#listen you put me in a room with ada and I'm coming out as a lesbian I'm just saying

[idyllcy]

thinking of... Secret Dating!Ada Wong

secret dating!Ada who sends you the first message on her burner phone each time she gets a new one

secret dating!Ada who cracks the slightest hint of a smile when she catches you wandering downtown with the keychain dangling from your bag

secret dating!Ada who has your number memorized like a heartbeat

secret dating!Ada who sends you photos of the view from her flights, tapping back quietly when you tell her to take care of herself

secret dating!Ada who blows her salary on both you and herself

secret dating!Ada who stops by your apartment in an all-black trenchcoat, new red bottoms on with the newest designer jewelry because you had sent her a low-quality screenshot of the piece

secret dating!Ada who gets paid back in full with your smothering affection, your eyes glistening as you smile up at her bashfully

"That's it... ah..." Ada tilts her head back, eyes glued to the mess of your hair as you sit between her legs, gem glistening on your finger as you hold one of her thighs out, nose-deep in the slick of her body.

Your nose brushes her clit just so gently, earning the quietest of moans from her, and you take it as an encouragement to keep going, your thumb moving to circle her bundle of nerves as she throws her head back in pleasure.

"You're doing great, sweetheart."

"Mm." You hum, craning your neck further as you speed up, head spinning from her praise, fingers curling as you dig your nails into the plush of her thigh.

Anything to smother her in equal affection.

[brummiereader]

Hi everyone I'm back with another series! This is going to be a Dark!Tommy series, that some readers may find triggering, so I really wanted to give you all a warning beforehand. Overtime the following potential triggers will become more apparent...manipulative behaviour, psychological mind games, toxic relationship, controlling behaviour, violence, and psychological abuse.

Killing Me Softly (PART ONE/ DARK!TOMMY)

Summary: Reader is arranged to marry the notorious gangster of Small Heath Tommy Shelby. Going into the marriage with an open heart she soon realises he is not the man she once knew. How long will she be able to endure his cruel games?

Warnings: Angst, fluff, violence, language, psychological mind games, manipulative behaviour, Dark!Tommy (This is a dark series, please read the warnings before continuing)

Writers note: Inspired by this ominous version of the song "Killing me Softly" by Aretha Franklin. Just to note, we follow off from the intro later on in the series.

"Y/N Ohh Y/N...come on love, I'm not gonna hurt you" He said taunting you, as you heard him open each door along the dimly lit hallway on the second floor of your home Arrow House. His heavy foot steps walked slowly along the wooden floorboards as he checked each room looking, searching...for you.

Hiding under the bottom shelf of a small closet room, you made yourself as small as you could possibly get. Shaking, tears streaming down your face you brought your knees up to your chest clutching yourself, hoping and praying he wouldn't find you.

"Come out come out wherever you are, I'll count to ten you can't be far.

Under the bed, behind a door, was that a creak I heard on the floor?

I'll shout and call out your name, but you'll keep quiet, it's part of the game.

Come out come out wherever you are, I'll count to ten you can't be far...Ohh Y/N..."

Snapping your head up, you listened to the nursery rhyme as it echoed loudly through the corridor. Once an innocent song you used to sing as a child whilst playing hide-and-seek, now a menacing taunt filled with unspoken threats. All of a sudden his cruel singing came to a stop. Hearing the creaking floorboards just outside the door, your eyes widened in terror.

" You know I'll win...i always did" you heard him say in a deep menacing voice as you covered your mouth trying to silence your heavy breathing. You watched intently as his dark shadow moved underneath the door, with your whole body trembling, you bit down on your bottom lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to escape. Putting your hand to your chest you breathed a silent sigh of relief as you heard his intimidating footsteps move on.

"I don't like to be teased sweetheart!" he said loudly, annoyed, as he slammed a door shut in frustration. Jolting at the sudden noise your foot slid against the floor hitting the wall in front you. Shit. Silence filled the house, the noise of his footsteps absent from your ears. Taking your hand away from your mouth, you reached out to bring your knee back into your chest, only to gasp in fear as you heard one single creak of the floorboards just outside the closet door.

"Peekaboo..." he said tilting his head as he opened the door, a sinister smile spread across his face, a bloodied knife in his hand.

"Come on now, darling" he said as he dragged you kicking and screaming out the small dark room by your night dress.

" Tommy please, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, wait...wait!"

One Month Before...

An arranged marriage. If anyone would have told you this is what you had agreed to this time last year, you would have laughed in their face at their preposterous suggestion. But yet here you was, two weeks away from marrying your childhood friends brother, Tommy Shelby. You had spent most of your early life at the Shelby's house, you being close friends with Ada, you would see Tommy almost every day. Maybe that's why you had agreed to the proposition so willingly, you knew Tommy, you grew up with him, a small affection grew over the years for him, and you trusted him, or at least...you thought you did. It was a cascade of events over many years that had led up to the day when Tommy's Aunt, Polly Gray, proposed the arrangement. Your father dying in combat was the start of everything that eventually went wrong, then when your mother moved you both to London to escape the constant reminders of your late father, her health started to deteriorate. The grief of losing him had taken a tremendous toll on your mother's body, unable to work anymore, and with only a war widows pension, you had to take on extra hours working in a press factory as your mother stayed home, you were barely getting by. Now you found yourselves back in Small Heath, back home, back in search for easier times. Hearing of your mother's ill health and your struggle to find employment, Polly Gray a friend of the family, re-entered you lives, offering you help when no one else would.

The proposition Polly made at first, was not one of marriage, but one of employment, you was to work in the Shelby Company Limited offices as a secretary, but when Tommy caught wind of his Aunt's plans and the knowledge of your return to Small Heath, with no need of another secretary he proposed a different arrangement, one of marriage. A wife in return for the financial support of your mother and the help she so desperately needed, that was the offer Polly came to you with that late spring day, the day your whole life changed.

Arranged marriages were not unheard of in the 1920s, and Tommy being a man who had so little time to find a wife, found himself needing one. He didn't particularly want one, but he needed one if he was ever going to rub shoulders with the people he wanted to do business with. With a wife by his side, he would be able to portray himself as a stable family man, an image he needed to paint to finally be taken seriously by the circle of people he wanted to be acquainted with, or at least, that's what he told everyone. You had very little family left, most of them having died in the war or from illness, your mother was the only immediate family you had. With no other options, your mother's health worsening, and no money to pay for the doctors she so badly needed, you had willingly agreed to the arrangement without much hesitation. An almost transactional agreement, but one you entered into with an open mind and heart, naively thinking that this arrangement would eventually turn into a loving marriage... how wrong you would be.

"I'm ready" you said as you straightened out your white summer dress.

" You look beautiful darling" your mother replied as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

" I'm sorry I can't come with you" your mother said as she handed you your small black purse.

"It's ok, you're not feeling well, get some rest ok?" You said as you kissed her cheek. Saying goodbye you opened the front door and walked out onto the busy streets of Small Heath. It was summer and surprisingly a beautiful day in the small Birmingham town. The sun breaking through the thick smoke of the factory chimneys, beamed down on your skin as you walked the ten minute journey to Watery Lane. Your thoughts turning in your head, you started to doubt your decision. What if he doesn't like me ? What if this doesn't work out? Does he even remember me? It was so long ago, you couldn't even remember what he looked like. Walking across to the next street you was now on Watery Lane. Standing in front of the door you straightened out your posture as you painted on a smile, before you could even knock, the door flew open.

"Are you Tommy's wife?" A small boy with a peaked cap and muddy knees said, as he opened the door.

"Not yet she's not" Polly said moving the boy out the way as she ushered you in, planting a kiss to your cheek.

" Polly" you said hugging her, smiling as she welcomed you into the house.

" Come sit down dear" she said as she pulled out a chair for you at the round table in the middle of the room.

" Hello you" you heard a voice say from behind you.

"Ada!" You said turning around, as she bent down to give you a hug.

" Look at you!" she said smiling to you, as she brushed your hair away from your shoulder " You're a beauty Y/N, Polly isn't she just beautiful?" She said turning to her Aunt.

" That she is, Tommy's one lucky man" she replied smiling to you with a wink. Sitting down in front of you, she poured you each a glass of whiskey.

" Bit of Dutch courage" she said handing you the glass, which your gratefully took, downing it in one go.

" Steady on!" Ada giggled covering her mouth, "You're not marrying the Devil himself" she laughed once again.

" Nervous?" Polly asked, as she looked at your anxious face, reaching out for your hand.

" A little...Polly what if this doesn't wor..." you said only to be interrupted by the small boy from before.

"Tommy's here!" He shouted as he ran through the kitchen knocking over one of the wooden chairs.

" Finn out!" Polly demanded, pointing to the stairs as he stomped up them, his arms folded, a grumpy thrown forming on his face.

" Ello ello" Arthur announced as he entered the room, John not far behind him.

"There she is" he said reaching out to hug you. " You've grown" he said motioning up and down your body with his hand, his eyes stopping at your chest as he cleared his throat.

" Move over you old perv" John said with a big smile, his arms stretched out to hug you.

"John" you said, hugging him tightly. Being closer in age, you and John had always gotten along, he was like a brother to you, often the first to come to you if you ever needed help. Turning his head around, John moved out the way as Tommy walked into the room. Taking his peaked cap off, his eyes immediately scanned the room, looking for you.

"Y/N" he said walking towards you, giving you a small kiss to the cheek, his hand resting on your hip. Now a young woman, Tommy was taken aback by your beauty.

"Tommy" you said nervously as your breath hitched in your throat. The boy you remembered was gone, instead a grown man stood before you, a face aged by war, a presence that demanded respect, he walked into the room with authority and power, and you couldn't help but look away from his intimidating statue. Smiling to you, trying to ease the tension, Tommy gently placed his hand on your back, gesturing for you to sit down as he sat down in the empty chair beside you. With everyone now around the table you talked about your time in London, everything but the impending wedding, that was until Arthur brought it up.

" You'll be a Shelby in a few weeks" he said winking to you, as he took a sip of whiskey.

" Think you can handle our Tom, Y/N?" John interjected, chuckling.

" Yeh, I think I can handle him " you said laughing, trying to make light of the situation as you turned to see Tommy eyeing you from head to toe, his mouth slightly open as his eyes then landed on yours.

"Good luck to you Y/N, Tommy's not the easiest to get along with, are you Tom?" John chuckled as he put his elbows on the table, leaning in closer to you.

"Shut up John" Tommy said, clearly bothered by his teasing. Shifting in your seat, you looked down nervously at your hands.

"Tom's just a bit hot headed sometimes Y/N" Arthur said as he poured himself another whiskey ." Anyway, things will go just fine for you two, Tom here, used to have a little crush on..."

"Right, you all done, hm?" Tommy said interrupting, looking at each of his brothers, his brows raised in annoyance, as both of them put their hands up in defence, unable to hold back their laughs.

" Come on, let's leave them to it" Polly said as she ushered everyone out the small kitchen. With just you and Tommy now alone, a small silence filled the room as he lit a cigarette.

" What are siblings for if they don't give you a hard time" you said smiling to him, breaking the silence.

"You're not gonna give me a hard time are you?" He said turning to you, mischief playing in his eyes.

" No. No..." you said slightly flustered.

"But you think you can handle me, eh?

" I didn't mean it like that" you said turning to him, his eyes catching yours as you started to regret your choice of words.

" I know" he nodded chuckling " I'm only teasing Y/N" he said clearing his throat.

"I need to know for sure though, I need to hear you say it, do you want this?" He said shifting closer to you, his eyes never moving from yours.

" I want this Tommy" you said as confidently as you could. "Do you?"

" I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't" he said staring at you, his eyes piercing into you. "Look, i know it's not the typical start to a marriage, but we know eachother, we can trust eachother, right?" he said as he reached for your hand, his thumb caressing you in reassurance.

" We can trust eachother" you nodded, comforted by his gentle touch " You know, coming here today, i didn't think you would remember me" you said as you traced your finger around the rim of your empty glass.

" Oh I remember you. You were here all the time, running around playing hide-and-seek. And if I remember correctly, you were never very good at it" he said a smile on his lips as his eyes darted between yours and your fingers grazing along the glass.

"Well, you never did count to ten" you joked as a laugh escaped Tommy's mouth.

"I wasn't very patient" he admitted, taking a drag of his cigarette his eyes glistening, as a cocky grin formed on his face

" God, we must have annoyed Polly so much sometimes"

" We were just kids" he said shrugging his shoulders, as he poured you both another glass of whiskey.

" Not anymore" you replied, as he handed you your drink, his fingers brushing over yours.

" No, not anymore" he echoed quietly, taking a sip of his whiskey, as he looked over your body in the corner of his eye, clenching his jaw.

" I got you something" he said clearing his throat. Reaching into his suit pocket, Tommy pulled out a small box with a red ribbon neatly fastened around it. Putting it on the table he slowly pushed it towards you.

" Tommy you didn't have to do that"

" It's a wedding gift, I want you to wear it on the day" He said stubbing his cigarette out, as he watched your slender fingers gently untie the ribbon.

" Oh my god...Tommy" you said smiling as you took out a small diamond encrusted bracelet. "It's beautiful" you said as you turned the bracelet around, only to furrow your brows as you looked at his and your initials engraved with a date on the back.

"Tommy I think the Jeweler made a mistake, the date's wrong?

"It's not wrong Y/N, I'm bringing the wedding forward, to next Saturday" Tommy said as he opened his cigarette holder, pulling out another.

" What...forward?" You questioned confused by the unexpected change of plans.

" You don't have a problem with that, do you?" He questioned as he exhaled a cloud of smoke up to the ceiling, rubbing the cigarette between his thumb and forefinger.

" No, it's just...everything's been planned for two weeks time, why did you change the dates?"

" I don't want to wait Y/N" he said, tapping the ash from the cigarette into the glass tray as he turned to face you, his brows raised in surprise at your questions. " You sure you want to marry me, eh? He said cocking an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips.

"I do Tommy, it's just.." you said, still confused by the the sudden urgency. "..next week it is then" you replied, giving in, not knowing what else to say. Smiling to you, Tommy sat forward taking your hand as he clasped the bracelet around your small wrist.

"You like it then?" He asked his eyes looking up at you through his thick lashes.

"I love it" you said reaching your arms out, wrapping them around him. Hugging you back, Tommy's hand moved up to the back of your neck, his cheek pressing into your hair as he breathed in your perfume.

