#*losing money not using. but well. i guess actually that too

[azriels-shadowsinger]

Game Night (Azriel x Reader)

summary: You and Azriel have been kinda flirty for a while, but it has never actually gone anywhere. When game night turns into strip poker… well i’m sure you can guess where this is gonna go.

wc: 1.5k

a/n: i haven’t written anything in a long while bc ive been kinda very depressed so this may suck. also thank yall so much for 200 followers!!

!!warning: suggestiveness at the end.

The males should have known it was a bad idea when you four females insisted on the game. Mor had oh so innocently suggested a game night, after which Nesta randomly got the idea to play poker out of nowhere, followed by immediate approval from you and Feyre. Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel had wrongfully assumed that you all had suddenly gained interest in the game and wanted to learn for fun, so they agreed.

The night started out wholesome. You were ‘learning’ the basic rules of the game while losing a decent amount of money. As expected, Rhys was trying to help Feyre as she kept losing money to his brothers. After several rounds of defeat and many more rounds of drinks, the males started to notice that you four were losing less and less. Actually… you were all holding the majority of the chips by this point. Azriel, in his usual perceptive manner, accused you four of cheating and hustling them. You and Mor couldn’t help but break out laughing.

“I’m sorry! It was just too easy!” You said between giggles.

“Especially when Rhys started telling Feyre his cards in her mind so she wouldn’t lose, which she immediately told to us!” Mor laughed loudly. Feyre gave a sheepish grin and Nesta only smirked while pulling her most recent winning to her pile. Rhys, Cass, and Az couldn’t help but to laugh, commending you for being able to trick them. Cassian, however, insists that they were going easy on you the whole time.

“Well, it’s on now. No more holding back, right boys?” Cassian says with a smug grin while dealing new cards to the table.

“It shouldn’t be too hard to win, now that I figured out each of their tells.” Azriel stated matter of factly while peaking at his cards. His shadows swirl around him, blocking anyone from being able to see the hand he was dealt.

“Oh really? You think you can tell when we’re bluffing? I think you’re overestimating those spy abilities, Az. You haven’t called any of my bluffs correctly so far.” He shrugs. “I think we may need to make this game more interesting since you three claim you’re going to actually try now. I’m thinking we raise the bets to-“

“Let’s play strip poker!” Cassian bellows, obviously drunk, and cutting you off before you can say anything else. Rhys exchanges a look with Feyre. “I think that Feyre darling and I are going to retire for the night before we lose more of our money or our clothes. Goodnight everyone!” He laughs. They throw their cards on the table and winnow away, leaving just you, Nesta, Mor, Azriel, and Cassian at the table.

Cassian stares expectantly at Nesta. “Cmon, Nes! Say you’ll play!” She sighs dramatically and agrees. “Fine. Only if Y/N, Mor, and Azriel all agree to play too.” Your face turns red. While you don’t doubt your poker abilities, the thought of stripping in front of Azriel… or worse, seeing him half naked, makes your heart race. You and Azriel have only ever gone as far as flirting with each other, but these Illyrians are always flirtatious, so you don’t think it means anything. Regardless, your mind wanders to the mental image of a shirtless Azriel, sparring in the training ring this morning. It’s always so hard not to stare. His abs, his arms, his wings…

“Y/N? Are you playing or not?” Mor questions, pulling you from your daydream. You realize everyone has agreed but you now.

“Sure, whatever.” You say quieter than before, still slightly blushing. You look at your cards nervously, praying to the Cauldron for a good hand. Luckily, you get it. The round goes on, and eventually Cassian is the first to lose an item of clothing, opting to lose his shirt and making a big display of removing it.

An hour later, you have all had several more drinks, everyone has discarded a couple items of clothing (except for Cassian who was down to only his boxers and his left sock), Mor got tired and left, and you were focusing way too closely on one of your poker chips in an attempt to not stare at Azriel.

Cassian flips the last card and… it’s not what you need. You bite your lip nervously, pushing several chips to the middle of the table while trying to maintain a confident façade. “I raise.”

Cassian and Nesta both fold, leaving just you and Azriel. You feel his eyes on you, probably trying to tell if you’re bluffing. Your skin heats under his gaze. Trying to appear more confident, you meet his stare, only to notice he’s not staring at your face, but rather a bit lower. You blush and Cassian clears his throat. “Uh, your move, Az.” Azriel immediately looks away, staring back at his cards.

“Um, I fold.” He mutters and tosses his cards on the discard pile, and you can’t help but notice the way his other hand is clenching and flexing under the table.

“Y/N wins! Az, looks like you’re down to your boxers now!” Cassian slurs slightly. Your eyes go wide and you give a panicked look to Nesta.

“Cass, I think it’s time for us to head home. I’m tired.” She gives him a look that he obviously must recognize because he is very quick to leave, obviously excited to get home. They say goodbye and head out, leaving just you and Azriel.

You stand to gather your things, but Azriel stops you. “Are we done playing, sweetheart?” You feel his eyes trail down your half-exposed body.

“You can keep your pants on, Shadowsinger. It’s late and I’m drunk. Plus, if we play another round then one of us will end up a bit more naked than friends should be around each other.” You laugh awkwardly. Azriel’s eyes darken slightly and he leans in to whisper in your ear. “Scared you’ll lose?” You shudder at the closeness and the feeling of his breath on you.

“No. I just don’t think you want me to find out that the wingspan theory isn’t true.” You quip back with a raised eyebrow. He lets out a short laugh and sits back down. “Deal the cards.” He says smugly.

You deal the cards, trying to ignore the tension thick in the air. What the hell is he doing? How are you supposed to act friendly and hide your feelings if you see him naked? How is he going to react if he sees you without a bra? You deal the last card and look at your hand. Not terrible, but definitely not great. You bite your lip nervously. The round plays out and it’s time to place the final bets. You make your bet and then look to Azriel, biting your bottom lip nervously. He studies his cards, then sets them down to look at you.

“You wanna know something, Y/N?” He picks up a poker chip and spins it between his fingers. Gods, those fingers. “You bite your lip when you’re nervous. Did you know that?” You freeze. “And while it has been rather advantageous to know when you’re bluffing this whole game, I do find it kind of cute.” He slides all of his chips into the middle pile. “I knew you were bluffing the last round. And I know you are now too.” His voice is low and full of confidence. Your face is completely red now as he flips his cards over. Royal flush.

You turn your cards over in defeat and he grins. “I win.” He says smugly. He stands and saunters towards you, caging you between his arms in your chair. You look up at him, and you can see the silent question in his eyes. Is this okay? You nod softly and he smirks.

“As the winner, I think it’s only fair that I get to claim my prize. May I?” He gently slides your bra strap down your shoulder. This is actually happening. Weeks of flirty words and lustful glances, leading to whatever is about to happen.

“Rules are rules.” You maintain eye contact and reach behind to unclasp your bra. He grabs your wrist, guiding it back down and reaching behind you himself. His fingers softly trail up your spine, leaving goosebumps behind, before he reaches the clasp and unhooks it. Your bra falls to the floor and Azriel’s eyes roam over you hungrily.

“Gods, you are even more beautiful than I imagined.” He gently guides you to stand, walking you back to the wall and pressing you against it. “I have wanted to do this for so long.” He whispers against your skin before moving his lips to yours. He kisses you with no restraint. One hand cups your face while the other moves up your side. You melt into his touch, savoring his taste. A small moan leaves your mouth, causing him to growl softly.

Azriel pulls away for a moment to say something, but before he can, you hear footsteps in the hall. Quickly, you rush to grab your clothes before anyone can see you. Moments later, whoever it was walks past the room towards the kitchen. You let out a breath, continuing to get dressed.

You give a look to Azriel, who had already managed to get fully dressed somehow. He can read the question in your eyes. Now what? Azriel reaches out a scarred hand toward you. “We can keep playing the game in my room.” He smirks. You take his hand and you two quickly head out, leaving the cards and poker chips on the table.

idk what this was. honestly it was a WIP from months ago and i’m not sure if I love how it ended up but whatever i just am trying to write again :)

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Ruggie Bucchi - Platinum Jacket Vignette

"Happy 100th Anniversary"

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Ruggie: Can't believe I'm here bein' a supporter for some museum like this. Guess ya never know what life's got in store for ya.

Ruggie: I mean, I totally wouldn't've ever paid to see paintings that I can't even fill my belly with…

Ruggie: But I guess it's okay if I don't gotta pay. I wonder if they got paintings I've seen in my textbooks.

???: This painting… These are the hyenas from the King of Beast's legends. When the three of them are lined up like this it's kind of intimidating…

Ruggie: Well, yeah, they were out there patrollin' lava quarries 'n goin' out on scoutin' missions, so.

Trey: You sure know your stuff, Ruggie. I guess that would make sense for a hyena beastman to know.

Trey: But still… Both patrolling and scouting seems like painstaking work.

Ruggie: Oh, yeah. From the stories I've heard, they had some pretty tight scrapes…

Ruggie: Like there's one where while they were out chasin' some stubborn foe, they ended up runnin' off a cliff tryin' to catch 'em…

Ruggie: Which had 'em endin' up flyin' into some real prickly thickets.

Trey: If it were me, I'd probably hesitate, worried about getting hurt. Guess the hyenas who worked under the King of Beasts were just that brave.

Ruggie: Brave? Then I guess I'll take that compliment, too. 'Cause I've jumped into thorny thickets like that a buncha times!

Trey: You've jumped into the thorny thickets…? A bunch of times!? Why would you do that…?

Ruggie: Actually, did you know? In the Sunset Savanna, there's this real steep cliff that's become a bit of a tourist attraction.

Ruggie: It's the perfect place to catch the settin' sun, so a ton of tourists go up there to snap a pic, leanin' over the fences 'n everything.

Ruggie: And like, sometimes there's folk that'll get so focused on settin' up the shot, or that'll bump into others that they'll drop and lose stuff.

Trey: I'd expect they'd have to let their stuff go if they dropped it off the cliff… But how does this all tie into you talking about the thorny thickets??

Ruggie: Sheeheehee. So actually, at the bottom of that cliff, there's a huge bramble of thorny thickets.

Ruggie: It's off-limits, and it's pretty dangerous, so no one really heads down there.

Ruggie: So, that's why I'd sneak down in the dead of night, and pick up all the lost items!

Ruggie: Sometimes I'd find little wrapped pieces of candy, watches 'n accessories, and even wallets!

Ruggie: Well, it kinda depended week to week what dropped, but… That was a great way to make some quick cash.

Trey: B-But if you had gotten injured, would all that have been worth it?

Ruggie: Yeah, true. Back when I was just a kid, I could slip in 'n out pretty easily, but I had to stop when I started getting' bigger.

Ruggie: Not only was I makin' big bucks, but the cliff's environment was getting' kept clean. Felt like a win-win deal to me.

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Ruggie: Oh, this one… It's a painting of the thunder god and his son.

Trey: Yeah, according to the legends, he came to the human world just after being born, and was raised by adoptive parents.

Ruggie: Basically, that means he was raised apart from his actual dad, right? Amazin' they actually look like they get along good.

Trey: Haha… I wonder. Do you get along with your dad, Ruggie?

Ruggie: Nah, I don't got one.

Ruggie: He left back when I was a kid, so I don't remember anythin' about him, 'n I don't know what he's up to now.

Trey: Oh… Is that so? Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds.

Ruggie: Huh, that reaction's pretty different than what I'm used to.

Ruggie: Back home, there's a ton of kids just like me, so usually they'd just shrug and go, "Oh, okay" and move on.

Trey: And I guess it doesn't sound like they're saying that just to be considerate.

Ruggie: Obviously. Because the bigger problem is not havin' the money to buy food!

Ruggie: Granny'd take care of me, but there wasn't much we could do 'bout our empty bellies…

Ruggie: When I was big enough, I'd start working together with all the kids in my little neighborhood to scrounge up some food.

Trey: Kids running around trying to gather food on their own… That's hard for me to imagine.

Ruggie: There's a buncha ways to gather up food. We'd go into town and ask for alms, or drop a line in the river.

Ruggie: We were always pretty hungry, so we'd pretty much do anything… Oh, like we had a great time once digging for potatoes.

Trey: Is digging up potatoes that exciting?

Ruggie: WELL, YEAH!

Ruggie: There's actually a type of potato that grows in my country that can get as large as 20 kilos…

Ruggie: Around the time the potato harvestin' was finishin' up, we all snuck into the fields at night…

Ruggie: And we'd pick up some stunted potatoes that were left behind, as well as dug up some other forgotten potatoes.

Ruggie: We were all up in arms to pick every single one before the sun rose!

Trey: Why'd you go at mid… Never mind, I'm not going to ask.

Ruggie: And then, this one year when I was diggin', I hit the jackpot!

Ruggie: It was a potato so huge I wouldn't've even been able to carry it with both arms! It had't've been heavier than 20 kilos～

Ruggie: Didn't think there'd be any potatoes left that huge… Maan, I really lucked out then.

Trey: 20 kilograms, huh… With something that big, I don't think there'd be much to worry about eating for a while.

Ruggie: Don'tcha think?

Ruggie: I was thinkin', like, we could dry whatever was leftover and turn it to powder to make it last a bit longer…

Ruggie: But then Granny ended up boilin' 'em, fryin' 'em, and basically makin' a ton of dishes. It was a potato party extravaganza!

Ruggie: Me and the other street kiddos were just packin' 'em away, and little by little it started to disappear…

Ruggie: In the end, I couldn't make anything to save it for later.

Trey: Ah… That's rough.

Ruggie: And I never saw a potato that huge ever again. Guess good luck like that only ever hits once in a while.

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Trey: Woah… This painting has a real powerful presence.

Ruggie: So, this is a painting of when the Thorn Fairy transformed into a dragon to fight, huh.

Trey: She looks way stronger than what her stories say. I bet I would be no match for her.

Ruggie: Eh!? Trey-san, you lookin' to pick a fight with the Thorn Fairy? It'd be waaay better to try 'n flatter her instead

Trey: Oho, but that might be the scarier route, don't you think? You might end up in deep trouble if you were to offend the Thorn Fairy instead.

Ruggie: Sheeheehee. Oh, but I'm pretty good with that kinda stuff.

Trey: Haha, well, I guess I have to admire that pluck.

Ruggie: But man, she's really something. She's the one that caused all that lightning too, right?

Ruggie: They say it was always thunderin' and lightnin' outside her castle as a way to keep intruders out… That's a huge undertakin', huh.

Ruggie: But with all those lightning strikes, I bet the bread prices were super cheap near the Thorn Fairy's castle.

Trey: Bread? …Ohh, right! Because when lightning strikes, certain particles are released in the air that helps plants grow.

Ruggie: Huh? Wait, are ya sayin' there's actually a whole science behind the whole "bread gets cheaper whenever it thunders"!?

Trey: Oh, isn't that what you meant?

Ruggie: I was just sayin' what Granny would always say…

Ruggie: Wait, so does that sayin' mean that 'cause more wheat gets harvested, more bread can get made, and that's why it's cheaper?

Trey: Yeah. Although, with how much we've developed our fertilizers nowadays, I don't know how much lightning strikes actually play a part anymore.

Ruggie: Cooool, I had no idea. Guess you Science Club folk know your stuff.

Ruggie: I bet Granny didn't really know the meanin' behind it like you did…

Ruggie: But I bet she saw with her own eyes the change in bread prices whenever there were tons of thunder and lightning.

Ruggie: But still… Kinda weird, huh. Sheeheehee.

Trey: Weird? What is?

Ruggie: Back when I was a kid, I only ever cared 'bout food, so there's no way I woulda been interested in learnin' why the bread was cheaper.

Ruggie: But now, I heard your whole spiel, and my reaction was to think it was pretty cool. Guess I'm maturin'.

Trey: Well… Maybe it's just that you can actually afford to take the time to listen now?

Ruggie: Maybe, maybe not. 'Cause my wallet's still pretty empty…

Ruggie: Oh hey, maybe this is just me bein' able to relax my stresses away, huh!? …Maybe not, heh.

Trey: Could be, if you're enjoying your time here, at least. Oops… Look at the time.

Trey: I think I'll head out to go check on how my dormmates are doing. See you, Ruggie.

Ruggie: 'Kaay, see ya. I'm gonna keep lookin' around this area a bit longer.

Ruggie: Hm? This painting… A lion cub's just lollygaggin' with a warthog 'n a meerkat.

Ruggie: I'm wonderin' if they even know all the scary things that can happen to animals that step outta their territory, hm?

Requested by Anonymous.

[pensat-i-fet]

His very own real princess (Pedri x Reader)

**I'm back with another imagine! This one was requested many moons ago and the anon who sent it might have forgotten about it so sorry 😕 but I got the inspiration for it and so I wanted to share it! I'm not so used to writing short format anymore so I feel everything could be a series. Let me know if you'd like this concept to be one! ☺️ And enjoy! ❤️**

Word count: 3675

Masterlist

Wattpad

Being famous was not as great as people made it up to be. For Pedri, it meant leaving the house was too much sometimes. He had to deal with people following him and even getting in front of his car just to get his attention. He was asked to sign autographs and to take photos every couple of minutes. While he loved his fans, it could be a bit much. Especially when he could tell they were filming him so they could post the video on TikTok for a couple hundred likes. So, one day, he tried to avoid those people by going to a park. He could probably lose them there. There were so many trees and dogs that made it harder to move quickly around the area.

For you, it had been a bit different. Growing up your family wanted to keep you a secret almost. For security reasons…or so they said. So, naturally, you wanted to rebel against them and do the complete opposite. Still, it wasn’t until you turned 18 that you started to show up at official events. And now you were 20, you realised maybe your parents had been right all along. But you weren’t going to tell them that. Of course. So while some paparazzi were chasing you, you spotted a park and thought you could hide there for a bit. Maybe even call your chauffeur so he could pick you up and save you from the vultures.

“Oh! Sorry”.

Pedri turned to look at the girl who was apologising to him. You had bumped into each other and he hit you in the head with his shoulder without meaning to. He hadn’t even seen you there.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry. Are you alright?”

And then, it happened. You looked up to see his face and you couldn’t believe who it was that you were talking to.

“Oh my God…oh my God”, was all you could say.

“I take it you know who I am”.

“Yeah, who doesn’t?”

Pedri chuckled. “I guess there are some lucky folks out there who don’t. But really, are you ok?”

“Yes, it’s fine. Just more shocked to see you here than anything else”.

Pedri smiled at you and you were trying hard not to swoon. Being hidden from the public eye meant you hadn’t been around a lot of famous people before. Your second cousins were way more used to this and always told you famous people were just normal people. To them…not to you. To you, famous people were…fascinating.

