find out he's being hunted by dark forces. As for the general state of piracy, we get a horrifying prison where pirates are being eaten alive by crows, and a new Lord Beckett making the dying state of piracy even more textual. "Jack Sparrow is a dying breed... The world is shrinking."

The key here is making a point that our heroes aren't ready. This is the struggles part - things they try? Fail. The odds do not look to be in their favor.

Now, OFMD apparently decided to go all-in on flaw exploration, especially with Edward. The first 3 episodes of S2 are brutally efficient in outlining Edward's backslide. In S1 you could see he had issues with guilt and feeling like a bad person. S2 devolves that into a destructive, suicidal spiral where Edward forces his crew into three months of consecutive raids, repeats his shocking act of cruelty with Izzy's toe offscreen (more than once!), escalates it with his leg, and finally they state directly that Edward hates himself for killing his dad so much that he fears he's fundamentally unlovable and better off dead.

Stede's struggles are subtler, but most definitely still there. He's deliberately turning a blind eye to tales of Edward's rampage, half from simply being too self-centered to care about the harms Edward causes others, and half from being unable to face or fathom that he had the ability to hurt Edward that much. Upon reunion he wants to put the whole thing behind them, not addressing why he left in the first place. Very "love magically fixes everything" of him, except Stede is no golden merman.

Interestingly, here, BlackBonnet's relationship dysfunction has very clearly been having a negative impact on the surrounding characters we care about. Make sense, since it's the driving force of the story, but that also adds a lot more relationships we need to make right. Like... Edward is the villain to his crew. The show focuses on their trauma and poisoned relationships with him. And then draws our attention even more to Stede taking his side to overrule their objections to him.

For a story where the conflict and required resolutions are primarily character based, and the setup had already given the main couple a good amount to work with, dedicating a lot of S2 to adding more ground to cover was... a choice. Potentially very compelling on the character end, certainly challenging on the writing end... but not a complete break with the structure.

Bold, but not damning.

---

Act 2: How it Ends

Now it is true that Act 2 tends to end on a loss. Luke is defeated by Vader and loses his hand, and Han has been sent away in carbonite. Jack Sparrow for all his efforts cannot escape his fate, and he and the Pearl are dragged to the locker.

But the loss is not the point. The loss is incidental to the point.

Act 2 is about struggles and failure, but it's also about lessons learned. There's a change that occurs, and our cast - defeated but not broken - enters the final act with the essential skills, motivation, knowledge, etc. that they lacked in the beginning.

Luke Skywalker could not have defeated the Empire in Return of the Jedi until he'd learned the truth about his father and resisted the Dark Side in The Empire Strikes Back. (Ok, confession, I'm using Star Wars as an example because literally everyone is doing so, but frankly it's a better example of formulaic Three Act Structure repeating within each movie because on a trilogy level - relevant to this comparison - it is a super basic hero's journey in a very recognized outfit and as such the Act 2 relevance is also... super basic "the hero tries to fight the antagonist too early" beat where he learns humility. Not really a lot going on. So, for the better example...)

Dead Man's Chest has a downer ending with the closing moment of the survivors regaining hope and a plan against an enemy now on the verge of total victory - a classic Act 2. But in that first loss against Davy Jones we get Will's personal motivation and oath to stab the heart, Jack finally overcoming not knowing what he wanted and returning to save them from the Kraken (being a good man), Elizabeth betraying Jack (being a pirate), Barbossa's return, and Norrington's choice to bargain for his prior life back. The mission to retrieve Jack from the World's End is the final movie's plot, but things are already on track to turn the tables back around as we enter the finale.

Now, relevant sidenote - one major difference between Three Act Structure within a single work vs across three parts is that Act 2 continues into Part 3, and only tips over into Act 3 about midway through. This is because obviously your final movie or season cannot just be the climax. That's why both movie examples start with a rescue mission. They have to still be missing something so they can get the plot of their third part accelerating while they go get whatever that something is.

But if you wait until the 3rd movie / season to get the development going at all - you're fucked.

