#my meat is on display please don't notice

[whereisthedamndaddymanual]

Alright,

You have to admit some of my work is pretty goddamn funny.

The one shit talking mother fucker in a chat room

Meet him. He's 3 feet tall.

After that one of your personalities gets gruff with the guy and I have to be like

No no. This one is fine. Let's teach him to do the electric slide.

[kuyurasu]

Spider Lily

Dottore x Reader

Part 2

Part 3

Summary ; Soulmates are tied with their lifespan. After being sold to a man as a slave in Sumeru, you forgot about the boy you saved as a child. He didn't.

WC ; an obscene amount

Reading time ; depends.

Warnings ; look at part 1

Authors Note ; enjoy

"Pack up, then, foolish girl. You will want to get some warmer clothes for this."

It took a while. But when you felt your own heart beating in your chest as you woke up, you were surprised. Your head was aching with a pounding headache like never before. Surprisingly, you were still alive. After your mental breakdown, all you could think about was how this was it for you—you were certain of it, so how were you still here? Alive? Breathing?

"You're awake." A cold, distant voice sounded. It was masculine and slightly rude, but there were creases of concern for you in his eyes. You turned to look at him, your eyes feeling dry and blurry.

He sat across a fire from you, a mask over his face and a hood drawn over his head. He wore dark clothes, like he belonged to some weird cult. You didn't have any words as you looked at him, your eyes wide in shock and concern. Would he take you back? Was he one of them?

"You were asleep for 4 days. I had to convince three harbingers that I hadn't abandoned my post just for you. You should consider yourself lucky in more ways than one." He rambled on, looking at you with a dismissive gaze, before standing and walking over to a bag, pulling out some soft food. "You went into shock. I had to fucking pull you out of an entire mental breakdown before you killed yourself." He grumbled quietly, walking over to you with a flask of water and food. "Not too quickly."

You took the water and followed his warning to not drink the substance too quickly. Your heart pounded as it suddenly had what your body craved, and your head was getting dizzy for a moment. You had always had a limited supply of water, not only to keep you from getting too strong, but because out of 20 slaves, it could be pricey. And Lord, help them if they had to spend too much money on slaves.

"I noticed your tongue. Can you speak properly?" He asked quietly, pulling his hood down to show his pale blonde hair. It suited his equally pale features.

You gave a so-so expression, opening your mouth to show that your tongue hardly touched your teeth if you tried. Talking was complicated.

He was silent for a moment, looking blandly at the display, before sighing. "If the doctor was here, he'd be able to fix that shit, but..." He sighed quietly and looked up at the young woman with a subtle frown. "You should learn to speak simple words. I heard you talk before you passed out, but that's because you were dying. Your body can do more when on the brink of death. I would know." He handed you the soft meal, giving you a warning to eat it slowly as well.

You nodded faintly, your teeth clamping down and chewing on the meat as he talked. It was delicious—well, he didn't seem pleased with it, but considering you had stale or moldy bread your whole life, this was a luxury.

"You're a slave, or were a slave, I should say." You nodded quietly, your heart squeezing painfully while a cold sweat went down your back. It was unreal to think that a few days ago, you were in chains, walking hundreds of miles for work, and now you were sitting by a campfire at dawn with a stranger. "You should get those slave tattoos covered. You don't want to meet your old masters as they see your marks." He commented after a while, taking a bite of the meal as well.

It took a while before you felt comfortable trying to talk to him, being wary and not all there mentally, but he was patient, surprisingly.

His name was Zakhar. He told you he was a Snezhnayan resident. You had never been to that nation on account of the cold and other reasons the slave owners didn't disclose. Something about Fatui Zakhar was relatively chatty, yet some of his words had a distinct accent that took a while for you to understand. He also began to teach you how to extend your shortened tongue to speak as well as possible.

"Sss. Try it. You need to curve your tongue slightly and press it near your teeth. Again." He commanded you, showing you how to properly say the S. It took many tries, but you got there.

"Ch.. s… Sss… S." You sounded finally, looking up at Zakhar, as he seemed a bit proud and pleased. He nodded his head and gestured for you to continue.

That night, he took off his mask for the first time. It was when he came back from washing himself that his face was covered with his normal clothing, but there was no mask on his face. He probably assumed you would be asleep, but he should've known by now that you could hardly ever keep your eyes shut. Whether it be because of the screams and terrors or the world you could not see enough of,

"Zak…har." You slurred slightly, looking up with surprise. You didn't expect the bright red eyes to turn and look at you with a startled expression. You blushed instinctively, feeling like you were getting caught looking at something you weren't supposed to.

He quickly put his mask back on, not wanting to be seen without it. "You should've been asleep." He nearly growled out, turning away from you so he could continue drying off his hair.

You swallowed and remembered his teachings for your stupid tongue. "I'm sorry. I didn't know." You quietly laid down on the blanket that had become your bed.

He shook his head, signaling he didn't wish to talk any longer. It made you sigh but listen to his warning.

The next day, you awoke to nearly half of the stuff already packed away. The mini-camp Zakhar had set up was nearly gone. He was stuffing some things in his bag before noticing you were awake. Your eyes are glued to his form. He sighed and looked at you. "I need to leave for Snezhnaya. I was supposed to be there yesterday; the doctor will have my head if I don't leave now." Your heart slightly dropped at the information, and the agonizing realization finally dawned on you.

You would be alone. He was leaving you. Why? Why was he leaving you? Your heart began to race, your eyes staring off in the distance while you processed all of this. He was leaving you, abandoning you. Just like everyone else. Your breathing began to get labored, and tears you didn't realize slipped down your cheeks as your body lightly trembled. It was like you were stuck in a trance—your mind not wanting to process this or even think about what this meant. He was leaving you alone. Could you convince him to stay? He's taught you so much; there were so many things you had to learn and think about with him as your teacher. Your heart feels like it just may give up again.

Hands braced your shoulders and snapped you out of your almost meltdown, securing you as your breaths continued to shake.

"Stop. I know you're probably used to people leaving you; we need to work on that." You didn't know if it was Zakhar's voice securing you or if it was his hands. It was the only thing that made you able to be relatively there. At the words of working with him in your panic, you relaxed every so slightly. He wasn't going to abandon you. "Listen to me. You are about to make a very important choice. Something that was taken from you." The power of having control He was giving it to you in the most realistic way possible, by making you understand the seriousness of the situation. It made you feel... electric, almost. You had a hand in what was happening.

You nodded faintly, trembling still, as he slowly released your shoulders. He sat on his knees in front of you, a mask covering his features. Everything but those bright red eyes.

"I work in Snezhnaya. It is a cold, cruel nation. My sister is there as well, and I believe it could be beneficial to you to learn and get help. She is better at this than I am." He gestured to himself and then at a space in between you two, knowing he wasn't quite up to the job of helping undo the trauma that soaked your bones. It was practically imprinted in your mind after hundreds of years, and something told you it would take you just as long, if not longer, to help with that curse of yours.

You thought of the offer and already knew your choice. It was a clear and easy decision considering, at this moment, he was all you had. "I want to go with you."

He smiled. It was the most you got from him when you pleased him, especially when you finally spoke about what you wanted.

"My apologies, Lord Harbinger." He said it with an almost shaky tone.

A day later, you were on a ship off to Snezhnaya, warm clothes and all. Zakhar placed his hood over his head for the first time since meeting you, covering most of his face with shadows once more. He gave you a mask as well. He was adamant about it and seemed nervous when you questioned it with a slight tilt of your head. While on the ship, Zakhar fidgeted with his fingers, looking off in the distance, which no doubt was where the nation would be. It confused you as to why he was so nervous. He went silent after a while as well, getting closer and closer to the frozen tundra.

He grabbed all your things, and when you both docked, he was guarded, reserved, and hostile. Just like when you first met him. It didn't really bother you since all your life was harsh; it just boggled your mind why the suddenness of such an attitude changed.

"2 weeks. You have been absent far too long." A cold, harsh voice sounded from the distance. Standing across the docks was a man with light blue hair, fancy Snezhnayan clothes, and a scowl on his face. A crow-like, almost plague-like mask covered most of his features, but from the energy that radiated from him, you knew this man was lethal. It made you tremble and almost instinctively bow.

Zakhar guarded you with his body, hiding you from view from the man as he bowed his head and swallowed thickly.

So this man was the reason why he was nervous, you thought.

"Do not try to apologize. Prime would have given you hell if he were aware of your foolishness, unless it was for me. You are lucky he left for business."

The only question in your mind, though, wasn't about what you had to do or where you had to go. But who was that man?

Zakhar swallowed and nodded his head, not daring to speak anymore without permission, especially after knowing how angry the harbinger clearly was. You didn't make a noise either, even as the man slowly walked closer. His pale skin almost looks a bit sickly.

"Is this feeble woman the reason for your disappearance? You decide to disregard your duties for a mere fornication with... this beast?" He turned his eyes to where you stood behind him before scoffing and laughing in his low, intimidating tone. You had your face and body covered, but you could tell he thought you were hideous. How could he not? You were sickly-looking, weak, and feeble, and you were barefoot.

Zakhar remained silent, knowing that if he spoke without permission, he may very well be killed.

The man continued to walk closer, closing the gap of distance between the three of you, and Zakhar guarded you like his life depended on it with his head bowed. "You reported the discovery of a rare artifact for testing. Give it to me now. Or else your cock will be chopped off for this offense."

Your friend trembled for only a moment before retrieving an item in his bag and handing it to the other man, his eyes behind the mask clearly judging the item with cold precision.

"Very well. This will suffice. You are expected to report to the palace tomorrow at the normal time. Do not expect Omega or Prime to be as forgiving as me." And with that, the man turned around, the cloak he wore falling behind him as he walked back into the frozen, snowing city. It caused a sigh of relief for both of you. He was probably someone you felt the most danger from yet. It made you tremble.

"Right… That was something. Let us go. We have... much to do." Zakhar sighed and took your arm in his, knowing that it would be easy to get lost or have bad luck in this nation.

[ones-g]

"I'm not a minor"

Synopsis: Y/N owns a piercing shop where she also does piercings herself. The rule of any site like this is to always ask for authorization from parents/guardians of minors to be able to do their job without any complaint. But this rule could be broken only this once thanks to a stubborn blonde.

—Ding Ding Ding.

The door of the premises had been opened, achieving the sound of the bell located on its threshold. A not-so-tall figure entered slowly while looking around the room.

"Welcome, please wait at the counter now I'll take care of you" You exclaimed when you noticed the presence of the feminine. You were accommodating some new products that had recently arrived, you were busy.

The blonde had heard you, of course she did. She had approached the transparent counter, inside it some jewelry or piercing materials were displayed. Natalie was entranced observing those pieces.

You finished accommodating most of the things and returned to your workplace. You met the feminine silently watching the exhibited pieces. "Thanks for waiting" You said.

She raised her head and saw you, face to face. He gave you a smile and then said. "I was passing by and... well I really wanted a piercing"

Leaning against the counter you examined it. He looked too young. "Sure... I'm Y/N, nice to meet you" You reached out your left hand towards her.

"Natalie Scatorccio, the pleasure is mine I guess..." He whispered as he shook hands with yours.

"Okay Natty, I need your ID" you informed after separating their hands and leaning back on the counter.

The blonde's eyes widened a little, apparently she didn't expect that request. "My ID?"

"That's right, you look very young honestly and I don't want a complaint to my precious place" You answered laughing a little at her, it was obvious that the girl was underage.

The girl in front of you sighed, scratched her eyebrow, and looked at you again. "I'm not a minor" He justified himself. "I implore you to remove the idea from your head that I am a minor"

You raised both hands to the height of your chest, you kept laughing at her. "In any local you're going to have to answer that question, honey."

"It's policy, a rule, something we respect so to speak." You walked around the counter until you reached her side. "You should lie better, Natalie"

The aforementioned gave a nervous giggle. "I'll give you double just for a fucking piercing," he spat.

"Are your parents capable of denouncing? Or setting the place on fire?" She fell silent after your questions. "If they are capable of that... there is the door, get out"

Natalie quickly shook her head, snapping her fingers as she approached you "Believe me, they don't even care" She clucked and crossed her arms. "But if you refuse, I'm leaving, I won't insist. It's not my style"

You narrowed your eyes, was I playing a psychological game on you? You deigned to look out through the window, you noticed that few people passed by over time. You looked back at her and sighed heavily.

"Okay Natty Scatorccio, which one do you want to do?"

"Breathe, you'll just feel a sting in a matter of seconds."

The girl had decided on the eyebrow piercing. It had surprised you since apparently the blonde was already more than sure that this was her definitive piercing.

The pointed object quickly penetrated the little meat located on the girl's eyebrow. She simply winced in 'pain'. "Okay, just let me…put this in its proper…" You placed the curved piece carefully while biting down on the tip of your tongue for concentration and balance. "Perfect, that's it" You informed walking away from the blonde removing both gloves from your hands.

The girl got up and went to the mirror in front of her. An ear-to-ear smile grew on his face. "Don't touch it so much, just to take care of it..." You said

"It's perfect..." he murmured. "How much do I owe you?"

You turned to her and shook her head "Nah, it's free"

His face changed drastically. "You're fucking with me" You denied again.

You walked back to the counter and entered it. "Are you really telling me? Are you letting me have it for free?" He asked again making you laugh

"Yes Natalie and take it" You handed her a paper which she received "It's a guide to cure it, you don't want to lose your eyebrow right?" you joked

Natalie chuckled a bit. "Thank you, you really are good at your job" You shrugged your shoulders and smiled.

"Get out before I change my mind" And without further ado, that younger blonde for a few years said goodbye to you.

But apparently he didn't realize that behind that piece of paper was your number. You liked Natalie Scatorccio.

[succubaby]

Could I pretty please request jealousy HCs for the LA Noire boys?? You write them so well 💯💯💯

Jealousy

Summary: How do the L.A. Noire guys act when jealous?

Warnings: some nsfw, brief mentions of sexual assault but no details or descriptions

Author's Note: Thanks for sending in this request anon! I've been looking forward to writing more for this fandom because barely anyone writes LAN fanfic. My requests are open if anyone else has any ideas!

Cole Phelps

Cole is a 6/10 on the jealousy scale. He doesn't get jealous often, but when he does, it's a deal. He's not possessive in an "I own you" way, more of an "I hate when other guys look at you" way. He trusts and respects you enough to know that you're not going anywhere, but when he sees other men indecently staring at you, he gets really pissed.

The kind of man who will make a public display when he catches guys looking at you. He'll grab your waist and trail kisses down your neck while making direct eye contact with anyone gawking at you. If he notices you conversing with someone and you seem uncomfortable, Good Guy Phelps is there to save you. He'll grab your hand to let you know he's there and glare daggers at the scum who dares to make his beloved uncomfortable. In this situation, the offender usually gets the hint and excuses themselves from the conversation, but if they don't, Cole is prepared to go all out. He will deadass start making out with you in the middle of the jazz club while staring down the other guy, he gives zero fucks.

Now if the guy were to start making predatory comments, that's a whole other story. Cole can and will fight someone for speaking to you in such a way, and he has on several occasions. It's probably best for the both of you if you grab him by the arm and lead him to the exit. He believes in justice wholeheartedly and will play judge, jury, and executioner when he sees fit.

It gets worse the more physical the offense is. Someone tried to force themselves on you? He'll say he's "going for a walk" when really he's going to beat the shit out of that person, regardless of if he gets in trouble. You're his angel and he takes any harassment or violence toward you very personally.

I honestly see him as someone who would kill for you if the situation permitted it. He can get really lost in his anger, but the second you grab his face with your hands and make him look into your eyes he calms back down. As much as he wants to break that guy's nose, he'll stop if you ask him to. Give him the puppy dog eyes and he'll do anything you ask.

The second you get home, he's latching onto you like a dog in heat. Seeing other guys desire you makes him want to remind you that he's the only one that can make you feel as good as he does. He's your knight in shining armor, not some pig who dared to ogle you like you were a piece of meat. His grip is gentle yet firm, and he's not letting go of you any time soon.

On nights after he's been jealous, he's rougher than usual. Not enough to hurt you or anything, but he feels like he has something to prove, that he's better than any other guys out there. He's honestly more trying to prove it to himself rather than you, but either way, it makes for an eventful night.

He's def gonna eat you out until you cry from overstimulation, and then pound into you as if it were the last time he'd get the chance. Bro has a major breeding kink and it comes out even worse when he's jealous, all he wants is to make you full of him, of his child even though he already has two daughters. He won't do it without your permission though as consent is key. If you do say yes, get ready to be railed into oblivion for the rest of the night. He won't stop until he's too tired to continue, and then he will wrap you up in his arms and fall asleep with you on his chest.

Stefan Bekowsky

Stefan is a 2/10 on the jealousy scale. He really doesn't get jealous because he trusts you and knows that you'll never leave him. Every once in a while though, some idiot will push his buttons enough to make him mad. They'd have to be flirting with you or showing their interest in an obvious way for him to do something about it. He'll come up behind you and put his hands on your waist while smiling at the other man, but trust me, it's not a warm smile. Usually, they get the hint and leave you two alone.

Like I said before, he trusts you with his whole heart so even when he is jealous, it's not because he thinks you're going to leave him. He just hates to see men making you uncomfortable and that's when he steps in to make it clear that you're uninterested. If they try to grab you though, his "nice guy" demeanor goes out the window. He'll grab their hand with a vice grip and threaten them that should they try again, they'll be getting a fist to the jaw.

If they try to assault you in any way, he's getting dirty. Your honor means the world to him, and he'll beat as many men unconscious as it takes to defend it. He's not going to kill them, but he will make them regret ever laying a finger on you. Unlike Cole, he knows when to reel it in and when enough is enough, so you don't have to worry about him killing anyone unless he were to find out that someone succeeded in assaulting you. That's when he would go off the rails and punish that person in any way he sees fit.

Although he doesn't get jealous very often, he LOVES seeing your jealousy and what you do about it. Watching you get possessive of him turns him on like nothing other. Sometimes he lets women flirt with him just because he knows that it means you'll remind him who he belongs to later. His heart swells with pride when you step into any conversation to remind the other person that he's your man.

He'll flirt with women to rile you up as long as it doesn't actually bother you. He's extremely loyal and would never even think about cheating on you, but if you have past experiences with partners being unfaithful, he won't flirt with anyone or let them flirt with him. Yes, it's fun to watch you get jealous, but he loves you dearly and would never want to genuinely upset you.

But if you do let him flirt with others, oh boy, he's going to lay it on strong. He has no interest in these women and you know that, but he loves watching you get protective over him and claim him as your own. As soon as the two of you get home, you make sure to put him in his place. He'll gladly submit to you and prove that he's yours.

These are the nights when pegging comes into play (if you're into that). If you have a mommy kink, that'll come out too. You'll have him begging for more and promising that he'll be good in the future, even though you both know he loves when you get dominant. He just wants to feel loved and desired and he'll get what he wants if he's a good boy.

Roy Earle

Roy is a 10/10 on the jealousy scale. A man could breathe in your direction and he'll get pissy. It's not because he doesn't trust you, it's because deep down he worries that one day you'll leave him for a man who's more of an upstanding citizen. He knows he's attractive and treats you right, but he is a dirty cop and there's a certain level of risk that comes with being with him.

He definitely looks into things too much because you could be having a normal conversation with a man and he'll see it as flirting. When this happens he'll walk over to you and wrap his arms around your waist and glare at the other guy until he gets uncomfortable and walks away. It can be frustrating when the conversation was anything but flirty, but give Roy some reassurance that you're his and he'll ease up.

