#our pest control guy doing his job really well i see

[terraos]

Me to the roach-like bug hanging out by the trash can next to me while I’m eating lunch at work: so you come here often?

[prurientpuddlejumper]

Spit-Roast Psychiatrist [Part 3][18+]

<- Part 2 [male reader]  <- Part 2 [female reader] | Part 4 [female reader] -> Part 4 [male reader] ->

Frederick Chilton x Reader x Bryan Kneef

No plot, just fluff. For @thatesqcrush​’s summer bingo: aftercare square.

Warnings: NSFW, immediate aftermath of threesome, cuddling, insecurity, feelings

1,800 words

Bryan Kneef was the type of ruthless lawyer who stood up for the man and stuck it to the little guy. Vulgar, shameless, and tenacious, his name made opposing counsel tremble, and for good reason. He would do anything to win, and would just as soon bribe you, throw you under a bus, or fuck you.

And this man, having just fucked you and Dr. Frederick Chilton raw, was casually humming as he brought clean towels from the bathroom.

“Eyes closed,” he said—a tone that did not allow for argument, but soft, wearing a look of tender concentration on his brow.

Chilton closed his eyes, and he dabbed the warm, wet terrycloth to his cum-spattered face, clearing the stinging release from the area of danger before handing the towel to you to finish the job.

“This one’s dry.” Bryan pointed to a second towel he placed down beside you, then busied himself filling glasses of water from the sink.

As the partner doling out the most punishment, he took responsibility for taking care of everyone.

You guided Chilton to the couch, laying down a towel to catch the slick coating your thighs. He let out a stiff groan as he sank down, his bruised knees protesting, and you continued wiping down his face, stained with your, Bryan’s, and his own release. Some was stuck in his thick brown hair that would need an extra shampooing, some flecked his bare stomach, and swipes transferred from his hands painted his arms and chest. You let him wipe up his own stomach. He was sensitive about the long, raised scar there, which, while it had long ago healed physically, produced a different pain than the kind he got off on. The place he had been brutally violated was the one place treated with dignity.

Bryan returned with the water insisting everyone hydrate. Then he joined you on the couch, sitting beside Chilton, and pulling him down onto his broad, soft chest. Chilton curled his legs over your lap, and you tipped over his back, partially spooning him as he rested on Bryan. You trailed your hand over his back, stroking down the outside of his thigh, and he sighed as Bryan ran his fingers through his sweat-matted hair.

“You did very well,” Bryan cooed. “Our good little fuck toy.”

Chilton’s muscles went rigid. He turned his face down into Bryan’s greying chest hair to hide the color rising on his cheeks, though there was no hiding the blotchy red on a pale, naked doctor. Degradation was one thing, but praise? Praise was another entirely. He relished the safe feeling of being nestled between your two warm bodies as he came down from the adrenaline, but being told he was good triggered a squirmy, hot feeling in his stomach.

He was relieved when Bryan moved on and asked, “How do you feel? Anything hurt?”

Business. Professional. Checking on him physically, he could handle. Chilton shook his head and murmured something meant to be more intelligible than what came out, but managed to convey that he was fine—fucked brainless and boneless, but fine.

Bryan didn’t stay long. 

That was the deal. While you were playing at Chilton being a toy for the two of you to use, in reality, Bryan was the one you brought in to have fun with. He had no intention of overstaying his welcome. After a quick shower, his clothes were back on—a sharp navy suit hiding any hint of the unprofessional purpose for which he had visited your hotel room—and he was making a quick goodbye.

“You’re sure you don’t want to stay? There’s plenty of room.”

Bryan’s pink lips curved up slightly, the corners lost in his neatly trimmed beard. “Nah, I have a deposition in the morning. Boring shit, but—” He shrugged.

Chilton had managed to change into a loose-fitting t-shirt, though his eyes were heavy-lidded, and his chatty nature was subdued. His hair was tousled and wet from the shower, making it appear almost black. 

“Good luck tomorrow,” Bryan said to him jovially, with a pat on the shoulder. “This was fun. Next time you’re in Chicago, let’s meet at my place. I have a lot more toys.”

He ran two fingers under your chin with the promise of pleasure to come, stepping into your space. Your nostrils quivered as you involuntarily sniffed him.

Then he turned to Chilton, whose hand was glued to your waist. Bryan narrowed his eyes slightly in consideration, and kissed him on the mouth. Lips colliding with a hungry snarl, their teeth clashed, and his beard battled Chilton’s coat of stubble to see who would leave a burn on the other’s chin. When he pulled back, Chilton’s green eyes gaped unblinking at him like a deer caught in the headlights of a swingers’ cruise.

Bryan smirked, and was gone.

* * *

The VIP hotel suite had a separate bedroom—a sweeping space decorated with modern black and white marble in crisp lines, a king-sized bed dressed in white linens and a fluffy black throw blanket. It opened into a master bathroom with a standing spa tub which you would certainly enjoy later when the soreness set in. For now, you and Frederick stumbled in to the privacy of the room and fell onto the vast bed together.

He let out a long, grateful moan as he stretched out on the clean sheets. It was rare to see him look so comfortable, with towel-dried hair curling into messy ringlets in every direction. Your heart fluttered at this perfectly unwound Chilton. There was the faintest hint of a bruise where Bryan’s fingers had dug in below his jaw, but it would be easy enough to hide with makeup if it wasn’t faded by the next day.

You kissed him gently on the bruise, and then curled an arm over his chest and settled against his side. His thumb found the back of your hand and traced small, wandering circles.

“So… did you like it?”

He nodded speechlessly.

“That’s good. I was worried it went too far.”

“That was the idea,” he replied.

A frown tugged at the affectionate smile your lips wanted to make, wrestled with it for control, and finally overpowered it in its sullen grip. You weren’t good enough on your own, in other words. You weren’t strong enough, not harsh enough to satisfy Dr. Chilton’s masochistic lust to be dominated.

Still, you wouldn’t ruin a lovely night by letting on that it bothered you.

“Yes, it was. And you took it so well,” you purred, savoring the feeling of his chest hair between your splayed fingers as you thoughtfully stroked his chest. “I think you really enjoyed yourself.”

He smiled dreamily, closing his eyes and reliving the memories. Your gentle palm was so warm, lulling him to sleep with its slow, meandering journey. His hand rested over yours, accompanying it like a passenger.

“Did you?” he asked.

Your hand stopped.

One of his deep green eyes cracked open.

“I did,” you said. “I wasn’t sure at first, but Bryan was so easy to work with. So magnetic. It was empowering having him there. Making you our willing slave that I had total control over.” A shiver ran straight to your over-worked sex remembering Chilton on his knees between you. How hard he worked to get you off. The way he looked at you with worship, even as tears burned down his face. No need to mention how it made you feel inadequate.

Frederick was quiet for a time, lost somewhere, too. Then a tiny voice came from his pillow. “Did you… like Bryan’s cock more than mine?”

“What?”

“Am I unsatisfactory by comparison? Do I not make you feel as good?”

“Frederick… this is why I didn’t want to do this.” Apparently Bryan made everyone feel inadequate.

“Oh.” His chin bobbed with a stiff inhale, and he looked away as if that was your answer.

“That stuff about him fucking me better… Those were just mean things we said to emasculate you—because you wanted us to!”

“It does not make it less true.”

“Well, it’s not,” you retorted stubbornly. “I love you.”

His cheeks flamed again. All of your emphasis on you, as in not Bryan. Not anyone else. The squirming, uncomfortable feeling in his belly returned, and he had to look away before you noticed how emotional he was getting. God. Why was being told he was a dickless fuckdoll so much easier than hearing that he was loved, when he desperately wanted to be loved? Thank god the psychiatric analyses he published were about someone else’s issues.

“We could do this more often,” he said in a light tone to put you at ease, skimming past his rather pathetic outburst of insecurity. “I liked him, too.”

“That is a monster cock he’s packing. I’m going to need a week to recover!” you laughed.

“As will I.”

“Oh! Should I bring you a cold pack? Or the vitamin E oil?”

“Worry about it tomorrow?” He held your wrist to prevent you from springing into action-mode. “I just want you to hold me.”

You lay back on the impressive modern bedspread and enjoyed the feeling of closeness. Frederick’s hand on your back, the quiet rhythm of his breath. You thought about sinking into a bath tomorrow, letting it ease your muscles and tender entrance. Frederick would want to wash his hair again before the Chicago Psychiatric Convention tomorrow to make sure all of the cum was gone, and to fix the results of letting it dry naturally. You anticipated waking up next to the cutest little cowlick. Maybe sending him off with a blowjob if there was time. 

But a dark thought kept nipping at the soft corners of the moment, tugging it out of focus with sharp needle teeth. Replaying the titillating scene from earlier, the pest only grew, preventing you from enjoying what should have been an arousing memory. The longer you ignored it, the harder it bit. 

Finally, you sighed, “Did you like him more than me?”

Startled, Frederick raised a brow and laughed. “He was quite impressive.”

When your face failed to show any sign of mirth, he realized you might have needed as much reassurance as he did. (Though he could not account for why. You were perfect.) He dropped his teasing, narrow-eyed, carefully-considering-it look.

“But I am rather fond of you.”

His lips met yours softly, with just the faintest brush of thin skin, melding slowly as you let out a contented noise that vibrated against him. Your fingers brushed through his messy hair, soothing over the scalp where you’d yanked before. The contrast made his skin tingle with goosebumps.

“Nothing could ever replace you,” he whispered reverently against your lips. “Nothing.”

A soft sob you hadn’t realized was threatening to break free broke, and you quelled it with another kiss, deeper this time. Not urgent, but needy, your tongue delving into his mouth, capturing the lingering taste of Bryan Kneef. Two gorgeous men to fuck. How did you get so lucky? You felt even luckier knowing that whatever happened with Bryan, you and Frederick had each other. 

Always.

“So,” you spoke in a low voice as your lips parted, “are you nice and relaxed for your panel tomorrow?”

“Am I ready to stand up in front of a room filled with hundreds of bitter academic rivals and defend my results, while they all wait to pick them apart, hoping to humiliate me with a question I had not accounted for? Is that what you mean?”

“...Yes?”

“My nerves are much calmer now.” He melted into the pillow with a sated smile. “Thank you.”

• ● • ━━━━━─ ••●•• ─━━━━━ • ● •

Tags: 

@beccabarba / @itsjustmyfantasyroom / @thatesqcrush / @dianilaws / @permanentlydizzy / @mrsrafaelbarba / @madamsnape921 / @astrangegirlsmind / @neely1177 / @onerestein / @dreamlover31 / @isvvc-pvscvl  / @shroomiehomie / @storiesofsvu / @welcometothemxdhouse / @feedthemadness-sweetie / @law-nerd105 / @amelia-song-pond / @michael-rooker / @xecq / @madpanda75 / @alwaysachorusgirl / @bananas-pajamas / @leanor-min / @mad-girl-without-a-box / @katierpblogg / @worldofvixen / @sassyada​

[spoondrifts]

long post ahead I'm sorry-

crack au where Jonah Magnus is a good guy but everything keeps going wrong and he spends all of his time running around trying to stop his employees from diving headfirst into their Fuck Up™ of the week

in this au Jonah is almost entirely incompetent but he's got the exasperated parent thing down enough to make up for his lack of braincells

he's also at least 7% dumber than he is in canon

s1 Jon: please call pest control there are so many worms

s1 Elias: I already did

Jon: and??

Elias: they ate them

Jon: the worms?

Elias: the pest control guys. the worms ate them

Elias spends the entirety of season 2 desperately trying to convince Jon that none of them killed Gertrude (in this au Gertrude just had a stroke or something in the tunnels). Elias stops Jon from destroying the table but a week later something heavy falls on it and the NotThem escapes anyway. Elias bashes in Leitner's head with a pipe after mistaking him for the monster and Jon gets framed.

now Elias has to convince this hunter that Jon is innocent while Jon runs around and harasses various fear avatars (who are all very amused with Elias' wayward Archivist). Jon assumes Elias knows nothing about all this bullshit because Elias is just his weird and uptight boss who accidentally killed someone, he can't possibly know that there are literally fear gods ruling over them

olive ⚰ has named the group 'Avatars ✨'

JMagnus 👀: Jude please don't hurt him. I'll explain everything when he gets back to the Institute.

🔥: too late

JMagnus 👀: What?

🔥: too late

🔥: burned him

[JMagnus 👀 is typing]

JMagnus 👀: Where is he now.

🔥: going to mike

JMagnus 👀: Mike Crew???

🔥: ya

Elias RACES to Mike's house but he. he fucking misses them. the Beholding helpfully tells him that they're all going back to the Institute so Basira and Daisy can interrogate him, which isn't ideal, he'd really like to not go to jail, so he drafts up an employment contract on the way back and barely manages to escape the whole thing with his life intact.

then he explains everything to Jon because if Jon is going to end up being the Archivist, being uninformed won't do. Jon becomes the Archivist completely on accident and Elias is desperately trying to make all of this work because, haha, the Unknowing is coming up, and Elias is not in the fucking mood to deal with clowns.

olive ⚰ has named the group 'all that is terror uwu'

spidey🕸: lmfaooo jonah how do you make an archivist on accident

JMagnus 👀: He stumbled into it. All I can do now is ensure he doesn't die.

JMagnus 👀: Or get further injured by the rest of you.

🔥: woops

🎭: hEy gUyS lOnG tiMe nO sEe

🎭: gEt iT eLiAs

🎭: sEe

JMagnus 👀: Beholding puns are not amusing from a manifestation of the Stranger.

🎭 has named the group 'eLiAs bE niCe tO niKoLa cHaLlEnGe'

🔥: haha

spidey🕸: I'm sure Nikola will be on her best behavior

🎭: yEaH i wOnT kiDnAp yOuR aRcHiViSt

[JMagnus 👀 is typing]

mike n ike: hey guys what'd I miss

🔥: arent you dead

mike n ike: yeh but I came back

JMagnus 👀: NIKOLA ORSINOV WHERE IS JONATHAN SIMS

🔥: can't you see haha

mike n ike: heh "see"

JMagnus 👀: NIKOLA

spidey🕸: wow he must be pissed

spidey🕸: he left out the punctuation

JMagnus 👀: I WILL BREAK ALL OF YOUR PLASTIC BONES WHERE'S MY ARCHIVIST

🎭 has left the chat.

JMagnus 👀: what the FUCK

since he's still a coward Elias sends Michael to go fetch Jon, only finding out after the fact that he very nearly almost signed Jon's death warrant. Elias is now speedrunning Jon's development because fuck the Unknowing is coming up really quickly and Tim is a self destructive mess and Melanie keeps trying to stab Elias and Martin is a pining idiot and goddammit he didn't sign up for this

Elias prepares Jon the best he can for the Unknowing, because even though he knows the ritual will fail, the Circus can still cause a considerable amount of damage and he needs them out of the way.

the Unknowing happens. Jon ends up in a wack ass coma, Tim is dead, Daisy's in the coffin, and Basira is starting to look like the better choice of Archivist because jesus christ Jon has no self preservation instinct. Elias doesn't get arrested this time around but his ex husband starts coming by the Institute and fucking with all his employees. and the Flesh is attacking. jesus. goddamn.

olive ⚰ has named the group 'bully elias'

JMagnus 👀: Why are you all so mean to me? I'm arguably the nicest one here.

🔥: ur joking right

Peter Lukas: you're not nice you didn't buy me an anniversary gift 😢😢😢

JMagnus 👀: I was busy.

Peter Lukas: doing what

JMagnus 👀: Stopping the Flesh from destroying my Institute. Besides, you didn't remember my birthday.

Peter Lukas: you're 200 years old how could I remember 😓

helen!!!!!: We All Know I'm The Nicest One Here!!

JMagnus 👀: How did you make your text that colorful?

helen!!!!!: IDK

JMagnus 👀: Liar.

helen!!!!!: That's Literally My Job

olive ⚰: hey eli your archivist just woke up I think

🔥: ew why

helen!!!!!: How Delightful!! Maybe I'll Throw Him A Glad You're Alive Party!!

olive ⚰: should we invite him to this chat since he's an avatar now

Peter Lukas: no 🙅 🚫❌

Peter Lukas: I hate archivists 😤😤

olive ⚰: still mad about gertrude huh

🔥: were all still mad about gertrude

🔥: but jons fine once you burn some manners into him

JMagnus 👀: Can you all please stop hurting Jon? Or talking about hurting him? I would like my Archivist to not acquire any more scars.

🔥: damn

Peter Lukas: damn 😔

Elias keeps trying to teach Jon how to pick certain victims to feed off of because personally he has no qualms about feeding from innocents but Jon!! actually trusts him!!! so Elias doesn't want to push Jon into making decisions that will offend his moral sensitivities.

things are actually going okay for a while. Elias starts going home at a reasonable time in the evenings and Jon is actually getting some sleep. and then-

Elias is having a nice dream about Peter trying to fish Simon Fairchild out of a sky filled with eyes when he abruptly sits up in bed, wide awake.

"Ah, fuck," he says to Peter, who is laying on the floor where it is Lonelier™. "Jon's doing something stupid. I Know it."

Peter's mumbled "isn't he always" goes unnoticed as Elias hurries to the Institute, where he finds a fucking rib on Jon's desk and the coffin in the middle of the room.

Peter Lukas has named the chat 'archivists ruin my sleep schedule and my sex life'

JMagnus 👀: What the fuck do I do?? I can't go into the Buried! Why is Jon so stupid? I didn't know he had zero braincells when I hired him!

🔥: ngl why havent you fired him yet

JMagnus 👀: Beholding won't let me. We're all bound to the Institute.

🔥: F

JMagnus 👀: Why are there no Buried avatars in here? Please someone help me.

mike n ike: lol the buried is gross why would anyone go down there

spidey🕸: does he have an anchor?

[JMagnus 👀 sent an image]

🔥: is that a fucking rib

spidey🕸: wow that's not a good anchor at all

spidey🕸: he needs someone he loves

JMagnus 👀: Thanks. Gtg.

spidey🕸: np

🔥: are we not going to talk about his rib

🔥: how the fuck did he get that out of his body

🔥: yall

🔥: YALL

it takes three days for Elias to find Martin.

"Please tell me why the fuck you're dabbling in the Lonely," Elias says as Martin steps sheepishly out of the fog.

"Ah. Well. Jon can't See into it very well and sometimes we like to spice up our se-"

"Stop before I have to gouge my eyes out again."

"A-Again-?"

Elias drags Martin back to the Institute. Martin starts setting tapes on the coffin because "Jon loves these" and Elias starts bashing his head into the wall.

