#gangs

[mishacollins]

I don’t normally think of Germany as super sketchy, but these guys tried to fleece me when I was out for a jog.

[mapsontheweb]

Street gang involvement in drug distribution

[writers-potion]

heyo got any tips on writing gangs?

Writing Gangsters

Organized Crime vs. Gangs

Although the terms are used interchangeably, there's a difference between organized criminal networks and gangs.

Organized crimes have focuses on material gain and therefore has a more hierarchical leadership structure.

The activities of gangs are usually more fragmented, opportunistic and based on individual contacts, more entangled with the personal lives of its members.

Of course, if a street gang become powerful enough, large enough and resourceful enough, it comes a full-blown criminal organization.

Background: Time, Place, Economic Condition

Research into the characteristics of the time and place where your gang is.

Oftentimes, gangs form when the economic conditions of a country/region is down. People, especially those who are marginalized, are disillusioned which can lead them to make desperate choices.

It's important to note that many gangs are formed initally to serve as the "police" in a neighborhood where no police would enter because (for some reason) they feel as if there's nothing they can do.

Gangs may start with a "good" reason, but it just so happens that eventually they become the very thing they sought to get rid of.

Compelling Character Motivation

With the socio-geographical context as backdrop, give your characters a clear reason why they would join and stay in a gang.

A young teen may join a gang out of pure whim, maybe for money, but eventually it's going to have to be more than that.

Idolization - an older sibling is in the gang

Inclusion - connection with others is so wanted due to a lack of it in a dysfunctional family

Stability - feeling secure in a neighborhood where gangs seems like a viable option; if a gang is already terrorizing the area, joining it may seem like a way to protect one's family

Financial security - jobs may seem out of reach; it si high risk and high rewards but your character may be that desperate

Ambition/thirst for power/revenge

+ Yes, someone may join the gang because they don't want to work a regular job and want quick money, but I wouldn't say they are lazy. From what I understand, gangs require work...

A developmental Model of Gang Membership (use for character arc):

Research:

National Gang Center FAQ: https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/about/faq#0-0

Gang Life Insider Article: https://amuedge.com/the-various-dangers-of-gang-life-an-insiders-perspective/

NY Gang Slag: https://nypost.com/2012/10/28/a-to-z-deadly-slang-by-gangs-of-new-york/

Gangster Short Stories you can Read Online

‘Johnny Mnemonic’ by William Gibson

‘Vice Grip’ by Matthew A. Goodwin

‘Dolan’s Cadillac’ by Stephen King

[emerald57]

Digital version!!

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Red Jackson, 1948, from the Life magazine feature “Harlem Gang Leader.”

Photo: Gordon Parks

[rabid-mercenary16]

I love your AU!! May I draw all your characters please :>

YEAH GO AHEAD TOTALLY

[brokentripod]

Oh no this is how Markiplier must have felt in LA

[brienneoftarth1989]

Undercover part 12

Miranda Hilmarson x fem reader

Previous / Series

Summary: You had been in prison for a year. You were still living your gang life and were now one of the toughest gangs in the prison. You got a surprise visitor by the person who got you sent here, yet you couldn’t be made

Warnings: Prison life, gangs

Requests open

———————————

How has it been a year already? One whole year since you had been incarcerated and yet you still had a lifetime ahead of you. When you first arrived at the prison you knew deep down that you needed to gain respect fast otherwise it would be hell for you.

So that was exactly what you did. Most people actually knew who you were due to the social media coverage of what happened at the warehouse so a lot of the inmates naturally gravitated towards you.

Before long you were recruiting more and more inmates to be a part of your gang as you sold drugs through the prison without being discovered by the prison officers. It wasn’t too bad for yourself as you got to socialise with your fellow inmates as well as getting rec time.

You also got yourself a job in the canteen serving food. This was great as it meant the money you earned could be put towards getting stuff from the commissary. Unfortunately, you didn’t earn that much which means you have to save up quite a bit. But being the leader of the prison gang did have some perks.

If you ever did need anything then your fellow inmates would happily buy it for you no questions asked. You had finally settled into your new home, however part of you still broke for Miranda. You haven’t heard or seen anything from Miranda. You just hoped that she was doing alright.

You were awoken from your bed by the sounds of the guards walking past and banging on your door. You would never get used to waking up this way. Plus they always woke you up at a ridiculous time in the morning.

Like what is the point. It’s not like you had to be anywhere. You dragged yourself out of bed as you put on your prison uniform. You then stood by your door as you waited for them to unlock it. When you hear the click you open the door before heading down to the canteen to start your job.

Breakfast consists of a portion of porridge, a slice of toast, some scrambled eggs and water. It wasn't the worst breakfast you have ever had but it still wasn’t the best. When you got to the canteen you put on your hairnet and apron and waited for the first wave of inmates.

You were in charge of giving out the scrambled eggs today. You headed to your station and waited. It wasn’t long before the canteen was full of inmates as you served them breakfast. “Morning boss” one of your many crew mates said to you as you secretly gave them an extra scoop of eggs.

“You better eat that quickly. I don’t want everyone to know I’m giving extra food to my gang members” you whispered as you let out a little laugh. “No worries boss” they said as they already started to eat the extra eggs you had given them.

You continued on with your job as you fed the entire prison their breakfast. When breakfast was over you helped clean down before grabbing something for yourself to eat. You were absolutely starving.

You like everyone else also had toast, porridge, scrambled eggs and water before then helping the kitchen staff clean down. As you were just one of the servers you were able to head back to your dorm block while the cooks stayed behind and started prepping lunch.

When you did finally get to your block you headed straight to your cell to try and get a little sleep as you were still so tired. Thankfully the guards left the doors unlocked which meant you didn’t have to wait for them to let you in during the day.

You immediately laid down in your bed as you let your eyes close shut. All you needed to do was just fall asleep which was hard with the constant noise and the lights being on. You took off your top before putting it over your head trying to block out some of the light.