“I was planning on hiding here for a bit”, you said.

“Me too, but I don’t want to ruin your plan so I could leave…”.

Pedri started to look around, getting ready to leave so you stopped him. “You don't know who I am so that makes you good company. Perfect company actually. So you can stay. Also, you got here first”.

“Should I know who you are?”

“I guess not”, you shrugged. Not everyone followed your family. Thankfully.

“Are you a singer?

“Babies cry when I sing”.

“Actress?”

“Nope”.

“Influencer”.

“I only influence how much money there is left in my dad's bank account”.

You thought it was really cute how he concentrated, trying to guess. “Then…a model?”

“No, but I appreciate the compliment”.

“What compliment?”

“If you think I could be a model, then you think I'm pretty”.

“Well”, he started. “I like to invite pretty girls to eat or have a drink so…which one is it going to be?”

“There is an ice cream ban there…if you dare approach it”.

It made you laugh how Pedri looked around the area, making sure no one who could know him was there and then he turned to look at you again.

“What flavour?”

“One ball of coffee and one of vanilla, please”.

“Sounds sophisticated”.

“I guess you’re getting closer to my identity”, you laughed.

“What are you? A princess?”

“Nah, the princesses are my cousins”.

Pedri laughed before going to the ban to get the ice cream. The funny thing about being part of the Royal family was that it was so weird that many thought you were joking when you said that. But you weren’t. Not many people knew your parents but they still were part of the family so…they got attention. And now, you got the attention too.

“Here is your ice cream, your Majesty”.

“Thank you, Golden boy”, you joked back.

“Does that make me royalty too?”

“I guess. Football royalty so less hated than real royalty”. “Less hated? You clearly aren’t on Twitter”.

No, you weren’t. No amount of therapy would heal you after reading what people wrote about you or your family there.

Sitting down on the grass and eating an ice cream while chatting with Pedri was something that healed your mood. It was so nice to be with someone who didn’t know who you were but that also understood how you felt. Even if he didn’t know it yet.

“There are a lot of kids and parents around now. I feel no one will even look at us while we leave”.

You looked around and agreed with his assessment. “Ok, where should we go?”

“I don’t know. Wanna go walk near the beach? It’s usually where I end up when I go out. It’s not often I do but it’s nice to go there”.

“I like the beach”.

“Where are you from?”

“Well…it’s a funny question that one”, you sighed.

“How so?” “I was born in The Netherlands, then lived in Madrid for a bit, went to school in Switzerland and Wales and now I’m back in Spain. I go to different cities all the time. I like travelling”.

“Wow, that’s a lot. Was it a boarding school you went to?”

“Yeah”.

“Maybe you are a princess after all”.

You giggled and looked down to hide your blush. Yes, your life sounded very much like that of a princess. Even if about 40 family members needed to die for you to become one for real.

“I love this”, you said, looking around and feeling so…normal.

“Yeah? That’s good”.

Pedri smiled at you and you realised maybe it wasn’t so normal what was going on. Sure, you were on a walk like a normal person but you were walking with a very famous footballer. That didn’t happen every day. At least not to you.

“And I see pizza there. Do you want a slice?”

“I probably shouldn’t…”.

“But Pedri! Today everything is possible! You’re not a football player but just Pedro from Tenerife. And I’m not a princess”.

“What are you then?”, he asked, smirking.

“I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy…asking him to get some pizza”.

The excitement of the crazy afternoon made you lose a bit of the control you usually had and you grabbed Pedri’s arm to take him to the pizza ban. It wasn’t like holding hands but…once the physical contact started, you were both very aware of it. But pretended it was all normal.

After buying the pizza slices, you didn’t wait a second to start eating. You were so hungry and it wasn’t often you got to eat greasy pizza with your hands.

“That burns!”, you complained, opening your mouth and using your hand as a fan.

“Maybe wait a little to eat”.

“I was hungry”, you pouted and that made Pedri stare at your lips.

“You got some sauce on your mouth”.

“I think I have a mirror on my bag…”.

But before you had time to find it, Pedri used one of his napkins to clean your face. When you looked up at him, you noticed he seemed to have done that without even realising.

“Sorry”.

“No, don’t be. Thank you for not letting me look dirty while we walked”.

“Princesses have to always look perfect”.

“Exactly”, you told him, laughing.

But good things had to come to an end and soon Pedri started to notice people looking at him. That meant it was time to go home.

“I’m sorry. It just…that’s my life”.

“I get it”, you told him, wanting to explain to him how much you actually got it. “It was fun to spend some time with you though”.

“Would you like to do it again?”

“I would. But maybe somewhere more private”.

“Do you have Instagram? So you can follow me and we can talk about meeting”.

That made you pause. You had an official account controlled by people hired by your family but also a private one. So maybe you could use that one to follow him.

“Yeah. I’ll follow you later and send you a message”.

“Cool. See you…soon?”

You nodded, not knowing what to do. Should you hug him? But then all the people ready to surround him showed you that no, a hug wouldn’t be a good idea. So you said goodbye and left.

Pedri was entering the dressing room a couple of days after you met, not really looking at his teammates but at his phone. You two had been texting ever since you separated. And he was constantly checking to see if you had sent him a new message.

“Hello, your Majesty”, said one of Pedri’s teammates and it took him a second to notice he was looking at him.

“Sorry?”

“I just said hi to your Majesty. Would you like us to find a throne for you to sit on?”

“What are you on about?”

“Haven't seen the cover of the magazine yet?”, asked Frenkie.

“I haven't done any covers lately…”.

“The gossip magazine”, pointed out Lamine. “It’s all everyone is talking about”.

“I don’t get it. I haven’t done anything to be in one of those magazines”.

“How about going out with a pretty girl the other day? Paparazzi are everywhere. You should know that by now”.

So people had seen him when he was hanging out with you. Great. You didn’t seem like someone who’d enjoy the attention. But why make such a big deal out of him being seen with someone unknown?

“You also chose the wrong girl to date”.

“I’m not dating her but she's just a normal girl…”.

“Who's related to the Royal family. And here we were worrying about Gavi being the one who could become king”.

“I would have made a great king”, said Gavi, raising his chin proudly.

“You would have made a terrible king”, told him Fermín, shaking his head.

“What do you mean Royal family?”

Pedri was about to start freaking out. You joked about being a princess but…was it not a joke? What? He knew the princesses! Leonor, Sofía, Victoria, …none of them were you. So what the heck was going on?

“She’s like a second or third cousin of the real princesses but the media has been trying to find out everything about her in the last few years”, explained Pau.

“How do you know so much about that?”

“My mum loves the Royals. I live with her and she talks about it”, shrugged the youngster.

The jokes continued but Pedri didn’t care. He just kept thinking about how you had lied to him. And he got it in a way. It couldn’t be easy to be in your position but…you had spent two days talking to each other about a lot of personal stuff. Didn’t you trust him enough to tell him the truth?

When he finished training and picked up his phone again, he saw a text from you saying “I’m sorry”. A part of him wanted to ignore it but you didn’t deserve that kind of treatment despite your lies. So he asked you to meet instead. But you were in Madrid for a couple of days so it’d have to wait. You apologized multiple times and Pedri told you it was ok but…you weren’t so sure.

“What’s wrong?”, asked your cousin Sofía, who was a real princess.

“You saw the magazines, right?”

“Yes. Wanna talk about it?”

“I…we bumped into each other randomly and it was so good to meet someone who didn’t know who I was. You get it, Sof. If someone gets it, it’ll be you”.

“I do. Is he mad at you for lying?”

“Not really”, you said, frowning. “I expected him to be but he seems to understand why I lied. He also gets it”.

“I bet he does. So, what are you going to do?”

“We’ll meet when I get back to Barcelona in a few days”.

Sofía laughed looking at you. “That smile…someone is smitten!”

“How could I not be? Have you seen him? And he’s super nice too, not just handsome. But I fear I’ve ruined it”.

“Don’t be so negative. Let’s just get ready for the match and forget about your Barça boy for a couple of hours”.

It wasn’t a secret that the king of Spain supported Atlético de Madrid and a lot of people suspected his daughter Sofía did as well. However, it was very hard for her to attend matches without people noticing but she had become a bit of a pro at it. And now she was taking you to the match too.

The match was fun and Atleti won so Sofía was very happy. And you didn’t get spotted by anyone…or so you thought.

“Pepi!”, called Ferran when Pedri was entering the dressing room in the morning.

“What?”

“Your princess is a traitor, she doesn't even support you”.

“What are you talking about?”

“She was at the Atleti match yesterday with Princess Sofía. But I bet you can turn her into a Barça fan”.

Ferran’s wink didn’t stop Pedri from feeling so weird about this whole situation. Or more like jealous. What if you had your eye on an Atleti player?

But he could only stare at the photos in the article. After your meeting, he had only the memory of how you looked that day. Your private Instagram only had a handful of photos and a few were of your dogs. The official Instagram only had a few official photos and…even though that was you too, it wasn’t the you Pedri knew. The girl in the photos from the Atleti match was you. Laughing with your cousin and looking so happy.

The article…he didn’t like as much. After the photos of what the press called “a date” were published, they just assumed you were seeing Pedri. So what were you doing watching a rival team? It wasn’t as if you went to see a Real Madrid match, God forbid. But still…shouldn’t you be supporting “your boyfriend”?

“Hi”.

A few days later, you were back in Barcelona and Pedri invited you to have lunch with him. Finding a place where no one would see you was hard, but your family knew a few tricks to achieve that.

“Hey. It’s good to see you again”.

This time, you did hug as a greeting. Even if you had spoken only via texts, it still felt like you knew each other so well now. So a hug seemed like the right thing to do.

“I’m sorry about everything that happened. I just…I don’t know, Pedri. Being with you made me forget who I was for a second and I didn’t think about how this could affect you”.

“It’s ok. You know I get it. It’s the same for me. My every move is overanalysed. Though I guess being a princess is a bit more important”.

“Not this again”, you shook your head, laughing. “I’m not a princess. I’m a nobody, really. But the press was waiting for a moment like this. A scandal or whatever”.

“Eating pizza in public is very scandalous. I don’t know how your reputation will recover”.

You laughed at Pedri’s joke but also remembered what you had been told. “It’s not so much what I did but who I did it with”.

“Oh…ok”.

When the photos were published, your parents talked to you about all the reasons why you should stay away from Pedri. Before you even had time to say nothing was going on…at least not yet.

“It’s stupid. I told you I’m a nobody. But family connections dictate this or that…I don’t want to date a politician or another royal just because it’s what I’m supposed to do. I don’t have it as bad as my cousins. You know, the real princesses. But still…it’s boring. I want to be able to make my own decisions”.

“You don’t want to date a politician…but would you like to date me?”

Being so annoyed with your family and their restrictions, you didn’t realise Pedri wasn’t stupid and could easily read between the lines.

“You’re better than a politician so…”.

“Look”, said Pedri, grabbing your hand to hold it. “No relationship was going to be easy for me. I knew that. So…this doesn’t scare me”.

“Really? I was actually worried it would”.

“I could see it in your face”.

“Can you read minds now? Is that how you know where to shoot the ball?”

“No, that’s because I’m a generational talent”, joked Pedri, making you laugh. “But I mean it. I’m not scared. Are you?”

“Not as much as I probably should”.

“But…are you an Atleti fan? These are the important conversations we need to have before trying to date”.

“That’s my cousin. I don’t really have a team. So I might let you convince me to become a Barça fan. I already support Spain so…”.

“Even against The Netherlands?”, he asked. Your mum was Dutch so it was a fair question.

“Only if you play for Spain that day”.

And so you both forgot about what people would say, what people would demand from each of you and started to date. There was no need to hide since there were photos of your first date online already. Even if back then you didn’t want to admit it was a date.

Being together compensated for any comments or insults…but Pedri was starting to get a bit tired of his teammates curtsying in front of him and calling him Majesty. They did it with you too, which only made you laugh.

“I told you, guys. I’m not a princess”.

“No. Not officially”, told you Pedri. “But you are my very own princess. My queen even”.

Your blush made everyone laughed. It was so obvious to everyone how in love you both were.

However, the media was going to try to find anything that could make it sound like your lovely love story wasn’t so lovely.

Something your family always had to do was attend charity events. It was probably one of the few things you liked doing, since many of those events raised money for great causes. So when you were invited to one to raise money for cancer research, you said yes immediately. It being organised by the Atlético de Madrid foundation didn’t matter to you. But for the press…it was a different story.

“Hi, it’s nice meeting you”.

You turned to see it was Álvaro Morata, the player who presided the event, saying hello to you.

“Thank you, it’s nice meeting you too”.

“I heard about you and Pedri…sorry if it’s too informal of me to say this”. “It’s ok, don’t worry”.

“So…you two are really together?”

“Yes”, you said, blushing.

“Good. He’s a good guy. I’ll see you around the Spain matches then”.

“You will”.

Other players were there too and you were introduced to all of them. Mario Hermoso, Marcos Llorente, …they were all very nice to you. But it was a younger player you had to sit next to at your table. One that you hadn’t met before but that introduced himself as Rodrigo Riquelme. However, that wasn’t what his teammates called him.

“Should I call you Rodrigo or Roro?”

“I feel I can’t ask someone of your station to call me such a nickname”.

You laughed seeing the Atleti player blushing. “I don’t mind. I’m not really that important”.

“You are the most important person here”.

“Depends on who you asked”, you shrugged.

It was lovely having someone young to chat with at such an event. You were usually surrounded by old politicians and entrepreneurs who bored you to death with their conversations. So you had a great time…Pedri didn’t have as much fun seeing all the posts on social media talking about how his girlfriend was being too friendly with another player.

He knew it was stupid. You were just chatting with Riquelme. Pedri knew you now and realised that was how you talked to his friends too. That was how you talked to Ferran, for example. It was nothing like how you talked to Pedri.

But still…it wasn’t nice to see so many people doubting your relationship. And, what was worse, insulting you.

“You look unhappy”, you said when you met him again in Barcelona. “Is it because of the articles? Nothing happened with Riquelme. I swear”.

“I know”, he sighed, wrapping his arms around your waist and kissing your forehead. “I just hate how people will try to find any excuse to try and hurt us”.

“We knew it was going to happen…”.

“It’s not nice anyway”.

“But we’re fine?”, you asked, worried.

“We’re fine. I missed you a lot”.

“I know. I missed you too”.

Knowing Pedri trusted you was so important and you felt you needed to prove you were worth that trust. So, even though you knew you were likely to get in trouble, you forgot about protocol and attended his match wearing his shirt.

It wasn’t even the most important match but when it ended, you went as close to the pitch as you could and called Pedri so he could go meet you. Every one of his teammates that walked past curtsied and called you two “your Majesties”. But you didn’t care. You looked around, noticing the cameras were all pointed at you, and kissed Pedri.

“Making sure everyone knows you’re just my princess?”, he whispered.

“Yes. And while we’re at it, everyone can also learn you’re my prince”.

[bsverryin]

: ̗̀➛ Sending genshin men the wrong message.

part 1

Who?

╰┈➤ Ayato, diluc , alhaitham

situation?

╰┈➤ you sent the wrong message to your boss which was supposed to be for your brother.

✎ this is an au (diluc still has the wine Business)!! Characters is your boss who likes you secretly. ⚠️ Use of cuss words... I'm trying my best to make them character like so be nice jk <3 they are just my genshin top 3 so I made this then I can also read it myself 😭 anyways enjoy <3 cannot assure you of perfect grammar !! I like to keep it simple

: ̗̀➛ AYATO

You accidentally sent those to Ayato, your boss because you kept thinking about him and how you hate his strict side. He doesn't smile and he always looks mad whenever you don't finish on time, it was his fault for giving you so much work. If there's a time where he's good to you it's the time when you finish all the work that he assigned for you to do fast. The next day after that, he'll assign you more and more and it gets annoying knowing you have to work overtime again.

You sent it accidentally because, you weren't focused enough. You are focused trying to guess the time what time you can come home. The first person on your chats list was always your brother so you just got used to it and clicked it without looking. Now you're standing there, in his office expecting him to scream and fire you after sending him such ridiculous messages.

"So..Y/N did I really assign you a ton of work?" It was the first thing he said before firing you, or that's what you thought.

You shook your head.

"No, sir. It's not that..it's just umm, my girl days are acting up I didn't mean those I'm sorry! It won't happen again. I promise."

It was a lie but you were desperate. You didn't want to lose this job because it would be too hard to find another.

"Girl days? You could simply tell me if I'm giving you too much work, I can work on that and I understand if you're tired, but you didn't have to-" He was cutted of by you apologizing to him.

"No it's not that! I'm really sorry. I apologize. I'll take the consequences of my reckless actions." You said as you bowed to him to show your sincerity.

You took the consequences of your actions, it was just your boss giving you work but your work gets easier and less time by time, you didn't understand why of course but people are gossiping about how your boss likes you which you didn't believe at first but he becomes more gentle and gentle to you. You fell for him and when you started dating him, you found out your boss likes you for so long and was actually hurt by the wrong messages you sent, but it's alright now because you kept kissing him and telling him how much you love him.

: ̗̀➛ DILUC

When you saw that reply from Diluc, your boss. You really tried to run away and hide yourself forever. You're using your phone while working? He'll probably scream at you and fire you. That's what you thought. The only reason why you sent that message to him instead of your brother was because you're WORKING. You had to focus on making a drink first while using your phone, it wasn't allowed when your boss was there and one day he just wasn't and you thought it's okay for you to do that.

That's why, it happened. You thought your job was over and you can't do anything about it. Just by thinking what your boss would do to you when you meet him the next day scares the shit of you, well you did compliment him so you hope he'll let it slide but at the same time you also said that it was a loss. You had to go to the tavern, sleepless who looks hopeless at the same time, now you're just standing in front of your boss, diluc while he's at his chair looking really fresh and cool.

"Care to explain?, Y/N" He said, he wasn't looking at you. He's doing his work while waiting for you to speak for yourself.

"I won't do it again, it's really wrong for me to speak bad things about you when you're the one who's helping me to earn money, I'm really sorry. Sir." You said as you bowed to him, when you tried to look at him, he looked confused and stressed by just what you said.

"I'm not talking about that, Y/N. I'm telling you to explain why were you using your phone while doing your work? It's forbidden, you know that right?" Now you felt more embarrassed than you did before. You apologized for speaking bad about him but not using your phone in the middle of your work.

"It was reckless behavior that I did, sir. I'm really sorry. I won't do it ever again. I will do everything I can to assure you that."

