#make up for what Jimmy did but he tried and that’s the problem really cause he’s just used to actually fixing it for him and it’s the case

[dykedvonte]

Curly not immediately punishing Jimmy for assaulting Anya is something I don’t think a lot of people are viewing in the complex context for Curly as the superior to both of them and closest confidante they had.

Like I am in no way saying he didn’t under react or fail Anya by not being harsh or direct with Jimmy but it really is the case that he really couldn’t. Imagine being stuck in such a confined space with very little areas to genuinely hold someone if they commit a crime. It’s not like this was an event that occurred before they departed or that they have easy communication with The Pony Express to ask for how to proceed when something like this arises. Not to mention, Jimmy’s relative power in relation to Anya as the co-pilot and second in command, he has the knowledge and access to do something to her had Curly directly punished him in this setting.

They were also Curly’s friends. It’s not just the case of him mediating something between his subordinates but people he is personally invested in don’t want to see spiral further in Anya’s case while also not wanting believe his friend go that bad in Jimmy’s actions. They were both suicidal and Curly putting Jimmy’s stability first is both out of bias but also the fact he’s aware at some level Jimmy is a danger to himself and others if not constantly placated. Combined with the fact he was in denial or just not piecing together what Anya said it’s hard to say what he buying time for and what he had treat as urgent. This isn’t even saying he doesn’t care about Anya but he’s not going jump to the worst conclusions about his friends even if part of him acknowledges the evidence saying so. It’s a complicated thing but he’s still human and needed to process it on top of trying to keep a ship that already took on a lot of water from further sinking, metaphorically.

I just personally think that while Curly failed Anya, it was a scenario where there wasn’t much he could do to the best thing by her safely and like Jimmy, we are underestimating what a good leader would do in a very fragile and tense situation like he was in. By the time he may have been ready and had a plan, things were much too late.

[raya-hunter01]

Can you do a story on jey about his gf tryna go to bed mad at him and he ain’t having it 🤗🤭

We Ain’t Going to Bed Angry

Jey Uso x Black Female OC! (Jasmine)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; sex, fluff, couple arguing, Jealousy

Summary: Jasmine wants to go to bed angry and in separate bedrooms, but Main Even Jey Uso is putting his foot down.

My first ever request....I hope you enjoy it @mya2real

Pensacola, FL

Jasmine’s POV

“Damn I finally get you alone, and all you want to do is cruise the coast and talk about your man. I hope he realizes how lucky his ass is, cause I really was trying to get your number,” Carmelo said as I laughed.

 “Thanks for helping me out Melo you are a sweetie. I promise he won’t come at you with any drama,” I said giving him a kiss on the cheek as I began my walk back to Jey’s house.

 I had Carmelo drop me off down the road from the subdivision. I ain’t crazy by no means, I ain’t letting just anybody know where I lay my head at night. Folks can be crazy as hell.

I groaned as my phone rang again looking down, I sighed. Another call from Jey. I knew I was wrong, but I was still pissed so I hit ignore and punched the code to be let into the subdivision. You let a bitch dance all up on you like you're single and shit.

But, oh, but when I leave yo’ ass at the club you concerned. Give me a break you weren’t worried about what I thought when she was twirling all up on your dick,” I muttered continuing my walk. I hate these fuckin’ groupies with a passion.

Jey’s POV

“Jasmine, I know you ignoring me.  What you doin'?  I know you had betta be on your way home. I bet he trying to fuck you ain’t he?  I’mma get’em you know dat right? I’mma hurt him bad Jasmine,” I said ending the voicemail before I dug an even deeper hole.

“Well damn, you just threatened to kill Melo for nothing, Jasmine ain’t that type of woman, and you know it,” Jimmy said shaking his head at me.

“She ain’t, but I know Carmelo likes her. I knew when I brought her to a show last year. He was looking wit no damn shame Uce, and tonight she got into a car wit his bitch ass trying to make me jealous,” I said steaming thinking about Carmelo touching Jasmine in any way.

"Hell, ain’t no tryin’ in it, you jealous Uce" Jimmy said as I rolled my eyes at him.

 “This woman gon’ be the death of me,” I muttered as Jimmy snickered. “Aye, sis told you not to play in her face, and you did anyway. Serves yo’ ass dead right,” he said laughing.

“I ain’t played in her face, I was just dancing with a fan,” I said oblivious to what he was trying to say.

“Uce, it wasn’t that you were dancing with her, it was how she was dancing all up on yo’ ass and you did nothing to stop it. Ya’ll was all but fuckin on that dance floor,. You lucky Jasmine didn't show her ass,” Jimmy said as I tried to think back to what happened, and when it finally clicked, I felt like an ass.

“Ok, yea, I admit it was outta pocket, but she ain’t have to leave with his ass to prove a point. She knows I’m wit her, that shit didn’t mean nothin',” I said as I heard the front door open.

A wave of relief washed over me as I saw her beautiful face as she took off her heels seemingly ignoring me. Thank God she was home safe.

“Uh, I’ll let myself out, and let ya’ll talk,” Jimmy said trying to hurry to the door but not before hugging Jasmine. “Glad you ok sis, you had me worried,” he whispered as she smiled rubbing his back. “I’m ok bro, tell Trin I’ll call her tomorrow” she whispered as I tried to keep my cool, at least until Jimmy left.

I felt my anger rising by the second. What had she been doing with Carmelo that she couldn’t pick up the fuckin’ phone? As the door closed behind Jimmy I exploded.

“Where the fuck have you been?!” I hissed trying not to wake up our son upstairs.

“I went for a ride with an old friend, is that a problem?” she asked with a bit of an attitude.

“Aye, chill with the attitude, I’m the one that should be mad. My girlfriend left me at a club to go be with another motherfucka she knows I don’t like,” I said as Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“Well, my man was dancing all up on a ho like he’s single so I guess we even, and can both be pissed the fuck off together then. Ugh, I can’t wait to go back to Georgia, this was a mistake coming here to visit, It just was too soon,” she said walking away as I followed her upstairs.

“What the fuck does that mean? You really feel visiting me was a mistake?” I asked as she stopped walking.

“Jey, all I wanted was to spend time with you, and all you’ve done is spend time with everyone else but me and our son! I feel like we don’t belong here Jey, that’s why I left in the first place!” Jasmine exclaimed as I ran my hands over my face in frustration.

I knew she was right; I had been on the go since they got here, and I had promised I wouldn’t be. I truly had no defense for my actions.

 I was in keep-busy mode because that’s all I had been doing since Jasmine had left with our son a couple months ago.

This was my fault, I agreed to host that party at the club tonight knowing they were here. I asked today to be added to the meet and greet for tomorrow instead of enjoying my day off with them.  

“Baby, I’m sorry ok can we just talk about it in the morning. I promise I’mma make it right please, I don’t want us to go to bed mad at each other,” I said as she sighed in defeat.

“I’m not mad, I’m hurt and I’m not going in there with you pretending everything is ok when it isn’t. I’ll sleep in the spare bedroom. I put my bags in there earlier anyway,” Jasmine said as I frowned at her not believing what she was saying.

Jasmine’s POV

“You ain’t staying in the spare bedroom, that’s for guests and this is yo’ fuckin’ home regardless of how you feel about it. “Jey I’m not,” I started as Jey cut me off firmly. “Jas! You ain’t stayin’ in there and that’s it!” Jey said as I felt myself shiver at his commanding deep voice.  

I was speechless looking at him trying to remain unfazed. “You are sleepin’ in our room…. In our bed, and in my fuckin arms 'cause that’s where you belong, nowhere else,” Jey said full of conviction as I shook my head in defiance at him.

“I ain’t doin’ this wit you, I’m going to check on Jayden,” I whispered walking away from him and peaking my head into our son’s room. I couldn’t help but be in awe of him as he slept in his crib.

He’s almost a year old, and I still can’t believe we made his little amazing self; he looks so much like Jey it’s scary.

I felt Jey’s eyes on me as I turned to see him standing now in the doorway of the bedroom, we shared together for the last four years up until four months ago.

His intense gaze makin' me weaker in the knees by the second as I closed my eyes finally breaking eye contact with him, it was too intense.

“Jasmine, we been playin’ this game for four months too long…Don’t make me have to come get you. Tell our son goodnight, and get yo’ fine ass in here so we can go to bed,” I heard him say as I opened my eyes ready to give a smart-ass reply but saw he had already disappeared into the bedroom.

I could hear him shuffling around the room, then the shower started. I blushed to myself at the thought of him getting naked to take a shower. “No, remain strong Jasmine,” I whispered to myself as I went to the spare bedroom.

Jey’s POV

 “I know her ass betta be in there when I get outta this shower. Sick of this shit, she knows I love her ass,” I muttered letting the hot water and steam relax me.

Ok, maybe my approach wasn’t the best, but I love my family and if I have it my way they won’t be going back to Ga if I can help it. “Jey, you got to get it together and get yo’ family back,” I muttered to myself stepping out of the shower and drying off.

Walking back into the bedroom I saw Jasmine wasn’t there. “Oh, so yo’ ass think I’m playin’ wit you huh,” I muttered to myself wrapping my towel around my waist, and heading down the hall. I could see the light under the door and as I got closer I heard her on the phone with her mom.

“Hold on mama let me put you on speaker, I'm changing," she said as I heard her mother take a deep breath. "Now like I was sayin' Mama I am trying, we came out here didn’t we,” Jasmine said as her mother laughed.

“Girl, you flew out there with hell in you, 'cause of them thirsty ass Instagram comments on his post he made about being happy ya’ll were flying out to see him. “Mama, I wasn’t mad,” Jasmine said as her mother laughed.

“Baby, he loves ya’ll. I know all the female attention he gets worries you especially since he’s on the road more with them adding more house shows,” she said as I frowned at her words as Jasmine wiped her tears.

“I know he loves us mama, and I love him.  I just want him to act like he’s in an actual relationship. I mean stop making these women think they have a shot with you dude, you got a family at home waiting on you. That's why I gave him the engagement ring back and told him we needed space,” Jasmine hissed as I sighed. Damn was I that bad?

“Baby, why do you think that man has been begging, calling nonstop, and flying to Georgia on every off day he has just to come to little ol Warner Robins, GA even if it’s only for a couple hours. He misses ya’ll and wants his family back. You gotta let him in baby, this been goin' on long enough,” her mother said as I felt the need to make my presence known as I opened the door.

Walking inside I saw her standing nervously there in her bra and underwear talking to her mom as she spotted me trying not blush.

Yea, I’m looking at yo’ fine ass. Damn, my baby was fine as fuck, it had been four months too long for my liking. How the hell did I even let her leave in the first place.

Jasmine’s POV

I can’t believe he brought his ass in here, didn’t even fuckin’ knock. He is getting next to my nerves I swear. I see him lick his lips looking at me as if he could devour me whole.

I ain’t gon’ lie, I felt powerful as hell.  I could see and feel his need for me, just from his intense stare that seemed to be burning a hole in my soul and it made my thighs quiver at the thought of being in his arms. He knows what he’s doing coming in here in that lil ass towel.

“I love you, sweetie, give my grandbaby my love,” my mother said as I smiled. “I will mama, good night and love you too,” I said rushing to get off the phone.

“Why are you in here?” I asked as Jey began walking closer to me almost like he was stalking his prey. “I told you to take yo’ ass in our room, but you just keep tryin’ me,” he smirked as I shrieked in shock as he picked me up and put me over his shoulder.

“What the hell are you doing?”! I hissed as Jey carried me down the hall back to our room. “What does it look like? I’m takin’ your ass back to where you belong, which is in our bed wit me with yo’ stubborn ass,” he said not missing a beat as I hit his back continuously.

“Put me down Jey! This shit ain’t funny!” I exclaimed irritated as he laughed. “Calm yo’ ass down, before you wake up the baby. I want you to myself da night,” he said slapping me hard on the ass before tossing me on the bed as tried to gather myself.

 Sitting up on my elbows, my eyes met his smirking face, and it made me madder.  “Oh, you want me to yourself?” I asked smartly rolling my eyes.

Yeah, I do. That ain’t gon’ never change Jasmine,” he said as I got up and tried to walk past him as he growled pulling me close.

“Jey let me,” I started as he took me in a possessive kiss, pinning my arms behind my back with one hand as the other grasped my neck, angling my mouth for better access as our tongues battled for control.

“Mmm, we can’t, we said we would wait,” I moaned against his lips as he released my arms, and I tangled my fingers in his hair. “Yes, we can baby, I got you,” Jey said picking me up by my thighs as I wrapped my legs around his waist tightly, as his towel fell to the floor. God, it felt so good to be this close to him again, I needed him bad.

“I want you so bad baby; Daddy missed you, and he needs his pussy,” Jey whispered against my lips as he ripped my underwear. “Fuck! I missed you too,” I moaned moving my kisses to his neck as he groaned moving us to the bed.

“Can I have you, it’s been so long Jazzy” Jey moaned gently sucking on my neck as I shivered at his use of his nickname for me.

“Jey, I’m still mad, we need to talk,” I moaned, unexpectedly gasping along with him as he entered me suddenly, both of us shivering at the feeling of our bodies and souls becoming one with each other again after four long months.

“You can be mad all you want tomorrow. Not da night, you gon’ enjoy Daddy reclaiming his pussy,” Jey moaned never stopping his thrusts as my hands clawed at his back as he hissed.

 “Jey, you feel so good,” I gasped as my body felt like I was on fire, I bit his neck before attacking his neck with kisses, sucking greedily, applying pressure trying to leave my mark for the world to see. I wanted them to know he was mine.

“Yea, suck that shit and mark me up, this yo’ dick, let’em know I’m yo’ man fuck,” Jey encouraged as I purred at his words as he rolled us over with me now on top. “Jey! Shit! Mmm,” I whimpered scratching down his chest, feeling him so deep from our new position.

“Uh huh, daddy deep in his pussy ain’t he? Come on and ride Daddy's dick and tell him how much you missed him. Tell me how this pussy was made just for me,” Jey groaned grasping my hips as I began riding him slowly enjoying the jolts of electricity going all over my body.

“Mmhmm, it’s made just for you daddy, you hear her talking to you,” I moaned talking my own shit as Jey growled beneath me as the sounds of my wet pussy sinking up and down on his dick filled the room along with our moans of desperation.

“Fuck Yea, Daddy hear, see, and feel her, damn she wet and tight as fuck. Talk yo’ shit girl, you makin’ daddy dick even harder. Give me dat pussy,” Jey groaned slapping my ass before grabbing my breasts with his hands almost painfully squeezing my nipples while meeting my slow deep thrust.

Shit, he knows what to say and what to do to set my body on fire and I loved it. I’m addicted to him, and I didn’t care who knew it.

Jey’s POV

“Yea, ride that shit slow and deep, you know how much I love dat shit,” I panted biting my lip trying not to lose control. “Mmm, I guess you did miss me, Daddy. Shit, you gettin’ even harder,” Jasmine moaned swirling her hips beginning to bounce harder on my dick with wild abandon.

“Fuck yea, I missed you, only you can get me like this,” I moaned not afraid to let that shit be known slapping her on the ass again as she whimpered, her body shivering with anticipation.

