#maybe they met on a social event after the happenings of season 3

[nesuki]

“His name was Alexander Zangiev.”

This was supposed to be Mayblade 2023 #24 Memories

[pale-silver-comb]

So I know absolutely nothing about Leverage except what I've been seeing you post lately and I have to admit you're making it look tempting to watch! Can I ask what are some of your favorite things about the show/reasons you would suggest people watch it? And is there really a poly relationship that is canon?

Okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. I am going to do my best not to just “asdfghkjl” at you and answer coherently.

In a nutshell, Leverage is about 5 people. 4 are criminals (Parker, Hardison, Eliot and Sophie) with different and unique skill-sets and 1 is an ex-insurance investigator (Nate) who, at one point or another in his career, has tracked down (or at least attempted to) the other 4. The whole show is essentially: man reluctantly reforms 4 criminals to use their criminal powers for good and 4 criminals move into man’s life and stubbornly refuse to leave because, goddammit, now they have morals. 

I’ve got a lot of favourite things about the show but the main ones are as follows:

1. Found family. And I’m not talking about loners who come together to fight crime and happen to co-exist to the point where they realise they happen to have found themselves a family. I mean, Nate and Sophie are the Drunk Uncle and Wine Aunt who somehow become Mom and Dad to 3 beautiful criminal children. Mom and Dad love their criminal babies and the kids love them (as well as each other, but we’ll come to that in a moment). You get amazing family moments such as: Mom and Dad packing the kids lunch before sending them out to kick corporate greed’s ass; Mom and Dad giving the kids ridiculously expensive and personal Christmas presents causing their most Grumpy Kid to go very very quiet and soft as he runs off to gleefully play with his new murder toy; the kids interrupting Mom and Dad’s big Movie Style Kiss to ask if they can please keep their new underground layer and huffing and puffing when Dad tells them no.

2. Found family: the OT3 edition. To answer your question, the OT3 is indeed canon, confirmed by the creator. Now, usually, “confirmed by the creator” infuriates me because most of the time it’s a way for a creator to be seen as “progressive” without doing anything to actually be progressive. That isn’t the case here. The OT3 are built up carefully and while it is obvious the creators didn’t originally intend for all 3 of them to become a relationship in the romantic sense, by mid-season 5 we are given a very clear picture of where Parker, Hardison and Eliot are heading in their relationship. There aren’t any kisses at the end to signal this but there are solid marriage vows in not only one but two episodes. (And by marriage vows I mean literal equivalents of marriage vows: “for better or worse” and “’til death do us part”. I’m not even exaggerating). The OT3 also doesn’t need explicit romantic narratives to convey how much they love each other. Their love is laced through the whole show, from the way they teach each other things to the way they respond to each other and work as a unit. The way they fiercely protect and admire each other. Like someone once said, if you need characters to kiss or say I love you to let the audience know they love each other, you are writing them wrong. 

Aside from that, each of the parings in the OT3 are just. Gah. They are so well done, with friendship being the solid basis for them all. The creators never expect the audience to assume anything about them or fill in the gaps. They give us their relationships on screen and reference many things off-screen to show us how these relationships continue to build in between episodes.

Hardison and Parker are a canon couple and date in the show: it’s approached slowly and they are so goddamned sweet. They are basically every fluffy slow-burn trope with a healthy dash of mutual pining in the mix. They are basically that quote “love is patient, love is kind”. (I would like to add their romance never becomes the focus of the show or overrides the importance of any other relationship they have with the other characters, especially Eliot.)

Hardison and Eliot are the Old Married Couple and from day one are already bickering and looking at each other/making comments that are found in every UST fic ever (not to mention Hardison has a very good knack for making Eliot grin like a little kid, when usually he’s basically an Angry Little Chef Man). They argue, they play, and love each other plain as day. 

Parker and Eliot are more subtle but every bit as wonderful. They have an unspoken connection and understand each other on a level no-one else can. Parker and Eliot are not good with giving themselves over to affection for different reasons (and Hardison plays a central role in helping them realise it’s okay to want it and have it- that boy has endless patience) but there is something so beautiful in the way the two of them come together on their own and develop their own special bond that works for them. Parker and Eliot are that trope where the characters don’t need to speak to understand each other perfectly. They just do. Their love language is a lot of the time non-verbal but speaks volumes. (Parker also likes to annoy the hell out of Eliot and Eliot....just.....lets...her. Because he’s soft. The softest, grumpiest boy.) 

I could go into so much depth for each pairing and their dynamics as a 3 but that's for another post.

3. Subverting stereotypes. There is the occasional hiccup in the show regarding stereotypes but ultimately, Leverage gets an A+ when it comes to writing characters and making them 3 dimensional people who are not defined by certain characteristics or events. Nate could so easily fall into the White Man Pain trope where he uses the trauma of losing his kid as a reason as to why he is entitled to act like a dick. Nate is a dick but he doesn’t use his pain to excuse it and I appreciate that. Hardison is a black man who is soft and nurturing. Easily the most empathetic and patient of the group. He’s nerdy, an actual genius, and has the biggest heart of all the characters. Nate is maybe the glue but Hardison is definitely the heart. Media’s usual aggressive, amongst other, racist stereotypes can fuck right off. Parker is canonically autistic (I am sure this was confirmed by one of the creators) and she is not defined by it. It’s not written as some kind of singular personality trait. It’s part of what makes up Parker but it’s only one facet of who she is and not once is her actions, thoughts or feelings treated like a joke. Sometimes people don’t understand why she does and says the things she does but it’s met with patience and fondness over the course of the show. Equally, it’s not met with over-caution. Parker is just Parker. No-one tries to change her. The other nice thing is Hardison, who always makes sure Parker knows she’s amazing because of who she is and not in spite of it. Finally, Sophie is in her 40s. She’s not treated like she’s past her prime. Ever. She’s sexy, smart and never is she pitted against or compared to Parker (who is younger) for anything. Sophie is amazing and there’s never even a conversation of “I may be older but I am still *insert adjective typically associated with younger women here*”. Sophie is possibly the first female character I’ve ever seen who isn’t just unapologetic about her age but has never had to apologise for her age. It’s a non-issue and that’s that. The women on the show are written so well, right down to secondary characters and it’s beyond refreshing.  

4.) It’s just fun. The show has a “monster of the week” type format. Except instead of a ghoul or a ghost, the monster is some corrupt wealthy and powerful individual or organisation. The show draws on real-life individuals to do this and therefore closely parallels real-life people and events. It addresses important political, economical, social and environmental issues while at the same time remaining fun and light-hearted. The characters constantly get the chance to play dress up and by GOD do they have fun with it. You get to watch Eliot beat up bad guys in the most delightful of ways, usually after a witty non-sequitur and with a weapon you’d never think could be a weapon. The dialogue and back and forth between the characters is everything. And finally - my favourite thing- the team can never resist striking a dramatic pose after they’ve taken down the bad guy, making sure the bad guy sees them. I mean, they COULD just walk away, satisfied they’ve taken the person down, but nope. They gotta be dramatic bitches 24/7 and pose like they are models for every single month of this year’s Criminal Calendar.  

5.) Competence Porn. So. Much. Competence Porn.  

Honestly, I could list a thousand reasons for why Leverage is amazing but to list them would to be spoiling so many amazing moments you’d get to discover for the first time on your own if you do choose to watch it. It’s the kind of show you can watch with an eagle-eye and sink your teeth into. But it’s also the kind of show if, you would prefer, put on in the background for something entertaining while you do something else. Each episode is about the job at hand but it’s made up of so many moments between the characters that show how much the creators and writers care about them. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll do whatever it is you do when something Soft and Wonderful happens that makes your heart melt. I am so beyond grateful for Leverage. It’s everything I always wanted in a show. Nearly every show I’ve watched in the past 10 years has disappointed me in some way, usually either because the writers run out of steam or characters who I love are treated poorly or given some kind of unnecessary “shock value” arc. Leverage doesn’t do that. Leverage is what it says on the bottle. Fandom isn’t something I joined because I needed canon fix-its. Fandom only enhances and celebrates an already excellent canon. 

[boldlyanxious]

Kiss and Run

Jasonette July prompt 16: heist

July masterlist

All masterlist

All things considered this was probably the best night for her heist. It didn't make sense at first since the Wayne gala was the social event of the season and they definitely had more security than usual. But that was mostly concentrated on the manor and everyone trying to get in, not seldom used storage buildings beyond the garden.

It had taken her a long time to track down what was labeled as a ceremonial item but she knew that it was a missing miraculous. She had managed to get through all the paperwork but it just wasn't listed. The last person recorded to have handled it was Jack Drake. The item had never been sold. She looked through all the records of the items sold after his death and it wasn't listed. All the things his son kept had been moved to the Wayne estate when the Drake estate was sold.

Marinette snuck in as the guests were arriving. She made sure that her outfit was fitting for the occasion but would not draw unnecessary attention in case she was spotted. She didn't actually need to enter the manor. She blended in with the guests but headed to the building to locate the item quickly. She took Plagg with her to assist with remaining hidden and for the additional night vision.

It has been far easier to get in than she had expected. The building was a lot larger than she realized and it had taken longer than she liked to find what she needed. She was fairly certain she had found it. She didn’t have very precise details on what the jewelry would be so she ended up with 3 pieces that were from the same archaeological dig. That would have to be close enough. Based on how they were stored, she didn’t think they would miss them. Honestly she could probably wear them into the party and meet the whole family and they wouldn’t recognise the items. But she wouldn’t push her luck. It had taken over an hour to find them and she still needed to get out of here without being discovered.

She had just closed the door when she heard voices around the corner. She slipped around the other side and dropped her transformation. Getting caught while transformed would be suspicious. Wandering around in formalwear would just look like she wandered a bit too far when she went out for fresh air. Luckily she planned ahead and had a champagne flute and a small bottle in her purse. No one would have cause to question her too carefully if it was clear she had too much to drink.

“The alarm definitely went off again. There are some guests out this way so maybe it was an accident. I can see the door. It is locked.”

She could hear the man on the phone. She focused on getting further away from the door and towards the garden area from which she could exit the estate grounds. She could hear the man continue his conversation but she chose distance over information. She almost hit a man in the shadows when she heard him move suddenly. But the man from the phone had moved this way too. She thought he might be following her. She needed to do something fast to explain her presence without causing more questions.

She pivoted to the other man and pulled him down by his tie. He seemed stunned by the sudden action but she kissed him before he had a chance to say anything. The alcohol now on her breath would be an incentive for most men. The man on the phone saw them and gave a look before heading the other way. She was so relieved she barely noticed that the man in front of her had pushed her against the wall but he had not returned the kiss. His eyes danced with amusement as she tried to slip away and then looked up at him when she realized she was trapped.

“That was some quick change back there,” he said. “You went from a Halloween costume to formalwear almost instantly.”

“I don’t know what you mean. I just stepped out for some air. I probably had too much to drink.” she forced herself to stumble over her words and then let out a breathy giggle.

“Nice cover. What did you find so interesting in the storage? You were in there awhile but your bag isn’t very big so you had something specific in mind.”

“I think there has been some mistake."

She tried to keep her voice slow and even, hoping that Plagg would take the opportunity to recharge. She didn't think it would be an issue, he couldn't see a wheel of cheese without eating it. She slid her arms up around the man's neck and tried to pretend it had no effect on her when he moved closer. Really she was just trying to get her back away from the wall. He slid his hands down to her hips and smirked at her. She tipped her face back up towards him but without waiting to see if he took the bait she pushed off from the wall and twisted out of his arms. She dropped low and swept his legs with her foot.

Her dress was perfectly capable of a quick get away but not quite as easy to fight in as the suit. The leg sweep caused him to stumble but he was much more agile and with much quicker reflexes than she had anticipated from a random guest at a society function. She would think it was just a Gotham thing, but she had actually lived here long enough to know that wasn’t the case. Most of the residents seemed to have very little interest developing skills to fight back. Perhaps they had seen what happened to those who fought back and would prefer to wait until the incident was over and hope they didn’t become a target.

She turned back to the man to decide whether she would have to fight him or if she could run away. But as he stumbled he reached out and grabbed her bag strap. He didn’t need to do anything else. He had what she had come for and he might even think he would find identifying information in there. He wouldn’t because she knew better, but he might hope. She tugged back on the strap and with the force of both of them it snapped.

Luckily it snapped with the small pouch on her side so she gave another yank to get the rest of the strap away as she turned and ran for the gate on the far side of the garden. She weaved in and out of all the obstacles hoping to slow down his larger frame. He would likely have the advantage if it were a straight shot but she intended to make it hard on him. She was still shocked when she made it to the gate and he wasn’t right behind her. She opened it just enough to slip out before closing it quietly behind her.

She stayed in the shadow along the wall making her plan for the best path through the grounds. If she could make it to the trees she should be able to get away without risking capture. She cursed as she bumped into something sticking out of the wall. It grabbed her arms and pushed her against the wall. She looked back up to see the same man. He must have chosen a different path through the garden while she was slowing herself down in an attempt to slow him down. His knee slid between hers pinning her dress to the wall and restricting her movements. He easily held her struggling wrists in one hand.

“That is some pretty coarse language coming out of that pretty mouth. Did you still want to kiss me?” He used his free hand to tilt her chin up.

“I was just doing that to create a distraction. Let me go.” She struggled against him but she couldn’t get loose.

“I think it could work. We should try it just to find out.”

“Are you the security here? Pretty sure you are supposed to take me to your leader rather than trying to seduce me.”

“You are giving me such mixed signals. I thought you wanted to seduce me.”

He had leaned down to whisper that in her ear. She froze as goosebumps covered her neck and arms. He used his free hand to trace with his fingers behind her ear, down her neck, and along her collar bone. He chuckled when she shivered. She adjusted just enough to lift her mouth up. He tilted his head down to her and their lips met. His lips slid against hers easily. She pushed herself against him as she slid her tongue against his lips. He granted her entrance and met her halfway. She was careful to give just enough attention to kissing him that he wouldn’t notice how she was moving.

She twisted each wrist gradually until she was very close to breaking his hold. But he suddenly shifted again and grasped her wrists with both hands. He didn’t break the kiss until her wrists were pinned on either side of her head, her bag still dangling from her left hand. “Nice try,” he said as his lips pulled away from hers. He brought her wrists together in one hand and pulled the bag from her. Her grasp slipped away and he suddenly released her. “You can go. Feel free to come back and try that again any time.”

She made a frustrated noise as he winked at her. She rushed at him but his arm blocked her far too easily. She had nothing to lose as he had already seen her detransform so she used her last resort. “Plagg, claws out,” she called. The sudden change and the bright light gave her the opportunity to use her staff to sweep his legs. When he went down she kicked him in the gut and used the staff to hit the purse from his grip. She didn’t wait to see his reaction; her priority was escape. She didn’t manage it though. His arm shot out and grabbed her leg before she could get out of his range. Damn his lightning reflexed.

She stumbled and turned to pull away from his grip. She extended her staff to push off but once again he defied the odds and had jumped up and tackled her. They rolled over, each of them fighting for dominance. Marinette lost the fight as she looked over to locate her purse. She had been on top but her split second attempt to determine her escape route gave him the ability to turn her over and plant his weight over her. He placed his knee painfully on her hip to limit her movement and held down her shoulders.

“Very Catwoman look. I like it. But you didn’t manage to land on your feet.”

“I didn’t have a chance to land. Some brute knocked me over and landed on top of me.”

“You were trying to kiss and run. We could get back to the kissing.”

“But you told me I could go.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “Did you change your mind?”

“I don’t think I ever want to let you go. But I don’t see the need to force you to stay. Whatever you stole won’t be going with you.”

He hauled her up and reached down for the purse again. She only had the one chance to use his lack of knowledge against him. So when he moved back up and held both her wrists together to pull her along with him, she let him. But as soon as he turned his face away she extended her staff lifting them both. She relied on his quick reflexes to protect him until she could get him in her grip. She vaulted them both away for the trees she had planned to use for her escape. She made several jumps into the trees until she found a good sturdy tree that looked like it would be easy to climb down from.

She dropped him in the high branches and took the purse back from him. He tried to hold on to it but she continued extending until she was out of his reach. She pushed forward to the next tree to talk to him while she was out of his reach.

“I really wish I had a reason to come back and try that trick again.”

“Am I not reason enough? You did already seduce me.”

“I’m pretty sure you were trying to seduce me. But my need to keep this safe would complicate that. I won’t return it.” She shook the purse to show what she was talking about.

“You did kiss me. Twice.”

“Sorry to kiss and run.”

She vaulted away. She trusted that he would easily manage to get down on his own. She didn’t notice that he had slipped out his camera to get pictures of her before she made her escape.

Taglist

@jasonette-july-event | @theymakeupfairies | @emjrabbitwolf | @vixen-uchiha | @trythisagainlove | @trippingovermyfeet | @tbehartoo | @adrestar | @zynna

[adventuresindolls]

May Photo Challenge!!

Our next photo challenge, #Daisies and Daffodolls, will begin on May 1st! It’s a creative, for fun, non-competitive daily challenge for you to share pictures of your doll(s). There will be a new prompt each day, listed below to give you a month to prepare, and you can participate in as many or as few days as you’re interested in. There is no judgement whatsoever, so please share regardless of how complex your props are, and don’t worry about posting a prompt late.

First of all, thank you so much to @desertdollranch​ for helping with the prompts, especially those surrounding AG birthdays and holidays, and for getting this whole photo challenge thing started back in September! And a huge thank you to @lesbianelizabethcole​ for designing all 5 banners!

The ground rules are the same as in October and December, but I’ll reiterate them for anyone that might be new. Tag all of your prompt posts with #daisies and daffodolls - all three words, complete with spaces. This will allow us to better find and share each other’s posts. You can organize your own posts however you want, but I recommend including the day’s prompt somewhere for context. Also feel free to post on other social medias if you want.

This is not a competition, and there are no prizes, but it should be a lot of fun. Feel free to use any size and brand of doll that you have! American Girl is very popular on doll tumblr, but all other types are welcome as well, including both established (historical or modern) characters and OCs. This could range from 18-inch dolls to Barbies to handmade dolls or porcelain dolls or even paper dolls.

I’ll reblog this post weekly until the beginning of May, and then begin each week of May with the prompt list for that week. Please find a list of all prompts below the cut.

5/1: The first day of each photo challenge is traditionally for seasonal fashion. Does your doll have a favorite spring outfit? Is it cool and light, or are they still bundled in a sweater for the chilly mornings?

5/2: Spring is all about new beginnings. Is your doll learning a new skill or trying a new activity this spring? Or maybe they just met a new person who became important in their life?

5/3: Today is National Textiles Day. Kirsten’s friends gave her a quilt they made after she missed school to help her family. Does your doll have any clothes or other items that are handmade? If not, do they make any textile items themselves? This could be something sewn, knitted, crocheted, or quilted.

5/4: May the 4th be with you! Does your doll like Star Wars? Who is their favorite character? What about other stories? Pick a hero from any movie, show, or book that your doll loves and have them act out a scene as that character.

5/5: Friends are forever. Who are your doll’s closest friends and what do they do together? Maybe they like to play board games or go to the mall or play pretend. Or maybe your doll is planning something special for their friend.

5/6: As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to head outside. Does your doll play sports, or do they prefer casual games with their friends? Maybe they like picnics or quiet hikes through the woods.

5/7: Happy birthday, Maryellen! Maryellen often feels overlooked in her large family, and she works hard to stand out and show her unique personality. What makes your doll special and unique?

5/8: It’s career day! What does your doll want to do when they grow up? Show them dressed up for and/or acting out their dream job.

5/9: Happy Mother’s Day! Addy and her mother escaped to freedom together, Caroline’s mother ran a shipyard, and Kirsten’s mother encouraged her not to lose heart. Does your doll have a special bond with their mother? How do they celebrate Mother’s Day? If they don’t have a mother or don’t have a good relationship with her, consider today a free space to show us something you really want to but that isn’t included in these prompts.

5/10:  Bugs are everywhere! We might avoid some of them, but others are welcomed. Lightning bugs, ladybugs, bumble bees, and dragonflies are a few happy spring bugs. Show your doll doing something bug-themed. They might take a net out to catch bugs or draw a picture of a bug or hold a ladybug they found. Be creative!

5/11: Parties are always fun! Is your doll going to any birthday parties or sleepovers this spring? Maybe they’re attending a wedding or some other celebration? What are their favorite party activities?

5/12:  Spring weather can be a relief after the cold and darkness of winter. What is the weather like where your doll is? Foggy? Rainy? Bright and sunny? Show your doll interacting with their local spring weather.

5/13: Everyone needs mentors and heroes. Who does your doll look up to? What have they learned from them or how do they honor them?

5/14: It’s the last day of the school year. What’s your doll’s favorite extracurricular activity or aspect of school that they’ll miss until next fall?

5/15: Happy birthday, Luciana! Luciana loves learning about space and wants to be an astronaut and go to Mars one day. Getting to space involves studying many different things, particularly various fields of science. Show your doll doing something related to space or science.

5/16: Today is National Do Something Nice for your Neighbor Day. What does your doll do that helps others or makes the world a better place?

5/17: Let’s try something different today! If your (OC or non-AG) doll had their own American Girl-style book series, what would be the central theme? What sort of things would happen to them? Show us at least one scene from this hypothetical series.

5/18: Beaches and swimming are iconic activities as the weather gets warmer and people have more free time. Rebecca and her family went to Coney Island for a picnic. Does your doll enjoy picnics, sunbathing, or sandcastles on the beach? Maybe they like to swim for exercise or hang out at the pool with friends? (I do not recommend putting your doll in a public chlorine pool)

5/19: Happy Birthday, Kit! Growing up seeing the effects of the Great Depression on people around her, Kit is determined to report on important things happening to real people. How does your doll relate to current events? Are they involved in activism or spreading awareness? Is there an important social issue that affects them personally or that they feel is very important? Or is there something good happening in the world that they like to think about?

5/20: Spring is a great time for tea parties. What’s in your doll’s teacup? Maybe they’re drinking a fancy tea, or maybe they prefer a refreshing glass of juice.

5/21: Spring is full of baby animals. Show your doll interacting with some sort of baby animal. (Safely! Please don’t grab a real squirrel or bunny!)

5/22: In December we celebrated Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day. I’d like to reprise that, but with a twist: this time, we’re headed into the future! The amount of time and what your doll finds in the future is completely up to you. What do they do while there?

5/23: Cakes and pies and ice cream, oh my! What is your doll’s favorite dessert?

5/24: There may be fewer holidays in spring than in December, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate! Does your doll celebrate Passover or Easter? Or maybe they prefer a more obscure spring holiday to liven things up? Show them participating in whatever celebration you like.

5/25: Yellow is the color of flowers and sunny days and ducklings. Show your doll wearing or using something yellow.

5/26: Happy birthday, Samantha! After her birthday party, Samantha hears Aunt Cornelia speak at a suffragette meeting in New York City. What is a cause that is important to your doll? Show them with a sign supporting or protesting something close to their heart. As an added challenge, use a cause unrelated to the current events prompt.