He didn't fire you and just told you to do your work, however you couldn't focus for months because of what you did. Diluc was the one who REALLY assured you that it's fine just don't do it again. He's straight up being sweet towards you. You didn't think about it at first but you completely fell in love with him. You may have told him that you loved him when you were drunk and magically out of nowhere, you both started dating after getting drunk that night.

: ̗̀➛ ALHAITHAM

Alhaitham was flabbergasted when you sent those messages and the fact that you didn't realize it because you're that BUSY typing was something else. You just didn't mind it and waited for your iced coffee that was paid by your brother patiently, I mean you always ask your brother to deliver coffee to you so he knows what to do so you just continued your work like nothing.

How did you realize it, you ask? It was when your iced coffee was delivered by your co-workers saying that it was for you, and when you're about to thank your brother through chats you realized your boss, alhaitham was the one you messaged to deliver you coffee. It was so embarrassing but you're thankful at the same time because your boss really did buy you COFFEE but still it was straight up embarrassing making your boss buy you a coffee, so when you finished typing the files that your boss assigned you to, you immediately went to his office, he was the one who started the conversation.

"How was the coffee, Y/N?" He asked while you hand him the files he asked for. He sounded sarcastic that you didn't know what to answer.

"It was a wrong sent message sir, I'm really sorry. I can pay you right now. I'm just really sorry." It was so embarrassing for you, that you couldn't even move your body, you looked at the floor the whole time not bothering to look at him.

"It's alright, you said it yourself. I should pay more respect to my employees especially you."

You avoided your boss after that talk. You'd go the other way around whenever you see him in the office and when you give him the files he needs, you'll immediately leave. You thought you were doing very well avoiding him but destiny had other plans. Whenever you're down and alone, you just see him. You see him everywhere you go, anywhere you lay your eyes too. He just can't be avoided whatever you do. He knows what you're doing he looks like he's unbothered but he's really bothered by you avoiding him all the time, like did he look that scary to you?

Well, he found a way to talk to you and tell you that it's okay it's not a big deal and when you had that talk with him everything felt better. You felt relieved and happy because you felt like you had a beef with your boss, Now whenever you hand him the files he needs, you stay for a little talk and it becomes a hobby for the both of you, he was cold and sweet but you realized he's all that you ever wanted. When you both started dating he may have given you a new office that's very close to his so that he can see and talk to you everyday and anytime he wants.

[bellanoche-oxo]

I'm sorry this isn't a commission, but I just have a question about your art. Feel free to ignore this, of course. I was really amazed by your Miku drawing from December 16th. Seeing such a high-level piece, I wanted to achieve something similar, but no matter how much I try, I can't replicate your shading and highlights. I was so genuinely curious that I couldn't sleep. Could you possibly give me any hints or advice?

Hey, sorry for making you wait so much for this answer, i've been finishing some projects and i barely had free time. Anyways i'll try to do my best on explaing my coloring and lighting methos and you also asked me to explain how i create the folings of the clothes. Please take in consideration that 1 i am not native in english so it's a bit difficult for me to explain myself sometimes in this language and i may have some misspelings, sorry about that, and also 2 i am not great at explaing my drawing process bc i kind of turn off my brain when i draw lol, but i can explain the fundamentals that i know and help me create! Last thing i want to let you know is that i've started glazing my art, this is a metho to protect the images for AI images generators and it leaves a kind of pattern /effect on the image that i did not put there during the drawing process.

with all of this said let me start explaining things!

Learn the basics:

This may come as a cliche i guess, but yes my first ever advise to anyone is learn the basic theory on lighting and colors (on anything related to art tbh). You don't really need to spend a lot of money on books and such as there are lots of resources online like videos and documents you can read for free. It's not necesary to be an expert and even the smallest mount of knoledge is enought to inpruve your art a lot! , i find it very interesting to learn the way things work too so don't think you'll get bored of it!

To be frank, i am actually not very good at lighting lol. My lights and shadows are not very correct, but since i do have a lot o control over my colors and i know very well how to used them it kind of compensates and creates a very recognisable (i think) style.

just u know basic shitty advise that everyone is going to give you but it works! if you have free time try watching some videos or reading some documents about color theory shadow and lighting!

Your working space:

So this is something that works FOR ME not everyone likes it, you can try it see if you like it and if you do, cool! if you don't … that's cool too! When drawing on digital i prefer it when my base layer is grey instead of white. It helps with my headaches too but it's more about the fact that starting in a middle tone when coloring (in my opinion) makes the process of briging out both shadows and lights easier, let me give you an example:

Drawing from complete light (white) to compplete darkness (black) may condicion you to actually lose control in the contrast betwen these areas, i prefer staring in a middle place (grey) and that way is i want to show darkness i'll use a darkr color and if i want to show light i'll use a lighter color, but if i start on white i can't use anything lighter. I think i did a HORRIBLE job explaing myself there, but yeah it just helps me control my color valius a bit more lol.

this is the color that i used:

Another inportant thing about your woking space is you brushes, in my case i prefer using textured brushes that mix well, and i prefer using very thick strokes, if it's too think i'll just color pick the transparent color and ease it! I work in CSP i don't know what you use, but just in case i'll give you the setiings of the brushes i use the most with their codes so you can find them

Sculpting with lights and shadows

As i said before, i am not very good with light yet, so this is something that i do to help me with the process. When you think about it, lighting is used in art to give volume to the piece, not in every case bc rules in art are not there to be followed but to asist us when we need to take a creative decision. The way that we can start with our Sculpting is by creating a very easy first guide othe the shadows and lights and to do it with very big block, so that we get the general shape first,we don't neet to get lost in the detailds yet

The actual coloring

When drawing my process is divided in three stages. I first create the doodle/lineart, that doesn't neet to be super neat as i will fix it during the rendering. The basic colors, and the rendering.

During the preparation for the rendering when doing the base colors i recomend that you give special atention to the focal points of your illustration, in this case for example that's her face and the top of the hair, that's why i gave so much more atention for this part in comparation to the shirt, that it's literally not shadowed yet. Then another step that i use normally before rendering and that i can NOT RECOMEND ENOUGHT!!!! GO WILD WITH THE COLOR CURVES!!!! OMG!!!! THAT STUPID LITTLE TOOL IS SO FUCKING COOL!!!!!!!!! like for real, it gives effects that i have not been able to achive in any other way and omggggggg use the fucking color curves pleaaaaaaseeeeee

ok i'm notmal again , lets continue.

For the rendering i usually convine all the layers of the drawing on one layer, then use a textured brush that has low opacity of mixes very well fot the actual work. Tbh here is very i can't really help you a lot, bc i have no idea what i'm doing when i render i just don't know, the only thing i recognise is that i try to esare or clean the lines from the doodle/lineart, and i focus a lot on creating volume in the places that are more important.

Skins

An specific thing that i do a lot when it comes to coloring skin is using an undertone in red (literally) I will put the basi color, use the brush to mark where i want shadows to be in a very vibrant red and then use a blue / green / pruple (depends on the skin) to finish the shadowing. Thios metho is nice for lots of occasions, but take in consideration that it doesnt work for example for very dark scenarios where the character is suppoused to be in the shadows, as that red tone works as a outline for the light. It just depends on the situation.

Clothes foldings:

Ok so here the only thing i can give you an advise with is to remember that the way that clothes fold dependes on gravity and that gravity works in curves most of the time that have two (or more) attachment points that are going to determinate theit trajectory. Example:

And remeber that this creates (again) a volume, that there is an inside part, that it's probably going to be draker, and an outside part, that it's going to be lightter. With this info you can start practicing with images of clothes.

this is as much information as i am able to recolect on my coloring process bc i am horrible explaining , spacially on text and in english, and i am also not very much aware when i draw, i kind of disconect. I still hope this is enough to help you a bit on your learning journy.

I may try doing a video at some point if i ever have the time so i can explain my coloring while i actually do it bc if not in that situation i'm not sure i'll be able to remeber what it is that i did.

My last piece of advise is to watch speedpaints and livestreams of artists you like during their drawing process and maybe even tray to imitate them while they are drawing to see what it is that they do exccly.

hope you have a good day and lot of lucks ! be proud of being able to create and be proud of being an artist!

[inkyvendingmachine]

T'was The Night Before Crisis... Season 4, Episode 1

💀 Call of Cthulhu: Haunted Hijinx Masterpost 💀 Call of Cthulhu Season Four Masterpost (Coming Soon)

Warning: This campaign is an edited version of  a Call of Cthulhu scenario from the Tales of the Crescent City book. While a lot has been changed, there IS spoilers for it throughout these posts.

WE'RE BACK. After over a whole heckin year of 10000 RP logs, we have returned with our final season of Cthulhu! It's been not just a year out of game, but a little over a year worth of in game time has passed too, and they boys are indulging in a chill, at home seasonal celebration... for now! Surely nothing weird will happen, nothing ever does around holidays for these boys obviously.

:)

Happy Holidays!

Art Credit: @inkdemonapologist : sketching + inking @inkyvendingmachine : concept + colouring

A week. Two weeks. A month. A season. A year.

A whole year and a couple of months go by without any crazy outside force trying to rid the boys of… anything really. The time isn't exactly calm or empty… but compared to recent events, for a while, things were… kinda normal?

Well, except for when Joey got Peter to help him meet with Y secretly to prevent the gang from continuing to mess with JDS, or when Sammy and Henry realized mid tennis match that a version of Henry had slashed him right through the center. Or how the Prophet can just pop out now without ink. And how Susie has been brought in on all this, and perhaps brought in on even more than just the supernatural content as her bonds with Sammy and Joey grow tighter. And how Peter is actually moving to New York City now and ends up visiting Jack just as Beans goes missing and now there’s many little Beans kittens. And the summoning spell to ask the spirit that helped them in Haiti what will become of Sammy and Prophet. And the other summoning spell for Prophet to get his instructions from the Masked Messenger. And Sammy still can't tell where he's going half the time after uncovering some of Prophet’s memories. And Joey is still a bit hesitant to leave the studio if not being actively distracted. But other than that! It's been normal!!

And the boys have made it all the way to Christmas. Joey's received some parcels in the mail, from the Fowlers and Nicole. The Fowlers actually sent each of the helpful boys uh… 1000$?? That's a thousand. EACH. IN THE 1930s. For helping out… which I guess if stuck eternally in soul lake hell, wouldn't have that money anyways. But still, that's quite a lot for the time.

Meanwhile, Nicole has had time to move on from her heartbreak, and is ready to start a new chapter in her life, and as thanks, leaves Joey both the keys to her old apartment (the lease being paid up for a few years already) and to her previous car, with a guarantee she's giving these things up for better, not to worry about her. And totally not because maybe all the occult scratches and bullet marks in the wall makes the apartment hard to rent, or the fact that her car is an extremely recognized Mercedes, or that both of these assets were hounded by gangs for a bit after her magical mistakes…

It probably is actually all out of good will and appreciation, and these things will come in useful, especially if they do need to deal with more mafia or what have you. Joey doesn't need them tracking Henry's car home to his family or back to Jack's house.

With those gifts out of the way, the actual holiday is spent in Jack's house, with a big potluck meal. This holiday celebration includes a small group of friends and their families, namely, all the people Jack has befriended and also would be okay with the Lurker partying with em. The event goes well, Sammy gets to play through the night, Henry’s children get to hang out with a real Bendy and also a buncha newly grown-up cats, Henry gets to eat as many cookies as he wants… 

That… slows down when Henry sees a yellow sign in a ribbon. But as soon as he tries to not lose his entire cool and freak out, it disappears… the ribbon was just a ribbon the entire time. Perhaps golden ribbons shouldn't be their normal holiday decor… 

Meanwhile, Peter feels eyes on him and decides to move away from the window maybe, especially because it feels like he suddenly knew exactly which star in the sky holds Carcosa at the same time… surely a fine coincidence to have happened at almost the same time. But nobody else is acting weirdly, sooooo.

The night wraps up, with Susie and Norman heading out first, followed by Henry and his family. Sammy also heads home after being socially exhausted and desperately needing his alone time, and Peter helps Jack clean up some before heading out too. Jack heads to bed, only to find an already asleep Joey with a Spark sprawled on top of him, probably after he “closed his eyes for a moment” a little earlier. 

The next day, there's technically work, but it's a short day because what's actually happening is a charity auction and party. A collection of “originals, signed by the creators” has been donated to help raise money for relief efforts in a few warring European countries, as well as the “entertainment” for the evening (Bendy cartoons, of course), courtesy of JDS, which means of course all the stars who signed the auctioned items were invited to the party as well.

Yes, even Sammy. 

(And also Jack, Henry, Susie, and Joey of course.)

The event is being held at a yacht club, advertised to the wealthies of the city midst the great depression, with live music playing and glittering evening wear, and uh. Denis.

Y'know, Denis?? That rich guy from NOLA who invited us to the masquerade?? That Joey casually name dropped his legal name to in order to keep him from tracing himself and Sammy back to JDS, when they didn't know who or how dangerous their initial information gathering was.

Anyways, a quick little talking him in circles by Joey corrects that past mistake, as well as gets him the information that Denis is actually related to one of the people who put the entire event together. Ha. Good to know.

Of course it's difficult to shake him afterwards, since Joey is one of the few people Denis knows all the way up in New York. At least Joey actually has a fancy car to talk about now.

Meanwhile, in the quietest, emptiest corner he could find, Sammy notices something odd about the song that's currently being played live. It sounds familiar, and while surely there's been some Bendy music played this evening…. This particular song is not that. But it WAS composed by Sammy.

In NOLA.

When he was improvising with some random music on the street while hanging out on the balcony of his and Joey's hotel room. Properly freaked out by having a song from a very scary time literally come back to haunt him, Sammy runs to find someone, (Joey is still busy with Denis), and comes across Jack first. But before he can fully explain, the entire party is interrupted.

Chatter turns into hushed confusion as some pale man up near the front starts speaking in tongues. It's hard to tell if he's trying to perform some ritual or just incoherently rambling, but it doesn't matter! Because very quickly there’s a gunshot!!

And the Prophet? He's awake. He knows what that gunshot was. He's been waiting for this.

It has begun.

Of course the entire party breaks out in panic once the gun goes off. Joey doesn't know what sort of Eldritch nonsense was happening up front, but upon scanning the crowd and noticing Jack and Sammy together, beelines for the snack table to grab Henry and search for Susie.

As everyone is being rushed out, some of the boys manage to notice that not all of the panic is simply from the mad ramblings and sudden bullet, but also we've got some people in the crowd bleeding from their eyes. How festive!

Upon getting outside, the Yacht club is of course already being surrounded by security and the police, as the sudden gun shots quickly alerted locals to the nonsense going on. Nobody is allowed to bolt until an investigation is conducted and people are questioned, but of course Joey managed to sweet talk his way over to a telephone to make a very important quick phone call.

To one Peter Sunstram! 

Turns out, between all their arguments, there are a few things they can agree on, which includes quietly spying on suspicious parties even though they should probably not be doing that if they actually wanna be safe but surely everyone will understand when they find out IT'S FINE.

Anyways Peter’s been keeping an eye on Y, and earlier in the day Y seemed to be performing some ritual before having some kind of … breakthrough? Revelation? Peter had told Joey of it, and in good faith Joey agreed to keep an eye out for WEIRDNESS, hoping that Y was upholding his promise to not be interfering with JDS anymore. But now this episode seems to have specifically happened, right at their exact event for the evening, so Joey does his best to pass along as much info as he can in that moment to Peter. As well as set up a backup plan in case anything else happens to them before they can escape the Yacht Club.

After some interviews with the police though, they’re allowed to go free. Listening to other partygoers' recollections they’re able to pick up a few more names here and there – the one who fired the gun up front by the bandstand is said to be another local gangster by the name of Johnny Nero, and the band playing on that bandstand one Red Leverett and the Jumps – but no evidence that really points the crew in any sort of serious lead. (including more commentary by Denis wHY ARE YOU STILL HERE UR NOT PART OF THE GROUP)

So having managed to collect everyone together, including Prophet returning Sammy to the front for the interview thank the lord (not that one)(not that one either)(maybe that one) the JDS crew head over to their very safe and secure hide away to talk about what just happened: that’s right, they’re going to Peter’s apartment.

And staying there through midnight! Listen, the last time weird shit started happening like this, everything popped off at midnight and there were panics all around. It’d be nice to know where people were this evening. And while they’re all sitting around waiting for that to pass, Henry and Peter can even talk about the really weird things that happened last night! Yknow, where Henry saw the yellow sign for a moment and Peter felt something watching him from space? Those very normal Christmas activities?

The group also gets informed about how Peter maybe has been keeping an eye on the Y that still hangs out in the city, and how Y was excited over some weird ritual. While he goes over that and also Joey and Peter guiltily kinda admit to their secret spying tendencies, Henry gets info from Linda when he calls to explain why he’s not home yet and how he won’t be home for a little while still. She’s remembered some research that crosses over with the prophecies they had gotten a month or so after the last big event like this. And Jack and Sammy bring up how they had been theorizing over who’s and what’s in the prophecies… for instance, that which the Phantom seeks, who bears already the scars of following the Mender’s lead….

Is it Peter? He followed Jack into the weird ghosty world. Is it Joey? He’s followed the Mender in other ways, and also literally bears scars caused from Jack’s healing. Or is it somehow Y?? Who seems… involved in this somehow, despite promising he wouldn’t be fucking around with stuff that might step on JDS’s toes again.

With no real conclusions, but midnight having come and past, people start to head home. Joey has someone drop him off at the studio, as after weirdness happened with any sort of occult stuff he’s interested in checking in on Bendy and the Stone. Since, those tend to be targets for this kinda creepy thing. Bendy is perfectly fine though, and hardly even noticed anything going on… So Joey picks up some of his notes and… finds himself unable to leave the studio. For some reason it just seems like the wrong idea… so he spends all night up researching, unsettled by how many non-leads he has into what will possibly happen next. It’s starting to feel like Haiti again, knowing that something bad is coming but really having no idea where to fortify with this information.

But he does have something new… 

He has plenty of things new now, including his dream spell. 

Peter’s not the only one who can spy, and while Joey is sure he’d hit some kind of barrier trying to peek in on Y’s dreams… just knowing whether the man was still alive, or possessed by some eldritch nonsense seemed like a good place to start. Maybe his excitement at the ritual earlier was coincidental…

The thing is, defying all reason, Joey’s able to step into Y’s dream just fine somehow.

This is probably not something he’ll regret doing later, surely.

[Next Episode] (not yet released)

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Sorry, I couldn't help but post this, I thought it was too funny.

