#oh once again i will expose where i thefted names from | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

brutal-nemesis · 4 years ago

Text

Ice Day 2021: Cool-stys

Hoo boy my fingers are cold. Happy Ice Day! I hope y’all are staying chilly, and here’s to more pain! And as for this one...it’s a lot of pain (⊙ˍ⊙)

Oh also because I don’t have a place for this information but I feel like you should know before you read so when it comes up you get what I mean: I imagine a Quibhassian accent sounds quite similar to an Icelandic one.

Castys Masterlist

Ingredients: self-amputation, suicide for convenience (immortal), self-harm to escape danger, stabbing, body horror, implied suffocation

Why was Castys somehow always in the wrong place at the wrong time? Seriously, he had the worst luck. Unless you counted accidentally witnessing a murder as lucky. Well, maybe it was lucky for the person getting murdered because then they could get justice or whatever. Except Castys didn’t really care about justice and never reported that sort of thing to the authorities. So, in conclusion, Castys witnessing your murder was unlucky for you and for him. Unlucky for you because he wasn’t going to tattle on the murderer, and unlucky for him because he was currently being chased through a forest by some murderer lady.

He was never a fan of running, and certainly not running through the snow while all bundled up because it was cold but running makes you hot so there’s no temperature happiness there. He was debating just giving up and trying to reason with the lady when he tripped over some hidden mystery object and landed face first in the snow, making that decision for him. A boot kicked his shoulder and turned him over before planting itself firmly on his chest. The woman attached to it was glaring down at him, holding a large icy spear-type-thing to his neck, which would be threatening if he could actually die. Well, maybe he could talk his way out before she decided to hurt him. Because he’d rather she didn’t.

“I would just like to inform you: I really don’t care about what I saw back there. I kill people all the time; it happens. So, if you’ll just let me go on my merry way, I promise not to tell anyone about the whole, uh, murder thing. We good?” He flashed her his most convincing smile, but all she did was narrow her eyes.

“I don’t know if I can trust the word of a man like you.” She had a strong Quibhassian accent, which wasn’t surprising as they were in fact in the frozen wastes of Quibhass.

“A man like-wha-we just met?! You don’t even know me! You’d be totally justified in your whatever criticisms after, like, talking to me for more than five minutes, but it hasn’t been that long.”

“You give the impression of a wiry little mustela, saying anything to save your own skin.” She jabbed the sharp end of her giant icicle into his neck. Well, into his scarf. Still threat-y, though.

“I-I don’t even know what that is. Look,” he finally held up his hands, which he probably should have done initially, but he found it incredibly hard not to wave them around when he talked, “is there any way I can convince you not to stab me in the throat? Because if so I’d love to hear it.” Not that he was afraid she’d kill him, being that he couldn’t die, but if she did that, she’d find out that he was immortal, which...well, people didn’t typically react well to that information. Something about him being immortal made people really want to tie him up and hurt him, which was not a pastime he enjoyed. The woman seemed to think for a moment before setting her jaw and raising her spear.

“No. Goodbye, little mustela.” Castys opened his mouth to protest, he didn’t want to get blood all over his clothes, but the sudden agony and the usual blackness told him it was too late.

When he came back to life, he was displeased to find that she had not just left his corpse lying in the snow. No, she had to be dragging him to wherever by the ankle. Great, he’d have to play dead and pray she didn’t notice that he was very much not dead. He supposed he could just wiggle free and rely on the element of surprise to give him a head start, but it hadn’t exactly gone well the last time she chased him. Better to just wait and hope that she didn’t set him on fire. No, she wouldn’t, because ice wizards don’t set people on fire. They set them on...cold. Holy shit where was she dragging him this was taking forever and he was starting to have incredibly stupid thoughts.

By the time she’d stopped dragging him, Castys’s thoughts had wandered into dangerous territory. Not in a “thinking about Bad things” way, but in a “thinking about funny things” way. Specifically that one time Eris got so excited about fried bread that she hit her head on the ceiling. He tried to keep quiet, he really tried. But before he knew it he was laughing uncontrollably, betrayed by the ridiculously low ceilings at that one tavern all those years ago. Why the hell did that have to be so funny? Hopefully she couldn’t hear him, didn’t see his allegedly dead body shaking with restrained chuckles.

The very cold spear now stabbed into his stomach told him otherwise.

His eyes snapped open, and once again, she was standing over him. She ripped the bloodied scarf from his neck and examined his neck that now had no hole in it. “Killing me again will accomplish nothing,” Castys said tiredly. “So if you would please-” he had to pause to cough up blood, “accept the fact that I cannot in fact be silenced and permit to run off into the woods, I would appreciate it.” The woman responded by shoving his scarf into his mouth.

“It seems you can be silenced, tricky little mustela.” Castys reached up to pull the bloodied scarf out of his mouth, but a muttered spell from the woman caused shackles of ice to appear on his wrists. She grabbed the chain now connecting his wrists and pulled it up, preventing him from removing the gag. “Any vermin that cannot be killed must be kept. It is the only way.” She snapped the shaft of the spear, leaving the frozen head embedded in his stomach, and began to drag him by the chain between his wrists into the nearby cabin. Castys was marginally grateful that he was at least being brought inside, but that gratefulness disappeared when she flung him down a flight of stairs.

He was too dazed to resist as the woman started slicing through his coat, reducing almost all of his layers to shreds, which was incredibly rude of her. He’d really liked that coat, and now he had nothing to protect him from her frigid basement. “The cold will keep you trapped in here. Do some of my work for me,” the woman muttered, but Castys hardly heard her over the pounding in his head. And by the time said pounding went away, all he could hear was the door slamming shut and the click of a lock.

Laying on the cold stone floor, Castys yanked his scarf out his mouth and sighed. This was, without a doubt, the worst case scenario. Well, at least his mouth being stuffed full of bloody wool had prevented him from biting his tongue on the way down the stairs, so there was that. Worst case scenario minus tongue pain, but plus everything else pain. But hey, what are magic death rocks for? With frozen fingers, he pulled the pouch around his neck out from under his shirt. He wormed a finger into the pouch, sinking into the sweet release of death at the rock’s touch.

Sadly, dying couldn’t fix all of his problems. He was incredibly cold, for one, and healing himself wasn’t going to fix his coat or get those shackles of his wrists. And he was so, so cold, almost like it was coming from inside him...oh god he was a complete idiot. One of his injuries had been from that icy spear. The broken off point had still been lodged in his abdomen when he died.

And now it was stuck inside him. Fan. Tas. Tic.

Well, unless he was willing to slice himself open and dig it out, which he really wasn’t, that was going to be there for a while. Hopefully it would melt. Stowing away that problem for Later Castys, he sat up and looked around the room, eyes straining to see in the dark. There were shelves along two of the walls, lined with jars containing liquid full of...things. He hoped it was preserved food and not, like, human fingers or something, but it was too dark to tell. Of course, he’d had a lightstone in his pocket before all this happened, but his captor had taken his things while he was dead. Which was honestly fair, he would have done the same. But since he hadn’t actually died, it was rather inconvenient.

Against the back wall, he found what felt like a table, littered with various tools and-holy shit was that an axe? Further examination proved that yes, that lady had been stupid enough to lock him down here with an axe. He considered breaking down the door right away, but if there was going to be a fight up there, he’d prefer not to have his hands chained together. Trying to break a chain with an axe in the dark wasn’t exactly the safest thing he’d ever done, but it’s not like he could cause any damage to himself that dying wouldn’t fix. He pulled the pouch off of his neck and shook the stone out onto the table, ready for if things went south.

He put the chain of ice against the axe blade and twisted, pulling it taut. Faint crackling noises told him it was working and after a few more moments, the chain snapped under the pressure. He stretched, glad to have his arms free again. Well, they weren’t completely free as those stupid ice shackles were still encircling his wrists. Honestly, he would have preferred metal ones, even if that meant he wouldn’t have been able to break the chain, because, shockingly, these ice ones were incredibly cold. They’d pressed themselves into his bare skin after he’d been relieved of his coat, and their chill felt like it was encasing his arms in ice. He rubbed his hands on his arms, trying to warm them, but the shackles seemed to cover more of his arms than he remembered, almost as if-

The shackles were growing. A layer of ice was creeping out over his skin from where the edges of the shackles used to be. He watched, transfixed in horror for a moment.

And then panic set in.

He frantically scratched at it to no avail, the ice was starting to cover his hands, he didn’t have any time, and when he remembered the axe, he knew what he had to do. Do I really have to? Trembling fingers wrapped around the axe’s handle as he laid his right arm on the table. I’ve felt this pain before but I’ve never had to do it to myself and I’m not sure if I can- He raised the axe, feeling the ice spread around his fingers, locking them in place. Okay okay I can do this I don’t have time to hesitate I need to stop the ice before it’s too late just do it come on do it do it DO IT-

He did it. The axe buried itself in his arm, right above the elbow. No, no it didn’t go all the way through, he’d need to do it again. Fighting to keep his screams locked behind his teeth, he wrenched the axe out from the notch it had made in his bone and swung it again. This time, it chopped most of the way through with a sickening crack. Fuck, fuck, fuck, he had to get through that last bit of flesh, had to make sure it was completely severed, and then he could die. The axe sliced through the bits of muscle and skin still attaching his arm, and he dove for his rock, pressing what was left of his arm into it.

There was no time to rest after he woke up, because holy balls he was going to have to do that again. Looking at his left arm, he was going to have to cut it off closer to the shoulder at the rate the ice was going. He tried to open his left hand to let go of the axe, but it had completely frozen over, his fingers stuck gripping the handle. Fuck, he didn’t have time for this, the ice was almost to his shoulder and then it would be too late, too late. He wedged the end of the handle under the edge of the table and pulled down with his right hand, hoping he could pry his left hand open. He felt a bolt of elation as he heard the ice start to crack, and pushed down even harder.

The ice, and the fingers within it, cracked and shattered. Castys stilled, his gaze fixed in horror at the jagged stumps where his fingers had been just moments ago. His mind was screaming at him to move, to amputate his other arm before the ice encased it completely, but the fact that his fucking fingers had just snapped off was still setting in. It was only a moment of stillness, a moment of disbelief, but it was a moment too long.

The axe clattered to the floor. Fingers scratched desperately at the ice now encasing his shoulder, spreading across his chest, creeping up his neck. But it was useless, useless, the ice wouldn’t stop, wouldn’t go away, it was so cold, part of him just wanted to lie down and sleep, succumb to the inevitable frozen cocoon, but part of him was too terrified of the ice growing over his skin, sucking all the heat from his body it was up to his face now was he even going to be able to breathe it’s so cold GET OFF MY EYE GET OUT OF MY MOUTH STOP IT STOP IT PLEASE PLEA-

And then there was silence. There was stillness. And there was cold.

Castys Cult: @as-a-matter-of-whump @blackrosesandwhump @fanmanga1357-blog @poppys-whumping @thehopelessopus @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @hearse-song @muddy-swamp-bitch

#i wrote something #ice day #ice day 2021 #castys #amputation #suicide for convenience #self amputation #implied suffocation #body horror #immortal whump #immortal whumpee #sorry to anyone who thought this was going to end happily in any way. but like have you met me #alright so now for the tags where i bare my soul #and tell you that i got the ice shackle that eventually incases you in ice from the pokemon adventures manga #*encases 🙃#there was no actual armputation in the mango tho lol #(MANGO are you kidding me)#people either got encased in the ice or had a ditto disguised as their arm for some reason #blue is my queen and galaxy brain as fuck #oh once again i will expose where i thefted names from #because i dont think anyone else has has experience with ancient egyptian #and ''quibhass'' is a smashed warped version of ancient egyptian words for ''cold'' and ''to be cold''#with added vowels because they have like no fuckin vowels #we deadass dont know how they pronounced the majority of their words #cuz they're like ''dpt'' like how do you say that???#dpt means boat btw it's the first word that came to my head lol #if you were like ''wow castys really just made himself laugh like that is that even A Thing''#yes its a thing its a me thing i struggle with it daily #deadass if you leave me in a room by myself i will eventually just start cracking myself up #if it's gonna be my fatal fucking flaw then it's his too

44 notes · View notes

lady-bugginette · 4 years ago

Text

Rose Painted Glasses (A Lila Exposed Fic)

First Next

Inspired by @chatonbean post.

The first part is by another lovely user by the name of @time-is-a-pain. This is their original post here.

The part after this one, that I will make sure is indicated, is by another amazing user @lenoreofraven. Their original post is also here. Their entry is after the cut.

I want to quickly thank both of the amazing people above for letting me use their additions for setting up this fic. It is very much a collaborative effort between many talented writers, I cannot take entire credit for this. 😏

time-is-a-pain’s entry:

Nathaniel had noticed lately that a bunch of the art Lila claimed as hers were in wildly different styles. At first he tried to rationalize it, maybe she’d been branching out style-wise? Maybe she hadn’t actually found her own style yet?

It got much harder to rationalize away the differences when he caught a glimpse of an oddly colored part of a background. Only a shade or two off, but it was there. And it looked like it might cover a signature? Now that he was thinking about it, only a few of the art Lila had shown the class had a signature.

It was harder, but it was Lila. They’d talked a lot about how horrible it felt to have your hard work stolen like that. She wouldn’t steal from anyone. Right?

Nathaniel shuddered, he hated the idea that someone would try claiming his work as their own. He made extra sure that his signature was on the picture, and would be hard to cover when he posted it to insta. H was proud of it, and no art thief would stop that.

And he was right to be proud. It quickly became one of his most popular posts. So when he got to school on Monday. and saw Lila showing off his work, he snapped at her.

Of course, most of the class took Lila’s side. But when Alix and Marinette got there, and saw what was happening, they took his side immediately.

“How can you prove it’s yours?” Kim asked.

A chorus of agreement swept through the room. Nathaniel took a deep breath, his hands were trembling, and pulled out his sketchbook. Flipping to the right page, he stalked over to Lila’s desk, and slammed the book down in front of her.

There it was. The original sketch. Clear in view of the whole class. Nathaniel’s work.

Lila peeked out from behind her fingers when the class went deathly silent, and Alya pulled away from her.

“How many others?” Nathaniel asked quietly, watching the panic appear, and get locked behind Lila’s mask. “Were any of them actually yours?”

lenoreofraven’s entry:

“How could you say that? How could you do this? After all the conversations we had about art theft.” Lila exclaimed back, trying to extinguish the doubt in the eyes of those that watched her. Not everyone was convinced. Alix stood by Nathaniel, trying her best to offer support. While Adrien gently touched Marinette’s wrist, as if signaling for her to stay back.

It was obvious Lila couldn’t win these artists over, artists who have had their work stolen. Instead her eyes settled to Ivan, Rose and Juleka. After the situation with XY, they were fuming the moment the accusation touched the air. It was their weak spot really. Took any logic they may have away.

“You said you wanted me to do a quick sketch, and lent me your notebook as I had left my tablet at home. Then you do this to me?”

“Lila just stop it.” Marinette growled, but she wasn’t the audience for this little stunt. Lila could claim they were in France, and Marinette would check google maps to make sure they hadn’t moved. This was about everyone.

Even Adrien, who glared at her from Marinette’s side, was part of the intended audience. As he could make, or break, her reputation if he so desired. Considering how Ivan responded to the demand. perhaps, just possibly, she could deal with two birds at once. Use this as Marinette was an expert on plagiarism, and if she picked the wrong side it could be ruin for her.

“Stop what? Trying to take credit for my own work? I know you don’t like me much, but do you honestly condone this? I thought you would be the first person to support the victim of art theft.” Marinette just looked back with a blank stare, not even humoring the accusation with a response.

All eyes were still on Lila and Nathaniel. Not ideal, but it could be managed. It was the wrong time for crocodile tears. Her eyes scanned the work again. When she had erased the signature from the upload she had been careful, after this she would start adding her own sign. For now she just needed proof. This was a draft, not the official upload. She just needed something.

“Maybe I have been experimenting with styles a bit, but this is mine. See, there’s an L, as in Lila. I made it subtle so it couldn’t be erased, like how you stitch your name into designs in clever ways, Marinette.” Lila explained, pointing at something that could be an L, but was just as likely to be miscellaneous lines. Alya, Sabrina, and a few others that were still on the fence squinted at it, tilting their heads to try and see it. The members of Kitty Section instantly took it as fact. Max, Alix and a few doubters all shook their heads, realizing the stretch.

Nathaniel glared back at her.

“That’s not an L. That’s just lines. I don’t erase signatures like some people because if you look on my insta it clearly had my signature, matches all my other work, and is clearly mine!”

“Then you must have added it. We all know how disrespectful you can be of other’s art.” Lila remarked, as she flinched away from Nathaniel. She made it as dramatic as possible, acting as if the artist would hit her.

“LILA!” Snapped Alix, not sparing any notice for Ivan, who now stood as a shield for Lila.

Lila simply sighed with a shake of her head, moving slightly to the side so she could be seen, but Ivan still acted like a bodyguard.

“I know Marc didn’t want to mention it, but that couldn’t have been easy to witness. I don’t know what happened, I wasn’t here for it, but I do know you tore apart someone’s journal. I can’t imagine anyone doing that. It’s cruel. Sure you’re friends and have made up, now working on the comic, but doing that to someone’s notebook? I’d rather eat glass than have my precious sketchpads or notebooks damaged in anyway. I’m just saying, someone who does that may be the type of person to disrespect other people’s art.”

My entry:

Nathaniel flinched back, looking at the others in class. Rose and Juleka glared at him while Ivan stood in front of Lila, unmoving.

“How dare you!” Alix started toward Lila only to be held back by Kim. Max frowned at Lila while adjusting his glasses, he looked at the drawing again, and looked between Lila and Nathaniel.

“Don’t you dare talk about something you have no idea about- You Snake!”

Lila smiled her condescending smile at her opposers.

“It’s not my fault he caused an akuma because of his jealousy. I know he was angry with-”

Alix made another lunge for her, Kim had to quickly catch her body from the air before she could attack the other girl.

Marinette was fuming, she was burning with rage. Her face was slowly turning red, before she suddenly took out her phone.

Adrien looked concerned. He could feel the heat coming off of her body. He looked to the windows, and the classroom door, fro any akumas. He knew it needed to be resolved, and fast. Rose and Juleka were yelling in defense of Lila, while Alix was screaming in defense of Nathaniel. Lila was still ‘cowering’ behind Ivan, and Nathaniel looked like he was on the verge of becoming another akuma. Adrien was about to speak up when someone else did.

“Actually-” A voice broke through the yells of the classroom. Alya looked uncomfortable, with Nino standing, just as uncomfortable, next to her.

Lila looked triumphant, she knew Alya would be on her side. She sent a smug look at the oposing group, one that earned a glare from Nathaniel, a growl from Marinette, and a lunge from Alix, again.

Nino stepped forward, his expression placating.

“All we have to do is see where Nathaniel says his signature is, and see if the spot was altered on the photo posted to both accounts.”

The request seemed reasonable, if the nodding heads of the other classmates were anything to go by, if it weren’t all a lie.

Lila started crying her crocodile tears, lip wobbling at the pair closest to the door.

“Y-You don’t believe me?” She sniffed as Rose comforted her, and Juleka glared at them.

“Not at all!” Alya walked up, her hands waving in front of her.

“We’re not accusing anyone.” Nino clarified.

“We’re just comparing the pictures, that’s all!” Alya hastened to add.

Lila didn’t look happy at all, but Rose was already pulling up the picture on Lila’s instagram. Marinette doing the same on her phone of Nathaniel’s instagram.

They both laid out their phones on a desk for everyone to compare. Max was looking at the two closely, as well as his own phone.

“Oh Marinette, that’s a screenshot.” Max pointed out.

Lila smiled through her tears, sure that she could convince the class that she edited the photo for Nathaniel, because he accused her that one time too.

“Oh, my bad” She said in a falsely sweet voice, something was up.

“Here. Oh!” She made it look like she was backing out of her photo gallery, when she just swiped over, and let the class see another piece of art work.

“Hey! That looks like one of Lila’s pictures!” Rose, oh so helpfully, pointed out. And it was, one of the ones she posted to her instagram anyway.

“Oh but that’s from this artist. See? I screenshoted it when they posted it, two weeks ago. See?”

They looked closer, and sure enough the artist posted it two weeks before, They looked at the same picture on Lila’s instagram that she claimed she finished two days prior. With a suspicious bloch where the other artists signature was was on their post.

