#banging my fist on the table fr

[kentopedia]

GIRL DAD DAZAI!!!! 😔

he spoils his daughter so much !! he just wants to give her the best childhood that he never had :( and he thinks it’s hilarious when kids say the most out of pocket things >:( he encourages it actually !! and he takes her to the ada just to show off how cute she is, and kunikida catches him trying to teach her how to do his paperwork & says she can’t come back !! (he brings her back anyway)! and also he buys her the cutest lil outfits just to match his, so she looks so smart and classy as a tiny little two year old. also he tells her the most dramatic stories about his life when she’s falling asleep !! and you have to remind him that a little baby does NOT want to hear about the time he tried to drown himself in the river <3 but at the end of the day, when she’s coloring a picture of her little family, she tells him she wants to be a hero just like her dad & dazai has to leave the room for a minute bc she won’t understand why that made him cry :((

[rhoddys]

Man I’m still hung up on this WODKWKDLLEKDK

at least I get to like pen pal the dead for his dad

but not only can I not do the same for the childhood friend but I also can’t do his burial right away since the god of gods and fate wants to figure out what happened to him

[2bloved]

Oh yeah whats your favourite dnb 3.0 song? Personally i LOVE the new maze!

i would say polygonized but it really hasn't changed but other than that i'd say maze too!!!! like hooooooooly shit /pos i think bambi's songs had the biggest glowup

[worldchampionpeccobagnaia]

Not a thought behind those sad cow eyes </3

head completely empty zero thoughts ever but he’s beautiful and a little bit pathetic and sad so we forgive him for this 😌

[springypaws]

NOT ROTTMNT BUT Mowgli spoilers?? More like foreshadowing?

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OKAY HAVENT WATCHED IT IN FOREVER BUT THE “YOURE NOT SPECIAL” AUDIO KEEPS POPPING UP AND REMINDING ME WTH

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO’S HEARTBROKEN OVER THIS MOVIE LIKE THIS MAN WAS A COMFORT CHARACTER WHY’D YOU HAVE TO GO DO HIM LIKE THAT

[harryforvogue]

Perhaps…spare…some…Annalise & Harry crumbs miss 🙈👀

these are CRUMBS fr so sorry <3

***

"Harry?" Annaliese calls from their room.

“Yes?” Harry answers back from his place at the dining table. 

She skips down the steps to see him. He’s got one hand in his hair, elbow against the table, and the other holding a pen poised over paper with scrawls on it. “It’s ridiculous,” he mutters. “We’ve spent an entire 5 weeks on the French Revolution and not one student has mentioned Robespierre thus far.”

Annaliese sits beside him, leaning in. “That was the terror guy right?”

He looks up. “Oui, ma femme française. The terror guy.”

She grins, reaching out and plucking the pen out of his hands. “How long do you think you’ll take on this? Will you be done by 7?” 

“Did you need me for something?”

“Yes. You know how we’ve got the women’s town hall meeting? So we kind of need some security while we’re actually having the meeting so ensure people don’t come barging in and all that.”

Harry’s eyebrows pull together. “Barge in?”

“Yeah, and all my friends are trying to convince their husbands to form a little troop and hang by the entrance to make all the weird people go away, and I thought I’d ask you.”

He leans back in his chair. “Whoa, whoa. Has it happened before? Like, the weird people hanging out by the front.”

“Yeah, I mean, women talking about having rights isn’t exactly what most men want to hear. They kind of just show up and linger. But that’s not thepoint. The point is–”

“Has that happened at the meetings you’ve gone to in the past? Like the one last week?”

Annaliese laughs fleetingly. “Yes, but it’s nothing severe. A few hurls here and there, some taunts. Really. We have thicker skin. But I think it would help us women feel a lot better if you and some of the other husbands and brothers stood by the entrance of the hall.”

Harry bites the inside of his cheek. Her hair is in neat finger waves, a pin holding her bangs back. She’s in trousers (which has been a lot to take in already), and a shirt that’s tucked into her waistband. Her boots make a loud noise against the hard floor. 

“Annaliese,” Harry says quietly after much thought, “I’m not sure I feel comfortable letting you go to this meeting now.”

Annaliese crosses her arms. “Nothing ever happens. You know the nice husbands would never let the weird men actually harm the women, no matter what they’re meeting about.”

“That doesn't mean I’m okay with some asshole yelling and mocking my wife,” Harry says incredulously. “No. I won’t allow it.”

Her eyes narrow. “You can’t stop me from going.”

This he knows. He can’t stop her from doing anything. He doesn't want to stop her. 

The meetings at town hall happen every week, sometimes every two weeks. It’s not in the main chamber of course, but a small adjacent room. Housewives and working women meet there to discuss their prospects of gaining more rights. The overarching organization is country wide, and this is a smaller division in New York. Recently, they’ve been organizing a protest. Two weeks ago, they completed their campaign of sending 2000 letters to the mayor, hand written by women about the urgency of the matter of letting women vote in community level elections.

Harry doesn't mind her attending these meetings. In fact, he thinks Annaliese’s understanding and eagerness of her fundamental rights exceed the expectations of her neighbors. Though he’s never been at any meeting, he’s positive that his outspoken and fierce wife has instilled some morale in the other women.

But despite her ability to take care of herself, he feel reluctant.

Harry sighs. “I’ll go with you then.”

She immediately smiles. “Great! So be done by 6:30 so we can catch a bus, okay?” She leans and kisses his cheek. “Wear a warm jacket!”

***

As they approach the building, Harry’s fidgeting. “What if I’m the only man standing guard? What could I even do anyways? I'm good with a rifle, not my fists."

Annaliese fixes her burgundy gloves. “Other women told me their husbands will be there too!”

When they get to the entrance, Annaliese is shivering with excitement. “Oh, I wish you could sit in with us. The things we discuss and plan – it’s all so fun!” She holds his arm all the way until they get to the right room. 

Thankfully other men are there. They nod politely at Harry. Annaliese is already fluttering into the room when Harry grabs her waist and tugs her back. “One hour, right?”

“Yes,” she says, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him quickly. 

(One of the men by the doors whistles. Harry ignores it.)

“Okay,” Harry murmurs.

“Bye!” She closes the door behind her.

He walks to the other side of the door and stands by the wall, hands tucked into his pockets. One man holds out a cigarette for him, but Harry shakes his head. “I’m good.”

It’s quiet after that. Harry makes conversation with the men, telling about his service in France (to which one of the younger men, who must be someone’s brother, salutes him, and Harry turns red with embarrassment), and speculates what they could be talking about in there.

“My wife said they’re planning to storm our workplaces as a protest next week,” one man chuckles, turning his head to blow out smoke. “I’m pretty sure she’s messing with me, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“No? Why?” Harry asks curiously.

Just then, there’s a loud roar in the room. Someone starts banging on the desk, yelling, “Order! Order!” and the man who offered Harry the cigarette chuckles and says, “That’ll be my wife.”

The chaos happens for a very long time, and when the hour is up, women begin to quietly leave as if none of that ruckus ever happened. Annaliese is bright eyed with flushed cheeks when she shows up, looping her arm through Harry’s. 

He’s very interested in the organization now. They will definitely be talking about this later at home. He’ll want to know more about the plans they have, including the protests. He’ll want to make sure she’s staying safe. Maybe he’ll buy her those cool brass knuckle things they saw once at a medieval convention downtown. That’ll work.

He wraps his arms around her and pulls her close when they walk out into the cold air.

“It’s going to be great,” Annaliese whispers excitedly. “Revolutionary, even.”

Harry kisses the top of her head. “I believe it, baby.”

[fatuismooches]

PLEASE THAT FOXTORRE RAMBLES STILL OCCUPYING MY BRAIN KASJAKSJAKWJWJISWN- THEY ARE SO ADORABLE 😭💞 i saw that comment too and i was like HNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGFFFHHHH- THAT IS SO FRICKIN' CUTE-

Like just imagining Foxtorre and the little dudes just waiting in line for reader so that they can get thrown away by them and they made that toy sound whenever they bounce or land and then go back in line again is just *BANGS FIST ON THE TABLE* HNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGFFFFGHGHGGH-

And then, Dottore and all of his segment being jealous of watching his s/o playing and spending too much time with those creatures 👀 (Dottore was about to plot something to get rid of the Foxtorres but decided not to bcs its been a long time for him of seeing his s/o happy 🥺)

-🥝

(I'm sorry but i REALLY love a round and fluffy things like Foxtorre 😖💞 also, idk what to call the little things.. Maybe Pufftorre?)

TEEHEE I'M SO GLAD YOU LIKED THOSE RAMBLES 🥝 ANON!! 🥹 Fr the Pufftorres (we're dubbing this name now) make me so happy, I love fluffy things and cuddling them in general. I would be SO ecstatic to play with those little guys,, omg that picture is permanently etched into my mind DKWNWKDE I would wind my arms up and throw them with mega force at the wall LMAO (I'm 4'9 so it wouldn't be that much tho 🤡) and then they would crowd at my feet and climb up my legs and go under my shirt to tickle me for more.

HAHA they would be SO jealous of Foxttore and the little fluff balls! Like... all of a sudden your attention isn't on them? They are all such attention seekers smh they can't handle you paying attention to anyone else besides them. And probably were going to throw the little guys outside into the Snezhnayan cold to let them freeze and slam the doors shut on them 💀. But in the end, Dottore decided to let them continue to roam the lab... because otherwise, he'd have to deal with a hysterical and sobbing you, and admittedly he'd much rather see you happy and smiling than locked in your room. But he isn't above subtly ~threatening~ the creature and puffs to stay away from you while he's spending time with you. He is not letting you get distracted from cuddling with him by them again 😭 !

[vampirecatsw]

*CLAPS HANDS AND RUBS THEM TOGETHER* NOW THAT I'M FINISHED ANSWERING YOUR ASK, CYN. (BLESS YOU, BLESS YOU!) PLEASE DO THE CHARACTER OPINION BINGO FOR KAITO, AOKO, SHINICHI, AND RAN. PRETTY PLEASE. MAY YOUR DAY BE SPECTACULAR!

Hi! Here's my ask with drawings (of various quality, you can see as I drew more I got more into the swing HAAHHAH. That's what I get for being so rusty - I don't actually draw that often.) The colours I used are ones I associate with the characters!

ft. my very informal writing style, probably like a thousand typos because I'm typing this at 1am, and many shoutouts to amazing dcmk creators 🥰

Also, please check out Anna's ask! https://akai-anna.tumblr.com/post/739521989281234944/hey-there-my-lovely-mutual-3-3-i-love-when-you

Anna, you're so lovely, fr. I hope this makes you giggle and swing your feet, I had such a fun time thinking about them! I added my own flair with my drawings <3

Feel free to ask me to decipher any handwriting

P.s. That character with the hat you'll see is my sona! I'm calling him Sol because that's another online name I seem to take up often. Feel free to call me Sol as well!

(Shameless plug: Check out my art blog - cyndraws - if you like my art! Also, it has some au ramblings too ^v^. https://cyndraws.tumblr.com/)

KAITO

Bingo count: 4 (well, If I ticked only more more box, I could have extra bingos for almost every extra box I ticked haha...)

The art: I gave up at first and just drew him as a stick figure. Then I added clothes to him, that's why he's so proportionally off,,, My beloved blorbo, I feel like I did you so dirty 😭

Fun challenge: Guess what I was inspired by when I drew Kaito's and Aoko's outfits.

I'm literally in love with him no joke. The love is too intense aughhdfk. What kind of love? Yes. I would do anything for him. I'd be so clingy fr.