Just as you thought you were finally going to fall asleep you heard a knock on the door. You sighed deeply before pulling your top away from your head and looking towards the door. There stood one of your crew mates clearly wanting to ask you something.

“What’s up? You look petrified” you asked them. “One of the other blocks got caught with drugs and they are doing a sweep of the whole prison” they told you terrified. That immediately got your attention . “Get me the drugs that we still need to sell. I have an idea” you told them.

They immediately rushed off to gather it while you thought of a plan. When they finally came back with the drugs you put them in another baggie before shoving it up into your pussy. You never thought in your lifetime you would be hiding drugs there.

It wasn’t long before guards were coming around and tossing your cells apart and making you show them your feet to prove you didn’t have any contraband hidden in your shoes.

Thankfully your block was smart and no one was caught which helped in your favour. Once the guards had left you started sorting out your cell again before removing the drugs from your body. You quickly rinsed the bag off before hiding it again in your cell.

You could finally breathe now that it was over. You were just about to lay back in bed when a guard came by. “Y/n you have lunch duty. You better head to the canteen before you're late” they told you sternly.

You dragged yourself back out of bed as you took yourself back to the canteen. Lunch today consisted of what looked to be beans and pasta with a fish cake on the side. It didn’t look nice or nutritious. You were giving out the fish cakes today which meant you couldn’t give extra out.

This was because the guards would notice the extra fish cakes on each tray. You got through the lunch rush before once again giving yourself some lunch. You gave yourself some extra pasta purely because you weren’t too big on the fish cakes they gave out. Once you had eaten you once again helped clear up before heading back to your cell.

Now you are going to try and get some sleep. You once again settled into bed and just as you were about to drift off you got another knock on your door. Something was against you today and didn’t want you to sleep. “Oh for fuck sake! Now what?” you moaned as you sat up again.

“There is no need for that. You have a visitor” the guard told you as they waited for you to sort yourself out. You haven’t had a single phone call or visitor since you have been here. Who on earth could it be? You thought to yourself. The guard escorted you down to the visitation room and was shocked to see Miranda sat at one of the tables.

You blinked thinking that you might be seeing things. She was still there. You went to sit down opposite her, shocked that she was even here in the first place. “What are you doing here?” You asked Miranda as you sat down.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve come to see you” she laughed a little. “Well yeah I get that but why come and see me after everything that I did to you” you sighed as you looked down at your hands.

“Yeah, I know that our time together wasn’t exactly brilliant but I wanted to see how you had been doing since the trial” she told you with a soft voice. “Well let’s see. I’m in prison Miranda and I’m going to die here. So I wouldn’t say I’m doing overly great” you said sarcastically.

“Maybe this was a mistake” she said as she went to stand up. “Wait! I’m sorry. Prison has changed me. You got to stand up for yourself or people treat you like shit. I know you are just checking in to see how I’m doing” you sighed as Miranda perched herself back on the chair.

“Let’s see. Well I’ve got a job as I need money for commissary. I serve food in the kitchen at breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is quite nice actually as it gives me something to do each day” you said as you smiled at Miranda.

“I’m still keeping up with my gang life. I’m respected around here which is always a good thing to have in prison. No one messes with me. But I do miss my freedom and I miss you. I tried to blame you for what happened but I realised that you were just doing your job and if I should be mad I should be mad at myself” you sighed.

“Why should you be mad at yourself?” Miranda asked. “Because I should have checked you out more seriously and I should have seen the signs you were a cop. But instead I followed my heart instead of my head. Anyway that’s everything about me. What have you been up to?” You asked her.

“Well I’m still working for the police department. I’m trying to become a detective. I’m not really interested in undercover work since what happened between us. I’m in therapy as well, trying to deal with my PTSD but other than that I guess I can say I’m doing alright” Miranda said as she fiddled with her hands.

“Well I’m glad to see you moving further in your field of expertise. I’m sorry that I’ve caused you to have PTSD though but I guess that's something I knew could happen. But I do have one question though Miranda” you told her.

“Yeah, what is it that you wanted to ask?” She asked curiously. “What is it that you really want? Like why come and see me after all this time just to catch up?” You asked, wanting to know what she really wanted.

“I don’t want anything y/n. If anything I wanted to say goodbye to you properly” she said as she looked into your eyes. “I’m moving in order to pursue my dream of becoming a detective. Plus my therapist said that I should maybe speak to you before I leave” Miranda continued.

“What did they want you to talk to me about?” You asked curious as to where she was going with this. “Look I guess what I wanted to say is that I forgive you. I forgive you for everything that happened and everything that you did to me. And I’m sorry for infiltrating your gang. I guess part of what happened to me is my fault too” Miranda told you as you just looked at her.

“It’s not your fault Miranda. You were just doing your job. I’m sorry for everything I put you through and I’m just glad you are able to finally move forward with your life. I just want you to know there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think of you. I just hope that you can live a good life after everything I did to you” you sighed as you went to take her hand but quickly pulled back as you knew the guards would flip out.

“I forgive you y/n even if it did cause me a load of trauma” she said as she let out a small laugh. “Goodbye Miranda” you smiled at her as you stood up to leave. “Bye y/n. Stay safe in there. I don’t want to see that you died in there” she said seriously.

“I will, don’t worry” you told her as you turned around and made your way back into the main prison. You were escorted back to your cell before you finally got back into bed to try and have a sleep. You fell asleep smiling that Miranda came to say goodbye once and for all.

[snowdropluck204]

Sweetness - Sweet Pea x Fem! Reader

Hello my lovelies! I'm not sure if this fandom is even alive anymore... at least not the Sweet Pea love, but I hope the people who find this story might like it? Just to make sure, Trigger Warning! For anyone who is triggered by the following; Death, illness, gang related activity, injury, guns or knives - Please read this book with caution, there will most likely be mentions of at least one of these in each chapter, but I will give a proper warning for any scenes that detail these events!

