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mynameismckenziemae · 4 months ago

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A Little Bit Stronger

Part 5

(previous part here, next part here)

Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x OFC

Summary: Your feelings for Bradley get deeper as the time passes.

Just like everything else I write/post: this story is for 18+ only. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. It will contain smut, adult themes, situations and language. Please also note this story may be triggering due to the topic of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) violence-feel free to message me with any questions before reading.

Warnings: Smut, oversharing, dry humping, dirty talk, etc.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

You call Reese while you change into something more comfortable to let her know the good news. By the time you make it downstairs, Bradley’s already outside.

He’s already got a beer for you waiting while he tosses a ball for Hank from his chair.

You don’t miss the way his gaze lingers on your bare legs as you cross them.

Instead of asking about the divorce, he asks you about your parents and growing up. In turn, he tells you about Carole and Goose and losing them both so young. You learn more about the people you met last weekend at the party, how Reese’s in-laws were like second parents to him growing him, and how Ice, Penny, and Mav all stepped up too.

“You’re telling me I met the admiral and didn’t even realize it?” Your eyes widen as you try to remember your introduction, hoping you didn’t make a fool of yourself.

“Yeah,” he laughs, “Sorry, I should’ve told you, but I didn’t want to make you more nervous. He’s unintentionally intimidating as is.”

“Just a little,” you say, remembering how true that was.

“He’s extremely observant too; never let me get away with anything when I was a teenager; always saw right through it when I’d lie to my mom.”

“Maybe you’re just a bad liar,” you tease.

He smiles and shrugs, “You’re not wrong, Andy was much better at thinking on the fly to get out of trouble when we were younger.”

The conversation takes a turn toward what it was like growing up with Reese’s late husband. Your heart breaks when he tells you about how it was more than losing his best friend but losing his brother too.

“…and then,” he laughs without mirth before taking a heavy drink of beer, “I kissed his wife on the first anniversary of his death. We were both drunk, like…really drunk. Reese was such a mess that night; I’d never seen her like that. She’s always been so put-together, even with having a baby. But she had just stopped breastfeeding Drew and was so thin from all the stress. She was crying because she missed Andy, crying and saying it was a good thing she never wanted to date again because who would want someone that looked like her? And that just killed me. Andy would’ve hated her talking about herself like that…so I kissed her.”

“What did she do?” You ask, curiously; knowing grief is fickle.

“Kissed me back,” he sighs, “it was like 10 seconds. I came to my senses and pulled away. Then she laughed,” he chuckles, “and I started to cry. I don’t see her that way at all. Sure, she’s a beautiful woman but…no,” he scrunches his nose in disgust, making you smile. “God, I still feel bad about it. She and I have never talked about it since.”

“I wouldn’t beat yourself up over it,” you reply, “and from what I’ve heard about Andy from you and Reese? He wouldn’t either. Grief makes you do things you normally wouldn’t. Like staying in an abusive relationship.”

“That’s different,” he argues, handing you a third beer.

“Not really,” you sigh, “I’d taken care of countless abused women in the ER, begged them to get help, testified in court against their abusers, but when it started happening to me? I did nothing, I was numb from the grief of losing my family and it was like he knew…he knew could get away with it when I was already down.”

“But you did do something,” he argues, “you did leave him.”

You nod, “Should’ve done it sooner, but I did.”

“Cheers to that,” he nods, clinking his bottle to yours. “So what are you gonna do now as a single woman? Go on a blind date? Or to that beach he always said was too far?”

“Maybe go to New York City, or spend a week at the spa and come back knocked-out pretty,” you smile as you quote George Strait too.

“You don’t need a week at the spa for that,” he replies before taking a long pull of his beer.

You give him a small smile before looking away, hiding the heat that rises to your face at his compliment.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“I think I should eat something before I fall asleep,” you mumble after finishing your 5th beer, well past tipsy and feeling good, “or I’m not gonna regret it in the morning.”

“I ordered pizza a few minutes ago,” Bradley smiles as he holds up his phone, “remember? I asked you what you like?”

“Oh.” You snort and shake your head. “Okay, yeah I remember now. God, I love pizza.”

He laughs, “You said that too.”

“That’s what I’m gonna do now that I’m single, eat lots of pizza, ice cream, cake, drink beer. I really do want to take a vacation too. Oh, and I decided I’m gonna order a vibrator…”

Bradley chokes on his drink but you fail to notice.

“I heard good things about a rose one? I don’t know, I’ll have to do some research first. There’s so many options. Maybe I’ll get more than one. Hey, are you okay?” You smack a sputtering Bradley on the back a few times.

“Thanks,” he wheezes, “I’m good, I think the pizzas here.”

“I can get it-whoa,” you stand up a bit too quickly but he’s there, steadying you gently by your arm.

“Thanks,” you look up into those deep brown eyes. You don’t stop your hand from reaching up to cup his jaw to run your thumb over the scars there, “You’re so…”

Beautiful, charming, funny, sweet, kind, patient…

You don’t say any of that though, and instead rock up on your tiptoes for a kiss just as he begins to lean in too.

But Hank starts barking at the doorbell when your lips are a just hairsbreadth away, startling you both.

“I’ll just…” Bradley nearly trips as he steps away, hitting his heel on the leg of the chair, “go get that.”

“Uh yeah, okay,” you say, tucking your hair behind your ear. “I’ll just be out here?”

“Sounds good,” you nod, sitting back down as your heart races in your chest.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Neither of you brings up the near kiss again. Not that night, not in the weeks that follow, nor when summer turns into fall and fall turns into early winter.

There hasn’t been another word or sighting of Chad and you find yourself hopeful that he might actually leave you alone for good. You also start seeing a therapist once a week and begin to feel like you’re starting to heal.

While still on the lookout for an apartment, you haven’t had any luck; not that you’re truly trying that hard.

Living with Bradley feels like home; more than the last one ever did.

Not only does he keep the house clean and treat Hank like he would his own; but he also does small things; things that make your tummy flutter. Like having your favorite ice cream always stocked in the freezer and bringing home a plant a few days after hearing you mention to Reese you were thinking of getting one.

You’ve gone out with Reese and Jake more times than you can count and out to a movie alone once or twice. You’ve even been included on Drew and Bradley’s boys' night “as long as you don’t tell my mom.”

It almost feels like you’re dating without the intimacy.

But you want the intimacy. You want the sex. Hearing Bradley getting off to the thought of you had awakened the libido you thought no longer existed.

It’s like he knows it too; mowing the lawn without a shirt, groaning loudly while lifting weights, sending heated glances your way when you stretch after a run, letting his hand linger on your lower back when he passes you in the kitchen.

While you were completely mortified at your drunk self for telling Bradley, you still ordered a vibrator the next day.

And have used it nearly every day in the 5 months since.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Finished with work early on a rainy Friday afternoon, you change and walk through the bathroom to hit the treadmill in an attempt to wear yourself out before you wear out the batteries.

It doesn’t work.

You’re just as horny as you were before but now you’re tired and your right hamstring is spasming.

“Shae?” Bradley calls from the front door, “You here?”

“Yeah,” you try to keep your voice even as the back of your leg tightens further, “I’m up here. Just work-fuck! Working out.”

“Are you okay?” You heat him set down his keys and hurry up the stairs.

“Fine,” you grit out, “just a leg cramp.”

He stops by the door, eyes widening at the sight of you lying on the floor, clad in only a sports bra and tight short shorts. Your eyes do a perusal of their own, catching the dog tags lying against his white undershirt, his flight suit unzipped and tied loosely around his waist.

He looks so fucking good.

“Here,” his voice is low and husky as he kneels beside you, “try to straighten your leg.”

Your breath hitches as you feel his big, calloused hands on your thigh and ankle as he tries to help.

“Good,” he praises as your leg shakes but eventually straightens, “‘atta girl.”

Oh God.

You close your eyes as you whimper, nipples straining against the thin material of your sports bra while your pussy pulses with need.

“I know it hurts, just try to relax,” he murmurs, gently putting pressure on the ball of your foot, “you can take it, just let me stretch you.”

“Fuck,” you breathe, arousal soaking your shorts as you picture him saying those same words in a much different context.

“Here,” he says as he shifts, “put your leg up here. Yeah, like that,” he hums as you prop your ankle on his shoulder, and he leans forward, “That feel good?”

When you open your eyes he’s mere inches from your face. He’s studying your face, looking for any sign of discomfort. But the only discomfort you feel now is between your legs.

“So good,” you whisper hoarsely. His eyes meet yours and darken in realization.

You let your leg fall from his shoulder as your fingers find his dog tags, toying with them before gripping them tightly.

Your head lifts as he drops, lips almost meeting in the middle.

He softly brushes your lips over yours; once, twice before claiming them in a kiss. He’s gentle, a little tentative at first, giving you a chance to stop this.

But you don’t want to stop.

Instead, you nip his lower lip, releasing him when he shivers. He sets his hand beside your head, caging you between his strong arms. When you tug on the tags still in your hand, he takes the hint.

The constant noise in your brain quiets as he claims your lips. It could be minutes, it could be hours that pass as months of longing and tension are poured into the kiss the two of you share.

Finally…yet, you want more.

He must be thinking the same since he shifts as you pull; both gasping when he lands in the cradle of your hips.

Your eyes widen in realization as you feel him hot and hard against where you want him most.

“That’s…” you trail off when he gently thrusts, his flight suit shifting lower on his hips so the thin cotton of his boxerbriefs and your shorts separate you, “That’s why you’re called Rooster.”

He chuckles lowly by your ear while angling his hips so you feel all of him.

Yep. That’s why he’s called Rooster.

His mustache brushes the sensitive skin of your neck, and his breath catches as you wrap your legs around his waist.

A moan escapes as you break from his hips to get more air, yet you tighten the hold your legs have on him before guiding him over your clit faster and faster.

“Wait-wai-fuck,” he’s trying to say something into your neck but doesn’t fight your rhythm, instead leaning into it and giving up with a sweet, defeated sigh.

You’re lightheaded from it all; his clean-sweet and jet-fuel smell, the sounds you’re pulling from him, his ruddy-red cheeks, the building pleasure between your thighs.

“I-, I’m-,” you pant, unable to form the words as you approach the edge.

“I know,” he nods into your neck, sounding wrecked as he sloppily kisses your neck, “I know, sweetheart. Me too.”

You gasp softly, hands tightening in his hair as you shudder through your release, vaguely registering Bradley’s low groan in your ear as his cock twitches as he coats the of his boxer briefs.

He presses a quick kiss to your forehead before rolling beside you. His hand finds yours as you both catch your breath.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Unease and embarrassment at your behavior begin to creep in with the quiet until Bradley breaks the rising tension.

“That was…really hot,” he laughs but then cringes, “and embarrassingly fast.

You can’t help but laugh too, “It’s okay. I liked it.”

“I really like you, Shae,” he turns his head to smile at you.

“I-“ you hesitate, but then remember the conversation with your therapist earlier this week about him.

“I like him,” you admit, “but it’s…isn’t it too soon?”

“That I can’t say,” she replies, “but what I can say is you’re doing everything you should be; seeking help to work through this, taking care of yourself, no longer blaming yourself for the abuse, and you also you started grieving marriage long before it was officially over.”

You nod. It’s true; you knew it was over the first time he hit you.

“Only you can decide if it’s too soon and if you’re ready,” she smiles kindly, “but don’t hold yourself back. You deserve to be happy.”

You take a deep breath.

“I like you too.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

A/N: so…we find out a little bit more about Bradley in this chapter and the story behind what happened when he and Reese shared a grief-induced kiss. Also drunk Shae spilling all her secrets is 💯 me lol.

It took a few months but they finally kissed…and more 😏 pretty sure I could have an orgasm just from Bradley talking like that, even if it was just to help with a leg cramp haha.

As always, any interaction is appreciated but I LOVE hearing what you think in the comments/reblogs! Seriously, feedback helps me more than anything.

Please let me know if you want to be added to (or removed from) my taglist…and if I forgot to add you-it wasn’t intentional.

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#bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #bradley bradshaw fanfiction #top gun maverick #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin #top gun smut

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beheworthy · 1 month ago

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The above ones we know because these pics are straight from the shooting of the movie. The below ones I'm assuming because they fit the role:

Halle Berry could play 2 roles: Angie - Lou's wife who cheats on him & Sharon - the insurance broker helping Davis. I think she'll play Sharon because it gives her more to do and scenes w all the key players Davis, Lou, and Ormon.

There are other characters, too: Money - the guy that turns Davis' robberies into cash The jewel shop owner and his brother-in-law who Davis robs:

The rich businessman coming to the family wedding with truckload of jewels that Davis aims as his final heist. The person acting as a carrier of those jewels. And the businessman's security guard:

I know everything revolves around Davis in the story but it really is Lou's story. Not even Davis has as much screentime as him, and everyone else has only 2-3 scenes each. Like I've said before, they will have to beef up Davis to justify first billing Chris. But more importantly, the fact that they've cast such good actors for all parts tells me they will surely expand on everything and give everyone meatier stuff. Excellent. Because I want more Ormon and Traci.

Something else that's interesting is everyone's age. It plays a crucial role in the story. Davis and Lou's age is never said but from context clues, Davis is supposed to be late thirties or early forties at best. He's been living this robber lifestyle a long time and it's taking a toll on him. He can't keep robbing the same area forever. He changes homes every few days, has virtually no belongings because he needs to be able to flee anywhere at the drop of a hat. Cannot keep any contact with anyone. Lies left right and center about himself, even to Traci - someone he does want more with. It's shown in the strain it puts between them.

Because Traci is supposed to be early thirties. She's participating in this on-and-off thing with him. But she can't keep doing this forever. She wants more from him. I felt for her.

Pedro Pascal was totally wrong casting for Lou. Because Lou should be early fifties and laid back. He's seen too much. He is a boring guy no one gives a second look.

Ormon's whole thing is that he is a decade younger than Davis, that's why he is better than him. Because he is 'fresher' (and so damn creepy haha).

Angie is bored of her long marriage, of boring Lou and wants excitement. I like the contrast of Lou losing his partner because she doesn't want him. And Davis losing his /because/ she wants him. And Lou is learning to be happy to let her go and choose himself. And Davis is hurting in losing Traci because she is the only person in his life of impermanence with whom he does have something to return home to.

Sharon is also supposed to be older and coming to her expiry date like Davis is. She wants to get out before she gets caught, just like him.

McGuire is Lou's younger partner, more full of life in contrast to the jaded Lou.

Money also thinks Ormon is a better alternative to the seasoned Davis because Davis is bound to get caught sooner rather than later simply because of the amount of robberies he has done in his life.

#crime 101 #amazon mgm studios #bart layton #chris hemsworth #mark ruffalo #corey hawkins #barry keoghan #monica barbaro #halle berry #i'm making these posts for when the trailers and marketing start people will be searching these up lol #they should give davis inner monologue like joe goldberg from 'you'#'that cop only has a theory abt you. nothing solid.'#'yeah but the theory is right.'

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portaltothevoid · 11 months ago

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you're losing me part xi — copia x reader

warnings: MDNI 18+, copia heavy chapter, dom!copia, sub!reader, make up sex, rough sex, blowjob (f!receiving), fingering, squirting, p in v

word count: 5.3k

credits: @gothdaddyissues for the divider. @discountdemonwarehouse and @fishwithtitz for being my betas <3

taglist: @beelzebzb @bitchywitchygardener @calitmediondell @copias-juicebox @copiasprincipessa @da-rulah @deetz-ghuleh @fishwithtitz @ghostfangirlsweden @ivycasket @justa19 @ladyrevealedofcloak @lurancyvenom @sodoswitchimage @water-ghoulette @zombiesnips-blog

The newest members of the Ministry passed by Copia in the hall on his way to another tedious meeting. He smiled warmly at them, with only one returning his smile. You weren’t sure why, but instantly you sensed his candor. Being the newest of the Siblings of Sin, you hadn’t heard whispers about the Cardinal passing you by as much as the other girls who began to speak in hushed tones with covered mouths amongst themselves after he went on his way. Being on the outskirts of the group and spurred by curiosity, you couldn’t help but turn back to get one more look at him over your shoulder. A bashful smile and accompanying blush crept over your cheeks as you noticed he did the same, giving you a nod when your eyes briefly met.

He knew he shouldn’t hope for such things; you were new, you were quite a bit younger (at least that’s what he assumed), but he mentally said a prayer to Satan that the two of you would cross paths again. Even if it was just so he could learn the name of this girl that instantly pulled him in like a moth to a flame.

Days had passed since he had last seen you, but somehow his mind seemed to inevitably wander back to you. It was as if an invisible string had been tied to him, connecting him to you. The feeling was so foreign to him.

One of his duties as Cardinal was to welcome in new members. With the newest group being so small, he would only be assigned one. Luck was something that was rarely on his side, so when he heard a soft knock on his door and looked up to see you shyly standing there, his jaw almost dropped to the ground like a cartoon character’s.

Quickly, he cleared his throat to disguise his delighted surprise as he stood up to welcome you into his office. “Ah! You must be my shadow! Benvenuta (welcome)! Come in, come in,” he greeted as he waved you inside.

That was the moment you made your first real friend at the Ministry.

