#y'all always comin in clutch

[angel-fruitcake]

listen i love the timeless trope of bottom!dean is bad with words and emotions so top!cas waxes poetic to and about dean while making sweet, tender love to him as much as the next guy.

like i totally get it, i do. that dynamic fits them the best and is arguably the truest to their personalities and relationship with each other......

but hear me out:

there's something so intensely romantic and hot about the concept of an angel of the lord overwhelmed, trembling and whimpering at the hands of the righteous man. need to see that ancient celestial creature strung out, desperate, whining, yearning, pathetically whipped and weak with how deeply and completely in love he is. i want castiel--the mighty seraph with power far beyond human comprehension--absolutely wrecked as dean winchester slowly and lovingly takes him apart mind, body, and soul.

[dumbdemonslayertexts]

01:55am

Pairing: Park Seonghwa × black!fem reader | ft. Reader's Bestie & Choi San

Genre: humor

Warnings: suggestive language, use of the n-word, not thoroughly proofread sry y'all lol

you were going to have to explain yourself when you saw him, now.

and you were so mortified that you were already compiling excuses to avoid him for the next few weeks.

when you could've been cuffed for the whole weekend if your messy ass bestie hadn't ran her damn gums to your man while you were on the phone.

she already gave you enough, constant shit about dating seonghwa and not setting her up with mingi ( "see, you still haven't hooked us up, this's how i know you ain't shit." "bitch, do you think i'm pimping these niggas out or?") part of you was wondering if that was why she pulled this shit. how had she even remembered!? y'all had been running through their music videos to thirst like 4 days ago when you had your little slip up, but the second she heard you mention seonghwa's name on the phone today, she opened her big ass mouth.

"hwa! ask your girlfriend about her lil inception remix!"

you clutched the pillow tucked under your arm and slung it at her, only making her cackle harder.

"wha?" seonghwa giggled. he was already half amused, you could hear it in his voice crack.

"nothing!"

"what is your remix?" he asked. you hated that you didn't have time to melt over his english. it was always cutest when he was happily asking something. but you had to scramble for an excuse too urgently to coo at him, "did you film it?"

"no, it's nothing, don't listen to her, baby--"

"TELL HER TO SING IT, MINGI AND HONGJOONG'S PART BEFORE YOU HIT YOUR HIGH NOTE--" you slugged the pillow at her several more times, and you could hear your boyfriend's smile growing on the other end of the line.

"what is it, baby? i want to hear it!" he sounded so sweet and eager. normally it would make you fall even deeper for him but right now it made you want to jump through a window.

...double time when you realized there wasn't any getting out of this now.

"it's not a remixxx..!" you whined. apparently, he only found it more amusing with you so embarrassed.

"what is it?"

you fought a sigh and mushed your bestie who was still laughing her ass off, "i got the words wrong... i didn't know that the line after 'coming tonight' was korean, i thought it was english..."

he mumbled through the lyrics swiftly, for his mind to catch up to the part of the song you'd meant. "whereyouatwhereyouat neoneun eodie whereyougowhereyougo namgyeo dun chae neon comin’tonight maeil bam neoreul chaja hemaeneun nan--"

"yeah that part," you confirmed.

"maeil bam?"

"yes!" you whined for the second time, making him giggle again.

"what did you think it said?" he asked, finding this and you more and more humorous.

you rolled your eyes to the ceiling, leaving them there for longer than your eye health would appreciate. but you answered him truthfully.

"comin' tonight, layin' pipe."

he was silent on the other end after that. for way longer than you were comfortable with. and your heart was thumping harder, the more your anxiety built.

"what is that?" he asked. and bestie, hearing his genuine innocence, threw her head back cracking up.

"oh hell." you mumbled when he asked again. but seonghwa figured out quickly that he wasn't going to get an answer from you. that's when you heard him again, and froze in place.

"san-a!" he called in the background, and bestie was on her back rolling while you yelled, begged, PLEADED for him not to ask. "laying pipeeun museun tteus-ingayo?"

"no, don't ask what it means!" you yelled over the breathless laughter beside you.

"laying pipe?" you heard san ask your boyfriend confusedly, followed by hwa's low voice answering 'ne'.

you were relieved when you could make out the phrase 'i dunno' in korean. but it was short-lived when you heard san mention their leader's name, knowing he was the most knowledgeable in the english language of the eight of them. your eyes bugged out when you heard them both.

"HONGJOONG-A!"

"NOOOO!!!!!"

[b0rista]

OH MY GOD! ok i’m crying. can i request bertholdt with a female s/o. she’s in the scouts and it’s the shiganshina battle and mikasa + eren pin her down and she has to helplessly watch bertholdt get eaten. OH MY GOD I GOT THE FEELS. tysm if u do this, idk why i’m in the mood for angst rn.

— majority rules.

where even when she pours her soul within her footsteps, she's just not fast enough.

AN: y'all comin for barista's SOUL HUH ✋ also i am SO sorry this took so long! here u go, love! alsonsnd this is unedited forgive me plLsl.

WARNINGS: extreme angst, death, language.

even at your fastest pace imagineable, you weren’t moving fast enough. your calves ached, and your hands were covered finger to finger in blisters and gashes. despite the pain, you moved, and as quickly as humanely possible. hell, at the rate you were going, not even the best of the best could surpass you in speed. it was the adrenaline, the outright fear, and the premeditated heartbreak that urged you to move faster. at this point, you barely had a choice. despite fighting for the opposing side, you knew where your heart stood. with him. 

and by god himself, you were going to save that. 

“y/n!” the screams of your comrades acted as nothing but static within your eardrums, gaining not even a hint of your attention as you plunged forward, venturing above the demolished city as you worked toward your one and only goal— before the present, you had the same goal as your friends, your family. win this battle, and take back wall maria. like the others, you just wanted to take back your land. that was all. that was all you wanted.

not this.

“you’re going to do what?” you asked, looming above the steaming carcass of both your friend and ally, armin arlert. well, what you thought was a carcass. somehow, he was alive. alive, and about to ruin your entire life as you know it. him, and the others; your friends. utterly flabbergasted, your knees would tremble, and your pulse would skyrocket. 

“you couldn’t have expected us to allow him to live, y/n,” hange would say, her single eye shooting toward the rooftop of which she stood on. her tone was cold, and it practically pierced you, “not after all that he’s done. we haven’t any other choice.”

“any other choice?” you spat, earning your commander’s glare. everyone was staring at you, in both uncertainty and pity. they were fully aware of your relations to the enemy, and yet they knew what was right. they knew what they had to do. and, deep down, so did you. you knew, but you denied the reality of the situation with every fiber of your being. because although you were aware of what was unjust and what wasn’t, love trumped whatever moral highground you had left. and dear god, did you love him. you loved him. you loved him, and they wanted to take him away.

“you have plenty of other choices, godammit!” you shouted, eyes widened in fear. your shoulders trembled, and the grip you had on your blades was deadly. as a precaution, you could see mikasa in the corner, her own swords drawn. by whatever means necessary, she was ready to cut you down. even so, you would be heard. “you’re going to kill him? he’s our friend, he’s our comrade, he’s our bertholdt! dammit, he’s-”

your words would only fall from your lips in a hoarse, cracked sob: “he’s my bertholdt!” 

this earned you nothing but silence in return, frightening you further. looking up, you faced the grim sacrifice that either you or the others would have to pay- and unfortunately for you, majority rules. 

“it doesn’t matter.”

the words struck you, sending you into a frenzy. eren stood before you with confidence, his gaze plunging into your chest with the utmost ferocity. 

“whether you’re able to live with the loss or not, we’re feeding bertholdt to armin.” 

now, here you were. with your entire squadron turned against you, you weren’t given any other choice. if anybody was going to save bertholdt, it was going to have to be you. and even if it meant turning against everything you once believed in, you would do it. you had to. 

mercilessly, you ran. with every ounce of energy left inside your being, you ran. unconscious, your love lay on a faraway rooftop, swaiting his very own demise without even being remotely aware of it. from a distance, you could see him. he was vacant of all four limbs, the steam from his regeneration process rising from off of his wounds and into the air. as if he were peacefully asleep, his eyes kept shut. and while his were closed, yours were brimming with tears. oh, bertl. what have you done? 

desperation was the only thing keeping you moving, and it did so with an utter lack of grace. you sprinted sloppily, and you rid yourself of any sort of technique. you couldn’t think, you could only do. unfortunately for you, doing wasn’t enough. just as you neared the still body of your love, you were pulled back by the ends of your hair, slamming you into the ground. as you smashed downward, the terrifingly large footstops of another being arose from a distance. 

“are you in love with me, bertl?” 

the question was abrupt, and it wasted no time in taking your boyfriend utterly aback. “what?” he asked, blinking down at you. as quickly as the single word had left his lips, a drop of sweat threatened to trickle down the side of his face. “what do you mean?”

“what do i mean?” you simply repeated, a teasing smile creeping onto your lips. the two of you were sitting beside one another on the edge of your bed, comfortably dressed for bed. had either one of you thought to look out the window, you would be sure that it was passed the middle of the night. still, it was the lighthearted conversation that urged the both of you to stay awake, basking in the presence of the other. the time you spent together was crucial, and you made sure to savor every single moment. 

