#but i was only in it to look at gabrielle and jessica so i’m enjoying myself regardless

[forbidden-forest-witch]

Destiné à Être: A Remus Lupin story

Chapter 4: The Unexpected Task

(Warnings:Smoking, drinking, language, sexual themes. 18+ only)

Word Count: 5.3k

...

"You may not end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you were meant to be" -Jessica Taylor

It's Christmas Day. Brigitte wakes up crammed under the covers with Fleur and Gabrielle. At the foot of the bed is a grand, snow-covered tree. The ceiling is lined with holly, the walls decorated in poinsettias, and Brigitte used her special magical powers to make snow flurries cascade around them all night.

She carefully slides out of bed as to not wake them and heads to the fireplace. She throws in a handful of floo powder, says her parent's address, and slips her head into magical flames.

"Maman! Papa! Merry Christmas!", Brigitte calls out cheerfully. Her parents are settled on the sofa with coffee mugs in hand. Their faces light up immediately when hearing their daughter's sweet voice.

"Brigitte, my beautiful darling". Her mother, Celeste crawls onto the floor to get closer. She has the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Brigitte, except hers are now tear-filled. Her father, Raphael, limps across the rug and kneels behind his wife.

"Tells us all about Hogwarts, dear", he says softly…

"Oh, Papa. Where do I begin? It's gorgeous. The school looks like the fairytales you used to read me, and this tournament is crazy! Fleur fought a dragon!".

"We saw her in the paper. It's quite exciting", Celeste chuckles nervously.

"Nothing Fleur can't handle". Brigitte promises her parents that she and Fleur are perfectly safe; that her time is spent reviewing the safety measures the Tournament committee has in plan or studying these foreign laws.

They talk for a bit, mostly boasting about Brigitte's recent accomplishments with the French anti-werewolf laws and her oldest brother's young daughter. Her little niece, Jacqueline, is the new star of the family out there.

When she returns to her bedroom, the Delacour sisters are already opening presents. Their parents spare no expense, and both girls are surrounded by mountains of wrapping paper.

"We didn't open your gift yet, Britt!", Gabriele says, wrapping a cashmere scarf around her neck. She hands Fleur a small giftbox identical to her own, and the two open them to find sapphire necklaces.

"I thought they'd match the uniforms", Brigitte shrugs. Fleur and Gabriele put their new necklaces on before tackling Brigitte for a hug. She receives from them a chic pair of gold aviator sunglasses.

For breakfast, the tearoom has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Colorful poinsettia flowers and frosted foliage line the room. The tables are decorated in red linen, topped with the most elaborate pinecone and evergreen centerpiece anyone has ever seen. Pygmy fairies are flying high above them and throwing handfuls off dusty snow while others hold a bundle of mistletoe and chase around students.

The girls sit at a table with an array of pastries and exotic fruits. They listen to festive harp music, occasionally singing the words to a familiar tune. It's the most perfect Christmas morning they can ask for, this far from home.

"You better have saved some cherry torte for me", a deep voice comes from behind Brigitte. It startles her out of her skin. She drops her fork, but her pique is short lived when she sees her brother, Auguste. He looks just like their father.

"Oh, if I wasn't so happy right now, I could kill you for not visiting sooner!". Brigitte exclaims, jumping from her seat to latch onto his neck.

"I know, I'm the worst brother. I'm just so busy during the week and sleep through the weekends. But if you have room for me I can stay the night?", he offers.

"I think we can find room for you in the horse stables", Brigitte jests… The rest of the day is enjoyed watching a choir performance, reading, and showing Auguste around Hogwarts. He and Brigitte have a snowball fight with Gabrielle at the shore of the Black lake while Fleur desperately hides behind the bare and frozen trees. Their clothes are soaked when they enter the Hogwarts Great Hall for the holiday feast. Casseroles, breads, turkeys, and tall cakes crowd the table tops. They eat like kings, stuffing their stomachs to prepare for a night full of drinking and celebrating.

"I'm surprised I can even fit into my dress after eating such heavy cuisine" Fleur comments, pushing her stomach in while Brigitte zips up her silver dress. Tonight is the Yule Ball-- a Christmas dance to further bond all three magical schools. As one of the competitors, Fleur will make a grand entrance.

"Oh, pfft, sissy. It was divine and you look gorgeous! That boy you agreed to go with is the luckiest guy there", Brigitte assures her, putting the finishing touches on her hairdo, small pieces of crystal that glimmer in her silver hair.

"Roger is nice. Much nicer than those Durmstrang boys. Sure you don't want to come? I bet a lot of those offers are still open", Fleur cackles. Since the announcement of the Yule Ball, Brigitte has received countless invites from both younger staff members and older students. Neither seemed appealing to her. She's never been one for dating-- much to Francesca's and Fleur's chagrin.

"No, it's okay. Gus and I have loads to catch up on", Brigitte says. After dropping Fleur off at the doors of Hogwarts, Brigitte returns to the now empty carriage. Her brother is in the main salon, twirling one hand to the enchanted harp strumming in the corner, with a cognac in the other.

"Never thought I'd ever be back in school", Gus chuckles. "Madame Maxime was beside herself when she saw me earlier".

"She probably remembered how you still need to pay for those fountain repairs", Brigitte giggles in her own glass of alcohol.

"No one can prove that was me!", he argues, his cheeks turning pink.

Brigitte side-eyes him and meanders over to the piano. She fiddles around on the keys, playing a festive tune for the two of them. 'I haven't played in years. It's wonderful…", she whispers to herself as her fingers easily prance over the keys. They spend the remainder of the night singing, drinking, and reminiscing over their childhood Christmases in the French countryside.

They spend the rest of the night enjoying some drinking and music, giving the brother a much needed break from his usual reclusion as well.

They huddle up in front of the fire with a cognac, and once everyone that didn't attend the ball has left the little dining hall, Bri meanders to the piano and plays some slow festive tunes for her brother.

─── . ˚☆ ☾ ☆˚ . ───

The Holiday festivities cannot last forever, and the start new year brings them back to reality.

The moment Brigitte has been dreading has finally arrived. After months of going over the task, she still doesn't feel confident in it. From her legal and emotional standpoints, it's a terror. Trapping students underwater… Harry being forced to compete… it doesn't settle with her, but all she can do is make sure everyone is kept alive, and be ready to hound the game organizers with legal slang in case it goes wrong.

As the four competitors step onto the platform, all the loud cheering from the stands fades from around Brigitte. It's like an out-of-body experience: she watches Fleur step forward to the water's edge and take off her jacket. Brigitte takes it and clutches it against her chest as Dumbledore goes over the task, his words muffled in her ears as she gives Fleur a comforting smile. A dull clap rings through her ears as the canon sounds off, and water splashes Brigitte's face as she stares at the spot where Fleur disappeared.

"Oh, Mon Dieu! I hope our Fleur remembers that spell", Madame Maxime comments nervously. After learning the details of this task, the Headmistress took it upon herself to teach Fleur some tricks that may help her under the water surface, like being able to breathe. Brigitte paces back and forth. Based on the rundown she got earlier, she knows Gabrielle is down there, along with a plethora of magical creatures that Fleur has to bypass to retrieve the little girl. She and all the other spectators stare, unblinking at the black water. Brigitte's consolation is knowing that with her magic, she could part that lake water and rescue Fleur if necessary.

But then Fleur appears at the water surface distraught, frantically splashing about, covered in red marks, and without her sister. Brigitte feels the fury rising back up in her stomach as she meets her younger friend in the shoreline. She was told over and over that all involved would be safe; no repeats like the dragon.

"I was-- there were-- grindylows! So many". Fleur is so upset she cannot speak as Brigitte pulls her from the water and wraps her in a towel. There's an eruption of cheers, and Brigitte looks up to see Cedric Diggory come out of the water with his friend and is shortly followed by Vicktor Krum.

Fleur has her face buried in a towel, mumbling that this is all her fault and panicking over her sister.

"Sissy, she'll be alright. She's under a spell and she won't wake up until she's above the water. Dumbledore told Madame Maxime that nothing will happen to them, she'll be up soon", Brigitte tries to console her but to no avail. She looks around frantically, waiting to see the little girl's white hair appear at the surface.

After waiting in anticipation and hearing the final horn, Harry Potter's redheaded friend breaks the water's surface with Gabrielle, shortly followed by Harry himself.

"Oh Gabrielle! Oh thank god! Come, come", Fleur rushes to her sister and puts a dry towel on her. "Thank you! You saved her! My sister! Even though she was not yours to save! And you, you helped!", she turns to Harry and Ron Weasley and kisses them. Brigitte stifles a laugh when Ron turns tomato red.

"Hi Harry, thank you so much for doing that… Come Fleur, let's get you and Gabrielle into some dry clothes", Brigitte suggests and leads the girl away. On the way back to their living quarters, they hear Harry be announced winner due to insistence on saving everyone. Brigitte takes a long and deep breath knowing that another task was done. One less task to worry about. One more to go.

─── . ˚☆ ☾ ☆˚ . ───

During the next month, Brigitte's full attention goes to organizing the final task. To her disappointment, the anti-werewolf laws go on the backburner. It's what she's technically in the UK for, assisting on Beauxbaton's behalf, and she is excited to see a Sphinx and help

Dumbledore construct the maze where the final event will take place. After the second task finished and the Headmasters and tournament organizers reconvened, Madame Maxime insisted Brigitte use her magic to help, as means to make their magical school more involved. Dumbledore was inclined to agree, and interested to see what the young witch can do…

When Brigitte got the request to help the famed Hogwarts Headmaster, it was the first time she felt nervous in years. Nervous for herself at least. She's been wracked with nerves over those children since their names came out of the goblet of fire. It's been years since she's tested her magic. Back in school, kids didn't take too kindly to the werewolf girl who accidentally lit things on fire. She's focused on law studies since graduating, but she'll never lose her special touch.

She approaches the Quidditch pitch, where the greyed wizard is already waiting. He briefly explains the plan-- constructing a maze that the competitors will travel through. The first one to reach the Triwizard cup wins. Simple enough.

The two stand on the tall spectator stands, and leafy vines spew from their wands and hands. The shrubbery melds flawlessly in the air, creating thick, winding walls.

"Thank you for assisting me this evening, Miss Moreau. I've heard from Olympe time and time again that you're were one of her most impressive students", Dumbledore confesses. "And she may have used your unique abilities as a threat against Ludo Bagman after the lake event". They both laugh at that.

"Madame Maxime used to give me detention for things like that". Brigitte lifts her hands, guiding the thick greenery like she is painting the air. It is almost like an art, the way her hands ever so delicately move around like she's conducting an invisible orchestra.

"I must say, I'm very impressed with these elemental abilities. Haven't seen it in someone so young in many a moon. This is a grand scale that takes a great amount of energy to produce… a very powerful young witch, indeed", Dumbledore compliments as the field disappears under their twisted rows of vines. Brigitte's cheeks blush from the kind words.

"You have no idea how flattering that is, Monsieur, coming from one of the most powerful wizards for generations… someone Madame Maxime holds such high regards for. Even in France, we still learn of your accomplishments", she says in regards to his fame in the battle against Grindelwald.

"Thank you, my Dear… I've had a lot of time on this earth to perfect my magic. Though, I cannot say I had such discipline when I was your age".

After putting the finishing touches on the maze, Dumbledore calls for the caretakers to place their magical creatures in their designated spots. They come in with a box containing a boggart, one caretaker has a beautiful Sphinx on a lease, and Hagrid brings in a blast-ended skrewt and Acromantula.

Another group carries in the trophy to place in the center. Brigitte watches in awe as Dumbledore places protections and charms within the maze, gold shimmers flying from his wand and whipping all around them. The Sphinx roars out majestically, dancing around as the sparkles dance past her corner of the maze.

Walking back to the carriage, Brigitte feels a mix of excitement and trepidation as the Triwizard Tournament comes to a close. Having a hand in it should ease her; she knows it's nothing Fleur cannot achieve, but Brigitte can also confidently say she didn't expect the dragon to get lose or that Fleur would get ambushed by grindylows.

She finds the Beauxbatons champion and Gabriele in her private bedroom, anxiously awaiting her return.

"So?! What I am doing next?", Fleur asks, bouncing on the bed.

"You know I can't tell you… All I will say is you'll need running shoes". Brigitte slips out of her blue dress and into flannel pajamas. She'll never get used to this cold English weather.

"I've never much liked the look of running shoes", Fleur says breathlessly, glancing at her elegant slippers.

"When you're holding the trophy, no one will be looking at your feet. Now, tell me about going to the Hogsmeade with Monsieur Davies".

─── . ˚☆ ☾ ☆˚ . ───

Then in the blink of an eye it's the day of the final task. Brigitte stayed up late with Fleur, listening to the girl come up with outrageous scenarios that could cost her the win. Tripping and breaking an ankle, losing her wand, or getting taken out by the male champions who will split the win three ways.

But now her own stomach is doing somersaults the moment she wakes up, excited to have this competition over and anxious to see how Fleur places. This time tomorrow, it will all be over.

The champion's families have travelled in to watch, and Fleur thoughtfully includes Brigitte. They show her parents the school grounds, and then join the rest of the student body in the Great Hall.

They sit at the end of the Ravenclaw table, the house Fleur prefers when they're obligated to eat in there. Their section of the table is donned with a spread of the few French dishes the house- elves know to make. Brigitte spoke with them earlier so they could figure a menu-- Fleur's mother is more picky than she.

At the lunch, Gabrielle has taken her parents attention by boasting all about how well she's done in her second-year classes, allowing Brigitte and Fleur to talk amongst themselves. Fleur is trying her hardest to distract herself from the terror building in her gut.

"There was a boy that greeted Harry today. He was so cute! Didn't look related", Fleur whispers, looking around the room stealthily, "yes! Behind us, the boy with the long red hair. He's nice looking, no?".

Brigitte subtly turns around, eyeing the young man sitting across Harry Potter— his red hair is pulled into a low ponytail and a fang earring dangles from his ear. She giggles and turns back to Fleur, who's staring at the boy like she's hypnotized.

"The cutest Fleur. He looks like he's related to the redheads Harry's friends with. Why don't you go talk to him? Get Harry to introduce you".

Fleur shakes her head, her white-blonde hair rippling in the air. She looks up at her mother and engages with her in conversation instead, completely rejecting Brigitte's suggestion.

⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆

Following a day of calming down Fleur, she reluctantly leaves to join the other competitors, and Brigitte shows the Delacour parents to their seats on the bleachers. Then she goes a few rows down to join Gabrielle and the rest of Beauxbâtons and they sit down next to their headmistress, who's gigantic shaking leg is jiggling the entire bench. Brigitte isn't feeling better herself at this moment, despite knowing the maze she helped create is perfectly safe.

They sit in an anxious silence until the canon goes off, juxtaposed to the live band and crowd of noise makers behind them. Harry and Cedric go into the maze first, shortly followed by Krum, and finally Fleur. She looks back right before disappearing into the foliage, and Brigitte gives her reassuring wink.

"Oh darling, won't it be nice to have this tournament over? I cannot handle the stress of potential danger much longer", Madame Maxime say as they sit and wait. Brigitte nods while chewing on her lip.

"Yes it will be over soon and Fleur will be okay. And the butterflies can leave our stomach once and for all", she offers, trying to convince both Madame Maxime and herself. Then suddenly, a red bolt shoots into the sky.

To their horror, Fleur appears moments later, visibly shaken and her eyes unfocused. Brigitte rushes over and gently guides Fleur to the bleacher to sit next to Gabrielle. After examination, they conclude she's been stunned. Fleur is given some tea with pepper-up potion, and they continue the anxious waiting.

The revelation of what happened to Fleur makes Brigitte uneasy. 'This shouldn't have happened. I saw Dumbledore charm the maze. There's nothing dangerous besides the creatures. What could stun her?' …

After some time of waiting, Vicktor Krum comes out of the maze too, it was apparent he was bewitched as well. The Durmstrang Headmaster has a tantrum at the judges as usual. The people in the stands look around curiously at the game organizers, confirming it's still going to plan. But since no one is really hurt there is still a light, excited atmosphere as they cheer for the two Hogwarts boys still in the game.

The crowd waits… and waits. Brigitte looks at the tournament organizers, all of whom have worried expressions across their faces as they mutter amongst themselves…

More than two hours after the task started, Harry and Cedric reappear with the Cup. But something is off.

Everyone starts cheering and the music plays loudly as they ready to congratulate the newest tournament winner. Fleur and Brigitte rush over to the boys and when they get close, they see Harry is crying and grasping tightly onto an limp Cedric. His eyes open and unfocused. His face is expressionless… Cedric is dead.

"What- AHHH! NO!", Fleur screams and all the noise halts. The band fizzles and the spectators peek down at the scene on their tip toes.

"He's back! Voldemort— he's back! H-he killed Cedric!", Harry cries.

The air shifts after that name is spoken. Brigitte yanks Fleur away from the scene. They run to Gabrielle and their parents in the stands, urging the family to get back to the safe carriage.

"Follow me!". Brigitte takes Gabriele's little hand and guides them through the crowd of students, her mind frozen on the picture of Cedric lying on the ground. She never expected anything like this. No one did. Of all the possible outcomes, this wasn't one. Not after all this time, during a child's game.

─── . ˚☆ ☾ ☆˚ . ───

There is a dark cloud over Hogwarts over the subsequent week. The Triwizard Cup couldn't be more obsolete. The entire campus is in mourning, yet not everyone is by young Potter's declaration that You-Know-Who has returned.

Once the news reaches foreign papers, Brigitte receives a flood of letters from her parents and Non-Profit boss urging her to return home as soon as possible, but all have gone unanswered thus far.

Her twenty-fourth birthday passes on the 30th, not that she notices. She's too busy consoling Fleur, who is having a hard time getting over the trauma of seeing Cedric like that. Little Gabrielle returned the day after the tournament with their parents.

As they prepare for the return to Beauxbâtons, Brigitte feels like Alice in Wonderland when she doesn't know which direction to go in next. It's how she felt almost a year ago, just before she received the invitation for the tournament.

There's nothing in France for her besides family who live in the countryside, and she only recently got her license to practice law in this country and no time to use it yet. It would be a shame to let it go to waste. It's not like anyone else is going to do the work she will for people with lycanthropy.

As she walks around the Black Lake and basks in the spring sun, a young Hogwarts student approaches her with the message from Dumbledore requesting a meeting.

She has never been to Dumbledore's office. As she approaches the door, a calm voice tells her to enter before she even knocks. The carved wooden door opens with ease, and Brigitte is met with the sight of Dumbledore sitting at his desk and Madame Maxime towering behind him. Brigitte wonders how the grand dame made her past the narrow staircase leading to this room.

"Ah, Ms Moreau. Thank you for coming by", he motions for her to sit,

"I want to say first that I apologize for your time here being not quite as expected. However, I think there would have been more damage had we not had your assistance … I've heard from Madame Maxime about your protective disposition, you specialize in Advocacy law? Combined with your dueling skills and wandless magic abilities? A very talented witch indeed," Dumbledore says as he peeks over his glasses. "I've witnessed some of it myself, quite remarkable".

Madame Maxime smiles proudly down at Brigitte and nods along with everything he says. Brigitte blushes at the recognition.

"Oh, Monsieur. Like I say, flattery will get you everywhere. But I refuse to believe that you invited me here for compliments". Dumbledore nods his head, peeking up at the enormous Headmistress.

"Your kind of passion and magical abilities is exactly what I'm looking for; what we need right now, Miss Moreau… Are you set on going back home?".

Brigitte shakes her head, "No, sir. I miss my parents dearly, but I like to be where people need me, doing something that makes a difference. Work was slowing down in Paris and I think I have plenty of opportunities here. I'm torn if I'll even return with the carriage", she confesses. Madame Maxime makes an understanding expression. Dumbledore's face lights up,

"That is just what I wanted to hear! I may have a proposal to peak your interest". He awaits Brigitte to nod and proceeds to tell her about The Order of the Phoenix, a secret group he formed to fight against Lord Voldemort last time he was at the height of his terror.

"… I am gathering everyone who was apart of it years ago, and I'd be honored for you to join us".

Brigitte is stunned. This is not what she was expecting when she walked to the headmaster's office. Her mind immediately goes to Cedric, the way his limp body was sprawled on the ground, and Fleur weeping face for days following. She feels that familiar push from the universe, telling her to take the chance like she did nine months ago when she came here. It's an easy decision for someone who lives to help and protect others. Without hesitation looks straight at Dumbledore.

"I'm in".

─── . ˚☆ ☾ ☆˚ . ───

It's been four days since Brigitte's conversation with Dumbledore. The carriage left that day, so she's been staying with her brother, Auguste, in London in the meantime. The first night there, she convinced him to join the Order too… But after the third night, they wanted to kill each other. Gus' living quarters consist of a small studio above his alchemy lab. The place smells like fire and is not meant to be shared by two grown siblings who have mastered the art of getting under each other's skin.

"Britt, your fucking dresses are all over the place! Who needs so many! How many bodies do you have?", Auguste fusses from inside his room. It looks like Brigitte's travel trunk has exploded.

"I don't have anywhere else to put them, you idiot! The closet is filled with your bourgeois suede and corduroy suits, monsieur", she retorts sarcastically. They shout at each other, their French insults getting drowned out by the other.

Their bickering is interrupted by a large brown owl tapping on the ocular window above the sofa. "It's Dumbledore. He is going to meet us outside of the flat and take us to headquarters. He said that's the safest place for me to stay. That was Maxime's concern", Brigitte says.

"Hallelujah! Finish packing your damn stuff. The letter says he'll be here in an hour", Gus motions her to the pile of clothes and goes to the small kitchen for a cup of coffee. Brigitte curses under her breath at him and stores away her belongings. She puts on a flowing bell sleeve dress that cinches at her waist and casually twiddles her fingers in the direction of the mess, making all the clothes fold up and organize into her trunk.

Auguste throws on his corduroy blazer once the coffee cup is empty and takes Brigitte's stack of trunks downstairs where they meet Dumbledore. He's standing on the sidewalk in his usual robes, and the muggles walking by giving him puzzled looks.

"Hello, sir", Brigitte says extra cheerfully.

"Pleasure to meet you". Gus and the sparkling Headmaster shake hands.

"Good evening to you both… Never been to this part of London", Dumbledore says curiously while taking in his surroundings. "Shall we?". He sticks out his hand gracefully, and the two place their own on top before Disapparate to the other side of town. They land in a small patch of grass, look around for muggles, and Dumbledore leads them across to a residential street when the coast is clear.

With a wave of his wand, the houses move and Dumbledore shows them a piece of paper labeled '12 Grimmauld Place'.

"Remember this address and speak it to no one else. Now, let's go inside. I think we are the last to arrive for the meeting, just in time to be fashionably late", he says with a twinkle in his eye.

Brigitte and Gus follow Dumbledore past the thick doors and into a dark foyer. Dumbledore places a finger over his mouth to keep them silent, and points to a covered painting on the wall. He extends his hand in the direction of the illuminated door at the end of the dark hall, so the siblings put Brigitte's trunks aside, and follow.

When they approach, the door swings open and shut, allowing a grumpy looking house-elf to pass through. He mutters bitterly upon seeing the new arrivals and passes by them on his way to the stairs.

