#Quinn's Lore Thoughts

[malkshayke]

Helluva Boss Season 2 Trailer Theory!!! SPOILERS (Kinda)

Ok so I just watched the new trailer, so naturally I’m fucking REELING with excitement rn.

And I already got a couple theories.

It seems that in the “Ghost Fuckers” episode, Blitz and Millie disguise themselves as human (not really) paranormal investigators to catch a “ghost” at some motel. It’s already pretty clear though that the “owner” of the hotel is actually some demon from the envy ring:

While I’m not sure, I think this may be Levaithan. Now, why would he have a motel in the human world?? And why go after the IMP gang? No fuckin clue, but he’s powerful enough to possess other demons, like Blitz here (see how he emerges from the water?):

These two would NEVER just turn on each other otherwise.

Soo is this an overlord? Can other overlords possess other demons and/or sinners?

Or is he an envy demon with this ability? Can they all do that??

Here’s my other theory:

Maybe Stolas tells Blitz they “need to talk.” This kinda freaks Blitz out, so he goes to Fizz for advice. Who better to talk to about an imp dating a powerful overlord than a fellow imp dating an overlord, right? I imagine Fizz gives some very emotionally mature and sensible advice.

But of course, Blitz ignores it. Instead he wants a way to “see what Stolas REALLY thinks about him”. Fizz lets it slip that he knows a spell/ potion of Ozzy’s that provides a way to enter someone’s consciousness (yes I’m talking like how the mystery twins entered Grunkle Stan’s mind, or when BumbleBee entered Megatron’s).

Fizz is against it at first, but feels obligated to help Blitz because of everything he’s done for him (saving him from Striker and Crimson, protecting him at Mammon’s Clown Pageant). So, he wants to return the favor by helping his friend get closure.

And so they enter this house-of-memory realm together. There they find the owl and the imp’s memories :

They find their fears too:

And maybe I’m reading too much into it but perhaps there’s some correlation between this and the envy “ghost” demon??

See??? Am I onto something kinda??? Hmmm???

It’s just crazy enough to possible lol

Anyways, I haven’t stopped thinking about the trailer since it dropped. It’s got my gears turning fr. So yeah, thanks for indulging in my very normal and sensible theories for this show <333

[carnivorousyandeere]

Ooooh that Brucie ask... It does make me think about how he'd be like around others since AFAIK we haven't had any "crossovers" with him before? Like we know Penelope and Wisteria would end up killing each other if they tried to share a darling, but how would it be like if either one of them shared one with Brucie? he seems more... easy-going? kinda? maybe it'd go better?

Family…

Brucie’s got a lot of trouble with the word “family.” He was raised to think that family is everything. It comes before anything, anyone else, even himself. He lived that out. Always carrying out his father’s family’s orders, involving himself in the family business.

But he was a bastard, and to that side of the family he would never be much more. No matter how hard he worked, how much he sacrificed, it would never be enough— and where were they? Where was this family support when his mother was sick and dying? Where was this family support when he himself was laid out, broken and bleeding when their plan, their orders had gone awry? Where were they?

They offered money and medicines after the fact, letting him retire. But it was too little, too late, and he’d never trust them again.

He knows Pen and Wisteria, vaguely, from family reunions— but they have those same hazel Bardot eyes that he’s disgusted to see in his own face in the mirror. He knows they’re not involved in the family business, and they never were. But he still doesn’t trust them as far as he could throw them, and doesn’t want his Darling anywhere near them. Wrong equation, right answer— Penny and Wisteria couldn’t share a Darling with him either; they’d probably try to poison him first before turning against each other.

But if Brucie ever got to meet his mom’s side of the family, and got to know a certain young Quinn, with brown eyes as warm as his mother’s and hands as calloused and used to working as his, he may be able to trust her to help look after his Darling. Family… blood isn’t everything, Brucie knows that, but there’s just some unspoken kinship with Quinn that allows them to get along for the most part. He’s not a fan of how hot-headed and reckless she can be with their Darling, but he can give her a pass. She’s younger than him by half a decade or more, around Wisteria’s age; he’s sure her youthful brashness will mellow out, and he’s at least confident she won’t allow any true harm to come to their shared Darling.

[poor-ciceros-voring-again]

This is pretty neat so far I think. It's nice to be able to see how everyone is connected so far

[arolesbianism]

Vibrates. Normal. I'm normal. I'm so normal.

[quinn-borel]

The Lord Commander succumbed to a night of restless sleep, for the upcoming day would be the final leg of their journey to Zenith. There he would stand tall and confront the great wyrm Hraesvelgr, requesting aid against the upcoming clash against Nidhogg. His mind churned just like the vistas did before him as he exited his tent, greeted by the early morning fogginess of the Mists.

The air was muggy and uninviting, a harsh contrast from the previous night where the skies were clear and the air chilled him as it did back home in Ishgard. He stood there in silence as visions of the past raced in his mind—the clear air, the calm atmosphere, the intimate moment he shared with the Warrior of Light as they toiled over his map…then the Moogles showed up of course, ruining the moment. He couldn’t believe how he nearly let slip his desire for her, how he nearly took their friendship and ground it under his heel.

…

No! He wasn’t going to kiss her. Preposterous! They were just leaning in to each other to look at the map. The Moogles were the ones making assumptions!

…

He needed to focus on the mission—to seek an ally and bring down Ishgard’s major adversary. There wasn’t time for the foolish, boyish thoughts that crept into his heart and mind every time he saw her. There never would be a time for it, no matter how much he longed for it…she was way out of his league anyway. Right?

Breaking him from his trance, he noticed the very same woman, Quinn, sitting near the smoldering patch where their fire burned from the previous night. Alphinaud must have been scouting their upcoming path, for the young Elezen was nowhere to be seen. Once again, it was just the two of them. He watched her intently as she dug around in her bag, pulling out what appeared to be a small glass vile which lacked any sort of label. From there, Quinn pulled the plug from the tincture and applied a drop of it to her tongue—she squirmed with displeasure at the taste, her visage twisting as if it were the most bitter thing she had ever put in her mouth. Aymeric made his presence known with a soft chuckle upon seeing her reaction, to which Quinn immediately shoved the bottle back into her bag,

“Gods, don’t sneak up on me like that!” she scolded him, sighing after she caught her breath “Good morning, Ser Aymeric.”

“My apologies for startling you, Quinn. I didn’t realize you didn’t see me there.”

“It’s fine.” She shrugged it off without a second thought, “Anyway, I would wager you slept about as well as the rest of us did…”

“If you meant, ‘hardly’, then, yes, you would be correct.” he crossed his arms over his chest as his gaze fell upon her bag, curious as to what was in the little glass vile. He mused for a moment before taking a playful jab, “That seemed unpleasant. Could it be that you were taking a tincture of dexterity? Has that been the source of your excellent bowmanship all this time?”

His smile was telling that it was a joke, knowing well that Quinn practiced her craft on the daily. She snickered along with him, a bashful smile painting her lips,

“If only it were that easy.” She explained, “But, no, it’s actually a preventative tincture.”

“Preventative?” he tilted his head curiously, “Does something ail you, my friend?”

“Oh, no, nothing like that.” She went back to rummaging through her bag, and so plainly, so matter-of-factly she explained to him, “It’s to keep me from becoming pregnant. I take it every day, just in case.”

…

“Ah-?”

…

“…just in case…?”

Aymeric was at a loss for words, face and ears lit up a bright pink flush as he gawked at the fact that she would divulge something so personal.

And the implications…

…

“…What?” she asked, looking towards him with confusion.

“N-Nothing.” He stammered, turning on his heel and heading back towards his tent, “I best begin tearing down my sleeping arrangements. We have quite the march to make today, do we not?”

Quinn stared at the back of his head with a blank face, unsure as to why he reacted in such a way to her taking birth control.

Perhaps they weren’t close enough for her to tell him so nonchalantly…she’d make a mental note not to bring it up ever again.

[kou3218]

The History of Lightcannon

Warning, this is very long so buckle up. (Also spoilers for Arcane)

For those wondering where this ship came from and how it's bloomed from something that was pretty niche into something nearly mainstream. It's an interesting journey. So let's dive in.

(Note - Updated post with more information on the history. It's actually older than I realized.)

Let's start with some context, Lightcannon is the name of the ship between two characters from the MOBA game, League of Legends. Officially launched in October 27, 2009.

Luxanna Crownguard (though she prefers Lux) from the kingdom of Demacia. She's a mage whose skilled in light magic. She became a playable champion on October 19th, 2010. She is literally the Light...

...To the Cannon known as Jinx (formally known as powder.) from the slump of Zaun. A psychopathic loose cannon whose also a uncertified genius when it comes to tinkering. She became a playable champion on October 10th, 2013.

Both residing in the world known as Runeterra.

Now you might be wondering, "How in the hell does a pretty blonde noble mage girl from a kingdom of knights get shipped with a blue haired psycho steampunk Harley Quinn knock off that's a continent away?" (Don't pretend Jinx wasn't made to cash in on the hype of Quinn. Riot is known for cashing in on trends.)

(edit 12/3/2024)

Well originally, I thought it was due to the Cosmetic Skins that League is known for releasing for it's champions. They usually have some fun special interactions with characters and even some lore. Creating AU's of sorts. Some are one shots, and others get expanded up into full on spinoffs with stories and their own expanded narrative.

In 2015 RIOT launched the Star Guardian set. Basically a Magical girl set for the characters: Lux, Jinx, Janna, Poppy, and Lulu. And this set is what many thought kicked off lightcannon. Myself included.

In the Star Guardian lore, they are childhood friends. With Lux being described as, "Cheerful, courageous, and just a bit clumsy. Lux shines the brightest among her Star Guardian team as its captain."

While Jinx is described as, "The cynical teen rebelled, refusing to treat her powers as anything more than a plaything to serve her own interests. While Jinx scoffs at protecting a world she doesn’t trust, she does believe in her childhood friend Lux—and if someone could see into the depths of Jinx’s heart, they’d see a furious, burning need to keep those she holds dear out of harm’s way, at any cost."

If you are at all familiar with Magical Girl shows, you can see how this kicked it off. There is always an undercurrent of Yuri in ever MG series. For this, the classic, Good Girl x Bad Girl with a heart of gold. This even got it's own cinematic. With plenty of shots of Lux and Jinx Longing for each other.

With some rather fun interactions in game.

And a classic scene from one of the stories

However, it was pointed out to me by @questionablecuttlefish there were people before the star guardians that were already shipping them together as for back as 2014!

Barely 3 months after Jinx was released. The first lightcannon fanfictions started to appear. Which is kind of crazy!

This also pre-dates ekko - who became playable on May 29th, 2015!

