#idk man i really can't see him killing her simply because that's such a dark message for a soap??

[jittyjames]

⭐

ok let me talk about john 11:35 for a moment— or jesus wept

this fic is actually more recently written. it originally started as a Valentine's Day fic for the jcs discord server (sun/moon dynamics with jesus/mary/judas) but then it twisted into this big ole fic. you can still see the whispers of the fluff piece it once was, like when jesus compares mary to light and warmth and stares at the stars with judas. so i didn't get to actually join that challenge, but there was an effort!

i think it's quite clear the disciples in this fic were actually a commentary on most modern day religious spaces. like blatantly ignoring the words of jesus to focus on their hate instead? searching for power? having no forgiveness of empathy for even the man they call savior? yeahhhhh. i think the disciples are still sympathetic characters honestly, and they're more traumatized than anything. their perceptions of death are so scattered at the moment. so much so they can't even grasp what it means to die anymore. because jesus came back. he came back after the horrors. he suffered, but yet he's still here. so how bad can death truly be? and they want to ensure their legacies are intact. they want to become legends, just like they always did. but now, two of their own just died at once. they have to scramble to make sure they're leaving something behind. so now, let's talk about the misogyny. we can see it begin to mold. we all know jesus accepted women perfectly well into the group, that it was the apostles and paul who started with the whole "women should sit down and shut up" type thing. but we can see that with mary's treatment. peter is the first person to disregard her when it comes to picking the next apostle. yeah he says it's because she's traumatized, but truly it's because he doesn't think he can handle sharing the spotlight with someone who jesus loves more than him again. (we all know i headcanon judas and peter as jesus' right and left hand). it's not necessarily that he's in love with jesus or anything like that, but he knows how he feels. he thinks he knows what's best at the moment. mary and judas? even jesus to an extent? ruled by their emotions for each other. he sees judas' betrayal as the result of some petty relationship drama. he won't have it coming in again to ruin everything he has planned. but peter is also viewing mary as weak. how can she grieve the man who killed jesus? why is she crying all the time when she should be spitting on his grave like the rest of them? it makes Peter not trust her. and then you just have the period-typical misogyny, too mixing with that. then, we also have matthias not even acknowledging her, even as she stands by jesus' side. she's not important to him or to the story, even if she's jesus' heart. she's already being erased by the narrative. and john making the choice of leaving their relationship as a whole out of his book? rooted in homophobia and misogyny. their version on jesus should be above the likes of mary and judas. i have a lot of disciples thoughts. they're not perfect, but they're not simply evil here either. they have their reasons. like can you imagine watching your friend die bc their boyfriend sold them out to the police, and no one really gives you a good explanation for it? you'd be pissed, too. you'd be hurt.

ONE OF THE THINGS IDK IF ANYONE HAS MENTIONED YET. He had caught sight of him one night, sitting amongst a field of poppies, the darkness encasing the deep red of them, the pale blue of Judas.- POPPIES ARE A SYMBOL OF DEATH. JUDAS WAS SITTING IN A FIELD OF POPPIES NIGHTLY. idk if anyone caught onto it, but i most definitely wrote that with an intention. ALSO i had never utilized feet washing scenes bc i don't want people to think i have a foot fetish but like. there's so much angst potential there, and gerohugerh.

also i tried to sprinkle as much judas imagery as I could (or at least what i find to be imagery) but the more obvious ones like the blue coat and peaches, and the judas tree as the hanging tree. but also birds, spring, and stars. hehe. very sell-indulgent.

my roman empire is mary and jesus moving to kerioth to feel close to judas. i love this idea. i love the picture of it. i headcanon kerioth as just the typical, small southern town. orchards and fields, farms and small schools, everyone knows everyone. i mean is this me projecting my own small town life? yeahhhh.

but something i didn't get to talk about is the issue of simon iscariot. but I think I'll save that one 👀

there's a part of me that want to add to this bc @pinkishflowersilverycoin and i hatched a plot in dms. like judas isn't in hell in this world. he's in heaven. jesus didn't go back, so it's just judas alone up there for the time being. he'll be the one to welcome all the disciples, mary, jesus when they die. (will jesus die?? who is to say?? is it some weird supernatural thing?? maybe.) but we felt like maybe judas would take on peter's supposed role at heaven's gate. he's the first one to get there. they'll all have to deal with him again, so even if the apostles think that he's just rotting somewhere, his will be the first face they see when they die.

also we didn't even get started on jesus and mary's kids (sara and elias of kerioth, respectively). we decided they would be the ones to write some gnostic gospels, wanting to set the record straight about their third hypothetical parent, and tell the actual story of their mourning parents.

and I think this is everything for now!

[fenharael]

N and V for that Fandom Meme! :3c

N - name 3 things you wish you saw more in your main fandom? (or a fandom of choice)

Elden Ring: I wish there was more Marika content dealing with her mindscape or emotions. I understand why there isn't, but she seems so complex and interesting and I would love to see more people's interpretation of that. Also she's hot, so.

Elden Ring: I guess I'd also like to see more explorations of Ranni as a morally grey character. At least from what I've seen, she's generally stuck with "canon moon wife" the fandom has decided is the Good Ending™️ but... she's someone who went to extreme lengths to defy her fate. She killed her brother and seemed unbothered by the chaos and death that followed in order for her to escape being an Empyrean. Call me suspicious, but aim also not 100% convinced Ranni is acting of her own free will. I feel like the puppet body imagery may just be what it seems, that in sacrificing her fate she may have simply enslaved herself to another Outer God (the Dark/Full Moon, unsure if they're the same or not tbh) or at the very least, she isn't free of its influence. Though, it could be the case that our role in her story truly does free her fate to be her own, in which case, hooray! But if not, it just seems odd that Fromsoft would write and ending free of consequence or dramatic irony. I don't think Ranni and her ending are as wholesome and kind as they appear or are interpreted to be.

Dragon Age: I want more Solas/Not-an-elf!Inquisitor content. I want him pining and conflicted over someone he doesn't even consider a real person. There's like... ONE fic on Ao3 for that. Also more Solas/not-an-elf!Inquisitor friendship/angst in general. As much as I love Solavellan, I want to see different Solas ships or dynamics with the Inquisitor.

V - 3 OTP's from 3 different fandoms

I'm cheating and writing more than 3.

Hazbin Hotel - I really got into Charlastor (Charlie/Alastor) last spring. I don't know why, it was probably the potential for corruption kink. Anyway, it's not canon and never will be canon, but damn if the dynamic doesn't check all my boxes.

LotR (Hobbit movie) - Thranduil/Tauriel. Idk man. Everything going on there is a potential mess and I love it. DILF/sort-of-adopted daughter with diametrically opposed views/wants that also sort of dislike each other but sort of end up comforting each other, sprinkled in with "my son is in love with you but i don't think you're Good Enough" got me.

Tenchi Muyo! - Ryoko/Ayeka it's just how it's supposed to be. Clearly they are madly in love. I will not be taking criticism.

AtLA: Zutara. I like Aangst.

Trinity Blood- I LOVE Esther Blanchett/Shahrazad al-Rahman!!!!! I love them.

Also I love specifically unrequited Esther Blanchett/Abel Nightroad bc if you haven't noticed the pattern yet if there's a DILF with white hair I will ship him with the short Red-head in a way that maximizes pain and suffering.

