#shaw: cool so what IS a date exactly?

[us3rnam3-r3dact3d]

the rest of you, the best of you (honey, belongs to me)

Ao3 | 1.6k words | Angel's POV

Early into their relationship, Angel and Davey go clubbing. An unsuspecting incubus flirts with Angel after a run in. David tries to keep his cool.

When you met Davey, you would never have pegged him for a clubbing kind of guy. It didn’t match his burly, intimidating, minimalist vibes. Perhaps you could imagine him as a club bouncer, but when you did, you got too focused on the image of his biceps bulging through the thin sleeves of a too-tight black tee-shirt, those dark, sharp eyes scanning a crowd of bodies with practiced precision. 

Instead, you were offered with a much better outcome when you finally worked up the nerve to ask him after a few months of dating, he enthusiastically agreed, even offered to take you to an empowered club he frequented. You had expected him to shoot you down outright, or begrudgingly agree at the very best. He surprised you, like he so often did, and you found yourself just this side of tipsy, his arms around you, your bodies keeping time against each other to the beat of the deafening music. 

Davey knew exactly what he was doing. He pulled you to the dance floor as soon as you’d ordered your fruity little tequila number (which he had paid for). His left hand rested on your hip, his big fingers seeming to wrap all the way around you, the right protectively curled around your shoulders. His right hand was in the perfect position to cover your drink, which he held more than you did. He bent so his breath was hot on your neck, his nose pressed behind your ear. He seemed lost in the music and movement, but every time you bent back to seek out his lips, his eyes were scanning your surroundings, eyeing suspicious figures, keeping everyone away from you, no matter how tempting you both knew you were. 

Protective and tuned in, even when you were grinding your ass back on him. David Shaw was a man of restraint if nothing else. You couldn’t pretend that it didn’t bug you, just a bit. You were putting on such a nice show for him but he was too busy playing guard dog to enjoy it. Not to mention that he didn’t even order a drink for himself. It seemed that Davey had no intention of having fun for himself, just watching the club like a hawk while you did. 

You spun around, wrapped your arms around his neck as he took hold of your drink without missing a beat. You swayed with the music, pulled him down into a devastating kiss. You knew him well at this point, at least well enough to know that just a swipe of your tongue on his bottom lip would have his resolve crumbling, and all it would take was a nip of your teeth to pull him down into your orbit. Davey was an attentive person. Sometimes, you just had to grab that attention for yourself. 

He let out a deep, rumbling moan into your kiss, a sound you felt more than heard as his grip on your hip tightened. Your mind swam as you pictured bruises in the shape of his fingers pressed into your skin. You couldn’t hear him speak over the music, but you knew the shape of that word on his stupidly full lips. 

“Angel…” it was tinged with warning. Behave, he told you, don’t test me, don’t push me, or else. 

You knew what or else was. You happened to like or else. You grinned against his lips, pulled him down by the lapels of his leather jacket, and more shouted than whispered in his ear; 

“I’ve gotta pee!” You danced away from his grasp, weaving through the packed bodies in the dance floor, your eyes never leaving his. He was a head taller than every other person on the floor, so he kept eyes on you as you cut across the floor and past the bar, until you turned the corner to the bathrooms. 

Somebody got in your way before you could gain your bearings. You ran straight into a wide, warm chest. You stumbled back and came face to face with a man dressed in a sheer, unbuttoned shirt. His skin was sun kissed and stretched over rippling abs. He was big, but not like Davey was. Davey was built for actual strength. He was built to carry large loads over long periods, to maintain as long as he needed to, to pull cars a few yards by their fucking bumpers (a feat you’d seen him do when your Camry got stuck in a ditch a few months ago). This man had muscle, but it was all for show. Supple, shining skin over carefully targeted muscle groups. A six pack. Broadened shoulders. A ‘v’ cutting down below his sinfully tight pants. 

Not your type, but you could appreciate a pretty person even so. He smiled, his teeth white and just this side of too sharp. A long, pink tongue ran across his bottom lip. 

“Woah,” his voice left his trim chest in a pur, one hand landing on your shoulder to steady you, “easy, gorgeous. Don’t go falling for me just like that.” 

“Sorry,” you squeaked. You assumed Davey was still in the crowd on the dance floor, and your head spun to try and catch a look at him. This guy didn’t look like the type to try anything stupid, but you knew that looks could be deceiving. 

“Easy,” he repeated, withdrawing his hand. He flashed his palm to you, mock surrender. “I won’t touch.”  

“Thanks,” you laughed softly. You felt awkwardness fall over as you took a purposeful step back. “Sorry, I just-”

“No, not at all!”

“-college town, you know?” You laughed and the stranger reciprocated. He widened your space in turn and stuffed his hands in his pockets. You didn’t know pants that tight could have pockets. He was the picture of innocence, not close enough to grab you, his eyes respectfully holding yours. Not that kind of guy, it seemed. The tension leaked out of your body with your heartbeat. 

“I get it.” The stranger grinned. “Somebody as breathtaking as you, you’ve got to keep an eye out. It’s good to have a healthy suspicion of incredibly attractive people.” 

“Like yourself.” You shot back. 

“Angel,” Davey’s voice was in your ear all of a sudden. His heat was pressed into your back. You jumped, surprised, but then eased back into his solid presence. An arm thicker than your neck snaked around your shoulders, pulling you back into him. 

“Davey,” you gasped, reaching up to rest a hand on his cheek. He was bent over you, curling his massive body around yours protectively. Those dark, intense eyes were locked on the stranger, something dangerous in his face. “I ran into him. Chill.” 

“Sorry,” the stranger stepped back from you again, all hints of his playful flirting gone. “I wasn’t hitting on your mate. That’s just how I talk.” 

Mate. You mused over the word. That must have been a wolf thing, because Davey reacted to it physically. His hand tightened on your shoulder, his breath quickened on your neck. 

Davey considered the stranger for a moment longer, his eyes narrowed and suspicious, before leaning back. He nodded once, decisively, and started pulling you away. You waved absently to the stranger, but your attention was focused solely on Davey. He had this look of intensity to him that you’d never seen before. Your drink was gone, and Davey pulled you away from the bars and any chance for you to get another and towards the door. You stuttered out a protest, but his hand was wrapped tightly around yours. He pulled you along, not fast or hard enough to hurt, but enough for you to have to rush to keep up with his stupidly long legs. 

“Davey,” you gasped as cool night air slammed into you. The line to the club was wrapped around the building. If you left now, it would take forever to get back in. You shivered and locked your arms around your middle. 

“Sorry,” he grumbled. He had released your hand as soon as you were outside, and had both of his placed on his hips. He leant his head back, his eyes closed, and was letting measured, timed breaths out into the air. Puffs of breath like smoke obscured his face. “I thought I was gonna kill that guy.” 

A laugh bubbled out of you, but you realized when he didn’t laugh in turn that he was serious. 

“He was nice.” You said, defensively. “He only touched me to steady me. He stepped back right away.” 

“I know.” Davey sighed. He brought a hand up to scrub at his face. He cut his gaze to you and, after a moment, tugged off his big, leather jacket and wrapped it around your shoulders. It swallowed you up, encased you in his warmth. “I’m being… unreasonable.” 

You stared up at him for a while, watching as he squeezed one big hand into a fist over and over, tension etched across his shoulders. 

“Is this a wolf thing?” You asked softly, a smile evident in your voice. He looked back down at you, his eyebrow quirked in question. “Like… animal possessiveness or something?” 

He stared down at you in silence for a long moment before his face split into that sharp-toothed grin. He laughed low and easy, rolling his shoulders to chase away his tension. 

“Come on, menace.” He held out his hand for you, waited for you to take it. “If another incubus touches you tonight, I’ll end up in jail.” “Incubus?” You balked. “What is an incubus?”

[evenmyhivemindisempty]

Hey, what about Boyd's characters during a break up?

Steve Murphy: Well, fortunately (unfortunately?) we see exactly what Steve’s canonically like during a breakup in season 2! He becomes - almost immediately! - a despondent, testy, hard-drinking workaholic who’s one step away from doing something really reckless!

Donald Pierce: Aww, Pierce on the heels of a breakup would absolutely throw himself into some fairly self-destructive sex. It’s worse if he really liked the person, too - Pierce doesn’t strike me as someone who handles being *alone* super well, but especially not if he’s dumped back into it after having a good partner for a while.

Cap Hatfield: Cap is certainly a bit bummed, but he handles it maturely. He goes on some long walks, gets into a new whittling hobby, and maybe morosely confides to Jim about his feelings.

Clement Mansell: Clement tells himself (and his ex, loudly) that he’s *super* cool with it, but then almost immediately goes on a bender where he gets excessively drunk and excessively flirty with everyone around him. He will absolutely be leaving his ex so many weepy voicemails and late night texts. The next morning, he’s gonna mail a whole-ass flower shop to their apartment.

The Corinthian: Hmm this one was the toughest for me. I feel like, in a situation where the Corinthian had a relationship that did not end in murder, he might actually act decently chill about it? …At least on the surface, towards his now-ex. That being said, I wouldn’t put it past him to have a bunch of random sex and murder to take his mind off of it.

Eli Klaber: Aww he’s a miserable little thing. Lot of crying, lot of eating ice cream. I think he bounces back fairly quickly though, and pours his attention into either finding someone else, or winning back his ex (or maybe dating someone new to make his ex jealous).

Ty Shaw: Ty’s pretty bummed, but he deals just fine. He goes out with his friends, gives his family big hugs, and then fucks the first hot guy or girl that smiles at him all pretty. It won’t be a sad post-breakup fuck either, he’s gonna have a genuinely great time!

Quinn McKenna: He is 110% fine with the breakup itself, but he’s gonna be *such* a snippy little bitch to his ex when he sees them again.

[alaffy]

X-Men '97, Ep1x05 - Remember It (1 of 2) (Spoilers)

Mid-Season episodes are usually known to set up the second half of the season, or have some sort of shocking moment/cliffhanger.  But this episode really outdid itself.  In fact, there’s so much to talk about in this episode that I’m actually going to create two posts for it.  This first post is going to be about the events leading up to the Gala.  The second post, naturally, will be the Gala itself and the aftermath.

The episode begins with Trish Tilby doing an expose on the X-Men.  Also, a bit of flirting with Beast.  Not too surprising as the two did date in the comics.  During these interviews we find out that Magneto, Gambit, and Rouge have gone to Genosha at the request of the UN.  It seems like the idea that Genosha should be part of the UN wasn’t just talk. 

We find that Genosha has been turned into a paradise for mutants.  We also find out that Madelyne has become part of Genosha’s governing counsel.  While Magneto goes to speak to the counsel, Nightcrawler (who’s part of helping with the interfaith based relations) decides to show Gambit and Rouge around.  And What I like about this moment is the little misdirection.  Genosha is being portrayed as the mutant utopia.  Yet Gambit notices that the price of food seems very steep.  If this had been the original show, this would have led to the X-Men finding out that something is not quite right about the island.  But, no, what Nightcrawler says is true; the high prices are one of the stumbling blocks they’re facing while creating this new government.

Speaking of government, Magneto is in for a big surprise.  So, the new government is led by several familiar faces.  Besides Madelyne, we have Callisto, Banshee, Emma Frost, Sabastian Shaw, and Moria McTaggart. Val Cooper is also there, but as a representative of the UN.  However, there’s one position that still needs to be filled; Chancellor.  They are hoping that Magneto will take the job.  Eventually, he agrees but under one condition.

Meanwhile, at the X-Mansion, the interviews continue.  Sort of.  Trish is interviewing Scott, while Jean and Logan talk.  Things are still pretty awkward between Scott and Jean.  Yet they just happen to tell Trish and Logan the same story about a time they went on a picnic (because they’re so in sync, I guess).  Anyway, Jean is still unsure of everything, so Logan tells her that he’s only seen one of her (which is a lie.  Madeline is still a clone of Jean, so he's seen two).  This makes Jean decide to ramp up the drama feel special I guess, and she kisses Logan.  But Logan just tells her she belongs with Scott and walks away.  Honestly, I really don’t see the need to bring this back. 

Meanwhile, Trish is asking Scott about his baby.  Scott says he doesn’t have a child.  And, honestly, I really can’t tell is Trish is just extremely stupid or just a bitch because she keeps hounding Scott about the baby and demands why he lied.  Seriously, for all you know, you could be hounding a parent about a recently deceased child.  Not exactly going to look good on your resume here.

However, what happens (and what probably saves her ass) is that Scott loses his cool.  And let’s be clear, everything he said is completely accurate and justifiable; but it also could make one wonder if someone is about to follow the path of Magento’s old ways.

Back in Genosha, Rouge finds out that Magneto agreed to rule the country…so long as Rouge is able to rule by his side.  And not in a platonic way.  Which, my God, where to begin with this.  I mean, yes, he’s leaving the choice ultimately up to her; but the whole thing is manipulative as fuck.  She can make a difference for Mutant Kind, by becoming his queen.  Here’s a crazy idea, how about she become a part of the council?  She could help mutants that way too.  And then, if you two get more closer…..

Anyway, back at the X-Mansion Scott is talking to Jean about how he can’t believe he lost control like that.  Jean asks Scott to talk about his son.  He does and they kiss.  And at this point, we find out that this is all in Scott’s mind.  And he isn’t talking to Jean, but Madyline.  And we find this out, because Jean realizes what Scott’s doing.  Let’s just point out that Jean is being hypocritical about the kiss between Scott and Madelyne given the fact that she just kissed Logan.  Like, ma’am, you ain’t exactly innocent here either.

This leads to a huge fight between Jean and Scott.  Jean demands to know who Scott loves, her or Madelyne.  Scott says both.  And this leads to Scott demanding if Jean’s “love” is what she feels or a product of her memories (memories that might actually be Madelyne’s).  And I feel sorry for both of them here and I can see both of their points of view.

Both want reassurance that they are loved by the other.  Jean wants to know that she means more to Scott than Madelyne does.  The problem is, up until a month ago, Scott believed Madelyne was Jean.  And there are experiences that he shares with Madelyne, like having a son, that connects him to her in ways that he’s not connected to Jean.  So, to expect that connection to just go away is unrealistic.

Meanwhile, Scott wants reassurance that Jean’s love for him is based on emotions, not just what her memories (which may not be her memories) are telling her.  The thing is, though, he should know that Jean loves him.  Hang on, let me rephrase this as it sounds like I’m blaming him.  It is understandable that he is uncertain because no one knows when Jean was switched.  However, it is very unlikely it happened before she joined the X-Men (realistically, it probably happened sometime during the original series).  And the series has made it clear they fell in love when they were teens.  Therefore, Jean’s feelings for Scott are real.  However, they may not be quite as deep as they would have been had she not been switched with a clone. 

What they need to do is to acknowledge that something tragic has happened to them, that has put their relationship on shaky ground, and it’s not their fault.  And then discuss where to go from here.  And that might mean that they’re going to have to take a step back in their relationship.  Now, I’m not saying they should get divorced or even separate.  But kind of accept that they need to work on feeling comfortable with each other again, before they try to fix their marriage.  If that makes sense.

But, this being a drama, their fight ends as Jean suddenly has what looks like a psychic attack.

Ok, up to the last part of the first half.  Now, we have the conversation between Gambit and Rouge.  Again, this is one of those things where I feel for both sides.  I feel sorry for Gambit because, not only is he losing the woman he loves, but he knows this is a bad idea.  Like, he knows that Rouge is agreeing for all the wrong reasons.  Although he does have that one moment were he snaps at Rouge for not telling him the truth sooner and I was just…didn’t you conveniently forget to tell Rouge you had an ex-fiancé?  Like, I’m not saying she shouldn’t have been honest, but in Rouge’s case she thought it was all said and done.  Gambit, on the other hand, abandoned his Ex. 

Ahem.  Anyway, so the thing with Rouge…she’s making a bad choice.  However, she’s making a bad choice due to a very understandable reason.  Humans, in general, need physical contact.  Now, everybody has a limit to how much contact they need, but if they are denied the contact that they need…I do think, of the two men, Rouge is in love with Gambit.  I think she is attracted to Magneto, not just because he can touch her, but because he can be a charming person; but she loves Gambit.  But she can’t have physical contact with him.  And, in her mind, without physical contact they can’t have a relationship.  Something I think Gambit disagrees with.  He doesn’t say it directly, but his line about it being “skin deep” is very clear.  But Rouge, ultimately, is choosing a physical connection over an emotional one.  And she’s using the idea that she can help others as justification (and honestly, I do think that she believes that’s the reason why she’s choosing Magneto even though that’s more what’s she’s telling herself).  Anyway, Gambit decides to let her go. 

So, that’s the first half of the episode.  It’s amazing how much they got inside this episode and yet it didn’t feel like it was all crammed in.    

[dustedmagazine]

Dust Volume 9, Number 3

Emergency Group

As AI takes over the creative professions, it may seem pointless for actual, struggling human beings to sit down to listen to music made by other human beings, to think about what they hear and to string together sentences about how they felt about that music and what it means. But, in a sense, Dusted has always been a bit pointless, as have many of the under-heard, under-loved musics we follow. Still, since there’s no money in it, we can’t be starved out. We may not win an us-against-the-machines battle, but there’s no reason to surrender. And so, this month, we gather our low-tech resources to consider another batch of excellent, under-the-radar releases from folk artists and metal thrashers, jazz improvisers and pop craftspeople. Contributors include Bill Meyer, Ian Mathers, Jennifer Kelly, Justin Cober-Lake, Jonathan Shaw, Tim Clarke, Bryon Hayes, Margaret Welsh and Andrew Forell—not a robot in the bunch.

