#anyway it's fine !! kinda!! but i'm okay just thinkin

[mothmanchronicler]

feeling lost . wondering if you can know yourself when youre isolated ,, who am i when not in relation to others? i don't feel like anyone and now it feels impossible to connect w anyone it feels so hard and awful and weird and i m really trying !! but it's not getting any easier yet! shucks to that!!!

#i thought abt what i like about myself #and couldn't come up w anything that wasn't in relation to something i'm into #like oh i'm into sewing and riverdale and kimchi and then all this other stuff i'm no longer into #that at one point i kinda based my entire identity around #like farming ... bitch i used to be a farmer™ but i don't do that anymore #anyway just came up w one thing - i love that i'm queer #anyway the ocd really got me again but only for like two days #i was like oh i can't eat these bananas i just bought because they'll ferment in my stomach and make me sick #and they all when bad before i was like oh that's fucking insane just eat the nana #work is good and my new coworkers are nice #but i'm feeling v self conscious because i'm having a difficult time getting to know ppl #anyway it's fine !! kinda!! but i'm okay just thinkin

[pesterloglog]

Feferi Peixes, Eridan Ampora

Act 5, page 2467

cuttlefishCuller [CC] began trolling caligulasAquarium [CA]

CC: W)()()()()(-E-E-E-E-EW.

CA: fef are you in

CC: Yea)(...

CA: that took forevver

CA: i wwas gettin wworried kinda

CC: Yes, it was a pretty close call, and got kind of complicated.

CC: But Sollux finally came t)(roug)(, and now I believe t)(e full c)(ain is complete!

CA: man that guy

CA: hes a fuckin drama machine it is fuckin pathetic

CC: YOUR STUPID FIS)(Y FAC-E IS T)(-E DRAMA MAC)(IN-E T)(AT DO-ES NOT)(ING BUT W)(IN-E AND GLUB.

CC: 38P

CA: fuck SORRY

CC: Anyway you s)(ouldn't say t)(at about )(im, )(e is a )(ero and )(e saved my life.

CA: yeah sorry

CA: i wwas just really wworried and stressed out i thought you wwere dead

CA: and i didnt evven get to thank you for savvin my life or really for anythin

CA: and i just spent all this time here wworryin and thinkin about stuff

CA: and i decided i havve something i wwant to tell you

CA: that ivve been meaning to get off my nub for a wwhile noww

CC: O)(, really?

CC: T)(at's good! Actually, I )(ave somet)(ing I )(ave been meaning to say to you too.

CA: wwhoa really

CA: uh

CA: wwhat is it

CA: you go first

CC: Mm, okay.

CC: But t)(is isn't easy to say!

CA: yeah i knoww

CA: its ok maybe i wwill understand more than you think

CA: wwe might evven be sayin the same thing

CC: Okay, I )(ope so.

CC: I t)(ink...

CC: Now t)(at we are bot)( in t)(is game, and )(ave left our world be)(ind...

CC: And you can no longer pose t)(e danger to our people t)(at you )(ad always planned to...

CC: I t)(ink it is not really necessary for me to be your moirail anymore.

CA: wwhoa

CA: wwait

CA: wwhat

CC: 38(

CC: I am really sorry, -Eridan. It )(as just been so )(ard looking after you and keeping you out of trouble!

CC: It )(as taken its toll, and )(onestly I am really ex)(austed.

CA: fuck

CA: this isnt what

CA: i dont knoww i wwasnt expectin this at all

CA: im not sure i can handle this

CC: I'm sorry!!! 38'(

CC: It will be t)(e best for bot)( of us. We can just sort of be...

CC: Regular friends instead.

CA: no

CA: please dont

CA: look im bein serious here dont do this

CA: i wont even use my weird accent while i type ok so you know im bein really dead serious and honest about this

CC: Uh...

CC: Okay, I am being serious and honest too. SEE?

CA: ok good

CA: are you sure you arent bein hasty about this youve just been through a lot

CA: i mean we are supposed to be fated to be moirails arent we

CA: isnt that how it works

CA: you cant just throw all that away cause youre sick of me

CC: I am not sick of you, Eridan! I still really like you.

CC: In order to be destined for moirallegience, both people have to be on board, don't you think?

CC: But I cannot do it anymore. So I think it just wasn't meant to be all along.

CC: And really, you just don't need me anymore. You are free to do as you wish! We both are.

CC: I can't look after you anymore.

CA: I DIDNT EVER NEED ANYONE TO LOOK AFTER ME

CA: i was totally fuckin fine my ambitions were noble

CA: and really none of your fuckin business QUITE FRANKLY your majesty

CA: and the only reason i put up with stickin my flipper in this fuckin shithole quadrant with you was

CC: Was what?

CA: nevermind

CC: Tell me!

CA: ok fine

CA: i apologize for losin my shit over this i was just caught off guard is all

CA: but maybe its a good thing really

CA: actually i might a been proposin the same thing to be honest

CC: Oh?

CA: yeah

CA: fef have you thought about

CA: since you dont wanna be pale with me no more

CA: the possibility a some other type of arrangement with me

CC: What do you mean?

CA: i mean

CA: somethin a bit more

CA: kinda reddish

CA: like

CA: brighter red

CC: 38O

CC: No, I hadn't thought about it!

CA: ok well what do you think about it

CA: now that youre thinkin about it

CC: Um...

CC: I really don't know about that.

CA: why not i thought you said you liked me

CC: I do! But I don't know if it's really in that way.

CA: couldnt it be though

CA: dont you think theres room in your collapsin and expandin bladder based aquatic vascular system for those feelins

CC: I've never had a chance to consider anything like that! I have just spent all my time worrying about you and trying to keep you from killing everybody or hurting yourself.

CC: It took all my energy.

CC: I don't think I have anything left for those feelings either.

CA: oh god

CC: What?

CA: im the biggest fuckin idiot who ever lived

CA: i cant BELIEVE i just opened up to you like a chump when i knew what was comin

CA: i am one sad fuckin brinesucker

CA: overemotional sappy trash youre right im not better than anybody

CA: im worse than anybody

CA: EVERYBODY

CA: all the bodies

CC: STOP!!!!!!!!!!!

CC: God.

CC: Will you just clam up for once in your life?

CC: Always carping and carping and carping!

CC: You go completely overboard with your emotions, always looking to reel in drama wherever you can.

CC: I am up to my gills in it! I just can't salmon the strength anemonemore.

CA: i cannot

CA: BELIEVE

CA: you are doin the fish pun thing while youre breakin up with me

CA: real nice

CA: whoops i mean REEL nice

CC: HEHEHE, sorry.

CC: But really, this shouldn't be as bad as it sounds.

CC: When all is said and done, I am still your friend.

CC: We have left our world behind. Everyone is dead, and there's no use in worrying about it now.

CC: It's over! It is time to play this game and focus on building something new and ------EXCITING.

CC: So )(ang in t)(ere, -Eridan.

CC: I )(ave to go now! Sollux is in serious trouble, and I )(ave to go )(elp )(im.

CC: BY------------------------E!

CA: wwait

CA: dont go

cuttlefishCuller [CC] ceased trolling caligulasAquarium [CA]

CA: glub

#homestuck #feferi peixes #eridan ampora #homestuck act 5 #page 2467 #homestuck act 5 act 1

[itsahotminuteinbetween]

okay doin this as a continuation of that other thing from that one time-

Okay, so they transform. And now y/n's just thinkin 'what the fuck' right? Cuz what're you supposed to do, call up the store and ask for a refund on the two grown men they sold you?

Besides that and the entire interaction being terribly awkward, y/n's pretty fine with this new development.

(They're not they're just suppressing their reaction for later when they can actually process it-)

So. Introductions are given. Y/N's first question is if they actually at the birdseed they gave them, which gets a laugh from them (no they didn't that shit sucks they were stealing from your food when you weren't looking). Anyways, y/n gives them money equal to what they bought them for as compensation cuz? You just committed accidental trafficking? I dunno-and then they're on their way and that's that.

Except it's not cuz they show up on y/n's doorstep a week later.

Turns out they have absolutely no idea where they're going and don't want to get trapped again, nor do they know how human society works cuz they've been livin off the grid.