" You'll never want for anything Y/N, I'll make sure of that" he said as he let go. " And your mother, she will be looked after" he confirmed, as you looked up, meeting his eyes.

" Thank you, Tommy" you said as you placed your hand into his, his other hand reaching up, softly stroking your cheek with his thumb.

" We'll make it work, yeh?" he nodded to you.

" We will" you said shyly as you looked down at the bracelet on your wrist.

" Good. My brothers are right though, I can be a difficult man at times, stubborn set in my ways. But I'll look after you" he said as you nodded to him, his thumb still on your cheek as his fore finger grazed down cupping your chin "And in return I'll have a good, obedient wife" he added, eyes narrowing, his forehead raised, his grip subtly tightening as he waited for your reaction. Your eyes darted away nervously only to quickly come back to his intense glare.

"I'll be a good wife Tommy" you said, a small unsure laugh leaving your lips at his odd choice of words.

" Good" he said letting go of your cheek, his face finally relaxing, as he leaned back into his chair.

" You know Y/N, I think this might just work out for us"

NEXT PART

Tag list: @litteltourtius @aesthetic0cherryblossom

[acewritesfics]

I'm Yours | Tommy Shelby

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: Yes from Wattpad

Warnings: Tommy's possessiveness. Featuring John Shelby 

Word Count: 680

Tommy Shelby Masterlist | Main Masterlist

"Why are you not ready yet?" Tommy asked Y/N who stands in her chemise looking through her closet.  

He stepped out of their bedroom's ensuite to see she hasn't gotten dressed yet. They are expected downstairs in 10 minutes for dinner with both their families. They are to announce their engagement this evening.  

"I still have 10 minutes, Thomas. No need to rush," she says causing her fiancee to shake his head and go back into the bathroom to finish getting ready himself. 

She decides on the beautiful red dress that she wore on their first date. He had taken her to the races and then out to dinner. She couldn't think of a better dress to wear. 

She's about to put it on when the bedroom door swings open revealing John. She holds the dress against her to shield her body. 

"Shit, I'm sorry Y/N." John quickly apologises covering his eyes as he turns his back to her. "Thought you'd be ready by now. Is Tommy in here?" 

"Thomas, your brother needs you!" She calls to Tommy. She keeps her eyes on John, making sure he doesn't turn back around before she's able to put the dress on. 

It was no secret Tommy's younger brother use to have a crush on her. John was the one that introduced her to Tommy, in hopes of her gaining his approval to join the family and maybe one day be a good fit to become his wife. Tommy not realising that she was the woman that John never shut up about, he pursued her and fell in love with her just as quickly as John had. She of course fell head over heels in love with Tommy, only seeing John like a brother. John got over when he married Esme, and soon fell in love with her but a little part of him still wondered what it would be like if Y/N had fallen for him instead of his charming big brother. 

"John, is everything alright?" Tommy asked walking out of the bathroom, putting his cufflinks in and standing between his brother and his soon-to-wife even though she was now dressed. 

"Polly wants to know if you've heard from Ada and if she'll be coming tonight," John informs him. 

"She will be," Y/N speaks for Tommy as she moves over to her dresser to collect her earrings. "She called me earlier, said that her and Karl will be here."  

John looks from Tommy to Y/N, his eyes lingering on her longer than they should as she hooks the earrings into her earlobes. 

"Is that all?" Tommy's voice came out a little harsher than he expected it to, his eyes glaring at his younger brother, as a warning. 

"Uh... Yeah," John nods, his cheeks warming at being caught staring. "I'll see you downstairs." He quickly leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. 

"Can you zip me up please, love?" She asks as makes his way over to her with her back turned to him. 

He obliges and steps closer to her, doing up her zip. He moves her hair to the side and kisses up her neck, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her tight against him.  

"I'm the only one whose allowed to see you half naked," he says softly into her ear, his voice stern, with a hint of possessiveness.  

She turns around in his arms. "I'm yours, Tommy. I have the ring to prove it. Just next time make sure your brothers know to knock before bowling into our room unannounced." 

"From now on, I'll be making sure those bloody doors are locked," He frowns glancing towards the doors. 

"With the way your brothers don't listen, that might be best," she jokes pulling out of his arms and turns to face him. 

Tommy pulls her back to him, pressing a hungry kiss to her lips. "You're mine," he mumbles into the kiss. 

"Always," she kisses back before pulling away and leading her soon-to-be husband, the love of her life, out of their room and down the stairs.   

[aussiepineapple1st]

Hi there! If your taking requests can you do a Leon x reader where they have a baby and one night theyre sleeping in bed when there's an intruder in the house and it ends up being Ada and Leon goes to check it out and tries to reason with Ada. The reader goes to check on Leon when they see Ada holding their baby and hears her arguing with Leon. Leon telling her to hand the baby over and get the hell out but the reader steps between Leon and Ada and sizes Ada up saying "what the hell do you think your doing with my baby?" Like a badass reader and Leon being impressed and just so in love?

Thank You! 🥰

I will do my best!😅

Stolen Child

Words: 1,266 Contains: Daddy Leon, guns

Coming back from feeding your 5 month old daughter, you slide back in bed with your husband. Rolling over Leon had stayed awake just in case you needed his help, insisting you got it this time.

"Is she happy now?" He asks pulling you into his body to get comfortable once again.

"She is... But you should be asleep, you had it tough the last week." You were worried about your husband's health, he had come home to you bloody and bruised. You had been with Leon during Racoon City, you also had managed to live a fairly normal life. Working your way up to your own dream job as a successful Café owner.

"I'm alright, I just feel bad leaving you alone with her for so long."

You shake your head at his words and snuggle into his warm chest. "You do more than enough for both of us already." Sighing, you close your eyes. She would be wanting another feed at around 4am so you had a few hours to sleep.

An hour passes and you feel Leon pulling away from you leaving the bed. You wake up, but guess he was only going to the toilet. Staying on your side you start falling back asleep when you hear Leon talking, you groan and sit up. Does he really have a call at this time of night? You reach over turning on the lamp beside you and look over to his table... No, his phone was right there. You didn't hear a knock at the door?

Sliding out of the bed, you use the carpet to your advantage and stay in the hall, listening to where his voice was coming from.

"I won't ask you again." There he was, in your daughters room, the tone of his voice had your heart racing. Peeking through the gap in the door you see Leon standing there, facing the window. His arms were extended, holding his gun in his hands. Trained on a woman holding something in her arms.

"Put her back in the crib or so help me I'll shoot." Leon's voice was low and demanding, but soft enough to not wake the still sleeping baby.

"You wouldn't do that, I might drop her." The woman's voice was smooth and sensual, mocking Leon with what she knew he would never do while his daughter was in danger.

You couldn't just stay hidden! Opening the door, the woman pulls her own gun on you. "What the hell are you doing with my baby!?" You didn't care if you woke her, you wanted her out of the arms of this intruder. Who would steal a baby?!

"Ada, don't." Leon warned as he steps between you and her gun. So this was Ada? The very same woman Leon had told you about from Racoon City when you had both been separated in the mayhem. The woman who he would tell you kept popping up on his jobs.

Placing a hand on the back of his shoulder you step around your husband, his finger leaving the trigger, almost starting to squeeze it. Still keeping it trained on Ada he makes sure you weren't in the way if he needed to in fact, shoot her. "What do you plan on doing with her?" You ask.

Ada just glanced down at the still sleeping babe, a smirk pulling at one side of her lips then lifting her gaze to you once again. You had stepped close enough for the barrel of her pistol to be pressed against your collar bone. Ada frowns at how ballsy you were, she could tell why Leon had fallen for you and was still with you even after so long. "Sorry, but I don't work and tell."

Leon was stood directly behind you, so you knew she wouldn't shoot, just in case she hit him. Ada not expecting the speed in which you had grabbed her wrist and lifted her arm to the ceiling, your grip making Ada wince slightly as you step even closer. Yes, you were shorter than she was, by half a head, but your intense stare made up for your height intimidation.

"You'll hand my baby back to me now and leave the same way you came in. And if I ever..." You lower your voice to a growl. "Ever! See you again, I will Not hesitate to shoot you, unlike my husband."

Ada tilts her head up, seeing in your eyes you weren't joking. Maybe the job she thought would be easy wasn't, not with you being the child's mother. She looks to Leon who was smirking at you, she could tell he was impressed by your show of protection for your daughter. Reluctantly she allows you to take your baby back from her arm, your hand still holding her wrist tight.

Once your daughter was back in your arms and only then did you remove your grip from Ada's wrist. Leon pulls you back into his side as he keeps his gun on Ada. "You heard her.. On your way." Leon motions with his gun for her to leave through the open window.

Once she leaves you wait before removing your gaze from the window and felt your legs go weak under you, the adrenaline leaving your body almost instantly. Leon saw you drop and half catches you, kneeling down beside you as you sat on the carpeted floor, cradling your baby. "You okay?" Leon asked seeing you starting to tremble.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay, just.. my legs aren't working right now. Heh.." You were so scared, but protecting your daughter was your main objective, worrying about if you got shot later. "Did.. Did I do good?"

Leon just lets out a low chuckle from a closed mouth, rubbing your arms to help calm you down. "Yeah, I was even scared for a moment there." He didn't want to put his daughter back in her crib, not tonight. And it looked like neither did you, so he ends up scooping you into his arms while you held your baby.

"No you weren't.." You pout.

"Really, I was." He carries you back into your bedroom, placing you on your side of the bed. "I was scared you would be shot."

"Oh.. Right." Leon walks down stairs to fetch a U-shaped pillow, placing it in the centre of your bed. You then gently lay your daughter in the middle, both of her parents laying on either side of her for protection. You lay on your side, head on the pillow surrounding the tiny infant. Leon was doing the same, reaching down to use his index finger to draw tiny circles on the inside of her open palm.

She closed her fingers around Leon's finger causing a big smile to pull the corners of his lips. You watch the smile on his face and he looks up to you. "I was really proud of you for standing up against Ada. You were so hot."

"Oh please." You blush and pull the blanket over your shoulder. "You probably do that type of thing daily."

"Yes.. Sort of.. But you don't. God, I love you so much." He said reaching over his daughter and gently touching your cheek.

Your cheeks turn a darker red and look in his eyes that looked at you with pure admiration. He had seen a new side of you tonight and it only made him fall more in love with you. "I love you too, but we really need to figure out something about house security so this doesn't happen again."

"Right.."

🏷️: @phoenix666stuff @maehemthemisfit @greywardensaywhat @growingupnrealizing @starcrossedreaders

[sailboatdreamer]

Back to the Night We Met

Hello! I'm Arcadia (she/her) and this is my first fic <3 i loved the holdovers so much it actually drove me to writing especially because of the lack of Angus fics rn :) Ill definitely continue it if people are interested, i have a pretty good idea of where to take it, this is just setup.

-You are a female student from a sister school who has to board over at Barton for the holidays, Mary comes to pick you up, and you have a first impression of all the boys- 859 words - slight blood mention.-

Angus reminded me of many men i had known, in various ways, throughout my life. Cold at first, brash, defensive- but equally in need of a love that was not easily accessible.

The first time i had ever met Angus, it was Christmas of 1970. The corresponding sister-school to Barton, Ada’s School for Girls, had just let out all the girls for winter break, except of course myself, who was doomed to two weeks of almost complete solitude. My only recompense being the books in the library, and my carefully hidden ration of cigarettes given to me by a friend as a Christmas gift.

I’d assumed that my stay at Ada would be chaperoned by one of the sisters from the convent, as they lived on campus and were usually the go-to call for holdover students, however when it came time to say goodbye, an unfamiliar face was awaiting me outside the aching, old oak doors.

“Hello young lady, I believe you’re staying with us this time.” Boston accent.

A beautiful woman, with a soft spoken voice, stood up against a powder-blue Impala, cigarette between her fingers. I came to learn that this lady was Mary Lamb. She was a cook from Barton, who’d elected to stay over the holidays due to the untimely and tragic death of her young boy, Curtis, a student. In her words, she felt going home would’ve abandoned his memory during this time that meant so much to both of them. As she drove me to Barton she explained i’d be staying with the other male holdovers due to ‘administrative difficulties’ whatever that meant

Quickly sensing my discomfort with this idea she said “Listen, you let me know if those little shitheads give you a hard time okay? My quarters are just past the dorms, near the garden.” i nodded appreciatively, smiling at her choice of language. It was surprising to hear it from such a demure lady, but Mary’s streak of subtle rebellion ultimately made her one of my favourite people i ever got to know through my school years.

When we arrived to Barton, Mary directed me towards the infirmary, as it was the last room in the entire building that had any heating, as i approached the door there was a clear noise of a scuffle going on inside. I gently pressed the door open, beat-up suitcase in my hand, glasses pushed to my nose. Two of the older boys were hitting each-other wildly, although it really seemed more girlish than i assumed boys fought. The minute they saw me, they got up and hastily tried to straighten out their shirts.

“Who are you!? The fuck-a girl?” A blonde boy, blue eyes, very irritating.

A rally of small, meek, lower-year boys stood around the room, just watching. The other boy who i’d seen flinging punches on the blonde was seething, he had a little blood running down his cheek, and he didn’t really acknowledge me, he seemed too focused on whatever his next chance was to knock the blonde’s lights out.

“Hello…..” i wave shyly, putting my suitcase by a free bed.

”hi, hello,- um-hi” the room grumbles back at me.

The air in the room is thick, and tense. Worried, nervous glances are passed between myself and the rest of the room for what feels like endless minutes before someone breaks the silence. “Do…. do you need help with your bags.” a nervous mutter from the boy who’d previously not acknowledged my arrival. And i actually did. Some of my books i insisted on bringing, assuming i’d have a boring two weeks had been a weight on my luggage. “Yeah… yeah i’d appreciate that. Thank you.” He follows me out, leaving the other boys to debrief among themselves. As we wander down the long, aging halls, and the noise of the infirmary grows quieter, i try to break the tension. “so….I’m (y/n).. i go to Ada,and uh- our nuns, shacked up for the winter apparently so that’s why i’m here. I met Mary, she’s… she’s really sweet” As i speak he nods gently, listening before speaking. “I’m Angus. And that (he points back at the infirmary) was Teddy Koutnze. Resident dickhead. The other kids i don’t know so well, they’re first years but-… they’re not too bad.” It was my turn to listen this time, as we walk i study the features on his face. Strong, angular features and deep, brown eyes, nearly carvaggian. He helps me with my other bags, opting to take the heavier one for me kindly, but as he’s picking it up, i again notice the blood on the side of his face. Without a second thought, i reach out to touch it, as i would’ve for any of the girls back at Ada. “You’re bleeding….”