Headcanons? Sooo many. Not even a joke. They're too integrated into my brain at this point so yeah haha

His HANDS. Slim and very fast and flexible. They have callouses - screw smooth hands. Callouses as a sign of his hard work throughout his entire life.

Fox? He's a fox. So silly, little trickster. https://www.tumblr.com/cyndraws/739418480470851584/look-me-in-the-eyes-and-tell-me-kaito-isnt-a-fox

Let's just link my simping art here too: https://www.tumblr.com/cyndraws/739224275061456896/im-such-a-simp-help-me-kaito-simps-unite-pls Please let me squish his cheeks please...PLEASE

Bonus: Old character opinion bingo for Kaito: https://cyndraws.tumblr.com/post/739190201679757312/everyone-if-im-going-to-expose-myself-as-a-kaito I got over the fear 👍 It's from a while back, like maybe... 2022? idk

I love unhinged Kaito

Gender? Please. I'll take any masc at this point HAHAH

Canon isn't real - Like it's amazing but also like... underwhelming. *Shakes it vigorously* GIVE ME MORE. MORE EKODA GANG. MORE SUPPORT FOR KAITO. LET KAITO CRY. I WANT MORE WORLD BUILDING ON AKAKO AND TO SEE THE KUROBA FAMILY MORE (+ a billion more requests.) PLEASE GOSHO IM BEGGING

(It's ok, I got the fics for these cravings 👍)

~

2. AOKO

Bingo count: 0

Wow. I realised just how little brain space I dedicate to her... but she's also so silly. I love her so much. She's a great character to pair up with Kaito (for any relationships, I love when they're having fun together.) She doesn't need more suffering <3

I love sm how in MK1412 they added extra scenes of the Ekoda gang! And Aoko looks so cute in it! (everyone else? ... it varies)

Snowball fight! ^

Now this is a hella hot take but I personally think KaiAo is much more interesting than ShinRan (for me). And fun too, because I've always been drawn to fun and teasing dynamics like these over the more romantic ones (if you get what I mean by more romantic). KaiAo and Shinran both are such wonderful couples though. *Bangs fists on table* THEY'RE BOTH SO UNBEARABLE CUTEEE

Someone told me I have very similar vibes to Aoko and I've been reevaluating myself XDD. No but I can see it. I think we have a similar energy (in my brain at least, I'm much more tired when I go out) and even preferred fashion.

Would give her a kiss anytime. Definitely. Let's go out on a picnic and have a fun hangout. We would be good friends.

Aolele theory by alizardjae: Please check it out!!! https://alizardjae.tumblr.com/post/134111960564/alright-finally-got-around-to-writing-this-thing Basically it's the summary I wrote up there. I whole heartedly believe in it, because it's a fun theory and I've done it before myself (...ehem annoying relatives) - so it's definitely believable. And I love the idea of Aoko Holmes being carried over from Nonchalant Lupin (<- Prototype of Magic Kaito. It's a fun read!)

~

3. SHINICHI/CONAN

Bingo count: 4

Drawing was inspired by that scene where Conan gets suspicious of Hanzawa-san (from The Culprit Hanzawa, a spinoff of dcmk.)

Ok, so the thing is, I have a very strange relationship with him.

He's so silly, right? He so fun, he's adorable, so caring and well meaning, but I'm scared of him. I wouldn't want to meet him. I'm terrified even though he's so nice 😭. So I'd rather observe from a distance (hence the drawing ^ but I'd definitely set off his senses a lot.)

(What does it say about me that I'm scared of Shin/Cone but not Kaito? I'm working on overcoming my fear of Conan/Shin, I promise *on my hands and knees* I REALLY AM)

(My irl friend understands why I'm so terrified, I've explained the crazy stunts he's done and his very illegal spy equipment to them... they actually got a nightmare about Conan that night. He's such a law breaking little gremlin (affectionate)) So...no kisses for you, detective... only because I'm too intimidated 😭 But I'll gladly make content dedicated to you and fawn over you <3

If it's not already obvious, Kai > Shin/Cone for me. But he's definitely a close second.

Shin's/Cone's aesthetic? So peak. His detective work and general vibes with the series is so banging. That clean formal attire - I love wearing more formal stuff out. Being judged for it? At this point I don't really care hahaha. His mismatching outfits are so endearing, but I don't really vibe with them.

Canon is kinda frustrating for me. Well, as usual, I love to pick out the pieces I love and keep them dear to my heart. Ugh I want more identity issues and character relationship focuses. And more Shinran, this is literally ridiculous for slowburn lol.

~

4. RAN

Bingo count: 0

I drew a masterpiece for her. As she deserves 🥰. (Fun fact, this is the first time I've drawn her properly.)

Drawing inspirations:

Sakura Class! It was so adorable. I loved seeing the povs of both Shin and Ran. The Sakura couple,,, 🥺🥺 why are they so cute

LavenderTowne! Her art is amazing and her art tips are always so helpful: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4XIm3ZFhT72WjqhIXMN9w

In particular, I used these two tutorials: Easy Background: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zw5oB-ir5R0 Easy Lighting: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/shWoTarp_Vk

*ehem* Back to our ask now

Ran is so lovely! Such a queen, so adorable, such an icon! Have you seen her puff out her cheeks in chapter 1120? (+ many other instances of her being cute of course.)

(^ well, now you've seen it)

I love her with sass! It's so funny and fitting for her. And paired with her badassness? Wow. She's amazing. She has such a big heart too <3

I can see how Shinichi fell for her at first sight, she really is so pretty and cute. Her smile was such a direct hit to his heart XD

Obligatory shoutouts!:

Amazing Shinran analysis by rabbitsrants: https://www.tumblr.com/rabbitsrants/737479648281329664?source=share

Really REALLY cute Shinran art by detshin: https://www.tumblr.com/detshin/734222664310358016?source=share https://www.tumblr.com/detshin/734913462286909440?source=share Their blog also has really cute Shinran content!

For some reason, I associate the english localised names to the more sarcastic and witty characterisations in the funimation dub. That's why I wrote Rachel.

Maybe it's because of halfpenny_jones's amazing characterisation: https://archiveofourown.org/users/halfpenny_jones/pseuds/halfpenny_jones/works?fandom_id=964594 Please check out their works too!

~

That's the end~ Thanks so much for asking! It was so enjoyable to ponder and draw. And I'll always take opportunities to talk about them.

Feel free to chat again whenever you feel like it <3 And also, feel free to ask about many other things too, like more character bingos or aus if you find them interesting. I hope you also enjoy them if you go through them.

See you next illusion~

[radioactivecatboy]

was tagged by @princess-of-purple-prose to list five songs i actually listen to and tag ten mutuals. WAOG A CHANCE TO TALK ABT MUSIC THANKS KAY SURELY I WILL BE SO SO FUCKING NORMAL ABT THIS (no caps: woag a chance to talk abt music thanks kay surely i will be so so fucking normal abt this)

Hell’s Comin’ With Me by Poor Man’s Poison. this is one of my songs ever tbh. the depressing slow start that sounds like its going to be a normal depressing country song, but suddenly ramps up in fury and pace into something almost joyful in its violence. as soon as i hear the sharp cords to prep “there is a hill at the bottom of the valley” i am full screaming the lyrics. “i paid the devil twice as much to keep your soul” mph. chefs kiss. delicious. also its about killing a corrupt priest which i hoot and holler and bang the table for

the jester by ratz. hi ratz if you have any reason to see this post for whatever reason though i cannot imagine why. i love ur music. esp this song. i vibrate slightly when it plays. vocals outta this world. anyway. the parallel between the lyrics “Oh, I know / It’s a dangerous game i play with my soul / I know / It’s a dangerous game / But my self preservation is tepid at best” and “He knows / It’s a dangerous game he plays with his soul / I know / It’s a dangerous game / My morality is shaky at best” is so !!!!!!!! for me

Santa Fe by Autoheart. “and when i saw you i should have kept on going but i couldnt move the gods of justice spoke and i got what i deserve and when you saw me your hand became an angry fist i agree with everything that’s coming my way but forgive me if you can” oooooooo BABY i love angst i love self recrimination i love the knowledge you fucked up so bad and you have no way to protest that you Don’t deserve the pain the other party might choose to inflict back on you. Punch (Special Edition) is one of my favorite albums ever genuinely banger after banger

Pray by The Amazing Devil. oh man i LOVE this band i dont think theres a single damn song by them i don’t like or even feel ambivalent about but Pray is one that makes me want to start sprinting through the streets screaming my heart out. i can’t even give you some favorite lyrics from it bc everything feeds into everything else it’s so visceral and evocative of a desperation and determination and frustration and the thrum of something trapped inside you desperate for freedom. madeleine hyland fucking ROCKED it so hard. ma’am i am so in love with you. please listen to this song fr

The Hand That Feeds by The Crane Wives. another song by one of my bands ever. it’s been consistently at or near the top of my spotify most played artists for years u should check them out. this is truly a song of all time, it makes me feel the need to break capitalism’s spine over my knee, throw its corpse on a bonfire, and dance around the flames. the narrator is soooooo fucking bitter and determined to keep their autonomy and soul in a society where money is impossible to live without and nearly impossible to get without being treated cruelly and dehumanized for. “no man should get more of my time than me, than me, i may never be a rich man but i can make sure that i am free. the rich man can never have me” literally songs to gnaw your arm off to

so that was music corner with jellyfish thanks for tagging me kay ily <33 uhh i’ll go ahead and tag @gnomebud @whale-blanket @angelslant @tjuvmon @freijan @ragefear @frogliftcertified and anyone else who might want to just say i tagged u and go wild <33

[love-toxin]

ELLIE IM YELLING I BOUGHT DMC5 OUT OF THIRST TOO!! BANGS MY FIST ON THE TABLE LIKE A MONKEY

IM ALSO YELLING!!!!! BABE WE'RE IN SYNC <333 i personally cannot believe I've had it sitting on my shelf for so long w/o playing it i just finally got around.......my eyes have been opened.......the thirst is VISCERAL this time around I've been down bad just over V's voice lines like. come on. you're gonna give em that deep, gravelly voice and have em say shit like pin them to the wall and I'll be gentle and NOT expect me to just turn into an ape? fr? AND LADY? stripping down with no warning for me to look so disrespectfully???!?!!!?? I'm so fulfilled <3 I could thirst for hundreds and hundreds of days. my god. please talk to me abt your favourite characters im so in the zone rn HEHEH <3333

[xxkhxndlelitexx]

One True King PROLOGUE Part 4/4

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Warning: None fr canon fighting and added astral for effect pookies

Word Count: 4.7k this one ran a lil long too

I apologize for any spelling and grammar mistakes

Happy readings

✷✶✷

“He killed her Clodestine!” Bahamut growled lowly, from his position at the head of the table. 

“The humans have become irresponsible. Even our oracle.” Ramuh huffed, lighting sparking between his fingers. 

 “I believe they sshould fall asss Sssolheim did.” Leviathan rolled her eyes. 

“Have mercy on them.” Shiva sighed, touching the table, it slowly began icing over. 

“Kill them!” Titan banged his fist on the table. 

“You sssound like Ifirit!” Leviathan hissed. 

“Do not compare me to that rancid ball of fi-” Titan started. 

“I will not let you all smother Ifirit’s name like this!” Shiva yelled. 

The table went silent. 

“It makes no difference.” Ramuh said rubbing his beard. 