Joseph Allred — What Strange Flowers In The Shade (Feeding Tube)

What Strange Flowers In The Shade by Joseph Allred

We’ll be dealing with the pandemic’s fallout for years to come, but some consequences are lined with silver. Locked up in a grad school apartment, Joseph Allred spent a lot of time getting acquainted with the less-handled items in their sizable collection of instruments. Best known as a mystical acoustic guitarist of the Takoma school and a spiritually astute singer, they also have a lengthy, if less documented, history of appreciating and performing plugged-in music. What Strange Flowers Grown In The Shade arose from Allred’s deep dive into the delights of effects pedals and a Fender Jaguar guitar. Bolstered by remote contributions by the Rolin-Powers Duo, Magic Tuber Stringband, and others, Allred set the sound-mixer for slow stir and the spotlight for the center of the resulting thick swirl. The outcome sounds a bit like Mike Cooper might if you packed him off to a cold, damp clime with nothing to play but choral recordings, and he embraced the circumstances (don’t try this at home, folks; Cooper would be more likely to embrace your neck with an asphyxiating grip if you did him such a disservice).

Bill Meyer  

 John Atkinson — Energy Fields (AKP Recordings)

It may have taken John Atkinson just two weeks on a residency in Wyoming (surrounded by the sounds of coal mines, wind farms, oil refineries, and hydropower plants) to get all of the field recordings he microedited into the four tracks that make up Energy Fields, but it took him another two years to figure out how to stitch them together. In that time, his longstanding interest in both the manipulation of found/sourced sound and in climate issues haven’t exactly dated. On the industrial rumble of “Black Thunder” and the galvanizing drones of “Spiritual Electricity” you can practically see the extractive machinery Atkinson was surrounded with, whereas the record’s second half moves to a calmer, more meditative and even hopeful place. The results are evocative and sometimes troubling soundscapes deeply rooted in our current ecological moment.

Ian Mathers

 Emergency Group — Inspection of Cruelty (Island House)

Inspection Of Cruelty by Emergency Group

Two side-long slabs of fusion-y free improvisation are led by long-time Dusted favorite Jonathan Byerley (Plates of Cake and Anti-Westerns), with seasoned jazz players Robert Boston and Andreas Brade in tow. WFMU DJ, writer and bassist Dave Mandl rounds out the foursome. A 1970s futuristic cool hangs over the whole enterprise, in its chugging rhythms, its radiant runs of electric keyboards, its motorific jams. You are meant to sniff out hash-scented whiffs of Silent Way into Jack Johnson-era Miles Davis (despite the lack of brass) in all this, but Return to Forever is a closer match, and maybe CAN, too. There’s an underpinning of jazz, but it wigs way the fuck out from there. I’d give the edge to urgent, driving “Part 1,” nearly half an hour long but constantly evolving, ever fascinating. “Part 2” is shorter, but not by much, but also less visceral, more of a head piece. It dozes deep into a psychedelic dream, where fairy dust keyboard notes drift down from pastel skies, sparkling all the way, and deep pulses of bass power the machinery that makes the illusion work. I’ve never loved keyboard-heavy fusion but I like this, go figure.

Jennifer Kelly 

 Tomas Fujiwara's Triple Double — March On (self-released)

March On by Tomas Fujiwara's Triple Double

When percussionist Tomas Fujiwara convened his odd sextet a few years ago for their second album (2020's March), he had them record some extra material intended as segues between tracks. He decided the session warranted its own album, and new digital-only release March On centers on the 30-minute titular improv. The freedom of the set should suit fans of the artists involved (including Gerald Cleaver, Mary Halvorson, Brandon Seabrook, Taylor Ho Bynum and Ralph Alessi). Each of those musicians write and perform surprising, free-sounding music, but with careful composition structuring the adventures more carefully than might be expected. “March On” puts them in full improv mode, a task that succeeds largely because they've learned to interact so well with each other in a variety of ensembles over the past decade or so.

The Triple Double structure still holds, offering surprises in one level simply by changing configurations. The band's name suggests basketball, and the group plays a never-stagnating motion offense. We move from a horn duet to a guitar battle to a drum-guitar-trumpet trio with ease. Given the crowded space, each musician stays out of the others' way while still finding moments to become a focal point. The album closes with Halvorson and Seabrook briefly partnering for “Silhouettes,” 45 seconds of weird tone an unsettling conversation. It closes the album well, hinting at more mysteries within an ongoing conversation.

Justin Cober-Lake

 Full of Hell and Primitive Man — Suffocating Hallucination (Closed Casket Activities)

Suffocating Hallucination by Full of Hell & Primitive Man

A glib assessment of this collaboration between noisy grind band Full of Hell and the doomy monster that is Primitive Man might note: it’s 26 seconds of Full of Hell and 34 minutes of Primitive Man. For sure Suffocating Hallucination is dominated by the agonizing assaults of volume associated with Primitive Man’s excoriating, magma-paced music. But folks should recall just how adventurous the last few Full of Hell records have been, replete with excursions into hair-raising harsh noise and muscular hardcore. Open your ears to the textures of the record’s first two tracks (the sublimely titled “Trepanation for Future Joys” and the aptly titled “Rubble Home”) and you’ll hear both bands at work, responding to each other’s force and fury. Is that good? Depends on your appetite for unhappiness. This reviewer is compelled by the record’s final 18 minutes, in which the haunted factory sounds of “Dwindling Will” leach into the perversely magisterial “Tunnels to God.” As novelist Stephen Wright once observed, “If you can’t ascend, you might as well descend.” This music will get you there.

Jonathan Shaw

 Drew Gardner — The Return (Astral Spirits)

The Return by Drew Gardner

Folks following American “don’t call it primitive” guitar music have likely noted Drew Gardner’s redoubtably picking in Elkhorn, where he handles the usually-electric, six-string side of their bases-covered attack. Most folks don’t get to sound so sure in a minute, and it turns out that Gardner is a man with a past. He has been multi-instrumentalist since the 1980s, and during the mid-1990s he was an active participant in San Francisco’s free jazz scene. Around the same time, saxophonist John Tchicai had a teaching gig in Davis CA; he retained Gardner as a drummer, and when Gardner had a chance to record at Guerilla Euphonics in 1995, he returned the favor. Also on board were Church of John Coltrane alto saxophonist Roberto de Haven and, on one track, Marco Eneidi, also on alto. Gardner and bassist Vytas Nagisetty stoke the furnace, alternating a full head of steam with more judiciously applied rumblings, and the twinned reeds give Gardner’s themes a distinctly pre-electric Ornette feel. No doubt there’s a good reason why this music didn’t come out at the time, but it wasn’t on account of the music’s quality.

Bill Meyer

 Hourlope — Three Nights in the Wawayanda (self-released / Tymbal Tapes)

Three Nights in the Wawayanda by Hourloupe

Hourlope is a collaboration between Anar Badalov and Frank Menchaca, and Three Nights in the Wawayanda is the third part of an ambitious trilogy that began with Future Deserts, continued on Sleepwalker, and reaches its fantastical culmination here. Hourlope pair elusive electronic backing with Mechaca’s measured spoken word delivery, and the results are frequently beguiling. It feels like music from another time, both harking back to the origins of ambient electronica in the 1990s and reaching forward to imagine fresh new musical forms. The album’s finest moments are the more abstract, beatless pieces, such as the Fennesz-esque “Thumper,” and centerpiece “Green Navy/Rain,” a stunningly evocative two minutes in which Menchaca’s words perfectly complement the eerie atmosphere of the music.

Tim Clarke

Brett Naucke — Cast a Double Shadow (Ceremony of Seasons)

Cast A Double Shadow by Brett Naucke

Wine, beer and spirit clubs are not new, but the Asheville-based VISUALS winery is taking the concept beyond liquids with its Ritual of Senses club. It’s pairing rare, locally fermented products with components meant to delight the other senses. Packages are meant to arrive at the solstices and equinoxes and include a seasonally appropriate auditory component. Brett Naucke’s Cast a Double Shadow is included in the club’s winter solstice edition. Having spent most of his life near Chicago, the sound artist is now based in Asheville, hence his participation. Naucke blends a sonically diverse array of genetic material into a recombinant organism well-suited to survive the longest and coldest wintery night. Icy synths and brittle samples are bolstered by a lushness that carries a kernel of warmth inside of it. Bubbling arpeggios create the illusion of motion, and since a moving liquid cannot freeze, Naucke’s compositions remain lively amid the pervasive frostiness of the hibernal season. Those lucky enough to pair these ice-melting sounds with VISUALS’ liquid accompaniment will surely enjoy a synaesthetic intoxication. Imbibe responsibly, folks.

Bryon Hayes    

 The Natural Lines — S-T (Bella Union)

Matt Pond may not be Matt Pond PA anymore, but he’s making the kind of clever, earnest indie rock as always, with some of the same people, notably Chris Hansen, his longtime guitarist and co-producer. This self-titled full length follows on the 2022 EP First Five, revisiting pensive, string-soothed “Spontaneous Skylights” and adding ten new warbly gems. “Monotony” feels like a COVID song, specifically a song about a musician’s experience of COVID, its clamped guitar stuttering as Pond sketches adapting to a smaller world. “When you start to think about the way you breathe, it doesn’t mean you believe in monotony,” he observes in a wavering voice that struggles to remain upbeat. But the music swells and with it, Pond finds his footing. “Climb the drums to feel the fall, stab the strings to feel anything,” he sings. Later, “A Scene That Will Never Die” turns moody introspection into bell-clear, chiming triumph. Pond’s voice is always bruised, rueful, real, but the music surges in waves of joy. If you’re still climbing out of the last couple of years, take heart. Matt Pond is, too, and he’s got a new band and an album to help.

Jennifer Kelly

 No Cosmos — you iii everything else (Lighter Than Air)

You iii everything else by No Cosmos

Montrealean jazz trumpet player Scott Bevins inhabits a fluid convergence of jazz, electronics and R&B in this eight-song debut, drawing out languid, lucid melodies in brass and roughing them up with a battery of percussion from drummer Kyle Hutchins. Bright, reiterative bell-tones frame “kindergentlepatient” in Reichian pointillism, but the trumpet rings out a long-noted, clarion melody, a little echo clinging to it like a shadow, flickering underneath. “Almost Lost You,” an early single, slaps a slinky downtempo beat onto musing post-Miles cool, and floats traceries of soul vocals over its slouching groove. Less overtly accessible, but ultimately more rewarding, “0 to me to me to me,” ruptures its Rhodes-chilled serenity with continual explosions of drumming. I like it best when Bevins lets the chaos slips into his stylized precision.

Jennifer Kelly

Party of the Sun — Capsule III EP (Trailing Twelve)

Capsule III by Party of the Sun

Backwoods psychedelia springs up like mushrooms in the wilder parts of northern New England. Party of the Sun, an acid folk trio from the Monadnock Region (where yrs truly also resides), made these gently expansive tunes on a working sheep farm, following in the muck crusted footsteps of MV+EE, Sunburned and Akron/Family. Akron/Family, admittedly, hailed from New York, but the resonance is strong anyway, especially to that first slow-burning album, where the creak of rocking chairs, the rumble of thunder, seeped into translucent, transcendent melody. Here, “See Space” is all murmur-y, sunlit radiance, guitar and keyboards picking out glittering patterns under Ethan McBrien’s soft, considering tenor. “Forget Me Knot” coalesces out of a cloud of buzzing sonics, warm, widely spaced guitar chords emerging like the emerging light of morning. Harmonies swell, in a natural way, and drums thump up a climax, as the song balloons from quiet contemplation to something epic. “Smoke Bush,” with its subtle thread of female harmonies, eddies and swirls and lilts like a lost 1960s folk off-take. These tunes grow naturally out of reverie and solitude, but they don’t stay that way. They invite you in.

Jennifer Kelly

 Anastassis Philippakopoulos — piano1 piano2 piano3 (Edition Wandelweiser Records)

2020 was a rotten time for too many things to count, but it was a great time to stop and settle into some new music. That opportunity could not have been on anyone’s mind when Elsewhere Music released Anastassis Philippakopoulos: piano works mere weeks before the lockdowns began, but it was a perfect response to the moment. The Greek composer’s compositions, as performed by Melaine Dalibert, were distillations of reflection and deliberate action. This album, which contains earlier works performed by a different pianist, exchanges pith for elongation, but in other respects it’s a continuation of Philippakopoulos’s poetic dialogue between profound silence and unassumingly beautiful sound. Each note bears the weight of consideration, as though the composer carried out a moral inventory before committing to its placement in moderate proximity to another one, and the restrained touch of Serbian pianist Teodora Stepančić honors the music’s austerity.

Bill Meyer 

 Sif — Darkstalker (Self-released)

Darkstalker by Sif

Nuthin’ fancy here, folks, just 25 minutes of satisfying blackened doom. Richard Murphy has been making records as Sif for a few years, and the project has gotten progressively heavier, shifting from bummer drone meditations to this current thumping and crunching incarnation. The tape’s opening track “Kingseeker” slowly morphs from a repetitive churn to a sludgy groove, which situates the sounds in Louisiana’s long metal tradition (just what goes on down there?). It’s beautifully paced and just recalcitrant enough to insist on returning to the opening riff, rather than seeking any sort of catharsis. The title track spends some time foregrounding Murphy’s chops on bass, with the sort of heaviosity-worship one associates with Conan. Tremolos and more varied textures eventually cut into the song, with some heroic intent. But mostly Murphy wants to wield tone like a mace to your forehead. Hit me again, man. It’s good.

Jonathan Shaw

 Ultrabonus — El Gimnasio en Casa (Kitchen Leg)

EL GIMNASIO EN LA CASA VOL.1 by ¡ULTRABONUS!

Recorded a lifetime ago (well, in 2020, same difference) and released this past December, the unprocessed immediacy of El Gimnasio en Casa bears no left-in-the-can staleness. Berlin-based, multi-national four-piece Ultrabonus offers brief, melodic garage-punk tunes delivered with crisp, swaggery style by Argentina native Ignatz B. The title charmingly translates to “the home gym,” and the sunny lo-fi psychedelia is appropriately threaded through with calisthenic noodling. Nothing groundbreaking here, but Ultrabonus does what it does very well. Fun, cool stuff.

Margaret Welsh

  99Letters — Makafushigi (Disciples)

Makafushigi by 99LETTERS

Japanese producer Takahiro Kinoshita’s companion piece to his 2022 Kaibou Zukan (Anatomy Picture Book) takes his concept of gagaku techno into a seamy, industrial and far darker direction. Makafushigi (Mystery Tape) is, like its predecessor, built on samples of traditional instruments and vocal styles used in Japanese Imperial Court music. Introduced from Chinese and Korean sources, Gagaku music has continued under Imperial patronage since the 10th century. As 99Letters, Kinoshita fuses these ancient sounds with modern electronic music in ways that are as malevolent as the demons of mythology and as sinister as the underbelly of organized crime and ultranationalism in contemporary Japan. The tracks on Makafushigi are washed in a seamy mix of grit and clamor, a grim, grimy world of back alleys, dingy bars and low-tech manufacturing. It’s a haunted netherworld as alienating as it’s compelling. Fans of Haxan Cloak & Demdike Stare will find much to like here.

Andrew Forell

[supa-suckers]

Ss characthers playing DDLC headcanons (what they thought of it before/after playing it, who they tried to date etc. etc.)

Dancing Rasta:

İt was reccomanded to him by the guys (read:they insisted he play while they watched) so one weekend ,while they were chilling in the patio, he relented and decided to play it on the biggest fuckin TV ever.

Suffice it to say it did not go well.

Tabled were flipped, eyes were rolled, tears were wiped and the cops were called by the neighbors.

Surprisingly he wasn't all that scared or creeped out by it, if anything it made him appriciate the story-telling potential of video games he didn't try to date anyone but Monika's charecter interested him most.

Shakes:

Got it from Spenz thinking it was a light-hearted dating sim was severly disapointed.

He almost fear quit in the hanging scene but the desire to see it through made him finish the whole game muttering 'turn it off turn it off turn it off' the whole time he went to bed a diffrent man that night

He tried to date Natsuki and was really bummed over her death, he really thought she was going to make it.

North Shaw:

Picked it up on Steam when he was bored, went in thinking it was all lovey dovey since he didn't read shit through properly, saw the hanging scene and immidetly noped outta there, deleted it off his PC and played some CoD instead.

Twisting Tiger:

Saw it online and went in knowing exactly what he was getting himself into. İt was a bit overrated in his opinion, particularly in the hororr department, but he had a good time, tried to date Yuri since seemed like the most interesting charecter.

Blok:

North whined about it at practice so he wanted to see it for himself, he really enjoyed the game although the flashing lights, broken text and music combined gave him a bit of a headache. He was really sad over awareness becoming a curse though and enjoyed the theory side of things just as much as the game itself, tried to date Sayori.

Cool Joe:

Chill John talked him into playing it and god was he misguided, he quit but came back the next day and played it through. İt gave him a few nightmares and a lot of brain rot, he enjoyed the theories a lot more than the game also tried to date Sayori.

Big Bo:

Was bored sitting all alone in his TV room and decided to try something a little diffrent this time he quickly realized he hated dialouge based games and the horror really didn't resonate with him, kinda appriciated the existential crisis part tho.

Coach:

Picked it up during off season knowing what it was, played it through twice took notes, made timelines and came up with his own theories analized the files from every angle and even asked Prof for help who offhandedly mentioned there was an online community he joined reluctantly but quickly became one of the most active members.

