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ashintheairlikesnow · 3 years

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Misread Details: Robert

CW: Dehumanizing language, BBU blanket warning, serial killer/death talk, descriptions of death/abduction/murder, blood, whumper death, some real vague implied noncon references, creepy whumper, sadistic whumper

Part One: Nanda | Part Two: Brute | Part Three: Robert

The Dark Discovery in Robert Weber’s Basement: Box Boy Killer, Part 3

r/LetsTalkTrueCrime

•Posted by u/oshaycanyousee

3 days ago

After Part One, where we learned about the mysterious, but possibly entirely natural, death of Nathaniel “Nanda” Benson, and Part Two, where we saw Henry “Brute” Hanlon’s double life lead to his untimely gruesome murder, you see the single thread that connects these two men who otherwise never met, interacted, or even shared a single person in common… a nameless Box Boy, present at the death of Nanda even if he isn’t responsible for it, and the proven killer of Brute.

It’s my theory that this Box Boy may have accidentally killed his legal owner, Nanda, and then picked up a taste for the act and moved on to taking shelter with those he turns into his victims.

With Brute, he simply didn’t know the man had a wife and children and entire other life, and may have assumed no one would come looking for him or recognize his death. With our third individual, Robert Weber, it seems like our Box Boy Serial Killer got in over his head.

I give you… the Accidental Vigilante death of Robert Weber.

You decide if our unknown killer is simply the unluckiest guy in the world or a killer who even now may be somewhere living with - and earning the trust of - his next victim.

One bright and sunny day in the quaint, old-fashioned California town of Rancher’s Rest, Robert Weber was late for work.

Weber worked in a vehicle repair business owned by lifelong “RR” resident Randy Niles, who had known Weber since his childhood and had been his boss since Weber was eighteen years old and fresh out of high school.

Niles, who is now nearly seventy-five and still spends his days in the shop with an Australian Shepherd named Cody and a blind pit bull named Sue keeping him company everywhere he goes, stated that Weber had no living family he knew of beyond his sister in Vermont, and he was just about the closest thing Weber had to a relative just from having known him so long.

“He didn’t have too much to do with his sister,” Randy said in an interview with Unsolved Mysteries. (You can see the interview on the new Netflix reboot of the show! It’s a really good episode, definitely recommend. It’s how I got into this case in the first place.) “Or nobody, really. Just us at work, the guys at the bar, that kinda thing. He was quiet, kept to himself really. You’d never just strike up a chat around town or anything. But he got on just fine with the boys here in the shop. He was a bit of an egghead, too, always going on about this thing or that he’d seen on the news. Little… odd. Little bit off, you might say. But really, who isn’t? In any case, you know, I’d known him since he was a little boy, so he was just Bobby Weber to me.”

Then, of course, one day Robert Weber didn’t show up to work. Randy Niles immediately felt that something was very wrong.

“When nine, nine-thirty came and went and he wasn’t there,” Niles said, “I knew someone needed to go check on him. Bobby showed up for work right on time or ten minutes early, rain or shine, for twenty years. My first thought was maybe he’d had an accident at home, or some kind of, you know, health thing. Almost never called in sick, took one vacation a year, that kinda thing. So I drove right on over there. This would’ve been, oh, probably ten or ten-fifteen when I got to the house. Had my dogs with me, and they never did like Bobby much, but as soon as I opened my door and got out of my truck they just lost their damn minds. Barking, growling, Cody’s hackles were up like you wouldn’t believe. I know it sounds damn crazy, but I’m sure those dogs could smell that evil had been done in that house.”

On camera, Niles goes quiet, here, his gaze slipping away from the interviewer as he scratches at the side of his nose. When he looks back, the hint of good humor that seems to be an eternal part of his expression is gone.

“I didn’t know what Bobby had been up to all this time. None of us knew. I’ve known Bobby Weber his whole life, and I… I had no idea.”

Randy Niles was unable to convince his two dogs to exit the truck, and eventually rolled down the windows to give them some air and a way out if they chose (he is insistent on this point in the Unsolved Mysteries episode - “don’t you dare say I left my dogs locked up in a truck on a sunny day, I sure didn’t - Cody even knows how to pull a door handle if it’s the right kind”) and got out to knock on Robert Weber’s front door.

No one answered.

Niles knocked again. Still no response.

The front door was locked, but Niles was able to locate an unlocked back door into the garage, where he found Weber’s car neatly parked and nothing out of place. However, once he used an interior door in the garage to enter Weber’s home, what he found was so shocking he still struggles to describe it today.

“The, uh. The first thing I saw,” Niles says in the Unsolved Mysteries episode, wiping at his mouth with a handkerchief, “was a cage. Big old cage in the living room. Like a kennel for a big dog, Great Dane or something, except… except, you know, kennels’re usually mostly wire, not that heavy. You can fold ‘em up, put ‘em away. This was… geez. This was pure metal. Bunch of blankets all piled at the bottom, too. Here’s the-... you know, my mind just didn’t want to even make the thought, but I just, I looked at it and-”

In the episode, Niles has to take another moment, here. His eyes grow wet, and his voice is hoarse when he speaks again. “People cage. Bobby had a damn man-sized cage in his living room. That’s when my stomach just fell out. Even then, though, I couldn’t-... I just thought, oh, well, what people get up to in their own homes is their business. But still, I just. I just decided, find Bobby, figure the rest out later. So I kept walking around looking for him.”

Randy Niles continued to call out, hoping to hear Weber’s response, but received none… at first. The radio in the kitchen was playing a local public radio station (“Bobby always hated the country western and classic rock we played at work, he was a big news man, big into classical, jazz, you know.”)

Niles noticed, he says, that the cage next to the couch had a wooden top, as though it were meant to act as a side table, and on that table was a small woven basket. Inside the basket appeared to be several State IDs and Driver’s licenses. Niles took note of this but his first assumption was maybe that Robert Weber had stolen some IDs or something.

Which was technically true, just… not quite the way he thought.

The kitchen, hallway, and all three bedrooms were equally empty of life. Every room was clean, everything neatly in place. Empty bottles of Jameson whiskey, Weber’s favorite brand, were lined up like décor along the mantel, and one half-full bottle was next to two clean, empty glasses on the kitchen table.

Even the beds were perfectly made.

The only thing missing was any sign of Robert Weber himself.

The question of Weber’s whereabouts was answered when Randy Niles heard a sound coming from the open door to Weber’s unfinished dirt basement.

“Like a ghost,” Niles said in his interview. “Just this low moaning sound. Hardly even thought of it as human, you know. But I just-... I called out, ‘Bobby? That you?’ and the moaning got a little louder, like whoever it was was tryin’ to answer. I could still hear my girls in the truck just going nuts, probably worried about me knowing what they maybe could smell even out there. I figured… I figured I’d best call the cops and get them out here. Seemed like a plan. So I picked up my phone and dialed, and then I headed down those basement steps.”

What Randy Niles discovered in Robert Weber’s basement was a dying man, battered and stabbed eight times, lying in a half-dug grave.

Robert Weber had been beaten with the very shovel that had done the digging. The shovel lay off to the side, caked in dirt and blood. Police would find some of Robert Weber’s hair on it, too. Then, the individual who had beaten him had gone back upstairs - blood smears were found on the railing to the stairs - and taken a kitchen knife out of the knife block on the countertop. A bloody fingerprint was found on the side of the knife block. They had then returned to the basement where Weber was stabbed, almost entirely through the stomach and chest, twenty-six times, until the cheap knife simply broke from the force.

Randy Niles admitted in his interview that he became very ill at this time. “From the shock,” He elaborated. “I haven’t been able to smell much since I was in a car wreck when I was young, so I didn’t smell what-... what my girls prob’ly smelled from outside, and what the cops smelled. To me, it was just… just a little off, is all. It was the sight of it that got to me, not the smell. The sight of the-... the hand.”

Behind Robert Weber’s body, the hand of another person was sticking up out of the loose dirt, as though someone was trying to dig their way out.

“I remember… I remember her nail polish was pink. That’s when I got sick, actually, was when I saw that hand with the painted nails. That’s when it just hit me all at once what Bobby had done.”

Randy Niles went back up the stairs and waited for the cops to arrive. Rancher’s Rest is a small town where everybody knows just about everybody else, and Niles was on a first-name basis with every single police officer he spoke to that day and in the days after. He would learn alongside the investigation that Robert Weber was not simply the quiet, intellectual car mechanic he had always seemed.

Instead, Robert Weber was a serial killer whose potential final victim had managed a miraculous, deadly escape.

Robert Weber never answered a single question about his own murder - he never fully regained consciousness and died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. His injuries were simply too severe. His autopsy showed that the cause of death was a stab wound that went deep into his chest and that he was first stabbed only after the beating with the shovel had taken place. Like Brute, most of his stab wounds were applied post-mortem in a rage rather than as part of the killing itself.

Medical examiners also found scratches on Weber’s face and arms, indicating that he had attempted to defend himself - or someone else had attempted to defend themself from him.

So why was Robert Weber killed, and why was there already a body in his basement? Investigators would piece together the story over the following days and weeks from a crime scene that only seemed to become darker and more baffling as time went on.

Excavating the basement was originally thought to be something that would be brief, but after the first body was removed, another one was found beneath it. Then another off to the side of that. And another, although this was simply bones.

Every time the forensics team thought they’d found the last human bone, they dug a little deeper or in a new spot and found more.

Eventually, the remains of twenty-two individuals would be removed from the basement of Robert Weber’s home, not including Weber himself. The oldest located victim was identified as Melinda Traxson, an Iowa woman reported missing by her family after she ran away in March of 1996… more than two decades before Robert Weber didn’t come to work one day.

Investigators are still working to match up every body with a missing persons’ case. For nearly all of them, the cause of death could not be easily ascertained due to the deterioration of the remains, but some showed signs of skull fractures. Identified individuals so far include:

Melinda Traxson, 19, from Iowa, ran away from home in 1996.

Billie Mortimer, 21, disappeared from a day out with friends at Lake Tahoe one year later in the summer of 1997. Her friends went to get lunch from the car after a swim and when they returned, she was gone.

Matthew Ranger, 22, went missing during a road trip to Yellowstone National Park in 1997 (only five months after Billie). His car was found abandoned by the side of the road with a flat tire.

Karl Janssen, 24, a tourist from the Netherlands who was also visiting Yellowstone, disappeared a month after Matthew. Last seen by an employee of the park who witnessed him speaking with another young man and getting into the man’s car. The employee said that the two seemed to be friendly with one another and did not seem like strangers.

Hannah Pointer, 26. She was reported missing in 1999 by her mother after failing to return home from work in Reno, Nevada. This disappearance occurred more than a year after Karl Janssen’s. Investigators would later discover that during this time period, Robert Weber dated a young woman from his hometown and he may not have wanted to risk her finding out what he was doing.

Isaac Jackson, 26, a Rancher’s Rest resident who disappeared after going out to a local bar to see his friend’s band play in 2000. His car was found submerged in a small pond two years later. This is the first time Weber apparently killed anyone close to home. He was actually briefly suspected in Jackson’s death, as he was the last person noted to see Jackson alive, but was cleared of suspicion at the time.

Dustin Swill, 21, who was driving from Colorado to California to visit his sister who had moved to Berras to work for WRU in 2001. He was last seen in a gas station near Yellowstone, where employees noted he spoke to a man who was smoking outside, who gave him a cigarette. When Swill left, employees saw the man put out his cigarette and leave shortly after. They did not find this unusual or noteworthy at the time.

Maria Vargas, 25, a Rancher’s Rest resident who was reported missing in 2002. Her family is intensely private and have shared few details about her, but it is known that her boyfriend at the time suspected Weber, who had attempted to convince her to leave the boyfriend for him and had apparently threatened her. He remained a suspect but there was never enough evidence to charge him.

Jennifer Striker, 28, from who never arrived for an appointment with a realtor in 2011. The long pause between Maria Vargas’s murder and Jennifer’s appeared to be due to Weber keeping a man named Finn Schneider within his home for more than a year after abducting him, as well as Weber serving five years in prison for a violent assault on a man he believed had sold him a defective vehicle. (Schneider was no longer in the home before the assault and prison time.)

Riley Nievelt, 25, was staying at the Big Meadow Campground with six friends during a weeklong vacation in 2012. She vanished while on a trip to purchase supplies. Her cell phone was found on the ground in the parking lot of the Food Lion in Rancher’s Rest, a short and easy drive away. At this time, with multiple individuals vanishing after being seen in Rancher’s Rest or being residents of the town, police begin to suspect and start hunting for a possible serial killer.

Alexander Peterson, 29, was a long-haul driver who vanished while working. He was last seen at a rest stop in 2014 on the California/Nevada state line, and would likely have passed right through Rancher’s Rest on his journey. He was reported missing by his ex-wife in South Dakota when he did not return as scheduled for a custodial visit.

The most recent victim, and owner of the hand that Randy Niles saw sticking up out of the dirt, was Yolanda Pierce, 26. She was a Rancher’s Rest resident with a troubled relationship with her husband, who had stormed out after an argument and was never seen again. She is believed to have died the same day as Robert Weber.

More remains exist but have not yet been identified. If you or anyone you know has a friend or family member who went missing during this time period in or near Rancher’s Rest, Yellowstone National Park, or Death Valley, it may be worth looking into, as those appear to be Robert Weber’s “hunting grounds”.

Disappearances in Yellowstone and Death Valley almost always matched up with Robert taking one of his rare weeklong vacations from work.

When investigators located three large diaries hidden inside a locked box in Weber’s closet, the first two fully filled up and the third nearly two-thirds finished, they found an exhaustively detailed record of Robert Weber’s crimes.

In these records, they discovered Weber’s first three victims were killed within 24 hours of abduction, with the rest being kept alive for longer and longer time periods. It is believed all of them met their end in Robert Weber’s basement.

Diary entries included records of two victims who were not a part of the bodies buried in Weber’s basement, both of whom may still be alive:

Finn Schneider, 19, a German tourist who disappeared in 2003 during a visit to Death Valley. Until Weber’s journals were found, it was believed he had perished in the park and had simply never been found. Robert Weber also visited Death Valley during this time. No one linked the two together. Evidence found in Weber’s home after his death, including the aforementioned diary entries and photographs, shows that Schneider was alive in Weber’s home for nearly sixteen months. It is believed Weber purchased the “human cage” that Randy Niles noticed around this time. The last diary entry that mentions Schneider states that he was “traded” on June 16th, 2005, to an individual only referred to as “Mouse.” What Weber received in exchange is unclear, but he was seen driving a new, custom-painted truck around this time, which he said he bought “from a personal ad” when asked by Niles about it. Schneider has never been found. However, his mother did receive a phone call in 2013 from an individual she believes to be her son, telling her that “Finn” was okay and to stop looking for him.

Our Box Boy, 334235, purchased by Nathaniel Benson years prior, whose whereabouts had been unknown since he murdered Brute Hanlon. Weber believed the Box Boy to be in his early twenties, according to his diary entries, and mentioned that he had picked the Boxie up hitchhiking and had intended to kill him before seeing the barcode on the inside of his left wrist and changing his mind. His diary suggests the Box Boy remained in his possession for roughly a fourteen months prior to Weber’s murder. Police have not released the details of what the Boxie was subjected to during this time, stating only that it is not the public’s interest for this information to be known, and they would like to locate the missing Boxie and interview him about certain details.

Four murders occurred during the time the Boxie was kept by Robert Weber. Weber noted that “the dog helped” with either murder or burial, suggesting that he may have worked as Weber’s accomplice in his terrible crimes.

Is it possible that they bonded over a shared urge to kill? Did the Boxie start a captive and become a companion?

Weber’s diary contained other disturbing facts, as well:

Weber also noted three failed abduction attempts in detail, in 1998, 2004, and 2017. In each he described with incredible precision of memory the appearances and descriptions of each person he failed to capture. He also appeared to do intensive research using their license plates and other information to find out where they lived and who they were. The names of these individuals have been kept quiet for privacy reasons.

Other failed abductions were noted, about one per year, without much detail. Or at least not enough for police officers to know who they were. Nearly all these failures were in one of three locations: Yellowstone National Park, Stanislaus National Forest and nearby campgrounds, and in or near Death Valley.

The last entry in Robert Weber’s diary was penned the day of his death.

NOTE: Weber referred to the Boxie as “the dog” in nearly all his journal entries. His last entry went:

May 6th, 20XX: The dog is pissed about something again. He’s always pissed about something. I think the thing in the basement probably kept him up all night with her caterwauling. He never gets used to the noises they make. God knows I can’t sleep either, at least not well. I’ll handle her tonight, have a drink with the dog after, see if that shuts up his nonsense for a while. Note: missed NPR interview with Senator Carlotta Grant on new leg. about the bb prohibition act. Find that on website later.

Found in Weber’s home, in boxes under his bed, were a series of restraints made of leather, high-quality items that appear to be custom-ordered to specific measurements. These included “gloves” intended to keep someone from being able to claw or scratch in their own defense, five sets of cuffs, a body harness, a leather half-face-mask that police referred to as a “muzzle”, several gags, some of which were deemed to be “designed to cause injury to the inside of the mouth”, and “other assorted items for use in torture and torment”.

You can find some leaked police docs online that go into more detail, but suffice to say they pretty much match the kinds of “toys” found in Nathaniel Benson and Brute Hanlon’s homes, too. And apparently, if you really know where to look, you can find some blurry low-quality photos Weber took, too.

While the items are a bit salacious, they aren’t entirely uncommon in consensual relationships, too, so it’s really not clear if they’re evidence of the Boxie being held against his will or not.

The investigation of the crime scene suggests that at some point after writing his final diary entry, Robert Weber made himself a pizza, which he ate half of and put the rest away in the fridge. His shaving cream and razor were found out on his sink, and Weber’s body was clean-shaven, suggesting he shaved shortly before his death.

He then watched three episodes of Law & Order: SVU. We know this because he texted during this time with his only living relative, the sister in Vermont. Little is known about Weber’s family and childhood, beyond his sister’s recounting of a quiet, strained home life with an overbearing mother and her mention that Robert endured several head injuries as a child and adolescent, including one that hospitalized him for days.

After he finished watching TV, Weber entered the basement and murdered Yolanda Pierce. It is believed he took the Box Boy downstairs with him, either as accomplice or witness. At some point while he was disposing of Yolanda Pierce’s remains, the Boxie became enraged for one reason or another, beat him with a shovel, got the kitchen knife from upstairs and stabbed him to death, and then left the house.

A neighbor remembers hearing odd noises around 3:30 AM and looking out their window to see a shadowy figure walking quickly down the road, but they weren’t able to see well enough to say whether or not the individual matches the description and WRU-provided photos of the Boxie. It does seem reasonable, though, to assume that the neighbor witnessed the Boxie fleeing the scene of the crime.

The Box Boy has never been seen again.

Police are pretty mum about the active investigation into the Box Boy’s whereabouts. I was able to get ahold of one source closely related to a member of the investigative team who said that there’s just not a lot of urgency. “Weber killed nearly two dozen people, just that we know of,” The source said. “The cops are a little bit ‘good riddance to bad rubbish’ about the situation. Unless the Boxie comes back to RR, they’re just inclined to let sleeping dogs lie.”

The sense of “let it be someone else’s problem” would be understandable… if this Box Boy weren’t responsible for one other direct murder, possibly two.

Police believe the Boxie has not left California, and is likely to be continuing to survive by engaging in prostitution or perhaps panhandling or some other hidden way of making money. Unconfirmed sightings have been located in three cities in central California, but all of these are unverified and should be taken with a grain of salt.

It’s also possible he hooked up with a pet liberation movement group, in which case he may be hiding out in a safehouse, protected from the consequences of his actions by the pet lib movement’s understandable insistence on total secrecy and anonymity for the Boxies they take in.

If he’s an innocent victim of circumstance, that’s fair.

If he’s a burgeoning serial killer with three victims under his belt and a taste for inflicting terrible violence on those who take him in… well… anyone who gives him shelter may be next.

Is our Boxie a purposeful killer or just supremely, almost incomprehensibly unlucky? Will he kill again? Was he Robert Weber’s accomplice or his victim?

Will he strike again?

Should there be an audit of WRU’s psychological testing on potential sign-ups to see if, perhaps, a Box Boy-wannabe with an urge to kill slipped through the cracks?

What do you think?

@astrobly @finder-of-rings @burtlederp @whump-tr0pes @raigash @eatyourdamnpears @orchidscript @doveotions @pretty-face-breaker @boxboysandotherwhump @outofangband @whumptywhumpdump @whumpfigure @thehopelessopus @downriver914 @justabitofwhump @butwhatifyouwrite @newandfiguringitout @yet-another-heathen @nonsensical-whump @oops-its-whump @endless-whump @cubeswhump @gonna-feel-that-tomorrow @whumpiary

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kaetiesmindpalace · 3 years

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Can’t Fight This Feeling -- A Destination Fear One Shot (Alex Schroeder/Reader)

Requested by @gpiggy98 | Also found on AO3

It was the start of the second road trip of the new season. Excitement and a bit of anxiousness filled the RV. Dakota decided to investigate the Bowman Estate in Cuttingsville, Vermont. It is said that the ghost of Jennie Bowman moved a painting off the wall to hit a misbehaving person on the head. The fact that objects are known to move and specifically hit people made the crew being a bit anxious as to what may happen to them since no official paranormal investigation has been done.