Jon climbs out of the coffin with Daisy and Elias almost considers locking Jon in his office so the damn archivist can't do anything else ridiculous. instead, Elias very calmly takes Jon by the shoulders, and shakes him like a rag doll.

"Stop fucking with entities, you stupid, stupid man," Elias says, shaking Jon more viciously now.

after several hours of breathing exercises Elias returns to his house and doesn't take his Sight off of Jon for the rest of the night, which is a fun experience for Peter when he wakes up and finds Elias' bloodshot eyes staring directly at him in the morning.

JMagnus 👀 added Daisy to 'archivists ruin my sleep schedule and my sex life'

Peter Lukas has named the chat 'archivist hate club'

JMagnus 👀 has named the chat 'shut up peter'

Peter Lukas has named the chat 'you love jon more than me'

JMagnus 👀 has named the chat 'I don't love either of you I'm heartless'

Peter Lukas has named the chat 'I want a divorce'

spidey🕸: jeez take your marital dispute elsewhere

spidey🕸 has named the chat 'lonelyeyes dni'

Daisy: wtf is this

mike n ike: it's a chat for avatars

mike n ike: and ex avatars ig

Daisy: didn't I kill you

mike n ike: yea

JMagnus 👀: Hello, Daisy. Welcome to the group chat.

Daisy: why is Jon not in here

Peter Lukas: because I hate him 😁

spidey🕸: Elias talks mad shit in here and Jon would get offended

Daisy: if you talk bad about Jon I'll rip your throat out

Daisy: :)

JMagnus 👀: Noted.

mike n ike: he's kinda rude tho

Daisy: I've killed you once

Elias' only goal now is to keep Jon and his assistants from pulling any more wild stunts without his supervision. his renewed involvement with the archival staff results in a few things he'd hoped to avoid: drink invites, physical contact (Martin is surprisingly quick to start hugging Elias once he realizes Elias won't stop him), and- shudder -feelings. because Elias genuinely cares about his staff and doesn't want any harm to befall them. especially Jon. Jon is his Archivist, the only one to ever succeed like this, and Elias will be damned if he lets anything happen to him.

"Why do you care?" Jon asks, once, compulsion thrumming like static on his tongue. "About us, I mean. I would've assumed you'd want to perform the Beholding's ritual."

Jonah Magnus attempted the Watcher's Crown once, when he was young and new. he'd brought his patron close, but not all the way through, and the backlash of power killed all the inmates at Millbank and severely crippled Jonah's connection to the Eye for months afterward. he grew to assume that the Beholding simply preferred the world as it was--ripe with fear for watching. it didn't need a ritual.

he instead dedicated himself to growing stronger, cultivating his Institute of knowledge, his stronghold. if he tore out a few people's eyes when he got too old, then, well, collateral. but he doesn't want the world to end, and knows now that no ritual will ever succeed unless it brings in all the Powers at once. and he doesn't want that either.

it's concerning to him that Jon seems to be collecting marks regardless. the only ones he's missing are the Dark and the Lonely, and Elias is determined to keep it that way.

he explains all of this to Jon who, to his credit, takes it pretty well. Jon is fascinated with historic life and Elias spends some time simply recounting tales of his youth, when he still bore the name Magnus.

they bond. it's good.

and one day Basira does a little too much research and discovers the dark sun waiting in Ny Alesund. she insists they need to go and see what's left of the People's Church, they need to ensure everything is taken care of. Jon is rather insistent too. and Elias wouldn't have been inclined to let them go, except Peter was finally home after weeks at sea, and it wasn't like Jon was defenseless, he could call Elias if anything went wrong...

so, very reluctantly, Elias gives them the all clear. Basira, Jon, and Martin head north, and Elias almost forgets they've gone when he arrives home and Peter already has dinner prepared.

Jon comes back marked by the Dark.

Elias curses himself, over and over, for being foolish enough to let them go, for not keeping a closer eye on them. he knows the ritual won't work unless a certain incantation is spoken, so he'll just have to keep world-ending written chants away from Jon. easy. and it's not like Jon will even get marked by the Lonely. Peter wouldn't.

(but Martin doesn't have the same level of control, and sometimes...)

it's an accident. Martin and Jon are testing it, pushing the boundaries, when Martin pulls them both into the Lonely. Elias threatens divorce until Peter caves and fetches them, but it's too late. Jon has been marked by all fourteen Powers.

Elias tells him, and warns him to check everything he reads.

helen!!!!! has named the chat 'apocalypse babey'

JMagnus 👀: How are you doing that?

JMagnus 👀: And the apocalypse is not imminent. I have the situation under control.

olive ⚰: ha yeah

JMagnus 👀: What do you mean by that?

olive ⚰: nothing

JMagnus 👀: Well, now I certainly think it's something.

olive ⚰: it's just

olive ⚰: don't you think it's kinda weird that @spidey🕸 has been offline for so long

🔥: thats weird shes always online

JMagnus 👀: Oliver, what are you implying?

olive ⚰: idk

olive ⚰: just weird, that's all

🔥: never good when the spiders are quiet

olive ⚰: hear hear

Elias gets a sinking feeling in his stomach, and beside him, Peter looks alarmed. meanwhile, in his flat with Martin making tea in the other room, Jon has a statement clutched in his grasp.

Hello, Jon.

I would apologize for the deception, but I'm afraid that's quite what I'm good at. I'm not one to monologue, that's more Jonah's shtick, so shall we get on with things?

I admit I underestimated Jonah Magnus. He's still remarkably easy to manipulate, but when he abandoned the Watcher's Crown ritual I knew I would have to take a different approach. The Mother is not so satisfied with the world as she may have insinuated. It is our turn to rise, Jon.

At the age of eight, you were marked by us. We sent you to the Magnus Institute in the hopes that a new Archivist would rekindle Jonah's desire to end the world. Unfortunately, it seemed as though he grew fond of you, and so we brought in a new plan. We marked you. One fear at a time. Jonah gave an admirable attempt at protecting you, but ultimately, he is an incompetent old fool, and I am a Weaver. Even Jonah Magnus dances to invisible strings.

Everyone underestimates a spider until it bites. Poison is poison, Jon, regardless of the medium in which it is served.

You will be safe in this new world. Martin, too. Perhaps even Jonah and his Lukas, if the Mother deems them worthy.

Now, please repeat after me...

Jon reads the ink scratched words, eyes welling up with tears and hands trembling, as thunder crashes outside and a howling gale picks up beyond the windows. Martin is shouting something, there's the crawling press of Elias' gaze as it rests heavy behind Jon, a silent observer. He can feel Elias' soothing presence, cool and calm in the raging storm.

Elias is still watching out for him.

Strings are wrapped around his wrists, jerking his arms up in a poor mockery of religious regard, strange hysterical laughter clawing out from his throat.

Jon's tears run red. Somewhere, Elias is still watching.

The door opens.

[aggresivelyfriendly]

-Tis the Damn Season- Year Three

Jingle Bell Rock Me

Hi anybody reading! She’s a tiny bit short, but so am I, and I think that’s cute! Lol! Thanks to @dirtystyles for the beta!

"Excuse me, Emma." His voice, the one that's been echoing in the hollows of her body for a year and that she hasn't heard except for on the occasional call in the same amount of time, nearly buckles her knees. It steals her breath and speeds her heart. She imagines her cheeks and chest have gone that red color.

It's not the same over the phone.

Emma thought she had prepared herself, at least a little. No amount of busyness could make her forget that she was going to see him. Emma had done her best to distract herself with trips to the market for her mum and to the pub to see anyone in town. She knew seeing him in those places was less likely. She really wanted to see him, to look at him full on, but Gemma was already looking at her a little funny, with her fluttering lashes and subtle panting. She hopes it's subtle.  She's just about to get a hold of herself, she is sure of it, when his fingers brush over the keyhole in the back of her sweater. She'd worn it for this very purpose. Hoping they'd find themselves in the vicinity of the mistletoe or alone in the kitchen, or her bent over a chair in the snowy garden, wherever, and he could get his hands on her a little, despite the chill of the December weather.

It was everything she had hoped for, but that he went for it so immediately, another victory, is what makes her sure she's miscalculated her strategy.  His opening volley has her ready to fall down dumbly and suck him off, and she hasn't even looked at him.

Emma can feel the goosebumps pop up and she hears his suppressed chuckle at her excitement at his presence, his touch. And that does it. If she was looking at him, could look at him, she would be rolling her eyes, maybe giving him a two finger salute. She suppresses the eye roll. Luckily, Gemma is doing it for her.

"Harry, are you just going to be a pest all evening? Surely some friend you still trust is here, don't lurk when I've found one of mine." Gemma put her arm around Emma's shoulder and turned her. It's lucky, because now they both can look at him, and Emma can do so unobserved. Gem is still talking to him in her dressing down tone, she'd loved to use that one on an assortment of dickheads in sixth form, and Emma almost laughs realizing where she perfected it. On Harry, who is looking at his sister with amusement, her barbed tongue having no impact on him. His backbone is stiffer than Emma's, though other body parts have more in common. His eyes are as wandering as hers. He slid his gaze to her, he stays near the acceptable places, though her lips tingled when he stared at those momentarily. When his gaze dropped lower, she could tell where it was roving though he feinted and parried so fast Gemma may very well not notice.

Emma is not so disciplined, and her gape is not the dance of a fencer, but is the blunt of a broadsword. He looks better than last year, she thinks. He's thicker, she can already feel his wider presence between her thighs. His hair must be longer, but he's got it wrapped up and she can't wait to pull it free and clutch at it later.

She's only seen him twice, in a year. Seen him through a call on her tiny iPhone screen.

The first had been early, just after she got back to Amsterdam and he texted to get her address. Later that day, when the giant bouquet of flowers arrived she had to call him.

"Do you send all the girls you fuck enough flowers to give their roommates sneezing fits?" She'd immediately taken the piss. Defensewas the best offense.

"Only the ones I'm hoping to fuck again." He'd been quick to respond and she was glad she hadn't yet answered the FaceTime call he must have immediately initiated. Emma got her blush under control, maybe just enough color in her cheeks to make the video call slightly more flattering, though the white and yellow blooms gave her a good backdrop to work with.

"Well aren't you a charmer!"

"Right out of your knickers!" He flashed his eyebrows and she realized he appeared to be in a hotel room in his boxers. Oh, OH, that's why he's flirting so hard.

Does she wanna do this, on their first phone call, have video chat sex? Is that a thing? He's laying back on the bed and she's about to throw her penny and pound into the ring when she hears Lula come into the entryway. "Behave! My roommate just got home!"

"Oh, should I say hello?" He asks and his hand slides to his stomach, right over the butterfly tattoo she had kissed until it fluttered a week before.

"No, I don't want to hear the screams!" Emma stage whispered.

"Oh, she's a fan?" He asked like only one answer was possible.

"Yea, of me. And she's been trying to get me laid for months." Emma giggled. "She says I study too much, I object, she doesn't study enough."

"Well, we took care of that." He made a curious face then. "You're not gonna tell her?"

Did he expect her to blab to anybody that would listen that she'd banged a pop star? Maybe phone a tabloid? "No, I don't think I'll tell anyone. I like the idea of you as my secret."

"Our little secret!" His dimpled smirk really did her in.

"Our dirty little secret." She filled in the missing word, it fit snugly in his growing dimples. The possibilities too. She'd hugged her flat mate and excised herself to make good on the promise the phrase made.

And then they didn't do more than text for ages, he was on some massive tour and the time zones had her not seeing his texts for hours because they needed to sleep and she needed to lock herself in libraries and labs. The second time they spoke he'd been on a break, in California, and he'd called to see if she could fly out. She was at the airport, oddly, but she was going to Reykiyavik, not Riverside.

She'd told herself the whole flight that it was silly to feel sad. They knew with their schedules that seeing each other might only happen over the holidays. It was such a given they hadn't even discussed it.

So, as much as she wanted to, and was overwhelmed that he'd even thought to ask her, she'd just told him, "H, I can't. I'm on my way to my summer studies."

And he'd just said, "Ah well, I'll just have to keep dreaming about seeing you then."  Those words had colored her night visions for months.

He'd also left her a detailed message about what he wanted for Christmas three weeks ago.

His morning voice on her phone for three delicious, descriptive minutes was the closest she'd gotten to what he sounded like in person.

Her dreams were really bright then, almost technicolor, better than reality. At least reality with someone who wasn't Harry, as she found out in October.

It still hit differently, his voice, in this moment because she could see what he looked like too. In his jazzy button up and tight jeans. The guy she'd dated for a bit, Marko, had reminded her a little of Harry. But looking at the real thing now, in the flesh, not painted on hues, but living and breathing, she couldn't quite recall why.

Maybe just the hair. Though, Harry's was longer now, curlier, wilder.

It made her wild. When they made eye contact, she felt it in her toes. There was a pause in conversation, everyone waiting, Gemma waiting, for them to greet each other. Emma knew she should say hello, but she was busy trying to regulate her breathing. Panting wouldn't do, but that's what the collision of her daydreams and her wet dreams was inspiring.

Harry saved her, of course. "Hey Emma! It's so good to see you." The way he said good, the tone was almost like when he'd called her a "good girl" when she woken him up with a blow job last year. . Or, she thought it sounded like that.

God, what was he doing to her. She was nodding.

"It's really lovely to see you too, Styles, you've had a big year!" She'd started paying attention, when she had the time.

He blushed. Oh god!

"God, don't get him started, his head will only get bigger!" Gemma said affectionately, jostling Harry a little. "And you," she'd pointed at Emma then, "don't forget that time we had to help him hide coming home off his tits and he pissed himself. He's still my idiot little brother! No matter how famous!"

Or handsome, was Emma's addendum. She said it in her head. But they were all laughing and Gemma had given him more reasons for the attractive flush on his cheeks and deep press of his chagrined dimple. "We wouldn't want him to get a big head!" Emma giggled.

"I'm big enough everywhere else!" Harry tried to boast before Gemma started a story about how they'd had to special order a hat once, because of his massive cranium, and Emma could only sneak glances until he decided to loudly leave.

"I don't have to take this abuse!" He narrowed his green eyes at his sister. "Emma, if you want to have a conversation where my sister doesn't make it her job to insult me, I'll be in the kitchen." Near the mistletoe her mind added.

"She'll pass, I'm sure!" Gemma laughed.

Emma just smiled, as placidly as her galloping heart allowed. "I'm sure I'll need a refill at some point. Maybe then!" Her eyes promised she'd find him.

Which was how she'd wound up on the countertop of the back bathroomn with her palm between her teeth, her tights around her ankles and Harry's head between her thighs.

"Shh, shh!" He laughed up at her and god, he looked so in his element on his knees during his mother's party with a naughty glint in his eyes. Emma wrapped her hand around his chin and pulled him up to her.

"Come here!" She breathed against his mouth. The kiss tasted of her and who knew how much she liked that? Harry apparently, based on the knowing look he gave her when he pulled back to get his dick out of his tight jeans. "Convenient skirt this!"

"Inconvenient jeans those are. Are they some form of birth control?"

"Huh?" That stopped him as he was rolling the condom onto himself.

"There's evidence that wearing things too tight on your bollocks might reduce sperm count. That an extra measure to stop groupie babies?" She shouldn't ask about or imply she didn't want him sleeping with anyone else. They only saw each other once a year. She pretended even to herself that she didn't care who he slept with the rest of the year. If she wanted to know, she supposed she could ask, but she didn't. She also pretended not to compare her other rare dates to him.

There is no comparison.

"I'm gonna have to buy a whole new wardrobe!" He laid his nose against her collarbone and she pressed hers into his hair. She'd pulled off the head scarf as soon as they'd gotten into the bathroom and she was taking full advantage of the access. He was right, it was a little awkward, but Emma could see the potential and it was perfect for pulling.

He was perfect.

Her eyes had closed and she needed to get him back into gear, she should know better than to question a man's manhood when she was trying to use it. "Do you think you could afford it?" Her sarcasm was evident. She got her hand around the funny texture of his skinned cock. "Seems to be working just fine, still, and with possible positive side effects. Should we test it out?"

He lifted his head and his heavy breaths and blown out pupils suggested her stroke had brought him back to their present activity. He caught her mouth and her hips and brought her to the edge of the sill before sinking into her. He'd done his job well, the resistance was minimal and exactly what she remembered. He stopped for just a moment and she wondered if he enjoyed the fullness as much as she did. They exhaled together, made eye contact.

"I've dreamed about this for a year!" He started to move and stole the breath she would have said 'me too' with.

She knew she was making too much noise, she had every time she was with him. He was shushing her again and grinning proudly. "You have to be quiet." He laughed against her mouth.

"Make me?" Was what she said.

"Well, that would involve stopping, and I've no intention of that." So instead he caught her face and licked into her mouth while redoubling his stroke. He covered her mouth with his palm a moment later when her neck went soft and her head hit the mirror.

It was coming, the wave she'd been searching for that had receded too quickly when she'd insisted he kiss her after getting off moments ago. She bit down on his hand to muffle the groan growing in her lower belly.

"Ow!" He looked up from where he was jawing the tits he'd popped out of her bra. Emma squeezed down on him, hard, Iiterally. "Fuck!" He kept eye contact and sped up his thrusts, hitting up just as he had been when she bit him. Her eyes closed as she started to crest, popping open again when the door rattled.

Harry thought quickly and put his hip against it. His strong hold on her doubly useful. They both looked to the lock.

"You nearly done?" An unremarkable voice called.

Harry smirked at her. Covered her mouth and yelled through the door, "Yes, nearly!"

Emma didn't think she could come like that, but she was wrong. Her orgasm was all the stronger for the palm secured over her mouth  and the person through the door who might hear. And for Harry's cocky cheek while he pushed into her, until his face dissolved and he groaned. She should have put her hand over his mouth.

Instead her fingers went there and he sucked dutifully.

That set her mind running. Should she ask about meeting later? Tonight, or their traditional, she hoped, Boar's Headon Boxing Day get-together?

They'd already gotten into each other; last year they'd wound up together any free moment, but she didn't want to presume. A week full of stolen moments, some texts messages, a couple phone calls, and a back bathroom fuck did not entitle her to anything.

This wasn't enough for her, but she was too afraid to ask for more. Even what she'd had last time.

"God!" He breathed as he pulled himself free and her off the sink, fixing her skirt before washing his hands and dick, not in that order, in the basin, "How am I gonna wait until tomorrow night?" He turned a drowsy sated smile on her. "What time can you get away to the Boar's Head?"