Now if the guy was actually flirting with you, that's when he'll get mad. He has no problem grabbing your arm and pulling you away from the perpetrator without even saying a word. If he's feeling extra feisty, he'll start sucking on your neck and running his hands up and down your waist to send the message that you're taken. If the guy doesn't get the hint he'll start getting aggressive and making comments like, "Keep eye fucking my woman and you won't live to see tomorrow." For both of your sakes, let's hope the other man gets the hint.

If someone tries to assault you, he's breaking their arm if not their whole face. He'll beat the guy until they're unconscious and will keep going if you don't stop him. If he later finds out that you were assaulted, he's going to kill the person who did it. You can try to talk him out of it, but he's not letting up. They defiled you, and that is a crime that cannot go unpunished in his mind. Since he's got some friends in sketchy places, he won't get caught, so you don't have to worry about him going to jail or anything. He'll make their death slow and painful, a warning to anyone who even thinks about putting their hands on you.

On nights after he's been jealous, he'll be extra rough in bed. He's already pretty rough as it is, but jealousy adds a whole other level to it. He'll spank you if he thinks you weren't clear enough in telling to the person that you're taken. His thrusts will be fast and deep, and he'll keep asking you who you belong to. Tell him you love him and only him and he'll go a little slower. All of this is just a front for his insecurity, so treat him gently and everything will be okay.

Jack Kelso

I'd say Jack is a 1/10 on the jealousy scale. He's confident in your relationship and knows that you're not going to leave him for someone else. He doesn't enjoy watching others fawn over you, but as long as you're okay with it, he's not going to intervene. That being said, if he notices you're uncomfortable he'll step in right away. One hand will grab yours and the other will sit on your waist as he kindly asks the guy to back off.

He takes a different approach than the other men in the sense that he's nice but firm until he feels the need to act otherwise. He'll remind the other person that you are in a relationship and not interested in their advances. He only gets aggressive when the guy gets pushy or refuses to leave. He'll gladly punch someone in the face for you, but he would only do it if he felt they crossed a line.

The only time he really gets jealous is when another man puts his hands on you. That's when the 'mr nice guy' act goes bye-bye. He'll grab their hand/arm firmly and remind them that you are his. Because of his time in the military, he knows how to win a fight pretty easily. One time the opposing man started swinging at him, but Jack got him in a headlock pretty quickly. He's not going to go overboard in beating up the guy, but he makes it known that he is your man and he won't tolerate that kind of behavior towards you.

If someone were to assault you, he would comfort you and let you know that he's there for you no matter what. He won't worry about going after the guy until he knows that you are okay. He's not a very vengeful person, but in this case, he's going to defend you by going after your assailant. He won't kill him, but he'll make it very clear to them that laying a hand on you was a mistake that would cost them everything should they try it again.

Like Stefan, he enjoys watching you get jealous over him. He's not going to flirt with other women to ignite that possessive flame, but he gets a kick out of watching you put women in their place when they make eyes at your man. His heart flutters when you hold on to him and claim him as yours. He's not very possessive because he respects you as an individual, but he feels loved when you tell others off for flirting with him.

Sex after jealousy is usually pretty soft and gentle. He reminds you that you are loved and will melt if you do the same for him. He kisses all over your body, giving extra attention to the places you don't like. He'll say "I love you" over and over until he's out of breath. You are the most precious thing in his life and he would rather die than let you forget it.

©️ succubaby, 2023

Please do not copy/repost

[kahluamystery97]

Satellite Part Three (HS X OC)

Harry punched the address to Maggie's house into his navigation system in the Range Rover.  He literally accomplished nothing today. Unless you counted stalking Maggie Dunne on the internet an accomplishment.

He was nervous. Harry didn't get too nervous with women. It felt natural to speak to them.  So used to their company between his Mum, his sister, his friends and his fans.  Maggie had him a little on edge though. She either didn't know who he was or barely knew him and he weirdly liked that. Maybe Maggie was on the internet today too. That made his stomach tight. 

Harry was so busy worrying about which Daily Mail headlines Maggie might have read about him that he passed her house. No one was behind him so he hit the brakes and reversed the little yellow sports car. He texted her, "Here." like she asked him to. 

A minute or so later the garage door opened. Maggie stood fresh faced, long blonde hair loose, short frayed denim cutoffs and a white button down shirt, cuffed and French tucked.  She stood against the wall and waved his car in. Harry worked on focusing on driving and not Maggie's tan legs that seemingly went on forever.

He parked and pulled a canvas tote from the passenger side as he stepped out. "Hello." He grinned. The deadly sexy dimples popping. 

"Hi." Maggie returned the smile. Then she couldn't think of a single thing to say. Not one. She wondered what his full pink lips tasted like though.

“I love this neighborhood. You are so tucked in here.” 

Right, yes. This is small talk. Please get with it Maggie, she scolded herself.  "It is. I love it here. Come on upstairs. I set us up on the deck."

"Wow. This view." He whistled.

"The house is only like 1700 square feet. I solely bought it for the deck and the views. Downtown obviously." Maggie pointed. She pointed up, "Hollywood sign. Then over that way, Griffith Observatory." She legitimately loved her house, her little piece of heaven and safety in L.A.

"Killer views. Nice size house for one person. I honestly have too much space."

"It discourages long term visitors. Works for me. I like my own space. Liza and Alex have big houses so they host the family." Maggie noticed the canvas bag. "Can I take that for you?"

"I brought some wine and some Gatorade.  Wasn't sure which you were up for."  He cocked his head looking for an answer.

Maggie took him in. He was wearing tan trousers, white vans, a ribbed white tank with a colorful short sleeve shirt unbuttoned over it all. His muscles rippled beneath the cotton. The black ink she saw in photos was just barely visible under the thin tank. His hair was perfectly tousled. Like he had the window open on the way over. A single curl sat on his forehead.  Her fingers tingled as she fought the urge to brush it back.

Maggie felt slightly crazy. I think I want to fuck this guy because he brought over gatorade. Am I that easy? Oh my God I am such a loser.   

"Wine it is." She made a decision. "So I realized I never asked you for your dietary restrictions.  I got sushi and salads. I was hoping it was a safe bet."

"Perfect. I really don't eat any meat besides fish and seafood." Harry shrugged. 

Maggie nodded. She hated talking about food, food allergies, diets, trainers. These topics consumed everyone she knew. They consumed Maggie too but she would never let another soul know that. Maggie knew her brand was big white, happy smile, carefree, body positive. The world knew she was nearly 300 lbs at 5'6 in high school and it actually almost destroyed her career. She had to take many bikini photos for magazine covers. Maggie learned to surf so the paparazzi could take pictures of her shredding the waves and then walking around with her toned, golden abs on display. No one wanted to know she had been hungry for more than a decade. No one wanted to know that the loose skin had been cut and pinned. A long painful recovery followed. No one wanted to know that she was watched by studios and producers and directors and costumers like a hawk. Like at any minute she would balloon up and ruin it all. Everyone around her just wanted her to smile and pretend a well balanced diet and lots of activity kept her so trim. Lies. Maggie mostly subsisted on coffee, black market diet pills aka light speed/amphetamines and exercise. Yoga, pilates, rowing, running, biking, hiking, weight training, hiit classes. Her church was Barry’s Bootcamp followed up by Barre classes.  

Maggie motioned to the bar cart. "I’m pretty sure it’s your turn to serve me a drink. I'll bring the food out."

"I'm on it." Harry busied himself opening the safe bottle of white he brought.  His ears perked up at the music. He hadn't noticed it before. What was this? He liked it. So she listened to music. Just not his music. Jesus Styles. Get over it, he chastised himself. This is not the time for your narcissism. 

Maggie reappeared with a tray that she placed on the long table. Harry put the wine down. Maggie took a seat next to the head of the table and pushed the seat next to her out with her foot. She put out plates, flatware and chopsticks. They helped themselves to some food and clinked their wine glasses.

"So do anything today?" Maggie asked. "It doesn't seem like you nursed a massive hangover."

"No hangover. I had some business to take care of. Nothing exciting. You?"

"Went for a run. Googled you.  Downloaded your album. Totally normal pre- hangout stalking." She admitted freely as a blush spread across her cheeks.

Harry laughed and raised his hand. "OK. Guilty. Same.." He appreciated her honesty.  They clinked glasses again this time to celebrate their awkward honesty. 

"I'm super embarrassed that I didn't recognize you lasst night. I do actually know who you are. You have different hair now. I’m also pretty certain we met at an SNL after party? And I really love your song.”

So she did know who he was. His stomach was flooded with warmness. He couldn't resist asking, " Which song?"

"Sign of the Times. First time I heard it I was in traffic and literally burst into tears. Which maybe isn't what you intended but it hit me here." She put her hand to heart. "And you should know I don't cry. I am just not a crier. Well, unless you pay me to cry on film."

"Wow so that’s a big compliment."

"You take pride in making ladies cry do you, Styles?" She noticed how quickly his lips turned down. Shit. She wasn't trying to be insulting. Quick change the subject. "So clearly you aren't from LA?"

"What gave it away?" He asked as he bit into a piece of sushi. "Grew up a few hours North of London.  I split my time now between here and there. You?"

"From New York. Upstate. A small suburban city. Mostly blue collar." She sipped her wine. “I do not split my time. I’m all in on LA.”

"And your sisters live here now too." He said, prompting her for more.

"So we totally googled each other and here we are still doing this part. Aren't we cute?" She smiled as she chewed her cucumber slowly. Always chewing everything at least one hundred times. 

"I think this is what normal people without a Wikipedia page do." He raised an eyebrow shoveling California roll into his mouth. 

Fuck it. She was going to expedite the getting to know you before I bed you portion of the evening.

"But we do have Wikipedia pages. Ok so I know you were in a singing competition.  You were in a wildly successful boy band for a few years. You are on hiatus?" She said unsure and searched his face.

"Oh do go on..." He wanted to hear more. Harry sat back with a big toothy grin and sipped his wine.

"Well the gossip is you date models exclusively. Seems like underwear models which you know good on you. Oh and of course your debut album was brilliant. That isn't gossip of course. I told you I downloaded it. I really liked it." She admitted.

"Really? Because generally only underwear models dig it." His eyes sparkled as he joked with her. "Speaking of music - what are we listening to? I like it but I'm unfamiliar. " Harry asked.

Maggie excitedly clapped her hands. "Houndmouth. I am obsessed with these guys lately. I find something I love and then I play the shit out of it."

"Guilty. Same here. Ok my turn. I know you and your two sisters have a production company. You seem to enjoy surfing, volleyball and just generally being in a swimsuit. Or at least that is what the paparazzi photos would have me believe.  Oh and maybe you are a nun or really good at that whole discreet thing? Not many pictures of you out with guys."

"You’re so on to me. I'm a nun. I have invited you here to see if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior." She said with a straight face and sipped her wine.

Harry nearly choked. "Now that would not even be close to the weirdest thing that has happened to me in LA." 

"Oh I believe it. Maybe we can trade horror stories later." Maggie looked down to the dishes around them. "Are you finished? I'll clear and we can have some more wine."

"Let me help."

Harry stacked some plates and followed her in the house. He was impressed.  It wasn't overly decorated.  It looked like a well curated collection of art and things Maggie loved.

As if reading his mind she said, "All the cool kids have decorators. I'm cheap so it is literally just me buying shit on the internet or on days off I'm scouring HomeGoods. It's home though and I love it."

"No, it’s great. Your art is interesting. " He laid the plates down on the counter and looked out the kitchen door at the walls.

"Nothing too crazy. I know very little about art except what I like. I have a friend who works in a gallery and he keeps me from getting taken."

"Wise. I'm a bit of a collector myself." A bit of a collector was probably an understatement. Harry loved art and spent a lot of time collecting to fill his London, LA and NYC homes. 

She quickly rinsed the dishes off and loaded them into the dishwasher. Seeing remnants of old food or meals made her anxious the next day. All remains of any meal or snack had to be tossed or stowed. Maggie didn’t keep fruit artfully stacked in bowls or glass canisters of painstakingly placed oreos or the like. If she didn’t have to see the food then she didn’t have to think of it. 

Maggie held up the wine bottle. "Split the last of it?" Harry nodded.

Maggie hauled herself up into a sitting position on the counter. She poured a little of the wine in her own glass. She shook the bottle in Harry's direction. He approached and she poured the cool liquid into his glass.

Harry didn't move away from her. They clinked glasses and never broke eye contact. The room was silent except for Houndmouth belting out 'Darlin'.

Maggie drained the wine from her glass and sat it down on the counter.  Harry watched her catch her bottom lip between her teeth. Her blue eyes narrowed in on him.

Harry's pulse quickened and his pants got tighter. Was it this easy? Wasn't this what he came here for?  A nice night in the company of a beautiful woman. He drank his wine and set his glass beside hers. Maggie put a long tan leg out and hooked it around his middle.  She sat up straight and Harry closed the small amount of distance between them. His hands moved to her waist and pulled her to the edge of the marble counter until she was pressed firmly against him.

Maggie leaned in and pushed her lips against his. The sweet of the white wine, the softness of her tongue taking over his mouth was intoxicating.  He pushed harder against her as she wrapped both legs around him. Her hands raked through the back of his hair. 

When the kiss broke Maggie pulled her head back a bit to look at his beautiful face. "Too forward?" She asked, biting her lip again.

"Not at all." Harry traced the corner of her mouth with his thumb.

"Let me give you the tour." She slid down from the marble now pressed fully against him. His six foot tall frame casting a shadow over her.. Maggie took his hand and led him out of the kitchen, back through the living room.

"My office," she pointed to a room. "2nd bathroom and this is," This was clearly Maggie's bedroom.

They stood at the doorway for a beat. Maggie dropped Harry's hand and began to unbutton her white shirt. She walked backwards toward the bed. 

Harry stood back a minute to watch her. The shirt dropped to the floor. A plain white cotton bra showcased her toned, tan body.  He dropped his shirt where he stood. Maggie was working on her shorts as Harry lost the tank and his belt. She pulled him closer and started to unbutton his pants while hungrily kissing him.  Harry grabbed a handful of magnificent ass that was peeking out from the cheeky white boy shorts.

Maggie ran her hands over every inch of his muscled back she could reach. She could feel Harry's hands travel up from her ass to roll over her back and finally worked on taking her bra off.  Maggie was particularly proud of her breasts.  They stood erect braless. Harry groaned when he saw that little bounce once they were free from the flimsy fabric.

When Maggie stood back from Harry to crawl onto the bed she got a better look at his body. The palm fronds she had seen in photos earlier were even more magnificent in person. She reached a hand out to trace one. A low groan escaped his lips.

From there it was a haze. Clothes on the floor. Warm bodies tangled together. Maggie found his facial hair was pleasantly soft against her thighs as his tongue delved into her. After he brought her to her first orgasm she had expertly wrapped him up in a condom. Harry hadn't been this turned on in ages and was scared he wouldn't make a good showing. He pressed into Maggie's wetness. Both of them sighing approval.

After their orgasms they lay quiet. Maggie spoke first. "I'm glad you came over."

Harry was smiling. "I'm glad you invited me after I was a bit of a desperate creep this morning."

"Quite a charming desperate creep though."  He laughed and kissed her bare shoulder. Her toe ran up his leg. "I'm going to use the ladies." He nodded.

When she returned she was in a white waffle robe and carrying a glass of water. She offered it to Harry as he sat up. He took a few sips and handed it back. Maggie took a long sip and pressed her lips together.

"Should I go?" He asked. He couldn’t quite read the room. 

 "Only if you want to. And if you want to I won't take offense. Honestly."

He believed it. She seemed cool. Maybe too cool. He liked her though. She was a bit of a mystery. Was mystery the right word? She intrigued him.

He settled in clearly not leaving. He reached an arm out. Maggie pulled the robe off and slid under the covers. Quickly she had a leg over him and pulled herself up and over him. Looking down she smiled, "I mean if you're staying we might as well."

When Harry woke up he was alone in Maggie's bed. He looked at his phone. It was just before 8am. They had been up past 2am talking and well not talking.

Harry noticed his clothes were neatly laid out on a chair in the corner. He pulled them on and then went to use the toilet.  Maggie had thoughtfully left a new toothbrush on her sink. 

  Once he finally emerged from her room he spotted Maggie out on the deck. She was on a rowing machine, her form perfect. Her skin glistened in the sun with the finest sheen of sweat. She was in a hot pink sports bra and black cropped sport leggings. 

Maggie heard the door open and slowed her pace so she could stop. "Good morning." She called.

"Morning. Did you even sleep?" Harry asked.

 "I did. Thought I would get a workout in. Let you rest."

"From my workout last night." He sighed as he stretched.

A smile danced on Maggie's lips. "Exactly.”

She got up off the rower and Harry leaned in to kiss her. He had clearly gotten the toothbrush because he was minty fresh. "Careful I'm a bit sweaty."

Harry looked her up and down unashamed. "Mmm, I like it."  His deep voice growled. He pulled her flush against him and kneaded his fingers into her supple backside. 

While Harry felt exhausted from the night before he also felt that familiar twinge in his pants at the sight of her.

Maggie felt the heat pool between her legs. However she knew she had a meeting in two hours she absolutely had to get ready for. Harry leaned in for another kiss. His tongue warmly licking into her mouth reminding her how it felt to have his mouth on her last night. 

She sighed disappointed with the clock running out on this rendezvous. "So this isn't me uninterested but I absolutely have to be at this meeting about a new film in like two hours. This is a big deal sorta thing, my dream project.”

"Oh hey no problem.  I get it."  And he did. Harry’s work was important to him. He had meetings to keep and a packed schedule. He was certainly not one to judge. He did hope it wasn’t just a tactic to get rid of him though. 

"I made coffee though and you shouldn't feel like you have to rush out or anything." Maggie said not wanting Harry to think she was forcing him out. 

"You’re excited for this meeting?" He could feel the energy she was giving off.

"Excited and nervous. I just know this project has amazing potential. " She admitted. 

Harry smiled. "I'm going to get out of your hair so you can do whatever it is you need to get done today. I had a really great time last night with you."  He pulled her in closer if that was possible. Their foreheads are now touching. His arms moved from her ass and now settled on her waist. 

"I really enjoyed last night too."  She breathed him in.

"Good luck today." He kissed her nose.

"OK now you have to leave because I feel compelled to take all of my clothes off and cancel on my sisters." She said willing herself to be a sane woman.

Harry broke their embrace. He made his way over to the stairs to the garage. "We can’t have that now. Goodbye Maggie." He laughed.

"Goodbye Harry." Maggie exhaled a deep breath watching both his curls and fine ass bounce down the stairs.

Maggie was unsure she would see him again but she was sure the memory of last night could get her through whatever droughts may come.

“Look at this smug bastard. What is up with you today?” Ben Winston asked Harry as he piled a mixed green salad on his plate. 

Before Harry could answer Jeff cut him off. “Date with Maggie Dunne last night.” 

“Ooooohhhh Maggie Dunne. You stud.” James Corden laughed loudly. “Not gonna share the horny details with your old married mates?”

Harry was having lunch over at CBS Studios in the offices for The Late Late Show. Ben Winston and James Corden being two of his best friends.

“It wasn’t really a date. We hung out. She’s cool.”

“Oh he is really tight lipped. Totally shagged her.” Ben cocked his eyebrow in Harry’s direction.

“Imagine if I went around asking about your sex life?” Harry sighed and sipped at this black iced coffee. 

“Oh fuck off will you mate. Just giving you a bit of a hard time. Maggie is lovely. Also, can you get her to do the show? She has some crazy hard on for Conan. He isn’t even on network tv.”James complained. 