Chrono Crusade- Chrono/Aion because like... HELLO??? Twins? Inverted color schemes? Aion being jealous of Mary and that's why he wants her gone? Yeah.

Also Chrono/Mary bc he's her demon knight and she's a holy woman and they're in love but It Can't Be.

Non-con Fiore/Stella or Rosette/Joshua don't look at me......

Inuyasha - Naraku non-conning any cast-member but especially Kikyo, Sesshomaru, or Miroku. Sesshomaru/himself. Kikyo/Kagome. Inuyasha/Kikyo

FMA - Roy Mustang being tortured by Lust, Envy, and Wrath but mostly himself.

GREED/LING!!!! that is all.

[jessepinkmvn]

Maybe Chantelle and Kheerat hook up once during anniversary week and later on at some point Gray finds out and kills Chantelle? Right now he wouldn't go as far but if he knew she cheated on him? Definitely! Meanwhile Kheerat would like to fuck over Gray for doing this to Chantelle but he can't because then Gray would find out about Kheerat and Chantelle. It all makes sense!

god if ee really has gray go as far as to kill chantelle i will genuinely be surprised - that’s dark, even for a soap, and especially for a sl designed to raise awareness and bring attention to domestic violence. i hope ee doesn’t turn it into misery porn like they have with linda’s alcoholism. but i agree with you - kheerat and chantelle (cheerat???) are definitely going to have a fling, or at least come close, and gray’s gonna find out. hopefully kheerat’s able to intervene before gray does anything tho 😬

[candlespages]

So, got around to finishing the first Season (ST : Discovery) yesterday for the first time ;) Here are a few thoughts:

-I knew Lorca was a right bastard! I knew he'd left Cornwell there on purpose, and his lack of emotion after Landry 1's death makes much more sense! I could feel that he'd done sth fishy when the coordinates were inputted from his chair, and the way he wanted to have everything be the same as in the Mirror Universe, and all... dude was obviously trying to get sth, to delay the Discovery's return, and it feels strange that nobody thought to call him out on it?

-I am ambivalent about the emperor, I expect we haven't seen the last of her, that's certain.

-Cornwell being ready to commit genocide stroke me as... human, I guess, not right, not correct or anything, but she rationalized it like a human would, is what I mean? (to be clear, I think it's a horrible, frankly frightening and disgusting decision, but I expcet part of it is because it would be so easy to become that person? so kudos to ST: Disco to make us aware and reflect upon our dark side)

-Sarek and the other admirals participating and advocating/agreeing with this decision is... WTF??? No! Wat?! so I get that some might agree with it, heck, probably some might have been advocating or planning sth like this for a while, but all of them? Sarek too? That I can't believe

-Amanda just there to be there atm 🙄 it feels like she's even more background than in TOS/ST: IV and since I'm sure she must also have had an influence on Michael growing up, it feels ... weird. Like she's not even IN the picture, not properly at any rate (i don't think I'm expressing my thoughts properly there ^^')

-Wondering about Main Universe Lorca, then, what happened? Is he dead? When did the other one arrive, etc., were he and Cornwell together together or were they just hooking up, or exes who do, ...?

-L'Rell, want to see more of her, even though her character arc left a strange aftertaste... It felt like she was more interesting before her captivity on the Discovery. BTW, I get leaving her on the Discovey for plot reasons but it doesn't really make sense for in-universe (for me at least). The way L'Rell unifies the Klingons feels a bit deus ex machina, too, where are the actual Klingon political games? They're an actual society! They have laws and customs, etc.... the way it is portrayed feels more like "ok, we need to have an end to the war in 5 minutes at the end of ep 15, people, any ideas?" than sth actually well build from the start? No shade being thrown here, just a feeling that it was weird to me... (also the Klingon's heads? Still not over that new design)

-Now, we come to the thing w/ Ash/Voq. It's... weird. And not sth I would expect from Klingons from all I've seen of them in the franchise. Sleeper agents? Feels a lot more Romulan than Klingon to me, them being all about honour and stuff. Though I guess there is also the angle of them being more a destructive force attacking everything and anything instead of being unified. So... Idk, it's strange. Also, I can't even imagine the trauma, and the pain, and everything Voq/Ash must be going through, and the "solution" was also a bit... expedient? Idk man, this whole thing felt weird, though. I am not sure whether Michael's feelings on the matter were properly adressed either? And why do those ships not have a therapist on board, JFC! I wouldn't have wanted more agony, it's simply that the season didn't leave much time to adress everything in that situation, and I wish it could have taken it. Anyhow, the whole situation was strange, and I wish they hadn't gone to that angle.

-They killed CULBER!! Those bastards killed CULBER!! You know sth is going to end up badly for one of the characters when you only start to get to know them with their partner being in a critical state. That kiss before the 133 jumps broke me, btw... not sure I said anything about it before (?) We started to discover more about Stamets too in the eps just before, and... to have Culber be killed that easily? let's just say I hope he's gonna do us a Harry Kim ^^' I don't want to have a heartbroken Stamets, poor bean doesn't deserve that

-Saru makes for a competent AC, and I hope he ends up on that Captain's chair.

-Good dev for Tilly, nice to see her coming into her own

-Michael's dev was... Idk, some of the things made sense (like her not being over her guilt for what happened to Georgiou, not that she's actually the one who started the war or was responsible for her death, or why she was still torn about her "betrayal" of her Captain), some of the things felt... forced. The "bond" between her and Lorca, for example, which wasn't sth I could feel before, and suddenly, he makes her believe things, and she or Saru should have called him out, but maybe we can put that on the stress she was under. Her meeting with the Emperor felt also slightly gratuitous, like she's there to bring a Georgiou back in the original universe, or sth. There was a lot of good, though, ngl. Her reinstatement is merited, though I'm not sure I'd have made her a Commander right away. I don't know what to think about her command style yet, because we haven't seen much of it. Her relationship with Sarek, with Ash, with Georgiou, with Saru, all of these are a mess (and not necessarily her fault, I mean the whole thing with Ash is a mess anyway, and not of her own making, poor bean), and she needs medical leave and therapy, at least therapy anyway. Though, that Nature VS Nurture thing we could see in the Mirror Universe when she was talking w/ Georgiou, yes! here for it!

Now, some general feedback on the series itself (keeping in mind that I've only seen the first season, here, so maybe some things will make sense later on)

-Why create a war with the Klingons, though? It makes sense as a way to create interest over the story, and to catch the attention of the potential audience, but still... I don't really like things added to the lore a posteriori, b/c it makes for chaotic in-universe history (and I need my history to be "linear")

-Starfleet tech feels inconsistent, even with TNG/DS9/VOY :

->holographic communication? a way to have a three-way call? we're in 2256! that's before Kirk's era, my guys! it's not supposed to be possible yet!

->a kind of "holodeck" simulation? it was presented as a "new thing" on the first TNG ep! (more than 100 years in the future)

->the lack of technical technobabble still bothers me. A "time-crystal"? ^^'

->Those jumps, they're going to have to explain them to me, in the context of TNG being outfitted with a brand new warp engine that enables them to go aroung to WARP 9.5 (forgot the exact number), jump tech being inexistant in SF in VOY, and also... just why create sth that they are going to have to destroy for it to make sense in the later in-universe history?

