#Don’t think another TPOT is out yet;;;

[cdmodule]

In defense of Clock TPOT (and why he’s not ooc)

I’ve seen a lot of people insist that Clock’s character “got ruined” since TPOT but to me, the way he acts perfectly lines up with traits of his character seen since his introduction. Let me explain. (For future context, this was written right after TPOT 3)

Clock’s always been kind of… aggravating. • One of the earliest cases being how quick he is to condemn Liy, Icy, Teardrop and Bracelety and switch up on them, as early as BFB 1. You could look at the whole scene really, but mainly...

Already in his first introduction he’s butting his head into conflict and goes by whatever seems right to him (rather than for example, finding a middle ground or being otherwise helpful). Also going from arguing with Liy to forming a truce with her after. I’ll get back to these later.

• On another point, In BFB 2 and a few times in BFB30-TPOT we see more of Clock carelessly talking to hosts and demanding answers. While he’s not unique to this, It adds a lot of boldness to his character. (Using just transcripts here to save space)

• Looking back at BFB 10 Clock is the first one to not only ask for characters being recovered but also informs Four on who’s eliminated.

To him, enforcing rules is important even If his fellow contestants are mad at him for it. Remember how I said he sticks his head into situations and does what he thinks is right? • Now… we're at the part where Clock disappears for almost the rest of BFB, until coming back in BFB 15.

Not particularly sad, however frustrated at his team and doesn’t wanna hear it and leaves. He’s still hurt, which I feel like a lot of people forget when bringing up his change in TPOT. • Besides being forgotten by his whole team, throughout BFB Clock doesn’t exactly have friends to begin with. Think of another BFB character, and It’s likely they’ll at least have/had one other person. Clock is just kind of there.

Despite that, he’s VERY helpful for his team, often using his powerful clock-hands to win challenges, which is very important to him. The one time he made his team lose in BFB 6 he quickly gets embarrassed and defends himself. Speaking of defending himself….

BFB 1 - BFB 6 - TPOT 3 (Last one doesn't have CC) It seems to be his default answer to confrontation. And It’s a shock to him every single time. Which shows that Clock doesn’t do this maliciously, but rather that it comes from a lack of understanding social situations. He’s restricted to his own ideas of what’s right or wrong (shown by. playing by his own rules, doing what he wants & sticking his head into situations he isn’t part of) and on top of that has difficulty reading others, being surprised by negative reactions because of it. Basically he lacks social skills. Of course that isn’t a free card to act unpleasant around others, but It’s a skill you gotta work on nonetheless. Clock has rarely shown interest in building friendships, like him hesitating to join a truce with Liy. The only time he’s been curious was in joining Loser’s or Winner’s team.

With this in mind, It starts to make more sense why Clock is pushy and doesn’t get boundaries in TPOT. It’s nothing new! Just more blatant. (And also he wasn’t even around for a third of BFB) • His personality has been and is still developing in TPOT. The aforementioned traits have been pushed since he’s around Winner, adding a bit of obsessiveness too. But consider a few things: 1. His team forgot about him and he got frustrated and left. A change to his character after that wouldn’t be surprising 2. He never made friends and now actually found someone he’s interested in, even if that interest is One Sided (and honestly? It checks out w/ his lack of proper relationships) 3. Sometimes… people just act differently around other people. I mean he is a huge fan after all, See Point 2 again 4. We are in the middle of an “arc” and we don’t know how It’s gonna end yet And about that character development… • Something I noticed is that Clock never came off Genuinely sad and regretful (maybe in BFB 6 depending how you see his reaction to losing) until being rejected by Winner and not even getting to defend himself. This time he REALLY noticed he messed up.

I assume this will be a turning point in how Clock acts and will try to be a bit more self aware of how he acts around others. That’s for future TPOT episodes though! But all in all, I think Clock becoming devoted to Winner to the point where It seems parasocial to some (though I’d argue that “parasocial” isn’t the right way to describe this, but that’s a different convo) is par for the course, considering his boldness and lack of social skills and relationships in BFB.  Thank you for reading <3

#character analysis #clock tpot #clock bfb #tpot #mucho texto but like Im sorry i genuinely love his character so much #so its odd for me to see people act the way they do #but ya know

[littleperilstories]

TPOT finale cyoe: Ending B: it ends with a promise

Mood Boards | Chapter Titles | Also on A03! | Playlist | Story Intro

Previous | Masterlist | Ending A: it ends with a kiss

Word count: 834 || Approx reading time: 4 mins

Ending B: it ends with a promise

Sighing, I scooch closer to Bree’s door until there’s enough room for her to pass, and I realize only once the woman’s halfway down the stairs that Bree didn’t move, and our bodies are pressed against one another’s.