"Ignore him", Dumbledore whispers. Auguste opens the door and steps down into the kitchen first, extending his hand to help his sister. Brigitte rolls her eyes still accepts it, hopping down the steps and causing a sudden halt to the conversations around the room.

Everyone turns their attention to the beautiful strangers, hardly sparing Dumbledore a glance when he enters behind them. Auguste is as stunning as his sister: with the same sparkling eyes and contagious smile. They share a great resemblance, even sharing a similar freckle pattern, but Brigitte's rich golden hair drastically contrasts to Gus's rich chocolate locks— reflecting both parent's strong genes. He's also about a head and a half taller than her with a strong build.

Brigitte greets everyone with a shy wave and mouths "bonjour". She takes a seat at the scuffed up table and scans the room to take in all the new faces, including one of a man with a large prosthetic eye swirling in its socket while the other lingers on Brigitte. Behind him is a dark-haired man in a long black cloak, the same one who refused to help her find the House-elves.

She notices a woman around her age own with bright pink hair. She's speaking to a middle-aged witch next to her, and her face lights up seeing some more younger people enter the room.

The man on her other side instantly recognizable. Sirius Black. Last year, his mugshot was on all the newspapers and the bulletin boards at work. He looks nothing like the mugshot she's seen, but the wavy Black hair and tattoos are recognizable anywhere. Brigitte should be startled, but she's more intrigued as to why the pure blood fugitive is present.

Sitting to Sirius' right is the only familiar face in the bunch. A familiar and beautifully scarred face Brigitte never imagined seeing again … Remus is already looking her way. She offers him a small smile and looks away, desperate to stop the heat building in her cheeks. If she hadn't turned, she would've seen him matching her fuchsia shade.

Sirius turns to Remus to say something and notices his friend's captivation and odd blush. He follow's his line of vision, still on Brigitte at the opposite end of the table.

"You okay there, Moony?", Sirius snickers quietly.

"What? Uh, yeah yeah… ", Remus clears his throat. "Just waiting for Dumbledore to get started", he says unconvincingly.

"Mmhm, sure … She is a damn fox, isn't she? If I'm not mistaken, she's the one moving in here", Sirius wiggles his eyebrows and grins as Remus looks to Brigitte once more. "I wonder who the bloke next to her is", he adds innocently.

Remus spares a glance to Auguste, feeling an unfamiliar pang of jealousy in his gut when he watches Brigitte laugh at something the handsome brunette said. 

...Yay, so we're finally at Grimmauld Place! This chapter covered a long time frame but I really wanted to get to Order of the Phoenix, so the story will be continuing at a slower pace. I hope y'all are enjoying it.

Lemme know if you wanna be tagged ♥

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#remus lupin x reader #remus lupin smut #remus lupin series #remus lupin fanfiction #professor remus lupin #hp and the goblet of fire #hp fanfcition #werewolves

[justthegreat1]

The Dead shall Rise: “Evil Dead Rise” Review

Pictured above is the “Evil Dead Rise” poster.

Image Credit: Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

42 years ago, Sam Raimi would create a little movie that would spark an iconic franchise and 32 years later that franchise would be rebooted by the movie called “Evil Dead” (2013) which was directed by Fede Alvarez, this movie would receive critical acclaim. Now, 10 years later…this franchise would be brought back from the dead (pun intended) with “Evil Dead Rise” (2023) which is directed by Lee Cronin. It currently holds an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes which is shocking considering the content that is inside the movie, now I know the Evil Dead franchise is known for its bloody content but for me I think this might be the bloodiest one yet, this might be even bloodier than the 2013 remake. Alright, let’s bring out our chainsaws, Boomsticks, and Necronomicon’s and go straight to the spoiler-free review.

Evil Dead Rise is a 2023 supernatural horror film directed by Lee Cronin (who also wrote the movie), Produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell (who starred in the original Evil Dead movies and “Ash vs Evil Dead”). The cast involves Lily Sullivan as Beth, Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie, Morgan Davies as Danny, Gabrielle Echols as Bridget, Nell Fisher as Kassie, Richard Crouchley as Caleb, Mirabai Pease as Teresa, Anna-Maree Thomas as Jessica, Jayden Daniels as Gabriel, Billy Reynolds-McCarthy as Jake, Tai Wano as Scott, and Mark Mitchinson as Mr. Fonda.

The Plot:

A reunion between two estranged sisters gets cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

Positives:

One positive I have about the movie is the tone, I liked how they combine the campy elements of the original movies with the darker elements of the remake (which I prefer…please don’t cancel me). I appreciated how they balanced the dark humor of the original movie while adding the dark and intense moments of the remake to make it not so silly. I loved how unsettling Alyssa Sutherland was in the role of Ellie, especially during the bathtub scene.

Pictured above is Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie

Image Credit: Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

The second positive I have about this movie was the cast, I really enjoyed the performances of Lily Sullivan and Nell Fisher as Beth and Kassie as their portrayals make you root for them and hope they make it out alive. I also enjoyed the characters in general as they were likeable and made smart decisions.

The third positive I have about this movie is that it was not afraid to embrace its R-Rating, there was tons of blood spilt in this movie with amazing practical effects as Evil Dead is known for that. I’m not going to look at cheese graters the same way again after a certain scene in the movie.

Pictured above is Lily Sullivan as Beth

Image Credit: Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

Negatives:

The only negative I have is that I wish the movie was just a little bit longer as the ending felt rushed in my opinion, but don’t let that one negative discourage you from checking out “Evil Dead Rise” wherever you can.

My Overall Thoughts:

After watching “Evil Dead Rise”, I can’t wait to see what’s next in the franchise. I really enjoyed the exploration of the theme of motherhood and how it tied into the movie. This movie was disturbing, violent, and as Ash Williams would say…``Groovy.”

Where to watch “Evil Dead Rise”?

“Evil Dead Rise” can be watched in Theaters and through digital retailers now, Blu-Ray and DVD on June 27th.

What did you think about “Evil Dead Rise”?

Feel free to comment on this post and please keep the comments respectful.

Thank you.

#Evil Dead #evil dead rise #horror #Horror 2023 #Review #movie review

[svperhero]

gabrielle union in la’s finest??? whew..... my legs are wide open ma’am

#la’s finest #n is at it again #i know this show has a plot i know it does #but i have lesbian brain so....... #also i just found out that they cancelled the show lmao #but i was only in it to look at gabrielle and jessica so i’m enjoying myself regardless

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 34

Happy Birthday, Ella

Summary: It’s Eleanor’s 18th birthday

Word Count: ~2.6k

A/N: big time jump! 

A/N 2: ahhh this is the last chapter!! the one before this was sort of a conclusion but in this one is more like... the aftermath of the aftermath, haha. anyway, this was more than difficult to get out, firstly because i absolutely suck at conclusions so if this is terrible, sorry :( and secondly because this is my first fic and i really can’t believe it’s finished! am i crying? maybe... anywayyy, thank you all so much for reading!! i hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as i’ve enjoyed writing it!! <3

Warnings: mention of character death

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s book, “The Goldfinch”)*

Tags:  @captain-kingliamsqueen @gkittylove99​ @lovablegranny @iam-the-kind-and-thoughtful @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @queenrileyrose @shanzay44 @cordonianroyalty @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @twinkle-320 @amandablink @texaskitten30 @pens-girl-87 @ladyangel70 @sanchita012 @cordonianprincess @cordonia-gothqueen @queenwalton @yourmajesty09 @alj4890 @choicesbutterfly 

- Eleanor - 

I sit at the empty desk across from my bed. There is nothing in front of me, but I stare at my neat piles of notebooks and novels: some that Daddyo had recommended to me, others that I had borrowed from his library.

My bedroom door is open. From the hall, I hear the tapping of Roger’s paws and the light thuds of Fabian’s footsteps. The noise of their arrival lightly raises me from my seat and my tired thoughts. I walk out of my room and go after them.

Roger runs away from Fabian with something in his mouth. My little brother giggles as he runs after our dog, struggling to keep up with him. The dog weaves through crowds of servants, making its way towards the front of the palace.

Fabian sighs, frustrated. I put my hand on his shoulder and urge him to continue on with me.

Once we reach the front doors, we see that Roger has stopped running and is having his belly rubbed by Aunt Rowan, while her oldest son, Rowell, races towards my brother.

Rowell and Fabian run off quickly, already in the midst of a game. Lord Maxwell gives me a side hug, holding his and Aunt Rowan’s youngest son to his side.

I hug Aunt Rowan, then give the little babe a kiss on his chubby cheek. I lead them towards the sitting room, where Mama drinks tea with Duchess Hana and Duchess Olivia.

After the adults are all seated, they usher me out of the room. I giggle, saying that there’s nothing they have to hide from me, but I know what they’re planning and agree to leave.

Outside the sitting room, I decide to go look for Gabe and Daddyo, hoping that their meeting with the dignitary was over. I check my watch and see that they should have been done about a half-hour ago, but I know my brother had probably gone on overtime.

He had started taking his duties more seriously as of late, and I know it’s because of the talk Daddyo had with us at Applewood. He had insisted that I come along into town with them and receive the same speech, even though I said I was fine with staying behind.

Gabriel and I had laughed when Daddyo told us that he was the heir and I was the spare. The silly phrase wasn’t the only thing that sent us into a fit of laughter, but it was also a bit of disbelief. My brother and I weren’t naive; we knew what the people of the court had to say about me being a member of the royal family. Daddyo never failed to remind us that their opinions didn’t matter and that I was his daughter no matter what anyone said, but of course, people kept talking.

Sometimes I wanted to argue with him and say that keeping my last name as Blaise — while Gabe’s had been changed to Rys years ago — would keep me from being fully considered his daughter, even though he had officially adopted me when he married my mother.

But I knew such arguments were ones that broke his heart. The smallest change in my behavior made him fear that I no longer considered him my father, which was heartwarming, in a sense, but also depressing. (When I was about twelve, I had thought calling him “Daddyo” was too childish, so like Gabe I called him “Dad.” One morning he pulled me to the side and with the saddest eyes asked me if I was upset with him, or if he had done something to anger me. I laughed it off but went back to calling him “Daddyo” immediately. Though I cringed every time I said it, it was better than upsetting the only man who had ever felt like a true father to me).

And so most of my daily thoughts were now consumed by the anger I had for my biological father — everything he did to my family, and to the nation and people I had come to love — but I was slowly coming to terms with it. Even though I was ashamed of him, I was accepting the fact that he could no longer dictate my life or the lives of those I love.

These past few months marked ten years after the bombing. When my father had died, and Gabe and I had been in the hospital waiting for Mama to get better, I had been childishly angry at him. My last clear memory with my biological father had been reminding him to take pictures of the new exhibit at The Met so I could get a glimpse of what he and my mother would see. He was never able to show me those photos. That is, if he even took any.

But that was a different kind of frustration. One that, if my little brother Fabian expressed, I would sadly laugh at and explain to him the seriousness of the situation.

Theodore’s actions had controlled all of us, even Daddyo, Uncle Drake, Lord Maxwell, and Duchess Hana.

But now we are all in control of our lives again. Uncle Drake and Duchess Olivia had done honorable work with the King’s Guard. Lord Maxwell and Aunt Rowan had married a few months after my parents did, and a year later Duke Rashad married Hana — around the time Fabian was born. Daddyo eventually mended his relationship with Uncle Leo, and every few months his family would come to visit us.

Any person who was a threat, such as Boris — his betrayal was one that broke my childish heart, but not a day passed where I missed him— and Uncle Drake’s ex-fiancée, Jessica, were spending the rest of their lives behind bars.

It had taken our parents a while to tell us everything, and when they finally did, it took even longer for us to come to terms with it all. But Daddyo and Mama never pushed us away when we needed to talk to them.

As I walk up the stairs to Daddyo’s office, I take deep breaths, allowing the concerns to flow out of me. Before I knock on the door, my mind is clear.

I smile to myself as I reach for the handle, memories of our obstacles so far behind us that I feel foolish worrying about them at all.

Inside, Daddyo, Gabe, Fabian, and Rowell are crowded around something on the desk. Everyone turns to face me.

“Is it time for the party?” Rowell asks.

“Shush!” Fabian elbows his friend while Gabe and Daddyo laugh.

Once the boys are done scolding each other, Daddyo asks, “What do you think about eating out for lunch?”

“Same restaurant?” Fabian questions.

“Unless you wish to go someplace else?” 

I shake my head, then link my arm through his. “No, I like that place.”

As we walk out the doors of the palace, we spot Uncle Leo, Aunt Katie, Hunter, and Heather with bags in their hands. Once they see us, they lightly toss those bags back into their limo, and they join us in our car to go eat lunch.

We had eaten in this restaurant on my eighth birthday, which had been only a week after Mama and Daddyo had come back from their honeymoon. My family came here often, and Uncle Leo liked joining us.

We enter the restaurant and see that the place is empty. The menus are put in front of us, and we order without looking at it. Fabian and Rowell talk between themselves, and Heather tells me about their flight, while Uncle Leo asks Gabe how he’s feeling. 

Gabe shakes his head, an amused look on his face. “You know, I thought this would all be overwhelming. I was scared that the pressure would bring the anxiety back, but it didn’t.” 

Uncle Leo pats my brother’s back. “Now tell me about that girl you mentioned in that course you took.” 

Gabe’s face goes red, and he gives a little laugh. Aunt Katie raises her eyebrows, while Daddyo urges him to talk. 

My brother leans back in his seat, the amusement increasing. “I’m think I’m gonna draft a letter to her.”

“Oh?” Aunt Katie takes a sip of her drink.

“I’m planning on asking her to join the next Social Season. That reminds me.” He cuts off and looks towards our father.

But before he can say anything, Uncle Leo goes, “Gabe, go to your dad when you want to know what not to do. Take my advice instead—”

Hunter interrupts him: “You say that like your advice doesn’t backfire on the regular.” 

“Poor soul is speaking from experience,” Heather whispers to me. Daddyo overhears her, and laughs with us. 

We leave as soon as we finish our meal, not considering dessert. The ride back to the palace is filled with smooth conversations and laughs. As the limo stops in front of the entrance, everyone tells me to exit the vehicle first. 

Tentatively, I crawl out the car and make my way up the stairs. Servants open the doors for me, and the entire room is flooded with balloons, decorations, and sweets. 

My mother kisses my cheek, then Daddyo and Gabe wrap me in a hug. Fabian runs off quickly with Rowell.

The rest of my parents’ friends continue giving me birthday wishes, until Fabian finally reemerges with an envelope in his hand. Everyone crowds around me as I open it and take out a thin, rectangular piece of paper. 

“It’s a bookmark!” Fabian cries as I examine it. I turn it over in my hands, feeling the soft edges against my skin. On the other side, there’s a drawing of six stick figures. Fabian puts his finger on the bookmark, and I bring it to his eye level. 

“That’s you with the books since you like reading,” he tells me. “That’s Daddy and Mom since they have the crowns, and Gabe is the one with the smaller crown, and that’s me and Roger, and that’s our home in the background.” I follow his finger as he points to his little drawings. “I know it’s not very good, but I didn’t know what else to get you!” He giggles as I further examine it. 

“No one knew what to get her,” Gabe comments. “Little Miss—” he takes on a high pitched voice— “Oh, you don’t have to get me anything! No, really, I don’t want anything!” 

The room of friends laugh and chuckle at the mocking voice. 

I go through everyone else’s gifts, which are mostly things that I can use, but don’t need and didn’t ask for; like Fabian said, everyone had wanted to get me something, but I was in need of nothing. I know that Uncle Maxwell was more than frustrated when I told him so, and he must have been even more upset when he couldn’t get any hints out of my parents either. His and Aunt Rowan’s present to me are new pointe shoes. 

Duchess Olivia had started giving me more self-defense lessons, so her gift to me is a stiletto knife, along with stiletto shoes.  

Duke Rashad and Duchess Hana give me a pearl necklace: when the Duchess had taught me how to paint, we had made portraits of each other and had illustrated pearls on our pictures. The portrait I had made of his wife was the Duke’s favorite.

Uncle Leo and Hunter give me new paint brushes and a steel paint easel. Heather hands me a cup with a picture of her and I on it — I had given her something similar for her birthday — and Aunt Katie gives me a cute bag.

Uncle Drake gifts me a new pair of skis: last winter and during the Social Season, we had raced down a slope and I had lost both times. “So you can practice a bit more next time we head to Lythikos,” he tells me with a pat on my back.  

Gabriel hands me a heavy box. My arms burn as I make my way towards a table and put it down. Inside are books that are on my to-read list, candies that we had tried and liked on our last family trip to Italy, a bracelet with charms, and gold earrings shaped like a crescent moon. “You didn’t give me any clues for what you wanted, so I just put all of them in there,” my brother says with a shrug. 

Mama and Daddyo’s gift is next. My father wraps me in a large hug, then holds me to his side as servants roll in a new Baroque piano — it was similar to the one I had seen in a museum the last time we visited Applewood. The old one was being wheeled out; I had played it daily in the last few years, both for the entertainment of my family and for important members of the nobility, and even though it was constantly cared for, the strings had started to become dusty. I knew we wouldn’t get rid of it; I was sure that Daddyo had plans to donate it, but again I felt that there was no need for a newer one. We could have just taken more care of the one we had. 

But I don’t complain. I could never complain for this group of people who love me so dearly. I accept hugs from everyone in the room, and then the cake is brought out. The frosting looks like a painting, and is sweetly smooth as we eat it, the icing staining the corners of our mouths. 

We sit and chat about nothing at all, simply enjoying the blissful companionship that came with family and beloved friends. I had told my parents that I didn’t want a big party, and this was exactly what I had in mind. The room is light and joyful: Uncle Maxwell tells jokes while Uncle Drake rolls his eyes, Mama throws her head back, Daddyo’s arm around her while he tries his best not to laugh, and Uncle Leo, Hunter, and Gabe wipe tears from their eyes. 

The rest of the party is spent like that. The irreplaceable friendships that had went from nothing, to everything, to nothing again, then beyond the meaning of intimacy that came with being understood. It fills the rooms of the palace as it has these last ten years. 

I think about the gifts I’ve been given today, wondering where I would put them in my room — except for the piano, which I will leave in the ballroom — and how I will use them. I smile when I remember Gabe’s joke about my refusing presents. 

I don’t think he understands that I didn’t wish for specific objects because I can’t remember the last time I longed for anything, and if I ever did, there was no request that Daddyo wouldn’t strive to fulfill. My life had never felt lonely or without purpose, and I think that means I’ve found happiness. Like everyone in this room.

Daddyo notices that I’ve zoned out a bit. From the corner of my eye I can see the gentle wrinkles on his face and the graying roots of his hair. He leans towards me and plants a kiss on my forehead. “Happy birthday, Ella dear. I love you.” 

I smile at him, then use my fork to steal a bit of icing off his cake. Fabian follows suit, and soon our dad’s cake has no frosting on it. 

The three of us laugh, and with a mouth full of sugar I say, “I love you, too, Daddyo.”

#the royal romance #choices the royal romance #choices trr fanfic #choices the royal romance fanfic #choices the royal heir fanfic #trr #trr au fanfic #liam x mc #liam x mc fanfic #maxwell x oc #choices fanfic #trr fanfic #choices trr #the royal romance fanfic

[jess-rewatches-prodigalson]

Speak of the Devil (S2, E2)

Damn. I love this show.

As usual, my time stamped SPOILER FULL thoughts are below.

As always, I reference Malcolm’s mental health. A lot. So if talk about depression/mania/suicidal ideation is going to be a trigger for you, don’t keep reading. 

0:14 - Hector’s back!! hahaha :) 

0:40 - So Martin is worried about Malcolm.....he could stop manipulating Malcolm if he’s so worried. That would make Malcolm feel slightly better at least. 

0:50 - What. A. Boss. That ambush was gorgeously executed *chef’s kiss*. haha how many times do you think Jessica has orchestrated this type of ambush on one of her children? 

0:52 - I love this outfit on Malcolm. Seriously - why is it sooo attractive when he’s not wearing a tie?

0:55 -........he’s not seeing Gabrielle....but but he had a lollipop last episode. Am I supposed to believe he buys his own lollipops? Maybe he bought some to throw the team off the scent? UGH. MALCOLM, SWEETHEART, GO BACK TO THERAPY. YOU’RE IN CRISIS. ....wait. I bet you he’s not seeing Gabrielle because she knows when he’s lying. He’s probably scared that he’ll end up telling her about Endicott. And I’m pretty sure that legally Gabrielle can’t keep a crime a secret regardless of doctor-patient confidentiality. 

1:02 - .....Malcolm didn’t know that he wasn’t paying his own therapy bills? WHO DID HE THINK WAS PAYING THEM?!?! Damn. Rich people, am I right?

1:10 - You ever wonder how many therapists Malcolm saw as a kid before they found Gabrielle? Just me? Cool.

1:15 - OMG. “Sexual in nature”?!?! Calm down Jess. He’s a grown ass man and even if it was sexual Malcolm sure as hell wouldn’t want to talk to his mother about his sex life. 

1:19 - Oh so now both of your kids are in a “good place”? Martin, less than a minute ago you were ‘worried’ about Malcolm. Further proof that Martin is a liar and we can’t believe anything he says. Ever. 

1:43 - Tom Payne’s physical acting during this interaction with Jessica is incredible. Ugh. Honestly, can I give him an Emmy myself? Look. Look at his face when he says, “You wouldn’t understand.” This is a teenage boy trying to hide something from his mom and is terrified that she’ll see the lie if he makes eye-contact. <3 

1:45 - You know, Jessica really isn’t a perfect mother (especially to Ainsley) but she does care about her kids. I love her for it. She actually shows more concern for her adult children than most parents with adult children that I’ve been exposed to. 

2:08 - I can’t decide if I love the music that was playing through that scene or if it’s just super cheesy and cringey. I mean “I did a bad bad thing” right as the title page rolls out? Kind of amazing but also super dorky. 

2:13 - So Mr. David hears this whole conversation. Malcolm talking about his guilt, Martin calling Malcolm a hero, and Malcolm saying that the only person he can talk to about his problems is Martin. Sooooo either

 Mr. David is being paid very well to keep quiet on Whitly family drama, 

 Mr. David stopped listening years ago.

 Mr. David is a moron who can’t connect the dots. OR

 Mr. David is going to blow this whistle on this fiasco to Jessica soon. I mean, he called her in the first season when Malcolm started visiting Martin. Mr. David has Jessica’s number...and I have a hunch that Mr. David cares about Malcolm. He’s watched Malcolm grow up into a troubled, bizarre, but very sweet man. 

2:14 - “Why are you calling me?” Malcolm sounds upset that Martin is calling him; so why pick up the phone? I mean, I guess Martin will call him back incessantly but still. 

2:19 - Malcolm’s completely honest version of how he’s doing mentally is heartbreaking. He “doesn’t recognize himself anymore”? Ugh. Baby. My heart is shattering. Someone hug him. OR TAKE HIM TO GABRIELLE.

2:30 - There is a moment when Malcolm says, “narcissistic psychopath” where is genuinely sounds like he’s about to have a complete breakdown. This boy is on the verge. My whump heart loves it and it makes me evil. 

2:56 - aaannnnnnd there’s Malcolm on the verge of tears. This boy. Ugh. <3 

3:00 - “It’s not going away Malcolm. The guilt. Take it from me.” Sooooo Mr. David isn’t a moron right? He’s going to connect the dots. He has to. ISTG Jessica keeps saying “No more lies” in the promos because Mr. David told her what he overheard. 