Now at the time, Jinx didn't have much lore. She was just the crazy boom girl, and it was hinted at that she had a history with Vi and Warwick. (Too be fair, VI's lore was kind of all over the place and she was mainly "Police Brutality, LoL.) So she was kind of malleable.

Lux however had a lot of lore. She was born into a high standing Noble family that is sworn to protect the king. Hence the name Crownguard. She is depicted as a bright, cheerful, and optimistic character. She's also related to the champion Garen, her older brother. However, she is a mage and magic is hated in her country of Demacia. So, she has to hide who she really is. Garen does know and accepts her. There are also a number of stories where she has done very questionable things. One of her decisions led to her trusting the wrong man, Sylas. A criminal mage that tricked her into helping him escape. Which ended up triggering a mage rebellion, which led to a lot of people dying. (And her OG lore, she operated as a spy. Which some people have played with.)

Sounds familiar right?

So a big part of what drew these two together was the potential these two could have if they met. The idea that Lux finds someone who encourages her to be herself. To let her magic free and accept all of her. Which could also apply to Jinx as well. The idea that they could be who they truly are with each other. And still drawing a bit from the Star Guardians down the line with the whole Good Girl x Bad Girl.

Again, this was still pretty niche. Very much a crackship, but people were pretty creative in what they thought of.

Then came a big shot in the arm for the ship, the Cinematic trailer for Wildrift.

This trailer had jinx hoping around runeterra and grabbing people to join her team to fight. The first person she grabs in Lux, whose bored and wants something exciting to do. And here comes this manic pixie dream girl who pops out of nowhere, jumps in her laps, takes a selfie, and then pulls her into a portal to fight a giant monster like she wanted. Plus the fact that Lux can create pretty shiny lights and massive magical explosions doesn't hurt either. With a lot of the promo stuff having them act like friends helped to fuel it further.

And then, a year after this, Arcane launched!

This not only gave Vi more depth, but also Jinx (Originally named powder). She went from, "lol, random, psycho murder, boom girl." To an incredibly tragic character who who just want to hug and tell her everything is alright.

And it wasn't that we wanted Lux to fix Jinx, we wanted them to help each other. And with the ending of season 2, the viability of Lux and Jinx actually meeting skyrocketed even further. With Jinx faking her death and sneaking onto an airship that was seen over open water.

Possibly to Demacia to get a fresh start? Not impossible. Maybe even be her guiding light.

Additionally between season 1 and 2 or arcane. There was this fun little Chinese Animated web series called, Valoran Town. It didn't have too much an impact on the ship, but was still a bit more fuel for it.

Basically, a slice of life series about the champions living in a small town. The main story focusing on Lux as she runs away from home trying to live free and independently from her overbearing Brother Garen. Her best friend and now roommate in the series is Jinx! Since a lot of promo material for wildrift did have them acting like friends, this felt like they were kind of leaned into that angle. Which worked pretty well.

Each episode is about 5 minutes long, but it's just super cute and fun. Also a nice pallet cleanser from the heart ache of arcane.

This person was kind enough to upload and subtitle all 12 episodes.

Give it a watch, it's free. (Just turn on closed captions.)

So, yeah. That's the history of lightcannon. We love it for many reasons, but for me. It's the potential they could have. It's very much a crackship, but I will sail it everyday. Hope you learned something.

And some funny things to think about.

Lightcannon and Caitvi/Piltover's finest means that Jinx and Vi have the same taste in women. Upper class femme.

But it also means the Crownguard sibling also have the same taste in women. Or, at the very least, have a kink for criminals/killers.

Garen with the Noxian assassin Katarina.

Lux with Sylans and Jinx.

Which would also make Lux and Jinx Bisexual too, so represent.

Yes, I support timebomb too. Arcane Season 2 episode 7 is beautiful. I see why people ship Ekko and Jinx together. I'm a multi-shipper. You can do that. They both love Jinx, and she deserves all the love.

(update 4/28/2025)

So I've seen this piece floating around and I think I finall found the source on Deviantart. https://www.deviantart.com/alvinlee/art/League-of-Legends-Pool-Party-399775869

It was published on Sep 12, 2013 as a promo splash screen for league. And look whose tattooed arm is waving at out favorite blonde mage girl. Even before Jinx's official release, they were still being pair up together! (Yes, the tattoos are on the wrong arm, but I think it was done on accident for the sake of a sneak peak.)

[thecloudsaremyhome]

Could you pretty please do a part four of "If Reader committed suicide" and include Selina, Clark, Harley Quinn and Ra!!

(Totally okay if not)

Have a good day/night

You ask and I shall receive enjoy!

Selina: Selina was apart of Bruce’s many relationships he has had over the years the only difference is that she has been with him the longest. Their relationship has been complicated throughout the years but that doesn’t mean she still doesn’t love him. She cares she really does. But she never got to know any of his adopted children sure dick and Damian but that’s it. So she didn’t know of your existence until well your death. She’s heard of your mother before yes but that’s it. She barely knew you. So why why does she feel this intense motherly protection while staring at your dead body lying on the floor. Why does she grieve like Bruce. Who is just as broken. She never wished for children she was fond of them yes but she hasn’t thought of having her own. But looking at you, looking at your lifeless form. She wishes she did have a child. She wished you were her child so she could’ve prevented this from happening. From you succumbing under the darkness. But Selina doesn’t give up, she’s not the type to. So she will help Bruce find a way to save your from the pips of death. And maybe you’ll see her as someone to look up to. Because she knows she will never be your real mother but she can atleast try to.

Clark: clark Yas a complicated relationship with Bruce as a whole they've never seen much of an eye to eye for their senses of justice but they are still able to work together as a team reluctantly. But behind Bruce's gold demeanor they both care for each other to an extent. Clarks worked with a multitude of Bruce's kids to know basic information about them but to clark your an annomoly to him. He had not once met you or have heard about you before not until well Bruce asks him for his help to bring you back to life. And that's when he's. Left surprised he thought Damian was his only bio child. So Clarks distraught on what Bruce has just informed him. But he doesn't take time to process it an immediately agrees to help his friend. That's when he also gets to learn more about you and your so called situation. To say he's pissed is an understatement. What you went through was absolutely horrible, he could never imagine such a young child going through. But that doesn't mean he won't stop helping Bruce no this fuels him to help Bruce even more. To bring you back, to make sure you get the love you need. And then take you for himself.

Harley Quinn: harley and Bruce gave a complicated relationship going from our enemies to accomplices to semi friends to enemies again, let's just say it's complicated. But she doesn't hold any true murder intentions against Bruce because he has helped her in the past, guided her in some way. So of course she's in debut to repay him. So when the big bay asks her for help on bringing you back she's a bjtshocked overall. She's fought some of Bruce's kids but she's never heard of you before. Not even in the underground. So it's strange to say the least. She never once heard of you. Well maybe she did once hear about Bruce's many flings but that was years ago! But when she gazes at your now dead body she can't help but feel a sense of dread in her gut. This Isanti right and she know it but she does own big B for saving her and now she can't really back down can she? Maybe if they could bring you back maybe she could help you escape.

Authors note: I hole this is good I don't know much abouts Ra's lore to properly write him but once I do I'll make sure to add him! Thank you for the request! I'm sorry if the ending was rushed!

[outtamynoggin]

Love your dick incorrect quotes 😭💞💞I feel so happy reading them btw how doo u think the batfam would react to seeing alot of pictures of dick in the Wayne mannor (b had this big ass painting of dick in the middle in the hq show and in an old comic there was a wall sized portrait of those two XD

Thank you so much!!

Batman #13

This one right? There's a few others too!

Is this the one about the HQ? From the Harley Quinn show. oh wait hq stands for Harley Quinn 🤣🤣🔫

Either way, I love how Bruce's obsession with Dick is just so constant across media and across decades. DC is literally honing in on him being favorite.

The show is literally unhinged:

Bruce, what? Can you say it in any other words???

Actually in the show, Damian sees the one when they're all dining because he's gaming on the couch and he's so chill about it. Like he just expects it.

Damian: Of course, there's a photo of Richard on the wall. He is the favorite. It is only right that father commissioned a Renaissance-scale shrine for him.

Meanwhile Jason is like: What am I, chopped liver?

While Tim's like: You're actually more like burnt liver.

Tim: *ducks as a whole friggin couch goes sailing over his head. Stands up smirking only to get tackled by a hulking mass of undead muscle*

Damian: At least Todd has a picture on the wall.

Tim: *Pool noodling his way out of Jason's grasp* That's cause he thought both of them were dead which is why he has the pictures up. Only Dick's is the size of a cathedral alter like Bruce commissioned it from the Vatican which he then framed in solid gold. You don’t hang something like that unless you expect people to pray to it. Jason's got shoved into a tiny corner at the bottom.

Jason: *throwing his hands up* CAN I WIN JUST ONCE IN THIS HOUSE?!

Tim: Are you Dick?

Damian: *smirking* No.

Tim: Then no.

Jason: You little twerps. I'm gonna string you two up and throw you out the batplane.

Stephanie: *walking in* Who's throwing who out of a batplane?

Tim: *scoffing* Jason's throwing me and batbrat out of the batplane.

Stephanie: Oooh! Sounds fun, can I join?! I'll bring the ropes!

Tim: You're not even going to ask why???!

Stephanie: *deadpan* Tim. I don't need a reason to throw you out of the batplane.

Tim: *Offended*

Jason: *Laughing and high-fiving her* God you get me.

Stephanie: But for curiosity's sake-

Damian: For the sake of curiosity-

Stephanie: -Why?

Damian: Todd is emotionally compromised over Father's unrelenting favoritism toward Richard.

Stephanie: Oh. Well, duh. Everyone likes Dick more.

Tim: Facts.

Stephanie: That's Batfam Lore™. What brought it on this time though?

Tim: We were talking about the massive picture Bruce has in the dining room. 

Stephanie: Oh my fudge cake gods. That Picture! Do you know how hard it is to eat even a cheese stick while being stared down by a thirty-foot tall Dick Grayson?! Like, what is wrong with Bruce! I’m pretty sure the reason Dick doesn’t visit the manor anymore is because he’s too weirded out by a bigger version own self staring at him. 

Jason: THANK YOU. Someone with a decent sense of propriety. And why the hell is it life-sized?

Stephanie: Barbara loves it, though. She thinks it's hot. Calls it "Big Dick Energy: Collector’s Edition." But she and Bruce are weird about him.

Tim: *muttering* I think it’s nice.

*Silence.*

Stephanie, Jason, and Damian: *Collectively side-eyeing him*

Stephanie: Right.... You were always weird about him too.

Tim: Wha- I was perfectly normal!

Damian: Drake. You once stood in front of the living room one for six hours straight.

Jason: Ye- six hours? Really?

Damian: He did not eat. He did not move. Father thought he was stuck in a time loop.