“Ramuh is right.” Bahamut sighed, whipping his tail back and forth, the gold barb at the end of his scales raking against the floor.  

The five Astals looked at each other.  

“What do you think sister?” Bahamut asked the woman behind him. 

Compared to the other gods she was massive, her six angelic wings fluttered. Her amber eyes scanned the Astrals, her black hair rolling down her back in thick waves. An almost exact copy of her incarnation. 

“Give them another chance.” She sighed. 

“Faturi!” Titan interjected. “The world of man has proved themselves incapable of following instructions on more occasions than not.” 

“And who’s idea was to create humans?” Her head didn’t turn but her amber gaze was on him. 

“Forgive Titan, sister.” Bahamut sighed. “I make plans for the true king to ascend the throne of man.” 

“Oh?” Faturi raised an eyebrow. “Who is this?” 

“He will be of the royal line of Lucis, but so true to his people, so honorable, he will ascend as a god.” 

“I see.” Faturi nodded. “Leave the world of man be for now.” 

“I ssshould’ve known your wayss would be sswayed by the likes of a child.” Leviathan spat at Bahamut. 

“My sister is just as much a god as the rest of you.” Bahamut removed his draconic helmet. “I will not have you disrespecting her, especially since she is your queen.” 

“I hold no objection to Faturi’s plan.” Ramuh said and stood. 

“Of course, you don’t! You old geezer!” Titan stood and cast his chair to the floor. 

“Titan-” Shiva started. 

“Titan isss right!” Leviathan slithered from her seat in Titan’s defense. 

“But the humans were his idea!” Shiva shouted. 

“Enough!” Faturi yelled and the table vanished, the Astrals looked up at her. “This is not a matter of whether or not humans will continue to exist. Ardyn is already immortal. Even if we wiped out the world of man, I see a distant future plagued by darkness.” 

“Faturi.” Bahamut looked at his younger sister. “They killed your incarnation on earth, they killed our oracle.” 

“I set fate as a story to tale of your future. I use the happens of your ancestors.” Faturi sighed and sat in a huge throne. “Brother, if I held a grudge against humanity, what kind of goddess would I be?” 

It was then they realized. This is why she was their queen. Ifirit had taken his rage out on man as they forgot of him after he gave the Burning Wisdom, Shiva took her sadness out on man after Ifirit was imprisoned, Ramuh constantly was on the world of man in his storms and raging winds, Leviathan swallowed entire cities beneath the sea for disrespecting her. And Bahamut, he started wars and watched the men kill themselves. 

Faturi had a short temper, but she never did anything. After Bahamut created Ardyn with the intentions of making him the king of man, Faturi had created the Star scourge to keep man from becoming too powerful. Perhaps it was her young mind that kept her from being cruel. She had only been created from the explosion of a star a little less than a millennia ago. 

“Let it be so.” Faturi leaned back in her chair. “When the One True King of man is created, my incarnation will become one with the world of man.” 

The gods bowed their heads and to the sea hid Leviathan. Titan went on his way to roam Eos. Ramuh went in hiding near Angelgard. Shiva vanished into winter winds once more and Bahamut remained in the stars with Faturi, the astrals finally at rest. 

~.~.~.~ 

I woke to the sound of a drill and the glare of a light in my eyes.  

“He’s here...” A voice said.  

“Coulda broken out ages ago.” Another muttered, “These chains are ancient.” 

“Don’t say that,” said a female voice. “This guy gives me the creeps.” 

Someone grabbed my face and lifted my head up, I saw the light and started opening my eyes. “He’s not a bad face,” said the woman who held my face.  

I made a small sound. I could see a small smirk on her face.  

“He ain’t dead either.” She released me. “Load him up, I’ll inform Besithia.”  

I fell forward as my chains were removed. A soldier caught me and with the help of another, started dragging me out of the cave. 

Clomoria... Aera... Somnus... Are you still king little brother? How long have I been in here? 

“With this guy we can really teach Lucis something.” One of the guards said with a low chuckle. 

“That little prince Regis and his daddy Mors won’t stop us.” The other said excitedly. 

Regis? Mors? Who?  

I shifted slightly and the guard that held my arm cursed slightly.  

“Man’s a living husk!” He let me fall. “You sure he’s a holy healer.” 

“That’s what the legends say.” 

I stood and wobbled. “Where am I?” 

The soldiers got into position as if scared of me.  

There was a sight of blue crystals twinkling away. I jumped slightly as soldiers with long curved blades lunged for the soldiers who had freed me.  

I stumbled back as one slit the throat of the guard who had mentioned legends. I watched as two other soldiers held the other guard in a chokehold. 

“Stop!” I could barely speak. My voice hoarse. “Why are you-” 

“You must remain contained by the order of King Mors!” The soldier who had killed the guard lunged at me, I jumped back and stumbled.  

I plan to get married; I FIGHT! I’m imprisoned; I FIGHT! I’m freed; I FIGHT! MUST THE ASTRALS BE SO CRUEL TO ME! 

The soldier swung his sword at me, and I barely dodged it, I hadn’t expected him to swing it back around and my hand came up in my defense, I grabbed the blade and cursed as my palm was cut.  

The soldier's eyes went wide behind his mask, and I used my other hand to punch him before twisting the blade out of his hand. I managed to get the sword against his neck. 

“For hearth and home-” He said. And I slit his throat. 

The other soldiers stood there with scared expressions. I rushed at the one that held the guard, he must be dead. Gods forgive me, I grabbed the limp guard as I rushed at the soldiers, they swung their swords at me and I was forced to use the man’s dead body in my defense before I stabbed one soldier and grabbed the other. 

“Where am I?” I panted. 

The soldier trembled in fear. “I-” 

“Where am I?!” I yelled. 

“Angelgard...” He whispered.  

“Where is the king?”  I shook him slightly. 

“I’ll never tell you! You harbinger of death!” He yelled. 

“I am a healer!”  

“Liar!” He grabbed his sword and tried to stab my neck. 

I grabbed his wrist and pinned it down before pressing my palm to his chest. I’d heal this man and prove a point. The purple and black flames that came from his body made my eyes widen.  

“No...” I stumbled back. “That wasn’t supposed to-” 

I stumbled and fell. Star scourge... he’s demonified, what is this? 

“Ardyn Lucis Caelum...” A voice said and I looked up at a man with short cropped blond hair. “I will love working with you.” 

I stared at the man, in him I saw so much of... a memory of the tax collector’s son ran through my mind. 

I fell back struggling to keep my eyes open.  

“Don’t strain yourself, we need you at peak performance.” 

And with that, I passed out. 

~.~.~.~ 

When I started working with Ardyn Lucis Caelum and Ifirit, I never thought I’d be in such a situation. Drawing blood for testing for the millionth time, but now pressed against the wall in fear, Ardyn had woken up with quite the start. Going on a mad rant about a woman named Clomoria and Somnus the first king of Lucis. 

“Please calm dow-” I started from my little corner. 

“Calm down?” Ardyn looked at me, his amber eyes surveying me carefully. “Who are you?” 

I swallowed “Sora Lestan.”  

“Sora.” he said softly as if committing my name to memory. “Tell me, Sora, where am I?” 

“You are in a Nifleheim testing sight.” I said clearing my throat, “I’ve already sent for Besithia.”  

“And who is that?” he asked. 

“The great scientist who saved you.” I smiled. 

“Who saved me?” He furrowed his brows as if trying to remember. 

Over the speakers overhead came the voice of my boss and mentor, Verstael Besithia, “Sora, escort Ardyn to the conference room.” 

I turn to the tall red-haired man who now seemed infatuated with the florescent ceiling lights. As we began walking to the conference room he asked me the day.  

“It’s September 7th.” I answered as we exited the testing room, I pressed my card to the scanner and the door unlocked before I entered a password to actually push it open. 

“And the year?” He asked. 

“Um...” I glanced up at him. “It's 722.”  

He froze. “What?!”  

“Ardyn, sir.” I looked up at him. “You’ve been imprisoned for 2000, since roughly 1278 BME(Before Modern Era)” 

“What...” he took several shaky breaths. “You must be playing jokes on me, right?” 

“No.” I motioned to the lights and continued walking, forcing him to follow, “Do you see torches? Do you see horses and carts? Look at how I dress.” I get to the conference room and press my keycard to the scanner and this time without the passcode, I open it. 

“Sora! Ardyn!” My boss said with a big smile. “Take a seat, take a seat. Make yourself comfortable.” 

Verstael was a calm man to the face of anyone who wasn’t around him 24/7, unlucky for me, I was around the mad scientist 24/7. It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, I held him in quite high regard in terms of respect, but in all honesty, Verstael was overbearing, especially went it came to tampering with the hands of gods. I remember how scared I had been when we had recovered Ifirit from the Rock of Ravatogh, the fire deity could’ve killed me, if not he was frozen once again in the knick of time. Verstael had congratulated me on putting science before my life. 

This wasn’t science though; this was my life. I was scared I would die working with a man to such I held so much adoration for. But as I was directed to leave Ardyn and Verstael to talk amongst themselves, I knew my life was about to be put in much more danger.  

~.~.~.~ 

I stared at myself in the mirror, I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t be the king my father once was, or the king his forefathers were. I took a shaky breath and turned to walk out of my room, but hearing the gathering people of Insomnia, I turned back to the mirror and started hyperventilating again. 

“Reggie?” A soft voice said behind me. 

I turned to look at the blonde-haired woman, she was my angel, my support with her lovely blue eyes, button nose and full heart shaped lips, my everything. Aulea...  

“Dear?” She said, tilting her head. “Are you too lost in thought to hear me?” 

I sighed and hugged her, burying my face in her shoulder. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, giggling slightly. 

“I can’t do it.” I mumbled into her shoulder. 

“Why?” she asked, hugging me back. 

“I’m going to mess up as king, I'm going to fail my people.” I felt the tears coming to my eyes. 

“Regis.” she said softly. “You won’t fail us. You’re an amazing king,” She pulled away and smiled up at me. “I’m right here to help you.” 

I relaxed and as I leaned into kiss her, I winced as she kicked my shin “What was that for!?!” I grimaced. 

“You’ll be an awful king if you think like this Regis!” She flicked my forehead. “Whether we’re young and naive or not! You cannot, and I will NOT allow you to think poorly of yourself and your capabilities as king.” She put her hands on her hips. “If you do, I'll kick it into you.” 

I felt the heat rushing to my cheeks. She was arrogant, passionate, persistent, and a bit violent at times, but this was my wife, my queen. I hugged her again and muttered against her neck. “I love you so much...” 

Her demeanor softened and she hugged me back, “I love you too, Reggie. Now, let’s go enjoy Founder Day.” 

~.~.~ 

I did not need the clothes of a Lucian, I’d given up who I was long ago, I would hold no ties to a nation once mine. 

I stepped out of the car and watched as the confetti fell around me. The sounds of a bustling modern city filled my ears as I walked, I took a deep breath. The land that had once smelled of crops and trees and horse dung, fresh air and the lavender that grew in the fields, now reeked of car fuel, expensive perfume and cologne, random goods from shops and- 

Magic... I felt it all around me.  

Pulsating and protecting and flowing. There was magic, there was life, there was power all over Insomnia... It hadn’t been this way long ago when I was imprisoned, there hadn’t been the protective barrier around the city. I took a deep breath; they were worshipping a man who never should’ve been king... and I let them.  

“Home sweet home at last.” I sighed, before starting up the street towards the sounds of directive speakers. Something about Founder’s Day... a holiday for my idiot brother. I strolled up the street to the center of town.  

