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lady-mimis · 5 months

Text

I WISH YOU WOULD - BATMAN

Summary: Where your relationship with Bruce didn't end up well but you still love him

English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes that might be on the text

Notes: Hey guys! I'm back with an imagine of my favorite hero. I stopped to write for nnt, but I still have some imagines ready so I will post eventually. For me Bruce is such a dads girl. This took me a long time, I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Violence and language

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"Mommy?" Your daughter called you. You were working on your laptop while your daughter was watching TV.

Tim and Damian asked for your help in some kind of security program they developed, so you were just reviewing and improving the system

"Yeah baby? what's wrong?" You stop typing and look at her.

She was hugging her giraffe plush. It was a gift from her dad. She is such a daddy's girl

"I was wondering..... if you could tell me about you and daddy?" She ask curiously with those big blue, bright eyes

The question took you by surprise. She is still a curious kid, of course, but you wonder why she wants to know it now

She was a copy of her father, except that she has some of your features. Its funny how you waited nine months for your baby to be born with her fathers features

"Hmm, what do you wanna know? Can i ask why the sudden interest?" You asked your baby daughter, then sat beside her on the couch, putting a cushion in your lap

"I want to know how you two met each other, I mean you two are not together anymore but you were one day, right?" She questioned you with an innocence that you felt your heart shake a little.

Thinking about how she feels with her parents not being together. You remember once she was saying something about all of her friends having parents who are married and live together. Of course, you tried to explain that your situation is not so simple, but she was just a kid and couldn't understand anything

"Yeah, darling well.... I met your father at work, he was my boss"

You revive everything in your head

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"Good morning, Lucius! I brought some coffee for us" You entered the laboratory, greeting your coworker and put your bag on your table

You worked for Wayne Enterprises and were responsible for the technology that Batman held since the company funded him and his equipment

You were working on a motorcycle for Batman since he asked for

This project was a direct order from your boss, Bruce Wayne. You had never meet him, he was always busy being a playboy

Lucius was the vice president of the company, so he had a lot of work to do. You impressed with how he would help you and find time to be a businessman

"I'm glad you're here, today we have a lot of work" He thanks you for the coffee

After hours in the laboratory, you get ready to leave

"Hey baby let's talk please, don't dare ignore me again!" An unknown number sent you a message, but you already knew who it was

"Answer bitch!" Again

"I need you baby! I can't live without you!"

Your ex boyfriend calls you, but you refuse the call

How did he find your new number? You were angry about him harassing you since you two broke up

"Stop calling me! we broke up. Stop it" Sighing deeply, you reply

"You're okay?" Lucius asks you curiously, raising his eyebrows

"I'm just tired, you know, Matthew has been kind of asshole and... " You fake a smile for him not worry about you

You stop your commentary after hearing the voice of the artificial intelligence of the laboratory announce someone

"Access confirmed. Welcome, Bruce Wayne" The AI greets him

"Bruce, what a pleasure! (Y/N) this is Bruce" Lucius introduce you to him. He is excited for Bruce to finally meet you

Well, you have to admit that he is not only handsome. Bruce Wayne is hot as hell

He looked at you, head to toe and licked his lips. He smiles to you with an arrogant smile and offers his hand for you to shake

What a skirt chaser!

"Enchanted to meet you" You shake his big, rough hands. He looks around, analyzing the lab

Bruce Wayne has an elegant posture. He was wearing a black, expensive suit, probably tailored just for him. This suit must have cost all of your salary

He walks through the lab with a confident posture, analyzing everything around him

"So you're the one who made the Batmobile upgrades" He states uninterested

Okay, you were not hoping for him to know that

"Yeah, it's me. I'm working on the motorcycle project too" You said proudly, pointing to the prototype that was in the center of the lab

Adjusting your white coat, you grab the sketches of the project in your pocket

"Well, I see you're doing good. Have you already made any tests?" He looks satisfied with the prototype

"Not yet, still working on the motor " You give him the sketches, then point at the motor sketch

"it looks excellent! I'm really impressed. Now I know why Lucius trusts so much in your work" He smiled charmingly, winking at you

You couldn't help but roll your eyes. Is he really like this?

"Thank you.... I think" Looking at your watch, checking the hours

"I better go. It's starting to get dark" You grab your things and walk to the door

"Take care (Y/N)!" Lucius bids you farewell

"It was lovely to meet you (Y/N), I hope to see you again" Bruce gave a head nod

"Wait (Y/N)!" Bruce calls you, making you stop and stare him, raising an eyebrow at him

"What you think about a dinner?" Bruce asks with a cocky smile, and you find it charming, but no way you're going on a date with him. That could work with other women, but not with you

Bruce asked you out the first day he met you! HE WAS TRULY A WOMANIZER LIKE THE NEWS SAYS

You had recently broken up so you were not thinking about a relationship at that moment

"Thanks but no" You fake a sorrowful look and then smile, winking, teasing him

You leave to your house before gets too dark

------------------------------------------------------------

That night, you were watching TV on your couch. It was almost midnight

You heard a car stop by the front of your house and assumed that it was one of your neighbors

"Where are you? I'm here. Let's talk " he typed

Okay, you're starting to get scared

You walk towards the window, seeing his car in front of your house

"No! Leave!" You reply in panic

"Baby, open the door!" He knocks on the door, gently at first but then harder

"Leave me alone! I don't want to talk to you!" You say it loud enough for him to hear it

"Open the fucking door!" A strong knock. He was beating the door, and in a little time he would open it

You grabbed your phone and ran to your room, calling the police. You close the door of your room, hiding yourself in your closet

Tears were all over your face

"911, what's your emergency?" The policeman asked by phone

"My ex boyfriend.... is trying to enter my home and i ...... " A loud thud echos through the house. He entered in your home

"He's here, please help me!" You whisper, crying in despair

You passed your address to him

"We are sending the police, stay hidden until the police come, please stay in the line"

You could hear him on the underfloor, looking for you

"Baby, let's talk. You know how much i love you!" He always said this

"I can't live without you, you're so good for me, I will kill myself if you don't show up. IT WILL BE YOUR FAULT!!" He screamed with angry

He was coming closer, and you knew that the police would not make in time

"Let's just talk, babe, we can fix this. I CAN FIX THIS!" His voice echoed behind the door as he tried to get into the room

He was kicking the door, and you knew how the material would not resist

"We can comeback together, it's just show up and say yes!" He broke in

He was close, and you could see his shadow through the door of the closet

He has a knife with him

You knew he had found you. He was walking toward the closet

"I don't want to talk to you! LEAVE ME ALONE! I FUCKING HATE YOU, WHY YOU DOING THIS TO ME??" Screaming stunned

When he stops by the closet door, something caught him by surprise and he falls to the floor

A shadow figure was in top of him

The shadow figure knocks out your ex boyfriend

"It's safe now, you can get out of there" A male deep voice spoke, it sounded almost robotic, maybe it was some kind of voice modification

You got out of the closet, and you stared at your unconscious ex

That shadow figure was standing by the side of your ex's damaged body

Then you saw your hero, Batman.

"I..." You could not say a single phrase without sobbing

He stayed there till police siren sounds could be heard, then he just disappears

Batman had saved you that night, if wasn't for him, probably you would not be alive. You were grateful to Batman

You're remembered that night all too well, it was a complete nightmare

------------------------------------------------------------

The next day after the incident you were given the day off by Lucius.

You stayed at your sister place until you found a new place for you

You had to comeback to your work, everything was so stressful and worst Bruce keep showing up and continue flerting with you

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You were on the park lot alone, fetching your car keys, and you feel a presence behind you

You froze

Someone put a hand on your shoulder

"Hey, you alright?" Bruce Wayne ask in a worried tone

You felt so relieved to see it was just him

"Yes, i just got scared, you simply didn't make any walking sounds" You observe him, and take a deep breath

"Oh, i'm sorry about that.. what do you say about dinner as sorry?" Bruce offered, scratching his throat, making a slight frown, and put his hands on his pocket, trying to hide his nervous

That's new, he was always too confident and cocky. Now he just look like a normal guy

So you decide to be honest

"Look, Bruce i will be honest with you, I recently broke up. It's been hard times for me, i am not looking for a date at the moment" You look at him with soft eyes, denying his offer gently

That made Bruce nod in knowledge and look at the floor for a moment. He admired your honesty

"Well... that doesn't mean we can't be friends" Still not convinced he waits for your response

Friends? WITH BRUCE WAYNE? That was a good joke, but he seemed serious about it

With everything that has been happening, maybe you need to relax. You didn't have many friends. All of your friends live in other towns. So why not?

"Hmm.. fine we can dinner together as friends" You hesitantly accept looking at his ocean blue eyes. Somehow, his eyes pass you peace and truth

"Friends then" He smirked and offered his arm to you, guiding you to his car

It was a great night. Nice jokes and good food

That has become a tradition between you and Bruce since that day. You get to know Bruce better and overcome your prejudices about him

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You could say that you had a soft spot for Bruce

You even met his first kid.

It was a surprise when he told you about Dick. You had never thought about Bruce being a single dad.

You tried help him with his dads duties but he always declined your help. Even with his interventions, you continued to help him to raise Dick

You remember telling Bruce to go easier with Dick

And finally, he opened up with you, asking advice on how to improve to be a good dad for Dick

Dick was a nice kid but had a sad story. He always used to tell you how Bruce was hard on him and how he wanted some freedom

So sometimes you would take him to do things that a normal kid would do

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When you found out about Batmans identity, you freaked out

You were working on the maintenance of the security of the labs

Everything there was powerful and presented some danger. So the technology couldn't end up in the wrong hands

The access was only permitted if the people had registered fingerprint and eye identification

You noted that Bruce and Batman had the same fingerprint and eye identification.

He had saved you that night

When he entered the lab, you embrace him so tightly

All you could say was "thank you" sobbing

Bruce got very confused and worried about you

After a few moments he connected the pieces

He asked you to work only for him in his cave and his Batlab, as you called it

You accepted Bruces offer to work for him.

Most of the time, you would work with him or Alfred on the projects. Alfred always commented to you about how you and Bruce were a good duo

Alfred told you, you were the first person that Bruce let into his life. How was he different after you

------------------------------------------------------------

You had been friends with Bruce for almost two years

You were at the annual Wayne gala

Bruce had invited you personally and told you how much Jason insisted on your presence. Bruce had recently adopted Jason since Dick left for Jump City

Of course, you didn't approve the kids being his sidekicks. It was not ideal for them, but that was the form they found to let go of the fury and anger they felt inside. Bruce knew it better like no one

Jason was a tough kid, but all he wanted was Bruce's attention. Yet Bruce would be more hard on Jason than he has been with Dick

Jason had a hard life, and even being tough he was still a kid. All he needed was love and kindness. So you did what Bruce didn't. You helped him with everything, homework, patching him, you both played video game together

You taught him everything you knew, how to cook, how to hack, how to make analysis, how to program and more.

"(Y/N) You heard me?" Jason poked you but you couldn't take your eyes of Bruce

Bruce is the host of the party,and of course there will be people around him but you can't avoid to feel jealous at the surrounding women

Bruce was talking with a blonde beautiful woman for a long time

"Sorry jay, what were you saying?" You give him a soft look, messing with his hair

"Its about the new ship you are working, I liked the design its so badass" He said, excited about this project.

Jason was your little assistant in the Batlab

You nod, smiling and keep talking with him until Alfred interruption

"Sorry to interrupt you, Miss (Y/N), but I believe its time for Master Jason go to bed" Alfred explained and put a hand on Jasons shoulders

"Can (Y/N) put me to bed?" Jason asks in a low tone, looking at you with pleading eyes

How cute, your heart melt away with that. How can you say no to him?

Alfred looks to you, waiting your response

"Don't worry, Alfred, I don't care doing it" You shrug, guiding Jason to his room

You were both in his room. His room was all decorated with cream and red tones. The room has some posters of some old popular cartoons you both watch together, and some action figures on the shelf on the wall where the writing desk is. Some books you had gave him as gifts are on top of the desk

He was laying on bed, and you covered him with the red blankets

"Do you think you can sleep with that music?" You ask, fixing the blankets so he could be warm

"Yes, it's not that loud from here" Jason makes himself comfortable

"Thanks (Y/N), it makes me feel home" Jason smile to you, the mix of blue and green of his shining eyes makes he looks so innocent

He was looking at you like you were his whole world

"Good night Jay, I'll see you tomorrow after school in the Batcave" You kiss his forehead and turn off the lights

You lead to the door, ready to leave

"Good night, mom" Jason whispered sleepy

OH MY DID HE JUST CALLED YOU MOM? You stop, stunned in front of the door, felling a mix of emotions

When you got out, Bruce was standing there like a ghost

"Ohh! You scared me! Stop showing up out of nowhere" You raise your hand to your chest, breathing heavily

"You didn't need to do it" Bruce crossed his arms seriously, taking a look at Jason's asleep form

Bruce was in front of you, blocking your passage back to the party. His huge form was hovering you

"I wanted to do it, Bruce" You state, putting your hand on his chest to get him out of your way, but he does't move

So you raise an eyebrow to him. What was he doing? Trying to intimidate you or whatever?

"I thought you would pass the night talking with that blonde woman?" You comment. Maybe a little too rude

You perceive the frown on his lips and how his eyebrows grew closer

"As the host, I have to talk with the guests" He narrows his gaze to you. You hate when he does it

He unblocked the passage, still staring you

You turn back to the party, ignoring his stare

After that, you felt frustrated and resolved to drink to drown your sorrows

At the end of the night, you were a little drunk....okay, so much drunk that your voice was nasal and you were hiccuping

That time, Bruce was chatting with a beautiful brunette woman, and she put her hand on his chest. Okay, that's enough. The jealousy made your face turn red and warm.

You roll your eyes, ready to leave the party.

Bruce was so stupid, why do you care about the women around him? You are nothing to him, just a friend. You hated that feeling, you hate how Bruce makes you feel stupid

You were leaving, but an arm grabbed your hand, stopping you. In the movement to turn around, you stumbled on your feet.

The arms hold you by the waist so you don't fall

"I got you" Bruce is the one helping you. His arms are so big and warm

"What you're doing? leave me... hic.. Bruce" You tell him, trying to get out of his hold while he leads you to the manor

"I'm not gonna let you leave alone in this state. You're drunk (Y/N)" Bruce keeps his hold on you, until you are in his room

"It's your fault, when you were talking with those hotties, I was... hic...drinking by myself" You say with a joking tone and get out of his hold to sit at his bed

"Are you jealous (Y/N)?" Bruce asks, having fun with the situation

"NO! nrgh!" You sink your head into his pillow

"So do you care to share why you are so drunk? We both know you do not drink like that" He asked curiously, looking at you with those beautiful eyes

"Just to shut out... hic.. my emotions. Its was... hic...so loud" You said, snorting with your nasal voice

Bruce chuckles at your comment and leans himself on the wall

"You know you can tell me, right?" Bruce crossed his arms, but his voice sounded soft

"Right, I just disappointed...hic.. that you didn't have any time for me just because you were talking..hic... with your hotties. We are friends, right?" Whispering the last part.

Who were you trying to convince? You or him? You were already over heels for him

Bruce just raised an eyebrow for you, he knew you, and the fact that you just lied to him

"Tell me (Y/N) what really happened for you to get that drunk?" He came closer and stopped in front of you, analyzing you

He is curious, you are not the heavy drinker type. To be honest, he never saw you so drunk as tonight

It was dark in the room, just the moonlight light it. Bruce eyes shone intensely in the dark of the room, his eyes look like the ocean

"You happen, Bruce, I cant keep pretending that i don't feel nothing for you" Your voice is so low that you barely hear it

Nervousness ruins through your body. You start to roll your rings on your fingers.

"Pardon me?" Bruce says confused

He doubts that he heard what you said. He shifts his weight, trying to stay calm. Probably you are just too drunk and were babbling

So you decide to speak out loud

"Damn it! I was so jealous, you can have any woman in your arms anytime you want! I hate see you with another woman, and how I'm not the one in your arms. Your stupid blue ocean eyes that hypnotize me..." Bruce interrupts your sentence and kisses you with desire

"You're the one that I want. The one who has my heart. (Y/N), you don't have to worry about the others women" Bruce cups your face and rubs your cheeks, pecking your lips

He let go of you and stepped back smirking at your shock form

"Okay Bruce now you got me! You always found a ... hic.. way to shock me" You toss yourself in his bed, and your nasal giggles fill the lifeless room

"Well? what can i do? I have been waiting since the day we met for you to realize the great eligible bachelor that I am" His crooked smile makes you laugh hard

"Tsc, you're to cocky, hic.. that time you were the biggest womanizer of the whole country" You state, and hear his laugh echo in the room

Bruce chuckles at your state the bed, your cheeks are red from drinking, and your hair is a little messy, but he finds it cute. You are a sloppy, happy drunk.

How you love his laugh, his smile, and his beautiful eyes. You love everything about him. Okay, sometimes he's a pain in the ass, but still you love him

Then he walks to the door without making any sound

"I should let you rest" Bruce says, opening the door

"Can't you stay?" You watch him hesitantly stop in the front of the door

"Pleasee?..hic" You plead

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At first, your relationship was wonderful. Bruce was a caring boyfriend and a good partner

Then Jason died

You were completely broken

You loved him so much. The pain was unbearable

Bruce was dealing with his grief on his own. You knew how he blamed himself for Jason's death. He felt regret for being so hard on Jason

You hated how Bruce closed himself off from you

Everything has changed

Bruce was cold, quiet and reserved

Bruce was not the same person you used to know

The fights started

Time passed, and you two had to move on

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When you discovered about Damian's existence. You felt devastated, mostly because Bruce didn't plan to tell you

It was a shock for you when you found a boy who looked like Bruce in the living room

He was just seven years old. About the time you and Bruce started to date

The fights started all over

You were in the batcave. Where you help Bruce with the technology and projects he and you create

"What hell Bruce? Is that kid really your son?" Inhaling deep. You couldn't stop the shake of your hands

God, you were so nervous

You already knew the answer, but you need a explanation

Bruce just murmurs in response

"That's not even an answer, Bruce!" You state, tapping nervously your foots on the floor

"Do you have a son with another woman? I suppose you know who is his mother?" You wait for him to respond decently

You were standing by his side while he didn't even bother to glance you

"His mother is Thalia Alghul" Bruce shrugged it off, like that was nothing

Did he already know about the existence of this child?

"Bruce, look at me for a second! You cannot give a shit about this, but I do!" You shout, trembling

"Bruce! Did you already know about the existence of this kid?" Your voice wavers and the tears rush down your face

You felt betrayed

This time, Bruce slightly shivered and narrowed his eyes, analyzing you. Probably he was thinking you were out of control

Bruce was thinking of a response to calm you, but he couldn't find it, so he stayed in silence.

The silence was the worst answer he could give you. You know how right you were about your suspicious

"ANSWER ME, BRUCE! DID YOU EVEN PLAN TO TELL ME?" Pointing a finger at his chest, accusing him

Bruce gets defensive when you shout at him

"That's none of your business, (Y/N)" Bruce shouts back feeling attacked. Maybe it was, but he didn't think of that because he is too proud

"IT'S NOT MY BUSINESS, OKAY MR WAYNE, THEN IF THAT'S NOT MY BUSINESS, WE SHOULD NOT BE TOGETHER SINCE MY FUCKING BOYFRIEND HAS A CHILD WITH ANOTHER WOMAN AND NEVER PLANNED TO TELL ME ONE FUCKING THING ABOUT IT" You snap with anger. You shed tears like a crying baby

You felt terrible, weak, and disrespected.

The shouts echo through the cave

He was supposed to trust you, right?

There was a time you two were best friends and told each other everything, even the most silly thing in the world. You were a good duo, you were always partners

But the things changed

The love that was pacific became heavy and cold

What you and Bruce had become?

The sound of your cries attracted Tim's attention

"Hey mom! you're okay?" Tim asks gently, giving Bruce a disapproving look

"I.... just need to rest" You take a deep breath, accepting Tim help

You stare Bruce with watery eyes. You waited for him to say something

He stares at you with a blank expression

"Takes your mother to her room" That's the only thing Bruce says before turning back, walking to another part of the cavern

Bruce simply turned his back to you

It means nothing to him anymore. He didn't fight for you two

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The situation became more difficult because Damian disliked you

He thought his father should be with his mother, not someone like you. His words were sharp like a knife

To be honest, you thought the same thing. You are rich like Bruce, you two had different lifestyles. Two completely different world

In all of these years he never cared to propose to you. Did he ever think of having a future with you?

You started to question yourself after almost six years together

The day you finally decide to leave

You were sick, having nausea, dizziness and vomiting

Alfred realized that and advised you to go to the doctor

You took a few exams

In the same week, Damian got sick. He was in bed, shaking with fever. You were so worried about him

You checked up on Damian sometimes, even with his sharp comments about you or how he disliked you

He was just a kid who was created with a rigid education. He had a hard personality. You couldn't totally blame him

Alfred asked you to give Damian some soup for dinner. You agreed and went upstairs with the soup

"Hey Damian i brought some soup for you" You knock on his door before entering his room

"Tsc you can leave it here" He said with a tedious tone of voice

"Hmm do you need help to eat?" You ask, leaving the bowl on his expensive white nightstand

"No! Leave!" Damian says annoyed by your presence. Okay he didn't seem to be on a good day

Still, he doesn't have the strength to get out of the bed or eat alone

"But... Alfred helped you eat the meals, right? I could help you if you want" You tried one more time

"Don't you understand? I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP" Damian shouts aggressively, he tries to pick up the bowl but ends up toppling it

You look at him in shock

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you" You say in a low tone, holding back your tears

You leave Damian's room quickly and walk towards your room

You couldn't take it anymore. You are unhappy, sick and tired

You were in your room. The room you and Bruce shared together one day

You grabbed your bags and started to pick up your things

"What you're doing?" Bruce's voice surprised you. He was downstairs the last time you saw him

"I'm leaving, Bruce" You didn't hold back your tears. The tears rush freely in your face

Bruce felt his heartbeat skip when he heard what you said. You cannot be serious

"I don't understand..". Bruce comes closer to you, trying to understand why you were doing this

You stop to pick up your things to look at him

He is in shock, and even with his facade, you learn to see through it

"No! I know you don't, Bruce! You don't even realize whats happening around you" You snap angrily

"What? you cannot do that (Y/N)!" Bruce tries to change your mind, arguing with you, but you have already decide

"WHY NOT BRUCE? YOUR SON HATES ME! YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT US ANYMORE" You are so close to him but yet so far away. Giving a pleading look for him, you shake your head in deny

"Damian is just a kid..." Bruce answered back facing you.

You could swear that you saw a few of emotion on his eyes

"FUCK IT! WHAT ABOUT US BRUCE? DIDN'T YOU EVEN REALIZE THAT I AM SICK THE WHOLE WEEK? DID YOU EVER PLAN TO PROPOSE TO ME ONE DAY?" You screamed with agony, feeling your throat dry

He could see how you were hurt and unhappy

Bruce avoid to look into yours eyes. Not a single word left his mouth

"Your silence answered everything. I hoped you would be honest with me considering all of these years, tsc you are really a dick" You curse, turning back to pick up the rest of your things

You grabbed your bags, and turned around, ready to leave.

You give Bruce a final look, pleading to him to do something, say something or fight for you

You hoped he would say something or ask you to stay, but he didn't

If he had asked you to stay, you would

So you leave

Your words echo through to his head

Bruce's heart stops when he sees that you are really leaving, but he can't move

Maybe that was better for you. Maybe it was better for you to live without him always disappointing you

Bruce stays in silence, watching you leave

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You were completely heartbroken after the break up. You moved to your old apartment

Everything looked so empty, it was so strange to live there all alone.