Jason: *Turning a disbelieving gaze on Tim* Dude....

Tim: *Flushing* I was just… observing! Deep observation! For art appreciation!

Stephanie: It’s not the fucking Louvre, Tim. That picture has been there through 7 kids and it's going to be there for at least 7 kids. But really, does Bruce have to have so many pictures of Dick?

Jason: *Rolling his eyes* Tell me about it. Don't forget the life-sized one in the library. I went in to read and accidentally ended up having a staring contest with a 2D Dick. Lost both my dignity and the will to finish my book.

Jason: *Gesturing wildly* You can’t eat in peace, can’t read in peace—hell, I tried to take a nap on the couch once and woke up face-to-face with a mantlepiece-sized Dick smile. I thought I died and went to Grayson Heaven.

Damian: Also the framed photos of him littering Father's study so he can stare at them while he works. I'm inundated with his visage every few rooms.

Stephanie: I bet even Alfred’s like, "Sir, perhaps a fourth room of paintings is excessive."

Tim: He’d never say that. Alfred’s part of the cult.

Damian: *Nodding* Pennyworth once wiped dust off the frame and whispered, "Good as new, Master Richard."

Jason: *voice cracking* Okay, you know what? I can’t do this anymore. I’m moving to Crime Alley. At least there, there’s no Dick—

Stephanie: There’s literally a Nightwing mural spray-painted across an entire wall with the word "Hope" like Gotham’s Beyoncé.

Jason: *crying* Fuck. Exactly. EVEN THERE I CAN'T ESCAPE HIM.

Damian: *judging him* This is a personal failing.

Jason: *frothing at the mouth* No, you would think that, wouldn't you? You’re the last person who should talk! You get all misty-eyed and say "We were the best, Grayson" every time Dick breathes near you!

Damian: *smirking* That is because it’s true.

Jason: *Collapsing on the coach and trying to avoid looking at the framed picture Dick on the side table* ....I can't believe I'm saying this... but thank you for being the normal one, Steph.

Stephanie: *Laughing nervously* Uh, yeah. Sure! No problem!

Tim: *Rolling his eyes* You're thanking the wrong girl. She-

Stephanie: *Wacking him unconscious hurriedly* SO! Who wants waffles!!

[lcvecove]

I need more small town hughes bros. Especially Jack

especially jack you say . . . 😌 see this post for context!

famous bull rider jack is the biggest flirt. he knows the ladies wanna have him and the guys wanna be him and it fuels his ego sooo much. he can’t help but let that ego slip into his personality a bit. when he enters the room, ladies swoon, guys glare (or take notes) and he eats it up like his favourite steak dinner. he makes your panties melt and drop with just a smile.

famous bull rider jack’s motto should be ‘it isn’t arrogance if it’s true right’

jack doesn’t just walk. he strides. he saunters. every step oozes confidence. the way he tips his hat, even the lazy drawl in his voice screams confidence.

he loves to play the cocky pretty boy but make no mistake he’s still a hughes , and he’ll kick your ass no problem. especially if you talk shit about his family.

beneath all the bravado, famous bull rider jack’s not a bad guy—he just loves the attention. (don’t all versions of jack?) he’s young, he’s hot, he’s the best there is ; and if the whole world’s watching, he might as well put on a show right?

in my head there’s lore behind famous bull rider jack and fire chief quinn’s relationship. quinn is selfless, brave, adored by everyone without even trying. and jack secretly idolizes him but will rarely admit it.

luke is quiet, reserved, hardworking and wins hearts with his humility. while jack thrives on the attention the town gives him, luke despises it. jack loves to push him out of his shell and embarrass him a bit. “c’mon baby brother, flash those pearly whites. the ladies love it” jack says, winking at one of the girl with a smile and luke just rolls his eyes, focusing back on his beer.

sandwiched between two community darlings, jack knows everyone wonders where his parents went wrong when it came to him. but while his brothers are admired for their steadiness, jack takes pride in being the one who shakes things up a bit.

no one would ever guess but play!boy jack is a hopeless romantic. he believes in soulmates and he’s waiting for the right girl to tie him down. until then he’s happy entertaining whoever but … he’s knows that special one is right around the corner somewhere.

jack may flirt like it’s his second job, but he’s careful about who he lets get close. he wants someone who sees through the fame and charm and his family name to the man underneath. he even writes letters to his future wife, keeping them tucked away in a shoebox for when he finally meets her. (it’s something his grandpa used to do for his grandma before they met and jack thought is was cute🤧)

despite his flashy rodeo lifestyle, jack never forgets where he comes from. sunday dinners with his family are sacred, and he cherishes his family traditions. no matter how big his ego gets, a sharp look from his mom or a warning ‘jack’ from his dad is enough to cut him down to size.

as much as jack loves the thrill of bull riding, he dreams of a quieter life someday. the one his grandparents had, the one his parents have, the one his brothers are bound to have soon. a little ranch, couple of horses, couple of kids with a girl that has his heart.

[mikkomacko]

can we pleaseeeee get jack and luke’s reaction to quinn’s invitation? like i can imagine their excitement but also luke’s uncertainty making jack to send the message bc they are the people they trust the most and know that they will accompany them, which makes them both feel more secure.

Omg yes I will absolutely jump on any chance to drop some mob Jack and Luke lore haha

Enjoy x

____________________________________________

“I don’t want to go.”

Jack looks over at his little brother in disbelief. He’s spent his whole life protecting Luke, making sure that everything Jack ever got fell to him too. Thick as thieves, that’s what Jack always told him. They’d always be in it together.

Jack always thought he’d do anything for his best friend, no questions asked but this might just draw the line.

“What do you mean?” He scoffs, “it’s Quinn Luke. Why wouldn’t you go?”

Luke’s face is all twisted up into a sorrowful look, the same one a baby bird gets when it’s fallen from its nest. Pained. Lost.

“I just…he doesn’t even really talk to us.” Luke says.

Jack can’t argue there. Up until today, they hadn’t even spoken to Quinn on the phone. When Jack’s phone had lit up with the caller I.D. of his older brother, they’d both been shocked. They text Quinn, follow him on Instagram, send out Christmas cards that you and Nico help them make. They don’t physically speak to him.

But it’s Quinn.

And Jack tells Luke as much.

“He’s still our brother.”

Luke shakes his head, jaw ticking and whatever Jack implied with that sentence seems to rub him the wrong way because his cheeks are getting splotchy with anger.

“What?”

Luke explodes. “I don’t even know him! He left us at that house and said he’d come back and get us and he never did! He didn’t even care to call after that first year with the Canucks.”

It’s a hard pill to swallow. Jack himself has spent years coughing it up and putting it to the side. Somewhere he can’t feel it choking him.

They grew up with great parents. Parents that loved them, taught them to always love each other, to take care of each other. And it was a good thing they did because when their father got sick, they were all they had. Mom was always at the hospital with him or working, doing anything she can to emotionally support him and then financially support her kids.

Even so it was tough, and the three boys often found themselves alone, underfed, poorly dressed, and under cared for. They couldn’t blame mom though. She was doing all she could to get dad back home.

Except dad never made it out of the hospital except to get his body to a cemetery.

As for their mom, she came home but never left the room. Her three boys were like ghosts in the house, reminding her of how she failed to care for them and for her husband.

They only saw her in those few moments in the morning she was going back to work for double shifts. Anything to pay off the medical bills.

Quinn had enough of it eventually. Couldn’t stand by and watch his brothers fight for a parent that wasn’t there. He’d heard about the mob families, rumors. But a friend in Michigan had it on good authority that the Canucks were looking for members.

And that meant lots of money. Lots of food. Anything he and his brothers could ever want.

Just a teenager, he left the boys back in Michigan by themselves, made Jack promise to watch over Luke, and said he’d be back when he could. That as soon as Jack and Luke were old enough, he’d make sure they could join too.

Except they couldn’t. The Canucks took Quinn in when they were desperate for numbers. It was frowned upon for them to take in a teenager, to forge papers and documents to get him over the border. By the time Jack and Luke were the age Quinn was when he left, that desperation had ended.

They didn’t want the other Hughes boys.

And slowly, Quinn stopped calling, stopped writing letters, stopped texting every day.

Jack was the one to fix it all. He found the Devils, he found Nico. And he made Nico swear that as soon as Luke turned 18 too he could join them.

Nico, nicer than he gets credit for, had been the only one to accept the two boys, small and desperate from years of raising each other.

“He couldn’t help it,” Jack defends but it sounds flat even to him. Deep down they both know they never would’ve done that, would’ve left each other. If Nico had gone back on the deal he made with Jack, that would’ve been it. He’d have packed up and left back to Michigan even if it meant he could never step foot in New Jersey again. Even if he meant he always had to look over his shoulder.

They were meant to always take care of each other.

“Maybe not,” Luke shrugs, the wind taken out of him. “But we can’t help that we’ve grown apart either.”

The fall silent, contemplating. The loft feels too empty, too quiet. Just the sounds of them breathing in Jack’s room.

“Nico didn’t even know us,” Luke mumbles, “but he did it. You got in and then for two years he let you take care of me, send money and stuff back home. And he let me come out here too.

“Quinn couldn’t even send a birthday card.”

Jack sighs, disheartened but somehow still wanting to fight for his older brother. Quinn wasn’t always like this. Life wears down on people though.

“We don’t know what the other families are like Moose, how they treat their members. Maybe there was really nothing he could do.”

Luke shrugs, collapsing onto the corner of Jack’s bed. “He couldn’t at least tell us he wasn’t coming back?”

“I don��t know,” Jack sits next to him. “I guess we’ll never know unless we go see him.”

Picking at a loose thread on his duvet, Luke shoots him a look. Imploring, wide eyed and waiting. After all these years, he’ll still follow Jack anywhere.

“I want to go.” Jack tells him firmly.

And that’s all it takes.

“Ok we’ll go,” he agrees, “but I want to take Nico with us.”

Jack snorts. “You think he’ll go to Vancouver? After what just happened with his family and y/n? And there’s no way he goes without her.”

“Yeah I know that. But maybe if we ask them, you know she’ll say yes. They’re our…”

Family. Parents. A lot of things. That’s what you and Nico are.

“Quinn might say no.”

Luke nods but doesn’t seem to care. “Then that’ll be our answer on him. He leads the Canucks now, he can change the rules if he wants. Nico does it all the time. So if he says no to use bringing them then he doesn’t really want to see us anyway, does he?”

Jack can’t argue with that. Quinn’s invite seemed to come from his recent appointment as the boss, voted in by the other members after Horvat left. Something about needing a change. A change that ended with him out on the island.

“Ok we’ll ask them.”

Luke lets out a big breath, smiling a bit. “They’ll say yes,” he swears. “Because they love us.”

