#like 8 people have lost their life savings from betting on arthur

[thatgaywizardoverthere]

Like Arthur Pendragon, I too have a single brain cell and this is what it made today

[wouldpollyapprove]

Don’t Go

Summary: Y/n and Arthur’s relationship wasn’t one that anyone talked about, she was married and he was a Peaky Blinder. As forbidden as the romance seemed, they loved each other more than they could ever express. But what was unknown to everyone, was that Y/n’s marriage was no bed of roses and life at home was a nightmare. That comes to light, though, when she shows up at Polly’s all black and blue.

Request: Can you write one with Arthur - 8, fluff from the prompt list? Where Arthur is the one asked to stay, him having thoughts of being incapable to calm somebody else while being emotional himself in the situation.

Requested by @kotkameow

Arthur Shelby x Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

Warnings: language, domestic abuse

A/n: This turned out real well, not as long as I wanted it to be but I’m happy nonetheless. Requests for oneshots are still closed but feel free to request gif imagines, headcanons, and/or prefrence. I should have those out quickly.

Masterlist

Blood poured out of the cut in her lip, the room spinning around her while she tried to push herself off the floor. She winced once weight was put on her feet, the adrenaline that had been in her system moments ago dwindling. 

Only an hour ago she had returned home from work. And only an hour ago her life hadn’t been complete hell. 

Y/n worked at the Shelby’s betting shop, mostly doing numbers as she had always been good at math. It wasn’t an ideal job in her mind, but once her husband lost his job at the bank, she was forced to find work to stay afloat. You would never hear her complain though. 

Working for the Shelby’s had its ups and downs, but she loved the job. Perhaps it was the fact that it kept her busy or perhaps it was the fact that she’d developed a rather personal relationship with her boss’s brother. But no matter, it was always better to be anywhere than home. 

Y/n’s husband wasn’t a violent man when she first married him. He was gentle, but never very loving. His work, his money, always meant more to him than anything in the world. Jim came from a wealthy family, one linked to the long-gone French monarchy, but that didn’t make him a gentleman. Y/n wasn’t aware of what her husband had done, but he’d done something bad enough to get him stripped of all his family’s money. So, he practically hoarded all the money that came into the house. Once he lost his job though, that’s when things started to go downhill. 

The first time he raised a hand to her was when their plumbing needed repairing and it cost more than Jim liked. What was Y/n to do, though? She wanted running water and didn’t care how much it would cost. But Jim cared. He always cared about the money that was spent and made sure Y/n knew it. Her husband became so angered by her spending, mostly over household items, that she started to save away a quarter of her paycheck to buy things that she needed for the house. 

It had never been bad, though. A bruise on her arm or cheek that would fade in a day. It was never more than that. His violent bursts were easy to conceal under the sleeve of a dress or a bit of vouge and for that she was thankful. She never wanted people to look at her, pity in their eyes, for what she dealt with at home. Y/n knew she was one of the lucky ones. Most women with abusive husbands had more wounds than she. She also knew that luck always ran out, just never expected her’s would run out so soon.

But one day, Jim had completely lost it. 

Being a fool, he thought it a great idea to put all his money in during a game of poker. Jim wasn’t one to gamble, he knew nothing when it came to cards, yet he wanted to test his luck. Turns out the man was clean out and ended the game with a few small coins to his name. When he came home, Y/n was cleaning the kitchen, about to start dinner when he started yelling at her. 

Leaning against the kitchen table, Y/n brought a shaking hand up to her lip, moving it away to see blood-covered fingers. She sighed as tears started to roll down her cheeks. What was she supposed to do now? Jim had stormed out of the house once he was finished beating her, but she knew he would return, likely drunk. 

In fear of his return, Y/n fetched her coat and slipped out the front door. Her face was black and blue, she knew, with cuts littering it from the rings Jim wore and that was likely how the rest of her body looked. She couldn’t look, though, not at the damage done. It made her feel weak, trapped in an unhappy marriage that would probably end in blood.

Y/n didn’t care much about her appearence once out on the streets of Birmingham. It was near 7 o’clock, most people would be in their homes, so she didn’t really care who saw her stumble down the street. Those on the street were men getting heading to the factories or children scavenging for food. None of them would even bother to glance at her, let alone ask any questions.

Anywhere was safer than home,she repeated the words like a mantra. Over and over to help calm her down. 

It was starting to get cold, a slight breeze sweeping between the buildings when Y/n came upon Polly’s house. She didn’t want to be a burden on anyone, but she was freezing and exhausted, home was far behind her and she refused to turn back. Her knuckles brushed against the door, fear bubbling up over the fact Polly might be home. After a minute or two, she heard shuffling and then the sound of a lock click before the door opened to expose the home’s owner. 

“Y/n,” Polly exclaimed, looking the girl over. Shock in her eyes, she frowned. “Come inside-” she grabbed her by the arm and gently pulled her in. Once inside with the door shut behind them, Polly finally asked, “What happened?”

Y/n shook her head, not willing to expose the secret she’d kept so guarded. Polly gave her a sympathetic smile and guided her into a chair at the kitchen table. The older woman then put on a pot of water and grabbed two cups out of the cupboard. 

“How long has this been going on?” she asked, pouring the hot tea into the cups.

She bit her lip, tears threatened to spill once again, taking a cup out of Polly’s outstretched hand. “A while, I guess.” A sigh escaped her after taking a sip of the warm beverage. “It’s never been this bad, though.” She choked on her words, a single tear sliding down her cheek. “But it’s always been over money.”

Polly shook her head, men were the downfall of the world. “Does Arthur know?”

“No.”

God, he was the last person she wanted to know, but the first person she wanted to run to. She couldn’t risk him seeing her in a different light, though. Seeing her as weak and small. Y/n was more than that she knew but didn’t appear that way covered in bruises. What would Arthur do anyway? He would only want to kill Jim, not what Y/n was looking for at that moment. 

“Let’s clean you up, dear,” she said tenderly, reminding Y/n of her mother. 

Standing up, Polly grabbed a washcloth and turned the faucet on, once tamp she wrung it out and brought it to the table. “It’s gonna sting, okay?” Y/n nodded before Polly placed the damp cloth against her skin, wiping the dried blood away. The two fell into peaceful silence before the front door opened, hitting the wall, and loud voices carried down to the kitchen. 

“I don’t see why I can’t,” John grumbled loudly, entering the kitchen. He was the first to lay eyes on the pair of women, quickly falling silent. Tommy and Arthur were right behind him, bumping into their younger brother, too involved in their conversation to see what had to stop him. 

“Fucking move,” Tommy shouted at him, shoving him out of the way. He was about to yell once more before his eyes fell on Y/n and the bruises that covered her face. 

Then Arthur saw her.

He didn’t say anything as he looked her over. He didn’t know what to say. His eyes quickly found something else to look at as Y/n made eye contact with him. Shame and embarrassment were evident in her eyes.

“What happened?” Tommy inquired, coming closer to the table. 

Polly stood, facing her nephew. “Nothing, now go. Out,” she tried to wave them out of the room.

John nodded, motioning to his brothers that he would be outside. It didn’t look like something he wanted to be involved in just yet, especially if Polly didn’t want them in the house. That woman was scary and he knew better than his brothers to make his aunt angry.

“That means you two as well,” Polly pointed at Tommy and Arthur. “Out.”

Tommy sighed and told Polly that they’d talk bout it later. “Come one, Arthur.” He patted his brother’s shoulder as he passed by him. 

Arthur turned to follow his brother outside when a hand clasped around his wrist. The man turned, hair falling in front of his eyes, to see Y/n looking up at him with tears in her eyes. 

“Stay. Please,” her voice was hoarse when she spoke, instantly reaching for her cup of tea when she finished.

Arthur just stood there, frozen. He had never been good with his own emotions, so how was he supposed to help someone with their own? Y/n looked like shit, worse than shit actually. But what could he do? What did she want him to do? The two were intimate but it never went further than bedroom activities. He wanted it to be more than that but she was married. 

“I-I,” he stuttered, unsure of what he should be doing. Tommy gave up waiting for his brother and went out to see where John went. 

Polly walked over to her nephew, handing him the washcloth. “Help clean her up, okay? She’ll be fine, you just gotta help her.”

He nodded, taking the cloth from her. Kneeling in front of Y/n, he took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “I got you, Y/n, I got you.”

Y/n gave him a weak smile as Polly left the room to give them some privacy. “I know.”

“Did Jim do this to you?” he asked, anger starting to build up. Arthur took a deep breath, doing his best to calm himself down. The last thing Y/n needed was for him to get angry.

She looked away, instead focusing on her cup of tea. 

“It’s okay, love.” He dapped a small cut under her lip. “You should have told me.”

Leaning into his touch, she nodded. “I don’t wanna go home, Arthur. I can’t.”

His heart broke at her plea. He never wanted to hear her so broken. Y/n was always the happiest person at the shop, never had he expected her to ever be in this position. “You can stay with me if you want.”

She nodded, “I’d like that very much.”

Arthur tossed the washcloth on the table and wrapped her in an embrace, kissing her forehead. “I’ll make sure this never happens ever again.”

*~~*~~*

Let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist.

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[michaelgrayyy]

One of us (8)

Michael Gray x Reader/ Peaky Blinders x Reader

Master list - https://michaelgrayyy.tumblr.com/masterlist

Aberama hangs out on the side of the car as we near our destination, the further into the countryside the more Michael seemed to sulk. You keep looking over at him feeling his eyes on you as you sit beside Bonnie facing him while Bonnie faces Polly. Polly gets out first followed by Bonnie, who turns to help you down and then you turn back to help Michael but decide against it seeing his expression. You step out onto the woodland floor looking around, it made you miss your cottage, you hoped you’d be able to get back there when this was over, whenever that was. 

“No! No, fucking way” you hear Michael complain from behind you and Polly meets your eyes, you stifle a giggle quickly covering your mouth and keeping your back to him. 

“You ever eaten Hedgehog Michael?” Aberama asks seeing his reaction and you can’t contain the giggle that leaves you. You look back at Michael who sends you a glare before carrying on.

“I’m getting back in this car” he states pulling a cigarette out to smoke 

“Michael, you’re number two on Luca Changretta’s hit list” she looks at me. “Well maybe three” she debates before carrying on. 

“Yeah and I’ll stay in a hotel, we’ll stay in a hotel right, y/n?” he says trying to get you to side with him but you just raise your hands showing him you aren’t getting involved.

“You stay in a hotel, I’ll know where you are, so will the people who take you there, so will the people who work in the hotel, and hotels don’t move around. They don’t even know where they’ll be tomorrow, they follow the Patrin and the crows.” Polly argues back to him, silencing him. He knows she's right he just hates to admit it. 

