#slice st louis

[nim-lock]

hi I'm at slice

[lowpolybread]

You are frightened. It’s all right, Percy. Your father sent me to tell you, it’s all right. Just breathe. Your father is here. He’s always been here. It is so hard for him to stand back. To see you struggle. It is so hard for us all. But he’s here. And he’s so very proud. Trust him. Trust yourself. Just… breathe.

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS 1x04: I Plunge to My Death

[hughbot]

I had a wonderful time at SLICE this weekend. I debuted my latest broadsheet newspaper print comic, DOGS PLAYING POKER. It’s three comics (12 pages total) each based on a Dogs Playing Poker painting. It hits mail boxes to my patrons this week.

Folks really seemed to respond well to it. So much of what I do is online so it’s a real treat to see people’s eyes go wide when they read it in person.

It should be up on the Crawford Press site by the end of the week too.

The last picture is of a sign of a laundry mat in Springfield MO. I just really appreciate the designer’s use of perspective.

[auraeseer]

Slouse . . .

[tobbesdiscordkitten]

I was 17 and left Indiana because I had a disagreement with one of the juvenile detectives. He was determined to put my ass in jail, and I was determined to get the fuck out of Dodge. As he was driving to my house, I was getting my clothes out of the dryer, and getting the fuck out of Dodge. I had about 35 bucks and I took a bus to St. Louis...Then I went out by whatever freeway I was closest to and hitched a ride with some air conditioning repairman in a van. It all seemed pleasant and safe enough, and nothing really much happened. I was exhausted, beaten, never been out of my fucking town on my own, in my life. We went to some fucking hotel and I crashed out, and this guy crashed out, and I woke up, and this guy was trying to fuck me. I don't care - you can be male, female, you can be a fucking dog - I don't care what you are, man. That shit ain't right...Anyway, I pinned this guy against the wall between the door of the hotel with my straight razor, and it took everything I had inside of me not to fucking slice his jugular vein. So that was kinda my first experience of knowing where I was. Do you know where you are?

- Axl Rose, 1991

[mynameismad]

It's my bday on the 28th and I'm finally going to finish this wizard party comic for SPX and my other upcoming fall cons!

I'll be at:

🌟SPX, sept. 9-10 (Bethesda, MD)

✨Superstar Comic Con, sept. 23-24 (Savannah, GA)

🌟Geek Girl Con, oct. 7-8 (Seattle, WA)

✨SLICE, oct. 14 (St. Louis, MO)

I'll be tabling for the first time in FOREVER with my dear pal @ngoziu at SPX and GGC! We're going to be peddling preorder information for our upcoming graphic novel, BUNT! Hope to see you there!

[charliedawn]

Hey! How would father!Michael Myers feel about Eddie Gluskin wanting Michael's 25 year old daughter who is also a patient in the asylum to be his wife?

How are you?

(I am fine. How about you ?)

It started the day when you were transferred from another asylum to St Louis. Female patients weren’t usually allowed, but you were made an exception because Michael wouldn’t go anywhere without his precious daughter. You had grown up surrounded by slashers and hence, not much scared you.

When Eddie Gluskin was admitted in St Louis, he wasn’t introduced to you because…well…Michael.

But one day, you happened to wake up before your father and come down for some breakfast when you accidentally met Eddie. You were both stunned. You had never met before and Eddie wasn’t even aware that there were any women around other than the nurses.

Your eyes met and once the shock over, he decided to pretend being too busy with his coffee to speak. You quickly realised it was best not to stare, so you decided to just go toast yourself some slices of bread for breakfast.

There was silence.

Eddie glanced a few times in your direction, but didn’t speak a word. Neither did you. Michael had taught you not to speak to strangers, so you didn’t. You hence didn’t speak until you were back upstairs and took a deep breath. He was…gorgeous. You decided not to speak to your father about that little episode.

He wouldn’t have understood and besides…you probably wouldn’t see him again.

…

But then, you started waking up early everyday to get breakfast and Eddie was there—like clockwork. You never spoke, but awkward silence turned to shy smiles and little glances here and there…until one day.

You were about to get back to your room when you stopped dead in your tracks and looked down at the pancakes in your plate…Surely, Michael would not mind being short of a few, right ? You took a deep breath and backtracked to sit down next to him. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it.

"…You like pancakes ?" You asked. He remained silent for a moment before looking at you. He stayed silent for a moment before he finally smiled.

"I do enjoy a good pancake. Would you care to share ?"

It was the first time you were hearing his voice. It sounded soft and a little hushed—as if he wasn’t used of using it all that much. You smiled back.

"Not at all." You then proceeded to serve him pancakes and Eddie smiled again before digging in.

"I’m Y/N Myers by the way." You introduced yourself and his pale blue eyes looked up at you.

"Eddie. Eddie Gluskin."

From that day onwards, you started spending time with Eddie.

You started watching him and tried to understand who he really was. Eddie was respectful and polite and seemed like the perfect gentleman. You didn’t know why a man like him would be admitted to a mental institution—especially since he seemed so clear-minded.

From what you had heard, he had just transferred from a place called Mount Massive asylum. He hadn’t brought it up though, so you guessed that it wasn’t a fond memory of his. You couldn’t have access to files, but you had heard nurses speak about a certain ‘Waylon Park’. Once you started your research, you were able to understand what his past was and why he was here.

But, you were not one to judge too quickly, especially being Michael’s daughter offered you perspective and that not everything was as it seemed.

The more you shared, the closer you got…until one day, Eddie was the one preparing breakfast and before you could protest, he had invited you to sit down and get a taste. You sat down and started eating with a grin on your face and Eddie seemed happy that you’d eat his food.

"Good, darling. Really good." He cooed and you smiled—completely oblivious…until your vision started faltering and you realised that Eddie had surely drugged you. In a matter of seconds, you were asleep. He then picked you up bridal style and smirked as he proceeded to carry you to his bedroom.

"Sleep soundly, my darling. Sweet dreams."

———————————————————————

After your ‘disappearance’, Michael was desperate and he knocked at every door, searched every dark spot in the entire asylum. He could not find you anywhere and finally called your name over and over again. He usually never used his voice, but this was an emergency. Finally…he got news.

Eddie came to him with a letter.

…

An invitation to your wedding.

"…"

Michael looked up at him in shock. He couldn’t believe it and before anyone could stop him, he had taken Eddie by the throat and threw him against a wall.

"You took her ?!"

He then proceeded to wrap his hand around Eddie’s throat and squeezed. But, Eddie wasn’t afraid. Eddie took a moment before standing back up and claiming:

"We are in love…"

Michael remained silent for a moment before bashing Eddie’s head against the wall.

"WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER ?!"

Suddenly, nurses and doctors and guards came in to stop the fight and some of them had to tackle down Michael to make him stop turning Eddie’s head into mush. Michael’s knuckles had turned red by the time he was dragged out of the room.

Fortunately, you were found in Eddie’s room…in a closet. He had tied you up and drugged you. Fortunately, no harm was done to you and you were brought back to Michael safe and sound.

But you could not help yourself to ask why.

Why had he done this ?

So, you went to his cell.

"…Eddie ?" There was no movement for a couple of minutes before Eddie slowly turned his head towards you and smiled.

"Darling."

You sighed before asking him.

"Why ? Why did you do this ? I thought we were friends."

Eddie clicked his tongue.

"Please, darling. Do not insult me. You knew what I wanted. I am a patient, just as much as you. I would assume you already knew about me and the reasons that brought me here, no ?"

You shuddered at the look he gave you.