“you speak to me as if you’re in love with me,” you said, moving to rest your head against the boy’s shoulder, “and you touch me as if it’ll always be your last. we may be an item, bertholdt. but the label can’t be all that we have.” 

despite how sudden your words may have been, the brunette knew enough to take them into consideration. through the silence that erupted in suite of your mild tangent, he would only contemplate. then, as if he’d finally gathered the courage to let loose, he would sigh. wrapping an arm around you, you would be brought close, where he then buried his nose within the crook of your neck. had you known any better, you would have assumed that he did it to hide his face from your sight. 

“yes,” he would say, much to your surprise. “yes, i am in love with you. i always have been, i think.” 

your jaw agape, you weren’t exactly sure how to react at first. you hadn’t expected his answer to be so simple, to be so confident. feeling his long, strong arms wrap around you as you were pulled into his chest was heavenly, and with his words poured into the mixture, you wanted to melt. however, because you were clueless, all you could think to do was laugh the matter off, earning you quite the stare. 

“now, now, there’s no need to exaggerate. really, you could have just-”

but before you could even finish, a calloused hand would place itself onto the side of your face, moving your gaze so that it would face bertholdt’s gaze. the two of your faces were close, noses nearly touching. with a tender, soulful look, his sage eyes would pour into yours, brows ever so slightly furrowed. 

“i love you, y/n. if anything, that’s an understatement. please, never doubt me in that regard.”

as you were thrown into the rooftop beneath you by the likes of mikasa, it was the past words of your lover that pushed you to fight. even against an ackerman, you would fight. arching your blade behind you, you angled it with the luckiest sort of precision, pressing the very tip of your sword to the clump of hair your comrade had balled up into her hand. with a single slice, you cut it off completely, freeing yourself of her grip as you slipped from in between her legs. in your hindsight, you saw a blonde headed titan— armin. the plan had already been set in motion, and your time was cut short. 

with a shout, you ran. however, before you could get even get more than a single step in, you were pulled back, a pair of arms locking either side of your shoulders into place from behind you. eren’s face loomed beside your own, his eyes closed as he aided mikasa in holding you down. with the two of them combined, you couldn’t move. as you struggled, you were pressed into the crumbled surface of the roof, rendering you defeated. now, all you could do was watch.

“LET ME GO!” you would scream, all to no avail. tears coated the sweat that trickled down both sides of you face, leaving your voice hoarse as you shouted, pleaded, and cried all at once. your vision was blurred, and you couldn’t even clearly see as the titan that was once your dying comrade reached down to grasp the awakening body of your love, plotting to take him away from you for good. it was all happening so quickly, you readied yourself to wake up from the nightmare that was reality. wake up, wake up, wake up. 

nothing could wake you up, except for a single thing. to your absolute horror, just as he was dropped into the clutches of death itself, the last thing bertholdt could bring himself to scream was your name. 

oh, and how it would ring in your ears for the rest of your days.

[justskulkingaround]

Lone Star

This is a request I got on Wattpad and decided to post it here. There is vague mentions of alcohol and nsfw content, so if that bothers you, please don’t read.

Texas runs as fast as his legs can carry him, trying desperately to get away, to escape and leave behind the mess he made.

He'd just joined them, just joined a new family, and yet it's already ruined.

He scrubs the tears away with a scowl, hopping onto his horse and kicking. The horse whines and bucks before speeding off toward the sunset.

'Just like those movies.'

'I can't stay here. Not anymore.'

He growls and his eyes burn.

'Why do I have to be so stupid!'

He snarls and violently scrubs away at his face, covering it and trying to ignore the shaking in his breath.

'Can't keep anything nice.'

Flashes of images of America screaming, Dixie yelling, and so much fucking blood.

'I didn't mean to.'

He could almost imagine voices calling for him behind the whipping wind filling his ears. He clutches his hat and clenches his teeth.

The states he had taken to thinking of as siblings putting themselves between him and their father.

Texas bites his knuckle and blinks hard.

Even Alaska.

'My chest hurts.'

He scowls, trying to turn it to anger, but can't find it in himself to be angry at anyone but himself.

Eventually, the horse's movement slows to a trot and Texas no longer finds comfort in the whipping winds. A white knuckle grip encircles the reins and he scrubs at his face with his hands. He looks down only to realize that he hadn't brought anything but the saddle and the clothes on his back.

He scowls and sniffs. He pulls the horse to a stop and gets off. He ties the reins to the hook on the saddle and the horse whines.

"Go home, boy," Texas says, gently patting the horse's flank, "I didn't bring the stuff to take care of ya."

The horse begins to trot home, and Texas watches in the fading daylight before he turns back around and trudges through the sandy, desert grounds.

When he reaches a city, it's already late into the night.

He walks into the closest bar he spots, his main focus is to drown out the emotions storming his thoughts. He parties and drinks and the whole rest of the night blurs into bright flashes of light mixed with bliss and guilt.

He wakes up the next morning, a scream of terror on the tip of his tongue. The sun burns his eyes.

He looks around and finds his clothes scattered in a room he didn't remember walking into, to his left a woman, and his right a man, both as bare as he.

Texas feels his dignity leave him as he carefully crawls over the couple, collecting his things and leaving, giving the room one last head nod goodbye before closing the door behind him.

He continues his aimless wandering, not ever wanting to go home, but his thoughts begin to swirl.

He only stops to spend his nights at bars, in blurs of alcohol, and leaving before his partners wake up. He loses count of the days he'd been gone.

'How selfish am I? Escaping like that? Into booze and sex?'

Soon, he finds himself sitting against a tire hung on a barbed wire fence, staring out at the vast plains that lay ahead. He watches the sunset, and his heart gets heavier the more time his thoughts occupy him.

'Why did they all move like that? Did they always expect me to lash out?'

His mind is already set on the answer, but he shoves it away, his face stone cold.

"Hey! Boy!" Someone calls from behind him.

Texas jumps in surprise. He turns to see an old man walking toward him on a cane.

"What are you doing out here? Them snakes like to burrow there."

Texas carefully gets up.

"Come 'ere," the old man demands, and Texas tilts his head down, obscuring his face.

"Yes, sir," Texas mumbles.

"You're comin' with me and gettin' inside. There's supposed t' be a tornado coming soon and you don't wanna be caught in one of them out here."

Texas solemnly nods and follows the man back to an old looking farmhouse, his hands at his sides and quiet.

"Take off them there shoes before you step inside," the geezer says, shaking his cane at Texas' feet.

"Yes sir," Texas mumbles, kicking off his shoes.

"So, son, what are you doing all the way out here?"

Texas looks away.

"What are you running away from?"

"...I made a mistake."

"You can't run from shame."

"..."

"I'm sure your folks are looking for you."

Texas looks away.

"Now call your folks. I'm sure they're worried sick."

Texas stares at the landline phone the man gestures to. New Mexico's number loops in his mind. He bites his lip.

'Maybe she won't pick up.'

His heart pounds in his chest.

He slowly dials the number and holds the phone to his ear. The dial tone fills his head until a tired voice answers. Hoping in the back of his she won't pick up.

"Hello?" New Mexico's voice ring through, sounding unbelievably tired.

Texas feels his heart stop.

"Is there anyone there?"

"Mexi?" Texas mumbles.

"Texas!?!" New Mexico shrieks, "Oh thank God! Are you okay? Where are you?"

"Uhm... sir?" Texas asks off the phone, handing the phone to the old man.

Texas sits back on the couch, just shaking his head.

Eventually, the old man hangs up the phone and sits in the lazy-boy chair on the opposite side of the room.

"You certainly got good folks," the man comments.

Texas looks away.

"You shouldn't be running away from 'em. Your sister says she'll be here soon."

Texas bites his lip and waits, trying not to catastrophize. But despite his efforts, images of screaming and anger flash in his mind and the worst-case scenarios play on repeat.

Then there is a furious knock on the door. The old man smirks and stands, opening the door. He hears someone come crashing in and he sees a flurry of movement before someone hugs him, tight.

"You're okay! You're okay. Oh thank God," New Mexico says into his shoulder, seeming to dismiss the grime that covered his clothes and the grease in his hair.

Texas couldn't help himself when he latches onto her. Tears well in his eyes and a lump grows in his throat.

New Mexico pulls back and scowls, wiping tears off her face before slapping him. Texas takes it without complaint.

"Why the fuck did you do that?!" she shrieks, scowling, and tears stream down her face, "Running away like that and sending Austin back to the house alone?! You fucking dumbass!"

Then she pulls him back into a tight hug, and Texas feels his walls break. His shoulders shake and he sobs. he grabs the back of her garb and holds it as if she's about to disappear.

He leans into New Mexico's shoulder, his breath choked by sobs.

New Mexico rubs small circles on his back until he calms a little.

"Where have you been?" New Mexico asks quietly.

"Just walking," Texas mumbles.

New Mexico scoffs and shakes her head in disbelief.