Jack's decision in the climax of At World's End to make Elizabeth into the Pirate King goes back to the development we saw in the Pearl vs Kraken fight in Dead Man's Chest. So does Elizabeth's leadership arc. Will's whole arc about becoming Captain of the Dutchman gets built upon in the third movie, but it starts in the second. Not just as an idle thought - he's actively pursuing it. Already consciously weighing saving his father vs getting back to Elizabeth as soon as he makes the oath. Everyone is moving forward in Act 2. Their remaining development might stumble for drama, or they might be a bit reluctant, but I know that they know better than to let it stick, because they already faced their true crisis points.

I'm not sure we can say the same about OFMD.

S2 does a good job of adding problems, yeah, but there's not really any movement on fixing them. Our main couple stagnates in some ways, and regresses in others.

Stede opened Act 2 by running away in the middle of the night back to his wife without telling Edward anything. We know he did it because of feeling guilty and his core childhood trauma of his dad calling him a weak and inadequate failure. Now in S1 he actually speedruns a realization of his shitty behavior with Mary, but what about S2? Well...

He continues to not talk to Edward about... pretty much anything. My guy practiced love confessions galore but Edward only finds out about going back to his wife via Anne, and it gets brushed aside with a love confession. He seems to think Edward wants him to be a dashing pirate, or maybe he just thinks he should be a dashing pirate. Idk, it doesn't get examined. Regarding his captaincy, they give him an episode plot about Izzy teaching him to respect the crew's beliefs, but this is sideplot to a larger arc of him completely overruling their traumas and concerns (and shushing their objections) to keep his boyfriend on the ship so. That.

Stede kills a man for reasons related to his issues, shoves that down inside and has sex with Edward instead of acknowledging any bad feelings. At least this time Edward was there and knows it happened? Neither Chauncey's death nor his dad have been mentioned to anyone. He gets a day of piracy fame that goes to his head, gets dumped, and ends on a complete beat down by Zheng where he learns... idk. Being a boor is bad? He's still wildly callous to her in the finale, and spends the whole time seeking validation of his pirate skills. He reunites with Edward, kisses, and quotes Han Solo.

Where S1 ended on a great fuckery, his S2 naval uniform plan after they regroup is ill defined except to call it a suicide mission - and we don't get to see what it would have been because it devolves into a very straightforward fight and flee. And gets Izzy killed. Quick cut funeral (no acknowledgement of his S2 bonding with Izzy), quick cut to wedding (foreshadowing), quick cut to... innkeeper retirement? Unclear when or even if BlackBonnet discussed Stede's whole driving dream to be a pirate and live a life at sea, but I guess that got a big priority downgrade. Despite the fact he was literally looking to Zheng for pirate-based compliments in the post-funeral scene.

I guess he's borderline-delusionally dogged in his pursuit of love now - so unlikely to bolt again - but he's also got at least a decade of experience mentally checking out in a state of repression when he's unhappy. And he's stopped being as supportive and caring toward the crew in that dogged pursuit, while arguably demonstrating a loss in leadership skills, so, um, good thing someone else is in charge?

And if Stede is a mess, Edward's arc is so much worse.

As established, they devote the Kraken to making Edward worse. He literally wants to kill himself and destroy everyone around him in the process because Stede left, and this is fixed by... Stede coming back. That's it. The crew tries to murder him and then exiles him from the ship (and Izzy takes the lead on both, indicating exactly how isolated Edward has become), but it's resolved in half a day by Stede just forcing them to put up with his boyfriend again. Like they think he murdered Buttons and still have to move him back in???

The show consistently depicts Kraken Era as a transgression against the crew, but they also avoid showing Edward acting with genuine contrition. He admits he historically doesn't apologize for anything, and then mostly still doesn't. It's a joke that he's approaching probation as a performance (CEO apology), and then the only person he genuinely talks to is Fang - the one guy cool with him - and the only person who gets a basic "sorry" is Izzy - the guy he really needs to be talking to. Edward's primary trauma is guilt, but apparently he only feels it abstractly after all that? He's only concerned with fixing things with Stede, despite Stede being about the only person around who hurt him instead of the reverse.

Speaking of primary traumas, Edward hating himself doesn't really go anywhere after the beat of self-realization. Apparently Stede still loving him is enough of a bandaid to end the suicide chasing, but he doesn't like. Acknowledge that. Edward is maybe sorta trying to go slow so he doesn't hang all his self-worth on Stede again (you can speculate), but they a) absolutely fail to go slow, and b) he doesn't make any attempt to develop himself or another support structure. Just basically... "let's be friends a bit before hooking back up." And then we get the whiplash that is Blackbeard and/or retirement.

