#mike must have unfortunately felt right at home

[a-shade-of-green]

do you think it was weird for mike to go to california and experience his first byers family dinner in months just for it to be far too similar to wheeler family dinners

[sailorsenshishitposter]

Jogo x Reader

Jogo:

Your favorite Disney character is Mike Wazoski, you were voted most likely to need anger management or you're secretly Squidward Tentacles

First Date:

You decided to take a break from your stroll and sit down on a park bench. You were in your eighties and nearly blind at this point but you thought that you were doing pretty well for someone that wasn't locked up in an old folks home. You then heard the sound of laughter. Ah, children. Gone were the days of your youth  "It's nice to see kids playing outside instead of being on their gizmos."

Your hearing aids then picked up something. "Hey granny, you can see me?" It was the boy you heard laughing earlier. "My eye sight isn't what it used to be but yes, I can make out various shapes. "Hmm... You've got a strong soul grandma, I can see it!" You were flattered. "Why thank you young man. Would you like some candy?" The boy pouted. "I don't think I'm supposed to take candy from strangers. Tell you what, I'll give you my name so then we'll know each other. I'm Mahito. Nice to meet you!"

You tried to give Mahito some candy but he politely refused. "I think you need it more than I do. Don't old people have lower nutrients?" He seemed to be asking himself rather than you. "Ah! Here granny! Take some of my home made candy!" He then dropped some small drops into your palms. The texture was strange and it almost felt like skin but you didn't want to be rude so you accepted the gift and placed them in your purse."

Guess she can't hear their cries due to her hearing. Too bad..." Mahito uttered to himself. "What was that son?" He stopped blowing bubbles and then came up with a plan on the spot. "I was just wondering if you wanted to meet my family! I think they would really enjoy your company. What do you say?" You smiled and gave a nod. "All right Mahito, let's go find them." The curse walked ahead of you and began to maniacally grin. "Jogo, Jogo... You shouldn't have screwed me over while we were playing monopoly... I'm going to make you regret being born!"

Mahito brought you to the play ground and walked over to the slide area. Kenjaku raised an eyebrow but made no attempt to stop him. "This is my family grandma!" You walked over to the man Mahito was closest to. "You have such a wonderful son. You must be so proud. He even gave me candy!" Mahito was trying not to burst from laughter while Kenjaku began to respond. "Unfortunately he's not my son. I'm more of a care taker. He has no patents sadly." You gasped. "How unfortunate."

"Yes, well luckily I'm a father myself so I thought it would be best to add him to the family." How sweet. "That's so kind of you. If you don't mind me asking, where are your other children?" The man's eyes narrowed at Mahito, giving him a look that said 'be grateful I haven't eaten you yet'. "My son's are currently enrolled in high school. They used to be home schooled but we thought it would be better if they were closer with their youngest half brother. Yuji is a growing boy after all and I'm sure that his nine brothers will help his potential grow."

Wow. Nine kids? You started to wonder how all of them could attend school but decided it was better not to ask. They might be more children from a previous relationship or at the very worst, some of them might be have been held back a grade or two. "Mahito, why don't you introduce them to the rest of the family?" The curse gulped and quickly got the point.

As you walked away, the thousand year old brain was happy to finally be rid of you and your irritating questions about his previous failures (children). Mahito then introduced you to his next "family member". "This is Hanami. He doesn't speak our language unfortunately but I can translate for you." The curse then started to speak it's strange language. "He says that he'll be sure to bring lots of beautiful flowers to your grave once you pass."

You chuckled nervously. You didn't think you were in that bad of a state yet. Next Mahito introduced you to Dagon. He told you that he was their beloved dog and that was why he was so large. You could hardly see as it was so of course you bought it. "And finally..." Mahito then walked up to the sleeping curse and began dumping mentos into its volcano head. Suddenly there was magma and the curse was stringing profanities at the boy. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, MAHITO!?"

"Oh my. Did it suddenly got hotter? The forecast called for cooler weather today. I suppose I'll need to take my sweater off." Jogo's eye then opened wide. "Granny, this is my old man. Grandpa, say hello!" Jogo then tried to use his domain expansion but Mahito quickly cut off his head. "If you know what's good for you then behave or I'll use your head to play soccer again..." The curse relented. He didn't need to be told twice.

Jogo grit his teeth and glared at you. "H-hello..." Mahito then kept pestering him. "And what...?" Jogo sighed. "Ni-ice to m-meet y-you..." The younger curse began to laugh. "See? That wasn't so hard! Now I'm off to go get some groceries old man so you better behave! See you both later!"

Now it was just the two of you. "Huh? What's that awful racket?" You couldn't hear as well as Jogo did. "I believe it's coming from your purse... May I check it?..." You promptly handed over your bag. The curse opened it and found the source of his complaints. "That damn punk!" He took the "candy" out of your bag and quickly incinerated it. "You can have this back now."

"Your grandson is so sweet!" Jogo scoffed. "Don't trust anything that comes out of his mouth!"

"Well, he can't be that bad if he's yours."

"You don't even know me..." You laced your fingers with his palm. "Then let me get to know you..."

Over the few hours the two of you began to bond. You both loved nature, preferred to relax. You even both hated those kids that always skate on the sidewalk. "You're the first hum- I mean, person I can relate to. Maybe the human race isn't so bad..."

Suddenly two boys came running towards you. "MAHITO!""Here granny. Try some of the jerky I brought!" You went to reach for a piece but the other boy was quicker and scarfed them all down. "Mahito... How many fingers did you let him eat..." The curse whistled. "Dunno, I lost count after five. Well, I'm done. Later Jogo!" You stared at the unconious boy. "We need to call an ambulance!""... Listen carefully... You need to step back..."

You didn't understand what he was talking about and then something happened. "Hey, I think he's starting to wake!" Jogo tried his best not to shit himself (can curses shit?). "We're doomed..."

"I see you think pretty highly of yourselves..." Jogo immediately began to bow. "Hey! You better follow my lead or you're as good as dead!" You however refused to comply. You stood in front of the boy and waved your finger in his face. "Why I never! Back in my day, children respected the older generations! Youth these days are so arrogant! You need to be taught some manners my boy!"

Kenjaku stood on the sidelines with a bucket of popcorn in his hand. Internally Jogo was screaming "FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!!!" "Wench, it is you who do not know your place. If anything, I'm far older than you. If I were in my true form, I would not even eat you, your body being nothing but a rotting sack of bones at this point. For you I have something else in store. I haven't used this since the Heian era. Domain expansion, elder abuse!"

Suddenly your right ankle had been slashed causing you to fall over. "My leg! Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" The king of Curses chuckled. "What's this Karen? Didn't you say that you were going to put me in my place?" You desperately tried to use your cane and swat him with it. "That's it! C'mon, try harder!" You then moved to bash his kneecaps. Sukuna swiftly doged it. "Keep trying!"

It was ten minutes later and you were still writhing on the floor in agony. "Pathetic..." You reached your hand over to Jogo. "I'm glad to have met you. You remind me of the boy my granddaughter fell in love with. They would often play chess..." With your last ounce of strength, you opened up your locket and showed him a picture of the couple. It looked like a blind girl and a ninja turtle? It must be that ant curse that Geto was talking about.

The next thing Jogo knew and your head had been crushed underneath Sukuna's foot. "Know your place... Fool!" Jogo's heart had been crushed just like your brain. The curse began to fall over and go into cardiac arrest. "I thought you would stand proud and face me? I guess you aren't that strong after all." Sukuna was about to finish off the curse until his old brain buddy showed up. "Hey, Sukuna. Mind if I take this one?" After receiving the go ahead, Kenjaku began to vore down the weakened curse.

Sukuna smirked. "Kenjaku always does the grossest things!" Kenny then walked right on up towards Mahito. "You see that? That's what will happen to you if you pull another stunt like this again!" Mahito had won but at what cost? 

[muzaktomyears]

Of the many attractive girls who hung around the Casbah, one in particular caught John's eye. She was an elfin blonde with a tense, wounded look, whom he nicknamed Bubbles, for lack of a proper introduction and because it so unsuited her. In fact, all the guys had noticed her watching them. While not a beautiful girl, she was catlike and intense, in a mysterious kind of way. She also was eager to meet them. "It must have been all over my face that I fancied John," recalls Bubbles, whose real name is Dot Rhone, "but once it became clear he had a girlfriend, I lost interest." Instead, she approached Paul with game determination, pretending to be faint in order to get him outside, where they could be by themselves.

Once alone, an "immediate attraction" developed between them. Paul discovered in Dot a person who hardly fit the profile of the other girls at the Casbah. She had grown up in a better section of Liverpool called Childwell, around the corner from Brian Epstein, the Beatles' future manager. But "it might have been two different worlds," Dot says, her humble situation being anything unlike Epstein's glaringly "posh" circumstances. "I didn't have a normal childhood. My dad was an alcoholic; he never hung on to any money. And the only reason we lived in that neighborhood was because a sickly aunt left the house to my mother." A year younger than Paul, Dot had gone to Liverpool Institute High School, "the girls' school across the road from the Inny", but had left in June, taking a clerk's job at the Dale Street branch of District Bank in order to support her family. Paul, she believes, was attracted by how needy and impressionable she was, which put her under his sway; she found him "adorably handsome, opinionated," and loaded with confidence. "He came from the first family I'd ever known that cared about each other so much," Dot says. "Everyone would gather around the piano, while Jim played songs like 'You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby', and sometimes [he] would sing with Paul and Mike." At a deeper level, they undoubtedly recognized the loneliness in each other's lives, each absent a parent - in her case because of addiction. [...]

As 1959 drew to a close, the boys spent more time with girlfriends than with one another. John and Cynthia, according to friends closest to the couple, were "besotted with each other". For his part, Paul stopped playing the field and settled down with Dot Rhone. As a couple, they had an appealingly unthreatening air. They discovered each other to be solicitous and sensual, gentle and clumsy, with Paul at times taking on a paternal and sympathetic role. Once, at a friend's house, Dot happened to mention that she'd been standing all day and he began to massage her feet, stroking them as though they were precious pets. And yet, at the time the gesture felt almost preposterous.

Eventually Paul's attention grew relentless, almost disparaging. His simple gregariousness turned uncompromising and willful. Paul was immensely charming, but there was a darker side. He had a need - Dot believes a compulsion - to control every situation. As John had done with Cynthia, he began to pick out her clothes, redesign her makeup. Dot remembers how much it pleased Paul to stand beside her and study her appearance, then, in a roundabout way, critique the way she looked - and suggest how to improve upon it. On one occasion, he insisted that she have her hair done and produced money to pay for it. Not wanting to displease him, Dot went off to the beauty parlor. "Unfortunately, they did [my hair] in a terrible-looking beehive", she says. "Paul was furious when he saw it. He told me to go home and not to call him until it grew out again."

She detected other changes in Paul that proved equally disagreeable. He had an almost stuffy, explosive air of self-importance, with his simple superiority, cool poise, and weatherproof rightness. He scorned any sign of self-confidence in her. And Dot, pricked by love, submitted. As a rule, she did not impose her will on him, certainly never when they were among friends. She would sit quietly and smile tensely for entire evening at the Jacaranda while Paul and John discussed music. If Paul glared, she would freeze like a rabbit. "We weren't allowed to open our mouths", Dot says of her and Cynthia's attendance at these nightly discussions. "They'd talk all night, and we just listened."

The Beatles: The Biography, Bob Spitz (2005)

[startseeingstars]

Collision Path - Mike 5lbs of Pressure

CH02 Mike POV 🎶 {My Own Summer (Shove It) - Deftones}

T/W - drugs/alcohol, sexual themes

We walked out of the club toward the car - my Uncle’s pride and joy.

“You didn’t have to talk down to me back there.” I stated, reaching the passenger door. He unlocked it and we climbed in.

“You didn’t have to make an ass out of yourself.” He said it as though it was a matter of fact, and I felt slight embarrassment.

“What was the point of me being there?” I asked him and he looked at me with defeat.

“To watch, learn. You need to start using whatever’s under that stupid fucking hat.” He took my hat off and threw it in the backseat, making me roll my eyes in annoyance.

I knew he wanted me to be like him - unfeeling, ruthless. But I couldn’t care less about his operation. I didn’t want any part of this, so of course I was reluctant to learn the ropes.

Leff had berated me many times already about how I should be grateful that he took me under his wing after my Mom died - that he’s trying to set us up for life. He was a hard ass, which is why he ran the operation. Most days it felt as though I was nothing more than a dog for him to boss around.

I bit my tongue, knowing there was no point in arguing with him yet again. I’d already been clear that I wanted to spend my life doing music, not running drugs around town for him. Unfortunately, the music scene out here was abysmal - just like at home. I’d been struggling to find a front man or drummer for my band for years now. The only other member was the other guitarist, my friend Eli.

I followed Leff out the door and downstairs. We hadn’t spoken much since yesterday but I didn’t mind. The less conversation with him, the better. To my surprise, I saw a familiar redhead in the mail room, glancing over her mail as she walked over to the stairs. My mouth went dry as I realised it was the dancer from the club yesterday. She looked different with clothes on. I guess I didn't often imagine what clothing strippers would wear day to day, but she was wearing black shorts and an oversized plain black T-shirt. I could see her tattoos more clearly now - at least the ones on her arms and legs and I wished I could ask her about some of them.

Leff opened the door and gave me a look that read ‘hurry up’. I looked at her as I was leaving and she looked up at me. I saw recognition in her eyes as she smiled politely at me. Her eyes didn’t linger on me for long before she left.

“Don’t even think about it.” Leff warned, keeping his tone low as he unlocked the car.

“About what?” I replied, curiously.

“Her.” His reply was simple and firm as he started the car.

“Don’t think I could pull her?” I asked, though I knew his answer.

“Fuck no. She’s hot and you’re … a rodeo clown.” He looked me over and shook his head with disapproval. I knew he hated my look, but it made me feel confident. It was just a bonus that he despised it.

“Besides, you can’t get attached to people in this line of work. I’ve told you this, Mikey.” He continues to talk down on me but, at this point, I had gotten good at tuning him out.

I found myself wondering about the redhead. She must be new to the building - I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten a beautiful face like hers. Or her legs… especially in those heels from the club.

I’d spent most of that deal sneaking glances at her as she danced and gave her attention to the lucky bastard who’s lap she sat in.