"You still want to meet up?" She hoped she didn't sound as astounded to his ears as her own told her she did.

He's folding his beautiful dick into his jeans and he's about to do the little jump he does to position it when he just stops. He looks at her quizzically. "Why wouldn't I want to see you?"

She needs to pee and use the sink for the inelegant water in hand wash out, but she'd rather do that in front of him than reveal her insecurity. "It's just...we just..." She pointed between the two of them.

"Yeah, and we can do more," He motioned between them. Then his face lost the cheek and was replaced by a look of focused earnestness that made her heart beat harder than seeing him in person an hour ago. "And if I only get to see you once a year, because you're terribly ambitious and I'm terribly busy—"

"Yeah, you're just busy, not ambitious." She'd try to diffuse the intensity of whatever she's hoping he's about to say.

"So busy, I only get to see my dear Emma once a year, I want to sleep with you."

"You just did!" She reminds him.

"No, really sleep with you, not just sex." He pulls her in. Inside the hug, he kisses her. "Plus, we need time to talk. I want to hear all about this year's research and whatever power plant you geeked out over all summer."

"Yeah?" She's starry eyed and weak kneed, again, still.

"Yes, you muppet. I don't miss you all year just because you taste so good." He kissed her then. "Though you do taste better than anyone else."

She takes the compliment, and only thinks about it on a loop all of Christmas Day, and night. She completely forgets about it after she and Harry have tasted each other by noon on Boxing Day. Then he reveals their real first kiss, and Emma is too busy feeling their current kisses and trying to recall details of that Christmas delight while they sneak around and carouse anywhere they can.

He had to leave earlier than last year. And it's not until he's pulled off, from their private goodbye, before his pub send off where they flirt just enough to annoy Gemma, that she thinks about it.

She's not innocent, she saw other people 11 months out of the year, well three, but she couldn't help but wonder, who else was he tasting?

He implied that he had something to compare her to. Even if it was favorable, she found it bothered her. A lot.

She could ask him; instead she decides to just remember his taste and his interest, it'll have to carry her through until next yule.

It's not her business, it's too far down a road not taken anyway.

[praphit]

WandaVision: When you can’t let go of that robo-lovin.

So, I just finished watching "WandaVision", and I must say, right off the bat 

- I LOVED IT!

Disney Plus is finally paying off. I'm in the group of peeps who got DP, not for the mouse, but for the ones whom the mouse is in bed with, and most recently on Mickey's playtime Marvel List - Wanda Maximoff and her robo-boy toy VISION... or is that “THE Vision”? - that seems kinda ostentatious, but whatever.

When I first heard that Wanda was getting a series, I said "Who cares?" I don't care bout no Wanda! What has she been other than a weird pest?

Let's review:

She tried to kill the Avengers, she accidentally injures and kills innocent people, she was getting in the way, so Tony Stark had to get his CPU (Vision) to babysit her, she falls in love with the CPU - can we talk about how strange this is? I didn't say wrong, just different, cuz honestly, we may be headed there soon. That movie "Her" might be a reality with how tech is going these days.

But, imagine I come to your home and fall in love with your laptop (which messes everything up for you with all your devices and your social media), THEN (as Wanda did with Vision), I run off on some romantic journey with all of your devices. Imagine how Tony would have felt, if he was still with us.

She had one job when it came to Thanos, and it ended up not mattering.

Then, went full rage on the wrong Thanos.

Idk if that’s a look (Thanos) pain, release, of he’s listening to his jam. Kinda looks like he’s saying “JESUS”. But, Wanda is pissed.

Wanda: "You took everything from me!"

Thanos: "Lady, I don't even know you!"

I didn't care about Wanda. But, damn, Marvel is so good that in one episode they made me care; one trailer, really.

If you had not seen the trailer for this series, you might be confused by the first episode. 

You might even ask yourself - "What the bleep is this nonsense?!" We want heroes vs villains. We want super-powered explosions. We want capes, ridiculously tight clothes, bulky armor, and anything else that makes no sense to fight in.

You're giving me "Bewitched"?

I DID see the trailer, so I knew going in that it would be a slow burn with some nostalgia, some quirks, and some eeriness; right up my alley.

The change in Tv decade styles btw *chef kiss*

I figured that they'd be trapped in some mysterious, magical world - which they are...

Unless you're super geeky with the funny books, there's no way you'll see what's coming in this mystery.

And it IS a mystery, not only to the audience, but for the characters involved in this show. Don't nobody know what the hell is going on.

But, LaWanda and Vishawn 

(sorry, I just wanted to use this pic - Ha! Y'all are crazy.)had help figuring things out:

Rambo

Yeah, it's actually Monica Rambeau, 

but... admit it, some of you kept thinking about Rambo too, right?? No offense to this actress, but I'd rather see old man Sly play Rambo, and HIM be in this mysterious WandaVision town. Let's get Disney a lil bloody. Wishful thinking, I suppose.

Marvel WILL BE venturing into multiple universes soon, so perhaps Rambo finds his way to team up with The Punisher? Huh?? YEAH!

But, no... Rambeau (meh No personality, but whatever).

Randall Park - 

He's that person we all know who has made us laugh so much in life, that they don't even need to say anything anymore; you look at them and laugh. I love this dude!

Kat Dennings - 

I remember liking her more in the Thor movies.  I found her annoying, this time around.   She joins the mystery to figure tech stuff out, and she's a doctor or something (don't you forget it!). She also asks the team she just meets to get her some coffee, and acts like they're disrespecting HER, by their lack of response. I know she's a doctor and all, but damn! Imagine some electrician comes to your place to serve YOU, they're condescending to you, and then  they ask you for some coffee. Get the hell outta here!

Oh, and there's a dude named “Director Dick”. That's my name for him, but the name fits.

The people in this town are acting out as if they've been scripted for some show. And all of these characters, AND US, get to figure it out together - through antics from different times in Tv culture. 

Times sure were different back in the day:

No social justice issues implanted or cursing or sex or drugs... now, I'm not saying it was a better time, just a different one :) A time when dad jokes ruled! Simple times! Ignorance was bliss. But, it kinda wasn't - not really.

It's like having an animal die on your property somewhere, and it starts to stink. You COULD find the truth of the stench... or light candles everywhere. Some really strong candles - maybe some of those Gwyneth Paltrow candles.

Though the stench might get covered up, the problem is still there. At some point, your kids could find the dead rotting animal... maybe start playing with it... you get the point.

In this show, the townspeople's minds have been taken over by someone or something, and it's torturous for them. So... bliss on the surface, but... not so much, going deeper. I tell you all of this, plus great production in each epi, a good slow-burn mystery, and fun with comic characters in a way we haven't seen before on screen, and hell yeah - Grade: A series.

Now... spoilers.

You might want to leave now.

People, Wanda is the villain here. I'm not sure if that's the message the writers are trying to convey or not, but I don't care; she is the clear villain here.

Here’s Wanda reading some Hell book, conjuring some dark spirits - nbd.

We are rooting for her throughout this show; even after we find out that she has been (even if not maliciously) controlling every one, we still root for her.

I'm not saying that's bad, but we can't forget about what she has done! Remember, I said that the mind control was torturous for the townspeople.

There's a very emotional moment at the end of this series between Wanda and Vision, and between them and their kids (yeah, they have kids... that's a whole other thing). This moment is well done and touching. There's even a bad ass fight between Wanda and the "true... villain"? - of this story. I'll get to her in a sec (There’s a badass Vision fight scene as well).

I loved all of that! But, at the end of the day...

I know Wanda is grieving and all, we all grieve, but we all don't, in our grief, take a whole town hostage, torture the people, all while playing house with our family. That's kinda sick, no??

Are we doing a girl-power thing? or a “witches are people too” thing? or “but she’s doing it all for her family” thing (yeah, they’re not actually real, but whatever)? I don’t know.

I'm not sure that we know what a villain is anymore. It used to be clear - the guy with the beard was the bad guy, or the guy wearing the black outfit was the bad guy, or the people who aren't Americans are the bad guys :)

But, movies like "Joker" and "Deadpool" and Harley's joint have confused some.

Who else would be the villain? There's a character, the villain (i guess), a witch named Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn

Here she is saying “I’m the villain? Really? What about her?!!”

   - she's excellent btw; def the highlight of this show; her and Paul Bettany's hair game.

But, let's compare:

Agatha: 

betrays her coven back in the day, sure, but why you bringing up old shit? 

She allows Wanda to play out this fantasy for a while, and even played along. She could have just killed her when she was ignorant; that's what I would have done. She eventually shows Wanda the truth (granted, she then wants Wanda's power, but hey, everything has a price. And for all we know, she would have used all of that power to... cure the worlds diseases or something... though prob not:). Annnd maybe she killed an imaginary puppy. Convo for another time: if you kill something that's not real, does it matter??

That's it!

She didn't (like Wanda): abduct a town, torture its people, bring Vision back from the dead (kinda), endanger soldiers who were just doing their jobs, create weird fantasies (And did she have sexy time with previously dead, fake Vision? This thing gets even weirder if she did. But, let's not go down that path.) Oh, and she magically punted a black woman (Rambo) the length of a football field just for her asking Wanda some questions.

When the townspeople finally regain their minds (Lord knows how long it's been), they look at her with disdain, and I don't blame them.  And what does Wanda do?? - shrug, put on a hoodie, and fly off - to break into somebody's home and read some devil book.

Where’s cancel culture in this universe? 

I know she made us feel, but I ask again, who's the villain here?

Still Grade A stuff for me (again, I loved this!), but c'mon, people.

We get a glimpse of Captain Marvel 2 as well. My fingers are crossed. I actually liked the first movie. But, many others did not, and one of the reasons - Captain Marvel doesn't have much of a personality, and another - she's too powerful (no risk).

So, to answer the critics, we have Monica Rambeau - another ridiculously super-powered hero, with no personality. So, two unrelatable characters flying around in space, as Sam L Jackson tries not to curse. But, if Marvel can make me care about evil ass Wanda, I'll still hold out hope for Capt Marvel 2.

[bakubabes-tatakae]

The Demon’s Keeper

Author’s Note: If anyone wants to be added to the taglist for this feel free to let me know! Happy to add anyone!

(Rin Okumara x Reader)

Summary: Rin Okumura is a hot headed demon who is hard to keep under control, only one person seems to be able to do it better than anyone, Y/N. For that, she’ll be known as the Demon’s Keeper, but what exactly does that entail for them?

A03 Link

Part One:

Word Count: 2169

Our nightly ritual of sitting on the swings at the nearest park was rudely interrupted when a certain black haired hot head caught sight of some kids preying on some birds. His eyes filled with anger and I grabbed onto his hand, trying to get him to stay back. “Rin, come on, don’t do this. Can we just have one night where we don’t have to pick a fight with someone? Please?”

Rin pulled his hand from mine. “Do what you want, but I have to help those animals. Look at them, they’re helpless.” 

One of the boys, the one who looked like the leader, was pointing an arrow straight at the group of what seemed like pigeons by the jungle gym. The boy pulled the trigger and an arrow shot straight through the bird. I turned my head and hid my face. How could someone do that to a helpless little animal?

Rin looked from me to the bird, growing more angry at the situation as he saw my discomfort. Another arrow was put into the bow and that’s when he took action. Rin hollered to them. “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?!”

The boy turned to face us and aimed the bow and arrow toward us instead. Before we could move he shot the arrow. I gasped loudly as the arrow landed an inch from Rin’s face, sticking into the tree that the swings hung on. Rin growled and the boy provoked him. “Get out of my face. I’m just getting rid of these useless pests that just swarm, eat, and crap everywhere. So just shut the hell up.” The boy next to him loaded another arrow for him. 

I never had a chance to grab the sleeve of his jacket before Rin was barreling toward the kid, fist in the air. I tried to snap him out of it before something went wrong. “Rin, stop! Don’t do it!” His fist connected with the kid's face and he hit the ground. 

The kid backed away from Rin and I ran toward them. I grabbed onto Rin’s arm and hid slightly behind him. The two boys beside the leader grabbed his arms and helped him to his feet. The boy looked at Rin both in terror and in anger. “What kind of demon are you?”

They started to walk away and Rin looked at them. “Who are you calling a demon? You assholes are way more demonic than me.”

Rin wiped his nose on his sleeve of his free arm and looked down. Blood tinged the end of his jacket and there was some drying on his nose. He looked toward me. “Oh crap, I did it again.”

I grabbed his face in my hand and took a tissue out of my pocket with the other, wiping his nose and kissing the end of it. 

“What am I doing Y/N? ...Damnit.” He sighed and looked up as the birds he saved flew away. 

“You’re speaking up for what you believe in… even though I tried to stop you.” I smiled at him and giggled. 

He put his hands on my waist, turned me around, and started walking forward. “Let’s head back to the Monastery before the old man wonders where we are.”

* * * * * * 

When we got back to the Monastery we were greeted at the front doors by none other than Shiro Fujimoto. When he spotted the cut on Rin’s face he didn’t look pleased. “What happened to you?” He pulled his glasses down his nose some to take a closer look. 

Rin turned his head so he couldn’t see it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Shiro looked at him with intent. “Into the chapel, now.” I started to turn to walk to our bedroom when he spoke again. “Both of you.” I sighed and the both of us followed him in, sitting in the pews near the front. Shiro looked over at Rin. “Into the confessions booth, no if, ands, or buts.”

Rin groaned and went into one side of it, Shiro sitting in the other. I watched from the pew across from the booth. Rin looked more annoyed than I had seen him in a long time. Rin rested his face on his chin and stared at me as shiro spoke to him. “Oh straying lamb, confess thy sins with true sorrow and pray for forgiveness.”

Rin blew out a breath. “Yeah? Why should I? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Where did you get that cut on your face?”

And this is the point where the stories started. “I tripped going down stairs.”

“Your clothes are a mess.”

“It was a mother of a fall.”

“And that trace of a nose bleed?”

“Yeah, well, when I fell, I bumped smack into this super hot chick, and I-”

Rin didn’t even get to finish his sentence before Shiro came running out of the booth, standing in front of me, frantic. He turned back to his son. “What? Let’s go after her! Show me where she is, Rin!

Rin gulped. “Crap.” 

Shiro reached into the booth and dragged Rin out in a headlock. “You moron!” Rin wiggled in his arms. “You got into another fight. Admit it.”

I stood up from the pew and started toward them. “Shiro, you’re choking him.” I bit my lip nervously. It wouldn’t be the first time that Shiro had done this and Rin had passed out.

“Why must you always brawl?” Shiro squeezed a little harder. 

Rin fought back. “Let go of me you old fart!”

Shiro let go and turned around. “I just received a disturbing phone call from you employers. They told me they have no need for a delivery boy who doesn’t bother to return”

Rin stood up and stepped next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “So what? Big deal. There was no way I could cut it anyway. As if a guy like me could ever hold down a job.”

I looked over at him and smacked him in the back of the head. “Don’t be a baby Rin!”

Shiro chuckled at me. “I knew I liked this girl for a reason.” He got serious again as he spoke to Rin. “Y/N is right. A day will soon come when you must leave this monastery and strike out on your own. And as your guardian it’s my duty to see that you do so. You can’t rely on Y/N for everything when you leave here. Or do you just want to become a priest and run this monastery?”

Rin looked offended. “Take over this crappy church. Dream on.”

We all jumped when Yukio, Rin’s twin brother, walked into the room and spoke. “Dad? I’m all done getting myself ready to move out. All that’s left for me to do is carry out my luggage.”

Shiro smiled at him. “Well done, son.”

Yukio smiled at us. “Welcome home you guys!” He looked over at Rin. “Get into another fight.”

Rin looked away from him in anger. “Shut the hell up.” I smacked him in the back of the head again. He shot a glare at me. “Ow! Would you quit doing that?!”

“Would you be nice to your brother for once?”

Rin said nothing and the monks behind us spoke as they cleaned the windows. “I swear, for a couple of twins, those guys couldn’t be more different.”

They struck up a conversation without realizing we were listening. “Yukio might be the younger one, but he doesn’t act like it. He’s great at sports, always gets straight A’s, and he’s about to start his freshman year at True Cross Academy.”

“Meanwhile his big brother’s only accomplishment is causing trouble.” They looked over at us. “Rin,” Rin tried his best to ignore them. “You should really try being a little bit more like Yukio and start straightening out your life.”

My eyes grew wide as the other one spoke again. “And you should probably start taking better care of that girl you have on your arm, if you don’t, a good guy like Yukio is going to take her away.”

Rin shot around to stare at him. “I said just shut up!” The furnace next to the two cleaning the windows shot out blue flames, almost like it had been activated by Rin’s anger. 

I jumped and looked at Shiro and Yukio. Shiro ran toward the furnace, spouting things about it being junk and needing to be replaced, but I was skeptical. I looked up at Rin who was still staring at the two men and then looked toward Yukio.

Shiro left the room a second later when another monk came in to tell him that someone was here to see him. He turned before exiting the door. “Yukio, Y/N, please tend to Rin’s wounds.”

We both looked over at him and spoke together. “Yes sir.”

* * * * * * 

As Yukio put rubbing alcohol on Rin’s cuts on his hand he whined like a baby. I chuckled at him. “That stings!” 

Yukio continued without faltering. “I’m almost finished. Suck it up Rin.”

Rin looked toward Yukio’s boxes that were packed near the dining room table. “So you’re moving into the dorm, huh?”

“Yeah, well, since school starts next week and all. I’ll be saying goodbye to sixteen years in this place.” 

I looked over at him. “We’re gonna miss you Yuki.” 

“Don’t make me sound like a baby Y/N.” Rin spat.

“Don’t try to sound so tough you big baby.”

Yukio chuckled at us. “I’ll miss you guys too.”

Rin changed the subject some. “So I guess that makes this the last time you’ll be treating my injuries”

Yukio laughed. “What I become a doctor I’ll give you all the treatment you want… for a fee of course.”

Yuiko amazed me. He had everything together, he knew exactly what he wanted in life. I loved Rin, but he didn’t know what he wanted in life and tended to just go with the flow. “Being a doctor’s always been your dream, hasn’t it Yuki?”

“It has.” He smiled at me. 

Rin held up his bandaged hand and showed it to me, praising his brother. “Then go for it, I’m sure you’re gonna make it.”

“Listen, you guys are gonna be alright without me, aren’t you?” He looked concerned. “You’re going to be able to keep this guy in line right Y/N.”

I gave him a weak smile. Goodbyes sucked. “Probably about as well as I do now. But we’ll be okay Yuki, don’t worry about us.”

