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raibebe · 4 years ago

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Love Is On Air

Genre: fluff & smut Words: 8.722 Prompt: radio host Johnny x secret admirer female reader Warnings: soft dom Johnny, oral (f receiving), safe sex, dirty talk

A/N: Finally: My entry for the February event of my lovely network @neosmutcollective. This is totally not the fic I planned on writing. In fact this was started way later after I realized I was never going to finish my original fic on time. Not that this one is on time... Special thanks to everyone who sent our lovely DJs some music recommendations @sly-merlin, @moonctzeny, @lenaluvs, @lucas-wongs, @burtonized and to @ncteaxhoe who helped me figure out this idea. I hope you enjoy this even though it’s wayyy too late.

You hurried home to your apartment after your last class of the day that was horrifically late because of whoever had fucked up your schedule this semester. Panting heavily, you busted into your room and threw your jacket and backpack somewhere onto your couch, diving straight for your laptop that was perched on your desk. Cursing the old thing, you waited for agonizing minutes until it had booted up and your browser was open. You quickly opened the familiar page of your university’s campus radio just in time to hear the familiar voice saying: “Hi I’m John-D, welcome to NCT Night Night.” After that both hosts chuckled lowly before Jaehyun spoke: “Tonight we’ll read some of the letters you wrote us over the week again and we will try our best to help you out with whatever problems you throw our way.” “Exactly. Right after we play this song that was suggested by evangelie_99 over on our Twitter, it’s Pluto Projector by Rex Orange County and she said that she loves our show. We’re glad you like it so much, darling. This one is for you,” Johnny softly said before the soft tunes of the song filled your little one-room apartment.

Sighing, you leaned back in your chair, carelessly toeing your shoes off. Listening to NCT Night Night was your escape at night from the stress that classes brought you. The two DJs that were on air every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday were your favorites though. Not only did they have great chemistry but they both could be incredibly funny as well as soothe all your nerves with their calming voices – especially Johnny or John-D as he was called on their show. You might have developed a slightly embarrassing crush on the fratboy with a heart as sweet as his voice from what you knew about him from his radio shows and your shared classes. Since they had started their weekly segment where they would read out letters that students could send them, you had gathered the courage to send Johnny little messages about how you were crushing on him and it had quickly become a running gag on the show. Jaehyun would tease Johnny about it every week while Johnny kept insisting that his secret admirer should just talk to him. But how could you do that? Johnny was everything one could want in a boyfriend. Not only was he ridiculously tall and devastatingly handsome but he was also smart, always seemingly staying on top of his classes and he also went to the gym regularly if his thirst traps on his Instagram stories were anything to go by. When he wasn’t giving out advice in a gentle voice on their radio program, he was out partying with his frat brothers on the weekends more often than not complaining about headaches on their Sunday show. How could you just walk up to him and talk to him? Right. You couldn’t. So you had to resign to sending him anonymous love letters through his radio show.

“Welcome back, hi,” Johnny chuckled once the song had gently faded out and you couldn’t help but giggle along. “That was Pluto Projector by Rex Orange County,” Jaehyun tried to stay on script but you could almost hear the grin on his face because of Johnny’s antics, “If you want your song to play on today’s show, please suggest something over on our Twitter with the hashtag,” Jaehyun paused momentarily and let out a dramatic sigh before continuing, “hashtag JohnDplaymelikeaviolin.” Jaehyun hadn’t even read the whole hashtag out loud when Johnny was already bursting out in laughter and how could you not laugh along with his melodic laughter. “I swear to god I am never letting you choose hashtags for our show ever again,” Jaehyun groaned while Johnny sounded like he was still dying in the background. “Don’t be mean to me Jaehyunie,” he whined and even though today’s episode was not viewable, you could vividly imagine how he was pouting. While the two friends were busy bickering and talking about what they had done since their last show, you pulled up your own Twitter to send a recommendation in.

“Aaaah, I see we’re already getting plenty of suggestions. Sly-merlin suggested us Sexy Dirty Love by Demi Lovato – a great song – and added ‘I wish John-D would actually play me like a violin.” After a potent silence, Johnny broke out in laughter again. “And this is why you won’t choose any more hashtags,” Jaehyun groaned again. “Baby,” Johnny rasped into his mic and even though you weren’t wearing headphones, it sent tingles down your spine, “Just come to our frat party on Friday and I’ll see what I can do.” “Stop plugging our parties on the radio,” Jaehyun scolded the elder, the slap audible over the radio, “Also sly-merlin has to stand in line. You still have your number one admirer who has sent in a letter yet again.” “She still hasn’t come up to me,” Johnny shared, “I can only keep up my chastity for so long. I am saving myself for this girl.” You know he was joking but you were just a simple woman and even in your secluded home, you felt heat rising to your cheeks, your thumbs stopping on your keyboard where you had typed out your song recommendation. Both DJs shared a quiet laugh before Jaehyun asked: “And you really don’t know who she is?” “I really don’t man,” his friend sighed, “Like I have my suspicions because she has to be in my major if she sees me in class that often. That or she’s a stalker which I do not want to think about. But for real, hit me up. I’ll take you out for a coffee.” “Now everyone is going to come up to you and claim that they’re her.” “I’ll take that risk,” Johnny laughed, “Maybe I’ll finally meet the love of my life and settle down.” At that Jaehyun snorted loudly. “The woman that can make you settle down gets free coffee for like a month from me.” “Watch me have a wife and kids at 25 Jae, just to spite you,” his friend snorted, “But up until then, let’s play sly-merlin’s song recommendation: Sexy Dirty Love by Demi Lovato.”

While the song was playing, you finished up your own tweet and hit post before you grabbed your bag that you had carelessly thrown away before to get out your notes. You actually had to start a project for one of the classes you and Johnny actually did share. The professor had announced that he would announce the pairings for a group project tomorrow and you didn’t want to seem like an actual idiot if your group would decide to already meet up and discuss after class. So while you listened to your favorite DJs discuss the questions and worries of whoever had sent them to their email address, you worked through the notes you had taken over the last couple of weeks, trying your best to organize them to remember the key points.

“Oh John-D, I have a very special letter here,” Jaehyun said, waving the paper in front of the microphone so it would pick up the wiggling noises. “What could that be?” Johnny asked with over-exaggerated interest. “It’s from your secret admirer, John-D. So I think you should read it out.” Just like every time, they read your letter, your heart began beating faster and faster in your chest until you were sure, it would break free from your ribcage. “Okay, here I go,” Johnny announced while Jaehyun was playing the same cheesy music he always played when they were reading your letters, “Happy Thursday, John-D. The weekend is almost in reach, keep up the energy for the last day of classes! – she’s so sweet, I’m holding up alright – One of my professors will announce the pairings he made for a group project soon and I am nervous. I don’t have many friends in the course and I’m praying that I will get good group mates I can work well with.” “Oooh, I get that struggle,” Jaehyun interrupted, “I once had to work with a bunch of stoners and ended up doing all the work for a presentation that made up 30 percent of my grade. Worst experience of my life, would not recommend. But we’re wishing you all the luck.” “But you know what’s more interesting about this story?” Johnny tuned in, “Coincidentally my professor for my literature class is assigning our group projects tomorrow as well. Say, my sweet admirer, are you perhaps in the same literature class as me?” In your otherwise silent room, the panicked squeak you let out was loud even to your ears. There was no way Johnny could figure out who you were, there were probably at least 20 more girls with a crush on him in that class alone, so you were safe. “Oooh, so maybe she’s a lit major so that’s why she’s writing love letters.” “Could be but lots of people from different majors are taking that class,” Johnny argued, “Anyways, back to her letter. But I won’t let that disturb me! I will be doing my best regardless! – That’s the spirit – I’ll work through my notes as I listen to your honey voice so I can be prepared. I’m glad you don’t do viewable radios on Thursday’s or else I wouldn’t be able to get anything done, you’re just too distracting John-D,” at that Jaehyun let out a fake gag while Johnny just giggled softly, “Thank you secret admirer, I do clean up quite nicely if I do say so myself. – On last Sunday’s episode you melted my heart when you hid in your hoodie for half the show. – God that was the worst hangover I had in a looong while, I was so miserable.”

“You should have seen him at home,” Jaehyun laughed, “I had to physically drag his whole 180-something-centimeters body first into the shower, then into the car and into the station. He is the biggest crybaby when he’s hungover.” “Don’t expose me like that, Jaehyunie,” Johnny whined loudly, “I was dared to drink a bunch of tequila and my mother didn’t raise neither a quitter nor a coward.” “No, but clearly an idiot,” the younger DJ laughed his deep laugh. “Let me read my love letter in peace,” the other grumbled, “I couldn’t follow for half the show because I was so focused on watching you. Not in a creepy way of course! – Of course not,” Johnny chuckled, “I hope you finished that essay you had to work on after the show in time and still had some time to relax. – I did, don’t worry.” That you already knew when Johnny had handed in his essay in another class you two shared just before you had handed in yours and he had thrown you a little smile that had kept you going through the whole day. “Take care of yourself and keep smiling your beautiful smile, I look forward to seeing you again on Sunday or in classes. And fighting to Jae-D as well of course! – I look forward to hearing from you again, secret admirer. I bet your group project will go just fine, don’t worry too much. If anyone is mean to you, just expose them here and we’ll fight them for you.” “Love that she acknowledged me in one sentence as well,” Jaehyun grumbled, cutting off the cheesy music abruptly. “You’re just jealous you don’t have a sweet admirer who sends you cute messages,” the other teased his friend. “Yeah, yeah, shut up and put that letter in the box under your bed.” “It’s in my sock drawer, thank you very much.”

Giggling, you listened to the two friends bicker, your chest warm with a feeling you were scared to put a name on. “Anyways, I think it’s time for another music recommendation you can still send in via our lovely hashtag JohnDplaymelikeaviolin. This one is from lenaluvies and she says: Please play Hurts So Good by Astrid S thank you. No, thank you for sending something in darling. This one’s for you,” Johnny announced and you couldn’t help but laugh a little pained laugh. That song title hit a little too close to home for your liking. The rest of the radio show went by smoothly and Johnny and Jaehyun tried to help a handful of more students with their problems that couldn’t be more diverse. From a boy who had fallen in love with his best friend which had send him into an identity crisis over to a girl who was failing her classes because she claimed the professor hated her to a freshman who wanted to apply for a fraternity but was scared because of the rumors surrounding them which the DJs quickly debunked since they both were in the same fraternity. In the end they had to cut themselves short, asking their viewers to vote on a poll they would make if people wanted a whole Tuesday episode surrounding fraternities.

“So.” “So,” Johnny copied his friend. “We’re almost at the end of our time with you guys. We couldn’t get through all of your submissions but we hope our team picked a few good ones and at least some of you could get some advice.” “As always you’re free to send us your own stories to our e-mail [email protected] to get some advice next Thursday from your favorite DJs: John-D.” “And Jae-D. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday on your campus radio on 127mHz. On NCT-“ “Night Night,” they said their ending together and just like every night with them, you said goodnight to your computer screen, closing the tab which draped your little apartment in silence. Sighing loudly, you looked over your notes that needed a little more work if you wanted to make a good first impression on your fellow students tomorrow. Because you couldn’t stand the silence, you opened your Spotify to play the NCT Night Night playlist Johnny and Jaehyun had made with the songs that had been recommended to them, still missing the new additions from tonight.

The next morning found you in your literature class, sitting two rows behind Johnny, staring at the back of his head while doodling on your paper rather than taking notes on whatever the professor was saying. If you were to let your eyes wander, you’d see that almost everyone in the big room was paying as much or even less attention as you were; the students in different states of excitement and anxiety over the group projects he had yet to announce. “I’m sorry professor,” Johnny’s voice suddenly cut through the room, “I’m sure you have already noticed that no one is paying attention to whatever you’re trying to teach us right now. Could you please just announce the groups for the project?” That moment you swore you would be able to hear a pin drop until your eccentric professor chuckled lowly. “I like you, Suh. I was waiting for someone to mention it,” he spoke, getting the dreaded list out of his bag, “Listen closely now, you’ll be assigned in groups of four and each group will get a specific novel to work on. Deadline will be by the end of the semester and your individual paper combined with the group presentation will make up 40% of your final grade.” That made a bunch of people, including you, gasp out loudly. A group project with this much credit to your final grade was always dreaded. “I don’t want to hear any complaints, that’s how it’s always been. Now listen carefully, I won’t repeat myself but the list will be hung on our blackboard as well.” With that being said, the professor began listing names and novels in the most monotone voice he could muster. To say you were basically vibrating off of your seat was an understatement when he got further and further down the list and neither yours nor Johnny’s name had been called yet. “And lastly, an all-time favorite: Romeo and Juliet.” You didn’t even register anything else after the professor had announced that the group featured both Johnny and you along with two other students you didn’t know. Your brain was reduced to static noise while everyone else was getting up around you to pick up the books that had already been stacked in a corner, probably by a poor TA. Only when a person bumped into you, you broke from your stupor to quickly pick up your stuff as well to hurry down to steps to where a crowd of students had already gathered.

Luckily Johnny towered over most of the other students and you could easily spot him and the rest of your group that were two other boys you didn’t recognize. “Hey, you’re the last one we were missing,” Johnny smiled and handed you over your copy of the book. “Y... Yeah, sorry for making you wait,” you stuttered, clutching the small book tightly in your hands. “No big deal,” Johnny played it off, “Do any of you have any more classes today?” When everyone declined, you all agreed that you should get a head start on your project as it would be hard to make a good project out of such an overused love story. While walking over to the student center to decide on a concept, conversation flowed easily between the four of you even though you were still really nervous to be around Johnny. God, you really hoped he didn’t think you were stupid or something just because you were nervous.

The little study session went by in a blur and only further confirmed that you were so whipped for Johnny it wasn’t even funny anymore. You found yourself attentively listening to all of his ideas and laughing at every of his stupid little jokes and only mildly spacing out while looking at Johnny when the others were discussing ideas which had led to one or two mildly embarrassing situations where you would lose track of what you were actually discussing, your mind blank of any input when they asked for your opinion.

Soon you found yourself parting ways with your groupmates, leaving you and Johnny alone because his frat house and your little apartment were located in the same general direction. “Anything fun you’re doing this evening?” Johnny asked, trying to make some light conversation to fill the silence. “No, I’ll just binge watch some shows maybe or listen to the campus radio,” you shrugged it off. While today’s show wasn’t your favorite, you quite liked the DJs soft and gentle voice. “You listen to the campus radio? I have a show on there,” Johnny smiled. “I like listening to you and Jaehyun,” you confessed, trying to fight the heat that was licking at your cheeks. “Oh.” “You seem surprised.” “Yeah, it kind of still seems weird that people enjoy listening to Jae and me rambling for hours on end. You know with him it just feels like I’m hanging out with my brother rather than work.” “Your voices are really soothing, you know,” you tried to explain what you were feeling when listing to them, “And your friendship is kind of adorable. Like we can feel how much you care about each other and you always genuinely try to help your listeners without making fun of them.” For a while Johnny didn’t say anything and you thought you had fucked it up, that he thought you were weird now. “Thank you,” he suddenly said. “Huh?” “It means a lot hearing that. We do lurk on Twitter to see what people think of our show but hearing it like this is something else entirely.” “It’s nothing,” you mused, playfully hitting his arm, “No need to get this soft.” “Hey,” he laughed, “I’ll have you know that I am 180 centimeters of walking softness despite what people might say about me.” Smiling softly you caught his eyes for the first time since you two had started walking and the way his honey eyes were smiling back at you momentarily took your breath away.

