#( kevin: main verse. )

[tigerincahoots]

closed starter for: @dethenryquinn

IT WAS HALLOWEEN NIGHT. That one time of the year when all the fucking psychos would go even more psycho than usual and end up making a mess of things. Just ask Michael Meyers and Art, the Clown in that department. And Kevin HATED Halloween with a burning passion. He respected the whole spun tales on how the veil between the dead and the living became thinner that day – he had seen some shit – but he absolutely despised the insurmountable number of brats running around and ringing bells asking for a trick or treat. The only good thing about that was that he was working that night. Not that detective work was for him but new assignments required new rules and he had to pose as a damn homicide detective to track down the monster he was supposed to neutralize. His background had been flawlessly constructed to fit the bill and now...? Now he was just playing the waiting game in his office alongside his new-but-maybe-not-that-much partner.

HE FUCKING HATED BEING SOCIAL.

”HOW TYPICAL IS IT FOR A MURDER TO HAPPEN TONIGHT?” His question is carefree. His glance turns to the other detective �� Henry Quinn - as Kevin tosses random coloured gummy bears into the air to catch them with an open mouth. He would much rather be out there. Hunting. That’s what he was good at. Tracking people down and bringing them back dead or alive. The waiting game was not for him. Being idle drove him insane, which could be reflected in the occasional grumpy comment addressed to no one. “Like, are we just supposed to stay here? Sitting down, scratching our balls and comparing dick sizes while waiting for someone to just call us?” Gods, that shit was tedious. “We hit the road back on my old precinct.” A lie but he needed to play his role as a detective. “Fuck knows how many psychos are going out tonight. And I am not talking about the brats…”

[pumpkinhcad]

@merwyn-muses || Starter.

February 14th. Every year, that day had the same strange feeling to it, and Pump could never put a finger as to why.

The town had been painted red for such a day. Every shop with a window or a showcase was bloodily-stained in the form of paper and glittery heart shapes stuck to the glass, and the culprit was always some flying, fat baby with a bow and arrow in his hands. Entrances and storefronts alike would be given a spark of shiny crimson with the help of (Christmas? He believed those were Christmas) lights. And the local flower shop, especially, would change from colorful and green to red and pink all around, turning its part of the street into a crime scene straight out a spooky movie.

But, get this, it was NOT Spooky Month! People were not going out in spooky costumes, neither were going to see spooky movies at the local theater. During that season they always had icky, sappy titles like "Together At Last" or "Just the Two of Us" instead, which always caused him to stick his tongue out and rolls his eyes with slight contempt.

As he was by himself that day, such a walk around town had left him with the same exact questions he had every year... (And he knew who could clear up his doubts!)

Which was exactly why his little journey had taken him to the doors of the Candy Club that afternoon. The building looked almost the same as always, pink and blue, and very welcoming... that is, except for the very unwelcomed presence of red hearts and those dumb, fat, flying babies all over the windows.

In his mind, if the candy shop had not been spared either, then nothing was sacred that day. As if things could not get any more dire already!

The silence was broken when the automatic doors let him into the store, his dressing shoes click-clacking aaaaaaall the way to the glass counter in the back. The place seemed to be missing a lot of candy and chocolates as well, but that concern was not at the top of his list (yet).

Just as he was hoping... ❝ Hiiiiiiiii, Kevin! ❞ ...he was at work that day!

[nctafraid]

@inthesunshineriptide liked for a starter based on a song from my playlist || dorothea ~ taylor swift

"This place is the same as it ever was." Kevin spoke as he shuffled through the phone records, looking to see if there was anything that connected the victims in their most recent case. "You're always welcome to join us when you're ready to get back to some real work Castle. And before you say press tours are work, just know that Javi and I were literally in a dumpster last week while you were in sunny Florida."

[fcllederage]

thread with @troublesomecousin started here

Hyacinthe was shaking on their legs, hugging their body as they waited at the door. They did not particularly like doing this, knocking at a friend's door in the middle of the night, as they knew exactly what it entailed. They would need to explain why they were under the rain at night, not in drag, and they were not ready for that. They were also not ready for a pneumonia and a stay at the hospital. Moreover, they could always make something up if he asked. After all, maybe he would not ask at all.

