#dhtn!jake and scout

[arcane-vagabond]

Don’t Hang’em Til Noon: Chapter Four

Don’t Hang’em Til Noon: Chapter Four

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary: Jake "Hangman" Seresin is a notorious leader within the Dagger Gang of the old western territories of the United States. You, a recently orphaned socialite from the eastern seaboard, find yourself swept off to live with your older brother who has set down roots in said western territory. Determined to to make the best of your situation, what will you do when said outlaw sets his sights on you?

Warnings: Swearing, Sexual Assault, Fighting, Violence (against women and others), Jake Seresin, Firearms, Blood. I think that’s it?

Word Count: 3.6k

A/N: I hope you guys appreciate me neglecting my job to write this lol I’m kidding, we were so slow, I would have been bored to tears otherwise. Just giving you guys a heads up now that I’m going to try and pre-write as much as I can over the course of the next couple of days in preparation for next week when I’ll be attending my best friends’ wedding. As always, reboots, comments and likes are greatly appreciated!! 18+ ONLY!! Find me on AO3 under arcane_vagabond!

Series Masterlist || DGU Masterlist

“I swear, that man would lose his head if it weren’t attached to his shoulders,” you grumbled to yourself, as you made for the front door of your home. You had just finished cleaning up the mess from preparing breakfast when Benjamin had come running down the stairs in a frenzy.

“Benji, come eat,” you had said, gesturing to the table that was already set. He had shaken his head, turning in circles as he searched for his dress coat.

“I can’t, Scout. I’m running late for a meeting with a client,” he had said breathlessly. You rolled your eyes, plucking his coat off the back of the chair he had set it on the night before when he had gotten home. You held it out for him, and he shot you a grateful smile as he shrugged it on.

“At least grab an apple on your way out,” you had argued. He plucked a granny smith from the bowl you had set out on the table, gesturing at you with it before making a beeline for the door.

“I don’t know what time I’ll be home tonight,” he called over his shoulder before the door closed with a thud behind him.

Now, here you were hours later with his case files clutched in your hands and scowl plastered across your face. You slipped past the door, and making sure it was secured behind you, you made your way into Maverick.

It was nearing the end of summer, and a surprising chill was beginning to creep its way into the air. You made your way quickly to Benjamin’s law firm, giving polite smiles to those you passed.

You stepped into the firm with the files tucked tightly in your arms. Natasha came strolling out from the back with a polite smile that turned genuine at the sight of you.

“Good afternoon, Scout!” She grinned, gesturing for you to join her in the seating area. You did so, taking a seat on a leather armchair as she sat in the matching one opposite you. “What brings you by today?”

“Benji forgot some of his files,” you sighed, showing her the file. Natasha chuckled with a roll of her eyes. If anyone understood how exasperating your brother could be, it would be her.

“He was up late working again, wasn’t he?” She asked. You shit her a knowing look before the two of you burst into a fit of giggles. “That man will blow away with the wind, I swear. How he manages to keep this place in order is beyond me.”

“He may be a tad bit scatterbrained, but he takes his job very seriously,” you smiled. You were surprised he hadn’t come out to see what the commotion was about yet. “Is he around?”

“No,” she grimaced. “His client insisted on meeting at the saloon.”

“I see,” you said, standing up. Natasha followed suit, reaching her arm out to you.

“I can take the files and give them to him when he gets back?” She offered.

“That’s alright,” you declined. “I could use the exercise. You said he was at the saloon?”

“I did,” Natasha confirmed hesitantly. “But Penny isn’t there today.”

You stared at her. “And?”

“It's just that,” she started nervously. “The patrons can get pretty handsy when Penny isn’t there. Not that I don’t think you can hold your own, but I don't want to see anything happen to you should they get any ideas.”

“I’m sure it will be fine, Nat,” you smiled. “I’ll just be in and out. I don’t plan on staying for long. I still have things I need to do back at the house after all.”

Natasha chewed on her bottom li, seeming to contemplate her best course of action. Finally, she sighed. “If you’re sure.”

“I am,” you stated firmly, already moving towards the door. “I won’t take up any more of your time. I’m sure you’re busy with other things.”

“Spending time with you is never a bother, Scout,” she grinned. “Stay safe, and give your brother hell for me when you see him!”

You offered her a final wave before stepping back out onto the street. You turned right onto the street, setting your sights on the saloon.

The atmosphere differed from your first time inside the large building. Instead of Penny standing behind the bar with her usual easy going smile, a tall man with glasses stood and waved a greeting at you.

“Welcome in, miss!” He smiled. You recognized him from the other day.

“I know you,” you said carefully, slowly making your way up to the bar as you studied him curiously. “You’re a member of the Dagger Gang, correct?”

His smile turned sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes’m. My name is Bob, and you’re Scout right?”

You hummed in affirmation. “And Penny trusts you to run her business?”

He laughed at that, almost catching you by surprise. “I get why you find that hard to believe. If I was in your shoes, I’d think that Penny had lost her mind or something.

You chuckled at that. “I suppose it says something about your character that Penny trusts you enough to leave the saloon in your hands.”

“She does,” he nodded. “I don’t take people’s trust for granted.”

“That’s good to know, Bob.”

He smiled at you and then moved like he was going to say something, but he seemed to think better of it. You arched an eyebrow at him as he shifted on his feet, a blush crawling up his face. “What is it?” You asked.

“Penny doesn’t trust just anyone, ya know?”

“I know that,” you nodded. “What of it?”

“The reason Penny trusts me is because I keep the others out of trouble.”

You laughed at that, and he frowned. “I’m sorry, Bob. I don’t mean to offend. It’s just that, well, if they’re out robbing banks and breaking laws left and right, I’d hate to think about what they’d be doing without you.”

“It’s not like that,” Bob sighed. “They aren’t as bad as you may think, Scout. I know Hangman can be…a lot, sometimes. But, everything they do is out of survival.”

“Right,” you scoffed, causing the frown on Bob’s face to deepen.

