#((His weapon of choice is either a bat or a brass knuckle

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Miraculous: Magical Connections Power Changes

I went over certain power changes briefly in my backstory rewrites, but I wanted to go into more detail as well as add a specific link to the master post I have pinned

Let's get into it (keep in mind, certain things won't be said to avoid spoilers even if you're reading this after things have been revealed)

No Changes:

Rabbit Miraculous (Only it's concept which is now Time)

Turtle Miraculous

Monkey Miraculous

Mouse Miraculous

Eagle Miraculous

The Prodigious

Weapon Changes:

Goat/Rooster/Dog/Horse Miraculous:

All four of the original weapons (Paintbrush, fountain pen, ball, and horseshoe respectively) were not good weapons, so I changed them to keep the same feeling as the original but actually work as proper weapons

The Goat now has a bat, the Rooster has a dagger, the Dog has a flail, and the Horse has a tekkō (the tekkō is similar to that of brass knuckles and resembles a horseshoe)

Pig/Snake Miraculous:

Neither of these weapons (tambourine and lyre respectively) fit and unlike the other four, they aren't even on brand with the power or animal, so they've been changed to be good weapons and fit with them better

The Pig now has a rapier, a weapon that needs precision to use as it is a stabbing, not a slicing weapon, and the Snake now has a whip, a fitting choice for it as it resembles a snake tail (both of these also play into their powers)

Minor Changes/Tweaks:

Cat/Bee/Horse/Fox Miraculous:

When the user activates their Cataclysm/Venom/Voyage/Mirage, it won't start their timer until the use it, meaning they can also deactivate it after it's been primed (This is only the case for these four as these do not immediately activate)

Bee Miraculous:

The user sets the time for Venom to last, ranging from seconds to hours to days (depending on the experience of the user), however if the user doesn't have a set time it'll simply be "Indefinite" as it'll either disappear when the user wants it to or when the user detransforms (or an outside force frees them)

Cat Miraculous:

We've seen before that the Cataclysm can spread; however it can only spread if it is the same item, so it could be spread further and faster along something like a billboard, but the moment the user's hand is not touching something it'll stop

Dog Miraculous:

It's not a simple touch anymore because it was too easy to do accidentally, now the user most use the end of their flail (the weapon was changed) and say "Sniff" to activate it, and "Fetch" to retrieve it like in canon

Fox Miraculous:

We've seen this in canon, but it's never been clarified, so I wanted too here: it's possible to create a "scene" of illusions which will not all disappear when one is disrupted (ie; an illusion of Ladybug and Chat won't both be disrupted if the Ladybug illusion is)

Ladybug Miraculous:

Very small tweak that the power adapts not only to the user but to the villain, while this is sort of true in canon, I wanted that to be more apparent here

For example, if Marinette were to fight Mr. Pigeon, she'd get a coin for the vending machine, if it were Adrien, he'd get a clothes pin because of his allergies and fight him head on, if it were Alya, she'd get a bird call to confuse the pigeons and so on

Peafowl Miraculous:

When an Amok uses negative emotions it creates a Sentimonster, whereas if it uses positive emotions, it creates a Sentibeing

The name of the Miraculous has also been changed to Peafowl

Major Changes:

The "Miraculous Ladybug" Ability:

It still exists but in concept but in concept alone, the entire power has been reworked to be less overpowered and not be an undo button at the end of each battle

The first change is that, to use it, it can only be used by combining the magic of the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous (not unification, but two holders combining their powers)

The second is that it can only fix damage directly caused by magic, so it'll put the animal's that Animan controlled back in the zoo, but if Ladybug ripped out a streetlight it wouldn't fix it since, while it was her enhanced strength that did it, it wasn't magic in nature

The third is that this power takes a lot of energy from both Ladybug and Chat Noir AND Tikki and Plagg, meaning this isn't something that can be done constantly without taking a physical toll on the users

Butterfly Miraculous:

The thing is, there wasn't anything wrong with them before, but since I wanted to reduce the Ladybug Miraculous to not being a magic fix-all, I had to change how the power worked

Akuma and Kamiko are the same and work identically with the exception that Kamiko target positive emotions and Akuma target negative emotions, so Akuma aren't just a reverse of a positive power because none of the Miraculous are inherently good or bad

Second, if the Butterfly wielder recalls their Akuma/Kamiko, it'll stay powered and can be reused, however if it is forceable removed (Ie; Ladybug/Chat Noir breaking the item it's possessing) the magic will disappear completely; however, either way once the Akuma/Kamiko is no longer possessing an item, all the magic disappears and everything that needs the magic to work will go back to normal (ie; Reflekta's clones, Syren's water, and Kung Food's mind control)

While this isn't really a change, I wanted to clarify that if someone is unwilling Akumatized OR Kamikotized, they'll only remember fragments or it'll be fuzzy, in other words they don't just have a gap in their memory, rather it's just not a clear image of what happened

Dragon Miraculous:

The Dragon's power was one of the MOST powerful in canon, and since it was three-in-one, I needed to fix that

The power is now "Storm Dragon" which transforms their body into a cloud-like state in which they can control wind, water, and lightning; however, as a tradeoff, they cannot physically interact with anything while in this state

This basically puts them into a ghost-like state, however magic can still affect them the same way their magic can affect others

Goat Miraculous:

Originally the power was being able to create any one object (or set of objects) but not only does that directly interfere with the Ladybug, given it's, y'know, the concept of creation, plus it just being an overall boring power, I changed it to be "Magic Repel"

This makes it so any and all physical, mental, and magical attacks don't do anything, however this only lasts for five minutes (regardless of their timer) and they still feel the effects even if it leaves no physical/mental damage

Ox Miraculous:

I changed the power because I decided to make it better and give it to the Goat instead, plus I wanted to go with a popular headcanon/theory for it instead

Stampede increases the Ox holder's strength, stamina, and speed to superhuman level, allowing them to act as a one man stampede

Rooster Miraculous:

Like the Dragon Miraculous, the Rooster's canon ability is too overpowered, especially since it can quite literally cross dimensions

To play into the whole "Mother Hen" phrase, I gave the Rooster the ability to heal any and all injuries of a person under the pretense that they could otherwise heal from it, so it can't be used to bring people back from the dead or save them if they otherwise cannot be saved

It also cannot heal emotional, mental, or spiritual damage unless it was directly caused by a magical source, so it's mostly for physical injuries

Snake Miraculous:

To keep from the ability crossing over into Fluff's concept of time, I changed the power to instead focus more on the user's true intuition

Ontological shows the user anywhere from a few to thousands of possible future timelines, forcing them to figure out what the best course of action is at any given moment, this will also update whenever something drastic enough happens to change their entire future (ie; Ladybug's identity is exposed)

(The name Ontological comes from the Ontological Paradox in which a future event causes a past event which therefore causes a future event)

Tiger Miraculous:

I liked the idea of the Tiger being invisibility, so I went with it (especially since the Ox now had super strength)

While invisible, the user's heat signature is also gone, and they also become much quieter, however they aren't silent

[nuka-nuke]

|Duke Lanzaro|

Name: Duke Lanzaro

Nickname: Duke the Nuke

Age: 24

Birthday: November 19th, 2257

Height: 5'11

Weight: 190lbs

Specials: Str 8 - Per 6 - End 6 - Cha 10 – Int 4  - Agi  - 4 Luck - 2

Eyes: Bright blue. His default look is a permanently flirty looking stare, but that’s just how his eyes are all the time.

Hair: Black

Body type: Athletic, defined muscle.

Status Currently: A bodyguard for the Kings, he works helping gamblers and out of towners on their way through Freeside to get to the Strip, for a nominal fee.

Relationship Status: Taken

Spouse(s)/Partners: Cliff Delmore, a singer at The Tops

Sexuality: Bisexual

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: “Some kind of Italian"

Family: His father Lorenzo Lanzaro passed away 7 years back while performing in his circus. His mother is Georgiana Lanzaro, former magician, current drug dealer/tattoo artist/stripper. He also has a half-sister, Antonia Euler, but he does not acknowledge that he’s related to her.

Languages: English

Disabilities/Illnesses/Injuries: None. Sometimes has issues moving his left arm too much, because of residual effects and stiffness left by the damage from the gunshot wound in his shoulder.

Allergies: None.

Scars: He has two small scars that go over the bridge of his nose on the left side of his face, one tiny scar on his right cheek. Perpetually bruised up knuckles.

On the right side of his body: a stab wound scar on his shoulder, jagged scar down the inner part of his bicep, a cut and stitches on his forearm, several small lacerations on his hands, one long cut along his ribs, and a smaller stab wound right above his hip, large gash along his upper thigh, bite scar on his lower calf, and a burn on the opposite side.  

On the left: Bullet wound in the shoulder, dog bite on that elbow, small cuts all over his hands, several short scrapes/stabs/stiches on his thigh.  

Physical traits: Pale, dark hair, bright blue eyes, often has a side-ways smirk on his face. He has a square jaw and a crooked nose from when he broke it at some point in the past, very pronounced cheek bones, and beauty marks scattered along his cheeks. His shoulders are broad and strong, with way more upper body strength than leg strength (from his specialty being melee and hand-to-hand combat).  

He has a tattoo of a heart on his neck with “Mom” in it, a mini nuke on his left forearm with the Kings crown, and a lightning bolt with “TCB” above it on his bicep.

Voice: Not exceptionally deep, but lower than a tenor. Kind of raspy while still very lilted; the flirty gravel is definitely his thing, which comes naturally from smoking for ten years. When he’s being snarky gets the “greaser guy” accent going, but that’s completely manufactured and not natural at all.

Clothing: He has about two of the same outfit and wears those constantly: torn up old jeans, random white (or formerly white) t-shirts, Kings jacket, and his high-top sneakers.

Fashion Style/Lifestye: His look and aesthetic are obviously like the greasers of the 1950’s, as all the Kings are. He doesn’t have much of a sense of fashion beyond that, but his boyfriend is a lot more in tune with that and tries to dress him up every now and then – though most of the time it’s the same old dirty jeans and t-shirts with leather jacket.

Weapon of Choice: Baseball bat with random chunks of metal stuck in it that has “Return To Sender” painted on the side. He got his nickname from being able to hit a baseball grenade with such expert precision it was like a nuke.  

He also carries brass knuckles as a last resort, a special pair with a spade hollowed out of the center and two long spikes on either end of the hand.  

Skills: Extremely charismatic, can talk himself out of almost any situation and flirt his way into getting what he wants, in a direct contrast to his best friend’s terrible social awkwardness. He has no shame about using his good looks to his advantage – and he knows how good he looks, of course. He is also very physically strong and capable in a fight. Tagged skills would be explosives, speech, and melee.

Weaknesses: His loved ones, most particularly Dizzy. If anything happens to him, Cliff, or his mother, he’s going off the rails in defense mode. He is very quick to forgive them of anything they do wrong, no matter how egregious, and overlook serious issues out of a skewed sense of loyalty.

Poor skills: Very bad at restraining his temper. Though he is usually extremely calm and hard to irritate around people who are important to him, minor things from anyone but those select few can hit him like a switch and turn him into a violent, blind rage. Also is completely inept at any kind of wilderness survival.