His hand immediately rushes to his cheek, and i notice as his cheeks flush red, i recognise my mistake and apologize hurriedly “Oh-sorry, i-uh…” i try to brush off the blood on my skirt, and i we struggle to meet eyes “its… its okay” He grumbles, not meeting my eyes, we both walk back awkwardly, i know my face is flushed and i internally curse myself for doing something so careless. We share in the silence and a little smeared blood on our fingertips.

[runnning-outof-time]

Birmingham | Tommy Shelby x Reader (Part 14)

Previous Part

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: Tommy holds a meeting with two IRA men; that (Y/N) ends in a similar way to their very first time meeting each other. An onlooker of this meeting shares the last bit of information they have up their sleeve, which may change the course of things completely.

Warnings: language, mentions of drinking, violence (typical to series), weapons, character death

Word Count: 3725

A/N: it was a bunch of fun putting my own twist on one of my favorite scenes from s1 (I’m sure you can tell which one by the gif)…I’m really happy with how this one turned out and I can’t wait to share how the rest of the story will unfold with you! Enjoy! :)

A/N 2: Italicized words are taken directly from the show.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Comment/Message me if you’d like to be tagged!

...I'm getting worried about his actions, (Y/N). Your father's usually able to level him out, but he's even been going against him now. I worry about what will happen next... These three sentences kept repeating through (Y/N)'s mind as she made her way to the Garrison. The letter from her mother was unexpected, and now the contents of it were making her stomach turn nonstop with worry.

The Garrison soon came into view, and she took a deep breath to try and steady herself so that she could focus on the job she'd have to do. Harry greeted her with a friendly smile and immediately put her onto tasks that needed to get finished. She was happy for this, because she wanted the happenings in Sheffield to be the furthest thing from her mind.

—

The day had gone surprisingly fast. (Y/N) was thankful that she was busy. She hadn't thought about the ending of her mother's letter since she'd arrived at the tavern. Her shift had a few more hours left to it, and she was trying to think of what to do afterwards to ensure that the letter's contents still stayed out of her thoughts. Maybe she'd go to Ada's.

"(Y/N), are you in here?" Tommy's hurried words came from the hallway that led to the stockroom, breaking (Y/N) from her planning and making her turn to face the door.

"Yeah, I am," she answered as his figure became visible in the doorway. She noticed his frantic temperament, and immediately became worried by it. "What's wrong?" she was almost afraid to ask.

"Good. I need you to leave," he told her, his words coming out as quick as his first statement did.

(Y/N) furrowed her brows at him. "What do you mean? My shift's not finished for another few hours," she pointed out.

Tommy stepped inside the room then, moving closer to her so that he could talk in a lower voice. "I have two men coming to meet me later. They're interested in some guns that I have in my possession. It'd be better if you'd just leave," he told her, his eyes wide as he explained what was happening.

"I..." she was unable to say anything else before he cut her off.

"Please, (Y/N)," he looked at her with serious eyes, "please don't fight me on this."

She looked at him for a moment, studying his face as she let his pleads sink in. "O...ok. Do you want me to leave now?" she asked hesitantly, the intensity he was exuding at the moment making her shrink into herself slightly.

"Yes," his answer was quick, and he was almost out the door the second he finished speaking. He stopped and turned back to her before leaving completely, "thank you," he added, a slight bit of relief present in his words now. (Y/N) smiled and nodded at him before he exited the stockroom and made his way down the hall.

She waited a few moments to exit the room, listening until the sound of his footsteps faded out, meaning that he was far enough away. There weren't many people in the main area of the bar as she walked through it to the doors. I guess I'm going to Ada's now, she thought to herself as she began walking down the street with that destination in mind.

——

"This is a surprise," Ada remarked when she opened the door to see (Y/N) standing on the other side of it, "what are you doing here in the middle of the day?" she asked, eyeing the woman standing across from her suspiciously.

"I can't just come and visit my friend?" (Y/N) answered with a question of her own. Ada's look still remained, which made (Y/N) sigh. "Don't worry...your brother hasn't sent me here or anything," she assured the other woman, which made her quizzical look dissipate.

The slightest smile formed on Ada's face as she opened the door wider for (Y/N) to enter the apartment. "Karl's sleeping at the moment," she informed her friend, motioning to the bassinet in the corner of the room.

"How have things been?" (Y/N) asked as the two women sat down on the couch, a smile on her face as she craned her neck to take a peek at the sleeping baby.

"They've been fine," Ada answered, a slight sigh escaping her lips, "it's been tough not having Freddie around, but I'm managing."

(Y/N) nodded knowingly, a sympathetic smile on her face. She looked down at her clasped hands then, wondering if she should wait a bit or rip off the bandaid. "Tommy wasn't the one who gave Freddie away," she blurted out then. I guess we're ripping off the bandaid.

Ada's eyebrows furrowed in response before she spoke, "what do you mean?"

"I went with Polly to the Garrison that night. She blamed Tommy for getting Freddie taken away. I wanted to tell you that it wasn't him who did it," (Y/N) explained.

"Who was it then?" was Ada's next question.

"Grace," (Y/N) answered almost as soon as Ada was done speaking. She let it sink in for a moment before continuing, "she was the one who told Campbell your address. She got it when she came with me; when I extended the invite to the wedding."

"Fucking hell," Ada mumbled, looking up at the ceiling as she exhaled a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Ada," (Y/N) felt the need to apologize, "had I known her intentions, I never would have..."

"Don't apologize, (Y/N). This isn't in any way your fault," Ada put a pin in the other woman's apology before she could even finish it. "Does Tommy know this?" she asked then, her eyebrows raised.

"No," (Y/N) shook her head, "I didn't get the chance to tell him yet. I would have today, but he rushed me out of the Garrison before my shift was finished. I told Polly though...she said she'd think of a way to handle it."

"Telling Pol was the right move," Ada agreed with the choice, nodding her head to show her approval. "Tommy rushed you out of the Garrison?" she asked then, a mixture of surprise and confusion present in her voice.

"Yeah. He said he had a meeting with two men later today...that they were interested in some guns that he has," (Y/N) recounted the brief conversation, "he seemed rather frantic about it," she included, mentioning the detail that stuck out to her.

"Bloody hell, Tommy," Ada breathed, sighing as she hung her head, "he's going to get himself killed."

"What do you mean?" (Y/N) was confused by Ada's response.

"Polly's told me that those guns are stolen...and that's the reason why Campbell is here. He's trying to get them back. Pol told him to dump them in the Cut, but he obviously hasn't listened."

"You're joking," (Y/N) gasped, her eyes wide at Ada's admission.

"I'm not," Ada shook her head, her tone serious.

"He is going to get himself killed," (Y/N) agreed with the previously made statement. "What can I do to stop him?" she asked then, a mixture of anxiousness and determination present in her words. She stood from the couch before anything else was said, a sense of urgency in her movements.

"You're not going to be able to stop him, (Y/N)," Ada told her before she could take a step.

"I can at least tell him how stupid he is for arranging this meeting," (Y/N) didn't let the comment deter her, and she made her way to the door before anything else could be said.

The ladies said a quick goodbye to each other before (Y/N) exited the apartment and started off for the Garrison. She probably got some looks from passersby as she hurried her way to the tavern, but she couldn't care. She had to give Tommy a piece of her mind.

—

"Are you out of your mind, Tommy?!" she exclaimed the second she walked through the Garrison's doors. Tommy was the only person in the tavern, and he was standing behind the bar with a bottle of whiskey in front of him.

"I told you to go home, (Y/N)," he responded, keeping his voice level as he moved around the bar to stand in front of her.

"You can't let this meeting happen," she ignored his statement, staying focused on her own.

"It's happening. You need to leave," he diverted her again.

"I'm not letting you do it alone then," she insisted, crossing her arms over her chest as she stood her ground.

Tommy sighed as he heard her answer. He couldn't have this happening right now...the men were set to arrive at any moment. "(Y/N), no. I'll be fine," he tried again to get her to leave. Of course he couldn't promise that he'd be fine. These men were notorious for going to any length to ensure they got what they wanted.

"I'll stay here to see it through then," she still held her ground.

"Fuck," Tommy breathed, unhappy that she hadn't listened to him. He was fine with the potential of things going sideways for him, but her sticking around had thrown a wrench into his stoic plans. "Ok..." he started, looking at her again, "you're going to stay in the back..." he paused again, retrieving the revolver from the holster under his jacket, "take this and wait for me to come back to you. You don't come out at all, understand?" he spoke seriously to her, wanting her to realize the severity of the situation.

"Ok," she nodded her head, swallowing as she processed her directions. She took the weapon and held it to her chest, immediately feeling the heaviness of it.

"Go," he nodded to the archway then, and she nodded before wordlessly turning and going to where he'd told her to.

The sound of the main door opening was heard not long after she'd gotten into the hallway, and it was followed by Tommy greeting two men, who sounded to be Irish. (Y/N) wondered for a moment if maybe they secretly worked for Campbell. She kept the gun clutched to her chest as she strained to listen in on the conversation, her heart hammering in her ears.

Time passed by agonizingly slowly, or at least it felt like it with the pauses that came between each abrupt statement. Then, two statements came that made (Y/N)'s hair stand on end:

"Did you think we'd let you live?"

"Make your peace, Mr. Shelby."

(Y/N) didn't wait around for Tommy to say anything in response. She knew what sound would follow next. So she rushed out from the hall with the gun held steady in her hands. It took her only a moment to locate the other weapon, and she made quick work at cocking the hammer and firing, striking the target she'd been locked on with ease.

Tommy's hands flew up in the air upon hearing the shot ring out. It took him a moment to realize that it'd come from behind him, and when he did, he spun back to the other man and flipped the table out of the way so that he could lunge at him. In the chaos, the other man had pulled out a gun, and he was fully intending on using it.

(Y/N) saw this as well, and she cocked the hammer of her revolver back with the intent on firing again. She waited for Tommy to swing the man to the side so that she'd have a clear shot, but when he did, the gun misfired. "Shit," she breathed, panic starting to rush over her. She looked down at the weapon and fumbled with it for a few moments before looking back up at the scuffle that was happening a few feet away from her.

Tommy and the man were still fighting over the gun, and it seemed as though neither were letting up. She continued to fumble with her weapon, looking down at it again. She felt a sharp pain emanate from her temple the second she glanced down at her weapon, and she was knocked over from the force of whatever hit her. It took a few moments for her to focus again, but when she did, she saw that Tommy was now on top of the man and that he was repeatedly striking his head with a bucket. She flinched each time that he struck the man. It was obvious to her that he was stuck in some sort of loop.

"Tommy!" she was able to muster out, hoping that her calling his name would break him out of it. Things were getting more gruesome by the second.

Thankfully her voice worked in breaking him out of his focus and thereby stopped his actions. He dropped the bucket to the ground and began taking deep breaths as he tried to level himself out again. After a few moments, he turned to look at (Y/N), who was still sitting on the floor; propped up against the bar.

He slowly rose to his feet, his eyes not leaving (Y/N)'s. As he stood, (Y/N) did the same, using the bar to steady herself as she felt another rush of pain on the side of her head. Tommy was still breathing heavily as he made his way over to her. She was stuck in her spot, still trying to process everything that had happened.

"Why'd you come out here?" Tommy asked once he stopped in front of her, still almost breathless, "why'd you shoot?"

"They were going to kill you, Tommy. I wasn't going to let that happen," she answered, her voice shaky, "and I would have killed the second man but the gun misfired and I tried but I couldn't get it to go, and...I..." her words began to waver with each one she said, and Tommy didn't wait for her to finish her statement before he pulled her into him, hugging her tight against his body.

"It's ok now, love...I've got you," he said to her, his voice right next to her ear as he held her for as long as she needed him to. Their embrace lasted for a few moments before he pulled away and rested his one hand against the back of her neck. He searched her eyes for a moment before exhaling a shaky breath, "now you've seen me," he said to her.

This statement was vague, but she knew exactly what he meant. "You've already seen me," she answered him, calling back to the very similar situation they'd been in months ago when she'd first arrived in Small Heath. "There can't be another time like this, Tommy," she breathed then, tears stinging her eyes as she kept them locked on his.

"There won't be," he told her, an assured tone laced into his words. He couldn't quite promise that to her though...not with the nature of the families that they both belonged to. She was safe now though, and that was all that mattered. He pulled her back into his arms, holding her tight against his chest as he felt her breathing slow back down to normal.

"I...I need to tell you something, Tommy," she whispered to him, several different things swirling through her mind just as the sound of the doors opening was heard.

Tommy pulled away from her and turned to see the three coppers that were standing by the door. "You were supposed to come on the sixth chime...you were supposed to come on the sixth fucking chime!" he yelled at the men, who seemed to be completely unfazed by the scene that was laid out in front of them. He then leaned back against the bar as he looked up at the ceiling, retelling his version of what had gone down. He couldn't bear to look at what had been done...never did he think he'd go back to a place like that again in his mind.

One of the coppers then made a comment about the condition of the scene before telling Tommy that it'd be swept under the rug.

"Get the bodies out of here," Tommy spoke in a monotone voice as he stared at the far wall.

"Alright...are they making the lady uncomfortable?" the copper questioned, cracking a grin as he looked in (Y/N)'s direction. He looked at her for a moment before focusing on Tommy again, "I'll leave you two love birds to it then, eh?" he got one last comment in before turning and giving orders to the two men standing behind him.

Tommy dropped his head and sighed once the conversation finished. He kept his head hung for a few moments, squeezing his eyes shut tight as he tried to compose himself. After taking a few leveling breaths, he looked at (Y/N) again. "Let me walk you home," he said to her, and she responded with a nod before finally taking a step from the spot she was standing in so that she could fall in beside him.

—

Grace Burgess 'just so happened' to have let herself in through the side door of the Garrison earlier that afternoon. She had Arthur to thank for the access to the door...he'd given her the keys when she'd agreed to take on looking his books over. She managed to get into the back office undetected and overheard Tommy and (Y/N)'s initial conversation about the meeting that was happening that night. Of course she was going to stick around and find out what the meeting was about; she was still searching for information about the guns after all.