"You sent Dad into a full panic. Hell, even York and Cali are looking for you."

Texas just feels his emotions wrack through his body, shaking.

New Mexico pulls away and stands in front of him, digging through her pockets and pulling out her phone.

"Hey, Apple! Yes, this is actually important. I'm with Texas right now... yeah..."

Texas finds himself buried in guilt to pay much attention to the rest of the conversation.

Eventually, New Mexico hangs up.

"Lulu and Peaches are gonna come and get you. I think they got Bama and Sippi with 'em, but they're the closest right now, and I got to go back home. But I ain't leaving until I know you're with them."

Texas nods mutely and New Mexico sighs.

"You know Dad's not even mad, right?"

Texas' head whips up to face her. He stares in disbelief when she gave an airy laugh.

"He just wants to make sure you're okay."

Texas buries his face into his hands

New Mexico sighs and takes a seat on the opposite end of the couch.

"I ain't never seen two people with such clear flags," the old man comments and Texas stiffens, "normally something's gotta be off. Who are you?"

Texas tenses and New Mexico sighs.

"I suppose I owe you an apology. But most do not know who we are, but I owe you an explanation," New Mexico says, standing and tipping her hat before offering a hand, "My name is New Mexico, and that there is my brother, Texas."

'Brother? Does she still think of me like that? I thought I would be no one.'

"The states?" the man asks.

"Yes," New Mexico agrees with a nod, "we represent the populations. Our flags are the official flags of our states, that's why they look like replicas."

The man nods and looks at Texas, respect shining in his eyes. Texas can't meet his eyes.

They wait quietly until there is another knock. The old man invites them in and Texas finds himself under a near crushing weight.

"Texas!" Alabama cheers.

Mississippi and Alabama pile on top of him and laugh in relief.

Texas laughs quietly and hugs them back.

"Well, are y'all gonna come home with us?" Georgia asks.

"Yeah. Come on Tex, let's go," Mississippi says, pulling Texas to his feet.

Texas looks away, but can't bring himself to argue.

[ybcpatrick]

post!ybc patrick telling pete he loves him but like. so often it lowkey worries pete. but the reason patrick says it so much is bc he’s worried if he doesn’t say it enough, pete will think he wants to kill him again (which is bs of course but patrick doesn’t know for sure)

haha! i do that🥲

poor fuckiNG PATRICKKKKK y'all really comin in clutch with the patrick pain. it's delicious. and nutritious

it's doubly strange coming from patrick, too, because he's never been the type to be so forward. he's always been more of an actions sort of guy, so when he and pete finally get their shit together and actually become romantically involved, patrick's "i love yous" go from zero to sixty in 0.2 seconds.

and really, really, pete doesn't mind it at all; he's a words guy. lives by 'em, loves to hear 'em, loves the full confirmation they bring and the way they calm his worries. but,,, the change is so sudden in patrick that pete can't help but be.. concerned.

but he figures, maybe, that if he keeps saying it back to patrick with that same conviction, maybe it'll help patrick, too.

[preferredrealty]

Wrong Place, Wrong Time - A Mob!Shawn Mendes Series

Part 5 - Texts and Tasers 

Warnings: Tasers and swearing

Masterlist 

As always: Feedback is appreciated 💛🌻

(Y/N) stared blankly down at the pavement in front of her, the white fila trainers on her feet the only thing she focused on. As if the world knew she was in a sour mood, thunder clouds rolled over the city early this morning, raining since the early hours. 

She felt like her entire outlook on life had changed, she looked around her and didn't know if she could trust anyone, anybody could be a gang member in this city, anybody could be a thief, a murderer. A City she once seen nothing but opportunity in had now become a blackhole in her mind, sucking in everything good and turning it into nothing. 

The music blasting through her earphone had just switched songs when she glanced up and seen a shady looking man trying to stop people on the street, holding open one side of his jacket, she could make out think black rectangles lining one side of his coat making her speed up her steps to reach him. "How much?" She asked making the man jump, as he stuttered to actually get his words out, shocked to have a customer. 

- 

iMessage from Shawn: I know I said if it's really what you wanted that I would stay away but I can't get you out of my mind. 

iMessage from Shawn: I stopped by the diner. Deloris said you've been off sick. Are you okay?

iMessage from Shawn: Just let me know you're okay baby. It's been three weeks please talk to me.

(Y/N) groaned looking at the messages from Shawn as she pulled her coat off, hanging it on a familiar peg at the diner, looking around it feeling safe in her favourite spot in the world. 

"Hey baby." A soft voice cooed from behind her, spinning she sighed throwing herself into Deloris' waiting arms squeezing her in a much needed hug. "Hey Deloris." She smiled pulling back, tying her white apron over her pink waitress uniform. "Want to talk about it?" Deloris whispered as Greg passed by giving a nod to (Y/N) in recognition. "Nope, I want to forget about the past few months. They never happened." (Y/N) said with a strong voice, walking away towards Greg to see what needed done. 

As Deloris left the kitchen Greg put an arm over (Y/N)'s shoulder with a giant smile. "Say the word and I'll make him regret it." (Y/N) shook her head with a giggle pushing Greg's arm off as she loaded a order onto the silver trey, whizzing out of the swinging doors, a smile on her face that could win an Oscar.

"Can you take that table baby? I'm busy with this one." Deloris nodded towards a table at the far side of the diner where four particularly large men had just sat down. "Sure." (Y/N) sighed tucking a lose piece of hair behind her ear as she walked towards them, the smile plastering on her face one again.  "Afternoon gentlemen, what can I get for y'all today?" She asked with a cheerful tone. 

"Hmm" One of the men started, leaning on the table his eyes racking up and down (Y/N) making her shift uncomfortably. " I think I'll start with a Strawberry milkshake, I hear they're to die for." There was something in his voice that put (Y/N) on edge as she scribbled down his order. Along with the others. "Coming right up." She said rushing off to the kitchen pinning up the order. 

"(Y/N) your phone is going non stop." Greg groaned as he plated a order making (Y/N) sigh as she walked over to the wall with the pegs on it, reaching into her coat pocket seeing five new messages. 

With out reading she started to reply.

iMessage to Shawn: I'm fine. Delete my number.

Putting her phone on silent she slid it into the white apron she was wearing before walking back out the front of the diner, seeing the four men sitting silently. Something about them just wasn't right. 

"Can you close up tonight (Y/N)? Jerome wants to take me out tonight." Deloris grinned making (Y/N) giggle slightly, loving the relationship between Jerome and Deloris. "Of course, I owe you for covering for me last week." She grinned. She hadn't really been off sick, Deloris had seen Shawn coming before (Y/N) did, knowing they were on the rocks Deloris had pushed (Y/N) into the storage room just as Shawn walked through the doors, leaving as soon as Deloris said she wasn't there.

- 

Shawn stared at the text, his teeth chewing on his cheek. It had been six hours since he got the message and he couldn't bring himself to delete her number. 

Shutting his phone he stood up walking towards the table where his team were studying the latest job they planned. 

"Alright so everyone clear on what's happening?" Connor asked as everyone nodded along. "Alright we have a month to get everything ready before we go after The Cobras so take tonight to relax, tomorrow we start training and planning." Shawn finished for Connor, giving everyone the signal to leave, leaving only himself, Brian and Connor standing the in basement of his house. "Still nothing?" Connor asked as they left the basement, heading for Shawn's kitchen, where he opened a beer. "A text-" Shawn started before opening his phone showing it to them. "Well..that's- That sucks man." Brian clapped Shawn on the back as his own phone rang. "Ohh booty call." He grinned walking out as he chatted to whoever was on the over side of the phone. 

"I'm sure she'll come around man, She liked you, she really did." Connor sighed sitting on the counter top, tossing an apple in the air and catching it. "She's scared of me." Shawn huffed glancing at the clock on the wall as it struck 8pm, knowing the Diner would be shutting down for the night. "She's not scared of you man, it just our.." "lifestyle?" Shawn hissed repeating her own term as Connor nodded his head. "She'll come around, I promise."

-

"Shit!" (Y/N) sighed as the back door of the Diner slammed shut, locking behind her, the keys to the diner sitting on the counter teasing her. "Damnit." She whispered thankful that she had shut everything down before getting locked out, thankful she had put her coat on before she decided to take out the trash. Throwing the bags in the garbage she started to walk out of the dark ally. A male figure started walking towards her making her steps falter. "Shawn?" She called out hopefully. Getting a unfamiliar laugh in response. "Shit." She whispered turning to go the other way, only to see three more figures blocking the other way. 

"So you're the little diner girl who's got Mendes distracted hm?" One taunted, she instantly recognised him as the man who ordered the strawberry milkshake earlier. 'You act clueless' She heard Deloris' voice in her head. "I'm sorry, I don't know a Mendes." She said, pulling her coat closer around herself.

She started to walk at a fast pace past the man standing on his own only to be stopped when he grabbed her elbow. "Don't lie to me sweetness." He hissed making her flinch, eyes flickering to the other three who still stood at the opposite side of the ally. Spotting a broken wooden crate by his feet in the garbage (Y/N) took a deep breath. "Don't call me that asshole!" She snapped, her other arm reaching for the crate, swinging it with enough force it splintered over his head, making him let go of her other arm. 