Rin didn’t take it the same way as I. “What’s up with that? Are you gonna lecture me too?”

“I’m just worried, that’s all, and not just me. Dad’s worried too, and so is everyone else here. I mean, you’re getting into fights every day. And you can’t seem to hold down a part time job for very long. You can’t even see how worried your own girlfriend is about you, Rin.”

Rin looked over at me with an apologetic look. “I’m really stressed about all that too. I know I’ve got to pull it together, and fast, but I…”

Yukio sensed the tension as Rin fell silent. “I’m sure you’re just being tested in a way, Rin.”

“By who?”

“God, of course.”

Rin’s face dropped some. “You know, you’re starting to sound just like the old man.” 

A couple of apprentices came into the room and spoke. “There you are Rin, we heard that the Southern Cross Shopping Mall is hiring part timers!”

“Yea?” Rin seemed confused. 

“We called and they want you there right now for an interview!” 

“What?” Rin was getting angry again. “How dare you call them without telling me!”

“You better hurry, you can borrow one of my old suits for the interview!” The monk threw a box at him. 

Rin caught the box over his head. “I need a suit to interview for a part time job?”

Yukio cheered up some. “What do you say?”

Rin scratched his head. “Looks like there’s no way out. 

* * * * * * 

As we sat in our bedroom Rin struggled with the tie on the suit. I stood up and walked toward him as he squirmed with anxiety and annoyance. “Rin, let me see it.” I reached for him. 

“No. I can do it. I’ll figure it out. I don’t need your help with everything. I have to be someone you can rely on as well. I have to take care of you.”

I sighed. “Don’t let what that guy said in the chapel get to you. I’m not going anywhere Rin. As unorganized as you are in your life I couldn’t see us any other way. I wouldn’t want you any other way Rin Okumara.” I smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

He smiled back at me and put his hand under my chin, lifting my head up to him. He put his lips on mine and spoke. “I love you too Y/N L/N.”

Part Two: *NSFW Ahead!*, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six

Updated: 5/12/2020

[nobodyfamousposts]

Miraculous Ladybug/DC - Adoption AU

There seems to be a lot of Miraculous/DC crossover ideas, often with Adrien and/or Marinette getting adopted into the Batfamily.

Here is my take:

So it turns out that apparently Gabriel had family he tries to avoid and altogether pretends don’t exist. 

And it turns out the family in question he’s particularly wanting to keep out of his life and away from his family is Harley Quinn.

To be fair, they weren’t close to begin with. Then there was the whole thing with Joker and her stint as a villain. After that, Gabriel cut off all contact and moved to Paris.

Harley gets why. She doesn’t like it, but she gets it. She’s made mistakes and is trying to do better. She understands if Gabriel isn’t feeling all that forgiving or willing to reconnect. And she is fine with that, really.

What she is NOT fine with is discovering Mr. No-fun lost his wife in mysterious circumstances and has responded by not only isolating himself, but his son as well. His son who is a genuinely sweet and wonderful kid, and deserves so much better than being kept trapped in a quiet and lonely old mansion every day.

So she does what any good aunt would do if they’re a psychologist who used to be an underling and abuse victim for a psychotic clown whom she’s recently escaped from, found herself a girlfriend, and is past the point of having kids of her own.

She steals Adrien.

Well, from the mansion at least. Only from there. Not wanting to take him away from what little social life he’s managed to make so far despite Gabriel’s best efforts, Harley has them all stay in Paris. She even buys a nice house in a good district with money that was totally not stolen from Gabriel on her way out *coughcough*. Once set up in the new home, she proceeds to take Adrien there where she can dote on him like proper family and give him some of that affection he’s been so desperate for.

The wax figure of Adrien has been left in his place in the mansion.

Gabriel has yet to notice.

As has anyone else. (They’ve had at least 3 photoshoots so far with just the wax figure.)

Ivy finds the whole thing questionable but comes to see that Adrien is a sweet boy with a desire to do good even if he doesn’t necessarily know how or the best way to do so. She decides she can “raise him right” and mold him into a proper young man who uses his resources to help the environment. So she starts having him do gardening with her.

Adrien is...actually okay with this whole setup. Plus he went from no mom to TWO moms! Who spend time with him! And are involved in his life! And let him see his friends! And he actually gets to leave the house without a bodyguard tailing his every move—which turns out to be because Ivy is able to use her plants to keep an eye on him in a much less obtrusive manner, but eh...details. He’s essentially not-so-reluctantly kidnapped. He COULD escape at any point. He’s Chat Noir after all. But even if he wasn’t, it wasn’t like Ivy and Harley were going out of their way to keep him locked up or anything. The worst they did was give him a curfew—which when comparing a few hours of free time with an expectation to return by a set time vs a set schedule with only one hour of free time maybe worked in somewhere, was hardly something he was going to fight.

The fact is that he’s doing well under their care. Harley shares his sense of humor. Pamela nurtures his creativity. He gets support and encouragement to be more assertive. They actually WANT to talk to him and hear about his day. They WANT to be affectionate with him and have dinners together. And he just soaks up their attention and affection like a sponge and responds in kind.

Under their care, Adrien changes a bit. He speaks out more and makes it known when he’s unhappy or uncomfortable with something. He does not let people just touch him when he’s uncomfortable. If anything, he’s doing more touching and initiating conversations without fear of appearances. Nino gets bro hugs. Kim gets bro hugs. All the guys in class get bro hugs. Marinette also gets bro hugs—though he doesn’t hug her for too long since she seems to overheat easily.

Adrien is really enjoying this.

Even better, his moms somehow get jobs in the area.

Pamela either becomes a biology teacher at the school or opens a nursery. If she does open a nursery, Marinette becomes a regular customer on principle. She and Ivy bond. They trade gardening tips. Marinette is surprisingly helpful in keeping pests away from her plants for reasons Ivy doesn’t quite know. All around, Paris suddenly starts becoming a bit more green…and without the eco-terrorism. It helps that Adrien’s social media starts featuring him planting trees and taking care of plants, which is encouraging other people to follow suit.

Harleen becomes a school counselor. At Adrien’s school. Where she takes full advantage of the opportunity to embarrass him in full “overly affectionate mom” mode. Adrien is too happy to be embarrassed. Anyone who actually ends up laughing at him comes to regret it when Harley picks apart their psychological issues.

The new moms evaluate his friends.

Nino passes. Flat out. He got akumatized trying to throw their boy a birthday party? He also arranged an impromptu house party for Adrien the one chance he got? YES. THIS is someone he needs in his life!

Alya gives them concern given her Lois Lane levels of getting into trouble mixed with sheer lack of self preservation. Her tendency to jump into matters and reveal things or trust things without thinking also has them concerned.

Chloe has potential, but needs a good few months of therapy as far as they’re concerned.

Lila is banned from coming within ten feet of Adrien. It would have been fifty, but Adrien refused to take a killer plant that big and risk anyone thinking it’s an akuma.

Marinette passes after they have a sit down talk with her to get to know her better. Harley notes her anxiety issues and helps her to be able to avoid panicking. Ivy likes Marinette’s energy, and her garden is impressive. She gives her approval of Marinette courting their son.

Marinette: Wait—what?

And because they’re actually good moms, they figure out fairly quickly that their new son is the leather-suited catboy running around protecting Paris.

Harley: HOW DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW THIS?!

Adrien: Magic?

They have a bit of difficulty for the next few fights with the rather overprotective mothers trying to interfere in akuma fights, causing more confusion than anything until Adrien asks them to stop. They don’t, of course, but they at least let him try to handle things.

All in all, they make for a nice little family.

But there’s only so much two moms can do. And with Gabriel pretty much not involved, they’re limited in options. So after a while, they decide that Adrien needs a good father figure.

Adrien: But I have a father...

Harley: I said a GOOD father figure.

But who to choose?

Bats? “Oh god, no! Why would you inflict that level of broodiness in our child?”

Joker? “Sure! The best way to teach him important life skills is to have someone to test them on as an example. Like the best weak points! And the effects of blood loss! And how to hide a body!” “We could just use Gabriel for that and save on travel time!”

Superman? “The world isn’t ready.”

They finally come to a decision.

Which is how Nightwing finds himself tied up and dragged off to Paris to be made part of this weird little makeshift family.

Pamela: Why him?

Harley: He got the killer Robin from ‘murdery’ to some semblance of being an actual semi-healthy child with only some violent tendencies. He’d make a good father figure!

Pamela: But wasn’t that an alternate timeline—

Harley: A GOOD father figure.

Pamela: ...fine.

Nightwing: Wait—what?

Naturally, he’s confused. He tries to contact Batman to let him know what’s going on and what Ivy and Harley are up to because they’re in Paris for some odd reason and they have a kid he’s pretty sure isn’t theirs. Batman, on the other hand, is more concerned with all the crazy magic shenanigans in Paris that the League somehow doesn't know about and can’t get any accurate information on. So he pretty much tells Nightwing to stay with them since he’s already there and they have room for him anyway so it’ll be easier.

Nightwing: I'm telling you, they've captured me, dragged me off to Paris, and they have this little house with a kid—

Batman: Good, then you have a place to stay while you investigate the anomalies in Paris.

Nightwing: Bruce, I don't think you're hearing me...

Adrien: (Just pats him on the arm sympathetically)

Harley: (Hugs Nightwing) Looks like we've got Batdaddy's approval! You're part of the family now!

Nightwing: I will do whatever you want. Just don't call him that again.

To be fair, it is Batman, so he probably knows Harley and Ivy aren’t an issue at this point, but still!

…At least he gets his own room…

Nightwing isn’t sure what to think. On the one hand, he knows he shouldn’t be encouraging this. On the other hand, Harley and Ivy aren’t actually doing anything bad. And if anything, taking care of the kid has been good for them. Plus the kid seems happy with them, at least. It’s...weird, certainly, but he goes along with it. (Read: He folds to the kitten eyes.)

Then he finds out said kid is a superhero in a city regularly attacked by a supervillain who transforms and controls people by manipulating their emotions—which the League somehow has not been aware of despite it happening in PARIS.

Needless to say, he isn’t pleased.

I'm just imaging Dick Grayson interacting with other adult figures in Paris. And really, just Dick's response to everything in Paris and how things are being handled.

"So...you're telling me no one has tried to track down where the magic butterflies are coming from?"

"Um..."

"The governmental body hasn't initiated any policies to try to prevent akumas?"

"Well..."

"Set up an alert and evacuation system so people know where to go or not go?"

“…”

“Do I want to know what you people actually do in case of an emergency?”

“Probably not.”

Much like Ivy and Harley, he gets a day job to help out. There are two potential options for him.

He becomes a teacher at the school and takes over running gym class, which he uses to keep the kids in shape, teach them self defense, and help them work out some of their tension and emotions through physical activities and a good listening ear. His interactions with the kids would be something to see. Even better for his interactions with Damocles and Bustier. Because no, the events of the Ladybug episode would NOT have happened if he was there.

Lila: (Sobs) Ow! Ow! The pain! How could Marinette do this to me?

Dick: I’m not seeing any injuries.

Lila: I don’t bruise easily. They just haven’t appeared yet.

Dick: Even so, there are no abrasions. No swelling. No indications of a broken bone or sprain. Not even any marks to show where you fell.

Lila: It’s internal!

Dick: Then you need to go to a hospital to be checked out and have the extent of your injuries noted.

Lila: I wouldn’t go that far—

Dick: And your mother will be contacted and told to meet us there.

Lila: Well—

Dick: And of course we’ll be holding off on any punishment until we have a list of your injuries and a thorough investigation is completed.

Lila: But—

Dick: And just to keep you safe, I’ll be staying with you the whole time. We wouldn’t want anymore “accidents”.

Lila: ….Dammit.

OR

He joins the police force. Just for shenanigans in his interactions with Roger. Maybe helping the force to be more effective so they can actually HELP during akuma fights instead of simply serving as a temporary distraction.

Either way, he’s a positive role model for Adrien. The three of them working together help Adrien to maintain a positive and altogether healthier state. They give him more jokes and puns to work with—because that has long since been Nightwing’s area of expertise. They give him advice in wooing his lady love. They address the “just a friend” issue. They teach him self defense and helpful fighting techniques. They curb the “self-sacrificing” tendency he’s developed. They encourage him in his goals and self discovery now that he has the freedom to actually try.

Despite the weirdness of the situation, Adrien is actually happier than he has been in a long while.

Which is made ever more clear at a particular moment when he’s leaving for school one morning.

“Bye, Mom! Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!”

Harley sniffles and wipes a tear with a tissue she pulled out of her sleeve. “It feels like just yesterday that I stole him away from the mansion.”

“Then what does that make your kidnapping me?” Dick asked, sardonically. “This morning?”

“Don’t act like you’re not proud.” Ivy snarked.

Oh, he was. Immensely so. But of course he wasn’t going to admit it and give them the satisfaction.

[springtimebat]

The Deleted Darla Sunshine Interview

(This tape was discovered in the remains of the Little Patch of Heaven radio station, which had been abandoned sixty years before the expedition. It is labelled “Interview 1: Darla’s Darlings”. The date the audio was recorded is unknown but presumably between April and September according to the conversation contained. Research is still underway.)

[///Audio ready///]

Transcript:

Darla: So should I just sit here?

Interviewer: Yeah just over there. Here, bring the mic with you.

Darla: Yep okay. Ah this takes me back!

Interviewer: To...seven months ago?

Darla: Seven months seems so much longer than it really is sometimes. Feels like years since I’ve been in this room. But I was kinda thinking about Toby. Just a little bit.

Interviewer: Toby Walker?

Darla: Yes. 

Interviewer: (Mumble) Do you still think about him? (rustle) I mean do you think about him often?

Darla: Sometimes. Not as much as I used to.

Interviewer: I'm just asking because before we start the recording I need to know if you feel uncomfortable with some of the material. It would be nice if you gave me a heads up you know? My superior doesn’t want me to put you off the wire.

Darla: Oh yeah sure I understand. Are there any questions about the Walkers?

Interviewer: No I just thought he would be mentioned at some point, seeing as he was a highlight in your career

Darla: I’m... I’m not sure that’s the right word.

Interviewer: Are you feeling comfortable? I have a structure to follow and we’ve already gone off schedule.

Darla: Oh I’m so sorry.

Interviewer: Leave amusing anecdotes ‘till later.

Darla: ...alright.

Interviewer: Appreciate it. I’m sure you’ll do fine. The wire’s running so just speak into the mic and it’ll get picked up. 

(Squeak)

Interviewer: Right okay. So Darla Sunshine, congratulations on your show’s promotion to television!

Darla: Thank you! I can hardly believe it!

Interviewer: Would you be kind enough to tell us when Darla’s Darlings will be airing?

Darla: I believe the full version of The Horror-Couch will be on in January of next year, which seems like a really strange time to air it if you ask me. But…well Little Patch of Heaven’s studio is so fickle I can’t really guarantee that date anyway.

Interviewer: Oh? Why is the filming fickle?

Darla: We keep changing rooms, station hands, different material is being written without my knowledge. It’s all a real mess. I’m so used to it just being me and the occasional actor. Moving from radio to television has been quite-

(///audioFailure///*^///ResetING)

Interviewer: Very well. Let’s start on the questions. We posed an open letter questionnaire last march for any of your fans and we got an... overwhelming amount of replies back to say the very least! This should be very interesting…

(Rustling)

Firstly, how did you come up with the concept of your character?

Darla: Oh-well the Darla on screen is pretty much the person I am in real life. At least, how I used to be when I was younger. I like to think I’m a lot more subdued now. I was much more eccentric and loud when I was around twelve years old and I used to be obsessed with all sorts of gross things no one else seemed to like. I thought back once I got the job and realised that demeanor could make a great character so the Darla Sunshine you see on screen is kind of just an exaggerated version of me as a kid. The whole show’s kinda a joke on the people I grew up with too, particularly the women I grew up with. You know, women with hair bigger than their heads who sleep with their tupperware, live in aprons and have cocktail parties every weekend. I try to replicate that, but I’m completely messed up and I hold parties with monsters and cook with decapitated heads.

Interviewer: Very interesting. Someone had asked whether you go to the old arena in town at any point. 

Darla: Oh! The pit?

Interviewer:... yes?

Darla: I used to go there a lot when I was younger. I really love the atmosphere! It’s just so loud and all encompassing! I haven’t gone in a while sadly but hopefully I can arrange a trip in the near future!

Interviewer: Great stuff. Now how was the interview process for the radio station like? We know you have a background in acting but you must have made quite a great impression since you were promoted within the first month of your employment. Given your own show and anything.

Darla: Oh umm…that’s quite a long story.

Interviewer: We have the next two hours. 

Darla: Okay well my interviews were a complete disaster. Something always came up during them. Like, the first was just standard questions. Discussions about my past experiences, what I’d contributed and what I could contribute to the job there. I thought it was strange because, well, they knew me. But my interviewer looked really burnt out so I just went along with it. About half way through a large group of bats fell from the rafter above us and started to attack the guy. It almost gave me a heart attack but he seemed completely unfazed. He just held up an umbrella without so much as batting an eyelid. He apologised and told me he’d call me back after he’d taken care of the pest control problem. Two weeks later, he called me back for my second interview. It was a practice examination so I had to act out one of my skits. I think I did okay until I did a cooking segment I’d prepared for. The oven stopped working and the whisk lost  control. It splatted green slime all over the walls instead of the cake mix I’d originally put in. The guy just apologised again and said he’d call once the problem was sorted out. Another three days later he called me back for the last interview. It was November and a blizzard had begun to form as I drove up to the station. It was freezing in the building but the interviewer was wearing a tank top and shorts. His eyes were puffy and his cheeks were hollow. He didn’t look like he was there, if that makes any sense. He didn’t ask me any questions as far as I can tell, the interview was me guiding him back to his car. His back was all crooked and his legs stumbled along in the snow. I had to support him until he grabbed onto the dusty door of his truck. I thought he would just get in and drive off. But, instead, he turned to me. He looked... he just looked so dead. His face was more skull than skin and his shoulders shook so violently. 

He turned and he said:

“I’d expect a call from the offices in about a week. It might be linger since the paper work will be put to the sidelines,”

“Yes sir,” I replied.

“We aren’t the most dedicated record keepers either,”

“I know sir. I’ve see my file in town hall,”

“Oh? Why?”

“My parents died when I was a kid,”

“Oh...well I won’t be here for a while. I’m going on vacation you see.”

“Oh, anywhere I know?”

“Nah,”

“Oh well- have a good time,”

I was about to walk away when he grabbed me with a shrivelled, old hand. 