She somehow managed to stay under the shroud of darkness that the office provided as - surprisingly to her - (Y/N) came back into the hallway after a brief conversation with Tommy. She listened into the meeting that was being held in the main room while keeping a close eye on the actions of the other woman standing in the hallway. It would have been over for her if she'd get found out. She hid when the gunshots rang out, and stayed in place until things were quiet again.

It was then that she decided to creep her way to the end of the hallway to see what had happened. The sight she was greeted with shocked her: Tommy and (Y/N) were embracing; holding onto each other like their lives depended on it. A pang of emotion rushed through her as she saw this. Maybe this was why she had come and confronted her the other day. Either way, she knew exactly what she had to do now.

She waited until the two were cleared out before she also exited the tavern, making her way to the place she told Campbell that she'd meet him that evening.

It was no surprise that he was already sitting on a bench when she arrived at the park. "What do you have for me?" he asked, standing up as she approached.

"The location of the guns," she didn't even try to dance around it, "I believe that they're being kept in the graveyard; beneath the headstone of a man who is not dead."

"And you're sure?" Campbell raised his eyebrows.

"I am," Grace nodded definitively, swallowing harshly before continuing, "I only ask that you don't go after Tommy for this once you find them," she added to her initial statement, her words making Campbell's eyes widen.

"Why not?" he was quick to ask her.

The image of Tommy and (Y/N) embracing at the Garrison flashed in her mind before she spoke again, "he's not the one who's decided to keep the guns," she explained her reasoning, blinking rapidly as she looked away from the man in front of her. She just couldn't meet his eyes as she said this for the fear that he'd see right through her.

"If the Shelby's aren't to blame, then who is?" Campbell was quick with another question, a demanding tone laced his voice, "are you telling me we've been on the wrong trail this entire time?"

Grace looked at him momentarily as she contemplated taking this lie further. His expectant gaze practically sealed it for her; there was no way she could get out of it now. "A woman named (Y/N) (Y/L/N) is holding them. She has family in Sheffield...they've been keeping the guns here," she blurted out as many details of (Y/N)'s backstory as she could in hopes that it would add more credibility to the situation, "she's the one you need to go after," she finished by looking at him again, hoping that her straight faced expression would seal the deal.

Campbell pursed his lips as he mulled over this new information. He hadn't heard of this woman before, but his desire to close this case and find the missing guns certainly kept him open to the possibility. Grace hadn't led him astray before.

——

"The name my informant gave me was (Y/N) (Y/L/N). This person said that she lives in a rented apartment here in Small Heath and has been in town for roughly around the same time as these guns have been missing. She's got connections in Sheffield; they could be needing these guns for leverage there," Campbell rattled off this newfound news to one of his subordinates the following day.

He made sure to leave Grace as anonymous, but happily dished out the information that he had gathered about (Y/N) in hopes that it would help as they got themselves ready to take on this new target. There was a sense of delight within him now as this was going to be way easier than he expected it'd be. How hard could it be to take down a woman?

Unbeknownst to him, as he continuing with his rattling, was that Sargent Moss had been listening in to the entire conversation. The senior police officer's interest had been struck when the guns were brought up, but he really started listening when (Y/N)'s name was brought into the conversation.

He even started writing notes down, knowing that they'd prove useful to Polly Gray, who he'd be meeting up with later to share all of this information with. She came to him wanting concrete proof, and now she was going to get it.

Next Part

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SERIES MASTERLIST

[abbofff]

How I Met My Trauma-Bound Brother

masterlist

Hi, my name is Ada Williams. I, like many other unfortunate souls, am a daughter of a Greek god. Yes, those exist. No, I'm not crazy (at least not that much). I could go on and on about of my particular childhood and the struggles I got from seeing and experiencing things that adults said were impossible. But I might as well start with one of the very few moments that being a halfblood wasn't that bad.

So this set us up a couple of years ago in September. I had just turned 10 years old a couple days before and I was coming home from my new school I was at because I got expelled from my last one due to some trouble I got into that wasn't my fault. I mean, how could I have knocked the wind out of a bully if I didn't even punch him? I mean, yeah, sure, I really wanted to, but I wasn't going to do it and, of course, no one believed me.

Anyway, on the way home, I saw an oddly large Tibetan Mastiff walking down the street, and for a second, I thought it was really cute until it started barking and chasing me. I ran through the streets of Manhattan until my legs felt like they were burning and my lungs hurt, which led me to an alley with a very rabid dog on my back a couple of meters away from me. On my last hope of not being torn apart, I grabbed a rusty metal rung that had apparently fallen off the damaged fire escape next to me. My grip on the step was slippery thanks to sweaty hands and that I felt more scared than I had ever been.

I didn't know why God was so determined to make me his best warrior, but I tried to ask him to please let me go home to my mom. The dog (who had grown a lot compared to a few moments ago) jumped towards me and I felt a surge of adrenaline and a tingling in my hands with which I managed to grab the metal tightly and as soon as I was going to hit him with the piece of metal a thunder hit the ground and my back hit the wall of the candy store next door. The last thing I saw before I fell unconscious was the dog disintegrating into dust and a lady in a red, white and blue uniform running towards me. 

When I woke up I was siting in a chair on a corner with the left of my head rest against the grey bricked wall with a blue coat covering me. I was on what it seemed a storage room filled with a lot of candys and the best smell ever. In front of me, a couple meters away, blonde kid who looked my age was resting his right side against the open door with his arms crossed.

- Mom! The strange girl is awake! - He said as he was looking at me with the most stranged look.

- Percy! Don't say that. - Said a woman appearing behind her son.

- Hi, little one. My name is Sally and he is Percy, my son. How are you feeling? Don't worry, I have already called the ambulance a couple of minutes ago, so they must be on their way already, and when they get here, they can find your parents. -

I loved her voice. It made me feel at ease, it reminded me to my mom. Oh no, my mom. Trought the open door I could see a glass window that view to the street bathed on a sunsets glow. Mom must be home from court already and worrying sick.

- Im feeling good. Thank you for getting me into safety, ma'am. What time is it? - I asked as I got up and grabbed the coat off of me, the boy that now I know was Percy grabbed it and put it on a shelf.

- It must already be past 5pm, I believe - Sally said. - But don't worry, sitting still its the best thing to do now. Listen, I'll wait outside for the ambulance, ok? - She said in a reassuring tone. Then, she looked back at her son -Percy, stay with her and see she's okay - She demanded as she walked trought the door, the boy nodded in response.

- What's your name? - He asked while tilting this head in curiosity.

- I'm Adara, but its kind of weird name so everyone just calls me Ada - Only my mom calls me Adara, and that was she was really serious. And when she was that serious, she made that dog look like a puppy.

Oh damn, the dog, it just couldn't disintegrate. I must have hit my head very hard or something. And with the way the back of my head was kinda sore I assumed that was what happened. Now, about the freaking thunder? I really have no idea, maybe a bare wire. Yes, yes totally what happened.

- Well, if we are talking about wierd names, then i win. My actual name is Perseus, but its very greek and very odd and never really finished liking it, so i just go by Percy. -

I let out a little laugh.

- What happened to you? - That damn curious boy asked.

He grabbed a chair that was behind a shelf and sit next to me and grabbed a plastic bag of blue candy. I didn't actually knew how to respond without ending up in a mental hospital.

-I got chased by a dog and I think I touched a bare wire or something and past out-

- And you are not hurt? Yeah, you are wierd but maybe in a cool way. - He said. Oh, I thought. Nobody has ever called me cool, and I was called a lot of adjectives by my dear fellow classmates.

Percy opened the bad of candy - Want one? - He asked kindly.

- Of course. -I grabbed a couple and put them in my mouth. - They are so good!! I didnt even know they selled all blue jellybeans. - He smiled fondly.

- They don't, me and my mom separated them. My stupid stepfather said blue food its not a thing. We want to prove him wrong. -

- Yeah well, he can shove his words up his butt. - I laughed and he did too. Maybe Percy wasn't that bad after all.

- Are you 10? What school do you go to? - it was my turn to ask something.

- Yup, I turn 10 in august. I don't go to school right now. I got expelled of the last one and same with the other three schools before that one. So its getting hard to find a new one. - He said like it was the most common thing in the world but he still seemed pretty sad.

His face didn't show it, it must probably be because he is used to it, I would know, I have been in his spot a lot of times.

- Oh, I'm sorry.- I smiled kindly at him, I knew exactly how he felt.

- Well, I think you are pretty cool too. So maybe you could shoot a shot at my school. -

He looked very confused.

- If you haven't already been expelled of that one at least - We laughed again.

It would be nice to start the year with a real friend. I wasn't exactly disliked in school but I was the kind of person that was kind to everyone but friend of no one. I never fit in enough to have a real friend. But I had a feeling he was different.

I told him the name of my school, and after 15 minutes waiting, his mom came back with two doctors. They checked me up and said it was nothing to worry about. After the doctors where gone Sally asked me my mom's number so she could call her. And left the room again.

- Hey, do you wanna hang out some day? We could try to make blue food If you like. - I said.

I know we just met, but I really liked him. He felt familiar, not in a way that we already had met but in a way that somehow I knew he was a good guy.

- Yeah, sure! I would love to - He responded. He sounded very exited and I was to. Then, Sally got in the room.

- Your mom's on the way, she sounded really worried but I got to calm her down. You sure you are fine, right kid? - She said pretty preoccupied.

- Yeah ma'am. Thanks a lot for the help - I turn back to look at Percy - and for the amazing blue food.  - I laughed.

Suddenly my mom came in the store shouting my name. My mom's name is Amelia Williams. She was a beautiful blonde with green eyes that held the kindest of looks, although they seemed to held a worried looked almost half of the times they looked at me. I hated to make her worried, I knew life as a single mother wasn't easy but I always seemed to manage to make it a lot harder despite my tries of being good.

I came out of the storage room looking for her. And I saw her, she was still on her blue suit with stripes. She must have got off court late and on her way home when she got the call. She wrapped me in a tight hug and let out a heavy sigh.

- I'm so glad you are ok. That thing didn't bite you or anything thing? - She asked worryingly

- No, mom. The doctors said I'm good to go. - I said with a smile in hopes to calm her down.

We separated and she looked behind me. Sally and Percy were out of the storage room too now.

- Thank you so much for looking out for her. I don't know how I could ever repay you -  My mom smiled fondly at Sally, and she responded with one of her own.

- Don't worry, I'm a mom too - Sally was smiling at Percy now and he was looking at his mom with a embarrassed smile.

- Well, I have an idea. - I said, and now all eyes were on me. - Could Percy come home someday? - I asked my mom with pleading eyes. Then she looked back at Sally.

-  If that's alright with you, I believe we can arrange something. - My mom said.

Then Sally looked at Percy, and he gave her his own set off pleading eyes.

- Yeah sure, you already have my number anyways. - She said smiling.

After that talk and a hang out planning, my mom and I said our "see you soon" before getting in the car. And while we started making our way home, Percy and Sally waved goodbye from the candy store door while smiling.

And that's how a met my best friend, my brother.

[themultifandomgal]

Isaiah Jesus- Button Up Your Overcoat

"Listen, big boy, now that you got me made

Goodness but I'm afraid

Somethin's gonna happen to you

Listen, big boy, you gotta be hooked and how

I would die if I should lose you now

Button up your overcoat

When the wind is free

Take good care of yourself

You belong to me

Eat an apple every day

Get to bed by three

Take good care of yourself

You belong to me

Be careful crossina streets, ooh ooh

Cut out sweets, ooh, ooh"

"Should you be singing that in your shop Miss YLN" I turn around and see Isaiah walking in through the shop door with Finn and Michael. Turning down the record playing I greet my boyfriend and his two friends

"I was just about to close the shop then meet you at the Garrison"

"Well we were going to ask if you could make us some fresh sweets?"

"Zigh you know my dad does all of that"

"You know how to though. You've watched him plenty of times. Please?" he pleads and I give in to him way too easily

"Fine, but your not turning off my Ruth Etting record" I tell the boys

"Whatever makes you make some sweets for us" Micheal chuckles

"What am I making? barley sugar? butter mints? fruit rock?"

"Fruit rocks. Lemmon, apple, strawberry and orange"

"Fine" I sigh and get everything ready to make the sweets. I first start making a mixture of sugar water and corn syrup, heating it up until it's over 300 decrees then I pour it on the marble slap "now if I'm making this just for you. You have to share with Tommy, Arthur and John. Not forgetting Lizzie, Esme and the kids. Oh and you all have to help me with the hook"

"I'll help you" Finn flexes his arms earning an eye roll off me. I separate the mixture once it's cooled. I then add the flavouring and the colouring before handing them off to the boys to stretch.

Once the sweets have been made and bagged up Finn and Micheal leave giggling like school children

"Who knew you boys would get so excited about sweets?"

"Well we can only have the best" Isaiah hands me a sweet "and you my dear have the best sweet shop in Small Heath"

"You flatter me Mr Jesus. Now help me clean up and then we can go to the Garrison"

Isaiah helps go clean up the mess I made before I take my coat, put it on and leave the shop, locking it up behind me. The bitter cold chill of the winters air hits my face

"Bloody hell Isaiah button up your overcoat. You'll catch yourself a cold"

"I think I'll be ok YN" he places his arm around my waist and we walk to the garrison "you however you only have to stick a finger out of a window and you'll catch a cold. You'll be making yourself cough drops"

"I won't be making anything especially if you catch a cold after I've warned you" this causes Isaiah to laugh as we enter the Garrison

"Come on love the boys will make fun of me if I wore my coat done up and a scarf"

"Well I think you look quite fetching with your overcoat done up, a scarf and some gloves" I push open the doors to the snug

"I'm glad you do but I wouldn't look very intimidating"

"Wait until I start telling the world that Isaiah Jesus loves a bath with rose petals and candles"

"You'll be the death of me woman" I laugh sitting down next to Ada

"What are you two bickering about now" she laughs

"Isaiah wouldn't button up his overcoat. I told him he'd catch a cold"

"Here we go again. I'll go and get you a drink love" he kisses my head before leaving the room

"Thanks for the sweets YN, the kids will love them"

"You know I'll sneak them sweets anytime John. Just have to pop into the shop"

"Ah not sure your mother and father would be impressed" Finn says

"What are you on about? my parents love you all"

"No I mean about the sneaking sweets. Tried that once and had a slapped wrist. Bloody hurt" Finn rubs his wrist in memory making me laugh remembering when we were younger

"Well we were little shits then"

"Still are now" Tommy grumbles before sipping his whisky.