"Oh! Fuck, you promise it’s only me that gets you like this…You promise,” Jasmine groaned leaning down, kissing me with all her might as I groaned complete putty in her hands. I held her closer as our eyes met.

 In that moment I knew I had to let her know how I felt. “We gon be ok, you hear me,” I whispered as she nodded as a few unshed tears fell from her beautiful eyes as we both were chasing our orgasm.

“Say you hear me,” I said more demanding, sitting us up as she held on to my neck as I gripped her hips helping her keep pace, thrusting her even harder down on my dick.

The feel and sounds of her wetness was driving me insane. “Tell me you hear me Jasmine,” I moaned, sucking on her neck trying to leave my own mark. “Josh, I hear you!” She cried as I moaned in satisfaction hearing my real name fall from her lips in passion as I rained kisses from her neck back to her beautiful lips.

“I ain’t never letting you go, we workin’ this shit out,” I growled holding her gaze as I reached between us rubbing her clit, while meeting her thrust with equal power.

"Oh my God," Jasmine moaned as I knew she was close. “You gon’ cum hard for daddy? You gon’ gush on daddy’s dick ain’t you?” I said, taking her in a deep kiss as she whimpered in my arms.

“Mmhmm!” she whimpered in pleasure as our tongues danced passionately with each other as I felt her nails scratching my back as she fell apart in my arm. “Josh, I love you!” she moaned as I saw the look of ecstasy that washed over her as her orgasm took over.

“Fuck, you are so fuckin’ beautiful. I love you too,” I said feeling my dick get even harder as I kept thrusting. Yeah, you gon’ give me another one and it’s gon’ be big.

Jasmine’s POV

 “Mmhmm, I want you to give me another one Jazzy,” Jey growled reversing our position as he now towered over me, playing with my sensitive clit, thrusting long and hard trying to make me cum again.

“Josh, I can't, it's too much,” I moaned as sweat dripped from his face, falling onto my chest as he kissed me speechless “I…Said. Give…It…To…. Me…Now, “Jey growled against my mouth, each thrust more powerful than the last as my pussy gripped him like a tight vice, and I couldn’t hold it anymore.

“Josh! I’m cummin’!” I cried as my pussy quivered and gripped him even tighter as another orgasm rippled through my body.

“Oh yea, that’s what I wanted, shit! Give it all to me baby, I’m cumin too!” Jey groaned loudly as he came inside me. I could only hear the heavy beat of my heart and our heavy breathing in sync as he collapsed beside me holding me close as we came down from ecstasy.

“You know you I ain’t letting you go right? We a family and gon’ stay one,” he said as I smiled. “I know and I ain’t letting you go either,” I whispered as he kissed me gently.

“When I’m on the road all I think about is you and lil man, you ain’t never gotta worry bout, nothin’ girl, I love ya’ll and I ain’t messin’ dat up for nobody he said as I tried not to get emotional. "I know, baby it's ok," whispered as he held me closer.

"I was outta pocket not stopping her from dancing all up on me like that, I promise it won’t happen again,” Jey said as I sighed tracing his arm tattoo.

“I love you and I’m sorry about leaving the club with Carmelo,” I said honestly as he growled. “You had my ass trippin’ I was ready to kill his ass, Jasmine. I don’t even wanna imagine you wit somebody else,” Jey said as I shook my head.

“Can we just drop it for tonight before one of us gets mad again,” I said as he laughed.

“A'ight new rule, we ain’t never goin’ to bed angry in this house again,” Jey whispered caressing my face as I smiled. “I like that rule, no more going to bed angry,” I whispered settling in his arms as we both fell asleep.

The end

 Taglist: @reci24 @southerngirl41 @vebner37 @jeyusos-girl

@melaninsugababy @romanreignkisser @bebesobrielo

@arination99 @2-muchsauce @bakugoumarianawrites

@empressdede @alyyaanna @christinabae @anonandwannakeepitthatway @venusesworld @jeyusosgirl @mya2real

[lemoncrushh]

Fratboy Harry - Part 2

Summary: Harry Styles was a boy with a reputation, one that you couldn’t care less about. Yet one night at a frat party changed everything.

Warnings: Smut, drinking, angst, a very cocky Harry. 18+ ONLY!!

Part 2 Word Count: 2071

STORY PAGE

Wandering through the house, you stepped over empty beer bottles and bodies making out in the hallway. When you'd met up with your friends, they hadn't seemed anxious to leave any time soon, so you'd taken off by yourself again. You weren't really having the best time, but you didn't want to be a party pooper, so you stayed.

After finding the restroom, you stepped back out into the hallway, almost bumping into Jimmy, a guy you knew from your Ethics class.

"Hey, Y/N!" he shouted over the loud music. "I didn't know you were here."

"Hi, Jimmy," you greeted, "what's up?"

Jimmy shoved his hands in his pockets. "Not much. Was just about to grab a drink." He nodded towards your empty hands. "Looks like you could use one too."

You shrugged. "I've already had a couple but...why not?"

You followed Jimmy down the hallway toward the living room where the music grew louder. Side stepping a drunk girl on the floor and shoving past a large group of people, you finally made it back to the kitchen. A few people lingered, just chatting and sipping cocktails, and a couple at the far end were kissing. But much to your relief, there was no sign of Harry.

"So what'll it be?" asked Jimmy as he grabbed a red Solo cup. "I make a pretty mad vodka on the rocks."

You chuckled. "Anyone can do that, Jimmy," you teased. "That's just liquor and ice."

"Damn," he muttered. "I was hoping you wouldn't catch that."

Giving him a playful punch in his arm, you reached for your own cup, filling it with ice. As Jimmy poured vodka into both of your cups, you heard a burst of laughter. Looking up, you saw a small crowd of people enter the kitchen, and when you caught sight of the plaid shirt, your stomach did an unwelcome flip. You tried your best to focus on Jimmy and whatever he was concocting, but the point was moot.

"C'mon, Harry," you heard a female voice squeal, "let's do some shots!"

You stared down at the kitchen counter, waiting to hear Harry's response, but none came. Curious, you eased your head up and shifted your eyes. You nearly jumped when you saw that Harry was looking right at you.

"Here ya go." You'd almost forgotten about Jimmy's presence until he handed you the drink. You smiled politely, taking it from him.

"Thanks. Cheers."

Tapping your cup against his, you took a large swig. You weren't sure exactly what was in it, but it tasted really good. As you lifted the glass to take another larger gulp, your eyes met Harry's again. He had his entourage with him, this time a couple of girls in tow. One in particular, whom you assumed must have been the one to suggest the shots, stood right up against him, one hand holding a beer, the other his arm.

You watched as she stood on her tip toes to whisper something in his ear. His lips stretched into his signature cocky smirk though he still didn't look at her. Instead, he started walking directly toward you, causing you to nearly choke.

"I thought you'd gone," he stated when he stopped in front of you.

You shook your head. "No." You sipped on your drink some more, hoping he would get the hint.

"Ah," he gave a curt nod. "So it's just me then."

"What do you mean?"

He cocked his head to the side, gesturing toward Jimmy. "You'll drink with him, but not me."

You narrowed your eyes. "Jimmy's my friend."

Harry gave a look of hurt and shock, placing his hand over his heart just like he'd done earlier on the back porch. "I'm your friend," he said.

Before you could give a comeback, you heard Jimmy scoff. Harry turned to glare at him. "Got a problem, mate?"

"Nope," Jimmy rolled his eyes before knocking back his drink. You thought you heard him say something under his breath about not being his mate.

Harry turned back to you, his green eyes blazing. Then he took another step toward you, so close that he barely had to whisper.

"I thought we had a moment."

Okay, you could admit you were attracted to him. You could also admit you'd enjoyed the shot, and the kiss, and the way his hands had felt on your waist. But you were not going to pretend that it meant anything to either of you.

You bit your bottom lip, grinning up at him. "You flatter yourself, Harry."

He shut his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. "Why must you hurt me, Y/N?"

You puffed out a breath, laying your cup on the counter. "Why must you be so dramatic? It was one shot."

You turned slightly, hoping to find where Jimmy had gone, but you didn't see him. Harry grabbed your arm, pulling you back.

"I'm sorry," he pouted. "You're right. It was one shot. Let's do another."

"Uh...no," you refused.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to. But I'm pretty sure that girl over there's been dying to lick salt off your neck." You pointed at the girl he'd entered the kitchen with, whom you'd noticed was still chatting with her group of friends, but kept eyeing you and Harry.

"C'mon, Y/N!"

"Why do you keep saying my name like that?" you demanded.

"How am I supposed to say it?" he asked. "Am I saying it wrong?"

You chuckled with a sigh. "No. You just..."

You didn't want to be having this conversation. You should have just left the party when you'd left the kitchen the first time. Or better yet, you should have told him to go to hell when he'd spoken to you in the first place.

"I just what?"

You looked at his face again, time suddenly seeming to stand still. Your mouth went dry and you forgot what you were going to say.

"I just what?" Harry asked again, lifting his hand to your neck, sliding it under your ear.

"You just..." you swallowed hard, lifting your hand then to grab hold of his wrist, "you keep saying it like you already know me. Like I'd already introduced myself to you without my knowledge and somehow we're already..."

Your words trailed off as Harry leaned closer and grazed his lips across yours. You momentarily lost your train of thought as you gave in to his kisses. You tasted the alcohol on his breath, but it only made you want him to kiss you more. Feeling bold, you found his tongue with yours, a soft groan escaping his mouth. It only occurred to you when you heard the clink of ice that you were surrounded by other people.

Pushing against Harry's chest with your hands, you broke the kiss, your own chest rising and falling rapidly. His eyelids were heavy as he gazed down at you. You were quite certain you heard the girl he'd come in with gasp.

"C'mere," he said, taking your hand.

For reasons unknown, you followed Harry through the living room and down the hall. You gave no hesitation or resistance when he reached a bedroom door, pushing it open. You stepped inside, waiting for him to shut the door behind him. When he did, he stepped closer to you, placing his hands on your waist like he had the last time.

"Don't you like me, Y/N?" he inquired, his voice suddenly deeper.

"I...I do..." you breathed. "I think that's the problem."

"Why is that a problem?"

You bit your lip again, trying to think of an answer.

"Because...we're different," you finally confessed.

Harry raised his brows. "How so?"

When you didn't answer, he pulled you closer, placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

"I don't think we're that different, love," he murmured against your skin, moving down to your nose. "I like you..." he kissed your lips, "you like me."

You gave a quiet hum when he kissed you once more before his lips traveled down to your neck. At that exact moment you learned the meaning of two things for the first time in your life. You understood the phrase "weak in the knees", and what it meant to surrender.

"Harry..."

As you grabbed the shoulders of his shirt in your fists, he lifted you up, your legs quickly wrapping around him. He gave you a sexy grin as he guided you backwards toward the bed. He laid you down, his body hovering over yours before he kissed you again, the deepest kiss yet.

You felt a sensation take over your body, removing all doubt and resistance you might have had. Your nerve ends tingled, your toes curled and your breaths quickened. Your fingers fumbled with the buttons on his shirt until he rose to his knees, removing the shirt himself. You eagerly reached for him, needing to touch his skin.

You raked your fingers down his back as he sucked on your neck, sure to leave a mark. You felt his hand glide up your side, underneath your shirt. You gasped when he cupped your breast, the warm sensation between your legs now on overdrive.

You lifted your torso slightly to allow Harry to remove your shirt and bra. Neither of you had yet to utter a word, only the sounds of your breathing and soft moans being the conversation. But when Harry's assault on your neck stopped and his lips traveled to your ear, he whispered in a low groan.

"I want you."

The part of you that would have said no, the part of you that was guarded and knew Harry Styles was nothing but trouble was nowhere to be found. You'd lost your inhibitions twice tonight thanks to him, and now there was no going back.

"I want you too," you murmured, gently grinding against his undeniable erection.

Lifting his body once more, Harry eyed you seductively as he removed your jeans and underwear. Then he did the same with his own, grabbing a condom from his pocket. You watched him as he put it on, then crawled on top of you again.

Up until now, the idea that there were other people in the house, and someone could possibly walk in hadn't occurred to you. But as you felt the pressure of Harry entering you, the idea was simply titillating and taboo.

Harry's breathing got louder as faster as he began to thrust. You stared up at the ceiling for a moment before closing your eyes and letting the feeling take over. Your hands grabbed his shoulders and you spread your legs wider. You had to admit, you hadn't expected it to feel this good.

"Oh..." you heard yourself let out as your hands made their way to his neck, your fingers tangling in the curls at the nape.

"Yeah, baby," he moaned in your ear. "Feels so good."

Finally when his lips met yours and he lifted his head, you let yourself look into his eyes. Although he still wore that cocky smirk, you couldn't get over how beautiful he was.

As he began to pump his hips faster, you knew you were getting close to the edge.

"Shit," he swallowed, confirming his own ending was coming soon.

Grabbing your thigh, he situated himself at a certain angle that finally did you in. Your eyes nearly rolled back in your head as you reached your climax, calling his name. Harry soon followed, his body trembling over yours as he let out a few more expletives and a long breathy moan.

When you both came down from your highs, trying to catch your breath, you sat up and reached for your clothes. Harry watched you get dressed, but neither of you said anything. You hadn't expected him to, after all. This was probably just a one time thing, a "hook up" as they call it. However, when you were pulling your shirt over your head and he had finally pulled on his jeans, he took your hand.

"Please let me call you, Y/N," he said, his voice scratchy.

It was your time to smirk at him. "You don't have to."

"I know I don't. I want to."

You gave him a soft smile and a nod. "Alright."

Then leaning forward, Harry slid his hand under your ear and gave you one more tender kiss.

If you enjoyed, please like, comment, reblog or send me a msg!

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK

[the-somwthing]

Who wants to see how normal I am, AKA,

EVERY SCOTT AND JOEL MOMENT I CAN REMEMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD IN SEASONS 1-4 (still gotta rewatch SL to get a refresher):

- Joel laments about not having dark oak and having to pay Scar for “future dark oak if they find it” even tho he’s SURE they DO have it, then Scott says that there’s dark oak by his house that Joel can have, and along with Jimmy and Martyn they organize a magic show to take down Scar and Grian’s monopoly.

- Joel burns down Scott’s wall 😁🔥 just to make something else burn like he did

- Scott makes fun of how poorly done the burning of the wall was multiple times before finding out who did it

- Joel also lies about doing it

- Joel also tries to murder Scott with a failed anvil trap at his door 💀

- Scott makes fun of how poorly made this trap was as well. Joel also burns the wall again as he runs away

- btw this isn’t in a super chronological order I sometimes remember things later. Like how technically it was Jimmy who started the “Joeleo oh Joeleo, wherefore art thou Joeleo” thing but Scott DID join in on it so

- also COW HEIST 🥳😅 gone wrong. Joel and Martyn try to steal Flower Husbands’ cows. Make a (very bad) deal with Jimmy to get cows. Try to steal again when Scott’s telling Jimmy not to give away cows. Finally make an ACTUAL deal. Make fun of Joel and Martyn having a tough time getting the cows up the cliff.