-Again, that new Klingon design *shudder*, even down to their clothes, and the Vulcan clothing seems dark for no reason

-Love all the little sound effects ref to TOS, and the data "solids" refs too ;)

-Loved the updated TOS theme song at the end ;)

-again, DISCOVERY theme song is great !

-The uniforms are great! Though we can't see who the red shirts are now xD

-love the ensemble cast, great characters! great dev atm, can't wait to see more!

-interesting Story Arc so far, even if I'm not a fan of everything! Want more of that episodical feel added to it, too, but can't wait to *discover* more (see what I did there? ;) )

-Asks some good questions and makes you reflect on some intersting things, but I would love to see more allegories and philosophy

-Again that thing with Sarek... just ... I see why you would do it, to make us more interested/invested in Michael, but she's actually interesting enough a character *without*, and it feels forced.

-Will probably start Season 2 next week ;) Because even though there are things I'm not happy about/not a fan of, I liked it a lot still, and the series offers a lot of possibilities for future storylines, and I'm here for it!

-Love the diversity! Could always be more, and expecting there shall be more! Hoping we get an alien captain too ;) (rooting for Saru to get that promotion!)

-Let them install a therapist on that ship, for Somebody's sake ! ^^'

In Conclusion, good series so far, want to see more!

[capri-ramblings]

Idk if anyone still remembers this but I actually forgot I finished chapter 3 about a week ago and didn't even posted it 🙂 still kinda confusing I think? But I promise, It'll come together soon 😤💖

[ R a p t u r e d ]

Chapter Three

The walls encasing your freedom began to simmer your frustration, and when a spiral staircase immerged from the wooden floorboards right across the room, your hands reflexively balled into fists.

Though when an unfamiliar face greeted you, they uncurled and from where you sat on the chaise beside your only window, your figure hunched over to pull your knees closer to your body. You'd been reacting so defensively lately, it almost felt natural now.

"Did they send you up to finally get rid of me?" Your words were harsh, a deep grating rage lacing each enunciation you spat out and yet the girl seemed unfazed as her lips curled into a small smile.

"I don't think they're that merciful, but Prince Leona has stated multiple times he'd rather you be dead."

"Who are you then?"

"An ally" She answered then rather hastily added, "If you'd allow it."

You scoffed,bitter and dry you almost sounded gruff and nasally.

"Like I allowed to be imprisoned and kept like an animal?"

The girl's expression softened and she gave what seemed to be an understanding nod before she placed both hands behind her back and stood poised before you.

"Boe" She said, "My name is Boe. As in the kind you'd use to hunt with but with an 'E' at the end because my nan felt it was creative." She sounded pleasant, to be honest,she looked decent as well, like a very familiar face you'd seen somewhere and yet nowhere at the same time. She wore her hair in two loose twin braids,her simple beige coloured tunic and short khakis gave her overall soft, feminine looks a rather boyish touch. And when she smiled it was genuinely given.

Despite yourself, Boe's appearance had you feeling a little less hostile and perhaps even a bit more hopeful.

"I made them an offer" You told her and again she nodded her head.

"To kill your brother in exchange for your freedom. Why?"

"Isn't that what they wanted? That bastard killed their beast and the only reason I'm here is because he's traded me off for his glory."

Boe seemed surprised at how you caught onto the situation at hand but you could see how calculative her eyes were. She may have looked pleasant but you weren't foolish enough to trust her, and if she knew your captives then chances are she wasn't just some typical servant running errands. They sent her up to you to talk, which meant they trusted her. And they didn't look like the trusting type.

"He and I aren't related by blood" You told her, scornfully. "It doesn't take much to piece up my being here, and I'll tell you now that he's not coming to save me. Not when he has every village folk singing his glory and the King welcoming him in his halls."

You sounded so dejected, Boe practically felt the heat of rage circulating through the room, but she also sensed sorrow. A sort of grief from the way you hunched yourself over. You've been through a lot, she could see that much.

"Tell me, did you ever believe the story your land has? It's history with the Faefolk and magic?"

You knew little. Simply enough to have your mind wander, but every child was like that, and when it was time to face the world and grow up, the stories you used to cling to before sleeping became just that; Stories.

So, you told Boe you didn't. You told her you knew the land has always been lavish, that it had always been easy to farm and make produce because it's forests were endless and green. It was because it was placed right in the centre of a growing land, wasn't it? Magic felt too foreign to have been a part of it all.

But then she told you of the story of a man planting a seed given to him by a generous Fae, and that the seed grew into a tree and another and another, until it formed a forest so lush and rich with life, people came to the land as a place of salvation. She told you that the Fae was the Mother Goddess Gaia and that she had made a pact with the humans who stayed in her grounds. They were allowed to grow and live as they wanted as long as her generosity was remembered. Thus the human built shrine after shrine in her name, and the land never once withered. Until weeks after your brother slayed the beast.

You sat there facing her,baffled and refused to believe in such a tale so easily, told yourself that no such thing could be possible...

Yet, the tower that kept you had nothing but a single window and a door that only seemed to appear when called. You remember how you tried climbing down through the window and how your makeshift rope snapped and you thought you'd fall to your death but instead you stayed in the air. Frozen.

As your hardened gaze looked to Boe and the faint light of the sun peeked through the window and into the room, you noticed the slight point of her ears and how in that specific lighting her features looked ethereal,as if she was carved out from a completely different mold.

You've seen those features before. A long,long time ago. The brief memory tucked behind the grains of your mind.

You must've laughed because Boe's expression shifted into confusion, and you ran your hands through your hair as a slight colour flickered to life in your eyes.

"You must think I've gone crazy. Wanting to kill my own brother but I've never seen him as family, and I'm sure he feels the same. It's the only thing we have in common."

"You'd really kill him for your freedom?" Boe asked, almost quietly.

You lifted your gaze,heavy and dark but driven with determination.

"Wouldn't you? It sounds selfish and maybe it is but hasn't he done the same to me? Ever since mother died, I was left under his care which meant he'd been shackled to me against his will and now I'm here and he's drinking in the castle." Your voice shifted, breathless and worn. You wanted to stand, to show to her that you weren't as weak as your captives had force you to be. That you meant what you said.

"I don't care about being kind and understanding anymore. I want to be released. I want to take back what I've lost and if that means killing Cyril and appeasing your Princes, so be it."

***

"You could be their Champion" Boe said as she stared you up and down,her gaze flickering with something you couldn't quite put a finger on. But she smiled when her eyes landed on your face, and a slight shade of pink dusted your cheeks. Though you felt it was because she had been nothing but open in her discussion and all you ever did was scowl and kept your distance.

And perhaps,you couldn't really be blamed for any of it given your own situation, but maybe it wasn't too harmful to act a bit more cooperative...

"A champion?" You repeated the words with your brows furrowed and lips down-curled.

Boe nodded her head.

"Faes often keep champions in order to settle certain affairs,like a representative or a tribute on their part without having to physically attend said affairs themselves, and unlike most dealings, this one has the exceptional perk of not being entirely enslaved by the Fae you serve under"

"...You mean if I agreed to being their... Champion? I wouldn't owe them anything?"

You know the tales of giving your thanks to the Gentry, and how such unfortunate humans fell to the mercy of the cunning creatures. A slight shiver ran up the length of your arm, but you fought the urge to look disgruntled, and simply crossed your arms.

Boe's smile widened a fraction.