Before we leave the Garrison at the end of the evening I make sure to button up Isaiah's coat, at first the Shelby's made fun of him before I made sure they had all of their coats buttoned up as well.

However annoyingly the following day I woke up with a blocked nose and no one else had. Isaiah was right. Next time I'm out late I will make sure I have a hat, scarf and gloves.

[pepper-steam-milkshake]

a big little post

heya!

six months. jesus, that's a while. at least, a while to not have lost focus. and i'm still kicking! sooo~, as a little thanks for sticking around with my silly little story, there's a few things i want to share! :3

1) splinters of madness is not just one story :3c

if you've been paying attention recently, you may have noticed a slight change on ao3 where i added splinters to a series. that's because there's a lot more stories i want to tell that both add and contrast to what's going on in the main story. for example, a little more backstory on fyodor and nikolai's friendship (or complication, depending on how you want to look at it), a darkest timeline two-shot, and nikolai's play rehearsals! perhaps, we can get to know chuuya's brother a little better before he passes from his point of view!

these are definitely not all of the additional content im planning, but it's some that you can look forward to!

2) things that were supposed to happen... and then, uh, didn't

i tend to complain quite a bit about things going awry when im writing splinters (well, not complain, but ykw i mean), and there's a few things that just, was planned and then the characters went "lmao, fuck you". so! here's a few of them!

chapter 5

nikolai hairflip

mori appearance -> appeared in the following chapter instead

"That's the chibi I know!" -> yeah no. nope im okay with this not making it in

atsushi getting his book back. rip

chapter 6

dazai was in fact supposed to go to the corn maze with fyolai and sigma, but for a variety of reasons, it just didn't happen. unseen and unsaid, sigma also didn't go to the corn maze! you can imagine that nikolai was a lot nicer about it to them than he was to dazai, lmao

sigzai kiss :( womp womp

soukoku making out in the boiler room

the ada at the football game

general

chuuya going to see halloween with dazai

3) and... a preview of chapter 7 :3 formatting's a little fucked, but it's also on ao3!

Veronica. Finally. I got a note of Kurt Kelly’s. I need you to forge a hot and horny but realistically low-key note in Kurt’s handwriting and we’ll slip it into Martha Dumptruck’s lunch tray.

Shit, Heather, I don’t have anything against Martha Dunnstock.

You don’t have anything for her either. Come on, it’ll be very.

- Heather Chandler and Veronica Sawyer

--

Dazai drags Chuuya into a hug, getting a surprised yelp out of him. “After all, we’re friends, and friends listen to each other.”

Chuuya’s stiff for a few seconds before he melts into the hug, and his arms wrap around Dazai, too.

“Right… friends.”

His fingers stray into Dazai’s hair, his fingers tangling around the locks, and Dazai gives a surprised gasp as Chuuya yanks at it. “But… what if I want to be more than friends?” he whispers into his ear, his breath hot against it.

“Wh-what?”

Dazai shudders and tilts his head up as a wet tongue slides up his neck, finishing its trail with a kiss. “You heard me, Dazai Osamu. What if I want to… date you?”

He can’t help but laugh nervously at that. “D-date me? Chuuya needs higher expectations—”

Chuuya pulls him out of the hug into a dip, Dazai’s hands frantically moving to clutch on for security. Chuuya smirks down at him. “What if I want to make you mine?”

“Chuuya, I—”

“What if I want… to kiss you?”

Dazai gasps, his face red and heated. “Ch-Chuuya…”

Chuuya grins as he lowers closer and closer to Dazai’s lips, his lashes fluttering as his eyes become half-lidded. Dazai feels himself closing his own eyes, his lips pursing for the kiss…

And when his eyes open again, it’s to the ceiling of his room, his sleep mask having slipped off at some point in the night.

“Jesus fucking christ.”

With a grumble, Dazai flips to his side, kicking off the remnants of his blankets—most of them had gotten kicked around anyways during his sleep—and lays there, gazing at his desk, where two books sit. One, of course, is the one he puts most of his deepest thoughts in, sitting opened with the bookmark in, his pen and monocle lying next to it. The other is Atsushi’s weird white novel, which—

“Ah, shit…” he groans, pushing his face into the mattress.

Atsushi was supposed to pick up his book yesterday. But Dazai wasn’t home, because he decided to have the dinner-from-hell with his not-crush and his not-crush’s father. So, Atsushi wasn’t able to get it despite having asked for it.

Am I the worst friend ever or what?

I should go over to my desk and hit my head as hard as I can into the corner.

Fuck!

Dazai slowly slides out of his bed onto the floor, landing on top of various clothes, including… including Kunikida’s green sweatshirt. He awkwardly manipulates it out from underneath him before holding it up above him, sighing as he gazes at it.

“Katai probably would like you now,” he murmurs, running his fingers over the cuffs in circular motions. The fabric feels soft, smooth from age under the pads of his thumbs, and Dazai knows if he smelled it, it would still have that whiff of Kunikida’s cologne and deodorant on it. And the thing is, maybe he should give it to Kunikida. Or give it directly to Katai.

But he doesn’t want to. He “stole” it from Kunikida, therefore, it’s his. And it’s not like Kunikida has asked for it back. Though, perhaps he doesn’t remember that Dazai has it. But that’s not the point.

Yeah, Kunikida’s not getting this back, and Katai isn’t getting it, either. It’s Dazai’s, whether Kunikida knows it or not.

He glances towards his desk once more, trying to ignore thoughts of… unpleasant thoughts—

Hit your head. Impale. Smash it into the corner. Hit it. Hit it. Hit it. Hit it. Hit it. Hit it.

For fuck’s sake.

I want to write.

Hit your head. Hit it. Hit it against the corner. Hit it. Hit it. Hit it.

I want to write.

Kill yourself.

“I am losing my mind.” With a frustrated hiss, Dazai pushes himself to his feet, and tiredly stumbles towards his desk, his hand gripping the corner tightly so he can’t see it anymore. He shoves himself past it, then flops into the seat, picking up the pen, and starting a new entry.

Dear Diary,

October 12, 1989

I sure love thinking about killing myself. It’s my favorite.

Anyways, had a dream about Chuuya. Wonderful. I dreamed that last night, instead of us just saying goodbye, he kissed me.

He stops writing for a second, sighing as he presses his fingers sadly to his lips.

Well, almost. He almost kissed me. He was so fucking close. We almost kissed. But it’s not romantic, of course. I think about kissing my friends all the time.

Hell, I’ve thought about kissing Kunikida. Thinking about Chuuya like this isn’t any different. This isn’t romantic. I am not in denial.

Dazai smacks his head into his diary, groaning. “Fuuuck.”

Not in denial. Nope. Not in denial. I am so not in denial. Why would I be in denial? Boys kissing boys—it doesn’t have to be romantic! No! And it’s not because I think I’m not gay—I am, but not for them! It’s different! It’s totally different!

…I’m going to lose it.

- Dazai

[indigo-o]

Hello it's me again. I really liked what you had written and I have another request if it doesn't bother you. Fukuzawa x reader again with either GN! Or Fem! Reader and him basically taking care of us while sick/injured or the other way around and us taking care of him.

I really just crave fluff with him and I hope you're not annoyed at me for requesting something again and that it makes sense.

Anyway I hope you have a nice day/night and don't forget to stay hydrated.

Sorry for it taking a long time I got a little sick but enjoyyyyyyy

Tw:blood, fighting, implied sa

Fluff, comfort

We will do it together

HAHAHHAH IM MAKING A PART 2 YASSS

Also thank you for the request, ive enjoyed these!!!

Some ranpo x reader

I didn't know what age the reader should be so I made them a teen.

Also they have a plant ability where they can grow plants by touching the ground

Fukuzawa x reader part 2

He was gone, he had left the room to do who knows what. Now here I am laying on a bed. It was silent. But that was nice. Nice and quiet. Perfect for sleep. And I did.I woke up to the sound of a door opening. It was ranpo.

"Hiiiiii Lil ms! I'm here to take you home! The president couldn't be here so he asked me!!!". He laughed.

He picked me up bridal style.

"Ranpo that hurtssss.". I whined

"Sorryyyy little ms. ima wheel you there then!" He smiled, placing me on the wheel chair in the agency.

"How is it know???". He smiled.

"It's okay.". I smiled.

•••Lil time skipy•••

"Um ranpo... it's is the wrong house, this is Fukuzawa house and not mine.". I said puzzled.

"I know! That's what he said to do. He said he's got to keep an eye on you while you recover.". He smiled.

(Bro Fukuzawa has a traditional Japanese house, you can't tell me otherwise, I refuse to see it any other way)

We wheeled me into his house pushing me into a room. The room he took me to when he saved me from those men.

•••Flash backkkkkkk•••

"Please sirs I don't want any trouble." I cried from pain in face as one had slapped me.

"Hey you know there is something that you could do to make us stop.". One guy said looking at the other guy.

"Oh I see what you mean.". They smirked at each other.

"And that would be?". A tall man with white hair stood behind them.

The two guys stood there in shock. Debating their next move.

"You know.". One of the guys said while turning around.

Untill he saw his face.

"I assume yall 29, am I right? And they are a young teenager. So I'm going to ask you to leave.". The man with white hair said.

"And what will you do if we don't.". They made a snarky remarks, only angrying the white haird man more.

"P-Please just go.". I cried.

"Who said you could talk.". The guy then kicked me in the stomach, causing me to cough up blood.

"I told yall to leave, you didn't listen.". The white haired man said.

(I'm not going to write the fight because that makes me uncomffy)

"Are you okay?". He said reaching out his hand.

I reached out. Barely grabbing his hand. Two pea plants shot put of the ground and helped me up. Though as I stod up I fell on his chest while the plants disappeared. And I slowly passed out.

•••End of flash back•••

That's where i woke up. That's where I joined the Ada.

"Let me help you get down Lil ms.". Ranpo helped me up.

"Thank you.". I coughed up as he helped me lay down.

I was 13, now 17. Back in this bed struggling to keep my eyes open.

"Just go to sleep Lil ms. I promise I won't leave you till Fukuzawa gets here.". He moved my head to his lap and played with my hair.

•

I fell asleep.

•

Then I woke up.

It was raining hard. Ranpo was gone meaning Fukuzawa was here. I heard foot steps coming my way. Then opening the door.

"Good morning. How are you feeling?". He came and sat next to my bed.

"I-i.". I tried to speak my voice hurt to much.

"It's okay don't hurt yourself. I made you some miso soup.". He smiled knowing it's my favorite.

I attempted to get back up but he didn't let me plus it hurt to much. He then on the bed. He then moved me to his lap and fed me. Everything hurt so bad. But he made it hurt a little less. He fed me slowly keeping his eyes on me. To make sure I was comfortable. He's always been there.

"It will be okay my love. We will do it together.".

[lividria]

Funny Story: Bad Video Game Endings (+ a game nobody's heard of before)

Not as in bad endings as in negative outcomes in the story, I mean video game endings that are of poor quality. I have some funny experiences with them. One of them is in a game I could probably convince you was a hoax if I tried hard enough. The other is from a recent Nintendo release. Strap yourself in, this'll be fun.

I'm back from writing this out, and HOLY SHIT, THIS MIGHT BE AS LONG AS THOSE TWO REALLY LONG METROID PRIME 4 POSTS I WROTE OUT. Abandon all hope, ye who enter in.

I Might Be One Of The First Actual People To Document Sparklite On Tumblr

Okay, Sparklite is a pixel-art 2D top-down roguelite that's on a couple consoles and I think Steam, but I played it on my stepdad's Switch (He found it in the eShop, I watched him play and wanted to try it myself). The game is seemingly often compared to 2D Legend of Zelda, but I personally don't really see the comparisons beyond comparisons you can make to dozens of other games and not just LoZ. It took me 2 or 3 days to beat, but if you have enough time and know what you're doing you might be able to beat it in 3 hours. This game has enthralled me ever since I played it like... It might've been months ago now, actually, because it is possibly one of the most obscure games I've ever played, and the way it handled it's plot fascinates me.

I looked on YouTube and only found a couple playthrough videos & specific segment guides and not much else besides the official soundtrack upload (By the way, huge shout out to the game's composer, Dale North, this game's ost is amazing go listen to it right fucking now it has under 2K views but is spectacular and deserves better), I found a Fandom wiki for the game that only has 16 barren pages and the main page was vandalized for some time because it wasn't fucking edit locked, and besides for like 1 or 2 people playing through the game on their own, all of the posts about it on here seem to be either automated reposts from other sites and/or like... Reviews and articles written by game journalists? Which puts me in an interesting spot here.

I just find that entire side tangent really interesting, but I'm now going to spoil the entire plot because it leads up to why this game's ending sucks. If you're playing through this game right now, don't read further but let me know and provide proof because I will not believe you but also really want to know if I am literally the only person who knows about this game.

Sparklite's Story, From Memory at 12:30 AM

You're a mechanic girl named Ada flying an airship with your robot pal Wingnut. You crash atop the continent of Geodia, and have to figure out where to go now. Woohoo.

You go through a weird building called a Founders' Vault that gives you a crossbow then replaces it with a blueprint in your inventory when you leave, and get your ass kicked by a robot that eats Wingnut and has a human piloting it that is uncommunicative and never elaborated on and entirely possible to miss.

You wake up in the Refuge, a fucking sky island base built by the people of Geodia because it is currently experiencing multiple seismic events constantly reshaping the land. Because it's a roguelite. There's this one character I forgot the name of, he's really cool looking and is said to be the one who built the Refuge but hasn't talked since he finished it, he'll come up again a bit, I'll refer to him as Hero because his design at first glance reminded me of a character named Hero from one of my friend's projects, ROYN, which I shall now shamelessly plug, go watch it. I dare you. I don't think the designs are actually comparable in hindsight.

You go down from the Refuge into Geodia, starting in the Vinelands which has a lot less vines than the name implies, and explore a bit, meeting a strange pirate gambler who makes you gamble at his game and resets all of the objects once you leave the room allowing for you to grind breaking plants eternally for infinite money, and eventually find that boss from before and kill him. Wingnut is saved, hooray!