“And should anyone come for you, Michael, the Palmers and the Boswells will put up a fair fight” Aberama adds as Polly gets Michael medicine.

“Why are they talking as if you aren't coming with me, y/n?” he asks with a clenched jaw. Oh boy! 

“I’ve got unfinished business with the Italians”

“And I don’t?” he snaps back instantly pissing you off. 

“Right now, you don't.” you reply as Polly continues to go through his medicine looking between you both. 

“Your painkiller..” Polly says passing them to Bonnie.

“The healers up there, will heal you much quicker” 

“It's true, pretty sure I’d be dead without them healing me after getting me from Luca” I add trying to reassure him but Michael just looks over at you annoyed. 

“Fucking witches, the lot of them” Michael grumbles earning a chuckle of Aberama who shakes his head at him.

“Show some respect, Mr. Gray. They’ve agreed to welcome you on account of your blood” Bonnie replies to him, you shake you head at Michael as he glares back at Bonnie not responding. You walk away getting yourself in the carriage, with the help of the men at the steps, having heard enough of Michaels complaining. Soon Bonnie joins you and not long after Michael joins you as well, you blow a kiss to Polly as the door shuts and she smirks.

“Will you quit sulking. These people are risking their lives to protect you” you break the silence after so long having had enough of his moping. Bonnie looks over before quickly looking back out the window guessing this is heading for an argument. 

“Why are you coming with us if you aren’t staying?” he asks changing the subject.

“Because I thought you’d help you settle in, clearly that was poor judgment on my behalf.” you reply

“How are you going to get back to Small Heath?”

“Bonnie has a boxing match tonight, I’m going” you reply and Michael starts to work his jaw again so you turn the conversation to Bonnie. “You ready for your fight?” you call out to Bonnie who walks back over to sit down with you both.

“Sure am” he replies.

“Have you met Goliath yet?” he nods with a smirk. “Are you worth betting on?”

“Mr. Shelby seems to think so” he replies.

“Honestly, I can’t tell if Tommy is a genius or mad” you state. “But, I reckon you’re a good bet” 

It's not long till the cart is pulled up and Bonnie opens the door, telling you that you’ll need to start making a move back to Small Heath in an hour before he walks off to help the others set up their camp. This is only a temporary camp until they make it to their main base, a part of you felt a bit gutted you wouldn’t get to see it but you needed to get back. You turn round motioning for Michael to come with you as you step outside, he reluctantly follows you both walk over to a fallen tree. He sits down and you slowly lower yourself next to him closing your eyes as you do.

“Still bad isn't it?” he asks watching your movements. 

“I’ve had more fun” you respond. “Look, Michael I know you aren’t happy about this. But, please try and be nice to them, they are part of your heritage whether you like it or not and they are good people. This is better than you being shot again...we’ve already lost John” you plead with him and he softens ever so slightly before sighing.

“Alright, alright. I'll try, but I don’t like this.” he agrees mostly just trying to shut me up but I'll take it. “You and Gold’s son are awfully friendly” he tries to sound nonchalantly about it but fails miserably. 

“He did save my life by getting me away from Luca, that's a good way to become my friend in my book.” you reply with a shrug before looking at him as he looks ahead of him with a hard expression. “Are you jealous?” you ask with a  smirk. 

“It was just a question, y/n” he replies in a clipped tone and your smirk grows into a cocky smile.

“You are!” you exclaim with a little laugh.

“I’m just being cautious is all, not like you who just befriends anyone and everyone” he replies and your smile fades.

“Is there a reason you are trying to provoke an argument every-time you speak to me?” you question running out of patience with his mood. He doesn’t respond just pulls out a cigarette to smoke, he takes a drag before you reach over taking it from his lips and taking a drag yourself. You both let out a sigh as a peaceful quiet settles amongst you both.

“As much as I hate to admit it, I do miss the fresh air” he says breathing in and you laugh watching him puff on the cigarette.

“What were your family like?” you ask him and he pauses before realising you are talking about his adopted family. That’s how you pass the time until you need to leave, Michael tells you about climbing trees and playing games with his little brother, about the pies and cakes his mum would make and how he used to help his father around the house doing jobs like cutting logs and fixing up the sheds. You smile as he talks not seeing this side of him before, part of you wishes he never came back to Polly so he could still be there but then you remember the stories of him blowing up the village wishing well and the priest and you know he would have come sooner or later. 

Bonnie walks over to tell you its time to leave and you nod at him as he stands away so you can speak privately to Michael again, you lean over placing a kiss to him lips, you pull away looking him in the eyes with a serious glare. 

“You stay alive, alright” you tell him

“You too, no running at guns or getting kidnapped. Deal?” he replies and you roll your eyes with a smirk. 

“Deal” you agree as he kisses you quickly again before you get up off the tree walking over to join Bonnie. “Ready” you tell him as he nods.

“We’ve got a short walk until we get to where my father is picking us up, is that okay?” he asks looking at me apologetically. 

“That’s okay” you reply walking alongside him, feeling better for the fresh air. 

///////

Its a few hours later when you walk down the stairs wearing a emerald sparkling dress alongside, Polly, Linda and Lizzie ready for the big fight, Ada also joins as you go try find Finn in the crowd, you try to spot Tommy but he’s nowhere in sight. Looking back where the girls were you see they've also all moved, great, at least you know they’ll be in the toilet as you head that way. You walk in to see  Linda setting out a line beside Polly and Ada at the sinks, while Lizzie is across the other side. 

“Ah, good. Y/n, we’ve been looking for you, Lizzie’s got some news” Polly greets you as you walk in, Ada turns seeing you and smiles brightly at you before noticing your pained movements. 

“I’m pregnant” Lizzie announces.

“Oh, and who’s the father? Have you managed to narrow it down?” Linda comments before taking a line of snow at the same time you let out a little squeal walking over to Ada to give her a hug not being able to resist. She grins at you carefully hugging you back as she raises her eyebrows at you at Linda’s comment. 

“Yes. It's Tommy’s” Lizzie responds and you notice a glass of gin on the counter taking a swig.

“Congratulations. You’ve won the raffle at last” Linda remarks and you ignore her going over to give Lizzie a hug and kiss on the cheek. 

“Congratulations, Lizzie” you say sincerely as Linda rolls her eyes you just glare back at her. Lizzie, Linda and Polly head back in as you stay behind with Ada, she sits on the counter as she asks how you are not having seen you since you were taken by the Italians. 

“It makes you tougher” she says and you nod

“It’s the only thing it can do in this line of life” you reply as she agrees, you pull out a hip-flask of whisky passing it her after you take a swig. She fixes the rest of her make up before heading back out the door, you stay behind gathering yourself, just enjoying the peace and quiet before you have to go anywhere. Taking some of your painkillers alongside the whisky, walking outside ready to carry on watching the fight when you hear a gunshot followed by Tommy yelling in the hallway not far from you. You head off in the direction rushing not caring about the pain in your ribs, you round the corner seeing Polly up ahead being held by Tommy. He looks up noticing you and they both turn.

“What? what's going on?” you manage to say

“Arthurs dead. He’s dead” Tommy says coming over to you

“What no, he's not. Stop this” you say trying to shove past him “HE’S NOT” you yell out trying to hit out to get him away from you. He hold onto you until you stop fighting him, you push back from him walking back. He follows after you.

“Polly, go tell Linda” he shouts back rushing behind you as you run through the halls.  “We need to tell Finn” you call out to him before trying to weave your way through the crowd, its not use everyone is jumping around excited about the win in the ring, Tommy grabs onto you pulling you with him over to Finn. Finn smiles at you both patting Tommy on the back for his win, but Tommy grabs onto him pulling him close to whisper to him, you see his face drop as Tommy pushes him away towards Isiah. Tommy goes over to tell Lizzie before disappearing off again and you try get over to Charlie (old) in the ring beside Aberama and Bonnie but the crowd is too lively. Charlie see’s you struggling through the crowd and jumps out to come help you get through, he gets you to the side of the ring and you look over seeing Polly and Lizzie with a sobbing Linda.

“Arthur’s dead” you say to Charlie who looks at you in confusion before Tommy jumps up into the ring firing a gun in the air. He tells the crowd Arthur is dead before crouching down as he takes a breath, Charlie quickly rushes over up into the ring and you walk over to the girls, Lizzie stands up pulling you into a hug. 

///

The next few days pass by in a blur you find yourself permanently glued to the bar stool in the Garrison, joined mostly by Finn and Isiah. It’s not like your usual drinks where they’d try and pick up girls while you’d dodge the advances of men that didn't realise who you were, no this was just drinking with the intent of numbing it all. You don’t remember how but you some how end up sat in the family home beside a silent Tommy, Ada and Polly waiting for Michael’s arrival. You’re heart breaks even more when they tell you the plan, but you nod having guessed bits off it all along, but not wanting to believe it.You hear him walk in the door and see Polly walk over to greet him but you don’t move, just sat swirling the cup of Tea Ada made you. Micheal walks over to you squeezing your shoulder in comfort as he looks to Tommy. 

“Tommy, I’ve been trying to find the words” Michael says and you get up walking over to the drinks section.

“Don’t. Words don’t work” Polly cuts him off as you pour a glass of whisky. “Micheal we’re in a grave situation. But, Tommy has a plan. Instead of going to Australia you're going to go to New York.”

“Why?” he asks in shock

“Because the company has business to attend to in America” Ada responds, Michael looks over at you and then to Tommy, the only two not to speak to him yet. 

“Will I be coming back?”

“You’re train leaves in an hour Michael.” Tommy breaks the silence. “You made a choice. You knew I was going to be shot and you chose not to tell me” Michael looks over to Polly. 

“I chose my mum” he responds.

“When all this business is over, we’ll all be free to make our own choices” Polly says to him with tears in her eyes, you wipe away some of your own that have managed to slip.

“So is that it?” Michael asks looking at the back of Tommy. 

“You get the train to Liverpool then the SS Monroe. The boat sails tomorrow.” He passes him the tickets “Now you can go”. 

“Y/n?” he looks over at you and you bite your lip.

“Please just go” you plead wiping some more tears. “Please” you croak out and he closes his eyes in regret before turning to leave. 

[bluescarfvivi]

A Taste of Christmas!

Merry Christmas @talifu! 

I’m you’re Secret MSA Santa for @msaholidayspirits! You wanted some fluffy, slice-of-life, wholesome goodness with the team? I got you covered! This is the first year I decided going with a fic! Change it up a bit and try something new! I hope you enjoy it, and have a fantastic holiday season!! 