“Call her agent or hire a hitman to take care of Conan. I dunno. No help from me though.” 

Jeff snorted. “Well now that is all sorted. Are you going to see her again?”

Harry sat back thoughtfully. He ran his fingers through his curls and then shrugged. “So we didn’t really establish if we had planned on seeing each other again.” 

“How did you leave things?” Ben asked. 

 “I mean on a good note. We kissed. I said goodbye.” Harry revealed a little more than he wanted. At that moment his phone pinged with a text. 

“I bet that is her now. Couldn’t get enough of Young Harold over here.” Corden nudged his arm. 

Harry looked at the text and put the phone back on the conference table. 

“Bad news?” Jeff asked. 

“No. Just Collette.”  

“Sort of feels like bad news.” Jeff groaned dramatically. “I thought you were done with that.”

“We’re friends.”

Ben chimed in. “Seems like a bad idea. It has been hard enough for you to move on. Keeping in touch, texting that seems like it is only going to make it harder.”

“Exactly what I’ve been saying.” Jeff offered. “Harry thinks he has to stay ‘friends’ with every girl he ever dated or shagged. Why isn’t your therapist addressing that?”

Harry threw a balled up napkin at Jeff and flipped him off. He knew his friends weren’t wrong. He just didn’t know how to give up his friendship, his ties to her. “Ok you old married sages. What do I do then?”

Corden stood up and slapped his hands down on the table. “You need me to tell you to nut the fuck up and call Maggie?”

"That was really fucking promising." Liza said, throwing her purse into her Infiniti QX80. She was a tall commanding woman. She decided her car should be the same.

'I don't want to jinx it but I think they loved the project." Alex sighed relieved. She leaned her back against Liza's beast of an SUV.

"I mean if we can get this movie made I can die happy." Maggie said and tossed her own purse into her Mercedes convertible.  This film was her baby. Making a movie about an iconic plastic doll seemed like a hard sell and an easy sell. However, getting the right team in place, a good script and now financing had not been easy. 

"Let's not die for it yet." Liza laughed. "Yet."

"I vote we blow off the rest of the day, drink margs and gorge on Mexican." Alex volunteered. It was very un-Alex like of her.

"Are you feeling okay?" Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow surprised at her sister. The mom of two never suggested getting wild or blowing off the day. If she wasn’t working she was home with her husband and kids. 

Liza chimed in, "Pod people got her. I knew it."

“Oh you two are just hysterical. Real comedians.” Alex proceeded to flip them off. “ I just don't feel like working or being a mom just now. I would like to be irresponsible at," Alex looked down at her Rolex, "at 1pm."

"Wait for it because it isn't pod people, it’s Freaky Friday. I'm the tired one." Maggie covered her mouth as a yawn escaped.

Her sister's both looked at her. Alex said,  "Probably because you are up at the ass crack of dawn working out. Let me guess running?"

"Rowing." Maggie shrugged.  "Also, I was sort of up all night fucking that guy I met at that party."

Liza's eyes shot up. "Which guy? The bartender?"

"What party?" Alex asked.

"That shitty party at Martin Graves house that Liza dragged me to. I was bored out of my mind so I decided to drink five whiskeys apparently."

“You took her to a Martin Graves party? Alex gave Liza an accusatory look. “You have heard what happens to pretty young things there?”

“Al nothing like that happened. I was okay. I agreed to go. Making a move for some last minute funding in case this didn’t pan out.” 

Liza narrowed her eyes at Alex. “I would never let anything happen to her.”

Alex reached out and touched Liza’s arm. “I know that, I do, I’m sorry.” 

Liza gave her a smile accepting her apology. 

"Ok so moving on. You met a hot bartender? Oh Margaret we need all the dirty deets. See, let's go have drinks and you can tell me everything." Alex pleaded.

"He's not a bartender. Dirty deets? Seriously, who are you?" Maggie asked with a shake of her head.

"El Coyote. We are going - now.  I'm driving over with Maggie. Sail the yacht over by yourself." Alex mocked Liza's SUV.

Liza rolled her eyes. " Jesus Christ Al."

Maggie and Alex got into the convertible and drove out of the parking garage. 

"Why does it kill Liza to be fun now? Remember fun? " Alex sighed.

"Al are you having some weird mid-life crisis?" Maggie asked as she turned right.

"Perhaps. Just feeling like an old woman. Maybe I'm a little jealous you’re picking up hot bartenders or not bartenders and having late nights. If my night is late it is because one of the kids won't sleep. I love my life but some days I want to be young and carefree again. I want to have sex without having to plan it like a mission to Mars."

Maggie reached over and squeezed her sister's hand. "Get Perry to take you out or better yet take you away. Me and Liza got the girls you know that."

Alex smiled. "I know. You guy -"

The phone ringing through the Bluetooth cut her off and startled them both. The screen flashed 'H - Hills Party'. Maggie put her fingers to her lips to shush Alex.

She may have been giddy but Maggie cooly answered, "Hello."

"So..." Harry asked.

"So?" Maggie asked.

"You were quite excited about your very important meeting today.  So how did it go? "

"Good, really good." She said enthusiastically. "I'm not saying another word though because I'm a bit superstitious."

"Would you like to celebrate or is that bad luck?" He asked.

Alex was staring hard at her. She started nodding her head and giving her a thumbs up.

"Actually I'm headed out with my sisters to El Coyote."

"No shit?" He asked. "I'm over at the CBS Studios. Maybe I could meet you afterwards?" CBS was conveniently right around the corner from the famed Mexican restaurant. 

Maggie was afraid Alex was going to sprain her neck. She was nodding so hard.

"Sure. I'll text you." Maggie offered. Alex silently cheered and then began to make some crude gestures. Maggie nearly burst into laughter watching her grown ass sister act like a twelve year old boy. 

"I'll be here." He said. 

Maggie disconnected the call before finally giving into the hysterics she was holding in.

"What the fuck?" Alex screeched laughing now too. "I don't care what he looks like. I nearly just nearly made a mess of my pants - that voice. Tell me you have a photo of him? But don't show me if he isn't good looking. In my mind he is amazing.”

Maggie was laughing so hard now. "Oh my God girl you are a disaster. He is very hot actually."

“So wait. Sexy British accent. He is hot. No way you had a fucking orgasm? God doesn’t give with both hands Mags.”

“Try three orgasms.” She looked over the top of her sunglasses at Alex who had her mouth wide open in shock. 

“Three? I’m not even sure that is physically possible . Three?”

“Three. Do you think I’m making it up?”

“Course not. Fuck me. I think I need a cigarette.”

“You gave up smoking in the nineties.” 

“Yeah well if I had three orgasms in one night I would pick it back up quick. Three. My mind is blown.”

“Mine too.”

Before they could go on she pulled the car into the parking lot and got her valet ticket. Liza was directly behind them.

The three walked into the storied Mexican restaurant.  The Dunne sisters were a stunning trio. Maggie the youngest was also the shortest. All three had piercing blue eyes. Liza, the oldest, had long dark hair, plush eyelashes and high cheekbones. Alex, the middle child was as tall as Liza, full figured, long legs. Blonde and blue eyed like Maggie.

“Booth in the back?" The hostess asked them. They were regulars here. 

"If you have one." Maggie smiled brightly.

"Of course. Follow me.”

Once the sisters were settled and margaritas ordered Alex piped up. "Maggie is meeting the guy from last night after this. He is some sort of British sex wizard.” 

Liza looked up from her phone distracted. "The bartender is a wizard? Only in LA.”

"Oh my God he isn't a bartender. I swear I have said that multiple times. Are you deaf or senile?”

Liza shot her a look. "Maybe a little bit of both. Or maybe I don't care who you bang as long as you don't end up all over social media and gossip rags because he can't keep his mouth shut."

"He's a singer. He’s very well known and he doesn't want to be all over the tabloids either. "

"A singer?" Alex asked. "That makes so much sense. That voice. Wait, what’s his name? I have to Google him."

"What are you going on about?" Liza asked.

"He called while I was in the car with Mags. Super sexy British voice. Maggie had THREE orgasms last night!" Alex announced a bit too loudly.

Maggie flushed bright red as she looked around. “Louder so the staff in the kitchen can hear it. This is totally going to be on Deuxmoi. Anon pls  Maggie Dunne had three orgasms with a wizard.”

Alex rolled her eyes and waved her hands, “Oh get over yourself.”

"I know I met this person but I literally have no memory of him." Liza shrugged. “Seriously, three?”

Maggie nodded. Liza smiled and looked down at the menu. 

"Ok, give me his name." Alex was poised to type into her phone. Maggie took a beat longer than what Alex was expecting. "What is his name Maggie?!" She yelped even more loudly than before. Some patrons nearby looked over.

The waitress appeared with their margaritas at that moment. "Can I get her a second one right away? Sorry it is sort of a margarita emergency.” Maggie flashed the pearly whites at the waitress and nodded toward Alex.

"Sure. I'll be right back."

“What constitutes a margarita emergency?” Liza asked sipping at her drink and trying not to spill.

Maggie only raised her eyebrows and gestured at Alex as if to say, “This. Her.”

"Sorry I'm really excitable today." Alex said flushed.

"No bullshit here - kid are you okay? Need an edible?” Liza asked as she motioned toward her gigantic Prada bag which always had an edible or ten in it. 

"I have no clue what is going on with me. Sorry. Mags diagnosed me with a mid-life crisis earlier."

"Her initials are MD, not her profession." Liza offered with a smile as she sipped the frozen concoction. 

"She's not wrong. I haven't even played a doctor yet." They all laughed.

The waitress brought another margarita for Alex and took their order. Unsurprisingly they all ordered the chicken fajita plate. Maggie could pick at the chicken and veggies and not get asked too many questions about what she was and was not eating. 

"OK so I'm going to ask you one more time, calmly. What is his name?" Alex gulped the last of her first margarita.

Maggie lowered her voice and moved in closer,  "Harry Styles."

"God that sounds familiar. Isn't he in a boy band? How old is this kid? We don’t need that sort of press" Liza asked as she tapped away at an email on her phone. 

"He was. He’s a fully grown adult." Maggie said, sipping her margarita. 

Alex had her head down scrolling through her iPhone. "Oh he sure grew up. Yum that mouth.”

Maggie looked over with flushed cheeks. “Yeah that mouth.”

“Full service?” Alex questioned. 

“Mmm hmmm.”

Alex offered the phone to Liza. She shrugged. “Oh that guy.”

They rolled their eyes at Liza. "So do you like him?" Al asked.

"He's really nice, seems down to earth but I don't really know him. Didn't know if we'd talk again after he left this morning."

Liza looked Maggie in the eye. "So now he's called you. Are you interested?"

"You guys know I don't have a lot of time in my life for that. Casual has always worked better for me. I’m not in the market for a relationship."

Alex was deep into that second margarita. "Can't be casual forever Margaret. Eventually you need your teammate. You deserve some happiness."

"I have my teammates and you both make me mostly happy. Except you with the judgy eyes." Maggie smiled at Liza. 

"You know what she's saying though." Liza ignored the rib and doubled down on what Alex was expressing. 

"I do. I don't feel lonely and I'm not planning on living a life of solitude or anything.  I just happen to like my life right now." 

Maggie wasn't lying. She did like her life. She answered to no one. She felt safe behind her walls. She felt like she couldn't be hurt or exploited. Feeling safe was everything to her after some of the dark shit that happened in her past. She understood why her sisters might want her to couple up. Liza and Alex married two of the best men ever created. Maggie was so lucky to have them as her brothers. Along with the girls they took such good care of her. 

"I like all of our lives right now. Look at us. We have come a long fucking way." Alex laughed hard. She was definitely on her way to drunk.  "Can we get three more of these?"  She pointed to the empty glasses. 

Liza motioned for two not three. The waitress nodded. 

"He dated Taylor Swift." Alex said seriously looking up from her phone.  "Oh no." 

"Which album? What did he do?" Liza asked seriously.  

Maggie said. "1989. Style. Wildest Dreams.”

Liza and Alex looked at each other. "Okay 1989 isn't that bad." Alex said. "I mean it could be worse. Though there is always Clean and Out of the Woods. He is a bad driver! Be careful.” 

"At least it’s not Dear John. Remember the time I 'accidentally' spilled red wine on John Mayer. That piece of shit." Liza spat angrily. 

"How could I forget?" Maggie cringed remembering John Mayer pulling out all his best lines and Liza dousing him in red wine and pulling Maggie away to a ‘very important call at 11pm’.

"Fine but if you go near John Mayer I will have you put down." Liza said. 

Maggie held her palms up. "I am fairly certain he wouldn’t let any of the Dunne’s within a ten mile radius of him after that.”

When the last fajita was eaten Alex looked up and announced. "I'm totally shitfaced. It is 3 in the afternoon and I'm shitfaced." Then she began to laugh and laid down in the round booth. 

Liza and Maggie exchanged a look, their eyebrows high on their foreheads. "Holy shit." Liza mouthed. 

Maggie was definitely not going to be driving but she wasn't drunk. She should probably let Harry know she was just going to let Liza take her home. When she made that announcement at the table Alex began laughing again even harder.

"What’s so funny?" Liza asked, pulling her upright.  “Get it together woman.”

Alex put Maggie’s phone down in front of her.  "I texted him. He’s on his way over to pick you up." 

Maggie looked stricken. "You texted who? What? Harry? What? What did you say? What did you do?" She opened her phone quickly.

'Had a three margarita lunch. Now is probably a good time for you to pick me up.' 

Harry responded, 'On my way now.' 

"I am going to murder you." Maggie said through gritted teeth. This only made Alex laugh harder with a snort. 

Liza looked around to make sure no one was listening. "Christ the two of you. I know you were joking about Deuxmoi earlier but I am definitely going to get a call on Sunday.” 

A few minutes later all three of them looked up to see Harry walking toward them. He was in a plain white t-shirt which displayed all his black ink and rippling muscles. Jeans and black Vans to round his look out.  His sunglasses were perched on top of his head keeping his unruly curls back. He smiled a perfectly white, dimpled smile. 

Alex took a sharp breath. Maggie took a sip of water. All the blood in her body rushed directly between her legs. She slid out of the booth.  "Hi. I didn't expect you to come all the way in." 

"Felt sort of rude sitting in the parking lot and texting." He smiled and then looked over to her sisters.  

Alex drunkenly struggled to navigate her way out of the circular booth. Harry offered her his hand. She smiled up, dazed and took it. "I'm Harry," He introduced himself as he helped her up. 

"I'm married." Alex said with a hiccup. "To Perry. He is very tall. Even taller than you." She looked Harry up and down a few times. "Harry rhymes with Perry." Another hiccup. 

Harry looked puzzled but smiled wider. Maggie was flushed red and worried her armpits might start sweating anytime now. 

Liza stepped in. "This is Alex. She doesn't normally consume four margaritas midday so if you'll excuse her. I'm Liza." She offered Harry her hand.  They shook. Liza then looked him up and down with immediate disapproval just as she had done the first time they met.

Harry felt her dislike for him. Liza wasn't subtle. He was so used to charming people right away. Liza made him uncomfortable and awkward. That people pleaser in him wanted to win her over. 

"Nice to meet you both. Can I offer you ladies a ride?" 

Alex got a big grin on her face. Maggie gave her a death stare. She knew there was definitely a sex joke about to fly out of her sister's mouth. Alex clamped her lips together. 

"I'm the sober sister. Since this one is married to Perry I think I'll take her. I guess you take that blonde one." Liza offered.

"Only seems appropriate." Harry said. 

Liza led them out. Alex swayed unsure on her Manolos. Harry offered his arm to her. She wrapped her hand around his bicep. Maggie trailed them. 

"I mentioned I'm married to Perry, right?" She asked him. 

"You did mention that. Perry is a very lucky man."  He said amused by Alex's drunk antics. 

"Oh good. He would want me to remember that. And I'm a mom. And I don't really drink. And I'm old." 

"Old? No way." He said. 

"I mean I'm Hollywood old. I'm 39. Tell him Maggie." Alex turned around to her sister. 

"Yes you are Hollywood old. When I'm 39 I'll be playing George Clooney’s mother." Maggie repeated a line she had said many times before. 

"Well I'm not from Hollywood. In the real world you are young. Old people aren't this beautiful day drunk on margaritas." He smiled over at Al as they walked down the few steps and out into the parking lot. 

"I like you even if you aren't a bartender and are likely a terrible driver. Please be careful with my baby sister." Al slurred.  Harry was totally confused. He just continued to smile. 

The valet saw Liza and ran for her SUV. Liza spoke to the other valet about leaving Maggie's car. Liza told Maggie she would make sure the car got to her house. 

"This is me." Harry motioned to the black Range Rover near the front door. "It was so nice to meet you. Both of you." 

"We should do this again sometime." Alex said. "This was so fun. You are fun Harry." Alex gave him a hug. He was laughing now and hugging her back. “Remember what I said about driving safely.”

Liza's SUV pulled up. "Get in the car Drunkerella." Liza said to Alex. 

"Bye Bubs. I love you. Drink lots of water ok." Maggie hugged Alex and kissed her cheek.

"Aww I love you my baby. My first baby." Alex kissed her forehead and pulled her in close looking weepy. "Do you know when you were little  -" 

"Fucking hell Al get in the goddamn car before you start crying." Liza yelled from the driver's seat. Maggie helped Alex in. 

"You aren't the boss of me, Liza.  I'm not scared of you. I'll kick your ass." 

"Goodbye you two. Have a pleasant drive all that way together. Sad I'm going to miss it." Maggie laughed as she shut the door. 

Now both Maggie and Alex turned to flip her off.  Then they were pulling out onto Beverly.  

Harry had tears in his eyes from laughing.  "What the hell was that? Your sisters are fantastic. What does she know about my driving? Did she talk to my mother?”

Maggie lightly shoved his arm. He led her to his SUV and opened the passenger door. Harry waved a thank you to the valets and then got in the driver's side. 

"So Maggie Dunne, what do you feel like doing?" He asked as he pulled out of the lot. 

"Well Harry Styles I have eaten. I have had margaritas. Not sure there is anything better than that." 

"More margaritas?" 

"And just like that you figured it all out." She smiled over to him. 

"A frozen Casamigos margarita by the pool?"  Harry raised an eyebrow. 

"Yes please." 

"Is my place okay?" Maggie nodded her approval. "So your sisters are hysterical.  Oh my God I might love Alex." 

"Everyone loves Alex. She's the mom. She's not whoever that lady was. I mean not normally. She is going to be mortified tomorrow but I'm glad she had fun today. You have a sister, right? What’s she like?" 

"Really smart. She's sarcastic. Reminds me a lot of Alex when she has had too much to drink. Whiskey not tequila. Like your sisters, she's my best friend." 

"Teller of truths? An ass kicker? And she is in England?" 

"Yes, exactly.  She does live in London. She comes quite a bit to visit me here which is nice. I mean I have to annoy her into it but she gives in." 

"It is nice to have that. You know I moved here alone. Broke. I had this dream that I would be on my favorite soap opera. Maybe go to college. I got my role on the soap and then a few months later I got a part in a Scorcese movie. Once my dreams started to become a reality it was hard to enjoy it without them. So they gave up their lives at home and moved here. All six of us lived in my little house." 

"No way! Your house you live in now?" 

"Yup. It was crazy but still some of my happiest memories were made together there." 

Maggie looked around. "You live near the Strip?" They were on Sunset. 

"Above." Harry pointed up. 

She smiled "Have to be close to the excitement?" 