- Ren: “we have banners all over the server, if you joined us we could easily pinch the middle” Scott: “so Joel? 🤩” Martyn: “BTW Joel’s already with us” Scott: “so we can’t pinch Joel, dang it 😔😒”

- Scott (and Jimmy) threatening to kill Joel’s dogs 💀😁

- Scott making fun of the red army for Joel betraying them

- Scott being willing to forgive Joel for the burning of the wall if he can do them a favor sometime (to which Joel immediately offers 13 cobblestone)

- Scott making a little secret storage area for potions for everyone in the desert faction MINUS Joel because he doesn’t trust him

- OH ALSO Scott mostly just being upset at Joel for LYING about burning his wall

- Scott burning down the wool castle and saying “maybe I do understand why Joel burned my wall. This is very freeing.”

- The fire spreading to Geraldine who was unfortunately left behind, Scott ALMOST saves her before deciding that Joel deserves it

- Scott stopping by Joel’s house and Joel shows up. They talk and decide that they’re allies and won’t come after each other

- Joel gives Scott a house tour

- He also shows Scott his dogs where Scott confesses to burning the castle and causing Geraldine’s death. Joel is sad but says it’s okay

- Also they mention that Jimmy died and Joel goes “I’m glad he died JUST KIDDING we love you Jimmy 🥺😔😭”. I don’t know what to say about this.

- Oh also at some point Joel says (about the roof above his bed being missing) that he likes to look at the stars as he sleeps. This one is a huge stretch and goes into fanon territory with Scott being connected with the stars but it’s a fun fact nonetheless.

- also love the energy of Joel excitedly showing off his dogs to Scott and Scott being like “that’s cool *chuckles nervously*”

- When they’re doing war strategies Scott would often pair himself with Joel. Just sayin.

- Scott, Scar, and Grian are on that stupid platform above Dogwarts. Joel is below them inside Dogwarts with all his dogs. Grian suggests dropping some TNT down onto him to essentially deal with the problem before it becomes their problem (they’re all terrified of Joel and kind of want him to die despite being on their side so that they don’t have to face him when they win the war). Scott gasps at this and seems to want to argue but the logic is sound and he also wants revenge on Joel, so he just covers his eyes but like this 🫣 and says “I can’t watch”. Ultimately they don’t do it.

- Scott and Joel both really want to kill BigB (the last green) and they go together and kill him 🥰

- Once again Scott pairs himself with Joel to attack Ren and Martyn. Bdubs and Impulse volunteer to tag along but end up retreating before being killed like the others.

- Scott is upset that Joel died but also refers to his death as a “slight ‘woo’!” because of the revenge and previously mentioned fear of having to fight him when they’re no longer on the same side

- Scott takes some of Joel’s stuff and declares that his death won’t be in vain

- It was in vain he died again 💔 THEY DIED IN BATTLE TOGETHER AT THE HANDS OF THE SAME KING THEY SPAT IN THE FACE OF 🥰

- Scott is nervous about being Joel’s neighbor in Last Life. And Scar’s for that matter

- After many failed boogey attempts, Joel comes crawling to Scott’s house for one last shot, pretending that Mumbo was the boogeyman and killed him for THAT reason.

- Joel compliments the house (poking fun at Pearl for making Scott do all the work after finding out she didn’t build any of it) and gets them to invite him inside

- He blocks the exit and starts attacking Pearl. He only switched to killing Scott because he was defending her like a boss. He kills Scott and gets cured, but Scott’s like “PEARL, KILL HIM!!” so yeah.

- They get the enchanting table off his dead body and make fun of him for having that on him while trying to kill people, and they keep it as a reward

- I don’t have the memory to be so descriptive. Joel targets Scott’s base many times, the TNT minecart door trap, the trap at the gate that actually worked, blowing up his roof with minecarts, attempting to grief his water elevator, surrounding the base in walls of lava…

- Scott tells Lizzie that her husband keeps trying to murder him. She says that he does that to her, too, and it’s “a sign that he loves you”. Scott says “oh” and IMMEDIATELY moves on

- Scott kills Joel at the end 😁 As a desperate attempt to get them to not kill him Joel yells “TEAM?” lmao

- start of Double Life they run the same direction at the beginning and kind of yell at each other before finally managing to go separate ways

- Scott of course makes fun of Joel’s death because of the way he and Etho were acting. Not to Joel’s face tho.

- Scott compliments the Relation Ship multiple times

- Scott visits the Relation at some point when Joel is there and just vents to him about Pearl. Joel sympathizes with him.

- Multiple times Scott says that he thinks the Boat Boys are good

- Joel kills Pearl but like Scott had nothing to do with that despite also dying

- Scott burns down the Relation cuz he felt like it 😁🔥

- Joel wants Scott dead soso bad

- Joel kills Scott with a rocket while Scott tries to hit him with a bucket of water. 🥰💀

- Then um there was something about a nether portal trap uh for some reason Joel’s not here anymore guess we move on to next season

- After the boogey reroll Scott hears Joel complain about not being boogeyman and says “good to know it’s not you!”

- They go into a ravine cave together. They both saw an emerald ore but Scott mines it

- Joel asks where the emerald is and Scott says he mined it and asks if Joel wanted it. He says yes and Scott gives him the emerald. He calls it an Emerald Of Trust.

- Joel thinks it’s really nice and gives Scott a piece of bamboo in return, which Scott is happy about.

- They are stuck bonding in the stupid cave together because neither of them have much food except Scott’s cooking kelp and sharing it with Joel, so they have to wait for the kelp to cook, split it between the two of them, eat it (NOT FILLING AT ALL), and heal, just a very long process.

- Eventually Joel feels ready to leave and get better food.

- Next time Scott sees Joel, he’s with Jimmy and apparently they are now bad boys

- He watches as Joel washes away carpet like a real bad boy

- As Scott leaves Joel begs him to tell everyone that he and Jimmy are bad boys (this is one that I remember from Joel’s POV, pretty much the only thing on the list that isn’t Scott’s POV lol well actually there was probably another)

- Scott decides to live in the ocean. Joel is upset because HE wanted to live in the ocean.

- Scott watches Joel kill TIES cow for the second time

- While having a hashtag flower husbands moment Scott helps trying to put out the fire on the mansion (too late tho nobody could stop THAT)

- oh I almost forgot. After making his island Scott puts a chest on it to “dump random junk he doesn’t need to keep on him” and AS HE SAYS THIS he hovers over the bamboo Joel gave him and doesn’t put it in the chest. I know it’s moreso because it’s a resource but like.

- Also we all know what ended up happening with that bamboo gift! It surrounds the Coral Isles!

- Anyways Scott needs some carpet for his farm so he goes to the bad boys to ask for carpet. Grian and Jimmy tell him to strike a deal with Joel since he’s the one who has all the carpet. Scott walks over to Joel and says “remember when we bonded in the cave?” and Joel hands him the carpet. Scott says “yay 🥳 good boys! 🥰” and the bad boys are horrified, tell him to never say that again they are BAD BOYS and make him leave.

- (also may be worth mentioning that from what I can tell, Joel didn’t have that carpet on him, and actually ran to grab it as soon as Scott asked)

- god that ^ was all session one. ANWYAYS Joel asks people for gold and in exchange they can have unlimited bread. Scott and Impulse give Joel gold.

- At some point Scott goes to collect some free unlimited bread. Grian and Jimmy stop him like “WHAT are you doing ✋🤨 only IMPULSE has unlimited bread” and Scott says “no I have it too go ask Joel” so they go to Joel and say “WHAT is this about SCOTT having unlimited bread…” and Joel just goes “yup Scott gets unlimited bread 👍” so Scott collects his bread while the other bad boys are just so disappointed in Joel

- Now is where I lost track of the timeline, but I remember once or twice Scott would just be talking usually to himself like “the bad boys are truly the good boys of the server 🥰😇”

- Despite this Scott eventually becomes scared of Joel because he did the math and realized that he’s got so many allies who won’t attack him, and the people who aren’t his allies would likely be too scared to attack Scott EXCEPT Joel.

- And Scott was spot on because he was just chilling when out of nowhere Joel just charges at him yelling “SCOTT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT” and of course after a little more chasing “SCOTT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN STUPID”

- Scott manages to get away and thinks that Joel’s lines were really funny and pathetic and is no longer afraid of him

- Bad Boys try to trap Mean Gills’ secret bed but they get foiled

- The usual Joel wants to kill Scott really bad

- Scott’s like “we have to eliminate Joel” and gets the Clockers to help because he killed them

- Joel is terrified the entire time lmao. I remember “then why is your voice higher pitched?” “BECAUSE IM SCARED” “that’s what I thought” as he lets Joel get away ahahdg

- OH I ALMOST FORGOT Scott letting Jimmy kill him for time and Joel trying to steal the kill cuz lol.

- Back to Scott terrifying Joel. That one time he tells Joel to leave Scar alone and Joel just goes “..ok”

- And then of course Scott kills Joel again 🥳😍 surely this won’t happen again 💀

- OTHER THING I FORGOT TO MENTION CUZ IM MOSTLY GOING OFF MY MEMORY OF THE MORE RECENTLY WATCHED SCOTT POV Joel always destroying Scott’s walls cuz tradition.

So yeah this was all just off the top of my head without looking at anything. I’d love to make a new version when I rewatch SL and/or Joel’s POVs. This proves that I’m normal right

[myupostsheadcanons]

like… people don't really talk about this sequence. Or think it is about Curly himself. which is only one way to look at it, which was how Jimmy interpreted their later conversation. (Reached the top of the ladder and wished you had climbed another instead).

However, Curly was on his way to talk to Jimmy for Anya when all these Warning Signs popped up and all the broken ladders. Curly wasn't the person who had broken prospects, he even believed he could easily transition into something else, those broken ladders and warning signs were about Jimmy. Curly already knew what Jim did to Anya because she told him and Jimmy had no career opportunities because of his record and only got this job because Curly was his friend.

And then everything goes to white before Curly reached the door to give Jimmy his psycheval, as if he was clearing his mind of the problems. He wanted his friend to have a chance to do better, but knew in the back of his brain it wasn't possible.

This is another parallel with the "dead pixel" conversation with Anya, and that Curly would later share a fate with her of being another victim and at at the mercy of Jimmy. His inaction and enabling of his old friend he wanted to help 'take responsibility' caused him to end up with a massive dose of karma. Anya told Curly about the pixel, she also told Curly about Jim: it was annoying to think about, and he ignored it so he could continue to look at the "bigger picture" of trying to make everybody happy.

As a Captain, he wanted to keep the peace instead of making hard choices. Anya took a lot of the initiative away from Curly, she hid the gun so Jimmy (and Curly) couldn't find it. Then he wanted Anya to come to him first so they both could tell Jimmy, but she told Jimmy alone instead. They both knew Jimmy could've became violent, and Curly left to find Jimmy right after and found him outside the cockpit, the last known location of the gun. Instead of arresting Jimmy, putting him in a cryopod, he tried to placate him only to hear Jimmy talk about the Tulpar tragically go missing with no survivors...

Again, no action was seemingly taken, and Jimmy was left alone to go into the cockpit to crash the ship. It wasn't clear what Curly did between letting Jimmy go and when the crash warnings started going off. We don't get to know Curly's side of the story after this point. Did he leave again to talk to Anya or did he want to make arrangements to do something with Jimmy? He would've needed to get Swansea and Daisuke to help him apprehend Jimmy, and that half-hour/hour left unattended was all Jimmy needed to cause the crash (Anya hid the gun, so it wasn't in the cockpit and Curly didn't know where she put it, so would've needed to ask for help in case Jimmy did get violent). We just don't know what was happening during that brief time frame with the other characters.

[prettyhandsomeakwardtffiykyk]

Ghosted

A Slade x Lex story I know it's mid but I tried and I got the idea from @ev-arrested for that funny post you'll understand once you read it enjoy

It was a week after joining task force x and Alex or lex as he asked Amanda to call him was doing ok he was working in a lab he was allowed to do whatever Experiments he wanted having an overall good time he took Jimmy advice and chased after his dreams and it was pretty good deal he got along with Amanda and everyone else,lex thought everyone was ok it's had it's upsides

But there was a downside ( kind of) and it's name was agent wilson ever since he joined it's felt like wilson was trying to antagonizing him on Purpose he didn't know what the guys deal was but one popular theory was that Alex was stealing all the attention from Waller that's must be it what else could be and while lex is in his office making the blue print for his next big project and thinking he hear the door open and he turns to see who it is "speak of the devil" lex said in his head and puts his pen down

"Agent wilson what a surprise" lex said sarcastically

"Hello Alex what's are you doing" slade said grabbing the paper and looking over the blue prints and lex immediately tries to get them back but slade was taller and put the prints above his head just out if reach

"Are you always this childish wilson and it's my blue prints that's I've been working on for like a day now so give them back!" Lex jumps up to tries And grab them but slade just extends his hand up more

"No just with you now come on put a little more effort into getting those prints Alex it's not that hard just grab them" slade says in a mocking tone extending his hand more and bring them back down to taunt him more

"Or I could go to Amanda and tell her how you're not letting me work and trust me I'm not the one who going to get in trouble ninja" lex said in a warning tone when in reality he wasn't actually going to say anything not wanting probablys in the place that's going to help him achieve his dream but slade didn't know that

Slade gave him a look that's said whatever and then drops the papers and now their scattered around the floor "oops my bad lex my hand slipped and go ahead tell Mrs. Waller she definitely not going to believe you seeing as I'm her second in command"

"Of course that what this is about" lex say while picking up the papers

"what was that" slade says kneeling down "I didn't quite catch that Alex why do you speak up"

Lex's gets up and is completely down "what is your problem with me! I have done nothing to you wilson, if this is about mrs.waller attention it's not my fault you have issues especially if she likes me more"

After a few moments of silence and Wilson's Wilson's faces basically saying are you fucking serious right now " you really don't remember me huh"

"Not a fucking clue why don't you spell it out" Alex said upset and walking up to wilson to show how fed up he was

"Well you know me by a different name Alex you know that and it's a shame you remember was I really that forgetting" slade say Sitting on the desk to face Alex at eye level

"Just spit it out asshole I don't have all day" lex said staring at him getting more upset

Slade pulls out his phone and is on it for a minute and then looks at it and reads aloud "Alexander luthor, 25 not looking for anything serious sound familiar lex" slade said with a smirk

Lex did indeed know what he was reading it was Lex's grinder account profile while he was embarrassed it was just a dating profile everyone has one "ok and? You're bothering me cause I have a grinder profile I'm confused are you being homophobic rights now?"

"No you stupid ginger I have a profile and my name is slade if that rings any bell I thought you were smart but apparently you need better glasses" slade said flicking lex in the forehead and caused Alex to squeak out a small ow and covers his forehead

And after like 20 minutes of thinking he finally realized what was going "ohhhh fuck your the guy I ghosted" and slade say "no shit I remembered you the minute I saw you but apparently you couldn't even remember the guy who offered to take you to the movie"

" I know I know I'm sorry" Lex's said embarrassed and confused

And finally a big thanks to @rk886 for inspiring me to make this fic

[seasonal-writes]

“how do you talk to star?” - title from the song of the same name by everybody’s worried about owen (since it’s back up, ao3 link is here!) characters: jimmy (mainly)/tango cw: none unless you consider the insane amount of introspective themes throughout this thing. so! little note! guess who wrote something new and finished it. for the first time in months. it is short, i am rusty, and i DEFINITELY wouldn’t say it’s my best work but i like the concept a lot and churned this short and sweet little introspective fic last night in a writing haze! i missed four calls from my family members help.