Thank you my lovelies (Also, I'm not sure when exactly the series takes place, so be gentle with my dates please!), and enjoy the chapter! Xxx __________________________

July 1999,

Dear diary,

I used to think that Riverdale was the safest place for me, Ricky always had my back, someone I could always trust, someone who loved me and that I adored. And now he's gone.

Ricky was a badass! He was an angel of death and was a big deal in the Serpents, he died protecting his friend! He was so young... He was in the hospital for days, I still think they could have saved him, they chose not to! They saw the snake on his shoulder and chose to give him the bare minimum help!!

Screw this town. Screw the Ghoulies. Screw the Northside. The Southside.

I can't help but feel selfish now. Thinking about myself and what I'm going to do with Peanut. Sure they were a surprise, but they were a welcome one. Ricky was so excited about you, little one. He would have spoiled you rotten.

I know that the Serpents would have taken care of us, F.P is definitely going to be named Godfather now, but they aren't Ricky. And everything in this damn town reminds me of him, of what he was. So I'm leaving. My parents are moving with us out of town, as far away as we can.

I love you so so much Peanut, and I'm hoping one day you'll be a nosy little shit like your dad and find these entries one day, it will be much less painful than telling you his story myself.

Until I meet you, Kathryn (aka mama)

________________________________

February 2000

Dear Ricky,

She's here. She's beautiful. Ten fingers and ten toes, I named her (y/n), the name you wanted, it just seemed perfect for her. I'm going to love her and protect her the way you would have. I've written to F.P, letting him know that he has a happy, healthy god-daughter. I wasn't convinced about him being her godfather, but it's a bit difficult to argue with you now, huh?

Don't think I'm going to let her forget how painful it was getting her out of me though! If this kid ever gives me sass, I'm going to tell her they nearly had to cut her out of me so she can zip it!

I wish you could see her, I was so worried when she first arrived, she didn't make a sound. She hasn't cried since. She just sort of scrunches up her face when she wants something, sort of the way you did when I refused your kisses.

I hope she winds up keeping your eye colour, the gorgeous (e/c). Most people who lose someone say they can't bear to look at others that look like their loved ones. But your eyes, were my everything. My slice of heaven. My oasis. She has my nose, I want her to have your eyes.

I love you Ricky,

Kathryn

________________________________

December 2015

Dear Diary,

It's been a while huh? Being a parent is a bit of a full time job I guess! But (y/n) is beginning to suspect that I'm hiding something from her, she sees me getting weaker, she can tell I'm going places without her. How am I supposed to tell her that I'm running off to the Oncology department a few times a week...?

I want to tell her, desperately. I hate hiding this from her, she's seen me getting weaker for years, she's been taking care of me, ditching school to make sure I'm okay for fuck's sake! She's my angel, she means everything to me.

I can't hide it from her any longer, I'm going to tell her tonight over dinner.

Wish me luck,

Kathryn

________________________________

August 2017

Dear Peanut,

I'm sorry it has to go this way, believe me, if I could have stayed longer I would have, but you wouldn't have wanted that. You need to live your life without having to worry about me, follow your dreams without me holding you back.

I love you so so much (y/n), but I think we both know its time for me. This is the hardest thing I have ever written, and I hope you can forgive me.

With this letter, I have left you a folder, it's just dumb legal bullshit really, but I think there are some things in there that you'll like. I know you found your dad's old recipe books, you and him were so alike my darling.

Hopefully, the stuff in the folder will help you, please don't mourn too long, live your life for me, for your dad.

I love you more than words can say.

Be a good girl (y/n).

Love mama

________________________________

Patient Name: Rick (l/n) Age: 24 Status: Deceased Reason for Admittance: Stab wound Cause of Injury: Gang Fight

Treatment: Patient was admitted with a stab between the second and third ribs (left) at approximately two AM. Patient was given steroids and antibiotics to avoid infection. The wound was more severe than originally believed, the left lung had been punctured. Patient was lost in surgery.

________________________________

Seeing all the memories that I spent the last month avoiding was harder than I had expected. If I thought it was difficult holding my mother's hand as she fought through the cancer and eventually as she passed away, I wasn't prepared for the feeling of resurfacing memories. Mama's lawyer had handed me a large brown folder, a solemn look on his face, struggling to think of something to say to the girl who was now an orphan.

I left the folder in a draw of my dresser after I'd got home, the house felt so empty without her around. Even when she was weak, my mama lit up the room she was in. She was happy and, as cliche and now untrue as it was to say, full of life. Now the house felt cold and dead. My mama was my best friend, my closest confidante, she hasn't been gone an hour and I was already so lost. The worst part was, when I felt this lost, I spoke to my mother.

I went to my mama's room, followed by our dog. I had found him in the park when I was younger, he was just a puppy, I begged and pleaded with mama to keep him, after a pretty big temper tantrum, she finally gave in. Sonic wasn't a puppy anymore, he was nine years old and huge! Mama liked him eventually, when he began exhibiting guarding behaviour, feeling more comfortable with him as a guard dog, a big Rottweiler cross that looked like her came straight from guarding Hades.

Sitting on her bed as carefully as I could, I thought about how strange it was, that everything still was the same, the day was a beautiful, blue sky, the house still looked the same. I contemplated opening the folder now, but it was too hard to think about. Instead, I curled up in the bed sheets, humming a lullaby my mama used to sing, until I fell asleep.

But now I was reading the files. It was a lot of suppressed pain that had suddenly bubbled its way to the surface. My heart felt like someone had taken a hammer to it, there was a photo album full of pictures of me and mama, even some of her and my dad, when they were in high school. I never knew my dad, now I knew why.

Mama had told me he had died, she had just never told me how. Now I knew, someone in a gang had murdered my father. But the diary entries mama had written, my dad was in a gang as well. He died, for another gang member. F.P Jones.