"…You knew I liked you. You could have waited." You told him with a sad smile and Eddie laughed.

"Oh my sweet sweet darling." He suddenly grabbed your arm and pulled you closer. "I have WAITED my entire existence to find my perfect wife. And now that I have finally found you…my ALMOST perfect wife…You expect me to wait some more ?"

He smirked and your heart paced rapidly in your chest. He released you and you took a few steps back.

"A-Almost ?" You asked and he chuckled.

"Yes. Almost. You will be my wife. But first, we have got to get rid of your FATHER, darling."

Your eyes widened in shock and you shook your head. He tilted his head and his smirk softened as his eyes bored into yours.

"Don’t you worry, my love. I will be the one taking care of everything for you…We will soon be together. As it was intended. You and I. Me and my sweet wife…Just wait for me, as I have waited for you."

[jazzyjesse]

my partner is from st. louis and just told me that they slice bagels there vertically like bread for "sharing" like "at an office party" please help me prove they're wrong

horizontally sliced:

vertically sliced:

[spiky-berry21]

Took awhile, but the last of the trio is finally finished! I present to you:

Transcription (due to the trend endlessly blurry images):

Born: 14th of February, 1901

Boston, Massachusetts

Born to Marie and Philip Caradine. Angelique, or ‘Angel’ as she calls herself nowadays, had had a fairly normal upbringing in the early years leading up to 1912. Well... If you discounted the gang her family were associated with.

Being the youngest of the Caradine siblings, she was coddled and babied by her older siblings and parents. Often told by her relatives that she had a wonderful voice. Though, not all was happy in the Caradine household. As a week after her eleventh birthday, her brothers and father would be massacred in an unseen ambush by a rival gang over a turf of land. Forcing her remaining family into a miserable ten years of poverty.

From that point on, Angelique would use the only thing she was ever good at to help her family from falling to famine. That being her voice. Singing for small crowds in the streets, and when she got older, on the stage in dance halls, or really any place that would have her. Whilst her two remaining siblings, Remy and Dotty, would take turns collecting the payments and performing alongside her. That was most likely how she got scouted. Eventually it became a career for her as she reached her early twenties, and at the age of twenty-one, she would leave behind the house she and her family had bought in Tennessee. Travelling around the southern half of America for a few years or so, before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, due to her newfound employment at the ‘Hotel Maribel’. Sure, she lives in a dingy little hotel room on the outskirts of St. Louis. But as long as she kept on moving, things would surely come her way eventually... Right?

Aside from singing her heart out on stage, Angel has shown to be quite proficient in dance. Commonly incorporating a slice of choreography into her performances whenever the moment arises. She has also shown to be quite skilled in the art of gossip, making it all the more chaotic due to her rather sociable nature. And the fact that when you get her to start, you can’t get her to stop. In addition to being the queen of smack-talk, it is relatively unknown to most cats that she speaks a small bit of French. Mostly due to her mother’s French ancestry. Oh, and if you were wondering, yes she does have an accent. She just likes to suppress it.

As always, have a magnifique day/night! 😘

[pjohoo-reclists]

Outsider POV Fic Recs

A list of fics where mortals get glimpses of the greek world and/or demigods. Last updated on 8/8/23. Enjoy!

This is War by Tibbitoo

Gen | 1.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Paul Blofis

Titan War, Violence, Angst

Because even though the movies get it all wrong, Paul Blofis knows. War is war, and seeing those demigods fighting for their lives, seeing the fallen on the ground, made him finally understand. This wasn't a dream, but a cruel reality where Good and Evil clashed in a bloody battle. This wasn't a book where Good always won. This was a real war. It was reality. His stepson's reality.

Start Over by RainKiss

Gen | 1.5k | Complete

background Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

Goode High School, poor education system, Paul is a good dad

Mr. Morelli is not a nervous person by character, but the file in front of him gives the scholastic transgressions of the new kid, who has been allowed to attend Goode High school—the place where he works.

Um.... Oops? by grainjew

Gen | 2.8k | Complete

background Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

Identity Reveal, Post TLO, Pre HoO

Scarlet Williams, sophomore at Goode High School, was stretched out in the back of her friend Percy's car when a twelve year old materialized in the passenger seat. The next thing she knew, apparently Greek mythology was real and liked trying to kill her friend. Great.

Riding on the Rolling Tide by mrthology

T | 3k | Complete

Jason Grace & Percy Jackson

AU, Slice of Life, Crack Treated Seriously

“I think that’s Percy Jackson!” “Who?” Sarah rolled her eyes. “The kid who jumped off the St Louis arch years ago, and then there was all that weirdness,” she added, waving her hands for effect, “with a kidnapping or something.” “Oh, the one that’s a demigod?” “Yeah,” she said. She still wasn’t sure if she believed in gods or demigods, but it was hard to deny it at this point. Monsters and worse walked among them, and Sarah hated it. At first, she’d thought it was some strange publicity stunt for an upcoming show or movie—studios had done stranger things to draw crowds, after all—but she knew better now. Gods were real, and so were monsters. ... After the Second Giant War, the Mist falls. The results aren't what anyone expected.

Someone to You by mrthology

Gen | 3k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Triton, Amphitrite, Paul Blofis' Parents, Estelle Blofis

Triton is a Good Sibling, Big Brother Percy, Slice of Life

Anna wasn't sure what to think of Percy Jackson, truth be told, having only met him twice. She adored her daughter in law Sally and her little granddaughter, but there was something about Percy that put her on edge. She had no idea what - he was a kind boy, eager to help with his baby sister when most teenagers would run for the hills and clearly adored his mother - but there was just something about him, something about his too-bright eyes that made her feel uneasy. ~~~ Or, Paul's parents are taking care of Estelle for a few days. When picking her up, they meet Percy again as well as his older brother (what was his name? Tri?). At this point, Anna just wants to know what the dad looks like to have kids that look like THIS. Especially when, several days later, they meet the stepmother as well.

Here On The Sunny Side by mrthology

Gen | 4k | Complete

Percy Jackson/Apollo

Post Trials of Apollo, New Rome University, Attempt at Humor

“Just talk to him.” Cody blinked. He could do a lot of things, but approaching Percy Jackson and just talking to him was not one of those things. “We can’t just go and talk to him!” Aida yelped, shifting nervously in her seat. Cody agreed. Percy Jackson was nothing if not intimidating. He’d done so much for Camp Jupiter and walked with more gods than Cody could begin to fathom. There were even rumours that Jupiter (or, Cody supposed, Zeus) had offered him godhood when he’d only been sixteen. Everyone in New Rome knew he spent time in his father’s realm below the sea, and even the Praetors seemed to defer to him at times. No. Cody couldn’t just go up and talk to Percy Jackson. Not many in New Rome would dare. ——— Or, Percy’s part of a group project at NRU. His group mates aren’t exactly sure what to make of him. Or of his mysterious paramour.

A Thin Barrier Between Two Worlds by Skywalking_through_life

T | 5.7k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Hudson River Spirit

Post Gaea & Second Giant War, Canon Compliant, Eavesdropping

"'Man, If I avoided everyone with a bone to pick with me, I'd be a hermit. But I haven't figured out what I'm supposed to have actually done this time?" He could only see half of Percy's face, and even that at a distance, but there was no mistaking the lazy smirk he was wearing, or the way his arms were casually folded across his chest. He wasn't scared of this guy, which didn't make a lick of sense, because just the guy's voice was scaring Giovanni. What could the rest of him look like? "Don't play stupid, kid, it ain't a good look for you. You know good and well what you did." A sudden thud shook the wood of the old dock, making it creak and sway and causing bits of plank to fall. When the dust cleared, Giovanni bit down hard on his tongue to stop himself from gasping, because now that he could see both people above him, he wasn't sure the person opposite Percy was, in fact, human. In which Giovanni learns that there is such a thing as knowing too much about the world around him...