Eddie has been spending too much time with Steve lately, but the kids didn't know that. Well, Max and El were the only ones who knew because Max lived across from Eddie. Will had some idea. Max could have told them to calm down, but then she wouldn't have had any fun. So they followed Dustin, Mike, and Lucas to the Munson's trailer. Wayne was sitting on the couch outside when they walked over.

"Hey, Junior," Wayne greeted Dustin and pushed his hat down over his eyes.

Junior was the name Wayne had given Dustin because of how much he reminded him of Eddie. It ticked Dustin to no end. He pushed the hat Wayne had given him up and glared at him for a moment.

"Uncle Wayne, do you know where Eddie? We can't find him anywhere, and we haven't seen him in a few days," Dustin said.

"Oh, yeah, the Harrington boy kidnapped him. I told him to keep him, seeing as I didn't have enough money for the ransom," Wayne said, and Max had to fight to keep from laughing when he winked at her.

"Oh my God! The hits to the head finally made him lose it," Mike said, and Wayne nearly lost it.

"I think it's up to you boys to rescue him," Wayne said seriously.

Mike, Lucas, and Dustin hurried to jump on their bikes. Will, El, and Max followed slowly behind them. They arrived at Steve's, out of breath.

"What if Steve’s been taken over by the Mind Flayer?" Dustin asked.

"Or Vecna?" Lucas asked.

They raced to the door and banged on it.

"Shouldn't we tell them before they completely lose their minds?" Will asked.

"No, the dumbasses deserve this if they can't fanthom the possibility that Steve and Eddie are, uh, friends," Max said.

"Right, friends," Will grinned.

"You know," Max said, narrowing her eyes.

"I guessed."

Steve opened the door with Eddie pressed against his chest, an arm thrown loosely around his neck.

"Step back or the metalhead gets it," Steve said menacingly.

"Please, sir, I didn't mean it!" Eddie exclaimed.

"You don't have to do this, Steve!" Dustin exclaimed.

"Yeah, man, come on," Lucas pleaded.

"Oh, but I do. This asshole broke my favorite coffee mug!" Steve growled and grabbed the back of his hair. "He has to pay!"

"No, master, I swear I'll be good," Eddie said.

Steve pulled his hair back and kissed him deeply. The guys stared at them, stunned. Steve pulled back.

"Oh no! Not the kisses! Anything but the kisses!" Eddie wailed. "Please, don't smother me with kisses!"

"You guys are together," Dustin said.

"Yeah, no shit," Eddie said, dropping the act and letting Steve wrap his arms around his waist.

"Goddamnit! We're dumbasses!" Dustin said and took off his hat, hitting himself with it.

Max, El, and Will burst into peels of laughter.

"You guys knew!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Well, they did. I didn't know for sure," Will said with a grin.

"Did anyone think of the possibility that they were dating?" Mike asked.

"No," the other two said in unison.

"We are dumbasses," Mike said.

The others laughed.

"Wait, how did you guys know to do that?" Dustin asked Steve and Eddie.

"Wayne called us."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Well, Steve, I'm glad you haven't lost your mind and haven't actually kidnapped Eddie. You two seem happy," Dustin said.

They all agreed and climbed back onto their bikes. They rode off into the sunset, calling each other every name in the books.

[pupyuj]

missing step daughter wony hours…

you ask and i DELIVERRRRR i missed her too 🥺🥺 THIS WAS KINDA... YEAH. I WAS REALLY INTO IT 😭😭😭

okok wony is already spoiled enough by her dad what with the big allowances n all that stuff and where does she decide to spend all that money? why, it's all for her lovely mommy! buying makeup, sexy lingerie, and pretty clothes—everything she can get to get praises and kisses from you! 🥺 as much as she loves the money, she loves being spoiled by you more. being pretty rich on your own, you often take wony with you to those big and fancy outlet malls just so you can get her whatever she wants,, mmfhdjgsjkfj taking her to those lingerie and nightwear stores,, joining her inside a changing room just to watch her strip down her clothes,, and she's always making sure to look right into your eyes,, ofc she doesn't actually get to try anything on bcs the moment she takes off the last piece of clothing that she has, you've pushed her against the wall and started marking her up 😵‍💫😵‍💫

omggg not caring about who might hear you outside the room?? turning her around and overstimming her from behind,,, pulling on her hair and just being a bit mean to her in her ear :(((( "so willing to let mommy fuck you in public like this... what a slut," AND LIKE... "might as well open up these curtains, huh? show everybody how good your mommy fucks you... what do you think, baby?" and wony's whining,, she's trying her hardest to not be too loud but with the pace you were fucking her in added with all your hair pulling.. it was so hard :((( yanking her hair and putting her back against your chest, sucking on her skin while she moans pathetically loud that she ended up covering up her mouth,, it was no use though! letting go of her hair and using that hand to play with her clit instead,, making it completely impossible for wony to not scream "mommy" every second you fucked her 🫠

heheuehdusdkj letting her go through the humiliation of facing people with the ten or so hickeys you've left on her neck,, the staff in the store feeling so awkward right up until the two of you left 😭 you started to feel a little bad after you've calmed down but to your surprise, wony was really really into that! bcs ofc she was, wony is rlly just such a whore for you 😩

heheheudhshk i also had this thought of you and wony being alone in the house again and feeling a little silly so you share some drinks 🤩 getting buzzed off some expensive champagne and letting wony take you to her room,, lazily making out with her while she takes off your jacket,, then she sits you down on her bed and you reach for her but she stops you,, "watch me, mommy... i learned a few good things from some unnies." and guess what! wony's giving you a show! turning on her lampshade, putting on some slow and sensual music, and god,,,, her keeping her eyes on you while she slowly let her robe fall to the floor,,,,, fuck,, her silhouette was so captivating,,, you wanted to grab her, to throw her on her bed, and just fuck her until she's crying and screaming,,, but you let her entertain you instead,,

leaning back on her bed while she dances in front of you,, fuck if you had a dick you would be so, so hard,,, watching as wony turns around, lowers herself just a bit so she could grind her ass on your groin,,, mmmfkdjssdfk losing control of yourself and pulling down her panties, lightly slapping her ass while she continues her work,,, eventually you really just couldn't take it anymore so you grabbed her waist and made her sit on her bed sjsdhhsk,, "you didn't let me finish, mommy," wony was pouting :((( but you knew that she would forget all about being upset after you were done with her <333

spreading her legs open, seeing her pretty, wet cunt all ready for you 😩 kissing her inner thighs first before almost literally making out with wony's pussy 🥴🥴 moaning against her cunt bcs she tasted so sweet :((( wony burying her hands in your hair and pushing you closer, her pretty moans getting louder and louder with every flick of your tongue on her clit :((( teasing her entrance, never rlly putting your tongue inside her cunt and focusing your attack on her little clit.. sucking, nibbling, giving it little pecks god wony doesn't even know how she wasn't coming yet 😩😩😩💦

noticing that wony was practically grinding on your face so you make her sit on top of you heehuehufhjs 😵‍💫🫠 holding onto her thighs while she rides your face,, her using your mouth as if it were your thigh, rocking her hips desperately,, pulling and tugging on your hair when you finally slipped your tongue inside her warm hole :(((( she was crying, so fucking overwhelmed by how amazingly skilled you were with your tongue,,, holding her down on your face as she came with a squeak, tears leaking out of the corners of her eyes bcs it all felt way too fucking good???? mmdskshsjsdkh but like after all that wony is obviously super tired, but you're still energetic and so fucking horny... you definitely send her to sleep while slowly rubbing her clit and sucking on her perky little tits 🫣😳😳 her falling asleep with a smile bcs you kept calling her your good little princess, shes so obsessed with you in a silly wayhdfkjhfdjhc

AND PERHAPS... PERHAPS YOU FUCK HER WHILE SHE'S SLEEPING! 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[reasonsmandy]

As long as I'm here

Graham Dunne x Fem!Reader x Eddie Roundtree

✧.* requested by anon — hey, i was wondering if you can write one where the reader and graham were best friends growing up, (she in the band) and the reader slowly started to develop feelings for him. but then karen came into the picture and the reader saw them kiss at a party so the reader drank too much but eddie was there to bring her home and comfort her. also love your work!! and so so happy you are active ❤️❤️

✧.* summary — you were in love, but things don't seem to work the way your heart wants

✧.* warnings — full angst!

✧.* word count — 2.1k

✧.* 🪕 — Graham's masterlist

✧.* 🎸 — Eddie's masterlist

✧.* mandy's notes — I'm sorry for all the time it took me to come back, hope you have a great reading! 🫶🏾

“Was that before or after I spent all my money on that van?” Rojas' voice came out in a muffled laugh, with the coexistence you knew how to tell that he was in disbelief.

“Come on Chuck, you can't do that!” You interfere, hoping he understands that you all need him. “We have a big gig tonight.”

Billy turns around irritably, running both hands through his hair, Graham is staring at the ground and the thought of seeing him sad causes a knot in your stomach. You try to hold it together, that's what you used to do since you joined the band.

You had heard the conversation between Graham, Warren, Chuck and Eddie that day when the creation of the band was proposed. They knew you were a good vocalist, they had heard you sing on a few occasions and they knew that losing you as a member would be stupid, even if the band went nowhere.

Even though he thought he was the protagonist, Billy wasn't so reluctant to share his attention with you, seeing you more as an addition to something that would be very good. Everything was on track, you were actually gaining a lot of visibility and opportunities lately and the thought of Chuck giving up was a catastrophe.

You come back from your thought when you hear Chuck's low voice say “You're out of your fucking mind”

“So now what do we do?” Rojas asks, lighting a cigarette.

“Eddie you switch over to bass” Billy orders, you can feel how tense Roundtree turns in a second.

“No.” He scoffs, rolling his eyes.

“Please Eddie, just this time.” You ask affectionately, a little desperately.

“Fine.” He throws the unlit cigarette on the ground, heading towards the van that had brought you here.

…

“You ready Y/N?” Eddie asks through your door, you quickly grab your jacket and fix your hair before opening it.

“Let's do this.” You were nervous, it was the first time you had to do a big change for a gig and besides it was a big opportunity. All you wanted was things to go well. “Hey, I know you didn't want this but, thank you for doing it.”

Eddie smiles small, nodding before you are interrupted by some horns outside your house, you hurried towards Rojas' van where you saw him accompanied.

“New girl?” You ask Eddie before you reach the van.

“Yeah, Warren is kinda dating her right now. I guess.” Roundtree offers you a cigarette and you take it in his hand. “Hm, talking about love…”

He looks at you with a smirk, you immediately roll your eyes.

“Don't even start.” You ask, feeling your cheeks hot.

“You should tell him, you know.” As you two sit in the back of the van he “starts” even though you asked him not to. “I think you guys look cute together.”

“Y'all talking about y/n+graham’s?” Warren turns from the driver's seat with a smirk.

“What the fuck is y/n+graham's?” You ask with the cigarette between your lips, confused.

“Your couple name, we talk about you two a lot.” Eddie teases you, as Rojas nods starting the van.

“I don't know where you guys got the idea that we are something.” You lay your head against the window, feeling the breeze as you try not to smile with the thought of Graham and You as something.

The truth is that you were in love with him for years now, since before you guys were a band, you always felt amazed by him and little by little you noticed that it had become a passion. You fell in love with him deeply since you started to hang out more together, you tried to hide it but things got impossible when Eddie found your lyrics to a song that well… was pretty clear about your feelings.

You barely noticed when Warren parked in front of the place where they were going to perform, you could hear ‘The Winters’ checking the sound to make sure everything was okay. By coincidence, you had also arrived with Billy, Camila and Graham, who were getting out of the car with their instruments at the same time as you were doing the same.

You enter the place admiring the environment, happy and shocked by the different size than what you had expected. Camila hugs Eddie and then wraps her arms around Billy, Warren and his girlfriend walk hand in hand with Graham beside them when the younger Dunne stops, his eyes fixed on the stage.

His eyes follow in search of what made him stop, the figure of the blonde keyboardist singing along with the band is what your eyes see, instantly your body withers, feeling vulnerable as your feelings were completely exposed.

“Keep dreaming Peaches.” Warren teases his friend, and then turns around to show the place to his girl.

…

You were trying your best to understand how you got here, standing next to the payphone you were trying to hide how upset you were with all of this. You were silent since everyone had agreed to call Karen into the band, you weren't against her at all, but there was something that made you sad about all of this.

“I'll be right back” You mutter, retreating out of the diner with a cigarette in hand. It selfish to think that you were being replaced, you knew it, but the pain on your chest made you want to scream with this situation.

“Are you okay sweetie?” You jump in fright at Camila's voice behind you, coughing from smoke.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” Between coughs you ask, trying to hide your nuisance and overcome the burning sensation in your lungs.

“You just left and please don't get me wrong but you look upset” Out of nowhere Warren's girlfriend joins you, and you get scared once again.

“Could you guys stop scaring me?” You laugh small with your hand on your chest. "I'm fine, let's go back inside.”

And next thing you know, there was a big change for you to handle.

…

Karen wasn't the problem itself, but the way Graham's eyes lighted up everytime she opened her mouth or the way he can't stop the smile on his face when she enters the room. The problem was the ache growing on your chest when you witnessed those moments, the way your brain knew how that would never be you no matter how hard you tried.

Things were going great, you had an amazing hit and gradually you felt the band finally going the way you stopped when Billy left for rehab. But somehow even when you put all your efforts to see things on the bright side the feeling came back, it was eating you alive second by second.

You made your way downstairs to grab something to eat when you see Graham and Karen ready for something, desperately you check the clock thinking you somehow lost track of time.

“I thought Billy's housewarming party was at eight…” Eddie let out the question you were repeating in your mind, you gladly thank him in thought.

“And it is, she just asked us to come early and help them get ready.” Graham explains.

“And also take care of Julia.” Sirko adds, you hold the urge to scream in frustration.

“So I'll see you guys later.” The younger Dunne says goodbye to Roundtree with a handshake and smiles at you before leaving.

You rest your body on the sofa, exhausted, resting your head on the shoulder of the bassist next to you. He doesn't dare move,

Knowing what kind of comfort you would like at the moment, he's content to be by your side.

“Is exhausting, I know…” He says under a breath, his eyes fixed on the wall in front of you.

You don't answer, and he takes that opportunity to go on. “It feels like it won't ever stop hurting but eventually, you get used to it.” He lets out with a chuckle, getting a small smile from you.

“I don't even know if I can handle this party anymore.” You complain, covering your face with both hands.

“Don't worry, Warren and I will have you back.” He nudges you with one of his elbows, and you feel lighter with them.

“Like Warren will give me attention after his girlfriend arrived from that job trip.” Eddie laughs, knowing this is very likely.

“You know I've been in love before, with someone pretty impossible…”

“Camila” I say, he suddenly stops.

“What? No.” His cheeks flush.

“It's Camila!” You say arching your eyebrows

“It doesn't matter, okay?” He rolls his eyes. “The thing is, it passes… you'll be fine.”

This time you stay in silence

…

The party was great, even though you didn't find a specific group to join and spend time with, your company was enough for you. Suddenly you are taken by surprise as the lights go out, every room is filled with small conversations while some look for the root of the problem. You search in the darkness for Camila or anyone else in the band, trying to understand what was happening.

Your eyes see Eddie and Camila lighting some candles, you smile and leave them be. You hear crying coming from the rooms above, and worried you go towards the sound.

You find Julia crying in her crib, you take her with you downstairs trying to find Billy somewhere. Turning down some corridors you come across Graham and Karen kissing, Your body freezes and your eyes widen, you feel your heart break into mine in your chest as if a rope is tying a knot around it.

All you can think about is running away, but the child in your lap is something that holds you there. You take a deep breath, desperately looking for Billy and when you find him it's a matter of time before the tears escape your eyes. The older Dunne doesn't ask, he just picks up his daughter and watches you make your way through the crowd.

You struggle to find a corner quiet and private enough to let it all go, you open the beer you had picked up and drink it all in a few sips, feeling the alcohol rip through your throat as you open another one.There was nothing more frustrating than this feeling of incapacity, vulnerability and, above all, rejection. You feel the air leave your lungs as the crying begins, you try your best to keep your crying down but it becomes more and more difficult.

“Hey, what happened? Are you okay?” Eddie finds you, “I saw you running” He waits for your answer, but you just cry. “Everything will be fine, I'm here with you” He holds you, you let him hold you as you fall apart.

“I can't deal with this.” You bury your face on his chest, upset and feeling ashamed.

“Let me take you home.” He asks, holding your hand as he helps you up. “I'm sure Camila will understand why we're leaving.”

“Don't! Please don't tell her.” The tears fall slowly on your face. “The fact that you see me like this is already too humiliating."

“Humiliating?” He seems confused, a little bit hurt as he guides you to the car. “You don't have to be always strong with me. I'm here for you, you can cry all you want.”

As his car makes its way to your house you watch the street in silence, your eyes filling with tears every time you remembered what you had seen.

“I just.” You begin to say, crying a little. “I can't help but feel this way.”

“I know what it looks like.” He whispers, turning the car to another direction.

“Where are you going?”

“I think you don't want to stay at the house with them, what about we spend the night on the beach?” You look at him, your teary eyes curious.

“What?”

“Just walk around, swim and talk.” He knows you feel pretty comfortable at the beach, so he's looking for something that will make you feel okay.

“That sounds fun, thank you.” You try your best to smile, the car parks at the beach.

Eddie helps you walk up some rocks so you can watch the waves better, you feel the cold breeze against your body and it makes you feel a little more alive, of course, things weren't fine and far from feeling better… but not impossible to go through.

“Thank you for this.” You say in a whisper, closing your eyes as you rest your head on Roundtree's shoulder.

“Just like I always told you, you will never be alone as long as I'm here”

...

Hi, I hope you enjoyed it... If you wanted to ask for something my requests are open, and if you want to ask and don't have any ideas check out my prompt list :) xoxo

Want to be tagged when new stories come out? REASONSMANDY'S TAG LIST

Graham's taglist:@lantsovcolors @ariianelle @jaidaschampagneproblems @warrenrojaswife @hopelessromantic727 @eddiesaurora @number1chonie @scenesofobx

Eddie's masterlist: @jaidaschampagneproblems @boredshit-shadow @warrenrojaswife @o1iv3 @hopelessromantic727 @eddiesaurora @scenesofobx @vyctorya

[scoobydoodean]

what do you think of dean kicking cas out the bunker with no money nowhere to go freshly human? i know it was for sam or whatever but he could’ve helped cas out

I think I have addressed this several times, but I guess I didn't tag any of my posts well because I can't find them. So here we go again:

What makes you think that Dean kicked Cas out of the bunker with nothing? Everyone always assumes Dean did because Cas isn't staying in a motel in 9.06, but how many weeks has it been since they separated?