Klaus:

Sweet summer child thought it was a nice little game but he did read everything properly and as a result he was a lot more careful when the horror cane he was only mildly surprised and quickly adapted to the new game he enjoyed his time playing and is still a part of the fandom, he couldn't pick one to date since they were all so nice.

[amydancepants-peralta]

in the spirit of 4/28: if you’re willing to write non-peraltiago POV, could you maybe write the moment(s) that leas terry to decide he needed to tell jake to propose?

Terry loves love ♥

It all comes to Terry a few weeks after the squad captured the fugitives, on what seems like just another Friday night at Shaw’s.

(Which hardly feels like the ideal setting for an epiphany, but Terry supposes that’s what makes it so … epiphanic.)

It had been a long week - New York seemed to be feeling particularly felonious lately - and he was doubly tired from spending his Wednesday off helping Jake move apartments. With Sharon and the kids staying overnight at her mother’s, and high odds for a sleep-in the following morning, Terry’s plans didn’t stretch much further than washing his week away with a glass of whiskey or six.

That is until Terry noticed, about an hour into the squad’s drinking session; that a suddenly quiet Jake had removed himself from their booth, relocating to a seat by the bar where he could keep a close eye on the entrance. Amy was late - a rarity for any Santiago, but doubly so for Amy - and as Boyle plonks a fresh glass in front of him; Terry remembers watching her bolt out of the bullpen a few hours ago, a sudden lead on an otherwise dormant case too important to delay.

Terry hadn’t heard any updates since then; but given the lack of detailed reports landing in his inbox, and the look on Jake’s face whenever he checked his messages, he would have to assume the lead hadn’t panned out the way Amy hoped.

He’s in the midst of an argument with Rosa over which Friends character was superior (clearly Ross - Terry does not get all the Ross Hate) when Amy arrives ten minutes later, and Terry watches from his position in the corner as she heads straight towards Jake’s outstretched arms, her sense of defeat stretched clearly across sunken shoulders.

As though reverting to his detective days, Terry continues to observe the couple as Jake orders his girlfriend a beer, leading her over to another booth and sliding alongside her until their heads bow in quiet conversation. He thinks, as they talk and he sips, that there was once a time where Amy would have spent the rest of her evening at the precinct, pouring over paperwork, certain it’s the reason why they can’t catch the perp. Just as Jake would have taken the opportunity to boldly declare how he could have done it better - consequences (and unintentionally, feelings) unconsidered.

But now, Amy laughs with her head thrown back while Jake beams with pride; and in the past year or so has been known - after three drinks - to steal her boyfriend away to a slightly more secluded corner of the bar, dancing cheek to cheek to music only the two of them can hear.

It truly was the greatest thing to see, and part of Terry wishes he’d picked up on it sooner.

He watches Jake and Amy for the rest of the evening - even if they weren’t in the bullpen, these people were his work family, and Terry would look out for them anywhere - and as the empties begin to pile up at the squad’s table, the most simplest of truths comes to light. Somewhere along the way - in-between fire extinguisher roller chair derbies, robot captains and covert jimmy jabs - Jake Peralta had transformed into the man that Terry had always known he could be.

Gone was the promising detective that hadn’t quite figured out the puzzle on how to grow up, monopolising too much time in Terry’s therapy sessions. And in his place was one of the 99’s greatest detectives: a brilliant mind at solving puzzles, and a gentle soul who brought two extra gifts to last year’s Secret Santa, ‘just in case Scully and Hitchcock forgot again’.

Who's grin grew impossibly huge each time he’d said the words ‘our apartment’ since the move three days ago. A man who couldn’t get over Amy after that very first crush - no matter how hard he tried - because just like when Terry met Sharon, and they talked about Meatloaf until the bar closed around them; your heart always knows when you’ve found The One.

Jake had grown into someone that finally understood how worthy he was of love, and had a world of it to give in return. A man that was clearly ready to marry the love of his life - the one and only Amy Santiago - and her eyes already sparkled with an unspoken yes to any question of forever.

He thinks about the conversation they had that day in the squad car, racing to find escaped convicts and venting about wasted acrylics; and Jake’s muttered ‘Cool. Basically telling me to never get married or have kids’ in response. Terry hadn’t been lying - a march towards the closet does begin with a single step - but he’d neglected to mention all the great things that came with that closet.

Like coming home to see Sharon and the girls dancing to Destiny’s Child in the living room, or late afternoon naps with tiny heads snuggled into your side. Chaotic mornings filled with stress that melted away the instant you heard “I love you, Daddy”; and treasured moments of peace with Sharon, the couch, and a bottle of wine.

Terry would give up all the acrylics in the world for a hundred more moments just like that - and as the last drop of whiskey drains from his glass, he knows exactly what he needs to do.

***

Terry calls Sharon on the way home - waiting until he’s said goodnight to each one of his angels before telling her his plan. “So. I think Jake should propose to Amy.”

He can almost hear her smile down the phone line, and it makes him wish they’d be back from Sharon’s mother’s sooner. “You do?”

He shrugs into the otherwise empty interior, flexing his grip on the steering wheel out of habit. “Yeah. They’re clearly in love with each other, and … you know. He has that look.”

Sharon laughs - the same laugh Terry heard from his kitchen one morning, a year into their relationship, and just knew that he wanted to hear it for the rest of his life - before asking, “What look?”

“You know. The one I kept giving you when we first started dating. Like I’d finally found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. So excited and completely scared that somebody could try and take it away.”

“Mmm, I know it well. And when it comes to Jake and Amy, somebody almost did .. right?”

Nodding, Terry thinks of the afternoons he’d find Amy crying in her car, the devastation of another day not knowing where Jake was hiding too hard to conceal for another minute. “Yeah. Almost.”

“Well … if you didn’t try and play cupid, you wouldn’t be the man I married, Terrence Jeffords.”

Terry’s shoulders bounce as he breaks into a tiny happy dance, and he grins. “Terry loves love, baby. Almost as much as Terry loves Sharon.”

“I love you too, baby. And we’ll be back home the day after tomorrow, just in time for you to hatch a plan on how to play matchmaker with my god-husband. I have a pretty good instinct he’ll make a great actual husband … and hopefully it’s someday soon. I am ready for a night of serious dancing.”

* * *

Terry wears his lucky red tie the following Monday, settling into his desk to focus on paperwork as the question of exactly how his plan will unfold remains unanswered at the back of his mind.

Before it’s even 10am, he manages to catch five not-so-secret glances between the two lovebirds (a private joke of some sort dancing in their grins); and pretends to be pre-occupied with his work when Amy sneaks in a quick good luck kiss before Jake leaves for the interrogation room. Terry watches it all with a suppressed grin, switching between several versions of his How To Encourage A Proposal plan as he signs off on the last form in his tray.

These two were clearly in love - and Terry couldn’t wait to see them take that next amazing step.

He catches Jake in the kitchen an hour later, watching as the detective rescues the puzzle section of Scully’s newspaper from certain destruction, placing it on Amy’s desk with a grin. As they stop to discuss Ocampo - a dealer that Jake and Rosa have just begun to tail - all of Terry’s pre-conceived plans of a casual topic change fall quickly by the wayside. As it turns out, telling a person they should propose is not something that comes up easily on it’s own.

And then he opens the fridge for his next scheduled snack, and realises that all this time, Terry’s inspiration was waiting in the very things he cherished the most.

The blueberry and vanilla yogurt containers feel cool against his fingertips, and with his stomach growling at the promise of a delicious meal, Terry nudges the door shut with his hip and calls out to his detective.

“Hey, Jake. Let me show you something amazing.”

(Terry really does believe that yoghurt is the solution to everything.)

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Throbbing Date

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

It’s vital to understand what’s going on in Season 2 so you wouldn’t get confused in this date. Do read this post by @thescentoflavender​ before proceeding :)

Chronology: Prologue -> Throbbing Date ->  Chapter 1

Parallel World Dates Collection: Kiro // Shaw // Victor

Grey clouds gather low, and wind rushes into my collar. Suddenly, droplets of rain pour from the sky.

An occasional lightning bolt flashes across the darkened sky. The ginkgo leaves rustle when making contact with water droplets.

I never thought there’d be a heavy rain on the first day of school...

I let out a faint sigh, slanting my umbrella towards the kitten next to me. 

MC: You poor thing. 

In my memory, it was a similar rainy day - the same leaky eaves and the kitten wailing beside me. 

Back then, I didn't know that the person who sheltered me from the rain was Gavin...

My thoughts wander, and I don’t realise that my coat has gotten drenched. 

It has been eleven years since the incident at the orphanage. The course of the world continues as normal. Yet, it’s not exactly the same as in my memory.

I sigh, looking beyond the eaves to the rain which shows no sign of stopping. I rub my cold arms. 

The kitten flinching at my feet is still trembling, and would occasionally release a weak cry.

MC: Are you hungry? I only have this on me to fill your tummy. 

I dig out a ham sausage from my bag and break it into small pieces. The kitten sniffs it, then moves closer. 

MC: I’ll bring you something better next time. 

As though understanding my words, the kitten has its head down, obediently eating the food. 

I pat its soft head lightly. A shadow suddenly cloaks me from above.

When I lift my head in shock, a large and warm school jacket covers me, including my head. 

MC: ??!!

My vision darkens, causing me to panic for a moment. Suddenly realising something, a sense of disbelief and joy fills my heart. 

I stand up, wanting to hold onto the hand from just now. However, all I feel are ice-cold water droplets falling onto the palm of my hand. 

White sneakers splashing up water, the young boy’s profile gradually disappears in the rain. 

Female Student: MC, what are you doing here? You didn’t bring an umbrella? 

With the warm school jacket still on me, I only return to my senses after a long while, and look towards the worried student. 

MC: I’m fine, thank you.

Female Student: Eh? Whose jacket is this?

MC: This jacket... probably belongs to a kind student. 

I pick up the kitten and hide underneath the girl’s umbrella. My heart keeps thinking about the person who gave me his school jacket. 

Female Student: Is that so? Since it’s someone from our school, you should be able to see him again soon.

Raindrops pelt onto the umbrella, and the slightly cool touch reminds me that everything that happened just now was real. 

I lift my eyes and look into the distance. In the rain, the light creates a faint neon where he had disappeared. 

MC: Mm, I’ll definitely meet him again. 

~

Ever since school began, I frequently heard about Gavin.

Gavin doesn’t come to school often, and it’s difficult to catch sight of him. In the eyes of others, he is the same frightening school bully.

There were many times when I wanted to meet Gavin earlier, and look for him. 

But when I recall the “warning” I heard back then, I end up quelling such a thought--

“Your unintentional actions may lead to irretrievable consequences.”

Male Student: Oh right, I heard the senior students say that Gavin, the school bully, has started collecting protection money again! Be careful when you go home, and definitely avoid him!

MC: Who are you to say this? Did you witness it, or were you ever extorted by him? If you want to convict somebody, you should at least have some evidence.

Male Student: Everyone has been saying it! MC, you have to believe it. You girls have to be especially careful. 

Minor: Who said so? Senior Gavin once saw me getting threatened by some youths from outside school. At the sight of injustice, he even helped me out. 

Male Student: Are you two close? Why would he save you? 

Minor: We’re not that close... of course, he didn’t specially save me. He happened to be around, and casually settled the issue. That 1 v 10 scene was too cool!

It’s dismissal time. After the students finish discussing the main protagonist of school rumours, they begin leaving the classroom. 

Male Student: MC, could I copy your English homework? 

MC: No. 

I ignore the request of the male student. Turning around, I place my English homework solemnly on Minor’s table. 

MC: You’re welcome. 

After packing my bag and preparing to leave, I think about the gossip related to Gavin. A wave of courage worms its way into my heart.

Minor: MC, you’re going home already? 

MC: I’m heading to the music room to practice. Why? 

Minor: Nothing, you can go. 

Minor averts his eyes. His tweaked voice seems to be hiding a secret agenda. 

After stepping out of the classroom, I suddenly change my mind, and brisk walk to the building where the Year Threes are. 

...just passing by should be okay.

The corridor of the Year Three building is sparsely filled with a few chatting students. Most of them are doing self-revision in the classrooms. 

Not feeling hopeful, I walk to the window and look towards Gavin’s seat. 

Gavin is actually sitting in class obediently!

Although the Year Three self-revision session has not ended, he is lying on the table, using his arm as a pillow as he sleeps. 

Half of his face is covered by the upright book, revealing half of a handsome side profile. His slender and long fingers soon bring the book closer to him, as though disliking the sunlight. 

I stop outside the window and catch my breathing. 

Music teacher: MC, what are you doing here? 

MC: Teacher, I... I was planning to go to the music room. 

Music teacher: It just so happens that the repertoire of our school’s next orchestra performance has been changed. Come with me to get the new music score, and you can check the progress of the practice. 

MC: ...okay.

...I couldn’t have been more unlucky. 

Unable to stop myself, I cast another glance at the sleeping Gavin, releasing a soft sigh in my heart. 

~

There is no one in the music room. 

Gavin places the strawberry milk he just purchased on the piano bench. He turns around to look at the clock on the wall. If the girl isn’t here by now, she probably wouldn’t turn up.

He leaps out of the window and onto a nearby ginkgo tree, then hops down. Patting off dust on his body, he turns around and is frozen to the spot--

The girl, with her hair tied in a ponytail, is standing under the tree. Her beautiful eyes widen at the sight of him. 

MC: Senior G-Gavin?!

Her face has an insuppressible look of shock. Her entire frame trembles, and the music scores in her hands scatter all over the floor. 

Is she... afraid of me? 

~

Golden sunlight filters through the leaves, entwining Gavin’s cold expression with light and shadows.

There is a burst of ecstasy in my heart, but my brain ceases to function, not knowing what to say as an opening line. 

Gavin suddenly comes towards me. On this quiet autumn day, a few dry leaves creak under the soles of his feet. 

He stops two steps away from me, then leans down. Expressionless, he helps me pick up the scattered music scores, leaving none behind. 

Gavin: Here.

MC: ...thank you, Senior. 

Gavin nods lightly, a few strands of his bangs blowing up with the wind. 

Gavin: I’m off. 

He tosses these words coldly, then turns around and leaves. 

I’m dumbfounded, wanting to chase after him. Although it wasn’t long since he left, there are no traces of him on the field. 

Why... does Gavin always run off once he sees me? 

~

There’s no one in the music room, but the initially shut windows are now wide open, the thin curtains flying wildly in the wind. 

There is a bottle of strawberry milk on the piano bench.

MC: Who put this here?  

For some reason, I suddenly think of Gavin.

Where could he be now? Given his personality... he should have gone home. 

I practise the piano distractedly. After packing my things, I prepare to go home. 

When I pass by the small alley outside school, an uproar catches my attention.

??: You guys again?! 

The familiar voice causes me to lift my head.

In the narrow alley, Minor is cornered by a few senior students, looking helpless and pitiful.

How did Minor provoke these gangsters? 

My nerves jolt, and I start thinking frantically--

The school gates are closed. If I call the security guards, Minor could already be beaten to a pulp by the time they rush over...

After thinking about it, I quickly decide to rescue my current desk mate, and my good future subordinate. 

If left with no choice, I’ll use my Evol to handle it.

Minor spots me from a distance and his eyes widen, looking as though he would call my name in the next second.

I desperately signal to him not to reveal my presence. Minor immediately nods his head vigorously. 

MC: ...

The intelligent gangsters turn around quickly. My location is completely exposed, and I have no choice but to muster my courage and walk up to them.

Gangster: Where did this lass come from? You want to save the damsel in distress like on TV? 

At this moment, Minor, who threw me under the bus earlier, puffs up his chest and steps in front to cover me. 

Minor: If you want to beat someone up, just beat me. You’re not allowed to bully girls!

Minor’s words elicit bursts of laughter. Feeling a slight headache, I look towards this fool. I ask him in a whisper:

MC: How did you provoke these gangsters? 

Minor: I wrote them a challenge letter telling them not to bully others. In the end, they’ve been giving me trouble every day. 

My heart hangs heavily, knowing that we wouldn’t be able to get out of this. I raise my head and look at the leader of the gangsters. I raise my voice. 

MC: We’re protected by someone. You should think about the consequences. 

Minor: That’s right. We’re protected by someone!

Gangster: Oh yeah? Who?

Since Gavin isn’t here, I can borrow his name temporarily. I take a deep breath and look straight at the gangster without fear.

MC: Gavin. You should have heard of his name before!

Minor: That’s right. A left uppercut and a right uppercut -  anyone who provokes Gavin’s men are in danger!

[Note: He’s quoting song lyrics from Nunchucks, a Chinese song by Jay Chou...]

I kick Minor with slight annoyance, and he finally stops. He asks me curiously and cheerfully.

Minor: Deskmate, you know my big bro? 

MC: ...I've heard rumours about him.

The words are lodged in my throat. I lower my head, a sense of melancholy filling my heart. 

The leader of the gangsters doesn’t buy it. He surrounds us with his underlings, backing us into a corner. 

There is nowhere to retreat. With my back pressed against the cold concrete wall, I squeeze my palm. 

MC: Later, I’ll distract the skinniest one. Use this chance to run. 

Minor: How could I ignore the bro code and abandon you!

MC: Stop nagging. I have a way.

After all, it’s the only way I can get the chance to use my Evol to alter the memories of these gangsters. 

Gangster: Lass, you’re pretty fierce. Looks like you wouldn’t give up until the bitter end. Let me tell you this - even if Gavin comes, he’ll just get a share of the beating!

??: Is that so.

A cold voice resounds from behind him.

All the gangsters turn their heads, only to see a tall young man standing at the entrance of the alley. He is cradling a basketball in one hand, and gripping a bottle of water in the other.

