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#@lackadaisy are you a time traveler
lordofdestructionm · 1 year
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The fear behind the manic grin
I know I have a reputation as a feral Vikdecai account (I mean can you blame me?) but all the characters in Lackadaisy are amazing and the main cast all have their own interesting stories playing out
Case in point the musical, poetic and lovably derranged Rocky Rockaby who thanks to the Pilot (for what will hopefully soon become a full series) a new large audience being introduce to
But there is one moment where the feral energetic grinning persona slips and we see the face a of a broken young man in a state of total despair, before mercifully Mitzi decides to lighten the tone
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This is key to understanding Rocky and his motivations
After being abandoned by his father and his mothers death from illness Rocky was raised in his early years for a period of time by his aunt Nina along with his cousin Calvin (Freckle)
However, due to some as yet unrevealed tragedy, Rocky was ejected from the Mcmurray house and spent the following years riding the rails
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He stayed in touch with Calvin, writing him letters about his adventures, and as you would expect from a flamboyant personality he exaggerates what a big adventure it was how optimistic he was feeling at this time as he travelled from place to place working various assorted odd jobs between 1921 and 1924
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The Lackadaisy Wicki provides a nice breakdown
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But of course the reality is quite different. Having no home, no family and no friends outside what brief and fleeting acquaintances he made on the road took its toll
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But that changed when he found himself joining Zib's band in 1925 which at that point was playing exclusively for the Lackadaisy Speakeasy. For the first time in years he has not only found somewhere seemingly more long term to be but back in the place he thinks of as home
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But even this seemingly positive change does not get to last long. Atlas's death in 1926 throws everything into uncertainty and without its leader and despite Mitzi's best efforts things begin to decline both financially and in terms of manpower.
Those that remain do so for various reasons despite leaving arguably being the smartest option. Rocky does so because he is done with drifting and is determined to hold onto the solid ground he has found no matter what. He makes this desperation clear to Calvin
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Though it should be noted while he wants the Lackadaisy to be saved he wants it done on certain terms. Specifically ones where he is the golden boy that saved the day. He is desperate to ingratiate himself to Mitzi. This is in part due to him having a crush on her, but even this is tied to his perception of her as a "damsel in distress" that he can ride in and rescue, and in the process secure a permanant place for himself
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This is why in both the pilot and the comic he is so devastated when he sees that she is dissapointed with his efforts.
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This is also why in both you can see a barely passive aggresive attitude towards Wick.
Its not just that he is a rival for Mitzi's affection, the friendly wealthy industrialist who clearly has a thing for the beautiful widow threatens to make Rocky and his efforts to be the Knight in shining armour redundant and equally so Rocky himself.
If he invested his money in the Speakeasy he would be the hero and Rocky would just be the clown that tried so hard (risking his life even) but failed, only for some handsome aristocrat to stroll in with his chequebook
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Rocky fears being adrift again. Of feeling alone and unwanted again. He is willing to go to extreme lengths to prevent that from happening. To feel wanted, included and loved he will start as many fires and thow as much dynamite and dodge was many bullets as it takes
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Lets keep spreading the good word and hopefully our lovable pyromaniac and the rest of the cast will get the long running episodic series they deserve to have their stories told (and of course get more love for the comic)
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speakeasyaoi · 7 months
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Rocky Rickaby x GN!Reader
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> Requested by @d144-catzie | A bit shorter and messier than I'd like it to be, schoolwork got in the way :P
PROMPT: Rocky is in a close friendship with the reader that looks more like a couple at first, and has the beginning buds of a romantic relationship.
Rocky has a tendency to be extremely clingy and attached from the minute he meets you, especially so if he finds himself attracted and crushing on you. He ends up finding every excuse he can to spend some quality time with you, be it skipping out on work at his own expense and following you around at your heels like a stray pup, or dragging you along by your scruff on his chaotic escapades- He's constantly craving your presence, and he'll scrape together any opportunity he can to get it.
Rocky just adores both giving and recieving physical affection, and it's fit to make him burst with excitement nearly every time without fail. He tends to avoid things like chaste kisses and handholding in fear of seeming too forward, but he's more than open to ruffling your hair, wrapping an arm around your shoulder, patting your back or walking by your side with your elbows interlocked. Maybe he sneaks a hand on your waist or your hip as you're walking together, or hugs you for just a little longer than what might be considered platonic, but nothing too drastic. When he hugs you, he totally does the thing where he sways you side to side or lifts you up and spins you around.
He tries to talk you into getting some kind of matching article of clothing with him; matching neckties with your initials on them, matching bracelets he can wear under his sleeve or lapel pins he can wear alongside his Lackadaisy pin, he really isn't picky. Though, doesn't have the money to afford to buy you something of the quality he thinks you deserve, so it's probably going to be handmade. ...Or stolen. One of the two.
It's a fun pastime of his to tell you long, over-exagerrated stories of his life- including anything during his youth, adolescence, his time spent travelling around the states in search of work, and earlier years spent working for Lackadaisy with Zib's band. His storytelling skills are nothing short of grand and over-the-top, and he'd be ecstatic to ramble on to you over a shared platter of pancakes or a brisk walk through St. Louis if you'll let him. Fair warning, you're not going to be able to shut him up.
It's often he'll invite you over to Lackadaisy to watch him play his violin, and if not there, he just takes you to a nice, secluded area where he can show you without interruption. Most of what he plays is upbeat, spritely instrumentals or brief little tunes, but every once in a while he'll work up the confidence to sing you a ballad with vague lyrics that seem to apply to you a bit too well.
Similarly to how he calls Calvin Freckle, Ivy Miss Pepper, and Mitzi Miss M, he can't help but come up with a fun, sweet little nickname to call you, mainly serving to take the place of the more romantic terms of endearment he wishes he could call you without coming on too strong. But for now, what he's chosen works.