"I did when I bought it. Now it feels a little silly." He said as he pulled at his bottom lip. 

Maggie pressed her thighs together feeling aroused just by that simple move. He was effortlessly sexy. 

The Range Rover climbed the hills. Harry hit the clicker and a large gate opened. A white three story house with massive windows and glass railed terraces stood before them. He parked just outside of the garage. 

They let themselves out of the car. Harry looked Maggie up and down for what was probably the millionth time in the thirty minutes since he had picked her up. She was in a white lightweight tweed Chanel dress with drop waist and black ribbon trim, black tights and black patent heels. The dress had a Chanel signature brooch pinned over Maggie's heart. Her blonde hair was loose and her lips painted perfectly red. 

He closed the distance between them. "You look really beautiful today." Harry said. 

A small smile danced on Maggie's lips. Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into him. 

"Thank you. This is my ladylike business meeting look. Hoped I could seal the deal in it." 

Now it was Harry's turn to smile. "Oh you've sealed the deal Miss Dunne." 

She rolled her eyes. "Lame Styles, real lame." They laughed. 

Harry took Maggie's hand and led her into the house. She looked around at all the dark furniture and tall ceilings. This was an LA bachelor pad for sure. There was seemingly nothing personal on the walls or surrounding shelves. 

"I feel you judging me. I was 20 when I bought this place." He said a little self-consciously. "And I know it isn’t homey and warm like your place. I just don’t spend enough time here for that.”

"I'm not judging you. Stop being such a weirdo." She laughed. 

"How about I make us those drinks? Then we can go out by the pool?" 

"I'm in." Maggie followed Harry to the kitchen. 

Harry fussed around making drinks in an oversized frozen margarita maker. Maggie stepped out of her heels. She laid her Chanel bag on the stool of the kitchen island.  

"Salted rim?" He asked, looking over as she shimmied out of her black tights. 

Maggie sighed relief as she was freed. "Yes please. Sorry I have been dying to take those off." 

"Get comfortable. No worries." Harry salted both glasses and poured the drinks. 

Maggie slipped her dress off and put it on the back of the chair. She stood clad in her white boy shorts and matching bra. "I mean I can't wear tweed by the pool." She shrugged accepting the drink. 

Harry swallowed hard. Then he pulled his t-shirt off and then quickly shucked off his jeans. Now he stood in his black boxer briefs. His palms itched with want to touch her.  Maggie let her eyes wander freely. 

"You lead the way."  Her tongue slowly licked a spot of the salt and then sipped the cold margarita. His memory of her tongue on him last night still fresh. His pulse quickened. 

He turned and pushed the large wall of glass doors open. 

They made themselves comfortable on a double wide chaise. Maggie leaned back facing the pool. Harry faced her with his legs crossed in front of him pretzel style.

'What sort of torture devices were you wearing?" He asked, looking at the red angry creases in her feet. 

She smiled looking down.  "Very expensive ones. They're ok."  Harry pulled her foot into his lap and began to gently massage. Maggie's eyes fluttered and she bit down on her bottom lip. 

"Better?" He asked. 

"Are you bad at anything?" 

He thought. 'So many things.’ Instead he laughed and kissed the pad of her foot. Then he started on the second foot. 

Maggie slowly sipped the margarita and watched Harry. Her body was on fire. Normally she wouldn't see someone twice and even so never two days in a row. 

Once Harry kissed the second foot she put her drink down. Then rolled off the chaise and onto her feet. His eyes followed her as she walked to the pool and gracefully dove in. 

He took that as his cue to follow her. Harry was not quite as graceful but he launched his long body in.  Making a splash he heard Maggie laugh. It was a lovely sound.  Before he had blinked all the water from his eyes he felt her legs wrap around his middle. 

Maggie pressed her lips to his. He parted them to allow her tongue entry. He had wanted to kiss her from the moment he picked her up today.  He wrapped an arm around her waist and gently pulled her in by the back of her neck. She smiled against his lips. 

Looking down at her now sheer bra and seeing her pink nipples stand at attention made him instantly hard.  Maggie pushed his wet hair back. Her hands slipped down and laid loosely around his neck. 

"Thank you for coming to pick me up." 

"Well thank you for coming over. If I'm honest I was nervous to call. We didn't really establish any ground rules this morning." 

"Ground rules? I think you should know I'm not incredibly fond of rules. I like organization and order. Rules not so much."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Oh a bad girl, a rule breaker." He let his hands run down her back and squeeze her perfect ass. 

Maggie let out a surprised squeal. "I'm not sure I'm quite a badass. Just not a fan of rules. What sort of ground rules are we talking about?" 

"I guess I just meant when I left this morning we didn't establish if that was a one time thing,  if I should call you or you should call me." 

"Yeah that. This morning I was so focused on the meeting I was going to. I'm happy you called.  I had fun last night." She smiled as she tangled her fingers in the back of his hair. 

"You are very easy to have fun with." 

"So are you. So let's not overthink it."  Maggie leaned back into the water to get her hair wet. Harry quietly groaned at the sight of her nipples straining against the sheer white bra. "How about one ground rule?"  

"I'm listening." 

"We can call or text whenever we want but no pressure. Busy? Not feeling it? No problems. Keep it casual." 

"You have yourself a deal. Should we shake on it?" 

Maggie shook her head. "I don't want to shake your hand. I want you to take me inside and fuck me." She said boldly in his ear thanks to tequila. 

Harry moved swiftly with Maggie still around him to get to the pool stairs. He kissed her one last time before they untangled themselves. Maggie took the hand he offered her as they rushed toward the house. 

More than three orgasms later Harry was letting his hands freely roam Maggie’s body in his post-coital bliss. 

“What happened here? Appendix?” Harry asked. He let his finger linger over a small white scar on her lower pelvis as he kissed her shoulder.  He was propped up on his elbow, legs tangled with hers. Maggie gave him a small smile. 

“Uh no. I had a tummy tuck and up here if you look close enough you can see where my arms were done. After I lost all of that weight I just had too much loose skin. Needed a little surgical help.” She shrugged it off.

“I’m sorry that was rude of me. I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t know.” He stuttered, turning a bit red with embarrassment. 

“It’s ok. You didn’t know I was fat or I had cosmetic surgery? Everyone knows I used to be fat. You are a shit google searcher if you completely missed my fat pictures. I mean no matter how many photos are taken of you and your abs in your bikini people will always put them side by side with your fat photos.” 

Maggie reached for the sheets and pulled them up a bit self conscious. Harry pulled her in closer by the waist. He leaned in and kissed her mouth as he gently pulled the sheet back. 

“Don’t do that. I’m sorry I didn’t know. I’m not trying to embarass or hurt you.”

“Honestly it’s who I am. It’s part of my story.  I just thought you knew.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” Harry asked unsure if he should drop the topic or not. 

“Not much to talk about. I used to be fat and now I’m not. It isn’t that deep.” Lies. Liar. It’s deep. Really fucking deep. You are never getting close enough for that buddy. 

He nodded sensing he should leave this alone for now. “Would you object to a shower together and a snack?”

Maggie leaned up and captured his lips between hers. She cocked an eyebrow when she asked, “What sort of snack are we talking about?”

Harry’s tongue trailed down her body until it reached the scar. He marked her there and then soothed it with his tongue. He made his short descent down between her thighs. “Well I actually know what I want first.” 

[a-heart-like-a-sparrow]

September 2nd, 2024 - Favourites

+ ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . +

I had a sad day. But instead of doing the same old entry about that, I decided to do something different.

Yesterday I checked my drafts and noticed that I never finished my top 5 things.

So... here it is. My favourite things. Because why not.

Singers/Vocalists

Hope Sandoval. Ex-vocalist of Mazzy Star and current one for Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions. I really cannot explain why I love this woman so much. I listen to her music all day, every day, and I never get tired of it. I'm completely in love with her voice, her harmonica, and her whole vibe. She's just so AAAAAAHHHHH.

Victoria Legrand. Vocalist of Beach House. I hate a thing for very emotional singers/bands. Sometimes she sings like she's on the verge of tears, and UGH I love it. I feel her. Oh God. And she's so beautiful, to??? Now everytime I see a redhead with wavy hair I think it's her.

Björk. I don't wanna hear anyone say a single negative thing about this woman's work (Kate Bush reference?). She's a genius. Like, I totally get it. Yes, queen. Totally. I don't know, I just think she's very creative.

MARINA. Formerly known as Marina and The Diamonds. She was my favourite singer for a long time. I still love her songs, but now it's mostly emotional attachment. She's like my second mother, she gets me.

Gustavo Cerati. Ex-vocalist of Soda Stereo (RIP). I love blasting his discography when I go on car rides with my mother. I mostly listen to him there, not a lot during my daily life. He's still really cool.

Tumblr blogs

Most of these are just aesthetic blogs. That's what I mostly see and search for on Tumblr. Aesthetically pleasing displays of images.

whimsigothic

cheezitofthevalley (this one is actually for blog and web resources)

ultraviolencesaints

carm3n-carm3n

stainedglassjam

Honourable mention: Yours! Even though you don't post anything. I like its existence.

Food

YOU shut up about my pasta with meat sauce. SHHHHH. Zip it.

Rice. Specifically my beloved simplified risotto. I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with that meal, I could eat it every day if that wasn't so bad for my body.

Noodles. Usually with cream and tuna (I swear it's delicious). Or I could use garlic and parsley. Or just some piece of beef. I don't care, it's pasta, and I love it.

Cheese. It elevates ANY meal. Seriously. It has to be the best invention in the world. So what if I get health problems because I eat too much cheese? It'd be worth it.

Tomatoes. I worship tomatoes. The best fruit in the world. You probably don't wanna see me eating one when I crave it.

Beef. My favourite type of meat. The others are fine, but there's just something about cows. I love it. And if there's no beef, pork is okay, too.

Imagine a combination of all those... Dream meal.

Since when are someone's favourite foods completely healthy?

School subjects

Philosophy. It completely drains my brain in under an hour. But when I finally understand everything, I feel some kind of epiphany. Pure euphoria. Also, I somehow do really well in it. And I love my teacher!

History. I like reading about the stupid mistakes that old men made in yhe past centuries to fill the void in their souls with money, power, and glory 😍 (Lana Del Rey reference).

Literature. I hate those activities we do after reading a story or a novel, but the reading itself is very nice. I don't understand why most or even all of my classmates hate it.

Math. I don't know why. I like solving exercises sometimes. Only when I understand it. If not, it's absolute torture.

Physics. The same reason as in Math, but this one is a bit worse. I don't know how to explain it.

Instagram accounts

sotce. Including her other accounts sweetrelease08, and flower808080808. I don't understand a single thing of what she posts, and at the same time I fully get it. I feel seen. I don't know how to explain it. I don't even remember how I found her lol

ihatekatebush. They're just so cool. They're the reason why I downloaded Substack and I gotta thank them for that. Love ya, beautiful soul. I know you won't read this ever.

takatoy999. My actual favourite artist. Completely in love with his work. It's perfect.

mako_vice. One of my favourite artists. MAYBE my own drawings are a bit inspired by theirs. I just wish I could afford their merch.

odilepauline. What a woman, oh my god. She's beautiful, interesting, simply perfect. I uses to be more active in the comments but then I got shy lol

Honourable mention: Girlbloggers. Specifically:

atelierlaurenjane

brokenlipstickgirl

clownluvrr

girlblogger2008

luckydaygirl

pinkmotel444

unbalancedfemme

I'm not ashamed to say that I fucking love these girls.

Two quick ones now.

Decades

90s

2000s

80s

60s

70s

Nail combos

Just straight up black. A classic.

Aqua and red (middle and ring fingers). Yeah, that's exactly why.

Green and black (middle finger and thumb). So brat. So Julia.

Black and light blue (with blue sparkles). For some reason it's really "Among My Swan" by Mazzy Star.

Black with blue and hot pink. TV Girl reference.

I'm not talking about my favourite albums because I wouldn't finish this ever.

AND THAT'S IT. It took me longer than I expected. But I had fun anyway.

Now I'm gonna do my Religion homework at the last minute. Just like I said yesterday lol

Rest well.

+ ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . +

[whiteskullofroses]

THE EYES OF A HUNTER

Wrong Turn brothers x reader (based on Wrong Turn 6: Last resort)

Imagine you're a childhood friend of Jackson's, when visiting him to catch up on life, you coincidentally meet the 3 brothers. Things quickly escalate to much more than a simple "situationship".

Warnings: Slight Nsfw (nothing crazy tho🤭), blood, all of that cannibalistic stuff, swearing.

~.......~

"Y/N, right? I'm so pleased to finally meet you!" The hot blonde greeted you with a wide smile. The white dress she wore complimented her figure well, that was the first thing you noticed about her when walking from your car to the infamous Resort.

"Well thank you, Sally?" Tilting your head when saying her name, just incase you were wrong about who she was. Your doubts were quickly gone when Jackson walked up to you two: "Sally, I see you've already met my friend here." Smiling he added: "Y/N, welcome to Hobb Springs."

"It's quite a nice place you've got." Complicating the resort as you looked around, noticing the beautifully made furniture along some renaissance paintings hanging on the walls.

Jackson handed you the key to your room: "Heh yeah, it's quite an old one too. Family tradition."

"Vintage, I like it." Grinning at him as Jackson lead you to your room: "Well, I hope you'll make the best of it these 2 weeks."

There was a moment of pleasant silence as you put your luggage in the room. Just as you were about to start unpacking your clothes, Jackson commented: "It was a long ride to get here, you much be starving." Being the gentleman he was, he guided you to the dining room.

The plate loaded with food was already waiting for you on the long medieval looking table. Sitting down and noticing the framed pictures on the walls you wondered: 'What are these?'

Out of trying to be as formal while eating as possible and attempting not to intimidate him, you kept your mouth shut.

Jackson sat down a chair away from you.

"So Y/N how have you been?"

Almost answering his question was interrupted by a man dressed in a red shirt and what appeared to be jeans ran across the hallway, laughing like a maniac.

The piece of meat you were a moment away from putting in your mouth fell off the fork and landed on the mashed potatoes: "What the fuck?"

"Oh don't worry, currently we have some...interesting visitors staying." He stood up, hot on the heels for the white haired guy. Before leaving, he reassured you: "They won't be a bother. Trust me." In a blink of en eye he was gone.

You didn't really think much of it, although you weren't expecting such behaviour at such a 'serious' place.

As you begun eating, the pictures on the walls bothered you more and more. This alone time gave you an opportunity to take a closer look, you didn't know why, but looking at them felt like you were invading someone's privacy. Like you were looking at something you weren't supposed to, they were displayed so publicly but it still didn't feel right.

What you saw when you focused your eyes on the small black and white photos didn't calm your mind either. Severely deformed individuals were staring back at you. Some with 3 legs, abnormally large heads and missing limbs. At least that's what you could make out.

The pictures seemed to be taken somewhere in the mountains, high in the Appalachian forests.

After a while you decided to stop looking. The more you stared the more details you saw. And that wasn't good for you, especially now that you were eating.

~.................~

THE NEXT DAY

The alarm clock on your phone woke you up bright and early. Excitement was boiling in your chest whilst walking down the steps, ready for the day ahead of you.

Today, you and Jackson were to go hunting, something you both enjoyed and have been doing together at least once a year since middle school.

Making your way to the main hall, you saw a group of people standing at the entrance. A blonde girl with shorter hair than Sally's and tall young man were chatting while the others were messing around with a camera.

Without paying much attention to them, you scurried to the get some coffee and to find Jackson.

You were walking quite mindlessly, when making turns around the place. You were staring at your feet with such focus you almost bumped into Sally:

"Oh gosh Sally" you took a step back: "you startled me."

She giggled: "Could say the same to you" with a soft voice she noted: "Jackson has been waiting for you, he's probably in the kitchen. I'll go find hi-"

"No, no it's fine really." you interrupted: "I'll go look for him myself."

After the small chat, your feet took you to the dining room. He wasn't there so you decided to go in the kitchen, for the first time.

According to what Sally told you, the kitchen was a floor below the first. So that's where you went.

"Jackson?" Calling out in hopes of finding him.

This kitchen-basement place appeared to be much older looking than the rest of the building. It reminded you of what an abandoned asylum would look like: cold and white.

Walking straight forward you finally found your target. He wasn't alone. The guy in the red flannel was leaning on the counter, the one who had you wondering about how sane this place really was. Taking a look at him he appeared to be deformed. Not only that. But he was covered in blood.

Stunned at what you were seeing, Jackson along with the guy turned towards you.

"Oh Y/N..." His eyes were as wide as a deer's in headlights. Jackson took a moment to think about what to say. To think about what fake story he'd come up with to soothe your nerves.

Your face must have told a true story of horror. Your mind had already processed why this guy was deformed. It had already processed what those pictures on the walls were about, but rather than being frightened and running away you found it to be quite fascinating.

Taking a closer look at the white haired guy you noticed he was missing two fingers. Leering your eyes from his hands to his face you couldn't help but think 'why is he rather handsome?'.

Your eyes locked with his. It felt like time paused for a second before Jackson finally broke the silence: "Three Finger, me and Y/N are going hunting for the rest of the day." When saying your name he gestured towards you as you finally gazed away and looked at the one speaking. Jackson continued: "You and the other two listen and don't make a mess."

Even though you have long broken the eye contact you still felt three finger's eyes on you, like you were being preyed upon.

~.....................~

"You better get those sights in line with the muzzle this time." You teased. To your luck, you haven't found any deer beside some rabbits. Jackson refused to shoot them, he believed they were holy animals. He used to tell you stories, of how his family from centuries back survived solidly off of them in the woods. Respecting this, you would still do it, but not when he was around.

But after wondering around the woods with silent steps and sharp eyes for about an hour, you finally saw a doe.

"Hey" You whispered. Jackson turned his head towards the doe and readied his gun.

"Careful"

With in seconds the doe was on the ground.

"Pink blood with air bubbles. Perfect." He looked at you and smiled.

In the moment of Jackson's pride, something started moving in the bushes to your left. You grinned even wider: "Give me the gun."

Taking a step back and leaning the gun on your shoulder. Closing an eye and waiting for the soon to be dead animal to jump out.

"DON'T!" Jumping at the sudden yell from Jackson as a hairy, tall man crawled to the doe and started ripping it apart.

"YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

The man looked up, showing his sharp teeth, which were clearly visible due to his mis-shaped top lip.

"IDIOT! GET BACK TO THE RESORT!"

Your eyes fell upon his dark brown eyes, studying the mysterious man closely. Old, worn out clothes roughly hugged his huge form.

The man acted tough, not wanting to go. As, he grunted and hissed at Jackson, his gaze fell upon yours. Both of your eyes locked, just like with Three finger.

"GO!" Shouted Jackson for the last time before tapping you on the shoulder, signaling to follow him. Keeping eye contact with the man on the ground. Taking a step back and finally catching up to Jackson when you once again started to feel like prey.

After a good minute passed, and the quietness became too loud. You broke it: " Who the hell was that?"

"Saw Tooth, brother to the one you saw in the kitchen." His words slipped coldly from his tongue, eyes centered on his feet.

"A-Are you two um.." Debating if you should ask the question or not was truly challenging, would he find it insulting? You knew his ancestors had a history of inbreeding which is heavily criticised, yet you never judged. In the end what was there to judge? They lived in the Mountains, miles away from any civilization. They did what any group of people would to stay alive, to keep evolving, they had children with those who they could have them with.

"Like.. related?" Eventually, the words left your mouth and travelled to Jackson's ears.

"What can I say. He payed the price of purity, just like his other two brothers." He explained: "Physically it may not look appealing, but spiritually it's worth more than the richest of the rich."