You miss the kids, the noise of the manor, Alfred astute comments, and more... You miss Bruce

You and your sister went to the hospital to get your exam results

You remember all too well

In the doctor's office, sitting in a chair, waiting for the doctor to say the results of your exam

"Well, miss (Y/N), the results are not satisfying, but i have good news you might like" Isla gave you a sympathetic look and read some documents

"So I prefer the good news first, doc" You tried to sound optimist

You looked like crap, and you knew it. The last week had been so lonely. Tim and Alfred passed by your apartment to check on you, but it wasn't the same thing

"You are pregnant, congratulations (Y/N)!" She gave you the news

Your face goes blank

"(Y/N)? You alright?" Isla asked with worry in her eyes

"Yes... I think, I was not hoping for that, Isla" You explained, trying to calm yourself

She wrote something on her computer

"Right, but you have anemia, and this isnt good for you and the baby. It might bring you problems if you don't start to treat it. So you will have an obstetrician consult and I will accompany you with the anemia treatment, okay?" Isla smiles, handing the results to you

"You might consider to consulting a psychologist too, you don't look so well, it will make you good. Take care of your mind health" Her voice was kind, and you knew how she was right. You were a complete mess

"I will prescribe you some medicine" Isla catches the pen on her table and starts to fill out some papers

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When you got the results of the exams you couldn't believe it. You are Pregnant

"So? Whats got you so sick?" Your sister gives you a concerned look, as she come closer to you

"I.. cant believe it" You hand her the papers, still in shock

"OH MY! I going to be an aunt!" She is excited about the news

"That's not so bad, you just have to treat yourself" She tries to cheer you up

"Oh no. Why are you crying?" She embraced you while you cried. You were so hurt. It was so much for you

...

You had been consulting the obstetriciann, and everything was okay with your baby. You discovered you preganant for 3 months

Your sister were sleeping in your place to help you with the pregnancy

Your sister went out to some cheap club with her friends

You wake up to drink some water. Your throat was dry

You heard some steps behind you, so you stay alert

"Who's here?" You turn around to see it was Batman

Bruce was standing right in front of you, after all of those weeks

You relaxed since you're not in danger

"You know you could enter from the door like a normal person" You comment, rolling your eyes

He observed the place and looked at you head to toe

His presence is annoying you. Still, you could tell that his presence made heart beat faster

"What do you want?" You ask, breathing deep

"What is that (Y/N)?" He took some papers off his utility belt and shook them in front of your face. It was your exams

"Are you stalking me? Who gives you the right to pry your nose into my life?" You took the papers out of his hands

"Its not of your business Mr Wayne!" Your harsh look makes him shrugs

He was with his cowl, his blank eyes were observing you through the mask

"Not my business? It's my child!" He stated, with a frown on his lips

"I'm not going to repeat myself again. What are you doing here?" Walking closer to him, you could feel his scent. It felt stronger, maybe it was because of the pregnancy. How you miss him

Is he here to upset you more? To hurt your feelings again? You wish he could forget about you and leave you alone for a moment, since you two are not together anymore. But he always found a way to upset you

"The child... You cant have it!" He states in a deep, low tone

You could not believe him. His words were like a sharp knife in your heart

"What makes you think you can choose it? How cowardly are you, Bruce? hm?" You aggressively question him, pointing a finger at his chest, and staring him with fury in the eyes

"You cant have it! It's my child too!" He argues back, taking off his cowl. His blue eyes lost their shine. He looks tired, with dark circles around his eyes, his face is slightly skinnier

"WHY? YOU'RE JUST AFRAID CAUSE YOU CANNOT BE A GOOD FATHER TO ANY OF YOUR CHILDREN!" You know how to hurt him. Maybe it was too cruel to say it, but that was the truth

Bruce steps back with the comment, feeling hurt. You didn't like to hurt him but, he needs some sense

"Are you hearing yourself? Whats that Bruce? Why you doing this with me? don't you think you have made enough? Leave please! I don't want to see you anymore!" Pleading with watery eyes

His eyes wide, and the realization pass through his blue, tired eyes

What had he turn?

Indeed, He was afraid of not being a good father, but demanding those things from you was not right. He had no right to say those things to you

He broke you into pieces, and left you when you needed him

"I... sorry" Bruce whispered before leaving through the window

------------------------------------------------------------

The birth of your baby changed everything.

You were so surprised to see Bruce there to watch his daughters birth. At first, you were hesitant, but inside, you relieved

Bruce was watching your daughter sleep in your arms

"Look, I'm sorry for what i did to you. You didn't deserve that. I wasn't there when you needed me. Everything that I did upset you in a delicate moment" Bruce apologizes to you

His face full of regret makes you know that Bruce was being honest. He wasn't a man who expressed himself easily

"I want to be a good dad for her, let me help you. I want to be present in her life if you let me" Bruce held a sorrowful look

You had to make amends with him for your daughter sakes

------------------------------------------------------------

The kids and Alfred visited you in the maternity hospital

You were surprised that Damian was there to see you too

Dick, Tim, Jason, Your sister and Alfred are somewhere in the hospital, probably eating in the cafeteria

Bruce was taking a shower while you were arrested in that hospital bed, and Damian was staring at you with a doubtful look

"Hey kiddo, a penny for your thoughts?" You try a joke in a hesitant tone

"Tsc...What would I do with a penny? Anyway I have enough of money already" He says cockily

"Now you sound exactly like your dad" You giggle, having fun with his similarity with Bruce

He stayed quiet, still looking at you. This time, he was looking at you like a lost puppy

"You can say whats on your mind, dear" You look at him with soft eyes

He stared at you in shock. No one has ever called dear or been so soft with him like that

"Hm, I've been planning on how to apologize to you. I'm sorry its my fault that you left my dad" He apologizes in a low tone and avoids eye contact with you

"Hey dear, its not your fault. I didn't leave because of you" You sign for him to come closer

He hesitantly came closer, sitting at the end of the bed

"Any of the problems that i had with your dad weren't because of you. You're just a kid, any of this is your fault, Damian" You squeeze his hands

Damians face turns red, and he smiles slightly at you

"Since you're gone, my dad is so grumpy. No one can stand him anymore" Damian complained about his dad being a pain in the ass like you and Jason would say

------------------------------------------------------------

You really tried to move on, but the man didn't like the idea of dating a single mom

You swore to yourself that you would forget Bruce, but every time you were on a date you remember him.

What if everything was different? You wish it was

But life goes on

You left your work and opened your own workshop. You had your own laboratory and atelier to work on your engineering projects or whatever you would create

You moved to a bigger and safer house to live with your daughter

It has been like this for years

Now your baby is almost turning 6 years. She is your entire world. The biggest present you could ever have

You two were passing the time in the living room before her bedtime. You were working when she asked you about you and Bruce

You just told her how you two met

"Isn't daddys birthday coming?" She climbs into your lap

"Yeah, baby, it will be in three weeks" You caress her hair

"Daddy always looks at you like you are a diamond, mommy" She said, closing her eyes, enjoying the caress

"Hmm, baby lets take you bed"

------------------------------------------------------------

Talking about diamond

Bruce Wayne left the jewelry shop with a diamond engage ring. The Gotham prince has finally decided to settle down?, the news is on the screens

Maybe its for Selina? Maybe they had come back together?

"Hey (Y/N) you still there?" Barrys voice brought your attention back to the call

"Yeah, sorry about that... and no, your new suit is not read yet" You state, shaking your head, trying to forget the toughts about Bruce

"Hmm okay, isn't Bruce's birthday coming? Barry asked worried

"Why everyone keep asking me that? Yes, Barry his birthday is in three weeks" You say, annoyed by the question, grabbing your mug, starting to organize everything that is on your table

"Sorry, hahaha, I just didn't buy anything for him yet" He was having fun with your annoyance

"You don't need to worry about it, he's not a material man. He will like anything you give to him, you know" You organized the things, and fetched your car keys in your purse

"Sorry Barry, but i got to pick up my baby from school!" You say it in a rush tone

"Right, bye (Y/N)! Tell Gennie that Uncle Barry sent her a big bear hug"

You couldn't help but laugh

"You bet Barry!" You hung up

------------------------------------------------------------

"Mommy, can we eat ice creamy as dessert??"

You stopped on the mall to eat lunch and shopping with her

"Sure baby, let me just take another photo of you, you're so cute in this uniform" She was just the most adorable thing you have ever seen in her school uniform

She was in kindergarten, and Gotham Academy was a very secure and good school. Evangeline was even learning spanish and french

You pass in front of a decor shop. Once you had been there with Bruce

"I still cant believe you're serious" Bruce stares at you incredulous

"Why not? If i moving to live with you, lets just pretend that we are moving together and shopping new decor to our room" Smiling excitedly to him

"Alright! But nothing too colorful!" He surrenders

"NO WAY! I NOT LETTING YOU WITH THAT DREADFUL ROOM!" You say it loudly, and put one yellow duvet in the cart shop

Yellow was definitely your favorite color

"You need some color in your life, honey" You hold another duvet, but this time a yellow neon with purple leopard print

Bruce couldn't help but frown at that

You graciously laugh, catching his attention

"Whats so funny?" He asked crossing his arms with a grimace on his face

"You look so cute doing this face. Did you know you pout?" You pecked his lips

Bruce facades are gone with that. He holds you with his strong arms

"What? I do not pout!" You felt his breath in the back of your neck, he was laughing

"Mommy!!" Your baby girl shakes you, and you realize that you were standing there for a while

"Oh baby, i'm so sorry" You felt a little stupid to still think about Bruce even after all of this time

"I want ice creamy, and suddenly you stop in front of the decor shop. They don't sell ice creamy" She was pouting exactly like her father

"Tsc, You look exactly like your dad. I cant believe it." You say annoyed, shaking your head in deny

"What? My dad?" She had a curious look

"Lets get you your ice cream, baby!" You ignored and, she seemed to forget that you talked about her dad

------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you!" You told the waiter

"Is it of your liking mini chef?" You ask, taking a sip of your milkshake

"Its yummy, mommy! but I think that if they put a handmade ice creamy, it would be more good"

"Why do you say that mini chef?" You lick your lips

"The industry ice creamy has so much sugar. Nothing its like Alfred's handmade ice creamy" She said, enjoying her ice creamy

"Well, with all the odds, you almost over with your milk shake" You state humored, laughing at her dirty milkshake cheeks

"Its still very yummy..." Shes was interrupted with screams

"What the fuck?" All you could do was protect your daughter from the danger

Some masquerade guys entered the place. They were high armed, and started shooting at everyone

------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh my! How terrified that girl must be. I know them. Her mother, she does some projects for me and the police force. You know, she is the mother of one of Bruce Waynes children, she created the other kids as well. I cant stop thinking that is one of the main reasons that the thieves got her and the kid" Gordon was the talking to someone on his cell phone when Batman showed up on the terrace of the building

What a terrible day. Bruce couldn't believe this was happening to him.

You and his baby were kidnapped, and he didn't find anything. He spent the whole day in front of the batcomputer searching for any trace of you.

All Bruce could feel was fury and fear. Fear to lose you two. Fear that he will never see you again. Fear that he could never say how sorry he is about messing up and how he was a dick with you. FEAR THAT HE COULD NEVER SAY AGAIN HOW HE STILL LOVE YOU

Bruce wishes he was a better man for you, he wishes things were different from the now on circumstances

Maybe its late for that. Maybe its too late to apologize

Bruce wished he never messed up with you. Maybe he wouldn't feel the regret filling his soul every moment since you gone

He wished you stayed, but it was so much for him to ask that of you

Maybe he was too proud. Maybe he already hoped that one moment you would leave him like everyone else did?

All he could do was watch you leave. It was for the best

At least you would not suffer anymore, and it would be safer for you. But God, that was the worst pain he felt in his life

What if he fought for you and him? He would give everything to come back in time. What if he asked you to stay? would you?

"Hey Batman, I assume that you already know the news?" Gordon hung up, looking at the man in the black suit. Batman seemed lost?

"Anyway, we need your help that Vick Vale don't stop calling looking for a scoop" He rolled his eyes, annoyed by the memory of the journalist

"The situation is that armed man entered in a fucking ice cream shop in the Gotham Mall and started shooting at innocent people and left with a single mother and a kid. We believe its a kidnap, and they are keeping they as hostage but they didn't call to her family asking for money though. In the worst case they might be... you know" He whispered the last part

"I wont let this happen! Not in my city!" Batman growls, making Gordon widen his eyes. He never saw Batman like this

"Any death?" Batman asked, holding his hands in fists, trying to calm himself

Gordon realized that Batmans body language indicated anger or better fury

"No, only injured people. Just five" Gordon said nervously

"Well, we talked to the people that were in the shop at that moment. They told us that they took the girl and the woman. The mother tried to fight, but there were many goons. One of them came behind her and hit her head to get her unconscious" Gordon told the statement of the people of the store

"Batman, I found one of them" Nightwing voice echos through the bug

"I'm on my way" Batman ansewered, and looks at Gordon giving him a nod, disappearing in the darkness of the night

------------------------------------------------------------

"I will only ask one time, Where are they?" He said it with threanteing tone

That mans face would be unrecognizable after that night

"I DON'T KNOW. I DON'T WORK FOR THEM. THEY JUST CAUGHT SOME OF US AND PAID TO DO THAT" He screamed, fearing for his life

A hard punch

"OUCHH! I SAID I DON'T KNOW NOTHING"

Batman punched that man until he spoke. Poor man

"Man, if you want some advice, you might start talking" Nightwing said from behind, watching the interrogatory batman style

"STOP! I WILL TELL YOU, OKAY? JUST STOP!" He screamed scared

Batman stopped waiting for him to say something useful

"THE GUYS SAID SOMETHING ABOUT JOKERS WANTED TO TAKE THEM AWAY FROM CITY, COUNTRYSIDE, OR OTHER CITY. SO THE BATMAN COULDN'T FIND THEM SO FAST. AS I KNOW HE HAS BEEN PLANNING THAT SINCE HE RAN AWAY FROM ARKHAM ASYLUM"

"WHERE IS HE?" Batman growls aggressive

"I DON'T KNOW"

"WHERE IS HE?" Batman punched him harder

"I SWEAR TO YOU I DON'T KNOW WHERE.... OHH STOP"

Batman felt the fury through his veins

"Batman stop! you gonna kill him!" Nightwing said, pushing him away from the beaten man

Batman stop and looks at his bloody gloves and the mans face.

"Hes still alive, call the cops"

------------------------------------------------------------

The mood at the manor was not one of the best. Everyone was worried about you and your daughter. The Batman was trying to find you, and all they had were the goon words

Its been a week since you two had been kidnap

Bruce was on batcomputer all night searching for some trace of you

"Bruce, you should have some rest. We can handle it" Dick said in a worried tone

"I'm okay, Dick" Bruce told him without a glance

Dick was about to say something, but the phone started to ring

Bruce got up quickly, picking up the call

"Hmmm, helloooo Brucieee!" The Joker voice

"Can you guess who it is ? hahahahah" He laugh maniacly

"Joker" Bruce murmured deeply, and sign to Dick start to track the call

"You right, Brucie, its me!"

Bruce wanted to yell at him for taking you and his daughter away from him, but he knew it was not appropriate

If he wanted to find you, he would have to stay on the line long enough to track where the call was coming

"Well, I have something that might be of your interest" He said humming

"What do you want, to give them back?" Bruce asked in an angry tone. He would do everything in his power to get you two back

"Just some money, you know the bank don't liberate loan for prisoners hum, hum what a prejudice, right?" He said it with irony

"How much? How much do you want?" Bruce asked, sinking his nails in his palm hand nervously

"If they are really important to you. You would not care if I asked you for 30 million dollars. I know you are a generous man" Joker said humored

"Right, you will have it. Let me talk to them, i need some proof that they are alive" Bruce required with authority

"Talk to your daddy, girl" Joker demanded

"Daddy? Is that you? I miss you. Uncle joker told me that you would come here soon, but its been a week" Evangeline's voice had an upset tone

Bruce felt relief for hearing the voice of his baby

"Yes baby, its daddy. Im coming for you soon. You just need to wait a little more" He told her in a soft tone, trying to comfort her

"Where is mommy? I miss her too" She asked in a crying voice

Bruce heart skipped a beat when he heard it. Were you not with her?

"That's enough. You heard your kid. She's very, very alive" He laughed at his own words

"What about my woman?" Bruce asked in a harsh tone

"Your woman? Well, Brucie, shes not one of your properties, we gentlemen don't talk about woman like this" The Joker scolded his words, not liking his tone

"And last time I checked, she was completely single. So no, shes not your woman, Brucie" Joker stated excitedly

"I must admit Brucie, you had a beautiful woman, her beauty really amazed me. If I had the chance, I would get her pregnant too. But what a shame, Brucie. How could you let go of a woman like that?" Joker let out a snort of disapproval

That fucker. Hearing Jokers words about you only made him angrier

"Fuck you, I want to talk with MY WOMAN" Bruce growled aggressively

"Bruce? Is it really you? Please tell me our daughter is safe...." The sound of your voice is one of fear, and then they shut you out

Dick gave him a thumbs up. He tracked where the call was coming

"We had enough idle talk. Send the bat with the money in 24 hours. Be in Gotham docks. I will be waiting for you. Don't be late Brucieee" The Joker hung up

"MOTHER FUCKER" Bruce yelled at the phone, throwing it on the floor

He would not let Joker kill someone he loved. Not again

"Master Bruce, don't let the emotions overwhelm your reason. Focus yourself in the search, the time is passing" Alfred adviced him

Alfred was right. He don't have much time. He has to find you

"Indeed, the call was coming from the docks" Dick said, marking the place on the map on the big screen that was showing some information about the investigation

"They have (Y/N) in another place. Shes is not with Evangeline. We have to find her quickly" Bruce told him in a serious tone

"Really Bruce? Did you realize that we spent the whole week searching for them and got nothing until Joker called? He planned everything so you couldn't find mom in time" Dick snapped with a frown

"We know they are far away from the city, It seems they are in the woods" Bruce told him with a narrow gaze

"What we gonna do?" Dick asked worried about you and his baby sister

One thought passed through Bruces mind

"Call Jason" Bruce demand

"Jason? Why do you think he will find it before us?" Dick has a big doubt in his face

"Tell him to look in the woods close to Gotham and Bludhaven. Even the borders" Bruce ignores his question

------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm not helping you. Im helping mom, old man" Jason stated through the bug

"Copy Jason. Just find your mom, please" Bruce pleaded him

"Don't worry, old man. I will bring her back to you. Just don't mess up again or I kill you" Jason told him before Tim shouted at him

"Jason, come take a look" Tim had found your purse. Your wallet was empty, and your mini mirror was broken

It means that they were on the right trail. They were close to Bludhaven Cemetery

------------------------------------------------------------

Batman, Robin and Nightwing were observing the place.

Joker goons were everywhere, and Joker was playing with his daughter

"Hmm kiddo, The time is passing, and your daddy still didn't show up to pick you up. Maybe he forgot about you" Joker pretended to be sad

"My daddy would never forget about me Uncle Joker. He's just late." Evangeline defends her father, pouting upset with his comment

Batman looks at Robin and Nightwing, signing to them to follow the plan

They knocked up the goons from the shadows

"Joker, Batman is here!" One of the goons told him

"I know, its part of the game. Hahahaha Hey, Evangeline, lets play hide and seek? " Joker asked and the girl agrees excitedly

"So, we both have to hide from the bat, and we win if he doesn't find us" Joker explains to the little girl

"And what if he find us?" She tilts her head, pouting in doubt

"We will make him a surprise" Joker told her excitedly, and grabbed the girl running from the shed

Nightwing and Robin were fighting with the goons

While Batman fight with other goons

"Go catch him, Batman. We can handle them" Nightwing shouts out

Batman runs in the same direction the Joker ran

"We found mom, B. They keep her trapped in Bludhaven Cemetery. They have just a few goons, but they are all high armed" Tim reported

"Don't die" Batman warns them in a harsh tone

"I'm the only one who got the permission to do that, old man" Jason jokes with irony

"This is not funny, Jason" Dick scolded him

"Actually it was" Damian chuckles, evilly

Batman silenced the bug

Batman was surrounded by sheds

Hearing the sounds of one of the sheds, he walked quietly towards it

An image projector was in the middle of the room

A video started to play

"Hey lady, How about you say goodbye to your family?" One tattooed man told you, holding your face

"Fuck you!" You spat at his face, trying to gel off his hold

"You bitch! I will teach you how to behave" He punched you hard in stomach

The record has a cut

You shows up beaten and all bloody on the screen

"Bruce, please save our daughter. Do not come after me. Take care of the kids and go easy on them. Do it for me... do it for us. Please be safe. I love you" You said goodbye for him

"No!" He cant stand the pain in his heart seeing you hurt like that

Batman got caught in a trap

a fishnet made of barbed wire trap him

"It seems like the bat is not that smart" Jokers voice echos through the loudspekears

"Lets take a look at your woman"

Your unconscious form appears on the screen. You were tied in a chair by ropes

"Hey batman! Are you seeing this beautiful woman here? She will explode in minutes, I hope you enjoy watching it" The tattooed goon said with a big grin on his face

A thud echoes in the background. Some gunshots

"What do you want Joker? Free her!" Batman growled at the clown

"What do I want, Bat? I want to play with you! You know, Ive been feeling lonely since you trapped me in Arkham Asylum again. I think it would be cool to gain some money and play a little with you! Isn't it funny?"

You were in the chapel of the Bludhaven Cemetery

"Shit! Red Hood and Red Robin are here, boss!" The tattooed goon shouts out to the camera

More shoots, and the door is cracked on the floor.

"What a terrific news!! It seems that the birds have come to join Mommy in her explosion!" Jokers laughed excitedly

The vigilantes appear on the screens, running towards you, unaware of the bomb or the camera

"Fuck! what they did to you, mom?" Jason whispered, cutting the ropes in your fists and ankles

"You know how Jason is my favorite Robin, don't you Bat?? He is going to die again because of you! Just because you sent him to search her! And poor Timmy! Hes just a teen that will blow up with his mother and brother HAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAH"

Jason held you tightly in his lap

"Everything will be okay mom"

Tim walked around the place they kept you arrested, and observed the chapel

"Jason are you hearing that?" Tim asked, looking in the direction of the beeps

"Until they found that I put a bomb there. Everything will blow up. BOOM!!!!" The joker laghed mischievous

"RUN" Jason shouts out

The bomb exploded

"NOOOOOO" Batman screamed

"AHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH"

"The joke is on you BAT!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH"

"TICK TACK TICK TACK. Time is passing, you don't want to lose Evangeline too, right? Tick tack tick tack"

Batman heard sound of steps in the shed

"OH forget Bat! You did find us or we found you, whatever. HAHAHAHAHA" Joker entered in shed with a gun against Evangelines forehead

"Did you know how upset I was with you when I discovered about your girls? You didn't even bother to introduce them to me" Joker pretend to be hurt

Evangeline cries, hurting Bruce in his soul. All he wanted to do was protect her, but he couldn't

"Please let her go! I will give you whatever you want!" Batman pleaded in defeat

"HMM, What a interesting offer but I will pass Bat" He denies, smiling creepy

"I just want you to watch my grand finale" Joker would shoot in Evangeline head

Joker was about to pull the trigger when a blade was thrown into his hands making him drop the gun, and a stick hit hard in his spine

Joker screamed louder, falling on the floor

Robin walks close to the clown and holds him by his purple blouse collar

"Don't mess with my ummi, my sister or my family ever again, or I will kill you with my own hands" Robin kicked hard his spine

"HAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAH YOU'RE SO CUTE ROBIN HAHAAHAHAH" Joker laughed hard and louder with every beat

Robin was infuriated. Didn't he get hurt?