There's a 100% chance that Rocky's going to try and sweet-talk his way into staying with you in your home instead of continuing to live in his car. He'll beg and whine and plead and hug you tight once you finally give in, agreeing to crash on the living room couch. Though, if you aren't careful enough, he's probably going to end up sleeping in your bed one way or another. Oh well!
If you're able and willing, Rocky takes to teaching you how to play the violin. In all honesty, he makes a pretty shitty teacher, but he tries his damn hardest to help you with the very basics at the least. He also can't help but use it as an opportunity to be close with you, laying his hands over yours as he guides you into playing the right notes and holding the violin in the right position, peppering words of praise an encouragement all throughout.
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Other notes: I struggled to keep this one not overly romantic, but still close and fluffy enough to stick to the prompt, this should be fine. I'm also probably going to keep to a range of 8-15 bulletpoints moving forward to speed up the time it takes to get to each post and keep me from burning myself out lol
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lycheeloach · 7 months
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overanalyzing mordecai's letter to his mom
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Transcription + ramblings under the cut
Mother, Forgive my unannounced departure. Circumstances relating to my employment have made required me to travel on short notice. It may be some time before I am able to correspond again, but you will find savings in my rented room above the dry grocery adequate for living. Give Mrs. Kovitz the name Ezra [and] she will allow you upstairs. There is a safe box in the southeast corner behind the baseboard. [combination in Hebrew, more on that later] Please use some portion of it to relocate to more suitable living space, expeditiously. Purchase somewhere if you are able. The building is poorly ventilated, m[cut off, but based on the version from the Lackadaisy website it almost certainly says 'moldy'] and unhealthful. -M[ordecai]
First things first, he opens his letter with just 'mother'. 1) he's more formal than Esther, who just calls her 'mom' (though that might be because it's a Serious Letter). 2) he also signs it just 'Mordecai'. no 'dear' or 'love' here because he's totally not sentimental at all, right? he's also bad at expressing emotions, so instead we have to extrapolate how much his family means to him through his actions.
'forgive my unannounced departure' is telling in a couple of ways. First, it's pretty much an apology, which is something we don't really see from Mordecai. Second, it suggests that he and his mom are still in frequent contact, even after he's moved out.
The way Mordecai crosses out the word 'made' and replaces it with 'required' is probably in an effort to sound less alarming- less like he was forced to skip town. But he's so pressed for time and resources that he doesn't start over with a fresh sheet of paper.
'It may be some time before I am able to correspond again' he knows he's screwed. He's pretty sure he's going to die on this train, but he focuses on what's more important- writing to his mom and telling her where to find the money necessary for her and his sisters to have a better life.
It's revealed that Mordecai is renting a room- this gives him the personal space he so desperately needs, and also might be for reasons of keeping his work and home lives separate. Ezra is presumably an alias and he may have even given Mrs. Kovitz instructions to let his mother in if she ever came by. (Sidenote, in all likelihood she was probably just his landlady but I still kinda want to know how Mordecai would interact with Mrs. Kovitz.)
SO. here's an interesting fact for you. The safe combination is the name of Mordecai's youngest sister, Hannah, who died in infancy (you can see her in Tzipporah's arms here). Characters in the Hebrew alphabet correspond to numbers, hence how her name could be a safe combination. I can't phrase this in an analytical way- Mordecai using the name of his sister who died approximately a decade ago for the safe makes me explode. It makes all my bones fall out.
Apparently Mordecai saved enough money for his family to only need some of it to move to a better place. He emphasizes the importance of moving right away, because their building is gross- more than that, the tenements had very high mortality rates, something that the Heller family experienced firsthand.
The last thing I want to say is how desperate Mordecai is to get the letter mailed, practically begging strangers for postage. He's certain he's about to be shot in the face and he still fixates on sending that letter, because if he doesn't, everything he did for his family will have been for nothing.
In conclusion, I am normal.
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libras-interactives · 9 months
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It's Here - Version 1.0!
1925. You work for Cecil Flynn, a ruthless high-rolling lawyer and gang-adjacent businessman based in Chicago. While not your first choice of employment, it's more than enough to support yourself or any dependents ... and he's made sure you can't leave easily. You made a deal with this devil three years ago, and since then you've turned into an excellent investment. 
In those three years, Chicago has been your home, but now your employer has decided it's time for a change of scenery. Alongside your fellow ne'er-do-wells Marius Beausoleil and Jack Paige, you travel to St. Louis, where a wildly popular speakeasy has fallen into Mr. Flynn's crosshairs. It's a shame what you may have to do on his orders, but that's just business, isn't it? 
Step right up to enjoy this interactive Lackadaisy fanfiction! Create your character with over 30 options, and enjoy the story, which will hover around ~20k for most readers.
How to read: Simply click that link and download the HTML file. You can open it with nearly any browser that recognizes HTML. On android devices, do NOT use HTML Reader.
Character creation features: Appearance, gender expression, culture, occupation, and most importantly - the deal you cut with Mr. Flynn. Choose your level of affection, and who you feel platonically or romantically toward - you can also go aromantic and/or ace!
Love interests: Only Rocky and Mordecai to start, with the latter being a very slow burn. Others will be added in future updates, and some characters already have romantically-inclined dialogue/text if you choose to be interested in them.
1.1 update will come after I rest up! Thank yall for the very kind words and suggestions and help with the preview !!
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newspecies · 1 year
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HI this is my thousand word ramble about Rocky and his relationship with other characters and my thoughts in general. I'm normal about Lackadaisy I promise.
Calvin
Calvin and Rocky are cousins that grew up together, with Rocky being 5 years older. The mini comics all make it seem like he spent most of his time there and later he says “it was home more than home was.” (Lackadaisy Breakdown). The cousins wrote to each other while Rocky was traveling around and Calvin kept them all inside a box instead of throwing them away. Aunt Nina tells Rocky "[Calvin]'s the only one in all o’ creation who'd follow you" (Lackadaisy Somersault) so they're clearly extremely close. Calvin lies to his mother several times to keep Rocky out of trouble, even when it's about something illegal. Despite his moral compass and the fact that he almost went into law enforcement, he's working with Lackadaisy and regularly shooting at people presumably just because Rocky wants him to (and because Ivy's there... but in the beginning it was for Rocky). They strike me as having more of a sibling relationship than a cousin one due to growing up so close.