“I- My room is right around here, sooooo,” you stuttered. “It was nice working with you. Even though you were spacing out half the time,” Johnny teased, “Thinking about a special someone?” You. The word sat on the tip of your tongue, the low light of the afternoon sun making you bolder than you actually were and Johnny just made you feel incredibly comfortable. “No... No- I- I’m single.” “A crush then?” “Something like that,” you mumbled, your fingers nervously playing with the hem of your jacket. “Talk to him. Or her. Or them,” Johnny advised. “I really can’t,” you sighed, “He doesn’t even know I exist.” “Well you don’t need to confess your undying love for him,” he laughed, not knowing he was the boy in question, “Just you know. Casually talk to him. Get to know him.” “I’ll try?” “Is that a question?” “Yeah?” “Have more confidence in yourself,” he gently nudged you, “You’re nice and very easy to talk to.” “Nice... Wow.” “Shut up,” he laughed, “I usually give better compliments but I have yet to get to know you better.” “Would you... Would you even want that?” “Sure,” Johnny shrugged and your heart skipped a couple of beats, “I have to get going or everybody will already be drunk when I arrive. So... I’ll see you in class? And you’ll hear me on Sunday?” “Yeah sure. Don’t drink too much or you will be miserable all show like last week,” you giggled. “Don’t remind me,” he groaned, “I’m never going to drink tequila on a Saturday ever again.” “Goodbye Johnny,” you smiled, really liking how his name sounded when you said it out loud. “Bye,” he waved before going his way.

Once you were sure he was out of hearing distance, you let out a little happy squeak and jumped up and down excitedly. You did it. You had actually done it. You had talked to your crush. And managed to not make a complete fool out of yourself in front of him. Which was a win in your books. A huge win. With a little spring in your steps, you stepped by one of your favorite pizza places to treat yourself before heading home where you spend your evening daydreaming about none other than Johnny while watching reruns of old dramas.

“Hi, I’m Jae-D.” “And I am John-D. Welcome to NCT-“ “Night Night.” “John-D.” “Yes, Jae-D,” Johnny chuckled. “It’s Thursday again which means it’s time to tend to our listener’s worries,” Jaehyun read off of the script, not getting distracted by his friend’s antics, “And today is a very special episode.” “Special?” Jaehyun barely repressed to roll his eyes at his friend’s over-exaggerated acting before continuing: “Yes, since tomorrow is a day off for all students, we have decided to make this episode extra lengthy and-“ he shortly stopped to flash the camera a peace sign, “Viewable despite it being Thursday.” “Do we look okay?” Johnny laughed, checking himself out in the video that was playing on one of their monitors. “Aaaaah, the comments say we look good tonight, thank you,” Jaehyun mused.

And they really did. Not that either of them had to do a whole lot to look good but today they were both wearing white button-downs with their sleeves rolled up to expose their forearms. Jaehyun had even gone so far as to put on some fake glasses. “And if you’re following us on our Twitter you also already know that this week it’s all about love on our campus radio and our show today is no exception,” Johnny read his part of the script. “Today John-D and Jae-D are Loveholics, trying our very best to help you with your problems surrounding love,” Jaehyun completed, “You can send in song recommendations through the hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic just like taryn1026 did – I hope I said that right – but they recommended Paris in the Rain by Lauv to set the mood for today.”

The soft tunes of the song made you relax a little into your sofa where you had chosen to watch today’s episode of NCT Night Night. You had to say that you were kind of nervous for today’s episode. Just like every week you had written your letter to Johnny, telling him about your week and cheering him on for your group project. At this point it should have been pretty obvious just who exactly you were and judging by how Johnny was acting towards you, his flirting leaving you flustered after your study sessions and your group mates mildly annoyed, he seemed to already have put together the pieces. But yesterday while writing your letter you had felt extra bold (and maybe also extra riled up and horny from Johnny’s shameless flirting) and had written him a message that should confirm all his suspicions and would hopefully lead him straight to you and into your bed. But until the end of the show or at least until they read your letter, which you really hoped they did today as well, you had to wait sitting in your apartment, for once not in comfortable clothes but in a nice shirt and pants.

“That was Paris in the Rain by Lauv, recommended to us by taryn1026 through our Twitter with the hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic,” Johnny’s raspy voice filled your apartment when he leaned close to the mic, “Jae-D are you ready to make some love happen?” “I already had my love juice,” Jaehyun answered, showing his pink Starbucks drink to the camera, “And my reading glasses are on.” As to prove his point, he hiked his glasses up his nose before scratching his eye through the holes in the frame, making both DJs chuckle. For the next hour Johnny and Jaehyun tried to solve several relationship dramas as well as a very tricky friends-with-benefits situation and telling a boy to break up with his cheating girlfriend which had been a rather heartbreaking discussion. “So after this,” Jaehyun sighed, “Let’s play another song recommendation. Burtonized has sent in a very fitting song, I hope you all don’t mind a little Korean: It’s God Damn by I.M – a song about heartbreak.”

While the foreign song was playing, the two DJs stretched their backs and sipped on their respective drinks: Jaehyun still on his pink sugar concoction and Johnny already on his second iced Americano. Jaehyun must have found something funny on his phone, nudging his friend to look at him but Johnny was busy typing away on his own, only acknowledging his friend after he had typed his message. Just after that, your own phone buzzed with a message, showing Johnny’s name on the screen.

From: Johnny Are you watching our show?

To: Johnny Sure, you look good today

From: Johnny Make sure to listen closely ;)

“That was God Damn by I.M suggested by burtonized over our Twitter hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic,” Jaehyun’s smooth voice tore you from your spiraling thoughts about the winking face Johnny had sent. “Sadly our show is coming to an end even with our extended airtime.” “But John-D a very important letter is still missing before we close our show. Dare I say it could be the highlight of our show,” Jaehyun joked, already playing the cheesy music he was always playing when Johnny would read your letters. “You’re right Jae-D my lovely secret admirer has sent in another letter,” Johnny mused, arranging himself so he could read the printed out letter while being as close as possible to the mic for it to pick up the rasp in his voice, “Happy Thursday John-D, I hope your week has been more exciting than mine. I have just been going from class to class without much thought, the only high points are my group meetings for the group project we have to hand in soon – That seems very familiar, baby – But since today is all about love, I’ll tell you about a little problem I have: – get your love juice ready, Jae – There is this boy in my group. And boy isn’t really the right word to describe him, he’s a man really,” at that Johnny couldn’t hold back a low chuckle, “I’m sorry, I’ll be serious – And he is flirting with me. Has been for a couple of weeks now. And it has gotten to the point where our groupmates are kind of annoyed at us. He has also walked me home a couple of times but he never so much as touched me. At this point I am so frustrated with him. Is he just playing with me? Or is his mouth bigger than his actions actually are? He has been riling me up all day today and I was ready to let him have his way with me but he only wished me goodnight and left again, leaving me to deal with what he had done all by myself – oh wow, I,” Johnny stuttered, sharing a gaze with his friend who was only barely repressing his laughter, “Wow, okay, I hope we’re in the good for reading this out and it’s late enough,” clearing his voice and raking a hand through his hair, Johnny continued, “John-D I hope this man hears what he has done to me and will deal with the consequences of his actions. Would you play Animal by Jin Yosef and RIELL for me? Just in case this letter hasn’t gotten my point across? – Y... Yeah sure, darling. We’ll play that once our show is over.”

“So John-D,” Jaehyun grinned while loudly slurping on his ‘love juice’, “What would you advice your secret admirer to do about this problem?” “Well if I were her,” Johnny started, his gaze going straight to the camera where he knew you were watching and it felt like he was looking straight into your soul, “I’d wait for him. I’m pretty sure he can prove that his actions speak even louder than his words.” For a while it was quiet between the two DJs, safe for Jaehyun’s obnoxiously loud slurping noises but even if they would have been saying anything, you weren’t sure if you could have comprehended any words with how furiously your heart was beating. “Anyways,” Jaehyun eventually broke the silence once he was sure there was nothing left in his ‘love juice’, “I’m afraid that was it for tonight. This has been your extra lengthy episode of Jae-D and John-D and we will leave you with this wonderful song recommendation: Animal by Jin Yosef and RIELL. If you’ve liked today’s show, we’re here every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night on your campus radio on 127mHz to listen to all of your worries on NCT-“ “Night Night,” Johnny joined in and they both waved into the camera as your song of choice started playing. The video stream didn’t cut off immediately, showing the boys gathering their things and if your eyes weren’t betraying you, you swore you saw Johnny tense up when the song turned a little more explicit. The two DJs waved to the camera one last time before the stream cut off, leaving the screen of your laptop dark.

That was when it dawned on you what you had done. Shit. With how Johnny had sounded, you probably had about fifteen to twenty minutes until he would be at your doorstep. Oh god. Shit. Taking a couple of deep breaths, you tried to ground yourself before hurriedly closing your laptop and cleaning everything that seemed messy in your little one-room apartment. That was until you heard a knock on your door.

With shaky hands, you slowly opened the door and while you knew who would be standing on the other side, you weren’t ready for how he was going to look like: Johnny was leaning against the doorway casually with his arms crossed over his chest so the tight button-down he was wearing would strain over the planes of his chest muscles but what really reeled you in was how dark his eyes looked when he raked them over your body. “Good evening miss,” he drawled. “Hi,” you breathed. “Tell me what you want so I’m not misinterpreting any of this,” Johnny all but growled, one of his hands coming up to cup your face. “I want you to have me.” If you thought his eyes were dark before, they turned into bottomless black orbs once the words had left your lips. “You don’t know what you’re asking for, baby.” “Please,” you whimpered and that seemed to break Johnny’s resolve as he pulled you close to him and all but crashed his lips into yours. The kiss wasn’t delicate in any way, shape or form with how Johnny was licking into your mouth the second a moan left your lips. His tongue was intertwining with yours messily and in no time both of you were panting into each other’s mouths. “Inside. Now,” you rasped. “All with due time,” Johnny chuckled but let you pull him into your apartment, slamming the door shut to crowd you against it, one of his strong thighs slipping between your legs like it belonged there, “If you’re a good girl and listen well, I’ll give you anything you want.” “Fuck,” you cursed before slamming your lips together again, a new neediness bleeding into the kiss as you tugged on the longer strands of hair at the back of Johnny’s neck which made him growl lowly. “Anything off-limits?” Johnny breathed into your skin as he kissed down your neck to suck a mark there while his hands were busy pulling your shirt from your pants so he could rake them over your naked skin. “Just,” you had to cut yourself off with a moan, “Don’t be mean to me.” “Never,” he promised, “You’ll be my pillow princess.” His sweet words were in stark contrast to how hard his hands were gripping your hips and how his teeth were grazing over your neck that must be littered with marks already. “Take me to bed,” you heaved breathlessly, positive your legs would give out if it wasn’t for Johnny holding you up.

Listening to your demand, he slowly started walking you backwards towards your bed until the two of you were toppling down on top of the covers, his lips never leaving your skin. Whoever had spread the rumors about Johnny being a great lover had been absolutely right, he knew just how to touch you to have you gasping for air and judging by the grin on his lips he hadn’t even started yet. “Please,” you whimpered, arching into his touch, not exactly sure what exactly you were asking for but Johnny seemed to know all the better when he freed you from your top and pants to leave you in your matching lace set while he was still fully clothed in his by now wrinkled button-up and pants. “All for me?” He chuckled and pressed a kiss right between the valley of your breasts, his big hands cupping the soft flesh to squeeze it gently. “Have me,” you gasped out and you could feel the growl he let out vibrating where you were pressed together. “I’m going to ruin you,” Johnny promised, pulling down the cups of your bra to wrap his plush lips around one of your nipples to tease the soft nub until it hardened under his ministrations, sending waves of pleasure down your spine and straight to your core where you could feel your wetness starting to seep into the fabric of your panties. “Johnny,” you mewled and arched into his every touch, his calloused fingertips setting your skin alight when he let them travel down your body to tease over your lower stomach. As if by reflex, you let your thighs fall open for him to finally touch you where you needed him the most. “Such a good girl,” he smiled, blowing cold air over your spit-slicked nipple to watch you squirm beneath him. Your remark got stuck in your throat when he finally cupped you through your panties, feeling how damp the fabric had already become. “Naughty,” he chuckled, his eyes never leaving your face as he circled your clit through the fabric, watching your eyes fluttering shut when his gaze became too intense.

“Johnny,” you sighed, forgetting all other words except for his name. “Relax, princess,” he rasped and kissed his way down your body, leaving love bites on the sensitive skin of your stomach and thighs that shook with anticipation. If you’d say you hadn’t dreamed about his lips on you like this, you would lie and you weren’t going to miss the sight of this for nothing. Fighting back the fog that had started to cloud your mind, you forced your eyes open to look down to where he had settled between your open thighs to find him staring right back at you. “Good girl,” he praised you again before pressing a kiss over your clothed sex that made your head fall back already, the anticipation of what was to come making you push up your hips which made Johnny chuckle lowly. He didn’t leave you any time to feel embarrassed by how needy you were when he hooked your panties to the side unceremoniously and licked a broad stripe up your center, tasting your arousal. “Oh fuck,” you breathed out, your hands flying down to tangle them in the long strands of his hair. Johnny worked his tongue in slow and clever strokes, leaving your mind reeling with pleasure and taking his time to take you apart piece by piece, not even paying attention to your leaking center or your aching clit. But when he did wrap his lips around your clit to gently suck on the nub, your mind almost went numb with how intense his touch was, your thighs clamping shut around him. To make it even worse, he started humming around you while prying your thighs back open, holding you down with his large hands. You felt your orgasm approach almost embarrassingly fast now that he was altering between teasing your clit with his tongue, lips and even his teeth and fucking your velvety walls with his tongue, setting your nerve endings on fire. “Johnny I’m close,” you warned him but instead of slowing down, he stretched his jaw wide to press his tongue further into you, his nose bumping into your clit in the process and with the combined sensation and his doubled effort, it took no time for your first orgasm of the night to wash over you, a scream of his name leaving your lips as you shook through it, your mind going equally as numb as your legs.

When you came back to it, Johnny had straightened up between your legs and he was grinning down at you while he was unbuttoning his shirt, his face still shiny with your arousal. “That was the first one,” he spoke darkly. “Come here,” you whined, making grabby hands for him until he took pity on you and covered your body with his before connecting your lips in a bruising kiss. You could still taste yourself on his lips but that somehow just made it even hotter.

“Want you inside me,” you panted against his lips when Johnny broke the kiss in favor of raking his teeth over your racing pulse. “Yeah?” He rasped and ground his hips down into yours, making you feel him strain against the fabric of his pants. “Need it,” you moaned at the sweet friction. “Think you can take me?” He laughed as he leaned back on his hunches to pop open the button of his pants, pulling down the zipper agonizingly slow. With wide eyes you watched him push his pants down his narrow hips, leaving him in just his navy boxers that showed the sizable imprint of his hard cock, the fabric against the head dark from where he had leaked precum. Chuckling, he stroked over the outline and just the sight alone made your mouth water. “Show me,” you breathed, spreading your thighs so he could see your needy core, clenching around nothing. “Hmm,” he hummed, dragging one of his fingers that wasn’t preoccupied with teasing himself through the mess of arousal and his saliva between your legs, only barely dipping it into you to feel the muscles trying to suck him inside. “Don’t tease me,” you whined high in your throat. “But I like seeing you squirm,” Johnny grinned but took mercy on you and sunk his finger into you up to the knuckle, gently pumping it inside you. Still sensitive from how intense your last orgasm had been, you were torn between pulling away and wanting more but Johnny made the decision for you when he pulled his finger out, wiping your arousal onto your thigh.

“Eyes on me,” he commanded and finally freed his cock from his briefs. “Fuck.” The curse left your lips without even noticing at the sight of his flushed cock, too heavy to properly stand up against his toned abs. The tip was tinted red and shiny with precum that Johnny generously spread down that whole length, his eyes not leaving yours as you watched him lazily jerk himself. “Like what you see?” You eagerly nodded your head. “Want it inside me.” “Yeah? Show me.”