5/27: It’s summer vacation! What are some of your doll’s favorite activities now that they’re free from school? Alternatively, what are some of their favorite hobbies to do anytime?

5/28: Happy birthday, Cecile! For her birthday, Cecile’s brother Armand gave her a beautiful porcelain doll that looked like her. Does your doll have a favorite doll or toy?

5/29: Late spring and early summer is a great time to go on a road trip or vacation. Where is your doll traveling to, and what are they doing there? Or maybe their family chose a staycation this year - what new fun new things are they discovering close to home?

5/30: Today is National Water a Flower Day. Show your doll interacting with flowers or other plants.

5/31: What is your doll planning for this fall? What are they looking forward to when school starts again? Is a big change approaching as the seasons and leaves turn? What does the future hold for them?

[mentesimploria]

Dawn of Eve

The program is a social experiment run by Gretchen, she wants to prove that women can be better leaders than men. I don’t think Dawn of Eve is the first experiment that was based in an island, where the subjects needed to test their survival skills and try to work together to complete all milestones. At the end of the season, Leah learns that there’s another group of boys in the island, and that’s when we found out about the Twilight of Adam. There’s no evidence that the boys’ experiment is running at the same as the girls’, but we have some clues that might indicate that it happened some time ago, like a year.

1. On episode 3, we found out that Gretchen was voted out of her job at the university in the last fall (the events on the island are placed in 2020, so she lost her job in 2019).

2. On episode 7, after telling Linh that she isn’t working at the university anymore, Gretchen says she finally has time to focus on her project, she also mentions that she can’t wait to show them what bold measures can do.

3. Throughout the whole season we see Gretchen struggling to keep the experiment running, how hard she’s trying to find financiers for her project. *this is totally my opinion, but it would make zero sense if the U.S Army were involved in the experiment, like, if they were why would she be the one getting financiers for the project?  

4. When talking to Leonard, Gretchen says the girls found milestone 8 two weeks before her projections.

5. The Adam of Twilight’s file says: Control Group. From where I see it, Gretchen is using the boys’ experiment to compare with hers. It may be the one she was voted out of; but we can’t know yet.

When she chose the girls:

·         Gretchen was voted out in August, 2019*

*okay, so I don’t know if they fucked it up or not, but some things just don’t make sense in their timeline. Ex: Gretchen and Linh met each other. Linh asks when she was gonna get fired from the university. Gretchen says that the board will take a vote in two weeks. When Gretchen’s at the bar where Linh works, there’s a poster dating August 23. So either they messed it up, or after she was voted out something else happened, during fall. Gretchen and Linh meeting each other in august fits in their timeline.

·         Linh learns the girls’ names, and who they are, one month after she joins Gretchen’s team. {on episode 7, Thom says she has been with them for only a month}

·         Nora was the first one approached by Gretchen. I’ve already made a post about her, but to sum it up: Nora met Quinn during summer session in 2019, in September she found out about his death and met Gretchen in October.

·         Dot was the second one to find out about the retreat, her dad gave it to her as a Christmas gift, in 2019 (obviously).

·         Shelby was the third one, her dad changed his mind about the permanent teeth procedure after the pageant competition (that happened maybe after January?).

·         Leah was the fourth one, her parents decided to send her to the retreat during Spring in 2020, after the accident. (Leah’s mom mentions to the doctor that “last winter was so hard”; also, Leah met Jeff when she was 16).

·         Fatin was the fifth one, and we know that because she was at the party on the night of Leah’s accident.

 Martha and Toni are a mystery. Lol. Don’t even know why they picked Toni. Maybe it was because of Martha?

How Gretchen selected the girls:

I stand by my opinion that Gretchen chose them based on their age, I mean, aside from the fact that they’re from different states, race and social class. All the girls are 17 years old and none of them are turning 18 during the experiment.

The information we got so far about the girls:

Leah is 17 years old, she met Jeff when she was 16 during Spring in 2019, they “broke up” months later, on Summer. Leah’s car accident happened one year after she met him. Her birthday is on September 5.

Rachel and Nora are 17, their birthday is on November 4;

Nora took summer sessions in June-July, 2019. She and Quinn broke up in August. Nora found out about Quinn’s death in late September. She met Gretchen in October.

Rachel’s episode was a little bit confusing for me, I don’t know if the flashbacks were in chronical order or not. But there are a lot of things that we don’t know about her. When did she know she wasn’t going to Standford. Did something happen, after Quinn died, and that’s why Nora agreed on being part of the experiment?

Fatin is 17 years old. We don’t have that much information about her aside from the fact that she’s a great cellist, loves to party and had a great relationship with her dad. She found out about his affairs during Spring in 2020.

Dot is 17 years old, for Christmas gift her dad wanted her to go to Hawaii for summer camp, he died during Spring. Shelby mentions that Dot hasn’t taken a picture for the yearbook since sophomore year. She met Gretchen during Spring (2020).  

Toni’s 17 years old, she met Regan in 2018, after they broke up, she moved in with Martha and her mom.

Martha’s 17 years old, she was shot in February, 2012 and she was 10 years old. She had physical therapy from March 16, 2012 until January 22, 2013. In 2013,  she won the 39th Annual Powwow contest when she was 11. Also, Martha perjured herself in 2018.

Shelby’s 17 years old, I think her birthday is in November because that’s when she mentions if she can have permanent teeth procedure before the winter pageant competition, she could even start it in the next month (December), and since their parents want her to turn 18 she must’ve thought she could do it 1 year later. The winter in the U.S ends in February, so Shelby must’ve kissed Becca sometime in January and the pageant competition and Becca’s death happened in February.

That means: Gretchen didn’t choose Shelby because she was gay, or Fatin didn’t end up in the island just because she decided to leak her dad’s private information or Nora because Quinn died. Gretchen had already chosen the girls way before all that shit happened. Now, there’s a chance of Gretchen knowing about Jeff and Leah. We know that one of the reasons why she chose Martha was because of what happened to her when she was a kid. Maybe Fatin’s, Leah’s and Shelby’s parents belong, somehow, to Gretchen’s circle of friends and that’s how she convinced them.

This is what I have theorized so far from what they showed us in Season 1. There are still a ton of things that are yet to be proven and confirmed and we’ll just have to wait for Season 2 to further investigate them. Until then, let’s just enjoy the #shoni content that Mia has been feeding us on Instagram.

[whatiwillsay]

what really inspired the babe music video though...

So if you’ve read my babe mv analysis you know it’s one of the world’s loudest and best gaylor proofs in existence.  What I want to explore here however is why 5-6 years after Swiftgron was over, is Taylor digging up the grave another time to drag her ex.  

Seriously stop and think about it.  Why on God’s gay earth did Taylor decide to Swiftgron her ass off in 2018.   When she’s supposedly moved on to the London Lover and happy? The simplest explanation is that Babe is about Dianna so Taylor made sure people knew that.  And hey that’s completely possible. 

However it’s Christmas and I’m feeling generous so buckle up for some crack and reaching.  (read: this is mostly a joke post so don’t come for my neck for playing around and making it. if you don’t like it don’t read✌️)

What if Taylor painting herself as the desperate other woman in this music video all about Dianna has a meaning further than it just worked out like that?  What if Dianna was cheating on Winston with Taylor in a late stage illicit Swiftgron affair 👀👀👀????  (no I don’t think IA is about dianna, she doesn’t take runs)

Taylor said herself that “the narrative is never truly over” about her and Dianna so right after she and Karlie broke up why wouldn’t we expect a Swiftgron fling:

Babe was released in late spring of 2018 so let’s try and pin down when this Swiftgron tomfoolery could have taken place...

We know Dianna was in London at the beginning of 2017 (with Carey Mulligan no less, a friend of Taylor’s!)

Thanks to @swiftiesleuth​‘s (who is probably going to make fun of me for this theory but THAT’S FINE W ME) realistic Kaylor Timeline we know Taylor was hiding out in London at this point in time as well:

3 January 2017 - Taylor diaries that she’s “essentially based in London” and that “we have been together and no one has found out for three months.” (This could be three months with Joe from September 28 OR three months from Tily’s Halloween party. Either way, not Karlie).

8 January 2017 - Taylor and Zayn film the I Don’t Wanna Live Forever MV in London.

So the question is, can we build a theory about Swiftgron having a late stage affair simply because they were in the same city at the same time?  Well if Kaylors can claim Kaylor got engaged solely because Taylor was not papped while Karlie went on vacation then I say YES!  Tis the damn season!!!

Let’s look at social media clues.  Dianna seemed to be in on Rep promo.  You want proof?  Well what else could she have meant when she posted a photo captioned “please don’t eat the daisies” a few months after the London affair. We know Karlie called Taylor daisy so perhaps social media criminal mastermind Dianna “queen of shade” Agron was trying to humiliate Karlie because Karlie smirked at her at that fashion show in 2015:

Emboldened by her own crimes she then flexed her insider knowledge of Rep promo by posting video of her singing on instagram with the caption “Zombie Love” a mere three days before Taylor appeared in the LWYMMD music video dressed as a zombie in the OOTW (a song about Dianna) dress.  Why is Taylor a zombie in specific outfit?  Because Swiftgron is back from the dead of course:

Not only that but in the music video she buries the Taylor in the met gala dress from 2014.  She attended that met gala with Karlie.  RIP KAYLOR LONG LIVE SWIFTGRON!??!?

Now positively DRUNK with power, Dianna seems to stalk Karlie to an event only to tauntingly call her goooeeoeoeooueuueugoussssssss to her face, the queen of manipulation and psychological warfare has struck again!!!  This happens in Feb 2018 a mere matter of weeks before babe is dropped as a single.

We of course know Dianna admits to her own commitment issues on instagram two days before Babe drops but what if she is referencing her commitment issues not with Taylor but with her husband Winston because she is cheating on him with Taylor at this point in time or did some time in 2017???

Taylor releases babe and then later the music video seeming to be screaming to the whole world that yes she is cucking Winston Marshall and she wants you, your mom, and your cat to know about it!

Dianna voices her support of this by posting this to her IG stories at the end of May:

We know Taylor’s symbol was a snake during the rep era and she couldn’t trust just about anyone but, Dianna was letting her know to trust in her!!!

I’ve always suspected DBATC is a Swiftgron song due to the lyrics “i look through the windows of This Love, even though we boarded them up” -that references the flood that happened in Clean that taylor says she and the London Lover (or Karlie) boarded up the windows of after the storm in CIWYW.  

I see you everywhere The only thing we share Is this small town

What if “i see you everywhere” is literal? because they’re sneaking around and actually seeing one another in a literal since?

My heart, my hips, my body, my love Trying to find a part of me that you didn't touch

Sounds like an affair to me!!!

When she says “the morning comes and you’re not my baby” she’s saying speaking present day because Dianna is still married to Winston.

and while Dianna seems to love rubbing Karlie’s face in it, like the evil villain we all know she is, Taylor likewise seems to like to rub Winston’s cuck status in his face in it since she adds a song he wrote about Dianna to her me! playlist in June of 2019:

look at the other songs she taunts him with “glad he’s gone”, “just friends”, “hey, ma”, “open my mouth”!! she’s sick!!!

Winston has had enough of this and he and Dianna split in July of 2019 though it doesn’t go public for a year.

To add insult to injury (and to personally attack tumblr kaylors all over the world) Taylor performs false god at SNL, a song she wrote about her and Dianna’s late stage affair with Dianna in attendance. 

So in summation, perhaps Taylor is referencing Dianna so much recently because they hooked up more recently than 2013 and that’s why Taylor paints herself as the other woman in the Babe mv and has become obsessed with adultery lately.  Because maybe Dianna was cheating on Winston with her 😌😌😌.

[sfb123]

TRR Book 3, Chapter 6: A Retelling

Pairing: Liam x Riley

Warnings: None, tame fluff piece. Some allusion to 🍋 but noting even remotely racy.

Word Count: 1,316

Author’s Note: This is my first story ever. I had an idea to take the spa scene from TRR3 and re-tell it from the perspective of Maxwell, Drake, and Hana after Liam and Riley sneak off for some alone time. I hope you all enjoy it. Shout out to @bebepac for looking it over for me and providing some super helpful feedback!!!

The Tag list is just my Taste of Cordonia tag list, plus a couple of sweethearts who have been so kind and encouraged me to write (and who talked me off a ledge last night when I was panicking about posting this). If you want to be added or removed for future fics, just let me know!

Tag List: @txemrn, @kingliam2019, @anjanettexcordonia, @texaskitten30, @twinkleallnight, @mile9213, @kittypryde-bipride, @motorcitymademadame, @kat-tia801, @bebepac

It was an emotional day at Applewood Manor, seeing the orchards completely destroyed was like a punch in the stomach to everyone. They were able to make it through the press conference and tree planting without issue. The mood quickly turned for the better once they invited little Jiro and Camellia to join them for a game of soccer in the Manor’s Courtyard. A game that proved to be exhausting and strenuous, which led Maxwell to suggest returning to the spa they had visited after the barn raising. A little relaxation was absolutely needed, and that was exactly what they were going to get, especially considering Madeline turned down the invitation Maxwell felt obligated to extend with her standing there as they made the plans.

Once they arrived, they split off into the designated changing areas, and met back up in the co-ed room. They each entered the pool and grabbed a glass of the complimentary cider that had been set out for them. The realization soon hit them, that the cider was likely made with apples from the now defunct orchard, which brought the mood down, once again. In the sake of keeping things light, they quickly changed the subject with a toast to the orchard, the Cordonian citizens, and “the best friends in the whole world,” which led Riley and Maxwell into one of their signature bits about how loveable they were. Once the toast was completed, Liam effortlessly slid beside Riley. The two of them started whispering and making those eyes at each other. Soon after that, they climbed out of the pool and started heading out the door.

Maxwell caught them exiting out of the corner of his eye, “Hey, where are those two going?”

“Do you really have to ask?” Drake replied, as he finished off his glass of sparkling cider.

“But this is supposed to be friend time. No cliques!” Maxwell protested. He loved having this tight group of friends, and he knew once Riley and Liam got married, moments like this would be few and far between. Riley would be thrust into the role of Queen, which would give his best friend much less time for movie nights and karaoke parties. He thought the Unity Tour would give them one last hurrah as a group. That wasn’t going to happen if Liam and Riley kept sneaking away.

“Maxwell,” Hana turned to face him “They’re both going through a lot right now. I’m sure they just need a moment.” She laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“As much as all of this sucks for us, think of how it is for them. We all saw first hand how hard they had to fight to be together, the hell they both went through. They finally get that, and announce their engagement, and it gets overshadowed by these attacks.” Drake explains, matter of factly.

“On top of that, Liam hasn’t been King for that long, I can imagine he’s taking these attacks very personally, and doubting himself as a ruler.” Hana added.

“Exactly. Liam’s pretty comfortable turning off that King stuff with us, and just being himself. But since the attacks, I can see that the wall isn’t fully coming down. If anyone can change that, it’s Brooks. He needs this, they both do.”

“Yea, I guess you’re right. More pool space for the rest of us!” Maxwell hopped out of the pool and slowly backed up, a grin spreading across his face.

“Beaumont, don’t you--” before Drake could finish his warning, Maxwell charged full speed toward the pool.

“CANNONBALL!!!” Maxwell hugged his knees in and flew through the air. The water displaced and the huge splash completely drenched Drake and Hana.

Drake grimaced as he pushed the wet hair out of his face, Hana laughed and applauded Maxwell's less than graceful, dive. The three friends sat in the pool area a bit longer, joking and chatting and reminiscing about the good times they had all shared since Liam’s social season. Drake glanced up at the clock and realized how late it was getting.

“We should probably head out. They’re going to be closing soon.” Drake stepped out of the pool they had been relaxing in, and grabbed a towel. Maxwell and Hana agreed, drying themselves off and heading back towards the changing rooms.

As they walked down the hall, Hana asked “What about Riley and Liam? We don’t know where they went.”

Maxwell heard some muffled noises coming from one of the saunas, he slowed down and pressed his ear to the door. He paused, his eyes went wide and his face started to turn red.

“What happened, Maxwell? What’s going on?” Drake looked concerned, and sped up his pace to meet him at the door.

“I...uh...I think I found them.” Maxwell started to giggle.

As Drake’s ear hits the door, it is met with a deep groan from the other side. “Yup, that’s them alright.” He shook his head as he stepped away and continued walking.

Maxwell knocks on the door “Hey, get a room, you two!”

He and Hana giggled as they went on their way.

A few minutes later, Liam joined Drake and Maxwell in the men’s changing area. “Well, I’m feeling relaxed.”

“I’ll bet you are.” Drake replied, raising an eyebrow at his friend.

“Yes, sorry about that, we seem to have gotten a bit carried away.” Liam replied sheepishly.

“Meh, it’s not like it’s the first time we’ve heard that. You guys get carried away a lot.” Drake shrugged.

Liam looked up at his friends with an expression of shock and confusion.

“Yea, we went camping with you guys in France, remember?” Maxwell said, nudging Liam with his elbow.

“...and you assigned me to the room next to Brooks when we were in Applewood for your engagement tour.” Drake added.

“Ok, ok, so we haven’t been quite as discreet as we thought we were. You’ve made that point very clear. Thank you.” Liam’s face was bright red, as he turned to his locker and took his clothes out to change.

Maxwell and Drake continued to give him a hard time as they finished getting their things together, and soon they headed out of the changing area to meet up with Riley and Hana, who were already in the lobby waiting for them. As soon as Riley saw the three men walking towards them her cheeks turned pink and her eyes fell to the floor.

“Brooks.” Drake nodded.

“Blossom,” Maxwell winked and nudged Riley’s shoulder.

“Hey guys.” Riley mumbled, barely above a whisper, clasping her hands behind her back.

Hana followed Drake and Maxwell to the door, Liam stepped up to Riley and put his arm around her shoulders, as they started to walk towards the exit.

“Are you alright, love?” Liam inquired, rubbing his hand up and down her arm to soothe her.

“Liam, they HEARD us. It’s so embarrassing!” she looked up at him, and the horror in her eyes made Liam chuckle.

“I don’t know if this will make you feel better or worse, but apparently, this wasn’t the first time.” He pulled her closer.

“I know! Hana said that every time we go missing the guys place bets on which one of us comes back more disheveled. And by the way...worse, it definitely makes me feel worse.” Riley grumbled with a deep sigh.

“Would you like to stop sneaking away from events? It’s certainly not my preferred solution, but I will do whatever makes you happy.” He stopped walking and turned to face her.

“No! Of course not! Sneaking away is my favorite part of events! Maybe we could just try to put a little more emphasis on the sneaking part.” Riley suggested with a shy smile.

“As you wish, my Queen.” Liam kissed her forehead, and took her hand in his before continuing out the door.

[heloflor]

Me : “I don’t think I should write characters that are explicitly neurodivergent because I don’t know that much about neurodiversity and I never take the time to know more. If I were to make a character who happens to have neurodivergent traits and call them neurodivergent, I might get it wrong and I don’t want to give a fic with bad or stereotypical representation in it, it’s unfair for those who can and wish to identify with the character. So if I write about a character that the fandom sees as neurodivergent, I will simply try to write them close to their canon personality; and if they happen to have traits that people can identify, I’ll just let other people do their own headacanons around it without touching on the topic myself.”

Also me :  “So :

- Vinnie Dakota absolutely adores animals. In the future, all animals are extinct, so in order to see animals, you either get a robot pet or you pay to have some time in a “place simulation” room and order it to simulate a field with holographic animals. Dakota learned about animals through books and often went to the simulation place or bough some stickers and other stuff from the rare places that still sold animal merch. He never got a robotic pet or never kept it for long because it’s too dull compared to a real animal, or should I say his thoughts of real animals.

- During his first mission, Dakota was ecstatic to see animals for the first time and, after the mission, spent a few hours looking at and petting the ones he could. In his house in the future, he has a room in which he displays animal-related stuff he got from his missions through time, like art or figurines or ornaments or even plushies etc. He might also sometimes take pictures of animals and put them with the souvenir he got from the same mission. He takes extra care of the stuff he has in this room and organizes it a certain way. He has the money to have a place with several rooms : as we see in “Picture Day”, once they got fired, Cavendish and Dakota had the money to go to Hawaii for an entire week and without knowing when and how they will get a new job, since Bob Block met them as they were about to leave for their vacation. Also Cavendish mentioned studying for 20 cycles, so this job doesn’t seem like a given. So being a time traveler seems to pay well.

- When he and Cavendish started dating (I headcanon them as starting to date 2 years after meeting a marrying 3 years later, so 5 years after meeting), everytime they went through a century they never or barely visited, Dakota would get a random souvenir, not always animal-related, along with a picture of either him, Cavendish or both of them. He puts these souvenirs and pictures in a different part of the room. The picture we see in their car in “Fungus Among Us” is from a mission in a place they visited before, but Dakota found the situation too funny to not take a picture.

- Every celebration (holidays, birthdays, dates important to them), Cavendish and Dakota would give each other gifts. Dakota always tries to find something related to Professor Time while Cavendish forces himself to break a few rules and go back in time without being ordered to so he can find something animal-related to Dakota. Dakota is always genuinely happy about these gifts, though he learned not to tease Cavendish about the whole “breaking the rules” situation. Those gifts are either stuff like fossils or skulls/bones or they’re stuff related to the culture of the time-period like watching tournaments in ancient Rome.

- When the two get married and buy a place together, Dakota makes sure it has a room large enough to put his growing collection. As time went by, it started to be less about animals and more about what they find during their missions, though the animal part is still very much there. Dakota refers to the room as “The memory room” while Cavendish calls it “Vinnie’s room”. Cavendish doesn’t spend that much time in it, though he absolutely loves the feeling of reminiscence the collection gives him. If he has guests at home, he tries to keep them away from the room. He knows how important it is for Dakota and doesn’t want it to be disrupted. Cavendish tried to get into Dakota’s passion but, while he found some stuff to be interesting, he’s not really into it compared to Dakota.

- After the events of the episode “We’re Going to the Zoo”, Dakota brought back tickets for his collection, along with a picture of him holding squirrels in his arms while another one has its head coming out of Dakota’s pants, near his feet. Dakota went back to the zoo several times and ended up learning what every animal was and in which section of the zoo they were.

- When the two are fired and banned, they only get like an hour to pack all their stuff. So Dakota uses some future deus ex machina technology, making their house surrounded by a barrier that only the two of them can open. That way, nobody can touch the house and, if they were to be able to go back to the future, which seems to be the case if season 2 was already thought of when “A Christmas Peril” was made, Dakota could find his collection intact, along with the rest of the house.

- Once stuck in the past, Dakota kind of gave up on doing a collection. They don’t have enough space and the realization that Cavendish could now die anytime put a lot on stress on him and most of his thoughts were on Cavendish. This stress started to dim out after the events of the second half of the season, when Dakota realized that maybe the world was done trying to get rid of Cavendish, given how the man was able to survive alone for about a month. During the first celebration they had since getting banned, Cavendish bought something animal-related as usual and it led Dakota to wish to start a collection again. Given the space and their current situation, this collection would mostly be pictures that he can keep in an album in a drawer. Cavendish would probably be the one to buy the album after realizing that Dakota started taking random pictures again.