Max pulled back, pushed his glasses back up, and nodded.

“Yup. That picture is the original, you can see the watermark. And the convenient spot that covered the watermark from the original picture, right there on Lila’s instagram.” Rose and Juleka looked at her, confused. Ivan turned around, looking for answers as well. Before Lila could get a word in Marinette took that moment to completely pounce.

“Oh, but what about these pictures? Do they also have erased watermarks, because they look an awful like the other artists I follow that have had their work stolen from them too.”

Alya and Max descended on the photos like vultures on a carcass, picking apart every screenshot in Marinette’s phone, and every post Lila had made on her instagram with Rose’s phone.

Rose didn’t protest as the hovered over her phone, she looked at Lila with tears in her eyes.

“Is it true? Did-Did you s-steal them?” Juleka wrapped her arm around her shoulder, but gave a hesitant glance to Lila. Ivan looked lost, Mylene currently being out sick, he didn’t know who to side with.

Kim didn’t have to hold Alix back, she stood back on her won. Her arms crossed, and a smug look on her face, she knew Lila had been caught. She gave a smile to Marinette, who gave a thumbs up in return. Nathaniel looked relieved, he also gave Marinette a grateful smile that she returned.

Lila knew she was losing her hold. She looked to Adrien, but he was busy looking (out for akumas) around the room.

She had to play her ace in the hole.

She burst into tears, sobbing.

“I-I’m so sick of this lying disease!”

The others looked at her confused.

Alix snorted.

“Yeah, you are lying, and you are a disease.” Kim elbowed her for that, but he didn’t say anything.

Lila had to move fast.

“I w-was going to take them down. B-But I really do like the pictures. I h-had no idea they had b-been stolen b-by those artists-”

“That doesn’t explain the watermarks!” Alix cut across.

“I didn’t steal them! Someone else did! I-I got permission f-from whoever stole the art f-first. A-and-” She hastened to add when she saw that Alix and Marinette were about to interrupt her.

“A-and I couldn’t help but put that I drew them, because of my lying disease! R-Remember?” Marinette looked enraged, Alix and Nathaniel looked at her in disbelief. Max also looked skeptical.

“L-lying disease?” Rose asked tentatively. Lila nodded.

“Yes! R-Remember? W-When I accidentally got Marinette expelled.” At the memory being brought up, Marinette’s face darkened further, Adrien looked uncomfortable, and Alix and Nathaniel shared a look of realization.

“I didn’t mean to get her expelled! It was my disease! It acts up during times of stress! And with all of the charities I help with, and my disabilities, I get too stressed out and start lying again!” She looked to Alya, who looked like she was almost convinced. Nino was looking to Alya. Rose, Juleka, and Ivam were firmly back on her side again.

She just needed to convince Alya, and the majority would follow, or join Marinette in exile.

“I-I’ve been getting so stressed out lately! And I can’t control the urge when it happens! I am so sorry you guys! I didn’t mean-”

“That still doesn’t explain why you accused Nathaniel of stealing your supposed artwork.” Marinette pointed out.

“Or the fact that you brought up something that you have no idea about and threw it in his face!” Alix added.

Lila schooled her face to guilt.

“I’m sorry that I offended you Nathaniel. I didn’t mean to.” She let a few tears come to the surface of her eyes, but never let them fall.

It was all Juleka and Rose needed to flock to her and comfort her. She looked to Alya, who looked on the verge of joining her. She just needed a little more.

“I can understand what made you want to draw that picture you posted, it looks a lot like mine. You drew inspirations from that, I get that!” Nathaniel looked livid, and Alix was ready to blow.

But Lila only worried about the two that were in front of her that weren’t at her side yet. She needed them to keep her hold of the class.

“I can understand drawing inspiration from what’s around you, Marinette does that all the time no?” Said girl glared at her. Adrien had finally stopped his tour of the room with his eyes, and looked at the group. He glared at Lila, but she could deal with that later. As long as he kept his arm out in front of Marinette, and out of her way, she could deal with him later.

She just needed Alya and Nino.

“I don’t blame you for being inspired! Not at all! I just want an apology for accusing me of stealing.” At the start of the protests from Marinette, Alix and Nathaniel, she looked to Nino and Alya.

“Right Alya? Nino?”

Alya hesitantly nodded. Nino didn’t react one way or the other, Hmm...

“See? It;s alright! We just needed to communicate!” Rose cheerfully added.

At that convenient time, Madam Bustier entered the room.

“Alright class! We have a busy day ahead of us! Finish up your chat and get to your seats!”

Lila looked to Nathaniel, an expectant look on her face that made his stomach turn.

Was this how Marinette felt?

Rose, Juleka, and Ivan looked at him expectantly too.

Madam Bustier looked back at the group, waiting. Kim slapped him on the back.

“Hey! It’s resolved now! Just apologize and it’s all good man!”

Alix glared at him, but Nathaniel just sighed.

“I’m... Sorry Lila.”

She smiled her condescending smile once again, that Nathaniel was beginning to realize was the one she always gave to Marinette.

“I accept your apology.”

And everyone started to go back to their seats.

Nathaniel didn’t missed the way Marinette opened her mouth again, but stopped when Adrien touched her arm with his hand. He whispered something to her and shook his head. Alix noticed this too.

She looked angry, and gave him a look of disgust before she subtly tore her arm away from his. He looked sad, but retreated back to his seat anyway. Marinette looked back at Nathaniel and Alix, to see them already looking at her.

She gave them a sad smile and looked to her desk, to see Lila already seated there. She let out a quiet sigh, and made her way to the back of the classroom.

“Hey Marinette?” Nathaniel asked quietly. She looked between him and Alix, who was toeing the floor.

“Do you want to sit in the back with us?” She was about to ask why Alix would sit at the back when she saw her bookbag in her hand.

She smiled at them and nodded. They made their way to the back, not noticing Adrien’s frown of sadness or Lila’s frown of annoyance.

She didn’t like reminding them of her ‘lying disease’. It might give them a reason to not totally believe her,though it was a great skeleton key to get her out of any situation because of her lies.

She turned back around in her seat, plotting her next move for the two new people that joined her exiled list.

Oh well, looks like she’d be adjusting her plans to fit two more.

What she didn’t know, was that there was another person that was beginning to catch on to all of her little lies. He just had to catalog them all on his phone first, before bringing the evidence to light.

Tag List:

@bean2342 @chris-pixie @pirats-pizzacanninibles @multifacetedfangirl @might-as-well-happen @legallyspawned @firesong323 @kuroko26 @runestarchild @mariae2900 @laadychat

#Rose Painted Glasses #lila salt #lila rossi #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #alya cesaire #nino lahiffe #max kante #alix kubdel #nathaniel kurtzberg #rose lavillant #juleka couffaine #ivan bruel #le chien kim #lila reveal in progress

478 notes · View notes

jiminiessipabo · 4 years ago

Text

He’s A Bad Girl (M)

CHAPTER 1: INFILTRATION

To serve: A detective undercover discovers who the ‘Eternal Godfather’ is. He get’s down and dirty with the mafia of Seoul, South Korea. Stay tuned for a series of drama, angst, fluff and huge amounts of confusing sexual tension.

Comes with: angst, eventual romance (+smut in later chapters), a hell of a lot swearing, violence (it is a mafia series after all), Jooheon is a dick but you'll love him i promise

1, 2, 3, 4

1 >

Panties were uncomfortable, and the feeling of being tucked was not too pleasant either. But to fool the enemy you have to look the part even if the skirt was too draughty, especially when there was no hair to cover the thighs and legs. The socks were way too high up the leg and never mind the shoes that were so tight that blisters were sure to form later on. Bras were claustrophobic and vests weren’t much better. The wig was the worst, the itchiness and the sweltering hot feeling was not a good mix, especially for someone with a short temper such as Im Changkyun.

He wasn’t in girl clothing for drag, but he sure did respect them for dressing in this getup. He was used to his work pants, his freeing boxers and his not too tight under shirt and work top. The most suffocating thing his uniform required was the bullet proof vest, or maybe the harness around his waist and chest with detachable holsters. You guessed it; Im Changkyun was a police officer. Or, most recently, a detective, newly appointed to a high rep case which was taking down a mafia group called Brotherhood of Seven.

He was working on the case with one other officer, Namjoon, who was his new partner. Namjoon has been a detective for a year already, so Changkyun was now learning under him until he was confident on his own. Brotherhood of Seven was his first big case and he was going above and beyond to close this case as quickly and smoothly as possible hence him wearing the panties.

“You’re going to blow it before you even arrive at the base if you don’t stop scratching at the wig, you’re making it move,” came a deep voice, humour evident in the tone.

Changkyun ignored the sniggering man and continued to itch at the wig hairline. He lifted up from the car seat and untucked his wedgie from the panties. “I can’t take it, I already regret this idea,” grunted Changkyun, sitting back on the car seat properly with a huff.

The man next to him, keeping his eyes on the road, leaned over and patted Changkyun on the thigh. “Oh, you even shaved your legs,” said Namjoon, turning to wink at the older man before looking back at the road.

“I hate you,” said Changkyun, rubbing his hand where Namjoon had touched him. “How long?” Changkyun groaned, scratching at the bra strap on his right shoulder.

Namjoon sighed, shaking his head. “You’re hopeless, but were pulling up now,” he said before coming to a complete stop on the curb. The two fell silent as they looked at the park way to one of the famous Brotherhood of Seven locations. “Remember, keep comms on at all times, if you’re exposed then leg it, I care more about you than this operation,” said Namjoon, handing Changkyun the wireless earpiece.

“Don’t worry, Namjoon. I’m confident that I have this,” said Changkyun, smiling at the detective. “Right, let’s go over the plan again. I walk up to the bodyguard and demand to see the Eternal Godfather. Of course, that won’t happen and instead they will put me-“

“They’ll probably take you into a private room and observe you, truthfully. This isn’t like a spy movie Kyungie, you won’t have a weapon on you, so please remember your hand to hand training,” said Namjoon, slapping Changkyun on the shoulder. “And remember, you’re a girl, flirt your way in if you have to,” he said with a cheeky wink.

Changkyun scoffed and unclicked his seatbelt. “Watch my back,” he said firmly before nodding goodbye and getting out of the car. It was a damn shame he had to put the wig on, he had just got a fresh new haircut.

Changkyun walked over the road, running his hands down the back of his skirt to stop it from lifting up with the wind. He schooled his expression and tugged on his bottom lip, trying to change his face into one of seduction he had seen a couple of girls do his way.

One of the bodyguards saw Changkyun approaching and held his hand up. “Hold, you’re on private property, miss,” he said to Changkyun, a smirk on his face. Changkyun felt disgusted at the way the man was eyeing him.

“I’m here to see the Eternal Godfather,” said Changkyun, his voice higher than his usual, luckily it wasn’t too deep to dissuade the man standing before him. He glanced over at the other bodyguard who was leaning against the wall, his attention on his phone. Obviously he had deemed Changkyun not threatening.

The guard in front of him scoffed. “Don’t know who you mean, move on,” he said, his tone considerably less nice as he crossed his arms. When Changkyun didn’t move the guard cocked his eyebrow. “Who are you?” He asked gruffly.

Changkyun ‘giggled’ and smacked the guy on his arm lightly. “You don’t need to know silly,” he said, his tone light and airy. He hated playing dumb, but if it got the job done.

“Name?” The man ordered.

Changkyun’s smile dropped and he cleared his throat. “My name is Minji, I’m the new assistant for the Eternal Godfather. I believe Yoo Kihyun is expecting me,” said Changkyun, clasping his hands behind his back, trying to stand tall and confident. “He mentioned the books are open,” he said, trying to not let his nerves choke him.

The guard that was on the phone suddenly snapped to attention. “Can it, Lucas, boss is expecting her,” he said and the guard in front of Changkyun stepped back with a nod. The other guard took his place, looking him up and down. “Follow me,” he ordered gruffly and turned away. Changkyun followed, forcing himself not to look back at Namjoon. “We’re going to search you,” he said, coming up to one of the metal doors at the side of the building.

Changkyun’s eyes widened at the elaborate metal detector. It was similar to one like the airport ones. He took the earpiece from his ear and crushed it, throwing it to the side just before he stepped through it, he was going to hear so much shit from Namjoon about that, those things could deafen you when the frequency gets skewered. He closed his eyes as it scanned him, the bright light almost blinding.

“Clear,” came a female voice and Changkyun glanced to the right and saw her behind a desk. He looked around and noticed he was now in the building. He walked out of the detector and met the guard, nodding for him to continue.

The guard brought him up to a room with another large metal door. Changkyun glanced up and down the hall they were in and noticed this was the only door on the wall, other than the one they came through. The guard pushed the door open. “You will wait in this room until the boss comes to see you, we will be watching you,” he said, pointing to the camera in the top right corner of the room.

Changkyun stepped in, looking at the camera before scanning the room, ignoring the slam and lock of the door behind him. He walked around the square room, with only a table and two chairs, and once again scanned the room. He could tell the mirror was a two way window, the glazing was doubled. He stood in front of the mirror, fiddling with the ends of his wig. He pretended to fix his appearance, rubbing the bit of smudged lipstick from the corner of his mouth before smiling and blowing a kiss. He got that from a movie.

He huffed from boredom and chose to sit at the table on one of the extremely uncomfortable chairs, banging his manicure nails against the metal table top. He had to get his nails done to try and distract people from his manly hands, he actually didn’t mind his nails painted, considering he used to do it a lot when he was younger. He missed his precious rings, his lip piercing and his eyebrow piercing.

The door to his right opened suddenly and in walked three guards, none of them familiar. Then there was a young man behind him, glasses perched on the tip of his nose. He was wearing a grey suit with his hair gelled down but his face was still boyish, laugh lines on the corner of his mouth. He was on his phone, a smirk on his lips. He raised a hand and the three guards dispersed from the room, the last one closing the door behind him.

Changkyun cocked an eyebrow as the young man tucked his phone into his suit pants. He pulled the chair out and sat on his with a heavy sigh. “Hi,” said the young man, his eyes scanning Changkyun’s face, his eyes narrowing. “So you are Lee Minji?” He checked, flicking a piece of stray hair from his eye.

Changkyun nodded mutely and the young man nodded back. “I’m Yoo Kihyun. I’ll be interviewing you and maybe recruiting you. You will be reporting back to me or my two colleagues,” he said, smiling when Changkyun nodded again. “Right, well, we’ve already done a background check on you, and we were quite impressed by your education. And petty theft, not bad,” he said with a relaxed smile.

“Listen, you applied to be a soldier but that probably won’t happen for a while, you’re a pretty girl-“ Changkyun held in his snort. “-and we can use pretty girls like you.” Kihyun flashed a bright, pearly white smile and leaned forwards. “How about we start you out with easy jobs and we can find out where you can fit in this family?” Kihyun suggested with a heavy wink.

Changkyun tittered, acting nervous in front of this supposed flirtatious boy and nodded his head shyly. “Of course,” he said. “Sir,” he added quickly at the cock of Kihyun’s eyebrow.

The young boss grinned and banged on the table happily before standing up, shaking his shoulders out as if relieving the last of any tension. Changkyun knew that was not the case, Kihyun must do this all the time.

“I’ll take you to Cheryl, she will explain everything to you and give you a burner phone to contact us through,” said Kihyun, opening the door. But he placed his arm in front of Changkyun. “We will be watching you,” he said, his tone turning darker before grinning again and walked down the hallway.

Changkyun cleared his throat, glancing at the two bodyguards standing behind him before following the slightly deranged boy to ‘Cheryl’. Changkyun watched as Kihyun talked to the woman, the same one who had shouted clear out him. He stood to attention when Kihyun turned back to him, plastering a fake smile on his face. “Here,” said Kihyun, pushing a phone into Changkyun’s hands. “Don’t lose it, and most importantly do not get caught, or we will break you,” he said, his tone turning menacing before the easy-going smile came back. “Don’t be afraid to call me,” said Kihyun, with a flirty wink before walking past him through another door.

“Come here, Sweetie,” said Cheryl, forcing Changkyun to look away from the door Kihyun had walked through. He walked over to Cheryl, actually feeling nervous for the first time since being here. “Don’t worry, you’re not the first girl to be starstruck by him,” she said with a wink, smacking her lips on some chewing gum.

Changkyun almost scoffed before realising he was now a girl and instead nervously giggled at the woman’s words.

“Ok, Sweetie, your burner phone will link here, it is bugged just warning ya’, your first job will be attaché casing,” said Cheryl, handing Changkyun a file. “You know what that is Sweetie?” Changkyun nodded, he had gone through mafia slang with Namjoon, the very same person who studied the Mafia. “’Kay, you have three days to complete job, you’ll be working with one of our soldiers and an associate, you’ll meet them at The Rep café down the road at 9am sharp, understood?”

Changkyun just nodded, not trusting his voice to speak. The woman just smiled at him. “You’ll fit right in if you keep quiet hun, asking the wrong questions or digging deeper will just get you killed or meet some of the worst people here,” said Cheryl, handing him the sticky note with the place and time for the meeting. “Just head on out Sweetie, I’ll let you out,” she said before her attention was back on the screen.

Changkyun felt like it was a role playing game. It all felt surreal. The metal door opened and Changkyun walked through it, feeling quite timid. His height didn’t help him against most of these guards. He nodded at the two guards he initially met, cringing when the one called Lucas winked at him. He turned his attention to the street and saw Namjoon’s car still parked there and quickly ran over, glad that it was just out of sight of the guards.

Namjoon was startled when Changkyun ripped the door open and climbed into the passenger seat. He ripped his wig off and raked his fingers through his black hair, rubbing the undercuts back down smoothly. “Any fit guys?” Namjoon smirked.

Changkyun bared his teeth. “Just drive, you fool,” he muttered, slumping in his seat.

Namjoon glanced down and noticed the burner phone and file in his hands. “What’s your assignment then?” Namjoon asked pulling away from the curb and starting their journey back to the precinct.

“I have to collect the bribes, I’m meeting up with the people that are going to be bribed I think, and I just basically hold the money,” said Changkyun, playing with the laddered part of his stockings.

Namjoon hummed. “Fairly easy job, do you know who the people are? The ones you’re meeting I mean.” He looked over just in time to see Changkyun shaking his head. “Shame, would be nice to have some info on them beforehand, speaking of, what the hell happened to your earpiece?” Namjoon asked, his tone switching from nice to an annoyed one.

Changkyun snorted. “They had this huge detector, I watched the first guy go through and it picked up on his earpiece. I had to scrap it, soz,” he said, having the decency to look sorry.

Namjoon tutted, “that’s coming out of your pay check, bro,” he joked. It became quiet in the car after that, with Changkyun reminiscing about Kihyun, and Namjoon focusing on driving.

“Yoo Kihyun, he was the one who interviewed me,” murmured Changkyun. Namjoon glanced over at him before nodding. “We knew it would be one of the three, Jooheon and Wonho are very different from Kihyun,” he said to Changkyun. “I only know Brotherhood of Seven to have three Caporegime, there are two advisors, Chae Hyungwon and Lee Minhyuk and then there’s the underboss who is Son Hyunwoo. Apparently he is the brains of the Mafia. The Eternal Godfather or whatever he is called is hardly called in because of how well Hyunwoo is doing. We reckon that Hyunwoo is about to become the next boss. He is basically groomed for it.”

Changkyun sighed. “How do we not know who the Godfather is? It must be obvious. Is he even old? Is he even a guy?” Changkyun stressed, running his hand down his face before grimacing, pulling his hand away to look at the foundation now on his hand.

Namjoon saw what he was looking at and snorted. “And this is where you come in. You need to climb up the hierarchy and found out the answer to your questions.”

Changkyun groaned at the thought and laid his head back against the head rest.

Changkyun’s boss was pleased with the progress he had already made and told him to keep up the good work. Even had the cheek to wolf whistle at him as he walked to his desk. He knew he shouldn’t have walked into the police station dressed as a girl but he only needed to nip in and brief the Chief before going home. He ignored the sniggers from his colleagues and grabbed his jacket before walking back out the station and to the staff parking area.

He was going to go home and enjoy a nice long bath - without feeling his dick up his arse.