"Yes, and I can't tell you why such a thing is possible in the first place, not because I don't want to but because I also do not know the reason behind it. It's said that this pact Faes have created with humans is a rare thing and a ritual they hold with great respect. If you so desire to kill your brother and gain your freedom, being the Princes' Champion is perhaps the best and only way."

"But how can I trust them to hold onto their end of the bargain? I might not have full belief in all your fae nonsense, but I know that whatever you are, your kind are known to be cunning and slippery!"

You felt like jabbing an accusing finger to her chest then,but you bit back the venom on your tongue and swallowed your carousing temper from erupting. Anger did no good in discussions after all. You learned that from years living with your step brother.

Despite it all however,Boe didn't seem to mind your frustration or hostility. In fact, she remained informative and calm, you began understanding why she had been sent up in the first place.

Unlike the Princes themselves, Boe didn't have any intimidation oozing from her demeanor. She came as a neutral party, neither to nurse nor make you submit.

Perhaps her words were the most trustworthy you'd have here.

Perhaps being a Champion was your only way out.

[dachi-chan25]

Haven't done this in a while but I had the time so why not?

1.- Pizza Girl by Kyoung Jean Frazier

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I really did like it, reminded me a lot of "Convinience store woman". Like clearly our protagonist needed thrapy ASAP to help her deal with her dad's death, her pregnancy, her attraction to women and hell just for existing as an Asian woman in the USA, but I liked how messy and obsesive she was and how the author allowed her to be fucked up and take bad decisions, I love to see female characters simply exist, it's also a pretty short read so I definitely recommend it.

2.-The Authentics by Abdi Nazemian

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Daría is a persian teen who is really involved in her cultural background and feels that the most important thing one can be is authentic, so that's the name she and her friends take for their clique. But everything comes crashing down on her when she discovers she is adopted, and soon follows an identity crisis. I loved it so much, it felt pretty realistic, like Daría could be self absorbed and unlikeable at times, but who wasn't as a teen? And we get such beautiful heartwarming moments between Daría and her family and friends. Totally recommend it.

3.- The Mall by Megan McCafferty

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cassie has her life completely mapped out but nothing goes quite as planned, first she gets mononucleosis and after she gets better gets dumped and fired almost simultaneously. Determined not to let it get the best of her, Cassie gets a brand new job, reconnects with an old friend and even finds a hidden treasure. This one is so much fun, all the 90s references and the growth Cassie goes through is amazing, honeslty i would love to see this as a Netflix movie.

4.- Luster by Raven Leilani

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was hard, Edie is a very raw character, at first she seems flippant even when describing disturbing facts about her past or details about her relationship with a much older man she seems to be talking about something that happened to someone else all this to cope dealing with her solitude, her trauma, her self hate. And gosh it was so intresting to see her interact with Rebecca and Akila, especially Akila as Edie finds kinship in this young girl not only cuz they are both black but because they are both lost and afraid.

5.- Lakewood by Megan Giddings

🌟🌟🌟

Lena decides to participate on a financially compensated medical experiment so her mom can get proper medical care and to lessen their debts after her Grandmother's death.

So I had many mixed feelings about this, on one hand I liked that we are adressing how sistematical racism has permited experiments on black people with no consequences at all and how it has been happening for decades, but there were certain parts of the book that I couldn't enjoy as much because they were very trippy like I get we are on Lena's mind as things are becoming muddled up because of the medications and all those mind games and the words they have her memorize and repeat but all of it took me a bit away from the story. Still I do recommend it just be aware there is quite a bit of body horror in this so if you are sqeamish better skip it.

6.-The Voting Booth - Brandy Colbert

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Marva and Duke meet on election day as she helps him find the precint he is registered on.

This is very enjoyable, the story is very straightforward, and it insists on our right and responsability to vote even if we feel our vote alone can't possibly change all the injustice we see in the world. And also the romance was cute and developed slowly as Marva and Duke are just knowing each other. Really cute and quick read.

7.- Such a fun age - Kiley Reid

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Emira works as a babysitter for the Chamberleins' . She loves her little charge Briar, although she feels preassured to seek a 'real job' by her friends and by her own economic troubles. Emira soon finds herself in the middle of a tug of war between her boss Alix who tries to befriend her, and Kelley the guy she is dating.

So much drama. This is a great example of what performative activism looks like, first Alix is completely nuts, from her obsession to be seen as this wonderful understanding girl boss activist and the down right creepy sense of entitlement to Emira's friendship and intimacy. Like it doesn't surprise me she chose to victimize herself instead of recognizing it had all been a misunderstanding. And even then she still wants to seem atractive to the man she feels victimized by. Girl no.

Kelley is the ultimate fake woke ally. Dude Robbie was wrong period, he had no business inviting people over to someone else's house no matter the color of his skin. You don't get to talk over Emira on matters of what a person of color should do or feel on certain situations. That said it was so funny when he and Alix called each other out for their fetishization of people of color and yet none of them actually gave a damn about what Emira thought/felt/percieved. They just wanted her stamp of approval so they could pat themselves in the back for being such good allies.

8.- The Life and (Medieval) times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton

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Kit is working as a serving wench at the Castle, medieval themed restaurant run by her uncle, though she really wants to be a Knight, not only cuz the better pay would help around the house but because she really admires Joan of Arc, problem is the Castle management doesn't allow for anyone who is not a cis male to be a knight. Kit is set on changing that.

Ok so I feel a bit lukewarm toward this. Kit in my opinion doesn't get much growth, it seems she just can do whatever and her friends have to be ok w it, her romance w her friend feels pulled out of nowhere like Jett at one point tells her he is not intrested in dating her and then he is ???, those GoT references killed me, I get it I watched the show and sometimes even enjoyed it but it's not representative of anything medieval and Kit was always talking about how much she liked the actual history of the medieval times so...

Also as much as this book was about feminism and how we should fight for equal job oportunities, it feels as though Kit only cared about medieval woman who fought physically and not on the badass medieval woman, like idk it feels as a rejection of tradicional feminity like even the girl playing the Princess is a jerk. But I did like some parts, like her decision to confront her asshole dad to help her mom and the girls training together.

9.-Cien años de soledad de Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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En Macondo, una población Colombiana a un lado del río, vemos como una de sus familias fundadoras crece, se expande y cambia a través de cien años.

Me encanto, hace mucho tiempo que no leía una novela de realismo mágico que me provocará tantos sentimientos. Creo que todos los personajes reflejan aspectos de la humanidad tan diversos y complejos que sería inútil tratar de enlistarlos todos.

Ultimadamente siento que lo que condenó a la familia Buendia a cumplir las profecías de Melquiades fue sus propia naturaleza que ellos nunca tuvieron intención de pelear, siempre sucumbian a las locuras o pasiones que los inundarán sin mesura alguna o consideración por las consecuencias. Y creo que aún así lo prefiero pues es lo que hace a cada personaje por confuso que a veces llegue a ser la repetición de nombres (que para mi es el simbolismo de una naturaleza y destino continuos) único e intrigante. En verdad espero que se den la oportunidad de leer este libro por lo menos una vez en sus vidas.

10.-The Monsters of music by Rebecca F. Kenney

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This is a gender-swaped modern retelling of the Phantom of the Opera.