So y/n's like 'okay sure wtf not' and starts housing those two and teaching them human shit. They fund them, teach them how to shop (they go to the market and I'm convinced their human disguises are too perfect and y/n's like 'you know you're supposed to fit in you can't do that if you're hot' and sun's kinda sad cuz he worked hard on that one and moon's mad cuz his hair can't be blue apparently but black is good enough even if he grumbles abt it the entire time), buys them clothes, even sets them up with a job. But when they're like 'okay you guys are all set you can move out now' they go 'tf you mean human we're stayin wasn't that obvious?' and y/n's dumb ass isn't getting it cuz they're oblivious af-

#sorry to bother #don't mind me #how do i even tag this #whatever #fnaf daycare attendant #fnaf sun #fnaf moon #shit au idea #did I write this at 11 pm? yes but that's irrelevant-

[capriciouswriter207]

I was always suspicious of Emma

It's okay to have comfort oc, just make sure that Rick is good. Please.

Yes Katherine, when you suspect someone is in your closet you just sit there staring at it. No blame I guess, I would simply pass away. My spare treatment masks are in my closet. They have fish fins.

Poor Shrub. Do her parents know she's alive? Or is she a different dimension? Also all of y'all thinkin Pix’ll be bad, I think the lad might be the unconscious dude. Maybe he's bad, that'd be a twist, you like those.

Again, Shrub doesn't understand anything. I mean, kidnapped in the void probably does that to ya.

Never trust an abandoned lab in the woods, why do they make it a picnic spot? It just radiates bad danger place, destroy that door and just look at it, it smells like evil and I can't even smell.

Monopoly seems weird, I say, never played it. Also *forgets thought* nvm.

Don't worry Sausage, I don't trust any kitchen appliances, fire risks and also loud. Dark spiral though, get these kids some therapy.

Is fWhip the next target? Or is he out walking for like therapy or something? That doesn't sound like him, should keep an eye on him.

What if Jimmy is actually the bad guy? He hyponises people and acts confused, literally perfect bad guy material, the owo innocent person no one suspects. Just sayin.

I'll probably have more thoughts later. Also, sneak peek? I'll give two week old kitten a pat for you :3

-Kitty (｡･ω･｡)

Everyone is suspicious of Emma. That's her one defining character trait, I guess - makes everyone who reads about her suspicious. Can't say I didn't build her that way, though, so I'm glad it's working.

Don't worry, Rick's a good kid. Fern takes good care of him and he's got a good relationship with his cousins, so he's fine. Mostly, but who isn't struggling with something in their early twenties anyway?

Shrub does indeed not have the best life up until her escape. I'd say one of her parents knows that she is alive. At this point, more like hopes that she's alive. She can't know anything about a world she hasn't seen for at least a decade. And Katherine was just stunned to see someone sitting in her closet, too stunned to do anything but stare. I thought it was a funny moment.

I do like my twists, yes. Pix could be a villain, could be the unconscious guy. Who's to say the unconscious guy isn't also a villain who's juicing up on corruption? Everything is possible.

Closed-off bunker in the middle of the woods. Not a lab. The town had the entrance sealed and though sometimes kids try to pull open the door as a dare, its firmly shut. Nothing can open that door. And the town didn't necessarily want to turn it into a picnic spot (as in: it was neer their intention), people just started picnicking there and it just kinda happened.

Monopoly is a weird game. I just looked at the games that cc!Jimmy played on his livestreams and I remember him playing monopoly with some friends so I chose that game. The game itself isn't necessarily important, but the events before/after that game are.

At this point, I'm pretty sure everyone in the Caesar House could be a target. You know, "there's plenty of replacements at the House". So, that would logically include fWhip as well. Or maybe fWhip had something he wanted to discuss with Emma without risking anyone else overhearing it. Also an option.

What if Jimmy is indeed the bad guy? A wolf in sheep's clothing, presenting himself as harmless. The hypnosis is harmless, guys - Don't look in my direction, I'm just confused and harmless. A good actor at that, too, if he manages to keep convincing everyone (including Pix) that he can be trusted. Good thought.

And sneak peek? Let me think... there will be more goat-related drama. They Joel and Joey B-plot will return soon. Some panic attacks and shenanigans ensue. Ren & Doc have lines.

#empires smp #caesar house au #caesar house rick #caesar house shrub #caesar house pix #caesar house katherine #caesar house jimmy #lot of people discussed this ask. #pls give the two week old kitten a pat for me #very good points you made

[paleparearchive]

A Miraculous Birthday with Aniki

Monet's Birthday 4★ story (1/3) ( 1 - 2 - 3 )

Location: terrace (morning) ; garden (morning) | Characters: Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Millet, Aoi/MC

Sisley: Monet, happy birthday!

Renoir: Fufu, happy birthday.

Monet: Hahaha, thanks!

When y'all say that all at once... this kinda thing's embarrassin’. We're havin' a party tonight anyway, ya could've told me then, y'know?

Sisley: I just wanted to tell you that ahead of time. Since you've always been so good to me.

Monet: There's no need to worry 'bout that.

Renoir: Actually, Bazille was saying that too. He had to go out for a while.

Monet: Aaah, that's why he's not here… What 'bout tonight? He's gonna be at the party, right?

Sisley: Yes. He just happened to be unable to make it now, but he should be able to join us for the evening. Actually, maybe he'll be back in a while…?

Monet: Gotcha. Then it's fine. Speakin' of which, have ya decided what the evening party's gonna be 'bout?

Sisley: We can't tell you that even if you ask. We'll just have fun.

Renoir: Surprises like this are nice. Please look forward to it.

Monet: Okay!

—

Monet: … Mmmh.

(I'm happy to celebrate my birthday and I'm lookin' forward to the party, but… I don't feel that comfortable with all that's bein' done to me.)

(… Maybe I should do somethin' 'bout this? Somethin' more like a return gift for the celebration, since they've always taken care of me…)

Aaah! I've been thinkin' too much 'bout unnecessary things and I'm gettin' confused!

Millet: What's wrong, Monet?

Monet: Ah, Millet! What are ya doin' here?

Millet: Huh? It's the same as always. I'm taking care of the vegetables I planted.

Monet: … Ah.

(Did I end up in the fields 'cause I was too worried? Maybe I was lost in my thoughts.)

Millet: I thought you were here to take care of it as well, but... you were yelling something. Is something bothering you?

Monet: … Yeah. See, the truth is… I… Look, it's my birthday, right? I just didn't feel comfortable with bein' celebrated…

Millet: You're not comfortable with being celebrated?

Monet: Right, that's it. I'm usually the one celebratin' people. Even if I was told to stay put, I still feel… kinda restless.

Millet: A-Aah… That's an unusual problem…?

Monet: I'm thinkin' of returnin' the favor, but what do ya think would be best?

Millet: Uh, are you really planning to return the favor on your birthday?

Monet: Uh, I can't!?

Millet: Well, that's… Hmmm…

… I guess it's not needed? I can understand why you might feel uncomfortable with all the attention you're getting, though. But it's your birthday, so it's okay. So you don't have to give anything back. I think anyone you ask would say that.

Monet: Hmm… Is that really how it's supposed to be?

Millet: Right, right. That sort of thing.

Monet: Hmm… Hmmmmm…

—

Monet: (Millet said that, but…)

(... Well, I know they ain't doin' it for the payback. Even so… I'm gettin' restless.)

Aoi: Ah, Monet-kun. Bazille-kun was looking for you earlier.

Monet: Huh, is he back already? I heard he was out somewhere.

Aoi: Yes. It seems that you and him have just missed each other.

Monet: Gotcha. Then I'll go! Thanks for lettin' me know, director!

(... Ah, right. I don't know what to do on my own… I'll ask Bazille ‘bout it!)

#palette parade #palette parade tl #palepare #palepare tl #card tl #card translation #translation #monet #claude monet #4★

[deeisace]

.