- At some point, Cavendish learns that there’s a petting zoo in Danville and decides to use it as a birthday gift/surprise. Dakota has never been more in love with him than during the moment when he stepped out of the car and saw the place’s sign (with the exception of their wedding and honeymoon).

 …aaaannnd I just made Dakota have an hyperfixation, didn’t I ?

Though, to be honest, I really do want to write characters that are diverse, not only in terms of sexuality like I already do but also in upbringing and neurodiversity. Thing is, to write a neurodivergent character, I need to have the answer to these questions : How often do they stim ? What are the most common stims and what is and isn’t considered as such, aka what does the character does in the show that seems to be a stim ? How does the character acts/should act with others ? Which social cues do they understand ? Which ones do they not understand ? How to write a character that you can tell is neurodivergent without having to make them scream ‘I’m not neurotypical’; with instead having the only ‘confirmation’ of it being in the tags ? How to make them very excited about something without falling into the ‘autistic people are children’ stereotype ?

As long as I can’t answer these questions, I refuse to be an idiot and try to write about something I know I will mess up. And while I do have the curiosity and will to learn more, if not simply because I’m curious about neurodiversity, don’t expect me to write about it anytime soon. Right now my priority is to ‘digitalize’ all the dozen fics I wrote on paper (two of them had been in my writing pile for two years, and several for a year) while making the eventual post that comes to mind like this one.”

Edit : So a few weeks after making that post, I started to learn more about neurodiversity because being autistic makes you curious to know what kinds of behaviors are due to you not being neurotypical. And, as it had been pointed out, I’m not using the correct term here. I didn’t give Dakota a hyperfixation but a special interest. From what I understand, the difference is that hyperfixations stick to you constantly for a while (a few weeks or months), leading you to easily hyperfocus on the topic, before you suddenly start to get less invested in that interest. On the other hand, special interests can stick for months or sometimes years. And even if you’re not constantly thinking about your interest, it’s still there in a corner of your mind and you never get tired of it and keep the knowledge you accumulated to talk about it anytime.

So yeah, I gave Dakota a special interest. The reason why I thought it was a hyperfixation is because I see this term be very often associated with ADHD and a lot of people see Dakota as having ADHD. But still, my bad for mixing up the two. And the reason I didn’t edit the post sooner is because it kind of slipped out of my mind until I made a new post today that mentions this one. Sorry for that too.

[windblooms]

matchups.

hihi :’) way overdue – but here are the matchup requests that i received.  please check for yours below if it was sent in!  ctrl+f on desktop for your mbti/zodiac, or something you remember adding in if the post is too long to scroll through.

Hello! I'm INFP and 98% Type 4 & 92% Type 9. I'm a sun Pisces & moon Aquarius. I'm fairly introverted but can be kinda silly if I'm trying to be social. I'm also empathetic & sympathetic with plenty of self-confidence issues. My main hobbies are playing games, looking into social issues, thinking about game characters,etc. I keep bouncing between visions but Geo might be fitting since current Geo characters are a little more on the introverted side. Not sure if I'm late but wanted to try <3 I'm the INFP Pisces & Aquarius Geo asker and forget to mention that I'd like 1 platonic and 1 romantic!

romantic match-up: kaeya.

although it might be odd at first to pair him with a sensitive and introverted soul such as yourself, on the contrary, kaeya won’t have any issues relating to your emotional nature, even if outwardly it doesn’t seem so (behind his light-hearted and diplomatic dialogue, he’s got a transactional relationship with the knights he’s “loyal” to; his own brother is distasteful towards him; and he’s got an agenda that goes against everything he currently lives with.)  he’ll get a knack out of teasing you when the mood is fitting, and while he may not be the one to give you the best of pep-talks, his self-assured disposition does have its uses: confident words soothe over the creases of your worries and troubling thoughts, and when things are more light-hearted, the two of you will bounce off of each others’ playful mannerism.

platonic match-up: barbara.

barbara is a sweetheart who’s incredibly devoted to both her companions and her aspirations.  wholesome and energetic, she’s sure to keep you on your toes dancing, whether it be about how beautiful it is outside or the potential of a rainbow after a storm.  while she’s a clear extrovert, barbara is also insightful to the feelings of others – after all, an idol must understand her crowd! – so she’s sure to dial down the energy if you’re ever feeling weary that day.

hihi !! can i please submit myself for the matchups ? i'm intp-t, scorpio sun and leo moon. i'm 5'11, female, and am described to be a very energetic person. i like to think optimistically and have a special love for philosophy and chemistry !! my hobbies include reading and writing - i've also recently picked up baking. i think i would have a hydro vision in genshin - hydro users tend to be healers, and i think that's something i would specialize in. can i please have 2 romantic matchups 🥺

i'm the scorpio sun leo moon intp matchup ask !! i forgot to mention that my enneagram type is seven, sorry 😔

romantic match-ups: childe/tartaglia and jean. 

childe hyperfixates on individuals he deems strong.  while this usually translates into people who have experience on the battle field, in your case, he finds it admirable that you’re able to keep up with so many hobbies and interests.  your thirst for new experiences and stimuli is akin to his own sense of adventure, and your devotion to each and every one of them resonates with his own conviction to his aspirations.  you’re strong mentally, and when you interact, he always has to dedicate himself to you fully in order to keep up; there’s never a dull moment when you’re around him.

a workaholic in denial, jean’s position as acting grand master never gives her a break.  she’ll insist that she’s fine, that she’s content with her oversight of the knights, that they are her priority.  and while this is true, when you talk about how your interests range from chemistry to baking, it’ll remind her of the time she doesn’t have to do “normal people things.”  again, not that she’s miserable with the knights, far from it – it’s just that your life and spontaneity reminds her of the things outside of the knights that she wishes she could do, too.  your genuine energy never fails to make her smile – perhaps you were who she’s been waiting for.

hi, congrats on the 1k followers! i really enjoy your writing and i’m glad to see that you’re doing well! i hope the rest of 2021 goes well for you!

for the matchup event, i’d like one platonic and one romantic relationship. i'm an infp, 6w5, scorpio sun and virgo moon. my attention span isn’t the best and i’m an impulsive dumbass, but i still manage to get good grades somehow. i try to be sociable, but i have a habit of clamming up so i usually just end up sticking to the people i know. i’m kinda all or nothing with the effort i put into things; i run out of steam pretty easily so i tend to leave things unfinished, which i hate, but sometimes i’ll go wild and finish a semester-long project in one afternoon. overall, i really like helping others and being seen as reliable! i was really dependent on others in the past, and although i still kinda am now, i’m trying to be someone others can depend on.

as for hobbies, i mostly just play video games and scary stories. i’m also into a lot of crafts, particularly knitting and bracelet-making. i find the motions relaxing, but i enjoy it the most when i have someone to make things for.

as for my vision, i think hydro suits me best because it seems more support-oriented overall, which is the kind of role i’d like to have. however, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be used to do some serious damage if needed.

has lots of energy that’s hard to direct, but can plow through things they set their mind to.  likes security of things they know, and wants to give security as well.  creative outlets.  seems a bit finicky?  but insightful with their own emotions. 

romantic match-up: mona.

outwardly stubborn but inwardly self-critical, mona has dedicated her entire life to the stars, and it shows: her masterful grip on astrology is nothing to scoff at, and she’s arguably the most practiced mage in all of teyvat.  at first, she’ll be baffled at your impulsiveness and “lack of focus”: how will you ever get anything done? she’ll wonder.  but when you prove her time and time again that you can plow right through an obstacle just like scissors through paper, so long as it seizes your interest, she’ll take moments to think about her own outlook on life.  when she realizes your comfort in abstract, artistic past-times, she might ask cutely for you to teach her.  surely, if she can talk to the stars, she can make bracelets . . . ?  o-of course they’d be for you!  who else would they be for, if not someone she deems endearing.

platonic match-up: beidou. 

the personification of a tidal wave, beidou’s ferocity hits hard and leaves a mark.  the two of you will find it easy to bounce off of each others’ ideas – maybe even concerningly so to the rest of the crew – and hell, she might even sway you to sneak into a hilichurl village to steal some carrots if it’ll provide for some overdue fun.  lots of  pats  slaps on the back, and she’ll always beckon you over when she learns about something new, thinking that you might find it interesting, and when she wants someone else’s input.  she trusts your judgement like family, and knows that you’ve always got her.

hi! i would like to request a genshin character matchup (2 romantic). my mbti is infj and enneagram 2. i am a cancer sun and aries moon. i am calm and reliable, but i do have a mischievous side and use a lot of dry humor. when it comes to having fun, i like to enable others! i am also deeply passionate about community service. my hobbies include yarn crafting. my genshin vision would be cryo because i am highly motivated by love/emotion, can come off as cold, and love the ice aesthetic! tysm!

romantic match-ups: diluc and lisa.

often broody and contemplative, diluc has a whirlwind of thoughts in that hard head of his.  through your first interactions, he’ll piece together your intense devotion towards your loved ones and willingness to help others.  he’ll warn you that you should take time to consider yourself, too, and that it shouldn’t always be give, give, give, but those same traits in you that he worries about are the same qualities that draw him in.  once, too, he was as uninhibited as you, had the same energy.  perhaps it’s because you’re both so similar, both in internal hopes and mannerisms, is why he finds it easier to loosen up – even if he doesn’t immediately let go of that deadpan attitude of his when he knows you can come back just as hard.

she’s enthralled by your willingness to engage in her banter.  often, those she teases (flirtatiously or otherwise) leave with a red face and an adorable stutter, but it just so happens that you’re one to fluster her instead.  it’s been a long time since she’s met someone who can keep her guessing, yet is incredibly insightful to themselves and those around them.  she finds your qualities of fun and sincerity to be charming.  you’re a breath of fresh air compared to the stern knights she’s around all day, and she looks forward to meeting you after work, conversing with you as you walk down mondstadtian streets and eat over dinner.  there’s never a dull quip from your lips, and she’d love to hear everything on your mind.

hii hope I'm not making this too hard on u lol one romantic and one platonic please! either gender is fine I'm bi as Hecc mbti: enfp-t sun taurus moon aries I think my vision would be cryo because people say it's connected to loss and I've lost some pretty important people to me and also. I hate the heat I really like cards, wolves and the stars, my hobbies include working with robots and the general aesthetic of the mid 2000s, my favorite season is winter and I love buying ppl gifts ♡

platonic match-up: chongyun. 

immediately, your avoidance of heat and affinity to the calm will give him someone to relate to, and your attraction to the abstract will pique his interests.  (perhaps, once he’s become more confident with his exorcist abilities, he could pick up some of your hobbies?)  your practicality, in contrast to his often self-critical mindset, will ground him in times of need, and he’ll always ask you if he can help you out in return.  while he looks up to you as an individual, he’s honored to also be your friend, or at least someone you devote time to.

romantic-matchup: ningguang.

you both understand sacrifices and loss.  while it’s a rather bleak realization upon getting to know each other, your rationality and perseverance despite the past stirs her respect for you; your mindsets are incredibly alike, and she’ll often input your reasoning into her plans, and deem you a trusted associate of the liyue qixing.  in her demanding position, you are someone she can readily relate to and rely on.  in times when things are less hectic and the two of you can more freely relax, she’ll indulge in a shopping spree with you.  as someone who’s intimate with her in both profession and emotional relations, she’d love to show her gratitude. 

hi! i'd like to participate on the match up event!

i'm an infp, and also type six on the enneagram test, my sun sign is aries and my moon sign is pisces. i like arts in general with my favourite ones being music and painting, but i also enjoy writing and i spend a lot of time songwriting! also as a person i'm rlly clumsy and i kind of look mean bc of my resting bitch face lol. i think my vision would be anemo because i think it can be really useful in many ways and i like the reactions it has with other visions. i'd like two romantic match ups! i hope this was understandeable, as my english isn't the best. thank you! 💌

romantic-matchups: mona and zhongli.

mona will find your interest in the arts intriguing.  you always seem to get ideas at the most random of times, often startling her with how active your mind is.  and despite how she doesn’t reply much in return – she’s not versed in words or drawings, even if she won’t verbally admit it – you seem to be satisfied with her . . . reactions?  even if the most she can relate them to is astrology, it seems to be enough for you, so long as she isn’t uptight that day.  your creativity and attraction to the abstract gives her comfort: there aren’t many people in mondstadt who appreciate her profession, so even if you aren’t into the exact same things, she’ll at least know that there’s someone who looks forward to seeing her.

on his quest to “learn what being a human” is, zhongli encounters a myriad of occupations.  typically, the people of liyue are wound up with economics and realism, but your joy in the possibilities – how you can convey your emotions, through what mediums – of life has to offer reminds him of humanity.  with you, he’ll explore what mortals call “the small things” in life: akin to the spark of appreciation for flying lanterns, autumn-colored lights at night, feelings of wonder – that’s what you instill in him. 

hello!! id like a matchup please!! im an INTP-T and im Type 5,, im capricorn sun and libra moon. im a reserved person and kind of angry all the time,, and i get overwhelmed easily. im not that good with affection,, but me actually welcoming you into conversation or my room or smthn, or actually responding to you means something. im just scared to be open with affection because its always done me wrong in the past. anyways,, id like a platonic matchup and romantic matchup please!! thank u and congrats!!🥳🥳❤️❤️

hello,, im that Capricorn sun libra moon anon,,, very sorry to disturb you,,, but i didn’t mention what my vision would be!! i think id be pyro,, ive always been a bit cold or i usually shun people away,, so i think id be cryo!!!! or maybe hydro because im constantly having a mental breakdown LMAO(but i fr think id be cryo)

platonic match-up: sucrose.

while she’s constantly on-edge from work, sucrose will always make time to check on her dear friend.  after all, you do the same for her, even if you insist that you might not have the right words ready.  “partners in stress,” kaeya would teasingly dub the two of you as, but you don’t pay mind to him.  as quiet and reserved individuals, you find tranquility within each others’ company.  

romantic match-up: venti.

whimsical and regarded as a mere bard by most, venti puts up a convincing front.  but it’s just that: a front.  the real venti is concealed by a chipper voice and mercurial agenda, when underneath, there’s a solemn musician who’s burdened.  you’ll most likely be off-put by his facade, as he’s trained himself to constantly be lively – comes with being a performer – but will soon find that he understands your turmoil.  he’s not the best with sentimental words, but will instead convey his sympathies through strums of his lyre.  while it isn’t obvious that there’s security in freedom, he’ll be sure to encourage you that there’s a way.

Hello Al! For the match-up event would it be possible for me to ask for 1 romantic and 1 platonic? As for my MBTI I am an INFJ-T. As for the ennseagram I am 98% type five and 90% type 6. I am a Taurus sun and an Aquarius moon. I tend to come off as polite and often times a bit shy/reserved irl. I love learning new things. Conversations that have all parties thinking critically are definitely my favorites. My hobbies are writing, drawing, learning new things, reading, and playing video games. As for Genshin vision I'd have to say cryo. I've taken a quiz on quotev and got a tie between cryo and anemo. Cryo's description seemed to fit my personality better. I also seem to have a connection with the cold. Let me know if you need any more info. Remember to take care of yourself. ~Taylor💙

platonic match-up: albedo.

you both have your inquisitive sides, and albedo is more than willing to talk to you about his discoveries.  while he might not proactively reach out to you – more like, if you’re nearby, and he happens to catch you peeping at his work, he’ll engage with you.  he finds your takes thought-provoking and your candor respectful; a fellow of agreeable disposition, your calmness and supplementing nature also makes it easy for him to work.

romantic match-up: zhongli.

both intuitive and practical in your approaches, zhongli’s given a new perspective when you converse, or at least, a new thing to ponder over.  many regard him as stiff besides his gentlemanly disposition; your focused and insistent care will enrapture him as heartwarming, that there are “acceptable” vulnerabilities, but they’re not weak points at all – far from it.  your security and assuredness is harmonious with your emotion insight, making for a stable lifestyle that he easily molds into.  the conversations that the two of you engage in are nothing short of provocative.  just as much as he learns from you, he also provides with tales of the old days. 

Is - is the matchup thing still relevant? If not you can just ignore this message - its ok, i know ur busy :)

If it is still on tho, i wonder if i could get a platonic and romantic one?

Im a INFP-T(??), Type 4, pisces sun sag moon.

Im a dumb nerd with big glasses who loves t shirts with puns ot jokes on it. Im not sure about my hobbies, i just like anything that can make me think - memes, books, music, games with lore. I dont like boring, overly normal stuff. I have shitty sense of direction and i suck at math.

I think that my vision would be anemo since thats (i think) an element that requires both creativity and knowledge to work with, which is very special and interesting to me.

Thank you so much in advance! Or sorry if i sent this too late 😅

platonic match-up: xinyan.

both of you are free-flowing and seek excitement.  you’re the gasoline to xinyan’s match: you both feed off of each others’ knack for new things, stimuli, and the bold.  you could be walking down the streets of liyue, eating bags of mora meat, and then suddenly run down to the northern wharf to catch passing boats and playfully debate over which snobby aristocrat is being shipped off.  there’s never a dull moment between the two of you, and the plan is always no plan.  spontaneity is the name of the game, and it’s one that you can go at for ages. 

romantic match-up: beidou.

there’s hardly a moment to breathe on the crux fleet, that’s for sure.  be prepared to explore the entirety of teyvat with beidou, because she’s got you covered with all of your “new thing” needs, alongside your ocean-borne family.  she’ll find it humorous that you’re not practiced in navigation – ironic for a seafarer.  but steering is complex, and she’d gladly help you out in learning, just another thing to do in a day’s work. 

Hi! For the match up event, I'm 98% type 3 and a 97% type 7, I'm am Intp and my moon sign is scorpio, my sun sign is Pisces. I'm above than average in math and I like to draw from time to time, I've tried to learn the ukelele but ultimately failed. I'd like my vision to be an electro cause my fav color is purple and I like how the electricity sparks and stops my enemies, I'm also a fan fic writer and love manhwas

Hi! I'm the last anon that you reminded that should have put 2 romantic in the ask! Sorry about that, it just completely flew over my head

romantic match-ups: ningguang and childe/tartaglia.

your ambition knows no bounds, and your drive is a force to be reckoned with.  some may call your approaches headstrong, but your ability to take initiative is something that ningguang greatly admires.  it’s something she professes that you two have in common – granted, even if her economic tendencies are more cutthroat.  while the two of you have incredibly firm opinions that might send shocks across the room you’re debating in, ningguang trusts your rational thought and explorative mindset.  your like-mindedness, in this instance, brings great relief to her in her position.

childe is also someone who would take interest in you.  he’s not one for schemes like the rest of the harbingers, and would appreciate your straightforward approaches and the focused energy you put into each project/obstacle you face.  it makes it easier for him to speak his mind, and he’ll find comradery with you fairly easy to come by.  gradually, the zeal the two of you share can draw you into more adventures, and he’ll have someone he can call a trustworthy partner. 

Hello! For your generous match-up event, could I request two romantic matches please? My MBTI type is INFP and my enneagram type is four. My sun sign is Aries and my moon is Gemini. I am a quiet but curious person who can be really flirty and sarcastic in private. I am very caring to those I love. My hobbies including writing and drawing. For my vision, I think I would be cryo? I’m a secretive person who has trust issues and can be cruel. I love your blog, you’re so skilled! Thank you so much!

romantic match-ups: kaeya and jean.

you’re a trusted soul by all, even if many also regard you as reserved.  kaeya isn’t one to grow attached (it’s hindered him in the past), however after being paired with you on multiple missions, he’ll feel more at ease around you due to your good nature.  your duality is also a breath of fresh air, and each time he talks to you afterwards, he’s reminded that there are individuals who have others’ best interests at heart.  many knights will catch the two of you tossing jokes back and forth at each other, but for once, kaeya isn’t trying to swindle anybody. 

the acting grand master has a lot on her plate, but she finds that when she’s in your company, the tray is a little lighter.  she relates to your sincerity and good intentions, a welcome refresher in the world of forced diplomacy and tedious hours.  you also seem to know just the right things to say to lighten the mood, with a cute smile to top it all off. 

hello! Could I request 2 romantic match-up? I'm ENFP, enneagram 2w3. Sun Sagittarius, Moon Scorpio, Asc. Virgo. My hobbies consist of anything generally creative, gaming/anime, hanging out with friends esp!! I'm the type of person to show affection by physical touch and by gentle ribbing-- I love making other people laugh. I'm always down to do things, new or not, and an honest and easy-going person. My Vision would be Geo bc I think it reflects how I am as a person-- stable n loyal :) thank u!!

romantic match-ups: venti and beidou. 

no one would’ve thought that you and venti would be a pair – then again, when they consider your tendencies for jokes and charisma, it’ll all come together.  wherever the two of you go, laughter follows, like dandelions in the breeze.  venti hits it off with you almost immediately after you meet, your natural social nature enabling easy conversation.  you’re also very zealous with topics that pique your interest.  it’s a genuine, eager curiosity that he can’t help but consider endearing.

the two of you are always searching for new things, be it small islands in the horizon or neat little specialties that you manage to catch in the corner of your eye.  there’s never a dull moment when the two of you get going on ideas, and while you may be the more rational, beidou will always insist on adding some more “zest” into whatever you come up with.  if you push her, she might accidentally shove you off the boat with the playful enthusiasm of a golden retriever. 

Hiya~! Thank you both for doing this! For the character match-up, I'd like to request two (2) Romantic please lmao, with a side of French fries.

I'm an INFP, Libra sun/Scorpio moon. My external personality might lead ppl to think I'm a charismatic extrovert, but that's the face I show for the 5 whole minutes I'm socializing, and then return to my introvert turtle shell for the next week. I cycle through hobbies since I get bored quickly, but I always come back to music since singing is my passion. I know for sure my Vision would be Anemo bc I need to be free to feel comfortable and tend to react rather aggressively when I feel restrained 🤔

I'm deeply emotional, sometimes impulsive, and dislike relying on others. I tend to be cat-like in my affections... sometimes I Love, other times Do Not Want. Except for animals, they always get my love ❤ ehehe....

romantic match-ups: mona and kaeya.

mona considers your nature incredibly easy to grasp.  but don’t take it as an insult or offense – in fact, your simplicity is a constant in mona’s life: you like time to yourself, and when you’re alone is when your energy comes out.  she doesn’t have to worry about reading too much into your feelings when she can see that you’re independent.  your interactions are calm and reassuring; she doesn’t have to be uptight around you, because she knows you trust in her abilities and lifestyle, and security with herself and those she cares about is her top priority. 

kaeya’s able to relate to your social tendencies.  there’s a front that he puts up in front of his colleagues (purely for professional purposes) before reverting back to his natural state of mind.  he finds your distance understandable, and considers it something the two of you have in common.  when you talk one-on-one, it’s easy to bounce ideas off of each other about mondstadtian culture and other topics of interest; while your independent natures may lead to some time apart, there will always be fresh experiences waiting when you do meet again.

