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frost-queen · 5 months

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Bodyguarded (Reader!Grimes x Daryl Dixon)

Requested by: Anon Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco@subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @melsunshine, @panhoeofmanyfandoms, @venomsvl, @the-uncoordinated-house-cat, @rosecentury, @imagines-by-her, @evilcr0ne, @vviolynn

Summary: Reader is Rick's younger sister. You're very sweet with a sharp tongue which Shane doesn't seem to like. Shane keeps bothering you as he finds you cocky. To your surprise is Daryl always around to keep Shane away from you eventhough he doesn't like you, right? [ read part 2 & part 3 & part 4 & part 5 ]

A basket got dropped beside you. It made you look up from your crouched position. – “Seriously?” – you called out at Shane. – “You couldn’t have dropped this ten minutes ago? We are almost finished.” – you went on. Shane exhaled loud wiping his hand down his mouth. – “Why do you always have to open your big mouth.” – he replied with a soft glare. You slapped the shirt in your hand down in the water as some water splashed up. Getting all worked up by how he threated you.

Shane watched as you got up but before you could do anything had Carol jumped up with you. Moving her hands in front of you to hold you back. One look of her was enough to make you settle down. – “Just do as you are told!” – he ordered finding himself amusing. You clenched your jaw, pushing with your body against Carol’s arms as they kept you in place. Shane scoffed funnily before walking off. Sighing loud lowered Carol her arms from around her.

“Come on Y/n.” – she said softly with a gentle nod. You took another deep breath squatting down again. – “I just don’t understand why he brought this now. He knew he had laundry ten minutes ago, didn’t he.” – you spoke trying to understand why he would taunt you like this. Carol took out a shirt, splashing it into the water. – “Let’s finish this up together.”

Carol and you washed the rest of Shane’s clothing. Obeying to what you have been told. When you were done you went back with Carol to the camp. You went over to Glenn handing him his clothes back. – “Aw sweet Y/n!” – he said bowing to you as a thank you. It made you smile back. You then went over to the campfire where Daryl sat munching on some meat. You gestured in silence to his clothing, moving them up in your hands.

Daryl gave you a brief glance before continue to ignore you. You wanted to place it down as Daryl suddenly pointed at his tent. You nodded back making your way over to his tent to lay it down in the front. You barely got up when you felt two arms wrap tightly around you. It startled you making you squeak loudly. Recognizing the arms around you, you eased up.

“Do that again sweetheart I like the way you sound.” – you heard Carol’s husband comment at you. Daryl spitted on the ground turning his gaze towards him in a tight clench. You turned around glaring at him for even saying such a thing in front of Carl. Carl was still hugging you as you held your hands against his back.

Carol gave you a look of sympathy wishing she could do something against her husband’s behaviour. You turned your attention down to your nephew. You led him away from everyone. – “Stay close with him!” – you heard Shane call out to you. You looked briefly over your shoulder seeing him stand by the car, elbow leaning against the open door. You simply turned back to the front as Shane scoffed. Finding you very cocky and thinking you were full of attitude when you honestly weren’t.

You just never understood why Shane was like this towards you. Carl and you made your way towards the woods a bit drifting away from the others. – “Auntie Y/n.” – Carl said as you hummed loud as a reply. Carl jumped on top of a log balancing his way across. You remained by his side in case he lost his balance. Carl hopped off joining your side. He picked up a stick, swaying it around. – “Do you still think about dad?” – he asked as it made you stop shocked. Then you turned around to him with a sweet smile.

“Everyday little one.” – you answered stroking his cheek. Your motion slowed down feeling a sudden wave of sadness. Thinking back about your brother Rick made you emotional. Carl noticed how glossy your eyes had become. – “Sorry auntie Y/n… I didn’t mean to make you sad.” – he said feeling guilty of ever asking it. You sniffed loud, blinking your tears away. – “Don’t worry about it Carl.” – you told him with a laugh.

You straightened your posture pulling him close to your body for a hug. – “If you ever want to talk about your dad and feel like you have no one to turn to, you come to me.” – you said hugging him tightly. Some twigs snapped as it didn’t make you respond quickly enough. Before you knew it had someone grabbed your elbow, pulling you away from Carl. – “I told you to stay close!” – it was Shane who yelled at you. Holding you roughly by the elbow.

“Do you want to put Carl in danger?” – he continued shaking at your elbow. – “Do you think you can save Carl from any walkers?” – he laughed once mockingly. – “Let her go!” – Carl called out running up to Shane to pound his fists against his chest. – “Go to your mother Carl!” – Shane made clear pushing Carl off him. – “Don’t talk to him like that!” – you answered loudly.

Shane’s face contracted with anger. He grabbed you by your neck, pushing your head down. – “I am so done with your attitude Y/n!” – he responded pulling you with him. – “No! leave her alone!” – Carl shouted at him. – “Go to your mother Carl!” – Shane roared out. Carl turned around taking a run for it while wiping his tears away.

“Shane let me go!” – you screamed trying to get his grip from on your neck. He puffed loud pushing you down onto the ground. Body hitting the ground and rolling a bit over. – “I’ve had it with you Y/n!” – he made clear pacing around. Wiping his chin. Breezing around like a hungry wolf. – “I don’t want you near him anymore. You are a bad influence.” – he spoke rubbing his hand over his head. You scoffed shockingly with an amusing undertone. – “I’m sorry. Boss!” – you snapped at him sarcastically.

Shane puffed his chest up slightly raising his hand till he stopped. Eyes widening at the feeling at the back of his head. – “You raise that hand of yours and I’ll shoot.” – you heard come from behind him. Leaning a bit to the side, you saw Daryl stand behind Shane with his crossbow against the back of his head. Shane lowered his hand again with a grunt.

Daryl moved his crossbow slightly to the side, right over his shoulder. An arrow fired. With a zap it found it’s target. Seconds later the sound of a corpse dropping. You had gasped looking over your shoulder to see the last of a walker drop down. – “Next one will be through your head.” – Daryl whispered to Shane. Shane moved storming off.

Daryl lowered his crossbow stepping over to you. He lowered his hand to you, looking away. Hesitantly you took it allowing him to pull you back up to your feet. – “Tha-“ – you started cut off by Daryl walking off. Taking a few deep breaths, you returned afterwards back to camp. Lori looked at you concerned holding Carl against her side. You simply smiled faintly at her to show her it was all right. You didn’t want her to worry. You took refuge in your tent needing time alone.

At nightfall some were sitting around the campfire. You sat near Glenn laughing silently at some funny things he said. You stopped laughing seeing Shane seemingly make his way over to you. He neared and before he could take another step had Daryl gotten up from his seat near you. His gaze stern, posture grand. Carol watched Daryl pressing her lips amusingly together.

Shane puffed with a shake of his head, turning back around. You were looking at Daryl, questionable when your eyes locked as he looked back at you. The contact was brief as Daryl seated himself back down as if nothing had occurred. Shyly smiling at yourself you couldn’t help but feel special that Daryl seemingly did seem to care for you. Otherwise he wouldn’t step in and just let Shane do whatever he likes around you.

Daryl noticed you were staring all smiley at him, making him shift his posture more away from you. You smiled looking down making briefly eye contact with Carol across the fire. Instantly you snorted knowing she was probably thinking the same. Glenn went on to talk to you as if nothing had happened.

After a few days you started to notice Daryl was more around you. Always near to keep a close eye on Shane. Whenever he even made the slightest movement towards you, he made one little movement to let Shane know if he even tried he’d be face to face with him. One day you decided to tease him about it. You were in the woods with Carol, Lori and Carl further down as you made your way over to Daryl who was keeping a watchful eye on you all.

Daryl looked uncomfortable away when you neared. – “Daryl.” – you said to greet him. – “Y/n.” – he mumbled back, looking around as if searching for walkers. You weren’t getting much out of him further so you decided to prank him. Suddenly you gasped loud as if startled. It made Daryl turn his head concerned to you. – “Is that Shane?” – you called out making Daryl turn his head again to look in the direction you were looking.

He immediately took a defensive pose before you, almost grabbing for his crossbow. When he noticed he was looking at nothing, he sighed loud. – “Damn it Y/n!” – he grunted out. – “Do you think this is funny?” – he asked looking your way. – “I do when you get so protective over me.” – you responded with a smile. Daryl rolled with his eyes. – “Like hell I care.” – he outed sounding annoyed.

You kept looking all smiley at him making it almost impossible for him to keep himself from looking back at you. – “I think you do care. Otherwise you wouldn’t keep Shane away from me.” – you told him. Daryl puffed loud. – “Maybe I just don’t like him.” – he responded with half a shrug. – “Or you just very much like me?” – you teased grabbing him by his shirt.

Daryl swallowed nervously when your noses almost touched. Daryl’s expression softened around you. His breathing tickling your lips. His expression made you blink surprised seeing the lovey dovey’s in his eyes. He moved his hand to your cheek letting it brush against it. Before he knew it he closed the gap between your lips, kissing you hard. You hummed loud, pulling away. - "So not caring are you?" - you chuckled out. - "Shut up." - Daryl answered before shutting you up with another kiss.

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sorreysorren · 1 day

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what it is to be hollow

soccer was a testament to kaiser's existence.

a file was given to you, withholding information about kaiser that probably only 5 people in the world knew.

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you argued to the man at your door, one last time, that forcing someone won't prove effective. neither would sessions for just about a month. it was a desperate measure on dark’s behalf.

your words were disregarded.

and kaiser couldn't play until he went to therapy for the entirety of a month.

–––

kaiser didn't like you.

he didn't understand how talking to a stranger was going to solve all of his “problems”– as the people around him liked to call it.

of course, he wasn't going to voice his dislike for you. he knows how to act in front in front of people– he knows how to keep an image.

acting must've run in the bloodline.

he just had to pretend he was well.

you would only see what he wanted you to see– he thought he had you wrapped around his finger.

this way, he still had some form of control.

but you only smiled.

you smiled like you knew exactly what was going through his head. like you knew what was going to happen. like you knew everything about him.

– – –

it was cold in your office.

your shelves were filled with books, board games, and art supplies.

there was a mirror beside your desk, and right next to it hung a painting: a fish about to be eaten by a shark.

you asked him about himself, basic things; things you already knew. you wanted him to speak though. but he stayed silent. right now, his goal was just to make it through the hour. to just wait it out. even if it wasn’t his choice to be here.

“i can’t help you if you don’t talk”

he didn’t have to choose to open up to you because his demeanor did so involuntarily.

the little glances; when his eyes would widen for a split second; when his knuckles would tighten from how tightly he held them in a fist– you saw it all.

this was very different from the kaiser you’d seen on tv. the one who carried himself like he ruled everything around him.

and yet, in front of your eyes was hollow-like shell of a man.

right now, maybe, kaiser wasn’t a "real" person. there was no sense of self within him. he was a mess of thoughts, memories, and sensations. whatever bit of “self” that existed within him was molded by everything he went through.

maybe in different circumstances, he would’ve resorted to his cocky attitude you’d see on tv and interviews.

knowing his background, you knew he wouldn’t be opening up soon. but if you both had to be here, some use must be made out of the time, right? that was your thought process, at least. you understood not everyone wanted help, even if it was evident that they needed it.

right now, what he has is an open wound. right now, all he’s been doing is pressing a bandaid over it– a piece of cloth, even and continuing a reckless path. he’s stepped over the steps he should be taking; disinfecting, stitching, and healing.

the unfelt emotions in him eat away at his wounds.

– – –

the hour passed by, mostly in silence. the sound of your keyboard interrupted the silence every now and then. through the corner of your eye, you kept an eye on him, watching for anything.

he left as soon as the clock read 5:00 pm.

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the following week, he was late by 20 minutes.

“you’re late.” you didn’t really care if he was late or not, but you wanted to get something out of it. “do these sessions get in the way of something?”

he glanced at you, “you know they don’t.”

and he’s right.

to him, this is a punishment– not being allowed to play until he’s done with this. he has nothing else to do, if not play.

i’ll make it work, he tells himself.

“i’m not here to change you, michael. there’s a difference between change and adaptation. i’m not here to judge you either. i can help you alleviate whatever you’re feeling. i can listen to you. i can give advice. but i also don’t make any decisions in your life. whether you like it or not, we are here for you.”

“my…” he trailed off, not finishing his sentence.

there was an indistinguishable expression on his face and you could almost see the way the gears twisted and turned inside his head.

he didn’t say anything about you going on a first-name basis, but he didn’t speak again, only staring at the floor, waiting for the hour to be over.

you looked at his file again.

he had a history with violence, which had you brainstorming techniques that could help with that. when agitated, there are two pathways you think he would choose.

the first is immediate violence.

the second is pushing the thoughts away. doing so aggressively will only cause them to slip through the cracks, and then resurge ten times worse.

“have you heard about compartmentalizing?” you were certain he hadn’t, but this is how you chose to proceed

you explained that when in a calmer state, he should attempt to visualize putting the thoughts in little boxes inside his head.

sure, the method wasn't perfect, and it couldn't be used forever, but it was a step forward

he thought it was stupid.

he thought it was as stupid as the fish painting on your wall, but then again maybe that wasn’t the best comparison since it did catch his eye after all.

another method: EFT

before he left, you handed him a brochure that highlighted how it works.

during EFT, individuals tap certain points on their body – similar to the points used during acupuncture, to send signals to the part of the brain that controls stress.

on the margins, you recommended the side of the palm and the collarbone– this was closest to his neck and his tattoo (roughly 2 inches below it).

when he skimmed over it on his way out, he assumed it was some sort of placebo bullshit.

he didn’t see how this was going to help him, but then again, he wasn’t seeing a lot of things.

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“ –the wound will never really be gone, but it won’t ache in the way it currently does.”

you were explaining how cooperation on his behalf will benefit him.

it was the third week, and there wasn’t much time left. you had been aware that a mere month wouldn’t be enough for effective progress, but you hadn’t expected time to pass so quickly.

here you were, unaware of whether anything you’ve said for the past few weeks has stuck to his head or not. you did know, though, that you’ve somehow gotten to proximity with the line which figuratively served as a barrier between you guys,

the next thing you asked would either bring progress or fuck up everything.

“a lot of people in your situation would decide to kill themselves” you started, “why haven't you?”

his head shot up, before going to its previous position. he thought he must’ve misheard you because what kind of person just asks that? sure, it did make him think, and– it made him think.

it made him think, which made him realize he had no answer. maybe he wouldn’t have said it out loud, but he would’ve had an answer in his head. why hasn’t he?

was it soccer? it had to be.

He lifted his gaze to look at you, and you were already looking at him. You smiled knowingly.

yeah, your office was cold, but you reeked of warmth– and he thinks if he knew what it was like to be human, he would relish in it.

the thought made him sick.

– – –

if he doesn’t believe it, it doesn’t exist.

that was why it was crucial to find a reason; if he wanted to be “human” that is. and he does. you could tell.

the next week, the last week, he was in your office, for probably the last time.

he never said it out loud, but he had a new goal.

the facade he once had– the mask he once wore, was fractured. it was what he sculpted throughout his time in bastard munchen. it was broken, as now his image has been stained.

but now, he will not only rebuild the mask, or build to cover the exterior, but rather build a skull, and a sternum; he will build what makes him physically human.

he will learn to function with his head, his heart, and his bones.

he finally engaged in conversation. you talked about hypotheticals and “what ifs” and turning them into reality.

if you didn’t care about that, then you wouldn’t be human

what you believe to be impossible– make it possible.