“I’m serious, Scout,” he continued. “Penny mentioned that you came from Baltimore. I don’t know much about how things are done over there, but I know enough to know how different things are there compared to here. Work isn’t as steady out here as it is back East. Good men do bad things in order to keep their families safe and fed.”

“What’s your point, Bob?” You asked with a heavy sigh. He offered you a kind smile.

“Try not to be so hard on him? I know you’re used to things being a certain way, but believe it or not, he is trying.”

You didn’t have to ask who he was referring to. You mulled over his words carefully before nodding slowly.

“Alright, Bob,” you smiled finally. “I’ll keep that in mind.” His own grew, and he knocked on the wooden top of the bar as he leaned back.

“Thank you,” he said. “Now what brings you by here today?”

Before you could answer, Bob suddenly straightened up to his full height, a cool look on his face as he looked past you. Your brows furrowed in confusion before you felt a warm body push up against you. You whipped around to find a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair leering down at you. The cold, empty look in his black eyes was warmed over by a look of unbridled lust. He gave you a once over, eyes pausing along the curves of your breasts and hips.

“Howdy, darlin’,” he drawled, making the hair on your arms stand up.

“Can I help you?” You asked him coldly. You saw Bob shift in your peripheral as a couple of more men crowded you on the opposite side. The man let out a low whistle.

“Why so cold, honey? I jus’ came over here to introduce myself. Name’s Isaac.”

“Charmed,” you bit out, glare intensifying as he leaned in closer.

“Y’ain’t gonna gimme yours?” He laughed.

“I don’t see why you would need it,” you state simply, clutching the folder in your hand tightly. You cast a glance over to Bob who was eyeing the group of men wearily.

Isaac smiled, the gesture hollow. He reached up and tapped your cheek lightly, and you balked at the gesture. “Eyes over here, honey.”

“I’m going to ask you once to please stop calling me that,” you bit out between clenched teeth.

“Or what?” He grins.

“Or you won’t like what happens.”

Isaac let out a booming laugh, his companions letting out chuckles of their own. You saw movement in the corner of your eye. You once again chanced a look over and saw two of the men had crossed over to the other side of the bar. The two men had Bob caged in between them, and his eyes darted rapidly back and forth between the two of them. Isaac grabbed your chin tightly in his large hand, forcing your head back to look at him. “What did I just say about those eyes?”

“Let go of me,” you hissed, earning another chorus of laughter from the group of men.

“A feisty little thing you are,” Isaac chuckled, leaning so that his breath fanned over you. It reeked of cheap liquor and stale tobacco. “I see why Hangman has his eye on you.”

“What?” You asked, brow furrowing at his comment.

“Just so you know,” he grinned, “you have him to thank for this.”

Before you could question him further, he grabbed you by your hips and slammed you up against the bar. You felt the air leave your lungs and a flash of pain shoot up your spine. You saw Bob struggling against the two men beside him as they pinned him back. His eyes blazed and nostrils flared as he tried with all his might to break free of their hold. Your brief moment of confusion allowed Isaac to push his way in between your thighs. You felt the hot length of him press against you, and you started to struggle, clawing at his arms. Tiny ribbons of blood began to flow down his arms as he bared his teeth down at you in a crazed grin.

“That's alright, Kitten,” he laughed. “I like a bit of pain with my pleasure.”

He leaned down, slanting his lips on top of yours, and you felt the hot sting of tears behind your eyes. He thrusted up into you, causing you to gasp and cry out. He took the opportunity to force his tongue into your open mouth, and you almost vomited at the action. Without thinking, you bit down on the offending protrusion, the taste of blood filling your mouth. Isaac lurched back with a yelp, grabbing at his mouth. He glared down at you.

“Bitch!” He spat, backhanding you. Your face flew to the side, a flash of white hot pain radiates from your cheek where one of his rings had made contact, cutting you in the process. You felt blood begin to trickle down your cheek, and your tears threatened to spill over. Isaac gripped your hair roughly, slamming you back down onto the counter.

“You’re going to regret that,” he hissed at you as you fought against the dizziness that threatened to consume you from the force of his actions. Your tears began to flow freely down your cheeks as the larger man grabbed at your shirts and skirts, ripping them in a bid to get them off of you.

“No!” You screamed, renewing your efforts. Isaac ignored you as he licked up the column of your throat. Your sobs racked your body violently, legs kicking at him as he moved to undo his belt buckle. You closed your eyes in an attempt to shield yourself from what was about to happen.

Just when you thought all hope was lost, a resounding click sounded in the room. Isaac stilled against you, and you cracked your eyes open to see the barrel of a pistol pressed to his temple. Turning, you saw Jake on the other end of the weapon.

His green eyes were filled with the intention of murder as his lips curled in a sneer of pure wrath. His body was drawn tight, deathly still as he waited for Isaac to make his move. He looked every bit of what you imagined an avenging angel would look.

“Let. Her. Go,” he ground out. Isaac spared a glance at you, and the gun pressed harder into the side of his head. Slowly, the older man pulled away from you, and you scrambled to sit up on the bar. You now saw the rest of the Daggers standing behind him with their hands on their own pistols. The two men behind the bar had let go of Bob who was now moving to your side. You heard footsteps begin to descend the stairs, and you looked to see Maverick, Benjamin, and an unfamiliar older man stop as they took in the scene before them.

“Scout?” Benjamin said, eyes widening in shock. You let out a shaky breath, turning back to watch Jake who had yet to take his eyes off of Isaac. The two stared each other down.

“Hangman,” Isaac finally sniffed in way of greeting.

“What are you doing here?” Jake snapped. Isaac rolled his shoulders back casually as if there wasn’t still a gun aimed at his face.

“Well,” he drawled, “I came to collect retribution for what you took from me, but then I saw you with this pretty, little thing the other day, and I figured this would make for a good trade.”

Jake’s nostrils flared, a dangerous glint in his eyes as Isaac spoke. “I didn’t take anything that you couldn’t replace.”