Who were they kidding?

When Kevin opened the door, Hyacinthe looked down in shame. They had not meant to bother him by waking him up but he was the closest to their location and they knew he would welcome them willingly. They listened to him and came inside when he instructed them to, still wet form the rain. "Well huh... It's raining and I don't have anywhere to get at the moment," they replied softly. They did not dare step too far into his place, in fear of flooding his floor too much. "I'm sorry, I know it's late, I can go if you want."

[kitxkatrp]

"I dunno what you're talking about. My son is perfect."

"..."

"I love you just as much Anne, don't worry."

[chenfordswopez]

Kevin Hernandez moodboard

[pumpkinhcad]

❝ 'Black sheep'? ❞ Judging by the way he stared, and his flat tone of voice, he did not understand what Kevin meant. After all, he had seen it before! ❝ But my hair is not black. ❞ A beat. ❝ Oh! But my mom's is! ❞ Kevin should be glad Pump had not caught on to the negative connotations behind such an idiom. Otherwise, he would have thought he was being very mean! And that is not like Kevin at all!

Was that not normal? Being just like his parents? Yeah right- what was Kevin going to tell him next? That his parents did NOT work selling candy too? This seven-year-old might be gullible, but not to that degree! On the contrary, he would totally look at the ceiling. But it was not like the clerk's perception was unwarranted: only Skid and he kept Spooky Month alive. Susie refused to leave the house on Halloween night, and do not get him started on their parents. It was a good thing this kid never, ever, overthought things.

'The one demon'... The air became a bit tense. Those three words were enough to cause Pump to become as quiet as a grave. His white pupils even drifted off to a corner of the store, and he had this... look on his face. No words were needed to say that, well, the feeling was shared.

❝ ...Well-- ❞ Of course, just because they were talking about demons now, it did not mean they had to be so gloomy about it. ❝ --there demons that are good. ❞ Once again, he pointed, this time at the figure Kevin was holding. ❝ And a lot of people used to like Baphomet! ❞ As in 'worshipping' him. But that was not a word he knew. Wait. "Used to"? ❝ And then they all got burned at the stake. ❞ Sigh. Something morbid. ❝ So not anymore. ❞

His delivery was so matter-of-fact it must have sent chills down Kevin's spine. It was an interesting fact, though! Everyone assumed all demons were spooky, evil beings, but they could not be any more wrong!

there's an almost nervous laugh that escapes him at first. yeah, they sure did-- even when he didn't ask for it, he was bound to see something heart stopping every time he encountered these two whilst he was on shift. but in a way? kevin couldn't tell if he was concerned or perhaps happy that it'd become part of his norm. his friends? they'd kill to have a job as exciting as this-- being possessed or chased by a serial killer wasn't exactly advertised on the application for a candy store clerk.

kevin's so focused on making sure that the recently glued arm was actually sticking, that he didn't notice pump sneaking around behind him until-- yeah, he almost jumps out of his skin. thank GOD his flailing limbs didn't accidentally hit the figurine. they didn't need to start from square one, or break it even more than it already was.

split into two pieces... alright, it shouldn't be too bad. it's almost like putting a puzzle together. albeit a very shattered, sharp edged, pointy, jagged puzzle, but that's besides the point. sure enough, a hand dives into the bag, slowly shifting through the rattling pieces until he finally found a few pieces that looked as if they'd go together? okay, it's better if he just gets all the pieces and lays them out on the glass counter instead and piece them together that way.

"huh, so it kinda is a hereditary thing after all. and here i was thinking you guys were just the black sheep in your families--" well, now that he's thinking about it, it made more sense than not. these kids had been through some stuff, and that was saying something. i mean, bringing a literal demon into town like it was their pet dog? and just acting like it was normal?-- either they kept this stuff hush, or their families were just as strange. but hey, it wasn't kevin's job to go snooping around in other people's business like that.

fingers bring two more of the pieces together, making sure they aligned properly before once again, super gluing them together, a subtle hum under his breath as he continued to work. "so you're pretty knowledgeable huh?-- you got any, i dunno, interesting facts for me? i only really know about the one demon thanks to uh... well, actually, i'd prefer not to remember that."