In the next second, the basketball slams against the head of the gangster. 

MC: Gavin?!

Gavin walks over unhurriedly, tightening his grip on the water bottle. When his eyes meet mine, he freezes, almost choking. 

My heart is beating wildly, and my body is in a state of shock. He increases his speed and walks over, silently blocking me from the front. 

Minor: Boss!!!

The initially unfeeling expression on Gavin’s face darkens when he sees Minor. 

Gavin: Who’s your boss...

Gavin evades Minor’s enthusiastic hug. Turning back to the gangsters, his expression turns cold again. 

Gavin: Looks like without a few more punches, you wouldn’t commit this to memory. 

Gangster: Gavin, y-you came at the right time. We have more people now, so we can take our revenge for the previous time!

The corner of his Gavin’s lip twitches slightly. Before the gangster can raise his fist, Gavin kicks his knees without holding back. The gangster collapses to the ground in agony. 

Gavin: If you cause such trouble again, you’ll suffer by yourself.

Minor: This time, they were the ones who caused trouble for me first!

Seeing their boss defeated, the gangsters react by relying on crowd tactics to surround us. 

The leader of the gangsters rubs his knees and stands up. Watching his underlings surrounding Gavin, he laughs aloud. 

Gangster: You can’t run away this time, right? Heheh. Gavin, if you beg for mercy, I might consider letting you off. 

Gavin: Enough nonsense. 

Gavin laughs. His school jacket is torn at the shoulders. He removes it completely, leaving him in a black T-shirt. 

He moves his wrist, easily snatching away the baseball bat from the gangster swinging it at him. He lifts the gangster up by the collar, and slams him onto the ground.

Gavin: What are you standing there for? Come and help.

MC: Coming!

I hurriedly catch the baseball bat from Gavin. I turn around and cover Gavin’s blind spots. 

Gavin freezes, his face twisting unnaturally.

Gavin: [coughs]... I didn’t mean you. I meant that brat Minor. 

MC: It’s fine, I can help too!

I weigh the baseball bat in my hand and look at him sincerely. Gavin simply purses his lips without saying anything. 

This sudden danger fills me with hope and makes me realise one thing--

At least this time, I could meet him earlier. 

Gavin’s combat abilities are of a much higher standard than I thought. He gives me no chance to strike. 

After a short while, more than ten gangsters lie on the floor and are howling in pain, begging Gavin for mercy. 

Looks like the “1 v 10″ Minor mentioned wasn’t an exaggeration...

I click my tongue internally, pulling Minor to his feet. Unfortunately for him, his face is beaten up. 

Gavin lifts the leader of the gangsters by the collar, pressing him against the wall. 

Even though I don’t know what he’s saying, he’s probably teaching the gangster a lesson to never beat other people up again.

Gavin: The next time you see her, you better hide far away. 

Gangster: Bro Gavin, she came to us first...

Gavin: Then you better hide even further away.

Gavin subconsciously glances towards the worried-looking girl, not realising that his tone is downright fierce and frightening. 

Gavin: Remember. She’s under my protection.

~

By the time we walk out of the alley, the sky has already darkened. 

Minor: In order to repay Boss and my desk mate for saving my life, I’ll treat you both to noodles!

MC: Sure!

Gavin: I’ll pass. 

Gavin and I respond at the same time, but give contrasting answers. 

After a moment of awkwardness, Minor stutters and looks at us. 

Minor: Are we going or not? 

MC: Forget it then...

Gavin: All right. 

We once again respond in unison.

After a second of silence, Minor pushes us forward. 

Minor: I don’t care. With my vote and Gavin’s, majority wins. We’ll have noodles. Let’s go~

~

It’s rare for Lynn’s kitchen to be open at this time. 

Right after stepping into the shop, Minor rushes to sit at an empty table. He even mutters something in a small voice, which sounded like “Only you can sit next to big bro.”

However, Gavin carries his bag and sits next to Minor.

MC: A bowl of signature beef noodles with a soft-boiled egg, and no coriander. 

Gavin looks at me with doubt. I realise that I might have sounded overly familiar with this place. I tug at Minor’s sleeve.

MC: Since you come here frequently, what else do you recommend? 

Minor: I don’t come here often. Gavin does. Right, Gavin? 

Gavin: ...

After receiving a death glare, Minor shuts his mouth obediently. 

Boss: The lady looks unfamiliar. This should be your first time here. 

The boss serves the dishes enthusiastically, then marvels at Gavin. 

Boss: It’s also the first time I see you together with the lady.

Minor: Who knows? Maybe next time--

Gavin: Eat your noodles.

Minor shuts his mouth, though he continues piping up from time to time. 

Minor: Desk mate, you usually look pretty quiet. I didn't think you’d be so righteous at the most crucial moment. I really have to thank you for today. If it weren’t for you two daring souls, I’d be in the hospital tomorrow. 

I pretend to listen to Minor’s babbling, but I find myself sneaking peeks at Gavin.

There’s a slight bruise at the corner of his lips, a few bruises on his arm...

However, he looks completely unaffected, and doesn’t seem to think much of it. It’s as though he has long since gotten used to all these big and small pains.

The three of us lower our heads and eat the noodles. Only Gavin’s bowl has glistening red oil floating in it. He still loves eating spicy food. 

The noodles are chewy, and there are sufficient side dishes. White mist swirls from the piping hot bowls. Past memories flow into my mind along with this taste. 

MC: Your noodles are really delicious. Uncle, someone once told me about a soup base recipe, and how it’d make the noodles even more delicious...

The boss is startled for a while, then smiles and wipes his hands on the apron. 

Boss: I’ve thought about the same recipe before, but I’ve never had the chance to try it. I’ll try it some other day. 

~

By the time we step out of the noodle shop, the streets are lit up by streetlamps.

The night sways quietly in the direction of the breeze. Minor belches contentedly, turning around and giving us a wave.

Minor: Brother Gavin, Deskmate, I’ll be leaving now! See you tomorrow!

Before we can say anything, he has already run off and disappeared. 

Gavin and I stand face-to-face. After a silent stalemate, I take the initiate to speak. 

MC: Senior, are you going home now? 

Gavin pursues his lips and doesn’t respond. He stuffs his hands into his pockets, kicking away a pebble at his feet. 

Gavin: I’ll send you home. 

MC: Eh? 

Gavin: It’s late, and the streets aren’t safe. 

I nod immediately, not giving him a chance to change his mind. 

MC: Thank you senior!

Gavin: Let’s go.

Gavin turns his face to the side, not looking at me. Yet, the corners of his lips lift slightly.

He carries his bag and jacket. Walking forward, his shadow is elongated by the lights. 

I follow behind him, my mood becoming increasingly joyful as we walk down the street. 

Gavin’s back is straight, and his steps are large and steady. He has long legs and walks very quickly. With small steps, I brisk walk after him. 

Barely catching up with Gavin, who is a head taller than me, I pant and look towards him. I can’t help but speak up. 

MC: Senior, can we walk a little slower? 

Gavin freezes, then responds with a delayed “oh”. His footsteps are much slower than before. 

Night has fallen. The lights from shops lining both sides of the street add a touch of warmth to the night. 

These streets that I’ve walked past several times day and night, are given a different colour on this night. 

My eyes are drawn to a signboard not too far off, which is lit up in green. 

MC: Senior, wait for a while!

Without waiting for Gavin’s response, I hurriedly run into the drugstore.

MC: Hello. Please give me a box of band-aids, and medicated alcohol... anyway, bring me everything that can be used for treating external wounds. 

Under the suspicious gaze of the shop staff, I pay the money and walk out of the drugstore. 

Seeing me carry a paper bag filled with a variety of medical items meant for treating injuries, his eyebrows furrow slightly.  

Gavin: I don’t need these. 

MC: But your skin is chafed. 

I point to the corner of his lips. Stunned, he subconsciously touches his own lips. 

I tear open a band-aid and hand him the bag containing medicine. 

MC: Stop refusing. Treat this as a “thank you” gift for today.

Gavin takes the bag from me and nods gently. 

Gavin: No need to worry. Those guys will not dare to cause trouble for you ever again. 

MC: Mm, I have Senior protecting me.

Gavin: ...you don’t need to listen to what that brat Minor says. 

This sentence, which came out of nowhere, leaves me startled. 

MC: Eh? He didn’t tell me anything. 

Gavin’s expression stiffens. He lifts his head and looks towards the incoming bus. 

Gavin: The bus is here. Go home. Be careful on your way back. 

MC: ...I’ve  got it. 

With a sense of regret, I give him a wave to bid him farewell. When I step onto the bus, a wave of loss enters my heart.

Gavin stands at the bus stop and doesn’t leave. His eyes pass through the windows, falling on me. 

I look towards the flickering lights outside the window, and the cars that gallop past. A strange but stubborn thought erupts from my heart. 

This time, the path beneath my feet will not see an end. Even the end of the road leads to many tomorrows.

When I turn around towards him, my heart is still filled with strong reluctance. 

There are so many things I want to hear him say. 

That the school jacket on that rainy day wasn’t his. That he wasn’t the one who left the strawberry milk in the music room.

Whether those young and sincere secrets are carefully yet clumsily hidden his heart. 

No longer under my control, my legs turn back. Before the door closes, I return to the entrance of the door. 

Through this narrow door, I look at the boy who still stands at the bus stop. 

MC: Gavin!

I call his name. 

Gavin freezes, then lifts his head to look at me. 

The flashing car lights in the night illuminate his face. There is surprise and incomprehension in his eyes. His raised jaw is clean. 

I puff up my chest slightly, suddenly forgetting what I wanted to say. 

But I know I wouldn’t be too late this time. 

MC: You’re welcome to listen to me play the piano in the music room next time. 

MC: My name is MC. 

MC: I’m very happy to meet you. 

-

🌸 MOMENTS 🌸

Gavin’s Post: Autumn is always the season of memories.

MC: It’s also the season to eat malt candy~

Gavin: It does have a nostalgic taste.

-

Gavin’s Post: Autumn is always the season of memories.

MC: But autumn always passes so quickly - ten times the speed of the falling autumn leaves.

Gavin: Autumn will end, and will naturally return.

-

Gavin’s Post: Autumn is always the season of memories.

MC: Which year’s memories do you remember?

Gavin: That year.

-

🌸 Phone Call: here

[lovelahela]

𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤  ↠  𝖎𝖙 𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓  [day six, @it-lives-week​]

❛ the power is back, and it’s more powerful than ever. you must band together and defeat it once and for all... or die trying. ❜

n.b. i’m basing this off my ilitw mc taking jane’s place and everyone survived in both ilitw and ilb, so some plot points are interchangeable. plus, ilitw and ilb mcs’ characteristics are obviously interchangeable depending on how you played in your own playthroughs/how you have written them.

significant characters.

         ↠ (DETERMINANT) mc: it lives within main character [LI: determinant]. possible faces to choose from: caucasian, south asian, middle eastern, latina,  african. sexuality is determinant. nerve subject to change.

         ↠ (F) marisol reyes: it lives in the woods main character [LI: noah marshall]. filipina. bisexual. nerve subject to change.

         ↠ (F) harper vance: it lives beneath main character [LI: tom sato] african-american. pansexual. nerve is not subject to change if your mc survived ilb.

         ↠ (NB) jamie mcleod: it lives within side character [LI: mc or andy kang]. singaporean, irish. pansexual, demisexual. nerve subject to change.

         ↠ (F) sun-hee ‘sunny’ pong: it lives within side character [LI: mc or dan pierce]. south korean. bisexual. nerve subject to change.

         ↠ (M) okeyo ‘oak’ liao: it lives within side character [LI: mc or jocelyn wu]. kenyan, chinese. bisexual. nerve subject to change.

         ↠ (F) jocelyn wu. it lives in the woods + it lives within side character [LI: mc or okeyo liao]. pansexual. nerve is not subject to change.

romance.

         ↠ so i don’t know if this is gonna make sense but like in the game harvest moon, you can choose to/accidentally activate “heart events” that set your LI up with a different character, so i thought it would be a cool change for you to see an LI option end up with someone else if you don’t romance them. would probably be paywalled though, kind of like grace/aleister in endless summer.

         ↠ jaimie would not have intimate scenes until the second half of the book if mc has established a strong relationship with them.

plot points.

the plot isn’t complete, these are just some ideas i had in mind. i may change some or even all of them when i write my it lives 3 au.

         ��↠ [this piece of information is not revealed until late into the story] noah ends up finding a ritual that allows him to bring marisol back, on the condition that he would have to give his soul up to the power after six months and take her place. 

         ↠ in the midst of arguing with his former westchester friend group after revealing his face to them to propose an alliance in order to put a stop to the power, they are interrupted by marisol entering the room, looking and wearing exactly the same as she had on homecoming night, dazed and confused.

         ↠ noah, having thought the ritual hadn’t worked, is just as shocked beyond belief as the rest of them. it is then concluded that marisol does not remember a single thing during her three years as jane’s replacement (though memories come back to her in bits and pieces through nightmares and flashbacks throughout the story), and believes it is still homecoming night and the last thing she remembers is speaking to jane. they do their best to ease her into the fact that 3 years have passed.

         ↠ the main character’s parents were members of the society prior to their death, but they were away for college during the events of it lives beneath. upon hearing of their deaths, they move temporarily to pine springs, and notice that something was off with the quaint town.

         ↠ they take it upon themselves to investigate further into this and later discover the society by following one of its few remaining members into a forest. they are kidnapped, then immediately recognized as the child of their highly esteemed comrades, so they then decide to go easier on them and explain everything about the cult and their parents’ place in it.

         ↠ they are interrupted when a group of strangers [it lives beneath main group] bust their operation and the chief of police ends up hauling off what they then believed to be the last remaining members of the society into jail. meanwhile, tom, imogen, danni, and harper reveal what they had left out about josephine vance and the power that once lived in the lake.

         ↠ the main character, harboring bitter anger towards their parents’ greed for the power and how it got them killed, is immediately motivated to put a stop to it, so they are introduced to connor green, whom tom knew was organizing a group to fight against the supernatural force. together, they move to a town they suspected contained it: northbury, oregon - which was equidistant from westchester and pine springs, both of which were an hour away. 

         ↠ the main character is introduced to the westchester group, including marisol and jocelyn; however, only connor, noah, jocelyn, dan, noah, and andy had decided to move to northbury. the rest decided to remain in their respective towns since they weren’t far away anyway. 

         ↠ in an attempt to blend in with the locals and gain information about the recent disappearances simultaneously, MC makes it their mission to get to know the most significant current residents of northbury that ava cunningham and parker shaw had pulled up information about: jamie mcleod (the younger sibling of one of the missing victims), lawrence khan (northbury’s chief of police), jiao-long liao (occult studies professor at northbury university), and sun-hee pong (a college student who had been caught trespassing on properties including the homes of the missing victims multiple times, and the daughter of one of the missing).

         ↠ upon their arrival, more people start to go missing, and the gang discover that northbury has had a much darker past than westchester and pine springs combined. disappearances date back decades, and the rates are alarmingly high for a town that appeared to be bustling with residents. a local conspiracy blog/forum exposes numerous reports of dead animals cut in a ritualistic/sacrificial manner, sightings of a dark humanoid figure wandering in the trees at night, and rumors of a secret underground cave full of occult symbols drawn with blood on the walls, dust-coated skeletons, and a myth surrounding an ancient monster that was offered sacrifices by its people unknowingly. 

         ↠ honestly this is all i have planned so far lmao but a few more things i had in mind were: (A) there could be a bad ending where they don’t defeat the power, meaning noah’s soul is claimed and he becomes the new redfield (B) if the power is defeated noah gets to stay alive and ends up with marisol, goes to culinary school, all that good stuff (C) i was thinking that even some characters without nerve could have multiple fates depending on how the story goes and who lives, like connor and jocelyn, and maybe it could be dependent on the nerve of others that way the stakes are higher and you’re more motivated to keep the nerve high. e.g. if MC’s nerve is low and they can’t complete a certain task that could save others, jocelyn ends up doing it instead and dies in the process.

so yeah this is mainly what i have in mind for an it lives 3 book! i hope PB change their mind one day and revisit it because it’s truly their best series.

[all-things-mlqc]

Boys reaction to MC who never have date before meeting them. Like, the boys as MC's first love.

My first HC on here and I was memeing half the time while writing it. Included what the boys would do after hearing this news as well because why not. I’m not a Lucien fan but lord have mercy on my soul, I couldn’t help making his romantic af. He is the ideal boyfriend/date minus the l i e s that come in the MS and I hate it. All the crossed out stuff is just commentary because I couldn’t help myself. Hope you enjoy~ Thank you for your ask <3

How the MLQC boys react to being MC’s first love below the cut~

Victor:

Follows with some snarky comment after he calls her “Dummy”.

Let’s be real here, if he doesn’t call her dummy immediately, then something is wrong. Reminds me of when we streamed the first episode of MLQC and we were all yelling “CALL US BAKA” the second Victor came on screen.

While he seems cool and collected on the outside, you can hear the computer shutdown sound play on the inside.

To him, this is a shocking confession.

Victor: I’m not surprised a dummy like you hasn’t been in a serious relationship before.

Victor, internally: How has she never been in a serious relationship before??

He’s not very good at expressing himself honestly through his words but he truly admires MCs hardworking nature.

He finds that very attractive in a woman and is surprised that other men in the line of business haven’t taken their shot with her yet. it’s because they can feel your death stare on the back of their heads, kind sir

One thing he struggles with is being himself. He tries to act like everything is in his control all the time.