Throwing all caution out of the window, you quickly sucked two of your fingers between your lips before guiding them to your weeping core to slip them inside you, letting out an over-exaggerated moan as you crooked them. “Oh you’re so naughty, baby,” Johnny groaned, squeezing the base of his cock tightly as he watched you fingering yourself and if you had even one coherent thought left in your head, you’d have the decency to be embarrassed because of how intensely he was staring. “It’s not enough,” you pouted, pulling your fingers free and spreading them to look at the slick covering them, “I’m so wet for you.” “Such a dirty mouth,” he groaned, quickly grabbing his pants to fish a condom from his wallet to roll over his hard length. “Please, Johnny,” you hiccupped, winding your legs around his waist to pull him closer to you. “Sssh, princess,” he soothed you, running his hands over your torso before bending down to press tender kisses to your stomach, “I’ll take care of you.” “Please kiss me.”

Dropping his elbows next to your head to support his weight, he covered your body with his and caught your lips in a kiss much too tender for your current situation, taking his time to explore your mouth until you were perfectly pliant beneath him. “Tell me if it hurts,” he whispered into the small space between you while he snaked a hand between your bodies to guide his cock to your core. When the head slipped in without much resistance, both of you let out twin moans of pleasure. Painstakingly slowly Johnny pushed inside you, centimeter by centimeter until his hips were flush to yours. “Breathe, princess,” he reminded you because you indeed had held your breath and had buried your nails in his biceps. “Shit, you’re big,” you cursed. “So I’ve been told,” Johnny chuckled and peppered your face and neck with little kisses while he slowly ground his hips so you could get used to him inside you.

“Move,” you demanded after a while. “What’s the magic word baby?” He grinned. “Please, Johnny,” you whimpered, clenching down on him. “Once more.” “Don’t make me beg.” “But you sound so pretty when you do,” he chuckled, only barely moving his hips. “Johnny please,” you whined, trying your best to move on his cock on your own but the angle was just not working out. “Oh, you want to do the work?” “I want you to move,” you groaned, pawing at his chest.

“But I think you’d look so pretty riding my cock,” Johnny rasped and in one fluid movement, he had sat up and pulled you onto his lap. Shit, it felt like he was even deeper now. “Come on, princess.” Whining, you wound your arms around his shoulders and pulled your legs beneath you so you could lift your hips up to make his cock smoothly slide out, the friction just right before you slowly dropped back down again, earning you an appreciative groan from Johnny. “That’s right, baby,” he praised you as you slowly found a comfortable pace, swiveling your hips until the angle was just right. Tightening the grip you had on his shoulders to use it as leverage, you began riding him in earnest, impaling yourself on his cock over and over again until your head was spinning and your thighs started to burn. “Come on, doll,” Johnny grinned, catching one of your nipples between his lips. Whining, you rolled your hips faster until your thighs began shaking. “Need help?” He just grinned, his big hands holding onto your hips to help you move up and down his cock at a steadier pace. “Please Johnny,” you hiccupped, hiding your face in his neck to ground yourself, “Please fuck me.” “Am I not doing just that?” He chuckled, filthily grinding his cock inside you. “Do it right,” you panted into his skin, “Fuck me like you mean it.”

“Then get on your hands and knees for me, baby.” He didn’t have to tell you twice, it was almost comical how quickly you obeyed his command and arched your back for him. “Hmm, that’s it,” he praised you, tracing the curve of your spine with his hands until he reached the space between your shoulder blades where he gently pushed down to make you arch even further. “So good and pliant for me, just waiting to be filled.” “Please,” you just whined again, past the point of caring about how pathetic you sounded, begging for his cock. “Say it baby,” he demanded, slapping his cock against your wet folds. “Please fuck me Johnny. Please. I want your cock inside me so badly. Want you to fuck me until I can’t even remember my own name anymore. Please I need it. I-“ your frantic rambling got cut off by the surprised moan leaving your lips as he thrust into you without any warning. “Don’t hold back baby,” Johnny rasped before gripping your hips tightly to finally fuck you in earnest, the sound of skin slapping together loud in the otherwise silent room. “God, your ass looks amazing,” he moaned, burying himself in your tight heat over and over again, mesmerized by how his cock was glistening in the low light and how easily your body opened up for him, “You’re basically made to take my cock.” You could only mewl at his dirty words and fist the sheets tightly in your hands as you tried to meet his thrusts as best as you could while you felt like you got your soul fucked right out of you.

“Feels so good,” you slurred when you felt the familiar knot in your stomach ready to snap, clenching around Johnny’s cock. “God baby, if you keep clenching like that I’m gonna cum,” Johnny cursed, grabbing you by the neck to pull you up against his chest, the pace of his hips only getting faster. “Please Johnny. Want it inside,” you whined, letting him use your body how he wanted to relish in the low moans he let out. “You want me to fill you up baby?” “Want it so bad, Johnny,” you mewled. “Then cum for me. Cum on my cock and I’ll give you anything you want.” And oh god. You had never thought that the strained sound of a couple of words could be enough to actually trip you over the edge but the rasp in Johnny’s voice had you falling apart in his arms, your orgasm ripping through you so hard it had your thighs shaking. “Such a good girl,” Johnny praised you before he let out a low guttural moan and fucked into you once – then twice – before his hips came to a halt, emptying his cum inside the condom.

For a while you two just panted loudly before Johnny gently laid you back down onto the mattress, chuckling lowly when you whined at the loss of his cock. “Shit,” you giggled while he quickly got rid of the condom, throwing it in the general direction of your trashcan. So tender you could have missed it, Johnny pressed a row of kisses down your spine until he reached the swell of your ass. “Cuddle me,” you pouted, making grabby hands at him. “We’re sweaty, princess,” he laughed but gave in when you kept pouting. “I don’t care,” you whined, fitting your head beneath his, wrapping your arms and legs around his body to cling to him like a koala. “You’re cute,” he smiled, pressing his lips to your forehead.

“For how long did you know?” “Know what?” Johnny asked, clearly confused. “That I was your secret admirer.” “I didn’t.” “It was so obvious,” you groaned. “Okay maybe I got a hunch after we started that group project. But you never said anything.” “What was I supposed to say? Oh Johnny, by the way, I’m the one who has been writing you cringey love letters for like half a year already. Please go out with me?” That made Johnny laugh, the sound melodic in the quiet of your room. “I would have said yes, you know?” He spoke lowly, “I’ll miss your letters.” “What makes you think I will stop writing them?” “Because you can tell me all that stuff in person now when we go on dates.” “We’ll go on dates?” “That’s what people do when they like each other, princess,” Johnny chuckled, “And I really like you. Both as my secret admirer and my classmate.” “Oh my god stop,” you whined, hiding your hot face in his chest, feeling shy all of a sudden while Johnny was just laughing.

“I like you too,” you eventually mumbled once it had gotten quiet again. “I figured,” he teased you. “I changed my mind,” you immediately shot back, rising from where you were cuddled into his chest but every other protest died on your tongue when you saw his dreamy expression, his honey eyes finding yours and completely ignoring the fact that you were still very much naked. “Date me,” he said. “Okay,” you answered, easily meeting his lips in a sweet kiss that wouldn’t be the last one you two shared tonight.

“Hello and welcome back, that was Middle Of The Night by Monsta X, suggested to us by raibebe through our Twitter with the hashtag JonJaeLoveTalk. We’re your DJ’s John-D.” “And Jae-D on NCT Night Night. Hello again to all of our listeners. John-D.” “Yes Jae-D,” Johnny chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Something is off today. I looked through our mail and there was no letter from your secret admirer.” “Oh really,” he feigned surprise. “Either they didn’t send anything in or our director got sick of the pining.” “I can calm you right back down Jae-D,” Johnny smiled, “Because she simply doesn’t need to send any more letters. I finally found her.” “No way. For real? And you didn’t tell me? I have to find out through our radio show? Friendship is dead,” Jaehyun sighed dramatically and you couldn’t help but chuckle. “Jae-D you know you’ll always be the number one in my heart, you know that.” At that Jaehyun let out fake gagging noises that made both friends chuckle.

“No but for real. I finally found her and asked her out. It’s going great so yeah,” Johnny shrugged, “In case you’re listening baby: I’m dropping by later and bring sushi.” “This is so domestic already,” Jaehyun sighed dramatically, “Where is my secret admirer?” “Maybe you could find love as well if you stopped acting like the textbook example of a frat boy.” “What is that even supposed to mean?”

Smiling, you leaned back on your sofa and listened to your boyfriend bickering with his best friend. Boyfriend. That sounded good even though it still felt unreal. Love Letters weren’t dead after all it seemed.

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hornime · 4 years ago

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voyeurant | kenma kozume x f!reader

he tentatively wrapped a palm around the shaft, shuddering at the contact, his eyelids fluttering shut. god, i’m such a pervert, thinking about her like this. she’d hate me if she knew i saw her like that, knew that i was touching myself thinking about her tits...

warnings: 18+, timeskip!kenma, kinda dubcon, kenma’s unintentionally pervy, male masturbation, poorly written video game content (i tried my best), mutual pining but u both are oblivious

w/c: 1.5k

a/n: yes, the title is a shitty pun of valorant. no, i will not be changing it. also this tiktok about timeskip kenma made me giggle so pls enjoy.

voyeurant: part one ↓ | part two | part three:

“fuck, i hate this map,” kenma grumbled into his headset.

your voiced chimed in his ears. “is it ascent?” you turned to see his face on your screen, pinched in annoyance. “ha, it is ascent. sucks for you.”

“which one are you on? haven?”

“you know it,” you chuckled. “your favorite.”

“i hate you.” he weighed his options, did he really want to play this game? the layout of the world made it irritatingly hard to strategize, and today’s losing streak was making him more agitated than usual. with a sign, he closed the application. “fuck this. i’m gonna go piss.”

“yeah, yeah, you’re such a big baby. and...” you released your mouse, throwing your hands up in triumph, “we just won. at this point, i’m gonna outrank you.” you were joking, of course. kenma wasn’t just a gamer, he was kodzuken, one of japan’s best pro-gamers, and you were just someone that played as a hobby. but it was always fun to tease.

“hmm,” he hummed. “i’m sure you will.” he turned his head to look directly at his webcam, smirking, “in your dreams.”

“ooh, catboy’s getting feisty!” he flinched at the nickname. “go pee so i can beat you at your best.”

he obliged, pulling his headphones off and looping them on the top of his chair. he casually raised his middle finger at you while smoothing out strands of his hair, prompting a series of profanities to escape your mouth, none of which he could hear. he chuckled playfully as you responded with two middle fingers of your own, before moving out of the camera to get to the bathroom.

you and kenma had met in an... interesting way, to say the least. after going moderately viral from lashing out at him for refusing to heal you in a game of overwatch—while he was streaming—the two of you reconciled over a twitter thread and exchanged gamer tags. since then, you’d struck up an easygoing friendship, characterized by almost nightly discord calls and occasional flirting. but we’re just friends, you often reminded yourself. and you were fine, well, mostly fine, with that.

tonight was like any other night: both you and him spending hours in a video chat with nothing better to do than mindlessly play games and bash each other. it was more than enough to strengthen your relationship but fell short of giving you the romantic tension you craved.

with kenma off in the bathroom, you, already bored, spun wildly in your chair. forgetting that your earbuds were still plugged in, the white wire caught on an opened can of coke sitting on your desk, spilling the sugary drink all over your keyboard and the front of your shirt.

“shit!” you quickly scrambled for paper towels, but the still-connected wire yanked you backwards. in your haste for something to wipe the soda with, the fact that your camera remained on in the video call completely slipped your mind. making the split-second decision that the trip for a towel wasn’t worth it at this point, you quickly whipped off your shirt, dabbing the keys with the part that was still dry. since you were home, you’d gone braless, and your current predicament had you flashing your webcam.

now, kenma had seen a lot of things from your side of the call: he’d seen you get chewed out by your residential advisor for being too loud, you with two sticks of pocky poking out of your mouth like walrus tusks, and you doing random cosplay moves you’d seen on tiktok. what he wasn’t expecting to see, not even in his wildest dreams, was a screenful of your tits, slightly damp from the cola that had seeped through the fabric of your long-gone shirt.

he stopped in his tracks, still out of the frame of his camera, eyes wide and heart racing, desperately trying to calm down and prevent the gradual hardening of his cock in his pants. unable to deny his desires, he continued staring at your plump breasts on his computer, you completely unaware that he could see you.

you quickly threw your soaked top in the laundry basket before throwing on a random sweatshirt and trying to calm your frazzled nerves. you tentatively touched your keyboard, groaning internally when you fingers lightly stuck to the buttons. it’s gonna take forever to clean this, you mourned.

“hey,” kenma mumbled, reappearing on screen and shaking you out of your thoughts.

“hey.” you noticed his flushed expression. “are you okay? you look really red.”

“uh, yeah. i actually uh, i feel kinda sick. so i’m gonna, gonna go.”

“oh, okay.” why’s he acting so weird? “feel better!” you disconnected from the call with a huff, disappointment morphing your face into a pout. well, you thought, better get to cleaning.

kenma, on the other hand, was still, swallowing as the bulge in his boxers became agonizingly hard. though the only thing left on his screen was his reflection staring back at him, the luscious view of your bust was etched in his mind. his hands moved to free his cock, the tip an angry red and smearing pre-cum over the waistband of his underwear.

“fuck,” he whined, slowly stroking up and down. his thighs trembled as he fell back into his chair, mind wandering. he couldn’t stop himself, his thoughts become more and more lewd, fantasizing about how your breasts would bounce as he thrusted into you, how your thighs would wrap warmly around your head as he ate you out, how you’d cry out his name so prettily when he made you squirt around his fingers.

it was all too much, and as the circle he made with his fingers tightened as he reached his tip, he lurched forward, alarmed at how good everything felt just by thinking about you. i can’t cum, i can’t, the small part of his brain that wasn’t completely overtaken with pleasure tried to reason with him. there’s no going back if i—shit—if i cum. she’ll know, somehow, if i—if i cum, i—

the ecstasy kept clouding his judgement and his body worked against his mind as his hand pumped faster and faster while his conscience screamed to stop. his wrist wetly slapped the base of his cock, the sounds of both his hands and his moans getting too loud for comfort, but all he could think about was you. your eyes, your mouth, your chest, your legs, your ass, your pussy. god, he wanted to be in you so badly.

he couldn’t hold back, his insatiable need to cum overriding his senses, and the translucent liquid twitched out of his throbbing cock in spurts, drenching his fist and his balls. “fuck, fuck, fuck. i’m—fuck.”

he collapsed against the back of his chair, chest heaving with the sheer intensity of his orgasm. he combed a hand through his hair, the consequences of his actions now weighing heavily on his shoulders. i’m never gonna be able to look at her in the eyes again, he lamented. how am i ever gonna—damn it.

the sudden ping of a notification had his eyes raising from the mess on his pants towards his computer screen.

meanwhile, you were messaging kenma, a little off-put by his sudden radio silence but chalking it all up to his mysterious sickness.

[11:05 PM] you: hey ken! hope u feel better

[11:05 PM] you: if u get the chance u should check out what i added to our minecraft house. its perfect for sick victorian orphans like u

[12:14 PM] you: guess

[12:05 PM] you: guess

[12:05 PM] you: why arent u responding

[12:05 PM] you: guess

[12:05 PM] you: ok u got me ill tell u

[12:05 PM] you: its a hot tub

[12:05 PM] you: but with soup

[12:05 PM] you: but the soup is lava

[12:05 PM] you: genius right

[12:06 PM] you: anyway get some sleep and feel better <3

[12:06 PM] you: lmk if u wanna play animal crossing

[12:06 PM] you: actually no u should sleep. rest ur eyes and shit

[12:06 PM] you: no animal crossing for u!

[12:06 PM] you: sleep well so i can destroy ur ass in val tmrw

[12:06 PM] you: >:)

he sighed as he read your one-sided ramblings. he really liked you.

and he really wanted to fuck you. lucky for you, you wanted the exact same thing.

if only kenma knew what you did on the other side of the screen, hands in your undies and his name on your lips...