He said, “ The building doesn't like you,”

“Excuse me?”

“That’s good, don’t worry. The owners- they made a mistake bringing me here. Knock it into shape Darla,”

I didn’t know what to say so I just whispered, “I’ll try sir,”

“You know things are strange around here, don’t you ?”

I swallowed and said, “Yes I know,” 

“People disappear,” he said, “Wolves walk the streets, carnivals steal our children…”

“Sir I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I lied. Because of course I knew. How could you not realise?

“Robert Morrison,” He said suddenly. 

“Huh?”

“That’s my name. Remember it,” Then he got into his car, drove into the mountains and was never seen again. 

(Sobs can be heard)

No one knew who he was. I was questioned but no one really cared. Not really. The case file was sponged after a week.

Interviewer: He was a nobody?

Darla: Yeah. After that, the owners looked for a replacement but eventually they just promoted me. They don’t even remember his name, you know? What’s your name?

Interviewer: Hannah-Marie. 

Darla: Remember your name. It has power. I need to remember his name. I need to remember Nick Carlson.

Audio Failure

Press UNDERkey to follOW

Press under

           KeY

To Folloow

System failure 

System reboot in process

System triggered 

System load 

System ready

Audio failure 

Audio restarted 

Audio skip

Audio load 

Audio ready

Audio start 

system start

WIRE READY

1

2

3

4

Time: 1hr 34 m

[1:34]

Interviewer: You are one of the last radio shows to broadcast here anymore. With your jump to television, do you think the old station has been made obsolete?

Darla: I’m not really the person to answer that. I am and always have been an actor, first and foremost. When I got my show almost nobody was around so I had to learn how the different system works. It wasn’t a real passion of mine, machine maintenance. The radio was just a way of being able to perform. I don’t think we should just rule out the old ways as obsolete. When you watch my show later this year, you’ll see the storytelling, the humour hasn’t changed. I haven't changed at all. ‘cept  now you can see my face. It’s not about the technology it’s about what you’re showing. 

Interviewer: Would you say that about all your work?

Darla: Yes. 

Interviewer: Including Toby Walker’s films?

Darla: Absolutely. Those films most of all.

Interviewer: I would think you’d be ashamed of them.

Darla: What have I done that is shameful? I did nothing wrong, nothing inappropriate. I was fourteen. He was twenty nine, almost thirty. 

Interviewer: Did you not pick up on anything at the time?

Darla: Not at first. He was my director and I was one of his actors. I did as he directed me, just like everyone else did. 

Interviewer: So you did as you were told?

Darla: Yes. Look what has this got to do with anything?

Interviewer: You stated that you’re not ashamed of taking part in a convicted predator’s body of work. The bulk of your career is made up of his films. I just think it’s a bit hypocritical.

Darla: That was years ago. I was a child. I did nothing wrong and I didn’t take part in any of it! If anything, they should show his films more often. To get people uncomfortable.

Interviewer: You want to shock people?

Darla: No I want to get them to think. Maybe that’ll stop it from happening again. It could help children going through what I did. 

Interviewer: (unidentifiable mumble)

Darla: All I know is, when he did that to me, I had no one to help. No one to talk to. Then I met someone who stayed by me and it made a world of difference!

(Crying)

Darla: We need to stop. Can we stop please? I feel like I’m going to be sick!

[Audio has ended]

Delete file?

File Kept 

Audio ready 

[Audio starting]

On behalf of the Little Patch Heaven Film and Broadcasting Society,

We thank you for your cooperation and development

Viewing of this tape is strictly forbidden 

Place the wire back into its filed location 

And follow the Underkey outside the building

This way, the mayor will have confirmation that you are an official task officer who has authorisation to view the tape

Once outside, wave at the sky

It may seem like a silly action 

But

Someone is watching you

Then carry on your way and forget all you have learned 

Give respect to our fathers

Our mothers

Our Sons 

Our Daughters

Blink at the man in the moon

Tape #235 is property of the Little Patch Heaven police 

Any distribution of this audio will lead to immediate incarceration 

UNLESS authorised 

[///Audio has ended///]

[krizaland]

Enter the Zimvoid Chapter 35

First Chapter  Previous

We’ve hit the climax and shit is heating up!!

Here’s the song I used btw

You let out a shriek as the Zib-Robot was about to crush you!

“PRETTY Y/N, LOOK OUT!”

SWOOP!

Brutus swooped in and scooped you, your Zim, and Majestzee out of the way.

“Brutus! You saved us!” You squealed as you hugged his massive cheek.

Brutus let out a dopey giggle as he leaned into your touch.

“Hey! That’s great and all but-ACK!”

POW!

Dib was cut off by one of the Zib-Robot’s lasers zooming over his head.

“Brutus! We need to protect everyone else! Do you think you can help move them all to safety?!” You asked, your voice was laced with a slight plea.

“OF COURSE! BRUTUS CAN DO ANYTHING!”

And with that Brutus moved you, your Zim, and Majestzee to safer spot and rounded up all the other Zims, GIR and Dib.

“Great job, Brutus! Now This is gonna sound crazy but I need you to take me to the top of that robot!” You explained as you pointed to the Zib-Robot headed your way.

“WHAT?!” Everyone else cried out in unison.

“Y/N! ARE YOU INSANE?! WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT HIDEOUS OTHER DIB WILL DO TO YOU?!” Specs wailed as he shook your shoulders.

“I know, I know but…I’m the one he wants. If I give in to his demands, I can convince him to spare you guys! I can-”

“NO! YOU WILL NOT SACRIFICE YOURSELF TO THAT VILE FITHY OTHER DIB! I,THE ULTIMATE ZIM, FORBID IT!” Your Zim interjected as he grabbed your wrist.

“But Zim I-”

“But nothing! I have a much better plan that’ll fix everything!” Your Zim insisted.

“But-”

“Everything!”

“Are we really gonna listen to a plan from this-AHH!!!”

ZZZAP!!!

Majestzee was cut off by another laser blast firing out of the Zib-Robot.

“Looks like we don’t have any other choice! Alright Y/N’s Zim, what is your plan?” Specs asked as he adjusted his glasses.

“You’ll see! Everyone! Follow me! THE ULTIMATE ZIM COMMANDS IT!”

And with that, Your Zim lead everyone to the Dimensional Zapper.

“BEHOLD! THE DIMENSIONAL ZAPPER! This was originally my design before that other Dib soiled it with his filthy Dib filth!” Your Zim explained as he gestured to the Zapper.

“Wait a minute! So you were the one who created the very thing that got us all trapped here?!” Specs seethed as he snapped a finger in Your Zim’s face.

“I said I designed it! That filthy other Dib ruined it! He’s the one that trapped us here! I was going to use this Zapper to bring the Tallest to Urth! Well before I met Y/N that is.” Your Zim ranted as he pushed away Specs’s finger.

“Ok, that makes more sense…Even if it is pretty stupid.” Specs sighed as he folded his arms.

“It wasn’t stupid! It was INGENIOUS! Anyhow, if I can undo that other Dib’s tampering then I should be able to change the Zapper’s frequency so that the portals will send all of us back to our home timelines!” Your Zim explained as he scooped up GIR.

“Are you sure this idea is safe-”

“Of course it’s safe! Now! Witness my INGENIOUS reengineering skills!”

And with that, Zim jammed GIR into the Zapper.

He was about to make the change but Specs stopped him.

“Wait! If you’re going to tamper with this Zapper then you mustn’t do it alone! I will assist you.” Specs insisted as he went to another part of the Zapper.

“WHAT! I AM THE ULTIMATE ZIM! I NEED HELP FROM NO-”

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Zim was cut off by the sound of the Zib-Robot drawing closer!

“Come out, come out where ever you are Zims~ You can’t hide from me forever~” Zib sang as a crazed giggle escaped his throat.

“ARGH! Fine! Just do as I say, got it?! One wrong move and we could all be wiped from existence!” Your Zim warned as he turned to resume his tinkering.

“Well while those two are working on the Zapper, we need to distract that robot!” 2k announced as he gestured to the Zib-Robot stomping about.

“Right! I think I have the perfect idea!” You announced as you climbed onto Brutus’s head.

And with that, you lead the rebel Zims into battle!

Brutus helped chuck the rebel Zims onto the Zib-Robot’s arms and legs.

The moment the rebel Zims landed on the Zib-Robot they begun to zap, slam, and smash away at.

CLANG!

VOOM!

POW!

PEW!

The Zib-Robot wobbled as Zib struggled to shake the rebel Zims off of it.

“GET OFF OF ME YOU SPACE PESTS!” Zib roared as he pounded away at the robot’s controls.

“Alright, Brutus. I need you to throw me onto the robot’s head!” You explained gently as you watched the robot flail about.

“BUT PRETTY Y/N-”

“Brutus, I’m gonna be fine, I promise.” You reassured as you gave him a hug.

“BRUTUS DOESN’T WANT TO LET PRETTY Y/N FIGHT OFF TINY ZIB-MAN!!” Brutus whimpered as a few large tears formed in his eyes.

“Alright, how about you come with me then?” You offered gently.

Brutus sniffled and nodded.

“OK. BRUTUS WILL HELP PRETTY Y/N!”

And with that, Brutus put you on his back and climbed to top the Zib-Robot’s head.

“Great work, Brutus! Now let-WOAH!”

The Zib-Robot toppled a bit, causing you to slide off of Brutus’s back.

“PRETTY Y/N!!!!!!”

FWIP!

You were caught by a large tentacle that lashed out from the Zib-Robot.

Before you could respond, the tentacle dragged you inside the Zib-Robot!

“So, you’ve finally come crawling back huh?” Zib let out a dark chuckle as the tentacle brought you to his face.

“Zib, listen to me, you have to stop this! Going on a rampage won’t solve anything-”

“SILENCE! I have been more than patient with you, Y/N. I’ve tried everything to win your love but clearly it was all for nothing! I thought you were different! I thought that you cared! But no! You’re just another useless human just like everyone else!” Zib ranted, pelting your face with more drool.

“Zib-”

“BE QUIET! I see now that any attempts to woo you would be all in vain! and yet…I…I can’t stop wanting you….Needing you…” Zib’s voice was a shaky whisper as murky tears streamed down his cheeks.

You opened your mouth to speak but the tentacle gave you a tight squeeze, silencing you instantly.

“Therefore, the only way to rid myself of these…horrible cravings! Is to rid myself of….you” Zib’s body shook as he spoke.

You let out a gasp as you struggled to wriggle out of the tentacle’s grip.

“I know, I know. But this is gonna hurt me more than it will hurt you! I’m sorry, my sweet but I can’t let you rip my heart out again!”

Zib was about to press a button on his throne when-

POP!

You managed to free yourself from the tentacle’s iron grip!

You let out a heavy sigh as you balled up your fists.

“I can make a promise. I can make a plan. I can make a difference. I can take a stand.” You stood up straighter as you shot Zib a glare.

“I can make an effort! If I only understand…That I….I can make a change!”

“ARGH! You know what?! Forget the tech! I’M GOING TO HANDLE YOU MYSELF!” Zib roared as he tackled you to the ground.

You writhed a bit before pushing Zib off of you and jumping to your feet.

Zib let out another growl as he sprung to his feet as well.

Zib activated his PAK’s spider legs and made another run for you!

“Gather all my problems. Gather all my pain. Take control of what I’m feeling! Patience to understand…” You grabbed Zib’s wrists just seconds before they reached your neck.

Zib gasped as he struggled to free himself from your grip.

“I know. I know you must be hurting….But please just know that I am with you! So that you don’t suffer all alone….So you…You can make a change…”

POP!

It didn’t take long for Zib to wriggle out of your grip.

He tried to grab your neck again but you swiftly dodged him.

WHAP!

Zib’s face kissed the ground.

He let out a groan as he shook himself back to reality.

More murky tears streamed down his cheeks as he slurped up a stream of drool.

With a loud war cry, Zib made another lunge at you.

SLAM!

Zib pinned you to the wall as his spider legs caged you in.

“You claim to understand what you can not know! The gall to lecture me! As though you can relate to me! So just go back your Zims! Your precious sweet little Zims there’s no time left to loose!” Spit soaked your face as Zib jammed a finger into your chest.

“Change is only for the strong! For the strong!” Zib’s voice cracked as he shoved you towards the window.

“You can make it different! You can make it right! You can make it better! We don’t have to fight!” Tears streamed down your face as you struggled to keep your balance.

Zib’s face fell a bit and his hands shook as he dangled you over the windowsill.

“You can make an effort! Starting with tonight! Because you…You can make a change!”

Next

[randomnotesofmyown]

Psycho-Pass (20)

Episode 20 - Where Justice lies

Tsunemori at the outside of the core of the Sibyl system. The wall plates slided to create an entrance and the system tole the agent to get in. "Why on earth are you talking to me?" "What you're about to see is the brain of this world as well as its heart.

Makishima paid a visit to professor Kudama and appeared to have already obtained the information about hyper oats. "The food we eat every day is all thanks to this remarkable technology, and yet, so many citizens are unaware of it." Kudama, "Indeed. These days, the world is full of people who treat the blessings of science as things they are entitled to. It's really rare to see a young person like you who takes an interest in this." "It's quite regrettable to see you, who was at the forefront of establishing today's food situation in Japan, retired and ignored like this." Makishima got on his feet, walked to the book shelves and continued, "What I'm interested in is the Uka-no-Mitama defense virus's slipshod security system. Even if it's a good virus, if you are able to change the target as you please depending on how you configure the sequencer, it's possible to adjust it so that it can kill the oats themselves instead of pests. Uka-no-Mitama will quickly change form a god of fertility who brings good harvest to a devil who brings death." "What are you..." "On top of that, they converted a lab in a closed down university to the control center that takes care of adjustment and distribution of the virus. The facility predates the use of cymatic scans for security. "

"Its security system uses numeric passwords or, at best, biometric scans. Then, since you used to be in charge there, with your help..."

By the time Kogami arrived, the professor was already dead.

Tsunemori, standing in front of the core of the Sibyl system, shocked by what the system told her. 

"Did Kagari die here? Die you guys kill him?" She asked. "We compared and considered the contribution Kagari Shusei would make to society throughout his life against the risk of him revealing the secret of the Sibyl system and decided that the latter issue was more important." Shaking with anger, Tsunemori exploded, "don't be ridiculous! 'More important,' you said?!"   

"You are right. The appearance of criminally asymptomatic people, whom the Sibyl system cannot analyze, is inevitable. No matter how detailed and robust a system you build, a certain number of irregularities that deviate from it are certain to appear." "And you call that a perfect system?! To think that something like this is deciding the lives and death of people..." "But if we just improve the system and make it more complex, we can never expect it to be perfect. Then we have no choice but to resolve the contradictions by altering the way in which we operate the system, rather than its functions. By permitting the appearance of irregularities we cannot manage and taking measures to coexist, the system achieves perfection in a practical sense." "What do you mean by that?" "We can entrust the management of the system to those who deviate from the system. That is the most logical conclusion. When we used to have individual personalities and bodies, we were all criminally asymptomatic persons, who deviated from the management of the Sibyl system. There are even many among us who acted far more cruelly than Makishima." "Then are you saying..."

"...and that this monster has been running the world?!" "By first rejecting relative valuations such as good or evil, an absolute system can be established. What is needed is a perfect and infallible system. Who manages it and how it is managed are irrelevant." "That's nonsense!" "In a truly completed system, its operator's will is not questioned. Our will itself is the system and the universal standard of value that transcends ethics." "Don't be ridiculous! Just who do you think you are?!" "It is true that every one of us here used to have many problems with our personalities. However, we harmonize through the acts of integrating everyone's minds, and so we have been able to achieve the goal of a universal standard. The more prejudiced and peculiar the orientation of the individuals who comprise the system, the more new ideas and values it brings to our perception and the more flexible and diversified our thinking becomes. In that regard, Makishima Shogo's idiosyncrasy is quite valuable and so, we have high hopes that he can become an especially useful member. Attaining a logical society in which various contradictions and inequalities are resolved... That is, indeed, the ultimate happiness sought by the rational human mind. By achieving an absolutely perfect system, Sibyl has become an existence that embodies that ideal." "Why are you telling me about this?" "You instinctively hate and emotionally detest us right now. And yet, you still cannot deny the Sibyl system's significance and necessity. You accept the fact that the current social order cannot hold without Sibyl. You place the importance on its necessity rather than its justifiability. We highly value your standards." "You killed Kagari in order to keep your secrets!" "Tsunemori Akane possesses a sense of purpose that is shared by the Sibyl system. Hence, we decided that the possibility that you'd reveal our secrets and endanger the system is infinitely small."

"Let us confirm once again. Tsunemori Akane, do you wish a world without the Sibyl system? Right, you try to nod but then become hesitant. The ideal you imagine isn't clear and firm enough to deny the social order achieved at this point. You recognize that the current peaceful society and harmony achieved through the happiness of citizens and order are more important than anything else. Hence, no matter how much you hate and deny the Sibyl system, which is the foundation of those things, you cannot reject it." "Don't talk like you know everything." "If we analyze your reaction read by the cymatic scan, we can clearly grasp everything. Stop acting brave and let us have a heart-to-heart discussion. The goal of this meeting is to establish a collaborative relationship." "Collaborative?" "CID division 1 is currently in a crisis situation. Due to Kogami Shinya's recklessness and Ginoza Nobuchika being drained, the team is starting to show signs of dysfunction. Unless a new leader takes the initiative in the investigation, we cannot expect success in tracking down Makishima Shogo." "Mr. Ginoza is...drained?" "Tsunemori Akane, because you were caught in an unnecessary inner conflict, you have not been able to exhibit your potential capacities, either. The lack of understanding of the situation has been clouding your decision."

"We decided that telling you the truth is the best way to give you motivation. Tsunemori Akane..."

"You and we share the same value of trying to avoid a pointless death caused by unchecked emotions."

"If you guys broke the law in the past, you should atone for your crimes in a befitting way." "Our contributions to society are more than enough compensation for the damages we caused in the past."   "How convenient, huh?"

Flashbacks:

"If we were living in the days before Sibyl's diagnosis, our happiness would've been up to luck. So this is a lot better than the old days." "I envy you. You're likely to end up with multiple aptitudes, Kaori." 

"700 points. I can't believe it."

"With your score and Psycho-Pass, Akane, you've got a rosy life." Yuki, "Whoa...My rank is C...I knew it but I'm still shocked." Kaori, "Mine are all office jobs. It would be tough to improve my job situation from there." Yuki, "hey, hey, how was yours, Akane?"