Because of this, upon hearing MCs confession, he invites her to a fancy dinner at his penthouse insert Victor’s Dazzling Date because THATS ALL THAT MATTERS. Jkjk haha... unless...

He wants to impress her as much as possible even though he knows deep down that she doesn’t care about what a person has and rather how they are as a person

BUT ALAS. The stress be real for her first boyfriend.

He wants her to know she made a good decision without verbally telling her out of his own bitch mouth I love you, please call me baka so he goes over the top with their first date.

Basically pulls a Mr. Krabs when taking Mrs. Puff on a date. Just add shades to Mr. Krabs to represent Victor’s “I’m calm. I’m chill. I’m all good. We vibin out here.”

All MC wants from him is his honest and genuine thoughts. and a lifetime stock of pudding because good god a girl has chocolate needs

MC eventually figures out Victor’s intentions with all the gifts he rains on her because hE dOesNt nEeD tHeM he can’t give her anything more than a cup of pudding up front

MC knows this and accepts the secret gifts with a smile.

She sends a gift in return to his office the following day along with a thank you for the wonderful date.

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of Victor’s heart rate slowing to the average persons.

Kiro:

insert pikachu meme

This boy is mind blown.

“How have you never been in a relationship before??? That can’t be true!”

Kiro sees the good in everyone, so hearing that MC has never been in a relationship before him is

He gives her a bright smile and playfully hugs her from behind.

The two of them laugh together as he whispers genuinely in her ear,

“I promise to make you happy. You won’t regret it.”

He immediately drags her off to Loveland’s Amusement Park, where they spend the whole day together.

Rides, snacks, games, you name it, they did it all.

Kiro naturally spoils MC without putting much thought to it.

It’s like a reflex for him. It’s just who he is as a person. Always wants to share the happiness in the world with the people he cares about.

As for how anxious he is after hearing the news about being MC’s first love, he is screaming at a pitch only dogs can hear.

Almost 100% of the time he has a smile on his face and even convinces himself that he’s not worried about it.

But he is.

It only hits him when he thinks about another man taking MC away from him after seeing her talking with another guy.

MC will catch him without his carefree smile at times and eventually confronts him about it.

He shows her a wide smile and says there’s nothing to worry about.

L I E S. BABIE LEMME HOLD YOU I PROMISE YOU DONT NEED TO WORRY.

After a few attempts of trying to get Kiro to open up about it, he gives in and says he’s worried he’s not good enough for her HAHAHHA, GOOD ONE KIRO

MC, however, turns it around on him

MC: I’m afraid IM the one who isn’t good enough for you.

They both smile and embrace each other, knowing they’ll get through any little concerns like this.

Gavin:

He knows.

We’re talking about the boy who has been in love with MC since high school; Who has protected her behind the scenes ever since he laid eyes on her.

He would know if she had been in a previous or current relationship.

It only comes as a shock when she says she’s never been interested in anyone else romantically before. Lies. Have you seen the other suitors, MC. In a world where guys are that hot, you must’ve had at least 1 crush, c’mon sis.

Gavin respected her personal boundaries and never looked into her personal affairs so he had very little knowledge of her views on other guys.

He gets a little bit nervous, since he believes her standards must be high if she hasn’t been interested in anyone else before.

Does the full on soldier oath, bend the knee cliche which includes “I promise to always protect you” and “Nobody will ever be good enough for you”

Mc: Gavin no...

Gavin: NOBODY WILL EVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU.

Spoiler alert: You are waayyyyy too good for me, Gavin.

He doesn’t have too much anxiety over the thought of being MC’s first love though since he’s very good at staying true to himself and knows MC is one to admire that about others.

Gavin is a quiet guy in general. He’s more of an observer and watches MC to take note of what she enjoys.

When he sees her eyes shine bright after seeing a delicious dessert cafe, he offers to take her. He makes sure to express how he also wants to go since he knows she won’t accept unless he is interested as well.

Boy literally has no interests the moment he’s with MC. He is essentially that vine

Doesn’t even wait until the question is over and just “Absolutely. Let’s do it”

MC: But I haven’t even said anything yet...

He isn’t much different from how he is now. Has around the same amount of anxiety just from being in MCs presence.

Boy just wants to PROTECC and is always panicking on the inside but tries to remain calm.

He is very good at calming his anxiety though since he’s had so long to understand what MC values and knows she just loves people for themselves.

That’s all he needs.

Lucien:

His eyes widen slightly at MCs confession.

It’s nothing too mind blowing for him since he knows how refined MC is and how dedicated she is to her work.

It’s still surprising to him that nobody has tried to sweep her off her feet yet.

With how kind MC is, it would be hard for her to refuse a date with a gentleman.

Lucien gently presses a kiss to MCs hand upon hearing her confession.

Lucien: I am honored to be given the opportunity TO WOO to take such a beautiful lady out on a date~ AND MORE PLEASE

Lucien is the definition of a gentleman shhhh we aren’t speaking of current chapters in the main route Lucien. Cover your eyes. Pretend you do not see.

With little to no anxiety showing on his face after the reveal that he is MCs first love, he insists on taking her out to a nice restaurant the most classy and romantic 5 star restaurant Loveland City has to offer as a way to thank her for dealing with his bs (both his bullshit and black swan hahaha I’m so funny oml) being given the opportunity to treat her as a beautiful young lady should be treated.

He’s also more on the less anxious side of being MCs first love.

Lucien is a traditional man and does stuff by the book.

Because of this, he respects and likes the idea of being MCs first love.

He doesn’t go over the top yet isn’t cliche with dates and little actions.

He knows exactly what to say and when to say it. Though he may struggle with being openly honest about his own thoughts and feelings, he tries his best to express himself for MC. a lot of the time he just assumes talking to her about his personal affairs would bring her down.

This, however, gets better overtime as they continue to date.

They spend a lovely evening at dinner together and take a midnight stroll through the city oh god city stroll PTSD

He gently wraps his jacket around her bare shoulders with a soft smile as he thanks her once again for believing in him believing he is worthy of her

Bonus:

Shaw:

Shaw, smirking: Is that so?

Oohhhhh you know what that smirk does to me. DOWN BOY D O W N.

He’s surprised but his reaction is very mutual.

His internal thoughts are more on the line of “Hmm I’m her first boyfriend, aye?” and “OYA OYA”

He very likely most definitely places his hand on the wall beside her head and leans in closely to get a reaction from her as he growls,

Shaw: So that means you really like me, yeah? I’m making this way too hot gdi. Shaw stans please enjoy your food

MC looks up to see that same playful smirk resting on his face.

highkey don’t know how to respond because Im just “ok think of 3 things she would probably say and go from there” while my brain just computer error sound

MC: and what about yourself? I’m sure there are tons of girls throwing themselves at you yet you choose me.

He pulls away and places his hands in his pockets with a chuckle.

Shaw: I’ve had my fair share before.

iVe HaD mY fAiR sHarE bEfoRe MY ASS

I’m convinced he’s had one time things with girls purely for information or he isn’t the least bit interested in relationships because he thrives on stimulation and entertainment and nOboDy iS gOoD eNouGh plus he literally asks what people do on dates when taking mc out in his first date in game SO

Either way, this is a LIE. The man can’t relationship for the life of him so he has no RIGHTS to tease her.

Just let him believe or you can try to tease him about it in hopes of getting a little pouty face out of him.

Honestly, their first date would just be the first date we got in the game and nobody can convince me otherwise.

Shaw is a wild child and doesn’t care for romantic dates. at least that’s what he wants you to think

A little insight on his character: He’s very blunt and easily pushes people away all the while keeping them close enough to gather intel. He doesn’t get emotionally attached to anyone and makes sure it’s mutual on both ends. Personal relationships only drag him down, especially in his line of work. He prioritizes other things before relationships which makes him so damn FRUSTRATING BUT I SWEAR I WILL CRACK YOU OPEN LIKE A WALNUT JUST YOU WATCH ME.

With that being said, after actually being in a relationship with MC for a while and opening up about their personal lives more, Shaw can be very romantic. He may be awkward for a bit at first since he literally doesn’t know what a date is but he gets there eventually.

He’s still full of fun but is also very gentle and makes sure MC is enjoying herself.

I got sidetracked with the actual HC on this one but Shaw stans need food I NEED FOOD

[frostedfaves]

Harvest Love

Pairing: Jake Peralta x fem!reader

Summary: Jake finds out Y/N is in an abusive relationship.

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: abusive boyfriend, mentions of sexual abuse, angst with somewhat fluffy end

-

"Are you kidding? There's no way you did that!" Y/N challenged with a laugh, taking a sip of her beer.

"Wha-- of course I did! Rosa!" Jake waved over Rosa, who was just coming back to the table with a new drink. "Can you please tell dear Y/N here that I once caught ten d-holes back to back?"

"Yep. Hurled right after." Rosa chuckled at the memory as she took a sip from her glass.

"See? She wouldn't lie about that, she thinks it's hilarious when my food comes back up."

"I do," Rosa confirmed and Y/N sighed in an exaggerated way.

"Fine, I guess that is pretty cool...even though you apparently can't swallow." She laughed again when Gina immediately high-fived her across Amy.

"I'll have you know that Jakey is very good at swallowing--"

"Nope, Charles, I do not need support on this argument," Jake quickly replied over Y/N and Gina's loud cackles and Amy's mocking gag noises.

The team continued to hold down the fort in Shaw's, drinking, playing games and just plain old banter with each other. Y/N was having the best night she'd had all month, that is until she received a call from him.

"Hey babe, what's up?" She stepped away from the squad's table a bit to hear better, just missing the disappointed look from Jake.

"What do you mean 'what's up'? Where the fuck are you?"

"Relax! I told you I was going out with my work friends tonight."

"When you say work friends you really mean Jake, right?"

Y/N rolled her eyes, already sensing where this was going. "He's one of them, yes," she grumbled out as she fiddled with the collar of her work shirt.

"Come home, now."

"I'll come when we're done! I'm not ready to leave yet."

"You know what? Fine. Just go home with him and fuck him and I'll just kill myself. That would make life so much easier for you, wouldn't it--"

"Jesus fucking Christ, alright! I'll be there soon." She hung up the phone with a huff, quickly painting a smile on her face as she turned back to the table. "Hey guys, I gotta get out of here."

"What, no! Y/N we just got to Five Drink Amy, and I wanna get her to try to ask Holt for astronomically ridiculous work accommodations," Gina whined with a hand on Y/N's shoulder.

Amy flipped her hair with a smile. "There's nothing astronomically ridiculous about required shoulder pads?"

"See?!" Gina gestured with exasperation and Y/N just shook her head with a smirk.

"G, leave her alone." She put her phone down and dug into her purse for some cash, placing it on the table and throwing her purse on her arm. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Wait!" Jake pulled her into a crushing hug as she was about to pass him. "Okay, now you can go. Lemme know when you get safely inside your home."

"Okay, JP. Goodnight!" She ruffled his hair playfully as she walked out of the bar.

"You should just go get her, like really walk up to her and just tell her that you're better than her boyfriend and just tell her to do the ol switcheroo, you know?" Amy drunkenly suggested, and Jake let out a half-hearted chuckle.

"I would love to, Ames, but I don't think she'd be dating someone else if she liked me back."

"Maybe she doesn't know you're an option." Rosa shrugged.

"Huh, maybe." He played with the label on his beer for a second until an object across the table caught his eye. "She left her phone! I'm gonna take it to her." He grabbed it and paused when he noticed the others eyeing him. "Not because I like her, but because she might need it. Wait, who am I kidding? I just wanna see her. Whatever!" He quickly got up and left, catching a cab to Y/N's apartment building.

Meanwhile, Y/N had just come into the apartment she shared with her boyfriend. Before she could close the door, he had her pinned to the wall next to it, her purse dropping to the floor.

"Dude, what the fuck is your problem?!" She tried to push him off, but he only pushed back harder.

"Do you take me as a fucking joke?!" He shook her when she gave him a look of disbelief. "Do you?!"

"No! Get the hell off me!" She fought against him, letting out a small noise of surprise when he picked her up. "What are you doing?!" She instantly knew something was wrong when he brought her into their bedroom and tossed her onto the bed. "Babe, wait--"

He quickly sent a slap across her face hard enough to leave a mark. "You don't get to be in charge anymore, alright?" He started to tug at her pants, hitting her again when she started kicking him and protesting. He'd just started to pull them down when he suddenly fell to the floor on the side of the bed.

Y/N quickly pulled her pants up as she looked over to see Jake now kneeling on the ground and cuffing her boyfriend. "Jake," she breathed out, holding back tears as he pulled her off the bed into a hug. "How did you..." She let the sentence fade out as she buried her face in his shoulder.

"I was bringing your phone you left at the bar and I noticed the door was open when I got off the elevator...and I could hear you screaming when I got closer...God, are you okay? How long has this been going on?" He pulled away just enough to look at her, keeping a secure grip on her waist.

"This is the only time he's been physical, but seeing this is making me realize some other red flags I missed in the past...He's convinced you're a threat."

"What?" Jake noticed the man on the ground starting to stir and quickly pulled out his phone. "Hold on, let me get him taken care of." He roughly pulled him off the ground and started to lead him out.

About ten minutes later, Jake came back in the apartment to find Y/N hugging her knees on one side of the couch, staring at the wall in front of her in silence. He sat next to her and placed an arm around her shoulders, looking into her eyes when she turned toward him.

"Do you wanna come sleep at my place tonight? I can't imagine that bed will be very comfortable now."

She shook her head, turning back to look at the wall. "No, I'm not exactly tired. Too much on my mind."

"Wanna share?" he asked, but was met with a few minutes of silence.

"Jake?" She continued after he hummed in response, still staring at the wall. "He was right."

"What do you mean?"

She finally turned back to him. "About you being a threat to our relationship. Him thinking that eventually I'd leave him for you as he ironically pushed me away from him toward you. I only agreed to go on a date with him in the first place because I thought you and I would never happen, and I did end up liking him a lot more than expected until he kept accusing me of cheating on him with you. I mean, I guess I can't blame him too much. I thought--think about you a lot but I've never acted on--"

Jake used his other hand that wasn't rested on her shoulder to lift her chin and went in for a kiss, the most satisfying breath-of-fresh-air kiss he'd ever had the pleasure of giving someone. He could've done it all night if not for the need of oxygen and his fear that he'd crossed the line pulling him away.

"I'm sorry, was that too much? I've wanted to do that for a long time," he admitted sheepishly and she giggled.

"No, I liked it. But I do need a little time before we can do anything. Although it wasn't the best, I did just leave a sort of serious relationship. I just need a little time to myself."

He smiled, letting his hand fall from her chin. "Yeah, of course. Take all the time you need. I'll be here."

"I promise I won't stop liking you in the meantime," she joked and he laughed a little.

"I promise that too," he told her in a tone just above a whisper, not being able to hold back from looking at her like she was the best thing he'd ever seen on planet Earth. Call him crazy, but there was something in the verbal promise that made him feel better about her than he ever had before. A feeling that he'd harvest and hold until she was ready to be with him.

[personifiedchaosx]

@heartsaked​ asked: “you said your break was coming up, right?” he asks the question in an almost hushed tone, arms wrapped around his boyfriend as they were laying down in his bed, fingers lazily tracing patterns against jack’s back. he didn’t know why he was speaking so quietly, especially when it was just the two of them. then again it was getting late, and after that last round he was sure that jack was more exhausted than he was ( though shaw was definitely ready to turn in that evening too ).

the hand that was lazily tracing patterns against his boyfriend’s bare back rose to run his fingers through white locks, almost as if he was setting some of the disheveled hair back into place.

“let’s go on a road trip together. i’ll make sure it’s cool with your old man before i steal you away. but it’d be nice, don’t you think?”

“Hm...? Mm-hm...”

Jack’s response was equally hushed, the hums a little muffled against damp skin; blue eyes still closed as he laid heavily against Shaw, face resting against his bare chest. His body was partially draped over him, arms settled on either side of him as he could feel the soft thumps of his boyfriend’s heartbeat underneath his face, his skin tingling underneath the tips of his fingers. Truthfully, he had been close to slipping into sleep before the older’s voice cut into the silence of the room, spent entirely from their ‘activities’ only moments prior.

North had already been contacted ages ago before they tumbled into bed. It was funny how even if Jack almost forgot that Shaw was the one to prompt him; reminding him to shoot off a text, sometimes saying it suggestively so he knew exactly why he should tell him that his curfew was going to be missed tonight.

Funny how far their relationship had come...

He shifted slightly, lifting his head just so; so that his cheek rested on his shoulder rather than on his chest, so he could crack open his eyes to peer into his lover’s face. If he was trying to make sure he was paying attention then his actions were dreadfully contradicting; his gentle caresses up his spine and into his hair almost enough to make him drift off entirely.

“A road-trip?” He’d never been on one; if anything they only sounded like something that kids on television shows go on. Especially in the rom-coms. Jack tried to picture it: him and Shaw, piled together in Shaw’s car; maybe with some packed bags taking up space in either the backseat or the trunk; Jack’s legs curled up on the passenger seat as he stared uncomprehendingly at a large out dated map on his knees... reaching over to hold onto his boyfriend’s hand whenever he felt the need for it... passing easy banter... them stopping for the night in either some cheap motel or deciding to bum it in the car... no real destination in their minds, and yet wanting to stop everywhere. It wouldn’t matter if they were together.

A faint blush dotted his cheeks, a slow smile spreading on his lips as he ducked his head into the crook of his neck; wanting to hide the strange happiness bubbling up within him. “... Yeah. I think that’d be really nice. And lots of fun too.” He wondered what North would say: his foster father tended to be easy with things and was very practical, but... he was still... well, a dad. While it frustrated him sometimes, he couldn’t help but love how cared for he was with him. And that Shaw recognized that and knew he had to go through him first.