Briiiing! Briiing!

Briiing! Briiing!

Briiing! Briiing! 

“Nggggh...just five more minutes...I gotta...take the potions...to the village elder…for exchange….exotic breads…” 

“Vivi!” 

Something warm and wet wiped across her cheeks instantly waking the bluenette up from her mumblings. “What!? What...I’m here. ‘M...here, I’m awake...” Somewhat. Her eyes held a stark heaviness, slowly blinking and shutting closed on occasion. “Wh...what’s so...you’re so loud...why..” 

“You slept through your alarm Vivi! Three times!”    

No answer.

“...you do understand what day it is, right?” 

“Mmmis jus’...another...day off for me…” Vivi tossed onto her other side snaking an arm around a very blue, very worn stuffed turtle plush. “M’fine…” 

Mystery sighed. Goodness this girl didn’t even realize why he provoked her. He jumped up on the bed, landing on top of the slow-breathing mound. Two paws massaged the sleeping creature beneath the sheets. “Vivi, it is Christmas. I believe you had plans with the others today involving-”

“HOLY SHIT, WAIT YOU’RE RIGHT!” Why didn’t it click?! It’s one of her favorite holidays! The sudden outburst sent the poor dog tumbling off the bed, but thankfully Mystery timed it so he landed on his feet. Vivi threw the covers off (poor Mystery couldn’t react in time when the sheets descended upon him) and ran to her closet. Most of her clothes lay haphazardly or shoved towards the sides in massive, dirty clumps. She saved a specific outfit just for today. After counting through several hangers, Vivi violently heaved the festive garment off its hanger. It looked as if Jolly Old Saint Nicholas literally used all his magic to make the most appropriately, most disgustingly festive, handknit outfit. Handknit too, and paired with bright dark green stockings. 

“What time is it? What time is it!?” There wasn’t any time to check the clock, nor anytime to waste dawdling in the bathroom. A quick splash of soapy water on her face, a healthy dab of deodorant under her arms, and she called it clean. Now to slip on the dang outfit. She flipped the Christmas dress over her head struggling to shove the material past her chest. One little wiggle after another and the rest fell into place. Two arms through each sleeve, a simple fix near the hem, a onceover in the full body mirror and she looked set to jingle some bells! 

“We still have plenty of time before your arrangement at the Kingsmens.” Mystery trotted in with a sheet in tow, and a Santa hat clutched in his mouth. “I doubt Arthur or Lance won’t you give you much trouble if you arrive just a few minutes late.” 

“I still have to put everyone’s gifts in my bag.” Vivi scurried out of the bathroom back to her bedroom. Over on her desk were neatly wrapped gifts, decorated in various colors and tied together with small bows. Each color seemed to represent a certain person, some were rather small while a few took an extra coating of wrapping paper. She did her best! That’s what she figured. “Come on Mystery. Help me find my purse. I thought I had it on my chair!” 

Mystery sighed. “Alright, just don’t get yourself too much in a tizzy.” It had to be somewhere in her room. He remembered seeing it draped on the back of her desk chair, but now it was covered in one of her bed blankets. He grabbed it with his mouth and pulled it off, with no sign of the item in question. Maybe it got lost in the sea of covers? He nosed into the pile, sticking his head further in until it swallowed him whole. A small lump moved around beneath the pile, and after a few moments his head poked out with a small, deep sea blue purse in his teeth. “Purse found!” 

“Good good good!” Vivi swiped it out, tucking it over her right arm, while her left arm held a brightly colored, green and white paper bag full of her presents. She looked like a modern day Santa Claus in her outfit minus the blue boots. “No more wasting time. We gotta get over there or else lunch will get cold!” Her room may be in a tattered mess, but that would be a problem for future Vivi. 

Her feet flew down the stairs taking two at a time, then jumped off right near the landing. A solid stance: give it an 8/10 since she did misstep. Her winter coat lay on the coat rack near the door, along with Mystery’s own doggie jacket and leash. She fixed up Mystery first, then pulled the jacket over her Christmas outfit. Everyone would get quite a festive surprise when she showed this off.

Double check everything. Purse. Gift. Outfit. Purse. Mystery. She couldn’t have forgotten Mystery of all people. Er well...scratch that one. “Let’s get going! I bet you Lance whipped up something yummy and delicious for us!” 

“Hopefully I won’t have the intoxicating scent of haggis clogging my nostrils.” Mystery mused. 

It wasn’t the best of days in Tempo. Cloudy and rather chilly. Even if the weather appeared gloomy, it couldn’t halt the joyous cheers and jolly greetings from the residents. Maybe the weather was holding out for something…

-----------

The local mechanic shop came into view. The bright, giant crowned wrench lit up just as usual decorated with garland. A little santa hat topped it all off. The windows were adorned with various strings of flashing colored lights, coupled with dripping icicle lights on the awning. Very festive and inviting. 

“Wow, the icicle drips are new! I couldn’t even grab one of those for the book shop!” Vivi commented while watching the light show. “Duet had to order a set online but they didn’t come until a few days later. Chloe and I managed to hang them up before the store opened.” 

“I’m sure all the little ones enjoyed the festive decorations you two put together.” Mystery nodded with a smile. 

Vivi chuckled. “Alright! It’s time to get our Christmas on!” The duo stepped underneath the awning, and Vivi reached out rapping her hand against the wooden door. No answer, not even muffled voices beyond the doorway. They said they could come by anytime around noon. The bluenette double checked pulling out her cell phone. 12:20PM. Late but not ‘fashionably late’ in her eyes. Another knock still didn’t get them anywhere. 

...until she heard a distance crashing sound. 

“What the…” Vivi moved toward the closest window plastering her face against the glass. She peered inside seeing nothing out of the ordinary. The usual storefront was all she took in, albeit it’d been darkened due to the shop closure for the day. She scanned around the rows of hardware, the front desk, and locked on the low light coming from a doorway. That’s the store entrance to their home, but no signs of anyone. “I can’t see anyone near the back but...you heard that too, right?”

Mystery trotted over standing up on his back two legs so he could take a look inside. “I did...however with this low visibility and the nature of the crash I can’t judge whether it’s something we should be concerned about..” 

“There is a side entrance. Let’s try knocking over there.” 

This wasn’t the usual entrance for customers. It’s like a side-alley back door, where the employees could hang out during their break or needed to take out the trash. Piles of scrap metal and rusty materials lay against the brick walls, creaking here and there in the light breeze. Vivi stepped up the two stone stairs and knocked on his steel frame. “Arthur! Lance! It’s me and Mystery!” There wasn’t a response at first so she tried banging a little harder. “Guys? Is anyone-” 

“VIVI!” 

The door swung open catching Vivi and Mystery by complete surprise. She fumbled down the stairs catching herself on top of the squashed dog. Right in the entrance stood a familiar blonde mechanic. The smile on his square face could brighten any cloudy day. The greens and reds adorned on his sweater complimented the bright red nose taped over his own nose. 

“Heeeeeey Vivi! Uh...sorry for scaring you there!” He offered her a helping hand. “I was about to catch you at the front, but then Lance told me he heard the knocks coming from the side.” 

“That’s okay Artie.” Vivi sighed adjusting the bottom hem of her Christmas dress. “I wasn’t sure whether I should have gone the usual way or try my chances around here.” 

“It’s noooo problem!” Arthur seemed very enthusiastic, and oddly cheery. Maybe it was the Christmas spirit...or he could be hiding whatever that faint trail of smoke billowing in the corner. Something seemed suspicious about that. 

“Well...in any case, we’re sorry for coming here late. I overslept...a bit, but we’re here for a good lunch!” 

“Yeeeeeah, so...about that.” Arthur chuckled nervously. 

“Artie!” The familiar, Scottish drawl of the mechanic shop owner brightened the bluenette’s smile. A shorter man sauntered from behind the taller blonde rubbing a handkerchief over his thick beard. Lance wore a matching sweater, just like Arthur, with a Santa reindeer-horned hat on top. “Why are you letting this lass stand out in the freezing cold!? Bring her in! Come on, Vivi! We’re just about ready to eat!” 

“Thank you Uncle Lance!” Vivi politely bowed, then skipped up the stairs past Arthur’s fumbling expression. 

“Uuuuh Lance, are you sure you...really want to…” 

“Ahhh don’tcha worry there, Artie. The fish may not have come out as perfect as planned, but that’s why we have a backup!” Lance laughed heartily.

“So that was the loud bang I heard, and why you looked in such a titz when you opened the back door.” Vivi commented adding a playful jab at his arm. It wasn’t a big deal or horrible outcome if something didn’t turn out right. Just take Vivi’s own cooking as an example! No one could ever trust what she brought to the table, and Vivi knew it very well. 

“Heh heh...sorry about that.” Arthur shyly smiled and scratched one one his stripped sidebangs. “We really did want to make something special for the holiday, and just for you as well, but…” 

Vivi stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder, accompanied with a small squeeze. “You don’t need to apologize for the flop. These things happen, and as long as I’m spending Christmas with my favorite people in the world I’m happy.” She smiled sweetly. 

Arthur returned the smile with a goofy, toothy grin of his own. “Right...thanks Vi.” With that all cleared up, the blonde seemed to spring back to life. He hopped in front of the doorway leading inside the mechanic’s living quarters. His posture mimicked that of a fancy, snobby butler: puffed out chest, arms tight against his sides, his nose stuck in the air, and his hair slicked back. It sure got the giggles out of Vivi. “Now, madame and monsieur, I do hope you have prepared yourself for quite the luncheon.” His rigid left arm extended towards the door, carefully opening it until it stopped creaking. “Do have yourself a wonderful time~” 

Vivi couldn’t stop giggling but played along with this silly act. She politely bowed to the ‘butler’ and curtsied her dress. “Oh thank you my good sir. How polite and...mannerly you are to such an exquisite lady such as myself.” Even Mystery played along bowing his head. The three joined in a fit of laughter before joining Lance’s round table. 

It was a fantastic lunch: a healthy spread of sandwiches, various flavors of chips, and drinks galore. Galaham and Mystery were treated with scrumptious delights. Vivi may have slipped a few pieces of salami, ham, and of course...roasted chicken into his bowl. Arthur’s little ham-ham was treated to yogurt bites. The tiny hamster munched them all down, and then some. At one point he crawled up Arthur’s pant leg begging and scritching his sweater for more sweet treats. He couldn’t resist those beady, black eyes! 

