#they're adorable! glad we have a clear image of them now

[tokyo-daaaamn-ji-gang]

Ok but the Luna and Mana themed ones on Mitsuya's head is so cute!!!

[obey-me-headquarters]

A review of the first lesson of nightbringer

So, hey. I'm back for starters. Unfortunately, nightbringer came out during a very busy time for me. So don't expect much content for about.... a week and a half? I heard that there was going to be a new Obey Me game, but I wasn't too interested. I still decided to get the game just to check it out, and man, have I missed my demon boys lol.

I only played the first lesson so far because again, busy, but I hope to play more of it soon! I don't think I'm going to do a review for every lesson, just for the time being, until I get so fixated on it that I blow through lessons like crazy lol.

Anyway, spoilers are under the cut. Don't read unless you finished the first lesson! ( Unless you don't care about spoilers)

I came into this game pretty blind. I heard that Mc accidentally ended up in the past, and that apparently Solomon has gone missing? Haven't gotten to that part yet, if that's even true.

I thought I wouldn't like this game, or play it much because I don't like rhythm games that much. (I'm really bad at them). The tutorial levels really messed me up, I think the constant stopping was throwing me off my rhythm as once I started a regular level I nailed it. I actually really like the rhythm aspect of the game. One of my criticisms of the original Obey Me is that the dance battles can get tedious after a hundred of them. I got so bored of doing them that I stopped playing the main story and focused on leveling up my cards until I could skip dance battles entirely.

I like how there's a sense of skill in the rhythm portion of the game. During dance battles, I feel you could just hand your phone to a toddler and their tapping would allow you to win. Now there's a sense of panic, a desire to get S rank and get devil points. Which, by the way, I did not expect to be a reward. I know you get devil points when completing a chapter in the original game, but I never consider getting devil points after clearing a level well. I'm not sure if that reward is going to stay, but right now it's excellent game design.

Speaking of the rhythm game, can I just say how absolutely ADORABLE everyone's spirits are?? Like, look at these babies!!!

Luke I riding a DOG!!

I don't have a photo, but when Belphie attacks he swings his pillow! Barbatos runs carrying a tea tray! They're just, so adorable!

Alright. Now let's actually get into the story of the game, shall we?

Gosh, the opening was AMAZING! Obey Me really knocks it out of the park when there's a new opening, and this time was no different! I think the unknown number that texted us at the beginning of the game could be Barbatos. As well as being the time demon from the opening shot with the short-haired human? I'm not sure. An image of him popped up for a second, holding up a shhhh hand signal, but maybe Barbatos has a predecessor?

There are cards of Barbatos, so like in the original game he, most likely, is going to show up/be a recurring character, so it wouldn't make much sense if he's supposed to be the mastermind behind everything. Diavolo mentioned him as being his servant at the end of the chapter, so he's still under Diavolo's command and thus (probably) wouldn't do anything without Diavolo's knowledge. Plus, Diavolo even mentioned that he knows that Barbatos and Solomon are close, so if Barbatos is the one who pulled us back into time, firstly, why, and secondly, why does Solomon have no knowledge of anything that's going on? Anyways, it's pretty hard to theorize when I only read the first lesson lol, but I think I can confidently say that Barbatos is not the one who pulled us back in time.

I was pleasantly surprised when it was made canon that we actually know the demon brothers, along with the pacts. For one terrible moment, I thought Mc wouldn't be the same Mc from the original game, so I'm really glad that wasn't the case!

I don't understand why everyone thought Mc is a demon. I don't think we were cursed to look like one, and we still have the pacts (if only a minor version of them) so they should have clocked us as human right? How are we supposed to form new pacts, since that's a human thing if everyone thinks we're a demon? Eh, I'm sure we'll find out the answer eventually.

It was very interesting to see all the brothers right after the fall! It's nice that it's canon that the brothers weren't that different from how they are now, well, with there still some major changes the characters need to go through before they're exactly the same as they are in te present, like Mammon isn't SCARED OF GHOSTS?!?! WHERE'S MY SCAREDY CAT DEMON!!

Ok but it's very interesting noticing all the little differences between the characters, and wondering what exactly happened to each of them to cause those changes. For example, Mammon not being scared of ghosts. Is he pretending now to be scared? Did some traumatic event happen to scar Mammon forever? (Was Lucifer somehow the cause of that event?)

Levi doesn't know anything about anime or Ruri-Chan! He's also way, way more skittish than he is in the present. Like, he has social anxiety, but he seems a lot less wary than he is in Nightbringer. It could be that he just hates change, and thus reacts to anything new as dangerous. In the promo art, he's shown crying as he falls saying the words "I never wanted to come to this awful place, to begin with!" So it's obvious that he doesn't want to be in the Devildom. Maybe you two bond by introducing him to anime, thus giving him a distraction and making him realize the Devildom isn't so bad. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Moving onto my favorite angy Boi, Satan. Ah, Satan, how confused and angry you must be. I'm most excited to get to know Satan! He hasn't developed any sort of personal identity besides being angry all the time. I'm looking forward to showing him books, murder mysteries, cats! I feel really bad that he's constantly being tied up, like yeah if I was being tied up constantly I'll be pissed too. It's really funny to imagine that the last order the Demon King gave before peaceing out was telling Satan that he has 6 brothers. Like, apparently the Demon King can just force family relations onto people lol.

The demon brothers don't seem to be aware of their sins, which is very interesting! Asmo, for example, doesn't have his charm ability, as he didn't charm the giant snake (Henry 1.0) as he did in the original game.

Beel and Belphie seem to be affected by their sins. As Beel mentioned, while carrying a passed-out Satan, he normally wouldn't have a problem carrying a demon, but he's feeling very hungry. As well as Belphie constantly falling asleep.

If the brothers haven't come into their sins yet, it makes their treatment of Satan make a lot more sense. In their minds, Satan isn't the Avatar of Wrath, he's just an angry demon. So it makes sense why they're not allowing him to break everything in sight, but still, my poor little meow meow :(

It'll be very interesting if the game changes up the pact order. I still think Mammon is going to be our first, as that's such a big thing in the original game. Plus I find the idea of Mammon being our first no matter the timeline to be really sweet. But after that? Why not change it up! Maybe Asmo is our second, as he took an interest in us with Mammon. I wonder how the game is going to sidestep Belphie's hatred of humans while we're a human to form a pact, but I can't wait to find out!