You were the most anxious out of the crew. Although you were signed to be a part of the season, a scheduling conflict made it so you could only do the second road trip and not the first. This made the Bowman Estate the first location you have ever investigated with Destination Fear, though you had had a chance to urban investigate a couple times before. You had been close friends with the crew for many years, especially with Alex. Through the years, you started to fall in love with your best friend, yet you never said anything. Why possibly ruin your friendship when feelings can be fleeting and/or unreciprocated?

You and Chelsea went to the front of the RV to see the location while Alex was sitting across from Tanner and Dakota who were at the table.

“Wait, is this it?” Chelsea asks.

“This is it,” Dakota responds with a smirk on his face.

“Dude, this is so cool!” you exclaim, excitement taking the wheel from anxiety for just a moment.

“Wait, let me see!” Tanner proclaims as he bumps in between Chelsea and you causing the three of you to laugh.

“Get out of here, it was our turn in the front to see the location,” Chelsea giggles out while pushing Tanner back to where he was originally seated.

“Fine,” Tanner says in a disappointed tone, causing everyone to chuckle.

The RV quickly comes to a stop. Everyone gets out with equipment in hand and scopes out the location while figuring out a gear room. Once everything is set up, it is time for the investigation.

“For tonight’s investigation, I would like to start us off in small groups. Tanner, Chelsea, and I will be one group while you two will be paired together,” Dakota states with a smirk on his face and a subtle wink at you.

Tanner and Chelsea both had the same type of smirk on their face as Dakota. Your guess is your crush on Alex had not been subtle to them. If that were the case, did that mean that Alex already knew? If he knew, why has he not said anything about it? Maybe he is just as oblivious as a typical guy is. Your nerves were already getting to the better of you knowing that you would be alone with Alex. Normally, everyone would hang out together, so you have not been alone with him since you developed more than platonic feelings.

“Alright, see you guys,” you say, wanting to get this done and over with.

They nod in response before heading the opposite direction.

You were already nervous about the location. Add being alone with your crush and you are an anxious ball of nerves. You kept looking everywhere on the way to and even in the mausoleum but at him, partially because you wanted to see the location and the other part just trying to avoid possible embarrassment.

“Hey, are you alright?” Alex asks you after a while of walking in what must have been silence.

“Uh...yeah. I’m fine,” you respond probably a bit too quickly.

He gives you a knowing look. It does not help that he is your best friend and can tell something is off.

“Really, I’m fine. Just nervous about what we might find,” you reply.

“I think there’s more to it. You’ve seemed kind of distant from me for a bit,” he mentions, a slight hurt expression on his face.

“You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m just stuck in my own head about things right now,” you assure him as best as you can without letting slip that your feelings for him have been consuming your mind since you split off from the others.

“You can tell me what’s wrong. I can and want to help you,” Alex says.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” you dismiss.

“It’s obviously something if it’s making you overthink and almost nervous,” he states this time with concern in his tone.

“Just forget about it. Let’s focus on exploring this place,” you try dismissing again. You really did not want to talk about this, especially with the one causing your nerves.

“It’ll be easier if we talk about this. Please, tell me what’s wrong and why you’re this nervous. I want to help,” Alex pleads.

“We’re separated from the group and it’s because I have feelings for you, you dingus” you admit.

You quickly cover your mouth after that; your brain-to-mouth filter failing you in a crucial moment. You could feel your cheeks flushing as you stood their embarrassed while Alex just blinked at you wordlessly. Your instincts told you to leave and leave now to avoid any further humiliation.

While patting your pockets you say, “I think I left something behind. Let me just…” before running back the way you came to get out of the situation. You started running through the mausoleum to its exit before running outside in search for the RV. You could hear footsteps running behind you as you went.

Before you got far, you felt a hand grab your wrist and, with the gentlest of tugs, turned you. You were now face to face with Alex.

“Why did you take off running? Also, don’t give me the excuse that you forgot something, I can already tell that that is a lie,” he asks.

“Because I just made a complete fool of myself. We’ve been best friends for years and I had to go and ruin it all because I have feelings for you that obviously are not reciprocated since you just stared at me in silence,” you respond.

He lets out a chuckle before saying, “I like you too, you dingus. Your statement just took me by surprise is all.”

Now you were speechless, only being able to let out an “Oh.”

There were a couple beats of silence before Alex asks, “Is it okay if I kiss you right now?” while turning a slight shade of pink.

Instead of a verbal response, you simply nod your head with a huge smile spreading across your face.

He cups your cheek in his left hand and leans in. You meet him in the middle, both of your eyes closing as you kiss each other. It feels surreal that this is happening. You did not feel the fireworks that all those stories say when you meet “the one,” but it just felt right and what was meant to happen. The kiss was not a simple peck, but it was not a make out session either. It was just the right amount needed, especially since you guys were supposed to be filming a TV show instead of kissing.

Slowly pulling away and opening your eyes, you saw a huge grin on Alex’s face which you were already mimicking.

“Come on, we have a job to do,” you say while bumping into his side.

Alex lets out a chuckle before agreeing with you as you make your way back into the building. While investigating, the two of you did hear some disembodied voices coming from a woman and a man. Happy baby sounds were also heard at one point. Nothing was decipherable, but it was shocking, nonetheless. After some time, the two of you stopped by the gear room, which just so happened to coincide with the others being there.

“So…how’d it go?” Tanner asks while wiggling his eyebrows.

“Oh, you know, the usual paranormal stuff. We heard some disembodied voices. Hopefully the cameras caught them,” you answer, blatantly ignoring the implications Tanner was insinuating.

“And? Anything else?” Dakota asks in a tone suggesting there is more he is not saying.

“And what? Investigating is our priority here,” Alex answers, taking your hint as to not revealing more just to toy with your friends.

Chelsea seemed to cave from the suspense and blurts out, “Well, have the two of you finally realized your feelings for each other or not?”

You and Alex look at each other with mock expressions of surprise. Dakota, Chelsea, and Tanner go wide-eyed, thinking they ruined the possibility before Alex breaks the surprise to start laughing. Shortly after he starts laughing, you join.

“You should see the looks on your faces, holy hell,” you guffaw out, hands on your knees from laughing so hard.

“You guys were not subtle in the slightest in what you were trying to do, you know,” Alex chuckles out.

Your three friends all remained silent while you two took the time to catch your breaths. When you finally stood back up, you give Alex a kiss on the cheek.

While looking at Chelsea, Dakota, and Tanner, you say, “It did end up working though. You could say my brain-to-mouth filter decided to stop fighting this feeling and speak its mind.”

You hear Tanner let out a whoop, which caused everyone to chuckle.

“For once, one of your ideas was actually good,” Alex says to Dakota, which caused the group to laugh again.

“Now this is an interesting start to a new road trip,” Chelsea says with a smile on her face.

“Alright, let’s get back to work,” you say, wanting to explore more of this location.

With a quick nod, the five of you took off into the Bowman House, also known as Laurel Hall. With your 3 best friends and an amazing partner by your side, you knew you could take on anything.

#kaetie writes #destination fear #alex schroeder #alex schroeder/reader #chelsea laden #dakota laden #tanner wiseman #paranormal investigation #friends to lovers #feelings realization #ghost show

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novelconcepts · 3 years

Note

Looking forward to whatever you`ve been writing on! I always wondered what Judy`s reaction would have been in `on the hunt (for who I’ve not yet become)` when they eventually told her. Like how did that go down. Or something to do with their story after the fic finished idk I just really loved that story.

“I can’t do this.”

Dani glances over her shoulder, frowning. They had been, until this moment, walking in more or less perfect tandem--Dani trying to whittle down her usual stride, Jamie moving at twice her natural clip--a steady flow of forward until just now. Now, with Jamie pulling up fast, her hand in Dani’s performing a sort of rubber-band-snap trick to keep them both on the pavement.

“What do you mean, you can’t do this?”

“This.” Jamie, grim-faced, gestures down the block. The house is still just out of sight, the car parked a truly ridiculous distance away. Jamie’s idea; If she sees us, she’d muttered, we won’t get a moment’s peace to figure it all out.

“We have to tell her sometime,” Dani points out. “I mean--we do, don’t we?”

“Yes. No. Doesn’t have to be now, does it? Why don’t we just--just wait until we’re sending out wedding invitations. Or invitations to my funeral. Or never.”

Dani, despite herself, grins. It’s not that Jamie doesn’t get nervous--it’s just that Jamie doesn’t tend to show it. Not like she does, all sharp intake of breath and tight-clenched fists. Jamie’s nerves are quiet, smoothed over, tucked into the motion of hands which are never left idle. Jamie’s nerves are an unexpected kiss, a fumble of motion, the constant urge to put those feelings somewhere productive.

Now, she’s standing stock-still on this too-familiar street, one hand loose in Dani’s. Stock-still, looking for the first time in years like the child who had gazed balefully around a foreign living room.

“Christ, she’s gonna fuckin’ disown me.”

She looks like she believes it, the only thing that keeps Dani from laughing outright at the idea. She believes it, and there’s a small, simple hurt on her face at the idea--her jaw held tight, her shoulders hunched. Dani presses a hand to her cheek, leaning in until their foreheads meet.

“She won’t. You know she won’t. You’re her kid.”

“He’s her kid,” Jamie corrects, breath skidding across Dani’s lips in a way that--even at this inopportune moment--makes her pulse race. They’ve been building this beautiful thing together for a few months, and the heat of it never quite seems to fade. “I’m just the baggage.”

“Stop.” Dani kisses her once, softly. “Stop doing that. No falling back on bad habits, Jamie. She’ll be happy for us.”

She says it, and she means it, as if there isn’t a tiny spark of absolute terror kindled in her own heart at the idea of telling Judy O’Mara the truth. That Dani has not moved all the way to Vermont to share Jamie’s little apartment out of friendly camaraderie. That Dani has spent the last few months shaping a life around not only school and new friends, as she’s told Judy over the phone, but around learning just how well she and Jamie fit together.

They do. They fit so well. Jamie’s bed--their bed--has become the kind of safe haven she hadn’t known she could find anywhere. Jamie’s fingers toying with the braid of a worn old bracelet is like coming home.

“Come on.” She squeezes Jamie’s hand, kisses her again, lets the warmth of Jamie’s body steer her toward courage. “Like a band-aid, Jamie. Just rip it off.”

“Better idea,” Jamie says, though her legs are moving reluctantly forward again. “We go back to the hotel, I rip other things off instead, we forget this whole stupid idea.”

Tempting. “After. Come on, you haven’t seen her in how long?”

Jamie doesn’t answer. Hand in hand, they walk, and with every house they pass, a few more years seem to cycle back. They are twenty-three, newly bound, and they are seventeen, unaware of one another, and they are twelve, camped out under too-few stars.

They are on the front step, Jamie’s hand falling away, tucking restlessly into the pocket of her jacket like she’s terrified to be seen gripping Dani’s. Dani presses the tips of her fingers lightly to Jamie’s back for a moment.

“Deep breath. She loves you.”

“Gonna fuckin’ find out,” Jamie mutters.

The door swinging open feels like a portal to the past, Judy O’Mara’s small frame somehow seeming as expansive as it had when Dani had been eight years old. Her face wears a few more lines these days, but wears them well--the pride of a woman who has loved hard, raised good kids, made a place for herself in the world that feels warm and right. Her eyes are wide, her mouth falling open in a delighted grin, even as Dani raises a hand in a small wave.

“Surprise?”

“You didn’t tell me you were coming to town!” She pushes through the storm door, hugging them both in a single sweeping motion that nearly knocks Jamie off the porch. “Oh my god, you should have called, I’d have made a feast!”

“It’s eleven in the morning,” Jamie mumbles, but Dani can see her smiling. The Judy O’Mara of her anxious mind can’t withstand, even for a second, the truth of the woman.

“A feast for lunch, then,” Judy says without missing a beat. She leans back, takes Jamie by the chin, turns her head gently from side to side as though looking for new scars. “You look good. Healthy. You finally learn to cook?”

“She did,” Jamie replies, tilting her head toward Dani. “Sort of.”

“I make an excellent roasted salmon,” Dani proclaims, “and...very little else.”

“Well, come in! Come in, tell me--I mean, you have to tell me everything, right? Oh, I wish I’d known, I would have moved some things around, told Mike the game could wait.”

“Game?” Jamie seems frozen on the porch, her face unreadable. Judy is moving deeper into the living room, her back to them, and Dani takes the opportunity to slip an arm around Jamie’s waist to guide her over the threshold.

“Baseball. You know how the boys are.”

Never interested in baseball, Dani thinks wryly, remembering all the times Eddie had complained that nothing ever happened in a sport that slow.

“They won’t be back until tomorrow, they drove all the way to Indiana for the thing. Silly,” Judy is saying. “Come on, into the kitchen, I can at least get you girls something to drink.”

“That’s, uh. That’s all right, actually,” Dani says, following the familiar path back to the big kitchen table. It feels a little less expansive now, a little more worn; the wood is pocked in places, scuffed and weathered by decades of plate and fork and cups laid down without coaster. “We really just came to see you.”

“Oh, that’s sweet to say.” Judy makes a flapping gesture without looking, busy at the kettle. Jamie, grimacing, sinks slowly down in her old seat as if pulled by magnetic force. “But I know how much you must miss Edmund. Even after it all...you know. He still loves you so much, Danielle.”

"I’ll bet,” Jamie says in a low voice. Dani kicks her very gently under the table, amused when Jamie arches a brow that says oh, there will be consequences for that later.

Can’t wait, she thinks with a dizzy, rather inappropriate burst of desire, her hand creeping over to rest on Jamie’s knee. There’s a stabilizing sensation to the act, reminding her in no uncertain terms: this is who she is now. This, not Eddie’s long-lost girl, but someone lucky enough to be so in love with Jamie, it sometimes puts an ache into her chest.

“Not to say you should be getting back together,” Judy says, running steel straight up Dani’s spine.

“You--you aren’t?”

“Oh, Danielle, it’s been such a long time. I’d be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, you know, when it happened--but I always thought, in the back of my mind, how many childhood sweethearts really work out? You grow up. You grow apart. It’s natural.”

Jamie is grinning, biting the inside of her cheek, her knee beginning to shudder under Dani’s palm as her boot rocks against the tile floor. Dani squeezes harder.

“Well, that’s--that’s sort of the thing,” she says. “The reason we wanted to visit. We, um. We’ve--well--”

Judy is doing that mom thing she’s always admired, carrying three steaming mugs to the table without spilling a drop. She takes a seat across from them, beaming with every inch of her face, and Dani thinks, Love. This is what love looks like. This will be okay.

“Judy, I--I wanted you to be the first to--I mean...”

There are words here, she knows with frustration. Words, not even so big or so complicated, if only she can pluck them from the air. Just say it, Dani. Just say--

“I never thanked you properly,” Jamie says. Her voice is impossibly steady, her face passive. Beneath the table, her leg has stopped its jittering dance at last. Judy looks surprised, Dani’s teeth clacking shut on her own stammering.

“Why do you say that, dear?”

“’Cause it’s true,” Jamie says simply. “Never did. All those years of feedin’ me, keeping clothes on my back, never once making me feel...unwanted. Didn’t have to do that, Judy. No one was making you.”

Judy’s surprise is inching toward some emotion Dani can’t quite pinpoint--pleasure, that Jamie is saying this now, or pain, that Jamie thinks for a second she wasn’t worth it. “Sweetheart, of course I--I mean, you’re my kid. You know that.”

“Wasn’t, though,” Jamie says, almost earnestly. She’s leaning across the table, her hand moving to press Judy’s. “Was just some wee mess stumbling into your life, wasn’t I? And not always grateful, besides. I was--I don’t know what I was, half the time, but I was always lucky. So fucking--sorry, sorry, so utterly lucky. Was smart enough, at least, to figure that out.”

Judy’s cheeks are bright, her eyes brimming. She seems quite unable to speak, which Jamie seems to take as a relief. Her voice is rolling with surprising emotion, pushing a little faster than is normal, save for her most vulnerable moments.

“I was lucky you took me in, and lucky your family was willing to open up for one more. And I was...really lucky for this one.” Her eyes cut to Dani, her foot curling beneath the table around Dani’s ankle. “You brought me to her. Don’t think I can ever be grateful enough for that.”

Judy looks almost puzzled, though she’s smiling. “I’m glad to hear it. I always had a feeling, you know. That...you were a good match, somehow. You balance out. It’s important, having a friend like that.”

Friend, thinks Dani with a mouth gone dry. Best friend, sure. Best friend I can’t imagine ever being without again.

“You brought me to her,” Jamie repeats, almost stubborn, though she’s smiling. “I’ve never loved anyone more. Don’t think I could, given all the time in the world.”

The air seems to go still, the kitchen suddenly rife with small noises Dani’s never noticed before. The hum of the refrigerator. The trickle of water down the drain through a leaky faucet. The tap of Judy’s slipper against the floor.

“Please say something,” Jamie says. “I don’t honestly know how to--”

“Eddie had an idea,” Judy says quietly. “When you were all still, gosh, back in high school. Long time ago, it seems now.”

Dani is nodding reflexively. Jamie isn’t moving at all.

“There was...a party? I think. Almost didn’t let you all go, it was against my best judgement, but--I figured, if you were together, what harm could come of it? And then Eddie came home early. Tried to pretend he wasn’t drunk, like he’s ever been good at lying, and wasn’t angry.”

Her voice is almost dreamy with memory, her back leaning against the chair as she raises the mug to her lips. She isn’t quite looking at either of them.

“I asked him where you two were. I remember being furious that he’d leave you alone. And I remember, very clearly, him saying something strange. Danielle doesn’t need me when she’s got her. I remember that so well. Danielle doesn’t need me when she’s got her.”

Jamie swallows audibly. Her hand is still resting on the table, inches from where Judy’s was not so long ago. She looks as though she’d very much like to give in to the oldest Jamie-urge in the book, to push up and bolt from the house without looking back. Dani traces her kneecap through her jeans, fingers pressing firmly until Jamie draws a deep breath.

“I thought it was so odd,” Judy goes on. “That he’d say something like that. But he wasn’t in his right mind, and by the time I heard you sneak in--yes, Jamie, you were never as subtle as you thought, dear--he was fast asleep. No one said anything else about it, and I thought maybe you’d just gotten into a fight. Young love is like that. It can be so jealous.”

Not always, Dani thinks. If Jamie was jealous--and she’s sure she was, to a point; there are some feelings too big and too natural to ward off completely--she tried not to let it show. Jamie’s love has always been sunlight, reassuring and steady and there even when clouds roll in.

“This is why,” Judy says, looking Dani in the eye. “Isn’t it?”

“Why he was mad?”

“Why you broke it off.” Her eyes never blink, never stray, her gaze as solid as the table. “You said it was because you didn’t love him the right way. I didn’t understand what that meant, but I knew you knew. Always knew your own mind, Danielle. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of.”

Dani breathes, trying hard to quell the dizzy rush in her head. “Judy, I--”

“She doesn’t think she needs anyone taking care of her,” Judy goes on, like she hasn’t spoken. “Never did, even when she barely came up to my hip. Always thought she had it handled.” Her gaze slides to Jamie’s face, her lips curving. “Isn’t that right?”

“Right,” Jamie says, sounding breathless.

“But you took care of her anyway. Every step of the way. Wouldn’t listen to me or anyone else, but she always listened to you, didn’t she?”

“Right,” Dani says, a helpless grin working onto her face. This feels like a dream. This feels like a story not quite within her own control. Judy sighs, sips her tea.

“Well. There’s nothing more to it, then, is there?”

“There isn’t?” Dani asks. Judy pushes up from the table, shaking her head.

“I only have one question.”

The silence is too loud, punctuated by hum and drip and tap. The silence is going to drive her crazy, Dani believes, and drive Jamie to run, and this is all going to fall apart because she so desperately needed for Judy O’Mara to know them--

“Will you be staying the night?”

“What?” Jamie says, in the same moment Dani blurts, “Sorry?”

“Staying the night,” Judy repeats. “Jamie, we’ve converted your room into a sort of hodgepodge storage-guest combination, but you can just throw all those boxes into the hall. I don’t suppose you’ll be needing the sleeping bag.”

“I--” Jamie is shaking her head very slowly, as though trying to clear water from her ears. “I--no, we’ve got...a hotel...”

“Oh, that’s just silly.” Judy waves a dismissive hand. “You’ll take the room. No sense spending money, you already came home.”

Home, Dani thinks, her heart pounding. Home, here, in the O’Mara house--an address she’d never quite claimed, but the place where all her fondest memories live all the same. The place she grew up. The place that brought her to Jamie.

“Have you stopped in to see your mother yet?” Judy asks. “I can invite her to dinner, if you like, I haven’t caught up with her in...months, now, probably--”

“You’re not,” Jamie begins, the words drying up before they can truly escape. Judy pauses at the sink, her hand tipping the remnants of her tea toward the drain.