It was creative to make Mel, our Phantom, a true magical creature, and the singing contest was also cool. Like don't get me wrong I did have fun reading this but it also felt pretty unpolished like most characters were teens on the contest and that kinda made me roll my eyes a bit, like unless it's the Voice Kids age ranges are quite ample on this kind of shows, also kinda clumsy the addition of the magical elements with the modern setting, Kiyo didn't make much of an impression with me even when Christine is my fave on the original book. Still if you are a Phan like me you might wanna check this one out.

11.- Anna K by Jenny Lee

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This is a modern americanized ya retelling of Anna Karenina.

Not gonna lie this made me cry so much at the end. I really liked Anna and Vronski together so much, and I don't like the love at first sight trope, but here it felt so inevitable. Anna was so self contained until she met him and could truly explore being herself and they really loved each other so much. Also I liked the treatment of the side characters Kimmie and Dustin were well developed and I really enjoyed this one can't wait to get to the second book.

12.- Wonderland by Zoje Stage

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It was ok, but I was actually a bit disappointed cuz I had such high expectations for it. Like for about half the book I was really into the atmospheric vibe the book pulls you into, but as we get the reveal it started to go down hill for me, and the ending left me feeling meh. But maybe it was just not my cup of tea.

13.-Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

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This book is so well crafted!!! I love how it goes back and forth between past and present , first it feels as if history is repeating itself, then as both narratives unfold we start to question and discovering things and the twist at the end was chillin and masterful, I truly and wholeheartedly recommend it.

14.- The Girl with the louding voice by Abi Daré

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Adunni, a teenage girl, flees from her husband to work as a maid in Lagos, though everything she has ever wanted is to study.

This broke my heart, as it reflects how people coming from rural backgrounds get taken advantage of in the City, like similar things happen here in Mexico, but also it made me glad to see Adunni fight and keep her spirit so no one could ever silence her.

15.- The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

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Immanuel does her very best to fit in Bethel, follow the scriptures and the Prophets words, but nothing seems to be enough to erase her mother's sin especially when the Darkwood seems to pull her in. As a plague starts to ravage Bethel, Immanuel has to face her past to save her people.

So frickin' good !!!! This story is great, mainly about the explotation of woman and young girls by people in power (in this case a church), the atmosphere is always tense, Ezra and Immanuel 's relationship is very well developed and one can really see how loyal they are to each other. A great option for horror fans.

[whump-town]

Your highness, Angst Almighty, I would really love misc 14 "Shouldn't we be working?" With Hotch and Garcia. Because their friendship is beautiful and I can't get enough of it. Idk maybe he walks into her office while she's watching a Disney movie and they end up watching it together. Popcorn, maybe some candy. Just Hotch and Garcia being bffs

Garcia knows a bad day when she sees one. The clouds have been rolling in all week. The storm of the century is currently trying to tear through the reflective windows and at the rate the wind seems to push in its own efforts, Garcia fears it just might.

But that’s not why it’s a bad day.

“I’ll be fine, baby girl.” Morgan’s joints ache from their last case. There are always too many doors to break down-- he’s getting to an age where his knees don’t take kindly to the force he exerts doing that. This time, it wasn’t a matter of doors to be knocked down but car bombs.  

More car bombs and he’s not the only one hurting.

Rossi smiles at them as he passes. It’s always good to see them taking care of one another. A family, he’s reminded. 

At the sight of him, Garcia’s attention spins on its head. Dumping Morgan and his manageable pain. “Sir,” she scurries after him. His longer legs and headset into his mission for coffee puts him ahead of her before she can set off after him. Leaving some space for her to catch up to him with. 

He stops just at the breakroom, glancing over his shoulder at the sound of her heels hitting the cheap tile that lines the hall. “What can I do you for, Garcia?” Hands in his pockets, he lets her catch up to him. She pulls in a deep breath and Dave smiles, knowing exactly how the next few sentences are going to sound coming out of her mouth.

“I was just wondering if you’ve seen Hotch, yet? I know Emily was going to bring him in because his ears are still really bothering him-- well, not bothering him because he wouldn’t say that but you know what I mean-- but I wanted to leave him something to make him feel better but I just don’t know what.”

Rossi just blinks, trying and failing to take in everything she’s just dumped out. Ears, Hotch, and mother-hen Garcia… right. He clears his throat and motions for her to follow him. He’s really going to need coffee to deal with this. “I haven’t seen Aaron,” he answers honestly. Not, at least, within the last twenty-four hours. That’s not to say he can’t testify to the fact that the man looked like complete shit last time he saw him.

Garcia frowns, both worried that Hotch is coming back too soon and because she misses him.

Pouring himself a generous mug of coffee, Dave scratches at his goatee. “His ears are still bothering him,” he admits because, sure it’s not his information to give out but… well, it’s only fair the others get the warning. The prelude to Hotch’s foul mood. “So,” he levels his eyes with her, tone changing to a paternal inflection. “I would suggest some space between the two of you.”

Right now, the mingling of the darkness with the light seems a little… a little too much. 

Especially before his morning coffee. 

Garcia frowns… she wants to see Hotch, though. “Okay,” she decides, taking his advice but twisting the meaning. Too much of Penelope Garcia can be overwhelming and Hotch has never wanted her to change-- neither does Rossi-- but just the right amount…

And, as Garcia’s trailing Rossi back to the bullpen, she watches Emily and Hotch’s back move up the catwalk to his office. Perfect, she thinks. She smiles innocently at Rossi, kissing his cheek as she makes her way back to her lair. He shakes his head as she hurries off.

He already knows she’s going to stir up some trouble.

And trouble comes. It’s in the form of a projector as old as him and Derek Morgan’s heaving chest as he hauls the thing up to Hotch’s office.

“Penelope,” Dave sighs, with a raised eyebrow. “What in the world is this?”

The technical analyst smiles because this is a truly brilliant plan. She motions behind her, to JJ with a bowl of popcorn, Emily with the medicine Hotch is supposed to be taking for his ear, and Reid with an armful of candy. “Movies!” she answers, simply.

And, damn, if that doesn’t make sense…

“Silent,” she adds a moment later. “It’s Charlie Chaplin!” She grins broadly at her own stroke of genius. “Hotch loves Charlie Chaplin and it’s silent so it won’t hurt Hotch’s ears.”

As if aware of the chaos outside his office, Hotch opens his office door and silently scans over the hoard waiting for him. He grunts and frowns-- predictably. “Shouldn’t we be working,” he asks. It’s the same kind of tone a parent might use crouched in the hall with a small child. A correction posed a question. 

Garcia’s smiling face is no match for his deep frown and furrowed brow. “Nope,” she answers. “You guys have been working so hard and since Strauss won’t give you a break, I’m creating one!”

With that, she leads the others onward. Pressing in towards his office until Hotch steps back and lets her in. 

He watches in silence as the others move things around to get situated. Emily pulls a water bottle out of seemingly nowhere and presses a handful of medicine he purposely thought he left at home into his hand. JJ’s helping Reid move the couch while Morgan moves past him and cuts the lights. 

“Take the pills,” Emily presses on, waiting with one hand on her hip right in front of him. There’s no way he can toss them or slip them into his pocket. He’s both aggravated by this and relieved. His ear is killing him and, if he’s being honest, he needs a break. 

Or a nap.

He swallows them and it earns him a smile and Emily’s gentle squeeze to his elbow before she guides him to the couch. 