3:06 - And that is the face of a boy who is dead on the inside. Seriously, he’s spent his whole life trying to convince himself (and others) that he is nothing like his father. But here we are - all his fears confirmed and it’s killed him. 

3:20 - “Is this what you used?” Ainsley is talking about how Malcolm disposed of the body right? Because last episode she thanked Malcolm for covering for her. Sooooo she clearly knows that she killed Endicott even if she doesn’t remember it. I mean, she was covered in blood - Malcolm wasn’t. 

3:23.- OMG. Endicott was killed with the Milton family silver. hahahaha why is that so funny to me?

3:43 - Just how big is that gap in her memory? I’d truly like to know. When did she check out, when did she check in, and are those times different than what she’s letting Malcolm believe?

3:55 - Yeah - I still want to know why she moved in. COVID? Is she afraid she’s going to do something else murdery? Because surely, living in the house where you know you killed someone can’t be pleasant. Or easy. Unless of course Ainsley is more like Martin than we’d like to believe. 

4:09 - hahahahaha I am living for Malcolm’s facial response to Jessica saying, “I am in charge of boxes.”

4:22 - hahahaha Malcolm and Ainsley teasing Jessica about Gil is so precious. I love it. I wish they were always that happy. 

4:40 - Look at Malcolm’s face when he says, “You and a certain Lieutenant”. He’s practically giddy. Whether that’s because he’s thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to tease his mother OR because he’s always wanted Jessica and Gil to be together in that way that many children who grow up in single parent homes hope for a fairytale parental ending. My guess - a mixture of both.

4:45 - Ainsley looks delighted at the idea of Gil/Jessica too. I assume it’s because she loves the gossip and the opportunity to tease Jessica. BUT I also wonder what Ainsley’s relationship with Gil is like? Do they have one? 

4:58 - “Does he let you wear his turtlenecks?” OMG. bahahahaha comedic GOLD. 

5:10 - THIS. The evolution of JT and Malcolm’s friendship is everything. 10/10 would recommend. So sweet. LOOK AT HOW CONCERNED MALCOLM IS. <3 <3 Malcolm’s been calling JT?!?! UGH. This warms my cold dead heart.

5:20 - JT is a bad liar. This dude is not okay. 

5:27 - “When I say I’m fine, I’m always lying.” .....we already knew this but it hurts to hear Malcolm say is so nonchalantly. 

5:32 - JT does the sign of the cross....so he’s definitely religious. 

5:56 - “Holy...” “Watch it Bright.” hahaha how much do you want to bet that Gil took Malcolm to church once (1) time as a kid. It went so poorly that Gil never brought him again. Malcolm was probably questioning the priest and generally just asking a lot of “why” questions. 

6:15 - Gil is so done with the Edrisa+Bright banter. Look at his face - he’s just sooo tired. .....is Gil particularly cranky this episode because Jessica is dodging his phone calls?

6:23 - Malcolm looks pensive as soon as Gil mentions that the Father had been with the church for 30 years. Why? 

6:56 - I’m not going to lie. I’m really getting tired of the crap Dani (and even Gil in this episode - is he mad at Malcolm for avoiding him when he was hospital-bound? Or just cranky because Jessica isn’t calling him back?) are giving Malcolm. He’s asking a question relevant to the case. Sure - it’s not an easy question to ask but last season they wouldn’t have glared at him for asking it. I understand that Dani is upset with Malcolm for lying to her and she probably thinks he knows something about how Endicott died. I get it - Malcolm screwed up. BUT Dani’s reaction is so over the top. I understand where she’s coming from - she has trust issues. That doesn’t give her the right to treat him like garbage for the rest of his life. It’s been literally MONTHS. 

7:11 - “That’s not a no.”....Damn, he looks cute when he says that. 

7:30 - I LOVE that Malcolm knows so much about the Bible and Catholicism even though he’s not a believer. It makes me think he investigated a ton of religions as a kid - looking for relief from his trauma. I respect that he did the research and I respect that he doesn’t (openly at least) think other people are moronic/short-sighted for believing in God(s). 

7:56 - I’ll be honest, my first reaction to Jonah was: “Why does he look and sound like he’s dying?”

8:03 - “Catholic.” haha I love some good religious comedy. BUT AGAIN GIL, THAT GLARE IS SO NOT NECESSARY. That wasn’t a ‘warning - you’re being insensitive’ glare. That was a ‘I’m your father and you’re in sooo much trouble’ glare. I love Gil with my whole heart but everyone is being a dick to Malcolm today (minus JT and Edrisa) and I’m done with it. Malcolm’s fragile mental state can’t handle it. Be nice to my boy. 

8:35 - Is this Gil’s church?!? Why does he know all the church staff by name? He either attends this church or someone gave him an amazing briefing before he got to the church.

9:34 - At least Gil knows something is wrong with Malcolm. 

9:41 - What? That’s it? No. Gil - press on. Don’t accept Malcolm’s “I’m fine”.

10:18 - I wish this scene didn’t end with Gil’s look of disbelief and concern. I wish we got to see Gil tell Malcolm not to go see Martin. I wish we got a more concrete papa!Gil moment. 

10:42 - Something about the fact that Martin is tethered to a pole like a tether-ball is hilarious to me. Also - why are some prisoners not tied up? The inmate talking to Friar Pete has no rope. 

10:52 - Ugh. When exactly did Martin give Malcolm “The Talk”? Like how old was Malcolm? How traumatic was it? Ugh. It’s very upsetting to remember that Martin acted like a good father to Malcolm for a good portion of the first 10 years of Malcolm’s life. It really doesn’t help Malcolm’s PTSD. 

11:00 - That’s right Malcolm. Don’t let Martin ramble. Stand your ground. <3 So proud of Malcolm <3

11:15 - Listen to the way Malcolm says, “Who is that?”. He’s some combination of resigned and scared. I love it. 

11:33 - Friar Pete is so creepy. The way he just walks up to Malcolm until his rope goes taught?! UGH. Poor Malcolm looks so done with this whole situation. He’s rolling his eyes and grimacing at various points throughout this scene. He has some major sass right now and I’m here for it. 

 11:41 - “You two should talk!” ....Is this Martin’s really eff-ed up way of trying to help Malcolm with his guilt about Endicott? I don’t like it.....and Malcolm’s face tells me he doesn’t either. 

12:48 - Is that true? Can churches really not exorcise people without medical permission in the current day?  I thought exorcisms were just banned? IDK - I’m a Christian, my branch of faith doesn’t do exorcisms. 

13:33 - YES! A JT AND MALCOLM SCENE. <3 <3 I’m unreasonably happy about this. 

13:45 - sooooooo is this Norman’s real home and his real mother? The first time I watched it I thought it was some sort of weird catholic-inpatient facility but now I’m not sure. 

15:10 - Ok. I can’t hold back anymore. Malcolm’s shoes. They. Are. Awful. I understand - Tom Payne is a short guy. He probably needs heels to fit in the shot. I’m not mad about the heels. I’m made that they gave him very very ugly heels. Is it just me? These shoes are hideous. 

15:14 - “Hi Norman.” .....Malcolm is so soft here and I’m in love with it. My cold dead heart is melting. Also JT’s freaked-out look in this scene is everything. 

15:25 - There’s something about the way Malcolm says “Good.” that just hits me really hard. It’s beautiful. He sounds and looks a little scared but he’s also really calm and professional and it’s just...*chef’s kiss*. 

16:44 - “He’s clearly mentally-ill.” I love this. I love that Malcolm is defending the person with a severe mental illness because he doesn’t have any proof that Norman committed a crime. It also breaks my heart. Makes me think of how many people dismissed or judged Malcolm poorly throughout his life because Malcolm’s mental illnesses. Even though they weren’t quite as extreme as Norman’s.

16:54 - I love this. JT is telling Malcolm to stay behind the line partially out of fear (because this whole Norman situation is clearly freaking JT out big time) but also partially because he just cares about Malcolm. I love their friendship and it’s evolution. SO. MUCH. 

17:21 - Is there a mirror of something? How the hell did Norman know that Malcolm crossed the salt? Was it the slight creaking in the floorboards?

17:54 - Dude. Is every suspect this season going to accuse Malcolm of being a killer? First Boyd, now Norman. This is not helping Malcolm’s mental state or his ability to hide his guilt from the team. 

18:30 - “Malcolm Bright. Always crossing the line.” lol. I love JT here. He’s half-teasing Malcolm. Makes me think that he subtly trying to tell Malcolm that he isn’t the killer Norman says that he is. 

18:44 - I DO NOT LIKE THIS. LOOK AT HOW SCARED MALCOLM IS WHEN HE WALKS INTO THE ROOM. A ROOM WITH GIL AND DANI IN IT. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. HE’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SCARED OF THEM. 

19:00 - “What the hell do you have?”. Wow. Okay. No. I love Gil. I understand that he loves Malcolm like a son and he’s scared for Malcolm and Malcolm’s mental state. But this question is so over the line. Gil knows damn well what Malcolm’s mental diagnoses are. It feels like he’s accusing Malcolm of being crazy. I don’t like it. 

19:17 - “Are you serious?” Ok. Dani really needs to start being nicer to Malcolm. She doesn’t have to trust him but some professional civility would be great. I really don’t like how hard the writers are pushing this tension between Dani and Malcolm. It makes Dani look so immature. An adult would be pissed but get over the anger after literal months. The relationship wouldn’t necessarily be the same but it sure as hell wouldn’t be this hostile.

19:40 - Something about Malcolm being the calmest person in the room is both comforting and upsetting. 

19:55 - “My father gave it to me.”.....that’s so not going to help Gil’s concern about Malcolm.

20:50 - This is cute. We don’t get to see enough of Jessica and Ainsley acting like a semi-normal mother-daughter duo. I love it. 

21:00 - “We are WASPs. It’s. What. We. Do.” OMG. Hahahaha 

21:05 - I love how invested Ainsley is in the Gil/Jessica relationship. It’s so clear that she wants her Mom to be happy and I love it. It also makes me wonder if she ever wanted Gil to be her real dad as a kid.

21:30 - Damn. This episode is creepy.

21:45 - First clue that this is a dream - Malcolm says “we” but he’s alone. 

21:57 - ...are Nuns allowed to paint their nails? #GenuineQuestion

22:14 - Not going to lie. This made me cry. I relate to Malcolm so damn much here. I’ve had a severe anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember (seriously I saw my first therapist - against my will - at the age of 4). I’ve also had chronic depression for almost as long. AND I’m a christian. I can’t tell you how many times other christians have told me to “cast my worries on the Lord” and “be free” of my pain. Or that I don’t really believe in God because I’m still suffering so visibly. The problem is - I don’t know if I want to be free. I’ve had these issues so long that I’m genuinely not sure who I’d be without them. It’s how I define myself. It affects every aspect of my personality. I feel like Malcolm might feel the same way - he doesn’t want to suffer anymore but he’s afraid of finding out who he is without the pain. 

22:17 - Okay. So there’s Gil’s voice. So Gil+ Malcolm = “we”. As though I’m supposed to believe that Gil would split up with Malcolm when they’re looking for a nun, who isn’t even a suspect, at a church. Nah. I don’t buy it. This is clearly a dream. 

22:30 - “You have to tell them what you did.”...and then we see the knife. Does this mean Malcolm is slowly convincing himself that he killed Endicott. Not Ainsley? Either way - I agree with nightmare-Ainsley. The team loves Malcolm but they’re also detectives. They’ll figure out what happened. And when they do - yikes. 

22:46 - I hate this. All season suspects have been calling Malcolm evil. Martin has been calling Malcolm a “hero”. Malcolm’s guilt is eating him alive. Simultaneously, the people who are supposed to trust and care about him (Dani, Gil, the precinct, Jessica) have all shown signs of doubting him. Dani alone has pointed a gun at Malcolm’s head. Now she’s wearing body armour? AND LOOK AT THE OTHER COPS. THEY ALL HAVE THEIR HANDS ON THEIR GUNS AS THOUGH MALCOLM IS A CRIMINAL. A THREAT. DANGEROUS. This is very bad for Malcolm’s mental health......God, the whump-whore in me hopes he has a major panic attack or something this season. 

23:23 - I love this scene. This is the papa!Gil content I’m here for. 

23:51 - JT expressing fear and concern for his unborn child makes my heart grow several sizes. Look at his puppy dog eyes here? Ugh. So precious. This whole JT arc is heartbreaking and beautiful. I love it.

24:15 - Sooooo JT knows about Jessica right? He’s a detective and a husband. He so knows. hahaha this is so cute. 

24:19 - Gil. You. Are. A. Liar......and you’ve been really grumpy this episode but I’m going to forgive you because I love you. 

24:28 - GIL. You’ve waited 20 years. How much longer can you wait for Jessica?!?!

24:35 - Maybe JT didn’t know? At least - not until Gil rambled on about waiting? JT looks like he just connected all the dots and he’s super uncomfortable.

24:43 -...... so she verbally attacks him all episode then drives him home and acts like she did toward Malcolm by mid-season 1? I’m getting whiplash. 

25:18 - This scene is so cute. They actually made the real life version of heart-eyes at each other. And Malcolm pours her a glass of water. Because 1) she’s driving and 2) she’s a recovering addict. He’s so casually respectful and I love it. 

25:28 - “Are you any different?” Ouch. Look at how hurt Malcolm is. :( Although, props to Dani for confronting him about it. Someone needed to and she’s being really calm and caring about it. 

26:10 - Dani’s little speech about being a black woman feels a little forced? Like the writers put it in so she doesn’t feel left out compared to JT? Idk, the whole thing just seemed not quite believable. Probably because when JT was racially profiled Dani - a black woman - pulled out her badge and all the white cops listened to her. It just doesn’t track. They wouldn’t have listened to her if they were racist and bold enough to attack JT in the first place.

26:47 - Anyone else think that all those lit candles are a fire hazard? Just me? Cool cool cool. 

 27:21 - Yo. This is stupid. I understand why this happened - because the plot needed it to happen. BUT WHY DID ALL THREE ARMED COPS LEAVE THREE UNARMED PEOPLE ALONE?!? And when does a team of 4 split into a group of 3 and 1??! It makes no logical sense (except for plot purposes).

28:03 - Creepy. 

28:30 - Oh. HELL no. This is absolute bs. My entire heart is breaking for JT.

29:05 - I really like how chill this Priest is. Like - he respects that Malcolm’s a disbeliever and he’s willing to talk to him without trying to convert him. 

29:55 - Listen to how upset JT sounds here!! :( :( :( My heart. :( 

30:08 - Ok so how did she end up tied in the closet and not murdered? 

30:40 - ....so did Jonah ruin that painting while Sister Agnes was in the closet or is the Sister just a moron who didn’t say anything about the guy ruining the painting?!?

30:50 - Sooooo Jonah is an “expert”. He taught Sister Agnes how to safely handle the lead-based paint. Yet - he didn’t use the protection? We saw him with a gas mask at the beginning of the episode? Did the sister not notice that he wasn’t using the protection? So much of this doesn’t track. Thankfully, I don’t watch this show for the “murder of the week” plot line.

31:30 - Malcolm is a good dude. Even now. He’s trying to help Jonah. <3 Heart of gold. 

32:25 - Martin - shut. up. 

32:45 - Friar Pete is a creepy treasure. I love him. 

33:24 - “Oh you’ve gotta be kidding.” hahaha I feel you Malcolm. I feel you. 

33:34 - Not gonna lie - when I watched this the first time all I could think is “How the eff does Malcolm remember everything Pete just said?” Maybe it’s just me but I would need Pete to go 1-2 words at a time. And slowly. ....maybe Malcolm took Latin in school? 

24:06 - Oh so all the killers this season are also going to accuse Malcolm of being a killer and/or evil. 

34:40 - Damn. I wish the team walked in right as Malcolm was screaming “the power of Christ compels you!!!”.

35:15 - I. Love. This. Gil screaming on the phone is everything. Him going to bat for JT is everything. Malcolm saying “This is bad”?!? *chef’s kiss*. ISTG Malcolm’s been scolded by Gil when Gil is that mad at some point during his teen years. 

35:53 - “I’ll take care of it.” JT. Is. My. Hero. What an absolute king. He’s going to take care of it, even though he’s terrified, because he needs to protect his family. Not just Tally and the baby. But little sister Dani too. <3 My heart is full. 

36:11 - ....okay so not to ruin a totally beautiful and profound scene but every time I’ve watched this scene JT doing that lean into the wall is very weird to me. Because he turns to face the camera. If he just slid down the wall or just leaned his head against the wall - it wouldn’t have felt so strange. It honestly distracts me from the scene. Every. Time. 

36:18 - This is hot garbage. I don’t even want to rewatch this scene because it makes me so upset. 

37:51 - I understand where Jessica is coming from but I also think she’s being a moron. I will say though, I respect the hell out of Gil for walking away when asked. A lot of men wouldn’t but he respects Jessica even if he doesn’t like what he’s hearing. So he left because she asked him to. 

39:00 - If this isn’t a red flag for Jessica about Ainsley’s mental health idk what is. 

39:25 - Poor Malcolm looks like he’s on the verge of tears here. :( I’m genuinely scared that Malcolm is becoming suicidal. He’s reaching the level of depressed and guilt where I think it’s a possibility. I genuinely think he’d rather kill himself to stop his guilt and suffering than to admit it to Gil, Jessica, JT, or Dani. ...for legal reasons he definitely can’t tell Gabrielle. 

40:00 - Sooooo Martin is finally suggesting that it was his idea to dispose of the body. I hope it’s the truth. 

40:05 - Martin is a piece of trash. He really needs to stop playing with Malcolm’s head. It’s literally killing Malcolm. 

40:50 - Oh. SHIT. Malcolm just clapped back hard. I am so so proud of him. ...also concerned about this deep anger in him though.

 41:46 - I swear - if we don’t get a Gil and Martin face-off when Martin breaks out, I will lose my mind. It’s one of the top things I want from this show. A Martin+Gil showdown. 

Ok. So I kind of loved this episode? Even though there were...many plot holes and things that annoyed me about it. Is it just me or has this season felt much darker than last season so far? It makes sense given last season’s finale but it’s still thrown me a bit. 

BUT I CAN NOT WAIT FOR 2x3. That promo. Ugh. <3 <3 We’re going to get traumatized teen!Malcolm content and I’m a sick bastard who is living for it. 

#jess-rewatches-prodigal #malcolm bright #prodigal son #gil arroyo #dani powell #JT Tarmel #ainsley whitly #martin whitly #edrisa tanaka #jessica whitly #I LOVE this show #whump #rewatch #spoliers #malcolm needs a hug #ps #so good #2x02 #2x2 #speak of the devil #s2

[coffee-obsessed-writer]

The Pact - Part 6

Sam Winchester x Crowley’s Daughter!Reader

Gothic AU

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

A/N: This idea was a long time coming. My first true AU, so please be gentle. This will be a slow burn, multi-chapter fic.

A big big thank you to my bestie @kazosa for not only keeping on me to write more of this story, but also for being my beta, my cheerleader, and all around amazing human.

WC: 5K

Series Summary: Lord Samuel Winchester has lost the love of his life due to the actions of the Demon King, Crowley. As he plots secret revenge, his father, the King of Lawrence, decrees that Sam will wed Crowley’s daughter in order to unite the two families to protect the sacred ground the Winchester’s Kingdom is built upon.

Pairing: Sam Winchester x Crowley’s Daughter!Reader

Other Players: John Winchester, Crowley, Rowena, Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer, Jessica Moore (deceased)

Series Warnings: 18+ only, mild language, violence, implied smut

The sun rose over Lawrence on a typical Tuesday morning. A familiar sound woke Sam, something he heard every Tuesday morning--the melody of the tower bells summoning the Winchester guard to court. Normally, they didn’t ring until later in the morning, but their early clanging roused a reluctant Sam from a deep, painless slumber. 

When his eyes finally fluttered fully open, he slowly rolled his head to the side, knowing he’d see her there, but this morning was different than any other before it; this morning, she would wake up and truly be his wife. His mind recalled the night before, and into the early hours of that morning, rolling around on the floor, making love to the woman he was supposed to despise. The corner of his mouth twitched into an awkward smile as he thought about how she moved her body with his, how she opened up and let him take her. There was a manner of uncontrolled passion that erupted between them, and even then, he was getting hard thinking about it. 

The bells rang again, along with the Horn of Gabriel, a much deeper tone that stood out over the sound of the melodic chimes. Sam furrowed his brow, knowing this meant for the guard to assemble quickly. He wondered if there was news from the front lines… from Dean. He looked at his sleeping bride with a last longing look, taking special notice of how her hair spilled out on the pillow around her. Resisting the urge to brush a finger against her cheek, he threw off the covers and didn’t think of his hip once as he put his feet on the floor and moved about his chambers to dress for the day. 

Just as Sam fastened the last button on his shirt, he heard (Y/N) stirring from behind him. 

“Samuel?” she spoke, half asked in a low, sleepy tone. “Where… it’s so early.” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and pulled the blanket up to her collarbone, covering her naked breasts. 

“Rest,” he tutted. “It is early. I need to go to court, the bells are calling the guard. I’m going to check it out, but you can go back to sleep.”

“No,” she said and sat up further in the bed. “I’ll go with you, we should present a united front.”

“I appreciate that, (Y/N), but your presence there would be questioned, even by my father. I promise to take it all in and report back.” Sam sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand for a moment before he spoke. “I’m not trying to leave you out, I swear. I just--”

“It’s fine, Sam. I understand. I just wanted to be there to support you. Dealing with your father can’t be easy.”

“Since he has seen us playing along with whatever their plan is, he’s been surprisingly pleasant,” Sam said, a small tinge of sarcasm coating his tone.

“Well, he’s getting what he wants. Of course he’s going to be kind.” She paused and gave his hand a little squeeze in return. “Sam, about last night. I--”

A deep, penetrating knock rapped at the door, interrupting her and causing both their heads to snap around. Their eyes met in a questioning glance before Sam released her hand and walked towards the door. 

“Sam!” She whispered hoarsely but sharp to gain his attention. “Your cane… appearances and all that.”

“Good thinking,” he said, half embarrassed that he hadn’t thought of that. He scooped up the now unneeded crutch and went to open the chamber door.

As he pulled it open, a member of the Winchester Guard was standing at full attention. 

“My Lord, your father, the King, requires your immediate attention. He needs you to come to the War Room without delay,” the guard rambled quickly, causing Sam to shake his head and lend a soft smile at the man.

“Slow down… what’s wrong? Why are the Court bells ringing so early?”

“Please, Lord Winchester, your father… he--” 

Sam could see the unsettled look in the guardsman’s face and knew that something was definitely happening. He drew in a steading breath and patted the man on his ironclad shoulder.

“Let me finish dressing. Something tells me I need to be prepared for anything,” Sam said more to himself than to the guard. 

“I would say that’s an accurate assessment,” the guardsman replied in the same manner, but Sam could hear the slight tremble in his words before he closed the door, blocking the man’s view into their chambers. 

Sam leaned his cane near the entry, this way he wouldn’t forget it on the way out. He then made a mental note that he would also have to remember to add his now healed limp back into his entrance to the War Room. His mind began to race at what could be so urgent. It must be about Purgatory, as that was all his father had been concerned about lately. Well, that, and Sam’s ability to produce an heir.