I'd seen the name in the folder too, he was listed as my legal guardian, my godfather, on my birth certificate. I'm not sure just how much I was interested in hunting this guy down, yes he was the person that my parents trusted enough to be my legal guardian, but he was also the person my father took a knife for...

Anyway, I began enjoying myself, looking through all of the pictures of my parents, I even smiled a few times at the pictures of mama and I. The smile faded into confusion when a few certificates and documents were mixed into the nostalgia. Leafing through the documents, I was shocked to find deeds. Specifically to my inheritance and to the house my parents had bought, before dad died. Mama did say she wanted to move away when he'd passed.

Away from Riverdale... ________________________________

The house was bigger than I had expected, a two story suburban dream house, sure it was a bit worse for wear, the wood panelling had chipped paint, some of the windows were so filthy I couldn't see through them and the porch was most definitely a health hazard, but that just meant I had something to distract myself with.

Unfortunately for the house, it would have to wait for some TLC, I was already on my way a few streets down, Sonic trailing behind me, to a separate building, one that my parents had left me money to be able to purchase. It was small, but I knew as soon as I'd seen it, I loved it. It had been my dream since I was a little girl to run my own bakery. I loved cooking and food as much as my father had seemingly.

Mama was right in her diary, I had found dad's old recipe books when I was five, I used a lot of the recipes to learn how to cook, and even more of them because they were claimed as healthy, I was a kid, I thought that because an adult deemed it good, it would make her better. It didn't, but I remember mama's face when I eventually fessed up about snooping through dad's stuff.

Dad had a lot of baked goods in his books, I even managed to tweak a few of them, but he never got to have a place of his own, I was looking forward to this. I would be dedicating my life to something I wanted to do, but also to my parents, forming a legacy I hoped they would be proud of.

My future bakery looked a lot worse than the house did, that was putting it lightly, the windows were smashed, glass was everywhere, the door was practically falling off its hinges and the bricks looked like they had been whacked with a battering ram! Although, the most confusing part about the building, was the old woman sitting on the bench outside, staring at the 'Sold' sign in the window of the door.

I walked up to the woman, cautiously, clearing my throat to avoid startling her, "Excuse me?" I asked, seeing her turn her head to face me, a small smile on her face.

"Oh, sorry dear," She began, struggling to get to her feet, I hurried to offer her a hand, Sonic herding around her knees. "Thank you, such a lovely girl! Oh, and dog!" I smiled at her, curious as to the people my age around here, she seemed surprised I offered to help her, what were the other teenagers like here?

"What were you doing sitting in the cold, all on your own?" I asked, trying not to sound too suspicious, the old woman sighed, staring up at the dilapidated building once more.

The woman smiled, wistful, "This used to be my husband's business." She told me, "He passed on quite long ago now, but he loved this place." She placed a hand lightly against the bricks, I smiled at the woman.

"I'm sorry for your loss," I replied, seeing her nodding in response, "Actually, I own this building now, I'm about to start working on it," I told her, hoping she wouldn't be upset with me.

To my surprise, she grinned widely, clapping her hands in excitement, "Oh, that's wonderful news! I'll be delighted to see the old place back to its former glory!" She cheered. "I'm Ruthie, but such a sweet soul like you can call me Granny, if you'd like, all the other kids in town do!"

I took her hand for a shake, shocked at how strong her grip was, for an old woman, she sure had some muscles! And that was the start of a very odd relationship between the two of us.

Granny was lovely, for the first few days, she would pop by to give me lunch and some hot chocolate, saying that I needed the sugar and some 'pep in my step', but then one day, she picked up a saw, beginning to saw planks for me to use. She helped a lot with the renovation of the bakery, we even kept the name that her husband had used for it, Ray's. We did modify it slightly, now it was Rays, as in 'Ray of Sunshine', but still remembering her husband, Raymond. ________________________________

With the place up and running, I had to force Granny to take a break, in return, we had to make a deal, she could have as many free bakery goodies she wanted, and she would cover the shifts I couldn't make because of school. I was so excited for this, today was the grand opening! Unlike in movies and TV shows, I didn't make a huge deal out of it, even if I was positively buzzing! I didn't deck the place out with banners and balloons, instead, I just flipped the sign on the door and went back to baking, I was gonna let the open windows bring people in.

I was kind of worried about the area, especially considering I'd left my scary teddy bear at home, Sonic would have just gotten stressed each time the door opened. But apparently the Southside of town had a pretty bad reputation, most of the place was pretty run down compared to the preppy, expensive Northside, and was riddled with gang activity...

It had been a couple of hours and I was getting bored! I let my eyes wander around the walls of Rays, the glossy, white brick walls reflecting the florescent lights. All the industrial ovens, mixers and fridges were pretty high-grade, but they weren't the things I loved the most.

Next to the coffee machine, were two framed pictures, one of my parents, happy in their high school days, the other, a black and white photo of Granny and Ray, happy in their own. I was brought out of my reverie by the timer on the oven, pushing off of the counter to the kitchen, pulling the cupcakes out of the oven, relishing in the sweet smell of freshly baked cake.

I felt my heart swell with excitement when I heard the bell above the door ringing, we finally had customers! Quickly, but carefully, cause it was blisteringly hot, I set down the tray of cupcakes on the metal decorating tables, wiping my hands on my apron.

Walking back around to the main shop, I saw three teenagers, probably around my age, two guys and a girl. The guys were staring at the display case, their eyes practically sparkling, it was rather strange to see. One of the boys was quite tall, leaning on the display case, the other was significantly shorter, pressing his hands to the front of the glass. The girl on the other hand was gazing around the room, smiling, her most outstanding feature was her bright pink hair, all three of them were decked out in leather jackets and flannel.

A relaxed smile made its way onto my face, "Hey you guys, what can I get ya?" I asked cheerfully, a bounce in my step. The guys hardly looked up from the display case, the girl shaking her head at them disapprovingly.

"Hey, never seen this place before," The girl said, nodding at the door. I smiled and nodded understandingly.

