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theonottsbxtch · 6 months ago

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DONT WANNA BE SAVED | MV1

an: mafia!max i DO want to be saved, please do not mix me up with the main character she's just a bit silly. also single dad!max hmu, yeah? i hope you're aware of how much googling i had to do this for request because i know NOTHING about dressage.

wc: 6.2k

The rhythmic crunch of gravel under the tyres was the only sound that cut through the quiet tension in the air. Max Verstappen drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, his sharp jaw clenched. He wasn’t used to venturing into parts of town that didn’t know his name, but for his little girl, he’d do anything—even if it meant swallowing his pride and knocking on the door of a horse trainer who clearly wanted nothing to do with him.

The GPS barked at him, announcing the final turn. Max squinted through the windscreen at the small, unassuming ranch sprawled out in the middle of nowhere. The place looked sturdy but unpolished, a far cry from the grand estates he usually associated with trainers who were supposedly “the best.” He cut the engine and stepped out, the crisp bite of the afternoon wind tugging at the tailored lapels of his suit.

The barn doors creaked open, and she emerged.

She was nothing like he expected. For someone with a reputation of being the finest dressage instructor on this side of the country, she didn’t look the part. Her hair was loosely tied back, strands falling into her face as she adjusted the cuff of her sleeve. Her boots were scuffed, her hands calloused, and there was a streak of dirt smeared across her cheek. Yet, the confidence in the way she moved was unmistakable—deliberate, purposeful, like she could size him up in a heartbeat and decide exactly how much of her time he deserved.

Max straightened as she approached, his usual commanding air faltering under her cool, appraising gaze. “Mr Verstappen?” she asked, voice calm and low, though there was a slight arch to her brow as she clocked his expensive suit against the rustic backdrop.

“That’s right,” he replied, recovering quickly. “I called about my daughter, Stella.”

“I remember.” Her tone was unreadable as she wiped her hands on her jeans and extended one to him. He hesitated a second too long before shaking it. Firm grip. No nonsense.

“She’s serious about competing,” Max continued, trying to soften the edge in his voice. “I’ve been told you’re the best, and I don’t settle for less when it comes to her.”

The corner of her mouth twitched, almost like a smile, but not quite. “Dressage isn’t about settling or not settling,” she said. “It’s about discipline, patience, and trust. None of which can be bought.”

Max’s jaw ticked at the subtle dig, but he didn’t rise to it. He was here for Stella, not to flex his ego. “You’ll have all the resources you need,” he said instead. “Money isn’t an issue.”

Her eyes flicked to him, sharp as a blade. “Good. Because if your daughter’s going to train with me, I’m going to need more than that.” She turned abruptly, gesturing for him to follow her towards the barn. “I’ll meet Stella, and we’ll go from there. But just so we’re clear—I don’t babysit, and I don’t do miracles.”

Max trailed behind her, a slow smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. She was bold, he’d give her that. Most people were too afraid to speak to him like that. Maybe she really was the best.

His shoes crunched against the gravel as he followed her into the barn. The earthy scent of hay and leather mingled with the faint sweetness of horses, instantly grounding the space. Inside, sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting golden streaks across the straw-scattered floor. A bay mare in one of the stables tossed her head, her ears twitching at the sound of their footsteps.

She leaned against the edge of the stall, absently running her fingers along the edge of the wood. “How old is Stella?” she asked, her voice carrying the clipped efficiency of someone who didn’t waste time on niceties.

“Nine,” Max said, stepping closer. “She’s ridden before, but it’s always been a hobby. Now, she’s ready to take it seriously.”

“Is she?” she asked, glancing at him.

Max frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, is she ready? Or are you?” She crossed her arms, leaning her weight casually against the stable door.

His nostrils flared, but he bit back his instinctive retort. People didn’t question him—not in his world. But this was different. For Stella, he’d let his temper take a back seat. “Stella’s the one who asked. She’s determined, and I support her in whatever she wants.”

For the first time, her expression softened, just slightly. “Good. A lot of parents want this more than the kids. It shows in the way they push them, and that pressure never works. Horses aren’t machines. They pick up on that tension, and it ruins the trust.”

He nodded, though he wasn’t entirely sure he liked being lectured. “Trust, discipline, patience,” he said, his voice taking on a dry edge. “I got it.”

Her lips twitched again, and this time he was certain it was a smile, however faint. “You don’t strike me as the patient type.”

Max chuckled, low and sharp. “You’d be surprised. I know when to wait. I also know when to act.”

Something flickered in her gaze at that, but she didn’t let it linger. Instead, she straightened and pushed open the stable door, letting the mare step out. The horse was sleek and graceful, her muscles shifting smoothly under her polished coat.

“This is Luna,” she said, patting the mare’s neck. “She’s my best. If Stella wants to learn, she’ll start with her.”

“Stella doesn’t have her own horse yet,” Max admitted, studying the animal.

“Good. That makes it easier. Luna’s a good judge of character. If Stella’s nervous, Luna will know. And if Luna doesn’t trust her...” She shrugged, leaving the rest unsaid.

Max raised an eyebrow. “What happens then?”

“She doesn’t ride,” she said simply.

He appreciated her bluntness, even if it grated at him. She wasn’t someone he could charm or intimidate, and oddly, that made him more intrigued.

As if sensing his thoughts, she brushed past him, leading Luna to a bridle rack. “Bring Stella by tomorrow. I’ll see what we’re working with.”

“And what about you?” Max asked, his voice dropping slightly, almost testing.

She turned, brow furrowing. “What about me?”

“You seem to have high expectations,” he said. “If Stella’s the one being judged, does that mean you’ve already made up your mind about me?”

Her gaze lingered on him, steady and unflinching. “You’re not the one I’m here to teach, Mr Verstappen. But if you’re asking...” She paused, her lips curving into the faintest smirk. “I’ve met plenty of men like you. You don’t scare me.”

Max tilted his head, his mouth pulling into a slow, deliberate grin. “Plenty of men like me? Somehow, I doubt that.”

The month following his first meeting with her passed in a blur of early mornings, long afternoons, and the kind of quiet determination that Max had to admit impressed him. Stella had taken to the training better than he could have hoped, and her instructor—well, she’d more than lived up to her reputation.

She was tough but fair, demanding excellence without suffocating his daughter’s enthusiasm. Max had watched every session from the sidelines, arms crossed, keeping a respectful distance but always observing. And more than once, he found his attention drifting—not to Stella, but to her instructor.

There was something about her. A kind of grit that didn’t falter, even when she was teaching patience to a headstrong nine-year-old. Her quiet confidence didn’t demand attention; it commanded it. Max had seen plenty of people fake authority, but she wore it like second skin.

He liked that.

What he hadn’t expected, however, was to see her a month later, in a completely different world.

The pounding bass hit him first, reverberating through his chest as he pushed through the crowd. The club was dimly lit, alive with movement—people dancing, drinks clinking, laughter rising over the music. It wasn’t his usual scene, but a meeting had brought him here, one of those backroom negotiations that needed the anonymity of chaos.

He’d wrapped up the deal without trouble, but as he made his way back to the main floor, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye.

There she was, behind the bar.

Her hair was down, loose waves brushing her shoulders, and she wasn’t in scuffed boots or faded jeans anymore. Instead, she wore a fitted black top and a skater skirt, a thin chain glinting at her neck under the neon lights. She moved with an easy rhythm, pouring drinks and flashing quick smiles to the patrons leaning against the bar.

For a moment, Max thought he’d imagined it. But then she turned slightly, catching his profile out of the corner of her eye, and froze.

Her eyes widened for just a second—barely noticeable—but enough for him to catch it. She recovered quickly, though, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow as if to say, What are you doing here?

Max didn’t answer her unspoken question. Instead, he made his way to the bar, sliding between two drunken men slouched over their cocktails. He rested his elbows on the polished surface, waiting for her to acknowledge him.

“Mr Verstappen,” she said finally, leaning forward slightly. Her voice was calm, but there was a flicker of something else in her expression—annoyance, maybe, or surprise. “Didn’t think this was your kind of place.”

“It’s not,” he admitted, letting his eyes roam the bottles behind her before settling back on her face. “But it seems I’m full of surprises tonight.”

She snorted softly, grabbing a glass and filling it with water. She placed it in front of him, her smirk sharp. “You look like you need this more than a whiskey.”

Max chuckled, low and rough. “Not here for a drink. Just curious.” He tilted his head, studying her. “Didn’t peg you for the nightlife type.”

“Didn’t think you were paying that much attention,” she shot back, wiping her hands on a bar towel.

“More than you realise,” Max murmured. He wasn’t sure if she caught the softness in his tone over the thumping music, but her eyes narrowed slightly, her posture stiffening.

“I could say the same about you,” she replied, shifting her weight. “What’s the boss of half the city doing in a place like this?”

“Business,” he said simply, straightening. “But that doesn’t answer my question.”

She leaned closer, resting her hands on the bar. “You’re full of questions tonight, aren’t you?”

“Just one.” His voice dipped, his gaze unwavering. “Why are you here?”

She rolled her eyes, breaking the tension with a dry laugh. “It’s called having bills to pay, Verstappen. Not all of us have cash to burn. This keeps the lights on when teaching doesn’t.”

Max didn’t miss the edge to her words, and he wondered, not for the first time, just how much she kept buried beneath that sharp exterior. She didn’t need saving—that much was obvious—but the thought of her working this job, with the late hours and the leering patrons, stirred something primal in him.

“How long have you been doing this?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

“Long enough,” she said, shrugging. “And I’m good at it. Don’t look so shocked.”

“I’m not shocked.” He paused, letting the moment hang between them. “But I’m not exactly thrilled, either.”

Her expression hardened slightly, and she straightened, putting more distance between them. “Don’t start with that ‘I know what’s best’ routine. I get enough of that already.”

Max raised his hands, palms out in mock surrender. “No routine. Just... noticing things.”

“Noticed enough, then?” she asked, turning away to serve another customer.

For the first time in a long time, Max found himself on uneven ground. He wasn’t sure if he was impressed, frustrated, or just intrigued. But one thing was certain: she had a way of staying in his head, and it was starting to feel less like an annoyance and more like an inevitability.

As she moved down the bar, he lingered, watching her work. No, she didn’t need saving. But the urge to shield her from this world, to pull her away from the late nights and the reckless strangers, was already starting to claw its way to the surface.

And Max Verstappen wasn’t the kind of man to ignore an instinct like that.

For weeks after the encounter at the club, Max couldn’t shake the image of her behind the bar. It wasn’t just the stark contrast to her usual self—confident, commanding, utterly at home in the arena—but the way it gnawed at something deep inside him.

She didn’t belong in that place, surrounded by cheap cologne and drunken hands reaching for more than drinks. The thought of her dealing with that night after night twisted in his gut like a blade.

It wasn’t just about Stella anymore. He’d grown to respect her over the past month—the way she pushed his daughter without breaking her spirit, the way she handled herself with a quiet strength that most people in his world didn’t have.

That respect, though, was starting to blur into something more. And Max wasn’t sure what to do with that.

He finally brought it up on a crisp Friday morning, just after Stella’s session. The three of them stood by the paddock, Luna grazing lazily a few feet away. Stella was laughing at something, her cheeks flushed from the chill and the effort she’d put into the lesson. Max felt a swell of pride watching her, but his gaze kept drifting back to her instructor.

When Stella wandered off to grab a snack from the car, he seized the moment.

“You’ve been doing good work with her,” he began, his voice low and steady.

She gave him a side glance, adjusting the bridle she was holding. “Thanks.”

“You know,” he continued, his tone carefully casual, “I’ve been thinking about your rate.”

Her hands froze for a split second before she turned to face him fully. “My rate?”

He nodded. “You’re worth more than what I’m paying you. A lot more. I’d like to fix that.”

Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring immediately. “Fix it, huh?”

“Yes,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’re not charging enough for the kind of work you do. I’m doubling it.”

She crossed her arms, tilting her head. “And what’s this really about, Max? Feeling generous all of a sudden?”

“It’s not generosity,” he said, his jaw tightening. “It’s fairness.”

Her laugh was sharp, almost bitter. “Fairness. Right. Is that what you call pity now?”

His brows shot up. “Pity? You think I pity you?”

“What else am I supposed to think? You see me working a second job and suddenly decide to play knight in shining armour?” She shook her head, a hard edge to her voice. “Keep your money, Verstappen. I don’t need your charity.”

“It’s not charity!” His voice rose slightly, and she blinked at the rare flash of frustration. He took a breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Is it a sin,” he said, his voice quieter now, “that I want to make sure you’ve got a roof over your head?”

She stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed and leaned against the paddock fence. “You’ve got a hell of a way of showing it,” she muttered.

“What do you want from me?” Max asked, spreading his hands. “You work yourself to the bone here, and then you go to that—” He stopped himself, his voice tight. “That place. And you think I’m just supposed to ignore it? Pretend I don’t care?”

Her lips quirked into a smirk, though there was little humour in it. “Careful, Max. You’re starting to sound like a softie.”

He barked a laugh, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, well, that’s what happens when you’re raising a nine-year-old daughter on your own. And her closest friends are her unofficial uncles in the mafia.”

Her brows shot up, and for a moment, her lips twitched like she was fighting the urge to laugh. “That right?”

“That’s right,” he said, his tone lighter now, but his eyes still serious. “And maybe I don’t want to see someone else I—” He stopped, catching himself before he said too much. “Someone I respect running herself ragged.”

She studied him, her gaze softer now, but still guarded. “Max, I’m fine. Really. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, and I don’t need anyone swooping in to do it for me.”

“I know you don’t need it,” he said quietly. “But maybe I need to do it anyway.”

The honesty in his voice left her momentarily speechless. She glanced away, focusing on the horizon. “You’re impossible,” she muttered.

“Maybe,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But I don’t give up easily. Ask Stella.”

“Trust me, I’ve noticed,” she said, shaking her head. “Fine. If you’re so desperate to throw your money around, I’ll let you pay me more. But only because you’ll keep bugging me if I don’t.”

“That’s probably true,” he said with a shrug.

“But,” she added, pointing a finger at him, “if you start thinking this means I owe you something, I will kick you off this property.”

Max grinned, the tension between them easing slightly. “Noted.”

For now, it was enough. But as she walked away, her shoulders straight and her head held high, Max couldn’t help but think that his concern for her was starting to go beyond what he could justify as simple admiration.

And that thought both thrilled and terrified him.

He wasn’t sure when exactly it started happening—the subtle shift from guarded respect to something warmer, more playful. At first, he’d chalked it up to her stubborn streak. She never missed an opportunity to challenge him, whether it was a pointed remark about his suit and tie being out of place at the barn or her light jabs at his overprotective tendencies.

But as the weeks went on, those jabs started to feel less like walls and more like invitations.

It began innocently enough. One morning, Max showed up to Stella’s session with two coffees in hand—one black, the way he liked it, and one sweet and milky, based on an educated guess.

“Here,” he said, holding it out to her as she adjusted a saddle.

She glanced at the cup and then back at him, one eyebrow raised. “What’s this?”

“Coffee,” he replied dryly.

Her lips twitched. “I can see that. What I mean is, why are you giving it to me?”

“Because it’s cold, and I’m not completely heartless,” he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

She took the cup, sniffed it cautiously, then sipped. Her eyes lit up for a brief second before narrowing. “Let me guess—someone else made this choice for you, didn’t they? No way you guessed right on your own.”

He grinned. “You caught me. Stella might have mentioned you have a sweet tooth.”

“Mm-hmm.” She set the cup on a nearby ledge, her expression neutral. “Thanks, Verstappen. I’ll try not to read too much into it.”

“You do that,” he said, but his smirk lingered for the rest of the morning.

It was then a Wednesday afternoon, and Max had just arrived at the barn when he caught her pulling a boot from a deep puddle of mud.

“You look like you’re having fun,” he said, leaning against the fence with his arms crossed.

She shot him a look, her nose scrunching. “Don’t start. This is your daughter’s fault, by the way. She decided Luna needed a little adventure off the trail.”

“She’s nine,” Max said, his tone mock-defensive. “You can’t hold her responsible for everything.”

She stomped her now-filthy boot back into place and gave him a pointed once-over. “No, but I can hold you responsible. You’re the one who raised her.”

Max laughed, loud and genuine, and it startled her for a second. She recovered quickly, shaking her head as she brushed past him. “You’re lucky I like Stella.”

“Lucky, huh?” he called after her. “I’ll take that as a win.”

The following week Max was standing at the edge of the paddock, watching Stella trot a clean figure-eight, when he felt her step up beside him.

“She’s getting better,” she said, her voice low and even.

“She’s got a good teacher,” Max replied, not looking away from the horse and rider.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her roll her eyes. “Flattery doesn’t work on me, Verstappen.”

“Wasn’t trying to flatter,” he said, turning to face her fully. “Just stating facts.”

She squinted at him, clearly suspicious. “You’re in a good mood today.”

“Maybe,” he said, his smirk returning. “Or maybe it’s just that you’re finally starting to warm up to me.”

She snorted. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” But her lips curved into a reluctant smile, and Max couldn’t help but feel like he’d scored a small victory.

By the fourth week, the playful banter had become a regular part of their routine. It was after Stella’s lesson, with the late afternoon sun casting golden light over the barn, that Max finally decided to push the boundary just a little further.

“So,” he said casually, leaning against the fence as she packed away the gear. “What do you do for fun? When you’re not working two jobs and pretending you don’t like my coffee.”

She shot him a look over her shoulder. “Why do you care?”

“Call it curiosity,” he said, shrugging. “Or maybe I’m trying to figure out if you’re even capable of fun.”

She laughed, tossing a saddle pad into the tack room. “I’m plenty capable, thank you very much. I just don’t have a lot of time for it.”

“That’s a shame,” Max said, his voice dropping slightly. “Maybe you should make time.”

She paused, turning to face him fully. Her expression was wary, but there was a flicker of something else—something that made his pulse quicken. “And what would I do with all this hypothetical free time?”

“Well,” he said, stepping closer, his tone careful but deliberate, “you could start by letting me buy you dinner.”

Her eyes widened, just a fraction, before she masked her surprise with a smirk. “Dinner, huh? Is this another one of your attempts to ‘make sure I’ve got a roof over my head’?”

Max chuckled, shaking his head. “No. This is me asking you to spend time with me. No strings, no pity money. Just dinner.”

She hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the bridle she’d been holding. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he said, his voice softening. “Unless, of course, you’re too scared.”

That did it. Her chin lifted, and her smirk turned into a full-blown grin. “Scared? Of you? Not likely.”

“Good,” Max said, his own smile widening. “How about Friday night?”

She tilted her head, pretending to consider. “Alright, Verstappen. You’ve got yourself a deal. But don’t think this means I’m going easy on Stella.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, his chest lighter than it had been in weeks.

As she turned to finish her work, Max couldn’t help but feel like he’d just won the most important negotiation of his life.

Leading up to that Friday night, Max had been on edge all day, and he didn’t know why.

Everything had been going smoothly—Stella’s training, his business, even his tentative plans for dinner. But there was a gnawing unease in the pit of his stomach that he couldn’t shake. He’d checked his phone more times than he cared to admit, waiting for a text from her confirming their meeting, but the screen stayed stubbornly blank.

By the time the sun started setting, his patience ran out. Max grabbed his keys and headed for his car, his gut screaming at him to go now.

When he pulled up outside her small cottage, the sight of her truck with its tailgate open and half-packed belongings hit him like a punch to the chest.

He stepped out of the car, his brows furrowing as he called out, “What’s going on?”

She looked up sharply, startled. For a split second, he saw something in her eyes—panic, maybe, or guilt—but she masked it quickly, busying herself with stuffing a duffel bag into the truck bed.

“Nothing,” she said, her voice tight. “Just... handling some stuff.”

Max crossed the distance between them in a few long strides, his tone sharp. “Don’t lie to me. What’s going on?”