#like like okay #all them posts of how it's not true that an ace person is like just like repressed or whatever #obviously obviously that is true that it's not true y'know but i think it might be for me?? #like maybe I'm bi and just super y'know like uh #the whole idea of all sides of that kinda thing like spooks me i don't want relationships or none a that #and the other side might be like;;; fine in the abstract but im pretty sure im not cool with it in actual fact y'know #im deffo aro but im getting more and more of the thought that im deffo not ace #but i also like;; don't want things to happen anyway y'know #i don't know i could without some sorta panicky type thing without drinking #and i do not drink at all i don't even like liquor-y sweets or making sauce with wine in what'll do nothin #or none a that #idk it's 2am of course im thinkin about pointless stressy things #i have to go to work in 4 hours this is not a clever track to be on #all that 'dont think just feel' stuff morgan said to reid a couple episodes ago that i watched y'know #like i can't i cannot the thought makes my brain go offline and also kick into hyperdrive at once y'know i don't hhhh #okay im thinking about something;;; that is not this now

[astro-rain]

delicate; b.barnes

chapter three - “penny for your thoughts”

delicate masterlist

word count: 1.5k

synopsis: reader runs into a familiar face at the lake near her quarters in wakanda and they get to know each other a bit (kinda meet cute)

pairings: bucky barnes x fem!reader

[A/N]: not my photo

The sunrise in Wakanda was one of the most marvelous things (Y/N) had ever seen. It was truly divine. Magnificent shades of burnt orange and gold bled through the boundless canvas of clouds. The sun, rich and saturated, was the epicenter of these vivacious gradients. It was almost as though Odin himself was painting the sky.

Her windows, encompassing the space of an entire wall, opened her room effortlessly. They led directly to the outskirts of a small lake that perfectly reflected the sunrise. It almost felt like a vacation. Or a dream, whichever came first.

She had slept wonderfully, but woke up early all the same. The beginning of her morning consisted entirely of sitting right outside her room staring at the ascending sun. She supposed she could've stayed there all day as Shuri told her they wouldn't start working until tomorrow; something about settling in and adjusting. Although she thoroughly enjoyed her quiet, warm morning, wasting the whole day cramped up near and inside her room would be a very poor choice.

There's so much here, I might as well enjoy my mini vacation.

She slipped on her shoes, closed the glass door, and made her way to the very lake she was admiring so dearly. She sat at the edge of the lake, letting the smooth sound of the flowing water fill the air around her. It was so quiet, secluded. She was alone; it was lovely. Tranquile even. Being by herself brought a strange sort of comfort, like she was safe and-

"Hello."

She turned around, still sitting. "Oh. Hi Jame- I mean... Bucky."

He smiled, and gave a ghost of a laugh. "Thanks."

"Did you need something? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, it's good. I was just looking around. This place is beautiful."

"Tell me about it," she returned his smile. "I keep thinking like I'm on a vacation or something. It doesn't feel like I'm supposed to work tomorrow."

Bucky nodded his head in agreement. "If I was gonna be... fixed somewhere, I'm glad it's here."

"Yeah, no one's gonna bother us here. Except maybe Shuri when she shows you how much smarter she is than you."

"Kid's a genius," he chuckled. "I've only talked to her a bit and she's smarter than I'll ever be."

At this point he was still standing, his hands clasped politely in front of him. He was just standing next to (Y/N)’s sitting figure. It wasn't a problem until an awkward silence settled over them. She wasn't quite sure what to say.

She wasn't the best with people. She knew exactly how the brain worked and she knew how to analyze behavior, and when it came to her job she knew the right things to say at the right times. But her job has rules; if she's talking with someone, she's treating them. When doing so, there are specific sets of clinical terminology. There were guidelines to follow, scripts to recite. Talking to patients in a work setting was analytical and made sense. Talking to regular people was a bit difficult. There was so much grey area. Bucky was going to be a patient, but right then, in that moment, he was just another person.

"You can sit if you want," she offered, patting the spot next to her. "I feel weird, it seems like I'm making you stand."

He gingerly accepted such an offer. He sat next to her, but not too close. The respectful distance gave her comfort.

We both have our own space.

"Hey, can I say something?" he asked.

"Mhm."

"I just wanted to thank you, ya know, for coming all the way here. Steve told me about the whole situation - you and Sharon and everything. I'm just really grateful. You probably have a whole life of your own back home, but it means a lot that you came here to help out. I know it's not exactly easy."

Heartfelt. If she had to describe it in one word that's what it would be. It almost surprised her.

"Oh you don't have to thank me!" she sounded deflective. "It's my job. I'm just glad we have a chance to provide you with treatment after all the pain you've been through."

Was that too personal?

"I mean, after all this time, I think you're pretty deserving of a reprieve."

"Have you read my file?" he asked, a little quieter than before. He was staring intently at the lake in front of him.

(Y/N) rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah, I did."

"Sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"That you had to read it. I know it's a lot."

He sounded guilty, like somehow what happened to him was his fault.

"That's alright," she said almost too quickly. "I've gone through plenty of abuse and trauma cases. To be fair, none of them are quite like yours, but I'm not in completely foreign waters here."

"Oh, I don't doubt it. I've heard you're more than highly qualified. It's just a lot of bad stuff."

"I can handle bad stuff," she replied, reassuringly. To her, it sounded more factual than reassuring. Unbeknownst to her, it gave Bucky some sort of comfort. Like he was in good hands.

Another awkward silence settled over them. Her eyes remained on the body of water in front of her; she wasn't sure what to say. Casual conversation was not her forte, and Bucky seemed rather shy himself. She felt responsible for any conversation that should take place, but to be fair, he wasn't talking either.

It was then when she subtly aimed her gaze towards him, getting a thorough impression of his features. He was, in all honesty, quite handsome. Objectively speaking of course. He was sharp features and soft edges at once, if you could consider that possible. And the bluest blue eyes she'd ever seen were luminescent in the direct sunlight. She reminded herself not to stare, and tore her line of vision away from the man next to her.

In lieu of this, she closed her eyes, leaned back on the palms of her hands, and relished in the warmth of the Wakandan sun. This lasted a few moments before she once again realized that not a word had been passed between them. She wondered what he was thinking about.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked softly.

"Hm?"

"You look pensive."

"'M just thinkin'"

"Well, that much I could tell," she snickered.

He flashed a bashful smile. "I'm just tryin' to grasp the fact that I'm actually here. Y'know, safe. Ready to be helped. It's been a while. I keep having to remind myself that it's real."

Makes sense. He probably thinks that any minute, this seemingly secure safe haven is going to be ripped out from under him. Like it was all a rouze and he'll have to return to pain and anguish.

"It's definitely real...well, last time I checked anyway. But who knows? Maybe we're in an alternate reality and any moment we'll see a woman in a red dress," she joked, trying to lighten his mood and simultaneously referencing The Matrix.

It worked. He laughed; a soft gentle chuckle, but a laugh all the same.

"Woman in a red dress?" he asked through a grin.

"Oh, you probably haven't seen The Matrix, have you?"

His face scrunched up in endearing confusion. "No...?"

She adamantly ignored when the word adorable entered her mind when she saw his expression. "It's a movie, a classic really. You'll have to see it at some point or I'll feel like an idiot for referencing it."

"Oh God," he shook his head, "I haven't seen a movie in... ages."

"I think that's a crime in and of itself. They've gotten infintely better than they were in the forties, I can promise you that."

"I got a lot to catch up on, don't I?"

"Maybe a little. But don't worry about it. I'll make you a list!"

"Man, didn't think I'd have homework," he quipped, a meek attempt at a joke.

It made her smile. There's some personality! She showed some of her own in return.

"Man, I didn't think I'd ever meet someone who doesn't like movies of all things. One of the best things ever created by mankind!"

He laughed and threw his hands up in mock surrender. "I never said that! I don't know if I deserve such slander."

What a wonderful laugh.

"Watch every movie on my list and I'll clear your name," she beamed.

He feigned annoyance. "Fine. You drive a hard bargain, Ms. (Y/L/N)."

"That's Dr. (Y/L/N), actually."

Before he could question whether or not he made a mistake, she continued. "I'm totally messing with you. (Y/N) is more than just fine. Dr. (Y/L/N) sounds too much like someone's pretending that I'm my dad anyway."

"Okay then," he smiled, "(Y/N).”

[runn0ft]

SORRY I'M LATE TO YOUR INBOX tumblr was being weird. I see all your wips have already been requested but if you want to share More about Charlie and Meyer Make a Porno, I will gladly accept

Dude, do NOT apologize. I was so excited you tagged me in this thing at all. And I am beyond delighted to share a snippet of Charlie and Meyer Make a Porno because it consumes my every waking thought and I honestly have to hold myself back from screaming about it to anyone who even looks in my direction, so here!