"That's enough Robin!" Batmans voice scolds him

Robin looked around, seeing Nightwing comforting his baby sister while Batman stood in the corner with crossed arms, watching Robin beat the Joker

With a final strike, Robin knocks the Joker out

------------------------------------------------------------

"When will mommy wake up?"

You open your eyes but shut them in pain. It felt like a truck had run over you

You moan in pain, trying to feel comfortable where you laid

You open your eyes slowly, trying to adjust with to the light

"Hey, she's waking up!" Jason warned everyone

Everyone shut up and come closer, looking at your dizzy form

"MOMMY!" Evangeline runs to you, hugging you tightly and you breathe deeply in pain

You felt relief to see everyone safe. You hold your daughter in your arms, making a grimace for your sons

"Go easy with her, Ginnie, shes bruised" Dick told her, chuckling at your grimace

The kids were all around you

Your daughter let go of you, leaving space for the other kids to talk with you

"I got really worried about you. I'm happy that you're awake mom" Dick smiles at you warmly, hugging you gently

You opened your mouth to answer, but your throat was dry. You only cough in answer.

Then Tim offers you a glass of water. You drank it

"Thank you Timmy. I was really thristy"

"Its good to see you mom" Tim hugs you quickly

"You scared me as hell, i love you mom" Jason whispered just for you to hear, and hugged you like you were going to disappear any moment

He hold you for a long time until Damian pushed him aside

"I missed you Ummi" Damian squeezed your hand lightly, and you pulled him into your arms

"Its good to see my boys and my girl safe" You smiled caring at them

Alfred walked up to where the kids were

"Its good to see you Miss (Y/N)" Alfred greets you, smiling fondly

You look around, seeing watchful eyes over you. Was he there all the time?

"How you're feeling?" Alfred asked you, checking the serum that was in your veins

"It sucks, it seems that I was hit by an car" You joke humored

Alfred nodded in knowledge

"My whole body is aching, I have a headache, and I'm very hungry" Your stomach is snoring

"I suspected that you were going to say that. I going to bring you something to eat" Alfred heads out of the cave with the kids following behind him

"It seems the anesthesia effects were gone." Bruce deep voice caught your attention

"Anesthesia?" Confused, you question him

Everyone had gone, giving you two some privacy

"You were shot. You lost a mount of blood. When the boys found you, you were unconscious. We had to take the bullet out. You almost had a hemorrhage" He explained

"How long I have been out?" You ask, staring down at your body

You were dressing just in a black top and a yellow Batman loose short

You had some bruises, and some parts of your skin were purple. Your ribs were bandaged. You had stitches on your right arm

Bruce was looking for something in the nursery cabinets

"One week and three days" He states, turning around, looking in the other cabinets

"Oh, your birthday is in two days" You murmur, staring at his back

You could see how his back tensed when you said it. He got quiet for a while, and focus himself on what he was doing

"Yes, Alfred is planning the gala for the weekend. I don't have time to do that" He scratched his throat, walking towards you

"Here take it" He hands you some analgesics and a glass of water

He sits beside you on the bed. You could tell that he was lacking sleep and his beard was to do. He had some scratches on his face

"You lack sleep, when was the last time you slept?" You ask worried about his well being

You raise your hands, fingering his scratches

"You don't need to worry about me, the only one who needs care is you" He says softly, holding your hand in his

------------------------------------------------------------

You stared at the mirror for a long time. The gala for Bruce's birthday was happening down in the salon

You were wearing a beautiful yellow gown that Bruce had gifted you on your last birthday. You never had the chance to use

You felt uncomfortable with your stitches showing up. Your body was bruised. You couldn't help but feel ugly, even all dressed up

So you decide to stay in the room where you were staying for the week

For a few minutes in the room, you got restless and walked to the library

You loved the manor library. It was a cozy place where you always loved to stay. The big window had a beautiful view of the gardens. You remember staying here with Bruce when you wanted some time alone. You loved the yellow candlelight and the beautiful decoration, it was so classic.

You sit next to the window, looking out at the garden, where some guests were chatting

"I imagined that you'd be here" Bruce entered the library without making a sound

"I don't get scared anymore. I'm used to it" You roll your eyes, annoyed that he doesn't make any walking sounds to enter the places, you raise your eyebrows at him in doubt

Bruce was wearing a beautiful tailored tux. His beautiful blue eyes contrast with the black tux but match his navy tie

"You didn't show up. I come to check up on you" He states, looking at the view of the big window

"I'm sorry for not being there. I don't feel good enough to be around people" You felt guilty for not showing up

"Are you feeling unwell? Do you need anything? What are you feeling? Bruce asks in a hurry, getting closer to you

You stand up, raising a hand for him to calm him

Then Bruce stops, looking at you head to toe, amazed by the view of your beauty. His jaw fell open, and he whispered something you could not hear and licked his lips, straightening his posture

"Wow, you're marvelous tonight" He notes the yellow dress he gave you

"Hm thanks" You doubt he was being truthful. You didn't feel marvelous

You stared at your hands.

"What? You don't believe me?" Bruce asks in shock, realizing your deny his compliment

"Yeah, how could you think that I'm marvelous tonight if I look like this?" You point to your bruised body, looking at your stitches in the right arm

"I don't see nothing but the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in front of me" Bruce states firmly, looking into your eyes

"How?" You whisper, denying

"I can show you if you don't believe me" Bruce steps forward

Bruce gently holds you by the waist and run his fingers through the bruises, kissing them softly. His touch makes you shiver

He looked right into your eyes, asking for permission to kiss you

You lean closer, kissing lightly his lips, closing your eyes and enjoying the moment

The kiss was passionate. How you miss his lips. How you miss the good years. How you miss him

He holds you tightly in his arms

You slowly separate and breathe deep. Widening your eyes in realization. What have you done?

You step back brutally

"Damn it! What we did? We shouldn't do this" You said rude, cursing yourself for letting that happen

You were walking in circles in anxiety

"What? If you regret about it..." You cut him off quickly with a sharp look

"How can you do this? You are engaged and then kiss me, messing with my feelings" The hurt in your voice makes him want to hold you in his arms

"Easy (Y/N). I'm not engaged with any woman" He claimed with a firm tone

"Wait? You're not engaged? But the news said you bought a engagement diamond ring, you didn't propose to Selina?" You tilt your head, doubting if he said the truth

You groaned in pain. You have put too much effort into walking around, the pain fills your ribs and you breathe deep

"Be careful. You cannot make an effort or the stitches in your ribs will open" He warned you, coming closer, guiding you to sit on the leather couch

You stay quiet, staring at the window. The silence was uncomfortable but you didn't want to say anything to him

He was the one who needed to say something

"Hmm... look. I did buy an engagement diamond ring but it is not for Selina. I bought it for someone I cherish and love dearly" He states gently, holding your hands, making you stop to stare at the window

You blink slowly and stay quiet, waiting for him to continue

"I know that I was a dick to you. How I mess the things up with you.... When you left, I felt the regret consume me every day for not fighting for us. I wanted to ask you to stay, but I couldn't. I couldn't be so selfish, I knew you would be happier and safer without me. You would be better off without me. Although I realized that I was nothing without you, just a poor and miserable man" He said in a deep, low tone. It was something so intimate for him to share about his feelings

You look into his eyes, seeing his regretful gaze. His husky deep voice hold honesty over his words

"I was so scared of losing you and not having the chance to apologize for my mistakes. I miss the good years, of our partnership, you were my best friend. I was afraid I could not tell you everything that I wanted. All I wanted to do was hold you in my arms and protect you"

You stay quiet, not finding the words to say something

"I know how I hurt you, and I understand if you don't accept it. But I feel like i had to do it before its too late for us. I still love you (Y/N)" Bruce eyes had a brightness that you had never seen before

Bruce got on his knees in front of you, taking a little velvet red box out of his tux pocket

You were taken back by his confession. Your heart races with his words

"(Y/N) Will you marry me?" The red velvet box had a beautiful diamond ring

You stare at him in shock, speechless. He was proposing to you. You couldn't believe that.

He stares at you, uncertain of your answer, but the big crooked smile you gave him makes him feel more confident

"Oh my! Yes!, I do marry you Bruce" He felt relief with that

Placing the ring on your finger, Bruce kisses your hand tenderly

"I was afraid you would say no" He admitted, getting up and pulling you up gently

"The thought didn't pass my mind, but now i considering it" You pretend to think about

Bruce face went blank with your joke, but then he relaxed seeing you laughing of him

"Don't joke about that. I want to get old with you" He fake a scolds making a frown

"Well you already are old so don't worry" You snap with a teasing grin on your face

"Wow, that hurted my feelings" He put his hand on his heart, faking a heart pain and pouting

You peck his pouting lips and hold your arms around his neck while he holds you by the waist

"I love you too, Bruce" You confess, burying your face in his neck

"I swear to be better for you" You feel his hands tracing circles on your back

"You just need to fight for us when the things get rough. Don't let me go ever again, and stay with me" You embrace him tightly

"I promise" He whisper

"I'll kick you in the ass if you don't keep your promise" He laughed, caressing your hair locks

------------------------------------------------------------

"DAMN Damian! You let Joker stuck in a wheelchair forever" You curse under your breath

Damian was ready for the scold but you only smiled at him, messing his hair

"Well done Dami, I'm so proud of you" You whispered so only he could hear and winked at him

"Dick gave me a little help hitting the stick on his spine" He smiled slightly, feeling proud about his achievement. Now that maniac would not be able to hurt anyone

------------------------------------------------------------

#bruce wayne x reader #dc x reader #dc imagine #justice league #batman #batfam #batman x reader #batmom #batboys #batdad #batkids #justice league x reader

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jayflrt · 7 months

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𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐒 28. 12th date’s the charm

YOU COULDN’T STAY CALM.

You were waiting for Saw X’s stupid post-credit scene to wrap up while your foot was tapping against the carpet floor anxiously. After you slipped up in the group chat, calling Heeseung your boyfriend, you could only wait and face the consequences after the movie. It was clear it was weighing on the others’ minds; you could see the corner of Sunoo’s mouth fighting to stay down, and although Sunghoon and Jungwon were high, you noticed them stealing a glance and playfully nudging each other.

But it was Heeseung you were the most concerned about.

His reaction was the most important one to you and, as if the world hated you, his reaction was the only one you couldn’t read. He sat completely still, staring ahead at the theater screen with his lips pressed together.

The screen went dark and the end-credits started rolling. Now, you had to deal with the aftermath of your text. It was one thing to let the word out loud, but over text? If you were able to unsend that message without anyone reading it before it went through, you would’ve.

Then, a horrifying realization struck you.

After you and Heeseung parted ways with Sunghoon, Jungwon, and Sunoo, you two would have to sit in a car together. Alone.

You felt your heart drop to your stomach.

It was clear that Heeseung had feelings for you. He was the one pining after you from the beginning, after all—having the entire workplace be aware of his (initially delusional) crush on you.

For some reason, though, you were still restless.

“I think I would just let my life end if John Kramer put me in one of those traps,” Sunoo blurted out as soon as your group exited the theater. You and Heeseung were finishing the last of your popcorn behind him.

“I’d survive it,” Sunghoon said. “I’m built different.”

Heeseung nudged you with his elbow, taking you by surprise. “Did you like the movie?”

You scrunched up your nose. “I don’t usually like gore, but I liked the story before they all started dying.”

Everyone turned their attention to Jungwon, who was strangely quiet. The guy was fiddling with the sleeves of his sweater, eyes cast down to the floor.

Sunoo asked, “You good?”

“He’s gonna get me,” Jungwon mumbled.

“Oh my god.” Sunghoon groaned. “For the last time, Jungwon, John Kramer’s a fictional character.”

“He’s real in my head.”

Heeseung let out a snicker. For every single date following your first failed one, Heeseung swore to stay completely sober so that his high wouldn’t interfere with your dates. You thought it was cute that he committed to it for you, but part of you also wanted to take care of him for once.

“Yeah, get this guy home. He’s gone,” Heeseung said, patting Jungwon’s back firmly. “Hoon, you’ve gotta stop spiking him.”

Sunghoon frowned. “Why do you think I spiked him?”

“Motherfucker,” Jungwon spoke up, raising his head with a sudden fire in his eyes, “I wouldn’t be this high right now if you didn’t leave your stupid cannabis-infused pretzels out on your table.”

“You also wouldn’t be this high if you didn’t steal my pretzels, so I don’t get why you’re complaining.”

“Didn’t he also accidentally drink your cannabis-infused coffee the other week?” Sunoo recalled, grimacing as he remembered Jungwon walking into Starbucks and attempting to order a cheese burger.

“Before that was the cannabis-infused Rice Krispy,” Heeseung mentioned.

“You’ve seriously gotta stop trusting whatever’s in Hoon’s fridge,” you told him, “or just anything that’s remotely edible around him.”

After some more commentary on the movie was shared, Heeseung made up some excuse about needing to get you home before it got too dark. The two of you had gone on dates that lasted well into the night, so your heart fluttered pathetically at the thought of him wanting to be alone with you.

You said your goodbyes to the three boys, reminding them to get home safe, and you and Heeseung parted ways with the group. It was cool outside, but you felt like your entire body was hot and buzzing as you remembered that being alone with Heeseung meant that he could potentially interrogate you about your accidental ‘boyfriend’ text.

He did nothing of the sort on the walk to his car. You and him cracked jokes about John Kramer all the way to the parking garage, and you started to feel the tightness in your chest unravel slowly.

That was, until you reached Heeseung’s car.

Instead of unlocking the doors, Heeseung’s hands slid into the pockets of his gray sweatpants as he leaned against the exterior of the car—right in front of the passenger door. You blinked at him, wondering if he was going to move, but he just held direct eye contact with you as the corner of his lip curled in amusement.

He cut straight to the point, saying, “So, your text…”

“My typo,” you corrected with an awkward grin.

He hummed. “No, you clearly typed ‘my boyfriend’ in the group chat.”

Your heart was racing. You could feel your pulse in your neck, your arms—every body part that was buzzing uncontrollably. This wasn’t how you wanted to confess to him. Not in a damn group chat, at least.

“Well, you’re not my boyfriend yet. You’re gonna be my passenger princess if you don’t hurry up and get in the car,” you started rambling faster than you could think, words spilling out before you were even able to properly filter your thoughts. “I’m gonna drive us home, then.”

As soon as you turned to walk around to the other side of his car, Heeseung reached forward to grab your wrist. With a firm tug, he had you stumbling right into his chest.

And, oh, you never realized just how big he was.

“H-hey,” you stuttered out, looking up to catch the smirk playing on his lips. “You’re not playing fair.”

“We never decided on any rules.”

Then, your back was pressed against the frame of the car, the cool metal chilling your flushed skin. You swallowed hard as Heeseung towered over you, his hands gripping your waist to hold you in place. Your heart was beating erratically at this point, but you didn’t want to budge and let him win just yet.

Heeseung dropped his head so that his lips were by your ear. You swore he could pick up on the way your breathing hitched because of his low chuckle.

“Come on.” His voice was silky and velvet as he murmured against the shell of your ear. “Just let me ask you out already.”

Although his words were irresistibly tempting, you were firm when you said, “No. I need to be the one to ask you out, and I didn’t wanna do it like this.” Your hand moved up to play with the loose strands of his hair at his neck. “Just wait a tiny bit longer for me. Please?”

Heeseung sighed, but you could hear the smile in his voice. “Well, I couldn’t ever say no to you, anyway.”

He pulled back to look down at you, still keeping his hands firm on your waist.

You held up your hand, making a pinching gesture with your pointer and thumb finger. “Just a little longer.”

“Mmhm,” he agreed. “Can I kiss you, though?”

Your face burned with the heat of a thousand suns. “K-kiss?”

“Like”—he poked your cheek—“right here.”

“Oh.” Still blushing furiously, you beamed and turned your cheek for him. “Go ahead, sir.”

With a soft giggle bubbling from his lips, Heeseung cupped your jaw gently so that he could press a chaste kiss to your cheek. He was dangerously close to your lips, and you knew that he intended on teasing you as much as possible.

Afterward, he pulled away and fished his keys out of his pockets. “I plan on kissing you for real once we’re dating, though.”

With that, he unlocked the car for you and walked over to the driver’s side. You had to catch your breath to regain your composure before you were able to get into the passenger’s seat.

On the way home, all you could think about were how pretty the stars were and how much prettier Heeseung was.

And, man, you really, really liked him.

prev | masterlist | next

SUMMARY ▸ in which you work at the starbucks where heeseung is a regular at (and considered a public enemy). also he only goes when he’s stoned off his ass.

#hi guys im making u read today 🤗#enhypen #enhypen smau #heeseung smau #heeseung fluff #enhypen fluff #enhypen imagines #heeseung imagines #lee heeseung #enhypen social media au #heeseung x reader #enhypen x reader #enhypen drabbles #heeseung drabbles #enhypen reactions #heeseung reactions #enhypen scenarios #heeseung scenarios

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hotchfiles · 4 months

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hi! can i ask for 12 and 13 valentines bau!reader with hotch? 🤭✨ thank youuu

let's celebrate valentine's with the criminal minds squad! 12. going on a platonic date and being mistaken for a couple 13."That's really all I need. Some time with just you."

it’s singles’ night at the bar down the street, a consolation prize for all the lonely lovely people on valentine’s day and the last chance not to go home alone. that was your plan though, go home alone. it was late and you were tired so when garcia texted the details to you, the idea was to ignore it and deal with her the next day.

obviously that changed as soon as hotchner, the embodiment of a greek god, receiver of all your most affectionate thoughts and to make it better, or worse, your boss, left his office, smile on his face as he stops by your booth. a “you coming?” from his lips was all it took to get you ready for some drinks.

it was a much smaller group tonight, jj, derek and blake all busy with their partners, leaving the fun for you, garcia, rossi, spencer and aaron. “see, we need more girls, the testosterone levels are suffocating me!” penelope points out, not needing any drinks to start blabbing about something, it makes you giggle, involuntarily touching aaron’s thigh with yours, his hand quickly switching from his to yours with the touch. you don’t even try to hide your smile.

“i think you need a date, pen, and margaritas!” you get up promptly thinking about getting the table a round, aaron at your tail as if it was second nature, and if you were to think it through, it really almost was.

you both sat side by side on the jet, he took your hand to help you get out of it whenever you landed, you were always each other’s roommates if sharing was necessary, his hand went to the small of your back whenever you were together out of work, guiding you to avoid any bump ins. if derek was in here tonight he definitely would've made some sort of commentary, but rossi's smirk was plenty to point out what everyone thought.

"are you following me, agent hotchner?" you mock him, causing him to chuckle as he leans on the bar by your side.

"i'm avoiding garcia, we don't have the budget for more people and she might convince me." sure. you nod along as if you believe it whole heartily, taking advantage of the place and situation to stare at him as much as you wanted, he held the eye contact for a while, laughing and shaking his head when he couldn't.

"what about you two love birds? couples pay full price today though." neither of you make any move to correct the bartender, not so secretly enjoying the fact the glancing and comfortable talking was enough to confuse outsiders.

"i'll have a margarita." you answer louder than the music and see them wait for aaron's order.

"nothing for me." you can feel him getting closer, his shoulder touching yours and his hands going for yours over the bar. "this is really all i need right now. some time with just you."

#aaron x reader #aaron x you #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotch x you #aaron hotch imagine #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner imagine #criminal minds x reader #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotch imagine #hotch scenario

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thebearer · 11 months

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no but i love your writing! ever since i watched s1 and 2 last weekend because of a youtube ad, i peaked in the carmy tag and was a surprised to see the amount of stories carmy had! would love a scenario where he’s married to a sassy, take no shit type of reader sim to natalie. his wife legit could work with him for all i care. but for whatever reason he does something w/o checking in— he prolly just forgot. she finds out and confronts him hella pissed (could be at family or during restaurant prep idc) and she says “oh, if carmen said it was cool.” not even carmy the full government name bro 😭. p much how natalie articulated it 🤣. can’t remember the ep but in early season 1 when marcus blew the fuse you can also include slick commentary from richie (and fak) if you’d like! tysm in advance 🥰. also if you don’t me me asking, do you have name/alias on this blog? what we can call you? enjoy your week

- 🥣

yes yes yes ahhhhh! he definitely needs someone who keeps him in line but walks that fine line where he can also keep them in line (bc dom!carmy is living in my heart rent free forever lol). also you can call me e if you'd like :) thank you for your sweet words! i hope you have a good week, and hope you enjoy this!

"What's this?" You ask Sydney, looking at the new box being unloaded from the truck- big and bulky in a crate, far too large to be a produce shipment.

"Uh, I think it's the new glassware for the bar." Sydney looked at her clipboard, back at you carefully.

"Glassware? What new glassware. We haven't picked that out yet." You frowned, looking at the crate carefully.

"Oh, well, it was in Carmen's notes for the day, so... I think that's the only shipment we have. Unless the hostess stand came early, which would be amazing, but you-" Sydney stopped her ramblings, seeing your soured expression. "You know what? Never mind, uh, ignore me. I'm just...Carmen's with Sugar and Richie in the back if you want to ask him."

"Thanks, Syd." You muttered, ripping the bell open with a shrill before bounding towards the back. You could hear them before you saw them, a familiar chorus of chatter and rising voices.

"Hey, so what's the delivery out front?" You ask, not bothering to wait for them to acknowledge you. If you did, you'd never talk, they all talked over each other.

"The new glasses for the bars." Sugar turned, smiling softly at you. "How are you doing?"

"Good." You muttered, eyes cutting to Carmen. "We haven't ordered new glasses yet."

"Uh, well, I thought you liked the ones from last week, angel." Carmen's eyes were bulged, clearly flustered.

"I said I liked them for basics, but I needed you to confirm a drink menu." You glared at him, arms crossing over his chest.

"You can't put the drinks in that?" Carmen asked, hand flying out towards the hall.

"Not if you want the specialty, no." You huffed. "Carmen, I told you to wait just a few days and we could get them at the wholesale market. The textured ones for the signature at least."

"Uh-oh," Richie muttered, snickering to Fak.

"Can you not use the glasses I got?" Carmen sighed.

"I can, but did you get enough? And did we decide if the signature is going in a whiskey glass or a cylinder one? Did you order double of those?" You lifted a brow, taking a step towards him. Richie and Nat watched, heads turning from you and Carmen like a tennis match.

Carmen paused, running a hand down his face. "N-No, but-"

"-So what are you going to do when we open and you run out of drinks, huh? When everyone orders the signature and it comes in different glasses? You think those travel groupie influencers won't notice? Won't post about it and make it a big fucking deal?" You countered.

"Then we'll figure it out!" Carmen huffed. "Look I gave the order to Richie, and-"

"-Hey, no fuckin' way cousin. You gave me your order." Richie held his hand up. "Sweetheart, Carmy said it was good so I just placed the order."

"Well, if Carmen said it was good, then it must be, right? He's the fucking boss." You snarl, glaring at Carmen furiously. "Seems like you've got it under control, Carm, so I'll leave it to you." You turn on your heel, furiously stomping away.