The Overwhelming Specter of Your Mothers Book Club by 60sec400

Not Rated | 5.9k Complete

Sally Jackson/Paul Blofis

Meeting the Parents, Sally Jackson is a Good Parent, Oneshot

Martha Blofis stared at her son in shock. “What do you mean,” she said slowly, “that you’re married?” Her son fidgeted nervously. First, he ran a hand through his peppered hair, and then his eyes flickered down and away. Then he lifted them again and smiled meekly at her. “Paul,” she said, “I need you to tell me what in gods name you were thinking.” “Her name is Sally Jackson?” Paul said, his voice lifting as he weren’t quite sure what the name of his wife was. AKA Paul tells his mother he hasn't seen in four years that he's married. Really, the only thing she can think about is what she's going to tell her book club.

Percy Jackson and the Scrutiny of his Coworkers by pqrker

Gen | 6.4k | Complete

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson & Original Characters

Marine Biologist Percy Jackson, Adult Percy Jackson

Jim turned back to the tank and looked at Marcie the seal, who was now staring at the spot his coworker had been standing just moments before with that same strange look of reverence in her eyes. Percy Jackson truly was the oddest person Jim Elpool had ever worked with. or 5 times percy's coworkers were confounded by his fish magic, plus 1 time they try to figure it out.

More Things in Heaven and Earth by Skywalking_through_life

T | 7.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

Post-Gaea & Second Giant War, Canon Compliant, High School

"Sticking her head further out of the light of her doorway and into the dark hallway, she peered left and right, trying to catch a glimpse of movement in the shadows beyond the dim glow of the emergency lights. Nothing. But as her eyes fell on the bank of lockers outside her classroom where the first thud had come from, they widened in horror. A long smear of blood, thick enough to start to drip down the dented metal, stained two of the lockers." Ms. Lafayette is a teacher, not a detective. But that doesn't mean she's not curious - and concerned - when a trail of blood appears in the hallway outside her classroom in the early hours of the morning...

good doesn't equal Goode by vani_em

Gen | 7.3k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Paul Blofis

off screen Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, BAMF Percy Jackson, good dad Paul Blofis

One thing was clear: Percy Jackson was not Goode High School material.

In a Field of Dandelions by mrthology

T | 7.5k | Complete

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

Future Fic, Kid Fic, Domestic Fluff

"You okay there?" she asked once she was closer, smiling in what she hoped was a welcoming manner. The man smiled back, still looking a bit confused. Nicky's breath caught in her chest when he met her eyes. His gaze was a little too vivid, his bone structure a little too perfect. He seemed a little too much more than human. Part of her wanted to run, while another part wanted to follow him to the ends of the earth and beyond. "I think so," he replied, breaking the spell. "Just trying to figure out day one, I suppose. I'm Percy!" ----- Percy and Annabeth's eldest child starts school. Percy inadvertently causes a bit of a stir, and Annabeth isn't jealous, not at all.

[conduct] not unbecoming men who [strive] with gods by Skywalking_through_life

T | 8k+ | On-going as of 8/8/23

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, Sally Jackson/Paul Blofis, Percy Jackson & Paul Blofis

Post Second Giant War, Slice of Life, Identity Reveal

"Some students find it hard to find a poem that they identify with," she said simply, even tone belying the gravity of the look she was giving him. "I…I can imagine that you, perhaps, might be one of them." For a moment, he just stared back at her, heart now thumping almost painfully fast as he tried to decide how to respond to that. She was right of course, but now that the moment he'd been waiting for had definitely arrived, was he really prepared to do this? "Are we talking about poetry?" He finally asked, mouth dry, as though he didn't already know the answer to his own question, "Or are we talking about…something else?" Or, a week in the life of Percy's senior year, featuring: a poetry project, a swim meet, prom, several identity crises, and maybe, just maybe, a long-overdue conversation with a certain sharp-eyed teacher.

some have entertained angels unaware by Skywalking_through_life

T | 21k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson, Percy Jackson & Paul Blofis, Minor or Background Relationships, Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

Post Second Giant War, Field Trip, Powerful Percy Jackson

"Slumping at the table next to his now slightly raspy stepfather, Percy decided to make one last appeal. "Paul, you can't seriously think me dying of frostbite or exposure on the way to see the Statue of Liberty for the eighty-millionth time is a good death, right? Like, I could do so much better." Paul shrugged, eyes dancing. "I'm not the expert on death in this family, Perce. But I do imagine it's probably more heroic than dying of boredom in US Government class?"' Percy didn't think there was a god of field trips, but if there was...he was pretty sure that they hated him.

[jo-harrington]

Corroded Coffin Fest - Day 12 - Ow!

Summary: Gareth has a tummy ache.

Word Count: 898

Rating: T

Warnings/Themes: Food, Gareth is a glutton (for punishment), poop talk, vomiting, food poisoning

Check Out the Main Post for @corrodedcoffinfest here! Even if you didn’t start on Day 1, you can still join!

Tagging: @the-unforgivenn at her request.

You can find my masterlist here.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

One thing the guys had to learn quickly when they finally got on the road for their first “tour”—basically an extended road trip in the van, hitting different summer fests through the Midwest—was that injuries happened.

Cuts, bruises, pulled muscles, a sprained wrist, sunburns.

But the worst of all?

"Guys, my stomach really hurts."

A tummy ache.

They happened quite a bit, and they struck hard, especially with all of the fried foods and gas station snacks that the guys were eating.

Not to mention all of the cheese festivals they hit in Wisconsin while Eddie had a bad case of lactose intolerance.

"It's ok guys," he'd pant from the inside of many-a-port-a-potty. "I'll be fine."

But they struck especially hard with Gareth, Corroded Coffin's personal garbage disposal.

“Guess you guys never noticed when my mom bought all the snacks for us,” he shrugged off the complaints about him eating them out of house and home. “I’m a growing boy.”

“Growing boy my ass Gare,” Jeff shoved him out of the way as they headed into the gas station for yet another snack run. “If this was a growth spurt, you’d be taller by now, Jesus.”

“Hey!!!”

The unfortunate thing about that was that his eyes were often bigger than his stomach, and for a kid who'd never left Indiana before, he never knew when he was about to get the chance to try some of these local favorites again.

Deep Dish in Chicago, Skyline Chili in Cincinnati, Beer-boiled Brats in Milwaukee

What did him in, or so they all thought, was a piece of Gooey Butter Cake in St. Louis.

It was a long, hot day. One of the last out-of-state stops on the tour before they headed back for a gig in Fort Wayne and Gareth had been eyeballing the little stand hocking baked goods all day.

He'd gotten the last slice at the end of the night.

"I seriously wouldn't eat that if I was you," Dave scrunched his nose in disgust. "It's been out all day."

"It's no different than any of this other fair food we've had," Gareth simply shrugged and shoved a bite in his mouth. Heavenly, he thought as his tastebuds exploded with rich sweetness.

"Your funeral," Dave scoffed.

And wouldn't you know? It nearly was.

It started with the rumbles late into the night, Eddie at the wheel driving along long stretches of dark rural highway when Gareth started groaning from his place in the back.

"Lemme know if you're gonna shit yourself," he called back and tossed their handy-dandy bottle of pepto to his friend. "We're probably not gonna reach a rest stop until we hit the interstate so I'll have to pull over."