After your shadow period ended and you had been assigned a job in the Department of Archives doing translation work, you often found yourself back in Copia’s office asking his opinion on your assigned texts and discussing with him possible meanings, translations, and the like. His wealth of knowledge proved how he earned his position as the most senior Cardinal.

Even if you didn’t necessarily need his help, eventually you’d find yourself popping in for a visit whenever you had the chance. You couldn’t quite understand why everyone shied away from the quirky, awkward Cardinal. Despite having made other close friends, you’d never deny he held the title of being your best friend. There was a part of you that seemed to want more than that, but because of his trepidation, you had a difficult time sensing if he felt the same.

Which, of course, he did, but the last thing he wanted to do was ruin what he had with you by appearing too forward, or Satan forbid, out of fear you’d think him a perv or something of the sort. He had bided his time, just enjoying your friendship and nurturing the bond you had forged.

Somewhere along the road, though, he noticed you stopping by a little less. Your mind seemed to be occupied with thoughts of something else. He wouldn’t dare ask in case the answer was actually thoughts of someone else. He regretted not asking you. He regretted not telling you his feelings sooner. He put his heart in your hands without you even knowing it, so he only had himself to blame for it shattering the day you excitedly came to tell your best friend your good news. The news that you had started seeing someone.

It would have hurt less if it had been just another Sibling, but it wasn’t. He hid his heartbreak from you as your eyes sparkled when you told him things were getting serious while also expressing your concerns given this person’s reputation. Like the good friend that he was, he assured you, given everything you had told him, this was the real deal and you needn’t be worried about your new love interest moving on in the blink of an eye. You had roped him in and he knew you well enough to not even be surprised in the slightest. He even appreciated how you made sure he was okay with the person you had chosen, fearing a strain on your friendship that happened anyway as your relationship progressed.

It would have hurt less if it was anyone else, anyone at all in the entire Ministry. But of course, his luck had to run out eventually. That’s how it always worked with Copia. He only had himself to blame. It was his own fault; he hesitated and never spoke up. He knew as soon as you told him that his brother Terzo, the current Papa, had taken an interest in you that he had lost you.

But he also knew his brother in a way you couldn’t. Much like how Copia could never take a risk out of fear of rejection, his brother somehow always found a way to sabotage anything that gave him genuine happiness. That was when Copia vowed to wait for you, to wait for his brother to completely fuck up beyond the point of no return. And when he had you, he was never going to let you go.

That, however, was a couple years ago. Now? As the sound of the slamming door echoed in his ears? Just when he finally thought he had you, once and for all, he feared you, yet again, were slipping from his grasp. He leaned his head back against his bedroom door before sliding down to sit, pulling his knees against his chest.

You weren’t sure what pulled you from your peaceful slumber, but you found your eyes opening, taking in the once familiar surroundings. Unable to help it, you turned to see Terzo sleeping soundly, taking in his relaxed expression. It almost made you forget everything that led up to this moment. But like a wave crashing on the shore, everything came flooding back.

Flashes of your earlier conversations with Copia kept drowning your thoughts. Would he take you back if you went back to his quarters? Would he forgive you?

Did you want him to?

Copia was your very first friend when you arrived at the Ministry. Regardless of whatever you managed to get yourself into or went through, the one person who always showed up for you was him, no matter what. In hindsight, you knew when you first got with Terzo, your friendship with him (and anything else that lied under the surface of that) fell to the wayside. Instead of holding it against you, instead of harboring ill will because of his own feelings, he did nothing but support you. When you needed someone the most, he bent over backwards to show up for you.

The first time you had caught Terzo and your heart shattered into a million pieces, the only thing you could do was run. You just had to get away as tears coated your cheeks and blurred your vision so much so you almost didn’t even register that you had collided with a person as you rounded the corner. It wasn’t until you felt a firm grip of leather gloves on your arms and a shake to get you to focus, did you look to see who was in front of you. The instant you recognized him, you all but collapsed into his arms. He didn’t hesitate, not for a single second, before picking you up and carrying you back to his office.

He sat back onto the small loveseat in the corner and you curled into him, gripping his cassock like a lifeline. All you could do was sob as he held you. You didn’t say anything and he didn’t ask, not until you were able to catch your breath.

The moment you told him, his eyes darkened like a deadly storm. You braced yourself for him to throw you aside and go take care of Terzo himself, but his restraint was as strong as iron. Instead, he cradled your face to his chest and whispered “He doesn’t deserve you; he never did.”

“Then what did I do to deserve this…?” you mumbled.

Automatically, Copia grabbed your shoulders, pushing you forward to look in his eyes. “Eh, scusi?” he asked incredulously. “I can’t name a single reason why you ‘deserve’ this because you do not. That testa di cazzo (dickhead) doesn’t determine your worth. Do you understand me? Being the person that lights up any room they walk into, that has the kindest heart, that is always so selfless…” He shook his head. His tone softened again, after getting more and more angry on your behalf. “No, dolcezza, someone like that, like you, never deserves to have their heart ripped out like this.”

That was the moment you realized any suspicion you had about Copia’s feelings towards you were correct. He cared about you more than you ever realized. It made your heart skip a beat and your body freeze in a panic. You couldn’t process this now. Staring at him with shock, you rapidly blinked as you tried to think of a response. “Copia, I… I–” You shook your head. “I have to go before he gets back,” you said as you moved to get up.

He stood up with you and grabbed your hand so gently. “At least let me walk you back,” he requested. He eyes a mix of desperation and devotion. “Please,” he whispered. Tightening your grip around his hand, you nodded.

The next time it happened, you ended up drinking a whole bottle of wine in his quarters. Of course you started out crying, but after sharing a joint, you found the whole situation amusing as you both sat on his couch. Bursting out into an unprompted fit of giggles, Copia asked you what was so funny. “My stupid ass is gonna go back to him tomorrow. I know I am.”

“You’re not stupid,” he sighed, rolling his eyes.

“Yes I am! I should dump his ass, but… I can’t.” Your voice grew distant as you started to stare off into space.

“Hey,” he drawled, nudging you. “It’s because you didn’t listen to me.”

“Huh?”

“You…” he shifted and leaned into you, “are letting him determine your worth.”

“Am not,” you pouted.

He laughed, nodding his head. “Sì, meriti qualcuno che ti faccia sentire come una regina.”

“Ugh,” you groaned, dragging your hands over your face. “Why’d you have to go full Italian on me now? Hold on. Regina… queen. Sentire.. To feel. Uh, ‘sentire come una regina,’” you mumbled to yourself while Copia giggled watching you struggle to translate his mother tongue. “Oh, feel like a queen! Meriti… meritare… merit… deserve! I deserve someone who treats me like a queen!”

“Makes you feel like, but sì.” His laughter died as he stared at you. “I mean it though. That’s the least you deserve.” His voice dropped to a lustful whisper. Like magnets, you both gravitated towards each other. You leaned back, he leaned forward until he was propping himself up with one hand while the other caressed your cheek. “You have no idea how much I regret not telling you how I felt before he stole you from me… I think you’ve had my heart since the moment I first saw you.”

“Copia… I– we ca–” you started to say breathlessly before he cut you off.

“He doesn’t deny his pleasure. Why should you deny yours, regina mia?”

That was all it took for your hand to find its way to the nape of his neck, gripping the hair and pulling him towards you.

You sighed at the memories. There was a part of you that would never stop loving Terzo. Maybe that love would shift forms, but it would be omnipresent inside you. Yet now you were faced with a decision about your future that wasn’t solely about you; it would affect every member of this Ministry. Could Terzo rise up to the challenge? Perhaps. Was that a bet you were willing to gamble though when you knew Copia could easily step into the role tomorrow if need be?

There was a gnawing feeling in your heart that had crawled up from your gut. It was time to go. Whatever you had with Terzo, it was over. At least this time, the ending was amicable. Both of you had accepted the course your relationship had run. He understood what was at stake. Just because he was a lascivious goofball most of the time didn’t mean he never understood what it meant to be Papa, what it meant to lead and care for the flock. You knew this. He knew this.

Slowly, you slipped out of his arms. He stirred slightly, but only to tuck his arm under his pillow as he got comfortable again letting out a pleasant sigh. When the morning sun came, he would be off to Mexico. You pushed out a breath from your chest that felt dragged down by the weight of cement blocks. This was the last time you would see him like this, that you two would have a night like this. You leaned over to gently kiss his forehead. The smallest smile curled his lips upwards, but he never woke up. “Ti amerò per sempre, amato mio (I will forever love you, my beloved),” you whispered longingly.

You left a piece of yourself in that room that night.

There wasn’t a backup plan if Copia’s door was locked. If it was, you’d end up back where you were, but if that happened, it would change everything. Taking a deep breath, you hesitantly reached for the door knob. A sigh of relief escaped from your lips as it slowly turned, allowing you to let yourself in.

The door quietly clicked shut behind you. You treaded silently to his room, doing the best you could to make as little noise as possible. Grabbing a fresh set of clothes, you went into the bathroom to change and brush your teeth.

A reflection of you was staring back at you, but you were unsure if you even knew who that girl was. You could barely count the ways your life had changed since you set foot in this unholy place. Even if you didn’t fully recognize who was staring back at you, there was a strong, unmistakable feeling that no matter what choices you made in your life, you always would have ended up here.

Droplets of icy cold water dripped down your face. Your eyes closed and you called forth the devil you know, the devil inside you. When you opened them, for the first time, you saw yourself with eyes darker than midnight. This was your true self or at least, it was supposed to be. Simultaneously it felt both right and foreign. You reigned her in, pulling back the black flames until they receded inward. You watched as your eyes returned to normal. That was what everyone saw. Were you a monster? Were you really blessed? Currently, you felt more like the former.

After splashing more water on your face to pull you out of these thoughts, you wiped it off, and finally went back to the bedroom. Too lost in your musings, you didn’t notice a light had been turned on. You saw Copia sitting up, running a hand through his hair.

“I– I’m sorry. I tried to be quiet. I didn’t want to wake you up. Actually, I wasn’t sure if I should, but here you are, awake now. Um, I can, uh, go sleep on the couch, because–”

“We should talk,” he said softly, but loud enough for you to stop your nervous rambling.

“I’m sorry. That– that– I know that doesn’t begin to cover it or– or make anything better. But I am.” Copia opened his mouth, starting to say something, but you stopped him. “Please, I need to say this. I was wrong. I trust you with my life, Copia. I should have told you the night it happened. Hiding it was the worst thing I could have done even if I was thinking it was protecting you. I know the only outcome of that was hurting you and I’m so sorry.” You hurried over to his side of the bed, standing in front of him. “I promise you, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I tried to do the opposite and clearly failed fucking miserably. You’ve been there with me, by my side, through everything since I came here. Even when I didn’t deserve it. And don’t even say I still did, because I didn’t. I pushed you and everyone else away and focused everything I had on him. There wasn’t any balance. I was a really shitty friend to you and you still were there for me when I needed you.”

You kept going, missing Copia trying to get your attention by murmuring “amore” twice. It wasn’t until he stood up, halting you from wearing a path on the floor by placing his hands on your shoulders. “Hey, amore, breathe, alright?”

“But–” you started, but was silenced by the way he pressed his finger to your lips.

“I was— I am upset. You were finally mine and it felt like you were slipping from my grasp again…” he murmured, moving his hand up to caress your cheek.

You shook your head. “No, it’s… him and I… it’s over. I… I did go and, um, see him when I left here. I didn’t… know where else to go.” You noted how his jaw clenched and his shoulders tensed. “Nothing happened. We just talked about, ya know, how I almost killed him,” you let out a humorless laugh.

There was a subtle squint of his eyes. You were unable to place why exactly he was feeling as his eyes searched for something in yours. “But you came back here,” he stated.

You nodded. “Copia, through everything… Hell, ever since my first day here, you’ve… you’re the one who’s always been there for me. No matter what. Even when I was a shitty friend and didn’t deserve it, you were there. I sound like a broken record, but I see that now. I do. And I am so fucking sorry I didn’t fully realize it before.” Casted down in shame, your gaze fell to the floor and you took a step back. “I’m not expecting you to be here now; it’s the last thing I deserve. I just–”

“Did you feel it that first time we saw each other in the hall?” he interrupted. He was acutely aware of the tingling sensation in his white eye as he looked over you.

A small wistful half smile curled at your lips as you nodded. “You know… it wasn’t fate that I was assigned to you when I was welcomed in.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“I might have requested you,” you shrugged as you confessed. When your eyes finally met his, you could feel the darkness start to bubble behind your eyes wanting to break through. This wasn’t something you ever experienced before. It wasn’t threatening, it wasn’t out of anger. Perhaps it was because of the lingering desire you felt for him. Or it simply was an intuitive confirmation of the choice you were making. You slightly shook your head to keep these feelings at bay before you cleared your throat. “I’ll, uh… I guess I’ll go take the couch tonight. Give you your space. I just needed you to know that I’m sorry and–”

He reached for your hand as he stepped forward closing the small distance between you. His grasp was firm, stilling your movements. “No. I don’t want space. It’s actually the exact opposite of what I want right now…”

“But aren’t you–”

“Oh, dolcezza, I’m still furious,” he whispered sweetly, which somehow added a subtle ferocity to his tone. His hand that held yours placed it on his waist to free him so he could grip yours tightly. The other hand wrapped around the back of your neck as he pulled you close to him. “And if you’ll allow me, I have a rather… pragmatic way for us to work through this. And all I ask is that you give me complete… and total control…” he requested as his hand tightly tangled itself in your hair. He pulled down so you looked up at him, your eyes wide in shock at his sudden dominance. “Can you do that? Do you trust me?” he asked, leaning down murmuring into your ear. The sensation of his mouth moving against your ear sent a shiver down your spine. You could feel him smirk at that.

You started to nod and his grip tightened even more. “Yes,” you breathed heavily through your nose. “I trust you. Do what you want with me.”

He removed his vice grip on your hip and placed his fingers on your cheek, his thumb pressed on the other side of your chin. Darkening in a way you had never seen from him before, his gaze held something primal, almost animalistic in it. He never showed this side of him before, always trying to hide it. But he knew, you of all people, would accept this part of him that he kept locked away. “Va bene (okay),” he said simply before he took his hand away from your face only to bring it back with a hard slap. You felt the sting before you fully processed what happened.

You held his carnal gaze with one of your own as the heat pooled in your core. His lips crashed onto yours. His hand left your hair to grab the hem of your shirt, yanking it over your head, before he dropped his mouth back down to your neck to leave a trail of kisses down it, nipping at the tender flesh as he went.

Your hands scrambled to the hem of his own shirt to lift it over his head. He allowed this, but he roughly held your hips, pulling you closer to him as he kissed you once more. These kisses were devoid of much passion. You could feel his hurt and his anger behind them and it only made you more susceptible to letting him do whatever the hell he wanted with you. As he moved to bite down on your collar bone, he shoved your pants off you as much as he could still attached to you. You yelped as your nails dug into his neck and kicked off your sweats.

With a growl rumbling from his chest, he grabbed you by the shoulders and pushed you down onto the bed. “On all fours. Face me. Now,” he commanded. You did as directed and crawled to the edge of the bed to where he was standing. The way you were looking up at him… Something inside him snapped. He practically ripped his pants off his body, freeing his already painfully hard cock inches away from your face. The second he pulled your hair into a ponytail, your mouth opened and he shoved himself inside, immediately going at a relentless pace.

When he pulled you off of him, he yanked down on your hair, guiding your eyes upwards as he leaned down to get as close to your gasping face as he could. “You are mine. Do you understand me? Mine.” Lowering your head, when his length got close to your mouth, you opened it wide again and moved so you could close it around him. And again, he started thrusting violently into you. With a groan he let go of your hair and bent over you, pressing his hands down on the small of your back. Your hands slid down onto the floor to hold yourself up as best you could. His pace never faltered.

Eventually he let up long enough for you to spit all over his cock before his ministrations began again. He slid his hands up your back, again grabbing your hair in one and steadying you by placing the other around your neck. “Ugh, fuck,” he moaned as he pounded his dick down your throat. He almost lost himself for a moment, but he pulled away from you. He grabbed your chin hard, forcing you to hold his gaze before he pulled you up so that you were kneeling in front of him.

Using the heel of his opposite hand, he shoved you onto your back, throwing your balance off. He then pulled you forward by your legs, so your core was at the edge of the bed. He shoved his middle and ring fingers in your mouth and down your throat, making you choke on them as he moved them around to coat them with your spit. When he removed them, he wasted no time before plunged them into you.

You gasped at the feeling of his fingers suddenly curling up to unforgivingly hit your g-spot over and over again. Placing one knee up on the bed, he leaned over you and wrapped his over hand around your throat, never letting up his attack on your core. Moans and whimpers flew out of your mouth as your hand encircled his forearm. Heels digging into the floor, your whole lower half shook from his fingers practically pulling you off the bed. The wet sounds drove you closer and closer to the edge as you pushed your head back into the mattress, arching your back. When he suddenly increased his pace yet again, you were screaming as your release exploded all over his hand and onto the floor.

He watched your body shaking as he stroked himself with the hand covered in your juices. Too lost in your own ecstasy, you missed how he bit his lip and sucked in a ragged breath before he flipped you over onto your stomach and pulled you so you were on the corner of the bed. Angling your hips up, he gave himself more access to easily slide inside of you. Again he pressed down on your lower back to support himself as he pistoned his hips to roughly thrust into you. You cried out as your knuckles turned white from how you gripped the sheets.