Richie and Fak wait until they hear the slam of the office door, to release their cackles. "Oooh! Cousin, you are in the fuckin' dog house now." Richie laughed, Fak's chorus of barks emphasizing his statement.

"Shut up, ok? Just shut the fuck up." Carmen growled, running a hand through his hair.

"Carmy, why wouldn't you ask her before you ordered? She's your mixologist." Nat sighed, shoulders heavy with disappointment.

"Also your girlfriend." Sydney added, poking her head in. "I told you to wait. Just saying."

"Thank you, alright, thank you all for your fuckin' helpful words." Carmen snapped. "Just... Nat, make sure they get all that shit set up right, ok? Make sure the dishwasher fucking works before we're open, please."

The office door was shut, and Carmen hesitated, reaching for the knob anxiously. He wasn't sure if he should knock- I mean, fuck, this is his office but... you were already so mad at him. Knuckles rapping on the door, he didn't wait for the invite in- knowing he'd never get one.

Carmen found you, sniffling in a furious pout in the corner, body angled away from the door. "Baby-" Carmen started with a sigh, shoulders falling gently at your upset state.

"-Don't." You snap, wiping your eyes. "Don't even start with me, Carmen." The way you say his full name sounds so bitter, too formal and full of malice to be from you.

"I-I'm sorry. I thought we agreed on it, and-and Richie was pressuring me and... And you're right. I shouldn't have made that decision without you, and I'm sorry." Carmen said slowly, waiting for your gaze to meet his, angry, wet, waterline.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have." You agreed bitterly, wiping your eyes. "I get this is your restaurant, Carmen, but don't ask for my help if you're just gonna do what you want anyways. That's-That's not nice."

"I know." Carmen nodded slowly, approaching you with the caution he would a wild animal. "I want your help. I do, and-and I like your idea that the house drink goes in the special glass. Makes it stand out."

You lifted your gaze up to his. "Yeah?" You asked, he nodded, sitting next to you. "Did you blow your budget?"

"No," Carmen shook his head, not a total lie. Fak had been able pull some strings with the new stoves, turns out he did have a guy. It left a little over five thousand left over.

"We could go to that place, if you want to. Go look and see if they have the glasses. Get a rough estimate of about how many we'd need." Carmen offered, his hand cupping your thigh gently, thumb rubbing over your leg in soothing circles.

"As long as Sydney or Nat does the numbers and not you." You snorted lightly, rolling your eyes at him.

He laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'll get Sugar to run 'em, alright? Then we can go. Call it an early night."

You beamed at the idea, letting him slide in next to you, melting into your side. "That sounds good." You hummed, letting your head fall on his shoulder.

"I-I'm real sorry I didn't as you ." Carmen muttered. "That was shitty."

"Yeah." You sighed in agreement. "I just... I want to be included in things." You asked, looking up at him sweetly. "Not everything, but-but at least the things that apply to my area."

"I know." Carmen nodded, his hand catching your cheek softly. "I'll let you handle it next time, alright? I trust your opinion."

"You don't have to do that-"

"-No, you're right, I don't. But-But I want to." Carmen nodded. "I know you're lookin' out for the best in this place just like I am."

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readaspecbooks · 4 months

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Take the A!

A Monthly Book Club for Reading Aspec Books

The monthly aspec book club is here! Whether you're ace-spec, aro-spec, a combination, or neither, join us in reading a variety of reads featuring a-spec main characters across genres. With no set meeting dates and discussions segmented by chapter spans, you can read and discuss these stories at your own pace. Our selection process also seeks to ensure that each member gets to provide direct input when deciding each month's reads.

More information below the cut; Discord invite in the reblogs.

Signal boosts allowed and appreciated! :)

Our Mission Statement

Take the A is a book club focused on reading fiction books across genres with characters on the ace/aro-spectrum to help readers discover the wide variety of stories that feature these often overlooked identities. You do not have to be aspec to join, simply excited to read and discover new stories.

How It Works

Each month's read will be selected by a process consisting of a nomination and a voting round. Members have three opportunities to contribute to the selection process: (1) by nominating a book, (2) by reacting to nominations, and (3) by voting on finalists. Books can consist of novels, novellas, graphic novels, and webcomics; nonfiction reads, anthologies, and collections will not be considered at this time. When the month begins, channels will be opened segmenting the books into their parts, usually defaulting to three sets of chapters. Throughout the month, readers can participate in commentary and suggestions within these channels as they progress through the read at their own pace. Channels for previous reads will remain open for a three-month* period after the month finishes, allowing readers to go back if they missed it or continue discussion if they desire. *Subject to change depending on activity levels, community wants and needs, etc.

Kicking off February

In order to start slow for February (and to prevent people from having to scramble to find a book last minute), there will be no nominations or overarching read for the month. Instead, five free read aro short stories from across the internet will be voted on by users, ending February 4 at 8 PM ET. The first Nomination phase will begin for March in mid-February.

The link to the Discord and initial taglist is in the notes. Feel free to follow this account for group updates and book recs! Ask box is open for questions.

#booklr #lgbtq books #asexual #aromantic #bookblr #book club #books #aspec #aspec books #ace books #aro books #asexual books #aromantic books

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ladyluscinia · 7 months

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What Exactly Did David Jenkins Say?

Look, I'm still staunchly of the opinion that Word of God statements and creator interviews are overvalued in fandom, especially when they get pulled out mostly as gotchas without then continuing to analyze whether or not the show canon is successful at getting across that same message. Death of the Author is good, actually, and we should remember that. But they are worth looking at in the context of evaluating intent vs execution, and for future speculation - just, like, please with less of the whole mile high pedestal idolizing and backlash cycles.

But if overvalued "Word of God" is annoying, then overvalued "supposed creator statements that have gone through three rounds of telephone and any given blogger has only heard about a quarter of them, which they'll use confidently anyway" is worse. So, since I'd already looked up interviews for various reasons...

Here is a fairly comprehensive list of interviews David Jenkins has given and statements he's made during them, presented without commentary (save curating which statements get highlighted). All provided with links. I definitely missed some, so if you have any that you want to add, please do - though if you could trim off any commentary and save it for tags / your own post with a link that would be cool.

Also, again, just because he said it doesn't make it incontrovertible canon that only a blind person wouldn't understand. Some of these even arguably contradict each other. The creator's intent doesn't always translate to what the show is doing, nor do you even have to think it was a good idea.

(Listed in chronological order from oldest to newest - post contains spoilers below the cut)

Pre-S1

Gizmodo - Feb 22, 2022 - with Cheryl Eddy (io9) - Link

Why this story - Really, it was the enigma of Stede that drew him in. "I think actual pirate stuff is fine, but it's not necessarily my cup of tea. And I think Taika [Waititi] felt similarly. But hearing about this guy and reading about him and seeing that, you know, he left his family, then he met Blackbeard, they hit it off, and we don't know any of the details in between. So filling those blanks in, and having a very human story, and then being able to do it with the pirate genre, that was like, 'Oh, this would be cool.'"

Post 1x01 - 1x03

Polygon - March 5, 2022 - with Tasha Robinson - Link

David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, and Rhys Darby interview

About Stede running off to sea - "Stede thought he could outrun his baggage, and you can't outrun your baggage."

About S1 - "I don't think there was enough improv on set! We had an insane schedule, with a huge amount of plot. We were budgeted and designed as a one-hour show, but with a half-hour production schedule, which means we really had to chase these episodes to get them shot. And then there are certain emotional beats that we really needed. So trying to find places to find the fun was hard."

Mashable - Mar 5, 2022 - with Belen Edwards - Link

About the show concept - "It was Jenkins' wife who first told him about Stede's adventures; she thought it would make a good TV show."

On casting Rhys Darby - "Stede did a terrible thing to his family. If you cast it wrong, he's a very hard character to get behind," Jenkins said. "Very quickly, the only person I thought of for this was Rhys [Darby]. He has this childlike quality that's endearing."

About the story - "Seeing them discover a need for each other that neither anticipated and charting how that relationship goes is the meat of the story." + "If you're on this ship, you're running from something, and you're running to something that you can't be on land"

Mentions of matelotage - "In fact, one of Jenkins's favorite pirate facts that he learned while working on Our Flag Means Death was the term matelotage, which was a civil union between same-sex pirates. "The more you look at it," he explained, "the more you write to the fact that this is a queer-positive world.""

Discussing piracy careers - "Something else that astounded Jenkins about pirates was "just how fast it all moved — their lives were quite short," he said. "Your career [in piracy] wasn't very long.""

Post 1x09 - 1x10

Decider - Mar 24, 2022 - with Kayla Cobb - Link

David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, and Rhys Darby interview

Pitch for the show - "That was in the pitch," series creator David Jenkins told Decider. "That was the reason, to make them fall in love with each other."

About the romance - "The main thing to me was to side-step coming out," Jenkins continued. "I just want a romance. I want a Titanic romance between these two people. We don't have to do the coming out story and then the non-binary story for Jim [Vico Ortiz]."

About S2 and the show - "The show is the relationship," Jenkins said. "So, we end in a place where there is this breakup. What happens after a breakup between these two people who, one’s realized he's in love and the other one is hurt in a way that he's never been hurt before? What does that do to each of them in an action, pirate world with them trying to find each other again? So again, I really love those rom-com beats."

Collider - Mar 24, 2022 - with Carly Lane - Link

On making it a romcom - "It's the only reason to make the show. If you didn't do that, it would just be weird. I mean, you're using the rom-com beats. You're using these like they're together. And it's funny because so we're so habituated to be like bromance, bromance, bromance, and it's such a simple move to put them together."

Discusses focusing on romance - "I guess I really... I get kind of bored. How much pirate can you do? They're going to rob stuff. They're going to steal ships. There's only so many pirate stories you can do. So if you're going to do a workplace story, I mean, you're essentially having this... You'd have this same amount of relationships in Grey's Anatomy in the ER. So it's standard. It's the most standard. We're making a soap opera on a pirate ship, and to use those soap opera beats... I like it, and I like the flavor in a comedy when you have something that's played genuinely up against very ridiculous things."

Discusses history and kissing scene

Discusses importance of going home to Mary - "Yeah, that was the problem for me in the story. I knew that I wanted to have the end where he goes home, because you need to give Mary her day in court. I just wanted to know from Mary's perspective what happened and then to see that, yeah, they're friends."

Is Lucius dead? - "You got to wait."

EW.com - Mar 25, 2022 - with Devan Coggan - Link

David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, and Rhys Darby interview

Pitch for the show - "To me, [Stede and Blackbeard's relationship] is the reason to make the show," Jenkins explains. "When Taika and I were first talking about it, he was like, 'Oh yeah, that's the show.' I first started reading about Stede and how he befriended Blackbeard and we don't know why. Very quickly, it was like, 'Oh, it's a romance.'"

Polygon - Mar 25, 2022 - with Tasha Robinson - Link

Discusses 3-season intent - "I think three seasons is good. I think we could do it in three."

Discusses acts within S1 - "To me, when you see him get stabbed, and the blood runs through his fingers, it’s like 'Oh, no, the clown got stabbed! And not comedy-stabbed, he got stabbed stabbed!' That to me is cool. And then having Blackbeard find him as the end of what would be the first act of our story felt good to me."

Discusses kiss scene filming and the national moment around gay rights

What to focus on a rewatch - "I think Con O'Neill does such a great job. He's such a complex character, and it's such a tortured relationship. And that's a love story too, between him and Blackbeard. It's a very dysfunctional story, but it's fun to watch. Watch that maybe, on a rewatch, looking where their relationship ultimately goes."

TV Insider - Mar 25, 2022 - with Meaghan Darwish - Link

Discusses show pitch - "When I was pitching [the show] to people, I'd be like, 'Okay, so it's about Stede and Blackbeard, and then they hit it off and then they fall in love.' And then people are like, 'Okay, cool,' Jenkins shares. "And then they really fall in love, and become intimately involved."

Discusses historical inspiration

Discusses S2 direction - "But when [Stede] goes to find [Blackbeard], he's gone and his crew's been abandoned. And so watching them try to negotiate that, that's a good rom-com beat," he adds.

The Verge - Apr 15, 2022 - with Charles Pulliam-Moore - Link

Discusses being surprised by queerbaiting legacy - "...part of me knew that, yes, Stede and Ed's romance was going to be real. But one part of me felt like, 'We're going to do this story, and they're going to kiss, and maybe that's not even going to be that big a deal. Maybe it'll just be a blip.'"

Discusses writing romance - "I'd never written a romance before this one, but I think with Ed and Stede, the question's always 'what's the need for each other?'"

Discusses falling in love and Stede's accidental seduction - "It made sense to have that love be almost like a teenage version of falling in love — one with all these intense and conflicting feelings. They're middle-aged, but Stede's young. Ed's young. Emotionally, they're like 16, and they've both got a lot to learn."

Discusses Con O'Neill as Izzy - "He plays an exhausted quality that's really lovely because this character could just be generically evil, and the way Con plays, it is like, he's credible. I believe that he can do some damage if he wanted to. My favorite thing I've seen about the show is somebody saying that Con's playing the only human with a bunch of Muppets. It does feel like that a bit where he's like Charles Grodin in The Great Muppet Caper."

On Izzy being in love with Blackbeard - "I think Izzy's deeply in love with Blackbeard, and it's a very dysfunctional kind of love, and he's like the jilted spouse who's losing his man to fucking Stede Bonnet, and he can't believe this is happening."

Discusses masculinity and piracy as an escape from that

Discusses diversity and trauma based stories - "And the consensus in that very diverse room was that we wanted to show that isn't just wallowing in trauma. We don't have to do a coming out scene or focusing on the trauma of it — not to say that those stories aren’t valid."

Gizmodo - Jun 20, 2022 - with Linda Codega (io9) - Link

Musing on fandom response to the show - "I'm wondering if the fact that because the queerness of this show isn't gaslighting the audience, and isn't a function of wanting to do something, but not being able to produce the results because of network standards. I think we just happened to be in this lucky spot where the show is actually queer… and I do think that people are responding to that."

Comparing fanfiction to writing - "And Con O'Neill's audition was one of those things I would go back to. I would watch that and be like… Oh, right, that's the show. And in a way, you're writing fanfiction for a certain actor and character because you want them to do something, and you're like–" at this point, it must be said, Jenkins let out a maniacal little giggle. He’s just as thrilled to show off Con O'Neill's ability to seem both deeply exhausted and menacing as the rest of the fandom. "And you [as the writer] you're like… And then Izzy does this now."

EW.com - Dec 13, 2022 - with Devan Coggan - Link

Discusses The Chain sequence - "I had initially wanted that end sequence to be like the FBI raid in a mob movie, where the feds come in, and they've got boxes of stuff, and everyone's running, and someone makes a dash for it," Jenkins explains. "So, it's like a mob movie or FBI raid story, and then it's also a story of Stede's lover coming back."

Pre-S2

Collider - Oct 2, 2023 - with Carly Lane - Link

Discusses fan reaction to S1 - "I thought that they'd kiss, and people would be like, 'Oh, cool, cool!' I kind of thought people would know a little bit more [about] where we were going, but then in hindsight, no, people have been hurt and burned on so many other shows and then made to feel silly."

Discusses starting S2 dark - "One of these characters is very, very damaged and has never made himself vulnerable in this way before, and I don't think [he] would react very well to having his heart broken in this way. I don't think it would be cute, and I don't think it would be funny. I think it would be scary as hell to watch a very damaged guy that we've established in Ed, who killed his dad and thinks he's not capable of being loved, deal with rejection and see that Stede really hurt him."

Discusses adding more female characters

Discusses S2 needle drops including "This Woman's Work"

Discusses 3-season arc

Post 2x01 - 2x03

Mashable - Oct 5, 2023 - with Belen Edwards - Link

Discusses fandom response to S1

About the canon gay relationship - "To watch the explosion of enthusiasm around [the kiss] was disorienting, almost," Jenkins said. "I thought people would react to it, but I didn't think the reaction would be that big. And then it was moving, because I didn't realize that this audience felt so unserved in general, as far as storylines go."

Insider - Oct 5, 2023 - with Ayomikun Adekaiyero - Link

Tease on leaning into the Stede / Ed / Izzy love triangle - "I think Izzy, in a certain way, got the worst deal in the first season," the showrunner tells Insider. "He gets jilted and then he still is in spurned spouse territory at the beginning of the second season."

Discusses Izzy's arc - "What is that relationship about? And I think by the end of the season it kind of becomes a little unexpected of who they are to each other and what they mean to each other," he teases

Discusses addition of Zheng - "He likens Zheng's way of pirating to a successful tech startup, compared with the garage sale vibe Stede had going on the Revenge."

Discusses introducing Hornigold - "I thought Hornigold was the most obvious because he was the person who made Blackbeard what he is. And Blackbeard has a father complex, so it's natural that he's going to bring his former captain back," the show creator said. "It's a struggle with him because he and dad figures don't historically do well."

Discusses importance of the mermaid scene

Inverse - Oct 5, 2023 - with Hoai-Tran Bui - Link

Reveals he didn't commit to the romance until shooting 1x06 - "Jenkins always intended his pirate comedy to end with a romance, but he'd envisioned it as an unrequited love. "It was going to be about Stede learning what love is, and Ed making himself vulnerable and getting burned," Jenkins says of his original pitch. But Darby and Waititi's choices in the scene, which they played without diffusing the tenderness with a joke, made him wonder if they could take the show in a new direction."

Discusses mermaid Stede idea from S1 - "We talked about Stede as a mermaid very early on in the writers' room," Jenkins says. "At some point, yeah, I want to see Rhys Darby as a merman." + "They wanted us to come up with a Season 2 pitch during Season 1. And that was one of the ideas we hit on, and I can't quite remember how we got there, but it was us asking, what is a pirate world? Are there mermaids? Is there magic in this show? With pirate stuff, I don’t know that I want there to be magic, but there was a way where it was something really beautiful about a mer-person, and I like the idea that their coming together would have a mythic size to it."

Discusses historical divergence

Discusses matelotage and pirates as weird outsiders

TV Guide - Oct 5, 2023 - with Allison Piccuro - Link

About the shipping culture - "It's the meat of the show, so it's great to have people bought into the central romance. If it were a bromance that we were trying to make look like a romance, that would suck."

Discusses playlists he makes

Discusses opening dream sequence - "I just like that it started with something badass. Stede, Blackbeard, and Izzy are on an arc together. Whether they're in stories together or not, their ultimate arc is together. I think, by the end of this season, the last episode, that first scene will be gratifying. I won't say why, but their fates are tied together."

Discusses Kraken arc - "But I think the thing that's good about this show is that it can go to really sweet comedy land, but I want there to be, like, if someone loses a body part, for instance, they lose a body part. To do justice to the fact that this guy is a killer and a monster, and dealing with heartache that he doesn't know how to deal with, I think you really need to go there."

Discusses Izzy in S2 - "I mean, he's jilted. He had a partnership with Blackbeard, and he knows he can't live up to this person that Blackbeard fell in love with... Who is that guy? What are his hobbies? What does it look like when he's not totally subsumed with his boss's love affair with somebody, and heartbroken?"

On S2 reunion - "The second season is them being a little bit more mature... It's the thing where you're in your 20s or 30s and you're like, "Well, should we move in together?" They have to make up some time because neither of them have been in a functional relationship before."

About genre of pirate stories - "...is a show about multiple relationships. That's what I want to see when I see this show. I don't want to see a bunch of pirate things that I've seen in other things, I'll just go watch another thing if I want to see that. That's not really my thing. I like the genre, but it's a very hard genre to budge. I want to see relationships in a pirate world."

Discusses the A Star is Born aspect of seeking fame / retiring

Mashable - Oct 7, 2023 - with Belen Edwards - Link

About the mermaid scene - "You need something expressive for when they come back together," Jenkins said. "Their reunion moment has to feel big and mythical. This is not a world where mermaids actually exist, but their love for each other has that size that you can get [a mermaid] in there somewhere."

About Kate Bush - "I love Kate Bush, and I love that song, and I know Taika loves that song," Jenkins explained of the choice. "So I wanted to find a place for that song somewhere in the second season."

Polygon - Oct 9, 2023 - with Tasha Robinson & more - Link

Compares S2 and "Golden Age of Piracy" stuff to Westerns, lists 5 he was thinking of - "Every Western that’s good is that story," Jenkins says. "'This way of life we made is coming to an end. It can't last. It's a blip in time. We created this thing because we need it to exist. We're outlaws, and we need a culture that suits us, but it's running out of time.'"

Gizmodo - Oct 9, 2023 - with Linda Codega (io9) - Link

Short tease on leaning into the love triangle

About Stede, Edward, and Izzy - "I think the three of them are on an arc together that's pretty inseparable," Jenkins said in an interview with io9. "And to watch Izzy try to process what's happened [in season one]… to watch him kind of grow and figure out what's his own story, if he can separate himself from this kind of toxic relationship, is interesting to me and I think gives him a lot of room for growth."

Post 2x04 - 2x05

IndieWire - Oct 12, 2023 - with Sarah Shachat - Link

Discusses directing and show creation

"The limitations of the show also naturally push it back towards moments with the ensemble and plot problems that it would frankly be irresponsible to tackle if you had a giant budget and a fully working ship-of-the-line to sail and then blow to bits. "That's the fun of the show to us, I think. If you open this up and you're like, unlimited budget, that would be terrible because I think you can get seduced," Jenkins said. "[It could be like,] 'Oh man, it's all leading up to a climatic battle on the sea.' And those things are great. But that’s not this show.""

"The nice thing about that, though, is you get to be the lo-fi show that’s like, 'Hey, we’re making The Muppets.'"

PopSugar - Oct 12, 2023 - with Victoria Edel - Link

About S2 Stede - "I like the idea that he learns and grows and he doesn't just stay a bumbling captain. He might be ridiculous, but he is getting better at it."

Discusses genre challenges - "How do you have a show that's a romance show but it's also a workplace show and they're criminals?"

Discusses Edward's redemption - "But Blackbeard still has to come back and apologize and be part of the community again, and give his little press conference. It was fun for us to look at that in the context of piracy, where they all do terrible things to each other. But even by their standards, what Blackbeard did was a bit much."

Discusses Izzy in S2 - "When Izzy shoots Blackbeard and they all mutiny on him, that's Izzy breaking up with Blackbeard. And they're both having their own journey in the wake of it, and Izzy's having his own redemption arc. He's trying to figure out, "Who am I if I'm not Blackbeard's first mate? Who am I outside of this relationship?"" + "If Stede's Spongebob, he's Squidward. I don't know what that makes Blackbeard. But there's a real pathos to Squidward."

Discusses trauma-based narratives - "As a diverse room in terms of sexuality, socio-economic background, and race, we thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a non-trauma-based story for these characters who don't get that historically?""

Variety - Oct 13, 2023 - with Hunter Ingram - Link

Discusses three act structure and making Stede work for a relationship - "The way I like to look at a season is in threes. The end of the first act is when they find each other, and this is the beginning of the second act. They've found each other, but they are pissed. Stede thought it was going to be [Kate Bush's] “This Woman's Work,” but, in reality, it is this headbutt –– literally."

Discusses the central romance - "It was always part of the pitch... that is the reason to make the show. The pirate genre is fun, but I wasn’t dying to make a pirate show. Taika wasn’t dying to make a pirate show. But the thing that was interesting to me was that Stede finds love, and he finds it with Blackbeard."

Discusses 2x04 plot - "This episode is based on a very, very thumbnail sketch of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?." Anne and Mary are Martha and George, and they are Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton."