Kraken Era is Blackbeard but way worse, like no one who has known Blackbeard has ever seen him. In the Gravy Basket Edward claims he might like being an innkeeper, before destroying his own fantasy by having the spectre of Hornigold confront him over killing his dad. The BlackBonnet to Anne & Mary parallel says running away to China / retiring makes you want to kill each other - burn it all down and go back to piracy. Stede rightfully points out prior retirement plans were whims. Edward gets sick of the penance sack after a day and puts his leathers back on to go try "poison into positivity". But also claims to be an innkeeper (look - two whole mentions!) when trying not to send children to be pirates after teaching them important knife skills.

Killing Ned Low is a serious, bad thing that prompts ill-advised sex and then going hardcore into retirement mode - leathers overboard, talk about mermaid fantasy, get retirement blessings from Izzy, end up dumping Stede for a fishing job instead of talking about how he's enjoying piracy. The fishing job, however, is also a bad thing and a stupid decision because Edward is a lazy freeloader fantasizing about being a better person. We have an uncomfortable, extended scene of "Pop-Pop" weirdly echoing his abusive dad and then sending Edward to go do what he's good at - disassociate, brutally murder two guys, fish up the leathers, rise as the Kraken from the sea. He continues with comically efficient murder but also he's reading Stede's love letters and seeking to reunite with him so... wait, is this a good thing? Post makeout / mass slaughter he's trading compliments on his kills with Zheng so. Yeah. Looks like it. Murder is fine.

Wait, no, skip ahead and Izzy is dying and Edward suddenly cares a whole lot as Izzy makes his death scene about freeing Edward from Blackbeard. Now being a pirate was "encouraging the darkness" because Izzy - a guy who had little to no influence over Edward's behavior - just couldn't let Blackbeard go. Murder is bad again, and he is freed. Minus the little detail that the murder he explicitly hates himself over was not related to Blackbeard or piracy whatsoever, so presumably haunts "just Ed" still. Anyway he's retiring to run an inn with Stede now, as the "loving family" Izzy comforted him with in his dying moments sails away from the couple that can best be described as the antagonists of their S2 arc. Also Edward implicitly wants to get married. It's been 3 days since making out was "too fast". He's still wearing the leathers.

So most of the way through Act 2 and Edward's barely on speaking terms with anyone but Stede, who he has once again hung his entire life on really fast? Crushing guilt leads to self-hatred leads to mass murder and suicide, but only if he's upset so just avoid that. He's still regularly idealizing Stede as a non-fucked up golden mermaid person (that maybe he personally ruined a bit) because he barely knows the guy. His only progress on his future is "pirate" crossed out / rewritten / crossed out again a few times, "fisherman" crossed out, and "innkeeper ?"

Just.

Where is the forward movement?

It's not just that the inn will undoubtedly fall apart - it's that the inn will fall apart for the near-exact same reasons that China was going to at the beginning of Act 2, and I can't point to anything they've learned in the time since that will help them. I guess Stede realized he loved Edward enough to chase after him, but that was in S1! They should be further than this by now. You can't cram another crisis backslide, all the Act 2 development, and the full Act 3 climax into one season. Certainly not without it feeling like the characters magically fix themselves.

If they just fail and keep blindly stumbling into the same issues because they don't change their behavior, then Act 2 doesn't work. You're just repeating the turning point between Act 1 & Act 2 on a loop.

---

Where Did They Fuck Up?

Actually... lets start on what they did right.

The one consistent aspect of S2 that I praised and still think was done well in a vacuum (despite being mostly left out of the finale) was the crew's union-building arc.

With only 8 episodes and more to do in them than S1, side characters were going to get pinched even if the main plot was absolutely flawless. That was unavoidable. With budget cuts / scheduling issues, we regularly have crew members simply vanish offscreen outside of one scene, meaning cohesive arcs for your faves was not likely. Not to say they couldn't have done better - my benefit of the doubt for the TealOranges breakup and Oluwande x Zheng dried up about when I realized he was literally just her Stede stand-in for the parallel - but something like Jim's revenge plot from S1 was realistically not on the table without, like, turning half the crew into seagulls to afford it.