Kaori, "This score really is amazing. You have the aptitude even for the PSB!" Tsunemori, "B-but, if they recommend any place and every place, I don't know which one's good for me after all. I wonder how I can decide..." Voice of Kagari, "I don't know. What makes you think that someone like me would know? You could become anything. You even agonized over it, right? That's incredible. You're just like those old people before Sibyl was created." Tsunemori, "yeah, it's incredible, isn't it? Everyone used to feel their way around and chose their own life...To think that a world in which such things were just natural existed..."

Kagari, "nowadays, the Sibyl system reads your talent and tells you the way of living that will bring you the most happiness. And yet, you're talking about your life? The reason you were born? I never even thought there were people who stressed over things like that!" "Yeah, it's a heavy, tough anxiety. But...now I feel...that it might actually be a happy thing to be able to worry about those things." It changed into an imaginary dialog when the voice of Makishima came.

"So I've asked many people about their suppressed free will and observed their actions all this time." Tsunemori, "right, now I might be able to understand how you feel a little." Makishima, "How do you define crime to start with? That dominator you're holding...does the Sibyl system that governs that gun decide it?"

Tsunemori, "that's wrong, isn't it? That was the mistake in the first place." Makishima, "by analyzing a bio-organism's force field read by a cymatic scan, they figure out how a person's mind works. The intelligence of science finally uncovered the secret of souls, and this society changed drastically. However, people's wills are not a part of that assessment. I wonder just what sort of criteria you use to divide people into good and evil." Tsunemori, "I'm sure the important thing wasn't the conclusion of good or evil. I feel it was to think about it yourself, agonize over it and accept it." Makishima, "I want to see the splendor of people's souls. I want to check and see if it really is precious. However, when humans base their lives around Sibyl Oracle, without ever consulting their own wills, do they really hold any value?" Tsunemori, "There's no way they don't! Are you saying that <i>you</i> decide their value? You judge someone's family, their friends?! You judge the value of a happiness you've never felt?!" Switched to Yuki.

"Someone else always took care of things for me and I never ever asked myself what was important. Say, Akane, do you think I was still happy that way?" Tsunemori replied sadly, "You could have become happy. You could have searched for the answer anytime...As long as people are alive, anyone can do it."

End of flashbacks and imaginary dialogs.

In her car, Tsunemori got a call from Ginoza, who asked her where she wandered off to. "The chief ordered me to deliver something to the Ministry of Welfare." "There was a murder in Ichikawa. Kogami's prints have been found at the site. Come here immediately. "

On her way to the crime scene, Tsunemori told the Sibyl system that she would do what it asked her to on one condition. "If I bring in Makashima Shogo alive, in return, you will guarantee Kogami Shinya's life as well. Withdraw his execution order." The Sibyl system replied, "those two things are not logically equivalent." "I don't care about your logic. If Mr. Kogami won't be saved, then I'll let Makishima die without doing anything. If push comes to shove, I'll kill him with my own hands."

"And go find another pawn you think you can use." "Understood. Only once Makishima Shogo is captured alive will we make an exception for Kogami Shinya."

Tsunemori got to the crime scene and learned from Masaoka that residents reported seeing someone with that helmet. The agents found, after asking around, the only house which security was busted and inside it was a dead person.

Kunizuka, "The victim is Kudama Nobuaki. He used to work for a lab belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, but he retired quite a long time ago and was now just an ordinary pensioner."

Ginoza, "the house appears to have been searched and we found Kogami's fingerprints. But why on earth..."

Tsunemori, "this wound on his neck...it might be Makishima Shogo who did it. This old man had something to do with Makishima's next plan. Mr. Kogami figured it out and rushed here, but he was too late..." Ginoza, "So Kogami really is ahead of us, huh?' Masaoka, "even so, why on earth was this old man killed by Makishima? It's hard to investigate a site that's been thoroughly messed up like this."

Tsunemori, "What would Mr. Kogami consider the most undesirable result?" Kunizuka, "letting Makishima get away, right?" Tsunemori, "then when would his second most undesirable result be?" Masaoka, "being found by us before he kills Makishima...perhaps." Tsunemori, "Yes. Let's think about things in that order. What if Mr. Kogami, who got here before us, had hidden the body somewhere hard to be found? While Kudama Nobuaki remained missing...we would have continued pursuing a misdirected investigation and Mr. Kogami would have had a larger lead." Ginoza watched as Tsunemori made the deduction and saw Kogami instead.

"Mr. Kogami isn't the overconfident type. In case he fails by some chance, I think he would at least leave a clue so that someone can stop Makishima. The question is, when will we notice that clue...He's testing us...to see if we have the same or an even bigger tenacity than his to pursue Makishima...If you don't have that determination, you'll be stranded here and get a late start." Then...

"Can you find something?" Drone, "Something metal is detected inside the victim's airway." Tsunemori, "give me gloves." Masaoka, "h-hey, leave it to the forensics." Tsunemori, "that will allow Mr. Kogami to buy some time. If we want to catch up with him, we have to do it right here, right now." She retrieved the object from the victim's throat.

Tsunemori placed the device above her wrist communicator and saw that it contained an audio file.

"This is Kogami, a former Enforcer. This message is left for the detectives who'll be here in a while. The victim is Kudama Nobuaki, a former Doctor of Agriculture. He was in charge of a development team for the Uka-no-Mitama virus, a disease countermeasure for hyper-oats. He was considered to be the biggest contributor to Japan's achievement of complete food self-sufficiency. In order to totally destroy the granary in Hokuriku, Makishima got some idea from Professor Kudama and killed him. He gouged out the eyeballs from the body and cut all the fingers at their second joints. They may be needed to break through some form of security. A facility from the old days where the security equipment depended on the old type biometric scans instead of cymatic scans...The lab Kudama's research team was using at Izumo university is suspicious. The lab is currently used as the control center for the Uka-no-Mitama virus."

Ginoza, "totally destroying a granary...bio-terrorism committed by a single person?!" Tsunemori, "Let's hurry. We should still be able to make it in time." Makishima made his way into Kudama Lab at Izumo University. Kogami arrived and was about to find a way in. 

End of episode 20

Comment: The flashback scene made me wonder one thing. People looked to Sibyl for job recommendations. For people who the system could not analyze, like Makishima, did they get such recommendations? If they didn't, how did they find jobs? And the moment Tsunemori pointed that dominator at her chest got me. If the system refused, if it really went ahead and killed her and looked for another pawn. She would really have died and it would be for nothing. But her determination, and her gamble paid off.

Extra thought added on Nov 12. I came to see the logic why former criminals were chosen to become part of the Sibyl system. To judge the possibilities of anyone who would commit a crime, you need people who understand how criminals would think and act, or what would go on inside their head. In this sense, no one knows criminals better than former criminals.

[hjh-ceilo-monster]

Soulmate Verse : Twisted (KTH)

Summary :  You were the agent undercover on a mission.It has been a month that you hanged around some gang stuff.Everything seemed to be easy and smooth sailing or so you thought.Two factors changed your mind comepletely. First was your tattoo start burning without any reason to explain it.Second was your plan got ruin by a police officer,who has ego higher than mount everest,and captured you.What the hell was going on? 

Author POV.

“Mission on board..here me?”

“Yes miss!”

The sound answer back.Checking everything escpecially her eyes plug,she decides to move forward for the second plan.She is dressing in a black long dress with side cut to shiw her leg.It hovers her parefectly and show her curves. 

“Let’s end this game.” 

Month ago

“Y/N,here’s the file for your next mission.”

You collected the black folder case.Opened and read every details inside it.Not going to lie but everything in here it seemed interesting.You had no hesitation in your mind to accept the job.

From that day,you continued research more about those group.A few times you got inside their bars,their company and many other places that involved their business.Making sure your got everything from them before building the plan.

“So they’re having a party in their Yatch.Get me an invitation.”

“Yes miss.”You subordinate took care of it as you ordered.

Continue the story

You enter the Yatch which is full of rich people.There are gangs,politicians and business people all over the Yatch.‘Secret my ass’ You think before step on board.

“Invitation.”One of the guard block your way.You roll your eyes in annoyance before send it to him.He checks and asks few questions.You answer all of them and decide to hurry things up.

“Sorry but I have a meeting so can you hurry up?”

The guard then let you leave with no more question.First step complete,second is progressing.You decide to give yourself a tour around the Yatch first. Collecting information from the conversation here and there,that’s enough for you to start second step.

When the event start,you secretly enter main deck where every files and important list of peeple are there.Knocking out the guard one by one,you finally arrive in front of the metal door.Spin the metal wheel,the door unlock.

“Here we go,my final.”

Taehyung POV.

“Sir we ready.”

“Then start the mission.”

All of my men seperate all over the venue.I,myself,walk toward the main deck to find the files and send to the headquater.I stroll along the way down the corricor until I find the place.

To my surprise,The guards around there knock down by someone.Something looks suspicious here.I hope the other gangs get it.I am going to destroy this loop by myself.I enter the open door,carefully step in.

‘No one,impossible.’I become even more careful after find and emoty room.

*crack*

‘Like I thought.’

“Come out or I blow your head.”

I threat.Gun point at the sound source.I am really sure someone is inside here with me.The figure show up with gun also pointing at me.Nice body....wait,what am I thinking.Taehyung,focus on your mission. 

Just then she dodger me and start to live the room.I follow her out and block her way.We both start fighting for the file which still in her hand.She’s a fierce on,I could tell.

“Sir,you got it?The team will arrive soon.”

“Yeah got it.”

Y/N POV.

‘Such a pest’ I think to myself while fighting to get free from this guy.Why I need to have someone tail behind right now.All of sudden my grip on the guy loose,my tattoo is burning my skin like fire.

“Ouch”With that,he uses this opportunity to cuff my with hand cuff.

“What the hell!”I whisper scream.

“You’re coming with us.”And then that guy talk something into his ear pieces and drag me along with him.

‘This is great.’

I am sitting inside the ruin dusty metal bars.What the fuck is happening again? I want to finish my mission and here I am,in this room.Just then one of the officer bring me out and push me in the white room.

“Sit.”

“Who the hell are you? And don’t order me.”

“I’m the leader here and I suggest you to sit before I command my men to drag you out and let the judge sentence you to death.”

“Don’t you dare to threat me!”

Author POV.

The interogation process is a mess.Both of them nearly fight inside the room.No one really dare to get inside since that’s the order from their leader.Someone then enter and everyone bow.

“Stop you both.”

“Sir.”Taehyung turn toward the cheif and bow.You throwa dagger to him with a stare.

“What is this mess,uncle?”Taehyung raise his head up and look at the figure in front of him.‘Uncle?’One word that become a question to him.

“So you decide to not tell me that you let this guy*point at Taehyung*interfer my mission?Give me a good reasons right now.”

“You are a stubborn kid who solo the mission without being aware of your life. Can’t I worry about my neice?”The cheif reply.

“If you were worry,you wouldn’t let me train 15 years ago.”

Y/N spit the hurtful fact about her life.The cheif sign and then continue to explain Taehyung about you.The guy only nod and speak nothing.He’s still confuse the relationship between the cheif and this girl.

“So I decide from now the case you will handle with Taehyung.”

“What!”

Few weeks later

“I’m the leader!”

“No I’m the leader!”

In the meeting of his team and yours,it doesn’t go really well.‘Both of you are good,you will get along.’ No that’s not gonna happen in any minute and your subordinates can see that quiet clear.

“Sir we have problem...”And before he finish,the electric start to go off.

“Hi ladies and gentlemen,how are you guys doing?”

“Bastard”Both of you grit your teeth.Knowing well who is he.

“Well chill....I can see you guys team up already.What a nice little plan.However, make sure that you guys won’t be late for my party.I’m waiting.”

The screen turn off again.You and Taehyung need to quit this little game right away and start planning everything.His team will take care of information while yours will take care of operation plan.It’s easy for your team to handle operation team.You are the top spy afterall.

“Boss we get his location.What next?”One of your coworker ask.

“Be ready,we’ll arrive there soon.”

You decide not to tell Taehyung and his team since this is your mission.You want to work this out alone.Little do you know,your body isn’t fine for the past few days.After the day that you tattoo burnt or it was just youe feeling.Your body so getting weaker.

“Lucky it was on my left arm.”You wrap a pain relieve up with the bandage around it.Then you continue to dress for the mission.

“What are you,super hero?”

“I can handle myself!”

“Shut it,I won’t let you ruin this!”

Talking about your mission,it was smooth sailing.One thing that piss you off are Taehyung standing here and arguing with you right now.No one dare to enter the room,not when you both consumed by anger and try to kill each other.

“Missy listen here,you uncle order is important to me.”

“But not to me.”

“Can’t you quit that stubborn attitude and let’s work this out together?”

“I’m not gonna work with the one that ruin my plan.”You boil with anger.Shouting back and forth with him like it’s a battle.However,that stop when you feel your arm burn again.

Taehyung whose patient is now below than zero grab your arm.You yelp out with pain.‘Bsastard why need to be there?’ You curse in your head.HE notices it immediately and takes off your bandage.Revealing the red burn around the tattoo which is like a hole for something.

“You need to rest.”He speaks with cold demanding voice.You startle with how his attitude change.He leaves the room.You look at your tattoo and back to the door.

‘It’s not possible,is it?’ Last thing Taehyung think in his head before he leaves.

Time Skip

“So this is our plan.We’re going to lure them out into a cruise...”Taehyung explain the plan, but you didn’t listen one a bit.You feel like you aren’t yourself today.Head throb with pain.

“Y/N stay here,you guys dismiss.”The others go out one by one.Worrry is written on their face.Preparing themselves to hear both of them argue loudly in this room again.They are all worry their leaders,but afraid to interfer.

Taehyung explain the plan and discuss with you.You quite surprise of his new side,calm yet serious at the same time.You never see this side of him. Wondering how this guy who arrogant and full of himself change into someone that speak calmly yet you can feel his dangerous aura.

MIssion Day

“Woh our captain is sexy as hell.”

“Yeah wish we can see her in swimming suite again after this.”Your subordinates whisper to each other so do Taehyung.He suppress his thirst and focus on the plan.

Your subordinates and his dress as if they are apart of big mafia.Taehyung is the boss while you are his assistance.You all cover the identity really well.Some of you need to make over especially you and Taehyung since you both might already be in the information base.

“Thanks for making this deal with us,Mr.V”One of the member speak.

“Not a problem,I think we should relax a bit and let’s enjoy my party.”Taehyung gesture to the girls that we hire for fake party.Their leader nod.He easily gets in the trap.

The party start and everything is under the control of you guys.None of them notice that this wasn’t a party and you all weren’t a mafia group.When there’s a chance,one by one disappear.Leaving the leader with you.

“Gotcha”You speak and handcuff him.

“Wait what is this?”

“You’re under the arrest.”Taehyung speak with his gun pointing at the guy.The guy then smirk and all of sudden kick you and get your gun.You stand up and fight with the guy.

*click bang*

The sound from gun appear.Taehyung doesn’t why he mad all of sudden,but he use his gun then slap that guy.Knocking the man which in a second lay on the wooden floor.

“No I’m fine.”You speak.You head is spinning and your blood run cold.You feel like you’ll knock out in any moment.‘No not yet.’You mumble with yourself and clear eveything with Taehyung.

“Y/N!!!”

A week later

“No I’m not going to listen to this bullshit!”You shout.One week in hospital wasn’t  something you expect.Well there is one thing far worse than staying in the hospital anyway.

‘Miss this is the sign of you rejecting your soulmate.If you continue,it might be so dangerous that it will be fatal pain.’

“No it’s not him!”You scream out.You can’t believe that your soulmate is Taehyung.Why on earth?You want to go and find god and slap him really hard. Maybe that will make him gain some sense that you and him weren’t a good partner.

“You can’t ignore your fate.”The last thing your uncle say before he leave the room.You sigh and look out the window.

In this pass week,Taehyung atiitude changed completely.You don’t know if it’s because he know that you’re his soulmate or other reason.You can’t trust him yet.Even though,he seemed to be nicer than before.

“Maybe he changes because of soulmate thing.”

On the other hand,Taehyung went crazy when he found out.He didn’t think that his guess would be true.It made him fell for you more than he had.His big secret was a crush on you and you didn’t know.You can say it’s love at first sight. Knowing you’re his soulmate makes everything clear for him.

Attempt #1

“Let me give you a drive back home.”

“I say get lost,Kim!”

Attempt #2

“Flowers for you.”

“I don;t like flowers.”*throw them into a bin*

Attempt #3

“I heard from the other day that today is your birth-”

“If you buy me a present,I’ll return it immediately.”

*Later on in the evening,the dilivery land on your house* “Miss,the order is here.”

Attempt #4

“Are you free tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s go on a date.”

“Then no,I’m not free tonight.”

Sadly that he needs to put effort to get his girl.His coworkers notice it and they help him.Yes,they still afraid of him.However,seeing him smile and many attitude change make them want to help their leader.

*knock knock*

“Jagi what’s that?”Taehyung ask.You startle and hide his diary.

“ No..noyhing.”Taehyung gaze at you and give suspicious look.He notices you hide something so he walk closer and closer.

“You know...naughty girl should be punish right?”He smirks and you gulp. Leaning closer until his face is in front of you.Staring deep to reach your soul, you freeze in place.Using that chance,he gets the diary from you.

“Tsk..tsk..tsk...”You smile with your face drain the color.Knowing what will come for you.You then run out while Taehyung chase you from behind.

“Yah! stop it Kim Tae-”

“Gotcha.”He carry you back toward your share bedroom.Ending up exhausted from laughing too much.You both lay down and catch your breathe.

“Still hurt?”He asks while caress the tattoo area.You shake  your head.Then he kiss it gently.

“Not anymore.Not when I accepted you that day.”He smiles genuinely.Caress your face he peck your lips.The pairs of cherry lips land on you feel really soft as if it’s a cushion.

“Thank you,for accepting me.”

First you chased someone.The next moment someone chase you.What a plot twist you having there?Well you won’t complain anyway since you end up getting your soulmate.

[sanders-sanctuary-au]

Sanders Sanctuary for Borrowers/Tinies

Hello! Welcome to this AU! Have an info dump post to get yourself acclimated to the universe! And read the first fic installment if you haven’t here! 

Content Warnings: Mentions of abuse (of both humans and borrowers),  lots of talk about treating people as pets, starvation, mentions of intelligent people being used as science experiments, minor character death, please let me know if I should add anything!