08.55AM and Changkyun was nervously waiting in his car outside The Rep café, banging his fingers on the wheel. He checked his makeup once again, shifting his top to show more ‘cleavage’. “If in doubt, flirt,” muttered Changkyun to himself. He looked at his burner phone, paranoid. When he saw it was one minute to 9 o’clock he opened his car door, slowly getting out, just in case they were watching him.

He walked into the café and looked around. There were about three people in, all on different tables. He looked down at the post-it note and saw the table number to sit at. He thought it odd to sit at a table without ordering so he ordered a strong coffee and muffin before sitting at the table.

He flicked around with a Sweetener packet, resisting the urge to glance around once more. He saw the waitress head over to his table and he thanked her softly, taking the coffee and muffin from her tray. He was about to take a bite from his muffin when the seat opposite him dragged backwards, a man sitting on it.

Changkyun watched, with his muffin half raised to his mouth, as the man settled in his seat, placing the briefcase he had been carrying on the table, clicking it open.

“Yo,” said a man, not the one with the briefcase, but another man. This man yanked the last remaining seat back before falling into it, sniffing as he did.

Changkyun made eye contact with him and was surprised to see a boy, the same age as himself staring back. He was covered in leather, leather jacket, leather gloves, the wallet he pulled from his jacket was leather too. He had a black baseball cap on, his black bangs almost hiding his dark eyes. He was sucking on a red lollipop.

Changkyun looked at the other man. He was wearing a dark suit, his shirt buttoned all the way up; nothing looked out of place on him. He had glasses on that perched on the end of his nose, similar to how Yoo Kihyun had them. When the man looked up, Changkyun felt the need to glance back down at his muffin, which was now sat pathetically on the table.

“So, this chick is the new associate?” asked the leather-clad man, clearly speaking to the other man who only seemed to ignore him. He turned to Changkyun instead. “Same question,” he said.

Changkyun nodded, feeling the urge to punch this guy, but instead schooled his expression into one of meekness. “I-I guess,” he forcibly stuttered out. The man nodded his head slowly, biting down on the lollipop until it made a loud crack.

“You ever heard of a place called Enchantress?” He asked Changkyun, raising his eyebrows teasingly.

Of course Changkyun had heard of the club, it was one of the most populated clubs in the city, the strippers there were apparently…enchanting. But to keep up appearances, Changkyun mutely shook his head.

“Well, you’re gonna love it. Let’s hope you’re good at dancing,” he said with a snicker.

Changkyun blanched, sitting up straight but before he could get a word in the other man cut him off. “Baekhyun, stop teasing the girl and sit quietly, you’re giving me a headache.” Changkyun looked at the man in the suit. “I’m Bong Joon-ho. You’ll be reporting to me for this assignment, along with Baekhyun, who is also an associate, like you.”

Sheesh, this guy was straight to the point, thought Changkyun.

Joon-ho pushed his glasses further up his nose before continuing. “You won’t be a stripper but you will be posing as a worker at the Enchantress. You’ll just be a waitress,” he began. “You need to hold onto the brief case, that’s your only job. Protect the briefcase, collect the bribes we get and then leave the club.”

Changkyun nodded along, noticing that the obnoxious Baekhyun was also hanging onto every word that was spilling from Joon-ho’s mouth.

“We will plan accordingly now, and then tomorrow we will be collecting the bribes from two known sponsors. They need something done, but were just the collectors, okay?” Joon-ho asked, looking between Changkyun and Baekhyun. He turned to Changkyun. “Baekhyun is the bag man, I’m the big earner. You’re protection, you’re basically expendable.”

Changkyun gulped, realising just how deep he was about to dive in, but nodded anyway.

Joon-ho nodded. “Here, you will meet with a woman who works at Enchantress. She is another known associate who works there. She will be able to get you in and dressed. Go there at that time and wait by the bar until we arrive. When I flag you down to take an order, I will order a Rum Punch. I will need you to bring the briefcase then and then take it away. I don’t want their hands on that briefcase, especially if things go south. Questions?” Joon- ho asked.

Changkyun nodded. “After this is finished, what do you want me to do with the briefcase?”

“Ring the number on the burner phone, they will tell you where to drop it off,” Joon-ho answered. He looked between the girl and boy before nodding. “I shall take my leave,” he said, his briefcase packed up already. “Baekhyun will give you the briefcase now,” he said over his shoulder before leaving without so much as a goodbye.

Changkyun blew out a long and loud sigh before turning to his muffin. He huffed when he felt eyes burning into the side of his head and looked up at the leather boy. “Can I help you?” He asked threw gritted teeth.

Baekhyun leaned forwards onto his elbows, chewing on the stick of the lollipop. “No, go ahead. Eat the muffin,” he said with a goading voice.

Changkyun knew a challenge when he heard one and snorted. “Thanks for the permission,” he muttered under his breath before picking up the sweet dessert. He took no care in how he looked when stuffing the muffin in his mouth. He even turned to Baekhyun who was now watching with disgust instead.

“Come with me, I’ll give you the damn briefcase,” he said, choosing to not look at Changkyun’s full mouth. From his eyes, the ‘girl’ looked revolting with brown chocolate hanging from her mouth. Changkyun simply smiled in response.

Later that night, Changkyun decided to visit the Enchantress as his self. He dressed up in smart trousers, white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the first few buttons undone. He had his hair pulled back slightly, showing enough forehead to be comfortable. He had managed to make Namjoon and another colleague, Johnny, tag along with him.

He was meeting them outside the strip club. “Sup, Kyun,” said Johnny upon approaching the shorter man.

Changkyun scowled at the nickname but nodded in reply. “You alright?” He said as greeting, just as Namjoon jogged over to them from the parking lot. “I’m here just for business okay? No funny business please,” Changkyun pleaded, looking between the two smirking men before rolling his eyes.

There wasn’t a queue for the club so they were able to walk straight in whilst flashing ID. Upon entering the club Changkyun got a massive whiff of cheap perfume and beer. He could hear the booming music threw the walls of the corridor they were walking down, drowning out the sound of any moaning he could faintly hear.

“This feels strange, were cops, it feels wrong to be here,” muttered Namjoon from behind Changkyun. He heard Johnny scoff at Namjoon’s words and say, “get over it, like Changkyun said were here for his assignment. It’s not right for him to walk in unprepared.”

Changkyun smiled at the bouncer who opened the door into the main part of the club and walked straight over to where he could see the bar. “I’m just getting a coke, what are you guys having?” He asked, glancing at the two over his shoulder but he saw their attention was on the main stage where there was a brunette grinding against the pole. Changkyun rolled his eyes and turned his attention back onto the bar. Screw them, he thought, at least he asked. He stepped forward when the girl behind the bar beckoned him. “Just a coke please,” he ordered, handing her a note. She took it and poured him his coke before moving on to the next customer.

He turned around and saw that both Namjoon and Johnny were nowhere to be seen and groaned internally. “They are like children,” he hissed to himself. He walked around the club before choosing to sit in one of the empty booths, his eyes scanning his surroundings. He saw a woman standing to the side of the stage near the back of it, trying to remain inconspicuous. He followed her line of sight and saw that she was watching the woman on the stage. He looked back at the other girl and saw there was a small yet fond smile on her face.

He cleared his throat and took a sip of his coke, glancing down at the table, he was swirling the coke around in his glass before looking back up after a few minutes. He jumped when he saw the very same woman now sat at his table, eyeing him up and down with a straight face. “Can I help you?” He asked, shifting in his seat. He looked around the club for any signs of his friends but could not see them.

The woman shrugged a shoulder. “Just saw you looking at me; you’re new here, right?” The woman asked. She had an odd accent. “I grew up in Britain,” she said, as if knowing his line of thought.

Changkyun nodded. “How could you tell I’m new?”

The girl laughed. “You’re acting sketchy. I bet you’re a cop too. I could see your badge in your back pocket. So, what’s a cop doing in Enchantress?” She asked.

Changkyun felt himself panic. “We’re off duty if you’re worried,” he said but she shook her head. “I’m not worried at all. There’s nothing illegal here, not that I know of. But continue,” she said with a wave of her hand.

“I just heard a lot about this place from some colleagues. Cops like watching girl’s dance I guess,” he shrugged. He wasn’t lying, he had heard some of the other lower officers talk about this place.

The girl laughed once again and pointed at him. “You’re funny. We get a lot of cops coming in here, you’re right. They do like to watch pretty girl’s dance, in fact, they like to pay pretty girls to dance on them too,” she joked with a suave wink.

Changkyun nodded slowly, not surprised to be hearing this. “Well, I’m just here to say I’ve been. Now my friends can stop forcing me to come,” he lied, smiling awkwardly at the girl.

She chuckled and nodded, leaning over to pat his arm comfortingly. “It’s okay, pal. You’re welcome here,” she said before standing up. “I’m Y/N, if you need help with anything then don’t hesitate to come to me,” she introduced before walking away, never once asking for his name.

Changkyun watched as she swayed back over to where she was stood before, just in time for the brunette on the stage to climb off it, running into Y/N’s waiting arms. Then someone stood in his way and Changkyun looked up to see Namjoon staring down at him, Johnny loitering behind him.

“Where the hell were you two?” Changkyun snapped, standing from the booth.

Namjoon held his hands up. “Sorry, we got distracted by the babe on stage but then this guy kept calling us police scum, Johnny is still kind of on duty and the guy pulled a knife out on me, so we had to make an arrest and call for a cruiser to come take him away,” he explained. “I think its best we leave,” Namjoon suggested.

Changkyun sighed but complied, downing the rest of the fizzy drink before motioning for them to walk out. He looked over his shoulder at where Y/N was still stood and smiled awkwardly when she waved goodbye at him.

“Who was that girl you were with?” Johnny asked when they got outside. He lit up a cigarette, blowing the smoke away from Changkyun’s direction and coincidentally into Namjoon’s face, who coughed. “Bitch,” he choked out, waving his hand through the smoke to disperse it.

Changkyun shrugged in answer to Johnny’s question. “Y/N, she noticed we were cops as soon as we came in. I think she works there, or owns it or something,” he explained.

Johnny shook his head. “Lee Seungmin owns Enchantress. She must just work there,” he said. “Right, I’m ditching. Namjoon, can I get a lift with you?” Johnny asked.

Namjoon scowled but nodded. “No smoking in the car,” he ordered. He turned to Changkyun who was watching in amusement. “Good look tomorrow night, Kyunnie,” he said, smacking him on his shoulder ‘lovingly’.

“You’ll do great, don’t forget to act girly,” said Johnny with a flirty wink. Changkyun chuckled and nodded. “Bye,” he said with a short wave before walking over the road to where his car was parked.

“You’ll be wearing this, don’t stash the tips, they’re to be shared with all of the girls. We don’t get much pay so this helps the rest of the girls too. And trust me, these guys tip big. Don’t make a mess, don’t cause a scene. You’re to blend in the background whilst the girl’s on stage do their magic, you hear me?”

Changkyun stared wide eyed at the woman in front of him, trying not to stare at the mole on her cheek. He wasn’t one to pick up on others imperfections, having had a few of his own, but it was just so close to him and he did not like the attitude of this woman. She had already spat on him once when talking and it took all of his willpower to not move when she was talking to him.

“Yes, ma’am,” Changkyun said, resisting the urge to salute. He was reminded of his years in the army, his captain was nicer than this woman and he had only known her for ten minutes whilst she showed him around.

“You’re a somewhat pretty girl, the corset will fit well on your small waist. Get dressed then get out there, you’ll be reporting to Jaebum, he is the man behind the bar,” the woman said before storming away. “Candy, you better pull those knee highs up or I’ll pin them up myself,” she screamed at one of the other girls.

Changkyun sighed in relief, glad that he had been left to his own devices. The only problem now was fitting into the corset and mini skirt without showing his true self. He was well in shape, as a guy of course; there wasn’t a feminine part of him at all. He even had fake boobs on.

He closed the cubicle curtains before undressing. He had watched how some of the girls had put his clothes on him so he could do this himself. So he took his skin tight jeans off and the form fitting tank top. He slipped out of the bra, his fake boobs falling onto the bench. “Shit,” he grunted. He slipped the corset on, tucking the breasts back into place before tying the corset up, but he couldn’t reach all the way. “I need help,” he muttered in realisation. “Okay, skirt and knee highs on, then they won’t see my dick and I can ask for help,” he said to himself before following through with his plan. .

When he thought himself to be situated, he stuck his head out of the curtains and saw a girl just outside, tightening her boots up. “Um, excuse me,” Changkyun said, his voice meeker. He was startled when the girl’s head shot up. “Can you help me tie up my corset?”

The girl smiled and nodded. “Sure, hun. What’s your name?” She asked, coming into the cubicle with him. The heels made her considerably taller than him.

Changkyun stuttered. “Oh- um- Sweetie,” he said, remembering Cheryl’s nickname for him.

“Ooh, nice stage name, mine is Candy,” she said, her cool fingers brushing against his back every time she tied a new part of the ribbon. “You have a very broad back, do you work out?” She asked with interest.

Changkyun breathed in when she got to the bottom, the corset getting tighter. “Um, yeah, I like to keep fit and healthy,” he said, his voice a bit breathless. How the hell was he meant to work in this?

Candy giggled. “You’re so cute, all done Sweetie,” she said, turning him around. She fluffed up his fringe and twirled her fingers at the bottom of the wig. “I bet’cha will make money tonight,” she said.

Changkyun laughed awkwardly and nodded. “Bye,” he said and Candy smiled, walking through the curtains. He turned back to the mirror and fixed his breasts, before looking at the shoes he was to wear. “Heels?” He blanched at the idea and looked over at his converse then back to the heels. “Play the part,” he whispered, grabbing the heels. He had only ever worn heels once, and that was his sisters when he was younger. He twisted his ankle.

When he strapped them on he stood up, feeling six inches taller. He wobbled slightly, grabbing onto the wall before leaning down to stuff his phones and wallet into his jeans pocket before hanging them in the corner.

When he walked out he didn’t expect to crash into the very same girl he had met the night before. “Woah, girl,” she said, catching him. She straightened him up and looked him in the eyes. He saw confusion and recognition in her eyes and quickly stepped back from her, forming a meek smile on his face. “I’m so sorry ma’am, I’m new,” he said.

Y/N laughed. “That explains the lack of balance on six inch heels then,” she said. She stepped back from him and looked him up and down. “You’re the new staff for the bar, right? Minji?” She guessed.

Changkyun nodded mutely.

“Your skirt needs to be a bit higher. Usually I wouldn’t ask this of girls, but yours is significantly low. You’re not hiding a gun are you?” She asked with a winking, indicating she was joking before she stepped in his personal space her hands out ready to help him.

Changkyun jumped out of her reach, pushing her hands away. “I’m not into girls,” he blurted out. He winced when she came to a stop, her face now void of any emotion. He felt himself become scared, for real.

Y/N cleared her throat, stepping back. “Fair enough,” she muttered before stalking past him, her shoulder banging into his. Unluckily for him, he lost his balance on his heels once more and fell to the floor. He winced, his bum now sore from the fall before two girls came running over and helping him up.

He huffed, angrily muttering about Y/N under his breath before walking out of the backroom and over to the bar. He waited where the woman told him to until a man behind the bar approached him. “Minji?” The man asked. He carefully lifted the briefcase that Changkyun had given to a woman before coming in. When Changkyun nodded he put it back down behind the bar and nudged a tray of drinks over to him. “Booth 3,” he said and pointed in the direction.

Changkyun carefully lifted the tray, balancing both the drinks and his self on heels. He finally delivered it to a group of girls that were clearly celebrating a birthday when he saw Joon-ho flag him down. He also saw Baekhyun sat next to him and sat opposite them were two men that Changkyun had come to study. These were the men Johnny and his partner were watching, waiting to catch in the move, clearly they hadn’t heard about tonight. These men were big on money laundering.

“What would you like to drink?” Changkyun asked, faking interest. He looked over at the two men, stopping himself from shivering in disgust at the pure hunger on their faces. He hissed when the closest one put his hand on his thigh.

“Rum Punch please,” Joon-Ho requested, and Changkyun eagerly went to retrieve the case and the drink that was already premade. He placed the drink on the tray and grabbed the briefcase from Jaebum and walked back over.

“One rum punch,” Changkyun said, his tone still polite whilst he placed the drink in front of Joon-Ho, sliding the case over to Baekhyun before Joon-Ho nodded for him to move.

For the next hour Changkyun posed as Minji, waiting on other booths as well as Joon-Ho’s, bringing the case back and forth. By the time Joon-Ho and Baekhyun were finished, Changkyun’s feet were killing and he was almost ready to call it quits. Just as he was about to collect the case, there was a loud shout from the man sat opposite Joon-Ho. Changkyun saw the man reach for his waist line and saw a gun in his hand.

Without thinking, Changkyun darted forwards, grabbing the gun that was now aimed at a terrified Joon-Ho and pointed it upwards just as a loud bang echoed throughout the room. The public screamed at the sound but Changkyun was focused on the fist that was flying at his face. He threw his head back, grabbing the wrist and yanking it forward, headbutting the guy that was attached to it. Another man came running at him, clearly a bodyguard, but Changkyun didn’t let him gain the upper hand and instead threw a roundhouse kick his way, the heel cutting across the man’s face.

“Contain your bitch,” spat one of the men who Joon-Ho had been dealing with, two other bodyguards grabbed him, yanking him from the building and away from danger.

Changkyun was breathing heavily, relaxing his fists.

“Wow, girl can throw a punch,” commented Baekhyun, pulling himself from under the table. He didn’t even have the nerve to look guilty. Joon-Ho was still breathing deeply, trying to calm his racing heart.

“Go home, we’ll take the case. You did well,” Joon-Ho finally said, sending a stiff smile his way.

Changkyun was laid in bed; it was 5 o’clock in the morning. He was trying to relax after having a shower. He had never had to put his training to use before; he didn’t know what would come of this evening’s events. Joon-Ho and Baekhyun had been so amazed by his skills, not expecting a small girl in heels to perform such well-deserved hits.

Changkyun was just about to settle further into bed when his phone began to vibrate on the bedside table. He leaned over to pick his phone only to see it wasn’t that one, it was the one Kihyun had given him. The caller ID was unknown.

He sat up in bed and flipped the burner phone open, pressing the answer button. “Hello,” he said, making sure his voice was higher.

“Well done at the club today Miss Lee,” Kihyun said. Changkyun scowled at his voice, hating how smug it sounded. “I would like you to come in tomorrow to discuss things. We have the security footage here and I have to say I am impressed with your skill set. You cheeky minx, you should have told me about your fighting,” he said, laughing almost too loudly.

“I apologise sir,” Changkyun said through his gritted teeth. He stared at his fist, wanting nothing more than to show Kihyun first-hand what he can do.

“Anyway,” Kihyun started. “My boss would like to meet you. They saw your footage and between you and me, there isn’t much talent regarding the soldier department of our area,” he said, sniggering to himself whilst Changkyun rolled his eyes. “So, come tomorrow and I’ll take you to boss man,” he ordered before abruptly hanging up.

Changkyun scoffed and flipped the phone closed putting it back on the side. He scooted back down in to bed and threw the cover over his head, willing himself to sleep. God forbid he would need it if he was to meet with Kihyun tomorrow.

116 notes · View notes

frodos-bizarre-adventure · 3 years ago

Text

@gingerreggg oh yeah we're back baby

Heads Up- Part 19 (Joseph x Bust! Caesar)

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

"Shall we pack these up too?" Mark asked, as the maintenance man began unloading the artworks into the van. The winning masterpieces would be auctioned off to other museums, with the blessing of their creators, to find fame and bring fortune elsewhere.

"Take them all," said Professor Straizo nonchalantly, indifferent as he usually was.

It was late evening as Mark and Professor Straizo began dismantling the exhibit. The exhibition was over, and soon one by one the entries began to disappear.

Save for one.

One familiar-looking bust that was in secret unlike all the others.

"And this one too?" Mark asked, gently but uneasily picking up the sculpture and straining under its weight.

Professor Straizo glanced at the bust. Its brilliant green eyes gazed at him, seemingly piercing into his very soul, and it made him very uncomfortable looking at it for long.

"Put...put it away with the rest," he said, waving his hand away. "That Joestar boy can probably just make a new one with his skill if he wants it, just get it out of my sight."

"Huh, I guess he won't miss it all too much," Mark shrugged, as he lowered the bust into the van. "I'll just tell him where we took it in case he does want to see it again."