Listening carefully to every sentence he spoke: "So to answer your question, yes indeed, we are."

"Right, so he has another brother?" Curious, you wished to get as much out of him as you could. This deeply interested you, from the whole process, of how something like this even happens, to how it becomes a habit in every generation forward.

"Yes, those are the three Hilliker brother. Three Finger, Saw Tooth and One Eye." He sighed: "It's likely you'll see them around Hobb Springs quite often."

"Are they dangerous?"

"To just anybody, yeah. To you, no." Nodding, as he went on: "You're like family to me, I'll make sure they won't even glare at you the wrong way."

How he worded things he was passionate and serious about made him sound like a poet or like an older protective brother in your case.

By the time you returned back to the Resort from the little hunting trip, every question you could possibly think of was answered. It surprised you how comfortable Jackson was with all of it, how much pride he took in his own blood.

"Dinner should be on the table by now. I have some work to do before I shall dig in myself." You cackled and the two of you parted for the rest of the evening.

Walking up the stairs to your room, you were met with Sally, with whom you chatted about your day for a short while. She informed you she'll have your dinner served fresh and warm after you take a much needed shower.

The water running down your body was always the most refreshing and favorite part of the day. Tiredly brushing through your hair before matching off to eat, you were sure to not encounter any strangers on your way to the dining hall, yet you still wanted to look formal enough as you weren't home and anyone could walk on you at any second.

Looking upon the dining table you noticed a glass of wine and a plate full of various kinds of nutritious foods to help you sleep well. Prior to sitting down and enjoying your meal, you heard the soft sounds of rain and thunder putting on a performance in the skies. Your shoes were still outside, they were the only pair you brought with you, so you decided to go and get them before rain could wet them.

As the result of leaving the room to save your shoes, an 'intruder' got to your food ahead of you. The man you peeked on behind the door looked very much like Saw Tooth. Only about shorter. As his hair moved from his face you could see he was cleary missing an eye. One eye. That's where he got his name from.

He was eating your food with his hands, mainly focusing on the meat rather than anything else. Meanwhile he ate, you tried to make your presence clear in some way. Then you got an idea. You were going to barge in as if you haven't been watching him for the past five minutes and see what happens.

Walking in you tried to appear as innocent as you could. When finally gazing at him and the two of you leered at each other, you gave him the most clueless and confusing smile. One eye looked from you to the plate and back to you again.

His features softened, the even more confusing expression now drew on his face. It gave off the impression of feeling bad and being in the wrong. He kept his face low, so you walked up to him: "It's alright, you can finish it." You smiled: "I'll get myself another one."

The atmosphere of the room immediately shifted to a much brighter one with One Eye smiling so lovingly at you. Besides his deformities he looked the softest of the three.

You would never have guessed what would happen next. He took three steps towards you and hugged you. Your brain didn't have the time to process what was happening. It didn't have enough time to let adrenaline loose in your system and to tell you to push him away and run. Maybe it was because that really didn't feel like the right thing to do. The right thing to do in the moment was to hug him back.

In all reality, this was probably the first time someone has showed him compassion in oh so many years, from your knowledge he couldn't speak but he could show gratitude back in other forms such as holding onto you and breathing in your scent.

One eye certainly didn't smell the best, yet his hair was softer than you expected.

It's been a long time since you've received a hug that was so wholeheartedly warm and long, so you didn't let go and neither did he.

~.......................~

The morning after, everything seemed so bloomy. Like it was all one big dream. Suddenly you remembered, whilst walking back from the forest with Jackson, he mentioned a family ritual Sally and this new guy Danny will be a part of. Showing interest in it landed you an invitation to the event.

Jackson trusting you enough to request your company at this family gathering later in the evening, truly showed how close the two of you were, even though you only saw each other about once or twice a year.

Saying you were excited was an underestimatement. Today you decided you will try to find Danny and introduce yourself to him. It was the only thing that felt right since he was related to Jackson. Besides having some new friends wouldn't hurt, what have you got to lose?

Suspicions roaming your noggin were preaching to you that the Hilliker brothers will attend the event too, not that they weren't on your mind since you met them all either.

Saw Tooth's toughness and dominance combined with One eye's softness and more submissive nature had you believe that Three Finger, who hasn't had the time to put any kind of impressions on you, was both of these world's in one.

He was the "smallest" so you believed he was also the deadliest, although calling him small was quite funny because he still towered over you like you were a mouse compared to him. Three Finger had to be at least 5 ft 10, meanwhile One Eye was 6 ft 5 and Saw Tooth was around 7 ft tall.

This attraction that has grown on you whilst only seeing them once made you believe that at some point, somehow you'd become really really good friends with them. Maybe even more, who knows?

The day went by fast, you met so many new people that came with the one you were targeting: Danny. His girlfriend Toni, her brother and their friends truly held a positive spirit with them and you adored it.

But once the Sun hit itself behind the horizon and everyone went to sleep you did your hair, put on your favorite jacket and jumped in the car with Jackson, Sally and Danny towards the gathering.

The drive on the bumpy road didn't last long, the amount of minutes it took you to get there could probably be counted on one hand.

Exiting the car and taking a look at the old wooden house standing in the middle of the forest had eagerness boiling in your veins.

To be quite honest with yourself the thing where the most excited about was seeing the three brothers. You truly wanted to make an unforgettable impression, you wanted all of their attention on you. Feelings of doubt and self-consciousness had no place in yourself this once.

Sally suddenly grabbed your hand and started guiding you closer to the house, she once again smiled at you like she always did and told you to not fear.

Once you finally arrived to the big branches and the fire in the middle, children or at least what seemed to be children with their innocent deformed faces running up to you and Danny to greet you and welcome you to this important ritual you in all honesty didn't have a true clue about.

Sally brought the four of you drinks and you took a sip first, Jackson grinned at you and commented: "Don't have too many of these."

"Heh, what's this made of anyway?"You questioned: "I've never drunken anything so strong in my life."

"Family recipe." Sally softly tapped your knee.

Being occupied with listening to the music a girl was playing and looking at everyone since everybody was so unique, you didn't even notice a red truck pulled up behind you. The three men you've been waiting for the whole night finally arrived.

You've only noticed the new guests when Three Finger grabbed Danny's shoulder who was sitting next to you. Leering behind Danny to see him, his eyes traveled from Danny to you, just like in the kitchen when you first saw one another.

He smirked at you and rubbed your arm for a short while, keeping the eye contact as in saying "Welcome."

One Eye sat down next to Sally you noticed him and nodded to greet him. Strangely Sawtooth was nowhere to be seen.

"HELP! HELP ME!" Nobody seemed startled by the sudden pleading for help by a guy you recognized from the Resort. He was a friend of Danny's. Draging him was noone other than Sawtooth himself.

"DANNY! PLEASE! WHAT THE FUCK, DANNY!" The terror in the young man's eyes as he was being lifted on a table like a pig was indescribable. Three Finger pulled out a knife and cut deep into the guy as he yelled his heart out. He was cut open from the throat to the stomach.

Blood splashed out his body, his organs being ripped out by the hands of starving people and being eaten infront of him.

Screaming eventually died down and when they did, people started drinking the alcohol, the blood and whatever they could find.

As everybody enjoyed themselves, well known eyes were luring you closer. The hairy giant was checking you out, a pair of hands grabbed your waist, pulling you back into Three Finger's hold. He chuckled against your hair. Feeling the hot breath on you neck, you put your hands onto his.

Your whole body was pressed against Three Finger from behind, he grunted something you of course couldn't understand.

Leading you to the red truck and opening the door, for a second you hesitated. Was it safe? You knew that Jackson promised to inform them to leave you alone, but was he legit?

After taking a moment and looking at One Eye, who was sitting on the passenger seat, smiling at you. You knew you could trust them. Taking a seat next to One Eye, Three Finger turned on the vehicle.

Saw Tooth was sitting on the truck bed floor, the eyes of the hunter piercing into your soul.

While he almost scared you, the one sitting beside you couldn't stop fidgeting with your hands. One Eye was simply all over you, a pinch of shyness and pure kindness in him already told you what they were planning on doing with you.

You were theirs now. They quite literally claimed you and were driving you God knows where to do whatever they'd like.

To be honest the alcohol in your system was calming you down with the help of One Eye who was now playing with your hair as your head fell to his chest.

What a shame to admit, you've fallen hard. And so did they.

THE END.

[arachnixe]

A More Perfect Servant

A bolt of light streaks through the air, faster than the human eye can track, aimed unerringly for my servant's heart. A blur of motion intercepts it, and with a sharp crack of sound, the magically charged arrow is deflected to the side.

Good puppet. Well done.

Unseen by these irksome intruders, my claws stroke the back of Emilia's head, tipping her annoyance with a gentle nudge toward contempt. Still, she almost wavers when she recognizes her enemies. I grip her more tightly to steady her thoughts.

Three of them. I dismiss the first, a knight built like a giant slab of meat gripping a giant slab of steel as a shield. An unremarkable simpleton. Even now, my servant wants to think of him as a friend, however. I squash the thought before she can be allowed to think it.

More dangerous is the young, newly crowned king leveling that divine blade at us. Even without that telltale glow, I'd recognize the stench of the goddess on it. The thing is littered with countless more enchantments, too.

How many sorcerers and master craftsmen were involved in constructing this weapon? Did he empty the royal coffers to commission that sword just to kill us? Oh, he must be quite furious about my puppet killing his parents.

But my servant, predictably, cannot wrest her attention away from the third—the doe-eyed priestess with the goddess's gifts—and I haven't decided whether it's her powers or this girl's obsession with her that makes her the greatest threat of all.

The priestess nocks another arrow, and she channels the power that is her birthright into it. However, instead of taking aim, she makes one more attempt to break my hold on her friend.

"If you're still in there, you have to fight that demon's control. Don't make us kill you!"

I whisper poison into an ear that cannot shut me out, and my servant's lips move to speak the jealousy I plant inside her.

"Don't pretend that you suddenly care about me now. You made your choice, didn't you?" I paint a sneer on her mouth.

"The Anchor needs—"

"Your goddess demands an heir to inherit her gift," my puppet interrupts, that word dripping with resentment that isn't even mine, "something I could never give you. But he can, can't he? Merging the royal bloodline with your holy one. How perfect."

The large one responds to all the malice in her words, moving to place his shield between the threat she represents and his friends.

My puppet is insulted. I stoke her fury until a violent outburst carries her forward, leaping over his shield to bury her glaive in his skull.

That's one down. Now…

Wait. What—?

I tug the strings, but my puppet only stiffens. She drops her weapon. Tears fill her eyes.

"Kill me. Please," she begs.

Disgusting words that I did not feed her. I squash her pity. I smother her revulsion. Still she resists me.

We have so much more to do. We're burning this entire world down. What is the point of such a display for this tiny, insignificant group of people?

"Hurry, I can't—"

The next holy arrow strikes true. Right in the heart. My servant falls.

Intolerable failure.

"I-is it over?"

No resurrecting my servant. The arrow's power repels me.

"That demon of hers will try again. Maybe with one of us."

The priestess would have to intentionally lower her natural defenses for me to take her, and the sword in the king's hands works similarly.

The dead knight, maybe. Wouldn't be my first choice, but my options are limited. Humans are sentimental creatures. Perhaps they'll drag his corpse back, with me in tow, and I'll have more choices open to me later.

I slip into the body.

Careless, too used to inhabiting an empowered servant, I don't notice the trap until it's too late. Wards on the body flare with heat and light, and the king's reflexes are swift. He plunges that holy blade through his dead friend's chest and into me.

"Got you," he growls.

Sealed away by the sword's power, howling in futility at the goddess's repulsive servants, I am unable to lift a finger to resist as they add layer upon layer of imprisonment. Wrapped, chained, locked away in a remote temple, they think me gone forever.

But it is my nature to corrupt, and while the blade has no will of its own to seduce, it likewise has no will to resist as I wear away at its essential nature with time.

A century, a millennium, a myriad years—however long it takes, I will make this sword-prison mine.

Slowly, oh-so-slowly, I twist the blade's light into alignment with my power and my nature. As I do so, I study it and come to know the power of the holy bloodline far more intimately than ever before.

The priestess herself once imbued this sword with her power. The bond remains, and I can trace it back, back, back to her descendants.

Somewhere out there a princess dreams, and I seed her fertile mind with prophetic nightmares of what I'll do to her kingdom. There is no scheme in it. No grand plan. It's an act of spite at enmity's heir. What happens next is simply good fortune.

She half-recalls a distorted legend of a sword that seals away darkness. She sends a champion to claim a weapon to fight my prophecy.

And then one day I feel the caress of a strong hand once again.

The blade I embody is wholly under my command, and the power this new knight claims is equally mine.

I sink my fangs into her mind, expecting to struggle with her for dominance the way I did with Emilia.

Instead she exhales a sigh of pleasure. She strokes me like a lover.

Her mind's eye shows me crimson-stained visions of her enemies, and all I have to whisper is "yes."

[heartsmourne]

hey y'all wanna hear about the most awkward moment of my life? it was excruciating and something i just read in a fanfic reminded me of it

so i was still working at my old job, manning and maintaining the meat counter, yeah? and i notice that one of my display pans is empty- one of the stuffed and breaded chicken breasts, or maybe it was one of the breaded porkchops, i don't remember which. it doesn't matter. either way, it was something with crumbs, and both those items got shipped in to us frozen, and then we took them out of the box and stuck 'em in the case to be displayed.

so i head to the big freezer in the back room, and as i push open the doors that lead to 1, the bathrooms, and 2, the back room, i hear voices. raised yet hushed. angry whispers. the kind that want to shout and want to whisper, and somehow combine the two.

there's this married couple standing just inside the hallways, having a very heated argument about their sex life and emotional needs just inside the doors. and then there's me. it's 10 am, i don't want to be there at all, and now i'm staring down two people who have just fallen very suddenly silent. i have already heard too much, which is "any of it," because this is not my business. i have also heard far more than i ever wanted, which, coincidentally, was also "any of it at all."

and all i can do is squeak out in my best Polite Midwesterner voice "scuse me, please, i just need to get past you there for a moment" and i haul ass into the back room as fast as i can speed walk.

i grab the box i am in there to get. i also grab several more boxes, just to delay having to go through that hallway again until i am absolutely, positively, 100% sure that the couple is gone. distantly, i hear them start arguing again. i decide to remain in the freezer, and focus intensely on the sound of the freezer's fans in a desperate struggle to not hear any of it.

it is -20 degrees fahrenheit in that freezer. i stand there in but a thin long-sleeved shirt, a polyester uniform polo, and a light fleecy vest, the kind worn by middle aged moms. i am freezing my ass off, and my arms hurt from holding all these boxes. it is five minutes before the two of them finally leave.

[reddragonprincess]

"Well met, my lady, I don't believe we've had the pleasure." Sigurd dipped into a bow as he extended the platter to the red-haired lady. The platter is displayed with a variety of finely roasted poultry meats, cooked in a traditional Chalphy style of one-within-the-other. The skin of the turkey is crispy, and the fats from the duck have marinated both the chicken within and the turkey without. There are cloves and lemon slices studding the plate, combining to form a melange of rich flavors. The choice of which piece to take is up to the feaster – there is plenty to go around!

"I'm acquainted with your brother - a bit rough around the edges, that one, but I believe that I've begun to get under his skin." He winked, his grin widening. He'd had dealings with Michalis before, and rather liked the man as a friend - certainly, he'd had gruffer friends - and it did not escape his notice that he seemed to be enjoying himself at the party.

"I hope that you and he have found this a pleasant evening, my lady. Truly, things of these nature are quite the effort, but always worth it in the end to see the smile on a friend's face. Or, I suppose, the smile on his sister's." A laugh, his head cocking. "But I do expect you and I shall become as fast friend, as well, if you've the inclination. Please, we must sit to tea after this, and get acquainted."

As the evening was coming to an ending, a very fine gentleman approached the Macedon Princess, sharing a very pleasing smile as well as a very gallant introduction: he was one of the main organizator of the party apparently and despite the gentle manners, he did seem to be very at ease with foreign guests, especially having to deal with her brother Michalis. She was well aware of the fact that he was at Garreg Mach Monastery far longer that she was, but she was sure that, aside for him, she could manage to get acquainted pretty easily with everyone around the monastery, especially the ones dealing with chivalry and trainings.

“My utter pleasure, Sir Sigurd” she exchanged a radiant smile, bowing her head a little as to reciprocate the courtesy in his manners, “It’s truly lovely how you managed to organize such event, with so many offerings and delicacies” she hinted at the nearby tables, sharing a quick laugh as she returned her gaze towards him. “And obviously I can be more than happy to be sharing a lively evening like this with a part of my family” she hid the bit of uneasiness she felt in saying those words with such lightness, but she didn’t want to ruin the splendid and festive atmosphere that had created all around them –and after all, he was absolutely right, his brother Michalis was actually enjoying the little party and even if it did pain a lot, she was truly happy to see his brother in a good mood, it warmed her heart.

“I’m more than happy to meet you for a tea after this beautiful party, we certainly have much to share about our pasts and passions” she dared, actually knowing nothing that could bring her close to him, except from the apparent royal lineage and the chivalrous spirit –they had to deepen the acquaintance!

“I’ll be happily waiting for your invitation!”

[coffeeangelinabox]

"Look," it's the third line you've stood in, and, let's be clear, this is Hell. literally. You know, fire, brimstone, not exactly known for their customer service.

You hand the imp your copy of the form you've filled out. Legible block capitals. Virgin's blood ink.

The imp glances disinterested from where it is filing its claws.

"You need-"

"It's here," you hand over the duplicate. And then display your copy.

"My current assignment," you say as the imp sighs with irritation and picks up the form, "It's a mistake, just a mistake."

It yawns widely and uses the newly sharped claw to pick a sliver of meat out of its teeth. "This needs stamping by the department of-"

"Yes, I've been there," you force your voice to stay level. You want to shriek, howl like the damned do in the pools of lava or on the roasting spits. "The stamp is on page two."

The imp flicks a page. "This does have yesterday's date."

You scratch at the tuft of red spines growing on your head. "I've been in line," you say.

The imp stares at you and for a terrible moment you think you will be sent back, then it grunts approval and puts the form down to sit behind a shiny white Mac and begin typing on a keyboard; each key made, you notice, not from planet ruining plastic, but from the teeth of unbaptised infants. Typical of Hell's bureaucracy to have the most top of the line equipment. You've heard Steve Jobs himself manages the IT department. Of course, that could just be PR.

It clicks a few times, keys chattering together, then turns all nine of its jelloid eyes on you. "Reason for wishing to terminate current assignment."

"I shouldn't be there," you can hear the desperation in your voice and desperate is never a great look on a demon. You have company standards to uphold. "It's a mistake, a filing error. The ritual shouldn't have worked."

A few key strokes.

"Any details you can provide to prove the nature of the error."

"The summoner is *nine*. Nine human years! She has pigtails. She drew the sigils with *pink* *chalk*." You could add more, you want to add more. If Hell isn't known for its bureaucracy, it really isn't known for its mercy, but you have to try (like the souls you usually torment and ignore). "She makes me-"

Then you stop. You can feel a tug, just above your swishing tail, digging through your middle like lines of fire running from back spikes to horns.

"Oh no." You whimper. "No, please."

"If you leave the line, your process becomes invalid," the imp says, smiling maliciously. "You'll have to begin again."

You open your mouth, not to plead now, but to spew fire all over the imp's stupid face: blind it, roast it, make it bleed. But you don't have time.