“I’m not lying,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “It’s none of your business, Max.”

“Like hell it isn’t,” he shot back, grabbing the edge of the truck bed. “We had plans tonight, and now I find you packing up your life like you’re running from something. Talk to me.”

She let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. “Look, it’s complicated, alright? I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“You might not,” Max said, his voice lowering, “but I’m not leaving until you give me one.”

For a moment, she stood there, glaring at him like she was debating whether to push him away or tell him to mind his own business. But then something in her resolve cracked.

“Fine,” she muttered. “You want to know? I screwed up when I was younger. Got mixed up with the wrong people—the Tifosi. And now they’ve decided it’s payback time.”

The name hit Max like a freight train. The Tifosi were no joke. Ruthless, calculating, and vindictive, they didn’t let debts slide, no matter how old.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice tight with a mixture of anger and concern.

“Because it’s not your problem,” she said, her tone sharp. “I don’t need you swooping in to play hero, Max. I’ve handled worse.”

“That’s not the point!” His voice rose, frustration bleeding into his words. “You should’ve told me. I could’ve—”

“Could’ve what?” she snapped, her eyes flashing. “Fixed it? Made it all go away? Newsflash, Verstappen: not everything is yours to control. I don’t need to be saved!”

Max’s jaw clenched as her words sank in. He took a step back, his hands gripping the edge of the truck bed so tightly his knuckles turned white. Then, without a word, he grabbed the duffel bag she’d just loaded and yanked it back out.

“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded, her voice rising.

“You’re not running,” he said firmly, throwing the bag into the back of his car. “You’re coming with me.”

“The hell I am!” She stepped forward, trying to grab the bag, but Max blocked her, his voice like steel.

“Yes, you are. My daughter needs an instructor, and I’m not letting her down because of some silly little debt.”

Her mouth fell open in disbelief, anger flashing across her face. “Silly little debt? Are you out of your mind? You know who they are!”

“I do,” Max said, his tone calm but unyielding. “And I know how to deal with them.”

“You don’t understand—”

“I understand plenty,” he cut her off, stepping closer. “You think you’re the only one who’s had the Tifosi breathing down their neck? You think I don’t know what it’s like to owe them?”

Her eyes widened, her anger faltering for the first time.

“I’ve dealt with them before,” Max continued, his voice softer now but no less determined. “And I’m still standing. You don’t have to do this alone.”

She stared at him, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to process his words. Finally, she shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers, “I don’t let people I care about get crushed by this life. And whether you like it or not, I care about you.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. Then she turned away, her shoulders tense. “Max, this is a mistake. You don’t need to get involved.”

“It’s not a mistake,” he said firmly. “And you’re coming with me, whether you like it or not. End of discussion.”

Before she could argue, he grabbed the rest of her bags, loading them into his car with a finality that left no room for debate.

She stood there, torn between fury and something she didn’t want to name, as Max closed the trunk and opened the passenger door.

“Get in,” he said, his voice steady but not unkind.

For a long moment, she didn’t move. Then, with a resigned sigh, she walked toward the car and slid into the passenger seat.

As Max got behind the wheel, he glanced at her, his expression softening just enough to show her he meant what he’d said.

“You’re not alone in this,” he murmured.

She didn’t respond, but the way her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly told him she’d heard him loud and clear.

The ride back to Max’s estate was silent, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crunch of gravel under the tires. She sat stiffly in the passenger seat, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the road ahead.

Max glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He wanted to say something, to fill the tense quiet with words that might reassure her, but he knew better. She wasn’t the type to be soothed by platitudes, and besides, she’d made it clear she didn’t want his help.

Too bad, he thought grimly. She was getting it whether she wanted it or not.

When they pulled into his driveway, the sprawling estate loomed in the moonlight, its imposing structure a sharp contrast to her modest cottage. Max stepped out of the car and rounded to the trunk without a word, hauling her bags out with practiced ease.

“Where’s the rest?” he asked as she stepped out of the car.

“The rest of what?” she said, her tone clipped.

“Your horses.”

She blinked, taken aback. “They’re still at the barn. I wasn’t planning on leaving them.”

Max pulled his phone from his pocket, already dialling. “They’ll be here by morning.”

“Wait—what?” she sputtered, her voice rising. “You can’t just—”

“Watch me,” he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He spoke briefly into the phone, his words curt and to the point. When he hung up, he turned back to her, his expression calm but firm. “They’ll be transported safely. You’ll have stalls for them here.”

She stared at him, her frustration clear. “You don’t get to make decisions for me, Max.”

He shrugged, hefting one of her bags onto his shoulder. “I just did.”

The house was quiet as they entered, the kind of silence that spoke of thick walls and careful security. Max led her through the spacious halls, his steps sure and unhurried despite the tension in the air.

He stopped at a door on the second floor and pushed it open, revealing a neatly furnished room with warm, neutral tones.

“This is yours,” he said, setting her bags down near the bed.

She glanced around, taking in the plush rug, the antique dresser, and the large window overlooking the grounds. “It’s... nice,” she admitted reluctantly.

“It’ll do,” he said with a faint smirk.

He gestured for her to follow him down the hall, stopping at another door. This time, he knocked lightly before opening it.

Stella’s room was a whirlwind of bright colours and cheerful chaos. Posters of horses adorned the walls, and the bed was covered in a tangle of blankets and stuffed animals.

Stella looked up from where she was brushing her hair, her face lighting up when she saw her instructor. “You’re here!” she exclaimed, bounding over. “Are you having a sleepover?!”

She laughed softly, some of the tension easing from her posture. “Something like that, kiddo.”

“This is so cool!” Stella said, practically vibrating with excitement. “Wait till I tell Uncle Oz—oh, can Uncle Ozzy meet you in the morning? She’ll be so happy!”

Max chuckled, ruffling Stella’s hair. “Alright, alright. You can tell Oscar in the morning. Let her rest she’s just got here. And if anything happens, you call Uncle Lan. Got it?”

Stella nodded solemnly, her big eyes darting between her father and her instructor. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Just for a bit,” Max said, his voice gentle.

She pouted but didn’t argue, which made Max’s heart twist a little. He glanced at her instructor, who was watching the exchange with a quiet intensity.

When they stepped back into the hallway, she turned to him, arms crossed. “Where are you going?”

“Business,” he said simply, heading toward the stairs.

She followed him, her tone sharp. “You mean the Tifosi.”

Max paused, turning to face her. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held an edge of steel. “I said I’d handle it.”

Her jaw tightened. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do,” he said firmly. “They made it my business the second they came after you.”

She stared at him, her emotions warring between gratitude and frustration. Finally, she sighed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Max’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’ve been told.”

And with that, he was gone, his footsteps echoing down the grand staircase as she stood there, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and something she couldn’t quite name.

The clock read just past midnight as Max pulled into the driveway, the quiet rumble of his car breaking the stillness of the night. The meeting with the Tifosi had gone as expected—tense, with more threats than he cared to count—but he’d made his position clear. They wouldn’t touch her. Not if they wanted to keep breathing.

He stepped inside the house, letting out a breath as the familiar warmth of home washed over him. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he moved through the quiet halls. When he reached the living room, the sight before him stopped him in his tracks.

There they were: his daughter curled up on the sofa, her small frame nestled against the armrest, and next to her, her instructor. The TV flickered softly, showing clips of a younger, brighter version of the woman beside his daughter.

He stood there for a moment, watching as the faint strains of applause and commentary played from the screen. The sight of her expertly guiding a horse through intricate dressage routines stirred something in him. But it was the way she slept now, her head tilted back, her features softened in the glow of the TV, that made his chest ache.

Max stepped closer, careful not to wake them. Stella’s head rested against the woman’s arm, her little hand clutching a stuffed horse. Max smiled faintly, his heart swelling as he reached down to scoop his daughter up.

Stella stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open for a moment before closing again. “Daddy?” she mumbled sleepily.

“Shh,” Max whispered, kissing her temple. “Just putting you to bed, sweetheart.”

She sighed contentedly, already slipping back into sleep as he carried her upstairs. After tucking her in, he noticed her water bottle was empty and picked it up to fill it in the kitchen.

When Max made his way to the kitchen, he found Lando leaning against the counter, tidying up a canister of cocoa powder.

“Lando?” Max said, his brow furrowing. “What are you doing here?”

Lando turned, his usual smirk firmly in place. “Emergency call.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “Emergency?”

“Your kid called me in a panic because you’re apparently out of hot chocolate powder. Thought the world was ending.” Lando chuckled, placing the canister in its rightful spot. “I brought some over, but they knocked out before I could even make it.”

Max let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “Thanks. I owe you.”

Lando waved a hand dismissively. “No big deal. I live for the drama. Besides, it’s Stella. She’s got me wrapped around her finger.”

Max smiled, grateful for his friend’s unwavering presence. “Get home. You’ve done enough.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lando said, grabbing his coat. “Good luck with her, though.” He gestured vaguely toward the living room with a knowing look before heading out.

Filling up the water bottle and putting it back in its place Max returned to the living room, finding her still sound asleep on the sofa. The TV had switched to a dim, idle screen, and her breathing was soft and even.

He crouched down beside her, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. For someone so fierce and guarded, she looked almost fragile like this. Vulnerable.

Without a second thought, he slipped his arms under her, lifting her gently. She stirred, her head naturally finding its place against his chest.

“Max?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

“It’s me,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

She shifted slightly, nuzzling closer into him. “Thank you,” she whispered, barely audible.

His heart twisted at the simple words, and he tightened his hold on her instinctively.

“Always,” he said softly, carrying her upstairs.

When he reached his room, he laid her down carefully on the bed, pulling the blankets over her. She murmured something incoherent, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Max stood there for a moment, watching her as she drifted back into deep sleep. The weight of the night’s events pressed on him, but so did the warmth of knowing she was safe, here in his home, with his family.

For the first time in a long time, it felt like he wasn’t just protecting someone—it felt like he was building something

the end.

taglist: @alexisquinnlee-bc @carlossainzapologist @oikarma @obxstiles @verstappenf1lecccc @hzstry8 @dying-inside-but-its-classy @anamiad00msday

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sl33py-g4m3r · 10 months ago

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ranch layout update~~~

ranch update: how it is for the time being~~ might change stuff later but idk how atm~~~

center area: rock/pink and growing heart beets for them, fully upgraded silo, prickle pear for dervish/tangle largos, odd onion garden (for some reason, idr why), pink teleporter to the entrance to the glass desert, 3 empty plots, and free range chickens that I'm trying to clean up.

grotto: cube berry tree, oca oca garden, tabby/phosphor largos, boom/rad largo, silo

lab; quantum/sabre largos, phase lemon tree, two silos, empty plot

forest-y area: silo, dervish/tangle largos, mint mango tree, crystal/honey largo

docks: silver parsnips, water slimes, fire slimes, incinerator w ash trough for the fire slimes, mossaic/hunter largos

I hope the largo combinations are efficient, the layout probably isn't... free ranging chickens probably wasn't ideal either, cause before cleaning it up (for the most part) my game lagged when I'd go onto the main ranch...

could probably make drones to help with either plort collecting or feeding them while I'm away doing other stuff, but wouldn't know what.

need to make a central hub of teleporters to make getting resources faster and less tedious, but those require strange diamond and I haven't found any.

should save to make money to finish 7Zee rewards, but I'm dumping everything except hunter, mossaic, quantum (no more will fit T_T;;0, sabre, dervish, and tangle plorts into the refinery. unless it gets full then I silo everything.

waiting for the market to go up again so I can sell valuable plorts before they drop in price~~~

I got to find the echo net and place them all around the ruins~~~ they seem like they're going to be fun to mess with~~

also ornaments~~~ I found some in the glass desert too~~~ finally starting to find ornaments~~~ wooooooo~~~~

I wish the decorizer thing had a more noticeable select a thing to withdraw button. I almost don't notice what's highlighted it's so subtle.

also I had 4 but now I only have 2 fire slimes left T_T;; they're also the only ones that don't have a toy cause I'm worried they'll hop out of the ash trough with one....

#personal #thoughts #thinking #slime rancher #slime rancher plortable edition #nintendo switch #nintendo switch version #playthrough update #ranch update #probably not very efficient tho tbh #it works tho #what do I do with the empty plots tho?

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orellazalonia · 8 days ago

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Where Were You Then?

Summary: You and a bunch of other people are moved to a new base due to the Avenger’s meddling. There, you bond more with one of your colleagues who warns you one night about what the Avengers may be up to; leaving you to sit with the weight of knowing they’re only now interested for reasons unknown.

Word Count: 2.9k+

Main Masterlist | The One You Don’t See Masterlist

You were just finishing up the day’s work when the knock came.

Not sharp, not urgent. Just a brief, polite tap on the metal frame of your open door. When you glanced up, a man in dark gray stood there. Clean uniform with no insignia you recognized, but the kind of posture that said he didn’t waste time unless it mattered.

“Can I speak with you?” He asked.

You gave a short nod and pushed your chair back. “Now’s fine.”

He stepped inside, calm but brisk, like someone used to planning six steps ahead. “We’re relocating you.”

You blinked. “Relocating?”

“It’s not disciplinary,” He clarified quickly. “Your record’s clean, your contributions are beyond solid. This is a matter of preemptive caution, for everyone.”

You straightened. “Meaning what, exactly?”

He hesitated, just a second too long.

“Details are on a need-to-know basis,” He spoke carefully. “But your transfer has been cleared. Secure transport will arrive within the next forty-eight hours. You’ll be reassigned to a secondary site more isolated and protected. Same role, just… farther from high-traffic areas.”

There was a weight to his words, one he wasn’t allowed to unpack.

Your mind jumped too easily. The Avengers? Could they have found a trail? No one here had ever said it outright, but this organization didn’t recruit former personnel from that world without reason. You didn’t ask, and he didn’t offer. But something in his tone softened when you stayed silent for too long.

“You’ve done good work here,” He said. “There are people who’ve noticed. This isn’t a punishment. It’s just… insurance.”

You nodded slowly. “Understood.”

He gave a short nod back. “You’ll receive the full transfer package in the morning. Pack light, essentials only. We’ll handle the rest.”

Then he left. Just like that. No apologies. No threats. Just… consideration. Like your presence actually meant something here, like moving you was part of protecting an asset, not brushing aside a liability.

It was strange, being treated like you mattered. Unsettling, almost.

You stared at your desk for a long time after, thoughts circling like vultures. You weren’t sure what was coming, or who was coming for that matter but this time, someone had moved you before the storm hit.

And somehow… that made all the difference.

They moved everyone at dawn.

For you, there was no drama. No armed escort. Just two people in a quiet transport vehicle, neither of whom spoke unless you did. The silence wasn’t cold, it was purposeful. Measured. Like even the air between words had been screened for unnecessary noise.

You watched the base disappear through a small, reinforced window. The trees beyond it blurred into gray-green smears. You didn’t ask where you were going. If you were meant to know, someone would’ve told you.

The transport itself took most of the day.

Surprisingly, there were no trackers, handcuffs, or weapons secured on your back. Just a sealed case of your belongings at your feet, and the weight of knowing this wasn’t just a job shift, it was a severing. A quiet severing from the last version of your life.

When you finally arrived, it wasn’t to a bunker or a prison. It was… clean. Remote, yes. Nestled in the shadow of a cold, low mountain range and shielded by layers of climate camouflage but still functional. It had a sharp-edged, efficient charm to it. Made of glass and steel, but no gloss.

Someone met you at the gate. Middle-aged, sun-weathered, and the kind of face that belonged more to ranches than espionage.

“Welcome.” He greeted, eyes kind but searching. “We’ve been expecting you.”

He didn’t offer his name, just a handshake. Firm, not too long. Genuine. You nodded once in return and stepped inside.

The interior was no different; quiet hallways, soft lighting, nothing flashy. Your new quarters were modest but well-prepared. A real bed. A desk with working equipment already logged in under your name. A few small touches that made it feel not temporary. There was also a chair pulled out. A folded set of fresh clothes. A cup and kettle beside sealed packs of tea.

Someone had gone out of their way to prepare for you.

That was new.

You didn’t unpack right away, just stood in the center of the room and let the silence fill in all the gaps the Avengers used to ignore.

Nobody here looked at you like you were an afterthought. They didn’t praise you either, but somehow that felt more honest. More grounded. You still weren’t anyone special, but you weren’t invisible.

Later, someone would bring you a meal without being asked. Even later, someone else would knock softly to ask if you needed help setting up your gear.

You weren’t sure what you’d expected when they said you were being relocated. Isolation? Containment? But not this. Not quiet competence. Not care in the form of practical support.

Still, the question lingered at the edges of your mind like a bruise that hadn’t healed right.

Why now? Why move you before anything happened?

What were they protecting you from?

Or more hauntingly, what were they protecting from you?

Regardless, you couldn’t dwell on it too much, you still had work. A job. You were still needed, wanted. Speaking of such, it was sometime past midnight when the knock came.

Two soft gentle taps, just enough to make sure you were awake, not enough to demand your attention if you weren’t. It was considerate.

You were awake, of course.

Sleep didn’t come easy anymore though. So you sat up, brushing the throw blanket from your legs, and moved to open the door.

Maren stood on the other side, still in her boots, curls pulled back in that effortless way that made her look always in motion. She had a folder tucked under one arm and a mug in the other, something warm and lightly spiced, if the smell was anything to go by.

“Sorry,” She apologized sheepishly. “I know it’s late. You can throw something at me if you want.”

You didn’t. You stepped aside.

She entered and settled into the chair near the desk with a soft sigh, setting the mug down in front of your chair. Cinnamon, you realized.

“I figured you were up,” She added, flipping open the folder on her lap. “Also figured if I stared at this mess any longer without asking someone smarter than me, I’d end up walking into a wall tomorrow.”

You arched a brow. “That happen often?”

“Oh, sure,” She replied easily, glancing at you with a lazy grin. “But this time I’d have deserved it.”

You didn’t answer, but you didn’t leave either. You sat down slowly, fingers curling around the mug. It was warm. Too warm to pretend you weren’t grateful.

Maren didn’t talk for a moment, just flipped through the schematics, frowning and murmuring something under her breath. Then:

“You ever miss it?” She asked. “The Tower. The mission boards. The forty-five emails from Stark at 2 a.m. because he was convinced everyone else had forgotten how to sleep?”

You didn’t answer right away.

She glanced up. “Sorry. I said I wouldn’t bring it up. I’m just–… curious.”

You stared into the steam curling from your mug. “I don’t miss being invisible.”

She didn’t smile at that, didn’t say “of course” or “you weren’t invisible.” Just nodded like someone who believed you.

“I used to work under people who never remembered my name,” She confessed after a moment. “I learned to smile fast, be useful, be quiet. Eventually someone told me I had a ‘pleasantly neutral presence.’” She snorted. “Didn’t know whether to thank them or cry.”

Your lips twitched, just a little. That was the thing with Maren. She didn’t really dig. She didn’t poke either. She just… dropped little stories beside you like breadcrumbs and let you decide if you wanted to follow.

You didn’t know what her role was here, not exactly. She wasn’t one of the shadowed higher-ups who briefed you through glass. She wasn’t part of security, or intel. But she had access. She came and went freely. Her badge could open more doors than yours.

And she kept coming back.

Every day, she brought something. Not always files. Sometimes it was a snack. A joke. A book she thought you’d like. Once, a scarf. “It’s ugly,” She warned you with a smirk. “But it’s warm. Don’t get sentimental.”

You’d kept it anyway.

Now, she leaned back in the chair and tapped a page in the folder. “This code, they’ve been using it to mask movement through the lower grid. I think it’s one of the Avengers’ old cloaking patterns. But I can’t break it alone. Thought maybe you’d enjoy the irony.”

You took the folder without replying and that was enough of an answer for her.

She pushed herself up a second later, stretching slightly, then moved toward the door, but paused before she left.