>> part two

#i have never played a game of valorant in my life #for someone thats only watched their friends play i think this is pretty decent #like wtf is ascent idfk #kinky.inky #haikyuu smut #haikyuu! smut #kenma smut #kenma kozume #kozume kenma #kenma x you #kenma x reader #tw.dubcon #kenma

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digitalstowaway · 3 years ago

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I wrote a jokey parody fic with a OC who shows up to a Klavier concert with a law book based off a joke in a discord server

Klavier Gavin’s concert was at seven, and I started getting ready at 6:30.

I would have gotten ready sooner, but I was in class until six. Besides, it didn’t take long for me to get ready. All I had to do was change out of my jeans and blazer and into casual shorts and a tank top. I pulled my hair out of my bun and let it fall over my shoulders. I kept my Converse on.

The venue was packed by the time I got to the concert, but thankfully it was a small show. It was supposed to be lowkey. Just a small club show where Klavier would, according to his managers, get his standing as a solo artist. Not that he needed much time to get an audience again. Klavier was the most attractive and talented of the group. At least, that was what most people said. I couldn’t care less. The Gavinners were catchy radio tunes. I much preferred pulling out my vinyl records and listening to vintage bands. Real music. But still, I was there to give the show a chance. Mostly for one reason.

My phone buzzed in my purse. I dug through the mess of headphones and a law textbook to get to it.

Sorry to cancel but I got stuck at work! I’m selling my ticket online!

I groaned. My friend, Clio, was the Gavinners fan. She had been since we were teenagers. It was her idea to see Klavier Gavin at his first solo show, and now she was bailing. What was I supposed to do? The ticket was so expensive, and I had busted my ass at my job to get it. It would have been a waste to just leave. No, I had paid to see Klavier Gavin. I was going to see Klavier Gavin.

I pushed my way through the crowd. The opening act was playing some pop song I didn’t know, but the audience sang along to it. I found my way to the bar and ordered a drink. Whiskey on the rocks. I opened my textbook and pulled out a pencil and began reading. I had forfeited a night of studying for this, and I had big exams coming up. I wasn’t going to miss out on precious cramming time.

I pulled my hair back into my bun and took a sip of my drink, my eyes never leaving the page. The room was getting hotter and even more crowded as people pushed in to see the exclusive show. I managed to tune them all out. I had learned how to tune out most noise after living in a noisy apartment complex through all of law school.

I was jotting down a note in the margins of my book when someone stood a little too close to me.

“Can I have a couple of waters for backstage?”

He was a short man, dressed in red. I barely looked at him. I gave him a nasty glare he didn’t even notice. He wore a lanyard around his neck with a badge that told everyone he had access backstage. I went back to my book.

“Oh, is that Denning?”

I looked up again. He was looking right at my book.

“Landmarks of Law,” I said, impressed that someone at this show would know who Denning was.

But then I got a closer look at his face and gasped. I recognized him. It was Apollo Justice. A rookie lawyer working for Phoenix Wright aka The Turnabout Terror. I had watched his trials all year. There was something so special about him.

And of course, he was there! He was Klavier Gavin’s rival. And lover. Apparently. The rumors had yet to be confirmed, but there was an undeniable tension between them. Not that I cared. I usually scrolled past the speculation on Twitter with a roll of my eyes.

“It’s a good read,” Apollo said.

“It is,” I said. I felt so stupid. I couldn’t think of anything else to say. “I’m in law school.”

“Yeah? What are you thinking of doing after? Defense or prosecution?”

“Defense,” I scoffed. “I’d never be a prosecutor.”

I blushed. Apollo laughed. I would never become a prosecutor. I had always had my goals set to be a defense attorney. My mother had been one, and I was going to follow in her noble footsteps. But Klavier was a prosecutor, and I had just insulted his field in front of his possible boyfriend.

“I’m sorry,” I said, waving my hands in front of me.

“No, it’s okay. I get it. Prosectors can be flashy, and it’s not a life people like us would like.”

I blushed again but for a different reason.

“What’s your name?” Apollo asked.

“Claire.”

My name sounded beautiful being repeated by those chords of steel. Was I into Apollo Justice? I barely had time to notice men, I was always so busy with my studies and work. And most men I knew were boys. They were immature. They only wanted to talk about how many women they had slept with and video game high scores. Apollo was different, I could tell.

Apollo leaned in closer. I held my breath. “Why don’t you meet us after the show, Claire? Klavier would love to see you.”

“Uhh… I should really get back to my apartment and study—”

“I get it. Law school. But the offer is there. Just meet us backstage and say that you’re Claire and that we’re expecting you.”

I could only nod. I didn’t know what to say. Apollo took his water and left.

Klavier came on stage after that. I put my nose back in my book as he began playing. Girls were screaming in the front row, but I ignored them after feeling a little secondhand embarrassment for them. After a while, I noticed I was tapping my foot and humming along to the songs. I had never heard any of them before, but I began singing under my breath. I harmonized well. The bartender smiled at me and gave me another drink.

The show ended without me noticing. I finished my chapter and when I looked up, I realized it was quiet and people were filing out of the club. I thought about what Apollo had said. I could go home and keep studying, or I could slip backstage and meet up with him and Klavier.

The first option was so tempting. I really needed to study if I wanted to stay at the top of my class, but the offer was right there. And my friend would never believe I had caught the attention of those two. It would serve her right for flaking out. Yeah. I would go have a good chat with Klavier and Apollo and rub it in Clio’s face later.

I put my book away and walked around the stage to the back. A large man stopped me.

“I’m Claire,” I said, voice confident and steady. “Klavier Gavin and Apollo Justice are expecting me?”

He looked embarrassed and quickly let me by. “Go down the hall and into the first door on the left. That’s where Mr. Gavin is.”

I thanked him with a nod and walked down the hall. I stopped outside the door, suddenly nervous. I felt too exposed. My shorts felt too short, and my top felt too low-cut. I let down my hair again in hopes it would make me look more modest. I didn’t want them thinking I came with the hopes of getting lucky.

I knocked on the door. Apollo answered. His face lit up when he saw me.

“Claire!” he took my arm, like a gentleman, and led me in. “Klavier, this is the girl I was telling you about.”

I hated to admit to myself the butterflies that erupted when I saw him. He was sitting on a couch, out of his rock attire and in a robe. He played with a lock of blond hair and smiled lazily up at me.

“Ah, the famous Claire.” So, the accent was real and not a gimmick. “Apollo told me all about you.”

“What was there to say?” I asked. My voice caught in my throat.

“That you’re a law student too busy with studying to really appreciate a concert,” Klavier sighed, turning his head away from me.

Oh no. Had I offended him? But he laughed.

“I really liked the concert,” I said. “What I listened to.”

“What was your favorite song? Stroke my ego.”

Apollo pushed me forward a little with his hand on my hip. He led me to the couch and sat me down next to Klavier.

“Uhh… I liked this one song. I didn’t know the name. But it was acoustic. And it went like—” I cleared my throat and vocalized a few lines, singing little la’s instead of the lyrics.

Klavier’s eyes widened. “Schatzi,” he said to Apollo, “you didn’t tell me she sung.”

“I don’t!” I quickly said. “Just in the shower!”

Why did I mention the shower? Now Klavier and Apollo were probably thinking about me naked, lathering my long hair and belting out songs.

“I didn’t know.” Apollo sat next to me, making me wedged between the two of them. “I would have told you if I had known.”

Klavier’s hand rested on my knee. I was showing way too much skin. Apollo pulled my hair back behind my shoulders, exposing my neck.

“What do you think of her?” Apollo asked.

Klavier’s hand went from my knee to my hand. He kissed the back of it. “I think you found a real gem in the crowd. Usually, the girls at my concerts are too excitable for my tastes. I like getting women riled up, don’t get me wrong, but I’d much rather have the company of a woman who can read Denning.”

Klavier kissed my hand again. Apollo put his hand on my hip and kissed my shoulder, moving up to my neck. It was all too much. I wanted to bolt from the room. I wanted to run out of the club and hide away for the rest of my life. But god, when would I get the chance for a threesome like this again?

I thought about Clio again. If Apollo could give me a hickey, I would have proof. Proof that she left me for a good time all by myself.

“So, tell me about your classes,” Klavier said as Apollo kept going.

I stuttered. I couldn’t think at a time like this.

Thankfully, there was a knock on the door. Apollo pulled away. The door opened to reveal another large bodyguard.

“The car is ready,” he said.

“Thank you, we’ll be right out,” Klavier said.

The door closed, and Klavier sighed. He rubbed his thumb over my knuckles.

“We’ll have to meet again,” he said. “But you know where we work, don’t you? Drop by any time. Say it’s for… research purposes. We can pretend you’re an intern doing work for one of us.”

I nodded. I was a little disappointed, but the weight of my purse reminded me of my priorities that night. I still had a lot of studying to do.

Klavier and Apollo showed me to the door, and I walked out to the parking lot in a daze. I sat behind the wheel for a minute, taking it all in. Eventually, I pulled down my visor and looked in the little mirror. I pulled my long hair to the side. There was a bruise darkening where Apollo had nibbled.

I flipped my visor back up. Maybe I would stop by to see Clio before returning to study.

#on so many levels it's not good #idk what to tag this #my fics #ace attorney #klapollo #there we go

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tdatdroleplay · 4 years ago

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Hank & Lux - From the Beginning

This story was originally posted in May of 2020 from the Twitter accounts of @HisTeenDream and @RookByTheBook.

Lux: [She’d spent the last four years in Houston, attending Rice University. And it was at her graduation in May that her father let her in on a serious secret. He had lung cancer. And he was getting sicker despite the treatments. He didn’t want her to move home, but she didn’t feel right about staying in Houston like nothing was wrong. Besides, she’d graduated and could hopefully find herself a job in San Antonio. She’d spent the day at the hospital just...spending time with her father. She wished that things were different. She wished she had more time, that she hadn’t spent the past four years away from him. But it just wasn’t...in the cards. So instead, during his treatments, during the times when he was having serious issues, sickness and even depression, he stayed at the hospital. So she’d spend a decent amount of her days there too. In between, she tried to take care of the house and find herself a job. Which hadn’t been as easy as she hoped. On her way home, she decided to pick up a little takeout from Blanco Café. She went ahead and paid, got the bag, back in the car and headed to the house. Pulling up, she got her bags and headed to the door. She went to put her key in the lock and then paused when the door simply pushed open.] What…[She had a sinking feeling as she pushed the door open and saw all the lights on, the place ransacked, a lot was missing, and the window around the back of the house in the living room was busted out. She didn’t bother going inside any further just in case someone was still in there. Instead, she dug her cell phone out of her bag and called the police to report a break in.]

Hank: [He walked out of the office of the San Antonio Police Department’s psychologist. It wasn’t because he had any issues with discipline, or a head case...it was just part of his career path. There were three examinations an officer had to pass after he completed an initial interview if there was an aspiration to be a SWAT team member. And that was all he could think about. The first was the psychological exam. Then that was followed by the fitness testing and the skills examination. One on the books, two to go. He’d spent the last three years working as a beat cop for the SAPD and he was damn proud of that, but he wanted bigger and he wanted better. He was made for more than this. In the year before the academy he went through an accelerated degree program where he snatched up a degree in Criminal Justice. He had plans to apply for this from the minute he graduated high school. He had already certified himself in counter-sniper tactics, helicopter and armored vehicle insertion and was hoping to get himself enrolled into explosives, rope skills and crowd control if he passed his exams of course. But...that was the goal. And as he walked back through the hall toward the little station where he sat to file his reports, when he heard the Sergeant call over to him. “Page, get your ass back to your car.” He chuckled and nodded and grabbed up his keys.] You got it, sir. [He blew out a breath and headed back out. He knew they were gonna break his balls over this. Leaving the team to join another, but it’s just what he wanted. He spent a good hour patrolling his normal runs when dispatch sent out a call. “Possible 10-35. Subject location unknown.” His brow lifted, but when he heard the address, he grabbed the radio and responded.] Unit 8 is 10-76. My 10-77 is about fifteen minutes. [He set the radio down, flipped his lights on but not the sirens. His brow was furrowed. That was an address he knew all too well. It was the childhood home of a friend of his. And it was a place he visited often enough. He went there to help her father. Fix what needed fixing. Take care of the lawn, the flash ice storms in the Texas winter. And even he had to admit that things just seemed to be getting a little more worse for the wear. But still, he wondered how the man called if he wasn’t in the house and that troubled him enough to drive a little faster than was allowed through a residential district. And he had to wonder why he didn’t just call his cell. He cleared his throat as he pulled up at the side of the house and grabbed his radio again.] Unit 8 is 10-06. Standby. [He stepped out of the car, closing the door as he started to walk up the side of the walkway, the back of a woman with long blonde hair coming into view.] Ma’am?

Lux: [She was standing in the yard, arms wrapped around herself as she just stared at the house. How was she going to tell her dad that their house had been broken into, their things stolen? He would want to come home, and he needed to be in the hospital receiving his treatments. Her dark blue eyes were starting to water when she heard the sound of a man behind her. Turning around, she saw an officer.] Yes. Um...I haven’t been inside. [She looked back toward the house, but continued to speak.] The door was open when I got home. And I...just peeked inside. Didn’t see anybody, but the place is a mess. So I just called the police and waited out here in the yard. [Turning back toward the officer, she figured she needed to introduce herself.] I’m Lux Wilder. This is my father’s house. His name’s Eric Wilder.

Hank: [That was a shock he wasn’t expecting. There she was. Lux Wilder. The girl of his teenage dreams. They were friends then. And had a few classes together. But he was quiet. She was friendly. He kept to himself, she went to all the parties. She was smart and beautiful and he was skinny and pale and yeah. It was no wonder she didn’t know who the hell he was. He cleared his throat.] I’m familiar with who owns the house, Miss Wilder. I know your father well and...you for that matter. [He looked up at the house.] Wait here, I’ll go and check it out. [He started toward the house before he looked back at her again. She definitely grew up. Still just as beautiful. He walked up the steps and used his foot to push open the door as he pulled his black gloves on and opened the holster clasp before palming his weapon. It definitely was a damn mess. Someone did a number on it and that just pissed him off. He called out to anyone that may have still been in the house.] Police. If there’s anyone inside, come out now with your hands up. [He went from one room into the next. Where the hell was Mr. Wilder?]

Lux: [Her brow furrowed as he said he knew who owned the home, knew her father, and knew her. How the hell did he know her? She was pretty sure she’d remember someone who looked like a strip-a-gram cop. She was still looking up at him when he told her to stay there.] Uh...yeah, OK. [She had to figure out who this guy was. She tried to see the name on his uniform before he walked away, but she only saw a P before he was walking past her. She stood in the yard, watching him head into the house. He was a pretty big man, but shouldn’t he have waited for back up or had a partner? She bit the corner of her lip as she waited for him to come back out.]

Hank: [He cleared the entire house. If someone had been there, they were long gone now. He holstered his weapon and secured the clasp before he came back out, he had his radio up at his mouth this time.] Dispatch this is 8. I have a 10-24 with PD. Can we get someone out here for collection? I’m 10-75 with the caller. [He left the radio go and heard the confirmation. “10-4 Officer Page. I’m sending someone now.” He looked back at her and raised a brow.] I’m gonna need some information from ya and I’m having someone come out to collect evidence and process it since there’s so much damage. We’ll file the report and I’ll check with the neighbors to see if anyone’s heard anything. Where’s Mr. Wilder? [His brow furrowed.]

Lux: [She was standing there, staring at him. The radio said Officer Page. Page. She went to high school with a couple of Pages, but...this guy didn’t look like any of them. She was still in thought when he came over to speak to her. And it took her a minute to answer him.] Uh...yeah, sure, that’s fine. I don’t know how much information I can give. Can I go inside and see what’s missing? I…[She shook her head.] How do you know my dad? How do you know me? [She looked up at him, dark blue eyes studying his face. She had to admit there was something familiar about his warm hazel eyes.]