“Yeah,” Jack agrees, but Quinn will be a different story. They have no way of knowing if he’ll say yes, if he’ll agree to letting the notorious Swiss boss into his territory. No way of knowing if he still loves them enough for that.

“Ask them first?” Luke questions, “that way if they say no we don’t even have to bother Quinn.”

It’s a good idea. Maybe a bit of a cop out, if that’s what Luke is hoping for but still a good starting point.

“I’ll do it,” Jack offers, already pulling out his phone to text you and Nico. That way he can at least word it so it looks like Luke is the baby cry and not him.

Jack is not a baby cry, even if he does agree that it’s best for Nico and you to go with. It’s extra security, he tells himself and hits send.

[defectivevillain]

run run blood

pairing: Outlaw Midas/Reader

the reader's race & gender are ambiguous; no pronouns or physical descriptors are used.

summary: “So,” Midas drawls, “do we have a deal?” “…Fine,” you relent, against your better judgment. This is such a bad idea. And the foreboding in your chest only grows when Midas holds out a golden hand for you to shake. You return the gesture. His grip is firm, but not painful. Unfortunately, his grasp is also insistent—he doesn’t seem keen to release your hand any time soon.

You suppose it's inevitable that you meet the legendary outlaw Midas, after your nearly countless heists across the island of Oninoshima.

word count: 5.6k | ao3 version | midas playlist

warnings: canon-typical violence and weaponry, spoilers to Chapter 6 Season 2 of Fortnite; drugging, kidnapping, fainting

author's notes: I’m a relatively new Fortnite player, so I’m pretending Midas is a new Chapter 6 character since I don’t know his lore. This is decently canon compliant for Ch6S2, I think. I will say, I literally forgot that, y’know, everything he touches turns to gold… and I wrote this entire thing before realizing… So… Yeah… 😔 Explain that however you want. I couldn’t think of a creative enough way to make him actually able to touch the reader with the curse. Just pretend he found a way around it or something, idk. (I can’t lie, I didn’t realize he actually had the whole Midas curse… I thought he was a cyborg until I read the wiki, LOL.) Also, I beefed up the Midas/Fletcher vibes to make their past a bit more impactful. I made them exes, pretty much. I took creative liberties. Ah well.

As usual, I couldn’t come up with a title so I took it from a song: Run Run Blood by Phantogram.

After the island of Oninoshima is successfully purged of demon influence, you find yourself… bored. You can only go through the motions for so long before you burn yourself out. In hindsight, this ennui likely triggered your recent activities. But, it’s too late to contemplate the reasoning behind it. You’ve crossed a line you can’t come back from. 

In the absence of an adversary, you meet new friends and soon find a common enemy: Fletcher Kane. He has a tight grip on the entire island, with his mansion overtaking a sprawling section of the island’s map. His brick driveway weaves through the grass, a luxurious eyesore for all to see. He coats practically every surface in gold. He has more wealth than he knows what to do with, yet he still doesn’t seem satisfied. Fletcher is somewhat of a tyrant around here, with his staggeringly high taxes on weapons and imports making daily life nearly unlivable for everyone except him. 

So, you don’t feel very guilty robbing him. It certainly doesn’t help that his gold almost seems to regenerate overnight, leaving you with endless opportunities to just steal and steal and steal. And, hey, if he didn’t want you to take his money, maybe he should be guarding it better. His guards are almost incompetent, and they seem to think that appearing in staggered waves is better than using their numbers to their advantage. It’s really all too easy to break into the vaults scattered across Oninoshima, especially as you start getting better weapons and gear. 

Your first few heists draw the attention of Cassidy Quinn, a criminal who harbors a similar hatred for Fletcher. Through Cassidy, you meet Keisha, Joss, Valentina, and a host of other personalities who are eager to take Fletcher down. As time passes and you start to hone your craft, you unknowingly draw the attention of a vital piece in the puzzle: Midas. 

Midas is… well. You’re not sure how to describe him, based on what you’ve heard. He’s enigmatic and egotistical, apparently. It’s abundantly clear he isn’t in it for the greater good—he just wants Fletcher out of the way. That kind of selfishness isn’t one of your favorite traits, so you decide it’s a better idea to avoid him altogether. But, as your heists evolve to be quicker and faster, you unwittingly draw his attention. (And once Midas’s attention is captured, he is unstoppable.)

One uneventful day, you’re rifling through a chest for a better weapon when the sound of footsteps reaches your ears. You immediately whip around and point your gun at the sudden presence. There’s a dark laugh and the intruder steps out of the shadows. 

“I’ve heard about you,” Midas says, a dangerous smirk hinting at his lips. He looks about the same as he’s been described to you: shoulder-length black hair, a scar ripping through his right eye, a vicious grin. Despite the gun pointed at his head, he looks entirely nonchalant—only raising his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. You swallow an irritated sound and let your gun rest at your side. 

“You must be the one who’s been working with Valentina and Cassidy,” Midas analyzes, before enunciating your name carefully. Something lurches in your chest as you realize he knows exactly who you are. Damn it. You had a bad feeling you could only stay under the radar for so long. 

“That’s me,” you respond eventually. 

“Their work did seem far less sloppy than usual,” Midas notes. He studies you for a minute. “And I suppose you’re also the one riding the motorcycle and creating all that ruckus.”

Oh shit. Oops. “…Yeah,” you respond after a moment, a slightly sheepish smile breaking through your blank expression. Truthfully, you hadn’t quite considered just how loud the motorcycle can be. You’re resisting the urge to laugh now. “Keisha’s teaching me,” you remember to say, when you see his arched brow. 

“Teaching you what, exactly?” Midas scrutinizes. “How to draw the attention of everyone on the island… all at once?” 

“No,” you say, ignoring the dig. Truthfully, this is a bit funny. He’s almost acting like an annoyed neighbor. “Stunts and stuff,” you remember to answer noncommittally. 

“On a motorcycle?” he hums, his brows furrowing for a moment as he contemplates the thought. “Interesting.”

It’s quiet. You don’t decide to break through the silence, instead just staring at Midas and waiting for him to speak. He meets your gaze for a while, before sighing and shaking his head. “We have more important things to discuss,” he declares. You weren’t aware you had anything to discuss with Midas. You don’t even really want to speak to him in the first place. And those sentiments must be obvious, because he smirks knowingly. “I could use your skill,” he then says. 

“I’m sure you could,” you acknowledge. “But I’m not joining you.”

“I don’t expect you to,” he answers, to your surprise. 

“...Good,” you nod after a moment. 

“But I do want you to do something for me,” Midas continues. 

Of course he does. “Why should I?” you frown. 

“I’ll compensate you, of course,” he answers. “Call it a test.”

A test. You grit your teeth, resisting the urge to point your gun at his head again. That sounds like a waste of your time. But the sum of gold he offers you is too good to pass up, and he knows it. 

“So,” Midas drawls, “do we have a deal?”

“…Fine,” you relent, against your better judgment. This is such a bad idea. And the foreboding in your chest only grows when Midas holds out a golden hand for you to shake. 

You return the gesture. His grip is firm, but not painful. Unfortunately, his grasp is also insistent—he doesn’t seem keen to release your hand any time soon.

Midas is slippery. Evasive. Dangerous. 

A smirk rises on the outlaw’s lips when his hand finally slips away.

…And you immediately regret your decision. 

Despite your misgivings about the whole Midas deal, you follow through. Because you may be a lot of things, but you’re not a liar. You gave him your word—that was your mistake to make. 

Fortunately, his tasks don’t take as long as you expect them to. You manage to scan for mysterious energy sources on Predator’s Peak and sneak into Daigo’s underground laboratory to take his book on mask-making, per Midas’s requests. 

When you return to the Rogue Repairs Black Market, you amble around a bit before heading to the door near the back and swiping your Outlaw Keycard. Midas seems to be getting a bit more detailed with his security measures. You enter the room to find Midas sitting at his desk. Without so much as a greeting, you just toss the Mask-Making Book towards him and let it skitter across the desk. Midas looks up at you and hums, before taking the book in hand and inspecting it. 

“You’re quick,” he nods, rifling through the pages before placing the book down. “I wasn’t expecting you for a few more days, at least.” His gaze is heated and unyielding. 

Gritting your teeth, you throw him a gold bar and his eyebrows climb up his forehead for a second. “From Kane’s personal vaults,” you explain, upon sensing his confusion. Maybe this will convince him to trust you.

He whistles. “Not bad at all,” Midas acquiesces. He taps his fingers against the desk, a hollow rhythm echoing throughout the room. “He did seem a bit riled up. I see I have you to thank for that.”

You just nod. 

A pause. “You don’t talk much,” Midas observes after a moment. He doesn’t seem bothered by it. 

“I don’t have much to say,” you answer eventually. And of one thing, you’re certain: you need to watch your words in front of this guy. He’s volatile. 

“Well, I can hardly complain when my benefactor bestows such fortune unto me,” Midas says, making a somewhat grand gesture with his arms before resting them on his desk once more. The intensity of his gaze is unnerving you a little. 

“I’m not your benefactor,” you remember to correct him.

“Of course,” he smiles. “Now, onto the real work.” You resist an eye roll, instead keeping quiet and allowing him to monologue about this and that. At some point, he starts actually talking about important things and you tune back in. 

“You know what to do,” Midas concludes, finally freeing you from that one-sided conversation. With a slight nod, you’re effectively dismissed. “Feel free to grab some weapons on your way out.” He’s evidently referencing the exotic rifles scattered across the space. You’ve never been quite fond of them. They can do a lot of damage, but they’re a bit… finicky. 

“Thanks,” you say somewhat flatly, knowing you won’t take him up on the offer. Midas seems to recognize that too, because he just smiles that damn smile. It never fails to send a shiver down your spine.

“Be careful,” Midas hums. If he were anyone else, the remark would be genuine. But this is Midas. 

“Fuck off,” you mutter under your breath, turning your back and walking away. 

Midas’s laugh seems to reverberate in your ears long after you leave. 

As promised, these new tasks from Midas are a bit more difficult—but ultimately nothing crazy. At some point, you stop asking questions and just keep quiet. If Midas senses this shift, he doesn’t comment on it. The two of you continue your unplanned meetings, with you visiting whenever you finish a task for him. They’re nothing more than business, and neither of you bother with small talk. They’re transactional and nothing more. 

Sometimes, though, you have to wonder if Midas doesn’t understand that. It’s strange. You’ve heard so many rumors about him and his sharp tongue. And while you’ve certainly seen and heard evidence of his scathing commentary, he’s never quite lived up to the untouchable and prickly individual everyone thinks him to be. 

It’s a small change, but you’re perceptive enough to notice it. Somewhere along the way, Midas almost seems to start anticipating your visits. His gaze will snap up to you the moment he hears your footsteps. He’ll try to keep you there longer, drawing out conversation and asking you questions that he doesn’t seem to even need the answers to. You’re not quite sure what his motivation is. 