Aunt Nina
Nina does not have a very high opinion of Rocky and she makes this very clear. She trusts him not to get Calvin into too much trouble but she doesn't let him stick around when he stops by. He’s under no illusions that he’s welcome at her house (Lackadaisy Somersault) and he tells Ivy that “[his face]’s only abided in small doses” at Nina’s house. He starts telling Ivy there was a small family tragedy and "it had an author... and with already ink-stained hands, i signed my name on it" which means that something bad happened and he either was to blame or took the blame and that is the reason he left Missouri, "so time could dull my fresh reminder face." (Lackadaisy Breakdown). My guess is that this family tragedy had something to do with his mother because his father was alive at least a little bit after he left because he was sending letters and stopped (Lackadaisy Correspondence) his mother is only mentioned once, in Lackadaisy Breakdown, described as “chasing Red Death” Red Death is not a real sickness and its instead from Edgar Allen Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death. This could mean that his mother had some sort of bloody sickness. My guess is tuberculosis. It was one of the biggest causes of death in the early 1900’s and one of its most well known symptoms is coughing up blood. Sorry this is supposed to be about Nina and I kind of went off the rails there. Anyway I don’t think Nina hates Rocky at all; she still does his laundry and lets him visit and lets him drag Calvin around. But she doesn’t trust him and makes sure he knows that.
Mitzi
Some people seem to think Rocky has a crush on Mitzi, and him threatening Wick certainly gives the impression but I heavily disagree and I think he sees her more as a mother figure. He clearly looks up to her and seeks her approval constantly; he goes out while extremely injured and hiding that injury from her (Lackadaisy Deliria) presumably because he realizes that the pig farmers' attack on Lackadaisy was his fault and he really wants to fix it. His behavior towards Wick strikes me more as a child really not wanting a step parent. As the audience, I know that Wick is basically incapable of evil (he has killed once and it was a duck and it still haunts him) and Mitzi is the one taking advantage of their relationship, but from Rocky's perspective Mitzi is just an innocent widow looking for companionship and Wick is a weird rich sleazeball. I honestly don't think Rocky is aware of Mitzi's own sleaziness, and if he is he’s ignoring it to the best of his ability. but Mitzi likes having Rocky around. Every time she's upset over something and Rocky starts joking around she immediately starts smiling more (Lackadaisy Proposition, Lackadaisy Haggersnash). She’s undeniably fond of him, despite his many shenanigans.
Mordecai
Okay this one is a little bit more out there. “But Rotten!” You may argue, “Rocky doesn’t actually know Mordecai! They only interact like once outside the mini comics!” Yes dear reader but consider this: they have so many parallels. They are opposites on the surface; Rocky is silly, Mordecai is serious. But looking closer they have a few things in common. Mainly: TRAINS!!!!!!!!! They both have recurring train motifs and it makes me insane. For Mordecai he met Atlas on a train (Lackadaisy Thaumaturgy), and for Rocky he has a drawing of one on one of the letters he sent to Calvin (Lackadaisy Correspondence) and he said his father worked on the railroad (Lackadaisy Breakdown). In relation to the trains, they both left home at a young age and wrote letters home. They also both seem to have a habit of gaining enemies; when Atlas met Mordecai he was running from people (Lackadaisy Bookkeeper) and Rocky’s… everything makes making enemies extremely easy for him. These two have PARALLELS and I need everyone to know!!!!!
Rocky
This last section is about Rocky himself! First off, to state the obvious: Rocky is extremely impulsive, he doesn’t seem to think about the consequences of his actions whatsoever and it gets him into all sorts of trouble all the time. He’s not oblivious though; in Lackadaisy Posterity he immediately jumps to the conclusion that he ruined something, he just didn’t remember it. Rocky puts on a show of being confident and sure of himself but the moment his walls are torn down in the Posterity and Breakdown pages he’s calling himself a horrible person. He is extremely aware of how other people feel about him; even though his exclamation of “they tolerate me” in Lackadaisy Palaver is framed as a joke, it feels pretty real. A lot of people don’t like Rocky and he knows this. I don’t remember where I was going with this. Just know that I’m obsessed with Rocky and I’m thinking about him always.
In conclusion
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mediocrevideopodcast · 2 months
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Request: I don't really know where to request stuff, but what about Zib x Nervous Reader? Like how a slow-burn romance would go, how Zib would feel and how he would treat them, romantic gestures, and comfort.
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Unsurprisingly, it can be a little  hard to get to know Zib. Sarcastic, blunt, and usually under the influence, Zib isn't exactly the most approachable member of the Lackadaisy crew. That doesn't mean he isn't friendly, not by any means. In fact, he's one of the most level-headed, caring people in the bunch. He's just learned to hide it a bit. Tender hearts often go sour in this business. A bit of courage and effort goes  a long way with Zib. 
Although if you're part of the crew, there's a decent enough chance he'll warm up to you on his own, too. If Mitzi thinks you're good enough to add to the family, then he won't question it too much. Although he can't help but wonder what it is you do, considering your skittish demeanor. It's part of what draws him closer -- part of him likes the mystery. But truthfully, the other part of him mistakes your nervousness for naivety, and there's a quiet voice within him that doesn't want that kindness to go out. It's a shitty life they run -- you should be able to keep your light. 
When Zib cares for you, it's obvious, yet subtle to outsiders. He keeps an eye on you in the bar, stays close to you when walking down the streets. He's also more lax with his affections, leaning on you a bit more, both physically and emotionally. But you know he's invested when he really starts to speak. Not quips, not sardonic interjections or jokes, but actually talking to you. He's a deep thinker, and not just because of the booze. He's well-read, and deeply intelligent. If you can get  him to talk about his favorite books, or his music, or even philosophy… it should be taken as a point of pride. 