Acting quickly (Y/N) knocked over a pile of empty kegs from the bar next door to the diner, blocking the ally a bit before the took off running in the direction of her apartment, hearing the yells of the men behind her.

Her lungs burned and feet stung from the force of her feet hitting the concrete below them as she ran, not chancing to look behind her as she ran, coming to her apartment building quickly, still hearing them following. With her key already in hand she quickly opened the door, running up the four flights of stairs, her hand quivering as she struggled to her out her phone. 

Busting through the door of her apartment she slammed the door, pushing the bookshelf next to it across with struggle before standing in the middle of her apartment. Her brain thumping in her skull as she heard the echo of feet coming up the stairwell. Running to the window in her apartment she pushed it open seeing the fire escape outside it slick with rain water making her panic and step back into her apartment leaving the window open. 

Glancing at her bedroom a idea quickly came to mind as she heard them thumping at her apartment door. Running into her room she hit call on her phone playing this works. 

-

Shawn glared at the empty seat next to him as he sat on the Santa Monic Pier thinking back to the night they had spent here, his heart squeezing as a clap of thunder echoed through the city. 

The blaring of his ringtone made him glance at his phone, his blood turning to ice when her name met his eyes. Sliding the answer button Shawn raised his phone to his ear. 

"Baby?" He whispered only to be met by heavy breathing. "Shawn! Oh my god Shawn, they're trying to get into my apartment please help!" Her shaking voice made him stand quickly, making his way to his car. "Baby calm down. Tell me what’s happening." "I can't talk they're trying to get in! I'm under my bed hiding please sha-" It went quiet as he heard a crash then muffled sounds of men shouting. "Baby I'm comin-" He was cut off by the dial tone of her call ending. "No, no, no shit!" He cursed starting his car, calling the only person closer to her right now than he was.

- 

(Y/N) stared in shock at the blank phone screen in her hand, cursing herself for not charging it fully that morning. She held her breath as she clutched her dead phone in her hand, the darkness of the storage space under her bed making her feel like she was suffocating. "Fuck she's gone!" She heard one yell from the living room. "The windows open she must have gone down the fire escape." Another said as foot steps faded away making her let out a breath of relief, shifting slightly feeling something dig into her pocket she reached into her pocket pulling out a thick back rectangle making her eyes widen, forgetting she had bought it. 

The sound of foot steps returning made her clench the rectangle struggling to find the on button in the dark, her fingers pushed on something making a whirring sound come from the taser in her hand and a small red light started flashing, her thumb landing on another button which she guessed is the trigger button.

As foot steps got closer to the bedroom the whirring sound intensified, only seeming to get louder as the footsteps got to the end of her bed. The noise stopped and the red light turned to green as she heard tapping on the bed making her clench the taser tightly.

"Okay." She whispered. "You can do this." She took a deep breath as the bottom of the storage space was lifted slightly, light flooding in. As it was lifted higher (Y/N) closed her eyes, letting out a yell as she jammed the taser into the body at the end of her bed, hitting the trigger button. 

Hearing a yell in response (Y/N)'s eyes flew open seeing the taser stuck in the crook of familiar red heads neck as his body jerked and he fell to the ground. "Brian?!" She yelled pulling herself out of the gap under her bed, dropping to her knees next to Brian who was still convulsing on the floor.

- 

Shawn parked his car half on the curb as he quickly turned it off, running towards (Y/N)'s apartment building seeing the black front door busted in. "No, shit!" He shouted running up the four flights of stairs, seeing splinted wood as he busted into the hallway, his feet carrying him straight to (Y/N)'s door. A large sigh of relief left his lips as he seen (Y/N) standing beside her couch a hand over her mouth. It wasn't until he heard her soft giggles that he seen Brian laying on the couch with a wet cloth pressed to his neck. 

Walking straight up to (Y/N) Shawn pulled her into hug before looking down at Brian confused only to see Brian glaring at (Y/N). "What happened you?" Shawn asked as (Y/N) started laughing again. "She fucking tasered me!" Brian cried out moving the wet cloth revealing two red circles on his neck. 

Shawn turned to (Y/N) with wide eyes finding her now staring into space, clearly in shock. Taking her by the arm Shawn guided her into his room, setting down on her bed. "(Y/N)...Baby can you hear me?" Her empty eyes turned towards him making Shawn frown. "Okay, I'm going to pack you a bag, you're coming to stay with me for a while." Shawn stood up finding a black hand luggage suitcase in her closet, packing all the essentials. He stopped when he heard a small sobbing from behind him, turning quickly he found (Y/N) with her head in her hands sobbing into them. 

Sitting next to her he moved her so she was sitting sideways on his lap, her head buried in his neck. He felt his jaw clench as he hugged her close to his chest, his eyes clocking on Brian who now stood in the door way holding what looked like a playing card in his hand, as he turned it over the sight of a family Cobra made Shawn's blood boil knowing exactly who done this and he was going to put an end to him.

[scribbling-stiks]

OS - Lone Star

TW Alcohol and implied nsfw

Texas runs as fast as his legs can carry him, trying desperately to get away, to escape, and leave behind the mess he made.

He'd just joined them, just joined a new family, and yet it's already ruined.

He scrubs the tears away with a scowl, hopping onto his horse and kicking. The horse whines and bucks before speeding off toward the sunset.

'Just like those movies.'

'I can't stay here. Not anymore.'

He growls and his eyes burn.

'Why do I have to be so stupid!'

He snarls and violently scrubs away at his face, covering it and trying to ignore the shaking in his breath.

'Can't keep anything nice.'

Flashes of images of America screaming, Dixie yelling, and so much fucking blood.

'I didn't mean to.'

He could almost imagine voices calling for him behind the whipping wind filling his ears. He clutches his hat and clenches his teeth.

The states he had taken to thinking of as siblings putting themselves between him and their father.

Texas bites his knuckle and blinks hard.

Even Alaska.

'My chest hurts.'

He scowls, trying to turn it to anger, but can't find it in himself to be angry at anyone but himself.

Eventually, the horse's movement slows to a trot and Texas no longer finds comfort in the whipping winds. A white knuckle grip encircles the reins and he scrubs at his face with his hands. He looks down only to realize that he hadn't brought anything but the saddle and the clothes on his back.

He scowls and sniffs. He pulls the horse to a stop and gets off. He ties the reins to the hook on the saddle and the horse whines.

"Go home, boy," Texas says, gently patting the horse's flank, "I didn't bring the stuff to take care of ya."

The horse begins to trot home, and Texas watches in the fading daylight before he turns back around and trudges through the sandy, desert grounds.

When he reaches a city, it's already late into the night.

He walks into the closest bar he spots, his main focus is to drown out the emotions storming his thoughts. He parties and drinks and the whole rest of the night blurs into bright flashes of light mixed with bliss and guilt.

He wakes up the next morning, a scream of terror on the tip of his tongue. The sun burns his eyes.

He looks around and finds his clothes scattered in a room he didn't remember walking into, to his left a woman, and his right a man, both as bare as he.

Texas feels his dignity leave him as he carefully crawls over the couple, collecting his things and leaving, giving the room one last head nod goodbye before closing the door behind him.

He continues his aimless wandering, not ever wanting to go home, but his thoughts begin to swirl.

He only stops to spend his nights at bars, in blurs of alcohol, and leaving before his partners wake up. He loses count of the days he'd been gone.

'How selfish am I? Escaping like that? Into booze and sex?'

Soon, he finds himself sitting against a tire hung on a barbed wire fence, staring out at the vast plains that lay ahead. He watches the sunset, and his heart gets heavier the more time his thoughts occupy him.

'Why did they all move like that? Did they always expect me to lash out?'

His mind is already set on the answer, but he shoves it away, his face stone cold.

"Hey! Boy!" Someone calls from behind him.

Texas jumps in surprise. He turns to see an old man walking toward him on a cane.

"What are you doing out here? Them snakes like to burrow there."

Texas carefully gets up.

"Come 'ere," the old man demands, and Texas tilts his head down, obscuring his face.

"Yes, sir," Texas mumbles.

"You're comin' with me and gettin' inside. There's supposed t' be a tornado coming soon and you don't wanna be caught in one of them out here."

Texas solemnly nods and follows the man back to an old looking farmhouse, his hands at his sides and quiet.

"Take off them there shoes before you step inside," the geezer says, shaking his cane at Texas' feet.

"Yes sir," Texas mumbles, kicking off his shoes.

"So, son, what are you doing all the way out here?"

Texas looks away.

"What are you running away from?"

"...I made a mistake."

"You can't run from shame."

"..."

"I'm sure your folks are looking for you."

Texas looks away.

"Now call your folks. I'm sure they're worried sick."

Texas stares at the landline phone the man gestures to. New Mexico's number loops in his mind. He bites his lip.

'Maybe she won't pick up.'

His heart pounds in his chest.