"I'll be ok," Gareth grunted and chugged the chalky pink liquid.

But by the time they got on the interstate, his aching stomach turned into sharp pains, everyone was awake.

Then they all started to worry when he announced, maybe two hours away from Hawkins, that they needed to pull over so he could puke.

"I swear to god if you puke in my van," Eddie tried to grumble lightheartedly but as soon as the van was in park, Gareth was tripping over Dave's legs and their equipment to empty the contents of his stomach.

And when he was done? He looked like a corpse.

Green around the gills, hair matted with sweat, eyes glassy.

Jeff traded seats with him for the rest of the ride home and Eddie drove through some fast food place to grab as big of a sprite that he could and a plastic bag in case they couldn't stop in time.

Eddie broke more than a few traffic laws just to get back home a little faster.

It was scary, for all of them, for their little buddy to be so visibly sick, shaking with the chills, and--at least in their eyes--on Death's Doorstep.

Finally when they pulled into the Emerson's driveway, it was like a full team operation to get Gare into the house and into bed, the little trashcan from the bathroom set up beside him.

Mrs. E was worried--relieved that they made it home safe, but worried--and it had the other three boys feeling so guilty for taking this trip in the first place. Especially if anything terrible happened to their friend.

Come morning, Gareth woke up feeling worlds better--empty--and shocked to find his friends asleep on the floor of his bedroom.

"Uh, guys?" he woke them up, voice scratchy. "Guys wake up."

Before he realized, they were all awake and piling onto his bed to touch his forehead and rub his stomach and Dave even had the audacity to comment on how bad his breath was.

"Get off," he chuckled and pushed his friends away.

"How do you feel?" Eddie questioned.

"Better, a little sore," he admitted. "Feels like I ate shards of glass. But better."

"Maybe you did," Dave tried to laugh his worry off. "I told you not to trust that cake."

It got a chuckle out of everyone, and Gareth vowed not to trust fair food ever again.

"I don't think I'll ever eat again actually," he groaned.

But when Mrs. E woke up soon after and came to check on the boys, then said she was making breakfast, Gareth was the first to admit,

"What are we having? I'm starving."

[redfurrycat]

🤠🏉🥇🥊🐓Sports Fic Recs🐓🥊🥇🏉🤠

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: Abliafina, Barnes_Brain, Discosleaze, Ginnydear, Greenstuff, Halestrom, Hangmanbradshaw, Hypnagogicpunisher, idontshaveforsher_yesyoudo, Infinitejaust, KatofKanals, Marchrain, Midnight___phoenix, Ok_thanks, Playingwiththeboysisagayanthem, Vahosi, SunMonTue, Teacupivy, Trinipedia.

Different Strokes by infinitejaust {E}

{Olympic swimming}

Jake looks over at Bradshaw, who’s got his arms crossed, biceps flexed. Outside the box, huh? Jake smiles. He has a wonderful awful idea.

and they were rivals (oh my god they were rivals) by ginnydear

{NFL}

unsportsmanlike conduct {M}

He didn’t expect there to be highlight reels of him and Jake Seresin arguing and jawing at each other after their first game against each other. His Uncle Mav’s recorded it, saying it’s the beginning of his long, successful career - to have a rival. Bradley thinks it’s a pain in the ass. or - the hangster nfl au

jersey swap {M}

“I think you’re right, and I’d dare to say that’s Bradley Bradshaw next to her. He and Robert Floyd have been friends since college, if you remember that from their draft.” The camera stays on the group for a second longer and then it switches to where Floyd is standing on the sideline, a large blue coat covering his body. He’s talking to Jake Seresin and the camera catches the moment they both look up towards the stands, Floyd waving excitedly. The screen splits in time to see Natasha waving back, as well as everyone around her. or - a hangster nfl au slice of life

skills test {E}

“I don’t have all day, Bradshaw,” Jake yells, dribbling the ball a few times. Bradley pauses and bends his knees, bouncing the ball between his hands. “Such impatience,” Bradley says, starting to move the other direction. Jake takes the ball in one hand and cocks his arm back, watching with glee as Bradley’s eyes widen a bit. “Take the shot then!” or - jake and bradley are selected to the pro bowl.

play-action fake {T}

“Come home with me.” Jake breathed against Bradley’s lips. His shallow breaths break up his words, but he gets them out all the same. Bradley chuckled and brushed his thumb across Jake’s bottom lip. “I’m always gonna come home with you.” He muttered, pulling his thumb down and leaving Jake's mouth agape. or: Jake asks Bradley to come home to Texas with him

top gun hockey au by ok_thanks

{Hockey}

invisible string {M}

Jake being traded to San Diego should definitely not cause Bradley to feel so unhinged. Not at all. He can be teammates, they've done that before, except that Jake is just as annoying and attractive to Bradley as he was when they were younger.

such great heights {E}

“Not sure if it’s clear by now, but I sort of had a huge thing for you.” No words come to mind — no, scratch that. Too many words flood Jake’s brain and sit at the tip of his tongue, but none of them seem fit for expressing the gooey feeling overtaking his heart.

Sliding Series by Barnes_Brain

{Baseball}

Parts 1-6 are the original Sliding Into Home Part 7 is an Alternate Universe Where Bradley is a reliever and Jake is his catcher

Sliding into Home {E}

{Baseball player!Bradley & Social Media/In-game host!Jake}

Bradley is the star shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. The announcers adore him, his teammates love him, and the fans, mostly female, relish that at 29 he’s still single. Right before the start of the season he meets Jake Seresin, the new in-game host and social media admin. Jake has a smile that lights up the sun, an ass that Bradley could stare at for hours, and abs that go for days. Most important? He does not seem to give a shit about the fact that Bradley’s one of the best shortstops in the game. Jake Seresin did not expect to end up in fucking Missouri of all places, but after 4 years in the Navy to pay for a Public Relations and Communications degree? He’s gonna fucking use it. So Imagine his surprise when a moustached hunk runs into him in the tunnels of Busch Stadium. Literally. Jake won’t lie he’d climb the man in front of him like a tree, and might actually if he lets him. The only problem? He doesn’t even know what a shortstop does? When Bradley finds out Jake doesn’t know the difference between a foul post and a goal post he makes it his mission to make Jake fall in love with the sport that changed his life. He never imagined he’d get Jake falling for him instead. He wasn’t going to complain.

Caught Looking {E}

{Pitcher!Bradley & Catcher!Jake}

After spending three seasons in the Japanese Major leagues, also known as the NPB, pitcher Bradley Bradshaw has finally made it back to The Show. Signed to the Seattle Mariners, not only does he have to get reacquainted with the league, he also needs to get adjusted to their new catcher, Jake Seresin. The only problem? No one knows that they fucked through the minors together. What if the accident never happened in Sliding into Home? What if Jake actually showed up to one of Javy’s games? This is how things would change.

You gave me time to find out what my heart was lookin' for by trinipedia {E}

{Boxer-Personal Trainer!Bradley}

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw is a personal trainer, among other things. He specializes in preparing young actors for their next action role, but when he's given the task of turning dancer/actor Jake "Hangman" Seresin into a believable boxer, he has his work cut out for him.

An Inside The Park Home Run by Midnight___phoenix {T}

{Baseball}

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw was a First round draft pick for the New York Yankees. He was highlighted while in the minors as the next best Third baseman of our generation. He likes to think the hype was true. He bats over .300 every year (well despite his rookie year where he batted .282 and ended up winning Rookie Of The Year, but he likes to think of that year as a fluke when it comes to his batting average.) and has won the Gold Glove award three times in 10 seasons in the big show. He is without a doubt one of the best current ball players. He just wishes he wouldn’t get compared to Jake “Hangman” Seresin so much.