“Sorry,” we say at the same time, and both of us practically topple over in our haste to shift away.

And then we’re laughing, giggling like school children, because… What? What are we so embarrassed about? We fell asleep on a cold floor clinging to one another’s hands. I was half-naked and half-dead for most of the time we spent together inside the prison. I’ve seen her back, bare and scarred like painted porcelain, seen her clothes nearly ripped to shreds.

Today, suddenly, we’re both modest.

Well, I don’t know if that’s what she’s laughing about, but that’s what’s going through my head.

“Don’t run away again,” I say. “Please.”

“Okay.” Slowly, she nods, her eyes solemn. But earnest. “I won’t.”

“You promise?”

“Mmm hmm.”

“You really, truly, fucking promise me you’re not going to sneak off in the night and leave another goddamn cryptic note that I can dwell on for the rest of my life?”

She bursts into a new laugh. “Will Wardrew,” she says, taking my hands in hers now, “I swear on my life I won’t run away again.”

“Good—”

“Without telling you.”

“Fuck it, Bree, don’t—”

“Unless I have a really good reason to.”

“No!” I squeeze her fingers tight. “Not even then. Tell me if you’re going to leave.”

She fixes me with a disbelieving stare. “And what would you do about it if I did?”

I pause. Think. “Talk you out of it. At the very least…get you to say goodbye. Properly.”

For a moment, silence.

Then she makes a face, saying, “You’re full of shit, you know,” and I grin.

When she tries to pull back her hand again, though, I’m not quite ready to let go. “For real this time. Promise.”

I don’t know why I am so desperate for these words, why I wait with bated breath. 

“All right.” There’s no hint of teasing in her voice now. “I promise.”

Downstairs my family is waiting for me, surely still ready to beat me up for being a reckless idiot.

Oh, well. It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to knock some sense into me. Hasn’t worked so far.

“Come down and see everyone,” I say, not ready to let her go just yet. But her face pales, and she shakes her head.

“Why not? Jamie saw you. It’s not like it’s a secret. Also, he can’t beat the shit out of me for climbing up here while you’re sitting there. And,” I add, unable to keep the grin off my face, “you can pay Allan back what you stole from him.”

Her cheeks flush again, and she’s obviously hiding a smile, but she still shakes her head. After a moment, she grows more solemn. “The last thing I said to your brother…” Her voice trails off.

“What?”

“Well, it wasn’t very nice.”

I think back, trying to remember if Jamie ever mentioned a last conversation with Bree. “Who cares? He probably deserved it.”

Bree bites her lip, holding back another laugh, and I wish she wouldn’t. There was enough of that in the darkness together. I don’t want her—I don’t want either of us—to ever have to hold back any pinch of happiness ever again.

“Come on.” I grip her hands tightly and stand, pulling her up with me. “I'm sure you’ve got some stories to tell. And us, too. Oh, and Colette will probably be happy to see you. I think she gets a little tired of being the only girl sometimes.”

Am I rambling?

That seems to put her more at ease, but her smile stays uncertain. “All right. Fine. If you insist.” She takes a deep breath. “It’s… It’s safe, right? All of us? Here? Together?” Her hand worries at the fabric of her sleeve, right over the spot where I know her IA tattoo is hidden.

I know what she really means: You don’t think Hatchett could possibly know you’re here, right?

“Yeah. Don’t worry.” None of us have dared to go near any constables since we left the city—and we all plan to keep it that way. I reach for her arm, run my fingers over the invisible ink beneath her clothes. “You’re safe. I promise.” Deciding the mood’s gotten too gloomy, I add, “Anyway, if there’s trouble, you’ve got that cute little knife. You’ll protect me, right?”

“You think you’re so funny. I almost got you with that cute little knife.” But she’s laughing. Smiling.

Living.

Against all odds, we both are.

All I ever wanted, I realize as we head for the table where Jamie, Geoff, Colette, and Allan are waiting—Jamie with his brow furrowed and his arms crossed but the barest hint of something that isn’t disapproval on his face, Colette and Geoff pretending not to grin and gossip in one another’s ears, and Allan looking so concerned and confused and awed, I almost choke.

All I ever wanted—friends and family.

Safe and sound and alive.

Together.

THE END

#it ends with a promise

[multifandomweirdo11]

Hello! This is my intro post for this Blog! 🎄🕎

This post will cover the fandoms I’m in and what I post on here.