The union building works around this constraint really well. They turn "the crew" into the side arc, and then weave Izzy's beats in so that they aren't just about Izzy. The breakup boat crew working together to comfort each other and protect him turns them into a unit, and Stede's crew taking it upon themselves to address the trauma vibes while the captains aren't in the way solidifies it across all our side characters. The crew goes to war with Stede's cursed coat and wins, they Calypso their boss to throw a party, and they capitalize on a chance to make bank with an efficiency Stede could only dream of.

We don't get specific arcs, but Frenchie, Jim, and Oluwande are defaulted to as leaders in just about every situation, and Roach is constantly shown sharing his inventions with different characters. Individuals can dip in and out without feeling like the sideplots stutter. Any sense of community in S2 is coming from this arc - even if there are cracks at the points where it joins to other storylines (Stede and Edward, Zheng, etc.)

So why does it work? Well, because it's a workplace comedy, and you can tell they are familiar with working on those. They know where the beats are. They know where to find the humor. They know how to build off of S1 because they made sure the bones were already there - an eclectic group of individuals that start as just coworkers, but bond over time in the face of their struggle against an inept boss who they grow to care for and support while maintaining an increasingly friendly antagonism because, you know, inept boss.

OFMD does its best work in S2 when it's being true to its original concept... and its worst work when it seemingly loses confidence in its own premise.

"The show is the relationship," right? It's a romance set in a workplace comedy. The setup of Act 1 was all about creating a character-driven narrative. So given that... where the hell are we getting the dying of piracy and a war against the English Navy?

That's not a character-driven romcom backdrop, it's an action-adventure plot from Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails. It's plot-driven, creating an antagonistic force that results in your characters' problems. Once the story is about the fight against the Empire, the dramatic question becomes the same as those adventure stories - "Will the British Navy defeat piracy, and will our protagonists come out the other side of the battle?"

Forget the wedding. The wedding is no longer the climax of the story, its back to the happy ending flash our romantic subplot gets after winning this fight.

Except, of course, trying to pivot your story to a contradictory dramatic question near the end of Act 2 can be nothing short of a disaster, because either you were writing the wrong story until now, or you've completely lost the plot of the real one. I shouldn't even be trying to figure out if they are doing this, because it should be so obvious that they wouldn't.

And yet.

What do the Zheng and Ricky plots add to the story if not this? Neither of these characters have anything emotionally to contribute to Stede and Edward - they truly are plot elements. It's a hard break from the S1 antagonist model, but it also takes up a lot of valuable screentime. This was considered important, but still Zheng's personality and motivation only gets explored so far as it's an Edward-Stede-Izzy parallel with Oluwande and Auntie, and they only need the parallel for Izzy's genre-jumping death scene. Which follows a thematically out-of-left-field speech about how piracy is about belonging to something good (workable) and how Ricky could never destroy their spirits (um...?). And then David Jenkins is pointing to it and saying things about "the symbolic death of piracy" and speculating S3 might be about the crew getting "payback"??? An idea floated by Zheng right before our temporary retirement, btw.

Fuck, the final episode of S2 didn't have time for our main couple to talk to each other because it was so busy dealing with the mass explosion of Zheng's fleet and Ricky's victory gloat. We get lethal violence associated with traumatic flashbacks until they need to cut down enemy mooks like it's nothing, at which point we get jokes with Zheng. The Republic of Pirates is destroyed outright, and it feels like they only did it because they got insecure about their "pirate story" not having the right kind of stakes. Don't even get me started on killing a major character because "Piracy’s a dangerous occupation, and some characters should die," as if suspending disbelief on this aspect makes the story somehow lesser, instead of just being a fairly standard genre convention in comedy. Nobody complains about Kermit the Frog having an improbably good survival record.

Did someone tell them that the heroes have to lose a battle near the end of Act 2, so they scrambled to give them one?

Just... compare the wholly plot-driven struggle in 2x08 to Stede and Edward's character-focused storylines in 1x10 and tell me how 2x08 is providing anything nearly as valuable to the story. Because I can't fucking find it.