It'll be cool if, in a future lesson, the timeline has a chance to diverge and we have to do our best to stop it from diverging. Maybe by causing Mammon's fear of ghosts? Or some other thing? I'm not sure, but I think that idea has a lot of comedy potential as you're doing really weird things which the characters don't understand, but you're like "Dude TRUST me, this HAS to happen!"

The fact that we're the demons' babysitter... 10/10 writing choice. I love it. Amazing. Unlike in the original game where we're at the mercy of the demons, the demons are at the mercy of US!! You have to listen to ME! I'm the scary one with the powerful magic that can bring you to your knees!

This line?

Amazing. Lucifer is now my Wittle Wucifer that needs my help.

Anyway, that's all for now! I know I only finished the first lesson, but I am very much enjoying Nightbringer, and look forward to writing something set in this universe! If yall have any ideas, please send me an ask! But please, no spoilers!

[seelestia]

well, since you’re ok with it… here’s the reveal!

hello it is i, the harbinger of tears, 💠 anon <3 this is my main blog, while my writing blog is at @genshrineimpact. just block the tag: “minors dni” and you should be good!!

now, back to the topic at hand…

*war flashbacks* i-i need a moment *lays on ground and pulls blanket over head*

[ we’re having technical difficulties at the moment - please enjoy the brief intermission. ]

*wipes tears* ok am back what were we talking about again? oh yes, plot bunnies! i think that used to be an actual term, kind of like how we say 'brainrot' these days haha but yes, it certainly makes an adorable image!

i’m glad that you think so! thank you for being understanding and kind about this <3 ok we can compromise - you just tell me if i ever make you uncomfortable and i shall bonk myself lol

that’s so intriguing, i think most people wouldn’t know about it! ohhh an au, hm? very interesting indeed… maybe i should try and do some research myself hehe

i think you’re spot on for the superiority complex! a love triangle between these three sounds like it’ll get very messy… the two albedos playing 3d chess while the reader is just stuck in the middle like (· ω ·) ??

*clears throat* lia you are hallucinating wdym /j hahahah i know right??? literally none of them have similarities…. what is a ‘type’…. just like the concept of time, it is but an illusion to me… “you just fall for whoever you fall for” - yeah that sounds about right lmao

feel free to browse around my blog, but i don’t have much lol the 'god of war!reader au' series seems to be popular the past few days, and it’s been a super fun thing to write! but don’t feel pressured to do it, really! <3

IKR i was complaining to my brother about it like- seriously??? for the first day??? xiao is my main dps, and he’s practically useless (i’m so sorry bby) against that stupid thing ;_;

also yay, a taglist, sign me uppppp!

OML. HI, RIN !! it's nice to know the true identity of my 💠 anon without having to employ heizou. (/lh) and if you see a new follower with a melancholic albedo theme and a bio that says i follow cool people, that'd be me~

hehe, already done filtering the tag~ i am respectfully looking at the god of war!reader, (ab)normal day, and the universe abound series 👀 i also saw your edit of the game's voicelines to fit the god of war!reader AND IT FITS SO WELL. i don't have much experience with javascript or editing other than tumblr html, which may be why i am so in awe !! ;( i love the lore of the reader like the sibling adepti and the god of sun HNGGH this is what i meant when i say your brain >>> (/g)

who is this fine grandpa (/lh) man on the intermission screen??? 🔍 and the thought of saying, "psst, i have a plot bunny to give to you" is so cute <3 hehe, i'm always down for a new series made by you because fjejkdkks they're so good, HELLO?!?! but feel free to only focus on the ones you're working on, they deserve your attention the most rn ;D

BEING IN THE MIDDLE OF 2BEDO'S PLAYING CHESS, HELP. just know if susbedo lost, he'd bore hateful stares into the back of albedo's head and likely about to flip the whole table. (/lh)

the intermission is so suspicious that i can't help but suspect that you feel smth for that very same man... HMM. "just like the concept of time, it is but an illusion to me" rin, i think you've been spending too much time with zhongli. (/j)

YESYESYES !! the popularity of your god of war!reader au is SO VALID because the lore and their interactions with morax??? >>> your brain never ceases to amaze me !! fjekrksjds i can tell you put a lot of thought into it and the fact that you executed it so well??? aaaa, i love your works sm <3 (/g) i shall definitely find the time to binge your masterlist soon !! >:)

i don't think xiao's burst reaches that abomination when it's shooting missiles??? i don't have xiao because i lost the 50/50 to keqing on his first rerun and then pulled for yelan instead during 2.7 <//3 but i'd definitely pull for this boy the next time he comes around !! i got klee at guaranteed pity and tried pulling for heizou cons but ended up getting c1 kazuha at 15 pity instead (which i could've gotten for yoimiya but that is alright, i'm not one to dwell on regrets for longer than i needed) fwfjkekds

speaking of, is there anyone you're planning to pull for in the future, rin??? i'm at 13 pity + 50/50 rn on yoimiya's banner after getting c1 kazuha and if no one comes home, then i'll try my luck on the 3.0 banners !! saving particularly for al-haitham cough cough

[razrbladekiss]

Tyrants | Chapter Four - Peril

WORD COUNT: 5.1k

WARNINGS: Mentions of death, drug use, Tig being Tig. The usual SOA shit. Sorry Donna..

She always saw the beauty in darkness. The lugubrious belle that came alongside the moon and stars and whatever else lurked amidst the murk of nighttime.

Isla was cliche in that sense.

She was cliche in the sense that she adored watching the sun set, swallowed by the mountains and high-rise buildings as the evening fell and Charming was painted black.

And maybe it was mostly melancholic because of the horrors that swathed that small town, but it was still beautiful nonetheless.

She still liked to bask in the scenery, to discern the marvel of her home, from the highest point she could access. And, sometimes, she liked to take somebody along with her so she wasn't completely alone.

"Why'd you still come up here?" Ope asked, pulling himself onto the roof as she sat with her back to the wall--puffing on a cigarette.

"Because it's quiet." She was content, comfortable with her response. "And whenever I'm looking for Jax, or Gem, or my dad--or they're looking for me--this is where we're almost always found. Just people watching, or reminiscing, or having a few minutes to ourselves away from the chaos downstairs."