Actually falling in love with Zib is a gradual process, though. One of those romances where you wake up, and suddenly you realize you've been married for the past 7 years. 
He doesn't believe in hard-and-fast traditions like his parents did, but his quiet attempts to grow closer really stand out considering how well you know him at this point. He leaves little room for worry or question, and yet, it rarely feels overwhelming. He's casual, yet straightforward. And damn if it doesn't make your heart flutter. 
The brush of a hand, a pointed glance during a slow set, honeyed words spoken effortlessly yet earnestly… If he didn't have a warrant out for his arrest, he'd be the type to serenade you from your balcony. Maybe he would have, had you met when you were younger. 
(Some nights, when he's lain up in bed in a drunken stupor, he imagines that exact scenario. He'd be lying if he said it didn't make him soft.) 
Despite what some may think, Zib is a very devout romantic. If he had the funds, he'd love to treat you to a night out, like all the wild records sing of. Good food and good music were two of the things that kept Zib going for a long time, even if only one of those things are still within his means. But, as a self-proclaimed nomad, his greatest wish would be to travel the world with you. There's so much to see and experience out there, away from dreary St. Louis. But it's only half as good when you're alone -- it's so much sweeter with someone by your side. 
Funnily enough, he's one of the best possible partners of the Lackadaisy bunch for a nervous partner. He's straightforward, rarely sugarcoating things or telling white lies. As such… there's not much to worry about with him. You won't have to worry if he's telling the truth, if he thinks you're too quiet or too loud or strange. If he has a thought, he'll say it. He's honest like that. 
If he's ever too blunt with you though, he picks up on it quickly. He's a master of reading body language, and he knows how to apologize properly. He's very sweet when it comes down to it. Genuine. 
He's also not above navigating you away from anxiety-inducing situations, when need be. Again, he's fantastic with body language, and he knows how to lie his way out of an event or gathering. People generally don't question how many smoke breaks he's taken per hour. 
He can't fix everything for you -- he knows that. But you'll never have to worry about whether or not he loves you. He might not say those exact three words on the daily, but there's never a moment of doubt within you. He'll make sure of it. 
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whatavery · 14 days
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Ordained Defiance Ch. 1
Finally, after weeks of buildup, finally I can start posting this very special story. Of all the characters in Lackadaisy, I really wanted to create some Abelard content, because I love him.
So what better way to do so than to write a little fanfiction featuring him, his family and my OC? A slow-burn story set in the small town of Defiance, Missouri...
For the first chapter, I present you with an image of my new OC alongside Abelard!
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This lovely piece here was drawn by the amazing @mergestucs1!
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With the sweeping, green hills, the freshly sprouting leaves on the trees and the mostly clear, blue sky, Defiance was beautiful in spring. The air was getting warmer, but the breeze still had a sharpness to it whenever it graced Abelard’s face. It was a Thursday morning like any other as he made his way into town on foot, the apricot-furred cat enjoying the spring weather. Abelard's shoes dug into the dirt road that led the way through the small town that was Defiance. Granted, it really wasn't much of a town (it was closer to a village, if anything) given how small it was, and how much distance there was between the homes here.
The lean reverend took long, fast strides, walking with purpose. His morning strolls generally took him all over Defiance. He started at home and took the scenic route out to Defiance General, going through the small community and finally ending by the church.
He'd left the store just minutes prior, having stopped by the outskirts of town to see the shop owner. It was usually his first stop these days. Most days Mr. Weaver was up and working early, despite his age. Abelard always did make sure to purchase something when he visited, often in the form of cigarettes or other small items, usually something edible. Sometimes he brought home bigger items such as potatoes and the like.
And Abelard would, of course, gladly take on Mr. Weaver in a round of chess when time allowed it. Reverend Arbogast usually wasn't one to turn down an opportunity to spend time with the locals. It was part of his daily routine, making sure to visit with members of their little community. Though he didn’t personally visit each and every inhabitant of the small town, he made sure to at least greet them whenever possible, whether by the church or around town.
The man running Defiance General was one of the few that Abelard regularly visited personally. As reverend, Abelard saw it as part of his job to maintain a good relationship with said community; it was what the reverend before him had done. And it was what he’d taught Abelard; it was any reverend’s job to spread the word of the Lord and maintain good relations to those who believed, and even those who didn’t. After all, it was how a man of faith might help others see the light.
And as village minister Abelard didn’t just do services in the church on Sundays. Of course, that was part of the job; he took care to preach to his fellow man, woman and child. Though it had been a while since the last time, he had also done confessions and he’d heard quite a number of things. But as was his sworn duty, he’d never disclosed this to anyone; it was for him, the Lord and the sinner to know.
He’d been doing this job for decades at this point, and everyone in Defiance, and the nearby townships, that was part of his congregation, knew him. He'd established a good trust and good relations with the community, but it had taken time.
The township of Defiance primarily consisted of a small collection of farm buildings and barns around a main road that stretched through the small town. Defiance General was the primary place to do shopping for those who didn’t wish to travel further away by car, where they had more options. St. Louis was about forty miles away and Abelard himself hadn't made the trip there in quite some time. He was content in this small town where he'd grown up.
The town itself had a few things of note, despite its small size. For one, there was a local mechanic, though it wasn’t really a proper business, just a farmer who knew how to handle cars and other machinery. It wasn't so unusual to see him taking a look at someone’s vehicle, just as he was today. The farm house he lived in with his family was one of the larger ones on the side of the road that Abelard walked on. The barn door was open and the tuxedo cat could be seen fiddling with the engine of one of his neighbors’ cars.
As Abelard passed, he was spotted by the mechanic, who wore messy overalls over his clothes. He waved to Abelard as he passed. “Good morning, Father Arbogast. How do you do?”