“I disagree,” the other man hummed, picking a piece of lint off his shirt. “You wounded my pride, Hangman. And what better retribution than taking your woman?”

Jake’s jaw clenched, and you saw Maverick move out of the corner of your eye.

“Jake,” the older man said gently. Jake spared him a glance before focusing back on Isaac. Maverick continued, “Not here, son.”

Jake looked at him, and when Maverick gave a pointed glance at where you sat, frozen, he turned his attention to you. You must have looked a sight because Jake’s jaw clenched again. You could feel the tears still streaming down your face and mixing with the blood that still dripped down your cheek.

“Jake?” You called to him softly, uncertainly. He took several deep breaths.

“The only reason you’re leaving here alive,” he rumbled, nodding his head over at you, “is because she’s here.”

Isaac watched him for a moment, the two of them not breaking eye contact. Isaac huffed out a light chuckle before turning towards the door. He gave you one last glance before smirking, gesturing for his men to follow.

“You best keep an eye on her, Hangman,” he called over his shoulder. “Would be a right shame if something were to happen to her while you weren’t lookin’.”

Jake said nothing as they filed out. One man stopped beside Bradley, casting him a sideways glance. “Rooster.”

“Jeb,” Bradley replied coldly. The two shared an unspoken conversation before the man followed the rest out the door. As soon as they were gone, Benjamin rushed to your side.

“Scout, what happened?” he cried, checking you over. You looked down at yourself, noting how the collar of your white, cotton shirt hung by mere threads off your shoulder. You frowned at the tiny drops of blood that had fallen onto the ruined fabric.

“I,” you swallowed thickly, “I was coming to give you the casework you forgot at home this morning. I thought it might be important, so…”

You trailed off, your eyes taking in the multiple tears of your skirt, a new wave of tears pouring from your eyes. You jumped when Jake appeared in front of you. His eyes were still blazing, but you saw worry mixed in with the rest of the emotions still swirling within the different shades of green.

“What the hell were you thinking,” he seethed.

“What?” You blinked. He took your shoulders in his hands, surprisingly gentle for how angry he seemed.

“How many times do I gotta tell you that you need someone with you? Especially in here?” he growled.

“I didn’t think-”

“You’re right,” he snapped, his grip slightly harder as his frustration with you grew. “You didn’t think, and you almost got hurt because of it.”

You felt your own temper start to build as you stared up at him.

“Stop treating me like I’m some helpless child,” you snapped at him. Jake barked out a humorless laugh.

“You’re not a child, Scout,” he flung back at you. “And, that’s why it’s so damn frustrating when you do stupid shit like this.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Clearly you can’t,” he seethed. Your jaw clenched, and you practically threw yourself onto the ground. You pushed past him with a glare and started for the door.

“Where are you going?” he demanded, already moving to follow you. You whirled back around, stopping him in his tracks with a finger to his chest.

“I’m not going to sit here and let you insult me,” you spat at him. He grabbed your hand, and pulled you in to him.

“Have you learned nothing from what just happened?” he glared down at you. “If we hadn’t already been on our way in to see Mav, well shit, Scout. Isaac would have had you every which way and then passed you around to his crew. Don’t you understand that?”

“Let go of me,” you ground out, trying and failing to pull your arm free of his grip.

“No,” he stated firmly, eyes set in a determined bid to win this argument. You gave another tug, but his grip didn’t falter.

“You don’t seem to get it, darlin’,” he sneered. “This ain’t Baltimore. People don’t hide their ugly nature behind polite smiles and fancy clothes. People here take, and they sure as shit don’t care who sees them do it."

He took a deep breath to try and calm himself. "Tell me you understand.”

You nodded, still glaring furiously up at him. He shook his head with a wry smile. “Uh uh, sugar. Need to hear you say it.”

“I understand,” you snapped. He finally let you go, and you wrenched your hand back. The two of you stared a beat longer before you heard Benjamin clear his throat.

“I’ll take you home, Scout.”

“No,” you said automatically. “You’re busy. I can see myself home.”

“Not happening,” Jake said. “I’ll walk you home.”

You went to say something, but he fixed a hard stare at you, cutting you off. “Don’t even try to argue with me right now, Scout. I’m taking you home, and that’s final.”

You huffed, turning on your heels and stormed out of the saloon, Jake hot on your tail. The two of you walked in silence, townsfolk casting you wide-eyed looks as you passed. When you reached your front door, you whirled around to face him.

“I’m home,” you spat. “Safe and sound. Are you happy now?”

Jake stared at you, his lips set in a hard line.

“The boys and I were plannin’ on leavin’ for an excursion tomorrow,” he said, “but I think I’ll stick around.”

You scoffed. “If you’re worried about what Isaac said, don’t be. It’s you who should be worried, actually.”

“Oh?” Jake chuckled. “And why is that?”

“I’m only telling you this as a way of thanking you for your help in the barn the other day,” you began, Jake arching an eyebrow at you. “But there’s a U.S. marshal after you and the other Daggers.”

Jake barked out a laugh, and you stared at him in confusion. Jake looked at you with a wide grin. “I ain’t worried about a U.S. marshal, pretty girl.”

“How are you being so cavalier about this?” you snapped, placing your hands on your hips.

“Because they’re always after us,” he shrugged. “Besides, I can take care of myself. You on the other hand-”

“I can take care of myself just as well as you can,” you huffed. All humor dropped from Jake’s face as he gave you a look that said he clearly didn’t believe you. You scowled at him, stalking into the house. He followed you as you marched into the kitchen. You grabbed the rifle that Benjamin insisted you keep by the back door “just in case,” and walked out the back door. Jake kept following, and you stopped just outside on the porch.

“Do you even know how to use that thing?” He chuckled. Wordlessly, you scanned the yard, finding a forgotten bucket sitting on the fencepost about fifty yards away that you must have left out that morning. You raised the rifle to your shoulder, took aim, and-

BANG.