“…Hey,” She called softly, hand still on the frame. “If you ever get the urge to leave… walk out, disappear, whatever, I won’t stop you.”

You blinked. She turned slightly, looking at you over her shoulder. Her voice was quieter now. “I just hope someone finally deserves you enough to give you a reason to stay.”

The door closed gently behind her.

You stared at the folder in your lap. At the mug. At the silence she left behind, warm for once, not cold. And you didn’t know what scared you more:

That you were starting to truly care. Or that maybe… she already did.

In the new base, your days started earlier now.

Not because anyone made you. There were no mandatory check-ins, no shouting instructors or looming supervisors. But people noticed when you showed up early, and unlike the Tower, they actually said something about it.

Noticed you, that is.

The job was… well, it wasn’t so different, really. Coordination, data analysis, and communication relays between cells. You monitored activity across networks the Avengers didn’t know how to see, flagged inconsistencies, tracked patterns. Only this time, when you submitted a report, someone actually read it.

Once, someone even scribbled:

Brilliant work. You saved us three days. - E

On the margin of your printout in ink, as if it mattered.

It felt strange, at first. Being thanked and being seen. Even stranger was how the others treated you. They weren’t perfect. Some were gruff, standoffish, or slow to trust. But it wasn’t personal. It was how they were with everyone. You weren’t an outsider, they just weren’t the warm and fuzzy type.

Still, you found your rhythm.

There was Janek from logistics, who swore too much and brought you coffee and stale biscotti when he was grateful. There was Yara, who ran fieldwork planning and somehow always knew when you needed five minutes of silence and a desk light turned away just so to help your headaches.

And of course, there was Maren.

Her visits were less daily now, but they lingered longer. She’d still drop files or jokes or awful candy bars she pretended to love, but some days she just sat across from you, legs propped up on a nearby chair, flipping through a book or doodling in a notebook while you worked.

She never hovered, never demanded, never asked what you were thinking. But she always seemed to know when something was off.

One afternoon, when your hands had been trembling under the desk for half an hour, she passed you a pen you didn’t need and said, “You don’t have to break yourself to be useful here. That’s not the deal.”

You didn’t reply. But you held the pen a little tighter, just for the weight.

You weren’t in a cell. You weren’t being coerced. You hadn’t signed your name in blood. But somewhere between the cracked teacups, the high-security reports, the nods of appreciation, and Maren’s steady quiet, the lines had blurred.

This place, they made you feel like you mattered. And no one had ever done that before.

Still, there were nights you stared at the ceiling, palms clammy, and wondering if it was all too easy.

Too good. Too tailored. But when you thought about leaving, really leaving, your heart didn’t race with freedom. It knotted with fear. Not just fear of what they’d do, but of what it would feel like to go back to being invisible again.

The Avengers never saw you. But here, people did. Maybe that was manipulation. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you didn’t care.

However, you would have to figure it out sooner or later. The fact becoming more evident in your recent visit with Maren.

You weren’t expecting anyone. Most nights, you kept to your quiet rhythm. Work, rest, repeat. The corridors outside your quarters stayed empty this late, and that was how you liked it. Silence had become more of a comfort than people ever had.

So when the knock came with soft, deliberate, two even taps, you knew exactly who it was.

You didn’t speak. Just opened the door.

Maren stood there with her hands in the pockets of her jacket, shoulders relaxed but eyes too focused for this to be casual. She didn’t smile.

That alone made your chest tighten.

“Can I come in?” She asked softly.

You stepped back to let her through.

She hovered by the desk instead of sitting, gaze sweeping briefly over the files you’d abandoned and the mug still half-full beside them. It looked like any other night but she wasn’t treating it like one.

“You don’t usually stop by this late without something to drop off,” You said finally.

“I know.” She glanced at you. “Didn’t want to wait.”

That answer made something cold settle at the base of your spine.

You crossed your arms loosely, leaning back against the wall. “So don’t make me guess.”

Maren let out a breath, slow and tired. “They’re moving. The Avengers.”

You didn’t react outwardly, but your fingers curled just slightly against your sleeves.

“How close?”

“Not at the gates or anything. But they’ve started poking around. Someone pulled old records; training logs, field reports, tech inventories with your name half-scratched out of them.”

You looked away, jaw tight.

“You knew this might happen,” She said. “Didn’t you?”

You gave a soft shrug. “Eventually. I just thought they wouldn’t care enough to follow through.”

Maren didn’t deny it. “They didn’t… until now.”

She finally stepped closer, but not enough to crowd you. She wasn’t here to push. Just to deliver something real.

“I wanted you to hear it from me,” She said. “Before it’s sirens or breach codes or worse.”

You searched her expression. “Why warn me at all?”

She gave a small, tired smile. Nothing like the smirks or smiled she used when teasing you about snacks or work stuff.

“Because you’ve been more honest with me by saying nothing than most people ever are running their mouths,” She said. “Because you help, you’re there. And because even if you never told me what really happened with them, I can see it. In how careful you are, quiet, like you learned the hard way not to expect anyone to come back.”

You looked down. That last part hurt in a way you weren’t prepared for.

“And you’re not trying to stop me,” You murmured.

“No,” She said. “I’m just making sure you don’t get caught waiting for a rescue that may not happen.”

The silence stretched. Then, just as she turned to go, she paused and glanced back.

“Remember what I said… If you want to disappear, I won’t stop you. I’ll help. If you want to stay and fight, I’ll cover you. But whatever you choose, do it because you decided, not because you’re still trying to be something for people who never saw you.”

Your throat felt tight, but you nodded.

Maren didn’t say goodbye. She just touched the edge of the desk as she passed it again, a quiet habit she’d picked up, and slipped out into the hallway like she’d never been there at all.

You didn’t move for a long time once she was out of sight. Her words echoed, low and slow, like ripples spreading through still water. You sat down at your desk, fingers brushing the edge where she’d touched it last. An absent gesture, meaningless to most, but it reminded you that she saw you. Had, maybe, for longer than you wanted to admit.

But that didn’t make this choice any easier.

You’d walked away from the Avengers quietly, with barely a notice. Not because you wanted to disappear, but because they never looked hard enough to remember you were there in the first place. And yet, somehow, you weren’t gone. You were just… on the other side now.

Funny how that worked.

They’d start a war to fix a system, but not a conversation to fix a person.

You stared at the half-drunk coffee on your desk. The files a colleague had brought earlier, harmless recon work. Nothing personal, but it all now felt like a test. A choice dressed in paperwork. Stay or run. Fight or vanish.

Or wait for someone who never looked back.

You couldn’t decide tonight. Maybe not even tomorrow.

But you knew this: If the Avengers showed up, you wouldn’t be caught off guard. Not scrambling, not pleading, not waiting. You weren’t that girl anymore.

And if they asked you why?

…You still didn’t know what you’d say.

Maybe nothing at all. Maybe just:

"Where were you when I needed someone?"

Taglist: @herejustforbuckybarnes @iyskgd @torntaltos @julesandgems @maesmayhem @w-h0re @pookalicious-hq @parkerslivia @whisperingwillowxox @stell404 @wingstoyourdreams @seventeen-x @mahimagi @viktor-enjoyer @vicmc624 @msbyjackal @winchestert101 @greatenthusiasttidalwave @avivarougestan

#The One You Don’t See #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #bucky barnes #bucky barnes fic #marvel x reader #marvel fic #bucky x you #chapter 6

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jetblack4realz · 1 month ago

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country girl - kayce dutton

this has been sitting in my drafts FOREVER so hopefully someone likes it even though i finished it up haphazardly haha

summary - kayce's always had a thing for them country girls, except most of the time the one he was talking about was you

word count - 4.4k

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

"who's that?" kayce asked, looking up as you walked onto the ranch, an old cowgirl hat on your head and boots to match on your feet, a simple sixes tshirt on tucked into your wranglers. lee glanced at his younger brother, a small smile pulling his lips up as he glanced between you and kayce.

"you haven't met her yet?" he asked, finishing the buckle on his horse's saddle. as kayce shook his head, lee let out a short laugh. "that's y/n wheatley - travis' younger sister. dad's got her out here workin' for us now."

"why? what's she gonna do for us?" kayce asked, brows furrowed as he looked at you - a small thing in comparison to the cowboys and wranglers surrounding you, compared to your brother even. what help were you gonna bring to the ranch?

"whatever i ask of her." both dutton boys turned at the sound of their father's voice, eying him as he glanced between them. "she's a damn good cowboy, kayce. don't doubt it."

"then why's she here and not at the sixes?" he asked.

"her dad asked me to let her see more of the country," john answered shortly. "no more questions. let's get to work."

kayce exchanged an eyeroll with lee who only laughed, slapping a hand on his shoulder as they approached the barn, john several strides ahead of them.

"where's the horse, dad?" kayce asked when he reached john and lloyd, eying the stables for the newest arrival to the yellowstone.

"y/n's got it out in the arena," rip said, nodding out the door to where you were indeed beginning to break the young stallion. you gripped the horn of the saddle tightly, clenching your teeth as you kept the reins close to you.

"it's okay buddy," you gritted out as you squeezed your heels into his side. he broke out of bucking and simply began running the arena, letting a relieved sigh escape your lips as you adjusted in your positioning. you pulled at the reins, attempting to turn the horse, but it was to no avail - he just kept running, hard.

"she's gonna fall off," kayce said, brows furrowing.

"she hasn't ever fallen off, kace," lloyd said, a smile on his lips as he watched you ride.

"don't you worry your little head, pal," travis said as he approached the group of cowboys. "my sister's a trained professional. she'll get that horse of yours up to par in no time."

"she doesn't have to," kayce answered, eyes narrowing at the man. "i can do it myself."

"but you're not doing it yourself, are you?" travis asked, raising his brows before glancing back at where you were beginning to turn the horse around.

kayce watched you work that horse for longer than he ever would've admitted, fascinated with how quickly and efficiently you were able to calm him down and get him listening to you. you cooed at him as you hopped off the saddle and began leading him back to the barn.

"we'll try again tomorrow, alright?" you mumbled to him, stroking a hand along his mane before locking him in the stable. "we'll get there, bud."

"how'd you do that?"

you turned quickly, brows raised high. you glanced around the barn as if kayce could've been talking to anyone else. "do what?"

"calm him down so easy," he answered, stepping closer to you. "it usually takes me twice as long to get them to listen, and i'm better than the rest of the guys here. how'd you do it?"

you considered his question for a moment before shrugging casually.

"my dad claims its got something to do with being a girl," you answered honestly. "nurturing instinct, i guess. i think it's just the tone i take with them. i'm gentle. that's what they need after being ripped from their home, not to be commanded immediately. it's against their nature to listen to that."

kayce nodded slowly, looking back at the horse behind you that was munching on some hay. "i'll try that next time. i'm kayce... dutton. kayce dutton."

"nice to meet you kayce dutton," you said with a smile, offering him your hand. "y/n wheatley. i bet we'll be seeing a lot of each other now."

"i bet we will," he agreed with a nod, shaking your hand with a thin smile.

you did. it started that very night when he realized you were staying in the house with them and not the bunkhouse.

"what, you expect her to stay out there with a bunch of middle-aged wranglers?" beth asked him, raising a brow as she noticed him watching you as you sat by jamie.

"well, i don't know, i just didn't expect her to be here," kayce answered, his eyes not leaving your frame as lee started up friendly conversation with you across the table.

"she's gonna be around, you better get used to it," john told his youngest gruffly before waving his hand at lee to pass the rolls.

you were extremely polite, nothing like travis, kayce was glad to notice. you complimented and thanked gator approximately forty times and had expressed your appreciation to john about double that. beth had left the room only minutes after supper began and since then his brothers had excused themselves. soon, it was just you and kayce helping john take the dishes back to the kitchen.

"so, you're from texas?" kayce asked in lame conversation. you nodded as you began cleaning the salad bowl.

"born and raised," you answered. "haven't really left my whole life. travis gets to go out on all these shows and trips, but i've been stuck at the sixes forever. bet that's why my father sent me out here - get me some other experience before sending me out with trav."

"you show horses?" he asked, drying the bowl you handed to him.

"hope to," you said, shooting him a soft smile as you handed him another bowl. "been training my whole life for it. better be worth it."

"horse trainers make a pretty penny out here," kayce told you.

"they make even more in texas," you replied. "and even more on the road. that's where i wanna be. see the whole country eventually."

"sounds like an adventure," he hummed.

"i hope it will be," you answered. you glanced sideways at him. "and you? what are you hoping to do?"

"i don't really know, actually," he said with a slight furrow in his brow. "something with horses. i'm good with them, i like them. i don't know. might join the navy."

you laughed, looking at him more fully. "that has nothing to do with horses."

"well, yeah, but whatever i do after it could," he tried, shrugging as he laughed along with you. "it's just a filler career, you know?"

"whatever you say, cowboy," you laughed, shaking your head.

nearly every chore you were assigned was with kayce, both of you showing the other tips and tricks when you ended up with a horse to break. you offered to show him how to show them too, but he had little interest in that.

"i'm a good rider," he claimed. "i don't need fancy tricks to prove it."

"whatever you say," you told him. "one day you father is gonna want to get involved in this sorta thing. it's how my family's ranch got so big, i reckon he'll wanna get into it too. he'll need someone good to show his horses."

"and that's what you're here for," he answered, laughing with a wide grin before riding away. you rolled your eyes, kicking your horse lightly to follow after him.

you urged your horse in front of him before pulling him to a quick stop. kayce's eyes widened as he yanked on the reins to halt his own horse as he braced for impact. you beckoned yours backwards a bit as kayce finally came to a stop, a laugh slipping from your lips as soon as the dust cleared.

"i thought you were a good rider!" you accused with a wide grin.

"i am," kayce said, rolling his eyes despite the small smile pulling at his lips. "just not when idiot trainers pull in front of me."

"at least you managed to stop," you offered with a shrug. "did that to jamie the other day and he just completely turned the other way and lost control of his horse. i nearly fell off my own from laughing too hard."

"yeah, he ain't too good at the whole cowboy thing anymore," kayce chuckled. "more of a lawyer now."

you shook your head, a short sigh on your lips. "damn am i glad my dad sent me here instead of turning me into a lawyer. that sounds miserable."

"yeah, you ain't smart enough for fancy school like that anyways," kayce teased, earning a glare from you.

"at least i don't say 'ain't' every sentence. that isn't even a word!" you rebutted.

"well, it should be," kayce said, shrugging as he tried not to laugh at the eyeroll you gave him. "you know what i mean when i say it and that's what matters."

"barely," you muttered. as he met your gaze with an unimpressed look in his eye you let out a laugh, turning your horse so you could start back towards the ranch. "come on, cowboy. dinner's soon."

it wasn't long after summer ended that your dad called you home and you had to bid him goodbye. he didn't see you for two years after that and when he finally did it was not in the place he expected.

after graduating, john finally let him help out the livestock agents. lee explained the basics to him and he'd already known how to handle a handgun since he was twelve. this was a simple land dispute - one neighbor was pushing in on their land, nothing unusual, and they just had to move the fence back. lee and kayce were to keep watch in case the offending neighbors caught sight of them.

well, lee, kayce, and you.

"what the hell is she doing here?" kayce asked as he spotted you walk in and greet john.

"dad did say she was a damn good cowboy," lee answered. "guess she's back for the summer."

"she even know how to use that thing?" tucker, one of his dad's agents, asked as he eyed the gun on your hip. this caught yours and john's attention, both taking a step towards the young man.

"wanna see?" you asked, hand on the grip as you raised your brows at him. after glancing between you and john, tucker shrunk, shaking his head and walking away with a few muttered curses. this caught rip's attention and he was quick to drag him off with a few words of his own.

"man, i've missed this place," you sighed with a light laugh as you watched rip drag the man away. you met kayce's eyes, your smile brightening as you walked closer to him. "hey, cowboy. how've you been?"

he cleared his throat, glancing between you and tucker before offering you a short smile. "good. i guess."

"you guess?" you wondered with a laugh. "you got yourself a girlfriend yet?"

kayce stumbled on his words for a few moments before lee slung an arm over his shoulder, grinning. "hell yeah he does. she's pretty too."

kayce didn't know why he didn't want lee to say that, but he sure as hell didn't.

"ooh," you teased with a smile. "and what's her name?"

again, kayce didn't answer, lee answered for him.

"monica," the older dutton said, rubbing kayce's head with his knuckles as kayce fought him off.

"cute," you hummed, smiling at kayce as lee finally laid off of him. "'m happy for you."

"you, uh, you got a boyfriend?" he asked, furrowing his brows as he took a step in your direction. you laughed then, shaking your head.

"hell no, you think travis or my father would allow a boy anywhere near me?" you asked.

"well, i'm a boy and i'm near you," kayce said.

"that's different," you answered simply, waving it off. "but now that i'm out of texas maybe i could actually get somewhere. you know anyone?"

he eyed you for several seconds, lee glancing between y'all with a soft smile. "i might."

"well, let me know," you said, beginning to walk backwards towards where john had called for you. "i'll be here all summer."

and you were. and so was he. and he did everything he could to keep you from knowing that he had knocked up monica.

but, he failed.

"i saw your girlfriend in town," you told him, walking into the barn as he pulled the saddle off his horse. you had your hands shoved in your front pockets, brows raised as you watched him.

"oh," he said, glancing back at you as he stripped the blanket from the mustang's back. "and what'd you two talk about?"

"her due date."

kayce turned sharply, eyes wide as he waited for your next words.

"i was surprised," you hummed, stepping towards him slowly. "she didn't seem your type, and yet you've gone and gotten her pregnant."

"what do you know about my type?" he asked, furrowing his brows.

"you love a good country girl, kayce, don't deny it," you said, stopping in front of him as you peered up at him. "she didn't seem all too country."

"her family has a ranch," he defended lamely.

"how big?"

"not big."

"and does she work it?" you asked, tilting your head. he hesitated, so you continued. "i ain't judging you, kayce, i just didn't see it coming. and i definitely didn't see you getting her pregnant coming... what are you gonna do?"

he didn't really know what to say, so it took him a while to respond. "i don't know. i think... i gotta get out of here."

"you staying with her? you gonna stick it out for the kid?" you asked. you couldn't imagine he wouldn't, but you just had to know.

"i'm gonna do my best. she wants me to move onto the rez with her," he told you, looking down at his feet.

you paused, watching him for a few moments. "but you don't want to do that...?"

"no, not really," he sighed. he shifted on his feet. "but i don't wanna stay here either."

"what about the navy?" you asked, shrugging lightly. "give you a few years to figure out where to end up. you wanted to go in anyways."

"that's not a half-bad idea," he said.

the next day, you were gone.

"home to texas," lee told him when he asked. "travis is taking her on the road to show."

"oh. uh, good for her," kayce said, swallowing hard before nodding and turning back to head onto the ranch.

"you like her, don't you?" lee asked, smiling gently. kayce stopped.

"i have a girlfriend."

"don't change your feelings," lee said. "you've liked her since she came on this ranch. just admit it."

"i, uh, i didn't think she was coming back," kayce mumbled. "and now i've royally fucked up my life."

"a bit," lee agreed, nodding. "but you can still fix it."

kayce shook his head slowly, glancing back at him. "no, no i can't."

he wrote to you while he was deployed and you wrote him back.

it was all friendly for the first few months. you told him you were impressed with him. told him to shoot straight. gave him advice of how to help monica from so far away. helped him straighten things out with his dad, even. well, you and lee.

told him you'd gotten a boyfriend - a boy travis had hired onto the team.

that hurt. it hurt him real damn bad.

he answered you, but stopped after that. he put his head down and focused on his shooting. became a seal. he'd always been a good shot, but on the other side of the world he became known as the best shot. it made him feel good.

but deployments came to an end and he was sent back to montana.