“I’m quite well, thank you,” the lean cat called back in a proper tone. Abelard waved back as well, and offered him the slightest of smiles. Abelard was clad in all black from top to toe; black shoes, black pants, black jacket, black hat. The only article of clothing Abelard wore that wasn't black was his white button-up shirt under his jacket. “I hope you are as well.”
Though not a man who smiled much, nor a man to whom smiling came naturally, Abelard still did his best to be personable with the locals. At least for the most part. That wasn't to say he was all-smiles around them all the time, far from it. Father Arbogast, as he was most often called, had quite a reputation for being a man not to cross. It wasn't often, but he’d had to tell local children off more than a few times, using the colorful language he had become rather infamous for. And for the most part, it worked. He’d even had to tell off their parents on occasion.
Children as well as their parents knew to respect him and that was how Abelard liked things to work. Abelard was never one to shy away from doing such things if someone were to do or say something morally apprehensive.
Abelard didn’t linger around too much as he continued down the road.
The houses around the main road were generally large, quaint farm houses, many of them quite old with a fair bit of distance between each one. Defiance had never had a large population. Abelard knew they currently didn’t even amount to a hundred. The entire community could fit inside the church during services, even despite how small the church was. In the open area of Defiance, they had a few small businesses, such as a post office, an inn and a carpenter who also did metalwork on occasion. There was also a single bookshop and of course, further away there was a train station with its depot.
The businesses were mainly being run out of people’s homes, further adding to the feeling of a small, tight-knit community amongst the locals.
The area all around was wide and open with small groves and forested area nearby fencing in the majority of Defiance. The rolling hills and fields all around offered space for farmland, like the cornfields near Abelard's home.
The cornfields had gone from being harvested for food to also being harvested for more unsavory reasons in recent years. He'd been there for it all, as the changing political landscape of America had ushered in changes to his life. Not just his life either; Abelard also knew the unspoken truth that farmers both in Defiance, as well as all over the country, were doing the very same thing.
Abelard had spent most of his life in Defiance, as had many of its inhabitants. He'd traveled to visit nearby towns and cities, but home was always here. For better and for worse. But the small town of Defiance needed him. The Lord’s work was never finished until the day of reckoning and Abelard intended on continuing to spread the word of the Lord till his last breath.
He knew that there was no such thing as a one-man army when it came to his job. Abelard wasn't entirely alone; he spread the Lord’s word, he preached to warn of sins and temptations in the hopes that his congregation would help spread the same message. It was the point of preaching at all to begin with, to spread the word of the Lord, to help enlighten and to save as many souls as he could.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil… That part of the Lord’s Prayer had taken on a new significance to Abelard just a few short years ago. The nation-wide prohibition on alcohol had changed so much for so many people, again for better and for worse.
For Abelard? To him the very idea of stripping away a source of temptation in such a way was an affront. It had never been something that sat right with him; Abelard knew so many who saw it as removing the very option of giving in to sin from their lives, but Abelard privately saw it as a disruption to the natural order of things.
If anything, it seemed to have inadvertently added a whole new caliber of trappings into the lives of many. Abelard knew as much, being an initially reluctant participant in the illicit alcohol business.
But alas, here he was; illegal liquor had paid for much of the maintenance around the church and the town. Abelard knew that the cursed liquid would go on to add temptation back into the realm of the living – of the souls who would eventually need saving. Abelard knew that the very allure of the illicit only made sin all the sweeter to the ones who chose to give in to it.
But in the end, he knew that the truly good people would make the right choices, even with temptation in their lives. God would forgive sins, and although Abelard too would do his part to make sure people would not be led into the many pitfalls in life, he knew these complexities to be a necessary evil to separate the righteous from the wicked.
But Abelard kept these views to himself and a very select few close to him.
Passing more homes on his way, Abelard spotted more people who were getting their days started; a woman looking after the small garden around their front-porch where her small children were playing; a young couple leaving their driveway together in a car. Once more Abelard offered waves on his way, even if the children seemed rather frightened of him. He didn’t mind, of course. There was a fine line between fear and respect, and Abelard hoped they would learn to walk that line well.
If nothing else, Abelard hoped the younger generations would be given the chance to grow up with all of life’s complexities; the good, the bad and the tempting, all ever-present. Their parents (and he to some extent) would need to arm them to face the many trappings of life, and never stray from the righteous path. Whether they'd succeed or not was ultimately in their own hands.
All he could do was hope for the best… And hope that they may never get involved in unsavory business like his family.
Being in the liquor business had proven to have more downsides than upsides to Abelard. He resisted the urge to spit on the ground, to curse the names of those he'd had to deal with, as he continued on his way. Lackadaisy, Marigold, they were both the same to him; bands of immoral, cutthroat criminal that needed him and his kin for liquor and nothing else.
Though Abelard had no qualms with partaking in the making and smuggling of the liquor, dealing with others in the business had been less than pleasant. All the trouble that had come with it… It had cost him an organ player as well. Little Defiance had been the scene of some gruesome acts of violence, which Abelard still found unsettling to think about.
And that was despite all he'd seen and heard in his fifty-two years on this Earth.
Leaving the main residential area, Abelard passed the single inn that the town had. It was a small, family-owned place, a decently popular location that Abelard had visited many times. It was a two-story farm house where the family lived on the upper floor and the inn itself was located down below. It was one of the popular places for members of Abelard's congregation to end up after service on Sundays.
After passing the road that would take him towards the Arbogast Funeral Home, Abelard made his way past a tree line and out to another open area. The wide, open space was fenced in by trees from all sides, and the nearest farm houses could look right up to the white church with its single tower and tall spire that pointed straight to the Heavens. It was a relatively new church,; Abelard recalled in his youth that his parents had remembered the time when it was still newly constructed. Since it had been finished, it had been the church his family would visit for services every Sunday morning, and eventually the one that he himself would be the reverend of.