He slid his left hand up your back until his fingers curled under your collar bone. Suddenly he pulled you up. You held yourself up on your elbows, moaning as he hit your sweet spot with every thrust. He let his body fall forward as he braced himself on one hand, while he released the other that had a death grip on your shoulder. He lowered himself forward even more so he could wrap that arm around your throat to hold your opposite shoulder.

“Who do you belong to?” he growled in your ear as he kept up his pace.

“Y-you!” you mewled.

“What– are– you?” he grunted through his teeth, punctuating each word with a hard thrust.

“I’m yours. Fuck! C-copia. I’m yours!” you screamed.

With that, he stopped for a moment to pull you up so your back was flush against his chest. One hand wrapped around the back of your neck again to hold you steady while the other one tightly gripped your chin. “Good girl,” he praised, his breath hot against your ear. His fingers found their way into your mouth again as he resumed his thrusts, somehow even harder and faster than before. It didn’t take long before the coil snapped and you found yourself cumming on his cock. The way you clenched around him had Copia barreling towards his release. With a wanton cry of his own, he let go and pulled out of you as you fell forward, your hands catching your fall as he painted his spend all over your back.

Collapsing onto the bed, breathing heavily, you felt Copia leave, but were too cock-drunk to fully care. It wasn’t until you felt a cool cloth on your back did you realize he went to get something to clean you up.

“I wasn’t too rough with you, was I?” he asked with a mix of concern and playfulness in his voice.

You shook your head. “Fuck, no. That was…” you laughed. “I didn’t know you had that in you.”

“There are still some things you don’t know about me, amore.” Once he finished, he leaned down to kiss your shoulder. “You can have it all with me, you know,” he murmured. You turned to face him, but he got up to discard the washcloth in the hamper.

Taking advantage of this pause, you crawled up to your side of the bed and got under the covers. Copia turned off the light and followed suit, encouraging you to lay your head on his chest. “Do you… feel better now?” you asked, mindlessly tracing his tattoo.

“Do you?”

“It’s not about me. I care about what you’re feeling,” you sighed, a hint of frustration leaving your body along with the exhale.

“It is about you, though,” he said softly, taking your hand in his.

Hesitantly, you nodded. “I feel… closer to you… so, yeah. I think I do feel better in that way.”

“Bene. I think we needed that,” he hummed.

A brief silence fell over the both of you. It wasn’t awkward, but it wasn’t the most comfortable. You could still sense the elephant in the room, even if it was taking its leave. Exhaustion was starting to take over and you wondered how much sleep you would be able to get before the events of tomorrow.

“Copia?”

“Hmm?”

“Should I be… Do you think tomorrow, the first ritual, will go okay?” There was a shyness in your voice, you sounded so small.

“Of course,” he chuckled. “Summoning a ghoul will be a walk in the park for you, especially already being so connected to them. You, cara mia, have nothing to worry about. I, for one, am not worried at all. Well, at least not about that.”

“What do you mean…?” you questioned, fearing what there was he of all people would be worried about regarding this.

“I’ll soon be taking over, filling in as Papa until they deem me worthy of the official title.”

“Wait, what?” you asked, shocked, as you moved, propping yourself on one arm to look down at him.

“You deserve to know what’s about to happen… During his last performance… they’re officially revoking Terzo as Papa. His time is over. Between his–”

“You don’t need to explain why, I know…” you interrupted as you laid your head back down on his chest. “I’m still worried about the ritual tomorrow. What if I–” you started, trying to change the subject.

“Just rest now, get some sleep. I have the utmost faith in you,” he encouraged, punctuating his sentiments with a kiss on your forehead.

Giving him a gentle squeeze, you nodded, using this as an opportunity to turn onto your side to face away from him. This was going to destroy Terzo. To strip him of his title, publically, doing the one thing that gave him a purpose… You couldn’t let Copia see how your brow furrowed with worry.

All along, you knew how this would play out. You knew that while you had a choice, there was really only one option.

Yes, you were Copia’s now, but deep down you knew, he would never truly be yours.

part x | part xii

#the band ghost #you’re losing me #cardinal copia #copia #papa emeritus iii x reader #terzo x reader #terzo #papa emeritus iii #cardinal copia x reader #cardinal copia x female reader #copia x reader #copia x female reader #ghost the band #the band ghost fanfiction #ghost bc #copia smut

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musicalmoritz · 3 months ago

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Ok ok I want you to think about swap terukane so like clock keeper Teru x exorcist Akane. And also like Akanes the super super popular school president. Yea so like thoughts/headcanons?? (I always cook up the most insane ideas in the middle of the night and I actually remember this one vaguely!)

Let’s talk about the Terukane swap au!! I’ve seen a few people write and draw for this but I’ve never rly read any of the fics or looked too much into it so I’m entirely making this shit up on my own, Ik this is a popular trope so I apologize if I miss any of the sub tropes that are included with it ;-;

It’s hard for me to separate Teru or Kou from exorcism since the Minamotos were a real life clan, but I don’t think I’d go about this in the “Akane is a Minamoto and Teru is an Aoi” way. I suppose for this au it’s most reasonable to say the Minamotos are a regular family and the Aois are the exorcist clan. That provides another fun question tho, are the Akane girls still kannagi?? Since this is strictly a Terukane swap au I’ll assume they are, though if we wanted to take it further we could swap Aoi with Nene or one of the other characters. It’s easier for me to follow strict guidelines tho so I’m gonna keep it at just Terukane being swapped

That alone changes so much of the story tho, it’s very interesting to me. We’ll say the Minamotos are still a strict/traditional family, so there’s still some pressure on Teru and Kou. Just not to the extent that there is in canon. And assuming their mom still died in due to complications from childbirth, their dad would still be absent and Teru and Kou will still have to grow up too soon by raising Tiara. But things would be significantly easier on them since they’d be taking care of the family together. Teru would learn basic life skills like cooking, which would take a load off of Kou. Then since the work would be split, they’d both have more free time on their hands. If one of them wants to hang out with friends, the other can take over cooking and cleaning for the night. Tho that would lead to numerous sibling arguments, since Teru is the oldest he’d probably push Kou around a bit when they’re younger lol. He’d run that house like the military

I want to say Kou is the one the Clock Keepers threaten him with since Teru is so protective of him, but that wouldn’t rly work since they wouldn’t be at school together during Teru’s first year of junior high. As an oldest sibling, Teru is very protective by nature, so they might be able to choose any random student. Once they have him where they want him, they throw in some threats aimed at his siblings to secure their chances of making a contract. So Teru ends up going down the same self-sacrificial route we see in canon, he becomes a Clock Keeper so that no one else has to do it

Without any siblings, Akane is the soul beholder of the family legacy. Self-sacrifice isn’t even an option for him, he’s the only one who can succeed his parents so he must do it. Then there’s Aoi, his childhood best friend. If Akane were an exorcist and they grew up together, Aoi would find out about supernaturals way sooner. Maybe he tells her himself, because he can no longer carry the burden alone. And he knows she’s a kannagi, that something bad could happen to her someday if he doesn’t keep a close eye on her, so he has to watch her like a hawk. In this au there’s not as many secrets between them, so much is at stake so they have to be transparent with each other. Akane’s honesty inspires Aoi to be more honest with him as well. So the obsession between them, platonic or otherwise, is a lot more mutual. They developed sort of a trauma bond at an early age and now they have to look out for each other

Akane’s popularity comes from his natural inclination to help others. He’s such a kind person, even if he can be aggressive. And without him having to constantly chase Aoi, no one thinks he’s a weirdo. It’s a little odd that he’s so protective of his friend, but he’s so damn nice that everyone just shrugs it off as him being sweet. Teru though? Teru is the weirdo

His family is still strict but without the same expectations placed on him, there’s no need for him to try and excel at everything. No one cares if he’s the best student so he can do whatever he wants. And yeah, he’s pretty, but he’s also loud and annoying. He teases people and gets creepily sadistic at times. This ties into my audhd Minamotos headcanon, without the pressure he’s under in canon, Teru feels less of a need to mask. He still does it to some extent due to societal pressure and all but the only opinion he really cares about are those of his siblings, so he’s content to be himself. He makes a few friends this way too, he’s not exactly popular but the people who get him get him. I’m gonna make him friends with Nene in this au, she appreciates his realness

Because of Akane’s hatred for supernaturals, they don’t get along at first. Teru joins the Student Council to keep a better eye on everyone so he can do better at his job as a Clock Keeper. Kou attending Kamome and getting closer with supernaturals has a lot to do with it. When they first meet, Akane ties Teru up and tries to interrogate him but bcuz this is Less Traumatized Teru it goes way differently than he planned. Teru’s filter is nonexistent so when Akane tries to threaten him he’s just like “oh hello cute boy I like you very much.” But the thing is, Akane can’t tell if Teru is joking or not. He assumes he must be, because there’s no way a School Mystery feels things like love and crushes. Still, Teru is so painfully Just A Regular Dude that Akane is forced to see him differently. Cue the typical Terukane “relationship built on trust” shenanigans. Reluctant partners in crime and what not

I’m not gonna go as far as to say they have a Sakura and Natsuhiko type dynamic but it’s similar. The classic “are you flirting with me?” “have been for the past 10 years, thanks for noticing” meme. Think of it as all of Teru’s jokes about liking Aoi in canon if they were directly aimed at Akane instead. Then the “wait- do you have genuine feelings for Ao-chan?” scene becomes “do you have genuine feelings for me?” or “were you serious this whole time?” Their dynamic changes a lot after that. Akane starts flirting back, and instead of using Aoi to motivate Teru he uses himself. “Help me save her and I might take you up on that offer for a date.” And then they do go on a date, at the school festival right before everything turns to shit

Adding to that, in this au I imagine Aoi and Akane are the ones betrothed in the new timeline. This brings in conflict bcuz let’s say Akane used to have feelings for Aoi but those faded over time, it’s all platonic between them now as opposed to what we see in canon. So he has the opportunity to either be with the girl he used to love, the girl he’s been with all his life, his safety blanket…or go back to the boy who’s stolen his heart. Damn that was cheesy, I’m cooking here

Kako also becomes Teru’s father figure btw bcuz he needs one. And despite his dislike for supernaturals, Teru adores Mirai bcuz she reminds him of Tiara. Found family ftw

Thanks for the ask, I hadn’t thought much abt this au before but now I’ve gotten myself invested

#terukane #au #alternate universe #ask #ask me anything #teru minamoto #akane aoi #aoi akane #kou minamoto #tbhk #toilet bound hanako kun #jshk #jibaku shounen hanako kun #tbhk swap au

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javispunk · 1 year ago

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Hii, so I saw an edit on tiktok of joel to i can see you by Taylor Swift on the background and i was wondering if you could do something based on that? Maybe like inspired by the lyrics and the moments between them that relate to those lyrics? But feel free to so it as you imagine it!!! Thx S2

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM2C5KGbd/

Yes! I saw this edit and was thinking of doing something inspired on it and Taylor’s song, at least now I have an excuse to actually do it! This screams dbf!joel, so I had to do it. Thank you so much for the request :) I hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you’d like any other kind of version on it, or some kind of series on this?? Thank you for the support.

I can see you

Summary: You’ve been in Jackson for about a couple years now and you’ve always seen Joel go on about his days, filled with patrol duty or just casually at the cafeteria. Either way, and oblivious at first, you see each other. One night at the bar, you confirm your doubts.

Pairing: dbf!joel miller x fem!reader

Content/Warnings: +18 smut (minors don’t interact!), age gap (Joel is in his early 50s, reader is in her mid twenties), fingering, oral sex (female receiving), unprotected sex (p in v).

Notes: This is a bit long, I got carried away. It’s also a bit of a slow burn but bare with me! Please excuse any mistake, as english is not my first language. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated! Leave any requests you’d like me to write :)

You kept to yourself at Jackson since you joined in a couple years ago. You had a few people you could call friends and rely on. Besides them, your dad was also a good call. He always made sure to provide anything for you. You weren’t a child anymore, not even close to it. But you were his only daughter and that would be enough.

There would also be no effort made on your part to make more acquaintances, and that’s fine, that’s just the way you were. The people you usually had gatherings with would be your dad’s friends. And being a social butterfly, he had a few of them. But Joel Miller was his most relying one. He was a little bit younger than your dad, but they still found ways to share common interests. They’d do patrol duty together, always make way to eventually do a Saturday night dinner at yours or his - either the three of you or with more guests. You also learned about Joel’s loss and grief very quickly, something you could relate with.

For more than a year now you’ve felt safe with these people. Never once you got to complain about them, nor they did regarding you. Tonight it was just you, your dad and Joel at the dinner table. The usual setting of the table, familiar by now - your dad at your right, Joel at the other end, opposite from you.

“It should be alright if we get there by 5.” Joel spoke as he continued putting food on his fork. His signature plaid flannel shirt falling on top of his shoulders on a way that was now familiar to you.

"I'll be there sooner if I can get an early night." Your dad held the plate in his hand as he tried to collect more food from the table center. "I'm sure Adam will be there if I let him know." You received a gaze from your father as he spoke once again. "By the way, he told me he left you a message at the bar. Have you talked to him?"

"Dad... c'mon." You kept looking at your plate before turning your eyes to both man at the table.

"What? He's a great guy, he's your age. Great sense of responsability, I've seen how he handles work."

"Well, that's great for him. I don't see what that has to do with me."

Joel chuckled at your statement, still looking down at his plate. Your dad looked at him. "Honestly, I don’t understand this kid.”

Even though you were in your mid twenties your dad insisted on calling you kid, kiddo, any type of derivative.

“Well” you began as you collected your plate. “This kid has work in half an hour. I’ll just do the dishes and then go.” You headed to the kitchen with a sarcastic smile.

Once you put down your plate in the kitchen counter, you supported the weight of your body on it with both your hands. You sighed with frustration. Eyes closed, head down. The amount of hours you did the previous week at the bar left you restless and honestly wishing for a week worth of sleep. A few minutes passed, and you stayed like this. Silence prevailed until you heard Joel’s voice behind you.

“Got two more.”

“Fuck.” You jumped at the sudden voice, looking briefly at him, going back to the kitchen counter the next second.

“Sorry.” He quickly spoke. His body relatively close to yours, placing both plates on the sink. “Here, I’ll do that.” He took the sponge from your hand, slightly touching it.

There were several moments of tension between you and Joel over the last year or so. Usually cordial and kind moments like these, but they were filled with tension, you were not sure if it was sexual, but it felt so for you. Joel was at least 20 years older than you, you were not sure about his age. In a matter of seconds you recalled all of these encounters. The way he’d wait down the hall for you, or the way he’d always try to brush past you whenever you were in the same room. You would notice how he would make conversation with you whenever he could, how he would shower you with gifs - actual cool and useful gifs - how he payed attention to your interests, or how he'd get protective whenever he felt you were in some kind of danger.

"So you don't like Adam." he asked, mid-chuckle, while grabbing some soap.

You put your hand on your head, slightly embarrased. "Well..." You also looked in the direction of the dining room, searching for your dad.

"Your dad went to the neighbours. He said something about a favour. He'll be back soon enough." He noted.

You looked at him with your mouth slightly opened in a form of response, before speaking again. "Adam's alright. A bit insistent. My dad always makes a stand on the matter of relationships, I'm not sure why."

"You're almost what? 26? He probably wants you to get married. I got married around your age. That's how we'd do it in Texas."

You looked at the man's back. You didn't know much about his past. He had no pictures of his ex wife in his house. You knew he had a daughter before the world went to shit. That was the extent of knowledge you had about his grief and sorrow. Ellie would have filled some of the void in his life. But besides that, Joel was a lonely man.

"I'd get married if it wasn't the end of the world. Or if there was someone interesting around here." You laughed.

Joel followed your action, closing the running water tap. "I'm sure you'll find him." He chuckled, looking at you as he dried his hands with a cloth handtowel.

"Besides, I'm great on my own." Your voice raising an octave.

“I’m sure you are." His eyes on you. "Do you need a ride? It's freezing outside."

You shook your head no, while grabbing the coat propped on the back of the chair. "It's just a few minutes walk, I'll be fine. It will be even colder when I close at 1am. But thank you." You smiled his way.

He nodded his head, hands on his hips.

***

The clock marked half past midnight when you first looked at it since you entered the bar. You didn't stop to breathe since you started serving drinks at 8pm, walking from one corner of the bar to the other in a fast pace. The bar was usually filled with middle aged men, a few younger people, about your age, casually sitting in groups over a few tables. You sipping a few drinks once in a while over the hours without anyone noticing.

You think about the small amount of time you still have to work while you go around the counter and collect the empty beer bottles on the nearest table. You grab the cloth hanging from your shoulder only to wide your hands on it, before you make your way behind the counter again, your back against it.

"A whisky if it's not too much trouble." You heard Joel's voice.

You quickly turned around, a smile appearing, plastered on your face without you noticing. "Hi!" You swifted the counter dry in front of him. "What are you doing here? I thought you started work at 5." You started preparing his drink.