This... This was where our tree once was... 

I looked up and a flash of memory crossed my mind. A tree with big leafy branches and that dark haired woman smiling down at me. My vision focused once more, my sights locked on a hideous statue of my brother... The plaque attached to the base of the statue read: 

Somnus Lucis Caelum 

First king and founder of Lucis 

I wanted to destroy it, I wanted to crush it in my hands, I wanted to kill Somnus, kill him for killing Aera, for killing Clomoria. The last time I’d heard from my brother long before this age of time, he had asked for my forgiveness, his new queen was unable to have child... Rumor from the constant visits from guards said the Forgotten Goddess of Fate, Faturi Clodestine, had stripped the young queen of her womb for a crime unknown to the kingdom of Lucis. 

Looking up at his statue now, all I could see was that wicked grin he gave me as he sentenced me to eternal hell on Angelgard. My dear brother... I remembered how long I’d spent crying wishing he’d come back for me, but he came for forgiveness, never releasing me... 

“If you continue up the street, you’ll see a memorial of the Founder’s First Love, Clomoria Flor Decebal.” The directive speakers said, “The mural called The Fallen Angel is repainted every year to preserve the woman’s beauty.” 

I walked towards the mural and my eyes widened, it was her, in the tree... smiling down at not me, but Somnus. 

I felt my anger boil over then.  

How dare he! He stole my throne, he killed my lover, he killed our best friend...  

The directive speaker’s voice came loud and clear. “The parade is about to begin! Please prepare yourself for the arrival of King Regis and Queen Aulea!”  

I turned, a calculated grin on my face as I headed up the street, there was an intersection. Perfect. 

“Let the fireworks begin!” I shouted. 

I got a few strange looks. Where is Ifirit...  I looked around for the fire deity before hearing a scream and whipping around as a car flipped over. “That works.” I grinned. 

I drew a sword from thin air and with a big smile continued up the street to the sounds of festive music. I saw it then, an entourage of guards and at the center was a carriage. 

I wonder what’s in there?  I smirked and approached the group, a man with a helme with wings at the wings raised his blade. 

“State your purpose. The parade has not began...” He said, I could see his eyes narrowing through the visor of his helmet. 

“I think...” I stepped closer and smiled as Ifirit rounded the corner with a roar of anger setting fire to the grass and scorching the street in his wake. “The people in that carriage have something of mine.”  

“Crownsguard!” The man shouted and the guards raised their swords. “Charge.”  

I pointed my sword forward and smirked as the guards began to warp. So that’s where the magic is... It’s in the people. “Boom.” I smirked. 

Ifirit rushed at the carriage and kicked the guards in his way.  

A shriek came from the carriage as a man with a long regal looking robe swept a blonde-haired woman off her feet and began to run.  

“Young, naïve king and queen.” I smiled devilishly and warped towards the duo. I raised my sword and was met in shock as the woman swung a short blade knicking my face and scaring me enough to force me back. 

She disappeared into a flurry of crystals.  

“Be safe, Aulea.” said the man before turning to face me slowly. “Who are you to intrude on my kingdom during Founder’s Day?” 

This boy. He looked just like Somnus, with a beard and a bit taller. There was a silent rage in his eyes, so passive aggressive... 

“I am your ancestor.” I smiled, putting my arms out with a smile. “I’d like to play a ga-” 

My eyes widened as a flurry of blue crystalline weapons flew at me, the one heading straight for my face belonged to... Somnus... I barely dodged, raising my sword at the last moment to clash against the boy’s. 

“And you dare harm my queen?” He said calmly, swinging his sword again. 

“As your FOUNDER did to my lover!” I raised my hand and a flurry of red crystalline weapons were launched at him. 

He looked stunned, jumping back and gasping as my sword grazed his throat, drawing a sliver of blood from the wound. I gasped as the earth shook beneath me, something was interfering, my vision blurred, and I saw her, Clomoria’s big smile, and a grey-green looking man, he was huge... 

I raised my sword and lunged for the boy, his sword clashed with mine and I smiled, weak... I parried and he stumbled back. I got back into position and smirked, “Hit me, nephew.” 

The boy growled lowly. “My name is Regis, to you it’s your highness.” He rushed at me, sword in hand, and the swings began the sound of clashing swords filling the air as well as the roar of Ifirit and the screams of the guards.  

I honed in on his movements, swinging my sword faster than before, my teeth grit in a vengeful determination before I hit him his sword hard with my own. The boy stumbled and before he could collect himself, I hit him in the chest with the butt of my sword and then reared my hand back in a fist, punching his face.  

Regis fell, gasping. I pointed my sword at his throat and smiled wickedly. “I’m just here to take what was once mine.” I pulled my sword back ready to kill the young king. 

“Brother!” A force knocked me onto my back. 

I lay there stunned. I hadn’t heard that properly. “Somnus...” I sat up slowly and there it was a giant spirit, clad in armor, it had the voice of my brother. I’d heard stories of this defender of Lucis, it was called The Old Wall for it protected Insomnia as the crystal’s barrier did now. 

I got to my feet and stared at the spirit. I swallowed, biting back bitter tears of sadness and rage. “Somnus!” I bellowed. “This is the kingdom you’ve built?” 

I stared at Regis, who after everything, had fallen unconscious.  

“A boy king?!” I stepped around, gripping my sword tightly. “A city hidden behind a wall?” I turned to face him. “A false throne?!” 

“Ardyn...” Somnus’s voice rang out. “If I could prove to you, how much I regret my decisions, I would.” 

“Liar.” I spat. “You killed her! You made a mural out of my lover! You told a lie to the people!”  

Somnus looked down at me, his spirit giving a sigh filled with sadness and regret. “Then leave my children be.” 

“You- Your children. Your children?!” I turned. “What child could you ever have with your queen? Begging for the gods forgiveness to bless you with one child!” 

Somnus’s voice lost its remorse. “You dare to bring up-” 

“You lose everything!” I shouted. “It never belonged to you, so I am taking it back.”  

The giant sword swung across the street and Somnus voice boomed. “I will not tolerate you destroying my kingdom!”  

I rolled away before the sword hit me and charged at this mimic of Somnus, this couldn’t be my brother. I wanted to fight him as he was, I would destroy his soul, I would kill my brother over and over again until I felt that she was satisfied. I slashed at the huge spirits legs. 

It fell to its knees and from within it, fell a smaller spirit as the big armor vanished into a flurry of crystals. I watched as Somnus touched ground and collapsed weakly. 

“Brother... What I did... I regret but I did it for our people...” Somnus said as he looked up at me. 

“You... killed her for our people?” I put on a tight grin. “Is that something you tell yourself, so you feel noble? Did you think about how she felt-” 

“I was doing what the gods commanded. I was protecting our people. Fulfilling the prophecy.” Somnus said. 

“Here I thought I was blessed. But it was you brother, wasn’t it?” I gritted my teeth and looked at the ground. “It was fated right?” 

“I won’t ask your forgiveness; I don’t deserve it... But I beg for your understanding.” Somnus looked down as well, the distance between us grown far to large. 

“You took everything... EVERYTHING! And you want my forgiveness?” I scowled at him. 

“I pray your soul find repose, brother.” Somnus stood and with a saddened expression, he walked back as he faded into crystals. 

I huff through my nose like an enraged bull and turn back to the unconscious Regis. “This ends here!” I summoned my sword and raised it high above the boy. 

As I brought it down, I was stopped once more, this time, by a voice that boomed over the entirety of the world. “ARDYN LUCIS CAELUM! I command thee to halt and kneel before me.” 

I looked up as a tower near me was struck by a beam of light. Ifirit roared as from the heavens several swords fell and forced the demonified Astral to vanish once more. A great thing drifted from the clouds, it looked man, it looked beast, it looked holy. “I, Bladekeeper Bahamut, shall not allow you be tarnished as the slayer of kings.” 

There was a flash of light and suddenly I was in a blue landscape, Bahamut was there huge and intimidating.  

I gasped and looked around, there was the silhouette of someone huge, bigger than Bahamut, sitting on a chair. 

“What did I do for you to interfere in my revenge plot?” I snapped. 

“By choice of one forgotten, your path has changed.” Bahamut answered. 

“I-” I wanted to protest. 

“Spreading darkness to all four corners of the of our world is what you were born to do.” He explained. 

My eyes widened. “Darkness?” 

“In time, the True King will be born. Again, the incarnation of one forgotten will be too born. They will vanquish the darkness. Because of this, you are to be sacrificed by the two and your sou-” 

“Why must I always lose?” I shouted. “What have I done so wrong in the eyes of the gods!? Have I not suffered enough?” 

“When the True King reaches the peak of his power, you shall be released from your eternal suffering.” 

“That...” I gritted my teeth. “Clomoria died to those fools and you think my suffering is brought by living?” 

“Clomoria awaits you.” the voice was so overpowering, so condescending... 

“You say... I am not the savior of man but the sacrifice...” I looked up at Bahamut. “And my dead lover just never has her peace?”  

“She is at peac-” Bahamut started. 

“I WILL KNOW WHEN SHE IS SATISTFIED!” I yelled, what did this foolish god know.. “When they are DEAD, when they rot in their own destruction and ruin, when she can breathe in the afterlife free of the falsified chains Somnus confined her in!” 

“It is written in the books of fate. It is what you must do.” Bahamut said. 

I sat there thinking for a moment. I never asked for this, I never asked for the power I had, I never asked for the throne, I never asked for Clomoria to die. Time and time again, the Astrals gave me what I never wanted, WHAT I NEVER NEEDED. Sacrifice... again... no... never. 

“Not once have I asked for anything of you.” I glared up at the god. “Not ever will I bow to you or your foolish will.” 

“The minds of man never cease to amaze me.” Bahamut said lowly. 

“I am no man, I am a monster born by you and your fellow gods negligen-”  

I gasp as suddenly I was chained. A wisp came into view, the silhouette of the person on the throne vanishing a woman with dark hair and golden eyes appearing before me. My eyes widened. She looked so fitting here, white robes and golden chains. 

“CLOMOR-” she placed a finger on my lips.  

“Silence is your greatest skill.” She said softly. “Holding a grudge was never like you,” She pulled away and summoned a spear, silver in color with a ruby at the bade of bladed end. “Patience is what you must learn.” 

“I-” I was cut off as she stabbed my chest with the spear, it was so painful. 

“This... This is where we will meet in time. Patience will be your greatest virtue.”  

I gasped as she ripped the spear out. I couldn't stop bleeding. I struggled to breathe as she took my face in her hands and I saw the huge wings behind her.  

“The lives of man, born and dead has been preordained. Not even you can defy that.” The wings spread in a flurry of white feathers, a single feather falling into my jacket. “Not one thing exists without the Astrals.” 

“Please...” I muttered. I could see it in her golden eyes. The pain of seeing me like this... 

“I’m waiting for you...” She whispered into my ear. “Resist if you wish.” 

And as she released my face I collapsed to the floor, falling, falling, falling onto stone far from Lucis. I looked up and saw my cave on Angelgard. 

“So, you wait for me...” I muttered. “Do I even live...” I shake my head, “Doesn’t matter.” I stood and walked from my tomb out into the open air, seeing tall grass for miles. I saw Somnus and Aera in the distance talking under the three.

Finally, my sense of peace is in my reach.

[scary-monsters]

Take a break first because you literally wrote like nearly 2k on Diego but whenever you feel like writing that Dinopants analysis please know fr I am here I will be reading. I love your words.