“you're alright, kaiser.” it's an observation. he wasn't sure what you meant by it. you think you weren't sure either.

you also see he truly is resilient.

he’s made it this far, after all.

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a/n: I tried not to make him too ooc... I envisioned him with the mindset he had when he was younger and was arrested,, where he looked like he'd completely given up on everything (so none of that cocky facade bs) I TRIED TO DO HIM JUSTICE.

taglist: @huaposh @bloodypaintersgf @gigiiiiislife @wishiknewwhatiwasdoingwithmylife

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tomssexdoll · 19 days

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Okay so,

Tom had just got home from a concert and it did NOT go well. Y/N was trying to talk to him because she's a very talkative person and he likes that but to, he yelled at her. That put her in funk for the rest of the day and when Tom calms down and tries to be all lovey dovey with her, she denys it.

That's all I could come up with! Okay thank you love you bye. (I've may or may not got that from a c.ai bot...)

yes pookie ofc

Moody

PAIRINGS: Tom 2007 x Female reader CONTENT: ANGST + FLUFF SYPNOSIS: Tom yells at Y/N after talking his head off after a shitty concert, later he tries to get all lovey dovey with her but she rejects it. Later on, after Bill knocked some sense into him he came to her, frowning and apologsing A/N: moody tom WARNINGS: light yelling

"Hey baby!" I smiled and hugged Tom tightly, squeezing his tall frame in my arms, he just flashed a quick smile and entered the tour bus, a little bit of attitude lingering on him.

I chuckled at him being moody, yapping his head off as I usually did. Little did I know he was in a foul mood, the concert didn't go that well, mics breaking, guitars being faulty but in the end it worked out so I didn't think it had still affected Tom.

Usually Tom loves when I talk but I guess not today.

I kept on talking to him, clinging onto his arm. I couldn't tell that he was getting agitated, jaw clenching and face hardening. Then he finally snapped, turning around and screaming in my face, "will you ever shut the fuck up? Oh my god you are so annoying!" he grunted "I can't get peace and quiet after a shitty concert, not one ounce of quiet!" he continued to yell, shaking me softly.

My eyes widened, Bill interviening, "hey hey hey, there is no need to yell at her, she was just trying to cheer you up" Bill confronted Tom, scolding him.

I just walked off, tears welling up in my eyes. I locked myself in one of the bedrooms, sobbing on the bed, hurt from his kniving words. I heard Tom continue to complain, about anything he could, the guys continuing to scold him.

I hear Georgs soft voice at the door, knocking. I opened it and welcomed him in, his hand caressing my back and comforting me, reminding me it's not my fault and how he is being an asshole.

For the rest of the day I avoided Tom, being quiet and keeping to myself, his fit early on set me into a mood as well. When it came time for bed I watched as he walked in, eyes staying on me.

I just rolled my eyes and turned my back to him, reading my book to avoid any kind of conversation with him. I felt the bed dip and his comforting arms wrap around my waist, pulling me in.

"Cmere baby.." he kissed my neck, hands slipping down to my stomach and softly caressing it, I just ignored his pathetic attempts and continued to read, paying no mind to him.

He sighed, "cmon baby" he kept nibbling and kissing on my neck, trying anything to get my attention. I grunted "Im reading, isn't this what you wanted, peace and quiet?" I ripped his arms off me, storming off outside and into Bills room.

Bill looked up at me, a confused look on his face. I sighed, "Tom thinks he can get away with what he did before, not even a sorry, nothing" Bill scoffed "he really is an asshole isn't he, stay here I'll talk to him" he grunted, getting up and rushing into our shared room.

I could hear yelling coming from the other room, the walls being paper thin. Then 5 minutes later it stopped and Tom appeared in the doorway, a red mark on his cheek.

He walked towards me and sat down, his head low. "I'm sorry baby...I didn't mean to yell at you like that" he frowned, keeping his hands to himself to not upset me any further.

I sighed and hugged him, even thought he could be an asshole sometimes I still loved him, I knew it was just a heat of the moment thing and he didn't mean it, he just needed to cool down.

"And I'm sorry for not apologising earlier.." he sniffled, I smiled softly, surprised I didn't need to remind him about that.

"It's ok schatz..just stop being an asshole" I giggled, pulling back and wiping a tear from his face. He smiled and grabbed my hand, leading me back into the bedroom with an angry Bill.

"Did you slap my poor baby?" I glared at him, Bill chuckled, "he deserved it" before walking out and heading back to bed.

I sat on Toms lap, comforting and babying him for a while before we went to bed and of course Tom cuddled up to me, holding me tightly.

tags: @itsmealaiah @tomscumdump @tomscumdoll @tomkaulitzloverr @bkaulitzlover @ballhair @estxkios @charliesgoodboy @ge-billsgf

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drakaripykiros130ac · 5 months

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Can we talk about the Driftmark incident again (on the show), and how much slack certain people cut Alicent for desperately trying to take revenge for her son’s eye, as well as how they criticize Rhaenyra for not punishing Jacaerys and Lucerys?

Why should Rhaenyra punish Jace and Luke? Because they were verbally attacked and physically injured? Because Driftmark actually represented a breaking point for all the abuse that Rhaenyra and her sons have suffered at the hands of Alicent and her band of evil followers?

Green stans always have a tendency to criticize Black supporters for comparing sufferings (I myself received several attacks for having merely pointed out how much more Aemma suffered compared to Alicent and yet she didn’t do evil deeds because she felt entitled).

This time, I ask that we do not compare the injuries suffered by the kids in this fight. Yes, Aemond lost his eye (serves him right) and that can be considered the worst injury. But he was not the only injured party. Baela and Rhaena were bleeding, Jacaerys was almost killed with a rock and Lucerys’ nose was broken.

This was a kid fight that escalated because of Aemond’s very hurtful comments about Laena and Harwin, who recently died.

Aemond was the eldest. Canonically, he is like 3 years older than Baela, Rhaena and Jacaerys, not to mention trained by Ser Incel Cole (which also explains how he overpowered them).

Aemond’s attitude and comments are a reflection of how he was raised. His father, Viserys, did not favor Rhaenyra’s children simply because they were hers. It was because he saw them for what they are. Jacaerys and Lucerys are young, kind, well-mannered kids who made mistakes due to being so easily influenced by others (like Aegon with the pig incident). In short, Viserys knew perfectly well that Jacaerys and Lucerys are just boys. Boys who are not perfect, who have made mistakes because of their naivety, but good boys nonetheless. Whereas Aegon and Aemond are vicious to the bone.

The Driftmark incident was a kid fight, and Aemond ended up being the one with the permanent injury. Alicent, took the opportunity to spew her hatred towards Rhaenyra and accuse her of taking her son’s eye (the absurdity of that). What’s more, instead of asking for a reasonable punishment for a child of 5, she demanded Lucerys’ mutilation.

She actually demanded a child of 5 be punished the same way a grown ass man would be - willingly! All because of a kid fight. Kids don’t know any better. None of this would have happened if the guards were doing their jobs and watching them.

Lucerys slashed Aemond’s eye in self-defense, because this crazy kid was making death threats and was going to bash his brother’s head with a rock.

So we go back to the original question: why should Rhaenyra punish her sons?

They acted in self-defense. They didn’t initiate the fight. They confronted Aemond because they know what he is: a walking piece of shit. Not because “Rhaenyra taught them that they are entitled to dragons” (I actually saw someone write this). Aemond is vicious deep down and so is his older brother (in the book, it was even more evident).

Rhaenyra of course had words with the boys after, even if it was mostly off screen. We hear her tell Jace, “You’ve already found enough trouble today.” when she is sending the boys to their rooms.

She is not ignorant to the fact that Jacaerys and Lucerys shouldn’t have fought that vicious kid. But why should she do the bidding of a woman who has abused her and her children for years? Why should Jacaerys and Lucerys be the ones punished before the entire Court simply because Aemond was the most injured party in the fight? He contributed to starting the fight, after all. If he had kept his mouth shut, he wouldn’t have lost that eye.

Alicent is a big fat hypocrite. If the roles were reversed, I doubt she would have punished Aemond for taking out Lucerys’ eye. She would have defended him even more openly (and stupidly) than Rhaenyra did her own kids.

Even when Rhaenyra demanded that Aemond be sharply questioned, it was kind of a breaking point for her as well. She was tired of the Greens’ agenda and Alicent’s constant butting into her business. She was tired of Alicent’s abuse and her vendetta against her innocent children. She was tired of being forced to fight the Greens on her own (because clearly the Velaryons, despite being her allies, never openly confronted Alicent or her lot about their accusations or their attacks towards Rhaenyra, even though they are the ones who put her in that impossible situation with her sons).

If you ask me, Rhaenyra handled herself most graciously in that moment (she always does).

Alicent was raving like a lunatic, and Rhaenyra was taking a deep breath, counting to 10.

If it were me, I would have patted Lucerys’ head and said “Good boy!” out loud for all to hear, just to see Alicent foaming at the mouth and her veins popping out.

I mean - serves her right for going after my children and using her influence as Queen to make my life a living hell for 10 years at Court.

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chance-lard · 1 year

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Book!Lucy & Lockwood vs Show!Lucy & Lockwood: A VERY LONG Deep Dive

So I finished the Netflix adaptation of Lockwood & Co.

Overall, I think it was a respectful adaptation, which, despite some plot changes, kept largely to the spirit of the books. At minimum, Joe Cornish actually seems to like L&Co, which is way more than can be said about most adaptations these days. Hooray!

But I wanted to write a bit about one of the bigger changes they made: namely the dynamic between Lucy and Lockwood.

I’ve seen people saying that the Locklyle adaptation to screen was very true to the books, just without Lucy’s close personal voice, and sped up a little in the romance department (“Stroud doesn’t mention what Lucy was doing with her hands! They could have been on Lockwood’s face in the books!” etc).

Respectfully, I disagree quite a bit with this. While some argument could be made about it having shades of their relationship from THB/TCS onwards, I actually think Show!Lucy’s attitude towards Lockwood is a 180 from the way she views him in TSS and TWS.

IDK, this might be a bit of a controversial opinion judging by what I’ve been seeing in the L&Co tag and general ways people have interpreted TSS and TWS in the years since their publication, but I’m going to try to back my argument as best as I can, focusing only on those books.

I’m using the original paperback UK editions of both the Screaming Staircase (2013) and The Whispering Skull (2014).

Spoilers for the show and VERY mild spoilers for books 3+ (literally just the name of a new character/type of ghost + stuff already shown in the show that wasn’t shown until later in the books)

Another warning: this analysis is 5500(!!!) words long, and mostly quotes from the book. If you’d like to just read the main bits, look at the intro/conclusion to each section and read the TLDR; at the end.

PART 1: THE NETFLIX SHOW

Before diving into differences, there are things I do think stayed the same between the show and the books:

Lucy and Lockwood banter, swap one-liners and occasionally squabble.

Lucy remains unimpressed with some of Lockwood’s more slapdash schemes.

During missions, they work equally and trust each other with their lives and the job.

They care about each other’s wellbeing.

Basically, when things are going well between them, or when they are in high-stakes circumstances and need to cooperate, there isn’t too much of a difference between Show!Locklyle and Book!Locklyle.

But as Tolstoy (lmao) says, all happy families agents are alike, all unhappy families agents are unique in their own way. With that said, I think the differences between Show!Locklyle and Book!Locklyle are best explored through the way conflicts are handled.

In the show, there are 5 major arguments between Lucy and Lockwood:

Episode 2: Lucy feels upset and hurt because she thinks Lockwood only views her as an “asset”.

Episode 4: Lucy is upset that Lockwood doesn’t believe/doesn’t want to admit that she is talented enough to talk to the Skull

Episode 5: Lucy gets mad at Lockwood being self-sacrificing/death-seeking after they escape from the Winkmans.

Episode 7: Lucy calls Lockwood a boy with a “cold dead heart of stone”, and is upset that he won’t let her and George in on his past.

Episode 8: Lucy is furious at Lockwood using dangerous methods at the auction, that “every relic hunter in London is out to kill us”, and that Lockwood is acting self-sacrificially again.

There are also the following minor squabbles:*

Episode 1: Lucy rolls her eyes at Lockwood for forgetting the chains at Mrs Hope’s house.

Episode 1: Lucy mad at Lockwood and George for the toothbrush cup initiation test.

Episode 2: Lockwood gets annoyed and brusque with Lucy for keeping Annabel’s source and trying to communicate with her ghost. After Lucy is nearly possessed, he flintily tells her he will burn the source, and that they have more important bills to pay.

*Note there might be some more minor squabbles, but they weren’t significant enough to make their way into my notes

The most important takeaway here is that Lucy is the one who initiates most of the arguments! We can also note Lockwood’s response to Lucy’s anger: mostly he mutely self-reflects as she shouts and storms away, then later he comes to her to apologise and promises to do better.

The one time Lockwood gets mad at Lucy (Ep 2) we are a) not shown the bulk of the argument (there’s a cutaway after the fight with the ghost to Lucy justifying herself), b) it’s anger born of worry, and c) Cameron’s delivery of the lines is quite measured and muted.

In essence, when it comes to conflict, Lucy is the one holding the cards in the relationship between the two of them.

We also know the show is set much earlier than the books (which take place over the span of a whole year). Show!Lucy isn’t acting this way out of concern for a Lockwood who she’s known and loved for ages. Rather, Lockwood is someone she is not impressed by at all from the outset. The show is setting up what makes Lucy special here: unlike the adults, the other agents, and maybe even George, she’s the only one who can see through his “prodigious entrepreneur” mythos to the hurting teenager beneath.

Within the logic of the show’s universe this makes sense. Unlike Book!Lucy who is a judgemental grump (and is why she has “no female friends”; TWS p80), Show!Lucy is a more confident girl coming right off the back of losing someone she loves dearly.

Having experienced an arguably greater loss than Book!Lucy at this stage in her life, Show!Lucy seems adamant to prevent anyone else she cares about going down the same path. For Book!Lucy, this is a realisation she only comes to near the end of THB.

So to summarise, in the show, Lucy is a hurting, no-nonsense girl, unimpressed with Lockwood’s antics and objective enough to act as his “chain to earth”. From the way Lockwood responds to Lucy’s upsets, we get the sense that he’s quite sincere and maybe more in touch with his emotions than he shows on the surface.

The show portrays two people gradually learning to trust each other and perhaps slowly, mutually discovering their feelings as they do.

PART 2: BOOK: ACTIONS

The show uses disagreements as watersheds for character development, but they don’t play as significant a role in the books. Still, I went through TSS and TWS and made notes of every time there’s conflict between Lucy and Lockwood because the differences are quite telling.

TSS:

Lucy is mildly irritated/snarky at Lockwood for the entirety of the Hope case in TSS, and is angry when he forgets to bring the chains.