It wasn't an unknown safe space--Gemma had told her that JT and Clay would climb up there during the earliest days of the club--but it was special.

Jax, Opie, and Isla spent time up there as kids, too. Because they were bastards and were always running from their fathers--and den mother--and the roof of the clubhouse was their go-to.

She never really got out of that habit. She'd spend hours up there if she could, just watching as Charming bustled beneath her. And she liked that it was separate to the garage, but everyone knew where to find her if they needed her.

"It clears your head, being up here." She added. "I have got so much shit going on right now--between work, and my personal life--but coming up here is like a refreshment, I guess."

Opie understood what she meant because he was also seeking comfort in the night. Riding through dusk, spending time alone on his bike as he cruised the streets of his quaint town, relishing in the darkness because it was strangely comforting to him.

He liked to be alone. His thoughts were brutal and they seared his brain left and fucking right, but he liked his own company.

"Wish I thought about comin' up here when I was released from holding." The man chuckled, balancing a cigarette between his lips. "Stahl grilled the fuck outta me."

"She did?"

"Yeah. She really fuckin' did." He added, grunting as smoke blew from his nostrils. "Did she get you? I know she got Gemma."

"Nope, she didn't. I don't know why, though. She interrogated everyone else. Starting to feel a little left out."

Opie chuckled, smiling a bit. "Be glad. It's obvious that she's used to getting what she wants."

"And did you give it to her?"

"Fuck no." Isla smiled. Proud. "She can cross-examine me all she fuckin' wants—I'll never sell the club out."

"They know that, Ope."

"I know." Half confidently, he nodded. "Just—Stahl made me second guess it all, y'know?"

Nobody in Charming--aside from the PD--knew where that despicable bitch came from, and nobody cared to ask.

What they did know, though, was that she had her heart set on making that town a living fucking hell as she strived to eradicate the Sons of Anarchy by getting to its members.

She'd grilled everyone she could've. She cornered Gemma when she was out running errands, leaving the grocery store with a sour taste in her mouth when Teller told her where to fucking shove it.

Same went for Jax, and Clay, and Chibs, and Tig, and...Well, all of them told her to get fucked, actually.

None of them caved. None of them wanted to sell the club out because there was no reason to.

Well, there was a reason to, but no desire to.

There'd been murders. Three, to be specific. And one of them just happened to be a police officer--which was quite unlucky, but it wasn't awful.

They hated cops.

What they hated more, however, was the idea of getting caught by them. And Clay was. Somehow, anyway.

Piney's old "friend"--Nate Meineke--needed quality, albeit illegal, guns with no traceability to attack the convoy that was transporting one of his friends from point A to point B. And it went as swimmingly as possible...

Until June Stahl was put on the case and found that idiot's phone at the scene after dropping it mid-ambush.

Clay just happened to be the last person he had called. Which then caused the investigation to point toward Charming.

They all knew the Sons were guilty of supplying those weapons. Who else would it have been? They were known for running illegal firearms without batch numbers from a quaint Californian town whose name didn't quite fit its image.

It was blatant, though nobody gave it up.

But Stahl tried her damndest to get answers. And when she didn't, she targeted the member that she saw to be the most vulnerable--after a hit went wrong and he failed to cover his tracks--and Opie just happened to be that guy.

She questioned him for hours. She practically held the man captive in that little cell until he caved. But he didn't--and he wasn't going to, either.

He was loyal. That's one of the reasons why Jax wanted to patch him back in.

"Yeah, I know." Isla got to her feet when she heard Tig yelling for her downstairs. "But you're the strongest guy I know, Ope. I don't think Stahl, of all people, is gonna get to you."

He shrugged her off, flicking the butt of his cigarette to the gravelly ground of the roof.

Opie had changed. Not much, and it wasn't very apparent, but he'd changed. Chino had changed him, she thought.

He was still dedicated to his club, still in love with the reaper and the responsibility that came with the patch--but Opie Winston lacked that flicker of enthusiasm now.

"How does your dad feel about you being back at the table?"

"Said he's proud of me."

He was a man of very, very few words. But the tone that he took--the sheer relief twined into contentment--spoke a greater volume.

Piney would always support his son, feel a sense of gratification from his involvement in the club. And, of course, Ope felt grateful to be back--but it was different now.

He'd served time for his club. Donna consistently argued that they sold him out and that he was fucking stupid for running back into the arms of SAMCRO.

But it was his brotherhood. The Sons of Anarchy were his family--his lifeline. He was nothing if not blessed to be patched back in.

"And I guess that wife of yours isn't too happy about it?"

"How'd you reach that conclusion?"

"Well," she ignored that Tig was waiting for her, standing directly in front of him. "If she was genuinely thrilled about you being back here, she'd have been coming to Gemma's dinners, and spending more time at the clubhouse with us. But she isn't, and I'm starting to realize that she probably hates me now."

His head shook. "She doesn't hate you. It's just...It's just raw. Weird being back, I think."

"She didn't even have to leave. She knows that."

Donna did know that. But there was always something about Gemma. About the way she let things slide so often, how she felt that she had Clay so pussy whipped that he'd be at her every beck and call--but, really, that was redundant. Because Gemma let him get away with fucking murder.

Literally.

"Is she gonna be there tonight?

"Of course. She wouldn't miss Jax's son coming home." He got up, reaching for her hands. "Sorry that she's been so distant with you, Isla. But she's just been stressed out--money worries and the kids and stuff, y'know?"

"Yeah, I know."

Donna wasn't traditionally a worrier. But five years worth of finances, being a single mom, and fretting over her husband potentially not making it out of prison alive, just did that to a woman.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"I don't think so." Grateful for her offering, though recognizing how damn stubborn his wife was, he conceded. "Thanks, though."

"Anytime. And if you change your mind, or need me, you know where I am--"

"Isla!"

"He is getting on my last fucking nerve today." She groaned, flipping Tig off as she looked over the ledge. "I'm coming! Give me a minute!"

"I've given you plenty of minutes! Just get your ass down here!"

"Just go," Ope chuckled, leaning down to peck her cheek. "We can have this talk another time."

Isla turned back to him, frowning. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Go 'n talk to him--I'll see you tonight."

He was such a nice guy. So considerate, kind.