ZEE MY BFF CONFIRMED AGAIN 💜

the sad part is i had to cut myself off :'))) banging my fists on the table gaaHHHHH I LOVE HIMFDHKGDS.... ABSOLUTELY i will get around to a dinopants analysis hehehe, you'd be the first person i'd show

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

COSMIC - S3:E3; Chapter Three, The Case Of The Missing Lifeguard - [Pt. 5]

A Will Byers x Reader Series

𝘌𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘋&𝘋. 𝘋𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦.

⚠️: Castle Byers scene. Meaning lots of angst, self destructive thinking, and misguided self punishing

📝: Started making it... had a break down [fr tho]... ¯\_( ツ)_/¯ bon appetite! 👩‍🍳 [edit: told ya 💀]

🔑: underlined and bold means they're talking in Russian

||𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

Warm rain spits from the angry blanket of clouds, falling through the sky and drenching Mike and Lucas to the bone despite their rain gear. Mud splashed up onto their ankles and drenching their socks as their bikes skid up the Byers driveway. Without a thought, they throw their bikes into the ground before racing up onto Will's porch.

It had taken far longer than they cared to admit to decide to go and find Will. To make things right.

Mike was realizing far too late just how right Will was. He didn't even recognize himself anymore. El had become such an important piece of his life, but he hadnt realized until now just how much he let his feelings screw up all the wonderful things he had in his life to begin with. He missed how things used to be. With the party. With Y/n.

With Will.

All the anger he feels towards himself is channeled into his fist banging on Will's front door.

"Will!" He cries. "Will, I'm sorry, man, alright? I was being a total asshole. I've been a total asshole. Please, can you just come outside and we'll talk?"

No answer but the thundering clouds rolling over their heads. He pounds on the door again.

"Will!"

Lucas hurries to the window, cupping his palms against the glass and peering inside. He knocks on the window, doing his best to peer around the curtains and furniture obscuring his sight.

"Hey, Will! Come on, man! We're sorry!" He knocks again, growing nervous. "Will!"

||𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

'Sorry, man. Curfew,'

'For the last time, Will! No!'

-'What, so I should be locked up all day, too?'

-'Maybe!'

Huffing, I throw the wrinkling comic book into the old mattress. Nothing was working. Nothing was enough to distract me. I was too angry.

I looked down at the withered cover of the comic book I had just thrown, my chest sinking further. Dustin's X-MEN 134, he gave it to me after that night at the hospital.

Thinking about it now, I can't even remember the last time all seven of us hung out as a party. I don't count Dustin's welcome home. Mike and El couldn't be bothered to pretend to care, and Lucas and Max kept ganging up on Dustin. Dustin was understandably upset and not wanting anything to do with us, leaving just me and Y/n. And now, not even her.

How did everything get so messed up?

What was I doing wrong?

I looked around the walls of Castle Byers, a lump forming in my throat. Everywhere I looked, I was painfully reminded of the truth.

My friends don't want me anymore.

I keep telling myself that's bullshit, but the more I do the more it feels like a lie.

They're moving on without me.

Friends don't just forget you, I reasoned. They don't just abandon you.

Then why were they doing just that?

Maybe they weren't my real friends. Friend's don't do what they did.

Everything hurts. I've been telling myself I'm fine, that I'm overreacting but I don't think I am anymore. I'm just tired. I'm tried of feeling like this. I'm tired of being pushed aside, especially when I need them most.

They didn't use to be like this, I tell myself. But somehow that just hurts more.

I had people that cared about me, who were willing to risk their lives to save me. Twice.

And now they don't give me a second thought.

I was shaking now, but I don't think it's from the rain. The storm had finally reached me, seeping through the walls and dampening my clothes and hair.

Another painful realization hits me; Castle Byers looked just like it had the night I built it with Jonathan.

Even though this night was so much like the night Castle Byers was constructed, it couldn't feel more different. More unfamiliar.

My teary eyes find my first D&D manual, propped up against the wooden walls, soaked and forgotten like me. I'm painfully reminded of the night all this started.

I remember it as clear as if it were yesterday, and yet it feels light-years away.

'Something is coming. Something hungry for blood.'

《•••》

"What is it?" I ask, edging further off my seat.

This time it's Dustin who cuts in, "What if it's the Demogorgon?"

Oh, great, I think, throwing myself back in my seat with an anxious huff. We're not ready to face a Demogorgon!

Beside me, Y/n draws in an equally anxious breath.

"Oh, Jesus, we're so screwed if it's the Demogorgon." Dustin rambles on.

"It's not the Demogorgon." Lucas says, assuring us all.

《•••》

My eyes trail to one of my favorite drawings; Will The Wise and Y/C/N. The one I had made when Y/n was first constructing her character. The one that hung in my room for so long, always cheering me up. The one that gave my mom the idea to help me communicate my now memories.

The one that Y/n always threatened to steal for her room as often and as recently as her last visit. The memory of her warm touch lingering on my cheeks burned as bright as the blush raging over me that night so long ago.

'Wait a minute... Did you guys hear that?'

《•••》

The anticipated silence in the basement left by Mike grew louder as he leaned in.

"Boom..." His voice grows louder. "Boom," Louder.

"BOOM!" Mike bellows, slamming his hands against the flat surface, rattling the table and all its contents.

The sudden noise was enough to make me and my friends jump, as was the sudden hand grabbing for my own.

All the more startled, I look down to see Y/n's hand grasping my arm like a lifeline. I feel my skin flush, my cheeks surely reddened as I catch her eye. She looked flustered, smiling a small smile before retracting her hand and returning to the game, unknowingly leaving me in a dizzying blush.

•••

"Will, your action!"

"Fireball!" I cry, throwing the dice to the board with a satisfying rattle.

"FOURTEEN!"

My friends erupt into cheers, all around me as we celebrate together.

"BOOM!"

"Direct hit!" Mike cries, beaming proudly at me across the table. "Will the Wise's fireball hits the Thessalhydra!"

Our excited shouts fill the basement, each and every one of us victorious. My smile can't get any wider when I feel Y/n's hands grip my shoulder and begin shaking me excitedly. We both laugh, feeling on top of the world with our cheering friends by our side.

《•••》

Pained, I look away only to find the proof right in front of my eyes. My three favorite pictures; all of them, my friends and me — happy — staring back up at me.

Our photo from the science fair, encased in the popsicle frame Mike had made bearing all of our characters' names along the side. I brought it here, I brought all my favorite pictures here, to Castle Byers — to my safe place — cause that's where I knew I would need their comfort the most.

But as I look at them now, all I feel is bitterness and pain. I'm reminded of just how much everything has changed.

The science fair was a reminder of the good thing I had before that night. Before everything started.

Y/n and me, at the Snow Ball. My arm wrapped around her, the two of us grinning nervously. It wasn't just the night Y/n and I had first kissed, it was also the first night I felt like the Party had gotten bigger. All of us, Max and El included had been happy. Everyone was laughing and getting along, the happiest we had ever been — the strongest. But now I see it was really the beginning of the end.

It had been coming for so long and I didn't even see it.

And Halloween. Last Halloween, everything had been perfect. For just one. Single. Stupid. Moment.

Shakily, I pick up the photo Jonathan had taken of all of us in our costumes. We were all smiling.

We were all happy.

'Who you gonna call?'

《•••》

I beam as I see my friends pulling up, looking just as excited as I felt.

"Ghostbusters!" I finish, watching as they look me over, happily surprised.

"Hey, Spengler!"

"Egon! Looking sharp!" Y/n grinned, pulling me into a quick hug.

"Janine!" I beam. "Venkman!"

《•••》

As I look at it now, my eyes and throat stinging as Mike's voice echoes louder than ever in my mind.

'I mean, what did you think, really?'

What was I thinking?

'That we were just gonna sit in my basement all day, playing games for the rest of our lives?'

How could I have been so naive?

'it's not my fault you can't move on!'

How could I have been so... so...

"Stupid." I tell myself, my voice splitting in my throat. "So stupid!"

My hands trembling violently with rage and my own sobs, I tear the photo in two.

I was stupid. Stupid to believe I was as big of a priority to them as they were to me.

I rip the drawing off the walls, tearing it to pieces.

Stupid to ever think they'd still cared about me.

I rip and tear and crumple up every meaningful piece of them in an act of defiance.

They won't care. I think bitterly. They won't miss these, they probably won't even notice. Not like I would have.

I grab my bat.

How could I be so fucking stupid?!

Why was I hanging on to all this stuff anyway? Why was I clinging so tightly to something that was already gone?

Because I've been stupid. I'm just some stupid kid that won't grow up.

I storm out of the tent.

I'm just some stupid kid who can't grow up. They made that perfectly clear.

I stand in the pouring rain now, heart thundering in my chest as I stare at the piece of my childhood I couldn't let go of.

So. Stupid.

And I start swinging.

I swing and I swing, with an anger and frustration I've never felt so intensely until now. It's been building my whole life and I didn't realize it. Every swing is simultaneously the best and the worst I've ever felt. Every slur I've heard from my dad, from Troy, is channeled into the bat. Every ounce of frustration and fear I felt since I came back from the Upside Down that nobody understood. Every laugh, every jeer, every single moment I've felt alone is channeled into the destruction of the one place on this earth I ever felt safe.

But it holds up and in the back of my mind, I hear Jonathan again.

'And it took so long cause you were so bad at hammering'

And I start kicking, and I start ripping the walls apart until it's a crumpled heap and I stop.

The sight of Castle Byers in ruins breaks me even harder.

I didn't want it gone, but I did it anyway. That part of me that was angry at myself, told me to keep going. Cause that's what I deserved for believing things could stay the same even though deep down I knew that wasn't true.

I finally stop when I see the castle in ruins.

Exhausted, I collapse to the ground beside the wreckage.

As I sob, stewing in the pain and overwhelming grief I felt I was drowning in, the rain pours heavily over me, soaking me to the bone.

Just as it had the night it had been built.

And now, Castle Byers was gone.

||𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

When blue meets yellow in the west.

8:41 pm. It was almost time.

The yellow and blue clock hands were illuminated by a flash of lightning, streaking through the mall's skylight. Starcourt had long since closed, and the real activity was just beginning.

Stationed at the loading docks near the back, standing under the worst storm Hawkins had seen in years were two guards. They watched through the downpour as the scheduled truck backed its way under the concrete cover.

And perched on the roof, just out of sight sat Dustin, Steve, and Robin, scouting from under their rain slickers.

"Look for Imperial Panda and Kauffman Shoes," she reminds them.

Steve wipes away at the rain dripping into his eyes, squinting even further to get a clear picture Dustin already has.

A man in a bright yellow raincoat emerges from a hidden side door, a trolley cart full of packages marked with a familiar insignia.

"They're with that whistling guy!" Dustin says suddenly, motioning out from behind the only pair of binoculars.

"What do you think's in there?" Steve wonders, eyeing the Lynx logo on the back of their many yellow jackets.

"Guns? Bombs?"

"Chemical weapons?" Robin tries.

"Whatever it is," Dustin says, now cautiously studying the heavily armed guards. He had to admit to himself, they really weren't trying very hard not to be obvious. "they're armed to the teeth."

"Great," comes Steve's sarcastic voice, once again rubbing at his eyes, silently wishing he had brought a coat with a hood. "That's great."

A soft clink that would have been obnoxiously loud had it not been for the noise of the storm brings their attention to another guard. Having pressed a glowing button on a small control panel, two large metal doors swung open to reveal another room.

"Hey!" Robin says, squinting through the rain as she tries to get a glimpse without the binoculars. "What's in there?"