Discusses adding historical pirates

Discusses Buttons exit - "I just love the idea of him turning into a bird: I love the idea of Buttons somehow being the one character that is able to figure that out."

Discusses Izzy and the crew's trauma plot - "We liked the idea that there is something about trauma and getting past that trauma, even on a pirate ship. They have been through two very different ways of living and they have to get used to each other again. But it's also a family that was separated, and becoming one family again is painful."

Discusses bringing characters back - "We could bring Calico Jack back, who, if you remember, was hit by a cannonball last season. Anyone who is that fun to play with and wants to keep playing, you always find a way to bring them back."

Polygon - Oct 14, 2023 - with Tasha Robinson - Link

Discusses 3-season arc and how keeping them apart with some plot device was never in the cards - "at the end of the first season, they're 14-year-olds, emotionally. In this season, it's more like they’re in their late 20s."

Discussing New Zealand production and ensemble cast writing - "It's pretty organic, because as we're going through and tracking everybody's journey for the season, we're watching the thing that holds us together — what stage of Stede and Blackbeard's relationship are we in? Because the overarching arc is, are these guys going to learn how to settle into a relationship?"

"The second season is more overtly about romance, and more a relationship story."

Energizing aspect of fan reaction

S3 is about "love is work"

Gizmodo - Oct 16, 2023 - with Linda Codega (io9) - Link

About the story - "I want to see them become a functional couple or fail to become a functional couple," Jenkins said. "Those are the most interesting parts of the show."

Discusses fandom engagement - "...ultimately the writers are also "the fans in the room." He goes on to say that, "We're fans of the world. We're writing fanfic about our own characters, our own worlds… It's paid fanfic, but it's fanfic." He gives another example: "If you're writing a season of Succession, you're writing fanfic Succession. You're just getting paid to do it. We, as writers–" it's clear that he's not just talking about the writers in the writers room, "become fans of the world and we all have things we want to see these characters do. What we do is not that different."

Discusses the A Star is Born aspect of seeking fame / retiring

Discusses Zheng Yi Sao

Villains of the series - There are a lot of new villains this season, but, Jenkins says, ultimately, "the antagonist on this show is normalcy… These pirates have a way of life that they're not finding in normal life. They've found a way to live and support each other and be there for each other. And that's always threatened by these larger, tyrannical forces that want to shut them down."

Post 2x06 - 2x07

Mashable - Oct 19, 2023 - with Belen Edwards - Link

Discussing drag performance in 2x06

"It is nice to see with Izzy's arc, where he finally breaks through whatever he's been doing to himself. He lets himself have that moment, which I just love. It resonates for Izzy, and I think it resonates for Con. Just personally, it made me feel good to see how it turned out."

Consequence - Oct 19, 2023 - with Liz Shannon Miller - Link

Discusses intent for romance - "...telling a love story in a serialized medium like television has its perils, largely because it's tough to know how much you can draw out any unresolved tension. "I think we take it episode by episode and we try to not piss people off in taking too long and doing double beats and triple beats," Jenkins says. "You can only do Will They or Won’t They for so long. Then you have to deepen it.""

Discusses pirate setting - "The emphasis on relationships also fits into the show's high-seas setting, which Jenkins finds similar to post-apocalyptic narratives. "It is a little bit like you're doing Mad Max, except there's relationships," he says. "Stuff's shitty, so you gotta try to find some joy. Of course, people are going to have a need for each other in these extreme circumstances, and I like the idea of these characters finding some level of a healthy relationship in these extreme circumstances.""

Discusses Jim x Archie

Discusses 3-season arc

Polygon - Oct 21, 2023 - with Tasha Robinson - Link

Discussing gender and power dynamics in Jackie x Swede / Zheng x Oluwande / Blackbeard x Stede + A Star is Born aspect

Jim not being jealous of Oluwande - "I think that relationship was always seen in the room as a friend relationship that got romantic."

About adding a villain - "I think a lot of the internal forces in Our Flag are the villains." + "I think this is a story about the age of piracy coming to an end. This way of life is coming to an end. And every Western that's good is that story: This way of life we made is coming to an end, and it can't last. […] I think every story about outlaws is about trying to preserve a way of life against normative forces that are kind of fascistic."

Historical accuracy - "The balance of the show is 90% ignoring history, and then 10%, bring it in, whenever we're like, Ah, gotta move the story forward! Remember, the English are out there, and they're really bad!"

Post 2x08

AV Club - Oct 26, 2023 - with Saloni Gajjar - Link

Killing Izzy was always the plan - "We wanted to show the depth of that character. Izzy is one of my favorites. He's like middle management who is in a sort of love triangle [in season one]."

Discusses how they really wanted the happy ending for S2 - "I think with season one's end, it was a gamble to leave it the way it was. Everybody stomached through it. Now if it turned out they didn't want us to make more, I just didn't want to have another story where the same-sex love story ends in tragedy, unrequited love, or if one or both of them are being punished."

Discusses S2 progressing the 3-season romance - "They’re a couple who is like in their late twenties right now as opposed to being teens at the end of season one." + "It was an interesting tension of, which one gives up their dream? A lot of times in relationships questions can come up, like who is going to give up on their dream to take care of the kids? Obviously, no one wants to, but someone ends up giving up more than they want to at some point. What's wonderful about a mature romance, and what I'd want to see more of in season three, is Ed and Stede making these tough decisions." + progressing past the getting together point

Discusses parallels, Republic of Pirates, and Zheng Yi Sao

Short bit about fan response

Collider - Oct 26, 2023 - with Carly Lane - Link

Discusses Ed leaving fishing - "I like that he had a little prima donna moment where he thought he could go and be a simple man, and then it's revealed that he really isn't a simple man; he's a complicated, fussy, moody guy. No, he's not gonna be able to catch fish for a living. For him to be told that, "At your heart, you're a pirate. You have to go back and do it," he doesn't want that to be true, but it was true."

Discusses Izzy's speech to Ricky - "I wanted to give Izzy a proper eulogy for himself. He gives a eulogy for himself, but it felt true writing it."

Discusses Izzy's death scene - "In a way, it's very much for Ed, that speech. The "we were Blackbeard" is claiming that he is also Blackbeard, that Blackbeard is not just Ed’s creation, and I like that for him, too, because he's worked so hard for that — and then just to say, "You can give it up." There can never be a Blackbeard again as far as Izzy's concerned because he's dying, and they did that together."

Discusses Republic of Pirates / music parallels from premier to finale

Discusses finale wedding - "We knew we wanted a matelotage in the season, which is the real term they had for marrying crew members. And yeah, they've always been in relief to Stede and Ed, and they're a little bit ahead of Stede and Ed in how much they can talk about things. So to have a bunch of family things in the season, like a funeral and a wedding, and have the parents kind of watch the kids sail away, felt right, and all of those things seem to work well together and build on each other."

Discusses retirement ending - "That will-they-or-won't-they is interesting to a point, but the real meat of it is always like, "Can they make the relationship, and can they do better than Anne and Mary?""

"Frenchie's in charge of the Revenge" + teases Stede struggling to give it up

EW.com - Oct 26, 2023 - with Devan Coggan - Link

Discusses Izzy's death and telling Con - "It feels like the logical end of Izzy's arc. It's heartbreaking to me because he's my favorite." + "I told him in the middle of shooting because I didn't want him to find out at the table read, obviously. I also didn't want it to leak. He was lovely about it."

Discusses Izzy's final arc - "You know, I didn't expect him to become kind of a father figure to Ed. I think we hit on that while we were breaking the [final] episode. He's in such a weird position: He's like a jilted lover, and then he's a middle manager who has to work for a terrible boss. He gets thrown away, and then he comes back. He really develops, and he becomes a part of this family. I think the biggest surprise was the extent that he was a mentor to Ed. They were both Blackbeard. They both made Blackbeard happen."

Discusses the happy ending intent - "With this season starting so dark, I kind of wanted to reward them for the work that they've done and the character growth that they've had. I wanted to leave them in a place where they're really going to try and make this work. I don't think it's going to be easy for them, necessarily. They're both still immature."

Discusses the wedding - "We knew we wanted a matelotage in the second season, and pretty quickly we landed on Lucius and Black Pete. It seems like they were ready for that. We made up a ceremony and everything, where they call each other mateys, and it was just fun to make our own version of a pirate wedding ceremony."

Discusses potential S3 and Frenchie's Revenge - "But it felt like a good place to end the second season. It felt like a contrast to the first season. If it turns out we don't make any more, I'm comfortable with that being a resting place."

Variety - Oct 26, 2023 - with Hunter Ingram - Link

S3 endpoint - "I love things in threes," he says. "That first act, second act, third act structure is so satisfying when it is done well, and you don't overstay your welcome. I think this world of the show is a big world, and if the third season is successful, we could go on in a different way. But I think for the story of Stede and Ed, that is a three-season story."

Discusses the draw of a "Golden Age" and it's ending

Talks about father figure Izzy and wanting a real sense of loss - "There is a nice parallel to have Ed treat him so badly at the beginning of the season and then come all the way around to where Izzy is this sort of father figure he doesn’t want to lose — because Ed usually kills his father figures."

Gizmodo - Oct 26, 2023 - with Linda Codega (io9) - Link

Teasing future Izzy - "Jenkins looked slightly sad himself, saying that "Ghosts exist in this world." I told him not to make promises he couldn't keep."

"Jenkins said that he doesn't see Izzy as a pure antagonist in season one because on some level… Izzy was right in his hesitations about Stede."

Discussing Con O'Neill & Rhys Darby acting

Jenkins confirms the season was always 8 episodes due to budget cuts

About S2 finale vs S3 - "The first season ends on such a downer, so it made sense to end the second season in a kinder spot." + "I think there's plenty of story left for season three, but I think that it was important to end this as if it was the end of the show, and on upbeat note and avoid the kind of "kill your gays" trope. I don't want to see Stede and Ed punished for giving it a go. I want to see them really say, 'yeah, we’re going to we're going to try to have a relationship'."

Teases S3 revenge against Ricky and going to the Americas

Vanity Fair - Oct 26, 2023 - with Sarah Catherall - Link

About the ending - "It's bittersweet. There's death and there's the rebirth of Stede and Blackbeard's relationship; there's a funeral, there's a wedding, and the idea that this family is going to keep fighting even as they lose members. And then it's about belonging to something." + "A lot of times, with this narrative of characters, same-sex relationships end on a dour, downbeat note, where one of them dies and it's unrequited or it's unrealized; something horrible happens and they're punished in a way. So it was important to leave it open and a lot more show to go, but also leave it in a place where it's happy."

Discusses Izzy as a mentor / father figure - "We felt like Izzy's story had reached its conclusion, where we put him through enough. And then there was the realization that he is kind of a mentor to Blackbeard and that he is kind of a father figure to Blackbeard." + "And it's also a pirate show, so he's got to die."

Discusses filming challenges - "It's a big show; it's basically a one-hour show that we're doing on a half-hour budget."

Discusses adding Zheng Yi Sao

Is the show a queer romance? - "For this show, it's important to me just to write a really bold-bodied romantic show that happens to be between two characters of the same sex. I think that the story beats don't matter, because if you've been in love and you've been hurt and you met someone you love—hopefully we all know what those feelings are."

Blackbeard's arc in S2 - "...the second season is about Blackbeard's midlife crisis. And then when they both have their midlife crises, they can open a B&B together." + "I don't think Stede and Blackbeard are ready to be married. They're emotionally saying: 'Let's give this a go.'"

Discusses historical piracy as "counterculture" that's been straightwashed and whitewashed

Did he feel responsibility to the fan community? - "As opposed to responsibility, it feels more like relief—that people feel seen and they feel good about it and they liked what we did. And so it feels like, Okay, somebody's out there and wants the show. The makeup of the writers room looks a lot like the makeup of the fan base. So as long as we're true to our stories in the writers room, I think we just feel excited that there's somebody waiting on the other end to enjoy it."

Paste Magazine - Oct 26, 2023 - with Tara Bennett - Link

Discusses whether fandom expectations felt weighty - "I think particularly for this season, that "bury your gays" thing… I didn't want to end on a downbeat for Ed and Stede. We did that in the first season. I like that there's a lot of different flavors. It's even a little melancholy because the Republic of Pirates got blown up. But there's still more good things."

Discusses production and plotting - "I wanted to start at the Republic of Pirates this season and end at the Republic of Pirates. And I knew I wanted the Republic of Pirates to be destroyed, ultimately. Within that, we are making a one-hour show on a half hour budget, on a half hour schedule."

Discusses planning the ending - "In terms of ending this season, it all felt right just in talking through it when we were in the room. It felt pretty intuitive. When you get to the third act of the story, things kind of settle in. There's gonna be a funeral. We always knew we wanted a wedding at the end of the second season. And I knew that I wanted Stede and Ed to start an inn together. So once you have those beats, it's kind of locked in."

Discusses Izzy's arc - "It's kind of a strange arc in that I knew we were going to put him through all these things, and I knew he would ultimately die. But I think him becoming a father figure to Ed in the last episode didn't really dawn on us until we were breaking the last episode. Asking what would this man say to Ed at the end because they've been together through everything? He went from a troubled and downtrodden employee to a jilted lover to a discarded employee, to someone that is just trying to find his footing again—no pun intended—to actually becoming this guy's parental figure on some level. And he's one person who kind of raised Ed right, because Blackbeard usually kills his parental figures. So, it felt right and it felt like that's how the mentor dies. The mentor in a story usually dies in the second act and then our hero has to go on and try to do it without them. It felt like the right journey for Izzy and a gratifying one for Con."

On leaving open for S3 - "I don't think it was a very hard thing to do. I think it was more that I felt a responsibility to leave Ed and Stede in a good place, at least for now. It's not gonna go well. They're not going to run a business well. Ed's too much of a talker. Stede can't focus. It's gonna be challenging."

Vulture - Oct 28, 2023 - with Sophie Brookover - Link

Discussing Izzy as a "father figure" and his S2 send-off being a priority

Meaning of piracy - "...what our pirates stand for is a life of belonging to something larger than they are in the face of a crushing, slightly fascist normalcy."

Re: Con O'Neill & Izzy's death - "I had to tell him about halfway through the season"

Third season about the work of a relationship between still damaged main characters

Discusses middles as about change and transitions, and wanting characters to change instead of reset, have them experience permanent consequences

About the final scene - "...Ed and Stede as the parents kind of watching the kids take the ship. Frenchie's the captain now..."

Objective of the crew - "...have had terrible things happen to them at the hands of colonial forces, so they want some payback. Party, plunder, and payback — the three P's."

Metro Weekly - Nov 1, 2023 - with Randy Shulman - Link

Discusses historical premise of S1 and easing into the romance

Discusses S2 genre - "In the second season, it was great because we know it's a romance and we can lead with that. It's a workplace show essentially. I wanted it to be more in the vein of early episodes of Grey's Anatomy or something where there are all these relationships on those shows. That's what you’re following — relationships and friendships that are taking place in a hospital, procedural. That's Grey's Anatomy. This is less procedural for the pirate stuff — and you need the pirate stuff."

Discusses not being into pirates - "But I'm like you. I'm not a big pirate person. In general, it's a big creaky genre that's hard to budge" + "Pirates of the Caribbean, those movies are great. That's not necessarily what I hunger to see, but in that genre, it's great. You're not going to beat that, especially on something that's lower budget. We've seen a lot of this stuff, so it's fun to take it then and don't do any of that stuff."

Discusses adapting historical piracy - "You don't want to see them punch down. You don't want to see them do terrible things to people who don't deserve it, which is not what they really did. So, in the show's world, I think piracy is like a stand-in for something. I think it's a stand-in for being an iconoclast and an outsider and queer in some ways and just different." + "Yeah, I mean, the British are there to be Stormtroopers, or Nazis in an Indiana Jones movie. I mean, they're in there to die essentially."

Discusses diversity staffing

Discusses performative masculinity

Discusses Izzy's death, happy endings, and openness to S3

#trust me i appreciate the irony of making an extensive word of god reference when i want people to stop blindly promoting word of god #(and also when i'm currently very irritated with the creators)#and fyi showrunners talk A LOT but i was already committed so this was more work than i was expecting #i'll even use a small bit of my extra hour of destiel day to post this (most of it was assembled while watching supernatural)#our flag means death #ofmd #ofmd meta #david jenkins #word of god #ladyluscinia

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chrollohearttags · 10 months

Text

commissions corner • on the menu

working food service isn’t always easy, less known, managing an entire restaurant. But when the new delivery man assigned to your store starts frequenting..you feel a newfound love for your workplace. Especially when an unexpected storm traps you two together one night. Leaving you guys to get acquainted and keep each other entertained.

content warning: black!fem reader, delivery man!rengoku, fluff and banter, humor, alcohol use, office sex, thunderstorms and hurricane mentions, sexual tension b/w reader and Kyo, squirting, intense kissing, praise kink, oral sex (m and f receiving), backshots, nipple play, cumshot, back scratching

word count: 8.4K

📝: this is a commission from @tranzpurent and I cannot thank them enough for allowing and trusting me to write this piece. Thank you so much for your patience and support. I hope it was well worth the wait. I had a lot of fun writing for my love Rengoku.

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“Number 52! Order’s ready!” “Guys, check those fryers and get that shake to drive thru. Thanks!”

all commands and commentary that (y/n) found yourself spouting off only a few hours into your shift. Things that were all in a day’s work for a busy manager at a bustling fast food chain. Ensuring that not only were status quos met but the needs of both customers and employees alike done the same. Admittedly, it was both a physically and mentally taxing position but one you performed exceptionally well..so much so, that you were overseeing an entire store by yourself after only a year of getting hired. Your tenacity and strong work ethic were something not only to be admired but studied as well. Even so, the job has drained you a great deal and it was hard to keep it together. So much on your plate with seemingly little time to accomplish it. Finding yourself oftentimes overwhelmed and even contemplating quitting..

that was until he came along!

the man with a boisterous laugh and a burly chest..muscular and stocky with vibrant, reddish blonde hair. His eyes dark yet gleaming with joy at all times. And a smile that could light an entire city block if need be..his name?

“Good morning crew! How are we doing?”

Kyojuro Rengoku, the new delivery man for your store and quite frankly, the highlight to your very hectic days. Always coming in with that same bubbly, boisterous personality. It could be the most insane shift with customers coming in by the droves, being difficult and by the time he left, everyone would be in a much better mood. Laughing and in much higher spirits, and today was no different..it had been quite busy for the morning rush and you typically didn’t work today but your shift manager had fallen ill with the flu so you decided to come fill in. And you were glad that you had because the first thing he did once he made it over the corridor of the entrance with his dolly and stack of boxes; filled to the brim with buns, lettuce and all the other ingredients you went through in a day, was greet you. “And good morning to you as well, miss (Y/N). You’re not usually here on Wednesdays. What happened?” To which you’d proceed to explain away as you mixed up a drink from behind the counter. You most certainly applied the servitude leadership approach and that’s why he respected you so much. Rather than just barking orders or micromanaging, you were right beside your crew, ensuring that things remained in order. It was something about a hard working woman that he found very attractive. It wasn’t a fact that he tried to hide either. Everyone who worked there could tell that this man was feeling you heavily..but for the sake of professionalism, you’d ignore it!

“I see, well it’s always a good day when I get to see that gorgeous face so I’m not mad about it.” Chewing faintly on his gum as he smiled at you with those perfectly straight pearly whites. Retrieving his iPad from underneath his arm, he’d hold it out for you to complete the confirmation and sign over for your inventory. Instantly becoming flustered but playing it off. “Kyo, you’re too kind, my dear. Thanks for the delivery, I definitely needed this..” handing him the tablet back before playfully pinching his cheek. Which made the lovely driver flush red. It was so blatantly obvious just how smitten this man was. He truly adored seeing you when the chance arose! For now, he had to depart and finish up his other duties for the day but you were certain that you’d be running into him yet again. Little did you know just how correct you were…it was as you were watching him leave, waving goodbye did you turn and notice that your entire crew was staring and snickering. “Ooh, Miss (Y/N). Look at you.” One of your employees blurted out, causing the entire staff to burst into laughter. They thought it was so cute to see their stoic manager acting like a crushing schoolgirl. Nonetheless, you’d usher them back to work and to mind their own business!

“You all are so nosy! Since everybody’s got so much time on their hands, let’s knock out some of these cleaning tasks before the lunch rush.” Earning a collective groan from the entire crew. But they knew better than to disagree with you. That was a wrath none of them wanted to face. But as fate would have it, you guys would be crossing paths yet again in a very unexpected way…

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the rather hectic workday continued on as per usual..your store seeing record profits during the lunch and dinner rushes; all directly due in part to some new menu item that was added and your team’s efficiency. Evening had fell cast over the city, along with dark clouds and scary thunder. It was cause for concern, that was for sure..truth be told, you didn’t know if you should keep operations going for the night or call it quits early. Those were the decisions you had to make as a manager sometimes. That was the beauty of being in charge. You had already gone back home during a short break to grab some food and a change of clothing; putting on something a tad bit more casual than your uniform.

“Oh wow, did you hear that?!”

“Yeah, that doesn’t sound good..”

but your mind would become all but made up for you when everyone’s phones in the vicinity began buzzing with severe weather alerts. And the store television flashed with a breaking news warning and the meteorologist casting a report on how severe the storm was and what to expect as the nighttime grew near. There were talks of possible tornadoes, flooding, lightning and all things akin to a hurricane. It was insane. Being the type of leader that you were as the lobby and drive thru both had become desolate, you’d turn to your subordinates and make the call:

“Well, you guys heard the man. I doubt anyone’s gonna be out in this weather so let’s go ahead and call it a night. I don’t want any of you being trapped here and can’t get home. Before it gets too crazy, go ahead and shut things down, get to your vehicles…if anyone needs a ride, go ahead and make arrangements now. If not, I’ll be happy to take you.”

as determined and strong willed as you could be, the one thing you never played about was your staff. They meant the world to you and in instances like these, you’d go up to bat against corporate themselves to protect and keep them safe. Never in a million years would money or profit goals come before your people. There was obviously something terribly dangerous looming in the skies and the last thing any of them needed was to be stuck behind a register or on a grill instead of home with their families, who’d probably be worried sick the entire time. Not something you’d ever want them to have to deal with. Either way, they were incredibly grateful that you’d be so generous and compassionate of your team. “Thank you, Ms. (L/N)!” “Yeah, you’re amazing.” But there was no gratitude needed. Those burgers and this store would be just fine without being open give or take a few hours. Those greedy jerks sitting up at the top brass would most certainly survive. You’d even take it out of your own pay if it became that big of an issue but even so, they didn’t hesitate to start making preparations; switching the illuminated ‘open’ sign to a dull dark and flipping the one on the door to close. They’d begin wiping down tables and breaking apart important machines to clean them properly because if it was as nasty as they claimed it would be, who knew how long operations would be ceased. It wasn’t uncommon during the peak storm season to lose three or four days of business because the streets were so flooded with ten inches of water or power was out for an entire block. In the event of that happening and because you were giving them an early release, they’d sanitize that store top to bottom, leaving you without one single complaint or issue. Giving everything one final walkthrough after about an hour of nonstop work to get things in order, you’d find them all lined up at the door like a gaggle of kids on the last day of school.