-------

All the while Caesar stood unmoving, on his pedestal, frozen in place like the lifeless art piece he was intended to be. He was waiting for Joseph to come back.

He was waiting for Joseph to take him home.

But now he felt himself being carried, handled, and transported by the maintenance man from the previous night. The strange, gloved hands felt uncomfortable and unwelcome upon his base.

This was not part of the plan.

He wanted to scream and cry and struggle, call out for Joseph's name. But he knew he couldn't. He knew he couldn't risk exposing his true nature to others, as Joseph had warned him about. The consequences would be dire. And he didn't even know what they would be. Besides, even if he did try to fight back, what else could he do? He was a bust.

He was helpless.

Joseph..., he thought silently, as strange hands lowered him into a crate in the backseat.

And if his handler had been looking more closely, he would have seen a look of sorrow on the inert figure's painted face.

------

It wasn't long before Joseph strode into the hall, eager as ever.

"Caesar! We've come to take you home! We've--"

And then his joy melted into horror as his greeting ground to a halt.

Caesar was nowhere to be seen.

"Caesar! Where are you?" he cried, searching all around the gallery. Everything else had gone too. The paintings, models and statues, all had been moved away to make room for the next exhibit.

"Jojo! What's the matter?" Suzi huffed as she caught up with him.

"It's Caesar..." Joseph said, his voice cracking slightly in despair. "He's gone."

"Looking for something, Mr. Joestar?" asked a deep voice, from behind. Both Joseph and Suzi turned around, to see the raven-haired professor of earlier, leaning against a wall.

"Oh, Professor Straizo," Joseph said, managing to maintain his composure as well as he could, "I was looking for my sculpture. You know, the bust? The one you graded earlier this day? I'm sure you remember him--it," Joseph pleaded.

Straizo turned away indifferently. "I'm afraid Mark has already taken the artworks to another gallery, perhaps to be auctioned or put up on display."

Joseph's heart sank. This was what he'd feared the most.

Losing Caesar.

"But...but I said Professor Lisa that I could take it home! That project was mine alone and belongs with me!" He fought back a tear and his swelling rage. He felt betrayed.

Straizo snapped. "Listen here, Mr. Joestar! What in the world is with your inordinate attachment to that disturbing figure? You could create another one if you want! It's just a piece of clay!"

"Not to me, it isn't," Joseph growled through clenched teeth. "That sculpture is not just clay for me. He means everything. I loved him more than anything else in the world. If only you knew..."

Straizo raised an eyebrow in utter bewilerment. What did he mean 'he'? And by 'loved'?

"This boy is delusional," he said to himself.

"Well, if you want it so badly then go plead to Mark, he's got your...whatever it is, at the auction gallery," he groaned in address to the increasingly distraught Joseph. "Do whatever you want with it as long as I never have to see that thing again."

Without another word Joseph stormed off, Suzi following behind.

He couldn't let them take Caesar.

Not on his watch.

--------

Caesar had no clue where they were taking him. The back of the van was dark, and he wasn't tall enough to peek out the window to assess his location.

But he felt uneasy. He knew Joseph was worried.

He knew Joseph would be wondering where he was. And he couldn't even call for help.

He hoped, with all his being, that Joseph would come for him.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, however, when the van suddenly jostled, shaking violently and screeching to a stop. He was shaken in his box by the sudden movement, and before he knew it the vehicle had stopped in his tracks, and he could hear Mark's loud complaints from the front seat.

"Dammit! I think I busted a tyre..." he grumbled, stepping out the vehicle. Caesar heard a click, and saw a faint light shine into the back, freezing in place as the flashlight passed over him.

"Well, good thing nothing's broken," Mark mumbled as he inspected the contents of the van, relieved that none of the art was damaged in the little fiasco. He headed over to the front wheel, to check the damage, and his haste, left the back of the van open.

It was a big mistake.

Peeking through a slit in the box, Caesar could see a small figure approaching from the distance, and without warning, peeking into the box that contained him and grabbing it tightly. For a moment Caesar hoped it was Joseph come to take him back-- but he realized too late it wasn't his beloved Jojo at all, but someone much smaller.

And had Mark paid more attention, he would have noticed the small figure of a child dashing away from the van and into an alley-- clutching in both arms a crate that harbored the most unusual artwork of all.

---------

Twelve-year old Smokey Brown was a bit of a victim of circumstance.

He'd lived in the streets for years, surviving off his wits, after having fled from a neglectful household. It was a tough life for a young boy, but he had little choice in the matter.

It was the only life he had known for a long time.

He'd made a living off petty theft and pickpocketing, a livelihood he wasn't all too proud of, but one that filled his aching stomach when there was nothing else within reach. He'd lived off the kindness of strangers for so long, but over the years, they had become less generous-- and he had to play rough to make it out in the harsh and cruel world.

And today he'd hit a jackpot.

He recognized the van of the art department. Perhaps they had something of value? He'd seen an opportunity when the hapless vehicle had struck a flat tire, and the driver had carelessly left the back open.

Perfect.

He saw his chance, and seized it. Grabbing a small crate that was well within reach, he hurried off with his prize. It was heavy and made him use both hands, and inwardly he grinned, as he felt this was something of worth.

He retreated to a small, abandoned warehouse several streets away, where he'd been sheltering for the last few days. Exhausted from the strain of his thievery, he sat down against a wall and dropped the box heavily onto the ground.

And to his surprise, he heard a groan from inside.

------

At once Caesar regretted reacting to the rough handling.

He hoped his captor wouldn't notice, but as the box opened, he knew right away that he'd been exposed. He tried freezing in place, but it was too late.

The boy screamed in shock, prompting a startled cry from Caesar, who in his panic tipped the box over. He at long last got a good look at his unwitting kidnapper-- a small, dark-skinned boy with short, curly hair and a small braid at the back of his head.

He definitely wasn't Joseph.

And he most certainly didn't react the way Joseph would.

-------

Smokey stumbled back in shock at the sight of the contents of the box.

It was a head.

A sculpted head, but one that looked so real that for a moment he feared it was a real severed human head, until he touched it and was relieved to feel it was clay.

But his moment of relief was short-lived: for the head, despite being clay, had moved.

It was alive.

Somehow.

"Y-you're alive!" Smokey stammered as he tried to collect himself. "You're...real?"

Caesar sighed. He knew there was no point in pretending.

"You're like, the fourth person to ever see me and they've all reacted the same."

"You're talking..." Smokey gasped in shock, still not over the surprise. "You're a talking clay head." For a moment Smokey felt he was going mad. Was this some divine punishment tugging on his conscience for his crime?

Caesar laughed dryly as he struggled himself upright. "I get that a lot," he muttered, as he began to hop closer to the startled boy, who stumbled backwards and fell to the floor with a crash.

"Stay away from me!" Smokey pleaded, shuffling backwards at the sight of a talking, bouncing head. "What are you? Where did you come from?"

"Quit freaking out, kid," Caesar complained. "I can't hurt you even if I wanted to, and I don't", he scolded.

"What are you?" Smokey repeated.

"I am a clay bust courtesy of a certain Joseph Joestar," he answered. "I'm his grand masterpiece."

As surprised as he was, Smokey could see a hint of sadness in the strange being's face. And now he couldn't help but feel pity for the figure he had stolen.

He was a thief, not a kidnapper. There was a difference.

"Joseph Joestar?" Smokey asked. He'd heard of the name before. "Like...the artist?"

"Huh, so you have heard of him," Caesar mused. "Never knew Jojo was so famous." Smokey heard how fondly the bust spoke of his creator, and felt remorseful.

He scratched his head. "Listen there, clay head...man?" he mumbled. "Whatever you are, I'm real sorry I stole you. I didn't mean to, alright? I was after some stuff but...you're not stuff, I guess. You can talk, for one."

Even at the indignity of being stolen, Caesar couldn't help but feel warmly touched at being seen as a person, by someone else.

"Well then, kid, you can make it up for me by helping me find Joseph. I'm sure he wants me back."

-------

(Previous Chapter)

(Next Chapter)

#jjba #jojos bizarre adventure #hands of life au #gingerreggg #caejose #caesar x joseph #sculptor!joseph #bust!caesar #heads up #battle tendency

6 notes · View notes

toastedbuckwheat · 4 years ago

Note

Hello! I got Tumblr at the beginning of quarantine, so I'm a little new to this and I have a question based on your post about reposted art. I originally got Tumblr to lurk in the shadows, but started re-blogging stuff when I noticed posts about how creators want re-blogs instead of kudos. Is re-blogging the same as re-posting or are the two different?! Also, if I re-blog someone who re-blogged is that bad, or should I reblog the original post?

Hi anon! Welcome to the Hellsite of Tumblr hehehe and thank you for reaching out to me! I know this is confusing at first (I was super confused when I first joined Tumblr and also needed someone to explain things to me fjghfchg)

Reblogging is not the same as reposting. Reblogging is great! it’s in fact the greatest thing you can do here to support a creator - this way you expose their post to a wider audience (because it ends up on your blog = your followers get to see it, and may pass it on further)!

Okay this might be difficult to describe... Basically, when you hit reblog, no matter how many times it gets reblogged, the post can still be tied to its source (the ‘OP’ - original poster). I might get 10 or a 1000 reblogs and everyone will still see that it was originally posted by me. This way the notion of authorship of the post is preserved! And reblogging from someone who reblogged from me (or anyone else) does the same thing. In fact, i can still see it in my notifications that my post got reblogged, no matter if someone reblogged it directly from my blog, or from some other account (because the post is still tied to me - i’m the OP)

Reblogging works like a chain. you reblog something from me, someone reblogs from you, and everything is nice and trackable to the source. when you click on the notes you can see everything people said when they reblogged the post, even all the tags they used (those are often really funny)! When it comes to art posts, it’s great because I can scroll through all of this and see what ppl think about my work. it’s really satisfying!

Please reblog!! :D

Now, reposting. Reposting is when you, let’s say, see a drawing on tumblr. You decide it’s nice, you download it.... and then you RE-UPLOAD it to tumblr (make your own, separate post) or WORSE, you put it on another platform (Instagram, vk.com, whatever) without asking the artist (the original poster). This is Bad. Because it’s not like the reblog chain! if you re-POST someone’s work, it is no longer tied to the artist! So above i said that no matter how many times/from whom ppl reblog, the OP still gets notifications and feedback. If you repost, they obviously don’t! like, unless you ask them, they will never know where the hell their art is. and when something gets reposts once, even with credits, it’s likely to be reposted again and well, the authorship becomes obsolete. It becomes just another image on the internet while someone spent hours working on it. It becomes some sort of a common good (which it’s not - it’s got an author!) and might even end up getting reused/sold on products, and ppl will think it’s right because ‘oh i found it on the Internet, i don’t know who the artist is’.

Imagine you worked on a piece for 3 days, put it on tumblr, and then some time later it got reposted multiple times, got popular, people use it as their icons on instagram or something, and you get absolutely zero credit, feedback, or material income (in case you make profit off your art). Everyone recognises your drawing but nobody ties it to your name! :(

Obviously another thing is deliberate art theft, which would be someone downloading art and reuploading it while claiming it’s their own.

If some very popular account re-POSTS a piece and it gets a thousand likes and a dozen comments, the artist usually gets fuck-all from it.

On the contrary, if a post on tumblr happens to get re-BLOGGED by a popular tumblr account (with a large follow base), it is likely to get a lot of likes and reblogs, and the original poster gets notified about all of these, and they might benefit from it! :D

If you ever wish to share someone’s art to a platform you assume they’re not on, make sure you ask them for permission, that’s all.

Lol this got long, i hope it answers all your questions. feel free to send me a message if anything is unclear!

#ask the buckwheat

43 notes · View notes

rileybraxton · 4 years ago

Photo

Name: Riley Braxton Nickname: Brax Age: 34 FC: Paul Wesley Occupation: Tattooist at Scorpion Studios Side: Wicked Wolves Length of stay in Charming: approx. 14 years Positive traits: + loyal, + crafty, + brave Negative traits: - damaged, - suspicious, - hotheaded

triggers: parental adultery. drug abuse. addiction. crime. needles.

✚ middle child ✚ due to his mother having an affair ( for years ) he and his elder brother share different fathers. however, he and his younger brother share the same father ( the guy mamma cheated with ) ✚ he was always a reckless child. it only worsened when he hit his teens and fell in with bad crowds ✚ staying out, doing disappearing acts or coming home drunk, if not drugged up too ✚ to be honest, his entire attitude stunk. he showed little to no respect for his parents, or older brother who he considered a bit of an uptight snoot ✚ if he’s honest, the only person he wasn’t a total asshole to was his younger brother ✚ he was 16 when he came home and caught his mother in bed with another man. not just any man, but his fathers best friend. the truth was exposed, it turned out that the affair had been going on for years ✚ his mother begged him not to tell and promised to end it and he agreed. asshole so he was, he didn’t want to be the reason his father crumbled and his brother ended up with a broken home ✚ his motive may have started out purely but over the months, his bitterness? it only festered. his behaviour worsened, the disrespect began to have an impact on his parents relationship. the father just couldn’t seem to understand why his wife was seemingly letting him get away with everything he was doing ✚ he’d ask her for money which he only went out and spend on drugs. small things at first, a pill here, a spliff there. somewhere along the way he managed to get hooked on heroin, though amazingly he did manage to hide his needle poked arms ✚ it was amidst a drugged up haze that he felt some kind of penny drop. he was sat on the rooftop, watching his parents, his brother and his fathers best friend when he noticed something he hadn’t before ✚ the similarities between his man and his brother, between this man and him. the more he sat and stared, the more he couldn’t see a trace of his “father” in his own features, nor his younger brothers ✚ all it took was one out-loud thought and his mother confirmed everything with the simple look on her face. it was a lot to process, too much in-fact. which is what lead to an explosive dinner that same evening ✚ his “father” was laying into him, which wasn’t unusual. shaming him for being such a fuck up. usually he’d sit silently and take it, but this time? the words came flying out his mouth before he could think to stop them “who the fuck are you to talk to me like that? you’re not even my father. ain’t that right, mom?” ✚ the truth came out in a hateful splurge. everything from how the affair had been going on at least 17 years, straight to “oh, and the guy? sitting right next to you” aka, the best friend ✚ so, his not so biological father ended up focusing that betrayal back onto riley, which resulted in the pair of them going toe to toe, breaking everything in sight as they threw their punches ✚ being a little shit, he was fully egging him on, “come on. that’s right. hit me. your wife’s a whore and you’re laying into me? makes perfect fucking sense” ✚ it wasn’t until he managed to get him on the floor that he noticed his little brother on the staircase, pausing the punch he was about to land on his fathers face. a simple “shit” under his breath ✚ he got up instantly, all that rage on his face disappeared and replaced with a soft warmth that he reserved only for his brother. he left to take him back up to bed, leaving his parents and the not so decent best friend to fight it out between themselves ✚ in the end it turns out they decided to stay together and try and work through it, but it only served to create a toxic environment ( more so ) ✚ riley was 20 and fully hooked on drugs when he got himself arrested for grand theft auto and it was the icing on the cake for both parents ✚ they didn’t exactly kick him out, but they made it clear he wasn’t welcome unless he cleaned his act up ✚ surprisingly, he did try, but only after he packed up and moved in with a friend. he went cold turkey and yes, that shit fucking sucked. it was basic agony for at least three weeks before he began to feel like he was getting better ✚ rather than return home, he did perhaps one of the shittiest things a person could do & he stole his mothers jewellery that were basically family air-looms, pawned them for a few grand, bought a car and hit the road ( not before saying goodbye to his little bro and promising him he would call and visit all the time. ) ✚ in truth, he wanted to take him, but he knew it was selfish, especially when he didn’t even have a secure home ✚ he ended up in charming, fresh faced and sober. he stayed in a motel for a few months, saving money from odd jobs and focusing his energy on building a life for himself ✚ he��d always been creative, drawing & sketching came so naturally to him that he decided to train up and become a qualified tattoo artist ✚ at 22, he finally got his own place to rent and things were looking up. he’d passed his courses with flying colours, made a couple friends and even met a girl who he fell head over heels for ✚ the only trouble was, this girl was just as reckless as he was and their entire relationship was something like a beautiful tragedy. they’d party most nights and for the first few months, everything was fine. he managed to say no every time she’d offer him a pill, every time her friends offered something stronger. truth be told, he’s not sure exactly when he slipped up, or even why. but he did, and there he was once again sticking needles in his arms and wasting away. ✚ he ended up breaking up with his girlfriend and she hit the road with a couple pals not long after - he’s never seen her since ✚ he did a good job at hiding his problem, still managing to hold down his bar jobs to pay his rent, at least for a few months. everything changed when his 14 year old brother showed up on his doorstep with all his bags ✚ once again, he forced himself to go cold turkey. if his brother insisted on living with him, riley didn’t want him to watch him destroy himself. so really, he’s quite thankful that his brother showed up when he did, who knows, it probably saved his life ✚ back on track and finally in a good place, he fell in with the wolves and quickly realised that’s exactly where he needed to be ✚ some may say it’s tempting fate, running drugs considering he’s an addict, but he vowed the day they accepted him into their fold that he’d never make them regret it ✚ fyi, he hasn’t. whilst he has fell off the wagon twice since, he never did the wolves dirty. anything he took, he paid for, any job they gave him, he completed ✚ he probably drinks more than he should and he still enjoys a spliff, but he’s never touched any other drug in 3 years and to be honest, he’s very proud of himself ✚ he got a secure job at scorpion tattoo studios 2 years ago & he really enjoys it ✚ sooo, he’s clean, he has a job, a home, a family in the form of wicked wolves and a good set of friends. life is pretty sweet ✚ that’s not to say he’s not still very hot headed & impulsive. probably quite fuckin’ damaged too, but hey, all the best people are ✚ thanks for reading my novel

wanted connections:

✚ younger brother - CLOSED ✚ oldest brother(who’s probably a cop or smth straight shooting) - OPEN ✚ friends - OPEN ✚ old/new enemies - OPEN ✚ friends with benefits - OPEN ✚ the original ex girlfriend mentioned above - OPEN ✚ maybe a repeat client who lets him tattoo him/her with his own designs? - OPEN ✚ someone who knows he’s a recovering addict maybe? since i imagine he doesn’t typically share that info, it could be someone who’s seen him attend a meeting, or is even a recovering addict themselves - OPEN ✚ literally anything!

#charming.intro #about #tw drugs #tw crime #tw adultery #tw addiction

7 notes · View notes

lyz-fics · 5 years ago

Text

Izuku Midoriya X FEM! Reader: Foster Family

Hey Guys! Lyz Here!

I know you might want to go straight to reading this long-awaited fic but you might want to read this first. For the sake of coherency (and because I could help my self), this fic will be a part one of a series. The next fic on my Ficmas list, Hot Cocoa Kisses | Izuku X FEM! Reader, will be the finale/part 2 to the fic.

Word Count: 1,277 Words

Summary: Ficmas Prompts #23 Person A invites Person B to their family night because Person B has no one to celebrate with

Part 1 | Part 2

---===✨🎇🎆💀🎆🎇✨===---

Sitting in the common room with all of your friends you got into the topic of what everyone was doing for Christmas. You stayed silent throughout this part of the conversation, trying your best to not get involved. Giving small giggles and approving nods every now and then you tried to at least look interested in what everyone was talking about. Your ravenette wings started to droop as you leaned forward and started to dismiss your self from the group discussion.

“I’ll be spending time with my mum,” Izuku said excitedly, “I haven’t seen her since we moved into the dorms and she’s always texting me to make sure I'm okay so I'm sure she would be absolutely thrilled if I came down for Christmas to spend some time with her. I just don’t really know what I should get her as a gift, I mean I know she really likes-”

He was cut off when Kaminari and Kirishima cleared their throats at the same time, signaling to Midoriya that he was starting to ramble. Before anyone else could start to talk about their family you quietly excused yourself, tucking your arms deep into your pockets as you walked off with your wings drooping so low that they almost touched the floor.

Midoriya watched as you walked off and started to head down the hall towards your dorm room. Suddenly leaping up, he chased after you. Catching up to you, he called your name to get your attention.

“(Y/N)-Chan, wait up,” he called sweetly. Your wings perked at his voice as you turned to face him. “Why did you leave so suddenly, is there something you didn’t want us to talk about?”