Joel slightly shrugged both shoulders, before removing his jacket and propping it on the stool next to him. "Couldn't sleep. How's your shift going?"

"Alright. A few drunk men making a mess, but that's mandatory."

You grabbed his glass and started pouring the honey coloured liquid.

"But you can put them in their place."

"I don't have a choice." You supported your body on your elbows, leaning on top of the counter in front of Joel. The cleavage on your shirt open and exposed to his sight, as you felt his eyes directly on it. You held his drink in your hand, giving it to him in a nonchalant movement. The alcohol probably getting to your head at this point of the night, just the slightest - you were sure the rest was your attraction to the older man.

You watched Joel's eyes on you, before he moved them up to your own. He coughed before speaking, in a way of disguising his actions. "Thank you."

You smiled, noticing his stunned tone. "You're welcome."

You would never have this behaviour at dinner nights of course. Here, where everyone was a little drunk and honestly, wouldn't remember parts of the night, you felt this urge to mess with him. You knew he kind of like you by the way he would move next to you, by the way he'd speak directly to you, the words he would use when no one else was hearing.

You held your place in front of Joel. Him taking a sip of his drink as the ice clinked when the glass turned on his hand. Eyes locked on yours. You noticed the bar emptying slowly, but surely.

"Would you mind giving me a ride home? I have to close the bar and by then it should be pretty late."

"It's alright sweetheart." he spoke after ungluing his mouth from the glass which was now resting on the counter, him looking at your smug expression, which earned a half upward smile from him, before looking at your eyes again.

"Thank you." You touched his arm in a thanking gesture, leaving your hand over it much more time than it was needed to. You never touched him. It even felt like a challenge, something that was forbidden to do. His skin was soft even though his figure looked rough from working everyday out on the cold weather on patrol duty.

His eyes looking down at your efforts, while he held his drink in front of his mouth the whole time. You eventually moved away from him, continuing your work.

You took care of the wet glasses, cleaning them, your back leaning against the back counter of the bar, facing Joel. Every few seconds your eyes would be on top of him, while you wiped dry the cups, moving your fingers in a slight but surely suggestive manner. You were not doing anything wrong. You were far away from Joel, just doing your work. Behind him, still in the distance, you saw a man approach the counter. Adam.

"Hey." He looked at you with a wide smile, hands on the counter, not noticing the man sat beside him right away. "Oh, hello Mr. Miller. How are you?"

Joel slightly raised his glass at the kid, hoping that would be enough of an answer to his question. His broad shoulders square, looking foward, miding his own business.

You also noticed the last group of people leaving their booth, putting down the money on top of the table for you to collect it.

"Hey, we're almost closing but can I make you anything?" You asked him.

"Hum, not really. I gathered you didn't get the message I left you back there." He looked over at Joel for a second, before continuing. "I wanted to know if you'd like to go to the movie night next friday? They're going to show that movie you wanted to see at the theatre."

Your mouth opened before you grabbed another glass to clean. "I'd love to, but I think I'm doing a night shift on friday. Sorry."

"I heard that movie is great." Joel's voice muffled from the glass on his hand.

You looked at him, watching his smug smile covered by it. He was doing this on purpose.

"I'm sure it is. But have fun, I think the group from the cafeteria wanted to go."

"Next time then." Adam tucked at the sleeve on his jacket. "Tomorrow I get off work around midday, if you're free for lunch."

You were free, but had no intention on agreeing on his plan. But for the love of God, you could not find a single excuse to get yourself out of this situation. You noticed the younger man's face, hesitant. As soon as Joel noticed your silence, he spoke, still facing his glass, now almost empty.

"Actually, I'm gonna need your help until later. We'll have lunch outside Jackson." Joel saved your night with a simple phrase.

Adam looked at Joel with a disappointed expression. "Well, alright. I'll come by and let you know when-"

"You should go home, kid." Joel interrumpted him. "We got an early shift tomorrow." He looked in his direction for the first time since he appeared uninvited.

"Yes, sir. I'll be there." He agreed, before turning to you. "Do you need a ride? It's awfully cold outside."

Joel put his drink down and got up. "Let's go kid." He grabbed him not so gently but still not roughly by the jacket, putting an arm around his shoulders, turning him away from you and guiding him through the front door. Once he put the young man outside, he closed the door behind him and spoke from a distance. "You're already closing right?"

"Thank you for that." You continued to tidy everything behind the counter, as Joel made his way to you across the bar. "Am I supposed to marry him?"

"If you really want to." He entered the space only reserved for staff. "I'll help you with that."

"You don't have to."

"I know, but it'll be a lot quicker and we can get you home."

You smiled. "Thanks, I'll just finish some things out in the back."

You ran to the kitchen, hoping to get a moment for yourself. Did Joel help you just out of good heart? That didn't seem like something he'd do. Maybe because you were his best friend's daughter - he was just trying to be nice.

After a while you heard his voice behind you, for the second time that night. "You know, he would be a nice husband. He can almost kill a few clickers without screaming if he puts his mind to it."

"Shut up." You laughed, throwing him a napkin you had at hand, still trying to finish your work duties.

Joel grabbed it in the air, laughing along with you. He scrunched it up in his hand, approaching you and almost connecting your bodies together - your back touching his front, as he placed the napkin on the table in front of you. Arms next to each side of you, hands placed on the edge of the table, where he supported his body's weight.

Your heart started beating and you swore Joel could hear it, because his behaviour was too bold to be natural.

"But you don't wanna marry him, do you?" His voice was low and you could feel the vibration from his tone on your back.

"No, not really." It seemed like he was waiting for something from you. A sign to act his next move, without being criticised. It almost felt like he was afraid. Afraid of you not feeling the same. Not wanting the same.

Your body tensed under his. His presence hovering above you. He was significantly bigger than you. Fuck, you thought. He smells like sandalwood and the whiskey you gave him earlier. You were almost intimidated to turn around, so you decided not to.

"So you're all shy now." You watched his hands shift on the table top, before moving them to your lower stomach.

Your heart felt like it would break free from your ribcage. You looked down at his hands holding you in place. They looked huge on your body.

You turned around suddenly, trying to play his game. Your hands behind your body. "What do you mean?" You put on your best innocent smile.

You saw him do the same. You noticed his eyes were the most gorgeous you'd ever seen when he raised his eyebrows before speaking, hands now on your waist. "I mean how you made me hard under that counter top back there."

You rolled your eyes in response, while you shrugged your shoulders. "Couldn't really notice. But I do now." Your hand flew to the bulge in his pants.

A laugh came creeping in his tone. "Careful, sweetheart."

"Why?" Your head up, looking at his face from underneath.

You both stared into each other's eyes with doubt on your expression. You decided to break the hesitation, gluing your lips to his. The taste of whiskey still prominent on his mouth, as he slid his tongue inside your mouth.

Your hands immediately on the back of his head. One of his on the lower of your back and the other on your ass, putting you on top of the table. You opened your legs to wrap them around him, Joel immediately erasing the gap between you both.

His hands running from the top of your back to the back of your thigh, holding it in place around his waist.

"You have no idea how long I waited to touch you." He spoke once you both pulled back for air.

"You're gonna relive your little fantasies or do something about it?" You asked as you started to unbotting your pants while looking his way.

He immediately replaced your hands with his, taking your jeans off in a swift motion. Your shirt followed quickly. He left your paneis still on, just putting them to the side before sliding his middle finger in your slick folds. He laughed as he felt how wet you were, before inserting his finger in you. You whimpered as you felt his rough calloused skin inside your cunt, moving up and down inside you. You moaned his name quietly, trying to hold on your excitement. It seemed like his knees gave in on him as soon as he heard his name coming from your lips.

"Say my name again." You heard him ask.

"Joel..." You moaned louder when he added one more finger inside you.

"Sounds so good coming from your pretty little mouth." His thumb rubbing soft circles on your clit as he kept fucking you with his fingers.

Your eyes rolled back in protest. The amount of pleasure building on your stomach was like something you've never felt before. He began to curl his fingers and you made a gutural sound with your throat, head falling back.

Joel got on his knees and placed both hands on each side of your pelvic area, holding both your legs between his biceps and forearms. You felt a void, missing the friction his fingers stimulated inside you.

"Please." You begged him.

"Please what, sweet girl?" His head between your legs, looking you up, mouth dangerously close to your core.

"Please, make me cum." Your voice came out almost in a whisper. But it was more than enough for Joel.

His lips connecting to your core, kissing it gently first, focusing on your clit. You were a mess of whimpers under his touch as he gently made out with your cunt, visibily holding himself not to get out of his pants and fuck you right then and there. Sucking on your clit, he then moved on to your entrance, sliding his tongue inside you, licking your core from bottom to top.

He was good. Joel kept his hands on your lower stomach, trying to hold you still as you moved under his touch. It was unnerving the amount of pleasure he provided you with. You never once had your body react like this.

You looked down at him, entertained in his own little paradise. He was truly intoxicated by the scent of your skin, the feel of your core, the wetness you had started to drip a few minutes ago.

He kept his rhythm steady and intense at the same time.

"Fuck." You kept moaning as you looked down at his face between your legs. Every now and then he looked up at you and the tight knot on your stomach would grow. The look of lust in his eyes enough to make you cum. "Joel, I'm- I'm-"

"I know sweet girl, you're so close." You felt the vibrations from his voice on your pussy. "Best fucking thing I've ever tasted in my life."

That did it for you. Your orgasm loosen and spread through your entire body, your legs shaking as Joel held them tighter, keeping his tongue on you, making you enjoy your high. Your head was thrown back, your hands behind your back on top of the table, supporting the weight of your now numb body. You kept your eyes closed for a while, feeling your body tensen up and resting for a while.

You felt one of Joel's hand grabbing you by the lower of your back, helping you with supporting your body weight as he noticed you couldn't do it yourself.

"So fucking beautiful." He spoke while unbuttoning and dropping down his jeans with his spare hand. With his help now, you could use your hands. You took his flannel off, before ripping his underwear down his thighs, his lenght shot right up, hard as a rock, bouncing on its own weight.

You felt your cunt pulse once again, still sensitive from your previous orgasm. One of your hands held his cock, pulling him closer to you. You heard Joel moan as he felt your hand moving up and down him.

"You like that." You stated. Not even a question. You were letting him know you knew. With your legs slightly up, around his waist, you positioned his length on your entrance slowly, making him eager for your warmth.

Once you got his tip inside you, he couldn't control himself, pushing his cock inside you slowly and deeply. It was out of your control now.

"Fuck, Joel." You screamed as you felt him stretch you wide.

He panted above you. "Shit..." he mumbled to himself, as he looked down, seeing himself dissapear inside you with each thrust. "You feel so fucking good."

Once you got used to his girth, you felt Joel fasten his pace. He was hitting your g-spot every single time he slapped his hips on your ass. The clapping sounds making him go feral. Holding one of your legs up with his arm for better positioning, Joel kissed you again with urgency. You left your mouth hang open against his when he once again fasten his pace, letting him know you were enjoying it by letting a whimper come out every time he thrusted inside you.

"Prettiest fucking thing. Let me see your pretty face when you cum." He mumbled against your open mouth.

You felt your second orgasm creep on you. His words took you to the absolute edge. His low voice making them feel like velvet. It didn't take long for you to feel that explosion of pleasure inside you. Your whole body shaking for the second time. Your ecstasy face putting him on the edge.

He quickly pulled himself out of you, letting his warm release hit your chest, running down your tummy after a few seconds of kissing each other. You wouldn't let go. You physically couldn't get enough of each other. His hand still grabbing the back of your neck, to keep you close to him. Your hands tangled on his hair. Both of your breathings slowing down as a few minutes passed just making out in an endearing way.

Your foreheads glued to each other as you panted together.

"Please come pick me up more often after closing shifts."You laughed and he followed.

"I'll do anything you want me to."

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sans-guy · 1 year ago

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(explosion) butch info masterpost (explosion) I’ve been asked a few things a couple of times and i just wanna lay some stuff out about butch that doesn’t get asked just so u guys know. i'll update as needed (if i can remember) <3

I can’t say everything because sooner or later I want to create some kind of comic or fic, but can’t right now cus my brain sucks and i'm pretty busy irl

Here is his updated ref sheet How old: 30-ish How tall: 6'8"

He kills people???!?!?!? D: Yes. only people that really deserve it, he's not a mindless killer. Even though he's a butcher, killing isn't something he enjoys doing.

AND HE EATS THEM??! D: No. but he sells the meat to monsters that do, in an effort to get rid of evidence. he's not friendly with the monsters he does business with, and he does not sell to humans. The selling of human meat is a drug trade of sorts; and it is by no means an easy business to get out of.

lore and loreposts; -He needs glasses -How he lost his fingers

-He isn't too fond of humans.

-despite everything, he is goofy.

-extra info about relationships/"clients".

-he is not too socially inept, but prefers to keep to himself and not say too much, just the way he was raised. -he is a workaholic, preferring to stay either busy or asleep, despite occasionally getting sick from all the stress he's under.

-he is technologically illiterate, hates newer technology, but will still use a landline (for his friends or for work) and the library computers with help (to check emails cus the modern age is horrible and requires you to have an email) -he is very slow to make friends, but when he does, theyre very good friends, going as far to consider them his family. -he LOVES knives, and has a collection of unique knives (culinary/pocket knives/hunting knives etc) he's found or obtained from flea markets.

-because of the state of his right hand, he's technically ambidextrous, since he's had enough time to learn how to use his other hand, but still writes better with his right hand. he could use ecto fingers if he really wanted to, but he doesn't care either way.

-he lost a tooth rough housing with his brothers when he was younger (he has many siblings ((and his older brothers picked on him becus thats what loving siblings do <3 )) )

-his arms and hands are riddled with scars and cuts because thats what a lifetime of physical labor and 10 years working with sharp objects will do to u

-the gloves he wears are cutting gloves here's some fluffy small character stuff for him ive thought about, i'll update this list when i . remember what i posted lovers/trust/friendship can i draw butch (or any of your characters)??

can i draw butch kissing me/my insert?

i'm ok with most fanart, I love everything everyone makes of my guys!! but if ur not sure if i'll be comfortable with it, please just shoot me a message. i dont bite i promise *bats eyelashes* also its a given but no fanart or ships can be inserted into the canon sorry

edit; pls pls check out the #fanart tag, so many beautiful ppl have drawn/written so many beautiful things of my boy and they must be seen

#butch #masterpost #urghh let me know if i missed anything or if i should add stuff #and i'll link this in my pinned post when i redo it #ggrhggahghg so many thoughts #long post #also im slowly working on cleaning up my tagging system cus i am so bad with it

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pengold · 7 months ago

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Okay, so this is the anon that pointed out the gloria name (if its okay i just wanna refer to myself as "💚 anon")

I wanted to ask if you are comfortable with us asking questions regarding the AU? Like- The whole thing with Steven having "nothing to do" with Nacha's husband's death. Especially since said husband was his father's right hand man- does his father know? I'd imagine if he did, it was because of some double crossing or something, but then why would Nacha still be under protection? Would she ever find out? Would his father be upset if he didn't know and found out?

Thats just the first thing i wanted to ask. There's some thoughts/questions I've been thinking about regarding Angus, Izaack, Doppelgangers, and the Doctor. As i said. Your AU is tickling my brain in such good ways, but i want to know if asking is okay

And also, thank you so much for the Angus love- i feel the characters are so underrated compared to the milkman (still love him tho)

Hello 💚 anon and yes you can tots ask questions about the Au (and that goes for everybody)!! Angus and the Selenne are my 2 favs and I love that people like me drawing the “less” popular characters!

As to Steven and the situation with Nacha’s husband: he died in a police sting and Rudboys Sr. thinks there is a rat in his organization. He doesn’t know that it was Steven as he was the one that told the org what went down and he barely made it out. So Steven was put on task of finding the mole while hiding himself. He has seen that he has fooled his dad so he is seeing how he could take over sooner.

He is a naughty boy who is trying to get both the girl and the job.

This is were Izaack comes in, he knows something more went down at that sting and is trying to investigate it. He was best friends with Nacha’s husband when they were younger. Even though they went separate ways and didn’t agree with each others career choices, they kept an eye on each other.

So plan is Steven makes his move on Rudboys Sr., ppl think he does but Nacha saves him and brings him to Dr Afton. Nacha was starting to like Steven, thought him a gentleman and was there for her after her husband’s death. It’s her daughter who doesn’t like him that makes her keep a friendly distance from him. She stumbles upon the confrontation between the Rudboys and learns what happens. She goes to Izaack with the info cuz her husband always talked about him.

That’s all I’ll say on this for now but loving the questions makes me think more about it!!

((Also pls excuse and spelling and grammar errors. English is my only language and I’m bad at it))

#my ramblings #everyone is sus Au #tnmn

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sasusc · 6 months ago

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WIP Whenever

Thanks for the tag @galadrieljones !

I've been slammed and busy and May is a very eventful month. I haven't had time to write lately But I decided to just carved out a little bit of time.

I wrote this little bit today for a Bethyl fic that's been in the works for awhile. I've jumped 4/5 years into the future of that fic to write a little scene that might possibly be an AU to it--timelines aren't set. Beth and Daryl makes it to Alexandria with Mika and Judith years before Team Family finally shows up. And they've become a family there. This is just a possible version of how the Dixons and Tream Family reunite. The original plan was to reunite them sooner but I started writing and Mika wanted to be 14 or 15. I just went with it.