[tigerincahoots]

"I think your steely gaze alone got that last guy to confess." Henry smiled as Kevin walked into the office behind the two-way glass. He gripped his partner's shoulder and gave him a pat. "Good job."

WAS HE SURPRISED? Of course, not. Interrogating people was part of his vast skillset - not that Henry was aware of that - so it wasn't that much different than staring at someone while viewing them as they were: SHEEP. Deep down he was every bit of a predator as the beast that dwelled in the darkest corners of his mind, waiting to be unleashed upon the world. Besides, what is interrogating a human when he is already used to dealing with a completely different variety of beings?

"ARE YOU GOING TO CALL ME A GOOD BOY NOW?" Hopefully not. "Are you going to give me a treat for doing a good job?" There was one treat he could have but considering they were both working, he shouldn't stretch the rope that much. "Maybe later you can tell me how amazing I was in detail." Away from the station, probably wearing a lot less clothes and being way more sweaty. He would never pass on hearing praise - even if he was fully aware that he had done an amazing job. Anything less than perfection would be a failure.

"ALSO..." His gaze quickly scanned their surroundings. The suspect was still inside the interrogation room and everyone else was too busy minding their own pathetic existence to pay any attention to the two of them. So, Kevin did what he did best. His hand reached for Henry's elbow, pulling him close to him - just enough to discreetly brush his beard over the shell of the detective's earlobe. Just enough to send shivers down his spine. "Next time you call me a good boy like a perfectly trained golden retriever..." He was not a fan. "I will take you to the nearest closet and spank your ass so hard you'll be feeling it for a week, darling."

[pumpkinhcad]

”alright alright, you made your point. it doesn’t look as bad as i thought.” there’s a slight grin on his face as kevin twists and tilts his head to admire the fresh spooky-themed face paint he wore. “i’ll just have to take it off before my next shift…” a beat, and then eyebrows crease with worry. “it’s gonna come off, right?-“

hands you a kevin

It was as if a TV remote had been used to pause him in place, for he just stood there, completely petrified... but in a good way?? His hands were balled up, his body was trembling, and he could not stop making this long, low 'ohhhhhh' noise; but how else could he contain himself from EXPLODING into loud and non-stop cheering?! Even Kevin thought he had done a great job!!

Coming across a box of face paint crayons at the mall he resulted in Pump running around town in search for someone to try them onto. For the most part, he had not been very successful in this endeavor, either being shooed away, dismissed, or outright rejected by every adult he approached... until he saw Kevin having his break behind the candy store, that is! Kevin never fails them!

Sure, he would have used his puppy eyes technique in the process, but it was enough to convince the store clerk to let the kid paint something on his face. And he had a very spooky idea as to what he wanted to paint! So, without delay, he put those crayons to work. With care, of course. Face-painting is a VERY serious business, and he knew better than poking someone's eye out.

When the other finally got to see the final result with the help of his phone's front camera, Pump jumped: ❝ Of COURSE it doesn't!! ❞ Visibly proud, he pressed both hands against his sides. ❝ If you were a piece of paper I'd hang you on the fridge, Kevin! ❞ Not to toot his own horn, but he thought of himself as a very good artist, and this was one of his best works yet! He just HAD to make sure of it.

That box of crayons had costed him his entire allowance and it had been worth every cent! Had Skid been there that afternoon, he would have wanted to be next on the spooky face paint line too! Ah. He could already imagine it... (Keep your feet on the ground, Flesh.) Oh, right, this was way more important than some mere spooky face paint! After all, Kevin liked it! And that was what mattered to the seven-year-old the most.

After putting all the crayons back in its box, his white gloves now completely stained, his eyes focused on the information in the back. Easy on, easy off! He nodded his head eagerly.

❝ It should come off! ❞ Luckily for the clerk, Pump had bought the right crayons for the task, and not something truly scary like... well, permanent markers. Still, still!! He waved his arms to get Kevin's attention. ❝ But!! If you take a picture, the paint will stay forever! ❞ And could be hanged from the fridge! That is how his family treated his drawings, at least.

Cue a pause, arms and hands resting behind his back and his demeanor slowly, and visibly, mellowed out. There likely were a lot of things in his mind at that moment but, judging by the smile on his face? Only one of those things mattered.