Hank: [He shook his head.] Not just yet, they need to clear it. I wouldn’t want some kind of evidence unknowingly get destroyed because we’re moving things around. [His brows lifted.] It’s me, Lux. Hank. [He moved his pen across his notepad before he looked back down at her.] I guess I do look a little different. [He smiled.] I...see him when I’m on patrol. This is my neighborhood. And obviously /he/ remembers me. But I haven’t seen him for a little while. Is he alright?

Lux: [Her full lips were parted as she just stared up at him. That wasn’t Hank Page. And then he made a crack about her dad remembering him.] No, I remember Hank Page, but Hank Page didn’t look like that. [She gestured to him.] Or...you. Uh...shit, I mean, Hank was small...er than you. And…[She snapped her mouth closed and shook her head, smiling at him.] It’s only been four years. The glow up is real. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. How’ve you been? [She would’ve hugged him, but he was a police officer and that might’ve been frowned upon especially since he was on duty.] My dad’s...well, a few months ago, he came to my graduation and afterward, he and I were out at dinner. He wasn’t trying to ruin the occasion or anything, but a few days prior, he’d gotten a pretty serious diagnosis. Lung cancer. He’s been in and out of the hospital lately. A lot of chemo. A lot of...problems. So I moved back home to try to help him. Not that I’m a ton of help. Unfortunately. And now I get to tell him that all our stuff’s gone, and he’s going to worry that his little girl’s staying in an unsafe place. And that’s the last thing he needs to worry about right now.

Hank: [He was about to make a comment about her when she said that her father got one hell of a diagnosis and his eyes went a little wide and that made more sense. He’d noticed the change in Eric and it was obvious now, but it wasn’t then. He just figured it was taking him some time to bounce back from a cold. He shifted his weight and shook his head.] Man, Lux...I’m sorry, that’s…[He was gonna have to process that too. He’d gotten close to her dad in the years of her absence. And it was no wonder he didn’t tell him. He didn’t want him to make a damn fuss over things. With that bomb being dropped, a few techs showed up to do some processing and he pointed them in the right direction.] When they leave, we’ll see what’s missing, yeah? We’ve had a bunch of kids running around causing problems. Vandalizing cars and stores and things like that, but it hasn’t been anything serious. So this most likely isn’t going to be anything close to unsafe. But we’ll go back in and assess and get an idea. But maybe just give it a little while for him to rest up before you break the news about the break in. When’s he getting discharged?

Lux: [She shook her head.] It’s been hard. But he’s having a hard time with the treatments, and he’s also getting depressed a lot lately. [She sighed softly.] Yeah, that’s fine. I just mean, he won’t want me staying in a place that’s been broken into. And I guess I don’t really want to either. [She pulled a face and her shoulders lifted a bit.] Maybe I’ll just stay at the hospital tonight. [She shook her head.] I don’t really know. When he goes in for treatments, they really take a toll. He usually stays for a few days afterward until he starts feeling a little better.

Hank: [He shook his head. Dammit, Eric.] Would you feel better if there were an officer outside tonight? [His brows lifted.] How long have you been back? Are you planning on staying or are you just here for what’s going on with your dad? [He tapped his pen to the page.] That’s not for the report. That’s all me. Being nosy.

Lux: [Her own brows lifted.] Oh, you guys...I mean I’m sure the police have better things to do than babysit a scaredy cat. I put the wheels in motion to move home as soon as daddy told me. I’d already graduated, so I just figured I’d move back here from Houston. Try to get a job. I’ve been back for almost two months I guess. And yeah, I’m gonna be staying. [She smiled when he said he was just being nosy, a soft laugh spilling out.]

Hank: [He paused on the personal talk for a minute, getting information from her, what he needed for the report that he was going to have to fill out and enter later, but he was glad when the tech team gave them the go ahead and check inside. He turned with her.] Don’t be ridiculous. The police enjoy getting the chance to sit outside of a house all night. We don’t get called for anything. We just...relax. Listen to music. Do rounds. Trust me. It’s a shift the boys love to get. [He winked at her then turned around toward the house.] Two months? Damn, Lux. That’s a long time. Didn’t wonder about your old buddy Hank at all? [His brows lifted as he pushed the door open for her.] Take your time walking through. Let me know if something significant jumps out at you as missing.

Lux: [She laughed.] Well, then if it’s a cakewalk, you should take it. I’ll, uh, give you…[She pulled a face.] can’t be beer cause you’re on the clock. So...lemonade? [She laughed a little and shook her head.] Alright, anyway...my good buddy Hank never even offered to come up to Houston and visit me. My good buddy Hank never even texted. Or emailed. Or anything. And you know what? Good buddy Hank...you should’ve. [She gave him a nudge with her hand and then stepped inside the house. She was dreading this. Seeing all the things that were taken.] Well, the television’s gone. Computers. [She headed toward the kitchen, seeing the drawers open.] Did they wanna steal the damn can opener?

Hank: [He chuckled and shook his head.] Hey, I won’t charge the city. I’ll take the beer and I’ll take it in a pair of jeans instead of the uniform. [He jotted down what she said was missing, getting types and how many.] Can opener? Are you serious? [He shook his head and then decided to full circle that conversation.] Well, how was I supposed to know you wanted to hear from your good buddy Hank? I mean, let’s be real here. The /only/ thing you were focused on besides getting out of town was Cameran Taylor. Quarterback. [He looked over at her and pulled a face.] Which...just in case you’re considering sending him a, “I’m back” text...just don’t. He’s doing three to five for armed burglary. Knocked off Mr. Henderson’s Hardware. [He grinned.] I had the pleasure of that collar. [He wet his lips. Might’ve said he resisted a few times during that arrest, but it was justified in his mind.]

Lux: Let’s just say you get the beer, but keep the uniform on. [She nodded with a bit of a grin.] It’s...well, we’ll say it makes me feel safer. [Was she seriously flirting over a burglary scene? She sighed.] No, can opener’s here, but they did take the Ninja coffee maker and the Instapot. Who the hell takes an Instapot, Hank? Who robbed my dad’s house? Betty Crocker? [She sighed, shaking her head and moving into the garage. She pulled open the door and shook her head.] All my dad’s tools…[She shook her head with yet another sigh. When Hank brought up Cameran Taylor, she rolled her eyes.] I haven’t spoken to him since my freshman year. He...well, I found out he was pretty focused on my best friend Megan. Needless to say, we’re not friends anymore, and Cameran...well, he hasn’t been a thought in a long time. [Her brows raised.] Really? He’s in jail? [She laughed softly, shaking her head.] What an idiot.

Hank: Idiot is an accurate description. He was “armed” with a flare gun. That’s why it’s only three to five. [He shook his head.] Tweekers. They’re looking for anything that runs. Anything that can get a few dollars resale. But that also means they’re less likely to come back. [He knew it sucked to be missing all of those things, but her dad didn’t really use those tools anymore. He brought his own when he came out to the house to fix something.] Megan? Really? I don’t know who that is. [He laughed and shrugged his shoulders.] Oh, the uniform’ll cost extra. [He lifted both brows and then stopped to look out the back window that was broken.] There’s no way to get this fixed tonight, but I’ll sheet it up for you. So none of the central gets out and keeps the damn bugs out.

Lux: [She couldn’t help but laugh at the flare gun bit.] He never was the brightest bulb in the shed. [She sighed when he said that it was more than likely tweekers looking for anything they might resale on the street.] Oh God…[She hurried out of the garage, making a beeline for her father’s bathroom. And sure enough, all of his medications were gone. She tried to remember them all so that Hank could list them.] And yes, Megan. Megan Calder. You remember her. If you remember me. [She shook her head with a smile as they moved out of her father’s bedroom, which...his .38 special was missing too.] What’ll it cost me? [She looked up at him and then pushed her own door open, her room still much like it had been when she left for college. Her laptop was gone. Obviously. Her television.] Thanks, I appreciate that. I…[She stopped, looking around frantically.] Wait...No…[She looked under her bed and everything. It was gone. She sat down on the edge of the bed and covered her face with her hands.] They took my cello. How’m I supposed to get a job here now? It was hard enough already. Now I can’t even audition.

‘Hank: I’m gonna need the permit information for the gun. I’m gonna have to make sure that’s specially noted in case it’s used in a crime. [He shook his head.] We’ll make sure to get the pharmacy to refill what he needs and...yeah…[He was gonna have do some work around here. Reinforcing doors, locks. Security system. If she was staying and bringing Eric home, they’d have to have something in place. When she bent down and then ended up on the bed, he crouched down in front of her, setting the notepad on the bed beside her. He remembered Megan. He just didn’t care about Megan. He put his hand on her knee.] In the basement...your old cello is down there. [He wet his lips. He moved it when Eric needed him to take a look at the furnace.] I know it’s probably not what you’re used to now, but it’s something, right?

Lux: [She pulled her hands away from her face when she felt Hank’s hand against her knee. She wiped under her eyes and then nearly bowled him over as she hugged him.] It is!? [She felt like she could take a breath. Yeah, it wasn’t the cello she’d been playing for the last four years, but it would work. Until she could get a new one. Or by chance the police found their things. She was just...wait...how did Hank know what was in her basement? She pulled back.] Hey, uh...good buddy Hank...how do you know what’s in my basement? I’m pretty sure you never came over and hung out in the basement when we were in high school.

Hank: [He felt her hug him and damn if that didn’t take him back to when she left for college. He wet his lips and then nodded his head when she pulled back.] Yeah, it’s down there. [He stayed crouched down for the time being, his elbows resting against his knees.] Well...that’s kind of a long story. Why don’t you get your things and grab the paperwork on the gun. I’ll take you down to the station, get that filed. My shift’ll be over by then and I can bring ya home and help...put things together here with ya. Sound alright? [He stood back up and looked down at her. He turned, pulling a tissue from the stand and passing it to her for her eyes.] After you left, I still kicked around the neighborhood. And since it was just your old man here, I checked in on him since I was still here. I helped him around the house. Mowed the lawn. Fixed the furnace. Cleaned out the garage. Did you know...that man is a bit of a hoarder? He kept /all/ of your grade school artwork. It’s...a bit of a problem.

Lux: [She nodded as he said he’d take her to the station and then back to the house to help with the broken window and making sure everything was OK in the house.] Yeah, that’s fine. [She took the tissue from his and dabbed beneath her eyes. When he stood up, she went ahead and did the same. She listened to him talk about how he knew the cello was in the basement.] That’s sweet. You were always a real good guy, Hank. [She smiled when he said her father had kept all her grade school artwork.] Yeah, I can believe that. Dad’s sentimental. [She blew out a breath, not wanting to cry again.] Let me put my dinner in the fridge. [She walked to the kitchen, sticking the bag from Blanco’s into the refrigerator before she went to search for the paperwork in her dad’s room.]

Hank: [He resisted the urge to say not good enough. She had enough going on and he didn’t need to add the butthurt boy from high school to the mix. But he wasn’t that boy anymore either. He’d grown up. And he’d gained a sense of confidence he completely lacked so many years ago.] Well, he’s a good man. And I enjoyed getting to hang out with him. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for the academy. [He chuckled.] He didn’t need to, but I appreciated it. [He walked her toward the door.] Lock up what you can. I’ve got tools in my trunk. I’ll take a look at what I can tonight. And I’m gonna have to grab something to eat on the way back. Definitely Paolo’s Pizza. For old time’s sake.

Lux: [She was digging in her dad’s closet, trying to find the permit information for the gun that was stolen, and it took her about fifteen minutes before she could find it. Once she had, she gave it over to Hank and walked with him to the door. Making sure the garage door was down, the inside door was locked, and then the front door was locked, she followed him outside.] Should I take my car? [She looked up at him when he mentioned the pizza place.] Yeah, I’ve missed that place. [She stopped in the driveway.] Hey, Hank...I’m sorry. I should’ve kept in contact with you. I just...I guess I was just selfish. You were always such a good friend to me. And when I left, it wasn’t that I left to get away from every part of my life. So why didn’t you ever...you know...text me or anything? I mean I know we weren’t like...super close or anything, but we were friends.

Hank: [He shook his head.] You can ride in the front with me. It’ll be alright. You’re coming down to file a report on a missing firearm. It’s not going to take long. [He walked over, opening the door for her and closing it once she was in. He blew out a breath as he walked around to get into the driver’s seat. This wasn’t the conversation he thought he’d be having today, but he wasn’t minding who he was having it with.] It’s alright, Lux. You were doing big things. You needed to go. [He started the car and shook his head, checking before he pulled out.] Honestly, I just thought...you were gonna make other friends. And some boy ya knew in high school just wasn’t up on that college level, ya know? My whole life, I had one dream. And I’m doing it. But that took me in one direction and you were in another. I just didn’t want to insert myself in the new life you were trying to carve out. And...I didn’t have much to offer then either.

Lux: [She got into the front seat of the cruiser and then looked at him when he was in the driver’s seat.] I’ve never ridden in a police car before. [She smiled.] That isn’t true. You were a good guy. You were smart. And you were always the sweetest. I just thought maybe you didn’t wanna stay friends when I left. It’s hard to stay friends with someone who isn’t around, you know? But you could’ve come up and visited me at Rice. I had quite a few concerts too. I should’ve invited more people to those. [She laughed a little.] I did make friends. But...well, they’re not around now, are they? Nope. They were around for the fun stuff. Not the tough stuff like my dad having cancer. Dad never told me that you were around. Then again...I didn’t...talk...to him much while I was in school. I regret that now.

Hank: Hey, don’t regret it. You talked. Probably more than other people that went off to college spoke to their parents. [He shook his head.] I should’ve. You’re right. But then...you would’ve seriously missed out on the big reveal of your good buddy Hank. [He looked over at her with a smile.] There’s all different kinds of friends, Luxie. People that come into your life at the right time for a little while, people that come into your life at the wrong time for far too long and people that don’t ever really stay away, but come when they’re needed. But no, he didn’t say anything. Then again...he didn’t tell me about having cancer the last time I met with him. So he and I have a conversation coming. I also didn’t know you’ve been back this long. And that’s probably because these past few weeks I’ve been putting in for a promotion. I was gonna surprise the old man if I got good news and now I guess...yeah. Does he have a prognosis? [He looked over at her and shook his head.] I’m sorry.

Lux: That’s true. I didn’t even /recognize/ you. You look great, by the way. Hair cut. Muscles cut. [She laughed and then shook her head.] I felt that bicep. That is one serious bicep. [She looked down at her hands when he called her Luxie. No one had called her that in a /long/ time. She nodded.] Yeah, I guess that’s true. You know dad. He’s tightlipped about that sorta thing. Doesn’t really wanna let on how serious it is I think. But I think they’ve...well, it isn’t like a six month prognosis or anything. So that’s good. And yeah, you need to rake him over the coals for not telling you. A promotion, huh? What’s that about?

Hank: Yeah, I traded in my spaghetti arms for /man/icotti. [He laughed at his own stupid joke, but he knew it would make Lux laugh too. He could always make her laugh. That much he enjoyed. And it didn’t matter what he looked like, she liked his sense of dad joke humor.] Well, you’ll have to feel the other one. It’s just not fair to only get the chance to touch one. [He looked over at her and smiled.] Oh, I’m gonna. I would’ve been there more if he told me. [He shook his head.] Yeah. I’ve got all my ducks in a row. I’m starting my exams in the next few weeks. I’m really hoping I get accepted into SWAT.

Lux: [She laughed at his corny joke, thinking it was pretty clever.] That you did. [She nodded as he talked about feeling the other arm.] Yeah, I’ll definitely do that. But you know...that’s just gonna lead to more questions. Like...are there pecs and abs under that vest or...I mean...who knows what’s going on under there? [She smiled, shaking her head and looking out the window.] Well, you definitely are the one who changed more out of high school. I mean maybe...no, definitely. [She laughed, but then raised her brows.] SWAT? Wow, that’s serious. That’s pretty intense. But that’s awesome. I mean...living the dream, huh? That’s what you wanted to do. Law enforcement. I remember how crazy Shane thought you were. He said no way Hank’s gonna be a cop. And I always told him to stuff it. That if I could play the cello for a living, you could do whatever you wanted too.