Affiliations: The Kings, The Followers of the Apocalypse, Courier Six

Former Affiliations: Lanzaro’s Greatest Show in the West (since it no longer exists)

Enemies: The Legion, The NCR, The Van Graffs, The Omertas  

Neutral Affiliations: The Chairmen, White Glove Society

Religion: Agnostic

Likes: He likes anything to do with the “original” King, especially learning to play the songs older members know on guitar. He is deeply devoted to the gang’s ideals and is willing to live and die for the idea of freedom as The King teaches it to them. He likes gambling, though he has awful luck and almost always loses. Playing guitar. Cigarettes. Rum. Flirting.  Baseball. Feeling as though he makes a difference, through working for the Kings. Dizzy’s dad, Ace Euler.

Dislikes: Doesn’t really like sweets all too much. Caravan; it makes no sense to him. Leaving Freeside or traveling too far from Vegas. Feeling as though he isn’t in control.  

Hates: People bullying others who are much smaller/weaker than them; which is how he met Dizzy. People who aren’t from Freeside ruining the lives of locals.  

Friends: Dizzy Deeks has been his best friend since he was just a kid after he rescued him from being beaten to death by kids bigger than he was. Julie Farkas, Luisa Flores (Dizzy’s aunt), Sergio, Francine Garret, James Garret, Mick and Ralph, Courier Six.  

Acquaintances: Frankie Felice (another King), Vander “Van” DeVilla (also a King), Lucille McKenny (ex-girlfriend. Dizzy’s ex-girlfriend too), Lucky Harris (Dizzy’s boyfriend), Ringo, Niner, Raul Tejada.

Former friends: Rey Euler – he used to tolerate him, not any longer.  

Enemies: Johnny Salentino, another King who is his (personally proclaimed) rival, even though Johnny has no idea and thinks they are friends. Rey Euler, Dizzy’s older brother who knocked up Duke’s mom. Pacer. The entirety of the NCR.  

Pets: No pets. After his dad died, all their circus creatures were released and he has never had an animal since then.

Fallout OC friends/family: So many. Almost all the characters he associates with are OCs.  

Personality: Duke is the super cool guy that everyone wants to be! He’s always confident and always knows just what to say, but just as snarky as Dizzy always is. He’s easily amused, easy going, and generally doesn’t take things too seriously - but his temper can be short and violent if someone fucks with him or any other King. He loves to make terrible jokes and use terrible pick-up lines, but more often than not he can sound charming enough when he uses them that people fall for it anyway.

Favorite color: Yellow

Favorite foods:  Anything salty or spicy, particularly the things Dizzy’s mom cooks. Also really likes cram, though Dizzy will pointedly cringe anytime he eats it around him.

Favorite drinks: Rum, or any other strong dark liquor (though he knows to stay away from the “Mistake Maker” - the Alejos Especial, the gin that Dizzy’s mother makes and sells to the Wrangler).

Favorite Sweets: He isn’t too big on sweet foods, but he likes prickly pear candies occasionally.  

_____________________________________

Other info:

Brotp Meme

Aesthetic Pin Board

References

Random Extra Info

[vagrantblvrd]

PreFAHC Battle Buddies where Ryan is an ER nurse & ends up treating his neighbor Jeremy when he stumbles into the apartment, bleeding & bruised. They end up going out for coffee when Ryan isn't dying & Jeremwood happens. Flash forward, Ry is the Vagabond & someone gets hurt, they're stuck at a safe house & he ends up treating the crew member & has a ~shockingly~ fantastic bedside manner. Just, some soft Jeremwood FAHC & breaking scary Vagabond expectations with soft ER Ryan, Jeremy & crew.

Okay, so like.

Jeremy’s got these cats and maybe some plants and whenever he’s on a job or whatever for a while he knocks on Ryan’s door and asks if he’d mind looking after them while he’s gone?

Just pop on over to feed and water them, play with them to keep them from wrecking the place? He’ll pay him and everything.

Ryan just, ahaha, because cats usually aren’t that fond of him but sure, sure, and no need to pay him because neighbors, right? Maybe return the favor with Ryan’s own bunch of houseplants when he’s working doubles or what have you.

This goes on for a while without incident, they give each other copies of keys to their places and it’s a No Big Deal for either of them.

Like, sure. Ryan sometimes comes across a set of knives or brass knuckles. (Every so often there’s something that looks like it could be dried blood, but it could be something else? Paint??? He’s certainly no an expert, hahaha.)

He finds a gun once or twice, all of them left out by happenstance, like Jeremy was just so damn tired from whatever it is he does he put them down and kind of forgot. Had to leave at a moment’s notice and forgot to put them away properly most likely, since the texts he sent Ryan asking to look in on things seemed a bit frantic?

Anyway, surely Jeremy isn’t up to anything untoward.

And then one day Ryan gets home from work later than expected, feels guilty because he promised Jeremy he’d look after the cats and plants for him while he’s out of town, right? Only it’s been a shitshow of a day, this clusterfuck that was on the news. Gang war or something and they were short-staffed to start with so he ended up working a – hell if he knows? He’s pretty sure he had a morning shift, but that was a day, two, ago maybe and everything between then and getting home is a blur.

He heads straight to Jeremy’s place because the cats have to be starving by now and oh, God, please don’t let them have gone feral. Wreck the place and destroy the plants and everything in their path because they’re horribly spoiled brats.

Ryan walks into a war zone, shit knocked over everywhere. Pillows shredded and bits of toilet paper trailing out from the bathroom because of course they’d go that that first. Plants overturned and somehow they they to the food, dragged the bags and containers out and tore into them, evidence everywhere and the cats?

Loudly making their displeasure known because the wet food has proven a most formidable foe, will not come out from their metal shells no matter how many times they get knocked off the highest of kitchen counters or batted into the wall.

“Jesus Christ,” Ryan mutters, because what even happened while he was at work?

He sets his bag full of important things like balled up jacket because summer and hot and too tired fold it like a human being. Tupperware for the lunch he packed however long ago and eaten who knows when. (Can’t remember the last time he ate, but surely it can’t have been more than a day?)

Bits and bobs and phone that’s at fifteen, maybe twenty percent charge left at this point.

Goes to get a brook and dustpan after he sorts out the food situation for the cats and does his best with the plants. (A little battered, sure, but they look like they’re going to survive.)

And then!

Just as he’s rooting around Jeremy stumbles through the door, all fucked up because reasons?

Bleeding and hobbling around and generally mini flesh wound injured a la every action movie ever. (Shot or stabbed, but only enough that it’s cause for worry but not cut scene death worry?)

Ryan comes out, broom and dustpan in hand – thinks at first he didn’t fully close the front door thanks to his exhaustion or maybe the cats are acting up again, but no, no.

It’s Jeremy standing in his living room looking like shit, gun out and aimed at Ryan who’s like, “Uh...” because okay, wow yes.

All that plausible deniability he’s been working on regarding Jeremy and his everything is kind of pointless now, you know.

Jeremy and this general feeling of well, shit because no way Ryan doesn’t turn him in or whatever after this.

Definitely no way Jeremy’s going to kill him because talk about rude, and also that hardcore crush he’s got for the guy, you know? A shame he’s going to have to move though. Go to ground somewhere until the cops stop looking for him and all that, that he won’t get to see Ryan anymore but it’ll certainly be the smart thing to do.

And then Ryan’s like, “You’re kind of bleeding. A lot.”

Jeremy’s aware of that, thanks???

Ryan looks at the broom and dustpan he’s still holding and just sighs, because he, too, has this hardcore crush on Jeremy and also the whole medical professional business?

“If you don’t shoot me I could do something about that,” Ryan says, and waits until his words register with Jeremy, Jeremy lowering his weapon to set the broom and dustpan aside.

Waits until Jeremy puts the safety on and sets his gun aside and gives Ryan this crooked little smile he takes for permission before he gets the first-aide kit he remembers seeing in Jeremy’s bathroom. (Big old thing, obviously gets used a lot. Because reasons?)

When he comes back out Jeremy’s got sitting at his kitchen counter, got the lights on and everything and Ryan heads on over. Notices the gun Jeremy’s set on the counter a little ways away and while it should feel like a threat, it doesn’t?

Jeremy’s oblivious though, busy trying to get out of his jacket, but his injuries and the whatnot make that a whole Process, so Ryan has no choice but to help at this point.

“Need a hand?” he asks, because the last damn thing he wants is to spook Jeremy, do something he doesn’t like.

Sure, sure, Jeremy’s pretty easy-going most of the time, right? Bright and friendly and just overall great kind of guy, but this isn’t the usual scenario for the two of them and all that.

Jeremy sighs and gives Ryan this pitiful look, and Ryan snorts as he helps Jeremy out of his jacket, this horribly purple thing and up to that point he’s not been thinking about Jeremy’s fashion choices, right?

But honestly, the purple and orange with this pop of yellow is all-over horrible and he may or may not say something to that effect.

Jeremy huffs, because rude, and also it’s a fashion statement. (What kind he doesn’t say, and Ryan chooses not to ask because he’s not sure he’d like the answer?.)

Jeremy watches him work, Ryan muttering to himself here and there, and Jeremy amused by it because Ryan is personally offended by some quick patch jobs Jeremy did himself that are in various stages of healing. Crooked, uneven stitches that are a goddamned mess and infected and other atrocities. Just grumbles as he goes about dealing with those once he’s got the newer injuries fixed up and such.

When he’s finally done he just sits back and looks at Jeremy, all annoyed because what incompetent asshole has been stitching him up before this? Ryan wants names.

Jeremy is just grinning at Ryan because dear God is he an adorable asshole.

“That would be me,” he says, and doesn’t explain that he’s maybe been in trouble for the past few days. On the run from some enemies he made a while back and kind of forgot about?

Patching himself up in some shitty little safehouse somewhere and then more running and hiding and shootouts before he got rid of them for good and stumbled on home. (Was totally involved in that clusterfuck that had Ryan at the hospital for forever going from patient to patient with no reprieve.)

Ryan eyeing Jeremy because he suspected as much and is just.

“Alright then,” and assuming Jeremy doesn’t just kill him makes a mental note to teach Jeremy how to piece himself back together properly.

And then it gets a little awkward because oh, right, Jeremy might just do that?

But Jeremy’s not reaching for the gun or one of his knives or anything along the lines. Is just looking at Ryan with this dopey little smile and Ryan isn’t sure what to do with that?

So.He cleans up. Packs the first-aide kit back up and puts it back where he found it after he scrounges up some paper and writes down the stuff Jeremy’s going to need to restock plus a few things he didn’t have on hand that he probably should?

And then he comes out to find Jeremy about to fall asleep and bullies him to his feet and puts him to bed because he needs it?

Stands there and stares at Jeremy after the idiot falls asleep, the cats popping up out of the woodwork to snuggle him. Sighs as he closes the bedroom door and finishes cleaning up the mess the cats made while they were both out.

Stares at Jeremy’s gun on the counter for a long, long moment – he really should call the cops, do something about finding out Jeremy’s a damn criminal, but he’s too tired to deal with all that at the moment.

Cleans around the gun and dithers for a bit before he digs through Jeremy’s freezer and transfers one of the tupperware containers of leftovers out of Jeremy’s freezer to the fridge to thaw so he’ll have that on hand whenever he wakes up along with a note telling him to fucking eat, only more politely worded?

And then he grabs his bag and locks up after himself to go to his place down the hall.

Plans to take a shower and all that? (He’s got the next few days off thanks to the clusterfuck and extra hours at the hospital and plans to use them to catch up on missed sleep.)

But he’s so fucking tired and just passes out the moment he stops moving. (Sits down on his crappy couch to get his shoes off and all and bam, lights out.)

Wakes up to a blanket draped over him and note taped to his glasses that are on the coffee table, simple little thank you and something about food in the microwave?