It is based on this prompt list, specifically number 7. :) hope you all enjoy this super short, ramble-y, jimmy is very much pining one-shot! ~

Jimmy has learned it takes nothing. Barely a glance, he has found, for all of the sediment—that he thought was long stationary—to be kicked up again, to clog every artery and leave him struggling to breathe.  His conundrum lies in the side profile of Tango. The curve of the tip of his forehead, drooping into the bridge of his nose and rolling over two delicate hills of pretty, thin lips. Yes, he with the dancing eyebrows and teeth flashing, pulling against his lip when he grins and eyes that almost sparkle in sync. Tango—devastatingly, heart-achingly, undeniably and beyond beautiful Tango who has yet to notice his staring.  If Jimmy were to be grateful for anything, he’d be grateful for the obliviousness of his quarry.  Tango, in a stunning move, laughs without a care in the world. It’s so loud and clear and Jimmy feels a smirk tugging at the corner of his lip, the cause of such being obvious to anyone who may notice his ogling. Though, making a home in the corner of this crowded living room, he has no intentions of intruding. Of course, maybe he wishes he was the one making Tango laugh like that. Maybe he wishes that intoxicating gaze could be on him, rather than those who engage him. “You know, you can just go talk to him, right?” Grian asks, a gentle nudge of Jimmy’s elbow making him turn. Jimmy snorts.  Maybe that’s the problem, isn’t it? Jimmy probably could just go talk to him. He’d been watching him for so long, for so many occasions—if he were a more attentive man, he’d have studied the patterns by now. He’d understand every little joke, made a note of everything that could make him more appealing, more fun to talk to. Instead, he gets lost in it. When he tries to keep track, he fails. Being analytical was never his strong suit, and it never failed him more than when he was trying to figure out how to talk to the one he is very much in love with. The one who, as far as he knows, is very much not in love with him.  “We talk,” Jimmy says, “We’re just friends, that’s what friends do” “Yeah, Tim, and I’m just an idiot.” “You said it, not me.” Jimmy tries to say it seriously, but he can’t help the grin. “I bet he’d like to chat. You two always get along well,” Grian says, dodging the jab flawlessly and turning his eyes to Tango, the two now watching from the shadows.  “Well- yeah, I guess.”  Another problem. They did get along well. Too well, in fact. He had friends, had people who he could count on and talk to or laugh with. Jimmy even knew what it felt like to be flirted with, to be teased in that way. But it never quite felt the same when it was with Tango. And it just confused him anyway, was Tango flirting with him? Was he flirting back? He knows well that sometimes he just stumbles into things without looking first, that was no doubt. It could very well be that Jimmy was just fooling himself, wandering into something that he didn’t get a good look at before exposing his neck to the danger of misinterpretation.  Maybe, in reality, Tango was just indulging him—even if he is a really, really good guy, the concept was dangerously easy for Jimmy to trust.  “I just think that if you’d get off your perch and just go up to him, or wave or- geez, just stop staring and do something, it’d probably be fine.”  “I appreciate your suggestions, but I am comfortable right here,” Jimmy says, “He’s busy, anyway- see?” He nods up in the general direction of Tango, noting how he is casually conversing with Impulse and Zed, who keep him engaged. Grian groans.  “Not gonna be busy forever, man.” “Well, I can’t go talk to him right now, then. Maybe later.”  He feels Grian clap a hand onto his shoulder, sighing. “Whatever you say, Tim. But those feelings are just going to fester till you say something, you know.” “..I’ll- I’ll take my chances,” Jimmy mutters, swallowing hard.  He only glances at Grian for a second while he moves off into the rest of the party, not bothering to track where he’s heading once he leaves.  When he finds Tango again, there’s not much of a difference. Zed left. Impulse still has him explaining something. He can tell by how his hands move, how his gestures get big and small and create the shapes of whatever figures are drawn out in his mind. Jimmy always admired that. He’d gotten it up close, once, when Tango got into one of his redstone rambles and talked at Jimmy while he just nodded and smiled and listened, despite having zero clue about what he was saying. Jimmy may not be good at redstone, but he’s sure if he was asked what he liked about Tango, he would go into the same sort of ramble. Big hand gestures, small hand gestures—anything to properly convey how smitten he had him.  Tango had no idea.  Jimmy was sure, at this point, he was destined for a forever’s worth of pining. A lifetime of restless stomachs, of rocking heartbeats that sound more like scattered drums than something meant to keep him alive. He will spend the majority of his days avoiding the fire and getting used to the cold of the corners, growing fond of the way his eyes glaze over as if he has stared at the sun for a little too long. … and.. still.  Something inside of him roared, clawed at its cage and said let me out, said tell him. He couldn’t really tell what was holding him back—was it just fear? Anyone would be scared to confess, sure. It could be the rejection, the dreamt up, awkward and letting-you-down-easy smile. The sorry, I’m just not into you that way. Or, maybe, it was the worry that things would go well. After all, they had gotten to know each other closely. Teaming up will do that to you. Talking almost every day will do that to you. Running into each other at parties, taking walks, talking about redstoning and building and bearing your every wound to each other almost shamelessly on the bad days and sharing in the joys on the good days, as if it was always meant to be just like this. Jimmy feels himself suddenly come back into himself like a head slamming into a wall, taking note of an astonishing development.   Tango is looking at him. Impulse now gone from sight, he leans against the same wall, but he is looking. Then offering an adorable wave with a tiny smile, Tango straightens his shoulders when Jimmy waves back, like some attempt to make himself look taller—and with the rush of feelings rolling over Jimmy, he feels adrenaline-fueled laughter forcing its way to the surface; it comes out in a quiet wheeze.  It finds him right away. The familiar sensation of Jimmy’s insides dropping like a sinking building, leaving nothing but dust-caked breaths that feel sticky, catching in his throat with every other inhale. He is a ruined mess of a man. A weak, mumbled puddle of warmth and heavy pulses and heat.  He is fucked. Royally, deeply, this-is-it fucked. And they stay that way for seconds, but it feels like years, and Jimmy can’t get enough of it.  Loving someone does feel quite good, doesn’t it? And maybe, being loved right back could feel even better. If he could just get over himself and try.

[markbannersstuff]

Jealous Boy

Summary:Joel begins to notice certain behaviors from his Ex-Soulmate, he certainly isn't disappointed with what he finds.

Words:1259

Notes: English is not my frst language, i'm sorry if some parts don't make sense or there are spelling mistakes, i have dyslexia and that doesn't make it any batter.

I can't balive the first thing i post here is a Boat Boys One-Shot

Ao3 Link

Etho is a jealous man.

It's something Joel learned in the previous death game, his attention always came back one way or another to Bdubs, he's not an idiot, he notice each of Etho's attempts to separate "the perfect couple" that were Impulse and Bdubs, the redstoner's jealous and almost obsessive behavior was obvious to him, Joel didn't really care, not like people, and even Impulse himself, seemed to wait, as long as Etho did his part not to die, for him it's okay.

That doesn't mean he didn't become annoying a few days later, easily familiarizing himself with the feeling of not being wanted, although that seemed to change when he built the ship, Etho put aside Bdubs but not quite, quite understandable actually, both were quite close during the two games leading up to Double Life.

But one thing about Joel didn't expect is that the behavior that was once meant for Bdubs, was now destined for him.

You can't blame him for being shocked to realize what was happening, he started with something he at first thought was just a joke, maybe even a minor claim, "so you're going to make a boat with a new friend 'ey Joel", the death of the cow was just an afterthought, something he did just on the whim of doing it.

While Etho threatened to shoot anything or person valuable or important to Joel, while he stated out loud in front of Jimmy and Tango that they were now enemies, their behavior days later seemed to say otherwise, it took him a while to notice it, but once he did it was impossible to overlook, Etho was basically in his head for months in Double Life, He knows the things that bother him, so it's not hard for him to make him angry.

And if there is something that Joel hates in these games, it is the fishing rods, more specifically he hates when he tries to pull him with the damn thing, Etho himself hates it, he knows it because it is engraved in the minds of both since his red because of the same, so he really do not hesitate to threaten his ex soulmate, he was willing to take his own life if it meant being able to kill Etho.

And Etho seemed to take his threat seriously, a few days passed without further incident, that's when Grian decided it would be a good idea to go AFK, being basically a state of deep sleep, the problems started a short time later, he didn't go into details, his head still hurts just remembering, problems came and went and deaths happened in droves, being he the cause of some.

During that time there really weren't many changes in their interactions, maybe a comment here and there from both of them, things changed when he accidentally call Jimmy Babe in front of Etho, it's supposed to just be a joke okay? You can't blame him,

he usually calls his friends babe, it's a nickname that's stayed around over the years, and he's more than sure that at some point he call Etho the same way.

It was the next day that the changes began, they were small changes like prolonged eye contact, standing closer than necessary when he had the opportunity or even the tone of his voice, which went from being sharp and suspicious to soft and almost affectionate, it was almost as if they were back in DL, he had become so used to those little things that he don't even notice when they happened again.

Attempts to separate him from the Bad Boys occurred a few days later, passive-aggressive comments were directed at the other two men, Etho took it upon himself to point out Grian's affinity for ending the lives of his teammates, he also pointed out how Jimmy was always the first to leave the games, inevitably taking others with him. Pretty low blows if you ask Joel.

He was also in charge of spreading rumors, such as how Grian seemed to put more and more his eyes on Scar, how he heard Scott and Jimmy talk about teaming up again, the idiot is really going for his insecurity of ending up alone, not a lie, he almost accepted when Etho offered a place on the T.I.E.S. team.

But he remembered how a cold night in the nest Grian expressed his refusal to partner with Scar, he remembered how Jimmy said in a very serious way how he did not want to betray or be betrayed, so, although the idea was tempting, he sent Etho and his offer to shit, deciding to keep the songbirds by his side, Etho was clearly not happy with his refusal to be on the same team, he could perfectly see the frustration on his face.

And it seems that Bdubs also noticed, the man tried to make him talk, but Etho did not seem very interested in telling him the cause of his anger, he did not really seem interested in Bdubs at all, his days seemed to be divided between being with his team and trying to get Joel's attention, he on the other hand did not understand.

Not at least until contact began.

Etho doesn't shy away from physical contact, one of the things he caught on in Double Life, is that he actually seems to enjoy it, he never starts it, it's Joel, who after small pushes and tentative hands on his shoulders and arms, which began to be more susceptible to things like resting his weight on each other, Hugs also began to occur and they even walked hand in hand at times.

Double Life was full of physical contact between them, at least when Etho started paying attention to it, Bdubs seemed surprised, although he's sure it was the fact that Etho let Joel be so tactile with him that had him so surprised, the narcissistic little shit.

The thing is, Etho NEVER initiates physical contact, so you'll surely understand his surprise when one day Etho took his hand out of nowhere, he doesn't remember much of what happened before or even after that, only that his brain short-circuited when he again felt the familiar sensation of his ex soulmate's hand. he's pretty sure he had to be dragged out of the mansion by Grian, the only thing etched in his mind is what he was pretty sure was an arrogant smile from Etho as he left.

That and the phantom sensation of fingers intertwined with his own.

It was only moments later that he started going over all his previous interactions, and oh, he felt so, so stupid for not noticing it sooner, Etho was acting so desperately that it was painfully obvious, he wouldn't be surprised even if Scar and Jimmy have noticed it before him, Joel, who was so blinded by the sense of familiarity those actions gave him that he never questioned it.

It was a bit embarrassing that it took Etho to hold his hand on his own to notice everything, it was so embarrassing that I consider not coming back down from the roof, but the vertigo in his chest at the thought of not returning to his soulmate did not let him stay, knowing that the further he moves away from Etho the more is in his mind gave him a twisted feeling of possessiveness.

because if that was what it took for etho to chase after him, then goddammit he’ll run.

[dykedvonte]

you make really good points, I think I used the term karmic wrong sorry. I think of it more as not how I personally think he deserved all that happened to him (which thinking back os exactly what karma means, I messed up sorry), but as his fate being directly tied/parallel to anyas. I handnt noticed the toxicity of jimmy and curlys relationship, from the first playthrough I watched and the first interactions I had w fandom I saw so many ppl just. dismiss the terror Anya went through and focus too much on him as the "ultimate victim" and that just didn't sit well w me. I really dislike seeing ppl go "oh well nothing could've been done" I think it's much more complex than that. also I forgot to mention in the last ask that I really appreciate you bringing the point that this game isn't just about the harm of patriarchy but also very very critical to capitalism, I haven't seen too many ppl touch on this. I hadn't thought too deeply about how it makes "he deserved to become disabled as punishment" come up and I agree that's really messed up. I'll try watching a playthrough again with all of this in mind. but either way thanks! I really appreciate your answer 🫶🏼

I guess this is just part of being in a fandom like this. I've noticed a lot of people don't actually see posts outside of their curated view. So some people only get like anya posting or jimmy or curly and it can make it seem like that is what is saturating the conversation.

I mainly just follow the general tags and look for anything new because I'm like obsessed but I know some are only looking for what they want or believe to be the case and can get weird about other ideas.

Sorry if I came off mean its just a last few of the asks have been like circular conversations like this and its not draining per say but seeing all the nuance and details get overlooked to fit a straightforward and basic narrative really sucks cause there's a lot to explore character and theme wise.

[dib-thing-wannabe]

The Evil and The Genius

Chapter One: Interruption in the routine

As the sun was rising in the early morning, it peaked through the window of the sleeping boy genius, known by the name of Jimmy Neutron. The sunlight hit his resting eyes, causing them to flutter open after a few seconds. He groaned in annoyance as he rolled over to his side, where the sun wouldn't hit his vision, still wanting to sleep. Though Goddard didn't allow it to continue for more than a few more seconds before tugging at the blanket covering him, growling as he did so.

Jimmy lets out another tired groan before sitting up, rubbing his eye. "Alright, alright, I'm up boy. I'm up." He let out a small yawn as he looked at the clock on his side table, it reading 8:05 am. Thankfully for him, it was a Saturday without any plans, so there wasn't any need to rush.

"Go downstairs, boy! I'll catch up to you after I'm all dressed!" Jimmy spoke in a tired tone, though he tried to make it seem a bit more excited so that Goddard would listen. Effectively, this worked as intended, as his robotic dog wagged his tail and let out a few excited barks before rushing out of his room.

Jimmy sighed before getting out of the bed, stretching as he did so. Lately, it's been the same old, same old: He wakes up, goes to school despite him not technically needing to, fix the townspeople's problems that are honestly accidently his fault more times than not, gets back home, stays up later than he should be to continue working on his latest inventions, then goes to bed at around 4 am. It's tiring, but it is what it is, or at least in Jimmy's mind. Besides, at least he hasn't needed to fight against any villains for awhile now, so that's something for him.

Once fully dressed, he met Goddard downstairs, who is sitting next to his mom, Judy, who's currently making breakfast.