Behind the boss (Because I guess it couldn't get in there but wanted to guard it) is a room leading to a giant chasm underneath Geodia revealing a big crystal. I don't remember if it was named. I'm going to call it the Philosophers' Stone because it's funny and technically a pun. You step on a symbol and a voice from who the fuck knows where speaks to you, telling you things. You're warped back to the Refuge, Hero speaks to you, and the next area is unlocked. This loop repeats for each major world, because that sequence unlocked the next one.

Between the mystery voice and Hero's monologues, you learn the following:

The main fuel source of this world is Sparklite, a usually green crystal that comes in other flavors and contains essentially infinite power. Basically anything drops it, and it's the currency of the game. Despite being set up as a power source, you're arbitrarily given a separate energy meter for the weapons that cost energy.

You can burn Sparklite to get a higher energy output but destroying the Sparklite, which fucks up the environment and turns things into monsters and is what's causing Geodia to fracture, and that's what the main antagonist, the Baron, and his soldiers, the bosses, are doing. Why? I dunno. Hero specifically mentions he was the one who invented burning Sparklite, but this never goes anywhere.

There was this ancient people that either came to this continent or planet and made it alive because they needed a place to stay. I forgot all of their names, but there were 5 important ones, but only 3 were actually important to the plot, and in fact I might be misremembering and only 2 are. one of them made the Philosophers' Stone as essentially the world's heart (It's one giant Sparklite crystal), one of them is Ada's ancestor and passed down the necklace thing you use as a key to get into more Founders' Vaults, and another tried to break the Philosophers' Stone and figured out how burning Sparklite works. No, I don't think this means Hero is thousands of years old, though I wish that was the twist.

I think Ada was prophesized to show up here, but I don't know how or why.

The Baron wants the Philosophers' Stone. You have to activate the seal things at the end of each world to protect the stone and stop him from getting it.

There are these musical creatures called Beats that keep getting lost. This one girl, Harmony, wants you to rescue them all. Saving all of them across the entire map gives you essentially the instant win button, as it's the max upgrade of each major equipable accessory thing I forgot the name of. If you've played Iconoclasts, they're essentially this game's more elaborate version of Tweaks... Iconoclasts is also another obscure indie game I've obsessed over a lot, and I only know one person outside of the game's Discord that knows about it.

Sparklite's Ending Has To Have Been Developed In Under An Hour

Okay, that's a bit of hyperbole, but still.

You're in the final world, Titan's Ridge, listening to one of the coolest tracks in the game, and you enter the final dungeon, seeing that the standard boss room is empty and the door to the Philosophers' Stone chamber is broken open. You walk in, the stone is gone, and the voice tells you you were too late and to go stop the Baron.

You're warped to the top of Titan's Ridge (it's a mountain), where the Baron is staring over the clouds at the Refuge. He has a generic villain monologue about how Ada is annoying and Sparklite is always more powerful when burned, snaps his fingers and the ENTIRE REFUGE CATCHES FIRE AND FALLS OUT OF THE SKY, and the final showdown commences.

You beat him up, and then he just absorbs the entire Philosophers' Stone out of nowhere, transforming into this horrid abomination that takes up almost the entire background as you fall into the stone chamber, and have to fight a swarm of buffed enemies to reactivate all of the seals. Alright, now I can fight him for rea- Wait, what the fuck, the game's over.

I'm not kidding. You have the first phase where you fight him in his normal form, then he turns into a kaiju, and you don't even fucking fight him, just his enemies. He doesn't even have a unique animation for when the seal lazers shoot at him and just... Disintegrate him offscreen, I guess, because the Philosophers' Stone is put back in place and the day is saved.

Hero's entire arc is never resolved, none of the other characters you meet have literally any relevance to the story, there's no further explanation given from the voices, the Refuge is somehow back to normal again, and the monsters all turn back to normal animals. The credits put you in a white void with nothing to do but pet a dog as the credits roll, and then you're booted to the title screen once the credits and their corresponding song (best track in the game and one of the best credits themes I've ever heard btw) finish.

You can imagine why my immediate reaction was frustrated, confused vocalizations of distress and despair, after having spent approximately 4 or 5 hours trying to beat the final boss (You had to restart at phase 1, and I had to leave to get better equipment twice which meant finding the dungeon in the newly randomized map all over again).

Hero's story never went anywhere and had no relevance to the plot, Baron's character was never explored, you don't even see what happened to him, his minions literally never got dialogue but were clearly people as Hero would talk about them individually each time you cleared a world, a lot of questions about the ancient people are left unanswered, Ada's relation to the ancients and Geodia is never explored, Wingnut is barely even a character if you remember them by the way they don't talk ever again after rescue besides when you get upgrades for them because they're a gameplay gimmick, and I don't know if Ada ever gets her ship back.

I don't know if this was a deadline issue, since the game was already pretty light on content and made by seemingly an indie studio idk I haven't looked into them, or if the devs just... Ran out of ideas on how to wrap the story up and just threw together something just to get it over with. Ultimately, it doesn't matter, you won't be playing the game for the plot, and it was my fault for expecting the game to have one when it was absolutely a gameplay-centered game. But still, as the ending to a narrative, that was dogshit. I still recommend the game, though. I don't even play roguelikes/lites and I still had a great time. I don't remember the price tag, and as you can tell I'm too lazy and tired to be googling things right now, but I'm pretty confident it was less than 30 dollars.

Princess Peach: Showtime, A Paradox Of Game Design

One of my friends didn't even know this game released when I started playing through it. I got it for my birthday, because I thought a modern Princess Peach platformer would be a decent time and I was running out of modern first-party Switch releases I was actually interested in. Like Sparklite, I see nobody talk about it, but obviously due to being a Nintendo game (Though made by some other company, I don't know what Goodfeel is in relation to Nintendo but they're to blame for this) there's much better documentation meanwhile Sparklite doesn't even have a Wikipedia page. I don't know what the standards are for that kind of thing, but you get the idea.

In case anyone missed that this game existed and don't know anything about it, Princess Peach is invited to the Sparkle Theatre, only for Madame Grape and the Sour Bunch to infiltrate and fuck up the plays happening in the Theatre, while locking everyone inside. The theatre's guardian, Stella, this game's stereotypical tiny floating exposition dump partner, asks Peach for help going through all of the plays and saving the day. You go through the plays, resolve the story conflicts the Sour Bunch are causing (Fun fact, they literally commit an act of terrorism in one of the levels), rescue the main actors called Sparklas, yadda yadda.

The game's story is as bland and generic as you can get, so you won't be playing the game for that. You could've swapped Peach out for a unique non-Mario character and nothing would've changed, literally nothing. Especially since most of the character designs don't feel like Mario characters to me. The game's soundtrack, to me, was nothing to write home about. The graphics are alright, but still pretty standard. The gameplay loop, in a vacuum, should be really annoying: You go through a linear level with a couple easy-to-miss side paths or side quests to get collectibles, do a couple minigames, maybe fight a boss every now and then, and if you want to retry literally any part of the level you have to restart the entire thing. At some point, you get a transformation into a costume matching the play, and a new gimmick is introduced, that usually sucks.

The game is easy as shit, unless you're trying to 100% it, then if so the developers hated you. I genuinely don't know why I even finished the game, I should by all accounts not have enjoyed it, but I somehow had fun with it and I still can't really figure out why. It was barely even a platformer. I gave up 100%ing it halfway through when I had to ask myself if constantly retrying a level if I actually cared enough that I wanted to be doing this, because I realized I was just acting on completionist instinct. Once I re-evaluated, I immediately dropped it and just went to finish the game, because I was just not into this game enough.

Princess Peach: Showtime's Ending Is Sonic Adventure 1's Final Boss But Done So Terribly Worse It's Actually Really, Really Funny

I have not, in fact, played Sonic Adventure 1.

I will preface this by saying that even with how lame the game was over all, it was ultimately inoffensive. Sure, it existed only to exist and make Nintendo some more money and nothing more, but you could at least have a good time with it. Up until this ending.

You've beaten every level, and rescued all of the Sparklas. The final boss door is waiting for you, where Madame Grape is waiting behind it. But... Stella can't get it open, even with her magic (By the way, Stella and the Sparklas are powered by Sparkle, Grape uses DARKLE). The cutscene makes it feel like all is lost, because now we can't stop Grape if we can't get to her, and she's just gonna rule the theatre forever.

The Sparklas, previously not in literally any part of the hub world even after being rescued unless I missed them, all surround Peach and offer up their Sparkle, and Peach absorbs it AND GETS A SUPER FORM. Like, literally, through the power of friendship she gets a Super Sonic form.

She floats now, too, and can shoot magic projectiles. So Peach goes through the door, Grape is waiting, somehow three times the size she was in previous cutscenes, and challenges you to a fight, saying she'll create the perfect tragedy by defeating you, her foil. The fight is flying around a ring-shaped arena and shooting projectiles at her around obstacles blocking you from shooting her as you occasionally have to dodge rocks and lazers. That is the ENTIRE FIRST PHASE OF THE FIGHT.

Some of the major bosses of the game actually had interesting gimmicks, like Light Fang was a snake in a clocktower-like environment who you had to avoid being spotted by or else they'd REWIND TIME until you got high enough to hit their fuse and stun them, and Spotlion who would turn the arena to glass and shoot projectiles that now bounce around and you'd have to reflect them back at the boss to stun them. But not the FINAL BOSS.

Peach powers down, and she and Stella go to leave, satisfied Grape is dead as only her mask is left on the floor, only for her to reform and the entire room explodes.

Peach and Stella wake up in the rubble of the Sparkle Theatre, which is now completely destroyed. Grape, now instead of basically being invisible under her clothes besides for a purple smog orb is now whatever this is, and the size of a fucking kaiju.

All seems lost AGAIN, until the residents of the island offer up their Sparkle to Peach, who powers up AGAIN with technically a different form but functionally the same except shooting a beam instead of an orb, and flies off to fight Grape... IT'S THE SAME FIGHT AGAIN, BUT WITH A SMALLER, RECTANGLE ARENA, SHOOTING A BEAM, AND EVEN EASIER TO DODGE ATTACKS.

AND THEN GRAPE IS BLOWN UP AND THROUGH THE POWER OF BULLSHIT THE THEATRE IS RECONSTRUCTED AND PEACH GOES HOME. THAT'S THE ENDING. THAT'S THE FUCKING ENDING. But then, on one of the random credits slides you can see Grape's mask floating in the ocean, implying she might come back in the future. That wasn't a post-credits scene, not one of the last 5 slides of the credits, they put the sequel bait only like 3/4ths into the credits.

I can't be the only one who feels like this is basically just thrift store Perfect Chaos, right? Just when it seems the villain is going to succeed, the main character assumes a floating super form with the help of their friends and goes in for the final showdown. The final boss is the main antagonist which is some esoteric being with shapeshifting capabilities thousands of times bigger, more monstrous, and made of some kind of viscous fluid, and is fought in the remains of the hub world. It even looked like the island was being flooded in that final sequence right before the second phase of the Grape fight.

Obviously, Perfect Chaos is much better than Grape in basically every aspect, especially because that form is actually earned by Chaos meanwhile Grape just... Turns into it.

Oh, also, get this, I didn't look much into the post-game content just because I was so fucking done with the game by this point, but those collectibles you can find in the levels if you hate yourself can actually be spent on something besides unlocking boss doors now. You can decorate the hub world. There's only like 15 decorations, and you can't choose where they go. They're in specific spots. And you can only get one of each. And there's only like 3 per floor.

Don't play this game. You can take the triple A price tag and split the money up to buy like 5 indie games so much more worth your time than this fucking garbage. I beat it a few hours ago and I'm still fuming about how dumb the ending was.

Conclusion

I hope at least one more person buys Sparklite or at least looks into it/listens to it's soundtrack because of this post, and one less person buys Princess Peach: Showtime because of this post.

Also, Bonus Funny Story: Me joking with one of my friends about Grape devolved at breakneck speeds to PP:S 2's antagonist being named Pineapple, having the evil plan of opening a portal to Hell, being fought in the Greed layer of Dante's Inferno except it's basically El Dorado, burnt to death by being dropped into molten gold, replaced by a corrupt businessman as the main antagonist only to come back for the final boss as Golden Pineapple. And then Reality Pineapple.

Would you believe me if I told you all of that was references to the ROYN series I mentioned earlier and the inside jokes we have related to it? Because that's what happened. No, you are not getting an explanation. Unless you watch ROYN. There's a running gag where me and that same friend from the Pineapple joke advertise the series like we're paid shills, and it's really tempting to lean into that right now, but then I'd just actually look like a shill. Especially since I'm friends with the guy making it.

[cyberrgirlsblog]

candle ligth part 3

sorry for the LONG ASS wait like fr, idk how many ppl read this but yea . the hole thing ive written is dead ass like 29,000 words or some shit like that, i got carried away.

Part 3

(TW) cussing, mentions how a dead body looks

Not beta read!!!!!!!

1929, 3 weeks before the planned assassination. And 7 weeks since (y/n) and duke last saw eachother

“What the fuck” I said looking down at the front steps of my house, my hand covering my mouth in shock and horror. I look down to find the body of a dead boy in front of my door.

“First day living in small heith and this is the shit that happens I mean like the fuck. I don't know who sent that and who that person was but that's fucked up man.” I said my voice breaking while paseing around my room, my hands shaking. Ash was sitting on my bed listening to me tentatively. Fez would've been here if it wasn't for him going to visit his girlfriend Lexi in the USA for the week. Even though I was talking about this like it was an everyday occurrence it still shook me to my core. It was unnerving.

“You think it's got something with us working more closely with the peaky,” Ash said, looking at me. I called him as soon as it happened along with Tommy but his maid picked up saying he was out but she would let him know when he came back. I looked at Ash and nodded.

“Maybe, I mean it's the most probable option. But we still got a body to deal with. I mean if we call the cops what the hell do we do about this shit." I said while I paced around my room. As the old boards creaked under my feet.

“If we call the fucking cops Fez will kill us Don't be a dumb ass. Look, we take the body and put it in an incinerator. Pay the workers to keep their mouths shut and we'll see what happens.” Ash said before lighting a cigarette. He offered me one but I declined.