Lucy is angry at Lockwood for talking about the Annabel case and getting her name in the papers (TSS, 231)

Lockwood gets angry and berates Lucy for keeping the Annabel source (TSS, 179-181)

Lockwood calls Lucy “too sensitive” and accuses her of getting too close to ghosts (TSS, 248-249)

Lockwood is furious at Lucy for trying to talk to Annabel again (TSS, 284)

TWS:

Lockwood angry at Lucy for talking about the door on the landing (TWS, 116)

Lucy angry at Lockwood (and George) for taking her Listening for granted (TWS, 258)

Lucy scolds Lockwood for brushing off/slapping down George (TWS, 398)

Purely by numbers, they get mad at each other fairly evenly (rather than it being one-sided from Lucy, a la the show).

But numbers themselves don’t tell a full story. In fact, after looking at the particulars, I was surprised to see just how unbalanced their relationship is in the first 2 books (TSS in particular), and how much Lucy sits under Lockwood’s thumb for the whole thing.

Let’s look:

THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE

The Hope House - Lockwood forgetting to bring the chains.

This is the argument that plays out most similarly to how it does in the books. Lockwood asserts that filings “will be fine” for a job like this. In both mediums Lucy lets him go, but in the show she rolls her eyes and tuts, while in the books she tells herself “now (isn’t) the time”, takes a deep breath and changes the subject. In my opinion, this difference is insignificant.

BUT: in the book, the chains get brought up again. On p39, Lockwood suggests they should leave the house because it’s too dangerous, it is Lucy disagrees and thinks they should stay (as an aside, compare this with Lockwood’s behaviour in the show, particularly when escaping Winkman at the auction!).

Lockwood “condescendingly” tells her that her head isn’t in the right place, and Lucy once again accuses him of making bad decisions by leaving the chains out. Lockwood in turn first blames George (as he does in the show), then goes on to blame Lucy!

How the argument resolves is also interesting. Lockwood smiles at Lucy, and ribs her:

‘How’s your anger management going, Luce?’ (p40).

This effectively defuses Lucy’s rage (she likens his smile to “the sun coming out”).

Only after she’s no longer at the peak of her anger does he admit fault:

“He clapped his gloved hands together briskly. ‘Alright, you win'” (about staying at the house). (p40).

Even in the very first pages, we see Lockwood comporting himself as Lucy’s superior. We get the sense he doesn’t take her anger very seriously. Lucy also doesn’t seem to be able to stay mad at him for long.

Now, I've seen readings of Lockwood smiling in this moment as him being simply unable to stay mad at Lucy. That's definitely one interpretation, but I personally don't agree with it. Lockwood has a patterned habit of using his smile to get out of trouble:

“Lockwood took a deep breath; perhaps he realized he had to explain himself to George and me, as well as to Barnes…(Explanation). He switched on his fullest, most radiant smile.

Barnes winced. ‘Put those teeth away’” (TSS, p426)

And:

“‘Papers that almost certainly don’t exist,’ I growled…I didn’t look at him; if I had, he would have given me the smile, and I wasn’t in the mood for that.” (TWS, p258)

Though as we can see, by TWS Lucy has definitely wised up haha

Lucy’s name in the article

On paper, this argument is similar to the one in the show. The major difference is at no point in the books does Lucy explicitly tell Lockwood to keep her name out of the papers.

In the show, this argument leads to one of its biggest disagreements (Ep 2):

Lucy: I told you to leave me out of it.

Lockwood: And I told you I'd handle it. What are you so worried about? It's all true.

Lucy: We haven't even solved the case yet. What if Hugo Blake sees that and comes after me?

Lockwood: Well, then, we'll look after you, Luce. You're our biggest asset.

Lucy: Asset? Is that all I am, then? Just something to make you money? You think that you do things so differently. But you're just like the rest of them. You're as bad as everyone back home.

In the books, Lucy does not get angry when the article comes out (p217). She only gets upset after she’s pulled in by DEPRAC to see Hugo Blake. When the argument erupts, George is also there and it plays out like this (p232):

Lucy: “Don’t touch me. Because of your article, I came face to face with a murderer tonight, and funnily enough, I didn’t enjoy the experience.”

Lockwood: “Blake is not going to come after us”.

George: “Or if he does, it’ll be very, very slowly, hobbling on a stick. He’s over seventy years old.”

After Lockwood and George’s further justifications about why Blake is not going to “get them” (p232-233) Lucy thinks:

“What (Lockwood) said made sense, as usual. It was good to be out in the night again, with my sword and my colleagues at my side. The distress of my brief encounter at Scotland Yard was slowly fading. I felt a little better.”

We know from this that Lucy’s anger was one borne from worry and fear of Blake. By successfully alleviating that fear, Lucy’s anger at Lockwood dissipates. At no point is she mad at being treated as a showpony or asset by Lockwood. In fact, going back to when the article comes out (p 217), we’re presented with the following:

Lucy: “I still don’t know why you mentioned me but not the necklace.”

Lockwood: “It doesn’t hurt to emphasise what a star you are. We want other clients to come running, eager for your services.”

He doesn’t use the word “asset” here, but you can easily replace the word “star” with the word “asset" to get the original lines that triggered the argument in the show. To this statement, Book!Lucy has no reaction at all (the topic changes).

[As an aside, Lockwood also obliquely calls Lucy and George “inessential” on p214, which they also don’t comment on. Also, at various points he calls George and Lucy “fishwives” (p 272) and Lucy “sensitive” because she’s a girl (p 353) (lmaooo what an ass).]

Lockwood, Lucy and Annabel

I’m lumping these three arguments together because they follow the same pattern: Lucy tries to talk to Annabel, Lockwood gets upset that she keeps trying. What is absolutely fascinating is just how he treats Lucy when he is upset, and how Lucy responds to his anger in turn.

The first argument begins the morning after the fight. Lockwood says:

“Why, Lucy? I just don’t understand! You know an agent has to report any artefact she finds. Particularly one so intimately connected with a Visitor. They must be properly contained.” (p179)

He continues berating her like this (with a lot more anger than he ever displays on the show).

Lucy tries to apologise:

“Yes. I said I’m sorry! I’ve never done that sort of thing before.” (p180)

But Lockwood is still angry:

“So why did you do it now?”

Lucy spends the next page trying to explain why she took Annabel’s source, but even after her apologies and justifications, Lockwood is still furious:

“You forgot? That’s it? That’s your excuse?” (p 181)

The three of them talk a bit more about the mechanics of how Annabel ended up in the house, then when Lucy is in the middle of talking, Lockwood cuts her off again, and they have this whopper of an exchange:

“I hope you’re not trying to change the subject, Lucy,” Lockwood said in a cold voice. “I’m in the middle of ticking you off here.”

I set the case down. “I know.”

“I’m not finished, either. Not by a long chalk. I’ve got a whole heap more to say.” (Lockwood loses his train of thought here). “The point is: don’t do it again. I’m disappointed in you.”

Lucy meekly takes Lockwood’s lecture:

“I nodded. I stared at the tablecloth. My face felt cold and hot at the same time”

Lockwood’s one-sided lecture of Lucy lasts a whole five pages!!!

But he’s not done. It comes up again on p248 where Lockwood accuses Lucy of being 'too sensitive’ (in both the psychic and emotional way), and of getting “too close to (the ghosts)”. Then, in a 180 from the dynamics of power in the show (remember, Lucy threatens to quit several times), Lockwood threatens to fire her!

“You need to be careful, Lucy,” Lockwood said, and his voice was flat and cold. “Wicked ghosts aren’t things to trifle with. You’re keeping secrets again, and any agent who does that is endangering the rest of us. I’m not having anyone on my team who can’t be trusted. You understand what I’m saying?”

Again, Lucy takes this lecture meekly and submissively:

I did understand. I looked away.

In the final argument about the matter (p284) we learn that Lucy is actually a bit scared of Lockwood.

“You deliberately let her free?” Lockwood said. “That was a stupid thing to do.”

When I looked at his face, my heart quailed. “Not free,” I said desperately. “Just…freer.” (emphasis mine)

On p285 Lucy starts crying/tearing up because she thinks Lockwood:

“...Would not forgive me…this was the end of my employment at the company”.

Ordinarily, you might be able to argue that her fears are misplaced and subjective (because of her narrow perspective). This rings a little hollow given Lockwood’s threat on p248.

Does Lockwood ever apologise to Lucy during the Annabel affair? Once, when at his suggestion, Lucy tries to talk to Anabel, and things go awry:

“I’m so sorry. I should have never asked you to do that. What happened? Are you OK?” (p192)

It’s a sign that Lockwood does care about her wellbeing, despite his general distance from Lucy and the way he carries himself, which is as a figure of authority, and more importantly, as Lucy’s employer.

Seriously. We like to joke in this fandom that Lucy is too wrapped up in her own head thinking that Lockwood is out of her league to notice that he actually likes her. But reading the books again with detailed notes, I think Lucy’s impression is actually accurate.

In fact, writing this up sparked a memory of reading TSS for the first time (prior to the release of TWS), I remember thinking there wasn’t going to be a romance between Lucy and Lockwood. I couldn’t articulate it fully at the time, but I imagine it was because of how much older Lockwood seemed and how much control her asserts over her behaviour, combined with the way early book Lucy (to borrow Holly’s words from THB) “can’t say no” to Lockwood.

It is only by the end of TSS, does Lockwood finally say to her:

“I trust your Talent and your judgement and I’m very proud to have you on my team. OK? So stop worrying about the past!” (p436)

It’s still a tad condescending (think: praise from kindergarten teacher) but it’s a momentous occasion because as shown, prior to the Combe Carey Hall case, Lockwood seems to respect and trust her very little. This bookend leads nicely into their growing dynamic in TWS.

THE WHISPERING SKULL

Lucy, Lockwood and the skull in Bickerstaff’s manor:

By The Whispering Skull, Lucy and Lockwood’s relationship has evolved (which would make sense given the 6 months between books 1 and 2) and consequently the way they conflict has too. However, they still don’t ever reach the level of direct conflict they do in the show. Take what I consider to be Lucy’s biggest upset at Lockwood in the first 2 books:

On page 258, Lucy says:

“Forget it! What happened to us treading carefully, Lockwood? I’ve a good mind to go back home!”

Lockwood begs her to reconsider. Lucy remains angry. She says:

“You’re taking me for granted. Me and this house.”

However, it should be noted that although she mentions Lockwood by name, she’s actually angry at both Lockwood and George (yup, he’s there too). She calls them “both mad” for expecting her to agree to their scheme. She then stalks away from them in a rage, leaving “the others” (not just Lockwood) to follow.

In short, her anger isn’t directed at any particular trait of Lockwood’s (such as recklessness or foolhardiness), but rather at having been duped by both George and him. Nevertheless, it shows that she’s become more comfortable at expressing her anger in general by this point.

Lockwood’s door on the landing

As in the show, after the skull tells Lucy about Lockwood’s door, she confronts him about it.

In the show, after Lucy brings it up, Lockwood responds by diverting the subject:

Lockwood: That is not just a nick. You need to get that looked at. Could be some toxins got into your blood.

Then:

Lockwood: You're not Marissa Fittes.

Lucy: Cause you can't handle being my Tom Rotwell? Second best?

(This response is OOFT and also VERY Show!Lucy imo)

Another difference: in the show, Lockwood clearly believes Lucy, but doesn’t want to admit that she might be talented, because he’s used to being the most powerful one.

In the books, Lockwood just flat-out doesn’t believe her:

Lockwood lowered his mug; he spoke flintily. “Yes, I know (the door). The one you can’t stop asking about.” (p116)

He also calls her a “prima donna” (lmao LOCKWOOD).

Here, again, Lucy responds a bit more huffily than she probably would have in TSS:

We stood there, glaring at each other. (p117)

Lucy defends George

I think this argument, from page 398, though minor, nicely summarises Lockwood’s general attitude in conflict.

“Lockwood, we’ve been so blind! He’s desperate to investigate it. He’s been obsessed with it all this time. And you just kept criticising him, slapping him down.”

Lockwood responds at first by doing what he typically does (justify, accuse):

“Yes of course I did! Because George is always like that!...It’s just how he is! We couldn’t possibly have known.”

But compared to the chains argument in TSS where he deflects until the end, moments later:

His shoulders slumped. “You really think he’s affected by the ghost?”

Perhaps it’s because of the imminent danger George is in, but this time he takes Lucy’s anger seriously. Unlike the chains argument from the beginning of TSS, he doesn’t put on airs or “give permission” to Lucy when he senses he’s in the wrong. This way, they work together to prepare to get George back.

PART 3: BOOKS: THOUGHTS

“Wait,” you say, “Doesn’t this just prove that the show is like the books? Sure, it might have skipped that weird employer/employee stage from TSS, but it at least follows their relationship in TWS well, right?”

To this I say, yes, but also no. We need to take into account the role the arguments play in both mediums.

In the books, since Lucy is a very personal narrator, the arguments are a good way of showing the Locklyle relationship unmarked by her own thoughts. Although Lucy is quite inaccurate at judging what people feel and think (see: Holly), she’s not the kind of unreliable narrator that makes up things people say or do.

In the show, since we don’t get to see Lucy’s internal monologue; the arguments are instead used to show how Lucy feels. To that end, I can understand why they made her more direct/in touch with her emotions during them – if she didn’t say anything, the audience probably wouldn’t know.

SO: to get a full picture of her relationship with Lockwood, we need to examine both her acts AND her internal feelings.

What does Lucy feel in the show?

In the show, although Lucy does like Lockwood, she hates (or at least is troubled by) the following: he’s reckless, he’s (over) confident, he’s arrogant and loves the spotlight. But her two primary issues with his character seem to be:

His death-seeking nature:

“What does any of it mean if we end up stabbed or dead at the bottom of the Thames with nobody left to care?“ / “To be honest, the bottom of the Thames used to be a far more appealing place to be.”(Ep 8)

His distance/mystery:

“You might be able to turn your feelings on and off like a tap, but I am drowning here, Lockwood.” (Ep 2)

“At the centre of you is just a…” “A what? A cold, dead heart of stone?” “Yeah, maybe. But who knows, though? 'Cause you don't actually show anyone.” (Ep 7)

Is this the case in the books?

Nope. Not at all. This is the absolute biggest difference between Show!Locklyle and Book!Locklyle.

Lucy has very little to say about Lockwood’s general recklessness because, well, she is reckless too (this is the case in the show as well – makes her look just a little bit like a hypocrite).

In regards to his death-seeking nature: Lucy doesn’t even pick up on it until the Skull of all people points it out, and that is definitely much further along than in TSS and TWS.

But why doesn’t she see these signs? It ties back to how Lucy feels about Lockwood’s distance/mystery in TSS and TWS which is, well: she loves it.

Show!Lucy can’t stand Lockwood hiding things from her and running off madly towards “any old mystery”, and that’s what makes her a good grounding force for Lockwood there.

Book!Lucy fully drinks the Lockwood kool-aid and buys into his grand myth.