I was no stranger to strip clubs, especially since Leff had taken me in, but most girls didn’t have the same look at her, especially at the higher end places I’d visited on my nights off with Sicky - Leff’s right hand man.

The day goes off without a hitch, beside the casual gun pointed to my head. I refused to admit how much it shook me up - but in the moment, I genuinely thought that crazy motherfucker would actually shoot me over interrupting his game. Even if I did admit it, Leff and Sicky would laugh it off and call me ‘princess’ for the rest of the day.

I walked into the warehouse with the paper bag full of guns from the deal. I placed it on Leff’s desk as Sicky lit up a cigarette on the couch, smirking at my expense as he usually did.

“What the fuck is that?” Leff eyed the bag.

“The guns.” I shrugged, placing my hands on my hips defensively.

“And you’re just carrying them down the street in a paper fucking bag?” He snapped, snatching the bag and looking inside it.

I rolled my eyes, but I realised then he was concerned about the risk. Still, I held my ground.

“I got them here, didn’t I?” My tone was annoyed and he shook his head, opening the small safe that sat on the desk.

“You wouldn’t have if that fucking bag ripped. Use your fucking head, Mikey.” His tone was harsh as he handed me a $100 note.

“Maybe I’d care a little more if you paid better. I’m the one out there taking the risks, getting guns held to my head and shit.” I retorted, taking a seat on the couch.

I watched Leff and Sicky share a look but didn’t think much of it.

“Maybe I’ll pay you a little more when you start acting like you want this job.” Leff’s words ended the conversation. I didn’t have it in me to argue.

Eli knocked on my door and I called out to him that it was open. He came in carrying his guitar case and sat down in the armchair as I lit a smoke on the couch.

I always made sure to only invite Eli over for practice on the nights I knew Leff wouldn’t be home.

“Where’s this singer?” He asked as I exhaled, shrugging. “Dunno, man. He said he’d be here by now.” The search for a vocalist was draining and felt useless in this fucking city. “We should move to fucking Austin, Texas. The scene out there’s supposed to be way better.” I reminded him. As per usual, he ignored my comment about moving. He was a mama's boy at heart and hated the idea of leaving the city, despite the fact his brother was killed years ago a few streets over.

My Mom OD’d back home and the first thing I wanted to do was get as far away from that place as possible.

“Dude, try this shit. Best I’ve had in a while.” He scooped up a bit of coke on his key and held it out to me, effectively changing the subject. Without hesitation, I snorted it and felt the familiar burn in my sinuses. I picked up my guitar and we began jamming.

[hiisheart]

@curlpower said: [ swings ] sender and receiver sit on a swingset together

┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ♥︎ . *. ⋆ IT WAS A BIT NOSTALGIC, COMING back here after god knows how many years. this particular playground hadn't been very heavily in use for the past decade or so; it was probably why their parents decided to take holly somewhere newer, somewhere cleaner where more than half the metal wasn't consumed by some kind of deadly-looking rust. but mike never CONNECTED to that playground as much, whenever he went along with nancy or his mother to allow holly to get her weekend playtime in. he was also, well, getting older. his interests naturally gravitated to other things now.

but this place? it still felt like a second home to him. it was where he and nancy would play as children before holly was born, where he'd often play with lucas and will before dustin came into the picture. it wasn't very SURPRISING to mike how both he and his sister seemed to gravitate right to the swingset, where they'd often push each other as young children, seeing who could push the other higher into the air. he couldn't really try the same now, unfortunately; aging apparently meant he became susceptible to motion sickness doubled with a very lovely fear of heights.

the two must have sat side by side for a good several minutes, the thoughts running through mike's head manifesting as a ticking clock — how lovely that must feel — as he turns to his sister, desperate to get at least one of them out before he became OVERWHELMED by the noise that he was sure every other person who had dealt with vecna had developed a hypersensitivity to. ❝ do you remember how fun this place was? it's such a shame it kinda went to shit before holly could play here. ❞

PROMPTS FOR PLAYFUL AFFECTION .

[aquietwritingcorner]

Just a Pharmacy Run

Title:  Just a Pharmacy Run     Fandom: TMNT 2003     Day:  Whumpuary Day 2: Infection/bruises/held at gunpoint Word Count: 2388   Author: aquietwritingcorner/realitybreakgirl Rating: T   Characters: Casey Jones     Warning:  NA   Summary: Nothing ever seems to go right for Casey Jones, not even when all he’s wanting to do is run by a pharmacy and then go home.   Notes: Have my adopted-from-other-places headcanon that Casey Jones works in a garage.     FF.net || AO3

____________________________

Just a Pharmacy Run

Casey Jones was tired. He didn’t mean he was sleepy. He didn’t even mean that he was exhausted. What he meant was that bone-deep tired. He felt tired in every fiber of his being. Every moment felt like it took every bit of his energy to complete. He was a type of tired he had only been a few times in his life, and all he wanted to do was go home, go to bed, and nurse his bruises and sleep off his fever.

Part of his exhaustion was his own fault. He knew he was feeling a little run down. But he still chose to go out with Raph, busting Purple Dragon heads and making sure that the neighborhood was safe. He shoulda known better. He’d been feeling off, wasn’t moving as fast as he usually was, and that meant that he got caught. And getting caught by the Purple Dragons usually meant a beatdown. It wouldn’t have been the first time it happened to him. Fortunately, it hadn’t taken Raph long to bust up the guys that were on him, stopping them before they could do too much damage. Unfortunately, it was enough that it meant that their night was over. Raph had helped him, limping, back to the lair, which was closer than his apartment.

Going back to the lair meant seeing the rest of the guys. And that, Casey knew, meant taking a little good-natured ribbing from them. Casey did mind that too much, though. He’d have done the same right back to them and besides, he could see the concern they had for him too.

It was mostly shown in little things they did along with the ribbing, like Leo slipping under his other shoulder to help him to the couch, Mike going and getting him ice packs, Don washing his hands free of whatever he was working on to come give him a look over, and Master Splinter coming out of his room to see what was happening. Sure, Raph called him a bone head, but he helped him sit down carefully. Leo asked what truck ran him over, but he brought the coffee table closer to prop his leg on. Mike made a comment about how he was going to look more colorful than they did, but he started laying and adjusting ice packs. Don said that he must be slipping to get this ambushed but sat on a rolling stool he had gotten who knows where and immediately started looking over the bumps bruises and cuts he had. Splinter had mentioned that maybe he needed some more training, but he left to go towards the kitchen, where Casey was pretty sure he was going to make some tea.

He knew the guys were going to tease him, but they were going to look after him too. It’s just what guys did with their buddies.

They didn’t believe him, but he had waved a lot of their concern away, saying he was just having an off night and that he had been tired, that was all it was. ‘Course, he didn’t refuse the ice packs or the tea. It just didn’t make sense to once it was offered. And when Donnie had made up his mind to do something, well, there wasn’t any point in trying to get him to stop. So, Casey had held the ice packs, drank the tea, and let Don poke and prod him while Raph told the rest of them all about their night. He just closed his eyes and tried not to feel as bad as he knew he did.

He didn’t expect Don to interrupt with questions of his own, though, and it took him a moment to respond to it when Don asked him one.

“Hey, Casey, did you say you were feeling a little run down?”

“Uh, yeah, I did. Why?” he had responded.

Don had hummed even as he examined Casey’s back. “Did you know you have a pretty big cut back here?”

Casey had nodded. “Yeah, got that a couple ‘a days ago at work. Some geezer brought in a real rust bucket and while we had it up to look at it, the bumper fell off and got me right across the back. We cleaned it out real good, and I got my tetanus shot, so I ain’t thought no more about it. Why?”

“Because I think I know why you’re feeling run down,” Don had said. “Your cut is infected.”

“What?” Casey had sat up straighter and tried to twist around to look at it but stopped when it made his ribs hurt and he hissed. “Aw, man, how bad is it?”

“I don’t think you need to go to a hospital yet,” Don had said. “But I’m honestly surprised you don’t have a raging fever.”

“Hey—come to think of it, he was feelin’ a little warm earlier,” Raph had said, straightening up a bit. “I thought it was ‘cause we just got out of a fight, but maybe it wasn’t.”

Almost immediately Don had stuck a thermometer in Casey’s mouth. “It’s been at least five minutes since you drank that tea. Your mouth should be back to body temperature by now,” he had said. “Keep that there until I take it, and in the meantime let me just go ahead and clean this cut.”

There had been no way to fight it, so Casey just let Don do whatever it was that Don wanted to do. It was painful, but Casey had no doubt that whatever he was doing, he was doing a good job doing it.

It turned out that Donnie had, as usual, been right. Casey had an infection in the cut and a fever. He had been sent out of the lair with instructions to buy more triple antibiotic cream, take some Tylenol, and go home and rest. And to be honest? Casey didn’t mind doing any of that stuff. The only problem was that he would have to stop at one of those all-night pharmacies on the way home, instead of going straight home and collapsing into bed. But it would be better to get the stuff Don had said to now, instead of later, and Casey knew it.

Which brought him, unfortunately, to his current problem.

“Alright, look man. Ain’t nobody here that wants trouble,” Casey had his hands up in the air as the robber held him, the cashier, the two people working pharmacy, and a handful of other customers at gun point while his buddies raided the cash and the pharmacy. He was standing a bit to the side of the group and was doing his best to draw attention to himself. Bruised, sore, and feverish, Casey knew he was still in better shape to take these guys on than any of the others. Hopefully the adrenalin of the situation would keep him going.

“Shut up!” The gunman yelled at him, stepping a bit closer with the gun. “There ain’t anyone here that’s gonna miss you rejects either!”

Casey glanced over his shoulder. The cashier looked like an overworked dude just trying to make ends meet, the two pharmacy techs looked like tired college students who might have been snitching some of the supply they had access to, one girl looked like a strung out druggie, another guy a cab driver just working the night shift, one man looked homeless, another woman seemed to view it all with dead eyes, and then there was him, a bruised up, exhausted looking, feverish man in sweatpants and a long coat.

Yeah, they didn’t make up the best looking bunch, that Casey could agree with.

“Look, I ain’t sayin’ that it’s not true. But yer looking kinda twitchy man. All I’m sayin’ is none ‘a these guys wanna cause you trouble.”

Casey had been slowly stepping away from the group, the guy’s gun staying fixed on him pretty good. Casey took stock of where the other robbers were. They’d already finished with the cash registers. The other two were already back in the pharmacy. It didn’t have a direct line of sight to the front door, and it’d take them a minute to get from back there to up here where they were being held.

“Yeah?” the gun man countered, “and what about you?” He moved the gun from being aimed at Casey’s middle to his head. “What if I just decide to go ahead ‘n make an example of you?”

“Then yer gonna up yer charge from armed robbery ta murder,” Casey said evenly.

The man laughed. “And who’s gonna catch me? If your dead and they are to, no one’s gonna give it away.”

Casey stared at the man. “What are you, stupid? They’ve got cameras everywhere now, man! You’ll get caught somewhere. And believe me when I say I got some friends that ain’t gonna just let you get away with murderin’ me.”

“Yeah? Well, what if I just go ahead and kill ya, and then kill yer friends when they show?” he grinned maliciously, moving in even closer on Casey.

He didn’t have time for this. Casey Jones most definitely didn’t have time for this. He was bone-tired, weary, in pain, and wanted nothing more than to go home. And this punk’s bravado was wearing on his last nerve. He just wanted to get his meds, and then go home.

“I ain’t got time for this,” he said, and then, with no more warning than that, he moved, reaching up and swiping the gun from the man’s hand, grabbing his wrist, and then pulling the man across his knee with all of his force. He could feel his body protesting, the forming bruises and split skin not liking the movement at all. If it weren’t for Donnie’s thorough first aide, he’d probably be bleeding on his clothes again. But the results of his actions were exactly what Casey wanted. The gun clattered to the ground, falling out of the man’s hand, the man wheezed and pretty much passed out, and Casey dropped him. The other hostages stared at him.

Casey, while not always the brightest bulb in the box, also wasn’t stupid, not about situations like this. He looked at the other hostages and yelled “Run!” at them, scaring them into heading for the door. Casey himself kicked the gun under a shelf and grabbed for something to use as a weapon. Fortunately for him, there were a couple of kiddie bats nearby and, while not the best weapon, they’d do.

All of the commotion had caught the attention of the other two robbers and they, of course, came towards it, guns at the ready. A touch unsteadily, Casey crouched behind a shelf, and when one of the robbers came into view, wacked him as hard as he could with the bat. Of course, it wasn’t nearly as hard as it would have been with a regular bat, or even his hockey stick, and it didn’t have his usual strength behind it, but it did drive the air out of the guy, which was kinda what Casey was aiming for. It left him wheezing long enough for Casey to kick his gun away too, and to turn on the other guy before he could shoot again. He was more prepared than the second gunman was, but Casey was moving before the guy was ready, and a kiddie bat to the head was still disorientating.

Unfortunately for Casey, nothing he had done yet had completely knocked any of the guys out, and it wasn’t long before the first guy was lunging to his feet, trying to attack Casey too. Normally three average goons weren’t a problem for Casey. But without his usual arsenal and slowed down by his exhaustion, it wasn’t looking nearly as good. Especially when one of them struck him across the back with something hard, hitting him right across the infected cut.

Pain bloomed up so strong that for a moment Casey lost track of everything but the pain. It only lasted a fraction of a second, but it was enough to give the robbers an edge, and Casey felt his feet getting swept out from under him, landing hard on his back, the cut flaring up with pain again, and his second beatdown of the night beginning. And this time, he didn’t have Raph to save him.

It didn’t matter. Casey wasn’t one to stay down and take a beating no matter how bad he felt, and by the time the cops burst in—alerted by one of the hostages—Casey was gaining the upper hand and starting to beat them back.

There was, of course, a bit of confusion at first, as to if Casey was with the robbers or not, but the girl with the dead eyes and the cashier vouched for him being the one to save all of them. An ambulance had been directed to the scene along with the police, just in case of a shootout, and was standing by. The cops insisted Casey get checked out, just in case, and the paramedics gave Casey a good look over, putting some cream on his cut, recommending an antibiotic for him, and telling him his best bet was just to go home and rest. Casey had no arguments to that. He was exhausted and that’s all he had really wanted to do this entire night.