Hank: [He looked over at her, with his brows raised. And that was a side of Lux that wasn’t ever there when they were kids. That flirty little smile, the way she wanted to know more about his body. Not that he was minding one bit. He was more than happy to let her see whatever she wanted. Once again...high school dream girl. And seeing her now, that didn’t seem to change. Well, maybe the girl part. He’d definitely replace that with woman.] Hey, you’re the one that wanted me in the uniform. I’d be /more/ than happy to let you do some investigating of your own. [He grinned and then shook his head.] Jesus...Shane. Yeah, he’s still doing alright. Wife and a kid now. Yeah...SWAT. I’ve worked my ass off to get the opportunity. And if I’m cleared, it’s back to training, but it’s worth it.

Lux: Hank...you’re making me blush. [She laughed, her hand touching her warm cheek.] The uniform’s nice. Accentuates all the right...areas. [She lifted her brows and then looked out the front.] Pretty sure it’s totally inappropriate to be flirting with the officer who’s...you know...investigating...filing....working...this case. [She dragged her words out with a smile on her lips.] I’m sure you’re gonna be plenty busy training and all that.

Hank: Well, then I’m doing my job, ma’am. [He chuckled and looked over at her. It felt damn good to put a blush on her face for the right reasons.] Why’s that? I’m a man, Luxie. Who happens to be a cop. This would be inappropriate if I said, give me a kiss and I’ll let you out of a ticket. [He grinned over at her.] Got any tickets? [He bounced his brows before he started down the road to the station.] Well, it’s a lot of training, but unlike going through the police academy which was 30 weeks of in-house training, this is shorter and I’m not required to live on campus. So it’s more of a nine to five that I get paid to do. A stipend actually.

Lux: [Oh, a man he definitely was. And she felt ridiculous for even entertaining that idea. She shook her head with a smile, that flirting just spilling out before she could even stop it.] Well no, but you could write me one, right? [She made a little eep sound and then laughed. She tried to focus on what he’d said about his job.] That’s good. You know, not having to live on campus. You can kind of continue with your regular life. So...Shane’s got a wife and kid? I didn’t see a ring so...or maybe you can’t wear a ring and do what you do? I don’t know. Are you...married? Engaged? Girlfriended?

Hank: The point is to not write the ticket. The kisses get you /out/ of them, remember? We don’t want a papertrail. [He chuckled and then wet his lips.] Didn’t see a ring on Shane? Oh..you mean me? Yeah...no. I mean, if you’re married, you’re allowed to wear it. Most guys opt for the silicone bands now. But I’m not one of them. I’m not married. Or engaged. No girlfriend either. I just never know if they want me for me, or they’re just using me for a get out of jail free card. [He chuckled.] I’m just kidding. Not about the girlfriend. Or wife. Or fiancee.

Lux: [Her brows raised as she stared at him.] Listen to you, Mr. Dirty Cop! [She laughed and then shoved his arm with her hand.] Oh...is that assaulting an officer? You may have to frisk and cuff me, Officer Page. [She ended up laughing and shaking her head.] No! Not Shane! [She pursed her lips and shook her head.] I’m sure they wouldn’t be looking for a get out of jail free card, unless...who are you dating? [She arched a brow and then smiled at him.] Well, I hope you get all the things you want. SWAT. And any other promotion or thing your heart desires. You deserve that.

Hank: Yeah, that’s exactly what that means. I think I’ll bring the cuffs and use the night stick. [He chuckled and wet his lips again. He was gonna have to reel it in. You couldn’t hide much in a uniform.] Hey, you know I don’t like bad girls. [He grinned.] I’ve always been different. So those good girls, that get good grades and grow up to be hot cello players. [He grinned and nodded his head.] Well, there’s a lot of desire in my heart, but...we’ll get to that later. [He put the cruiser in park and pulled out the keys.] We’re here. [He chuckled and got out, walking over to open her door.]

Lux: The night stick? [She looked at him with raised brows.] Is that what you call your…[She covered her mouth as a laugh tumbled out.] I...wow, this conversation has gone completely off the rails. [She shook her head and then turned to look at him.] So...my good buddy Hank thinks I’m hot, huh? That’s cute. [She had to admit that she was curious about the desire he had in his heart, but they were at the police station. She wet her lips as he got out and came around to open her door. Getting out of the car, she looked around.] Lead the way, officer.

Hank: [He nodded his head.] Follow me, ma’am. [He winked at her.] And for the record...no. That’s not what I call it. [He grinned as he held the door open for her to walk through it.] Who needs rails? Cute? [He reached up and clutched his chest.] That’s the kiss of death right there. [He walked up to the front and pulled out the papers she’d given him.] Gimme a sec. [He walked around behind the glass and spoke with the Desk Sergeant. He was behind there about four or five minutes before he came back out.] Alright, they’re gonna get that in the system and you’ll need to sign it, get a copy. I’m gonna head down and change and grab my bag. Wait for me here, yeah?

Lux: Don’t you dare call me ma’am. No? Well, it’d be a good name for it. Just saying. [She shook her head.] No, not cute like that. Not like a baby holding a puppy or something. So no...it isn’t a kiss of death, but you sure are bringing up the word kiss a lot tonight, aren’t you? [She smiled when he turned to look back at her.] What? I’m not objecting or anything. Just pointing it out. Must be your subconscious. [She nodded when he told her to give him a second. She stood out there and waited, and when he said that they were going to get her a copy and she’d need to sign it, she nodded again.] Alright. I’ll be here.

#TDATD RolePlay Stories Fiction NotEllaRavenscroft NotKenBradley HankAndLux

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louadorable126 · 4 years ago

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Demons(you).me: Chapter 8 - The Cult of Fortuna’s charity event (Part 2)

Artwork Commissioned from Aya/Itouyas on twitter! Please check her out! <3

>>Click here to read on Ao3!<<

Summary:

In a city controlled by the generally altered race of Demons, Lady’s life as a mercenary on the lower floor was never easy. Especially when she ran into Dante. A demon on the hunt for his missing brother.

———–

Fandom: Devil May Cry

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Characters: Vergil, Lady, Dante, Trish

———–

Chapter 8:

“Who are you?!

The doppelgänger of Eva raised an eyebrow in confusion at his hysteria. “One of your kind?” She said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I’m on your side, so calm yourself."

Wait, she sees herself as a demon? Great, that totally didn’t soothe Dante’s fears! In fact the complete opposite. Only bringing forth more questions than answers in his already overworked mind.

“S-Sorry. I, uh didn’t expect to see another…” He gulped for the words. "Another one of us down here.” He said shakily, lowering his sword, yet still not letting go of it completely. Playing along seemed like the best option right now in Dante’s mind. Freaking out, as reasonable as it was, wasn’t going to get him anywhere with this.“Why are you here then?"

“I would think the reason is pretty obvious, given that they are currently sitting around us.” The doppelgänger gestured to the limp bodies of the leaders. “Dispatch sent me to deal with these lunatics, and so I have. Though, how very thoughtful of them to send me a backup just in case~ You’re a damn good fighter, and I like that in an assistant."

“Dispatch?” So the demonic military had been looking into taking out the Cult of Fortuna as well then? Eh, not too big of a surprise. It was always gonna be a matter of time. At least on the upside, they’d saved him a job by pulling their ‘disappearing’ act on them here and now. “Oh right, dispatch! Yeah, they didn’t tell me anything about you being here. So hence, uh… all that-”

“Its fine, all is forgiven.” She cut in briskly, waving him off. Clearly holding no resentment at least. “They were probably trying to protect my identity. It's hard to put up a decent front if you know who you can trust!”

“True” Dante responded, somewhat detached; weakly leaning back against the solid wall behind him. In truth, he barely processed her words, too unsettled by the tone of her voice, that gentle yet smug smile not too dissimilar to his own… it was all too uncanny.

Ugh, this is so weird! He whined to himself, rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly. Why couldn’t she just be a clone of Lady? At least she’d have another pretty sister if that were the case! Maybe a little more murderous, but I could work with that-

A chorus of radio chatter spat its way out of the busted helmet. Easily startling the two of them, as they quickly turned their heads towards the sound. The thick static it emanated, made it far too hard to make out exactly what was being said. But if Dante had to guess just by how many voices were overlapping each other whenever it did get audible, the situation sounded quite hectic.

“Seems like security just found out about our little play session." Gloria commented, glancing over her shoulder towards the open door. The sound of a stampede of feet bashing against laminate sounding in the distance. She sighed, shaking her head. “And here I thought Agnus would be a slower runner.”

“Hang on, you didn’t kill all of them?!” Dante yelled in surprise. This wasn’t good at all. How the hell were they going to make good on their deal with Augustus if they hadn’t cut off all the hydra’s heads? (Maybe a bit too literally in the unfortunate case of the guy near to Dante.) God, Vergil was going to have his guts for this…

“I dealt with who I was ordered to deal with. We’ll leave it at that.” The woman in white said ominously, turning her back on him and heading towards the door.

“Right. Totally not the short and simple way of saying you fucked up!” Dante scoffed, unbelieving.

“Oh, I could’ve killed him if I wanted.” Gloria reassured him confidently. Throwing her gilded blade up into the air playfully and catching it again stylishly. “We need to get moving.”

She left the room. Leaving Dante to on hurry after her begrudgingly; his bold red half-cape billowing behind him.

Okay. Maybe we can still get away with this, even if the cult leaders aren’t all dead! Dante thought, trying to reassure himself. As long as the Cult of Fortuna doesn't reform under Agnus. Augustus will have no reason to think we screwed up. Yeah! All he wants is his family to be free. So like he need to know about the finer details of this mission anyway-

His stream of consciousness was abruptly cut off, when his foot came into contact with something solid and heavy, just as he passed through the doorway. The demon glanced down curiously, only to immediately regret the decision when he found the two guards who’d assailed him at the door, laying out cold on the floor. Looking distinctly very dead, if the large pools of blood around them was anything to go by.

That explains why you guys didn’t come charging in at the first sound of commotion. Damn. Dante mused, awkwardly stepping over the guard’s arm he’d come into contact with. Trying to avoid getting blood on his dark metallic feet, with picky, small steps.

“Are you coming?” Gloria’s impatient voice asked. Dante looked up, finding his mother’s doppelgänger standing there in the darkness with her arms crossed disapprovingly - still holding her sword in one hand. “The sight of a few dead bodies scaring you, recruit?”

“Hey, I’m not the summer intern lady! Show me some respect, alright?” Dante said, biting back with his usual wit. Confidently walking off ahead of her down the hall ahead of her. “What even gives you authority over me anyway?”

“Oh I’ve only spent the last six months infiltrating my way inside here. I’d think with that amount of effort, I should be in charge instead of the guy who rocks up at the last minute!”

“Hey, sometimes it’s only the last few minutes that count in the end anyway!” Dante responded cheekily, lifting his crimson sword up and resting it on his shoulders. An overly-dramatic, mournful sigh escaping him, as he pressed his hand on his forehead, like he was a tragic character on stage. “Though, not that my epic tea serving skills will ever be appreciated now."

“They were very nice, dear.” Gloria complimented calmly from his side. The blond woman had caught up with him once again. "Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“Perhaps. Although your real name would be nice too.” Dante smirked.

He knew he was pushing it a bit here. If she was sent by the demonic military, it was likely she wasn’t allowed to reveal her true identity to anyone for the sake of keeping things nice and secure; names always meant loose ends, and that was never good for anything covert.

It was a rule that Dante knew better than most (He kinda broke it... pretty often. Had the higher-ups or his dad found out about his first meeting with Lady for example, he no doubt would’ve gotten one hell of a rocket up his ass for how many protocols he’d broken). So the chances that uptight ‘Gloria’ here was gonna spill the beans on…well anything about herself, let alone the similarities to his mother, was unlikely at best.

It seemed he wasn’t wrong, as Trish’s face turned hard at the suggestion. Looking dead ahead with the stern procession, pretending as though he wasn’t there. Leaving an uncomfortable silence (Not that you couldn’t really call it that though, with all the panicked yelling and commands to ’search the area’ echoing down from a few corridors back) to fall upon them.

But that wasn’t to say there was a glimmer of hope. Every now and then, her lips would twitch almost like she was on the verge of saying something before shutting herself down once again. Until finally, she anxiously glanced over her shoulder and spoke.

“Trish.”

Hot damn! He actually got something out of her! “Trish? Oh like Beatrice-“

“Just Trish.” She insisted firmly. Her fixing her green eyes over to the young man beside her, with an fearsome intensity only Vergil could match. "And your’s?”

Oh. He hadn’t thought that far ahead with this.

Should I tell her? Crap, that was a tough question. Sure in the here and now it would be fine. Perfectly reasonable too since she’d given her own. But, what happened when this mission was over? Trish would most likely have to report back on how this operation went down. Write up some boring essay that Dante normally left Vergil to handle. She’d surely mention he was involved as her ‘back-up’ or something. And that would be fine if she left it vague. There were plenty of grunts like him out there so he’d be pretty anonymous.

But…if he was named. It wouldn’t take long for some clever-clogs back at dispatch to realise he was here unauthorised. Questions would be asked most certainly, and Dante wasn’t sure how well he or Vergil could defend themselves once that started happening. What, being involved in an unauthorised capacity on an operation months in the making, if he went off what Trish said. From there, it could only unravel more and more. The two week absence, Vergil’s little murder tour of the cities’ databanks, Lady, Eva-

What if they already know about Eva? Stuck the sudden, horrifying thought. Trish thinks she’s a demon. What if they had- No! They can’t have done that!

“I’m risking a lot telling you that, you know?” Trish huffed angrily, brushing hair out of her face rather elegantly. “Going to return the favour or not?”

“Yeah yeah I am..” Dante brushed her off, his voice quivering slight. If.. if they had done what he thought they’d done. There was no point hiding anything anymore.

There was no point to anything.

“Its.. its Dante”

“Good name.” Trish praised, a faint smile tracing her lips.

“Heard it before then?” He pried, returning with his usual confidant edge. Yet, that couldn’t be anywhere further from the truth in reality. His stomach was a torrent of nervous energy, swishing and swirling in anticipation for what would come as her reply. Honestly not sure if it would be a blessing or a curse if she did recognise him.

“No. It's just an instinct. Nothing grander than that I’m afraid.” Trish professed a little bashful. “Although, rolls off the tongue rather nicely I suppose."

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Dante said, smiling weakly. Perhaps there was something there after all…

All of a sudden, Trish reached an arm across Dante’s chest and pulled him so they were both pressed flat against the wall.

“Hey, what was that for-“

“Shut it.” Trish ordered sternly, voice low. Putting a finger to her lips, before gesturing with her eyes to the end of the corridor.

Dante followed their gaze. In the dull yellow light leaking from around the corner. Two shadows, large and twisted in a way that made their builds indistinguishable, traced their way across the floor. Thankfully it seemed they had already passed by, if Dante guessed from the direction the shadows were moving. Having missed the pair of demons completely by some stroke of luck.

“Think we’re safe. They’re leaving.” Dante whispered, moving to get up, only the flat edge of Trish’s golden blade to be pressed against his chest. Pinning down him in place, unmoving.

“Not so fast.” Trish advised sternly. Carefully observing the shadows’ movements as they danced across the floor. “They’re going to loop back round any minute now."

“Loop back round? Look, their probably just catering staff on the move. Unless they’ve dropped any napkins on the floor that I’ve missed here, they are going to be long gone any minute now-“

“And why exactly would catering staff move in groups of two?” Trish inquired. She had a point. Tonight had taught Dante enough to know he was barking up the wrong tree here. He’d been left to do stuff on his own, actively encouraged in fact. So yeah, for two people to be walking around together with no trolly did seem kinda strange to be honest. “They’re most likely guards on patrol no doubt. My men….the cults' guards have a protocol to move in groups of two. Means if one goes down the other can call for help. I know because I instituted it."

“Geez, thanks for making our lives harder I guess?” Dante joked.