[gummybearzgocrazyagain]

MALEC FIC REC POST, vol.3

vol. 1

vol.2 

Media AU

Society Rules by @Tiger_Tiger_Burning_Bright [it is apparently based on films i’ve never heard of - The Philadelphia Story / High Society - which does not make it any less entertaining. malec are childhood friends, who had a falling out 5 years ago, and now Magnus is back from London to interrupt Lightwood wedding, aka the social event of the season]

Making my way to you by @asharee_arie [woah, what was that??? is the correct answer “a perfect fanfic”?? what a muthafuckin delight, where has this gem been hiding this whole time??? i was on the floor, rolling around and squealing like a newborn piglet. Intended as some kind of Office AU, this piece does not necessarily follow the outline, but who cares, when the story, and characters, and author’s style are all that perf??? i am in luv]

Mistletoe and Margaritas by @nevermetawolf [this is legendary, and i mean, muthafuckin epic - Office AU so authentic you’d feel it in yo old bones... author calls it a crack fic, although it was anything but!!! major must read for those, who’s ever loved office, allllllll the kudos]

Once Upon a Time in the Clouds by @Fatale (femme) [one of my all-time fav authors, every time i come by a piece i have not read yet, is like a huge YAY, what a talent. so this piece is an AU of something called “sky high”, which i have no idea about, but luved it nevertheless, Alec is born to a family of Supers, and is going to school for children with superpowers, but he himself is yet to manifest any.]

Quite Magical by @lorenzobane [Hogwarts AU, and what an adorable thing it was! granted, i’ve never actually read any of HP books, this was such a delight though... alec is bad at potions, and magnus has to tutor him *wink*]

Chef AU

the way to a chef’s heart by @lecrit [okay, the GIANT SMILE one’s face acquires when one finds out there is a new lecrit fic ≧◠‿◠≦ ≧◠‿◠≦ ≧◠‿◠≦ was reading it, and legitimately squealing like a feral piglet all the way through, cause i fucking luv every single word this woman writes, is like a tiny endorphin explosions in my brain. i know am a hopeless fangirl, but i’ll die on this hill. the way she gets malec, and every variation of them in her works just makes me go (❁´◡`❁) every. single. time.]

kids in the kitchen by @perpetual_journey [cuteness personified, malec are both chefs, and magnus is a single father of max and rafe, and go and read ittttttttt, its that soft content we all need in our lives sometimes]

Knives at the Ready by @harrysglasses [restaurant AU, that is supposed to be a malec rendition of Burnt (am guessing it’s a movie...?), and what a sweet treat it was! i liked author’s style, this is the kind of smooth, unproblematic content one would require to take repose from all the heart-clenching longing i’ve been reading lately... delightful piece to ease thy soul]

Single Parent AU

I Knew From the First Time by @KlaineJane [emmm, excuse you, dear author, who gave you the right to use Rafe and Max to get to my heart, and be generally so fucking cute??? Alec is a single dad of both rascals, that has a meeting with the High Warlock of Brooklyn, and Chairman meets new friends]

And Then I Met You by @everydayfandom [malec are single parents of max and rafe respectively, and alec gets called in to school about the accident max was involved in...who doesn’t luv them some gud ol’ sweet piece of kidfic? those are like a soothing baths for your soul, and lightwood-bane kids are incapable of being anything less than extremely adorable in any interpretation, so]

College AU

Don’t say goodnight by @alistoney [this the kinda lighthearted content i am always here for - College AU]

One year and a bottle of whiskey by @CryptidBane [yassssss, yet another version of the College AU, but with malec as both clueless and pining professors, this type of fic i can read endlessly]

All is Fair in Love and War by @LadyOxymoron [aaaaaaaa, what was this adorableness *major heart-eyes* what a piece, mashallah, college professors AU, where magnus is new in town, and malec is engaging in an elaborate prank war, which, undoubtedly, is nothing more than a prolonged foreplay (c), what a gem]

Canon Divergence

oh, i’ve waited for you by @manticoremoons [so, the fic is happening a little bit further in a timeline, than the books or the series, and Alec is around 30, and... married to Lydia. i know, i know, it almost stopped me from proceeding, and boi am i glad it hasn’t completely, cause it is a damn good piece!]

Hey There Demons, It’s Me (Your Dream Boyfriend) by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [how many recs of this author can i make, without being deemed obsessed? cause y’all should go and read every single thing they wrote, stat. this adorableness is outta this world, literally - magnus’ summoning went sideways, and the loft ends up populated with the teenage ghost-demon, who is very clearly enamored with alexander... all kinds of fluff ensue]

Something Else verse by @CryptidBane (Impetus) [maybe it’s my fever talking, but i am such a sucker for memory loss AUs, and SH fandom has the richest canon base for those, yay! this time, it’s an AU verse after 3x10: rather than asking for his magic, Asmodeus curses magnus by taking away memories from everyone who’s ever loved him, in exchange for freeing jace from lilith’s thrall... oh, what a beautiful and delicious angst ensues]

Home by @otppurefuckingmagic [waaaaaaaaat... *sits with her mouth open* how did you....? how did he...? damnnnnnnnnn you authors in this fandom, stop being so talented!!!! this is uncannily brilliant]

I’ll hold on until you’re home by @alistoney [how dare you sir, right in the feels... the missing scene in the midst of 3x18/3x19, when magnus realizes what his idiot of a boyfriend has done, and confronts him about the Asmodeus deal]

First time for everything by @nebulein [“Nowhere in a Shadowhunters’ job description does it read ‘must look adorable while infatuated with the local High Warlock’.” - series of firsts written with such tenderness and adoration for characters, that it warms your heart while reading, - it shows how much the author cares for them. it is not finished, but whatever has already been written, is gold]

Fake dating AU

The Great Repression by @CryptidBane (Impetus) [although it might not be exactly my regular cup of tea, i still appreciate this author’s style so damn much, and the way they do malec dynamic overall, so it’s here. magnus is a camboy, and alec is hired to protect him from a stalker]

Friends to lovers

Family is Family by @hexicity [my brains are fried by the covid, so any coherent rec would be unlikely right about now, but the softness of this <333 alec sees an ad about a free room, and when he moves in, he finds way more, than he bargained for... gave me a bit of a “happy, shiny people everywhere” vibe, and that’s an automatic rec in my books, so]

Spinning Around In Circles by @lemonoclefox [my fav friends to lovers/mutual pining trope, here you are, and what a pretty pretty wrapper are you wearing - absolutely amazing interpretation of a trope, that seems to has been done to death, and yet here i am, never able to get enough of it <3]

If it walks like a duck by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [this. i was reading this. and after every single word. all i wanted to do was get down on one knee and propose to this person. i dunno who the hell you is, but.... how did you do this? it was... another level of fanfiction.]

Neighbors AU

Meow 17:1 Love Thy Neighbor by @high-warlock-of-brooklyn [again, not a fan of drabbles, but who could resist such softness??? Neighbors AU, where Chairman takes some lessons he learnt from “Parent trap” to heart, and alec is a stumbling mess, but he gets shit done, kudossssssss]

Various AU mix

Solid courage by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [how goddamn CUTE was dat???? answer - the cutest. mashallah people in this fandom can write]

Paper Love by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion [it would not be an exaggeration to admit i thoroughly fell in love with this author’s style, i mean, all and every version of their malec is all kinds of awesome. this one is no exception - catarina works in the library, and malec have to take madzie out to a coffee shop, cause their obnoxious flirting is too loud for the quaint environment of catarina’s workplace.... it’s tiny and so so sooooooo sweet]

make no bones by @ohfreckle [yaaaaaaaaay, what a cutie, tiny preciousness about magnus having an awful day and taking it out on a no-good useless building super, simply delightful]

Freud is a Dick by @sanctuary_for_all [Alec works in IT firm, and accidentally sends someone else’s dick pick to his boss, whom he has a crush on... do i need to say more]

shadows in moonlight by @kaeg [damnnnnnn, son, that was a ride!! something exquisitely soulful, tender and so, so poetic... young malec meet in summer vacation home, and it will take your breath away in the best way possible... warning, it is unfinished, but whatever was written, is absolute preciousness]

For the Love of the Game by @TicklemyPickle [Hockey AU, where malec were childhood friends, but had a falling out, and were not in touch for the last 7 years, until magnus gets traded in to alec’s team... i was somewhat unsure about reccing this, as some of the choices author made regarding their dynamic did not exactly resonate with me, but decided to go on, because, god as my witness, one thing this world definitely needs more of - is malec Hockey AUs, word upppp]

Love Is A Gamble by @la-muerta [i myself do not completely understand, why has it taken me so long to get to the “The importance of elsewhere” author’s most famous piece, but i finally have, it was amazeballs, like, the world-building...? off the charts. the language, the moral struggle, what a gem. alec is a grumpy and surely sheriff *duh!!!* of a tiny town, and magnus strolls in being all... well, magnus-y, and opens a gambling house, the potential!!! anyway, i highly doubt this piece needs recs, so imma zip it]

@ohprongs [this author has too many tiny pieces i like to name them individually, but as far as reccing goes, they should def be mentioned here for their effortless, seamless style, and clear love for the characters in all interpretations, that simply shines through all and any AUs they choose to put malec in]

special mention:

@theleftboobgrabber [i wasn’t aware that at this stage it was still possible to come by someone like this. the author, who’s style would impress me so. that unbelievably glorious Mafia AU, absolutely delightful and literally perfect My mama don’t like you series, and something that went straight to my top-5 - MI6 AU ohhhhh, that MI6 AU... i have no coherent words to express the depths of my appreciation, this is unbelievable fucking talent for writing malec]

[victoriareyloficlists]

08/01/2021 Additions to Reylo Work Environment

These fics have been added to the Work Environment list located here.

Boss Relationship

Weighted Warmth by Fayth_Delarosa (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: This was a mistake, a huge one. Maybe she could turn back now. But something keeps her rooted in place, and she hugs the precious parcel closer to her body, dreading the moment ahead of her. Secret. Fucking. Santa.) Car Trouble by dawninthemtn (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 18 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Ben is forced to work undercover at one of his dad's shops and meets a lovely mechanic named Rey.) Holy Knot, Batman! by Eskayrobot, Poaxath (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey goes to her coworker's Halloween party as part of a Batman villains group. Ben goes to his cowoker/childhood friend's Halloween party as part of a Justice League group. Rey is Ben's secretary. And Ben and Rey obviously do not like each other. They DON'T! ) keep calm and let HR handle it by hi_raeth (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey managed to go a full year without ever directly interacting with her new CEO, but now it seems like he’s dropping by her office every single week.) The Life You Always Dreamt Of by KyloTrashForever (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Victorian AU, Quick Synopsis: In 19th century London, Rey is a poor street rat desperate for someone to see her as something more. Little does she know that the mysterious and powerful Skywalker heir has set his sights on on her to become his wife, and will do everything in that power to make her his.) The Golden Rule by JJJJ12 (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Never fight with girls. It was Han's golden rule. The only piece of his father's advice that Ben followed. It had been difficult, but not impossible. Until he met Rey.) Say it With Sugar by fettuccine_alfreylo (AO3 2016  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is the owner of his family’s small chocolate shop. Rey Kenobi is a talented chocolate maker he hires. They both share the same passion for chocolate. Unfortunately, they share the same kind of anxiety, too.) Bad Publicity by Azuwrite, Cecilia1204, Frog_heart_00, GreyForceUser (ReyandKyloforever), Littlemistake, LostInQueue, MyJediLife, Ohlittlelovely, ReyloBrit, SavingWhatILove, Shestoolazytologin, thoseindarkness (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Niima is the Social Media manager for the actor Ben Solo. She also may be insanely in love with him, and when the size of his assets are challenged, Rey does what she must to defend him.)

Coworkers

Your Pretty Little Heart by Ever-so-reylo (Ever_So_Reylo) (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 15 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Modern day AU in which Ben is an Alpha, Rey is an Omega, and they are way better at having sex than at communicating with each othe) She's My (Work) Wife! by Darth_Malfoy (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey are platonic coworkers as far as she knows. When Ben introduces himself and Rey to new hire Poe, Ben has a Freudian Slip and refers to Rey as his wife.) Want and Need (I will ruin you and set the stars on fire) by miaxxx (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Kenobi didn’t want an alpha. She was perfectly fine with suppressants and seeing herself through her heats every few months. Until Ben Solo started at the cubical next to her and everything changed.) And a Partridge in a Pear Tree by hearts_0f_kyber (rw_eaden) (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey has been getting presents on her desk every day of December. They're wonderful, thoughtful little gifts but there's only one problem: she has no idea who they're from.) Trust Falls by TazWren (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Jackson is a hot-shot sales rep who has no time for processes or for IT. Ben Solo is the head of IT who has no time for Rey's carelessness. Can two people who never see eye-to-eye find common ground? Or, how getting an armful of Ben Solo turns Rey's world on its head. A gift fic for the Thirst Order Gifting Season) Employee Engagement by Celia_and (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The HR survey that Rey takes actually seems more like a list of first date questions. Ben Solo works in HR. Coincidence? ...Maybe.) it's a date by hipgrab (merrymegtargaryen) (AO3 2018  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It takes Rey approximately half an hour to realize that they’re on a date.) Misprint by JenfysNest (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey prints the elaborate erotic fiction she writes about her quiet co-worker Ben Solo at work, but he gets to the printer first.) 169 Days by JenfysNest (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It’s been almost a month since Rey Johnson started as the coordinator for company events at Supremacy Realty. Ben Solo knew she had heard things about him. His reputation always preceded him. Everyone knew to “stay away from Solo.” Rey hasn’t stayed away, though.)

Client Relationship

America's Asshole by monsterleadmehome (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a critically acclaimed (but widely despised) movie star. Dubbed "America's Asshole" by the press, he has recently finished a stint in an anger management facility after punching his last agent in the face. Rey Niima is a top talent agent and is outraged to find out she has been assigned to be Ben Solo's newest victim. ) Getting Handy by andabatae (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben’s not sure how to flirt with the woman who performs repairs at his apartment complex, so he keeps breaking things in order to see her again. Unfortunately, Rey now thinks he has an anger management problem...) Talk Taxes To Me by here4thereylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben has been Rey’s tax accountant for the last four years. Maybe this is the year they grow a little closer... Rey is finally no longer Ben's client. Whatever could happen???) Love Makes Fools Of Us All by Darkcat18 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Victorian AU, Quick Synopsis: Poe Dameron and Armitage Hux take their friend Ben Solo to Madam Natal's high end brothel so that he can be rid of his virginity. Ben, though nearly thirty, has no desire to lose his virginity to a whore. When he sees Rey, laundress and cook, he strikes a deal with Madam Natal to spend the night with her. Rey agrees after he offers her a very large sum of money, to be paid directly to her. What neither realize is that this deal will change the course of their lives.) Lightning Strikes Twice by vuas (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey gives up her First-Born to the Demon, Kylo Ren, in return for her Grandfather’s life. The thing is—she doesn’t have one to give. Yet.)

[toneelspeelster]

portraying trauma, a skam and remakes comparison

disclaimer: i’ll start this by saying this meta will be critical of the way wtfock portrayed their version of a traumatic experience (the gay bashing). if you do not want to engage with criticism on this, i’d advise you not to read. this will also discuss only a few versions (skam, druck, skam nl and wtfock) in particular because i didn’t want to make it too long and because i feel these versions deal with trauma in an interesting way. 

common reactions

in any case, i’d like to start with common reactions after experiencing a traumatic event, be it a sexual assault, emotional assault, physical assault etc.

1. anxiety and fear 2. re-experiencing of the trauma. 3. increased vigilance 4. avoidance 5. anger 6. guilt/shame 7. grief/depression 8. self image and view of the world is negative, trust is difficult. 9. difficulty with sexual relationships 10. substance abuse (i’d include negative coping mechanisms here too).  source

now, i mention this not because i think every remake hits these but rather because i want people to see what commonly happens after traumatic events to people and how wtfock in one instance (robbe/sander) misses the mark completely while in another (zoe) it actually sort of works. and how other remakes have dealt with the subject matter. 

first off: skam

to start with even’s traumatic experience and his response. i’m starting with even mostly because it’s the original series, not necessarily bc i think it’s the most elegant portrayal (bc it’s definitely not). but in essence, what it does show is the effect of a traumatic event in the long run. even’s experience at bakka, where he kissed one of his friends he had a crush on; who rejected him; even being in a manic episode; resulting in a suicide attempt and his self inforced isolation from his best friends by going to another school and ignoring their messages - it’s touched upon in his initial season but expanded in season 4. and still at least one year later, still even freezes up in fear immediately after seeing his friends. even is incredibly anxious; it’s clear he’s recalling past memories he’s been trying to avoid for forever; he feels immensely guilty (he wants to see elias, he really does, he just doesn’t know how) and even though i think even’s self image is not necessarily the result of this experience, it does have an even more negative effect on his self-image. even has difficulties liking himself, seeing worth in himself, even in season 4. after reconciling w him (however that even went we don’t know) he appears in one of their vlogs and still you can see how uncomfortable it makes him to talk about it. but, this is what it ends on: you see the strength of even reaching out to those he loves and for them being able to reach out to him too. in the end, it’s healing. it is discussed throughout the season.

 then, numbers two: druck and skam nl

i’m combining these two in one entry bc i feel like these two portrayals deal with the repercussions of traumatic experiences to the life of these two very well. 

first off, we have david, who came out as transgender at a previous school and was met with intense transphobic reactions; deadnaming, invasive personal questions and just generally awful treatment by people - it resulted in david feeling very unsafe, difficulties sleeping and hiding and running away in the hopes of avoiding these situations. it affects his world view of the world as unkind, and him forcing himself to be okay with being alone bc the only one he trusts is himself. he doesn’t let people too close (wanting to stay anonymous) and when matteo breaks up with sarah he runs bc matteo is getting too close. and then, it happens again. he’s outed on social media in his new school, having difficulties even doing his exams bc his teacher is being a transphobic dick and he’s scared of both him and the kids at school. he then, after staying with his godmother, hides himself away at an unsafe, abandoned pool and even staying there for a night. 

then, we have liv. earlier in her life, she’s implied to have had an eating disorder - a traumatic experience in itself. and although she seems very aware of her needing to be careful not to fall into those patterns again, it unfortunately does come to the front again when faced with the fact that she’s been sexually assaulted in her sleep and it’s been filmed without consent. as an eating disorder survivor, i’d say her body is already something she might have difficulties with. to combine that with sexual assault.. it results in liv isolating herself at home, resorting to doing her white(!) laundry multiple times in one week and her stress baking cookies only for her to give them to her roommates. her mum even asks her if she’s eating well - for a mother who seems emotionally and physically distant otherwise, liv must’ve not sounded well. even when she seems a little bit better, engel still comes over to check up on liv and cook for her. engel has similar ed experiences so she knows it’s not something that’s just gone one second to the next. 

these portrayals work well bc it is clear that their experiences have become a detriment to their view of the world and result in them resorting to very unhealthy coping mechanisms. they both clearly feel the loss of control, the triggering of (past) experiences; the avoidance and the isolation. liv feels immense shame, david feels immense anger and fear - they both have difficulties trusting people, even the ones they care about the most. 

but, in the end? 

david does let matteo subtly know where he is, bc he knows matteo will see him and find him. matteo calls him even out on it: you are not a damned vampire who needs to hide away, he says - something that david didn’t even see about himself until matteo told him. he finds support in matteo and all of his friends and his sister. he doesn’t need to be alone anymore. 

and liv? she tells her friends about her troubles eventually, and they support her wholeheartedly, telling her it’s not her fault and flashing boobs while doing so. liv finds the strength to confront her attacker and blackmailing him, and eventually her boyfriend tells her she needs to go to the police to report his brother. 

these are both david’s season-long storyline and liv’s multiple episode storyline (all her clips for the first week after her experience focus solely on this). it’s healing to see this happen to survivors of these experiences. 

as a ender: wtfock

i think it’s important to establish first that this is first and foremost about robbe/sander’s gay bashing. robbe and sander have been dating approximately three days when they are violently and verbally assaulted and seemingly left for dead in antwerp’s streets. the next episode makes a point of robbe and sander being hurt badly with bruises and cuts and black eyes, robbe doesn’t sleep much and is irritated quickly and sander has a very weird reaction to violence in general and doesn’t want to go to the police. later, robbe is scared that sander was put off by the idea of going to the police, that he felt forced. within that same first episode, robbe tells milan the true story and zoe a little off story and they react sympathetically, zoe even offering her doctor. robbe’s mum’s psych also refers him to a therapist and he calls her. 

but then the storyline, after episode 6? it ends? milan seems to weirdly reference it sometimes but it doesn’t come to any conclusion in the end. after reconciling sander and robbe have no trouble kissing in front of everyone. there’s no sense of robbe or sander having internalised a different world view after this experience. they even never discuss it ever again after that first week. robbe going to a therapist is not even shown or referenced at all, even with the opportunity being there with social media updates. there’s no real repercussions, except for loss of sleep and sander maybe sort of seeing it as a way of destroying something time and again but that’s more his world view bc of his mental illness i’d say. it’s a storyline for one episode, that’s it. and with how irresponsibly they portrayed it by not immediately showing them being alright or together or taken care off but waiting hours for an update, it triggered a hella lot of audience members instead. as a bisexual woman myself, i felt scared watching that. 

zoe’s storyline of having to testify even got more of an appropriate portrayal as she’s scared to testify and also feels pushed by the people who love her the most (milan and senne). her breaking up w senne feels more an actual genuine decision bc of messed up feelings about the whole situation (senne being quite... aggressive with how he approaches her about it sometimes.. it felt like he wanted it for himself mostly, not for her). her not being able to sleep and feeling exhausted, months after the actual traumatic experience happened. it has an effect on her and how she responds and how she makes decisions.

conclusion

experiences like these have repercussions. but apparently in belgium only sexual assault results in trauma. gay bashing doesn’t. it had no true purpose except to educate straight people about the plight of lgbt people being attacked violently. but, as people far more eloquent than i have said, why? homophobes will not watch this series and suddenly turn around. and the world is damned if people just don’t realise that beating up people is bad and shouldn’t happen. 

the true purpose of skam is to teach people of all kinds, and to show people of a certain minority, community or with same/different life experiences that there is hope, and a lot more to them than just what they have experienced. now even the good portrayals could have all benefitted from telling the audience that it’s good and okay to go to therapy about this... but at least they didn’t shy away from a storyline that shows how deep this runs for people. they devoted time to it.

and that’s all wtfock really needed to do if wanting to make a point by including this. they didn’t. it’s sensational fodder at best. and i think that the characters as well as the audience?

they deserved better than that. 

[staystreetly]

Chris Evans Imagine #2 If I Can’t Have You

warnings: lots of angst!!

authors note: thank you sososos much for all the love you guys gave to the first imagine<3 i hope you enjoy this one the same way

*read Part Two now!