Premise

The Sanders Sanctuary for Borrowers (or as it’s publicly known, the Sanders Sanctuary for Tinies) is located in and around the farmhouse of one Thomas Sanders. 

Officially to the public, the sanctuary is a place where tinies who were in bad situations, such as an abusive owner, an illegal zoo, or underground fight club, can be taken to recover. Unofficially, the mission of the sanctuary is to rescue any borrower it can, from any situation where they’re being exploited by humans, whether the rest of society deems it “abusive” or not. 

The Sanctuary currently has two human “employees,” Thomas Sanders, the founder, and Deacon Jacobs, Thomas’s best friend. Thomas would love to one day bring in more humans to help, but for now, Dee is the only one he trusts to keep the secret of the sanctuary’s true purpose. 

The eventual goal is to turn the sanctuary into a force for change; through education and rescue work, Thomas hopes to change the public’s perception of borrowers and stop their mistreatment at the hands of society. 

The sanctuary is designed to allow the borrowers to live as independently as possible, if they so wish, and the eventual goal is to have it be completely borrower run and serviced, though there simply isn’t enough manpower yet for this to happen.

Humans

Thomas Sanders 

Thomas is a 30 year old actor and singer who moved to the country when he inherited a big farmhouse and a little chunk of land from his  Aunt Patty. 

He mostly does stage acting, which is where he met Deacon, and it’s his biggest passion besides helping borrowers. 

He doesn’t have very many human friends in the area, and everyone in the small town that’s near his house thinks he’s a bit weird: a city boy who moved out to the country and started a sanctuary for tinies? But he’s super friendly and polite to everyone, so there’s no ill will. More like animosity, which for the kind of operation he runs, suits Thomas just fine. 

Thomas is very active online, where there are a smattering of other Tiny Rights groups. The groups are mostly advocating for safer care of pet tinies and against using tinies as lab subjects or who are fighting and spreading awareness about the illegal zoos or fight clubs, very few of them view tinies as people (think groups in our world that are against animal cruelty), but there are a few who do see that truth, and Thomas has been working to grow that community as best he can. 

Janus Deacon Jacobs

Deacon (he’s gone by his middle name since middle school due to teasing surround the name “Janus”) is a 28 year set designer and builder, and worked in the same theater as Thomas for about five years or so. He’s snarky and a bit abrasive at times, so he didn’t have many friends, but Thomas reached out to him and the two just clicked instantly. 

Deacon (or Dee, for short) was the first person who Thomas confided in about the tinies that he found, and surprised Thomas with the knowledge that he already knew that the creatures were intelligent and that they called themselves borrowers. 

When Dee was a child, he was in a pretty abusive household, and he used to hide in the attic when his parents got into one of their many screaming matches. There was a borrower living in that attic, and they became Dee’s only friend. For a long time, that borrower was Dee’s refuge from his parents, but his mom found out about the “pest” in the house  and had animal control come to catch it and take it away one day while Dee was at school. He never even got to say goodbye. 

When Thomas expressed interest in Dee about the sanctuary, Dee immediately offered his services. He knows its unlikely, but a tiny part of him hopes that one day he’ll find that borrower again. 

Deacon is the one who designed and built most of the more elaborate structures at the sanctuary, and once they started having borrowers actually living there, he helps them with the upkeep of the facilities and follows their lead on what needs to happen for things to run more smoothly. 

Borrowers (in the order that they arrived at the Sanctuary)

Joan and Talyn

Joan and Talyn are wild borrowers who lived by borrowing from Thomas’s Aunt Patty for years. When Thomas moved into the house, their borrowing woke him up in the middle of the night (Patty was a much heavier sleeper than Thomas is) and they were discovered.

They were initially very wary of Thomas, but when he realized how scared they were, he backed off. They were prepared to leave, but then they realized Thomas was leaving food out for them and that he hadn’t called animal control, so they decided to stay and give the guy a chance. 

Joan and Talyn are the only borrowers at the sanctuary who have been free their entire lives. They helped Thomas design his facility so that it would be a borrower’s idea of a sanctuary, not a human’s idea of one, and they help to find and bring other borrowers to the sanctuary. 

Roman

The first borrower besides Joan and Talyn to arrive at the sanctuary, Roman was born in captivity and raised for the pet trade. His owners were a rich couple who had expensive and exotic tastes. 

He was kept in a gilded cage in their sitting room during the day, and was expected to pose elegantly when people were in the room. 

One day the lady of the house overheard him singing to himself to pass the time, and after that, he was also made to sing for guests. 

He ended up at the sanctuary after the mansion burnt down in a fire; his owners only evacuated the “essentials,” so he was left in his cage as the house burnt around him. A support beam ended up falling in just the right way, knocking his cage down and damaging the door enough for him to crawl out and escape the house. 

For a few days, he was alone, wandering the city streets in search of food and shelter. He’d been dependant on humans his entire life and had no idea how to survive, so when Deacon found him and asked if he needed help, Roman was all too eager to accept. 

Logan

Logan was bred in captivity and was used as a lab-tiny. He was used for product testing (cosmetics, mostly), and still considers himself very fortunate, as he only encountered severe side effects two or three times over the course of his life in the lab. 

He never thought he’d know a life outside of the lab, but one night, an intern didn’t close his cage door properly and he took a chance on escape. He knew he might get himself killed if he tried, but he didn’t care, he’d take the chance on freedom. 

He succeeded, and managed to survive on his own for a couple months before Joan and Talyn found him on one of their scouting missions. He accepted their invitation to come back with them, and has lived at the sanctuary ever since.

Logan hates how borrowers are assumed to be inferior simply because of their size with a burning passion. He’s determined to prove that borrowers are just as intelligent as humans.

He taught himself how to read in the lab, and when he arrived at the sanctuary, attended online schooling (because online, everyone assumes you’re a human). He got a high school diploma in less than two years, and is working on his college degree now. 

Emile

Emile was born into the pet trade like Roman. He was bought for a little girl’s birthday present, and genuinely loved his human. 

He was by her side as she grew up, she told him about her day every single day when she got home from school, he met her best friends, he cried with her the first time she got her heart broken, and she let him roam free around her bedroom (though her parents wouldn’t allow him to roam the rest of the house.) 

They both thought that they’d be together forever, but then her dad got a job in a new city, and their new apartment didn’t allow pets. 

Emile had to be given away, and the home that he ended up in was not a nice one. He was no longer allowed to walk about as he pleased, he wasn’t fed very much, and he was basically neglected. The worst thing for him though, was watching his old human’s friend be neglected alongside him. Their parents were drug users, and didn’t care about much else, and it broke Emile’s heart to see such a sweet kid wilting away. 

When the parents were both arrested for drug use, the teen was put into foster care, and the police were planning on just dumping Emile at a shelter, but Thomas had caught wind of the case and offered to take him in, which no one else had a problem with. 

Emile wants to train to be a therapist to help both humans and borrowers alike work through their pain and trauma. 

Remy

Remy was born free, but was captured as a young teen by a group of humans that use tinies in underground fighting tournaments. 

Definitely had the worst of things physically. Was covered in cuts and bruises when he was rescued, not to mention dozens of old injuries that had never really healed properly. 

He fought just well enough to make it worth his handler’s while to keep him after losses. Was found when the police raided the operation. Unfortunately, while they did make a few arrests, most of the participants got away, along with all the other tinies. Remy was left behind because he’d just been knocked out losing a fight, so when the police get there they’re met with a few spectators who were too drunk to run away and one unconscious tiny in the middle of the ring. 

After being made to fight at night and sleep during the day, his sleep schedule is all out of whack, and he basically sleeps whenever his boyd gives out and he crashes. He doesn’t like bright lights or loud noises very much, and he wears dark glasses to keep everything a little dimmer. 

Patton and Virgil

Patton and Virgil are brothers who were born free. They were captured when Patton was 19 and Virgil 16 and sold to a pet store. 

Patton was sold right away, and spent just over a year living with a kind old man who needed a companion. But then, the old man passed away in his sleep, and Patton nearly starved to death with no one to take care of him. He was eventually found and taken to a shelter, who then called the Sanders Sanctuary. (more on this)

Patton was half dead when he was brought to the sanctuary, but when he started to recover physically, his mental state stayed very poor. Eventually, Emile was able to coax his story out of him, and Thomas and Deacon decided that their next mission was to track Virgil down and reunite the two brothers. 

Virgil spent two years wasting away unwanted in the pet store, until after nine months of looking, Deacon finally tracked him down and brought him to the Sanders Sanctuary to be with Patton again. 

Patton and Virgil join Joan and Talyn in helping borrowers who were born in captivity learn more about borrower culture and what it means to be self-sufficient. The two are still pretty shaken after everything they’ve been through, but with the help of everyone at the sanctuary, they’re beginning to heal.

Follow this blog for more content in the Sanders Sanctuary verse, and asks are open!

[fairiesherefairiesthere]

Fraxus prompt : Healing after battle

It’s Freed and Laxus during the Alvarez arc babes. This one’s for @cherryxcoco who gave me prompts !!! Thanks !! (it’s my first time writing these two heck ya)

He really should stop dawdling in front of the infirmary already. Porlyusica had left a little earlier, because she needed 'a fucking nap and far away from these pests too' and if that wasn't an indication that her patients were alright, nothing would be. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair before taking a deep breath and gently opening the wooden door separating him and his team.

Creaking obnoxiously, the door sweeps (well, more like inches open) and Laxus curses softly. "Fucking door, shut up. Haven't they been through enough shit already?" His tomfoolery gets greeted by a warm laugh and of course, the worst patient ever, also known as Freed Justine, is out of his bed. Perched upon the windowsill (because why would he use a chair like a normal person?), the man in question gives him a smile. "Good afternoon", he says casually, as though he hadn't been buried underneath a cathedral a few hours earlier.

For a moment, he doesn't quite know what to respond to that. 'Yeah man, nice seeing you after I thought y'all were dead. How's it goin? Not too aight, since your siblings in all but blood are still unconscious and you are bruised all over.' Since words are currently doing a great job at failing him, he simply crosses the room and comes to a halt right in front of him.

Him. The ever so responsible captain. His best friend (they should talk about titles sometimes because 'best friend' doesn't sound like enough). Freed Justine, who looks at him with blue eyes where sadness lurks in the depths of them and who opens his mouth, probably to apologise. Before that can happen, Laxus cuts him off by cupping the back of his head with a steady hand and presses him close to his chest. "If you dare to apologise, I will go shopping for you and you'll be forced to wear only those clothes. Say goodbye to your regency-esque clothes, it'll be Hawaiian shirts and leather pants only."

"I hate leather", Freed's muffled voice protests as he reciprocates the hug somewhat, tightening one arm around Laxus' middle. "It feels awful when it's hot out and in general, it tends to get very uncomfortable around-"

"You'll get used to it", he smoothly cuts in and Freed hums. "Maybe to the leather, yeah. But Hawaiian shirts really is taking it a step too far."  With a sigh, Freed detaches himself from Laxus and he refrains from chasing after the warmth of the other. Crossing his arms, he watches as Freed plucks a brush from a nearby nightstand and slowly, carefully starts treading it through his messy locks.

Had it been any other day, then he would've taken care of that a lot earlier. But that's the thing isn't it? Today isn't an ordinary day and the two of them can talk around the actual fact of the matter and pretend it is all they like, it still doesn't change the fact that Bix and Ever are laying unconscious in beds near them. Doesn't change the fact that the bags under Freed's eyes are a worrying shade of dark blue and it doesn't change the fact that the man's hands tremble as he holds onto a simply wooden brush.

"Are you alright?" Laxus asks and it's as rhetorical as a question can be. He doesn't regret asking it though, because it gives both Freed and him a chance to think this all over. For a moment, it looks like Freed is just going to give him a smile and wave his worries away. His lips already quirk up to do exactly that, but then the brush slips from his fingers, meeting the floor with a muted 'thud'.

A shaky exhale follows and before Freed can get himself off the windowsill to pick it up himself, Laxus already has the object in his hand. "Can I?" Quick as lightnening, a flash of anger appears in Freed's blue eyes and Laxus knows how prideful his captain is. He doesn't mean to insult him though, so he lays all of his cards on the table. "I've been feeling useless lately. You guys keep getting hurt and I'm never able to help. Please let me have this."

The reaction is immediate. Shoulders drooping, Freed beckons him closer with a movement of his head. As the other man shuffles a bit to the side to make place on the windowsill, Laxus sits down and tries to detangle the worst knots with his fingers first. It's a slow, arduous process, but it's worth it, he thinks, as Freed leans on him more and the tremors in his body subside a bit as his breathing pattern slows down. Neither of them says anything as Laxus trades his fingers for the brush and rids Freed's hair of any and all tangles.

"Done", he announces in a quiet tone when he's ready and when Freed turns to face him, Laxus wishes that he could whisk all the matters that are keeping his captain from happiness away just as easily. "Thank you", Freed replies, just as quietly, opens his mouth to say something and then snaps his mouth shut and shakes his head. "Talk to me", he demands as gently as he can. Biting his lip, Freed seems to question whether he should relay what's on his mind to Laxus.

His eyes move from the floor to meet Laxus' and whatever he finds in there must've convinced him, because he lets his head flop down on Laxus' shoulder with a defeated little sigh. Defeat isn't a good look on him and Laxus wishes he could help. "Me too", he says and after seeing Laxus' confused stare, he explains himself. "I too, feel useless. My team keeps getting hurt and I can't do anything about it. A fight happens and we're out within the first round. The only fight involving Fairy Tail where I actually contributed to it, was the one where we were trying to destroy it. Isn't that funny?"

His voice breaks on the 'funny' and before they can travel down his cheeks, he angrily wipes away the tears that have started to form. "Fuck", he whispers hoarsely and with that uncharacteristic curse word, the facade falls apart and all that's left is a simple man burying his face in Laxus' shirt and gripping the fabric as though it's a lifeline.

With his arms, Laxus builds a small fort around the other man, allowing him the privacy he knows the other appreciates. As muffled sobs down and Freed stops clenching his teeth in frustration, Laxus open his arms up again. "Hey there", he greets and brushes all of Freed's hair out of his face. With gentle movements of both of his thumbs, he wipes away the tear tracks and with his gaze, he demands the other to return it (it's taken him a while, but he's learned that there's no shame in feeling things. That doesn't mean that he's going to share his thoughts with everyone, but he has a soft spot for his closest friends).

"You've done well", he states and before Freed can protest, he continues. "You protected our whole city against an entire army, there's no denying that. You three actually took down a member of the Spriggan Twelve."

"We didn't." Freed's tone is flat as he looks away, ashamed and Laxus wishes he could shake the stubborn pride out of the man (he doesn't actually wish that, but he does want the captain to be a bit easier on himself. Freed should give the captain a break sometimes.) "We destroyed what was essentially, a remote controlled robot of his. A child's plaything, if you will." The sarcasm drips from his sentences like vile poison and it's right then and there that Laxus decides that Zeref can fuck off.

"I want to fight", Freed admits and Laxus doesn't doubt it for a minute. He also doesn't doubt that the other man is going to keel over as soon as he leaves that windowsill. "Later", he promises because he knows that not even God himself could keep Freed Justine in the infirmary for too long. For all that he worries about his team, he's awful at selfcare. "Take a nap for now, you need it."

Despite the dark circles underneath his eyes, it seems like Freed is going to protest and while they are having an intense staring match, Laxus hopes that it's not going to be a forced relaxation situation again (that time had been a team intervention and even then it hadn't gone all that well). Instead of choosing to be difficult, Freed just sighs and stretches out his arms. "Fine. But you'll have to carry me."

Rather unceremoniously he dumps a disgruntled Freed on the bed and hides a smile when the man kicks at him like a petulant child. "You're so childish", he has the nerve to say and rolls his eyes, before they start drooping and he lays back. His breathing evens out, but Laxus knowns his captain well enough to see that he isn't asleep just yet. Nevertheless, Laxus cards his fingers through strands of green. "Goodnight."

"It isn't even night", Freed mumbles, half asleep. Suddenly he breaks out of this state and looks at Laxus with a frantic light in his eyes. "Laxus I've got it", he whispers and briefly, he wonders if the Kardia cathedral might've hit his friend too hard. "A barrier", he continues, making absolutely zero sense.

"Rune magic, magical barrier particles, the cancellation of both of them", he rambles on, providing Laxus with enough dots to connect. "Holy shit", he breathes, "Freed Justine you're a genius and I love you."

"I'd kind of hope so, we've been friends for a long time."

"You know, that's not really what I meant." Freed gives him one of those smug smirks of his. "Oh I know, you aren't a subtle man. But now is neither the time nor place for any of that. I've taught you a barrier before, that one should suffice. Go kick ass and take back your health."

His tone softens again. "After that, let's talk about the other things. Give me something to look forward to after this whole shitshow has ended."

"I will", Laxus promises. "See ya later?"

Freed rolls his eyes. "Of course. I already told you I'd follow you anywhere, even to hell."

"You may follow me to hell after a nap."

"Duly noted."

The conversation draws a snort out of the both of them and after that, Freed collapses back unto the bed, arms raised. "Alright, I give in. Goodnight Laxus."

"Goodnight Freed", he answers but doesn't leave until he's certain that the other is sound asleep. "See ya in hell."

[stormhawksplanb]

Storm Hawks FanFic: Plan “B”

Chapter 3

Gyro. The man who took Gear from me, and made a mockery of my desires to protect my Terra. He stood in front of us. A grin on his face.

"Wow. You are a lot harder to get rid of than I thought. You even decided to bring a friend with you. I pretty much figured you wouldn't try and come here alone. Let alone be able to after you fell from the sky."

My voice cracked as I growled at him. Trying not to cry in front of him. But his smirk grew larger, and he laughed at me. Stork then tried turning towards me the best he could, even though he was tied to my side.

"Did-did you just growl at him?"

I gave him a half knowing smile, not wanting to say anything about it. Then I saw a bright glow near my face, and as I turned the view of Gyro with his Lance pointed directly at my face made my mouth dry up. His weapon was close enough to my throat that I could just barely feel the energy from the Yellow crystal's power. But he kept it far enough away from me that it didn't hurt. Yet.

"let me make this clear, Nova. You do not want to mess with me again. There's a storm coming. One you can't even begin to imagine the damage that it will cause. If you don't stay clear of the skies..."

He pulled his weapon away from me, as I swallowed what little saliva gathered in my mouth.

"Then I'll just have to take you down myself."

Nothing more was said, and I hung my head down, embarrassed. He finally turned away and left us alone. Most likely to alert whoever that other woman was.