“Alright, things look good. Go ahead and get home. I’ll text the work group chat in a bit to make sure everyone’s made it.” Filling your team with warmth because they didn’t know too many managers, if any with such a kind heart and concern for her people. Most of these bosses were absolute nightmares to work for, and yet, you were always so sweet to them. Even when you were fussing or putting up the facade that you were angry. They always knew better. “What about you, miss (y/n)? Are you leaving soon? We could wait with you.” One of your most trusted employees would utter and the others followed suit. But there was no need for that. You’d be in tow right behind them. “Nah, I’m good. I gotta shoot these people a couple of emails and do some number crunching so that they don’t get all fussy in case we can’t open for a few days. I’ll be fine. I’ll be right behind you guys. Promise.” They knew you were a strong willed woman so they tried no to worry so much. But little did you or anyone else know that you wouldn’t be alone for long. As an unexpected guest would find themselves stumbling up to the doors of the fast food restaurant..

“Drive safe everyone. Have a good night.” Earning you a collective wave and thanks from your close knit work family.

once everyone had dispersed from the parking lot and left you by your lonesome, you’d do exactly as promised and retreat towards the back area of the restaurant where your office resided. A little past the kitchen area and through two double doors until you were in the solitary confines of your work space. Faint glimmers of lightning caught in your peripheral view as you passed the windows. Finally, you’d settle into your seat behind the computer screen and begin typing away. Working right through the storm and any other other distractions. You’d type away at your keyboard, drumming up some of the aforementioned emails and looking over profits for the past few days. Managers were always required to report said numbers to the higher brass just to make certain that they were meeting the status quo expected of the store. Granted, you guys always surpassed your set goal so it shouldn’t have been an issue if you needed to close down for a few days because of the weather. As you composed note after note, alternating between the screen and the papers sitting next to you, you couldn’t help but to notice that it was beginning to pick up outside. That heavy rain beating against the roof and exterior of the weathered building. It wasn’t the first nor last time you’d be sure to experience a natural disaster whilst working here. Either way, you were thankful to not be in the midst of the torrential downpour. Sitting cozy in the office as you typed away and nursed a cup of coffee. However, you’d soon realize that someone wasn’t so lucky. Someone you knew quite well….in a split second, for no reason other than mere coincidence, you’d find yourself looking up to take a peek at the security feed on the flat screen monitor next to the other one. It was then that you’d spot something..or someone rather through the rain littered lens. Initially, you began to freak out a bit, wondering if someone was attempting to rob you guys after hours. Which was incredibly dumb because their security system was top of the line. Any intruders would be dealt with accordingly. But that wasn’t the case here. Instead, you’d get up from your seat and begin trekking towards the front of the store because honestly, you’d recognize that face anywhere. The second you made it to the entrance way, you’d take the key in your hand and twist the lock open before greeting them:

“Kyojuro?! What’re you doing here?”

you were absolutely bewildered as to why your delivery driver was standing in front of your store at this time of night and in the middle of such a nasty storm nonetheless. It was far too dangerous for him to be out here. But he had a reasonable explanation for the surprise ‘visit’. But first, you’d close the door behind the both of you and try to get him some warmth. “We might have a couple towels or an old outfit back here in the back. Come on.” Immediately switching into a motherly mode, as you had done several times for your staff. It wasn’t uncommon for one of your employees to fall sick or even have an accident and to avoid them being embarrassed or having to go into a store for a change of clothes, you’d keep extra outfits, cloth, towels and first aid items in case something happened. You’d then send them home for some much needed rest. It seems like they’d come in handy today! Whisking the fiery haired, wide eyed Kyo towards the back, where you guys’ makeshift locker room resided and let him get himself cleaned up from the drenched garments he was wearing. But as fate would have it, out of this rain would come a sliver of sunshine..in the way you least expected…

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“Thank you again, miss (L/N). I really appreciate you letting me come in. And for all of this. I won’t get you in any trouble, will I?” a question you’d answer with only a snort as you walked towards him with a warm cup of coffee and another blanket. He had managed to find a decent pair of sweats and a t-shirt after rummaging through the locker that housed it all. A towel drying his soaked hair and some new, unopened socks to warm his feet. He truly couldn’t believe how well prepared you were! But even more so that you were willing to help him despite it possibly being a violation.

“Please. If they have a problem with me helping someone in need, they can have this damn job. Besides, we’re in a category three hurricane warning. We have full permission to use this as a safe haven if anyone needs it. Don’t you worry that handsome little head of yours. It’s all good.” In lieu of your hospitality, you’d also offer him some food; some salads and extra meals that would possibly have to be thrown out anyways but if you were crafty enough, you could sneak it to him. As he got settled into somewhat comfortability, you’d join him for a seat back at your desk as he sat on the couch and ask him what was going on. It was then that he’d confess the reason behind him being here so late. He’d go on to explain that he was finishing up the last of his deliveries for the evening when he got an alert for the weather. It had been raining on and off with the skies remaining dark but he didn’t think too much of it. His boss added another three drops on his route at the last minute and he wasn’t the type to decline so he went ahead despite the warning. It was at his last location that the rain would start to become insanely heavy. As he’s coming down the almost desolate highway, he hears a very rough sound and feels the turbulence. It’s then that he discovers that his back tire is almost blown out. So by nothing other than pure coincidence and his angels working overtime, he found his way into the parking lot of the fast food chain and waited for help. However, the vehicle service company said they couldn’t make it out due to the harsh conditions. Had it not been for you, he’d been stuck waiting in the rain inside of that van. Hearing that broke your heart and filled you with rage.

“Is he crazy?! Sending you on an extra delivery during this? I swear that man pisses me off sometimes. Well I’m just glad you’re safe, Kyo. Seriously. That could’ve been awful had it popped while you were driving.”

“I’m saying. I’m glad you were here..I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help. By the way, this coffee is amazing..best one I’ve ever had.” earning him a warm smile in return as you smashed away at your keys. “Thank you, glad you like it..” and the caffeinated beverage wasn’t the only thing. However, the two of you talked; engaging in idle chit chat and just making conversation. He’d keep you awake and on task as you sifted through emails and exchanged messages with your higher ups. Ensuring that you had made well over expected profits and that you were playing it by ear in terms of when your resume operations. Things were going good…“I swear, your employees don’t know how lucky they are to have a boss like you. Mine’s a nice guy, real kind but sometimes, he overestimates things and it leaves us in a jam. I’m just blessed you were here.”

but your heartfelt moment was short lived when suddenly, a loud roar of thunder and lightning cracked across the sky and the power suddenly blanked! Leaving both you and him in the dark. “Kyo?” “Right here, miss (L/N). You okay?” Shouting out, followed by the flicker of your phone light. You spotted him shortly after, hoisting the light up around the office to see if there were any breakers or generators, possibly even a candle if need be. He was sort of an all around handyman, skilled in various different trades including electrical work, mechanics and more. You were happy it was someone like him stuck with you. But you’d soon learn that not even the best of skills would help this predicament..

“Got a knife or screwdriver?” His intention was to pry the metal box attached to the wall open and try to flip the switches but to no avail..nothing. It seemed that the power had surged for the entire city and lord only knew how long that would take to remedy and with the sounds of thunder growing louder by the second, it was best that he didn’t try to play electrician and instead, wait it out. For now, the two of you were trapped and there was no way to really leave at the moment. Sure, the two of you could take your car but you wouldn’t be surprised if the streets weren’t already flooded with at least two feet of fallen water. Just then, only forty five minutes after they had departed, your staff was blowing up the group chat; chiming in to let you know that they were all safe. Of course, they wanted the same response for their lovely manager. However, you couldn’t lie to them and say that you too were in the comfort of your own home. Rather: “had some more paperwork to finish. But I’ll be heading out soon. Don’t worry, I’m not alone though.” Which would either cause much needed relief or extreme panic. But you assured them all that you were more than fine. Even with power out everywhere. They accepted the answer and just asked that you kept them posted. If need be, they’d come looking and you certainly didn’t put it past them. With Kyojuro there, you were certain there was no need to feel anything less than protected. You just knew they’d never let you hear the end of it you confessed who was by your so you’d implore them all to preserve their batteries and stop pestering you..bidding them a goodnight for now.

“They must really care about you. Sound like good kids.” and that was an understatement! “Yeah, they’re a pain in the ass sometimes but I couldn’t live without any of them. They make this job worth it, that’s for sure.” (Y/N) was like a big sister and anyone making you uncomfortable or potentially hurting you was an enemy. It wasn’t uncommon for some prick of a customer to come starting shit and one of your male subordinates stepping in to handle it. They didn’t play about you in the slightest but they certainly were not alone. It was obvious that there was a bit of a bright side to this whole situation, especially for Kyo. Being granted the alone time he’d always so desperately craved with the beautiful manager. He had been far too afraid to ask for months now. Regardless of his boisterous, bold personality, he lacked any confidence when it came to the women he liked. The first time he saw you, he was a stumbling mess. This absolute vision of beauty smiling at him from behind the counter. It was a miracle that he was holding it together right now. Even after all this time. Watching you sway in that sundress you had changed into was a problem in itself. The thoughts crossing his mind were unbecoming of his normal demeanor.

“Looks like we’re gonna be trapped here for a while, huh?”

suddenly, he’d begin to shuffle in his seat, clearing his throat as he tried not to daydream and think about what was really on his mind. “Y-yeah! I’m sure you’d rather be anywhere besides stuck here with me though.” But he couldn’t have been further from the truth. You were happy to have someone like him..you lived alone and don’t have many friends in this city so had you made it home, you would’ve been holed up in your bedroom, curled under a blanket all by yourself. Shuffling over to the locker in the corner, you’d simply chuckle and retrieve something that had been housed there for almost a year. And what better time than to break it out now?!

“It’s not so bad..especially when you have provisions.” It was then that he lit up. A bottle of 1974 Sauvignon, gifted to you by corporate after winning Manager of the Year. You had been saving it for a special occasion and soon, the two of you would be riding out this storm in more ways than one..

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“No! And he drove through it?! What the hell is his problem?”

“You tell me. I swear Uzui has done some things that could’ve gotten us killed, less known, fired. It’s a miracle I survived my route with him. And he says I’m the crazy one.”

only minutes after popping that cork out and finding some leftover cups from the drive thru, you and Kyojuro poured up two hefty glasses of the sweet wine and nursed sips between your conversation. Topics that ranged from how your daily routine here at the restaurant to how his deranged coworkers and friends have talked him into pulling dumb stunts while on the job. Needless to say, the two of you led very interesting work lives and as exciting as they may have been, you knew little of each other’s personal affairs. Which in hindsight, was no big deal. As you had never really interacted outside of here but he wanted to know more about the woman who ran this place better than any ship captain could. You told him how you moved to this area a couple years ago after college. Ended up being hired as the manager here and had been ever since. You didn’t have any kids or long term partners. Family was a couple hours away and you didn’t have a lot of friends here. For the most part, you’d just work, go home and repeat the cycle. Going to the grocery store or out for the occasional drink but that was it. “Not very interesting, I know..but I’m a homebody so I don’t mind it too much…” confessing as you took another swig of your drink. Even after hearing your rather mundane story, he was still perked up and all smiles listening to you talk. He didn’t care, he still found it interesting..still found you just as fascinating and most certainly couldn’t understand how a beautiful girl like you didn’t have anyone in your life, ready to snatch you up. “What about you? I’m sure a guy like you is always having fun. Probably got a ton of girls on your line too..” side eyeing as if you were fishing for the appropriate answer. But of course, he’d cop the plea and claim that he too didn’t socialize much. His main niche was going out and trying different restaurants but he’d mostly do it alone, as his best friend was busy with women a lot of the time. Saying that it was Uzui who was the true ladies man. He had been here his entire life and maybe only had one girlfriend and one or two hookups on his end. Kyojuro’s true problem was his confidence. He honestly didn’t believe that he was as attractive as he was. Which blew your mind because he was so handsome! Muscular, stocky build, gorgeous smile and he was so cute..

“I usually just end up getting stuck with the girl he doesn’t want and she’ll be nice but not really my type, y’know?”

“Really? Then what is your type?”

it was then that things would find themselves truly intensifying, as you asked him the one question that would surely send the twenty five year old driver into a tailspin. Flushing red all around his face, he’d begin to stumble over his words..glancing down at the floor before answering. “Well uh—the thing is..” he couldn’t find the strength to admit that you were his type. You were the only woman in this godforsaken city that he’d had eyes for. He wanted you so badly, he could taste it and if he admitted that, he had no idea how you’d respond. But if he were ever going to get his chance..now, while you two were all alone with no distractions..he’d come clean! Downing the remainder of that liquid courage, Kyojuro took a giant gulp before turning to you and uttering:

“M-my type…is you, Miss (y/n).” And at that exact moment, your eyes went wide as two half dollars..making you audibly gasp. You honestly couldn’t believe it. Your staff had been saying for months that you were the sole object of his affection but you paid them no mind. The signs were there though and you chose to ignore them. However, neither of you could run from the truth now. He was going to lay it all out and whatever the consequences were that followed, then he’d deal with it but he had to let you know exactly how he felt about you. Scooting closer, he’d place a hand on your thigh and stare you dead into your eyes. He couldn’t be scared anymore. He remembered all of the pep talks his friends gave him about showing a woman he wasn’t afraid. Regardless of how intimidated he was..he had to lay it all out. “I’ve been stuck on you since the day we first met..you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. The way you run this place with so much compassion and care. You even took me in here, knowing it could get you in serious trouble. The way you treat everybody with respect. Even when you’re mad, you never degrade your staff and you’re always looking out for everyone else. You always look so gorgeous, whether it’s in that uniform or like now…you’re so perfect and I know, I don’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell with a woman like you but I just know I’d treat you right if you let—

it was in the midst of his tangent that you found yourself unable to take it. Never had a man spoken about you in such a way and you couldn’t let him think for another second that he didn’t deserve you. So as he rambled on, you’d cusp Kyo’s chin and pull him towards you in a deep, searing kiss. Shoving your tongue into his mouth and all..cupping the sides of his face as you made out. Moaning against his lips and all. It wasn’t until he was practically on top of you did it come to a halt. “Miss (y/n)…”

But you were in no mood to talk. You wanted him. You wanted him to prove right then and there, just how badly he wanted you! After that, it was obvious how both of you felt. There was no need for a lot of words to be exchanged. Your body languages told it all..the tension surging through both of you had reached its boiling point and you couldn’t take it. So the two of you would lie right there on that couch together, arms cradled around his back and legs parted as they coiled his waist. Things were getting hot and heavy; the storm served as a perfect background to this moment and before long, the two of you were working each other out of your clothes. Whether this was a direct result of the liquor or just the desire that had been burning for months, you didn’t want it to stop and rather, fanned the flames! Running your hand up that chiseled back, raising the hem of that shirt, you’d press your hands to his bare skin..soaking him in. It had been quite a while since you had physical contact with someone like this. Your ex was sort of a bore so you hoped that he wouldn’t disappoint. So far, you seem not to have that problem. Smacking your lips together; sensual, slow pecks being exchanged..trails of saliva pooling from each of your mouths as your tongues danced and twirled around. When your eyes finally met, they were sated with lust. Practically pooling over and it was obvious what both of you wanted.

“You’re so gorgeous..I just can’t—I knew you were so damn fine under that uniform.”

“Kyo…”

the words spilling from your mouths along with sharp breaths. There was no question of how either of you felt..it was written all over your faces and embedded in your body language. Without so much as a second thought, you’d begin to strip each other of your clothing; your fingertips raising the hem of his borrowed t-shirt and his sliding the top of your strapless sundress down..allowing it to pool and ruffle around your tummy. Your perfectly round, supple tits spilling out and eliciting pure excitement on Kyo’s face. A living, breathing goddess right here underneath him? He couldn’t even fathom the thought of that. But as he snapped back into reality, he’d make his next move..honing in on your delectable breasts and massaging those erect nipples between his thumbs. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted you?…sometimes, I wondered if you’d even notice me..” confessing as he bent down to gently flick his tongue around those puffy, brown buds. Suckling at them amid his speech. He’d go on to dote on your entire being..saying how beautiful you were, how sexy that body was and what he wanted to do; running his hands along the curvature of your hips. The warmth of his breath and bodily fluids coating your areolae and little did he know it was all turning you on. “But I swear I’ll make sure you never forget when I’m done.” However, he’d soon make it his mission to find out just how much when that free hand snaked upward to the inner corner of your right thigh before parting it from your left and he’d tease around that sopping cunt. Shocked that there was no trace of any panties but pleased about it nonetheless. Whilst still tending to your ample tits, he’d start to rub on that juicy little slit. Starting from the mound until he parted those plump lips and made contact with your clit, which was sensitive to the touch.

“Sundress…no panties on…it’s like you know my weakness.”

“Well you have it now…show me you know what to do with me. We have all night.”

and with that declaration, he still wasted no time in proving himself to be a formidable lover for his longtime crush. He wanted to be certain that from this point forward, you’d think of him at every opportunity..that he’d be on your mind the way you resided on his. Dreaming of the moments you could be reunited again. He wanted you to imagine doing all those dirty things in his absence until he could bring them to fruition once more. Alas, he’d begin to shuffle downward..reluctantly detaching his lips from your breasts before placing soft kisses across the lower part of your belly. That freshly waxed mound was laden with slick, as was your slit but he had plans to get it all much wetter than that. Those few fingers that had been lying dormant there, he’d suddenly moved inside of that tight entrance, which had been spasming on nothing more than air, waiting to be filled. Now having adjusted himself flat on to the couch, legs propped on the arm, Kyojuro would begin to eat you out. Nose stuffed deep between the folds of that cunt, throbbing as he flicked his tongue around and fucked you with his fingers. The divine sweetness of your nectar had him reeling..hooked on that scent and flavor only a few minutes in. He couldn’t stop drinking it even if he tried. You’d find yourself clawing at the leather cushions before eventually tangling your fingers through his hair and bucking yourself against his tongue. Lapping up those juices as they fell and slathered his chin. Covering the corners of his mouth and setting freshly on his taste buds..he couldn’t get enough and when you began to cream on those digits, he was practically feral.

“Ahh! Fuck…Kyo..you’re gonna make me come, baby! Don’t stop, please..”

never in his life had he heard a woman utter those words so sweetly. Begging him to please you and he was happy to serve. He derived his pleasure from seeing you obtain yours..so much so, that when you neared your peak, he’d reach down and start stroking himself to the sounds of your moans. All he could drum up were muffled grunts and sloppy lapping noises but you were using him as you saw fit and he would let you ride that face until you reached bliss. “Are you going to come, sweetheart? For me?” Just then, those light hazel eyes met your gaze and he’d smirk before spitting down onto those folds and sucking your clit as if it were the sweetest piece of candy he’d ever tasted. At the moment, you could do nothing more than gasp and let out loud cries, gasping for air and grasping for stability. No man had ever eaten your pussy like this..and you were certain they would never come close!

“Then come in my mouth..don’t hold back either.”

just then, you’d feel that impending pressure that had swelled in the out of your stomach come billowing out after he pressed a hand to your stomach and pumped those fingers. “Oh God!” You’d begin to shake and tremble, flailing around on that sofa as you flooded his mouth with your squirt. Having been the first time he’d ever made a woman do that, he was excited..he couldn’t believe you’d made such a mess! “Damn! Are you okay?” he’d blurt out, only to be pulled into yet another burning kiss by you, as you were now hooked on him!

“Fuck me…”

“Don’t have to tell me twice..”

uttering the two words through breathy moans. It was obvious that you were not much in the way of waiting and he had no plans to keep you in that state. So in swift fashion, Kyo readjusted the both of you, pinning your legs back and spreading them wide open. Those thick thighs being met with the soft kneading of his palms and a string of his spit onto your folds. After that, he’d start to ease that shaft across them, sweet talking and guiding you through it. And in a matter of moments…

“Oh shit.” Collectively escaped your mouths when he slid in. The reaction hit the two of you at the same time. It was a sensation unlike any he had ever felt before; he wasn’t a virgin by any means but being with you made him feel like it was his first time. Wet, warm and so damn tight..he couldn’t take it. In fact, he’d have to place a hand to the arm of the couch behind you just to gather his bearings. In return, you’d wrap your legs around his waist and allow him to press his entire body weight against your frame. He wasn’t to be undone though..that thick length had you clawing at his arm without so much as a single thrust. You couldn’t wait for him to stretch you out.. “…are you okay? Can I start moving?” To which you’d respond with a nod and beg for him to go; as you couldn’t take him sitting still any longer. With limbs and bodies intertwined, Kyo began to buck his hips forward and fuck you the way you deserved. The way he had so long craved to do..dreaming of the two of you being together, coming home after a long day’s work. Both of you spent but somehow, he’d find the strength to run you a warm bath, give you a massage and then make passionate love to you underneath flickering candlelight. Although it wasn’t that exact situation, this was more than enough for him. Especially when he’d begin to speed up and you’d dig your nails into his back, begging for more. “You feel so good, miss (y/n). Oh God, you’re perfect. Everything about you is..” as he’d continue feeding you those deep strokes, you’d begin to cream all over his shaft, making a mess of him and the couch. But it wasn’t just the movements that had you so aroused. It was the intense stare..the way he spoke life into you; telling you how pretty you were and how amazing you felt. How blessed he was to have the opportunity to be with you….all of it was so affirming and such a turn on. It was the sensual kisses that had your tongues intertwined and pressed deep within your mouths. You had never felt so safe during sex. Despite the ironic circumstances. Clawing your nails into his back, (y/n) coiled a hand around the back of his neck and mumbled into his ear.

“Don’t stop, Kyo. Please, baby. Keep going..”

“I’ll do whatever you want, sweetheart…’is y—your dick now. All yours..”

something about hearing those words reassured you. You knew he wasn’t bluffing about his feelings. That he truly did want you. Eventually, those thrusts increased to a speed where he was hitting your exact spot; breaking through those sensitive bundles of nerves. Unable to keep your legs parted, Kyo took the liberty of pinning them backwards for himself and folding you up. “That’s it..right there! You’re hitting my fucking spot….fucking this pussy s’ good!” When you’d release that loud cry and then proceed to rub on your clit, you could feel him twitching inside of you. That’s when he’d really get into it; doubling over you with the rhythm of his hips swaying in a fluid motion. You’d press at his abs but he’d gently swipe them out of the way, really getting into it. It was insane how intense it was! He was like a man on a mission..a mission to prove he was the only one you needed. Leaving you to pose the question: “Oh my—shit! Why are you fucking me like this? Oh my God!” With that sundress pulled up around your waist, he’d shuffle it to expose the bottom half of your stomach and the bulging in the pit of it. Something about putting it in your stomach on the first try was so satisfying to him. “You take me so good, baby. You take this dick so nice, I can’t help but want to give you all of it.” Marking your forehead with a kiss as he brushed your hairline with his palm. Afraid that if he looked you in the eye, he’d bust right then and there. Instead, he’d toss his head back and keep going. Swirling his thumb over your sensitive bud until eventually, you’d find yourself profusely shaking and clawing at him. Tapping out essentially…because as he realized it, you were only mere seconds from climaxing! “Right there, right there!” Repeating the words in a rapid cadence as he pounded your pussy. “Come for me, beautiful! Let it go, let me have it, please.” And on that declaration, you’d allow your body to go limp and every bit of your juices to spray his impeccable, chiseled abs. You’d wet him up and needless to say, he wasn’t going anywhere after that display of waterworks! Making a woman squirt and at that caliber, he couldn’t believe it. Still pulsating as you spasmed on air, you wanted your turn to please him. So as your legs wobbled uncontrollably, he’d tap that cock against your folds to drum out the remainder and smack the back of your thighs to quell you. “Fuck..that was beautiful.” But you were determined to evoke the same reaction from him. Glaring at him with your lip tucked between your teeth, you’d reach to rub on him. “Something you want, miss (y/n)? What’s on your mind?” And you’d make it very obvious..