Sighing deeply Sam sat on the edge of the bed and studied (Y/N)’s face as she did the same to him. 

“You’re very troubled, husband. What could possibly be so dire that you have to run to Court at the very minute of daybreak?”

“I don’t know,” he replied, still buried in thought and growing concern. “But I plan on finding out. For now, I think you should stay here. Don’t wander today.”

“Okay, if you think that’s for the best.”

Sam’s head snapped up when she agreed so easily. “What? No fight from the Mistress Macleod? I’m shocked.”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and crawled out from beneath the covers, either unaware or unphased by her vulnerable nudity and positioned herself right beside him. “I’m a Winchester now, remember? And if my Lord husband asks me to do something because he thinks it's best, then I shall grant his wish.”

Sam’s dimpled smile lit up his face, knowing that she was being half truthful and half sarcastically playful. The urgency to leave for the inevitable meeting with the King his guardsman loomed over him, but he was having difficulty pulling away from her and leaving her alone in the bed they just shared. He allowed himself his own moment of vulnerability and let his fingers slowly wander up the silky flesh of her arm, tracing his finger across her collarbone and up to her cheek.

“Thank you.” His voice was rough and low, but she didn’t pay it any mind. Instead, she placed her delicate hand against his stubbled cheek. 

“Go, before he sends another Guard rapping,” (Y/N) chuckled, then leaned forward and kissed his lips tentatively. Sam returned her kiss and knew that if he didn’t stop then, his father would quickly be forgotten and he would be tangled up in her all over again. 

With a grunt of frustration, Sam stood from the bed and grabbed his coat from the back of the chair by the fireplace. He could still feel the heat of the fire from the night before and smiled at the memory of how they enjoyed it for the entire night. One last look back at the woman now laying in his bed, and he left the chambers to see what fresh Hell awaited him in the War Room.

Every step towards the War Room, Sam could feel his nerves growing and vibrating beneath his skin. The tension was buzzing so loudly in his head, he was having trouble streamlining his thoughts. Luckily he had remembered to grab his cane on the way out, but halfway towards his destination, it finally registered that he needed to add in his now gone limp. By the time he reached the hulking wooden door that led to whatever awful things awaited, he was back in the habit of babying his hip; but not because he physically needed too, whatever (Y/N) had done the night before was holding strong and then some.

Drawing in one long, deep breath, Sam pushed the doors open and used his sharp eyes to survey the room the second he stepped in. To the left were his father’s top advisors, including Bobby and Pastor Jim from the Church of Lawrence. To the right of the room were a dozen or so of the Winchester Guard, standing at attention and waiting for any order the King may decree. In the middle of the room, the ancient table that mapped out the lands for hundreds of miles--including the Elven Woods and the entrances to Purgatory--was set with various pieces representing the Winchester’s army and their current battle plans. Sam noticed another set of pawns added to the table. They were black forms dotted with bright spots of bright crimson. Sam’s gut took a dive as he realized those markers belonged to Crowley’s army of demons. 

Looking up, Sam finally noticed his father’s form standing in front of the raging fire, whose snap and crackle was the loudest sound in the room. John was free of his usual Royal garb, and instead dressed in a simple pair of denim pants and black long sleeved shirt. One arm was stretched all the way out, leaning against the stone mantle, while the other hand was pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“Dad,” Sam spoke tentatively, carefully studying his father’s slumped shoulders and lowered head, “what’s going on? Why are you calling court so early?”

John stood motionless for what felt like an eternity. When he finally turned and met his youngest son’s eyes, Sam was taken aback by what he saw in them. The normally stoic, no nonsense King of Lawrence, had wet cheeks and red-rimmed eyes that made him look as though he had been crying. 

Sam’s gut swelled with sickness, as he considered what could be so bad that it would cause his father to show such a surge of emotion in front of anyone, much less the highest ranking members of his Kingdom. Words were stuck in his throat as he continued to stare at John, unable to force anything more than a trembling breath to expel from between his lips.

“Samuel…” John’s rough voice finally broke through the silence of the room. “I have news from the front lines.” He paused and stood tall, lengthening himself to full height, but still not as tall as the son he was staring down. “It’s your brother, he--”

“Dean? Is he okay? Is he… dead?”

John opened his mouth to speak, but another voice chimed in before the King could answer. 

“Come on Sammy, you think I’m gonna let a few Purgatory sonsofbitches take me out?”

Sam whirled around on one heel quickly, a move that would have certainly left him in agonizing pain before (Y/N)’s treatment. He didn’t even think of it, because the voice belonged to his brother, who was now standing right behind him. 

“What? No hello for your big brother?”

“Dean,” Sam breathed with a relief sigh, “You’re alive!”

Sam was stunned to see Dean. Speechless, he stared at his brother, trying to convince himself that what he was seeing was real, and not some fever dream. Bruised and battered, Dean stood before his younger brother, his patented smart ass smile plastered across his face and his arms outstretched, palms up, and shaking his head. “Well of course I am. Damn, it's like you have zero faith in me... Bitch.”

“Jerk,” Sam snorted and rolled his eyes and took the last few steps to embrace his brother. Dean didn’t hold back and hugged Sam just as tightly, smacking his back to accentuate his joy at their reunion. When they finally parted, they gave one final nod of acknowledgement; they’re way of saying, ‘yeah, I’m okay’ without having to actually say it. 

“Dean’s return from the front lines is certainly cause for celebration, don’t you think?” John said loud enough to capture the attention of the room. “And now that Samuel is married, on the way to producing an heir, both my sons are on track to fulfil their destinies. If that isn’t a good enough reason to call an early Court, I don’t know what is.”

Sam watched John’s face transform into a grin, but he could feel no genuine happiness radiating from it. There was something else behind his King’s mask that Sam could feel instead… guilt, fear, regret… he wasn’t sure he could pinpoint it, but he knew that his father was hiding something. 

“I called this early court because I wanted to discuss a few things before we got down to real business. There is to be a big celebration--”

“Celebration?” Bobby interjected from the shadows. He stepped into view and adjusted his cap nervously. “I don’t mean to barge in here, but, John… c’mon. Now is not the time--”

“Bobby, please. There has been so much blight and pain in the last few years,” John said, then paused to adjust the hint of a smile to appear more heavy than happy. “With Sam’s marriage, and Dean’s return, I think it's appropriate to let the people rejoice for once instead of mourning their loved ones who don’t come home.”

The room fell completely silent. Sam watched as his father starred down the old Maester, and could feel the tension fill the air. Bobby flicked a quick glance Sam’s way--only the briefest of looks--but Sam knew exactly what it meant. 

Tread easy boy...

Sam cleared his throat. “I think a celebration is in order,” he agreed, then paused before continuing. Sam was trying to appear diplomatic and act in accordance with his father’s wishes. He didn’t feel a party of any kind was proper, but, if he could find a way to use this to his advantage, he would do what he had to. “I mean, it's not every day my brother returns in one piece. And my wedding wasn’t exactly the happiest of occasions. Now that some time has passed and (Y/N) and I are embracing our commitment, I think a party is a great idea.”

“I’m surprised at you, Sammy,” John snorted. “I thought you, of all people, would be fighting me.”

“No dad, I’m done fighting you. I am here to fulfil my duties and take on the role you need me to take on. Just like Dean did in Purgatory…” 

Murmurs of agreement began to radiate from the guardsman that had gathered. Sam noticed John’s demeanor change, and could feel how rigid the King had quickly become. He knew he could leave it there, just agree with John and let it go. But something in his gut told him to push it further, twist this to his favor… 

Sam grinned knowingly at John, which seemed to throw the King off even more. 

“For the return of my brother. For the joining of Winchester and Crowley lineage--” Sam heard Dean audibly react to the name Crowley, but Sam didn’t chance a look back. Instead, he held John’s dark eyes and twitched another satisfied smirk. “--and for the battles we are fighting in Purgatory against Eve’s most terrifying monsters. Like my father said, it's time to raise a goblet in good cheer, instead of in mourning. So, let’s throw a feast and raise a cup of ale to ‘We, the Hunters and Protectors of Lawrence’! To all of us, those who fight and those who WILL win the fight every day that it rages on!”

The Winchester Guardsman in the room erupted into shouts and cheers just as Sam had hoped they would. The King’s grin expanded, showing off his deeply dimpled cheeks and his perfect teeth. Yet when Sam watched him, he saw nothing but contempt in his father’s eyes. 

“All right, all right…” John said in an authoritative, deep voice that immediately quieted the room. “There are still matters to discuss at hand. Yes, we can celebrate, but first, we must strategize. I need to speak with Bobby and Pastor Jim. We will reconvene later to hear what Dean has brought us from the front lines.” John paused from addressing the room and turned to Sam. “Sam, for now, why don’t you take Dean to meet your lovely bride. It’s only right he meets the newest member of our family.”

Sam turned to Dean, who nodded swiftly. “I think that’s a great idea. Would love a chance to catch up with my little brother here, and his new wife. Did I hear correctly… she’s a Crowley?”

“Macleod, actually,” Sam corrected. “But yes, let’s leave the King to his business. You and I have some catching up to do.”

“Dude,” Dean rasped and swiped a smack to the back of Sam’s head. “You married a Crowley?! What the HELL were you thinking?!”

“Dean, relax. First of all, it wasn’t my idea. This was all dad,” Sam scoffed as he walked slowly through the maze of stone corridors leading to his chambers. “Trust me, I was NOT on board at first. I fought dad on this tooth and nail.”

“But yet…” Dean huffed as his arms animatedly waved in front of him, as if he was calling someone safe a home plate. 

“Look…” Sam turned and made sure Dean stopped before crashing into him. “I hear you, okay? Don’t think for a second that I went along with this easily.”

“So why did you go along with it at all? He got you brainwashed?”

“No, I just realized that maybe he wasn’t entirely wrong.”

Dean choked on whatever words he wanted to say and just stared at his little brother. 

“Also,” Sam started then turned and kept moving towards his room, “She’s not a Crowley. Crowley is… Crowley. (Y/N) is Crowley’s daughter.”

“Oh, well, that makes it sooo much better,” Dean rolled his eyes and grabbed Sam’s shoulder to make him stop walking. 

“Dude, stop for one second… please, explain this to me. How did this happen?”

“Dad told me it was up to me to produce an heir. Your place was on the front lines. Since I am the resident gimp and can no longer fight, my role is to make him a grandpa.” His tone oozed contempt. “Apparently him and Crowley made some sort of deal. We bind our two families by marriage, have a child, and dad gets reinforcements of Crowley’s minions at the front lines of Purgatory.”

Dean snorted a sarcastic laugh. “Right, because demon deals always work in our favor.”

Sam shrugged unsure of how to answer him. Dean was right, demon deals never ended well for the Winchesters. They had centuries of family history donning the castle walls proving that. He turned to start walking again, but once again, Dean made him stop.

Sam could see the shift of Dean’s focus was going somewhere else, so he didn’t argue. Instead, he waited for his older brother to arrive at whatever point he was trying to get too.

“Let me get this straight, because none of this makes sense. Dad wants you to produce an heir with a blood relative to the King of Hell?” 

“I know, it seems insane.”

“No, what’s insane, Sam, is that you agreed to it in the first place. Why would you say yes to that? Especially since Crowley is the one who killed Jes--”

“Dean!” Sam barked, loud and with enough assertiveness to make Dean slightly recoil. “I know. Okay, I get it. Maybe it will turn out to be the worst choice I could have made. But when I agreed to it, I had a plan. I was going to kill her to get back at Crowley. Take the life of his daughter as revenge for Jess.”

“Okay… and? Apparently she’s still alive, so what’s stopping you?””

“The plan has since changed. (Y/N) isn’t who I thought she would be. Dean… she’s…”

“Oh God…” Dean buried his face in his palms. “Sammy, don’t… don’t tell me you already knocked her up.”

“No!” Sam 

“Ok, good. Because the last thing I need to worry about while slaughtering vamps and ghouls is you playing house with a literal demon spawn.”

“Just meet her, okay. She’s… different.”

“Oh, you mean her eyes don’t glow red and her body isn’t filled with black smoke?”

“No, they don’t. She’s human, Dean. She’s not a demon. She’s human. Though, she’s got some serious knowledge when it comes to magic.”

“Magic? Like… magic, magic?”

Sam nodded and desperately wanted to back up his words by showing his brother how (Y/N) had healed his hip. Instead, he decided to wait. Dean would need more than that if he was to be convinced that (Y/N) was on the level.

“Man, I go away for a year and all Hell breaks loose, literally. So what is the real plan here, Sammy? Because even if the girl is legit, you agreeing with dad leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

“Dean, just breathe, okay? I promise you, it will all be okay.”

Once Sam left for the War Room, you laid back against the pillows and drew the blankets up to your chin. Fighting the smile that tugged at the corner of your mouth, you closed your eyes and couldn’t help but think about the night before, spent tangled up with your new husband in the tapestries and sheets. He was an amazing lover; from the moment he had first kissed you, until the moment you fell asleep, he attended to every part of your flesh with a gentle, yet fierce longing you didn’t know could exist. 

Not one part of you wanted to want him. In fact the internal struggle that raged between your head and heart was raucous and frustrating. As you lay there with your eyes shut, your hand went to the place between your breasts where the vial of potion normally rested. It was when your hand felt nothing there but your own soft flesh, that you sat up quickly and with force. Panicked, you began to remember more details from the night before. 

In the recklessness of tearing at what remained of each other’s clothing, the vial on the thin cord must have been removed and tossed aside. You had a vague memory of realizing it the night before, but you had been too punch drunk and lustful in Samuel’s arms to do much about it then. 

Kicking off the covers, grabbing at the robe that lay across the back of the chair, you threw it around loosely and fell to the floor in search of the vial. As you frantically searched the room, your fears were starting to grow that Sam would find it, and you would have to explain… too much. Suddenly fear struck you that he would think you used it on him; that the night you two had spent together was contrived and manipulated as part of your plan. Truth is, that is exactly what it had been for, but there was no need for it. You and Sam found your way to each other naturally and coming to terms with the fact that you didn’t hate it, was something else entirely.

Before you could begin to process that feeling, you had to find the vial. Rooting around on the thick shag throw rug and coming up empty, you moved to under the bed, silently praying you would find it easily. Minutes were passing as if you had all the time in the world, and still the vial seemed to have disappeared. Even in the mess of clothing strewn around the room, there wasn’t a trace of it. 

Another panicked thought hit... Sam would be back soon. Too much time had passed now, and you weren’t dressed. If he arrived and found you still half nude in your robe, hair a mess and frazzled, an explanation would be necessary. Nothing that you could say would sound convincing, especially with the bond you two had been forming over plotting against your fathers. Sighing in relent, you got up off the floor and went to the chest where you kept your clothing and personal effects to choose something to wear for the day. 

Not too long after putting the finishing touches on yourself, you heard the rumble of the chamber door begin to open. You drew in a steadying breath and turned from your reflection in the ornate wall-hung mirror, to greet your husband. Opening your mouth to speak, you were immediately silenced when you saw that Sam wasn’t alone.

“(Y/N),” he said, a hint of a secret smile on his face as he reached out to take your hand, pulling you towards them both, “my brother has returned from Purgatory. Dean,” he stepped aside so Dean could come forward, “this is my wife, (Y/N).”

Seeing the much-storied Dean Winchester in the flesh was a shock. He must have been the reason the bells were ringing so early on a Tuesday; the joyous news of his return must be making its way through the city by now. 

“Wow,” you breathed “It’s wonderful to have you home, My Lord.” You bowed your head and gave the slightest curtsy, unsure of the proper greeting, but not wanting to offend. 

“Is this chick for real?” Dean asked in a semi-hushed tone while elbowing Sam in the ribs.

“Shut up,” Sam bit back and shook his head with a snort. “(Y/N), it’s okay, you can drop formalities in front of my brother. He would rather go back to the depths of Purgatory then be called My Lord.”

“I dunno, kinda has a nice ring to it,” Dean quipped, very amused with himself until he caught sight of his brother’s eye roll. “Fine,” he said, and turned his attention back to you. “Nice to meet you, (Y/N), I’ve heard absolutely nothing about you, so I am sure you will have no trouble living up to the hype.” He flashed Sam another distrustful glance then looked back at you again. 

This time though, you could feel the older Winchester brother’s scrutiny as it traveled down your body from your hair to your toes. He examined you quietly as if looking for the marker that would clue him into exactly who you were. Something about the way his green eyes watching you with such distrust made you nervous, as if he could see straight through you and know every thought that staggered through your mind.

“I’m happy to see you home in one piece, Dean. Sam has been very worried for your safety,” you said, trying to keep the nerves in your voice to a minimum. 

Dean gave a half-hearted smile. “Well, he wouldn’t be Sammy if he wasn’t worrying about me.”

“And I suppose you worry about him the same.”

“I do. Which is why, if you try anything to hurt him, I can promise you they will never find your remai--”

“Dean!” Sam’s demeanor and tone said all his brother needed to hear. 

“Alright, I get it. I don’t know you and I am already being a dick. What can I say, its who I am.”

“I would have you no other way,” you said, returning his half-assed smile. “I can promise you that I am nothing like my father. Crowley is an evil man with evil intentions, who sold me off to his enemy to be a broodmare. He thought I would be miserable, pained… angry. Yet, I take great pleasure in the fact that his plan has so far backfired, and I’ve come to find a wonderful, loving man in your brother. Sure, we had our issues, but I think we are of the same mindset.”

“Meaning?” Dean asked, crossing his arms over his chest and watching you carefully.

“Meaning… neither of us what to help fulfil whatever crap our fathers are plotting. Instead, we want to stop them. End the War. Bring everyone home.”

DEan scoffed. “End the War? Sweetheart, that war is just getting started. Nothing can end it, not even Eve’s monsters killing every last Hunter and Winchester to walk this Earth.”

“We have to try,” Sam spoke up, holding eyes with his brother, then glancing your way. 

“And somehow having a kid is part of that?”

“It's what our fathers want,” you replied and shrugged. “I have no desire to be a mother. I didn’t even know my own. And, my grandmother, as much as she has taught me, wasn’t exactly a stellar role model.”

“So why the push towards family planning?”

Sam shrugged. “That’s what we are trying to figure out.”

Dean got quiet and began to slowly pace around the room. His hand thoughtfully rubbed at his mouth and down his chin. He didn’t look at you or Sam at all, but kept his focus on the floor in front of him. After a few moments, he stopped in his tracks and shook his head, as if to clear its thoughts.

“Could that be what they are doing?” he whispered as a question, but Sam wasn’t sure if it was directed to him or if Dean was talking to himself. “God I hope that’s not what she was talking about…” he trailed off, clearing not speaking to Sam now. 

“Dean? What are you talking about?” Sam asked. 

If Dean heard his question, he ignored it. He shook his head and cleared his throat. “Can’t be… John would never…”

“Dean… dad would never, what?”

Dean’s piercing green eyes met with Sam’s then slowly made their way to you. “Sammy, I don’t… the things I heard on the battlefield… I doubt they’re true. But, still.”

“What is it, Dean?” Sam asked, both his impatience and temper starting to rise. “Tell me!”

“I think Dad and Crowley want to sacrifice your child to Eve.”

Series Tags: @theplaid-wearingmoose / @zombiewerewolfqueen / @silkiechicken / @collette04 / @katiecurls75 / @death-unbecomes-you / @colie87 / @roxytheimmortal / @klanceiscannon14 / @voltage-my2dlove /  @flamencodiva / @xhannahbananax03

Sam Winchester:  @buckyscrystalqueen / @unabashedsoul97

SPN (all): @wings-of-a-raven / @negans-wife / @kazosa / @deans-baby-momma / @hobby27 / @breereadsthings / @maddiepants / @sorenmarie87 / @screechingartisancashbailiff / @winchesterxfamilybusiness / @spnhollis / @unlikelygalaxyiver / @linki-locks11 / @stoneyggirl / @clarinette07 / @lefthologramdeer / @destielhoneybee / @faughnphotography / @katehuntington / @81mysteriouslyme / @mrswhozeewhatsis / @deathofmissjackson / @lauravic / @akshi8278 / @rebelminxy / @idreamofplaid / @fictionalabyss / @blackcherrywhiskey / @his-paradox​ / @closetspngirl​

All Tag Lists are open! If you want to jump on any of these lists, send me an ask with your choice and I will happily add you!

#Sam winchester x you #sam winchester x y/n #sam winchester AU #Sam winchester x reader #Crowley's daughter #SPN AU #Gothic AU #The Pact Part 6 #The Pact

[notgonnarememberthis]

Through the Valley - Chapter 3

Hello!!! So how are we feeling after that finale hm?? I couldn't help myself and threw this chapter together as soon as it ended. Sorry this update took so long! Between graduation and moving I've been super busy. But I am home now and hopefully I can get the next one out soon! Enjoy!!

The woman looks absolutely grief stricken. Almost unrecognizable from the socialite with the biting comebacks and haughty smile, with perfectly coiffed curls she loved to throw over her shoulder when she knew she landed a punch in a sensitive spot.

God she loathed this woman.

But this, this isn’t that woman.

Jessica pulls Cricket by the shoulders, being sure to avoid the crimson stain. It’s not hers, with that much on her she’d be unconscious if not dead. “Did anyone see you?” Her voice comes out thicker than she intends, though how the hell is she supposed to explain a bloody woman showing up at her door to Gil? Least of all when she knows nothing about the situation herself.

“What? No. No, I didn’t see anyone.” Jessica breathes a little easier then. “I didn’t know where else to go.”

“What happened?”

“Robert, he-”

“Robert?” She remembers her husband, but only in passing. The man liked to smoke cigars and drink with the men. The ones that were gruff and brutal and reminded her too much of her father that it often left a sour taste in her mouth when one would saunter over, pretending to be interested in anything but her money. Well, before Martin at least. She shakes his name out of her mind. “Is he hurt?”

“No!” Jessica bites her tongue at the growing frustration. “He-” And then it clicks for her. The wild, frightened look in her eyes. The desperation, begging to be told it wasn’t true, that this was just a dream. The shaking fingers, clutching to anything solid enough to hold her upright, that just happened to be Jessica’s blouse.

“Did he hurt someone?”

Cricket swallows but nods. “He didn’t, or I don’t think he knew I was home. There was supposed to be a gala. He was yelling. And the man he begged him- And then he shot him. He didn’t even stay to see if he- I tried to stop the bleeding. I tried.”

“Why did you come here? Why not go to the police?”

“Robert… He has this book. He’s always guarded it with everything he has. I thought it was a call book, god forbid. It had names, but not just women.”

“I’m confused.”

“He had Nicolas Endicott scratched out. I thought, maybe he was a business partner is all, but with what he had done coming all out now I thought-” She shakes her head. “And then I saw Martin Whitly. And I knew.”

“Martin?”

“His name was in the book. The names, I think they’re all killers.”

The thought sounds absurd at first, then she remembers John Watkins. His taunts of how long he’d known her son. How long this man, this killer, had been in their lives and she’d never even known. She thought he was some imaginary friend. He’d hardly be the only one. A network of killers.

All tied to Martin.

All tied to them.

She swallows the bile that builds in the back of her throat. “You can stay here tonight.”

“That’s it?”