And when his brain is kind of in working order again he gets up to check and finds one of Jeremy’s many, many tupperware containers of food and a smiley face on a post0it note and is like, huh.

Has no idea what to make of it, but he’s starving and Jeremy’s an amazing cook and since he didn’t kill Ryan in his sleep they must be okay???

So he eats the food Jeremy left him and then take a shower and deal with dirty laundry and other everyday things.

Runs into Jeremy on his way up from the laundry room and it’s this awkward little dance in the hallway – that thing people do when they try to slip past one another and keep going the same way and all that.

Jeremy still looks like shit, but less so, and Ryan’s in old sweats and his dork glasses and it’s just.

Weird?

And then Jeremy is like, “So, about the other day?”

Ryan expecting a threat to keep his mouth shut if he knows what’s good for him, but nah.Because Jeremy just wants to thank him for fixing him up and it’s the most awkward thing ever?

Somewhere in there Jeremy blurts out a thing about getting coffee sometime? And Ryan is just “I’m not much for coffee?” because awkward, and Jeremy is like oh, thinking Ryan’s trying to let him down gently, but!

“There’s this new burger place downtown?” Ryan says because dork who loves his food, and he and Jeremy had this whole discussion about best places to grab a burger around town and anyway, anyway.

Short story short they  go out for a lunch date a few days later and that leads to other lunch dates and dinner dates (coffee a few times, even) and then all sort of things.

First kisses and so on and both of them head over heels for the other. Ryan patching Jeremy up when he does something dumb or someone gets the drop on him. Finally getting around to teaching Jeremy how the patch himself up that won’t leave scars, or much of one anyway.

And, you know.

Some situation wherein Ryan ends up as the Vagabond.

(Someone at Ryan’s work or one of their neighbors ratting the two of them out and Ryan in a tight corner – has to choose and of course, or course he chooses Jeremy.)

The two of them going on the ~run, leaving whatever city they’re in until they end up on Los Santos and it’s Jeremy’s turn to teach Ryan a few things since he’s in Jeremy’s world now.

Jeremy used to take him to the shooting range before things went to shit on them, brought him down to the gym and all that? Wanted to be sure Ryan could defend himself if something ever happened, you know? (And of course there was the whole thing where Jeremy would pin Ryan, grinning down at him until Ryan cheated like a bastard and kissed him to put him off-balance, reverse the tables on him and all that. Sexy wrasslingand all that, both of them laughing like dorks and so, so in love. Those times at the shooting range where Jeremy had to readjust Ryan’s grip on his gun and so on, get all up in his personal space and both of them super aware of it? The whole shebang.)

But now it’s a bit more serious because if they’re not careful they’re going to get themselves killed and Ryan’s a good student. Fast learner, and while he thinks the dumb mask Jeremy gets him as a joke is overkill he goes along with it anyway since Jeremy’s got his own face mask and Rimmy Tim bullshit going on.

Everyone in Los Santos hears about the Battle Buddies after a while, this Vagabond character and Rimmy Tim.

Look at Ryan as the bigger threat because of the skull mask and never really seem to pick up on the fact he’s really not? Like sure, he’s good at his job and all, but mostly a disaster.

Rimmy Tim’s the one to look out for, but since he insists on the horrible fashion choices and friendly nature they see him as the bumbling sidekick, and honestly?

That’s exactly what Jeremy wants.Wants people to underestimate him because they won’t see it coming when he puts a knife in their back. Will be looking to the Vagabond and forget all about him.

And while he’d rather Ryan not be in that position? It’s easier to protect him, counter intuitive as it might seem.

The Fakes pick the two of them up at some point, and it’s an uneasy situation for the two of them at first.

Yes it means bigger, better opportunities for them, but it also means these assholes have the potential to fuck them over but good.

Learn about the two of them if they’ll be working together. Find their weaknesses and exploit them, but  it also, also means better protection for them too. (Everyone knows the Fakes look after their own and all that, but the Battle Buddies are a bit on the paranoid side of things at this point, so it’s a whole Thing, them settling into the crew.)

And then!

There’s a botched heist and the Ryan going to ground in a crew safehouse with Geoff and Michael. Geoff’s a little bit stabbed and Michael's a little bit beat up and eyeing Ryan warily because the Battle Buddies are still kind of a mystery to the crew, you know?

Ryan who ignores the way Michael's watching him as he goes to patch Geoff up, all, “Looking kind of rough there, boss,” and “I’ve got some experience patching people up,” and “If you lose any more blood you’re going be super dead, but sure.” when Geoff insists Ryan fix Michael up first.

And since Geoff would rather not be super dead he’s just fine, alright, fix me up.

So Ryan does, you know? Ropes Michael into being an extra pair of hands and tells them what he’s doing every step of the way, patient as hell with both of them even though they’re idiots?

And when Geoff’s as patched up as he’s going to get he deals with Michael who’s all fluffed up like Jeremy’s cats when they bring the vacuum out and all, but he calms down when Ryan continues on without batting an eye. (They assume, because he’s still wearing his mask.)

After they’re both patched up Michael eyes Ryan again because the moron’s bleeding a little bit himself, and offers to fix him up. Won’t do as good a job as Ryan’s done for both of them, but better than nothing, right?

Ryan’s a little surprised at the offer, but agrees. Talks Michael through the more serious stuff while Geoff watches them, all hmm because the rumors about the Vagabond don’t match up with this side of him, you know?

And after they get back to the penthouse and things go back to normal the others start to see it too, realize he and Jeremy aren’t that bad.

Time passes and the crew realizes that okay, wow, Ryan is in fact a disaster of a human being and while Jeremy’s not quite so bad they’re both the crew’s kind of disastrous, and then, idk, shenanigans?

[arundolyn]

monster of the week blazblue au nobody asked for!

these lists are what i used for reference even tho the only one i really used out of tome of mysteries is the hex

i got burned out and am stumped on amane bullet and azrael so suggestions are welcome

Ragna: 

the chosen

moves: either invincible, devastating, or resilience

gear: handle, artifact, blade, heavy, steel

Look: man, controlled face, urban wear

charm -1, cool +2, sharp +1, tough +2, weird -1 

found out through nightmares and visions

heroic tags: sacrifice and you can save the world 

doom tags: host of monsters and loss of loved ones 

history: waaaay too many choices. ie him and jin being siblings, jubei being destined to be his mentor, jin could have been the chosen one instead but wasn’t there for saya, etc

OR

the wronged

moves: berserk and what does not kill me…

gear: huge sword, big knife, brass knuckles

look: man, angry eyes, nondescript clothes (?)

charm -1, cool -1, sharp =0, tough +2, weird +2

lost siblings and parent

prey: ghost?

couldn’t save them because he was weak

history: jubei showed him the ropes

Jin: 

the professional 

moves: unfazeable, battlefield awareness, tactical genius

gear: flak vest, only weapon that really fits him is big knife?

look: man, young face?, tailored suit

charm -1, cool +2, sharp +1, tough =0, weird +1 

agency: works for a clandestine police team that studies the supernatural

resources: well armed and recognized authority

red tape: dubious motives and bureaucratic 

history: ragna’s on the agency’s watchlist and he’s keeping an eye on him

Noel/Mu (cs era mu is dark side):

the spooky

moves: the sight, the big whammy, jinx

gear: 9mm, hunting rifle

look: girl, blank eyes, neat clothes

charm +2, cool =0, sharp -1, tough -1, weird  +2

the dark side: violence, self destruction, paranoia

history: blood kin with ragna and jin, old friends with makoto and tsubaki

Rachel: 

the spell-slinger

combat magic: blast, lightning/entropy, force/wind

moves: advanced arcane training, arcane reputation, enchanted clothing

gear: ritual knife

look: girl, goth clothes, weary eyes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +2

history: valk acts are her conscience when her power goes to her head

Tao: 

the mundane 

moves: oops!, the power of heart, what could go wrong?

gear: hockey stick, pocket knife, skateboard cause why not

look: concealed, friendly face, sporty clothes(?)

charm +2, cool =0, sharp -1, tough +1, weird +1

history: good friends with ragna

Tager: 

the monstrous

monster breed: demon

curse: anything holy I guess

natural attacks: claws, +1 harm

moves: immortal, unholy strength

gear: brass knuckles

look: man, powerful aura, stylish clothes

charm -1, cool -1, sharp =0, tough +2, weird +3

history: kokonoe is tied to his origin

Litchi: 

the mundane

moves: let’s get out of here!, the power of heart, trust me

gear: hockey stick, nunchucks, fairly new car

look: woman, alluring face, casual clothes

charm +2, cool +1, sharp +1, tough =0, weird -1

history: romantically involved with roy

Arakune/Roy: 

Literally The Monster but if i had to

the monstrous 

monster breed: slime monster 

curse: feed

natural attacks: magical force, ignore armor

moves: unnatural appeal, shapeshifter

look: mysterious, bestial aura

charm =0, cool -1, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +3

history: litchi and kokonoe are tied to his origin

/

the mundane

moves: panic button, trust me, don’t worry, i’ll check it out

gear: baseball bat, small handgun, bicycle

look: man, average face, nerdy clothes

charm +2, cool =0, sharp +1, tough +1, weird -1

history: romantically involved with litchi

Bang: 

the chosen

moves: the big entrance or dutiful

gear: staff, artifact, spikes, long, steel

look: man, hopeful face, urban wear

charm +2, cool -1, sharp +1, tough +2, weird -1

heroic tags: secret training, a normal life

doom tags: you can’t save everyone, a nemesis

history:  tenjo was destined to be his mentor i know she isnt here but fuck it i got nothin

Carl: 

the wronged

moves: fervor, safety first

gear: enchanted dagger, 9mm, big knife

look: boy, angry eyes, nondescript clothes

charm =0, cool =0, sharp +1, tough +2, weird =0

lost sibling and parent

prey: shapeshifter (shapeshifter turned into relius and killed ada) or just relius

couldn’t save them because he was scared and weak

history: basically everyone has stood in carl’s way at some point

Hakumen:  

the gumshoe

code: justice must be done

moves: asphalt jungle

gear: irrelevant

look: ambiguous, blank face, nondescript clothes

charm +1, cool =0, sharp +2, tough +1, weird -1

history: caught ragna committing a crime (being alive)

Nu: 

the monstrous 

monster breed: black beast

curse: pure drive (hate)

natural attack: magical force, ignore armor

moves: immortal, unquenchable vitality

gear: huge sword

look: girl, sinister aura, stylish clothes

charm -1, cool -1, sharp =0, tough +2, weird +3

history:  ragna is tied to her curse

Lambda: 

the initiate

moves: ancient fighting arts, mystic, sacred oath (to protect ragna)

gear: sword, big sword, sniper rifle

look: girl, agile body, archaic clothes

charm +1, cool -1, sharp +1, tough =0, weird +2

good traditions: fighting arts, flexible tactics

bad traditions: dubious motives

history: she noel and nu are sisters

Tsubaki/Izayoi: 

the searcher

first encounter: higher power

moves: guardian, just another day

gear: irrelevant except for small knife

look: woman, thoughtful face, casual wear

charm +1, cool -1, sharp +1, tough =0, weird +2

history: found accounts of someone matching ragna’s description from before he was born