•DNI ❌•

Zoophiles, MAPs, Proshippers, Xenophobes, Racists and Homophobes/Transphobes

• INTERACT PLZ 🫶•

Fandoms of these types of media;

YTTD — I LOVE YTTD. ONE OF MY FIRST DEATH GAME HYPER-FIXATIONS. (KeiSara and KaiSara shippers, especially, DNI.) WOULD LOVE TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THIS GAME, BUT SPOILERS SO.

Amphibia — I love this show SO much! The dynamics between Sasha, Anne and Marcy are immaculate and play off of the frogs, toads and newts so well; you have to watch this show if you haven’t yet. This goes for the whole list BTW. ^^

Owl House — I love this show, but I feel less of a connection than Amphibia because I watched Amphibia first ;-; THE BEST thing about this show is the characters. Amity, Raine, Hunter, Luz and Gus are the best characters IMO.

Deltarune — OMIGOSH PLZ TALK TO ME DELTARUNE FANS. TELL ME ALL OF YOUR THEORIES AND HC’s. If you cannot tell, I love Toby Fox games. Especially this one. I am Noelle (real) /j. Love all of the characters in this game. Not one I don’t like. (Maybe King -7-)

LOVE UNDERTALE. Don’t think I have to say that since they’re probably connected, (sorry Toby i just don’t trust you when you say that they aren’t ;u;) I will post about Undertale when we get news relating to the game!

Walten Files — Woah, if you’re reading this part this probably means you at least know what this is. Yeah that analog horror videos on YouTube. Also TW if you watch this… Uhh, used to be really into this one, but my interest has faded. I will be all over TWF4 whenever it comes out, but until now I’ll be posting about it scarcely. (SOPHIE AND JENNY KINNIES I SEE YOU OUT THERE.)

Disventure Camp — YES, THIS IS BETTER THAN TDAS, TDPI AND TDA. And yes, that was my opinion ofc. Anyway, more about Disventure Camp… ALLY, TESS AND HUNTER ARE ALL IN A POLY-RELATIONSHIP. Again, my opinion, but it makes so much sense! I’ll ofc respect your opinions. Also Aiden and James all the way.

Also I will interact with some Total Drama content, but not heavily. (Dave, Cameron and Sky IRLS DNI.)

Danganrompa Another — SORA AND YOUROKO IS MY COMFORT SHIP. Respect to Weeby Newz (YT) for getting me into this amazing fangan. So much better than the Source material. I recommend this fan-game for everyone but HUGE TW for the first game and a even bigger one for the sequel. We all meme on Mitch here. (Anyone glorifying Mitch Higa without being ironic DNI)

Danganrompa Edens Garden — OOH THE PROLOGUE LOOKED SO GOOD. If you’re looking for a alternative from the problematic air around the Main Danganrompa games, look no further than this game. ME AND JETT DAWSON ARE LITERALLY DATING. but … if I can’t have him cause he’s not real … he can date Mark. BUT I WONT BE HAPPY ABOUT IT. /j (I’m also a MarkDawson shipper so <: )

Inanimate Insanity — POSSIBLY MY OLDEST AND FIRST HYPER-FIXATION?? Bright lights forever! Anyway,,, Plot and Pacing: 2nd Season. Quality: 3rd Season. Sorry not sorry, the First season is problematic and unfunny. Anyway Cabby can marry me. (/hj) This animated YouTube series is so good!

I also do like other Object Shows! BFDI and ONEhfj are some I love. the ones I will post about will probably II and TPOT

Dead End: Paranormal Park — I NEED THE BOOKS AHHH. Love this show for the amazing Rep alone. THAT ALSO GOES FOR THE OWL HOUSE AS WELL. The story is great. It’s somehow Realistic and Supernatural at the same time!!?!

Omori — I like this game! The story is intriguing and heartbreaking </3 My Omori phase is passing away, sadly.

More Info About me:

If you’ve scrolled this far, you prolly wanna know more.

I’m Gay (MLM) and use They/it/he pronouns ofc!

I’m into Graphic design and MIGHT be getting a vinyl sticker printer soon!!!

I draw on paper and IBIS Paint X. I do have a drawing tablet, however it’s difficult to set up, it doesn’t help that I have a pitiful dell computer that’s on the edge of deaths door ;^; xd

anyway, like just ask to talk! Always open to that. <3

[hungryhungryhippo3]

TPOTS Chapter 4

Fandom: Frozen (Disney)

Pairing: Agnarr/Iduna (Agduna)

Chapter Summary: the path of the spirits: part one (AO3)

"My tribe doesn’t have boring history books and written accounts of past events. Our stories are preserved and passed down from generation to generation, orally through story-telling and our joiks, and visually in various art forms. Unlike you Arendellians, we actually know how to tell a good story, with ‘tell’ being the operative word.”

hey guys look i updated 👀this chapter is one of my favourite chapters in the whole story, but also one i’m kinda super insecure about. check it out on ao3 and let me know what you think!!