From the very outset, Lucy immediately likes Lockwood. Unlike Show!Lucy who compares him negatively with the people “back home”, Book!Lucy thinks:

“Lockwood, I already liked. He seemed a world away from the remote and treacherous Agent Jacobs; his zest and personal commitment were clear. Here was someone I felt I could follow, someone perhaps to trust.” (TSS, p 112)

We also get Lucy’s opinion of Lockwood “throwing himself” into missions the very first full day she joins:

“Vigorous and energetic, eager to throw himself into each new mystery; a boy who was clearly never happier than when walking into a haunted room, his hand resting lightly on his sword hilt…It already pleased me to think of walking into darkness with Lockwood at my side.” (TSS, p 127)

She starts buying the “Lockwood narrative” very quickly too. When Lockwood says:

‘This will be one of the three most successful agencies in London…And you can be a part of that, Lucy. I think you’re good, and I’m glad you’re here.’ (TSS 129)

Lucy thinks:

“You can bet my face was flushed right then – it was a special triple-combo of embarrassment at being found out, pleasure at his flattery and excitement at his spoken dreams.” (TSS 129)

We see her continued fall into Lockwood’s all-consuming orbit on the next page:

“For a moment, as he said this, it all made perfect sense…when he smiled like that it was hard not to agree with him.” (p 130)

Contrast this to the show, where instead she cooly responds, “Thank you,” then immediately asks: “How do I know you’re good enough for me?” (Ep 1)

Show!Lucy clearly isn’t buying it from the beginning, and continues to not buy it. We can see the difference after the Hope House case when Lucy is talking to George.

George: “Maybe if you'd been more interested before you went charging.”

Lucy: “That was Lockwood's decision. I've only just started. What am I supposed to say to him?” (Ep 2)

George: “You're meant to say no. You have to, or you'll make him worse.”

George is another character who works well to contextualise Lucy’s behaviour towards Lockwood. In the show, George sees Lucy as someone capable of reigning Lockwood in. Whereas in the books, he sees Lucy as equally at fault for being reckless.

“When is going to be the time? When you and Lockwood are both dead, maybe? When I open the door one night and see the two of you hovering beyond the iron line?...All you and Lockwood care about is going out and snuffing Sources, as quickly as you can! ” (TSS, p 139-140)

Rather than deflect blame onto Lockwood as she does in the show, she says:

“Because that’s what makes our money, George!...If you were less obsessed with it, we’d have done twice as many cases in the last few months…We waited all afternoon for you.” (TSS, p140)

The “makes our money” line sounds a lot like something that would come out of Lockwood’s mouth, and makes me wonder whether she’s parroting something he said at this stage. Conjecture aside, it shows the reader that Lucy is firmly on Lockwood’s side – as established, Lucy “never says no” to Lockwood, and everyone else knows it.

I suspect part of the reason this continues for so long is because Lockwood never is too approving of Lucy, which causes Lucy to scrabble for the rare moments of his approval.

“Moments before, he’d been promising to incinerate the locket. Now it was the key to all our troubles. Moments before, he’d been giving me a rollocking; now I was the apple of his eye. This was the way it was with Lockwood. His shifts were sometimes so sudden that they took your breath away, but his energy and enthusiasm were always impossible to resist.” (TSS, p 190)

“As usual, the full warmth of his approval made me feel a little flushed.“ (p TWS, 108)

Although by TWS Lucy is far more comfortable with Lockwood to his face, she can’t help but put him on a pedestal at the back of her mind, which marks the remaining difference between the show and the books.

“One full year after my arrival at the agency, the unrevealed details of my employer’s early life remained an important part of his mystery and fascination.” (TWS, p 40)

Even George calls her out on it:

“Oh, come on. You love all that mystery about him. Just like you love that pensive, far-off look he does sometimes.” (TWS, p 55)

Putting aside the “haha Lucy has an obvious crush on Lockwood” part, what’s interesting is that George specifically hones in on Lucy enjoying the “mystery” of Lockwood – although she does want to find out what’s behind the door, she also is drawn to, rather than repelled by (unlike Show!Lucy) the part of him that keeps things hidden. Her encounter with the Fetch in THB shows her precisely what is underneath that mysterious facade of Lockwood’s, and that (combined with Holly) is what, I think, finally scares her out of her idolatry.

As for Lockwood, we can only guess at his thoughts in the book, but we do know that he’s far less open than he is in the show. It is George who reveals to Lucy that Lockwood’s parents are probably dead (TSS, 114).

Lockwood only really brings up his parents (and quickly moves on to other matters) at the END of The Hollow Boy (p 391).

I think he makes a concerted effort to act as Lucy’s employer, to the extent that he hardly asks about or takes an interest in her personal life at all. Compare the line in the show where Lockwood says:

“Interesting outfit, Luce. Didn't have you down as a fan of unicorns. Or rainbows.”

To the book, where not only does Lockwood never comment on Lucy’s appearance, that line is a callback to a line said by George:

“Ooh, Lucy – I’ve never seen you wearing that.” (TSS, p175)

In fact, I’d maybe even go so far to say that the show has snatched bits from George’s relationship with Lockwood and Lucy respectively and repurposed into Locklyle dynamics [see: George worrying about Lockwood’s recklessness, George upset at being treated as an asset (TWS, p107)].

This isn't to say that he doesn't care about them: he very clearly does and it is most clear in moments of crisis. But Lockwood is such a unique character, plus a known Stepford Smiler, and so "typical" signs of feelings of happiness (smiling at Lucy etc) shouldn't be taken at face value when trying to ascertain how he feels – and this is true until THB.

I don’t want people to think I’m cherry picking moments of tension between Lucy and Lockwood to make a point here. Once again, Lockwood does care about Lucy. When Lucy isn’t caught up in her Lockwood-filter, and when Lockwood isn’t preoccupied with his role as THE Anthony Lockwood, they share plenty of moments where they joke, laugh and generally act like teens, which the show captured just fine.

But those moments of cheeriness belie a narrative backbone that is very different. Lucy in the books is just 14 years old, and she’s looking for a (metaphorical!!!) “grown up” mentor after losing her father and being betrayed by Jacobs. Meanwhile, Lockwood is trying his best to shut the door on his childhood and act wiser than his years.

Thus when they meet, Lockwood just happens to be playing that authority figure Lucy thinks she needs (but we know she doesn’t!), and is only happy to oblige by continuing to play that role until slowly Lucy (and George) start breaking down his guard.

TLDR;

Show!Locklyle has a far more balanced dynamic than Book!Locklyle, which is objectively pretty “boss and employee”. Perhaps controversially, I don’t think Lockwood felt anything other than general workplace fondness/friendship for Lucy for most of TSS (at least until Combe Carey Hall).

Most importantly: Lucy in the show hates and is hurt by Lockwood’s secrecy, but Book!Lucy fawns over the very shadow consuming his soul – that is, until her rather rude awakening at the end of THB.

The ramifications of these changes have also spilled onto the characters. Lucy in the show comes off as more strong-minded, practical and confident, whereas book Lucy seems tougher, more of a tsundere (ye) and more love-starved. Lockwood in the show is the same attention-hungry “politician”, but more sincere, troubled and subdued. Whereas Lockwood in the books is crueller (remember that time he threatened to shut a kid in a coffin?), flashier, more competent and a huge brat (affectionate).

Which Locklyle is better is a matter of personal taste. In the show there’s arguably more dramatic tension, and the relationship is more tender/romantic and caring overall. But I think there’s something to be said for how unique Lucy and Lockwood’s dynamic is in the books, and the very carefully written unfurling that takes them to the end of TEG.

Either way, I hope I’ve convinced any readers of this giant word vomit that the show and book dynamics are two very separate beasts.

Agree? Disagree? Found it interesting? Hate my guts? Let me know what you think!!!

Till next time!

#lockwood and co #lockwood and co spoilers #anthony lockwood #lucy carlyle #this thing is absolutely massive i hope it doesn't wreck the app #if i see a typo or factual error after i post i will perish #locklyle #i guess

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Rulers of Ruin

Chapter 6

Genre: Mafia!au , Slowburn, Angst, Hurt, eventual smut, TW (it is a mafia!AU, after all)

Pairing: Mafia!Jungkook x reader

Synopsis: There will come a day when I will sit down and write an alluring synopsis for this series. But that day hasn't come just yet lol. Stay tuned for more chapters to come.

Disclaimer: English isn’t my native language. Also, don’t come for me over the theme, people. It’s an Alternate Universe, which means the bangtan boys are essentially what I like to call meat puppets to serve the storyline. This is obviously not a projection of their actual real-life personas.

Wordcount: 1.7k

Masterlist

Chapter 5

After her altercation with Jimin, YN’s frustration only grew stronger. For someone who supposedly played an important role in the upcoming feud, she’d never felt more sidelined. Always kept outside of the loop.

She found herself more restless and defiant than ever. Taking advantage of Taehyung’s occasionally distracted nature, she spent the following week slipping out of his line of sight every chance she got, exploiting the slightest opportunity to explore—or test—the limits of her captivity.

One evening, as she was escorted to the mansion's library for a new book to distract her from her boredom, Taehyung's attention was momentarily captured by a conversation with another agent, a young woman whose laughter seemed to echo distractingly down the dark hallway. Seizing the moment, Y/N discreetly slipped away, her steps silent on the plush carpet.

She wandered down the corridor, not expecting much, really. Only she stopped dead in her tracks, her ears picking up the muffled tones of a serious conversation seeping through the thick door of an adjacent parlor. Her curiosity piqued, she pressed closer.

"…seems they’re gearing up for war," She recognized Namjoon’s distinctive baritone, “We may need additional eyes out there soon."

“Maybe Hoseok?” another voice spoke, “"He's returning soon with Kookie, right?"

"Stop that,” Namjoon chided, his voice sharp, “you know he hates that nickname."

“Aish, you don’t need to fight his battles,” the voice said, “if your father was here-“

Her heart thudded with the thrill of the forbidden knowledge just within her grasp. She leaned in, straining to catch more.

“While on the topic of my father,” Namjoon’s voice grew tenser, “any updates?”

“He’s alright, for now,” the voice spoke, “but…”

Y/N's mind raced. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the conversation inside had ceased until the door suddenly swung open.

Namjoon’s piercing gaze met hers immediately, a frown creasing his brow. Behind him, YN recognized Seokjin standing in his white blouse, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Y/N," Namjoon's voice was a blend of disappointment and irritation. "Spying requires guile and vigilance," he paused, “it appears you’re lacking both.”

Her response came quick, tinged with defiance. "Maybe I need some lessons from your agents," she retorted sharply, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious hallway, “they’re clearly doing such a good job at keeping track of me.”

He chuckled dryly, not out of amusement but as a prelude to a sharper critique. "Watch your attitude,” he shot back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed her, “it’s unbecoming."

She exhaled a frustrated sigh, feeling cornered yet defiant. "I've been kept in the dark for two weeks, Namjoon.” Her voice rose, a clear note of irritation threading through her words, “How long do you expect me to sit around waiting for you to decide my fate?"

Namjoon stepped out, closing the door behind him with a soft click. "Information is dispensed on a need-to-know basis," he stated firmly, approaching her. "And right now, you don’t need to know anything."

Y/N bristled at the dismissal, her anger flaring. "So, what do I need, then? More guards? An ankle bracelet, perhaps? Shall we test how tight this leash can get?"

Before he could respond, rapid footsteps echoed down the hallway. Taehyung appeared, breathing heavily, his usual composed demeanor unraveled by exertion. "Sorry, Boss—I lost sight of her for just a minute," he panted, casting a wary glance at Y/N.

Namjoon’s eyes flicked between Y/N and Taehyung, his displeasure evident. "Ensure it doesn’t happen again," he warned, then turned back to Y/N. "As for you, try to remember your place. If you keep this up, I won’t hesitate to make your conditions less... comfortable.” His threat hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the power he wielded. “Or perhaps I’ll simply ship you back to your brother, see if you prefer what he’s got in store for you.”

Before YN could utter a response, the broad-shouldered leader went back in the parlour, firlmy shutting the door behind him.

YN's anger boiled over as she stormed off, her heels clicking angrily against the marble floors. Behind her, Taehyung hurried to keep up, his own frustration mirroring hers but tinged with resignation. "Come on, don't do this," he called out, his voice barely cutting through her tirade.

"This is all ridiculous!” YN shouted back over her shoulder, her words sharp as daggers. “Complete, utter bullshit!" The cool night air did nothing to temper her heated words as she burst through the double doors into the garden.

She stomped outside still ranting to herself.

Taehyung sighed, dodging low-hanging branches as he tried to keep up with her brisk pace. "Ranting isn’t going to change anything," he called out, his voice barely cutting through the sound of the wind.

"And what would you suggest, huh? Compliance? Silent obedience?" she snapped back, turning to face him with a glare, “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You miserable pieces of shit!” she shouted

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's raining, Y/N. Let’s go back inside before you catch your death," he tried reasoning with her, his voice calm but firm.

“Oh sure, it’s the rain that’s going to kill me,” she rolled her eyes. "Last time I checked, a little water has never hurt anyone," she snapped, dismissing his concern with a wave of her hand. Her focus was solely on venting her frustration, paying little attention to where she was stepping. The garden path, slick with rain, was a treacherous terrain for her furious pacing.

Before Taehyung could warn her, YN's foot caught on the edge of a stone near the koi pond. Her balance lost, she stumbled with a startled yelp, arms flailing as she tried desperately to regain her footing. It was no use; gravity took over, and with a splash that echoed louder than her shouts, YN found herself submerged in cold murky water.

“Ah, shit,” Taehyung rushed to the pond’s edge, suppressing a chuckle as he extended a hand to help her out. “Looks like a little water might hurt after all," he remarked, trying to infuse a bit of humor into the situation.

Soaked and shivering, YN grasped his hand, her earlier fire doused by the icy pond water. "Very funny," she muttered, pulling herself up with his help. She stood dripping beside the pond, the rain mixing with pond water, her elegant outfit ruined and clinging uncomfortably to her skin.

Taehyung’s expression softened as he draped his jacket over her shoulders. "Come on, let’s get you inside and dried off," he said, guiding her back towards the mansion. "And maybe skip the midnight garden walks for a while, yeah?"

"Fuck off," she muttered under her breath, even as he escorted her toward her quarters, his jacket still wrapped around her.

In the warm embrace of the shower, Y/N let the hot water cascade over her, washing away the pond's chill and the night's frustrations. As the steam clouded around her, so did her thoughts, swirling with the events of the evening.

The steam seemed to seep into her pores, attempting to soothe the sting of humiliation and the cold realization of her helplessness.

Her mind replayed Namjoon's words, sharp and cutting, echoing against the tiles with every droplet that fell.

Remember your place.

the fall into the pond had been a jolt back to a reality she’d been trying to ignore. It wasn't just the physical shock of the cold water but the absurdity of the situation that gnawed at her. Here she was, a pawn in a game of power, maneuvered by people who saw her not as a person but as a leverage point—a tool in their negotiations and strategies. The very idea that she could be discussed as part of a war strategy was infuriating.

With every drop that washed over her, she pondered the bitter irony of her safety. Here, in between the tigers’ claws, surrounded by those who viewed her as little more than a bargaining chip, she was, in a twisted sense, probably safer than she had been in a long time. The thought stung, a reluctant admission that clawed at her pride.

Her last encounter with her brother had been under circumstances shrouded in shadows and tension, their parting more a series of harsh whispers and hurried steps than heartfelt goodbyes. The memory was a sharp jab to her conscience, a reminder of unfinished business and unresolved conflicts that lingered like ghosts in her mind.

The steam fogged up the mirror, and for a moment, she imagined it clouding out the world, giving her a momentary respite from the watchful eyes and calculated moves. But as comforting as the warmth was, it couldn't wash away the reality of her predicament.

She needed to be more than just compliant; she needed to be cunning. If they were going to use her as a piece in their games, then perhaps it was time to learn the rules and play back. Tonight, however, she would allow herself just a few more moments of solace in the simple, searing heat of the shower.