"you seen your kid?" lee asked him as they tacked up their horses.

kayce nodded. "he's beautiful. and he's huge. six months is a long time when the kid was only three weeks when i left."

"long time," lee agreed. they both mounted and began trotting out to the main field, slipping on their hats to combat the intense montana sun. "you decide what you're doing with monica?"

"no," kayce sighed.

"you talked to y/n?"

kayce was silent.

lee sighed. "you haven't talked to her?"

"not since she said she was with that brent guy on travis' team," he admitted with a shake of his head.

"should've just told her you were in love with her at that point. she's not stupid, kayce. she'll know why you stopped talking to her," lee pointed out.

"well, what do you suggest i do now? it's been three months, she's in texas, or south carolina, or wherever the hell travis has dragged her now, and i'm here. there's nothing to do," kayce answered with a huff.

lee laughed, used to kayce's awesome can-do attitude. "i suggest that you call her. if she's what's keeping you from your kid you've got to sort that out."

"and you know this because you have so much experience?"

"with women i do," he answered with a smirk. "i have a lot of experience with them."

kayce rolled his eyes again. "i don't have her number anymore."

"i do."

"that'll be awkward."

"could be. but, you're already admitting your undying love for her, so a little extra awkward won't hurt too bad."

"shut up, lee."

"or you can just wait for them to come back into town. dad said they're coming up in about a month. think you can wait that long?"

kayce sighed. "'ve waited this long."

he didn't have to wait as long as he thought.

his phone was ringing with an unknown number as he laid back in bed, his brows knitting at the sight. pressing the green phone icon, he raised it to his ear. "hello?"

"kayce?"

his heart stopped at the sound of your voice. "y/n?"

"oh my word, hi," you breathed into the speaker, voice a bit quiet as you tried not to wake up your brother in the back seat.

"hi," kayce answered, still confused. "what's up? why are you calling me?"

"oh, sorry. travis said you'd gotten back from deployment and i wanted to see how you were doing. you sorta stopped answering my letters and i got worried."

"yeah, it was kinda crazy over there," he said, cringing at the sound of his own voice. "i'm sorry about that."

"don't be, i'm just glad you're okay."

damn. what the hell was he supposed to do about you?

"thanks," he answered, cursing himself silently. "uh, lee said you're coming up in a month?"

"we're actually headed over now," you said. "i'm driving right now, you're plugged into my headphones."

"wait, what?"

"yeah, we finished our business in arizona way early so we're headed up there now. we've been finishing up a lot of deals pretty quickly now. i think it's because we ditched brent."

kayce sat up quickly. "wait, like your boyfriend brent?"

"well, ex, but yeah," you laughed. "he was a douche, and a shit rider."

"oh," he hummed. "i'm sorry."

"don't be. i'm glad to be rid of him."

"then, congrats."

"thank you," you chuckled. "well, cowboy, i'll let you go. i know y'all are an hour ahead of arizona right now so it's late, but i'm glad i got to hear your voice. good to know you're alive."

"yeah," he said softly. "you too. it was good to hear your voice too."

you paused, brows furrowing even as you drove down the interstate. "kayce, are you okay?"

his heart pounded and his brows raised. "what?"

"you just seem... off. are you okay?" you asked again.

"yeah," he managed to spit out. he breathed out heavily. "yeah, i'm okay. i'll definitely be glad to see you soon though."

your brows knitted further. "you sure you're good?"

"i'm alright. don't worry too bad. just excited to see you is all."

"i'm excited to see you too," you said slowly. "i'll see you soon, okay?"

"yeah, okay," he agreed, nodding even though you couldn't see him. "drive safe."

"i will. goodnight, cowboy."

"goodnight, darlin'."

when the phone finally clicked to end the call he let out a heavy sigh and flopped back in bed.

damn.

but, hearing you voice for the first time in over six months had stirred something in his chest, and he knew what needed to be done.

he typed out a text to monica:

hey, we need to talk. meet for breakfast?

you pulled up at the yellowstone two days later with two massive horse trailers, four trainers, and your mouthy older brother.

kayce avoided going outside until lee pushed him out the door. "let's go, kid."

"i'm going," he huffed, walking out onto the front yard with his brother trailing behind him.

you spotted them both immediately. "kayce! lee!"

kayce was surprised when you threw yourself into his arms, hugging him tightly around the neck. he hugged you back, arms fitting comfortably around your waist as he took the opportunity to spin you a bit. he smiled when he pulled away. "how are you?"

"better now that i'm back on the yellowstone," you answered with a grin. then you turned to his brother. "lee!"

you hugged him too, but not as tight and not as long, kayce was quick to notice.

"it's good to see you," lee told you and you smiled wider if possible.

"it's so good to see you both," you said, glancing between them. and then your face fell slightly and you stepped towards the younger of the two. "can i talk to you, kace?"

"oh, yeah, sure," he said, meeting lee's eyes momentarily before following you down the trail that led towards the stables and stopping halfway by the big oak tree in front of the house.

you fiddled with your fingers, meeting his eyes with a hesitant smile. "the other night on the phone... i'm worried about you, kayce. the navy isn't easy and i just wanted to make sure you knew that if you needed to talk to anyone, you can always talk to me."

his brows raised in surprise. "oh. yeah, yeah i know that."

"good," you said, nodding a bit awkwardly now, unsure of what else to say.

he cleared his throat. "i actually did have something to tell you."

your eyes snapped back to him. "yeah?"

he eyed you for a few moments, running a hand through his hair. "i, uh, i'm sorry."

"for what?" you asked, furrowing your brows.

he laughed awkwardly, shoving his hands in his pockets. "you were right. she's not a country girl. she ain't my type."

"we talking about monica?" you asked.

"yes," he said with a breath of a laugh. "yeah. monica. she's not my type. she's not my girl. i never meant for any of this to happen. my kid is perfect, he's amazing, but me and monica ain't together anymore. you were right."

you took in the information with a slow nod and tilt of you head. "i'm sorry i was right."

"i'm not," he breathed out, shrugging lamely. "just because i ain't meant to be with her doesn't mean i ain't meant to be with anyone else."

"kayce?"

"huh?"

"ain't isn't a word," you reminded with a short laugh.

he rolled his eyes. "listen to my words and not my choice of words, alright?"

"i'm listening," you promised with a smile.

"anyways," he breathed out, shaking his head even as a corner of his lips pulled up into a small grin. "i know what my type is now. who i want. the type of girl i want."

"and that is?"

"someone like you." your breath hitched. "a country girl. a girl who knows her shit but doesn't rub it in your face. a girl who is so insanely aware of other people that everyone just loves her."

you smiled sheepishly. "i'll take the compliment."

"don't take it yet, there's more to it," he said, stepping towards you. "you're kind and gentle, it's why you're so good with horses and with people. you don't put up with anyone's shit - you definitely don't put up with mine. you're strong and confident and you can back up a twenty seven foot horse trailer like it's nothing." he laughed. "i want a girl like you. more specifically - i want you."

you smiled. "you mean that?"

"if i didn't would i be shaking this much?" he asked, holding one hand up with a small smile.

"no, i guess not," you laughed gently. you took his slightly shaky hands. "i want you too kayce."

"you mean that?"

"i do," you answered. and then you faltered. "but, i'm always out with travis and the team. i don't know if i can give you what you want."

"you're what i want, that's what i just said," he said, shaking his head. "i'll wait for you. hell, i'll probably be deployed for another six months here soon, so even if i did ask you to stay it'd be pointless. we can take it as it comes, yeah? i just want you."

you breathed out, considering it. "i like the sound of that."

"great," he said with a smile. he pulled on your hands. "there's another thing i want too, actually."

"what's that, cowboy?"

"this."

he raised one hand to cup your cheek and very quickly, very smoothly captured your lips in his. your arms snaked around his neck as he pulled you into him, smiling against your lips.

you broke for air, breathing deeply and both smiling widely. he leaned his forehead on yours.

"i've been wanting to do that since i was sixteen," he admitted quietly.

you laughed. "me too."

"seriously?"

"seriously."

"damn, we gotta talk more," he hummed.

"i don't think we'll have that problem anymore, cowboy," you told him as he kissed you again.

"yeah, probably not."

#kayce dutton x reader #kayce dutton imagine #kayce dutton #kayce dutton fanfic #yellowstone #yellowstone imagine #yellowstone fanfiction #yellowstone tv

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moonlight-joy · 6 months ago

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Through Gritted Teeth

Fandom: Yellowstone

Summary: When an accident leaves you injured and vulnerable, John Dutton steps in with his steady strength and sharp resolve, showing that even the hardest of men have a fierce and protective softness for those they care about.

Pairing: Reader/John Dutton

The sun was setting over Yellowstone Ranch, painting the horizon in shades of amber and crimson. The day had been long and punishing, but you had pushed through, as always. The work didn’t wait, and neither did the ranch. But now, as you stumbled into the yard, clutching your arm and biting back a scream, the weight of the day finally came crashing down.

John Dutton was on the porch, leaning against the railing with a cup of coffee in hand, watching the ranch settle into the quiet of evening. His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on you, the way you were limping, the blood staining your sleeve, the way you were barely holding it together.

“Goddamn it,” he muttered, setting the cup down and descending the steps quickly. “What happened?”

“It’s fine,” you tried to say, but the words came out garbled, weak. The pain was too much, radiating from your arm and spreading through your body like fire. You collapsed to your knees, clutching your arm tighter as a scream tore from your throat.

“Shit,” John cursed under his breath, his boots pounding against the dirt as he reached you. “Hey, hey, look at me,” he said, crouching down beside you. “What the hell happened?”

“I—I wasn’t paying attention,” you stammered, tears streaming down your face. “The fence—it—it snapped back on me.”

John’s jaw tightened, his face set in that familiar, stern expression, but there was no anger in his voice as he spoke. “Alright, stop talking. Let me see.”

You shook your head, clutching your arm tighter, another scream ripping from your chest as the pain flared. “I can’t—it hurts too much.”

“You’re gonna have to let me look,” John said, his voice firm but not unkind. “I need to see how bad it is. You can scream, you can cuss me out if you want, but you’ve gotta let me help you.”

You hesitated, the fear and pain overwhelming, but the steadiness in his voice grounded you just enough. Slowly, with trembling hands, you loosened your grip on your arm, revealing the deep gash that ran from your wrist to your elbow. Blood was seeping from the wound, staining your shirt and dripping onto the dirt below.

“Christ,” John muttered, his jaw clenching as he assessed the damage. “Alright, listen to me. We’re gonna get this cleaned up, but you’ve got to hold on. Can you do that?”

You nodded, your breath hitching as another wave of pain coursed through you. “It hurts,” you whimpered, tears streaming down your face.

“I know it does,” John said, his voice softer now. He pulled a clean bandana from his pocket, folding it quickly and pressing it against the wound. “But you’re tougher than this. I’ve seen it. Now hold still.”

You cried out as he applied pressure, your body trembling with the effort of staying still. John’s free hand came up to steady your shoulder, his grip strong but comforting. “That’s it,” he said, his tone low and even. “Breathe through it. You’re doing good.”

“John,” you gasped, your voice breaking. “I don’t think I can—”

“Yes, you can,” he cut in, his eyes locking onto yours. “You’ve been through worse than this, and you’ve come out the other side. This is no different.”

The conviction in his voice, the way he spoke with such certainty, gave you something to cling to. You focused on his words, his steady presence, as he worked quickly and efficiently. He tied the bandana tightly around your arm, creating a makeshift tourniquet to slow the bleeding.

“We’re gonna get you inside,” he said, standing and helping you to your feet. “And we’re gonna fix this up right. You hear me?”

You nodded, leaning heavily against him as he guided you toward the house. Every step was a struggle, the pain threatening to pull you under, but John’s hand on your back and his steady voice kept you moving.

“I’ve got you,” he said quietly as he helped you up the steps and into the kitchen. “We’ll get this cleaned up, and then you’re gonna sit your ass down and rest. No arguments.”

You managed a weak laugh through the tears, the sound trembling but real. “You’re bossy, you know that?”

John smirked, grabbing the first aid kit from the counter. “Someone’s gotta keep you in line.”

As he worked to clean and bandage the wound, his hands steady despite the tension in his jaw, you felt the tightness in your chest begin to ease. The pain was still there, sharp and relentless, but it was tempered by the knowledge that you weren’t facing it alone.

When he was done, John leaned back, his sharp eyes meeting yours. “You’ll be alright,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You just need to stop being so damn stubborn and let people help you once in a while.”

You gave him a faint smile, your body still trembling but your heart a little lighter. “I’ll try,” you said softly.

“Good,” he replied, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile. “Because you’re not doing this on your own. Not while I’m around.”

And in that moment, as the storm inside you began to settle, you believed him.

Please support my work with like and comment

#John dutton #John Dutton x reader #John Dutton x female reader #yellowstone x reader #yellowstone tv

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creatingblackcharacters · 3 months ago

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Hi! I'm writing a story in which one of the main characters is a Black woman working as a rancher in the Mojave desert. Try as I might, I can't find any good resources for what protective hair styles would work best for her, especially taking into account that she often spends long periods of time out in the desert with no good way to wash or otherwise maintain her hair. Any advice or thoughts?

IG: cowgirlsofcolor

Okay so if it were me in this specific scenario, I'd opt for a short afro bc it takes minimal to no effort and can be easily covered. Plus it's hot as hell in a desert and I wouldn't want to be carrying hair.

It's not just for you anon, but I do want to toss up another perspective for questions like these: it's not just the environment, but it's also dependent upon the person! I posted that picture to show you that these five women have four different hairstyles and they all ride! Having a sew-in or straight hair might not be protective or efficient for a rancher job, but someone who really wants that style regardless will put in the effort to have it! Or someone who could get braids or locs done every two months that would need minimal care, go on her ranching jobs and come back for maintenance- but if they don't like those styles, they won't.

I guess what I'm trying to say is when y'all think of "what types of style should my character have", I really need you to also take into consideration the type of person they are and how much effort they're willing to put in. That's gonna have just as much effect on your choice as the environment itself, and will help narrow down your choices. There's not necessarily a... "Oh, this style is what These People Wear when They Do This" pattern to life, if that makes sense.

#creatingblackcharacters #thatsjusttips #black character design #black hair

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loudclan-clangen · 1 year ago

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Hey there!

Checking out Loudclan? That's great! Thanks so much!

Loudclan was originally planned to be drawn as I played the game like most other clangen blogs... Then I got frustrated about how slow it was moving and played ahead. Just a little bit, nothing to worry about, only about 1000 moons. So this blog should be running for A WHILE. I also take pretty big liberties with the designs and events. I think it's more interesting that way! Also it's been several real life months since I started playing and some things I just... forgot. Or lost. Either way, it's fun to stretch my creative skills.

As for the mechanics of the blog:

General Content Warnings Include:

Death, Animal Death, (Cat Death specifically), Death in Childbirth, Violence, Murder, Illness, Gore, Grooming, Abuse, Bad Parenting, Cheating, Affairs, Drama, Cursing, Language, Dirty Jokes, ECT. (if i missed something please let me know)

Start Here

Allegiances

Lore

Discord

RedBubble

Updates are not going to be on a consistent schedule... ever. I'm a college student. I just don't have the time or energy.

The style is going to vary wildly. It's been years since I've consistently drawn cats and I wasn't ever really happy with the way I did it back then anyway. Come along for the ride with me! I'm just as surprised by what my hands create as you guys!

Overview:

Loudclan is set in a fictional location that is based on South Central Alaska. A group of rogues fled up the mountains to get away from the deep snows of the valleys at the beginning of a particularly harsh winter. The clan follows three "Leaders" in the form of the Leader, the Lead Healer, and the Lead Mediator. These leaders will each pass their position on to their oldest heir, the closest related member of their direct family. Issues regarding what happens when two cats have similar claims have yet to be sorted out by the clan, and may never be fully decided... *insert mysterious foreshadowing sounds*

If you are interested in more of a deep dive into the lore check out this post: Lore, or anything tagged #loudclanlore .

Asks are welcome! I will do my best to answer them quickly and efficiently! I am happy to talk about characters, art, process, gameplay, pretty much anything. (I probably won't be showing sprites though, just because I've played ahead so far and a not insignificant amount of them are just... gone. Lost to the ether. Sacrificed so that my laptop could keep running the game.) All asks are tagged #loudclanasks .

Also fanart/writing/edits are more than welcome! You guys are so cool and talented and I am honored that you would want to make something based on my dumb little pixel cats. Referencing or imitating my style/designs/layout is absolutely allowed, just make sure to mention me so I don't miss them! All fan contributions are tagged #loudclanfan .

I will never complain about anyone "blowing up my notifications" or spam liking. I think it's so neat to see people go through the blog liking as they go. Don't worry about it. I enjoy seeing you enjoy my work!

A little bit about me, you can call me "D"! I use any pronouns, I'm pretty ambivalent about them but the majority of people use she/her for me and I'm fine with that. I'm 20, I live most of the time in Alaska and part time on a ranch in Texas and I'm working on my BA in Elementary Education. I started reading Warriors in 2nd Grade and stopped in 6th Grade but the brain worms never die. If you know me in real life no you don't: It took me all of high school to kill the furry allegations I'm not going through that again. Oh, and my main blog is @restinginpiecesofpizza but warning, there's spoilers for Owlstar's family tree for like 8 generations posted on there.

If you think Loudclan's cool and want to help me out consider checking out my RedBubble!

Anyway, thanks for checking out my blog! I hope you enjoy!

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vomittedsoap · 9 months ago

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Assigning The Terror characters cars cuz I’m bored

From a USA/Texas perspective.

Crozier: Pontiac Aztek

Walter white looking ahh… he transports the lieutenants around in it, the best carpool guy. Will stop by McDonalds but will never be late. Smells Neptune the dog and a few fries that got buried in the backseats but no one will help him clean it. Great oldies CD collection in the glove compartment!

John Franklin: Ford f-150, or whatever new ranching truck.

….Social security, baby! Uselessly big, he complains cuz he doesn’t know how the touchscreen dashboard works. He’ll let you ride it but you have to sit in the trunk. Costs like $50 to fill with gas. Plays Fox News on the radio and doesn’t believe in looking at the backup camera while in reverse. Everyone look out!, who knows if he even has auto insurance.

James Fitzjames: BMW Convertible / Mazda Miata

It’s hard to keep track of what car he’s driving cuz it seems like there’s a new one every few months. Whatever the car is, it’s sporty and cute. He’s been in a few crashes but always seems to end up fine. Smells like new car. Doesn’t let others have the aux, he only plays his one singular 10hour unorganized Spotify playlist. It’s always filled with mystery items.

He also owns and has crashed several Suzuki motorcycles.

Henry Goodsir: green KIA Soul.

It’s not fast but it’s SO cute and decently cheap. He’ll try to help you move but it’s no use. Acts confused when someone mentions hampsters. Scrambles to move all the papers and things out of the back seat whenever someone needs to get in.

Thomas Blanky: 1995 Ford F150

Fun uncle car. Really bad shape…I mean it's kinda scary to get in there. Jopson fell out of the trunk one time... It's always a fun time tho. Smells like cigarettes and cold mornings. 80's classics and Hank Williams on the radio. Neptune rides in the trunk. He works on classic cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles in his garage too but doesn't drive them.

George Hodgeson: 2004 Honda Element

(i say this because this is my car... rip). Great for moving, not as great for driving. There's always a bicycle in there. He gets lost but maybe the scenic route isn't so bad. Always drives with the windows down but has a strict "no smoking in the car" policy.

John Irving: Toyota Camry

Real partykiller of a car. You'd think it was his grandma's or something. One time he flipped his lid cuz the others hotboxed it in the parking lot while he grabbed something in the Quiktrip. Gas efficient and cheap, and not too bad to drive. Probably the best car out of the bunch its just so fugly and boring, but he likes it that way. Wooden/twine cross hanging from the rearview mirror and K-Love on the radio.