"It's just more boxes,"

"Let me check it out," Steve says, grabbing for the binoculars.

Huffing, Dustin fought to keep his grip on the binoculars. "No, I'm still looking!"

"Lemme see it!"

"Hang on!"

Steve's grip had loosened with the slick of rain, sending the binoculars knocking into the cement. The issue had already been forgotten when they saw the guards' attention had been stolen. Simultaneously, the three of them dove to the ground in a panic.

The guards began to pace, grip on their firearms tightening as they gaze out into the night. Seeing nothing but empty roofs and angry skies above them, they unknowingly miss the trio huddled against the roof wall.

Just out of sight to the right of Dustin, Steve and Robin sat panting as they try to calm their racing hearts. Way too close a call. And neither of them had realized what they had done until their eyes landed on their entertained hands. Just as quickly as they notice, they break apart, embarrassed.

Down below, the guards were now on high alert. One of them, unable to shake the feeling of being watched, stalked into the rain with his eyes deadset on an open spot on the roof. He was certain he heard the noise come from that direction.

"Stay here!" He orders to the other. "Watch the door!"

Reluctantly, his partner complies and inches back towards the doors.

When he finally reaches the top of the stairwell, he hesitates only a moment before he throws the roof door open, gun cocked.

But he was met only with steady claps of thunder and an empty roof.

Had he been wrong?

Or had he just missed whoever had been here?

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

Clothes drenched, their shoes sloshing underneath their feet like sponges, Steve, Robin, and Dustin slip out from the shadows and make their way throughout the back halls behind the scenes of Starcourt.

"Well, I think we sound your Russians," Robin quips.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Black Trans Travel Fund:

For The Gworls:

"The Black Trans Travel Fund is a grassroots, Black Trans led Collective, providing Black Transgender Women with financial and material resources needed to remove barriers to self-determining and accessing safer travel options"

Trans Women Of Color Collective Fund

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"Founded by a Black transgender woman and a Black nonbinary person, For The Gworls raises money to help provide funds for rent and gender affirming surgeries for Black transgender people across the country."

Taglist:

@dickkwad @iblesstherainsdown-in-africa @miscellaneoustoasts @happyandlonely-blog @peeperparkour ​ @ba-responds @bibliophilesquared @blogforhoes ​ @witch-of-all-things-soft @shawkneecaps @whothefuckstolemykeds @daughter-of-the-stars11 ​ @stranger-things4 @kpopanimegirl ​ @nightbu-g @lozzybowe @gizmofishersupremacy @spiderbitch69420

❥ Let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the taglist! ❥

[maraudererasmut]

Black and White (Part XXVIII)

Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Part IX | Part X | Part XI | Part XII | Part XIII | Part XIV | Part XV | Part XVI | Part XVII | Part XVIII | Part XIX | Part XX | Part XXI | Part XXII | Part XXIII | Part XXIV | Part XXV | Part XXVI | Part XXVII | Part XXVIII | Part XXIX

((Remind me again why I chose to use Roman Numerals for the chapters?! Anyway... ENJOY!!! <3))

Remus arrived at Black and White early in the afternoon, wearing his one and only suit. He was clean-shaven, his hair was brushed, and he looked as presentable as he could manage, all things considered.

As he entered the gallery, he noticed that there were already a few people there. James and Lily were walking around, organizing tables with food and pamphlets. There was a makeshift bar set up, where a server was sorting the alcohol and setting out glasses. Sirius was talking with a member of the waitstaff, giving directions and explaining what needed to be done throughout the night.

Still feeling the weight of anxiety pressing heavily on his shoulders, Remus headed over to the bar.

"Hey…" He managed to get out, smiling at the woman behind the counter. She gave him a confused look. "Oh, uh… I'm one of the artists. I'm… I'm allowed to be here, I promise."

"Oh!" She said, beaming at Remus. "Well, your work is very beautiful!"

"Ah… thanks…" Remus felt himself smile, despite the whole Sirius situation; it was really nice to be complimented on his work and it happened so rarely in his life. The bartender returned his grin, a slight flush falling across her cheeks.

"You'd better get used to people saying that. This night is all about you and your art."

"Heh… yeah," Remus answered awkwardly. "I suppose it is."

"You look like you could use a glass of wine…"

"You know what…" Remus eyed the collection of fancy wines behind the bar; wines that he was allowed to try for free thanks to his art. He had worked hard to get to this point, and regardless of how his personal life was looking, he knew he should still take a moment to be proud of himself. He had come so far in just a few weeks. "I think I will have one. I deserve it."

The bartender poured Remus a glass, which he graciously accepted and brought with him as he walked through the gallery. He paused in front of his most recent work, taking in the depth of the painting, remembering his emotions as he had brought it to life. He was still experiencing the same turmoil, still struggling through the same complex feelings.  

"Do not get drunk tonight," a voice said from behind the artist.

Remus froze, feeling his stomach tighten and his shoulders tense. He turned around to face Sirius, hardening his expression.

"It's a glass of wine, Sirius. I think I'm entitled to it," he spat, glaring at the gallery owner. Sirius was purposefully causing trouble at this point.

"Yes, well, we don't want any mean old gallery owners taking advantage of you when you pass out." Sirius had a sneer on his face as he taunted Remus, and the artist clenched his fists in fury.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Sirius?!" Remus' voice was louder than he intended and it rang through the gallery, echoing across the walls.

Sirius was about to retort, most likely some snide comment, when James approached them.

"Office. Both of you. Now!"

Remus had never seen James that angry before. His voice was sharp and aggressive, paired with a deep crimson glow spreading across his cheeks. The dark umber of his eyes flashed with intensity. Remus shrunk before his penetrating glare, feeling surprisingly small before the other man.

"This is my gallery, Potter! You can't tell me what to do!"

"Sirius, you're embarrassing yourself," James growled, stepping towards the gallery owner. "There are people here. Act professional. You and Remus need to go into your office and sort this shit out, do you understand me?"

Sirius looked like he was deliberating, considering his retort, before he changed his mind and turned around in a huff. He marched himself straight to the gallery office and Remus dutifully followed, feeling like a child that had just been scolded.

Once the two of them were in the office, James stuck his head through the door.

"If this isn't settled by the time the show opens, so help me—"

"Yes, James," Sirius grumbled, acting more like James' son than his brother.

James left Remus and Sirius alone in the office, closing the door behind him. Once they were by themselves, Sirius turned to Remus, glaring at him expectantly.

"Well?"

"Well what?" Remus snapped angrily. He was tired of Sirius playing games with him. He understood that he did something wrong, but the gallery owner had no right to provoke him and try to draw a reaction. "You're the one who came up to me!"

Sirius crossed his arms and let out a pfft while rolling his eyes.

"I was just making sure that you knew not to get drunk this evening, so as to not repeat past mistakes."

"Fuck off!" Remus yelled, forgetting himself for a moment and allowing his frustration to take over. "You know what? Yeah! I thought we hooked up while I was drunk! Is that such an absurd thought?! Is it really so farfetched that I thought I had sex with you?!"

Sirius looked taken aback.

"Yes, Remus! You were drunk!" He was clearly upset, his pale skin turning a bright shade of red across his cheeks and ears.

"So what?!" Remus shouted, finally putting words to the feelings that had been boiling up inside of him. "I thought we fucked! I've spent the past three weeks thinking about it, of course I'd assume that Drunk Remus would act on it!"

Sirius' mouth was hanging open. He blinked.

"You…"

Sirius was at a loss for words. Remus rolled his eyes and continued his tirade.

"Yeah. There it is. The whole damn truth. Pathetic little Remus had feelings for Sirius! Laugh it up! Tell me how stupid it is that someone like me could even fathom being with someone like you! I know it's insane! I get that! And I know I'm an idiot for thinking it could actually happen! And I'm sorry! I'm sorry that I thought we had sex! I'm sorry it felt like I thought you were a bad person! I didn't. I just assumed that… maybe… I just…"

Remus cut himself off. What did he assume?

"... you're not an idiot." Sirius muttered, his eyes drifting down slightly.

"Shut up, Sirius! Just… shut up! I don't need your pity! I don't need everyone's pity! I don't need people feeling bad for the pathetic artist who isn't good enough to make it on his own!" Remus didn't even know what he was yelling about at this point, he was just yelling. He was getting all of his feelings out, the ones that didn't fit into his paintings, and he seemed to have broken the damn.

"I don't think you're pathetic..."

"God dammit, Sirius! I just… I thought maybe… just maybe… there was a chance that… that you liked me too. That's why I assumed we had sex. I just… part of me… and it's so stupid, I know that. I see that now. I just didn't realize it at the time."

"... you're not stupid."

Remus stared at Sirius, completely floored. What was Sirius playing at? A moment ago, he had been inexplicably rude to Remus. Why would his tune change so suddenly?

"Don't patronize me! Don't you think you've made me feel bad enough?! I never meant to accuse you of anything! It was a mistake!"

"...I know."

Remus stopped. He stared open-mouthed at the man before him, whose face was crestfallen and… guilty?

"You know?! Yesterday you yelled at me about this!"

"I didn't know yesterday. But… I get it now."

"What are you talking about?!"

"I— I hadn't realized…" Sirius looked up at Remus, stormy grey eyes clouded with remorse. He looked lost, sincere, authentically apologetic. Remus felt his breath catch in his chest as he stared into Sirius' eyes, remembering their night together talking in the gallery. It had been so honest — a different side to Sirius that rarely came out.

"What hadn't you realized, Sirius?" Remus' voice was quivering. He was still upset, but he wasn't shouting. He didn't feel like he needed to yell anymore in order to be heard.

"I— I didn't know that you— that you wanted— " Sirius' body moved forward the slightest amount, an infinitesimally small step that brought their two worlds that much closer together. "I didn't realize that you had feelings for me."

"Fuck off," Remus swore, rolling his eyes. "Of course you knew. You've spent the past few weeks shamelessly flirting with me! Only now I realize that I was just a plaything for you." Remus didn't notice how harsh his words were until he saw the hurt painted across Sirius' features. "Is— isn't that what you were doing?"

"I… I flirted with you because I liked you, Remus… I just assumed you…" Sirius eyes flickered away for just a moment. "You never flirted back, I just assumed you weren't interested."

Remus stared at Sirius, confusion written across his face.

"The fuck? Sirius, you're… you're the gallery owner. Of course I couldn't— I just— what the hell is going on?" The artist ran a hand through his curls, trying to think, trying to sort out the past few weeks in his mind. "Then what was that out there?" He gestured wildly towards the rest of the gallery. "What the hell was that?"

"I was mad, Remus! I thought… I thought you had blamed me! I thought that you thought that I took advantage of you!" Sirius scrunched his face up in frustration— still looking surprisingly attractive— before brushing his bangs away from his eyes. "I was mad when you left and assumed we did it because I thought you thought the worst of me. I was hurt."

"I told you—"

"I know! I just… it never crossed my mind that… that you thought we hooked up because it was something you wanted to do… it just… never occurred to me that— that you'd even want to!"

"Of course I'd fucking want to…" Remus mumbled before he caught himself. "Shit… I mean… not that… I just—"

Before Remus could explain to the gallery owner why he just admitted to wanting to have sex with him, Sirius was suddenly there, in front of Remus, raising a hand to brush an errant curl from the artist's eyes. Remus blinked up into swirling blues and greys, wondering what the hell happened in the last few minutes that caused this.

