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babygirl-riley · 6 months

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Building a Home

Simon’s mom tells him if the life he would have, Simon will come to see she was right.

“This is a place where I don’t feel alone. This is a place where I feel at home.”

A/N: Listen will never stop thinking of stories with her art @ave661 😭✋🏼

Warnings: fluff, angst, childhood trauma, trauma, soft!simon, small mentions of smut, mentions of death, husband!simon, dad!simon, swearing

simon x reader guide

simon x reader family edition

“Simon,” Simon turned to look at his mom. Her gray hair coming out more as so her wrinkles. Simon came over to her home to visit before he had to leave for deployment. He hummed to let her know he heard her. She placed her tea down before turning fully to him. “You need to find ya a girl.”

Simon rolled his eyes, topic of conversation after Tommy had Joseph. “Mum,” He moaned setting his tea next to her on the shared table next to them. She loves sitting out on her porch in the middle of the day. It felt nice during the fall, where the weather would be that nice warm that would go to cold eventually. “We ‘ren’t talking ‘bout this.”

“We need to,” She chuckled. “Ya not gonna stay old for long.”

Simon shook his head. “Mum really I don’t need a woman.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh I didn’t realize that it wasn’t women,” Simon raised an eye brow to her. “I always thought it was only women.”

Simon choked on his tea. “No it’s not that mum,” He groaned rolling his eyes. “Probably would be easier.” He mumbled.

She chuckled. “It’s the same no matter if it was a man or woman,” They both chuckled before she sighed. “Really Simon, you need to find you a young lady. Would love to see both my sons married. That they would be taken care of.”

Simon sighed. “Right now isn’t the time.”

His mom looked at him and nodded. “It will come without you knowing it.”

Simon didn’t believe her when she said that. Especially when she died he didn’t believe her. No one could love Simon Riley, he was a cold hearted monster. Who’s hands weren’t as innocent as it was then. No one would want to touch him to become as dark as he was.

Simon barely got close to anyone, too afraid of losing someone. It always happened, nothing went right for Simon. Once he got close or happy it would be snapped away from him, like he didn’t deserve it. So why put himself in a situation where he could potentially get close?

At work Johnny would try to be friends with him but he would bat him off. Still Johny does of course taking it as a challenge but Simon is a stubborn one. Price even warned Soap about how he might be buried if he kept trying. New recruits would call him ‘SUTA’ which he figured out it was ‘stick up the ass.’

So he never believed his mother no woman would love a man that was considered a cold hearted man that couldn’t be thawed. Which he was fine with, he loved being alone. He got used to being alone.

Yet you came along for the ride. You were this woman that came up to him at a grocery store, asking for help to reach an item. You weren’t scared of him. Timid. You made eye contact, curiously watching him. Simon even didn’t say a word as he did the service for you. It didn’t even make him bat an eye at you until; you made a joke about how short you were saying there wasn’t counters to hop on.

Simon then joked with you about how you could have climbed the shelves like a monkey. You laughed, making his stomach turn and his heart beat faster. Both of you talked in the aisle until you said that both of you should finish the conversation with a drink. Simon agreed.

“Ya always say that.” He grumbled grabbing his tea once more.

His mom grabbed her tea as well taking a sip. “That’s what happened with Tommy.”

Simon sighed, before looking forward at the scenic view. “Tommy is a better man mum.”

“Says the one who got him out of his rut,” She mumbled eyeing him. “Says the one who cut their father out his life including his families,” Simon looked at her narrowing his eyes. “Don’t you dare say that ya are not Simon Riley.” Simon sighed looking away. “Ya too hard on yourself.”

Simon took a sip of his tea. “Well it is what it is.”

“Ya stubborn is what that is.” She commented chuckling. “Ya get it from me.”

Simon huffed amused. “Lucky me.”

It was silent for a moment. “I’m gonna say this last time Simon,” She spoke looking at him. “Ya gonna have a beautiful wife that can handle ya stubborn mind, with a beautiful baby that will get that stubborn head, and a beautiful house.”

Simon chuckled. “Will I get a stubborn mutt too?”

“Oh you would have to,” Both of them laughed as she smiled at him. “Ya come to me to thank me. To say I was right.”

Simon didn’t expect it. Just his team, your family, him, and you. The wedding dress close to your body, the smile plastered on your face. The tears slipping out of his eyes as you walked towards him.

You looked like you came from heaven itself. Your hair curled just the way you liked it, the make up simple and barely noticeable, and that fucking smile. Happy. You kept up with his stubborn ass for 5 years before he proposed.

5 years of being patient with him, he wasn’t the best boyfriend at the beginning. He didn’t know how to be. Physical touch was never a thing for a very long time. You thought at first he hated you but realized that the other things he did showed his care. He didn’t even kiss you until 9 months into the relationship. He didn’t say I love you, the actual sentence until 3 years in the relationship. You both didn’t have sex until 7 months into the relationship.

What did you do? Nothing. You understood, you didn’t ask to touch him or interact with it until he did. His pinky grabbing yours while walking inside a mall. That would eventually go to him wrapping his arm around your shoulders. You would only kiss his cheek or forehead until he would grab your cheeks and plant his lips on yours. You would say I love you to him first naturally but he would respond by I know. It wasn’t until you both were watching the stats on a hill before he turned to you saying I love you. You never pressured him to have sex, you would make out and once it got heated he would stop. Apologizing. You would shake your head and place a kiss on his cheek. Until he finally wanted to, you would make sure it was okay every step.

You were patient with his “stubbornness,” at least that what he would think. Until one day you told him it wasn’t stubbornness it was his boundaries. Once those words left your mouth he knew he was in love with you. You loved him for him. It wasn’t perfect at times but you always came back and so did he. When he proposed to you, it was private.

You came home from work and being pent up you wanted Simon to do whatever to you. He fucked you senseless that night then drew a warm bath. You both were laying in the suds of the warm bath lights dimmed as he had you lean against his chest.

“Marry me.” He whispered kissing your neck softly.

At first you laughed cause you both had the conversation that he didn’t want to marry. “Okay Simon.”

Simon turned your head to him. “No dove marry me.”

It was another moment of silence as she sighed. “Even if your kid is stubborn they will be the kindest.” She added standing up. He watched her get up looking at her. “The thing I never thought that would happen because…” She paused looking away for a moment. “Because of your father, you became the kindest loving person Simon. You may deny it. But your child will always think and know that you are their hero.”

“I don’t know. Maybe one day.” He mumbled.

“You wait Simon your kid will be happy to see you come home from work again and again. That’s what ya did when I came home when you were a toddler,” He chuckled as he shook his head. “Ya did! You would yell mummy mummy look look! Show me some rock you found out in the back. Still have it.”

Simon laughed. “Ya have that thing?”

“Yep,” She chuckled rocking in the chair she was in. “On my vanity. But when that happens you will get just as excited. Yell with ‘em.”

Simon walked into the door as Riley stood by him. Price gave him the dog because of good infiltration missions, search and rescue, and bomb sniffing. Why he chose Simon to have the dog? Sole purpose because he knew that the wife wanted him and cause his name is Riley. Why wouldn’t they keep him?

When he opened the door, the squeal of delight burst into his ears. You laid on the floor with yours and his daughter. She bounced in her butt as she reached up with grab me motion. Simon’s heart did flips as a smile showed on his face. “There are my angels.” He said reaching down to hold his daughter close placing a kiss on her head.

“Daddy daddy,” He heard pattering feet running down the hallway. The oldest running with a paper in hand. “Look look,” She shoved the paper up showing Simon, in his skull mask holding hands with you with a belly, her and the baby. “Dats all of us!”

“I see that,” He said chuckling. “We look pretty good.” The potato drawing stage has been his favorite art style. Has one in his office as we speak of Riley and him.

You got up, he noticed that you tummy was showing more the third one on the way. “You even showed my belly coming.” You joked looking up at Simon who went down for a kiss. Riley barked as his oldest went to give him a squeeze as he licked her face.

“How’s the hellins been?” He asked you kissing you again. The baby cooing as she played with his jacket.

“Hellins,” You smiled at him before placing your hand on your stomach. “This one’s especially can’t keep anything down.”

“Hm gonna have to give ‘er a long talk then.” Simon joked kissing your forehead.

The baby squealed again reaching for Riley. Your oldest laughing as she looked at both him and the baby. Riley’s tail was wagging as he patiently waited for Simon to show him the baby. You giggled as Simon sighed. “Can’t have a moment huh Ri? Have to see Allison after getting all the love from Millie?”

He barked as he got excited when Simon went to his knees. Riley walked up to his daughter licking her hand as she reached for him. Simon praised Riley as he was soft towards her, kissing his daughters head. Millie coming over to wrap her arms around his larger one. “Love ya daddy.”

“‘M not gonna be a husband nor a father mum.” He mumbled not looking at her.

“Why,” Simon shrugged and she scoffed as she looked at him. “You would never be like him,” Still didn’t say anything she frowned standing up cause him to look at her as she walked in front of him. “I do because ya father would never have kicked out someone that was hurting his family. Would never go visit his mum. Would never get his brother out of crowd he ran with. Would never play with his nephew. Would never serve his country,” She walked up to him to place a hand on his cheek. “And one day your wife will tell you and your kids will show ya how much of an amazing person you are,” Her eyes watered as she rubbed her thumb up and down. “And if you ever forget, it isn’t too late to remember.”

Simon never would have done this, never would go backwards. Too many memories too much pain. Yet when he mentioned that his mother’s birthday was coming close you mentioned to visit her. He would deny it and not say anything afterwards. Yet once the day become closer the thought became more inviting. More wanting to go.

After putting the girls to bed you both laid in the shared bed. He was more quiet that day as tomorrow was the day. You didn’t say anything about it kept going on like nothing was happening. You laid on Simon’s chest when he inhaled deeply. “Let’s have ya mum watch the kids,” He whispered. “Think I should visit my mum.”

You nodded as you melt closer to him. “You sure? I don’t have to come either.”

“I want ya there.”

Now he was here, standing in front of his family’s stones. Names engraved into them. Flowers in hand. Wind is the only sound hitting his ears besides the sound of his heart. You stood next to him looking down at the stone as well. Not saying a word. Being patient. Simon’s mind was racing rapid. “She was right ya know,” He mumbled quietly. You looked up at him giving a quizzed look. “Said that I would have the life I have. Yet I can’t tell her like she said I would.”

You looked back down at the stone before smiling, slowly grabbing his empty hand. “I think she knows Si.”

Simon inhaled deeply as tears filled his eyes. The mask hiding the trembled lip. You were right, she knew. She knew that the life she hoped that he would have came together piece by piece. Shaping the home that he gave for his loving wife and caring girls.

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cntloup · 7 days

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Medieval AU

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

“I know this is too much to take in right now. You can always back out. I don’t wish to force you to do anything you don’t want to do.” he utters in a soft and sincere tone while you both sit on the bed with your backs against the headboard.

You offer a small smile through the heaviness in your heart. Is this truly what you want? Can you trust him?

You've spent all night talking and getting to know each other. Although it was mostly you who did the talking. But he answered some of your questions... very briefly of course.

He mentioned that his father was a ‘bloody prick’. But his mother... he truly loved her... still does as you have noticed by the way he speaks about her. And his brother Tommy and Tommy’s wife, Beth and their son, Joseph... all so dear to him.

“All dead.” he replies in a cold, monotone voice after you ask where they are and takes a sip of the bottle of whiskey in his hand.

“I’m... so sorry.” you breathe out, shocked at the revelation, not truly knowing how to react.

You can sense the hint of pain in his voice, you can see it in his eyes even though he keeps it all to himself, the walls around him too high and broad, strong but not entirely unbreakable.

And deep down, you wish you could take all that pain away. No human should ever go through what he has.

And you know he hasn’t told you everything. You still have to earn his trust for him to open up to you. And you understand that since he has to earn your trust as well.

He tenses up at your touch as you take his hand in yours, but eventually warms up and turns his hand over to hold yours.

“I’m really sorry. I know this is hard on you too. I never wished to be such a nuisance-”, “You’re not... It’s fine.” he cuts you off, turning his head to look you in the eye and you return his gaze with a soft smile.

But you quickly shy away under the intensity of his glare and turn your head away.

And you’ve noticed the slight edge to his tone. It definitely is difficult for him as well.

Moments pass with a heavy silence settling in the room.

He has been nothing but kind to you, never making any advances towards you, unlike all the other men you have encountered.

Although you can’t help but feel a leaden weight in your chest, almost crushing your heart.

How can you marry a man you barely know?

But you’re aware that you have no choice.

And despite all of that, you can’t help but sense the slight tingle in your heart. He surely makes you feel something... Is it quite love though?

Despite his rough and tough attitude, the seething danger in his eyes, you know there lies a good man beneath it all.

All the conflicting emotions coursing through you make your eyes tear up and you can’t help the sobs escaping you ‘till morning comes as you lay in your bed.

-----

The ceremony is simple... and rushed of course.

As he says his vows, you can feel the sincerity in his tone which makes your heart warm up, almost melting at his words with that deep, gravelly voice.

And he kisses you so tenderly, his lips lingering on yours, making your heart flutter in your chest.

He sends the guests away so you can have your privacy, despite traditions calling for them to stay.

“We don’t have to do anything.” he says softly after you walk into the bedroom, stepping closer to you as you fumble with your dress while looking down, sensing your nervousness radiating off you.

“Really? Are you sure that’s alright?” you ask anxiously, “I’m not going to force myself on you!” he responds, nearly in disbelief that you would think that.