❝ Thank you for letting me paint your face, Kevin! I had fun. ❞ Really, he would have been very sad if he had not gotten to test those crayons out. And it reminded him of when he, his sister and their parents would get ready for Halloween night. ❝ And you look very spooky like that! You should join me and Skid next Halloween so I can do it again! ❞ He expected a resounding 'no!' from that but, hey, it was not going to take away from the rest of the experience.

[nctafraid]

@stupiidgood​ ||  "Why would anyone be attracted to you? You look like a villain on the CW."

He froze at the sentence, unsure of what he is even supposed to say to that. Kevin was aware that he didn’t have a lot of dates, and when you’re friends with Richard Castle that becomes even more obvious. The writer had a line out the door of women who would want to spend a night with him, while Kevin was lucky to get a date at least once a month. Still, wasn’t sure that it was something he needed pointed out. Especially now that he’s finally made it to a second date with a girl. 

“Excuse me?” He asked, raising his eyebrow. He wasn’t sure wha the was even supposed to say to that. “I don’t even know what that really means.” 

[tigerincahoots]

HOW HE HATED WORKING WITH OTHERS. It would be far easier to just kill whoever the other guy was and deal with the mark alone – but not only was Kevin pretty damn sure that the other man wouldn’t go down easy… but the beast within was itching for a hunt. In times like those, the best course of action was the release some of the pent-up aggression somewhere else. Let the animal side take over for a moment or two and return to the usual composed and stoic self. Less chances for him to fuck up whatever job he was sent to finish. Whether the man in question or not deserved to be killed before his time, it was none of his issue. A mark had been given and considering he wasn’t the only person wanting to drastically reduce someone’s lifespan… maybe the fucker did deserve a bullet between the eyes or two. ”JUST MAKE SURE THE DOOR IS OPEN.” He was placing a lot of trust in the talons of some fuckboy he had just met – but such was the circumstances and he would have to play with the hand he had been dealt with. “I’ll be there in ten minutes. Don’t worry.” He would even be there in nine or eight to make sure they would not be interrupted once more. The fucking idiot had tripped the damn alarm and most of the security guards would be looking for whoever activated it while the rest would guard the entrance to the panic room. It was bookmarked tactics. Protect the motherfucking investment. WITHOUT A WORD OR A SOUND… he leaves. Steps that make no sound move quickly past the hallways, feline agility coming into play whenever security guards are spotted. One used as a body shield before the second drops with a snapped neck. A punch on the throat to the third that crushes his larynx. A kick to the neck that cracks it on the spot. One by one every single security guard that sees his face ends up dead. It’s quick and silent. Most of them don’t even realize they are dead before they hit the ground. And Kevin keeps going. Making his bloody path to the panic room where another ground of armed guards is waiting for him. SHEEP.

THEY DIE AS QUICKLY AND QUIETLY AS THE OTHERS. Bodies piled on bodies as Kevin brushes his hands together after a bloody dance of blood and steel. If the fucking CHICKEN hadn’t triggered the fucking alarm, this would have been a lot less messier than it was. But a job was a job and as long as the mark would eat led, Kevin couldn’t really be bothered by the amount of bodies that had been piled outside. Never send an amateur to do a tiger’s job. Now…? He waits. Arms folded over his chest as he stares into the thick panic room door, built to be as impressive as a bank lock. Only opened from the inside of course, because what sort of room would a guy that shits money would want? The best of the best….

The finger jabbed his chest. Hard. Toby tracked the movement with cold eyes, letting his posture shift from casual to controlled. "Bit handsy for someone preaching professionalism."

Above them, boots thundered across polished floors. Getting closer. The panic room's location burned in his mind—intel courtesy of people who'd be rather cross if he cocked this up any further. People who'd invested far too much in what lay hidden in the target's private safe. The alarm's wail had settled into white noise, but each second it blared was another nail in their timeline.

"Fine." His accent clipped the word sharp. "I'll handle the inside work. Pop the lock, deal with security." A tight smile crossed his lips. "Since you're so keen on cleaning up my mess."