“Hardly.” She huffs. “Go to the guest bedroom, second door on the left and take a shower. Throw your shirt in the trash. I’ll take care of it. I will bring you clothes, I should have something of Ainsley’s old clothes that would fit. I have some calls to make.” Once the woman’s off her hands hover over the call button. Her mind wracks for a few seconds. If she calls Gil, this could go horribly. That book would be destroyed long before the police could even touch it. All the names would be gone. Burned up with smoke.

Just like-

No. 

She dials a different number. “Hello, it’s Jessica Whitly. I need a favor.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jessica paces back and forth in the living room. Cricket’s eyes follow her with every anxious step. She should have gotten something, anything an hour ago. At least the news should have hit by now. All they needed was a tip of where the body was, a description of Robert Van de Camp being the last one at the scene. It would be enough for a warrant. Enough to find-

A pounding on the door makes her jump, that knock signifies one person. She shoves Cricket into the next room shutting the door behind her just as Malcolm strides in. “Mother, I have a question for you.”

“Good morning!” She mocks in a gruff tone, “Oh good morning to you too Sunshine, I do hope you slept well last night.” She throws her head to the side in the same evasive way she’s seen him do hundreds of times. “Oh, you know. Night terror here, waking up screaming there. The usual.” “Please tell me you’re talking about your night terrors to Gabrielle, she’s supposed to help you know.”

“Mother-”

“Mother-” They speak at the same time and she just tilts her head at him and he sighs with defeat.

“Good morning. Happy?”

“Quite. Now, what did you need?”

“Do you remember Robert Van de Camp?” Her hand slips on the glass she was cradling making it land with a loud clang, tipping precariously before she carefully balances it on the table again. 

“Sorry, slipped.” She clears her throat. “Yes, I remember him.”

“What do you know about him?”

“Did something happen?” Her eyes flutter to the door where Cricket is no doubt listening. She just hopes she has some sense and stays put. “What happened?”

“An employee of his turned up dead this morning. Van de Camp was the last one to see him alive.” Accurate, but wrong one. Relief floods her chest that the plan had gone well. All he needs now is a warrant. “We spoke to Cricket this morning and-”

Her head peaks up at that. “You spoke to Cricket?” Where the hell did the woman get a phone? She didn’t even see her carry it in.

“Yeah?” He shrugs off the outburst but continues. “She didn’t know anything. Claimed she was at a gala all night.” 

“The Johnson foundation?”

“I think. But it doesn’t matter, the others aren’t convinced he had anything to do with it. Even if he did, he’s completely fallen off the grid. There’s no call logs, no money trail, it’s like he fell off the earth.” 

“Well that’s not shocking in the slightest. Any bad press sends cowards running.” Malcolm rolls his eyes but she watches his lip twitch. Good, she’s keeping up appearances then. “Even if you find him, he’ll have the best lawyers in New York on his side. You’ll need more than my opinion on the man.”

“That’s why I was hoping you’d give me something more concrete.”

“I’m sorry, I only knew him in passing. He seemed like any other rich man. Cigars, cocaine, and younger women. That’s all I’ve heard him talk about.” Malcolm sighs.

“I just.” She watches as his hand shakes and she reaches for him, but he snatches himself away. “Sorry.” He winces recognizing the hurt in her expression before she can say anything. “I have a bad feeling about this. If we can’t get him quick-”

“You think he’ll get away with this?” Jessica leans against the bar cart, intentionally pushing a little too hard so it scrapes noisily against the floor. The sound covers up any potential noise coming from the other side of the door. A gasp, a sob. Anything small, Malcolm would pick it up. Thankfully he just nods in confirmation.

“I’m afraid so. I’m not going to let it happen though, not if I have anything to say about it.”

“Malcolm. You can’t do anything rash. They’ll latch onto that in a trial and the entire case could fall apart. This needs to go completely by the book. No surprises.”

“Have you been hanging out with Gil lately?” It’s her turn to tilt her head disapprovingly. “Fine, no surprises. I’ll just have to pull some strings, call in some favors.”

“Be careful.” She grabs his hand squeezing it gently. “Love you.”

“Love you too. Thanks for the help.”

“Any time.”

She watches until he’s well out the door and waits even longer until after she is certain his cab has driven away before she opens the door where Cricket is. Her eyes are red rimmed and she looks disheveled, like she’d been panicking. 

“You need to get that book.”

#prodigal son #gilica #gil arroyo x jessica whitly #jessica whitly x gil arroyo #jessica whitly #another chapter down #murder family #murder family AU #prodigal son AU #through the valley #through the valley chapter 3 #through the valley chapter three #notgonnarememberthis fics #fanfic

[whump-my-dear-watson]

Um hi here's the fic I promised in which Malcolm gets stabbed instead of Jin! Sorry for the slow update, I had to convince myself to post this. Tagging all who asked, and thanks to all for supporting! ♥

(I actually loved writing this but it's low key a mess lol I change prospective a lot because I really wanted to capture each character’s version of the events while still keeping the story going. Anyway,,,enjoy!)

Title: Life and Lacerations

Fandom: Prodigal Son

Character: Malcolm Bright

Words Count: 2k

Author: me! lol I’m also @prodigal-sons 

Warnings: uh spoiler warning for 1x07 of Prodigal Son, blood, stabbing, hospital

Malcolm’s face was twisted in agony, he could tell from this experience he wouldn’t sleep for a week. Watching his sister on her warpath to prove something of herself and of Martin, it wasn’t a pretty sight. Especially when he was the brunt end of their conversation.

He knew Ains had good intentions, she was mad at Martin for messing up his life, but there was definitely something else there.

Frustrated with how things were turning out Malcolm took a step from the situation, just in time for Ainsley to finally break their father.

Martin the silent surgeon was terrifying, but Martin unhinged was something else completely.

Malcolm couldn’t help but flinch at his outburst.

“Jin, let’s get a shot of his bookshelf. All the knowledge in the world and yet the surgeon still can’t figure out how to be a parent.”

Dr. Whitley scoffed at the remark, restraining himself from having another outburst. 

While Jin was distracted taping the other side of the room, Malcolm and Ainsely’s head turned towards the door and the distant clanking that was coming through it. 

It was almost too late when Malcolm saw the flash of Tevin’s face, already through the second door.

“Watch out!” Malcolm hollered, but Tevin was already almost upon Ainsley. 

Malcolm used all of her force to push his sister out of the way of the crazed man's path, once again placing himself in dangers way, but at this point that was nothing new to him, although Gabrielle wouldn't want to hear him say that. 

Tevin's weapon was flying madly until it found its way into Malcolm's side, he was unable to hold in the gasp that it pulled out of him. 

Malcolm staggered back, farther into the room. He was sure he had heard his sister scream and he could only pray that Tevin didn't get her too. 

David had already tased the assailant, but it was too late. Malcolm kept retreating farther into the room until he rammed into the side wall, the panic in his eyes clear that he was unaware Tevin was no longer a threat. 

Malcolm's head moved from side to side taking in the sudden rush of people around him, his sister kneeling on the ground next to him.

Malcolm leaned further into the wall as if etching his back into the plaster. 

"I'm fine," he insisted through his pain-filled haze. 

"Malcolm!" Ainsley cried again, her head spiraling out of control with worry.

"Stay calm. Swat and paramedics are on their way." David's soothing presence seemed too set the tone, but no one knew what to do. Except for the doctor in the room.

Martin was silent. This wasn’t supposed to happen. It was not supposed to be Malcolm. He was not a bad father. He may have orchestrated this whole event that led to Malcolm bleeding out on the floor in front of him, but no. He was not a bad father. 

Malcolm should not have done that. 

Tevin should not have done that. 

Martine stayed silent, the same line running through his head. I am not a bad father. I am not a bad father. I am not a bad father.

Malcolm winced in pain and took his hand off his abdomen for a moment to take a look at his wound, his hand dripped in his own blood that seeped through his jacket. 

At least his jacket most have slowed Tevin's momentum some, but nothing could distract Malcolm from the incessant pain.

He had found that it was much harder to convince people that he was okay when he had a constant flow of blood staining the carpet beneath him.

"Malcolm, what do we do?" Ainsley said, holding his hand for support.

Malcolm would tell her to relax, that he was just fine. Just very happy that it wasn't her that was laying here, but he was no longer able to form any cohering words, only pained moans escaped his lips.

"He's dying." 

All heads turned to see the speaker, Martin. 

He was faced towards his bookshelf, away from the chaos. 

"He won't live to see the ambulance arrive," Martin said deadpan, one would wonder how he could say such a thing about family and be so unfeeling, but one would wonder many things about Dr. Martin Whitley.

Ainsley let out a panicked sob at her father's words and turned to Jin's embrace as he tried to console her. 

Ainsley couldn’t help but think that Malcolm was right, this was a bad idea. She may have gotten a bonus at work, but Malcolm's price was he might die? 

She never knew just how much worry she could hold for someone until she saw her brother fading in and out of consciousness, knowing that it was all her fault.

He never would have been here if not for her. 

"Why don't you do something then?!" she yelled at her father through a tear-stained face. 

Martin shook his head. This was all wrong. Tevin was supposed to stab Jin so that his lung collapsed and he would have to perform the procedure. 

Now that it was Malcolm he had no clue where to start, they would have too let him look at him but convincing them too do that...might be a little more difficult. 

 Malcolm had fully slumped against the wall now his hand fell loosely in Ainsley's grip. 

"No, no, no, no!" Ainsley pulled Malcolm closer too her, not caring about his blood getting everywhere. "Malcolm you gotta stay with me. I may not say it enough, but. I love you and I really need you. Okay? Stay with me,"

The room was silent besides Ainsley's words of comfort.

"That won't help." Once again, Martin from the background. 

"Mere words cannot save Malcolm now, if you don't want him to die before help arrives, I suggest you let me have a look at him. 

David moved to place himself in front of Martin, blocking off his view of his son. 

Jin was already jumping to his feet in protest but one voice rose above the others. 

"Okay."

Ainsley's voice was small but confident, she would do anything to protect her brother. But it had to happen quick, his pale face was draining of color by the second. 

"If you hurt him at all…" Ainsley's warned.

"Who do you think I am? I'm his father." Martin said before pulling his restrains as far as they would go, ushering the able-bodied to slide Malcolm over so he could work on him.

It didn't take long, with what equipment that was made available and the unperceived location if the wound, he was quite proud of himself for the work that he ended up doing. 

He had to be proud of something. He couldn't focus long on the sight of Malcolm laying on the floor, fresh bandaging already soaked in blood, laboring just to breathe normally. 

As soon as he had finished David and Jin had, as gently as they could, pulled Malcolm away from the Doctor, as if he was still in the risk of doing something. 

The darkened room still flashed with the red light from the alarms, a constant reminder of the high tense situation. 

Malcolm’s eyes fluttered open to see the faces of Ainsley and JIn above him, at first he was just numb, but the more he spent awake the more the pain grew.

Malcolm was used to pain. He had lived in it his whole life, he had learned to manage pain from a young age and maybe that was the reason his body refused to let him pass out band gain momentary relief. 

His vision floated in and out of focus, he soon found himself gasping for air, but he didn’t have to struggle long. A clear mask was placed over his face and Malcolm was able to take a large breath, and for once he was craving sleep. 

The paramedic’s loaded him onto a stretcher looking over what Martin had done, although not saying it out loud, he had, in fact, saved Malcolm’s life. 

Ainsley continued to hold his hand through everything until they had to tear him away for surgery. 

Jessica was waiting with Ainsley, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk with her mother. She would just get more and more blame about how she should’ve listened to her. Ainsley was sick of never living up to her mother’s expectations. She had made a mistake, she didn’t want to relive it in conversation for the rest of her life. 

The Doctor came out and asked for Malcolm’s family. Ainsley felt her heart beating in her stomach. He was going to be okay. Right? 

“Mr.Bright suffered a laceration to his left abdomen, surgery was touch and go, but I have confidence in a full recovery.”

Ainsley could hear Jessica’s sigh of relief from behind her, she turned earnestly to the doctor. “Can we see him?” 

“I’m afraid that he’s still unconscious. I’ll allow one visitor at a time,” he said before turning to talk to another doctor. 

Ainsley turned to her mother, “I’ll go.” 

“I don’t think so, honey. I think Malcolm would like to see his mother when he wakes, not the orchestrator of his near-death.”

Ainsley couldn’t help but recoil at her mother’s harsh words. 

“Well, what makes you think he’d like to see you? What good of a mother have you been to him recently?” Ainley exploded, only realizing in the past few hours she had accused both of her parents of being bad at parenting. 

Jessica looked as though she had been slapped but before she could get a word in, Ainsley spotted Lt. Gil Arroyo bursting through the doors. 

“Then neither of us goes in first.” she rushed to meet Gil and direct him to Malcolm’s room. Sparing a glare to her mother as she went. 

The two Whitley women took a seat opposite of each other in the waiting room, each refusing to admit their outburst was because they were just terrified for Malcolm. 

***

Malcolm awoke to the ever-familiar hum of the heart monitor. His limbs felt like they were filled with sand and his every movement as if in a dense soup. 

“Hey kid,” Gil said down to him, trying to resist any sort of feeling that seeing the kid so pale against the white sheets invoked in him. “That was pretty stupid.”

“How’s Ains?” Malcolm said through his scratchy throat. 

“She’s good. Scared out of her mind for you though. Stuck with your mom outside.”

Malcolm’s body shook as he laughed, “Stuck with our mother? So worse off than me then.”

Gil’s face twisted into a smile, not just at Malcolm’s joke, but the fact that he was joking at all. 

Malcolm’s gaze fell onto Gil settling into the chair next to his bedside. He shuttered to think about what Gil would have done if he had been stabbed anywhere more vital, but he would have done it again in a heartbeat to protect Ainsley.

Malcolm had chosen who his family is, and no matter what... he would stick by them. 

~tags~

@shadow-warren-whump, @marvelmisha, @he-s-brighter-than-my-future, @give-me-malcolm-and-whump, @joey8song, @captainlavellan, @suchprettylittlelies, @syutasan, @gigi-raven, @trekkie-in-space, @fangirl31415, @malcolm-brightly, @vlightning95, @0idril0, @gpetreman, @dixie-pixie

#i am so unprofessional wow #anyway #super pumped for the new ep tonight #so this is for all you malcolm whump lovers out there #have a great day :) #prodigal son #malcolm bright #fanfiction #hurt comfort #my writing #my post #martin whitley #ainsley whitley #jin #gil arroyo #blood tw #stabbed tw #blood #stabbed #siblings #the messed up whitley family #long post #i put a read more but when does tumblr ever work?

[spnreactionblogging]

CARRY ON

spoilers below but I’m very late to the game

here we go!!! there's Some Woman in the thumbnail for this episode and I'm like oh boy did you fuckers turn castiel into a girl to make it Not Gay, I will riot. we're off to a dread-inducing start I'm honestly not even sure I want to watch this? I have not heard anything good but since my options are either keep SPN blacklisted forever but ultimately get spoiled anyway, or use my dwindling remaining time to see it for myself without being told what happens, may as well be on my own terms I am hearing that misha and possibly j2 were not happy with this, whatever this is (?????) yikes I don't understand how you even have another episode after the last one. that seems like a traditional ending. you either beat a dead horse or go ultra meta and it sounds like they dropped the ball, big time but let's see jack's sweet and deserved better. there's a clock but it's NOT heat of the moment playing, damn oh the dog. we love you miracle dog sam's still jogging where's eileen!!!! I like seeing sam cooking I actually enjoy watching them do domestic stuff dean sneaking food to the dog 😭 can this be the whole episode, just them doing chores I meant to catch which book sam was reading I can't tell but it looks like it's old this is extra bonus sad for knowing that they couldn't even like, have a wrap party or anything. extra isolated. :( SPECIAL GUEST STAR JIM BEAVER!!! "Are you sure you're ready for this?" "Oh, I don't have a choice." dean hasn't been this relatable to me in years, this is how I feel watching this lmao akron pie fest dean dies of complications from diabetes god I miss bakeries or restaurants or anything I do love Sad Sam Face "I"'m thinking about Cas, you know? Jack. If they could be here." thank you Sam that pain isn't going away for me either "stop being an eeyore" Sam's the Eeyore of the series, Dean, okay, and same lmao jared fucking slammed that pie into jensen's face and they just filmed it. you can see the actual glee on his face brady??? like sam's old classmate? wasn't that his name? or no some kid. is this just a regular-ass monster of the week. do sam and dean just get killed by like. regular people? are there no monsters anymore. I would actually love that. humanity is truly the worst monster of all. didn't we learn that in season 1 :') in "the benders" are these guys sam and dean? are they just murdering monster families like they did in the holiday episode? what is happening. are those dean's shoes. I could probably recognize how they walk if I really paid attention i guess not. probably. "singer and kripke, FBI" ha fucking clowns lmao poor sam they still have dad's journal, huh. THE LORE evil mimes. vamp-mimes. I guess they kill these dudes? we gonna unmask them or what there we go this guy looks like joseph gordon-levitt oh we love torture on this show this is definitely "dean who's NOT the ultimate killer" amirite "if those kids are dead he's gonna use a spoon" how very walter sullivan of you also I feel like sam would not do this anymore but hey who am I, someone who likes consistent characterization? lol we're back to creepy barns instead of wet pipe factories dean has a fucking shuriken lmao I honestly for real need a machete for the overgrown weeds I don't hate this so far? I'm tired of the constant torture but I guess this feels like early seasons, kind of. idk. lmao sam with the concussions. classic tie them to a chair. it's what we do. i will be disappointed if they are not tied to a chair jenny? cue studio killers. I do not remember whatever episiode this is but it looks very early based on sam's hair oh thanks sam. couldn't get out of this episode without beheading a woman too one of the suggestions for me typing "woman" was a high-heeled shoe emoji. thanks, predictive text...?????? true feminist oh damn he could very well get tetanus from that. that's how trinity dies, man. should've gotten your booster shot, dean. vaccines save lives this is like the plot of signs why don't you guys wear bulletproof shit. your plot armor was holding you together until now. GUYS THIS IS HOW HUNTERS GO OKAY don't ever un-impale someone, guys like "dean we are in a major city, there are ambulances" call fucking 911, someone could be there already "I've always looked up to you" because you're taller than me lmaoooo idefk what to say about this like. we all know this is how hunters die. you fucking leered at jessica is what you did, dean if sam makes it out of this I'll accept it. if sam lives I can be okay. if this is the only way sam gets free of this, I'm okay. CALL 911 AND CALL JACK "always keep fighting" aw :( they're both very good at crying, I will give them that we never think it's gonna be the day. at least you got pie. OH THE WINCHESTER FAMILY MUSIC don't do this to me dean got a way better death than castiel. this actually reminds me a liiiiittle bit of the end of season 2? with how dean holds sam's body. the writing here is overwrought though. jared and jensen do the best they can with the script they're given but like you guys just FOUGHT GOD. they're a bit too up their own ass with this. you can tell that dabb thinks he's very clever. sam... gets a dog again? at least. i guess. the pacing is bad. I don't hate this on principle but it is not executed well. I am having like no emotional response to this except maybe relief for sam in a horrid way. like, you're free! at what cost. it's like the opposite of season 5? sam survives instead of dean. and... sam marries a dog. where do they get all this fucking lumber!!! did sam chop that all himself dude if he woke up to "heat of the moment" i'd lose my shit in the best way. gabriel wins. "gotta keep you on your toes." what had to change in this because of the pandemic? at least sam has a dog to be in scenes with him. the two guns as big and little brothers is an interesting choice of a shot. god the fucking phones. "DHS" "CIA" "dean's 'other other' phone" "state patrol" what's the paperwork on his desk? (512) is an Austin area code I have this on amazon prime and the saddest thing thus far is X-Ray: Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, with no other actors at all. meta ways, pandemic related. "this is agent bon jovi" donna's alive??? sam just quit, babe. just quit. or take a day off at least, jesus. didn't you just drive back from ohio are you even gonna go back to the bunker DEAN IN HEAVEN!!! how'd you get here. "well at least I made it to heaven" lmao he said the same thing oh hey bobby!! I love jack god i've missed jim beaver you guys moved on to dream bubbles!!!!! RUFUS how very homestuck + narnia of you, starring sam winchester as susan pevensie so jack just like melded all of these metaphysical spaces, I'm cool with that "so the question is what are you gonna do now, dean?" get a better beer so I can drink and drive with my car that's in heaven, I'm already dead so who cares what I hit TELL ME WHERE IS BALTHAZAR FOR I MUCH DESIRE TO SPEAK WITH HIM break everyone out of the empty I do get the impression this was supposed to be a big cast reunion and the pandemic clobbered that :( oh it's the original license plate on the impala sure do love that cas and jack "helped" to give dean everything he's ever wanted. the only time "carry on my wayward son" has been diegetic I guess sam and the dog had a child I like jared in glasses are we doing a bunch of elderly makeup yeah there he is did they just spray grey temp dye on his hair or what is sam gonna drive into toluca lake!!! buddy please don't just run the engine in a garage, he took off his glasses and that makes me nervous jake gyllenhaal looking dude which cover is this must be nice to have healthcare I so appreciate that sam's wife has zero personality and is merely in the background, of no importance whatsoever compared to his kid named dean are the two impalas gonna meet in heaven????? vancouver is beautiful, or wherever this is at jared looks so cozy in that coat you can tell j2 really do love each other for real the majesty of that forest/that river got me choked up a bit, it's such a lonely thing. like. I can see what they were going for? like dean just... getting sick, falling off a ladder, getting in a car accident, etc etc would've been more potent, I think. the execution was not good. I'm not that unhappy though. it's all right. eh. it's fine. the heartfelt message from the cast (what's left of them....) and the crew was sweet. I want to know what they were intending to do? I feel like you can definitely feel the weight of COVID fucking this up which is genuinely upsetting. sam gets like 50 years of being free of dean I GUESS???? perhaps the only way to break the cycle.

at least there was no sexual assault in this episode. i have definitely watched way worse episodes of this show. it's like. twee. but I can't be mad at these guys especially with how much I know jared in particular has been struggling with the state of the world this year but jensen talked about it with rosenbaum on his show too. 2020 has been rough. like. at least they filmed it. whatever. I feel like I get what they were trying to do even if circumstances meant it wasn't really pulled off. it seems like they were supposed to have a big cast reunion and the pandemic took the wind completely out of their sails. this feels incredibly tacked on. 15x19 would've been a much better place to stop. I feel like I just read andrew dabb's notes. I get what they were trying to go for but they didn't pull it off. I thought it was gonna be a lot worse tbh in summary: EHHHHHHHHH

#s15e20

[twoidiotwriters1]

Starcrossed Losers XV (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: My eyes hurt from editing this thing so late at night, please enjoy 

Words: 4,700

Warnings: None!

Previous chapter // Next chapter

What’s up, I’m officially fucked.

I don’t know how to narrate everything as it went down, I don’t have superpowers and I didn’t see it from above, also I was too busy trying to not self combust while Josh was kissing me.

I’m stupid. You knew that don’t pretend this came as a surprise, I’m dumb. I gave up my last braincell for my overalls, I have nothing left. 

That’s not important right now, I’ll go back to tell you the story, just be warned: Things don’t get prettier.

So Josh just kissed me, I’m standing there avoiding physical contact until a voice inside my head (one that sounds a lot like Wesley) screams to me: MAKE YOUR MOVE!