It wasn’t large and grand, but it was beautiful. All-white exterior, the church had two small steps leading up to the two tall doors out front with one short, wide transom above it. Further above the window as part of the tower was a clock, a relatively new installation. On either side of the large doors was a window, each larger than the one above the door, with a grid-like frame holding many small panes of glass. Each side of the church had four similar windows lining the walls, always making sure plenty of light could shine inside. The dark roof was angled upwards, the front merging into the small tower. The tower itself wasn’t that much taller than the roof, a small platform housing a thin, eight-sided spire reached higher than the roof, ending up in a sharp point.
There was always something to be done around the church, always something new to worry about, surprisingly so for such a small town. The illicit, ill-gained money helped keep the church in pristine order, and while they were currently out of a steady organ player, Abelard had other things to worry about. The groundskeeper was looking to retire. He was old and he had been looking after the grounds since before Abelard became the village minister. Just looking for a new groundskeeper would be a a mild challenge in the small community. Just something new for Abelard to figure out in the near future. Hopefully, the current groundskeeper would stick around long enough to find a replacement, so they wouldn’t leave the grounds unattended.
As a brisk morning breeze ruffled his facial fur, Abelard arrived by the entrance to the church grounds. The church was right by a crossroad; corn fields to one side, open stretch of grassland with graves on the other. The cemetery had expanded since the church’s founding, of course. Being framed in by the farmland, there was only so much space that could be used for graves; further away more grave sites had since been established.
No one was around at this time of day and as Abelard made it up the small steps to the large doors, he removed his hat and stepped into the Lord’s House.
It wasn't a very spacious interior, being a small church, but the space available had been optimally used. Stepping onto the wooden floor, Abelard walked up the aisle by himself. On each side of him were pews that could house the entirety of Defiance’s population during services, and there was even room for more people from neighboring townships. And in part owing to the small size of the church, Abelard had mastered utilizing the building’s acoustics to let his voice carry from the altar to the very back of the church, for all to hear.
Behind the last pew on the right side of the church, a small spiral staircase led up to a small landing above the entrance. This was where the organ was located, overlooking the small church’s interior. Abelard admittedly didn’t spend much time up there, nor did anyone else these days. The landing was close to the ceiling, which was painted blue like the sky outside, but even a man as tall as Abelard could comfortably stand up there without bumping his head on the ceiling.
Abelard made a mental note to attempt to send for a potential organ player in the nearby townships. He might even have to send for someone living further away, such as over in St. Louis…
The wooden pews that stood in rows on either side of the aisle were painted white, like the walls surrounding them. There were two windows up ahead flanking the altar, right across from each of the windows on either side of the door. Perfectly symmetrical. Along with the four windows on each of the church’s longer sides, plenty of light always poured in through these in the daytime hours. The same went for the circular stained glass window up above the altar close to the rounded ceiling. And of course, once it was dark, the multiple bronze candelabras on the walls and the large ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling in front of the altar would help keep the building illuminated.
Abelard stopped before the altar, right below the chandelier and closed his eyes for a moment, just enjoying the peace and quiet that the church offered him at times like this. The tall, lean cat had a white podium off to his left, where he would stand to preach and speak during services, facing the congregation.
Leaving the altar, Abelard slowly made his way back outside again, casting a glance out at the woods in the distance that served as the natural fence for this part of Defiance. Leaves were sprouting from the branches and the grass all around was starting to look as green as could be, it was a beautiful sight indeed.
The dirt road leading to the left from Abelard's vantage point led up towards where a small part of the cemetery was located. Further away along the road that ran along the side of the church was the Arbogast Funeral Home. It hadn't always been a funeral home, as it was these days; it had also been Abelard's childhood home where he’d grown up. He’d inherited the place from his parents and now it was also where he conducted his other ventures, including more unholy business.
Glancing up the path towards the cemetery, Abelard put his hat back on. The nearby funeral home would prepare the dead for burial, the church would hold a funeral service and the dead would be buried in the nearby cemetery. It truly was an efficient, albeit morbid, little system.
Abelard’s own parents laid buried there as well, as did other past inhabitants of Defiance and the nearby area. Growing up so close to not only the church, but also the cemetery had made Abelard’s skin crawl as a young boy, but these days the thought didn’t bother him at all.
The area outside and around the church was beautifully maintained, the grass kept short, the nearby trees kept healthy and the paths kept clear and clean. The morning sun’s rays casting a brilliant light over the trees’ fresh leaves, and the blades of grass, only added to the place’s natural beauty.
It was going to be a tall order to find someone new who cared about looking after the grounds this much. But Abelard had no doubt in his mind that he’d find the right person for the job, as was his responsibility. Odds were someone in town would be willing to do it – it would be easier and more efficient to not have to call in someone from out of town. Abelard knew he shouldn’t keep putting it off.
After enjoying a bit of time to himself, Abelard let out a content sigh. But he knew he ought to go about his business once more.
Turning back towards the church, however, Abelard spotted a single figure lingering by the white brick wall to the left of the church doors. He squinted slightly. He didn’t recognize the stranger at a glance, in part due to them facing away from him, apparently glancing out over the cornfields nearby.
The stranger turned their head as Abelard got closer, and already Abelard didn’t get the best first impression of them, noticing the way they were leaning on the church wall. They were practically lounging, like the church was their personal property.
“Ah, hello… Reverend Arbogast is it?” The stranger sounded uncertain as he spoke in a surprisingly soft voice. The Turkish Angora stood just a couple inches shorter than Abelard, his fur a grayish off-white color all over. His ears were particularly fluffy, though his fur overall was short, yet fuzzy. He had bangs reaching down to his eyebrows and the tips of his ears had white tufts on them. Very unusual.
Behind him he had a particularly fluffy tail that drooped ever so slightly. He wore a dark gray sweater with a thick, folded collar and a pair of blue denim pants. The right knee of his pants was torn open, his white fur showing through.