She loved him a lot.

The flouncy sundress rose to the middle of her thighs as she sauntered through the clubhouse, hearing Trager talking--rather conspicuously, though slightly muffled--to somebody on his cell.

"C'mon, Tiggy. Why'd you yell at me?"

He waved his hand to shut her up, gesturing for the blonde to follow him out of the clubhouse and toward his bike.

"Yeah, cool. K, brother--see 'ya later. Bye." He hung up and slid the phone into the pocket of his cut, swiveling to face Isla with a smile. "You ready?"

"For what?"

"The party?" Tig told her, watching confusion sweep over her face. "I'm taking you over 'cuz you want a drink and don't wanna drive home after? And that you're probably gonna end up heading home with Juice, or something--"

"Juice?"

"It always happens," he shrugged, pointing at the helmet he set out for her at the back of his bike. "We all head out, you get too drunk, you take a liking to Juicy, and you try to ride his dick."

"What?" Isla got herself situated behind him as he got on first, her arms wound around his waist. "That was one time. I've only slept with him once, and I told you it'd never happen again."

"And why is that?"

Her cheeks flushed red, the engine revving sending vibrations through her entire frame.

"Because he was too gentle." Tig's foot collided with the kickstand.

"And the little Catholic girl likes it rough."

She felt the solid gold crucifix burning a hole into her chest.

"Yes. I like it rough." He groaned, leaning into her. She swatted at his chest over his shoulder, laughing heartily. "Just take me to see the baby, dickhead."

The bike sped out of the lot and Isla was loving the thrill of being on two wheels. She'd always liked being stuck to the back of somebody's Harley--but she'd never own one herself.

Isla was like Gemma. She felt stable enough riding with somebody, but riding alone--being in control of the motorcycle--was fucking terrifying.

Jax and Opie had encouraged her to take a ride at one point, but it didn't end very well, and Chibs spent the best part of two hours trying to stitch his daughter back up whilst Gemma castigated the two imbeciles who thought it was even reminiscent of a good idea.

Weaving through traffic gracefully, freely, was appealing to her, however. But she wouldn't be caught dead--alone--on a fucking bike.

Plus, she quite enjoyed being taken places. Escorted by a member of the club. It was safe.

The wind whirred and whipped around them, and she wished she didn't make the effort with her hair tonight. It was ruined, tousled to within an inch of its life, and she dreaded the thought of having to brush the knots out in Jax's bathroom.

Still, commuting via Harley was a hell of a lot quicker and had a few more benefits than commuting via car.

But the looks that they got were piercing. Horrible. Mainly from Hale stationed beside his squad car, watching as Isla and Tig raced down the freeway.

"He likes you." He spoke over the roaring engine when he hit the first stop light all night. "He hates that you've never given him a chance--"

"He's a cop, and I'm the outlaw's daughter. I've been raised to hate his kind."

Tig nodded his approval, setting off once again when the light switched to green and all opposing traffic stood still.

At one strange point in time, David Hale had his sights set on Isla Telford. He was in love with her. Completely besotted.

And she never gave him a second glance because, for one, she wasn't interested. He hated that she was so close to Jax and Opie, but not him, and he wished that she'd push herself away from the bad guys to grow closer to the heroic law-enforcer.

But he was a control freak above everything else, and Isla was just a free-spirit. She was loyal to her friends and family but she didn't want to get tied down, and she didn't want to become friendly with a fucking cop.

The only cop she liked was crooked. And Unser was in a similar spot to her--a little too affiliated with SAMCRO, but not completely doted on. Though, they were both strangely essential fixtures, and Clay would've been lost without them.

"Juice is here." Tig taunted as he helped her off the bike, holding her hand when she stumbled over herself a little. "Try to keep those panties on."

"Can't make any promises, Tiger." Her growl was seductive, though he knew that she was fucking with him.

She'd given up rebuking his claims, instead feeding into them because, with Trager, she couldn't seem to win. He was sleazy, and she loved that back and forth.

What she loved more, though, was that he was comfortable. He was a strange man, and nobody really understood just where he came from, but Isla liked that she could make jokes of any kind around him. He was easy to get along with. Easy to love.

And, man, did she love Alex Trager.

"If you do fuck him, though, would you make a video?"

Isla stepped into Jax's front room, turning on her heels. "Who said that we haven't already got one?"

She chuckled and wandered into the party, leaving Tig with a few convoluted thoughts and even more raunchy questions.

"Fuck. Gemma taught her well." He grumbled under his breath, reaching for the beer in Half-Sack's hand.

He slumped on the couch, motioning for his usual lay to sit in his lap as he watched Juice fawn over his little blonde friend making conversation with some other random woman already.

"Yeah, totally..." she agreed with whatever the girl was saying, but her eyes were glued on Tara. Just floating around the party.

She felt bad that the doctor was alone. Despite all that she thought of her, being out of ones depth in such an intimidating setting wasn't very nice. And Isla was an empath.

"D'ya think anyone 'round here has any nail glue?"

"Gemma might." She smiled, pointing toward the kitchen.

Grateful that she managed to shake that one off, Isla weaved through the small conclave and sat beside Tara, offering a friendly face during a time of such discomfiture.

Her heart was aching, the sheer nervousness was palpable, and she knew that Tara felt the same way too.

But Isla just sucked it up. Because she wanted to talk to her, and had to be the one to initiate it.

"Thanks for coming." Her smile was wide, genuine.

She offered a beer to the brunette, hoping that she'd take it.

"Thanks for asking me here." Tara accepted it, glad that Isla remembered she wasn't particularly a wine girl like herself.

Christ. This is awkward.

"Trust me, you were the first person I asked to come tonight."

"How so?"

"Well," a little bit more comfortably, she faced her completely, "you've literally nursed Abel back to health. You've been there every step of the way. You've been the best surgeon. And, as much as I hate to say it, you helped Wendy so much, Tara. I'm really thankful for all that you've done for this family."

"It's my job." She tried to brush the comments off, but her heart definitely fluttered at the praise.

Isla never changed. She was still the sweetest soul, she thought.

"I know, but you've had it rough with this lot--with Gemma, I mean."

"She isn't anything I can't handle." Confidently, she asserted.

"I know, and I'm glad that you're able to stand your ground." Reluctant, a hand landed against Tara's palm.