Formula 1: Deceive to Achieve by greenstuff {E}

{F1}

When new teammates, Jake and Bradley, agree to pretend they’re in a committed relationship to land a sponsorship deal, they probably should have factored in the possibility they might fall for their own lies.

Two-Way(s) Forward by Barnes_Brain {M}

{Hockey player!Jake & Rink owner!Bradley}

Jake Seresin was the LA King’s best two-way forward, leading not only his line, but his team with the coveted C on his chest. But when an injury sends him to Bob Floyd, PT extraordinaire, in hopes of getting back on the ice, he finds a little more than a path back to his career.

Desire is the only motivation by trinipedia {M}

{Rugby}

After a life-altering accident, Bradley Bradshaw moves to Texas to change his perspective. Bradley has decided not to think about American football ever again, but the chance meeting with an arrogant Texan, Jake Seresin, might change it all, not only for him but for the aforementioned Texan, as well.

IWTBY Verse by hangmanbradshaw

{NFL QB!Jake}

I want to brainwash you into loving me forever {E}

“So…this is fucking weird and I have no clue what to say here.” Bradley smiled warmly and leaned his forearms against the table. “Don’t worry, Mav already filled me in, and I’ll do it.” Jake blinked. “You’ll do it?” “Yeah.” Bradley sat back with a nod. “You want to come out, right? If us appearing to be in a stable relationship will help, then I’m in.” Or, Jake Seresin has it all- fame, money, a NFL MVP trophy, a Super Bowl appearance, a lonely house, and a problem. He wants to come out on his own terms. Enter Bradley Bradshaw, the solution to said problem, or maybe, the beginning of a new problem. After all, you don't fall in love with your fake boyfriend.

Wanna Be Your Left Hand Man {E}

Europe calls. Jake & Bradley answer.

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings {E}

Nine months into their official relationship, Jake and Bradley navigate a new season of the NFL, life, and their relationship. Or Ice and Mav get married, the gang all celebrates, and Bradley and Jake find home in each other once again, in more ways than one.

love thorns all over this rose {_}

Bradley's friends watch him lose himself, find himself, and then find something even better. Or Bradley doesn’t really do dating, until he does. Aka Bradley pre-IWTBY, and a little during, according to Reuben, Callie, and Jonathan.

these blokes warm the benches, we been on a winning streak {E}

Bradley & Jake prepare for the next season.

this love is ours {_}

The season before their wedding throws a curveball at Jake and Bradley. But they face it as they always do- together.

Watson Wildhearts by KatofKanals {E}

{HS Football}

16 year old Bradley Bradhsaw is new to Watson, Texas in the summer of 2000 and he is downright miserable—he hates the whole town and all the people in it. That includes Jake Seresin, the star quarterback and rich boy at the top of the social pyramid. Eventually, though, Bradley starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to Watson and Jake Seresin than he saw at first glance. Maybe there’s something special there after all.

get your head in the game by abliafina {T}

{Volleyball in Corporate setting}

Hangman thought he'd thrown in the towel when it came to his volleyball days, but when Rooster, the handsome team leader from another company, invites him to join the summer tournament he knows he's done for. There were worse fates than spending the day on the beach.

Love (Suite Love) by hangmanbradshaw {T}

{NFL QB!Jake}

Jake never thought he'd leave a pop concert with a public crush. Bradley was on vocal rest. Really, he was.

sparks fly (sereshaw's version) by marchrain {T}

{College Baseball & Football}

Bradley Bradshaw, the freshman starting pitcher for Pacific Harbor University, meets Jake Seresin, the new hot-shot quarterback. He hates Jake, there's not a single thing likeable about him. He hates the way his hair is held up by gel, the look in those stupid emerald eyes of his, the fact that he's a football player of all sports—Jake's insufferable. But then, why does he enjoy their banter? Why does he like the dumb toothpick that sits between Jake's teeth? Why does his stomach flip when Jake laughs? Why do his eyes keep flicking down to Jake's lips? - or, sereshaw sports uni slice of life au

when bradley falls in love (goose & carole's version) by discosleaze {T}

{NFL QB!Jake}

Snippets of i want to brainwash you into loving me-verse, from Goose & Carole's perspectives, aka watching their son fall in love.

I talk a big game that I'm scared of losin' by hangmanbradshaw {E}

{Boxer!Bradley}

Jake's a professor ready to jump back into the dating pool, Bradley's a little rough around the edges, and Nat swears they're perfect for each other. She might be right. Or Jake dumps his loser ex and moves to California to be near Nat and Javy. Nat knows a guy, and sometimes opposites attract.

cuz you know I love the players and you love the game by hangmanbradshaw {E}

{College Baseball & Football & Cheerleading}

Jake's the star quarterback, Bradley's the star baseball captain. They both like playing games, turns out they want the same prize. Or Bradley dresses as a cheerleader for the team and Jake hates him (except that he totally doesn't)

suburban legends ✈ by vahosi

{NFL QB!Bradley}

we were born to be suburban legends {G}

unmarked numbers in my peripheral vision (july) — chapters 1-12 flush with the currency of cool (august) — chapters 13-24 where the spirit meets the bones (september) — chapters 25-36

we were born to be the pawn in every lover's game {_}

you kiss me in a way that's going to screw me up forever (october) — chapters 1-12 dare to sit and watch what we'll become (november) — chapters 13-24 my pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand (december) — chapters 25-36

and they were batterymates by teacupivy {E}

{Baseball}

They’ve been teammates for just a few months now, but plenty long enough to have the whole dick-measuring-in-the-locker-room, fist-fight-on-the-field, make-up-behind-the-scenes, suddenly-best-duo-in-the-MLB speedrun.

red river rivalry by hypnagogicpunisher {M}

{College Football}

He’s heard the buzz about the new 4-star on the Texas team. It piques his interest. Oklahoma had been dominating the last few years of the rivalry, but betting odds were hot against the Sooners going into the game week, partially because of this Seresin kid. A true freshman, with his kind of stats, was a rarity. Bradley wonders just a bit what his passing stats would look like with him, who seemingly has fucking magnets for hands and the ability to stretch for a pass like he’s made of rubber. -- He can feel the frustration snaking through his body, settling with a numbness in his fingertips. At 2nd and 10, his pass is tipped and ruled incomplete. He can hear a jeer from the sideline, and he fucking knows it’s Seresin.