Cornelius Hickey: Whatever this thing is

#probably gonna keep editing on this but my iPad suuuuuuucks to type on #the terror #amc the terror #henry goodsir #thomas blanky #james fitzjames #francis crozier #john franklin #cars lmao #cars!#john irving #george hodgeson #cornelius hickey #assigning characters things

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marshallsgirl · 4 months ago

Text

Hidden Harmony

Pairing: Eminem x Fem¡Reader

Warnings: 🔞 MATURE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

Recommended song: The Slim Shady LP Album

Author's note: Hey, guys! I missed you so much. A lot has happened. Last year, I graduated from college with honors! And now I'm studying again. Yes. Sometimes I just ask myself: Why are you doing this to yourself? More study? Really? But yes, here I go again. And guess what...I watched the whole Peaky Blinders series for the first time! I loved it. Also, I read Dean Koontz's Frankenstein books for the first time and I fell in love with his writting style. Anyways, I've been working real hard on this story that takes place back in 2001. I got inspired by this: Could we get single dad Eminem who's lowkey broke living with Hailie and he goes to drop her off at school and bumps into single mom reader dropping off her son? I feel like that would be really cute! (Sorry for the anon I'm just shy lol)

Hope you all enjoy it. I love you guys so much! Sending all of you a warm hug🤍✨️

⚝ 𖤐 ✶ ✷ ⛥ ✴ ☆ ⍟ ✦ 𖥔 ✰ ★ ☆⚝ 𖤐 ✶ ✷ ⛥

Chapter 1

The aroma of burnt toast hung in the air, a familiar battle flag in the war against morning. Y/N, her dark hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, scraped the blackened edges with a butter knife.

"Almost edible," she muttered, placing the salvaged slice on a plate beside a perfectly round fried egg.

"Mom, can I have the funny-shaped one?" Six-year-old John, a miniature dynamo with a shock of unruly brown hair, pointed at the toast.

Y/N smiled, the hard lines of her face softening.

"Always the artist, aren't you, John boy?" She handed him the misshapen piece. "Eat up, we're running late."

Her house, a modest brick ranch in a quiet Clinton Township neighborhood, was a testament to efficiency. Every surface was clean, every object in its place. The remnants of her late husband, a firefighter named Kyle, were subtly woven into the decor: a framed photograph on the mantle, a worn leather armchair in the corner, a collection of vintage fire department patches displayed on the wall.

Y/N’s movements were precise, almost mechanical. She checked John's backpack, ensuring his homework was tucked inside, then grabbed her own keys and purse. Her Glock 19, holstered at her hip, was a constant presence, a silent promise of protection. It was a tool, like the wrenches she used to fix her truck, or the chalk she used to demonstrate proper grip at the firing range. She was a firearms instructor, a profession that demanded discipline and control. She taught others how to handle the weight of responsibility, the power held in their hands. It was a job that fit her, a job that suited the strength she had been forced to cultivate.

As they walked to the car, John chattered about his upcoming dinosaur project, his words a comforting rhythm against the quiet morning. Y/N listened, her gaze scanning the street, a habit ingrained from years of training. She’d learned to see the world with a heightened sense of awareness, a skill that served her well as a single mother.

Sometimes, in the quiet solitude of her bedroom, she’d feel a pang of loneliness, a ghost of Kyle’s presence beside her. He’d told her, in the last days, that it was alright to find happiness again. “Don’t live in my shadow, Y/N” he’d whispered, his voice weak. “You deserve love.” But the idea felt foreign, like trying to fit into a suit that no longer belonged.

At John’s school, the air buzzed with the chaotic energy of children and parents.

Y/N knelt to give John a hug. "Be good, listen to Mrs. Changretta, and I'll see you this afternoon."

As John turned to join the other children, his eyes widened. He pointed at a man standing near the entrance, a tall figure dressed in a dark hoodie and jeans.

"Mom, look! I like his shoes."

The man, his face partially obscured by the hood, glanced down at his feet, then back at John. Y/N’s gaze followed her son’s, and she took in the man’s features, a flicker of recognition sparking in her mind. He looked familiar, but she couldn't place him. She decided to walk towards the entrance with John, using the guise of a final goodbye to get a closer look, to try and decipher the elusive sense of connection.

As they approached, Y/N subtly studied the man’s features, a sense of intrigue tightening in her chest. The hood obscured the contours of his face, casting him in a shadow that seemed to hold a secret. Even at close range, she couldn't pinpoint where she might have seen him before, yet the feeling persisted, a gentle tug on her memory. It was like trying to recall a melody, a faint tune that resonated with something deep within her. She also noticed a little girl, near the man, and felt a warm feeling.

"Those are cool shoes," John said to the man, his voice ringing with childlike enthusiasm.

The man smiled, a brief, almost shy expression. "Thanks, lil man"

Y/N stood, her hand instinctively moving to her hip, where the weight of her Glock provided a sense of grounding. She watched the man, her eyes narrowed, trying to decipher the reason for that spark of familiarity. The smile, though fleeting, left a lingering sense of intrigue. It was a glimpse, Y/N thought, a fleeting moment that hinted at something deeper, something unknown, yet strangely familiar. And as the man’s voice faded into the ambient noise of the schoolyard, Y/N was left with a sense of anticipation, a feeling that this encounter was more than just a chance meeting.

Chapter 2

The kid's voice, a high-pitched declaration of admiration, echoed in the sterile air of the schoolyard. Shoes, he thought, a simple, mundane object. But the way the kid had looked at him, with that unadulterated curiosity, it felt… unsettling. The woman, the mother, her eyes were different. Sharp, assessing. Like she was trying to dissect him, to see through the carefully constructed facade. He felt a prickle of unease, a familiar sensation that had become his constant companion. They know, a voice whispered in the back of his mind, a phantom echo of paranoia. He glanced around, scanning the faces in the crowd, searching for… what? He wasn't sure. A threat? A familiar face? Or just someone that did not look like they were judging him. He wanted to be a good father. He wanted to give his daughter the world. But the world, it seemed, was always watching.

He knelt down to his daughter, Hailie, who was eager to join her friends.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice softening. "Mom's picking you up today, okay? Daddy's got a long day at the film set."

"Okay, Daddy," Hailie said, her bright eyes filled with adoration. "Will you come see me later?"

"Of course, baby. I wouldn't miss it." He gave her a quick hug, his heart aching with a mix of love and guilt. "Be good for your mom, and I'll see you tonight."

He watched her run off, her laughter a fleeting melody in the schoolyard's din. Then, he rose, his gaze lingering on the spot where she had been. He gave a final gaze to the woman and her son. Familiar, he thought again, the word echoing in his mind. He couldn't place her, but something about her intensity, the way she held herself, felt like a warning. He was about to turn away completely when he heard a voice, sharp and clear, cutting through the schoolyard noise.

"Excuse me?"

He turned back. The woman, the mother, was standing a few feet away, her arms relaxed, but her eyes still holding that sharp intensity. Her son was gone, already mingling with the other children.

"Yes?" he asked, his voice low.

"I just wanted to apologize if my son interrupted your moment with your daughter," Y/N said, her tone softer than he expected. "He's very social, always making friends."

"It's no problem at all," He replied, a flicker of a smile touching his lips.

"He's a great kid" Y/N said, a hint of pride in her voice. She paused, a small, almost rueful smile playing on her lips. "But, crazy sometimes. Just yesterday, at the park, he told an old man, 'Hey, old man, I'm your son Pinocchio!'"

A genuine laugh escaped him. It was a sound he hadn't heard from himself in a long time. "That's… something," he managed, still chuckling.

"Tell me about it," Y/N said, shaking her head. "My name's Y/N, btw"

"Marshall," he replied, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You too, Marshall," she said, shaking his hand. "Well," she continued, glancing at her watch. "I should be going. Have a good day."

"You too, Y/N," he said, watching her walk away. He stood there for a moment, the brief interaction lingering in the air. Y/N, he thought. It was a simple name, but it felt… significant. He shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. Get a grip man, he thought. You've got a million things to worry about, and this is not one of them.

He turned and began to walk away from the school, each step measured, each movement deliberate. He needed to work. The film set, the studio, the constant pressure to create, to prove himself. It was a relentless cycle, a treadmill he couldn’t seem to step off. He felt the phantom applause of his recent success, a sound that was already fading, replaced by the gnawing fear that it was all a fluke, a fleeting moment of attention. He thought of the divorce, the constant battles, the feeling that his life was a car crash he couldn't escape. He just wanted a normal life. He just wanted to be a good dad. Just one hit wonder? he thought to himself. "No, I will not let that happen."

He turned and got his mind already shifting to the day ahead. The the film set, the constant pressure to perform. But the image of Y/N, her sharp eyes and firm handshake, and the image of her son, his social skills, stayed with him, a small, unexpected intrusion into his carefully constructed world. Now he was on his way to the film set. It was time to become someone else.

The set was buzzing, a hive of activity as they prepared for the scene with Brittany Murphy. Marshall stood off to the side, trying to shake off the lingering weariness from the long hours. He watched as Brittany, warm and approachable, went over her lines with Curtis. He knew this scene was pivotal, a moment where B-Rabbit starts to connect with Alex, her character. Marshall tried to focus, to immerse himself in the character, but his mind kept drifting back to the schoolyard, to the woman with the sharp eyes and the kid who liked his shoes. Y/N, he thought, the name a soft echo in his mind. He felt a sense of displacement, a feeling that he was living in two worlds, neither of which felt entirely real.

"Alright, Em, you ready?" Curtis called out, his voice cutting through the noise.

Marshall nodded, taking his place. The cameras rolled, and Brittany stepped into the scene, her energy infectious.

"Heard you're a dope rapper," she said, delivering the line with a playful smile.

"Who said I was a dope rapper?" M replied, his voice a touch guarded, just as Jimmy would be.

As they ran through the scene, a strange sense of detachment washed over Marshall. He was present, he was delivering his lines, but his mind kept drifting. He saw Y/N's face, a fleeting image, a whisper in the back of his mind. He couldn't quite place the feeling, but it was a mix of longing and a deep, underlying anxiety.

The scene continued, but Marshall's focus was fractured. He was Jimmy, he was Marshall, and he was someone else entirely, someone haunted by a connection he couldn't fully comprehend.

After the take, Curtis gave him a nod of approval. "Good stuff, Em. You nailed it."

But Marshall barely registered the praise. He was still lost in his own thoughts, the image of Y/N lingering like a ghost. He retreated to his trailer, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, searching for a flicker of recognition. The questions echoing in his mind: Who am I? he wondered. The rapper? The actor? The father? He felt like a collection of masks, each one hiding a deeper, more vulnerable self. He picked up his phone, his fingers hovering over the keypad. He wanted to call Hailie, to hear her voice, to remind himself that he was still a father, that he was still real. But he hesitated, afraid of interrupting her time with her mother. He put the phone down, feeling a wave of loneliness wash over him. He was surrounded by people, but he felt utterly alone. The applause, the attention, it was all a fleeting illusion. He longed for something real, something genuine... And there she was again. Why now? Why is Y/N so present in my thoughts, when I need to be focused?

Marshall didn't even know Y/N, not really. They'd barely spoken. He didn't understand why this was happening, why this person, this almost-stranger, was occupying so much space in his mind. It felt like a phantom limb, a connection that existed without explanation.

⚝ 𖤐 ✶ ✷ ⛥ ✴ ☆ ⍟ ✦ 𖥔 ✰ ★ ☆⚝ 𖤐 ✶ ✷ ⛥

Spoiler of the next chapters: Y/N turned, and her breath caught in her throat. Standing before her was the man from the school, the man with the familiar eyes.

"Yes, I am," she replied, her voice steady despite the sudden rush of recognition. "You're… Marshall, from the school."

"Yeah, that's me," Marshall said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, a smile that seemed more genuine than the one he had given at the school. "Y/N, right?"

"Yes," she confirmed, a slight frown creasing her brow. "So, you're in this film?"

"Yeah, it's my first one," he said, his tone casual.

#eminem x reader #marshall mathers x y/n #marshall mathers x reader #marshall mathers imagine #eminem x y/n #eminem x you #eminem #eminemslimmarshall #marshall mathers #slim shady #the real slim shady #eminem imagine #hailie jade picture #people #it feels so good to be back

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eddygoldarm · 8 months ago

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Okay, in this post, I will put all my headcanons for the brawlers origins/backstories.

I'll update it little by little as I go and find more things about them. Note that I I sometimes quit the game for long periods of time so I'm not always updated on the lore. So this is mostly my personal interpretation, if you have any canon information/trivia from the creators/interesting headcanons, feel free to share them! With that said, let's do this!

⬇️

WILD WEST

🩹Shelly : She was a normal farmgirl from the frontier, living in her family's ranch with her animals. But many gangs from the area made her life very difficult, and the rangers never did anything for her, so she decided to become some kind of vigilante. After many lonely years, she met Colt, who she thought was just another idiot. While she was right, he proved himself to be efficient and caring, and he convinced her to stop the cycle of crime by joining him. She accepted, and is now a mercenary working with Colt, fighting to make the frontier a better place. While still hot-headed, she's way more well adjusted and reasonable now, she's just a bit jealous of Colt. As her best friend, she knows him better than anyone else and dislikes the fact that this utter idiot gets more recognition than her.

⭐Colt : Colt has a secret : He is the son of Belle and Sam from the goldarm gang. Born as Edwin, he was raised by the gang and learned all the ins and outs of the criminal life since he was little. His mother Belle pushed him to perform better each day in order to make him strong. That way, he became an incredible shot, but also a boastful and well-groomed boy, never letting show a sign of weakness. But as the heists were getting more difficult, and the gang more violent, Eddy struggled to keep up, and Belle started to neglect him when he failed. He started to hate himself, as he felt like nobody would ever love who he was becoming. It was getting so bad that, at one point, he decided to rat the gang out to the rangers, leading to their arrest, but also to a terrible accident. He used this occasion to fake his own death and assumed a new identity. Thanks to his gun skills and tactical knowledge, became a security officer at Starr Park. He slowly climbed the ladder, accomplishing his duty, pleasing the people and making a name for himself. Until he became the Oldtown sheriff, Colt is now happier than ever, as he has all he ever wanted: A great job, a lot of fans and friends that move him... unless?

🌵Spike : Spike was originally a regular cactus, living his normal cactus life in the middle of the desert. Until one day, a mountain of a human fell and landed on him, completely destroying the plant. Hopefully, a little chunk stayed attached to his shirt, and he managed to survive. The small shoot was given to a young Eddy, and then potted. The little plant was the boy's new best friend, he took care of it, carried it everywhere, and even talked to it. Spike learned a lot, everything even, and developed feelings for the boy as he watched him grow and struggle. Until one day, where the plant was blasted once again, it managed to survive, but something changed in Spike. He started to slowly mutate into a humanoïd shape, and could even now form "thoughts". Spike essentially turned into a little human (which freaked out Colt and made him shoot Spike in chock but we avoid talking about that.), that became Colt's new friend. With his newfound appearance, Spike became a weird little guy, just wandering around, either helping his friends or causing mischief. He is living his best life and nobody can stop him, he's a cactus! While more independant, he his still close to Colt, he cheers him up in his own weird ways, and keeps his secrets... which is very useful since he can't speak.

SHAMAN TRIBE

🦅Bo : The shaman tribe are the oldest group of the land, not a lot is known about them, because of the hostility of the desert and the violence of its people, they prefer to live secluded in the jungle, in harmony with nature. Bo the Eagle Hunter is one of their warriors, strong, wise and courageous, and dedicated to his people. He trained daily to sharpen his skills in order to fiercely protect his tribe from outsiders. He considered them as very dangerous, as a lot of his kin, notably his brother in arms, Nita and Leon's father, were killed by them. Although, not everyone had this philosophy; as the badlands were getting more developed and safer, more people from the tribe started to step outside, which Bo was strongly against. And so, he became even more combative and protective, focusing his attention on his partner's wife and children, who he started to grow a bond with. The mother's company softened his heart a bit, they took the habit of going to Starr Park together, and Bo started to understand the beauty of the outside world. But suddently, she mysteriously disappeared, leaving the two children without parents, Bo was heartbroken, he had now lost two of his best friends because he let his guard down. But instead of sulking about, he decided to take the little Leon and Nita under his wing, even as a seasoned warrior, it's something he wasn't prepared for at all; because they were left unchecked, the two kids had become absolute terror. Being a parent it's the most ruthless job, but he was ready to step in, and willing to do anything for their safety, and his friend's sake. Today, Bo travels around the badlands, wanting to understand the world and uncovering its mysteries, and also looking for the children's mother. Despite having now a more open and free spirit, his main priority still stays the safety of his people, and the happiness to the two children. Once, they gifted him a toy bow and arrows, and even if it's not ideal, he's been using them ever since, because he loves these kids. Also, idk if he loved the kid's mother romantically, feels kinda weird wanting to date your best friend's wife. Maybe he did but never tried to make a move on her by respect. But whatever, he has Charlie now hehe.

🦎Leon : Leon is a child from the shaman tribe, unfortunately, he didn't have a warrior spirit, and was rather shy. Instead of honoring the traditions, he was more interested in the outside world and all the new things it had to offer. His mother would spoil him with toys, candy and modern clothes, which Bo and the tribe elders disapproved of. Instead, pushing their sacred way of life onto him, he began to run away and hide even more, fantasizing about becoming a "ninja" he heard about outside the jungle. Eventually, with the accumulation of his father's death, his "replacement" by a scary stoic warrior, and his mother's disappearance, made him close in on himself even more. Thanks to a gem mutation, he developped invisibility powers, and used it to hide and to even more cause trouble. This was a pain to deal with for Bo, who had no experience with parenting, but as he mellowed out, the guardian finally listened to Leon and started to understand him. Even if the kid had a different way of thinking, Bo recognized that he wasn't any less of a warrior, and stopped pushing his ways onto him, and thus, stopping Leon's bad behavior. With time, Leon learned to open up and be a happy kid again, it's still difficult sometimes, he's still a troublemaker! But that's why we love him!

🐻Nita : Nita barely knew her parents, she always carried the teddy her mom had given her for comfort. When she disappeared, for a while, all she had to look up too was her big brother, so she became a fierce little troublemaker like him. Together they began causing mayhem wherever they went, and this was the happiest she ever was. Of course, this fell back on her, when the teddy got destroyed (Bull did it), this got her seething with rage, giving birth to Bruce, the fierce spirit-bear (thanks in part to a gem mutation). After seeing the damage Nita had done, Bo finally decided to step in : he defeated the bear, and stitched the plushie back together. That way, she could always be comforted by someone if she ever felt angry.

RETROPOLIS GANG

🐂Bull : Billy Blanco was born and raised in the frontier. He was always a big boy, but contrary to his appearance, he was kind and well-mannered. Sadly, those traits that aren't desirable in this harsh environnement, Bull's childhood was difficult, because despite his herculean strength, he couldn't bring himself to hurt anyone. I like to think he briefly dated Pam, but she dumped him because he was too much of a wimp. Having enough of this, he quit his farm for Retropolis, where he got a job as a waiter. All wasn't perfect though, there were many gangs fighting, and he always got caught in the fire. One day, he got a spike of courage, and tried to save an innocent client, only to recieve a deadly gem explosion. The radiation, as well as the frustration of years of suffering, made him loose all his tempter, and in an instant, he singlehandedly obliterated the gang responsible. They all started to respect him and do favors for him. At first he didn't want this kind of power, he felt guilty for beating all these people, but he soon realized he could use it to do some good, he could maintain order and protect underdogs like him. Bull slowly assumed a stronger, bolder character, recruited some goons, and founded his own gang. While Bull's gang was terrifying, their goal was only to put those who caused trouble, and hurt innocents back in their place. Today Bull owns the diner, and is a well-known figure in Retropolis, feared by some, respected by many, despite his looks and methods, it's undeniable that he made the city a safer place. He might be scary now, but deep down, he's still the kind humble farmboy, so, as long as you don't cause trouble, you're always welcome at Bull's diner! His pancakes are bangin too.