She jolted a little bit, but softened into the embrace.

It was comfy, warm. Prosperous, perhaps, because it meant something. Tara not jerking away and leaving once Isla offered a friendly embrace, was promising.

They spoke about the baby for a little while, and shared a few laughs at Tig's expense. It was strange, really. To be talking to her ex-best friend was strange, but she'd missed it.

Donna joined the mix, too, and it was starting to feel like old times. Isla recognized that they'd never slip back into that routine, the dedication to one another that they'd known when they were kids--but it was nice.

The conversation stuttered and it wasn't able to flow as freely as what she might've liked, but it was a start.

To know that she had something resembling an acquaintanceship with two women she admired, was nice.

And Jax introducing his baby to his brand new home, to his extended family that were already so fucking dedicated to him, was just the most wonderful thing ever.

"What about a beer?" Clay joked, holding the bottle close to Abel. Jax laughed, though he shook his hand away. "What? Grandpa can't give him his first beer?"

"No, he can't."

"I'll take it, though. If you're offerin'." Chibs grabbed the Budweiser and twisted the cap with the leather grip of his glove.

He gestured to Isla, tipping it toward her. "Want some?"

"No, you're alright." She went back to her wine, smiling at that little bundle of happiness in Jax's arms, wondering how the hell he'd gotten to be in this position now.

But it was because of Tara. Her commitment, her talent, and sheer want to help that angel through the roughest patch that a baby could have possibly been thrust into.

How Gemma could still loathe that girl--after everything she did--was beyond her completely.

Tara was the unlikeliest hero in Abel's story.

"Why is it that every time I see you, your highlights get more chunky?" Gemma smiled at the comment, turning to see her favorite girl, flaunting the most beautiful smile.

She handed Isla the bottle of whatever wine Chibs could get this evening, unable to quit beaming at the thought of her grandson finally being at home. Where he belonged.

"I told you I'd do them for you, Gem."

"I know," she nodded, playing with a few strands of hair, "I was gonna ask you, but you've been a little distant this week--didn't wanna add to your workload, baby."

"That's super considerate of you. Are you alright?" Isla teased, holding a hand to Gemma's forehead.

She slapped it away with a laugh. "Fuck you. I'm always considerate."

"Sure you are. That's why Wendy is here, right?"

"No," her head shook, "she's here 'cuz this is her house. If I had it my way, she'd be out on her ass faster than what you could even say 'crank whore.'"

Isla wiped at her lips with the back of her hand, tipping her head toward the blonde in the living room.

"I thought you made sure she was gonna be here tonight?" Confused, she quizzed.

She was under the impression that Wendy was starting to grow on her. After she'd tried to kill her, of course.

"I did," Gem confirmed. "But only because I knew it'd be awkward between her and Tara."

Amazed, or maybe fucking horrified, Isla simply glared at her.

It should've been obvious to her--plain as day--that Gemma Teller doing a good thing was simply a bullshit facade, built in order to take away from the fact she wanted to do an inherently bad thing.

But Isla liked to see the good in people, so it wasn't. And that really was one of her mot fatal flaws.

"She thanked me for letting her stay, too."

"And what'd you say to her?" Almost as if she didn't want to know the answer, she asked.

Black nails danced along the rim of her wine glass as she leaned against the counter, watching everybody enjoy themselves as they bitched and moaned.

"That she's lucky to be alive."

"Jesus, Gem," her head shook disparagingly, disappointed perhaps.

But being surprised that the woman made a threatening comment toward Wendy, was just as stupid as being surprised at Tig for fucking another hooker during his free time.

"You've gotta keep her close, ma. She's the mother of your grandson, the woman your son did love at one point."

Ma. The word rolled off her tongue unintentionally most of the time, but she didn't hate it.

Gemma was the mother figure in her life--hell, she was the mother figure in a few of the Sons' lives--and it didn't feel weird using that around her. It was affectionate. She adored it.

"Jax never loved her," matter of fact, she retorted. "They got drunk together. They smoked dope together. They didn't love one another--"

"They got married." Isla reminded her. "They have a kid together. They have a lot of history."

"Just because they have history, doesn't mean they love one another. You've got history with him."

Her chuckle was throaty, almost a full-on splutter. "We have not got that same history--we're friends, Gem, you know that's different."

She supposed the blonde was right.

There was hell of a contrast between friends for life and friends with benefits--and Gemma knew that. She just didn't like that Jax gravitated toward Wendy when he'd always had Isla right there in front of him.

Though, she was more than aware that the pair didn't look at each other that way--she still lauded the thought of the two together.

"I still hate her."

"I know," Isla laughed at Gemma's irritability, sipping on her wine, enjoying the sight of everybody having a damn good time.

"She's checking into rehab, too."

"Really? Where?"

"Some place in Oakland, I think." Gemma added, smiling at Clay when he wandered over to the pair. "But you didn't hear that from me."

"You think she's gonna stick to it?"

"Couldn't tell 'ya." He answered for his wife, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to Isla's cheek. "She's determined though, I'll give her that."

"Yeah?" His nod was optimistic--strange for Clay Morrow. "Well, I'm glad she's working on herself, anyway. She's got potential."

"You hate her."

"I know." She didn't refute the assertion. "But I'm still happy for her."

At least somebody is.

She wasn't lying. Wendy was a good girl, a woman tortured for no good reason. And she felt for her, she really did.

It'd been a shock, finding out that she was pregnant. But it wasn't like they weren't expecting it--what with the rate she and Jax were going at it.

From the start, Isla and Gemma were worried. She was notorious for her crank habit and the girls thought she was going to kill herself before she had the chance to see her son into the world.

And that almost happened, didn't it?

The doctors at St. Thomas were fucking miracle workers--Isla was on pins and needles waiting for a call to say that Wendy and Abel were okay.

But she tried not to dwell on that, now. They were both as healthy and Abel was as happy as he could've been, so Isla was content. She wasn't pleased, but she was comfortable with the way that things were going.

Tara, however.

"No!" She yelled, backing out of the nursery. "No, fuck you, Jax."

Juice stumbled backward when she nudged him out of the way, pulling her purse from the kitchen counter.

Isla and Gemma couldn't not stare.

"Tara, c'mon!" Jax called after her, but it was too late.