The comforting rush of warm water was abruptly overshadowed by some noise coming beyond the bathroom door. Y/N's muscles tensed beneath the cascade. "Taehyung,” she began, her voice, sharp with annoyance, echoing slightly off the tiled walls, “I told you not to—"

Her sentence was abruptly cut off as the door swung open with a force that suggested urgency—or a complete utter lack of care. "Jesus Christ—" Y/N exclaimed, a mix of surprise and irritation in her tone. She instinctively spun around, her eyes squinting through the billowing steam. She could make out a figure, distinctly different from Taehyung's lean silhouette.

Before she could fully shield herself or demand an explanation, a deep, unfamiliar voice cut through the mist.

"And who the fuck are you?"

guess who? lol

Anyway hope you liked it. If some of you are intrigued or interested in finding out more, don't hesitate to interact and I'll start posting some more chapters! Also questions and remarks and feedback are welcome xxx

Chapter 7 (coming soon..)

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beansterpie · 22 days

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ES21 japanese volumes part 3/??

<< part 1 < part 2 ||

HAHAHA guess who found a site with japanese scans?? (Also yes hello it's been close to.... half a year??? (fuck) since my last post-- a big part of that is because taking clear pics of panels/pages on my phone was a pain in the ass so I kept procrastinating lol)

Now lets get back into it!

We left off at the end of Sena's unwilling first morning practice, where we got to see just how fast he's able to run. We were then informed that their first match is happening the following day... while only having 3 players :')

oh the lengths one must take to subdue Cerberos....

Panel 2 -> HIRUMA: We need 8 people by tomorrow's match! We'll split up to gather them! Panel 3 -> KURITA: 8 people? SENA: I thought you said that American Football requires 11 people...

You'd think he might catch on to what's happening after all the 'top speed in the NFL!' fuss at the end of the last chapter.... but our boy is not smart, your honor.

But Hiruma (seemingly) relents, saying how they each have to find at least 3 people to help out their team by the end of the day. Whoever finds the least amount of people faces whatever penalty game that Hiruma comes up with, so uh, there's reason to fear.

Panel 1 -> Basketball club Panel 2 -> SENA: Alright, I'll start here...! Panel 3 -> imaginary SENA: How would you like to play in an American Football match? Panel 4 -> imaginary SENA: We'll prepare all of the equipment! All you have to bring is your fighting spirit!!

imagination vs reality....

Panel 1 -> SENA: Um... excuse me Panel 2 -> SENA: So... I was wondering if maybe I could get you guys to play in an American Football match for us... or something... Panel 4 -> JERSEY #16: Ahh... I'll pass. JERSEY #8: Yeah, not interested. SENA: I-is that so... Panel 5 -> SENA: Aahh-- it's no good. Why do I always....

Ah poor Sena. But all those years of timidness and cowardice aren't going to up and disappear overnight because then we wouldn't have a story. Also, an aside, but in these earlier chapters Sena has this little... verbal tick, I guess? where he ends his sentences (usually requests) with "なんて…" (na-nn-te), shown in panel 2. A different form of the word is often used at the end of a joke, meaning essentially "just kidding!", and this is like... an uncommitted, spineless little version of that. He's asking them if they would please consider playing in a match, and basically ending it with: "haha jk...." 😔

I translated it as "or something..." because he ISN'T joking, he just can't help but say it because he's that non-confrontational, and I thought that might be confusing without context? Or perhaps I'm just over-explaining, but alas.

Panel 1 -> KURITA: Wanna play in an American Football match!? Panel 2 -> JERSEY #16 & #8: No! Panel 4 -> SENA: No, it's not over yet! This isn't the only sports club! Panel 5 -> SENA: I'll go around to all of 'em--! Panel 6 -> HIRUMA: You're playing in a match for the American Football club!

I had to put in all three of their uh, pitches? to the basketball club because I love this little sequence lol. It's such a fun way to show the differences in how each character approaches a problem, and visually displays their body language so well. It's like the funniest version of the three billy goats gruff story

Is this the first official appearance of Hiruma's little black book? It's funny, it's dastardly, and it's just as much for the sake of cartoon violence as his guns are lol. (Seriously, some of the stuff he uses to blackmail people has me side eyeing Hiruma (and Inagaki) real hard rip. The fact that you're not supposed to take any of it seriously is it's saving grace.)

Panel 1 -> JERSEY #16: Uwah, again!? JERSEY #8: Will you give it a rest!! We said we're not gonna play!! Panel 2 -> HIRUMA: Hooo~ that defiant attitude.... I take it you two are first years? Panel 3 -> HIRUMA: Hhmmmm, so Satake-kun from year 1 class 2, and Yamaoka-kun from class 5, huh? Panel 4 -> HIRUMA: Satake-kun is-- well well! The true culprit behind the underwear thefts of the swimming club! And Yamaoka-kun-- what's this? He gives a kiss to his poster of Ai Kago every morning? Whoow, isn't this painful! SATAKE: Wha-- YAMAOKA: How do you-- Panel 5 -> HIRUMA: Now, I think I'll just spread the word!!! SATAKE: Waahh w-we'll play, we'll play! YAMAOKA: Please let us play in the American Football match!!

The severity of the dirt seems pretty skewed to me, but I guess to a teenage anime boy from the early 00's, general embarrassment is just as bad as sexually harrassing your schoolmates 🙃

But anyway, now we know exactly why Hiruma is so feared by the general student body (and faculty)! A real menace to society <3 Btw, at the time Ai Kago was a girl in the pop idol group Morning Musume.

After going to every other sports club in Deimon, Sena finally comes into some luck at the track and field club....

ISHIMARU: An American Football match? Yeah sure, I'll play!

Ishimaru.... you're such a good guy..... 😭

Panel 1 -> SENA: R-really!? ISHIMARU: Yeah, and y'know-- Hiruma's probably gathering the first years, right? Panel 2 -> ISHIMARU: So if I play with them, I'll get to know their physical abilities, and I can invite any of the promising ones to the track and field club. Panel 3 -> ISHIMARU: That's ok, isn't it? As a give and take. SENA: O-of course!! Panel 4 -> SENA: (Yay, that's one person!) Then I'll be seeing you tomorrow! Panel 5 -> ISHIMARU: Tomorrow!!? That's impossible! SENA: What--!!? Panel 6 -> ISHIMARU: I work part time for the local magazine delivery-- I have to deliver them all by noon tomorrow so it'll be tight. Sorry

Poor boy can't catch a break. And enjoy Ishimaru in his like, first and last serious arc for the rest of the series..... :') you deserved better my boy.....

Ishimaru's fairly casual attitude towards Hirma makes me so curious about what he's like in class though lol. I guess for people that Hiruma has no direct use for, they end up flying under the radar and don't have a strong opinion on him? Maybe to some students in Deimon, Hiruma is just 'that eccentric guy in my grade' lol. Strange thought.

But you know, at least Hiruma managed to get some people to help out! Wow, such charisma.

Panel 1 -> (from left to right on the chart -> ): Sena, Kurita, Hiruma Panel 2 -> SENA: Amazing!! So many, just by himself...

Panel 1 -> SENA: Hiiee!? Panel 2 -> KURITA: Hey.... I guess you're also at zero, huh.... Panel 3 -> KURITA: Even Hiruma stopped after 7 people.... and all the sports clubs have already gone home.... It's no good, we're not going to make it in time for the tournament.... Panel 5 -> SENA: I-I'm going to make another round!

Like, ok. So I haven't actually read that many sports manga (mainly because they tend to not hold my attention very long), but Eyeshield's opening chapters are so charming and cute and like... well set up that I always love re-reading it. It might ultimately be a classic coming of age/underdog story, but at this point Sena isn't even interested in playing the damn sport lol (in fact playing the sport is the thing he's got the most reservations about). It's just that he's made friends with Kurita and wants to help him (and Hiruma) towards this goal they're so passionate about, and also wants to feel like a part of something. Idk, it's really successful in fleshing out Sena's personality imo, and manages to make this extremely cowardly kid very endearing (which I think is kind of a rare thing in a shounen manga protag, not to mention a sports manga one).

BUT anyway, he spots Ishimaru doing deliveries and jumps over the fence to reach him.

SENA: Please let me gopher-- no, I mean-- please let me help you!

His heart is in the right place! When you've been a doormat your whole life, it takes a minute to move past it!!

Anyway, skipping ahead a few pages because I've already used too many images on this chapter lol (not me straight up posting half the pages of this chapter so far 😭) -- Sena helps Ishimaru deliver half of the magazines and so they manage to hand them all out that night. Since that frees Ishimaru up the following day, he agrees to play in the match-- which means Sena managed to get one person!

He returns to the club room and tells Kurita the good news, but that still leaves them with.... 10 people.

Panel 2 -> KURITA: We're short.... one person.... Panel 3 -> KURITA: We were so close.... Panels 5 & 6 -> Sounds of the crowd cheering

Panel 1 -> SENA: U-um! Panel 2 -> SENA: For the last person, if I... if I participate...

Whenever Sena thinks about potentially playing American Football in these early chapters, I've always liked that the things he focuses on is the sound of the crowd, the... kinship, maybe? of being on a team. There's probably an element of the glory that appeals to him, but it mostly seems to be the ambience and passion and unity that he's drawn to. As opposed to like, Monta later on who (initially, anyway) really just wants the fame and adoration of being a popular player lol (and good for him, the heart wants what it wants). But for Sena, as the protagonist, it helps me connect to his wants at this point in the story a lot more organically as opposed to if his desire had always been "I wanna be The Best Sportsman™!!!" But again, that's a me thing lol.

Of course Hiruma has to interrupt before Sena commits one way or another lol

Panel 1 -> HIRUMA: That fucking konbini!! Running out of sugarless gum!! Not even flies would chew on that nasty-ass sweet gum!! Panel 2 -> HIRUMA: Oh damn, I forgot to put them up halfway through.

Hiruma's comically short temper that vanishes between one panel and the next will always be funny to me lol. Explosively coming into the club room, ranting about unimportant bullshit while tossing soda at to his teammates (which is quite thoughtful of him actually) and then casually revealing that he's taken care of everything....

Sometimes when I'm feeling unmotivated, I think to myself "what would Hiruma do?" the answer is usually 'several illegal things', but I can at least try to emulate his proactiveness lol.

Panel 2 -> SENA & KURITA: WE DID IIITT Panel 3 -> HIRUMA: We didn't do anything!!! I'm the one who ended up doing it all, you useless idiots!! Actually, give back my cola!! I don't have a single drop of fluid to spare for you morons!! Wilt and die!

Well. No one ever claimed Hiruma was gracious.

That's (more or less) the end of chapter 3! Finally!! The chapter ends with another character room, this time for Hiruma. I'm also putting Kurita's here, which was at the end of chapter 2 but didn't manage to squeeze in.

Page 1 Kurita Ryoukan 2nd Year Deimon Devilbats #77 Power: ***** Speed: * Technique: ** [upper corner: "My refrigerator" bottom left: "Bookshelf-- bursting with American Football magazines" bottom center: "Weights over 100kg"] Page 2 Hiruma Youichi 2nd Year Deimon Devilbats #1 Power: ** Speed: ** Technique: *****

When I read this manga for the first time back in highschool, I was SO frustrated that it just showed the club room instead of Hiruma's bedroom. Ngl I still feel a little cheated, but I guess they had to maintain that gremlin mystique somehow 😔

(Also join me as I puzzle over where the fuck Kurita keeps his futon.... 🤔)

------------

I was going to cover the next chapter as well, but I think I'll just end this part here-- the next chapter is more or less when the first match starts, so I figure I'll do those together! Honestly this chunk of the story didn't have any egregious translation errors in the fanscans so there wasn't too much to comment on that front lol. Enjoy my ramblings about how much I like these early chapters, they're so charming!

#eyeshield 21 #es21 #es21 japanese readalong #bean talking into the void

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skzhocomments · 6 months

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THE WHITE LILY (Mafia Book #1 - Bang Chan) - Chapter 3 - Borrowed time

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

General masterlist

Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

---

Chapter 3 - Borrowed time

chapter word count: 1.2k words

"We need to know your speciality, Emilia, so we know who to team you up with."

"I'm more of an in-the-field kind of person." I replied confidently.

"Yea, we've seen." The girl called Hyo rolled her eyes.

For some strange reason, I hated her guts. Leaving her snarky remarks aside, it just seemed to me that she couldn't be trusted...

"After all, you did sooo good at your latest in-the-field mission." She insisted.

"Oh, shut up, the plan would've definitely worked if I wouldn't have been betrayed." I returned her attitude.

"Sure, like Chris would ever sleep with you." She replied, spiteful.

So they don't know, I thought and threw Chan a look and a slight smirk, which made him clear his throat and avert my gaze.

"So what's the mission, Boss?" Hyunjin asked, curious.

"We've gotten a tip from one of our informants about a trafficking ring going on. Young girls..."

"Those fucking bastards." Momo spat out, hitting the table with her fist and interrupting Chan's speech.

"Truly disgusting. Who is behind this shit?" Changbin asked, clearly annoyed. "Let's beat them up."

At least we got the same morals here.

"It's the Knife Devils."

"What a dumb name." I laughed, earning a small chuckle from everyone.

"So what are we doing?" Hyo asked, annoyed by my 10-seconds of fame.

"We must first get an address from our informant. The plan is to infiltrate the house and rescue those girls. They are currently being held in God knows what conditions... Emilia, we still have to see what you're capable of, so you'll pair up with Changbin, who is the best there is when it comes to these kind of missions."

The dark boy smirked proudly, hearing his Boss' praises.

"Hyo, you will help Seungmin install microphones and small cameras after we get our address tonight. Lix and Jeongin, you will keep watch while Emilia and Changbin go in tomorrow night. We'll work out the strategy today, I already have an idea but need to make some calls first to find out exactly where the girls are and an approximate number. We're guessing there's about 10, might be more."

My stomach turned. Kidnapping and selling young girls was... sick. Not unusual, though, unfortunately. It's a men's world after all.

"We will get those girls, ok?" Bang Chan said assuringly, noticing my face changing colour.

"So, a doctor, huh? You did look pretty smart 5 years ago. And knowledge is sexy." I winked, teasing the young fox-like boy, who blushed at my remark.

"It's all thanks to you. After you saved me that day... you just gave me a purpose. I realised I wanted to help others just like you did that night..." Jeongin replied, his lips turning into a kind curve.

He took my hands in his, like earlier in the garden, and held on to them for a bit.

"I kept thinking... if you wouldn't have been there to stop the bleeding..."

"Don't think about that." I smiled gently.

"I can't not think about it. I feel like I'm on borrowed time. I was supposed to bleed out to death. I was supposed to die in that dark room." He said grimly, his eyes turning distant.

"Jeongin, all of us are on borrowed time. You could've gotten hit by a car when you were 5, but the driver randomly took a left instead of a right turn that day. You could've choked while eating an orange and suffocated to death when you were 10... or you could've bled out that night. But you didn't. Circumstances don't matter. I'm also on borrowed time, thanks to Chris. If it was anyone else... I would've probably been 6 feet under right now instead of talking to you."

Jeongin looked down to his feet.

"What I mean to say is, don't focus so much on the past. Instead, look at the future like an opportunity. Some aren't so lucky..." I patted his shoulder and glanced out the window, getting lost in thought.