Charlie hops off the counter and stalks across the shop to them in two long strides. “The fuck’re you doin’ here, Darmody?”

“Nice to see you, too.” Jimmy sneers. He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks forward onto the balls of his feet. “What, no your mom jokes today?”

Charlie ignores him and whirls on Meyer. “This is a closed set, Meyer.”

“A closed set,” Meyer scoffs. “Listen to you, ever the consummate professional.”

Charlie glowers and grips him hard by the elbow. “‘Scuse us.” He bites out over his shoulder as he drags Meyer into the office. Meyer shakes him off when Charlie slams the door behind them.

“The fuck are you thinkin’, bringin’ him here? He can’t just come hang out. We’re workin’.”

“Precisely.” He crosses his arms, squaring his shoulders. “Consider Jimmy my new scene partner.”

“What’re you talkin’ about?”

“You know what my terms are, Charlie. I told you I didn’t want to fuck some stranger.”

“And you’re not,” Charlie makes a sweeping gesture between them. “So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that everyone else is having sex with more than one person. I asked Jimmy if he’d be willing to do me this favor, and he’s agreed.”

Meyer watches Charlie’s jaw work. “I thought Darmody only liked girls.” He says finally.

“He does.” Meyer rubs the back of his neck. “I told you, he’s doing me a favor. Once I offered to cut him in on a share of the profits it didn’t take much convincing after that.”

“So let me understand this,” He seethes. “You went behind my back and asked Jimmy fuckin’ Darmody if you could fuck him on camera so you wouldn’t come off like some kinda’ prude? Did you even run this by AR?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.” Meyer says icily. “And anyway, I asked him to fuck me.”

The emotion that flashes across Charlie’s face then is indescribable. The rage is obvious but there’s something else. Something vulnerable and wounded that only makes it to his eyes. “We got plenty of sex going on in this thing already, Mey. You don’t need to do this.”

“I just want to do my part.”

“You already are! You don’t need to fuck someone else. You’re good.”

“I’m only fucking you, though. Shouldn’t we vary things up to keep it fair?”

“Fair for who?” Charlie shouts incredulously.

“Fair for everyone who is fucking more than one person. Namely you.” Meyer says through clenched teeth.

“Fine,” Charlie scrubs a hand down his face. “You want Darmody to fuck you, that’s fine. I don’t care. We’ll block it. I’ll talk to Benny.”

“Alright, good. If you don’t care then—“

“I don’t.”

“Good.”

“Okay.”

#this was the first scene i wrote and thus far it’s still my favorite #they’re both so stupid #i can’t stand them #please ask for more if you want to see anything else i’m more than happy to share it #wip fics #zack and miri au #boardwalk empire fic #laskiano #meyer lansky #charlie luciano #jimmy darmody

[mercenary-jake-muller]

Fanart By Vanadise:

《...........................................................》

Jake Muller's Journal || Entry 01

《.............................................................》

November 12, 2019

"I hate days like these.

These types of days where I don't have to do shit. Just sit around all day and not do a damn thing.

People say I should relax more and sure, I like to relax some days. Hell, I need to sometimes, but what I hate is having to relax or sit around for too long. I always gotta do something or I just don't feel right, you know? I always think if I stay in one place for too long then there's a chance I can get attacked and hit the dirt as a forever resting place. Maybe it's the merc in me makin' me feel this way... Always on edge. Always in danger.

Since I got nothin' to do, I guess I'll just keep writing in this journal. 

God, I'm not really good at this shit--writing my thoughts down... Well whatever. Here goes nothing.

It's fuckin' cold outside. It's so cold that I could have freaking ice cycles comin' out my nose. While I was outside, my eye lashes were practically frozen together. I had bits of snowflakes all over me and my fingers were so cold that it hurt to move 'em when I needed to. Well, to be honest, the cold never really bothered me 'cause I grew up in it, yeah? Had no heating system when I was growing up. I only had my own body heat and one or two torn up blankets. When I was a little older, my mom would always try to make me get her blanket, too, but I would refuse 'cause I didn't want to make her freeze to death. I remember when I was real young, before she got sick, she would lie to me and tell me she didn't need any blankets to keep her warm. I'd always wake up in the middle of the night and check on her only to find her shakin' like a leaf, curled in her bed. I'd go grab all of my blankets and throw 'em on her and I wouldn't leave her side till she'd stop shakin'. Then I'd lay down on the floor and stay there with her during the rest of the night to make sure she didn't freeze  anymore. I didn't mind being cold if it meant she would be warm enough to sleep. After all, she worked all day, everyday, and I would be at home most of the time.

I'm in some fancy hotel room. The place is pretty nice and has air conditioning and running electricity and honestly it's way too fancy for me. There was a fuckin' towel folded up as a penguin on my bed. Like the hell? Who the hell gives a shit about what their towel looks like? Just give it to me so I can use it to dry off. The walls are all a dark red, the floor is a pale, tanned colored carpet, and the doors are the same color as the carpet. There's three fancy paintings of flowers and some of the other buildings that can be found in the town hangin' up in the bedroom, bathroom, and small lounging area. The bed has tan bed sheets and pillow cases and the blanket is a dark red-- almost the same color as the walls. There's a television placed on the dresser across from the foot of my bed, but I'm not gonna bother watching it. Never liked watching television, anyway. There's a big window on the right side of my bed. The drapes are the same color as the walls and the glass on the outside has frost covering most of it.

I'm only stayin' in this place 'cause a lady I was working for told me she was gonna pay for my stay while I'm in this small town. I finished a job for her two days ago. Had to kill some high and mighty prick who thought he'd win a mayor election by sending BOW's out to terrorize the town. He thought he could win by sending out military personnel to dispose of the monsters and pretend that he was the good guy. I hate people like that, who pretend to be somethin' they aren't just to get something they want. I'm not sure when I'll be getting another job. That's why I'm not leaving yet. Hopefully I'll get one soon so I can get the hell outta here and start movin' again. These jobs take me all over the world and I think I enjoy seeing the sights, culture, and people as much as I like taking up assignments. I really love tryin' new food and drinks, like different types of coffee.

Damn, coffee sounds good right about now...

Just sat down on my bed and got me a cup of black coffee while I was up. Took a quick shower to warm me up, too, and I kinda felt bad messin' up the penguin towel. Wonder how long it took the staff to fold it like that? Well, whatever. I bet they already have tons of others made that way, too. They gotta wash and dry the towels anyway. Got my pajamas on, also. Just a pair of navy blue, cotton pants. I never wear a shirt cause it's just uncomfortable wearing one when I sleep. Doesn't matter how cold it is, I still get too hot and sweat like a dog.

What else to write...?

...

Lookin' outside the window now as I gulp down my drink. It makes me warm up from the inside and so do a few memories. On days like these, where I don't have to do anything, all sorts of memories flood to the front of my mind. Good ones, bad ones... 

All of 'em. 

Used to, when I'd look out of a window while it was snowing, the snow would always remind me of my mom--and it still does, sometimes. Though, now when I see the snow... It reminds me of Sherry. It reminds me of the first day we met and how we had to survive together. I thought she was a preppy, know-it-all bitch who couldn't do a damn thing, but man, did she prove me wrong. She could beat the shit outta anyone and anything that got in her way and I bet she would have done the same to me if she had to. 

I remember when Ustanak, the crazy fucker, had shot down our helicopter and we landed in the snow. Somehow, we had survived the fall even though our parachute had gotten torn by the metal debris. I had blacked out and woken up to Sherry laying on top of me. My brain woke up real quick when I had lifted my hand to find it was covered in blood and I hurriedly got myself out from under her. My heart was pounding rapidly against my chest and a cold sweat came over me as I began to panic when I saw she had a piece of metal sticking out of her back. On the inside, I was freaking out 'cause some chick I just met was about to die in front of me. I kept thinking how it should have been me who should have had the shrapnel lodged into my back. Not her. Not some innocent woman. I doubt she had done anything bad in her life, while I had done all kinds of horrible shit...

She surprised me when she told me to pull it out of her and I thought she was nuts when she just begged me to do it. So I did. I pulled the thing outta her, tossed it to the side, and as I was about to start ripping pieces of clothing to make some sort of bandage, I was shocked to find her skin and muscles pulling themselves back together.