The tug becomes a pull becomes a wrench and with a dimension altering pop you're there again. In your summoner's - captor's - bedroom. It's pink. There's a poster of a unicorn covering one wall. Your dimpled, pigtailed, *blonde* nemesis grins at you. She's wearing the tutu she must have been wearing at ballet class and there's an adorable gap in her top row of teeth.

"We're going to have a tea party," she says imperiously and flounces to a doll table, already set for four with flower patterned plates. Like everything else, they're pink. These also have sparkles. You fight down nausea.

"Sally? Who are you talking to?"

The woman's voice, the one called "mum". You had hoped that with an adult there would at least be corruption to feed on, but this "mum" seems to have no vices: no lying, no cruelty, no extra marital affairs, she donates to charity and buys only fairtrade. You can feel your powers dimming a little, the cost of being on the mortal plane combined with being surrounded by- this.

"Just Asmodeus," your torturer calls back.

You can resist no longer and drag yourself, tail limp and scales heated with humiliation, over to the table and throw yourself into the chair. You reach out a talon of your own to snag a pink wafer biscuit from the plate and shove it whole into your mouth, crumbs going everywhere.

From the hallway, you hear a new voice, a man's voice. "I'm worried about her. Isn't she too old for an imaginary friend?"

"Better this than boyfriends," mum's voice laughs. "The devil you know and all that."

Due to a paperwork filing error you, a terrifying demonic creature, are now trapped in contract with a small little girl. She is constantly summoning you to play tag, check for monsters in the closet, look at her drawings… It’s truly torture.

[silversmoke-20]

I'm very sorry if I am not answering your requests, Tumblr for some reason got rid a few of the drafts and I had to write them down all over again! So in a moment of sadness I was Playing my comfort game Spyro Reignited trilogy. Also why did Tumblr deleted my drafts? So I decided to make a demon Slayer HC with a reader who is a half-dragon half-human.

I just started to get into Demon Slayer. I'm already at the hashira meeting episode, so no spoilers of the show please!

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke and Nezuko with a Dragon!Reader.

Tanjiro Kamado

This Boy would immediately assume you are a Demon. But that's when he notices that he can't sense you are a Demon.

You tell him that you are a dragon of legend, who has fought Many foes and has lived to tell the 'tail'....heh.

Tanjiro would be amazed at your feats and the adventures you had been on.

Tanjiro would tell His sister to stop touching you without your permission, who merely began to pat your Dragon features, such as: Tail, Horns, Facial scales and Wing's.

_________________________________________

Tanjiro: "Ah! Nezuko don't do that, they might not like that."

Nezuko: "Hmmm!"

Nezuko tries to make grabby hands as she was pulled away, she just wants to feel those rough yet smooth scales of your tail as you let out a literal 'Fiery' laugh.

Y/n: "Hahah! You Guys are adorable, mind if I tag along?"

Tanjiro: "That's alright, we can't bring a civilian in danger."

Nezuko: "Hmm-Hmmmm-Hmmm!"

Nezuko got out of Tanjiro's hold and immediately put her hands in your mouth to feel the sharp teeth that occupy your mouth, Which you immediately cough and gag at the sudden hand in your mouth.

Tanjiro: "Nezuko!"

Nezuko: "Hmmmm!!!!"

A little while later Nezuko was sent to her room [box] as she attempted to grab your wings without your permission.

_________________________________________

Out of compensation for Nezuko bizarre behaviour, The older Kamado sibling allowed you to tag along.

You proved yourself to the stories of your acts of heroism to Tanjiro when fighting demons.

You and Tanjiro are considered best buddies.

You showed tanjiro your scars that you gained from various foes.

Tanjiro would immediately get Angry when you told him that you are hiding from Dragon Slayers because of what you are.

You and Tanjiro make a good team... you're both still confused with Nezuko's behaviour and curiosity of your existence.

Zenitsu Agatsuma

When Tanjiro and you met this boy, you had a look of disgust at how he was begging a girl to marry him.

He screamed at the very sight of you.

Look at those Teeth! That tail! Those sharp horns! And those Claws. HE'S GOING TO DIE!

He then calmed down when you didn't attack him and just continued to look at him with disgust. DON'T LOOK AT HIM LIKE THAT, STOP IT!

You begrudgingly agreed to let Zenitsu tag along when Tanjiro asked you.

_________________________________________

Zenitsu: "Please stop looking at me like that!"

Y/n: "ಠ_ʖಠ"

Zenitsu: "Tell him to stop judging me!"

Tanjiro: "ಠ,_｣ಠ"

Zenitsu: "AAAAAAAHHHHH-"

_________________________________________

When Zenitsu becomes part of the group, you have taken the job of flarking around with him.

Showing him your sharp teeth, when you tore the cooked meat as he swallowed his saliva as he grabbed his neck.

When Nezuko got out of her box, she immediately began to chase you to grab your Tail.

He chased you and Nezuko...mostly Nezuko....mostly you as well for hiding a beautiful girl because tanjiro asked you to.

Inosuke Hashibira

He wanted to throw hands with you the moment he saw you.

When you denied him that request, he decided to display his "Strength" by somehow suplexing himself into the ground.

What.The.Fuck

Will you fight him now? Nope! Coward!

Inosuke basically reminded you of a Crazy Earth Dragon back home.

_________________________________________

Inosuke: "Fight me you nerd-ass-Gecko!"

Y/n: "at least speak to me in a respectful manner."

Inosuke: "thoust thou wish to duel my good bitch?"

Y/n: "somehow that's much more worse than before."

_________________________________________

He's basically always trying to fight you.

You haven't realised it yet, but he's been beating up any Dragon Slayers without your knowledge of them somehow founding you.

It's because you told Zenitsu and Inosuke about you being hunted down by dragon slayer's for sports.

Inosuke basically took it upon himself to kick the sh!ts out of Dragon Slayers.

Nezuko Kamado

First off, she didn't mean to touch your dragon features.

It's just you are a literal Dragon and she just wants to see what your scales feel like.

When she was Human, she always loved hearing the stories about Dragon's and what they can do.

Nezuko practically sees you as her best friend.

_________________________________________

Nezuko: "Hmmm!"

Nezuko looks out of her box to see everyone asleep.

Nezuko: "Hmm!"

Nezuko would 'Whoop' in her own way as she made her way towards your sleeping form.

She then practically started headpatting your soft but unruly hair as you let out hum of comfort as Nezuko smiled at how she wouldn't get caught by her brot-

Tanjiro: "Nezuko....Box....Now."

Nevermind it's back to the box as her brother stared at her with that "I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed" look.

Tanjiro: "you can touch their hair when you have permission."

But Nezuko wants to braid your hair and she can't do that in the day cause you like to be in the sun!

Maybe she'll have to be even more sneakier.

_________________________________________

Nezuko would probably kick any dragon Slayers flying if her friend is being hunted down by them.

Nezuko would practically enjoy listening to your Stories of your adventures.

When Nezuko becomes Human again, she's going to braid your Messy Hair.

I just see Nezuko as a hair braider ok!

[muraar]

ᴏᴅᴅʟʏ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪꜰɪᴄ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇ ᴅᴏɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɢᴇɴꜱʜɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ (1/?)

ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ɪɴᴅᴜʟɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱʜᴇɴᴀɴɪɢᴀɴꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘᴏᴘ ɪɴ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ꜱʟᴇᴇᴘ. ꜰᴇᴀᴛ- ᴛᴀʀᴛᴀɢʟɪᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴢʜᴏɴɢʟɪ

ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ/ʀᴇʙʟᴏɢꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ!!

Ｔａｒｔａｇｌｉａ

Cooking with him

Ya'll would have booked out the entire Liuli Pavillion and then suddenly decided that cooking would make a good bonding activity, or you are in the middle of nowhere and have run out of sweet madames. There are no in-between.

He isn't malewife™ material for nothing; he is the master of weaponry, and what better ways to put his skill set than cooking. How do you like your onions? diced? minced? He has it done within minutes.

doesn't really have any preference in flavors

"Food is like weaponry. a true warrior never deliberates unduly over their weapon of choice, nor do they do so over the food they eat. Neither should you." "Childe please I like my food spicy/salty/sweet and I WILL make it that way and you WILL eat it with me."

Got spice on his face once, you not wanting to get it in his eyes, called him over. Held his face in your hands and carefully cleaned it off.

Ever since, he has been accidentally getting all sorts of stuff on his face. Would patiently wait for you to notice and if you don't, well

"comrade, I think I got some chilly on my face." showing you his hands which are skillfully massacring your dinner. "I would clean it myself but-" You sigh as you approach him.

Absolutely revels the feeling of your fingers on his face and the attention you show him.

Lots of "Tucer would love this." and "We have to make this when we visit Shneznaya. I bet Tonia would like this." hearing him gushing and thinking about his siblings like this is very endering. You often stop your tasks just to hear him with your utmost attention.

He travels around a lot, so I can imagine him trying out different cuisines and wondering which ones you both can replicate.

Because of that expect a lot of weird ingredients from all over teyvat. Some you have never seen or heard of.

"How are we supposed to cook Unagi meat?" "I have no idea"

10/10 would like to cook with him again

Ｚｈｏｎｇｌｉ

Having a garden with him

Job as an adventurer took you to many corners of Teyvat, so bringing back something more than just memories and (occasional) injuries was a no-brainer. Souvenirs of choice? Flowers, of course!

From an impromptu hobby, it turned into a brave ambition of collecting every flower the continent had blossomed.

Slowly but surely, your collection would grow to the point where keeping them indoors would become impossible :( but fear, not Zhongli would 100% help you relocate them. The back of the house, which usually stayed barren, would become the foundation of your newfound hobby.

Being the encyclopedia he is, Zhongli would definitely have tips and some knowledge regarding all the species you bought home. He might even start listing out the flowers he would like to grow with you.

"Violetgrass is a plant that enjoys a moist environment and is best picked after it rains. If you should choose to pick any, be sure to store them appropriately."

You would be making the list of the next local specialty flowers when he chimes in with his suggestions. It goes into your list as soon as you hear it.

Violetgrass, Carla lily, and Gaze lilies. Were you missing something?

"Cecilias! yes! I don't have those. Right?"

You would run back to make sure, missing the fond look he sends after you.

Some flowers might be difficult to grow and maintain, but with a little outside help. adeptal magic and madam ping things become much easier

HE HAS A ROCK COLLECTION THAT IS NOW DISPLAYED WITH YOUR FLOWERS. :') those rocks were looking lonely anyway.

Having tea with him in your garden. *sigh* it's so dreamy. Just imagine having conversations with him, whether it's him rambling on or you excitedly telling him about your latest escapade. It's do domestic I'm dying.

Surprises you when you are watering the plants. He would come up from behind, careful as to not notify you. Warps his hands around your waist and buries his head in your shoulder.

Bonus if it's early morning, and he just got out of bed and sought you out.

"Good morning [Name]" His morning voice God I'm melting. He mumbles in your neck and would leave a trail of kisses along the slope, before resting his head on your shoulder.

He's always there when he misses you and you are off on your adventures. And of course, he takes care of them in your absence.

Even after you are long gone, the flowers have never once wilted. Preserved with geo energy. It's the last remembrance he has of you, a testament to your adventures, and he will care for it for as long as he can.

The kids around often ask him about the foreign flowers in the garden. Zhongli only smiles when he tells them about the adventurer who traveled to the depths of teyvat searching for the most exotic flowers the land offered.

10000000/10 would leave him a garden to remember me by.

[edlikesboys]

Riddlebat smut <3

Hardly any riddlebat fics on this godforsaken website so I'm here to fix that. Edward is chubby and trans <33

Warnings: Smut, Degradation, Bruce is mean but Edward loves it, choking, Edward squirts, unprotected sex/cumming inside (obviously dont do this irl), Sub Edward cause ain't no way that man can be dom

Enjoy, you filthy bastards~

Bruce removes his fingers from Edwards abused hole. The man whimpers, burying his face in Bruce's expensive pillows to muffle his desperate noises.

"Look at me" Bruce demands. Edward turns to see Bruce licking his slick off his fingers with a satisfied smirk. Edward flushes bright red at the filthy display but finds himself getting even wetter at Bruce's actions. Edward's empty cunt clenches at Bruce's dominance; the thrill of being put in his place an exhilarating feeling for the man. Bruce removes his throbbing cock from his jeans. He remains almost fully clothed, denying Edward the pleasure of seeing him in his full glory. Bruce notices the lust in Edward's eyes and knows he's desperate for Bruce to just fill him up and break his back.

"Beg for it" No time is wasted before Edward is pleading for Bruce to shove his fat cock inside of him.

"Please B-Bruce, please I need it so bad. Please I just need your cock. Ruin me. Please I'll die without it, fill me up with you fat dick" Bruce seems to deem that worthy enough and wastes no time before he's forcing his cock into Edward's greedy cunt. Bruce lets out a deep groan while Edward is screaming from the pain and pleasure. Bruce squeezes the meat of Edwards hips as he drives his hard cock deeper into Edward. One of Bruce's hands leave Edwards hips to trail up his stomach and grab on to one of his tits. Edward moans out various vulgarities as Bruce abuses his nipple, rolling it between his fingers before leaning down and taking it into his mouth. Edward's hands grasp onto Bruce's dark locks and he pulls him deeper into his chest. Bruce's pace is relentless as he plays with Edwards tits while pounding his needy cunt.

"O-oh fuck Brucey that feels so good~" Edward moans out. "Oh god, yes Bruce. F-fuck yesss oh my god, please go faster". Bruce enjoys knowing Edward is feeling good but his high pitched squealing is starting to get on his nerves. He lifts his head off of Edwards chest, staring into Edwards eyes before his hands find their way around Edwards throat and he squeezes.

"God you never shut your fucking mouth do you?" Edward is unable to respond and just lies there, enjoying Bruce's fat cock and his hands around his throat. Edwards cunt clenches at Bruce's hard words.

"Who would've guessed that the Riddler terrorizing Gotham is actually just a filthy whore who can't live without a fat cock? Look at you, you fucking love it don't you?" Bruce's hand eases up and Edward nods harshly. "Well fucking tell me then, sluts can talk can't they?"

"B-Bruce yes, Oh my god I fucking love being pounded by Batman. I'm just a filthy little whore" Edward chokes out. Bruce's cock throbs at Edward's words and he's pretty sure he's about 2 seconds away from filling him up with his load.

"Edward- Fuck, I'm gonna cum" Bruce groans out, his hand involuntarily tightening around Edward's throat. The added pressure sends Edward over the edge. Edward clenches harshly around Bruce's cock, squirting all over Bruce's abdomen as he violently cums. The sensation of Edward's tight walls clamping down on his cock send Bruce over the edge and he pumps load after load of cum straight into Edwards soaking cunt.

Bruce removes his hands from Edward's windpipe and he removes his soiled shirt before flopping down next to his beloved. Bruce's arms wrap around Edward's soft midsection and they both drift off into a deep slumber.

[aio-rya]

Silver Chef Uniform — SR Card Story

Part 2

Let's make beef stew 2 ~Silver Edition~

Ghost Chef: This time I would like to introduce... Ta-dah! 「Electric Pressure Cooker」!

Silver: Electric pressure cooker...!

I see. If you use the pressure cooker, you can significantly reduce the stewing time.

Moreover, if it's an electric type, it also has a timer function. It seems you don't have to worry about burning the ingredients even if you take a nap.

Ghost Chef: Well... yes, that's what it is. It seems you told me everything about it before I could explain you.

Silver: It's the frst time I've used appliances for cooking.

Riddle: Eh! For first time? Even I, who don't cook often, have used the microwave oven.

Silver: Of course I know it exist but... Since I came to this school, I had the school cafeteria so I didn't had a chance to use it.

In the Valley of Thorns, far from having a microwave oven, most homes doesn't have gadgets themselves.

Riddle: So life is based on the premise that you can really handle magic... It's hard for me to imagine that.

However, if you live in the Valley of Thorns, your magic will improve even more.

Silver: If you have the magical power and ability, I don't think there could be any inconvenience for life in my hometown.

Ghost Chef: Well, Silver. Put the ingredients inside the electric pressure cooker.

Select "Beef stew" from the menu displayed on the panel and turn on the switch to start cooking.

Silver: Twenty minutes left...

Ghost Chef: That's how it works. Now, let's relax and wait for it to boil.

Silver: Is it okay to not look at the cooker?

What about stirring it?

Ghost Chef: It's okay since you set it fine. Otherwhise, if you play it badly¹, you'll fail.

Let's leave the pressure cooker and make some Demi-Glace Sauce.

Silver: The sauce making finished unexpectedly early. Should I wash the pot and knives we used?

Wash...

..........

...the pot....

..........

Ghost Chef: Ah! Hey, Silver!

Silver: Huh, dangerous. I was about to fall asleep. You noticed right away.

So, what should we do now?

Ghost Chef: I was taken away from the show a while ago, so let me explain how to use the pressure cooker.

Silver: Yes, please.

Chef Ghost: There are many menus registered on the electric pressure cooker but you don't have to make eveything acording to the recipe. By changing some ingredients and seasonings you can cook any dish you want to.

For example, there are ingretiends being simmered right now, right? If you add tomato juice instead of the demi-glace sauce, the tomato stew will be completed.

Silver: ....... Tomato juice is my father's favorite.

Using tomato juice instead of sauce...

Father might like it and eat it.

~ ~ ♪

Silver: What kind of sound is that...?

Ah, have it finished cooking?

Ghost Chef: Open the lid of the pressure cooker, be careful not to get burned.

Silver: Yes!

This is...

Both, meat and vegetables are well cooked. How is it that soft in just 20 minutes?

Ghost Chef: Now, let's get it finished.

Silver: Season with a little amount of ketchup and the demi-glace sauce we made earlier, is that it?

Ah, it's delicious!

...... okay, it's done.

Ghost Chef: Isn't it pretty? Now, let's take it to the judges.

Silver: Ah, no matter how tough it appears, I will ensure my own victory.

Ghost Chef: No no, you are not a dueling.

???: Are you the one who cooked, Silver?

Silver: Jamil, I often hear from Kalim that you are good at cooking.

One of the most talented people at school... Would I be able to beat you?

Jamil: What the hell are you playing to? Well, I'll get it right away.

The taste is... Yeah, it's ordinary.

Silver: Ordinary... But...

Jamil: Ingredients are well cooked such as meat, that can be evaluated, it's so soft that it crumbles just by putting it in your mouth.

Didn't it take a long time?

You might fall asleep on the way...

Silver: Ah, I was worried about that too.

In fact, I was drowsy while the boiling process. I was able to do it well thanks to the chef letting me use an electric pressure cooker.

That's why the stew time was shorter. I managed to survive without sleeping.

Jamil: I'm surprised.

I thought "Master Chef" was a program aimed to improve cooking techniques... Students who have problems with their skills must been given a tool to avoid failure. And by that I mean, studying.

Silver: Oh, he taught me a good way to make up for my own immaturity.

If you fall asleep, you can set the timer so that you won't burn food. Besides, when time is over, music will be played and you'll be able to wake up with that sound.

Jamil: How did you came with the idea of ussing an electrical pressure cooker instead of an alarm clock...?

Silver: I can't just rely on tools, but... I think it's necessary for me now.

Jamil: It was a nice feast². It's a delicate matter to know how much of technology you can use, but it was an edible taste.

Silver: It wasn't a complete vistory but I did scape the situation of a miserable failure?... Let's continue to devote ourselves.

Ghost Chef: Good work! You did it without falling asleep until the end.