“I know... I just...” you mumble and chuckle nervously, “Alright. I-I'm really exhausted. I think I will go to bed.” you add with a smile, “Alright.” he nods and steps away to change his clothes.

He walks up to you after he notices you struggling with your dress, “May I?” he offers, “Yes. Please!” you respond and turn around so he can untie the straps.

And he does it with so much care and tenderness, the slight brush of his fingers on your skin sending shivers through your body.

As you go on with your nightly routine, brushing your hair in front of the mirror on your vanity table, he sits on the edge of the bed, his eyes fixated on you.

“What?” you ask with a shy smile as you notice his stare burning through your soul, “Nothing.” he says, returning the smile and looking away for a moment before looking up at you again.

You finish your business and walk towards the bed where he’s still sitting, “You’re staring!” you scold playfully, “I’m merely admiring my wife.” he says with a boyish smile, “Well, thank you... husband.” you reply, looking down with your cheeks heating up.

You settle on each side of the bed, but you can’t help the desire to feel close to him bubbling up inside you, “Can you... please... hold me?” you ask shyly, voice barely above a whisper, “ ‘course, love.” he replies, offering a warm smile before shuffling closer to you and wrapping his arms around you from behind.

“Better?” he asks, “Much better.” you nod, nearly melting in his warm embrace.

Maybe this arrangement is not so bad after all.

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cordeliawhohung · 7 months

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in another universe, there is no Ghost.

there is only Simon Riley, and he is a butcher. it's dirty work, and sometimes he thinks he can't get the stench of blood and muscle to wash off his skin, but it's honest work. his nose is straighter, and the only scars he has are the ones he gets from accidentally cutting himself on his knives. he smiles more, and doesn't wear a mask.

in another universe, Simon Riley gets drinks with his brother on the weekends. he likes a good bourbon, and Tommy drinks whatever is cheapest. they'll talk about Joseph, and how he's growing up so fast, and how it's a miracle Beth ever fell for a dunce like his brother.

in another universe, Simon Riley helps his mother with everything, especially in her old age. if he can't see her in person, then he certainly calls to make sure she's doing alright. if something's broken, he fixes it before she even realizes it was a problem. he always makes sure that she gets flowers on her birthday.

in another universe, Simon Riley's only dead relative is his father. rotted from cancer, he died and Simon didn't even go see him on his deathbed. he tells himself it's for the best, but a part of him still wonders if he could have gained more, changed for the better, if he had. instead, he pushes the decaying memory of him out of his thoughts and goes about his day.

in another universe, Simon Riley hears about the events going on in the world. the terrorism. the killers. the civilians. mangled, torn apart, wasted. he watches the news of it drone on the tv, or hears it on the radio as he works, and he wonders if he should have joined the forces all those years ago. maybe he should have.

but Simon Riley has family he's loyal to, family to stick around for, and right now, he's got a pig to gut.

ignore me i came up with this on the spot but it's been eating at me all day

#simon ghost riley #mw2 ghost #ghost cod #ghost call of duty #ghost mw2 #ghost mwii #simon ghost riley headcannon #simon ghost riley hc #ghost headcanons #simon riley headcanons #cod headcanons #cod hcs #mw2 headcanons #mw2 hcs #core talks

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cobragardens · 7 months

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The Golden Lion

For all that Aziraphale is the more frightened of the two of them, Crowley is the snake: he camouflages himself carefully, and his first instinct is always to flee.

Aziraphale's is to stay. He insists on facing the Apocalypse. He insists on facing the Second Coming. He insists on trying to make a difference. He doesn't want to go up to Heaven, but he does it anyway, alone, because he wants to stop the destruction of Earth (again) and keep Crowley safe.

He's very difficult to shame, too. He never gives up his innocent pleasure in eating, even though Heaven, Hell, and probably people on Earth all mock him for it. He's soft and he remains soft, even after Gabriel shames him for both his physical and metaphorical softness. That takes a lot of strength and an unshakeable character.

You know the gold ring Aziraphale wears as a badge of office, that functions as the counterpart to Crowley's snake tattoo? The charge on that ring is a lion.

The heraldic attitude of the lion is rampant (i.e., reared up): it stands on its hind legs with its forelegs raised, as though attacking, and its head is forward-facing: it looks forward, toward the future.

Obviously in popular symbolism, lions represent bravery, and that definitely fits Aziraphale. He's literally leaving the only person who has ever loved him to go make the universe a better place for that person and for everyone, and he's going alone amongst the people who have despised and shamed him his whole existence and tried to kill him at least once; those people are mfing Heaven and have been entrenched in their power for thousands or millions of years. It doesn't get a whole lot braver than that.

In Christian symbolism specifically, the lion represents Christ. (He's referred to in the book of Revelation as the "lion of Judah" because the heraldic symbol for the tribe of Judah was a lion and Jesus was said to be from the tribe of Judah because his [step]father Joseph was from Judah.)

Normally when a story draws a parallel between a character and Christ, the parallel is one of self-sacrifice. That's not what's happening here. When symbolism for Christ represents his self-sacrifice, Jesus is invariably associated with a lamb--the sacrificial lamb--not a lion. When that symbolism represents Christ's mercy or holiness or divine nature/ordination, the dove of the Holy Spirit is used.

But the lion is a symbol inherited from the Old Testament. It represents royalty, power, threat, and seizure from others by force. Jesus is symbolically depicted as the lion upon his return to Earth during the book of Revelation. The lamb is Jesus' self-sacrifice and death for the sins of humanity, but the lion is Jesus' return, powerful, royal, and triumphant.

Does Aziraphale's ring foreshadow his involvement in the Second Coming of Christ? Probably! Is it a symbol that Heaven is the proverbial (and biblical) "lions' den" where they should be doves and lambs? Maybe.

I think it more likely that Aziraphale himself will be the lion, on a righteous rampage like Jesus chasing the moneylenders from the steps of the temple, telling them "It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." Because the ring is a signet ring, meant to impress a seal that legally represented the wearer as an individual. So the lion is linked to Aziraphale himself.

Aziraphale is soft. It is one of his very best qualities. And soft and weak are not the same thing: because he is soft, he tried to kill the Antichrist, a child. Because he is soft, he stood alone before a demon in defiance of the will of Heaven and demanded with no power whatsoever to back him up that the demon spare children whose murder God had authorized. He, an angel of God, worked with a demon to deceive the Heavenly Host and, as he points out himself, thwart the will of God. Even before that, because he was soft, Aziraphale gave humans the gift of fire and self-protection and then lied to God Herself about it. I mean it literally does not get any more courageous than that.

And I can't stop thinking about what that lion, and that softness, and the link between the two is going to mean for S3.

#good omens #good omens 2 #good omens aziraphale's ring #aziraphale's ring #aziraphale #good omens analysis

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iamcalmdammit · 1 year

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Secrets || [Simon "Ghost" Riley x gn!reader]

Summary: When Simon gets a message from his sister-in-law, he travels back home to see what's going on. He meets you, his ex, and finds out you're hiding something serious from everyone.

Warning: mention of chemotherapy.

Simon had a terrible childhood, one he was working hard to forget and leave behind for good. Whenever he saw abused kids being saved by the authorities, he felt relieved that there was a chance for kids like this and the system actually worked sometimes. If only someone had helped him back in the day…

So when he found himself standing outside his old home in Manchester, he had to focus on breathing in and out evenly to avoid having a panic attack. He wasn't one to have those, this is why it scared him. Or was it really the reason? Couldn't it be the fact he was standing right there after all those years?

"If anything happens, use this to reach me," he had told Beth when he gave her a phone after the birth of his nephew.

And she called. After two years while he was on a mission on the other side of the world, he saw a missed call and a message on his phone when he had the chance to check it. Tommy relapsed apparently and picked up his old violent ways that he'd learned from their father.

Beth left him the moment she had the chance, choosing to move to the one place her husband would probably not look for her and their son. After your nasty break-up with Simon, you went no contact with the entire family, eventually moving on and getting married according to rumors. Tommy would never think of you hiding his wife and son.

Clever, he thought.

Without knocking on the door of his old home to at least say hi to his mother, Simon decided to head to the house you lived in to see his sister-in-law and nephew. And you. This was probably the hardest part. He had dealt with Tommy's addiction before, but you… That was different.

After all those years a part of him still loved you, and he sometimes thought about what his life would be like if he hadn't been a coward and just asked you to marry him back when he had the chance. But he was an idiot and pushed you away instead of chaining you to himself for good. He thought he was protecting both you and himself. In reality he just made everything worse.

When he reached the address, he called Beth to see if she was even there at the moment. "I came out for a walk with Joseph, but we'll be back soon. I'm sure Y/N is home at the moment, just ring the doorbell," she said into the phone.

With a deep sigh, Simon watched the dark green door and wondered what he should do. Should he wait outside? Maybe you wouldn't be happy to see him, it would be safer to enter with Beth around. Yes, he should wait. It was cold so he would have to find a place to stay warm, but maybe a cup of tea would be good now. There was a--

"Are you coming in or what?" he suddenly heard a familiar voice ask.

When he looked up, he saw you standing in the door with your hand resting on the doorframe. The way you watched him with that slightly annoyed look on your face made him smile. You haven't changed in the past few years. Nodding eventually, he walked up the stairs and entered the house in silence.

Now that he saw you up close, he noticed how pale and tired you looked. Were you sleeping enough? Or were you just sick? What also caught his eye when he entered was your hand. No sign of a wedding ring. Did you get a divorce? He had so many questions but neither of them seemed appropriate to ask after such a long time.

"Tea?" you called out from the kitchen.

Simon cleared his throat and walked over to you. "That would be great, thank you."

You filled and turned on the electric kettle before putting two mugs and a wooden box of tea bags on the counter. Back in the day when you were in a situation like this, he always wrapped his arms around you and pulled your back against his chest, enjoying the warmth that radiated from your body. But those days were over. You were basically strangers now.

Suddenly you put your hands in front of your mouth and began to run out of the kitchen. Without hesitation Simon went after you to the bathroom, putting his hand on the door before it could close behind you. By the time he entered, you were already vomiting into the toilet, so he walked over to you and put a hand on your back supportively.

You looked sick, he had already noticed it. But when he noticed how you ran a hand through your hair and ended up with a strand of it between your fingers, he got really scared. Why was your hair falling out like that? It couldn't be normal.

"What's wrong?" he finally asked when you were sitting on the floor and watched your fallen out hair with an angry look in your eyes.

Taking a deep breath, you thought about what to tell him. "Since we don't talk at all, I could just as well tell you the truth," you said quietly. "It's the chemo. I don't take it too well."

"Does Beth know?"

"You're the first one I told the truth. I didn't even tell my parents what's going on. They spend most of their time in Spain these days, I don't want to ruin their fun."

Simon didn't think about what he was doing, he just kneeled next to you and wrapped an arm around you protectively as if that could solve all of your problems. "I'm so sorry, Y/N," he whispered into your ear. He then heard you sobbing quietly so he kissed your temple and said, "You're a fighter, I know that."

You stayed like this for a while, but then you heard the front door close and decided to go out and greet Beth who just got back from their walk. His eyes kept returning to you, examining your face and trying to figure out how he could help you through this. But maybe you didn't need help. At least not his.

He talked to Beth about Tommy, then promised to go and talk to him about this. Maybe he could help again, although she wasn't sure if she wanted to go back to him after what happened. Now she was sure divorce would be the only solution and Simon had to respect her decision.

Before he left, he got a piece of paper and wrote down his number with a short message to you. 'You don't have to do this alone. You can always call me if you want to talk.'

#call of duty #simon ghost riley x reader #simon riley #simon ghost riley #simon riley x reader #modern warfare ii #modern warfare #simon riley x you #simon ghost riley x you

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athanasius-symposium-of-writings · 1 month

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The Bird And The Man

Chapter Ten

Rated: Explicit | Warnings: None

Ao3

Chapter Nine | Chapter Eleven (coming soon)

The Baron of the Oletus Manor is an anonymous individual, an enigma, it only seems like Hastur has a connection to the Baron but cannot speak to how deep that connection is. He controls the games, rarely showing his hand when he deems fit, like the time Joseph had sent a letter requesting the game to permit permanent deaths. The Baron only allowed this because he knew the Photographer was not going to fulfill his own request.

Human hearts are fascinating, often capricious, and often selfish. Yet, there are moments like those and many other heartfelt bonding moments within the Oletus Manor, a story with no end, but with plenty of plot twists and on the edge of one’s seat scenarios.

The Baron is quiet, his posture different from others as he wears a blue suit, the color is warm instead of the dark colors the villain would wear in dramatic stories. He brushes off the bit of dust that landed on him as walked out of the Golden Cave exit gate to meet the raven monster lurking in Lakeside Village. The one called ‘Nightmare’ is standing there looking up at the clear starry sky when the Baron approaches in quick strides, he does not like the mud getting on his brown dress shoes.

The only hint of acknowledgment is the way Nightmare crosses his arms and stands up straight to his full height.

“Thinking of the ghostwriter while stargazing. Romantic.” The Baron breaks the silence while lighting his pipe to take a smoke, “You dreamt of them again.” Spoken as a matter of fact.

No response to that, Nightmare uncrosses his arms noting the way the tone is not harsh, cold but not a blizzard.

“You are aware we share dreams, correct?”

There is no response at first but then a slow nod, he is now waiting for the lecture one gets from a father for eating too many sweets or in this case: playing in the honey jar.

“You should know better than to have relations, creature.” Annoyed, a puff of smoke in the air was blown away by a little breeze.

“No. Rules. Broken.”