At best they wasted a bunch of time on a poorly integrated adventure plot as, like, Zheng's backstory or something, and just fucked it up horribly by trying to "step up" the kind of plot they did for Jim. In which case the whole thing will be awkwardly dropped but damage is done. Otherwise, they actually thought they could just casually add a subplot like this because they've done something wildly stupid like think "pirate" is a genre on the same level as "workplace comedy" and can just trample in-universe coherency while you draw on other media to shore up their unsupported beats.

Bringing us to the most infuriating bit...

---

"...end the second season in a kinder spot."

If this was the goal, the entire season was written to work actively against it in way that is baffling and incompetent.

The really ironic thing is that the reason that the Act 2 part typically gets a downer ending is because of the evil empire that OFMD did not have to deal with until they pointlessly added it. A plot-driven story has an antagonistic force - a villain - that the heroes need to defeat. Something external working against them. The story ends when they beat the thing, and it's not much of a climax if they do most of the defeating before you get there. Ergo, they have to be outmatched up to the climax. Ergo, the second part cannot end on them feeling pretty comfortable and confident going into the third.

The same rules do not apply in the same way to a character-driven arc.

We already established Edward and Stede declaring their love is not the end of the story. Nor, necessarily, is both of them confidently entering a relationship. Even once they've developed a bunch they will have to show that development by running into the kinds of problems that would have broken them up before and resolving them better.

David Jenkins keeps talking about this idea that S2 is getting a hopeful open ending and S3 will get into potential problems, and like... I don't see any reason why they couldn't have done that successfully. They didn't, but they could've.

If S2 grew them enough as characters and then had them agree to try again in the last minute of the finale, they absolutely could have had a kind and hopeful ending where you were confident they could do it. And then a potential S3 can show that. It's a bit rockier than they were counting on, but they have learned enough lessons to not break up. And then the overall plot can build to proposal (start of Act 3) and wedding (the romantic climax). It doesn't have to be a blow out fight to be emotionally cathartic.

(Hell, the main rockier bit that they overcome in the S3 Act 2 portions could be marriage baggage. I'm sure they both have some. It would work.)

In the same way focusing on our character's long term flaws and character-driven conflict makes an Act 1 "happy ending" more difficult, I suspect it makes an Act 2 "happy ending" easier.

Instead they wrote an Act 2 that failed to convincingly start development and got confused on its direction, and then presented a rushed finale ending in a copy of the predictable disaster from S1 as though it's a good thing. They yanked the story at least temporarily into an awkward place where a romcom is trying to sell me on a bunch of serious drama / adventure beats that it has not put the work into, and inviting comparisons to better versions of those same beats in other, more suited media that make it look worse. The need to portray everyone as reaching happy closure overrules sitting with a major character death and using it for any narrative significance, while still letting it overshadow those happy endings because a romcom just sloppily killed a major character with a wound they've literally looked into the camera and said was harmless.

If I'm being entirely honest, Dead Man's Chest ends effectively at Jack Sparrow's funeral and then cuts to the British Navy obtaining a weapon of mass destruction, and it still feels kinder and more hopeful just because I leave with more faith the characters are actively capable of and working toward solving their problems.

OFMD S2, in contrast, has half-convinced me our main couple would live in a mutually obsessed, miscommunication-ridden horror story until they die.

---

Additional Reading

Normally I link stuff like this in the post, but that requires more excitement than I'm feeling right now. Here's my alternative:

Where I thought they were going with Edward - really outlines the mountain of character development they still have unaddressed

Where I thought they were going with Izzy - touches on a lot of themes that might be dead in the water & also context that's still probably relevant to why Izzy got a lot of focus in S2

My scattershot 2x08 reactions

An ask where I sketched out the bones of this argument, and another where I was mostly venting about the fandom response

This one, this other one, and this last one (read the link in op's post too) about genre shifts and failure to pull them off

The trauma goes in the box but it never opens back up - the whole point of Act 2 is that they needed to start opening shit like that - and also they focus so much on needed character growth and so little on following through

They can't even carry through on character growth that we got last season???

Why Izzy's death feels like Bury Your Gays ran smack into shitty writing

EDIT: Oh and this post is REALLY good for outlining the lack of change in way less words than I did

#our flag means death #ofmd #ofmd s2 #ofmd s2 spoilers #ofmd meta #three act structure #character arcs #blackbonnet #genre #blackbeard ofmd #stede bonnet ofmd #my meta #ladyluscinia #ofmd critical

258 notes · View notes