Mika blended into the forest, walking softly as she had been taught. She watched the small group of people from afar. She couldn't catch their conversations, and she was wary of getting any closer to them. They weren't heading towards Alexandria at the moment, but it wouldn't take much for them to turn into the right direction. She wanted to learn as much as she could before she reported back. “Hi,” a man said softly. His hands were raised slightly when she whirled around and pointed her crossbow at him. “Sorry. I'm not here to hurt you.” She frowned at him. He looked oddly familiar, but she couldn't place his face. Pretty face, brown hair and blue eyes. Taller than her in dirty jeans, a dark t-shirt, and a plaid shirt over it. He had to only be a few years older than her. He didn’t live at Alexandria but maybe she had seen him at one of the neighboring communities? It wasn't often that she visited them with Beth or Daryl. She kept her crossbow pointed at him. “What are you doing out here?” He tried to appear non-threatening. He slowly pointed towards the group she had been watching. “Those are my people. I'm exploring…scouting around. Do you live around here? Are you alone?” Mika frowned, but her arms held the crossbow steady at the man. “My dad is out here. I'm not alone.” He glanced around trying to locate another person. He couldn't find anything to indicate someone was nearby. The girl could be lying to protect herself from strangers. It was better to be safe than sorry. She was a pretty girl. Long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. Distrustful brown eyes stared him down across her crossbow. There was something about her that seemed familiar. She was a couple years younger than him, but the end of the world had a way of turning kids into adults before their time. “We aren't bad people. Me and my family. We have a community… It's a couple days walk from here. We're looking for other communities to trade with.” Mika wanted to trust him. She knew Beth would want to trust him. But would Daryl? He was always a better judge of character. It was why he was a recruiter with Aaron. What would Daryl do? Keep them from Alexandria for now. Maybe direct them to a safe location to talk with the group. A bird call alerted Mika that Daryl had arrived. The man in front of her started to reach for a weapon but paused and raised his hands higher in the air. His own group used bird calls from time to time, and this sounded similar to what they used to check in on others. “That your dad?” He didn't give her time to answer. “I mean her no harm. We're seeking communities for trade. I'm Carl Grimes.” Mika gasped and lowered her crossbow. “Carl? He frowned at her. “It's me, Mika! Mika…Samuels.” They stared at each other, wide eyes and comparing the images they held of each other when they had lived at the prison together.

Tagging: @not-so-austen @whovianlili @olpie @sweetz1919 @rckyfrk and anyone else!

#the walking dead #twd #wip #wip whenever #my fic #mika samuels #carl grimes #bethyl

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randomfoggytiger · 1 year ago

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The X-Files: Son of Egypt

First fic of all time (barring dabbles in my younger years off the internet that don't count.)

All credit goes to @television-overload's intriguing idea-- Samantha adopts and raises William Mulder-Scully (post here)-- with a Prince of Egypt-esque twist~.

Will Van de Kamp couldn’t remember how old he was (and couldn’t begin to take a guess now) or even what he'd said when his mother’s wistful, yearning look stopped him in the middle of a protest. “Your father said that to me, too,” she’d murmured, before quickly walking them away from the conversation. It was then he understood: Samantha Van de Kamp was his mother, Carl Andrew Van de Kamp was his brother, but the man he called “dad” was not his father.

~~~~~

He had just turned twenty-two when Will was finally allowed to join the raids.

Their base's Consortium quarters had been quiet, eagerly quiet as the Van de Kamp men represented their request. Will may have felt aged in his soul-- a cobweb weighed down with dust and filth and dead parts-- but he was young in their eyes; and against this fading generation, who had seen wars and brokered peace before their species was extinguished, Will had to prove he could handle the great risk, the heavy responsibility, the implied future work this one task would set him up for. That was easily done as he parroted back their secrets-- a young boy with a quick mind and a listening ear could learn a lot, particularly when firmly transplanted from his childhood farm into the middle of a Syndicate compound. And a boy who could turn that threat of exposure into a boon for his lords and masters was a gift to be cultivated and groomed. He was approved. In passing, a few half-remarks (“Perhaps he should have been left on the farm. To know so much of our inner workings and with so much history--”, “It was necessary. There was no other way to keep Mulder from--”) snagged at his mind, vaguely recognizing a few names and situations mentioned before; but his attention was caught by Van de Kamp’s reassuring grip and a few curious members striding over to weigh him in the balance for themselves. Later.

Later came sooner than expected.

The raid had been going smoothly. It wasn’t even a raid, Will discovered, but a routine drive-by meant to intimidate a specific helper or informant: a preening “you’re still in checkmate” boast. Elevated desperation reeked from their current victim, choking Will as thickly as Van de Kamp and Henderson’s ruthless satisfaction did. The interrogation ended badly: Henderson was knocked aside and Van de Kamp warned away from his charge by the muzzle of Henderson’s gun. Will Van de Kamp had his own weapon out and aimed at the man’s chest before he could become a hostage; but Will could not pull the trigger. The background noise faded out as both opponents faced each other, equal fear in their eyes. Then the man jerked the gun away, swiftly putting a bullet in his own skull.

Another half-remark haunted Will’s footsteps from the scene. “Can’t change a Mulder,” Henderson hissed under his breath, hand wrapped around his twisted fingers.

~~~~~

The Consortium appreciated the concept of genius but withdrew from his own. Bad blood on all sides, Will assumed; the dark, overcasting shadow of his late grandfather providing contrast to the spark of his intelligence. Eidetic memory was a negative in this den of bloated jackals, gluttoned as they were on easy power and declaring victories when they hadn't even fought wars (though against whom or what no one could point to.)

When Van de Kamp had told the family they were moving permanently on-base, everyone had assumed it was because Andrew had caught the Syndicate's attention. Cunning was prized by a group who had to lick their own wounds one too many times; and Will’s older brother had it in spades. It was ridiculously easy for him to spin anything to his advantage with everyone except Will-- the two brothers knew each other too well for those games to be ended between them in anything other than a fight, a good laugh, and another adventure. Andrew's harsher struggles trying to live up to his grandfather's legacy in the Consortium was harshly contrasted by Will's greater negligence in the name of freedom; and both brothers grew closer and further away as the group's requirements necessarily pushed and pulled at their relationship. There was love, Will knew; but suspicions this intense could only be dealt with alone.

“What’s eating at you? We all don’t take that first shot, it doesn’t mean--”

“Teach me to hack in, not get caught.”

Another tussle, another patch up, another bargain.

Will only gained fringes of information from slipping into those dangerous territories (most of the information having been kept offline since an incident in 1995, he gleaned); but two important pieces were worth the risk: former Special Agent Fox W. Mulder (recently exonerated) had continually entangled himself in Syndicate business while on a madcap search for his sister; and that sister was Samantha Mulder. Samantha Mulder, Samantha Van de Kamp.

He had to find those files.

~~~~~

It took longer than Will was willing to admit to recall where Van de Kamp stored his important documents, cds, and drives. Nocturnal adventures were not unusual for him, even with a mother who quaked with worry and a father who quietly guided him back to his room any time after 10 PM. With the tiniest flashlight he could find in one hand (being invisible was an essential skill to survive when surrounded by betrayals layered with suspicions) and a phone in the other, Will picked his way through the attic, recognizing various names or codes from his notes. Eyes growing strained in the darkness, he finally found a promising box: folder piles, papers filed together, pictures, notes… the X-Files. Or copies of them.

Will flipped around, brusquely set aside, and grabbed for stack after stack until he found his mother’s file. Although she was younger in this photo than any in the house, they still reassuringly shared the same nose (pinched at the bridge, widening out at the tip.) For a brief moment he wondered what his uncle’s nose looked like; but the word “Found” arrested his attention. Everything froze with him in shock, coming back to life only after he sputtered on a choked, belated gasp. Closed… found… 2000… died…starlight. Died.

He clutched as many files and cds as he could; then a box of them; then set everything aside, shaking, as he ruthlessly sorted between importance and paramount importance. Remaining undetected was the goal: it wouldn’t matter how much evidence he collected if he were caught.

~~~~~

Uncle Fox, Will discovered, was a fascinatingly transparent opponent to the Syndicate. He'd never hidden his motives or intentions, often defying the shaved-down FBI report regulations to get "the Truth" out-- conferences, interviews, even an odd media appearance (Cops was one of the notes he underlined.) The smaller, more humanizing details of his life were gathered through safer searches, having been expunged from the Consortium record for their unimportance. Special Agent Fox Mulder (Uncle Mulder) was always accompanied by his partner, Special Agent Dana Scully. And, fittingly he assumed, when Will saw them both for the first time it was together: his uncle’s wide smile and her serious frown captured on-site of one of their cases.

Former Special Agent Dana Scully was still being monitored by her enemies (likely a more indirect way to monitor her former partner): now a doctor at an Our Lady’s Sorrow hospital, her hair was longer and her face relatively unchanged, if the newest articles about her work were to be believed. It was a short leap from those articles to the sensationalism rags about her past, and an even shorter distance from that to tumbling into revelation after revelation: exoneration in 2008, fleeing the law with her partner in 2002… and adopting-out her son, also in 2002. William Mulder-Scully.

The thought flitted and was brushed aside; then slammed back with ringing clarity. Will scrambled for baby Mulder-Scully’s birthday and breathed a sigh: he was born in 2001. Five years too young to be himself, but a cousin nonetheless. He hoped wherever the boy was that it was far from where he was.

But “Closed… found… 2000… died.” wouldn’t leave his mind. Samantha Mulder was buried in North Carolina with a Teena Mulder; and, to Will’s shock, was briefly joined by Uncle Mulder himself for three months. The files he had on hand confirmed the public report, which left him shaken and reeling.

Closed… found.. 2000… died…. Resurrected?

And if closed, found, 2000, died, resurrected was a possibility, then there was an equal chance that born, adopted, given a new identity could be true as well.

A frantic, thorough, and looping search confirmed it: the Will Van De Kamp born to Samantha Van de Kamp existed only after William Mulder-Scully was adopted out. Thinking back, Will couldn’t personally prove his existence after his alleged birth in 1996. The life they lived had never allowed for natural curiosity or too many questions with silence so easily bought and paid for. Until now, he assumed “the work” was dangerous and fearfully weighty, something to be talked of obliquely or not at all. Now he wondered what sort of kingdom he and Andrew were being raised for.

~~~~~

Clones and hybrids and tortured children and harvested women and broken men.

That was their empire.

His mother, a tool of the Project. Carted out against her knowledge and against her will for her father’s (her creator's) means and goals, paraded before a brother she thought she had and married to a man that may or may not know she was inhuman. A string of children lost and born and dead before Andrew survived to carry on her creator's legacy. Complicit in the lie of Will's birth and parentage.

His brother, a tool of the Project. Elevated as its prince, honed to a weapon, and all-but-in-writing handed the keys of the Conspiracy. Immune before immunity was no longer required. Cunningly grasping for that power and for Will, unable to keep both but refusing to lax his grip all the same.

The Project: fruitless lies upon lies that saved no one, having merely benefitted from two opposing alien factions’ war and stalemate. Bullies left with too much aimless power and ashes at their feet.

Will knew he needed to leave. Soon. Immediately.

~~~~~

Andrew was furious Will was leaving without warning and almost without a goodbye. Their ensuing fight was left unresolved-- perhaps forever-- with the punctuating slam and screech of an angry driver venting his pain on the road. Will wondered if his family was doomed to be continually torn apart; and if Andrew would ever start or never stop looking for him.

His mother, Samantha, simply stared, silent tears marking the many years she'd chosen ignorance over truth. A soft then more desperate hug said everything for her; and she quietly slipped into the backroom, giving him time to grab what he needed and leave.

Van de Kamp barged in before Will left, breathless with pain. He, too, was silent; and he, too, allowed his son to leave.

Will knew all three wouldn’t betray him; but how much of that was motivated by love, loyalty, or a twisted sense of duty he couldn’t say.

~~~~~

Doctor Dana Scully was easy to locate but harder to follow, the Consortium’s search for him making it nearly impossible at first. Her frown was still serious and her hair was still long, but her spark was gone. He could only watch this new mother from afar, drifting in her wake-- hungry as she ate, parched as she drank, exhausted as she slept. He couldn’t approach her, the bereft ache in his last mother’s eyes always on his mind, foiling his best attempts to forget. Perhaps former Special Agent Dana Scully and he were not meant to be, or perhaps meeting her in person would turn her from a figment into flesh. Until he could be certain, he waited.

Former Special Agent Fox Mulder was nowhere to be found.

It was a week before Dana Scully led the way to her second home, a ramshackle abandoned house in the sticks. Will knew about this property, even came to scout it out once; but it looked dead from the road, and he’d hurried back to his previous task. By now, he should have learned that appearances are deceiving.

He left his car in the woods, slinking up the porch easily by crouching under the tall grass. The house was still dead-- no hum from the power, no creaking of the pipes, and no shuffling from the steps inside. Half remarks, easy to recognize from a lifetime of training, trickled outside; and Will inched closer to catch them.

Dana Scully’s voice-- harder to hear from where Will was positioned-- was softer than he’d imagined, especially when contrasted with the solemn expression that settled perpetually on her face. “...out here… this house… alone.”

“Well, you know me, Scully,” Special Agent Fox Mulder’s (Uncle Fox, Mulder, Father's) voice rang out, falsely cheerful. “You predicted how this’d go years ago.”

Will caught a mournful murmur.

“‘Catatonic schizophrenia’, I believe you called it.”

“Mulder.” He heard that loud and clear: no nonsense endearment. Amused and trying not to be.

“Though I think our story ended better than theirs. Though not by much.”

Although Dana Scully’s (Scully's) heels clicked close, Will could tell she was only drawing closer to Agent Mulder (Mulder.) There was a long, deep silence, a few deep reassuring breaths, and what sounded like affectionate ruffling.

“You’ll find your way back, Mulder. I believe that.”

Retreating from this intimate moment between two sad, broken people, Will felt fifteen years old for the first time in his false twenty-two.

~~~~~

Will didn’t leave Mulder’s house. He spent the next week or two losing track of time in the rhythm of Mulder’s world: quiet except for the wind moving through the trees, the grass, or slamming up against the lifeless windows. Food was easy to forget when he subsisted on various nonperishables; and the hours were whittled away plowing through various copies of unredacted files. Low profile didn’t seem to have existed in Mulder and Scully’s orbit, with more and more press and eyewitness accounts to corroborate or validate the various outlandish claims they’d both signed their names to.

It also gave him time to think. Losing his family was concrete and understandable even if it was gut-wrenching and grueling. But to have stripped him of his identity, of so large a factor as his age, was as baffling as it was appalling. Will had lived through each milestone, had graduated, had taken other secondary education classes and courses; and now he was left to second-guess everything he thought he knew. Tutelage tempered with lies under the Syndicate could mean anything: how effectively was he taught? Did he even graduate? Likely not, since a fifteen year old brain could not fit the knowledge required for a twenty-two year old collegiate. Had the Consortium fallen so far that they were sloughing off a piecemeal education on their next generation, not caring if they learned so much as they obeyed? If so, the whole structure would collapse within a generation; but then, what structure did they have left to uphold? The selfish men who bought and sold for power were dying out, and the next generation might be willing to take what they could from the scraps. But then why--

And underneath all of those thoughts was the one Will was trying to isolate from but kept finding over and over in the files, typed up plainly in Dana Scully’s neat sentences: “...if it’s only by knowing where he’s been that he can hope to understand where he’s going, then I fear Agent Mulder may lose his course; and the truths he’s seeking from his childhood will continue to evade him, driving him more dangerously forward in impossible pursuit.”

~~~~~

Mulder stepped out of the treeline, gun in hand.

Will realized, as he stared at this man chiseled by regrets and promises, that he had been disappointed in his father a week or more ago. He’d wanted to respect him, had even thought he loved him in a way; but had still withdrawn from the concreteness of his father's weakness, just as his father had. The Mulder standing before him was every inch the former Special Agent Fox Mulder he'd read about: danger in his stance, fire and fairness in his eyes. He’d never met Fox Mulder, but Will was glad to have him back.

Mulder stopped his string of succinct commands when his eyes fell on the files, breath catching as he looked erratically from one copy to the next before flying back up to Will’s face. There was fear in his eyes-- good fear, alive fear-- and his words caught a few times before he asked, “William?”

Fox Mulder, Mulder. Dana Scully, Scully. Will Van de Kamp, William Mulder-Scully. He could live with that.

There wasn't anything to say, so William did what Samantha Mulder had taught him, letting his smile say everything for him. Mulder's face split into the exact same, wide-open beam: he, too, had taught William in his absence. And William knew-- he just knew-- that Scully had passed on her ability to read the layers of emotions dancing across his father's neutral expression. And he could live with that, too.

William watched his father's smile slip as he swallowed back crashing emotions. "I tried looking for you, years ago. When you were a baby. And later, when...." Mulder paused, miserable in his failures.

There was only one thing left to say. "You did."

~~~~~

Acknowledgements: Thank you to @television-overload for coming up with the original idea and for naming Will's older brother. ;)))

Thank you to @ghostbustermelanieking and @o6666666 for creating short, beautiful AU fics that ultimately helped me flesh out the format for this one.