***

“I love stories!” she said excitedly. “Tell me about the mermaid.”

He paused thoughtfully, his brows furrowing together. “I didn’t like it that much,” he said after a moment. “Many people have recommended that author and his works, so I thought to give it a try. But I wasn’t expecting that sort of ending. Well, it was a happy ending, I suppose, but still…” He trailed off and looked down at the book again, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Iduna shifted in her seat so she was leaning comfortably against the trunk. “Then tell me another story,” she said simply.

He looked back at her. “Another story?” he echoed.

“Yeah. One with a happy ending that you like.”

Agnarr looked out over the hillside pensively, murmuring her words under his breath. She could practically see the gears turning in his head as he racked his brains. Then eventually, his eyes flashed in realisation and he turned back to her, grinning in excitement. “Alright, I’ve got one,” he said. Then his expression took on an air of mystery and intrigue. “But this one’s no ordinary children’s tale. It’s a story of brave heroes and epic battles, a tale of leadership and sacrifice. And the best part about it is the fact that it’s all real.” He frowned at the last part. “Well, mostly real. Some parts I’m going to have to embellish for entertainment value,” he said.

At that, she giggled and shifted around to give him her full attention. She noticed him pause for a minute as she laughed, a glint of something she couldn’t quite recognise entering his eyes for just a moment. “Careful, don’t oversell it. I don’t know if it’s good yet,” she teased.

“Minor details, minor details,” he said nonchalantly. Then his expression turned serious again. “Now. Just beyond the Forest’s borders, there lies a worn down path of stone and earth that has been trampled by many feet…”

#agduna #frozen 2 #agnarr #iduna #my fic #people of the sun #tpots

[clownkiwi]

so, ok, even tho we did have the worst episode of bfb yet, here are a couple things i urge none of you to do

1) personally go out of your way and harass anyone working on this show. despite what you might think, bfb isn’t a production by a huge corporation full of nameless artists; this worked on by a small team that is pretty known throughout the fandom. even then, i don’t think this episode should be open season to harass and send death threats to the same people who gave you another episode of a show you loved. i hate 2 as much as the next person, but i wouldn’t even go out of my way to send death threats over a fictional character???

2) don’t ruin the experience of bfb for anyone else. you might’ve hated the episode, you might’ve loved the episode. you loved 2′s reveal and tpot, or you might’ve hated it and thought it ruined the show. let’s try and be respectful of other’s opinions and try and not harass anyone who enjoyed this episode. people are different, and people can easily change. despite how terrible of a backlash this episode got, let’s try and not ruin the experience for anyone who still loves this show

#ruby says sapphic shit #bfb #idkkkkkkkkkkkkkk im worried that bc of this episode #all of the bfb team & crew are gonna go into hiding and they won't be so generous or lenient towards doing anything with the fandom #i dont want bfb to become another show that the creators will terribly hate all the fandom for #but i do think we should try n calmly express our thoughts about this episode #without jnj ignoring us

[artsy-alice]

TREMONTAINE Season 3, Episode 5 Reaction + Review

We’re seeing more consequences and actions finally taken from most of the things set up from the last episode. Characters have made decisions and we see them pushing through with those decisions in this episode, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.

Tremontaine S3 E5 is out NOW in the Serial Box website! New to the series? The pilot episode is available online for free!

As always, spoilers under the cut!

From the relative peace from last episode, we’re speeding up again! So many happenings, so let’s go!

RAFE & FLORIAN

I admit that I joined Rafe and Joshua’s laughter upon finding out that the “new” potential school building recommended to them was the very same building they first scouted with Will. Huge kudos to Paul Witcover because those descriptions of the house’s design and decor gave me a good laugh. When I read “that monument of poor taste masquerading as a door”, I was just cackling. Ah, good times.

Anyways! Joshua and Micah finally both lost their patience and called Florian out. DRAG HIM, MY CHILDREN. Outnumbered, Florian walks out on them, and the trio continue on their quest to productivity. They’ve confirmed Goodell’s backing and Rafe is determined to just get the best and let Diane worry about the money. Congrats, Rafe. That’s progress. Now move on and don’t even think of looking for-

But he did. He tracked Florian down and whoops, there go the breakup. Or at least, I think it’s a breakup. Florian snaps at Rafe, upset, and he obviously knows about what happened with Shade.

And fine. As much as I love my trash son, I agree that Rafe can be self-absorbed and sometimes he does tend to have a one-track mind (specially about the school and Will). And yes it would be annoying to be told to celebrate something while you’re in mourning for your dead lover, but Florian really had this coming.