“Let me suck that dick..clean you off a little.” Revealing with your palm gently clutching his shaft..he was sensitive so you’d probably make him come with only a few gentle licks but you still wanted to return the favor for all of the pleasure he had given you. Helping you onto the floor, he’d sprawl his legs out and allow you to move in between his legs. He didn’t need to tell you what to do or guide you along. Instead, he’d stretch his arms out to the back of the couch and let you do your thing. Placing your hands onto his thighs, you’d flick your tongue up and down his tip, popping it in and out of your mouth. Soon, you’d have the entirety of his cock drenched in your saliva. Along with your pretty face; not giving a damn how sloppy you got. Kyo had, beyond the shadow of a doubt, never felt this good before in his life. The way you so delicately sucked and slurped on his shaft…looking into his eyes as you did so. Cradling his balls into your palms and gently squeezing for a little more sensation. He could barely contain himself! It certainly didn’t help matters any when you began to shake your ass while doing so..barely peeking out from underneath that hem. Fortunately, you’d help him reach his peak soon enough when you began jerking him off and engulfing his sack with your entire mouth. Alternating between the two; deep throating him one moment and massaging him the next. You could tell just by the way he twitched in the back of your throat that he was close. And if that wasn’t sufficient enough, his grunts and sharp breathing signified it all.

“Gonna come—fuck!” You didn’t say a word, only proceeding to suck him dry and before long, he had spurted all over your face and tits..coating both in the warm pearlescent cream. He couldn’t believe that he had released or had that much housed inside of him. It had been quite a while since he’d been with anyone so he really couldn’t help himself. But before he could apologize for defiling your features , he’d see a smile creep across your face. Even licking the remnants of him from your lips. “Tastes good.” And he knew from that moment on, he’d never find another woman quite like you! “Come here.” Pulling you up with a hand coiling your throat, your lips would connect for yet another kiss and deeply at that. You both still had a little left in the tank, even after going hot and heavy for a while now. But he had to see that ass in action…and he could tell that you were still hungry for more. Which may have been due in part to the alcohol in your system..wine tended to have that effect. So he’d promptly get you back onto the couch where he positioned you on all fours, putting that ass straight in the air with your back arched. Still stroking that sensitive member, Kyojuro made a wild request of you and you’d happily oblige. “Put your ass in my face, baby. Bounce it for me.” You knew he was quirky and strange sometimes but a freak too? You were going to have to keep him around. But even so, you’d allow him to bury both his tongue and face in between your backside as you clapped those cheeks against him. Releasing a loud gasp and whimper when you felt that tongue delving between your folds again and momentarily around your puckering hole. “Mmmphm! Fuck..that feels so good.” You couldn’t tell if it were the liquor or just how he got down, but either way, you were two seconds from falling in love. Giving you two heavy handed slaps on your bottom, he’d retract and instantly tug you back by the waist as he eased back in. Squelching noises arising throughout the room, soon followed by the sounds of clapping flesh. He didn’t even bother to take things slow. You were acclimated to his shape and it was obvious you were far past the point of not knowing each other's bodies. At the risk of not wanting to mess with your hair, he’d opt for your throat instead and begin to drill you from behind. Fingers clutched around that esophagus as you begged for more. “Fuck me, Kyo! Keep fucking me just like that!..” “Yeah? Like that, baby?” Both of your teeth gritted in pure ecstasy. In and out of that now sore cunt at rapid speed, you’d begin to feel him press into the pit of your stomach..leaving you completely unraveled. Tapping on the couch arm, you’d end up collapsing flat onto the sofa, where he’d resume the rest of those backshots with a hand placed into the small of your back and in a plank-like position. This man was going to be the death of you! But it would seem that he too was on his last leg and not before long, you’d hear the sound of him inhaling. He was reaching his limit as were you so you’d make the decision to come together. “Same time, okay?” “Okay!” Reaching that consensus, he’d desperately count down from three and when he reached the final number, it was as if something inside of you both just cracked…that final orgasm hitting you both like a freight train. For a moment, you couldn’t hear or see a thing. Just pure silence and blackness before coming back to. Pulling out just in the nick of time, he’d splatter your back with his last nut. Completely spent and worn out, (y/n) and Kyo fell lazily into one another’s arms and into more intimate kissing. You could stare into those eyes forever and he felt the same. The realization of what had transpired sank in and the two of you just began laughing.

“You know, you really are something else, miss (y/n)..” “I could say the same for you, Mr. Kyo.” Knowing that if anyone were to catch you right now, it might result in a bit of trouble. But as the storm raged outside and the power still hadn’t returned, it was apparent that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. So instead, you’d lie in each other's arms and try to come down from those highs. He’d gently and lovingly stroke your face, as if you were the most beautiful thing he’d ever spotted. “You know, I gotta be honest…I didn’t think you’d like me, miss (y/n). Girls like you? Way out of my league. To which you’d merely giggle and place another kiss atop his cheek. This man had no idea just how attractive he was. “You should have more faith in yourself, Kyo. Because you just so happen to be my type too, sweetheart.” Bopping the tip of his nose, which made him light up with excitement. It was safe to say that he’d be making many more stops at this old fast food joint. Whether it was work related or other, he’d be up for whatever was being served.

as long as you were on the menu.

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rwbyrg · 18 days

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I don't known if you noticed or not, but in the back ground of v7ep9, with the Rosegarden fumble scene, the pillars have what looks like roses and green stems going around them and I'm just like did they (CRWBY) plan this !?!?

I did notice!! Everything about that scene is so blatant, intentional, and in your face and... y'know what, I've been meaning to talk about this scene for forever. Now feels a good a time as any.

Reasons Why Rosegarden is Canon: #013 - The Fumble

I have to admit, this was the first scene that really made me realize that these two were being set up as more than just character foils. And the way it does that is by making this scene sooooo tropey. We've got them Speaking in Unison, Finishing Each Other's Sentences, all with the air of Sickening Sweethearts. Ruby's little run towards him making them almost completely collide? Her closed off body language and nervous giggles? The second jinx at the end? The way it ties into their respective arc(s) while also paralleling other ships?

Lets break it down piece by piece.

First, this scene represents a resolution of sorts to the conflict - or, in romance arc terms, "break up" - that was set up between them at the start of the volume. The disagreement over what to say to Ironwood about the Oz situation is something that Oscar doesn't agree with, but respects either way; prompting the two of them to spend much of the volume separate and distant from each other.

As CRWBY says in the V7 commentary, The Fumble is when they "finally start to regain trust in each other". This, as well as their interactions within it, stand perfectly well on their own. Especially how it talks about the themes of trust, truth, and fear that both their solo arcs brush up against often. It also reaffirms the mutual care that's been established within their relationship thus far.

Ruby has spread herself too thin with her responsibilities and is offering to go tell Ironwood the truth that she initially decided to keep from him... but she's needed in Mantle with the rest of her team. So Oscar, who as we've previously established, is well aware of the weight of responsibility Ruby carries as leader, offers to take over for her. While he didn't agree with her decision from the start, he did respect it and therefore has his own amount of blame in keeping the truth hidden. His actions in this scene tell Ruby that she doesn't have to carry it all alone. That her decisions are not solely hers to bare the weight of. Even reassures her when she double checks that he's okay with it. Look at the little thumbs up! He's got it, Ruby! No worries!!

But outside of how it works for their individual and shared arcs as a pair, it also follows an established pattern within how CRWBY writes their romances. This 'breach of trust/break up' arc is one that has been explored with both Bumbleby and Renora as well. With BB, it kicks off when Blake runs at the end of V3, followed by her and Yang at odds with each other throughout most of V6, before they regain trust after protecting each other against Adam.

With Renora, it's running tangentially to Rosegarden throughout the Atlas arc. Ren, not believing they should be huntsman or be carrying these responsibilities, follows Ironwood's orders to the letter, represses his feelings and gives his team the cold shoulder, etc... all while Nora is in complete disagreement with how he's handling it. But both Bumbleby and Renora have new conflicts and resolutions throughout V8 as well... and so does Rosegarden.

Ruby and Oscar don't end this scene working fully together. They split up, following the name of the episode. Oscar stays behind in Atlas (As Above) to talk to Ironwood, and Ruby goes down to Mantle (So Below). Only for the two to swap places by the end of the volume with Oscar falling to the crater, and Ruby getting picked up from Atlas. They separate again in V8 following the split of the other ships as well; Yang, Ren, Jaune, and Oscar split from Blake, Nora, Weiss, and Ruby, respectively. The narrative constantly separating them with intention.

When they do have another resolution with the (rudely interrupted) reunion hug in V8E10, it is once again in this same location: The Schnee Manor entryway. Which, if you look at the full scope, with its rose engraved pillars, is designed like the definition of a fairy tale ballroom.

This romantic setting having not just one, but two very important moments to their shared narrative, ties into a Chekov's gun that's been following them around since the beginning: the idea that fighting and dancing aren't so different.

Even their body language and poses have them set up as if they're asking the other to dance!!

During this scene, they're also framed between two open doorways. Doors framing Rosegarden is something I've mentioned a few times, but am still working on a full meta for. To explain it briefly, open doors within stories - especially RWBY's narrative - are often symbolic of a few things. New beginnings, transitions and change, but also opening up or vulnerability. In this scene, Ruby and Oscar end up coming to an agreement between two thresholds marking a mutual transition. And they do this by trusting each other, opening up to one another, and ultimately growing closer in the process.

Speaking of being on the same page, I also want to talk about how the other characters are framed here. (Disclaimer: this isn't meant to downplay other ships, it is just an objective observation.)

Within the scene proper, team JNR all leave before Ruby and Oscar arrive, but there is an Interesting Focus on the characters that pass them over. The first we see passing over Ruby's shoulder is Penny, the second one is Weiss, this time over Oscar's shoulder. Leaving the two behind...

But then the camera angle changes. When Ruby and Oscar say "we should tell Ironwood" in unison, they are overlapped by Yang and Blake. Ruby then asks "Guess we're on the same page, huh?" before it pans back to Oscar and shows Bumbleby crossing past them a second time, as he responds "Guess so".

Which tells us two things. First, that they're on the same page as each other, and second that they are also on the same page narratively as Bumbleby. And if that wasn't enough to really drive the idea home, they give us another parallel to them by the end of the scene when Ruby and Oscar jinx with each other again!!

Ruby is so excited that she actually jumps off the ground when she turns around to wish Oscar luck, they bid each other farewell before she gives him the finger guns (just like her big sis does to Blake in V9), and then Ruby leaves through the front door, giggling again. Which prompts Marrow to roll his eyes in exasperation at the cringey, overly romantic youth he's been forced to witness twice over now. Once here, and once with BB earlier in the volume.

The last thing I'll mention has less to do with analyzing the scene objectively and more about a little test a dear friend of mine ran. She took the clip of this scene and sent it to some friends that weren't familiar with RWBY, the ship, or either of the characters individually, and asked them the question: What do you think the dynamic is between these characters?

And every single person that was asked immediately agreed that there was either a crush situation going on or it was building to a potential romance arc.

So take that as you will. Love this scene with all my heart, and thanks for giving me an excuse to talk about it. 🥰

#rwby #ruby rose #oscar pine #rosegarden #ship parallels #rwby ship parallels #reasons why rosegarden is canon #meta #analysis #ask #asks #creatoriamari

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wing-ed-thing · 6 months

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Best Friends with Gaara Relationship Headcanons

Tags/Warnings: No Reader Pronouns

𓆃 The epitome of an adult friendship; you won't see each other or talk for months, but when your schedules magically align weeks later, you pick up exactly where you left off like the time you hadn't seen each other was nothing.

𓆃 Despite not being able to spend regular amounts of time together, your friendship with Gaara is the most stable, closest, and valued friendship you probably have.

𓆃 After all, Gaara's leading a country, and with the bustle of shinobi society, you have your hands full with your profession. Especially if you're pursuing an ambitious shinobi career, you're going to be away traveling for long periods of time.

𓆃 And if you're in the ANBU, you can expect to not see your loved ones for extremely long periods of time.

𓆃 Perhaps if you're a citizen of the Sand, you might see each other more often, but your relationship wouldn't deviate much compared to any other distance.

𓆃 But the time between spending time together isn't what defines your relationship. While the distance appears rather severe on paper, the times you are together, it makes you forget about all the time you were apart.

𓆃 Perhaps it's a lunch or a dinner out, but it lasts for hours just catching up on all the crazy things you've been waiting to tell each other.

𓆃 And when you get older, perhaps Gaara will pull out a physical list of things he's written to tell you along with a new pair of reading glasses.

𓆃 You quite literally never run out of things to talk about, cutting loose with each other just reacting to the various outlandish things you've endured during your time apart.

𓆃 Gaara typically sits very silently when you're talking, expressing his interest through the hand he holds up to his lips.

𓆃 He doesn't make many gestures of acknowledgment outside of his intent forward staring, but know that he's listening very intently.

𓆃 And while he's not a man to have extreme reactions like gasps or surprised outbursts, he will add his own dry commentary that will have you melting with laughter.

𓆃 The rare times he offers a closed-lipped smile and a chuckle are almost always with you.

𓆃 He may cross his arms over his chest, but if in doubt, you can tell he's laughing by the shaking and bobbing of his shoulders.

𓆃 It's quite the sight, and sometimes his employees will try to subtly gather around your meeting spot to catch a glimpse of the ever-serious Kazekage smiling and laughing at jokes.

𓆃 But just because you don't see each other often doesn't mean you're not there for each other.

𓆃 Gaara can and will exhaust all the resources he's able to in order to help you out. He doesn't like to make a show of it and will deny it when he can, but he's a ride or die friend.

𓆃 He's also willing to roll along with more impulsive plans than he lets on. Whether it's spontaneous dinners or a crazy plan you've been dedicated to since lunch, Gaara isn't above pushing back some of his affairs to indulge you.

𓆃 Granted that the things that need tending to aren't urgent.

𓆃 Sometimes you'll write letters, but those are few and far between. But the moment you mention you need assistance, Gaara is more than willing to pull strings to help you where he can.

𓆃 It's always just the right amount of help. He can't solve your problems for you, but he can offer you precisely what you need most times.

𓆃 Prepare to fight over the bill at restaurants and think of something really thoughtful for special holidays because you're constantly making thoughtful gestures to each other.

𓆃 Gaara is comically cryptic about gifts.

𓆃 "Do you have sufficient area in your home?" he might write to you one day, "I'm sending you a gift that needs... sufficient area. I can't tell you how much, or it'll ruin the surprise."

𓆃 He'll also try to leverage his position as Kazekage if you won't let him grab the bill or accept a meaningful act of service— which is all in good fun of course.

𓆃 You'll be smacking his hand away because he's offering to put money down on the table, and he'll look you in the eye with a very serious expression, "You're daring to defy the Kazekage?"

𓆃 It's clear that you and Gaara care about each other very much, so much that your friendship can never be broken by things as silly as "time and distance."

𓆃 You will always be there for each other and remain great and loyal friends for a lifetime.

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

#gaara x reader #gaara #naruto x reader #gaara headcanons #gaara headcanon #naruto headcanon #naruto headcanons #naruto scenario #naruto scenarios #naruto shippuden #naruto #naruto x y/n #naruto x you #reader insert #x reader #x you

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distort-opia · 12 days

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What kind of non lethal crimes do you think Joker would pivot to in a relationship with Bruce? I'm thinking about your REMS characterization. Also thinking about a line from Joker in the last chapter, about not throwing his career down the shitter and killing to defend himself. What would a career look like for him being with Bruce? Surely he would still be incredibly silly about them, with varying levels of violence that *just* teeters the edge. Love your work!

Glad you like my work, thank you! Hmm, what I had in mind when writing that in REMS (or for a sequel) was Joker's penchant for... well, breaking people and exposing hypocrisy, but minus the murder. With his love of drama and performance sprinkled on top, of course; as you say, he'd never stop being silly.

He usually kills indiscriminately, yes, because he considers himself as just playing into the cruel meaninglessness of the world. But the reason why Joker fixated on Batman, and why his M.O. includes using a gas that basically forces people to see the world like he does right before they die, is Joker's need to prove a point. He wants people to admit that there's no order to life and that tragedy can strike at any time; he wants Gotham to realize how arbitrary rules are, and Batman happens to be the perfect embodiment of that.

So I think that a Joker who won't murder anymore would basically create situations in which people's darkest sides are exposed, to various degrees of seriousness and violence. And not only that-- he would do things that would expose the ridiculousness and heinousness of the world people live in. Capitalism and its self-cannibalizing focus on profit, the skewed interests of the government, the suffering of the poor... Joker's already done this sort of thing, it's not much of a stretch. For example, seeing how many people we're being hurt as a result of superhero fights, one time Joker promised to pay the medical bills of each Gothamite that posted a video on the DC equivalent of Facebook... but only if they shouted the word "Balyushka" and then did something ridiculous to make him laugh:

Batman: Gotham Nights #6 ("Balyushka!")

And he keeps his word! But of course, this creates utter chaos, because people are doing fucking crazy shit to get that money. And the thing is, he doesn't do this just for funsies. He has a point, and Bruce can't help but admit it:

Batman: Gotham Nights #6 ("Balyushka!")

Joker exposed the problems that Batman could not tackle with fists, and then Bruce listened. He actually used his money and influence to help.

Ironically, again, it's not the first time Joker did something that made Bruce go "Hmm, maybe I should look into the systemic corruption":

Batman: Gotham Nights #4 ("The Dragnet")

I won't go into too much detail, but Joker paid Harleen Quinzell's tuition without much prompting, he went and helped (in his own way) a child who wrote to him and was clearly being abused... it's about the cases he can empathize with. And they're all connected to his own life-ruining trauma. Red Hood fell into the vat most of all because of poverty. Because he had no choice except to turn to crime-- otherwise him and his family would not have had food to put on the table. So of course he hates the society he lives in, one that had no safety nets or mercy for people like him who were drowning.

This is a very long-winded way to say that I imagine a non-lethal Joker being a mix of this and... stupid ass pranks on a massive scale, because let's be honest, he wouldn't give them up. He just wouldn't kill people at the end (because it'd make his boyfriend sad).

fanfic writer ask game - director's commentary

#asks #ask game #repetitio est mater studiorum #joker

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syrena-del-mar · 3 months

Text

Selfish Desires and the Class War: Dead Friend Forever

Ever since @nyxelestia's great additions to my tags about how Phee has been able to process his grief in comparison to Tan, and succinctly stated how class theorists regard poverty as a type of violence, I can't help but take a bit of a socio-economic look at the DFF's group of friends. Particularly, episode 10 really served to solidify my theory on the underlying commentary DFF is making regarding selfishness and the different abilities to skirt punishment dependent on class.

For this one, I'm going to break this down in a couple of categories: first, I'm going to explain Hobbes' theory on human nature and Marx's theory on class wars. Then I will be listing out the 'class types' each one of the DFF boys are in (sans White). Finally I will be analyzing the THC gang with Non, then Phee and New.

Keep in mind that here I will be defining 'selfish desires' as to the innate human inclination to prioritize one's own needs, wants, and interests over that of others. Meanwhile class war/conflict will be in reference to the societal divide into different classes dependant on their relationship to their means of production and value.

Human Nature According to Hobbes

In Hobbes' 'Leviathan', he delves into understanding human nature. His conclusion is probably best summarized by his most known phrase, "'the state of nature." In this state of nature, where Hobbes hypothesized about a life where there is no government, no laws, or state of order, just simply individuals that are able to live without constraints. Hobbes found that life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, short, and brutish."

Hobbes' comes to the conclusion, that absence of societal constraints, humans are driven by desire to secure their own survival and fulfill their desires. Hobbes states that there is an universal, fundamental drive for self-preservation that leads to a state of equality among humans. Yey, instead of being able to live in harmony, the equality, particularly in vulnerability to harm and death, breeds competition since it is human nature to scrounge, secure, and vie for resources— even when it means taking advantage of one another.

Central to Hobbes' theory of human nature is fear—fear of others, fear of harm and fear of uncertainty. Without structure, humans are trapped in a perpetual state of insecurity, creating a 'war of all against all'. Hobbes acknowledges that individuals have natural rights, particularly the right to self-preservation but with a lack of governing authority, the enforcement to this right is essentially meaningless.

Tldr; there are four main components to human nature: self-preservation, fear and insecurity, equality and competition, and natural rights.

Theory of Class Wars

Now, enter Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and we have the theory that a society is divided into two classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariats. The bourgeoisie, own the means of production and are able to explore the labor of the proletariat for profit, which ends up leading to human alienation and inequality.

When it comes to the relationship of selfish desires and class war, at its core, the idea instills that a capitalist system incentivizes and rewards the selfish pursuits among the bourgeoisie. The accumulation of wealth and exploitation of labor and the quest for profit are the driving forces between constructing and maintaining class inequalities.

Dead Friends Forever: The Intersection of Social Class Divide and Selfish Desires

The thing about Dead Friend Forever is that there is a visible class division between Por and Non, which drowns out the undercurrent class differences between the rest of the DFF gang.

Por: He is born into power and higher class. His mother ever states "Do you think I'll be in trouble for kind of thing?" He is born into awareness of his status and the privilege.

Jin: Just from the house that he lives, you can tell that he is relatively well off. The finishes in the house both interior and the exterior show that his family, while not as rich as Por, are likely more than financially stable.

Phee: His dad is a police inspector, which likely provides decent money, as he is able to send his son to a private school on a single household income.

Fluke: We're given enough information that we know he wants to be a doctor and make his mom proud, he's attending tutoring classes and there's no mention of money issues.

Top: No mention of struggling for money, can safely assume that he lives comfortably.

Tee: Struggling, has a lot of debts to Uncle Joe in order to keep his dad alive.

New/Non: Their whole family is struggling even before Non went missing. What little money they had was sent over to New, even taking on debts to be able to provide for him abroad. They were one paycheck away from losing everything, which they eventually did.

Non and the THC Gang

Aside from Tee, the main group are all born into various levels of wealth and privilege, whether it be purely monetary or with the jobs of their parents, so they're able to navigate their life with an air of entitlement. Their desires are all shaped by the comforts and opportunities that their status affords them. Por's family alone was able to get their high school film reported on and with a viewing, merely with the mother's flippant mention of the project. Not to mention that Por's mother explicitly sets the tone of how she would be treated compared to Non's mom. It's a stark contrast, Non stands out as the outsider, not only due to his lack of friends in the school, but also marginalized by his lack of wealth and social standing in comparison to the rest of the gang. And in an odd way, it's likely why he felt a certain degree of kinship with Tee, who is the only other individual visibly struggling to survive, even if he mostly keeps his money troubles away from his group of friends.

The whole reason Non even gets involved with the group is because the group, particularly Por and Fluke, are driven by their hunger for success and recognition. Por likely wanted his parents to find some pride in him and Fluke needs it to round out his resume when applying to medical school. They desperately want to win the sponsorship, so they need and use Non— not as an equal but as a means to an end. They exploit his talent in scriptwriting and they use him as a pawn, not even inviting him to the presentation when its Non's script their using. Hell, they barely could stand being close enough to take a picture with Non. They quite literally use him as a pawn, an easy exploit, reminiscent of Hobbes' notion of self-interest as a driving force.