Thank you (in no particular order) @baronessblixen, @welsharcher, @agent-troi, @dd-is-my-guiltypleasure, @suitablyaggrieved, @pianogirlxf, @samucabd, @herdingcats12, @cecilysass, @amplifyme, @slippinmickeys, @enigmaticdrblockhead, @annablume, @spidey-is-tired, @two-microscopes, @spidey-is-tired, @mariaann, @chavisory, @medicaldoctordana, @ibringyouasong89, @cyb3rpeach, @mindibindi, @two-birds-alone-together, @invidiosa, @jessahmewren, @living-in-unreality, @mollybecameanengineer, @tossingmyglossymane, @demon-fetal-harvest, @settle-down-frohike, @storybycorey, @thescullyphile, @scullys-scalpel, @perpetually-weirdening, @teenie-xf, @captainsugarcane, @frogsmulder, @paperheartsarts, @unremarkablehouse, @cutemothman, @my-spookybunnies, @lindz-dude, @sonictacocat, @freckleslikestars, @kiivitaja, @today-in-fic and more for always being willing to engage with my work (and enjoying when I engage in yours.)

Thank you to every single one of the fic writers out there. Your work nudged me gently along to this point; and without your leaps I wouldn't be making these steps.

And thank you to each and everyone of my mutuals and lurkers-- keep on keepin' on~!

Thank you for reading~

Enjoy!

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onegianthotmess · 2 months ago

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“Ik hou alleen van jou…”

Theodorus x Jane

Synopsis: Theo hasn’t seen Jane in two weeks and hasn’t really talked to her properly in a month. She started acting strange when Johanna, Theo’s wife while he was human, began living in the mansion and she’s only gotten worse and worse. But, Theo isn’t one to pry and knows Jane will come to him when she’s ready; just like he “trained” her to do. Well, at least that’s what he thought until Vincent came with news of his most recent conversation with Jane, her engagement in hand. Theo knows he fucked up by waiting for her to come to him, so he rushes to Jane’s room to try and fix things before she becomes dead set on her decision.

A/N: This is mostly a “what if” scenario of if Johanna did come back to life and how Theo and Jane would go through it. I hope @natimiles enjoys this in particular, seeing as I’ve made them wait for so long!

Theo’s mind was racing as he quickly made his way to Jane’s room, his brother’s words from a few moments earlier replaying in his mind.

“She gave me her engagement ring,” Vincent said, gently placing said ring in the middle of his younger brother’s palm. “She said you’re free to do what you wish with it. I think she’s scared of you and Johanna getting together again or that she thinks you two have gotten those feelings back from when you two were married.”

Theo couldn’t help but cringe again as he remembered those words. He only cared for Johanna as a friend and the mother to his child at the moment, not as his wife. Those feelings went away with time a few years ago, and now he had Jane, who was quite possibly the sweetest and most timid woman Theo had ever met. Sometimes it was hard to believe she was a queen with how quiet she was and the simple education she’d received while human.

The Dutchman’s mind wandered as he imagined how many nights she stayed awake, pouring over the notes and lessons Comte and Leonardo had given her on the new Modern English and French, only to pour over more language lesson notes when she’d decided to learn a bit of Dutch to surprise Theo. But Theo knew she thought those restless nights of looking over notes again and again and going through the day with half the right amount of sleep were worth it to Jane when she stuttered out the words, “Ik hou van jou, Theo” in a choppy accent and semi mispronounced words. It was all worth it to her when she saw the usually serious and slightly cocky Theo, who was so good at reading people, become shocked and have his jaw drop at hearing the sweet little hondje he’d taken such a liking to say those sweet words in his mother tongue.

Jane was like that; often going to impossible lengths for her to give a special gift to someone or to make someone happy. She’d spent about three years planning and making everyone she knew little decorative pillows for their rooms. She spent months trying to perfect words in a difficult language she’d never even heard of while she was human just to surprise the first man who truly treated her right. She often suppressed feelings or opinions she had if she knew that they’d make someone upset. God, why was she so sweet like that?

Theo would never know why or how she could be so sweet, even rivaling Vincent in her peaceful and angelic nature. But he knew she was also sensitive and could easily slip into her own horrible thoughts if no one was there to help her see otherwise. And how Theo wished he’d seen it sooner; how Jane was feeling these past few weeks. But, he didn’t want to pry when she was sensitive and seemed on the verge of tears the few times he did seem to catch her alone. And Theo had few things he hated more than making his loved ones cry.

And, after what felt like an eternity of walking down the endless halls of the mansion, Theo finally stood in front of the door to Jane’s room. The Dutchman couldn’t help but hesitate, wondering if he should knock or just enter her room in case the blonde Englishwoman inside was asleep. As he pondered what to do, Theo looked down at the ring in his palm.

It took him days to find a nice enough engagement ring. He knew Jane wouldn’t want something very fancy, seeing as she’d likely feel guilty for having the man she loved spend so much time, money, and effort on picking out and purchasing something for her and that she was a woman with fairly simplistic tastes compared to other women. She found elegance and charm in simplicity and found anything too fancy or intricate to be a bit too much in her opinion. So, Theo went to a number of jewelers when he went into town, which was difficult since Jane was usually with him, so he had to slip away a number of times while Jane was distracted or tell her to wait for him with the excuse he had to privately talk with a client a few buildings down the street.

It wasn’t until he was out and about with Arthur one day when he saw a small jeweler shop that he hadn’t seen before. It was rather easy to miss, with the shop being squished between two large buildings and it was more of a hole-in-the-wall establishment. Arthur had dragged him in there when he spotted the Dutchman staring a bit too hard at the shop and made Theo look around at the rings. It took Theo about an hour of looking before he saw one he really liked. It was a simple gold band with three pearls on it—two smaller pearls on either side of the bigger one in the center. It was small, cute, and most importantly, it was simple. Needless to say, Theo quickly called over the lovely jeweler—a lovely elderly woman who ran the shop she’d opened with her late husband that had passed some years ago—and asked if he could get the ring sized. And, three days later, Theo picked up the engagement ring that was now a perfect fit for Jane’s delicate and slim finger and proposed to her at the end of that very same day, delighting in the look of pure joy on her gorgeous face.

That was possibly one of the most perfect days Theo could remember. He’d never thought as a human he’d ever meet a woman who he’d fall even harder for than Johanna, but he was oh so wrong. While Jane fell first, Theo fell a million times harder for her and quickly deemed her to be on the same level of importance in his heart as his beloved big brother Vincent, albeit in a completely different context.

Theo finally willed his mind to stop wandering when he looked to the door knob that would allow him access to Jane’s room, provided the door wasn’t locked. He knew that if she heard him call to her from outside that she wouldn’t open up at all, especially if she’d broken down like Vincent had implied when he’d spoken of their earlier conversation. But not knocking on the door to someone’s bedroom—and especially a woman’s bedroom door—was incredibly rude and Theo tried to balance teasing Jane with being a decently mannered gentleman.

So, after a few minutes, Theo lightly knocked on the door before opening it as he quietly asked into the room, “Jane?”

When Theo entered the room, gently shutting the door behind him, he was a bit taken aback. He knew Jane was a tidy person and preferred to keep her bedroom clean, so it was a bit shocking when he saw the mess that was about the floor. Books and pillows were in a few clusters about the room and a few dirty outfits she’d worn lay on the ground, abandoned instead of in the laundry basket where they belonged. And the room was a bit stale. Not in a bad way, but the air tasted old and stale and didn’t have the usual freshness and slightly sweet scent of baked goods that always seemed to follow Jane floating about. It would do good to possibly open a window to allow fresh air in and burn a candle to help restore the usual calming atmosphere the room once held before Jane had locked herself away from everyone else in the mansion.

And then Theo’s eyes landed on her.

Jane was curled up in one of the comfortable armchairs in her room, sleeping away like how King would if he were to sleep in a comfortable chair and not Theo’s bed for once. And she was in no way her usual self. Her milky blonde hair looked a bit darker with the grime and grease that had accumulated in it over the weeks she spent in her room locked away, there were dark circles under her eyes along with a to tiny bit of redness that suggested recent crying, her lips were dry and a bit pale, and her skin seemed more dull and lifeless. At first glance, Theo thought she was dead, but quickly retracted that internal statement when he saw her body rise and fall with every breath she took while asleep.

Even though she looked like she was at her worst, Theo still found her beautiful. But, of course it was like Jane to make sorrow look even more beautiful than joy when she experienced it. That didn’t make the Dutchman’s heart ache any less for her; he actually felt like he was in pain seeing Jane so upset, even if she was asleep.

Releasing a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in, Theo gently closed the door behind him before he made his way to the loveseat next to the chair Jane was in. He sat down and took in Jane’s sleeping features for a bit longer. She really did look like an angel no matter what state she was in. Even with obvious lack of sleep and crying, she was perfect.

“Jane?”

Theo called her name before he even realized he was speaking. But, ever the light sleeper, Jane began to stir awake. Slowly, she raised her head, stretching as she yawned before she rubbed one of her eyes, looking around until she saw Theo.

“Theo?” Jane asked, clearly still groggy from her nap. When her brain fully registered him, Jane immediately shot up in her seat and moved to sit properly while smoothing her dress and fiddling with her messy hair, trying to look semi-presentable. And after a moment, Jane cleared her throat before she began stuttering, “U-Uhm, whe-when did you…uh, how long ha-have you—ahem—b-been in here?”

“Not very long,” Theo replied, trying his best to talk softly. He’d seen Jane in a similar state of vulnerability before, and he’d learned the hard way that it was a bad idea to use his usual gruff voice when speaking to her when she got like this. “But Vincent came to me and told me a few things that made me worried. I’d like to talk with you about them.”

Jane stiffened, her red wine colored eyed shifting to her hands as she toyed with her fingers in her lap, clearly trying to avoid the implied subject. “Wouldn’t you rather, uhm, go talk with Johanna? I know you…I know you rather…e-enjoy her company,” she weakly stuttered out.

“I don’t know where Jo is at the moment, but even if I did I’d rather talk to you,” Theo sighed. “Vincent told me about your conversation with him, but I’d like to hear it from you. What’s bothering you and what can I do to help you?”

“I, uhm,” Jane murmured, tensing up even more and seemingly trying to hold back from letting everything spill out of her. “I…I-I don’t know wha-what you’re, uhm, talking about.”

“Jane,” Theo said, reaching over to the blonde woman and gently tilting her chin up to make her look at him. She was on the brink of tears from how glassy her eyes looked and Theo would hate to make her cry, but he had to say what he knew he needed to if he wanted to get anywhere, “you know you can’t lie to me and that I don’t like it when I’m lied to. So, would you please be honest with me so I can help you and fix what I did wrong.”

The next few moments passed in a blur as Jane couldn’t contain herself anymore and she burst into tears, unable to stop herself. She didn’t even notice Theo pulling her into his lap and tucking her head under his chin as he rubbed her back soothingly. The next few minutes passed without any real conversation as Jane couldn’t stop crying and Theo couldn’t do anything other than mumble quiet and comforting words into Jane’s blonde hair. It took a few minutes, but Jane eventually stopped crying and pulled away from Theo, sniffling and rubbing the tears from her eyes.

“I-I’m sorry that I ma-made you worry,” Jane stumbled out, still trying to get her breathing to even out.

“No. No, no, no, no,” Theo gently shushed, pulling James impossibly closer to his chest. “You have nothing to apologize for, liefje. If anything, I should be apologizing for not noticing you being this upset or saying something about it.”

Jane shook her head. “No, I made you worry instead of talking to you. You-You told me to always talk to you if I was upset.”

“That’s only if you feel like coming and talking to me, Jane,” Theo reminded gently. “It’s my fault for not trying to talk to you and thinking you’d come to me.”

“It’s not your fault,” Jane insisted, cheeks puffed out in a cute pout.

“It is, you silly girl,” Theo chuckled, lightly pinching Jane’s cheek and making her giggle. After a moment, he let go of the blonde’s cheek and Theo’s voice turned apologetic and a bit self deprecating once more. “I should’ve talked to you, but I didn’t because I was so used to you coming to me and telling me what was happening. I promise to try and ask if something is wrong if I think you’re upset from now on. Would you let me try that?”

“Okay,” Jane murmured, nodding as she curled into Theo’s chest, tucking her head under his chin.

“Good,” Theo smiled softly. “How about we stay here and talk for a bit and then go for a bath, Hondje?”

“Mhmm,” Jane nodded, just wanted to be close to the man she loved.

“Then why don’t we start with why you’ve been avoiding me?” Theo offered. “I’d like to know what’s wrong so I can help you.”

Jane swallowed as she tried to gather her thoughts, struggling to find words to articulate how she’d been feeling the past couple of months.

“I…” Jane paused a moment and swallowed, her throat drier than a bone, before continuing, “I couldn’t help b-but notice how…close you and Johanna were… S-So I asked Sebastian ab-about you two when you were hu-human and he told me how..how much you loved her an-and how you were practically in love the m-moment you met her. I decided to-to give you space to be with her again after s-so long and eventually those…thoughts came to mind and-and before I knew it I…”

Jane’s voice trailed off, not wanting to think about her depressing weeks alone anymore and knowing that Theo got the picture.

And of course he did. He just couldn’t believe that he’d been so neglectful as to not talk with the blonde woman sooner. He’d figured he’d upset Jane and that she’d come to him when she was ready, but he really should’ve known better when he, or anyone for that matter, hadn’t seen her in two weeks.

Theo couldn’t help but hug Jane closer to him. “I…I would say I apologize, but I don’t think that’s enough for what I put you through.”

“But you didn’t-,” Jane didn’t even get half of her sentence out before the brunette cut her off.

“But I did,” Theo interrupted. “I neglected you and excused my behavior by thinking you’d come to me like usual when this situation was anything but normal. I wasn’t a good master to you and an even worse fiancé when you’re the one I love the most.”

“But what about Vincent?” Jane giggled, a little amused by the fact that Theo declared he loved her more than anyone when he specifically said that his beloved older brother took priority above all in his heart, even going above his pancake addiction.

“Silly hondje, you know what I mean,” Theo replied, squishing Jane’s cheeks in his hands. He sighed before placing a soft kiss on the blonde’s lips before hugging her to his chest once more. “Ik hou alleen van jou, Jane…”

“You…You really mean that?” Jane asked softly, still feeling a little unsure of herself.

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” Theo replied with his usual cocky smirk, only this time his eyes and demeanor were softer than usual. “I do love Jo, but only as a friend and as the mother of the son we share. I love you as my assistant, as my fiancée, and as my precious little obedient hondje.”

Jane looked up at Theo, his deep blue eyes clear with honesty and full of love. She couldn’t help the weak smile that played on her lips before she snuggled into the crook of her fiancé’s neck. “Ik hou van jou,” she muttered, mispronouncing almost every word of Dutch she spoke.

“I’m sure I love you more,” Theo murmured as he softly pecked Jane’s head before pulling away from her to look her in the eye. “Now, would you be up for a bath, Hondje? I’ll wash your hair for you.”

“That sounds nice,” Jane smiled. “Yes, please.”

“Perfect. Oh, and I believe this is yours,” Theo muttered, slipping something into Jane’s dainty hand.

The former queen looked up at Theo with a puzzled expression before she looked at what he’d placed into her hand. It was her engagement ring. Vincent must’ve taken it to him after he’d left her room.

A soft smile spread across the Englishwoman’s face before she placed it on the side table next to the chair she and Theo were in.

“I’ll put it back on when we’re done in the bath. I wouldn’t want it to get water damage,” Jane smiled as Theo stood up with her in his arms.

“Fine,” Theo replied. “But we’ll be sleeping in my room tonight. I’m tired of only having King for company, as much as I love him.”

And that’s exactly what happened. For, at the end of the night, Jane was bathed and snuggled up in bed with Theo in his room, King at the foot of the bed and sleeping at their feet. Along with being back in bed cuddling with her fiancé, Jane’s ring was back on her finger, gracefully and daintily wrapping her finger in a promise of pure love, protection, and devotion. And as Jane’s eyes slipped shut, she knew one thing for certain that night.

She would never again remove that symbol of love from her finger until her wedding day.

A/N #2: @natimiles I AM SO SORRY YOU HAD TO WAIT ALMOST A YEAR FOR THIS!!! MY HYPERFIXATION LITERALLY JSUT RESURFACED AND I AM SO HAPPY I GOT THIS OUT FOR YOU! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT LOVELY, AND, AGAIN, I APOLOGIZE FOR HOW LONG IT TOOK!!!

#ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikevamp fic #ikevamp theo #ikevamp jane #canon x oc

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dabiensworld · 6 months ago

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Baby Lock the door

May 29th: Say the Quiet Parts Out Loud A conversation you don't think they'll ever have but wish they would. | What are some offscreen moments you wish you could see?

@kastleexchange

A day late because I was busy with work.

With a little dedication for @cassofnowhere and @theshipdiaries

6 months before Lady Macbeth's blood

The scream stuck in her throat and she couldn't catch her breath. For a long moment she thought she was dying.