🐦‍⬛Crow: He was just a normal bird, flying around, earing seeds etc... But one day, he got shot and fell into a crevasse filled with gems. This caused him to mutate enormously, and to become quasi-human. Crow was terrified; his body and world had changed, and he was all alone. So he wandered, trying to make sense of everything. But he got soon spotted by many criminals, who tried to capture him. After days of escape, Crow was cornered at Retropolis, he felt like he was doomed to suffer for the rest of his life. It was at this moment that somewhat lended him a hand for the first time: Bull saw what was happening to the strange bird-man, and ordered everyone to leave him alone. He gave him a jacket, lead him to his restaurant, and cooked him a breakfast. Crow had now a roof and a friend. The bird-man had come a long way, he learned to move, to speak and to act like a human, but he still has a long way to go to figure himself out, bird or human? Maybe something completely different, only time will tell. In the meantime, Crow is happy to belong somewhere, somewhere safe.

⚾Bibi : I headcanon that she's Kenji's daughter, she grew up in the sushi restaurant in Retropolis, helping her mom and dad. Contrary to now, she was a sweet and well-mannered girl, all was well until Starr Park attacked the restaurant, her mother got kidnapped, and her father went in hiding to try and fing her. Lost and confused, she didn't understand why her father suddently left her when she needed him most, so she saught refuge at Bull's diner, because she knew he could help. Bull accepted to take her under his wing, on the condition that she would be a part of his gang. Since then, Bibi has toughen up a lot, she adopted a bad girl attitude to match with Bull and Crow's energy, but if you look behind her façade, you can easily see she's still a sweet girl, she likes candy, video games and cute animals. Bull doesn't treat her like a child, but he still takes care of her, he's like a second dad to her.

(I'm sensing a pattern with Bo and Bull adopting weird children here lol)

STARRCADE

🕹️Brock : I don't think Brock has anything special, really, he's probably the most normal of all the brawlers. He's always was a geek, and was frequently bullied for liking comics, cartoons and video games. In his teens, with the help of Colt (who he met at Starr Park), and his dad, who is a ranger, he learned to assert and defend himself. He turned his nerdiness into a strengh, learning to dress cool, talk back, and creating gadgets to defend himself (a rocket launcher is a bit overkill imo). Despite his certified freshness, he's a bit of a bum, but he's fine with his life, he works in something that he's passionate about thanks to the arcade, and he's surrounded by cool friends.

🔫Rico : Like all robots of his kind, Rico was designed for combat, he was part of a squadron belonging to the rangers, and obeyed to the orders like any other robots would. Until one day, when he was ordered to get stolen gems back from the Gold Arm. During this mission, he got shot (by Eddy or Belle) in just the right spot, causing a mutation thanks to the nearby gems. Rico gained a free will and a consciousness, this, mixed to his calculator-brain, made him an extremely accurate shooter. He hid it at first, but the rangers quickly noticed it, and started treating him as an equal, he was given clothes, promoted, and nicknamed "Ricochet" because of his famous gun tricks. Eventually, Rico got tired of following orders, he wanted to be his own person, so he said goodbye to the rangers, and became a bounty hunter. These were the robot's prime years, as he wandered the desert, he became famous, as he was at the time the only independant robot, and a dreaded sharpshooter. It was at this time that he met Piper, but they weren't lovers, I'm not sure if they were partners or ennemies. Sadly, all things had to come to an end, and one day, he crossed paths with the Gold Arm once again, who completely obliterated him, he wasn't buried like a person, but thrown in the scrapyard. A few years after, Brock found his carcass, took it, and frankensteined him with a gumball machine, thinking it could be a great addition to the Starrcade. But by fixing him, Rico woke up again: the bounty hunter returned. Brock realised that he had just ressucitated one of the most famous figures of the frontier, he thought it was lit. The robot didn't feel like going back to his old ways, he thought the Starrcade was a nice place, so he decided to retire, and to hang out in Retropolis. He's not as fierce as he used to be, now he prefers to be silly and to play the gallery with his bouncy balls. And yeah, he dated a vending machine, but Frank broke it, and now he is with Piper, who charmed with his new persona.

👾 8-Bit : He is an old arcade machine that was given life after Brock forgot gems on it. He used to display a bad and difficult game, and all the players that tried to beat it spat their anger and frustration at him. Now that he is alive, he is a pure machine of hatred, trying to beat all the people that mistreated him. He respects Brock because he's one of the few that was good at his game.

BANDSTAND

🏋️El Primo : He is Shelly's cousin, and grew up on the same farm as her. He became passionate about lucha libre from a very early age, and began practicing on everyone and everything. Thanks to his training, he became very strong, he was a bit of a beloved local figure, but it wasn't enough for him. He wanted to become the strongest in the universe, but he felt like he couldn't progress. One night, as he was practicing under the moon, he saw a purple meteor descend from the sky. He thought that if he mutated, he could finally become strong, so he tried to intercept it, not realizing how much danger he was putting himself in. Thankfully, Shelly saved him in extremis, and scholded him for being and idiot, telling him that being mutated isn't fun or cool. They watched the stars fall together, the wrestler felt like he could become as powerful as them, so he modeled his famous jump move after the meteor's fall. Now, to spice up his tale, he tells everyone that the meteor hit him right in the face, gifting him with immense power and beauty. But both Shelly and him know he's just strong like that ;] Now he is a travelling luchador with his bandstand friends Poco and Amber.

🎺Poco : Poco used to be a normal human, he was a promising musician of the frontier, with his own life and family. Sadly, he tragically passed away in a brawl between criminals, before he could meet his fame. Decades later, because of a mutation, he ressucitated (Maybe Mortis did it lol), but he was cursed to be a skeleton for the rest of his life. Saddened by his state, and the loss of his home and loved ones, he began to wander the desert, playing mournful balads to himself. He didn't hurt anyone, but people avoided him for his appearance. One day, as he was approaching Oldtown, he met with someone who was badly hurt and couldn't move (idk who could that be, maybe Shelly when she was a vigilante? or El Primo or Amber), he decided to keep them company, and to play his guitar to soothe them. Little did he know, his beautiful music had now the power to heal others. Extremely grateful and excited by this, the person introduced them to the people of Oldtown, who slowly started to accept him. Now Poco has regained his true colors, and is beloved by everyone, nothing makes him happier than seeing the smiles he brings to everyone.

🔥Amber : I don't know of any potential backstory leads for Amber. I just think she's a normal girl who LOVES fire and wanted to be a performer with the baton (idk how you call this lmao). The problem was, she gets too carried away, and tends to destroy everything, which discouraged her. El Primo thought it was cool as hell though, and asked her to be a part of his show.

OLDTOWN

🍺Barley : Like the other cyclop robots, Barley was a fighter, and like some of his kind, he was destroyed in a fight, then repurposed by the common people (possibly by a younger Pam). He belonged to the previous owner of the Oldtown bar, and served as a simple bartender, he wasn't very special, but he was a fun novelty that attracted customers. While he was a great bartender, it seemed like his code wasn't changed properly, and each time a fight burst in the bar, he would go in fighter mode, and destroy everything himself. At one point he gained consciouness, and the fights multiplied, he started to feel remorse, as his owner was getting old, and always had to clean up his mess. So he stepped up, and worked even harder to help him, making it a point to keep the place clean out of respect. In turn, the owner started to treat Barley like he was a real person, giving him clothes, attention and favors, they respected each other very much, and Barley stayed loyal until the end. The owner eventually passed away, and Barley inherited the bar, and to this day, he's still serving his customers with a lovely smile. He still has "anger issues" though.

🌂Piper : Not sure for Piper yet. She was either a deadly criminal, a bounty hunter or a respected ranger, she knew Ricochet and the Goldarm gang personally. But one day she got tired of fighting, so she left her wild life, and came back to Oldtown, where she opened her charming bakery. While she isn't one to fight in the spotlight, she still has her fighter reflexes for before, so don't tease her.

🐍Byron : Byron is one of the sons of the Starr family, and Belle's younger brother, since an early age, Byron was passionate about poisons and toxins. He studied snakes, scorpions and other venomous creatures, in the hopes of becoming a pharmacist, and make a ton of money selling miracle remedies. Byron's upbringing was difficult, while the Starrs were proud of him for his practice, he completely was socially inept, and was considered as a black sheep along with his sister. He was a witness to the abuse she suffered, but could barely do anything to prevent it, or say the right thing to comfort her, this created some tension between them. One day, Belle fell pregnant with some common man from the factory, and he learned that the Starrs wanted ro keep the baby for themselves. So, after she gave birth, he helped her escape with the baby, and cut the Starrs off from his life at the same occasion. He gave up on his studies, and started his own business, helping Belle by supplying the gang with remedies and poisons. Eventually, the gang got caught, and Byron with it, he was sent to prison, but managed to smooth talk his captives into getting a shorter sentence. Byron is back in Oldtown now, while unable to become a proper pharmacist, a medical diploma is just a paper to him. Because he's basically Colt's uncle, he allowed him to sell his products, as long as he didn't cause trouble. While Byron didn't achieve his dream, he's still became the richest person in Oldtown thanks to his passion, living the dream life in his big house filled with snakes. Also, like Belle, he's blacklisted from the Starr family gatherings, but he doesn't care.

BIODOME

🌹Rosa : Originating from Super City, Rosa is a talented botanist. One day, because of a lab accident, she suffered a mutation, which made her strong as heck. So she made it her goal to study this phenomenon. While she had a lot of theoretical knowledge, she rarely ventured outside her lab, and lacked field experience. She worked so hard that she started to neglect her family, and her sisters went missing (One of them being Lily, they are so similar to me!!). Feeling remorse she decided to got to the jungle, where she thought Lily went, and where the mutated flora was plentiful. It was a dangerous territory, but she found a way to protect herself : she punched all the plants that tried to attack her, and domesticated a baby mutated plant to make and make herself and armor out of it. While she didn't find her sister (well, she did, but she didn't recognize her, and punched her as well), she learned a lot on her journey. Thanks to her talent, she was appointed by Starr Park to work at their shiny new Biodome, a giant greenhouse created in the hopes of rehabilitating plantlife in the frontier. Now she works here with her assistants Bea and Sprout, making new discoveries everyday.

🐝Bea : SHE LIKES BEES. I think she grew up in the frontier, where insects are fairly rare. When she understood their importance in the ecosystem, and the power they could have to repopulate the frontier, she fell in love with them, especially the bees. So she studied the bees, and became a bee scientist, and now she works at the biodome where she uses bees to help Rosa with her plant research. She's not as interested in the mutations as her, she's more of a tech nerd, she created the bee drone, as well as Sprout.

🌱Sprout : Sprout was originally a standard smart seed incubator, it's simply designed to keep seeds in good health before while they hatch. One day, after one of her jungle explorations, Rosa found a really strange mutated seed, brought it back to the biodome, and put it in the incubator to study it. Over the days, the incubator started to malfunction, it started to speak and move by itself. Bea checked it, and noticed that as it was growing, the seed was slowly taking over the incubator, who started to mutate as well. At one point, it almost seemed like it was having a mind of its own, so Bea decided to upgrade it, giving it arms and wheels, so it could be monitored more easily, and also drawing a face on it. And so, Sprout was born, they're Rosa and Bea's little assistant in the biodome, taking care of the plants. To this day, nobody knows what the seed holds, but Sprout takes care of it (or of themselves?) rigourously.

SCRAPPERS

🔧Jessie : Born in the junkyard, she's a wild kid, since she was little, she's used to the rough and tough of the frontier. She was possibly born with a mutation that made her extremely intelligent, and by watching her mother, she quickly learned to make all kinds of different machines. She didn't have any friends growing up, so she considers her home-made electro gun and turret, Scrappy as such. Now that she's a little bit older, she wants to be let on her own, and make new friends by herself. Unfortunately Pam is too scared for her, and Nani won't let her wander off, when will they learn that she is a big girl now? Despite her intelligence and courage, she's still a little girl, she likes dolls and cute animals, and cries like a baby when she doesn't get her way.

⚙️Pam : I like to think that Pam was an heir to the Starr family, but, like Belle, decided to flee as she didn't like the life that was promised to her. Before running away, she was a worker at the robot factory, and she used her experience to make a living as a scrapper. She was a free spirit, and was carried by the wind, one day quietly visiting Oldtown, and the other riding to hell with the bikers. Pam's life was difficult, but she was strong enough to be happy with it. Eventually, she fell pregnant with Jessie (Bull is possibly the father, it could be really funny, but who knows really), and that made her an easy target. She decided to stop wandering, and to settle in the scrapyard, her pregnancy was difficult, as she had to defend herself, her baby, and her livelyhood alone. She managed it, but this experience calmed her down a little bit, she couldn't afford to do as she pleased anymore, now that she had a child. She is very protective of Jessie because of it, and she built Nani to watch over her. As the years passed, more and more people came to the scrapyard as well. Ex-scrappers, or simply lost wanderes, seeking refuge from the wild or the Starrs, formed a small community. Today, the scrapyard is practically a small village, that is considered a big family, of which Pam is the matriarch of. She defends and nurtures them as if they were her own, and goes out of her way to repel the Starrs at their doors. As long as you have what it takes to handle this life, she will welcome you under their roof.

🐥Nani : Nani was a scrapped mousebot, repurposed by Pam to be Jessie's nanny. She loves her family and is even more protective over Jessie than Pam. She doesn't hesitate to spy on her with Peep when she wanders too far. Nothing too complicated about her. I like to think that one day Starr Park got a hold of her, while she was freed by Pam, they still could used her as a basis to create R-T.

MINERS

🧨Dynamike : Mike was a miner back in the old days, his favorite part of the job was seeing the explosions him and his coworkers caused. This lead him to not be very careful with his equipement; one day, the canary they were using escaped in a new tunnel, as Mike tried to retrieve it, a wall crashed behind him, blocking the exit. Despite attempts to save him, the rescuers couldn't do anything, and left him for dead. Over 40 years later, as the miners where digging nearby, Dynamike, and his birdie reemerged from the tunnel, like nothing happened. To this day, nobody knows how they survived in there, when asked, he only responds with nonsense, it seems like years of isolation caused him to go a bit crazy. Nowadays, he's still working at the mines, still using dated and dangerous methods, but loving every second of it.

👷Jackie : She was originally a construction worker in Super City, but she got fired for being too vulgar and destructive. She then reconverted as a miner, where she suffered a mutation because of the gems. While she's not really passionate about her job, she's glad she can unwind as much as she wants.

⛏️Carl : Carl was a standard miner robot, since recent times, they've replaced the miners, as they are safer and more efficient. Jackie pushed him in a crevasse once, and he mutated, gaining a consciouness. Carl is a geology nerd, and unlike the other robots, he spends his time studying the rocks and gems they find. While he is very useful for the miners, Jacky can't stand him and his nerdyness, and she bullies him a bit.

PIRATES

🛢️Darryl : Same as the other cyclops, Darryl once gained consciousness after an accident involving gems. He was badly beat up, but he was repaired by people living near the beach (maybe Penny's family), replacing his full torso area by a big barrel, hence why he looks a bit different from the other robots. He soon realised that he didn't like to work for them, he wanted to live his own life, free from society, so, he became a pirate! He put on a hat, found a boat, and formed a crew, and now sails on the seven seas! Little did he know that managing a crew also took responsability, but he loves his little guys, so he tries his best.

💀Penny : Penny is a rebellious girl from the beach, her parents didn't really take care of her, so she did as she pleased, and survived by stealing from tourists. When she learned that Darryl was looking for crewmates, she immediately joined him. She met Jessie at the beach once, and they became good friends, Jessie taught her a bit of mecanics, and she learned to make her own turrets.

💣Tick : He's one of Penny's creations, and also her pet. He's a very basic robot, made of three canons stitched together. All he does on the ship is blow things up and be silly.

GHOST TRAIN

🚂Chuck : (SUICIDE MENTION) Chuck was a renouned and passionate maestro, tragically afflicted of a horrible disease, which slowly took away control from his body, he spent his life dedicated to his craft. He would write and perform impressive recitals, which were praised by many. Sadly, as his sickness started to take over, he also started to feel like he wasn't good enough. He wanted to create something truly transcending, but had no idea how to, feeling like his short life would be a waste if he didn't. So, as the sickness took away his legs, he started to obsess over this idea, working day and night to write his magnum opus. A symphony that would leave a mark on the world before he was gone, putting even more of a strain on his body. But despite all of his efforts, he couldn't do it, he felt like everything he put out was garbage, and that in turn, his life, because of the body he was cursed with, was worthless. As it started to give in, and in his utter despair and obsession, Chuck decided to lay on the tracks. He should've been dead, but somehow, maybe by the sheer power of his determination, his refusal to die until his oeuvre was achieved, a was still alive, sat alone on his wheelchair. He spent years in intensive care, a real curiosity for his caretakers, trying to study him, figure out how he was still living, and to make him functional again. As while he was still aware and conscious, he might as well be dead, his body was so painful and heavy, that he couldn't bring himself to even move, leaving him amorphous, in complete despair over not being able to play or write music anymore. One day, as he was recovering, in an act of innocent kindness, a nurse told him that they found a job offer for a conductor. Still completely desperate, he accepted the offer to not disappoint them. Turns out, it was the wrong kind of conductor, and now, with no experience, he found himself driving the famously decrepit Ghost Train. It was a terrible misunderstanding, but one that he found himself oddly satisfied with, he resonated with the lonely and gloomy atmosphere of the train. He met and bonded with a lost ghost child, who taught him what it's like to be a ghost, and in turn, started to take care of him as well, and as he got used to his new job, he started to understand his new self even more, and before he knew it, he was fine again. Today, he takes full responsability, and pride in his new job, as the Ghost Train's conductor, he gained full control of his newfound powers, and uses them to fully express himself, and to create even more powerful and haunting music, in this strange afterlife.

🎈Gus : He was a regular orphan from the deep badlands, it's a dangerous, creepy place, with monsters and mutants roaming about. So, despite his young age, he's not easily impressed, and even likes scary things, he doesn't have many friends, usually "pretending" random objects, like balloons, are his real friends. He was a regular lonely passenger of the ghost train, as it's the only one that connects his school to his far removed house. Despite his overall weirdness, he was set out to live a pretty regular life, until he lost his balloon one day, and wandered off in a tunnel. Gus can't remember what happened to him, but his body became ethereal, and he now had a deeper connexion with spirits. He started to use these powers to his advantage, to give a little scare to the Ghost Train's other passengers, to quench his loneliness and boredom. While it was harmless, the train gained even more of a bad reputation, scaring off more and more new conductors. His pranks didn't seem to affect the latest one though, Chuck. And so, thanks to their respective ghostly nature, they both bonded, Chuck felt amused and inspired by the rascal's shenanigans, and started to take care of him, and also, to control his freakish impulses. In turn, Gus was really happy, he finally had someone he could truly call his friend (at least, someone actually human.).

🕶️Shade : It was initially a pile of different lost clothes Gus found around the station. Eventually, somehow, the combination of a mutation and Gus' weird brain's powers gave it life, and Shade quickly became his best (imaginary?) friend. Unlike Gus or Chuck, Shade is very friendly towards the visitors, but they tend to run away from it as well.