“Not what, sweetheart?”

That word, more than anything, seems to unbind Jamie’s calm. That word, a simple endearment spread back through their lives like so much love in two syllables, belonging to Judy and Judy alone. Jamie swallows again, presses a hand to her jaw, closes her eyes.

“Upset,” she croaks at last. Judy raises an eyebrow.

“My kids are happy. What on earth would I be upset about?”

It’s not a good time, Dani thinks as Jamie slumps against the table in mingled relief and exhaustion, to say I told you so. Later, she thinks--when they’re nestled in a bed just a little too small for their adult frames, when Jamie is looking up at her with glazed delight, when they’re trying their best to make a kiss sound like silence. Maybe she’ll do it then. I told you she loved you. I told you.

Now, watching Jamie slide from the table, move across the kitchen in a daze, slip her arms around Judy in a firm hug, Dani thinks--not for the first time--that family is as much a choice as it is a gift. That Judy has always chosen well. That Jamie has learned from the best.

Told you, she thinks, feeling perfectly at peace.

#fanfiction #ficlet #the haunting of bly manor #dani x jamie #damie #AU one-shot #not entirely sure how to tag the ones that are extensions of my own pre-existing work #nor am I sure how they're going to find their way over to AO3--possibly will throw all the extensions into a single piece #and all the others into the confetti one #regardless I hope this is what you were looking for #going back to the childhood AU was a trip I forgot just how much I adored that story

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detectivesebcas · 2 years

Text

Sneak Peek of New Story

When Sebastian escaped from Union with Lily, he swore he would never return to STEM, but a call from Kidman eight months later tests his resolve, and starts a whole new adventure full of old friends, new enemies, and old enemies who might just become friends...or more.

[Although the main plot is Sebastian’s quest to rescue Joseph, I promise it’s going to be a SteSeb story. It just might take a little time to get going.]

Sebastian ignores the call the first time it comes in. It’s a number he doesn’t recognize from an area code he doesn’t know, so he simply hits the button to send it to voicemail, sets his phone aside, and goes right back to work.

It rings again five minutes later, and then again ten minutes after that, but it takes until the fourth call for Sebastian to realize it’s been the same phone number each time. Clearly whoever this is doesn’t give up easily.

Sebastian lets out his breath in an irritated sigh and picks up the phone.

“Hello?” he says, fully expecting a sales pitch about his car’s extended warranty.

“Sebastian?”

“Kidman?” He sits up straight, almost dropping the phone in surprise, because the voice on the other end is one he knows, and one he definitely didn’t expect to hear. It’s been almost eight months since Juli Kidman, former rookie detective at KCPD and known Mobius agent, helped Sebastian and Lily escape from STEM and Mobius, and her voice brings back a rush of emotions, not all of them pleasant.

“Yes, it’s me.” Kidman sounds a little annoyed, but of course he might deserve that for not picking up the phone the first three times.

“What’s this about?” It’s not the most polite way to start a conversation, but he’s certain Kidman didn’t call him just to talk. There are only a couple of things he can think of serious enough to merit this call.

There is a moment of silence on the other end of the line.

“It’s about a promise I made,” Kidman says finally. “The last time we talked. I told you I’d call you as soon as I found…” Her voice trails off, but Sebastian’s brain is turning over so quickly he wouldn’t have heard the end of the sentence anyway. He’s on his feet, pacing his office before he even realizes he’s moving.

“Shit, Kidman,” he mutters into the phone, as though his co-workers might overhear him. “Really? Where?”

“Vermont.” She pauses, then adds, “There’s a lot to explain, and I’d rather not do it over the phone?”

“Why?” Sebastian asks sharply. “Do you think someone’s listening in?”

Before they parted ways after the collapse of Union, Kidman assured him there was no chance anyone from Mobius survived the lethal signal Myra broadcast to all of their cerebral chips, but Sebastian still has his doubts. He spent years trying to track down Mobius, only to learn they had been preying on his family for even more years before that.

“No,” Kidman replies immediately. “No, Sebastian- nothing like that. It’s just...it’s a long, complicated story, and I’d rather tell it in person. If you’re still willing to come, that is.”

Guilt twists Sebastian’s stomach, because he actually does have to think about his answer. His duty, his highest duty- above all others, is to protect Lily. He’s only just gotten her back again, and the thought of leaving her is making his heart pound and his breath catch in his throat, but he also has a duty to Joseph. He made a promise not to give up on Joseph, and he knows Joseph’s wife and daughter haven’t given up on him either. If there’s even a chance that he can have his old partner back, that he can bring Joseph home to his family, he can’t pass that up.

He chooses his next words carefully.

“Do you have any reason to believe Lily will be in danger if I leave her behind?”

“No,” Kidman says. “Absolutely not. You and I will be in much more danger than anyone else.”

Her answer makes Sebastian’s decision a little easier, but it doesn’t make him feel much better about it.

“Alright,” he says. “I’ll come. I made a promise too.”

#the evil within 2 #fanfiction #steseb #I promise it's Steseb #it just doesn't look like it from the summary #and no it doesn't have a title yet #I'm bad at titles okay?

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lovely-necromancy · 3 years

Text

A Cure for Insomnia CH.6

You wake up sometime around one. Not too late in the day given your morning. With a decent amount of sleep under your belt you roll over and start striping your bed of its sheets. Then you make your way across your room, picking up stray clothes as you go to your hamper and dump your collection of dirty linens and clothes into it. You carry the hamper to the bathroom where you load half into the washer. There's no real point in separating the clothes from colored items and pastels or whites. You're only twenty-four and don't have your life totally figured out yet. You can be a little lazy with laundry.

Once your first load of laundry is being washed you go to do your weekly tidy of your home. The one good thing that came from the paranoia of your car's break in was you rearranged all the furniture of the home, thus cleaning as you went. So that means it's more of a quick wipe down of counters and sweeping today. Maybe you'd organize your art supplies while doing your laundry. It's an activity that wouldn't distract you too much and make you forget you had laundry in the wash.

You finish washing the dishes from this morning you begin wiping the counters and tabletop when you notice your fidget cube is still on the table where Toby left it earlier.

'Don't want to lose this. Back to the bookshelf where you belong.' When you get to the living room's bookshelf you notice one of your book's is missing. Ironically it's The Book Thief.

'Tobias probably picked it up and put it down somewhere.' you'd keep your eyes peeled for the book while you cleaned.

After wiping down bookshelves, tables, counters, even the mantel over the fire place you still hadn't found your missing book. You probably picked it right up and placed it right back down without even realizing. You'll just keep an eye out until you find it. You don't even reread books, you really just kept a copy to lend out to people when they ask what your favorite books are. It isn't a real big deal if you can't find it, plus there's bound to be a copy floating somewhere in a thrift shop or yard sale.

The washer chimes right as you grab the broom to sweep. Pausing this task to go retrieve your laundry and do the rest. You empty the dirty clothes left in the basket onto the floor and place the clean wet ones inside the basket. After starting the final load you carry the basket out back. As nice as this home is its still small and doesn't have a dryer, which early summer is fine but come fall and winter might be more cumbersome. Seeing as you have to hang the laundry out to dry outside. Maybe when it gets cold you'll just do smaller loads and hang them up in the bathroom or over the fire place. But that's a thought for future you. Right now current you is struggling yet again to get a fitted sheet to sit on the line. Fitted sheets are probably Satan himself in disguise.

When you finish stringing all the laundry up you take a moment to just enjoy the quiet and the peace that comes with the outside. It's nice out here, maybe after you finish the last few chores today you can come out and just draw, it'd be a good way to also keep an eye on this weather in case it turns. While it hasn't happened yet you're very aware of the risks you take by ignoring the existence of meteorologists. And by that you mean just not bothering to look up the weather for the day.

Heading back inside you restart your task of sweeping. Like you thought you've finished before the washer has even completed it's first cycle. The house isn't too big so it's easy to clean it from top to bottom within a day normally, but today you had even less to do thanks to this week's rearranging. So you move on to organizing your art supplies and separating all materials by medium.

Of course arranging materials is never easy, after all you end up staring at all your horded empty sketch books and note how your thumbnail notebooks are just covered in doodles and random scribbles but no real art or ideas. Maybe it's time to start kicking yourself into gear. You ran into a major period of burnout before moving and now with this fresh start you might be able to focus on progressing with art, even if you don't pursue it as a career. You've always loved the ability to draw and create images that make others happy. But right in this moment you just want to make yourself happy. Maybe you could start small just a few still lifes and see how you feel after that.

Hearing the chime of the washer you hurry to finish putting away the supplies in their newly assigned places. Just as before you transfer the wet and clean clothes into the awaiting basket and take them out to be hung to dry. You don't have another fitted sheet this go round so it goes by much faster than it previously had. Now with all of your washing for today hung you head back inside to grab a fresh sketchbook.

Having never been one for scenery, more of a portrait artist, you start off with small things. A few stills of a flower under the window, the old tire swing on the tree, and even the blue jay that dove for dinner right in front of you. Of course all of these were warm ups done in a few minutes, though you really wish you had more time on the blue jay one. You really need practice with things that aren't people.

The warm ups of course don't look very good, but you can still see what you'd been going for. The hatching and smudging you'd done, to increase depth and give the quick drawing more life, did help a little but it was clear this was an area where you weren't skilled. But that didn't deter you, after all you needed more practice and wouldn't be getting better without it.

Deciding to draw the scene before you, a small open meadow surrounded by trees, in other words your backyard with your drying laundry. You start off slow and make sure to actually look and take in the yard in front of you, doing your best to not just make up the trees and their shapes as you go. Soon you are lost in the meditative muscle memory of drawing. The scratching of pencil scrapping across paper further lulling you into a trance like state as you etch out the scenery.

A harsh breeze blows through and the loud flapping of sheet hitting sheet knocks you loose from your trance. Checking to make sure none of your laundry was flying off, it hadn't the laundry was still secured to the line. Smiling you glance down to actually see what you've sketched out so far. It isn't too bad, though you aren't sure how long you've been working on it, the trees all have a distinct shape rather than your typical cartoon one size fits all attempts. Scanning the page your eyes catch onto something off, out in the tree line it looks like you'd drawn a figure hiding behind a tree.

Hearing the beating of your heart that's currently hammering against your chest you look around. Did your mind do that as a joke or had someone genuinely been watching you draw? Your mouth is dry as your eyes scan the tree line for any sign of what could've been mistaken for a person, but you saw nothing. No one was there. Had anyone ever really been there? Why would you draw that? Why wouldn't you remember doing it? You don't feel safe out here anymore. There are eyes watching you you can feel it. They may not physically be there but the phantom eyes that surround you and cause your skin to crawl make sure you know of their presence. You take that as a sign to head inside for the evening, one that doesn't need to be repeated.

You lock the door immediately behind you and check your phone. It's seven, and you have an email notification. Thanking whatever power for the distraction you slide down your back door and open the notification. It's from Hollis!

YN r u coming to SND? It's that teen beach zombie movie u love. Y;know the awful D list one Blk and wht with the 50yos playing teenagers

Lemme know I'll save your seat.

Sent 6:47 P.M.

They're so sweet to remember you loved this awful D list zombie movie. Horrible subplots and main plot and all. But you're a little spooked right now and watching even that joke of a horror movie is probably too much for you. You doubt you'd feel better by the time ten rolls around to watch it. Not to mention your battery's still drained from Toby this morning. And knowing for a fact you'd probably stay late to talk till morning with Hollis, Jake, and Kirby you decide it's best to skip this week. Just not having the energy to handle Saturday Night Dead.

Nah, sorry man. Battery's dead from being social earlier. Thanks tho, I do appreciate you! ….....,.... lemme know what next week's movie is!

Sent 7:10 P.M.

It'd probably be a good time to make something for dinner, there's a box of mac n cheese in the pantry. Simple but always beloved. As you wait for Hollis to respond you start on boiling water. But you didn't have to wait too long since they'd answered near instantly.

Chill, don worry we'll catch ya next week

…..oooop

ot not...Kirb's said it's the start of watching the entire warren file collection

starting from the beginning

...well the first movie released, Insidious. LOL we probs won't ever see you again.

Sent 7:12 P.M.

How dare Kirby betray you like this. First off those movies are awful, and like not cheesy awful just awful awful. Not to mention he knows how you feel about the Warrens and their cases. You have a power point presentation ready for that dick the next time you see him. ...well not literally but you'd make one to prove a point!

Where's Kirby now? I just wanna talk, I just wanna talk is all.

Sent 7:18 P.M.

Already ran off toy vermont probably

will we get blessed with a ted talk nxt week?

Sent 7:20 P.M.

I can't tell if you're joking or not. If you aren't then yea I can make a power point and we'll play that instead of the movies. Every week until this town understands the severity of this.

Sent 7:21 P.M.

Ya just jkin.

Your passionate hate is funny tho, so could be good to do something mid warren marathon.

Sent 7:23 P.M.

Guess the dissertation on how horrendous the “exorcisms” were will have to wait. They'd just been joking. This is probably a good ending of the conversation anyway, it's hard to tell sometimes but you feel you'll just run in circles with the current topic or worse fall into a rant that they won't read all the way through because they'll have left with the rest of the stunt gang to get dinner before heading over to the Cryptonomica for Saturday Night Dead. Hollis is typically a real good sport about this kinda thing but you'd rather not bog down their night with your hate boner for the Warrens.

'I'll let them know later that I'll still come to Saturday Night Dead next week.' you think as you dump the pasta into the water that finally came to a boil. It's quiet as you cook your macaroni dinner. You'd normally not notice the lack of sound or life in your home before, but maybe having Connor and Toby over put things into perspective. Guests aren't really a thing you've ever had, you always feel rude if your social battery runs out before someone's stay is over. But maybe you're lonely, and it's put you on edge.

Though this week would've put anyone on edge, you have still been alone in this house for two months. That can't be healthy for your mental well being, humans are social creatures by nature after all. Maybe you could get a pet, something that'd make it's fair share of noise and give the home a bit more life than your normally hollow shell wondering the halls. Are you even sure you want a pet? Do you have time for one? You have the standard nine to five, but what about when you're off on a nightly trip because of your sleeplessness? What if you forgot about them? Hell your brain's been so foggy these last few months, it wouldn't be surprising.

Like a sign from the divine themselves, the pot of water boils over. Steam is rising as the sizzling is heard. Your head snaps twice to the right as you scramble to lower the heat and raise the pot off the eye. Putting it down on an unused eye you give it a quick stir and thankfully no pasta got burned to the bottom of the pan....this time. The pasta seems a little crunchy but a texture you'll eat so you kill the hot eye and start on the cheese portion of your mac n cheese.

As you eat you continue your original debate about getting a pet. Ultimately deciding that you just aren't ready for that kind of responsibility right now. Sure you'd had tons of pets in your parents' home but that was with a financial safety net and back when your mental health wasn't all over the place. Not to mention the pets were family pets and responsibility was split three ways.

There isn't much room in your home for you to have a roommate, and that presents a whole nother set of challenges. You could try to make friends through online forums again! It's hard to talk to people in general but you always get scared off before replying to a comment or post. Or overshare to the point people infantize you. Even better trying therapy out could help with your loneliness. Hah ok good one, even if you had money for it consistently you don't think you could trust someone knowing all your secrets but not knowing any of theirs. And while that in and of it self is an example of why you need it, you're rational enough to realize you aren't ready for that either.

After finishing your meal you put away the left overs and clean the dishes. You'll be happier tomorrow knowing they aren't your problem to deal with. You start to make your way to your bedroom but freeze just before the hall.

'You shouldn't stay here...you need to leave.'

A glance at the time tells you it's eight thirty-nine, if you left right now you could make it to Saturday Night Dead with time to spare. You don't need to fill the loneliness with new friends, just spend time with the ones you already have. Duh. Turning you grab your keys off the bookshelf and take one of the masks hanging from a hook by the door.

Checking your door was locked and locking your car once you were in, you're ready to drive. Knowing you're still overstimulated you forgo the music on this drive, hoping it will calm you down enough to enjoy the movie and some down time with friends. And that would help put a pin in your self isolating habits. It'd really be nice if you brought movie snacks over to surprise the gang. You're pretty sure the mini mart carries everything you need. Jake likes swedish fish, Hollis is addicted to those extreme sour airhead ropes, and Kirby's a weirdo with his love of red vines and surge. Hahaha that man will die before he's thirty-eight.

Still having the extra time you deiced to stop by the mini mart and grab the candy. What's the worse that can happen you have another panic attack in front of strangers. Plus you hadn't seen Magnolia the last few times and you'd hate for her to think you'd been ignoring her. Pulling into the empty mini mart parking lot you take a breath to steel your resolve before leaving your car.

Tim looks at the door when he hears the chime and stiffens when he sees you. Fuck you did have a panic attack in front of this guy last night, plus you really haven't formally met. But didn't Toby say his roommate was named Tim? And he and Brian were both here talking with Tim last night before you came in. That can't be coincidence.

“uh...hi?” you say awkwardly standing in the doorway, door closed behind you.

“um, hi?” perfect he's just as awkward in this situation as you are. You can work with this.

Moving through the first two isles you keep your eyes peeled for Magnolia, even though you can make this an in and out trip for candy, you do miss the little bodega cat.

“Wh- hey are you, are you even ok to be here?” Tim calls as he rounds the counter and makes his way to you.

“Huh? Oh...oh yea. I'm chill now.” you hear the bell before you see her. The little ting tin ting of her bell that comes with the grace only fluffy cats have.

“You literally collapsed on the floor last night after blacking out while driving.” his tone is very stern. He and Nate would probably get on like a house on fire. The grumpy old men who secretly care a lot duo.

“I don't remember collapsing...but I know I didn't drive.” well you don't know that but you do firmly believe that.

The man is just turning into the isle when you spot the floof sauntering just behind him. Magnolia didn't spare either of you a glance as she made her way to the counter. Probably going to her bed, an old shipping box for apples, you'd just meet her over there then. With no warning to the man you squeeze past him and and follow the cat. Agitated footsteps following after you in your quest to pet the cat.

Magnolia perks up upon seeing you, the flicking of her tail letting you know she's anticipating her pets. The huffing Tim hovering behind you isn't as pleased with your actions as the cat is. The man is radiating negativity, annoyance maybe or is it concern that breeds frustrated anger? The second he starts to clear his throat, as if to remind you of his hovering, you roll your eyes.

Looking back at him over your shoulder you see him in all his grumpy man glory. His brow was furrowed so hard his thick eyebrows nearly covered his eyes. But with the way his lips emoted the man before you looked more like a pouting muppet. It would be funny if it weren't for the foreboding feeling of the moments before being reprimanded by a teacher.

When you straighten up you take note that your eyes meet perfectly. He's the same height as you that's surprising, you thought he'd be taller than 5'7. His eyes widen slightly at seeing your full height, it must've thrown him off since the first time he saw you, you'd actively been trying, and had succeeded at looking smaller.

“What are you doing here?” well he doesn't get thrown off for long.

Running a hand through Magnolia's fur a few more times as you respond, “Petting Magnolia.” you really are a little shit sometimes.

“No...no, why are you out? Toby had to take you home last night, you shouldn't just be waltzing around town after that.” maybe it was frustrated concern.

“Oh I'm fine now.”

Magnolia at this point has jumped up on the counter and is headbutting you for more attention. Chuckling you turn your attention back to her. Meanwhile Tim behind you is at a loss for words.

“Fine?? You don't just...bounce back from a panic attack.”there's personal experience behind those words.

“I just rationalize things fast.” Hearing the trill of the clock on the wall reminds you that you need to grab those snacks and head over to the Cryptonomica for movie night.

Going to the candy isle you grab one of each of the gang's favorites, you snag a bag of white cheddar popcorn on the way to the counter and place your items there. Tim doesn't get a word out before you rush off to the cooler near the back that is in all honesty pretty sketch. Like who even makes Fruitopia anymore? That stuff got discontinued in the early 2000s. The cooler even has Hi-C Ecto Coolers...you might actually check if they're in date and grab a few.

Rummaging around the cooler you finally spot the weird tech green and black splattered can proudly stating SURGE. It has no date...questionable at best. But hey it's only Kirby drinking it, and it's been well established that man will die well before middle age. Grabbing a can to check the Ecto Coolers, luck is on your side! These cans are from the re-release that happened as a promotion for the Ghostbusters revival a few years back, they'll be good for another two years! For now you'll just take one so you won't have to worry about lugging cans around for the movie.

Once your new items are placed on the counter the expression on Tim's face cannot even be described. The questions of the surge are probably the ones easiest to read...or they're just the most predictable.

“Kirby likes red vines and surge, sickening right?” Maybe a little joke will break the ice.

“...Like that little round pink...thing?” What?

The laughter is coming out before you can stop it, the image of said pink Kirby consuming red vines and surge only to accessorize as your friend comes to mind. It's adorable and cursed at the same time. Adorably cursed. You'll have to draw that and print a few copies to hang around the Cryptonomica.