Hazama: 

the crooked

background: grifter

moves: artifact (amulet,) friends on the force, notorious

gear: .38 revolver, big knife, baseball bat

heat: hibiki is a rival, took advantage of noel

underworld: worked with a demon

look: man, calculating eyes, tailored suit

charm +2, cool =0, sharp +1, tough -1, weird +1

history: terumi saved his life and now he owes him

OR

the flake

moves: connect the dots, see, it all fits together, sneaky

gear: big knife, throwing knives, butterfly knife

look: man, suspicious eyes, neat clothes

charm +1, cool -1, sharp +2, tough =0, weird +1

history: ragna is tied to everything

Makoto:

the mundane

moves: the  power of heart, what could go wrong?, don’t worry, i’ll check it out

gear: baseball bat, nunchucks, skateboard

look: woman, friendly face, sporty clothes(?)

charm +2, cool =0, sharp +1, tough +1, weird -1

history: initially mai’s rival

Valk: 

the monstrous

monster breed: werewolf

curse: vulnerability (silver)

natural attacks: teeth, claws

moves: unholy strength, shapeshifter

look: man, powerful aura, archaic clothes

charm -1, cool -1, sharp =0, tough +2, weird +3

history: clavis tried to kill him and spared him

Plat: 

the spooky

moves: premonitions, the big whammy, jinx

gear: no weapons we die with muchorin like men

look: girl, piercing eyes, ratty clothes

charm =0, cool -1, sharp +1, tough +1, weird +2

dark side: mood swings, rage, poor impulse control

history: jubei taught her to control her powers

Relius: 

the expert

moves: i’ve read about this sort of thing, dark past

haven: lore library, mystical library, workshop

gear: silver sword, blessed knife, magical dagger

look: man, thoughtful face, tailored clothes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +2

history: carl is his child

Kagura: 

the professional 

moves: battlefield awareness, tactical genius, mobility (stealthy, concealed weapons, obvious)

gear: flak vest, smg, hunting rifle, shotgun

look: man, chiseled face, tailored suit

charm +1, cool +2, sharp +1, tough -1, weird =0 

agency: works for a clandestine police team that studies the supernatural

resources: well armed and recognized authority

red tape: dubious motives and bureaucratic 

history: friends with other NOL soldiers in training im too lazy to list them all. except for makoto obviously

Kokonoe: 

the hex

temptation: vengeance 

moves: force of will, wise soul

look: woman, sharp eyes, trendy clothes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +1, tough +1, weird +2

history: tager keeps her grounded

Terumi/Susan: 

the divine

moves: boss from beyond, smite, cast out evil

gear: flaming sword

mission: exiled, but not the rest of that one just the exiled part, sowing evil instead of good

look: man for terumi/asexual for susan, blazing eyes, perfect suit

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +1, tough +2, weird +1

history: haz is the person he goes to for advice on mortal stuff lmao

Celica: 

the mundane

Moves: always the victim, oops!, don’t worry, i’ll check it out

gear: baseball bat, pocket knife, fairly new car

look:  girl, friendly face, normal clothes

charm +2, cool =0, sharp -1, tough +1, weird +1

history: related to nine, ragna is her hero

Hibiki: 

the crooked

background: assassin

Moves: deal with the devil (skill, add to tough and sharp,) friends on the force, notorious

gear: .22 revolver, hunting rifle, big knife

heat: pissed off haz, who will do whatever it takes to kill him, and jin wants to put him in jail

underworld: target of a job was a vampire

look: man, watchful eyes, street wear

charm +1, cool +1, sharp +2, tough =0, weird -1 

history: jin saw him kill someone

Nine: 

the spell-slinger

combat magic: ball, fire, force/wind

moves: advanced arcane training, arcane reputation, forensic divination

gear: ritual knife

look: woman, stylish clothes, fierce eyes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +2

history: she thought celica was dead And Yet, plus they’re related

OR

the hex

temptation: power

moves: burn everything, luck of the damned

look: woman, angry eyes, trendy clothes

charm =0, cool =0, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +2

gear: athame

history: celica keeps her grounded

Naoto: 

the chosen

moves: resilience

gear: handle, spikes, blade, throwable, blood

look:  boy, young face, casual wear

charm +2, cool -1, sharp +1, tough +2, weird  -1

found out via some weirdo (Raquel) telling him/by being attacked by monsters

heroic tags: magical powers, a normal life

doom tags: death, a nemesis

history: raquel is destined to be his mentor

Izanami: 

the divine

moves: boss from beyond, what i need, when i need it, smite

gear: five demon bag

mission: the end of days approaches, your role is to guide these hunters and ensure it comes to pass

look: woman, placid eyes, casual clothes

charm -1, cool +1, sharp =0, tough +2, weird +1

history: noel should not be involved in this situation, prophecies didn’t mention her blah blah

Es: 

the initiate

moves: mystic, sacred oath (to protect the azure), helping hand

gear: sword, big sword, crossbow

look: woman, strong body, formal clothes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp -1, tough +2, weird  +2

good traditions: knowledgeable, magical lore

bad traditions: strict laws

history: ragna is described in prophecies, but his role is unstated

Mai: 

the mundane

moves: the power of heart, trust me, what could go wrong?

gear: baseball bat, hockey stick, bike

look: woman, friendly face, sporty clothes(?)

charm +2, cool =0, sharp -1, tough +1, weird +1

history: she and makoto were rivals

Jubei: 

the expert

moves: often right, it wasn’t as bad as it looked

haven: armory, infirmary, panic room

gear: silver sword, cold iron sword, blessed knife

look: indeterminate, experienced face, tailored clothes

charm +1, cool -1, sharp +2, tough +1, weird  =0

history: ragna was his student/apprentice

bonus 

Raquel:

the spell-slinger

combat magic: missile, lightning/entropy, force/wind

moves: advanced arcane training, forensic divination, third eye

gear: heirloom sword

look: girl, stylish clothes, fierce eyes

charm -1, cool =0, sharp +2, tough -1, weird +2

history: rescued naoto

[all-of-the-imagines-for-eve]

Tattoo ~ Sweet Pea (Part Four)

A/n: I’m sorry this took so long but I finally got ahold of another laptop hahahahaha! Here’s part four... please don’t kill me :)

Word Count: 2292

Sweet Pea's very first move was to place himself in front of the Ghoulies and his friends, but there were too many Ghoulies coming from too many sides. He looked around and saw Jughead move to take the back side, the two boys putting Fangs and Toni between them. Not that either was helpless, but just that Jug and Pea wanted to keep as much flesh between the threat and their friends as possible, and they were willing to work together to do it.

The first punch landed on Jug. The first impact was a stick of wood and it landed against Pea's arm, leaving a red welt to grow later.

Fighting broke out and Toni and Fangs weren't protected long- just how both of them liked it. The four Serpents fought tooth and nail, clawing their way to the door. They silently swore to fight until their last second. If they were going to go down, they weren't going down without a fight.

Not to be dramatic or anything.

Just as everything seemed painfully hopeless and each of the Serpents were loosing gumption - the toll of so many Ghoulies with weapons beating up on them while they were unarmed was beginning to get more apparent - a completely unexpected thing happened.

The room was weighed down by cruel laughter and sweat and heat and bad lighting. It was hard to breathe and everywhere you looked, there was another Ghoulie. There had been a lot more than first seen, as Ghoulies seemed to seep in through side doors and hallways and from behind closed doors and curtains. Like cockroaches skittering from unpredicted hiding places or baby spiders flying everywhere after you squish their mother. Like a disease, spreading and unstoppable.

Jughead got hit hard and he was on the ground. Three Ghoulies teamed up on him, the two kicking and punching and the third holding him in place.

Toni was being pinned to the wall, a Ghoulies' hand wrapped tightly around her throat. She was flailing, writhing and trying her absolute hardest to get free but to no such luck. The guy holding her was huge and her eyes went wide in terror as black spots started to spot her vision and it got harder to fight against him. 

Fangs was teamed up by a boy and a girl, the boy fast and the girl strong and both of them armed with bats.

Sweet Pea faced a girl who seemed easy to beat but brandished brass knuckles. She was tiny and Pea had singled her out as an easy target he could take out instantly and then go help his friend but... she hadn't been what she first appeared. She seemed to slip like a ghost between his fingers. Her knuckles made plenty contact, though.

Everyone was beat down and it looked insanely bleak...

Suddenly Ghoulies started dropping.

First it Toni. The Serpent girl felt the hand loosen on her neck and someone caught her as she crumpled to the ground, carrying her and setting her to the side. Next was - one by one - the three attacking Jughead. Jug was passed out but the others thought that he'd finally gotten the upper ground and they didn't think anything of it, too busy to really care or pay attention. Fangs came next, and he realized something was up when the fast dude suddenly disappeared. Finally able to focus on one person coming from one place, Fangs tackled the girl and pinned her down, wailing on her relentlessly until she was passed out and down for the count. He looked over, noticing Toni and then Jug and then the five Ghoulies - including the guy who had disappeared but not the one he had just taken out - strewn about the room, all unconscious.

There came a grunt and Fangs spun around to see... Y/n. She was wielding a broken pipe, swooping in where Sweet Pea lacked with the small, slippery, aggressive female he couldn't seem to really get a hit on. Y/n was doing just fine, her face battered and bruised and a wild look in her eyes. Her knuckles were white as she held the pipe and finally Fangs scrambled up, pulling Sweet Pea back. The little girls, now faced with... TWO Serpents and Y/n, tried to turn and run but Y/n got a good swing and the girl dropped like a sack of potatoes.

Y/n dropped the pipe, taking a second wipe the blood from her split lip that had flowed quite a bit for such a small wound. She moved to Toni and then when she noticed the boys take in the carnage she'd done to the Ghoulies with just a pipe while they were distracted, she sneered. "Grab Jughead. Come on we don't have all night! Penny will be coming back any second we have to get the hell out of here before any of them come to and call for more backup."

Immediately Fangs and Pea moved to Jughead, each putting one of the unconscious boy's arms around their shoulders and hefting him up and out. When they got the the bikes, Y/n bit her lip. "Fangs get on your and carry Jughead. P-" She froze in speaking, her face flaring with pain. Sweet Pea scowled, hating how much he hated to see her like that. "You carry Toni on your bike." She nodded vaguely to Sweet Pea, not looking in anyone's direction but not being able to move her hands while carrying Toni. "Get back to the White Wyrm as soon as you can."

"What about Toni and Jughead's bikes?" Fangs asked after a second.

There was a second's pause as the three teenagers breathed raggedly. "I could... drive one of them back for you..."

"No," Sweet Pea snapped, his voice deeper than usual and angry. "Only Serpents get to drive those."

Y/n's face hardened and even Fangs flinched. It all seemed far too soon to be lashing out at each other, especially when Y/n had just single handedly saved all of their asses. "Then I'll hide them until you guys can come at a later time and get them out."

Pea went to snap again but Fangs read his facial expression and jumped in before he could tear into the girl with another brutal comment. "How do we know you won't mess with the bikes?" His voice was soft but the words still hurt her. Less than another poisonous insult from Sweet Pea would have, though.

A small sigh slipped past Y/n's lips as she closed her eyes momentarily. "Why would I save your lives just to wreck your bikes? But... granted, you have reason to not trust me. To hate me, even." The mood dropped significantly. Even more than it already was. "If I wreck the bikes or give them away or anything is wrong with them when you come back to get them, then you know that I'm a true traitor. Hell, kill me. I don't care. If the Ghoulies don't get to me first, it'll be a surprise." The truth of her words finally sunk into Fangs and the Serpent looked at Y/n and saw only the girl he was friends with. The girl that was practically his sister. He couldn't see anything except that, despite what she had done. "I'll give you a place, you can pick the time. That way I can't set anything up."