"Oh, hello Jimmy! I hope you were able sleep decently, since your father decided to have a one-man movie night again, and you and I both know how he likes his tv! Nice and loud!" She said with a slight chuckle, turning towards him as she held a pan in her hand.

"Yep, I know exactly that! But yes, I slept quite well despite that." Jimmy lied through his teeth with what he tried to make look like a genuine smile, simply not wanting his mother to either worry about him or punish him. It's not like he meant to stay up until 5:34 am working on a power blaster, it just sorta happened!

Judy, unaware of what really happened last night with Jimmy, smiles warmly back at him. "That's good! Now, what would you like for breakfast?"

"Oh, no need for that, dear mother. I'm not hungry." He told her, walking past her to grab a drink for himself in the fridge.

"Oh, come on, Jimmy! That's, what, the fifth time you didn't eat breakfast this week, correct, young man? C'mon, it doesn't have to be much, it can be simple , like some buttered toast!" She told him sternly, holding the pan in one hand and her hip in the other.

Jimmy let out a soft and quiet groan before turning towards her with a drink in his hand, knowing that she's just simply worried for his health. "Fine, I guess I'll have some toast. Please and thank you." This caused Judy to smile at him before turning away and walk towards the toaster. " Alrighty then! Toast, coming right up!"

After around 5 minutes, Jimmy exits the house after eating some toast, with Goddard quickly following behind him. Normally, Jimmy would head straight for the shed and into his lab on days like this, but sadly he needs overall more materials to continue on with his current projects and they had yet to arrive. So for now, he's just walking around town, seeing if there's anything he could do.

"Jimmy!!" A familiar voice called out to him after a few moments of wondering and looking around. Jimmy turned to see where the voice was coming from, and gazed his eyes upon Sheen waving at him with Carl following behind him, playing with a couple of plush llama's. "Ah, hello Sheen! Hello Carl! How are you two doing this morning?"

"We're doing good, Jimmy! Though we may need to be careful due to all the new rumors that's been going around." Carl said in his usual timid tone as Jimmy approached the two. "Rumors? What are these rumors that you are speaking of?" Jimmy said, not being able to recall any that would need anyone to be careful.

"Oh, haven't you heard? There's a lot of strange things that have been happening since yesterday, though it hasn't been anything that bad yet." Carl responded, still playing with the llamas.

"Yeah, like their shoelaces being tied together while they weren't looking, or their drink being moved further away from them! Nobody has been able to see who or what's been doing this, so for all we know it could be anyone, even multiple lizard people!!" Sheen added.

"Hmmm... well, I'll believe it when I see it. Sounds like a lot of people are just being paranoid." Jimmy said in an unamused tone, as if he doesn't believe it to be anything of importance as of right now.

"Sure you will, Jimmy! Say, wanna come to my place and watch a few movies with me and Carl? We have allll day to do it!" Sheen said in his usual loud and cheerful tone, pointing his thumb towards the direction of his house.

"... Honestly, yes, I would like to, Sheen. I don't really have anything else to do anyways. That is, if nothing important comes up and interrupts it." Jimmy chuckled softly to himself after he said that.

"Oh please, nothing bad ever happens to kids on Saturday! Anyways, we are doing this thing where we each bring two movies of our choice that we haven't seen, got that?" Sheen told Jimmy.

"Yeah, I got it.. though it might take me a couple minutes to get them. Just set everything up at your place while I go grab my share of the movies, okay you two?" Jimmy stated to his friends. There's basically no movies in his house right now that he hadn't watched at some point in time, so he needed to go buy them himself to be able to do this with them.

Sheen and Carl each gave him a thumbs up before walking towards Sheen's house as Jimmy also walked away from them and towards the center of the town, where all the stores primarily are. As he walked closer and closer to the nearest DVD store, he began to notice that more and more people look as if they have just been pranked, and yet don't know who exactly pranked them. Like this man who had silly strings everywhere on him, or this older woman that kept swearing that someone had switched her lemon water with a lemon-lime soda while she wasn't looking. Very minor and harmless things, but little by little, it became clear to the little genius that maybe the rumors that his friends told him about weren't as big of a hoax as he originally thought.

"Goddard, is it just me who thinks that maybe Sheen and Carl were right about the rumors?" Jimmy asked his robotic dog friend as they passed by one of the many alleyways, who in response barked at him and nodded his head. "I thought so. Maybe we should be a little extra careful about our next moves while whoever is doing this is still-"

Suddenly, in the dark alleyway he had just about passed by, Jimmy heard laughter. Quiet, hushed, and more importantly, familiar laughter.

"There's no way that's who I think it is." Jimmy thought to himself, turning back around to look in the alleyway where the laughter came from. "There's no why that it's-"

He silently stood in shock for a few seconds as he laid eyes on the source of the laughter. It was his clone that only went by the name Evil Jimmy. The very same clone that he had placed in what is known as the dark matter dimension, that of which he thought he would never escape from. And by the laws of science, he still hasn't changed how he looked one bit during that time.

Evil Jimmy, who looked just as surprised to see Jimmy as Jimmy was to see him, proceeded to give him a smug grin as he leaned against the wall. "Heya there, Whippy-Dip. Missed me at all?"

Jimmy let out a few stutters before being able to say anything, or rather yell anything, that made sense. "I- how- You! Were you the one who's been terrorizing everyone in the town since yesterday?!"

The clone shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't know, despite his face saying otherwise. "Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. There's no real way to know."

"Oh please! It definitely was you, and you can't even try to deny it!!" Jimmy shouted as his clone gave him a smirk. "B-besides, how'd you even escape that dimension in the first place?! I ran all the possiblies of you escaping and there were practically zero chances of it happening!! So explain yourself!"

"How aboooout I don't? Yeah, let's go with no. I don't feel like telling ya how I did it, and it's not like you can make me tell ya!" Evil Jimmy said smugly as he walked closer to Jimmy, causing Goddard to start barking at him as he stood in front of Jimmy.

Lately, Jimmy's patience has been in an all time low due to his lack of sleep and having to constantly fix problems in short periods of time, which meant that quickly his fear and confusion turned into pure annoyance, and it showed. "Tell. Me. Now." Jimmy told him sternly as he stepped forward, having the two of them now be face-to-face with one another.

"I. Said. No." He said in a mocking tone while cockily grinning at Jimmy.

Jimmy let out a soft sigh before suddenly grabbing his clones ear tightly and started dragging him by it back to his lab with a fast pace. His clone let out a yelp as he started getting dragged.

"OW OW OW- HEY- LET GO!-" He cried out as he struggled to break free from his grip, trying to pry Jimmy's fingers off of his ear.

"Quiet down, will you? You're only making an embarrassment out of yourself by being so loud." Jimmy told him harshly, still dragging him to the lab. In all honesty, he just doesn't want people to see the two of them, immediately recognize the clone, and start freaking out about it. That'll only mean that people would start putting even more pressure onto him as to get rid of him, as if the fact that he's back wasn't enough already.

Thankfully, Evil Jimmy listened to the best of his abilities and try to keep quiet, still letting out sharp breathes and small exclamations of pain every once in a while. Quickly, or in Evil Jimmy's case, finally, they made it to the lab, thankfully without being spotted by anyone either. As they entered the lab, Jimmy pushed him to the ground as he closed the door behind them both.

"Now are you willing to tell me how you managed to escape? Or do I need to do some more convincing?" Jimmy said as he looked down at him as Evil Jimmy rubbed his sore ear.

"Fine, fine, I'll tell! I made a dimension traveling bike with a bunch of tiny scraps lying around, which is how I got out of that dimension and back into this one!" He hissed at his blueprint of a human being, being annoyed at the position that he was currently in. He was the evil one! He was supposed to scare Jimmy, not the other way around!

"Hmmm... okay, okay, good to know.." Jimmy muttered softly, placing a hand on his chin as he started slowly pacing back and forth. Okay, he now knows that he can't just put him back because if he could build it once, he could definitely build it again. But what should he do with him now, since that was the case?

After a few moments of silence between the two, Evil Jimmy stood back up and leaned against a nearby metal pillar. "Whatcha thinking, chief?"

"Thinking about a way to get rid of you, obviously. It's not like I can get rid of you the same way that I'd usually get rid of other villainous people. You are a clone of me after all, so you have a much higher IQ than most of the foes that I have dealt with in the past."

Evil Jimmy chuckled softly. "Oh really? What are a couple of your ideas of making me go away then?"

Jimmy stopped pacing for a moment and looked him directly in the eyes. "Well, I could put you at the bottom of the ocean in a glass box with a limited amount of oxygen. Or I could shoot you up into space, maybe even send you to planet Zeenu, and you definitely wouldn't like that. Trust me on this, the residents there are more unintelligent than Sheen's shoe and their rulers are absolutely terrible at their jobs and their morals." He then started pacing back and forth again, as if those ideas still weren't good enough for him. I mean, he is a clone of him after all, and if Jimmy could easily and quickly get out of those situations, then of course he would as well.

Evil Jimmy continued to watch Jimmy for a moment, listening to him mumble to himself as he tried to come up with a plan as to what to do with him. When he suddenly had an idea himself.

"Hah, well, what's stopping you from doing any of those plans of yours?"

"Two things. One, I'm very low on materials to be able to do that. Two, for some reason, those would now be considered 'immoral' of me to do to you, despite me having done way worse!" Jimmy told him with a frustrated look as he continued to pace, as if these things have been a problem for him for a few months now. "But they would still basically never let me off the hook if I were to effectively harm you to the point where you're immobile or dead. So I need to scrap most of my ideas if I want to not have to deal with anymore of that."

Evil Jimmy mumbled in agreement with Jimmy's statement. He definitely has done worse than most of what he had just described. He did see him literally kill all of the other clones, with him being the sole survivor out of them. And to be completely honest, he's definitely the one who deserved to be killed despite that.

"Well, chief, I myself have an idea as to what you could do with me." The clone said in a soft voice as he checked his nails.

Jimmy stopped pacing again and raised an eyebrow at him. Though it would definitely be a bad idea if it was coming from Evil Jimmy of all people at the current moment, he couldn't help but be at least a little curious about what it could be.

Evil Jimmy looked up at him and gave him a gentle yet sly grin before speaking. "Maybe you could try and reform me. Lead me away from my evil ways."

Jimmy stood there shocked for a moment, I mean, this had to be some kind of trick, right? There was no way that he's genuinely wanting to be reformed. He was definitely just planning on using this as a way to trick the others into some kind of betrayal against Jimmy. ".. And why would I do that? You were literally terrorizing everyone in the town just moments earlier."

"Oh please," Evil Jimmy flicked his wrist at Jimmy as he turned his head away, "I never harmed anyone with those pranks!.. At least, I don't believe I did. C'mooon, chief, just one crack at it?"

Jimmy groaned as he put some thought onto it. It definitely wouldn't work, at least not very easily, especially if the villain was the one who had the idea in the first place. But Jimmy didn't have any other ideas that either had the physical parts to do it or without him being bashed by everyone. Besides.. he could just imagine the praise he would get if he even just simply tried to reform him. And if he just kept a close eye on him constantly, he just might actually be able to keep him out of trouble.

Jimmy let out a sigh before speaking again. "Y-you know what? Fine, we can try to reform you. But you have to be compliant! Got it?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die, chief!" He said while making a cross motion on his chest and having a triumphant smile on his face, though had his fingers crossed behind his back as he did this.

"You better hope to die if you ever decide to push your luck too far." Jimmy told him sternly, when he realized something. ".. If we were to start though, we would need to give you an actual name."

"Hm? Why though? Wouldn't it just confuse everyone who already knows about me?" He asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"... You're current name is literally 'Evil Jimmy'. It'll be kind of hard for anyone to even begin to think that you were a better person if evil is in your name, wouldn't it?" Jimmy told him, causing the clone to have a look on his face that's clear that he feels dumb about not realizing it right away. "Besides, I'm sure it would be nice for you if people wouldn't be able to tell that you're a clone of me right away because of your name."

"... Alright, makes sense." He said, soon getting lost in thought. There was a lot of things he had thought about doing once he escaped the dark matter dimension, but an actual name for himself? Never even crossed his mind once.

"... Jack."

"W-wha-?" The clone snapped out of his train of thought as he suddenly heard Jimmy speak. "What, is there someone named Jack around here that I didn't know about? Are they going to be a problem, or-"

"No. I said Jack because you were clearly having troubles coming up with a name for yourself, so I threw it out there as a suggestion. Maybe have Jack as more of a nickname with Jackson being a full name for you. Does that sound good to you?"

He sat in silence for a moment before responding. "Yeah, that sounds good to me."

"Good, that's good. Now, Jack, what do you think we need to discuss next?"

Next>>>

[chaiandsage]

hi um. Having just finished my fourth (?) read of trust life, i have a couple things to say/ask

the first thing is Oh My God it’s incredible probably one of my favourite fics ever your writing is amazing and the characterisation is always on point

The next thing is how much planning went into the fic before writing? Theres so much detail and you clearly knew where everyone was and when

also just out of pure curiosity, did you have any sort of map of the world its set in? Or just the mental image ?

"You clearly knew where everyone was and when." Raph let me tell you it was a literal miracle I only had like one or two slip-ups on that end (that I know of). To this day I have no idea how I got away with it. There were just so many moving parts with five teams, fifteen people, and however many breakups/makeups/exes/friendships to keep track of. I had to remember which characters knew which bits of information at any given time, which characters were still left in the dark about certain things, and what lives everyone was on. I kept forgetting that players do NOT respawn with their belongings during this game and had to keep fixing that, same idea with trying to remember where everyone's last sleeping spot was so that they'd respawn in the correct locations whenever they died. It was… a lot. Not saying this fic wasn't still insanely fun to write though. It was both of those those things.

I did have an outline made that I roughly stuck to that covered a decent amount of what happened from beginning to end. A lot of it got cut out cause that fic was getting WAY too long. But to answer your question, yeah, there was a LOT of planning. My outline for this fic literally just consisted of a bunch of 1-3 sentence paragraphs explaining what events would pass and why in very simple terms, and even that took up like a couple dozen pages. But there was also a lot of stuff that I threw in while the fic was still being updated.

Like, I still wanted to try to work in what was going on with the cc's in the real world since most of this story was suppose to take place 6 months later. So when 6 months later had passed in real life I tried to tweak the story accordingly as best I could which really just required me to change up a few of the places they went to once the game had ended. The decision to have Jimmy flee to Evo was also something I changed while still posting chapters. I was thinking about somehow making him go back to the Third Life server instead but then thought: "How cool would it be if Grian's emotions were tied to Evo and that caused his, Jimmy's, and Bigb's conversation to be 10x more dramatic?" So I did that instead.

Then there was also a change with the Deep Frost Citadel, the location for that setting getting changed a couple of times. I was originally gonna have Scott tell Tango he loved him for the first time back in Tumble Town but then only realized months later that "wait- wait a minute… It NEVER RAINS desert biomes!!" So yeah, more tweaking of the story went on there but I definitely think the change ended up being for the better regardless of the whole rain problem, lol. But yeah, once again: a lot. A lot of planning went into that story (what I wouldn't give to be half as enthusiastic about actual important life stuff as I was with this fic). But there was also a lot that was changed and cleaned up as it was still being written.