Lebanon, Kansas to Rexford, Idaho is a 13 hour and 34 minute drive by car. How did Cas get there? How did he get a job at the Gas N' Sip without any sort of credentials or identification paperwork? More pointedly, where did the cell phone Cas called Dean with in the beginning of the episode come from? Cas didn't have one when he fell. That was part of the problem when trying to reach Cas after the fall, when Dean was worried sick about him. This is a cell phone it's implied Cas hadn't been answering, when Dean responds to his call (where Cas gets right into the case) by sarcastically saying, "Oh, well, hello to you too, Cas. How are you?" Before Dean leaves the bunker, he also notes to Sam: "This is Cas. In case you forgot, he's not exactly Chatty Cathy."

Cas also never tells Dean where he is in Rexford or what he's doing there. He tells him a town and that Dean should check out the case on his own. It's Dean who takes the time to actually track Cas down. Cas is surprised when Dean finds him, and then Dean says he too is surprised—to find that this is where Cas is working. Meaning, Cas hasn't been keeping in touch (at least not with details) despite having a cell phone that Dean presumably gave him. He did what he's often done and put Dean on an info diet. So how exactly was Dean supposed to continuously bankroll him?

I need people to understand that Dean is not a sugar daddy with fat stacks of cash sitting around every corner. He couldn't just hand Cas thousands of dollars before Cas left because he wouldn't have had thousands of dollars to give Cas just lying around, to provide for him for weeks at a time. For the vast majority of the series, the brothers barely make ends meet. They do many transactions in cash earned from hustling pool and poker. They often stay in abandoned homes when they don't have the money for motels, which also tells you, as Dean says in 1.16, that credit card fraud is not easy and they don't consistently have access to these credit cards. Even if they had happened to have a third card for Cas lying around when Gadreel gave his ultimatum, it wouldn't have worked for long. So what makes you think Dean didn't give Cas cash and a cell phone before he left? And identification he could use? What makes you think Cas didn't simply run out of that cash over the weeks they were separated, and chose to work at the Gas N' Sip and find dignity in being a human (which is exactly what he tells us he did)?

We're talking about Dean here, who plainly begged Cas on the phone to worry about himself for once in 9.01 and get to the bunker safely. He literally endured beatings from angels over Cas in 9.01. When they found Cas dead, Dean was terrified out of his mind for Cas. He very clearly wanted Cas at the bunker with them—he wanted him safe. So why has fandom insisted upon this reading that doesn't make sense within that context—where Dean just ditches Cas with nothing suddenly?

I think some people take this moment with Cas as proof that Dean threw Cas out with nothing:

DEAN Well, the feeling [of surprise] is mutual. I mean, I knew you had to lay low from the angel threat, but, uh, wow. This is some cover. CASTIEL My Grace is gone. What did you expect? Do you have any idea how hard it was? When I fell to earth, I didn't just lose my powers. I – I had nothing. Now... I'm a sales associate (proudly).

But... this does not prove that? We already have the cell phone, and Cas being able to get to Rexford and get a job at a chain gas station that doubtless would have required paperwork establishing his (fake) identity. But also, do we all remember 9.01-9.03 and everything that happened to Cas over that period before Sam and Dean (worried out of his mind) finally tracked him down? Cas is struggling—yes—but when he says he had nothing when he fell, he is referring to the days of strife that occurred literally right after he fell.

During that period, Cas saw how difficult being human is—not having powers is—feeling hunger is—having to take time to brush your teeth and urinate and etc is—and decided that without his powers, he just wanted to be a regular Steve and find dignity in simple work, because doing what he used to do without powers is too difficult. So he took whatever Dean was able to give him, got to Idaho (how and why would he have traveled so far without money?) and put himself in his own personal witness protection program.

I'm willing to accept the premise that Cas not asking for help with finances to get a better place to stay was partly influenced by Dean telling him he couldn't stay at the bunker (though Cas's tendency to keep everyone on an info diet and try to handle every problem on his own has been around since forever). But contrary to the beliefs of many casgirls (who have literally hate bombed one of my mutuals over this subject before) I think once Dean finally got to tell Cas the context, Cas understood, and I don't actually think it weighed on him for the rest of eternity the way many seem to think it did. The same way that I don't think Dean still thinks about Cas breaking Sam's wall, or Cas abandoning him in Purgatory to die surrounded by a pack of gorilla wolves, or Cas beating him half to death for being suicidal, or Cas blaming him for the apocalypse, or Cas running off with the angel tablet after beating Dean half to death again.

All of 9.06 is ultimately about Cas hiding from everyone and everything—everything he is, everything he's done, and it ends with him deciding to stop hiding, even when Dean ends the episode telling Cas that he doesn't have to take responsibility for the angels or anything and that he and Sam can take care of it. Dean puts this kindly (because Cas is questioning whether he can actually sit on the sidelines), but let me put it unkindly: Dean is literally telling Cas he will clean up the mess Cas made for him and Cas doesn't have to take responsibility for any of it. This is a human—someone who in the episode points out that he has never had powers and therefore Cas can still be a hunter without them—telling Cas that actually, Cas doesn't need to take responsibility. He can become this regular person if that's what he wants—if he doesn't have the stomach for the work without his powers. Dean, the human, will take care of the problems Cas caused for Cas. And honestly? This is really what lights a fire under Cas's ass imo (without Dean knowing that). He's abandoned who he is and used to be, and in the episode, he realizes that he doesn't want to do that just because he doesn't have powers... and he isn't going to let Dean, who has never had powers, take care of all of his problems. Which is the point of pride underlying many of Cas's decisions to put Dean on info diets and ghost him and try to handle everything on his own. It's the primary reason imo that he doesn't call and ask for financial help in Rexford (not to mention, he's seen Sam and Dean slumming it in abandoned houses sleeping on the floor so why would he have higher standards than his human friends do?). That's the primary driving force imo—not Dean kicking him out of the bunker.

[probadbatch]

Thinking about Clone X...

Specifically, why did he survive the waterfall?

Obviously there's a CX clone who's going to be a problem for the Batch later in the season, per trailer footage, but this is the third one we've seen so far so why not just kill him and intro a fourth? I'd argue that it would have been a very creepy dramatic moment for him to die and immediately cut to Tantiss where the next one is being activated - a how many of these guys are there moment.

But they kept him alive, which tells me there's something about him in particular that the writers still need.

My theory is that he's someone who means something to Crosshair. I don't think Crosshair has the faintest idea which clone is under that mask right now but I would bet money that when the mask comes off, he'll recognize the person underneath it.

My fear is that we will too.

I guess it could very well be someone Crosshair knows from Tantiss that we haven't met yet, but that doesn't sit right with me. So who does Crosshair know that he cares enough about that it would impact him if they became a CX trooper? Everyone I can think of is presently accounted for except for Mayday, Cody, and Tech.

I'll say right off the bat that I don't think it's Mayday. His purpose in the narrative was to be the good soldier that was discarded by the Empire anyway to show Crosshair that they see his value as having an expiration date. If Mayday actually became a useful CX trooper, that would completely destroy that piece of the story.

Cody is a maybe. He was also the good solider that Crosshair believed in but his function was to show that being a good solider is not necessarily the same as being a good person. I don't think turning him into a CX trooper ruins that but it does weaken it by erasing Cody's decision to desert - and that choice is what really drove home the idea that being a good soldier is not enough.

I will say that making Cody into a CX trooper would add a very interesting element to Cody's story - and to the clones' in general, especially including Rex. But this isn't their story. This is Crosshair and CF99's story. Safe to assume the writing choices will reflect that.

Which brings us to Tech...

Tech's choice was to sacrifice himself to save his family. If he didn't lose his life but still lost himself - his mind - I think the weight of that choice still holds. And I think seeing his brother as a mirror of himself would have a very deep impact on Crosshair.

I'm not saying this is Tech. I truly am not convinced of that yet. I just don't know who else it could be.

[ladykissingfish]

*Kakuzu wakes up in bed, feeling disoriented and groggy*

Kakuzu: What the — *groans and touches his forehead, where he discovers a cloth bandage* What the hell is this?

*Hidan walks into the room with a tray*

Hidan: Holy shit … you’re awake!

Kakuzu: H-Hidan? What happened? Why do I feel so strange?

Hidan: First of all, lay back down, old bastard. You ain’t been very well. You don’t remember what happened when we came back from that mission?

Kakuzu: No?

Hidan: *sets down the tray and kneels on the floor by Kakuzu’s pallet, sighing*

Hidan: We came back, and I told you that your skin was like, turning fuckin’ green. You said it was fine and that you just needed a bath. You got through the doorway, and out of no where you just passed out. Your big stupid head hit that table in the hall, that’s why you got a bandaid. Seriously ‘Kuzu you need to lose some weight, it took four of us to drag your ass in here! You —

Kakuzu: *closing his eyes* Just get to the point, brat.

Hidan: Anyways, puppet-dick looked at ya and took some blood and shit and he said you were poisoned. Probably that guy who gave us the bread when you dropped your bounty off to him. I TOLD you that fucker looked like a shitty asshole! That’s why I didn’t eat MY bread, but your cheap ass blows a fuse about “wasting food” and —

Kakuzu: Hidan.

Hidan: Right. So puppet-dick made ya some kinda antidote but he said it’d make you sleep for a while, til your body got rid of the fever or something. You been in here, being a pain in the ass, for almost a week.

Kakuzu, muttering: I’ve been out a week? Good lord … wait. These aren’t the clothes I was wearing before, right? Did you … did you change me?

Hidan, blushing and scowling: It ain’t a big deal, bastard. I’ve just been giving you little washings and I changed your dirty-ass clothes. So what?

Kakuzu: *looks at the tray and sees it contains a bowl of broth*

Kakuzu: Have … you been feeding me, as well?

Hidan:  … What? I was supposed to just let your dumbass starve to death?

Kakuzu: *is momentarily stunned silent at the implication that HIDAN has been taking care of him*

Kakuzu, managing to sit up and clearing his throat: That looks really good, and I’m hungry. My arms still feel a little weak; can you help me?

Hidan, blushing harder than ever: Y-yeah. I mean I guess since you’re old and weak I have no choice. *dishes up a spoonful of broth* Open wide, bastard.

*Hidan feeds Kakuzu quietly for a while*

Kakuzu, smiling: This is good. Konan is a fine cook.

Hidan: Tsk; I made this, asshole.

Kakuzu, surprised: You did? On your own?

Hidan: You say that like I’m stupid or something. Yeah, on my own. I made a roast and then strained it and added cream so that you could swallow. If there’s any left, when ya get better we can eat the actual meat. You —

Kakuzu: *reaches out and pulls Hidan into his arms, cradling him against his chest*

Hidan: O-Oi! Hey! Let go of me, old man!

Kakuzu: *ignores Hidan and kisses the top of his head* I love you, you insufferable brat.

Hidan: *smirks and allows himself to relax in Kakuzu’s arms* Love you too, you shitty old bastard.

Kakuzu: I’m a shitty bastard, eh? Well you know what? Your God is fake and your beliefs are garbage.

Hidan: Your money won’t last and your greed will send you to burn in hell for all eternity.

Kakuzu, pulling off Hidan’s shirt: Burn with me.

*the two start making out in-between trading more cutting insults*

Deidara, coming into the room with medicine sent from Sasori: God damn what the fuck is wrong with you two, hm?!

[therealcocoshady]

Recovery - Chapter 31

Eminem x Reader Fanfiction

Summary : Dinner with Reader's Dad ends up being a nightmare.

Tags : Angst - Comfort

MARSHALL’S POV 

Y/N was pacing the room and her nerves were starting to rub off on him. Out of all the people he had ever met, she was the one whose stress was most communicative. With the energy she was giving, she could probably stress out the toughest, best-trained army negotiators. When she had told him that her father wanted to meet him, Marshall hadn’t freaked out. Being a Dad to someone his girlfriend’s age, he understood the idea of parents wanting to meet their children’s significant others. Sure, he hadn’t met a girlfriend’s family in a while, but he wasn’t too scared. The perspective of Y/N’s father being about his age made things less impressive. The way he saw it, it would just be a casual dinner and, worst comes to worst, he would have to state his intentions towards the man’s daughter : make her happy and support her. Not to toot his own horn, but he could think of worse boyfriends than him for anyone’s daughter. After all, he wasn’t a deadbeat, he had a job, money and he loved Y/N unconditionally. So he wasn’t too stressed out. At least, at the beginning. Because as they got closer to the fateful dinner, Y/N was starting to lose her grip. 

Stop stressing out, babe, he chuckled. It’s going to be fine. Plus, I know how to make a good impression. 

Sorry, she groaned. It’s just… You meeting my Dad, you know ? I can think of a thousand things that could go wrong. 

It’ll be fine, he said softly. Plus, he knows what to expect, right ? The fact that you told him you’re dating me and that he is willing to meet me has to be a good sign. 

Oh, he has no idea who you are, she said. 

Is that a family thing ? He chuckled. Like a collective decision not to know too much about me before meeting me ? 

No, I mean… I don’t know if he knows who Eminem is, actually, she said. He hates rap and hip-hop anyway. But as far as he knows, your name is Marshall and you’re american and… that’s about it. 

He opened his eyes wide. He wasn’t expecting that. Not that he was counting on his fame to woo Y/N’s dad, but he thought that the man having an idea of who he was meeting would play in his favor. At least, there wouldn’t be an element of surprise. Better yet, he could have been surprised in a good way, upon discovering that his daughter was not dating an asshole, as it was a common misconception about him. 

So he doesn’t know anything about my job, my age… ? Marshall asked. 

Hum… No, she said sheepishly. I wasn’t too sure how to break it to him on the phone… 

Ok, he sighed. I mean, it can still go well. Is there anything I should know about him ? Other than the fact he might despise what I do for a living ? 

You could still word it differently ? She suggested. And say that you’re an entrepreneur in the music industry ? I mean, you own a studio… 

Sure, he nervously chuckled. What else ? How do I make a good impression ? 

Well he’s already pissed off that he has to come to us for dinner, she pointed out. So we might want to have wine ready. 

It’s for his own good, he said. If we’re followed by the press, I’m not sure he would enjoy having paparazzi waiting outside of his place... 

I know, she said. But I think we might want to make it up to him with food and wine. And other than that… Hum… Don’t be too American, I guess ? 

What the fuck does that mean ? He asked. 

Look, my dad can be a bit of a snob, sometimes. Judgy, too… He thinks all American people are over the top and flashy. So maybe no chains or massive jewelry and something with a button wouldn’t hurt, I guess. 

Babe, oddly enough, I didn’t bring a shirt or a suit on tour with me, he pointed out with a smile. The best I can do is a sweater. 

Sweater it is, then, she said. And you should wear a belt. Like, properly. No ass on display. 

Alright, he chuckled. Though you usually like my ass on display… 

And no jokes, too, she said sternly. 

I’m not stupid, Y/N, he said. I’m not going to joke about our sex life in front of your father. 

No, I mean… He doesn’t really do jokes. At all. 

Now, he was definitely more stressed out and already bored. He already expected the culture shock, knowing that Europeans are a bit different from Americans on a few aspects. Thankfully, Y/N’s dad spoke English so that was one less thing to worry about. But regardless, it was shaping out to be incredibly boring. As far as he knew, her Dad was an accountant whose hobbies were literature and opera. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but he couldn’t really relate to him. 

The plan was to have dinner delivered in their penthouse suite, since going to her dad’s place or the restaurant would be too complicated. The dining room area was welcoming and, apparently, formal enough. Too much for his own liking, but apparently, the man enjoyed things with structure. Her father was about to arrive when Y/N was getting ready. She was dressed in a little navy dress that looked quite conservative. She was pretty, as usual, but he was used to her sporting a more casual look. Not to mention that she spent most of the time in his clothes anyway. 

I’m sorry, you didn’t mention that your Dad was a priest, he giggled. Why the fuck are you dressed like you’re going to church ? 

He’s a little formal, she said in an annoyed tone. 

He’s your father, he said. Why would he care what you wear to dinner ? It’s just us in the suite, you could be wearing PJs… 

I told you, Marsh, he’s a little strict, she shrugged. You know, I only started dressing casually when I came to America. Before that, I would never be caught dead wearing leggings and a hoodie.

Fine, he chuckled. Are we ready now ? 

I guess, she groaned. I just want to get it over with. 

He pulled her in for a kiss. He wanted to get over it too, and focus on the bigger picture : in two days, he would fly back to Detroit while she packed her things before joining him and,

after that, the fun would begin. He would actually have her by his side and get to experience life with the woman he loved. The idea was making his heart swell with joy, as well as the fact that his daughters were really happy for them. When he asked for their blessings, a couple of nights ago, they were nothing but supportive. He didn’t even need to plead his case : they could see what a breath of fresh air Y/N was for him. He had never thought about bringing a woman into his family, but he was so happy he had found her. Now that they were going to live together, he wanted nothing more than to give her the life she deserved and provide her with the safe space she needed. He knew the past few months had been trying for her, and he would be there for her as she let her mind and body recover. Caring for her had become second nature to him anyway, ever since they had met. 

Y/N received a call from reception, indicating that her father was here. He could see her anxiety levels rise once again, as he tried to give her a reassuring smile. He kissed her forehead before she went downstairs to meet her Dad, before bringing him into the room. While she was gone, he inspected himself in the mirror. He was dressed in jeans and a dark blue sweater. He had even trimmed his beard for the occasion. He looked rather random. That was the kind of look he usually donned for appointments like PTA or meetings, where he needed to be taken seriously and look like an adult, instead of the man-child he definitely was, dressed in jeans and hoodies, or tee-shirts with rap album covers on them. A couple of minutes later, his girlfriend came back to the room with a man that looked nothing like her. He assumed she took after her mother, because he couldn’t have guessed she was related to this man. He was rather tall and carried himself like a military man, with a stiff posture. He looked rather serious. No, gloomy was a more appropriate word. He wasn’t really one to judge solely on vibe, but he immediately felt ill at ease. One look at the man and he could tell the father was nothing like Y/N. In spite of her usual shyness, she exuded warmth and softness. A far cry from her dad, who seemed cold and distant. As soon as they got through the door, he went to them and shook his hand. 

Papa, this is Marshall, my boyfriend, Y/N said. Marsh, this is Jean, my father. 

Bonjour, Marshall said as they shook hands and made eye contact, deciding to try one of the three words of french his girl had taught him. 

Bonsoir, the man replied in a corrective tone. 