“Oh I try my best~” Trish stated modestly. Removing her sword from his chest and lowering it back down to her side. “May as well make it up to you then, shouldn’t I Dante? I’ll only be a moment."

Sticking close to the wall, Trish swiftly began to make her way down the corridor. Disappearing around the corner moments later in one fluid, deadly movement.

Off she goes killing again. Dante sighed to himself, letting out air he didn’t even realise he was holding in. The relief that he was on his own again striking him in that moment. He was thankful for it. Any more stress, and his strained heart probably was gonna give out young. And let’s just say keeling over from a heart attack, wasn’t exactly on the demon's to-do list tonight.

The young man reclined his head back against the freezing wall. Maybe I should tell her to just keep to non-violent takedowns until we get out of here. Would’ve thought a trail of dead bodies is going to be pretty obvious to follow-

“What the-“ Cried a distinctly familiar, peppy voice. Followed by a surge of bright blue light streaking across the wall from around the corner. The crash of someone collapsing to the ground echoing down the corridor to Dante’s sensitive ears. Alerting him.

That can’t be good! Dante thought, imminently springing into action. Hurriedly sprinting down to check what was going on.

Only to be met at gunpoint by Lady when he rounded the corner.

———–

Click here to read more! :D

#devil may cry #dmc #devil may cry fanfiction #dante sprada #vergil sparda #dmc lady #dmc trish #dmc dante #dmc vergil

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blackkudos · 5 years ago

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Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Marie Sullivan (born April 9, 1987) is an American singer-songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her debut album, Fearless, was released in 2008 to commercial and critical success. It is certified gold in the US. The album contains her debut single "Need U Bad", produced by Missy Elliott, a reggae-inspired song. A cover version of her second single "Bust Your Windows" that was made on Glee in 2009, boosted her career in the popular culture industry. At the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009, Sullivan received nominations for Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Best Contemporary R&B Album.

Sullivan released her second studio album, Love Me Back, in 2010. The album was critically well received and surpassed the success of her debut, earning her another Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the lead single "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles) at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011. The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. Love Me Back has sold over three million copies. She is one of the female R&B artists to simultaneously have two albums in the top ten of the Billboard 200 and have two singles in the top five of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, as well as in the history of the Grammy Awards to have three simultaneous Grammy-nominated singles, with "Need U Bad", "Bust Your Windows", and "Lions, Tigers & Bears", all of which also topped the charts. Fearless is the longest-running number one album by a female R&B artist in the history of the US Album Charts.

After taking a three-year break, Sullivan announced her third studio album, Reality Show, in 2014. The album was later released on January 13, 2015. It became Sullivan's best-selling album and peaked at number one at the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Reality Show was her first studio album to be released under RCA Records and earned her three Grammy Award nominations, including Best R&B Album, and a NAACP Image Award, which was NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song. The lead single, "Let It Burn", became her first song in the US to sell over one million digital copies within a week of its release. Her concert tour, The Reality Show Tour, visited North America and concluded with finale concerts at the House of Blues in March 2015.

In 2010, Sullivan was named Rising Star by Billboard. At the 2009 and 2016 NAACP Image Awards, Sullivan was nominated for Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Female Artist. In 2018, her single "Bust Your Windows" was listed at number 140 on National Public Radio's The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women. Sullivan cites singers Brandy, Changing Faces, Kim Burrell, Lauryn Hill, and Dorinda Clark-Cole as her main influences and inspirations.

Life and career

1987–2006: Early life

Jazmine Sullivan was born on April 9, 1987 to Don and Pam Sullivan. Her mother is a former backup singer for Philadelphia International Records. When she was five years old, her father landed a position as a curator for the city's Historic Strawberry Mansion in the Strawberry Mansion section, and her family moved into the historical landmark.

Sullivan is a 2005 graduate of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts where she was a vocal music major. Sullivan began singing as a contralto in the children's choir, and later in the adult choir. Sullivan's exposure to secular music was initially limited.

2003–2009: Career beginnings and Fearless

At fifteen, Sullivan signed to Jive Records. She recorded an album, which was never released, and she was eventually dropped from the label. Sullivan provided vocals for Kindred the Family Soul's song, "I Am", as well as background vocals on the song "Party's Over", and the title track to their 2003 debut Surrender to Love, and it was during this session she first met rapper Missy Elliott, who would go on to produce both the majority of her debut album, Fearless, and tracks on Love Me Back. Sullivan wrote and recorded with producers Cool & Dre titled "Say I" was given to Dre's then-girlfriend Christina Milian for her third album, So Amazin'. The song became the lead single, peaking at #13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, as well as #21 on the Hot 100. Sullivan's breakthrough song, "Need U Bad", was released in May 2008. The song, which featured additional vocals by Missy Elliott and Sandy "Pepa" Denton of Salt-n-Pepa, later debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent a total of 34 weeks atop of the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs altogether.

Sullivan's debut album Fearless was released on September 23, 2008. At the time, she wrote and composed many of its songs and served as the album's executive producer alongside Missy Elliott, Salaam Remi and Peter Edge. The album received production from Elliott, Remi, Stargate, Carvin & Ivan, Jack Splash, and Fisticuffs. Fearless debuted at number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums and at number 6 on the Billboard 200. Sullivan followed her début single with the release of the second single from Fearless, "Bust Your Windows", which reached number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her most successful single on that chart to date. "Bust Your Windows" appeared on the debut episode of the Fox hit television show Glee and was also nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Song. In 2014, Stevie Wonder claimed he considered "Bust Your Windows" a classic song. "Lions, Tigers & Bears" was released as the album's third single in December 2008. It scored her third consecutive top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, reaching #10, and garnered some mainstream success by reaching number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sullivan later pursued success in the United Kingdom when she first released "Dream Big" as a single in the UK on February 2009. The song was later released as the fourth and final single from the album in April 2009. The album has a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America, and has sold more than 510,000 copies in the United States.

Sullivan was featured on a song entitled "Smoking Gun" with Jadakiss on his third studio album The Last Kiss. She was also a supporting act for fellow American R&B singer Maxwell on his 2008 US tour and was the opening act for Ne-Yo's 2009 Year of the Gentleman Tour. She additionally appeared on Ace Hood's second studio album, Ruthless, on the song "Champion". She went on to headline a few dates with Ryan Leslie, before participating in the Essence Music Festival in June 2009. That same year, Sullivan appeared in commercials for Cotton Incorporated. Additionally, Sullivan made a guest appearance on Snoop Dogg's tenth studio album Malice n Wonderland on the song "Different Languages".

2009–11: Love Me Back

Sullivan began working on her second album, Love Me Back, in 2009. Producers contributing to the album included Missy Elliott, Lamb, Ne-Yo, Anthony Bell, Los da Mystro, Ryan Leslie, and Salaam Remi, who was also a major contributor to Fearless. Songs recorded for the album include "Love You Long Time", "Don't Make Me Wait" (a tribute to Prince), "Redemption", "Excuse Me", "Good Enough", and the reported sequel to "Bust Your Windows" titled "You Get On My Nerves", which was co-written by Ne-Yo. The album was completed in June 2010 and released on November 30, 2010. The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and sold 57,000 copies in its first week.

In an interview with National Public Radio, Sullivan explained that the album was about her personal experiences, stating:

The album's lead single, "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)", was released on July 10, 2010. The song debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for the song premiered on August 30, 2010. The song would later be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2011. The album's second single, "10 Seconds", was released to radio airplay in late September, and debuted at number 15 the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The song was later released for digital download on October 25, 2010. An accompanying music video was later filmed and was released on November 12, 2010.

In early December 2010, Billboard honoured Sullivan as the 'Rising Star' for 2010. She later announced that she was working on her third studio album.

2011–present: Hiatus and Reality Show

In January 2011, Sullivan announced via Twitter that she was indefinitely leaving the music industry saying, "I promised myself when it wasn't fun anymore I wouldn't do it. And, here I am. I'm not saying I won't ever sing again in my life because I don't believe that. But in this moment… right now… [I] got some things to figure out". On October 7, RCA Records announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Sullivan (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels).

In 2014, she returned to music with the announcement of her new album, Reality Show. In an interview with Billboard, Sullivan described her return as inevitable, saying she "...can't escape [her] calling". She based Reality Show on watching reality shows during her hiatus which inspired the namesake. The album consists of 14 songs, and features production from Key Wane and Salaam Remi. The lead single "Dumb", featuring American rapper Meek Mill, was released on May 12, 2014. The song debuted at number 45 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. The second single "Forever Don't Last" was released on September 16, 2014. It debuted at number 10 on the Adult R&B Songs.

On January 13, 2015, Jazmine Sullivan released Reality Show to widespread critical acclaim, with the album reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B Albums and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Reality Show sold 30,000 copies in its first week. Slant Magazine commented, "Despite what the rasp in her voice might suggest, Sullivan clearly sees herself as something other than R&B's next great queen of pain. Her central themes—love and self-image—don't stray far from genre convention, but her musical versatility and keenly observed characters make her one of the most captivating artists in R&B today." The album earned Sullivan three Grammy Award nominations for Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Album.

In 2016, Sullivan was featured in the visual album "Endless" by Frank Ocean. Sullivan lent her vocals to four songs from the album: "Alabama", "Wither", "Hublots", and "Rushes". Sullivan was the lead writer for these four songs on Mary J. Blige's album Strength of a Woman, and sang backup vocals on the first three of them: "Thick of It", "Set Me Free", "Glow Up", and "Thank You." ("Strength of a Woman" album liner notes). She in partnership with fellow American singer Bryson Tiller released "Insecure" for the soundtrack for the second season of the HBO series of the same title.

In 2019, Sullivan was featured on Pentatonix’s Christmas collection The Best of Pentatonix Christmas on the group’s cover of “Joyful, Joyful”.

Musical style and artistry

Sonically, Sullivan's voice alternates between "modern productions" and a "1980s-influenced sound" which music critics say gives her "old-school hip hop sound". Her vocal range is identified as mezzo-soprano. Her voice has a solid agility in all registers and is well connected between an A2 and a G5. InStyle said that she has a "raspy voice". She describes her writing style as "flashbacks", in reference to her songs about failed relationships that were both physically and emotionally abusive. Her music displays her responses to these relationships famously with her song "Bust Your Windows". She likes to write about how she is feeling, which in turn, taking a day or up to a month to complete. During the recording of the album Reality Show, Sullivan spent so much time revising and re-recording, that the producers had to force her to release the album to prevent a delayed release. Sullivan is well known for writing her own songs which amplifies her universal critical acclaim from critics and fans.

Awards and achievements

At the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009, Sullivan was nominated for awards in the categories of Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Best Contemporary R&B Album. The success of her debut album Fearless saw Sullivan nominated for three BET Awards in the categories of Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Artist and the Centric Award, but only winning the Centric Award. She was also nominated for the Outstanding New Artist award at the NAACP Image Awards.

At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Sullivan was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for her song, "Lions, Tigers & Bears". In 2010, Sullivan won the Rising Star award at the Billboard Women in Music. At the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)", the lead single from her second studio album Love Me Back, earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2011. Released in 2015, Sullivan's third album, Reality Show, sold thirty thousand copies in the first week. Reality Show earned her three Grammy nominations and two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Song for "Let It Burn".

At the 49th NAACP Image Awards, Sullivan was nominated for Outstanding Song for "Insecure", a song that she and Bryson Tiller collaborated on for the soundtrack of the second season of the HBO series of the same name. Sullivan's most notable song "Bust Your Windows" was listed at number 140 on National Public Radio's list of The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women.

Discography

Fearless (2008)

Love Me Back (2010)

Reality Show (2015)

#04/09

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beingallelite · 3 years ago

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BustedOpenRadio- Tomorrow. @TheBrandiRhodes 👀 11 am ET. @bullyray5150 @RyanMcKinnell @AEW #RhodesToTheTop

#brandi rhodes #twitter: busted open radio #appearances #aew #all elite wrestling #posted on: 10.5.21

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daggerzine · 5 years ago

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Lots of lists! DAGGER’s favorites of 2019 (and more lists to come)

TIM’S LISTS

MY 20 FAVORITE RECORDS OF 2019 (in no particular order)

Jeanines- S/t (Slumberland)

Purple Mountains- S/T (Drag City)

Monnone Alone- Summer of the Mosquito (Lost & Lonesome)

Mick Trouble – Here’s the Mick Trouble LP (Emotional Response)

Pernice Brothers- Spread the Feeling (Ashmont)

The Resonars- No Exit (Trouble in Mind)

Rocket 808- S/T (12XU)

Thigh Master- Now For Example (Goner)

Seablite- Grass Stains and Novacaine (Emotional Response)

Ex Hex- It’s Real (Merge)

Versus – Ex Voto (Ernest Jenning Record Co)

Nots- 3 (Goner)

Rocketship- Thanks To You (Darla)

Dream Syndicate- These Times (Anti)

The Paranoid Style – A Goddamn Impossible Way of Life (Bar None)

Business of Dreams- Ripe for Anarchy (Slumberland)

The Safes- Winning Combination (Bickerton Records)

The Gotobeds- Debt Begins at 30 (Sub Pop)

The Black Watch- Magic Johnson (ATOM Records)

Comet Gain- Fireraisers Forever! (Tapete)

WAIT! HERE’S 20 MORE!

Vivian Girls- Memory (Polyvinyl)

Bob Mould- Sunshine Rock (Merge)

Modern Nature- How To Live (Bella Union)

Robert Forster- Inferno (Tapete’)

David Kilgour- Bobbie’s a Girl (Merge)

Piroshka- Brickbat (Bella Union)

The Armoires- Zibaldone (Big Stir Records)

Dark Blue- Victory is Rated (12XU)

The Persian Leaps- Electrical Living (Land Ski Records)

Sasha Bell- Love Is Alright (Both Sides Now)

Frankie Cosmos- Close It Quietly (Sub Pop)

USA/Mexico- Matamoros (12XU)

Moving Targets- Wires (Boss Tuneage)

Red Sleeping Beauty- Stockholm (Matinee)

Redd Kross- Beyond the Door (Merge)

The Treasures of Mexico- Everything Sparks Joy (Shelflife)

In Deed- Everest (Big Stir Records)

The Catenary Wires- Til the Morning (Tapete)

Foxhall Stacks- The Coming Collapse (Snappy Little Numbers)

The Vandoliers- Forever (Bloodshot)

WAIT!! EVEN 20 MORE…

Tiny Ruins- Olympic Girls (Bada Bing!)

Bruce Springsteen- Western Stars (Columbia/ Sony)

Sebadoh- Act Surprised (Dangerbird)

Le Superhomard- Meadow Lane park (Elefant)

James Clarke Five- Parlour Sounds (The Beautiful Music)

The Boys with the Perpetual Nervousness – Dead Calm (Pretty Olivia)

Tennis Club- Pink (Elefant)

Parsnip- When the Tree Bears Fruit (Trouble in Mind)

The Muffs- No Holiday (Omnivore)

The Kyle Sowashes- I Don’t Know What To Tell You (Anyway Records)

The Vapour Trails- See You In the Next World (Futureman Records)

Jason Hawk Harris- Love and the Dark (Bloodshot)

Trip Wire- Once & Always (Big Stir Records)

Lloyd Cole- Guesswork (EAR Music)

Mike Krol- Power Chords (Merge)

Bubblegum Lemonade- Desperately Seeking Sunshine (Matinee)

The Silent Boys- By the Light of the Moon (Bossy Lil Thing Records)

The Pearlfishers- Love and Other Hopeless Things (Marina)

Spray Paint- Into the Country (12XU)

The Ocean Blue- Kings and Queens/ Knave and Thieves (Korda)

I also really enjoyed records by……Unhappy Fly, I Was a King, The Hussy, 75 Dollar Bill, Snail Mail, Apex Manor, Mike Gale, Rob Laufer, Richard X, Heyman, Skull Practitioners, Todd Herfindal, Young Guv, New Pornographers, Scott Gagner, The Memory Fades, Mudhoney, The Well Wishers, Golden Pelicans, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, Lucille Furs, The Umbrella Puzzles, Westkust , Mondello , Johnny Couch, Weyes Blood, Spearmint, Corridor, Joy Cleaner, Elva, Possible Humans, Blue Jeans, the BVs, etc .etc.