Lips pressed gently against his collarbone, pressing his bare body even closer to his. The surge of love he felt for him frightened him, like it usually did, but he tried to dial back down the fear and anxiety; reminding himself that this wasn’t a trap. That Shaw wasn’t like that.

“-- Let’s do it!”

[cxplqnce]

Deke Shaw - The Moment I Knew

Deke is one of my actual favourite characters ever and I never see anything about him so I thought I would write something!

Word Count: 2,421

Summary: When Izel infiltrates SHIELD it brings out secrets and realisations in everyone.

Warnings: Death, blood, etc...

“Great. So everybody just needs to share a secret that she wouldn't know. The more private, the better.” Elena said, looking around at the rest of the team. They had figured out that Izel was in the Lighthouse and could possess people, which wasn’t crazy at all.

“Oh, great.” May groaned.

“Right, but it has to be something that one other person can confirm.” Daisy added.

“Yeah.” Mack started, causing everyone to look up at him, “We'll clear everyone here first, then everyone else in the base. It's the best plan so far.”

Deke shook his head, “Is it the best plan? I talk a lot. I don't have any secrets.”

“Yeah, you do.” You replied. You and Deke had been dating in secret for a few months now. You had decided not to tell the team because neither of you were sure whether or not it was going to go anywhere and Deke was nervous about what Jemma and Fitz would think about the two of you.

Deke shook his head at you, “No. no, I can’t.” He defended but you gave him a pleading look and he sighed, “Y/N and I are dating. We have been for a few months.” He said.

“I can confirm that.” You added.

“Okay, right. Deke, you’re good. Y/N, secret?” Mack asked.

“I tell everyone I’m an only child but I’m not.” You started.

Davis sighed, “Because your brother was Hydra.” He finished for you, looking over at your saddened expression. Deke grabbed your hand and gave it a slight squeeze to make sure you were okay.

“Okay. Um... I, uh, tell people that the only time I miss Pitosí is during Christmas, but that's not exactly true.” Elena stated.

“It's not?” Mack questioned.

“No, it's not. She told me.” May answered.

“There's one day every year where I miss him more.”

May looked at Elena with a sad look, similar to the one Davis had given you, “Your mother's birthday.”

“That's May.” Elena confirmed, “She's good, too.”

“Okay, um... Daisy anonymously sends part of her S.H.I.E.L.D. salary to someone every month.” Mack started.

Daisy looked down at the ground and cleared her throat, “Amanda Campbell, Lincoln's sister. Mack's clear.”

“So are you. Will you and Yo-Yo come with me for a moment?” Mack asked, leading Daisy and Elena into the director’s office. Once they had both walked in he locked the door.

“Mack! Mack. What's this?” Daisy and Elena protested.

Mack turned to face the rest of the group, “Hear me out. These are new security measures. They're locked in.”

“I can still break through this glass.” Daisy retorted.

Mack looked back at the two girls, “But Izel can't... I hope.”

“You just locked up our two strongest assets against her.” Davis interjected.

“No. He locked the two strongest weapons she could use against us.” May confirmed. £Imagine if she got in one of them. If Izel got your powers, we're all dead.”

“You two stay in there until we catch her, no matter what. You understand?” Mack ordered, causing Daisy and Elena to slowly nod.

“Maybe this is a trick. Maybe she's in you.” Deke suggested.

“He knew what to ask Daisy.” Elena said through the glass, her voice coming out muffled.

“Easy there, hotshot.” Mack said to Davis. You looked down and saw that his hand was on his gun, “You're next.”

Davis looked around the room, “I knew Y/N’s, plus I don't have any secrets anyone here would...”

“Yes, you do. When we were on Krylor, you took something.” Daisy cut him off.

“You knew about that?”

“I was running that mission. I knew everything. Also, you're not smooth... like, at all.”

“I stole a pen.”

“A pen?” May asked.

“A space pen. I thought it was cool. Aliens write things down. I did not know that.” Davis answered, causing you to let out a stifled chuckle at his answer.

“He's clear. And also ridiculous.” Daisy groaned.

At that moment Piper entered the room, “The alien’s inside Deke.” She accused.

“We cleared Deke.” You defended, “It’s not him.”

“Oh, really. I blacked out today... for about an hour. When I woke up, Deke was there. I put together all the pieces.” She said, stepping closer to Deke, with her hand on her gun.

Deke let go of your hand and stepped closer too, “Hold on. I-I lost time today, too, and the last thing I remember before it happened was seeing Piper, so maybe she's Izel.”

“Oh, that sounds exactly like something Izel would say.” Piper argued back.

“Well, so does that. I know I'm me. I don't know who you are.” Deke yelled.

“Fitz. What about you?” Mack said, interrupting the fight between Deke and Piper.

Fitz looked up at Mack and then between Piper and Deke, “Well, it's perfectly clear that it’s one of these two…”

“Yeah, but still... Where was Simmons undercover the first time we met?” Mack asked.

A scoff came from Fitz’s lips as he crossed his arms, “You're asking a lot of questions. Everybody knows the smartest thing she could do... would be to go for the Director. Wouldn't happen to be you by any chance, would it?”

“Fitz. Where was Simmons?” May asked, stepping closer to him.

“You don't know the answer, do you?” Mack asked.

All of a sudden, Izel appeared, causing you to grab onto Deke’s hand again. Everyone was shocked to see her so stepped back and held out their guns. Deke stepped in front of you, protectively, even though you knew you could take care of yourself you were glad Deke was there.

“What happened?” Fitz asked, raising his hands up.

“Things don't have to be painful. They can be so easy. I just need to know who has the most power.” Izel said, looking around at the team.

Izel then jumped into Piper, who started to speak, “You all seem like friends, so let's be smart about this. Just give me what I want.” She started before moving into Deke’s body.

You jumped back away from Deke as she spoke, “And I'll be on my way. Easy.”

Mack reached forward and grabbed Deke’s neck. “Mack!” You yelled.

“No, Mack! Mack. Wait, wait.” Fitz warned as everyone got closer to them, except you.

“Maybe if I hurt him, she'll come out.” Mack threatened.

Deke – or Izel – smiled evilly at Mack, “Does that seem like a good plan, my dear?” she asked, chuckling before she jumped into Mack who was still choking Deke.

“I can kill any of you anytime I want.” He said, releasing one of his hands but keeping the other on Deke’s throat and turning towards Daisy and Elena, “Why don't you come out and stop me? What makes you so special?”

Elena grunted and hit the glass, “Don't. They need us. They're safer with us in here. You heard what Mack said.” Daisy warned her as Davis started climbing up the stairs gun in hand.  

Izel jumped out of Mack’s body, “Things happen fast, don't they?” She said. Mack released Deke and both you and Fitz ran to him. Fitz gave you a questioning look and you replied with a quick, ‘Explain later.’ As you both took him up the stairs a bit.

“Hard to keep up.” She said. You heard Elena and Daisy say something unintelligible and you pulled out your gun, coming nearer to her. “Oh, bad idea, love.” Was the last thing you heard before she took you over.

The rest of the team watched as you shot yourself in the hand under Izel’s control. Deke yelled out for you, trying to get out of Fitz’s grip.

“No! Y/N, no! No!” Deke shouted, pulling at Fitz’s arm.

“Do you understand yet? Do you see how things could be much worse? All I need is someone with access. And then, poof... I'm gone.” You said.

“Davis, take the shot.” Mack said to him.

Davis looked at you, you had been friends for years, you met because he was friends with your brother and you had gone through your brother’s betrayal and death together, “I can't shoot Y/N, Director.” He whimpered.

“You just have to wound her. I'll finish Izel when she comes out.” Mack confirmed.

“Don't make him do something we'll all regret... Director.” You said.

“Davis, now!” Mack yelled, however, Izel jumped from your body into May’s, then Deke’s and Fitz’s before she reached Davis. You looked around at the current situation, putting the pieces together of what you had missed and clutched your hand, which was bleeding profusely.

He cocked his gun at Fitz before saying, “I did warn you... it could be worse.” Davis’s body moved onto the railing.

You sat on the bottom step clutching your hand. “Don't! What are you doing to him?” You said.

“So brave. And so fragile.” He said before pulling herself out of Davis’ body and letting his fall to the floor.

“No! No!!” Everyone screamed as he landed with a loud thud. Everyone ran to Davis. You sat frozen in shock, your hand bleeding as you saw a man you’d come to consider a brother fall limp and dead. Once Deke could reach you, he grabbed onto you and pulled you into a hug as Izel possessed Mack.

He put the gun against his head, “Do not follow me. I'd hate for there to be more casualties.” He said before leaving the room.

•••••

Daisy and Elena got out of the office as May alerted the Lighthouse to the current situation. You couldn’t move, or breathe, you felt as if everything was about to explode. Deke was wrapping up your hand as Daisy and Elena left to find Mack. Deke took it upon himself to tell Fitz about the two of you, and he was really accepting, not that Deke thought he would be. May then called Fitz up to her to talk about Izel.

Deke looked at you, as you sat by Davis’ body with Piper, not knowing what to do. Deke made sure you were goo with Piper before he got up to talk with May and Fitz.

“You, okay?” Piper asked, you looked up at her with tears in your eyes. “I mean, I was his friend but you were like his sister.”

“It’s like losing my brother all over again.” You replied. “I never thought I’d lose him too.”

Piper put her hand on yours and pulled you into her side. “You’ve lost way too much. But, you and Deke, wow. Never saw that coming.” She said, trying to take your mind of it.

You smiled at the mention of Deke’s name, “Yeah, I used to think he was a complete idiot but now I don’t know what I’d do without him.” You said, looking up at Deke who was lost in conversation, you then looked back at Davis, “Davis knew. He was the only one. I had to tell him.”

“He loved you so much.” Piper responded.

You looked back at her, “He loved you too.” She nodded at you and you both just sat in silence for a while.

•••••

Once Davis’ body bag had been taken away, you had gone back to your room to be left alone with your thoughts until there was a knock at your door.

“Come in.” You whimpered. The door opened and Jemma entered with a bag, which she set on the table before shutting the door behind her. “Hi.”

“Hey, you okay?” She asked, opening her bag and taking stuff out. She beckoned you over to her so you went to sit on the couch and lifted your hand to her. Amidst the chaos, you’d almost forgotten about the whole in your hand. She unwrapped the bandage to see that the hole and started to shrink. “That’s nasty, but don’t worry. You heal fast.” She said. That was your power. You were a mutant and your power was fast healing, you could also help to heal other people but unfortunately not bring back the dead. “So,” Jemma started, changing the subject, “You and Deke, huh?”

You smiled, slightly, “He told you?”

“He did. He’s very worried about you.” Jemma said, cleaning your wound.

You flinched from the pain, “Of course he is. He’s the best.”

Jemma smiled, grabbing a bandage and starting to wrap your hand up, “He said that you’d asked to be left alone?”

“Yeah, I just, everyone’s busy working and I don’t think I can join them right now, you know, I miss Davis. It’s only been what thirty minutes but I miss him. I couldn’t do anything to help him. I couldn’t…” You confessed, trailing off as another flood of tears started to fall from your eyes.

“Maybe that’s why you shouldn’t be alone. You can’t blame yourself, Y/N.” She said, finishing the bandage and packing up her bag. “I’ll get Deke, then, yeah?” You nodded as she left the room.

You didn’t have to wait long before there was another knock at your door. Deke opened the door and came in, giving you a weak smile. “Nana said you wanted to see me.”

You nodded, another tear falling down your cheek. “Could you just come here, please?” You asked. He obeyed your request and sat down next to you. You laid your head on his chest and put your arms around his waist. He followed your lead and lent back on the couch, wrapping his arms around you.

“You know, when she was in you, I was so scared of what she’d do and then when she shot you… I felt like I couldn’t breathe.” Deke confessed, “I know it’s worse for you, though. With Davis. But he loved you, yeah. I saw how you two were. If I’m being completely honest, I was kind of threatened by him when I first met you. I liked you and I thought he did too.”

You smiled, “Thank you for being here, Deke. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Same here.” He started, “Today, I realised something, Y/N. Something important.”

“What?” You asked.

“I love you. I’m in love with you.” He stated, your eyes widened and you moved to look into his eyes, “My mum always used to tell me that I would just know, there’d be a moment. The moment I would know. That moment was when I saw you in danger and I couldn’t do anything. That was the moment I knew that I loved you.”

You smiled a little, “I love you too, Deke.”

[slapshot-to-the-heart]

Flatbush & Atlantic: part iii

Part iii is here! Read it, reblog it, text your friends about it, talk to ME about it, everything. 

part i part ii

part iii

November 13

From: Mat 

The tickets should be at will call! Let me know if you have any trouble, we’re headed out for warmups in a few 

Cass shoved her phone back into the back pocket of her pants, turning to Samaira. “He put them at will call, which is,” she scanned the front of Barclay’s, “right there.” Samaira followed her to the counter. “Hi,” she said as the ticketing agent called for the next in line, sliding her license under the glass. “There should be two for Cassidy Shaw.” The agent nodded, reaching over to leaf through a filing box and pulling out the envelope. “Enjoy the game!”

Samaira looked over as Cass handed her her ticket, eyeing the long line to get through the metal detectors. “What kind of seats did he get you?” 

Cass shrugged. “I’m not sure. He said they were good ones? Somewhere lower bowl, mid-ice I think.” Just got them, be in in a few! See you soon, she sent back to Mat. 

She tugged on the collar of her Rangers jersey, ignoring the occasional dirty look thrown her way. It was only one borough over, so she was far from the only fan in blue and red, and she couldn’t deny that there was a part of her that was looking forward to seeing Mat’s reaction when he saw her in their rival’s colors. It was too early into her and Mat’s relationship for her to be wearing his jersey to games; she wouldn’t want to curse anything prematurely, but jerseys could run upwards of two hundred dollars, and she didn’t exactly have that kind of money to go spending on just anybody. Not that Mat was “just anybody,” but Cass was someone who thrived on stability and she wanted to be sure. 

The usher at the doors scanned their tickets, and it was only then that Cass bothered to look down at hers to see where they were headed. She was familiar enough with the layout, it wasn’t her first Rangers-Islanders game and had been to a Lorde concert her first year in law school. Walking down the stairs, they kept going, and kept going, and kept going. Until they were right at the glass behind the home bench. Samaira whistled. “Boy came through.”

Cass nodded, smiling apologetically as the pair squeezed past the others in their row. “I’m not sure how he got them, these ones are usually sold out months in advance. Or some rich guy has them for season tickets.” 

Samaira raised an eyebrow. “As much as you hate to admit it, he’s kinda a big deal around here, Cass,” she said, leaning over to her. “I don’t think it’s that hard for him to get seats on a week’s notice.” Not only was Samaira one of her best friends at school and the only one who had the night free, but she was also a born-and-raised New Yorker — and a huge Islanders fan. Mat told her that he’d set aside two tickets, and it didn’t take Samaira more than a minute to respond in all caps when Cass asked if she’d be interested. The guys were nearly done with warmups, and it only took a minute or so for Mat to notice her, raising his eyebrows and looking pointedly at her jersey. 

“Sorry,” Cass mouthed, shrugging her shoulders. Smiling, he shook his head, skating back to the blue line to take another shot. Cass excused herself to go to the bathroom after warmups had finished, her phone lighting up with yet another text right as she finished drying her hands. Traitor. She laughed. You knew what you were getting yourself into, Barzal 🤷🏽‍♀️

She got back to her seat just as the players were skating back out, handing Samaira one of the two beers she had picked up on the way. “Don’t spill,” she said ruefully. “These were like ten bucks each.”

After lineups and the national anthem, they sat back down, and the puck dropped. 

---

Much to her chagrin, the Islanders had won 3-2, but Mat had netted two points, one of which was an absolute beauty over Lundqvist’s left shoulder. So she really couldn’t be that mad. As much as Cass would have loved to stay and congratulate Mat on the win, it was ten o’clock and she really needed to head home if she wanted to get back anytime before midnight. Walking back to the train, she figured Mat would be done with postgame interviews and risked a call. He picked up on the first ring. 

“What’s up?”

Cass smiled. “Hey, Mat. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay and see you after,”

“Don’t worry about it, babe, I know you’ve got a long ride home.” The pet name slipped easily from his lips, and Cass felt her heart skip a beat. “It means a lot that you wanted to come.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? You had a great game, that goal was incredible. I’m fine with you winning against my team if you’ll do it like that every time.”

“I’ll convert you if it’s the last thing I ever do.” He deadpanned. They talked for as long as they could, until Cass had to swipe her metrocard and was about to lose reception. “Talk to you later?” Mat asked hopefully.

Cass giggled. “If I’m not passed out, sure. Promise me you’ll get some sleep too?”

“Promise.”

Samaira lived on the same line as her, getting off with a hug and a promise to meet up for lunch on Monday. Cass had taken the route at night a hundred times, but it was just as much second nature for her to keep a hand on her pepper spray as it was to keep refreshing her Instagram feed. 

As soon as she made her way up the stairs into the cool Bronx air and back to the land of cell reception, a text from her dad popped up. It had entirely escaped her mind that sitting right behind the bench meant that she and Samaira would have had plenty of airtime on the networks broadcasting the game, or that there was a 100% chance her dad was watching. He had taken a picture of the TV when she just so happened to be smack-dab in the middle of the screen, grimacing at what she guessed must have been another Islanders goal. And how did you get those tickets? Were they from the internship?