Although, the sudden appearance of the antibiotic in his coat pocket along with some triple antibiotic cream didn’t go unnoticed by Casey, nor did the look one of the techs gave him, but Casey decided to keep his mouth shut.

Once it was all over, Casey went home, took the meds, got a shower, and gently flopped into bed, sore all over and glad that he didn’t have work the next day, because he didn’t think he was going to be able to move for the next four days, at least.

And if April came over to check on him the next day at the guys’ urging and spent the whole day doing her best to take care of his bruises and soreness and fever, well, Casey sure wasn’t going to complain. Maybe some bruises and an infection weren’t too bad of a thing after all.

[wheredidmyheadgoing]

Night three

First

Previous/Next

-Well, look who showed up here!

Evan closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He didn't often walk home this way. The pizzeria was literally on the next street, so it usually only took a few minutes to walk to his house. The problem was that he almost always come across someone. For this reason, today he decided to take the route through a side street. He hoped it would be easier...

It looks like he was wrong.

He slowly turned back to his tormentors, pressing plushie to his chest.

They were smiling, and that was a very bad sign.

-Oh wow, man - Peter, the boy in the Chica mask grabbed him by the wrist - What's there to be upset about? We just wanted to say hello!

He clenched his teeth as the bully pushed him against a tree. It hurt.

-What's the matter, little brother? - Michael leaned over him, smirking mockingly - I already said I'll teach you a lesson.

-S--screw you - He tried to growl, but all that came out of his clenched throat was a screeching scream.

Of course, everyone found it very funny.

-Aw, are you going to cry again? - Alec wearing a Bonnie mask puffed out his cheeks - Pantywaist wants to go to mommy? Oh, wait...

Evan bit his lips. There's no way he's going to give them what they want.

-You don't have a mommy.

Their laughter was so unbearable that he wanted to cover his ears.

-Yeah, enough. - Mike rolled his eyes - Your twaddle are more dullness than you. You'd better hold him back.

The boy in the striped T-shirt gulped, seeing the bullies approaching him. He started to back away, then run, but he barely turned around and was already lying pressed to the ground.

-You know you really are hopeless? - Michael snorted - You can't even defend yourself. No wonder Father doesn't love you.

-At least He loves you, huh? - he snapped out, but quickly regretted it, seeing his brother's fury.

-That's how crafty you are? - He hissed - How about that?

Evan froze, watching his brother pick up something from the ground.

Fredbear's cuddly toy.

Oh no.

-What are you doing?! - He yelled - Give it back!

-Come on Evan, we have to share right? Besides, it's just a teddy bear...it can break at any time.

NO.

-Michael, I'm serious - He cried out - If something happens with it, He....

-"He"? He what? - Asked Gabriel, putting the Freddy mask on his face -He will come to life at night and kill you? Haha!

No no NO! Why does no one ever understand what I say?!

-All right guys - Mike smiled wider, clutching the golden plush - Let's give the little man some fun.

When he felt the older boys let him go, he immediately picked himself up from the ground. He couldn't let them take it, he had to get it back!

Otherwise He would be very angry.

* * * *

He tried. He really tried, they...They were too fast and taller than him. And stronger...

Evan wiped the blood from his nose. Everything hurt him, but he had no choice, he had to find the golden mascot. Not because he cared about it, as everyone else thought. It wasn't even one of his friends. It was about something else.

Because if he didn't find the bear, the bear would find him.

"This is your new toy. Carry it with you at all times, You can't put it away."

Those were his Father's last words before he started ignoring him. Well, at least partially, there were times when he would give him some instructions like he did yesterday, but nothing else.

Guess He really wanted that he relied solely on plush.

He twitched when one of the crows started squawking near him, snapping him out of reverie. It looked a bit like it was chasing him away. He would have gladly listened to - it was getting colder and darker, and he didn't have a flashlight with him. He put his arms around himself. He must hold out. Surely it's somewhere nearby.

Just then, at that very moment, he saw golden fur glinting in the distance.

Bingo.

He quickly ran toward the find. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm waned considerably when he realized a serious problem.

The plushie had been thrown into a tree.

-Fucking Michael - He snarled. - Now what I supposed to do.

His brother knew perfectly well that he should not climb.

He looked around. Another moment and nothing will be visible anymore...would he be able to get home then? Probably not. On the other hand, if he comes alone...

He ignored the pressure building up in his chest. After all, it's not such a tall tree...

-Hey!

...What?...

He turned around. Who would come here at such an hour and why? He strained his gaze, trying to spot a small silhouette looming in the darkness.

A kid. Two uneven ponytails, a dress, probably yellow, bandages on her arms...wait.

No way.

-What are you looking at? - The black-haired girl, the same one who bumped into him in the restaurant today, stood in front of him, trying to make a sort of threatening face - And what do you want here? This is MY spot!

-Uh...- He stuttered - My...em...there... - Evan pointed to the branch where his mascot landed.

She looked at the tree, then at him, then at the tree again. It was annoying. And stupid.Stupid enough that he felt like the ground would open up and swallow him.

-Well - she finally spoke up - take it and go away.

"If it were that easy, I'd be gone by now." He thought.

The girl raised an eyebrow.

-Don't say you won't get up there.

-... - The boy abashedly shook his head.

- Really? - She crossed her arms - Well, too bad. buy a new one.

Her words make him off balance.

-What are you waiting for? Butt out.

-W--wait! - He shouted, cursing himself for stammering - I just thought...could you...pull it down for me, please...?

This time it was she who looked confused.

-Why? - She asked - Is it my fault that you threw it there?

-I didn't throw it in there - He denied quickly - actually, my brother--

-Your brother was in my spot too?!

-What...? I don't know, I guess...so what?

-...Ugh! - She fukked irritated - Whatever. Anyway, it's none of my business. Get lost already.

-But---

-GET LOST!

He blinked, unsure of what to do. What is this twisted person all about? She acted as if she was about to beat him up in any moment...

Then something came to his mind.

-I helped you, so you should help me.

The girl turned her look toward him again.

-You...you are the crying boy who was in the pizzeria today?

-...Yes. - He drew in a breath - It's me.

The exasperation on her face gave way to amusement for a moment.

-Gosh, you scared the fatso to death. He had a look on his face like he almost killed you!

-I did it on purpose - He explained - He's...frustrating. Thanks to me, you were able to escape.

Of course, he lied. That worker in the Fredbear costume scared him enough that he wouldn't be able to make fun of him.

-But I wouldn't have had to run away if you hadn't ran into me.

-But it was you who ran into me...

-Do you want this bear back or not?

-Okay! listen - He began - I know that you stole something from our restaurant--

-Food - She interrupted - I took food that no one ate anyway.

-...Fine. But it's still theft - He replied - My Father is one of the owners of that place, so theoretically I should tell him about it...

He felt a small satisfaction when he noticed that there was concern in the girl's eyes.

-Unless - He continued - Unless you help me now. You will do what I ask and we will never meet again.

She squinted her eyes.

-What will you do if I refuse?

-I'll say that you also took this teddy bear.

A deathly silence fell between them. Evan grunted nervously. It had been a long time since he had said so much at one time, so it was a little scary.

Finally, the girl sighed. And then she...laughed.

-All right, you got me - She said frisky - Give me a moment.

Before he had time to say anything, she managed to approach the tree, climb up and drop the golden plushie right on his head.

He squirmed from the hit. He always wondered why it was so heavy?

She giggled again.

-You know what, you're not that bad. Do you have any name?

-Em...I'm Evan...-While he had already been somewhat puzzled by the whole situation, now he was completely taken aback. What the hell was she talking about? - Are..you...?

The beaming girl extended her hand in front of him.

-I am Cassidy.

* * * *

-I'm back - Evan said quietly, closing the door behind him. It seems that no one has slept yet. Elizabeth sat at the table, absorbed in drawing another princess-clowns and Mike stood at the window, smoking and looking at him menacingly.

Judging by the sloppily taped bandage on his cheek, Dad had noticed his younger son's absence and was not happy about it.

Good.

Smiling under his breath, Evan took off his shoes and went to his room.

When he came back to his bedroom, he fell on his bed. He was very tired, much more so than usual. He didn't feel like getting undressed. He just got ready quickly and went to bed...

He took out his notebook and opened it to the page on which he had written this morning. He ran his eyes over the note. It looks like Foxy is back...he'll be ready for it.

-Good night guys - He turned to his animal friends sitting on the floor - it's nice to have you with me. No one can replace you, I promise.

Even that crazy girl.

He swallowed his pill.

-HERE I COME!

[watercoloredlie]

Sneaking Around(ST Rarepair Week Day 1)

Summary: Sometimes hooking up isn’t just hooking up and you end up falling for each other. Billy and Nancy find this out the hard way.

Prompt: Sharing Clothes/AU or Canon Divergence

Warnings: References to smut, language

Notes: @st-rarepair-week Happy ST Rare pair week! Of course I started it off with probably one of the crazier pairings of the bunch, but I couldn’t resist and the idea wouldn’t stop bugging me

It was wrong. They both knew that it was wrong. Nancy had been happy to come back home to Hawkins to see her brother and his friends graduate from high school. Has four years really gone by so fast? Of course Billy was there to support Max.

His father was thankfully long gone and her mother was practically a deadbeat so Billy had stepped up for his stepsister. Mike’s graduation party had been at the Wheeler’s home. The last thing Nancy had expected was to hook up with Billy in her old room during the party.

Everyone was oblivious when they had returned. The two of them didn’t talk about it as both were certain that it was a one time thing. At least it was until they wound up in the back of his Camaro a few nights later. They really couldn’t get enough of each other.

It was still wrong though. Nancy had never been the type to sleep with a guy that she wasn’t dating. She was perfect, at least in his eyes, and he felt guilty every time he touched her because guys like Billy never got girls like Nancy Wheeler.

Hooking up with each other became a sort of game between them. They kind of liked almost getting caught while hooking up. As far as they could tell, no one really suspected them either. It all came to a sudden stop near the end of summer when Nancy was helping Max move into her dorm room.

“Hey, isn’t that Billy’s shirt?” The redhead gestured to the tshirt that the eldest Wheeler sibling was wearing.

Nancy glanced down at it and shook her head laughing slightly. “This old thing? No it’s not.”

“Hmm, that’s funny because Billy owns a shirt identical to this one and… oh look! There’s the hole from when he missed the ashtray on his lap.” Max lifted the hem of the shirt slightly pointing at the burnt hole in the bottom of the shirt.

Her blue eyes widened a bit. “That’s, uh, merely a coincidence.”

“Right and so is you wearing his red button up the other day?” She teased the older woman.

Nancy relented letting out a sigh. “Fine. You’re right. They both are Billy’s shirts.”

“I knew it! Oh my god, are you guys dating?” Her own blue eyes widened at Nancy in excitement.

“No. We’re just fucking. What’s with the twenty questions, you brat?” Billy walked in setting a box down though his smile clearly showed he didn’t call her that maliciously.

She rolled her eyes at him. “Must you be so crude?”

“Okay gross.” Her nose wrinkled at them.

“Just being honest.” He chuckled.

“Yeah, too honest. Anyway I think that’s everything. Thanks again.” Max smiled at them.

Nancy smiled at her. “It was no problem. You’re going to do great, Max. If you need anything at all, you have my number.”

“And mine. I’m going to miss you, kiddo.” Billy pulled her into a hug.

“Alright. Oh please. I’m not that far away now.” She laughed softly and hugged him back.

Nancy smiled as she stepped out of the dorm room. She made her way back to the parking lot and got back into her car. Unfortunately for Billy, Nancy was long gone by the time he got back there. She did her best to avoid him while she was still in town. His words kept echoing in her mind and she knew that ending what they were doing together was simply the right thing to do.

So then why did it hurt so much?

Wanting to be closer to her little sister, Nancy wound up moving back to Hawkins. It wasn’t too bad at first until Nancy fell back into old habits with Billy. She was annoyed at herself for giving in too easily.

Fresh from the shower, she grabbed her clothes and got dressed. “We can’t do this anymore.”

“Do what?” Billy raised his brows at her.

Nancy sighed at him. “This. Us! I can’t do it anymore. It’s just fucking, remember?”

“I just said that to get her off our case, Nance.” He admitted with a slight frown.

She gazed at him clearly surprised. “What?”

“I really like you. Do you think I just let anyone wear my clothes or get off in my Camaro?” Billy pointed out to her.

Her expression twisted into one of confusion. “Then why did you let me believe we were just hooking up?”

“Because obviously you deserve so much better than me, Wheeler. I thought it would be easier to keep it that way so that it would hurt less when you inevitably ditch me for Harrington.” He huffed running his fingers through his currently short curls.

Nancy couldn’t help laughing softly. “Harrington? Really?”

“Yeah. Wait, what’s so funny about that?” Billy gave her a confused look.

She stepped forward draping her arms around his neck. “Steve is happily dating Chrissy Cunningham.”

“Oh. Right.” He blushed slightly.

Nancy tilted his chin up with her index finger making him look at her. “You’re the only one I want. Don’t worry about what I deserve. I choose you, Billy.”

“Go out with me?” Billy asked gently cradling her face with his hand.

Her face lit up at his words. “I would love to.”

He sighed in relief then leaned in kissing her lips softly.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes.

DC

little suns by ScarlettSwordMoon

While Bruce was presumed dead, Dick adopted Damian. Now that Bruce has returned, the three of them struggle to adjust to the new status quo. AKA Five times Dick struggled with being a father and a son, and one time he got the balance right.

Stranger Things

Not So Bad by outofmygourd

Vecna is dead. It's the summer after the party's freshman year. Steve Harrington spends it in the Family Video Store, and Eddie Munson is spending post-graduate life bothering him. And maybe Steve isn't as bothered as he used to be

birds of a feather flock together by Bundibird

"You know," Robin tells Mike, her voice low and calm and soothing. "You can like both girls and boys."

Steve jerks in his seat like someone slapped him.

"What!?" he splutters, and it comes out as something halfway between a yelp and a squawk.

SVSSS

If Marriage Was an Olympic Sport by anatheme

Shen Qingqiu accidentally triggered a marriage hunt wife plot on his ass and now twelve people must compete for his hand in marriage by catching him before sunset. Enter Luo Binghe who left the abyss's oven earlier than canon for reasons.

save your tears (for another day) by anathem

In which the SYSTEM provided Shen Qingqiu a way to distract Luo Binghe during their reunion in the Jinlan City Arc:

And then he felt it, a hot and stinging sensation in his eyes. Something warm and wet trailed down his cheek. His vision blurred and he hurriedly tried blinking it away.