For a while, you can at least take solace in the fact that he hasn’t visited you outside of the Black Market since you first met. Of course, the universe doesn’t let you have that comfort for long. You’re in the process of breaking into a vault one morning when you hear a far too familiar voice behind you. “Impressive.”

Your soul nearly jumps out of your body when a hand lands on your shoulder. “What the hell—?” you immediately flinch and whip around, backing away.

“Relax,” Midas says flippantly, as if he hadn’t just appeared out of nowhere. He takes a step closer to you, and then another. You pretend not to notice, instead looking at him warily. 

“What are you doing here?” you remember to ask, after busying yourself with reloading your gun and looking around for more guards.

“Just checking in on your progress,” he answers, idly nudging the dead guard on the ground with a boot. The guard doesn’t budge and Midas just hums disinterestedly. 

“More like distracting me,” you mutter under your breath. 

“You think I’m distracting?” he asks, a twisted smile on his face. “I’m flattered.” 

“Of course you are,” you mutter again. This guy is relentless. You shake your head in an attempt to clear your thoughts, and study your surroundings. The thermite you placed on the door of the vault is making steady progress. You probably have about half of the time left. More guards will appear soon, you think to yourself. 

A burning feeling on your arm captures your attention, and you look down to find a gash on your forearm. Frowning, you turn the corner to grab some bandages.

“Careless,” Midas notes, referencing the wound. He must’ve followed you over here. 

“Shut up,” you snap, rolling the bandages around your forearm somewhat awkwardly. You barely manage to get it done in time before guards are emerging from the rooms upstairs. You quickly run up the nearby stairs to eliminate them. 

You return to the ground floor to find that Midas… isn’t helping at all. He’s just standing there, his hands shoved in his pockets as he watches the scene unfold. You want to be surprised, but you’re not. He thinks everything is a game. 

Two more guards approach and you switch to a pistol. You think Midas is saying something, but his voice is nothing more than warped background noise to you. Once you’ve taken them down, you turn to find Midas looking at you. There’s a strange expression on his face. You have no idea what emotion could be gleaming in his eyes, but it looks to be a relatively profound one. 

Before you can contemplate that any longer, there’s the sound of footsteps in front of you. You squint and watch as a guard heads through the door behind Midas. For a moment, you just watch as the guard gets closer—and you wait for Midas to whip around and shoot him. But Midas doesn’t make a move. Has he even noticed? You don’t have much time to wonder, as the guard promptly raises their gun.

That split second almost seems to take a few minutes, as you come to the conclusion that you’ll have to be the one to act. You manage to get close enough to Midas to push him out of the way, not even bothering to be gentle as you practically shove him off to the side. The guard fires a bullet where Midas was standing mere moments ago and you make quick work of defeating him, before turning back to the outlaw. 

“Idiot,” you admonish him. 

He’s on the ground, staring up at you with a slightly shocked expression on his face. It’s quickly replaced by indifference as he brushes his clothes off and gets to his feet. “Not so rough next time,” Midas says pointedly. And of course he doesn’t thank you for saving his life, or even acknowledge it. Of course. 

“There won’t be a next time,” you promise. 

“True,” Midas agrees, evidently not catching onto the implications you just made. (Because you won’t save him next time. At least, that’s what you’re telling yourself.) Then the outlaw looks at you pensively. “I was… distracted.” Inexplicably, he’s staring at you as he says that. 

“Maybe you should pay better attention, then,” you say flatly, crossing your arms over your chest. 

“Maybe,” he says flippantly. Midas is still staring at you intently. His gaze turns scrutinizing as he looks you up and down, his eyes quickly landing on your forearm. “Your bandaging skills could use some work.”

“Yeah, well,” you sigh. “It’s hard to do with one hand. Besides, this gets the job done.” You reach down to the tattered bandage, attempting to wrap it around your arm again. 

Midas extends a hand, and it lingers in mid-air for a few seconds. There’s a strange tension settling in the air now. It almost looks as if he’s going to reach out to fix your bandaging. 

Then the vault door explodes, promptly breaking the moment apart. You’re the first to regain your composure, turning your back and making your way into the vault. Your departure is too quick for you to notice Midas staring after you, an inscrutable expression on his face. 

“Midas?” you hum after a moment, peeking your head out and looking up the stairs. He’s lingering awkwardly at the top, seemingly lost in thought. You hold up a gold bar and move it back and forth before his eyes. Still nothing. That’s pretty strange. He must be pretty preoccupied. 

“You good?” you ask after you’ve finished looting. The outlaw didn’t even enter the vault. Very weird. You’re not so deluded as to think he trusts you to know what’s valuable down there—he’d want to check himself. So why didn’t he? 

Midas blinks, as if thrown from a stupor. “Of course I am,” he responds smoothly. It’s probably not as convincing as he wants it to be, but you can sense he won’t elaborate. You settle for walking out of the building with him, occasionally sneaking glances at the outlaw who’s always been rumored to be emotionless.

In hindsight… maybe you got too confident, sneaking around Fletcher Kane’s mansion for a fifth time.  

But in your defense, you weren’t expecting to get jumped. Well and truly jumped—as in, ambushed with a needle to the neck before you could even raise your gun. And besides, you had broken into his mansion four times before—this heist shouldn’t have been different. Fletcher’s security has been laughably lax. It seems he was expecting you this time, though. 

You come to these thoughts within a few minutes of your return to consciousness. You’re not blindfolded, thankfully—but you are tied to a chair in a nondescript location. After a few moments of thought, you recognize it to be Kappa Kappa Factory at the edge of the island. Dread stews in your chest. It could be a while before you’re found. 

You experimentally pull at your bonds, unsurprised to find they’re incredibly tight. All of your weapons are gone—including the dagger you keep in your boot for situations like this, which is really a shame. You’re well and truly captured. 

You’re not at all surprised to see Fletcher Kane walk into the room within moments, his cane thudding against the ground. You watch his approach, taking in the luxurious coat around his shoulders and gilded gold detailing on his cane. This is someone who has more than enough money to burn. 

“I finally have you,” he says. The remark is ominous enough to send an ugly nausea climbing up your throat. You take a slow breath, struggling to keep your composure. 

“Couldn’t even take me in a fair fight?” you blurt out before you can stop yourself. Damn it. “I guess you did get your ass kicked last time.” 

That gets you a punch in the face. The blow is hard enough to make you see stars, and you have to tilt your head to spit blood out of your mouth. It seems he didn’t appreciate that reminder. 

“You’ve been an incredible nuisance,” Fletcher frowns, cracking his knuckles exaggeratedly. You resist an eye roll at the gesture.  

“...Thanks?” you say after a moment. 

The wolf rolls his eyes. After considering you for a second, he continues. “I’m willing to compromise,” he says. There’s a dramatic pause. “I could give you more gold than you would ever know what to do with.”

“Maybe,” you acquiesce, despite already knowing you’ll deny his offer. It won’t hurt to keep him talking, though. “But what would I have to give you?” you reason. 

“Your service,” Fletcher responds. At your perplexed look, he specifies. “Your skill.”

“Um… that’s okay,” you eventually remark, looking around the room to avoid his eyes. Besides, how exactly would you benefit him? What is he even after? You’re still not quite sure. 

Fletcher doesn’t exactly seem surprised, but he does seem annoyed. He takes a step closer and your gaze unwittingly snaps back to him. You’ve stared him down before, but that was when you had fully loaded weapons. Right now, you’re uncomfortably vulnerable—with no weapons, no ability to move, and no safety. 

“You think you’re safe with him,” Fletcher says. He doesn’t need to specify exactly who he’s talking about—you both know. “But you’re not. Midas will discard you at a moment’s notice. The second you lose your utility, you’ll be dead to him.”

It seems like he’s speaking from experience (and also projecting). You don’t really know what to say, so you just keep quiet. Fletcher doesn’t even seem to notice—he almost looks lost in memories, in betrayal and anger and grief.

At some point, he seems to remember your presence and his eyes narrow. Suddenly, Fletcher crosses the room in a swift movement and yanks your head back, forcing you to look up at him. His nails are almost as sharp as claws, digging into your skin. You choke on a breath as you see the pure fury in his eyes. “You’re nothing.” 

He releases his grip with a pronounced shove. Your vision spins at the movement. You’re starting to get the feeling that this really isn’t about you—it’s about Midas. Fletcher just grabbed you to use as bait. But, you have a sneaking suspicion you’re not good enough bait. You wouldn’t be at all surprised if Midas never showed. You’re not that important to him. The outlaw doesn’t do friends, or acquaintances, or whatever the fuck the two of you are. 

“He’s not coming.” The remark crawls its way out of your throat before you can stop it. Fletcher’s eyes are back on you. 

“Oh, he is,” Fletcher laughs, a gesture entirely devoid of amusement. It sounds empty, bitter, almost defeated. There’s clearly a rich history between the two criminals—one you’re entirely unknowing of. You only know what little Midas has told you: that they’ve known each other for a while, that Fletcher has always been like this. Clearly, there’s a lot more between them than what you previously thought. 

“I don’t think so,” you continue. Your voice sounds a bit raspy, which is strange—considering you likely haven’t been here for too long. 

“When I first heard,” Fletcher says, entirely uncaring of your objections, “I thought it to be just another rumor. I dismissed it time and time again, each time I heard it.” Is it fair to say you have no idea what he’s talking about? He’s being frustratingly vague. It seems like the wolf is alluding to something between Midas and you. What exactly that something is… you haven’t the faintest idea. 

“But I’ve seen it for myself,” Fletcher continues. You blink in disbelief. What exactly has he seen, and how has he seen it? You don’t think the three of you have ever been in a room together. “Midas sees you as an equal. Values you, cares for you. And because of that, he is weak.” The statement’s punctuated by a harsh thud from his cane. 

With that, the air falls quiet once more. You’re not sure how much time passes: it could be minutes, it could be hours. Hell, you could’ve been here for days. In this windowless room, it’s impossible to know for sure. All you know is that Fletcher is quickly turning impatient. 

“Midas is taking his time,” Fletcher announces, beginning to pace around the room. He seems restless. 

“He’s not coming,” you repeat. 

“You seem certain,” Fletcher notes. 

“I… am,” you say carefully. A mere moment’s reflection on Midas’s character could tell you that. The two of you aren’t even friends. In your absence, he’ll just move to find another weapon (benefactor, you remember him saying).

Something changes in his expression. Kane takes a step closer. Your heart thuds against your ribs. “You’re smart,” he says begrudgingly, crossing his arms across his chest. “Why have you remained at his side?” 