Cass let herself into the apartment, waving goodnight to Ryanne, who was watching Netflix in the living room, and tried to formulate an answer. No, not from work. They were a gift.

From?

The person I’m seeing. Cass hadn’t told her family about Mat yet. It’s not that she thought they would disapprove, but she wanted to make sure that it was real, really real, before she let her family in on it. 

She could imagine her dad scratching his head. What kind of law student would have that kind of money? For that matter, what kind of person? Are you and Samaira together? Cass let out a laugh. Her parents knew Samaira and loved her to pieces, and she doubted they would have had any issue if she was dating her. But she wasn’t. 

“Rip the bandaid off,” Cass whispered to herself as she shucked her coat off, leaving her in the jersey and leggings. Hahaha no, not her. They were from Mat. She added as an afterthought, Barzal. 

You’re dating Mat Barzal?

I am. 

Huh. 

Guess the cat’s out of the bag?

Nov. 17 (tues)

Cass’s seminar leader for Native Law, Professor Davidson, had just emailed the class, cancelling that afternoon’s meeting. My daughter came down with the flu, she had said. It wasn’t the cancellation that bothered her; obviously, if you have a sick kid, take care of your sick kid. It was the fact that now she had four hours to kill and no idea how to spend them. If she went home, that was an hour’s trip either way, so what was the point? And as much as she genuinely did love the library (and she really loved libraries), she knew those chairs and knew that her ass would start hurting somewhere midway through hour 3. As if on cue, Mat called. He had left for a West Coast roadie a few days earlier, and wouldn’t be back for almost a week. 

“Hey!” She said brightly. “Congrats on the win last night, I would have called but I definitely fell asleep somewhere during the second intermission.” The Islanders had beaten the Ducks 4-2 the night before, but the time difference meant that it finished well past midnight, and Cass had been up early. 

She heard him laugh on the other end. “Nah, no problem. I’m glad you caught it though. How has your day been?” One of the things Cass had grown to appreciate the most about Mat, even in their short time together, was how deliberate he was. He didn’t just ask her how she was or how her day was going because that was the standard “boyfriend” question of the day, he asked because he genuinely wanted to know. Because he cared. 

So she was honest with him. “So-so. Yoga was great, they had my favorite instructor which was pretty nice. Good meeting after. Got a croissant. But then one of my classes got cancelled, so I’ve got to either find some coffee shop to work at or park myself at the library, neither of which is sounding too appealing at the moment.”

“Why don’t you just crash at my place?” Mat asked, like it was the most obvious question in the world. “It’s closer, I’ve got coffee and stuff if you want.”

Cass was taken aback for a moment. It wasn’t like the thought hadn’t crossed her mind, momentarily, but she didn’t think that they were there yet. She had been to his apartment before, once, under very different circumstances. Mat had tried, valiantly, to cook pasta and roasted veggies for dinner. Tried being the key word. The vegetables had all been burnt to a crisp, and he had thought the pasta was supposed to be cooked for 18 minutes, not 8, causing it to more closely resemble pudding than pasta. They ended up ordering Italian from the place down the street. But having a stay-in date at someone’s apartment and letting them crash there alone were two very different things, and Cass was touched not only by the offer, but by the fact that he trusted her enough to extend it. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, of course, Cass. I want you to be comfortable. My spare key’s left with the front office, I’ll call them and let them know you’ll be picking it up. Shouldn’t be a problem. You remember how to get up there, yeah?”

“Mhm. Thanks, Mat, for real. You totally didn’t have to do this.” 

“But I wanted to. Listen, morning skate’s about to start so I’ve got to go, but text me if you have an issue getting up. Or, like, if you forget where the bathroom is or something,” Mat added as an afterthought. 

Cass laughed. “I think I can manage to find it, but thank you for the offer? Talk to you later.”

“Later.”

Half an hour later, Cass was curled up on his living room couch, a pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen and her books sprawled haphazardly on the coffee table. She spotted one of his hoodies slung over the armchair on the other side of the room. I don’t think he’ll mind if I steal it. 

---

Nov 23 (mon)

The team had gotten back from the roadie around noon, and Mat had insisted on taking Cass out for dinner after she got off from work. “It’s been almost a week since I’ve seen you,” he had bemoaned on the phone earlier. Shaking her head and laughing internally at how needy her boyfriend was, she agreed to meet him at a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away. 

She arrived just a few minutes before him, kissing him as they sat down. Grabbing a basket of chips, she headed over to the salsa bar. “How good are you with spice?” She asked Mat.

“I can hold my own, as long as it’s not like a Carolina Reaper or something crazy like that,” he answered, cracking a smile. 

She laughed in response, setting the cups down on the table. Her enchiladas and his pozole came later, and Cass blushed at the knowing glance their waitress gave her as she slid the dishes onto the table. “How does it stack up?” Mat asked after she had taken a few bites. 

Cass nodded happily. “It’s good. Really good. Obviously, I’d be disowned if I didn’t say that my grandma’s is better, but this is a close second.” Mat sipped his horchata. Cass had balked when he said he’d never tried the drink before, and his glass was now near-empty. 

“Yeah, glad to hear it. This is super good too,” he said, eating another spoonful. She could tell something else was on his mind. 

“What is it, chou?” Cass asked.

Mat bit his lip. “You’re still good to come to the game against the Canes tomorrow, yeah?” She nodded. “How would you feel about sitting up in the box?” Her brow furrowed. The box? Sensing her confusion, Mat continued. “Up with the other girls.” Cass knew that there was a box for the WAGs, obviously, but it hadn’t quite hit her that she was one now. She had met Paige, Beau’s girlfriend of six months, a few weeks prior, but that had really been more of an accident than anything. They had been walking around the Central Park Zoo one weekend, one of their first official dates, and happened to run into the other couple somewhere around the lemurs. It being lunch and the boys being boys, the group stopped for some sandwiches. Cass and Paige got to talking, chirping the boys for their sub-par “disguises” — “Since when has sunglasses and a baseball cap fooled anyone?” Paige had asked. Cass had laughed, they had exchanged numbers, and been talking ever since. 

So, there was going to be at least one person she knew there. Why not, then? “Yeah, sure, sounds fun!” Cass said, nodding and tapping her fingers on the table, trying to get her nerves out. 

Mat ran a hand through his hair, smiling nervously as if he hadn’t been too sure of what her answer would be. “Good,” he said, leaning down to pick up a bag. “Would have made this pretty awkward if you said no.” He handed it to her; she hefted it, trying to tell what was inside. 

“Ooooh,” she said, “I didn’t know we were at the ‘presents’ stage of our relationship yet.” Mat blushed. 

“Didn’t really cost me anything,” he mumbled. 

“It’s got some weight to it. Soft. I’m going to go with...a mink stole.”

Mat looked baffled. “I’m not even going to pretend to know what that is.”

Cass laughed, untying the piece of ribbon that held the handles together. She pulled out a navy and orange jersey. “It’s one of the ones from my rookie season, figured I couldn’t have you going up there wearing another Rangers jersey. Didn’t want to throw you out to the wolves.” It was only then that she shook it out and turned it over. Barzal - 13. 

Cass beamed, leaning over the table and kissing him on the cheek. “I love it, chou.”

---

Nov. 24 (tues)

Cass glanced at her watch. 6:38. The train was running on schedule, so she still had a little bit of time before she was supposed to meet Paige up in the box. She had offered to wait for her outside of the arena and walk her up, but she had driven Tito earlier and Cass didn’t want her to be stuck outside waiting for her. The car was packed with orange, blue, and white-clad fans, so nobody paid her any mind as she pulled out Mat’s jersey from her bag, switching out from the fleece she had been in all day. Are you sure it won’t be weird if I wear a jersey? Don’t most of the others show up to these things in dresses and shit? Cass had frantically texted Paige late last night. 

Don’t worry! She had responded. Some do, yeah, but it’s def not uncommon to be in a jersey. I’ll be wearing Beau’s :)

It didn’t take long to get through security, showing her pass to the employee at the elevator and shooting Mat a good luck text, she let Paige know she was on her way up. Mat had given her the box number, so she made her way up to the suite, nervously smiling at the usher. “Hi,” she said.

The usher gave her a quick once-over and a curt smile. “Hi. Name?” 

“Cassidy Cabrera Shaw, um, Mat Barzal should have added me.” She scanned the clipboard, making a tiny checkmark next to her name.

“Enjoy the game.” Cass tentatively made her way in, searching for Paige but still a little thrown off. It hadn’t escaped Cass the way the usher had looked at her, like there was something just a little off about her, like she didn’t quite belong.

It was a good thing that she didn’t have enough time to get too into her head, because Paige came barreling at her, wrapping her in a massive bear hug. “You came!!” She said, squeezing Cass’s hand once she finally released her.

Cass laughed. “Did you think I’d skip out on you?”

Paige shook her head. “No, I knew you’d come through.” She pointed to the hooks on the wall, where a mixed bunch of purses, scarves, and coats were hanging. “You can leave your bag there, let me get you a drink and introduce you to the other girls.” Cass followed Paige into the main room, where a dozen or so women milled about, sitting on couches and keeping an eye on the warmups below. Paige nodded at the bar. “What are you feeling? White? Red? Sparkling? I can make a mojito if you want. It won't be good, but if you’re desperate,” she shrugged her shoulders. 

Cass threw her head back, laughing. “If they’re picking up the tab?” She replied, tilting her head towards the ice, “Give me the best champagne you’ve got.”

Paige grabbed a flute. “Yes, ma’am.”Pouring the champagne, she handed it to Cass, leading her over to where a group was hanging by the window. “Hey guys!” She said brightly, one hand touching the back of Cass’s shoulder reassuringly. “Girls, this is Cass. Cass, this is Lauren, Kerry, and Karley,” she said, pointing to each woman in turn. Lauren pulled her into a tight hug. 

“Lauren Rodych Eberle,” she said, “Paige told us you’d be coming along. It’s great to have you.” The other girls introduced themselves, leading her over to a corner of the room. “These are the comfiest couches,” Kerry noted. “You always want to grab them as soon as you get up, they’re a hot commodity.”

Cass laughed. “Good to know.”

“So you’re Mat’s girl, yeah?” Kerry asked. 

“Yep,” Cass replied, trying and failing to roll up the sleeves on Mat’s — her? — jersey. 

She smiled. “I’m happy. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but could use a girl to balance him out. Bit of a himbo, but,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “almost every hockey guy is.” 

Cass nearly snorted out her champagne. “Fair statement.”

Kerry took a sip of her own wine. “So, Paige said you’re in law school, yeah?” Cass nodded. “What’s that like?” If Mat could talk about hockey for hours on end and still not get through half of what he wanted to say, that was Cass with the law. It was refreshing to talk with a person who wouldn’t constantly try to interject with their own theory of jurisprudence or Constitutional interpretation, just someone who was genuinely interested in what she had to say. 

---

The team had managed to extend their win streak to 3, a wraparound from Nelson that just squeaked past Reimer clinching the 2-1 win in the third minute of overtime. Everyone let out a collective cheer, some gathering their things and others hanging back to mingle. Cass meandered back over towards where Paige was waiting by the door; they didn’t have to rush since the guys probably hadn’t even finished showering yet, but the plan was to meet them down by the locker room. 

“How’d you like it?” Paige enquired.

“It was really nice,” Cass answered genuinely. “I love going to these things with friends, but it’s nice to be around people who know the game and know the guys.”

“That’s the whole point,” Paige said easily. “We’re all in the same boat, even if some peoples’ home or work lives look different, nobody quite ‘gets’ this whole thing like each other.” Paige led her down elevators and corridors until they were nearly at the home team locker room. “Oh!” She exclaimed, causing Cass’s to snap around and look at her, startled. “No, nothing bad,” she added hastily. “Usually once or twice a roadie, the wives of a veteran or captain will host a family watch party. A lot of the partners and kids will come over, it’s really cute. Obviously don’t blow off work or something to come, but I’ll let you know.”

Cass smiled. “That would be nice.” The locker room door opened, players starting to filter out. 

Anthony came out before Mat, giving Paige a kiss on the top of her head and smiling at Cass. “Mat should be out in a minute,” he added. She thanked him, congratulating him on his first-period goal. 

True to Tito’s word, Mat appeared soon after, embracing Cass. “What’s that dumb look on your face?” She asked, seeing Mat’s satisfied grin. 

“You’re wearing my jersey.”

“Well, yeah,” Cass said slowly. “You gave it to me.”

Saying their goodbyes to Tito and Paige, Mat tangled his hand with hers. “Nothing. You look good in it.”

---

Nov. 25 (wed)

The coffee tasted bitter in her mouth, but the much-needed caffeine jolt it gave her was enough for Cass to choke it down, shoving her cup  — the white-and-blue one Mat had given her  — into its spot on the center console of her white Escape. Cheryl had been with her since just before her freshman year of high school, the culmination of summer jobs, graduation gifts, and a used car lot. It wasn’t practical nor economical for her to drive most places in New York, so she usually sat in the parking lot of their apartment building unless one of the girls needed to run out at night or Cass was driving back home, as was the current case. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and she had a two hour drive (if she was lucky) and hours of cooking ahead of her before the clock ever struck Thursday. 

Digging into the CD holder, she handed over the toll to the attendant at the station, giving as grateful a smile as she could muster when the toll arm lifted. Mat was going to call after practice, promising to keep her company on the drive up. He had been a little pouty about her leaving for the better part of a week so soon after he had gotten home, but one reminder from her about how long his roadies could run had shut him up quickly. 

Cass loved family, so Thanksgiving had always been one of her favorite holidays. Their house was hosting this year, and if Cass had any money to bet, she’d guess that as she drove, her mom was frantically running around the house, pulling out napkins and silverware and trying to figure out how to fit fifteen people in a two-thousand square foot house. While her mom’s side rarely made the trip up from Texas and Hermosillo, her dad was from a big New England Irish Catholic family that never let a single holiday pass by without celebration. Her dad’s parents meant Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Joe, which meant an inevitable barrage of questions as soon as anyone let slip that she wasn’t single anymore. Cass loved her grandma to pieces; really, she did. But she was going to want to know his name, where he worked, where he went to school, and his mother’s damn maiden name before she would give it a rest. 

Her phone was hooked up to the car, so Mat’s call came straight through, interrupting her preferred driving music, a mid-2000s playlist starring copious amounts of early Lady Gaga. “How’s the drive going?” He asked.

“Uh, pretty good,” Cass replied, changing lanes to pass the sluggish Honda ahead of her. “Just crossed into Connecticut, I’m thinking it’ll be another hour or so? How was practice?”

Cass heard the door to his apartment close behind him. “Good, Coach had us run a lot of passing drills, so it’ll hopefully pay off next game.”

“Friday, right?” She asked. “Against the Caps?”

“Yeah, should be a good game. They’re doing really well this season, hopefully the boys come through, extend the streak a little bit.”

Cass smiled. “You’ll be great. I’m sorry I won’t be there to see you, but —”

She could imagine him shaking his head on the other end of the line. “Babe, you don’t need to apologize. Thanksgiving’s a big thing here, and I know it’s been awhile since you’ve really spent much time with your family.”

“Yeah,” Cass said, chewing her lip, “that’s true. Pretty much my dad’s whole side is going to be there though, so I’m prepared to spend a solid hour fielding questions about you and my whole ‘new relationship’ I’ve got going on. I think they’ll be disappointed you’re not there.”

Mat chuckled. “It’s fine, Cass,” he said, reassuring her. “Just promise them you’ll bring me next year.” Cass couldn’t stop a big, dumb grin from spreading on her face. Next year. 

“I promise.”

[omnivorousshipper]

Can I get a "5 Times They Were Mistaken For A Couple + 1 Time They Weren't (and ironically that's when they WERE a couple)" please?

Omg, this is going to be so much fun friend!!!

1.

Luke didn't like the look the junior DSS agents were sending him. He and Shaw were simply standing at a desk, going over their plan for their current mission. The only reason the junior agents were there was because Luke's bosses didn't like the CIA taking him away so much so they gave him little babysitters, just to make sure Luke didn't switch government agencies

"Hobbs, are you even listening to me?" Shaw snapped at him

"Yeah. You want to go through the vents while I make a distraction," Luke repeats back to him perfectly, actually having heard everything Deckard said

"Oh." Deckard said, the surprise obvious in his voice. "Doesn’t look like you're listening."

"Yeah, give me a sec. I want to find something out." Luke could feel the curious gaze Deckard sends him, but he ignores it and instead heads straight for the junior agents

"Are you lot done gossiping or do I need to report this to the higher ups?" Luke snaps at them

They all stand stiffly, looking petrified

"No, sir!" One yelps

"Then why the fresh hell are you over here, running your mouths?"

"Well..." another starts

"We just thought it was cool that you got to work on a mission with your husband." The last one finished

"I- husband?!" Luke yelps. "You think me and Shaw are-?"

He can't even finish that idea and can see all the junior agents look even more scared

"Look. Shaw and I are friends. Nothing more. We work well together and that's it." Luke told them firmly. "Now, get back to work, or else."

They nod at him frantically, eyes wide. It doesn't stop them from gossiping for the rest of the mission

2.

Deckard could hear cheering and kids laughing and shouting as he walked closer to the soccer field. Even before he had gotten close, he could hear Luke's yelling all the way from his car. Finally, getting to the field, Deckard sees the man

He's wearing a tight fitted tank top, not uncommon for him. His hands are cupped around his mouth as he shouts instructions to the girls' team.

Stepping up to him, Deckard knows Luke can't hear him over all the commotion, but, when Deckard gets close, Luke turns to him, eyebrows raised in surprise

"Shaw, what are you doing here?"