The Baron glares, a frown on his lips that is holding up the pipe, he takes the pipe out of his mouth as he replies once more, “The unspoken rule of Hunters and Huntees not having personal relations should not have to be explicitly said, Nightmare.” Shaking his head. “I have been too kind in allowing these connections to form.” Not just Nightmare. Miss Nightingale had fought the Baron for these events, the dressing up, and the different match settings. This is to allow the human mind to handle more than it can handle. The survivors were picked for a reason, a mix of various types of people put into a dangerous situation that seems impossible to escape一 Well, it is so long as the Baron wants them to be here.

“The. Heart. Wants. What. It. Wants.” Nightmare says as his head turns to the Baron, the purple eyes behind the plague doctor mask narrow, “I love them.” The Baron looks away when he hears those words, how easily those words come from the creature. The pain of speaking is something he can endure to state his case, “As. You. Will.”

“Orpheus has written enough doomed relationships with his novels for you to know better than assume that.” He refuses to believe he will fall for a Huntee, a person he is using for these games, “This will end tragically.”

The Baron looks up at the starry night sky, pinching the bridge of his nose, “I detest you.” Those words bitter and resentful, venom that could kill a snake. The nights of late have been infested with dreams of you rather than dreamless nights, no longer is it cold and empty. He can vividly see you, a smile that does not match the situation of the manor. Groaning as he shakes his head before smoking his pipe again.

“Detest. Yourself. As. You. Need.” A deep breath is taken in slowly and let out slowly, “We are fools.” A chill in the air is enough to get him moving towards the exit gate and leave back to the manor.

The Baron remains there until he finishes smoking his pipe.

The Baron allows for celebrations, New Year's and the Lunar New Year among them, but none of them specify a year. That is to keep the mystery of the manor, the timelessness, and endlessness going.

The celebration goes on, and the Baron is far away from the events but close enough to see all the participants from survivors to hunters partaking of the drinks and being civil. Miss Nightingale often complains about how well-behaved Jack is during events much to her annoyance.

The Baron allows Miss Nightingale to place judgment on who comes or does not come to join in these events.

A list drawn up and approved by the Baron upon review.

The banned ones due to how unstable they are: Smiley, Undead, Sculptor, Breaking Wheel, and a few others.

As watches close by but hidden, the gathering of the survivors and hunters, the main event soon to start.

As to be expected, no Nightmare.

The creature hates loud noises and this celebration is full of flashing with loud noises, plus a lot of people given no one misses events (Lady Nightingale can be demanding at times).

But there is no you, your first New Year here and you are nowhere to be found.

Orpheus may not be looking for you but the enigma that is the Baron is. Looking for the aspiring author who foolishly fell into his trap like many others here.

The countdown is starting, Orpheus is speaking with Jack while the others mingle with one another. The Lady Nightingale is there watching from the sidelines, her mask pointed toward the dark clear winter sky.

Another year, five years since the Oletus Manor opened its gate to the Nightingale’s song that fateful night.

The Baron looks with Orpheus towards the sky as the fireworks go off.

#idv #idv x reader #identity v #identity v x you #orpheus x you #idv orpheus x you #orpheus x reader #nightmare x reader #idv nightmare #nightmare x you #identity v x reader #idv reader insert #idv orpheus #idv novelist #reader insert #idv x you #fanfiction

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neathyingenue · 2 months

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Drew this a while ago but just now getting to post it!! Here's a sketch of Silvia's Parabola reflection. I'm calling her "the Daffodil Maiden." For an overexplanation of the Yucatec Maya, Welsh, Spanish, English, and Catholic visual references-- look below the cut :)

Also I *am* working on the OC gouache portraits (got one done and two sketched out) but my hip is injured or something?? making sitting down painful so I can't paint :/ As soon as I can, I will get to work on those again!

The majority of the reflection's garment is based on the huipil of the Yucatec Maya, specifically the versions worn in the jarada, the national folk dance of Belize. Silvia's is embroidered with daffodils, the national flower of Wales. The flared hem is ruffled and gathered, trimmed with ribbon, a nod to European textiles/sewing techniques and Spanish folk-dance costumes. The ribbon sash thing is also part of the jarada costume--here I want it to constrict Silvia a bit.

The long unstyled hair is taken from the pre-Raphaelite painters, who depicted idealized versions of Victorian youthful femininity. Specifically I'm thinking of Waterhouse's 'Lady of Shalott,' because that poem is about a mirror and a forbidden glimpse of a desired reality. It's too perfect for Parabola! The halo, though, moves us into the more austere Catholic ideal of the virgin saint, most notably Mary the mother of Jesus.

I specifically took inspiration from the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the Americas, who legend states appeared to an Indigenous peasant, St. Juan Pablo. There is a lot of debate among Latin Americans about how the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe should be interpreted. Is her apparition the Church's attempt to redirect and control Indigenous goddess-worship? Or does it represent an important step toward inclusion in Christianity for Mary to appear to an oppressed non-white person? Does she represent colonial control, or the resistance to it? Although Silvia was never Catholic, Catholicism is one of the most recognizable impacts of Spain's colonialism in the Americas, so I wanted to visually depict that tension in this design.

The daffodil rod references iconography of St. Joseph, Mary's husband. Legend states that his walking-stick flowered with lilies to show everyone that he would be Mary's husband and Jesus's legal father. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, immigrants, exiles, and workers, so that's also relevant to Silvia's backstory.

With this design, I'm trying to convey Silvia's complicated relationship to her cultural identities, as well as her deep desire to be seen as morally pure and good. I think she would be uncomfortable with how European and maidenly her reflection is--because it would force her to confront the fact that her moral code, no matter how radical, still smacks of European philosophy and Catholic ideals of "purity."

#silvia salcedo #my art #postcolonial fl #i spent way too long on this lol #eventually i wanna paint this design but that's for future mj #parabola

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usergreenpixel · 11 days

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JACOBIN FICTION CONVENTION MEETING 37: CHÉVALIER (2022)

1. The Introduction

Well, hello there, Citizens! I’m back and I hope you missed me! Sorry for the multiple delays and all, but luckily I’m back at it now!!!

Okay, so this movie has been on my radar ever since it got announced. A story featuring a real Black man who lived during Frev? Sign me up! This has excellent potential and also, to my knowledge, at least a partially Black crew so we get more representation of marginalized groups in crews and on the screen!

At least, those were my thoughts before I actually watched the movie, but we’ll get to whether it was a good media piece later.

I found the movie on Russian language streaming websites, but it’s available on Amazon Prime and Disney Plus for those who would like to watch the original English version.

This review is dedicated to @idieonthishill , @vivelareine (who has a review that unpacks the movie from a historical pov and is welcome to add to the review 😊), @theravenclawrevolutionary , @sansculottides , @citizentaleo , @saintjustitude , @avergehistoryenjoyer , @lanterne and @jenxiez .

Okay, let the Jacobin Fiction Convention reopen!

2. The Summary

The movie tells a story of a real man, Joseph Bologne aka Chévalier de Saint-Georges. Recognized son of a white French nobleman and an enslaved black woman, Bologne must navigate the cutthroat world of the Parisian high society, dealing with racism and trying to reconcile his “white” upbringing with his African roots.

Sounds interesting, but let’s see how the premise was handled.

3. The Story

The Introduction scene - a musical duel between Mozart and Bologne, was actually quite good in my opinion. So were the other beginning scenes of kid Bologne growing up in France as an aristocrat and being bullied by his white peers, plus his father telling him not to let society break him.

These scenes establish quite well that Bologne has to carve out a place for himself among French nobility and make a lot of effort to get even a hint of acceptance. Sounds like a nice setup, right? Well, unfortunately at times Bologne in the movie doesn’t seem to have much agency at all.

For example, his title is granted to him by Marie-Antoinette basically on a whim, handed to him on a silver platter because the queen was impressed by his fencing skills, which in my opinion isn’t enough to show a character who has to work hard to be accepted. I think it would’ve been better if Bologne had at least several impressive fencing performances to prove himself and show more of his skills.

On the flip side, there are characters who have a bit too much agency. For example, in the story it’s Marie Antoinette who is calling all the shots and giving all the orders in France, even though Louis is alive and well. It’s definitely jarring to see how people say “by the order of the queen” when the king should be the one mentioned instead.

I didn’t care much for the love triangle storyline, but it’s my own personal preference and also the fact that it, like many parts of the story, isn’t all that nuanced. So yeah, very bland and boring.

Yes, Citizens, unfortunately nuance has officially left the chat, especially when it comes to the main character. See, at first Bologne doesn’t give a shit about poverty and famine plaguing France. He is enjoying his cushy life and his friendship with the queen of France instead. However, you know what makes him join the Jacobins? A fucking PERSONAL FALLING OUT WITH THE QUEEN. Not promises of abolishing slavery or granting rights to black people, not his own ideals… Just fucking pettiness!

It would have been much better if he didn’t have a falling out with Marie Antoinette and signed up for fighting with the Republicans because he genuinely wanted to do what was right, not due to personal beef. Especially since that was why he joined Frev in reality – the real Bologne made a choice to do the right thing simply because it seemed to be the right thing to him. Not out of petty desire to get back at the queen.

Also, the conflict between Bologne and his mother about how he is acting “too white”… eeeehh. To me it felt very anachronistic but maybe I’m wrong and there is more nuance missing because EVERYONE at court had to carry themselves in a certain way to make it. If you couldn’t do it, you were socially FUCKED. Besides, Nanon (the mother) and her friends crack really mean jokes about Bologne being “too white”, which is… well, an INTERESTING way to endear him to his mother’s culture…

The movie is juggling admittedly anachronistic theme about black culture, anti-slavery message, court drama and love triangles… and the juggling is done quite sloppily too, I’m afraid.

Also, just to illustrate how inaccurate this movie is, the events of 1789 are shown happening in 1776 for some reason, which shows just how much the creators didn’t give a shit about research.

Moving on.

4. The Characters

I really didn’t care for Bologne to be honest. He shows selfishness and pettiness, doesn’t have enough agency in the story and is also very inconsistent. After falling out with Marie Antoinette, he claims he defended her, which… he didn’t! At least it’s not shown in the movie! What the fuck happened to “show, don’t tell”?! Also, his incredible talents aren’t really shown in the way they could’ve been, more on that in the soundtrack section. A missed opportunity, really.

Nanon, Bologne’s mother, is a real embodiment of the themes of slavery and trauma present in the the movie. She merely exists to push him to embrace his African heritage and to remind him that he will never be truly accepted by other nobles. I honestly wish there was more to her character, because she ends up being little more than a walking theme embodiment.

Marie Antoinette here is a capricious, fair weather friend. She CLAIMS to support Bologne, but does it in indirect ways out of fear that nobles wouldn’t appreciate her openly backing a black man. Even though she is an absolute monarch so she can afford to show her support more openly. Actions speak louder than words, and she is clearly not a true ally of Bologne.

Marie Joséphe, Bologne’s love interest, is a woman trapped in a miserable marriage and yearning to act in Bologne’s operas. While I do sympathize with her, I believe that there really isn’t much depth to her either. We just don’t learn much about her. This is becoming a common theme…

Also, just as a side note while we’re talking about characters, many white characters in the movie are shown as mere flat caricatures. I can understand why, but, again, this doesn’t show nuance as in reality, while Bologne definitely had to deal with racism, he was not only accepted, but adored as a celebrity, but we don’t see that reflected in the attitudes of other people towards him. Because apparently the brains of the spectators will implode when they see nuance in a modern movie, it seems.

5. The Setting

Personally I wasn’t that impressed by the costumes or the settings. I’ve seen much better ones. Nothing bad, but nothing outstanding either.

6. The Soundtrack

Where the fuck is actual music from that time period?! Where is music by Bologne himself?! It’s a fucking missed opportunity and I don’t know what prevented the creators from including the music written by the MAIN DAMN CHARACTER into a biopic about him. A shame that they missed yet another opportunity.

7. The Conclusion

Honestly… I can’t say much when it comes to what this movie is fucking about. The story is bland, lacks nuance, doesn’t follow basic historical facts and is pulled in a million directions.

For a movie about an obscure figure, it doesn’t show much of the things Bologne was known for and at times even strips him of agency. We need to have better POC representation, because this is just not it.

The movie is mediocre, bland and forgettable. Don’t waste your time on it.

With that, I declare today’s meeting of the Jacobin Fiction Convention to be over. Thank you for your patience and support during this hiatus of mine.

Stay tuned and stay safe!

Love,

Citizen Green Pixel

#chevalier 2022 #joseph bologne #jacobin fiction convention #french history #black history #french revolution #marie antoinette

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imaginexwwe · 11 months

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SPRING BREAK 5 - Roman Reigns

TIME SKIP (MINOR)

•

REAL NAMES WILL BE USED

•

A GUILTY Y|N IS ON A MISSION TO TRACK DOWN HER BABY DADDY AND APOLOGIZE (🤣)

•

PART 4 (×)

•

"This is so cool." Tori squealed, as we pulled closer to the stadium where Extreme Rules 2016 was being held. "Like so cool."

I giggled at my best friend's excitement, playfully rolling my eyes as I glanced back at her from the passenger seat. "Calm down."

"Calm down?" Tori repeated, her words in the form of a question instead. "This is our first time seeing wrestling in person and it's at a major pay per view. So no." She added, poking her tongue out at me. "I will not calm down. You should be getting more excited if anything."

My giggling slowly eased as I sighed.

I wish I could be excited.

This is my first, well me and Tori's first pay per view like she said.

And the both of us have been getting more and more into wrestling lately after taking the time to actually admire the craft of wrestling entertainment and all.

But I'm scared.

I'm scared to see Joe after how I basically snapped on him for no reason after breaking up with Austin for good.