~Flashback, 3 year ago~

"Shade, fuck, I've been shot!"

"Where?! Where are you?!"

I could hear my partner groaning through the earpiece, while I ran aimlessly through the rooms of the abandoned building.

"The bastards... shot me in the stomach... I don't think I'll make it. Fuck. Please run away."

"San, don't say that! I'm coming right now!" Tears started running down my face. "Just tell me where you are. I can't find you..." I continued with a shaky voice.

Not in this room, not here either, this is a bathroom, fuck. Fuck. FUCK!!!

"San, answer me!" I screamed in the earpiece, hoping to hear from him.

"Shade... please listen carefully." His voice was quiet, too quiet.

"You have to get out of here. Fuck... I was such a coward... too much of a coward to tell you how I feel about you..."

"Just tell me where you are, please!" I pledged.

"I want you to leave this place and... to live. For me, yea?"

"No, no, no, don't say that. DON'T SAY THAT. I would never leave without you. I'm on my way!!!"

"No... Shade... Emi... I love you, even if you don't feel the same... Please... promise me that... you'll leave this fucking mafia... and be happy..."

My feet were killing me. I was out of breath, but I couldn't stop running, not unless I found him.

San was the only person I could trust in this damn mafia gang – or rather, in the whole world.

"Emi... fuck... I think they are-" San started coughing powerfully, unable to speak further.

He couldn't die.

No.

I wouldn't accept that.

"Look at this bastard, he's still hanging on!" an unfamiliar voice was heard through the earpiece.

Two gun shots, then silence.

~End of flashback~

"Emilia, you okay? I lost you for a minute there..." Jeongin started, bringing me back to Earth.

"Sorry, did you say something?" I pulled myself back together, locking San's memory deep, in one of the hidden compartments of my brain I didn't want to access ever again.

"I just... I'm wondering what you were thinking of..."

"Mm. It's nothing." I smiled, ruffling his hair playfully. "Let's relax until the mission tonight, mkay?"

"I.N, Shade! Come quick!" Han shouted at us from the other side of the house.

"The informant has been killed." Chan told us sombrely. "We can't stick to the original plan."

"What now?" Momo asked.

"We have to... think of something else. Another way to find the girls."

"You surely have something in mind. Let's hear it." Seungmin said.

"No... it's... too dangerous." Chan shook his head.

"Can I make a guess?" I intervened. "You want one of us to get kidnapped, right?" I continued, pointing to me, Hyo and Momo.

"Absolutely not." Said Changbin, making the other boys agree.

"Why not? It's a good plan." I retorted.

"It's just as Chris said, it's too dangerous..." Jeongin replied.

"Plus, we all know how that turned out last time we tried something like this." Changbin continued, eyeing Chan.

"I stand by what I said. It's a good plan." I continued.

"Then you should be the one who gets kidnapped!" Hyo clapped her hands once with a happy smile on her face, just like a kid who's finally found the solution to a math problem they were struggling to solve.

"Sure, but how will I get myself kidnapped?" I ignored the spitefulness in her tone.

"Our informant found out about this trafficking ring from Club 64. Apparently, some guys from the Knives frequent it and pick their victims there. We will pretend we're together, go there and have a 'fight', you will go to the bar sulking and attract their attention."

"Chan, it's too much..." Jeongin tried to talk the leader out of the idea.

"If Emilia agrees to do it..."

---

Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

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frost-queen · 14 days

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The moment I knew // part 10 (Reader!Bridgerton x Tewkesbury)

Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers , @merlieve , @queen-of-books , @glimmering-darling-dolly ,@denkisclown , @wildieflower , @meyocoko , @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco,@subjecta13-thefangirl , @m-rae23 , @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr , @swampthing07 , @melsunshine ,

@panhoeofmanyfandoms , @venomsvl , @the-uncoordinated-house-cat , @rosecentury , @imagines-by-her , @evilcr0ne , @vviolynn , @cayt0123 ,

@powwowsworld, @yomamacrusty , @mileyy22 , @omgsuperstarg , @helen06dreamer , @misscaller06 , @l4venderia, @dracoflaco , @loliakeoghan23, @emotionaldamageemotionaldamage , @reallysparklychaos , @ok-boke , @the-fifth-marauder7 , @asgards-princess-of-mischief , @cherrysxuya , @lol6sposts , @cierrajhill , @heheyhey, @drinkfantasy , @esposadomd , @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 , @niktwazny303 , @sweetheartlizzie07

Summary: A confession has been made. Will you take the offer and finally live your happily ever after? | final chapter [ part 1 & part 2 & part 3& part 4 & part 5 & part 6 & part 7 & part 8 & part 9]

It means I love you.

Your heart was pounding loudly in your chest. Overpowering your thoughts as you couldn’t think anymore. You weren’t sure how you were looking at him. In shock? Panicking? Glowing? Flustered? Gawking? Seemingly frozen in time as you couldn’t move. – “Miss Y/n.” – Tewkesbury said taking your hand as it startled you awake. – “I cannot bear it any longer.” – he started joining his other hand on yours.

“Every moment apart from you, is excruciating. A pain I no longer wish to bear. I have been a fool, toying around but I am done playing. I am done with my boy-ish attitude.” – he confessed as you curled up a flustered smile. Feeling a bit sheepishly, looking around if anyone was taking noticed of it as well. His hands on yours. A scandalous act in public. Behind him you saw the dancers performing graceful sequences. A dance of tug and war. Pulling and pushing. Nearing and distancing the attraction.

Tewkesbury cleared his throat, bouncing on his feet nervously. – “Miss Y/n… I have a question I have been meaning to ask ever since I became serious about you.” – he started pouring his heart out. You chuckled softly. – “As long as it isn’t a proposal.” – you teased jokingly. You kept chuckling till you noticed Tewkesbury looking saddened back at you. Making it clear in his eyes, it was in fact like that.

You stopped chuckling becoming aware of it. – “Dear lord is it?” – you let out with wide eyes. Tewkesbury looked away with a shy smile. – “Well I am not going to say it now.” – he answered. – “The moment’s ruined miss Y/n.” – he scratched his hair looking nervously away. You pulled your hands back, up to your mouth as you gasped loud. – “Is it a proposal?” – you asked lowering your hands.

“It is isn’t it?” – you called out making Tewkesbury chuckle a bit at your innocence. – “The moment’s gone miss Y/n.” – Tewkesbury said taking a small step back, looking at the ground. – “No!” – you blurted out, startling Tewkesbury. – “No, no, no, no wait!” – you shouted desperately with your hands. – “Wait.” – you spoke making Tewkesbury supress a laugh at how hard you were trying to fix this.

You turned around, taking a few paces away from him. – “Begin once more.” – you called out. – “Miss Y/n I am not…” – he began as you cut him off. – “Begin once more!” – shouting at him as you turned back to him. – “Miss Y/n I’m not just going to begin again.” – he answered feeling a bit foolish. – “You simply take my hands again, you say that you have a question to ask me and I keep my foolish mouth shut!” – you let out making Tewkesbury laugh. – “Please..” – you begged.

“Miss Y/n I…” – Tewkesbury started to laugh again, knowing how silly this was. Too played out and orchestrated. – “Fine!” – you said loudly with determination. – “Then I shall ask you a question.” - you continued approaching him. – “My lord…” – you said looking down at his hands. Reaching for it, you took it. – “I’ve been a girl with her heads in the clouds, but you kept me grounded. My heart only yearns for you. It is yours to have and hold. I love you Tewkesbury. Will you make me your wife?” – you asked with a sweet smile.

Tewkesbury’s eyes widened. – “You love me too?” – he replied needing to be sure his hearing wasn’t deceiving him. You shyly nodded, twirling your hips a bit around. Tewkesbury’s eyes lit up, smiling purely out of excitement at you. He threw his arms around you, hugging you tight. – “You’ll marry me.” – he told you, squeezing you tighter in his embrace. He then pulled away, taking your hands, to leave a kiss on your knuckles.

Flustered you waved yourself some cool. Suddenly it felt so real till your eyes widened. – “Dear lord my brothers.” – you gasped out. Tewkesbury laughing at that. – “You fear they might skin me alive for proposing?” – he joked out. Seeing the nervous chuckle from you made him gulp. – “I’m sure it will be alright.” – you patted him on the hand, hoping you were right.

“That didn’t sound reassuring.” – Tewkesbury yelped out, breaking out a sweat. He could already imagine your brothers or the Duke stabbing him for proposing to their beloved sister or in law. Tewkesbury felt a fantom stab in this stomach making him winch. – “They aren’t that bad. It should be I who needs to be terrified of your grandmama. Her look alone will turn me to stone.” – you said with a shiver.

Tewkesbury and you shared a look before bursting out in laughter. Tewkesbury offered you his arm. – “Shall we?” – he asked as you accepted his arm. – “We shall, soon to be husband.” – you teased him. Tewkesbury placed his hand against his chest, gasping dramatically at how adorable he found that.

Tewkesbury removed your hand from his arm, holding it in his hand instead as you had found your way back inside. It wasn’t that hard to spot your siblings. He tugged gently on you, pulling you along with him towards them. Anthony and Benedict were in a deep conversation. Francesca beside them with a drink in her hand. She was the first one to notice you. – “I think we’ve found our lost sheep.” – she said with a smile. It made your brothers turn their heads at you. Benedict’s gaze went down, seeing your hand in Tewkesbury’s.

“He’s holding her hand.” – he said sweaty. – “What?” – Anthony replied looking as well. – “They are holding hands.” – Benedict blurted out stunned. Francesca clapped proudly as you neared. – “Sister!” – Anthony hissed out grabbing you by the shoulder. Benedict grabbed Francesca’s drink needing to cool himself. – “I warned you from the beginning it would be my soul purpose to marry him.” – you told your brother.

“What are you talking about?” – Anthony blinked overwhelmed with many emotions. You smiled, patting your brother against his cheek. – “You…” – Anthony said baffled, then looking at Tewkesbury with a point. – “You.” – he repeated as Tewkesbury nodded his head just a tat too amusingly. Benedict nearly fainted as Francesca had to grab him.

Anthony shoved you a bit aside to get to Tewkesbury. – “You asked my sister to marry her without consulting us first!” – Antony called out trying to keep his temper down. – “Actually my lord, she asked me.” – Tewkesbury answered giving Benedict another heart attack. He had just recovered as his knees became weak again. Francesca tried to hold him up right, fanning him. Anthony turned to you as you gave him one of your innocently sweet smiles.

He pointed fiercely at you, trying so hard to be angry at you, but that smile you flashed at him was doing it’s work. – “I’m proud of you sister.” – Francesca said. You curtsied to her. – “Don’t encourage this.” – Anthony said rubbing his forehead feeling it had become sweaty. Mama and Colin returned. – “What happened to him?” – Colin asked gesturing at Benedict. – “My little sister…” – Benedict sobbed out. It made Anthony roll his eyes dramatically at him. – “Oh please, pull yourself together.” – he said between a clenched jaw, pulling him up straight. Dusting his vest a bit off.

“Y/n and Tewkesbury are engaged.” – Francesca informed Colin and mama. – “What?” – Colin shouted a tat too loud, drawing the attention of almost the entire ton. Seeing everyone was focused on him, he cleared his throat. – “Carry on.” – he said waving them away.

The ton proceeded to do what they had been doing before, paying no attention anymore to them. – “What?” – Colin repeated in a lower tone, closer to you. – “Well this is a surprise.” – mama said touching her stomach nervously. – “Do not worry mama, I’ll have him ask me again properly.” – you assured her with a wink. – “Well he better.” – mama answered waving her handkerchief playfully at him. Tewkesbury excused himself with you from your family.

“Where are we going?” – you asked curious. Tewkesbury chuckled nervously as your eyes fell upon his grandmother sitting at a table. – “Dear lord no!” – you blurted out, pulling hard at his arm, coming to a stop. – “It will be alright.” – Tewkesbury reassure you. – “She’ll eat me alive.” – you told him, not wanting to be introduced as his soon to be wife now. – “She already ate diner Y/n.” – he joked. – “This isn’t funny.” – you gave him a slap against his shoulder.

“You want to throw a scandal at the ton?” – you whispered to him anxiously. He placed his hands on your shoulder. – “It will be alright, she won’t cause a scene in public. It is bad for her reputation.” – he responded with a warm smile. Taking a deep breath, you weren’t sure about this, but you couldn’t avoid her forever.

Tewkesbury took your hand, placing it on his arm as he guided you towards her. He cleared his throat near her. – “Tewkesbury?” – his grandmother said looking questionable at him. She then gave you a glare as it made you gulp soft. – “Grandmother.” – he started placing his hand on yours on his arm. – “You’ve met miss Y/n Bridgerton before.” – he went on with shaking legs. – “Yes, the girl you’ve stolen her dance card.” – she recalled making Tewkesbury chuckle nervously.

You gave Tewkesbury a little nudge for encouragement. – “Yes, well.” – he began trying to find a way out of his words. – “Well out with it boy!” – she called out impatient at the lack of information he was giving her. – “I am to marry her.” – he popped out. – “What?” – his grandmother spoke setting her hands on the table as she was about to rise from her seat. Tewkesbury took a save step back, not sure what she would to next.

His grandmother than laughed loud. – “I am to marry her!” – Tewkesbury repeated more confident now. – “Laugh all you want, there is nothing you can do about it. I will marry her. The estate will be mine, so be mindful I don’t see you out grandmama.” – Tewkesbury spoke with seriousness. His grandmother stopped laughing. – “You wouldn’t…” – she replied.

“Watch me.” – he answered as you took a hold of his upper arm. A calm gesture to him to not loose himself in emotions. His grandmother stood up straight. – “How dare you threaten me like that. If it wasn’t for me you’d be a waste. Was it not I who had picked you up after the death of your parents!” – she called out. You could tell Tewkesbury was getting emotional. – “That is enough!” – you made clear silencing her.

“You will always have a home with us if you wish, but you do not disrespect the Viscount!” – your words made her swallow loud. You curtsied at her, not wanting to lose any more words to her. You pulled Tewkesbury with you away from his grandmother. You brought him to a secluded area rubbing your hand up his arm. – “Are you alright?” – you asked. – “I am now.” – he responded leaving a kiss against your cheek.

His touch flustered you, sweeping you up in the moment. You jumped at him, throwing your arms around him as you pressed your lips against his. Your feet found ground again as your lips retracted from his. – “Miss Y/n what a scandal.” – Tewkesbury teased goofily with a blush on his cheeks. – “Good thing I already am to marry you.” – you responded. Tewkesbury grabbed you to kiss you again.

Tewkesbury had proposed properly at your house. Sending a wave of emotions over your family once again. Benedict crying for he didn’t want to loose his younger sister yet. You reassured him you would always be close, visiting the house every day. Tewkesbury and you married by the end of the season. You moved into the estate with him.

His grandmother having settled in the manor up on the country side. It seemed your little counter response tasted bitter in her mouth. She didn’t like getting stepped on her toes. You send word to the girls you knew from your year away. Enlisting them as you had promised. Giving them a good house and a good household to work for. Your siblings would visit almost every day with the smallest thing wanting to share or just spend time with you for they couldn’t stay away. The dream of becoming a princess died out. For what is a princess, when one has a Viscount as Tewkesbury.