I gotta admit, that shit freaked me the hell out. 

After a while I got used to it. It was just part of her and something that helped formed her personality. I think she hated having it, though. Probably 'cause it reminded her of her parents and the shit she had to go through as a kid.  I never asked her about it, though.

I hope she's doing okay these days. Hopefully she isn't doin' anything stupid or getting herself into trouble. It's been seven years since I've last seen or heard from her. ...I wonder if she even remembers me. Well if she doesn't then it won't bother me. I couldn't care less if she remembers me or not. 

....

F U C K !

I spilled my fuckin' coffee all over me and my journal-! Son of a fuckin' bitch! Damn this shit burns like he--

.....

The coffee has dried finally and now I can end this entry. God dammit. Didn't think I'd get so  sidetracked while thinkin' about Supergirl. Spilled my own drink all over me and I had to change my pants. Now there's a big coffee stain over a few pages. Oh well. So long as I can still write in this thing. That's all that matters to me. 

Well, the sun is goin' down and I think I'm gonna get some shut eye. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get a new client so I don't have to stay here and get stuck in my memories for too long.

Jake Muller"

《You find some extra writing on the back of the page. It appears to have been scribbled over by three continuous, messy lines.》

"I need to stop thinking about her. Need to stop worrying about her so much. I'm sure she's doin' fine and has some pretty boy helping her out and giving her everything she could wish for. You can't give her everything she wants and you sure as hell can't stay by her side cause you gotta work. You don't wanna be like dad and leave her alone for the rest of her life... Besides, you're not good enough for her. She needs someone better than you. Time to move on, Jake....Even if you can't stop thinking about her. Dammit...

《...........................................................》

#jake muller #sherry birkin #chris redfield #albert wesker #resident evil #resident evil 6 #re6 #journal #journal entry #character journal #writing

[livelovelaug-h]

Let me go

Request from anonymous: Hi! I was wondering if you could do a Dean x reader based off the song Let me go by Christian Kane? Every time I here it, it reminds me of him.

A/n: this fits perfectly for Dean. let me know what you think! Hope you like it! Enjoy!