The others settle amongst the other chairs while Garcia works out setting the movie up. 

“You mind?” Garcia asks after a moment and Hotch realizes with an owlish blink that the pills are hitting especially hard. It takes everything in him to shake his head and sighs contently when a blanket is passed from the floor to Garcia and she settles it over his heavy body. 

His eyes slip shut and he drifts to the sound of the movie starting. He can feel her eyes on him, despite the soft laughter of the other’s suggesting the movie is, in fact, playing. “I’m okay,” he whispers and he smiles when she gently takes his hand. Her fingers find his pulse point.

She settles in for the movie and smiles when Hotch squeezes her hand back. “I just want to make sure,” she answers because he’s okay but… 

“Thank you, Garcia.”

“Anytime, boss.”

[neoarchipelago]

Lisbon Lights (John Wick x Reader) part 3

Word count : 4 708

AN: i need to finish my series so I can start a new one LOL so I think there will be 1 or 2 chapters of Lisbon lights after this one! I advise you to re-read the last chapter if you don't fully remember it, and idk... This might not end with a 'happily ever after' we'll see... ENJOY ❤️ ps: OUTFIT at the bottom, with the 'show' she put up, the gif didn't want to stay up here...

Warnings: Violence, kidnappings, abuse, curse words

------

"I-I'm not undressing him!" You half-yelled. 

"So that's what you were doing? Your question about tattoos? You wanted to see me shirtless" John spoke innocently, making you gasp in indignation. 

"Of course not! Idiot!" You yelled, throwing him a pillow, which he perfectly dodged while grinning at you. 

"I see that you two get along so well. And I was worried you might find it bothersome that there's only one bed." Amalia said, a devilish grin on her lips.

"What?" John's voice and yours melted into the same tone of shock. 

Amalia was already leaving, as John turned to the bedroom door. You quickly jumped up from the couch, following him half running. You stood at the entrance next to John, watching in almost horror the queen bed. 

"You gotta be kidding me." You whispered. 

You sighed looking up at John. He looked as taken aback as you. After all this hasn't been on your mind. Sure sharing a suite with Wick was already printed in your brain, but the same bed? You sighed again, closing your eyes for a second. You felt tired and honestly, it didn't entirely matter to you. 

"Whatever I guess…" you simply let out as you turned back to the living room. 

You heard John sigh as well, but shrugged it off. You took a glance at the entrance where your things had already been brought to you. You looked through it and grabbed your toothbrush. You walked to the bathroom to brush your teeth, closing the door behind you. You felt exhausted and you were dying to just lay in bed. When you walked out you noticed John sitting on the couch, looking up at you. You smiled softly before walking to the bedroom. This whole scenery felt weird but it would have been much worse if it had been without John. You were almost a bit a glad that you were staying with him tonight as you smiled to yourself. You decided to keep your pajamas on, your shorts and the tank top. You threw the covers down on one side of the bed as you heard John walk in a few seconds later. 

"This is my side of the bed Mister wick." You say smiling. 

"I've noticed." He simply answered walking to his side of the bed.

He sat down and you watched him as he took off his shirt, his back muscles rolling under the fabric. You blushed slightly and bit your lip, turning away as soon as you saw him glance at you. You unhooked your bra and threw it on a chair. 

"What are you?!" You heard John say.

You were already slipping under the fluffy and comfy covers when he spoke. 

"I don't like sleeping with my bra. I'm not used to it." You simply said, humming softly. 

"Can't you get used to it tonight?" His voice was slightly lower and you shivered a bit.

"No mister wick. Good night." You spoke in a playful tone but feeling your eyelids fall already. 

You must have been really tired because you dozed off while John put himself into bed to sleep as well. Maybe an hour passed or two when you woke up again. You blinked a few times getting used to the darkness of the room. Only the light coming from the windows lit up the room, just enough for you to see the shape and dim color of what surrounded you. You spun around facing John's back. You were suddenly in trans in front of the view. You were able to see John's back perfectly, the covers reaching only his waist and he was shirtless. You took in his appearance and the tattoo's design with a bit more focus this time. It was beautiful, and fit him perfectly. It was extremely hot and sexy and it made you want to run kisses all over but John wouldn't really appreciate that. His back, just that, was beautiful, lit by the lights of the city, Lisbon lights. You let your hand wander closer to him, but froze a few inches from his skin. Maybe was it better not to wake him up… but your entire being was begging to feel his skin again. 

Your fingertips ran over the cold skin of his back and you mentally took note to cover him right after your little exploration. It was old definitely and you could notice some scars here and there over it or on his back in general. You lightly traced the design, taking in every detail and you felt compelled to lay a kiss there, in the middle of his back, right between his shoulders. Feeling brave or perhaps just driven by a feeling you had yet to fully understand, your lips placed a soft kiss on that spot. When you realized your action you pulled back, lips and hand from his skin. You were slightly shocked of your own movements but sighed of relief when John still looked like he was sleeping. 

However. Not everything is always as it seems and you watched wide eyed as John turned on his back, fully awake and glancing at you. The hand that had caressed his back a few seconds ago was now on your mouth and you looked at John, blushing a bit too much. John's expression was entirely blank, there was no way to know if he was furious or if he enjoyed it. Your heart was racing and none of you made a move. But when time seemed to stretch and the seconds felt like hours you finally spoke, in a voice that you almost didn't recognize. 

"S-sorry.." you whispered. 

John seemed to process your apology, perhaps was he not fully awake or maybe he didn't even know what you've done. 

"Why did you do that?" He whispered too, with his dark and low voice.

Ok..he knew what you've done. Of course he did! He felt it!

"I.. I don't really know. I'm sorry mister wick…" you tried, truly meaning it. But the frown that appear on his face made your heart skip a beat as you watched him turn to you fully. 

"Don't call me that after what you did." His voice sounded cold and it hurt. 

"I'm sorry John.." you spoke again looking at him in the eyes, truly feeling sorry. You were being clumsy, acting like a stupid teen in love, and that wasn't you. That wasn't the girl you were proud of being but something about him made you want to let your walls down and let him in. Perhaps he had even read all of those thoughts in your eyes exactly at that moment because you weren't prepared to feel his arms wrap around your back and pull you closer to him. The feeling of his chest and his smell made you close your eyes. 

"Just tonight, right?" He whispered.

The sound of his voice made you shiver and he pulled you even closer. You nodded in his arms, agreeing to those terms as if allowing yourself to be weak just tonight. 

It didn't took long for you to drift back to sleep. 

----

The morning sun felt hot against your face. You wanted to move away but you felt trapped. It took a few seconds to get adjusted to the light, and you had to blink away the blurriness a few times. You took note of the strong arm locked around your waist, trapping you against a broad chest. Your mind was a bit of a mess and you thought back to every event of last night. The attack, John saving you… you losing entirely control and… this. You had cuddled up during the night after you had caressed his back and… kissed it. You laid in bed thinking. It wasn't like you to act like this. You couldn't deny how John made you feel, he was handsome, mysterious, he could be entirely rough and soft as well. You couldn't deny either, the way your heart jumped when John came to save you. You didn't remember the last time you let a sob, a real one, escape you in front of someone. You couldn't stop yourself from touching his skin and not only his back, you wanted to leave a trail of kisses all over him, the way he groaned at every touch… 

You shook your head groaning. 'wake up! What the fuck is wrong with you?!' you mentally scolded yourself. You were the one who tempted targets and killed them. Not the one being tempted. It was maybe just because you thought of him as interesting. A child is always obsessed with a new toy but it never lasts. No. Somehow even that metaphor was annoying. You couldn't possibly think of John as a toy. You hid your face with your hand softly whining. The soft chuckle coming from behind your back however made you freeze. 