Shen Qingqiu quickly wiped his face before anyone could see. He stared at the wet trail in his hand in horror and betrayal. What the fuck, SYSTEM?!

Too late, Luo Binghe already saw it, judging by the sharp intake of breath and everyone going silent around him.

Star Wars

Thaw by spqr

That’s what hope does to you, Luke remembers now. It lingers at the back of your mind, whispering maybe, maybe, so that knowing a plan is stupid isn’t enough to keep you from trying it.

how to deal with the unfortunate matter of your parents being sex icons by Artootie (baxty_154)

Part 1 of Luke and Leia Skywalker-Naberrie's Adventures in being totally normal college students

“You know it’s strange,” his new roommate threw back over his shoulder. “You actually look pretty similar to Anakin Skywalker.” He straightened The Poster lovingly and patted the shiny pecs again.

Luke squeaked and cleared his throat, desperate for a distraction so he could flee to scream with Leia. “Uh yeah, about that…”

And as if the Force itself had heard him, the door swung open.

Enter stage left, Anakin Skywalker carrying a mini fridge.

Clone Wars

Those Who Can by K_R_Closson

After a chaotic, and traumatic, start to her apprenticeship, Obi-Wan Kenobi decides the life of a Jedi knight is not one for her. She joins the EduCorps and becomes a teacher instead. Her former grandmaster offers her a position on the planet Kamino, but when she arrives, she realizes he left out a few very important details. Her students number in the hundreds of thousands and soon will number in the millions.

But she is committed to this assignment, and the boys here need her. She learns how very much that is true as each new month spent on the planet revels new horrors and abuses.

Free Jedi to Good Home by soft_but_gremlin

Jango Fett expected several things from this hunt on Galidraan. Three hypothermic Jedi children stumbling into his camp was not one of those things.

let go and i'll hold you up by jynx

In the midst of a war, Obi-Wan finds a deck of diviner cards and, on a lark, introduces his Commander to the concept and then offers a reading. He honestly didn't expect the cards, or the Force, to egg them into a relationship, but maybe he should have.

[thegreatstoryteller]

Team Support

@mrcavanaughtf​ Get well soon!

I wasn’t feeling well after a long day at work. Probably had a temperature. Probably should’ve gotten some rest. Probably should’ve stopped working after I got home too.

Unfortunately I punished myself further and continued to put pen to paper and went right back to work. That’s when I got a strange notification though. My phone alerted me to something called: NFL Cares wants YOU. 

Curious of this strange app I didn’t remember downloading I opened it. There flashed a screen with a surprsing message.

“Thanks for being such a fan of the LA Chargers! We want to show some appreciation to one of biggest supporters with a chance to be right by the action! You’ll be given a personal thank you from each member of our team! It’s the least we can do for one of our best guys! See you soon! - J. B.”

Now this certainly felt like a scam, but maybe it was my optimism or my ill ridden brain... it all sounded too good to be true and yet... I found myself clicking accept after the long list of terms and conditions. 

Before I knew it I was overcome by a wave of exhaustion. I guess my tiredness finally caught up to me, except I seemed to be woken up to a bright room filled with football players and people beaming at me. 

Suddenly a man, who must have been pretty short as I seemingly towered over him approached and said. “Hey big guy, big thanks for all your hard work out there.” 

I had no idea who this was but I reached out and with a big hand, shook his in appreciation. I looked down and traced the huge paw of a hand to an even larger forearm and bicep. Finally stumbling back and tripping as I realized all of me was huge. I turned my head and understood. I was Joey Bosa!

“Yo, Bosa you ok?” I heard as I mentally gathered myself. I looked up in awe to see the L.A. charger wide receiver Mike Williams!

“I uh... gosh this is gonna sound crazy but I’m not-” I began trying to make sense of all this craziness at once, only seeing Mike laugh and offer me a hand up. It was so odd to meet eyes with a guy who I know would tower over me in real life, only now I seemed to have an inch on him as I got to my feet.

“Bro, it’s alright. We do this for all our big fans. Don’t sweat it. Just remember. You’re Joey Bosa now. Enjoy the ride! He’s certainly gonna enjoy yours till this all plays out.” Mike says patting you on the back. 

Your eyes widen. “He knew!? Did they all know!?” I thought to myself as I stared wide eyed at the athlete. I look around the locker room, filled with huge handsome men going about their business. But not just that. Some looked my way, smiled, laughed, commented on how I was still getting used to things. I had no idea what to make of any of this, but from the tent that was growing in my pants I sure hoped no one minded.

The shrill piercing sound of a whistle, broke me out of my temporary embarrassment. Somehow I recognized that shouting that followed to be from the coach and knew I had to get out on the field. 

“Alright men. We do an intense few drills right now and you all can get to know the new guy later! Let’s go!” 

Once again I was stunned only this time I went to a locker that was labled as “Bosa” and got ready for some drills. Some passing teammates even slapped my ass as I slid on my athletic shorts. It was hard not to marvel at this body when others were so physical it. Each fabric of clothing seemed to cling to where all the big bulging muscles I had now were. 

I jogged out of the locker and saw a bright football field where guys were already running drills. I quickly joined them and got into the rhythm of things. I don’t think I’d ever sweat that much in my life. I’ve done sports and workouts before, but this was next level. I was pushing my new body to physical feats I’d never dreamed possible. So it was no surprise that just one hour later I was kneeling on the ground tired, but feeling so pumped. 

I threw my shirt aside, exposing my broad shoulders and heaving chest to the cooler air around. Mike came by once more and smirked. 

“Hope we didn’t wear you out too badly Bosa. You know the team still has to give you their personal thank you messages too, so you can’t wipe out on us yet.” Mike delivered this news with such a confident grin I swore he was trying to say something more.

“Thanks Mike. Damn. Like I’m really loving all this. It’s like a dream come true! All the drills, all the skills. It’s just coming to me as easy as breathing. How long is this gonna last?” I asked.

With a shrug Mike replied, “Don’t know man. I’ve been here awhile and no one’s told me it’s ending soon.” 

Once again I gasp, shocked. “You mean!?” I begin before Mike cuts me off.

“You know it Joey. Now let’s hit the showers and maybe I can give you your thank you in one of the steam rooms.

With that Mike walked off, leaving me gawking at his beautiful backside. I didn’t know how this happened, but at that point it had never felt better being a fan. 

[navalcriminalimagines]

Hi!! It's me again 🤭❤️ May I request for fluff #18 "I wish we could live together already." with Mike Dodds. I need some fluff content for Mike 😩🥺

Mike Dodds x Reader. Mike deserves the world. ❤️

TW: Mention of a rape case.

Undercover

When his father offered him to join Manhattan’s SVU, Mike Dodds wasn’t a fan of that idea for two reasons: he knew how hard it was to work at this Unit, and being assigned to the team, because he’s the Chief’s son, that’s not great. But William Dodds wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, so Mike caved in and joined SVU, eight months ago.

And to his surprise, he was so glad he did. Quickly, he became best friends with Sonny Carisi, but most importantly, he met you. He never believed in love at first sight or any of that crap, but he should’ve. Cause it’s true. It exists and you were the proof.

Two months after he started, you and he went on your first date. Mike has been on cloud nine ever since and hopefully, you were too.

As this job is extremely hard, mentally, you were Mike’s escape and he was yours. You made a pact; no shop talk at home. So, when you two meet after work, you completely forget about your day, your case, your week. You talk about anything and everything. The most amazing part is that you and Mike always have something to talk about, but sometimes, you stay silent with each other and there’s no awkwardness. You just enjoy each other’s presence.

Is this what heaven looks like? Is this the perfect relationship?

Mike is deeply in love and already knows he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. But it’s just been six months, he doesn’t want to scare you away.

As you two were on date night, you unfortunately got a call at work. A woman had been raped in front of her boyfriend, as he was attached to a chair.

During the following week, there was absolutely no progress. No evidence, nothing. The whole team was frustrated, and when you thought it couldn’t get any worse; a new case came in. Same M.O. Same area.

Except for the fact that the couples lived close to one another, there was only one common point between them: the weekend before the attack, they went to the same club. The rapist must have followed them to their houses and took a week to prepare the attacks.

It made sense to Sonny Carisi. “Two of us should go undercover. If he sticks to his M.O, all we have to do is to go to the club, rent an apartment in the area for a week and the following Saturday, we catch him.”

It was the only way. That was how you and Mike got to live together. Even if it was undercover and that there were cameras in the living room and bedroom, and that you had to be careful - nobody knew about you two yet - it was something.

On Saturday, you went to the club the couples went to. “Act like a real couple. Make out if you have to.” Liv told you. If she only knew.

It was no trouble for you and Mike. You were naturals. Besides the fact that Liv and Amanda were talking in your ears - Sonny and Fin were inside too - it felt like you and Mike were just having a night out. He enjoyed softly kissing your neck, rubbing your naked thighs with his fingertips. At some point, his hand got really close to your wet center, you almost forgot why you were here.

“Damn Dodds, what are you doing to L/N?” you heard Fin in your ear piece and immediately jolted.

He couldn’t say things in your ears because of the mics, so he grabbed a napkin and a pen to write something. “So wet for me already. Can’t wait to go home.” He dragged the napkin to you and you almost, feeling yourself getting even wetter at the thought of what would happen later.

“Kitchen or bathroom?” he asked as you got into the apartment.

“What?”

“Only rooms where there aren’t any cameras. And choose fast cause it’s killing me not to kiss you right now.”

You didn’t answer, just grabbed his hand and took him to the kitchen. Luckily there are no mics installed in the apartment, so you could be as loud as you wanted. And you were. Both of you.

During the day, you and Mike had check ups with the team. You took a laptop to work for the apartment, since you couldn’t go to the precinct, in case the perp was still following you or Mike.

On the third day, you and Mike had completely forgotten about the camera in the bedroom. You were laying on the bed, a book in hand when Mike joined you under the covers. He forced his way under your arm like a puppy in need of petting. You chuckled and kissed his freshly washed hair.

“Want me to read to you?” he asked.

Mike never enjoyed reading. Whenever he had to read a book for class, it was torture. He still doesn’t like reading but he does love reading to you. You handed him your book - a gift from him - and changed positions. He laid on his back and you curled up against him, your head resting on his chest. You listened to his heartbeat as he read.

When he stopped reading to turn a page, you took a look at him and softly kissed his lips. “I wish we could live together already.” You said and immediately hid your face in his neck. “Gosh, I’m sorry. We’ve only been--”

“I want that too.” He cut you off, threw the book away in order to grab your chin. He made you look in his eyes. “I love you, Y/N.” he whispered, before kissing you.

“I love you too, Mike.” You rested your forehead against his. “But if you throw one of my books ever again, I’m breaking up with you.”

“Oh, crap!”

He spent the following five minutes looking for the page you were on. Damn you and your +800 pages books.

[eveningstar1516]

Rise of the Demon King ~ Chapter 7

Rise of the Demon King

Fic: Multi Chapter Paring: MC x Everyone (Mostly Lucifer) Type: Angst with a Happy Ending Total Word Count: 26,758 TW: Major Character Death, Reader gets stabbed with a sword through their chest so..., Abusive Parents, Past Child Abuse, Demon Hunters, Loss of Control Summary: You’ve done it. You’ve finally done it. You’ve managed to anger the demon king. Now you hold your head high as he hands down your sentence. AO3 Portal: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27065362

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Previously:

As he walked through the halls towards his next class, he made a vow to himself to try and feel that unfamiliar emotion until he could name it, then keep feeling it, because, for Satan, it felt like Y/N was right next to them, with their signature smile on their face, proud of him for focusing on a feeling opposite of his wrath. Should he start to feel his wrath taking over, he would picture Y/N, holding his hand, encouraging him to feel that unfamiliar emotion. One he soon learned was called ‘Philia Love’.

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

CHAPTER 7 - Virtue of Loyalty (4265 words)

Our trip to the palace was a quiet one. Michael didn’t seem to want anything to do with me since he flew quite fast and left me behind multiple times as I'd never flown before and flying was extremely difficult. No one offered any assistance so I tucked my wings away, which I managed to figure out how to do after I accidentally did so mid flight, and ran under him. Looking straight ahead after confirming that I was keeping pace with Michael, I spotted the Celestial Palace. My jaw dropped in awe as I ran. The thing was massive! At least 2.5 times the size of Diavolo’s castle and even more decorative. The white walls were adorned with varying shades of golden accents making the palace seem larger than it really was. As I got closer, I learned that it was sitting in the middle of a massive garden that was overflowing with different kinds of celestial plants and trees. Although both the palace and garden seemed to be overflowing with decorations, everything still fit perfectly and was quite pleasing to the eyes.

Approaching the marble steps of the palace as Michael landed in front of me, greeting some gardeners as they stopped and bowed their heads to him. Signalling for them to resume their work, he continued up the steps motioning for me to follow. Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I followed him looking as unfazed as possible. Upon entering I found that the outside of the palace does no justice to the massive interior. Abandoning plan to remain as neutral and unfazed as possible, I gazed in absolute awe at the decor, my mouth opening slightly. There were no lighting fixtures as massive windows lined the wall letting in more than enough sunlight through. A massive chandelier was located in the center of the room with golden and silver chains decorating it. The marbled floor also had silver and gold accents as a beautiful floral pattern was outlined. Hearing a chuckle behind me, I turned to see Michael looking at me with a smug smile on his face.

“Well how can you not expect me to be amazed by all this?!” I countered while spinning and gesturing around the room.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Your smug smile said it all Mike” I flashed him a wicked smirk of my own as I called him by the nickname. His face darkened significantly as his tone dropped to what would have been a dangerous level had I not have spent my life with demons. It just didn’t have the same undertones as Devilish.

“Watch yourself child”

Giving him an exaggerated mock bow I responded.

“My humble apologies Sir Michael. I will be sure not to repeat the same error in the future.”