Warnings- none ? Song!fic

~~~~~~~~

"Hey I'm Dean” a cute handsome guy said sitting down in your restaurant.

“Hello. I'm y/n.”

“Pretty name for a beautiful girl.”

“Wow really that's the best you got ?” He looked confused, you just smiled.

“You get that alot?”

“Enough yea, but it's sweet”

“I have more.” he said with his nice deep mesmerizing voice.

“Oh yeah let me hear em.”

“Let me see the back of your shirt i wanna see the tag.”

“Ummm okay.” You turn a little.

“Yup just like I thought made in heaven.” you gave a big smile.

“That was nice.”

“Thank you. Got any pies?”

He never thought you would being here with him in the bunker.

You two were curled up in bed your head was resting on his chest. He was watching you peacefully sleep, watching the fall and rise of your chest. He loved how your skin felt.

Later that morning Sam told him that he found another case so he had to go pack. First joining you in the shower. He loved when your hair was wet; how different it looked. He thought it was funny how you would get mad when he would kiss you when you said you had "morning breath."

"it's fine come here baby."

Hearing the word baby literally made your heart melt and you almost couldn't breath each time.

~

Dean was so sweet He made you a big breakfast, he knew how much you loved your pancakes. But as he thought some things have to come to end.

“Okay so, you stay here me and Sammy are off to Louisiana. I'll call you when we get there and if we need help on research.”

“Okay sounds good.” He looked at you while you looked at the book in your hand. You were so cool with staying behind it surprised him. You should be out doing more though. “When I get back I'm going take you out.” He kissed your lips quickly.

“Really? I can't wait.”

“Me either. Love you see you soon.”

“Love you too be safe! See ya soon.” Dean was a little distracted the whole case.

“What're you thinking about Dean, you seem off. “

“It's nothing.” He mumbles. “Okay so I'll go to the victims house you go to the station.”

“Okay.. do you wanna talk about it ?”

“I'm fine I promise.”

“Whatever.”

~

After they finished the case Dean did indeed take you out but he seemed far away like he wasn't all there but you didn't push anything yet. You guys went for a car ride, Dean pulled over to the side of a small river.

He got out a beer from the cooler and you guys watched the sun go down from behind the Impala. When the sun went down you kissed his cheek and then you went over to his neck.

They were sitting on his tailgate

And she was lovin' on his rough neck

And she was talking 'bout running away

And he was puffin' on a cigarette

Just thinkin' (huh) How am I gonna say goodbye?

"You know, I've been thinking aren't you sad you can't see your nephew anymore?" You stopped kissing his neck.

"kinda but it's like my and my sister get along that well anyways." He nods.

"well what about working at the restaurant you miss that?"

"I mean it was nice but it got old fast. I like helping you and your brother."

"yeah me too. Do you.... Do you ever think about going back?"

"what do you mean? then I would lose you. I don't think about that. I never traveled the world this much, it's amazing."

"yeah but you don't even get out that much."

"I do why don't we plan a small trip this week? How's Texas it's your favorite ?" He pushed off the car and shook his head.

"your not getting the point y/n. This isn't gonna work out. You can't just be tied up in a bunker most of the time..." you were surprised at what he was saying, of course it hurt too.

"i think it's a good time now to just let me go, move in with your life. You don't need me. I'm like ninety Percent crap. This life is terrible, I shouldnt have dragged you into this."

"you didn't drag me i wanted to come Because I feel in love. Your not crap Dean, you know your a good man."

"maybe but this life will rip us apart. I know you act like you don't care and maybe you don't most times but i see how scared you are when I leave."

"of course because it's almost like your going in the war each time but I still stay and love you".

You don't need me baby

Stop holding on the way you are

Don't you know I'm no good for you

And it'll only break your heart

If you don't

Let me go

"you shouldn't you need to let me go y/n." He wasnt looking in your eyes, for the simple reason of not wanting to show that he is weak. You went over to him-

"nice try Dean, You see I don't think you're all that tough, I think you're scared of love and I'm not going anywhere no matter what you say. I won't take up much space. I know you've lost so many people but that's why we're being careful. I dont mind it. Your worth it Dean." You leaned up and kissed him. When you pulled back he was still crying.

"what do you say babe?"

let me go.

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

The end.

Here's the song !

#supernatural family #supernatural fanfiction #dean winchester #sam winchester #misha collins #jensen ackles #jared padalecki #supernatural #castiel #team free will #dean x y/n #dean x reader #sam x y/n #sam and dean winchester #angst #supernatural angst #dean winchester x you #dean winchester x reader #dean winchester one shot #dean winchester fanfiction #supernatural x reader #supernatural reader inserts #reader inserts #team free will x you #team free will x reader #spn fan fic #new fanfiction #dean x reader imagine #dean winchester imagine #supernatural imagines

[annaphoenix1994]

Masterlist Here:

Clemons Point - Horse Flesh for Dinner

Arthur returned back to Clemons Point late in the evening, having all of the time he needed during the ride back from New Hanover to clear his mind and cool down from the heated argument between him and Minnie as well as the notorious shootout in Valentine. With a heavy sigh, he swung his leg over the saddle horn as he dismounted his trusted mare, loosening the cinch to reward her for a job well done as he completely removed the saddle and the bridle following suit, giving her the permission to go and graze next to the lake with the other horses, all but one.

His heart sank.

He immediately looked for Javier as he knew that he was second on Minnie's list of trusted colleagues. "Hey... You seen Minnie?" Arthur asked as he scratched the back of his neck.

Javier looked up at him from his guitar, his expression worry-less, "Yeah. She got back a couple of hours ago... Said she was goin' to Rhodes for the night."

"Did she say why?"

"No, just said that she was going to spend the night in Rhodes and that she needed to get away for a bit to clear her mind." Javier replied.

Arthur sighed, "Okay, then."

"It'll be fine, Arthur." Javier assured his friend as he watched Arthur walk away from him as he met up with Hosea at the nearby table to join him for their evening stew.

"Hey, Arthur," Hosea nodded as he blew the steam away from his new spoon-full of stew. "How are you?"

"Well, I guess." He sighed.

Hosea smirked, knowing his son all-too-well, "Don't worry yourself about her, Arthur."

"I ain't." Arthur scoffed.

"Yeah? And I'm just readin' penny dreadfuls for the hell of it!" Hosea snorted. "You walk around thinkin' I don't know what you're worryin' about."

"I'm not worried. I'm just-"

"Worried," Hosea chuckled. "She didn't run off for good. She's no different than everybody else. Sometimes, you gotta get away. You even do it!"

"I know," Arthur sighed. "It's just where we got into an argument before we went out on that robbery and now I come back and she's gone. I guess I'm just a damn fool."

"You are right now. Worrying about what you did wrong and how it will affect your relationship. What did you get into an argument about?" Hosea asked.

"Turns out, that Thomas Downes fella - well, he was good friends with her father and she watched me confront him the first time about the money..."

"And she paid it after the fact when she first joined us."

"I-I know, but apparently, he owed more or took more. Anyway, Strauss came up and told me he was dead before we left and she heard every bit of it. She thinks I'm the one who caused it... Well, I kinda was, but I just roughed him up a bit!" He explained.

Hosea held up his hand to stop Arthur's babbling, "I'm sure she was just upset. I know she doesn't think you're the reason why. Is that all you two fought about?"

Arthur nodded, "Yeah and she gave me the eat shit and die look the whole time we were in Valentine doin' that job."

Hosea chuckled, "You sound like you're in love, my friend."

"I doubt it. Just a puppy love phase." Arthur shrugged.

"Puppy love, huh?" Hosea raised a brow. "If I remember correctly, people who are in the 'puppy love' phase are not intimate with each other."

Arthur couldn't help but blush, "That was just one of them things..."

"Oh, is it now?" Hosea tilted his head. "Listen to yourself. That doesn't sound like anything you'd say. Are you ashamed to admit that you're in love or are falling in love?"

"I-I don't know, Hosea..." Arthur frowned.

"It sure sounds like it to me! First, you come to me worried to death about where she is, then you say that you doubt you have strong feelings for her when I've heard you talk about her or even do that half-hearted smile you do when she does something silly. Face it, Arthur, you're in love." Hosea explained as he watched Arthur blush.

"I... Am I?" He asked as he was now sincerely confused.

Hosea shrugged, "Since you're asking yourself, you can't let yourself fall in love. Nobody can make that decision but yourself. I'm sure she doesn't know your past and she may not need to know, but she won't love you any less if you don't tell her."

"I guess that makes sense." Arthur sighed, looking down at his hands that were playing with the loose twig that had landed on the table from the tree above.

"I try for it to make sense, but you and I both know that you're almost always worried about where she is or where she goes, you're overprotective over her, and you put her first before yourself. You don't do that for anyone else unless they're ill." Hosea explained.

Arthur took a deep breath as he knew Hosea was right. His feelings for her were more than he could ever describe, or even more than he thought he could describe as he was never the best at expressing his emotions. A grin started to spread on his face as he felt relieved that he could let himself admit it without the fear of judgement, "Y-Yeah, I'm in love with her, Hosea." He nodded.

Hosea smirked, "Well, if you're in love with her then you've proved that you're not afraid of anything."

"I guess you're right," Arthur chuckled. "I don't know if I'll have the courage to tell her..."

"You will when the time is right. You shouldn't have to make yourself tell her. You'll feel it." Hosea replied.

"Is that how you knew you were in love with Bessie?"

"I knew I was in love with Bessie when little things reminded me of her. Like a certain flower or a pattern on a skirt. She loved everything I had given her and never expected it to be valuable in money as my love for her was far more valuable than money itself." Hosea replied, a smile of remembrance sneaking onto his lips.

Arthur nodded, "I guess that's how I feel sometimes too... I haven't gotten her any gifts yet, but I did arrange for her to come to town last night and take a nice hot bath with a warm bed to sleep in as I felt she needed it after babying me for five weeks."

"And did she enjoy it?"