And it definitely doesn't help that I hadn't talked to Joe.

I mean, it's not like I called him or anything.

I've actually been too scared to call him, but still.

I'm carrying his baby.

You'd think he would call me or at least text.

Something.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you." Tori said bringing me out of my thoughts.

It was almost as if she knew what I was thinking.

"I hope so." I mumbled, as Colby brought his rental car to a stop.

I just...

I really, really like Joe and now that I don't have my ex breathing down my throat, clouding my judgment, I could see us being serious.

Like a real couple.

But of course it's not just up to me.

Joseph still has to forgive me.

As soon as my brother parked and took the key out of the ignition, the three of us were out of the car.

And within minutes we were walking through the arena, surrounded by wrestlers and backstage workers.

A few wrestlers I had quickly become familiar with over the couple months I'd been watching wrestling and a few that I either weren't familiar with or just wasn't a fan of.

"Oh my god." Tori half yelled, half whispered, pulling on my arm, causing me to stop dead in my tracks. "That's The Usos." She gasped out trying to low-key point to Joe's twin cousins without being caught. "I've never been one to go for brothers but those two -"

"Are happily married." Colby said, laughing as he cut my best friend off, earning a scoff from her in return.

"I was joking, idiot." Tori verbally spat at my brother as he again, led up through the crowded hallways eventually coming to a stop when we reached a area with a lot of tvs, more wrestlers and a few backstage workers.

All of whom seemed to be tuned into the current match that was taking place.

Wait.

That's Joe, I mentally confirmed with a smile forming on my face as I watched the father of my unborn baby kick ass inside the ring.

This is so cool, I thought, silently echoing Tori's earlier words.

Ugh.

He looks so good out there in his element.

His hair wet, and falling around his face.

His muscles flexing as he preformed move after move.

That sexy, yet extremely cocky smirk on his face because he knows he's the best and no one else is on his level.

And don't even get me going on his body.

"God, I love that man..." I mumbled to myself.

My eyes getting wide after I realized what I had said.

Did I actually mean that?

Do I love Joseph?

Or was I just getting lost in the moment as I stared at him through the screen infront of me?

"I'll be right back." I heard Colby say, looking from me to Tori as he snapped me back to reality. "Stay right here." He added, before quickly disappearing through the crowd of people moving in both directions.

Shit.

Did he hear that?

I bit down on the inside of my cheek.

It was a habit of mines when I'm nervous.

"I heard that." I heard my best friend whisper in my ear with a giggle as she nudged me with her elbow.

Of course.

If anybody were to catch me slipping it would be Tori.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I shot back, continuing to focus on the screen, rather than the stupid smirk I know Tori was displaying on her face right now.

"Bullshit." Tori giggled even more.

Before I could think of something to say back, the sound of applause was heard through backstage and Tori and I both found ourselves joining in.

Joe had won the match against his opponent and was proudly holding up his titles in both hands, as he stood over his latest victim.

That smirk of his...

No, Y|N, I thought, mentally slapping myself.

You can't spiral again.

"Hold up." Tori spoke up again, probably taking note of my silence. "Why are they booing?"

"Apparently it's what the crowd does for the character he's playing." I answered with a shrug. "Some heel thing, I think." I again spoke up, explaining to her what my brother had told me a few weeks ago when I was curious about the boos that were noticeable louder than the applause.

"Oh, okay."

I nodded, unconsciously placing my hand on my belly to rub circles into it. "I guess Joe will be coming back here in a few." I said, looking over at Tori.

"Yeah." She replied, nodding before looking around. "I wonder where your brother went though."

Yeah...

Where did my brother go?

"He did say he'll be right ba-"

Before I could finish what I was saying, an all to familiar theme, that I had gotten to hear plenty of, over the last month or so, rang throughout the arena.

Gasps being heard from people close by and those that occupied the crowd.

Colby.

My brother, Colby was sprinting towards the ring as Joe stopped his celebration taunting to the audience, to glance over at the entrance, a surprised expression now replacing his previous cocky one as he watched Colby come closer and closer to the ring.

Wait.

When did he have time to change into his wrestling gear?

"Holy shit." Me and Tori said, simultaneously as we continued watching, both our eyes glued to the screen.

Colby finally reached the ring, taking no time to slide inside of it, soon standing eye to eye with Joseph.

The two men exchanged a few words to each other, neither man backing down from the other.

Then in the blink of an eye, my brother had taken control of the moment, grabbing Joe and preforming a pedigree on him.

Why didn't Colby tell us he was going to be back in action tonight?

Or at least me?

I'm his sister for goodness sake.

As the drama continued to unfold out in the ring, Joe's cousins Jimmy, Jey, and Solo Sikoa could be seen coming to the aid of their Tribal Chief as Joe's wise man Paul Heyman stood outside of the ring, a look of disbelief on his face.

And only for what seemed to be two or three seconds, my brother held up both of Joe's titles, dropped them, then disappeared through the crowd, just before the Usos entered the ring tending to Joe.

Barely escaping far into the crowd before Solo could catch him.

This was not how I imagined my first pay per view but I must say, I was not disappointed.

•

Colby was the first to come through the curtain that led back into the backstage area and me and Tori wasted no time fighting for the chance to be the first to congratulate him.

Well more like excitedly question him.

"Why didn't you say your knee was healed enough for you to get back in the ring, Colby?" I asked, throwing my arms around my brother in a hug.

"If I told, it wouldn't be a surprise."

"Well that was a pretty awesome surprise, Colby." Tori said, joining in on the hug.

After a few more seconds, hugging my brother I pulled back, glancing up at him. "So, what..." I stuttered out. "What did you say to Joe out there in the ring. I mean, I couldn't really hear but it looked like it was a heated exchange."

"We were just in character." Colby said nonchalantly, with a shrug. "We weren't being Colby and Joe in the ring we were being Seth and Roman. Don't worry. I told you I was cool with you and him."

I nodded, biting down on my lip.

But you also said you were gonna kick his ass in the ring. I thought remembering my brother's words from a couple weeks ago.

Did he already have his plan in motion that night?

Or is all of this just a coincidence?

And again I'm just over thinking.

Fuck!

I just wish I knew what was sa-

Oh there's my man.

I mean my Joe.

Ugh, there's Joe.

"Hi, Joe." I called out to him, waving my hand like an idiot.

I probably looked like Forest Gump when he was waving down Jenny.

What is wrong with me?

"Hey." Joe replied, as he made his way over. "What are you doing here?" He asked awkwardly as his eyes locked on mines.

His beautiful brown eyes.

"Colby brought us out."

This is awkward.

Like this conversation spells awkward.

But why?

This isn't like us.

Me and Joe were practically strangers and we had a better conversation then, compared to this one.

Is he still mad at me?

"I uhm..." I again found myself stuttering on my words. "I've been texting and I even called a few times but you hav-"

Joe grabbed my hand, pulling me away from my brother, Tori and his cousins who weren't exactly in arms reach, but still close by.

I'm not sure they were close enough to hear but I guess Joe didn't want to take chances.

As me and Joe walked off, I noticed he was lost in conversation with his friend and fellow superstar Bayley.

There was no way he knew Joe had dragged me off.

But Tori had of course.

She stood off to Colby's side, giving me two thumbs up with a huge smile on her face.

But back to my brother...

Why was he seeming off today?

First he was quite the ride here.

Then the surprise attack on Joseph.

It's just, for someone who's supposedly okay with me and one of his best friends, he's hadn't been acting okay.

I don't know, maybe he was just trying to get back into his Seth Rollins mind set.

Cause if he wasn't, he would have brought us out with him.

No matter how much Tori and I had begged.

"Where are we going?" I asked Joe, realizing we'd been walking for what seemed like forever in a five month pregnant woman's mind. "Joe?"

Still, ignoring me, Joe finally came to a stop in an empty room.

A dark empty room.

Why are two of the men that means the most to me being so strange today?

"Sorry about that." Joe said, finally speaking up for the first time since he pulled me away from my best friend and brother. "And I'm sorry I was ignoring you. I was just still pissed from you snapping on me a couple weeks ago." He explained, making me feel guilty all over again.

Joe flicked on the lights and all of a sudden my eyes had to adjust to the brightness, as I slowly looked around, immediately realizing this was the room Joe is sometimes seen in backstage while he's either yelling at his cousins or watching his cousin's on going match.

Well one of them anyways, considering Smackdown isn't filmed at just one arena so there's no way it's just one room.

His private locker room.

Yeah, that's it.

"Can I?" I asked, pointing to one of the chairs, practically power walking to it the second Joe nodded.

"How are you?" Joe asked, sitting down in the empty chair next to mines. "How's the baby?"

"I'm good." I answered, looking down at my belly. "And the baby's good." I said, answering Joe's second question. "He or she actually kicked last night." I giggled, glancing over at Joe.

I felt my lips turn up into a smile as I remembered that amazing feeling of those little kicks.

It even had me questioning if I still wanted to go through with the adoption.

Or if I wanted to keep this baby.

I mean, as much as I hate to admit it because I was so sure of my plan...

I have been getting used to this pregnancy and the idea of having a mini Joe.

Or even a mini me.

"Could I feel?" Joe asked as I quickly nodded.

"Of course." I verbally answered him, watching as he stood from his chair and came over to squat in front of me. "But don't expect to feel anythi-" I stopped talking, as a gasp escaped my lips.

The little kicks were back.

Okay wow.

Scratch that.

That was a big kick.

"That's our baby." Joe gasped, smiling up at me as I smiled down at him. "We made that."

Again I nodded, feeling tears stinging at my eyes.

Yeah we did.

"Either it doesn't want daddy's hand on me or it is excited to finally feel your touch, cause that's the biggest kick I've felt so far." I joked, giggling again while also making Joe laugh.

"I'm gonna take it as it likes my touch." He replied, as he continued rubbing my belly.

I sighed dreamily as I continued to watch Joe. "I love your touch too." I sighed out, my eyes widening for the second time today as I realized I had embarrassed myself yet again.

What is it with me and this man?

At least I didn't make a mistake and admit my love for him again, in front of him this time.

Tori hearing me was enough.

And maybe Colby if he'd heard.

"Please ignore that." I mumbled, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "I didn't mean for you to hear that."

"I'm happy I did." Joe replied, standing up again and going back to the chair he was previously sitting in. "With how you been acting these few months, I was starting to think I was more into you than you were into me."

I shook my head.

How could he think that, when he looks like he does?

You'd think that man never has to worry about a girl being into him.

And don't even get me started on how great of a personality he has.

Basically Joseph's the whole package.

And more.

"I'm sorry." I finally apologized. "Especially for the way I snapped on you a couple weeks ago. It's just even though I wasn't really into my ex, I still, for some reason was hurt finding out he was still cheating on me and when you asked if I left him for you, it just set me off. And I know you didn't mean it like that, when you asked, I just couldn't help but take it that way." I rambled as Joe quietly listened. "Can we just blame it on the hormones?" I asked, with a playful pout.

"This time." Joe answered.

And for a few minutes everything just seemed right between us again.

Joe and I were laughing.

Catching up on what's been going on in our lives

It was like my last day in Miami again, before I had to say bye to the man I've quickly come to love.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask." I said, still looking over at Joe. "Why didn't you tell me that you had talked to my brother about us..?"

Joe raised an eyebrow at me, giving me a confused look.

Like, a really confused look.

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

OMG he called me babe again.

I don't think he's called me babe since Miami or when I last saw him at my house.

It just feels so right hearing him call me th-

Wait.

Did he say he didn't talk to Colby about us?

"The last time you were in Iowa, Joe." I said, nervously. "Colby said you came to see him at Black and Brave and told him about us." I added, hoping to jog his memory.

"Y|N." Joe replied, letting go of my hand that he'd been holding for a while now, using his thumb to stroke small circles onto it, his facial expression showing signs of nervousness also. "I didn't know your brother knew about us, that's why I brought you in here so we could talk. And if he does, he definitely didn't find out from me. I haven't even talked to him since I've been back on the road."

My heart rate began increasing.

And my throat all of a sudden felt dry.

Very dry.

This would explain why Colby had been acting weird since the second Tori and I had asked if we could come to the show with him.

I'm betting he wasn't as okay with me and Joseph like he said he was to me that night.

He probably didn't really want me to come here because he was worried about me seeing Joe but knew it'll be more suspicious to say we could come with him.

Colby had lied.

But why?

And if Joseph didn't tell him...

Who did?

•

😱

•

T A G S -

@southerngirl41 @alyyaanna @seeingstarks @harleescreepycreations @mikaylathenerd5

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junosartsthetic · 1 year

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The Babysitter

Headcanon-style fic detailing babysitter!afab!reader and everyone’s favorite gilf, Joseph Joestar.

Warnings: penetrative sex, vaginal sex, oral sex, unprotected sex, slight mention of pregnancy, fingering, joseph being a cheater, age gap, rough sex, praising, use of pet names (sweetheart, honey), mdni, minors do not interact, all characters are 18+, smut

I should be ashamed of myself. But I’m not. Anyway.

You’re hired as a long-term babysitter for young Holly.

Her mother is often away on business, with her father only stopping in every so often.

It starts out innocently enough, but soon Joseph’s touches on your shoulder, and hands on your waist to get by you turn into more.

He’s a very attractive man, with scattered silver-haired dotted in his hair and beard only adding to his appeal.

You are well aware he has a wife.

And you are well aware that when he asks you to step into his bedroom to talk for a moment, more is on the table.

You should deny his request. Tell him to have a nice evening and that you’ll be back tomorrow to watch over Holly.

But you don’t.

Despite how wrong it is, you can’t help the excited fluttering of your chest as he shuts the door behind the two of you.