"Sirius, I—"

"Remus…" Sirius muttered, barely audibly, the name lilting off his tongue. The pad of Sirius' thumb grazed Remus' cheek, an almost imperceptible touch of skin on skin. "Remus, I fancy you. I have for a while now. And I probably should have told you sooner."

"B— but…" Remus stammered, trying to make sense of everything. "But you were so mean out there… and— and— and you were so mad at me!"

"I was an idiot. I didn't think someone as perfect as you could ever care about someone as broken as me. And I built up barriers between us... I am so sorry."

Sirius' voice was tender, affectionate, paired with such an earnest gleam in his eyes. Remus felt himself melting before Sirius' smouldering gaze, felt the wall between them finally shatter.

"I'm not perfect…" Remus mumbled. It was all he could think to say in response.

"I want to kiss you…" Sirius' words were barely a whisper, and Remus' heart was racing. His mind flashed back to the previous weekend, the feeling of Sirius' lips against his own, the way their mouths moved. Remus wanted this, more than anything, but he felt a tug in his stomach. The voice in his head was warning him against this, reminding him of their dynamic, of gallery owner and artist. Sirius was in a position of power over him, and yet…

Sirius hadn't moved. He was waiting for Remus to respond. He refused to act on anything without Remus' express consent.

Remus closed his eyes and closed the gap, pressing his lips into Sirius'. He felt Sirius' hand cup his face, the other one weaving around his body. He felt Sirius' lips moving in sync with his own. Remus could have sworn that he was floating, his feet lifting off the ground. He felt fireworks in his stomach, exploding and crackling and causing a ruckus so loud, he was sure Sirius could hear it.

This was exactly where Remus wanted to be— where he wanted to spend the rest of his life— right there in Sirius' arms.

Knock knock knock.

Remus almost yelped, he was so startled. He immediately pulled away from Sirius, breaking their connection and the magic that tied them together. The expression on Sirius' face told Remus that he was equally as surprised and dismayed.

"I don't hear yelling. Should I be happy, or is one of you dead?"

Sirius cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"N— No one's dead, Potter. Don't worry." He turned to Remus and offered a sheepish smile before straightening himself up and adjusting his tie. "I think… I think things are worked out."

Sirius gave one last glance over to Remus, who was still standing there, mouth agape, wondering what was going on. Sirius reached out and gently brushed his fingers against Remus' arm, offering the artist a timid grin filled with emotion. Then, as if transforming into a different person altogether, Sirius turned around and threw his Gallery Owner smile onto his face.

Sirius opened the door and nodded at James, who was waiting just outside of the office.

"Not to worry, Potter. Remus has assured me that this misunderstanding won't happen again."

The artist stood in the office for a moment, briefly considering staying there all night. He shook his head out, rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palms, and took a page from Sirius' book. The man who emerged from the office was Artist Remus: feigning confidence and ready to perform the song and dance required of him to sell his work.

((So? Was it all worth the wait? ;) ))

[etherealfangirl10]

Friend?

One Shot

Masterlist

Pairing: Jerome x Reader

Gender: Female

Genre: Fluff (?)

Warning: Mention of murder (?)

Summary:

-(Y/N) is an inmate at Arkham Asylum, preferring to keep to herself and her only want to get out of that hellhole. But what happens when she catches the attention of a certain red head?-

(Y/N) let out a long sigh, plopping her head down onto the metal table she had seated at. Day 17 at Arkham. All she had to prove that she was sane, which shouldn’t be too hard, considering she was. But, alas, her psychiatrist didn’t think so. The creep. He probably only wanted her to stay so he can continue to ogle at her and have an excuse to brush his disgusting hand over hers. It made her wanna chop it off, sometimes.

Now, now. She truly wasn’t crazy. But taking the insanity plea was better than wasting away at Blackgate for 20 or so years. She figured she’d be out of Arkham in no time. But the more days (Y/N) spent wasting here, the more she doubted she’d get to leave anytime soon.

The slop on her tray forgotten, she lifted her head to place an elbow on the table to support her head as she gazed around almost lazily. It was full of crazies and psychos in here. Serial killers, cannibals, rapists... (Y/N) shivered at the thought of it. She didn’t have any strong opinions against murder, considering the reason why she was there in the first place, but she certainly didn’t want to be the object of those dark thoughts.

It was difficult, though. Being a woman in Arkham made it hard to stay unnoticed. Men, and even some other girls, seemed to watch (Y/N) every time she entered a room. Not because she was drop dead gorgeous, at least she didn’t think she was, but because they were thirsty, horny, and, oh alright, she wasn’t a terrible sight to look at, but she just couldn’t believe there was anything special about her.

(Y/N) tried to avoid the other inmates, mostly. It would do no good to get buddy- buddy, and do even less good if she were to get on bad terms with some of these people. If she stayed away, she’d be okay.

That’s why, when her (E/C) gaze caught the eyes of another, a dark green gaze framed by dark red lashes, standing out against pale skin... she instantly looked away, down at her tray, biting her lip gently in slight panic. They didn’t think she was staring, right? Oh jeez, please don’t come over.

(Y/N) squeezed her eyes shut as she heard a shuffle from that direction, then footsteps. Please be walking away, please please please?

Nope. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“Hi, gorgeous.” A boyish voice sounded above her, and she felt the table shake as someone jumped over the seat next to her, settling down beside (Y/N).

The girl slowly opened her eyes, plastering on a fake smile. Don’t piss other inmates off, (Y/N). She turned towards the male, taking him in. Oof. The male looked more boy than man, with boyish features and body shape. Lanky, but she could tell that he had lean muscle hidden under those stripes. Pale skin, freckles scattered across his face. Catching her attention, her gaze flickered up to his fiery red hair, combed neatly into place, or at least attempted to be. It gave off untamable vibes, strands of fire falling over his forehead, leading (Y/N) to his facial features once again. Not gonna lie, cute nose. It wasn’t too small or too big, and his pink lips were boyishly thin, stretched into a wide smile. While the smile seemed to portray the male had ‘friendly’ intentions, she couldn’t help but be unsettled by it, yet some part of her drawn in, nonetheless.

“Anybody home?” (Y/N) was broken out of her trance as he spoke once more, his words trailing off into a short, contagious giggle. (Y/N) felt her cheeks flame in embarrassment as she realized she was staring, and ducked her head before meeting his gaze once again.

“Er, yeah, sorry.” The girl breathed, and cleared her throat cautiously. “Can I help you?” (Y/N) inquiried, gazing at him curiosly.

“Sure ya can, Doll. You can start off with telling me your name.” He hummed, leaning forwards slightly, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Didn’t you know it’s rude to ask for someones name before giving your own?” (Y/N) shot back without thinking, and she internally face palmed at her stupidity. Why would they care about manners? We’re in Arkham for goodness sake.

Surprisingly, the males grin only widened, and he placed a hand over his heart, his eyes turning mockingly apologetic. “Oh, how rude of me! The name’s Jerome. I hope you can forgive such that grievous mistake on my part.” Jerome chuckled, teasing her. Well, too late to turn back now.

“We’ll see about that.” She responded, and he tilted his head slightly, one eyebrow raised before she continued. “I’m (Y/N).” Instinctively, she reached a hand out for him to shake, but, with a glimmer in his eyes, Jerome took her hand and raised it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. Letting out a soft, nervous laugh, (Y/N) took her hand back and placed it on her lap.

“Nice meeting ya, (Y/N). Whatcha in for?” He pressed on casually, as if he was asking about what she was eating. Ah, right. Couldn’t forget she was surrounded by maniacs.

“Ah...just...murder.” More specifically, her ex boyfriend and ex best friend, even though they were her boyfriend and best friend at the time they decided to bang each other. She didn’t mean to kill them, but things escalated, and once she grabbed a knife and drew blood, it was like something else took over her body. She liked the feeling, and that’s what scared her the most.

“No way! Me too! Chopped up my mom.” He replied almost enthusiastically. “She deserved it, though.” He added, his boyish tone discarded and replaced with a type of darkness, his eyes darkening and his smile suddenly appeared to be more sinister. What the frick?

“I’m sure she did, Jerome.” (Y/N) responded after a couple of seconds, trying to gauge his change of attitude. It disappeared in a flash, though, returning back to the bubbly personality he had before.

“Ya know, a girl as pretty as you is sure to attract attention around here.” He continued, propping his head up on his fist. “I thought you might wanna have a friend by your side, (Y/N).” Jerome hummed, blinking innocently up at her. Had she just imagined all of that?

“A friend?” She questioned, furrowing her eyebrows. She didn’t need a friend. She just wanted to keep to herself and get out of here. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

“Aw, come on. Everyone needs a friend! See that big handsome fella staring at you like you’re fried chicken?” Almost reluctant to turn and look, (Y/N) followed Jeromes gaze to see an older looking man, indeed checking her out. Eesh.

“Yeah? What about him?” She inquired, instantly looking away and back to Jerome, wondering what he had in mind. She was used to the staring.

“Richard Sionis. He’s a millionaire. Got his own airplane, got a boat with a hot tub on it. And he killed twenty five people-.” Jerome gave a tiny chuckle at that. “Just for fun.” Why was he telling her this?

“Am I supposed to be scared or something?” (Y/N) huffed. For some reason, this whole exchange had fueled her with the confidence to actually speak up for herself. So that’s what this was? She was a damsel in distress to him?

Jerome grinned at that, turning to face her more clearly, angling his whole body towards her. “So. He likes you.” He chuckled, and she lifted an eyebrow, feeling her own smirk play at her lips from watching the male smile so much. What was with this dude? “He wants to be your friend.”

She spared another glance over to the man, and caught his gaze running over my body. (Y/N) fought back a cringe and turned to lean closer to Jerome. “But I don’t wanna be his friend.” She murmured, frowning. “I don’t know about you, but he doesn’t seem like the... friendly type, if you know what I’m saying.”

Jerome giggled, before whispering, almost like they were on some secret mission, “That’s why you could use a different friend, to protect you from guys like him.” He persevered. Hmm. He had a point. She didn’t exactly need protecting, but extra armor couldn’t hurt. (Y/N) analyzed him once more. But how would that Richard guy know that she even had a fr- ohhhhhh.... well, public displays worked. She just hoped she was on the same page as him. And if not... ah, well, let’s just hope they are.

“Mm... I see.” She murmured softly, letting her gaze travel down to his lips and back, leaning in closer. Jerome blinked in mild surprise as he felt her hands delicately run up his chest, her nails trailing over his neck before resting her thumb on his jawline. “So will you be my friend, Jerome?” (Y/N) asked with a slight purr to her tone, batting her eyelashes innocently up at him. His smile had faltered slightly, his eyes trailing down to her lips and back, his breathing becoming shallower.

He didn’t get to reply before she finally connected their mouths, brushing her lips over his softly before pulling back, his body automatically leaning forwards to try and stay in contact. (Y/N) let out a smug hum as he pressed his mouth to hers eagerly as she ran her free hand through his already untamed locks, grabbing onto it and tugging gently, enticing an almost inaudible groan to to fall from his lips.

It was over quickly, perhaps quicker than (Y/N) would have liked. The girl pushed against his chest lightly, tilting her head away from his as he caught his breath. She was used to kissing, her ex had loved to drag her into bed anytime he could, even if she didn’t feel like it. But to her surprise, Jerome was quiet, a large smile taking over his face. Little did she know, that was his first kiss.

Sneaking a look over at Sionis, he could see the man looking away, a disappointed expression on his face. Huh. That was easier than expected.