I pull him down by the collar of his shirt and close my eyes tightly, kissing him back. All I can think right now is “Please, don’t regret this after it’s over” and I mean it for both of us. 

The problem is that I suffer a little bit of post-traumatic stress, so when He kissed my mind went: ‘Oh fuck he just did the same thing that Alex did, what if he doesn’t feel good after, what about me? How am I feeling?’ 

The answer is: I’m terrified. I feel so many things, great things, beautiful things, but I’m scared shitless.

After he steps back, eyeing me up like he’s waiting for a reaction.

I’m trying to collect myself. I’m panicking, What the fuck did just happened?

“Shit,” It’s the first thing that Josh says.

I keep my eyes closed, I feel that I will start crying if I look at him. It won’t be a sad cry, it’s more like I’m so scared of what I’m feeling right now I regret every decision I’ve ever taken. I don’t wanna hurt Josh by saying something I don’t mean just cause I’m scared, my whole body is shaking and I’m so cold that I’m not even blushing, I can’t move.

“Y/N?” Josh takes another step back, I hear him a bit further away than before, “Are you... are you okay?”

I take a deep breath, I have to be brave. I slowly open my eyes but keep them fixed on the ground where Josh is standing, all I can see it’s his shoes.

“I’m fine,” I rasp, “... I could use a moment to calm down”

“I blew it,” Josh’s feet move, walking in circles, “Y/N I’m sorry, I’m so sorry please don’t get mad, I did it without thinking. I mean I was thinking but fuck I just wanted to kiss you, I-”

“Josh,” I speak up, closing my eyes again and holding the bridge of my nose, ‘Please don’t say you regret it. Don’t say you don’t have feelings for me’, “you don’t get it”

His footsteps come into a halt.

“Then explain it to me,” He says softly.

“I-”

“Y/N! Josh!” I look up and I meet Angelica’s glare, “Don’t fucking disappear like that!”

“Sorry, An,” I apologize, walking over to her and putting a hand on her shoulder for comfort, “we’re making sure the limits of the mall are safe again, you know, from bombs or something”

“They didn’t put things, they took them,” She says, fuming, “you need to come back inside right now”

“Okay,” I frown.

“We’re right behind you,” Josh is standing next to me. I feel a shiver run down my spine.

Angelica nods and goes back to the mall without even noticing how stiff Josh and I look. I turn to him, still not able to look at him in the eyes.

“I’m not upset... many things happened tonight and I think we should take care of that first. Don’t you?”

“Totally, I agree” Josh replies, I know he’s lying.

“Let’s go back,” I mumble, walking away.

Okay, then Josh likes me and I like him back. Why am I scared? 

I’m scared cause this takes my freedom away, if I take it all in that means I’ll stay with Josh, cause I like him. There are things that I’ll never be able to change, if I start something with Josh I’ll do everything to make him happy. Everything. 

My loyalty scares me.

I have to learn how to control that part of me, to not give myself away so easily. What if he tries and fails to be a better man? I’ll be in love with an asshole, I’ll be blind to his acts. 

Or... maybe I won’t. 

Josh doesn’t try to follow me when we enter the mall, he goes to the mattress store and says something about changing his clothes. I do the same. 

I feel safe with my overalls back on, instead of my lime-green skates I put on the baby-blue sneakers, and since it’s still late and I’m freezing I look around for a jacket, I find a black hoodie. I think it’s a man’s hoodie since it reaches my butt and the sleeves are gigantic. It makes me feel safe though, so I keep it.

My hair feels odd so I tie it and then make my way back to the main hall. Most of the kids are there, picking up some things and sharing sad looks of weariness.

“Y/N?” I look to my left, a girl that I think it’s Leila approaches me, she has a deep cut above her eyebrow, “Can you help me?”

“Sure,” I give her a small smile, “let me find Alex and I’ll meet you back in the pharmacy, okay?”

She nods and walks away, I feel a different kind of fear as I watch her go. These kids are sort of our responsibility now, all of them. They almost died because of some stupid beef Turbo has with Wesley and Josh, that’s not right. 

Did we save these kids, or did we just turn them into Turbo’s next target?

I find Alex already in the pharmacy, he’s curing kids, still wearing his suit. When he notices me I see relief in his eyes, maybe he thought that I had been taken. Either way, I’m here and ready to help.

Leila appears soon after, I ask her to sit on the bench in front of me and I start to clean her cut.

“Are you alright, Al?” I ask while looking for bandaids.

“I could ask you the same thing,” He replies, finishing up with a kid and waiting for the next to sit, “How’s your hand?”

“Not that bad,” I’m honest this time, it’s not hurting as much as the side of my head Maya so kindly stepped on, “I didn’t get to use it much”

“I’m fine,” Ales shrugs, “a few bruises but nothing I can’t handle.”

“You should change, we’ll be here for a while,” I tilt my head, watching as most of the kids form a line, all to get their wounds treated.

“I’m not uncomfortable”

“You’ll be, eventually,” I give him a severe look, “c’mon, I can handle this on my own for a while, the kids won’t go anywhere... I won’t go anywhere”

“...Okay,” He sighs, nodding towards the boy in front of him to let him know he’s done curing his cuts, “I’ll be back soon”

“Sweet,” I respond without paying much attention.

The line moves slowly as I clean and take care of cuts, bruises, and even a few broken fingers. Those were tricky, luckily Alex came back and used his boy scout skills to make several splints. That took us most of the night. Once we were done I saw Alex’s intentions of asking me if I had taken a decision so I escaped with the excuse of counting our supplies things that were lost. I did the same with the people.

I finished the list and handed it to Angelica. 

The final result was this:

They took our food and water, along with Jayden, girl Jaden, Gabriel, Zoey, Carly, other gay Josh, and Jayden. Angelica said she would go tell Josh so I decided to go over to where Eli and Wesley are and have a chat with them before things get uglier.

“I don’t think you understand exactly how much you just fucked our group,” I say as soon as I get to them.

“No no, I don’t think you understand how fucking dumb locking us up is,” Eli retorts, “We were just trying to protect the kids”

“By killing a guy?” I scoff, “That’s not fair to Josh”

“Who cares?” He asks, “Josh never did shit for us, did he? I had the mall first! He didn’t find them a home, he just took it from me”

“You’re still not over that?” I roll my eyes, “You almost kill Josh over the stupid mall? Seriously?”

“No. I almost kill Josh because that was the right thing to do, considering that Turbo has the strong, fully armed tribe”

“You have no morals. Who cares if Turbo had all that? He still lost, you know. We wouldn’t have had to fight if Wesley had spoken earlier,” I look over at Wesley, who is deadly quiet, “Josh would’ve understood. He would’ve helped you find a solution.”

“Josh being nice to you doesn’t mean he’s like that with everybody,” He replies indifferent, “maybe he would’ve tried to help me, but this wasn’t his problem, it was mine”

“When Sam was missing it was only Josh’s problem and you helped him find her”

Wesley shifts uncomfortably in his place, not looking at me.

“Y/N, You don’t get it.”

“You’re right, I don’t,” I say harshly, “I thought you had changed, Wesley. I was wrong, you’re still backing up the wrong people. And Eli,” I look at the boy, sincere hurt spreading on my chest, “I voted for you, you know? I never forgot it was you who got the mall first, I was thankful for that”

Eli avoids my stare, he maintains his attitude of not giving a shit, but I notice that his fists are tightly closed.

Angelica’s voice gets closer and I turn around to see her with Josh beside her. He looks terrible, I just hope is not my fault.

“Don’t blame us,” Eli interrupts their chat, “we tried murdelizing Josh so this wouldn’t happen”

“That’s a confession,” Says the girl that I think it’s Jessica.

“I didn’t say blit,” Eli frowns.

“You said you tried to kill Josh,” Angelica adds.

“Not what I said”

“It is”

“The you misheard me”

“I recorded it”

As they argue I keep my eyes fixed on them until Josh’s stare is impossible to ignore. I turn to him with my voice caught in my throat, unable to say anything, a joke, or a comforting phrase. Josh is frowning but is more a worried frown than an angry one. 

He probably has a lot in his head right now, disappointed that things aren’t going how he wanted. Well Wheeler, that’s another thing we have in common.

“If you’re looking for bad hombres then look around,” Eli’s voice brings me back and makes me look away from Josh, “these kids are here illegally. They didn’t come through an authorized port of entry. They didn’t apply for asylum. This is an invasion”

“You are so not helping yourself right now,” I reply, stepping closer to him as Josh steps away to see Wesley, “these kids could save your ass from being kicked out”

“You can’t kick me out of MY mall!” He defends.

“The mall is not yours only!” I exclaim, “We all deserve to be here!”

“You didn’t put all the safety traps, I did. You didn’t make sure everything was still working when the nuke dropped. I did,” He leans closer, “I have the right to stay”

What upsets me the most is that he has a point, we kind of invade his place. Although it’s big enough for all of us and he should be less whiny about it, he did make all the hard work for us.

“I trusted you,” Josh speaks behind me, “we were friends”

“You know how you’d do anything for Sam Dean or Y/N?” Wesley asks, “I get that”

I try to ignore the fact that he added me into the question like I’m on the same level as Sam, like Josh is that interested in me. Right now it causes me nothing but distress.

“It’s just,” He continues, “you don’t know Turbo the way I do”

“What else have you lied to me about?” Josh asks bitterly.

Something weird happens, it’s brief but I notice. Wesley looks at Angelica and I see her flinch, she steps in to interrupt them.

They’re hiding something.

“We should make sure Triumph is still locked up,” She says, “I’ll go check”

“Alright,” Josh mumbles.

“You can’t go alone,” I interrupt, “I’ll go with you”

“No, we need you here,” She shakes her head, then leaves without waiting for a response.

“Who?” I ask in confusion.

“What are we gonna do about them?” Asks Jessica.

“Why are you asking this dope?” Eli sneers, “Josh is such a wuss, his cock dropped off, hitchhiked to San Diego and is now getting his realtor’s license, all just to get away from Josh”

“Sometimes I wonder how were you so smart to put all those traps when all that comes from your mouth is so disgustingly stupid,” I say tiredly.

Josh gives him one exasperated look before turning back to Jessica.

“Why are you asking me?”

“I was asking to the both of you,” Jessica says, now looking at me as well, “we trust you”

Josh and I share the same startled look, he’s the first one to react.

“I don’t know what to do about these assholes,” He half-laughs, “look I’m not a judge or a lawyer. I’m just a kid, same as Turbo except... Turbo’s a spoiled brat who throws temper tantrums.”

“I still can’t believe he did all of this just cause he had a jealous fit,” I cross my arms, “he hurt innocent kids cause he thought Wesley was cheating, what kind of sick idiot does that?”

“He is never gonna leave me or us alone,” He looks back at me, “I don’t know if you saw her, but Maya was with him too. She’ll do anything to get back at you”

“I know,” I nod, feeling my mouth dry, “she tried to kill me last night, if it wasn’t for Alex...”

“I know,” Now he’s the one avoiding my eyes, “I don’t know how, but we need to take him out for good”

“Tyler told me Turbo got hurt by one of his weapons,” I reply, “that means we are not the only ones trying to get rid of him”

“What are you suggesting?” Jessica asks.

“I... I don’t know,” I’m frustrated with all these roads that take us nowhere, “we could look for a way to reach the right person, talk to them and convinced them to help... I just don’t know how or who”

“What about Wesley and Eli?” 

“I think...” I look over my shoulder to see my former friends.

I know I don’t have the courage to kick them out, not after Wesley got the medicines I needed to cure Josh and Eli’s right about how he arrived at the mall first.

“I think we have enough problems, better to lock them here instead of kicking them out. Keep your enemies close, right?”

I hear a few whispers of agreement and I feel a wave of relief washing over me. One less thing to worry about.

“Jessica, could you stay and keep an eye on them?” I ask, “I’ll send Alex your way in a moment with food for them and more indications”

“Okay,” She nods, sitting in front of the store. 

The rest of the kids scatter and I’m left with Josh, who is back with the intense stare. I feel calm enough to talk now. I’m still afraid, but it’s better if I also fix this once and for all.

“Can we talk?” I turn to him suddenly, making him jump.

“Yes,” He replies, quickly taking my good hand and walking to where the storage elevator is.

Once we’re there he lets go of my hand and stands as far as he can, I get the message that he thinks that I’m mad, or maybe he’s the one who’s mad.

“Listen I-”

“I don’t want-”

We speak at the same time and we stop, waiting for the other to start again, then I nod to him so he can speak first. Josh takes a deep breath.

“I shouldn’t have kissed you without asking first,” He says, “I let my emotions take over me again and before I knew it I was kissing you. I’ll understand if you want to stay away from me for a while, or if you want to go somewhere else with Alex.”

He’s not looking at me and his arms are crossed. He’s defensive because he thinks I’ll reject him. 

I don’t know if I’m going to reject him.

“Things are complicated,” I nod, “not only between us, is complicated outside too. Turbo wants your head and Maya wants mine, they’re working together against us. If you really think about it the kiss is the least of our problems”

I try to make him laugh but I fail miserably. Josh is really upset about this whole incident.

“It’s the only thing that I really care about,” He replies, “Y/N when I met you things were different and we wanted different things, we didn’t mean to stay. Things happened and we started talking and... maybe I changed my mind”

“What do you mean?” I say, though I definitely know the answer.

“I like you,” He looks up, “really like you. I like being around you, I feel like I have someone that gets me and I get you. Things just seem... easy”

I feel weird, I could hug him forever but also I’m about to have a breakdown. 

“How long have you felt this way?” I say with a shaky breath.

“Long enough to know is real,” Josh shrugs, “I was going to ask you to the dance and all... but Alex did it first.”

Before I can reply, Josh starts rambling.

“I don’t know why I’m telling you this when I know you don’t like me, it’s stupid. Alex is here now and all I’m doing is making you uncomfortable. You were being a good friend and I was stupid enough to think that maybe there was something going on between us-”

“You’re right,” I interrupt him, “I mean, you’re wrong about me not liking you. You’re right about the something between us.”

“What?” His arms fall to his sides.

“I have a massive crush on you, Josh.”

Saying it outside my head is weird, this is the first time I’ve ever confessed directly to a boy. It took me a while but I’m doing it... now what?

“You do?” He frowns.

“I was already into you when you recovered from your severed finger,” I chuckle nervously, “and I chose that stupid song for the soundtrack of our lives cause it made me think of us”

“It did?” Josh’s brain has short-circuited, considering he’s only capable of saying two words every time he opens his mouth.

“It’s cheesy” I shrug, “I thought that you’d understand what I was trying to say but I guess I was being too cryptid. Who could’ve guessed that anyway? I was just being dramatic. My head is too full of fanfic crap”

“I...” Josh struggles to find words, I’ve noticed that happens when he’s under a lot of stress, “wait, give me a minute”

“Alright,” I move closer, “don’t pass out right now, we’re in the middle of something here”

“Yeah, I know sorry” He bends over to support his hands on his knees, “I’m just trying to understand how am I such an idiot”

“I was oblivious too,” I add, trying to calm him down.

“I thought you and Alex were dating now”

“But I told you we were just friends,” I giggle. 

I’m obviously so nervous that I’m about to pee my overalls. 

...That’s something I never thought I would say.

“You went to the dance with him and got matching outfits. Who does that?” He inquires, “I thought that maybe after everything that happened you decided to give him a second chance" 

“Holy shit,” I gasp, “Alex and I love being dramatic, the matching outfits is something common between us... this is our second chance, Josh. Alex and I are giving our friendship a second chance”

“So... you’re not dating him?”

“I am not”

“But when I kissed you...”

I know it’s the worst time to think about the soundtrack of my life, but at the back of my head, I keep hearing the chorus of this one, product of our bizarre conversation.

“I kissed you back,” I admit, suddenly our mutual anxiety makes this conversation easier, “you know how I feel about being tied to someplace, or someone, if I’m being honest I got scared, I felt all these things and I don’t know how to deal with them. Worse yet, I didn’t know how you would react after. Alex told me he knew he didn’t like me after he kissed me, you did the same thing so I was afraid because...”

“I know I'll stay, I know I'll stay Right there with you...”

“That I would realize I’m not into you?” I look away, he steps closer and then his fingertips touch my skin, “Y/N, when I kissed you I felt a lot of things. All of them were positive.”

“That’s good to hear,” I reply in a high-pitched voice.

“You’re still scared about what could happen if we... you know, if we start something?” Josh asks me, I feel his hand moving from my wrist to my shoulder.

“If I don't know The wind will carry me So just hold tight”

“I don’t know,” I look down to his lips and then back up at his eyes.

“Okay, here’s a thought,” He says lowly, “What if we just don’t think about it? What if we just... do it”

I have few seconds to respond to that, I use them hurriedly, forcing something out of my mouth.

“It sounds difficult,” I feel my heart thumping against my ribcage, “but I’m kind of tired of boys stealing kisses from me and never coming back”

“It’s your choice,” His breathing is slow, his hand is softly touching my cheek, moving little hairs away from my face “whatever you want, I’ll follow”

We hear rushed steps towards us and I jump back. I was supposed to send Alex to Jessica.

“Fuck, I have to send Alex with Jessica,” I pass a hand over my face, trying to get rid of the fuzzy feeling in my brain. 

Angelica and Crumble appear, they’re on their way to see Triumph.

“Hi losers,” Angelica watches us carefully, “were you making out in here?”

“Get out of here,” Josh huffs, I can see him blushing.

“I was just asking,” Angelica rolls her eyes, “see ya in a bit, Crumble is coming with me”

“Be careful,” I reply.

They walk out and Josh and I share a look. The moment is hella ruined, yet there’s this buzzing feeling around us, one that the experts would call: Sexual Tension.

“We should go back,” I mumble, pointing over my shoulder with my thumb.

“Yeah,” Josh sighs, then he walks past me and smiles briefly.

I smile back.

I don’t know what’s going on inside my body but sure is something big, I don’t even feel like I have organs in there anymore. More like a mush of melted butterflies... that does not sound nice at all. I’m so sorry. I was trying to explain with other words that I’m freaking out.  

Not relevant! The point is... I think Josh and I are almost a... couple?

I won’t put a label on it yet, I’ll just wait and see what happens from here.

And what happens from here will surprise you! Click on the next page to find out.

...

Bad joke? I’m sorry, I do awful jokes when I’m nervous.

I go over to Alex and tell him he needs to stay and watch over Wesley and Eli while we find a way to fix this. My indications come with a list of four kids that will take turns with him so they can take long breaks. It has my signature at the bottom, so they know he’s not making things up. Then he asks me about Josh.

“I talked to him but I don’t actually know if something will happen between us”

“But?” He smiles, “C’mon! I know that face, something happened”

“He kissed me last night,” I cut him off before he starts screaming, “We aren’t together! I think we’re not. It’s complicated.”

“You will be,” He smirks, “it’s just a matter of time, I can see it. There’s no way he won’t fall in love with you”

“Shut up, nerd.”

“Fair enough,” He shrugs, “mark my words though”

“Go with Jessica.”

“Fine. See ya,” Alex looks over my shoulder and his smile grows, “enjoy your date”

“My what?” I frown, turning around I see Josh walking up to me. I roll my eyes, “Alex for fuck’s sake...”

He’s gone now, so he doesn’t hear me. Josh stops in front of me and puts his skateboard on the table on my right.

“Is it broken?” I ask, leaning closer to examine it.

Josh shakes his head.

“I’m just restoring a few parts”

“How long have you had it?”

“Since the nuke, about... Seven months?”

“I see,” I settle with just standing there next to him. It’s enough, I don’t even feel awkward about it. 

I should though, I’m staring at him like a creep. Luckily he doesn’t seem to mind and starts to make small talk. We chat casually and act like nothing’s changed. 

My brain doesn’t agree with us since its screaming “KISS HIM! KISS HIM! I LOVE HIS FACE!”

It’s embarrassing and I’m glad he can’t read minds. 

You can read mine though, so uh, I’m sorry for that.

KJ appears beside us, I see her struggle with something and I’m about to ask what’s wrong when she speaks. In English.

“You’re right. Turbo needs to go.”

I look at her with wide eyes, Josh looks up, slowly realizing who is talking to him.

“And now it’s the perfect time to do it. When he’s injured, hit by an arrow during the battle,” She speaks quickly, like she doesn’t want the rest of the kids to hear her, “Unfortunately, these mall kids are pure priss. They’re not even the kids who got picked last kickball. No, these are the kids who had a doctor’s note to get out of gym because they’re allergic to dander”

Josh takes a second to process what’s happening, then he asks:

“You speak English?”

“We are in America,” KJ replies matter of factly.

“English?” He replies, raising his voice.

“Josh!” I exclaim, looking around.

“You knew this?” He looks over at me, utterly confused.

“Yes?” I say nervously, “She didn’t want anyone to know so I kept it a secret...”

“That was nice of you,” KJ smiles politely, then looks back at Josh, “we all do what we need to survive. Suburban whities ignore anyone who doesn’t look and sound like you. People say anything around me because they think I don’t understand shit and that nets me information”

“That’s better than hiding in giant trash containers,” I agree.

“What?” Josh looks over at me.

“That’s how I used to spy on people.”

“Intel is the only currency that anyone can trade on,” KJ continues, ignoring my comment, “You wanna take out Turbo? You need a tribe with skills”

Josh stares at her for a few seconds.

“English?” He asks again, loudly.

KJ sighs heavily and rolls her eyes. I grab him by the arm and pull him with me, then I put my other hand on KJ’s shoulder and take them to a more private area.

“This will take a while...”

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic @slythermyg @loving-u-3000​

#twoidiots writing #daybreak fanfic #eli cardashyan #daybreak #josh wheeler xreader #josh wheeler #ms crumble #kj karen jane #wesley fists #angelica green

[emmettspeakz]

Supernatural finale fix-it fic

Sooo I already wrote a fix-it fic, a short and sweet one with what I wanted the show to end like. The boys going out swinging. Together, as a unit. Cas is there too but in Heaven. (not wincest or destiel please don’t come for me) Anyway enjoy <3

There they were. On a case again. But they had forgotten the danger that comes with the job. The joy of Jack becoming God and ending Chuck’s reign of terror clouded their judgement. 

All at once Sam and Dean were shoved up against the barn walls. A vampire managed to stab Dean in the gut but Sam sliced his head off before he could get away. The other vampire leapt for Sam, and Dean, even in his weakened state managed to slash the vampire’s head clean off, its body dropping to the floor. Only now did Sam realize his deep stomach wound that was now gushing blood. Sam clutched at Dean, who grabbed his arm in his own, smiling weakly. 

“Look at us,” Dean said, his voice pained, but also with an air of acceptance. “Going out swinging. Literally. What we’ve always talked about.” 

Sam smiled faintly, holding Dean’s head against his neck and beginning to cry softly. 

“What about those kids?” He cried. “How will they get—” 

“They’ll find a way. I mean, we did, right?” Sam chuckled at that, though his chest still heaved any time he moved any part of his body. 

“I-I hope so.” 

“So this is how it ends huh? You and me.” 

Sam looked over at his older brother. “It was always us against the world, right?” 

“You’ve always been the best little brother you know that? Even though you were a pain in the ass a lot too.” 

“Shut up, jerk.” 

“You shut up Bitch.” The two of them laughed and clutched the other’s hand, scared of the end. 

“See you on the other side.” Dean said, his breathing shallow. Dean took one last long breath and then breathed no more. 