Suddenly Fangs blurted, "You're not staying here are you?" Her face grew even darker and Fangs's stomach twisted. "Y/n they'll kill you, you can't-"

"There's no room for me on either of your bikes and I can't ride the others," she interrupted, her voice hard and cold and undeniable. "And I have nowhere else to go. I'm not running away from them anymore. I've learned my lesson. They'll always find me. And Riverdale is my home. I'm not a Serpent, but I'm definitely not a Ghoulie. The Northeners see me as a South Sider but all of South Side soon will see me as nothing but a traitor. I don't belong anywhere. No one is going to help me. Take Toni, take Jughead, and get the hell out of here. I'm no longer your concern."

Y/n moved to Pea, offering the girl to the tall boy. He took her from Y/n's arms, both of them shivering when his hands brushed her stomach and her hands brushed his chest. Pea's heart flared with pain as he saw tears begin to fall. "Y/n-" he began.

"Go," Y/n interrupted again, turning to see Ghoulies begin to make their way through the insides of the place they'd just escaped. Pea went to speak again but she shoved him. "GO! You guys WILL die tonight. Don't tell me I got myself killed for nothing. GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!" And then, obediently, Sweet Pea and Fangs got on their bikes, fixing Jughead - who was finally coming to enough to hold himself up a bit and hold onto Fangs so he wouldn't fall off the bike - and Toni - who Sweet Pea wasn't having such luck with - and then they started their engines and they were gone.

There was no space or time or thought to turn back. Y/n began to move the last two bikes as commotion began inside where the Ghoulies and no doubt Penny as well were just realizing what happened. She had disappeared, though, and the four Serpents were long gone before anyone was able to go outside and see what was going on. 

When Y/n had hidden the bikes, she had no choice. As she said, there was no longer anywhere else for her to go. No other option. She made her way back to the Ghoulies hide out, walking into the midst of glaring Ghoulies whose eyes followed her as she walked, body relaxed and accepting of her fate. She didn't cower but she didn't really walk with pride or confidence either. Head not hung but not held high. Simply neutral, as the rest of her body.

Y/n stopped in front of a waiting Penny, who was sharpening a knife by the fire light. Behind her stood Reese - the fast boy Fangs had fought - and Milana - the girl with brass knuckles. Tyran, Syla, and Cerb - two of the boys that had tackled Jughead and the strong girl that had taken on Fangs - filtered out of the crowd to join them. Y/n could see the others from the interaction earlier in the crowd as well. All of the wore decorations of bruises or black eyes or red welts from where she'd hit them with the pipe or her fist or her foot, depending on what was closer at the time.

Penny was seething. "Do you have a death wish?"

Shrugging, Y/n played calm. "Usually."

Penny's eyes slit and her hand flickered and someone kicked the back of Y/n's knees. She grunted as she went down and the same person laced their fingers in her hair, tugging her head back roughly. "I can arrange a really slow, hard, terrible death for you," Penny sneered darkly, leaning forward. The person holding Y/n - Lanara, Y/n knew her as - dragged Y/n closer to Penny, making the girl whimper as she was pulled right into Penny's face. “Would you like that, Renna?”

There was just enough room for Y/n to cool back from the use of her nickname. Someone had called her ‘Runner’ once because they didn’t know her name and she had told them her name was Y/n, not ‘Renna’. Penny had thought it was so funny that she had started to call Y/n that name, like how everyone seemed to have a nickname in these gang lives.

Penny and Y/n we’re younger then. They were friends and joked around and played tag. Back then, Penny wore a wide smile and pigtails because everyone said that girls over the age of eight shouldn’t wear ponytails and she decided that was dumb. Back then... everything was simple and the nickname had made Y/n feel like she had a family.

Before it had become tainted. Before it made her cringe and reminded her of the darkness and evil behind the upfront promise of the people in this life style. THIS specific gang. The Serpents were different. They were real. They were a family. The name ‘Renna’ was a reminder, above all, of all she’d lost. This Ghoulie name did not fit her Serpent spirit. But she would never be a Serpent ever her again and the name only made that even more clear.

She would never be a Ghoulie, but she would be Ghoulie property for the rest of her possibly very short life.

Y/n deflated. “Kill me however you wish. Just make sure you finish it.”

Penny’s eyes filled with hurt and Y/n was caught off guard. “You were so strong. Reliable. Dependable. You were one of my best friends, even though we had that stupid age gap. What happened to you? To us?” Penny reached out, the back of her hand brushing Y/n’s cheek.

The teen pulled away, looking to the side. Only Sweet Pea was allowed to touch her like that. Anyone else doing it felt... wrong. Even if she’d never be with him. Not ever.

“Life, Penny. Life with this fucked us mess of a gang. A gang that neither of us belong to. You’re a Serpent same as I am. Or, were. Either way, neither of us are any Ghoulie. The real question is what happened to YOU?”

A hard expression hit Penny. “I know what to do with her.”

-

Tattoo Tag List: @wavyjassy @skeletoresinthebasement @chipster-21​@slytherinintj13@pokiekatherine @bcfangirlthatswhy

Forever Tag List: @iwannadiehere 

[darkdenim]

bold what applies to your muse.

social status: upper class / middle class / working class / poor

* steve's parents are upper class, and he grew up upper class, but he himself with his job at family video is middle class / working class.

favorite time: day / night late afternoon/early evening

* he likes the sunset. and the calm. and the reflective atmosphere. besides, he pictures this as the prime time to spend with his kids, and there's nothing better than that.

favorite place: indoors / outdoors

food: meat / poultry / fruit / vegetables / snacks / sweets / grains / nuts / seeds / dairy / seafood / eggs

drink: tea / coffee / water / juice / alcohol / milk / soda

transport: on foot / automobile / wagon / aircraft / boat / carriage / animal / spacecraft / taxi / skateboard / bus / subway / bike / sleigh

* i know it's not typical of canon steve to ride a skateboard, and he's not great at it ( read: a little clumsy ), he'd still use it if he had no other choice.

clothing: t-shirt / blouse / henley / smock / polo / turtleneck / flannel / gown / sleeveless / kimono / tunic / waistcoat / tank top / tube top / vest / jersey / karategi / tuxedo / dress / western / jeans / trousers / shorts / bell bottoms / overalls / breeches / skirts / cargo pants / tutu / sweatpants / leggings / coveralls / shorts / capris / tights / pinstripes

* flannel would most definitely not be his own. shorts aren't too likely but it's not an impossibility. he doesn't wear his basketball jersey too much, either, but it's in his closet.

extras: coat / duster / hoodie / trench coat / robe / cloak / blazer / shawl / windbreaker / topcoat / sweater / puffy jacket / cardigan / denim jacket / poncho / apron / cape / overcoat / quilted vest / parka / bomber jacket / raincoat / tailcoat / varsity jacket

* trench coat could happen in a one time situation. blazer, here and there. windbreaker happened or will happen once and he'll get shit for it and never wear it again. cardigan was a gift from his grandmother and he only pulls it out around the holidays if he's going to see her. apron while he's cooking and cleaning up, hello? cape when his kids want to play, and he picks them up and zooms them around the room. his varsity jacket is in his closet, collecting dust.

footwear: none / socks / stockings / combat boots / shoes / platforms / sneakers / pumps / sandals / moccasins / flip-flops / stilettos / ballet shoes / galoshes / high-tops / boots / c*nverse / cleats

headwear: none / beanie / straw hat / fedora / headscarf / snapback / beret / bandana / knit cap / top hat / ushanka / bonnet / sombrero / cowboy hat / veil / bowler hat / headband / toupée / wig / tiara / ribboned hats / crown

* okay, so not actually a crown, but still.

weapons: hands / teeth / firearms / spear / knife / baseball bat / pepper spray / dagger / stun gun / bayonet / sword / staff / brass knuckles / hammer / makeshift & improvised / chain / stones / grenades / molotov cocktails / club / bow & arrow / crossbow / scythe / chainsaw / superpowers / magic / poison / baton / machete / axe

* main weapons are bolded, crossed out stuff could happen if need be. he'd use brass knuckles in a major saving-the-world fight if he had access to them, but not as a "regular" thing. he leaves the firearms to nancy.

tagged by: nobody.

tagging: anyone who would like to do it!

[shamelessly4shameless-blog]

What if ... Ian and Mickey had brought Mandy home?

 “Listen to it!”

“I did! It’s …”

“He’s gonna fucking kill her, Mickey!”

“Look, I know you want …”

“What I want is to bring my friend - your sister - home!”

Ian pauses his pacing to glare at Mickey and point the cell phone at him like a weapon.

“How can you just ignore this?”

“Cause she didn’t mean to call you, Ian. She doesn’t want us fuckin’ nosing through her life.”

“I don’t give a fuck what she wants! If we don’t help her we’re no better than he is!”

Ian fumes as Mickey pushes a hand tersely through his hair and looks up at his boyfriend with large, uncertain eyes. He doesn’t disagree with what Ian is saying, but Mandy made her choice and in his family they don’t interfere with each other. They’re not like the Gallaghers, they don’t crowd each other. If Mandy wanted them involved she would fucking ask but Ian doesn’t seem to get that at all. Kenyatta took Mandy’s phone and the idiot managed to call Ian and leave a voicemail recording of their fight. Yeah it was grim, it made Mickey’s blood boil to think of that son of a bitch hurting Mandy but she made her choice! They all told her not to fuckin’ go and Mickey doesn’t know what more Ian wants from him.

“Just … calm down …”

“Don’t tell me to fucking calm down!”

Ian throws his cell phone onto the cluttered sofa, instantly losing it amongst Yevgeny’s baby clothes that are strewn across the worn cushions. Folding his arms and slamming his back against the wall, Ian shakes his head and closes his eyes, trying to get a grip on his temper and failing.

“That voicemail was fucking horrible Mickey! The names he called her? The things he said? And Mandy! Did you hear her crying? Did you?”

“Yeah. I heard.”

Mickey says softly, averting his gaze and pinching his lower lip between his thumb and forefinger, tugging it before twisting his hand and rubbing his index finger roughly along the edge of his mouth.

“So?”

Ian demands, pushing himself upright and towering over his boyfriend, deliberately close, forcing Mickey to look up more than usual. Predictably, Mickey cranes his neck rather than stepping back out of Ian’s way. He is getting better at being open with feelings and shit like that, but years of conditioning won’t let him back down from a confrontation, even with Ian, and his fists curl loosely at his sides mechanically.

“Are you gonna help me or not?”

Ian is close enough that Mickey can feel the heat pouring off of his body. In other circumstances Mickey would be rock hard and ready to go a few rounds in the bedroom with Ian all riled up like this. Maybe they’d slap each other around a little bit first, nothing too brutal but they would get a little sore, a little bruised and it would lead to some seriously amazing sex… but Mickey is pretty sure fucking isn’t on the cards right now so he pushes it from his mind and tries to focus on making Ian see reason.

“I don’t know where the fuck Mandy even is! She won’t talk to me, she won’t talk to you … She don’t want our help! What are you gonna do? Huh? Knock down every door in Indiana til you find her?”

“If I have to.”

“Okay well that’s just fuckin’ dumb so sit your ass down a minute and let’s get a plan together.”

Mickey wrenches a crumpled packet of cigarettes out of his jeans pocket, takes one and then flips the carton over to Ian. He inhales the thick smoke, grateful for the familiar buzz of nicotine and then exhales through his nostrils, watching Ian do the same.

Swears under his breath, Mickey licks his lip, considering his options. Short of tying Ian to the bed and refusing to let him leave, Mickey isn’t going to be able to stop him. He’s gone all jutting chin and lowered ginger eyebrows and whilst Fiona might say it’s the bipolar, Mickey is pretty sure it’s just Ian’s pig-headed nature.