The front door had been slammed shut and the party came to a complete standstill. A thickening tension was shrouding the group, and things were only just starting to simmer.

"What was that all about?" The blonde asked Juice, leaning against the island.

She didn't want to prove Tig to be right but, after a few glasses of wine, Juan Carlos Ortiz was starting to pique her interests.

He swallowed thickly, watching Clay leave the room. "He said something about Wendy--wanting to keep whatever it is that he and Tara have going on the down low so it doesn't set her off, or something."

Makes sense.

"He has a point. She's doing really well lately." He continued. "Jax would hate to stunt her progress by shoving his relationship with Tara in her face."

Isla was rattled.

Jax hadn't talked to her in days, and she wasn't aware that so much had changed. She wasn't aware that he had established a relationship with Tara Knowles.

Again.

You know what they're like--like two fucking magnets or something. They always find a way back to one another.

She was too irritated to reside in that same room as Gemma, now. Knowing the conversation she'd initiate the second that Juice left was too fucking much. So she left first, instead.

The living room was almost empty. Just Clay, Bobby, Tig, and Chibs sat around the couches as Donna, the kids, and Ope were preparing to set off.

Everything was annoying her, now. She hadn't made the effort with Donna all night, but she was pissed that she hadn't started to say goodbye to her yet.

Isla was so fucking irritated that she didn't even want to talk to Tig, or her father. So she didn't.

"Where're you going, petal?" Chibs asked, hindering her plan to keep her mouth shut for the rest of the night. He knew that she'd crack a smile at the nickname.

"I was just wandering. Not really sure what to do with myself."

"Come sit down," he gestured to the space between himself and Tig, and wound an arm around her when she met the leather. "I've missed 'ya."

"Tonight? Or just in general."

"In general. It's been a few days, love."

"I know, I'm sorry." Her head rested against his Sgt. At Arms patch, and she sighed. "Work has been so fucking busy and I feel like I haven't gotten a moment to myself this week."

Isla only worked a part-time gig at some shitty salon just on the outskirts of Charming--edging into Stockton--but she hated her job.

She hated driving into the city every morning and evening, wasting a fuck ton of her paycheck on gas when, really, there was no point.

She hated her cunt boss.

Hated her cunt clients.

She hated that nobody really spoke to her because of who her father was. And when they did speak to her, it was almost like they were scared. Of Isla.

Gemma had always promised her that there was a space at the auto shop for her had she needed it, but she couldn't think of anything worse than having to answer to Gemma and Clay every single day.

Well, more than what she already was, anyway.

"Who'd 'a thought that being a hairdresser was so demanding?"

"Me, apparently." She joked, watching Tig get up and leave the room.

It'd turned somber. A little too bleak for her liking, but she guessed that everyone felt a bit awkward after Tara stamped out and Jax sat on his porch. Alone. With a bottle of whiskey.

She hated the hold that woman had over him sometimes. The way he was so fucking devoted to Tara Knowles that she could literally slap him, scream in his face, and ruin his son's homecoming party--and he would still pine for her.

She'd never understand that.

And she didn't understand how such a lively bunch of individuals had mellowed out over the course of two hours, either.

The party had disappeared. Dissipated into nothing and the atmosphere she once lauded was completely dead in the water.

It was fucking grim, and she couldn't wait to head home.

"Can I come with you tonight?"

"Why'd you even ask? Y'know you're welcome to come home with your old man whenever you want." Chibs told her a little bit stern, though it was essentially full of love.

She just smiled up at him, a bit buzzed. But she was having a good-ish time and who was he to chastise her for drinking a little too much tonight?

"Wanna head off now?"

"Yeah--lemme just say 'bye' to Gemma."

"Alright, I'll be out front. Don't forget your purse." He reminded, knowing she was too ditsy for her own good.

Chibs helped her to her feet, letting go of her hand only to part ways for a few moments.

Her mood was perking up, now. The prospect of being able to spend a few hours with her dad after a long fucking day, was just the best.

And she'd really missed him. Missed the time they once had an abundance of. Missed the evenings that they'd spend talking, drinking, watching movies, doing the generic father daughter activities.

They hadn't had that for a while, and it was truly a blessing that it was within reach tonight.

Well. It was within reach for all of five minutes.

"Oh my God--" Gemma's cell slipped from between black nails and bounced across the table. Saturated hues were locked on Isla, and her head shook.

"What?"

"There's--there's been an accident." She managed to muster out. "Or, maybe a drive-by, I don't know, but Donna--"

"Donna?" Piney's attention was snatched at the mention of his daughter-in-law. He stood up. "What about her?"

Isla knew the answer. She knew what Gemma was going to say because it was just the usual now, wasn't it?

Being affiliated with SAMCRO just did that to somebody. Man, woman, child. They didn't fucking care.

"She's--Piney, she's dead."

[eisehaus]

Music is never the same after Obey Me. A Headcanon story...

Every song starts playing through as a scenario in your head. Which character is singing it, what's happening for this to take place? Now for this headcanon journey I would like to share this song...

Ruin My Life -- by Zara Larsson

Everytime I hear this song I can't help but have the following scene play through my mind. So I decided to write out the headcanon.

MC is female for this story--

Now let's set the scene. MC was a bartender and part time singer in a local band where she's from that does shows at dive bars before her time in the Devildom. Upon returning to the human world, she finds her way back into her old job. It was an easy enough position to regain, no one even questioned her disappearance for a year. It was a come and go scene after all.

After some time, MC is also able to reconnect with her old band mates to rejoin the fray and once again find the stage. The band books their first gig after the split from MC's disappearance at the bar she works at.

She's excited to get back on stage, her heart was desperately hurting after her departure from the Devildom. Song was her way of coping with everything that she kept bottled up inside. She'd written a new song that the band adored and was eager to debut.

They had seen how she was during rehearsal, knowing that the number came from her soul, telling a story they could FEEL. MC had the tendency to leave her heart on the stage. It was part of what made her so captivating.

The band is setting up about ready to begin their reunion debut performance for the small yet crowded dive bar.

And we begin---

Bandmate: MC, you sure about this? It's been a while after all. But we are glad you're back!

MC: *nods her head earnestly.* Definitely. My heart needs this.