Marshall looked at Y/N, a bit lost. 

It means “good evening”, she explained. Bonjour is for the day. 

Oh, right, he said. Anyway, it’s nice to meet you, sir. 

Likewise, the man said in an emotionless voice. 

They went to sit in the living room area where Y/N had prepared a glass of wine for her father and soda for the both of them. 

I got your favorite wine, she said with a shy smile. 

Are the two of you not drinking with me ? He asked. 

I don’t drink, Marshall simply said. 

I don’t feel like drinking, Y/N said softly. 

He could tell she was uncomfortable, and he distinctly remembered her telling him that her father knew nothing about her addiction, recovery, nor her sobriety. She had always been a bit shy, but seeing how uncomfortable she was in the presence of the man who had raised her gave him red flags. Something felt off. Or at least, as a father, he would hate for his girls to be this tense around him. But then again, he understood that not everyone’s relationship with their parents was fun. 

Americans usually fail to enjoy wine properly, Jean pointed out. 

We actually have decent wine, you know ? Marshall said with a smile. 

Only because they come from french vines, the man replied. Are you sure you don’t want to try this, Marshall ? 

I’m good, he said. I don’t drink, for health reasons. 

He wasn’t ashamed of being sober. Usually, it was quite the contrary : he was proud of his journey and he had come far. But when meeting your girlfriend’s dad, saying you’re recovering from addiction makes you seem like a raging drug-addict and alcoholic, which isn’t exactly the best look. Jean nodded and understanding and they sipped on their beverages as they made small talk. 

So… Y/N told me downstairs that you are an entrepreneur ? The father asked, giving him his time to shine. 

I am, Marshall nodded. In the music industry, actually. 

I don’t know if she told you, but I am a big fan of music myself, Jean continued. What kind of business do you do ? 

Well I own a recording studio and a label, Marshall explained. There are a couple of other things, but I am mainly into recording, producing and songwriting. 

Have you been doing it for a long time ? 

About twenty-five years. 

He could see Jean’s stare intensify. 

How old are you exactly, Marshall ? He asked in an inquisitive tone. 

Fifty-two, Marshall replied as calmly as he could. 

He knew he looked a few years younger - thanks to genetics, healthy eating, exercising as well as a good skincare regimen prescribed by his daughters - but surely, his age couldn’t be such a surprise, right ? Or at least, that’s what he thought when he saw his girlfriend’s father’s face decompose. Jean glared at his daughter who immediately looked down. 

So, you’re into opera, right ? Marshall asked in an attempt to lighten the mood. 

Indeed, Jean said. What kind of music do you produce ? 

Mostly hip-hop, Marshall said. Though I’ve worked with artists of various horizons. 

Anything I might have heard ? 

Well, you might have heard some Eminem stuff, he said with a soft smile. 

Y/N threw him a panicked glance. The man in front of him might hate hip-hop but he still had to be honest. Hiding from his father-in-law that he was a big recording artist was probably not the best way to go and get his approval. Life had taught him that honesty was, by far, the best way to go. 

I have heard of him, Jean simply said. I cannot say I care for this type of music. 

I get it, that’s not for everyone, Marshall said with a shrug. 

It is that I don’t think it qualifies as proper music, the man continued. Does it even pay the rent ? 

Marshall tried his best not to roll his eyes. He had heard countless times that hip-hop is not actual music and he was sick of people failing to understand the artistry behind it. However, now was not the time to argue. The question about paying the rent was also incredibly stupid, in his opinion. The man was sitting in the penthouse suite of one of the most expensive hotels in Paris. Of course, it paid the rent. He didn’t want to be an asshole who flaunted his wealth, but the judgy look on the other man’s face was almost prompting him to list his assets. 

Well, it certainly bought the house, Marshall said with a forced smile. 

Alright. What brings you to Europe ? Jean asked. Business ? 

Yeah, Marshall said. I just finished the second part of my tour, actually. 

Your tour ? You are an artist too ? 

Dad, Y/N interjected. What Marshall means to say is that… He’s Eminem. 

Marshall smiled. At least that was clearer now. It was the first time he had ever had to disclose who he was in such a way. Jean turned to his daughter with a confused expression and said something in french. Y/N’s eyebrows were furrowed as she replied something, visibly uncomfortable. It was incredibly frustrating for him not to understand a word of what they were saying. From what he gathered, it wasn’t a very pleasant exchange. 

We should order our food, Y/N said after a while. 

Her expression was one of confusion and sadness. She seemed visibly hurt by something her father had said. He hated seeing her this way, but he also didn’t want to interfere. They ordered food from the room service and kept on making awkward small talk. As the meal arrived, they settled in the dining room. 

Forgive me for being so blunt, but I am rather disappointed, Jean said. 

What disappoints you ? Marshall asked. 

When I agreed to let Y/N study in America, I did not expect for her to end like this, he explained matter-of-factly. No one wants their daughter unemployed and making poor life decisions. 

He saw Y/N duck her head down. The remark was not aimed at him, at least not directly, but it stung. It was no wonder why she didn’t mention her father too often : from the looks of it, he was an ass. 

Ever since her mother’s death, I have raised her on my own and tried to instill good values in her. I certainly did not expect her to repay me by failing miserably to start a career and deciding to be some sort of potiche for a rapper. 

A what ? Marshall asked with his eyebrows furrowed. 

Potiche, Y/N repeated with a sad look on her face. It means “vase”. It refers to, hum… a woman who is basically a trophy wife. 

Marshall’s eyes darkened. He wasn’t necessarily expecting the man’s blessing - not that he cared too much, Y/N was an adult - but having a man his age insult his own daughter was wrong on so many levels. He tried really hard not to spit in the man’s face but it was getting harder by the minute. If he hadn’t gone to anger management classes and therapy, he probably would have thrown him out already. 

I mean, she just became a doctor, Marshall said tentatively. You must be kind of proud. 

The degree doesn’t mean much if she doesn’t find a job, Jean pointed out sternly. I guess she’s just too lazy. 

Not to contradict you, but I’ve actually seen her work on her dissertation, he said. Your daughter is really impressive. I think she deserves credit for her work. 

It’s not too hard when everything’s been handed to you, the father pointed out. Do you have children, Marshall ? 

I have, Marshall replied. Three girls, actually. They’re 31, 28 and 21. 

So I guess you understand the disappointment I’m facing, then. No one wishes for their daughter to fail her professional life and be in a relationship with someone who could be their father.

Y/N was staring at her plate, visibly on the verge of tears. He grabbed her hand under the table and interlaced their fingers. He stared at Jean, who had a cold expression on his face. Not approving of their relationship was one thing, but what kind of father could belittle his child in such a way ? 

Look, Marshall said, I understand where you’re coming from. If one of my daughters told me they were in a relationship with someone my age, I wouldn’t be too happy. In fact, I’d probably want to punch the man in the face. But I want you to know that I have good intentions when it comes to Y/N. I love her, I care about her and I want to make her happy. 

And, for my career, I’m going to send out applications as soon as I move in with Marshall, Y/N said. We have it figured out. 

You are not moving in with him, Jean said. 

Both him and Y/N turned their heads and stared at Jean. The way he said it sounded final. As if he were talking to a little girl. However, she was a grown woman, an adult and she didn’t need to ask for permission. In fact, the whole meeting was more of a courtesy rather than an actual obligation. Marshall would gladly remind him, but it was not his place and he knew it. His girlfriend said something to her father, in french. Her tone was soft, at first, as it was most of the time when she talked to people, but as the conversation kept on going, it got more animated. Jean was talking loudly and he could see his girl having trouble being assertive. However, she said something that prompted her father to slap her, before screaming something. Before he could even think about what he was doing, Marshall got up and threw his fist in the other man’s face. It was bad enough that he was making Y/N feel bad, but he would not get away with hitting her. 

YOU PIECE OF SHIT ! Marshall screamed as he grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to get up and shoved him against the nearest wall. DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE TOUCH HER! 

The man was taller than him but he was in such a fit of rage that, unless his opponent was Mike Tyson, he could probably take out anyone. He kept on screaming, out of his mind, as the other man yelled as well, trying to get out of his hold. Lucky for him, Jean wasn’t much of a fighter. He was firmly holding him by the collar, slapping him just like he had slapped Y/N. He kept on screaming and slapping, telling him what a piece of shit he was, and how undeserving of being a father he was. 

You’re fucking lucky your daughter’s in the room, Marshall finally spat. I wouldn’t beat up someone in front of their child, but I swear to God, if I see your motherfucking face one more time, I will fuck you up ! 

When he finally let go of Jean, the man addressed his daughter, who was still sitting at the table, in a state of shock. He yelled something in French and was about to approach her when Marshall intervened between the two of them. The man yelled something he couldn’t quite understand, still in French, before storming out of the room. Marshall closed his eyes for a second, to regain some composure. His heart was pounding in his chest. He had not been in a state of rage in a long time and the sensations felt foreign. He could feel his cheeks burning. He took a few deep breaths to try and soothe himself. If he didn’t, he might as well chase him down the corridor and strangle him. Seeing him slap Y/N had brought back memories of being abused as a child. His mother had never hit him too much, but the same couldn’t be said of some of her boyfriends. He had always sworn that if he witnessed it, he would intervene and make sure the person regretted their action. Didn’t matter who or when. 

When he opened his eyes, they landed on Y/N, who was silently sobbing, face in her hands. For a quick second, he had almost forgotten about her. He immediately went to her, to make sure she was alright. He kneeled by her side and tried to grab her hands, so that he could examine her face. As he tried to touch her, she jerked and looked at him with terror on her face. Suddenly, it hit him : he was the one that scared her. The realization was enough to make his heart sink, as he took a step back. 

Please don’t touch me, she whispered. Please. 

Ok, he said softly as he held his hands up. I won’t touch you. I just need to make sure you’re alright, baby. 

Tears were still streaming down her face and her chest was heaving. He had to fight against his own urges to touch her, wipe her tears and take her in his arms. He was about two feet away from her but it felt too big a distance. He looked at her cheek : the slap hadn’t left a mark. Evidently, it hadn’t been too violent. On a physical aspect, at least. He knew full well the psychological effects of such a gesture. 

I didn’t mean to scare you, baby. I’m so sorry, he said softly. 

Who are you ?! She blurted out. Wh-What… What did you do ?! 

He sighed and looked at her face. It was crumbling, filled with doubt and uncertainty. She had never looked at him like this before. Sure, their first argument was one to remember, and she had certainly looked at him with hatred and disgust, but this look was different. It was a look of fear. 

He hit you, Y/N, he said. 

You hit him ! You hit my father ! 

Yes I did, he replied sternly. No father, hell, no parent should ever raise a hand on their child. 

It’s… my fault, she said. I said something he didn’t like. I-I shouldn’t have, really. This one is on me. 

So what ? He asked. I’m sorry but that doesn’t justify shit, Y/N. I’ve raised three kids, four if you count Nate. Do you know how many times they’ve been insufferable and thrown shit in my face ? A lot. But I can tell you I have never, ever lifted a finger on them. That shit is not ok. 

She looked down and buried her face in her hands once again. He wasn’t sure if he should approach her or not. She seemed so distressed, he decided against it, although it broke his heart. After a minute or so, she got up and made her way to the bedroom. He followed her, making sure not to be too close. 

Baby, talk to me, he said softly. 

Please, no, she said. I need… I need a minute. 

He nodded and she went to the bathroom. He heard the lock click. He sighed and sat on the bed. He absolutely did not regret his actions. For all he cared, Jean could sue him, he didn’t give a shit about it. What worried him was what Y/N would think of him. The last thing he wanted was to be seen as someone violent by the person he loved the most. He heard the water running and figured she would take some time. He went back to the living room area and grabbed a can of coke. God knew he needed a sugary drink. The wine bottle was still on the table, half full, as well as the plates of their meal. To be fair, he wasn’t hungry anymore. He sat on the couch and let his head fall back against the headrest as he tried to think of how he would possibly navigate the situation with Y/N. About forty-five minutes later, she came out of the bathroom, wearing her PJs. 

Good night, she called from the bedroom. 

We should talk, first, he said before joining her. 

She seemed a little less distraught, though she still had a frown on her face. She was getting under the cover when he sat on the edge of the bed. 

How are you feeling, babe ? He asked carefully. 

I don’t know, she said. I’m not even sure how I am supposed to feel. 

Did he hurt you ? How is your cheek ? 

I-It’s fine, she said. I’m just… I don’t even know how to say it. But you… You were… Terrifying. 

I am so sorry, my love, he said. I didn’t mean to scare you. But I saw him hit you, and I lost it. 

It wasn’t you, she said. It was someone who looks like you, but it’s not you, Marshall. I’ve never seen you like this. You’re not this angry, scary person. 

Well it was me, he sighed. I hate that you had to see me like this. I hate that side of me. I used to be this very angry person but I worked on it. It takes a lot for me to get angry like this, you know ? 

You were so intimidating, she said. Suddenly, you were yelling, a-and you were slapping my dad… And I couldn’t help but think “that’s not him, that’s not my boyfriend, that’s not the man I am moving in with”... 

He sighed and took his head in his hands. He said nothing for a couple of seconds before looking at her. 

I am so sorry, Y/N. I keep on saying that, but it’s true. I need you to know that I would never do that shit to you, he said. I know it must have been very scary for you, especially because you have never seen me like this before, but I want you to know that I would never, ever scream at you like this, let alone lay a finger on you. 

I know, she whispered. But… He is my father. And you hit him. 

He is your father, he replied. And he hit you. And I am not ok with that. I am not ok with anyone hitting their child, ever. I am not ok with him hitting you, and especially not in front of me. I… Fuck. Has he always been violent like this ? Was he abusive to you ? 

No, she said. He is not like that. I mean, yes he is, but he usually isn’t that bad. 

Meaning ? 

He has always been really tough on me, she said. Really strict. But he never really hit me. Maybe once, when I was a teenager. But it’s never been a habit, you know ? But it’s my fault, I swear. 

How is that your fault ? He asked. How is your father hitting you, your fault ? 

Because I stood up to him, she said sheepishly. And I shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t respectful and I shouldn’t have. 

What did you say ? 

I said… I said that I wasn’t asking for his opinion and that I was old enough to do whatever I wanted, she explained. And then, he said that I was his biggest disappointment and I should be thankful for everything he did for me. And when I said I didn’t care he… he slapped me. So you see, it’s my fault. 

He shook his head and sighed. Her thinking it was her fault was wrong on so many levels. At least, he was relieved to know that he hadn’t been violent to her when she was growing up. Everyone was not that lucky. However, the fact that a fifty-something man was not able to handle the fact that his grown-ass daughter was making her own choices and slapped her when she stood up for herself was frankly appalling. So was the fact that Y/N didn’t seem to realize that. 

Arguing with your parents, it happens, he said. Even if you had been super disrespectful, which I don’t think you were, him laying a finger on you would not be ok, babe. And I’m not even going to get started on the fact that he’s been belittling you all evening. 

He was always like this, you know ? She explained. I was never good enough. But I suppose it was his way of striving for excellence. He wanted the best for me. We don’t come from money, you know. When he was growing up, he was dirt-poor. We don’t have much, we’re typical middle-class, but he worked hard for everything and he was able to give me a good chance in life. And he single-handedly raised me. I owe him everything. He is my father. He is literally my only family. 

It’s kind of his job, though, he said. As a parent, that’s literally what he is supposed to do. And I’m sorry but the fact that he comes from poverty doesn’t justify shit. I come from a poor, dysfunctional family too, I should know. I’m a father, I understand the wish for your kids to do good, but that will never be an excuse to behave the way he behaved. 

She ducked her head down. He knew his words weren’t exactly what she wanted to hear, but he’d rather tell her the truth. 

I can’t move back, she whispered. 

What ?! He asked. Of course you can. And you should. 

Marshall, no, she said. Before he left he literally told me that if I moved to Detroit, I would have to forget him and his support. 

His support ?! Oh yeah, clearly he’s the most supportive person ever, Marshall said sarcastically. Before you went back to France, we knew each other for a whole year. Shall I remind you of all the times he came to visit you ? Of all the times he was here for you, during your recovery or after you were assaulted ? Oh wait, that’s right : NONE. Literally zero. That man has no idea what you’ve been through and he doesn’t see all that you’ve accomplished. You don’t get to call yourself “Dad” just because you helped make a baby. It takes more than that. So why the hell should you care about his so-called support ?! 

Because I don’t have a family ! She cried. Marshall, you are the love of my life and I would follow you anywhere. And I told you I don’t care about marriage and children if I get to be with you and I meant it, but I can’t do it if it means that I am losing the only family that I have, the most important person in my life. 

What kind of father would do that to his daughter ?! Do you even realize how wrong that is, Y/N ? He asked as he was starting to get worked up. 

I want to be with you, Marshall. I do. But… 

No « but », he said firmly. That’s bullshit and you know it. If anything, that’s one more reason why you should move. Are you seriously going to live with him after that ?! 

I can’t lose my only family, she cried. You’re a family man. You understand, right ? 

What I understood long ago is that you get to choose your family and who is part of it, he said. Talia and Jamal are your family. And I can be your family too. But even if that weren’t the case… would you really be willing to turn down opportunities to be happy and live your life just to please your father ? 

After all, that’s all it came down to : her independence and her happiness. If she told him she’d be happier in Paris, he wouldn’t mind. It would hurt him, crush him, of course, but he would understand. But judging by what he saw tonight, her sudden reluctance had nothing to do with happiness and everything to do with her fear of disappointing her Dad. She was sobbing uncontrollably and it broke his heart. All he wanted was to make her sadness go away. If he had the choice, he’d rather take her pain so that she could be free of it. 

All I’m saying is… don’t make a decision tonight, alright ? He said softly. Just like you needed to think before accepting to move back, you need to think about it. And you need to put yourself first. Not me, not your Dad, not anyone else. You. 

I don’t know, she whispered in a croaky voice.  

Come here, he said as he gestured for her to come in his arms. 

She looked at him and had a second of hesitation, but she got out of the covers and nestled against him. He engulfed her in his embrace. He could feel her tears on his neck. They stayed like this for a while, not talking, not moving either. 

I love you, he whispered in her ear. I’m so sorry you didn’t get the evening you deserved. 

I love you too, she said quietly. Thank you for tonight. You really tried to make a good impression on my Dad. 

Didn’t work but… Yeah, he shrugged. I tried. 

I’m sorry he didn’t like you, she added. I wish he would have given you a chance. I tried telling him that you make me really happy, you know ? 