Sam followed soon after, finding his way to the Road House, where Bobby and Dean were already drinking a beer. 

“You couldn’t have waited for me?” Sam asked, waving his arms. “Oh shut up and drink a beer. Hey, they got pie in Heaven!” Dean held up his plate of pie, then moved it away from Sam protectively. 

“What?”

 “I’m not gonna let you pie me again like you did at the pie fest!” “Just like old times huh?” Sam looked over to see Ellen and Jo standing at the entrance to the Road House. 

“Ellen, Jo wha—” 

“Someone hasn’t been briefed on the kind of Heaven Jack is running up here. It’s good to see you, too Sam. Been a long time. I’m sure Ash’ll be along in a bit. Bet his missed you idiots.” 

As Sam and Dean looked around, more and more people from their past began to appear out of thin air, speaking absentmindedly about nothing in particular to each other that neither Sam or Dean could fully make out, all coming together in a wash of experience and shared memories. 

There was Charlie, Kevin and Linda Tran, Donna and Jody, Garth, Cas, Eileen, Bela, Ketch, Rufus, Adam, Gabriel, Rowena, Lisa, Missouri, Pamela, Ava, even Benny, Balthazar, and Crowley. Every woman they’ve ever loved, every villain-turned friend, every friend they made, every single person they’ve ever saved, came right before their eyes, smiling brightly in the afternoon sun. 

They caught up, they laughed, drank, ate, shared hugs. Sam and Dean were happier than they’d been in a long, long time. 

And Jack last of all, coming to greet them and give them a Heavenly welcome hug before returning to his life of hands-off-God. The world was free of demons, and monsters. The Winchesters’ job was finally done. 

No longer being on Earth should’ve felt strange, but it felt nice. It felt safe and warm. The Winchester brothers had no care left in the world. They had done so much good in the world, and when it finally came to leave it, they felt satisfied, and happy. Soon they would visit their parents, then Jessica. And every person they knew and loved, all along the road that Baby took them on, all of them surrounding the brothers in a welcoming embrace.

 Seeing their friends after so much time made them feel whole again, at peace. It was well deserved. The world could finally carry on without them. 

#supernatural fix it fic #supernatural fanfic #fix it fic #spn spoilers #supernatural finale fix it fic #this was written in maybe an hour y'all #it was that easy #15x20 #carry on #supernatural spoilers

[go-events]

GO Rom Com Spotlight: @bilboo

The lovely @bilboo (also perkynurples on AO3) has claimed The Vow to adapt for Good Omens in the Good Omens Rom Com Event.

For reference, here’s a little background about the source material!

About The Vow: Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) are happily married newlyweds, but their idyllic life together suddenly shatters when a car accident leaves her in a coma. When Paige awakes, she has severe memory loss and doesn't know Leo. She also has a confusing relationship with her parents (Sam Neill, Jessica Lange) and still harbors feelings for a former fiance (Scott Speedman). Despite these difficult obstacles, Leo is determined to renew their bond and rebuild their marriage.

We spent some time chatting about how the adaptation is coming so far, as well as future plans for it! Now, get to know @bilboo a little better!

* * *

goromcom: Beginning with a bit about you, or at least, what Tumblr thinks it knows about you. Tumblr says you post “about #thorin and #ovw". I do indeed enjoy discovering what other fandoms the romcom participants enjoy. What if I made you choose only one of Good Omens, The Hobbit/LotR, and Overwatch? (What an evil question that is!)

bilboo: One might think that’s a difficult question, but compared to a lifelong obsession with everything Tolkien, Overwatch was only a short foray into a different fandom. I’ve been reading Tolkien all my life, and same goes for Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, which is how I came across Good Omens many years ago, of course. I choose Tolkien without a moment’s hesitation, because it’s transformed from the stories my father read to me and my brother at bedtime, into this hugely inspirational experience which has helped me become a better writer, and meet many amazing people. The Good Omens fandom feels like visiting a familiar place after a long absence, in a way :)

goromcom: I had an early bonding moment with the person I went on to marry over the fact that I recognized an obscure Tolkien quote in his email signature, so I understand. :)

But on to your romcom!  You chose to adapt The Vow. Has this movie been a favorite of yours, or is there some other reason you chose it?

bilboo: Funny story actually, I came to this event a bit late, and I was browsing the stories still available to be claimed, and I didn’t even recognize The Vow at first - clicked on it and realized, hey! I’ve seen this before! And it has an amnesia storyline, of course I need to adapt this. Cue me rewatching it half a dozen times and coming up with a Good Omens adaptation :)

goromcom: I love that! What's your favorite moment of your movie, and are you looking forward to presenting it in your adaptation? Any loose plans for that scene that you can share?

bilboo: I absolutely adore the scene where Leo takes Paige on their first date - all over again. He’s so adorable, but there’s this undercurrent of heartbreak - he tries so hard throughout the entire movie to just make her happy, hoping but at the same time daring not to hope too much that she will remember him, and it really shines in this one scene. He wants Paige to fall in love with him all over again, and I think in a way, the same is happening to him.

goromcom: Aww, it sounds sweet. Other than that, do you plan to stick very closely to the beats of the original story, or make bigger changes?

bilboo: It’s definitely going to stick to the main beats of the original in that it will be a modern human AU, but other than that, my adaptation will be a little bit more… subdued, I suppose you could say. Not too many big family gatherings, a lot more introspection. Aziraphale takes Paige’s role, and he doesn’t have an art studio, but rather a familiar cozy bookshop. :) Crowley still owns a recording studio, because I thought that would be perfect for him as a music lover.

goromcom: What's an interesting decision you've made in your planning so far--a notable casting decision, a changing of venue, or some other plan you have to paint Good Omens all over your rom com?

bilboo: Working off the last question before this one, some changes do occur to involve the many-splendored list of characters from Good Omens in this fic. I’m kind of looking forward to writing Beelzebub as Crowley’s close friend, instead of their usual villainous role, and on the other hand, Gabriel will take the part of Aziraphale’s very questionable ex-boss (and perhaps ex-more). The amnesia storyline really speaks to me, and without spoiling anything, I love that the original movie didn’t take the easy, cheesy way out in the end. I mean to implement that as well.

goromcom: Interesting! But let’s not give too much away and move on to the final question, which I am blatantly stealing from The Good Place: The Podcast.  Tell me something "good". It can be something big or small. It can be a charity you think is doing good work, or you can talk about how great your pet is.

bilboo: I’ve been seeing lots of pictures of people’s pets in these interviews, and I adore that. My pets are a bit unusual, because they’re actually a hive of thousands of bees - I became a beekeeper just last year, and I was very anxious for them to survive the winter, which I’m happy to report they DID, and I can’t wait to watch them grow, and actually harvest my own honey this year!

goromcom: That’s amazing! What a lovely, constructive hobby! :)

Speaking of lovely, it’s just a short wait until the lovely GO adaptation of The Vow will begin posting! Stay tuned.

#goromcom #goromcom spotlight #good omens #bilboo #the vow

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 26

Water Fun

Summary: Everyone does their best to have fun at the Regatta. During the beach party, Liam and Riley spend some time together. 

Word Count: ~3.7k

Warnings:  mention of character death

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s book “The Goldfinch”)*

Catch up here!

Tags: @captain-kingliamsqueen @gkittylove99 @lovablegranny @iam-the-kind-and-thoughtful @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @queenrileyrose @shanzay44 @cordonianroyalty @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @cinnamonspongecake @kuladekiwi @twinkle-320 @iaminlovewithtrr @charlotteg234 @amandablink @texaskitten30 @tinkie1973 @louiseingram1208 @queencatherynerhys @pens-girl-87 @missevabean @ladyangel70 @sanchita012 @cordonianprincess @liamandneca @cordonia-gothqueen @pink-diamond13 @queenwalton​

I’m not sure if the tags are working or not, but I hope I got everyone down! If you would like to be added/removed, please let me know, I wouldn’t want to annoy anyone with notifications :)

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

- Maxwell - 

When everyone — except Liam — walked out of the palace, they were glad to see Hana coming along. They understood if she would prefer to stay in her rooms instead of attending her cheating husband’s party, but she walked down the steps and into a car with Riley and Olivia, her face emotionless.

Rowan was coming with the Beaumonts in their limo after Maxwell had asked her to. He noticed that Savannah and Bartie were taking a liking to her, but of course there was Bertrand who always gave them a look when he saw them together. 

At the marina, the colorful boats interrupt the peaceful blue waters. The sun warms the tops of everyone’s heads, but not unbearably. In the crowd of people, Maxwell notices Riley and the children, and waves them over.

“What’s up, baby blossoms?” he says to Gabriel and Eleanor. “You two look fantastic.”

“Thanks!” Ella cries. She was wearing a sailor dress, while her brother wore a matching suit. “We’re sailors! Argh!” 

“That’s the sound pirates make, Ella,” Gabriel tells her. 

“Oh... aye aye, captain!” she says instead. 

“That’s... also what pirates say.” 

The girl’s shoulders slump. “Then what do sailors say?” She looks over at her brother, who shrugs. 

“Oh! What about,” Maxwell thinks aloud before crying, “All hands on deck!”

“All hands on deck!” the baby blossom repeats.

“Settle down, you three,” Bertrand tells them in low voice. He jerks his head towards an approaching cameraman and reporter. “We don’t want them to see foolish behavior, do we now?” He says menacingly to Bartie and the baby blossoms. Noticing that the reporter was making a beeline for Riley, he tries to quickly say, “Lady Riley, please remember—”

“Good morning, Lady Riley, it’s lovely to see you!” Ana de Luca interrupts Bertrand’s harsh whispers. 

“Thank you, Ana!” Riley responds. “It’s wonderful to see you as well.” 

“Just like your first Social Season, you’ve made quite a splash on Cordonian headlines! The people are itching to know how your relationship with His Majesty is going.” 

She shoves the microphone in Riley’s face, but she doesn’t flinch and flashes a show-stopping smile. “There is a lot for both of us to catch up on, but our top priority is giving Gabriel a good support system.” 

“Understandable. But... you said there was a lot for both of you to catch up on? Are you suggesting that King Liam didn’t know you, or your son’s whereabouts ever since you left Cordonia?” 

Riley pauses for a second, but quickly catches herself: “Of course not. King Liam—”

“Then how come Cordonia’s heir is only being presented to the people now?” Ana interrupts her, plastering a concerned look on her face. “Surely you know the threats to the country that arise during such situations?” 

Maxwell understood that Ana wanted answers, both for her story and for the people of Cordonia, but she really didn’t have to bombard Riley like that. 

“My relationship with King Liam ended on a sad note,” Riley picks up again. “You know the scandal that surfaced during his Coronation. He was understandably upset, as was I, and our relationship had to come to a close. And since we couldn’t prove my innocence, he had to choose Countess Madeleine, who I know would have made a great Queen. I found out that I was expecting during the Engagement Tour, and to prevent another scandal and for the safety of my child, I withdrew from court and informed His Majesty.”

Maxwell was taken aback for a moment. Riley was saying all these lies so easily. He knew she had to, but he was still shocked. He looks down at the baby blossoms to find them looking up at their mother.

“Was that the reason he broke off his engagement to the Countess?” Ana asks again.

Riley flashes that smile again. “You would have to ask him that question.” 

“So what exactly happened after he broke the engagement?” 

“Accommodations were made for me to return to Cordonia, but King Liam decided that it was better to stay away for a while longer, seeing that there were many threats to the monarchy and his own safety. The last thing we would have wanted was to put our child at risk.”

Before Ana can ask another question, a herald trumpeting breaks through.

“What’s happening?” Eleanor asks up to Maxwell. 

“Liam’s gonna say something,” Maxwell tells her.

They all turn to see Liam on an elevated platform with Prince Leo near him, smiling out at everyone. A crowd forms around him, and Maxwell notices Liam look in the baby blossoms’ direction and smile. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Cordonia, I welcome you all to our Royal Regatta!” his booming voice cries. 

The crowd around him begins to cheer and clap. Ana de Luca follows her cameraman over towards the main crowd, and they both disappear between the bustle of people. 

“This day,” Liam continues, “holds both historical and personal importance. Cordonia, for as long as any of us have known is, has prided herself in remaining a generous nation, even when our neighbors are not as benevolent. The Regatta was also a favorite event of my father, the late King Constantine.”  

Maxwell notices a shadow cross over Liam’s face, but it disappears in an instant. 

“In his memory, we celebrate, and hope for the continued prosperity of Cordonia. So without further delay, let the festivities begin!” Liam concludes. The crowd cheers again, then disperse. 

From the corner of his eye, Maxwell sees Drake and Jessica walking in their direction. Jessica’s bright smile and casual dress contrast with Drake’s expressionless face and his usual denim outfit. 

“I heard a few nobles were gonna race before the actual thing?” Drake asks Maxwell. Jessica greets Rowan and the baby blossoms. 

“Yes, I believe Duke Rashad, Landon, and Hakim are some of the main contestants,” Bertrand answers. 

“And, uh...” Maxwell leans forward — taking a look back at Hana, who was in a conversation with Olivia and Riley, neither of which were paying attention to anything the rest of them were saying — “Neville’s gonna participate, too.” 

Everyone makes a face, giving a quick, pitiful glance in Hana’s direction.

Maxwell looked around and noticed people getting ready for the race. He raises his head, hoping to see Liam somewhere, and sees him in front of the royal yacht conversing with someone. 

“Baby blossoms,” he leans down to them. “You guys should go over to where Liam is.” 

“Where is he?” Ella asks. 

“At the royal yacht,” Maxwell tells them. 

Gabriel grabs his sister’s hand, then leads her away from their group. But after a few seconds, they return, and Gabriel says, “Yeah, I don’t know where that is.” 

“C’mon, ya little blossom babes, I’ll show you.” He begins leading the way to where he saw Liam, then turns back towards Rowan and tells her to follow. 

She blushes, and rushes up to them. 

Maxwell doesn’t see Liam anymore, but he still leads the children onto the royal yacht. When Liam hears them board, his face lights up and the baby blossoms run up to him.

“Daddyo!” Eleanor cries, running towards Liam with her arms out. Liam grabs her and lifts her over his shoulders and onto his back.

Eleanor giggles as she wraps her arms around his neck and her legs around his torso. Liam proceeds to march around the yacht, Gabriel following them and laughing along. 

Maxwell notices a variety of sweets and snacks laid out on the table: fruits pierced with small sticks that had cute animals at the ends of them, and everything from cupcakes to cookies, also in the shape of animals. 

Liam stops when the herald comes onto the boat and tells him, “Your Majesty, it’s time for you to announce the beginning of the races.” 

Gently, Liam helps Eleanor off his back, who pouts. "Wait right here,” he tells her, then follows the herald off of the boat and back onto an elevated platform near the starting line. The herald hands Liam a starting pistol, and he holds it above his head. 

“Racers, ready!” he calls out. Liam pulls the trigger and yells, “Go!” 

The boats take off into the distance, and Liam rushes back onto the yacht to collect Eleanor in his arms again, letting Gabriel enjoy his fresh fruit. 

Liam invites everyone else onto the yacht. While the women engage themselves in conversation, Maxwell, Drake, and Bertrand stand around and talk to Liam, who gives most of his attention to the baby blossoms. 

Maxwell looks around at the activity around him, and is suddenly reminded that barely than two months ago, none of them could have imagined they’d all be together again. Back then, everyone had become accustomed to the boredom that their lives had been put into. But seeing everyone now, Riley talking happily with everyone, a smile on Liam’s face bigger than Maxwell had ever seen — he feels grateful for everything. 

He stares at Rowan for a moment, silently hoping that she would look back at him. When she does, she smiles at him again, and he loves that look in her eyes. She breaks off the stare to glance at the children, and Maxwell is suddenly reminded of Boris. 

He didn’t remember seeing the man anywhere after the Derby. Maxwell stands and looks out towards the docks. There are so many people that he can’t point out any specific person. 

“The boats are back!” Gabriel announces. Everyone walks towards the edge of the yacht. When Maxwell focuses on the two small figures that were beginning to come into view, he tells everyone that it’s Rashad’s and Neville’s boats that are in the lead. 

They all stare at the two boats in anticipation, and they hear cheers from the docks go out when Rashad’s boat passes the finish line first. Maxwell glances towards Hana to see a satisfied smile on her face. She seems glad Neville lost.

Liam walks closer to the shore and begins to applaud, congratulating Rashad. Both men exit their boats and shake each other’s hands, but Maxwell still notices Neville snarl after he turns away.

Once everyone is back on the harbor, Neville tells everyone that his party is beginning, and people begin to board his ship. 

“Aren’t you going?” Olivia turns to ask Liam, who was already walking back towards the yacht with the baby blossoms in tow. 

Liam frowns, then comes back up to the group. “Of course not. I refuse to have such an abhorrent man in my presence, especially one that has—” Liam breaks off for a second to glance down at the baby blossoms “—insulted my children, and a friend, no less. Anyone who doesn’t wish to attend can join me.” 

They all turn to look at Hana, who doesn’t make eye contact with anyone, and stares out at the sea. “Neville said that he expects me to attend,” she tells them in a low voice. 

Riley links her arm through Hana’s. “I’ll go with her.” 

“But, Mama,” Eleanor tugs lightly on her mother’s pant leg. “I wanna go with Daddyo.”

“Go ahead, baby,” she allows, shaking her head and chuckling when Liam smiles at her. The baby blossoms follow Liam back onto the yacht as the rest of them reluctantly pile onto Neville’s boat. 

On the boat, everyone crowds around Neville as he welcomes them. Olivia, Bertrand, Savannah, and Drake (being pulled along by Jessica) break off to mingle. Riley and Hana grab a glass of champagne from a waiter, and Maxwell and Rowan follow.

They go towards the end of the boat and take a seat on the cushions. 

“God,” Rowan comments. Maxwell turns to her, noticing her gaze on Neville. “How did that type of person get married to Hana?” 

They both watch Neville as he speaks to Adelaide, looking her up and down without any sense of modesty.

“Poor Hana,” Maxwell mumbles. 

He watches Neville, whose eyes reach Hana. Still talking to Riley, she seems oblivious when he begins to walk over to her. But before Neville can get too close, Hana stands and walks over to Rashad. She talks to him with a broad smile over his face, and Neville reddens with anger.

They watch the racing boats leave the starting line. After the boats have gone from view, the group walks around to mingle. Once that got tiring — and Hana was tired of continuously walking away from Neville every other minute — they sat back down with new glasses of champagne, this time joined by Drake. 

The five of them sit for hours, Rowan’s head resting on Maxwell’s shoulder, causing his heart to beat faster. Drake watches Jessica in the crowd, while Riley and Hana continue to talk quietly. 

What feels like hours later, Jessica comes up to Drake, her smile gone. 

“I’m leaving, darling,” she tells him. He stands, holding her hands in his.

“Everything okay?” he asks her. 

She shakes her head and lowers her voice. “Papa passed away.”

“What?” Drake breathes. Rowan and Maxwell turn to look, slightly worried.

“He was in the hospital this entire week.” She says nothing else. 

“I... I’m so sorry.” Drake brings her hands up to his lips. “Want me to come with?”

She shakes her head, gives him a peck on the cheek, then leaves.

Maxwell thinks that Jessica’s neutral face is odd, but considers that it would be even weirder to break down in front of the entire court. 

More time passes, during which Maxwell itches to get up and dance. But there was no chance he was going to have fun at a party whose host had hurt Hana so much. He wishes he can apologize to Rowan; he wanted her time in Cordonia to be fun. He never asked her when she’d be leaving to go back to New York, but he feared that it was probably soon. 

When the boats finally come back and reach the finish line, he leads their little group off of the boat, Rowan under his arm. 

“Beach party time!” he cries. 

- Liam - 

Once the races were finally done, Liam leads the children towards the beach. Gabriel and Eleanor were reluctant to leave the yacht, and Liam was glad that they had enjoyed it so much. 

He was worried about them lately, and how they were adjusting into their new lives. Not only that, but Liam was also concerned about them missing Theodore. He wanted to ask them about it, but thought that it was better for him to be a fun distraction rather than bring up things for them to worry about.

Thankfully both the children had on swimsuits under their outfits. They leave their things in the limo and race for the water, where some nobles have already begun partying. 

Liam laughs with the children as he watches them splash around, but then remembers that he forgot to tell them to put on sunscreen. He wonders for a moment if it really matters, then decides to call them back. 

While they get out of the water, Riley and everyone else appears, all of them wearing swimsuits already, except for her and Maxwell. Riley holds a little bag, from which she produces a tube of sunscreen. Once enough is applied to each of the children, they run back into the water towards Hunter and Heather, with Bartie following behind. Liam notices his brother in the water as well, then sees Drake start swimming towards him. 

Bertrand proceeds to talk to other noblemen under the shade and away from the water. Hana and Savannah both find towels and sit on the sand under umbrellas. Rowan walks towards the water, then calls out for Maxwell, who still has his shirt on. 

“Actually, Rowan,” he says to her. “How about we eat first?” 

“Don’t you wanna have some water fun?” she says to him, the water up to her ankles.

Maxwell hesitates, and Rowan grabs his arm to pull him towards the water. 

“I promise we can eat later,” she says to him. “But what’s a beach party when you don’t even have fun in the water?” 

He seems like he wants to pull back, but Maxwell allows her to guide him. 

“You can take off your shirt if you want?” she tells him when they’re almost knee-deep in the water.

Maxwell takes a second to stare at her, then quickly removes his shirt. Once Rowan sees the tattoo, she cries out, “Ohmygod, that’s so cute!” 

“Aw,” Riley sounds, still standing next to Liam. “I’m glad they’re getting closer.”

“As am I,” he says. “Though Maxwell being romantically involved with anyone is the last thing I expected, it’s nice to see my friend happy. Especially after everything he’s done for me.” 

Liam looks pointedly at her, and smiles when she turns to look at him. “And what has Maxwell done for you?” There’s a sense of joy behind each of her words.

He leans as close to her as decorum will allow to whisper, “He was the one who sponsored you to come to Cordonia, and he was the one who planned for us to have moments alone during the Social Season.” 

Liam notices her look at his lips. “Hm,” she mumbles. When Riley looks back at his eyes, her gaze is playful.

“Will you accompany me somewhere?” he asks her.

“Of course.” 

Liam looks around to check if anyone was looking at them, then takes her hand and leads her down a trail. 

After Riley had left, he had returned to the Forgotten Falls multiple times, but only to stare at it. Only to remember the time alone they had spent together. 

He helps her climb up, worried about her leg. When he pulls himself up after her, Liam sees Riley stare at the waterfall. He hoped that the smile on her face was in remembrance of their love, instead of thoughts of what could have been between them — such were the thoughts that were running through Liam’s mind right now. 

“Do you want to go for a swim?” Riley asks him. 

He knew they weren’t going to climb up to the waterfall like last time, and was elated that she still wanted to get in the water. “You don’t have a swimsuit,” he reminds her.

“So?” She laughs at him, then begins to take off her clothes. Liam quickly averts his gaze, then questions why he even did that. 

He takes off his own clothes, but before he can get his shirt over his head, Liam hears a splash. Riley’s clothes are on the ground next to him, and there are ripples in the water. He shrugs the rest of his clothes off in a hurry, then jumps in. 

Liam opens his eyes under the water, and sees her legs swimming away from him. He pushes his arms and legs to go after her, slightly mesmerized by how she gently kicked to keep herself afloat.