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dreamkidddream · 2 years

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I think it'd be cool to write fluff with like the stoic characters?? Like Leona or Vil from TWST, or Barbatos and Lucifer from obey me! lol. At least, that helps me whenever I get writers block 😁😁

I like the way you think anon!! I literally just reached Book 5 so I’m not too familiar with Vil’s character yet :( but I am with Leona’s! :D reader is gender neutral!

Having pulled all nighters and missing out on your precious sleep to pass your exams, your body was ready to give out on you at any moment. Being a human with no magic meant you had to work harder to keep your place here, even if it was only temporary.

You were just so tired as late- the days began to blur together, your eyes felt heavier, and it was getting harder to hold your head up from crashing into the book. So as soon as you flopped on the bed, your body didn’t waste another second before shutting down, eyes closing and already drifting off.

But whatever you were snuggling into now was so soft and warm that you were ready to stay there forever. Feeling something brush your ankle, you muttered something out drowsily, “Sorry Grim, d’ya need some more room?”

“Tch- do I look that little runt?”

Then your eyes snapped open to meet narrowed emerald eyes glaring into your own.

You blinked a few times- maybe you were hallucinating? You sat up and rubbed at your eyes a few times and took a deep breath, yet Leona was still there, scowling. Uh oh.

“Let me guess- you forgot. Again.”

“…yes.” And you felt even worse because this wasn’t the first time you did either. It wasn’t a rare sight to see Leona laying in your bed waiting for you, whether he was napping or getting annoyed with how long you were taking. Despite how impatient he may get, it still warmed you knowing that he was willing to wait.

But with how scrambled your head has been with studying nonstop, keeping Grim and the others out of trouble, and a lack of sleep on top of that, it’s been easier to forget what day it is.

“I’m really sorry Leona, it’s just-“

“The same old, same old, I know- save it.”

Ouch, even you couldn’t stop wincing from his words. Sighing, you tried to untangle yourself out of his touch, promising to give all of your undivided attention to him when you felt yourself being pulled down, head colliding against his chest.

“You’re not goin’ anywhere.”

You couldn’t stop the squeak escaping your lips when you get his arms wrap around you. “W-what?”

“It’s obvious you’re not getting enough sleep- those assignments can wait.”

“But what about-“

“Forget it, MC. Besides, you’ve been messing with my sleep, so you owe me.” With that, Leona kept you caged in his arms, already nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck.

“How have I’ve been messing with your sleep-“

“Quit your yappin’ and go to sleep herbivore, it’s late.” Leona cut you off, turning to place his hand over your eyes. “Get some rest.”

You wanted to argue more, but the drowsiness from before came back, making it hard to stay awake. You’ll argue with him in the morning, but for now, your body craved his warmth and curled closer into his side. “We’re talking about this later.” You slurred.

“Fine with me.” He chuckled as his tail wrapped around your leg.

“Are you gonna be here in the morning?”

“Of course I am.” Leona softly answered, tentatively rubbing circles into your skin. He’s never felt so…vulnerable before. Not being able to feel your touch and seeing how you weren’t taking care of yourself really did get under his skin, let alone forget about any chance of him sleeping peacefully. Too many times had he fell asleep with a scowl, and his attitude seemed to be worse for the last few weeks.

But as he gazed down at you softly snoring in his arms, he finally felt a wave of relief wash over him. He should have been annoyed by how much you affected him, how much you changed him- but he didn’t. Whether that weakness would come back to bite him later is still to be determined, but he didn’t care if it meant that you stayed with him.

“Goodnight MC.”

#dream answers 🌤#dream rambles about twst ♦️♠️#twst x gender neutral reader #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x gender neutral reader #twisted wonderland x reader #leona kingscholar x reader #leona x you #twst leona x reader

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starry-eyed-never-satisfied · 4 months

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Get to Know Me and My Obsession with KISS 🎸

Thanks for the tag @sluttery-withoutshame

1. Who is your favorite member?

Paul

2. Who is your least favorite member?

MSJ

3. Best album?

Ooh this is hard cause my favourite changes depending on my mood, but Revenge is usually up there.

4. Worst album?

I'm so sorry, I don't wanna be one of those people, but Monster

5. Favorite song?

Love Gun

6. Say one nice thing about each member.

Ooh only choosing one thing is hard! I love these guys soo much!

Paul- Only one! Okay, the soul of KISS, there would be no KISS without him

Gene- sweet lovable demon teddy bear!

Peter- energetic crazy idiot (positive)

Ace- baby girl

Eric C- such a sweetie

Vinnie-talented songwriter

Mark- ummm? Filled in the gap between Vinnie and Bruce

Bruce- the loveliest guy on earth

Eric S- friendly and fun

Tommy- loyal, sensible, stepped up when he was needed and has taken shit for that he didn't deserve

7. What do you dislike about each member?

Gene- Can take the obnoxious act too far sometimes.

Paul- Paul, my love, please stop being so critical of what you've done in the past. The Elder is a great album, let it go!

Peter- He was really bitter for a while (seems okay now though, hope that is reality)

Ace- Sorry Ace moots, but I really despise his attitude rn

Eric C- I wish he had been able to conquer his insecurities

Vinnie- a bit pushy in some of the interviews, answering questions that Paul or Gene should have been answering

Mark- yeah, I don't need to go into that

Bruce- too nice

Eric S- I've heard he talks a lot and i don't usually like people who talk a lot, so maybe that

Tommy- he's not Bruce! Sorry Tommy, I know it's not your fault

8. How did you get into KISS?

Sorry to anyone who's heard this story before! When I was 10 or 11 I saw the Crazy Crazy Nights music video on tv, and loved them!

9. Have you been to a concert?

3! (shoulda been 4 😡) 1997, Reunion, Auckland, 2008 Wellington, 2015 Auckland

10. Do you have any merch?

All the albums, too many t-shirts to count, books, figures

11. Unique thing you have related to KISS?

I don't know if I have anything especially unique. I have two of Paul's guitar picks, from the 1997 and 2015 shows and a copy of the Kiss my ass cd that is signed by Paul, Gene, Bruce and Eric (no they didn't sign it for me, I won it on a radio competition.

12. Who is/are your favorite lineup?

Paul, Gene, Bruce, Eric

13. What's your favorite era?

Revenge

14. What are your opinions on Tommy and Eric?

I love them! They stepped up, kept KISS going through the 21st century, and in all honesty I reper them to Ace and Peter. I would hae cried (not for joy) if they had been kicked off the stage in the last show to bring those two back

15. A question you would ask the band if you could?

I don't know that i can think of anything. I'd probably fall to my knees Wayne's Word style and go I'm not worthy!

16. What other bands/artists are you into?

Iron Maiden, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath

17. Do you have a KISSona?

I'm not sure what that is

18. Who are some of your favorite blogs?

@ladyshandioftheendless @namelessbutters-doodles @elrohare @insanityisdivine @loveherallican-blog @tanookikiss @therockywhorerpictureshow @doctapuella @spacefoxy

19. If you could spend a day with one member who would it be?

Paul of course!

20. How would you explain the band to someone who isn't familiar with KISS?

I'm not good with verbalising my feelings, these guys are, after my family, my everything. People who dismiss KISS are missing out on a helluva lot.

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hannawinchester03 · 9 months

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COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE.. PT2

Bucky × Fem reader!

(Y/n) and Bucky are set up to go on a blind date to get their minds off of the hectic lives they both live in, their mutual friend told them about one another and now here they are.

this chapter, has a lot of teasing. you have been warned.

This chapter contains: flirting, small talk, kissing, teasing, height difference, dominant behavior, submissive tendencies, neck grabbing, physical touch, mentions of public sex, attitude, and eye fucking (lots of it)

Word count: 2,250

flashback...

"But I don't know, maybe I do want to marry you, that'll for sure prove her wrong, don't you think sweetheart." (y/n) said changing her tone to a somewhat submissive tone to tease him watching as his pupils grew darker with lust from just her simple change in the tone of her voice. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves sir, it is only a first date after all." (y/n) added still in the submissive voice as she watched his grip on his cup tighten making a small chuckle come from her.

"Who knows maybe we will get married, seems like you need someone who will put you in your place." Bucky stated as his voice had grown slightly more deep making (y/n) begin to breathe a little more heavily as she bit her lip, keeping her eyes locked on his as she listened to him.

"Someone who will let you be you, but take care of you, make sure you're satisfied." Bucky hummed out as he took a sip of his coffee, setting the cup down taking in the fact that (y/n) was biting her lip making him chuckle softly.

"But you're right princess, this is only the first date." Bucky stated as he showed her a small smirk looking her up and down one more time as he leaned back into his seat himself. "Just saying this could have been worse, much worse."

Present day...

After the first date that (y/n) and James went on two days ago, she couldn't keep her mind off of him, not only because of the fact that he was absolutely beautiful, but the way that he acted, at first acting as if he could care less about her, not wanting to be there at all, to being what seemed to be head over heels for her, in her eyes at least.

The way she simply changed her voice to a somewhat high pitch tone to be more submissive, making his eyes darken as his brain raced with ideas the same as hers. All she thought about was, how many other simple things she could do to get a reaction out of him.

Here she was, two whole days later her life had moved on, his number in her phone but no response to her text, all she thought was about his words kept repeating in her head, how he said that she needed someone dominant like himself in her life. She couldn't help but blush at the thought, the fact it was true, she did need that in her life.

As (y/n) walked around the bookstore she worked at, she would take occasional glances at her phone messages, looking back at the message that she had sent him as he told her to text him so he would remember her number, but she still hasn't received anything, yes it was only two days, but they talked for a good 5 hours until they finally said their goodbyes.

(y/n) was finishing up her rework of the romance book section as one of the popular writers in the category was going to be coming to do a reading to promote her new book, so it was (y/n)’s job to get all of her bestselling books in a good position so that they caught the customers attention and want to buy them.

(Y/n) liked doing this because she got to do some much-needed organizing as she listened to music in one ear and helped a few customers as they gazed past the aisle asking where certain books were, and she'd tell them the directions before going back to her organizing.

As (y/n) put the last couple books away she grabbed her phone from her back pocket, checking the time and skipping a few songs as she walked through the aisles going towards the back of the store, after settling on a song she put her phone back inside of her pocket, now standing in front of a door that says ‘employes only’ she fidgeted around with the keys on her lanyard that was covered in pins, finally finding the key she was looking for opening the door leading to a small room with random things inside.

“Okay, I need a table, a tablecloth, and a comfortable chair.” (y/n) said to herself as she walked around the room finding all the things she needed, she grabbed a plastic-colored tablecloth from a box that they had collected. The customers found it more appealing to have a tablecloth that matched the book, so it was more appealing, at least that's what (y/n) thought.

Once she had collected everything, she needed on her list she grabbed the fold up table in one hand and the chair and tablecloth in her other hand as she walked out of the room kicking the heavy chair that held the door open for the small room she had been in, since it was small and always hot inside, they always kept the door open while they were inside.

“Oh, I thought I'd find you here...” (y/n) heard as she stepped outside of the small room, she had been looking down as she was trying to make sure the things were not scraping against the hardwood floorboards. As (y/n) heard this coming from a familiar voice this made her pull her head up looking around to find him.

“Of course, I'd be here, I work here.” (y/n) said as her eyes landed on James as he was leaning against one of the bookshelves with his hands in his pockets, making (y/n) roll her eyes a little as he had a smug grin on his face.

“Oh I can tell, being in that ‘employee only’ room, I only assumed.” James states as he stood up straight and walked over to (y/n), taking in the fact that she looked better than she did on their first date, her hair was up in a clip with a few pieces sticking out, taking in when she talked or moved her head he could see her jaw tighten and her pulse, as she kept her eyes up on him listing to him smart remark.

(y/n) kept her eyes on James as he came closer to her, making her take a small step back to give them some distance as she began to lightly shake her head. “No way, you're not going to text me back and now you come here thinking everything is okay.” (y/n) stated as she kept her eyes up on his watching as he stopped in his tracks and let out a small huff.

“Sweetheart, I'm not good with phones, or texting. Much rather do things the old fashion way.” James stated as he kept his eyes on (y/n) taking the time to take in her eyes as they grew slightly darker with anger as she stated her feelings on the situation, liking how her eyes seemed to sparkle as he called her the nickname.

(y/n) listened to James as he said this to her feeling his eyes as they looked her up and down as if he was a wild animal staring at his prey, she liked the feeling, don't get her wrong, but she needed to get her mind out of the gutter since she was still at work, and he needed to understand what he did was wrong.

“Who do you think you are? Asking Natasha for my job, so you can come bother me after you didn't even bother to give me a call...” (y/n) said as she set the table down next to her, letting it lean against her leg as she kept her eyes up on him, slightly shaking her head.

Her breath hitched as he got closer to her standing to be what seemed to be a whole foot taller than her, he moved his hand to hold her jaw up to look at him. “I already told you, I don't use that phone, there's no point. When I can come here and talk to you... seeing you get angry is quite entertaining.” James stated as his voice sounded scruffier and more dominant compared to his voice earlier.

(Y/n) kept her eyes up on James as he said this, holding her jaw so that she couldn't move her head away, making her let out a small huff. “I could kill you, you know that.” (y/n) mumbled as she felt his hand on the side of her neck as he let go of her chin and ran his hand to the back of her neck making her head lean back as he leaned down close to her ear.

“Oh, you wouldn't dare, who would you fantasize about? I saw you looking at all those romance books.” James says as he was close to (y/n)’s ear, breathing down her neck to tease her as he watched goosebumps form on her neck as she tried to pull back, but he tightened his grip on her neck to keep her in place.

As James tightened his grip on (y/n) she couldn’t help but look up at him instead of trying to move back, as she looked up at him, she took in the fact that his eyes were now a much darker color the same as a couple days ago, she couldn't help but smirk softly at him. “You really think I fantasize about you, you wish.” (y/n) stated as she kept her eyes up on his glancing between his eyes and down to his lips to tease him before looking back up at still darkening eyes.

“Why wish when we can make it happen...” James stated as he watched her every move as her eyes watched his face making him smirk happily as he licked his lips leaning in closer to her, so his lips were a few inches from hers. “We both want it, need it.” James added to his previous statement as he leaned in and kissed (y/n) making her let out a soft moan of release causing James to chuckle as he pulled away with a wider smirk.

“Can you move...i have to work.” (y/n) said softly as she felt the table starting to slide and it almost fell since when he kissed her, she stood up on her tippy toes wanting to make the kiss longer, but before she could grab it James grabbed it and smirked happily at her. “Sure sweetheart...” he said with a wide smirk as he stepped aside and let her walk-in front of him as he held the table for her.

Once (y/n) got to the front of the store where tables were so people could sit and read, she pointed at the big empty space and looked at James. “Make yourself useful and put the table over there. Please” (y/n) said as she kept her eyes on him and watched him as he raised an eyebrow at the order he was given, but as he heard the please he nodded and walked over doing as she asked setting the folding table up for her.

(y/n) watched as James set the table up for her, doing it with one hand opening it up and propping the legs out in the matter of a minute the table was set up, she walked over holding the chair and table cover standing next to James as she sat the chair down. “Going to need to keep you around for sure, that would've taken me a while.”

(y/n) stated as she glanced up at for a second, she couldn't help but blush as her eyes were met by his still dark ones looking down at her.