“Ay, alright I’ll call her from a burner. She might pick up if it’s not you or me callin’. Okay?”

Ian nods at this but his shoulders round defensively and he stubs the half-finished cigarette out viciously in the dregs of his coffee.

“Why won’t she just talk to us?”

Mickey snorts in response, already turning to rifle through his ‘stuff’ draw to find a fresh burner.

“Cause she’s a bitch and she’s a Milkovich. We ain’t the chattiest people when it comes to our problems.”

Ian’s lip quirks upwards at that, his eyes lightening just a fraction now that Mickey is helping him.

“Yeah well I did notice something like that.”

“Observent fucker, huh?”

Mickey finds what he’s looking for and flips the plastic casing off, inserting the disposable sim into the back of the cheap cell.

“Right, what’s the number?”

Ian digs around in the mess of baby stuff before coming up with his phone and reading the digits out to Mickey who thumbs them in and then lifts the phone to his ear.

“Ringing …”

He says curtly, answering Ian’s impatient expression and holding up the last half-inch of his smoke in a stilling gesture.

“Mandy? It’s me. … your fuckin’ brother? … Mickey, bitch! … No … No … fuck you! … He’s fine … he’s fine too … Yeah…”

Ian is practically crawling out of his skin with exasperation as the phone call progresses and begins miming frantically for Mickey to both hurry up and to give him the phone, which earns him a middle finger salute as Mickey turns his back on him.

“Where are you? … cause I want to know … to send a fuckin’ care package, what does it matter? … Oh I’m the asshole? You don’t answer my calls for weeks and … how is this typical of me? … Oh well excuse me for giving a shit … yes I do! … yes I do or I wouldn’t fuckin’ call … don’t bring that up … it wasn’t your fuckin’ flick-knife it was Iggy’s and Dad said I could …”

Ian can’t take any more of the sibling bickering and lunges forward snatching the phone out of Mickey’s hand

“Mandy? It’s Ian. Where are you? … Because I’m worried Mands… I know you are but please tell me�� okay … yeah … I won’t, I promise. I love you. Bye.”

Ian flips the burner closed and nods to Mickey curtly

“I got the address.”

“Why the fuck did she give it to you and not me?”

Mickey asks looking truly affronted, taking the burner from Ian and tossing it back in the drawer alongside a collection of communal weapons and small baggies of powders and pills that Svetlana doesn’t let him leave around the house any more.

“I promised I wouldn’t do anything stupid.”

Ian smirks at Mickey who tongues his cheek and raises his eyebrows in response

“So we ain’t goin?”

“Of course we are. The stupid thing was letting her go in the first place.”

Ian states firmly, breezing past Mickey and heading into the bedroom to change out of his tight jeans and into something he can actually move in. Mickey follows him, rolling his eyes.

“Okay tough guy, you got the address, now what? We just rock up to Indiana?”

Ian looks up from lacing his military boots and fixes Mickey with a look that he has seldom given his boyfriend before: contempt. Mickey flinches slightly and sniffs, folding his arms defensively under Ian’s furious stare

“What?”

“Stop acting like this is bullshit. Your baby sister is in an abusive mess of a relationship with a guy who beats on her whenever it suits him.”

“I didn’t make her fuckin’ go!”

Mickey snaps and Ian slaps his hand hard against the dresser in frustration, making the cheap wood groan and tip precariously onto its side before slamming back down.

“Congratulations, asshole! It’s not your fault! Good for you! Now man the fuck up, get your shit together, and help me bring her home.”

Mickey blinks, squares his shoulders aggressively and the potential for a proper fight hangs in the air between them. The silent tension fills the room, settling in the ceiling cracks and nestling in the folds of clothes left on the floor. Ian doesn’t move, barely even blinks, just waits Mickey out – he’s never been scared of his boyfriend’s temper and he isn’t scared now.

“She needs us, Mickey. We gotta help her.”

After what feels like an age, Mickey nods to himself and just like that, things are in motion.

*

Mickey shrugs out of his grey button down and tugs a passably clean tank over his head, grabbing his cut off jacket from the floor by Ian’s side of the bed where he dumped it last night. It’s been a while since he’s gone after someone like this but the prep is comfortingly familiar and Mickey finds himself warming to it with ease.

He runs his hand fondly over the assortment of weapons in the dresser drawer as Ian types the address Mandy gave him into Google maps on his phone and plots their route.

“Take whatever weapon you want, man.”

Mickey gestures to the drawer, selecting a couple of handguns for himself and pocketing a butterfly knife and brass knuckles.

“Fuck you, Milkovich. Think I wouldn’t bring my own?”

Ian snorts and drops to his knees beside the bed, reaching under and producing a steel baseball bat with a dramatic flourish and giving it a practice swing.

“You know, some guys just bring some clothes and a toothbrush when they move in.”

Mickey grins at him, approval evident in his tone. Ian cocks his head in acknowledgement and loops the bat around the back of his neck, resting his wrists nonchalantly over either end.

“I just packed my biggest, hardest things.”

He drawls, looking Mickey over with a deliberate slowness that has the brunette adjusting himself with zero discretion. A different kind of tension begins to creep between them but Mickey shakes his head.

“Later. You ready?”

Ian nods and shakes himself to get his head back in the game. He has been finding it increasingly difficult to stay focussed lately but this is important, Mandy is important, and with a grunt of effort, he pushes other thoughts aside.

*

In the living room, Iggy and Joey are ripping their first bong of the day but both look up with mild interest at Mickey’s bark of a greeting

“Yo! On a job. You in?”

“What is it?”

“We’re goin’ to get Mandy.”

Iggy frowns and scratches at a spot behind his ear

“Our Mandy?”

“Yeah numbnuts. She’s in trouble. Bringing her home.”

Mickey’s fingers are beating against his leg impatiently. The more often he says the words the more set they become and he wonders how the Hell it has taken him so long to do this. Any of them! Fucking Milkovichs letting their sister be fucked up by some dumb prick of a boyfriend? Shame curls in Mickey’s gut and his nostrils flare at the thought of it.

“You comin’ or what?”

His tone is harsher than he intended but it doesn’t matter because it snaps Iggy and Joey out of their contemplations and both stand up, Iggy heading into the closet.

“She with that Ken … whatever the fuck his name was?”

Joey asks, slipping a stained knuckle duster out of his jacket and slipping it on, large hands flexing.

“Yeah.”

Ian nods. Joey grunts and rolls his neck, grabbing the bong and his bag of pot off the table.

“Disrespectful mother-fucker gonna regret that then ain’t he.”

“You want him dead or just fucked up, bro?”

Iggy’s head pops out of the cluttered space and as both his older brother’s look to him for instruction, the last of the uncertainty leaves Mickey.

When he came out he thought this part of his life with his brother’s was over, family or not, he was gay and he figured that it changed things between them but here they are, waiting on his word like always. Confidence blooms in Mickey’s chest and he lifts his chin, glancing sideways at Ian before clearing his throat and taking the lead.

“Fucked up, but if the asshole dies I ain’t gonna cry about it.”

“Cool.”

Iggy nods and drops the small buzzsaw he had been holding, disappearing briefly and re-emerging with a short wooden club.

As Iggy and Joey amble out to the car, Ian beams at Mickey who gives him a reserved smile back. He doesn’t actually think Ian has ever seen him on this sort of job before and he doesn’t want it freaking him out.

“You sure you’re okay with this?”

He asks quietly, reaching up to smooth back a length of deep red hair from Ian’s brow.

“Fuck yes I am! I’ve been waiting a long time to get this prick. I want to do this.”

Ian’s smile twists into a grimace at the thought of Kenyatta and Mickey realises with a start that he has never seen Ian on this sort of job either. Iggy barrels back into the house and dives into the closet

“Best to be prepared.”

He shrugs, hefting the saw over his shoulder and lumbering out again. Mickey and Ian share one last look and then follow Iggy out. They’re ready.

*

Iggy drives, and he drives horribly. They break the speed limit and swerve in and out of traffic, following the little arrow on Ian’s phone screen, all of them cussing at the robotic voice when it kindly tells them they have missed a turn. The music in the car is blaring out, a mix tape of Slipknot and Korn that drowns out almost everything except the sat-nav app.

“Couldn’t they have got a better fuckin’ voice guy?”

Mickey glares over Joey’s shoulder at the screen, as Iggy slams the car into reverse, narrowly missing a cluster of trash cans and the group of teenagers pissing against them.

“Why the fuck are kids peeing in gangs nowadays?”

“Fuck knows. Animals got no respect.”

Joey grumbles, toking on a blunt before handing it back to Ian who takes it with grateful surprise. Whilst Iggy didn’t seem phased by Mickey coming out, Joey has given Ian more than a few unpleasant looks.

“What is it with you and respect at the moment? You keep banging on about it.”

“What do you mean? I’m always respectful.”

“Joe, you’re the least respectful asswipe I know.”

Mickey laughs, lifting his boot heels onto his seat as Joey swings a fist round trying to clip a knee or ankle.

“Fuck you! Name one time when …”

‘In 200 yards, turn right.’

“Fuck sake! Give me street names mother fucker!”

Iggy yells at the phone and Ian grins despite himself. He doesn’t think he has ever heard Iggy lose his shit before, it makes the family resemblance to Mickey much more obvious.

“You tell it, man.”

Mickey grins and Ian decides that he actually likes seeing Mickey around his brothers. He is gruffer, cruder and cockier but it suits him. They’re like a little wolf pack and Mickey is, by some weird cosmic irony, the Alpha.

Despite the high emotions and disastrous driving, they reach their destination in one piece and all four look with disdain at the run down house that their sister is supposedly living in. It looks eerily like the Milkovich house but with a mailbox and a full set of windows and that is a personal affront to each of Mandy’s brother’s for different reasons, souring the mood in the car instantly.

For Joey it feels like Kenyatta is trying to be better than them with his fancy windows and mail box.

For Iggy it is confusing to see a house so like his own in a different state and he hates it impulsively  

For Mickey it enrages him that this is the best Kenyatta could do for Mandy. Bastard couldn’t even give her a half-way decent house.

Ian just despises all of it. Every brick, window, and blade of grass.

The four men get out of the car and after surveying the street for a minute, Mickey leads them across the road and up the steps.

The front door barely withstands the first kick and gives in without protest after the second.

“KENYATTA!”

Mickey bellows, his brother’s fanning out around him. Ian keeps close to Mickey, guarding his back, his bat held high, ready. He can hear someone moving upstairs and apparently he isn’t the only one because all around him guns are being drawn and they are moving forward, Iggy and Joey take the stairs two at a time but Mickey pauses, Ruger in his right hand, his left pressed flat against Ian’s chest, keeping him back.

“Mick, what …?”

Mickey jerks his head irritably and Ian falls silent. There is a heartbeats space of silence and then all Hell breaks loose above them. They can hear Mandy screaming at Iggy, the crash of bodies hitting the floor, scrambling, cursing and then Kenyatta stumbles down the stairs, blood streaming from his nose, clutching his ribs. Mickey drops his gun and lunges upward as Kenyatta swings clumsily at Ian. They sprawl into the living room, crashing against a shitty recliner chair in a tangle of limbs. Ian throws himself into the fray and fists fly.

Every blow that Ian lands is a catharsis. At some point, he shoves Mickey bodily out of the way and straddles Kenyatta’s hips pinning him and raining punches with wild abandon and he doesn’t stop.

Not when his knuckles split.

Not when his own cheekbone is cut with a stray fist.