Team Player by SunMonTue {E}

{NRL ➡️Not an AU but fits my kinda vibes}

Jake's cousin plays for the Sydney Roosters and gifts him with merchandise. Regularly. Bradley has an unexpected realization.

he's written mine on my upper thigh only in my mind by hangmanbradshaw {E}

{College Baseball & Tennis}

Jake is absolutely not going to spend his summer vacation alone at his family's beach house with his ex boyfriend and said ex's new boyfriend. Bradley needs a place to stay for the summer. Faking a relationship solves both their problems, until it creates a new problem when they start to fall for their own ruse. Unless it ends up not being a problem at all. Or Jake's a trust fund, tennis star at Vanderbilt. Bradley's an orphaned baseball star on scholarship. Their worlds are very different, but all they need is three months in Rhode Island to build a new one together.

this is me flying, this is me trying, this is what keeps me alive (like my daddy before me and his daddy before that) by playingwiththeboysisagayanthem {E}

{Barrel Racing}

" Bradley eyed his godfather questioningly and Mav sighed again, “I either break Carole’s rules behind her back or risk never being able to see her compete,” he stroked a soft hand over the horse’s nose, “And I don’t like either option.” The silence hung in the air for a long moment before Bradley broke it, “Soooo…” Mav chuckled and then sighed again, “I guess you just got your wish, kid, 'cause it looks like I’m about to have to teach you to be a barrel racer.” " --------------- aka, what if Mav and Goose were barrel racers instead of pilots? And Bradley followed in their footsteps?

but daddy I love him by hangmanbradshaw {E}

{Boxer!Bradley}

Bradley's life is far from perfect, especially with his injury and career going up in flames. Jake Seresin's life is gilded- golden and untouchable from his castle. He's everything Bradley's not- the son of one of Manhattan's most prestigious families, and the star of the New York Ballet. He's also, unfortunately, what Bradley needs right now, his last shot at getting back in the ring. He might end up being everything Bradley didn't know he needed, in the end. And as for Jake, well, it turns out he may need more than Bradley imagined.

nothing's gonna touch you in these golden years by idontshaveforsher_yesyoudo {T}

{Olympic pole vaulting & diver}

going to the Olympics to, hopefully, win gold in pole vaulting would be a lot more fun for Bradley if Jake Seresin, diver and asshole extraordinaire, wasn't also competing and making his life miserable. or would it?

got a shot of kerosene in my veins by halestrom {E}

{Fighter!Bradley}

Fighting was the only thing Bradley could do to help his family when they found themselves in a mountain of debt, and he didn't regret it, not if it meant they would be okay. But he never expected to meet Jake Seresin, nor to get drawn deeper into a world he didn't want any part of, even though, as time wore on, he realized he wanted Jake. More than he should.

[lowpolybread]

“We needed a safe place, and your mom had one waiting. Pretty lucky we happened to be in the right city for it.” “Luck or fate?”

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS 1x04: I Plunge to My Death

[bunnybonesstudio]

BunnyBonesStudio Cobra Kai Fanfiction Masterlist

Hello friends!

As I’ve said on my AO3, I have a bunch of fanfics in the works! Some I’ve been writing for awhile, others I’ve just started to write.

I wanted to share some sneak peeks at some stories that are in the works as well as document the ones already online! I thought it’d be fun and maybe I could even get your guys’ thoughts on what should come next.

My main goal in this fandom, aside from just having fun and meeting mutuals, is to entertain everyone with my stories. Nothing makes me happier than people enjoying my work.

I’ll add and update as I go too! So all my work will be compiled right here.

So please follow and add your thoughts! I love to hear from everyone!

Here’s the list:

Just Wanted to Let You Know- Status: Completed

Demetri centric fic; Binary Boyfriend content

A collection of letters Demetri has written to his father over the years and the events that take place after he had stopped.

Coco Moon - Status: Posting

Samantha & Demetri Friendship fic; minor Binary Boyfriends and Samguel content

Based on the album ‘Coco Moon’ by Owl City; On their own separate journeys of losing people, Sam and Demetri end up finding each other.

Greek Werewolf in West Valley - Status: Posting

Monster AU/Werewolf! Demetri; Binary Boyfriends centric

Inspired by the Story ‘Nocturnal’ by Summerphlox and the Song ‘Italian Werewolf in St. Louis’ by Ludo; After a near fatal animal attack one night, Demetri starts to exhibit some rather strange behaviors.

I Love You So Fucking Much - Status: In Development

Binary Boyfriends centric fic

Based on the album “I Love You So Fucking Much’ by Glass Animals; The long, dramatized version of the binary boyfriend’s recovery story that we SHOULD have gotten in S4.

Violent Violets - Status: In Development

Eli & Tory Friendship Fic; minor Binary Boyfriends content

Based on the song ‘Violet’ by Days to Waste; Even after everyone left them, Eli and Tory still had each other.

And Lolly Makes Three - Status: In Development

Future!Binary Boyfriends centric fic

Demetri and Eli foster a kid. What could go wrong?

Cobra Kai: Dream Collection - Status: In Development

Drabble Collection

A collection of the inner workings of the Valley’s Miyagi-Fang dojo members minds every night when they close their eyes; aka, a close look at the dreams of dojo members.

Cobra Kai Minus - Status: In Development

AU/No karate; Slice of life, Samguel & Binary Boyfriends

Cobra Kai doesn’t exist, Johnny Lawrence never became a sensei, and Miguel Diaz never learned how to stand up for himself all that well. So, with no change in sight, Miguel, Eli, and Demetri have to navigate their last years of high school all by themselves and learn how to grow in their own, unique ways.

Crushed by a Crush - Status: In Development

Bert & Devon centric fic; minor Binary Boyfriends, Samguel, and Tory/Robby content

Bert liked Devon the moment he laid eyes on her. Now he just has to find out how to tell her without getting punched in the face

PetroDragonic Apocalypse and the Murder of the Universe - Status: In Development

Supernatural/Apocalypse AU

It’s the end of the fucking world. While an ancient primordial void is sucking up the known world, the Miyagi-Fangs manage to figure out one last ditch effort to save the earth; an old fairy tale with the location of a wishing star that may or may not actually exist. Armed with nothing but their wits and a confusing set of guidelines, it’s up to them to save everything and everyone from certain doom.

[auraeseer]

. . . a bit mealy.

[licially]

Interlude #2: Four Short Stories

// admitedly, I never post on tumblr. At all. Like for the people that are friends with me, I only am there on twitter or discord. But, the offchance that I do, I just jumpscare a few people. And that's what I'm gonna do.

// First story is for @crystal-gryphon's Evelyn. Second story is technically my rendition of the next chapter of the Lackadaisy comics, but @666calistaxx wanted me to include Dominic Drago. Third story is - or was - my tiny slice of life with @blogplutocrat's Lola, and the fourth one belongs to my bf @ScarletLion02 on twt... I love him with all of my heart.

A Mistake To Dabble In

St. Louis, and its similar within a radius of the area, was cooking itself under the sun. Ever since the spring day started, up until the sun was up towards the middle of the sky, unleashing its full might as the heat burdened those unfortunate enough to be within the timezone. Chicago, albeit more desensitized to the sudden heat, caught itself off guard by the sudden spike in temperature, a few degrees off the highest ever recorded temperature. Nearby Kansas City had no idea about this sudden heat rise, given a few nights before it had been warmer and warmer, and St. Louis was, unsurprisingly, subjected to this tumultuous weather. 

The city side of things was empty: streets, abandoned husks of vehicles, and the flooded recreational facilities, restaurants, and public spaces had people almost screaming for this weather to end. Most beaches are chocked full of people prone to these conditions, some there to enjoy the breeze, others opting to stay more active and swim, but for the foreseeable hour, the city seems lenient on spending their time elsewhere. Yet it isn’t to say that the other side of the city didn’t seem to bother with anything outside in the blazing heat. On the opposite end of the spectrum, back facing the Mississippi, the hills were shining much more green than anything could. Unaffected, and unbothered, by the sudden heat wasn’t the likeliest of duos, especially for their professions and especially for their activities.  As the hillside turned a descent into a crescent, the open field just across from the river, stood two people that were almost trying to get at each other. 