“Ohh,” your wings started to drop and Midoriya noticed this straight away, “Well, since everyone started talking about what they were going to be doing with their family I thought I should go since I wouldn’t be able to contribute to the conversation anymore.”

Midoriya was about to say something – something sweet to try and cheer you up probably – but you cut him off before he was able to say it.

“Besides,” you started, trying to sound like this was the best decision you could have made in that situation. “I’ll be alone over the Christmas break since I don’t have a family to spend the time with. That means I’ll mostly be working over the break. And since I'm working I probably won't have any interesting stories to tell you about my holidays, probably all minor theft and stuff like that.”

“Stay with me,” Izuku blurted out before you could escape the conversation once again. Blush adorned his face as he realized what he had just said. He revised what he had said and then said it to you in a more calm tone. “I think it would be nice if you were able to come over and spend the Christmas holidays with us. With my mother and I, I mean.”

You positioned your foot forward as you turned to face him and listen to what he was saying. Crossing your arms over your chest you felt your wings wrap around you for extra security.

“It’s a nice offer but I wouldn’t want to be a burden,” you started to make up some sort of an excuse but by the look on Midoriya's face, you knew that he wasn’t about to have it at all.

“(Y/N),” he said sternly this time, “I refuse to let you stay anywhere else for the Christmas holidays. You will not be working and you will most definitely not be spending it alone.”

You watched as Izuku finished up his moment of glory as a blush rushed to his face, covering him up to the tips of his ears. He added a whispered please to the end of his speech and you let out a little giggle and nodded at him to signify that you were coming. A salmon tinge ran across both of your faces now as you stared at each other before awkwardly walking off without knowing what else either of you could say to the other.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Trying to make sure you made a good impression on the family you decided to arrive at Midoriya’s house a bit early to make sure you were possibly able to help set up. Holding the glistening bread pudding in your arms, you reached for the door and knocked. A shout was heard from inside and you stepped back as you heard what sounded like a young woman running towards the door to open it. You watched through the window as a small lady came to open the door, her green hair wrapped festively with red ribbons and two small gold clips adorning the sides of her face to keep her excess hair out of her face.

“Ahh, (Y/N),” she sounded a bit surprised as you heard her say your name out loud, “we weren't expecting you for another few minutes, but please do come in.”

“Did Izuku tell you that-”

“That you were coming over? Yes, he told me but I think he is out doing some last-minute shopping at the moment. Oh, please let me take your food off of you, sorry about that,” she started to ramble on and on and you started to see where Izuku was getting it from.

After sitting down in the kitchen area of the house you started to chat with Inko for a few minutes while you waited for Midoriya to come back. Finally hearing the door open you turned to face the small boy, standing in the middle of the door frame huffing as he was carrying lots of shopping bags. You heard his breath hitch when he laid his eyes on you, blush running up to his ears as he stared at your exposed shoulders, wings perking up and around them as they shield you from the cold outside. You let out a small giggle as you walked over to meet him and help him with the things that he had just brought in.

You walked over to the kitchen counter as Izuku ran into his room to change into something nice. You laughed with Inko about how nervous he can be while you helped her make a late lunch for you all. Once Izuku had come in you moved to the side to make room for him as you all chipped in to make a beautiful-looking lunch for you all to enjoy.

After you all had eaten, Inko went into the kitchen to get a start on cleaning up. You tried to help but she insisted that you should spend time with Izuku, maybe opening up some presents or something. You were against it, but you really couldn’t say no to whatever she said, not after everything this family had done for you.

You followed Izuku into his room and you stayed with him until it was late. You knew you should leave but you couldn’t bring yourself to get up. Something was keeping you here.

“Can you stay the night?” Izuku asked softly as he sat down closer to you and handed you a cup of hot chocolate so you could warm your hands. You nodded as you flashed him a smile and blushed as he returned the favor.

You stretched your wings slowly and started to wrap them around Izuku. He scooted closer and you leaned your head against his as you closed your eyes.

“Merry Christmas, (Y/N),” he whispered. You smiled as felt the blush start to creep across your face once more. You whispered back to him.

“Merry Christmas, Izuku.”

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

45 notes · View notes

thebiasrekkers · 5 years ago

Text

Doberman 18+ || KWS

Plot: How do you Hunt that which is used to Hunting? Even more so when feelings are involved?

Rating: R 18+ // NSFW

Genre: modern day // mafia!au

Pairing: Kim Wonsik x Female OC

Warnings: Strong language, sex, violence

Links: FAQ || VIXX Masterlist || Admin L’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 3,069

AN: For Admin E! I wrote this a while back and now that we have a space for VIXX, I figured I would go ahead and post it!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin L). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Her hands shook as she saw the photos, of the aftermath. It was something that she had gotten used to being there in the gang with them all but there was a small piece of her that really never got used to it all. They had tried to come for her again, under the orders of her former boss but she was always one step ahead and even made a new home without them.

It was a quiet night, as she looked at the pictures again and she almost wished that she’d died that morning. But she didn’t, in fact. She rose up from Hell to get where she was, to finally be able to take down her former boss. The one that worked her, tried to mold her and to try chain her down to his ways. One could never fully control a tiger, could they? The cigarette smoke drifted lazily up, the slow burn of the nicotine and tobacco filling the area with a familiar smell. It was one thing that he hated she do, for he was a neat man. He was a control freak and that wasn’t any good way to run a gang, now was it?

Even more when they tried to kill her, tried to kill the one person that keeps them from going under.

However, her escaping only proved to be the Herculean Feat as she tried to stay alive afterward. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another and those days seemed to be full of it as they went along but she was determined to stay one step ahead. Even if it was one half-step ahead, it still progressed. The ash fell gently from the burning stub and into the tray as she flicked the remainder in there with a delicate finger. Taking another drag off of it, she felt her nerves slowly settle and finally clearing her head just enough to process what she was seeing there.

Her contacts had been found and slaughtered, the pictures were found at the crime scene. It meant that she was no longer safe where she was, the pack was trying to close in on her. Their sniffing was getting too close for comfort and while she grieved their lives, they all wanted her to live. They all wanted her to take her life and finally do something with it, aside from mucking around with them. She was too good for them all, each and every one of them could sense it. So they all helped her to get out and now paid the price for it.

Her former boss looked boldly up into the camera, a slight smirk on his face. A disgusting turn of her lip when she saw that picture, it caused her to snuff out her cigarette on his face. Her lace nightgown barely touched the floor, even with her sitting there at her vanity. It was too hot to put something else on but at that point, she might need to since she was already found out. Suddenly, there was a slight click and her blood ran cold as she realized that danger was far closer than what she previously thought.

Looking into the mirror, she saw a shadow step out of the shadows and sighed. The figure didn’t move from his position, hand on the door when he had closed it with his gloved hands. The tuxedo only made him look more presentable standing there as they watched each other for several minutes.

“So, who the fuck is it this time? Did he fucking get smart and send someone after me that will actually be a cakewalk?”

The figure reached up with his free hand and pulled down the mask that he had on his face, revealing a face that she’d only heard about in passing. Someone that they only called out for when things got rough, the one that actually protected her former boss.

Oh god damn, Ravi….

He’d been watching her for some time now, how she had made her way up in the ranks even. It was a long time watching her and yet, he felt conflicted about taking this job. Personal reasons aside, this was a stupid ass move. But a man’s ego was too much at times, even he knew about that. His boss had made the mistake of crossing her for the last time and when she retaliated, he could only laugh when his boss had the gall to be upset.

After all, what should he expect from the little Wolf? The woman was fierce and stirred his blood, no matter how many times she railed at the storm. But there he was, ordered to kill her. Something he felt was incredibly unfair but he was just a pawn and a follower in the grand scheme of things. Yet, all he could think about was reaching out to stroke her hair and relish on how it would feel in between his fingers. How she would sound as she whispered his real name on his skin, the mere thought of it raised the hairs on his arm and neck where her lips would have been.

It just wasn’t fair.

His dark eyes watched her, watching him in return. For several minutes, he just took in her form as she sat there with the moonlight creeping its way in to illuminate her figure. That cold blooded killer, protector--he was out of his league when dealing with her. Yet, he was under a contract and that couldn’t be changed.

“What are you just standing there for? Are you here to try and kill me or not?”

He blinked in surprise at her boldness, watching her finally stand up with the nightgown falling over her dark skin. He was more enraptured by her presence now than he was before, like someone had lifted something from his eyes so he could see everything in HD. There was never a time that he had such emotions in his work until that very moment. He slowly lifted the fabric away from his holstered gun and sighed, wanting to prolong this out as much as possible. She raised an eyebrow at him and scoffed before turning to her vanity to pick up a hidden knife. The Wolf threw it at his head, to which he only turned his head a fraction to keep it from piercing his face.

Another long pause before he stepped forward. He mirrored her actions by throwing needles that were in his sleeve but she gracefully stepped aside with an incredulous look of her own. That was when the war started.

They both lunged for each other, the Wolf and the Hunter.

Parries and fists were deflected as they fought. Her vanity was destroyed when he was thrown into it and the chair she was previously sitting in was split in half when he broke it across her back. They were going at it with no mercy, both fighting for their lives. It wasn’t until they both pulled guns and were at another stalemate, both of them with the trigger in their faces. Heavy breathing and drips of blood, the fight was fierce from the start with no signs of relenting. One trying to stay alive and other after said shadows.

“What? Can’t get it off? Can’t pull the trigger? What’s the matter, suddenly got feelings?”

Her words were meant to sting, to aggravate the man but it made him realize that he did feel that way. A mistrustful look suddenly settled on her face as she watched the flicker of recognition hit his droopy eyes, the eyes of a dog who was tired. And for once, she watched the Hunter pause in his relentless drive to capture. The gun suddenly dropped as a new tension started to fill the room, mainly coming from his intense stare at the sweaty but gleaming creature before him.

From her, the dark eyes surveyed the tense aura that came from him. She’d always seen him from afar and for the brief moment, around her shadow when she had gotten close to their boss. Once, she had entertained the idea but that was put to a stop by their boss and even more so when she left the gang. So why the fuck was these things coming into play now? One last dive for survival? Even she didn’t know and in that moment of hesitation from her, he stepped forward to kiss her.

He could have killed her in that moment, hell. No, he chose give into his carnal desires and press her barely clothed body to his. The kiss was hot and demanding, telling her that he wanted her for her body. It was a spur of the moment rush of emotion that had her reeling back in shock, slapping his face out of instinct. It didn’t deter him as he reached out and grabbed her wrist to bring her back to him. The aggression overcame the both of them as she reached up and yanked on his hair, forcing him to break away from his assault. Eyes blown out, the both of them came together again with him pressing her against the wall as he took apart her outer clothing.

Her hands roughly pulled apart his shirt until the buttons popped off, exposing the broad chest and surprisingly… tattoos. She couldn’t help but smirk as her hands ran over them, enjoying the expanse as his hands suddenly found her neck from the contact. He growled and suckled on her skin, wanting more as she was fascinated with his own skin. Soon he took of the rest of his shirt and even had to separate to take off his belt. Pinning her with his hips, he took the belt and tied her hands up. Oh how she protested but his leg in between hers was letting her know that he was wanting only one thing and he was going on a different Hunt tonight.

After nipping at her throat and chest, the Hunter picked her up and threw her onto the bed that fortunately hadn’t been destroyed in the battle. It had been while since being treated this way, all tied up and ready for unwrapping underneath his taut body. Even her previous lover hadn’t been this way with her, despite telling him that she wanted otherwise. It was all about him but this time? It was for the both of them, to burn energy and desires right off their bodies like steam from the asphalt in summer. His fingers found their way underneath the little she had left on like fire trailing with every touch and when she tried to bring her bound arms around him, he only took one long arm to keep them up.

At least, until he was done roaming her body with both lips and fingers. Her bound hands were forgotten when he settled between her legs, ripping away what was there. Spreading her wide, he admired what was there waiting for her as the cool air brought goosebumps along the area. His hot breath crept up her thigh, a little nibble her and there until he got to his prize. Precious few were able to handle the Wolf but even fewer were able to see this side of her. If he was truly prepared, he would have had other objects there waiting to please her with but he was disappointed that all he had for her was his mouth and his dick.

But he had to work with what he had, right?

His lips carefully brushed her there, causing her to whimper for more and to demand that if he was going to fucking suck there then he needed to get on with it. A smirk spread on his lips as he complied with her wishes. Attacking brutally the area, she couldn’t help the gasp that suddenly left her body at the sudden contact. He was the Hunter after his prey, lips and teeth combined with the sly flick of the tongue were chasing down his prey. Her bound hands found the follicles of his messy and bloody hair, to pull and have something to hold onto as he continued his assault.

He hoisted her legs on his shoulders, to gain more access to the area he was relishing his feast on. Pushing even further in, one hand left the confines of her beautiful long legs and now were dipped into the plush velvet to keep his tongue company. His fingers pumped slowly while his tongue teased the bud and giving it random, sweet sucks. The absolute moment that he started to feel her tighten around his fingers was when he released her legs, pulling away.

For the moment.

The loss of sensation had her about to round on him again, until she saw him freeing himself from the pants he had on. He didn’t even bother pulling the fabric off of his body fully when he sheathed himself into her. Gripping her hips, he was doing all the work for her and to also let her know that his lust for her was more than just that moment. It had been a long time coming and he was going to paint her body with that passion. After all, he might have to kill her later so he might as well enjoy the moment.

He wasn’t letting her get her way, every time she tried to lift or swirl around for more friction. Firmly, he set her back down against the mattress and drilled into her further as punishment. He slicked in and out of her until there was nothing to be heard but their frantic breath and wet noises slapping against skin. The bed was knocking against the wall soon with the force of his hips, adding more to the ambiance. But somehow, her hands wiggled their way free of his haphazard bindings to bring him even closer to her burning body with nails and teeth of her own.

She marked him like had done her, gasping for reprieve in his rhythm as she reached that high peak quickly. His hands shifted and trailed up her chest, caressing the curve of her neck. A few light squeezes had her momentarily panicked, the unexpected sensation throwing her back into fight mode. Like lightning, she drew out a knife that was under the pillow that she had been splayed upon and held it up to his throat. He paused a moment in his ecstasy, before laughing leaning more into it. Was she going to bring something interesting to their session or was it really meant to kill him? His member twitched in anticipation inside of her, taking of the hands that was on her neck to grasp hers holding the knife.

“Do it. Kill me here and now because I’m about ready to bust a fucking nut inside of you from this.”

His words, gravelly and low, spurned her on as she slid it from a death strike to the flat end down his chest. Reminding him that she was always still in control and ready to strike should he test her again. His hand knocked the knife out of her hands to get it out of the way and he pulled all the way out to ram inside of her again. His thumb of the hand that was still on her neck reached up to caress the perfect little opening that she now had, swiping some of the moisture across her lips as he pounded in hard but slow strokes this time.

It wasn’t long before she clenched around him, holding him with everything that she had as she cried out with her own finish. The force of the action caused him to finally let go since he started. On his own pride, he wasn’t going to let go of everything until she had her own. The force of holding back had his veins in his neck ready to pop as he rutted until he was finished dumping everything he had inside of her.

Well, honestly.. It wasn’t everything as he was instantly ready to keep going.

She gasped from the force of it, seeing stars of her own before being able to focus on him. Taut muscles and the way he was still rock hard inside of her, nearly had her once again. He suddenly started up again, pounding inside of her as her oversensitive clit cried out in abuse. Pleasurable abuse, is what it was as he kept going to completely spend all of the energy that they both still had for one another.

Tears started to spring in the corner of her eyes as his fingers found the nub to give it extra pleasure. He hooked her leg over his shoulder, holding her here in that position while the other hand was plucking and rubbing the moisture that she had spilt all over herself as well as him. It wasn’t long before she came undone again, squirting all over his shaft and dribbling into the sheets below. He was going to make a complete mess of herself before doing anything else.

He pulled out of her, ready to erupt again at the sight of her body splayed out there for him. So, to achieve his final end, Ravi helped her turn over with her pretty and perky ass upright for him. He entered her beautiful and destroyed pussy from behind, wrapping what he could around himself for extra friction. Giving themselves over completely to the chase of the pleasure, the fucked like animals for many hours more until they were completely spent.

The Hunter had finally gotten his fill of the hunt while the Wolf got tired of running from him. They laid there in their mess, panting and exhausted. Yet, the rush of the chase had worn off and they were left with the question of the original meeting.

“I wish I didn’t have to kill you, my little wolf.”

“Then don’t and help me kill your master. I’m not saying this to spare my life, but I have my reasons for doing what I did. And I’ll be damned if I regret it.”

He smiled, eyes darkening again at her suggestion. Ravi��s hands roamed up her stomach again, the need suddenly filling him again. He could do with that, after all the Hunter needed another target that night.

#kwordsmiths #kmultiverse #vixx #kim wonshik #ravi vixx #thebiasrekkers #admin l

11 notes · View notes

votederpycausemufins · 5 years ago

Text

Lila Gets Exposed 5

This is a one shot series I’m doing that is also posted on Ao3 here I’m fine with getting recommendations for other chapters

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6]

----------------------

Lila - will the real Lila Rossi please stand up?

note: mentions of kidnapping

It had been a normal day of school, class had already started and Marinette was running as fast as she could to school to at least be under five minutes before the start of class. Unfortunately, someone ran right out of an adjacent street and right into Marinette.

Marinette collapsed and her purse went flying. She did her best to grab it but first she noticed who ran into her. It was a girl about her age. The girl had an Italian complexion, olive eyes and chestnut brown hair.

“Look… I’m already late Lila.”

The girl looked right at Marinette. This girl did look like Lila, but also different. Her hair was all even, she didn’t have bangs and it was all messy. She had a bruise on her cheek and a fearful look in her eyes. “H-how do you know my name?”

That shocked Marinette. “You… you look like someone in my class, Lila Rossi.”

“But that’s my name! I’m Lila Velia Rossi. I was kidnapped a few years ago. But I’m alive! I escaped.” She looked back to where she came from. “I just escaped, come on!”

Lila Velia grabbed Marinette’s hand and started running, dragging the designer along. Fortunately Marinette grabbed her purse before they left the scene. “Look, if we can hide ourselves for a minute or two, I can call Ladybug to help you?”

“A Ladybug? How will that help? You need to call the police! I need to get back to my mom in Italy.”

“No, Velia-” “It’s Lila.” “Calling you Velia because I know another Lila who looks like you and she’s horrible and I don’t want that association. Ladybug is a superhero. She and Chat Noir have been saving the town for the past year or so.”

Velia looked skeptical. “Look if we find something, sure, but not until then.”

Marinette nodded and she carefully opened her bag and mouthed for Tikki to text people about where she was. “Can I ask some questions?”

“Sure, just don’t stop us.” Velia quickly replied, yanking them around a corner at the last second.

“If you’re from Italy, why is your French so good?”

“My father was from France and my captors were as well.”

“Alright, do you know what your mom does? Like what’s her job?” Marinette hoped it wouldn’t be-

“She says she works at an embassy.”

Marinette cursed under her breath. “And how old are you?”

At this, Velia shook her head. “I don’t know. I haven’t had birthdays and not sure how many years it’s been exactly.”

Marinette was about to ask another question when Velia yanked them into a doorway and pressed up against one wall of it. Marinette followed suit and the two stayed quiet and barely dared to breathe for a few minutes. Finally, Velia stopped hiding. “Please, if you think it would help, call the ladybug.”

Marinette nodded. “I don’t want many people to know I know her so they can’t take advantage of me so I’m going somewhere else, but it will be close by. I promise, I’ll come back or she will show up, okay?”

“I don’t believe you. I haven’t believed much in a long time… but I suppose I have to. You’re my only chance right now.”

Marinette nodded, gave Velia a hug, and ran to a place to hide and transform. She waited a minute to make it seem like she was coming from across Paris before returning to the spot Veila was. But the scene had changed. Velia was being grabbed by an unfamiliar man and she looked terrified. “Hey, back off!”

“Oh, Ladybug, don’t worry, my daughter is just having a fit.”

Ladybug threw her yo-yo at him, smacking him in the face. “No, I already heard the story about what’s going on.”

Since the man wasn’t an Akuma victim, she easily separated him from Velia and tied him to a light post. She pulled the main part of the yo-yo a bit further out and called the police and attempted to call Chat Noir, but he of course wasn’t transformed.

After the calls, she walked over to Velia. “Hello, I was told that your name is Velia?”