"Was in the area, thought I'd drop by."

Luke eyed him suspiciously, but didn't question him

"So, who's winning?"

"We are," Luke smiled wide at him. He didn't say anything as Deckard stood next to him, their arms brushing against each other occasionally

Soon enough, Deckard found himself yelling next to Luke, encouraging Sam and her teammates

When Sam and her team won, Deckard felt him smile as Luke got tackled by the whole team, bringing him to the ground.

Deckard almost didn't notice a woman walking up to him. Almost

"I didn't know Luke was seeing someone." She was looking at him with the mixture of a pout and hostility. Deckard wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. "Thought be would have gone for another single parent."

Deckard felt his hackles raise at her disdain

"And what's it to you who he dates?" He snaps.

She glares at him, no doubt about to speak her mind when a little girl rushes up to her

"Mommy! Coach Hobbs says he'll take us out for pizza!"

"That's nice of him, sweetie," the woman coos down at her daughter. "Let's see if we can't properly thank him."

She says the last part to Deckard, eyes forcing a challenge at him. He glares back, almost daring her to try and see what happens. She looks taken aback. She doesn't dare approach Luke

Deckard's not sure why he did that. It's not like he's dating the man, no matter what the woman thought. He shouldn't care if she wanted to make a pass at Luke. He really shouldn't care

3.

Luke feels his all of his teeth vibrate as the masked man punches him in the face, yet again. Spitting blood, Luke turns his head back slowly to glare at the man. Luke would rather lunge at the man and rip his head off, but with his legs and arms being tied down, Luke couldn't do anything

"Ready to talk yet, Hobbs?" The masked man hisses at him

"Fuck you, asshole." This time Luke spits right at the man's head, earning him yet another punch to the jaw

"Maybe you'll talk after I put a bullet in your boyfriend's head." The man growls at him

Luke doesn't show it, but he's confused. Who?

Suddenly, the door to Luke's makeshift cell is flung open and two men come in, dragging a third one between them

Luke's eyes widen when he sees Deckard, completely unconscious, and head lolling as he's dragged into the room

"What the hell did you do to him?!" Luke yells, fury running through his veins

"Just a few horse tranquilizers." The man says, and Luke can hear the sneer in his voice. The masked man walks up to Deckard, gun shoved up agains this temple. "Now, are you going to start talking or not, Hobbs?"

Luke doesn't know why these guys think he and Deckard are a thing, but he's not going to put Deckard's life in jeopardy, even if they weren't a thing

4.

Deckard was in LA again and didn't pass up Luke's offer to stay at his place. He loved Luke's daughter and enjoyed telling her all about his brother and sister and all of their different adventures

Right now, Luke was at work and Sam at school, leaving Deckard to do his own thing. He was in Luke's garage, on his back and under his car, touching things up.

Suddenly, he heard a woman's voice

"Hello? Anybody home?"

Shoving himself out from under the car, Deckard stood and wiped his hands as he sae a woman entering the garage. She was much older than his own mother, white hair braided and going down her back

"Hello there!"

"Afternoon." Deckard said simply, cautious.

"I didn't know Luke had gotten himself a man! If I'd known that, I would have stopped bugging him about my niece and nephews!" The woman laughed

Deckard blinked

"I'm not-"

"Oh! Where are my manners, I'm Gloria, Luke's neighbor. I live across the street. It's a pleasure to meet you dear."

"Same to you." Deckard said, not seeing a reason to stomp on the woman's excitement

"Here, before I forget. I brought over some treats for you three. I know Sam loves sugar cookies."

Smiling, Deckard takes the tray of cookies

"Want to come inside? I can wipe up some lunch for us." He offers

The woman looks pleasantly surprised

"Interested in cars and can cook? Luke's one lucky fellow!"

Trying not to roll his eyes, Deckard led her inside

5.

Luke tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Deckard. The man was taking too long. Sighing, Luke finally but the bullet and headed into the bar behind him.

He hadn't wanted to interfere with Deckard's information gathering, but he was taking way too long.

Stepping into the bar, smoke and sweat slammed into Luke's sense and he nearly chocked on it. Squinting his eyes through the dim lighting, he found Deckard cornered in a booth on the far side of the bar

Heading his way, Luke could see two women and a man boxing Deckard in. And he could see the frustration in Deckard's eyes. He was supposed to be acting like a harmless hacker, not someone who could throw and receive a punch easily. He was no doubt hating having to act helpless against the three

"Jay." Luke calls to Deckard, and sees the relief in Deckard's eyes

"Daniel." He says back

"Everything alright? You said we could leave." Luke says shortly, staring the three people down

One woman looks between them

"If you were taken, you could have just said so." The woman said, eyeing Luke up, but talking to Deckard

Luke had a feeling Deckard did say that but none of the three had cared

"I am. And he doesn't like being kept waiting." Deckard says through clenched teeth

Slowly, the three let him out of the booth. When he's free of them, Luke purposely wraps an arm around Deckard's waist and pulling him to his side, glaring at the three the whole time

Carefully, he and Deckard make their way out of the bar and into the fresh air. Taking a deep breath, Luke hears Deckard mumble

"Thanks. You didn't need to do that."

"They wouldn't have left you alone otherwise."

Deckard nods, but doesn't look happy about it.

+1

Hattie stared across the table at Luke, still confused

"Why am I here and not Deck?" She asks him

"I'm not exactly sure." Luke shrugs, just as equally confused

They were undercover at a restaurant run by the local mob, acting like a married couple. Which was odd because Deckard and Ramsey were at anothet table, doing the same.

They were running a mission under Nobody's newest protégé, Littlest Nobody (Roman had gladly given him that name). Apparently after Little Nobody had finally spread his wings, Nobody had gotten empty nest syndrome and had gotten a new sidekick. Who was as dense as a brick in Luke’s opinion

Or else he would have realized that he and Deckard were actually engaged and wouldn't have to pretend to be married

"Not that I don't like your company," Hattie started

Luke gave her a flat look

"But I would rather be on a date with my girlfriend."

"And I'd like to be eating with my fiancé," Luke says bluntly, taking a bite of his steak. "But that's not how some idiots want us to play this."

When the mission is finally over, Luke can't help but stride through the wave of people being arrested in the restaurant, straight towards Deckard

Right in front of Littlest Nobody, Luke dips Deckard and kisses him passionately. Both enjoying Deckard's moan and Littlest's chocking noise of shock as he realizes that the two men are together

Hope you enjoy this friend!!!

[sambergscott]

prompt nr. 1!! i would die for a pining/pre-dating "what if i kissed you right now?"

what if the first johnny and dora undercover kiss was not actually their first undercover kiss.... 👀

(set very early on after amy joins the nine-nine)

“What if I kissed you right now?”

The question comes out of nowhere and Jake blinks a couple of times in surprise. He’s had a crush on her since pretty much the day they met and he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about kissing her whenever they solve a case or she brings him a coffee exactly the way he likes it, but he must be hallucinating because there’s no way Amy Santiago would want to kiss him.

She’s the smartest person he’s ever met. She likes art and books and does crosswords everyday for fun. She’s obsessed with organization and schedules and binders and sets a million alarms a day so she is always at least fifteen minutes early for everything.

He is the total opposite.

And yet, for whatever reason, he can’t get enough of her.

So he asks for her advice on cases she’s not even assigned to, takes his breaks at the same time she takes hers and gets to Shaw’s before everyone else so he can save her a seat next to him.

Judging by Rosa’s eyerolls and Charles’ constant texts suggesting wedding venues, he’s not as subtle as he thinks. Thankfully Amy hasn’t noticed because her head would explode at the prospect of dating someone she works with -- Miss Appropriate would never do something so wholly unprofessional. Which is why he’s definitely hallucinating.

Suddenly Amy’s clicking her fingers in front of his face and calling his name.

“Hmm?” He murmurs, dazed.

“Those guys over there are watching us. I think we should kiss to keep our cover.”

He follows her eyeline and clocks a group of five or six scary looking bikers, clad head-to-toe in black leather with muscles rivalling Terry’s. Jake and Amy have very clearly been made; the bikers staring at them like a lion stalking their prey. “Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool. Um. Yeah,” he agrees, nodding. “Great idea, detective.”

“Great,” she smiles, cupping his cheek and leaning in for a kiss and yeah, he’s definitely not hallucinating now.

Amy Santiago is kissing him.

For realz.

It’s amazing. She’s amazing.

“Coast clear,” she says as she pulls away from him all too soon. The bikers have gone inside the bar and the street is empty once more. Despite the reduced risk to their lives, she looks as flustered as he feels. “I’m sorry if that was unprofessional. I just -- didn’t know what else to do --.”

“It wasn’t,” he reassures her. “You stopped our cover from being blown. It was very professional. It should win an award for, like, Most Professional Kiss Ever.”

She blushes and tucks her hair behind her ears.

“Not that I was into it or anything,” he quickly backtracks in an attempt to undercut some of the awkwardness he’s feeling. “I mean, you’re a good kisser, but you’re way too big of a nerd for a badass John McClane type like me.”

She rolls her eyes. “The person obsessed with John McClane, a fictional character, is calling me a nerd?”

“You sent me a calendar invite for this stakeout,” he deadpans.

“And although you still haven’t responded to said invite, I will admit that you are also a very good kisser. I'd give you an A plus.”

His mouth dries in an instant. She liked it too! Holy crap. His heart beats faster, his brain searching for something -- anything -- cool and lowkey to respond with.

He goes with, “I’ve never got higher than a B minus in anything” which is definitely the wrong thing to say to impress straight A student Amy Santiago.

She laughs and her eyes crinkle in the corners in this way which is stupid cute and makes him fall for her even harder.

“I’ll make you a report card so you can have proof of your life’s achievement.”

(When he gets to work the next morning, the report card -- signed, dated and laminated -- sits in the middle of his desk. He finds it again years later when he’s packing up his apartment to move into hers and brags about being the best kisser ever until she eventually kisses him to shut him up and he concedes that the title belongs to her.)

[c-williams14]

The Summer of ‘06: A Short Story

It was like any other summer, until it was not. There were warm nights, longer days, laughter in the air, and the glare of the sun every morning. Newbridge high school has just been let out for the summer and the students were abuzz with excitement, especially for two students. Their names are James McAllen and Nora Shaw. Newbridge High’s most well-known and liked couple. Truly the envy of them all. This was the summer before their senior year, and they were destined to make the most of it. That is until tragedy struck. Let me tell you, their story. My name? Well, you can call me Jay.

James McAllen and Nora Shaw, the school’s most envied couple made their rounds around the school to say goodbye to fellow teachers and students alike. “Oh, what a lovely couple they are.” The teachers would say. “Look at them, they act like they’re so superior.” Some fellow students would say. “One day I wish to have a relationship like theirs.” Other students would say. Despite the presumptions about their relationship, no one truly knew what exactly their relationship was like. See the love-struck couple on the outside was nothing more than a façade to keep the masses from knowing the true nature of their relationship. See James was the star football player for the Newbridge High football team and Nora the head captain of the cheerleading team. Wherever you saw James you saw Nora and wherever you saw Nora you saw James. They were always glued together in the sights of everyone around them, but away from prying eyes they couldn’t be any more different. The truth is, this “love-struck” couple was nothing more than a ruse, an act to fool everyone around them. Nora did not love James, but James did love Nora.

Now that the introductions are done, lets hop into the main story. The bell has rung to signal the end of the school day and the start of summer vacation. James and Nora are on their way to the school parking lot, making their way to James’s car. They smile, greet, and say goodbyes to everyone as they pass. Once in the car the once smiling Nora is now grim and quiet. “Are you okay?" James asks her. “It is none of your concern, just hurry and drop me off at home please.” Nora replies to James. Defeated and let down, James drives away to drop Nora off at her house in complete silence. The next day, summer vacation is in full swing and so the story begins.

Nora is a charismatic, and popular girl among many. She’s loved by all, including James except for the main people she seeks love from, her parents. Nora is the oldest of 3 children, her mother was a cheerleader and pageant queen for many years and her father a star athlete. Growing up she has dealt with so many expectations from her and yet it seemed like she could never fulfill them. Due to this tense nature of her childhood growing up Nora has never thought of herself as loved or accomplished. James on the other hand has a loving family, being the second oldest of 4 children. His parents were high school sweethearts, and their relationship has always been filled with love and understanding. What James doesn’t know is that Nora actually envies James for having the family she’s always wanted. She asks herself, “What did I do to deserve such an unloving family?” She takes all her pain and grief out of James because she believes that if he was also to have a loving girlfriend then he would have everything he could ever want in life, and she simply could not allow that. He must feel the pain of unrequited love that she has had to go through since childhood. James didn’t know about Nora’s home life, she never allowed him to come over and meet her parents or any part of her family. He was totally oblivious to Nora’s true home life besides the parts she actually showed him.

It has now been a two months since summer vacation has officially started and to commemorate the end of the summer vacation there was to be a huge party thrown. The party was to be located at a lake house in the middle of nowhere owned by the parents of one of the players on the football team. This was supposed to be the most grand and highly anticipated event of the summer. Everyone in Newbridge would be there, even some college students. Despite the outgoing nature of James and Nora at school they were never really the partying type for fear that their ruse of being in love would be found out. Although this is to be true, that night James and Nora was seen at that party together but at the end of it all only one would ever leave that party. The night of the party is now among us.

We can see Nora and James has attended this party together, they had to attend together. It would be weird to see the star couple come in the party separately when the whole of Newbridge has never seen one without the other. The party has now been in full swing for a while now. There are people dancing in the house, some around a bonfire, even some who are brave enough to go swimming in the lake that’s beside the house. The couple greet the many people that are there, and try to make their way outside to a more quiet place to convene. They make it out to a nice spot on the edge of the woods, away from the flock of people. There is silence between the couple, the air between them is tense. James has a question that he so desperately wants to ask Nora and is currently trying to work up the courage to ask her. Nora on the other hand wants to tell James something that she knows will break his heart but yet she can’t bring herself to care about the outcome. Just as the silence has reached close to five minutes, both of them speak at the same time. James tells her to go ahead but Nora politely declines and insists that he speak first. “I was wondering Nora, next week, my family is having a huge dinner and they invited you and your parents to come, so would you guys like to come?” James asks. Nora visibly tenses up at the mention of her parents and responds to James proposal with a terse no. Confused James continues to pry about why she would say no. They are dating and have been for a while and he has yet to meet her parents, so why is she so against it? Nora is increasingly getting more irritated with James questioning her reasons behind her not wanting him to meet her parents and as James is in the middle of asking her again why she blurts out. “I want to break up with you.” It goes quiet between them again, James face drops and now he’s starting to feel a feeling he never has felt for her before. Anger. “Why are you like this? All I ever wanted to do was love you and be there for you. Why are you continuously pushing me away? Now you want to break up?” Tired of listening to James rant on to her about how she’s heartless, she continues to walk deeper in the woods. James follows her still demanding answers to his questions from her. “Just leave me alone!” Nora screams. “No, not until you tell me the reason for you doing this!” James screams back. By this time the couple is deep into the dark woods. Adamant on getting away from James and his prying, Nora starts to run. James following soon thereafter her. Nora is so caught up in getting away from James that she doesn’t notice the steep drop that awaits her ahead. James on the other hand does notice and continues to shout for Nora to stop running. She doesn’t listen and next thing she knows she’s falling and then her world goes dark. Nora has falling down the hill and hit her head on the rock that lies below. James makes his way down the hill as quickly as possibly to see if Nora is alright. She’s unresponsive. Panicking James quickly picks Nora up in his arms and starts to make his way back to the party and towards his car to drive to get Nora some help. The people at the party are shocked to see the sight of the couple making their way through the party. James drives to the nearest hospital, and the staff there immediately rushes to Nora’s aid. He wants to call her parents to let them know what has happened but as he has never met them, he also does not have her parents number. The hospital staff contacts Nora’s parents and also James’s parents. They arrive at the same time to the hospital and the bunch of people receive the same grim news. “I’m sorry but Nora did not make it.” The doctor says. Nora’s parents are unfazed and it seems like the only one truly affected by this loss seemed to be James. Noticing the cool demeanor of Nora’s parents, James is yet again filled with the feeling of anger and begins to question why they are not hurt by the news of their oldest daughter’s death. “She was a disgrace to the family, taking up room, there is no reason for us to feel upset

over a failure.” Nora’s dad proclaims. Hearing these words James loses it and hoes to attacks Nora’s father but before he could get close James’s father holds him back. He leads James outside the hospital to his car and drives James home. As soon as James arrive to his room, he is hit by the weight of what has just transpired and can no longer hold his grief in. The one girl he has always truly loved has passed away and it was his fault. If he had never questioned her she wouldn’t have run away from him into the woods he thought. The news of Nora’s death spread quickly throughout the small town of Newbridge. The town was struck by grief over this. Her funeral was held the following week and practically the whole town was in attendance. James could be seen sitting in the front pew silently crying and the whole pitied the young boy. Two weeks after the funeral the next school year was beginning to start and James was not in attendance. His family sent him away to a boarding school in another city for he could not bear to stay in the town of Newbridge knowing that Nora was no longer there. Now with both Nora and James gone the town of Newbridge felt the loss of not one but two well loved civilians. Thus forwarding the end of the summer of 2006.

Did James ever get over his guilt for Nora’s death? Will James ever go back to Newbridge? You may ask these questions. I shall give you the answers to them. No I never rid myself of the guilt of Nora’s death and no I will never return to Newbridge. I James “Jay” McAllen shall carry the guilt of the death of my one true love Nora forever.

The End.