Not until Mandy reaches him.

“IAN? IAN STOP IT! FUCKING STOP!”

Mandy’s voice cuts through the haze of adrenaline and Ian blinks, smearing blood over his face as he mops at it with his sleeve. Kenyatta begins to sit up but freezes as metal touches his throat.

“Don’t fuckin’ move, asshole.”

Iggy warns, the tip of his saw pressing against flesh just enough to leave an indentation as Ian stands shakily.

Mandy shakes her head in disbelief and then slaps Ian’s face with the flat of her hand

“You promised me, Ian! You fucking promised!”

“Hey! Don’t hit him!”

Mickey snaps at his sister, yanking her away from Ian. Mandy turns her fury on him in an instant, pitching forward and bashing her fists against Mickey’s chest, glaring at him through bruised and bloodshot eyes.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Me? What the fuck is wrong with you? Look at the state of your face! You let this piece of shit hit you again?”

Mickey glares right back and kicks Kenyatta dismissively

“Stop it!”

Mandy yells, her hair is matted and she looks half-starved and it is that rather than her words that give Mickey pause. He takes in the state of her clothes and the haunted look in her eyes and shakes his head before kicking Kenyatta in the ribs, harder this time.

“Mickey! Don’t …”

“You’re fuckin’ defending him now? Jesus, Mandy! Come home.”

“Home? HOME? To that house? You call that a home?”

“It’s different now.”

Mandy closes her eyes with an almost hysterical laugh, pressing the heels of her hands painfully against them. Kenyatta makes a noise from the floor and all five Southsider’s look down at him with disgust, silencing him instantly.

“Nothing is ever different, Mickey.”

Mandy’s voice is flat and she shakes her head, wrapping her arms around her middle and stepping back from them all. Mickey glances at Ian and twitches his lip uncertainly, he’s done the part he is good at and now he is out of his depth.

“You okay to deal with this?”

Ian murmurs, gesturing to Kenyatta, his hand briefly caressing the swell of Mickey’s shoulder.

“Yeah, we got it. Go.”

Ian follows Mandy as she makes her way into the kitchen. He has done this sort of thing many times with her brother but though neither of them would admit it, Mickey is actually easier to deal with than Mandy.

“It was my idea Mandy. Not Mickey’s. I got a voicemail from your fight last night and I had to do something.”

“Crash into my home? Assault my boyfriend?”

Mandy sits down at the table and lights a cigarette with shaking hands, before offering Ian the packet.

“It’s not a home, Mandy. You’re not safe here.”

Ian doesn’t dare touch her, but he sits close and when she doesn’t move away, he lays his hand beside hers on the scarred table top.

“I was never safe there either, Ian. You know that.”

Ian nods and swallows heavily. He does know that, they all let Mandy down. Every single one of them.

“It is different now though. We’re there, me and Mickey, and Svetlana and Yev too. It’s a little fucked up but it works. It’s a safe place Mands. We could look after you.”

Dark eyes flash dangerously as Mandy glares up at her friend

“I don’t need you assholes to look after me.”

“Then let us be there while you get what you need to look after yourself.”

Ian counters and Mandy presses her swollen lips together, trembling slightly but not ready to back down.

“You can’t stay here. Not really. Not with him. He’ll kill you.”

Ian presses on despite the look on her face. Like her brother, she responds better to frankness, almost harshness in a way, a gentle approach means nothing to Mandy, she needs to cold steel of a bat to swing, not the soft comfort of a pillow to clutch. He can see that his words are sinking in and being accepted as slowly the fire in her eyes dims to a shimmer.

“What are you gonna do with him?”

“Whatever you want us to. Please Mandy. Please come home.”

Mandy nods, licks her lips, and gently places her hand over Ian’s long fingers. He picks up her hand and cradles it in his own.

*

Mandy doesn’t have much to pack and whist Ian gathers sparse possessions from the bathroom, Mickey helps her stuff her clothes into a couple of bin liners.

“This all of it?”

“Yeah.”

Mandy nods, clutching the larger of the two bags to her chest.

“Alright, give it here.”

Mickey reaches for it, gesturing impatiently

“You don’t have to...”

“Let me carry the damn bag for you for fucks sake.”

He snatches it roughly out of his sister’s hand, begins walking to the door and then stops, dropping both bags at his feet and whirling to face her, irritation and guilt warring for control of his features.

“You should have fucking called me, Mandy.”

She isn’t prepared for the hug but as her big brother’s arms fold around her, she feels her body begin to slacken in quiet relief.

“You’re here now, Mick.”

“Yeah well … just as well too! You’re skinny as fuck.”

Mickey breathes into her hair, his fingers cupping the back of her head as gently as if she were made of brittle glass.

“You’re getting fat.”

Mandy shoots back and then tightens her grip around his middle, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt for dear life.

“Douche.”

Mickey sniffs wetly and squeezes her gently

“It’s gonna be alright, you hear me? You’re gonna be okay. We got you.”

It is probably the most comforting thing any of her family have ever said to her and if Mandy Milkovich was a crier, she would have wept all the tears her body could shed. But Mandy does not cry. She pulls back, sniffs and kisses Mickey’s cheek.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“And get you some food!”

Mickey nods in agreement and grabs her bags, leading the way downstairs.

*

Kenyatta is propped up against the wall and watches Mandy leave with flat eyes, but she doesn’t look at him. Not once.

Mickey crouches in front of the huge man and slaps his cheek lightly, almost tenderly

“My brothers are gonna stay a while, have a chat, straighten some things out with you, man. You better hope that they are the last Milkovichs you ever fuckin’ see because if not, if you try and come near Mandy again, we’re gonna have to kill you. You know that, right?”

Kenyatta nods and Mickey gives him a bright smile, beautiful and menacing in equal measure.

“Good.”

With that, Mickey dusts off his hands on his thighs, stands and walks away. Ian knows he should follow. Their work here is done, but can barely drag his eyes from the man at Joey’s feet. He knows he’ll be punished for Mandy’s treatment at his hand, Joey is more than capable but a part of Ian wishes he was the one to do it, to wreak a little havoc on the man who catapulted Mandy’s so brutally.

“Ian? Let’s go.”

Mickey calls from the porch steps. Ian tears his eyes away from Mandy’s now-ex boyfriend and begins to leave, pausing to grab his bat. The steel is cool and welcome in his heated palm and he twirls it absentmindedly, looking around the room.

He wanders over to the windows and peers out from between the dirty curtains. How many times did Mandy do this? Peer out at the world, scared either of what was coming or scared of what was already waiting upstairs. On the porch, Mickey catches sight of Ian’s movements and walks across to stand in front of him on the other side.

“What the fuck are you doing? Let’s go.”

Ian nods but doesn’t move. His fingertips press against the smeared panes and he slowly traces Mandy’s name into the grime. On the other side, Mickey cups his hands against the glass and peers past Ian into the house making sure they haven’t forgotten anything of Mandy’s or anything that Mandy might just want, hers or not.

Ian makes a decision and his lip lifts upwards in a small smile

“Take your fuckin’ hands off the glass, Mick.”

“Huh?”

“Move!”

Ian hefts the bat and Mickey reads his intention, leaping back just in time as one after the other, Ian puts the windows out. He smashes the bat through each of them with a malicious relish that he hasn’t felt in years and beams at Mickey through the gaping holes.

“You done now, Al Capone?”

“Yep.”

Ian nods, answering the arched eyebrows and amused smirk on his boyfriends face with a happy smile.

*

They leave Iggy and Joey to their business, Mickey drives and Ian sits in the back with Mandy, not wanting to leave her alone. His fingers untangle some of the knots in the tips of her long hair and she lets him do it, relaxing into the touch little by little.

“How’s Yevgeny?”

“Fat.”

“Mickey!”

Ian chides, laughing despite himself. Mickey half turns to glance back at his sister and shrugs

“It’s true. Little bastard eats, shits, and sleeps as much as Iggy.”

“He looks just like Mickey though. His eyes have gone the exact shade of blue and he’s getting a proper smirk.”

Ian smiles proudly at this and Mandy allows a small smile to lighten her own face.

“Poor kid!”

“Fuck you!”

Mickey gives an exemplary smirk around the filter of his cigarette as he pulls into a McDonalds drive thru. He orders too much food and pays with a few crumpled bills, smiling politely when the cashiers gaze lingers on his bruised and bloody knuckles.

The only free space is a disabled bay, which Mickey parks in without a second thought, heedless of the signs, and hands the brown bags into the back seat. Mandy eats with as much enthusiasm as her brother and Ian can’t help but laugh at them both, though he covers it as choking on a fry. Once she has eaten her fill, Mandy wipes her hands and face on a napkin and slumps back against Ian’s shoulder, sighing in drowsy contentment. Her breathing grows heavy as they leave the parking lot and Ian wraps a protective arm around her shoulder, keeping her close as she sleeps.

“She okay?”

Ian looks up and meets Mickey’s worried eyes in the rearview mirror.

“She will be. You did good, Mickey.”

Mickey’s cheeks turn a dusky pink at the praise and he snorts, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

“Didn’t do bad yourself, Gallagher.”

“We make a good team.”

Ian smiles and Mickey grins at him happily, blue eyes holding green firmly.

“Yeah we do.”

*

Months later …

*

Ian is making his way back to the Gallagher house, his hand is throbbing beneath the hastily wrapped up bandages and he is grateful for this because it lets him know that he is still alive. He can barely see, barely hear, everything is white noise and great swathes of colourless normality stretching out into the infinity of his gaze.

“Ian?”

He turns slowly and sees Mandy walking towards him, head bowed against the cold evening breeze.

“You okay?”

“Yeah I gotta …”

He trails off, lifting his injured hand in illustration of the point he can’t quite seem to make.

“Shit! That needs changing.”

“I can do it. Or Fiona. I don’t care.”

Ian sighs tiredly and Mandy links her arm through his, making the decision for both of them.

“I’ll do it. Come on.”

Inside the Gallagher house, Ian sits down whilst Mandy finds the first aid kit. Sammi hovers around them until Mandy asks for a cup of coffee, giving the needy blonde a simple task to complete somewhere else.

“Kinda matches my left hand now, huh?”

Ian says quietly, the joke feeble as he shows Mandy the older scar

“Oh yeah? How did you do that one?”

Mandy replies, rolling the clean fabric over Ian’s blistered palm. Ian draws a shuddering breath and then sighs

“Military. I hot-wired a helicopter, other stupid shit too and burnt myself. Then I ran away, went AWOL …”

“Did Ian say something? Does he want a coffee too?”

Sammi’s head pokes around the kitchen door and Mandy throws a weary look over her shoulder at the older woman.

“No Sammi, thanks.”

“Okay but I like to be included in conversation in my own house you know!”

Sammi sing-songs as she retreats back into the kitchen, bitchy but blessedly oblivious. Mandy shakes her head and presses a finger gently to Ian’s lips when he draws a breath to continue his confession.

“Not now, okay? Gotta be careful who you tell about this stuff.”

Mandy tucks the end of the bandage in and covers Ian’s hand gently with both of her own, cradling it.

“Thanks.”

Ian says looking Mandy in the eye for the first time.

“You’re welcome.”

She kisses his head lightly and stands up

“Let’s get out of here. No offence but your sister is weird and Mickey will be home soon.” Ian smiles slightly and nods, leaving Sammi behind and following Mandy home.