"What's wrong? Did embarrassment hit the mighty goddess?" His voice was rough and slightly sleepy and you wanted to melt on the spot, but you put up your walls again. 

"Oh… I'm a goddess huh? That's flattering…" you joked in playful tone, earning a groan from the man.

The vibration that rose through his chest made your breath hitch and you felt too hot at the moment. You needed to escape his arms. Even if you were begging to stay like this all day long. Silence fell and you were almost surprised it didn't feel awkward at all. You sighed, closing your eyes for second. Every dream has to end, and this one had just reached it's sad ending. You cleared your throat and softly sat up, pulling away his arm. You still softly smiled at him, hiding all the confusing feelings he made you feel.

"Being in bed with you is wonderful sir, but we have a plan  to put up in action…" you let out, a devilish smirk on your lips. 

John chuckled at your sudden energy, as you jumped out of bed and walked into the living room, leaving him in bed. You took a bit of time to breath away from him and his tempting person. You sighed as a knock on the door was heard and trotted to the door to open it. You grinned at the waiter who had brought breakfast for you and john. 

"G-good morning miss… the director is offering you breakfast, as an apology for last night's… inconvenience." 

You giggled like a child, opening the door wide open. The waiter walked in, as you followed him, attracted to that wonderful smell of toast, cappuccino and 'natas'. You leaned over the food grabbing a hot one, and taking a bite of it moaning sinfully as you closed your eyes. Yes being in Lisbon was like being in heaven to you. However you opened your eyes as you felt a presence behind you, glancing back at a glaring John. You frowned as you followed his look, falling into the lost gaze of the waiter who was gazing hungrily at you and particularly your chest. You hadn't put on a bra, and your nipples were visible underneath the white tank top. You wanted to laugh at the situation, but before you could react, John spoke in a tone that sent shivers down your spine. 

"If you're done. Get out." 

The rough and low voice woke the waiter from his trans,as his eyes filled with shame and fear. You've rarely saw men running out so fast. 

"What was that for?" You asked Innocently earning another glare from John. 

'now now… are we being protective of me mister wick?' you thought to yourself, unable to stop a bright smile from escaping you. John simply groaned, grabbing a mug behind you, before walking away to get coffee. You felt particularly happy at the moment, John's little demonstration of attention had put you in the greatest mood. However, you froze once more remembering that it wasn't your role to be this happy of someone's attention. Actually. You shouldn't be giving a single shit. You felt trapped once more against the evidence that something was going on with you and all in all it had to be because of John. 

"(y/n). Are you even listening to me?" 

John's annoyed voice rang making you fall back into reality. Batting your eyes Innocently, you walked to the couch where John was sitting, sat down next to him, and looked at him as innocently as possible, all the while sticking your chest out just enough to drag his attention there. 

"I'm sorry sir. Could you repeat, I'll be a good girl now." 

You were living for the look of slight shock on John's face. You did warn him you'd be nice only for one night, and time was up. Going back to your usual self, you almost chuckled out loud, but managed to keep an innocent look on your pretty face. John looked pissed but kept going. 

"The plan. Tell me what is it." His voice was grumpy and you honestly wanted to hug him. 

The plan. You almost forgot about that. Your brain was really too overwhelmed by John. 

"Oh.. yes. Well. I thought about the situation."

"You can think?" John asked sarcastically. 

You glared at him, but resumed your explanation. 

"If she gets to us before we do, it's over. We have to make her so angry that she'll make a mistake and we can get to her." You spoke seriously. 

"So your plan, after having me killing her father, is to make her even more angry?" John asked looking at you confused. 

You smiled sheepishly at him as he just managed to frown at you. 

"Are you suicidal? Masochist?" He asked. 

You grinned even more, making him roll his eyes. 

"No seriously John. I know where she keeps her… 'product'. The people she kidnaps are kept in an abandoned warehouse in the docks, in the desert part of the city. During the day they aren't unable to 'ship' them. We go there, we free everyone, maybe call the cops. She's gonna get away with it obviously… BUT! We'll ruin her business and she'll be too angry to even think properly on how to act, and then, we'll hit her." 

John seemed to ponder the idea. You kept looking at him hoping he'd agree. It wouldn't be fun to do it on your own. 

"How are you expecting to even enter the warehouse?" He asked once more. 

The devilish grin that spread on your lips made John wondee if he wouldn't regret the idea. And to be honest.  You knew he'd regret it. 

----

Walking out of the room once more, your gaze caught John's as you spun around, making your red skirt flow around you and show maybe a bit much. You were living for the shock on John's face as you put up a show for him, but quickly regretted it when he rose from the couch to walk to you. 

"No." He spoke immediately. 

"Excuse me?" You asked. 

"We're not doing it." He spoke again walking away. 

The plan was simple, you'd use the fact that you were like a ghost to everyone to enter the warehouse without being recognized, act like one of the prisoners while John enters in the back. After the signal, all that was left to do, was to kill all of Luana's men and call the cops. You might have to use a bit of your charms to keep them busy while john enters, but nothing you weren't used to. You had even dressed accordingly, a red skirt, a white shirt, some thigh high socks and some heeled boots. You had obviously a small knife hidden in your boot.

"You mean you're not coming? Cuz I'm doing it Wick." You spoke, pretending to head to the door. 

You felt a powerful grip on your wrist that made you spin around. Falling face to face with an angry baba yaga, you shivered of delight. 

"I won't be there to help you. Do you understand?" His tone was threatening and it made your heart pound loudly. However, as it is common with you, you always had something to throw back. 

"What makes you think I need your help Mister Wick?" You whispered to him, leaning as close as possible without touching him. 

Staring at each other for a few seconds, you suddenly had lost your voice, losing yourself in his deep brown eyes. You were glad he didn't throw another piece of dialogue your way because you didn't think you'd be able to fight back this time. He simply stepped back and walked away to the door. You felt highly dissatisfied and almost pained, but you shrugged away the feeling, running behind him to exit the room. 

----

Hiding behind a shipping container, you listened to the sound of guards speaking. John had changed of behavior, he was focused, his shoulders were more tensed and he was much more aware of everything. You were enjoying this. Even if you were in a dangerous situation, overall, working with John and being able to witness how he hunts, was… fascinating. You smirked as you watched him take a better view of the surroundings. As he grabbed the gun he had kept on his waist you swallowed dry. He was handsome and he looked dangerous. 

"Are you ready?" 

His low voice made you fall back into reality. You nodded, watching him walk away, as you, walked in the opposite direction. You disheveled your hair a bit, as you walked, and ripped a bit of your shirt off. You couldn't look that pretty after all. You had to play the perfect little victim. Now all was left to do was being caught. They'd think you were one of the girls that tried to escape and they'll bring you back to the warehouse. 

You pretended to hide, very badly, around the shipping containers, and soon enough your little plan worked. 

"Oi!" 