"Yeah, we only just opened today! We've spent the last few weeks renovating this place!" I told her, offering her a hand to shake. "I'm (y/n), sort of new to town," I told her.

She took my hand, strong grip, something that most of the people here seemed to have. "Toni, congrats on opening! Sorry about those two, usually they're not this rude... Shorty is Fangs, the giant is Sweet Pea." She said, causing me to giggle.

"It's cool, I remember going to places like this when I was a kid and being starstruck by all the pretty cakes, not to mention the fact that there were way to many options!" I joked, happy when Toni laughed with me.

Seeming to wake up from the glutton induced trance they were in, Sweet Pea and Fangs looked up, only now realising there was a second party in the room.

The shorter guy, Fangs, looked at me in awe, "Did you make all these?" He asked, pointing at the goodies, I nodded in response, proud that they seemed to like the look of them, I only hoped that they liked the taste.

"Sure did! Would you guys like to try something, no charge! I need some guinea pigs!" I said, giving a cheeky smirk. The boys shared an excited look, fully prepared to say yes, when Toni interrupted them.

"You only just opened, we can't just take from your stock, at least let us pay for them!" She protested, I smiled kindly at her, it was very sweet of her to consider the business aspect, it was pretty important, but it wasn't why I started this! I wanted people to enjoy my food!

"No worries! You guys are the first people to come in today, well, ever! It would be good to have some feedback about some stuff, if it really bothers you, then feel free to come back another time and buy something? For now! I'll set up a sample plate!" I told her, not giving her time to argue.

I put together a large plate of lots of different things, cupcakes, cookies, pies, tarts, cakes, pastries and some drinks, bringing them over to one of the tables on the shop floor. I'll be honest, it was rather funny seeing these edgy teens sitting in my pastel bakery, I offered them seats before taking one myself.

Sweet Pea and Fangs were practically giddy, getting their hands smacked by Toni as they tried to grab some of the sugary treats. "Hey! If (y/n) wants feedback, you can't just shovel it into your faces! Have some manners, damn who raised you two?" She muttered.

I chuckled, "It's fine, go ahead, maybe start with the cookies? They should still be warm from the oven!" I told them, pointing at the chocolate chip cookies, a simple classic.

They each took a bit, their eyes widening as they bit into the warm, gooey chocolate. "Oh my god." Fangs muttered, his mouth full.

"These are amazing," Sweet Pea added, taking another bite.

I clapped my hands slightly, "Yay! I'm so happy you guys like them," Toni nodding along, giving me some info that was actually really useful. We let the boys keep trying the goodies as we settled into conversation.

"So why did you and your family move to Riverdale, we're not exactly a tourist destination," Toni joked, gazing out of the window at the run down streets of the Southside, "Your bakery is probably the nicest thing to be in this side of town for decades..."

My face soured into a sad smile, "Um, it's just me actually, my parents have both passed away, but they used to live in Riverdale before I was born, they left me a house in the Southside." I told her quietly, looking down as tears began too well in my eyes, already beginning to flood my face. I let out a choked laugh, "I'm so sorry, I never cry, this is so strange..."

I wiped my face, feeling my cheeks burn, I can't believe one of the rare times I cry and it's in public. Hearing the chairs scrape against the floor, I thought Toni, Sweet Pea and Fangs were saving me the humiliation and leaving me to my tears. Instead, I felt a gentle hand cup my own and sudden large hands resting on my shoulders and knee.

Looking up confused, I saw a soft smile on Toni's lips, as well as Sweet Pea, kneeling beside my chair, his hand on my knee, leading me to believe that it was Fangs' hands on my shoulders.

Sweet Pea, though he wasn't smiling, had a soft look in his eyes, "All of us have lost someone, we get it. You don't have to be strong all the time, we got your back now." He told me, keeping his voice quiet. I looked into his deep brown eyes, wiping my cheeks and smiling at him.

"Thanks, you guys are being so kind to me, you don't even know me," I chuckled.

They laughed with me, "I mean, you gave us free sweets and you don't know us," Toni joked. We once again, fell into relaxed conversation, the guys joining in this time, whilst still snacking on pastries.

Fangs looked over at me, "So, if I can ask... Who were your parents? If they lived here, maybe someone knew them?" He asked, cautiously, probably trying not to set me off again.

"Rick and Kathryn (l/n)." I told them, playing with the straw in my drink, noting how quiet the three had gotten.

Looking up, I saw them all looking at me like they'd seen a ghost, "What?" I asked.

Sharing glances, they seemed to be mentally arguing about who was going to tell me.

"Spit it out, you guys, I thought we were friends now?" I muttered, trying to guilt them into just telling me.

Sweet Pea sighed, "We know your parents, or really, we know of them..." I looked at him confused, gesturing for him to continue.

"Your dad is a Serpent legend! He died saving F.P, he's kind of the boss now. His picture's been in pretty much every Serpent hangout since we before we all joined." He finished.

I smiled at them, clearly not the reaction they were expecting.

"Thank you, for keeping his memory alive, I'd love to meet some of the Serpents that knew him, I only found out what happened to him about a month ago, mama didn't really like talking about it."

Once again, the conversation started up, but, once again, was interrupted. This time, by Sonic, barking outside the bakery, freaking out the Serpents into standing up, "It's okay, he's my dog! Something must have happened, I left him in the house..." I told them, grabbing the keys to the bakery and rushing out to follow Sonic back to the house, Toni, Sweet Pea and Fangs following close behind.

________________________________

So I'm going to end the chapter there! I hope you guys enjoyed it! I based a few characters off of my family... My mum and dog for example... Anyway! I love you guys, see you soon, hopefully! Xxx

[correctopinionhaver]

[theportuguesewolf]

AMERICAN PAIN

Umberto Eco once said (and I'm quoting from memory): North Americans are the only people who can worship Snow-White and Jaws with the same fervour. 