“You’ve been such a good baby-sitter for my Holly,” he explains, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“I try my best, Mr. Joestar.”

“No need for that. Just call me Joseph. I think we’re close enough for that, don’t you?”

You swallow, nodding. You can feel your entire body trembling with anticipation.

“Good girl. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

His hand migrates down your arm, caressing your bare flesh.

Your tank top provides ample room to touch your revealed skin, prickling in the cool room.

“Since Suzie Q rarely comes home, I’ve been struggling on my own. I’ll be honest. It gets lonely for me, you understand?”

“I see. I’m sorry to hear that. Is there any way I can help?”

You know the implication of your words.

And so does he.

He says nothing as his hand slips under your clothing.

You shiver as his large fingers trace along your stomach, gliding up to gently squeeze your breast.

You notice a shimmer of hesitation.

Your hand moves atop his, feeling it through the fabric of your shirt.

You squeeze it.

Any caution he had is thrown into the wind.

Of course, he never had any to begin with.

Within moments, his lips mold against yours.

His facial hair is scratchy against your face, but you pay no mind as you deepen the kiss.

He massages your breast with his hand, his other wrapping around your waist to pull you flush against him.

You tangle your hands in his hair, desperately pushing yourself closer to his muscled physique.

You don’t remember your top being thrown off, nor your shorts falling to the floor as you’re pushed closer to the comfortable bed sheets.

Your back touches the blanket, and you’re pinned down as Joseph kisses your neck harshly.

Hickies form as he trails down your body, teeth finally hitting the waistband of your panties.

He wastes no time in pulling them down your thighs, giving him a clear view of your dampened cunt.

He falls to his knees, smiling up at you as your breath hitches.

Teasingly, he licks up your folds, only enough to have you squirming in impatience.

“Please,” you whimper, already overstimulated from this sudden turn of events.

“Please what?” he questions, his hands spreading your quivering thighs apart.

“I, I need you, Joseph.”

“C’mon, sweetheart. Use your words.”

“I need your tongue inside, inside me,” you choke out, face burning in embaressement. “Please!”

“Good girl,” he purrs, tongue returning to explore your entrance.

He does so delicately, barely sliding inside before retreating.

It’s not enough.

You need—

“More,” you mumble, your hands finding grasp in his hair.

“Patience is not a virtue of yours,” he teases.

Suddenly, two fingers are thrust inside of you.

You let out a silent gasp, breath hitching.

You barely have time to register the digits before he begins to move them, his other hand playing with your clit.

Any words are caught in your throat as he picks up the pace, your hips bucking desperately upwards as your legs tremble.

Before you can think, a wave of breathlessness washes over you, orgasm flooding your senses.

Cum leaks from your overwhelmed cunt, covering Joseph’s fingers as he eagerly tastes your release.

You try to calm yourself, but only get a moment’s relief before Joseph rises from his spot, his muscled arms flipping you on your chest.

Your breasts push against the mattress as he unclips your bra, throwing it carelessly across the room.

Your dripping cunt feels overwhelmed, clit brushing against the silken sheets as Joseph pushes your back further down.

“Take a breath, sweetheart,” he instructs, pulling down his bottoms and boxers to reveal his hardened cock.

You do as he says, lungs taking in as much as air as they can, only to gasp it all out as he roughly slides himself into you.

Any gentleness has been tossed aside, leaving him to buck into your overworked cunt mercilessly.

“Jo—Joseph,” you pant, hands desperately clawing for purchase on the sheets. “I—”

“Shh, honey,” he moans, leaning overtop your writhing and desperate form. “You’re doing so so good for me.”

His praise halts your overwhelmed cries, leaving you to babble incomprehensibly as his fast pace begins to stutter.

You can feel every twitch of his dick inside of you, walls clenching harshly around him as he slides himself completely inside, reaching places you didn’t think possible.

You know what’s coming.

You know you should beg for him to pull out.

But a part of you moans at the thought of his cum inside of you.

Becoming more than just the babysitter.

“Don’ worry,” he huffs, barely holding back a groan. “‘m sterilized.”

WIth that, he cums violently, the warm liquid painting your walls as you reach your own high for the second time.

Your intrusive thoughts about becoming pregnant reside, a big part of you relieved at the new information.

Your entire body relaxes, muscles unconstricting as he pulls out of your leaking cunt.

You barely register his gentle hands picking you up as he carries you to the bathroom.

“Let’s clean you off, sweetheart.”

You let out a weak hum, eager to feel the hot bath water soothing your already aching core.

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lulu2992 · 1 year

Note

Why do you think John seems to get the least respect from everyone out of all the siblings? The NPCs seem to insult him the most and I think you've mentioned on here before how differently his death is treated compared to Jacob's or Faith's. Is it because people aren't that scared of him? Like sure what he does to people is fucked up but not nearly as much as what Jacob does to people or Faith turning some people into mindless creatures. So I would assume that lack of fear plays a big part in why John is treated so differently but I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

I believe people are less afraid of him, yes. What the Heralds do is brutal, but John is “just” violent when Faith and Jacob brainwash people and strip them of their free will until they’re not themselves anymore. Faith can also create hallucinations and magically appear from nowhere. In comparison, the Baptist doesn’t seem that scary.

Interestingly, Resistance members and civilians tend to humanize John more too. They occasionally call him a monster but that term is used more often to describe Jacob, and people don’t hesitate to call Faith a demon. Actually, because of the fandom’s reactions to the Seeds and popular theories about Faith, I expected a few NPCs to feel a little sorry for her or at least wonder how responsible she really was for her actions… but only one person does! Similarly, even though each Herald is mentioned hundreds of times, only one NPC says that Jacob probably feels misunderstood and that someone should just “talk to him”.

You might say it makes sense because non-cultists understandably hate them, so why would they care about the Seeds’ feelings? That’s what I thought too but, much to my surprise, several people make comments about John being stressed, and some even question the healthiness of his relationship with Joseph. They don’t say the Father must be ashamed of Jacob, for example, or that he doesn’t trust Faith, or that they have a “fucked-up sibling relationship”, but they say such things about John. Someone also wonders what happened to him that made him so “evil”, and another person goes as far as saying that his scars run so deep he probably “wants to die”. Most NPCs don’t feel sorry for him, of course, because they think seeing him suffer is funny, but my point is that they (or, I guess, the writers) still clearly humanize him more than the other two Heralds, and that’s something I wasn’t expecting.

So I think people disrespect John more because they see him as a human, know he has feelings, and don’t think he’s as dangerous as his siblings. The Baptist is described by NPCs as “super emotional” and “the baby” of the family when they say Jacob is an emotionless, cruel monster and, because of how powerful she is, wonder if Faith is even real or a supernatural entity. They’re more afraid of them and what they’re capable of, but John is “just a man”, to quote Jerome.

#jerome and also an NPC who then says faith is ‘a ghost story with teeth’#far cry 5 #john seed #faith seed #jacob seed #joseph seed #NPCs aren’t as biased and misinformed as real people would be in a similar situation #some are but others are here to relay facts the devs thought were important #that’s why their comments are interesting #far cry 5 spoilers

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jenniquinn · 7 months

Text

Joseph X Fem Reader

Warnings: mentions of miscarriage and description of how.

You thought everything was going perfect. You married Joseph Quinn, the love of your life. You were currently pregnant with your first child. You were hanging out in his trailer while he was filming. You suddenly feel a cramp. You were almost due so you thought it would be Braxton Hicks but when they worsened you got worried. You decided maybe you should go to the hospital. You couldn't call Joe, he left his phone here so you decided to just walk.

You are walking when you finally get to the part of the building he's filming. He spots you and breaks into a run to you. "Fuck darling you ok" he asks and you shake your head "no" you start when you feel a gush. You look thinking you'd see water but you see blood. You look at him when you faint. He catches you "someone call for help" he yells.

He pats your face hoping you'd wake. "Sweetheart I need you to stay with me" he cries. You move your head mumbling "hurts Joe Joe" you whisper. He shushes you "it's ok your fine" "if something happens you tell them to save the baby. Promise me" you cry and he nods wiping your tears as you pass out again hoping your baby lives.

But it doesn't work out that way. By the time you make it to the hospital you've lost a lot of blood but also your son. His heart breaks. He has no idea what's going on but once the doctor comes out he falls to the ground crying. You survived but his heart for the son he'll never have.

You wake and he does the worst thing he will ever do in his life. He broke the news about your son. You wails as the doctor explained it was a freak accident, his umbilical cord got twisted, something that just happens. Your world feels empty but your Joe Joe does everything he can to try and make you feel better. It takes a year to be able to do anything.

You find out a year later you were pregnant again and it scared the shit out of both of you. But the world would let you have your daughter. Even as she grew you never forgot the son you almost had. You celebrated him, kept his memory alive. He was the best father you could have asked for and you loved even more every single day, and it showed.

#joseph quinn #joseph quinn imagine #joseph quinn x you

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beeeinyourbonnet · 16 days

Text

Covetous | Chapter 3

Rating:��E

Pairing: Macelle (Father MacAvoy x Belle) or Nostelle (Nosty x Belle), who is to say which

Summary: Father Joseph MacAvoy wakes up in a library across town with no idea of how he got there. When the kind librarian doesn’t kick him out immediately, he considers that maybe there’s more to life than alcohol.

[chapter 1] [chapter 2]

Notes: I’m setting this as though The Tournament never took place and MacAvoy just contined on his downward spiral. This will not have spoilers for The Tournament but it will have spoilers for Safe, kind of. Also, I’m sorry for my poor geography. Pretend anything geographic that doesn’t make sense makes sense :’)

tws: alcoholism, homelessness. If I missed a warning, I’m so sorry–please let me know and I will add it ASAP!

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

In the light of a new day, some of Belle’s fever had abated. She was acting like a silly schoolgirl instead of an adult with her dream job to fulfill her.

After unlocking the library door, she turned to wave at the man in his wheelchair who always sat outside the convenience store across the way.

“Morning!” she called.

“Morning!”

“I’m about to make some coffee, do you want some?”

He raised what she knew to be his change cup in agreement, and she turned back into the library. That’s how it should be—Belle should just help people as best she could and then not dwell on them forever.

It was hard, though, when the person you couldn’t stop thinking about had been coming into your library for six months now and always made you laugh and treated you better than anyone else ever had.

“Except,” Belle muttered to herself, almost dropping the coffee filters in her agitation, “Except it’s not very kind to say you’ll be somewhere and then never show up. One might argue that that’s a dealbreaker.”

One might. She scooped coffee grounds into the urn. One might also argue that Nosty showing up at all was a good thing, and she should be worried instead of angry that he hadn’t last night.

Belle didn’t need to have that argument with herself though because no matter what, she began worrying about Nosty the second he left her field of vision and didn’t stop until he returned, whole and unbloodied.

She paused in her scooping, staring at the pile of grounds. In all of her internal dialoguing, she’d lost count. It was looking the way it usually looked, so she added two more scoops for good measure and then set it to brew.

She should think about Father MacAvoy. The chances that he hadn’t gone home and immediately had a drink were low, but she hoped he’d at least considered getting help. Perhaps if she’d known him better, she’d have volunteered to sit vigil by his bedside for the first few nights, but she barely knew him at all.

What would her father say if he knew about the company she kept? “Belle’s always been happy with her books,” he used to say to his friends. “My odd little girl.”

Her heart panged. She missed her father. But maybe she hadn’t always been happy with her books. Maybe she’d always needed more, and now she’d passed all the stages in life where people made friends. What would Nosty say? That she was filling the void with strays.

The coffee finished and she made a cup for her friend across the street, grabbing a banana and packet of biscuits she knew he liked as well.

She headed back to her office, forcing herself not to scan her surroundings constantly on the hunt for Nosty. He would come back eventually. He always did.

Apparently, he already had. The food she’d left for him, labeled with his name, was missing from the fridge, and the bottle of fabric spray she kept for him was on her desk instead of in the cabinet. Was he lurking around somewhere, or had he come in the night and left before she arrived?

She ignored the sting of that thought. Nosty could have been in the building still—he may have been loud and brash, but if he didn’t want to be found, he wouldn’t be.

With a groan, Belle flung herself into her chair. If only she’d made friends with reliable schedules in grad school, then maybe she could just do good deeds and go home without getting attached to anyone.

An echoing groan answered her from the closed bathroom and Belle yelped, feet carrying her from the chair before she had the conscious thought. Maybe Nosty was here, lying injured on the bathroom floor.

When she pushed the door open, though, she almost wasn’t surprised to find Father MacAvoy curled up by the trashcan, barely conscious.

****

Of course, she had no way of knowing what either man had been thinking last night. Had Father MacAvoy come and eaten Nosty’s food, then collapsed on her bathroom floor? Somehow, she doubted that. Perhaps Nosty had come with the intention of waiting for her, seen Father MacAvoy, and left.

Who knew?

All Belle could say was that there was an unconscious priest on her bathroom floor and food gone from her fridge. Sitting at the empty circulation desk and pretending to work was easier than untangling whatever she was feeling, so she busied herself with filling an online cart with dresses she could never afford so she could pretend that someday, she’d do more than live paycheck to paycheck.

She felt like she might be within her rights to be angry with both of them—Nosty for his disappearing act and Father MacAvoy for, well, the exact opposite. All she felt was confused.

After about half an hour, she filled a paper cup with water from the cooler and headed back to the bathroom. Father MacAvoy sat against the wall now, head tilted back and eyes closed.

“Father?” she whispered, and he startled awake.

“Belle.” He looked all around, finally settling on the water in her hand. “I didn’t expect—”

Belle waited for him to finish and, when he didn’t, she handed him the water.