[animalsoriginalstory]

Characters-Brief Summaries

Here’s a list of all the characters that are basically the good guys (I haven’t figured out the villains yet)

(Name): (Age); (Gender); (Ethnicity); (Short Bio/Personality); (Weapon of Choice, if applicable)

Darren Tethen: 38; Male; Black; a pianist for a theater in Chicago who usually takes it upon himself to get rid of any people who harasses his fellow employees, though he honestly doesn’t care much for them and would rather work as a solo artist; Fists.

Neena Smith: 20; Female; Black; Darren’s niece who also works at the theater and loves it there. She usually tries to perk up her uncle’s attitude but isn’t very successful. She’s also an expert hacker.

Zedd Simms: 36; Trans Male; White; owner of a small coffee shop in New Orleans who struggles to keep business afloat. He usually has to compete with chain coffee shops, like Star Donuts, but he easily destroys the competition (literally) and stays afloat; Guns, especially sniper rifles.

Rascal Ricci: 18; Male; Hispanic; Zedd used to babysit him when he was little and now he’s one of Zedd’s Best/Worst minions. He usually takes a job at chain coffee shops that recently open up so he can plant explosives in the building, which detonate after all the other workers go home. He really likes rats and mice and has a pet mouse named Possom (to make up for the fact he can’t have a real opossom); Fists and Knife.

Randy Russo: 21; Male; White; one of Zedd’s other minions, who has a huge pompadour and a shiny black leather jacket. He’s very talkative but sometimes he says stupid things that offend some people, though he means no harm by it. he just doesn’t think before he speaks; Fists, knife and handgun.

Hunter Valentine: 22; Male; White; the leader of the greaser trio, he has some muscle and is usually the one to reprimand Randy for saying stupid shit (assuming Zedd isn’t around to do it) and make sure Rascal doesn’t do anything stupid; Fists, brass knuckles and knife.

Crystal Gomez: 20; Female; Hispanic; one of Zedd’s coffee shop employees and is the only employee who is aware of his and the greasers’ action against the chain coffee shops. She helps sometimes and knows how to fire a sniper rifle and hack a computer; sniper rifle.

Quinton Jordan: 32; Male; Black; a marine biologist in Los Angeles who specializes in sharks and gets annoyed how people assume sharks to be mindless killers when they’re actually not so bad. He usually sinks shark hunting ships to protect the local shark population; Guns.

Pepe Rodriguez: 30; Male; Hispanic; during the day, he usually drives the ship for Quinton’s research team around the ocean, but at night, when necessary, he aids Quinton in his missions to sink shark-hunting ships. He usually hops on board the vessels and throws some sailors overboard to attract the attention of the sharks and sometimes loots some of the rooms before quickly making a getaway; Harpoon

Antonio Gonzales: 34; Male; Hispanic; a member of Quinton’s ship-sinking group, Gonzales uses firepower to sink the huge vessels. He especially loves using cannons, since it’s a classic way to get the job done. His recent weapon of usage is a punt gun; firearms of any sort, including cannons and punt guns.

Camille Gonzales: 33; Female; Hispanic; Antonio’s wife who is also a member of Quinton’s ship-sinking crew at night, but as an assistant during the day. She speaks little English, so Gonzales usually speaks for her and translates whatever anyone says to her.

Floyd Cane: 32; Male; White; the owner of an animal shelter in New York City, Floyd is very fond of dogs. He’s mostly keen on pit bulls but is irritated about how people perceive them to be violent by nature, when that wasn’t true. He usually tries to rescue stray pit bulls before PETA gets to them to put them down, but if they do manage to beat him to a stray, he later breaks into their HQ and rescues the animals to put in his own shelter. Fortunately, the shelter is pretty popular so overcrowding isn’t a issue; fists and brass knuckles

Lou Cane: 32; Male; White; Floyd’s twin brother who served in the military overseas for a while. When he came back to the states, Floyd recruited him for his cause in saving innocent dogs and cats from PETA. Lou is usually up to the job, mainly because he has nothing better to do in the evening after he closes his bar; guns, fists, and glass bottles.

Rizzo Jackson: 30; Male; Black; one of the workers in Floyd’s animal shelter, he usually takes care of all the dogs, though their hyper energy drives him insane sometimes. He also aids Floyd in rescuing animals from PETA, using a baseball as a weapon; baseball bat.

Yolanda Glory: 30; Female; Mixed (Black/White); the receptionist for Floyd’s animal shelters, it’s her job to check any animals Floyd finds in and any animals that get adopted out. She loves her jobs because of all the cute dogs and cats she sees. She usually drives one of the getaway vans for Floyd’s animal rescue missions and is mean with a cattle prod; Cattle prod.

Ida Cane: 60; Female; White; Floyd and Lou’s mother who has a smart mouth and a fondness for cats. She’s usually the other getaway driver for Floyd’s escapades, but on the condition that she keeps one of the cats. She’s hoping to attain a Siamese one day.

Leeroy Winters: 30; Male; Mixed (Black/White/Indigenous); having Cherokee roots on his maternal grandmother’s side of the family, Leeroy and his younger brother decided to go to North Carolina to connect with their roots. They’ve helped the local Cherokee reserve collect money to stay alive, but they’ve been having issues with people who refuse to donate due to discriminating reasons. Leeroy’s solution is to hunt down the people, murder them in cold blood, and rob them. It has helped the reserve a lot, but Delsin wishes he’d stop; tomahawks.

Nat Winters: 24; Male; Mixed (Black/White/Indigenous); he joins Leeroy and Delsin on their work to get money for the Cherokee reserve. He’s aware of Leeroy’s murderous actions, but does little to stop it. He doesn’t encourage his older brother to do it, but he doesn’t try to discourage him either. He knows nothing can stop Leeroy; baseball bat.

Delsin: 30; Male; Native American; when he first met Leeroy, he didn’t think of him as more than a person who was interested in connecting to their heritage. When he learns that Leeroy had committed murder to collect most of the money for the reserve, he is beyond horrified. He’s kept track of Leeroy’s actions and has determined he’s done it 20 times so far and wishes to try to get him to stop before he gets arrested or worse. Little does Delsin know, Leeroy’s kill counter is FAR higher than 20...

Janice Jones: 32; Female; Black; a lawyer from Washington DC who specializes in aiding special victims, like children, the elderly, the disabled, and rape victims. She usually tries to serve justice and comes up with pretty compelling evidence that should throw her opponent into prison, but due to certain factors, namely an un-diverse jury and a bribing enemy lawyer, she’s not often successful. Which is usually when her “evil twin” steps in; handgun.

Junice Jones: 32; Female; Black; Janice’s twin sister who works kind of like a hitwoman but not really. She kills Janice’s opponent in court if she’s not successful in the trial, especially if the opponent is a rapist, believing that’ll give Janice’s client peace of mind. While it kind of does, Janice wants her sister to stay out of her work before they both get in trouble with the law; guns, especially rifles.

Angela Canciones: 24; Female; Hispanic; one of Janice’s friends who knows how to hold her own in a fight and has a strong protectiveness over any children she becomes associated with. Angela is trying to raise money to give to her mother so she can open her coffee shop; guns and fists.

Gertrude Weber: 44; Female; White; one of Janice’s neighbors who served time in the military. She’s an expert sniper and chef and is always kind of everyone she meets...unless they give her a reason not to be; guns.

Roscoe Lopez: 22; Male; Hispanic; another one of Janice’s neighbors who lives with his mom and little sister. He is usually very reserved but is very skilled in fist and knife fights; knife and fists.

Yuri and Kuri Lee: 19; Female; Asian; twin Korean girls who work for Junice and take great joy in their murderous work. Yuri has a bionic left eye and bionic legs that make her taller than she actually is and have wheels that can be converted into round feet. Kuri has a bionic right eye and bionic arms that are larger than necessary. They don’t like to talk about how they lost their limbs and eyes; their enhanced prosthetic limbs.

Rainbow Flores: 22; Male; White; a hippie who has a passion for using automatic firearms and works for Junice. He has a very chill and friendly attitude usually, but once he has his hands on a gun, he becomes a sadistic maniac; automatic guns.

Muhammad Shiraz: 48; Male; Middle Eastern; the owner of an orphanage and is known as one of the kindest people in his town. He cares a great deal about his employees and the orphans. Whenever a terrorist group holds a village hostage, Muhammad takes it upon himself to go to the village, take down the enemies and save the people, preferably before  a squad of soldiers shows up and just kills everyone they see, including the innocents; fists.

Aisha Kareem: 44; Female; Middle Eastern; one of Muhammad’s trusted employees, Aisha looks after the children of the orphanage. She also operates as a teacher for them, mostly regarding things involving the Qur’an. She, along with the other employees, are aware of Muhammad’s actions but don’t tell the children.

Ali “Thorn”: 24; Male; Middle Eastern; an orphan Muhammad saved 10 years ago who grew up to be a man bitter towards the foreign soldier squads, due to the fact that they killed his and his younger sister, Yashira’s, parents. One soldier spared his life and confronted their commander about it, only to be killed. Thorn holds a strong resentment towards the military, blaming them for his losses and becomes hostile to any foreigners he meets; fists.

Yashira: 16; Female; Middle Eastern; an orphan Muhammad saved 10 years ago who acts as an older sister to the younger orphans. She often wonders where her older brother is and what he’s doing, since she hasn’t seen him since he left the orphanage when he was 18; fists.

Abdul: 10; Male; Middle Eastern; an orphan Muhammad came across as a toddler after coming across a village full of slaughtered people. He took him back to the orphanage, where he was raised for most of his life. Abdul has a great respect for Muhammad and sees Yashira as the older he either never had or lost.

Aika Fu: 6; Female; Asian; a little girl who is wanted by a crime syndicate in Japan for unknown reasons, reasons the Yakuza wish to know. She appears to be a normal child and knows no English, so the Yakuza members have to act as her translators frequently.

Mr. Okimura: 62; Male; Asian; the leader of the last Yakuza family in all of Japan. He took pity on Aika’s situation and rounded up some foreign criminals and delinquents that he knew would rescue her.

Akira Yukimura: 40; Male; Asian; a commander in the Yakuza who is very serious and driven. He is very formal and expects the best from their foreign helpers; fists and knife.

Dai Kurosawa: 44; Male; Asian; another commander of the Yakuza who is very quirky and good-humored. He gets the job done but does so in a way that would be considered ludicrous. He loves his wife, Yuki, and supports his daughters’ ambitions; knife, fists and baseball bat.

Ryu Himura: 20; Male; Asian; a young man who goes to the same college Makoto and Ashi goes to. He overhears them talking about Aika and decides to set out to find her himself. He sees a blue light in the sewers and goes down to investigate, where he sees Aika and tries to catch her but she escapes. He tells the Yakuza a few days later.

Makoto Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the eldest of the Kurosawa Seven, who is very kind and protective of others. She was assigned to contact Darren; Katana

Ashi Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the second of the Kurosawa Seven, who is very serious and tolerates not fooling around. She was assigned to contact Zedd; dual sai

Haruka Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the third of the Kurosawa Seven who is very scary and irritable. She was assigned to contact Quinton; Kanabo

Ichika Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the fourth of the Kurosawa Seven who is very laid-back and good-humored. She was assigned to contact Leeroy; kusarigama

Yuna Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the fifth of the Kurosawa Seven who is very excitable and adores cute things. She was assigned to contact Floyd; shurikens

Sakura Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the sixth of the Kurosawa Seven who is very smart and dignified. She was assigned to contact Muhammad; tonfas and naginata

Fuka Kurosawa: 18; Female; Asian; the last of the Kurosawa Seven who is very curious and talkative. She was assigned to contact Janice and Junice; butterfly knives.