He slowly dials the number and holds the phone to his ear. The dial tone fills his head until a tired voice answers. Hoping in the back of his she won't pick up.

"Hello?" New Mexico's voice ring through, sounding unbelievably tired.

Texas feels his heart stop.

"Is there anyone there?"

"Mexi?" Texas mumbles.

"Texas!?!" New Mexico shrieks, "Oh thank God! Are you okay? Where are you?"

"Uhm... sir?" Texas asks off the phone, handing the phone to the old man.

Texas sits back on the couch, just shaking his head.

Eventually, the old man hangs up the phone and sits in the lazy-boy chair on the opposite side of the room.

"You certainly got good folks," the man comments.

Texas looks away.

"You shouldn't be running away from 'em. Your sister says she'll be here soon."

Texas bites his lip and waits, trying not to catastrophize. But despite his efforts, images of screaming and anger flash in his mind and the worst-case scenarios play on repeat.

Then there is a furious knock on the door. The old man smirks and stands, opening the door. He hears someone come crashing in and he sees a flurry of movement before someone hugs him, tight.

"You're okay! You're okay. Oh thank God," New Mexico says into his shoulder, seeming to dismiss the grime that covered his clothes and the grease in his hair.

Texas couldn't help himself when he latches onto her. Tears well in his eyes and a lump grows in his throat.

New Mexico pulls back and scowls, wiping tears off her face before slapping him. Texas takes it without complaint.

"Why the fuck did you do that?!" she shrieks, scowling, and tears stream down her face, "Running away like that and sending Austin back to the house alone?! You fucking dumbass!"

Then she pulls him back into a tight hug, and Texas feels his walls break. His shoulders shake and he sobs. he grabs the back of her garb and holds it as if she's about to disappear.

He leans into New Mexico's shoulder, his breath choked by sobs.

New Mexico rubs small circles on his back until he calms a little.

"Where have you been?" New Mexico asks quietly.

"Just walking," Texas mumbles.

New Mexico scoffs and shakes her head in disbelief.

"You sent Dad into a full panic. Hell, even York and Cali are looking for you."

Texas just feels his emotions wrack through his body, shaking.

New Mexico pulls away and stands in front of him, digging through her pockets and pulling out her phone.

"Hey, Apple! Yes, this is actually important. I'm with Texas right now... yeah..."

Texas finds himself buried in guilt to pay much attention to the rest of the conversation.

Eventually, New Mexico hangs up.

"Lulu and Peaches are gonna come and get you. I think they got Bama and Sippi with 'em, but they're the closest right now, and I got to go back home. But I ain't leaving until I know you're with them."

Texas nods mutely and New Mexico sighs.

"You know Dad's not even mad, right?"

Texas' head whips up to face her. He stares in disbelief when she gave an airy laugh.

"He just wants to make sure you're okay."

Texas buries his face into his hands

New Mexico sighs and takes a seat on the opposite end of the couch.

"I ain't never seen two people with such clear flags," the old man comments and Texas stiffens, "normally something's gotta be off. Who are you?"

Texas tenses and New Mexico sighs.

"I suppose I owe you an apology. But most do not know who we are, but I owe you an explanation," New Mexico says, standing and tipping her hat before offering a hand, "My name is New Mexico, and that there is my brother, Texas."

'Brother? Does she still think of me like that? I thought I would be no one.'

"The states?" the man asks.

"Yes," New Mexico agrees with a nod, "we represent the populations. Our flags are the official flags of our states, that's why they look like replicas."

The man nods and looks at Texas, respect shining in his eyes. Texas can't meet his eyes.

They wait quietly until there is another knock. The old man invites them in and Texas finds himself under a near crushing weight.

"Texas!" Alabama cheers.

Mississippi and Alabama pile on top of him and laugh in relief.

Texas laughs quietly and hugs them back.

"Well, are y'all gonna come home with us?" Georgia asks.

"Yeah. Come on Tex, let's go," Mississippi says, pulling Texas to his feet.

Texas looks away, but can't bring himself to argue.

~

Table of Contents

[solarcitymelodies]

Hey! Don't be ashamed when you post other things! I also like the Rock Afire Explosion! I have a thing for mechanical characters! But yes, don't be upset at yourself for this! It's alright! -Your best buddy, Madison

MECHANICAL CHARACTERS SUPREMACY!!!! WHY Y'ALL ALWAYS COMIN IN CLUTCH WITH THE LOVE AND SUPPORT

YOU BUNCH OF SEROTONIN GREMLINS !!! GIVIN ME MY DAILY MOLECULES OF DOPAMINE TF???? I LOVE Y'ALL SO MUCH WHAT 🥺🥺🥺 hnnGsbng I'm gonna go melt in a corner now :)

[zizeschmizes]

that familiar feeling. | solo

WHO: lauren zizes (& the zizes bro squad)

WHAT: a post-thanksgiving dinner hangout, with bonus chaotic sibling energy.

WHEN: 11/28; evening

WHERE: zizes home; new orleans, la.

The last guest was long gone, and the cleanup had been, as always, a family effort. Everyone doing their part to return the house back to some kind of order. Everyone had a job, and Lauren, stickler for organization that she was, had been tasked with putting away the leftovers in a reasonable and tidy manner. 

It was a wonder there was any food left; her mother, as per usual had gone overboard. But it was for good reason. As tradition, their dinner usually included some of her brothers' teammates, the guys unable to travel home for the holiday, for whatever reason. There were five of them this year, nice guys who complimented the cooking and talked football with her father and charmed her mother and younger brothers. At least they'd been expected, their places planned for at the dinner table.

If anything she was the anomaly. The interloper, the surprise guest showing up unexpectedly. After landing at the airport, she'd taken a Lyft home, laughing at the look of surprise on her father's face when he opened the front door. She hadn't discussed her plans with anyone; staying at Ginsburg had been the idea...until the drama, most of it not hers, but the small part that was, it was enough to convince her that a break was necessary. Feeling tired, overworked, and wanting to be in a setting that felt familiar seemed too good to pass up. 

The food was packed up, the kitchen was clean, the guests were gone, her parents had retired to bed, and Lauren could finally change into comfy clothes and settle in a favorite spot. In the den, on the massive sectional, sandwiched between two of her favorite people. Her younger brothers had been especially excited to see her, nearly tackling her in a combo hug, towering over her in a way that made her chest ache because she missed them so much. They stuck close to her, surprising considering the last thing most 15 year old boys wanted was to be babied by their big sister, but here they were. João, taller than she'd remembered, sprawled on the sofa, body taking up a good amount of room while his head rested on Lauren's lap. 

He kept dozing off, unfocused on the show they were supposed to be watching, his content state heightened by Lauren's fingers combing through his dark brown curls. Matheus, however, was the total opposite of his twin, squished beside Lauren and talking animatedly about the show, which had been his pick and Lauren had to admit she was more focused on his commentary than the actual plot. Matty had a way of making everything feel more elaborate, injecting a streak of dramatic flair typical in the Zizes household. Lauren missed it. The noise and nonsense she'd grown so familiar with, different from the college atmosphere that had been her reality for the past few months. 

Their chatter was interrupted by Gabe, yanking the remote from Matty's grasp and tumbling over the back of the couch, nearly landing on top of the younger boy who luckily had the good sense to roll out of the way, landing on the floor between the coffee table and the couch. 

"Seriously?" Lauren glanced over at Gabe, who managed to balance a large bowl in the middle of his chaotic entrance, never spilling a chip as he stuck his landing. 

"What? He moved. That Zizes instinct comin' through." Matty seemed no worse for wear, making a comfortable spot on the floor and accepting the bowl of Doritos when Gabe passed it down, his gaze never leaving the television screen. 

Lauren rolled her eyes. "Y'all are ridiculous. You could’ve broken his damn neck.” Her grumble was cut short when, out of nowhere, a hand came whizzing by. João, reaching overhead, past Lauren to grab a handful of chips, shoveling them in his mouth with a loud crunching noise. “Dammit, Jojo! You almost hit me.” 

His ‘sorry’ was muffled by chewing and Lauren scowled waiting a beat before bopping him on the forehead. 

“Next time just ask for the bowl, dummy. How are y’all still eatin’ after all that food?” 

Gabe shrugged and sank lower in his seat, enough to prop his sock covered feet on the coffee table. “I’m a growing boy. I ain’t wanna dig around in all those bowls. You got the fridge locked up. Chips was easier.” He offered her the bowl as a peace offering and despite her glare, it didn’t stop her from swiping a few. Dark eyes, much like her own glanced at the screen and he frowned. “What the hell are y’all watching?” 

“Matty picked. I think it’s some Star Wars thing?” 

There came a huff from the floor, and Matheus lifted his head from her knee. “It’s ‘The Mandalorian’, Lo. I said that twenty minutes ago.” 

“Okay, so I was right. It was a Star Wars thing.” 

Gabe snorted beside her. “Turn it off, I haven’t watched the first ep yet, I don’t wanna be spoiled.” 