“No,” you're choking on giggles at this point, “Kirby, the owner of the Cryptonomica.” catching your breath and regaining your composure, “It's that tourist trap just across from the RV park.”

“Oh.” normally such a short cold reply would make you shut down the conversation. But This is Toby's roommate, and if you want to be friends with Toby, you'll probably run into him a lot more. Plus if he's a new night shift cashier it wouldn't hurt to be on good terms with him for when you're out on adventures.

“Yea, hey Toby mentioned you three just came to town, so you might not have known but the Cryptonomica does a weekly movie night on Saturdays. Saturday Night Dead. Normally it's awful old horror movies but next week they're starting a Warren Case files “arch”.” Tim doesn't take the conversation bait at the pause.

“It's a great way to meet other locals, you guys should check it out if you get the chance. It starts at ten and runs till one or so on most weeks.” Olive branch has been extended.

Tim relaxes for the first time since you got here tonight. The sheepish look on his face and twitchy pupils give the impression he's thinking it over. He sighs and nods before saying, “Yea, that sounds...nice.”

Olive branch skeptically taken! You'll count this one as a win in your book. With the mood lightened Tim breaks the ice a bit further.

“Surge and red vines can not be good for you.”

“Right! If living off mountain dew and pizza rolls doesn't kill him, this for sure will.” you both have a small laugh at that. It's nice to finally have cleared up the mix up from the beginning of the week. Which reminds you.

“Oh...um...I'm YN by the way. It's nice to meet you...sorry for the two,” your neck tics to the side, “previous nights.” you finish.

“Tim...and it,uh happens sometimes...'s fine.” Score awkward acknowledgment of previous meetings and you can now erase those from your nightly anxieties.

Tim finishes ringing and bagging your items and you pay. Giving another pet to the curled up kitty on the counter you nod farewell to Tim.

A trill rings out from the clock on the wall. It's ten.

Two heads snap to look at the wall. You take a second glance at your phone while Tim checks his watch. Both say the clock on the wall is correct. But it just turned nine not even ten minutes ago. Right? You can brush off yourself loosing track of time but when you involve another person that just doesn't make sense. Tim looks just as concerned as you. Only Magnolia lays unaffected by the lost fifty minutes.

“I should go.” Tim nods numbly to you as you exit the store.

You won't be able to make it to the movie, well you could but you'd disturb someone if you walked in mid movie. Choosing to go home instead you drive, once again without music. Entering your home you hang your mask back on the hook. Putting away the drinks and snacks for next weekend, you make your way to your bedroom. Once again freezing just before the hallway. Turning to your living room you can see a book in the middle of your coffee table. You definitely don't remember the book being there, and doubt you'd miss it out in the open. But as you got closer you could confirm, even in the dark, that it was The Book Thief.

#ticci tobyx reader #ticci toby #ticcitoby #reader insert #timothy wright x reader #timothy wright #timothy wright x brian thomas #brian thomas x reader #brian thomas #masky x reader #masky x hoodie #creepypasta fanfic #A cure for insomnia

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weirdestbooks · 3 years

Text

Secret States Chapter 8

Ironically, New England Dislikes England The Most

Also I’m using Canadian French instead of New England French because I couldn’t find a New England French translator.

England POV

"What was that about?" New Zealand asked as America raced out of the room. I wish I could tell my family about America's civil war, but that was too personal of a subject for me to tell them about. Besides, I wasn't even that involved, just in the Trent Affair. I didn't know any details and I didn't want to hurt my already fragile relationship with America.

"Well, what exactly happened, or what did you bring up? We can't give a reason if we don't know what happened." Delaware said.

"We mentioned the 1860s" Australia began, but Delaware flinched back, along with New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Those must of been the states that were involved in America's civil war.

"Please don't mention that time." Louisiana said. The other states nodded, looking incredibly uncomfortable.

"Why? What happened?" France asked. The states exchanged looks.

"Out! Everyone who was a part of the Union in 1860, out! We're too biased and we're going to blurt out something we'll regret!" Delaware commanded. Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana, and New York began to leave the room.

"We'll figure out what to do. You find Padre." Puerto Rico said. Hawaii sighed.

"That wasn't the best move." She muttered.

"What happened?" Britain asked again. The remaining states annoyed him and continued there conversation like he hadn't interrupted.

"Who told them about the 1860s?" Alaska asked.

"Palau! But I told the countries that it's not something they bring up." Liberia explained. Hawaii sighed again.

"I think its best we just end this here. That question spoiled the mood. NATO are you coming back with us?"

"Back with you." He responded. Hawaii nodded before writing down something on a piece of paper.

"This is our address. Stop by tomorrow." She said before walking out the door followed by the other states and NATO.

"Yeah. I'm going to follow them. I'd rather have D yell at me now rather than later." Palau said, before she left, dragging Micronesia and Marshall Islands behind her. Liberia laughed at them before following them out of the room.

———————————————————————

"I wish Ame would listen to us! That sleep schedule isn't healthy. And what about what happened in the 1860s. What are he and his children so afraid of?" I heard Australia rant. We had all left the meeting room and gone back to the house I shared with my brothers. UN ended the meeting after America's children had left, as the whole point of the meeting was to meet them.

I knew why America would want to avoid the topic of the 1860s. Civil wars were bad enough for regular countries, but for a union, well they were literally being ripped apart. I saw Britain after Ireland left. When union lost a country or a state, they lost the part of their personality that was affected by that country/state.

America wasn't just split in two during his civil war. He also lost a part of his personality. The part of his personality that would become the Confederate States of America. It made a civil war more traumatic for him than for a regular country.

"I don't know, but something horrible or traumatizing must of happened. Are you sure you don't know anything about it Canada?" Britain said. Canada shook his head.

"Ame and I were getting along better during the 1860s, but he stopped contact with me at the end of 1860, after he told me who won his election. We picked up contact again after 1866. I tried to visit him during the years he was silent, but he was never at his house. No one was. I think he was either with someone else, or in his country." Canada explained.

'The second one is right.' I wanted to say, but I couldn't explain how I knew. I promised America I'd keep it secret, so that's what I would do. I couldn't add another crack to our relationship. I'd already cracked it enough.

"So whatever happened, America must of been in his country, and was either too busy or too...I don't know, hurt or something to talk to anyone." Scotland said. He was hurt. I didn't want to be a part of this conversation, but I couldn't just leave.

"I don't think America will tell us about what happened. You saw what happened when Uncle North asked about it. He looked like he was going to have a panic attack." New Zealand said.

"Well if we can't figure out what happened, why don't we just google it?" Wales suggested. Ireland shook his head and protested the idea quickly.

"We can't just do that. It's a breach of America's privacy. Plus if we did that, we could hurt our relationship with America or his kids. Let him tell us when he's ready."

"If we can't help him with the 1860s, we should at least help him get a normal sleep schedule." France said. That was something I didn't know about, and something that concerned me. Sleep deprivation, especially over a long period of time, was never good.

I couldn't help fix the pain caused by the American Civil War. But I could help fix America's sleep schedule. But America is stubborn and prideful, so he probably wouldn't accept our help. I groaned. Why did this have to be so complicated.

"Are you okay Uncle England?" Australia asked.

"I'm fine. Just thinking about how hard it will be to get Ame to accept help from us. Especially Britain and I." I told them. Britain nodded.

"I know, but we have to do something. I'm not going to let mon fils refuse to take care of himself. I'm going to help him, whether he wants it or not." France said. I hope this went well. While making sure America took care of himself was a good goal, we had to be careful that we didn't push him away by doing so.

——————————————————

1 Day Later

——————————————————

We arrived at the address Hawaii gave us yesterday. It was a nice four story house, with a lot of land around it. There was a field of some sort of crop to the right of the house, with another building in front of it. That building looked more like a stable. There was also a concerning amount of yelling coming from the house, along with a noise that sounded like gunshots.

"This is a big house." New Zealand said. Australia smacked the back of his head.

"Ame has sixty-two kids idiot. The house needs to be big." He told him. New Zealand rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah, I deserved that." He muttered. We walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. We heard footsteps, before the door was answered. The states looked at us, scowling when he saw Britain and I.

"Fuck off limey bastards." He said before slamming the door shut. I stared at the door in shock. I knew some states may not like my brothers and I because of the Revolution, but I didn't expect that reaction.

"Well that was a nice introduction." Ireland muttered. The door opened again, this time revealing a new state.

"Sorry about Massachusetts. He still hasn't gotten over the Revolution." The state said. Britain sighed.

"Don't worry about it. I was expecting someone to hold a grudge against me." He told the state. The state smiled.

"I don't hold a grudge, even though I'm the one state most of the Original Thirteen expect too, as I fought in the Revolution. I'm the State of Vermont, the Green Mountain State. I was the Vermont Republic before joining the Union." The state-Vermont explained.

"Vermont?" I heard Canada ask, his voice trembling. Vermont smiled.

"What's up Bec? It's been a while." He said before, frowning slightly, "I can still call you Bec, right? I know your name is Canada now, and not Quebec."

"It's fine. It's good to see you again. I really missed you." Canada said. Vermont smiled and nodded, before stepping aside to let us into the house. We walked though a hallway, with some marks on the wall. Vermont turned into another room, where the state that originally answered the door, Massachusetts, was.

There were four other states in the room. Two of them were glaring at Britain and I, while the other two looked interested in seeing Canada and Scotland. One of the states that was staring at me had a flag that showed a white baroque shield with three grapevines, each bearing three bunches of purple grapes on a field of royal blue. There was a banner below the shield that read "Qui Transtulit Sustinet."

The other state that was staring at me had a flag that was white and had a gold anchor in the center surrounded by thirteen gold stars. A blue ribbon below the anchor had gold words reading 'Hope.' This state was also very short, a whole head shorter than Massachusetts.

"Nutmeg, Rhode, Mass. You three are not allowed to attack England or Britain." Vermont told the glaring states.

"Oh come on Mont. Those bastard did horrible things to my people." Massachusetts protested. I noticed that Massachusetts had a very noticeable accent, one that sounded nothing like America's. It's something I noticed with several other states. None of them had the same accent.

"In the 1770's!" Vermont protested, before sighing, "Can you guys introduce yourselves."

"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Bay State." Was all Massachusetts said before he went back to glaring at Britain.

"Wait, commonwealth?" New Zealand asked. Massachusetts sighed.

"I'm not actually a true commonwealth. It's just the name I got stuck with. The only two actual commonwealths in the Union are Mariana and Rico." Massachusetts explained.

The state with the anchor stepped forwards. "I'm Rhode Island, the Ocean State. And despite what my name may tell you, I'm not an island. Or anything close to one."

"Yep. You're just short." The other state, Nutmeg, I guess, based off what Vermont called him.

"Oh fuck off Net." Rhode Island told him. (I swear to god if autocorrect changes Rhode to Rhodesia one more time, I'm going to lose it.) Net smiled.

"I'm Connecticut, the Constitution State. I'm also called the Nutmeg State, which is why these idiots, call me that." Connecticut said, gesturing to the other states.

"Are you all some of the original thirteen states?" Britain asked. One of the state which had been looking at Canada and Scotland raided her hand. Her flag was blue, with a seal that was surrounded by nine stars and leaves. There was a ship in the center of it.

"I am. He's not." She said, gesturing to the last state next to her. "I'm New Hampshire, the Granite State."

"And I'm Maine, the Pine Tree State." The last state said. His flag was blue with a shield on it. In the center of the shield, there was a moose under a pine tree. There was also a farmer and seaman on either side of the shield. "I became a state in 1820. I hang out with these guys 'cause we're New England."

What? I didn't know there was a place in America called New England. And what did Maine mean by they were New England? Weren't they all separate states?

"Wait, what do you mean New England?" North asked. Rhode Island rolled his eyes.

"The states are grouped together in several groups. The South, the Mid-West, the West, the Mid-Atlantics, and whatever you consider Hawaii, Alaska, and the Territories to be. Anyway, we're the states that make up New England." He explained.

There was a place in America named after me. And it sounds like they had been using that name for a while. Maybe even after everything that had happened between us, we could still remove the tension between us.

We could fix everything. Of course, there's always the possibility they never felt like changing the name, and my relationship with America would always be filled with tension.

"I vote we changed that name. I'd rather not be a part of a place that shares a name with him." Massachusetts said, gesturing towards me.

"Don't be a masshole just because you're still mad about stuff that happened during the American Revolution." Vermont said. Massachusetts turned toward him.

"Don't fucking call me that!" He told Vermont. Vermont raised an eyebrow.

"Well if you don't want to be called that, then stop being such an ass." New Hampshire said. Massachusetts scowled, gave the rest of New England the middle finger before storming out of the room.

"Sorry about Mass. He has anger issues and can hold a grudge like nobody else." Connecticut said.

"It's alright. I have a question though. Why were New Hampshire and Maine staring at me?" Canada asked.

"New England French." The two states responded in sync, before high-fiving. What was New England French? I'm guessing it must be a language, although I never expected there to be a type of French that is proceeded by 'England.'

"New England French? Is that a language?" Wales asked. The New England states nodded.

"It's an offshoot of Canadian French that is spoken in the New England states, hence the name. Mass and Hamp aren't the best at speaking it because their official language is English. The rest of us don't have an official language, so we can speak it well." Connecticut explained.

"We just find meeting you interesting. We have the two highest amounts of New England French speakers." Maine explained.

"Also Mont never shuts up about you." New Hampshire said. Vermont started blushing heavily.

"Tais-toi Hamp." (Shut up Hamp) Vermont

"Pourquoi? Mont est-il gêné?" (Why? Is Mont embarrassed?) Maine said. Vermont's blush increased and he grabbed a pillow off the couch and shoved it in his face. I didn't understand exactly what they were saying, but I got the gist of their conversation.

"I don't mind that you tell the other states about me Vermont." Canada said. Vermont raised his still blushing face.

"Je ne savais pas comment tu réagirais en apprenant que ton vieil ami parle de toi derrière ton dos. Je me sens juste anxieux et embarrassé." (I didn’t know how you’d react to finding out your old friend talks about you behind your back. I just feel anxious and embarrassed.) Vermont muttered.

"You talk about us behind our backs all the time and you don't react this way." Rhode Island said. Vermont rolled his eyes as his blush faded.

"That's because you guys are annoying as fuck, and I like talking shit about you." Vermont responded.

"Well that's just rude." Connecticut said.

"Like you're not?" New Hampshire shot back.

"Shut up everybody. We all get called snobby states, so let's not argue about who's the worst. Even though we all know it's Massachusetts." Maine said. Vermont snorted.

"You're not wrong about that." He remarked.

"FUCK YOU GUYS!" I heard Massachusetts yell from another part of the house.

"Ignore Taxachusetts." New Hampshire said, snickering at Massachusetts' reaction.

"Mass is hotheaded. It's probably good he left. He'd blab what happened in the 1860s in a second." Rhode Island said. Connecticut rolled his eyes.

"He has the 'Cradle of Liberty' for a reason. He's always been a source of agitation in this country." Connecticut said,

"Until South stole that title in 1860." Maine added. South? That must of been a state, or just the region that started the Civil War.

"Let's stop being up 1860 please." Vermont said.

"What happened it 1860? Every time I learn something about it, I get more nervous that something truly bad happened." Australia said.

"Something truly bad did happen." New Hampshire said. Vermont shot her a glare.

"We don't talk about it. We might not of had any fighting, but it was horrible for everyone who did. Let's stop bringing it up and move onto another topic." Vermont said.

"And of you really want to know something, ask England. He was in charge of handing your shit during that incident. I still hate your for threatening to declare war on us." Rhode Island said. Everyone, aside from the state turned to look at me.

This isn't something I wanted them to find out. I was in charge of dealing with foreign relations involving the Confederate States of America because Britain's government knew he still cared deeply for America, regardless of what happened between them. They knew he would try and get the British Empire on America's side.

They knew I would support that side that we would benefit from the most. I swore myself to secrecy about the whole thing to avoid America's anger, and so I wouldn't bring up the pain that had been caused to America.

I didn't want any of my family to find out about this secret, not just because they would feel betrayed that I kept it from them, but because if they find out about the pain caused to America, they'll wonder why I didn't help him.

And why I almost made the pain worse.

#secret states by weird #weird’s wattpad stories #statehumans #countryhumans #writing

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arcticdementor · 4 years

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I love NYC. When I first moved to NYC it was a dream come true. Every corner was like a theater production happening right in front of me. So much personality, so many stories.

Every subculture I loved was in NYC. I could play chess all day and night. I could go to comedy clubs. I could start any type of business. I could meet people. I had family, friends, opportunities. No matter what happened to me, NYC was a net I could fall back on and bounce back up.

Now it's completely dead. "But NYC always always bounces back." No. Not this time. "But NYC is the center of the financial universe. Opportunities will flourish here again." Not this time.

"NYC has experienced worse". No it hasn't.

…

Three of the most important reasons to move to NYC:

- business opportunities

- culture

- food

…

Midtown Manhattan, the center of business in NYC, is empty. Even though people can go back to work, famous office buildings like the Time Life skyscraper is still 90% empty. Businesses realized that they don't need their employees at the office.

In fact, they realize they are even more productive without everyone back to the office. The Time Life building can handle 8,000 workers. Now it maybe has 500 workers back.

…

"What do you mean?" a friend of mine said to me when I told him 'Midtown should be called 'Ghost Town', "I'm in my office right now!"

"What are you doing there?"

"Packing up," he said and laughed, "I'm shutting it down." He works in the entertainment business.

Another friend of mine works at a major investment bank as a managing director. Before the pandemic he was at the office every day, sometimes working from 6am to 10pm.

Now he lives in Phoenix, Arizona. "As of June," he told me, "I had never even been to Phoenix." And then he moved there. He does all his meetings on Zoom.

I was talking to a book editor who has been out of the city since early March. "We've been all working fine. I'm not sure why we would need to go back to the office."

One friend of mine, Derek Halpern, was convinced he'd stay. He put up a Facebook post the other day saying he might be changing his mind.

…

People say, "NYC has been through worse" or "NYC has always come back."

No and no.

First, when has NYC been through worse?

Even in the 1970s, and through the 80s, when NYC was going bankrupt, and even when it was the crime capital of the US or close to it, it was still the capital of the business world (meaning: it was the primary place young people would go to build wealth and find opportunity), it was culturally on top of its game - home to artists, theater, media, advertising, publishing, and it was probably the food capital of the US.

…

In early March, many people (not me), left NYC when they felt it would provide safety from the virus and they no longer needed to go to work and all the restaurants were closed. People figured, "I'll get out for a month or two and then come back."

They are all still gone.

And then in June, during rioting and looting a second wave of NYC-ers (this time me) left. I have kids. Nothing was wrong with the protests but I was a little nervous when I saw videos of rioters after curfew trying to break into my building.

…

…

Summary: Businesses are remote and they aren't returning to the office. And it's a death spiral: the longer offices remain empty, the longer they will remain empty.

In 2005, a hedge fund manager was visiting my office and said, "In Manhattan you practically trip over opportunities in the street."

Now the streets are empty.

…

I co-own a comedy club, Standup NY, on 78th and Broadway. I'm very very proud of the club and grateful to my fellow owners Dani Zoldan and Gabe Waldman and our manager Jon Boreamayo. It's a great club. It's been around since 1986 and before that it was a theater.

One time, Henry Winkler stopped by to come on my podcast. He was the one who told me it had been a theater.

He said, "I grew up two doors down from here and used to perform in here as a kid. Then I went out to LA to be the Fonz and now I'm back here, full circle, to be on your podcast. This place has history." Things like that happen in NYC.

…

I love the club. Before the pandemic I would perform there throughout the week in addition to many other clubs around the city and in the past few months, clubs in: Chicago, Denver, San Jose, LA, Cincinnati, all over the Netherlands, and other places.

I miss it.

…

That said, we have no idea when we will open. Nobody has any idea. And the longer we close, the less chance we will ever reopen profitably.

Broadway is closed until at least the Spring. Lincoln Center is closed. All the museums are closed.

Forget about the tens of thousands of jobs lost in these cultural centers. Forget even about the millions of dollars of tourist and tourist-generated revenues lost by the closing of these centers.

There are thousands of performers, producers, artists, and the entire ecosystem of art, theater, production, curation, that surrounds these cultural centers. People who have worked all of their lives for the right to be able to perform even once on Broadway whose lives and careers have been put on hold.

I get it. There was a pandemic.

But the question now is: what happens next? And, given the uncertainty (since there is no known answer), and given the fact that people, cities, economies, loathe uncertainty, we simply don't know the answer and that's a bad thing for New York City.

…

My favorite restaurant is closed for good. Ok, let's go to my second favorite. Closed for good. Third favorite, closed for good.

I thought the PPP was supposed to help. No? What about emergency relief? No. Stimulus checks? Unemployment? No and no. Ok, my fourth favorite, or what about that place I always ordered delivery from? No and no.

Around Late May I took walks and saw that many places were boarded up. Ok, I thought, because the protesting was leading to looting and the restaurants were protecting themselves. They'll be ok.

Looking closer I'd see the signs. For Lease. For Rent. For whatever.