The bucket went flying in the air, a hole where you had hit it dead center. You let the rifle drop from your shoulder as you held it by your side. Turning, you caught the look of shock and intrigue that graced his face.

“He caught me off guard today,” you said. Jake looked at you, wonder shining in his eyes. “He won’t do it again.”

Jake studied you for another moment before nodding his head slowly.

“Alright, Scout,” he relented. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

[arcane-vagabond]

This really is Hangout-coded huh?

I love the phrase "they get along like a house on fire". It's perfect. You and me have perfect chemistry and it's setting off the carbon monoxide detectors. People are calling emergency services to get us to stop being so chummy. Someone died

[arcane-vagabond]

My dearest Liz,

You mentioned that you’d write a little something about the saloon event from Jakes POV if there was enough interest. I would like to formally declare my interest in seeing that, I’m sure other people would love it too! (No pressure whatsoever, I mean this more as encouragement rather than pressure and I hope it comes off that way!)💜💜💜💜💜

Consider my pressured and motivated! I'm kidding, ily

"Where's Mav?" asked Bradley, looking around the entrance of town hall with a frown.

"He's already gone down to the saloon, Roos," Penny told him with a bemused smile. "His meeting started half an hour ago."

"Christ, is that the time already?" Bradley asked to no one in particular as he squinted at the clock above the mantle. The Daggers had all filed in one after the other, and Penny had chuckled at the sight. How people found these idiots scary was beyond her.

"Bobby's down there ain't he?" Mickey asked her, and she gave a quick nod of her head.

"Should be. Told me yesterday he'd look after the place while I enjoyed my day off."

"He's probably bored to tears by now," Jake drawled with a smirk, leaning against the far wall. He pushed off and started making his way for the door. "Let's go see'em before we meet with Mav."

The Daggers waved their goodbyes to Penny, laughing and hollering as they made their way down the road and to the saloon.

"Mav's gonna kill me for bein' late," Rooster mumbled as the men made their way down the road.

"Wouldn't be the first time," Micky laughed, earning a look from the larger man. "Not the time?"

"What was your first clue?" Bradley grumbled as the group approached the saloon. A small crowd was gathered outside, whispering amongst themselves.

"A fight break out already?" Reuben wondered aloud. The sound of shouting came from inside.

"Is that Bob?" Mickey asked, brow furrowing at the sound of the other man shouting from inside.

"Bitch!" roared a man from inside. He sounded familiar, and Jake's brow furrowed as he tried to place the voice. A loud smack sounded from inside, and Jake heard a woman cry out. His blood began to boil as he pushed his way through the crowd. Damn cowards just standin' around as a woman gets roughed up by some low-life. Made him sick just thinking about it. He shouldered his way past the last man by the door, the other Daggers not far behind, and he felt his blood run cold.

A group of men crowded the bar, leering excitedly. Two of the men had Bob in their clutches, holding the young man back as he gnashed his teeth trying to break free. His blue eyes were darting around wildly, but focused down to the girl pressed against the bar with each pass. No, not just any girl.

Jake felt a rage unlike anything he had ever felt before sweep over him, and his vision turned red as he watched the man he now recognized as Isaac pin you against the wood of the bar. Isaac grabbed at his belt, and Jake heard you let out a sob.

"No!" you screamed, sounding almost animalistic in your terror. Jake was moving before he even realized it, the only sound in his ears was the thundering of his heartbeat as he drew closer to the scene. He didn't notice his hand flying to the gun at his side or how quickly he drew it. No, he was solely focused on where you lay, helpless against your attacker.

*Click*

Jake cocked the pistol, pressing it into the temple of the older man. Everything seemed to stand still in that moment. He heard the other Daggers reach for their own weapons, but he paid them no mind.

"Let. Her. Go," he seethed. Isaac glanced down at you, and Jake felt his grip on the gun grow impossibly tighter as he pressed harder into the other man's head. Much slower than Jake would have liked, Isaac pulled off of you, and you scrambled into a sitting position, small hiccups escaping your lips as you clutched at your torn blouse. Jake's nostrils flared at the sound, trigger finger itching.

Jake saw Bob rush to your side, hands gently checking you over as tears continued to spill down your eyes. That should be him, Jake thought briefly, bitterly as he saw the younger man try to comfort you. The sound of footsteps thundered down the steps, and Jake watched from his peripherals as Maverick, Benjamin, and Solomon Grindle descend the steps to the scene below. Benjamin's eyes immediately darted to you.

"Scout?" he cried out in shock. You let out a shaky breath, and he felt your eyes dart to him. Isaac stared impassively at him.

"Hangman," he sniffed. Jake hated this man.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped. Isaac was being far too cavalier for Jake's liking, and he had half a mind to put a bullet between the other man's eyes then and there.

"Well," the other man drawled. "I came to collect retribution for what you took from me, but then I saw you with this pretty, little thing the other day, and I figured this would make for a good trade.”

Jake thought back to the job he and the other Daggers had returned from a couple of months back. He had taken from Isaac, that was true. He had taken his woman at the time, among other things. Jake hadn't thought much of it at the time. Isaac was scum of the earth, so why should he? He cursed himself for thinking Isaac wouldn't seek out his revenge.

"I didn't take anything from you that you couldn't replace," he spat. It was true that Isaac didn't care about the woman that Jake had bedded, but the blond knew that wasn't what had him so hellbent on getting even.

"I disagree,” the other man hummed, picking a piece of lint off his shirt. “You wounded my pride, Hangman. And what better retribution than taking your woman?”

Jake's jaw clenched at the threat. Yes, you were his, and he'd be dead in the cold, dark earth before he let anything happen to you.

He saw Maverick move towards him out of the corner of his eye.

"Jake," the older man said softly. Jake barely looked at him, to intent on Isaac. Maverick continued. "Not here, son."

Jake heard the pleading tone in Maverick's voice, finally turning to look at him. He gave a pointed look in your direction, and Jake nearly cried as he finally laid his eyes on you.