“It’s Lila actually, but the girl who was helping me was calling me by my middle name.”

Ladybug gave a nod. “Alright, well my name is Ladybug. The police should be here soon, and as soon as they are, I’m going to visit someone else.”

“Um, who?” The Italian asked.

“Her name is Lila Rossi. She’s from Italy and moved to France recently, has a mother who works at an Embassy and loves to lie. So either she has lied and pretended to be you, or she has stolen your identity and has been you in a way.”

Velia looked shocked at that, and to pass the time, Ladybug talked with Velia about everything that had happened on both of their ends. Velia about how she had been living, and Ladybug about the fake Lila. They weren’t able to learn too much, but at least enough before the police showed up. Ladybug explained things to the police and after they had Velia’s captor in cuffs. She told them not to contact the school yet as she wanted to be there in case the imposter tried anything. They agreed, especially Agent Roger since Sabrina was his daughter and in that Lila’s class.

Ladybug quickly swung to the school and entered. She quickly spoke to the principal so he knew what was going on and hopefully wouldn’t complicate things. He allowed Ladybug to go to the classroom, especially when he heard the police were on the way.

Within a few minutes, the heroine was out the door. She took a deep breath and walked in. The lesson came to a halt and everyone looked over.

“Ladybug!” Alya called out. “What are you doing here?”

“Is there an akuma attack?” Adrien asked, jumping out of his seat.

Ladybug waved in a motion to calm them down. “No, no. I was just here to talk with a certain classmate of m-yours.”

Alya looked around and then spotted Lila, who was slowly sliding down to hide herself. She may not know about the real Lila showing up, but Ladybug could still out her as not being friends with her. “Oh! Lila! She says you two are friends!”

Ladybug nodded. “I think we are. I’m glad she has a friend, after everything she’s been through.”

Lila looked calmer now. “Yeah, but being in those dangerous situations can help people.”

“Well, not really. Alya, can you hand me your phone?”

“No way, recording this right now.” She nodded her head towards Nino, who had moved to sit next to her moments after the hero entered. “You can use Nino’s.”

Ladybug took the phone as distant sirens could be heard. She searched ‘Italian girl kidnapped Lila embassy’. They were likely to be words featured in an article about Velia. The first result mentioned Lila’s ‘return’ as did the second. The third somehow managed not to be related. The fourth, however, was exactly what she was looking for. She opened the page and put it down in front of Alya for her to read.

“Wait, Lila, you were-”

Ladybug stopped Alya. “Yes. We’re friends as well as Marinette and her.”

Nino looked confused. “Uh, sorry dude, but those two get together like oil and water.”

“They seemed fine together to me.” Ladybug said shaking her head. “I mean, who wouldn’t like the person that saved them from being rekidnapped.”

Various people started talking at once. “Kidnapped? Lila was kidnapped.” “That’s what you get for bragging.” “She’s strong for getting out.”

“Yes. The police were notified and currently have Lila with them.”

Now the class was confused. “But…” Rose started. “Lila is right here.”

Ladybug looked around. “No, I’m not seeing her. That girl up there looks similar though. What’s your name?”

“As Rose said, my name is Lila. We’re best friends, remember? I helped saved Jagged Stone’s cat. I help with environmental projects with prince Ali.”

Ladybug frowned. “Sorry, but the first time I met someone like you is the same day you were akumatized into Volpina and I called you out for lying about us being friends because I don’t like liars and saying we’re friends could endanger you.”

“Lila, how could you lie to us?” Rose asked, sounding disappointed.

“No, Ladybug’s lying! She just hates me!”

Alya gave Lila a look. “Well then you were at least lying about you two being friends then, huh?”

“Wait, no, that’s not what I mean!”

Ladybug spoke up again. “So I want to ask again. Who are you really, because the real Lila Rossi has been found.”

By now the police sirens could easily be heard, and Lila realized what they meant. She got up and began toward the door, but stopped and took a one eighty. She grabbed for the butterfly heading towards her but Ladybug’s yo-yo caught it first.

“The police are on their way to question you. Hopefully we will learn the truth in the end.”

“No! No this can’t be happening! You were all listening to be and pushing Marinette away. Why did you have to ruin everything again Ladybug?!”

“Because you act against me. If you acted more truthfully and kindly, it would have never come to this.”

The police eventually came and took the fake Lila away. A DNA test was taken and it was shown that Velia was really Mme. Rossi’s daughter. The fake Lila, who still would not give her real name, had run away and learned she looked almost exactly like Velia, so she took the girl’s place.

Since identity theft was a crime, Velia asked if she wanted to press charges, though it would have to go through her mother. Velia quickly agreed, as she believed that if everyone knew she was still missing, they would have found her years ago.

Neither girl was seen for a month until, in the fake Lila’s place, Velia started attending classes. She became fast friends with Marinette and eventually, after recovering enough, she was given the mouse miraculous and joined the hero team.

Note: on Ao3, people have had some questions. to sum everything up: Velia was kidnapped a few years ago. The story about her being missing ended up on the news. Lila saw the news report as well as the picture of Velia. She wasn’t a fan of whatever life she currently had and since she looked so much like Velia, she ran away from her old life and pretended to be Velia and became the new Lila.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous ladybug salt #marinette dupain cheng #ladybug #ladybug and chat noir #lila rossi #alya cesaire #nino lahiffe #adrien agreste

102 notes · View notes

vernonfielding · 5 years ago

Text

Life Writes Its Own Stories

Amy/Jake Newspaper AU, Chapter 2! (And at AO3.)

Amy’s family had not taken well to her announcement that she was leaving education to go into journalism. It wasn’t the leaving part that had bothered them – it was the ‘going into.’ Her family didn’t agree on much, but they were pretty united in their mistrust of the mainstream media.

Her dad had been a career cop with the NYPD, and three of her seven brothers had followed his footsteps. Her mom had been a full-time social activist, which didn’t pay as well as detective (as in, at all) but required the same level of commitment. Three of Amy’s brothers had taken after their mom and were now working for various human rights organizations in and around New York. Her youngest brother was the only other outlier, and he’d really gone rogue – he was a singer/actor/writer trying to make it onto Broadway. They’d all been gently indulgent of Amy’s decision to go into education, but when she’d shifted to journalism the fallout had been immediate and vehement, and come from all sides. Including David the singer/actor/writer, which seemed profoundly unfair.

Amy had been passionate about the news – and newspapers in particular – for as long as she could remember, but a career in journalism had seemed as outlandish to her as a child as David’s drive to go into entertainment. In a way, it had been his incremental successes that had given her the final push to follow her own dreams. That and the fact that she was sick to death of teaching 9- and 10-year-olds how to make sun collages and watercolor flowers. Kids were loud and messy (and also most of them sucked at art).

Of course, journalists were loud and messy too, Amy thought, as she leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms over her head, peering about the newsroom. At the desk directly across from Amy’s, Gina was screaming at someone on the phone that no, she was not going to write an expose about toxic government immunization programs.

“Fucking anti-vaxxers,” Gina snapped as she slammed the phone back in the cradle.

On the far side of the newsroom, Charles was asking Terry if dog shit really smelled different from human shit, and if it was necessary to include that in Hitchcock’s story on street pooping. Hitchcock himself was watching a video turned up way too loud on his computer; it sounded like porn.

Amy loved her job.

“Santiago,” Terry called, yanking Amy out of her musings. Holt was the editor in chief of the Bulletin, but it was Terry who ran the metro desk, the heart of the newsroom.

“What’s up, boss?” Amy said, as Terry walked up to her desk.

“What’ve you got for me today?” He was staring down at a battered legal pad in his hands, on which Amy knew was written the stories everyone was working on and when they expected to have them done.

“Um.” She usually had three or four things to pitch him, but the past few days had been unusually slow and she’d already written three stories that had been on her evergreen list. She was perilously close to coming up dry for the first time since she’d started at the Bulletin.

“Look,” Terry said, planting his palms on her desk and leaning toward her, “we’re okay for tomorrow’s paper, but it would really help if you could come up with something good for the weekend.”

Amy knew that “it would really help” was about as close as Terry came to ordering a story, so she squared her shoulders and nodded. “Roger that.”

Terry frowned at her and narrowed his eyes. “You’re starting to sound like a cop,” he said. “It’s weird.”

Amy shrugged. “Hazard of the job, I guess?” She hadn’t told anyone that she came from a long line of NYPD cops. She worried Terry or Holt might pull her off the beat if they thought she was biased.

Terry just grunted and scratched a note, then called out “Hitchcock” and moved on.

Amy slumped in her chair. She’d dodged the daily bullet, but now she needed to come up with something really good for the weekend edition. She pulled up her evergreen list – stories that, in theory, could be written up and published any time because they had nothing to do with current events – but the ones left were boring or would take more than a few days to finish.

Amy set her chin in her hand and checked the NYPD Twitter feeds, and then the neighborhood blogs and even The Times local news website, but there was nothing going on. What she needed was a good tip, some murder or weird robbery or identify theft case she could expose.

She thought of Peralta. She’d actually tried looking him up, the day after her story was published, but she’d found almost no public records on him. A search of the NYPD staff database had provided his name, rank and current assignment to the 99th Precinct, but no photo. He wasn’t in the Bulletin archives at all, and he didn’t seem to have a Facebook account or any other social media presence. She wondered if he was normally an undercover cop, which would explain the low-key identity. Or else he just didn’t do very interesting work with the NYPD – but somehow Amy didn’t think that was the case.

Amy tapped a pen against her reporter’s notebook and wondered – not for the first time – why he’d picked her out of the crowd to tip off about the ex-boyfriend-slash-cop. And she wondered what other interesting stuff he might have hidden under those rolled-up sleeves.

At that thought, Amy groaned to herself and chuckled. Detective Peralta was cute and he’d given her a good tip, but that was hardly anything to be fantasizing about. Besides, he was a cop, and she’d had enough cops in her life to know that though there were some amazing ones – like her dad and two out of her three brothers – a lot of them were power hungry, egotistic, self-righteous and borderline corrupt. Just because Peralta had helped her out once didn’t make him one of the good guys.

She turned back to her computer and pulled up the NYPD Twitter feed again. She might have to write that feature on the new anti-graffiti task force after all, Amy thought with a sigh, and began taking notes.

+++

Jake stared at the board in the briefing room, trying to find the link between the string of pawn-shop robberies he and Rosa had been investigating for two weeks. They had pins marking spots all across Brooklyn, plus a few in Queens, and there was no obvious geographic connection. He sat down on the edge of a table and ran a hand through his hair. Beside him, Rosa sighed and blew a strand of hair out of her face.

“Maybe it’s not the same guy,” Rosa said, picking up their stack of reports again and flipping through the pages.

“Or girl,” Jake said, just to be a jerk. Rosa kicked him in the shin. He flashed her a grimace and rubbed his leg. “Look, it’s obviously one guy, or a couple working together. It’s the same MO every time: Break in just after midnight, take out a security guard, grab the cash on hand, and out the way they came in.”

“And they never show up on the security cameras, so they’ve obviously staked the place out.”

“Right.”

They both stared at the board some more. Jake let his eyes go a little crossed, like maybe if he skewed his vision he’d make some sense of the puzzle in front of them. He was reminded of those old “Magic Eye” pictures from when he was a kid. He’d always been good at finding the hidden image. He didn’t see anything now, but he could feel a subtle tickling in the back of his brain, a familiar itch that let him know he was missing some piece, and that he was close. If he could just relax, open his mind, he was sure he could figure this out.

“Peralta!” called a voice from the bullpen. Jake jolted out of his musings and jumped off the table to poke his head out. The Vulture’s assistant, Penny, waved at him. “Phone call. It’s at your desk.”

Jake turned back to Rosa and nodded toward his desk and she waved him off. The bullpen was a zoo – the Vulture was cackling wildly in his office, some dude was screaming at a prostitute in the holding cell, and for some reason there was a group of Boy Scouts crowded around the sergeant’s desk. All the noise was distracting, which was part of the reason he and Rosa had retreated to the briefing room.

He picked up his phone and said, loudly, “Peralta.”

“Detective Peralta?” came the voice on the other end.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Jake said. He pressed the phone into his ear.

“Oh, hi. It’s Amy Santiago. With the Brooklyn Bulletin?”

“Shit!” A spike of alarm shot down his back. Jake looked quickly around the bullpen to see if anyone was watching him.

“Excuse me?” Santiago said.

“Why are you calling me here?” Jake hissed.

“I’m sorry, I just called the main line-”

“I can’t talk to you on this phone.” Jake glanced toward the Vulture’s office; he was sprawled back in his chair, feet on his desk, laughing at something on his cell phone.

“Okay, sorry, I just had a quick-”

“Look, I’ll call you back. Is this the right number?” He read back the digits that showed on his phone and Santiago confirmed that was her number. “Okay, give me five minutes.”

Jake hung up without waiting for an answer and took a deep breath. He let it out slowly, then ducked back into the briefing room. “Hey, I’ve got to hit the head, I’ll be right back,” he said to Rosa, and left when she just waved him off again.

Jake took the stairs to the first floor and walked all the way down the block, toward the deli where he got lunch every other day. He leaned against the wall around the corner from the precinct and dialed the number he’d memorized.

“Amy Santiago-”

“I can’t believe you called me at the precinct!” he said, trying hard not to raise his voice. “Did you give anyone your name?”

“No,” Santiago said, quickly. “I just asked for you and they transferred me. No one knows anything.”

“Okay, good. That’s good.” Jake released a long breath.

“Seriously, I’m sorry for freaking you out,” Santiago said, and she did sound contrite. “I didn’t know how else to get in touch with you.”

“It’s fine,” Jake said. “But why were you trying to reach me anyway? And how did you even get my name?”

“Someone called your name at the press conference and I looked you up,” Santiago said. “As for why I called, I had a favor to ask.”

“Haven’t I done enough favors for you?” Jake huffed. “Nice story, by the way. Front page and everything.”

“Thanks,” Santiago said. “And yes, I appreciate the help. I promise, this one is not nearly as big of a deal. I’ve got the whole story already worked out, I just need you to confirm one little detail before I can publish.”

Jake closed his eyes, wishing he’d remembered to grab his sunglasses before darting outside. He really should end this conversation now, before things got complicated. Rosa would kill him if she knew he was out here even listening to a reporter. But he had to admit, he wanted to know what she was working on.

“I can’t promise I’ll help, but tell me what you’ve got.”

“Okay, here’s the story,” Santiago said, and Jake knew after half a sentence that he was screwed.

She’d somehow caught on to the fact that the deputy commissioner’s son had been tagging police vehicles with penises, and that he’d been caught multiple times and let go with no repercussions. She told him that her sources were solid but no one could confirm with absolute certainty that the kid was definitely the deputy commissioner’s son. He had the same name and was the right age, but there was the slimmest possibility that could be a coincidence, and Santiago said the story was too big to bet on coincidence.

Jake himself had barely dodged this particular nightmare a few weeks earlier, when the Vulture had demanded he drop his own case against the kid. Jake had been sorely tempted to arrest him anyway but Rosa had stepped in and told him it would be career suicide without his captain’s backing. It still bugged Jake that the brat had gotten away with it.

“Look,” he said to Santiago, “even if I had information that would help you, I couldn’t share it. The kid’s a minor. Those records are sealed up.”

“Ah, I thought you’d say that,” Santiago said. “Turns out Trevor Podolski is 18. About to be 19, actually.”

“What?” Jake yelled into the phone. “That little shit lied to me? On an official police report?”

“So you do know about this case!”.

Jake winced. “Fine, yes, I worked it for a few days. But seriously, I can’t help you with this one. It’s too risky.”

“Come on, Peralta,” Santiago said. “This is your chance to set things right.”

Jake groaned and bumped his head back against the wall.

“I mean it, I’ve got everything already.” Santiago’s voice took on a desperate edge. “I just need you to tell me the story is true. That the kid is the deputy commissioner’s son.”

Jake bit his lip, glanced up and down the street. A car was parked on the opposite corner. He recognized it immediately as an unmarked police vehicle because of the giant dick spray-painted on the driver’s side door.

“Detective?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, you’re still on the phone? Or yes-”

“Yes, your story’s right,” Jake said. “I’ve gotta go.”

“Thank you!”

Jake gave her a quick “Welcome” and ended the call. He glared at the penis car, then pushed back off the wall and headed back to the precinct.

When he returned to the briefing room, Rosa scowled at him and said, “Where were you? I checked the bathroom.”

“You went in the men’s room?” Jake said, then shook his head and walked up to the board. “Never mind. I solved the case. It was the guys who installed the security cameras.”

Rosa stared at him, then picked up their notes again and began flipping through them, a slow smile spreading over her face. “How’d you do that?”

Jake just shrugged, and ducked his head to hide a small smile. For all that Santiago had nearly given him a heart attack, Jake had to admit, talking to her had actually cleared his head.

+++

The next morning, Jake had just slung his bag onto his desk when the Vulture called him into his office. Pembroke had two tones when he yelled out his detectives’ names: impatient and furious. This tone was not impatient.

Rosa narrowed her eyes at Jake and he shrugged back in return before heading into the Vulture’s den. Or nest, Jake supposed. But “nest” didn’t sound nearly terrible enough.

“Wha’s up, Captain?” Jake said, tapping his knuckles on the Vulture’s open door.

Pembroke replied by holding up a copy of the Brooklyn Bulletin and shaking it so the pages rattled. Jake squinted at the front page and read the top headline out loud: “’Expose: Parking Fines Lining Police Pockets.’” Jake paused and scratched the back of his neck. “Ouch, there goes your retirement in Long Island. Sorry, sir.”

“Not that bullshit,” Pembroke cut in. “The other story, below it.”

Jake scanned down to the story in the lower left corner. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh! ’NYPD Official’s Son Is a Painter -- of Penises on Police Cars.’” The Vulture slapped the newspaper onto his desk. “What the fuck, Peralta.”

“Wait- what?” Jake stepped fully into the office, kicking the door shut behind him. “You think I had anything to do with this?”

Pembroke glowered at him. “You were the last guy to work that case, and you made it clear you were pissed about how it was handled, so yeah, I think you leaked it to the pretty reporter and probably got your dick sucked in return.”.

“Okay, first off,” Jake said, “that’s disgusting and super offensive. And second, no – I didn’t leak anything. I wouldn’t even know how to leak something like that. I don’t even know who-” he paused and made a show of lifting up the paper to peek at the name on the story, “Amy Santiago is.”

“She’s hot and she’s been busting our asses lately,” Pembroke said. “You really didn’t tip her off about the Podolski thing?”

“I swear, I had nothing to do with that.”

Pembroke eyed him warily and Jake just stood there, hands clasped behind his back, forcing his face to stay relaxed and give nothing away. Finally, Pembroke turned back to his desk. He flipped the newspaper into his trashcan – Jake was tempted to make a comment about recycling but now probably wasn’t the time – and said, “Fine, dismissed.”

Jake turned to go, then remembered he actually had a case he wanted to bring up.

“Uh, one more thing,” he said, plowing on even when Pembroke got that look on his face that meant their conversation had already gone on about five minutes longer than he’d prefer. “I got a text from a CI last night. He said there’s this new drug, some kind of fentanyl analog. They’re calling it Jazzy Pants-”

“No-go,” Pembroke said, cutting him off.

“Sir, with all due respect, if there’s another high-potency fentanyl on the street this could be a huge case.”

“I said drop it,” Pembroke said. “Anyway, the Seven-Eight has a task force. Let them handle it.”

“Oh, well, if the Seven-Eight has task force,” Jake said, not bothering to hide his scorn.

“Dismissed, Peralta.”

Jake walked out without another word.

+++

“You’re crazy, man,” Rosa said later that day, over lunch.

They’d gotten deli sandwiches to go and were eating them outside, sitting on the benches at the neighborhood playground. Kids were screeching and racing around the asphalt, climbing the wrong way up the slides and shoving each other on the swings. Normally Jake would be itching to go out and play with them – and honestly, sometimes he did; he figured it was good for police-community relations – but today he was on his phone. He was buying a digital subscription to the Bulletin.

“I know,” Jake said, mumbling around the credit card he’d stuck between his teeth. He plucked it out to type in the number and added, “But you have to admit, it was pretty great seeing that jerk kid’s mugshot in the paper.”