I mean. Florian. Dude. You just pop up and attach yourself to Rafe, and so far you’ve always been a jerk to his friends. You’ve been constantly and unapologetically rude about something they’re obviously very passionate and dedicated about. Now that things are going their way and they’re starting to celebrate, you hold it against them because they couldn’t be bothered to be sorry for you even though there’s no way they could have known what you were going through?

Like Rafe said, he didn’t know, and how could he, when Florian never said anything? So yep. I’m sorry for your loss, Florian, but you’re not earning any sympathy points for me, bro.

.

DIANE VS. DAVENANT

Now that my annoyance for Florian has been put out there, let’s move to the political battle that’s been steadily building up and we’re now witnessing more clearly.

Gotta admit that last episode I might have been blindsided by worry over Micah that I forgot that the intruders probably would’ve succeeded in finding the ledger. That, and I assumed they wouldn’t find it there because of course Diane would have hidden it elsewhere.

Whoops, seems like our Duchess made a miscalculation. It’s a rookie mistake, getting attached to her victory tokens. She had indulged too much in one win. It was a big win, but was not enough to fully bring down a man as powerful as Davenant.

Diane assessed the damage and decided that the ledger has already served its full purpose. But has it? I can’t help but think that it’s still a very major loss. It was her primary bargaining chip.

-and my suspicions were immediately proven because as soon as Davenant reacquired the ledger, he starts going on the offensive again! So he proceeds to go through a power trip. Because of course he does.

DAVENANT NOT THE SCHOOL. NOT THE WAREHOUSES. I SWEAR!!!

How did he know about the school in the first place? Sure, Rafe goes around bragging about it... but I didn’t think it would reach Davenant and make him think it’s something he can use to strike against Diane. But oh well. He’s probably got a really reliable info network.

As usual, reading through Davenant’s point of view still grosses me out. The guy is nasty. But it also serves as an interesting commentary on men and their sense of superiority and entitlement over women. Their inability to accept a simple two-letter word as a proper answer. NO IS NO, DUDE.

And when he took her in his arms again, and pressed his lips to hers, she would understand that surrendering to Gregory Davenant was no surrender at all but a submission as natural as that of moon to sun. She would shine the brighter for it.

Pictured above: Diane Duchess Tremontaine, probably.

And GOD. It’s saddening that we all probably know a person like Davenant.

But yeah, this Diane vs. Davenant storyline is the one I’m most excited about so far!

.

DIANE & ESHA

I continue to love Diane and Esha. Diane is getting attached and is trying to withdraw because Attachment™ Is Weakness™. But Resistance™ Is Futile™. Her first thought on who to confide to is Esha. She eventually gives in and confides to Esha. And Esha is just as smitten. 

“You must think me an awful coward.”

At this, Esha laughed. “Must I? My lady, you have won an exalted place for yourself in a world of jealous men who are eager to wrest it from you by one means or another. I have some small idea what that is like! Your position depends upon trusting no one. Upon hoarding bits of knowledge and information to use as bargaining chips or even threats, if need be. Yet now you come to me with just such a secret. What advantage is there to you in telling me? None. Some other motivation has driven you. I do not call that cowardice.”

*dreamy sigh* they’re beautiful my crops have been watered my skin is clear and my debts have been paid

.

TESS

So I love this line:

She had no reason to expect trouble, other than the fact that she was a native-born Riversider. Which was reason enough, of course.

Because. It is. Very. Accurate.

I’m pretty sure it’s the first time this season that we are seeing Tess missing Kaab. She thought of Kaab back in the start of the siege but that was with resentment because of the circumstances, but now she’s allowed to lay low and wallow and feel the emptiness in her flat.

Let it bleed, she thought with a lash of guilty satisfaction. And meanwhile, her hand would not tremble as it traced another’s hand, nor would any crack appear in the mask of calm competence she showed the world. Even a face could be a forgery.

GOSH. I loved the the dynamic between Vincent, Kaab and Tess. THEY MADE MY OT3 DREAMS COME TRUE. It’s just sad to see them all separated now...

On another note, we continue to see Tess’s talent in dealing with her fellow Riversiders. And someone finally points this out. Madeline basically tells her that what Tess can do with their people is a kind of leadership. Tess rejects this, she doesn’t want the responsibility, or the burden.

And our Riverside queen finally, finally breaks down on someone. It’s okay baby let it out I’m not cryin’ with you no i’m not there’s just something in my eye, a branch or something.

.

KAAB

Things haven’t quite sped up in Kaab’s side just yet, but I’m expecting it to happen anytime now.