To the left, a ragdoll cat, almost smiling and arrogantly so, as she wields punches both left and right, facing off towards someone else in the distance, standing still and not amused by the current condition he found himself in. The black cat, with an unloaded M1911, had to face the stubborn irreality of his future, at least for the foreseeable part of it, as he faced the other with less of a competitive edge. The other party, Evelyn, soon charged full sprint towards the merciless triggerman, who she had hoped would be caught off his post and finally admitting defeat, soon found herself barreling towards the wall that rested far behind Mordecai Heller, as he lightly stuck out his leg to counter a full frontal assault. However, unlike himself, he quickly rushed back towards Evelyn after she hurled herself into the air and cushioned her fall and subsequent impact, his gun falling into the grass that blended it into the infinity it held. They both sat on the grass, Evelyn slowly sliding herself off towards the ground, and lightly tapped Mordecai’s head, with a smile to boot. Amidst heavy breathing, and exhaustion and exclamation from both sides, Evelyn spoke up. 

“Told you I’d get you eventually!” Her voice shrieked with an unfathomable amount of enthusiasm, and also a hint of exhaustion. 

“Impractical when you face someone with a weapon. Even with a blindshot, you’d still sustain an injury from such recklessness.” Mordecai immediately rebutted, almost wanting out of this sudden outburst.

“That is if they don’t respect the art of the fight, just as you were.” She giggled, her tone of voice now slowly back to normalcy through the laughter.

The two stood up, as Mordecai begrudgingly began to dust himself off. It certainly didn’t make sense to him that she’d bring the both of them to this place, only for her to tear the fabric of his reality, both metaphorically and literally although in a different sense, and she’d be the only one having mindless fun showing off her capabilities as a fighter. Her spirit of fighting, when prompted, can overrun what gentleness she does display in any other scenario. To think this is a contemporary side to an otherwise peaceful and non-problematic hobbyist and cheerful smiles told stories unheard and unsung. His calculation aside, he felt his dirtiness unwarranted and his participation felt more like babysitting more than anything. However, as he tended back towards Evelyn, it’s clear she’d mean no harm. Her rougher side normally has side effects towards it, and her stubbornness only proved to add into the flurry of chaos. 

She, however, means more well than ill, as she’d been spending more and more time towards someone who’s preoccupation towards killing and ‘cleaning up the dirty work’ preceded his time to himself. As she trailed back to the art supply she had left in the wind and dry in the sun, she looked back towards the person whom she endearingly clinged towards. At least for the moment, nothing seemed out of order: himself slowly but surely making his ways towards her, still brushing off residuals and dust alike from top to bottom of his usual tuxedo that dressed itself up with the usual marigold brooch, and yet aside from his dilapidated state in terms of… everything, she’d notice a speck of something that was like a dab of incorrect paint being smeared onto a Van Gogh piece. 

By the time she rushed over there, Mordecai almost instinctively tensed up, expecting nothing but trouble that would bestow upon him, given the energy of today. However, he stopped as Evelyn pulled out a handkerchief that she’d keep in her pocket for convenience sake, and began to dabble into the blood red that bled through his face. It’s rare enough he’d be hurt in this way, but even he was unsure why it was like this, let alone how it happened atop this iridescent plateau of land. Her touch felt soft, something that his tiny moment fumbling through the grass would not match, and her smile that predominantly occupied her faded as she pressed more and more lightly towards his face, letting him have some breathing room just in case she’d been pressing a little too hard.

“Goodness me, it seems this recklessness has some unintentional side effects.” Evelyn noted, her voice now gone from any sort of enthusiasm of before, her emotions ran on equal footing. 

“It does seem so.” He simply replied, not fully wanting to move too much from this place of euphoria. At least, in his eyes. Before anything else had happened, he finally felt his face soften up from the sudden application of pressure, as he stared back from the distance back to her face, where it turned into a worried expression, but the tone of her next few words didn’t seem like so.

“It’s just a minor cut. I was worried it went deeper, yet turns out it’s just a splash of red.” She smiled again, as she put her handkerchief away again. Mordecai soon found himself able to move, but only for a moment before he suddenly felt a pair of hands from Evelyn, pulling him towards herself as she lightly nudged her lips towards his head. Against everything, even if it were a painting unwillingly filled with mistakes, she still cherished what artistry had made the final image. As if they, too, were the paintbrush and canvas of this moment in time.

Lackadaisy Contemporary

Armed with a lethal demeanor, and unusually silent composure, he made its way towards the grandeur entrance of the Maribel Hotel. For a while, he had considered going to this palace as per the request of the highest of higher-ups within the place, the honorable Asa Sweet, yet at the same time it almost feels like he’s walking into a trap made specifically just for him. Outside, he seemed determined, unbreakable, yet inwards he was considering every miniscule effort, just purely off of this invitation alone. He stood for a while, at the front entrance, just facing the foyer, as he lightly nudged his chin just to hold his head up. His informant, Grombach, can’t be far off given how last night there was no news that regarded something significant that ran aground at his place.

However, closeby, a radio slightly slipped its words into the air, as he mashed the two thoughts and words together in his silent space: “Eyewitness said that the shooting occurred on a slow Thursday night, with 4 dead and one feared missing. So far, the accounts recall a tall, Cajun lady who had ordered to ‘bring over the belongings and everything they had’ before leaving with the fifth and final member dead within the alleyway. This has been Blaine Morrison, with the half-hour news from this Saturday afternoon.” The radio announcer proclaimed, before it was tuned out completely to a different channel, for more swing that aired over the radio. However, it’s all but enough evidence for him to start down a slow rabbit hole that would end up with him meeting the person behind all of this. 

The entrance boasted more of grandeur and than his usual place he’d meet up at: golden arches that surrounded the entrance, with bellboys running in and out catering for highly sophisticated guests, with some whom he recognised briefly as his career sometimes took him into the higher end of society amidst the chaos of bootlegging.  One of those was someone who did work with him, a former private investigator, and one who soon fell out of the spotlight with the opening of his agency. It all seemed like old memories, especially after they had both brought down a serial killer that has been in the business for about two years. Another, a former ballet dancer, never bothered to make eye contact as he observed her presenting a slip of paper to the receptionist, who scurried away towards an unseen backroom, before quickly reappearing with a card that has a very similar outline as his own. Nonetheless, he had already stopped in realization that he’s been standing out in the open air with these thoughts, alongside baseless deductions, and quickly made his way inside with it as a luggage.

The hotel lobby, as magnificent as its reputation, boasted meticulous marbling, with a flower symbol that led up towards the front roundtable of the lobby, which hosted a myriad of keys, people of different ethnicities, backgrounds, statuses, and time. His eyes scanned left and right as he made his way towards the very front of the hotel, where a nervous receptionist fiddled with his records and pages upon pages of an unseen book. 

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the Maribel Hotel. How may I help you?” He nervously addressed the Prohibition agent, who was slowly reaching into his pockets.

“Ah yes… I’m here on the behalf of an Asa Sweet.” Dominic replied, slowly putting down the business card that he was just handing out to the former ballet dancer. “I’d presume you know where he is?”

“Up the elevator, you’ll have to punch in the fourth floor, where you’ll be greeted by a bouncer. Present this to him, and he will let you through.” With hesitation, the receptionist scooped up the receipt of his boss’ presence, and punched two holes in the top left corner of it, before he put it back over the counter. With a million thoughts on his mind, the receptionist simply pointed towards the elevator, and gave some very cutthroat instructions in a more monotonous voice than his previous. “You’ll know it when you see their brooches.”

“Thank you, sincerely.” He reached for his pockets again, this time he pulled out a $50 note and put it on the benchtop. With a sluggish smile, he took the ticket back towards his hands and shoved it into the front pocket of his suit. “Keep this, a gift for you and your future.” He quietly pertained to the profession the receptionist was undergoing, before heading off towards the blood red carpet that spanned towards his left side, as instructed. Before long, he reached the silver and yellowish-golden elevator, before hoisting himself into an elevator where an operator stood. 