Yesterday, at the Moonspell Q&A, I got many questions about returning to the US and tour. Please take this with a pinch of salt, yet we have a private joke running in the band which is that all our North-American fans can fit in a plane and should come to Europe where they could see us properly, with a show based in more than mere energy of surviving through the night.

When we are at odds with life in America and read these "come to America" comments ,we, jokingly, add: Come to the US so we won't show up.

Last tour alongside Eleine and Oceans of Slumber wasn't fun for me. The venues were kinda empty, the streets were dirty and dangerous and the motivation simply wasn't there. Sure, we can still deliver the goods; naturally I can still have fun with the many things 'Merica has to offer from the amazing landscapes, to crazy Vegas, and libraries, bookshops, and street food and I will for sure miss it ( I already do) but I can't see at the moment taking another trip to the States and loosing money and time and being very depressed again, about it all.

Last night, I told you a little of my unfortunate encounter with a "gang" in NY in the hotel we're staying prior to our return trip to Portugal but the shortage of time made me default on some details and I'd like to share it more completely, if you don't mind:

I was minding my own business and ruminating about the past month on the road, while keeping an eye on our gear , when I was approached by a black young man who asked me, rather rudely, for my phone number which I promptly refused to give him.

Used, so it seems, to get his way around things and people, he immediately started to be aggravated, while I tried to explain to him, to no effect, what was I doing there and that I was okay in giving him the number of our bus driver as he "needed" to have all the phone numbers of the proprietors of the vehicles parked in the hotel lot.  Fair enough.

But, seeing the way this young man escalated things on his own, no more explanations could I offer and he just started to act out on the parking lot and shouting threats at me. I went to the reception to call security and indeed there was a "guard" there, who tried to approach this angry person nicely, but the die was cast. I went to him myself (again) and tried to reason with him and even offered an apology because we were, definitely, lost in translation, but he started to offend me, calling all the names in the book that I shan't repeat here.

He added: "You'll get what you deserve" and in 10 minutes time, a van parked near the hotel reception and a Gang of four black individuals came out of the car, while the previous guy was shouting at me, constantly, that he wanted to see what I was going to do now.

I am a father, a husband, a singer, a writer, an entrepreneur but , above all, I am a simple man. And it was a simple man that I went to the gang "leader" and explained him who I was, where I came from, what happened, what could happened if they attacked me (they did have masks on and their hands in their pockets meant guns) because I was a Portuguese citizen and while his little brother kept screaming threats and improperares and my band watched in panic, I could reach out to the gang leader which not only told off his brother but also shook my hand, telling me words I will never forget: "Have a blessed day, brother." And we both went to our homes.

I could now stop to observe a lot what's happening to one of the most beautiful and spectacular countries in the world: the 70.000 people who died of drug abuse; the tent cities all over the place; the misery and the chaos but I won't go any further. 

I just wish to extend an olive branch to the people who almost attacked me, and yes, we are brothers and maybe victims of a cruel, money-oriented world, a world without a shred of value to show for.

Also, I want to embrace all the Moonspell North-American and Canadian fans and ask them for their empathy and forgiveness, while I offer, hereby, my best explanation of why I dread the thought of another tour in the States.

I never went public with this but I felt it was the time, so we can keep watching for ourselves and respect one another as I respected that gang leader and he respected me back. 

Goth help America, happy holidays y'all, don't forget to follow my new blog for more of this and that.

[mapsontheweb]

Gangster Revolt in Haiti Map 2024

[brexiiton]

Ecuador 'in state of war' against drug cartels' terror campaign

Schools and stores are shuttered, people are staying home as soldiers roam the streets of Ecuador's biggest cities.

Members of Ecuador's armed forces patrol a street during a security operation in the capital, Quito. [AFP]

With city streets largely deserted apart from a massive military deployment, Ecuador found itself in a "state of war" as drug cartels waged a brutal campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown.

Hundreds of soldiers patrolled the capital, Quito, where residents were gripped by fear over a surge in violence that has also prompted alarm abroad.

The small South American country has been plunged into crisis after years of increasing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe.

The latest outburst of violence was sparked by the discovery on sunday of the prison escape of one of the country's most powerful narco bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, known by the alias "Fito".

On Monday, President Daniel Noboa imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew, but the gangs hit back with declaration of "war" - threatening to execute civilians and security forces.

They also instigated numerous prison riots, set off explosions in public places and waged attacks in which at least 14 people have been killed.

More than 100 prison guards and administrative staff have been taken hostage, the prisons authority said.

In the port city of Guayaquil, attackers wearing balaclavas stormed a state-owned TV station on Tuesday, briefly taking several journalists and staff members hostage and firing shots in dramatic scenes broadcast live before police arrived.

Local media reported some of the attackers were as young as 16.

This attack, in particular, spread panic among the general population, many of whom left work and closed shops to return to the safety of their homes.

"Today we are not safe, anything can happen," said Luis Chiligano, a 53-year-old security guard in Quito who explained he was opting to hide rather than confront "the criminals, who are better armed".

Noboa said on Wednesday that the country was now in a "state of war," as he promised not to yield to the gangs.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa gave orders on Tuesday to 'neutralise' the criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio, as bandits threatened random executions. [AFP]

Gangs declared war on the government after Noboa announced a state of emergency following the prison escape pm January 7 of one of Ecuador's most powerful narco bosses. [AFP]

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'very much alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the country as well as its disruptive impact on the lives of Ecuadorans,' according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. [AFP]

Peru declared a state of emergency on its border with Ecuador, sending an additional 500 police and soldiers to secure the frontier. [AFP]

China's embassy and consulates in Ecuador suspended services to the public, while France and Russia advised citizens against travel to the country. [AFP]

Brian Nichols, the top US diplomat for Latin America, said Washington was 'extremely concerned,' pledging to provide assistance and 'remain in close contact' with Noboa's team [AFP]

Colombia's army also announced it was bolstering border security. [AFP]

Ecuador's murder rate quadrupled from 2018 to 2022 and last year was the worst yet, with 7,800 murders in a population of about 17 million, and a record 220 tonnes of drugs seized. [AFP]

[admrlthundrbolt]

Holding Out For A Hero (Mumen Rider x Chubby Reader)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Waking up beaten and in an unfamiliar place. Mumen Rider can't but feel sorry for his captors. Because he's the only one that knows what's coming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi guys, I'm back at it. I had the idea of a reader that would destroy the world for their partner. I thought sweet little Mumen Rider would fit the roll perfectly. So I hope you enjoy.