As for a map, I HAD one at one point but ended up tossing it once the fic ended. But here's a hasty re-drawing from memory that I may or may not have forgotten to include a few things in:

I actually had some fun remaking this, so thank you for that! Also huge thanks for reading my fic! I am losing my marbles at the fact that you liked it enough to read it four times and that it’s one of your favorites too? Oh my god?? Thank you so much!

[wanderingmind867]

My interpretation of Hourman (Rex Tyler): Rex Tyler was born in Ithaca, New York, on November 5th, 1913. Rex loved science, specifically chemistry. He couldn't get enough of experimenting with all the different elements and compounds. He was so fascinated by it that he goes to Cornell University in his home of Ithaca, and he manages to score himself a degree in chemistry. After working his way through the education system, rex manages to take his chemistry skills and get a job at the Bannerman Chemical corporation in NYC, a veritable powerhouse in the world of chemical manufacturing.

He got his job in 1938 or 1939. But in early 1940, Rex wound up discovering a new element he would end up calling Miraclo. Testing the newly discovered element on some lab mice, rex found it gave them increased strength and vitality for several hours at a time. Curious, Rex then tries it on himself. And he finds that the element of Miraclo also gives him increased strength and physical endurance, but only for around 60 minutes. Because the human body is so much bigger than a mouse's body, the effects of the miraclo wear off much quicker.

But still, rex realizes he's discovered an amazing, wonder drug here. Secretly manufacturing it into a pill format, rex realized he needed to use this gift to help humanity. So he placed an ad in the newspaper, saying that the "Man of the Hour is here to help you solve all your problems!". Tracking down one respondent to the ad, he aided a housewife whose husband was falling in with the wrong crowd, and stopped a robbery. Using a costume he found in an abandoned costume shop, Rex began his secret career as The Hourman, guardian of New York City! At this point in time, rex has told nobody else about his discovery of miraclo, fearing what criminals could do if they got their hands on it.

In any case, Rex fights crime all through the 1940s as the Hourman, eventually even acquiring a fanclub and group of sidekicks amongst the youth of New York City and beyond. These kids would call themselves the Minutemen, and they'd be led by two main kids; Jimmy Martin and Thorndyke Thompkins. These kids would be given smaller doses of miraclo, doses that empowered them for only a few minutes at a time (as compared to his hour length dosage). So by day, Rex Tyler worked for Kenneth Bannerman's chemical plant (which sometimes led him to watch over Kenneth's daughter, Regina). But by night, he would fight crime as The Hourman with his Minutemen sidekicks, all with the aid of Miraclo.

Due to his exploits as The Hourman, Rex gets invited to join the Justice Society of America. He did (becoming one of their many founding members), but he left after a year because he felt he couldn't keep up with them. He was a nobody compared to The Spectre or Doctor Fate, and Rex humbly chose to bow out and go on a hiatus from the team. Meanwhile, he lets the team bring in new members to work in his stead.

But even after going on hiatus from the JSA, Rex continued operating as The Hourman throughout the 40s. It was only in 1948 that he retired. He began slowing down in 1945 (after he realized that excessive use of miraclo could cause addiction like symptoms after a while), but he didn't fully retire until 1948. And this is something Rex wouldn't realize until he retired and went back dedicating himself to his research, but Miraclo also gives it's user a prolonged lifespan if it's taken for a long time. It really is a miracle drug. Although it's going to give him some pains (both emotional and mental) later in life, it's also made him nearly immortal.

But yeah, Rex Tyler retires in 1948, fully rededicating himself to his chemistry research. Ten years later (in 1958), Terry Sloane buys Bannerman Chemical when it's on the verge of bankruptcy. To repay his friend for saving his life in 1955, Terry makes sure the company is rebranded to become Tyler Chemical, and Rex Tyler becomes CEO of his own chemical company.

A year or two after this (in 1961), Rex meets an aspiring young actress named Wendi Harris while on a business trip to LA. Wendi began acting in 1947, but she was blacklisted in 1951 because her brother was accused of being a communist. But Wendi hadn't given up, and she's still trying it make something of herself. Rex quickly begins bonding with her, and they become close friends.

Since I've already made nearly 8 paragraphs, I'll speed things up now: the Justice Society of America reforms in 1963. Terry Sloane drags Rex into taking up the mantle of Hourman again, and Hourman and Mister Terrific subsequently become crime fighting partners. In 1966, Rex and Wendi end up having a kid together, a boy they name Richard (or as he eventually becomes more well known, Rick). Terry Sloane is also heavily involved in Rick's life, becoming like a second dad to him. But together, Rex and Terry form a deep friendship and bond (which I cover more in my Mister Terrific note).

[practically-an-x-man]

Oh hey, I remember this ask game! 🤝, 🕷️, U and W for Kat/Ahk, and 14 and 16 for Madison?

Thank you so much!!

OC/Ship Ask Game: Firsts

🤝 - Favorite "first meeting" scene you've written between two characters

Oooooooh man how can I choose??!! I genuinely do love them all for different reasons, and I like writing first-meeting scenes a lot (bc I feel like you can set up the character dynamics so well right from the beginning!)

I will say, a few of my favorites are:

Jasper/Kyle (Jasper literally crashed into him while on roller skates, spilled his coffee and offered to replace it, they got to talking, very classic meet-cute)

Kestrel/Warren (Kestrel got ambushed by a feral troll, Warren rescued them, lots of emotional impact bc it represents Kestrel choosing their identity for the first time)

Jimmy/Lars (Lars was on a Ghostbusting mission and was trying to stay focused, but Jimmy immediately began flirting, very very cute scene in my opinion)

🕷️ - First time writing something that scared you, and how it went

Answered previously!

____

Kat/Ahk:

U. First pet names/nicknames they give each other

I mean, Ahk pretty much starts in with the pet names from the get-go: "love", "darling", or sometimes even going a little more old-fashioned and making them "my love" or "my darling"

Katherine doesn't use quite as many pet names as he does, though sometimes her Southernness will shine through with a "honey", "baby", or "sweetheart" once in a while

W. First time they realized their relationship is endgame... or isn't

This is a tough one... they figured since the beginning that it couldn't be endgame, since eventually Katherine would age while Ahk stayed in stasis, and they were determined just to appreciate the relationship while it lasted.

But now that Katherine's a little more bound up in the magic... we'll see.

____

Madison:

14. First time facing their fears

Definitely on one of her camping trips with her dad - he'd take her and her older brother every summer when they were kids, and raised them into hunting and survival skills. I'd say the most notable example of her facing her fears was the first time she hunted on her own: her dad was still with her, but she caught, butchered, and cooked the animal (including making the fire herself) without any of his help, and it honestly contributed a lot to her confidence and self-assurance.

Obviously, at that point she never really expected she'd have to live off of those skills one day, but there was something about being able to hold her own in that pure survival situation that helped her feel more confident in her everyday life too - if she could catch and cook her own food in the woods, she could handle middle school no problem!

16. First thing they remembered feeling ashamed of

I mean, she was raised as a girl in a middle-class environment in the 1940's and 50's, so it would honestly be easier to say what she didn't feel ashamed of. Her mother definitely didn't mean to instill that ingrained shame into Madison, but there were a lot of social rules she tried to instill that Madison just didn't take to, and it led to a lot of internal conflict.

Her mother definitely did not approve of all the camping trips her dad took her on, she thought it wasn't ladylike for a girl to be starting fires and shooting animals in the forest, and that caused a lot of internal conflict of Madison's end: she loved camping, but she also wanted her mom to be proud of her, and she didn't know how she could have both. And that wasn't the only thing, either - Madison's just never been housewife material, and that made things difficult to have her mother try and push for her to be something she wasn't. There was a lot she had to unpack, and probably still plenty of things she hasn't fully worked through.

[pippersmcgee]

Hi I saw your review of mouthwashing and since nobody else is saying anything negative about I sort of also wanted to share my gripes with it and discuss it if that's ok!

I played the game yesterday and honestly I was very disappointed. I was intrigued by the random fanarts I saw on here, but it's telling that those fanarts had just as much depth as the actual game. It feels like the game bit off more than it could chew and can only pretend to have a deep understanding of the themes it tries to talk about.

Like for example, the rape of Anya even if it's central to the plot line is never talked about with any gravity. And I get it's intended, I get it's supposed to represent the workplace misogyny and dismissal of rape, but it just ends up creating a game that doesn't say anything. The only slight exploration you get is how men react to rape and the realistic reaction of them being like "my friend would never do that, he's not a bad guy". But that's all it did.

Then you play as Jimmy the rapist. And that's an interesting set up genuinely, I think playing as a rapist could lead to interesting explorations of why things like this happen and how they think. And it wants to be that but seems too afraid to even talk about its own theme. Like the rape is only ever implied even when you play as the rapist, and the game asks you to empathize with Jimmy. I find it insulting! Again, I understand it's because he doesn't want to face what he did, but then it just makes the actual game feel dismissive of Anyas rape by showing Jimmy struggling without telling you directly the weight of anythings that's happening.

In general, horror really struggles with sexual assault, I think it generally fetishizes it, makes it grotesque and insulting or, like here, (unintentionally) dismisses it to feed you the line that "everybody is human, even rapists, and that's the true horror" when it fails to acknowledge that what happened is horrific.

Anyway.. as a finishing note I find the community gross but that's expected from tumblr. The religious representations of Anya or the aesthetic art about her fetus inside of her gross me out. I also find it crazy that suddenly tumblr is fine with using terms like male socialization or the patriarchy when they accuse anybody using them of being a TERF, but at the same time they only use those concepts as a sort of way to take the blame off of Jimmy instead of trying to critically think about the world around them. It's just overall disappointing, good style tho.

thanks for sending this! "overall disappointing" is a good way to put it. Like you I saw some frankly breathtaking fanart and thought this game would blow me away. I was left wondering if I had somehow gotten a faulty copy of the game? Because I was clearly not feeling any of the things these talented fanartists were feeling. which is a shame, because the graphics, sound design, overall style of the game is fantastic.

cw for discussions of rape; this is also pretty long.

i will say that while i agree with your overall sentiment i'm not sure i'm 100% with you on the particulars. oddly, the game's handling of rape was really my least concern. considering who the protagonist is (a rapist!), it makes sense that the game is dismissive of what he did to anya. he wants to dismiss it. what gravity would a "nice guy" rapist give to the situation he caused? not much, probably. to add to that, his mental state does not improve over the course of the game. at no point should we expect him to acknowledge that what he did is in any way a problem -- in addition to being a shit guy he's also out of his mind. realizing that jimmy is a piece of shit is something that we, the player, are meant to discover on our own. (in that regard the game was successful!) I'd also like to take a moment and say that i'm not someone who cares about rape being portrayed respectfully, tastefully, etc, in media because rape in reality is neither respectful nor tasteful. and experiences with rape are so different from person to person that to say one piece of media fetishizes or makes rape grotesque is to deny the creative expression of people who don't want to communicate their rape in a certain way via their art.

trying to tie this back to the topic at hand: for me the problem was not that the game felt dismissive of anya's rape, or wanted us to excuse jimmy's behavior to a disturbing degree; it was that anya didn't feel like her own person. jimmy didn't feel like his own person. each character felt like the mouthpiece of a singular author and so failed to make an impression on me. personalities did not come through in the way the game wanted them to. the game does tackle some thought-provoking material, but the way it was written felt stale and even at times boring (which should not have been the case, given the subject matter!). it didn't have the wherewithal to tie these themes together in a way that was gripping, horrifying, satisfying, and so on. it had some issues with pacing.

the fetus stuff is weird to me too. the fact that anya is inspired by shelley duvall (i think?) and doesn't end up having a strong sense of character is depressing. "the game bit off more than it could chew" is also a good way to describe it. REALLY DISAPPOINTING! i wanted to like it!

[yacinthemorning]

Birdsongs

Chapter 2

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Summary: The Life Pilgrimage is the biggest music festival of the century, set to take place all across the continent. Small-time rock band, GIST, and the up-and-coming alternative band, Empire, are both lucky to be among the hundreds set to make appearances, but there's just one problem. Neither can afford the travel expenses on their own. For better or worse, they're stuck with each other for the next five weeks as they try to make their dreams come true.

And, perhaps, among the chaos and music, two unsuspecting souls find one another...

Ships: Jimmy/Tango (slow burn romantic), Joel/Lizzie (romantic), Jimmy & Scott (platonic)

Warnings: Alcohol, Bad Driving

Months passed, and Jimmy had almost entirely forgotten about the travel situation. To be fair, he barely remembered the event. Or rather, tried not, lest he start to get nervous. But time moved on, and the date snuck up on him. Right up until the night before and Scott rang him up asking how much luggage space he would need. And then suddenly he had two hours before bed to pack, all the while in his ear Scott flipped between calming him down and stressing him out. It only ended when Lizzie and Joel returned from their date night to settle both of the worked-up men down and help Jimmy in person.

Jimmy woke up early that morning, exhausted, with one very poorly organized medium luggage against the wall, a half-empty backpack at the foot of the bed, change of clothes already laid out, and his guitar held too-tightly in his grip. It almost made up for the fact that he forgot to set his alarm, and that the only reason he woke up was Lizzie pounding on the bedroom door.

Scott was already waiting in the driveway, tapping on his steering wheel while Fwhip one-sidedly chatted. Jimmy froze when they made eye contact. He was in A Mood. Probably not helped by the scramble Jimmy caused the previous night or how long he’d been waiting. Maybe he could call a taxi, but that would probably make things worse.

Bless his sister. Lizzie took one look at him, and before he could say a thing she was asking Joel to put her stuff in Scott’s car. It did mean Jimmy was stuck with just Joel for the entire half hour drive, but for once Joel forwent the teasing to instead excitedly ramble about the trip. They even managed to get through the Timmy’s drive-through without incident, which Jimmy chalked up to a pilgrimage miracle.

By the time they got to Gem’s house Jimmy was finally awake and more than a bit jittery, case over his shoulder so he could hold his hot chocolate to his cheek like a heater.

“It’s summer, dude. Not even that cold.” Joel joked. Jimmy just hummed, enjoying the warmth.

He heard Lizzie squeal. “Gem!”

“Liz!”

The two women practically knocked each other over as they collided. Her hair had grown out since Jimmy last saw her, tied back with flowery clips, but she still wore her favourite overalls, a few new embroideries added to its collection. There was another girl, almost as tall as Scott, dressed in a black sweater and beanie. She wore a kind expression, but there was still something a bit intimidating about her.

Behind them, wheeling out the last of the other band’s luggage, was someone much more in line with Jimmy’s mental image of what they would be like. He was muscled, shirt and vest sleeves cut to show it off, and covered head to toe in scars, dotted with a few tattoos. His face was rough, and he quickly snapped at something the girls said, though he sounded jovial about it.

Gem waved Empire over, giving them each a hug before turning to her bandmates. “This is Skizz, our guitarist, and Pearl’s our manager. Impy and Tango went to pick up the trailer.”

“Pleasure to meet ya folks.” Skizz said and held out his hand to shake each of theirs. “Gem lent me one of your CDs. Really love your sound, got a real folky-experimental vibe to it. Can’t wait to get the full live experience!”