Bandmate: Damn honey, I'm not sure what happened to you while you were away for you to write our opening song but I have to say, it's powerful. Maybe you can tell us eventually about the guy who broke your heart that no doubt was the inspiration.

MC: *remembering the demon brothers* Yeah maybe someday I'll tell you guys the story. It's quite the tale. *Then she giggles to herself as she grips at her chest*

Other Bandmate: *puts a hand on MC's shoulder* Well what do you say we rock this joint?

*The band steps out on to stage and MC approaches the mic*

MC: *looking out over the crowd* Good evening! How is everyone doing tonight?

Crowd: WHOO HOO!! YEAH!!

MC: Now that's what I like to hear! Some of you might know us, *whistles sound from the crowd which makes MC grin* so we're here to say, we're back bitches!! This first song is brand new, enjoy! *Turns to the band* HIT IT!

*The music begins and MC can feel herself melting into the melody. All the pain, all the ache, all the love, radiated from her core and tingled out to her fingertips. Her cue approaches and she brings the mic to her lips*

MC: I miss you, pushing me clooose to the edge --- I miss you... I wish I knew what I had when I left --- I miss you...

*She could feel her song consuming her and she leaned into that urge, letting it drive her*

MC: You set fire to my wooorld, couldn't handle the heat -- Now I'm sleeeeping alone, and I'm staaarting to freeze -- Baby, come bring me hell, Let it raaain over me -- Baby, come back to me --

*Images of her time in the Devildom started flashing behind her eyelids. Each and every precious moment dancing through her mind as she sang. She moved into such power as the chorus cued in, her voice and heart seeming to swallow the room*

MC: I want you to ruin my life -- You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah -- I want you to fuck up my nights, yeah -- Fuck up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah -- I want you to bring it all on, If you make it all wrong, then I'll make it all right, yeah --I want you to ruin my life, You to ruin my life, you to ruin my liiiife!!

*The room disappeared around her as she let her emotions bleed out into the microphone. Tears begin to form in her eyes, though not enough yet to leave them as she opens into the second verse*

MC: I miss you, more than I thooought that I could -- I miss you... I know you missin' me too like you shoooould -- I miss you...

*Her chest grows tight, as her hearts pounds with such vigor... it's as if it's trying to leap out of her and burst*

MC: You set fire to my wooorld, couldn't handle the heat -- Now I'm sleeeeping alone, and I'm staaarting to freeze -- Baby, come bring me hell, Let it raaain over me -- Baby, come back to me --baby, come back to meeee

*As the second chorus sounds in, MC removes the mic from the stand and let's the passion take her body. The entire stage is hers now and she bellows out, becoming truely and completely captivating.*

*Then the cue for the bridge approaches in the melody and the tears begin to fall from her eyes, trailing down her cheeks*

MC: I miss you, I miss yooooou -- I wish you, I wish yooooou -- Would come back, would come back to meeeee -- Come back to me, come back to meeeeee

*For just a moment before the last chorus begins, MC glances out across the crowd. She could swear she could see seven familiar forms looming at the back of the room. But between the stage lights, the tears in her eyes and the music enveloping her she couldn't be sure. It, wasn't... possible*

*She brushes it off and let's the music recapture her, commanding the stage and the crowd for the closing chorus. Her bandmate chimes in on another microphone to sing the regular part of the chorus while MC takes to the overlaying power notes in harmony.*

*She finishes the lyrics with her head back bellowing the final note, and drops her hand as the music finishes trailing out. The crowd cheers loudly, whistles and clapping all layering over each other. But she swears there are a handful of voices among the cheers that sound, familiar...*

*MC brings her head back up to throw a huge smile out to the crowd and takes a deep bow. When she raises her head again, her heart stops. She hadn't been seeing things....*

*She replaces the mic on the stand and quickly turns back around to her bandmates. They were beeming at her, clearing proud of everything that had just happened.*

MC: I need you guys to switch up the next number and do one without me.

Bandmate: Wait what? What happened? Are you okay?

MC: *glances behind her to the back corner of the room just to double check before turning back to her band* only the greatest possible thing imaginable!

Bandmate: You mean he's here!?!

MC: *nods with visible excitement* Mmhmm! They all are!

Bandmate, confused: wait, ALL?

*The band members eyes follow to where MC had just looked and each of them nearly drop their instruments*

Bandmate: Holy god damn mother fucking shit MC!!! How in the fucking hell? How are guys that look like that even real?? Shit! And they're here for you? You really mean --

MC: *smiles the biggest smile at her bandmates* I'll be right back, I promise! Just do one song with out me, I have some men to tackle!

*And with that MC bounds off the stage, pushing through a confused crowd to leap into the arms of her favorite beings in existence, the absolute loves of her short, sweet, weird little life*

The demon brothers: Hello MC... We missed you too.

FIN

Do you have a song that plays through an Obey Me filter in your head? Let me know!

[im-always-fangirling]

Eager - Park Jihoon

A/n: Lolololol heyy there, here’s a random scenario (that’s why some things may seem unexplained) ❤️ I wrote this one in bullet form heh. but anyways, let me just say that park jihoon is indeed bae. ;))

Summary: you manage to muster whatever courage you have to ask for a dance from the one and only park jihoon.

Words: 1621 words.

Genre: fluff

-----

soon, you found yourself standing in front of the group that jihoon was standing with.

the boys all looked at you, including the breathtaking winkboi himself.

you instinctively smile to relax yourself but somehow that didn't work because jihoon's beautiful sparkly eyes (cringeworthy, but hey, there's truth to this) were still on you.

"can i dance with you?"

after popping the question, you swear that your heart was going to burst out from your chest.

you even thought of masking it all as some kind of a 'dare' that your friend gave you because even though there's not much of it, you still want some of your womanly pride left

"sure."

he agreed not long after and you wondered whether this was a dream or not.

apparently the look of disbelief and surprise on your face was quite obvious.

but that was all immediately replaced with joy when you see jihoon smiling at you in such a polite and shy way.

the boys that he was hanging out with gave suspecting smiles towards jihoon, who merely told them that he'll be back.

he stepped out from the circle that he was in and walked towards you.

when he was close enough to you, he offer out his hand,  and you instinctively take it.

the two of you head to the dance floor and at that moment, a slow song was playing.

you stiffly place your two hands on jihoon's shoulders and you try to appear less nervous by making eye contact with him.

however, after only one second of looking at him, you couldn't take it and looked away.

then, you feel two hands on your waist.