Lauren reached for a few more chips, grabbing a handful and pointing with her pinky at Gabe’s lap. “You have the remote, genius. Just switch it to something everybody wants to watch. Don’t put on those NatGeo docs, bout to put everybody to sleep.” 

Matty laughed. “Jojo’s already asleep.” 

“No I’m not!” came the sleep-filled reply from her sweatpants-covered lap and Lauren looked down at her little brother, who was busy wiping crumbs from his face. “Lo, you’re getting Dorito dust on me.” 

“Yeah well that’s what you get for almost smackin’ me, we’re even.” She rubbed her fingers together, laughing at his grumbling because despite it, she knew he wasn’t moving. “Where’s Nono?” she asked Gabe, who was still busy browsing through Netflix and vetoing Matty’s suggestions. 

“Think he’s still talking to Zara on the phone. Makin’ plans to link up after practice.” Gabe tossed the remote to Matty, and turned his full attention on Lauren. “You stayin’ for the game on Saturday? Watch us bust some Aggie ass?”

Lauren nibbled at her bottom lip. She'd forgotten about the possibility of a football game. Already figuring it would be a reality for winter break, in her haste to get away from Ginsburg for the holiday, it had slipped her mind. 

"My flight back to school is Saturday," she replied, unsure if she was relieved or annoyed. At herself. More than likely at the situation. Dinner had been spent literally surrounded by football, her brother teammates piled into the large dining room they only ever used for holidays and big parties. And at first, Lauren had completely disappeared amongst the talk of plays and stats and names, occasionally cracking a smile at a stray joke, her grin growing when her eyes happened to catch her father's. Her parents seemed happy to see her. Her father clutched her tightly and kissed her forehead, the warmth behind it making her feel most at home. 

And she supposed her mother, with her busy to-do list that involved ordering the rest of them around with chopping and shopping and cleaning and organizing didn't have much time for her usual spiel. Again, the surprise drop in was good for something. She'd managed a quick kiss to her daughter's cheek and promptly sent her on an errand. Lauren figured come Christmastime, she wouldn't be so lucky. 

For his part, Gabe took the news of her departure easily. Then again, that was his way. Of all her brothers, the two were more alike, in looks and temperament. Where Antonio was the quiet, responsible type, Gabe was loud, the center of attention and quick with a joke. The two of them bumped heads, but never really outright clashed, trading snarky comments back and forth until a peace offering (usually food) was suggested. 

“There’s always games,” he replied easily. “You’ll catch another one.” They turned their attention back to the television, where Matty had found something else to watch (Black Panther) and managed to snatch the bowl of chips from his older brother, setting it beside him so he could share with his twin. 

“Thanks, for not giving me shit about it.” 

Gabe shook his head. “It’s just football, Lozinha. I realize sayin’ that’s a cardinal sin ‘round here. But you haven’t been into this shit since we were in high school. It’s cool. Although…” he turned to his sister, big grin on his handsome face and Lauren knew it was bound to be something that would no doubt annoy her. “If you did show up, I know of at least three dudes who’d be pretty hype about that.” 

She made a face. “Please don’t push me off on your football pals, it’s so weird. Not to mention unnecessary.” 

“You say ‘unnecessary’, I say Cameron was staring hard and it wasn’t the turkey he was eyeballin’.” 

Lauren rolled her eyes, her annoyance only rising at Gabe’s loud laughter, but smiled when the twins both shushed him. She had noticed Cameron, catching her eyes whenever she looked up and making sure they were seated beside each other at dinner. 

He was sweet enough, a junior linebacker studying sports medicine with dreams of being a physical therapist, and he listened attentively while she talked about Ginsburg and her major. Their conversation had been pleasant, but it was a typical dinner talk: polite and surface-level and though she enjoyed it, hadn’t thought much more about it, especially when she had other matters to attend to, mainly cleaning. A total gentleman, he bid her goodnight and leaned in for a hug, a one-armed gesture that ended with a gentle squeeze of her hip, which...okay that might’ve been forward...but she didn’t dwell on it, simply brushing it off as friendly.

“Yeah, that’s not happening. He’s nice but he lives here. I’m at Ginsburg. Plus I’m not really looking for that right now.” 

“Uh-huh…” Gabe trailed off, studying his sister’s profile. “Soooo, is that ‘cause you already have something? And when are you gonna let me talk to your crew? Do they know you’ve got a hot single brother? Like come on, what good is having a sister if I can’t hit on your fine ass friends?”

“That is a lot of stupid happening in one sentence,” she replied, laughing. “I’m not letting my friends anywhere near you. Besides, you already got a school-full of folks you can charm, get outta my friends list.” 

“Jeez, be selfish. But you could be keeping me from the love of my life. I hope you’re happy.” 

“My one mission’s to make your ass miserable so yep, I’m pretty content right now.” 

Gabe snorted. “It’s possible you came back a bigger pain in the ass.”

“It’s a required Gins elective. Bad Bitch 101.” Lauren flipped her hair, laughing when João grumbled about being jostled. She ruffled his hair, letting her fingers linger to card gently through his curls. 

“Are you two done?” Matheus grumbled from below. “We’re tryin’ to watch something here.” 

“Yeah whatever,” Gabe said, leaning forward to bop his younger brother on the shoulder. “You’ve seen this like a million times. Gimme the chips and put on something we all wanna watch.” 

“I don’t mind watching it,” came a voice from behind and Lauren looked up to see Antonio entering the den, tumbling over the back of the sectional much like Gabe did, settling beside his brother, and throwing an arm over the back of the couch. 

“Are y’all incapable of sitting on the couch like regular folk? I mean, damn.” Her question was met by a chorus of boos and Gabe, having recovered the chip bowl threw a Dorito at her, which she promptly caught in her mouth. 

“Nice. Learned that from one of those Ginsburg’s electives?” 

Lauren shook her head. “Nah, just that Zizes instinct comin’ through.” Grinning, she leaned her head on Gabe’s shoulder, finally focusing on the Wakandian action on-screen as her brothers passed the bowl between them, feeling completely at ease in the familiarity of it all. She really missed this.

[mindfulwrath]

Stick ‘Em Up

The final prize fic for the MWDF works contest! For @southlovesowls, who requested "your take on what a heist would look like with the deputies (Geoff, jack, Jeremy, Ryan, ray) when they were outlaws."

Words: 3,509 Warnings: Casual misogyny, violence, blood & gore, alcoholism

It began, as it so often did, with a train.

"Anythin'?" Geoff asked, laid out on his belly on a rocky scarp.

"Not a puff," said Jack, squinting through her cracked spyglass. "Maybe they hit a real rockslide or somethin'."

"Or they're just late."

"Or they're just late. I'll holler if I see anythin'."

Geoff clapped her on the shoulder and shimmied back from the ledge. He dusted himself off, resettled his hat on his head, and made his way back to the wagon. It was looking more busted up than usual, long overdue for some maintenance. The horses were all hitched up a few yards away, munching saplings and farting. As Geoff approached, Gavin heaved himself up from under the wagon and trotted out to meet him.

"Hey pal," said Geoff, taking a knee to scratch him behind the ears. "You ain't comin' with us, li'l buddy."

"Yeah, I didn't so much figure I would be."

Geoff looked up. Dooley was hovering by the horses, looking awfully disappointed.

"I was talkin' to the dog," Geoff said.

"Oh," said Dooley, his cheeks reddening. "Yeah, I—I knew that."

"'Course you did."

"I did! I was—answerin' for the dog."

"Sure you were." Geoff stood up again and nudged Gavin with his foot. "Mosey on, Gavvy. Where's Ray and Ryan?"

"Two guesses," Dooley said sourly, cocking his head at the wagon.

"Can't say as I'm surprised," Geoff grumbled. "Good damn thing the train's late, or else we'd miss it. Those horses all saddled up and ready to go?"

"Yessir. Went ahead and watered 'em, too, since it's gettin' hot already."

"Good thinkin'. If it's too much longer, you might wanna walk 'em around a li'l, make sure they don't get stiff."

"Will do, Boss. Uh—you think it's gonna be too much longer?"

"Hell if I know. All the shit that's been goin' wrong lately, wouldn't surprise me if the damn train didn't show up at all."

"Train's always late."

Geoff jumped about a foot in the air and whipped around. Ray was standing right behind him, his poncho hanging crooked over his double bandoleers, a permanently sardonic expression affixed to his face.

"Jesus, Ray!" Geoff cried. "How long you been there?"

Ray shrugged. "Couple minutes," he said. "Train's always late, don't know why you're gettin' all chicken-shit about it."

"Go fuck yourself, pal," Geoff said, rolling his eyes.

"Shit, right now? All right, Mr. Boss-man sir, but it's gonna take me a couple minutes to get it up again. Hope that train's real late or else I'll be shootin' with three guns."

"Harr-harr, ain't you a goddamn riot."

"We got smoke," Jack called from the scarp.

"Awright, time to go," said Geoff. "Jack, come on back, our li'l rockslide ain't gonna hold 'em up for long!"

"Comin'!"

"Guess I better go fuck myself real quick," said Ray. He ambled off to the horses, where Dooley was making final preparations, and was joined shortly by Jack.