Before the pandemic, the average restaurant had only 16 days of cash on hand. Some had more (McDonalds), and some had less (the local mom-and-pop Greek diner).

Yelp estimates that 60% of restaurants around the United States have closed.

My guess is more than 60% will be closed in New York City but who knows.

Someone said to me, "Well, people will want to come in now and start their own restaurants! There is less competition."

I don't think you understand how restaurants work.

…

If the restaurants are no longer clustered, fewer people go out to eat (they are on the fence about where so they elect to stay home). Restaurants breed more restaurants.

And again, what happens to all the employees who work at these restaurants? They are gone. They left New York City. Where did they go? I know a lot of people who went to Maine, Vermont, Tennessee, upstate, Indiana, etc - back to live with their parents or live with friends or live cheaper. They are gone and gone for good.

And what person wakes up today and says, "I can't wait to set up a pizza place in the location where 100,000 other pizza places just closed down." People are going to wait awhile and see. They want to make sure the virus is gone, or there's a vaccine, or there's a profitable business model.

Or...even worse.

…

If building owners and landlords lose their prime tenants (the store fronts on the bottom floor, the offices on the middle floors, the well-to-do on the top floors, etc) then they go out of business.

And what happens when they go out of business?

Nothing actually. And that's the bad news.

People who would have rented or bought say, "Hmmm, everyone is saying NYC is heading back to the 1970s, so even though prices might be 50% lower than they were a year ago, I think I will wait a bit more. Better safe than sorry!"

And then with everyone waiting... prices go down. So people see prices go down and they say, "Good thing I waited. But what happens if I wait even more!" And they wait and then prices go down more.

This is called a deflationary spiral. People wait. Prices go down. Nobody really wins. Because the landlords or owners go broke. Less money gets spent on the city. Nobody moves in so there is no motion in the markets. And people already owning in the area and can afford to hang on, have to wait longer for a return of restaurants, services, etc that they were used to.

Well, will prices go down low enough everyone buys?

Answer: Maybe. Maybe not. Some people can afford to hang on but not afford to sell. So they wait. Other people will go bankrupt and there will be litigation, which creates other problems for real estate in the area. And the big borrowers and lenders may need a bailout of some sort or face mass bankruptcy. Who knows what will happen?

…

I lived three blocks from Ground Zero on 9/11. Downtown, where I lived, was destroyed, but it came roaring back within two years. Such sadness and hardship and then quickly that area became the most attractive area in New York.

And in 2008/2009, much suffering during the Great Recession, again much hardship, but things came roaring back.

But...this time it's different. You're never supposed to say that but this time it's true. If you believe this time is no different, that NYC is resilient, etc I hope you're right.

I don't benefit from saying any of this. I love NYC. I was born there. I've lived there forever. I STILL live there. I love everything about NYC. I want 2019 back.

But this time it's different.

One reason: bandwidth.

In 2008, average bandwidth speeds were 3 megabits per second. That's not enough for a Zoom meeting with reliable video quality. Now, it's over 20 megabits per second. That's more than enough for high quality video.

There's a before and after. BEFORE: no remote work. AFTER: everyone can remote work.

…

Everyone has spent the past five months adapting to a new lifestyle. Nobody wants to fly across the country for a two hour meeting when you can do it just as well on Zoom. I can go see "live comedy" on Zoom. I can take classes from the best teachers in the world for almost free online as opposed to paying $70,000 a year for a limited number of teachers who may or may not be good.

Everyone has choices now. You can live in the music capital of Nashville, you can live in the "next Silicon Valley" of Austin. You can live in your hometown in the middle of wherever. And you can be just as productive, make the same salary, have higher quality of life with a cheaper cost to live.

…

Wait for events and conferences and even meetings and maybe even office spaces to start happening in virtual realities once everyone is spread out from midtown Manhattan to all over the country.

The quality of restaurants will start to go up in all the second and then third tier cities as talent and skill flow to the places that can quickly make use of them.

Ditto for cultural events.

And then people will ask, "wait a second - I was paying over 16% in state and city taxes and these other states and cities have little to no taxes? And I don't have to deal with all the other headaches of NYC?"

Because there are headaches in NYC. Lots of them. It's just we sweep them under the table because so much else has been good there.

NYC has a $9 billion deficit. A billion more than the Mayor thought they were going to have. How does a city pay back its debts? The main way is aid from the state. But the state deficit just went bonkers. Then is taxes. But if 900,000 estimated jobs are lost in NYC and tens of thousands of businesses, then that means less taxes unless taxes are raised.

…

What reason will people have to go back to NYC?

#james altucher #linkedin #new york city

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kittybellestark · 4 years

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Time Can Heal All, But Maybe Not This

Tumblr deleted the original story and I was lucky enough to find it again and get screenshots of it before it disappeared for good. This story continues to delete itself but I will win this war. idc it’s 10 pages worth of writing and I backed it up this time. I will win. I cannot be stopped. Also it refused to take a page break so im sorry that half of this isn’t hidden, can’t win this battle.

Please enjoy this story I love it dearly and if you’ve read it before Tumblr deleted it and liked it im sorry that it’s here again but re-reads are always nice ?

TW: Depression, alcoholism, drug usage, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, declining mental health

So maybe Peter didn’t have the most friends. Or the largest family. He didn’t have the most money and Peter certainly didn’t have the most luck. Peter didn’t have a lot of luck objectively speaking. Peter didn’t have a lot to give the universe and in return the universe didn’t have a lot to give Peter.

Then one day the universe gave him Tony, and Peter shouldn’t have been as surprised as he was when Tony didn’t want to be gifted to him. Then Peter nearly died and Peter found Tony in his life, but this time for good, and not just for a trip to Germany followed up by nothing.

Tony brought a lot to Peter’s life, a lot that was once ripped away from him. Tony brought family and warmth and happiness into the places of Peter’s life that were left empty. Tony helped Peter in all the ways that May wasn’t able to. Tony gave Peter so much, and Peter felt like he gave nothing in return.

Then the universe gave Peter Harley. And Peter felt selfish from everything he took from Harley. He took his time and attention, he took and took and took. And it felt different than it did with Tony, the way he kept taking and taking. With Tony it was easier, just spending time, Tony still worked on important things when Peter was there. Peter didn’t take up Tony’s attention the way that he takes up Harley’s.

Peter felt selfish. All he did was take. He took up room in May and Ben’s apartment. Took up room in May’s life. Used May’s money, distracted her from her own grief of her husband. Peter took up room in Tony’s lab, a whole workbench! He took Tony’s money, (over a million dollars on the suit alone) and he took Tony’s time away from SI and the Avengers and Pepper. And Peter took Harley away from his family. Harley came to New York to meet Peter and visit Tony, but then Harley decided to stay.

Peter wasn’t lucky, so he knew, he knew something was going to happen. It’s been a streak of good things for too long. The last bad thing that happened to Peter was Ben dying, so Peter knew because it had been so long ago that something was going to happen soon. Peter just wondered who it would be. It could be MJ or Ned or Harley or Tony or May. And Peter wasn’t ready to lose anyone.

Peter’s life was already so full. He had so many people who meant so much for him. He had everything he’d ever dreamed of, and yet it all felt wrong. Everything felt seconds from crumbling. He has all these people who love him, and support him, Peter loves all these people and he knows, he knows that something will happen to his family. He knows that he’s going to lose someone. It’s just the way his life works.

And Peter is terrified. For good reason apparently.

The snap happens. And Peter dies in Tony’s arms. Though he only woke up what felt like a minute later, it was actually five years. He was alone on a planet with people he didn’t know. Then he was on Earth fighting a war. Then everything was over.

He was the only one of his family to be snapped. Tony gained a whole family. Ned and MJ grew up and were finishing college. May finally moved out to Italy, something she and Ben were supposed to do before Peter came into his life. And Harley moved out of New York and moved on from Peter.

Everything Peter knew changed. He didn’t have a home, or a family, he didn’t have friends. Peter knew the universe has something in store for him. He knew the universe would look down on him and laugh when it saw how comfortable Peter was. He just didn’t expect to lose everyone. Not like that. Peter never expected to be left behind.

May didn’t want to come back to New York. She didn’t want Peter anymore. The offer was made to fly him out to Italy, but May now had a boyfriend who she lived with in a small village working as a nurse to help those in the community. They had a kid together and there just wasn’t room for Peter in her life anymore.

Tony and Pepper wanted to take Peter in, but they just didn’t have the room in their house at the moment, and Tony needed a lot more attention after the snap due to his injuries and it would be a year at least until they could move back to the city and find a place with room for Peter too. Tony was still deep in recovery and he didn’t blame them for not wanting to add more to their plate, especially when they had a daughter.

Ned and MJ were adults now. They had reached out to him. MJ was going to school in California and Ned in Boston. They were happy and they were adults. Peter knew they wouldn’t be able to take him in.

Temporarily Peter would be living on his own. With his apartment that was loaned to him from the Stark’s just until they could find a place where they’d all fit.

Peter never tried contacting Harley. He wasn’t sure he could handle that.

Peter turned 20 alone. In his little apartment in Boston, right off the MIT campus. By the time Tony and Pepper were able to move back into the city Peter was ready to go to college. He graduated Midtown with no one in the audience cheering him on, with no friends other than Flash, who was also snapped and alone. They weren’t friends, but they were alone together.

The Starks bought the apartment by MIT for Peter. He received a full ride there, being apart of the ‘blipped’ population helped that.

But now he was 20 and still alone. He didn’t talk to May anymore, hardly spoke to Tony or Pepper. They only ever reached out when they felt guilty. It was easy for them to forget Peter when they had five years without him.

He was drunk and alone. A combination he never thought he’d be. He always thought he’d have someone. But now he has no one. Peter was by the Sailing Pavilion now, starring out at the water wondering if it was cold. If he jumped in and swam down would anyone notice. 20 was old enough, wasn’t it?

His phone starts to ring.

Peter looks down at it, it’s Flash. No one else has called.

“Happy Birthday, Peter.” Flash says, trying to sound happy.

“Uh, yeah, Thanks.” Peter laughs. It’s fake, and sounds like he’s crying. Which he is. Of course he is.

“Just me?” Flash asked, his voice sounding more like a whisper.

“Just you.” Peter confirms.

The two stay silent on the phone together. They stayed alone together. They understood each other in a way others couldn’t. They were left behind. They were alone. They came back to a world that didn’t have room for them. A world that no longer wanted them.

“I miss having a family.” Peter speaks up, taking another swig of the whiskey he poured into his water bottle.

“I don’t.” Flash snorts. “I miss having people around, but not my family. They were assholes. Dad was a drunk, abusive, it wasn’t great. Mom was heavily medicated for her issues and wasn’t very present. They always loved my sister more. Now they just throw money at me and hope I stay away.”

Peter hums. “I finally felt like I had a family right before we died. I had Tony and Pepper and May. They took care of me and I didn’t feel like I deserved it. May lives in Italy now. I think she’s engaged or married probably. She has a kid. Doing her dream job. Tony and Pepper buy me things when they remember about me. But they’re not in my life. Not really. MJ and Ned are 25 now. Haven’t talked to either of them since right after the snap. And Harley... I really thought the two of us were going to be something. I loved him. He moved away when we were dead. Moved on. I haven’t spoken to him either. I knew I was going to lose someone, Flash. Parker luck and everything. I just didn’t think it would be everyone.”

“I hated you for that.” Flash sounds like he’s smiling now. “ I hated you for having a family. You were supposed to be poor, orphaned, Peter Parker. You didn’t have a family, but then you did. I had a family, but I didn’t. I wanted to have a family like you had so bad. I never thought you and I would have the same thing. I guess you have to be careful what you wish for.”

“You think anyone would miss us if we died.” Peter asked.

He took another sip of his drink, moving himself closer to the water. He held in a sob, trying to not sound suicidal on the phone with Flash. Flash was in Vermont. Peter didn’t want to panic him.

“Peter whatever you’re thinking about doing, don’t. I refuse to plan your funeral, okay? You try anything and I’ll be in Boston so quick.”

“I’m not. I won’t. I’m not going to kill myself. Not now. I promise I’ll live another day. But do you think anyone would miss us?”

Flash was silent for a moment. He considered Peter’s words. He knew the answer already. They both did.

“No.” Flash finally said. “They’ve mourned us already, they’ve grieved for us. If we were both dead no one would miss us. They’d miss the opportunity of knowing us. They’d miss the idea of us. But no one knows us. Not anymore. Now one would miss us.”

Peter graduated when he was 22. There wasn’t a single person in the crowd for him. Just some empty seats and empty promises.

He was drunk and alone by the time night rolled around, a gun in his hand. There was a party raging on down the road, loud enough that people probably wouldn’t recognize the sound of a gun going off.

Bringing the gun up to his head, he drank more whiskey and cried. Peter’s finger hovered over the trigger, when he thought of Ben. He watched him bleed out everywhere, saw him get shot, watched the life face from his eyes.

Peter couldn’t do this tonight. Not with a gun.

At 25 Peter was still alone. He had a good job, a good company really, bought it out when he realized the company was about to fail and that his net worth was higher than the company who pays him. He travelled the world, as CEO. Accidentally made a name for himself. He was famous for some research, he couldn’t remember what. He was in the public eye often. Paparazzi followed him around. Yet Peter was still alone.

Peter and Flash still talked. They both were still alone. There’s pictures of them at bards in magazines. They were alone together once a month. Flash ran his own business, it was successful, especially with Peter’s new found fame.

Peter was stuck at some stuffy party, alone. Always alone. I mean, he has his P.A with him, she was nice, she just kept him on track. He was a the bar, a few too many drinks in, flirting up whoever might make him feel less lonely tonight.

He isn’t what he ever expected to be. But he never really expected to live this long either.

“Mr Parker, you’re expected on stage now for you’re award.” His P.A interrupts.

Peter sighs, standing up and making his way to the stage, leaving the person at the bar with a wink. His P.A followed quickly behind him as he brought his drink with him, taking another sip.

“What’s it for?” He asked.

“You’re research on the Mental Health of those who blipped.” She smiled taking his drink from him and straightening his tie.

“I have so much more interesting research than the blipped. Why that one. I could use another award on my development of AI tech at home, or my bio-medicine advancements or literally anything else.”

She shook her head at him, pushing him up the stage.

“Peter Parker everyone!” The host called out again, gaining applause.

“Sorry for being late everyone.” Peter winked to the crowd. “I like to build up the anticipation. Thank you for this award. This wasn’t a project I ever thought would gain the traction it did. I think this is something that a lot of us could resonate with. Fifty percent of us were blipped. We came back to a world we didn’t recognize. A place we didn’t git. A lot of our families moved on. Even if you were one of the lucky ones who returned you’re mental health was affected. So many of us were displaced. And I think this research struck close to home for so many of us. Thank you so much for this award.”

It wasn’t one of his better speeches. One of his worst ones, actually. He knew that. He couldn’t come up with anything quick. It was hard to come up with a way to say thank you without showing all your cards.

He took pictures with the appropriate people on his way out. Kissed people on the cheek. Answered questions in the interview section. Followed out by paparazzi with some guy on his arm.

Turning 27 was a nightmare. A big party was thrown in his honour. He blacked out in the first hour. 27 sex tapes were circulating by the morning, all from different times since his rise to fame. Peter didn’t want to live. He hated being alive.

His P.A found him passed out 27 days later in his office. He overdosed. Anti-depressants and sleeping pills swallowed down with half a bottle of whiskey.

Flash was in his hospital room when he finally woke up a week later. He wasn’t happy with Peter, but he understood better than most. They cried into each others arms.

Flash moved in with Peter for a while.

When Peter left the hospital he was mobbed by paparazzi's. He had to do a press conference that same day, about what happened. Like it was anyone’s business. Like anyone cares, other than Flash.

Peter was 30 and still alone.

He and Flash still met up. But Flash has a family now. He was married, to Peter’s P.A -Gwen- and they were expecting. He was finally able to move on. Peter, on the other hand, was stuck.

He made a big advancement in technology. Out to the public. An AI who would track a persons wellbeing. Who would act s a therapist until a person received the help they needed. An AI who would talk a person down from harming themselves and contact the right people. A resource for helping people with depression, anxiety and PTSD. An interactive interface where it’d help you work through your trauma. And it was affordable.

There was no one there to congratulate him. Another milestone he made on his own. Peter Parker changed the world. He game so much to the people and he didn’t expect anything, having had a family at one point. From having happiness in his life once.

Peter didn’t think he’d be alive now- especially since turning 27, things had been rocky, he was lucky Flash was there for him. He wasn’t even sure he was going to graduate high school, let alone MIT. But he had to pay off his debts to the universe. For the happiness he once had. Peter knew at this point he wasn’t going to find love, or family, or happiness. IT wasn’t written in the stars for him.

He’s 30 and alone. A drunk with no one to go to. The world seemed to love him. Deemed him the next Tony Stark. As if Tony wasn’t still alive with a 17 year old daughter and an 8 year old son. They called him the next Tony Stark like it didn’t bring any pain to him. The people didn’t know his history. The family he lost.

He’s in California now. Alone. Always alone. Always drunk and alone. He’s looking over the edge of the cliff at some tourist destination wondering if the fall would kill him. If the wave would pull him underwater. Would the universe miss him? Would the world mourn his death? Would there be anyone at his funeral?

He was drunk and the pull of jumping seemed so good. Peter was tired of paying off his debts for having had happiness. He was ready for it to end. He wondered if the universe would be so cruel as to keep him alive after death again.

Footsteps approached him. He put on a smile, knowing that whoever it was would want to talk. The person stood beside him, looking over the fence of the observatory.

“California is nice, isn’t it?” The person said, a slight southern accent, long faded in their voice.

“S’alright.” Peter shrugged. “Too hot for me. Besides the whole thing about California falling off the map, who would want to stay for that?”

“Better than Florida.” The man laughed.

“Anything is better than Florida.” Peter agreed.

Peter hoped this man would leave. Give him some privacy in what he wants to be his last moment. He didn’t leave though. So Peter offered him the bottle of whiskey in his hand. The man took it. He took a swig before passing it back to Peter, who raised his bottle and downed the rest.

“I know it’s been a good 13 years for you, Pete, a solid 17 years for me, but do you really not recognize me or are you hoping I’ll leave again?”

Peter stayed silent. Of course he knew who it was. He could never forget. He was just hoping the other man wouldn’t remind him of it.

“From where I’m standing, it seems like you want me to leave. But that ain’t gonna happen. You’re an alcoholic who looks to be a minute away from doing something that they can’t ever undo. So I’m going to stay. You hear me Peter Parker? I’m not leaving you.”

As it turns out the universe doesn’t hate Peter Parker. On what Peter decided to be his last day alive, the universe gave him back Harley Keener. A gift to him for all he’s been through.

On Peter’s 32nd Birthday he was one month sober.

Peter was learning what it means to have a family again.

When Peter turned 32 he learnt what it meant to be happy.

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harleenfleck · 4 years

Text

Don’t forget me (Part. 3)

Arthur Fleck/Joker x Reader fic

Summary: After what happened in his apartment, and even though Arthur asked you not to, you watched that night the Murray Franklin’s Show, after that night, you didn't see Arthur again in a long time, and all that time you felt melancholy and lonely, until one day, a little surprise comes to you.

Warnings: Angst, comfort, sad thoughts and fluff

Words: 5.3k

Part one here <3, Part two here <3

A/N: Hello guys, first of all I KNOW, I know that I said that part 3 was going to be the last part of this story and that it was actually going to have NSFW content, BUT my two brain cells said “Do it more parts, MORE PAAAAARTS” and my heart said “Listen that two little bastards” and well, I’ll write a 4th part f this fic cause my heart and my two brain cells said it :$ Well, this story gonna have 4 parts, and the 4 part gonna have finally NSFW omg i’m so excited about that AHHH. Well, to finish this A/N I’m sorry if I make some grammatical, spelling or writing mistakes, English is not my native language. Enjoy this third part! :3 I hope you like it!

...

“Please, don’t forget me”

“Never, my love”

The last words you’d shared with him. You remembered how fast you run in the worn wooden stairs. How you got out of that old building. So many things happened, a walk with your enemy, you witnessed of a murder, you see your best friend convert into a monster, and almost the same time, your lover.

He asked you for one thing, and you decided not do it. Remember when you came to your apartment, recharged your back against the wood, dropped to the ground and started crying in absolute silence. You passed your hand over your face, just to remember his touch. The images passed in your eyes so quickly, images of him, his face, his mouth, his green eyes. You passed almost three hours crying, so many emotions in your body, you feared your body couldn’t hold all feelings.

You remembered when after that hours you tried to calm yourself, you were on it when the phone suddenly rang. You got up off the ground and ran to this one, waiting for your Arthur to be on the other side of the line. But for your disappointment, was Gary. He, ignorant of absolutely everything that happened, asked for Arthur, for Randall and his condolences had been sent to Arthur. What could you tell Gary? That Arthur had lost his mind? that Randall was dead? You decided to protect Arthur, protect him even if his act was horrible. You said to Gary some lies, like Randall never went to the subway station, you go alone and you and Arthur talked about a lot of things. Gary said something like "I told you Y/N" and kept talking. When the talk was over, you hung up nervously.