Also, we're coming up on the twentieth story and I was wondering if anyone might have a suggestion for it? Feel free to leave a comment.

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

Satoru's head throbbed and there was a lingering taste of blood on his tounge. The tight feeling of rope trapping his body to a chair. Looking up, he winced at the harsh light filling the room. Squinting at his surroundings, he tried to remember what he was doing before he woke up.

Fuzzy images were all that he could manage. The sound of slow footsteps snapped his thoughts away from the past. A trio of men entered the room. In the dim lighting, it was hard to make out any details, but they all wore bright red jackets.

The one in the middle leaned forward, studying him. “So your the so called famous Mumen Rider?” He leaned back and brought a baton under his chin. “You'd think that the class C rank 1 would’a been harder ta take down. But I guess that just proof'a how weak all you heros are.” He then reared the weapon back and brought it hard onto his knee.

Trying to muffle his pained cries, his teeth dug into a trembling lower lip.

The other two exchanged looks, but stayed silent. Leaving the assumed leader to continue. “Ya see. We noticed that you come out on top more oft’n than not. So that leads us ta believe that you have someone on your side. Now we don’t care who it is, s rank or hero association. It don't matter.” He tapped the baton on the top of his head and continued. “What does matter, is what they’re willing ta pay for you.”

Gritting his teeth through the pain, he said. “How long have I been here?”

That earned him a hit against the other knee. This time he couldn't hold back his agonized howl. “We’re the ones asking questions here!” He was practically frothing at the mouth as he yelled. Rearing the weapon back, Mumen Rider tried to prepare for another assault.

One of the men that were standing back shot a hand forward. Stopping the baton just in time from cracking into his skull. “This isn't what the boss wanted.”

Now that the second man stepped in, this seemed to give the third some courage. “Yeah, he said to get a name for the ransom. That’s all.”

This angered the first man more. “Fuck the boss. I’m tired a this weakling being a ‘beacon of hope'. I mean look at how pathetic he is.”

That hurt his pride as much as the injuries ached his body. “How long have I been here? “

This caused the first man to reel towards him. “What the he'll does it matter man. Your not getting out’a here without payment.”

The second man took pity on the bound hero. “A few hours. We grabbed you in J City.”

This caused the first man to sneer at the other two men. Pulling them away, Mumen Rider had a bit to unjumble his thoughts. Why would he be in J City? Was there a crime, none that came to mind. Was he shopping? That could be it, but he couldn't remember making a list. Maybe an appointment?

That triggered a memory. Walking down the street, he looked down at his phone. Texting you that he was on his way to your favorite ramen place. Sending the message he noticed the time, realizing that he would be late if he didn't hurry. That was when he went down an alley, knowing it would get him there faster. Then everything went black and there was a throbbing sensation at the back of his head.

Eyes widening at the realization, he struggled to get the men's attention. “You have to let me go. Please, your safety depends on it.”

A taunting smirk came onto the armed man's face. “Oh really. Does the big brave hero think he can escape now?” He stepped forward, only to be held back by one of his companions.

“What are you talking about?” He said, noticing the shift in the hero's behavior.

“The Wretch is coming.” Satoru was surprised at how steady his voice was.

The timid third man started breathing heavily. “No, they’re gone. They haven't been spotted for month.”

“Yes and if you want to keep it that way, you’ll let me go.” He struggled in the tightening bindings harder.

“Oh, so that's how you do it. You got some sort of guard dog. Is that it?” The violent man started cackling at the thought.

The scared thug was on the verge of hyperventilating . “No, you don’t get it. It’s a Demon level monster that could become any combination of creatures. Some survivors even claim that it should be Dragon level.”

This caused baton guys eyes to widen. “But I thought they were declared dead.” Turning to Mumen Rider he grabbed the shoulder straps of his armor and brought them face to face.

Only to have his next action halted by a roar. The pounding noise of fast footsteps was the only thing filling the room. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation. As the door blasted off it’s hinges, the tension stifled the room.

The thing that came through was an amalgamation of monster parts. Tentacles thrashed as sharp teeth nashed together. Standing taller than any man they had ever seen. Patches of fur and scales came into view as you stepped closer to the group.

The hyperventilating man passed out at first glance of The Wretch. Now the other two were trembling. They could only stare wide eyed and frightened at the sight before them.

Reaching your target, you slashed the ropes off of Satoru. A growl left your panting maw when he slumped forward in exhaustion. Supporting him with one of your appendages, you cradled him gently against your chest.

As you took your leave, you noticed only one conscious man was in the room. He was swinging a baton towards you. With a simple flick in his direction, he sailed into a nearby wall. Losing all sense of the situation, as he to fell unconscious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next thing Mumen Rider knew he was waking up in a hospital room. He was brought to reality by your voice conversating with another familiar one.

You noticed him stirring and smirked. “Look who's awake. You feeling better Sleeping Beauty?”

Your smile never fail to make him flush. Grabbing his hand and lacing your fingers together. Gentle caresses with soft hands brought him to a wonderland of euphoria. All thoughts of your soft full body were paradise in his mind.

Only for the fantasy to be broken by a sharp cough. Saitama didn’t mind public affection, but if you both continued. Well he would definitely feel like he was intruding.