Jokes were thrown plenty around the table. Arthur stabbed two pickles on two separate forks and used those as tiny feet, while his giant head became the make-believe character’s body. Vivi snorted up a storm which resulted in spewing out fizzy soda through her nostrils. Absolutely gross, but hilarious nonetheless. After the clean up, Arthur brought out one of his prototype catapults. He played ‘fling the meat at the Mystery’ while Vivi offered to help Lance clean in the kitchen. All in all a successful afternoon at the Kingsmens! 

A few hours passed, and once everything was set back to normal Vivi and Arthur grabbed their stuff. It wasn’t too late in the afternoon, but their next destination was a bit of a longer distance. Arthur offered to take the van instead of walking there, and when Vivi stepped outside after soaking in the cozy warmth she immediately agreed. 

“I may be back late Lance, so don’t worry about leaving the back door unlocked.” Arthur patted the smaller man on the shoulder. “I got my keys so everything is fine.” 

“Aye, alrighty then.” Lance nodded, and slapped Arthur on the back. Not too hard but enough force for Arthur to cough once. “Just don’t forget to get yer bum back here in the morning. We got the New Year’s stock coming in and you know how it be like around here right after Christmas.” 

“Oh I know...I know very well.” Arthur shuddered. “Don’t worry, and I won’t go too crazy either.” He stepped outside the back door heading for the bright yellow van. Best to start up the old girl and get her warmed up. 

Vivi took one of Lance’s hands firmly shaking it, then politely bowed once again. “It was a pleasure getting to spend the afternoon with you. I enjoyed the food and the good company. So did Mystery.” The dog chimed in with a playful bark. “Thank you so much for inviting me over.” 

“Aaaaah you know we love having you around here.” Lance smiled warmly. “It warms my beating heart seeing you and Arthur so happy.” He jabbed her on the arm. “Now go and git! The Peppers are waiting for you!” 

Vivi excitedly nodded. “Merry Christmas Lance!” She waved as the two ran out towards the van. The passenger door swung open, letting Vivi easily slide into the seat and Mystery hop into her lap. “Alright Artie! TO PARADISIO!” 

“High ho Silver! Away we go!” 

The van took off across the damp ground, smoothly transitioning to the pavement. It seemed like the clouds drew thicker, and darker too. Did the weather call for snow today?

-----

“Feliz Navidad!” 

The joyous, festive greeting welcomed Arthur, Vivi, and Mystery upon their arrival at the local restaurant. The Peppers shut down for the day in observance, but for those lucky few who personally knew the family it meant the whole place for themselves. Garland adorned across the booth seats, white lights draped down from the ceiling, and on each table were candles of various reds and greens. 

Even the Peppers went all out for the occasion, including their outfits. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper dressed in identical red and white attire complete with matching hats. Were they trying to play off Santa Claus and Mrs.? They looked adorable, but the ones who really stole the show were the little sisters. Green and white striped socks, dark green jackets with a buckle laced over the front, red mittens, and pointed green hats with glued on pointed elf ears! 

“I see you two have quite the helpers on your hands.” Vivi giggled and leaned down admiring the girls’ outfits. Paprika gently pushed herself past Cayenne, who kept picking at a small hole in her left mitten. 

“Mama picksed it out four usssh.” Every time her tongue clicked against her front teeth or she made certain hard sounds, a hissing whistle accompanied. It looked like little Paprika just recently lost a tooth! “I helped pick out thhhhhe mittens…” 

“You did a great job helping out your mama.” Vivi smiled warmly. She patted Paprika on the head, careful not to let the hat fall off. Afterwards she stood back up looking around the empty restaurant. The majority of the Peppers were here to greet them, all except for one. “I thought we’d get to see all the family at the front door but….where’s-” 

“MAMA!” A familiar, baritone voice echoed from the other end of the restaurant. The sounds of running sneakers squeaked on the linoleum flooring, and from the “OUT” door bursted a recognizable, purple-haired boy. “Mama, I just took the pork out of the oven, but I think it may have overcooked!” 

Mrs. Pepper didn’t say a word, but the gleaned seen in her right eye said all. No one could get in her way. Her husband immediately stepped to the side allowing the woman her pathway towards the back kitchen. He followed her just a few feet behind. Lewis held the door open until they disappeared into the unknown. She knew what had to be done. No one else could bother her now. Which meant it was Lewis’ turn for his holiday greeting. 

“Vivi! Arthur!” The larger, broad shouldered member spared no time taking each of his friends in a tight hug. He always gave the best, most squishy hugs! Vivi giggled while attempting her own hug back, but Arthur succumbed to the vice grip letting him shake the mechanic around like a rag doll. They shared their laughs then Lewis broke off, making Arthur gasp for more air. “It’s great having you guys over here again. Sorry I couldn’t swing by your place, Artie.” 

“No..” He spat that out with a cough. “It’s...it’s all good, big guy. We had a...great lunch and I know...you always *COUGH* help out your folks here...”

“Veevee….veevee...veevee….” Belle snuck underneath Lewis’ legs and grabbed hold of a hand. “Come over and see what Santa left us!!” 

“Yeah yeah!!” Joining behind Vivi was the troublemaker of the girls, Cayenne. “Santa left a HUUUUGE haul of gifts this year! He must have known I’ve been extra good.” The smaller girl gently pushed Vivi, and with Belle tugging the bluenette towards the tree what could she do. No way out of this now. 

“Well I think the girls are going to kidnap me for a while. If you need me, I’ll be over in toyland.” 

“No worries Viv!” Lewis chuckled waving her off. It’s heartwarming, as their older brother, how much the little ones enjoyed Vivi’s company. She held this welcoming air, always inviting others into her conversations or going out of her way to make a total stranger smile. Bless her little beating heart. 

“...Hey big guy!” Arthur snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Helloooo, earth to Lewis? You still with me buddy or are you wandering off into space again?” 

“Oh!” It took him a few blinks before his mind wandered back to Earth. “My bad, I was just...surprised the girls could take Vivi before even I had a chance to say Merry Christmas.” 

“Well, you know it’s one of their favorite times of the year, including Vivi herself. Have you seen the outfit she planned? It’s like Christmas threw up all over her!” Not much of a complaint, but more of a blunt truth. Arthur loved her enthusiasm when it came to the holidays. 

Lewis chuckled heartily. “That’s Vivi for you though. When it involves something she loves, or spreading some happiness in this quiet town she goes all out.” He placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder nudging his other arm playfully. “Come on, take your coat off and get warm. Papa made a special hot cocoa blend for today!” 

“Two editions, to be precise!” Mr. Pepper piped up from the kitchen window. “We concocted two special recipes combining the sweetness and rich flavor of chocolate and added a little fiery kick to the batch.” As if he were waiting for this moment, Mr. Pepper brought out two crock pots setting them right below the window. “The one on the left is a chili spiced hot chocolate and the right one is a cinnamon spiced chocolate mix. Add some of our homemade, fluffy marshmallows to the mix and it’s pure delight!” Mrs. Pepper took that cue to slip a small bowl of square-shaped marshmallows on the window counter. Perfect timing! 

“Hmmmm…” Arthur took a moment thinking it over and stroking his maroon goatee. Every time he tried something new here it either ended in his tongue bursting into flames or having a mellow, sweet filled experience. 50/50 shot. He’d bite the bullet. “I think I’ll take a stab at the cinnamon spiced one.” Again, right on cue, a Christmas cup skidded across the window counter. Mrs. Pepper nodded from behind, holding a large ladle on her shoulder then disappearing once again. No other comment from Arthur when he accepted the cup, then scooped about a half-cup worth. He picked a few marshmallows, letting them splash and soak up the hot, sweet liquid. A few ‘huffs’ across the surface and Arthur carefully sipped. 

“They’ve been working on these recipes this past month.” Lewis poked in taking some of the chili based hot cocoa. “My sisters and I were the taste testers. I couldn’t tell you how many batches they worked through until they came up with a finalized product. It’s not the ABSOLUTE final yet, but they need others’ opinions. Our taste buds have gotten used to the flavors by now.”

“Oh..*cough* of course…” Arthur smiled with a nervous chuckle. It’d been one sip but he could feel the kick right in his throat. Delicious yes, but a wake-up call as well. “It’s….*cough*, it’s really good...I’m not dying from it I swear, it’s...really really good with the spice…” 

Time must have passed quickly since their arrival. Mrs. Pepper returned to the front, with Mr. Pepper in tow, leading everyone to the back area of the restaurant. Right through the kitchen and pass the freezers, the Peppers prepared a section of their living quarters for dinner. Various side dishes spread across the table, trays of sliced meats (that pork did come out well) and of course, sweets of all kinds decked out on a table against the wall. That’s what Vivi looked forward to the most. 

The company was lively and boisterous. The Pepper sisters could never sit still in their seats, so they slipped underneath the table at times playing ‘tag’ with Mystery. He kept an eye on them just in case they wound up in any trouble, or plotted causing any too. Such mischievous little girls. Vivi scarfed down everything on her plate, then seconds, and thirds, with a little bit of fourths. Didn’t she already have a big lunch today? How could she be so hungry? 

It’s a mystery Lewis and Arthur never understood, nor did they bother figuring out. 

Arthur talked up a storm about the shop and his new blueprints for the coming year. A working, mechanical arm was his biggest project to date, but it didn’t sound like it’d be easy. Lewis didn’t talk much but laughed and smiled along with the conversations. He enjoyed the warm atmosphere, being around the people he called his family, and having his close friends to spend it with too. 

“Mama! Mama!” After the sweets were eaten and cleared (thanks to Vivi as well), the three little sisters ran into the backroom. Mystery came in tow with a snow covered snout. Paprika ran up to her mother climbing up and sitting in her lap. “Mama mama, itshh shhnowing outshide!”

Everyone scrambled outside. Arthur and Vivi threw their jackets on, Lewis put on a simple coat, and the sisters waltzed outside in their Christmas attire. Sure enough, flaky specks of snow dotted the now blackened night sky. The lights from downtown illuminated off the low hanging clouds making the entire town glow. Combine that with the spots of colored Christmas lights and it made everything look vibrant and colorful. 

“It’s so pretty….” Vivi stared into the sky, eyes lighting up with their own natural glow. “Snow on Christmas Day...who would’ve thought-” 

“INCOMING!!” The sentimental moment came to a screeching halt when a rogue snowball landed right in Vivi’s face. She heard Arthur snickering across the street, and three little squeaks too. So that’s how it would be, wouldn’t it? 

Vivi shook her head, much like a dog, getting rid of the cold, wet snow. “I see you have declared war upon us!” She tucked an arm around Lewis and scooped Mystery into her other arm. “Well, if that’s how it shall be then we will not back down from this battle! Lewis, start piling up snow! Mystery, stand guard and use your small body as a distraction.”