You felt the edge of the mattress dip in when the man who was previously laying beside you sat up. He gathered his clothes from the hardwood floor and began putting them back on layer by layer. It was practically a routine now with how often this always happened. It didn’t matter what time or what day of the week it was, it always ended like this.

And it had always ended like this for almost three years now.

You stared up at the ceiling, holding back the tears forming in your eyes from falling.

“Why do you have to go?” You whispered.

Chris sighed looking over at you with his shirt still in his hands. There were faint lines down his back and small dark purple marks across his chest as evidence of the moment you two had just shared, but it didn’t matter, it never mattered.

“You know why,” he answered.

“Publicity right? It’s always for fucking publicity, but for three years, Chris? I don’t get it,” you said sitting up, not caring that the sheet had fallen from your body, exposing your chest. “I sort of understood it when we got together, but I don’t, not anymore.”

“It’s part of the business,” he said.

“Do you love me?” You whispered.

“Of course I do,” he whispered. “Why would you even ask that?”

“Because sometimes I feel like you love her more than me. You say it’s for publicity and that you two are just friends, but yet she’s the one you’re always with. She’s the one who the world thinks is your girlfriend and who gets to be supportive of you in public. I feel like I’m the mistress in my own relationship,” you cried. “Please, just don’t go. Stay here with me, end it with her and we can be together.”

“Baby, we’ve been through this,” he said. “I don’t love her, I’m not in a relationship with her and I don’t want to be, I promise you this arrangement won’t be forever.”

“It’s already been three years, Chris, that’s practically forever,” you whispered.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go,” he said. “We’ll talk about this later. I love you.”

He pressed a kiss to your forehead before grabbing his phone and key and walking out the door.

As soon as the door shut behind him, you let your tears fall, it wouldn’t be a routine if you didn’t. You drug yourself out of the bed and into the shower turning the water as hot as it would go. You didn’t care if your skin melted off at that point. Being with Chris used to make your heart flutter, it used to make you feel loved, but now, now you felt dirty and used.

You felt like the other woman and maybe, maybe you were.

When you first met Chris, he was in a rumored relationship with some model, so you were a little apprehensive about pursuing a relationship with him. You had met through mutual friends and hit it off pretty quickly. He had told you that the relationship he was in, wasn’t really a relationship. It was strictly PR and the two were only together whenever they needed to be seen out in public or at events.

And they were. You had actually met the model’s boyfriend and he had explained that while it was a little weird, the only thing that mattered was that she was the one he came home to and actually had a relationship with. After that, you and Chris got together.

At first, it was strange to see your boyfriend out and about with another woman, especially since you two couldn’t be seen out in public looking like a couple. But then after a while, it just became the norm. As the months passed by into your first year together, Chris kept promising you that it wouldn’t be forever.

The two of them would come out and say they broke up due to growing apart and it’d be over. Then the two of you could be the couple you were behind closed doors out in the open. It hurt you not being able to kiss him or hold him before one of his shots or interviews in fear of someone taking a picture and leaking it out.

There was actually one time you had suggested that happening because then it would be mean the other relationship was over. However, your suggestion caused a huge fight between you and Chris because Chris said if that happened then he’d be labeled as a cheater and you the other woman and that reputation would be affected.

You two didn’t talk for almost a week after that one.

One year together turned into two years and it was really starting to take its toll on you. During awards season, you saw less and less of Chris and more of him and her together. When he had his big movie premiere, she was the one on his arm, while you were at home, alone.

The more he was with her doing appearances, you started wondering if it was you that was the problem. Maybe he didn’t want to be seen with you because he was ashamed. Ashamed you weren’t some top-notch famous person with supermodel looks, who just didn’t fit in with that part of his life.

You had sat on the shower floor until the water ran cold. You wrapped a towel around yourself and looked into the mirror. You wiped the fog away with your hand. Your eyes were puffy as you stared at the marks on your neck. When he was with you, he made you feel as if you were the only one he wanted to be with. He made you feel like he was in love with you, but the second his phone rings and he’s gone, so is that feeling.

Later that night, you had changed into an old t-shirt and grabbed the biggest tub of ice cream in your freezer. Your phone sat on the coffee table as you stared at it. You shouldn’t pick it up. You should just eat your ice cream and watch a movie. You should just turn the damn thing off and be done with it, but you can’t.

You take in it your hand and go straight to social media where you see them. Pictures and pictures of the two of them together, looking like a happy couple. Looking in love. Him looking at her the same way he looks at you.

You didn’t deserve this. You didn’t deserve to cry your eyes out eating chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, while he got to look like that. Like nothing was wrong like no one was crying over him like he didn’t have someone else, who he claimed to fucking love at home all alone.

And her.

She didn’t deserve to be there for him as the supportive girlfriend when she wasn’t. She wasn’t the one who was there for the good times and the bad. She wasn’t there for him when an audition didn’t go as planned. She wasn’t there for him when he struggled with anxiety before press tours. She wasn’t there when they needed to put his dog to sleep.

She wasn’t the one who loved him.

Yet according to the world, she was.

You were still on the couch by the time you heard the sound of key’s jingling in the lock. The tub of half-eaten ice cream had melted and was now ruined. Seeing the pictures from that night was your last straw and you had made a decision. A decision you should had made a long time ago but never could make yourself do.

You had hoped and prayed the situation would change and you wouldn’t ever have to come to this.

But it never did.

Chris walked into your house. He took off his coat and placed it on the rack along with his keys and phone on the table by the door. He walked into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of whiskey. It wasn’t until he saw the melted ice cream on the table that he realized you were still up and in the living room.

“Hey, baby,” he smiled. “I didn’t think you’d be up.”

“We need to talk,” you whispered.

He sighed. “Y/N if this is about earlier, can’t we postpone this till the morning, I’m exhausted.”

“No, this can’t wait,” you said. “I’ve been waiting for you for three fucking years, you can certainly wait for me now.”

The tone in your voice shocked Chris to the point he couldn’t even utter a response. He sat down on the chair next to where you were sitting.

“I can’t keep doing this, Chris. I can’t keep staying at home crying over you when you’re with her. It’s not fair to me or my heart. I love you wholeheartedly and I get nothing but stolen moments behind closed doors. I shouldn’t feel like the other woman when I’m supposed to be the girlfriend. You say it’s not going to be forever, but yet you’ve been saying that for years and you’ve made no attempt at ending it with her. I want to get married one day and have babies and I want that with you, but that can’t happen if the public thinks you’re in a relationship with her,” you said.

“Being in a relationship with you is tearing me apart. I feel like I’m nothing. I feel used and dirty and like I’m not good enough. Because honestly, if I was good enough why would you need to be seen with her and not me? Huh? I’m the one who is always there for you, but only behind closed doors. I get I’m not famous and I’m not beautiful, but I’m still a fucking person with feelings,” you said.

“I don’t have to live like this anymore and I’m not…I won’t. I deserve to be happy. I deserve to be wanted. I deserved to be loved in every way possible,” you whispered. “And as much as this hurts me, being with you in this way, hurts me more.”

“If I can’t have you, If I can’t have all of you. If you don’t end what’s supposed to be a fake relationship with her and give me, give us the relationship we deserve, then I can’t be with you. I won’t be with you,” you whispered. “So, right here, right now, it’s either her or me.”

[aphrodites-law]

A Bit of Clarity 🍂 (3/?) The visions had started last autumn, a year ago now. It had caused a bit of chaos for some, a bit of clarity for others. Two days ago, Clarke Griffin had been perfectly fine managing both her Café and her stress. But now she was curious - so deeply curious about the vision of herself entwined with the aloof Lexa Woods that it was leading her to complete distraction.

[part 1] [part 2] 

A week after parting ways with Niylah, a sudden sense of loneliness hit Clarke. It wasn’t that she regretted the decision, but the possibility had always been there and that in itself had been enough to avoid confronting the glaring emptiness of her apartment. Her celibacy had felt more like a choice than it did now.

Clarke knew that the vision was the main culprit for the sudden realization that she had built her dream life but had no one to share it with. Wells had Raven and his passion for theater keeping his life beautifully busy outside of the café, while Gaia had the next five years mapped out thoroughly - her own dreams soon to be achieved. They didn’t have time or space left to fill, and Clarke had fooled herself into believing the same applied to her. She had menus to think of; new coffee beans and bakes to taste test; ingredients to purchase. She had events to plan; social media accounts to update; phone calls to answer. It was a headache most of the time, but she had a long list of successes to be proud of.

It wasn’t easy to admit that she’d neglected a part of her life - that she’d never had anyone to come home to in years. Sometimes, she couldn’t even be sure she’d ever felt a fraction of what Wells felt for Raven - if she’d ever gazed at anyone with such adoration. It would happen eventually, she’d always thought. She had time for that. But the truth was that the future had already come, and Clarke was alone. Alone and no closer to understanding a vision that she wasn’t even sure she could trust anymore.

It was a gloomy thought for a gloomy evening. Clarke enjoyed her plate of homemade ravioli nonetheless, a Saturday treat for an otherwise dull week. She had expected it with so many logistics to deal with before the café’s upcoming 3-day event, but it didn’t help that time had seemed to slow to a crawl. It was pointless to deny the source of her disappointment though:

Lexa hadn’t showed. Not even once for a croissant or an early morning espresso. Clarke had secretly hoped she would, unable to stop thinking about their brief encounter at the party. Something had changed and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Lexa knew it too. Which only made her absence more nerve-racking. Clarke had taken to reading the Gazette again, scrolling down the app mindlessly during breaks. She'd caught Lexa's name a few days ago and read her most recent articles, unable to stop herself once she'd given into her curiosity.

Her most engrossing story had been a special report on the Mountain Men, a group of people who had lived in isolation in the Costial mountain chain for a hundred years. They were a very particular case - their bloodline seemingly passing down a deathly allergy to the sun, or solar urticaria. Yet they had chosen to live in isolation rather than accept any aid, building their own bunker in the 1900s, a complex network of rooms and tunnels. It was only ten years ago that the last of them had finally emerged from underground, pale and weak creatures but otherwise strong willed. In her story, Lexa was remarkably descriptive yet respectful of their privacy. They lived on the outskirts of Costial now, helped by modern medicine and custom-made protective clothing, though never quite able to stand the sun regardless. Lexa had written that she'd met with them at night, and had been surprised when next she knew the sun had risen and they'd spoken for hours. The Mountain Men were neither a cult nor a mystery to solve - they were human beings who craved human contact like anyone else, only dealt with a different set of circumstances at birth.

Reading her words had given Clarke more insight into Lexa's work, but hardly anything on her as a person. And Clarke couldn't help but crave more of her.

The hope for some clarity came on Sunday morning. Clarke went to the farmer’s market for fresh ingredients and a bag of quince, planning to tempt Wells into using them. He was the only person she knew that was so fond of quinces he could be bribed with them, though it could be an acquired taste.

The farmers’ market was always busy; the sort of organized chaos that Clarke lived for. She stopped at her usual stands - first the vegetables and fruit, and later the meats and cheeses. Her bags were nearly bursting when she decided to leave, having been tempted by olives and a few sachets of spices at a new stand. It seemed like a couple had cropped up in the past three weeks. Sundays were never a rush, and there was still time to head back home before the café.

Clarke stopped short when she looked toward a honey stand and noticed Lexa chatting with the vendor. She had a dark brown jacket on and a long knitted scarf wrapped twice around her neck, the only sign that she might be bothered by the chilly morning. Colder winds were starting to sweep through Costial, but Clarke didn’t mind how quickly winter was approaching. It had always been her favorite season - and it was good for business too.

With the busy activity, Clarke knew that she couldn’t stand still in the middle of the alley. On impulse, she walked toward the stand.

“Lexa. Hi.”

Lexa turned to her, eyebrows rising in surprise.

“Busy market today,” Clarke said, trying to appear more casual than she felt.

Lexa looked between her and the man behind the stall. “It is. Hm. Clarke, this is Gustus. His bees make the best honey in the state.”

Gustus laughed heartily. “Flattery won’t get you a third pot.” He spoke with an accent Clarke couldn’t place, but his tone was strangely comforting.

Lexa’s ears seemed to pink, though it might’ve been from the cold.

“I’m just trying to help your business,” she countered.

“Sure, sure.”

Lexa glanced at Clarke. “Gustus was stubbornly staying on his apiary with a cardboard sign a few miles away. I convinced him to apply for a stall here.”

“A whole five feet of space,” Gustus grumbled half-jokingly.

Clarke smiled. “I know the struggle. They turned down my business partner and I a few years back.”

“What were you selling?” Gustus asked.

“Well that was the problem - nothing consistent. We wanted to do sweet and salty bakes, but we don’t grow any of the ingredients ourselves. They didn’t like that - said we ought to just open a bake shop. It worked out pretty well in the end.”

Lexa nodded, but her eyes stayed on Gustus and the stall. “Clarke owns a coffee shop,” she clarified for him. “It’s very good.”

Gustus’ expression shifted from a frown to amusement. “Very good? From you, that is high praise.”

Clarke didn’t have the time to question the statement. Lexa shouldered her full bag with a glare at him. Clarke realized then that Lexa had yet to fully look her way, let alone address her directly.

“My baker loves honey cakes,” Clarke brought up, trying not to worry. She hadn’t done anything to warrant a cold shoulder... had she? “I’ve been trying to get him to switch from his usual brand - and honestly it would be much easier for me than trekking to the East bank.”

Gustus brightened and wrapped a pot in newspaper. “Try it. See if he likes it.”

Clarke took out her wallet, but he declined.

Lexa scowled. “That’s not how you turn a profit, Gus.”

He scratched his long beard. “But it is how you cultivate interest and loyalty.”

When a couple arrived at the stall, Clarke moved to the side and Gus excused himself to answer their questions. Now stood much closer to Lexa, Clarke felt the need to fill the silence.

“How was your week?” She asked.

Lexa’s whole body seemed to tense. “Busy. Yours?”

“Long.” She bit her lip. “I read your piece on the Mountain Men. Crazy story.”

Lexa finally looked at her, as if suddenly jolted. “You did?” She sounded surprised, but there was a spark in her eyes.

Clarke nodded. “I’d heard about them obviously, but I’d never realized some of the family still lived near Costial.”

“They keep to themselves.”

“But you got them to open up.”

“It’s my profession. Besides, I’ve found that few people can actually stand to die with their secrets. Eventually we yearn to be heard.”

Clarke’s heart raced under Lexa’s gaze. There didn’t seem to be an in-between with her - she either didn’t look her way at all or stared at her like she might undress her. Though Clarke was aware her reading of Lexa’s expressions was likely very skewed.

“I don’t believe that,” she replied. “We all have stories we’d be happy to bury forever.” 

“Maybe I'm just too boring a person to have any," Lexa said quietly. She didn't expand on it and Clarke suddenly felt like she couldn't hold her stare any longer.

“I should get going,” she said.

“Did you drive here?”

“I did.”

“I’m that way too.”

“Oh okay,” Clarke replied, though Lexa had already started walking after a quick wave at Gustus.

Clarke fell into step beside her. “I’ve never seen you at the market before,” she said.

Lexa shook her head. “I usually just come in the last thirty minutes.”

“When they’re more amenable to haggling - smart.”

Clarke swore she saw the ghost of a smile on Lexa’s face, but she was well-aware she couldn't just keep staring at her profile for much longer. She glanced at the top of her bag. “Margie’s brie is really good.”

Lexa let out a little hum of agreement. "Her blue cheese is even better.”

As they passed the parking lot, Clarke threw caution to the wind. She had to at least try to understand the walking enigma by her side.

"So... last year we had an open mic weekend to drum up some publicity for the café. Friday to Sunday. We’re doing it again next week."

"Starting a tradition?" Lexa asked.

"Hoping to. People can sign up in person or through our website and perform some original stuff. We've already got a decent list.”

"That's a great idea."

Clarke tried not to think too much about her erratic heart. "It should be a fun time if you wanted to drop by; get inspired…"

Clarke herself had gotten an itch to be creative after last year's event. Being surrounded by aspiring musicians and comedians had reminded her just how much she needed her own art as an outlet for stress. She'd put her drawings to the side for the café but picking up a pencil again had felt like coming home. She figured Lexa, who had seemed quite comfortable surrounded by comedians the night of the play, might feel the same way about such a setting.

But her reaction was odd. She stopped with her brow furrowed. "Inspired?" She asked.

"To write?"

Lexa’s body immediately stiffened, almost like she was upset. "I see. I'll try to find the time."

"Great," Clarke said in relief, choosing not to worry too much about her interpretation of Lexa’s reaction. It was clear by now she couldn’t read her very well. "I'll put a slice of cake on the side for you."

Lexa shook her head. "You don't need to bribe me, Clarke.”

Clarke frowned. "I wa-"

Lexa looked at her watch. "I should get going. I'm interviewing someone in an hour."

"Have you found any patterns yet?" Clarke couldn't help but wonder, though the question was also a poor attempt to speak to Lexa longer.

Lexa glanced up at her, her eyes lighter than Clarke remembered in the glow of the morning sun. Yet it reminded Clarke of the party too - how close Lexa had been, when now it suddenly seemed like she couldn’t wait to get away.

"I guess you'll have to read the article."

And with that, Lexa was walking to her car, leaving Clarke with the distinct feeling that she wasn’t any closer to understanding her.

* * *

With the ongoing preparations over the week, Clarke barely had a second to herself. Her interaction with Niylah on Monday morning had gone well though, awkward for just a few minutes before Niylah had cracked a terrible joke about starting a band called the Rolling Scones for the open mic.

The makeshift stage arrived in two pieces early Wednesday, and with Wells, Gaia and Harper's help, Clarke was proud to say it didn't look too shabby - and definitely a step-up from last year's. Raven had come around to help them with the sound setup, a task she had essentially summed up as 'nobody touch my cables or I'll electrocute you.' And far be it from Clarke to question a professional sound engineer.

Around 5pm, with a tired back and sore arms, Clarke had again drifted toward the end of the counter and started drawing. It was a character this time - a scraggly woman atop a mountain staring out at the horizon. She'd started it after reading Lexa's article, wondering how one could stand to live hidden in the dark for so long, and what they might've felt after leaving the comfort of what they knew for complete uncertainty.

She glanced up toward Lexa's spot, trying not to think about her. It was such a strange shift - from being a regular customer to not stopping by once in two weeks.

"Hello."

Clarke dropped her pencil and walked back to the other side of the counter, smiling at the young man standing behind it.

"Hi, what can I get you?"

"Are you Clarke? I mean- the owner?" He asked with a slightly nervous stammer.

"Co-owner, yep."

He extended his hand. "I'm Aden Baltimore. For the Polis Gazette."

His handshake was limp, but Clarke could tell he barely even knew what to do with his body. His checkered shirt was too loose and his tie too long, like he had ransacked his father's closet. His dirty blond hair was neatly combed and he smelled strongly of cologne. Clarke guessed he was eighteen at most.

"What can I do for you, Aden?"

He pushed his glasses up his nose. "I'm here for the article? Lexa said that late afternoon was a good time."

He dug into his messenger bag, trying to find something. It looked very similar to Lexa's satchel and Clarke wondered if he was a protégé and maybe very eager to resemble his mentor.

"Here's my ID," he added, showing Clarke his Gazette badge. It was endearing, to say the least, but Clarke wasn't sure what to do with it.

"What article are you talking about?"

"To boost the mic event. Didn't you set it up with her?"

Clarke’s smile fell.

A puff piece. Lexa had sent a teenager to write a puff piece on the café. Clarke wasn't sure what was more embarrassing: that Lexa had assumed her invitation had been a request to advertize the open mic, or that she'd sent someone else to do it. It hadn’t even crossed Clarke's mind. Was that what Lexa had thought of their interaction? That it had been a means to an end?

"It'll go up tomorrow morning in This Week In Costial," Aden said, then looked around anxiously. "Did I mess up? It starts Friday, doesn't it?"

"Yes, absolutely, it does," Clarke assured him as she shook off the lingering feeling of vexation.  

Aden relaxed. "Can we sit down for a few minutes? I just want to make sure my notes are legible."

Clarke glanced at Wells and Gaia in the kitchen, both laughing about something. She didn't feel much like laughing herself. But the sooner she gave Aden what he needed, the sooner she could occupy her mind with something else.

"Sure. Let's do it."

They sat at one of the center tables. Aden took out his phone, a notepad, and three different pens.

"How long have you been at the Gazette?" Clarke asked him curiously.

Aden tried the first pen on the notepad but discarded it when the ink barely came out. "I just started a few months ago. This is my first time reporting," he admitted bashfully. "I'm taking a gap year before college and wanted some real experience."

“That’s smart. How do you like it so far?”

“I love it,” he gushed, looking more like a boy at Christmas than a teen fresh out of high school. "It’s so much easier to learn through practice.”

Clarke nodded. “So you’ll be writing the piece?”

“I’ll structure the notes and work with Lexa on it. She has to approve everything I do."

"Hm. Do you like working with her?"

"Lexa's great," he said, coming out of his shell the more confident he was in the topic. Clarke couldn’t fault him for his awkwardness - everyone had to start somewhere. "We were both new at the Gazette around the same time, so she says we need to stick up for each other. I like that. Lexa doesn't care about rank, just what a person can bring to the table."

Clarke had stopped counting the ways Lexa surprised her. But in the last few weeks she had learned that the reserved, serious woman who sat in her café was one hell of a poker player, related to the owners of the Polis Hotel, and revered by a teenager. Not to mention, in all likelihood, a particularly intense lover. Clearly, Clarke still knew nothing about Lexa Woods, and it seemed like that was precisely Lexa's doing.

It stung. Clarke understood that she was only a café owner, barely a blip in Lexa's routine, if at all these days, but it was Lexa who had initiated their first conversation. Clarke had hoped it meant a step closer to being friendly. She had thought maybe Lexa just naturally kept to herself, but it seemed like everyone and their mother - quite literally, in Gaia's case - knew a side of her that Clarke wasn't privy to.

"So, what can we expect from the open mic?" Aden finally asked, forcing Clarke to sweep away any other thought.

* * *

The article was short and sweet, though one of the longer ones in the entire section that spanned three pages. Clarke had to admit the publicity wouldn't hurt, and it didn't hurt either when the Gazette also tweeted about it.

What did hurt, early on Friday, was Wells coming into the café with a grimace.

"What's up?" Clarke asked him, barely awake. Today would be a long day, but they were ready for whatever may come. Or so Clarke believed.

Wells took out a folded flyer from his pocket and slid it on the counter. "You're not going to like this."

Clarke opened the flyer, her heart dropping in her stomach when she read it: FINN'S COFFEE & BAGELS OPEN MIC EVENT. FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, 10AM TO 6PM. 50% OFF EVERY PURCHASE.

Clarke gritted her teeth. "I'm going to murder him."

Wells cringed. "I guess now's not the time to add he finalized his deal with Titus & Son to sell his bagels?"

Clarke crumpled the flyer in her hands. "No, Wells, now is not the best time."

Feeling a blind rage course through her, Clarke grabbed her coat and went out the back of the café, passing a baffled Gaia.