As the show continues on, the exploitation of Non takes on darker shades, echoing Hobbes bleak depiction of the state of nature. The initial bullying, that is rooted in class-based prejudices, transforms into a calculated campaign of cruelty. While Tee might be struggling financially, he's actually the true leader of the group. Sure, Por may have the money, but the guys only follow what Tee wants. Top and Tee use Non's marginalization against him, almost as if vultures feeding on the weaker. Top doesn't have to pay for the camera and Tee is able to find Uncle Joe's next victim for the horse accounts, a complete parallel of Hobbes' description of the strong dominating the weak in the absence of a social contract. In doing so Non, the 'marginalized' becomes fodder for the selfish desires of Tee and Top, initiating a chain-reaction event to Non's detriment.

While Por, Tee, and Top have the more obvious benefits with how Non is treated, so does Fluke. Fluke, in the hierarchy of status within the group, is at the bottom rung. With Non there he's able to be treated better and he no longer is the scapegoat. He admits it in this episode. He needed Non to be mistreated, because he feared being targeted by the rest of the THC gang, and having Non around kept everyone else's attention off of him. He was no longer the one being harrassed. He's able to sacrifice Non for his own benefit.

The thing about Fluke is that he doesn't overtly try to harm Non, not in the same way that the others do. No, his covert damage that he causes Non is in his silence. He sees Top destroy the camera, Tee come up with the idea to target Non, he sees Jin film Non and Kru Keng, he even questions Jin's intentions to film, but he's spineless. He cares more for himself, he prioritizes his self-preservation. He maintains the status quo and utilizes Non's weakness so that he isn't the next target.

Initially, Jin's treatment of Non seems to defy the expected narrative of class exploitation, since out of the group he's the one that is the most compassionate and understanding. From a Marxist perspective, this initial compassion could be understood as an acknowledgment of the inherent inequalities that exist between the affluent and the marginalized. Jin's actions might suggest a fleeting moment of solidarity, recognizing and acknowledging Non's humanity beyond his status. However, his demeanor shifts dramatically when he realizes that Non doesn't reciprocate his romantic feelings and worsens when he sees him with Kru Keng.

Hobbesian human nature, which is driven by the pursuit of power and self-interest, comes to the forefront as Jin's wounded pride and sense of rejection fuel his actions. In Hobbes' state of nature, individuals are driven by their desires and fears leading to betrayal and conflict. His change in behavior to Non reflects this as he seeks to assert dominance and control in the face of perceived rejection by punishing Non. Jin's betrayal of Non's trust and kindness underscores the harsh realities of class divides, where compassion can quickly give way to exploitation. Hobbes argued that individuals in the state of nature are in constant competition for power and self-preservation, here Jin's realization that Non does not reciprocate his feelings leaves him feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Non's role as a commodity within the framework becomes clear as filming continues. His talent is valued solely for its ability to bring profit and success to the friends. Yet, despite his contributions, Non remains alienated from the fruits of his labor, he's always the worker and never the leader. Continuing this trend of being a pawn in group's quest for recognition. Marx's concept of false consciousness is evident, since Non remains unaware of the true nature of his exploitation until its too late.

The group needs to get rid of Non, because he's become a lose cannon. Tee needs him delivered to his Uncle, so that he can survive and continue to receive the payments he needs to keep his dad alive. The depths of their depravity are laid bare and echoes both Hobbes' and Marx's grim assessments of human nature intertwined with class conflict. Non becomes a victim to their cruelty, to their selfish desires, and the stark reality of coming from a poor family. He disappears into the abyss of the mafia, while the rest of the group continue to live their lives unperturbed, shielded by their wealth and privilege.

Interestingly enough, every single one of the guys that come from a better socio-economic status have begged for Non's forgiveness while under the influence of New's hallucinogens. The only one who doesn't is Tee. Yes, he is under the distress of confessing his crimes since Fluke is holding White hostage, but he's the only one that is willing to admit fault and ask for forgiveness without having to hallucinate Non's face or his voice. All this leaves me asking, what depths of betrayal and exploitation were the THC gang willing to sink to in their quest for dominance? Did Tee's penance begin when attempted to help Non escape his Uncle Joe? Was Non actually able to escape or had they sent him to his death?

2. Phee and New/Tan

Even through Phee and New, we can see Hobbesian and Marxist themes in their different versions of grief they experience over Non's disappearance.

New embodies the the essence of Hobbesian human nature, bringing around the idea of 'war of all against all'. His relentless pursuit of revenge becomes a primal instinct for survival, since he has lost everything good in his life. His brother, his childhood home, his education, his mother, and finally his father, in that very order, over the span of three years. New's grief over the disappearance of Non becomes a consuming force that propels him into a world of darkness. In Hobbes' state of nature, individuals are typically driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power, which New's quest of revenge reflects this fundamental aspect. His quest against the friends responsible isn't solely about revenge, but it's a desperate attempt to assert agency and justice in a world that has denied his family both.

Marx argues that in a capitalist society, the bourgeoisie will exploit the proletariat for profit, perpetuating class struggles. Non was exploited for his script, but New represents the proletariat, the oppressed working class fighting back against the forces of oppression. His revenge is a revolt against the oppressive structures of class inequality that have marginalized his whole family. In Marxist terms, his journey is a symbol of the proletariat struggle against exploitation and injustice, which echos the revolutionist spirit of Marxism.

On the other hand, Phee, who is financially well-off and still has his father, represents the privilege and the detachment from the struggles of the proletariat. He never fully understood why Non wasn't receptive to his help, similarly he's not completely understanding New's own thirst for revenge. While Phee is initially driven by a desire to uncover the truth about Non's disappearance, and while he still loves Non, it's mostly driven by guilt and grief within the context of privilege. Phee has things, people, in his life that still matter outside of Non. Yes, he loved Non, but he's able to move on from his grief, reflecting the detachment and apathy that can settle in with privilege. Under Marx's critique of the bourgeoisie, who exploit the proletarian, it's because Phee still has his Dad and other things he loves in life that he is able to move on from the type of anger in grief that New finds himself overwhelmed in.

It's going to be interesting where Phee and New's friendships heads in the last two episodes. Will it New and Phee collide in a violent confrontation that mirrors the clash between the oppressed and the privileged? Is DFF trying to make a comment on the class war where New's relentless pursuit of revenge against the THC gang represents the proletariat's revolt against exploitation, while Phee's detachment echoes the bourgeoisie's indifference to the plight of the marginalized? Or it will show that Phee and New are able to put their social status aside in order to find revenge against the true bourgeoisies, in this case the THC gang, that exploited Non for all his worth until ultimately destroying him.

Final Thoughts

While this episode may feel significantly weaker in comparison to the last five, I think it's providing us with the necessary exposition as we head into our final two episodes. We're seeing the destruction of the 'bourgeoisie' by their own hands with just a little nudge from the sole proletariat. As Hobbes would likely agree, it's a dog eat dog world in that cabin. It always had been with Top, Por, Tee, Fluke and Jin. There was an equality between them, but now with an outside force, their bonds are breaking and they are willing to kill each other just to survive.

Dead Friend Forever is going beyond the standard slasher genre, even beyond horror. I truly think it's making social commentary regarding the classes and human nature. It's going to be interesting to see who comes out the survivor of this party from hell, if there is anyone.

Tagging @slayerkitty for DFF's meta round up.

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danieyells · 11 days

Text

@mayoigotokurousagi asked for a few more of the home screen dialogues I liked from a couple of characters, so here's Leo! Also included are the Japanese versions of the text for this one.

I LOVE HIM HE'S SUCH A LITTLE SHIT. . . . Once again this is nearly all of them because this mfer has such personality lmao his also go with a few other characters', so there's i think one for Romeo and two or three for Sho in there too.

Also as a warning. . .i got a little horny in my commentary for some of these. But it's not my fault, Leo's the one who's saying things like that lol

One of the default lines you can get at any time, without any affinity:

Hey Honor Roll!

...Don't make that face at me. I'm being totally genuine right now.

ね、特待生サマ♡

……なにその顔。別になんも企んでないよ

We were deprived of a cute heart in his localized text to emphasize how saccharine he was being. How dare they.

Affinity 1:

"Ugh, I'm so tired...

I'm done with these classes already. I'll just show up for tests and skip the rest."

は～……ねむ…… なんか怪異の授業も飽きたし、テスト以外もう出んのやめよ……

Affinity 2:

"I'm starving!

Huh? Where'd Sho go?

I swear he was here a second ago... Whatever. I'll make that NPC go buy something for me."

お腹空いた～。あれ、翔ちゃんは？ここにいると思ったんだけど…… ま、いっか。モブ女に購買行かせよ

Affinity 3;

"That fucking himbo left me behind again..."

あのポンコツ朴念仁……またオレのこと置いて行きやがって

Affinity 4:

"Right now? I'm programming an app.

I'm not doing anything that complex, just making an ordering system."

今？　アプリのプログラミング中。

別にそんな難しいことしてないよ。オーダーシステム作ってるだけ～

Important to note, this is Sho's Affinity 7 line:

"Nice, got an order. More demand than I thought.

Getting Leo to make this app was a good call."

お、出前の予約が入ったわ……思ったより需要あってよ。

玲音に予約アプリ作らせたの正解だったな

So he made Sho an app for his food truck! Probably not for free of course--

Affinity 5:

"Ugh... Cap smashed my woofer. I was just playing music in the Pit since we can't go clubbing..."

だっる……クラブ行けない代わりに地下で音楽流してたら、寮長サマにウーハーぶっ壊されたんだけど……

That was kinda mean on Alan's part haha

Affinity 7:

"Hey, over here.

Give this tabloid to that national treasure wannabe in front of the food truck. Just do it!"

キミ、こっちこっち。あのキッチンカーの前にいる国宝気取りに、この週刊誌渡してきて。いいから早く！

My guy does not like Subaru huh lmao

Affinity 8:

"Hey, Cap, could you open this bottle for me?

Do it yourself? I can't, that's why I'm—

hey! Where are you going?!

ねぇ寮長サマ～、このペットボトルの蓋開けて～♡　いや、無理だから頼んで…… ちょっとどこ行くの！？

Leo really said 'i need a big strong man in my life' and Alan said 'good luck becoming one' kekw

Affinity 10:

"This pillow mist? I only bought it because it was trending, but it's better than I thought it'd be. Ro-Ro's hooked on it too."

あ、この寝香水？　バズってるから買ったんだけど、意外とよくてさ。ロミサマもハマってるみたいよ？

Romeo's Affinity 8 line references this:

"You're smelling the bedtime fragrance I bought from Kurossa earlier. He has a good eye, so I often ask him to pick things out for me."

この香り？　さっきクロッサから買った寝香水だよ。あいつセンスいいから、よく見繕ってもらうわけ

"Kurossa" obviously being from "Kurosawa", Leo's surname. These two became fast friends, huh. Maybe they already knew each other from social media, since Romeo has an Instragram too. I bet they take the prettiest selfies.

Affinity 11(between 5am and 11am):

"Night, then.

What? I haven't slept yet. Unlike you, I actually have shit to do."

じゃ、おやすみ～…… なに？　今から寝るんだけど。オレ、キミと違って忙しいの

Affinity 12:

"Why is this place so overrun with fucking losers?! My eardrums are going to burst!!

...I'm going back to the garage to play with Cap."

どこいても雑魚どもがうっさい！！この学園、マジどうなってんの！？ ……ガレージ戻って寮長サマで遊ぼ

I guess he finds Alan more bearable than others? Or maybe just likes that he's quieter. . .or finds him more entertaining lol it's kind of nice to see that they're "getting along" in the loosest sense of the term i guess. . . .

Affinity 13:

"Huh... The little kabuki prince's sister married an actor from a different troupe?

Bet there's something going on there."

ふ～ん……梨園の御曹司サマには、別の屋号の歌舞伎役者と結婚した姉がいる……

なんか、超匂うわ～……

Affinity 14:

"You think I smell good? It's L'Occitane body lotion.

I just throw some on after showering in the morning."

この匂い？　ロクシタンのボディーローションだけど。朝シャンの後、ぱぱっとつけてるだけだよ

Affinity 16:

"Ugh, I totally missed out on that ultra-spicy chicken thing they had in Shin-Okubo.

Guess I'll read the reviews and get Sho to recreate it."

あ～新大久保の激辛チキン、完全に食べ損ねてる……

ネットのレビュー調べて、翔ちゃんに再現させるか

The tumblr app crashed like three times when i was trying to paste this one in????

Affinity 17:

"Wow, so late already. Better get a bath going and get ready for bed.

Here you go. It's for scrubbing the bath."

やば、もうこんな時間じゃん。さっさと風呂溜めて寝る支度しよ。

はいこれ、風呂掃除用のブラシ♪

If you do a real good job of cleaning the tub for him, he may even let you have some of his bathwater! Isn't he generous?

Affinity 18:

"That dumb video got over 10k interacts? God, you're all so basic... Muting."

あんな適当な動画が万バズとか、本当ちょろすぎ……うるさいから通知切ろ……

No respect or love for his fans is2g

Affinity 19:

"I can touch you, but you can't touch me.

That's how this works, got it?"

オレからキミに触るのはオッケー。キミからオレに触るのはダメ。

いい？　これがオレたちのルールね

This is probably so much more innocuous than it sounds--like literal touching, or maybe him holding his fame as an influencer over you--especially since he's saying it with a straight face but. . .it's so easy to imagine this as Leo cuffing or tying your hands and when you ask what he's doing he climbs in your lap and moves your clothes out of his way and says this. . .and at this point you've probably never fucked or kissed or anything before so it's a little out of the blue but you can't really stop him and he just toys with you until he's satisfied. . .one of my favorite of his lines just because it's a little dirty lol

Affinity 21:

"Hey, Honor Roll, come sit down.

Not over there, next to me.

Good, you're comfy. Don't move, I'm taking a nap."

特待生サマ、ちょっとここ座って。

違うよ、オレの隣。

あ～気持ち～♡しばらく昼寝するから動かないでね

Lap pillow hours! Whether you like it or not!

Affinity 22:

"They went to the Pit again? Must really get a kick out of it...

Like big, dumb animals throwing themselves at each other."

あいつら、また地下に行ってんの？好きだね～本当……

やってること、虫相撲とほぼ変わんないじゃん……

Affinity 23:

"The whole demon nickname?

People can call me whatever they want. I know who I am."

悪魔って呼ばれてること？

別に、好きにすればって感じ。オレが何者かは、オレが一番わかってるもん

His expression saying this is pretty normal, so I guess it really doesn't bug him, which is good.

Affinity 24:

"Stay like this till I tell you to leave, okay? Got it?

I didn't hear an answer."

オレが行っていいって言うまで、キミはずっとこうしててね♡

……わかった？　返事は？

Again, this one's a little dirty which makes me like it a lot hahaha. . .this is a late night one(it's labeled "GoodNight" and only pops up between 10pm and midnight) is he telling you to sit still while he sleeps on your lap or uses you as a body pillow? Is he making you sit still with a toy in you while he ignores you or pretends he's not tormenting you sexually? SORRY I FIND SEXUAL THINGS SO AMUSING BUT HE'S MAKING IT SOUNDS SO HORNY. The audio doesn't sound as horny as i'm making it sound off but like LOOK AT IT.

Affinity 25(max!):

"Wanna make a bet, Honor Roll?

Over which will come first—me falling for you, or you getting hooked on me."

特待生サマさ、オレと賭けない？

オレがキミを好きになるのが先か、キミがオレに沼るのが先か

I think it's a little late for you, sweetheart. I think you've already caught the feels and that ship is sailed.

Spring:

"Why the hell would I go to class? I already learned all the first year material."

授業なんて出るわけないじゃん。１年で覚えなきゃいけない範囲は、もう全部やっちゃったし

"Cap really puts the "him" in "himbo..."

Look at him, he's got a flower stuck in his hair."

寮長サマってさ、あんな見た目してなんでポンコツなんだろね……

ほら見てよ。頭に花くっついてるし

"Can't believe how many gross dudes this account keeps reeling in. AI-generated pics make it so easy!

"Could you send me some more money ♡?” Send."

このアカ、変態ジジイ釣れすぎなんだけど。ＡＩ美女画像マジ便利～！

もっとペイペイちょ～だい♡っと

I find it funny that they use AI generated images for their backgrounds and also have a character who scams people with AI generated images. . . .

Summer:

"That rule about having to wear your academy or house uniform on campus is so outdated.

I'm going to die wearing all this crap in this heat."

学内は基本、制服か寮服じゃなきゃ駄目ってさ、今時そんな校則あり？

暑くて死んじゃうんですけど

"I can't believe Sho seriously ran out of my Killer Sauce. It's summer, this is when I want to eat spicy stuff."

翔ちゃん、オレのキラーソース切らしてんのマジあり得ないんだけど。夏こそ辛いもん食べたいのに

"I keep telling Sho we should let off some fireworks and he keeps saying no!

You want to do it too, don't you, Honor Roll?"

翔ちゃんに花火したいって言ってんのに、全然付き合ってくんないの！

特待生サマも、やりたいもんね～？

One of Sho's summer lines references this:

"Leo won't shut up about wanting to let off fireworks, but no way am I doing that shit with him again. I'm sure you can guess why."

玲音が花火してぇってうるせぇんだけどよ、俺は二度とあいつとはやんねぇって決めてんの。わかんだろ？

"Yeah, apparently there's more anomalies around in summer. Statistically speaking.

It's just fucking annoying more than anything else, really."

ああ、なんかこの時期って、日本は怪異が増えるらしいね、統計的に。

普通にめんどくさいだけなんだけど

Autumn:

"Thought I could have some fun here at Japan's most elite educational institution.

What a let down."

日本有数の名門校なんて言われて、期待して入ったのにさぁ。

結局この学園も、つまんないやつばっか

"Sports? Hard pass. I hate getting sweaty.

Ask Sho instead."

スポーツ？　パス。オレ、汗かくの嫌いなの。

翔ちゃんでも誘ってきなよ

"Sho hurt himself playing basketball?

How unfortunate."

翔ちゃんがバスケ中に怪我した？

へぇ、そうなんだ。大変だね

He gives so few fucks about his best friend lmao then again they're ghouls, Sho'll probably be fine in like two hours.

"Ugh, I want to go clubbing...

We should make one in the Pit. Sinostra's got a casino, can't be that hard to get a permit."

あ～クラブ行きて～……

いっそさ、地下改造して箱にしちゃうのどう？カジノがありなら余裕じゃない？

Leo pointing at sinostra: if the criminals in there can have a fucking casino there's no way it's hard to get a business permit here. They kill people like on a weekly basis and no one's shut them down. The standards must be in the ground.

Winter:

"This coat? Cute, right? I knew it'd look good on me, so I bought it."

ああ、このアウター？可愛いっしょ。絶対オレに似合うと思って買ったんだ～♪

"I'm freezing... I'm having a carbonated bath tonight.

Wanna join, Honor Roll?

Of course I'm serious."

あ～、さぶ。今日の風呂は強炭酸にしよ…… 特待生サマも一緒に入る？

別に、マジで言ってんだ��ど

This one happens regardless of affinity which is kinda funny to think about. then again, Japanese bathhouse culture probably means that's not super weird if you have a tub big enough, maybe? Then again a bathhouse and just having a bath with someone are different things. I bet he has lots of baths with Sho.

"Hey, everyone! It's me!

Ugh, my throat's all dry from the cold. I'll just stream tomorrow..."

こんばんは。ＬＥＯだよ～！

……やば、乾燥で喉死んでるわ。配信は明日にしとこ……

Of note here, Leo's online handle is just "LEO" in Japanese. In English his name probably had to be given just as Leo to prevent this being lost in translation, because his actual name, in kanji, is 玲音, which is pronounced "Reio"(the same as 'leo' but with an r). But "Leo" is stylized since Japanese doesn't have the L sound and the R sound is closest. So in Japanese he says "It's LEO!" whereas in English he just says "It's me!" since his handle and his name are the same. Although, as someone who follows streamers, introducing yourself again at the top of a stream isn't too uncommon i think? But I also don't watch the influencer types, so the culture is probably very different haha.

"The ghouls won't listen to you? No shit.

You realize we were hand-picked by demons, right?"

グールが言うこと聞いてくれない？そんなの当たり前でしょ。

だって、オレたち悪魔に選ばれた人間よ？

He's one of the only ones who mentions something like this on the homescreen(off the top of my head Haku is the other one who really mentions how none of them are normal). And he's absolutely right--they were chosen by demons, made pacts with those demons, and ultimately overcame them somehow. Most of them are gonna be kinda stubborn. A demon probably wouldn't choose someone who'd be influenced easily. . .except the demon who chose Kaito apparently. Probably just looking for easy pickings, that one. Or maybe Kaito wasn't always such a coward. . . .

His birthday:

"You got me a birthday present? Oh, thanks. Just put it over there, I'll look at it later.

I will, I promise."

オレに誕生日プレゼント？　あ～、ありがと。そこらへん置いといて。

大丈夫だよ、後で見るってば

Rude ungrateful little shit lmaoooooo "yeah yeah my fans sent me a bunch of gifts already. I'll get to it."

Your birthday:

"It's your birthday? I'll help you celebrate.

Meet me behind the garage later."

へぇ。今日キミ、誕生日なんだ。

そうだ……オレが祝ってあげる♡後でガレージの裏においで

New Years:

"Happy New Year! I prefer digital payment.

What do you mean, what do I mean? I'll be nice to you again this year, so pay up."

ハッピーニューイヤー♪　はい！

なにって……今年も仲良くしてあげるから、お年玉ちょ～だい？

"We can still be friends, so compensate me monetarily" lolol i swear if he weren't vice captain i wouldn't be surprised if he eventually transferred to Sinostra in his second or third year. I think he'd fit in.

Valentine's Day:

"This is that ultra-spicy chocolate they only sell this time of year...

I'm actually genuinely stoked right now."

これ、毎年この時期にしか買えない激辛生チョコレートじゃん……

え、普通に嬉しいんだけど

White Day:

"Here, as thanks for the chocolate. You're not going to tell me you don't know Godiva, are you?

All right, now we're even."

はい、これお返し。キミ……まさかゴディバ知らないわけないよね？じゃ、これで貸し借りはチャラね

April Fool's:

"Ha ha. You were photobombing one of my pics so I uploaded it and said I had a new girlfriend. 10K interacts in less than an hour. Suckers."

あはは。新しく彼女できましたって特待生サマのこと匂わせたら、一瞬で万バズしたんだけど。嘘なのに～

Comments section like "gee Leo how come your boyfriend lets you have two partners?"

Halloween:

"Trick or treat!

Ugh, the only good thing about this dumb event is the video content it provides."

トリックオアトリート！

　って……こんなくだらないイベント、動画のネタになるだけマシなんだけどさぁ

Not much of a halloween guy. . .even though this is Sho's halloween dialogue???

"You really need an explanation? Leo made me wear it!

Shit, why am I always the girl..."

ああ？　言わなくてもわかんだろ。玲音に着せられたんだっつの！

クソ、なんで毎年女装なんだよ……

You're making your boyfriend best friend crossdress for your halloween vids? When you don't even like Halloween? And this is a REGULAR occurrence???

Christmas:

"This Christmas-themed food Sho made might pull some traffic.

All right, uploaded. You can eat the rest, Honor Roll. Say "ah"!"

MAN THAT TOOK A LONG TIME. He really just has a lot of personality lol or maybe i just like his personality a lot? Either way I like a bunch of his lines so that's honestly like 90% of them. Bit of a goober. I'll do Sho's in a few hours! Since i already have his japanese file open from doing Leo's lol

#danie yells at tokyo debunker #tokyo debunker #leo kurosagi #tokyo debunker spoilers #sort of #datamining cw #nsftish

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