“R-Roger, Captain Vivi!” He broke away and scrambled to start squishing snow into smaller balls. Mystery wiggled free and playfully barked at the girls. Vivi, however, took a chance and scooped up snow in her arms. If they were about to head into battle they would need a solid foundation to keep themselves safe. 

“You’re going down Arthur!” 

Back and forth with the playful, sassy talk. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper watched from the safety of the opened back door. It looked like the snow would continue through the night. The wind and chill could freeze anyone to the bone, unless you were as fired up as these kids. 

Another successful Christmas spent together. What more could anyone here ask for, other than a warm fireplace once the snowballs ceased.

[tiredcowpoke]

TITLE: Wedded Woes [8] PAIRING: Arthur Morgan/Fem!Reader REQUEST: Unprompted. BLURB: Trelawny talked up a big game at a scenic boardinghouse and, playing some newly weds, you and Arthur are paying the price for it. WARNINGS: Some violence and shooting in this one, but nothing overly gore-y. 

You could feel your fingers shaking slightly over the grip, pulling it out at the same speed you did the money and set it on top before removing another fold and placed it on the ground. Hovering your hand over the gun, you looked back up toward Gregory with as much of a neutral expression you could manage. 

“Release my cousin and I’ll remove the rest,” you stated, “You come over here to take it yourself, you’ll be turning your back on Tacitus and I can tell you it’s the last place you want to be.” 

“Sure as the sky’s blue,” Arthur returned, causing Gregory to glance at him out of the corner of his eye before he sighed, glancing back toward you. 

“If he takes a step toward me, I will put a bullet in you.” 

“Then we’ll both be dead,” you stated, “and my cousin and husband will take off with the money. It’s really best that you just do what I say. I don’t want anybody to die, including myself, so I will give you the money back.” 

Gregory hesitated, meeting your gaze for a moment until he let out a sigh, unwinding his grip on Trelawny and shoved him aside toward the door. Though, as he turned slightly to do that, you gripped the gun and raised it up, firing a shot into Gregory’s knee. Instantly, the man buckled with a loud yell, turning and firing a shot toward you that had you throwing yourself fully toward the floor as it hit the wall just above where your head was. Instantly, the room seemed to pick up speed, Arthur charging forward to stomp a foot down on his hand and kicking the gun in his hand toward you. 

You picked it up, quickly gathering the money you set out and closed up the case before rising toward your feet and tossing Arthur the gun he had kicked toward you. 

“Ain’t a soul in here that didn’t hear that,” Arthur stated, Trelawny nodding as he pushed himself a little more upright as he turned to look out into the hallway. 

“No doubt,” he agreed, glancing back toward you, “So, I suggest you take the money and follow me. Quickly.” 

Really, it was hard to tell the level of chaos this whole thing was going to cause, you couldn’t hear anything from downstairs but no doubt someone was going to come up there or make a run for the local law. You tried your best to sidestep Gregory, who lay groaning and cursing on the floor, blood leaking out onto the floors. You, Arthur, and Trelawny all made a mad dash toward the stairs, some yelling hitting your ears but you were really focused on just getting outside into the night. 

Though, movement caught your eye as Agatha tried to step out from a hallway, you raising the gun toward her that stopped her in her tracks. 

“Not worth it, Mrs. Dupoint,” you warned, pausing before the front door, “Go to your husband.” 

“You weasle your way in here--” she started, her voice raised. 

“I shot your husband and I will shoot you, too, believe me,” you stated, “I know a family in town who wouldn’t mind hearing one of you got hurt during this whole thing, let’s keep that number down.” 

“You--” she tried again, before cutting herself off. Eventually, she seemed to back down, making a move to go for the stairs to where Gregory was still suffering his shot leg. You heard Arthur call your name, causing you to glance back toward him as he lingered in the front yard. 

“The hell are you doin’?” he demanded, “Let’s go!” 

You glanced back to see Agatha had turned fully and was moving up the stairs quickly, causing you to lower your weapon and turn to run off into the yard to follow after Arthur and Trelawny. Luckily, it seemed Trelawny had indeed gotten his carriage together, the three of you climbing in before it took off quickly down the path. You kept your gun solidly in your grip, keeping your head on the passing darkness for a few minutes for any lanterns or people riding toward you all. Eventually, things seemed to relax somewhat as there weren't any signs of people following after you. 

“Well that was damn dramatic from start to finish,” Arthur remarked, making you glance toward him. 

“Indeed…” Trelawny said with a short exhale, glancing toward you, “I thought I had said there wasn’t a need for weapons.”

“I don’t go into any job without at least one,” you said, “Learned that as a kid and it’s been the same since.” 

“Saved your life,” Arthur returned, “Would’ve lost every damn cent and probably ended up at the end of a rope so I’m guessin’ it was a good call.” 

Trelawny shook his head, “He cornered me coming back in and shoved a gun into the back of my head.” 

“It’s over with,” you said, “It was a good take and you ran most of the show, I’m glad I could give some help in the end.” 

He gave a small nod, seeming to be collecting himself still as you leaned back a bit in your seat as the rushing in your head from when you shot Gregory seemed to be subsiding somewhat. Darkness had fallen as you passed the town, Trelawny saying something about getting beyond a state line before finding a place to lay low for the night. You weren’t sure if you liked the idea of sleeping anywhere that wasn’t camp with the feeling of being chased weighing down on you, but you didn’t comment as you let yourself calm down and let the paranoia fall off a bit with it. 

Eventually, Trelawny had deemed it far enough and leaned out a bit to say something to the man driving them--an old friend, he had said, and someone who knew the country well. He would find a local saloon for the night that wouldn’t cause any grief, a small frown situating but you couldn’t really turn down the idea of a drink after everything. 

The saloon in question was exactly like you had figured it would be, situated in a quiet and dark town from the time of night the carriage had arrived. The building in question looked old and worn, yet it was at least somewhat more alive than the town that surrounded it when you had stepped inside, a few people drinking and talking within. Immediately, you knew that the three of you would stick out in a place like this, arriving in clothing that belonged to people who likely didn’t show their faces around a place like that. So, getting the rooms first and changing into something more familiar seemed like the best bet, considering the somewhat judgemental and suspicious look the barman shot you with. 

Really, you were happy to be out of the clothes you had been given, really feeling like this whole thing was coming to a close. It had. All that was left was to travel back to camp and give the gang its cut from the whole thing. It was odd, you knew it had only been about two days, it had happened much quicker than you had been expecting. Maybe at the beginning, hearing about how short you really had to remain there for would have been a relief, but in the moment it left you unsure. 

Sure, there would be more jobs, more cons, but...well, you couldn’t deny that conflicting feeling that sat in your gut about just going back to normal with all that had happened between you and Arthur. 

Christ, you were thinking like there was something more to that kiss, causing you to let out a slow exhale through your nose. He had been saying something about it, too, before Gregory kicked the door open to interrupt the whole thing. 

With a shake of your hand, you pulled the ring off your finger. Turning it over somewhat between your fingers, you figured it would at least catch a nice price at a local fence or be worth dropping into the camp’s donation box once you got back. Tucking it into a pocket in your jacket, you headed down into the actual saloon for a drink or two before turning in. However, as you approached the bar, it didn’t seem like you were the only one with the idea in mind. 

Admittedly, you had almost passed him off as another patron before the familiar hat caught your attention, Arthur leaning forward into the bar as he seemed to be focused on his drink. With a small exhale, you let a smile touch your lips before you made your way toward him. 

“Hey,” you greeted, touching the back of his shoulder a moment before dropping your hand to lean forward into the bar. 

“Howdy,” Arthur returned with a nod, watching as you ordered a beer for yourself before he glanced around himself a moment, “Just you, then, I reckon?” 

“I haven’t seen Trelawny since he disappeared into the room upstairs,” you replied with a shrug, “I thought about doing the same myself, but I don’t know…” 

“Usually celebrate a job well done,” Arthur said, leaning back once your beer had arrived, touching your shoulder a moment as he passed behind you, “Well, if it’s just you, come on.” 

You glanced back at him a moment, taking note of the touch as your heart thudded a bit at the action. Foolish. Just being foolish. Still, you took your drink and followed him toward one of the tables, offering him a small chuckle. 

“You don’t need to keep doing that, you know?” 

“Doin’ what?” he asked, glancing up toward him as you approached the table to sit down beside him. 

“Lingering touches like there’s eyes on us,” you replied, wholly teasing but the look that crossed his face seemed to take that as genuine reprimand. 

“Ah, right. Sorry,” he replied, rubbing at his chin slightly as the expression on your face fell a bit at the reaction. 

“It’s...I was just joking, don’t worry about it,” you replied, waving a hand slightly, “It’s a shame Josiah isn’t up for joining us.” 

“Ahh, he’ll get some sleep and ya won’t be able to shut him up on the ride to camp tomorrow,” Arthur said a little dismissively, “Guess it’s been a day for him.” 

“Getting dragged around with a gun pressed to your head might take some energy out of anybody, I suppose,” you returned with a shrug, taking a swig from your beer before glancing toward him, “The clothing and rings are nice, I wonder what rich soul he talked them out of.” 

“Never thought I’d be so happy to be back in the same ol’ jacket, but here we are,” Arthur muttered, taking another drink from his own bottle, “Them rings might be worth gettin’ some extra money for.” 

“I was thinking the same,” you said with a nod, “Though, if that’s your plan, too, I figure it’s probably going to the same place in the end…” 

Reaching into your jacket pocket, you pulled out the ring and placed it on the table in front of him. There was a strange feeling about it, having it sitting in there and you knew you were being dramatic about it but if you didn’t have to worry about it, all the better. Arthur let out a short huff, picking it up himself as he turned it over in his palm a moment. 

“Figure that was probably one of your worst cons if in you’re not lookin’ for keepsakes.” 

“Money’s enough,” you replied with a shrug, trying to drown your nerves in the beer a bit as you took another drink. 

Was this one of your worst cons? For what happened, no. It was quick and fairly effective with enough dramatics to be worth telling a story or two about. However, there was something about it that was making it hard to even relax in the moment. Well, there wasn’t just something, you knew exactly what it was. Hope for something more. Was it greedy that a part of you wanted this to end in some way that wasn’t just...a story to tell for a laugh around a campfire? Perhaps. Still, you shoved those thoughts aside for a while, you and Arthur talking back and forth a bit as you took back a couple more drinks. 