I know, babe, he said softly. I don’t need his approval or any blessing from him, though. It would have been nice if we had gotten along, for sure, but as long as I have you, I don’t care. I’m good. Yours is the only approval I need. 

I would be crushed if your family hated me, she pointed out. I don’t know how you do it. 

Mostly, it comes down to being an ass and not giving a fuck what people think, he chuckled. You, on the other hand, care too much for your own good. But it’s ok because my family likes you. Let’s look at it this way : it’s 50% of our families that approve of us, that’s not bad, right ? Plus, if you consider the number of family members… Odds are in our favor, you know ? There’s only one of him and a lot of people in my family. And I know you like good statistics. 

She chuckled for the first time all night. Her soft laugh was music to his ears. Even though her face was puffy from crying, she looked quite adorable and he could not refrain from kissing her temple. He stared into her big doe eyes and smiled at her. 

Let’s try and save our evening, ok ? He offered. We could order some dessert and watch the Office. 

I’m not really hungry, she said. And you hate the Office. 

Hate is a strong word.

You said you hate Michael and he makes you cringe, she pointed out. 

He does, but I know that Jim and Pam make your heart melt, that Jim’s pranks make you laugh your ass off and that you have a soft spot for Dwight, he said with a smile. So we can watch it. I know it’s one of your comfort shows. 

You remember ? She asked surprised. 

I do, he said. Six months was not enough to forget about you. Six lifetimes wouldn’t even do it. You’re still all over the house, you know ? I still have your movies in my Netflix account, bottles of that non-alcoholic wine you love in the pantry and your perfume may or may not be in my bathroom. 

Really ? She asked with an emotional smile. 

Really, he said. You’ll be right at home. I promise. 

He took her hand in his and squeezed it. He had to convince her to fly back to Detroit with him. For her sake, as well as his. They cuddled in bed, watching the stupid TV show. He could tell she was bothered and her mind was wandering, but at least she smiled at the lame jokes. Most of his attention was on her, as well as trying to find ways to get her to make the right choice. He needed a plan, and he needed it fast. 

[fumifooms]

Marcille & Chilchuck contrasts & similarities

Yesterday in the Dunmeshi Discord we talked about narrative foils and I ended up writing a lot about my fave duo so. Informal character analysis time. I give some in-depth interpretations on aspects of Chilchuck’s character near the end as well, not just analyzing their characters in how they contrast each other

Marcille and Chil are so foils to me. "Has experienced loss through death and now clings onto the people around her and is overly interested in engaging in social gossip" vs "has experienced loss through rejection and now refuses to open up to anyone until socially starved", both are responding to their experience with loss in fully different ways, socializing and trying to learn all she can for the short time she has with others but trying to keep digestible enough that she’s not too attached if she loses them, vs refusing to socialize so the problem stops before it begins but eventually unable to resist the pull that comes with being a social creature. Like I guess what I’m trying to say is that Marcille engaging with social gossip could be a shallow way for her to vicariously experience social relationships if she feels like forming deep bonds is unsafe. Family is a core motivation and value for them but in different ways. Both want to keep the status quo but in different ways.

Divorcee who avoids love wether it be in the people around him or thinking about his own (past?) romance vs hopeless romantic that idealizes love without herself having been in a relationship or even in love herself as far as we know. Middle child vs only child. Emotional constipation vs emotional intelligence. Streets savvy vs prestigious academic, field experience vs book smarts. Crass vs prim. Overbearingly social vs private to a fault. Never externalizes his feelings and to a degree represses them vs wears her heart on her sleeve and her feelings on her face. They start out underestimating each other in different ways, one by assuming his age and the other by undermining her skills, experience and willpower. Both seeing each other’s motives as somewhat skewed (money and research of shady magic respectively) but growing to respect them.

They also both seek approval and validation from others, unlike Senshi and even Laios who don’t seem to care about outside perception as much, Marcille worries early on that she’s not helpful enough and slowing the party down meanwhile Chilchuck is almost always trying to prove a point early on that he’s capable and mature. Coincidentally enough, Chilchuck’s approval was both the catalyst and the key to resolving her arc about it in the mandrake chapter, meanwhile besides Senshi Marcille is the one whose perception of Chilchuck gets the most changed over the course of the whole manga. Something else notable is how they deal differently with their races being judged, while Chilchuck reaffirms himself as a proud half-foot, Marcille hides her half-elf nature and is embarrassed of it when it’s revealed. Something subtle yet interesting is also how they both are shown to prefer lying in a way that makes them look bad rather than admitting ignorance on something. Chilchuck says that he cheated on his wife and that’s why she left rather than just saying that he doesn’t know why she did. Marcille in the mandrake chapter says that she has used a dog to harvest mandrakes (thus killing it) before while in truth she never has, and everyone including herself is like "That’s horrible… The poor dog!"

Their dad dies. Chil is like "Hm. Cool. Anyways he died doing smth he loved right so haha lemme drink myself into an early death bed too yolo 🔥🤟" vs "He died and it shattered my world and I must devote all my life to wiping death out of existence".

"I am going to knowingly shorten my lifestyle through unhealthy habits actually."

Problem solving approaches

One thing I love about them is how they have complete opposite approaches to problem solving. Besides striving for workers’ rights and job stability for halflings with an union, he’s very "laissez-faire". He won’t do the righteous thing just because it’s the right thing if he doesn’t have an incentive or a safety net, like going to save Falin. He doesn’t chase after his wife to talk it out and make amends, he gives her space and either hopes she’ll talk when she’s ready or figures that he shouldn’t try to do anything about it. He doesn’t mention the mimic he noticed to the others to not make a big deal out of it and hopefully it won’t come up again. He’s a "if the glass is half-full that’s fine enough for me, I don’t need things to be as good as they could be" type, a "leave it alone until it figures itself out" type.

Marcille? Marcille is idealistic and in-your-face. If there is an issue you better believe Marcille will address it and try her hardest to fix it, will talk it out and attempt to understand & strive to make things as best possible for everyone involved. She will FORCE you to talk about your FEELINGS wether you like it or NOT. Leaving it alone? Keeping things as just okay when they could be great instead? No no no no no, that’s not right, she’s going to try and fix it now. She will make you stand up and fight for the best that your life could be, to be honest when something bothers you and do something about it, will make you stop suppressing yourself because you’re scared of things getting worse.

Which, you know, both methods certainly have their pros and cons, but they’re very complimentary in that way. He grounds her into a more down to earth mindset and teaches by example that it’s okay if things don’t necessarily work out and moving on is possible and not necessarily miserable, while she encourages him to not give up so fast or stay quiet on things that bother so much. He soothes and she emboldens 🔥 Funny, because you could have thought it would’ve been the contrary, which is not untrue either, but he’s the "has experienced the harshness of life and has settled for something comfortable but modest" while she’s the "wants to make the world better and goes to great lengths to change it while still trying to find herself & uncomfortable with some aspects of life like loss".

One overly focuses on dealing with issues by changing things around her while the other overly focuses on only changing himself.

——

Chilchuck leaves things alone if he thinks they’re best left unaddressed or thinks they’ll work itself out. Like the mimic he didn’t tell the group about but it backfired later. Like how he didn’t chase after his wife or seemingly tried to contact her at all. Like how he prefers not to dig into people’s personal issues in parties and be left alone to deal with his stuff on his own as well.

Meanwhile Marcille is overbearingly in-your-face and loud and "if there’s a problem we’re dishing it out right here right now. Your wife left you?? And you didn’t try to get her back?? I am going to write out a script and a plan for you to apologize and please bring these piles of presents."

She’s secretive about her fair share of things as well but she’s very proactive. While she seeks to research something that’s a core motivation and life goal to her + save someone she deeply cares for Chil is there for his job and to get money and "hey if something happens I’ll have done my part. I took you guys here now you guys figure out the rest and fight the monsters or something". They both like to have a say in the strategy, Chilchuck moreso as time goes on, but Marcille involves herself much more into almost everything.

Espescially early on, they’re always sticking by each other judging Senshi & Laios together and being like "Am I seeing this shit right. They’re crazy right? Tell me I’m not the only one here with common sense" and forming a 🤝 relationship over it and considering that, it sometimes feel… Contradicting? How they also have a lot of conflict together over time about how different they truly are. But it’s interesting and nice to see how even though they do have arguments it always gets resolved pretty promptly, like they’re truly hashing it out as equals and then when that’s done they’re back to being on the same wavelength. The exception would be Marcille taking a long time to come around on Chil being old, but arguments and debates like the one on dark magic and if it’s okay or wrong to use it, which was pretty serious and not just banter? They came to find a middle ground or at least understanding, and it didn’t seem to lower the respect they hold for another afterwards.

Chilchuck’s repressing habit

I do think Chilchuck has a repressed thing where he doesn’t WANT to think about it about his feelings sometimes, like with his wife- and maybe with his father? But the way he was so casual and nonchalant about his father dying has always struck me. I’m not sure if this is a "my feelings on my father were mixed and complicated at best" thing or a "I just don’t want to spend time thinking about it" thing or something else, but it gives food for thought.

When it comes to alcohol there’s this saying where an alcoholic parent will have 2 kids and one will grow to be alcoholic too while the other will never even touch a drop of alcohol and both when asked why will say "I watched my father". Chilchuck is def the first I think. He gives the vibe of "An alcoholic parent puts a strain on familial relationships?? Pshh, my father was and look at me! I turned out great!" Which is something I’ve heard irl lol which always makes you go like 👀 yes indeed you’re perfectly well-adjusted and haven’t been affected by your father’s alcoholism at all it’s clear as day. On that topic, Chilchuck’s family, both currently and when he was a kid, are very interesting topics to theorize about with the hints and cues we have, how his wife truly felt and what happened for her to feel unappreciated enough to leave, how distant is he from his daughters if they haven’t seen each other in the same year either and Flertom was the only one to send him a letter? But that’s a topic for another day

Chilchuck probably has such a complex…. Of like not being… Like allowed to take space I guess? And he does wish to affirm that right, he takes space and asks for it so very overtly, he formed a half-foot guild to demand better working conditions as one of the biggest examples of that. He grew up poor and undermined but he knows that he’s capable and someone worthy of respect and demands it, and takes every opportunity to prove himself. But on the other end, he doesn’t seem to want to keep his hopes up in general, like asking for something to be better is bound to fail, that it’d be too good to be true. He tries to keep out of where his job doesn’t need him, from a sense of efficiency that cuts down on unnecessary stops but also because he just thinks it isn’t his place to do so. It strikes me that it’s hinted that like… He doesn’t even really consider the possibility of going to his wife and trying to mend the relationship. Like it’s either she’ll decide to take him back on her own or he’ll be left out in the cold waiting, never knowing just where he’s truly at with her and if things are over for good. Like… Shooting his shot and making his case doesn’t even register as an option? Like he’s not worth fighting for, like whatever he did wouldn’t change her opinion anyways?

He def has a "life isn’t like a fairytale where everything goes well" philosophy where sometimes it feels like he just gives up on how things maybe could be better, especially interpersonally. Maybe it’s why he focuses on simple joys like alcohol instead of trying to keep up with relationships which can be complex and very fickle, in his own words. Something like alcohol is predictable, always there to fall back on, safe, gives him sensations without other emotional/social risks attached. Ironic for someone whose job is all about risks, but understandable

He contradicts even himself… Bro yes you’re capable, yes you’re great, yes you matter, now maybe speak about your feelings maybe??? Or do you not think your emotional issues deserve to get fixed and have closure???? Are you so used to being dismissed, overlooked and undermined that you think no one will listen even if you speak up?? And this recontextualize his "I’m not even gonna try and talk this issue out because I know (assume) that it won’t solve anything anyways" approach, doesn’t it.

"I must break my party members’ stuff or lie to them because if I just tell them my opinion and my feelings that I don’t want them to die they won’t care anyways and keep going"

In a way everyone is the glue of the party in different ways, Laios giving the group a direction and a plan, Senshi keeping them fed and grounded, Marcille making everyone more social and encouraging bonds to form, and for Chilchuck he’s the one most focused on actually keeping everyone alive I think.

Conclusion

Idk I’m not gonna repeat every point but have this as a parting contrast:

Guy with shortest lifespan possible who doesn’t mind knowingly shortening his own with an unhealthy habit, here for a good time not a long time, VS girl with longest lifespan possible who wants to lengthen everyone’s life, who focuses on how long she can keep something or someone rather than how happy her time with it has made her already. They’re both loud in their own way, and both are still insecure despite appearances. In a way, both of them focus on taking care of others while overlooking their own demons.

[cherienymphe]

The Less I Know The Better XX (JJ Maybank x Reader x Rafe Cameron)

Warnings: NON-CON, manipulation, underage drinking, unhealthy relationship, non canon ages, pogue!reader

➥ banner by @vase-of-lilies​ | divider by @firefly-graphics​

➥ series masterlist

summary:  When you start dating Rafe Cameron, no one is more surprised than you when your best friend JJ takes it really well. However, no one is more surprised than JJ when he’s forced to see his once frumpy BFF in an entirely new light, suddenly terrified of losing what he never knew he had to the person he hates most.

~

“I need someone to start talking, and I need answers.”

Those were apparently the wrong words to say, because Sarah, John B. and Pope all started talking at once. The ambulance had long taken Kie to the hospital, and Rafe had long been taken into custody. JJ swallowed, eyes finding you as you were the only one aside from him who wasn’t saying anything. JJ ran his gaze over you, feeling too many emotions to process.

You’d told Rafe.

You’d actually told Rafe, but if the way Rafe came flying in here without you was anything to go by, JJ would guess that it wasn’t something you’d wanted to do. You were sitting on the ground, eyes staring straight ahead, and he’d known you well enough to know that it wasn’t just from crying. You were drunk, and JJ frowned at that.

His gaze fell to Kie’s blood on your hands, and his heart clenched. Kie was his friend, had been his friend almost as long as you and John B. had been, and seeing her get shot had definitely made his heart sink. He remembered the way both him and Rafe had frozen when Sarah screamed, in shock at the turn of events. JJ’s head had spun when Kie collapsed, but past all the anger and fear and worry…

JJ had felt hope.

It had taken him all of a minute to tell Shoupe exactly who was responsible, and he hadn’t missed the look on your face. The betrayal. JJ resisted the urge to scoff at that, narrowed eyes on you. The nerve of you to look at him like he’d done something wrong was laughable. Rafe had shot Kie, her health up in the air, and you had looked like JJ was to blame instead of Rafe.

“Alright, alright,” Shoupe waved his friends off. “I can’t make sense of a thing with all of y’all yelling like that, so…”

He trailed off, familiar eyes falling to JJ.

“I’m bringing you…”

Time seemed to stand still as his eyes then traveled to you.

“…and you to the station with me. Y’all are going to answer some questions and help me make sense of all this.”

You had finally moved at that, looking up at him in shock. His friends seemed to react the same way, Sarah’s cold gaze briefly falling to JJ.

“Wait, what? Why both of them? No, no, take one of us,” John B. spoke up, but Shoupe wasn’t hearing it.

“You think I don’t know what goes on in my town?”

They all quieted at that as he looked between JJ and you, hands on his hips.

“I’m not stupid,” he told them, waving over one of his deputies. “I have a feeling what this all was about, so you and you, you’re coming with me.”

Shoupe whistled at JJ, and he reluctantly followed behind him, looking over his shoulder to see the deputy helping you to your feet. He watched you get into a different car, and JJ sighed as he was guided into the backseat of Shoupe’s. JJ’s gaze found his lap, and while he desperately hoped Kie was going to be okay, never wanting this, he couldn’t say he was unhappy about the position Rafe was in.

JJ’s dad had been in and out of jail enough for JJ to know North Carolina laws like the back of his hand. If Kie didn’t make it, then Rafe was never seeing the light of day again, and while he prayed to whoever was up there that Kie didn’t die, he couldn’t say the idea of Rafe never being with you again didn’t make him happy. If Kie did make it though, Rafe was still going to jail. How long depended on some things, but most especially Ward Cameron’s money.

However, he was sure that with witnesses and the gun belonging to Ward and Kie on her way to the hospital, even their money wouldn’t get him out of this.

“Start talking,” Shoupe said as soon as he sat him down.

JJ sighed, looking out of the window and seeing you sitting in the hall.

“I’ve watched you both grow up, you know,” the older man’s voice reached his ears. “Like two peas in a pod, and then I watched her start hanging around with Ward Cameron’s son, so…”

JJ turned back around, swallowing as Shoupe held his gaze.

“Don’t lie to me, because I’m not stupid.”

“Rafe tried to kill me, and he hit Kie instead,” JJ said with a shrug.

“Why?”

“Jealousy,” JJ said, his tone indicating that he was guessing. “Claims I hurt her.”

“…and did you?”

“She’s my best friend, Shoupe. I would never,” JJ argued.

“…and I’ve seen people hurt the same people they took vows with, so that doesn’t mean a thing in my line of work.”

JJ rolled his eyes, looking away.

“Now, I’m going to talk to her, and I’m going to see what she says,” he mused. “…and if she says differently, I’m coming for you if she decides to press charges, so don’t you go anywhere.”

JJ pulled his lip between his teeth as he got up, his blue gaze on you as Shoupe called you in. You wouldn’t even look at him, and JJ hated it, fingers twitching as the smell of you filled his nose as you got up. He sat where you had sat, eyes on you through the office window, wondering what you were saying to Shoupe. He felt his heart skip a beat when Shoupe glanced at him, and after a while, Shoupe glanced at him again, lips moving.

JJ blinked when he watched you shake your head. He watched the older man heave a sigh, shoulders moving, and he said something else to you, reaching for you. He couldn’t see your face, but he saw your shoulders shaking, and you shook your head again, standing. When Shoupe stood too, making his way to his door, he opened it and told JJ he was free to go.

There was a look on the older man’s face that had JJ clenching his jaw. JJ glanced at you before standing with a nod and making his way outside. He had no intention of going anywhere, not until he talked to you, and that was why he waited. JJ waited all of thirteen minutes before you finally came out too. With one look at him, all the color drained from your face.

“Y/N-.”

“I want nothing to do with you,” you choked out, hurrying past him, but he followed.

“What did you tell Shoupe?”

“Of course, that’s what you’re concerned about,” you spat, spinning around and tearfully glaring at him. “Whether I told him that you raped me twice…”

JJ really hated that word.

“Whether I’m pressing charges.”

You looked at JJ like you were completely disgusted by him.

“I told him I’m not pressing charges, so it doesn’t matter what you did,” you whispered, and JJ’s shoulders dropped. “It’s not going to change anything. Kie is still in the hospital, Rafe is still going to jail, and it’s not like I can afford lawyers, anyway.”