Tears streamed down your eyes, mixing with blood from a cut on your cheek. Bruises were already forming on your skin from where Isaac had clawed at you. Your clothes were torn, and you looked so scared. Jake almost dropped to his knees in front of you then and there to beg for your forgiveness.

“The only reason you’re leaving here alive,” he rumbled, nodding his head over at you, “is because she’s here.”

Isaac held eye contact with him for a moment before turning towards the door with a light laugh. Isaac cast one last glance back at you, smirking, and it took all of Jake's willpower to not put a bullet in his head then and there. He gestured for his men to follow him.

“You best keep an eye on her, Hangman,” he called over his shoulder. “Would be a right shame if something were to happen to her while you weren’t lookin’.”

Jake vowed then and there that he would see Isaac rot in the ground if it was the last thing he ever did.

[arcane-vagabond]

Yes to all of this!! Instant gratification has become a serious issue in every aspect of life, and I'm guilty of falling into it too.

In terms of writing, it's exactly what happened with that Tarzan!Bradley fic/collections/series/whatever. I had a fun little thought and got caught up in the excitement surrounding it. Then, when I got farther with it, I realize that I...didn't actually have a plot or direction for it. So, I stopped writing for it because I didn't know where to take it and stopped getting those dopamine hits from it.

Now, the stories you see me update the most often (until we get close to the end of them, in which case I get sad and avoid finishing them lol) are meticulously planned. Maybe not down to the exact detail until I'm sitting down and writing the actual update, but I have a plan for the overall story and ideas for what I want to happen and when.

Jake and Scout's story (DHTN) had a clear set of events, but then I decided to expand their story into two sequels. I paused writing it until I could figure out what I was doing, and I'm glad I did!

Meet Me at the Sea is another one that I'm hyper critical of because I went into it with no planning and didn't develop an actual plot until Chapter Three. I liked the attention it got, but no one really talks about it anymore, and I'm left hating it because I didn't take the time to actually plan it out like I should have.

I love researching for my stories. Not only does it make them more immersive, but as I'm doing research on different topics, I always find something else that has me going "Oh shit? That's actually really cool. Let me see if I can incorporate that into my story somehow!" It's fine if you don't want to put that much effort into it, but if you're serious about honing your writing and storytelling skills, this is how you fucking do it.

I'm constantly having my friends look over parts I'm not sure about because I need to see if my writing is flowing and making sense, that it's portraying and executed like I want it to. I use proofreaders. My friends read my things to double check for me. Are you going to catch everything 100% of the time? Unfortunately, no. But your chances are better when you do these things.

And Morgan is so right! Doing all of these things prolongs the enjoyment of your fic! I still think about DHTN even though it's finished. I smile about my characters and what they've had to overcome. My favorite fics are the ones that I've spent an obscene amount of time planning. Fool's Fare has undergone a few different ending rewrites before I finally settled on one that I liked. We Abide is a story that I've been plotting for about ten years now, y'all are just a test run for the original fiction.

I'm all for everyone trying out new skills and hobbies. But, personally, when I'm entering a new space and trying out a new craft, I'm going to the people who've been doing it for years to see how they do it. I pick up new skills, new tricks, and new tips on how to cultivate said skill and make it my own.

And when people come into a space and post whatever for other people to see, you open yourself up to being seen. No writer on here is going to tear you apart. Any suggestions we give is from a place of wanting to see you grow and be better. I literally went back and read my writing from when I was 14, and I've improved leaps and bounds because I learned from the writing that I DID like and started incorporating it into my stuff.

And quite frankly? When we give out these tips and tricks, and then some anonymous loser comes in and says, "Okay, but who cares? It's not that serious?" It's fucking insulting. This is my craft. This is something I love doing. If you don't want to take it seriously, that's fine, but don't put down something I love just because you don't see the inherent value in it.

Let's talk writing, and how rewarding it can be to do it properly.

I've been thinking a lot, and several of my thoughts navigate back to this post - one of my favourites about fan fiction and why writing is so important.

This absolutely extends to writing style! It takes time to not only write the piece, but re-read/beta it, add punctuation, finesse plot, and double check your grammar! Every time I read through one of my own fics I find something new to tweak to capture the vision, which is part of the 'slow dopamine' the post refers to.

This proofreading process actually prolongs enjoyment of your fic! You get to sit in those scenes a bit longer, have fun figuring out if you should have dialogue that's more choppy or a paragraph with one line to be punchy. In the moment it feels great to just put words on the page and hit publish, but in the long run the more time you spend with a fic until publishing the more connected you'll feel to the story.

Plus then you get to think about the style of your writing!

Writing isn't just words - it's also the visual. How does it look on the page? Is the amount of dialogue you have what you envisioned? Do your scenes have enough description?

Once you've mastered the basics of a high school English class, then you can break the rules! Get creative, have fun, be a rebel in the margins!

Those slow dopamine hits peak now, because you're seeing your entire fic come together exactly as you envisioned - not in a typo-ridden text post that is just a keyboard smash of your brain rot. Now others can enjoy your story just as you enjoy it!

That quick dopamine hit is a one night stand: quick, rushed, and in the moment exactly what you need to itch that scratch. And you may regret it, especially when other's are free to judge it. But taking time to revise your story and really put your best into it? That's the lifelong relationship with a partner who knows you intrinsically and fulfills your needs.

Now you can add a header, pop a little synopsis, and put a 'read more' for good measure before sending into the world!

And if you're upset/scared because you don't know basic English skills and are using this 'quick hit' style to hide behind? READ! Find authors you love and learn from them. Ask others to beta for you and teach you the trade. There's also plenty of online programs like Grammarly that will proofread for punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

It's time for us to get our slow dopamine hits and create content we're not only proud of, but will spark a revolution of spending time on our writing!

You might also be shocked at how much more engagement you receive...😉

[arcane-vagabond]

Omygoodness! What happens when Jake and Scout wake up from that short nap? They are so cute, Ican'teven!

I am SO glad you asked!