I soon heard a soft grunt beside me. Stork had turned toward me again, or tried too... Again.

"You know. I may not be that fond of the situation, but I really don't like that guy..."

His voice carried the same poison as mine did when I talked about him. But even with the fear weighing heavy in my chest, they can't hold me and gear back from each other. And they're gonna learn that very soon.

"well it's a good thing We aren't tied up anymore-"

Stork gave me a questionable look, and huffed out loud.

"Oh? And why is that? If you couldn't tell these ropes have both our bodies, and legs tangled together. No one else knows where we are-"

I let him drone on with his complaints and nodded at gear, who was standing still in her cage. Once I did she simply slipped through the bars and wormed her way over to naw through the ropes. Stork continued his lecture as that went on.

"-and furthermore, It was your fault for getting us caught in the first... Place... Oh."

I chuckled at him as he sat on the ground below me. I had eventually stood up and offered him a hand. With a deep sigh he took it. Even though he seemed to hesitate.

"Welp! We found your furry friend, my job here is done."

I shook my head as he made his way through the door. If I didn't catch his attention now, something tells me that whatever Gyro was talking about meant trouble. And that trouble would still follow stork around as well, so...

"You do realize you're part of the most famous squadron right?"

Stork stopped in his tracks and gave me another famous sigh. I took this chance to finish my little speech.

"And since I'm not the only one who knows that there's some nut job out there who wants me, an innocent bystander, dead. He also did say something about 'a storm that's coming' and you seemed pretty upset over that women he was talking too-"

He cut me off before I could finish. What he said changed the mood drastically. He was so serious.

"listen. That woman you saw earlier was..."

He turned around to face me.

"That was one of Master Cyclonis' commanders... Her name is Ravess."

The air around me almost made it difficult to breathe. He walked up to me realizing he had my full attention.

"And if I were you I'd stay clear of the skies from now on, just like that guy said too. You're not a skyknight, and you don't know a single thing about Ravess, or what you've gotten yourself into. It would be best to-"

It was my turn to cut him off.

"No."

When I said that I looked directly into his eyes. And I let my gaze linger there. The anger inside me rose up. I didn't have to explain why even when he tried again to convince me otherwise.

"But you don't-"

"No..."

And then I walked out of the tent. Looking around us I saw more and more creatures that were captured. We had to do something. None of this was legal, by the way.

"I don't wanna think about what's going to happen any of these animals, either..."

I felt gear crawl up onto my shoulder. I had missed the soft weight and I reached up to assure her with a head pat.

"Look. If you're really that keen on leaving, then just go. I don't need you or the storm hawk's help any more. After all..."

I turned to him, seeing him stand behind me further than I had expected.

"I am a skyknight, of Terra Argonia... And I don't just give up when those around me, need me."

With that I turned away and walked off on him.

A few hours went by and I saw no sign of the storm hawks. No sign of Gyro. And no sign of Ravess. It was just me and gear. I had made a plan to sneak aboard the carrier ship they were using to transport the animals too, Atmos know where, and either try and high jack the ship, or let all the creatures loose to cause a little chaos. I really did prefer the earlier option since I noticed the Bog Howler that was constantly struggling to break free. He made this difficult since there were guards trying to keep it tame. Then again there were guards really everywhere else. They all had dark brown and pink uniforms on. They almost looked like orchestra performers. I was just hoping to make this their last number.

Trying to sneak onboard was harder than expected. I had a few close calls but I made it to the cockpit. I barricaded the door as best I could and walked up to the controls. Just one problem.

No keys.

Panic immediately set in as the door was blasted open after a few failed attempts of it opening normally. I hid behind a shelf that fell over from the blast, hoping they wouldn't notice. I could hear exactly who it was, and my blood ran cold. It was Ravess.

"What Is going on here? I thought you told me you took care of the problem of those trespassers!"

A few moments of silence went by before.

Clunk-

She had kicked over a chair, and her voice raised in a frustrated whine. Then it went quiet. All but the sound of heels clacking against the metal floor, and they were getting closer.

"Well look at what we have here-"

I cringed at her voice coming from right above my head. Looking in that direction I could see her more clearly. Her deep pink hair and lipstick would be burning fear into me for the next few weeks.

"Uhhhh- Hey there..."

I then quickly ducked out from behind the shelf and ran for the door. Just in time for Gyro and his squad to block my path. Lovely.

"Didn't I warn you earlier not to mess with us?"

He started to walk towards me, and I heard Ravess waking back up from behind. I was trapped. No way out or around them. I took Gear out of my backpack and hugged her quickly before whispering to her the new plan.

"Gear, listen to me. Go find 'you-know-who' and do everything you can to get their attention, now go!"

And with that she jumped from my arms and ran off, Gyro's henchmen had made little effort to catch her.

"Forget about that pest. We have something a little more worthwhile while in front of us"

[villainqueen]

The Marriage of Heaven and Hell - Chapter 2

V X Fem!Reader fanfiction, set after the events of Devil may Cry 5.

Prologue / Chapter 1 // Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5

Ao3 [Link]

Chapter 2

There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on

August 1st 11:00 am

The clicking of Nico's lighter could be heard while she lightened her next cigarette. It broke an awkward silence in the Van as she drove it to the destination of their next job. Normally they would have at least talked but thanks to the new guest who accompanied them on this road trip, Nero didn't seem to be in the mood. She couldn't really blame him; he sure must have been surprised to see V standing in Dante's office as they received their next Mission. It was strange for Dante to give them a job and not doing it himself but who could've thought they would see V again and even team up with him like they did before. After the initial: "How can you even be here!", "There is Urizen?" and "What the hell happened to Vergil?" was sorted out, they welcomed V on board. Well, at least the gunsmith did and Neo? It seemed like he needed some time to collect his own thoughts on that matter. Nico looked over to her partner in the passenger seat next to her. Lost in thoughts and grumpy, usual Nero. Sometimes she wished he would be more open to her and not eating up all his emotions. In these situations, only Kyrie could really get through to him, but she was left behind at home. And as for the other member of their team. V sat in the back, eyes closed and slouched over his cane, but not fooling anyone. Nico doubted that that guy was really sleeping, with her driving ability and the condition of the road, there was just no way.

"So… Nero what do you think about this job?" began Nico to break this awful silence.

"Go to some place, kill demons. Sounds like a normal Tuesday, if you ask me." He replied without really getting invested in a possible conversation.

"Ah, fuck this crap, can you both stop makin' this weird. Nero, I know you're glad V is back, don't try to play hot'n cold with us. And you V, you're not sleeping, can you at least say somthin' or bring out that talking chickn'. Everything is better than this shitty atmosphere here. Can't work like that!"

"Nico, just-"

"Don’t Nico me, Nero. Don't you have a book to give back?"

With that Nero reached out to the book of poems with the golden letter V on its cover, he hesitated a few seconds before he spoke up again: "V. I don't know if you want it back or if I should give it to Vergil, I mean the real one. Shit, that sounds wrong, I mean, you know what I mean..."

"I would appreciate it." Said V, as he received his beloved book back. After he stared at it for a good minute, he continued: "Nero I am not your father, you don't have to act so stiff around me. I only have very selective memory that I share with him. Our childhood, some nightmares and the past few months in Red Grave City."

"So you don't know anything about my mother?"

"No, I've never met her…"

"Ah great, the ice is broken, thought the silence never gonna end. So awkward!" Nico chimed in to change the heavy topic, now in a much better mood.

"V, can tell us something more about this job?" questioned Nero as he felt pressured by Nico to at least try to have a normal, non-depressing conversation.

"I don't have much more knowledge about the place. It's an old castle, solitary in the mountains. A magic seal got broken and now demons have claimed it."

"Okay? It's really that simple, just slaying demons again, no Urizen, no hidden surprises?" Nero could help himself but doubting V's words, well knowing what happened the last time he told them about a "simple job".

"No, I have concerns as well. That is why I accompany you on this. However even I don't know what's behind all this. I am not the client this time after all."

"Guess we just have to figure it out on our own." Nero said casually as he stretched his arms out like he was getting ready for what was waiting for them.

"Hey guys, looks like we're there soon. You can already see that old place over there. Better buckle up, this small mountain road could be a bit bumpy." Nicoletta laughed as she made a sharp right turn on to a small road that lead upwards directly to the castle.

"Are you certain you want to use this road? It doesn't look like it's safe."

"No backseat drivin' here V, I got this, I can get this baby to any place, ya should know that by now!"

"Nico, the question here is not if we'll arrive, it’s more about if we'll survive!" Nero shouted while grabbing his seat. The road was narrow and not some everyday concrete path, needless to mention that their Van was not made for off road driving. Something Nico frankly never cared about.

August 1st 11:45 am

With a loud bang Nero closed the car door behind him. Standing now in front of the large gate that separated the outside from their destination.

"It looks we are not the first ones to arrive." mentioned V as he gestured with his cane to other vehicles parked on the outside nearby them.  A group of four, soldier looking, guys stood beside an army jeep near them, all dressed in protective gear that made them look like they were ready to go to war.

"Great, G.I. Joe and his buddies are here too." frowned Nero while gearing up. His trusty sword Red Queen on his back and his revolver Blue Rose by his side. V had less weight to carry, only his simple cane and the book he ever so often sunken his nose into.

Nico meanwhile was tapping the ash of her cigarette out of the car window while instructing both men: "Yo guys, I'm gonna wait here, can't drive that van in a castle after all, come back if ya find some nice demon parts, got it!"

"Yeah, yeah you don’t have to tell us that…" Nero said as he saw one of the soldier guys approaching them. He had no hair, sunglasses and a scarred face. The perfect caricature of a though soldier guy. "Whattya kids doing here? Go home to ya mamas, this place is dangerous!"

"Whatever sergeant dickhead, why don’t you mind your own business?" answered Nero in his usual standoffish manner. This did not set well with the unknown man as he grabbed Nero by the color and growled in the young devil hunters face: "Ya better watch yaself, that place is full of monsters and no human came back from it yet, would be a shame if ya end up like em!"

"Thank you for the kind warning!" said V politely but with a grim expression as he held his cane to the man’s neck. Nero wasn't one to let that slide either, his revolver in silent motion pressed against his aggressors’ body, ready to pull the trigger.

The bald guy released Nero from his grip as he proceeds to walk back while shouting: "Let yaself get killed kids, if that’s whattya after! Just don't get in the way!"

"What an asshole!" Nero muttered but before he could antagonize the soldier any further V changed the topic: "Let's see that this is all about, we didn't come to fight humans!"

Both men went off to the castle, passing the front gate that led them to the front court. It looked like it was well maintained even through it was supposed to be untouched for a long time. Yet, no birds were to hear, giving the place an awful ominous feeling despite the bright midday sun. They could hear rustling between the bushes that began slowly to surround them as they made their way towards the front door.

"Do you see that?" V asks pointing is cane towards some lifeless bodies a few feet in front of them.

"Looks like we're not the first but really dying before even getting in that place, that sucks. Good thing the pest-control is here now!" And in no time Nero took his Red Queen from his back, letting its engine roar. This was the sign for around twenty to thirty Msira, little monkey like demons, to crawl out of the surrounding woodwork. Those Msira, who are unlike their size would suggest, quite an opponent, especially in numbers.

"Very well, let us see if my powers are enough to deal with these vermin!" remarked V while pointing is cane up summoning on of his demon familiars.

"About time, Shakespeare! Thought you wanted to deal with them yourself. Not that I’d recommend that…" The demon bird Griffon materialized itself and wasted no time to open it's cheeky beak: "Let’s deal with them quick, you're still a wimp, you know! Doubt you can keep me up for long!"

We a slight smirk on his face V stated: "The true method of knowledge is an experiment. Now go and destroy them."

"I don't get what you mean by that, but the last part, that’s my jam!" Nero responded even though he was not addressed and all three of them started to slash through the Msira. It didnIt took them long, a few minutes at most and every demon defused into air. However, Griffon was also at its limit.

"That's it V, told ya that you can't sustain me for long. See ya later!" With that the demon bird became a puddle of black mud before it completely vanished.

"I've reached my limit faster than expected. I need to gain more power." V whispered to himself while marching onward to the front gate of the castle. Not wasting any time, Nero pushed the heavy door open, which led them into a grand, dim light, entrance hall. It had a heavy atmosphere to it, almost like they just entered a haunted mansion. At the end between two staircases that led to the upper floors was a statue of an angel holding a sun and a moon in its hands. The light from the outside was hardly illuminating the room as the stained-glass windows kept most of the light outside, instead several big chandeliers with countless candles gave light to the place. A few bodies could be seen on the floor and gave the demon hunters a clear indication that demons entered the castle as well.

"Man, this place gives me the creeps…" said Nero, as he looked around.

"It sure has an interesting architecture, while I personally would resign from decorating it with corpses." V answered and after a quick look around he continued: "Did you notice Nero? This castle is still in such a perfect condition, even after hundreds of years untouched."

"Now that you mention it, even the candles are still burning… it's almost as if time stopped for it."

"Exactly!" V had come to the same conclusion. The castle wasn't just sealed to prevent entrance, it was frozen in time till the moment those demons broke the barrier.

"And this guy must have been the owner!" Nero claimed, pointing to a portrait of a middle-aged man with a stern expression. Under it was a golden nameplate mounted to the wall.

"Count Caius the first, well isn't that a nice fellow..." Nero joked but was quickly brought back to the task at hand as he heard human screams coming from the westside of the castle.

"Sadly, admiring the art has to wait." chuckled V in response.

"Sure, wasn’t my taste anyways, let's finish this and get out of this place."

And with that both men hurried to the west wing of the castle towards the inner courtyard.

[post-itpenny]

“This is a great idea, _____. Really. It’s just magical.”

Mafia AU in which a plan is hatched.

On the edge of town sat a manor surrounded by a high stone wall. The Victorian styled building with its high turrets and gables often inspired local children with the idea it was a castle.

Vespers always thought this was rather funny.

Easton Blackwood was a rather eccentric man. To outsiders he was a patron to the arts and philanthropist. A man that had made his fortune in mysterious ways and traveled the world building a collection of bizarre and wonderful curiosities from fossils to rare silk tapestries.

Currently, the old man was taking his guests in the parlor, he sat in a winged chair next to the window, sunlight pouring in across his face and the face of the guest who quietly sat next to him.

The old woman was born blind but had ears sharper than knives. She sat so still one would think her a statue until she suddenly moved to whisper something in The Godfather’s ear.

Vespers watched the two with interest. Reportedly they didn’t really get along, hardly tolerating each other but for the sake that they made a perfect team.

Vespers likes to imagine one day that would be him and Maggie, like it or not he would drag his only friend to the top with him, hopefully get rid of that damn boa along the way.

Vespers watched as his father moved to sleek with The Godfather, Juno obediently behind him.

Vespers smiled to himself. Juno wanted so badly to replace their father one day. But Vespers had higher ambitions. Blackwood would not last forever, and he would want a younger blood to replace him. Someone who worked hard and was well liked by all of the family. Peregrine was good at his job but harsh and willing to toss away those who displeased him. Juno was wild and short-tempered.

It just left Vespers really.

Easton Blackwood motioned for Vespers to approach.

Vespers stepped forward.

From her seat the old woman turned her head as if to stare intensely at Vespers before rising for her chair and walking to the door, the soft tap, tap of her cane as she made her way out.

Easton Blackwood was a man that likes to smile, however Vespers could not help but notice that smile twitch just a little as if in annoyance. Well that was interesting.

“My dear boy, what news do you bring me?”

Vespers snapped back to attention. “Good evening sir,” Vespers greeted as he took Blackwood’s offered hand and kissed the ring on his finger. Silver with a thistle engraved under an amethyst stone.

“I’ve been having my men trail Jack’s men as my father instructed. They’ve all turned in similar reports. Petty crime, vandalism, coming into business under the control of other organizations and pretending to be us.”

“So the vermin’s our to ruin our reputation in addition to sabotaging the supply chain?”

Blackwood chuckled, “it would be annoying if it was not so clever.”

Vespers quirked an eyebrow, “sir?”

Blackwood winked, “as children we play pranks on each other, tell lies to pass the blame, spread gossip and rumors to humiliate one another in front of our peers. Is it not the same thing? It’s little things like this that will build up quickly. Turn the wrong people against us. He will not necessarily run us into the ground, but he will cripple both our income and more importantly our reputation.”

Blackwood paused in thought, looking to the door as if expecting the old woman to return but she did not.

Blackwood sighed, “Peregrine.”

“Yes sir?”

“See to it that we snuff this infestation out once and for all. You’re last plan of attack was unsuccessful but did create the benefit of publicity.”

“Sir?”

“Everyone loves to watch a feud,” Blackwood said with a wicked gleam in his eye. “Organizations across the city will know and therefore it shall be easier to convince them that we are being framed, perhaps even turn the tables. Keep your men on the ground. We shall rethink a plan to stop their efforts to hurt our supply chain soon enough.”

Vespers stepped out of the parlor room with a sigh, he and Juno being dismissed so his father could speak in private. In the entry hall stood the old woman speaking to Maggie in a whisper.

From the looks of it Maggie was in trouble, again.

“She mad about the modeling thing,” Juno muttered to Vespers. “Maggie is supposed to be invisible, not on a stage in a fancy dress.

Vespers frowned, “Maggie is the only thing that gives us a chance at better relations with the Blueblood’s, aside from the fact she’s the only one willing to deal with any of them. Like hell I wasn’t going to let her keep her end of a deal.”

Juno rolled her eyes and walked away, Vespers clenched his fists and followed.

The moved to the garden outside, away from prying ears.

Juno turned to Vespers with a frown, “speaking of connections what the hell is with you and D’Vitt?”

Vespers was taken back, “what do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb Vessy,” Juno scoffed. “It's my understanding that every time you’re in the same room as the guy you two end up flirting and making eyes at each other.”

“I do not,” Vespers hissed, unable to stop the reddening of his cheeks.

Juno swatted him upside the head. “Get your head in the game Cupid we have a problem. One of which I have come up with a perfect solution for.”

“Which is?”

Juno whispered furiously into Vespers’ ear. The latter growing more and more horrified as his sister continued to unfold her plan.

“This is a great idea, Juno. Really. It’s just magical.”

“Really?”

“No, are you nuts!” He shouted at last, “you just wanna wreck shit up!”

“Shh! Keep it down numbskull. I know I can get this approved by father. It will guarantee to get rid of a good chunk of those pests, and keep the cops off us.”

Vespers hesitated, “are you sure?”

“Juno smiled, “trust me.”