"Jackass," Geoff muttered. "Ryan, where the hell you at?"

Ryan popped out the back of the wagon, pulling his hair back. He flashed a grin at Geoff as he stepped down.

"He was behind you 'bout thirty seconds, at most," he said, heading for the horses, too. "If you were wonderin'."

Geoff caught his arm. Ryan hung back, expectant. There was a fresh set of bruises blooming on his neck.

"Hey, you gonna be all right?" Geoff asked, keeping his voice down.

Frowning, Ryan said, "Sure thing. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well—I don't know, just I figured you mighta been a li'l shook up after last time, that's all."

"Ain't nothin' bad happen to me. Ain't nothin' to be shook up about."

"You sure? 'Cuz I don't want you freezin' up in the middle, or God forbid, anythin' worse happenin' to you."

"I won't freeze up and won't nothin' bad happen to me," Ryan promised, patting his hand. "And even if it does, I got the ol' Kentucky Ram hisself lookin' out for me."

Geoff smoothed his mustache. "Don't get to countin' on me, now."

"No, suh, wouldn't dream of it," said Ryan. He slipped out of Geoff's grip and started off after Ray, tossing a left-handed salute over his shoulder before breaking into a jog.

Shaking his head, Geoff let out a sigh.

"Damn fool's got ten times more luck than sense," he said to himself.

"Hey, uh, Boss Ramsey?"

He turned. Dooley was back, hat in hand.

"Oh, right. Uh—stay here, make sure the wagon don't go nowhere. And keep an eye on Gavin. And the other horses. And if we get caught—"

"Come and get y'all?"

Geoff blinked, pursed his lips, and inclined his head.

"Uh, yeah," he said, rerouting from the threat he'd been about to make. "Yeah, you come and get us, if we get caught. Just don't spend too much money doin' it. And don't let Gavin get ran over or nothin', neither."

"Yessir. I'll keep an eye out."

"Two eyes, Dooley."

"Yessir."

"Good. Now go make sure nobody's gonna see that wagon."

He snapped out a salute and scurried off. Geoff joined the others. Once he'd mounted up, he pulled his bandanna over his mouth and nose.

"Awright, boys," he said. "Let's go rob us a train."

Jack shoved her way into the first-class car, her gun pressed up under the conductor's jaw. Ray whisked in behind her, drawing both revolvers before anybody could get up. Geoff came after him, and Ryan brought up the rear.

"Afternoon, folks," Geoff said to the sea of waxen faces. "I'll be conductin' y'all's holdup today. Now if everybody stays calm and quiet, won't nobody have to get hurt, and y'all can go on y'all's way not much the worse for wear."

"This is outrageous," a woman spat. She was dressed like a peacock, only ten times as frumpy. "Where is the security on this—"

"Nice hat, bitch," said Ray, and shot it off.

She screamed and dove for cover under the seats. The car erupted in a clamor of gasps and shouts. The conductor wriggled in Jack's grasp, and she dealt him a ringing smack with the butt of the gun, not quite enough to knock him out. Geoff clenched his fists and breathed deep. The longer this took, the worse it would wind up. There was bound to be security somewhere on the train, U. S. Marshals or Union Pacific's own hired goons, and they'd figure out pretty quick that the Western Union car wasn't the one being hit.

Especially if there was any more gunfire.

"And let that be a lesson to y'all!" he called out, raising his voice to be heard over the clamor. "Next dumbass who talks outta turn is gonna get shot! Now my associate here—" He tipped his head at Ryan— "is gonna come down the aisle, and y'all are gonna hand over any valuables you got to hand, and then we'll be on our way."

"Everybody get up, c'mon, get off those doughy asses," said Ray, gesturing with his guns. Ryan took out the first burlap sack and offered it to the first seat on the left—an elderly couple, the man nervously wiping his glasses and the woman clutching her pearls.

"We'd be ever so much obliged if y'all could donate t' our cause," he said, sweet as a peach. "We won't take nothin' essential, such as your spectacles, suh—but ma'am, I think you will most likely survive without that necklace. C'mon, now, divest yourselves of your worldly wealth."

With trembling hands, they complied. Ray paced up and down the aisle like a coyote trapped between two fences. Geoff watched the passengers as they took off their watches and jewelry, keen for any hint of a weapon.

"Thank you kindly," Ryan said to the elderly couple. "Just think of it this way: the Bible says it's well nigh impossible for a rich man to get into Heaven. We're doin' y'all's immortal souls a favor. Have a blessed day, now."

He moved on, keeping up a running litany of platitudes in that soothing voice. The bag filled steadily. The conductor fidgeted. Jack kneed him in the leg, warning.

"Boss, they're startin' to get suspicious," she said, with her eyes on something out the window. "We better keep this short."

"Kid!" Geoff snapped. "Quit proselytizin' and get the damn money!"

"Oh, yessuh, so sorry, suh," Ryan effused. He rounded on the next pair like a rabid dog, snarling, "Put the fuckin' money in the bag!"

The two young women yelped and shoved their valuables into the bag. Ryan tipped his hat to them, grinning under his bandanna, before moving on.

The car filled with a low murmur, frightened glances tossed back and forth across the aisle. Geoff drummed his fingers on the butt of his revolver, watching, waiting, praying. A bead of sweat crawled down his back. He caught Ray's eye as he paced up the aisle and flicked a glance out the window. Ray followed his gaze, and his face hardened.

Vagabond's gonna get y'all.

Geoff's blood ran cold. The voice had come from nowhere, low and vicious and hateful, like a diamondback creeping underfoot—

"Who the fuck said that?" Ray snarled, whipping around with both revolvers. The whole car ducked, amidst muffled screams and cursing—all except one man, tall as a pine tree with a mustache like an oil slick and eyes like steel.

"I did," he said—or more squeaked, because both Ray's guns were pointing at him now.

"You wanna say it again to my fuckin' face?" Ray asked, walking up to him.

The man gulped. Towards the back of the car, Ryan tied up the burlap sack and hung it on his belt. Instead of starting to fill the other one, though, he eased out his gun.

"Naw, c'mon, say it again," said Ray. "Make my fuckin' day, you beanpole-lookin' ass bitch. Say it so's everybody can hear you."

With a great mustering of grit, the man said, "The Vagabond is gonna get y'all."

"Theeee Vagabond!" Ray hollered, and laughed. "Dumbass. You think the fuckin' tooth fairy's gonna show up, too?"

"Maybe not today," said the man. "Maybe not tomorrow. But y'all's day is comin'."

"How 'bout in the next ten seconds?" Ray asked.

"Don't you do it," Geoff hissed. Ryan was watching, quiet and curious. His finger was on the trigger of his gun, ready to pull. The goons down by the Western Union car had gathered together and were making eyes in their direction.

"Six," Ray said. "Five. Four. Three. Where's he at, hombre? Two. One and a half! Vagabond, hey, you dumb bitch, come get me!"

"Don't you do it, Ray!"

"One. Zero. Sorry, hombre, looks like he ain't comin'."

BANG. BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG.

The man's body jiggled like a pudding before collapsing in a puddle of blood. There were more screams. Ray blew the smoke off his revolver, popped it open and tipped the casings out.

"Anybody else got somethin' stupid to say?" he asked, reloading. "'Cuz I got a whole 'nother gun and a shitload more bullets."

Nobody said a goddamn word.

"Fine. Hand over all the fuckin' money and jewelry you got, and I prob'ly won't shoot nobody else."

"Fuck!" Jack spat. She shoved the conductor to the ground, kicked open the car's door, and took a potshot down the train. Somebody shot back. "Boss, we gotta go, now!"

Geoff grabbed her by the arms and hauled her into the aisle. Ray leapt up into the dead man's seat and shot out the window.

"Go, go!" Geoff said, pushing Jack down the aisle. He whipped out his gun and set his back against hers, keeping an eye on the passengers. "Well folks, it's been real fun, but we gotta be headin' on now! Thanks much for y'all's generosity, and have a good trip!"

Ray emptied his revolver and swapped out for the other one. A bullet smashed through the window in front of him, spraying glass. He flinched, cursed, and shot back.

"Get the kid out," Geoff said to Jack. "Ray! C'mon, we're leavin'!"

"I'm comin'!" Ray snapped. He reloaded one revolver one-handed from his bandoleer while he kept shooting with the other one.

"Don't wait for us, just go," Jack said to Ryan. "They're gonna shoot, but you just ride."

She ushered him out the door, pausing only to yank the purse out of a man's hand on her way out. Geoff backed towards the door, one eye on Ray and one on the passengers.

"Ray!"

He leapt down and dashed for the door. Geoff bolted for the horses. Jack was already mounted up. Ryan's horse was kicking up a fuss, dancing and tossing its head. Geoff snagged its reins and it nearly yanked him off his feet.

"Shit, fuck, goddammit—"

A gunshot snapped out behind them. Geoff whipped around. Ray was backing out of the train car, reloading again. A window exploded. Ray shot back before the glass even hit the ground.

"Put him on my horse!" he yelled over his shoulder.