-

You woke slowly, head heavy from your impromptu nap. You nuzzled your face into the warmth that surrounded you, feeling the surface beneath you shake lightly as a low chuckle reached your ears.

"That's fine, pretty girl. I don't have anywhere else more important to be than right here."

A hand rested on your head, slowly stroking your hair.

"You know," Jake continued softly, "I never thought much about marriage before I met you. Never thought I'd meet a girl who'd make me want it enough. But then you strolled into town, and I knew."

He huffed out a laugh.

"I knew from the moment I met you that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. Knew I'd move heaven and earth if it gave me even a small chance at stayin' by your side."

He sighed, kissing the top of your head.

"I dream about it all the time, you know," he mused. "Dream about building you a nice, big house that we can grow old in. Dream about how cute you'd look waddlin' around the house with our baby in your tummy. Dream about how we'd look, old and grey as we sit on the porch and watch the grandbabyies runnin' around the yard."

He breathed in the top of your head, dropping his cheek to rest there.

"I think about what it would be like to hold you in my arms just like this for the rest of my life. I think about what it would be like for you to smile at me the way you do at everyone else. You look so pretty when you smile, you know? I think about what it would be like to kiss you after you lose that damn temper of yours. I just think about you, Scout. My heart hurts from how bad I want all of it with you."

You stirred at that, and Jake moved so that you could pull back.

"Jake?" you asked, rubbing at your eyes. He gave you a soft, warm smile.

"Hey there, darlin'," he murmured. "You sleep good?"

"I slept fine," you answered groggily, fixing him with a still sleepy glare. "What were you doing up here napping?"

"Coyotes were out last night," he answered. "Was up all night makin' sure they stayed away from cattle and chicken coop."

"Oh," you said, blinking yourself into more awakened state. "You didn't have to do that."

"I work here, don't I?" he grins with a shrug. You rolled your eyes, and moved to stand up. Jake got to his feet quicker than you did, and offered you his hand. You gave him a small smile in thanks as he helped you up off the ground.

"Let's go," you said, turning to face him, your breath catching in your throat. The setting sun casted a warm glow around him, alighting his features as he stared at you. You thought in that moment that this must have been what the Greeks imagined the god Apollo to look like.

"Everything alright?" he asked you, furrowing his brows. You nodded slowly, forcing yourself to look away.

"Yes," you whispered. You cleared your throat.

"Yes," you said, more firmly this time. "We should go. It's almost supper time."

"As you wish," he smiled, gesturing for you to go down the ladder first. And as the two of you walked out of the barn and back towards the house, you couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to walk with him by your side for the rest of your life.

[arcane-vagabond]

Liz! How was the morning after what happened in chapter six of dhtn?

Chapter seven is awesome btw!!!

I'm so glad you liked it!!! And yeah, we can totally get into that!

It was warm, but not unpleasant. What was the word? Oh, yes. Cozy. You were cozy. You were vaguely aware of the hand that ran through your hair and across your cheek, and you certainly weren't processing the words that filtered through your ear.

"I could wake up for the rest of my life just like this.”

The words were spoken softly, barely above a whisper as his breath fanned over you.

“I know you don’t think much of me,” he continued, “but I’m trying so hard to prove to you that I can be a good man, a man you’d want and deserve. Y’know I haven’t been with anyone else since I saw you that day on the street?”

He let out a low chuckle.

“My thoughts would always come back to you, honey girl. Can’t get you out of my head for the life of me. The guys have been givin’ me shit left and right about how sweet I am on you, but I don’t mind it…because it’s true.”

He was silent for a moment, placing his lips against your forehead before letting out a long sigh.

“I just wish I could see inside that pretty little head of yours, see what you’re thinkin’. There are so many things I want to say to you, to have from you, sweetheart, but most of all, I just want you to like me.”

He hummed sadly, longingly.

“But that’s just it, isn’t it? I don’t like you, honey girl, I-“

He stopped himself before letting out another sigh, running his fingers over your still closed eyelids and down to your cheek.

“One day, I’ll be selfish enough to finish that sentence, I swear it. For now, I’m going to stay by your side until that day comes.”

You stirred from your sleep, humming lightly as the waking world greets you finally. You pried your tired eyes open, meeting adoring green ones.

“Jake?” You mumbled, reaching up to wipe the sleep from your eyes. He smiled down at you affectionately, hand still running through your hair.

“Mornin’, darlin’,” he cooed at you. “You hungry?”

“Mmm, yeah,” you smiled softly up at him, earning a chuckle.

“Alright, pretty girl. You get dressed and I’ll go save us a table at the dining cart. How’s that sound?”

You nodded, blushing as he moved to dress himself, last night’s activities coming back to you. He smiled down at you as he finished buttoning his shirt, leaning over to press a passionate kiss to your lips. He pulled away, chuckling when you chased after him for more.

“Don’t be too long, sugar,” he winked, walking out the door.

[arcane-vagabond]

Alright, after talking with @goldenseresinretriever I’m curious

[arcane-vagabond]

The fact that NONE of you have talked about the fact that Jake came in his pants during the train scene just from touching Scout, has me concerned ngl

[arcane-vagabond]

DPU Characters as incorrect quotes part five!!

Bradley: We can't lose. Because we have this. *Points to his chest*

Scout: We have heart?

Bradley: Heart? What? No, me. I'm pointing at myself. I'm going to get us the hell out of here.

-

Jake: You fainted, do you remember anything?

Bunny: Only the ambulance ride.

Bradley: That wasn’t an ambulance ride, I drove you.

Bunny: But, I heard a siren?

Bradley: That was Bob.

Bob: Sorry, I got nervous.

-

Jake: We're playing Scrabble. It's a nightmare.

Bob: Scrabble? Scrabble's great.

Jake: Not when you're playing with Scout, it's not. She puts words like "ephemeral" and I put "dog".

-

Jake: Here, Scout, we made you a cake as a peace offering.