“I don’t think he lets anyone stand at his side,” you reason. This is Midas you’re talking about, after all. He comes and goes when he pleases. “I just… complete the tasks he gives me.”

“You underestimate yourself,” Fletcher argues, seemingly strangely passionate about the topic. You still can’t shake the feeling that you’re missing a huge piece of this puzzle. There’s something neither of these criminals are telling you. “Or, I suppose, what you’ve uttered is what you do. But he isn’t content with that. He wants more.” 

The distance between you is virtually nonexistent now. A claw traces the space under your eye, a hollow reflection of where the scar cuts through Midas’s face. You choke on your next breath. “He’ll take everything from you,” Fletcher continues, dragging his finger down, down, down. “Make you forget who you are, what you’re fighting for. Your purpose.” 

You just swallow. Distracted by the movement, Fletcher’s hand flexes and finds your throat. There’s a contemplative expression on his face now. “I could end this,” the wolf muses. “Ensure you never disrespect me again.” His hand tightens for a second, a warning. You are not the one in control. 

“He would never forgive me,” Fletcher says.  It’s murmured so quietly that you almost don’t even hear it at all. “But I don’t think I need his forgiveness,” he then concludes. “Just his attention.”

Your heart drops to your stomach. He’s going to kill you. He’s going to rip your throat out. His grip on your throat tightens, moving past discomfort and quickly ripping your breath from your chest. You can barely budge in your current position. All you can do is stare up into those empty eyes. 

Your vision’s starting to blacken. You’re going to die. Fletcher’s vicious smirk blurs and sharpens before your eyes. His hand digs into your skin with far too much force. You’re going to die, you’re going to—

In a blur of motion, Fletcher reels back, blood spurting from his wrist as a bullet carves a neat path through it. You flinch as blood spatters across your face. What follows eludes your comprehension: blurs of movement, gunshots, blades. You feel dizzy even as you just sit there. 

At some point, Midas returns. The only sign of his fight with Fletcher is his slightly labored breathing—otherwise, he looks unscathed. He studies you for a moment before crouching down to untie your bonds in eerie silence. Even when he’s finished, he remains standing before you. Something like annoyance passes over his face and he reaches out to wipe the blood off your face, before finally stepping back and giving you some breathing room.

You get to your feet slowly, your knees protesting the movement. You’re not sure just how long you spent here, but you know whatever you were drugged with is still running through your system. Your balance is a bit unsteady and you almost feel like a baby deer learning to walk. 

“Can’t even take a punch?” Midas huffs judgmentally. You’re too dazed to notice the concern hidden behind his remark or the way he steps closer, as if ready to reach out and support you if needed. 

“I think he drugged me with something,” you say instead, your tongue feeling thick in your mouth. It was kind of hard to notice before, since you were forced to be stationary. But now that you’ve tried to move, your exhaustion and vertigo are rather persistent. There’s sweat collecting at the back of your neck. You don’t feel right; something doesn’t feel right. “Sorry, I—” you try to say, only for the world to twist around you. It feels like every bone in your body just turns to mush, as you crumple to the ground and surrender to unconsciousness. 

You wake up to find yourself settled on a couch, a somewhat scratchy blanket draped over you. Your muscles ache with even the smallest of movements, as you push yourself up to a half-seated position and clear your throat to get rid of the dryness. There are new bandages around your forearms, far less clumsy than your own handiwork. 

“You’re awake,” Midas states. You glance to the side and find him sitting in an armchair nearby, leveling you with a scrutinizing gaze. 

You nod ever so slightly, not trusting yourself to speak. “...Thanks,” you say. You don’t need to elaborate for him to know what you’re thanking him for. If he hadn’t arrived, you might’ve been dead. And, if Midas really wanted, he could’ve just left you there. He didn’t have to bring you back here—wherever this is—and patch you up.

“I should’ve been there sooner,” Midas responds. 

You just shake your head. You don’t blame him, but you sense that speaking on those thoughts will just throw you into an argument. You don’t have the energy, so you instead remain quiet. After a few more minutes spent in awkward silence, you try to push yourself up slowly. 

“Don’t push it,” Midas warns you, making you freeze in place. “I found traces of the drugs in your system. Or, I suppose, Joss did. Not exactly her forte, as she was keen to remind me several times.” He rolls his eyes slightly. 

“Everyone seemed quite worried for you,” he continues. “You have quite the little family now, whether you wanted one or not.” 

He’s speaking a bit too quickly for you to comprehend everything. “Sorry, I’m—” you choke out, bringing a hand to your temple. It’s difficult to process what’s happening, especially in this conversation. You still can’t quite understand the whole interaction with Fletcher, let alone what’s happening right now. 

“You apologize far too much,” he notes clinically. “You should work on that.” 

You huff, unsurprised by his scrutiny. When you move to push yourself up again, you find the movement a bit easier—and realize Midas has a hand on your back, guiding you up. You murmur a word of gratitude quietly, feeling slightly less winded now that you’re in a seated position. 

Midas looks to be contemplating something. “In truth, I’m the one who should be apologizing,” he eventually says. “I got you caught up in this mess.”

You just shake your head. “You couldn’t have known that would happen.”

“I should’ve expected it,” he argues, shaking his head. 

“And I should’ve expected the ambush,” you add with a sigh. 

Midas’s face darkens at the reminder. “That seemed… unnecessary,” he says. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he was frowning. “Even for Kane.”

“He seemed to think I was disrespectful,” you explain, “for all the robberies.” 

“I’d venture to guess there was more reason than that,” Midas analyzes, looking at you pointedly. He’s inviting you to explain. This is his way of asking what Fletcher said to you. He’ll never outright say it, but he wants to know.

“He did say…” you trail off hesitantly, tangling your fingers in the blanket thrown over you. “He seemed to think that you would show up, because he had captured me.”

Midas just clasps his hands, before looking at you and waiting for you to continue. 

“He, um,” you stammer awkwardly. This is embarrassing, somehow. You’re not the most perceptive when it comes to ambiguity and implication, but Fletcher had really hammered the point home. “He said you want more from me.”

“More,” Midas repeats, evidently seeking elaboration.

“More than just completing tasks,” you continue. “He was… Um.”

Midas looks at you imploringly. “Say it; I can take it.”

That’s… not really what you’re worried about. But it doesn’t seem like you’re going to get out of this one. 

“He said,” you eventually manage to say, “that you value me and care about me.” There’s that familiar tension you always seem to feel in his presence, sinking through the air and making you question everything you say. “I told him he was wrong,” you maintain, after giving Midas a moment to process. 

“...You did,” he says. “A fierce defender.” There’s a note of some detached emotion in his voice. It sounds unnatural, hollow. 

“I mean,” you justify, “It was just instinctual. Because it’s not true.” You search his face. 

You’re expecting a hum, a nod, or, hell, no reaction at all. But you aren’t expecting Midas to sigh and bring a hand to his temple, before dragging his eyes up to meet yours. “It’s true,” he admits. 

“It is?” you blink. 

He nods ever so slightly. “You didn’t show,” Midas then recalls slowly. It looks like each word he utters is taking more energy from him. This is clearly difficult for him. “I was skeptical. You’re usually… quite quick. I gave you the benefit of the doubt, told myself it was an arduous task when it wasn’t.”

“It wasn’t until Keisha visited, that I let myself believe it,” he continues. “That you were missing.” 

“I felt strange,” he frowns, his hand twitching. “Sick.”

“I thought my years of good health had finally caught up to me. But I persisted. I thought nothing of it—of how it cleared the moment we locked eyes earlier.”

“It’s true,” Midas concludes. “You are… very important to me.”

“You’re important to me too,” you confess after a few moments. 

“As Midas,” he recites, something bitter in his voice. “As an outlaw.”

“What?” you say. “No, I mean… Just—” you take a slow breath. “You’re important… as you. Just you. None of that other stuff.” As far as confessions go, it’s almost pathetic. You barely get the words out, and they sound absolutely nonsensical to your ears. 

But Midas seems to understand regardless. His hand finds yours where it’s resting on the bed. It’s a seemingly small gesture, but both of you can sense the meaning behind it. You squeeze his hand in what you hope to be a sign of reassurance. His grip tightens in response. 

Midas proceeds to keep you company throughout your entire recovery. He admits, one night when he thinks you’re asleep, that he’s never quite done this before—caring for a person like this. Caring about a person like this. 

You’ll admit something similar in the coming days, once you’re fully recovered. You’ll admit you feel as if you don’t deserve to be cared for, that you’ve taken too many lives to feel deserving of anything. And Midas will laugh under his breath quietly, bringing a hand to your cheek. His thumb will glide across your cheekbone. 

“Maybe neither of us deserve this,” Midas will admit, “but, we deserve each other.”

And you’ll look at him, meet his eyes, and find yourself unable to hide a smile.

Until then, you drift off to sleep knowing you’ll have his company when you wake.

©2025, @defectivevillain | @defectivehero, All Rights Reserved. Reblogs are greatly appreciated—just don't steal or share outside of Tumblr, please.

endnotes: Heeheeheeeee!

Imagining Midas sitting in an armchair across the room but near your bedside…. Imagining him literally never leaving… Imagining him falling asleep there… spending all his time there, because he just wants to be near you… GRAHHHHH!

also WHEW. Midas is difficult to write for. But I think I pulled it off, and I’m pretty proud of it.

I fr almost wrote “deerling” instead of baby deer… and then I looked it up and remembered that Deerling is a Pokémon. Bahahaha.

huge shoutout to my fortnite bestie @connorhasabigtip we’re so tilted at the towers. can’t wait to run ppl over with u again!!! i mean. uh. play the game how it’s supposed to be played. yeah.

thanks for reading! <3

check out my other works, sorted by fandom.

general taglist: @its-ares @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @the-ultimate-librarian @gayaristocrat @always-lying-to-you @moss4ev3r @hottskull

friendly reminder that i don't give permission for my writing to be shared to other sites, stolen, copied, translated, or used in any way. thanks!

[three-headed-monster]

please i beg you to analyze the quinn/brandt interaction from today

i thought brandt only had tension with luke but turns out quinn too?? why did he call him a joke?? quinn looked annoyed did he know about the brandt luke thing or does he have a problem with brandt himself???? i’m so??????

well first off anon, i encourage you to take a look at the handy dandy primer some brilliant genius created for brandt/luke interactions, historiy, and lore.

but simple answer to this is that brandt clarke loves to chirp! he runs his mouth. a. lot. the longer answer though that he hates the hughes brothers for seemingly leaving their toronto friendships behind! i'm sure he doesn't actually think quinn is a joke, but in the heat of the moment said it, and quinn just ignored him majorlyyyyyy

i've also seen various different takes on what brandt was actually saying to him, some of which was REAL nasty. i'll put the screenshots from twitter here, but if he was actually talking about the family...well let's just say that luke sure the hell will know about brandt!