“Good afternoon, what floor shall I take you to?” the operator asked, facing towards the agent slightly.

“The fourth, please.” replied Dominic, slightly nodding at the other before they were both off.

A short ride up a few floors later, he was now facing a different set of hallways, completely empty and distinct from the rest of the bottom floor. There was one hallway that spanned both across and forward, and towards the far end of the hallway forward stood the bouncer that guarded a closed off black double door that was faintly past the imposing figure who looked like he could lift this entire building with his arms. He stepped off the elevator, before making his way towards the person who stood guard by the same set of doors. Other than a slightly disgusted face and almost a foot taller than Dominic, he grumbled and raspily asked for an entry ticket.

“If you don’t have the ticket, get out.” He grumbled, getting to the point immediately. Dominic slipped out the literal golden ticket, as the bouncer snatched it from the tip of his fingers. Without hesitation, he swung the doors open to reveal the Marigold Room, infamously known for outperforming the other competition within the area, the Lackadaisy Speakeasy. Within it, there were few guests; some surprised by the entrance of Dominic, others nonchalantly continuing with the conversation, as the room presented itself with gold, yellow and red designs that scraped through the fabrics that lined the room, just as much as it did with the floor they were currently in. 

The doors shut behind him, as he made his way deeper inside with astonishment, before coming across the man he’d been there to speak to. Asa Sweet, in all of his cheerful yet deceitful bombast. He approached him, only slowly and meticulously, before Asa caught wind of the Prohibition agent. He put down his cigar, before a smile ran from ear to ear as he stood up and greeted him, shook his hand, and took him towards another private place.

“I’m glad you made it, Detective Drago.” Asa signed off, as the two disappeared into the office nearby, where he sat down in his chair and faced himself towards the still standing Prohibition agent. His arms crossed, he asked the question that got him a visit here in the first place:

“I need your help in quelling the case behind Atlas, and his subordinates. Could you help me out?”

Strands Of Stradivarius

Rocky didn’t seem to mind himself resting his face onto the soft hands of Lola, as he had this day for himself and nothing more. His hands fiddled itself towards the soft, rugged bed with himself nearly satisfied that he got to be in here with the woman who loved him as much as he loved her. He caught wind of her expression: a blatant smile, something that seemed almost daily just alongside her golden ray. Both the smile and the thought of her alone brightens up his face, just thinking of her made himself evermore conscious about his decisions. Soon, his hands reached towards her hair, almost straggling along it as if it were the strings of the violin. It felt like gold, it held like gold, and he soon disembarked into a journey that’s almost like the trip he had been with that ‘space coffee’, something Lola didn’t pay too much attention to.

She was more or less the same with Rocky, dreamily staring at him, running alongside his face. She had thought there was nothing more than him getting lost in the thought of her, and she’d only be proven right. As the slight tugging on her hair tricked her into a slight lull, as she held onto Rocky’s face more and more so. She’d been exhausted all day; had she not woken up early today, she wouldn’t have scored a spot in a decent job in the city, after multiple places had not held up their end of the deal of giving her a decent job. Even then, she still stood strong, and pushed through the entire day of finding numerous places that had open spots for her to work: early telecommunication networks, stenography work at law firms, and clerk work at one place. All of this took her the entire day throughout the sweltering weather that kicked up, which only made it all the more rewarding when she got back into the apartment complex moments before Rocky rocked up.

Rocky’s vision blurred more and more out of reality, as he started to duck and weave between Lola and her golden hair within the apartment complex to a farmland in the middle of nowhere, with his hand now stroking violin strings that spanned from his hands towards the distant sun that shined brightly towards him, as he plucked on it for a short while. It transitioned into all of the possible notes of a violin: G, D, A and E in that order from whence he did so. He didn’t spend much more time thinking to himself, as he kept plucking slowly and slowly to see if this is real or not.

However, Lola saw him tug on her hair more and more, and she finally spotted the sudden enlarged pupil, and subsequently frantic behavior, prompted Lola to slowly let go of him to try and decipher what’s going through his head: was it the fact that she wasn’t there the full day and someone slipped him a cup of that ever so mysterious “space coffee” that he’s had before? Was it because he had undergone a trance after seeing her and/or having her touch him in his face? Or was it something entirely different that she had no idea about? 

Lola, now fully paranoid, lightly slapped Rocky’s face, yet nothing happened. At least for a bit, he still seemed all the more occupied with whatever assumed control of him, as she found herself out of balance with her current issue and husband, as she soon kept at Rocky, trying everything she could without disruption. However, Rocky was too enamored by the constant strings and vibrato of the magical rays of the sun, within his own head.

“Rocky– ROCKY!” Lola screamed, to no avail, as Rocky soon slumped over onto the bed. Later, he would have no recollection of the events that got him a slap on the face, nor why he had a strand of her hair.

Contentions About Intentions

“It really, really smells terrible.” Kaleb held back his disgust through the sentence, as he sat himself unwillingly towards him within the bar. At least, what little of it that occupied the side of the Lackadaisy Speakeasy. Yet without another word, Viktor glanced left towards the man in question and slowly backed away to try and get the smell away from him. After which, almost in contradiction, Kaleb wanted him to be back. 

“No- wait, come back! it’s okay.” He tugged on his coat, in which the other slightly squinted at.

“Vhat makes you come here? You hate the smell, no?” Viktor begrudgingly asked back, confused about his contradictory attempts at being close to him. Being a bartender wasn’t entirely ideal for him, but it’s what he made do with. 

“Well… I do, but I wouldn’t mind it if I was just with you!” 

“Nerozumiem…” He mumbled out, before tending back to his glasses.

 Kaleb, unwillingly, sat right then and there to tend to himself and the distracting smell of alcohol reminded him of a past time he didn’t want to recall at this time. So far, he’d been the only one to try out mocktails that Viktor had to make. Yet, now as he stared back down at his pocket, he didn’t know why the sudden overwhelming sentiment was back, especially now. The star pin, something he bore little memory of and even littler practical use for, mixed with the numerous alcoholic smells that wafted through the near empty speakeasy, spiraled him through his past life of his father’s undying wish for his son to be perfect. Unpleasant didn’t speak enough of how it is, especially after he tried using him to get into Marigold.

“You’ve always had a knack for your son, eh Milton?” One loud, rough voice spoke into what little attention he had left, as he flashed back to his time at Marigold in front of his father and Asa Swet.

“Well of course, I merely wish for him to be the best.” Percy nodded, adding a smile that he now knows to be more a calculated promise than genuine.

“Haha! Good, good! I’ll have big things planned for him in the future!” 

The two then threw themselves into a fit of laughter, spinning Kaleb’s head round and round in a disorienting conglomeration of overlap, causing him to collapse into his own arms. His eyes began to well with anger, sorrow, and a taste of grief into what he could have been if it weren’t for the neglect, if he had lived without his father’s tunnel vision into the underworld’s boss, and if he’d been better off if he just went back to where it began. Overthinking was now his strong suit, as he pondered into “what ifs” of the past.

Viktor, however, put down whatever he had on hand, and slowly tended towards a troubled Kaleb. In the meanwhile of him undergoing a headache inducing memory sequence, he’d already slid over a mango mocktail and took care as to not accidentally cross contaminate with the alcohol. As he leaned across the bar towards Kaleb, and wrapped his arm around him, he couldn’t help but feel like he should have done more to help.