Silver: Ah, speaking of which. I want to make some tomato stew and that cabbage rolls father taught me. Did I forgot my drowsiness on the way because I was thinking about that?

Ghost Chef: Imagine the faces of people who will eat deliciously and think "I'll do my best to make it today!"

Silver: I see... cooking is the most important way of thinking.

1 — That could be a literal translation of the expression, what the ghost Chef means is that if Silver worries too much, things won't have the desired result.

2 — What he literally said was 「ごちようちま」 [Gochiyôchima] which is literally translated as "Feast" and is a polite way of thanking or complimenting to your host about food.

ー・Φ・ー

「Part 1 here」

I just have a comment: I cried with this translation and with Silver's voice lines which I will translate tomorrow 'cause I haven't slept in 24 hours.

The love he has for Lilia is bigger than anything in the world. Even bigger than his narcolepsy and, as I felt with his voice lines, is bigger than his very own memories from before meeting Lilia.

[babeyvenus]

The Wolf Among us

Bigby x OC

Summary: Sonya Blaze, A.K.A. Hell Rider, is a half fable, half mundy girl who comes to Fabletown to learn more about her side of the folktales. She works alongside Sheriff Bigby Wolf's as his newest partner and together they strive to find out who's behind the unexpected murders in Fabletown.

TW: Mentions of death, gore/blood, alcohol, smoking, drugs, sex implications, suicide, guns and ofc language.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Chapter 15: The Confrontation

Once the cab stopped, finally arriving at their destination, Bigby woke up and gently shook Sonya awake.

She mumbles and rubs the sleep out of her eyes as he opens the door and climbs out of the cab with her following behind. Bigby stops to light a cigarette, and Sonya looks at it with an eyebrow raised. She never understood why he needed one every 5 minutes.

They enter the empty looking shop, curiously looking around. Bigby huffed out a puff of smoke when he noticed a sign that said No smoking. He rolled his eyes, taking another drag before squashing it under his foot. The front of the shop was pretty small. A machine that held drinks was almost practically empty.

There was also the cooling unit that displays the different types of meat but each slab of meat was practically covered in ice. Bigby walks up to the counter door and was about to open it, until the door that leads to the back of the shop opens, revealing a balding man.

His expression faltered into a look of fear once he saw Bigby. “Bigby Wolf?”, he asked and glanced over at Sonya. “You must be the new deputy. What happened to you two?”, he asked, scanning their disheveled state.

“We’re looking for a piece of the Magic Mirror.”, Bigby said, walking to the counter towards the butcher. “Um… wh–what?”, the butcher stuttered. “The Magic Mirror’s missing shard! Where is it?!”, Bigby growled out. 

“Bloody Mary brought it here, didn’t she?”, Sonya asked, looking behind him. "What? B-Bloody Mary? Magic Mirror shard? Wh–what kind of place do you two think this is?”, Johann asked, chuckling nervously. “Don’t give us that bullshit.”, Bigby sneered.

“I’m not. What you’re looking for, I-I think you two’d be better off looking at, uh….the Lucky Pawn. Yeah, or some place like that.”, Johann nodded.

"Listen to me and listen fucking carefully. We know Bloody Mary hangs around here. So you need to start fucking cooperating right now!”, Bigby yelled.

“I-I am.”, Johann said.

“We already went to visit Jersey. He wasn't all that cooperative until we had to get a little...persuasive.”, Sonya told him.

“I’m cooperating. I swear.”, Johann cries. “Anyway, if I’d known you two already looked at the Lucky Pawn, I-I wouldn’t have pointed you there. I-I just figured anything worth a damn in Fabletown goes through Jersey’s hands at some point. You guys know that. Believe me, I don’t wanna waste your time. And I certainly don’t mean to offend. I don’t know how else to help." 

"Yeah, well Jersey had those dirty hands wrapped around my neck not too long ago.”, Bigby explained. “Oh….sorry.”, Johann said.

“He was an asshole so I'd suggest you don't follow him.”, Bigby said, crossing his arms. Johann frowned. “Listen. Crane had the mirror. Mary had Crane. And she comes around here, right?”, Sonya asked.

Johann stays quiet. “If you’re covering for her, we’re gonna have a problem with you. So you better think real hard about what you say next.”, Bigby  threatened.

“I….Sheriff…Deputy, I–”, Johann stuttered nervously, rubbing his hands together, He looked behind him for a moment. “Did you hear that?”, he says, tapping the counter. Bigby and Sonya looked at each other.

Johann goes to the back door. “Oh, I’m real sorry. Hold on, I-I just gotta go check on that. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”, Johann said as he inched closer to the door.

“Butcher…”, Bigby starts to warn.

“I just have to go see…”, Johann walked into the door, leaving Sonya and Bigby confused. Bigby lifts up the counter door and Sonya follows behind him, her eyes catching a red button. "That fucker...", Bigby growled.

They walk through and Sonya looks at Bigby, putting a finger to her lips. They move silently through the freezer full of hanging pig carcasses on hooks.

“I got it covered back here, guys. I’ll be right out.”, Johann called out, his voice echoing, his voice echoing through the room. Sonya tapped Bigby’s arm, pushing a finger to her lips, reminding him. Bigby nodded and led her further.

They moved quietly, pushing the carcasses out the way. “Just  wait out front, I’ll be right there.”, Johann tells them.

They don’t say anything, pushing through the freezer. “I’m sorry, Sheriff and Deputy, but you two are not supposed to be back here. For, uh….safety purposes.” Johann said, nervously.

Sonya rolled her eyes and Bigby shook his head as they pushed through. When they got closer, they could hear Johann whimpering to himself. “Oh, you gotta be kidding me. They’re gonna kill me….oh god, she is gonna fucking kill me….” They finally see Johann moving boxes around.

“They're gonna get me killed….the things I do…”, Johann softly whines. Bigby holds a hand out to stop Sonya, walks up to Johann and taps his shoulder, making him jump in fright. “B-Bigby! Please-”

“Bigby!? What happened to Sheriff!?”, Bigby shouts, storming up to the cowering man. “P-Please, guys. Please don’t. I don’t wanna die. Please….please don’t kill me.”, Johann whimpered, backing away. Bigby walks up and slams Johann up against the door. “Shut the fuck up.”, he growled lowly, squeezing Johann’s face.

“Bigby!”, Sonya exclaimed. He growled at her voice. “Bigby, he’s not a threat. Put him down.”, she says, walking up to him. He turns his head to look at her. She could see a glimmer of yellow in his eyes and she frowned softly. “Relax.”

Bigby looks away from her, dropping Johann. Johann gasps for air and looks up at Sonya, heavily breathing. “Thank you." 

"We’re not done here, Johann.”, Sonya says. “I’m not part of their crew!”, Johann blurted. His face changes into an expression of realization and he lowers his head. “Fuck….” He sighs. “The Crooked Man’s people. Jersey Devil….Dee and Dum…and that mental case Bloody Mary. You wanna talk about the real butcher? It’s her, not me. This is her place.”

Bigby glances at his wrapped arm, annoyed at the mention of her name.

“I’m telling you, they muscled in on me. Took over my storage and delivery a long time ago. All ‘cause of that heatwave. That summer was even hotter than this one. I let Mary and those porters stay cool in the meat locker one day. Playing cards, having a great time. I guess they were sizing the place up. Shows what I get for being nice. I’m just a victim in this…I don’t know what they do back there. I swear.”, Johann explained.

“You lied to us in the front. Why the fuck should we believe you now?”, Bigby asked. “Because it’s the truth.”, Johann shouted. Bigby pushes Johann out of the way and squats down to pull the door open.

Once he pulled the door open, their eyes widened at the sight of some kind of lab going on. Test tubes, shelves full of ingredients and a boiler caught their attention as they walked inside.

The table in the middle of the room had stools that were chained to cuffs. In the far part of the room was a large chalkboard that looked like it was frantically and messily erased.

“What is this place?”, Bigby asked Johann. 

“I told you, I don’t know. They muscled me out! I swear, I don’t know anything more. I haven’t been back here when it was like this.” Johann said.

Sonya frowned seeing a red light was on with a sticky note that said RUN! “Sonuva...”, she growled, turning to Johann.

“This business….it’s all I’ve ever had. I guess that’s why I stuck around when they took it…”, Johan said looking around.

“Damnit, you can’t act like you’re forced into this, and then turn around and help them. They’d still be here if you hadn’t flipped that switch out there!”, Sonya fussed, making Bigby glare at him.

“I had to! You two come in here, making trouble for me….but you two only give a shit now 'cause the Crooked Man stepped on your toes or something. Where were you when they took this place from me?”, Johann exclaimed. “It hasn’t been easy for me…. y-you think I wanna live with this at my back?”, Johann asked.

“Alright, Johann, do me a favor, just shut the fuck up and stay out of the way. Can you manage that?”, Bigby asked.

Sonya shook her head and walked over to the table and picked up a box, dumping the stuff out. Her eyes widened at the sight of glamour tubes. “So this is what Beast was delivering.”, she murmured.

She picked one up and showed it to Bigby. “Could be dangerous stuff.” Bigby said.

“Maybe just don’t touch anything back here? Please?”, Johann begged. “Didn’t I tell you to sit down and shut up?”, Bigby growled. Johann looked away in fear.

Bigby looked down at the shackles, frowning deeply. “These chains….who’s getting chained up here?”, he asked Johann.

“You can’t think I’m the only one the Crooked Man has under his yoke?”, Johann asked, shaking his head. “Is this what those loans get you? That crooked piece of shit! Ribbons. Chains. It’s all the fucking same!”, Bigby shouted in anger.

“What are they even making here?”, Sonya asked, frowning sadly at the thought of the ribbons. "I’m just a butcher. You wanna talk t-bones? That I can do. This stuff is way outta my league.”, Johann told her.

“There are a lot of nasty spells you could make with the right equipment….”, Sonya muttered, looking around.

Bigby goes over to the table and sees packages with the same symbols he saw at the Tweedles' office and Greenleaf’s. “That symbol. It’s on all the packages. What is it?” 

“That’s the Crooked Man’s….brand. It’s on everything that goes in and out of here.”, Johann explained.

“So you do know something, huh?”, Bigby said, rolling his eyes. Sonya leaned in to examine it closely.

“Is it a wheel or..?”, she asked Johann.

“It’s from back in the Homelands….a torture device.", he said, making her eyes widen. "It came over here with the rest of our stories. Not that Mundies need any help coming up with that kind of thing…it makes people crooked….by breaking their bones and– do I really need to explain this?”, Johann asked, exasperated.

She shook her head. "I don't blame you for not wanting to explain more. People who are really into the dark arts of entertainment are not all there with decency." 

Bigby goes over to the board, scanning it from top to bottom. “Too bad they had time to erase it all. This could have been useful.” He raised an eyebrow at the sight of a familiar coat.

He bends down and picks it up. “I know this isn’t your coat.” Bigby said, showing Johann. “What’s it doing here?”, Bigby asked.

“It’s a coat, what’s the big deal about some dirty-”, Johann said but gets cut off by Sonya. "What if that's Crane’s coat?”, she asked, making Bigby intrigued.

“It’s seen some abuse.”, Bigby said, looking at the coat. He pointed at the blood and Sonya rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he handled it just fine.”, she said, making Bigby smirk. He opens up the coat and sees three pockets inside of it.

He digs in the bottom pocket and pulls out a wad of cash. “Hello, Benjamin.", Sonya says, grinning and looked for more clues by the table.

"No time for travelers checks, huh?”, Bigby mutters, placing the money in his pocket. He digs in another pocket and pulls out a torn picture of her from Lily’s glamour tube.

“That sick piece of….”, Bigby growled. “What?”, she asked, walking back over to him and he shows her the picture. Her face grows sour. "Great…", she says, sarcastically.

He frowns in concern and she shakes her head. Bigby digs in the last pocket and pulls out a shard of glass. “It’s the shard!”, Sonya squealed in delight. “Thank God.”, Bigby said, relieved.

“Hey! Hold on!”, Johann shouts, catching their attention. “What the hell am I supposed to do now? I’m gonna have to spend the rest of my short life looking over my shoulder for Bloody Mary. They won’t care that I held up my end. There’s no way to get out of this.”

Sonya smiles at Johann. "Now that we've got the shard, we're gonna get this done. That crooked bastard won't touch you."

“Thank you.”, Johann smiled in relief as Sonya and Bigby walked out of the freezer and walked to the front of the store. Before they left, Sonya flips the sign from open to closed and finally leaves.

Bigby waves down a cab, sighing out softly. "We're getting so close. I can feel it." Sonya smiles at him. "I'm pretty proud of us.", she says, holding her hand up. He looks at her hand with an amused expression and gives her a high five.

Once the cab pulls up to them, they climb in and look at the shard. "The mirror will finally be put together..."

He nodded before his eyes widened to the sound of soft rumbling. He looked over at Sonya as she wore a shy expression. "Was that-"

"Yeah…haven't had much to eat since we've been working.", she said. He frowned. "Why didn't you say anything?", he says, only to hear his stomach rumbling louder than hers.

He grumbles as she snickered. "I can go get us something to eat while you go and get the shard in the office.", she offered.

"You sure you'll be okay by yourself?", he asked, feeling wary of her being alone at this time. She nodded. "I don't think they'd attack me in a food place.", she says, smiling and tells the driver to send her to a sandwich shop.

She climbs out and hears the window roll down before turning to the cab. "If you feel like you're in trouble, call the office. I'll be right by the phone."

She rolled her eyes in amusement and mockingly saluted. "Yes sir."

The Woodland Building

Evening

Bigby walks in the office, frowning at the sight of Bluebeard, Toad yelling and arguing with Snow.

“I don’t care who killed the prostitutes, if Crane was helping himself to the community coffers, it means his hands were in my pocket. And you just let him go!”, Bluebeard shouted at the secretary.

“I don’t know what you heard, but it did not happen like that.”, Snow corrected. “Are you denying the facts?” Bluebeard asked, challenging her.

“She’s denying me the chance to get a word in. Now, Miss White, I–” Toad started to say but Bufkin shouts. “Sheriff Bigby has returned.”

They turned toward him. "The ole wrecking ball, himself!”, he hears.

“Where have you been? Where's Sonya?”, Snow asked, walking over to him. “I’m not finished here Miss White–”, Bluebeard shouts. Snow turns to him. “You will have to wait! Just one moment, please.”

She turns to face Bigby. “Look what we found.”, he says, proudly pulling out the shard. He smiled at the sight of Snow’s shocked face. “Seems your dog wants a biscuit.”, Bluebeard remarked. Bigby glared at him.

“Bufkin! Get this piece in the mirror, right away!”, Snow orders. Bufkin swoops down, taking the shard. “With pleasure, Miss Snow.”

“Finally. Things are swinging back in the right direction. Good work, Bigby.”, Snow said, making him smile. “You two have been gone all day. What did you uncover?”, Snow asked.

“We had to get real persuasive with the Jersey Devil, down at the Lucky Pawn, but he told us that the Crooked Man’s door moves. It’s some kind of magic door.”, he explained.

“Do you think the mirror will be able to find the door…once it’s fixed?”, Snow asked. 

“That’s how Crane did it. And that’s how we’re gonna do it.”, Bigby replied, nodded.

“Excellent work. Really.”, Snow smiled. “Sheriff, I could use your assistance. Would you join me at the mirror?”, Bufkin calls. Bigby shrugs at her and heads over to the mirror.

“Don’t go far, Sheriff. I’d like to have a few words of my own with you.”, Bluebeard declared. “How about you fuck off until I’m good and ready.”, Bigby snapped as he walked over to the mirror.

“I don’t understand….this piece just doesn’t want to join the rest. Do you have any idea why?”, Bufkin asked Bigby. “You got me.”, Bigby said, shrugging. “Well, where did you find it? What has it gone through since being separated from the rest?”, Bufkin asked.

“I found it in Crane’s coat. Last person I saw with Crane, or his coat, was that psycho Bloody Mary. Maybe she had some–”

“Ah, yes. Miss White was asking about here. That explains it! You-know-who and the Mirror have a very…unhappy history with each other. How would you like it if she tried to use you as a doorway?”, Bufkin asks. “I think I already know the feeling…”, Bigby says.

“Well, I think I know how to proceed, now. It will just take a little extra….coaxing. That’s all. Thank you for your help. It could be awhile, Sheriff. I’ll find you when it’s ready. Besides which….he might not want to come out with you watching.”, Bufkin said.

Bigby raised an eyebrow at this info. “Oh, he doesn’t like being spied on?”, Bigby asked, intrigued and crossed his arms.

Bufkin shrugs and smiles at him. Bigby turns around to walk back towards the other three and Snow walks up to him. “Is it fixed? Did you ask about the Crooked Man?”, she asked him. “Bufkin’s still working on it. He said it might be awhile.”, Bigby informed Snow.

She sighs and looks at Bluebeard and Toad, who were arguing with each other. “I can’t take those two right now. We’re to catch a murderer, and they’re….they’re over there bickering about bureaucracy. We’re….at war! Don’t they realize that?”, Snow asked, frustrated.

Bigby raised an eyebrow. “Do you need help over there?" 

"Yeah, thanks.”, Snow said, smiling. “Go talk to Toad…but just so you know….we can’t pay him. He really needs to go to the Farm, you know. So, just break the news and be done with it, okay?”

Bigby sighed and goes to lean on the edge of a table. Snow goes to sit in Crane’s old desk and begins to talk to Bluebeard. “Toad! C'mere!”, Bigby calls out.

Toad turns to face him and rolls his eyes. “I see how it is. Passed off to an underling, eh? Why am I not surprised?”, Toad said as he waddled over to him. “Well you two did cause what damage brings me in here, so maybe it’s for the best. Just need a little bit more dosh to cover it. I tried talking to her about it, but it’s like chatting up a brick wall, it is. Now I’m sure you’ve got your own agenda, Sheriff. But I’ve taken a real wallop because of you two. And you can’t deny that.”

“I’m starting to think you don’t take me seriously, Toad. How many times have we told you to get glamoured up?”, Bigby asked as he stood up, putting his hands on his hips. “You know that when you’re out of glamour, we gotta send you to the Farm.”

Toad narrows his eyes at the bigger male. “Well….How about your friend, the pig, hm? Isn’t he going to the Farm, too? Yeah, you thought we didn’t know about him, huh? The worst kept secret in Fabletown. For a friend, the rules’ll bend.”

“Colin stays in my apartment. It’s a lot different than a three-foot-tall frog walking the streets.” Bigby replied. “What?! If the pig doesn’t have to go, I shouldn’t either!”, Toad disagreed, angered. Bigby returned the gesture with a glare.

“Okay, okay. If you give me one more chance and hear me out. I’ll see a way for me and me boy to stay. I’m not gonna ask for any more than I need. I just want to stay. So whaddya say you just give me enough to cover me glamours and…we’ll call the rest a wash. Please, Sheriff, don’t take TJ away from the only home he knows. This whole glamour rule is….oppressive. I’ve done nothing wrong but look different. You know it’s not right….burdening the weakest of us like this.” Toad said, giving him sad eyes.

Bigby sighed heavily and remembered picking a wad of cash out of Crane's pocket. He grimaced thinking that he should've given it to Sonya just in case she didn't have enough to buy for food but gave it to Toad anyways.

"Here. This was Crane’s money but I don’t think he'll need this anymore.", he says, pulling the wad out. Before he gave it to Toad, he gave him a fixed look. "This is for your glamours only. If you buy unnecessary shit, you will go to the Farm. Am I clear?"

Toad nodded excitedly and skipped away, whistling. Snow noticed this and looked at Bigby in confusion.