“You’re welcome here any time, Father.”

He mumbled something, accepting the water with a quick nod of thanks. She didn’t have the energy to ask him to repeat himself.

“Are you hungry?”

He shook his head. She wasn’t surprised.

“I’ll be out front,” she said. “You can come find me when you feel better.”

He nodded, not meeting her eyes, and she ruffled his hair to show she wasn’t mad before heading back out.

****

She could have sworn that hours passed before she looked at the clock again, but it had somehow only been another thirty minutes. A few retirees had wandered in and checked out some books, but this early in the morning on a weekday meant that there was little to distract Belle from her own thoughts.

Every time the door moved, she perked up, but of course it was never Nosty. She still wasn’t fully certain he wasn’t somewhere in the building.

A few minutes later, she turned at a shuffling sound and found Father MacAvoy shambling toward her, hand shielding his eyes from the overhead lights.

“Good morning!” she said much more cheerfully than she felt.

“Morning.” He leaned on the front of the desk like it was the only thing holding him up. “I’m so sorry, Belle. I thought I passed out in bed.”

“It’s fine.”

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing, and she plastered her bright smile on. “What’s wrong?”

And just like that, the floodgates she’d been holding in all morning—so stupid, what was there even to cry about?—broke, and her eyes filled. She bit her cheek to keep it at that, but soon Father MacAvoy was stumbling around the desk to pat her clumsily on the shoulder.

“There, there,” he said, and she had to laugh. This was what a priest was supposed to do, and yet it felt so awkward and unnatural.

She reached for a tissue and found that Father MacAvoy was already holding one out to her. After dabbing at her eyes with care for her mascara, she tossed it in the bin and swiveled to face him. “I’m sorry, Father, that wasn’t about you at all.”

“What was it about?” he asked gently.

She shook her head. “I’m just tired. Do you want to sit up here with me?”

He nodded, so she found him a chair and pulled it up behind the desk with her, bringing a water bottle as well.

He leaned back in his chair, and she didn’t have the energy to pretend that she hadn’t been clothes shopping, so she went back to it.

“That one’s nice,” he said when she’d scrolled past a page of evening gowns. She opened it in a new window and tried not to grimace. It was floor-length and full-sleeved purple satin. In theory, it wasn’t bad, but Belle couldn’t imagine ever wanting to wear it.

“Very priestly of you,” she said, closing out of it.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s dark and all-covering.”

He snorted. “Fine. What would you pick out?”

Belle hadn’t been intrigued by anything on that page, so she clicked through a few more and then stopped, bringing up a sleeveless golden a-line with lace paneling.

“If I was rich and got invited to benefits that cost more than my rent, I’d wear this.”

Father MacAvoy didn’t speak, and when she turned to him, he cleared his throat.

“It’s lovely,” he said. “Elegant.”

She smiled. “I think so.”

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” He pointed his chin at the screen. “All these dresses cost at least a month’s rent.”

She shook her head. “Just trying to take my mind off of things.”

“I am a priest, you know,” he said. “You can talk to me, even if I am disgraced.”

She clicked through a few more pages, not even looking at anything, then closed the window. It would be nice to have someone to talk to. Though she was friendly with some of her coworkers, it wasn’t like she could tell any of them about Nosty. Besides, she was their boss.

“I’m worried,” she said. She glanced over her shoulder at him, so he gestured for her to continue. “About Nosty.”

“Ah.”

She swallowed, having nothing to fiddle with now that she’d closed the window.

“Why are you worried?” he prompted.

She folded her arms, hugging them to her chest. “I never know when he’ll show up or what he does when he’s gone. Is he not here because he just isn’t, or is he not here because he’s hurt? Or worse?”

“It’s tough,” he said. “Caring about someone who’s never safe.”

“I wish—” She paused, not sure what she wanted to say yet.

“You wish?”

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “He has a hard life. It’s not fair for me to put my feelings on him.”

“It’s okay. You can have feelings.” He leaned toward her, lowering his voice. “I won’t tell anyone.”

It was almost comforting to talk to him without being able to see his face. Was this what confession was like?

“I just wish I knew if he cared about me, I guess,” she said. “If he knows that it bothers me when I don’t know where he is, or if that’s just who he is.”

“I’m sure he cares about you,” Father MacAvoy said. “Who wouldn’t?”

Belle chuckled without humor. “That’s very kind of you to say, Father, but I’ve always been odd, and it’s only once I grew into being conventionally attractive that anyone ever gave me the time of day. So, to answer your rhetorical question, most people wouldn’t.”

“Well, from where I’m sitting, being conventionally attractive isn’t even close to your best quality,” Father MacAvoy said.

Belle’s cheeks pinked, and she looked down at her lap. “Thank you, Father,” she said. “That’s very kind of you.”

“Please,” he said. “Call me Joseph. I feel like an imposter when you call me Father.”

The pink flush in her cheeks deepened, guilt creeping along the back of her neck. She wasn’t Catholic—or even religious—but she felt like she’d be committing a sin to use his name. Still, he’d asked her directly. It would be rude to call him “Father” now.

“Okay,” she said. “Joseph.”

She glanced at him, thinking he’d been watching her, but his eyes were unfocused, staring off into space.

“What is it?” she asked.

He shook his head, settling back into the present. “Nothing. I just—haven’t been called by my own name in a long time.”

****

Father MacAvoy—Joseph—was good company, even during the after school rush, even when he got sick again in withdrawal. Belle felt less alone just having him sitting there. Maybe what she’d needed all along was companionship, not Nosty specifically. Maybe, when she went home tonight, she’d worry about him a normal amount that a person would worry for a friend.

A hot, anxious pit settled in her stomach. It was Friday. Belle didn’t work weekends. That meant she wouldn’t even have a chance of seeing Nosty until Monday. Even if she came in her off time, sat in a chair for every open hour, he wouldn’t be there. He knew when she worked, and even though the weekend staff knew about the snack cart, they wouldn’t have taken kindly to him entering from the back door, taking over Belle’s office, making himself a sandwich.

“Belle?” Joseph poked his head into her office. She realized she’d stopped packing up her bag and was just standing there, frozen with worry over Nosty.

“Sorry, sorry, I’ll just be a minute.” Maybe, to keep her mind off things this weekend, she could lock herself in Joseph’s church and scrub it from top to bottom. There was enough dust and grime to keep her mind off of everything.

“I’ll be outside, unless you need help?”

She shook her head. “No, no, you go.”

He eyed her like he didn’t quite believe her, but she slapped her bright smile on and he left. Just to make sure Nosty hadn’t been hiding in her office this whole time, she shoved everything into her purse and did a sweep of every possible hiding spot—closet, cabinet, shower, toilet. Nosty was nowhere.

She turned out the lights and stood in the dark for a few seconds, thinking maybe he’d appear from the shadows. When nothing happened, she sighed, locking up her office when she left.

As she walked out, she shut lights off. When she’d first started, closing the library had scared her, but now she relished the quiet, loved the way it felt like tucking her home in for bed. Some low lights stayed on all the time, and the gentle dim light centered her, made her feel a little more like she could survive the weekend.

Then, a hand snaked out from between two shelves and grabbed her, and she yelped as Nosty yanked her into his chest.

****

For a second, all she could do was stare up at him, one wrist caught in his hand while the other rested on his shirt pocket.

“Nosty,” she said, because she didn’t know what else to say. It wasn’t like he never disappeared. It wasn’t like it was even unusual for her to not see him for a day and a half. The only unusual part was that she’d pined for him like he’d been lost at sea.

“Evening, sweetheart,” he growled. She didn’t give her knees permission to turn to jelly at the sound of his voice, but they did it anyway.

“What are you doing here?”

He lowered her hand to his chest and then slipped both arms around her, holding her against him. “Didn’t you miss me?”

“You said you’d come last night.” That was it, wasn’t it? For the first time, he’d said something definite, and it had been a lie.

He pulled her closer, and she curled into him. How could she ever explain to anyone that Nosty’s arms were the safest place she’d ever known, even as she wanted to rip herself away from them and scream?

“You were busy,” he said.

She didn’t understand why he was so jealous of a priest. He should have been proof that Joseph was not her type.

“Have you been here all day?” she asked. “Or did you just come in?”

He ducked his head to kiss her on the temple, soft, the way his first kiss always was. She stiffened her traitorous jelly knees.

“I’m here now.” He kissed below her eye. “What’s it matter?”

She pushed against his arms, holding herself away from his chest. “You’ve been here all day, haven’t you? I’ve been losing my mind wondering where you were, and you were just punishing me.”

“Don’t be stupid.” He tightened his arms, pulling her closer. “I wouldn’t punish you.”

“Then what?” She pulled his arms apart, stepping away from him. “There was no one here worth hiding from. No other employees, no huge groups of kids. Just me.”

He raised both hands, and she noticed a new cut on the heel of his palm. It didn’t look like a knife wound, but she wondered how he got it anyway.

“If I’d known this was the fucking welcome I’d get, I wouldn’t have bothered, hey?”

“Oh my god.” Belle pressed her hands over her eyes because if she continued to look at him, she’d let him talk her out of being angry. “Oh my god, I’m going crazy.”

“Aye, fucking mad.”

She shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut harder. “I can’t do this, Nosty. I can’t spend every minute you’re not here out of my mind with worry, pining after you, wondering when you’ll bother to throw me a crumb, I can’t.”

Rough hands—hands she knew wielded knives, became fists, bruised, beat, battered—closed around hers, easing her palms off her eyes.

She watched Nosty as he pulled her hands to him, pressing one to his heart and the other to his lips.

“I have to go,” she said. “Father MacAvoy needs a ride home.”

She didn’t move as he kissed her knuckles one at a time. He held her hands so gently, she could have gotten away with no effort.

“Don’t go,” he murmured into her fingers.

“Nosty—”

“I was jealous.” He switched to her other hand, this time pressing his lips to the inside of her wrist. Something loosened in her chest.

“And?” she said.

“I didn’t want to fuck it all up.”

It was the most honest thing he’d ever said with words. She wanted to fall into him.

“I was worried about you,” she said.

“Don’t go,” he said again. “Belle, don’t go.”

He kissed up her arm and she wanted to stay. God, did she want to stay. But she’d already left Joseph outside for too long. He would worry.

“I have to,” she said.

“Fuck him,” Nosty growled, scraping his teeth along her wrist. Her knees would never be the same again. “Stay with me.”

“Come to my flat.” The words were out before she could stop them, and then she couldn’t take them back. She didn’t want to anyway—if Nosty was at her flat, she wouldn’t have to worry about him.

“Your flat, eh?” He wrapped her arms around his neck, cradling her around the waist again. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to invite a monster over the threshold?”

“Then come to the cinema with me.” A horrible, desperate feeling dwelled in her chest, but she met his bright eyes anyway. “Spend time with me.”

“The cinema?” He glanced around the dark library. “In public?”

“Tonight.”

He narrowed his eyes, searching her face for who knew what. She didn’t know whether he found it or not when he closed his eyes and touched his forehead to hers.

“Why?”

Wrapping her finger around one of his locks, she took the opportunity to kiss the corner of his mouth while his eyes were closed. It always felt like Nosty had her at his mercy, that she was helpless to do anything but follow where he led. Relishing this moment of being the one leading, she kissed the other corner. He opened his eyes.

“I want to go on a date with you,” she said.

“You’re mad,” he said, then snorted when she tugged on his hair.

“You’re the one who kissed me first.”

“Aye.”

He kissed her then, one hand clutching the back of her head, fingers tangled in her curls. When he pulled away, the only thing holding her upright was his other arm around her waist.

“Stay with me here,” he hissed into her lips.

“Go on a date with me.”

He pulled back just enough to search her face again, and she tried to mimic the grin he gave her when he was pretending to be mean. He must have recognized it because he snorted.

“Fine,” he said. “A date it is.”

“Really?” she asked before she could stop herself. She didn’t want him to change his mind.

“Really, love.” He brought his mouth to her neck and pressed a tiny, fluttering kiss to her pulse. “But you’ll owe me.”

He bit down, and her knees buckled, but even her trembling limbs couldn’t stop her happy laugh.

****

MacAvoy hadn’t actually seen Nosty, but he’d seen what he thought was the edge of his kilt, and even though he didn’t relish the idea of sharing Belle with him right now, he’d spent all day watching her wilt. How could he do anything other than give them a minute alone?

The minute turned into five, ten, and MacAvoy realized he should have brought a water bottle with him. His head pounded and the soup he’d forced down at lunch was starting to speak to him from beyond the grave.

Then Belle scurried out of the library, flushed and happy, and his stomach calmed a fraction.

“I’m so sorry.” She rushed around in her heels, unlocking the Ford as she did, and MacAvoy collapsed into the passenger seat.

“No need,” he said. “You look happy.”

She beamed at him as she threw herself into the driver’s side, but didn’t say anything more. He was glad that Nosty had turned her mood around, though he hoped he wasn’t just stringing her along. She deserved someone who would actually be there for her.

Someone like you, you sot? the mean little voice in his head sneered. He clenched his teeth, watching her back out of the little parking lot.

“You know,” Belle said as she checked behind her. “I’m not happy the circumstances, but I’m so grateful you were here today.”

He stared at her, taken aback. No one had been grateful for his presence since the last time he officiated a wedding, and who knew what year that was? They probably weren’t even that grateful because he was surely tipsy, if not wasted.

“Why?”

She shrugged. “I really needed a friend.”

He didn’t know which was more unbelievable—that a good samaritan like Belle considered him a friend, or that he’d somehow managed to make a friend simply by blacking out drunk in her place of work. God, if it was that easy to befriend someone, why was he so fucking lonely?