Jimmy stuttered out a “you too,” as his hand was roughly shaken. Oh, god, were they supposed to listen to each other’s stuff before today? He hadn’t even thought of that. He could see from the look on Joel’s face that at least he was thinking the same thing. 

Gem laughed. “Ignore Skizz, he likes going above and beyond.” 

“Hey, any excuse is a good excuse to listen to some great music!” 

Jimmy rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous chuckle escaping him. ‘Great’ wasn’t a term he would ever dare to use for what they made, not for lack of trying on Scott and Lizzie’s part. Those two at least basked in the praise. Scott even seemed to be cheering up again, enough to start chattering with Pearl and Fwhip. Or maybe it was the coffee.

Lizzie was off to the side still talking to Gem. “I’m so sorry we’re late, Jim got a bit behind.”

“It’s no problem, so did Tango. Apparently, he lost something? I dunno, Pearl was the one talking to him. And Impulse took his keys with him so we can’t even get our luggage in the van ‘til he’s back!”

At least Jimmy wasn’t the only one who messed up.

“Hey,” Joel called to him. “Help me with the luggage.”

Nearly thirty minutes later a large trailer pulled up to a very frazzled group. The new arrivals didn’t even get a word in before the chaos started. They were already well behind schedule. Ten people’s luggage had to be piled into a single minivan. Joel’s drum set was hassle enough just getting here, but getting two into the trailer storage compartments was a nightmare. Their saving grace was Scott and Pearl, the last stand between the large group and a giant toppled pile of panic.

Fwhip had just forced the last drum bag into the side compartment, backing off so Jimmy could force it shut. “I didn’t know we had so much stuff.” He whined. Their manager only gave a tired grunt in response.

Impulse came by to do one last double check on all the locks. The man was built, both strong and large-boned and a bit heavier. But, somehow, he managed to be the least intimidating of the GIST band members, with the kindest face Jimmy could recall, and the fashion sense of a dad at a backyard grill party. “Is that everything in?”

“Think so.” Jimmy replied.

“Good, then we can head off. Tango!”

There was a funny little noise, presumably of acknowledgement, before a head of scraggly blond hair held back by a headband poked out from the minivan trunk. Impulse took something out of his pocket and tossed it to him. “You drive the van first. Radio’s in the centre console already.”

“Me?” Tango whined. “Ugh, fiiine.”

Fwhip clapped Jimmy’s shoulder as he pulled himself up into the doorway of the trailer. “Jim, you go with him.”

“What!” He squawked.

“Hey, this is a two team effort! Plus, you made us late, so you’re first up. Now hurry up, you guys are leading.”

Jimmy pouted, but the redhead ignored him. Impulse at least gave him an apologetic pat on the back before heading off as well. With a deep sigh he awkwardly made his way over to the complete stranger. Whom he was going to be stuck with in a van. Alone. For the next ten hours.

 If he was honest, he was kind of avoiding him. Quite frankly, despite his stature, Tango was otherwise basically what Jimmy initially imagined GIST’s members to be. Leather vest, blood red pants barely tucked into bulky steel-toe boots, more than a few piercings, and at least one tattoo half-hidden by his short sleeves. The weird red glasses and oddly sharp-toothed smirk were not in his imagination, but they certainly didn’t not go with the look. He also quite visibly had some sort of pocket knife dangling from his neck. The exact type of person Jimmy tried to avoid.

Anyone friends with Gem will be fine. Anyone friends with Gem will be fine…

He held out his hands to Jimmy. It took him a second to realize they were for his guitar. He pulled it off his shoulder, only to hold it more securely to his chest.

“Don’t bother, you won’t get it off him.” Scott called from the window, giving an unimpressed, almost bored look to the two. Jimmy hugged it tighter.

Tango raised an eyebrow curiously but shrugged and closed the trunk. “C’mon little buddy, let’s get going.”

They shuffled into place. It was a lot easier getting his guitar into the van, thankfully. The van was shockingly pristine. He felt almost scared to put his hot chocolate cup next to a metal container he presumed was Tango’s. A walkie talkie had indeed been set up in the centre console, little stand and everything for it on the dashboard.

Before he started it up, Tango reached over with a hand once again. “Tango, by the way. Don’t think we properly met in all the hubbub.” He said with a giant grin.

For a moment Jimmy eyed it suspiciously, but eventually he pulled on a polite smile and shook back. The grip wasn’t as firm as Jimmy was expecting but shook a little too hard, Jimmy’s elbow banging against his case. “It’s Jimmy. With a ‘J’. Don’t let my bandmates tell you otherwise.”

“Oh, is that so?” Tango giggled. It was a bit wheezy, and broke halfway through, but it was an actual giggle. So far removed from his appearance that Jimmy was sure his brain immediately reset itself on any assumptions he’d yet made. It was downright adorable, if he was completely honest. “There a story there?”

“Sort of, I suppose.” The tension eased out of Jimmy’s body, his smile becoming something more genuine. “Not that interesting, though.”

Tango leaned back, pushing down one of the suitcases so he could see out the back window. “Well, we got plenty of time to share stories today. Let’s get out of here first, before the peanut gallery starts abusing their walkie talkie privileges.”

Jimmy made a small hum of agreement, and off they went. 

“So then Joel just jumped!”

“No!”

“Yep, flew through the air with all the grace of a mole tied to an anchor. Face went right into the floor! All in front of Liz.”

Tango full on cackled, hand slamming down on the steering wheel. Jimmy joined in, inadvertently crushing part of the map between his leg and case. “Was he okay?” Tango barely managed to ask, wiping a tear from his eye.

“He was fine. Drove him to the hospital but the only thing seriously damaged was his ego.”

“Ah, young love. The worst decision maker.”

Jimmy rested his forehead against his guitar, a wistful grin on his face. “I’ll agree to that.”

It was several hours into their trip, and so far the van had been filled with nonstop chatter. A few check in calls on the walkie and bathroom breaks were the only thing able to interrupt the flow of stories. It was nice having a new face to exchange with, someone who Tango hadn’t already known for years. He was honestly expecting plenty of awkward silence from Jimmy based on what he saw and heard from Gem. But once he started going, Jimmy never stopped.

He was so wrapped up in the embarrassing stories that he almost robotically took the map from Tango before Tango could even ask. It was kind of funny. Until Tango got curious and lifted up the empty Timmy’s cup slightly angled towards the other. It wound up absentmindedly in Jimmy’s hands for a good twenty minutes before he gave it an odd look like he had no clue where it came from and put it back. Then, Tango had a new game.

“So,” Tango leaned over to flip the radio to a new station when the old one finally fazed out of range, music replaced by some talk show. “Your band’s been together for a long time, too? If you were already doing shows in college.”

Jimmy hummed, as if he had to think about it. “I suppose, yeah. They had a thing going in the garage before that, but they got serious around then. Scott and Lizzie really wanted to go somewhere with it.”

They? “Were you not part of the group?”

“Hm?” It seemed to take a moment for it all to register. “Oh, uh, I guess that depends on who you ask. Ha…”

“What, were you backup or something?” Tango leaned back, staring at the man curiously.

Jimmy hesitated, rolling his head to the other side of his guitar case so Tango couldn’t see him fully. It didn’t hide the embarrassed blush. “Well, it was mostly Scott and Lizzie’s project, really. They only brought me in cause they needed a guitar. I’m not really on the same level as them or Joel, though.”

Tango hadn’t heard anything from them, so he couldn’t honestly assure Jimmy he sounded fine. But… “Hey, you’re good enough to get a spot on the pilgrimage!” He pointed out. “Two people can’t carry a four-man to that sorta thing. You could be the best soloist in the world and fail hard in a band.”

“I guess.”

“It means you add something. Your band wouldn’t sound the same without you, and that sound’s what got into the pilgrimage, Jimbo. Face it.”

There was a long pause where Jimmy had his whole face hidden, turned towards the window even if the case wasn’t in the way. Then he turned back to Tango with a teasing smirk and said, “What are you? My dad?”

It felt like a punch right in the gut.

Tango hung his head a protracted groan, pushing his knuckles into his eyes. “Nooo, just ship me off to the retirement home now, why don’t ya?” He whined, leaning on the steering wheel as he crumpled.

There was a yelp and a lurch, and a hand pushed him back into his seat while another grabbed the steering wheel. “Tango, watch the road!”

They swerved back into line, the van rumbling over the ridged divide and a few loose sunflower seeds scattering from the bag in the centre console. An airy squeak escaped the taller, who seemed to slump for a second before Tango laughed nervously, which got him a glare. “Are you trying to get us killed? Eyes on the road and hands on the wheel! And where’s your seatbelt? I didn’t even notice!”

“Sorry, sorry.” Tango waved off, reaching for the seatbelt.

“And you know what I’ve been thinking this whole time you’ve been driving really fast, too. You should slow down, we’re going to lose the trailer!”

“Yes mom.” He groaned, then froze with a small, “Oh.”

Both stared at each other for a full second before the van erupted into laughter. “You know,” Jimmy started once he was able to take a breath. “You aren’t nearly as scary as I thought you’d be.”

“I take offence to that.” He joked. A sign on the side of the road caught his attention as it flashed by. This was their turn off the freeway. Tango stuck his head out the window to double check the trailer was still behind them before he slowed. 

Jimmy held up the map for him to better see, and made a little noise, almost like a chirp. “There’s a truck stop with a few restaurants and drug store up ahead.”

“Cool.” Tango agreed, picking up the radio. “Hey, Impy, we’re pulling off up ahead for dinner.”

A crackly response came back. “Roger that!”

A few minutes later they were finally free from their prison, able to stretch out in the evening sun.  Poor Jimmy with his gangly limbs managed to crack every bone in his body from the sounds of it. Tango laughed as he splayed out over the hood, looping his guitar onto his back to press his face flat against the warmed metal while they waited for the trailer to park and file out.

When he finally noticed Tango staring at him his face lit up and sat upright. “Sorry.”

“Nothin’ to be sorry about, enjoy the space before the rabble shows up.” Tango shrugs. Looking around, the easiest thing to find something for everyone was a Wendy’s visible through the window of the lobby. It was one of those giant stops with a constant flow of a dozen vehicles, nothing like the big empty gas station he was expecting when Jimmy said truck stop. Better for them, rather than ten of them piling into some poor diner with two staff.

The rest of their group piled out the side of the trailer like a clown car. Some looked worse for wear, poor Gem looking ready to hurl while her brother rubbed her back. The only ones who looked unbothered were Impulse and Pearl.

“Finally, I need to eat a vegetable.” Scott bemoaned, tying off the bag of snacks-now-garage they’d gotten at the last stop.

Pearl let out an amused gasp, “Mate, it’s been seven hours! Gonna have to get used to it.”

“I’ll amend my statement, then. I need something not covered in ketchup flavoured dust.”

“You let Skizz buy the snacks, huh?” Called Tango. Only Jimmy seemed to hear and tried to muffle a laugh. Tango flashed him a toothy grin while he pushed his glasses up onto his head. He pulled a notepad out from his pocket, “Alright, you guys get snacks and whatever toothpaste you forgot, and we’ll get the real food. What y’all want?” 

“Nuggets!” Both Gem and Fwhip shouted. “With honey mustard-” “With barbeque!”

Their heads whipped to glare at their twin. “You always get barbeque, it’s my turn!” Gem accused quickly, shaking her many friendship bracelets as she wagged her finger at him. Fwhip gasped, getting ready to shoot back before Tango jumped in.

“Hey, hey, no need to fight, I’ll get both.” He held his hands up in appeasement.

Their eyes went wide in awe, as if he had just turned water into wine in front of them. “You can get them to do that?”

“Of course?”

A gasp of laughter escaped Skizz. “What, you think they only allow one sauce per customer or something?”

Freckled cheeks lit up to match their hair. Oh jeez. Tango rubbed his hand over his eyes while the air grew thick with embarrassment and chatter. 

“Oh my gosh, you did!”

“They totally did.”

“Isn’t that how it works?”

“No, of course not!”

“But- I mean- Mom always-”

“Are you bloody kidding me?”

“Wait, did your mom tell you guys that you could only get one sauce?”

 “A’ight, a’ight.” Jimmy, bless his heart, managed to pull himself together enough to interrupt. “Orders first, then you can laugh at them.”

“Hey!”

Eventually they escaped the mocking circle with everyone’s order to sit in line for the long wait. Tango had to admit, though most of his experience so far was only Jimmy, he was starting to like this other band. They seemed more than a bit eccentric, but that wasn’t anything he couldn’t also accuse his own band of being. Well, no, it was a very different sort of vibe, that was for sure. Not a bad one, though. They might all even survive the entire trip.

He and Jimmy were the last to show up at the tables, and the bags were torn apart like they’d been thrown to rabid animals. True to his words, Scott only got a salad and coffee, meagre looking next to Skizz and Jimmy’s pile of burgers. Tango couldn’t blame him, he wasn’t all that hungry himself after snacking in the car all day. “Do you want some of my fries?” Jimmy still whispered, which got the first genuine smile out of Scott Tango thinks he’s seen since they met that morning.

“You good to drive the last two hours?” Asked Pearl beside him. “I can switch if you need to.”

Tango flashed her a thumbs up. “We’re good.”

“Sorry for dumping you with a total stranger.”

He shrugged, picking at another fry as he watched his driving buddy. Another of his bandmates – Lizzie, was it? – had started to tease him about sitting next to Scott. There was something odd about the way the other band interacted that Tango couldn’t quite put his finger on. Or maybe he had become too comfortable with his own friendships. “Seems like a good guy, I don’t mind.”

A few hours later they were pulling into the RV park for the night. Tango could have gone several more hours, but according to the rest it would throw off their travel route, and everyone else looked exhausted. Excitement had finally died down into a low simmer. Jimmy especially seemed ready to pass out. There was just one issue…

“Where’s everyone gonna sleep?” He asked as he dropped their cooler on a picnic table.

That woke everyone up. Glares darted among the group, but before fights could break out Scott stepped up. A notepad plopped onto the table. “I’ve worked out the arrangements while we drove. Pearl, Gem-” The two girls perked up. “-You two are with me in the queen.”

“Of course you give yourself the queen.” Fwhip rolled his eyes.

Scott ignored him. “Impulse and Skizz, you guys share the couch pullout. Fwhip you get top bunk, Lizzie and Joel can share bottom bunk.”

“Because we’re practically one.” Lizzie cooed, clasping her hand with her husband’s.

“Yes, you two combined are about the size of a normal person.”

“Hey!”

“And Tango and Jimmy can share the dinette pullout.”

“Again?” Jimmy groaned. Ouch, rude , though Tango understood. They’d just met this morning and it felt as though they were already being pawned off as each other’s babysitter.

Pearl smiled, “If you feel that strongly, Jimmy, I’ll switch with you-”

“NO!” Both Jimmy and Scott shouted.

The table went quiet. Jimmy shrunk down like he was trying to become one with the bench, while Scott rolled his shoulders back into his previous composure. “If we need to change sleeping arrangements later we will, but I think this is fine for tonight. We brought a tent for when we have room to set it up, so hopefully it won’t be cramped every night.”