Looked the at clock, 15 minutes before the Murray Show. Nervous and eager to watch the show, you tentatively approached your couch and turned on the TV, turned on the channel and waited anxiously. Before Murray's show there were some news, you saw about some clown protests, you couldn't believe that all this had been caused by Arthur. The news was over, Ellis Drane and his orchestra drums were played, the show started. You watched the show without interest in Murray and the others guest, you just waited until Arthur's turn came. And when he appears, you felted so happy for him, despites he appears with a new name: Joker. When you saw him, you felt so much joy, coming out of those curtains dancing, spinning, greeted the presenters, but you not really like the joke that Arthur kissed Dr. Sally. You really jealous of an old lady? Maybe.

The show went smoothly, you waited why Arthur didn't want you to watch the show. Nothing bad seemed to happen, more than Murray's mocked of Arthur with the others guests. Was it serious? Did they make fun of Arthur even on that show? You could feel the anger in your stomach. But surrender, you heard Arthur's black humor joke, which worried you, why Arthur would make jokes like that? He was scolded by Dr. Sally and Murray but he don't care about they words, and then, what you didn't expect happened: Arthur confessed his crime.

It was a huge moment of tension, from how all the joy of the show changed abruptly to a more serious and darker tone. Why would Arthur do that? Why would he confess he killed that three rich of the subway to everyone? You couldn't believe it. And that wasn't the worst. Arthur said things that had sense to you because he told you every horrible thing he lived before. Maybe no one would understand because Arthur said they were all awful, only you could understand it.

The tension between Arthur and Murray was rising, you feared that Arthur would lose control again, you tried to call the show while still watching TV, but (obviously) your call was not answered. You went back to the couch, without expecting it to happen, which could happen, and then...

Arthur pulled out that cursed gun and pointed Murray's head.

"ARTHUR NO!"

Shot.

The symphony of terror was heard, screaming from people, a one of the guests hugging a hysterical Dr. Sally, Murray's bloodied body, and Arthur dancing, then he come to the camera and saying the words:

“Goodnight, and always remember, that’s li-“

You closed your eyes, you started crying one more time. You knew Arthur had asked you, and you should have listened to him. Your heart broke again, your body trembled once more. Arthur had hurt you again.

“Y/N? Y/N? Earth to Y/N, are you in?”

You blinked; you were watching the TV of your new job. It was the news, announcing the anniversary of that terrible event.

“Yeah, sorry, I distracted a little”

“Y/N, you’re been rare those weeks, are you okay?”

“Yes, sorry Celeste, I’m gonna… Clean that”

A year passed from that event, in that year, things had changed too much. You lost your job at Ha-ha's, result that was the place where the terrible criminal Joker had come from, all the clowns in there lost their job. Hoyt was turned a rage, he was understandable, he had lost his business. Some clowns got a job at other agencies, others simply stopped being a clown and preferred to dedicate themselves to something else. You and Gary were from that second group of people. Gary decided to go back to his native Vermont, however, being a good friend to you, he managed to get you a job with some old friends. Now you worked in a small but charming cake shop.

"Celeste, Y/N, hello ladies. I'm back with the sugar and butter” Peter, another coworker from the shop, entered to the place "Well Peter! You'd better help me! Orders are delayed!" Celeste was a very kind woman, but she quickly lost the patience, Peter, who was a little older than you, just laughed and carried things. "What's the matter Y/N? Are you sad again?"

“No, I’m just… Just watching the news again”

“The news again? Y/N, watch a lot of news not good for your mental health, why don’t put the music channel or something kindlier?”

“… I can’t do that” Slowly, you turned your head to the TV again. The news said a lot of terrible crimes after that event. Most of these crimes were attributed to a single criminal: The Joker. After Murray was killed, Joker was arrested, but in the course of jail the patrol was intercepted by more clowns and Joker was free. And so, he began a terrible reign of crimes all over Gotham for a long time.

"Now, this dangerous man still free of the justice, it’s considerate a lunatic criminal, many criminalities that our poor city has suffered have been under his hand. The police can't find where this guy is hiding, who is now known as "The Clown Prince of Crime" and t-"

The Tv turned black “Peter!” You yelled.

“Sorry little princess, but this is for you, I don’t want you get sick for this. I know you get nervous of that clown, honestly, I get nervous too, but you have to continue your life, that clown not gonna go for you specifically, just the people with bad luck drop to his Clown Clan. Don’t worry Y/N, you’ll be okay”

“Peter! The sugar and butter!” Celeste screamed from the kitchen.

“Sorry Celeste! I’m coming!” Peter run to the kitchen and you still cleaned the counter. Maybe Peter was right, you shouldn’t get worry for Joker, but you don’t really get worried, you got sad, sad for Joker, because you know under the makeup and the costume, Arthur are there. You were hoping Arthur would be there. A year passed and maybe Arthur was right, maybe you’d never see him again, like he said to you.

You knew he was doing bad things, all the damage they caused him was returning ferociously, he was no longer a weak person that people could mock, he was someone that people should be afraid of, and poor of the one who scoffed him, because that someone would give it to you would end up their corpse in a Gotham blackwater canal. Just imagining Arthur dressed as a clown, like that last time you saw him, killing someone mercilessly and cruelly.

And for some reason, it didn't cause you conflict, you didn't fall into the reality of the danger he had become, you knew it wasn't your Arthur anymore, but you still loved him. Despite that horrible things he does it, you still in love with him. Of course, in that year, some boys and man tried something with you, including Peter, who wasn't giving up yet, but none of those boys were Arthur. None of them were him. And despite all the time, you still felted the butterflies in your stomach when you thought in him, you cheeks get blushed when you remembered you two almost made the love in that old bed, your lip trembled when the memory of your first kiss with him touched your soul again. Memories stalked you as if they were a ghost in your room in the dark, but a ghost you weren't afraid about.

You put your head in the counter and got a big breath, what you can do in that moment about Arthur? What can you do with your feelings? What can you do with that love that wasn’t for anyone, that love was just for him? “I’m really fucked up” you whispered to yourself.

The days after you did your work routine. You'd come to the cakeshop, make coffee for your companions and to sell too, help Celeste decorate some cakes, while Peter made other cakes and desserts. When the cakes to sell were ready, you put them in some refrigerators and you were going to serve the customers at the counter. One particular day, you were alone at the counter while Celeste was screaming at Peter for not making gingerbread man biscuits, the winter times were coming. You wanted to turn on the TV, but you knew you'd only put the news to see if there was anything new with Joker. You had to control yourself, while secretly eating a slice of cake that Peter had given you along with a rose. He was someone very meticulous, willing to win your heart, even you had kindly mentioned to him on previous occasions that you weren't interested in being someone's girlfriend. Well, only one person, but it was definitely out of your reach.

The bell above the front door rang. You saved the cake quickly, you didn't want Celeste to yell at you, even though she never done it before. But wasn't a customer, was a delivery man. “It’s the lady Y/N working here?”

“Yes, I am”

“Well, this is for you” You poked your head out of the corner just to find with a huge bouquet of …

“Lilies? That’s are a Lilies?! I love the lilies!” You went straight to the delivery man and took the bouquet with your hands. You are blushed again. At this point, Celeste realized what was going on and ran away, excited that you had received flowers. Peter only watched the scene from afar. You thanked the delivery man and he just left.

“Oh! Y/N! Look at you! What a beautiful bouquet! And your smile! Wait, I have here my camera! Wait Y/N!” Celeste runs for her camera. You still watching your flowers, your eyes were full of charm. Celeste returned and took you a lot of pictures, asking you to pose near the cakes and desserts.

“Take it! All for you Y/N! Oh my god, I hope that boy who sent you these flowers has won your heart” Celeste gave you all the polaroid, a burning smell made her remember that she had left a couple of cupcakes in the cooker and ran into the kitchen. You and Peter were alone.

"Well, this is a beautiful detail, lilies have always been my favorites"

"So, my little princess, that mean I have a rival and he’d basically beaten me this time?"

“Rival? Wait, wasn’t you?”

“No. I’m a man of roses, I never thought in lilies. Well, I hope that riv-“ Celeste claim help of Peter, he had no choice but to follow his boss's orders. When Peter left the place you wondered to yourself, Peter wasn't the one who sent you those flowers? Even if it had some logic, since you never told him that lilies were your favorite flowers. You tried to remember the boys and men who tried to conquer you, and none of them you had mentioned that lilies were your favorite flowers. Then you remembered the only man you told that little piece of you.

That’s Impossible. You thought, because that’s true, that's impossible. He’s now a criminal, a bad man, even some press said he was a terrorist. And all that they said about him was on your knowledge, because you witnessed one of his first crimes. Of course, he wouldn't have time to do something like that, you even thought maybe he'd consider that cheesy. Actually, you thought he had already forgotten you.

You looked at your flowers, you went for a little vase that only accumulated dust, washed it and put water in it, so your flowers could hold out a little longer before taking to home. You looked in for a note that indicated who would have been the secret admirer, but there were no clues. Knowing you wouldn't have your answer, you back to work.

That night, you left a little late for work, said goodbye to Celeste and Peter, and walked to your house, the job was closer to your house, you didn't have to run like on previous occasions when you worked at Ha-ha's. However, you turned a corner where street lighting failed, looking very scary. You walked a little further, looking everywhere, making sure no one came near you. You hated having to go down that street. Fortunately, nothing bad happened that time.

You arrived safely home, you put your beautiful lilies in a vase. You had that silly smile on your face. No Y/N, it can't be him. You thought for yourself. He's now busy in... Another kind of thing. I don't think he remember you. Those words, no matter than they sounded, were full of reason. But you gave yourself the little luxury of thinking in him, imagining that he actually sent you those flowers and that he would soon come back to you. Just imagine, but no more illusions.

The next day, you did the same thing every day, but there was a special glow this time in you. Celeste, your boss, noticed. "My God Y/N, you look so radiant and so happy, I'd love to meet your lovely prince to congratulate him," she said excitedly as she put some chocolate cookies and gingerbread man cookies in a basket, you just laughed. When Celeste came back to the kitchen, Peter came up to you.

"I'd also like to meet that charming prince who has you delighted. Looks like he wants to make your days sweeter."

Laughing, you went to the cookie basket and took one of the gingerbread man cookies in your hands, smiling foolishly.

“Well, I don’t think he’s a prince charming, Actually, I don’t like the concept of prince charming”

“No? And what you like?”

You watched TV at the time, one more news of Joker, just in that moment, a picture of him came out on screen, with that wicked but charming smile.

“Another kind of prince" You bit the cookie along with a smile.

…

You didn't even know if it was him, but as the days went on, the delivery man with more lilies returned to you, Celeste became exaggeratedly happy and Peter gradually realized that he was not going to achieve his goal of you falling in love with him. Of course, he wouldn't, he even stopped calling you “Little princess" like he once in a while, and being honestly, you hated how he dubbed you that way. Things were going well in your life, for the first time in a long time, but soon, everything would take an unexpected turn for you.

One night, coming home with another bouquet of lilies in your hands, you'd come out of the elevator to head to your apartment, only to find another surprise at your doorstep: Another bouquet of flowers, but they were not lilies or roses, it was a Bouquet of artificial flowers that came out of a magic wand. And you knew that magic wand perfectly. You took it with your free hand, in this bouquet if there was a note, and there was only one letter: J. Your senses trembled with that note. Immediately you entered the apartment, however, there was nobody.

You were impressed, would it be him? Would he come back for you? You didn't know, and it would be best if he got out of hiding once and for all. You were getting too excited about his return. Or maybe he wanted to let you know he was okay. But your heart inflated like a balloon again, and you were floating in love. You did your nighttime bedtime routine before you went to sleep, but instead of wearing your usual pajamas, you wore a short nightgown in a silk robe, something inside you said you had to wear it. You sat in your bed, waiting for that "something" that had to happen, but while you waited, you fell asleep soundly.

Knock knock

“Huh?” You heard someone knocking, quickly you get out of the bed, stumbling, because the knocked of the door sounds more and more louder. “Coming!” You yelled and before to open the door you looked at the clock, who would be knocking on your door at 1 A.M.? Without looking through the peephole, you opened the door, and you could swear that your heart stopped for a few seconds.

“Hello Y/N”

“…A-Arthur?”

He was there, in your door, with his green hair, that elegant clown suit, that clown makeup, breathing deeply, and with his pretty smile. Arthur was there, converted in Joker.

“It’s been a very long time, don’t you think?”

You didn't know what to answer, because again you speechless. You just opened the door more, implying he could get into your apartment, and so he did. You closed the door slowly, not knowing what to do say. Arthur was back in your life, your suspicions (or rather desires) would come true, and you didn't know how to react. You must have been angry about leaving you and becoming a dangerous criminal? Or smile at him, thank him for coming back and giving him a warm welcome?

“Oh, I see you received all my little gifts, your house looks so adorable with that lilies, you like it Y/N?” Arthur said when he was seeing all the bouquets you received in every little place of your apartment. He noticed you don’t say nothing and he worried, no longer smiling. Without words to said, you looked at his face, you felted like in one of that dreams you had when you miss him.

“W-what are you doing here?” You asked something frightened, fearing that all of that was really a dream. But it wasn't, Arthur was just next to you, or how he called himself now, Joker. He was a little skeptical of your question, doubting if he should answer it or not, because he did not know how to explain his sudden appearance.

“Oh… Well… It’s… It’s complicated to explain” He giggled nervously, and you don’t understand why “I… Just want to see you, but also, I got in a trouble too…”

“Wait, what?” shaking your head, you suddenly get confused “What you want to say, you’re in danger?”

“No exactly that, if were like danger, I would have looked for another hiding place. I just… Running of the police…”

“Oh…” You felt a little confused. Your mind thought of something that immediately hurt your feelings, He only come back to you just to hide? For a moment you believed he was actually there for you. You were always trying to see the good side of things, but this time it was impossible. Your sad face was evident instantly, but you separate yourself from him and turned your back on him before he could notice your disenchantment “I-I think you can stay here, while the cops, well, you know, stop looking you or something” You hated yourself because in this time you couldn’t hiding your emotions, your broke voice ratted you and he perceived it.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Arthur asked when he walked to you, put himself in front you, so, he could see how you tried to hiding your face to him. “Y/N? What happens baby?”

“Everything… Everything happened Arthur… It’s just… Strange to me this”

“Strange? Why you say that?”

“Because… I don’t know… I-I just to think you won’t back again after you converted in Joker… I mean, I always heard about you in the news for all crimes you committed, and I really thought you don’t remember me, but you’re… you’re here again and… Oh, what the hell I’m talking? I’m sorry, this is stupid” You felt silly, more when the tears started to fall on your cheeks. You tried to step aside, but Arthur stopped you

“Hey Y/N, come here” He immediately hug you, and you couldn’t hold it, you broke in tears in his chest while he caressed your head and neck. You could feel his body against yours, you could feel his arms start to surround you, you could even hear his heart beating. It was real, so real. Definitely that wasn’t a dream. “I know, I know I was so away from you, I know I did some bad things, a lot of horrible things. I didn't want you to be related to me, both police and some enemies I've got” While the tears run out of your eyes, you still hugged him tighter.

He whispered in your ear “You want to hear a secret?" You nodded and Arthur took your cheeks "There was no day I didn't stop thinking about you. I missed you Y/N; you can’t imagine how much I missed you. I just wanted to protect you, that’s all, protect you..." Suddenly his voice weakened in the last word and his eyes stopped staring at you. Now it was your turn to worry about him.

“Arthur?”

“I said I wanted to protect you, but… Always want to protect you I hurt you, in some way I did it… Fuck…” You felted his body shaking while he put his face in your shoulder “I’m so sorry Y/N…”

“Arthur… You… Don’t be sorry, please… It’s okay, I swear it’s okay” You can’t stop to hug the each one, slowly, you smelled the scent of his hair, was the same scent you knew perfectly “You know what? I missed you too, God, you don’t have idea…”

“Long year, right?” You two shared a laugh. You took his hands and looked him in the eye, acting like a girl really in love with her boyfriend, because that's what you were, a girl in love with her boy. You led him to the couch and both sat down, you two had so many things to say to each other.

“What did you do this time for the cops to be looking for you?"

“Eh, nothing special, I just wanted to do something little, nothing that could hurt anyone”

“But what you did it?”

“I wanted to rob a jewelry store” Blinked, you laugh a little. He seconded the laugh.

“Why you want to steal a jewelry store?”

“Well, the other day I looked a pretty necklace, I swear it, that necklace was white with a little gem that looked like a drop, I observed it and I think of you. I said “This is for Y/N”, obviously I want more for you, but this one was special, this necklace was for you. I wanted to took it for our reunion. I was planned all, but the cops ruined all my plans”

"What were your plans Arthur?" You asked full of curiosity, you wanted to know how was the mysterious plan of Arthur to come back to you.

"Oh... Well, I wanted to do something that surprised you. It wasn't easy to find you after Ha-ha's closed, I looked for you in everywhere place of all Gotham, and after a lot I found you. I wanted to go into that cake shop where you work, ask you maybe a couple of desserts to taste them later, give you that beautiful necklace that I'm sure will look beautiful on your neck and take you with me"

“W-What?”

“You heard it. I want you; I want you with me, I only thought in you this year. I decided you'd come with me, but I didn't want to put you at risk, that’s why I take my time, but everything isn't ready yet, I still can't take you with me. I have to fix a couple more things to make you completely safe."

Arthur said it with great emotion, because it was what he had waited for so long, he wanted to take you to his place, protect you in his own way from Gotham's adversity, he knew better than anyone how cruel and terrible crime could become in the city and did not want you to be part of those figures that the press used to

“Oh…” However, despite how excited Arthur looked, how enthusiastic he was to tell you all his plans, for some reason you saw the pessimistic side of things. It was something you've been used to since Arthur let the darkest part of his being come out. With much fear and tears threatening to come out of your eyes again, you asked him a question “Are you saying you would let me again?”

Confused, Arthur looked at you and realized what you meant “No, no, definitely no Y/N” He hugged you again, putted his hands in your back and caressed “I promise you I’ll back, I swear”

“I don’t want you to leave again, please don’t leave me” The drops stained the red fabric of his blazer "You have no idea how many times I've dreamed of you, believing you were by my side when you really you are not there. Please, stay here, stay here" You had to repeat that twice because it was what your soul asked, to stay with you again “I don't fucking care if you're someone dangerous now, if you're someone everyone should be afraid of, just stay here please… Stay here."

Hearing you cry and begging broke Arthur's heart, he felt guilty of leaving you alone for so long. You were the only person who could calm that dark part of himself, you were the only one who could serene Joker.

"Listen…" He stopped hugging you to take your cheeks, he made you see his face "Of course I won't leave you alone Y/N, you're the best girl I've ever met, you're the only person who really loved me, if I got a choice to spend my whole life by your side, I would do it without thinking about it. You're my one and only one, I don’t wanna miss you again…"

“Arthur…” His name trembled on your lips. That name haunted you for a long time.

"I love you so much Y/N, and I want to protect you, let me take care of some matters, some things that... What do I have to do, work to do, then I'll come for you and we'll be together, okay?"

“… Okay”

Caressed your face with his hand, Arthur calms you with his touch.

"I'll be with you tonight. And before you know it, we'll be back together, what do you say?"

"I could wait for you for a year, I can wait for you for my whole life"

At that moment, you noticed that Arthur took off his blazer along with his yellow vest. You were frozen for a moment, until he spoke.

"You must be tired, I interrupted your dream, come here" Arthur wrapped you back in his arms, as he recharged his back on the back of the sofa. You lay on his chest, feeling his warm, and hearing his heart beats. "Let's sleep together tonight"

"Yes, you have to stay tonight, I don't want the police to catch you and this time ruin our real plans".

He laughed at your comment, but despite the enormous confidence he had gained at that time, you could feel beneath you his anxiety in his leg, which he kept moving. For a moment, you thought you two were going to return what you had left pending in his old apartment, but Arthur was just hugging you, stroking your hair and your face. Maybe he wasn't ready to take that step with you yet, maybe he thought doing it with him at a time like that would be a bit rushed. Maybe he wanted to keep that special moment between you two when you were finally together safely. And you realized he hadn't even kissed you on your lips, but you knew deep in your heart that he still loved you.

Your eyelids become heavy, and you fell into a deep sleep. Arthur was just looking at you as you rested in his arms. He really loved you, he wanted you to be just his and for him. And he hated having to keep waiting. But he knew everything in the end would be worth it…

He just saw all the lilies he gave you in those last few weeks, and the scent of those flowers made him sleep early

…

You woke up, you still felt his arms in your body, feeling protected. But his arms were no longer there, nor was his body under yours either. You woke up completely to realize you were alone in your apartment's living room. You blinked many times and looked everywhere. Was that a dream too?

If it was, I'm really fucked

You got up off the couch, started looking all over your apartment, realizing you were completely alone. You let yourself down, that dream had felt so real, and you be concerned too, your imagination was long lived lately. You had to take a shower before you went to work at the bakery. At the end of it all, it had been a great dream.