She walked down the street with a fury in her eyes, fully intending on finding Finn Collins wherever he might be hiding. She’d wait him out at his house if she fucking needed to. But his shop down the street was a good start - his hideous coffee shop with the large letters of his name on every available surface, even the plastic forks.

When she opened the door, it was with the force of her anger. When she walked inside, it was with clenched fists. She scanned the moderately crowded area for a pretentious suit and a cocky grin, knowing he had to be expecting her. That bastard had made sure she'd only learn about his copycat event at the last possible minute, but she’d speak her mind. Oh he was going to hear her. 

Or he would have.

Clarke's resolve crumpled when she spotted the last person she'd expected to see. It felt like whiplash. There, sitting at a corner table, typing away, was Lexa. Clarke had to blink a few times to believe her own eyes, but there was no mistaking her. Whatever momentum she'd gained screeched to a halt.

And when their eyes met, when Lexa finally spotted her and stilled, equally surprised to see Clarke, it felt like time slowed. Clarke couldn't even explain why it hurt so badly to see her there, just that it did. Because of course. Of course Lexa would take her habit elsewhere. Of course she would go to the chain hell-bent on driving Clarke's business into the ground.

She hadn’t been sure what to make of Lexa's disappearance; if she was just too busy, cutting down on caffeine, or perhaps trying to save up on cash for the holidays coming up. It wasn't any of Clarke's business to know. But seeing her in Finn's shop, on the same street, typing away like she always did, drinking some green monstrosity… rational thinking flew out the window. Lexa had the sense to look away at least, though her hands didn’t move on the keyboard anymore. 

Clarke couldn’t even stand the sight of her, so deeply embarrassed that she’d invited her to come over when all this time Lexa had already chosen a different establishment. Embarrassed that she'd hoped to see her at her usual spot again. Embarrassed that she even cared.

With the taste of bitter disappointment in her mouth, Clarke left without even bothering to find Finn. Her body felt numb, like the sight of Lexa had replaced her anger with ice. It felt personal and Clarke didn’t understand it. Didn’t understand how a person could seem to care one day and look away the next. Could it truly be because she had refused the interview? Was that the way Lexa did things? Stuck around for a story until she was sure there was nothing to be squeezed out? Clarke couldn’t think of another reason.

Whatever it was, she was done seeking Lexa out.

-

[part four]

[rayraywrites]

Title: Maybe things happen.

Chapter 3: Cooking Games (Day 2- Swap)

Characters: Miyuki Kazuya, Kuramochi Youichi, Sawamura Eijun (minor)

Relationship: Miyuki Kazuya x Kuramochi Youichi

Rating: General Audiences

Total Word Count: 2654

AO3

Event: @daiyarpwk2020​

Clicking on another video he focussed in on the same face that he’d been gazing at for hours. He laughed softly at the same lame intro he’d been hearing in each video. The same dorky glasses and apron. He gulped silently at each intense look shot at the camera when concentration was required. His smile grew as each successful cook was greeted with a brilliant grin.

“Welcome back to home plate kitchen.” The man shot a smirk at the camera before continuing, “I’m your favourite catcher, Miyuki, here to share another recipe.” 

Youichi barely focussed on the actual meal, simply watching the ease at which the man moved around his kitchen and the mastery of his art. He wasn’t a mess in the kitchen, but watching this chef easily switch between different styles and types of recipes each video and make successful food each time, it rankled a bit. Yet he was fascinated. 

But what drew him even more was the moments of silliness that would pepper throughout the videos. When Miyuki would sometimes attempt to lift a hot pan off the stove without mitts and then whip his hand back. The incredulous look on the man’s face coupled with rapidly shoving his burning hand under cold water pulled raucous laughter out of his mouth. He especially enjoyed when Miyuki’s housemate, Sawamura, would appear in the frame to pull silly faces that wouldn’t be seen until editing. The captions insulting Sawamura were particularly amusing for him. 

He had spent a couple days watching Miyuki’s videos, realistically he was binging them. It had been a lark, having seen a comment under one of his own videos about a week ago. 

gamer_goose35: you know what would be great? thechefcatcher and Mochi making a video together! They have the same type of humour! Plus think of the video options!

Youichi had been curious, having not heard about “thechefcatcher” before, so he looked the other youtuber up. That led to days of listening to the same sarcastic laughter, the snarky side comments at every recipe, and gazing at the talented movements that attracted him first. 

When he finally glanced at the clock on his laptop he saw that it was approaching three am. With a slightly hysterical laugh, Youichi closed the lid and placed it aside. He’d deal with his new strange obsession another time. Right now he needed to sleep. Tomorrow, well later that same day, he had plans to shoot two new videos. He needed the sleep. Getting under the covers, he tried to convince himself to fall asleep. But each time he closed his eyes, all he saw were Miyuki’s eyes blinking back at him. He spent much of the night tossing and turning, restlessly attempting to fall asleep.

--

Clicking on the email icon, Kazuya began deleting all the trash that filled his inbox. Switching between his calendar and an email from another cooking channel who reached out to him for a collab, he sent off a couple days that would fit his schedule. Switching to his social media, Kazuya sent out the usual morning tweet that his followers were expecting. Nabe had recommended that he start interacting more with his fans, and disagreeing with his manager was something Kazuya had quickly learnt wasn’t a smart decision.

@thechef_catcher: good morning. But also what constitutes a “good” morning. We’re all waking up much too early and having to go to work and slog our way through the day. So really...just morning. (6:37 AM)

There, that would keep Nabe off his back, for at least a couple days. Sliding off his bed, Kazuya winced slightly as his foot hit the ground a bit too hard. Waiting for the jarring feeling in his ankle to subside before trying to stand again, he glared down at the floor. Finally feeling up to standing up again, Kazuya moved towards his closet, changing into his usual jogging outfit. With it being the off season, he could usually find Sawamura hovering around the kitchen. Sure enough the pitcher was still there, ready for their morning run. 

As normal, Kazuya put in earbuds, drowning out Sawamura’s inane chatter so early in the morning and stepped outside of their apartment. He had thrown in a small heating pad into his bag before leaving the house, in case his ankle started acting up again. Running their usual route, Kazuya let himself sink into the music and the monotonous sound of his feet pounding on the pavement. By the time they rounded back to the apartment Kazuya could feel the sweat running down his neck. With a shaky grin he nodded his head back at the street, telling Sawamura to keep going. Heading back inside, Kazuya went straight for a shower, changed into his outfit for the day, grabbed his computer and headed towards the kitchen.

Today’s video was going to be about Sanuki Udon. He had spent a couple weeks working with the local udon shop alongside the chefs to perfect his technique. He had already filmed his first failed attempts a while back, following recipes online. Setting the cameras up, he prepped the kitchen before picking up his phone. Texting Sawamura that he would be busy for the next hour or so, Kazuya got started. Slipping his branded apron over his head, he switched the camera on and began speaking.

“Ohayo everyone! Welcome back to home plate kitchen. Your friendly neighbourhood catcher is here!” He said the words with an awkward smile, hating that Sawamura had convinced him to start his videos with such a cheesy introduction. Even if it worked as his fans took to the puns and silly intro, he hated it, but he carried on. 

Seven years ago Kazuya would never have considered that his days would be littered with recording himself cooking, editing videos, and becoming as unathletic and baseball oriented as he had. But another bad collision at home plate, and a shattered ankle had ended his career. Six months after he managed to walk on his ankle safely, he was still just sitting around his home and moping. It had been Sawamura’s suggestion to start the channel, something to do for fun while he figured out what to do with his career now. Kazuya had been uninterested at first, putting in very little effort and just cooking whatever came to mind. But the fact that people seemed to enjoy it and Sawamura kept crowing about how the channel kept growing made him start to give it a bit more attention. But even moreso, he started to enjoy it a bit more. There was something oddly enjoyable about just talking to a camera for a couple of hours and cooking food. And with Sawamura living with him, he wasn’t just cooking for himself. 

It was kind of nice. 

“Alright, with a completed dish, I think we’ve completed all nine innings, and it’s time for this video to wrap-up!” He placed the completed Sanuki udon onto the front of his counter. With the recording complete it was time for editing. Luckily with experience and time he’d managed to get better at editing. Moving back to his room with the camera SD cards he settled down at his desk. The video wouldn’t be released for another week or so, but Kazuya wanted to complete editing so that he’d have the rest of the day free. As he was fiddling with the font for the side text explaining each step he completed, he heard the extra chair in the room being dragged to sit beside him. Turning his head slightly he smirked at Sawamura who settled into the chair with a loud thump! Reaching over and ruffling the pitcher’s hair, he turned back to his computer. 

“How was your run, Sawamura?” 

“You missed out on the cutest dog Miyuki-senpai! It was adorable, with its tail wagging everywhere!” 

He couldn’t help but laugh at how Sawamura sounded like he’d seen the cutest thing on the planet. “Ah, so you met your family member, how lovely!” The affronted look on Sawamura’s face was worth all the hits his shoulder received.

“Stupid Miyuki, you’re just sad you missed out on the dog.” Sawamura’s countenance suddenly brightened as another brilliant idea came, “this Sawamura will make sure to take a photo for next time!”

Smiling to himself, Kazuya couldn’t help the sigh that escaped his lips. Sawamura never ceased to amuse him, but even moreso, he was a bright light in his life. He was still the most eye-catching sunflower Kazuya had ever seen. And fully bloomed. “Sure...whatever you say Bakamura.” 

“Idiot Miyuki....” Sawamura had switched to looking at his phone, muttering threats under his breath as he often did around Kazuya. 

Out of the corner of his eye Kazuya watched as Sawamura continued scrolling on his phone, becoming comfortable in the chair. Giving his full focus back to his video, Kazuya ignored his desk partner for about thirty minutes until a loud shout made him almost jump. Turning and glaring at Sawamura, Kazuya waited impatiently for an explanation. 

“Miyuki! Mochi uploaded another video! It’s a cooking video!” Sawamura’s voice was loud as ever, but laced with astonishment.

He felt the joy course through his body, excitement filling his veins at the news. Both of them had gotten hooked onto @gamermaimer’s videos a few years back. Sawamura enjoyed the commentary while Mochi played the game, but Kazuya had become enthralled with the gamer’s voice. There was something soothing about it, but he also felt something from the grainy sounds. And then, last year they’d received a face reveal, Kazuya had been floored. He hadn’t expected to find spiked green hair, eyeliner, and a lip piercing as attractive as he had. 

“Give me ten minutes, I should be ready to watch.” He tried to nonchalantly speak, but he knew Sawamura was aware of his crush. The number of times Sawamura had recommended that he contact Mochi to collab was high, but every time he looked at the differences in their video styles, Kazuya hesitated. But cooking? Maybe there was a chance here. They sat down to watch the video.

“Hey maimers! Obviously this isn’t my usual set up, but I’ve been inspired. One of you folks recommended a channel for me to watch and maybe collab with.” 

They both laughed when Mochi fumbled with his phone to read off the channel, but then froze when he said the name.

“Oh what was it...here we go! thechefcatcher! I’ve spent the past few days watching....”

Kazuya felt his breath catch in his throat, disbelief pouring out of him. But when he turned towards Sawamura, the same surprise was on the pitcher’s face. 

What.

--

Youichi was nervous releasing the video. He had struggled through the cook, even if he had picked a fairly straightforward dish to make. Baking was not his forte though and the roof would probably always have that strange orange-coloured splotch on it from his first attempt. But embarrassing himself for a video was not a big deal, he’d done it before. It was the fact that he’d called out his new obsession, he’d mentioned the youtuber who’d been living in his dreams. The tweet he’d posted had Miyuki tagged and for a normally brash person, Youichi was feeling uneasy about that decision.

The notification that @thechef_catcher liked and retweeted his tweet gave him heart palpitations. Deciding to take the plunge, he DM-ed Miyuki. 

@gamermaimer: hi

@thechef_catcher: hey

@gamermaimer: so...uh you watched my video...

@thechef_catcher: why else would I have rt your tweet? 

He stared blankly at his phone. What was that? He laughed in spite of himself, hysterically. 

@gamermaimer: yeah well. What did you think?

He meant about the offer of a collab at the end of the video. He meant the proposal of trying something new for both of them. What Miyuki responded with though?

@thechef_catcher: well you absolutely failed at every step so I’m amazed you managed to get any cake onto that table. 

@thechef_catcher: Geez Mochi, it’s almost like you bought a replacement cake to pretend you succeeded.

Somehow he wasn’t surprised to see that Miyuki’s personality was as twisted as it was. But it took two to tango.

@gamermaimer: well, if I sucked so bad, maybe you ought to come fix me?

He waited and the reply took more time to arrive compared to the last but it still came. He anxiously tapped the message notification. 

@thechef_catcher: perhaps I will.

He let out a sigh and his shoulders relaxed. Their conversation continued, figuring out dates and times that would work for both their schedules. They agreed that the first video would be with him in Miyuki’s kitchen. He asked if Sawamura would be there, and received a teasing response. So when Miyuki asked what video they would do for his channel, Youichi proffered the only realistic response.

@gamermaimer: well of course we have to play a video game.

It was only later, when he went to go follow Miyuki on twitter as well, that Youichi realized something. He shouted angrily, throwing his phone down onto the ground. Petulantly he whined to himself, “the idiot’s already following me.”

–– 

The day of filming was awkward. He arrived early, not by much, but early enough that it was obvious. He had already sent out the customary tweet announcing his “secret” plans for a video.

@gamermaimer: well sometimes you get lucky with your videos. Other times you meet a moron and make a stupid decision (10:34 AM)

Sawamura was there, hovering in the dining room. Fiddling with a camera setting even with Miyuki telling him to stop touching the camera every five seconds. Youichi blinked confusedly at both of them. They were fidgety and uncomfortable. Because of him?

“Hey! Hey idiots!” They both turned to him; Miyuki put down the pots he was randomly holding, Sawamura looked up from the camera. “What the hell is going on? Some explanation for your bizarre behaviour would be wonderful, please.” The last few words came out sarcastic, and he knew the look on his face matched his tone. For some reason being around both of them was easy. In the way most collabs never were; he felt at home with them. So he skipped past politeness and jumped straight into insults. “I realize that you’re both morons, but if we could at least get the video started?”

Miyuki seemingly calmed down at that, chuckling hesitantly even as he gazed at Sawamura with a lost look. But it was Sawamura seemingly snapping out of whatever funk he was in that finally set things normal. “Mochi!”

Youichi turned to face Sawamura expectantly, but the excitement seemed to have rapidly fizzled out before Sawamura exhaled deeply, you could see the air! He laughed to himself.

“Can I get a photo with you? I’ve...We’ve been watching you play for three years now!” 

He hadn’t expected that. Glancing at Miyuki, Youichi was stunned to see the usually calm face turning bright red before the chef looked down at the counter. Throwing his head back, Youichi let himself laugh freely, ignoring the squawks from Sawamura. Wiping tears from the corner of his eyes, he laughed softly one more time before replying. “Sure. Sure. But only if I get an autograph from you,” he nodded at Sawamura and then softly, “and your phone number.” He stared at Miyuki, waiting for acknowledgement. Miyuki nodded stiffly, but his eyes had only shifted from the counter to glare at Sawamura.

“I don’t exactly have three years as a credential...but is 48 hours of no sleep from binging your channel good enough?” He laughed at the stunned look on Miyuki’s face. “So, what do you say....my friendly neighbourhood catcher?” 

But rather than the huffy noise he expected, Miyuki still managed to surprise him. A smirk and, “well...I think you mean a maimer don’t you, Youichi?”

He grinned.

[jenna-ortega]

Captured (A Jonathan Wolfe Story)

Summary: Jonathan Wolfe, a 1984 AHS inspired character, killing anyone who gets in the way of his mission. And his mission is you.

Warnings: 18+, dub-con, abuse, manipulation, and other adult contents. Plot heavy at first. Please DO NOT READ if you are triggered easily. This is incredibly dark, read at your own risk. 

Word Count: 11.5k

Authors Note: Hello lovelies, here it is. Heads up, the POV changes to third person when the hash slinging slasher does his thing. Thank you to everyone who sent in asks, i’ve used some of your ideas and words for our blessed Jonathan. 

“Mom!” you screamed from the top of the steps,

“Did you move my bags?” you rushed to find the three bags you had packed for your camping trip, packing lightly? you tried, but to no avail. Your friends parents had a cabin up in Lake George, NY. Fancy, but still woodsy. You and a group of your friends were going away as a farewell to high school. The summer right before you go away to college was promised to be a memorable one, and with this camping trip, you knew one thing for sure. You and your friends would be leaving each other, but at least you had one last time to go over all your high school endeavors.

You’d been looking forward to this camping trip all summer long, running into your room, you sat down at your vanity, thinking over all the details of the trip.

~Flashback~

“Y/n, get your ass over here!” your head swinging to the left to see your friend Ana calling you over from her locker. You rolled your eyes playfully, walking over to her calling out a low “what”,

“You’re coming to the cabin this summer right? everyones going. Even Jackie’s weird ass cousin. If you’re not coming i’ll kill you, so keep that in mind.” she shoved your shoulder slightly, smiling wide at you for your long awaited reply. She’d asked you about the cabin a few months back as well, but you still weren’t sure if that’s actually what you wanted to do. I mean, alone getting drunk and crazy with a bunch of juveniles wasn’t the scene you wanted to be in, you wanted to try and turn yourself into a responsible college kid, but…never the less,

“i’ll be there, Ana. Swear.”

“Cross your heart and hope to die swear?”

“Yesss, cross my heart and hope to die.”

~Flashback end~

Ever since then, you were held to it. You never liked flaking on plans, the pressure of fitting in constantly in your head. If you skip enough events, they’ll forget about you. If you don’t put in enough effort, they’ll leave you behind. So here you were, 3 packed bags deep and a Jeep outside filled with your friends, honking for you to come outside.

Your bedroom door creaked open, your mom standing there with your bags,

“Ready?”,

Were you ever ready? To drain your social battery with a weekend in the woods. To have to put on a false facade of confidence, to pretend like you weren’t terrified of the future and what it holds. Ready?…

“As ready as I can be.”

You walked outside, struggling with all three of your bags as every single person in the jeep watched you,

“Get in loser! we’re going camping.” Cheye screamed to you, giggling alongside your other friends. Your eyes zoomed at Jackie in the drivers seat, Ana in the passengers. Cheye, Evan, and Billy in the backseat.  

Billy reached over, hanging out the window looking you up and down,

“We’re all filled up here, looks like you’ll be sitting with our bags in the trunk, but if you’d rather sit on my lap…we can have that arranged” his voice sultry, winking back at you, bitting his bottom lip as you continued walking to the car.

“Ew! shut the fuck up billy, you’re gross” Jackie turned from the drivers seat, reaching back to pull him by the shirt back to his original spot in the car, slapping his arm for good measure,

“What?? i’m just fucking joking!!”

You could barely hear them arguing as you lost your balance, tripping on yourself, with only your bags catching your fall. “fuck” you whispered to yourself, not long after you felt yourself dragged back up, you took in a breath, surprised at the sudden help up.

Once you were back on your feet, your eyes met the gaze of his. His eyes icy blue, the waves in his dark brown hair as prominent as ever, and you could see he barely had any stubble, but it was there. You were surprised to see him, it’d been so long since the last time.

“Jonathan!” you wiped the bottom of your dress down, fixing yourself after your fall.

“Y/n, you alright?” he had you by one arm, eyebrows furrowed as he was quite obviously worried. You were staring into his eyes, not even hearing what he was saying, just flustered from his touch. Oh how reactive you were to it.

“Oh..um, yeah. Yeah im alright, thank you” you spat out, stumbling over your words as he smiled while you did so. Chuckling to himself as he noticed your anxious ways.

“Stop jerking him off and get in the car!” Ana screamed, an eruption of laughs following behind. You breathed out loudly, clearly not in the mood for the joke. Already embarrassed, you picked up one of your bags, quickly being stopped by him while you tried to go for the second one.

“I’ve got it, y/n. You know, you could ride with me? I’m driving in with my own car, and you’d have leg room. You wouldn’t have to sit with the bags…in the trunk. Or on that losers lap.” he joked, already going to lift your bags up. You were nervous to say yes, but honestly it seemed like a better deal than having to deal with billy or the trunk.

“I mean, who could say no to leg room, right?” you laughed out, walking with Jonathan to his car. Your answer eliciting a slight smirk from him, you watched as he nodded his head, “Right.”

He opened the trunk to his black Mercedes Benz, throwing your bags into it, unlocking the passengers door and opening it up for you right after. He slammed your door shut, securing you in his car as he walked up to the drivers side door of the jeep, your guess was to talk to Jackie.

“Jackie, we’ll follow your car. Send me the address too, i’ll see you there”

You heard his words faintly, watching him tap the side of the car as he walked back to his drivers side, getting in slowly. You admired his profile, he was always a looker, even when you were younger. You always thought he was cute, but he always thought of you as his cousins younger friend. You knew he was just nice. But you weren’t the only one who had thought these things.

“Damn he’s fucking fineeee” Ana drew out her words, looking over at jackie with a shit eating grin.

“Fuck off, he’s my cousin.”

“And? You can’t tell me you wouldn’t climb that man like a tree if tomorrow ancestry told you he was 3 times removed?”

“Ew Ana…shut up” jackie laughed, putting the car into drive and speeding off.

//

Just about halfway there, the car ride’s been mostly silent, with just some small talk. You didn’t really know him that well, only knew what Jackie told you. And outside of one or two personal experiences with him you couldn’t say you’d got any sort of vibe from him. Other than lowkey crazy.

~Flashback~

“So, do you think he likes you?” Ana pressures you to speak, you’d just finished explaining what went down between you and some guy you met out at a club you snuck into. He kept blowing up your phone, sending you snap after snap, even going through the lengths of calling you.

“Well, duh he likes her! the question is, does she like him?” jackie chimed in from the other side of the kitchen, you’d all been in her house for your version of taco tuesdays. A sort of tradition after awhile, it’s really just an excuse to be in the same room at the same time without having to worry about anything else.

All eyes were on you to answer the question. You’d just met him, barely even got a good look at his face, it was so dark in the club,

“I mean, i think he’s cute? i’m not sure. I don’t even know the guy. He’s been blowing up my phone, a real wierdo if you ask me. He even left me 4 voicemails!” you admitted, eyes glued to jackie as she pours a little too much taco seasoning onto the impression beef.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” your head swiveling to see where the voice came from, your face already bunched up with annoyance at the opinion nobody asked for. Who does this guy think he is commenting on shit he didn’t know?

“Don’t you think that’s a bit much seasoning?” he corrected himself, staring at Jackie, “Well, maybe that’s what you need when you’re eating fake meat, but i guess that’s none of my business.” his eyebrows raised slightly, smirking at the blonde haired girl standing tall above the counter,

“Nobody asked you, Jonathan. What happened? My brother kick you out of his room? you felt the need to bless us with your unwanted presence.” she sassed, making sure to throw a sarcastic smile back at him,

“I came down here cause something smelled good. And of course i love a good gossip session. Introduce me to your friends.” you watched as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed, giving us a better view of his toned arms.