“Yes, how can I help you?” Abelard asked, his blue eyes taking in the stranger before him. Abelard's tone was polite, but slightly stiff. He didn’t recognize him, and yet there was something familiar about him at the same time. Abelard guessed he was likely from out of town – he made it a point to know everyone in Defiance, after all.
The stranger left the wall and approached Abelard, his fluffy tail fur swaying in the wind. Eyes met, sky blue and minty green, and Abelard noticed the younger cat had a face with soft, rounded, almost slightly… feminine features. The stranger held out his white-furred hand. “Well… I was just looking around a bit. I haven't seen this place in a long time…”
“You’ve been here before?” Abelard asked in surprise as they shook hands briefly. He squinted slightly at the white cat. Again, he got the sense that they’d met before…
“Oh, I lived here a decade ago, before I- Well, I moved out a long time ago.” The stranger’s stumbling didn’t go unnoticed by Abelard, but he was more so intrigued, though perhaps a touch suspicious as well…
Abelard still fixed the stranger with some amount of dislike, which based on the look on the younger man’s face didn’t go unnoticed. “Hmmm, I don’t recognize you… I know everyone in Defiance. What’s your name, young man?”
“My name’s Cainan – Cainan… Wirth.” Once more Abelard couldn’t help but feel as though something was wrong. The stranger seemed hesitant to give his name, which only made Abelard all the more suspicious of him. However, his name did stir something in Abelard – that sense of familiarity.
“Wirth? With an ‘i’?” Cainan nodded at this, though he didn’t meet Abelard's eyes when he did. “I see… Well, I might have known your parents in that case. Harold and Gabriela Wirth, correct?”
Abelard could see Cainan's face tightening at this, but the younger cat nodded. “Yup, them’s the ones. I was planning on visiting them after I’m done here, actually.”
At this Abelard raised an eyebrow as their eyes finally met again. He wasn't sure what Cainan's situation was, but this was… curious. For a number of reasons. The least of which being: “Well, they moved away a few years ago, if I’m not mistaken. They have not called Defiance home for a while.”
Cainan blinked up at Abelard with those pale green eyes. “… Oh.”
Was that disappointment Abelard heard in his voice? Or was it relief? Abelard genuinely couldn’t tell. The older reverend frowned down at the white cat. “You didn’t know…?”
The younger cat didn’t answer right away. Abelard could tell he was thinking hard about what to say. What was he up to exactly? He hadn't immediately struck Abelard as a troublemaker, though the way he hung around outside a church did seem suspicious. Abelard cast a glance over Cainan's shoulder towards the area beside the white building, which seemed to be quite untouched. When he glanced back at Cainan, the younger cat seemed ready to speak.
“Well, to tell you the truth, Reverend, no, I didn’t realize they'd moved. You know where to?” he asked. Again, Abelard found it curious how he spoke with the tone of someone just asking for the time; not with the tone of someone urgently needing to know the whereabouts of their parents.
“Hmmm, well, I don’t recall, I’m afraid,” Abelard told him calmly, though he watched Cainan closely, his gaze fixated upon the younger cat to wait for a reaction. Abelard had his suspicions, but he wanted to see just how Cainan might react to this information. To his surprise, the younger cat barely seemed to react at all – he just nodded slowly.
“Ah that’s alright. Guess I’ll try and ask around town,” was the response Abelard got, a surprisingly casual response. Now he was certain something wasn't right here.
“Were you hoping to run into them here?” The longer he spent in Cainan's company, the more Abelard could start to see some family resemblance. While he couldn’t say he'd been close with the Wirths, he still partially remembered what they looked like. He could see aspects of both Cainan's parents as he remembered them, when he gazed upon the younger cat before him.
“I suppose, yeah,” Cainan replied, his tone carrying that same casual carelessness as he spoke. Cainan seemed to hesitate for a moment, clearly thinking about… Honestly Abelard wasn't sure what was going through the young stranger’s mind. “I suppose I really just did come looking for you.”
“I guessed as much,” Abelard admitted, nodding slightly as he crossed his arms. The way Cainan had greeted him had indeed made it seem like he’d been waiting for him. Whatever this young cat could possibly want from him, Abelard didn’t know, but he was willing to hear him out. “So once more I ask you, how can I help you, child?”
Cainan’s left ear gave a small flick, possibly out of annoyance, though his facial expression didn’t show any signs of it. Abelard didn’t think calling him a child was unfair; he was young, clearly, though Abelard didn’t know quite how young. Perhaps he was older than his youthful face made him seem. “Well, I decided to return to town and, well, I’d like to do some work while I’m here. I’d like to… stick around for a li’l while.”
This was certainly a surprise to be sure. It wasn't at all what Abelard had expected of the young stranger, the reverend frowning slightly. He sighed. “Hmmm… And why didn’t you simply head into town and ask around? And why weren't you just honest from the beginning, young man?”
“I’m sorry, well, I figured this way was easier – I heard you were the village minister, so I figured… Actually, maybe this was a dumb idea.” Cainan suddenly seemed to change his mind mid-sentence. The younger cat shook his head and made to leave. “Sorry to waste your time, I should just drive-”
“Now hold it just a minute…!” Abelard put a hand on Cainan's shoulder to stop him in his tracks, gripping him firmly with his slender fingers. Cainan turned to look at up him, apparently surprised, his white eyebrows raised. “Slow down and explain yourself. I can’t figure out where to put you, if I don’t know where you came from.”
“So, you will help me…?” the Turkish Angora asked hopefully, his ears perking up immediately. Abelard let go of Cainan's shoulder and stared at him in disbelief. Had he been hoping for this kind of reaction…?
“I asked you to explain yourself. We shall see if we can find a solution to your predicament once I know everything… And I do mean everything.” Abelard had a feeling Cainan just might be a troublemaker, but of a different sort than the kind he had encountered before. He gestured towards the church with some apprehension. “We can step inside and talk, if you'd please.”