Scout: Thanks, you two, that's—

Scout: ...wait. Why are you giving me a peace offering?

Bradley: ...We'd hate to ruin the surprise.

-

Scout: Do you ever shut the fuck up?

Jake: Scout! I thought you knew me well enough to know the answer to that question!

-

Bob : Is something burning?

Bunny : My burning love for you of course!

Bob : …

Bunny: …

Bunny : And the kitchen is on fire…

-

Bunny: Who's in charge here?

Bradley, shrugging: Usually whoever yells the loudest.

-

Scout: I hate you with every inch of my body!

Jake: That’s not a lot of inches.

-

Bradley: You know, I used to play back in my gory days.

Bunny: You mean glory days?

Bradley: Ah, that too.

-

Scout: Quick, give me something blunt! 

Jake: You have a hard time letting people in and trusting individuals. 

Scout: I meant an object!

-

Bradley: Where are you hearing this? What's your source?

Bunny: I lurk in a lot of places.

-

Bob: The salary of a clown is 51,000 dollars.

Bob, gesturing to Bradley and Jake fighting: And yet these idiots do it daily, and for free!

-

Javy: When we first met you, we thought you were weird and annoying.

Mickey:

Reuben:

Bob:

Jake: And?

Javy: And you are.

-

Bradley, entering a supposedly haunted building: Hey there, Demons! It’s me, ya boy.

-

Birdie: I think we should just tell Bunny. She'd probably understand! She has very kind eyes.

Bradley: She hit me with a frying pan once, Birdie. And it's not like it is in the cartoons. That shit hurts.

-

Jake: ...And that concludes the plan! Rooster, you’re up.

Bradley, stepping in front of the others: Alright, time to see if you little shits were paying attention.

Bradley: *Starts playing Kahoot music*

-

Bradley: You don’t need perfect people to make a perfect team, Mav. You need people whose flaws feed into each other. It’s- Jake, what do you call it again?

Jake: Synergy, Roo.

Bob: Co-dependency.

-

*At the police station*

Scout: I’m here for my boyfriend.

Desk Sergeant: Who’s your boyfriend?

Scout: You must be new here.

-

U.S. Marshal Simpson: In your opinion, what's the height of stupidity?

Scout, leaning over to Jake: How tall are you again?

-

Jake: I'm asking permission to marry your sister. 

Benjamin: What is this, the dark ages? You know what? Since you've asked, no you cant, beat me in a duel first.

-

Birdie: I don't know why people think I don't know how to kiss. I read about it in books.

-

Bob: I’m glad you could all make it. We need to discuss finances today.

Bradley: Um... it’s just me?

Bob: I know. You owe me twenty bucks.

-

Bunny: I like being on my own. I’m better off this way. I’m a lone wolf, a loner.

Bunny: Alone. All alone. Forever

Bunny:

Bunny, clearing her throat: What’s a wolf gotta do to get a hug around here?!

*Bunny is immediately tackled by Bob.*

-

Bradley: Where is my fucking gun?

Birdie: Bradley, there are children here. Please use proper language.

Bradley: May I ascertain the current whereabouts of my fucking gun?

-

Scout: Bye Bob!

Scout: Bye Jake!

Scout: Bye Bradley!

Scout: Bye Javy!

Scout: Bye Bob!

Bunny: You said ‘bye Bob’ twice.

Scout: I like Bob.

-

Birdie: Why isn’t the statue smirking at me?

Scout: It isn’t smirking at anyone, they’re all just imagining it.

Bradley: Three of us saw it, Scout. How do you explain that?

Scout: *points at Bradley* Sleep deprivation. *points at Bob* Paranoia. *points at Jake* Delusional personality disorder.

-

Jake: *Screams*

Scout: *Screams louder to assert dominance*

Bob: Should we do something?!

Bradley, observing: No, I want to see who wins this.

[arcane-vagabond]

DPU characters as incorrect quotes part three!!

Jake: *kicks open the door looking very panicked*

Scout: What did you do this time?!

Jake: NOBODY DIED.

Scout: WHAT SORT OF AN ANSWER IS THAT?!?!?

-

Scout: You're the most jealous man I know.

Jake: You know other men?

-

Computer: Please enter a password.

Bradley: *Types in Birdie*

Computer: Your password is too weak.

Bradley: How fucking DARE YOU-

-

Jake: Who thinks I can fit 15 marshmallows into my mouth?

Scout: You're a hazard to society.

Bradley: And a coward. Do twenty.

-

Bradley: I impulsively bought a snake. What do I name him?

Bob: You did WHAT—

Jake: William Snakespeare.

-

Jake, admiring a sleeping Scout: You’re so cute.

Scout, sleepily: I could beat you up.

Jake, lovingly: I know.

-

Birdie, watching the news: "Someone tried to fight a squid at the aquarium today!"

Bradley, walks in covered in ink: "Well, maybe the squid was being a dickhead."

-

Jake: I'm this close to falling in love with you.

Scout: Jake, your fingertips are touching.

Jake: Exactly, Angel.

-

Birdie: Truth or dare?

Bradley: Truth.

Birdie: How many hours of sleep have you got?

Bradley: Dare.

Birdie: Go to bed.

Bradley: I don’t like this game.

-

Jake: I think I got your lunch.

Jake: *pulls out a note saying: "I am very proud of you. Love, Scout"*

Bob: Oh yeah. I didn't think this was for me.

Bob: *Holds up a note saying: "Be good. For the love of God please be good."*

-

Scout to Jake: I hate you.

Bob, in his head: Enemies to lovers, slowburn, angst with happy ending, 300k+ words.

-

Scout: Yesterday, I overheard Bunny saying “Are you sure this is a good idea?” and Bradley replying “Trust me,” and I have never moved from one room to another so quickly in my life.

-

Birdie: Sorry it took me so long to bail you out of jail.

Bradley: No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have used my one phone call to prank call the police.

[earlier]

U.S. Marshal Beau Simpson: U.S. Marshal Simpson speaking.