It’s nice to see Kaab and her growing fondness and protectiveness over baby Peapem. And it’s heartbreaking to read about Chuleb being so broken up over Saabim’s death. Oh, Kaab, you better get someone else, even temporarily, to fill in for your uncle. He’s a good man with good intentions, but he’s really not doing any of you any favors right now, specially in such a critical time.

Ninja Kaab strikes back, and I expected some action, but I guess they’re taking their time for this.

I kinda expected this though - the inspector’s concern is more about Kaab’s age and experience than her legitimacy as leader. Better prove him wrong fast, Kaab.

As tension-filled as this particular story arc is, though, I want Kaab to interact with other characters. For me, she shines best when plotting and conspiring with her friends and allies.

.

OTHER STUFF

We get a background on the Perry family via Dennis Perry, which I thought was nice. The only other Perry I could recall was Lucius Perry from TPotS. The background we get for his family here explained some things about Lucius, which is great because I love the guy.

Lionel is quickly becoming a wild card for me. He’s somewhat a double agent now, and things are much more risky. I’m quite convinced that his allegiance is still with Diane, but imo Diane oughtta keep a closer eye on him. Davenant has Plans and I never like his plans.

I’ve become quite busy this week so I might skip the challenge. But I’m looking forward to everyone else’s entries!

#tremonteam #tremontaine #tremontaines3 #paul witcover #artsyalice: reviews #HELL YEAH I'M CAUGHT UP

[littleperilstories]

TPOT: Your Story Will End in Ruin

As part of the TPOT revival, I'll be updating existing chapters. This one is almost 500 words longer, has been further edited, and is generally better (at least imho).

Warnings: 1800s-esque police/prison/arrest scenario, restraints (chains/shackles, suspended), blindfold (bag/hood), physical violence (hitting/beating), mention of death

Also on Ao3!

Previous | Masterpost | Next

Word count: 2364 ||| Approx reading time: 9 mins

Your Story Will End in Ruin

Teaser: The air in here is cool, but I’m sweating. Hanging by the wrists, feet unable to find the floor, will do that to a person. At least, I think bitterly, there’s no iron ring around my throat like there was in the prison wagon. My situation is hardly pleasant, though: the heavy black hood is still over my head, heavy manacles bite into my skin, and terror burns through me that every sound outside my world of blackness is one of the constables coming for the inevitable interrogation…

Will Wardrew

They’ll be in here soon. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but I know I've been alone for a while. An eternity’s worth of slippery, painful seconds have passed without another voice, another face. Hell, there hasn’t even been a fist or a lash or anything else horrible they could come up with. None of that is comforting. It simply means that I am only drawing closer to my doom with every breath.

Jamie is going to lose his mind when he realizes what happened.

You idiot, I imagine him saying. The word is unkind, yes, but in his voice would be an undercurrent of affection. It’s a voice I know well, the one that older brothers reserve for their younger—not wiser—siblings. How did you manage to get caught?

We've been so careful. Years, it’s been, without being found out. An inner circle, the only ones privy to our plans, routes, safehouses, and allies. False names, changing hideouts, a revolving selection of runners. Runners who were supposed to be trustworthy.

Now I can’t help but wonder if it was one of them who betrayed me, or if the supposed ally I met in the tavern sold me out on his own.

My arms are going to break, I think. That fear…I guess it’s part of the strategy. If I’m in enough pain, if I’m terrified that the slightest movement will dislocate my shoulders… I bet they think I’ll give in easy.

Wrong.

The air in here is cool, but I’m sweating. Hanging by the wrists, feet only just able to find the floor, will do that to a person. At least, I think bitterly, there’s no iron ring around my throat like there was in the prison wagon. My situation is hardly pleasant, though: the heavy black hood is still over my head, heavy manacles bite into my skin, and terror burns through me that every sound outside my world of blackness is one of the constables coming for the inevitable interrogation…

My muscles begin to shake.

Outside the hood, a door rattles open. There’s the jangle of keys, the clanging of a heavy door, clicking footsteps. The constables wear these metal-studded boots, truly the stuff of nightmares, and not only because a kick from one of those infernal things could easily break someone’s jaw.

The clicking against the floor is also goddamn fucking annoying.

I don’t want to acknowledge their presence, I really don’t, but I start at the sound, and almost automatically, I shift position slightly, trying to relieve some of the pain in my limbs. It doesn’t stop the tremors, though, and what little I relief I grasp for my shrieking wrists is brief.

The person says nothing, does nothing. More sweat beads on my skin, cooling quickly in the chill of the air.

I wonder what they want, what they’re looking at. Me? I guess that must be it. Gauging my reaction, checking for any visible strain or weakness. Fuck you, I think. If I weren’t shackled, I could take them. Whoever it is.