"What, in the tub or in the bed?-" Arthur replied, instantly regretting his response as he did not think anything through before replying. "I-I mean, yes, she did. She slept peacefully."

Hosea whipped out a laugh, "I could've gone my whole life without hearin' that!" He joked. "Anyway, did she enjoy the time you two spent together aside from your 'affiliations'?"

"I hope so. She slept pretty good as she needed it." Arthur shrugged.

Hosea nodded as he stood up to take his empty bowl to the wash bin, patting Arthur's shoulder, "Just do right by her, Arthur. You have a good one."

"Thank you."

"Hey, Arthur," Javier chimed in as he was on his way to store his guitar at his tent. "Meet me and John at Caliga Hall at noon? John has better details on the Braithwaite horses we was gonna rob." He explained.

"Sure." Arthur nodded.

───※ ·❆· ※───

"Can I help you there?" One of the new guards at the gates of Caliga Hall asked.

"Sure... I was supposed to meet my business partners here. They arranged a meeting, I believe, about some horses?"

"A feller with a scar and a Mexican?" The guard questioned.

"Yes, sir."

"Out by the stables." He pointed.

"Thank you," Arthur nodded, nudging Dahlia forward to enter the plantation property. "Have a wonderful day now."

Old Boy and Boaz whinnied at their fellow friend's arrival, their ears pinning forward and their nostrils flared as they were excited to see both Dahlia and Arthur, knowing Arthur always had a peppermint or two to spare. He smirked as he dismounted his horse, digging out two peppermint candies from his saddlebag, the two horses taking the treat generously as he wiped his hand against their muzzle, greeting them, "Boys." He said as he made his way into the stables, seeing John and Javier talking to an elderly man.

"And have you met my partner, Arthur Morgan?" John introduced, patting Arthur on his shoulder.

"No." The old man replied.

"I met your son, the sheriff?"

"Okay."

"Mister Gray here was saying how he had...problems with a family, a family of degenerates." John explained to Arthur, doing his best to pretend that he and the rest of the gang had no affiliations with the Braithwaite family and doing jobs to repent against the Grays.

"Well, nobody likes degenerates." Arthur shrugged.

"That hag and her inbred sons! They've ruined this county! They killed my uncle, you know."

"And that ain't right." John agreed.

"Problem is we can't be seen to get too close..."

"And?"

"We've got gold, Yankee! We've got gold!"

"I ain't no Yankee, friend. I ain't nothin'. My daddy came over on the boat from Scotland." John replied.

"I'm Scottish!"

"And the Braithwaites?"

"Goddamn peasants! I don't know...mongrels...slave fuckers...all you got to do is look at them!" The old man babbled.

"How much gold?" Arthur asked.

"Enough. These are prized horses I'm talking about. Them they'll get you...five-thousand!"

"Five thousand? For horses?" John scoffed.

"Easy!"

"And where do we sell them, these five-thousand-dollar horses?"

"Over in Clemons Cove. Feller over there will run them out of state and give you fifty cents on the dollar."

"Mister, you got yourself a deal." John said as he held out his hand to seal the deal with a handshake.

"Just keep us away from this...publicly, I mean." Mister Gray said after shaking John's hand and watching him walk towards his horse.

"My sense is we keep all horse rustling away from the public." John replied as Javier followed close to John as Arthur was the last man to mount up, following John's move as it was his arrangement.

"Go to the stables on the south side of the manor! That's where they keep the Thoroughbreds!" Mister Gray added as the group started to ride off, leaving a thin cloud of dust behind them as their horses kicked up their pace to a canter.

"Crazy old fool!" John said.

Arthur scoffed, "You should see the Braithwaite woman. We don't need this to be any more complicated than it already is."

"Five-thousand dollars for horses? We've been robbin' the wrong folk all these years!" John joked.

"Yeah, he doesn't know what he's talkin' about. But, if we get a third of that, it'll be worth it."

"So how are we gonna play this?" John asked, his worry alerting Arthur that John hadn't yet sorted everything through yet.

"The place is well-guarded, so there ain't no point in blasting in there. We'll make them think we're there looking to purchase." Arthur answered.

"Three armed men?" Javier questioned.

"You'd be armed if you were about to spend five-thousand on horses... We should go in the back way though, avoid too many questions," Arthur explained as the three men took a small trail that led towards the south side of the property, the view of the lake clearer as they were coming up on a larger portion of the property - the portion that housed not only the prized horses but the shacks for the field workers and off-duty guards. "Careful, there's a guard." Arthur warned in a low tone as they all pulled back on their reins to slow their horses to a stop.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" The guard said, holding up his rifle in an unthreatening way.

"Yeah, we're here to see about some horses." John replied.

"Horses?" The guard questioned.

"Yeah, we had an appointment with Mister Braithwaite I believe?"

"Yeah, I never heard about any of this." The guard scoffed.

"Our partner wanted to make a significant investment in some stables down here, but..." John sighed. "Perhaps we should look elsewhere..."

"Well, I... O-Okay then. Head on up to the stables. Someone'll come see ya." The guard waved as he opened the gate for them, letting them in with no worry as John's story seemed believable.

"Marston, I must say, your actin' skills have gotten better!" Arthur poked.

"Shut up, Arthur."

"Definitely better than your swimmin' skills..." He teased.

"Is this the time to be makin' jokes?" John chuckled.

"Better than not sayin' anythin' at all!" Arthur shrugged.

"Am I gonna have to keep you in line when Minnie isn't around?" Javier chimed in.

"Speakin' of Miss Barlow, where is she?" John asked.

"Rhodes. She spent the night there." Javier answered.

"Did she get a new lead? Micah told Dutch to keep an eye on her because he thinks she's been givin' information to the Braithwaites about us." John explained.

"Woah, woah, woah, what?" Arthur questioned, every concern about the upcoming job leaving his mind immediately.

"Yeah," John nodded. "I heard Micah tell Dutch last night that apparently, Minnie is telling the Braithwaites about us and that they "know we're coming." I don't believe it because he just told him randomly. Almost like he didn't have a story to tell before-hand..." John explained.

"You're probably right." Arthur grumbled.

"Besides, Javier said that she went to spend the night. I never see her leave camp without someone else. Now with Micah, however, he's goin' in and out all the time..."

"But Dutch never bats an eye..." Javier agreed.

Arthur sighed, "I've never believed a word Micah says anyhow. I'll talk to Minnie tonight and see if she's heard anything. Let's hitch up right here," He nodded towards the hitching posts right in front of the stables while the only sign of life was the only stablehand polishing one of the saddles. "Let me do the talkin'."

"Hello, there." He greeted.

"Can I help you boys?"

"I hope so. Heard you had some horses..."

"We always got horses." The stablehand scoffed.

"Fine horses, I mean." Arthur clarified.

"I don't get you, friend."

"Yeah you do, come on..."

"Listen, why don't you get out of here? You, scarface, and your greaser buddy." He picked.

"Woah!" Javier said, holding up his hands.

"I don't like officials."

"We ain't officials," Arthur corrected, pointing his finger. "We're connoisseurs. Looking to do some breedings. Come on now, partner."

"Okay, fine. Follow me," The stablehand grumbled as he threw down the rag he had been using to polish the saddle, leading the three men into the stable as they laid their eyes on a snow-white Arabian, a black Arabian with a white star and a snip marking on its face, and a dark bay Thoroughbred. 'God Almighty, what horses!' Arthur thought to himself. "These here's mainly the studs available for purchase or for working if that's what you're interested in," The stablehand explained as he led the three men into the stables. "What is you boys interested in?"

"We represent a famous, uh stable and stud farm from, um Saratoga." Arthur replied.

"Is that so?" The stablehand questioned.

"Unofficially..."

"'Course. This here's Cerberus," He introduced the Thoroughbred, petting the stallion's muzzle before pulling a peppermint from his pocket. "Here you go, boy. Cerberus is a real reliable stud. Fathered many a race winner. This one's uh Old Faithful," He continued as he walked over to the snow-white Arabian. "He was a champion, briefly, 'til he hurt his leg, didn't ya boy? Amazing runner though. He's up for sale for a decent price. Boss'd probably sell him to you if you made the right offer," He continued as he stepped towards the black Arabian in the last stall. "And this here is Old Father Time, my favorite horse. His coat might be a little thin for them Saratoga winters, but uh, bred right. He'll produce another winner-"

Arthur came up behind him, snaking his forearm around his neck, squeezing like a Ball Python until he felt the man go unconscious, buying the gang some time in order to steal the horses quickly.

"Uh-huh? Greaser, huh?" Javier mocked as he looked down at the man. "'Bout time you shut him up."

"Okay, bandanas on. Don't need nobody recognizing us." John warned as he and the other two covered half of their faces.

Arthur nodded, "Alright, I'll grab the white one in the middle, you get the other two."

The gang made haste in getting the horses to calm down as they were a bit spooked, backing up slowly against the stable wall as they were not familiar with the new face coming at them. Arthur knew horses well enough that they could seriously hurt someone if they were antagonized for very long as well as cornered. He reached into his satchel, pulling out an apple that he had intentionally saved for Dahlia, holding it in his palm as he extended out his arm, letting the stallion smell him before taking his token. "See, I ain't so bad," Arthur cooed as he stepped towards the horse again, reaching over the stable door to retrieve the horse's headcollar and lead rope, grateful that the horse was not sensitive to people touching his ears. He buckled the headcollar before patting the horse's thick neck, "Good boy, let's go," He said as he was the last man to lead out the horse as John and Javier had their picks walking calmly behind them. "Marston, you're gonna tether them up to Javier's horse." Arthur whispered a bit loudly as he avoided drawing attention, keeping his demeanor calm and collected.

"Okay." John nodded.

"Javier, you're gonna lead the stallions. Might be better to anyway because I'm the only one ridin' a mare," Arthur proceeded. "Marston, you ride point. I'll cover up the back. If there's any problems, we regroup at Clemons Cove."

"Okay." Javier nodded as he mounted Boaz, holding the lead rope from the Thoroughbred and the other Arabian as he waited on Arthur to give him the lead rope from the white Arabian before he mounted Dahlia.

"What are you doing?!" They heard a man shout.