“Glad I can help, since we can't do what we really want.” James said his voice still deep with lust and longing making (y/n) smirk happily up at him, still absolutely mesmerized by the man in front of her, how he seemed to want to eat her alive, so eager for her no matter the situation. Just imagining how fun and entertaining this would be for herself. Which she was all here for.

(y/n) kept smirking as she grabbed the tablecloth and opened it tossing it on top of the table, and moved the chair to be next to the table and sign about the book reading once the set up looked the best she got it to look she stepped between the table and James as he was in the same spot watching her work.

“Now once she gets here, I can go on my break, maybe we can go explore that backroom, do some much needed organizing...” (y/n) stated as she ran her hands up and down his chest lightly to tease him as she stood up on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek teasingly before pulling away to walk away towards the aisles.

As (y/n) walked towards the romance aisle she heard James heavy footsteps following close behind her making her let out a small chuckle, as she got back to the romance aisle, she turned around towards him smiling up at him. “Gonna follow me around like a lost puppy?” (y/n) said to him with a grin making him let out a small chuckle.

“I mean I don't mind, make sure guys know you're taken...” James states as his voice was still deep and husky making (y/n) bite her lip and lightly raise an eyebrow. “Taken huh?” (y/n) she asked as she began to grab the authors new books and place some in James's hand and he happily kept his arms out letting her pile them up as he lightly nodded.

“I mean yes, you haven't left my mind since that date...” James says as he looked down at (y/n) his eyes still dark and his voice getting deeper with eagerness as (y/n) bit her lip and took a step closer to him.

“God the way your eyes get darker when you get aroused, is making me lose my mind.” (y/n) breathed out as she stood up on her tippy toes and kissed him hard making the both of them let out soft groans as they kissed for a few minutes before needing to pull back to breath making the both of them smirk as (y/n) heard the doorbell letting her know the author has arrived, she grabbed a few more books and ran towards the front with James behind her as she sat the books down on the table. As his arms were cleared, he watched as one of (y/n)’s coworkers walked up to the author, so he gripped onto her arm and pulled her back towards the back of the store…

Part 3 will be up soon, hopefully by next week.

Anyways! Hope y’all enjoyed just wanted to write another story so I can show y’all some of my potential, still learning to write 7 years later!

Feel free to message me with requests or other suggestions I’m all ears.

Bye, until next time!

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inevitablysomber-dark · 1 year

Text

Shackled (Chapter 5)

Dark! Rafe Cameron x Pogue! Reader

Warning: There are some intense, dubiously consenting and nonconsensual sexual themes in this series, MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. MINORS DNI.

Summary: You hate Outer Banks with a passion and are working hard to get out despite all the obstacles in your way. Rafe himself eventually becomes one of those obstacles after a night of low impulse control. Will you be able to overcome him or with you have no choice but to submit.

Slow Burn

Series Masterlist

Two months

That’s how long you had been adhering to your new schedule, which now included Rafe.

When you arrived from the mainland, you went to Barry to collect your inventory and rested for a bit when you got home.

Days were spent cleaning the house and making much-needed repairs courtesy of your father. Restocking food and supplies, again due to your father's negligence and chaotic behavior. Washing any and all fabrics in the house before having them ironed and folded in their designated areas.

It felt like these errands and chores shouldn’t take long, but your father's destructive tendencies and residing deep into the cut without a vehicle made it very difficult.

Every Thursday evening, without fail, Rafe shows up to pick you up from your home, blows your back out like a man starved, and drops you off at the ferry the morning after.

With Rafe requiring your attention, you needed everything to be done in such a short window of time that you couldn’t sleep two days out of the week.

However, when you felt the need to complain, you remembered that you wouldn’t need to do this for much longer.

You only had about 16k left to raise before you said goodbye to Outerbanks for good.

That didn’t meet you couldn’t dread restarting the week.

When you get off the ferry and grab your luggage, walking out to the main road, imagine your surprise when you spot a familiar truck with a familiar face.

Rafe.

You pretended not to see him and continued your journey to the bus stop. You and he had not discussed the status of your interactions outside more intimate settings, so you assumed it was to be kept on the low.

You weren’t complaining, despite your fronted devil-may-care attitude about the situation, you didn’t want Mary and Ether to know that you and Rafe were fucking.

You would repeat to yourself that you can’t betray friends you don’t consider friends. But nowadays you aren’t so sure.

You sit by the stop and pull out your phone, sending Barry a message that you were on your way and to give you about an hour and a half. You pull up a random game, but before starting it, you hear a loud beep, and your attention is taken away from your phone towards the offending noise.

Who else do you see? But Rafe is across the street, staring at you.

“Get in, loser,” he calls playfully, a smirk adorning his face.

You’re positive it wouldn’t be a good idea to follow his instructions, so you stay where you are, unsure what to do about the situation.

You see Rafe sigh deeply before hopping out of the truck and walking in your direction.

As he stops in front of you, he bends over to grab the handle of your bag; and before he can turn away with it, you grab it, stopping him from going any further.

“What?” he asks

“What are you doing here?” you retort

“I thought it would be gentlemanly of me to pick you up from the ferry.” he places his free hand on his hip as if the answer were obvious.

You give him a look cueing your disbelief.

“Alright, you caught me. I hoped we could hang out this week since your weekends are always booked.”

Your look of disbelief carries on.

“I mean it. I want to get to know the person I’m perpetually sticking my dick inside and vice versa.”

“I can’t, I have things to do and -” you start, but he cuts you off, raising his hand.

“Yea, yea, I get it, your errands and chores,” annoyance lacing his tone.

This wasn’t the first time you and Rafe had this conversation, so you weren’t sure why he didn’t expect you to reject him this time.

“That’s why I’m going to help you with your little to-do list,” he reveals.

You’re taken aback by his confrssion.

“Why?” you ask

“Are you gonna make me say it?” a frustrated sigh escaping his lips.

You tilt your head in confusion.

“I’m horny,” he says, voice deadpanned and a serious expression plastered on his face.

“Oh,” you say

“Right,” he grabs your hand and pulls you toward his truck.

“I have to visit Barry first and go home to clean the house.”

“Done and Done, now get in the truck” he places your bag on the floor of the passenger seat once he’s settled.

You walk around to the other side, hop into your designated seat, and wonder if it was a good idea to let Rafe push the boundaries like this, but the thoughts vanish once you realize how much easier it would be to get your chores and errands done for the day.

Maybe you’re just overthinking it.

*****

When Rafe took you to collect your supply, the shock on Barry’s face from seeing you and Rafe together was exactly as you expected.

Once he overcame his surprise, your banter continued, except you were short again.

“Barry?”

“Look, sweetheart, this wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last, but I always come through for you, right?”

You nod

“You have to understand my reluctance, Barry. Put yourself in my shoes. Understand the position I’m being placed in right now,” you explain.

“I get it, sweetheart, I do, but I’m tight right now,”

“I’ll cover you.”

You turn your head to Rafe, who has no dog in this fight, a tense look on his face as his jaw clenches.

“What?” both you and Barry say simultaneously.

“I’ll cover for you, Barry, but whatever she sells now is what she gives you next week, and you will get her the full amount.”

“Look at that, country club steppin’ up, alright, you got my word,” Barry says

You don’t say anything as shock strangles your vocal cords. You give Barry an affectionate hug, and walk back to the truck with Rafe.

Rafe pulls out his wallet and hands you the amount you missed with Barry being short, plus more.

You don’t touch it.

“Why did you do that?” you asked

“Because I’m horny and we still have to stop by your dad’s.”

You grab the money and placed it in your bag. It didn’t matter to you, this only meant that Barry owed Rafe, and you had nothing to do with it.

#Dark!Rafe Cameron #Dark!Rafe Cameron x Reader #Dark! Rafe Cameron x Pogue! Reader #Dark OBX #Pogue! Reader #Pogue Reader #dark fics #Rafe Cameron c Reader #Outer Banks #series #Shackled #Shackled Series #dub con #dubcon #dubious consent

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onovnii · 2 years

Note

Hello there! I hope I don't sound rude in this ask and I hope this follows the rules! But is it okay if I request a scenario where Giorno and Josuke act different due to a Stand's effects?

Giorno acts hyper, bubbly and cute while Josuke acts shy, timid and adorable. And fluffiness ensues for the reader?

I hope I don't sound rude!

personality switch | giorno giovanna & josuke higashikata

— due to a stand’s effects, your boyfriend seems to be acting just a little bit off..

feat. giorno giovanna , josuke higashikata x gn!reader (seperately) cw/tws. established relationship — minor part 5 spoilers (don giorno) , barely proof read note. you’re perfectly fine anon, this request was very cute. hope i did it justice!

giorno giovanna.

giorno’s well known in Italy by now. he doesn’t feel the need to hide like the previous leader. he goes about his day-to-day life just as any ordinary student would, which is just what he was doing moments prior.

giorno perched himself on the side of one of the tables in the library, skimming through a book. he was thinking about bringing you somewhere that day, it’s been a while since he took you on a date he reasoned. lost in his own thoughts, giorno didn’t notice the man walking in his direction.

normally, anyone with common sense wouldn’t think to walk right up to giorno giovanna of all people, but giorno wasn’t too up tight about these things. (even if fugo kept arguing to him that he should be.)

a bump to the shoulder, that’s all it took. such a simple action would’ve gone unnoticed for most; but giorno felt himself immediately get unwell at the contact. instantly, giorno went on guard. GER manifested itself out and scanned the area, not seeing anything seemingly suspicious. he looked over to the man, who was simply minding his business and reading a book just like giorno was. he couldn’t sense any malicious intent but decided to leave it as is. opting to go back to passione and let fugo investigate this later.

the effects of the “attack” went mostly unnoticed. but giorno couldn’t shake the feeling of a lightheadedness. suddenly, his urge to see you became strong and his body moved on its own as he made his way back home to you.

and that’s how you ended up in this situation, a cute giorno sitting in your lap, arms wrapped around your neck with one of his hands playing with the strands of your hair. he was smiling and giggling to himself, muttering something about how pretty you were. after hearing his story, you immediately knew it was a stand’s doing. notifying mista and fugo on their boss’ behalf, you took giorno back to your shared room. hoping the stands effect will go away in due time.

you couldn’t lie though… you were secretly wishing it would never end. giorno’s usual reserved attitude was completely thrown out the window. his affections being much more open than usual. earlier, he greeted you with a kiss in front of both his subordinates, exclaiming how much he had missed you.

“ahh… [name], we never get to spend time alone anymore…” he pouted, pressing soft kisses to your shoulders. his hand waved off in Mista and fugo’s direction, telling them to leave you both be. fugo felt embarrassed just standing there so he quickly made himself scarce; Mista only laughed at both Fugo’s reaction and whatever the hell Giorno was on before telling you he’d deal with the stand user.

“hey hey, [name], are you listening to me?” pulling you out of your thoughts, you looked down to see giorno resting his head on your shoulder and pouting. his cute doe eyes look up at you, somehow they’re glistening more than usual. god, how does he look even prettier than normal like this….

“ah… sorry giogio, what were you saying?” giorno huffs at this, sitting to turn to face you on your lap. both hands cup your face, making you look at him.

“i was telling you that we should go out! i’ve been missing you lately, y’know? it’s not that i hate working or anything, i just wished i had more time to spend with you.” giorno’s soft fingers caressed your face as he spoke, the pads of his thumb occasionally brushing past your lips. sighing, you lean in to press a chaste kiss to his soft lips. pulling back, you noticed giorno’s frown forming into a gleeful smile.

“if it makes you happy, of course we can” you smile at him, getting caught off guard by his quiet ‘yaaay’.

yea, you were totally making fun of him for this later.

josuke higashikata.

josuke had found himself on the floor, staring up at one of the upperclass men who had just shoved him harshly to the ground. usually, josuke would get up and bark some insults at them; telling them “watch where you’re going!” or something along those lines. instead, josuke’s confrontational skills had suddenly left him because he couldn’t bring himself to get up. the upperclass men just smirked at him and walked away, satisfied at their little “prank” they just pulled. all it took was a touch, any kind really. one touch and their stand will immediately change the victims personality. not much of a useful stand really, one mostly used for pranks or to get away with things.

josuke huffed, getting up while dusting the dust off his pants. he wondered why the need to punch the guy never came to him… either way, he was late to the date he had planned with you and needed to get going. you were probably out at the bistro already. though, for some odd reason, josuke felt wayyy more nervous than he would normally…

josuke sat across from you, awkwardly fiddling his thumbs under the table. he didn’t dare make eye contact with you, for whatever reason his heart would begin to race the minute he looked at you. the anxious feeling of butterflies fluttering in his gut would form and he’d have to quickly excuse himself as soon as you questioned his red face. all day was like this and he couldn’t figure out why! it wasn’t like him to act like a middle scholar with a crush, it wasnt like him. josuke tried his hardest to think back on what could’ve caused this, a stand user??? he didn’t remember running into any.

you sat across from him, studying his expression. you could practically hear the gears turning in his head as he thought about something so deeply. you weren’t sure as to what was happening to josuke, he had been acting weird ever since you ran into him that morning. his usual laid back and cool demeanor was gone, replaced by a shy and timid one. josuke couldn’t look you straight in the eyes, always adverting his gaze elsewhere. he’d begin to stutter and stumble over his words, sentences never coming out right when you were with him. when asked, he’d just frantically wave his hands around telling you he was fine.

it had to have been a stand. or maybe josuke was keeping a secret. knowing him, it could’ve been both. you decided to tease him to find out.

“hmm… josuke” you didn’t fail to notice how he immediately jumped at you calling his name; he didn’t fail to notice the smirk forming on your lips.

“tell me, why won’t you look at me? did i do something wrong?” you fake pout, trying your best to look as sad as you could. panic immediately runs through josuke, his hands moving to catch yours; holding them tight.

“w-what?? no! no, of course not! i uhm, just dont know whats wrong with me today” he sighed, biting his lip while he tried to think of what else to add on. fuck, he couldn’t think straight. josuke desperately tried to think back to when he met the stand user and when he was affected, but he cant think when you’re sitting across from him with such a cute expression!

it was cute seeing him so nervous for once, pink dusted his cheeks as he tried to find a reason in his head. you couldn’t help but laugh a little, which only made his face turn more red out of embarrassment most likely.

“it’s okay josuke, you’re kind of cute this way…” you smile, getting up from your seat to press a quick kiss to his cheek. “lets go home, okay?”

“...okay”

josuke was thanking the gods his mom still wasnt home. he’d probably die if his own mother saw him acting like this… especially since he’s sitting on your lap with his head buried in your shoulder. god, why is his heart racing so fast? he’s more than sure you could hear it as well…

sucking in a breath, josuke closes his eyes as he relishes the feeling of your soft hands moving under his shirt. innocent touches, nothing he’d normally bat an eye at; yet today, he couldn’t help but feel so…ticklish.

“ah….[name], c..careful where you’re touchin’ okay?” he mumbles into your skin, you could feel him pouting. you merely hum, continuing to stroke his back.

#valsfw #josuke higashikata headcanons #giorno giovanna headcanons #jjba headcanons #jjba x reader #josuke x reader #giorno x reader #josuke headcanons #giorno headcanons #jjba fluff #jjba fluff headcanons #giorno fluff #josuke fluff #aaa

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