A clap emitted from the end of the table. With his usually wide, friendly grin, Impulse stood up. “Well, there’s a firepit. How about we go buy a couple logs and beers and we have a fun first night on the road?”

Tango snorted. Leave it to Impulse to come up with the most dad get-along plan. 

“I’ll pass on the beers, but I’ll take some marshmallows!” Pearl seconded. Everyone else slowly loosened back up, agreeing with increasing enthusiasm. Imp and Skizz jogged down to the small park store before it closed. Scott, Lizzie, and Gem wandered off to get ready for bed first while the rest sorted their luggage. Tango wound up cleaning out the fire pit. Only Jimmy remained at the table, still looking half asleep and fidgeting with the strap of his guitar case.

Once the pit was ready for Impulse’s return Tango flopped down onto the opposite bench, wiping the soot onto his pants. “Sleepy?”

Jimmy startled, half-lidded eyes popping wide open and a little squeak like a chirp escaping him. When he realized it was not a serial killer sneaking up on him but just Tango, he seemed to instantly slip back into his half-awake state. Head rested against his case, he said, “M’not used to stayin’ up late.”

“You one of those morning people I’ve heard myths about?” Tangle chuckled when he got a sleepy nod.

“Early bird catches the worm. That’s what mum used to say. Although in her case it was a cow, not a worm.”

“Couldn’t be me, I haven’t gotten to sleep before the AM in years.” Tango smiled. Just the thought seemed to make Jimmy cringe, burying his face against his case and shaking his head. Chewing his lip, Tango finally asked, “Whatcha got there, anyways?”

That seemed to catch the taller man’s attention. He leaned back, staring at his guitar case like he’d only just realized it was there. There was a flash of some emotion Tango couldn’t quite catch. Then, he carefully laid it out on the table and popped it open.

Inside was a white Stratocaster. Hardly in the best of shape, with scratches along the edge from where it seems it’d been dropped or banged into things. Well loved, perhaps quite old by now, but in good playing condition. It would have been quite plain, in fact, if not for the stickers. All over the body, front and back as Tango got to see when it was lifted from its case, were various stickers. 

Tango had known people who’d put stickers on their guitars from venues they played or countries they travelled. That didn’t seem to be the case for Jimmy, though. There were a few, but most seemed to be cheap dollar store stickers, the kind that came in multiple themed covered in glitter that flaked off. One was the exact sort of gold star sticker one might get in primary school. It was placed right under a cartoon cowboy hat, which was next to a brown fish. Further along was a little yellow bird, slapped overtop another, bright red sticker. It was hard to see in the twilight, and it seemed someone tried to pick it off before the cheap paper ripped, leaving a streak of white through the middle.

Jimmy fidgeted more the longer Tango examined it, until he pulled it below the table. His ears were red as he stuttered. “Sorry to disappoint, it’s nothin’ special.”

“Wh- no! It’s a good guitar!” Tango raised his hand before he thought better of touching the man. They were still pretty much strangers. “It’s cute. You put those on yourself?” Idiot, of course he did, he chastised himself. Who else would? Some sticker gnome who sneaks into guitar cases at night?

It did make Jimmy perk up a bit, loosening his hold. “Yeah, whenever I see one I like, or for special occasions. Some of them are from my friends. Though, Joel said it would make it sound bad…”

“That’s just a superstition.” Tango handwaved.

“Ha! That’s what I thought. I told him it just needed tuning.” His chest puffed up slightly, a smug smile stretching across his face. If he was a chicken Tango imagined he’d be strutting around like he’d just won some great debate. It was adorable, if Tango was honest. 

Thankfully, he wasn’t. He cleared his throat, “So, is it, like, your lucky guitar or somethin’?”

“Hm?” Jimmy blinked, deflating in an instant. “Um, not really? It’s, um, it’s my only guitar. The only one I ever had.”

An impressed whistle escaped him. “Really? That’s amazing, it’s still in pretty good condition, then. Really spoke to you in the shop, huh?”

Jimmy let out what was quite possibly the world’s cutest noise, and his face turned bright crimson before it disappeared behind the guitar. Well that was certainly not the reaction Tango was expecting. He waited for a reply, but none came. In fact, no words at all came as the minutes stretched on. A bit worried, Tango was about to beg forgiveness for whatever nerve he’d struck when Skizz shouted, “Beer’s here!” and shattered the bubble they’d been in. 

A few people were already gathered around the pit. Pearl was bundled up into her biggest sweater while chatting with Gem, who was still running a towel through her hair. Fwhip eyed the pair of men with a knowing smirk that made Tango feel like an idiot but walked past them to help with the beers. 

Scott came out of the trailer buttoning up his pyjamas. “Jimmy, it’s your turn. Before you pass out.”

You would have thought the bench Jimmy had been sitting on was on fire. In one swift motion his Strat was back in his case and both were gone. Tango sat there for another moment, then groaned, slamming his head against the table. Wonderful, he’d already managed to shove his foot in his mouth only a day into their month-long trip. Not wanting to wallow in his misery, he grabbed his lighter from his pocket and joined Impulse. Maybe some controlled pyromania would cheer him up…

Caught up in his own head, he almost missed the unreadable look Scott gave him before he disappeared back into the trailer.

[voidratwrites]

i’d take all the hurt and give you the rest

MCYT Febuwhump 2023 Day 1 - Touchstarved

Tango’s got a backache that’s not his. But getting Jimmy to open up about what’s wrong isn’t an easy thing to do.

or; I am not kind to characters with wings

or or; I’m posting my febuwhumps on here as well as on ao3! content warnings and full fic under the break!

cws: self neglect, mild unintentional self harm (jimmy binds his wings, which causes him a lot of pain). Stay safe you guys.

Tango thought the worst part of being soulbound were the random aches and pains throughout the day. Not the danger of sharing a life, not the fear of accidentally killing your soulmate (though he knew well enough how much that sucked), but those little aches that had no clear origin. And that no clear origin thing? That was what made it the problem!

If he knew where they were coming from, then surely he’d be able to fix it. Tango was pretty good at fixing things! Except he couldn’t fix the pain if he didn’t know where it was coming from. It definitely did not help that he couldn’t even tell if it was actually him who was hurting.

Jimmy was not very forthcoming about the whole “taking care of himself” thing. Which was okay! Tango didn’t hold it against him, even if he wished Jimmy would be kinder to himself, and not just for Tango’s sake. Jimmy also wasn’t a fan of speaking up when something was wrong or when he was hurting. Again, Tango wasn’t mad about that, it just made things a bit, well, difficult.

Especially when it came to determining whether an ache was his, or one he shared with Jimmy. Like currently, Tango had a wicked ache in his back that wouldn’t go away. It had been building for a while now, bugging him to no end, and now it was getting close to unbearable.

He wasn’t sure what he could have done to himself to have caused it! It didn’t feel like he’d pulled a muscle or lifted something wrong, and it was definitely getting worse than just soreness from sleeping wrong or running around. It was almost like something heavy sitting against his back, something both incredibly irritating and painful.

Which meant it probably wasn’t his pain, and that meant it was Jimmy’s. That solved one problem, at least, but now there was another one entirely: getting Jimmy to tell him what was going on. Jimmy, who apologized for stubbing his toe and had to be reminded to drink water, who was most definitely hiding whatever this was.

Well. Tango was good at fixing things! Hopefully, he could fix this with minor stress for both of them.

He didn’t bring it up for a while. Really, he was trying to figure out what to do. He knew he needed to ask Jimmy about it, figure out how to heal whatever was wrong so they’d both stop being in pain. At the same time, though, he sort of hesitated at the idea of actually asking. He didn’t want to upset Jimmy, and worried he’d think Tango was mad at him, think Tango thought he was a burden. And Tango most definitely did not want Jimmy to think that.

It was actually Jimmy that finally said something about it.

They were making dinner, Tango chopping up carrots while Jimmy added them to the stew he was stirring. Bread was baking in the oven, and honestly it was really a really cozy moment. That is, until Tango bent to pick up a fallen chunk of carrot, and cried out as the ache in his back decided to very painfully complain about the movement.

Jimmy was by his side in a second, his gold eyes frantically scanning Tango like Tango had managed to get stabbed in the back while Jimmy was focused on the soup. “Are you okay?” He asked, finally meeting Tango’s eyes. “What happened?”

This was really not how Tango wanted to bring this up, but even in his own pained state, he could see the jerky way Jimmy moved like he was hurting just as bad. Tango knew he was, and that made all of it worse.

“I’m— yeah, I’m okay, I just—“ Tango hissed as he tried to straighten back up, “my back just hurts.” He looked back up at Jimmy, and yep, that was what he was trying to avoid, because the moment he said that something guilty flashed in Jimmy’s eyes.

Those eyes immediately flicked away from Tango as Jimmy backed up a bit, his mouth opening and then closing like he was trying to figure out something to say. Tango could relate, as he was also desperately trying to figure out words that would make this better, would help them figure out how to be okay.

Jimmy figured out what to say first. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, his voice small. Tango tried to protest, but Jimmy cut him off. “That’s— that’s probably on me, I didn’t realize— I should’ve known you could feel it, too.” The back pain was momentarily forgotten, Tango standing up a bit straighter, waiting for Jimmy to continue.

He didn’t, and gosh, Tango really did not want to pry or make him feel worse, but he needed to know what was wrong. “Feel what?” He asked gently, reaching out to take Jimmy’s hand with his. “I’m not upset with you, man, really, I just wanna make sure you’re alright. And not just because I feel what you feel! Genuinely dude, I want you to be okay.” Jimmy’s eyes met his again, and something shifted there, like a door opening, or a dam breaking.

“I— I think I need to show you something.” Jimmy finally said, gold eyes glittering with tears, and the pain in Tango’s chest had nothing to do with the hurt in his back. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, Jim!” Tango responded immediately, squeezing Jimmy’s hand for emphasis. “But, like, only if you’re comfortable with it. I really just want to make sure you’re alright.” Jimmy nodded, and Tango felt something loosen in his chest.

Jimmy let go of his hand, and moved to shrug off his jacket. Tango avoided making a joke about undressing in front of your soulmate, because that would definitely not fit the mood and would probably just make Jimmy annoyed, and Tango did not want that when Jimmy was finally opening up.

All thoughts of joking were forgotten, though, as Jimmy’s jacket fell to the floor and his back was revealed.

At his back were a pair of small wings, as golden and bright as Jimmy’s eyes, bound to his back with a thick cable. They were beautiful, feathered and delicate looking, but Tango couldn’t help but cringe. That was obviously where the pain was coming from; he could feel the heaviness of the bounding causing his own back to ache in more than sympathy.

“I know,” Jimmy said, voice small and as pained as his wings obviously were, “they’re ugly, aren’t they? I— I keep them bound cuz they’re really just a target, in the games, and I’ve gotten used to the pain and all but I guess I didn’t, well, I didn’t think you could feel it too.”

Tango’s chest hurt again, and he ached to reach out to Jimmy, to hold his hand or gently remove the binding from his wings, but he worried that would just make Jimmy recoil. “No!” He answered earnestly, flinching as Jimmy turned to look at him in distress, “no, no I mean— they’re not ugly.” Gosh, he was just saying all the wrong things today. “I— I think they’re beautiful.”

Maybe that was a right thing, because the distress and Jimmy’s eyes softened to something flustered. “You— you think so?” He asked, avoiding Tango’s eyes.

“Yeah, yeah of course man! They’re— they’re really beautiful, actually.” Tango fumbled, his own cheeks flushing. “I mean, they’d look more beautiful if they weren’t, like, tied up.” At Jimmy’s flat look, he kept talking, cheeks burning now. “I’m not just sayin’ that because it’s hurting us with them tied up, though that is, like, sorta a concern. You’ve had them like this the whole game?”

Jimmy’s shame was different than his embarrassment, something defeated that left Tango feeling hollow instead of flustered. Maybe that was another wrong thing, and Tango was apparently better at that than at fixing things.

Jimmy spoke up again, though, and some of the tension fled from Tango’s shoulders. “Could you help me take it off? I— I don’t want to do it, now that I know it’s hurting you.”

That was a start, at least. Tango hated that the only way Jimmy would take care of himself was if it was affecting someone else, but that was something for another night. For now, he needed to remove a cable from these wings and save both of their backs. “Of course, man. I got it.”

He kept his touch gentle, unbuckling the buckles that kept the straps in place, removing the cables and trying not to cringe at the indented and broken feathers. He focused on the softness of the feathers, and the way Jimmy melted into the touch. He could feel the relief in his own back, and it was absolutely wonderful.

“Thank you.” Jimmy whispered, his voice thick, wings trembling slightly under Tango’s hands.

Tango smiled, a little, the relief in his back reaching his chest. “Of course, Jim. Anytime.” His hands hadn’t left Jimmy’s wings. He was still marveling at their soft texture, and at the way Jimmy seemed to relax. “You know, they’d probably feel even better if, like, they were straightened and stuff.”

“You’d do that for me?” Jimmy asked as his voice broke slightly, breaking Tango’s heart a bit. He sounded as fragile as the feathers under Tango’s hands, so different from the brashness and bravery Tango admired so much in his soulmate. There was more to admire, he realized, about the vulnerability Jimmy showed, something stronger than Tango had ever seen from him.

“Of course.” He answered again, dropping his hands from Jimmy’s wings so he could face him and take his hands instead. “Thank you for letting me.”

The smell of burning bread distracted the both of them, breaking the moment. Tango let out a curse, and, with a promise to groom Jimmy’s wings after they ate, went to attend to the bread while Jimmy frantically tried to make sure the stew hadn’t messed up either.

Later, though, when they were full and in bed, Jimmy spoke up. “If you want, you can— you can preen my wings, now.” He was quiet again, like he was suggesting something awful, and Tango wished he could take whatever it was that made Jimmy feel that awfulness away.

He couldn’t, but he could at least fix his wings. “I’d love to!” He replied, sitting up behind Jimmy. Jimmy unfolded his wings, and Tango couldn’t help but marvel in the beauty of them once more. He reached out to touch them with a reverence, gently removing any broken ones and rearranging the ones that had been bent out of place.

Jimmy melted into the touch, and Tango ached seeing him so relaxed, so at peace for really the first time since they had known each other. It wasn’t perfect, Tango would accidentally pull at a feather that wasn’t broken and make them both flinch, but it was still wonderful.

Even after all the broken feathers were removed, after all the remaining ones were made to lie straight, Tango didn’t stop stroking Jimmy’s feathers. He relished the moment, took in the safety and comfort they had in one another, letting himself appreciate the relationship they had built here.

Jimmy was asleep by the time Tango finally removed his hands, slumping against Tango before he readjusted Jimmy to be laying on the pillows. His cheeks were wet from tears, and Tango’s own eyes burned, but tonight wasn’t time to get into that. Tonight was not for thinking about what might have caused Jimmy to bind his wings, to cry when someone touched them gently.

No, tonight was for laying down beside Jimmy, for letting him wrap his wings around Tango like a blanket, for falling asleep with a pain-free back and a love-filled chest.

Thank you so much for reading! If you wanna leave a comment and kudos, this is crossposted on AO3! my AO3 is VoidBrat