"Go, get out of here! I got the back!" Arthur directed as he retrieved his repeater from the scabbard, nudging Dahlia with his spurs as the horses took off into a gallop around the perimeter of the property, heading through one of their many cotton fields.

"We're bein' robbed!"

"Stop those men! Get after 'em!"

Arthur became slightly panicked as Braithwaite guards seemed to come from both sides, thankful that they were not as good of a shot as he was. He was able to pick them off almost one by one as he also was fighting Dahlia as she was spooked and wanted to be closer to the other horses while Arthur held her back to protect John and Javier.

After fighting their way back to the main road, a few more guards followed them on horses, far too many for Arthur and John to handle at once. Accepting his possible fate of being shot down for rustling horses, he immediately was relieved to see Minnie riding in to take action as she came in from behind the group as she looked to be on her way back to Clemons Point from Rhodes. She drew her revolver, shooting at the man who shot at Arthur the closest, taking him out after a couple of shots, sending his corpse to the dirt as his spooked horse ran away from the action.

"Nice of you to join us!" John shouted from afar as he too was relieved to see her as he and Arthur both thought things were about to end terribly.

"What in the hell are you doin'?" She replied over the gunshots, her and Arthur taking out the last two guards, emitting silence over the hills.

"What's it look like?" John said.

"Stealin' Braithwaite horses?" She asked as she looked at the brand on their flank. "Why in the hell are you doin' that?"

"These are worth a lot of money!" Javier added.

"Supposedly..." Arthur grumbled as Minnie rode up next to him, the two sharing a look at each other that said their apologies without exchanging vows. "Quick, let's get these horses to Clemons Cove before we run into more trouble!" Arthur warned.

"That black one is about to get loose!" Minnie shouted as she rode up towards the agitated stallion, cursing as the stallion kicked at Trace as it was clear the horse was not a fan of company.

"I got him!" Arthur spoke up as the horse broke free from being tethered, darting hard to the right as he was heading towards the brush. Arthur spurred Dahlia after making a loop with his rope, swinging it four times over his head before leaning forward in the saddle, shooting his shot as the loop was big enough to clear the horse's head and secure around its neck. He dallied his rope by wrapping it around his mule hide saddle horn, putting tension on the rope as Dahlia leaned back into her hindquarters, waiting patiently for Arthur's next command. "Easy, you bastard." He grumbled as the horse had almost calmed down.

"We'll meet you down there!" Javier said. "These two are starting to get crazy."

"Alright, I'll meet you there," Arthur nodded as he loosened the tension in his rope, riding slowly towards the stallion, using the loop he had made to twist it into a makeshift headcollar around the horse's head. "Come on."

"This is where you're getting money for these horses?" Minnie asked as she nodded her head towards two lone men sitting on the corroded rock wall.

"Apparently so." Arthur replied as he and the others dismounted their horses. Arthur, Minnie, and Javier leading a rustled horse towards the two men as John was planning to speak.

"What you boys want?" The stranger asked as he put his book to the side.

"Heard you uh... Heard you paid good prices for horses." Arthur said as he took note of John's blank mind as he wasn't quite sure what to say.

"Oh, we'll buy more or less anything, pop."

"That so?"

"Sure, pop. I'm Clay Davies, that's my brother, Clive. We're twins." He introduced.

The four outlaws shared a blank expression before John spoke. "John, Arthur, Javier, and Minnie."

"So what are you?" Clay asked as he walked towards Javier, studying him. "Cuban?"

"No." Javier shook his head.

"I don't like Cubans."

"That so?"

"Maybe. Why what do you care? You ain't Cuban!"

"Maybe I like Cubans?"

Clay cackled, "You're funny! He's funny. Ain't he funny, Clive? Clive don't talk. We're twins, but I was born first. He came out all yellow and black, but he's okay."

"Sure..." John trailed off.

"Yeah, I know these horses. They ain't yours, but I like ya...and I'll give ya-I can give you six hundred and fifty for 'em!" Clay proposed.

John scoffed, "I was told we could get up to five thousand dollars for 'em!"

"And I was told that the moon was made of ladies' tears...only it ain't true, not one little bit!"

"But-"

"I like you boys, but I ain't got no more than seven hundred on me. You want it, or you want to ride them fellers into town and maybe someone there'll hang ya," Clay said, pulling out the proposed folding money from his pocket.

"We're gonna need more than that." Arthur said.

"I ain't got no more money, pop," Clay reminded as he tossed the money into John's hands. "Here. Take it, or leave it."

"Alright." John sighed.

"You goddamn fool, Marston!" Arthur hissed under his breath.

"Ain't no one round here got five thousand dollars, boys, but nice meetin' you!" Clay intervened as he and Clive made their way towards the stolen horses, Clay grabbing two and Clive grabbing the last, leading them into their temporary paddock before they booked the next auction out of town before scheduling them to be put on a train. "See you boys again I hope!"

Arthur grumbled as he turned to walk away, leaving John and Minnie staring at each other in confusion. "Why's he so mad for? At least we got some money..." John whispered to her.

"He's just bein' a grumpy bastard," Minnie assured him. "I'll talk to him when we get back to camp."

John nodded, "Okay. I-I just hope this won't get us into more trouble than we're already in..."

Minnie giggled, "If you haven't realized by now, as long as we're playin' sides with these two families, trouble will be comin' soon enough..."

#arthurmorgan #reddeadredemption2 #rdr2 #rdr2fanfiction #minniebarlow #arthur morgan

[jackcowboyhero]

"Jack? I'm glad you're here."

Look, I ain’t sayin’ Sarah didn’t mean it when she said that, but she was also halfway through gettin’ a big-headed baby outta her and into the world, and that prob’ly makes ya say crazy things.

I mean, I hope she was glad I was there.  But I ain’t sure I was all that helpful.

I guess I ain’t said much about Danny’s arrival yet (besides complainin’ that he took his sweet time), and apparently birth stories are like women’s versions o’ dime novels.  So, now that I got half a second (at least, until His Highness decides it’s time to get another diaper dirty), I figured I’d tell ya what happened.

(I ain’t givin’ out too many details, though.  Let’s just say things are a lot more….intense than a horse birth when the parties involved can actually talk to ya.  Also, Sarah didn’t hide out in a field and come back with a long-legged kid by her side like the mares do half the time.)

Anyway, my first clue that September 16, 1904 was gonna be a big deal was when I was walkin’ the horses up from the field after work, and Sarah showed up at the barn and said she could feel somethin’.  That’s when I sent Johnny Appleseed to get Red’s wife Becky, Skipper to town for Mrs. Halloran (an old lady who’s delivered half the kids in the county), and Boxcar to get the horses unharnessed and fed so I could walk Sarah back to the house.

It’s also when Sarah first told me to “CALM DOWN, I’M FINE.”

Well, if ya read the updates, you’ll remember that Danny Kid took FOREVER to show up.  At first, Sarah was doin’ okay, so we took a walk around the orchard (which is when Nell ate her soup), helped clean up the supper dishes (can you believe that?!  Sarah’s words were, “I AIN’T SO FAR ALONG I CAN’T HELP”), sat on the porch for a while, and eventually moved inside when things started pickin’ up.  At that point, besides thinkin’ it was takin’ a long time, I wasn’t too worried ‘bout stuff.

But lemme tell ya, that changed awful quick.

If you’ve ever been someplace where you were scared to death (like maybe the Refuge) but had to fake like you weren’t so you wouldn’t spook somebody else, you’ll kinda know how I felt for the longest night o’ my life.  But Sarah was braver’n I was, and I don’t even think she was fakin’ it.

Pop always said girls were stronger’n boys, and if I hadn’t believed it before, I sure woulda after seein’ all that.

Point is, it weren’t as sudden an’ dramatic as I’d been led to believe.  But it was the craziest, best thing I ever saw.  And even if Sarah could tell it was makin’ me nervous (wouldn’t you be, if havin’ kids is what killed your own ma?), I hope it helped some that I got to be there.

And I, for one, am real glad I got to see Danny take his first breath…which, o’ course, sounded kinda like “wwrrrrrrrAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!”

He was not happy to be born.

But he’s settled down now (even though he don’t hesitate to tell ya if he’s hungry, not hungry, wet, too dry, wants attention, don’t want attention, or just wants to make noise), and he’s a pretty good kid, I think.  (Not that I got nothin’ to compare him to.)  But he didn’t cry when he met Nell for the first time (she gave him an approvin’ sniff and didn’t try eatin’ him, which I think Sarah was kinda concerned about), and he likes goin’ for rides in the wagon (Sarah won’t let me ride around with him on Nell yet–all we can do is stand there), and he don’t cry any more when the boys pick him up than he does when I try it.  (He better get used to havin’ a ton o’ uncles lookin’ out for him.)

I drew a couple good pictures for Sarah’s folks and for Pop, but it took me two weeks to get ‘em done ‘cause it’s hard snatchin’ time when he’s sleepin’, so I’m gonna give ya an abridged picture for now:

Mostly Sarah keeps him wrapped up in a blanket (Hana was awful smart makin’ us one that could get washed easy), but every once in a while his hands pop out like an award-winnin’ boxer’s, and she keeps him outfitted in these tiny hats she and her ma can crochet in about half a minute.  (I told her she should look into makin’ him a cowboy hat next time, and she said she’d see what she could do.)  If you’re wonderin’ ‘bout the smile–well, I thought it was just ‘cause he was happy, but Mrs. Jacobs busted that thought by explainin’ that when a baby’s this young, he only smiles ‘cause he’s gotta burp.  (But she says he’ll start smilin’ for real before too long, so I guess we got that to look forward to.)

Mrs. Jacobs came up from Manhattan for a month or so (with a whole pile o’ piecework she’s been sendin’ back as she gets it done, in between helpin’ with laundry an’ cleanin’ an’ a million other things–women are amazin’.) and Dave and Les and Mr. Jacobs are hopin’ to meet Danny soon–maybe not ‘til Hannukah, but I know Dave’s searchin’ for stories to chase up this way.  We’re gonna bring him to meet Pop as soon as we can, and when we make it down to Manhattan the boys’ll all meet him, and overall, things are goin’ pretty good.

–Or, they were, ‘til just now, ‘cause Danny’s decided Things Ain’t Good At All.  So I’m gonna go see what he wants, and if you’ve got any baby advice, send it my way.  I ain’t gonna throw in the towel, but I need all the help I can get.

#Jack Kelly #Sarah Jacobs #Danny Kelly #trottin' in double harness #The Arrival of Critter Kelly #Brace Farm #yarns #newsies fanfiction