“Very funny.” He scoffed and walked off. I got up and followed him through the palace until we stopped between two massive golden doors to what I assumed to be the throne room. Michael addressed himself and stated that he brought me with him. 2 angels donning Celestial armour opened the doors. Michael walked in with his head slightly bowed and his gaze lowered. I walked looking straight ahead as I subtly took the room in. It wasn’t as big as I expected it to be. A golden carpet leading from the door to the throne was the most extravagant thing in the room. In contrast to the rest of the palace, the throne room was quite modest. Even the throne wasn’t extravagant, built for comfort instead of elegance. God himself looked to be a 6’8 man in his late fifties with chestnut coloured hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a simple white robe with gold accents. His eyes, a light blue colour, were emitting a slight white glow as we approached. Michael stopped a short distance from the throne and kneeled.

“Father, I have brought Y/N on your orders.”

“Thank you my son.” He turned to look at me.

“Y/N, you have caused quite the commotion in the 3 realms.”

I kept my tone playful as a polite smile made itself home on my face as I spoke with God.

“What can I say Father, trouble likes to follow me, wherever I may be.”

“That may be my child, although I am quite confused as to how you ended up here especially as a seraph. In case you didn’t know, that position must be earned here in heaven, so please explain to me, why I shouldn’t forsake you and have you fall to the Devildom?” He raised his right eyebrow and relaxed into his throne as he asked his question.

“Oh make no mistake, I didn’t want to come here in the first place, had I actually had a choice, I would have gone to the Devildom where I belong. Unfortunately, circumstances never seem to be on my side.”

“That still doesn’t explain how you came to be here, in that attire nonetheless.”

“Does it upset you that I come donning Lucifer's clothing and wings? I assure you, I didn’t have a say in my appearance. I am only staying here as long as necessary after all. I still wish to fall and return to my family.”

“Tell me child, how is it that a human finds comfort in the likes of demons rather than angels?”

“Whoever said I didn’t find comfort in angels? I find Simeon and Luke to be quite comforting whenever I get stressed with this whole 3 realms stuff. I just find the darkness of the Devildom more appealing as you and I both know what lurks underneath this “bright” soul of mine.”

“And yet you came here to me, why?”

“I presume you know the details regarding my untimely end?”

“Yes I am, although you weren’t due to perish yet, I do not dictate the souls within the Devildom realm. What of it?”

“I sacrificed myself for the brothers whom I have grown to call family so that they may continue to live despite being ruled by a tyrant whom you rivel for the title of “Devil””

“Watch what you say child! You are still addressing Father and not some random person off the street!” Ignoring Michael, I continued.

“I do not wish to return to the Devildom while it is ruled by King Abandon.”

“Child, I am aware of your relationship to the brothers as well as your loyalty to those you call family. I am also aware of the feelings you have for my eldest son. I ask you, has anyone told you about his duties while he was serving me?”

“Yes, Simeon and his brothers would speak about his time here as the leader of the council. Lucifer himself preferred not to talk about it but he answered my questions whenever I asked. I have also learned his work habits and often aided him whenever an overflow of work had come in due on a short notice.” God seemed to contemplate something. With a thoughtful look on his face, he addressed me.

“I have a proposition for you. You wish to fall and reunite with your family in the Devildom. I do not wish to have you up here, although you do not want to serve King Abandon.”

“That is correct.”

“I will grant your wish on one condition. I will allow you to return to the Devildom after Abandon’s reign is over, on the condition that you take Samael’s position on the council. You are to take over his responsibilities without attempting to sabotage the realm or abuse your power. Should you not be able to meet my expectations, or should you abuse your position, I will cast you out regardless of who is currently ruling the Devildom.”

Michael, who had stayed silent while his Father was speaking, was shocked by God's proposition.

“Father, are you sure this is the right way to go? Y/N doesn’t even belong here. Are you sure trusting them with Samael’s old position is a good idea?”

“Do you disagree with my judgment Michael? Do you believe me incapable of determining Y/N’s fate in my realm?”

Michaels face visibly paled as he realized the implications of his words. Bowing his head in mortification he answered his Father.

“‘O-of course not Father! I just don’t think that Y/N is qualified or ready to lead the council. They are unaware of how the Celestial realm operates and doesn’t have the experience that Samael possessed.”

Scratching his chin, God thought about Michael's words.

“You’re right Michael, you and the rest of the council as well as Simeon and Luke shall serve as their guide during their time here. You are to teach them how we operate and train them as to how to properly fulfill Samael’s role. You are to step down as the leader of the council once they have learned how to fill in the role themselves.”

Not being able to object to his Father's words, Michael agreed, although he tried to hide it, you could see how he clenched his teeth, obviously disapproving the entire idea and his new role as your babysitter.

“How about it Y/N, will you accept my proposal?”

“I have a few conditions of my own I’d like to add. I will accept on the condition that I return as soon as Diavolo is crowned king, no later and that other than the obvious changes that come with falling, no other changes will be made to me. I will follow your rules while I am up here and will serve you as long as it doesn’t result in any harm coming to the Devildom or Earth and their inhabitants. I will fulfill my role as Lucifer’s replacement during my time here, no more, no less.”

“Of course, that goes without saying. I will also add that you are to have no contact with any being outside my realm during your time here. We wouldn’t want anyone coming up here to retrieve you before our deal has ended now would we?”

“No, we wouldn’t. I accept your proposal to be Lucifer’s replacement until the time comes for Diavolo's crowning. Until then, I shall serve you and the council to the best of my abilities.” I stepped closer and kneeled before him as he sealed the deal.

“Alright then, as you are no doubt aware, each angel on my council represents a virtue. You shall as well. While Humility does not suit you quite right, I shall grant you a new virtue. One that could be considered a sin should it be applied incorrectly. I think you’d like that. Rise Y/N, Virtue of Loyalty.”

I rose to my feet as an invisible force caused my wings and halo to appear. They glowed a light blue as whatever magic God was using to tie me to the Celestial realm ran its course. Once the glowing dimmed down, I tucked my wings back in and bowed my head once more towards the being I now served for the time being and exited the throne room, making my way back to the House of Honors with Michael close behind. As we reached the front door, Michael turned me around. A hard and unforgiving expression on his face. A look of outright hatred in his eyes.

“Listen Y/N, just because Father has accepted you into the Celestial realm, doesn’t mean the rest of us have. You are still an outsider and I frankly do not trust anyone who has spent so much time around demons. I will follow Father’s orders in training you, but know this, Y/N, if I so much as suspect you of doing anything to upset the balance in the Celestial realm, if you hurt any of the angels here, I will take matters into my own hands. I will not allow a being as tainted as you to wreak havoc among the angels. Am I understood?”

Meeting his gaze, a smile made its way to my face as I responded.

“I will hold you to that.”

He took one last hard look at me and walked through the door. Left alone on the steps, I thought to myself, ‘Soon my demons, I’ll be back, soon’. I walked to the gardens and spent the next few hours tending to it until dinner.

In the Devildom. After they lost Y/N

As soon as they got home, Mammon went straight to Y/N’s room. How could he let this happen? He was their first damn it! He should have protected them, he should have stopped Lucifer, he should have done something! He entered Y/N’s room and immediately sat on their bed, made messily in their excitement to meet the king. He held their pillow, hugging to his chest as he started crying. Too lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t hear Asmo following him. Upon entering the room and seeing the state his older brother was in, Asmo put aside his own grievances and sat next to Mammon and embraced him, letting him cry on his shoulder. This reminded Asmo of a time in the Celestial realm. They were playing with Levi in the gardens when Levi tried to show off his tree climbing skills. As he was nearing the top, Mammon noticed the branch Levi was climbing looked ready to snap. He tried to warn Levi but was too late as the branch snapped and Levi fell. Mammon wasn’t fast enough to catch him. Levi ended up dislocating a wing and spraining his right shoulder. Asmo remembered walking by Mammon's room that night and heard quiet sobs, he knocked and opened the door revealing Mammon sitting on his bed, hugging his pillow crying. He sat next to his older brother and hugged him, assuring him that it wasn’t his fault and that Levi would be just fine. Coming out of the memory, Asmo did the same now, hugging Mammon and reassuring him that it wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t have stopped Y/N from giving that order and that everything will be ok.

“Will it be though? It just won’t be the same without them.”

“I know. It will be hard, Y/N was our family, but we’ll be there for each other.”

They slept together, holding each other in Y/N’s bed comforting each other until they fell asleep.

Present

It was an ordinary day for Mammon. He had just gotten back from a modelling gig at Majolish and was thinking up ways to spend the money he just earned. He was thinking of treating himself to a night out as he’d also gotten a math test back that day and passed with a 90%! Just as he was thinking about where to go, he felt the pull of a summoning. Mammon opened his eyes to find himself in an old cold basement. He scanned the room noting that the only lighting provided was a small bulb with a pull down string in the middle of the room and 3 small candles near the summoning circle. He found that the room was practically empty save for a thin mattress in a corner and some stairs leading to a door. He then spotted the one who summoned him, a little girl. She looked to be no older than 5. She was wearing stained and ripped overalls, one of the straps was missing. A light pink t-shirt underneath. Her brown hair was relatively short, only reaching her shoulders and was a tangled mess. Upon looking closer, Mammon noticed that she was covered head to toe in bruises and there were deep scratch marks on her arms and legs. He looked at the hastily drawn circle under him and found out that she drew it with some chalked rocks. She held an old summoning book close to her chest. Her big brown eyes looked so scared, yet if he looked closer, he could see what looked to be hope sparkling in the background. He could tell by looking at her that she held vast magical potential. Whoever put her here obviously knew the same.

“A-are you Mammon?” By Diavolo, she sounded so broken, like if he spoke too loud, she would shatter. Kneeling down to her level, Mammon put a soft smile on his face.

“Yes I am. What’s your name?”

“Cynthia”

“Ok Cynthia, what can I help you with.” Mammon doesn’t know what it was about the little girl, but he found himself genuinely wanting to help her. Maybe it was the way they looked at him with hope. Maybe it was because they were just a kid, or maybe, it was because her eyes reminded him of Y/N’s.

“I want to leave. My parents locked me in here. They don’t care about me. They only use me for their spells. Please Mammon, help me. I’ll give you my soul if you want, just please!” Tears came to her eyes as she pleaded with him to help her. Mammon upon hearing what these sorcerers were doing with their daughter, became enraged. He held his hand out to Cynthia with a smile on his face. He took the book from her hands and put it on the ground next to him.

“No, no, no. I won’t take your soul. It’s alright Cynthia, I’ll help ya. Why did you think I’d need your soul to help you?” “That’s what my parents said. They’ve been using me to try and summon you. I heard them arguing about who’s soul they would give to form a pact. Then they decided that they would give you mine.” Mammon didn’t think he could get madder, but by now, he was seeing red. Not only did her parents lock her up, they used her to try and summon him thinking he’d just accept a child’s soul to form a pact with them! Mammon was beyond angry.

“Don’t worry Cynthia, the Great Mammon will take care of your parents! You’ll be out of here in no time.” Sensing his rage Cynthia grabbed onto his legs before he made it to the stairs.

“No, don’t hurt them!” Mammon looked down at the girl in shock.

“Please don’t hurt them. They may have done all these awful things to me but they’re still my mom and dad! I don’t want you to hurt them, just get me out of here!” Mammon looked at the girl like she’d gone crazy. Her parents, who have locked her up in a basement, used her for spells, hell even tried summoning him in exchange for her own soul, she wanted them alive?! He saw how genuine she was being and he couldn’t find the heart to say no to her. Instead, Mammon knelt down to her level and took her hand. Cynthia looked at him with tears threatening to overflow. Mammon brought his other hand to cup her face, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb.

“Ok Cynthia, I won’t hurt them. I am mad at your parents for doing this to you, but if you don’t want me to hurt them, I won’t.” Mammon then brought Cynthia’s right hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it gently. A yellow seal formed on the back of her right hand and a matching pink one on the palm of Mammon's right.

“Now we have a pact Cynthia. I didn’t take your soul, I took your sadness. Did you know that demons could also take emotions to form a pact?”

“N-no. Does this mean you’ll take me far away from here?”

“Yes, and it also means that you won’t ever feel sad again. I know a nice witch who can take care of you. She will teach you how to use and call me with the pact. This way, whenever you’re in trouble, you will be able to summon me without drawing the circle again and I can come protect ya.”

“O-ok.” Mammon then picked Cynthia up and walked up the stairs, kicking the basement door down he walked through the house towards the front door. Before he reached it though, he heard a scream behind him. He noticed that Cynthia tensed considerably in his arms as he set her down, hiding her behind his legs. He turned around coming face to face with a middle aged couple who he preserved to be Cynthia’s parents. Her mom then yelled at Cynthia.

“Cynthia Maxwell Daemon! You come here right this instant!”

“Shut your mouth lady. She doesn't belong to you anymore.”

“Nonsense! She’s my daughter. She is mine to do with what I want!” Mammon's patience was running out. A scowl appeared on his face as he growled out.

“Listen here lady, I’ve got some choice words for you two that I wouldn’t care to say in front of the girl, but the fact that you thought you could summon me and exchange her soul for a pact with you? You're crazy to think I’d ever accept that kind of pact. Now Cynthia and I are leaving and you ain’t ever using her again!”

Cynthia’s parents then realized who they were talking to and their attitudes immediately changed.

“Please forgive us, Lord Mammon. We hadn’t planned for the girl to summon you. We apologize for the inconvenience the child caused you. If you would stay, we could reimburse you for your troubles.” Cynthia’s father bowed his head as he addressed Mammon. Mammon on the other hand outright laughed at that statement. Turning into his demon form he barked out

“You think her summoning me was an inconvenience?! You two are crazier than I thought! Now listen here and listen closely, neither of you are to come near or look for her. None of you are going to use her again. We are leaving and don’t ever bother trying to summon me again. Ya know, you should thank Cynthia. If she didn’t plead with me not to hurt either of you, you’d both be dead. Make no mistake, if either of you try to summon me or if I find you anywhere near her again, I will rip your hearts out and feed you to Cerberus. Kapeesh?” The dark undertones of Mammon’s voice got through to Cynthia’s parents as their faces paled in fear and they quickly agreed. They begged for his forgiveness and promised not to harm Cynthia again if he could just stay awhile. Not bothering with them anymore, Mammon picked Cynthia up and walked out, flying towards the one witch he’d ever trusted. When he landed, he realized that Cynthia was crying.

“Sorry Cyn, I didn’t scare ya, did I?”

“A-a little, but these aren’t scared tears. I’m happy. Thank you for getting me away from them and for letting them live.”