It wasn’t anything to get you drunk, cheap beer in this remote town. Still, it allowed you to let it numb a bit of your thoughts, sharing a couple stories from before you joined the gang and running on your own, Arthur sharing the odd one about his time in the gang but there wasn’t anything much deeper than that. Still, it kept your spirits high, laughing a little easier at his jokes before you both had figured it was enough and headed up toward the rooms. Though, as you went to pass him in the hallway, a thought occurred as you turned back around to address him. 

“Before that Gregory showed up, you were saying something?”

“Huh?”

“About last night?” you asked, tilting your head as some recognition settled into Arthur’s expression. 

“Oh, it...weren’t anythin’, don’t worry ‘bout it.” 

“No, come on,” you said with a short chuckle, a touch frustrated, “It’s been bothering me. Whatever it was, I’m sure it won’t hurt me any.�� 

That was a big lie and you knew it. Though, really, maybe a part of you was holding onto that hope you had been feeling over the past day that was being held in place by the old hopes you had back when you joined the gang all those months ago. That whatever he had to say, it might give you some sign on if it would be best to let it go finally or…

“I just...was gonna apologize again for all that happened last night while I weren’t...half asleep. For...droppin’ all that on you ‘bout my old relationship and just for forcin’ you to use that shoulder tappin’ thing.” 

“Oh, I…” you sighed, knowing that still didn’t have an answer you were looking for and the realization of that had your heart pounding, “I never thought badly about hearing all of that, Arthur, but...it’s fine.” 

“Whole thing’s still strange in my mind,” he admitted, shaking his head. 

“Yeah?”

“Sure, but it’s over with now…” 

You nodded lightly, a part of you wanting to glance down away from his face, but something seemed to keep you there. Arthur seemed to be thinking about something, brow somewhat tight as the shadows from the lamp light in the hallway played off his face somewhat. Though, he glanced toward you a moment, and something in your chest pulled. How you managed to sidestep all the worrying and frustration over the last day to close in the space, you weren’t sure. You could have pulled him in for an awkward ‘good night’ hug and left it at that, but instead something had you reaching out to grip a hand into his jacket and placing a hand against the side of his jaw as you pressed a kiss to his lips. 

Arthur tensed up at first, not really responding before you felt it being returned somewhat. The gesture was still somewhat awkward, uncertain, much as you felt the warmth of his hand against your back. It wasn’t really like how you had pictured it in your head in passing, and not all that better from the one you shared during that party. Though, it really took you a moment before your mind started to scream. You had just shoved yourself on him out of the blue, and he hadn’t shoved you off but…

You parted, backing off from him quickly for what could have been a tender kiss as you pressed a hand against your mouth, brow tightening. Stupid. Stupid. 

“I--” 

“I’m sorry,” you blurted out, “I’m so sorry, I must’ve...I’m sorry.” 

Arthur opened his mouth slightly as if to reply, but you had turned on your own to cross the hall toward the room you had bought. Why did you do that? You knew it would make tomorrow all the more unbearable and now you were certain you wouldn’t be the only one feeling it thanks to what just happened. Once you had shut your door, you waited a moment. If there would be footfalls coming toward your room to suggest he wasn’t going to let it go, anything. However, you heard the door open and shut with a tight snap that had you gritting your teeth, embarrassment heating your face as you knocked your head against the inside of the door. 

“Damn it.”

[fortunatelylori]

1) How do you think the Westerlands will go? Lannisters currently control it. Cersei is not surviving. Tyrion may not survive either, plus he's lost all credibility with Jon. His allegiance with Dany makes him untrustworthy. Then there's Jaime. I can see him siding with a Jonsa alliance but Idk if I see him as Lord. He has more knight's arc. Also, he would need an heir. Brienne would be a viable candidate to solidify the Westerlands in a Jonsa reign but I don't see that for her as well.

2) I see more of a Kingsguard arc for them. Any thoughts on who would be in control of the Westerlands if there were no Lannisters?

Hey, nonnie!

Honestly, when I made the post about the alliances that Jon and Sansa could rack up in season 8, the Westerlands didn’t even feature in my thought process. I genuinely forgot all about them. Part of the reason for that, as I explained in the comments section, was that Casterly Rock is really of no use to anyone. It doesn’t have a strategic location like the Riverlands do nor is it the source of wealth it once was, because of the mines having gone dry, as Tywin pointed out. 

The greatest irony in season 7 for me was Tyrion saying to Jaime that Tywin would be proud of him for having shown no sentimentality and abandoning their childhood home. That was one of the biggest mistakes Tyrion did in season 7. He took it for granted that Jaime cared for Casterly Rock as much as he does. 

Tyrion loves that place, dreams of it and wants it for himself. In that respect he is closer to Tywin than Jaime is because Jaime doesn’t give a fuck about Casterly Rock and he never has. If he had, the place would have been his a long time ago. That’s one of the points of contention between him and Tywin. Because Tywin, just like Tyrion, loved that castle and all that it once represented which is why he can’t bring himself to give it to the imp son he despises so much. 

As for the Westerlands as a whole, I keep thinking that its only importance is perhaps as the source of gold that Westeros will desperately need at the end of this story. But as for whom could potentially bring it into the fold, it would have to be a Lannister, wouldn’t it? I mean is there any character, even a minor one, with any real chance at it aside from the lions? I guess the Hound is from the Westerlands but the Hound isn’t going to end up lord of anything. His is the true knight arc and he’ll probably die in Cleganebowl. 

Some random new character could pop up in this story in season 8, just like some fans dream that Harry Hardyng will suddenly turn up at Winterfell and sweep Sansa off her feet, despite all evidence to him being a fuck boy and a disposable one at that. But how likely are any of those 2 things?

So the Lannisters it is. If I were to cast a bet, I’d say Jaime has the best chance of making it out alive and in a ironic twist that GRRM loves, he’ll get Casterly Rock and the Westerlands precisely because he never wanted them. 

I’m sort of torn up about it because part of me still feels there would be a strange, kind of beautiful tragic endgame for Jaime to die alongside Cersei. In season 1, Cersei said that she and Jaime were more than brother and sister, they were one person and had come into the world together. It would be a fitting end for them to die together as well. 

The show has also romanticized the Jaime/Cersei relationship more than the books do. In the books Cersei is using Jaime because he’s the only man who has never abandoned her, envies him because she wishes she was him and is ready to discard him at the earliest opportunity only to call him back when she needs him again. In addition to that, in spite of their 20+ year long toxic relationship, she still dreams of Rhaegar, her unfulfilled obsession (what is it with women and this idiot? I mean how pretty was he that everyone is pinning and sighing for this monumental fuck up?!?). 

In the show, Jaime and Cersei hurt each other, attack each other but are also bound together in a way that is very hard to deny. 

As for Jaime and Brienne, I don’t know if I agree that they have a King’s Guard arc more than a Lord and Lady of the Westerlands endgame. Brienne’s desire to be a knight stems from her quest for acceptance and finding a purpose in a world that keeps rejecting her. She wants to serve honorably. I think that if by marrying Jaime and ruling the Westerlands, she would be serving the realm and her king and queen, that would be in line with her arc. 

As for Jaime, he’s completely disenfranchised from the King’s Guard and always has been. He tries to uphold his vow but is thwarted every step of the way so I wouldn’t be surprised if he abandons it all together by the end of the story. 

Also to tell you the truth, I’d kind of like if Westeros as a whole would move away from the orders of the King’s Guard and the Night Watch. I mean the King’s Guard, in particular, has this image of these honorable, legendary heroes but is that really a true assessment? Is it honest to glorify people that stood by and let innocents burn by wildfire because they made a vow to a crazy person? Is it ok to admire a knight like Arthur Dane who guarded the Tower of Joy where a woman was imprisoned and was bleeding to death against the brother that had come to save her? I guess this echos our own real life fascination with the Knights Templar and similar orders but the more we find out about these groups, the more they reveal themselves as a pretty unsavory bunch who did more harm than good. 

Both the King’s Guard and the Night Watch feel more like cults to me than proper institutions of government, where people are indoctrinated to believe in the glory of service to the detriment of all personal pursuits and even reason and empathy itself. Perhaps it’s time for both of them to end. 

Thanks for the ask!

[artistiquereader]

Merlin Writer Month: Faves Week

So, I’ve been really looking forward to this week and I have a ton of recommendations. Hope I provide you with something new and that you enjoy it! This are in no particular order, they are just works that I love in equal measure for different reasons and that I feel everyone should read because they are amazing. Also, this is going to be long, so sorry (but not really) about that, so you’ll find everything after the cut.

Also, if the fic has a “*” beside it, it means it is a restricted work on AO3, so you’ll need to be logged in to read it.

The thing is, I need to start this list by putting my absolute favorite at the very beggining. After it, as I wrote above, they’re all equally beloved to me, but this first one is just it for me for various reasons.

The Sidewalks of New York by emmbrancsxx0 Lenght: 161,191 Summary:  New York City, 1925. Jazz, flappers, parties, and violence. In the midst of Prohibition, crime boss Arthur Pendragon and his gang, the Knights of the Round Table, arrive from London to open a speakeasy in Chelsea. Fearing they’ll lose their hold on Manhattan’s West Side, the Black Kings send Merlin Emrys to spy on the Knights. The two gangs quickly become rivals, and there is no place for love in war.

Comment: This fic is just absolutely brilliant in every sense. It picked my interest because of the time it is set in (which is my favorite time in history). I’ve always had a fascination with New York 1910-1930 and the whole Prohibition and gangs aspect of it. This is just so well balanced in every aspect that it offers: the romance, the betrayals, the rivalries between gangs, the characters and their personalitites and motivations are just fantastic. Arthur as a crime boss is just delightful as is Merlin as the charismatic bartender of the speakeasy (even tho he is so much more than that). It’s tense, it’s violent, it’s romantic and it has a happy ending, what more could I ask for? This author writes so freaking amazing and I love everything she’s written so if you like this one, you should totally check out all her other stuff because it’s just as amazing. Also, Arthur is known as the “Golden Knight” and for some reason that just made me love it even more. Arthur and Merlin are brilliant and she just gets the point across so well of how much they love and get each other and that’s one of the reaons why I love it so much, it’s just... they belong together and I love the journey (the hearthache and the love and everything in between) until they get to the point of actual happiness and understanding. 

1. True North by Kroki_Refur * Lenght: 6,752 Summary: Arthur is given a compass that is unable to tell north from south, but always points him to where Merlin is.

Comment: Oh, this fic. It follows Arthur and Melrin throughout the centuries, with Arthur always finding his way to Merlin. Soulmate-y of sorts and just lovely in the way this gets the point across that they belong together and that they’ll always find each other.  