He lets himself fall to the bottom, then pushes himself up, grabbing her hips in the process and raising her above the water. She cries out, clearly doing her best not to laugh.  

He holds onto her, keeping half of her body above the water. She holds his shoulder and looks at him while Liam spins them both in the water.

“The court will be going to Applewood tomorrow,” he tells her.

“I know,” she responds. “I don’t need Maxwell to tell me which event is next. Thankfully, I know it all by myself now.” 

He looks up at her, refusing to let her go, and almost brings her down to kiss her, but catches himself. 

“Do you think we could leave for Applewood early? You, the children, and I?” Liam asks. 

“Why?” 

“I want to show them around. It was one of my favorite places growing up. The royal family was rarely bothered at Applewood, as it was mostly kept away from the spotlight. Before the rest of the court arrives, I want them to enjoy that.”

He looks up at her to find Riley staring at him. There’s a smile on her lips, and she slides down to kiss him. 

At first it takes him a little by surprise. Liam felt that he forgot what her lips felt like, but like second nature, one of his hands travels to her hair. He runs his fingers through it and relishes in the warmth that radiates off her body. He wants to bring her closer to him, but she pulls away and gives a little laugh. 

“What’s so funny?” he asks her, expecting an answer. 

She doesn’t give one, but swims over to the edge of the water to pull herself out. He follows her, then pulls her back towards him, pressing their lips together again. When she gently pushes away a second time, Liam wants to almost scold her, but the smile on her face is too contagious. 

She lays on the ground and he sits next to her, wanting to touch her again. For now he consoled himself, basking in her presence. Lying next to him was a woman who was not phased by time; even after ten years she never failed to make his heart race, make him want more of her. 

They stay like that for a while, her head on his shoulder. He tells her that Applewood is where he’ll announce that the nobility will have their belongings searched. Liam says that he’s concerned about their reactions.

Riley tells him how bad she feels for Hana, and how she wants to help her friend get out of that marriage. Liam mentions that Duke Rashad might be able to assist, and Riley says she’ll try to speak to him. 

When Liam wonders aloud how the children may be doing, or whether they ate or not, Riley states that she thinks they should return. 

They put on their clothes and share one last, lingering kiss before making their way back to the beach, where the children had just finished eating and said that they wanted to go to sleep. 

Liam insists that they go back to the palace in his limo, and knows Riley cannot deny the children’s persisting. On the drive over, Eleanor falls asleep. Liam carries the girl to her room, and after putting her to bed, steals one last kiss from Riley before leading Gabriel back to their quarters.

#the royal romance #choices trr #choices the royal romance #choices trr fanfic #king liam #king liam x mc #trr king liam x mc #trr king liam #liam x mc #trr liam x mc #trr fanfic #trr fandom #trr fanfiction #trh fanfic #trh fandom #trh liam #the royal romance fanfic #choices stories you play #the royal heir fanfic

[jessicajonesrp]

New case

Jessica could not remember the last time that she had felt like this. Hell, she couldn’t remember the last time she had thought it possible that she could feel like this. Even allowing herself to mentally label her feelings in the past few weeks seemed risky, even dangerous. How could she acknowledge to herself that she had been enjoying her life, even feeling happy about considerable portions of it? To admit even to herself that she was experiencing happiness seemed like a surefire way to bring it all to a devastating end.

 But as much as she didn’t want to even think the word, happy was a fairly accurate way to describe her, recently. It was an emotion she could hardly avoid, given how neatly and easily her life seemed to be falling into place. Kilgrave was dead, for real this time, his threat over her and everyone else ended forever. There hadn’t been an attack to NYC or the world recently that required her involvement to save from apocalypse. Trish wasn’t on drugs, had the good sense to be staying away from her mother, and was even in a relationship Jessica approved of, as much as she would approve of anyone with her sister. Trish was healthy, safe, and happy, and that was all Jessica wanted for her.

 And for Jessica…well, there was Luke. The more she got to know him, and the more time she spent with him, the more she knew that she was falling more and more deeply in love with him. And by some crazy twist of fate, Luke had decided that he loved her too.

 It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried to push him away. She had tried rudeness and bluntness, making it clear to him that there was no “better” Jessica that he might eventually shape her into. What he saw was what he was going to get. She didn’t hide her drinking or her temper, her antisocial tendencies or her cynicism. And still, he didn’t back away. Even after knowing her history, the worst of what she had done and the depth of her emotional scars, he still looked her in the eyes with nothing but respect and acceptance. Jessica still didn’t feel that she deserved this, but she loved the person that Luke was showing himself to be too much to walk away, even if she felt that was what would be the best option for him. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she wanted him, a life with him, too much to try much harder to force him away.

 And even the parts she hated most about herself, as she spent time with Luke, seemed to be getting better ever so slowly. Jessica was never going to be a person without a dark side to herself; hell, even before her family died and her life spun out of control for the next twenty years, she had been the kind of asshole teenager who dressed in black, played only metal bands, and had few facial expressions beyond scowls. She still drank heavily, she still avoided the public whenever possible, and she still shrank from any initiating any physical affection and refused to express her affection verbally. She still had nightmares, panic attacks, and hallucinations. But they were becoming less and less frequent and intense, and her sleep was getting better, overall. She even thought she wasn’t drunk quite as often.

 Luke was changing her, somehow. And damn it, Jessica didn’t even mind it.

 88

 “We’ve got eleven new potential cases,” Malcolm greeted her, the first Monday that Jessica returned from her trip with Luke, Trish, and Danny. “Most of the same, straightforward cheating spouse kind, but there’s a few that are a little more complex. I took down all the messages for you, the ones I thought you’d be most interested in are highlighted.”

 Jessica hadn’t actually given the man permission to be taking down calls, speaking with clients, or coming into the office to work when she wasn’t also present. Hell, she was pretty sure he was supposed to be currently fired for the fifth or sixth time. But Malcolm generally ignored whatever orders she gave if he saw fit to, and she was in a decent enough mood to overlook his supposedly unemployed state. For today.

   She gifted him with only a slight scoffing noise and rolling of her eyes rather than the full-on ass chewing he might normally have received, accepting the neatly labeled folder he held out to her. Flipping through it and rolling her eyes for a second time at the typed notes he had organized, she skimmed through each, tossing them haphazardly onto her desk as she rejected them entirely or dismissed their importance.

 “Cheater, cheater, blackmail, whack job, religious nut, cheater, cheater-“

 Her hand stopped on the next note, several of the typed words jumping out at her. Missing child- Gabriel Dowling, age ten. Jessica swallowed, her throat suddenly and uncomfortably tight. Her brother Phillip had also been ten years old, the year that he died. She had spent the last sixteen years feeling very uncomfortable and vaguely agitated when anywhere near a male child under the age of fourteen; the parallels to her brother were far too obvious and raw.

 Forcing herself to shake off her discomfort the best that she could, Jessica began to read over Malcolm’s notations more thoroughly. The call in had been made by the child’s mother, Cynthia Dowling; Jessica noted that no father was listened and reminded herself to follow up on his involvement or lack of, whether he was the potential perpetrator of the disappearance. The child had allegedly been missing for several days, with no signs of being a runaway and no ransom note left. Mother claims to have gone to wake him one morning only to find his room empty and no signs of a kidnapping or intruder.

 The minimal facts raised more questions for Jessica than answers; already she was wondering whether the disappearance could be staged, if it was possible that this was all some bullshit custody battle, or if ten years old really was old enough for a kid to be a runaway or going on some extended, unapproved sleepover with one of his friends. But if neither was the case, then a little boy was missing and at risk of great harm, if he wasn’t dead already. Jessica might not think of herself as a hero, but she couldn’t in good conscience turn this down.

 “This one,” she said to Malcolm, tapping the file. “Start looking up what you can on Cynthia and Gabriel Dowling. I’m calling her up and asking her to come in.”

 88

 There was nothing alarming about Cynthia Dowling, at first impression. She was a woman about ten years older than Jessica herself, of average height, weight, and appearance. But there was a haunted, pained look to her eyes, dark circles stained deeply beneath them, and her shoulders slumped as she took the seat across from Jessica’s desk that she was directed towards. Nevertheless, she met Jessica’s gaze firmly and with a surprising steeliness as she addressed her.

 “I know you’ll have questions for me, Ms. Jones, and I’ll answer anything and do anything you need to help me get Gabriel back. But I’m going to tell you now that most of the standard questions a person would ask about a child’s disappearance will not help you, because they’ll be going in the wrong direction.”

 Jessica arched an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair and fixing a skeptical look at the woman. “Hey, lady, you came to me for help, so why don’t you let me actually do the work I’m qualified for instead of telling me what you think is or isn’t going to help?”

 “I’m not telling you how to do your job,” Cynthia insisted, lifting both hands wearily and letting them drop down to her lap. “But I know the type of questions the police would ask, and they are wasting both of our time, and my son’s time, which he may not have much of. I-“

 “So you’ve spoken to the police?” Jessica interrupted. When the woman hesitated, then shook her head, Jessica narrowed her eyes, leaning towards her. “Your kid has been missing for days, and you didn’t report this to the police?”

 “I know how it sounds,” Cynthia said wearily, rubbing a hand over her face. “I can understand why you’re judging me for that, and if this wasn’t my son and my life, I’d judge anyone else just the same. But the police couldn’t do anything for us, Ms. Jones. That’s why I’ve come to you.”

 She paused, lifting her face up again. “My son did not run away. My son did not wonder off and get lost, and before you even ask, his father is not in the picture. I never even told him that I was pregnant, and I’ve never told Gabriel who his father is. He has nothing to do with this, it would be impossible.”

 “Lady, there’s a lot of things in this world that should be impossible, but aren’t,” Jessica muttered, exhaling. “I’m assuming you have reasons for the dad not being involved? What makes you think there’s no way a guy you didn’t even want to know you’re pregnant couldn’t do something with your son?”

 “It wasn’t like that,” Cynthia said. “It wasn’t…abuse, or that he was a bad person, or anything like that. It was a silly, casual fling that resulted in an unplanned pregnancy that I wasn’t unopposed to go through with.” She signed, shaking her head. “I didn’t know Gabriel’s father enough to know whether or not he was capable of being a good father, or if he would be interested. Maybe it was selfish of me, but I didn’t want to have to take the risk of finding out. I thought…Gabriel was going to be mine, the only person who was all mine. I thought I could be enough for a child…for my child.”

 Her voice shook slightly, and she brushed at her eyes before steadying it. “This has nothing to do with what’s happened to my child. This-“

 “There’s no way you can know that at this point,” Jessica interrupted, not bothering to hide the irritation in her tone. “You hire me to investigate and I’m investigating all possibilities. I need-“

 “I chose you because of what you are,” Cynthia Rowling blurted, and when Jessica stopped speaking, blinking at her, the woman squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, continuing. “Because…because I’ve heard about who you are. The things you can do. You’re like my son, Ms. Jones…or rather, my son is like you. If anyone is going to be able to bring my son back to me, it will be a person who is like him.”

 Jessica knew exactly what the woman was implying. Still, she had to be certain.

 “What do you mean, your son is like me?”

 “I don’t know the right word for it,” Cynthia said carefully, seeming to be trying to choose words that would be accurate without offense. “I’ve always just thought of Gabriel as….special. Not a mutant, or a superhero, or even superpowered…to me, he was just my son.”

  Jessica could feel her heartbeat speed up, and she had to make herself hold still as the woman spoke, make her face remain blank. Even so, her hands twitched, and her throat went dry with her craving to drink as she listened.

 “Gabriel can...go places. Without walking, or doing anything to get there. All he has to do is wish for it, or think about it, and he’s there. I think the word is teleporting…whatever it is, he can do it.” Cynthia shook her head, giving a short, broken-sounding laugh. “When he was a baby, I never could make him stay in his crib at night. I couldn’t keep him in the corner for time out or in the house on rainy days. I homeschool him, because when he was in preschool and would get bored, he would take himself out to the playground and send the teachers into a panic, not knowing where he went or how he got there.”

 As the implications of what Cynthia was saying began to dawn on Jessica, she looked at the woman sharply, her back straightening.

 “If your son can teleport- hold on, what are you telling me? You think your child’s been kidnapped, right? That someone is holding him? But how is that possible, if all he has to do is wish himself back home, and it would happen?”

 Cynthia nodded, a small, tight smile without joy curving her lips.

 “You understand now, Ms. Jones. You being like my son- that isn’t the only reason I chose you. You understand what it would take, what kind of person it would take, to be able to hold my son when he doesn’t want to be there. The kind of person who would and could do this. You…you had experience with that, didn’t you? The man this year on the docks-“

 “I’m not talking about that,” Jessica snapped, reeling back from her fast enough that the back of her chair smacked against the wall behind her. “That’s none of your damn business.”

 “I understand,” her client said quietly, nodding. “But please understand, this is why I’ve chosen you to help me find my son. You know what people like that can do to someone like him- to someone like you. I want my son back with me, Ms. Jones. And if…if something happened to him…if someone’s done something to him…then I want you to be able to tell me who it is that’s responsible.”

 Jessica took some time to gather words. Even as her temples pulsed and her eyes burned, she could only come up with one reply.

 “Okay.”

 88

 Within hours, she had all the information she and Malcolm could gather on the small Dowling family. It was straightforward enough, and no different from what Cynthia had said. Single parent, no father listed or involved, homeschooled child who had several strange “incidents” in preschool. No red flags popping out about either, beyond the preschool “incidents,” which Cynthia had already explained. Pictures on Cynthia’s social media implied a child who appeared happy and close to his mother and who regularly socialized with other children.

 It was only after Jessica had begun to look into some of the children pictured with Gabriel, just at the far-fetched possibility of a lead, that a pattern began to emerge. Each of those children was also homeschooled, never enrolled in public or private elementary schools. And as Jessica began to look into them and their families, other “incidents” began to pop up, suspiciously similar in nature to Gabriel’s preschool incidents.

 As her suspicions grew, Jessica began contacting the families of the children that had been Gabriel’s friends, under the premise of needing information about Gabriel’s disappearance. It didn’t take very long for the pattern’s strength to intensify.

 Most of the children that Gabriel Dowling was friends with were also “special,” as Ms Dowling had described her son. And three of those children had also, within the past year, mysteriously vanished- children who normally should have been able to fight off or escape a would be threatening person without trouble.

 It was becoming obvious to Jessica that whoever it was that had taken the children was gifted with some sort of supernatural ability themselves. Whatever his or her intentions, this person was clearly potentially very dangerous indeed.

#jessica jones #jessica jones roleplay

[truthbeetoldmedia]

We Only Part to Meet Again; Farewell Unity Days

It’s been a wild three years, but this past January, the first “The 100” convention in North America had its final curtain call. Featuring an astonishing seventeen guests the (all too-short) weekend was jam-packed with fun and laughs. Created by Miah Bannerman and Leana Santos and held at The Pinnacle Harbor Hotel on Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront, there was palpable excitement in the atmosphere all three days. For many, this was their first opportunity to meet some of their favorite actors in person, for others, an opportunity to reconnect with friends both old and new, for all, an amazingly good time. 

Returning to moderate the panels for Unity Days final year was Jo Garfein, co-founder of Cancer Gets Lost (CGL) and host extraordinaire. Moderating isn’t an easy task, but Jo managed to make it look like one, effortlessly handling fan questions and doing her best to pry a few Season 7 secrets from the zipped lips of the cast (the Spoiler Police never sleep). This year, Unity Days had a whopping ten (10!) panels, the first of which was the CommUNITY Panel on Friday night, which highlighted on the generosity of The 100 fandom and offered fandom a deeper look into Eliza Taylor’s Koh Tao Primary School (co-founded with Claire Wyndham) in Thailand. The documentary created by Pat Cotter (Eliza’s brother) was shown (and is also available on Koh Tao’s website here). Jo was also given the opportunity to talk about CGL’s fundraising efforts and more information was made available about other ways to support Koh Tao, including sponsoring a child. It was a great way to begin the weekend, but this was far from the last time we’d talk about charity at this convention. 

The Saturday Welcome Panel (ft. Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Sara Thompson, Tasya Teles, Lola Flanery). Although, as noted above, no pressing details were dropped about the upcoming final season, the panel was still a great way to start the day. We did learn that the Season 7 looks promise to be exciting (and Bob Morley has been rocking a clean-shaven face after years of fandom debate over the merits of “The Beard”, so I’d hazard a guess and say they’re right on that.), we learned that Lindsey Morgan filmed an episode in lieu of Eliza this season for medical reasons Bob had yet to direct his episode (at the time of the panel) and that, after the loss of Abby, Clarke is no longer struggling with her friends. After a few quick fan questions, fans and actors leave the panel to grab autographs, enjoy meet and greets and take pictures. 

The Bonus Guest Panel (ft. Chelsey Reist, Jarod Joseph, Chuku Modu, Jessica Harmon, JR Bourne, Richard Harmon, Tati Gabrielle, Lee Majdoub, Shannon Kook, and Shelby Flannery). So many guests and not nearly enough time. This panel opened up with a quick celebration for Tati Gabrielle, the talented actress (not just a spiritual advisor on The 100, but also a badass witch on The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) turned 24 this year! There’s a quick introduction and then we jump right into the questions. There are questions about Miller and Jackson (Mackson are apparently “still there”), moments that defined characters (for Gabriel (Chuku Modu) letting go of Josephine, for Richard (Murphy) meeting Emori), before we once again parted ways. 

The Sanctum Panel (ft. Chuku Modu, Sara Thompson, JR Bourne,  and Shelby Flannery) did manage to give us a few new bits of information about what is perhaps the largest unknown still remaining on the show: Sanctum and its people. Again we are told the costumes are going to be something to look forward to this year (Chuku), we’ll learn more about Hope’s markings and what they mean in relation to the anomaly and that Russell will need to figure out where he fits in now that his family and his way of life, has been destroyed. 

Finally, in perhaps what is my favorite moment of the convention this year, the Saturday Closing Panel. After discussing their favorite fan moments, JR Bourne, an avid supporter of The Grace Rose Foundation (which supports efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis), announced that he had a Season 7 “The 100” crew jacket up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the foundation, but soon decided to donate all proceeds to support disaster relief efforts in Australia . After an intense bidding war (something The 100 fandom might soon become famous for after a similar event at Conageddon 2 just last year), the jacket went to Megan for $3,700 dollars. Encouraged by the generosity, JR manages to find another jacket and secures a promise from Tara (the 2nd place bidder) for $3,600 dollars. In just 15 minutes, over $7,000 USD was raised to help Australia and it was an amazing reminder of the basic goodness of humanity. 

The last day of the last Unity Days was a bit slower and maybe that’s because time knew it needed to give people time to savor this experience for the last time. Sunday’s guests were Lindsay Morgan, Tasya Teles, Sachin Sahel, Richard Harmon, Luisa d’Oliveira, Chelsey Reist, JR Bourne, Chuku Modu, Jarod Joseph, Jessica Harmon, Shannon Kook, Tati Gabrielle, Lee Majdoub, Blythe Ann Johnson, and Shelby Flannery. Both the Welcome Panel and The Bonus Guest panel were, unfortunately, hampered by the fact that guests weren’t able to share much about the current season, what that meant was, that for guests who were present on Saturday, there wasn’t much that they could add that was new. Despite that, the cast were naturally very charming which helped to create an overall joy. Unity Days has always been more about the joy of being together 

Sunday was a big first for me, personally. It was the first time that I was invited to speak on a panel for my work. Myself, Yana Grebenyuk, Shanon Mizikoski and Gabriela Orsini were all featured on The Reviewer’s Panel (which Yana also moderated). It was wonderful to be able to sit and chat with some wonderful people about our favorite (and sometimes least favorite) aspects of this show we’ve all loved for so long. I even shed a tear or two! Unity Days was the first fan convention I ever attended, so to end the convention as a panelist was amazing to me. I am grateful for the opportunity and the experience. 

The final panel of any convention is always a bit sad, and knowing that this was the final Unity Days and the last season of the show  made it that much sadder. As always, I love hearing the “describe your character in x amount of words” portion and this is what we got for Season 7: 

Lee: He Is Torn

Jarod: Somehow Still Alive

Chelsey: I’m Not There

Tati: A New Beginning

Shelby: Twisted and Wicked

Tasya: Never More Stressed

Jess: When’s It Over?

JR: My Family Died

Lindsay: Karma’s a Bitch

Sachin: I Lost Abby

Richard: Trying His Best

Shannon: Finding His Humanity

I don’t know about you, but I find myself excited to see what this last chapter holds. I’m so grateful to have been able to share this experience with all of you (both digitally and physically) one last time.

All pictures courtesy of Unity Days, via Shot by Devon

#The 100 #The 100 News

[cr-noble-writes]

Title:  Possession

Pairing: Sabriel, Sam Winchester/Jessica Moore

Characters: Sam Winchester, Jessica Moore, Gabriel

Warnings:  kidnapping, minor character death, rape/non-con, bondage, Stockholm syndrome, Sabriel, dark!Gabriel, janitor!Gabriel, college student!Sam, Stanford AU, no supernatural elements, stalking, stalker!Gabriel, dead dove: do not eat, dark fic

Summary: It's love at first sight when Gabriel meets Sam Winchester at Stanford University. The kid is hot, nice, and environmentally conscious to boot. How could Gabriel possibly resist him?

Love quickly becomes obsession, and when Gabriel finds out that Sam is planning to propose to Jessica? There's no way he can let that happen.

Sam Winchester belongs to him.

A/N: This fic is my first lot for @ficfacers 2019! Written for @phoenyxnova.  It's dark. It's gloomy. It's violent. It's bloody.  I’m posting it as a WIP and the prologue is up! I hope you guys enjoy it!!

Preview:

Sam woke with a groan, his head throbbing wickedly and the side of his face covered in something thick and sticky. He was lying on a hard, cold floor with his arms pulled over his head. Blinking away the blurry vision, he tried to reach for the source of the pain, but his hands stopped short.  Confused, Sam sat up, maneuvering so he could see his wrists. Thick, tan rope wrapped around them, tying them together before extending in a single strand to the heavy metal leg of a what looked like a bed frame.

His heart raced wildly, a painful pounding against his ribs as his chest heaved in erratic breaths. Sam struggled against the bindings, pulling at them and making the tight rope bite harshly into his skin. He tried to stand only to discover the heavy weight of a thick iron shackle around one of his ankles. His eyes followed the chain attached to it until it disappeared beyond the small circle of light provided by the tiny lamp above his head.

Read it here on AO3

If you would like to be tagged in upcoming chapters for this fic or in any of my other works, please visit my Add Yourself Taglist and drop your Tumblr URL in the appropriate place! :D

Tagging below the cut

The Usual Suspects: @ellen-reincarnated1967 @grumpy-kittycas @shadyexperttiger @hobby27 @paigums @malmuses @fangirlingtodeath513 @babybluecas @winchester-ofthe-lord @cutelittlekittykorner

Sabriel: @imbiowaresbitch @anangelamuse-castiel-spnfam @galaxystiel

#cr noble writes #fic facers 2019 #phoenyx.nova #Sabriel #dark fic #WIP #prologue #kidnapping #minor character death #rape/non con #stockholm syndrome #dark!Gabriel #stalking #stalker!gabriel #college student!sam #stanford au #no supernatural elements #dead dove do not eat