Yet still they don’t speak.

What do you want?

Years of agony have passed before the person finally says something. A chill runs down my spine as I recognize the voice. It’s the constable himself, not one of the juniors.

I flatter myself that this must mean that I am a very important prisoner.

“Do you want me to let you down?”

I only know Baden Hatchett from afar—or, at least, I knew him only from afar until the moment he and his men cornered me. I know he is smooth-voiced and cold-eyed. I know he respects law and order. I know he hates criminals.

This means, of course, that he hates me.

I have not had a drink in what feels like hours. I am not sure I can give an answer. I suspect, also, that there is a trap laid within these words, ready to spring and swallow me whole. So I stay silent.

He draws closer. “It must hurt by now.” He can see my arms shaking, how I can’t control it, can’t stop it.  He isn’t just fucking guessing. He knows it hurts. “Do you wish for me to let you down?”

I bite into my papery tongue.

The air seems to shift, a current of anger flowing now, charging through the room. My skin prickles.

And then the chains begin to lower.

I gasp when my feet stand solidly against the floor. It’s involuntary, guttural. Relief through my arms and torso so sharp it hurts.

Salt burns my cheeks. Perhaps I’m grateful for this black bag after all, for hiding my tears from Constable Hatchett.

And then the chains pull up again.

“Fuck!” I don’t mean to scream. But as my feet scrabble fruitlessly for the disappearing ground beneath me, as the pressure returns to my shoulders, the pain doubles. Triples.

“I asked you a question,” Hatchett says quietly. “Didn’t you hear me?”

The chains were pulled higher this time—my feet are dangling. The drag of my own bones trying to get back to the ground is excruciating.

"Do you want me to let you down?"

"Yes!" Weakness wins. I will do anything, almost, to not be hanging from the ceiling for another instant.

A long silence, and in chasm of it, I wonder if his offer was nothing but a trick.

Then the scrape of chains and gears fills the room, and my feet touch the ground again.

Hatchett pulls away the black hood and studies me as I blink the world back into focus. He takes in my still-shaking arms, the bruises I won as I tried desperately to fight myself out of my capture. I take in the cold grey eyes, the crispness of his blue uniform. The slight, sneering curl to his lips.

"Do you know why you've been arrested?" He's keeping his voice slick, almost coy. We've begun a game, and he knows it. We both do. He will question, I will lie and deny. He will pursue, and I will block. He will hurt, and I will break.

No, I vow. I have already decided, long known, in fact, that I will not betray the others. Baden Hatchett will never hear the names James Wardrew, Colette Haris, or Geoffrey Marks. I will take their names and the location to whatever unmarked grave they dig for me. I will take my own name into death with me if it means it will protect the others.

Even with such bold thoughts roaring in my ears, my breath comes in gasps. Pain still shoots through my shoulders, and the prospect of more is already unbearable.

It’s for Jamie, I think. For Jamie. For Jamie. He has done nothing but take care of me for his entire life. I failed him by getting caught. I won't fail him again.

The back of Hatchett's hand knocks my head to one side, smarting pain now radiating through my cheek and jaw. "Did you not hear me? Do I have to ask every question twice?"

My vision is swimming, and my mind is whirring. Is this an act, I wonder, or does he really find the silence more infuriating than the inevitable lies I'm going to spout?

I smirk at him.

Up, up, off the floor. Hanging again. I cry out.

"Do you know why you've been arrested?"

"No."

A flash of wicked joy across his face. "Would you like me to tell you?"

My chest hurts. Even yes or no feels like too much effort.

"I could make this much worse," Hatchett says. "I have so many instruments to help me loosen your tongue."

I stare at him, trying to banish the tears from my eyes. Failing.

"But it's perhaps just enough to leave you like that, isn't it?"

A noise escapes my throat. A whimper, a bleat. Humiliating evidence of how soundly I am beaten at this game.

For now.

I will not break, I remind myself. For Jamie. For all of them.

"Would you like me to tell you why you're here?"

"I don't fucking care what you do." Every word rips a new whole in my chest. I force them out anyway.

A grin. "I know that is not true."

I try to get a grasp on the chains, try to pull myself up, but my fingers and wrists are weak, probably purple from hanging like this for so long.

He lets me down. This time, I bite back a scream as he lets even more slack into the chains, and my knees have the opportunity to bend, to give out beneath me.

“We know you’re in that cursed thieving ring,” Hatchett says softly. He brushes the tattoo on my arm, traces the I.A. It burns.“What do you call yourselves? Thieves of Honour?” It’s a piss-poor translation of Iustitia Aecum, but who am I to judge? It wasn’t me who came up with it. Colette was the one who suggested using Latin in our name, and Jamie liked the sound of it so much, we had to go with it. Not even sure it’s correct, but again, how would I know? It isn’t worth correcting the good constable, anyway. He laughs, then spits. “There’s no such thing.”