2. The Reincarnation Situation by orphan_account Lenght: 16,591 Summary: My series finale gift to the Merlin fandom. Reincarnation. Merlin and Arthur only remember their past lives for one night a year - New Year's Eve. This is a quick tour (and it's not cracky like the title suggests, I swear). Merlin still thinks that perhaps the dragon was right and one day Arthur will return as a king destined to save the people of Albion, but that day has not yet come. Arthur has not missed a single moment of life since Merlin laid him to rest in the waters of Avalon but the lives he has lived have not been for his people or for the greater good, they have been just for Merlin.

Comment: SO, SO, SO much love for this one. Again, anothe bitter-sweet read but so worth it, it tugs at your heart but comforts you in the knowledge that they’ll always have each other. Fantastic narrative and I love each of the reincarnations shown. It also has a lovely podfic. Soulmates is something I’ve always been a sucker for and this fic is amazing in how it portrays them througout time and the intensity of remembering for one night, who they really are.

3. Tulips Are Better; Dragons Are Best by sweetiejelly Lenght: 58,627 Summary: Arthur loses a bet with Morgana and ends up on The Bachelor. As he identifies as bisexual, the pool of candidates is quite diverse and includes one Merlin Emrys, his ex. Arthur thinks it's fate. Merlin thinks it's bollocks. Thus begins (again) their courtship.

Comment: So delightful and fun and angsty. Arthur’s complete dismissal of anyone that isn’t Merlin is just so fun to read, how he wants to just send everyone home as soon as he realizes Merlin is there is just hilarious and shows how gone he is. A Modern AU with magic with boths sides wanting each other but with issues that need talking over and mending before they get together and Merlin’s magic being as in love with Arthur as he is, is just one of the things that make me love this as much as I do. Stupid and stubborn boys make my heart melt with their longing. The art is so lovely and adds so much to it. Read it, it’s fantastic. 

4. You bring music to my silent world by Balthamos  Lenght: 49,818 Summary:  Arthur and Merlin are thrown together as children when Merlin’s mother moves into the Pendragon Manor as the new housekeeper, bringing her deaf son Merlin with her. Arthur is a loud and obnoxious child, whereas Merlin is quiet but not as shy as everyone thinks. The two children become fast friends, but as they grow up together things begin to change, due to the pressure of wanting to be normal, and the growing lack of communication between the pair. Growing up is never easy and the graceful friendship they had as children gets lost as they reach their teenage years, but through their difficulties they develop a deeper, stronger relationship, one far more permanent.

Comment: I love, love, love, love this one. Like anything by this author is amazing, so you should totally check them out if you haven’t, but this one, gosh, it’s so lovely it hurts. 

5. Where the Hurt Is by undersomestairs Lenght: 12,349 Summary: For this Kink Me! Merlin prompt: They were childhood/teenage sweethearts but Arthur's family moved away (because Uther detested Merlin but Arthur doesn't know this) and they promise to write. After Uther's death Arthur finds all the letters from Merlin he never received. All the time he thought Merlin had forgotten him. Arthur seeks him out.   

Comment: Oh my god, this one made me cry. It takes your heart and stomps on it and then mends is back but not before it kind of destroys you. How you see Merlin losing hope, Arthur’s feelings after he realized Merlin didn’t forget him but that it was Uther and then his sorrow over what he thinks lost. Read it, it’s just beautiful. 

6. License to Thrill by lady_ragnell  Lenght: 14,174 Summary:  Merlin's employees bet him the recipe for the most addictive cocoa in the world that he can't find out what the hot blond who comes into his chocolate shop does for a living within the month. He ends up getting far more than he bargained for.

Comment: Arthur as James Bond (kind of) and Merlin as the chocolatier who steals his heart via his sweet tooth and shameless flirting from Arthur’s part because Merlin is lovely. So incredibly good and it has a podfic by wildwildwoods which is also incredibly lovely. Read/listen to it, you’lll feel better after.

7. Remember, Remember by winterstorrm Lenght: 16,480 Summary: Prince Arthur gives up the person he loves to do his duty, but Merlin's impossible to forget.

Comment: So, anything by this author is amazing (please, check out all of their other stories because they’re fantastic), but this one just breaks my heart. Arthur’s longing and regret is so palpable through every word. His love for Merlin is just so big and I always love to read something where I get to see how much Arthur feels for Merlin, how much Merlin means to him, how much he loves and needs Merlin. 

8. Mr. & Mr. Smith Series by Detochkina * Lenght: 101,837 Summary: Merlin Emrys is used to living life on the go. As an agent for the Agency of Magic, Merlin’s days are consumed by travel, exotic locations, and battling a faceless rival -- an officer from the competing Bureau of Corrections, who is always hot on his heels and ready to one-up him. When Merlin is sent on a mission to Las Vegas to secure a powerful artifact, he allows himself one night off. Just one, because he bloody deserves it. Drinks and foreplay lead to a bet with a hot financial advisor he just met. Merlin ends up as a newlywed. Oops.

Comment: This series has a special place in my heart because apart from being so bloody good it made my head spin and has me (still because it’s a WIP) on the edge of my seat, I was actually in Vegas and stayed in the hotel in which Arthur and Merlin are in the first two installments. Being able to read while on the locations described in it, made me feel an even bigger connection with the world. This is an absolutely addicting read that before you know it you’ll have read the 5 available works and will be eagerly awaiting the next.

9. So Are They All, All Honourable Men by seperis Lenght: 18,199 Summary: Considering Arthur's future wife will be chosen less for compatibility than for her political value, Merlin may be the only marriage he'll have that won't end in bloodshed or a great deal of fortifying wine.

Comment: Lovely, so very, very, lovely. SO many great lines and the old married couple dynamic and them being so in love is just brilliant. Canon Era, Magic Reveal and lots of love and pinining and getting together. Please do yourself a favor and read it if you haven’t, and if you have, do it again because it’s just amazing. There are moments here in which their love and worry is so palpable it hurts, I love it so much.

10. Oscilliate Wildly by suntipped Lenght: 11,246 Summary: Fucking Arthur, he thinks, pushing his head against the seat. It’s not so much that he’s breaking promises left and right by bringing up that thing between them in public again; it's just his ever-irritating sense of entitlement. It’s Arthur being a prick and thinking he can go around doing anything he wants sometimes, because obviously, obviously the entire world exists only to amuse him.

Comment: This is just one of my all time favorite fics ever. Oblivious, pining boys in love are my favorites. Also, pet-names. A lovely Modern AU with stupid boys who won’t talk to each other. I read this at least 3 times a year, yes, I love it that much.

11. These Feathered Breaths (a Handfasting remix) by Emjayelle Lenght: 3,580 Summary: There was at least a dozen reasons why Arthur, Prince of Wales, couldn't marry Merlin, bird-whisperer, but it didn't stop him from thinking it was the best idea in the world.

Comment: This is one of the most romantic, heart-wrenching and loved filled reads I’ve ever encountered. It’s so insanely beautiful and it tugs on my heartstrings because of the absolute love, devotion and longing that fills each word. The knights as little robins is one of the most adorable concepts ever and if there’s something I love is seeing Arthur not being able to cope with how much he loves Merlin and this conveys it in such a way that it puts fairytales to shame.

12. We Pull These Jobs To Make A Little Money (No One Gets Hurt If They Don’t Act Funny) by leashy_babes Lenght: 48,918 Summary: Arthur and his friends have been making their money this way for years. It's all they know and they're good enough to get away with it. Merlin grudgingly works in a bank, wishing his days away. Their worlds collide and everything changes.AKA: Bank robbers of the round table.

Comment: Arthur is so smitten with Merlin he almost forgets what he actually was there to do. If you haven’t noticied, besotted!Arthur is one of my most favorite things ever and this nails it. I love the concept and the development is fantastic, please read it if you haven’t it’s such an entertaining and lovely read and I love it a lot. 

[fire-dwelling]

Fire Force, Chapter 100: “The Flames’ Aroma”

Translated from Japanese to Portuguese to English

Page 2

Narration: “Oubi reported to the Fire Agency director that 'a new owner of the Adora Burst will appear'! Meanwhile, a mysterious young woman who can sniff out flames heads out her friends!:

A dog-like creature in a hood with a bindle stands before a flaming background with the caption “Kajiba Thief.”

Page 3

Inside a two-story residence is an electrical outlet with multiple cords plugged into it--causing on to spark and catch fire. The resident, an older man, does not seem to notice.

Page 4

Meanwhile, across the street, Inka, Sancho, and Panda are on a balcony.

Inka: “That’s the place. The fire must’ve begun already.”

Panda: “Easy enough to bust in! We’ll prep the escape route.”

Sancho: “Shall we begin?”

Back in the building…

Older Man: “That smell…”

He walks to find fire coming from downstair.

Older Man: “Fire! There’s a fire downstairs!”

Suddenly, Inka slides open the window from outside and steps in.

Inka: “Problem? Looks like everything’s burning down there.”

Older Man: “Thank goodness--you’ve come to help this old man!”

Inka: “Sure, if you want, I can get you out safely.”

Page 5

Inka holds out her hand.

Inka: “Just hand over all your valuables.”

Older Man: “What are you saying?! There’s a fire!”

Inka: “You don’t have time to think this over: if you want help, give me everything you have.”

Older Man: “But I have leg problem! Fine! Just help me out! Inside that shelf! There's money in a case!”

Page 6

Inka pulls open the case and removes the bills, thumbing them.

Inka: “Very good.”

Some time later, the fire burns through the entire building. There’s a rope next to the Older Man, who is now on his hands and knees on the balcony across the street, likely pulled up by Sancho and Panda.

Panda: “Man, gramps was heavy!”

Older Man: “Th-Thank you…”

Page 7

The fire trucks arrive. Inka and her friends are back on the street across from it. A crowd has gathered.

Inka: “They’ve arrived. Took them long enough.”

Bystander 1: “They said the Fire Thieves showed up again…”

Bystander 2: “They're fast to arrive at any fire and save people--but for it, they take all your money.”

Bystander 3: “They say it’s a girl! I think I’m in love…”

Later, back in the playground...

Inka: “Divide it up...226 yen!”

Panda: “That’s not even.”

Inka: “Of course not--it’s all thanks to me!”

Page 8

Sancho looks nervous.

Sancho: “Well, true enough. Inka...your skill is weird.”

Sancho explains…

Sancho: “First Generation are people who become flame humans during spontaneous human combustion. Second Generation are people who can control and manipulate fire. Third Generation manage to generate flames off their own bodies. But I’ve never heard of someone who can predict where fires start. Was that ability because of the big fire two years ago?”