“Of course. The Great Mammon keeps his promises.” Mammon walked up to the door of the small cottage. He knocked and a young witch with long blond hair, green eyes, and freckles answered the door.

“Mammon what a surprise! What brings you here?” She opened the door gesturing for him to come in.

“Sorry, not today Kelly. I’m actually here for her.” Mammon stepped aside, revealing a scared Cynthia behind him.

“Oh my Diavolo! What happened to you, you poor girl?!” Kelly rushed forward cupping Cynthia’s chin as she inspected her body, taking in all the bruises and cuts.

“Kelly, this is Cynthia. She summoned me to save her from her parents. I was wondering if ya could take care of her. I know ya've always wanted a kid, so…”

“Of course! I could never turn someone in need away, especially a girl as cute as her.” She said while pinching Cynthia’s cheeks. Cynthia giggled in response.

“Ok then, Cynthia, Kelly here’s gonna take care of you. I promise that she won’t act like your mom and she will help you learn how to use both your magic and your pact.” Reaching into his pocket, Mammon pulled out the Grimm he’d earned that day. He then put them into Cynthia’s palm.

“Here ya go kid. Now if you ever visit me, you’ll have some money to spend.” Mammon turned to leave when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked down to see Cynthia pulling him down to the ground. He crouched down. Cynthia then kissed his cheek, giving him one of the Grimm he’d given her.

“Thank you Mammon.” She then ran behind Kelly’s legs and waved goodbye with a massive smile on her face.

It’s been a couple years since Mammon saved Cynthia. She’d grown to be a strong and skilful sorcerer. He’d visit her often over the years with something in tow for her. Mammon never spent the Grimm that Cynthia gave back to him on that day. Whenever Mammon had a tough time with the numerous witches he’d find himself in debt with, he’d always find his way to her, and she comforted him, never asking for more than his company, something he was more than happy to give. His brothers would always know whenever he went to see her as he’d always come back with a content smile on his face. Deep down, he wished that Y/N could’ve met Cynthia. They would have made great friends as they were the only 2 people who could make him smile like this. Mammon may not have been able to save Y/N, but he swore that he would protect Cynthia, no matter the cost.

[none-but-y0u]

saw this post by @smashmouth-hargrove about harringrove babysitting holly and i immediately fell in love with that “trope” which led to whatever this little piece of writing is:

harringrove babysits holly au where mrs. wheeler accidentally books both of them to watch Holly, but forgets about it until the night of. So steve shows up first because of course he’s always on time and mrs. wheeler leaves them with a wave as holly drags steve off to her room.

steve gets there and there’s a pile of make up on the floor that’s he’s almost 100% sure nancy used to wear and he asks holly about it and she says it’s okay because it’s just dress up. and steve being steve goes along with it because he can just clean it up before mrs. wheeler gets back.

so anyways, they’re about halfway through dress up time and steve’s wearing half a face of really bad and brightly colored make up. his eyes are covered in blue blush and his lips are covered in sticky red lipstick but holly’s enjoying herself and rambling about how sally from school is trying to steal all her friends so steve just smiles and goes along with it. and then the doorbell rings and steve thinks it might be the pizza so he goes to answer it but...it’s not pizza, it’s billy.

and when billy sees him, his eyes instantly go wide in shock and maybe something else before he pools his face into an amused expression. he probably says something snarky like “guess you really are a pretty boy” and steve frowns and goes to say something rude back but holly’s rushing past him with a squeal as she launches herself into billy’s arms.

and steve can only stand there in shock because soft billy is something he never thought existed but seeing the way billy’s smiling softly as holly hugs him is causing a stirring in his stomach that he doesn’t really want to address right now.

he doesn’t realize how long he’s been staring until billy shoulder checks him back to reality as he walks past him into the house. and that wakes steve up because he explicitly remembers mrs. wheeler saying that he is not allowed to have any guests over.

reaching out, he grabs billy’s arm and whoa, okay so guess billy’s back to working out then. his hand lingers and he stutters over his words, and billy cocks a cocky eyebrow at him and steve instantly drops his hand blushing.

trying to change the subject, he asks billy why he’s there and he says that he’s here to babysit and why is steve there for. steve says the same thing, and they realize that mrs. wheeler probably double booked on accident.

billy shrugs and says “well i’m here now, so you can go” and steve says “well i was here first so you can go.” but none of those options ever happen because holly wriggles out of billy’s arms, grabs both of their hands, and pulls them towards her room as she excitedly yells “now we can play house!”

unfortunately, however, you cannot play house without a wedding first, so that’s how steve and holly find themselves standing across from each other at the far end of the room while holly sits on the bed watching them with a grin. steve wears a white dress (a white sheet holly found) and billy wears a tux (a black jacket that’s entirely two sizes smaller than him). “i really don’t think we need to kiss, holly” steve says frowning at billy. she waves him off saying “that’s what they do in the movies.” 

sighing, steve mumbles a “whatever” and goes to lean in but just as he does, a loud noise goes off in the other room. him and billy both jump apart but holly stands, unfazed saying that there’s a toy in mike’s room that always goes off at random times. steve tries to go look for it but she pushes him back down and says to finish the wedding.

when she leaves, steve turns to billy saying “let’s just lie and tell her we did it.” billy scoffs, rolling his eyes and calls him a chicken which sets steve off because he’s not a chicken and he’s definitely not going to let billy get one up over him, so he mutters a “ill show you who’s chicken” and plants his lips on billy’s. almost immediately, billy fights against steve for dominance and that’s not gonna stand with steve so he fights back harder. his teeth graze billy’s lip, and his mouth parts with a gasp. steve’s about to shove his tongue in when he hears the toy finally stop and he pulls back. they’re both panting hard, and he knows the lipstick is probably smudged on his face, so he quickly rubs at it. he can feel the heat on his face and he can see billy’s dilated pupils, but they don’t comment on it.

holly returns and doesn’t even ask them about the marriage because suddenly she wants to play kitchen. it goes as well as you’d expect two former rivals turned whatever it is they are now. billy being annoying and calling steve all kinds of pet names and steve glaring at him every few seconds over the top of the fake stove.

but at the back of steve’s mind, all he can think about is the kiss. the way billy’s lips felt against his. how soft billy went when steve almost bit his lip. billy’s wide eyes post kiss. he tries to see if billy’s still thinking about it too, but he seems completely fine so steve shakes hai head free of the thoughts and focuses on making a perfect plastic burger.

hours later, holly’s sleeping upstairs and he and billy are sitting on the couch while some sports game plays softly on the TV. Neither of them are watching it, both obviously still thinking about the kiss. every few seconds, steve shifts on the couch, sneaking a glance at billy’s stoic face, and eventually billy snaps and is like “what harrington”

steve blushes a deep red before finally getting out an “about earlier...” he doesn’t get far because billy quickly gets out an “it was just a game. i won’t tell if you don’t. it’s nothing serious.” and his mouth is saying that but steve can see how pale he is and how his hands are shaking in his lap and he thinks about what the kiss meant for him and how it reminded of him of nancy when they were in love before it all went to bullshit and he thinks about how he’s been looking for that feeling again and how he doesn’t know if this would ever work between them but he’d like to try at least.

billy’s still panicking next to him, and steve lightly brushes his hand against billy’s and “what if it wasn’t just a game.” billy’s eyes snap to steve and steve can tell he’s still not breathing like he should be, so he dances his fingertips across billy’s hand before grasping it within his own. his thumb runs over the back of billy’s hand as he leans into billy. he’s inches from billy’s face and he whispers a “billy say something.”

billy looks up at him, eyes darting back and forth like he’s trying to see if it’s a joke before finally stilling and steve can see the vulnerability and fear in his eyes but there’s something else there. something like want. finally he takes a deep breath and softly gets out a “steve” and it’s all the confirmation steve needs before he’s pressing his lips to billy’s for the second time that night, closing the distance between them.

it starts off shy and tentative, and steve’s sure if he opened his eyes, he’d see that billy would have his eyes open still. but slowly, he brings his hand up, brushing it down the side of billy’s face and something must click for billy because he sinks into the kiss with a moan. steve pulls billy into his lap, and they stay like that just kissing and touching and holding each other until the sound of the doorknob clicks and they immediately pull apart and right themselves.

mrs. wheeler walks in and they both stand to help her with her bags. she apologizes for double booking and they shrug it off because “it was nice having someone else around.” after, as they’re about to leave, she turns to billy and says “holly must’ve broke into nancy’s make up again. she’s in that phase right now.” and billy gives her a confused look and she nods at his face. steve looks over and his eyes go wide because it seems like some of his lipstick from earlier smudged off onto billy’s face when they were kissing. he stifles a laugh, and mrs. wheeler turns to him and says “oh she must’ve got you into it too.” he shrugs it off but she gives them extra for having to deal with it

when they’re outside, billy turns to him, that hesitant look back in his eyes and says “so i guess i’ll see you around?” steve shrugs nonchalantly, kicking at the ground before saying “or you could come over. parents aren’t home and we could finish watching that game.” he looks up with a smirk as billy’s eyes light up and yeah. it’s definitely not just a game for him.

back at steve’s, they put the tv back on to the sports game, but if you ever ask them who won that night, none of them would be able to answer.

[styleiswild]

Interview with Beastie Boys for Machina magazine, 07/1998

By: Rafał Bryndal

Translation: Anna Bak ( @styleiswild )

 -------------

Introduction: The party called Beastie Boys in Lisbon went on for two days. On the first day we (the journalists) were invited to the magical “Kremlin” club to listen to the new album [Hello Nasty]. I don’t think I have to explain how I felt knowing that I was possibly one of the first Polish people to listen to that phenomenal record. On the second day each of us got to meet the band in Hotel Ritz during the so-called “round-table.” It’s like a private conversation with the artists. It looks a bit like a coffee party at your aunt’s. (…) The whole meeting was just as absurd, in a positive way. The answers they gave us were often ironic, as one could expect.

R.B.: Don’t you think that being Beastie Boys is way cooler than being any other band in the world?

MCA: Unfortunately, we haven’t tried being a different band yet. So I can’t really answer your question.

Mike D: To be honest, there’s something to it. Maybe because we have so much fun working together. It’s not always fun, of course. We do work from time to time, but only sometimes.

R.B.: It seems like you work on your albums for fun and pleasure exclusively?

Mike D: I think it’s because we don’t release them that often.

Ad-Rock: Yes… Yes, you must be right, man.

Ad-Rock: Yes… Yes, you must be right, man.

MCA: Hey, we’d released Ill Communication after a two year break.

R.B.: Yeah, but this one took you four years.

MCA: Yeah, we had to level it out. It takes us three years most of the time.

R.B.: You grew up together. Are you always on such good terms with one another?

MCA: Sometimes there’ll be tripartite fights. Not sure you’ve ever seen what it looks like when three people fight each other. Each of them against the other two. That happens sometimes. Rarely, though. To be honest, we don’t really argue much.

R.B.: Your new album seems a bit like a departure from The In Sound from Way Out!

Mike D: Hello Nasty is a collection of a dozen or so songs, each of them stylistically different. That’s why you can’t really compare it to our previous releases. I guess, though, that at least two of the songs would’ve worked well as instrumentals on the previous album.

R.B.: How do you deal with the new technologies in music?

Mike D: Technology is present in all genres today and you can’t run from that. Music evolves largely thanks to the new technology. Especially hip hop music. We do it like the true rappers do, which means we start with a drum machine, then we put it on a loop, and then we use digital delay system. That’s one of the newest inventions. Technology is unpredictable, because people – who are its creators – have no clue about what the artists can do with it.

R.B.: Is it true what they say on the internet? That this album is the first one of the three that you’ve recorded lately?

MCA: You’ve really heard about that?

Mike D: Gosh, you can’t keep anything secret today.

Ad-Rock: Three? To be honest, we’ve got many more albums recorded.

Mike D: The last one of the three is a country album. The genre is so popular that you can’t really keep such a record a secret anymore. Especially when you’re in Manhattan and you walk around in a cowboy fit, it’s suspicious as hell. Because there aren’t many cowboys in Manhattan. People see a guy in a cowboy fit and assume that he has to be working on a country album.

R.B.: Is it really so important for your clothes to fit the style of your music?

MCA: You identify with your music more when you dress up. People often cheat, they wear clothes that don’t fit the music they play.

R.B.: So what kind of clothes did you guys wear when working on Hello Nasty?

MCA: I wore a bat girl costume.

Ad-Rock: I dressed up as a scared woman.

Mike D: I’d wear a bathing suit, because I wanted to go swimming all the time.

Ad-Rock: We couldn’t really find what we were looking for at first. We tried on a range of fits and finally found those that went well with our music.

R.B.: You’ve been popular with skateboarders. It’s a group of people who wear unique clothes and listen to a lot of your music, as it seems. Do you identify with this subculture?

MCA: I don’t think it’s just that one subculture. There are a few more we’d like to identify with.

Mike D: For me it’s long gone. Skateboarding isn’t much of an extreme or exclusive kind of sports discipline anymore. It’s become very popular.

R.B.: You’ve worked with Lee “Scratch” Perry on the new album. Can you tell me what kind of benefits did that bring you?

Mike D: It’s hard to say, but we’ve always been pretty impressed with his work on dub music. He’s also inspired Mario Caldato, our studio engineer. For me, Lee is an artist of science, a living fucking legend.

R.B.: Do you think that you can inspire young musicians?

MCA: Sure, but that’s a normal thing, right? If music is evolving as a part of culture, then everything and everyone inspires that process. We’re happy that we can be a part of that culture to some degree.

R.B.: A lot of white kids have gotten into rap music thanks to “Rhymin’ & Stealin’.” At least that’s what happened to me…

MCA: As a white kid… Right, it’s hard to be a black kid in Finland.

Mike D: We discovered hip hop when we were thirteen or fourteen. We’d go and see Public Enemy and bands like that. We were totally enchanted. It’s not that weird that kids who listen to us want to do the same thing.

R.B.: Some people say that you don’t like it when other artists sample your music. Some say that you’re more liberal, though.

MCA: It all depends on how the sample is used. If it’s creative, then we’re here for it. But if they go and copy our own ideas, and the whole track revolves around that idea, then we’re obviously pissed off.

R.B.: Are you as satisfied with making music as you’re with your magazine and your record label?