Karen had had nightmares for as long as she could remember. Many traumatic events in her life replayed in her dreams, from school, to the death of her mother and Kevin, to being accused of murder, to Wesley, Ben, Fisk, Blacksmith, Lewis, Bullseye. Today she dreamed about Wesley again. The way he kidnapped her and drugged her. In her sleep, she felt him grab her from behind, preventing any movement. When her breathing calmed down a bit, she reached for the bedside lamp and realized that she was not alone in the apartment. Frank was standing next to her bed in the dark. Blood was dripping from his nose onto his dark gray shirt.

“Frank?” She asked. She was surprised by his presence. She hadn't seen him for over two weeks when, after a drunken night, he left in the morning without saying a word. This was typical of him, she was used to it.

“What are you doing here?” She noticed that more and more blood was appearing on his face, so she got up from the bed and gestured for him to go with her to the kitchen. She took the first aid kit from the cabinet and placed gauze on his nose. It was definitely broken, but probably not for the first time in his life.

“Keep your head down.” She ordered and looked in the freezer. She didn't have any ice, so a bag of frozen vegetables would have to do. The gauze was completely soaked with blood, so she changed it to a clean one and placed frozen vegetables on his forehead to reduce the swelling and constrict the blood vessels. He submitted to her medical procedures without complaint.

“Who were you fighting?” She asked.

“You'll laugh when I tell you.” He tried to joke, but she didn't find it funny.

“Was it Matt?” She was a little scared that the answer to that question would be yes. She suspected their paths would cross sooner or later since Frank had returned to town permanently a few months ago. Both with the same goal, but so different views and methods. New York barely survived their previous clash. And Karen had her reasons for keeping these two worlds separate.

“What? No. Why would you think it was Red?” She breathed a sigh of relief for a moment, if only for a moment. Frank had recently assured her that he had hung up his Punisher vest and that he wanted to try to live a somewhat normal life. He even found a construction job under a false name, and Karen thought it was a cause for celebration. They first opened one bottle of rose wine, then drank the second and third in bed, cooling their heated bodies after moments of passion. That night, Karen hoped that everything would finally work out for Frank, that he would have his after, exactly what she wanted for him. That's why it hurt her heart that he only stuck to his decision for two weeks. Or maybe even shorter.

“No reason.” she said and she gently examined his nose with her fingers, the break was probably not that serious, the bleeding had stopped, but his face was turning into a bruise. She could count on one hand the number of times she had seen his face intact.

“It was you.” he replied quietly.

"What?"

"You hit me with your elbow. You started screaming in your sleep and when I tried to wake you up, you punched me in the face." She was shocked.

"I did this to you?"

"I must admit, you can pack a punch. Who taught you?" Frank wasn't the type to be easily surprised or impressed, and she had done that twice already. She hadn't felt so special in a long time.

“You learn a thing or two when you have a younger brother, who tries to pull your ponytails. I had to learn to give back to him, otherwise I would be bald by the time I was 12.” Nothing caused her more pain than the memory of her brother. Although at that moment she did it unconsciously. She didn't want Frank to see her face, so she turned to put the coffee machine on, even though it was three in the morning.

“You never mentioned you have a brother.” Frank noticed.

She didn't want to broach the subject now. She handed him a cup of coffee. "How did you come here anyway?"

"I already told you, you were screaming in your sleep."

"And you heard it from the street?" Frank wasn't really Matt, he didn't have supernatural hearing.

"I wrote you a message, but you didn't reply. I was worried about you, so I came to check if everything was okay." his voice cracked slightly, she believed what he was saying was true. "I went to bed earlier, I had menstrual cramps, I didn't hear the phone."

"The door was open. You shouldn't have left it open. You don't live in a very safe neighborhood."

"I must have forgotten about them." She couldn't tell him that she had been leaving the door open every day for 3 months when she was at home, hoping that he would come to her that day and take the hint that she was waiting for him. She usually closes them before going to sleep, but today she simply forgot about it.

"You should change the lock to a self-latching one, you won't have to remember about it. I can change it for you." he offered.

“There is no need.” She said and she sat on the couch. Frank hesitated for a few seconds, but eventually did the same. He put the bag of vegetables on the table, which was already leaking water. The swelling on his face was getting bigger by the minute.

"I feel terrible. You just started a new job and now you'll have to show up at it with a broken face." she touched his nose, but her touch hurt him.

“Someone always shows up with a scar on their face. Such a company” Frank wasn’t mad at her.

“What will you tell them? If they ask?”

"That I defended a lady's honor in a bar or that a girl punched me in the face in her sleep. That's nothing to be ashamed of." he laughed shyly. She liked his smile. She regretted that he did it so rarely.

“Are you okay? You seemed very scared by this dream. Do you want to talk about it?"

She didn't answer. She didn't want him to pursue the topic, but Frank obviously had other plans.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, just..."

"Just what?" She interrupted him.

"I feel like I know very little about you, especially about your past or childhood. I don't even know where you came from to New York. I keep telling you about my family, about myself. And only now I find out that you have a brother." Frank tended to be a little vague about his needs, but Karen assumed he wanted to get to know her better.

“Had a brother.” After a moment's thought, she decided she didn't mind. Of all the people she knew, Frank was the one who never judged her, and she knew she could trust him. If she had let him into her bed three months ago, she could have let him into her past, even though she wasn't sure if he would want to make himself there.

“His name was Kevin, he was 3 years younger than me. We both grew up in a boarded-up hole in northern Vermont - Fagan Corners. He was my best friend, even though he could be a pain in the ass." she smiled, even though she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

"That's what brothers are for." Frank said and tucked her hair behind her ear so he could see her face better.

“I was always taking care of him, like a big sister I was. Although I didn't realize how much he cared for me until..." Her voice trailed off, but Frank was patient. He didn't push, he waited for her to open up on her own.

"After my mother died, when I was 17, our whole life fell apart. My dad couldn't cope, too much fell on me. We had a restaurant that was making only losses, so I had to find another way to support us. I was unlucky to come across someone who knew how to take advantage of the fact that I was desperate."

"Were you dealing?" Several thoughts went through his head, he chose the least evil.

"And I did too. It started with painkillers, I started taking cocaine pretty quickly. I quickly became addicted because there was nothing to stop me. Reality sucked, whether I was high or sober, because I was stuck at the end of the world with no chance for a normal future. Because my life was inextricably linked with my father and brother. I couldn't leave, no matter how much I wanted to. Even when I got into college. After the second postponement, I accepted the fact that I would stay there forever." She was afraid to look up because she didn't want Frank to look at her like the broken person she undoubtedly was. When she came to New York, she liked the fact that she was incognito, people didn't assume she had a dark past. Rather, they assumed she was an ordinary middle-class girl with no skeletons in the closet, sometimes they thought she was stupid, but the disguise suited her, but because of it, she was unable to form any honest relationship. She would have to lie too much and the truth would be too hard to accept.

"Kevin cared about us as much as I did, even though he was only 16. He worked in a restaurant so that we wouldn't have to waste money on someone to help, often at the expense of his free time that he could spend with friends. He wanted me to go to college and did the paperwork for me, he wanted me to get out of Fagan Corners because he knew this place was killing me inside. He meant well and I got mad at him that night. I got drunk and high. Meanwhile, Kevin set fire to his trailer. He thought it would keep him away from me. But Todd got mad and started hitting him with a wheel wrench. I was afraid he would kill him, he was unpredictable and I had to protect my brother. I grabbed the gun and fired." More than 10 years had passed, these memories hurt her as much as the day she experienced them.

"Did you kill your boyfriend?" She heard Frank's voice, but it was as if behind some kind of curtain, and she forgot about his presence for a moment.

"No, although I shot to kill, I was too drunk and didn't aim. I just wanted him to stay away from us. I took Kevin to the car and drove away. I screamed at him and he said he did it because he didn't want to lose me the way he lost our mother. I was too drunk and high and shouldn't have driven. We crashed a few miles from home, I survived but Kevin..." her hands were shaking and tears were flowing from her eyes. She didn't have to finish, Frank knew the answer. He gently took her hand.

"You know, at this point most people say it was just an accident. That it wasn't my fault." She reached under the coffee table and took out some tissues, wiping her nose and eyes.

"Do you believe them?"

"No." She probably never gave a more honest answer in her life.

"Me neither."

He moved closer to her and touched her chin with his index finger to make her look at him.

"Most people don't understand that this feeling of guilt eats into you so much that it becomes a part of you. That no amount of reassurance can erase it. Every morning you wake up and feel this weight on your shoulders, and it never goes away. It doesn't get lighter. It just is." Frank understood it like no one else, especially when it came to blaming himself for the death of loved ones, even though his burden was three times greater.

"Do you see Kevin in your dreams every night?" He asked.

"Sometimes. But today I dreamed of someone else." She decided to tell him the whole truth.

“Do you remember our conversation in the restaurant?"

"How could I forget? We talked about Matt, about my wife, about Blacksmith."

"And about what happened earlier? You asked if when I was pointing a gun at you in my apartment, if that was my first rodeo. It wasn't even my second."

Frank subconsciously knew what Karen wanted to tell him.

"I killed someone. He was the one I dreamed about today. He was Fisk's friend and employee. James Wesley. I was looking for hooks on him and that's how I found his mother and learned his secrets. That he killed his father. When Wesley found out about it, he decided to silence me. He kidnapped me from outside my house, drugged me and dragged me to an abandoned warehouse. He threatened that all my relatives and friends would die for what I had done and I would be responsible for their deaths. I took advantage of his moment of inattention and stuffed the entire clip into him."

Frank remained silent, but that didn't intimidate Karen. He didn't look judgmental at her, he was supportive and she adored him for that.

"The worst thing is that I felt no remorse, I didn't regret taking his life. I was more afraid that the truth would one day come out, that my life would fall apart again, than that I took someone else's life."

Frank put his arm around her and she buried her face in his neck, taking in his scent. They stayed like that for several minutes.

"I'm glad you told me." he whispered.

"And I'm glad you listened to me."

He pulled her away and took her face in his hands. Wiped away the tears that were falling from her left eye with his thumb. He brought his mouth to hers and kissed her gently, careful not to disturb his nose. The kiss was sweet and salty at the same time, from her tears and his blood. At that moment, she needed nothing more than closeness and tenderness from another human being, and she was happy that it was Frank who offered it to her.

"Let's go to sleep. It's almost four o'clock." He proposed. Without a word, she got up from the couch and walked towards the bedroom, with Frank following her. Karen started to take off his shirt.

"Karen, I don't think we should..." he protested. Sex wasn't what either of them needed at that moment.

"I don't want to fuck you, not today. But you won't sleep in bloody clothes." They both smiled.

He finished undressing and climbed into bed next to her in his underwear.

"Maybe you should be the big spoon." He proposed.

She snuggled against his bare back and slipped her hand under his arm. She fell asleep when he laced their fingers together.

#kastle #karen x frank #frank x karen #daredevil #the punisher #fanfiction #kastle exchange

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flowersonpebbles · 1 month ago

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Week 5: Ghosts 29. Ostagar

@elfroot-and-laurels

TW: death

I look around slowly, frowning deeply. Everything in ruin and blighted… corpses aren’t even rotting… we just finished burying Cailin, actually. I’m looking for the other recruits’ graves who didn’t survive the joining.

Myth’Ra Mahariel was a hunter and warrior from the Sabrae Clan. He was a lot older than us. His father was the Keeper, Edg’ran. His mother apparently was a hunter from a different clan, Andrilia. The clans didn’t approve of them wanting to court each other though… something happened and he was left behind to be taken care of by the rest of the clan. He lost a young hunter he was to look after in the forest, Tamlen, and he got the blight… so Duncan took him in to be a candidate. He spoke fondly of the heirloom necklace and the keeper’s ring – the latter was given to him before departing from his clan. He was given the necklace years ago when he learned the truth of his parents.

Arion Tabris was closer to my age, maybe a year younger. She came from Denerim’s alienage. She was to be wed until a human lord took her and others from the wedding, all women. She regretted not reaching her cousin, Shianni, sooner, but slaughtered all the humans like dogs. Her betrothed, Nelaros, had died in trying to save her… she took the wedding ring with her, and curiously enough, found a similar looking necklace to Myth’Ra’s in the castle. She was also carrying her mother, Adaia’s, boots who passed years ago – not wishing to wear them if she would die. She parted sadly from her family and father, Cyrion, so she would not be hanged after taking responsibility for the attack on the castle… Duncan conscripted her.

I took Myth’Ra’s necklace and ring and Arion’s wedding ring, her mother’s boots and the necklace when they perished and I lived… swearing to take it back to their families…

I did meet Arion’s family in Denerim, I was told to keep the items and put it at her grave instead but that I should keep the necklace for myself. And we met a ghoul… he cried for Myth’Ra as he clung to me and I realized that it was Tamlen… so I killed him to put him out of his misery so Myth’Ra can rest easy.

I put Arion’s wedding ring down tenderly on her gravestone and Adaia’s boots against the stone. Gripping my necklace with the joining’s blood… Looking to Myth’Ra’s grave. “I have yet to meet your clan. I will deliver them the message… but I did find Tamlen. He rests with you now…” I murmur softly.

Many years later, I could meet the Sabrae clan for the first time. They were saddened to hear of Myth’Ra. They took the ring back tentatively, and I also told them of Tamlen. They told me to keep the necklace as well.

It was just odd how the Sabrae clan and the Tabris family both looked at me as though they had seen ghosts… especially from the elders of both. I know Myth’Ra and Arion both had red hair like I did, but… I blink, thinking back to when Alistair first saw the three recruits together, standing next to Duncan. “You three look awfully like family!” he wasn’t even joking… the two barely had any similarities to each other but when I stood between them… I was a bridge. Duncan himself looked almost surprised when he had seen me in the Circle. He apparently also knew Adaia… I clench my jaw, rubbing my face. Maybe we were family… we’ll never know. No one knew who my parents were when I was found on a farm, so…

(I hc Adaia and Edg’ran met after the keeper disappeared and they’re Dallas’ parents, but Myth’Ra was born first between Edg’ran and Andrilia, many years later it was Dallas then between Adaia and Cyrion had Arion, just makes the joining sadder and much more impactful imo if there’s more connections between them sorry and here's a lil fam tree yes sorry i used sims4)

#week 5 ghosts #day 29 ostagar #oc tober #oc tober 2024 #dallas surana #loghain #Alistair #wynne #dao #dragon age origins #Duncan #mahariel #tabris

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chiskz · 2 years ago

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▶️ NMIXX Lily being Stray Kids CHICHI's adopted daughter for 6 minutes straight

♡𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @alyszaen , @smh-anon , @neohyxn , @stealanity , @alixnsuperstxr , @kimcheon-sa , @hafsa-hoofsa-heefs , @qtnoaly

_________________________

🎬🎬🎬

One of Lily's recent lives. "Chichi-sunbaenim? It was a surprise when it turned out that she would be responsible for the choreography for Young, Dumb, Stupid. We were really surprised. Have you guys even seen the choreographies of Stray Kids? They are so... well... wow. And we opted for something cute this time, and she choreographed it. We were grateful and surprised. I remember how she approached me then. She remembered our promise! I once said that I would love for her to create something for us, and she said she would try. She then came up to me and said how could I say no to my little Lily! It was so touching.... I laughed like a child who met her idol!"

[ ... ]

"Chichi-sunbaenim is really amazing. She does all the choreography herself and raps so well.... When you don't know her personally and you pass her in the label building or on the street she can even look scary."

She laughs briefly.

"But she's a really warm person. When you watch her on stage, you can easily say that she has achieved everything. But you only need to talk to her for a while to know that she doesn't stop demanding of herself. I would really like to learn from her. She is someone who makes you not want to be like her, but want to be someone she sincerely compliments."

🎬🎬🎬

one of Your Friendly Neighbor Chichi! episodes. "Sorry for the slight delay. I was at lunch with Lily. I was planning to go alone, but I met her in the lobby of the label building and immediately wanted to ask her if she would go with me and she agreed right away. We talked a little too long, but I'm here!"

[ ... ]

"I met Lily when she was still a trainee. It turned out that she had been training for so long! She has always worked so hard. Getting to know her definitely influenced me as well. She trained for so long and still I was the one who made my debut sooner. I literally appeared out of nowhere.... She is much younger, but she really inspired me to try even harder. I wanted to prove to everyone, but especially to myself, that I was in the right place. She is really amazing and hard working!"

🎬🎬🎬

photo from Lily's Bubble, showing a wool hat with bunny ears and a large package of Japanese sweets. "I was cleaning my gallery app and found this photo. It's a gift from Chichi-sunbaenim on the occasion of my debut with NMIXX! I remember how proud she was of me.... I've never felt better."

🎬🎬🎬

a photo from CHICHI's Bubble, showing a handmade pink bracelet. "I received it from my smalLily for my birthday! I'm bragging because it's a really precious gift. She found time to make something so lovely for me.... Thank you so much!"

🎬🎬🎬

a photo from CHICHI's Bubble, NMIXX's debut album with members' signatures. "We got it! I'm so proud! O.O is so good.... But I was most touched by the personalized thank-you notes from my little Lily. I wish I could show it to you, but I won't, it's too personal! ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ"

🎬🎬🎬

one of NMIXX's interviews. The girls were asked who they admire the most.