“Me too,” he said.

“So,” she said. “Are you going to drink tonight?”

Cutting right to the chase then. MacAvoy swallowed. “I don’t know.”

“You seemed better today.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t drink as much last night. That’s why I really thought I passed out in bed, I swear.”

“It’s okay.” She reached over the console and squeezed his shoulder. He wondered vaguely if it was possible to evaporate.

“It won’t happen again.”

“I’d rather find you in my library than read your obituary in the paper.”

“Well,” he looked out the window to hide the redness in his cheeks, “Doubt you’d find my obituary in your paper. I’m on the other side of London.”

“I’d find out.”

They sat in silence, still comfortable, but MacAvoy felt more tense. Of course he would ruin the atmosphere.

“Just so you know, I don’t work weekends,” she said. “So try not to show up in the library until Monday, okay?”

He paled. What if his drunk brain forgot and someone else found him there? What if that person called the police?

“Are you holding mass on Sunday?” she asked.

That startled a humorless laugh out of him. “This Sunday? Doubt it.”

Belle turned the radio on, and he couldn’t have felt guiltier if she’d flogged him. She was doing him such a kindness and he couldn’t even answer her nicely?

“No one would come,” he said.

“How do you know if you don’t hold it?”

He watched London go by out the window, considering. If he was honest, he didn’t want to hold mass. He was so out of practice, what would he even say?

“I’m not ready yet,” he said.

One hand still on the wheel, she reached over and squeezed his hand. He swallowed, and he was sure she could hear his throat open and close.

The whole drive to the church, even when they talked about mass or drink, Belle all but glowed. A sudden, horrible thought appeared—what if she and Nosty had been ten minutes because they’d been—

He shook his head to clear the thought, regretting it when everything inside of him sloshed angrily. He refused to even imagine that Belle’s mood would be so turned around by a quick hookup hiding out in the middle of the library. His training told him to insist that she not even entertain thoughts of sex until marriage, and he knew that wasn’t modern, but he could at least hope for Belle’s intimate moments to be in a comfortable bed with someone who loved her and didn’t just string her along like a rag doll.

She pulled into the parking lot but again didn’t get out of the car. “What will you do all weekend?”

Surprised, he shrugged. “I don’t know. Why?”

She dug through her purse, coming up with a piece of receipt and a pen, and then scribbled something on it before handing it to him. “If you get bored or need a friend, please call me. I promise I don’t have a social life you’ll be interrupting. Well—” She flushed, beaming again. He wished he could make her look like that. “Don’t call me tonight.”

“Big plans?” he asked, shoving away thoughts of Belle screaming Nosty’s name. He needed a drink. Maybe a vomit.

“I hope so.”

To his surprise, Belle pecked him on the cheek before he got out of the car. Was that a common thing for her, or was it just because of her good mood?

“Oh, Joseph!” she called, rolling down her window.

“Aye?”

“On Monday, maybe come to the library when it’s open instead of in the dead of night?”

Feeling both appreciated and chastised, he nodded his assent, then waved as she pulled out and zipped off.

As he shuffled his way into the barren church, he could no longer run from his own thoughts. He saw Belle pressed against the shelves, clothes torn by Nosty’s rough, violent hands. He couldn’t jog to his room fast enough to escape the vision of Belle’s bare leg hiked up on Nosty’s waist, breasts pressed to him, head thrown back in ecstasy.

Why? He’d been plagued by his demons for years, why were they coming for him now, like this? He’d always preferred the temptation of vice to the temptation of sex. Sex involved other people, but drink? He could ruin himself with alcohol all on his own, and he had. Couldn’t the devil just leave it at that?

He whispered a mantra of vodka, whiskey, gin over and over, but even that couldn’t quash the reel playing out in his mind, and as he shook off the day’s clothes and flopped onto bed, he imagined Nosty readying his cock, twice the size of Joseph’s own and ready to plunder.

What did it say about him that he didn’t even feature in his own sexual fantasies? Was this even a fantasy, or just a horrible waking nightmare?

The bottle of backup-vodka lay on the nightstand where he’d left it, still two-thirds full. He gulped it down, the burn in his throat finally clearing his mind.

The truth was he was happy for Belle that she had someone who made her happy, even if it was Nosty. At least, he wished that was the truth.

With a groan, he set the bottle back on his nightstand. He’d need to ration it, or he might be seeing Nosty’s ever-growing cock all weekend.

[Chapter 4]

#anyelle #anyelle fic #anyelle fanfic #anyelle fanfiction #macelle #macelle fic #nostelle #nostelle fic #new update #covetous

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starry-blue-echoes · 8 months

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Ho boy, this is a big one

I really wanted to tell you about this AU but It's kinda incomplete and I was scared that you might not like it and then I lost my chance when you closed the ask box. During that time I came with the courage to share this and with your ask box open again I finally can (and I've written so much that I almost tried rewriting but I will keep this version because I can't take it doing all from the start)

So prepare yourself, this is going to be long

But first, you might be asking yourself "Alice, what is this AU about anyway?" and I'm glad you asked! Basically the whole AU rotates around some of the Jojo moms I like the most or that I just wanted to see more about and my objective is that I pick them up and make them more relevant for the plot in some way by putting more of motherly love in there

Listen, I'm just a sucker for mothers in media and how much they can go for their children or family in general. It makes me happy and emotional

Ah! There's the name for the AU too! I'm still indecisive about that but I have two names that can work. "Mother Knows Best" or "What Would A Mother Not Do", but you still can give your two cents for a name, I don't mind!

Now let's start by going through parts

For Mary and Ida I had a bunch of different ideas, most of centered in them being ghosts and becoming friends and trying their hardest to make the plot not happen, but that could change a lot in the main story and I prefer to go mostly the same until the big changes can come. If you still like the ideia we can try and make a separate AU for this

Now Erina is we're things start getting interesting. She is not just a mother but a grandmother too and she lost both her husband and son, she will not lose her grandson too. And so, with the little that she learned from Jonathan and with a helping hand from Speedwagon, she teaches Josehp. She teaches him in basics of Hamon, she teaches him other ways to protect himself, she teaches tricks and ways to get the upper hand, she teaches how to defend himself, when to get in the middle of the fire and when he needs to call for help. And in a way she teaches herself too. Because even when she gets older she stills want to protect Joseph, she stills wants to be strong, for him and for herself

And maybe, just maybe, when Joseph has to go to Air Supplena she thinks if this is the moment that she let's him go or if she should... but she's old now, right? Not the same woman she was years ago. But she stills knows the same tricks and ways, she's still smart, if not more now. And she loves her grandson so much and fears what will happen to him now that he will be so far from home, going against who knows what

And after a lot of thinking she decides. No matter what happens she wants to be by his side. Even if she can't do much, even if she dies, she will be there. For Joseph

(This is literally the first mom and it's already so long omg)

And there's Lisa Lisa too in here, but she was always more difficult for me because of her history and personality. But, not gonna lie, I always loved the idea that she really wanted, if not yearned, to get closer to her son but after she distanced herself and got colder with time she thought it wouldn't work out. Maybe she wrote letters though, letters that told that she was very busy and wasn't able to visit, that told small memories of when Joseph was just a baby, that told memories about his father, that told how much she loved him even then. And a letter that never got sent, about her insecurities and lack of courage to go after him and look him in the eye

And maybe when Joseph and Erina comes she gets that fear again. Because he's here and he's grown and she lost so much. But Erina is there, understands her fear and her hesitancy, and gives her a advice. It's better to tell now than never, make up for the years that you lost and help him, stay on his side. Now that's you chance for that. And so, with a heavy heart but a clean mind, she pulls Joseph for a lone talk. Maybe it turns alright or maybe not, but she knows now, that the least she can do is help him thrive and be on his side

After all is said and done Lisa Lisa still maintains her Hamon training, for herself and Joseph, just incase. And maybe she helps Erina a little, enough for her to live a little longer to see Joseph's marriage and meet little Holy. And even after she passes Lisa Lisa continues. She stills cold and stern, even as grandmother, but she teaches Holy anyway

Suzie teaches Holy about kindness and compassion, but to know her limits and when enough is enough, while Lisa Lisa teaches her about power and protection, but to know that to much strictness (or distance) can do more bad than good

And because of that Holy grows with a sharp mind and a heart of gold. Kind and gentle, but protective and fierce for her family

And so, when years later stands are introduced and Dio reappears again she puts all her knowledge through the years into play

This time she is less affected by her stand (courtesie of Lisa Lisa) and sure, sometimes she gets dizzy here and there and maybe a little feverish, but do you think this is going to stop her? No, far from it. She wants to help end this family curse and she wants to protect her family, so why not go? Her father can resist how much she wants, she will go. Sadly, she cannot stop Jotaro from coming, he is just as persistent as her and he wants to protect his mom just as much

And so they go. She may not be the strongest in the group but she's just as useful, with a stand and Hamon and her family on her side she feels invincible. And who knows? She might get some allies along the way (no this is not a excuse to have Hol and N'Doul on the group what are you talking about)

By the end of the part Dio dies and there's relief on her body, mind and soul. Her stand doesn't make her dizzy after hours of using anymore and maybe there's some scars here and there, but they're safe, they're fine and she's happy. So happy

But it doesn't end here! Tomoko may not be as connected at the family (on the start), but she's still a mother. A single mother trying her best to take care of her son and balance her life at the same time. A mother who knows how difficult it can be raising a little boy like Josuke and knows how difficult it's to him and her when everyone looks and whispers about them like they're not even there. Things get better with time but it still doesn't make her less protective of her son

Now here's the thing. Tomoko always knew that Josuke was special. Even before having a stand, when she saw the star birthmark on his tiny shoulder she had the felling that a lot would happen in Josuke's life. It took some time for something to happen, but she's was right

So when strange things started to happen after Josuke's illness, talking to himself, broken things getting fixed out of nowhere, weird questions about some imaginary friend (?), she just knows that he is hiding something and she's not just going to sit and watch. During a rainy weekend is when she decides to question him about it and really, she could wait for him to come talk to her about it but knowing her son he could never do that

And after a long talk (and a broken plate being fixed right before her eyes) she tells him "I believe you". Because really, how could she not? She had the truth right there and she was always going to believe her son. But Tomoko makes it clear that if he needs help or just want to talk about his new companion she is always going to be there for him

With time things became normal again, but sometimes it almost feels like she has two kids instead of one

Years after, when the plot of part 4 actually starts, you seriously think Tomoko will just stay on the sidelines and watch her son pass through all of this by himself? Of course not! She may not have a stand but she still can help in her own way

And maybe, just maybe, at some point in the plot, she could get hit by a stray arrow too. I'm not sure what kind of stand she could have, but thinking about the fact that she can be more helpful in the story and finally see and touch her not-so-second-son gives me immense joy

I did thought if Shinobu could be here too but I don't really have a solid idea for her. If you have something to give though I'm all ears

And I'm 100% sure that you're not going to expect this next one! But I don't judge you for that because the fandom don't exactly do much involving her when she was already dead before the plot, BUT I still think we could have a lot of potential with her

And so we have Donatella in part 5 and let me tell you, Esbee! This is the part I've been the most excited about!

So, for this to work Donatella has to survive her illness in some way, we don't need to specify how, just listen to me

For all we know, Donatella and Trish seemed to be very close. Close enough for Trish to be very similar to her in personality and tastes and she seemed to love her very much, even after her death. And the same can go for Donatella, when she discovered her illness the first thing she did was look for her old lover so Trish could at least have her father and not be alone in the world while still being young. So I can only imagine how much would change if she was still there

Maybe in here Donatella still got ill and looked for her old lover with not succes whatsoever. But she was able to get better this time and stopped looking for Solido Naso. She didn't get any type of progress anyway and it's better to continue her life with her daughter then continue looking for someone that might not even be in the country. She couldn't really know, it had been years since the last time she saw or talked to her lover

And everything was fine for a while, until two months later. The whole "you past lover is actually the leader of the biggest Italian mafia" caught her completely of guard. And this can mean many things

Knowing that she finally found her lover after so long makes her really happy but this felling is mostly crushed by all the other overwhelming feelings about the next revelations. There's shock, there's nervousness, there's fear. But above all there's that protectives that she always had since Trish was born and she knows that this is the most important feeling for her to focus. If the boss wants to see her and her daughter then she'll go but they'll be always together and if they even try in separating both of them, well, she learned some things while living by herself for so long

My favorite part in here is how the dynamics between Bucciarati's team and Trish change just because Donatella is present in the whole situation. Trish stays by her side because she trusts her mother and knows that if she has a plan for this then she'll follow

And I can only imagine how Donatella goes about the whole team, because really, most of them are still young. Like, there's literally a newbie that has the same age as her daughter! And really, she tries her best in not getting to attached to that little quirky group but there's always some slips here and there (and no, this not a excuse for her to interact with Giorno, not at all)

I didn't thought much about the rest of the part so let's go for the next one!

Now, I really don't have any ideas for Marina because I don't know how I could make her more prominent in the plot. The only thing that comes to mind is that she starts working with the Speedwagon Foundation from the outside? Because there's no way she can do something on the prison itself

I know that the relationship in the Kujo family might change because of Holy's (and Lisa Lisa if she still lives) influence on Jotaro and this can affect the way Marina can be used on the plot. Like, other than working with the Speedwagon Foundation she could contact the rest of the Joestar family for help

But really, this is basically what I have for her for now

And now we can finally get to the last three parts!

Now, I'm not going to lie, but I really didn't think much when making part 7 because most of the changes aren't going to affect the main plot that much. It's basically a part 1 situation again (ironic, isn't it?)