Jake had picked up his own copy of the Bulletin not long after leaving Pembroke’s office. Rosa had followed him outside and when she’d accused him of the same thing the Vulture had, Jake hadn’t bothered denying it, though he’d explained that he hadn’t been the original source. Rosa hadn’t seemed impressed by that detail.

“Yeah, it’s great that the kid is going to get in trouble for drawing dicks on cop cars, but is that really worth risking your career?” Rosa said. “Don’t be an idiot, Jake.”

Jake finished entering his credit card and personal information and hit “submit” on the subscription form. When the confirmation page came up, he tucked his phone back in his pants pocket and turned fully to Rosa.

“I’m not being an idiot,” he said. “So I helped her out a couple of times. It’s not like she’s putting my name in the paper or anything.”

“Not yet.” Rosa plucked a pickle out of her sandwich and flicked it into a nearby trash can. “What is it about her anyway? It isn’t like you to-” She paused, a frown of distaste twisting her lips. “Trust someone.”

Jake rolled his eyes and groaned. “I don’t trust her, Rosa.” She gave him a very dubious eyebrow lift. “Okay, I have on two occasions trusted her, but it’s not like I trust her as a person. You know I only trust three people-”

“Your mom, that weird friend whose name I always forget-”

“And you,” Jake finished.

Rosa gave him a thin smile that was part pity and part fondness. “I’m just worried that trusting this reporter is going to bite you in the ass later. It seems a little reckless, man.”

“Well, thank you for your concern, but I’m not reckless.”

Rosa sighed the way she did when Jake was being obtuse, and he slumped back on the bench. Because she had a point. Jake had come close to being burned before, almost a decade ago when he’d gotten drunk and mouthed off to a reporter from one of the tabloids. When Jake had called the reporter to beg him not to use his quotes or name him in the story, the reporter had refused. It was only dumb luck that the same reporter was arrested as part of a federal sex trafficking scheme the very next day, and was now in prison. Which reminded Jake -- he should probably check on Jimmy Brogan’s parole date.

He hadn’t been a fan of journalists since then. He wasn’t a regular news consumer, but he did pay attention when a case he was working on or familiar with got some coverage, so he knew the media bungled the facts almost as often as they got them right. Jake had seen a few cases actually mangled beyond repair by a reporter’s shoddy work. And even when the facts were technically right, they were missing context, or they were twisted in a way to make the NYPD look bad.

Jake wasn’t an NYPD apologist, and he didn’t expect cops to be fawned over by anyone, but he believed in the work they did and he knew most of his colleagues were good people who deserved fair treatment, at least. Journalists weren’t interested in fair, though.

“I’ll be careful,” Jake said.

“That implies you’re going to keep talking to Santiago.”

Jake balled up the paper his sandwich had been wrapped in and tossed it toward the trashcan. He missed.

“I won’t,” he said, and pushed up off the bench to throw out his garbage.

+++

Jake didn’t think much about Santiago or the Bulletin until later that night, when he got bored during an episode of Real Housewives of Dallas and started fidgeting with his phone. He pulled up the Bulletin app and searched for Santiago’s name, and the next thing he knew he was reading through all of her articles.

He had to admit: Her pieces seemed surprisingly balanced and accurate. He read a few where she hadn’t gotten the facts entirely right, but he knew that was a lot to ask when she was probably dealing with reluctant sources (cops) and people feeding her misinformation (everyone else). She was also a pretty good writer, from what he could tell.

And he’d meant what he’d said to Rosa – it had been nice to see justice served in two cases where he’d been unable to get the results he wanted on his own.

He knew Rosa was right to be concerned for him about making this a habit, and he promised himself that wouldn’t be an issue. He really didn’t trust people generally, and Santiago wasn’t just “people,” she was a journalist, which made her, well, if not necessarily an enemy, certainly not a friend.

Still, he reasoned it wouldn’t hurt to let Santiago know that he’d read her latest piece. He took out his phone and pulled up the number he’d dialed the day before, hoping it was her cell and not a land line. He opened a text message and wrote, “Front page again. Congrats.” He hit send.

Jake tossed the phone aside and turned back to the TV. The text alert chimed and Jake leaned over to look at the screen: “Thanks.”

A minute later another message popped up: “We make a good team.”

Jake stared at the screen for a moment before turning it off without replying. He wasn’t sure what to make of that text, but for some reason the words stuck with him for the rest of the night.

CHAPTER 3

#b99 #b99 fic #jake and amy au #peraltiago #newspaper au #life writes its own stories

13 notes · View notes

vagrantblvrd · 6 years ago

Text

Based on the Thief Simulator videos?

Police detective Ryan Haywood going undercover as a thief...because reasons.

He’s part of a task force that includes his new partner Jeremy, Trevor, Jack and Michael, all because reasons. Geoff is their boss, and Lindsay is Just There.

(No one’s really sure what she does, but they all assume she’s part of the task force and never actually consult each other about it. The task force has been meddled with by higher ups and various federal agencies and at this point it would be awkward to ask because clearly she’s One of Them.)

And then!

As he’s out Thieving with the others yelling “advice” at him through the earpiece he makes the rookie mistake of leaving his Thief!car unlocked.

Comes back weighted down by all the things he’s stolen to find someone hot-wiring his car and talk about awkward, right?

“Uh, hey?” Ryan says, super subtly reaching up to pluck the earpiece out because everyone is losing their goddamned minds about Ryan!thief being Thieved. “What the hell are you doing?”

The other thief gives him what can only be considered a Look because Ryan’s bag of stolen goods is overflowing with routers and whatnot. (He has a problem, sue him.)

“Oh,” the guy says. “You’re back sooner than I expected.”

Which.

Okay, not really damning on its own, but then the guy leans back to give Ryan this appraising once-over.

Has to notice the twigs and leaves and whatnot from that time Ryan had to duck into the shrubs to avoid notice. Dirt and mud and whatever else from that other time he threw himself into a ditch while the cops combed the neighborhood for him and so on.(He’s a fucking mess and his “haul” this time around is mostly routers and alarm clocks. One flower vase, tall.)

“I’m sorry. What?”

And the thief grins at him, sly edge to it as he glances towards the neighborhood Ryan’s been quietly terrorizing for weeks now. Flash of lights from police cars and the cops still looking for him.

“Oh,” the guy says, and he is definitely laughing at Ryan. “Nothing.”

Ryan being mercilessly mocked by this Thief he caught stealing his car, who then does steal it. Gives Ryan this cheeky grin and a mocking salute as he drives off with Ryan standing there like an idiot until one of the others come get him before the cops find him (He has to hide in the bushes until then with his bag of shitty stolen goods not exactly seething, just. Disgruntled.)

Ryan runs into the guy again later as they’re burgling the same house and the guy - all nose and no personality and no, that’s not Ryan being a bitter old man, shut up Trevor - gives him a few pointers. All nice and friendly about it, too.

(Doesn’t give Ryan shit when he shoves a router into his bag - he can quit any time he wants to, this is a Choice.)

They end up working together and Ryan is like yes because now he stands a better chance of getting at the crime ring behind a string of thefts in the area and the whatnot? But also oh, no because he went and caught Feelings for the Thief. (Gavin, his name is Gavin and Ryan lied about him not having a personality, don’t look at him like that Trevor.)

This whole thing of them being Thieving Buddies until shit goes wrong and they tangle with the crime ring Ryan was meant to uncover. Find out they’ve got Big Plans or whatever and it’s a whole Thing.

Getting caught by the baddies and them exposing him as a cop - all this guilt and whatnot with Gavin giving him This look, right, because FEELINGS.

To his surprise Gavin gets the two of them out of there, right. Strained silence as Gavin drives them somewhere he says is safe, Ryan sitting next to him with all these Things he wants to say but now doesn’t seem the time? (Doesn’t seem like Gavin would be willing to hear them, so he keeps them locked down tight and waits to see what’s going to happen.)

Gavin drives them to the richie rich neighborhood he and Ryan had their sights set on, pulls up to one and gets them past the gate. Pulls into the garage and shuts the engine off, Stares at his hands on the steering wheel for the longest time, takes a deep breath like he’s got something to say -

The door leading to the house is thrown open and out spills Ryan’s idiots, a riot of noise and Concern as they swarm his side of the car, get him out and drag him into the house to get him patched up. (Got a little roughed up when the baddies caught them, but it could have been a lot worse if Gavin didn’t get them out of there.)

When things quiet down, Ryan looks over to where Gavin and Lindsay are talking and it comes out that he’s a damn fed, they both are. Working for a long,long time to track this criminal ring down and the exasperation when they found out about the task fore, okay.

Lindsay and Gavin debating whether or not to interfere when Ryan proved to be such a terrible thief. (Ryan’s little “hey, I’m not that bad” that gets Looks from everyone present, because my God man.)

And then the night Gavin happened upon Ryan’s car - unlocked, who even does that with thieves running around??? - and everything up to now.

Gavin looking a little guilty himself when Ryan looks at him, because two wrongs and all, but this is Good Thing? Or something, since now Ryan doesn’t have to worry about the whole arresting Gavin and sending him to jail portion of things.

Awkwardness abounds because Lindsay totally knows Gavin also has a Thing for Ryan, right? (Hasn’t done anything about it though because not like he and Lindsay are going to be sticking around once they bring this crime ring down, and also surely Ryan wouldn’t be interested in Gavin, perish the thought.)

Everyone (except Gavin) knows Ryan has a Thing for Gavin and it‘s the height of entertainment for them as they work together to bring the crime ring down.

Shenanigans in which there are thrilling car chases and the whatnot, and that ~emotional goodby scene between Ryan and Gavin once things are over.

...A few months later Ryan gets word that the task force is going to partner with some federal agency or other on another crime ring or what have you. He’s like, sure, fine. Whatever you say Geoff and not really interested because he’s still nursing his bruised/broken heart over the Gavin Thing, right?

But surprise, surprise, the feds joining the task force and Gavin and Lindsay. Because reasons!!1!

(They also brig Alfredo and Fiona with them, and it’s just chaos all around the moment they meet Trevor and Geoff has never regretted his life choices more.)

Awkward reunion bit in which Ryan is cautiously optimistic about things between them. (Look, his city is absolutely riddled with crime and the whatnot, Gavin and Lindsay might be around for a while is all.)

Everyone else set up a new betting pool - they were so damn certain one of their morons would have made a move the first time around, but no, they were just too dumb for that, so.

Ryan and Gavin completely oblivious about the betting pool and worried about the whole fraternization thing - so they start a ~secret relationship.

Don’t realize at all the others figure it out after a while - cannot for the life them figure out why everyone’s annoyed with them for the longest time. (Can’t win the betting pool if no one knows when they got together or who made the first move, and they all take turns trying to get the information out of them without being obvious about it.)

At some point one of them gets caught by some baddies and it’s a harrowing ordeal - come too close to death for anyone’s peace of mind and there’s a touching reunion scene.

The two of them realizing too late they’re not alone and oh, no, now they’ve really done it, but everyone is focused on keeping them alive to deal with that.

And then when they do -

“Okay, so now that you two are officially done being idiots (about this one thing,at any rate) there’s something we need to know.”

Ryan and Gavin bracing themselves for who even knows what, and Lindsay slams her hands on the desk between them. Demands to know the exact date and time they got their shit together because it’s of the utmost importance you assholes!

(They put a lot of money into that goddamned betting pool, and like hell are they going to let it sit there gathering dust,so answer the damn question!!1!)

Naturally, Ryan and Gavin give different answers and continue to do so for forever because hey, wow, rude much? And also, just because.

And, like.

Undercover crime-solving shenanigans ever after I guess???

ALSO.

Matt Bragg as this hacker they bring in at some point who decided he’d rather work for the “good guys” than go to prison. (”Do I look like the kind of guy who’d do well in prison?”)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#freewood #ragehappy #undercover cop au #thief simulator au #these idiots au #¯\_(ツ)_/¯

44 notes · View notes

sailorportia · 6 years ago

Text

Over the Moon

Fandom: Little Witch Academia Pairing: Diana Cavendish x Akko Kagari

Femslash February 2019 [Index post] Day 6: Moon

approx. 1350 words, rated T

also available on Ao3

In which Diana discovers that Akko has a big, furry problem.

Huge brainstorming credit to @reynicloud for coming up with at least half of this. Love you!

"What might I ask are you doing in the kitchens after curfew?" Diana asked, glaring at the pyjama-clad girl.

"...is that a trick question?" Akko looked down at the considerable amount of food in her arms and back to Diana.

"I'm curious how you're going to attempt to excuse your poor behaviour this time." One would think that after being caught so many times, she would've learned how to lie better.

Akko winced. "I was... um... preparing for a birthday celebration. For one of the goblins. Um, Bartholomew... you're going to tell me you know all the goblin's birthdays, aren't you?"

Diana shook her head.

The star student had been on duty for the night patrol, striding through the hallways lit by the light of the full moon. Not twenty minutes past curfew, she heard a commotion from the direction of the kitchens. Diana hardly needed to catch the culprit in the act to know it was her self-professed rival. She had cut Akko off at the doorway, leading to the present conversation.

"I have not memorized the faerie staff's birthdays, but I question why you would be taking food the goblins made to feed one of said goblins."

"Oh. Right." Akko shifted nervously. "I guess that's not going to fly."

"No, it is not." Diana waved her wand, and with practiced ease, her magic returned the foodstuffs to their proper places in the kitchen stores. If not for Akko's antics, she wouldn't even know where they belonged.

"Fine, fine." Akko bit her lip, eyes darting around behind Diana. "Um, I'll go back to my room on my own and you can keep going on your patrol."

Diana waited for Akko to move. Aside from anxious jitters, she stayed still as a statue.

"If I leave, you're going to steal food again, aren't you?"

"What!? No! I would never?" Akko voice broke no less than five times.

"Your lying is even more obvious than usual," Diana noted. "What's different from usual?" She leaned in close to her friend, inspecting her with uncompromising eyes.

"Diana, please!" Akko shielded her face with her hands. She was practically trembling under Diana's gaze.

"Akko, you can tell me what's wrong."

Akko remained silent.

Diana gently eased Akko's hands away from her face so that she could look her directly in the eyes. "You can trust me. I've earned that, haven't I? Whatever problem you have, it won't be solved by stealing food."

Akko made a strangled noise and let loose what was on her mind. "Look, it's not my fault! It's not like Luna Nova has proper safety measures set up. I guess I'm the first to come to school here. Is it really that hard to just give me enough food so I don't go on a rampage?

"What are you talking about?"

"C'mon! I thought you were smart," Akko said frantically. She flailed her arms upward, pointing at the sky. "Y'know, full moon? I'm a... well, y'know?"

"A... werewolf?"

"Yeah," Akko said, nodding her head vigorously. "If I don't fill myself up before I go all wolfy, I'll run around looking for something to munch on, and sometimes that'll be a person. This is the safest way for me to transform. That's why I've been stealing food from the kitchen!"

"Curious." Diana crossed her arms. "A full moon happens only once a month. Well, it happens twice every once in a full moon." She chuckled at her own joke. "I seem to recall your thefts occurring more often than that."

"Okay," Akko conceded, "but this time it's important!"

Diana wasn't certain that she believed Akko's story. After all, she thought, if Akko were a werewolf, surely it would've come up before now. But even Akko wouldn't have picked such an easily provable lie. If Akko failed to transform into a wolf, Diana would know she was lying. However, if she did transform...

"Very well," Diana said. "I will assist you. But thievery is not the solution to this problem."

"Would you believe I don't remember to tell you until the full moon comes around and I forget once I go wolf?"

"Yes, Akko. I would believe that."

An hour later, Akko found herself seated at Diana's desk. In Dian's bedroom. At the Cavendish Manor. The entire surface of the desk was covered in dishes of food so fancy Akko couldn't recognize them. "Uh, where did all this come from?"

"I cooked it myself," Diana said. "With magical assistance, naturally." Even with magic to explain the volume, the veritable feast was difficult for Akko to process.

"I mean, you didn't have to go to all that trouble," Akko said bashfully. "You could've just given me the raw ingredients. We werewolves aren't picky."

Diana blushed. "Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Now eat up. The moon will be at its height soon and you'll transform."

"Wait, you cooked it yourself?" Akko asked. "Don't you have staff for that?"

"I d-d-didn't want to t-t-trouble them so late at n-n-night," Diana stammered. "Now eat."

Akko didn't press the issue; there was a feast pining for her attention. She dug into her food with even worse manners than her last visit, prioritizing speed over etiquette. Judging by Diana's silence, she understood the urgency. She didn't speak again until Akko was on her last plate.

Diana chuckled. "Ironic that a werewolf would choose to go to Luna Nova academy."

"You're just full of moon jokes, huh?" Akko downed the last scraps of food in a second. "You aren't fazed about the whole 'Akko's a werewolf' thing?"

"Not as phased as the moon." Diana really couldn't help herself.

"You really aren't worried about being around a werewolf?" Akko looked at her with worry in her eyes.

"Of course not," Diana said. "I'm sure I can handle one little werewolf pup."

"Hey! I'm not a pup! I can be pretty ferocious, y'know!"

"Besides, you and I have been through much more than this," Diana continued. "And I know you would never hurt me."

"Well when you put it that way." Akko blushed furiously. "Um, I think I'm going to transform soon. You might, um, want to leave the room."

"I told you, it's—wh-what in the name of decency are you doing!?"

Akko already had her shirt off and was reaching for her tiny, red shorts. "If I don't take my clothes off, I'll rip them when I turn!" Her voice squeaked, like a Chihuahua's yip. "Do you see why I do this alone!?"

"It is blindingly clear!" Diana not only turned away, she threw herself onto her bed and buried her head under her pillows. She remained there throughout the noise of Akko's transformation, emerging only when she felt something cold and wet press against her leg. She sat up to see a large, brown wolf with a rather distinctive half-ponytail.

"Fascinating. It's almost as if you didn't change at all."

Wolf-Akko narrowed her eyes in response. Apparently werewolves were incapable of human speech.

Diana smiled. "I suppose I shouldn't tease you. You might eat me. After all, I hear you can be ferocious."

Akko shook her head and jumped onto the bed and rolled onto her back, exposing her full belly.

"You're too full to eat me? All is well then."

The wolf-girl turned over and crawled closer to Diana, nudging her hand with her nose until the other girl agreed to pet her head.

"I had no idea werewolves were so needy." Diana most certainly didn't mind the attention. She was quite comfortable being affectionate her family's dogs, and found it equally comfortable to do so with Wolf-Akko—much easier than with Akko's human form, to her eternal dismay. As Akko curled up next to her, Diana eased into a state of deep contentment, running her fingers through Akko's fur. Her last thought before falling asleep was that she was thankful for the full moon for affording her this opportunity.

She was slightly less thankful (i.e. morbidly embarrassed) when she woke up the following morning next to a fully naked Akko curled up on her bed.

#femslashfeb2019 #little witch academia #lwa #diakko #diana cavendish #akko kagari #werewolf au #idc if diana making puns is ooc it's happening anyway #femslash #yuri #my fanfiction #fluff

65 notes · View notes

marvelsagentsofshieldtv · 5 years ago

Text

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Clark Gregg Talks Life After Coulson

INTERVIEW Michael Ahr (DEN OF GEEK)

Clark Gregg has been playing Agent Philip J. Coulson for a decade now: five years in various Avengers movies and Marvel One Shots and five years in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. But throughout season 6 on ABC, we’ve come to enjoy Gregg’s performance depicting a new, less scrupulous character named Sarge, whose role has evolved from that of an outright antagonist to an adversary with a common enemy. We spoke to Gregg recently about how he made the transition to his new character on the show.

DEN OF GEEK: So was it difficult to let go of Phil Coulson?

CLARK GREGG: We learned on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D some time ago that everything’s on the table at all times as our nimble writers scour these characters and the greater Marvel universe for going on seven seasons worth of stories to tell. Yet I don’t think I was prepared to basically shed everything but the guy’s skin to play a very different, much darker character whose name is apparently Sarge.

it wasn’t until I got there that day and started to get fitted for the gear that would set up the flaming skull transition that I said, ‘You know, it occurs to me there are implications to the mortality of anyone who plays Ghost Rider.’ And they were like, ‘Yes, there are.’ And I said, ‘Oh, okay, maybe we should talk about that!’ And they really didn’t, and I’m glad they didn’t.