Inka looks nervous.

Inka: “During that tragedy, I wanted power...but I can’t generate or control flames…”

Inka then smiles.

Inka: “So it can be said I’m an undiscovered Fourth Generation!”

Page 9

During the Great Fire from two years ago, Inka stands, facing the fire as she sees people trying to escape, and others turning into Infernals.

Inka: (narrating) “Back then, I didn’t know what I was born for...Sometimes I thought that it’d be better for me to die, shining like an ember amongst the combustion of bodies. In-between those ever growing flames, several lives were lost...In the middle of a desperate dilemma...I thought for the first time...”

Page 10

Inka’s eyes look reflective as she stares, stone-faced.

Inka: (narrating) “I want to live!”

She smiles as the flames surround her.

Inka: (narrating) “My life was embraced by the heat of and by my fear of the flames. It was a thrill I had never felt!”

Inka turns to one person escaping.

Inka: “I don’t want to die--let’s get out of here!”

Page 11

Suddenly, Inka’s eyes glaze over, as she starts to sniff.

Inka: “?!!”

She holds out a hand to two people away from her, who look like they are crying and sweating.

Inka: “W-Wait--”

Suddenly, an explosion envelopes both of them.

Bystander 4: “BUH!”

Inka stares stunned.

Inka: “...”

She sniffs again and turns.

Inka: “What?! Again--”

Another explosion where she faces.

Page 12

Inka: “Why…? I know...The route that the flame will follow...The smell becomes a line...I can see it!”

Page 13

Then a line of flame seems to pass her. She looks at it, walking past it, as if everything around her is in slow motion.

Inka: “Where the line of light gets stronger and thicker, and where it's going to ignite...It's easy! I'll get out of here!”

Page 14

Sancho: “You have this exaggerated skill, and we end up becoming ‘Fire Thieves.’ Or maybe ‘Fire Extortionists’?”

Inka: “There is nothing more valuable than life! We're saving them, and money doesn’t even compare to that.”

Panda: “If I don’t put myself at risk in a fire, I don’t feel like I'm living. Betting with your life just the best feeling. Some might call us 'adrenaline junkies'!”

Inka: “It’s true--I like danger. The more I have of it, the more I like it.”

Page 15

Then Hitohashira Me appears behind Inka.

Hitohashira Me: “Soon you will feel a danger that you will love.”

Inka spins around--to see nothing.

Panda and Sancho look confused.

Panda: “What’s with you?”

Inka: “...”

Page 16

Inka sighs as wind blows by her.

Inka: (thinking) “What was that woman just now? I felt something very dangerous...Will a new danger be born?”

Inka sniffs.

She adjusts her skirt.

Inka: “How nice.”

Page 17

Back at the Eighth’s church, Akitaru speaks with Takehisa, Shinra, and Arthur.

Akitaru: “I told the director about the case at the Fourth and the possibility of a new Adora Burst being born. But I couldn’t get the help of the other forces.”

As Akitaru speaks, Hitohashira Me appears again behind Shinra.

Akitaru: “Finally, it's time! The Fifth Pillar with the Adora Burst will be born. Let's play.”

Shinra turns.

Shinra: “You again!”

Page 18

Back in the playground…

Panda: “We’re heading out. When it's time to get more money, just call.”

Inka looks off in the distance. She sniffs and moves her hand.

Inka: “Wait…”

She starts running, chanting--

Inka: “Danger. Danger. Danger!”

She leaps for the fence--and then looks surprised.

Page 19

She can see the entire city landscape, with multiple beams of light exploding from the ground up to a dark sky.

Page 20

Inka looks nervous--but she’s blushing and smiling.

Inka: “Why? Why are there so many fires going on?”

Panda and Sancho look confused.

Panda: “Multiple fires?”

Sancho: “At the same time? What’re you seeing?”

Inka: “People are going to die! It’s time to make some money!”

Inka spreads out her arms, leaves flying.

Inka: “Once again, this city will be a sea of flames! Uaaaaa!”

Narration: “She throws out an innocent smile towards the Great Fire! The girl walks towards! To be continued in Chapter 101: 'Tragedy in the Flames'!"

[ramajmedia]

Hellboy: 10 Things That Make No Sense About Liz Sherman

When it comes to the Hellboy comics, films and animated productions, there are plenty of things that don't make sense about everyone, from the big red monkey himself to all of the humans in his life. Elizabeth Sherman is probably the most normal person among them all, but she also has plenty of skeletons in her closet, including some that make zero sense.

RELATED: The 10 Biggest Differences Between Hellboy Comics & Films

Comic Liz varies greatly from Movie Liz, particularly in terms of her relationship with Hellboy himself. But in all incarnations of the character there are various characteristics, capabilities and occurrences in her life that just boggle the mind.

10 She Used Prayer To Control Her Powers

Poor Liz didn't understand her powers after they manifested when she was 10 years old, so when her Catholic parents told her it was because of her sins, she desperately tried to force them to stop, with prayer. Her sheer willpower was what kept them at bay, but they were so powerful that even that didn't work for long, and when she was 11 she destroyed an entire block of over 30 people, including her parents and younger brother.

Of course it makes no sense to pray away pyrokinesis, but Liz could not have known that. It's the reason why the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense took her in at such a young age.

9 She Doesn't Melt Metal

When Liz wants to melt something, it melts. Sometimes she has little to no control over it either, and Hellboy's even had to step in to help, like he did in the animated movie, Sword of Storms. It was a nod to his brotherly feelings for her as well as his ability to get close due to his fireproof status.

RELATED: The Ultimate Hellboy Gift Guide

With this in mind, the metal around Liz should also melt. From the metal she leans against to the filing cabinets in rooms, if she's melting everything, metal certainly shouldn't be immune to her powers  —especially since she melted the crown in The Golden Army right before our eyes.

8 Her Fire Gives Her Life

During one assignment, Liz found the opportunity to give away her power and seeing the chance to be normal, she took it, transferring her pyrokinesis into the body of a man-sized homunculus. It was brought to life, but without her fire, Liz began to slowly waste away into nothing.

No medical cure could help Liz as she disintegrated without her abilities, which makes no sense, since she'd lived without them perfectly for a decade in her childhood. Hellboy was able to bring her powers back and restore her health, but the question remains: Why couldn't she just live without them?

7 She's Left The BPRD A Bunch Of Times

Fans of the movies know that Liz has come and gone over the years, but comic readers know that it's much worse than that. Liz loses control of her powers, takes out a bunch of people or at least endangers them, then decides she needs to go into hiding to save them. Except sometimes she still hurts people while she's in self-imposed exile. Even when Liz gets full control, something supernatural and terrible happens to her, returning her to a state of uncontrollable power.

RELATED: Guillermo Del Toro’s Unfinished Projects, Ranked by How Badly We Want Them

It makes no sense that Liz would just keep disappearing and endangering humanity to the point of destroying entire islands if she knows it's a possibility. She ought to stay in their fire-proof room where she and everyone else is safe if she is really worried about being a danger.

6 She Admits Herself Into An Asylum

In the first Hellboy film, Liz admits herself into an asylum for help. This makes absolutely zero sense, since she knows what kind of danger she can be to others without proper paranormal supervision. She has done an incredible amount of damage before and needs to be in a place that's either away from people or with the kind of people who get her and can both protect her and others from her powers.

Staying in a mental hospital is the worst thing Liz could do. Not only is it vulnerable to anyone who would want to use her powers, such as Rasputin, but it's full of vulnerable people who could be harmed by her own powers — and they certainly are. We are left to assume that she's not being incarcerated for the fire that must've taken out at least some residents.

5 She Is Above The Law

Speaking of taking out everyone at the mental hospital, and the islands Borneo and Sulawesi, and every other time Liz lost control and took a bunch of lives on accident, why is she never held culpable for these actions? It makes sense to label the first incident a tragedy, but if the BPRD allows it to go on over and over again, something ought to be done.

RELATED: 10 Ways The New Hellboy Will Be Different From Guillermo Del Toro's Films

Liz is dangerous to everyone, and despite the lives she's saved, she takes out quite a few too. Without Hellboy around to help, she's the Bureau's only defense against the Ogdru Jahad, but she's also Rasputin's best bet at awakening it in the first place.

4 She Didn't Just Burn That Crown In The First Place

Did Hellboy really need to defeat that entire Golden Army in Hellboy II when Liz could have destroyed the crown that controlled the army all along? Could they not have somehow sent the crown flying where she could have blasted it, caught it and set it on fire, or otherwise destroyed it?

Sure, it makes sense on a cinematic level, since that was a really cool fight and Liz's involvement would have just prevented it from happening, but watching her burn it afterward was rather anticlimactic now that we know she could have used her powers to shut the whole thing down all along.

3 She Got Pregnant With Little Red Monkeys

While no one is denying how adorable it is that Hellboy and Liz are expecting — and have been for 11 years, since The Golden Army was released — fans have to wonder how it's even genetically possible. Depending on his source material, HB is either a full demon baby or the spawn of a human and demon together. The demon and human were pretty special though, as he was descended from King Arthur. So is his DNA even compatible with a generic human (who happens to also have pyrokinesis)?

RELATED: Guillermo Del Toro's Movies, Ranked By Rotten Tomatoes

David Harbour has stated that his version of Hellboy certainly can't mate with humans, which only leads to further questions about Hellboy's anatomy, genes and whether or not he and Liz could really have a family.

2 She Doesn't Always Roast Everyone In The Room

When Liz tells someone to leave the room so she can set the entire thing ablaze, you hit the ground running if you don't want to be liquefied. That's why it makes no sense that sometimes she roasts the whole room and yet, people can just duck and cover and be okay — especially when Liz is not in full control of her abilities.

While Liz does learn to control her fiery powers better with practice, in the first film when she tells Agent Myers, "You should be running," he doesn't get far before she takes out all of the resurrection hounds. He should've turned to goo too.

1 She's Hellboy's Girlfriend

In the Dark Horse comic books, it's clear that Liz Sherman and Hellboy are nothing more than friends. In fact, he looks at her like a little sister rather than a romantic love interest. Guillermo del Toro's pairing them for the first two Hellboy movies doesn't make sense if they're even loosely based on the comics.

Even so, many fans love the pairing together, which makes it such a shame that we will never witness del Toro's final vision for the couple, which we can assume included not only their children but also Hellboy's demise.

NEXT: 5 Ways The Hellboy Reboot Is Better Than The Original (& 5 Ways It’s Worse)

source https://screenrant.com/hellboy-liz-sherman-no-sense-confusing/