But when you were preparing the bathtub, you decided to look in the mirror, and you found out there was red and white paint on your forehead and cheek, plus there was another little stain on the knuckles of your hand. You came out of the bathroom and you didn't realize there was a small note on the small table in the living room. You took it between your fingers, excited and read it.

"Sorry I left without saying goodbye, though now that I think about it, there shouldn't be a goodbye, because there won't be any more goodbyes, right, Y/N? I'll be back soon for you, it's a promise. I won't forget you.

J”

And then, that silly smile in your face appears. You kissed that note. Definitely was a promise.

Continue.

#joker 2019 #joker fandom #arthur #fleck #joker #joker film #joker movie #arthur fleck x reader #joker x reader #joker x y/n #joker x you #fanfic #arthur fleck x female reader #HarleenFleckWrites

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coldbrewnette · 3 years

Text

2020 Year in Review

I was tagged by @unefleurofferte, thx <3

I am tagging @allamericanbabe @poorlittlevampire @crremebrulee @flowerss444 :-) also if you want to do it tag me, I am nosy and will love to read it hehe

Rules: answer the questions about 2020 and tag some people to pass it on!

5 favorite films you watched in 2020:

1. Emma (2020) this is one of my top 3 favorite movies ever!! The costumes, the soundtrack, the story, a masterpiece!

2. A Knight’s Tale (2001) I loved Heath Ledger in this one!!

3. High Society (1956) obsessed with the songs and the cast :’) and it’s set in Rhode Island, my home state!!

4. His Girl Friday (1941) really loved this one, it’s so funny!!

5. Sabrina (1954) another 1/3 of my favorite all time favorite movies, I’ve seen it many times but I just had to include it!

Honorable mention: Pride and Prejudice (2005) the final 1/3 of my favorites ;-)

5 favorite tv shows you watched in 2020:

I don’t really watch many shows at all, movies are more my jam, so I don’t think I even watched 5 shows this year lol but

1. Anne With An E (started it in Nov 2019 but the last season came out in January so I’m counting it) comfort show!!!!! Anne is one of my all time favorite characters she’s so special. It’s beautifully done truly a masterpiece

2. Crash Landing On You, I LOVE THIS SHOW!! It’s just... amazing. I watched this around the beginning of quarantine because I thought it was a movie but I kept with it when I realized it was a show and it was JUST what the doctor ordered. Chef’s kiss

3. Downton Abbey, I wasn’t very crazy about it at first but it grew on me and I enjoyed it a lot.

Aside from that all I watched was docuseries and the like!

5 favorite songs you listened to in 2020:

1. pov - Ariana Grande (just beautiful)

2. Moonlight In Vermont - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

3. Isn’t It Romantic? - Ella Fitzgerald

4. Cello Concerto No. 9 in B flat major G482: III Rondo - Boccherini

5. In the Blue of Evening - Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey

I really started listening to old-timey music this year hehe

Top 5 albums of 2020:

1. Emma soundtrack

2. Haydn & Boccherini: Cello Concertos

3. Vivaldi: Cello Concertos

4. Boccherini: Cello Concertos

5. Bach: Cello Suites

I don’t really listen to albums in full aside from 1D’s discography, and I listened to a lot of classical lolol

Top 5 books you read in 2020:

I’m sad to say that aside from my textbooks and the Bible, there aren’t any books I actually read this year JBGDKGNF this is one of my 2021 resolutions though. I have a long, extensive list of books I’ve been meaning to buy/read hopefully I can start on that next year hahahshs

How did you spend your birthday this year?

Is it crazy to say I actually don’t remember? Omg. It was in March like a week before everything shut down and I can’t even remember. It was my 21st but I don’t party or drink so I didn’t do anything like that. This is going to drive me crazy

What was your most memorable day this year?

I think the coolest day this year was when I went to the history museum in my city by myself. I got to take my time and go through all the exhibits and read all of the displays and I had a good time. I also went to the Boston musuem of fine arts with my mom. There were probably cooler/more exciting days than that but memory loss has entered the chat

What was your most memorable meal you had this year?

Everytime I ate pho honestly, I LOVE pho. I’m always in the mood for it and I wish I had some right now :’)

Did you find any new hobbies or interests in quarantine?

Yes! I started embroidering this year, I bought a cello and started teaching myself (hence all the aforementioned cello music), and I started learning Latin on Duolingo :-) I also started playing Pocket Camp!!!

What was the last big event/thing you remember doing BC (before covid)?

Seeing the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a Christmas concert! That was a good day. Seeing the orchestra is one of my favorite things to do, I can’t wait until I can do it again. I also saw the Boston ballet’s Nutcracker!

5 good/positive things that happened to you in 2020:

1. I got all As and a 4.0 GPA this semester despite the circumstances :’)

2. I figured out myself and my life and what I want to do a little more!

3. I learned a lot of lessons regarding discipline and perseverance

4. Started seeing a therapist after 5-6 years of struggling on my own!

5. I think I became a little more interesting with all the hobbies I took up, I was starting to feel a little boring haha

Biggest messages or lessons learnt from this year?

I learned a lot about change. Life can change in a heartbeat and sometimes there’s nothing you can do except roll with the punches. I’ve learned how I need to be more accepting to change and be less resistent, because who knows what will be in store for you!!

And what are you most looking forward to in 2021?

I’m looking forward to graduating from my Associate’s and finally starting my Bachelor’s!! I think next year is going to be a big year for me, I can’t help but feel it, that’s what I’m hoping for anyways. Cheers!!

#I was not expecting this to be so long lol #tag games

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riverleyk · 3 years

Text

Vampire stuff

written by @lizzietrashkittie

instagram: @lizziekitt

"So what do you think started all this?" Safira paused at the question. She should've expected it. Andrew told her to be honest with the therapist. Answer any questions..She knew this was the time for that but an answer didn't come to her mind. What did start all this? All this constant fear and worry. She took a deep breath "This..It's a long story..Could take awhile.." The therapist nodded and tapped her pen on her board "Go ahead. Whatever you need to share." Safira nodded and looked down at her sprinkle patterned dress. ~~~~~~~ Vermont and Eilsa Stone gave eachother reassuring smiles, they're marriage was rocky but nether wanted to give up on it. To vampires marriage is a complete devotion, and with Vermont's high society status any drama they let slip through the cracks could result horribly. They both had hopes that this child would be a final push to make things normal and steady. The babys skin was porcelain white. Along with her hair. Her eyes had a purple tone instead of taking on the burgundy tones of her parents. They named her Safira and for the first few years the plan they set in place seemed to be working. It was hard to fight when they had to focus so much on the small child, any frustration they showed in public was easily nodded off as being due to the new parent rolls. Eilsa even found new ways to cope with the less the fulfilling marriage in cooking special treats for the young on. And Vermont.. He found a new item to control in her. Eilsa was a strong willed vampire. She was raised to hold to her wants. Vermont found her hard to influence and work with. Him being so used to singly having those around him obey, it annoyed him that she kept her resilience despite supposedly devoting herself. The child was easier, she knew nothing of the world around her and listened to Vermont as though he was the top authority. She was simple and useful, and saw him as a lord. She'd do as he said, and the few times she wouldn't was easily fixed with a simple slap to the face. Though of course he couldn't commit such acts of discipline while his wife was home. He'd always wait until she was away on the hunt or out on walks. The child grew beautifully. Devoted to her father the way his ridged wife refused to be. He taught her how to fly and transform, but always told her she wouldn't need to. For he could provide to her anything she needed. She was a pet, to be pampered but obedient. He called her Kitten, as a show of affection and dominance. Yes Safira was the perfect women to Vermont. Obedient, loyal, beautiful.. She was everything his wife refused to be, and unfortunately due to this.. He began to lust for her more then he had for Eilsa. She grew well into her figure, a little plump due to the pampering but that only really added to the appeal. And Vermont already knew he could take from her any bit of innocence he craved. ~~~~~ Safira paused with a shaky breath. She wasn't crying but she could feel the heart in her chest burning. The therapist scanned her with their eyes and wrote on their board. "If you don't want to continue I won't make you. But the more I know the better I can attempt to help yoy process it all." She nodded and played with the rim of her skirt. "..Now If..Andrew has told me before that..It's not my fault..a-any of this..But sometimes I wonder if I could have stopped it sooner.." She trailed off into her continuation of events. ~~~~~~~ The night was a faded but painful memory. Eilsa coming home to the sight of betrayal and indecency. She already knew that her daughter was a weak servant to her lord, but she didn't imagine the two would be so depraved as to commit those intimate acts. She screamed at the pair and demanded separation. Be it shameful or not this marriage and degeneracy had to end. She tried to convince the child to come with her, but Vermonts claws where already dug to deep and it proved to be a lost cause. The child was a good as a doll on a shelf and Eilsa made sure she knew it before she left. Her departure rose a fuss for the two.

Vermont couldn't stay in his home any longer and had to take the child and move somewhere better. Somewhere private where no one else could interfere with his loyal Kitten. The mansion he erected in the woods proved to work gratefully. He continued his life, though now having to split up his time much more to make up for the lack of a second hunter. His kitten picked up the hobby of designing on sewing, he fed into it to keep her busy while he's away. ~~~~~~~~ Whenever she wasn't serving her master, the girl was sewing dresses and gowns. The cozy cabin he gave her to allow room for her hobby became a safe place for her, as her brain began to wrestle with the thought that she could do more then be a doll to him. One day she hummed softly to herself, seeing away at a lavender and honey themed gown. The needle pricked her finger tip and she yelped softly sucking on the wound. A chime irrupted signaling her to her master's return, and like the obedient pet she was she walked to the mansion to greet him. The kiss at the door and the hands on her body was expected. His breath on her neck sent a shiver down her spine, a tring of fear followed it. She gave a small wince and stepped back for a moment "Welcome home Daddy." She gave a smile. As she was ment to. "I'm..It looks like the hunt went well. Did you-" He cut her off "Enough with the talking Kitten. Daddy needs to relieve some stress." She hesitated in her next sentence "If..im would love to help. But..My tummy hurts. I was actually going to-" "I said enough with the talking." His voice took a sharp tone, causing the girl to stiffen. She wasn't lying again the pain in her stomach, but she knew how arguing with him would end. She knew her place. He grabbed her by the waist, just as forceful as ever. Sending a wave of unease through her. Unlike every other day however, something else shot along with it. A hot anger. She allowed herself to be shoved into the wall and touched, but the anger increased. She tried to voice it but was silenced swiftly with a slap and degrading name. She ran her hands to his shoulders and her eyesight went red. The next thing she could recall was sitting in the floor of the mansion, blood lining her dress and spilling out of the neck of her master. His veins were torn as though done by an animal, the black fluid stained the carpet and his suit. The anger left nearly as fast as it came, leaving a horrible pain in her stomach and dreadfully overwhelming regret in every action.

#vampire #family #abuse #trauma #murder #fan fic #andrew

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occasionalfics · 4 years

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hi so i haven’t made any real posts in a while bc i haven’t really been writing that much but i wanted to just post SOMETHING for y’all to interact with

anyway, if you don’t know, i have a youtube channel and i’ve been watching (almost) every movie that chris evans is in because i love him and reviewing them for my channel and i thought i’d give a rundown of the movies i’ve seen so far (including ones i haven’t rewatched for the channel yet because i’m not gonna link to the videos - if you really want to watch, message me) so maybe you could decide which ones are worth your time and/or money 😂

for this, i’ll give a brief description, my general thoughts, and a score from 1-10 (1 being unwatchable and 10 being PEAK cinema)

i’m keeping things very light on spoilers, meaning there might be one or two overall but not for every movie.

so here we go:

The Newcomers (2000) - some indie movie with no theatrical release about a family that moves from boston to vermont because of money troubles. chris is in it for like 5 minutes and he’s honestly the second best part (second to a dog only). 3/10, mostly boring but not offensive.

Not Another Teen Movie (2001) - i feel like everyone has seen this. it’s a spoof of 80′s and 90′s teen movies (namely she’s all that and cruel intentions). chris plays the main love interest and he’s definitely funny enough to pull off the part but it’s not really my thing. 4/10.

The Perfect Score (2004) - this is the first time chris and sc*rj* worked together. 6 high school kids fail the SATs so instead of retaking them, they sneak into a government building and steal the answers. it’s an mtv movie and it’s...fine? not great, not special, but...very early aughts mtv for sure. 4/10

Cellular (2004) - an action flick where chris plays a regular dude who gets a call from a woman who’s been kidnapped, and then has to keep communications up with her in order to save her and take down some corrupt cops. surprisingly funny, i had a great time watching, would recommend! 7/10

Fierce People (2005) - i think this was another indie movie without a theatrical release. based on a book that, from the reviews of both, is identical, i think because the author of the book was also the screenplay writer. and that’s probably why this movie sucked. bby anton yelchin (rip) gets caught scoring drugs for his mom, and because she has connections to this super rich dude, they end up going to live in new jersey with his weirdass family instead of bby anton going to jail. chris’s character is not who you think he is. content warnings for drugs, rape, and murder. overall boring, not what it thinks it is, 4/10

Fantastic Four (2005) - okay everyone’s seen these. i actually hate both of these FF movies, but chris as johnny storm is the only shinning light in either. reed is the WORST and sue is treated like eye candy. 4/10 for johnny storm alone.

London (2005) - literally the worst movie i have ever seen. i hate london. also an indie movie, very misogynistic, very pretentious and self-important. lonely emo boy does drugs with random people in a bathroom at a party he was not invited to INTENTIONALLY, in the hopes that he will win over his ex girlfriend, who he repeatedly emotionally abused while they were together, even though the party is literally in honor of her moving across the country. and she didn’t want him there. please never, ever bother watching london and talking about it online - fuckbois will attempt to tell you that you know nothing repeatedly. 1/10, worst film ever made.

TMNT (2007) - does this need an introduction? chris plays casey, but the movie’s really about the turtles. honestly the writing kind of relies on you knowing a lot about the turtle lore and overall it’s a boring but ultimately harmless film. it’s just really not worth your time. 2/10

Sunshine (2007) - ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN, I HAVE NOT STOPPED THINKING ABOUT SUNSHINE IN OVER A YEAR. 8 astronauts are on a mission to ignite a nuclear bomb into the dying heart of our sun. but it’s a space film so shit goes wrong and, one by one, they start dying. very tense, very sad. the biggest complaint all around is that the first 2/3s of the movie are one genre and the last 3rd is a completely different movie, and yet it’s STILL amazing. please watch (if you can handle a space thriller)! 8/10

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - a very bad follow up to a very bad origin movie. not even andre braugher could save this one. reed is really mean to johnny for no reason and i hate his guts. 3/10

The Nanny Diaries (2007) - second time appearing alongside sc*rj*. she’s the main character. an anthropology student takes on a nannying job for an upperclass family in new york, but the job ends up being more than she bargained for. chris plays harvard hottie, her upstairs neighbor who is THE BEST BOY. i loved this movie. 8/10

Battle for Terra (2007) - a very weird but very good animated movie about humans attempting to colonize an alien planet because we were stupid enough to destroy earth, venus, and mars. lots of big names on the cast list for a movie that not many people saw, but it goes ham in the “fuck colonizers” theme. overall, a surprising joy. 6.5/10

Street Kings (2008) - well this was directed by david ayer so my friend and i went into this with very low expectations and it didn’t even meet that bar. keanu reeves plays a sad and angry corrupt cop who almost kind of gets framed for killing another cop, and then spends a good chunk of the runtime just hunting down other corrupt cops without doing anything about his own corruption. it’s copaganda, but very bad copaganda. also chris dies. fuck this movie, don’t waste your time. this is another one where the fanboys will come for you if you say a bad thing about it on the internet, 2/10

The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008) - another indie that apparently caught the eye of kevin fiege? i don’t really know why because chris’s character is very bland and the movie overall is nothing special. tennessee williams wrote the screenplay before he died in the 80′s and then this was made and nothing about it was changed. it’s basically straight people in the 20′s in the south being weird and rude. a rich girl pays a hot poor boy to escort her to parties after a huge scandal was caused by her father. she loves the poor boy but he doesn’t return the feelings and everyone’s sad, dying, or mean. skip it, honestly. 4/10

Push (2009) - honestly, an underrated movie that so often gets shit on because of x-men. push is so good! a telekinetic man meets a young girl who can see the future, who tells him that if he helps her find her mom, they’ll also come into $6 million. they run into his ex and the government department trying to control people with powers, and shit ensues. chris’s chemistry with dakota fanning as big brother/little sister is adorable and i need more people to talk about it. 8/10, very worth your time.

The Losers (2010) - apparently went up against some other star-studded action flick with a similar plot at the time of release and suffered for it, but other than that, this is a fun romp with lots of character. a team of militiamen are framed for an international scandal and forced to go underground until a mysterious woman helps them exact revenge on the billionaire who framed them so they can go back to their families. chris plays one of the secondary characters and he’s PERFECT. best character in the whole movie! you’ve probably seen the “don’t stop believing”/”lethal killing machine” scene around tumblr before - that’s just how his character is the whole movie and it’s great. definitely recommend! 7/10

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) - we’ve all seen it. lucas lee is the best. there are lots of problems in the word choice and some of the moral quandaries but overall, an enjoyable ode to videogames and comic books. 6.5/10

Puncture (2011) - once again, an indie film with very little theatrical release. WHOOOH though. this movie. SO GOOD! two personal injury lawyers take on a case when a nurse is accidentally pricked on the job and contracts AIDS. they take on a huge pharmaceutical supply company in the hopes of manufacturing and creating a legal standard for using safety needles to protect frontline medical workers, all while chris’s character is dealing with being an addict. based on a true story, honestly one of chris’s best performances (and that’s across the board). you can rent it cheap from youtube and it’s totally worth it. 7.5/10

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - i mean. it’s cap. honestly this movie feels a little long even though it’s not. overall it’s a good, enjoyable movie and watching it all the way through reminded me of why bucky was so important. 7/10

What's Your Number? (2011) - okay honestly i love this movie? a woman is slutshamed by her sister’s friends and then embarks on a journey through her past relationships to find her soulmate, only to realize that it doesn’t matter how many men she’s slept with because the right one really won’t give a damn and neither should she. everyone’s seen naked collin around tumblr. he’s a good boy. mostly. 7/10

The Avengers (2012) - so i can appreciate that this was like THE event movie of the summer of 2012 but it is LONG and there’s still so much spy shit i don’t understand. my friends and i also think that j*ss wh*d*n oversimplifies most of the characters, and ultimately the writing isn’t super strong. the performances are, for sure, but it’s still not as great of a movie as i thought it was when i was a senior in high school. 7/10

The Iceman (2012) - also an indie? based on a true story. a man (played by michael shannon) is recruited by the mob to be a hitman, and then something happens where they don’t want to pay him or something, so he starts doing a shady job with another hitman (played by chris) to support his family. overall it’s a boring film but michael and chris were both really good! watch it if you like dark mob movies, michael shannon, or winona ryder. 3/10

Snowpiercer (2013) - this movie, no pun intended, is a RIDE. poor people at the back of a train containing the last living human beings revolt against the bourgeoise. everyone’s dirty and tired and hungry. weird shit happens, but ultimately, this was SO worth the watch (and the money i spent on the blu-ray)! 7/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) - still my favorite cap movie. excellent characterization, maybe the only time i cared about natasha. the plot should be an avengers movie given that shield is a team concern, but i will stand by the winter soldier aspect of this movie til i die. 8/10

Before We Go (2014) - an indie movie that chris directed (his directorial debut)! it’s...cute, i guess. it’s not harmful in any way, but also not special in any way. flustered woman misses her train, cute musician in the station offers to help her navigate NYC. they talk about feelings and their pasts and what they’re running from and toward. it’s fine. 6/10

Playing It Cool (2014) - indie? i don’t know?? screenplay writer (chris) wants to write action films but keeps getting hired to write romcoms, then he finds himself IN a romcom. it’s okay. some people think it’s terribly misogynistic which i didn’t find it to be, but it’s also just...kinda bland. 4/10

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) - my least favorite avengers movie. i genuinely hate how ultron was handled and this movie has never once made me sympathize with the maximoffs. except for when steve defends their choice to allow experimentation to be done so they could defend their country. uh the party at the beginning is the best part, full stop. 3/10

Captain America: Civil War (2016) - this isn’t a cap film. he has no character growth. this is an avengers film at best. i also take issue with how much of this movie is really just two movies forced into one. bucky gets the short end of the deal in the overall mcu and this is really where that starts. 5/10

Gifted (2017) - PLEASE. WATCH. GIFTED. a former philosophy professor gives up his career to raise his niece, but when his mother attempts to gain custody, he has to fight for the person he loves most in the world. one of the most heartfelt, genuine movies ever. chris and mckenna grace have SUCH good chemistry. bonus octavia spencer (also in snowpiercer). 10/10

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - probably my favorite avengers movie. great stakes. amazing acting. THE BEARD!!! 8/10

Knives Out (2019) - WHOOO BITCH. TOP TIER. ransom drysdale could do whatever he wants to me and normally, i don’t “date” villains. 9/10

Endgame (2019) - the lesser infinity war. i’m not a fan of time jumps and also hate fatphobia. thor was mistreated and i can’t forgive that.