Lily: CHICHI from Stray Kids! She has such amazing charisma on stage, and her dancing skills seem like something truly unattainable. I'm proud that we are from the same label and I can get advice from someone like her!

🎬🎬🎬

one of Stray Kids' interviews. Members were asked to show, if possible, their latest photo in the phone gallery.

Chichi showed her selca with Lily.

CHICHI: That's Lily from NMIXX and me! We were at a coffee shop together. Cute, right? I was very happy that day!

《 ♡ 》

#stray kids 9th member #kpop addition #kpop added member #kpop oc #stray kids oc #idol oc #stray kids female oc #stray kids added member #stray kids addition #nmixx imagines #lily x oc

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septnautical · 10 months ago

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Hybrid Creation Logs

RR-001 and SE-002

(AN: Hello friends! I’m getting back into writing stuff and while rereading older stories (and fixing a lot of stuff like how I used to write Henrik’s dialogue, yikes!) I realized I absolutely hated how little info I gave in the original creation story of how the boys were made and met- they didn’t even have their designation numbers back then!! So!! It’s revamp time!! Starting with Chase and Jack and - a bit more from the white suits too :3)

————————————————————————

To: Grant Xander, 4546B Xenobiology Research Team 213

From: Xeno Research Division

Subject: RE: Experimentation Grant

Proposed: Experimentation of humanoid -fauna hybrids using DNA from dominant species of 4546B and DNA samples from deceased Altera crew member, Sean Mcloughlin.

Status: APPROVED

Good luck with your experiments, team. We look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor. Please send regular updates and logs.

-Alterra Xeno Research Division

———————

Notes from Dr. Cynthia Goodall, regarding growth of Rabbit Ray human hybrid RR-001:

12-10-2226

It has been about 8 months since RR first emerged from his egg. He has made tremendous progress and his growth factor has been outstanding. Despite it only being months… mentally the subject is processing information and even speaking to other scientists at the level of a 4 year old human child. It is extraordinary to witness. That means mentally each month he is maturing about half a year. We are providing him enrichment and lessons to help accelerate his growth. Vitals are all good and he is quite active. No predatory or omnivorous traits to be seen so far- despite the extra fauna we have supplied in his tank. He actually likes to race the other fish and has even been found singing to them, despite low exposure to his mother species. Perhaps linked to instinct? Further research required on that point…

However, I am a bit worried. For the past couple weeks he seems to be more tired and lethargic. We make sure he has exposure to the sun through the top of the tank and artificial sunlight is provided. So, not a seasonal issue… again maybe further research is necessary. I hear there’s already talk and work being done on another hybrid… perhaps that might give me some answers.

———————————

Notes from Dr. Grant Xander, regarding growth of Sea Emperor human hybrid SE-002:

05-15-2227

It has been 3 months since SE-002 emerged from its egg on 07-02-2227. We didn’t think it could be possible… that’s why we tried with RR-001 first. A more readily available DNA to procure. Though, the sea emperor population has increased exponentially since 4546B’s rediscovery about a century ago.

However- we should have tried this much sooner… SE-002 is a marvel. The fauna it interacts with seem to love and adore it, much like a king with his subjects. The whole tank has been more energetic and lively, with SE-002 playing and laughing throughout the day before tiring itself out to collapse into a sleeping heap. Usually the other fish circle around it.

It has been documented the Sea Emperor while held in the Primary Containment Facility seemed to be able to pacify predator and prey alike within its tank- to see a similar phenomenon with a half human is unlike anything we have seen… we are unwilling to try to see if SE can truly pacify a predator at the moment but perhaps after more growth from the subject. It is healthy and happy.

It seems to be growing in the same manner that RR-001 had. About half a year or so within a month mentally and physically- at least by human standards. By now, SE-002 mentally seems close to a 2 year old child. Maybe younger… unlike human toddlers though- they are not helpless. It seems the hybrids are able to swim almost right away- and find food quickly. Though, it seems they do need help at the beginning- they very quickly learn what they can find themselves provided it’s planted for them in the aquarium. Until about 2 weeks after hatching- it seems the hybrids behave more like their mother species- i.e. fish-like. They had a vacant far off stare and were driven by food and providing for their needs. They had trouble gripping things with their hands and would often run into objects with little grace. At this stage, a small personal aquarium is the safest option. Then, there is this… spark. It's like the human part of their brain has caught up and starts to develop milestones much like a human infant. Imitating smiles, babbling, gaining control of their hands, eye tracking. Thank god that Alterra has mastered the childhood development programming that we all grew up with on our own planets- they have been essential in ensuring we can provide correct education to the hybrids as they mature. We are not childcare providers… I don’t think any of us quite expected this experiment to result in… something so… human? Ironic, I know. I think we all expected something a bit more… easy to document and understand. And perhaps it is- just from a parental perspective instead of purely scientific. It was harder to understand what exactly we were seeing when observing RR-001… until one of our crew had a child. Then, we started to see the connections, even if the hybrids are growing more rapidly than human infants do.

I do hope this accelerated growth has a plateau however… Maybe human maturity? Perhaps, they will be like Terra canines- growing at a fast mental rate within the first years then stagnating after adulthood. We can only hope… if the hybrids grow so rapidly and it only leads to faster expirations… then this experiment might be considered a failure and waste of resources. I don’t want that to happen. I believe this project has so much left for us to discover…

Especially with SE-002. Even if it’s been a century since the curing of the infamous Khaara bacterium- it is still present here on 4546B. Just- much less deadly and easy enough to cure. Like the common cold, really. However… we saw in the Sector Zero Levithan… Khaara has a chance to survive and mutate- which we are all well aware of. History could very well repeat itself as we put ourselves into the grand roles of the ancient Architects. So… SE-002 could be the key we need should any disaster strike. Once stable enough, we should be able to see if he can provide any Enzyme 42 samples like its mother species.

Personal notes: …I’ve started to call him Jack… Jackaboy. I can’t help it. He looks so much like him when he was younger. Almost makes me miss home. But, I can carry a piece of my Jack with me this way. It’s unprofessional, I know. Unnecessary attachment… but SE-002 has an irresistible charm to him and zest for life. Just like Jack. I believe my brother would be honored.

—————————

To: Grant Xander

From: Cynthia Goodall

Subject: Hybrid Interaction, Urgent Matter

05-08-2227

Grant,

I am deeply concerned for the well-being of RR-001 at the moment. Subject is showing signs of depression and is not as active as he once was. I believe SE-002 is showing signs of being healthy and active. Perhaps we should combine our efforts and house the hybrids together for observation and socialization? I believe this could negate any negative impact from perceived isolation. Many fauna here are highly social, especially the rabbit rays. I think RR-001 could really use a friend. Please advise.

- Cynthia

——————

To: Cynthia Goodall

From: Automated Response Line

05-08-2227

Hybrid Tank integration: APPROVED

-Grant Xander

————————-

Xander walked down the bright white corridors of the lab, holding SE-002 in his arms. The little sea emperor had his arms wrapped around the scientist’s neck as he observed the base with wide curious eyes. They sparkled as they passed windows showing the ocean beyond, bright with fish and glowing fauna. It wasn’t too different from SE’s tank but…. It was so big. It seemed like it went on forever.

“Hey Xander? Where are we goin’ again?” SE-002 asked.

Xander chuckled, “I thought I told you Jackaboy! Today, you’re going to meet a new friend. Someone who could really use someone as energetic as you.”

“Oh yay!” Jack smiled wide, “I like making friends! Is it more fishies??”

“No, lad,” Xander laughed, “It’s another hybrid. Just like you.”

Jack gasped, his eyes widening and sparkling. “Wooahhh! Really?? Someone just like me??”

“Well, he’s a different kind of fish but… very similar.” Xander smiled. “In a way… you two are like family. Brothers, really. I think you’ll like him. You two can be together from now on.”

“Yay yay yay!!” Jack cheered, bouncing up and down in Xander’s arms. The scientist shook his head with a laugh, “Save some of that excitement for RR, Jack!”

Soon enough, Xander strides into the main lab that housed RR-001. Dr. Goodall looked up and beamed at seeing SE-002. She walked over with a bright smile.

“Hello Xander! SE-2! My… look how big you’re getting!” She cooed. Jack shyly hid behind Xander’s neck but did attempt to wave.

Xander chuckled, “You remember Dr. Goodall, don’t you, SE?”

Jack shook his head. Cynthia smiled. “Well that’s alright. I’ve only really seen you in passing. But, I watch over RR-1 so… now that you’re joining him- we can all get to know each other better, hm?”

Jack looked a bit nervous and clung tighter to Xander, digging his little fingers into his white coat. Xander pats his head. “I’ll be around too, Jackaboy.” He whispers. “You don’t need to worry.” Jack slowly nods.

Cynthia gives him an understanding smile then gestures towards the hatch at the end of the large aquarium tank in the room. “Ready to meet RR, SE?”

Jack nodded again and smiled, his tails flicking to show his excitement. “Yes…!” He says quietly and the doctors smile. Dr. Goodall opened the hatch and Xander gently lowered Jack into the water. He smiles and ruffles Jack’s hair, “Go have fun, lad. I’ll see you later, okay?”

Jack beamed, “Okay! Bye Xander!” And then the little sea emperor rocketed off deeper into the aquarium to explore.

RR-001 was lying in the sand in a hidden corner of the tank, hiding behind some of the long creepvines. He was too tired to go swimming around today… he was hardly getting any sleep. And there was this- hole in his chest. It ached. More than the needles and small tests the doctors did on him. But… different somehow. He didn’t really have a word for it. And he didn’t want to deal with Dr. Goodall’s attempts today… she had been trying so hard to make RR act happier. Saying he wasn’t himself. Maybe he could see that… but he just didn’t have the energy. She did seem to mention a… surprise for him though? He couldn’t remember what… maybe a new fish for him to attempt to eat. He didn’t really like eating them though… made his stomach churn.

Suddenly, the vines he’s hiding behind are split apart by hands and a similar looking face to his pops into view.

“There you are!” The doppelgänger shouts with a smile. RR screams in turn and backs away, curling his tail up as close to him as possible, squeezing himself between the rock and the glass of the tank.

“W-W-Who are you?!” RR squeaks in a trembling voice.

The other hybrid grins, his teeth sharp but his expression is friendly. “I’m SE-2! But I dun really like that name. Xander calls me Jack and I like that sooo much more! So you can call me that!!”

“…j…Jack…” RR repeats. “Okay uh… h-how did you find me? I… I thought it was really good at hiding…”

“You were!” Jack laughs, “But I could hear you over here.”

“Really?” RR says with a tilt of his head, “…I didn’t think I was making any noise-“

“You didn’t tell me your name!” Jack interrupts, spurring forward to sit on the sand in front of RR. The rabbit Ray mer tries to scoot back again but he’s out of room. He looks at Jack with wide eyes.

“Uh… I… I’m RR-001.” He says slowly. Jack makes a face, raising an eyebrow.

“Your white suit doesn’t call you anything else?”

“…white suit?” RR asks.

“Oh- that’s what I call the doctors sometimes. Especially if I dunno who they are. They all wear white all the time!” Jack laughs.

RR finds himself chuckling too. Then his face falls. “…my ‘white suit’ hasn’t really called me anything. She gives me… nicknames? I think she called them? Like sweetie and love and stuff but… I don’t think those are… names. Usually, she just calls me RR.”

“Well that won’t do!” Jack exclaims, “s’not fair for me to have a name when you don’t! Besides- you don’t look like an RR to me… that’s a dumb name!”

RR makes an offended noise and slaps his tail against the sand. “Well! It’s the only name I know! M-Maybe I think Jack is a dumb name!”

“No you don’t. You think it’s cool. You’re kinda jealous.” Jack says simply, looking at RR with a strange, almost knowing expression. RR finds himself shivering. “H-How do you know that?”

“Mmm… I can feel it. Coming from your head, like- you’re saying it but not through your mouth.” Jack shrugs. “Dunno how I do it. I just know. So! Let’s think of a real name for you!!” He smiles brightly.

RR looks at the other hybrid nervously and curls up some more. “I…. I dunno how to… do that though…”

“We can figure something out! C’mon!” Jack says, grabbing RR’s hand and pulling him out of his hiding spot. RR makes a noise of protest but is eventually pulled out into the light, squinting his eyes and covering them up with his other hand. Man… how long had he been hiding in the dark…?

“Woahhh! You’re so much bigger than me!” Jack exclaims, looping around RR to look at him. “And your tail looks squishy!!” He pokes it and RR exclaims and pulls it back. “Hey!”

Jack’s head pops up under RR’s wing, almost looking like he’s wearing it as a hat. He giggles and nuzzles around in it. RR finds himself laughing without meaning to, pushing the other hybrid away. “Ah s-stop! That tickles!”

Jack pulls back up and giggles, swirling his tails around. “Sorry!! I just haven’t seen anything like ya! You’re a… a… oh what are they called?”

“…a rabbit ray.” RR supplies quietly, “that’s what Dr. Goodall says the RR in my name is. Rabbit Ray, RR. The 1 is because I was the first. That’s why you’re 2- you’re next.”

“Oooh!” Jack nods, then flicks his tails towards RR and giggles. “Well! I’m a Sea Emperor! Xander tells me they’re really special and junk. But, I dunno- you seem pretty special too!”

RR finds himself flushing. “You… you really think so…?” He asks, fidgeting with his hands.

“Yeah!” Jack says enthusiastically. “You were made first! That’s super special! That makes you my… brother- I think Xander said!”

RR’s eyes widen, a light coming into them that wasn’t there before. “…a… brother? Like… a… a family?”

Jack grins more and nods, “Yeah! That must be why we look alike, right? Xander and his brother also look alike but I’ve only seen pictures on the PDAs-“

RR finds himself laughing dazedly. “Y-Yeah… I guess so…”

Jack smiles at him and then twirls to look at the tank. “Alright then! Let’s look for your name then cuz I ain’t calling my brother a dumb letter name!”

After a few seconds of looking around Jack hums and then turns back to RR. “Before I came here, what did you like to do? Like- your most favorite thing to do!”

RR flicked his tail and played with the end of one of his wings. He eventually shrugs. “I… I like to swim fast- race with the other fish and try to chase them…”

“Oh! I like that!”

RR looks up and cocks his head, “like… what?”

“Chase!” Jack exclaims with a bright smile. “I think that sounds more like you than RR!”

“C…Chase…” RR tries out. It feels weird but… right. Slowly he smiles warmly at Jack, the biggest smile the tinier hybrid at seen from him.

“Yeah… Chase. I… I think I like that too.” Chase says. Jack yells in excitement and goes to tackle Chase in a hug. Chase startles, stiff in it as first. But, slowly he experimentally wraps his arms around Jack and… oh… that… that felt really good. Suddenly, his eyes feel wet and he makes a choked noise.

Jack backs up and then looks at Chase with concern. “Oh no! Why are you crying??”

Chase wipes at his face and looks at his hands in confusion. “I… I dunno…” he then laughs, “I think… t-they’re cuz I… I’m… happy…?” He laughs a bit louder and pushes his hair back, “y-yeah…! That feels right. I… I’m happy.”

Jack grins and grabs Chase’s hands, “Good! That’s really really good! C’mon! We can play now!” He starts tugging Chase through the water. “I wanna see how good you are at chasing, Chase!” And Chase can’t help but laugh and follow after him.

The two played all day long, Chase more lively and energetic than the scientists have seen in months. So, when the ocean water dimmed around the base and the lights turned off in the lab- the two were exhausted.

Chase swam over to his usual sleeping spot and splat down, ready to curl up in the warm sand and pass out. But, then he startles as he feels Jack crash down next to him and then sleepily curl up into his side, under his wing.

“Uh… Jack? What are you doing…?” Chase asked quietly.

“Gettin’ comfy….” Jack yawned, pressing his face into Chase’s side.

“Oh… um… why here?”

Jack blinked opened an eye and Chase now notices that they kinda glowed in the dark like his tails. Jack snorts out a tired laugh. “The fish in my tank never let me sleep alone so… I'm not gonna let my new brother sleep alone. Seems too lonely…” He yawns again and closes his eyes. “Dun wanna feel lonely again…”

Chase feels a grip on his heart and… that ache in his chest that had been so persistent seemed to fade. He chuckles softly and curls up so his wing is properly over Jack like a blanket and curls his tail around the tinier merman. “Okay…” He suddenly felt a surge of protectiveness flow through him as he looked down at Jack’s tiny body, how he breathes softly and relaxes into the sand. If there were predators around… he wouldn’t be safe.

Chase finds himself scooping up Jack to rest against his chest as he hugs him tight to himself. Jack is mostly asleep but just hums with a slight smile and curls some of his tails around Chase’s waist.

“…I’ll protect you, little brother.” Chase whispers, pressing his cheek against Jack’s hair. “We don’t have to be alone anymore…”

#creation stories #hybrid creation logs #rabbit ray chase #sea emperor jack #chase Brody #jacksepticeye #dr. grant Xander #dr. Cynthia Goodall #Goodall’s name literally came to be me randomly but I kinda like her hghh #currently already writing the rest rn so hopefully I’ll have them out soon!!#it’s just already getting so long! XD #Huffle tales #septnautical main story #this finally feels like a proper start to the story now too #I don’t wanna rewrite everything but god there’s a lot I want to change |D

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