“Yea but should we figure out who the dude is? I mean I'm already in enough shit with fez. Dude barely even lets me leave the house without someone he knows coming with me.” I said sitting down next to Ash, letting my head fall back into the wall, and sighing. 

—-----------3rd person pov

Since you went to the carnival fez has been more on edge about trusting you. Thinking back on it you should have asked Ada to be an alibi for you if Fez ever called her about your where abouts. She told him she was at her house and didn't even know about a carnival happening. Fez was pissed when he found out that you had lied to him. But you also hated how there was a double standard when it came to you and Ash. He could go out for hours and not even come home for days and Fez is rarely ever worried but if you leave and don't come home before night time all of a sudden you have Fez and his friends looking for you. You hated how he acted but a small part of you understood why.

—-----

When you were 11 you and Ash went to the bank to withdraw the money your grandma had not yet withdrawn. You and Ash got separated, Ash came home crying telling Fez how someone had grabbed you and taken you away. The man was someone who worked with Mouse and your older brother hadn't paid the fair amount that he was supposed to for some of the product that was bought from Mouse.

Mouse took you and locked you up in a room in some house that looked like it was a personal haven for rats to stay in. It wasn't till a couple of hours later that a bag was put over your head and you were retired back to Fez, Ash, and your grandma.

Ever since then, Fez has been paranoid about you, and it would be a lie to say those events haven't affected you in any way. 

That is one of the reasons you asked Ash to teach you how to fight and started to carry a gun at all times.

—--- 

(y/n) looks over at ash ‘’ you think that it could be-’’

“No, if it is im gonna kill him the second I see him or his friend and anyways we stopped doing business with him for almost a year,” Ash said while looking at the wall in front of him. 

“Ash, this is something he would do. It's fucked up but it's true you and I both know that,’’ she said looking over at Ash. 

His eyebrows creased and he clenched his fits. Memories going back to the day he saw you, his sister snatched up by some guy and he couldn't do anything to stop it from happening. He knew he wouldn't let anything like that happen again to you.

“Ash you know it's not gonna happen again right? I won't let it happen, you won't let it happen, shit fez will make sure it doesn't happen,” she said turning her head to face the door of the room.

“And anyways it could just have something to do with Tommy or some shit. And maybe I'm just being delusional by saying that other shit. But hey I got this if it ever comes down to it” (y/n) said before lifting her coat jacket revealing the holster that held her gun.

Ash looked down at her gun before looking up and slowly nodding his head. They had an understanding of each other that only siblings could have. Suddenly there was a knock on the door downstairs.

Ash and (Y/n)  look at each other before getting up from the bed and going downstairs.

(y/n) heart started beating faster than normal, her hands felt clammy and she could feel a cold sweat. Ash was the same, once they got downstairs they got to the door. Ash reach for his gun while (y/n) opened the door.

The knocking happened again this time harder and louder. (Y/n) and Ash held their breath before (y/n) slowly twisted the doorknob

“Fuck Pol you scared the shit out of us,” she said before letting out a breath of relief and opening the door just enough for her to get in. 

“I got a call about what happened from Tommy's maid,” she said while looking at us her eyes glazing around.

—------------------1st person

“Weres your brother,” she said, I and Ash looked at each other. We were looking into each other's eyes for a quick second before answering.

“He's in the U.S.’’ I said looking at Pol. 

“Anyway come we put the body in the kitchen. It's i really brutal sight.” I said before I and Ash started walking towards the kitchen with Pol right behind us. Once we got there I heard Pol breathe in a quick breath. 

The man's body was anything but pretty half of his face was disfigured and his arm was bent in an unnatural position. His clothes were ragged and slightly burnt. Blood had dried on his head from where his head wound was.

“I-i think I may know who that is,” Pol said before taking a shaky step back. 

“Pol who is it, we need to know please,” I said looking at her while scratching the skin on my arm almost to the point of drawing blood until ash stopped me from going any further.

“He was a boy who worked for the peaky blinders about the same age as Finn. We need to call the family. Do you guys have a phone.’’ she asked while looking back at the boy's body. I pointed at the phone on the table stand and she went to make a call.

—------------------- 3 hrs later, 2nd person

I sat on the couch in the living room staring at the radio as it played static. Pure static is all I could listen to, it helped clear my mind and fuzz it out better than the other channels did. All you could think about was the boy who was just at the kitchen table. His name was Jimmy walsh he was 16 years old and his family had moved from Ireland to the Uk. he was working with the Peakys to help his family earn money. His body wasn't supposed to be at your doorstep, it was supposed to be at the betting shop's doorstep.

I wondered if he had any friends and if he wanted to go to school once his family had made enough money. If he had a lover, if he had any siblings, and how many he had. When thinking about him though you couldn't help but have your mind go to Duke. it had been a while since you had seen him.

Was he alive, was he well? Did he still work at the fairground or did he get a new job? As these questions plagued your mind. My leg started to shake and the tapping from my foot started to get louder and louder. 

A hand was laid on my shoulder causing me to jump my heart stopping for a second before looking at the person who had done that. When I looked I expected to see ash but instead, I saw Polly.

“Jesus Pol you scared me,” you said while covering your face with your hands. 

“I'm sorry (Y/n) wasn't my intention but I just want to check on you. I tried to find your brother but I think he went to the pub.” she while removing my hand from my face and wiping away the tears from my face which I had failed to notice.

I looked at her in the eyes while trying to form words but all that came out were sobs painful sobs of everything that had built up in for the past years. Pol lay my head on her shoulder and hugged me with one hand on my head and the other on my upper back.

“N-no I not” I let out in shaky breaths that were uneven and tears streaming down my face.

“Ssh try to catch your breath.” pol said while rubbing my back.

“He was j-just a kid. A bit older than me a-and ash. He had a family that loved him and he's gone. It's all so fucked up Pol.” I said while burying my face in her shoulder even more.

“It is, it is, he was an innocent boy who was killed. You shouldn't have seen that and he shouldn't have died.” Polly said while running her hand up and down my hair.

We just sat there for what felt like forever. I wanted to ask who she thought had done it. I wanted to ask if I could do anything to help but in the end, I knew it would all be futile. From what Fez told me, peaky business was peaky business and not to ask questions. Don't get our family deeper than we already are. 

After a while, Polly withdrew from the hug. She looked me in the eyes and wiped the remaining tears from my face and gave me a smile I could only imagine a mother could give her daughter.

“How about this? You stay at my house for tonight and your brother can as well. I dont want you or your brother to stay here alone for now,” she said

“Pol it's fine we can handle ourselves. You already have a lot on your plate. I don't want to burden you anymore,” I said with an unsure voice. 

“Nonsense your welcome at my home anytime you like.” she said looking in my eyes before heading toward the front door.

“Well come on we're going to find your brother,” she said again, she opened the door and stepped outside, holding the door for me while I followed.

“He is probably at the garrison getting shit-faced or something,” i said walking next her while looking around slightly chuckling.

“Well we will see, how about this tomorrow you and me and maybe ash will go out for the day.” she says trying to lighten the mood, i look at her a laugh slightly.

“Sure why not but are you sure I mean me and ash were sorting things out at the house since we just got it we don't really have money to by-,” I say but am quickly cut off by pol

“Nonsense I will pay for anything you or your brother need okay,” she says while looking at me kindly. We walk through the street towards the garrison. It is musty and complex to breathe but it is what I have become slightly used to when it comes to Birmingham. The buildings are coated by years of smoke and children play in coal piles. If you look close enough you might mistake the falling ash for snow on Christmas day.

As (Y/n) and Polly continued walking towards the garrison, they passed by familiar faces in the neighborhood. Some nodded in acknowledgment while others gave them suspicious glances.it seemed Living in Small Heath, one could never be too sure who was a friend and who was an enemy. They finally reached the garrison, a place where many of the Shelby family members and their associates gathered. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with smoke and the smell of whiskey.

 Polly's eyes scanned the room, searching for Ash, but he wasn't among the crowd. “Guess he's not here,” (Y/n) said, feeling slightly disappointed. Polly nodded, “Well, let's give him some more time. In the meantime, why don't we sit down and have a drink?” 

she suggested, gesturing towards an empty table in the corner. They sat down, and Polly signaled for a drink. The bartender quickly poured them a couple of glasses of whiskey. (Y/n) took a sip, feeling the warmth of the liquid spread through her body. It was a welcome distraction from the chaos of the day. As they chatted and waited for Tommy, (Y/n) couldn't help but admire Polly's strength. Despite the loss of her own children and all the hardships she'd faced, Polly remained resilient and fiercely protective of those she cared about.

 Soon, Tommy arrived at the garrison, looking troubled. His eyes met (Y/n)'s, and he gave her a small smile, a rare thing to see from him unless you were his childre, family or lover. He then turned to Polly and greeted her with a hug. “I heard about what happened at your place,” Tommy said in a low voice. Polly nodded, “Yes, it's a terrible situation. We're going to need to be cautious and keep an eye on things. (Y/n) and Ash needs protection.” “I'll make sure they have it,” Tommy replied, his expression stern.

“It's fine we can protect ourselves besides I think it was targeted at you guys more than it was at me, Ash or Fez,” i say while looking down slightly to scared to look them in the eyes as i could feel the gazes on me

 “But we need to find out who did this and why. This was clearly about sending a message that and we won't be pushed around.” As they discussed their next steps, (Y/n) felt a mix of fear and determination. She knew she had to protect herself and her brother, but she also wanted justice for Jimmy's death. She couldn't bear the thought of another innocent life being lost because of the dangerous world they were caught up in. 

Later Ash walked into the garrison looking around (y/n) caught her brother's eyes and waved him over to where she, Pol and Tommy were sitting, she ordered some drinks for everyone and continued to listen to Pol and Tommy talk. 

The night wore on, and they continued to strategize, knowing that they had to be cautious in their every move. By the time they left the garrison, it was already late, and the streets of Small Heath were dimly lit. “Come with me,” Polly said to (Y/n) and Ash as they walked towards her house. “You'll stay with me for the night, and we'll figure out a plan together.”

 (Y/n) nodded, feeling grateful for the support she was receiving from Polly and Tommy. Even though they were just business associates; they were treating her and Ash with more kindes than she thought they were owed but she felt happy at the same time, she was happy to have her brother with her as well and in the dangerous world they lived in, family meant everything. As they reached Polly's house, (Y/n) felt a mix of emotions. The events of the day had been overwhelming, and in her mind, the weight of the world seemed to rest on her shoulders. 

By the time they got to pols house (y/n) felt exhausted and was slightly using ash as a walking support. Pol lead them up to the room they would sleep in it was spacious, there were two twin-sized beds with a desk put in between the 2 beds. A window looking outside that let the moonlight shine through and 2 closets on either sides of the beds

1st person 

“Well I hope this is alright with you 2 i'll see you in the morning,” she said before leaving the room and closing the door. Me and ash having taken off our shoes once we originally got in the house walked to the different closets silently and got in them to change our clothes for the night, we brush our teeth and did whatever either of us usually did for our night routine 

A moment passed by with neither of them saying anything until Ash decided to speak.

“You think this is a sign,” Ash said looking up at the ceiling, I looked over at him 

“What do you mean,” I ask confused, Ash turns his head to look at me

“Maybe we should've stayed in the US and never left, maybe things would be better.” Ash said before looking back up at the ceiling.

“I don't think anywhere would be better for us ash, I mean the shit our family is involved with, no matter how far we run I don't think we'll ever be able to run away from what's coming,” I said while looking at Ash. he looked over at me with a gaze I knew all to well a gaze I had given him many times before when I felt helpless or confused. 

“Whatever it is i'll make sure it doesn't hurt you Fez or grandma, ok ash, family above everything,” I said smiling at him.

“Oh also (y/n) when you went to that carnival who were you really with.” Ash said, his eyes filled with curiosity and mischive. 

“Uhh… don't snitch to fez but it was a guy named Duke he worked at the circus but I haven't talked to him or seen him for a while and I have no way of contacting him, he was a cool dude thought i'd like to get to know him more,” I said, I could feel myself start to feel slightly happy at the thought of seeing him again 

“Yeah, I bet you would like to get to know him better hmm,” Ash said jokingly, I shook my head with disgust

“Ew Ash what the fuck I barely know him, don't say shit like that.” I said covering my face in emmbarsesment and rolling over in my bed. I could hear Ash laugh, so I took one of the pillows and threw it at him, I could hear a tiny ow before he shut up. 

“Night ash,” I said to him before closing my eyes. “Night,” he said back to me 

As I closed my eyes my mind drifted back to Duke. I wondered where he was, he hadn't ever left my mind ever since the day I first met him, there seemed to be a lot about him. I wanted to know he was very quiet about his life. Which could only make me wonder about him. I missed him oddly enough, I missed him like I missed Rue or Maddie. They were like family to me, I only hoped they were ok. 

Same night Dukes pov

 Duke let out a sneeze as he sat in the dimly lit circus tent filled with the scent of sawdust and anticipation as the performers prepared for their acts. Among them, Duke Shelby couldn't help but feel a weird peculiar tingling in his chest, and it wasn't because of the show. It had been quite some time since he last saw (y/n), the girl he had met outside the circus grounds months ago.  As he brushed down the sleek black coat of a circus horse, Duke's thoughts kept wandering back to that fateful encounter.

 He remembered how he had stumbled upon (y/n) while she was walking to small heath. She asked if he could help her get there on his horse-drawn carriage to her intended destination, with the promise of payment. he was curios by her demeanor, how she would space out, how she would ramble without thought but stop before she revealed too much, she interested him even in his usually reserved demeanor. 

He had invited her to come to the circus while it was in town, hoping to talk to her more. It was an impulsive decision, driven by a desire to know her better and, perhaps, to impress her.  But things didn't go as he had hoped. (y/n) seemed to enjoy the circus initially, her eyes shining with wonder at the daring acrobatics and mesmerizing performances. Yet, after a little while, she excused herself and left, offering only vague reasons for her sudden departure.

  He went about his duties that night, trying to focus on the work he had to do. Yet, behind the straight seemingly bored face, his mind kept wandering back to (y/n). He wondered where she was, what she was doing, and if she ever thought about him.

  Duke thought it was dumb of him to think of someone he barely knew, someone who probably didn't remember him. Perhaps she already had forgotten about him, just like he should forget about her. Duke felt a sense of longing mixed with apprehension and anger. He couldn't shake off the thought that he wanted to see (y/n) again, to talk to her, to understand more about her, if anything. But for now, he could only hope that fate would bring them together again and that maybe, just maybe, the thoughts he had would not remain unknown forever.