[thehollowwriter]

Meet Quinn Fletcher, NRC's Student From Another World

Some Basic Info:

☆Class: 1A

☆Club: None (for now)

☆Favourite subject: Astrology

☆Homeland: A mysterious, magical, and mystical land known as South Africa

☆Species: Human (but an alien according to twst XD)

☆Height: 147cm/4'10

☆Birthday: 6 May

☆Dominant hand: Left

☆Hobbies: Writing, reading, photography, collecting seashells

☆Likes: The ocean/sea creatures, swimming, archery, cooking, nature, movies

☆Dislikes: Being put in charge, people who don't pull their weight, most of the twst cast, being shouted at, liars

☆Favourite food: Quinn loves all kinds of food, so she can't really pick a favourite

☆Least favourite food: Spinach

Personality:

Quinn is very quiet, introverted and non-confrontational most of the time and generally doesn't talk to people unless it's people she likes about something she likes. She seems calm and a bit distant most of the time, but honestly, she just files away/suppresses most negative emotions whenever she's around other people. She dislikes the majority of the twst cast, but looking at her, you couldn't tell.

Since coming to twst, she's seemingly been running on autopilot. Though she tries to be polite and kind, she actually has quite a short temper, but her anger rarely shows around others, though some people do notice and can feel it oozing out of every pore. In general she struggles with very intense emotions and thoughts of violence, but she usually just brushes it off, though rarely when she's alone she'll act out on it (During book 3 she smashed a few mugs and almost threw one at Grim bc she was really really fucking pissed about the situation). She's a pot threatening to boil over atp.

Quinn is a bit naive and not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but she is a good liar and has found ways to manipulate situations to make her life easier, even if that means shifting the blame for something onto someone else.

She's a kind person, though being stuck in twst makes her feel the opposite, and her low self-esteem and myraid of health issues make her think she's not very useful or worth keeping around, though her creativity and her habit of overthinking things makes her good to have around if you want to prepare in advance for emergencies, and whenever she is put in charge of something she's surprisingly good at it.

Appearance:

Quinn is short and pudgy with dirty blonde hair dyed ginger and styled in a wolf-cut. She has grey-blue eyes (that sometimes look green) and pale-ish skin. Her face is dotted with freckles, and she has pretty prominent eyebags. She is always wearing a small silver heart shaped locket she got as a gift from her friend and she also occasionally wears a pair of cat earings.She can often be seen wearing jeans and coats with tons of pockets during the colder seasons and flowery dresses in the warmer ones. Most clothes are too big for her.

Important Things To Know:

☆At some point in the story Quinn stole one of Rook's bows and several of his arrows and though she can't handle it super well since she's a lefty using a right-handed bow, she did it well enough to threaten Ace with it once

☆Quinn got sick on her first night in Ramshackle, and after that, she's been mostly unwell and not doing so hot, especially since she has no access to any of her medicine. Each overblot seems to make it worse.

☆She has started researching the world of twisted wonderland and treats everything around her like a fake, dream-like story. She's just learning the lore. These people are just characters. Everything's fine, and she's going to wake up soon :)

☆Because of how she's currently treating her situation, Quinn comes off as very distant and detached, sometimes even uncaring, even if she tries her best to be polite

☆Quinn avoids the other students and tries to stay uninvolved in everything. She goes to class and she goes "home". Done. But she still gets roped into the main plot in various ways

☆Quinn is aroace

☆Quinn cannot stand Grim and would have kicked him out of Ramshackle if her existence as a student didn't depend on him. Her more aggressive and mean side will come out around him, unfortunately

☆She starts working at the cafeteria and at Mostro Lounge to earn some income. In general one of her ways of coping is by putting her head down and working and thinking about things to do rather than dwelling too much on the situation

'Quinn's Family:

Her mother, father, brother, and sister back in her original world

Backstory:

Quinn grew up with a disabled dad, a chronically sick mom, and two younger siblings. Her mom was very emotionally and sometimes physically abusive and outside of her friends things were pretty miserable and Quinn was almost always exhausted from taking care of most of the duties her mom was either too sick or too lazy to do and basically running the household with her sister. Things were made even more difficult by her family being extremely religious (her grandfather was even a pastor) while she was a queer atheist, and had to hide most of her interests and keep her appearance "acceptable" even if she didn't like it. A huge fight with her mother resulted in her being locked out of the house in the rain as a punishment, and she decided to grab the keys and just leave. It was while she was trekking to her friend's house that she came across the black carriage and woke up at NRC, where she was then burned and scratched during her first encounter with Grim. She's just trying her best to survive at NRC even if she does feel scared and lonely.

Some Fun Facts/Extra Info:

☆Quinn is bilingual and will sometimes talk to herself in Afrikaans so that she isn't understood

☆Quinn doesn't handle crowds super well and gets overstimulated much more easily than usual at NRC

☆She's perpetually exhausted, especially without her iron supplements

☆Quinn really enjoys playing games and can get quite competitive (she does not like losing)

☆Though Quinn generally keeps most thoughts to herself, she will mutter under her breath, and if you can overhear her, it would probably make a sailor blush (she swears a lot lol)

☆Quinn kinda feels like a bad person bc she doesn't miss her family at all. She only misses her friends

☆Quinn loves to learn and always wants to try all sorts of new things

☆Quinn has ADHD and anxiety and is probablyyyy autistic too

☆Quinn would often get in trouble for not being feminine enough and though she isn't trans she does dress more masculine out of spite sometimes (When she does think about it though she may be gender apathetic who knows)

☆Rook eventually got Quinn her own bow and wants to give her lessons bc her archery is, uh, pretty rusty

☆Despite her wariness of the other students, Quinn will take up opportunities to get paid, which is how she got involved in Book 2. She insisted Crowley paid her if he expected her to larp as Sherlock/hj

☆Quinn is almost always listening to music to decompress and keep calm. Takes her mind off things and she gets to vibe y'know

...........................................

A/N: Finally I have a Yuu! She's not super interesting rn but I will be developing her character and adding new stuff to her and her lore as we go along. I hope you guys like her so far!

Tagging: @distant-velleity @br3adtoasty @rainesol @theleechyskrunkly @harryinramshackle

@galaxies-and-gore @cyanide-latte @cynthinesia @officialdaydreamer00 @krenenbaker

@offorestsongs @kitwasnothere @elenauaurs @boopshoops @inotonline

@1dont-really-know @nemisisnemi @minteasketches @elysia-nsimp @skrimpyskimpy

@casp1an @offorestsongs @tixdixl @poisoned-pearls @the-trinket-witch

@ramshacklerumble @ghostiidasponk @thegoldencontracts @sillyslipperybananapeel @cloudcountry

@skriblee-ksk @twstinginthewind @lumdays @theolivetree123 @authoruio @jewelulu

@moonyasnow @skibidibabygirl @quartztwst @yuizenihaswriten @oya-oya-okay

@kirans-wonderland @coffinkissez @idikeis @s-t-y-x @minutewondertwist

@random-twst-and-oc-stuff @creatorbiaze @bunnwich

@tixdixl

[sezez]

Okay, so PPT Chp. 4 will certainly get mixed reactions. But for me, it was great and I genuinely love how much more lore we got and I already have some theories to craft. But before that, I'll just write my thoughts to the characters.

Spoilers ahead and this might be a long post.

Nightmare Critters & Pianosaurus:

First of all, so sorry for all of those Pianosaurus fans cause was he played dirty! I honestly thought we were going to have a mini-boss fight with this guy and I do like his concept. But instead he was killed in like 8 seconds, and also he changed up Doey's introduction.

In the trailer, Doey fell from the ceiling but in game he ate the dino and make him seem more menacing compare to the trailer. I guess that's one complaint I have, because it would have made him seem more trustworthy if he hadn't showed us how powerful and dangerous he could be. For whatever reason it was, I guess the devs just decided to change his introduction last minute.

As for the Nightmare Critters... Eh, the devs just said they're going to be a very, very minor characters. Also I kind of find it funny in that one scene where Sawyer gave us a chance to kill a critter, a critter we literally don't give two sh!ts about. Would have been more emotional or make us hesitant if it were someone like a toy from Safe Heaven, begging the Protagonist to not kill them or maybe Kissy Missy(?).

Kissy Missy & Yarnaby:

I was so happy that Kissy lived and she was so cute throughout the chapter, I love her and I swear to god if she ends up sacrificing herself to protect us from Huggy Wuggy, I will cry a waterfall.

But I am still curious as to WHAT happened to her, I did saw Sheeprampage's video where she could have been expose to some fire and possibly did so by letting some of the Red Smoke out then lit it up.

I really pray she'll be alright in the next chapter.

On to Yarnaby, he turned out just as I expected; a pet to the Doctor. I know people are disappointed that he didn't do as much as Catnap but must I remind you that in the ARG, Yarnaby is a failure by design. He lost the intellect he had when he was a child (he's name was Quinn btw) and just became loyal to Sawyer and Sawyer alone.

Protagonist:

Now, right off the bat, I really like how we can see the Grabpack is shaking slightly. Just come to show just how traumatize this ex-employee is. Also, I am still wondering and praying if we'll EVER get an answer on who the Protag is. Like, can the characters just say our name instead of "You!", "I know you.", "I've never seen you before..", etc.

But what Sawyer asked, why did the Protagonist really come back? He does have a point on the letter (which I am questioning on how tf does he know about that), it can't be the only reason. Maybe it was because they lost a loved one, or perhaps they have some unfinished business?

I sure hope we get our answers soon...

And I am still wondering on how this employee, (he was straight up confirm by Harley and said by Miss Delight he's human) managed to survive a large-as$ fall?! Kissy's arm didn't reached 'em til after he got punched in the face by a pointy rock!

Harley Sawyer:

I know for a fact people are disappointed he didn't do much in this chapter, but I am satisfied. Sure, he could have had his robots scattered almost everywhere but he likes to play with his food rather than muling it down and making a mess. He leaves that job to his pets.

Also he literally is just a ghost in the machine, he can't do anything physical unless he uses those robots. I was a bit disturb the fact that his organs were kept in machines and I was confuse as to why he didn't even seem angry when we destroyed his lungs. I thought he'd get mad and try to prevent us from doing it to the rest of what's left of himself, yet he rants and rants on... Suspicious.

I also loved how he seemed so surprise to become a experiment himself, like sure all the other higher-ups did so, but he made too much of a mess. Which is ironic because he seems strict with things being clean, if the notes from the ARG saids so.

And I am interested with what the Prototype and Harley discussed during a VHS tape; "Tape and Time". 1006 is getting impatient with the doctor because he doesn't have time, but just what is it they mean? The Prototype was planning something big, I saw someone said it could be the Hour of Joy. How not only it was the toys fighting back, but for Harley to get his revenge to those that made him an ai. Proving to them it was a mistake to let him control everything and anything.