“Oh Saitama, it’s nice to see you again.” Satoru tried to will the redness from his cheeks. It was one thing to be intimate with you in private. But to carry on in front of one of his co-workers, and friends, was another embarrassment all together.

With a nod, he was happy to see that his interruption had reign you both in. Though you still held the other man’s hand tightly. “I’m glad to see that your feeling better than last night.” He glanced over at you and smiled. “She was carrying you and you looked pretty bad.”

This caused the helmet wearing hero to blush all over again. “Wwwell, you see.”

He was cut off by a swift kiss to the cheek. “He had a run in with some bad guys. I happened upon them at the end, but Satoru was exhausted after handling the situation. So I helped him here. Simple as that.” You smiled at the heros, but Saitama could tell there was more to you. While Mumen Rider knew there was more, but that was his secret to keep.

[cfgdll]

[human-psyche]

A DEADLY ATTRACTION.

" everybody has light around them. he has shadows... "

characters: yeonjun x reader

genre: dark, romance, angst, gangs, hitman!yeonjun, yandere!yeonjun, violence, mature content

about: choi yeonjun is txt's sniper. he's cold, emotionless and wicked, but most importantly, he's known to never miss. y/n, an unlucky witness, becomes his first ever mistake on his latest mission so he resorts to keeping her hostage and hiding this secret. y/n is soon caught in a toxic dance of attraction with the male who stands between her and freedom...

No matter how much Y/n pleaded, Yeonjun simply would not be moved at all. He'd watch her struggle with a curiousity that's both cruel and somehow distant, though underneath, he also has a strange fascination for the way she refuses to give up on her freedom, nevermind that she's now far away from even going out to a store to shop for her own clothes: reduced to wearing those he'd bought of his own liking, or lack of it, and thrown at her to change. Heck, she can't even pull the curtains without it having a negative effect on her existence with him.

During one of those times when she's gathering up all her hatred to confront him again directly, eventhough she knows deep down that it's nowhere near efficient, the male enters the bedroom, quickly subduing her before she can scream out loud. He holds her wrists so tightly that she winces in pain.

"Let me go!" she yells at him, injecting every ounce of power and courage she has into her demand which is a whole lot daring given her position as a victim.

Seeing her energy, something stirs inside Yeonjun; he has never taken a liking to a target before, sure, they're interesting, but none of them has ever made him feel...this. He needs to push it away to focus on his job. He may have thought he's immune to feeling anything, but the truth is he doesn't want to admit.

"You should be less vocal." he says.

Y/n narrows her eyes at him in defiance, provoked by the fact that he doesn't even take her argument seriously.

"And you should have the decency to be more human." she retorts back like an acrid insult, making her honest opinion of him known despite the fear that lingers in every interaction she has with him.

Yeonjun growls in irritation. He steps closer to her still form, towering over her smaller frame. "You don't know a thing about me," he hisses.

"I know more than you think. You make me sick."

The two lock eyes, a dialogue of anger and hate driving the exchange between them like a chain reaction, her attitude to his ill treatment adding fuel to the fire.

Yeonjun is the first to move: he lunges forward. The girl attempts to fight back but her strength's no match for him, she tries to keep herself unaffected though she fails, sobbing through her teeth at the sting produced because he pulls her closer. She can feel his breath on her face…her anger bleeding through her response to him which is to scream again at the hitman, this time akin to a defense mechanism to try and restore some space.

He can feel the sadness emanating off of her. He wishes he can turn off his feelings but for once, he can't. His cold demeanor is the only thing he allows himself to feel but despite all this, he finds her captivating.

"Would you shut up already?" he sneers. "You're wasting your breath."

"No!" Y/n shouts back. "I won't shut up! You can't do this to me! Let me go!"

The hitman cocks an eyebrow, intrigued by the passionate manner in which she's fighting against him. That numbing emotion that he's not sure how to interpret quickly leaves him as he remembers his mission and her screams return to the forefront of his mind. "It won't make a difference." he brings her back to reality. "You don't have a choice. You're my hostage now and you'll stay here with me untill I can find a way to use you."

As he tilts her chin up with one finger and looks at her with a cruel smirk on his lips, Y/n wants to rip away from his grasp and run for her life, but her body is paralyzed by fear. Instead, she just stares at him, unable to comprehend the situation she currently finds herself in, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Your defiance is attractive, but you're not going anywhere, Y/n."

His matter-of-factly voice is as cold as ice, sending shivers down the her spine.

Without warning, he leans in to plant a single kiss on her.

It feels like a brand, Y/n recoils in shock.

"Now you're quiet."

Avoiding his gaze, she swallows her protest, her gaze filled with stubborn tears that she refuses to shed in front of him.

The corners of his lips quirk up. "You look like you have something to say."

She scrambles for words, calming her ragged breaths before speaking. "I will never forgive you for treating me like this." she grits out, the venom evident in her verbalized disapproval of what their criminal - hostage relationship seems to have turned to, as if it wasn't enough how he dealt with her before, right from the beginning.

"Oh? And why's that?"

She lets out a scream of pure frustration. While backing away from him and getting off the ironically king sized, very comfortable, very spacious bed that his luxury apartment can afford, she has no intention to give in to his game. "You can't win, Choi Yeonjun. I'll never stop fighting." she swears, her determined voice betrayed only by how it shakes with the will to get over this.

He's silent as he watches her, curiousity resurfacing. She's a challenge for him, someone he finds interesting.

Her movements are steady as she curls down next to the big balcony windows and stares him down, her fingers clenching in the fabric of her shirt. Distance, that's what she needs from him right now, especially after how close they were earlier. It messes with her…she can't, she shouldn't even think about it. "I'm going to escape one day. You can't keep me here forever." Y/n whispers, trying to convince him一 or rather convince herself.

"It looks like you have a lot to learn, Y/n."

Yeonjun simply shrugs. A clear response.

He has no plans to let her go.

. . .

a/n: part one will be posted soon. share / reblog if you like and do follow me for more similar content!