There’s just enough slack in the chains for me to wipe my face. It takes every nugget of self-control within me not to throw myself at him to smash his face in. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, oh honourable Constable Hatchett.”

“Shut the fuck up,” he snarls. He doesn’t like the smarminess. This is good to know. “We also know you’re not just in it, but one of the leaders. Running around, organizing your little band of would-be do-gooders. I want your name. Your real fucking name. I want the name of the others. I want the location of your headquarters."

You will have none of it.

"I don't know what you're talking about,” I repeat.

He shakes his head, tutting. "Are you sure you want to go down that road, boy? If you give me the information I want, you could avoid the noose."

"I didn't know thieves were sentenced to death," I say. Relaxed. Nonchalant. A vein pulses in his forehead. “How comforting. I thought you only hanged murderers and dangerous criminals.”

"For you and your little gang," Hatchett says, eyes sparking, "we reserve only the most special treatment."

A shiver runs down my back.

“And don’t worry,” he adds, “I’ll make sure to invite every noble family whose jewels the fools you’ve convinced to work for you absconded with.”

I fix him with a glare, pretending I know what absconded means, pretending I don’t give a shit what he says or does.

He rests his hand on the crank that will pull back toward the ceiling again. Lets it hover. Taunts me with its stillness.

"What is your name?"

I say nothing.

"What is your name?"

I say nothing.

"What is your name, boy?"

For Jamie. For Jamie. For Jamie.

A lazy half-turn. The chain tightens slightly.

"What is your name?"

Jamie wouldn't rat me out. I won't—

Another turn, drawing my hands up again, my trembling legs still on solid ground beneath me.

"Your name."

Nothing, nothing, I will say nothing.

This crank pulls my shaking body taut, feet only just grazing the floor.

"Let's try another question.” He shrugs. “We can play this game for as long as you like. So, I want the other names. Who do you work with?"

Their faces flash in my mind: Jamie. Colette. Geoff. No. No. No.

My feet lift off the ground.

When it's over, finally, finally, finally, Hatchett stares down at me. There's no pity in his face, but there is no anger, either. I know I will come to see his rage before I die, but today, there is something else carved into his features. I think there is, anyway. My thoughts are wild and loose, floundering in a sea of pain. I am not sure my arms will ever work again. I can’t believe I’m still breathing.

"Get up."

I can’t. There's no possible way. My limbs might as well be brittle twigs, scorched to death by summer’s heat.

"I told you to get up."

"I can't." What point is there in lying, in cursing at him now? He's done, and I am spent. I didn't give in. If he wants to beat me or kill me for being too weak to move after his own vile tactics, so be it.

That cold grey gaze bores into me.

And then he pulls me to my feet, hands hooked under my useless arms. There is nothing violent in the motion, but choking vines of apprehension creep through me.

"Walk."

I manage a few steps on shaking legs. Hatchett does not let me fall.

This is part of his game. Of course he isn't going to kill me—not now, not yet. Not until he has what he wants from me. Names and places. That stinging blow of betrayal, struck by my own hand.

"You will break," he tells me. The blunt knife-edge of his voice slashes at my throat. "I will have your name. And theirs. You will live out the rest of your miserable existence down here, and your story will end at the gallows."

"Maybe the last part is true." Perhaps it is the admission, the acceptance of my own looming execution, the inevitability of my fate, that makes me stumble. He catches me, and I hate every touch of his hands against my skin. "I won't tell you anything."

"You say that now," he says. He's smiling, and there is something sickening behind it. "I will be proven right in the end."

At my cell, I brace myself, waiting for him to throw me inside and watch my treacherous limbs crumple beneath me.

Instead, he sets me down with neither brutality not tenderness, but with a precision that is cutting in its own way.

"Rest," he says. "Today was just the beginning."

"Go fuck yourself."

Hatchett smiles. "And tomorrow will be much, much worse."

Previous | Masterpost | Next

~~~~

These were the prompts (Whumptober Day 17) used to write this chapter:

Whumptober 2022 Masterpost

Breaking Point | Stress Positions | Reluctant Caretaker

#whumptober2022 #no.17 #stress positions #reluctant caretaker #lps the prince of thieves #oc Will Wardrew #oc Jamie Wardrew #whump #whump writing #whump story #whump fiction #original fiction #original writing #original story #whumpblr #writeblr #torture #interrogation #chained #suspended #arrested #prison #dungeon #mention of death #hitting #physical violence #dungeon whump #stress position