“Jonathan, this is y/n and ana, y/n and ana, this is my cousin, Jonathan. Pay no mind.”

“I’ll pay all the mind i want, hello Jonathan. What a pleasure it’s been, you want some tacos? we have options…” ana flirted, winking at him from across the table. You zoned out, turning back to face Ana, leaning on your hand. Your phone buzzing again,

“Fuck, it’s him again.”

You watched the room sigh, looking down at the 4 messages, you were just about to open them up until you felt a slight nudge of your seat, your phone pulled from your hands,

“Hey!! what the f–”

“Ah-ah-ah, i’m helping you.” you turned to see Jonathan scrolling through your messages, concentrating on reading everything this random guy sent you. He scoffed, shaking his head at your phone,

“Men like this will never learn. Fucking animals. I’ll fix this problem for you.” he played around with the phone a bit longer, finally bringing it up to his ear, and at that point you lunged for the phone,

“No!! no what are you doi-”

“Hello? Yeah. This is y/n’s boyfriend, if you contact this number again i will fucking find you and rip your limbs off piece by piece until only your dick is left, then i’ll blend it up and feed it to your family. Got it? got it.” your eyes widened, mouth hanging open as he pressed the end call button, handing you your phone back.

“Don’t let these assholes treat you like that. You deserve better.” his words kinder than you’d thought. You grabbed your phone back quickly, looking down at text thread stunned.

“Holy shit Jonathan, that was awesome…” Ana’s reaction of pure shock,

“Jonathan, you’re a psycho” Jackie turned around, pushing his shoulder so he’d lose balance slightly.

“What can I say? People like that need to be scared straight sometimes.”

~Flashback end~

You stared at Jonathan, watching him squeeze the steering wheel as your intense gaze got longer. You just couldn’t keep your eyes off of him, something about him was so…mesmerizing.

“You know staring is rude” he didn’t even have to turn his head to look at you to feel your eyes on him.

“oh god–..i’m sorry” your flustered words barely comprehensive, looking straight back to the road feeling your hands sweat from anxiety. You turned in your seat awkwardly, picking at your thumbs to do anything but look back at him.

“It’s okay doll, you don’t have to be sorry, i’m only kidding,” you felt his hand pat your thigh, causing you to jump up slightly at the sudden touch.

“Jonathan?”

“Yes y/n…”

“Where have you been? I mean…i haven’t seen you since i was like 16, i just–..sorry, sorry, i don’t know. It’s none of my business anyway.” you sighed, regretting even asking the question you’ve been wanting to ask for the whole car ride. He just virtually disappeared, after going to college you thought maybe he just deaded everyone around him.

“Don’t be sorry, y/n. I’ve been around. My-” you watched him stop his sentence, taking a deep breath in and exhaling, changing his position on the steering wheel,

“My parent’s passed away my freshman year in college, i just, kind of disappeared after that. Dropped out, had to deal with a lot of family stuff. I’ve just been reconnecting with my other family this year. I still think this was a pity invite, but i kind of needed a weekend away from everything.”

You looked him up and down, realizing how much more you regret asking him,

“Jesus, Jonathan i’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring this up for you. Jackie didn’t even tell me, i had no clue.” you placed your hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him in the littlest way possible.

He took your hand off his shoulder, grabbing it to his chest, holding it there for just a second before bringing it up to his lips and leaving a light kiss on the back of it.

“You’re fine, i like talking to you. You were always my favorite.” he turned to you with a smile, letting your hand go as he turned his blinker on to take the next exit.

“Almost there.”

//

All you heard was the car driving over an abundance of leaves and branches, finally looking over to see this long awaited house sitting right on the lake. Your heart rushed, excited for what’s to come.

You watched as all of your friends hoped out of their cars, still staying idle with Jonathan, waiting for him to make the first move out,

“Why don’t you go with them, i’ll get our bags and bring them inside.” Jonathan offered, leaning down to pull the latch for the trunk as you turned the knob to your door, hurrying out,

“Sounds good! i’ll see you inside,”

And with that, you ran up the stairs of the house, opening the door to find a two level cabin, at least 4 rooms on the second floor, huge living room with a fireplace, everything you could have imagined,

“Shit Ana, this is amazing” exclaiming excitedly, running towards the moose head centered right above the fire place, examining it thoroughly,

“Yeah, it’s been in my family forever. We just built up, this shit used to be a one level,” quickly cut off by Cheye, grabbing Evans hand and running straight up the stairs,

“DIBS ON THE BIGGEST BED”, she looked back, winking at the group. A flushed red color soon appeared on Evans cheeks, he could never keep up with Cheye’s sex drive.

“You kids have fun,” jackie dropped her bags off, pulling her hair up in a bun.

“Let’s explore.” billy pulled you by your arm, dragging you off towards the kitchen, having to catch your footing halfway through.

The kitchen was decently sized, a huge window above the sink outlooking the backyard, the view of trees and woods made you feel so small. Like, the whole word is back there, and we’re in this cabin. If you looked to the right, there was a small lake, a dock attached with wooden planks scattered everywhere.

You got lost looking out the window, not even noticing Billy sneak up behind you, grabbing your hips steady. Your body jumped up, pushing back as you swung around to face him,

“Dude, what are you doing” you brought your hands to his chest, pushing him away further.

“What?–” his voice raising in pitch defensively, “I’m just looking at the beautiful view, don’t you wanna go for a swim later?” his eyebrow raised, shining his pearly whites at you.

“I’ll go for a swim, but not with you.” you crossed your arms, putting all your weight onto one foot, perusing your lips as a fuck you to him.

“Awe,” Billy brings his hand to your face, rubbing your cheek in circular motions as you’re pinned to the sink, wishing you could pull back further,

“Always playing so hard to get, huh?”

Before anything else can be said, the kitchen door to the back swings open, hitting he wall with a loud “thud” that can be heard throughout the house.

You both look to the door, a tall handsome man standing, not saying a word just eyes locked to billys, the tension in the room was sharp, you could cut it with a knife.

“Who’s this guy again?” he turned to you, leaning over you as he placed both his hands on the sink on either side of you.

“I’m jackie’s cousin, Jonathan.” his voice monotoned, completely still in the same spot he’d walked in.

Billy finally relieved you by raising his posture, walking away from you and closer to Jonathan,

“Well…Jackie’s cousin,–” you watched as Billy moved closer to Jonathan, getting right in his face. Jonathan standing up straighter than before if that was possible, a slight smirk on his face that angered Billy even more.

“It’s been a pleasure.” billys sarcastic tone was accompanied by him brushing shoulders with Jonathan, pushing him back slightly as he walked out back, completely leaving you and Jonathan alone.

You let out an audible breath of relief, rolling your eyes as you turned to your side, leaning against the counter, watching Jonathan’s features lighten up as he looked at you.

“Your phone, it was on the floor of my car.” he handed you back your Iphone, smiling as he placed his hands in his back pockets.

“Thank you! i honestly thought i had it on me…but-anyway, don’t pay mind to billy. He’s an asshole.” you confessed, shrugging your shoulders casually.

“Oh trust me, i see that now.” he laughed slightly, humming at the end of his statement, walking closer to you, this time you weren’t cornering yourself, letting him walk directly face to face with you.

“Let me know if he bothers you again, y/n.” his large hand moving from his back pocket to your jawline, moving his finger along it. You felt yourself push into his touch, goosebumps rising to your skin.

You thought back to how he helped you with your problem all those years ago, wondering if he was the same old him or if his parents loss really did change him in some way. You wanted to figure out what happened, although he’s been nothing but amazing, you just, feel, something out of the ordinary. A sixth sense.

“I will, Jonathan. I’ll tell you.”

//

The slight breeze of the summer night was unlike any other. The perfect night. You and your friends circled around a fire pit, you had at least 3 s’mores by now. Laughs echo’ing through the woods as everyone had enough alcohol in their system to make them feel good.

You had a cup of some godforsaken drink Cheye had made, tasted like every alcohol on earth mixed together to create a death juice.

You had taken just a few sips, before putting it back down at your feet, you were the only sober one there, not caring to be trashed out of your mind.

“What? you don’t like my finest quality beverage?” Cheye asked, sipping her drink and leaning into Evan.

“I love it!, just, not really in the mood to drink.” you admitted, taking a bite of your s’more.

Billy moved closer to you, his hand falling on your thigh, causing you to adjust yourself, pushing him off.

“Why don’t you have fun, y/n, come on. Don’t be a buzz kill.” billy pressured, he grabbed the drink from the ground, bringing it up to your lips for you. Pouring it basically on you, forcing you to take huge sips.

“Billy, stop, if she doesn’t want to drink fuck off” Ana pulled the cup away from your face, grabbing it away from billy.

You coughed up a bit, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand,

You heard billy mumble under his breath, swore he said “losers” following it up by being more obnoxious,

“Speaking of, where’s that Josh kid?”

“Don’t be a dick. His name is Jonathan and he’s my cousin, take it easy on him. He’s had a…rough few years.” her voice lower as she spoke out the last few words.

“I saw him go up to his room before we came out, he’s not a very social person it seems.” Evan quietly added, Cheye sitting directly on his lap, hand tangled in his hair.

“But you aren’t either baby” she teased, kissing along his neck, leaving bruise like marks everywhere.

“Get a room!” Ana joked, sticking her finger in her mouth suggesting she was going to throw up.

“Well…we just might”

Cheye jumped up, jogging towards the back door, turning back to look at Evan,

“Last one there is on top!” which caused Evan to rush over, trying to beat her inside.

You smiled through the ache, feeling more lonely than ever seeing how they interacted. It’d been awhile since your last boyfriend, losing hope after every guy treated you the same. Nobody matched your love language, nobody.

“I’m gonna go too, Jackie come with I want to show you where we keep the good whiskey.”

Soon after that, it’d just be you and Billy alone, just what you needed.

You got up, ignoring him next to you, walking to the lake, finally getting to the boardwalk, lifting your jeans to leave room for your feet to dangle, getting down to feel the temperature. Ohh, cold. You still sat, your feet grazing the water, leaning back on your hands to look up at the stars. Everything would change after this summer. This was your last summer of feeling free, feeling like you had your whole life ahead of you, feeling like you actually had things figured out. Go to college, get a job, live your life. What you’d been taught since you were young. You weren’t one to ditch the status quo.

You felt yourself being nudged, almost losing your balance at the edge of this dock,

“Ugh! Chill the fuck out” you looked up at the man, short brown hair and a patchy beard,

“Let’s get in. I told you we’d swim,” he began taking his shirt off, halfway through unbuttoning his jeans, you sat up, walking back from the lake,

“Swim yourself, asshole.” you ran inside, the screen door slamming behind you, you walked in to an empty house, Cheye and Evan upstairs doing god knows what, Jackie and Ana somewhere hidden finding her parents stash of expensive stuff, and Jonathan…who was..in his room?

Sounded like a good idea to you as well, running to the empty room you had decided was yours, shutting the door behind you. You jumped on the creaky bed, getting comfortable against the headboard. Putting your beats headphones on, nothing would interrupt you and your playlist now.

//

“I FUCKING WILL THEN!” Billy replied, screaming at the girl who’d walked off from him and into the house. He still continued to rid himself of his clothes, stripping down to his boxers, “fucking stupid bitch”

He jumped in, splashing water everywhere in his path, shivering from the temperature. He dunked his head in the water, getting his face wet, soon returning to the surface, his hands wiping his eyes, snap

He turned his head to the sound, smiling thinking he’s gotten what he wants.

“So, you are gonna join me after all? I knew you’d come to your senses babe.” his smug response echo’ed as he swam to the source of the sound, just a bit further down the lake. Arriving at the land, he was just out of distance from the site of the house, nothing but trees if he walked a few feet.

“Baby?” he called out, looking around at the pitch black woods, smiling, you’re just hiding from him, he thought.

“Don’t hide baby, come to daddy–” he used his upper strength, about to hop out of the lake,

“I’m right here babe” a deep low voice coming out of the woodworks, billy’s eyes widened, looking up at the surprise, “what the f-” trying to finish his words before Jonathan’s hand pushed him back down, keeping him under the water, gripping his hair so he couldn’t swim away.

“I swear i’ve never heard you so quiet.” Jonathan laughed to himself, Billy’s thrashing under his hand, feeling the intrusion of water into his lungs, filling his body, nowhere to go but further down. Soon blacking out, his thrashing completely halted, taking his last breath, his grip on Jonathan’s hand falling, signaling his demise.

“Now what am i gonna do with you? hmm?” Jonathan’s first kill of the night such a satisfying one, but will anyone else be on his list for the night?

//

You’re in and out of consciousness as your playlist is on it’s final song, threatening to repeat for the second time that night. You could barely stay awake, yawning as you turned over on your side, facing away from your door, trying to let sleep take over. Jackie and Ana still in her parents private separated shed like house, absolutely nothing going on as far as you’re concerned.

You could barely hear anything, that included a few doors down, Cheye and Evan going at it like rabbits, fucking each others brains out. Evan was last up to the bed, unfortunate for him,

“Fuck Evan,” Cheye panted, digging her nails into his back, dragging them down as she giggled,

“Deeper” she begged, wanting to feel him fill every part of her, but instead, she sighed at the sudden feeling of emptiness, opening her eyes to see Evan being dragged off of her,

“WHAT THE FUCK MAN” Evan screamed, dropping to the floor as he tripped over the bed frame, his shaggy hair in his eyes, barely able to see his attacker,

Cheye pulled the blankets over her naked body, a sense of absolutely dread washed over her as the shine from the large knife accompanying Jonathan caught her eye.

“Wh-what are you doing man? hey, hey–” Evan’s voice cracking as Jonathan strolled over to him, evan crawling backgrounds to try and get as far away from him as possible,

“You know….” Jonathan began, leaning down to grab him by his thick curls, looking from Cheye to him, smiling at the fear stamped onto her face, making sure all eyes were on him.

He swung the knife around, so everyone was aware of it, “I really liked you two. So fun-” he adjusted the knife to sit at evan’s throat, causing him to jump, whining in fear, silent sobs and “please’s” dripping from his lips.

“Young love i suppose.” his hair falling as he looked down at evan, smirking at his next victim,

“Since i like you, i’ll make this fast” the next thing heard was Cheye’s scream, watching as Jonathan sliced evan’s neck to the bone, blood squirting out all over, staining the hardwood floor.

“PLEASE! Please you don’t have to do this Jonathan, please don’t do this, please i won’t tell anybody! let me go i won’t–” Jonathan launched at her, pulling the blanket from her body to reveal all of her. Crawling on top of her, hovering as she fell deeper into the bed, tears staining her cheeks as she turned her head away from him.

“Oh, but i do have to do this, Cheye.” his hand traveling up her leg as the other was positioned right next to her head, knife in hand. He rubbed small circles on her thigh, looked down at the masterpiece he had in front of him. His hands closing in on her heat, feeling her shaking underneath him, “please-”

His eyes snapped at her, feeling him throw daggers at her, she cried loudly,

“Just keep it down, sweetheart. I just need you to keep it down.” She listened for now, closing her eyes tight as he reached her center, slightly parting her legs so he could have a better look. “I’ll spare you if you show me what you’re all about.” but he knew he wouldn’t spare her. He just loves to see the hope in her eyes, still jumping at his every movement not knowing what he will do next.

“P-please, d-don’t hurt me” Cheye pleaded, arms at her side, still as ever, still not facing him, but opting to face to the side, getting a glimpse of the light shimmering off his blade. Sharpened just for her.

“I’m not gonna hurt you yet, darling. Do as I say and I’ll keep you alive.” He lied effortlessly, laughing at her small cries. Screaming out, she betrayed his word, knowing he warned her to be quiet.

“Didn’t I say to keep it down?” He spoke between his teeth, getting up just to grab the tape he had left at the edge of the bed, unraveling it as Cheye began screaming louder,—“PLEASE DONT DO THIS!!” the last words she got out before he placed a large strip of tape over her mouth.

Cheye’s muffled screams were now the only thing filling the room, barely anything audible due to the tape. Squirming in bed against the sheets, paralyzed with fear as she watched him grab a red marker from the counter. Her eyebrows furrowed as he walked over, straddling her once again, bringing the sharpie to her bound lips. Marking it up in the oddest way, not realizing what he could have been drawing.

A pair of red lips,—

He leaned over seconds after marking up her tape. Leaving a small peck on the grey strip.

“I had to make sure those pretty little lips weren’t hidden from me.”

Without a warning, he shoved the knife into her neck, her squirming automatically ceasing, choking on her own blood, feeling it seep from the duct tape over her lips, dripping down her chin, the last thing she felt before everything went black, the last sight of her killer burned into her head.

Jonathan’s third murder of the night. Look’s like there’s no stopping him on his road to you.

//

You’re woken up out of a dead sleep, wondering if it was the night after, feeling your head pounding, your head feeling heavy even when you look to the side to check the the time, 3 a.m. Fuck. You didn’t even know when you’d fallen asleep, all you know is your headphones are still on and your phone battery was on 5%.

You fixed your hair down, yawning as you stretched out of bed.

“Cheyeeee,” you called out, opening the door to your room to look out in the hall.

You waited a few seconds before you didn’t get an answer to walk out, looking over the banister, finding nobody in sight. Not bothering to call out her name again, you walked to her room.

Nothing. You looked inside, just saw the sheets and blankets messed up, clothes everywhere, and not one person to answer your calls. You figured they went for a late night swim, walking into the room to look out the window, hmm, nobody outside? you thought to yourself. Thoughts swaying in your mind of where people could be. It’s so weird of everyone to just ditch you, but you remembered Jonathan being in his room. At least he still has to be here.

Wrong. Walking to his room, you were yet again let down by the silence. Shit.

“Jonathannnnn? Jackieeeee? anyoneeeee home?” you once again called out, this time over the banister, but no answer….you did however notice the front door wide open, “Was that door always open?”

//

Jackie and Ana, drunk on the floor of the shed, instead of a wall of tools, just bottles and bottles of collectable whiskeys, giggles coming from the dimly lit shack.

“Jackie, o h my god … is it hot in here?? fuck im hot. Fuck…i think we…i think we drank just a weeee bit too much” her words slurred, leaning against Jackie as she closed her eyes, the world spinning behind her lids.

“No my darling, you, drank too much. Nobody told to down 3 glasses of very politely sized Macallan 15 year.” she joked, pulling Ana back up to sit against the wall,

“That’s where you are very. very wrong.” she pointed at Jackie, or at least tried to. Pointing at the door instead,

“I definitely told myself to drink those glasses.” she winked, downing her last glass of the evening.

Jackie turned her head, eyes squinting looking out of the shed,

“What?” Ana notices her small pause,

“Did you just hear my name? I swe-” Jackie panicked, but Ana put her finger to her mouth to shush her,

“Looks like i’m not the only drunk one after allllllll” her voice higher pitched, laughing at her own comedic genius. Jackie figured she was maybe a little drunk, ignoring the clear yelp of her name.

//

You walked down the steps, careful of your every movement, constantly looking behind you, paranoid someone was just trying to prank you. You walked curiously around the steps, slowly making your way to the back door. A small light caught your eye, a door slightly cracked open in the kitchen, across the the window outlooking the backyard, and adjacent from the backdoor. You hadn’t even noticed it the first time you were in here.

You opened the door, barely able to see, the light had to be almost out, you looked down, it was the moonlight shining from a small window in what you thought was some sort of basement. “Helloooo, anyone down here??” you called out, taking it upon yourself to begin to walk down the steps, creaking each step down.

At the bottom of the stairs, you looked to your left, seeing nothing but one small window, shining light on a whole lot of nothing. Your hairs standing as you begin to feel your breathing pick up,

“This isn’t fucking funny, guys.” you crossed your arms, huffing out the statement, turning to your right to see the shine of a string attached to what looks like a bulb. You follow the string, determined to get to it, barely able to reach as you slipped back. Your elbows catching your fall…fuck, you grabbed your head, rubbing to soothe the dull ache. Bringing your hands back to the front of your face, feeling some sort of substance on them. what the fuck?

You wiped your hands on your pants, figuring it was some disgusting water. Finally reaching up,  pulling the string, immediately lighting up the room and showing you your red stained hands.

You jumped back, gasping down at your palms, only later picking up your head to noticed the three bodies laid atop each other in the corner of the basement.

Grey. Your vision going grey as your heart started to palpitate, getting out one scream, “JACKIEE–” before you felt a hand cover your mouth, grabbing your whole body against theirs. A pinch to your neck, a pull of your hair. Grey. Or was it black? You couldn’t remember. The needle you wouldn’t remember later being injected into your neck carrying a substance that’d knock a black bear out. Last thing you’d remember was leaning against a warm body, passing out as if you never even woke.

//

“Ana!!! shut up…i swear to fucking god i just heard it again.” now fixing to stand, Jackie grabs the counter to lift herself up.

“Heard whaaaa?” Ana’s eyes closing as she leans against the wall, still in the same sitting position as before.

“My name! jesus, Ana, no more drinks for you. Stay here, i’m gonna go see what’s up.”

“Stay here im gonna go see whats up” Ana mimics in a high squeaky voice, squinting her eyes and waving her hands around, “Whatever, you do that…but in horror movies you’re the one who dies…i don’t make the rules” she said nonchalantly, Jackie rolling her eyes, “ok drunkie” she mumbled under her breath, leaving her there to sober up.  

15 minutes or so goes by, what feels like an hour to Ana. Her eyes closed as shes trying to keep herself awake. She barely heard the door of the shed slam back shut as if someone entered,

“Ohhhh so i see miss sober is back and still alive…” she begins, eyes still half shut as she works to get herself up off the ground, “I guess my horror movie knowledge is shit,-” she stood facing the door now, realizing who she was looking at was definitely not “miss sober”

“Look who it is. Mr. tall and handsome. What a lovely surprise.” she sloppily walks over to Jonathan, swinging her hands around his neck, bringing him down for a kiss he didn’t pull back from.

Their lips stuck together, the taste of high end whiskey now transfer’d to his lips. Soon she’d move to kissing his jaw line, somehow both of them moving backwards. Her leather skirt rising up as her back hit the table under the whiskey shelves. Humming in approval, she pulled away from Jonathan, looking at his dark eyes,

“I guess i’m lucky tonight, baby” she went back to attaching herself to his neck, kissing and sucking at the skin, leaving all of her love bites for him, “I guess you are” he replied, watching her stop for a minute to smell him slightly,

“mm..you smell..you smell like Japanese cherry blossom…uhh..have you been fuckin Cheye too?” Ana pushed against his chest, too drunk to have any sort of filter,

“Shhhh, stop talking, i was just having fun.” he turned Ana around, pushing her head onto the table, lifting her skirt to rip off her black thong, her body shook as he did.

She shook her butt slightly, teasing him as she looked back to him. Watching him smile in victory, he begins to unzip his pants, releasing himself to line up with her core. Fucking her instantly, gripping her shoulder for leverage as he began his violent thrusts, shaking the whole table.