Bradley: Is your refrigerator running?

-

Bradley: We need to get through this locked door. Bob, give me your credit card.

Bob: Here.

Bradley, pocketing it: Thanks. Jake, kick down the door.

-

*Bob and Jake turn up at Birdie's door and knock to come in*

Bob: "Can we stay with you tonight?"

Birdie: "Both of you? What happened?"

Jake: "Someone was playing with a ouija board and cursed the whole saloon."

Bob: "Bradley wasn’t any help. He doesn’t know how to banish spirits, so he’s just throwing salt at them yelling “does this look like a hotel to you!?”"

-

(As they're rough-housing, and Jake is winning)

Jake: Any last words, Bobby?

Bob: May thy fat head be set upon by sea spiders and torn asunder, leaving only thine eyes to witness the humiliation!

Bradley: (spectating): Ooh, pretty good last words...

[arcane-vagabond]

Dagger Posse Universe characters as incorrect quotes!!

Scout: I'll fight him.

Bob: Is that before or after you kiss him?

-

Scout: (walking in with a knife) Is stabbing someone immoral?

Jake: (not looking up) Not if they consent to it.

Bradley: (thrilled to have found his people) Depends on who your stabbing.

Bob: (visibly concerned) YES??!!?

-

Jake: I think we can be evil as a treat!

Scout: We?

Jake: We :)

-

Jake: Do you want to play 20 Questions?

Scout: Sure! What's your favorite color?

Jake, laser fucking focused: Triangle. Do you love me?

-

Bradley: 'You'll never find the body' is such a boring threat. A better threat would be; 'You'll never stop finding the body.'

Jake, bored: Or just say, 'They'll be finding parts of you for at least four months...and you'll still be alive for three of them.'

Bradley: Now that's a threat!

Bob, covering Bunny's ears: *horrified silence*

-

Maverick, pointing at Rooster: That child is morally grey at best.

-

*At a zoo*

Bunny: What are they in for?

Bob: Bunny, this isn't prison.

Bunny: So they can leave?

Bob: No, but-

Bunny, pointing at a meerkat: I bet that one murdered someone.

-

Bob: *Accidentally brushes Bunny's hand with his own*

Bunny:

Bunny: *Aggressively holds Bob's hand*

Bunny, under her breath to Bob: Fucking commit to it.

-

Jake: I've connected the two dots.

Scout: You didn't connect shit.

Jake: I've connected them.

-

Birdie: This date is boring.

Bradley: This isn't a date. I told you I was going to the store.

Birdie: Then why did you invite me?

Bradley: I didn't. I specifically said "do not come with me" and you said "don't tell me what to do" and followed me here.

-

Goon 1: Last night, Hangman paid the boss a visit, and Scout picked up a grenade someone left on a crate, and let me tell you…

Goon 1: When Hangman yelled “Put that shit back” so loud, you know what I did?

Goon 2: You put your own shit back didn’t you?

Goon 1: I put my own shit back.

-

Birdie: Jake says it's okay!

Birdie, thinking: That probably means it isn't okay.

-

Jake: Am I in trouble?

Scout: Take a guess.

Jake: No?

Scout: Take another guess.

[arcane-vagabond]

Okay, so here's what i'm THINKING with the DPU

I think i'm going to post Chapters Four and Five of DHTN so that way we're caught up to basically the same time as Birdie and Bunny's stories. So, the next two updates are going to be for that.

Sound good to everyone?

[arcane-vagabond]

DPU characters as incorrect quotes Part Two!!

Jake: Looks like we can't mansplain, manipulate, malewife our way out of this one.

Bradley: Manslaughter it is!

-

Scout: [fully immersed in a new book, listening to classical music, very focused]

Jake: [upside down on the bookshop couch] Do you think ducks have feelings?

-

Bradley: I love you.

Birdie, scoffing: How many people have you said that too?

Bradley: Everyone.

Birdie: What?

Bradley: I told everyone that I love you.

-

Scout: I will now torture you.

Jake: Kinky!

Scout: I think you are kind and beautiful.

Jake: Wait...

Scout: You deserve to be cared for as much as you care for me.

Jake: No.

Scout: Your feelings and needs are valid and deserve to be heard.

Jake: I need a safeword!

-

Scout is painfully Mom coded in a very specific aspect

Scout: It's too dangerous, you're not going. End of discussion.

The Daggers: Or what.

Scout:

Scout: ... What?

The Daggers: ...Um.

Bob, literally inventing 10 prayers on the spot for them because he's the sweetest and doesn't get in trouble:

-

*On the phone*

Scout: Babe, I'm breaking up-

Jake: I'm pregnant!

Scout: I meant the call.

Jake: Right, sorry. I panicked.

-

Bunny: I need life advice.

Bradley, sipping gatorade and eating cookie dough: You came to the right person.

-

*On the phone*

Jake: Remember how I said Bradley and I were gonna have a calm night out for once?

Scout: Yeah...

Jake: Well, we're in jail.

Scout: *Hangs up the phone*

-

Bob: I love you, guys. You're the best thing that ever happened to me.

Bradley: We're the best thing that's ever happened to you?

Bob: Yes.

Jake: Now I'm starting to feel a little sorry for you.

-

Scout: Do you want to explain the text you sent me last night?

Jake: It was autocorrect.

Scout: Autocorrect wrote "You're so hot. Please step on me."?

Jake: Yes.

-

Bob, in a meeting: My policy is if you see something, say something.

Bunny: I saw a squirrel in a tree today!

Bob, with the tone of someone who is used to Bunny: Outstanding.

Bob: This is what I'm talking about people.

[arcane-vagabond]

Scout whenever Jake does something nice for her

LITERALLY THOUGH.

She's so mad that she likes him, it's unreal 😭

"How DARE I fall for this stupid cowboys charm?? Sure, he's handsome, and sweet, and overall a gentleman towards me, but what should that matter? I have betrayed myself."

[arcane-vagabond]

How do y'all envision Scout and Jake's story to end?