MORTUARY

🦇 Mortis : Mortis' mom tragically passed away when he was little, since then, he had a fascination for death, he isolated himself from his family to study it in detail. He took trips to the graveyard to experiment on bodies, and eventually gained enough experience to become a mortician. One day though, he fell in a grave full of gems, and mutated, becoming essentially a vampire. He took this opportunity to study death even further, using his necromancy powers to hopefully one day resurrect the dead, or achieve immortality. He managed to do it several times, notably creating Frank. But as the years went by, started to outgrow his loved ones, and became a recluse in his own family. The only one that wasn't scared of him was a young EMZ, who thought her uncle was really cool. Mortis started to feel loved, and to assert himself again thanks to the little girl. Sadly, she passed away because of the same sickness that took his mother away, Mortis couldn't accept it, and he resurrected her, cursing her with a zombified body and eternal life. EMZ hated her uncle for what he had done, but she made peace with it thanks to Frank, and Mortis promised to fix his mistake. Today Mortis is still the local mortician, living a cool vampire life with his zombie friends, he doesn't resurrect anyone anymore.

🪦Frank : Frank isn't actually a frankenstein monster, he's just the zombie of the Mortis' family's butler. Mortis was close to him, so after his death, he tried to ressucitate him, with mixed results. While Frank is alive, the resurrection made him broken in some ways, he barely had memories of his past life, couldn't speak, and had a very awkward body. Mortis admired him though, considering him as a huge achievement. He didn't really treat him like a person at that time though, which angered Frank a lot. He spent a lot of time trying to cope with his meare existence, and what would be his place in the world. Thankfully, when EMZ entered the picture, Mortis softened a lot, and he pushed Frank to explore himself, and to live his own life. He discovered that music was a great way for him to express himself, and he could do it without destroying everything! So he decided to become a DJ, and hosts raves every week at the graveyard!

💅EMZ : She was an outgoing and a bit quirky girl, liking everything spooky and a bit gross. She loved her uncle Mortis, because he was basically a vampire. Sadly, she passed away because of a sickness, but Mortis ressucitated her later. She was now a zombie girl, cursed with a putrefied body, her skin was purple, she was mostly bones, and had no hair and nose. Her schoolmates were mocking her for her appearance, and made her life miserable. She got so frustrated, that she completely leaned in her monster persona, and became a scary, sassy bully herself. But thanks to Frank and Mortis, she got the courage to assert herself once again, and so, she changed her appearance to become who she really wanted to be. She became the queen we all know and love today, and didn't even give a look to her bullies, she prefered to help girls like her feel more confident in themselves. To do this, she became a beauty influencer, and later launched her own line of beauty products!

STUNT SHOW

🎆Stu : Stu is former fighter drone, who was ripped in half during a brawl. He was found, and repurposed by Janet and Bonnie's parents to be a crash test robot for their stunts. Stu was "mistreated" but he loved it, and eventually gained a consciousness after a bad stunt, he was truly a part of the family. Sadly, one day, the girl's parents died in a tragic accident. Janet got depressed, and didn't want to perform anymore. Stu was left purposeless, as he only knew how to crash onto things. So, he took it upon himself to take care of the girls, and with the help of Bonnie, he managed to cheer Janet back up. He's now the leader of the stunt show and while it's difficult for him, he does his best everyday to bring the girls to their fullest potential.

🚀Janet : Janet has always seen her parents and Stu perform on stage, she loved the spotlights and the sparks in peoples eyes during the show. But unlike her parents, she wanted to become a singer more than anything, and she began to perform at an early age. Unfortunately, when her parents passed away after the accident, she was too scared to go on stage again. She saw how much Stu struggled to take care of the both of them, and slowly, she started to open up again. Little by little, with the encouragements of her little sister, she got the courage to step back on stage. She now gives everything she has during each show, wanting to impress people with her stunts and voice, as well as honour her parent's memory. She also is now responsible for everything regarding security in the show, making sure that nobody gets hurt, everyone (even Stu) has to wear a helmet now!

🦷Bonnie : Bonnie loved to watch her parents fly around during their show, and wanted to be just like them, but she was still too young to perform such dangerous stunts. Her mother would sing Fly Me to the Moon before bedtime, and promised that when she'd be old enough, they'd fly to the moon together. When they died, she couldn't accept Stu as their substitute, and began to behave badly to drive him nuts. She'd crawl around her parent's old stuff, and try to imitate them by jumping around between the obstacles. One day, she hid in her mother's canon, thinking she was ready to go see her mom on the moon, Stu fired it by accident, and she was launched in the air. She loved the sensation of flying through the sky, and the adrenaline it gave her, but she didn't notice she was about to crash. Stu managed to catch her, and miraculously, she was safe. This incident made Janet terrified, and she grounded her very badly. Bonnie wasn't discouraged, she wanted to fly again! So she started to slowly practice with Stu, and showed Janet what she was capable of. In return, both Janet and Stu found their purpose again, and you know the rest of the story!

GIFT SHOP

🪙 Griff : Griff spent the majority of his life in the frontier, and made his bread and butter as "professional scammer". With each new day, he came up with a new crazy plan to scam some idiots. He never got rich, but he had enough to live a tranquil life. He lived many years like this, until he scammed the wrong person, and the rangers finally caught up to his misdeeds. To avoid getting caught, he assumed a completely new identity, and sweet-talked his way into becoming the boss of the shiny new Starr Park gift shop! He wore this crazy hat and outfit as a way to hide in plain sight. Little did he know, owning a business takes work, and while he's good at making money, he's bad, oh so bad at keeping it.

🖤Edgar : Edgar is actually an heir to the powerful Starr family. The Starrs are all about their clean and traditional public image, and Edgar... let's say he stands out a bit too much. So, in order to correct his behavior, his mom thought it would be a great idea to get him a job. Meet new people, have responsabilities and all this schtick. So, she forced Griff to employ her son (since she can easily get him fired, or worse), and today, the poor kid wastes his day in this miserable shop. Edgar is a terrible employee, all he does is hang around, hands in his pockets, and complain, but Griff has to keep him if he wants to keep his life.

📒Colette : Since she was little, Colette LOVED everything Starr Park-related, like a Disney adult would. So when she heard a gift shop had just opened, she saw an opportunity to get closer to the brawlers, and to get tons of free merch! So she jumped on the occasion, and practically begged Griff to take her in. He was reluctant to employ this terrifying girl at first, but he saw how knowledgeable and dedicaded she was, and saw a way to cut corners thanks to her. Today Colette is living the best life ever, working her dream job, with loving coworkers, where she can stalk her favorite brawlers all day... Truly the dream!

Castle Courtyard

📞Grom : Little is known about Grom, what we do know is that, he has always served as manpower for various businesses and organisations. He saw a lot of things, bad things, but he had a job to do, and it wasn't asking questions. He decided he had enough one day, and took a job as a playground supervisor in kindergarten, but he wasn't prepared for it. Nobody knows what happened back there, but this is what broke him, and even though he's now walking on greener pastures at Starr Park, he's never been the same ever again. Completely paranoid, he is terrified of children and even has flashbacks when encountering one. He copes with his constant stress by listening to "Bud" on his walkie-talkie, which is actually just a voice inside of his head, comforting him.

🗑️Ash : As a kid, Ash had big dreams of becoming a knight in shiny armor like in the old legends, to slay a dragon and get married to a beautiful princess. But life hasn't been good for him, and now he's a Starr Park janitor, who has to fight off rats and is stuck with a crazy russian man. The fact that he's rather cranky is understable. Still, deep inside, Ash still has that childish dream, wearing that trash can and brandishing his trusty broom and shovel is a way for him to reclaim it... charming...

🐀Moe : Moe is of the same rat colony that Ash constantly fights against. Unfortunately, he mutated very early in his life, and was never really part of the colony, as he was too human. He roamed in the park for a while, surviving off garbage that was left on the ground. Ash knew of his presence, and tried to get rid of him, as he thought he was just a big vermin. Grom noticed that he was special though, and immediately fell in love with him, he adopted the little rat and named him Moe. Despite being a kid, Moe's presence actually reassures Grom's stress greatly, he insisted to keep the little mole around. Ash noticed this, and finally warmed up to him, agreeing to keep him, as long as he was helping them. So they built Moe his weird drilling machine, and he's now an unofficial Starr Park employee! Free labor!! Yaay!

SNOTEL

🐧Mr.P : He's always been a businessman on the grind, always speeding off to some meeting, working hours on end, without taking any breaks. All this to reach the top. While it somewhat worked, being now the owner of the Starr Park Snotel, it took a toll on his sanity. The stress of the business life turned him into a cranky, manic and tyrannical boss. He barely articulates when he speaks anymore, that's why his speech sounds like crazy penguin blabberings. No idea why he wears a penguin suit though.

🌬️ Gale : Gale seems to have his life figured out since he was young; he's a gardener/landscaper, and has been for 50 years now. Despite always doing the same job, he is completely satisfied with his life. His work is his passion, but he nevers overdoes it: patience, steadyness, and kindness are his keys to a job well-done. Even at 60, at the top of a freezing mountain, under the orders of a crazy boss, he still blows the snow away with a tender smile. He likes his job so much that he doesn't even realize Mr.P doesn't respect his worker rights.

🍧 Lou : The Lous (idk what would be their real name) are a famous brand of robots scattered all over the frontier. They are ice-making robots, design to serve refreshing treats to the thirsty and over-heating people of the badlands. Due to their popularity, Mr.P thought it would be a great idea to buy one for the Snotel. He didn't really get why these robots were popular in the first place... nobody really needs shaved-ice on an ice-covered mountain... So now, poor Lou just sits there collecting dust. Gale comforts him by telling him that he just has to wait, and his time will come, but Mr.P pressures him to work harder to attract customers. He doesn't know what to do!! (Idk how he would've gained a consciousness though).

GOLDARM GANG

🎯 Belle : Belle Starr was one of the many daughters of the Starr family, she was to be raised to become a succesfull heir and raise children of her own to ensure the family's destiny. But she never wanted that life, she understood very early that she was just a pawn in their plans, stripping her away of her belongings and individuality, so she started to cause mischief to rebel against her family. In order to accomodate her, while still keeping her in line, they gave hee a job at their robot factory. But there, catastrophy struck, she fell in love with Sam, a common man, and had a baby with him. Belle saw it as an opportunity to start her own life, but the Starrs didn't see it like that. They took the child from her, so they could mold it to their wishes. Belle, with her partner, in a fit of rage and despair, "kidnapped" her child back, causing a lot of noise, losing her arm in the process, and pinning herself as a dangerous outlaw. But she didn't care anymore, she was finally free, and she was going to take everything from the Starrs. She founded the gang with her husband to fight them, and quickly became known as the Golden Arm. Her gang was fierce, dangerous, and never backed down from anything. Alongside her criminal life, Belle did what she could to raise her son Eddy, and she taught him how to become a feared outlaw like her. She didn't want her son to suffer like she did in the past, so she pushed him to perform better and better with each mission. She witnessed the stress this was putting him under, but the thought of losing her son terrified her. Eventually, Eddy had enough, and denounced the gang to the rangers. They were all caught on a gem cargo, which exploded, killing Eddy, and all the gang was sentenced to jail. Both Belle and Sam managed to escape years later, and despite the grief, the guilt, the hatred and vindictiveness in Belle's heart, she seems to have settled down a little bit, living a quieter life with her husband and beloved robot-daughter Pearl. Her time hasn't come yet, and she still fights against the Starrs, as she has new opponents now, an idiotic pretty-cow-boy-toy and his enraged and brutish girlfriend.

🧲 Sam : Sam Bronson comes from a poor farmer family of the frontier. He always was the one to repair his family's old broken down trucks, and developed a passion for mecanics. His upbringing was difficult, as he was often the victim of criminal scum and corrupt rangers, who used robots to oppress his family. He decided to work at the robot factory to help them, and he quickly became respected and beloved by his coworkers for his skill and sense of humor. Eventually, Belle arrived, and they quickly fell for each other. He showed her how hard life was for him and his peers because of the Starrs. Sam used to admire them a lot, as they were inventors and innovators, but all they do with their minds is to take away everything from the weak, which Belle related to a lot. She decided she wanted nothing to do with them, and that she was going to live with Sam, starting her own family with him. That was until they took her their child away, he decided that he had enough, and it was him that suggested Belle to take him back by force, determined to support her no matter what. They lived on the run ever since, it was difficult for Sam at first, balancing criminal and parent life, but he did what he had to do to protect his wife and child, building an arm, weapons and gadgets for her. Until it all went to hell because of Belle's sheer vindictiveness, which he couldn't fight against. Sam is in fact a bit more mesured: his main goal is to protect the common folk, and so, despite his appearance, is the voice of reason within the gang. He loved his son more than anything, and wanted to give him a happy life, so, he started to build a robot for him, but could never finish it before it was too late. Sam was devastated by his death, and didn't talk to Belle for months afterwards, but he realized she needed him too in order to grieve. So they got back together, and Sam forced Belle to slow down, take their time to heal and enjoy their life. He finally finished Pearl, and she makes their life a little brighter everyday, just like Eddy did. Despite his unconditional love for Belle, deep down, Sam hasn't fully forgiven her for what she did to their son.

🍪 Pearl : Pearl is Sam's passion project, a gift he wanted to give to his family and a way to prove that robots aren't supposed to be made to fight. He worked on her since Eddy was little, she was supposed to be her nanny and big sister, she would be motherly, tend to the house, and even make cakes, that Belle loves. But he was so busy with gang business, he could never finish her in time. Fast forward to when him and Belle escaped prison, Sam needed a way to distract himself from their unresolved feelings, and to cheer up/apologize to/make Belle open up. So he finished her in like, a week. Belle was really touched by this kind of dorky gesture from Sam, and quickly adopted Pearl as her own daughter. Pearl helped repair Belle and Sam's relationship by setting normalcy back between them. She is a bit disconnected from the gang's history, she knows about it, but her job is more to keep her family happy and proud, and she's really good at it. Belle and Sam kinda suck at directly express love to each other, so they express it through Pearl, she's their to represent their love (like a real child would). Well, all that's pretty and all, but Belle still managed to find a way to weaponize her 🤦... things never change...

BRAWLYWOOD

💎Lola : Lola was always a narcissist and craved attention, I don't know how this trait developped in her, but she moved to Brawlywood with dreams of becoming a big actress in the movie industry. She landed a job as a tour guide, where she always played grand theatrics to grab her audience attention. Eventually, thanks to her dramatic presentations and excentric character, she would become an attraction herself, rather than the landmarks she was supposed to present. By pulling some strings, she grabbed the attention of a Brawlywood producer, and instantly got the first role in a big movie. She was only supposed to be a secondary character, but the lead actress had an "unfortunate" accident, leaving her role to Lola. During the shooting, an on-set accident caused her to suffer a mutation, creating her ego-double, and bringing out her full dramatic potential. Thanks to her theatrics, she instantly became a big shot in Brawlywood, and she's today bathing in the attention she always craved. Nobody tell her she's a terrible actor.

🎬Gray : Contrary to Lola, Gray was always discreet and introverted, he probably had a simple job in Brawlywood, and preferred staying alone, as attention made him very nervous. Unfortunately, Gray was cursed with a strangely "quirky" character, with his tall, skinny figure, and singular facies, he was easily noticeable amongst a crowd. People would be intrigued by him, giving him a lot of attention, but he would just freeze up in place, embarrassed of himself. He loved performing as a way to relieve his anxiety, he was an outsanding actor, dancer and singer, but he'd always do it alone to express himself, and never had the ambition to become an actor. His secret talents were unfortunately noticed by a Brawlywood producer (the same that hired Lola), thinking he was the perfect fit for an upcoming movie, and, he reluctantly accepted the role, thinking that it could be a good opportunity to show his talents. He loved working on set, and bonded a lot with Lola, who was a bit weird like him. Sadly, his anxiety was too much to bear, and he couldn't say a line one the cameras rolled. He was about to give up the role, when the incident happened, giving him weird mime powers, and this gave him an idea. Using her theatrics, Lola forced the production to change Gray's character, to be a silent one, and while this wasn't a full fix, he was way more confortable in this role, and could finally perform. The movie was terrible because of it's chaotic production, but Gray's performance was a highlight of it, and he became a recognized comedian. With time, he polished his character to be the Charlie Chaplin-mime type we all know today, it's only while wearing this persona that he feels truly comfortable performing in front of others. Lola is a very dear friend to him, despite her egocenstrism, she's one of the few ones that understand him.

🐒Mico : Mico was poached as a baby in the jungle, and trained to be an actor monkey. As he was really cute and performed well, he became a huge Brawlywood celebrity, he was truly living the life : an infinite supply of bananas, a nice bed, and adoring fans, all he had to do was obey his trainer, smile to the camera here, do a little flip there, and he was rewarded. Mico's was on a little cloud, until everything went apeshit, what seemed like an umpteenth regular movie set exploded, and the next morning, he was way taller, had hands and feet, and could speak like his owner, he became human! He was no longer the cute domestic monkey who was applauded for his tricks, no, he was now just a regular dude, and nobody had any use for him anymore, so he was fired. No more were the gourmet meals, soft sheets and free pets for him, now, he had to work like everybody else. How dare they throw me away! I was on top! I was a superstar! I'll show them! I'll show all of them that I'm great, and I'll get my glory back, he thought. So, he went back all the way to the bottom of the Brawlywood ladder, becoming a mic operator. It'll be a long and harduous journey, but one day, he will be back on top, and direct his own movie, and he'll make fools out of all of them!!

CANDYLAND :

🍭Mandy : She was a regular candy maker with a bit of a go-getter attitude. One day she suffered a mutation that gave her candy-kinesis powers, but she also went completely nuts, making her the perfect fit to become the queen of Starr Park's Candyland. She's now completely comitted to the role, and rules her candy shop like a deranged tyrant. I like to think she's been affected by the mutation a lot more than other brawlers, changing her personality and even her body chemistry, causing her tears to be rainbows.

🃏Chester : Chester is a young aspiring comedian, notably specializing in pranks. He has his own Youtube channel where he likes to show his jokes and tricks, much to the annoyance of his victims. It's not about the views for him, it's about fun and creativity, and the more he can annoy, the more fun he has. Mandy is and will always be his favorite victim, as she's VERY irritable. He is obnoxious, but I don't want to think of him as those deranged prank youtubers who do everything for views, I think he's a bit more wholesome like Rémi Gaillard (idk if you know him.).

🦄Berry : BArry is a very passionate artist, patient and creative, he likes to use colours to paint the wonderful fantasies that he's dreaming of. Sadly, selling paintings doesn't pay the bills these days, so he took this job as a mascot at Mandy's candy shop, and is forced to babysit these two nutcases all day long. What once was an inspired dreaming unicorn became a jaded and desparate donkey. Despite the misery of his situation, he's still attached to Mandy and Chester, they always make a mess, but their crazy characters allow him to dream and have fun during his shifts. When the day comes to an end, he puts the costume down, goes back home, and paints scenes of a castle floating on cotton-candy clouds.

MYSTIC

👁️Tara : She's a traveller from a distant land, who's come to the frontier with her family in search of truth about the world, spirits, destiny and all that. The divinatory arts are tradition in her family, practicing them since she was little, she's opened a litteral third eye. Thus allowing her to see a world beyond comprehension, and to read people like an open book. Sensing the energy radiating from the badlands, she predicted something big is going to happen, but somehow, she doesn't know what exactly it is yet, but she does know that it's going to change the stars themselves. In the meantime, she's opened a trincket shop and a divinatory parlor to earn a little money, only 10% of it's real magic though, but it's important to support local businesses! Another thing, I like to think she's not a mutant, but that she got her powers from actual magic training.

🌙Sandy : Tara's magically-enclined little brother, as a kid with great potential, he was (unwillingly) brought along with her on her journey, and now helps out in her shop. Well, help out is a big word, as he is heavily connected to the spirit world, and a growing teenage boy, Sandy spends 80% of his time napping. It's not really his fault, it's like each time he wakes up, some unknown force pulls him back to his dreams. It was really terrifying for him at first, as he was scared of becoming comatose his whole life. But with the guidance of Tara and Gene, he has learned to harness the power of the subconscious. He has now the ability to manipulate to his will, using sand as a catalyst. Through these means, Sandy's still able to be active while sleeping, all the while his mind wanders the spirit world. Despite his great power, he's not as interested in magic and destiny etc... as Tara, he doesn't like responsability, and just wants to use it as he pleases. Tara doesn't mind, as long as she has her baby brother by her side, she's happy.