But I don't really see that being the case, I don't know why though.. just a gut feeling it isn't.

Doey the Doughman:

It seems like I was half wrong on him being a secret villain, I was quite surprised that he consists of three kids with their own personality. But I find that it makes sense, like this is a Bigger Body that is just a sentient clay and only having one soul control the big weight would be trouble some.

But overall, I do like his character a lot and I love the dynamic between him and Poppy. Yeah, she is right about blowing the factory up since there's no way in heck the toys can walk freely outside. They'll just go through the experiments all over again, but Doey still puts the moral dilemma infront. Just to show how much he cares for the non-hostile toys.

I honestly don't have much to say, he's just going to be the new Dogday to the fandom. A good character that dies, wether or not it actually affect the story.

EXP. 1006; The Prototype:

Now, this thing is really making me excited to see what the hell he looks like. The shadow of his spidery legs is creepy, but I'm wondering how the hell is he going through the small halls if those are his legs. Because this guy is gonna be as big as the Blob from FNAF.

And I, along with all the other people who saw it coming, weren't surprised to hear he's Ollie. I mean, the moment he spoke to the Protagonist and the tape we find at the end of Chapter 3 should have already alarmed us.

Also, I am not one of those people who think Elliot was turned into this guy. Elliot was still around when the BBI was on full swing, the math ain't gonna math if you try to do the calculation.

Poppy:

Okay, so... I will say I am NOT one of those people who will go "Oh, I knew it! Poppy's evil! She backstabbed us again!"

No. Stop, shut up.

She is simply a coward, and fresh reminder; she's a child, missing her father (Elliot) and is very much traumatized.

Did anyone you even watch the tape of her? And even though Sawyer is right about her knowing the Hour of Joy was to arrive, she didn't know about the true intention of it. She thought she and the other toys can escape, be free and live a life, but 1006 brings a point that is painfully true.

Even if they had escape, they would just go through the experiments all over again.

And I am so glad it's canon, because these toys cannot just go out there without scaring people or luring mad scientists on how they were made. They wouldn't be free, they would just lead themselves to another cage.

But as to Poppy herself, I love the tape of her and Ollie talking. Really makes the scene of him revealing to be the Prototype all the more heartbreaking for her, he was there when she cried, felt empty and was her only friend while Playtime Co. was in operation. But now that he's gone, she has no one. Kissy might come back for her, but the doll may distant herself away from others. To keep herself safe, to hide and stop bringing pain to those around.

I really hope we get to know more about her in the next chapter, especially with what the "tragic accident" is that led to her becoming a doll.

[oscquinn]

yes maggie the lack of Jack and Ellie thoughts is abysmal and there needs to be more

SONIAAAAA this inspired me. here's a little overview of ellie & jack's sibling bond over the years!! i kinda wanna do this for quinn & luke now too

tags; made up hockey lore, a made up pwhl team, some trev x ellie moments, some jack x drea moments, worldbuilding and maybe improper characterization but bro idgaf it's my universe

part of the don't be a stranger au

౨ৎ before the twins were born... jack was adamant he wanted a little brother, telling everyone that girls have cooties. regardless, since the day she was born, jack has loved and protected ellie just as fiercely as he has luke.

౨ৎ when jack was seven... ellie sat in the back seat of their mom's car, sobbing into her teddy bear after jack lost his first ever youth hockey game. when ellen asked what was wrong ellie sobbed out, "i'm cryin' c-cause jacky's crying!"

౨ৎ at the age of eight... ellie started tagging along with jim and jack to baseball games. they both love the toronto blue jays, and while jack initially didn't want ellie tagging along, he grew to love the time spent with his sister.

౨ৎ jack and ellie shared baseball cards... they swapped their favorite players, fighting over jose bautista, pooling their allowances to buy as many packs as necessary before they got a duplicate

౨ৎ at fourteen and sixteen... ellen found the two one saturday night in the game room, collections open and spare cards organized neatly around them.

౨ৎ when ellie turned sixteen... she was nervous to drive for her permit hours. jack was the only one who calmed her anxiety enough to teach her. he took it extremely seriously, even using his own money to get her a treat wherever they drove.

౨ৎ when jack met drea... ellie immediately loved her too. this led to plenty of instances where ellie was their eager third wheel. sure, it was annoying at times, but seeing how well ellie and drea get along makes it worth it.

౨ৎ while ellie was at ucla... jack made excuses to call ellie, checking up on her like a mother hen. he also employed trevor to keep an eye on her, he'd text trevor for an update on ellie, then trev would text ellie, and ellie would call jack with a smile and an exasperated tone

౨ৎ when ellie was drafted to new york... while luke was in silent shock, jack jumped out of his seat with ellie, wrappinh her up in a bear hug.

౨ৎ when trev and ellie broke up... jack didn't say anything. he didn't pick a side. he just booked a table at her favorite revolving sushi bar, and encouraged her to wear sweats with her blouse.

౨ৎ when jack was named an alt. captain... ellie didn't make a big deal of it, just baked his favorite cake and decorated it with the devils logo and "congrats, jack!" in messy piping

౨ৎ when ellie was chosen as captain... for the inaugural vancouver tide pwhl season, jack couldn't help the tears that fell. half of it was pride for his baby sister, but the other half came with a dull ache, realizing they'd likely never live under the same roof again.

౨ৎ and when jack and drea have a daughter... they give her the middle name elle.

© oscquinn, 2025.

[synergysilhouette]

Remaking the Arkham Games

Disclaimer: while mostly trying to keep to the lore released at the time of the games, some of the details I include would've been after the games were released.

Non-stoic Batman--I feel like this is a common issue in Batman depictions; he's cut-off from his emotional connections, coming off as curt and cold. Obviously it makes sense given his world, but I'm not crazy about the "I work best alone" mentality he has (he actually says this in "Asylum"), and it's made more clear that he's trying to keep those he cares about away by assuaging their concerns rather than demanding they stay out of his way, as well as being less aggressive with others. I feel like these issues were more present in the later installments.

2. Tim's present for "Asylum" and has an expanded role--I always felt like Tim being interested in psychology would be a good way to highlight his compassion for others, since he became Robin in the comics to be an emotional anchor to Batman, and shows how he wanted to make the world a better place. Plus, it conveniently allows for Robin to be on the island. Tim's father is also alive in this universe, and Bruce founding his college education is in the form of a scholarship to hide their connection. Tim also uses his Red Robin suit, specifically the Unternet variant.

3. Jason Todd's found alive--I just thought it'd be best to get this out of the way now. He's found towards the end of the game by Robin, having been believed to have been dead until Joker reveals he had kidnapped Jason and had been moving him around for a while with very few people knowing about it (and living; it did seem a bit odd that everyone got the jump on Jason and no one told Batman). Joker mainly uses Scarecrow's fear gas to slowly break and manipulate him. As a result, despite being rescued, he harbors resentment towards Batman, and is horrified to have been rescued by Robin, seeing that what Joker had told him about being replaced was true. The game also features flashbacks to Barbara's paralysis, Jason's death leading up to his rescue (similar to the flashbacks in "Arkham Knight"), as well as mentioning Gotham's death and Gotham Girl's incarceration in the story.

4. Harley is uniquely grey here--This is one of the biggest changes influenced by modern depictions of her, particularly "Gotham Knights." While Harleen Quinzel originally seems to be a victim like all the other staff at the asylum, she is revealed to be helping Joker, eventually donning her Harley Quinn outfit and persona. Rather than being bubbly and portrayed as "not very bright," she's seen as dangerous and good at mind games. She leaves a trail for Robin and Batman to find Joker, and while it's originally interpreted as her not being as smart as she thought, they eventually deduce that she isn't fully gone. Eventually she's incarcerated, but Tim, having known her before her descent into villainy, notes that she could come back from it, if she wants. Moving onto "City"...

5. Batman is joined by some help in "Arkham City"--With Gotham overrun, Nightwing, Spoiler, Robin, and Orphan (using Cassandra's later alias here, as she wanted to avoid any potential issues between her and Barbara after Jason's meltdown towards Tim) assist him at various points throughout the plot, though he reminds them not to get comfortable since the city is more dangerous and the fact that Hugo Strange knows his identity. Concerning the costumes, Stephanie's in her black and purple 2010s suit, Cassandra's in her Batgirl suit (because even if she's not using the name, it's still a great look), Tim would be in an outfit influenced by his "One Year Later" suit, as well as Nightwing having longer hair. It's also worth noting that Stephanie and Tim are a couple, as well as Dick and Barbara, rather than Tim and Barbara.

6. Damian is introduced--While not a major player, he is revealed when Batman comes to visit Ra's al Ghoul, and while Talia doesn't spell out who Damian is, it's quickly deduced by others in the Batfamily who he is. He's depicted in his late teens here, only a couple years younger than Tim (who I imagine in his early 20s, in contrast to Jason's mid-20s and Dick's mid-to-late-20s; just how I'd age them in this timeline). It's assumed that he became the new leader of the League of Assassins after the deaths of Ra's and Talia.

7. The Sirens Cause Trouble--Harley manages to escape the asylum (not for the first time though; it has been 2 years since "Asylum") and finds out Joker is ill, making her feel sorry for him again, which he takes advantage of and makes her his second-in-command. However, Catwoman runs into her, and knowing about her friendship with Ivy and conflicted mentality, she gets her to help convince Ivy to help her break into the vault, as well as getting some revenge on Hush (loosely based on the comic storyline). However, they eventually part ways as the city becomes more rampant, forcing Ivy to protect her plans in her hideout, Harley to find Joker, and Catwoman to protect Batman.

8. Jason becomes Red Hood--Having been hospitalized and going through rehab for the past two years, Jason has regained some of his sanity, though he still has a lot of anger towards the Batfamily, particularly Batman and Robin. While he assists them with crimefighting as Red Hood, he also picks fights, somewhat desperate for Batman's attention as well as seeking closure for feeling abandoned, which is eventually resolved when he helps the team kill Joker once and for all, with the team encouraging they go home and celebrate "as a family" (but Batman tells them there's more work to be done).

9. "Origins" takes place later in Batman's career (but earlier than the other "Arkham" games)--Rather than taking place in Batman's earlier years, this happens during a time in his life not often covered in comics; the short tenure of Jason Todd. Jason's time is Robin also coincides with Barbara's time as Batgirl, with Jason in his modern-edited costume and Barbara's purple and yellow costume.

I don't think I have any major notes for "Knights"; it essentially plays out the same, but without Jason, Scarecrow gets the full focus, and Harley becomes an ally to Batman without Joker's influence, as well as his previous proteges helping him with this deadly mission, despite his protests.