The maintenance shaft would be a tight fit, but he'd squeeze through. Had to. His talons itched beneath his skin, ready for what waited inside. "Just try to leave some of them breathing, yeah? Dead men tell no tales, but they do attract attention."

Toby sized up the access panel, calculating angles and tight corners. The American might think him an amateur, but there was a method to his supposed sloppiness. Sometimes the best way through security wasn't to sneak past it—it was to make such a bloody racket that no one noticed the real threat until too late.

Your opinion of my skills is noted, by the way." The metal gave way with a soft click. "Quite touching, really. We should get t-shirts made. 'I survived working with an amateur.'" He caught another wave of that predator's scent, stronger now—all power and barely contained violence. Not the first big cat he'd dealt with, but definitely the most controlled. "Though I suspect you won't be ordering yours just yet".

The shaft gaped dark above him. Tight quarters, but the schematics he'd memorized showed a clear path to the panic room's upper access point. Most people never looked up. Their mistake.

He pulled himself up, the shaft barely fit his shoulders, but he knew how to move in close quarters. "Ten minutes. That's your window before I crack their shell. Try not to get too carried away with the carnage." His lips quirked. "And do keep the property damage minimal? Some of us have to maintain professional relationships in this city."

The American's growled response faded as Toby navigated the shaft's cramped corners. In the dark, his other senses sharpened. The guards' positions mapped themselves by sound and scent—three in the panic room itself, two more in the adjacent office. The target's cologne cut through it all, expensive and cloying.

Perfect. They'd never expect death to drop from above while the tiger played with their friends. Sometimes the best plans were the simple ones. Even if his temporary partner didn't appreciate the elegance of it all.

[fcllederage]

❛ we're all stupid. small stupid little humans. it's like our whole deal. ❜

"Ugh, it's such a negative point of view. I don't like it. Shut up."

@troublesomecousin

[kitxkatrp]

Gently drops a Rowan here for the muse of your choice~

"A-A haircut? But why would anyone want to see my eyes? They're ugly--"

Kevin they are the opposite of ugly. They are gorgeous, shut up.

[fcllederage]

"Yeah, I perform here every night. Almost," she answered in a soft voice, not at all offended by what he had said previously. She took a puff of her cigarette, watching quietly the smoke raise up in the air. "Honestly, you better get used to it quick. This place is the safest you'll find around. I've never felt so good anywhere else."

He takes the cigarette and gives her an appreciative smile as he pulls out his lighter, offered her the flame first. "Thanks." Kevin furrows his brow slightly as she speaks, trying to determine if he's said something inadvertently offensive. "I just meant I needed some air. It's nice...never worked this place before, I'm not quite family yet. So, this is...what? Your regular gig?"

[tigerincahoots]

[Text; Kevin🐯] Hello, honey, darling, light of my life. How are you this fine afternoon? 💘

[Text; Kevin🐯] So, anyway, I've broken down on the road outside of the city, can you come give me a jump or do I have to butter you up some more? 😙😙😙😙

[Text; Kevin🐯] If you don't I'm hitching and giving road-head to the first trucker I see.

[ txt to little shit ]: Please don't. You can just ask how my afternoon is going without making me want to hurl you into space. I mean, seriously! What's next? Booboo?

[ txt to little shit ]: Don't call me that. I will shoot you dead and hide your corpse. Don't.

[ txt to little shit ]: So, all the flattery was for me to pick you up? Why didn't you just say so? Hey, I need a lift. You free? It's easy. And doesn't make me want to hurl you into space.

[ txt to little shit ]: I mean, I wouldn't be against seeing you give head to someone else? I do like watching?

[ txt to little shit ]: You're such a little shit. If you were trying to make me jealous, it did not work. I will pick you up but only on the condition that I am the one getting road-head.

[ txt to little shit ]: How's that, CUTIE-PATOOTIE? Bet you don't like the nickname calling now! ;)

[pumpkinhcad]

"Pump! Look at my noo swettah!"

A long "ohhhhh" of surprise followed Pump as he paced around his best friend, getting a good look at his sweater. Needless to say, his face said it all. ❝ That's so cool!! Did your mom buy it? ❞ He still had the same old coat from the year before. Comfortable, yes, warm too, but it could not simply compete with a crossbones sweater. He was a bit jealous!