MCA: It’s all really about creating something new, publishing the mag, recording albums or playing gigs… We’re really into humanitarian work, too. Sure, the music is the most important thing of all. Nobody knows where it comes from, it’s hard to define the process of making music. It comes from subconsciousness.

R.B.: I’ve heard that you were to make a movie based on your “Sabotage” video?

Mike D: Unfortunately, that’s not true.

MCA: It doesn’t change the fact that we’re planning to make a movie…

R.B.: About what?

MCA: You can actually watch it in the cinema already, because Spice Girls had stolen our screenplay and made it their own.

R.B.: In the 80s there were a lot of humanitarian aids, like benefit concerts during which quite a lot of money got lost for a very simple reason. Those actions were organized on such a grand scale that it was nearly impossible to control the funds. Aren’t you scared that the same thing can happen to your organization?

MCA: Free Tibet is there to help people find out about the issue and educate them on it. The money that we get helps us organize the Tibetan Freedom Concerts. It’s not like those other actions from the past that were strictly about collecting funds.

R.B.: Do you believe that the bands you invite to play consider the gigs something more than simply another type of self-promotion?

MCA: I feel that most of those artists are really moved by the issue we’re trying to bring to people’s attention.

R.B.: You’re fighting for free Tibet, while recently it’s been 50 years since the State of Israel was formed. And Palestinians are fighting for their rights to be respected. Why have you taken on Tibet and not Palestine?

MCA: Tibetans’ fight is based on the idea of non-violence. It’s a peaceful fight. The contrast between the brutality of the Chinese government and that quiet fight of Tibetans does make an impression, and that’s why we’re popularizing the ideas behind the Tibetan struggle. We believe that the non-violent, peaceful act is the only logical way of dealing with the issue.

R.B.: Even if the peaceful fight ends up leading to the extinction of Tibetan culture?

MCA: The same thing will happen if Tibetans decide to use violence as a means to gain their freedom.

R.B.: Is it true that your music is banned in Hong Kong?

MCA: That’s right. We can’t play there. Our albums can’t be sold on their market. All of the bands playing for Milarepa are banned from performing in China.

R.B.: You’ve met Dalai Lama on several occasions. Does he like your music?

MCA: Dalai Lama doesn’t listen to pop music at all. Lots of bands give him their CDs. He takes them because he doesn’t want them to feel bad, but he won’t give them a listen.

Ad-Rock: That’s why he stores so many demos at home.

R.B. What is Dalai Lama like?

MCA: He’s fantastic. He’s a great role model, representing all of the values people associate with Tibetan culture, with Buddhism. He’s got great charisma. He oozes calmness that comes from the respect he has for everyone.

R.B. What’s his opinion on Tibetan Freedom Concert?

MCA: He thinks it’s an excellent way of spreading his word. For him, the concert is a kind of holiday.

R.B.: As far as I know, you have a slightly different view on the future of Tibet. He wants to negotiate with the Chinese government about Tibet’s legal right to autonomy in China, while you fight for total freedom for Tibet as a sovereign country. Is that true?

MCA: It’s related to his view on the type of fight. He’s so scared of any form of violence that he’s ready to negotiate with the Chinese government. He’s choosing the lesser of two evils, that’s what he’s doing. We’re in a completely different situation, though. As American citizens, we want to speak with our government about freedom for Tibet. We believe that Tibetans should be free and we want to encourage the government to take action to help Tibetans gain autonomy.

R.B.: The “Sabotage” music video was unique and quite shocking. Are your new clips going to be equally as original?

Ad-Rock: It’s gonna be some good shit.

MCA: We had lots of fun working on it. The “Sabotage” video had a lot to do with the song, though. Our new clips won’t have anything to do with the songs. They can be treated as independent short features. We plan to make a couple more totally different clips.

R.B.: You’ve been a band for so long that you must be best friends and not only, let’s say, collaborators. Can you please describe one another?

Mike D: Adam Horovitz is, to use basketball terminology, the play maker. He shows us how we’re supposed to play because he’s the one in charge of the balls. Sometimes he can’t score from a distance, though. Adam Yauch, on the other hand, is a very unusual power forward. His style is completely devoid of aggression, unlike Karl Malone’s. Or Charles Barkley’s. He can dull his opponent’s vigilance with his slow moves and get all the points.

Ad-Rock: Mike is an idiot and a thief. Yauch is a liar. I’m as cool as James Bond.

Mike D: Some people might say that we’re CSC. Crazy Sexy Cool. And that’s what we wanna be.

R.B.: Can you explain your record cover? You’re in a tin and you look like sardines.

Mike D: Doesn’t it sound pretty? “Sardine tin”? It’s almost like a big surprise. You open the tin and it turns out that people’s lives are similar to the life of sardines.

MCA: Maybe this album was recorded by sardines and you’re now talking to them? Who does know?  

[june-louise]

A rarity of a moment

Fan fiction about Elizabeth and Philip from The Crown (set sometime after 1x06), just because I ship them and felt the urge to write a little something for the first time in years. 

....

Elizabeth gave a small sigh as she picked up the speech she was supposed to give in a few hours. She hoped the changes she instructed had been added to the notes and as she read through the appropriate and well induced sentences about the opening of the children’s centre in Nottingham, she smiled to herself as she discovered that this time the speech actually felt quite good. Perhaps it had something to do with the passionate and driven men and women who has initiated this important installation, she pondered as her eyes flickered through the speech. Her fingers played with the pearls around her neck as she memorised the words best she could even though her eyes were quite tired after hours of paperwork already. The last couple of months had been a whirlwind of work and there had been little time to reflect on the life-changing turn her whole life had taken when becoming the Queen of England. One day at a time, tackling one task at a time had been made her epigraph.

A knock on the wooden door disturbed her focus and Michael apologetically joined her temporary office. “Sorry to disturb, your Majesty.”

Elizabeth briefly looked up. “What is it, Michael?”

Her private secretary uncomfortably cleared his throat. “It’s the Duke, ma’am.” His words made Elizabeth abandon the speech and lift her gaze to the man approaching her desk.  “Apparently his Royal Highness and Mr Avison Parker has been in a small car accident. No major injuries reportedly, but-” he paused and nervously studied her reaction. Elizabeth lifted her eyebrow, her lips tight as she gave him her full concentration, the icy blue in her eyes giving way to no emotion. She had become some expert of concealing her true feelings. Michael continued, “caution has been made and they are both with the doctor. It seems as if Mr Avison Parker has injured his arm and ribcage, while His Royal Highness luckily escaped any injuries. Unfortunately, the press has taken notice, but we are working on it, ma’am, so it will hopefully not make it into tomorrow’s papers.”

Elizabeth tightened her jaw. “I see,” she began and stood from the chair by the desk, straightening her skirt before walking toward the window. Rain smattered against the glass, the wind strong outside.

“We have arranged for a phone call, ma’am.” Michael gestured to the phone placed next to the abandoned notes on the desk.

Elizabeth felt her arms tighten, taking a deep breath as she contained her emotions. “Yes, of course.” She walked up to the desk yet again and paused when reaching for the phone. “Thank you, Michael.” The man gave a nod before leaving the room, carefully closing the doors behind him, off to make sure the issue was being handled properly.

She took a deep breath before lifting the phone to her ear. “Yes,” she said with the voice of a true aristocrat.

“Elizabeth,” her husband carefully started on the other end of the phone, his voice sounding quite small. “I am sorry. I am fine.”

“So I hear.”

“We were just driving, and some idiot had placed a bicycle in the middle of the road. Mike made sure I was protected and pretty much took the whole hit himself, poor boy.”

She let him talk for a few more moments, his excuses not moving her in the slightest. “Elizabeth?” Philip tried after a while when noticing that she had yet to say another word. “You still there?”

“Had you been drinking,” she suddenly blurted out, voice annoyed and accusing. When there was no immediate respond, she continued. “Of course you had. What were you thinking? Have you any idea to what extent this could cause a scandal,” she spat, her voice harsh and menacing. “They already hate us and are just waiting for us to make a mistake. We cannot afford to make mistakes, Philip.”

“I know,” he got out before she continued, interrupting his apologies, once again letting him know that she was Queen and he was not.

“You really should know better. Do you even think about your children and what your reckless behaviour could lead to, them not growing up with a father.” She knew she was crossing a line and was acting quite mean, but she could not stop herself, the anger consuming her entire being. Did he not understand what pressure she already was under, what scrutiny their lives were doomed to hold? She refused to let him or anyone else, let alone Mike, jeopardize the monarchy or their family like this.  

Philip took his opportunity to interrupt when she paused to breathe, letting her know his hurt feelings. “I told you I was sorry. And quite frankly, I was hoping you at least be happy I was not hurt. But guess I was hoping for too much from my wife.”  He spoke the last word with an irritated and hurt spat and continued. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I shall speak to the doctor. See you when you get home.”

Before she could reply he had ended their call and Elizabeth was left standing with the silent phone held to her ear. She felt a sting of hurt but quickly brushed it off, composing herself and putting the phone down while returning to her seat by the desk and the speech. She was queen after all, and composure was her expertise.

 ….

 While the rain smattered onto the umbrella being held over her head, Elizabeth curled her lips into a content smile as she welcomed the applause from the crowd in front of her. As true Englishmen, no one seemed too bothered by the weather as they clapped while the rainfall caused their coats and hats to turn into a darker shade of grey and black. It was in these moments she felt proud of her country and seeing all these people gathered, not only to meet and listen to her, but to celebrate the hard work of this fine children’s centre the whole community had helped create in a common belief and hope of the future.

Making her way down the stage, ushered through the crowd stopping every once in a while to shake hands and be introduced to left and right, thanked and cheered she kept her head high and her smile as bright as she could. These people deserved it, they deserved to be seen by their sovereign.

“Thank you for coming, your Majesty,” they said with a bow or a curtsey.

As she made her way closer to the awaiting car, Elizabeth’s eyes caught onto a blonde woman who seemed to be her own age. She approached the woman who gave her a kind smile.

“Hello,” Elizabeth said in her most charming voice.

The blonde woman made curtsey respectfully before speaking, her voice revealing a gentleness which made the queen soften. “It’s an honour to meet you, your Majesty.”

“Likewise,” Elizabeth smiled, with a hint of uncomfortableness as she shook the woman’s dainty hand.

“If I may, ma’am,” the blonde carefully started with obvious shyness yet determination. “I would like to tell you that I have always admired you so. We are the same age, you see, and I married my husband the same year as your Royal wedding. I was so proud to be his wife.” The woman beamed, and Elizabeth could not help but reciprocate the gesture.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth replied, and not sure what to say but wanting to give the kind woman something, she continued. “Congratulations then on your 6th anniversary this year.”

The woman’s hazel eyes saddened for a moment but then lit up again while she spoke. “Sadly, I lost my husband a year ago. But I am always reminded of him, and all our happy times, whenever I see you, your Majesty, and your husband. Thank you for reminding me of him, and for giving us all such joy.”

For a quick moment Elizabeth let an insecure and vulnerable look escape her strong façade, and she gave a sad smile. “I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be, ma’am. We had good years, and we have a little boy who looks just like his father.” There was something angelic over the woman’s face and Elizabeth envied her joy, at the same time as she pitied her painful loss.

Taking her hand into her gloved one yet again, Elizabeth gave it a light press before letting go and being ushered into the car. As the car drove away, she made one last wave to the people, and watched the blonde woman through the back window. It was rare that she met with strangers like this anymore, she thought and pondered about the small conversation she had just had.  

….

An hour later Elizabeth was all dressed up in a sapphire dress, as she joined a dinner held at the city hall. She tried her best to keep her appearance, as she always must, but felt her thoughts more than once drift back to the woman she had met and the words she had spoken about her husband. Elizabeth felt a sting of guilt for having her husband safe and sound, while this obviously wonderful woman had lost hers. Yet the woman had had such a grateful and positive way of being, while Elizabeth acted cold and dismissive toward her husband.

She and Philip for sure had had their problems since her entering the throne, but lately it all seemed to have become worse. They barely saw each other, and when they did it was often during formalities or in argument over something. She could not remember the last time they had shared an evening together, or even yet shared bed. It was all so complicated, living a married life in Buckingham palace.

She made a deep sigh of relief as the dinner finally ended and localised Michael where he stood by the corner of the ballroom. “I want to go home, Michael. Please arrange for me to go home as soon as possible.” Her words came as a bit of a surprise to her, the spontaneity to have made such a drastic decision before she even had come to understand why she felt such an urge to return home at this late hour being somewhat unusual.

Michael, if feeling the same surprise, hid it well and simply nodded and made his way to make the arrangements while the queen paid the respects and thanked everyone for the warm welcome and the wonderful dinner, ever the daunting queen.

….

The familiar smell of portraits and perfectly polished carpets filled her nose as she climbed the stairs to her private quarters. She had dismissed her maid, making sure everyone leave her and Philip alone for the night.

Closing the dark wooden doors behind her, she let out a shaky breath and stepped out of her shoes as to not make any noise to wake Philip who was asleep since a few hours already. The clock on the wall let her know it was a good few hours past midnight. Philip’s door to their adjoining hall was open and she quietly stepped into his bedroom. It was embedded in darkness except from the moon sweeping a dim light through the window curtains.

Philip was sound asleep she heard, his soft breathing being the only noise filling the room. He had never been a snorer, even after nights out drinking, and she was reminded of how long it had been since she has listened to him sleep. She carefully stepped closer to his bed, cautious not to make the old wooden floor creak.

It was not like her to give into this urge to see him, lately she did not even know if she had felt this urge. Yet now it was there. Something about the woman losing her husband and speaking of their happy years, reminded her of her own affection to Philip. An affection which was always there, even though she had not let it bother her lately. Now though, it felt as if it consumed her.

Philip, her Philip, in his navy blue pyjamas never looked more sweet. The way he was so still and quiet reminded her of happier times. Of years lost to duty and sacrifice.  

She felt her throat thicken, swallowed and as not to wake him up she quietly made her way back to her own bedroom.

Undressing from the dress she had insisted to keep on in order to save time, she got rid of her stockings and undergarments. She lifted the white nightgown over her head and removed the jewellery, wanting to get rid of all the things Elizabeth the queen had to wear.