🧞Gene : A litteral genie, old as time itself, and powerful beyond comprehension, like all of his peers, he was one of the primordial spirits that shaped the world as it is today. He wasn't good nor evil, but being an entity of immense power, he once caused a lot of misery to humans, as they were mere insects to them. But one day, in order to stop him, a brave magician trapped him in an enchanted lamp, rendering him powerless. He was abandoned during centuries, but he took this time to reflect and observe humans, gaining empathy and humanity himself. One day, a descendant of the magician, in a desperate search for protecting his people, freed him, and proposed a deal: he would help him avoid an umcoming catastrophe, by granting three wishes, in exchange for his freedom. The genie, having sympathy for the human, accepted, but could only grant one wish in time, before the deal could be concluded. Only one third of the genie was freed, in the form of a weird little purple guy, most of his power was stuck in the lamp as well. It was unfortunate, but the human's wish was enough to save their family, who adopted the genie as thanks for saving their life. The tiny genie became a full part of the family, watching over each generation and teaching them magic, while his power was limited, he didn't care, as he had now people who loved him. Today, he's just a little silly genie, following Tara along on her journey, and while he's acting as a buffoon most of the time, he's always there to watch over her.

SUPERHEROES

⚡Max : Max was a run of the mill woman from Super City, she's very athletic and loves to run, always looking to improve her performance. One day, she was selected to try a new energy drink that was in testing, the main component of the drink were refined gems. While it didn't seem to be anything special at first, it had an interesting effect on Max; it turns out that she could metabolize it extremely fast, boosting her performance to new heights. She began to use this new ability to help the people of Super City, and soon, she became a local hero. And thanks to her sponsor, she was able to have her own gadgets, costume and team, just like in old super-hero comics. And thus, Max, the defender of Super City was born!

🤘Surge : Surge used to be a regular vending machine, I like to think he was Rico's ex, but after Frank broke it, it was repurposed to sell Max's energy drink, recieving a red and yellow paint job, and a shiny futuristic look. But being still a bit broken, the liquid leaked into it's circuits, and the machine took life. Seeing this as a great advertisement opportunity, the drink brand modified him to make it look like a full-on mech, creating Surge Protector! Just like Max, Surge can harness the power of the drink to boost his performances. He joined Max's team, and spends his life defending the city against kaijus and giant robots, all with his iconic surfer dude attitude.

🤖 Meg : Just like Jessie, Meg is a prodigy, she entered the best university at a very early age, and promised to become an exceptionnal engineer. With her talents and passion, she felt like she could change the world, but sadly, she was constantly infantilized by her classmates because of her age and childish interests. In fact, Meg was a huge comic fan, and, feeling inspired by them, she built her own mech, to prove she could make great things. While a kaiju was attacking the city, she threw herself into battle, not realizing the danger she was putting herself in. Hopefully she was saved by Max and Surge, who, impressed by her craftsmanship, decided to take her under their wing. Today, Meg is the heroe's little helper, making repairs to Surge, improving her own robot, and building tools to help them. She's still infantilized though, and Max doesn't want her clumsiness to get them in trouble. So she doesn't have as much of an active role as she'd like in the team, but she's still very proud to be able to have an impact on the world, even if it's little.

STARR FORCE

🐕 Colonel Ruffs : Ruffs was a regular puppy, he lived isolated in the wasteland with his owner, who was an excentric, but passionate and loving astrophysicist. Since the land became deserted, the space programs have all stopped to a halt, but the scientist had the crazy ambition to build a rocket ship by themselves, so they could reach the stars, and live in orbit with their beloved companion. Ruffs didn't fully understand, but he loved to accompagny his owner in their quest, and dreamt of the many stars they observed together. Sadly, the scientist was getting old, and it became clear that they couldn't handle the journey to space. But Ruff, even with his dog brain, understood, and insisted for the rocket to leave, and wanted to take off by himself, realizing his owner's dreams of reaching for the stars. As such they said their last goodbye, and the dog climbed in the rocket, taking off for new skies. They watched as their loyal friend joined the stars, with sparkling and tearful eyes, and peacefully passed away. Ruffs was happy too, but the takeoff took a toll on his body. And the spacecraft was using gem energy, it radiated through his body, and he became half-human. He didn't mind this development that much, as he could now operate the craft properly, and honour his best friend's memory. Today, Ruffs is a talented space-traveler, proudly piloting his ship and fighting off invaders from outer-space. From time to time, his ship descends to his owners grave. From an outside perspective, it sounds like a UFO story, which is why his existence has caused many urban legends to pop out.

💧Squeak : Nothing special to say about the little guy, he was born out of Ruff's mutated saliva, and has been living on the ship ever since. Squeak is dedicated to his creator, and does his best to help around the ship, but he's too innocent to realise that he's always making a mess. This drives Ruffs nuts, but deep down, he really loves him, making the life in space a little less lonely, he treats him like his own pet/son.

🪲 Eve : Eve is a flea from outer space! Her species is parasitic, invading other planets in order to multiply and "colonize" it. And she has found the perfect host to raise her lovely babies, Ruffs, the space dog! Eve is dead set on using his lush fur to multiply, so she bothers the Starr Force very often. Of course, Ruffs won't let that happen, and fights her off fiercely in order to protect his planet for this evil invader. He doesn't realise that Eve doesn't really want anything to do with earth though, and in fact, doesn't even represent a threat to it (she's flea-sized! What is she gonna do???). All she wants is that warm, soft, lushous dog fur.

VELOCIRAPIDS

🐊Buzz : Buzz comes from the coast of the land, and his job was BEACH. Always prancing about on the sand, bossing the swimmers around, acting like he owns the place. His parents told him to stop pretending to be important and get an actual job or they would cut him off. So, when he found a job offer to work at the velocirapids at Starr Park, he jumped at the opportunity, thinking he could still practice his passion. Little did he know, the offer wasn't for being a lifeguard, but to be a dinosaur-mascot. Today, Buzz works at the water park, bossing the swimmers around, flexing his (unlicensed) rescuing skills, and blowing his whistle at every opportunity, all the while in his ridiculous green dinosaur suit.

🌭Doug : Doug is a floatie from the velocirapids that mysteriously came alive one day. When the staff found this out, they went in panic mode, not wanting this freak of nature to be out in the public. So they told him : "We're gonna give you a job and shelter, but you have to pretend to be human, and you can never leave this place.", Doug looked around, he had a pool, slides, sunlight, and he said "okay!". And now he's a hot dog seller.

TURBO THEATER

🍿Fang : Fang is a regular guy from Super City, he loves kung fu movies, and always tried to reproduce the impressive moves he saw in them to look cool, with varying results. He is pretty strong, but he has no actual training, which makes his fighting technique a bit weird. Today, he works a dead end job as a cashier at the theater, but he knows he'll get his big break one day! In the meantime, he spends his time goofin around and trying to impress clients with his moves, as I said, with varying results.

📽️ Buster : He's a huge movie nerd, and by nerd I mean NEEEERD, guy almost always speak in references. Since forever, he had big dreams of becoming a movie director. But, with no budget or connexions, he's also doomed to be a simple cashier at the cinema (he isn't a projectionist! These things are automated now), where he met Fang. Thanks to their passion for movies, they quickly hit it off, and Fang pushed him to liberate his inner chaotic self. They're best bros todays, they spend their time causing chaos around the cinema. Buster hasn't given up on his dream, and still works hard to make his own movie, but he found the perfect lead actor for it!

🧯Maisie : She works as maintenance in the cinema, she lost her arm in a fire, and replaced it with a multi-tool one. She's pretty bossy towards Fang and Buster, but it's because she doesn't want them to be hurt, deep down, she's very attached to their chaotic shenanigans, and likes to take part in it herself. I wish they developed her more, I like her design, but her character is a nothing burger right now :/ (I got cooked on twitter for saying she's boring but am I wrong?...).

SWAMP OF LOVE

🐸Willow : She used to be a regular fish, living in the dangerous waters of the swamp. Everyday, she witnessed couples going to her home for a romantic date, and she despised them, they were invading the swamp, and polluting it with their disgusting love. One day, she mutated (I like to think Mortis had something to do with it), and gained human-like features, and mind control powers. She saw this as a perfect opportunity, and used her freakish appearance, as well as an army of mind-controlling tadpoles, to scare off the sweethearts. Somehow, thanks to her work, the swamp became an even more lovely place, and couples still go there, not really caring for the fish-monster inhabiting it. Willow's still having a blast scaring the more careless of them.

🦟Angelo : He was a regular boy from the frontier, but being skinny, weak and effeminate, he had a tough time growing up. People were mocking him and spread false rumors about him. He wanted to leave the dusty and toxic air of the badlands, and make it big in Brawlywood. Angelo liked going to Starr Park, as he felt accepted here, and eventually landed a job as an archer for the swamp of love. Everything was going fine, but sadly, he fell into the polluted waters, mutating him into the green monstruosity. But somehow, despite his horrific looks, he didn't mind, in fact, he loved this new form, he felt like he was reborn. More confident than ever, he uses his new powers to cause chaos in the park, spreading false rumors and creating beef between people, just for his own enjoyement. Is it bad? Yes. Does he care? Of course not!

BIZARRE CIRCUS

🕷️ Charlie : Charlotte grew up as a thief in the streets of Paris, using her schemes and acrobatics to make a living by scamming people. She was caught by a travelling circus' owner, and impressed by her skills, offered her a job as an acrobat. One day, after a stunt gone wrong, she gained the strange ability to control her hair, which she decided to use for her own gain. Thanks to her new tricks, her troupe managed to steal huge sums of money from her public. They eventually caught up to it, and Charlie fled the country to avoid punishement. Today she is here, and rebranded her show as the bizarre circus. She does the same thing as she did before, but thankfully, people seems to be a bit slower here hehe.

KARAOKE?

ENCHANTED FOREST

🎤 Melodie : Some girl who likes karaoke, she was so good at it in fact, that she became a huge pop star. Similarly to Poco or Janet, she has the ability to control music thanks to the "note fairies", she treats them like her little pets. Despite her very sweet and graceful appearance, she has a bit of an ego and competitive spirit, she feels like she always have ro be on top, or else, she feels worthless. As such, she can get quite scary when someone tries to dethrone her, for example, she has a bit of beef with Janet, because she sees her as a menace to her n°1 spot on the charts, despite Janet being only here for the fun of it.

🍾Jae-Yong : A tired, overworked Starr Park office worker, his life is but a neverending pit of boredom. Well, until the clock rings 5 pm that is, to which he runs off to the karaoke parlor, and lights up the dancefloor with his newfound energy! Unlike Melodie who's here to win, Jae-Yong is only here to party, he is in fact a horrible singer, but it doesn't matter, he is a superstar in the eyes of many, like Pam for example ;] Don't let yourself be fooled by his jolly and foolish appearance though, as a Starr Park administration senior, he is actually well aware of the inner workings of the park. Who knows, one day, he might decide that he had enough. slaving away for them.

🍄 Cordelius : Nobody knows who's this guy really is, he's been running around the enchanted forest, taking care of the plants and spreading mushroom spores everywhere, for years now. In fact, Cordelius has no intention of leaving the forest, preferring the company of mushrooms rather than people. There are his friends you see? They understand, help each other, and one day, it'll be only him, and the mushrooms... Yep... He just really likes mushrooms... totally...

🌷Lily : I like to think she's Rosa's sister (As I said, they're very similar imo), but contrary to her, Lily's thing is more magic than science. They had a bit of a concflictual relationship because of it, and it drocmve them apart. Her third, younger sister, mysteriously disappeared in the forest one day, and in order to try and bring her back, she started a ritual. Sadly, the ritual failed, and the enchanted forest took her, fusing her with the surrounding vegetation. Today, Lily's still wandering the mysterious woods, studying it, and using magic, to try and find her missing sister.

DEEP SEA

🎨 Otis : They're an unknown sea creature, probably a squid or an octopus, contrary to what people may think, they're not mutated, they're just a little smarter than your average octopus. Life under the sea can get quite boring when you're an intelligent creature, so Otis got the habit of observing the beach goers having fun on the surface. There, they discovered the concept of art, and felt inspired to express themselves, and to show the beauty of the ocean, by using their own ink. They built themselves a makeshift reverse diving suit, to be able to explore the surface as a human, and started to paint the walls with all their beautiful colours! Otis is renouned today as a talented, but mysterious, street artist. Also their little starfish guy is like their pet.

🦐 Hank : He was born and raised on a shrimp farm, with all of his beloved shrimp bretheren, but of course, he didn't understand that his destiny was to be part of a delicious meal. Him and his family were bought by Kenji for his restaurant, there he saw all his brothers being boiled to death. But right before it was Hank's turn in the pot, something stopped the chef in his tracks, and the brave little shrimp mutated. Hank barely managed to escape for his life, and swore to become stronger in order to fight for his fallen bretheren. He watched a bunch of war movies, and built himself a tank (litteraly) out of scrap from the sea. He might be small, but he is determined to get his revenge.

🦞Clancy : He's like a dude... with lobster armor...? I don't get it man 😓 It's possible that he's ex-military, still plagued by war flashbacks (see his animation), feeling purposeless, he got "drafted" by Hank in his rag-tag sea life protection unit. He's completely nuts because of his past, to fully enjoy the thrill of battle, and to feel accepted by his team, he roleplays as a lobster.

HUB

📷 R-T : He was Starr Park's first custom robot, initially built to be helpful guide for the visitors. But as it kept growing, they slowly modified him to watch over the vistors and the staff, then, he became a full-on walking surveillance camera. R-T has a eye on every corner of the park, and practically knows everything about it and the staff. He is meant to keep and deliver each bit of information he can collect to management. Despite his thouroughness and obedience to the park, part of him (his legs) knows that something is wrong, and wishes he could go back to really helping people.

👬 Larry & Lawrie : The second an third custom robots of the park. Were R-T is built to watch over it, L&L are built to enforce the rules of the park, and to stop any troublemaker. Larry uses the soft method, and politely reprimands people who break the rules, Lawrie is a second layer of defense, who doesn't hesitate to use violence against the less desirable visitors. Why would an amusement park need such brutal security?

ODDITY SHOP

🫖Juju : A woman that practices voodoo, nothing much to say about her. She set up her oddity shop in the badlands and offers her services to whoever pays the price. I like to think she has a rivalry with Tara because they have very similar businesses.

SUSHI JOINT

TOON STUDIOS

🍣Kenji : He's an ex-mercenary from japan, trained in the ways of the samurai. He only accomplished jobs for people with good intentions, never letting money or mindless violence corrupt his heart. But one day, his employers made him attack Starr Park (their japanese branch lol), which he didn't think much about at the time, not knowing this would changed the course of his life. During this mission, he was faced with a fierce, but graceful assassin, and as they fought each other, somehow, their bond grew tighther. As the missions progressed, the samuraï and the ninja went from ennemies, to rivals, to friends, to lovers. They both discovered new aspirations for each other, and both left their life of fighting. They married, left the country and set up an humble sushi restaurant in Retropolis, Kenji became the chef, and his wife Kaze, following her dreams of becoming a geisha, was the host of the restaurant. For a while, he had everything a man could dream of, a quiet life, a fullfilling job, and a loving wife and daughter (Bibi). But his past caught up to him eventually, and robots from Starr Park attacked his business, kidnapping his wife. Stricken by grief and rage, Kenji took his old saber up, and swore to get revenge on those who hurt his family, becoming a vagabond, but also leaving his child behind.

🪭 Kaze : She is the daughter of a powerful japanese warrior clan, who is allied to the Starrs. From birth, her destiny was to fight for her family's honour, her and her sisters were trained to become fierce and terrifying ninjas. But this wasn't the life she wanted, she didn't care for fighting techniques or assassination weaponry. She wanted to honour the beauty of life, and to look like the many graceful and beautiful geishas her family was surrounded with. And thus, she decided to train in secret with them, in the hopes of becoming just like them, and to not have to commit violence again. Eventually she met Kenji, she fell in love, and finally found an opportunity to practice her real passion. Her life couldn't have been happier, until you-know-what happened. But she's a super strong ninja so she's probably fine.

🐱Kit : The Kit we know was initially Shelly's beloved black cat, he was named after the popular cartoon character she used to watch as a kid. Nobody knows how it really happened, but the poor cat mutated into looking like the hero from this cartoon, gaining his appearance, voice, and mannerisms. Discovering this, Starr Park quickly took him in, and made him work as the mascot for Starr Toon Studios, being forced to act like the cartoon character, and signing autograph for children he doesn't care for. Despite his goofy behavior and cartoony powers, deep down, he's still a regular car, and wishes he could go back to take a nap on Shelly's lap.

MEDIEVAL MANNER

TOY STORE??

🐉Draco : "Just" a heavy metal singer. Since he was little, he was always passionate about fairytales and medieval fantasy, he pretended to be a knight, and a slayer of dragons. People mocked him for his imagination, but he didn't care for it, he'd invent a world of fantasy for himself, and tell epic tales from it to his brothers, who were the only ones to listen to him. Of course today, he grew out of it a bit, but he never gave up his childhood wonder. He now tells epic tales of dragon tamers and badass knights in the form of powerful heavy metal music, to the enjoyement of his many fans. His dragon thingy is actually and advanced animatronic, equipped with pyrotechnics, but he likes to pretend it's an actual dragon. It's possible that he's a Starr considering his red hair, and access to advanced technology (like Edgar's scarf).

🥁 Lumi : She was always a pretty average girl, lacking confidence, and not standing out very much. Nobody knows why, but she seems to be blocked, and to have trouble really expressing her feelings, preferring to stay in the comfort of a corner, and not to steal the light from anybody. That was until one day, someone gave her two drumsticks, and her life was never the same again. It's like she had a demon inside of her, waiting for just the right trigger to reveal itself. Lumi nows plays the drums with a fiery rage and passion, letting everything go, burning herself out. She was so good and unhinged in fact, that Draco was immediately enamouraled with her, and quickly asked her to join his band. When she's done playing, Lumi goes back to her cold, secluded self, but now she finally discovered the fire of passion in her life.

SKATEPARK

🎱Meeple : I HATE THEM I have no idea what that thing is, it's ugly and annoying and I don't understand what their deal is, sorry Meeple fans. STILL, I have a game theory that could save/explain their really weird design. It's possible that Meeple's actually L&L third secret brother DON'T LEAVE HEAR ME OUT. Meeple has a very similar build to them, has similar clothes to them (Shoulder pads, chest plate, big boots and gloves AND no pants), has a robotic voice, a floating head AND an obsession with rules. That's the only way I could explain their really weiiird design. They're probably a third Lawrence that was supposed to watch over the park, but glitched or abandoned his duties (hence why he's also a big cheater). Now, they've been embarrassingly shoved into a basement where they only plays board games. What do you think?

🛹 Ollie : Lil hip hop skater dude, heck yeah. Everything's said in his animation. It's possible that he was a pretty lonely kid, his caretakers being often absent, he often wandered the streets alone, admiring the hip Retropolis kids, and wanting to be part of their clique, but being too shy to actually meddle. He came up with a cool rapper persona, with the hood and the high-teck skateboard to impress them, and since then, he's the king of the skatepark.

PYRAMID QUEST

⏳Finx : Just a guy who's really into RP, he constantly pretends to be his own egyptian time-god oc. Completed with the full ridiculous carboard attire. Still, it was convincing enough for him to become the game master own the Starr Park Pyramid Quest escape room. It would've been just quirky roleplay if he hadn't found an actual time-manipulating relic. Now, we have an actual manchild with god powers playing dungeon master, and tormenting the visitors, oh boy.

#brawl stars

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