“Bluebeard! You wanna talk? Now’s your chance.”, Bigby yelled. “I’ve just made my donation funding this office, so direct your questions to Miss White.”, Bluebeard says and leaves the office. Bigby's eye twitches in annoyance as he rubbed his temples to get rid of the oncoming headache.

“Well, at least he’s not trying to get rid of me….”, he hears Snow say. “He’s not?”, Bigby asked. “For now….did you two take care of Toad? I mean….I saw the way he left…I know it may not seem that important right now. But glamours are the law for a very good reason.”, Snow said, her hands on her hips.

“I took care of it. Let's not worry about that.”, he said.

“Fine. We’ll deal with it later.” , she said, sighing. “I know I should be asking how it got like this….but I just keep wondering why it happened….to Faith and Lily. You two have seen his world. Do you guys have any idea why he’d want them dead?”, Snow asked, pacing around. 

“If there’s one thing we’ve figured out, it’s that the Crooked Man is all about control. It’s what he does with the loans at the Pawn Shop, the magic he peddles…chains…ribbons. Maybe Faith and Lily weren’t doing what they were told. Or….maybe they just tried to leave.”, Bigby said.

“Sheriff! Miss White! I believe the mirror is repaired!”, Bufkin announces. They look at each other before walking to the mirror.

“I have to say, I have been better…but thanks for putting me back together.”, the Mirror rhymes. Snow sighs and steps up. “Mirror, mirror….we’re glad you weren’t slain. Now please show us….that sick creep Crane.”

The mirror then shows Crane and Bloody Mary talking. “You will get on that plane to Paris and you will wait for the day the Crooked Man needs you. Until then, not a peep. Otherwise, I get to deal with you my way. So please….please disobey.”, Mary said to Crane, threateningly.

Suddenly, Mary looks around as if she were searching for something. “Wait a minute….someone’s watching….” Then, she looks dead at Snow and Bigby, grinning wildly raised her hand.

The mirror started to shake and turn red and the face of the mirror came back into view. “What ....just happened?”, the mirror asked, disoriented. “We pointed you in the wrong direction….and looked at Bloody Mary’s reflection.”, Bufkin explained.

“Oh….her. That explains the sting. I’d rather not have to feel the pain she brings. So….let’s not do that again, okay?”, Mirror said. 

“Looks like we’ll have to track him down later.”, Bigby said. “You’re right. We need to focus on the immediate threat. And that’s the Crooked Man.”, Snow said.

Bigby sighs and hums. “Uh, Mirror, Mirror…no time to pout….so where does the Crooked Man hang out?”

The mirror showed a door with the Crooked Man’s symbol on it. “I don’t recognize the door, but…that’s the Crooked Man’s symbol on it.” 

“Hold on…”, the mirror said as a different door appeared with the symbol on it. “The door…it moves…”, Snow said, shocked. “Told you.”, Bigby said, smiling at her. “Wait a minute, I know that door….that’s Central Park.”, Snow said.

“I don’t know when it’s gonna move again, but we gotta get there before it does.”, Bigby said. “Bigby, wait!”, Snow shouted, making him pause and turn to her. “When you get the Crooked Man…make sure you bring him back alive. He has to stand trial. We can’t just dispense street justice.”

"Yeah, yeah, we'll bring him back here. Alive. Then we can clean him and cook him together.”, Bigby says, rolling his eyes.

“Good. I have enough to worry about here while I prepare the case against him. So, I’m going to trust you two to handle this properly.", she says and turns to hear the phone ring.

Bigby rushes to answer it, "Hello?" He hears Beast's rushed voice. "Bigby? Something bad happened!"

Beast was calling for him?? This couldn't be good. Bigby's eyebrows furrowed. "What happened??"

"I was on my way to Johann's, I know I shouldn't have gone over there but I saw Sonya being kidnapped and beaten! I think it was the Tweedles.", Beast rushed to explain.

Bigby's eyes widened at the info. His teeth gritted and bared as he tried to keep himself together. "I'll get her.", he says, hanging up.

Snow's eyes widened. "What happened?"

Bigby looked at her. "The Tweedles got Sonya. They must know we already have the shard." He storms to the door. "I'm gonna end this.", he says and leaves.

The Gothic Bridge

Central Park, 94th Street

Night

Bigby made it to the door with the symbol on it, just in time. He steps in, a bright light blinding him for a moment before he realized he's been teleported to a different area.

It seemed like a castle hall of some sort. He heard footsteps and hid behind a wall, getting ready to pounce on whoever was here. Instead of an actual threat, there was a young man with a crutch and a leg brace on his left leg.

“Tim? What the hell are you doing here?”, Bigby asked, shocked.

“Good evening, Sheriff.”, Tim said and held his left hand out towards him. “I’m here to take you guys to the boss. Thanks, by the way…for leaving off Tiny. Tiny Tim. You’d think I’d have outgrown that centuries ago."

Bigby looks at Tim’s hand and shakes it. Tim smiles at his gesture and lets go. "I have to admit, when they asked me to watch the door….I wasn’t sure what to expect when you came through that portal. I know you aren’t here on a social call.”, Tim said.

“Hold on, you’ve just been waiting for me to show up?”, Bigby asked him. “You knew I was coming?”

“That’s what they told me.”, Tim replied. “I dunno, they said you two made it pretty clear. I’m supposed to bring you right on in, so….If you will come this way….”, he said, beginning to lead him away. “Look, this is the one thing I have to do. Please, don’t make this hard on me… I don’t want to get in trouble. So…if you can follow me.”

“Fine. Lead on.”, Bigby said. Tim smiles at him and turns, starting to walk down the hall with Bigby following behind.

“Thanks for understanding. This is all I’m here to do, and…I don’t want to mess it up. I know I’m probably the last person you’d expect to be a…guard. Or an escort for that matter. I was a little surprised, myself, when they asked me to do it. I thought it was a joke, actually.”, Tim explained.

“You shouldn’t be here, Tim. This place is dangerous. Especially for someone…like you.”, Bigby says, looking at the man's leg.

“It’s…not like that. Whatever you may think of him….he doesn’t treat me like some….broken little kid. I think he gets what it’s like.”, Tim said as he pats his left leg. “He gave me a job. And I’m lucky to have it. This is the only option I’ve got. Just….keep that in mind, maybe? ‘Cause if you and the boss go up against each other….the rest of Fabletown is gonna get caught in the middle.”

“I understand the position you’re in, but you don’t have to do this. There are other things you could do.”, Bigby says. “So it’s just that easy?” Tim asked, frowning.

“Maybe not, but you don’t want to be a part of this.”, Bigby says, and begins to walk ahead of Tim.

“A lot of us depend on him. Some of us never get to the front of the line at the Business Office. But he’s there. We need you….but we need him too. What we don’t need is a war.”, Tim said to him.

“Hey, Sheriff, hold up….I gotta go in with you. Hold on!”, Tim shouts. Bigby stops and waits for Tim to catch up. “Thanks.”, Tim said, smiling as he walked past him and led him to a large door.

Bigby frowned at the laughing and loud voices and looked over at Tim. “Go ahead. You got a job to do.”, he says, nodding his head. Tim's smile gets bigger as he opens the door. “Sheriff Wolf, sir.”, Tim said as Bigby walks in.

The room gets quiet as he's met with glares and shocked expressions.

He saw the Tweedles, Georgie, Vivian and Jersey were sitting there looking at him. Jersey started to charge towards him, but he noticed a shadowed figure on the couch, reaching his hand out to Jersey.

Jersey stops. “Thank you, Tim.”, the figure says and leans out of the darkness to reveal himself as The Crooked Man. A tall lanky man with a half droopy face and a mustache.

“I know the Sheriff isn't the….accommodating sort. But you handled it. You did well. You can go now.”, Crooked Man said to Tim who nodded and shut the door.

“You see? Everyone in Fabletown has a role to fill. You just have to pay attention to what they need to help them find it.”, Crooked Man said as he slammed the end of his cane on the floor.

“Why don’t you have a seat, Sheriff? We have a great deal to discuss.”, Crooked Man said as he offered a chair for him. Bigby takes a few steps forward, pulls out his cigarette pack, pulls one out and lights his cigarette.

“You’ve come a long way. You must be tired.” Crooked Man said. Bigby continues to smoke his cigarette, nearly biting through it. He notices Jersey reaching for his gun and almost snorted in amusement.

“And if my envoys are correct….you two haven’t had a lot of rest recently. Please, relax for a moment, will you? Do you want a drink? Something to eat? Vivian makes a very nice, very…. it’s elegant, really. Her carpaccio. It’s lobster….sirloin….”, he continued to offer.

He pulled his cigarette out, blowing out a large puff of smoke. "Speaking of my partner... where the hell is she?", he glared at the man. The Crooked Man nodded. "Ah...Ms. Sonya. She's here...just resting for a moment."

He looked up at Vivian. "Dear, will you go fetch her, please?" Vivian nodded and brought out an unconscious Sonya, cuffed and laid limp in Vivian's arms.

Bigby's jaw clenched at the sight as Vivian hands her to him. He cradled her, now getting a good look at her face as he felt himself getting angrier. Her face, nearly swollen and bloodied. A split lip, her eyes blackening and a good cut across her cheek.

He held her close and glared at the Tweedles. "What the fuck did you two do." They tried keeping a smug expression on their faces but nearly cowered back at his calm, angered voice.

"They were simply protecting me.", The Crooked Man explained. Bigby snapped his attention over to the lanky man. "Protecting??? She went to go get food. How were you in any danger?"

"I'll admit, they did go a little overboard but they mean well.", he replied, making Bigby's hold tighten on Sonya.

She groaned softly and he looked down at her as she looked up at him with a sad expression. "I'm sorry...I didn't even make it to the shop...", she whispered, hoarsely.

He frowned. "Don't worry about that.", he says, and stands her up. “We’re here for one reason. And it’s not to eat your fuckin’ food.”, Bigby said to the Crook Man.

“Really.” Crooked Man said.

“Yeah.”, Bigby says and throws his cigarette down on the floor. He stomps it out, holding her up.

He looked at her hands and looked at the Tweedles. "Where's the key?"

Dee shrugged, giving him a smile. "Must've dropped it."

Bigby growled. "That's fine...", Sonya says, wobbling to stand a bit before jumping and putting her legs through her arms, now having her arms out in front of her. She held her hands up, heating them up enough to melt the metal off of her wrists.

Jersey gets up, pointing his gun at Sonya's head as she rubs her free, sore wrists. Bigby growled loudly in warning while she just looked at Jersey, unimpressed. “What do you think you’re doing?”, he fussed at Jersey.

“They’re gonna–” Jersey started to say to the Crooked Man but Crooked Man interrupted him. “Mr. Wolf and Miss Blaze are our guests. And I have every intention of cooperating. So don’t waste the silver.”

Jersey still had the gun aiming at her. “Sit down, Jersey.” Crooked Man orders, making Jersey finally lower the gun and sits down.

"I thought you didn't need the bullets.", Sonya scoffs, wiping her mouth tiredly. "What a bitch..." Bigby frowned at her wobbling state and stayed near her just in case she fell over.

“Well, Sheriff, Deputy…for the sake of transparency, why don’t you two tell us why you’re here? It would help settle everyone’s nerves, I think.”, Crooked Man says.

“You’re destroying this town. Apparently you've been doing it for ages.”, Sonya replied. “Destroying this town? What on Earth do you mean?”, Crooked Man asked, playing confused.

“What the hell do you think I mean? Slavery, kidnapping, extortion, murder. Something you would call the wholesale corruption of Fabletown.”, she said, getting frustrated.

“I would call it the baseless accusation of a desperate Sheriff and Deputy.”, Crooked Man replied. “How are you certain this isn’t some…conspiracy against me? I’m a well-connected man….well moneyed. People do like to take their shots at me.”

“Who would try to pull that on you?”, Bigby asked him.

“Oh, I don’t know. Fables with a grudge, people who want a stake in my shops and services….but I can understand the confusion. And I am, truly, sorry about….the trouble all of this has caused you two. And I hope you believe me when I say that I sincerely mean to make it up to you two.”, Crooked Man replied.

“The recent murders have gotten such attention as of late….I don’t relish telling you that they were perpetrated by an employee of mine. It’s a very unfortunate bit of business, but….I promise you that the matter will be dealt with. Internally. I just want to settle the issue for you two. And to assure you that it’s over with. You two really don’t need to worry yourself further.”, he said.

Bigby starts to walk closer to him. “You really shouldn’t worry yourself. As I said, I’ve got this under control.”, the Crooked Man says.

“I already know who did it.”, Bigby said, making Sonya glance at him. “Forgive me, Sheriff, for doubting your acumen, but….who do you think committed these crimes?”, Crooked Man asked him.

“Don’t give us this employee bullshit. I know it was you.”, Bigby replied. Georgie laughed at his accusation, making Sonya glare at him.

“What must I say to convince you that I’m innocent, dear? It wasn’t me. And I have complete respect for you two and your jobs, I really do, but I’m sorry, I simply can’t divulge the transgressor.”, Crooked Man said.

“No. We’re dealing with this. Right now.”, Sonya said firmly.

“Yeah, right.”, Jersey sneered. “What do you think this is? Some kind of negotiation?”, Dee asked as Bigby walked up to him. “The man said he’d take care of it. So why don’t you two take the hint and get out.”

“Sonya and I are the law, not you. Now tell us who did it!”, Bigby demanded angrily, at Dee. “You think I’m scared of you?”, Dee asked as he looked over at Dum. He looked back at Bigby and laughed. “Haha! You’re nothin’ more than a–”

"I already know who did it.", Sonya says, catching everyone's attention. She glanced at Georgie with a harsh glare.

"Why didn't you say anything?", Bigby asked. "You never gave me the chance before you said anything.", she says, looking at him tiredly.

She shook her head. "It was Georgie. I remember waking up and passing out to hear him talk about it with the Tweedles. They were laughing about it.", she says, glaring at the three men.

“Georgie.” Bigby growled as he walked up to him.

"Amazing deduction, Deputy. Seems you're smarter than the sheriff.", the Crooked Man smiles. She glared at him too. "You're not exactly out of the woods either."

“As I said….I’ll be handling the matter if you don’t mind.”, Crooked Man said.

“You got what you wanted, so just–” Jersey started to say as he stood up but Crooked Man stopped him. “Sit. Down. Now.”

Jersey sits down as Georgie looks up at Bigby. “Yeah, I killed ‘em. So what?” He asked.

“Why’d you do it? Why kill them?”, Sonya asked, angrily. “Does it matter?”, Georgie asked. She looked at him as if he'd grown another head. "Uh, yeah. You broke a law. You murdered two fables. What do you think!?"

“What’s there to work out?! I’m protected, aren’t I?!”, Georgie asked the Crooked Man. “Your protection has limits….and I think you’ve far exceeded yours. That you could murder someone in cold blood like that….”, Crooked Man says, shaking his head.

“Look, the fact is….Georgie here misinterpreted one of my instructions….”, Crooked Man explained. “Misinterpreted?!”, Georgie exclaims getting up.

“And I want to make things right. So….let’s work something out.”, Crooked Man said, ignoring him.

“You fuckin’ asked me to do this! You told me to kill them!”, Georgie exclaimed, making Sonya and Bigby turn to the Crooked Man.

“And then attempt to blame me for it! You will be silent….while we discuss what to do with you.”, Crooked Man ordered Georgie.

“This is right bollocks, this!”, Georgie fussed then looked back at everyone. “You just gonna let him do this?”

“What the hell?!”, Vivian exclaimed.

The goons looked away from him, not saying anything. “So what do you two say? Can we discuss terms? You two can have Georgie. Consider it a gift….ensuring our continued cooperation.", The Crooked Man offered.

"Take this fucker! Take all of 'em! I didn’t fuckin’ start this!”, Georgie shouts, pointing at Crooked Man and everyone in the room.

“Don’t make any trouble, Georgie.”, Jersey warned.

“Are you seriously throwin’ me under the fuckin’ carriage?”, Georgie asked Crooked Man.

“No deals. It’s over, so get up.”, Bigby told Crooked Man.

“I’d advise against that approach, Bigby.”, Crooked Man said, warningly.

“You can’t just hand me over! What the fuck is this shit! You said you’d cover for us!”, Georgie fussed. For minor infractions, not murder.”, Crooked Man corrected.

“Just go with them, Georgie! You’re gonna sink us all!”, Jersey shouts.

“What’s wrong with you people! You’re really gonna sell him out just like that?!”, Vivian asked in disbelief.

“You think I give a fuck if I’m the one who–who the shit do you think you fuckers are?”, Georgie asked the others.

“Just surrender!”

“Get the fuck out of here!”

“Things are about to get unpleasant, and I would rather you two weren’t here to watch.”, Crooked Man continued.

“I do apologize, Sheriff….but I think it’s best if you and your partner leave now.”, Crooked Man said to Bigby. “There’s no way I’m goin’ with them! Are you kidding me!?”, Georgie shouts.

“You can go join that whore at the bottom of the lake for all I give a shit! But they’re not takin’ me anywhere! I’ll roll over on the lot of you before I let that shit happen!”, Georgie shouts at everyone.

“What are you saying?” Jersey asked.

“Yeah. What the fuck? You’re gonna make sure we all go down the shutter with you?”, Dee asked Georgie, angrily.

“We’re not going anywhere!”, Sonya yelled at everyone. The room gets quiet and Bigby looks behind her, growling lowly in warning.

She turns behind her to see their reflection and someone familiar as well. She gave them a grin and stepped out of the mirror in amusement.

Crooked Man places his hand over his face. “This could have gone so well…” then he looks up at Bigby and Sonya in anger. “To speak the truth, I’ve never been a very good mediator….why negotiate when you can just decide.”

“Did I miss anything good?”, Bloody Mary asked. Sonya mustered up enough strength to change into her first form and Bigby glared at her, his eyes glimmering with yellow.

Mary looks over at them. “Well, look at you… all fixed up.” Sonya lights her hand on fire but gets punched by Georgie, making her fall back.

Jersey attacks her and she puts her hands out, burning him before he could land a hand on her. Dum threw Dee a gun and he pointed the gun at Bigby.

Bigby knocked the gun away right when Dee pulled the trigger. The bullet hits a window in the back room to reveal the portal.

Bigby turns to it but Mary kicks him across the face, knocking him back. The goons walk over to the two, making Bigby change into his first form. Jersey turns into his skeletal form and charges at you.

“You two have done enough.”, Georgie said as he picked up a knife, swinging it at them. Sonya sees Mary lead the Crooked Man through the portal and tries to chase after them but gets stopped by Jersey.

She shot a blast of fire at Jersey, making him scream out. Dee restrained Bigby from behind, struggling with him. Georgie walks towards him with his knife. “I’d like to say it was nice knowin’ you…”, he said.

"Bigby!“, Sonya yells, running over but Dum punches her in the face. She growled at him, holding her jaw. "But I’ll be glad to see your insides turned out.”, Georgie continued as he thrust the knife towards Bigby.

Bigby dodges, making Georgie stab Dee in the side. Dee falls over and Dum runs over to help his brother.

Georgie continues to attack Bigby but Bigby grabs Georgie’s wrist, pulls the knife out of his hand and shoves the knife into Georgie’s stomach.

Georgie gasped and pulled the knife out as he backed away. “Oh God!”, Vivian cries as she runs over to Georgie.

Bigby rushes to Sonya, checking her. "You okay?", he asks. She nodded and saw Vivian and Georgie disappear through the portal and left. Sonya and Bigby looked at each and disappeared into the portal.