But I was talking to Jeff Bell and Jed Whedon off behind some flats while they got ready to light the scene. They really didn’t give me much because there was this scene where Gabe Luna’s Robbie Reyes character is saying, ‘Do you understand the deal you just made? And more importantly, does your team?’ And I say, ‘Yes, I understand the deal I just made, and I’d appreciate it if you’d let me share this information when I choose.’ And it just felt heavy, and I thought, ‘God, okay, this is going to have longer reaching implications,’ and it wasn’t until the disease that was tearing through him, the waste and the necropathy, that they really said, ‘Yeah, this is your deal with Ghost Rider coming due.’ He basically burned through whatever was left of the revivifying Tahiti stuff.

And now Phil Coulson was really going to die. And I thought that was a bold choice! They don’t mess around; they take bold choices. It was a little startling after, at that point, ten years of playing the guy and having died already once and the grim stuff I went through in season 1 and realizing how I’d been brought back. And yet Phil Coulson’s always been a little uncomfortable with having felt like he was on somebody else’s library card being here. So it was an ambivalent feeling, and then they said, ‘We will have you back for season 6.’ And then they pitched this Sarge setup essentially in a very rough pencil-sketch form, that he would be somebody else from somewhere else who was as surprised as they were when they were recognizing him.

There’s years of gradual evolution of that season 5 iteration of Phil Coulson, through the various movies and then five seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and all those adventures and that family that he evolves. That was a real gradual settling into that skin and character, and suddenly all those bets were off. It was about not knowing this new person. He has a completely different story, and I didn’t know it. And at a certain point it starts to become clear that he has real gaps in his memory and understanding of that character.

So that’s very hard to make sense of, and at the same time he has a lot of emotional entanglements. A moral compass — all of that was gone, and this guy was delightfully free of anything but rabid, fierce dedication to taking on these creatures that we’ve started to meet who seem to be paving the way for some kind of creator to come down. And he seems maniacally bent on destroying them and whoever the creator is.

Before I directed that first episode (because I’d never really done an episode of television with commercials; I’d directed a couple of features) I sat down with those two and also with Billy Gierhart who also directed a number of episodes of our show. They had really done the most compelling episodes for the most part, and I just kind of soaked them for their tips. But also Jed had directed a great episode, and he and Maurissa, the bosses, the showrunners were really generous in terms of giving me the time and the resources I needed. And our producer Garry Brown, I’ve gotten to watch him direct a lot of the action stuff and he was — they were all super supportive.

It’s really about trying to find a way to tell the story in the style of our show and find what’s different about that episode that you’re doing and really do it justice. I’d be remiss in not pointing out that when they gave me the shot to do the premiere episode of season 6, that was a huge episode with a lot of visual effects establishing a whole new chapter and to some extent a world for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D that was more space sci-fi than we had dealt with. And Mark Kolpack, our visual effects genius, really came through on that.

Coulson and Sarge are both understated leaders. Would Coulson have any appreciation for the manner in which Sarge leads his team?

I don’t think so. I think standard issue Phil Coulson would find Sarge’s methods and that way that he is maybe using some of the same quiet notes but really ruling through fear to be antithetical to his leadership style. That would have been a great death match: Sarge versus Coulson. I have to say my money would be on Sarge!

I think by now we’ve started to see that Sarge thinks that this is just a mild, strange piece of information that people seem to recognize him, but as they seem to know to say things to trigger memories and to send weird vibrations through his being and expose how many gaps there are in his own understanding of who he is, he starts to, in a way that’s eerily reminiscent of Phil Coulson season 1, to be on a little bit of a mystery mission himself to find out why this is happening. And at a certain point that puts him in an uncomfortable alliance of sorts with S.H.I.E.L.D, and that’s I think when we start to roll into when season 6 gets really dangerous and interesting.

I feel like Sarge thinks that there’s a lot that S.H.I.E.L.D could learn from him especially when it comes to the truly monumental threat that’s presented by the shrike and the creatures that they take over, these kind of zombie warriors. There’s a couple of species of insects that are able to drop spores into their prey, that take over their brain stem and basically have these zombie mutant prey building a nest for the offspring of those wasps and then basically becoming their food. That’s the level of what these creatures are doing, and I think Sarge has a tough mission ahead of him to make the nature of this threat be understood by May and the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D.

How do you think Coulson would feel about Deke co-opting all of that S.H.I.E.L.D technology in “Code Yellow”?

[Deke] is a creature of his upbringing as, to a certain extent, we all are. He was raised like a pack rat with nothing in the future fighting for survival, and I think he has some trust issues. So I think Coulson would have a level of compassion for Deke the way that Mack does, but I don’t think he would put up with this grand scale S.H.I.E.L.D technology theft, especially in terms of presenting that technology to the world outside of classified settings.

What other character arcs besides your own are you particularly fond of that you feel fans will really respond to in season 6?

I think that everybody who cares about Fitz-Simmons and, like me, had a lot of problems with keeping all of the water out of my eyes when they got married really wants to see those two once again find their way back to each other. I think there’s a lot of fun coming in terms of Melinda May, who seems far from nostalgic about the appearance of this Coulson person. If anything it just triggers some murderous feelings, so I think the showdown between these two is going to get down and dirty before it gets nice at all. That’s going to be exciting!

And I think the reunion of this person who looks like Coulson but really isn’t with the S.H.I.E.L.D team to confront the most out-there, terrifying threat that I think we’ve ever seen — and that’s saying something at this point in season 6 — I think that’s going to really pay off like something we’ve never seen before.

Notably, Gregg referred to the flying beasts as “shrike” in this interview and teased that Sarge might be on the lookout for who created them in the first place. When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D returns from its week off this Friday, perhaps he will persuade Melinda May to unite against this mutual danger. The next episode is entitled “The Other Thing,” and it airs on Friday, June 14, 2019

13 notes · View notes

post-itpenny · 5 years ago

Text

We the Drowned

So many perspectives. @clownsgobeepbeep @grotesquegabby

There was a circus.

It is not a circus like you think.

It has secrets.

It’s workers are not human.

It’s ringmaster is most definitely not human.

But they are definitely a proud parent.

As the show goes on and the ringmaster performs their beloved is curled up asleep with two small beings.

There is a twinge, a shudder runs through her as well as the feeling that something terrible has happened.

Calliope sat up with a hand over her heart.

Magpie was dead.

She was, wasn’t she? She felt it but… at the same time she didn’t. What did that mean?

But the ache was there, regardless something terrible had indeed happened.

Calliope laid down and curled up under her blankets. Did Maggie or Vespers know?

Calliope could discern what had happened, the thing Blackwood had foreshadowed to her no doubt. Poor Magpie, Calliope could only hope she was at peace.

There was a rush of something. Two forces in combat. Moving through the atmosphere above with rapid speed.

Oh no.

Calliope jumped up. She could feel the waves of chaos echoing from one point on the edge of the city. Waves of bad luck.

She moved to get dressed only stopped short, looking at her sleeping children. So unaware of what misfortune was taking place. Calliope could not leave them, would not leave them.

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

Vespers was snuggled close to Cosmos and Phoebe. They had both felt it, a shudder that ran through them like something awful had happened. Outside the sky had grown frightfully dark and it seemed like everything was trying to go wrong.

Lighting struck the house, plates shattered, Cosmos at one point tripped and opened his eyes nearly making eye contact with a startled Vespers. Something was wrong, something was very wrong.

“Aunt Pie must be upset, it’s the only explanation I got.” Vespers concluded with a nod. Cosmos turned to him in surprise. “Your Aunt is doing this? She’s not even here!”

Vespers shrugged, “It doesn’t matter, she can affect anything in a couple miles. She must be having one hell of a bad day.”

Vespers pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, preparing to call his aunt when his phone started to ring.

It was Juno.

“Have you seen Auntie?”

Vespers frowned, “n-no what’s going on?”

“This town is going to shut that’s what!” Juno shouted from the other end of the line. “I just watched all the lampposts on our street rust to ruins in ten second flat! And we keep getting hail.”

Vespers started to panic, “hail? Geeze Juno where the heck did she go?”

“I don’t know! Help me dammit!”

Vespers hung up and turned to Cosmos, “I have to go find my aunt. I’m going to fix things ok?”

Cosmos frowned and took his hand, “Are you sure it’s her? Vesp I just have this crazy bad feeling.”

“I know me too,” Vespers answered with a nod. “But yes I know it’s her, Juno thinks so too. Stay with Phoebe and keep her safe. I promise it’s going to be ok and this time I’ll tell you one hundred percent everything when I get back.”

Cosmos clearly didn’t like it but gave Vespers a kiss on the cheek nonetheless, “please be careful.”

“I will, love you spaceman.”

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

Billy was having a bad day to say the least.

Maggie was gone, no warning no anything.

He stormed through the streets following her scent. Ignoring the chaos that happened around him.

He knew, he just knew this had something to do with whatever the plan she had mentioned was.

“Why must she be so damn reckless?!” He shouted to know one. Not that anyone could pay attention, the streets were filled with panic. Car wrecks, accidents, thefts, breakups, a woman nearby broke her stiletto heel. What the hell was going on?

Billy was glad he had left Amaranthus with her grandfather, on this night, everything seemed to be going to hell in a handbasket. He was absolutely positive a certain redhead was somehow involved. What if she was hurt? How could she just leave without saying anything?

Granted, had he not done the same just some weeks prior?

“But I wasn’t pregnant!” Billy shouted to himself in response.

“You weren’t what?”

Billy turned. Vespers and Juno looked at him in confusion. Then, both parties started questioning at once.

“Have you seen our aunt?”

“Have you seen Maggie?”

Juno scowled, “so their both gone? Fan-fucking-tastic.”

Billy rolled his eyes, “must you be so vulg-“

Crash!

Above them a window shattered, glass raining down.

Billy moved to duck out of the way when a shadow crossed over him.

Juno stood with a massive set of butterfly wings unfolded, shielding both her brother and Billy. She winced in pain as glass pierced her delicate wings and exposed back. But not the smallest shard touched the boys.

She gave Billy a smirk, “You’re welcome ya damn Ken Doll.”

Billy scowled But said nothing. Now was not the time. “I take it your we’re following your aunt’s trail?”

Vespers antennae twitched, “Yeah she went this way.” He answered, pointing down the sidewalk.

Billy gave a sigh, “funny that’s were Maggie’s scent leads.”

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

She was falling, for how long she had no idea, she was drowning in nothing. It was so dark, the feeling of some deep and primal fear coursing through her.

Where was she?

Who was she?

What was a “she?”

Had it asked that question before?

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

They found the collapsed remains of a warehouse. The smell of both human and deadlight blood was strong. Billy noticed the neck fluff of both Juno and Vespers had puffed up, but then again his own nails had started to sharpen to a razor tip.

Inside was an odd mix of damage. Human remains, thorn bushes, piano strings. Why such a combination?

Juno gasped, “what the fuck?”

Billy and vespers rushed to join her. Taken back by the same sight.

There was an open door. It lead to a swirling collision of light and color, and absence of anything dust and small debris was being pulled inside. At the door stood of all things an old woman.

Billy growled, her aura was ancient and powerful. She was not human, but there was a familiarity to her. Why?

The old woman turned to the trio. She was blindfolded.

Billy gave a shout, recognizing her from description.

The old woman gave a small smile and stepped through the door. Slamming it shut behind her.

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

“Why is this familiar?” The thing asked itself. There was something important, what was it? There was something so, so important the thing was supposed to do.

“Protect,” answered The Void.

Protect, the thing mused. Protect something, something, something, what something?

The thing noted it’s… hand on its… stomach. Wha-

The baby!

The thing gave a shout. A bay! It’s baby, hers!

Her name was Maggie.

There was a deep sigh from within The Void, as if to say “at last”. Maggie felt her wings grow within the darkness as she few up. She thought it was up.

“Where can I go?”

“Go?” Asked The Void.

“Help me!”

“Help yourself. You are after all ready.”

“Ready for what?!”

Maggie screamed in frustration, clawing at the surrounding darkness.

A hand grabbed hers.

“Well this is what happens when you lean towards a self-taught method.”

Maggie knew that voice.

She was pulled up through the darkness.

It was so unnerving to stand before Bridgette in person.

She was incredibly tall, something Maggie had never noticed when they conversed in her dreams. She had a scent that Maggie could not pin down. Sulfur, sugar, raspberry, seared steak-

Mmm, steak.

Bridgette frowned, “I just hauled you up for being trapped in the void that lies bet dimensions and you have the gal to have pregnancy cravings?”

Maggie blushed, how did she ... never mind. Of course she knew.

Bridgette huffed and wrapped an arm around Maggie to pull her away from the edge of the void. Shielding her from the howling winds as some force tried to drag Maggie away.

She looked up.

A black hole was surprisingly bright, you would not think it had light but it really did. And it swallowed everything. How Bridgette could withstand the force Maggie didn’t know, but she was grateful for an anchor.

Around them thousands of Time strings were sucked up. Soon there would be nothing left.

Bridgette looked so tired.

“I’m sorry,” Maggie sobbed, “I tried I really did. I just wasn’t fast enough.”

Bridgette shook her head, “you did exactly what I knew you would do. Excellent job child.”

Maggie froze, “what?”

Bridgette turned to her with a small but sad smile. “When I said you getting rid of the fixed point would help I did not mean it would stop my death. On the contrary it ensured it.”

Maggie felt her stomach drop. “What?! W-why would you do that? Why didn’t you stop me?”

“Because it had to happen,” Bridgette insisted. “Jack is being ripped apart molecule by molecule every time his body tried to reassemble. Soon this whole dimension will succumb to Magpie’s destructive force and his timeline will fall apart, and soon so shall I.”

Maggie shook her head. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Bridgette continued, “don’t worry they flow of time will continue, this place is just a viewing platform. You should still be able to see the future though it will be much more difficult. But you are as ready as you could be child. You have grown and will continue to grow into your new roll. You will be fine. As will he,” she finished with a pole at Maggie’s stomach.

She could not process what she was being told. She had caused Bridgette’s death, Magpie was gone, the strings would be gone, all of it gone.

…. it’s a boy?!

Bridgette reaches over Maggie’s shoulder, opening a door. “Good bye.”

Bridgette shoved Maggie through the door.

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

Billy had been closing and kicking the door ever since that damn elder had slammed it in his face. He was not ready for when it slammed back open again, this time Maggie falling through.

He shouted in alarm as he caught her. Maggie was covered in bruises and cuts. Her skin ice-cold.

“Maggie? Maggie!” Billy screamed as he wrapped her up in his arms.

The door was starting to slip close.

Vespers moved to keep it from closing when someone shoved him aside. Maggie was ripped from Billy’s arms as the stranger and carried her back through the door which once again slammed shut.

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

Bridgette could honestly say she felt relieved. She was dying, her body starting to break up under the force of the black hole and destruction of a dimension that had been her everything.

It had been a mistake to turn the boy into a fixed point. Her desire to find a loophole around the one thing she could not observe had gotten the better of her and all she had created was a gluttonous monster. One that had wrecked the timelines of The Creator’s descendants and changed that of her own. Now it was above her trapped in an endless cycle of life and death. Just barely pulling together a handful of molecule last before being ripped apart again. A bittersweet end to her lifetime indeed.

“Hope you don’t mind the party crashing darling, but look I brought a guest!”

Bridgette whipped around, there stood Blackwood with Maggie in his arms. He grinned, “hello Madam Seer!”

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

They were in Blackwood’s “office.” The top of the highest wall in his castle. They were surrounded by stars and twilight.

Maggie had zero desire to be alone with the elder bit she needed to speak with him. Away from the others, away from Magpie.

“So up till recently she’s been trapped in a pocket dimension,” Maggie finished in her long explanation of what had happened to her guardian. “How did you not know?”

Blackwood stood up and screamed to the sky above.

The world in the space of a second bent and warped. Magpie trembled in fear as stars fell around them and stone crumbled.

As quick as it started it ended.

Blackwood stood shaking in silence. He glanced towards a terrified Maggie and gave a smile.

“I’m done little Seer, just needed to… get that out of my system.”

“What will you do? Knowing. What you now know?”

Blackwood looked away, “I’m not certain I’ll need time to think. But more pressing is the event of Bridgette’s demise.”

“Magpie will do it. She’s going to-“

Blackwood held a hand up, “Do you have a plan?”

Maggie nodded, “it’s really stupid.”

Blackwood turned to her with a grin. “So much like your elder. “Always needing a plan, always needed to know what the future holds.”

Maggie rolled her eyes, “I’m. It like Bridgette-“

“Are you certain?”

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

In the end Blackwood became Plan B, should Magpie become a black hole as Maggie had foreseen.

The elder of creation set Maggie down with surprising care before looking at Bridgette. “You tried to use one of my own to clean up your mess. How sloppy of you Madam Seer, I thought you knew better.”

Bridgette backed away, the winds of the Black hole tearing at her clothes and hair, ripping off her blindfold to reveal a large crack that ran across her face, within one could see the emptiness of the void itself.

Blackwood charged at her, the two clashing in a force that gave the sound of thunder. They tore and clawed at each other. Anything Blackwood summoned Bridgette would doge. Two ancient Beings that were equal in strength.

Maggie made herself as small as possible, the force of the black hole above lifting her up.

She screamed.

The winds suddenly shifted, Maggie was set back down.

She looked up in surprise, how?

Maggie looked towards the battling elders. Blackwood was struggling to get ahead of Bridgette’s sight but the old woman was slowin down. Her body starting to fall apart along with the world around them.

Maggie looked up. The winds had such a peculiar sound to them. Like, like-

Screams.

Maggie gasped in surprise. Magpie’s death had not created a back hole. She was the black hole.

“Stop!” Maggie screamed. “Stop, stop! Please!”

The winds howled but did not change.

Maggie felt tears of desperation in her eyes. “Magpie please stop. You can let go now, it’s ok!”

The winds slowed.

Bridgette gave a gasp, Maggie turned to see the elder was still falling to pieces and had fallen to the ground. She watched Maggie with a look of… pride.

Blackwood snapped his fingers.

The black hole began to fold in on itself. Releasing the atoms that made up the strings of time which inturn began to reform.

“You’re fixing it,” Bridgette whispered.

Black shook his head, “I’m ending the black hole. It’s Magpie that’s fixing everything. Using the last of herself to do so I suspect.”

Bridgette shuddered, her own end looming. “I- I don’t know what is going to happen next.”

Blackwood smiled and took her hand, “it will be alright, I promise.”

As Bridgette faded away Blackwood scooped up her lights. As he stood up-

Maggie slapped him in the face.

Blackwood stumbled back, her nails had scratched into his skin, no doubt leaving a scar. Blackwood rubbed the injured spot, they were going to have an interesting working relationship no doubt.

He sighed and handed Maggie one of Bridgette’s lights. “She would have wanted you to have it.”

Maggie looked at the powerful light uncertain, did she actually want it?

As humid sensing her hesitant the light floated up from Maggie’s hand before ramming itself into her forehead.

Maggie screamed and fell to the ground, her mind feeling as if it was melting and reshaping itself. She was drowning and yet so alive at once. She was drowning, she could see so much now.

Blackwood watched as the girl thrashed about in pain. Her feathers fall out of her head and resprouting at the sides of her eyes.

Ah, new hairstyle then.

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

The door opened, The trio watching in anticipation as Blackwood climbed out with an overwhelmed Maggie in tow.

There was something in Blackwood’s arms, a strange glowing mass shaped like-

Shaped like a body.

Maggie fell into Billy’s arms sobbing uncontrollably. Billy himself trying his hardest to keep together at the sight of seeing Maggie in such a state.

Juno observed the thing in Blackwood’s arms, at last catching the sighs of the deadlights that floated around in the glowing mass.

Juno screamed.

Realization flooded through Vespers as he fell to his knees. “Is- is that? Please no.”

Blackwood nodded solemnly. “It’s a bit of an explanation and one I don’t have time for as I need to get this one stable. This mass of Stardust is what is left of Magpie, now her lights are still present and seemingly aware even. I- I’ve never done this before… don’t know if I truly can… but I will put her back together. I just… I just need time. He turned to Maggie who was still in hysterics as Billy struggled to calm her down. Blackwood gave a sigh. “Tell Lady Life that the new Madam Seer will explain everything when she is able to. She’ll want an explanation as will all of you.

Vespers looked to Maggie in confusion, “Madam Seer?”

Blackwood chuckled, “oh yes. Personally I think she’s ready.”

5 notes · View notes