COLLECTIONS/ REISSUES

The Springfields- Singles, 1986-1991 (Slumberland)

The Victims- S/T (In the Red)

Dream Syndicate- The Days of Wine and Roses (Fire)

Stephen Duffy- I Love My Friends (Needle Mythology)

Human Switchboard- Who’s Landing in my Hangar (Fat Possum)

The Dum Dum Boys- Let There Be Noise (In the red)

Soul Asylum- Made to be Broken & While You Were Out (Omnivore)

Holiday Flyer- The Rainbow Confection & Try Not To Worry (Darla)

Metz- Automat (Sub Pop)

The Toms- The 1970 Sessions (Futureman Records)

SOME LISTS BY DINA HORNREICH

In a not-so comprehensive (mostly desultory) manner I have thrown this list of current zeitgeisty kinds of things that I encountered in one way or another that had various compelling bits, chunks, and other substantial nuggets (if not their complete entirety) of a musical persuasion that provided something engaging, amusing, enlightening, challenging, discordant, or otherwise worthwhile for my freaky mind, body, and soul to chew on in this last year of 2019. There are always tons and tons of things that I missed and/or never got to (but always meant to) so not exhaustive whatsoever. More a reflection of where I’ve been these days and how I’ve gotten here... (and will try to remain, if circumstances allow.)

Some Recorded Albums:

● Sneaks: Highway Hypnosis (Merge)

● The World: Reddish (Microminiature)

● Sacred Paws: Run Around the Sun (Merge)

● Trash Kit: Horizon (Upset the Rhythm)

● A-WA: Bayti Fi Rasi (BMG)

● Sleater-Kinney: The Center Won’t Hold (Mom + Pop)

● Ex Hex: It’s Real (Merge)

● Angel Olsen: All Mirrors (Jagjaguwar)

● Vagabon: s/t (Nonesuch)

● GRLwood: I Sold My Soul to the Devil When I Was 12 (sonaBLAST!)

● Girl Friday: Fashion Conman EP (Hardly Art)

● Tacocat: This Mess is a Place (Sub Pop)

● Karen O/Danger Mouse: Lux Prima (BMG)

● Cherry Glazerr: Stuffed and Ready (Secretly Canadian)

● Habibi: Come My Habibi single (Muddguts)

● Haim: Hallelujah EP (Columbia)

● Grimes: “We Appreciate Power”/”Pretty Dark” demo/”4AEM”/”Violence”/”So Heavy I Fell Through The Earth” various pre-album release singles (4AD)

● Madame Gandhi: Visions EP - Extended Versions (self-released?)

● Chai: PUNK (Burger)

● Kero Kero Bonito: Civilisation I single (Polyvinyl)

● Solange: When I Get Home (Columbia)

● UT: Conviction reissue (Mute)

Some Live Performances (mostly in Denver, CO):

● Hadgaba/Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe (Denver Klezfest 2019 at Mercury Cafe)

● Jonathan Richman (Swallow Hill)

● Kristen Hersh (Hi Dive)

● Ex Hex/Moaning (Bluebird)

● Sleater-Kinney/Joseph Keckler (Ogden)

● Angel Olsen/Vagabon (Gothic)

● Holygram (Oriental)

● Cellista (Mercury Cafe)

● The Beths/Girl Friday (Globe)

● GRLwood (Globe)

● Tacocat/Paranoyds (Larimer)

● Short Shorts/Potty Mouth (Lost Lake)

● Nots (Lost Lake)

● Spiritualized (Gothic)

● Breezy Porticos (Chez Hinely)

● Church Fire/Glitter Vomit (Rhinoceropolis)

● FemmeFest 2019: Rare Byrds (Museum of Contemporary Art Denver)

● Love Languages/Teenage Fanclub (Bluebird)

● Girls Rock Denver Showcase 2019 (Summit Music Hall)

● Vivien Goldman (in-store at Rough Trade Records NYC)

● Imperial Teen (in-store at Twist’n Shout Records)

Some Books:

● Women Who Rock by Evelyn McDonnell

● Dayglo: Poly Styrene by Celeste Bell and Zoe Howe

● Revenge of the She-Punks by Vivien Goldman

● Why Karen Carpenter Matters by Karen Tongson

● Hardcore Anxiety: A Graphic Guide to Punk Rock and Mental Health by Reid Chancellor

● Liz Phair: Horror Stories (memoir)

● Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essays From Washington DC (and Beyond) 1997-2017 by Antonia Tricarico

● Girl in a Girl Band by Malia James

Some Film/TV (if not content relevant entirely, for its soundtrack minimally):

● Judy (BBC Films)

● Transparent (Amazon Series, Season 5/Musical Finale)

● Dolemite is My Name (Netflix Original Film)

● 2 Dope Queens (HBO Season 2, Episode 3)

● Trinkets (Netflix Series, Season 1)

● Blinded by the Light (New Line Cinema)

● Shrill (Hulu Series, Season 1)

● The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Series, Season 3)

● Big Mouth (Netflix Series, Season 3)

● A Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu Series, Season 3)

● GLOW (Netflix Series, Season 3)

● Orange is the New Black (Netflix Series, Season 7)

Some Radio/Podcast Outlets:

● She’s A Punk (podcast)

● Indie 102.3 FM (local station formerly Open Air CPR)

● KGNU 1390 AM (local station)

● Radio 1190AM KVCU (local station)

And to go full circle around in the weird miasmic disorientations of blogs/zines, and every tool in between...I could mention the writers at Bust, Bitch, Pitchfork, even… DAGGER. But credit for discoverability also includes the vending platforms of Spotify/Bandcamp/Apple Music/Soundcloud themselves (and their haunted algorithms) as well as musicians’ various social media counterparts (which may or may not include their publicists) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. (and where does YouTube fit in exactly?) which means the industry will eventually eat itself. Happy New Year, ladies and germs. Who knows what the next decade will bring? Whatever it may be, let it be progress rather than random changes for no apparently good reasons.

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embodieshorror-blog · 5 years ago

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⭐

Get to know my other OC’s! (always accepting)

Bubba Ray Spiner is a cactus farmer.

That is to say, he’s a farmer who’s also a cactus, not a farmer who farms cacti.

Specifically, Bubba grows marijuana. He grows copious amounts of it, and although he’s familiar with the concept of “don’t get high on your own supply” he doesn’t really agree with it. Why pass up on a good thing?

Bubba’s marijuana is the best. It’s so good, in fact, that when a couple of teens stumbled across a field full of it apparently growing wild in southwestern Arizona and then noticed a cactus wearing overalls and a trucker cap with a spliff hanging from his mouth and a shotgun tucked in the crook of his arm, yelling at them in a nigh-incomprehensible hillbilly dialect, they thought they’d just got contact-high off of it.

The local sherrif’s department thought much the same thing of the teens’ testimony about a shotgun-wielding, spliff-smoking cactus man, but the report of a field full of hemp warranted investigation. The cops followed up, and Bubba, panicking at his operation being busted open, opened fire in order to protect his property. More cops were called. Reports of the shootout and ensuing standoff began to circulate. The boys were interviewed by a local radio station, and Area 57′s SIGINT analysts began catching mentions of the so-called cactus man in Twitter mentions. Deciding it warranted further investigation, a Field Response Team was dispatched to investigate.

The team’s own negotiators did from up close what the cops had failed to do over a megaphone, deciphering what they initially took to be Bubba’s alien dialect but eventually realized was just a rapid-fire, Boomhauer-like slew of yokel interjections about constitutional rights and how he didn’t do nothin’ and the dang ol’ cops didn’t have a warrant or nothin’, trespassin’ on his dang property.

Having run out of joints and shotgun shells, Bubba reluctantly agreed to be escorted off the property when the ATF and DEA closed in; overjoyed as they were about having secured a PR victory in the form of upwards of ten million dollars worth of weed being secured and destroyed, they didn’t pay much attention to what appeared to be a SWAT team ushering their hooded prisoner into a transport van.

Initially despondent over the loss of his farm and his weed, Bubba is now quite happy at Area 57. He gets to watch NASCAR and wrasslin’ to his heart’s content, is allowed to maintain a small garden, and the facility’s guards generously turn a blind eye to his dealing to the other residents. He even some of the staff, the guards themselves included. As mentioned before, it’s good stuff, and while drug usage technically violates site regulations there’s not a lot they can do to stop him growing it.

He’s also taken to shaving down his thorns, so as not to prickle anyone who goes to shake his hand or give him a hug, and while the facility’s researchers are no closer to learning his nature or origins he was quick to be classified as low threat once the Field Response Team had convinced him to leave the shotgun behind.

#riisingfromashes #💀 THE CALLS ARE COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. ( answered. )

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gamergate-news · 6 years ago

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And here we go again with this shit.

Spider-Man has taken on his share of street thugs and supervillains, sometimes teaming up with the police to face down foes and rescue the people of New York. While Spider-Man on PS4 undoubtedly shows Spidey’s allegiance to his community, it also casts him as a big fan of police and their tactics that sometimes conflict with that civic mindset. From cheesy detective impressions to Rikers prisoner beatdowns, Spider-Man’s uncomplicated approach to crime clashes with the reality of day to day life.

One of the earliest things you do in Spider-Man is go around activating security towers, made by Oscorp but used by the NYPD, that make it easier for Spider-Man to track crimes as they happen. Narratively, these towers allow the police to better surveil citizens; they also give Spider-Man access to police frequencies. They’re always listening, giving out calls to car chases and telling the player about break-in attempts that Spider-Man can thwart before the crime occurs. The uncritical use of these towers struck some players, especially those who live in New York, as odd. An NYU Game Center scholar took to Twitter to note similarities between these towers and the real world real NYC security cameras that IBM recently used to make skin-color profiling technology. Meanwhile, Spider-Man’s enthusiasm for the police—from his stated love of busting drug deals to his cheesy “Spider-Cop” impersonation—had my coworker Tim Rogers calling Spidey a “narc.” While I found Spider-Man as good-hearted and heroic as ever, he was also way more accepting of state power than I expected from a hero with a history of being wrongly maligned by the press and police.

Modern superhero games have trended further and further towards authoritarian extremes. Injustice 2’s core conceit hinges upon the audience believing that Superman, that all-American Kansas boy, could conceivably rise to lead a strict and heartless regime following the Joker orchestrating Lois Lane’s death. That incident, and its extremes, call to mind the reactionary shift in American politics since September 11th, 2001. We can believe in Superman’s militarism because it reflects a 21st century historical reality. Despite Superman’s role as antagonist, the heroes facing off against him—and begrudgingly allying with him once Brainiac enters the story—share a similar authoritarian streak. This is best expressed in Batman’s disturbing “Brother Eye” surveillance system, which can spy on anyone in the world. And while Spider-Man’s Oscorp-made, police-operated surveillance towers aren’t as extreme as Brother Eye, they are features of a similar predictive, Watchdog-esque surveillance state.

Spider-Man have never quite shared Bruce Wayne or Superman’s drive for power or control. He’s the the boy from Queens who rose to the challenge. New York based superheroes have always had a much more intimate feel than other characters. Luke Cage isn’t just a super strong hero; he’s Harlem’s hero. Daredevil is the protector of Hell’s Kitchen. And while Spider-Man often swings around Manhattan, he still can drop in at a bodega for a sandwich in Flushing or Astoria. That street-level, community minded nature clashes with the high-tech surveillance of the game’s towers and the game’s outlook on police.

Police are an unimpeachable group in Spider-Man. They show no real flaws and make no mistakes. They don’t feel like an integrated part of the the community; they pepper cutscenes and sometimes walk the streets but mostly show up as an allied faction in procedurally generated crime events. Even if Spider-Man’s New York is largely a fiction, it points towards a real place. New York is many things, but it is also the city of Eric Garner, stop-and-frisk, and Palantir. Rikers isn’t some fake pastiche location like Arkham Asylum. Real life police are a complicated presence in New York, but in Spider-Man they’re part of Spider-Man’s vigilante quest for justice, rather than members of the communities they’re supposed to protect. This simplification extends to the game’s portrayal of the criminal justice system as well. About half way through the story, villains orchestrate a massive breakout at Rikers Island. It’s treated as a crisis so dire that Spider-Man temporarily abandons his search for a potentially pandemic-causing biological weapon to help the NYPD bust skulls and put down prisoner riots. Without fail, every convict is violent and aggressive.

In reality, New York is moving to close Rikers on a ten-year timeline on the recommendation of organizations like the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform. The majority of people incarcerated in Rikers’ are people of color, and many are citizens waiting for their trials in a backlogged court system, often for misdemeanors and unable to pay expensive bail. In one of the most most prominent cases, 16-year-old Kalief Browder spent three years in Rikers—a majority in solitary confinement—awaiting trial for the theft of a backpack. He committed suicide two years after his release from prison.

In real life, the conditions at Rikers Island and the systems surrounding it are complex, but games like The Division and Spider-Man flatten that complexity in favor of giving you criminal enemies to overcome. The Division features “the Rykers” as an opposing force for much of the mid-game, and while its radio makes mention of how many prisoners are in jail for minor crimes like drug possession, your primary interaction is to shoot everyone.In Spider-Man, these prisoners function as generic thugs to fight in waves. Despite being a superhero who is on the side of the people, when faced with this element of his city, Spider-Man forgets his allegiances and just enjoys beating the shit out of them.

While Spider-Man’s criminals are one-note, the game features a diverse and, I’ll admit, likable cast of supporting police officers. Spider-Man’s radio contact Yuri Watanabe is beleaguered but reliable, working with Spidey to protect as many people as possible. Miles Morales’ story hinges on the integrity and heroism of his police officer father Jefferson Davis. Watanabe and especially Davis are fun characters who I like spending time with. Their idealism provides a powerful contrast to the cruel, destructive forces of Silver Sable and her mercenary corp, who care little for collateral damage. As they crack down, side quests open up where Spider-Man needs to rescue protestors imprisoned by Sable. In these moments, Spider-Man seems to suggest that if policing is necessary, it must be something more communal, and these standout police characters suggest such a thing might be possible. But this can’t quite overcome the game’s tendency to paint simplistic portrayals of police as good and criminals as evil.

Spider-Man’s simple presentation of crime and policing feels tone-deaf in the modern age, when more and more people are growing aware of the class and race dynamics of policing. This isn’t to suggest that the game needs to take a break every ten minutes to infodump real world statistics, but games are released in the context of their time. We’re post Edward Snowden, living in the age Black Lives Matter. Last week, Dallas police officer Amber Guyger shot and killed 26-year-old Botham Shem Jean in his own apartment. This is the world we live in and the world Spider-Man was released into. While it might be nice to escape into a world where these problems don’t exist, that is a luxury that countless people cannot afford.

Spider-Man’s portrayal of policing feels divorced from reality, to the point that it feels out of line with Spidey’s comic book heritage. Comics often speak to what’s happening in the real world. Captain America assumed the role of Nomad in 1974, the same year that Richard Nixon resigned from office in the wake of the Watergate Scandal. The X-Men have a history of allegorical representation of minoritized and persecuted groups. Spider-Man doesn’t seem interested in reacting to the real world. My colleague Tom Ley wrote about this at Deadspin, noting that nearly every side activity involved aiding the police. This stands in contrast to games like Spider-Man 2, where Spider-Man returned as many lost balloons as he webbed up muggers. Instead of being part of the complex life of the city, this latest Spider-Man sees a black-and-white world of cops and robbers. He aids in state surveillance, standing unquestioningly alongside an overly idealized caricature of the police. He’s still friendly, but I don’t know if he’s part of the neighborhood now.

I bet this she thinks she woke and doing all those black folk favor.

Because police brutality is exactly what I want in my escapists fantasy video game.

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