#chris evans #chris evans ranking #i don't talk about my fanfic on my youtube channel which is why i don't post links to it openly here

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a-third-attempt · 4 years

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Raising Bell (pt. 1)

* * *

Defamation, Libel. 8 cts: First Presbyterian, Chittenden County &c. (see Appendix C)

* * *

“We’ve got her”, I said.

“Jason. I’ve told you a million times not to barge in here after— Who?”

The boss’s desk is big, but he makes it look small. Tall and fat, he always wears a dark brown coat that somehow makes him an even more imposing presence. You'd never catch him during working hours without a cigar in his mouth, and even then you’d never catch him for more than a couple seconds at a time. He wasn't the easiest guy to get along with, but the only reason this operation was still in the black was because that man worked around the clock to make it go. At the moment he was busy with paperwork, a task that he never started until 7:00 at the earliest, because “the real work goes on when the sun is up, kid!”

“Dorothy,” I said.

“Dorothy McAdams?”

“Dorothy McAdams.”

His eyebrows raise and he offers a breathless “Dorothy McAdams...” in reply. “How the hell did you manage that?”

“She came to town because of her brother, and the word on the street is that she’s sticking around for a year or two. Besides that,” I smile broadly, “I suppose it’s just to your credit for hiring such a charming talent agent, that got her to call you back before St. Anthony.”

He grunts. That was a little too showy for any other day, but with Dorothy in my pocket he’d damn well better cut me some slack.

“How much did it cost me?”

“Well, sir...”

“Snap it out Jason, I haven’t got all night.”

“Sorry, sir. Salary isn’t worth writing home about, double what the other four-in-handers get. And no signing bonus, just a condition.” I pause. He removes the cigar from his mouth and waves it in a circle, annoyed that I'm talking so slow. “We have to take on a kid named Timothy Courtson.”

“Who the hell is Timothy Courtson?”

“Does it matter?” I say, confidently.

“It might,” he snaps back. I guess he's right. Could be an arsonist, he always says. That sure would be bad for business, you know. I glance down at the file in my hand, and swallow hard.

“It doesn’t.”

“He any good?”

I’m sure the millisecond of silence was answer enough, but I answered him. “He can play C and D4.”

He puts the cigar back in his mouth and smirks. “So, no.”

“Positively dire, sir. But it’s no bonus with the kid; 2.5 without.” A second of silence is all it takes to get the words spilling out of my mouth. I spent too much money on her and if I lost the cash back… “Look, we just double up Karen and shift down the bass. The kid can sound like a dying cat and nobody’s going to know the difference down there. Garrett can teach him to mart properly and he’ll get the rest in the extra lessons from Tanya.”

He waves away my explanation. “Yeah, yeah, Jason. You made the right call. Good work.”

I bow my head, and take the opportunity to collect myself, knowing that the goodwill won’t last long. “There— sorry, there’s another thing. Louis told me to give you this.”

I hold the file out to him, and he recoils. “Does it look like I've got the time to read this thing?”

“Please, boss. It's important.”

He snatches the file in one hand, and with the other he grabs a pair of comically undersized glasses. Plopping them on his nose, he opens it and starts reading. It takes about three seconds for the color to drain from his face and his mouth to twist into a bitter scowl.

“What the SAM HELL is this, Jason?” I shrug. Could have been worse, if we're being honest.

“Just a list of notes that Louis kept when he had her, and everything he could find about her past behavior.”

He starts to shout at me again, but thinks better of it and rubs his temples. “Jesus Christ.”

“Language.” It’s instinct, but I know it’s a bad idea from the instant the word comes out of my mouth.

“Jesus Christ have mercy on this woman’s soul,” he snaps back. “But judging by this rap sheet, there’s not much chance of that.”

“She’s a genius. Every genius has some quirks.”

“Hell with quirks, Jason. This is a problem.”

The words hang silently in the smokey air of his office. He tosses the folder to the side and turns away from me, looking out the window at the view of nothing, just a few yellow streetlamps and the broad side of the next concrete building.

“You still want her, though, right?”

He’s quiet, still facing away from me, but there’s no hesitation. “Yes.”

“We’ll just have to keep a tighter leash than Louis did.”

“Take your good-for-nothing file and get out of here,” he grunts softly, and I oblige. As frightening as Boss can be when he’s a swirling rage, I know he’s much scarier when he gets that quiet.

* * *

A/N: As usual, you can see the entire writing process below the break.

==========

Second Draft

See savefile-1 for suggested edits. I don’t think we need to do a full rewrite of this, but if you get inspired, this would be the draft to do it. I think the original was pretty inspired, though, and it went though a lot of revision with all the retellings.

* * *

Okay, I’m just going to let this one go through on the second draft. It’s fine and I’m too drunk to do real edits. Maybe if I can stay sober for a whole night I’ll make it work, but fuck Coronavirus, amirite?

==========

First Thoughts

Okay, let’s do the first person thing.

What does Jason notice in their narration? They notice Boss, first and foremost. Boss is tempermental and demanding, so this is a survival mechanism. And with such sensitive information that he’s bringing, he needs to be hypervigilant.

What does he miss? Emotions, for anyone except Boss— and even then, only as they’re written in his face and serve as tells toward his behavior in the immediate future, or things that he does(n’t) want to hear.

Also, it’s not that he misses it, but he’s not going to wax too poetic about the office; he works there, and he works long hours too.

From all these outbursts, especially with Boss— forgivable because of the situation, but not ideal— we can tell that Jason doesn’t have much impulse control. Even though I don’t like the ‘not even for’ line, this characterization might not quite come through without it. Play around.

Dropping the F bomb feels just a little off. It's not about the “Language” outbust (that's part of what makes the joke); it's just that Boss is someone who commands enough respect that they don’t have to lash out to get what they want. And yes, this McAdams’ rap sheet is pretty wild but it just seems like he would say it a tad more eloquently.

You should probably, at some point, actually draft this rap sheet. For the extended version I can easily see each chapter starting with an item from the sheet, when the chapter is about shenanigans in that regard.

If we’re going to call this Chap 1 instead of Prologue, I could easily see the line item here being:

Defamation, Libel. 8 cts: First Presbyterian, Chittenden County &c. (see Appendix C)

I mean obviously I’m making this citation style up wholesale, which is okay because the real citations are in the appendix, duhhhhh. Also obviously I don’t need it to be Chittenden County, Vermont; but wherever it is, is presumably where Louis runs his empire.

==========

First Draft (written over multiple sessions)

“We’ve got her”, I said.

“Jason I’ve told you a million times not to barge in here with— Who?”

[Exposition]

“Dorothy,” I said.

“Dorothy McAdams?”

“Dorothy McAdams.”

His eyebrows raise and he offers a breathless “Dorothy McAdams...” in reply. He looks up at nothing in particular, visions of fame and fortune surely filling his head. “How the hell did you manage that?”

He grunts. That was a little too showy for any other day, but with Dorothy in my pocket he’d damn well better cut me some slack.

“How much did it cost me?”

“Well, sir...”

“Snap it out Jason, I haven’t got all night.”

“Not even for Dorothy McAdams?” Probably shouldn’t have said that; my wit got the better of me. He glares.

“No.”

“Sorry, sir. Salary isn’t worth writing home about, double what the other 4-in-handers get. And no signing bonus, just a condition.” I pause. He removes the cigar from his mouth with his hand, that he then waves in a circle, annoyed at my slowness. “We have to take on a kid named Timothy Courtson.”

“Who the hell is Timothy Courtson?”

“Does it matter?” I say, knowingly.

“It might,” he snaps back. I guess he’s right. He always is.

“It doesn’t.”

“He any good?”

I’m sure the millisecond of silence was answer enough, but he’s clearly not in the mood for games. “He can play C and D4.”

He puts the cigar back in his mouth and smirks. “So, no.”

“Positively dire, sir. But it’s either 0 bucks with the kid, or 2.5 without.” He doesn’t answer, and my words start spilling out. “Look, we just double up Karen and shift down the bass. The kid can sound like a cat on meth and nobody’s going to know the difference down there. Garrett can teach him to mart properly and he’ll get the rest in the extra lessons from Tanya.”

He waves away my explanation. “Yeah, yeah, Jason. You made the right call. Good work.”

I swallow, knowing that the goodwill won’t last long. “There—there’s another thing. Louis told me to give you this.”

I pass over the file. He grabs a pair of comically undersized glasses, glaring sarcastically at me. Putting them on, he opens it and starts reading. It takes about three seconds for the color to drain from his face and his mouth to twist into a bitter scowl.

“What the SAM HELL is this, Jason?”

“Just a list of notes that Louis kept when he had her, and everything he could find about her past behavior.”

He starts to shout at me again, but thinks better of it and rubs his temples. “Jesus Christ.”

“Language.” It’s instinct, but I know it’s a bad idea from the instant I say it.

“Jesus Christ have mercy on this woman’s soul,” he snaps back. “But judging by this rap sheet, there’s not much chance of that.”

“She’s a genius. Every genius has some quirks.”

“These aren’t some fucking quirks, Jason.”

“You still want her, though, right?”

He’s quiet, but there’s no hesitation. “Yes.”

“We’ll just have to keep a tighter leash than Louis did.”

“Get the hell out of here,” he grunts softly, and I oblige. As frightening as Boss can be when he’s a swirling rage, I know he’s much scarier when he gets that quiet.

==========

Who needs Brainstorming or Freewriting?

What actually is happening here is that I wrote this almost four months ago so the writing process looks a lot different than I’m trying to do now. But I really wanted to get this polished up a bit, so I committed to posting it soon.

#bells #handbells #music #handbell choir #noir #i think?#cornering the handbell noir market #fiction #prompt response #from a real life friend #the pt. 1 in the title is what we call... aspirational #still not really in the mood to do longform fiction #but this absolutely needs a continuation #not sure about the title #i really want it to just be like the name of the church #or one of those cheesy band names #'Dorothy and the Carillons'#i have literally no idea how long it took to write this #it's been on and off for like four months

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weirdestbooks · 3 years

Text

Secret States Chapter 13

Look One State That Isn't Mad At America's Family

Canada POV

I still couldn't believe Vermont was here in front of me. I thought he was dead for so long and now he was here in front of me. His flag was different, but he was still had the same voice and everything that reminded me so much of the Vermont Republic.

Of course, he was the Vermont Republic. It brought back so many memories. When Père and America were tearing apart their relationship, and Vermont and I getting caught in the middle, becoming friends despite being on opposite sides.

It sound like something out of a cheesy movie or whatever. People on opposite sides becoming friends. Good thing this was real life and there was much less buddy-buddy as opposed to stabby-stabby.

We're countries (or states and unions and organizations and space programs. You get it). We don't exactly play nice with each other. Even if we want too.

"So...how have you been?" Vermont asked, sounding a bit nervous. I didn't blame him though. I was nervous too. I had been told Vermont was still alive, but it was just hard to believe until I saw him.

"I've been good. It's just...things are very different now." I said, unsure of how to start a conversation. It had been over 200 years since we last talked. What if Vermont has changed so much that's he didn't want to stay friends with me. I wouldn't blame him. I had attacked his sister and hurt her.

I still didn't want to forgive myself for that. Vermont gave a little laugh.

"Yeah. Things are very different." Vermont said before sighing, "I know you have questions. You can ask them if you want."

"I...I...I don't know what to ask. I have a lot of questions and things don't make sense anymore." I told him. Vermont nodded.

"Yeah. Papa kept a lot of stuff hidden. Now that it's all being dragged out of where it was hidden, well, you're not the only one whose struggling to make sense of it." Vermont said.

"Why did he hide it?" I asked. I just wanted to know the answer to that question. My brother was hurting himself, and he didn't seem to care. He had hidden away important parts of himself and insists there's nothing wrong. He was traumatized by an event that he couldn't even hear anything relating to it, and was so determined to keep that secret that he convinced everyone who knew of it to keep it secret as well. Vermont sighed again.

"I don't think I can give you the best answer to that. You'll have to ask Papa, but what I do know is that post-independence, and I mean like right afterwards, Papa didn't have anyone that he was close to that he could trust, except for me, and later Morocco. He kept it secret at first because he didn't have anyone he could trust. And I think he still believes that there's not a lot of people he can trust." Vermont explained.

"What about his family? Ame knows he can trust us, right?" I asked. America did know that right? He didn't think we would look down on him for being different than what people expect, for making mistakes, for being a union, for having kids? He knew he could trust me, right?

"You tried to kill him Bec. He hasn't forgotten that. Even if he's fixed his relationship with you, he's not going to forget that. Besides, Papa's been stabbed in the back to many times to trust easily again." Vermont said. I put my head in my hands.

God I had fucked up badly. I thought that America knew he could trust us, and that if something really was bothering him he'd go to someone. I know things between America and I weren't always the best, especially in the early 1800s, but I thought things had gotten better.

I trusted America and I thought he did as well. I just wanted my brother to be okay. Why couldn't things go back to the way they were, before the Revolution, before all of the wars that destroyed America's trust in people.

Before I destroyed America's trust in me.

I guess America keep everything a secret had one advantage. Everyone thought America was okay, and only worried about him causing another world war. But now we had to worry about America's mental and physical health, because America's made it clear he didn't care about that.

Everything was so fucked up now.

"Are you alright? I know I dumped a bunch of stuff on you." Vermont asked. I shook my head.

"No. Everything's just do different and...and...I don't know how to explain it, it's just...I want to help Ame, but I can't help him if he doesn't let me. I want to be able to have a familial relationship with you and the rest of your siblings, but I've fucked up so much, with the Burning of Washington and eve thing bad that's happened between Ame and I." I told him.

I just wanted things to go back to the semblance of normal it was before.

But I also wanted to know about America's problems and children.

Why couldn't anything be normal?

"Well, regardless of whether you messed up with Papa, you were going to have to get to know my siblings before they started calling you family. But I know at least one state who will want to have a family relationship with you. That state is me. Now we have to change the topic because this is starting to sound like a fucking Disney movie." Vermont said. I snorted at his last comment, but smiled.

"Thanks Mont." I said. Vermont smiled

"You might have messed up, but you're a good person Uncle Bec. Now let's change the fucking topic I don't want to be in a Disney movie. I have maple syrup let's talk about that." Vermont said. I laughed. I knew that I had fucked up with the states, but Vermont still wanted to call me his uncle.

Vermont called me his uncle. I felt tears well up. I was so happy. Things could be fixed, things could get better.

"And now your crying. This is getting more like a Disney movie. Next thing we know Florida's going to show up." Vermont said. God, I had forgotten how sarcastic Vermont could be. I missed him so much. I was so happy that Vermont was willing to call me his uncle, to put aside the past times I've fucked up and accept me as a part of his family.

"Hola Vermont, sombrero raro tío. Escuché Disney." (Hello Vermont, weird hat dude. I heard Disney.) I heard someone say. I turned around to see Florida with a panther.

"No you didn't. Please go hang out with Ohio. You weirdos can go get yourself killed doing something stupid again." Vermont said. Florida frowned.

"Pues no debes qué ser grosero. Solo quise ofrecer mi servició." (Well you don’t have to be rude. I was just trying to offer my services.) Florida said, smiling. I wish I knew Spanish. I mean, I had learned a little from Mexico, but not enough to follow the conversations in Spanish the states seemed fond of having.

"Florida, nadie quiere tus servicios por qué siempre incluyen demasiados reptiles, pateras, y formas de matarse." (Florida, no one wants your services because they involve way to many reptiles, panthers, and ways to get yourself killed.) Vermont shot back at Florida, this time in Spanish.

"Pues no es mi culpa que soy inmortal." (Well its not my fault I’m immortal.) Florida said with a smirk. Vermont looked annoyed.

"Todos somos técnicamente inmortal Florida." (We’re all technically immortal Florida.) He said with a heavy sigh.

"Oh yeah." Florida said. Vermont rolled his eyes.

"I will set Kitty on you." Florida said as he noticed the eye roll. I looked at the panther next to Florida. Oh no. This was another Australia, wasn't it? I should of realized that when I saw the snake. Vermont smiled at me.

"Ne t'inquiète pas, oncle Bec. Nous essayons de l'éloigner de l'Australie. Au moins pour l'instant." (Don't worry Uncle Bec. We're trying to keep him away from Australia. At least for now.) Vermont muttered.

"I wish I knew French. Are you insulting me Mont, you sassy, halfway decent New Englander?" Florida said.

"Wait wouldn't people from New England be called the New English, not New Englander?" I asked. Vermont laughed.

"Oh god I wished English worked that way. We're called New Englanders from some weird reason." Vermont said.

"I'll tell you the reason. English is a hell language. And let me tell you, learning English as a second language is horrible Uncle Canada." Florida said. I felt myself tearing up again. Two states were willing to accept me as their Uncle even after what I had done to America and DC.

"And he's crying again." Vermont commented.

"Sorry. I just...I just expected everyone to hate me for the Burning of Washington." I said. Florida shook his head.

"I don't. Remember Uncle Canada. I knew you when you were Quebec as well. We were both British colonies together. I know you're a good person." Florida said. I felt really happy. I was so afraid everyone would hate me, that America still hated me. And they didn't. They didn't hate me. I began crying tears of joy, which means...

"Wow he's actually crying hard now."

Vermont's going to make a comment on it.

"Can you say anything other than that? But seriously, Uncle Canada, I will fight any of my siblings that won't accept you into our family. Kitty, Algodón, my gators, and my crocodiles will take them down." Florida said, raising his fists. This kid really was like Australia. Nobody else has that many dangerous animals as pets.

"Ginny, Mary, and D are skeptical." Vermont said. Florida put his fists down.

"I will not longer fight any of my siblings that won't accept you into our family. Sorry, but I'm not making Ginny mad. Thats's West's job." Florida said. Who was Ginny? And West? I mean, they were most likely states, although I didn't know if those were nicknames, or their actual state names.

"Thank you, thank you, merci. Thank you for forgiving me for what I did." I said. Vermont smiled and hugged me.

"We all mess up Uncle Bec. You're trying to fix things, and I can tell you truly feel horrible about it." Vermont said. Florida nodded.

"Yeah I fucked up pretty badly back in 1861, but I got forgiven. Eventually." Florida said. Vermont shot back from the hug and glared at Florida. And the happiness from being accepted as an uncle my two of my nephews left, replaced by the feeling of dread that crept in every time the 1860s were mentioned.

America. What the hell happened to you and your children? What the hell happened?

"¡Florida! ¡Cállate! Se supone que no debías ha decir eso!" (Florida! Shut up! You’re not supposed to mention it!) He said. Florida looked slightly panicked.

"¡Lo siento! ¡Salió per accidente!" (Sorry! It slipped out!) He said. Vermont sighed, rubbing his head with a hand.

"Uncle Bec. Don't ask. Please." Vermont said, his voice slightly shaky. I nodded. I didn't want to pry into it, because I knew it won't get anything but the states to close themselves off to me. I would find out what's happening. Eventually.

But that wasn't going to happen soon. But America wasn't going to talk about it until he learned how to trust us again. I could wait. I wanted to get America's trust back. I wanted to show my brother that I was someone he could trust with his secrets.

"You can tell me when you're ready." I said. Florida and Vermont let out sighs of relief.

"Thank god. I don't want Ginny to know I slipped up." Florida muttered. I sighed. Things seemed so complicated. The door to America's room opened and I saw Maman leave.

"Hola France." Florida said. Maman smiled, before seeing the tear tracks on my face and her expression changed to one of concern.

"Canada are you alright?" Maman asked. I nodded.

"I'm fine." I said.

"Uncle Canada's just really happy that the two of us call him uncle." Florida said. Maman looked excited.

"Are all of the states doing that?" Maman asked.

"Only us so far. Most of the the states are choosing to acknowledge familial relations after getting to meet you, although some of them are more skeptical. How's Papa?" Vermont asked after giving his explanation.

"Asleep." Maman said. Vermont raised an eyebrow and Florida looked surprised, before pulling out his phone and doing something.

"How long ago did he fall asleep?" Florida asked.

"About 3 minutes ago. Why?" Maman answered.

"We keep track of how much Papa sleeps so we know when we need to force him to sleep, or just when he might pass out from exhaustion." Vermont explained.

"Does Ame know you do this?" I asked. America seemed so insistent on refusing help, even if he was hurting his health. Florida laughed, although it sounded slightly bitter.

"Padre barley takes care of himself. If he won't, we will. But if he knew, he wouldn't let us do this, and insist he was fine." Florida said.

"Papa's not fine. He's put too much pressure on himself. And not matter what he does, everyone always seems to hate him. Even if he's just trying to help. That kind of constant treatment grates away at his self worth, and self confidence. I don't think anyone hates Papa more than he does." Vermont said.

Oh, America. I want to help you. Let your family help you. You may hate yourself, but we don't. Let us help you, and get rid of the pressure you put on yourself. We can help with your family. They're our family too.

And we'll make sure we get that into you thick, stubborn skull.

#secret states by weird #weird’s wattpad stories #countryhumans #statehumans #writing

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