The horse neighed slightly as he brushed its black coat of hair. He had always liked horses so he had no problem taking care of one for the fairground. He hadn't seen Esme in a while and still thought back to her reaction at your name almost like she new who you were or knew of you.

“Duke how's the horse coming along?” yelled Dukes boss, he turned away from the horse to spare a glance at his boss

“She's almost done.” Duke mumbled out before looking back at the horse and continued to brush her. He felt a tap on the shoulder and turned around as his boss placed his payment for the week in his hand,  2 pounds.

“Next fair will be by small heath in a week after this one, you'll get your full payment tomorrow.” said the boss before turning around and leaving the makeshift stable/tent. 

“Mhm, good to know.” Duke said lazily while he continued to brush the horse, by this point he hoped his boss was leaving. The whole reason he chose to take care of the horses was because he got to be away from people. They pissed him off. He likes horses better than most people anyways.

He felt intrigued by the idea of returning to small heath, mainly because it might give him the opportunity to see you again and have more conversations with you. The memory of your address crossed his mind, making him contemplate the possibility of visiting to check if you were around. Despite acknowledging that it might come across as creepy, he couldn't help but entertain the thought.

He finished brushing the horse and put everything away, he started walking to his caravan as he did he heard the sound of cars leaving and people talking. It was loud and annoying, underwhelming almost, soon he heard footsteps behind 

“Did you hear about that boy found dead” said a boy behind duke seemingly talking to his friends, duke started walking slower to hear the conversation going on behind him

“Oh yea it was dead kid found on somebody's doorstep right?’’ said the other boy

“Yea and apparently the peaky's got something to do with it, I heard polly gray went to the house he found there were two people there, a boy and a girl maybe 14 or 15. I think they work for the peakys or maybe they killed the boy.” said the other boy, by the time they started talking more about what had happened they had walked past Duke.

He watched them as they walked past him the last thing he could hear was that apparently the body was found in small heath birmingham. He shrugged and continued to walk to his caravan.

He got in and laid on his bedspread. He stared at the ceiling unmoving, he stared at the cracks in the wood and listened to the wind blow through the tents and nearby trees. He wondered if he would ever have more to life than being a fairground worker.

He wanted to travel the mountains, all of them, here in Britain and maybe the rest of the world. As he closed his eyes his mind went to you and wondered how you were doing. Soon he let the embrace of sleep take him to a quiet darkness as the candle light danced on the walls.

[savage-rhi]

Wesker: I don’t think you’ll be able to girlboss gate keep gaslight yourself out of this one, mrs wong

Coming up! @rebelwithoutacock

"They will listen to me." Ada said firmly to Wesker. She watched as her associate sighed. The way Wesker shook his head as if she was a petulant child made Ada tense. She could feel her resolve beginning to break by his mannerisms alone.

"I assure you, they will not." Wesker said as a matter of fact. He adjusted his glasses. "These are not your run of the mill type of clients. You're essentially playing with the pros now, Ada."

"And everyone that came before didn't count for something?" Ada retorted. She couldn't help herself. Not when her professionalism was being called into question. "Considering the loops I've had to jump through on your behalf, I expected you of all people to have more faith in me."

"It's not my lack of faith in you that has me hesitant," Wesker said bluntly. He could feel his patience beginning to run thin with his partner. For a brief moment, Wesker checked his watch. He was already running late for another engagement.

"Then tell me your concern." Ada sighed. She crossed her arms, awaiting an answer.

"To put it mildly, I don't think you'll be able to girlboss, gatekeep, and gaslight yourself out of this one, Ms. Wong."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly as I phrased it." Wesker smirked. He gestured with his right hand, interrupting Ada before she could say anything else. "We can continue this little argument of ours later."

"I'm still talking with the clients. With or without you."

"I was afraid you were going to say that." Wesker took off his glasses, revealing his red and yellow eyes. The markers of his true nature: that he himself was a B.O.W. His gaze fell over Ada, watching with amusement while she instinctively took a step away from him.

"Need I remind you of where you stand?" Wesker approached, leaving little to no room in between himself and Ada. He watched as her pulse thudded in her throat. His smile grew while his head tilted with fascination to her body's reaction.

"No." Ada shook her head, turning away from him. She couldn't look him in the eye.

"Then back down and wait until I give the word we strike." Wesker's tone was calm and collected.

Ada felt a shiver go up her spine. In her experience, the more relaxed Wesker was, the more terrifying he became. It was a testament to his power. He could act cool on the surface to hide the fact he was raging inside.

"I'll be seeing you later, Ms. Wong."

Ada didn't say a word while Wesker left. She could feel relief come over her, knowing he was gone for the time being. The clients would have to wait until she could do something about him.

If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!

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[larathia]

the time stopper

...Huh. Possibly, beautifully done.

Okay. So I'm sure Chuuya's fans have reread chapter 101 over and over and over. But even so, there's a question that should be answered given 105.5.

Dazai posits that Fyodor had a vampire in the control room prior to all of this starting. That the vampire's death, when Dazai took over the control room, let Fyodor know that that was happening. Fyodor, at that time, was faux-trapped in the flooding room.

Dazai tells Sigma about both the time stopper and Ango during this chapter. According to Dazai, at this point the control room should be full of only corpses, because he's already taken it over during a timestop.

Yet, in 105.5, Fyodor knows about the time stopper, and kills her.

First question: how did he know about the time stopper's involvement? He was busy himself at the time Dazai mentioned this. And his vampire plant in the control room should have been dead.

Second question: Is Ango compromised too now?

Third question: Why kill the time stopper at all?

Look, I should explain that third question.

Dazai's said (and one should always take into account that he might've been lying) that the time stopper was Ango's way of relaying information back to Dazai. But when you think about what else is going on...taking her out doesn't actually change anything about Dazai's mission. Dazai is halfway around the world. He's not going to get to the airport in Japan from Europe in time to do anything useful to the current situation. The only thing Dazai can do to help is send information.

And he can still do that, as long as Ango's on the board.

So...why kill the time stopper? I mean, if Fyodor had left her alive, she could've relayed to Dazai the increasing desperation of the ADA. Which at least had a chance of putting Dazai off his game. Now he's got no distractions from the orders he's been acting on. AND Dazai now knows Fyodor has some way to observe/listen in on his conversations. It's...giving away info. And now Dazai can at least send a warning to Ango that he may well be compromised, whereas if Fyodor hadn't killed the time stopper, Dazai wouldn't know that.

Honestly, 105.5 feels like Fyodor is actually losing his cool. Actually getting angry and giving away more than he intends to. This more than anything else makes me think this cat and mouse game between the two is coming to an end soon.

[visualheresy]

Ten Songs, Ten People

Thank you for the tag @frozen-fountain!

Rules: Put a wip/character/etc playlist on shuffle and list the first 10 songs that come up. Describe how they relate to your WIPs or worldbuilding.

My current WIP focuses on Ada Wong so I’ll be using this playlist of mine.

Cheap Ring by Miserable

I adore Kristina Esfandiari’s vocals--that guttural scrape does things to my soul. Anyway! I love this song for its cynicism and the sliver of vulnerability running through it: Dull men, long nights, or a peculiar fire I wouldn’t know how to extinguish.

I wonder about that peculiar fire, what or who it used to signify for this speaker, but maybe it’s just the promise of casual sex they’re looking to fill in for the loss. I think it speaks to the way Ada sees romance, particularly as a tool or a weapon.

2. The Culling by Chelsea Wolfe

Ahh. The Culling. It is the quintessential Ada song for me. Volatile, vengeful, hurt, a ghost clawing hand over hand to haunt the living. I listen to this whenever I need to access that darker current of Ada’s psyche, which has been shaped by a life steeped in violence.

Died too young, the culling then, it was obscene I am depleted by love

3. Heir by Public Memory

The clanging bell chimes make this feel like a dream. It’s nostalgic and hazy, the lyrics impressionistic and too cryptic to parse. It’s a sound I associate with Ada now, the far-off tolling of bells, and a breeze running soft through the wind-chimes.

4. Arms I Know So Well by Emma Ruth Rundle

Please deliver me from all the evil I did to myself And deliver me to arms so open, arms I know so well

This is Ada with her heart gashed open. Underneath the posturing and indifference, a role she has perfected over a lifetime, here is what she can’t bear to feel.

5. 忘記他 by Teresa Teng

There’s a line in my WIP that references this song, after a fraught encounter between Ada and Leon. When she sings from here to eternity, I can't. I'm in shambles.

6. Never Land (A Fragment) by Sisters of Mercy

In the Ada-centric film that does not exist, this plays during a scene of transit, or some liminal space (hotel room? elevator? low-lit corridor?), as she prepares herself for another deadly mission.

7. Marching Song by Esben and the Witch

(cw for the video: blood)

The mounting dread in this song evokes a scorched bloodied battleground. It’s a memory, among others, that Ada tries hard to suppress.

8. Needed Me by Rihanna

Fuck your white horse and a carriage. I know on the surface this is a song about refusing the burdens of romance. But I hear the vengeance in it too. There's a little subplot in my WIP that explores the dynamic between Ada and Wesker. In one of her field reports from RE4, translated from Japanese, Ada writes: "Both he and I are swimming and being swept along by each other. There is still time to enjoy it."

9. Movie Screen by Chelsea Wolfe

This is the only song on my Ada playlist that could apply to Leon as well. It’s a memory they share. The lyrics read in full:

Don't you ever cross that bridge in your mind again It's like a movie screen

I always have this on repeat as I’m writing Ada's POV. It helps me focus during the surreal dreamlike parts of her narrative, where the unspeakable trauma she’s endured threatens to break through the boundary of the real world. If you listen closely, you can hear the bridge folding in on itself before it collapses.

10. Cosey Mo by Subrosa

THE VIOLINS my god. I will lay my life down for this song. It’s devastating in how it captures all parts of Ada, her grief and fierce love and terror and longing. Her rage. I listen to this and there’s the image of her rising out of the flames in Resident Evil 6.

I promise you that I will find you I'll dig up every unmarked grave

This makes me think of us Aeon or Ada writers. Every story we write about her is an act of love, in a way. At least for me it’s a way of trying to understand her (despite Capcom’s narrative attempts to bury or shunt her to the side) and uncovering new things, each time, that I’ve missed.

[mnovenia]

H-7 then H-5 till I meet you again 광광!!

I just feel like crying, and the song said: amugodo duryowon mara! I'm not afraid of anything that will come my way. Reflecting back since Bali Camp, so much has changed, every areas of my life seem ALIVE, CLOSER TO GOD, VERY PERSONAL, INTIMATE, FULL OF TRUST, FUN, EASY, LIGHT, NO WORRY that what I can say. And God gave me bonus by putting some sort of Godly magical romance too, that I still praying for and willing to believe and surrender to God.

And I witness how God works, He didn't stop working even when I forgot to pray about, when I think someone might not do it seriously, when I think it might just be a wishful thinking. Even now I still not sure about many thing, but one thing I sure of, my life will change forever once GwangHui comes to Bali, which is in 5 days. Really?

Hmm, I said to him today, can't believe I get to say see you soon. Well our communication is quite intense these days as we're counting down the days. Visa, my own misunderstanding, housing, phone, prayer with pastors, etc. He said: nuna im nervous, i'm going to meet Ps Paul tonight. Nuna it's 7 days left. Nuna I'll call you, Buchangnim OoOoOoOo etc.. The funniest thing is when I'm trying to ensure his room @ Tintin: out of 53rooms available there was only 1 room available 205 which next to mine (NOWAY), I asked again, ok 217 will be available on Jan 2nd, oo perfect I said, numberwise its a bit far from mine. Till I checked myself, the room is behind me -__- which means he can see all my laundries and we can have some sort of romeo & juliet relationship (sumpah ya ini impian gw dr smp bisa sbeelah2an di drama korea ky ChunYang, Business Proposal & smua yg kebetulan lainnya -___-). Trus ga lama kemudian sih ada room 223, then I think ok let's make video & make GH choose, but before I did it, someone took the room already. So I told Bella which one is better? Next to mine or behind me? She called me rightaway giggling. OMG this is just so funny.

Well I think what I know is, both me and him we're completely on the same path. We're focus on what God wants us to do in life, we don't go to the left or right but straight according to His words, what we care the most is expanding God's kingdom and be a witness of how God words, be obedient to His command even it doesn't make sense to the world, we both has dream of having Godly family but in the meantime we're working our best to fill our days with ensuring young people to be Jesus' disciples, enjoying God's grace, covenant and promises, we trust God will provide for us in job and financial, we're willing to learn each others' language/cultere/differences/age gap with respect and carefulness to not hurt and make stupid decisions. And what I'm trying to remember clearly here is: if being in relationship with him bring glory to God, if it what God wants and intend us to do, if it shapes us to become more like Jesus and selfless, if it becomes our testimony of how God works in our waiting, if we're capable to be example of building Godly family, then I know it will worth to be pursued. Not only for my own romantic fulfilment, not for filling my pride and own benefit, not because of korean syndrome, not because I want to rush thing as I get older, not because that temporary fling and childish cling, but just because of God's grace, His mercy, His will not mine, so here I state on the 2nd to last day of 2023, NOT MY WILL GOD BUT YOURS :)

And for you Gwang Hui, thank you for appear in my life, thank you for such joy and precious time we spent, for pursuing and being obedient of what God put in your heart, for listening to me and communicate with me while being careful and weird sometimes in my opinion. Thank you for showing what faith looks like in your silence but your action speak louder than any man I ever met. Since the first time to tell me about staying in bali over our trip to GL, when you told your dad when I was in Korea, when you told your relatives during chuseok time, when you handed your resignation letter, when you waited till your time to disciples your Sun is over, when you told me about your last day of work, your willingness to learn Bhs Indonesia, visa, applying to BIH, learn about choir, cafe, korean dermatologist, coming to Indonesia Service, setting up meetings with your Pastor before making any decision, your finance plan, your honesty and transparency with me, for telling me about your days, I RESPECT YOU, A LOT KIM GWANG HUI :) and I can't wait to adventure this journey, another exciting chapter in our lives that God provides, to witness together what God will do through us. May God lead us, protect us, make His will be done GREATLY through us and our ministry. I can not wait to see you again :)