"You don't—"

Ray fired off another couple shots before sprinting to them. He grabbed Ryan around the waist and threw him up onto his own horse. Ryan scrambled to get situated. Ray jumped up after him and sat down backwards. He popped off another volley towards the train cars.

A pair of hulking enforcers clambered out from between the cars farther down the line. Geoff dashed to his horse, firing from the hip. They ducked back, but as soon as he stopped shooting, they popped out again. Geoff leapt into the saddle and wheeled his horse around.

"Let's go, move, move!"

They lit out like bats out of hell. Bullets whizzed by, muzzle flashes lit up the clouds of dust behind them. Ray dropped to one gun, keeping his elbow locked through Ryan's to stay on the horse. A bullet smacked into Jack's horse and it screamed, tumbling into the dust. Ray tried to jump off after her. Ryan didn't let him.

"Sonnuva—"

"I got her!" Geoff shouted, doubling back. "Y'all go, I got her!"

She was on her feet and shooting by the time he got there. He heaved her up onto his horse. One of the goons had grabbed Ryan's abandoned horse and was riding after them, hellbent.

"Take us under the scarp, I got an idea," Jack said. Geoff kicked his horse and shouted. Ryan and Ray started up the switchback trail up to their encampment. A bullet whizzed past his ear.

"Come on, Blue, come on!" he said, leaning down over the horse's neck. Jack shot back at their pursuer, missing every shot. "Is he gainin'?"

"Of course he's gainin', just keep goin'!"

"Where the hell—"

"Just keep goin'!"

The horse's flanks heaved. Foam flecked its mouth. Dust covered everything. Geoff's ears rang with gunfire. He glanced back over his shoulder. The goon was bearing down on them, gun drawn, teeth bared—

CRACK.

He toppled sideways out of the saddle, bounced, rolled, and did not get up.

"Yeehaw!" Jack cried, punching the air. "Atta boy! C'mon, Geoff, let's get that dumbass horse back."

Geoff reigned in. Jack hopped down. While she hurried back to catch Ryan's horse, Geoff shaded his eyes and looked up to the ridge.

A familiar, poncho-clad silhouette raised a carbine rifle in salute.

Geoff flipped it off.

"Awright, Ray," said Geoff, dropping himself down next to the campfire. "What in the goddamn hell is wrong with you?"

Ray looked up from his dinner. The sun had set, and they'd thrown together a little camp about fifteen miles from the railroad. Firelight danced off of slender pines, and the glittering haul from the robbery. The smell of cooked meat and pine straw filled the air. Dooley was off tending to the horses, and Jack was walking Gavin around to keep him from getting into the food. Ryan had settled in a ways off, absorbed in his whittling.

"What?" said Ray.

"You know what. Back at the train."

"Thought I was savin' y'all's lives. You're welcome."

"It wouldn't've been needed if you hadn't started shootin'!"

Ray shrugged. "Sometimes a bitch needs killin'."

"No, he didn't. And you ain't have to go out on that whole damn monologue, neither."

"Oh, all right, yeah, so that's what you're all fucked up about," said Ray, rolling his eyes. "Grow a pair, Ramsey."

"Maybe on the day you grow some common goddamn sense, you trigger-happy fuck! Maybe on the day you learn to keep your fuckin' mouth shut!"

"Suck my dick, you don't pay me enough to keep quiet. You know what you do pay me for? To shoot folks. Sorry for doin' my fuckin' job, I guess."

Gavin came trotting up from the darkness, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. He climbed into Geoff's lap and tried to lick his face. Geoff shoved him off.

"Get the fuck outta here," he snapped, before returning to Ray. "It ain't your job to shoot first. It is your job to shoot second, once they're already shootin' at us. It sure as hell ain't your job to go engagin' in dumbass stunts like the one you pulled in there!"

"Fine, fuck you, whatever. Next time I'll let the motherfuckers ride your bitch ass down, how'd you like that?"

"Ray," Geoff growled.

"C'mon, now, Boss, ain't no call to get worked up about it," Ryan said. His eyes were on his hands, his voice casual. "Even if the Vagabond's real, it ain't like he was there to hear it."

"I don't got a problem with Ray disrespectin' the Vagabond, Ryan, I got a problem with him fillin' folks with lead just for openin' their damn mouths!"

"Oh, sure," said Ryan. "S'pose that's the reason you been lookin' over your shoulder all evenin', too."

"Marshals," said Geoff, heat rising to his cheeks. "Could be the Marshals are gonna come after us."

"Geoff, it's all right," Jack said, coming up and settling down by the fire. "Ryan's right, there ain't no call to get worked up about it. Gavin and I been all over hell and gone, and there's nobody out here but us. We got our cash, we got away, we're all in one piece—that's a good day!"

Geoff wiggled his mustache. He folded his arms and heaved a sigh.

"Fine," he grumbled. "Good job, everybody. We'll head on for Osceola in the mornin', see if we can't get this shit pawned off. How much we got in cash, meantime?"

"'Bout twenty bucks," said Ray. He tossed the remainder of his cooked rabbit to Gavin, who snapped it up in a heartbeat.

"Ain't great, but it'll hold us for a while," said Jack. "We'll prob'ly get twice that from the jewelry."

"Might almost cover the cost of ammo," Geoff muttered. "Gonna need another horse, too."

Ray got up, licking his fingers. He went over to Ryan and pulled on his hair.

"Hey," he said.

"Hm?" said Ryan, looking up at him.

"C'mon, I need some goddamn unwindin'."

Ryan smiled and put his knife away. "Sure thing, honey."

With another, rougher pull on Ryan's hair, Ray stalked away into the woods. Ryan blew the wood chips off his whittling, stuck it in his pocket, and followed.

With the two of them gone, quiet descended. Gavin slunk over again and sniffed around Geoff's face, looking for more rabbit. Geoff scratched him behind the ears absently.

"You all right, Geoff?" Jack asked.

"I don't know," Geoff sighed. "I don't know. I'm startin' to wonder if maybe...."

"Maybe what?"

He shook his head. Gavin climbed up into his lap and sat down, despite the fact that he was two sizes too big for it. He licked Geoff's ear, tail thumping hopefully.

"Maybe it oughtta have stayed just us," Geoff said.

"What, and set those funny fuckers loose on the world?" said Jack. "Hell naw. We'll temper 'em down in time, just needs a li'l more workin'. Ryan's already got Ray about half as hot as he used to be."

"Yeah, I guess."

Another, longer silence, filled with the crackling of the fire and the distant snorting and nickering of the horses as Dooley brushed them down. The exhaustion was catching up with Geoff, laying heavy on his shoulders, grim and foggy in his head. His heart had not yet stopped racing. His ears had not yet stopped ringing.

It was either going to be a sleepless night, or a drunken one.

"It's all right to be scared," Jack said softly. "You got every reason."

"It ain't that I'm scared, Jack. It's that there ain't a damn thing I can do about it. So long as we're outlaws, it's ... always gonna be there. He is always gonna be there. Waitin'. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but ... someday."

"Well," Jack said slowly. "What if we wasn't outlaws?"

Geoff blinked. He tugged on Gavin's ear. He sat forward and fixed her with a look.

"I'm listenin'," he said.

[daddygodzilla69]

Ain't been happy in a while, I be staring in the mirror trying to force myself to smile. Can't keep blaming everybody, people do what you allow and don't ask me how I feel because I'm responding back with how... how the fuck am I supposed to feel when all my friends turn they back? how the hell I'm supposed to trust when people out here setting traps? how you expecting me to grow when I can't let my money stack? how you asking for a loan knowing you can't pay me back? how you claim to really love me but you fucked that other nigga, how'd you get so good at lying? how did I think that you was different? how do I get so fucking stupid? how I let these people use me? life is so confusing all I really got is music ain't been happy in a while.

My momma always told me to be selfish with my trust and don't acknowledge every comment, let them niggas self-destruct because if you ever fall I bet you they won't help you up. Rest in peace Tentacion, I really feel they set him up. I got my hand in the game now and I ain't letting up, let it ring like slot machines if you try to Press Your Luck but it's all peace and love you won't get no threats from us, and I really got a chance just praying I don't mess it up. How am I supposed to keep my faith when God took my bro away? think about him every day, how come the pain won't go away? I was about to end this shit, I mean really END this shit then I thought about my kids and nah I ain't with that shit. When life throw a curveball how come it's hard to hit that bitch? Yeah, she did a Nigga wrong how come deep down I miss that bitch? Flip that script, I got focused on My craft just trying to make a difference assure it's all authentic when I make a sentence. It got hard, I use my smarts to help create my interest but don't nobody want to work just out here making wishes. Ain't it Senseless, how far they go just for fame and mentions, Souless trolling fake exposing just to gain attention. I clutch the .40 if you comin for me, they popped young one so I shot em, that's another story. No I don't love you shorty, honestly I'm young and horny. Can me, you and depression have a fucking orgy? you do something for me when you make me feel important, even though it's temporary we can still enjoy it. It gets so annoying trying to play the Happy Role, I guess it's time to let y'all know I ain't been happy in a while. You know, it's been a long long time, long