JJ said your name, and you stumbled back.

“I just want you to stay away from me.”

JJ’s heart skipped a beat at that, and he watched you take a step back, wrapping your arms around yourself.

“Do you hear me? I never want to see you again. You ruined…everything,” you struggled to get out, voice shaky. “If I was stronger…I would hang you out to dry.”

JJ swiped his tongue between his lips.

“I wouldn’t rest until you paid for what you did to me, but I’m not,” you cried, shaking your head. “I’m just so tired and hurt, and I want nothing to do with you.”

You turned away, and JJ was so tempted to run after you. He was so tempted to drag you back and shake you until you saw that this was all Rafe’s fault, and not his, but then he remembered where he was. The police station was right behind him, and considering what you’d told Shoupe, he wasn’t surprised to look over his shoulder and find the Sheriff intently watching him.

With a sigh, he decided to make his way to the hospital.

“How is she?”

That was the first thing he wondered when he found them in the lobby. They were all quiet at first, eyeing him with varying expressions before Pope finally spoke up, awkwardly clearing his throat.

“She’s in surgery,” he said. “Her parents are up there with her.”

JJ nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. The air was so tense, and if he wanted to ignore the giant elephant in the room, he couldn’t with Sarah staring him down and all. When he started to sit, that was when John B. stood, quickly approaching him.

“We need to talk.”

JJ’s jaw clenched at that, and his eyes passed over all of them. Sarah looked completely freaked by him, glaring at him with wide eyes and looking like she’d rather see him dead. Pope’s face was taut, a deep frown between his brows as he just studied JJ, a thoughtful expression there.

“About what?”

John B. huffed, running his hand through his hair and fixing JJ with a look.

“You know what.”

JJ, choosing to play dumb, shrugged, and John B. let out a humorless scoff.

“About what Rafe said, man.”

At John B.’s words, the air grew even more tense, and now it was JJ’s turn to scoff.

“…and you believe him?”

“Well, the guy wouldn’t just come blazing into my yard waving a gun around for nothing, would he?”

“Wouldn’t he? It’s Rafe, man!”

John B. just stared at him, and JJ swallowed as he faced the possibility that he was about to lose all of his friends, his best friend included. John B. eventually sighed.

“Rafe wouldn’t lie about something like that-.”

“…and since when have we listened to a word that came out of his mouth?”

JJ could feel himself getting frustrated.

“Since he said you raped Y/N!”

They all looked around as John B.’s voice rose, thankful no one else was close enough to hear. JJ’s eyes met Sarah’s again, and she wouldn’t stop glaring at him. JJ shook his head, glancing away.

“Fine. You want the truth?”

“Yeah, I want the truth,” the brunette bit out.

“We had sex!”

Both Sarah and Pope shifted at that, and he could feel their eyes on him. John B. narrowed his eyes, studying JJ’s gaze.

“We hooked up, and clearly Rafe found out, and is telling himself what he wants to believe to feel better.”

JJ shrugged, and John B.’s face was unreadable.

“Is that how your face got all scratched up?”

Only silence followed, and John B. licked his lips.

“I want to talk to Y/N.”

“John B.,” JJ sighed, and the other guy held a hand up, shaking his head at JJ.

“Mm mm. I want to talk to her, because you know something JJ? I don’t believe you,” he said, shaking his head again.

“John B.-.”

“I don’t believe you,” he slowly repeated. “I’ve watched you get more and more obsessed with her and Rafe every day-.”

“He’s not good enough-.”

“…and I thought it was concern, but then I find out it was nothing but jealousy. You haven’t been acting like the JJ I know for months.”

JJ was quiet.

“You’re my best friend, and I feel like I don’t even know you because when Rafe said what he said…there was a part of me…that was not shocked to hear that.”

They stared at one another.

“Isn’t that crazy? You’re my best friend, but when the guy I can’t stand most in this world said you raped Y/N, our friend, his girlfriend…something in me wasn’t even shocked,” he slowly repeated.

“So, you believe him over me?”

“I’m saying I want to talk to Y/N,” John B. repeated. “I don’t want to hear a word you have to say, I want to know what she has to say.”

JJ swallowed, looking between the three of them, and he could tell by their silence that they were all in agreement.

“She’s on her way…so you should probably go.”

JJ’s eyes widened at that.

“I can guarantee you Kie won’t want you here.”

He couldn’t deny how much that hurt, frown deepening.

“I’m serious, JJ. You should go before I do something I might regret, because if you’re still here when Y/N gets here, and she says Rafe is telling the truth…” John B. bit his lip, eyes hardening. “He and I are going to be staring at each other tomorrow morning.”

JJ’s jaw clenched, he and John B. simply staring at one another as the full weight of his words hung in the air. Reluctantly, the blond took a step back, forcing himself to leave the hospital.

When JJ’s phone was silent days later, it was easy to guess how your conversation with John B. had gone. No one cared to keep him updated on Kie, no one cared to reach out, and he knew then that you’d told them the truth. JJ knew that you were the only reason none of them had come pounding on his door, giving him a well-deserved ass beating. He winced at that thought, reaching up and touching his face from where Rafe had bruised it.

He didn’t know what was going on with Rafe either, but as much as they hated him, now, JJ was sure they would’ve told him if Kie hadn’t made it. Clearly, she had, and he knew that meant Rafe was facing up to two years in jail if JJ was lucky. However, Ward’s money would no doubt have a hand in that, and he knew that he wasn’t going to let his son stare down two years if he could help it.

JJ thought a lot about you and where you both ended up. All those months ago, when you’d told him that you were dating Rafe, he’d meant it when he said he would try. That wasn’t a lie. JJ had wanted to be happy for you so bad because seeing you happy had made him happy, but somewhere along the way, your happiness only made him upset when it wasn’t with him. Somewhere along the way, he’d fallen in love with you, and he’d only cared about wanting you for himself.

Somehow, he couldn’t stop thinking about your smile and your laugh and the way you smelled when you were getting out of the water. He’d found himself lying to you just to be near you, touching your hair when you didn’t notice, and deeply inhaling the scent of you every time you hugged. JJ wanted you, and watching you with Rafe had twisted him up inside more than he cared to admit.

…but Rafe would be out of the picture now.

It didn’t matter if it was two years or six months, that would be six months without Rafe around. JJ was sure that he could get you to see things his way, that in your grief, you’d realize that JJ was still here, and Rafe was not. Besides, the man had shot Kie. Even if it was an accident, that had to mean something to you, and JJ knew you weren’t just going to ignore that. You had to be so confused, right now, and JJ had to see you.

“She said she was going to the beach for a while,” your mom said.

He was standing at your door in the middle of the night, hands shoved into his pockets. It was a rare night in which your mom was home, looking after your dad after his work accident. You hadn’t been home as much, and JJ knew that was because of him, but with Rafe’s court date approaching and Kie in the hospital recovering, he knew this was where you’d fall back on.

Your mom suddenly studied him, a slight frown on her face.

“Everything okay with you two?”

He wasn’t shocked that you hadn’t told them what he did. JJ knew you well enough, and he knew that your fallout was something you wanted to deal with on your own. Your parents would never let it go, and you’d made it clear that you just wanted JJ and the whole mess behind you. Somehow, that hurt worse than if you’d been fighting him and trying to put him under the jail.

The dismissal was too much.

“Yeah,” he lied with a small smile. “It’s Rafe.”

She hummed, nodding at that.

“I did hear about that. I’ve always known him to be trouble,” she sighed. “If you see her, tell her she shouldn’t stay out too late.”

“I will.”

He didn’t take his bike to the beach, using the walk to really think. His friends hated him, and as much as that stung, he couldn’t really focus on that. He’d gotten Rafe away from you, and that was all he was able to focus on, the spot that was open for JJ, now. You just needed time…needed to see how much you meant to him, and JJ was going to show you that one way or another.

Your mom was right.

He’d walked on the beach for ten minutes when he saw you sitting near some rocks. It was late, and there wasn’t anyone else around, and he briefly thought about how dangerous that was. JJ thought about simply going home, telling himself that seeing you was enough, but he’d always been impulsive. It was something you had complimented him on once, but when it came to you, it wasn’t just about impulses.

It was like JJ became possessed.

He recalled John B.’s words, thinking that he’d been right. JJ hadn’t been obsessed with you and Rafe for months, he’d been obsessed with you. You were all that he could think about, and JJ went to sleep and woke up thinking of nothing but you. He just stared at you, frowning and drinking you in, wondering if it was inevitable that he ended up here.

You had to date some time, and while your first boyfriend being Rafe definitely made things messier, JJ was sure that any guy with you that wasn’t him would’ve sent him over the edge. JJ was sure that watching any guy kiss you would’ve made him sick. His stomach would’ve churned at any guy roaming his hands over you, but it hadn’t been just any guy. It had been Rafe…

…and the sight had literally driven him insane.

You hadn’t registered his footsteps until he was close enough, and when you looked up, your eyes were wide…panicked. You were frozen in disbelief for half a second before pushing yourself to your feet. Your lips parted, and JJ hated the way your eyes watered. It took you a few more seconds to reach for your phone, but JJ was faster, grabbing it and tossing it behind him.

“Y/N-.”

“I told you to stay away from me,” you choked out, pushing against his hold on your wrists. “Haven’t you done enough?”

He reached for your face, and you slapped him.

“Rafe is going to jail because of you!”

You sounded so hurt, so miserable, and he blinked, adjusting his jaw.

“Kie is going to be in the hospital for weeks,” you cried. “She has to do physical therapy-.”

“Rafe shot her! Not me,” he spat, upset with being blamed for his mistakes. “He’s going to jail because of him.”

“…and you might as well had put the gun in his hand,” you hissed, glaring at him, and pulling against his hands. “You raped me, and you expected him to do nothing.”

JJ flinched at that word, and you noticed, scoffing.

“It’s amazing,” you breathed. “You hate hearing it, but you had no problem doing it.”

You started crying, and JJ frowned.

“How could you do this to me?” you whispered. “I thought you were my friend.”

He whispered your name, pleading.

“I trusted you even when Rafe kept telling me I shouldn’t, and I wish I had listened to him,” you cried, trying to back away.

“You don’t understand,” JJ mumbled, reaching for your face again. “You don’t get what it was like to watch you with him when it should’ve been me.”

That seemed to make you angry, your face growing cold as his words hit you.

“Why? Why should it have been you? Why do you feel so entitled to me?”

Your words stumped him, and you continued.

“…because we were friends first? Because I meant something to you before I meant something to him? You were in my life long before he was so you got first dibs, right?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Yes, it is.”

“It’s not like that-.”

“Yes, it is,” you screamed.

“I care about you more than he does,” JJ screamed back, and you looked so shocked. “I-.”

“You raped me,” you shakily cut him off, tears skipping down your face. “Nothing about that screams you care. I told you to stay away from me, and you can’t even do that-.”

“No, I can’t!”

His outburst had you stumbling back, and JJ followed.

“I can’t stay away from you.”

His voice was low, almost inaudible, but you heard him, and you took another step back, eyeing him. JJ was admitting that to himself in this moment, blue eyes drinking you in, the sound of ocean waves in his ears. He thought about that night, the night in which you had clung to him and moaned for him. He wanted that again so badly.

“I can’t,” he breathed. “Not now. Not when he’s finally gone.”

Your face fell at that, and you looked around, seeming to just notice that you two were alone.

“Not when I finally have you to myself…”

He could see your shoulders heaving, breathing picking up as your feet picked up the pace, backing away.

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes,” JJ shakily said. “I can show you how happy you could be with me.”

You froze at that, looking at JJ like he’d sprouted two heads.

“I can show you that Rafe isn’t your only option, and…and when he gets out…you won’t even care about him.”

When you turned around, JJ’s hand caught your shirt, the fabric ripping and making you jerk. It took nothing to yank you against him, hands grasping your face and pressing his lips to yours. Your noise of protest went in one ear and fell out of the other, and JJ hummed against your mouth. In your desperation to rip yourself away from him, you tilted back, and JJ was still holding you.

JJ fell against you, both of you landing in the sand, and you pushed and kicked at him. It felt easier to get you onto your back this time, JJ noted, and he didn’t know if that had more to do with him or with you. You seemed so…defeated as you fought back, desperately trying to get JJ off of you, but JJ wasn’t wasting this opportunity.

His eyes took in the shirt you were wearing, noting that it was Rafe’s, and disgust filled him, wanting it off of you. You shook beneath him as he removed it, and he covered your body with his own, desperate to feel you beneath him and also warm you up. He swallowed your cries, kissing you again, and one hand held you down while the other reached behind his neck.

He shuddered when your bare chests pressed against each other, JJ settling between your legs despite your best efforts to keep him away. He couldn’t stop kissing you, touching you, so eager to be inside of you again. Nothing at all like the last time, no. He didn’t want this to be out of anger and disgust, and he definitely didn’t want to hurt you again.

He could hear you crying harder when he pulled at his pants, your own following close behind. He was so hard he could hardly think straight, and you gasped into his mouth when his hand found it’s way between your legs. You fluttered around his fingers, and he grinned into the kiss, dipping them into you and massaging your walls. Your nails scratched at his arm, and JJ hissed.

When he finally sank into you, satisfied at the wetness he felt there and pushing his cock into you almost torturously slow, he thought to himself that it was worth it. He didn’t care that John B. and Pope and Sarah hated him. He didn’t care that they would probably never speak to him again. It didn’t matter that your friendship was nonexistent, the relationship between you two nothing at all like what it used to be. He didn’t even care that Kie was in the hospital, his involvement in what happened to her something he didn’t want to think about.

Because it was all worth it.

As he thrust into you, pressing his face in the crook of your neck and hearing the way your breath hitched, it was worth it. You were so tight around him, squeezing his cock, and JJ’s eyes rolled at the feel. Your heart was racing in your chest, in time with his, and JJ grabbed your hands, forcing them into his as he clasped your fingers together.

Your face was twisted when he lifted his head, pinning your hands down into the sand on either side of your head. It was reminiscent of that night, only he could see you now. He could look into your eyes and drink in the way your lashes fluttered and linger his gaze on how your lips parted. JJ’s eyes lowered, and he stared at your heaving chest, brows drawing together some as he dipped his head and wrapped his lips around a pebbled bud.

His hips curved into yours, pushing his cock into you and listening to your breathing. You were still crying, tears escaping your eyes and running past your ears into the sand. Your hands were tight on his, and you shook beneath him, but JJ was only focused on chasing both of your highs. You were so wet and so tight, clinging to his cock and attempting to pull him back in every time he pulled out.

“Do you feel that?” he whispered into your ear, and you turned your head away. “Do you feel what you do to me?”

When he looked at you, your eyes were squeezed shut.

“I can make you feel just as good as Rafe did…”

His use of past tense had you crying out again, a sob in your throat, and JJ pressed his lips to your cheek.

“You can be just as happy with me. I can make you forget all about him.”

JJ rutted into you, his cock plunging into you, the ocean waves drowning out the sound of skin slapping against skin. The breeze kept you both cool, but even so, a thin sheen of sweat made your skin glisten under the moonlight. One of JJ’s hands tangled in your hair, pulling and making you wince.

Your hand grabbed his arm, nails pressing into his skin and scratching. JJ could feel you drawing blood, and he only groaned at the feel, desperate to come inside of you before the night was over. You were still crying, but there was a determination in him to hear you moan, to hear you cry out for him like you had before. You were dripping around him, legs trembling, and as he pressed his lips to yours again, the kiss salty from your tears, he knew it was only a matter of time.

[lwde-encrusted-sideblog]

If fan theory that jaune is Adrian's donor is true.

How bad does iess lose it up on finding out darling is a daddy?

I don't like the theory that Jaune is Adrians donor. Jaune couldn't have been an adult at the time Terra and Saphron would've considered it.

I will grant you Jaune being a good uncle to Adrian with Weiss' reaction

~~~~~

Adrian: *Makes grabby Hands *

Jaune: Hey Adrian! Want Uppies?

Adrian: Uh!

Jaune: *Lifting Adrian* And up we go!

Weiss: *watching from a distance* Isn't he so cute?

Ruby: Of Course! Adrian-

Weiss: Adrian Must only weigh a couple Grapes to Jaune~

Ruby: ... Which one did you call cute?

~~~~~

Jaune: Two Ice Creams Please! One "Kidz-Kone" Caramel Swirl, and one Full-sized Waffle cone with a scoop of Rocky Road please!

Shopkeep: *Grumbles, Hands Jaune the Ice cream*

Jaune: Here you Go little guy!

Adrian: *Giggles*

Weiss: *Biting her lip* He's so Kind~

Yang: Dang Weissy. I'd never thought you'd melt at the sight of Jaune!

Weiss: I wouldn't mind if he licked me off his fingers like that Ice cream~

Yang: ... Oh you're Down Bad with a capital D and B.

~~~~~

Jaune: *whispering* Okay Adrian. Good night little buddy.

Jaune leaves Adrian's room.

Jaune: What a day. Guess it's time for me to go to bed too.

Weiss: Thankfully Saphron is letting you use her bedroom~

Jaune: Yeah, thankfu- WEISS!?!

Weiss: Hello Jaune~ Had a wonderful day~

Weiss was sat on the master bed Skimpy lingerie that just barely covered her breasts, clearly designed to look loose, pale pink nubs barely peaking over the

Jaune: Why are you in my sister's house? Where's your team? Whyare you wearing that?!?!

Weiss: We were spending our break at a Vacation home. I spotted you playing with Adrian and thought To pay you a visit!

Weiss: I'd love to play with you~

Weiss Dragged Jaune to the bed. and pinned him to it.

Weiss: Please play with me Jaune~ I'd love to watch treat out own kids like You treat Adrian~

Jaune: Weiss stop!

Weiss: *Sits up* Uh- S-sorry? Did I do something Wrong?

Jaune: Look, any other night I'd be burying my face in your muff like Ruby to a Pile of Cookies, but I'm legitimately Tired from today and if Adrian needs help I need to be ready.

Jaune: And Saph would kill me if I had sex while I was supposed to be watching him. Like she'd actually commit murder of the first degree. I'd be a dead Man walking.

Weiss: ... Well I'd still like to keep you company. Is there Clothes I may borrow?

Jaune: Terra's closet is on the left.

Weiss: Why Terra's clothes?

Jaune: Because if I knew someone was wearing that under my sister's clothes I might not get hard ever again. Where'd you get that stuff anyway?

Weiss: Saphron told about-

Weiss: ...

Jaune: ... Yeah It's gone.

Blake: *Steps out of the closet holding a camera* God Dammit! I was gonna make so much money!