"hey, if it makes you feel better, i'm actually nervous too."

with those words being said, you look back up and finally noticed that the boy's face was a little bit more red than usual.

"wow." you couldn't help but feel amazed at the fact that he might be feeling all the butterflies that you are.

he gives you an assuring smile, "yeah, we're nervous. but we might as well enjoy this."

and with that, the two of you start to sway along to the music and somehow the awkward distance that you guys had at the beginning of the dance had decreased.

both of you spent quite an amount of time talking to each other and getting to know each other while dancing to those slow songs.

"you know, i saw my grandparents dancing to this very song in the living room while they were babysitting me. they even switched on those yellowish lights and had rose petals around them."

"what, seriously?"

jihoon nods and you couldn't help but let out an 'awwwwwww'.

the image of two couple dancing together made your heart melt.

"that's really romantic."

as you two maintained eye contact, you realize that your heart was beating in a faster pace than usual.

with an unsure look on his face, he questions you "so, are you enjoying the dance?"

"are you kidding me?" was your first response.

then, with a genuine smile, you try to make your point clear as possible

"park jihoon, i love dancing with you."

not long after replying him, you realize how straight forward you were and how RED jihoon's face was getting.

still, the two of you maintained eye contact and proceed dancing in a somewhat comfortable silence.

after a moment of dancing in silence, jihoon speaks up, "you know-"

he paused for a moment and you were confused at his sudden stop.

"yeahhh???"

he keeps silent for a while before blurting out the words, "i love dancing with you too."

and you really can't help but smile at his words.

because this is all so unreal for you.

not long after that, the two of you stopped dancing and actually decided to just sit outside and chill.

jihoon actually went back in after to get you a bottle of mineral water from the vending machine, fearing that the water served might be spiked.

"here", he offers you the bottle after opening the lid for you and you didn't forget to thank him for it.

after quenching your thirst, you decide to break the silence, "you're quite a good dancer."

he smiles, "yeah, but it's mostly because have a good partner to dance with."

"stop, you're spoiling me with all these compliments."

he chuckles and you really take your time to admire his laugh.

he looks at you and smiles, and that was the moment you ask him, "is it alright if i get your number?"

and once more, you were thrown in a roller coaster of feelings.

your sudden forwardness surprised jihoon, but he got his phone out from his pocket anyway.

"yeah, sure."

and the two of you passed each other your phones.

you wondered whether you should save your number with a special name or not, and so you did.

you passed it to him and was surprised to see he saved himself as 'dance partner ;)'

he stares at his phone and now you're starting to somehow regret a bit on saving yourself as 'your admirer :P'

he smiles and questions you in a tone close to teasing, "your admirer?"

somehow you were glad that he didn't feel disgusted or whatsoever, "yeah, you're an admirable person."

he nods, then with curious eyes, he questions you, "why do say so?"

"i notice how you're always so diligent and i admire that. not to mention, you're one of the most gentlemen dude i know and that's really hard to find in young people these days."

he was listening to everything you said intently and you somehow feel embarrassed after blurting everything out.

"it's funny how you say 'young people these days' like you're an old lady." he teases.

you pout, "aw come on, i was so cheesy for you and you chose to notice that part?"

the two of you let out small chuckles and then continue talking about other random stuffs.

overall, you two enjoyed talking to each other and got to know a lot about each other.

when the event was almost over, the two of you head in.

"yah park jihoon! c'mere bruh."

a boy who you know as one of your classmates pulls jihoon over and literally starts twerking in front of him.

jihoon looked like he wanted to bleach his eyes from whatever he was looking at and you couldn't help but felt a small amount of pity for him.

still, you decide to just sit back and watch jihoon, who was now taking up the role of a 'pole' in pole dancing, on the dance floor with his friend.

you found yourself staring at how handsome he is despite all the cringing his face did.

just before the whole event ended, jihoon somehow managed to escape his friend.

"well, wasn't that a show you guys put on"

he awkwardly smiles and scratches his head, something that you thought was adorable to watch.

"well-"

"jihoonie!"

the friend who literally dragged jihoon to dance with him called out among the crowd and jihoon could only sigh

you realize that slowly, people are starting to leave the place

"uh, i guess we should get going?" you suggest, though you wished the night could last forever

"yeah, i guess so. but um-"

before he could continue on, the dude who had a dance with jihoon starts pulling him away.

he stares at you apologetically while trying to pull away from the dude.

you smile, "it's alright. we still can see each other on monday, right?"

with that, jihoon's face lightens up as he smiles too, "yeah, we can."

then, jihoon allowed himself to be pulled away by his friend

when you got back home, you took your time to wash up

then, lie on the bed and end up checking your phone, smiling when you see 'dance partner ;)' in your contacts.

you contemplated to text him something and thought for quite a while

you end up typing and sending, 'seriously though, you're a great dancer. thanks for dancing with me, i appreciate it. hope you rest well and see yaa.'

and surprisingly, you received a text almost immediately after you sent it.

'i enjoyed myself tonight, hope you did too. nights ;)'

the text was short and sweet

still, it manage to have an effect on you because your heart pinched a bit when you saw the wink face.

you deducted that somehow jihoon also thought of sending you a text because you literally received his text a second after you sent yours

and you knew your deduction was right when you receive another text from him

'hahahahaha glad you think so. its funny how we texted each other at the same time.'

you couldn't help but smile as you reply him, 'nahhh i was totally earlier than you heh xD'

not too long afterwards you receive a reply, 'i blame my wifi hahahaha.'

and before you could continue to text him, you see him sending in another text, 'hey, i'm gonna sleep now because i'm visiting my grandparents tomorrow and i'll have to take the morning train.'

'you mean the ones that used to slow dance together in the living room?'

'hahahah yeah, and they still do btw.'

'awww, i still can't get over the fact that they're so cute and sweet. hahahaha, goodnight btw. :))'

'sweet dreams ;) talk to you tmr.' he sent and once more you found yourself smiling widely.

your heart melted at the fact that he mentioned about talking to you tomorrow

with that, you fell asleep almost immediately, eager for a new day.

little did you know, park jihoon shared the same eagerness.