Her moans loud as he took what he wanted, pushing her face into the desk further, growling at the way she hugged him.

“ah fuck,–” one brutal thrust and the table shakes enough to knock over several whiskey bottles, crashing and breaking onto the table around her, one even hitting her in the head, but not hard enough to crack,–

“OOOWWW” she went to raise her hand, a bump rising faster than she could think, her wrist now gripped by Jonathan as he slams it back down,

“I got that for you, sweetheart” gripping the slender bottle, and pulling back on it, slamming it back down onto her head. Shattering it everywhere, blood pouring from her scalp as she starts to scream. Jonathan pulling out of her, tucking himself back in as he gets a handle on her. Grabbing her by the hair and pulling her up, smashing her face back onto the broken shards of glass all around the table. Multiple times, over, and over, and over, until her body fell limp in his arms, falling to the ground in a puddle of blood.

Jonathan kicked her body, making sure she was as dead as she could be, leaning down to pull her shoulder back, taking in what he’d done. Glass buried deep and contusions everywhere on her face. He was always silent when he was ready to kill, never letting people get him distracted. He picked a particularly large piece of glass from her skin, examining before flicking it to the side and bringing his eyes back to her.

“Oh…you were right. You do have shitty horror movie knowledge.”

//

Jackie walked inside, investigating the house, upstairs, in every room, but nothing. Her path the same as yours, each room, Jonathan’s room, down the stair, to the kitchen…hmm…a door? She went to reach for the handle, instantly jumping back as Jonathan opened the back door, out of breath, falling to his knees.

“WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE THERE’S A KILLER, EVERYONES GONE, THEY’RE ALL DEAD, JACKIE, THEY’RE ALL DEAD,” his breathing heavy, his hand to his heart as Jackie rushes to him, kneeling on the ground with him, holding his shoulders steady,

“No…no, jonathan, what are you saying? did you smoke that sativa shit again? You know what–”

“NO I DIDN’T FUCKING SMOKE. JACKIE. PLEASE, I WAS CALLING YOU, I THOUGHT…i thought you were gone too.” he cries to her, falling into her chest as she’s still trying to put the pieces together,

“You’re joking? I know, i know it’s almost the anniversary of their death. But everything’s okay, see i’ll get Ana, we can just have a chill night, watch movies, okay?” She hugged him into her, running her fingers through his hair before he began to get back up, dragging her with him.

“I’m not fucking joking. I saw blood…i–i don’t know where anyone is,” he began as Jackie took his hand, dragging him back outside,

“Ana is drunk, Cheye and Evan are fucking somewhere, and Billy probably finally convinced y/n to sleep with him. Everything is–” she reached the shed, opening the door to see Ana laying in a puddle of blood, a scream echo’ing throughout the woods erupted from Jackie.

Jackie falling back, hands covering her mouth, crying into them, “oh my god”

“We need to get the fuck out of here,” Jackie got back up, grabbing Jonathan to run, but he stopped as they both got inside the house.

“You go. Take the keys, go. I called the police, i have to see if anyone else is alive.” Jonathan basically pushes Jackie out, dragging her to her car, a string of “no”’s as Jonathan gave her no choice when she was at her drivers side door, him unlocking it and shoving her inside, the door still open as his one hand leaned against the top of the car.

“Go. I have to stay. I’m going to be fine, like you said. You need to get out of here. I don’t know what i’d do if i lost you too. Get out.” he shut her drivers side door. She rolled the window down, tears streaming down her cheek, sobbing to him,

“I can’t leave you here” she pleaded, not yet ready to accept that this wasn’t him offering, this was a demand.

“You have to get the fuck out of here.” he grabbed her gently by the back of the neck, bringing her in as he kissed her forehead,

“Go.”

//

~1 week later~

Was it days? Months? You hadn’t been able to tell. Your wrists swollen around the handcuffs attached to a ratty pole in what looked like some sort of dungeon. This wasn’t…real? You knew you hadn’t been in the same cabin you left. Do your friends know you’re alive? is anyone looking for you? How could you be so dumb to trust–

“JONATHAN!! PLEASE, PLEASE LET ME GO” you screamed as you watched the door at the top of the stairs open. This was about the time he fed you, judging from the light outside.

Silence. He never was a man of many words. You had been down here for awhile, still in the same clothes, blood all over your pants and shirt from…wait, you thought, my friends…they’re dead.

Your red and puffy eyes looking into his baby blue’s, trying to plead your mercy, but maybe it worked? You watched as he searched for a key in his back pocket, unlocking you from the pole.

“Let’s go. We’ve gotta get you nice and clean.”

No. No. You thrashed as soon as he unlocked you, him having to stabilize you by gripping the back of your head, screaming as he ripped at your scalp.

“Don’t make me angry, y/n.”

//

He dragged you up the stairs, blind folding you first so you’d be ignorant to what the house looked like. By how long it took you to get to what was a bathroom, you knew it must have been huge. You heard the shower running, your thoughts running as you realized what he was about to do.

Ripping your blindfold off, you were standing in front of a porcelain tub. You watched him as he shut the water off, feeling the temperature for you,

“Take off your clothes.”

You shook your head violently, backing up until you hit the door, grabbing the handle from behind you,

“N-no, i don’t want to”  you stuttered. Still in shock from everything. Your brain didn’t even process that Jonathan was the one responsible for all of this. You feel like you aren’t even in your body, dazed out, looking at a man you barely know.

“That wasn’t a suggestion, y/n, but i see now you like doing things the hard way.” you squealed watching him rush towards you, grabbing your wrists and slamming you against the sink positioned next to the door. You screamed slightly, the feeling of being crushed under his weight as he began lifting your shirt up, you put your arms against his chest, pounding and screaming, but he was too strong for you.

“Stop, fucking STOP MOVING” you felt a sting on your cheek, the force of the slap flinging you to the floor, blood pouring from your lip as you looked up at Jonathan with doe like eyes,

“P-please, no, please let me go” you cried out lowly, holding your lip as blood continued to trickle down your chin, wincing while he came down to your level, hovering atop your body that was now pinned to the ground,

“It’s too late for all of that. You’re mine now. And i need to make sure you’re good as new” he ignored your silent cries as he pulled out his small pocket knife, your screaming slightly louder once your eyes met the blade. This was it. He was going to kill you. But maybe that was better than living at this point.

He put the knife under your shirt, cutting down the middle, and noting to cut the sleeves. Your shift falling off of you like butter, leaving you in only your bra up top. “please” was the only thing out of your mouth as you rocked back and forth on the ground, audibly crying out out to him. But he didn’t listen as he forcibly removed the rest of your clothes. Leaving you vulnerable on the ground under him.

He grabbed you by the hand, standing up with you,

“One leg at a time, come on.” he helped you in the tub, sitting you down as your bruised body welcomed the warm water, bringing your knees up to your chest as your eyes fell to the water. Too scared to look at him as he began using a rag to clean your body. It felt…nice, his gentle strokes on your back. Jumping whenever put the rag in the water, scared of his touch.

You finally had the courage to raise your head, making eye contact with such a beautiful villain. You both halted your movements before him brought the rag up to your lip, wiping the residue of blood of your face, smiling at you softly. Much to your dismay. Seeing that softness still in a man so cruel, you didn’t understand this. Why any of this was happening.

“J-..joathan” barley whispering to him, too frightened if you spoke up too much he’d hurt you.

“Yes, princess?” your body instantly repulsed by the nickname.

“Why are you doing this to me?” you sobbed out, hearing him sigh, you looked into his eyes. No emotion behind them, looking right through you as he smiled at you, pushing your body back against the tub to separate your chest from your knees, whimpering as he did so, you felt his hand slide down your belly, cupping your pussy in the process. You squirmed just enough to get him to hold you down by your hair, crying out at his force once again.

“Because i can, sweetheart.” the retched taste of your own bile coming up at his words, crying out as you felt his long digit enter you, your hand flying to his wrist between your legs to grab it, barely able to look down from the way he was holding your hair back against the tub,

“Shhhh, shhhh” he shushed you, pushing in and out of your cunt as he hummed in satisfaction, oh how incredible tight you were when you were resisting his attempts.

“Didn’t i tell you to be quiet? You and your friends have a serious noise issue, hm? Well darling, don’t make me have to gag you now.” he spoke all too calm, watching as your volume was brought back down, terrified of what he’d gag you with. You relaxed against the tub, letting go of his wrist as he worked you open with his fingers, giving up the protest as he curiously rubbed your spongy walls, meeting spots inside of you that made your toes curl.

His hand still parked in your hair, you looked to the side at him, resting your face on his arm,

“Please Jonathan,” you pleaded, “please just let me go!” He just shakes his head. “Why would I do that pet? You’re too valuable to get rid of,” he smiles. Twisting his fingers inside of you, triggering your legs to close around his arm, feeling yourself let go around him unknowingly. He ripped an orgasm from you, forcing you to contract around him, biting your lip to stifle the moans.

“Don’t worry, they’ll be more where that came from.”

//

He put you in a baggy T-shirt of his, you watched as he opened up a bag of underwear,

“I don’t know what size you were, so i hope these fit” throwing a pair at you to put on in front of him, doing so slowly, feeling your pelvic bone throbbing from what he’d done to you.

He put the blindfold back on you, walking you around for a bit until you heard a door slam shut behind you,

“Wh-where are we?” you asked softly, letting him take the blind fold off. You saw black noise canceling foam around the room, and just a bed in the middle of it. Nothing else. Windows boarded up, nothing but a bed.

“We are at your new room.”

He pushed you onto the bed, you fell on your side, crawling up and sitting in the middle, it was a decent sized bed, a queen you’d say. Only the light from the ceiling glowing, and the room was freezing cold. You were in nothing but a t-shirt and underwear, ready to go under the blankets to protect yourself from the cold.

“Why is it so cold,” your voice breaking as you asked. At this point you were going to ask whatever you wanted, knowing you were going to die anyway. Losing hope, nobody was looking for you.

He leaned over to you, grabbing your ankle and sliding you to the side of the bed. Your heads above your head as your heart began pounding, he was so unstable. You didn’t know his next move ever. He opened your legs, grabbing your waist to pull you slightly off the bed so his crotch was flat against yours, lifting your shirt to reveal your breasts, nipples hard and goosebumps all over them.

“I keep it cold so i can see your pretty nipples at all times,” he brought his thumb and pointer finger to your left nipple, squeezing and pulling as he smiled at your scream.

“Such a good girl.”

//

It’s been at least 2 weeks, and he seems to have gotten away with everything. He’s neglected to tell you any details of the rest of the night, nothing, you’re just gone. Captured. You don’t know what to call it. Crying to yourself in your new room. How can you get out of this? Can you manipulate him, try and run? No. You didn’t even know where you were. He’d been feeding you alright, checking in on you about once every hour. But nothing else, not since the day he bathed you. Figuring he probably had to lay low for awhile, assess all of his avenues after kidnapping a fucking human being. Not just some animal that can’t take or fend for itself, you’re a person.

The door opened up, causing you to sit up straight on the bed, he was in a black dress shirt, place jeans, taking off his pea coat and dropping it the ground.

“What a shitty fucking day.” you watch as he starts unbuttoning the shirt, pulling it from out of his pants, unbuckling his belt in the process. You took a sharp breath in, worried for what he’s going to do, confused at why he suddenly started talking to you,

“W..what happened?” you weren’t sure what to do, how do you speak to your captor,

He let no time go by, huffing out, “I went to your slut of a friends memorial service. They gave up on finding the bodies so it was an empty casket. Took them long enough to give up.”

Your heart stopped, barely able to focus, realizing how real this had become. Your friends are gone, everyone. You immediately started to cry out, a barely audible scream coming from your lips as Jonathan rushed over to you, turning you over to your face was smushed into the mattress, removing your shirt from your backside, revealing one of multiple pairs of panties he’d bought for you.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP OR I’LL KILL YOU TOO” he lashed out, ripping your underwear down as you screamed into the mattress, feeing the first of many whips, his cold leather belt hitting your skin and ripping through it multiple times. Feeling the bruises form as he went along, pushing your face further down as he decided on the last strike being the worst. Your scream muffled by the blanket, sinking your pelvis in to try and relieve some of the pain.

Your voice eventually strained as you suddenly felt pressure inside of you, all too in your own world to realize he’d released himself from his pants, lining up with your cunt and pushing in devilishly. Groaning as he bottomed out in you as you were laying on your belly,

“Hmmm…what happened?” he asked as you cried out, your pussy not as wet for him as he felt that day in the tub. You felt the burning sensation along your vulva, feeling sensitive, your cunt was throbbing around him.

“Am I not doing it for you anymore?” You winced as his hands grabbed at your hair, pushing your skull further into the mattress, moving your hair to one side as he attached himself to your neck. Licking and biting his favorite spots.

“Jonathan—please” your voice was shaky, broken, insecure, knowing his mood jumps too well by now. Nothing you said to him was safe. He’d find a way to blow up over anything, and it didn’t matter how you meant it at that point. Punishment would be looming ahead, but he just laughed at your plea. Humming along your neck as he began pumping inside of you. Your back meeting his stomach as you arched up off the bed trying to find relief from the burn.

“You’re nothing but a pussy to me. You’re lucky i didn’t kill you like the rest of them.” None of your screams being heard, echo’ing into the blanket.

He’s ruthlessly fucking you, feeling him twitch inside of you as his eyes closed, getting lost in how well you fit around him, finally warming up to him.

“I’m gonna fucking kill you when i’m done with you.” his voice a low growl, your squirming beneath him, crying loudly,

“PLEASE- NO, PLEASE DONT KILL ME,–” you managed to get out as you turned your face to the side, your cheek now smushed against the sheets.

You never stopped screaming, even after you felt him release inside of you, shaking atop you, groaning and moaning as you hugged him while he released, warm and wet all for him.

He fell on you, your cries finally subsiding, terrified of what he was going to do next, getting ready for the pain.

But suddenly, he flipped you over, placing himself between your legs as he looked in your soaked eyes, bright red, biting your lip to hold back more sobs,

“I’m sorry, y/n. I-i don’t know…i don’t know what i was saying.” he stared at you for a moment, bringing his lips down to meet yours in a kiss that was not requited.

“I’ll never hurt you. I was just..overwhelmed. Please,- i’ll make it up to you! i will, you can stay with me this weekend. So you won’t be alone.”

You breathed in multiple times, catching your cry in the back of your throat. Wondering if he really that that’d be any better than this. Too terrified to respond to him, you just nodded, closing your eyes and pretending you weren’t there.

//

He kept his promise, one night waking up in a huge master bedroom, his sheets felt softer, pillows fluffier, the light..oh god, the light. You were alone, you fell asleep in your own room, woke up in this room. You ran up, straight to the windows. Looking outside to see nothing but woods, fuck, you were at least three stories up, the house was huge. You wanted to open the widow but it looks as if they’d been nailed shut, trying to push it open, suddenly jumping at the unexpected noise from behind.

“So i see you’re enjoying yourself.” beads of water falling from his chest, his hair wet and stringy, only in a white towel tied at the waist.

You nodded fast, putting on a fake smile for him, “thank you”

It didn’t take long for you to understand lashing out every day wouldn’t help you. You needed a plan, and to play along for as long as you could until you found a way to get help for yourself. You needed to figure him out, what his deal was, why he picked you, why are you still alive?

“Put on the TV, sit, I’ll get you water.” his words sounding more stern than anything, you listened to him. Whatever he said, you listened. It felt like there was more to him, this was all..this was all so odd. How could he be so human? It’s like his emotions are fighting with themselves, if he harms you too much you see the regret in his eyes. But why? He’s a murderer. He’s the bad guy..right?

You nodded to him, sitting down on his bed, until he arrived back with a plastic cup filled with water for you. Setting it down beside you on the nightstand, walking back around the bed to lay down with the pillows piled behind his head,

He noticed you didn’t touch the remote, too scared to do anything to upset him until he decided to turn the TV on, the station tuned into FOX,

“Still no discovery of the missing teens from Long Island, NY. They took a trip to Lake George, looking to have a last hurrah before the summers end, but unfortunately, met theirs instead. If you have any information about the missing persons, Cheye Jenkins, Billy Baker, Evan Fields, and Ana Winters, please contact your local police department.”

You gasped, looking into your own lap as you pretended to ignore what you just heard, watching him from your peripheral vision have no reaction, change the channel as if he’s never even heard of them before.

“Monster.” you couldn’t hold your tongue, speaking under your breath as he continued flicking through channels,

“What’d you just call me?…” you hadn’t thought about him hearing you, too caught up in your own head to realize the consequences of your actions, but feeling stupidly bold as you always did, you puffed up your chest, turning to your side,

“You’re a monster, Jonathan. A cold blooded monster.”

A pin dropping. That’s what could be heard, the silence in the room scary enough to make you want to run. But where was there to go?

His hand around your throat, squeezing until you wheezed out for breath, pinning you under him just as he’s done over and over again, your face beginning to turn red, feeling him let up only so you’d be able to answer his question,

“HOW? how am i a monster, y/n,” he screamed louder, “HOW AM I A MONSTER?”

You began seeing stars dance along your vision, if this was it, you’d be happy. Finally able to rest, even if you were dead, you barely squeaked out,

“You’re a murderer, you killed with no reason, is Jackie even alive? you must not be above killing family since your parents are dead. They’d love to see the man you turned out to be–” you spit out, venom coming from you, you really angered him, his grip relentless as he squeezed the life out of you, shaking you and slamming you back and forth on the bed as he choked the life out of you,

“I’D NEVER HURT MY FUCKING FAMILY–” lashing out, he released his grip, instead punching you across the face, feeling your eye instantly swell, reopening the almost healed wound on your lip, you could barely feel the pain, almost passing out breathing in and out, not able to give him anymore answers.

Your eyesight in and out, not paying attention to him dragging you down the bed, handcuffing your wrists together behind your back, feeling the all familiar click of the tightening bounds,

He pulled you atop him, your clothed cunt teasingly seated on his soft dick, he’d removed his towel in the scuffle, your body flimsy not understanding what he was trying to do.

“You know what. Why don’t i prove to you Jackie’s alive and healthy, hm?”

You felt him push your underwear aside, inserting his slightly hard dick into you, the stretch almost too much for you, he seated fully inside of you as he held onto your hips, moving you back and forth a couple of times. You gave up, letting him use you, you had no more energy, you just want death at this point.

He slapped your ass, encouraging you to move up and down before he put the phone up to his ear,

“Keep my cock hard or i’ll slit your throat to the bone, y/n.” it seemed like a good way out, you were asking for death. You wanted it, but the delicious sting of his cock inside of you, taunting your body for being so wet around him, you’d get off around him one last time.

You heard ringing from his end of the phone, “if you make any noise i’ll make sure you and your family die.”

You took his threat seriously, holding as much as your breath to make sure you were quiet, hearing him at the other end.

“Jackie..hey,–”

You heard her voice on the other end, he really did make sure she was alive. He was silent for a few seconds before you heard what sounded like small cries on the other end, you watch him wink at you, thrusting up roughly causing you to whimper out, going to cover your mouth with your hands, your wrists stinging from trying to pull them apart while in handcuffs.

“I know, i can’t believe what happened. I know–i know, i miss them too. Do you think they’re dead?” his fake concerned voice as he smiles at you, running his tongue along his top lip, rolling his eyes to the back of his head with pleasure as you’re lifting yourself up and down on his cock, feeling yourself dripping down his shaft.

You want to make any noise, feeling him twitch inside of you, his fat cock stretching you and straining you until it hit your cervix, wincing at the slight dull pain, he kept thrusting up to hurt you, one hand on your hip as the other holds the phone to his ear.

“Don’t cry, it’s going to be okay. Wherever they are, alive or not, we’ll be praying for them, we’ll be praying for all of them.” a particularly hard thrust up as he spoke his last sentence caused you to groan out, crying slightly at the pain.

His hand seated now at your throat, holding it while you slid back and forth on his dick, him squeezing your voice box hard enough so even if you wanted to moan you couldn’t.

“Just know that I love you, and we have each other.” the last words you heard before you felt him coat your walls with his cum, pumping you full and to the brim, eyes squeezed shut biting his bottom lip as he ravages you, breathing as heavy as he could with someone on the other end of the phone, letting go of your throat as he rested his hand on his chest, trying to catch his breath,

“I’ve gotta go, i love you Jackie”

//

You were now permanently rooming with Jonathan, handcuffed to the bed on days he wasn’t able to really be able to keep you in check. You learned the date finally, it’s been a whole month. You were supposed to start college. Were people still looking? Were people still hopeful you were alive. You couldn’t believe he’d kept you around this long, being his fuck buddy at night, forcing his way into showers with you and taking you from behind. It’d been a journey with him, a journey you were ready to end the day he loosened your handcuffs a little too much when he decided to leave the house.

It’s your chance. Leave now or die later. What was your choice?  

Stay, you may die,

Leave now, you may die,

Death the outcome of both. So you went with the latter.

Sneaking your one wrist from the handcuff, ready to do this in just a t-shirt and underwear, someone has to find you. Someone has to be looking.

You went to open the door to his room, everything falling perfectly into place as it opened up with no trouble, no lock in sight. You took in the views, fuck his house was huge

Not paying too close attention, you walked past the few rooms on the third floor, running down the steps as fast as you could, running until you hit the bottom level, the stairs dropping you off into the kitchen…

Your eyes went straight to a long white wire, plugged into..what? your phone?

Your heart lit up, he couldn’t be so dumb? Could he? you grabbed your phone, looking up at the top right, 8%,

Fuck, you had to take it with you. This creep was going through your phone? You almost dropped it unplugging it, going to your contacts to find he’s deleted them all, your text messaged, all gone, fuck, who’s number do you know? fuck, fuck, fuck it,

You dialed out, 9-1, hearing footsteps come from behind you, your turned around, seeing Jonathan rush to you, moving out of the way, he hit into the counter, doubling over in pain which gave you enough time to run, not thinking about finishing your phone call, you went straight to the front door, opened the screen door and running out bare foot, feeling leaves crunch under your foot and rocks indent into your skin, “HELPP ME, SOMEONE HELP ME” you screamed, running straight, finding yourself continually stepping on branch after branch, looking back once you’ve found yourself a distance away.

You sat up against a tree, catching your breathe, looking back and noticing no house in the distance, you ran far enough to get his house out of distance. He lived in the middle of nowhere, scared for your own life, you picked up the phone. Clicking it open, having it automatically go dead, FUCK,

You cried to yourself, throwing it on the floor as you put your hands into your hair, sobbing as you found yourself once again lost, in pure fear, this was it. You’d die in these woods, nobody looking. Nobody caring,—

You heard leaves snapping behind you, turning to look back from the tree,…nobody there,

You decided your best bet was to continue your travels, you can’t just lay down and die now after all of this, but there were other plans for you.

Turning around, walking ahead only a half a second before you screamed, bumping chests with Jonathan. He held you to him as you hit him to get away, screaming and carrying on, fighting for you life, this time he’s going to kill you. He’s going to kill you.

“Give up, y/n. Stop fighting. You’re mine forever now.”