To be honest the only idea that comes to my mind is one that involves both Jhonny's and Diego's moms meeting eachoter but I don't know how

And there's the whole thing of Anne not standing up against George, as far as I know, and Diana (yes, I gave her the name Diana, I just think it's cool) dying long before both Diego and Jhonny meeting

That doesn't mean I don't like the idea of both of them meeting and Anne being able to help Diana, making both her and her son to live in better conditions, Jhonny and Diego becoming childhood friends and, if possible, prevent Nicholas death

But that's why AUs are thing, right?

Now, we enter Jojolion and I have to say. There's not much that I can do in this part

Like, all the three characters I was planning something for (Mitsuba, Kaato and Holy) already have good roles in a way or I don't really know what to do about their fates in the story

There's nothing that comes to mind for Mitsuba, I think her story and role is good enough. I do have something for Kaato but I don't know how to put in the plot, you know, make it work in the plot. I just really wanted her to live in the end and if possibly, bond with Josuke. He might not be from that family from the start but the idea that they could interact with eachoter more in a positive way fills me with joy. And lastly there's Holy, another one who I don't know what to do about. It's true that me, you, the entire fandom, wanted her to live in the end and that her and Gappy could had more time together and yes, it would be awesome. I just don't know to make her live

In resume, there's not really nothing that I can add in here. If you have better ideas I'm all ears

And for last we have part 9 and God, how much I wanted to do something for Barbara. But because Jojolands is still in the early stages and Barbara hadn't had much screen time yet, there's nothing that I can do except wait until we have more of her

And that's basically it! The whole AU! I'm sorry if became confusing at some point, I didn't got back to proofread all of this and just, writed most of this in one go. But my objective was to show my thoughts bare and I think I reached that pretty well (and sorry, for the size of it too)

I hope you like it and that you can add your own ideas and that this ask doesn't get eaten by Tumblr! :D

WOW THIS WAS A LONG BOI BUT I AM EATING ALL OF IT UP

I'm also a sucker for Good Moms Getting Spotlight And Being Able To Kick Ass, though you've covered so much that I honestly don't know what else to add

except for Jotaro: that does give me thoughts of him being EXTREMELY protective and he will throw down at any oppurtunity if given the chance, and it gives the Crusaders so much whiplash see how he treats his enemies vs how he treats Holly

#also unfortunatley I........ don't think I'm gonna be able to tag this very well #because it's just so many parts with so many different characters and how I tag my posts aint gonna work here sorry-#initial thoughts #mother knows best #jjba #jojo’s bizarre adventure #sb answers #to many thoughts help

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hirik0 · 9 months

Text

You always meet twice part 2

part 1

Soap/Ghost

Fly to Las Almas 2022, 48h till Graves betrayal

Ghost is staring at the wall of the plane, the only sound he hears are the engines. He can't sleep his mind racing over the fact that he meets someone from a live he had long forgotten. How big are the chances even, to meet a close friend of his dead brother again. How big are the chances he even remebers someone you only seen twice? Should he thank him for influencing Tommy to not drop out of school? Should he tell him that Tommy is dead? Does Soap even rember Tommy or Simon? It should not matter honestly, so why is he thinking so much about it? Maybe it's just because it's also falling at the same time with returning to Mexico that he's even thinking about his life before Roba. The nights he spend looking after Tommy are honestly the best memories he has with him. Not stained or ruined by the presses of their father, not poisoned by Tommys year long fight with addiction. Back in the day he hated it but now this are his most important memories of his littel brother besides him being a dad to Joseph. With Soap, with Johnny back in his life by pure coincident its just logical he thinks more about Tommy. He gets pulled out of his head by Soaps head falling against his shoulder.

Las Almas runway, 42 h till Graves betrayal

They are waiting for the ramp to go down so they could rendezvous with Coronel Vargas and Sergeant Major Parra to take down Hasan. Ghost is going in to full mission mode, otherwise the thoughts about Tommy would just be a risk to the mission. They walk down the ramp and are greater by Vargas. He let's Soap do the talking, Soap talks enough for both of them anyway.

"Alejandro", Soaps greats the man.

"Sergeant MacTavish", Alejandro retorts the greating.

"Call me Soap."

"Lieutenant.. Laswell told me they call you Ghost.", Alejandro is focusing his attention to Ghost

"Actually, I believe he prefers to be..", trys to say but Ghost cuts him of not wanting to know what the fuck Soap thinks he would prefer to be called. So Soap is still a trouble maker just like the night he had to carry him away from the drug dealers in that shady club.

"That will do", Ghost shouts maybe a bit to aggressive, but Alejandro is just smiling at them.

"Welcome to the city of souls" Alejandro says before the walk to the first of the 3 jeeps waiting in line.

"I've nerver been to Mexico", Soap offers as a bit of small talk.

"This is not Mexico... this is Las Almas." Ghost don't like the sound of this, rembering that he was told something similar about the city the Zaragoze cartel ruled. He read in the file they have a problem with a cartel here to, but the similarty with Roba makes him uneasy.

"Shepards contractors are inbound to reinforce. They bringing hardware, they'll need room.", Ghost explains, not really liking Graves beeing involved in this. They worked together in the past and skill and discipline is not the problem, but Graves attitude. He just can't stand him, for a reason he refuses to put a finger down. He's reminding him of Vernon.

"My base is your base", Alejandro assures them at the news. And a uneasy feeling is spreading in Ghost at this, as if this sentence is a bad omen. He's reasured Price several times it's fine for him to return to Mexico and now he's acting like a superstitious fool, great, really great.

"Good. Now where is Hasan?", Ghost ask to push past the feelings that tell him that thinks will go to shit. Buisness let's talk buisness. "Cartel safe-house, ten clicks from here", the Coronel explains before walking to the passenger door, Soap walks around the car to sit behind the driver so Ghost will sit behind Alejandro. "Get in." Alejandro signals his man to get ready to move "C'mon let's move!"

Alejandro is interducing their driver: "That's my second in command Sergant Major Rudolfo Parra." Ghost is suprised that the second in command is not in a other car, but stays silence.

"Tengo miedo de los fantasma", Rudy awkwardly jokes at least Ghost thinks it's a joke.

"You know Spanish?" Alejandro ask not sure if Rudys comment landed or even understood by the two brits in the car. "No", Soap answers. Not by choice Ghost thinks staying silent, no need too bring up a long dead drug lord. "You will", Alejandro reassures them, with a grin.

Las Almas base, 36 h before Graves betrayal

Ghost lays on the bed trying to rest before they go to the villa of El Si Nombre to figure out where Hasan is, they also jumped from a cliff and had a unplaned swim. But he's irritated by Soap being so friendly with all the shadows. Soap is friendly to everyone atleast he got this impersion ay Al Mazah. I'm just projecting my need to protect Tommy on Soap, he can take care of himself, Ghost reasures himself. He had to walk out a room to not just pick Soap up to stop his conversation with Graves, childish and emberressing. They are allies, no need to step on toes because he is involuntary walking down memory road. He knows sleep will not come to him, but he still trys to even get in a littel rest atleast. He falls in to a restless slumber, his brain mixing the past and the now together. Soap, Gaz and Price laying in puddels of their own blood on the floor dead, Robas face turning in to Graves, Tommy asking in Soaps voice why this had to happen, Joseph telling him to not trust somebody, they are a bad person. When is alarm is going of he just wants to puke his guts out. "Fucking hell", he curses into the room, feeling like a group of elefants walked all over him at least twice. Not sleeping would have be a better choice. Maybe Price was right with his concerns of him returning to Mexico, but its to late now he has to do his job and he'll.

The next unexpected think that happens is Rudy asking him if they can talk and leading him away to a more private spot away from the others. A nice dark corner that will hide both of them. "So I heared rumors you are the one that destroyed the Zaragoze cartel, alone", Rudy says and Ghost eyes widen in shock not thinking someone would mention this part of his past. "Yes", he presses the answer through his theeth. "You okey hermano? The situations are pretty similar. Maybe besides the taking prisinor part El Sin Nombre don't really does that", Rudy asks, clearly checking if Ghost will be able to carry out the mission. "It's fine Rudy, I can do my job." Their talk is interuped by Soap laughing at something Graves says as they walk past their dark corner and for a short moment Ghost thinks he hears Joseph's voice again. "Oh and Ghost thank you, Roba was a danger to all of Mexico, you really did us a favour", Rudy ends their talk after Graves and Soap can't be heared anymore.

He is at his sniper spot watching Soap, naive trusting Soap get in the villa of a dangerous drug lord they dont even have a face of, the only one helping him on the insite Alejandro. He cant shoot shit from here, so he has to hope everythink will go as planed from Graves. Its petty to hate the plan because its from Graves he knows that, but the misttrust he feels towards Graves is growing and he dont know why. They worked before together and he never before feeled like this, what is so diffrent here. Is it the american missels they are hunting down? Is he paranoid after his one and only mission in Mexico before. But if it is would being in Mexico again the distrust towards Rudy and Alejandro and not fucking Graves? Fuck, he needs to focus on the mission no time for doubt, doubt will kill all of them. Its probably nothing, hes just haunted by memories of people long dead. "Dont trust him, uncel Simon", Joesphes voice is reminding him, a shiver is running down his spine. Who, who is not to trust? Is this is subconscious telling him something is off? He thinks about the files he read, the information he thought were important, the ones he deamed unimportant, the ones he thought are just there for the higher ups, the few thinks that got blacked out. Nothing, just the nagging feeling that the involvement of Shadow Company to avoid some of the red tape is slowly becoming a red flag. Maybe Price is right and he needs to actual take leave and not just do leg work for Kate so he can 'relax'. "This is stupid", he mouths with out making a sound, not wanting to give Graves a heads up that he thinks something is of, if its not just his paranoia. Hes relieved when Alejandro tells him the real part of the mission is finally starting so the only think he will think about for a while is dont die, kill this person, hide in this shadow.

24 h till Graves betrayl

An old oil rack, he hates this, he really hates this. But they need to get the fucking missels back. He goes over the files in his room, when somebody is knocking. Alejandro is entering his room having a concerned look on his face. "Something the matter?", Ghost askfelling how is insites feel like the are getting filled with insects. "I dont like this mission", Alejandro just say. Ghost nods so he is not the only one feeling something is of, relive over not going insane is spreading through him. "Something is of", Ghost agrees, vaguely to not give away to much. "I have a save house, its an old barn or atleast it looks like it", Alejandro says before giving Ghost a folded piece of paper. A prove of trust, Ghost appreciates it. "Lets hope Im wrong. Dont like how Graves is acting on base. Fucking gringo.", Alejandro says shaking his head. "Worked with Graves before, but this feels not like the other times", Ghost confirms the suspicion they both have, Alejandro just nots. "Oh and Ghost this is need to know, no telling Rudy and absolutely no telling Soap. Soap is to friendly with the Shadows and Graves." "Its how Soap is big simle friendly to everyone, the Captian hand picked him", Ghost half heartedly defents Soap, his personal feeling are irrelevant. "If you say so. Its just his interactions with Graves. Rudy knows of the house too but dont want to concern him. He already hates the oil rake think and that he stays behinde. No need to make him worry more", Alejandro just states and Ghost nods along. "You're close, Rudy and you", Ghost shares his observation. "Childhood bestfriends", Alejandro just ofers as information. Ghost raises a eyebrow at this, thats not what he observed but he could be wrong not having best friend in his childhood thanks to his dad. He burns the paper when hes sure he can recall ilthe information it even after waking up.

Oil rake, 2 hours till Graves betrayl

The weather is shit, a bit ironic a brit complainign about bad weather. But being on the fucking ocean, in a rain storm, not his cup of bad weather. But they finished the mission watching how the missel is destroying the rake. He watches Soap looking with big eyes like a child in a candy shop at the explosion. The aww on Soaps face even lets Ghost smile. Cute, what the fuck is he thinking oh god, stop. Soap is not cute, thinks that Soap does are not cute, this is a dangerous way of thinking, to human. Hes a husk, Ghost dont do feelings Simon does and Simon is drowning in the shadows of his dark past. So why the fuck does it feels like Simon is slowly clawing his way out? Oh fuck, they need over an hour back to the shore, nothing to do distract him. Fuck, fuck fuck. He somehow made it back to shore focusing on the talking of the others, shoving Simon back down in the dark lake to not reapear, but this is just a short term solution, he needs to talk to Price when they are back and a vacation, holly fuckin shit he willingly takes a vacation, thinks are bad. Price will get him a psych evaluation. He gets in the car with Soap and Alejandro happy to get a way from Graves for a while. Tomorow they would fly back to the UK and he hopefully just was a paranoid idot the hole time. The hole drive he and Alejandro share woried glances. The feeling of doom is spreading through Ghost. Jesus, maybe ne needs a this pysch evaluation when they are back. This is not like the mission about Roba, they still need to find another missel, but they will atleast leave fucking Mexico. They are holding in front of the base gates he shares one last look with Alejandro, seeing that the Coronel also is tensing. Something is wrong, even Soap who was naping most of the car ride is picking up that something is wrong. Ghost again hears Josephs waring before every think goes to shit. Alejandro captured, Soap shot at and both of them on the run. The save house proves to be a valuable information now. He just needs a car and get there. Hes nearly at the church, just slited the throat of a Shadow when he hears Soap over the only free line he found. Change in plan getting Soap to safty and then get the fuck away from here.

#call of duty #simon ghost riley #ghostsoap #call of duty modern warfare ii #alejandro vargas #rodolfo parra #john soap mactavish #johnny soap mactavish #phillip graves #22 ghost has 09 ghost backstory

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