Turning around, you faked the perfect scared look you could pull off and ran, but not too fast, the opposite direction. You quickly got caught by another dude, as you let out a yelp and a piercing scream. After all, you had to pretend  not wanting to be caught. You quickly got surrounded, grabbed and lifted up into someone's shoulder. Looking around, you almost wanted to grin when you saw they were taking the direction to the warehouse. But again, that's not what a scared pretty girl does. So you started to cry, letting your mascara run a bit. You closed your eyes listening to the sound of metals doors being opened, the sound clearly echoing through the open space of the warehouse. A few steps in that echoed again, and you were thrown to the floor harshly. Well that'd leave a few bruises. You groaned but managed to sit up. Looking around your eyes fell into much more frightened ones, and for a second you wanted to throw up. 'poor girls'.

It didn't take long before they pulled at your arms to tie them behind your back. You wanted to grin again but you stayed stoic. After a rough push to bring you back to the ground, you mentally noticed the stupidity of the men surrounding you. What, they found you running outside and they didn't tie your legs? Well that would be easier for you. Pretending to look around desperately, letting out a sob for good measure, you tried to catch a glimpse of your… partner? A flash of black above made your heart jump. 

John. 

Damn he looked hot in that black suit, his hair plastered back. You unfortunately had to take your eyes off the handsome figure. Now was time for the real act to start. You had to keep the three men in front of you as busy as possible until John got rid of the others, all the while keeping the girls next to you as safe as possible. 

"P-please…" you let out, faking a heavy accent, again, for good measure. "I'll do anything…" you added, curling up, enough for your chest to stick out a bit. 

Putting up an innocent look, you knew you'd won as soon as they grinned. That grin, was disgusting. You knew it too well, but you've learnt to be unfazed by it, and moreover, to make sure to erase it. 

"Anything?" One of them asked, kneeling down. 

You nodded innocently, a frightened look still plastered on your face. You shivered feeling one of his hands run up your leg. You had to pretend to look even more scared. Making you realize how fucked up your mind actually was. You'd been tempting targets for so long, you couldn't feel fear out of it anymore. You had to pretend it. Brushing off that moment of pondering on your own fucked up mind, you threw back your attention to the three men in front of you. The hand that roamed over you passing over your chest, you let out a yelp that honestly sounded a bit too much like a moan, earning yourself the full attention of the guards. 

Looking up behind them, letting your eyes fall into John's ones, you gasped at the sight. You had perhaps rarely seen such anger into someone's eyes. And the gunshot that echoed through the entire warehouse made you jump. There was no signal. He had just moved on with the plan. That asshole! 

You groaned, forgetting all about your act, taking opportunity of the distraction to headbut the man on top of you, breaking his nose and making him fall back. Jumping on your heels your arched your back, reaching for your boot with your hands tied up. The cold metal of your knife made your confidence rise. You quickly pulled it out as more gunshots ran through the warehouse, mixed with the screams of the scared girls. You quickly cut the ties that bound you. You threw another kick at the man in front of you, in the nose again, before letting yourself fall back into your back, your legs rising up, and pushing yourself up with your arms and the balance of your legs in one move, falling right back into your heels, like a cute little cat. Grinning at the two men… two ? John had apparently already shot one of them, you decided to throw your knife at the one standing a bit further away from you. It reached his throat and you watched him fall down before putting back your attention to the man in front of you. 

But before being even able to do anything, the man got shot in the head. You gasped, looking up at John. He truly looked furious but honestly you were even more. You were no princess needing a knight in white armor. You glared at him, kneeling down to quickly grab the knife the man had. Turning around you quickly saw another dude trying to reach for one of the prisoners. Throwing the knife once more you killed your target as the knife planted itself into his temple. You were angry now. Walking to the body, you pulled out the knife, and scanned the room quickly to find another target. There weren't many left. Actually, John just shot the two last ones. You groaned to yourself once more. This had been the most boring job you've been to. 

You sighed, the silence filling your ears. Well silence, wasn't the best word, the girls were still crying. You looked at them, throwing them a warm smile as you tried to sush them. Some seemed to understand the situation and tried to calm others. You smiled, grabbing the phone of one of the guards. Typing a phone number of a 'friend' who worked in the police you texted the address and the situation to them, without signing of letting any evidence of who it was. Letting the phone fall to the ground you smashed it with your heel. Kneeling down next to one of the girl who seemed to be having a panic attack you tried to calm her down. 

The sound of shoes made you look to your left. John stood there in all his glory. He seemed less tensed but just as angry. You glared at him, rising to your feet, your knife still in hand. It took a few seconds before you threw your knife, making John duck down, the knife hitting the man that stood behind him. John looked even more furious now, but you made sure to show the exact same emotion to him. Walking past him without saying a word, you rearranged your hair. The sound of your heels echoing through the warehouse contrasting with the distant sirens. John followed you but kept a certain distance. You felt the need to run back to the continental, shove yourself into the bed and not move for the rest of the day. 

----

The trip back to the hotel was entirely cold. No words were spoken, no glance exchanged. The air was tensed, even in the elevator. It felt like you could hear the ticking sound of the bomb that was going to explode. It didn't even take that long. As soon as you both walked into the suite, and the door slammed shut behind you, you snapped. 

"Ok John. What's wrong with you?" You asked, folding your arms on your chest. 

"I beg your pardon?" He let out, in a low, threatening tone. 

It made you regret to even ask. He stepped closer to you, reaching you.  

"It's Mister Wick for you." You frowned. "I'm going to go ask for another room." He finished, walking to the door. 

You gasped, not fully understanding the situation. Running to him, you grabbed his wrist. You didn't fully understand his actions or yours, but you didn't wanted him to leave. You decided to act on it now and think about the consequences of it later. 

"John, what's wrong?" You asked. 

Turning to you, frowning, the look he sent you made your heart drop. 

"I'm not your toy. I won't let you play me too." His tone was cold, making you let go of his wrist. 

"I'm not playing you John." You frowned, speaking coldly as well. 

"No? What was that last night? You're so good at pretending after all.  With guards or with me." 

The words reached you, and you felt truly hurt. You suddenly realized your own feelings on this. Perhaps have you grown attached to him… no. It was sure. You've grown attached to him. You haven't been playing him one second, you couldn't have been, he was the one who had your heart the entire time. And you'd let him. Unaware. You seemed to look for your words, making John speak again. 

"After all, you truly are the best at what you do, it's easy when you're a cold hearted bitch." John mumbled. 

Looking up at him in slight shock, you felt your eyes burn. The tears were getting your vision blurry as you stared into John's eyes. His expression seemed to soften for a second, but you spun around, not wanting to look at him. You didn't think it would matter what he thought of you, but you didn't remember last time you felt this hurt. This wasn't you, you weren't the damsel in distress. You weren't waiting for your prince. You didn't fall in love so stupidly...

"(y/n)..." 

"I'm sorry Mister Wick." You interrupted him, coldly, turning back around to look at him. The tears gone from your eyes, a cold expression forming on your face. If you couldn't show him how awful he made you feel, you'd pretend. You were good at it. "If you expected me to cry for you, you must have me mistaken for someone else." You added, walking past him. "Think what you want of me." You reached for the door knob and glanced back one last time, unable to hide your pain this time. "I shouldn't have helped you John." 

And on that final saddening note you walked out, the image of John's regretful expression on your mind, melting with your own sadness. The day was however not anywhere near its end.

---

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Hope I didn't forget anyone...