Turning back to face Jerome, she saw he was now gazing at her, clearly amused. “You’re bad...” he muttered, and for a moment, she couldn’t think of anything to say in reply. Bad in what way? Bad bad? Good bad? Was bad bad a bad thing? Was good bad a bad thing?

Luckily, she didn’t have to sort out her thoughts and reply, because the bell signaling that lunch was over rang out through the room.

Without another word, her mind struggling to figure out what had just flipping happened, she stood up and strode away, not even bothering to spare a glance behind her.

If he was serious about her being his ‘friend’, then he should be following like a lost puppy.

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Roguish Women Part 23

Summary: Kate Rosseau is an American who fled to Paris to escape her past life. Now she's dancing and playing the part of a courtesan at the Moulin Rouge. There she meets Tommy Shelby who thinks she can be useful in expanding his empire. But has he been blinded?

Part 23: With Tommy and Kate now separated, they both have to make sense of their new realities. 

Warning: Abuse

         When the devil catches up to you, what do you do? Do you fight? Or do you admit defeat?

           Normally, it would be fairly easy to get Tommy out of jail, especially if it was a minor offense like breaching the peace. The Shelbys had enough pull in that sector. But it didn’t help his case that he punched one of the officers so hard that it burst a blood vessel in his eye. Still, they managed to get him released before dark the same day. Even by that time, he was still raging.

           “That bastard knew we were coming.” He ranted as he stormed through the betting shop.

           Polly was standing in the doorway of her office, arms crossed over her chest. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Thomas.”

           He stopped to glare at her. “What was that?”

           She pointed to his office. “She left a letter for you. I found it after you left.”

           Tommy almost hesitated to go read it. He was worried what it might say. Still, he didn’t have much of a choice, so he went into his office, taking off his coat and cap as he went. As Polly said, there was an envelope sitting on his desk, addressed to him. The envelope was the same type as the ones they used in the office. Maybe she had swiped one when she was passing through. The past couple of years, Tommy had grown to recognize her handwriting. Just like he recognized the scent of her perfume, her laugh, and even the sound of her heels walking down the hallway. But he was completely unaware that he had been cataloging all these little tells. No idea that she had made such a deep impression on him. Well, he didn’t know until she was gone.

           Bracing himself, he sat down at his desk and lit a cigarette. He opened the envelope and removed the folded parchment paper.

           Dear Tommy,

           By now you’ll know I’ve left and I don’t intend on coming back. I’m sorry it had to happen this way, but I wanted you to know that you did everything you could. In the end, this is just the way it has to be. I don’t feel I have enough time to tell you everything I want to tell you. I blame myself for that. Maybe if I had been more honest, I wouldn’t feel like I was leaving loose ends. But that’s my burden I have to carry, not yours.

           There are a lot of explanations as to why I did what I did. When the devil catches up to you, what do you do? Do you fight? Or do you admit defeat? When Santo threatened you and your family, I made up my mind. I’m not a martyr, I’m the one who brought this trouble to you in the first place. It’s my responsibility to take care of it.  So that’s what I’m doing now. I don’t want you at war with Santo or the Changrettas. Your family has had enough heartache as it is. To start a battle with them would only bring more grief.

           I obviously can’t control you, but I would urge you to just leave it be. Don’t try to find me in America and don’t try to cause anymore trouble with the Italians. Just leave it be.

           Please know that I’ve left my heart with you. I know I won’t ever love anyone the way I’ve loved you.  

           Please give everyone my love, including the boys in Camden Town.

           Always,

           Kate.

           Tommy was heartbroken. Heartbroken and furious. It was a strikingly same feeling to when Grace admitted she wasn’t pregnant. Betrayed was too weak of a word. But was it that simple? His eyes scanned the letter again. She had done it to protect him and his family. Why wasn’t he enough? Why couldn’t she trust that he would take care of her? Maybe he hadn’t proved it well enough to her. Maybe she saw how Grace collapsed in that ballroom, blood pouring from her wound, and thought she would be the next victim if she stayed.

           He stood up, throwing the letter to the side and pacing like a rabid dog in front of his desk. After his fourth or fifth pass, he couldn’t contain his grief. He threw a right hook at the wall with enough force to put a crack through the plaster. His brain didn’t even register the pain.

           Polly stepped into his office when she heard the loud bang. Her nephew sank to his knees, cradling his bloodied knuckles to his chest. He hunched over his head low. She could remember a time when he was in the same position. Only a young man finding out his mother had passed. It seemed to be the start. The formation of a man he currently was. Life continued to throw hurdles at him, relentless blows that he tried to take with a brave face. But even when he moved past the troubles, he left a piece of himself behind.

           Polly couldn’t guess what he needed most. His family could love him until the end of time but it didn’t seem to be enough. There was always something missing.

~~~~~~~~~~

           Kate couldn’t even begin to understand all the different emotions that hit her when they docked in Boston Harbor. When she stepped off the gangplank, she tried not to think about how many miles were now between her and Birmingham. She figured the less she tried to think about it, the better off she would be. The less heartbroken she would be.  

           She was full of trepidation. Santo hadn’t said much to her on the voyage across the Atlantic. It was almost as if he was waiting until they were finally back in his territory. Back where he felt most in control. And once he was back in that seat of power, there was no telling what he would do to her.

           Santo led Kate through the crowd of passengers to a Bugatti that was waiting for them.

           A well-dressed man stood near it and smiled when they approached. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Miss Kate. Been quite some time, hasn’t it?”

           She was well familiar with those who were closest to Santo. Every one of them was insufferable in her opinion. Only low-lifes wanted to cling to him. “Mick.” She muttered a begrudging greeting in response.

           “She looks a little down, boss, was it something I said?” Mickey asked with a hand to his heart, pretending to be offended.

           Santo chuckled and put a hand on Kate’s shoulder, pressing his fingers in a bit firmer than was necessary. “She’s just tired from the journey is all.”

           Mickey opened the back door of the car for them. “Well, ain’t too long of a drive back. Welcome home, Katie.”

~~~~~~~~

           The North End had been Santo’s home base since the beginning. The strong Italian community there was where he grew up and prospered. Kate had been there but was raised in South Boston, so she didn’t feel very at home there. She didn’t feel very at home at all in the city. It felt like such a distant part of her past, a part she wasn’t willing to revisit.

           Mickey drove them through the winding, narrow streets of the North End until they reached Santo’s home. He brought their luggage inside while they stood out on the sidewalk.

           Santo wrapped an arm around Kate’s waist, pulling her close. “What’d you think? Good spot, isn’t it? Got everything you need around too. Don’t have to go far for anything.”

           Kate felt nauseated as she looked up at the building.

           “C’mon.” He ushered her inside and upstairs.

           It was a significantly nicer place than Kate’s flat back in Small Heath. The sitting room had dark wood walls and a few stiff armchairs and sofas. Santo’s wealth was on display with art pieces on the wall, gold accents, and fragile vases adorning the side tables. The corridor led to a dining room and kitchen. Another set of stairs led up to the bedrooms.

           “Big improvement from that shit hole I think.” He remarked from the doorway as he watched Kate look around.

           “I hate it.” She replied and glared at him pointedly.

           She saw a flash of anger in his eyes but he just chuckled. “Well, you’ll learn to like it, won’t you?” He moved toward her. "This will be your home, so I think it'll grow on you."

           “You stay the fuck away from me.” She warned and tried to back away from him but the back of her knees hit an arm of the sofa.

           “Micina, I don’t want to fight with you. This was the arrangement. This is what you understood and agreed to before you left. Either you got the money or you married me. Simple as that. Now that you’re back, you’re going to honor that agreement.”

           “I’ll honor your agreement. But I’ll loathe you until the day I die. I’ll be fucking sick to my stomach whenever I look at you. I’ll hate every moment I’m in the same room as you. I’ll wake up every morning wishing you were dead.” She spat and squared her shoulders.

           That’s the breaking point she reached. Santo grabbed a fistful of her hair and slammed her face up against the nearest wall. He leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “Listen here, you ungrateful bitch. You’ll learn to appreciate me. I own you now and there’s not a goddamn thing you can do about it. If you fight me, if you insult me, if you ruin my image, I will send my men over to kill your beloved gypsies. And I’ll have them come back with all their heads in boxes so you can open them and see what you’ve done.”

           Kate wasn’t focused on the ache throbbing in her face or the pain from him pulling her hair. She was trying not to cry so to show him he wouldn’t beat her. In the end, her dignity was all she had left. He would never take that from her. “Burn in hell.” She snarled.

           “You fucking whore.” He let go of her hair and shoved her away from the wall just so he could slap her across the face. “Just you wait. If I have to beat obedience into you, I fucking will.” He jabbed a finger at her. “Now go upstairs and clean yourself up. You still smell like that disgusting city.”

           Kate stormed past him and up the stairs to the third story. She found the bathroom and locked herself in it. It was devastating to see herself in the mirror. Her lip was bloodied and she already had a bruise forming on her temple. Her hair was in disarray and her eye makeup was smudged. She was furious with herself. Furious that she had fallen so low by her own fault. She let out a scream of frustration and punched the mirror. The surface cracked and distorted her reflection. Blood dripped from her knuckles as she gripped the edge of the sink.

           She didn’t care if she had to fight him every day for the rest of her life. Santo would receive nothing from her. No peace. No love. No acceptance. Nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~

           If Kate had been there, Tommy might have admitted he was in way over his head. With everything from the Russians to Father Hughes, he felt at his wits end. Late at night, when he couldn’t sleep, he tried to imagine what Kate might say to him.

           I’m always right, Tommy, that’s why you should listen to me more.

           She was nearly always right. He longed for her to be there, to tell him she was right.

           “How many hours of sleep are you getting?” Polly asked moments after Esme and Lizzie left the sitting room. They had been there confronting him about bathrooms then suddenly about the robbery. God, it made his head spin.

           Tommy sat down at the table. “Doesn’t fucking matter. What matters is I can’t trust Esme and I can’t trust the fucking Russians and I can’t trust me own fucking brother with anything.” He snapped agitatedly.

           His aunt watched him as she lit a cigarette. “You would’ve trusted Kate with the information.”

           There was no denying the facial tic when he heard her name. Many people had been wary to mention her in front of him, afraid it would set him off or just send him into a darker place. But Polly didn’t fear him.

           “Kate didn’t run her mouth.” He muttered in reply, his eyes going down.

           “You’re right. She kept secrets well.”

           That only seemed to annoy him more. “You know there is a general lack of discipline in this fucking company.” He complained if anything just to try and steer the conversation elsewhere.

           “She made her decision. It can’t keep you occupied or things will go badly. You need to focus on what you’re dealing with now.” Polly advised.

           “I’m getting her back, Pol.” He spoke in a clipped manner. “I’m bringing her back home.”

           “Tommy…”

           “I just-I just need to kill that fucking priest and to have everything go to plan.”

           “You’re grieving.” She said calmly. “Of course, you are. You lost Grace and now you’ve lost her. But I know that you make bad choices when you grieve. Now more than ever, you need a level head. Maybe you need to forget her for the time being and take care of what you can here.” It wasn’t for Polly to decide who was right or wrong. She had no ill-will toward Kate, in fact, she had always appreciated her presence to be another one of logical thinking. But she felt it was very far-fetched for Tommy to try and launch a rescue mission. Especially because she didn’t know what sort of messes they would get tangled in if he tried. Facing America mobsters on their own turf was the last thing the family needed. Not when they were already wrapped up in some convoluted plan.

           “I’ll forget her when hell freezes over.” Tommy stood up. “I only told you about the priest, keep it that way.” He urged before he left in a huff.

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