She made her way to her dressing table to remove her makeup. While moving her fingers over her face in the well-practiced routine, her eyes are caught on the one jewel that she had kept on, glimmering in the mirror. Her engagement ring. She never takes it off, even after all these years and even after all the fights. It is her most beloved possession. It represents who she was when she was someone to fall in love with, to choose this life with despite all of the sacrifices. She needs to remind herself of that girl, Lilibet, because sometimes she seems so far away these days.

As she sees a glimpse of that girl in the mirror, hot tears form in her eyes, and she closes them shut while gently tugging at the ring on her finger. A single tear find itself down the alabaster skin of her cheek. The words from before tug at her heart. “I married my husband the same year as your Royal wedding. I was so proud to be his wife.”

An urge to go to her husband fill her entire body and she rises, wiping her tear and dabbing at her eyes before abandoning her room to again open the adjoining doors. She pushes her pride aside and open the doors to Philip’s room for the second time that night.

Greeted by darkness, she must wait for a few moments before her eyes get used to the surroundings and she can see the form of her husband on the bed. She can hear his soft breathing and walks close, stepping out of her slippers and carefully sit on the bed, bringing her legs up under her. Philip does not move so she gently lift her hand to brush against his where is rests on top of the covers. She has always adored his strong body and been a victim under his touch. As her fingers dance over his hand, up over his arm and back again, Philip moves and rolls onto his side, burying his head deeper into the pillow. He looks so innocent when he sleeps, she thinks and tries to remember the last time she studied him like this. She cannot remember. She has missed it. To be near him like this. They seldom sleep in the same bed anymore. Most nights she does not think much about it, but every once in a while, when she goes to bed without him, when he is god knows where out with Mike, a sadness lingers over her. She does miss her husband, and the days where they would share bed every night.  

“I am always reminded of him, and all our happy times, whenever I see you, your Majesty, and your husband.”

The thought of losing the man sound asleep beside her, makes her heart ache. Not only the accident which could have been far worse, but the fact that her position as queen has sent Philip away from her to a place where he is happier without her causes the wetness to return to her eyes. Lifting the covers, Elizabeth carefully slips underneath, and curls close to the only person in the world her heart belongs to and has ever belonged to. Her forehead rest against his and she clings her hand to his, bringing it to her lips and pressing a tender kiss against the soft skin. The action causes Philip to stir and as he wakens, he opens his eyes, confused at first.

“Elizabeth,” he murmurs in question and blinks the sleep from his eyes. Blue eyes meet each other there in the bedroom, for the first time in very long. “Why aren’t you in Nottingham?”

She swallows and shifts on the bed, her gaze falling on his entangled hand in hers. She watches his fingers intertwine with hers and feel him shift slightly so that his other arm moves around her body, gently pulling her against him so that he lays on his back and she is rolled against him on her side. Feeling her throat thicken again and the hotness burn behind her eyes, Elizabeth cannot make a sound in fear of bursting into tears. “I’m sorry,” she finally mouths in a whisper and release a shaky breath while lifting her gaze to meet his.

She is met by a rare gentleness in his eyes and she feels more vulnerable than she has felt in a long time. She cannot make herself say the words but hope her eyes can signal her apology. Philip, too, is a proud man and their communication is seldom made with many words. Yet she feels as if she should say something, anything, to make him understand the way she feels. Her lip suddenly quivers, and she curses her inability to control her emotions. “I miss you,” she releases and gives into the sob that bangs at her chest for release. Her vision gets blurry and she finds herself embraced into the warmth and comfort of her Philip, strong arms wrapping around her and soft lips pressing a kiss to her head as she rests her face into the crook of his neck. She is filled with his scent and with every shaky inhale it fills her up with a calmness and comfort she has not given herself permission to need lately.

“I miss you, too, my Lilibet,” Philip whispers into her hair.

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (21)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

Fear. Fear is something that has always been part of the human being. It's something that follows us everywhere and it's always the first thing you feel about the unknown. What will happen to me today, tomorrow or in the days, weeks, months to come? What future is for me? How long am I going to live? Will I find love? Is it the good one or the bad one, will it last or not? Should I do it or not? Should I say it or shut up... All these questions that we ask ourselves throughout our lives always plunges us into fear. Because we don't know what our choices will bring as consequences. The famous butterfly effect.  

Fear also manifests itself in dangerous situations, where death can strike at any moment, and when it is about to strike us, fear invades us. Moreover, it is the greatest fear of Man: to die. But some are not afraid of Death: it is even a friend who comes to relieve us of our suffering once and for all. And others believe that death is a simple passage from one life to another through time. Maybe it’s true, maybe it's wrong. Who can really know?

It was with this fear in your stomach that you woke up this morning. The cause? A simple, insignificant, small, piece of paper. How can a single piece of paper scare someone; you'll tell me... Maybe because it's not that insignificant. In fact, it's not the paper that scares you, it's what's written ON IT that scares you.

“He’s dead.”  

Those simple words made you react. These simple words frighten you. Because you know who wrote them, and who he's talking about. He did it. He really did. He has told you for a long time that he will. Yet inside, you feel relieved to know that McKellan won't be able to do anything to you, but that means you'll have to thank Ghostface. Once again. And if it happens like last time... You'd rather not think about it. Because the worst thing for you is that you liked it, deep down. But Jed's here now. And you know nothing can happen to you now. Right? My poor little girl... if you knew the truth... you left the door open. And the big bad wolf came home. Without knowing it, you’ve thrown yourself into the devil's arms.

While you were about to serve yourself a coffee, in order to chase away your dark ideas, someone knocked on the door. You put down your cup and you walk to the door. When you open it, you come face to face with Jed. But a Jed... quite different from usual. His Auburn hair was loose, wavy and cascading, he always wore his glasses, but his outfit was very different, a black t-shirt under an open denim shirt, grey jeans and black sneakers. But this face... and that angelic smile. It's something that will never change in him.

“Well... What happened to the real Jed last night? Have you been hit by the change fairy?” You said laughing.

“You can see it that way, yes. I thought you'd like it if... if I changed my look a little bit.” He responds laughing too.

“Just a little? I feel like you were kidnapped last night to change you or replace you with another. But... I don't mind. Because no matter what you look like... I know you'll always be you.”

You kissed him and he kiss you back, holding you in his arms. It was soft, smooth as always, a feeling that you never want to forget. Never. But Ghostface’s words brought you back to mind and made you tremble slightly. Certainly, Jed is the only one who agrees to write articles about him and that make him the "star" of Roseville. But knowing this sick man... He's capable of anything. Jed felt your concern, put an end to your kiss and recoiled his face to better observe you, passing his hand over your face to reassure you.

“Hey... What's wrong? You... Have you changed your mind?” He asks, worried.  

“No! Of course not! I love you, it’s just that... He... he killed him.” you said, looking elsewhere.

“What? Who kills who?”

“Ghostface. He killed McKellan. He left me that note last night. I know it's him and it's McKellan he's talking about. He told me for a long time that he would do it... I should have told you about it or called the police or...”

“Hey hey hey... Calm down. It's going to be alright, okay? Imagine if you'd told the police about this. He would have killed you. Or torture or worse. We don't know what this psycho can do. You saved your life in some way.

“I know. But I can't help but feel guilty, the cops must know that I had a conflict with him. When they find out his body... they will come to see me and I am afraid... I'm afraid of what's going to happen.” you replied with tears in your eyes.

“Hey, I am here. And as long as I'm here no one will come near you and hurt you. I lost Carla, there's no way I'm going to lose you, is that clear? Our relationship has just begun and I intend to do everything I can this time to make it last for the rest of my life.” He said holding you close to him.  

You both stand still for a few minutes without saying anything, enjoying the present moment. Nothing could ruin this moment. But one thing for you remains worrisome: the fact that you had a conflict with McKellan could put you on the suspect list. Even if Ghostface is the author, you may have problems. Maybe...

Maybe he did it on purpose? It's possible after all! Since you've known each other, he's been trying to push you to kill. He wanted to make you, his accomplice. And if, despite your categorical and repeated refusal to do so, he had taken the initiative? To drag you with him into the spiral of his massacres... And his madness.

“You don't have to worry, knowing Ghostface, he must have left a signature. He doesn't really have the kind to attribute the murder to someone else. So, there is no risk that the police will come to question you.” Replied Jed, backwards to better look at you: “I'm not working today, but I have to finish my article. I'm going to stay with you at the café, okay? And... If you ever need a helping hand, I could help you. Is that okay with you?”

“Say that way you can taste my cakes in secret .... You're going to end up with a nice round belly one day. But if you have to help me, you can bring the cakes for your colleagues. Let's go a little glutton. I'm going to end up being late.” You said, taking two boxes with cakes inside for the newspaper.

Jed smiles before kissing you and open the door. What a gentleman. All both, you're heading to Jed's van to get to work. The streets were quiet on this beautiful day and the cold weather of the last few days had disappeared. We will have to provide air conditioning otherwise the customers will melt ... and the cakes too. You were always worried about this paper but reassured by Jed's words. He is right, so far Ghostface has always signed his crimes. So, there is no reason to worry. Absolutely none. right?

“By the way, Melina... Melina told me for... You know, your family. It's really generous, you know. You... You could have kept it all to yourself. And you give up almost everything to your family. I'm sure your parents are proud of you up there.” Said Jed, breathing deeply without leave the road with your eyes.

“When...When my parents died, my uncles and aunts took care of me... I was in an emotional state... Deplorable. Even so, they've always been there for me. I owe them a lot. So, I think it's normal for me that some part of the inheritance goes back to them.” you respond looking at the road then at him.  

“What are you going to do with... Your share?”

“Keep it. As much as I could. I will try to live as much as possible with the coffee money. And then maybe one day I would live in a nice little country house, far from everything. With the sound of birds and the singing of the rooster to wake me up. Or I'll take a trip around the world. I've always dreamed of going to Norway or Sweden... These countries are beautiful...”

Jed smiles while parking in the newspaper’s parking lot. It's best not to get fined. And since you have cakes to deliver... You might as well give them in your own hand, don't you? And so, you can see the newspaper's premises. No sooner do you enter the building than you freeze on the spot. Who would have thought that a small newspaper like the Roseville Gazette could have so many people? And to think that Jed is one of them! There are even security guards! It's impressive! You give them the boxes and tell them to be careful that no cakes end up crushed. Then all two go back and open the café. It's time. Jed settled down at the table next to the counter. The start of the day went very well, customers were always flocking as delighted to come to see you. The lunch break came and you sit at Jed's table, slightly exhausted.

“Maybe you should hire someone to help you. You're going to get sick by putting so much pressure on yourself.” Said Jed smiling.

“I thought about it... but not yet. I want to be financially sure I can pay a salary. Are you getting away with your article?” you ask.

“Yes. Mike was such a rotten man. A drug dealer and a pedophile on top of the market. Apparently, he was wanted in other states for these facts. But he always managed to evade the police. Unfortunately for him he did not escape death. Even my boss is disgusted to know that he had such a criminal in his employees.” He answers.

“No one could have known... There are true masters of concealment. We think they're honest people and then one day they reveal their real faces. And on that day, it's already too late to do anything.” You replied sadly.

“That’s true. You know, I've been very concerned about how Ghostface works... Since I've been writing these articles, I've noticed two or three little things about how he operates. He went after people who... always do something wrong. Since he started these murders... all of his victims either committed robberies, assaults, or trafficked drugs.”

“It’s to believe that he wants to pretend to be a hero.”

“Or he gets rid of the competition. This guy's a narcissist. He doesn't seem to like being robbed of the limelight. If he gets rid of those who want to steal the show... Then he'll be the only criminal in all of Roseville and I'm sure he's not going to stop there. He'll go all over the country.” Said Jed, replacing his glasses on his nose.

“He wants to be the biggest criminal in the whole country. The question is... Why?” you said confused.

The break ends and you get back to work quickly. Jed is right about one thing: one day you will have to hire someone. You won't be able to hold the coffee forever on your own, and if you're ever thinking about expanding it, you'll need employees. During the afternoon, you receive a phone call from the police that made you panic. Have they found McKellan’s body? Do they already want to question you??

None of that. The policeman on the other end of the line simply summons you to have your statement in relation to your attacker. You almost forgot that one. You say that you would be available tomorrow during the day because you’re not working. To which he replied that everything was written down and that he would be waiting for you tomorrow in his office. You sigh with relief when you hang up the phone before explaining everything to Jed, who laughs slightly shaking his head.  

The rest of the afternoon went very well, and the time of closing arrived. After your usual little ritual, you and Jed go to eat something. For the first time a good burger and fries will be your meal tonight. After that, you head to your home. You greet Mr. Lawson, and go up to your apartments. But instead of leaving you, Jed kissed you while making you enter his house.

“What are you doing?” You said laughing.  

“I don't want to sleep alone tonight. So, I'm kidnapping you.” He said before kissing you again, lifting you by the waist, making you let go of a little squeak of surprise.

“Well, what a force...”

“And you haven't seen anything yet.” He replied, heading to his bedroom.  

He laid you down on his bed gently before putting himself above you. He removed his t-shirt, revealing his finely trimmed body, and with his wavy, cascading hair... he looks like a god. He kissed you again, began to slide his hands over your body, making you shudder slightly. But this time, it's a shudder of pleasure. He kissed every part of your body from head to stomach, then gently removed your top. He pushed his hair with a wave of his hand, revealing blue eyes piercing to fall out.

“It's... Maybe it's a little too soon. You may need a little time.” He said with a little smile.  

“I... I’m sorry, I didn't want to...” you said worried by his reaction.  

“It’s okay. I'll wait until you're ready. But on the other hand, that day ... I can't guarantee I'll control myself.”

“I can't wait to see that then.” you replied by getting up before being lying down again by Jed.

“I said I didn't want to sleep alone tonight.”

“I don't even have pyjamas for tonight!” you said laughing.

“Never mind... I'll lend you one.”

He put on a quick kiss before getting up and throwing a pyjama at you to change you. He undressed, wearing only his boxer before bed. Once changed, you join him in bed and you settle in his arms, passing your hand in his hair. You kiss one last time to wish you good night and fall asleep both. In his arms, all your fears fly away. All your worries disappear.  

Nothing can happen to you.  

Nothing scares you.

Not even Ghostface.

***

(I'm officially passing my code exam on April 9th! I can't wait! and I'm a little scared too XD But I've got a week to review so I should be fine! So, since we are confined for a month in France, the chapters will come out as planned, since I no longer go on vacation ... I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others! Good weekend to all! See ya!)