Cainan turned towards the church with an equal amount of apprehension of his own. He bit his lower lip and seemed to consider this for quite a little while. He awkwardly hovered around where he stood, though he didn’t step towards the church. “Uh… maybe we could talk out here? Or we could go for a walk? It was a long drive here, I’d like to just stretch my legs a little bit.”
Abelard thought it curious that he'd mentioned a long car ride, seeing as there wasn't a car around to be seen nearby. He looked at the younger cat, eyebrow raised in suspicion.
“Oh, I drove into town, but I walked here,” the white cat hastily added, apparently not ignorant to the doubt written all over Abelard's face. The white cat offered a would-be innocent smile, but given the hasty way Cainan had offered up a rather flimsy explanation, it didn’t make Abelard trust him any more. “And besides… I haven't really been in Defiance for years. You could show me around… Please…?”
Abelard scowled at the shorter cat, crossing his arms again. Cainan continued looking at him with that would-be innocent smile of his, but Abelard saw right through it. Whatever he was playing at, Abelard wasn't going to let him win. He knew for sure he didn’t want to participate in his little games. But if he wanted to stick around and work in the town he grew up in… Abelard supposed it wasn’t the worst thing to want, even if he was being deceptive about it. Still, something wasn't right about Cainan…
“Very well, we can walk together,” Abelard finally agreed, though he still scowled at the younger cat. Cainan on the other hand seemed perfectly pleased with this outcome. It indeed seemed like this was the outcome the younger man had desired.
As the two of them left the church grounds and walked up to where the two roads outside the church crossed, Abelard couldn’t help but feel like this was all an elaborate rouse. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Cainan was trying to manipulate him in some way. His intentions sounded innocent enough on paper, but the way he went about everything didn’t sit right with Abelard. “Now, young Mr. Wirth-”
“Ugh, no… Just call Cainan… uhm… please. Reverend.”
“Well, Cainan… If you wish for me to… potentially assist you with your plight, I must ask you a few things. And I ask that you return the favor by answering my questions honestly.” Abelard turned his blue-eyed gaze upon the other and fixated him with a scrutinizing look. “Do I have your word?”
“Of course, I’ll be… honest.” The hesitation made Abelard scoff and offer Cainan a side-eye as the two walked down the dirt road together. “No, sorry, I mean it. I’ll be honest – I swear.”
Abelard still scowled, but he ultimately nodded, breaking eye contact to look ahead. The two walked along the road that ran parallel to the church’s front door. They moved in silence for a few seconds as Abelard gathered his thoughts. He still wasn't at all sure what to make of Cainan. He didn’t appear very trustworthy; the way he spoke, his closed off body language from the way he slouched and the way he shrugged so often. Abelard very much felt that the answers he got from the white cat would prove whether he was to be trusted or not.
“So, tell me: when did you move away? And how come your parents didn’t contact you to let you know that they'd moved themselves?” Abelard decided to go for two big questions back to back. When he looked over to Cainan on his left, the younger cat did indeed seem taken aback by the questions. Abelard simply hoped he'd honor his promise and tell him the truth.
“Ah… Well, those are very good questions…” Cainan replied hesitantly, looking away at the cornfield they walked past. Abelard could tell he was stalling to answer, and he was starting to feel rather annoyed with Cainan already. Though the scowl on his face didn’t go away, Abelard calmed himself the best he could, and just waited. “Well, to answer the first one, I left town when I was… I think fourteen. Thirteen? Around that time at least.”
“Really now? And how come you decided to leave Defiance then?” Abelard wondered aloud, and he couldn’t help but privately wonder if Cainan had run away. It seemed unusual to travel away alone at such a young age. But all the same it seemed so unlikely; from what Abelard remembered of the Wirth family, they were a respectable sort, a good family with good values. They were people of faith and everyone in town seemed to like and admire them.
At least if Abelard's memory served him correctly…
“Oh, I needed a change of scenery.” Once more, Cainan appeared so casual. He stuck his hands into his pants pockets, looking completely unbothered. He still slouched a bit, whereas Abelard took proper strides, back as straight as a board. “Small towns like this are nice, but I wanted to see more of what the world had to offer.”
Abelard had to admit, the younger cat’s answer had surprised him. Assuming it was the truth, he couldn’t help but find it almost admirable to want to experience things like that at such a young age. Perhaps that was how his parents had raised him?
Of course, being out in the world meant temptation. How old was Cainan now? Abelard wasn't sure, but if he left about ten years ago, perhaps… Ten years was a long time… Who knew, maybe Cainan was older than he seemed at a glance. “And where did the road take you then?”
“Oh, here… there… all over the place.” Cainan offered up another casual shrug, Abelard feeling a twinge of annoyance shooting through him at the sight. “I started going from town to town. I traveled down south for a bit, then over east to St. Louis for a while. Never really out of state, though.”
“And now you’ve returned home.” Cainan glanced on over at Abelard in a manner that told Abelard all he needed to know. The look told him far more than the young cat likely meant for it to; he didn’t like the idea of referring to Defiance as ‘home’. Although he said nothing, it was written all over the younger cat’s face. “And what did you do while you were away exactly? I take it you must have done some kind of work to get by, have you not?”
Cainan nodded as they approached the treeline that bordered the fields near the church. Past the treeline there would be yet more farmland with more houses and more of what Defiance had to offer. “I did a couple different things. Factory work, courier work, personal driver, everything in-between, really.”
It was of course a very vague list, but Abelard supposed if he truly was that versatile and had gotten a lot of experiences in his time away from Defiance, he might just fit in after all. It shouldn’t be too hard to find something for him to do at least; Abelard was sure he (or at least the locals) might be able to find a niche for the Turkish Angora to occupy. But of course, that was all up to the community and how well he got himself reintegrated with them.
Defiance was a small, small town, but there should be room enough for one more – it might even help that he grew up there. Abelard wasn't sure if anyone would remember the white cat, but perhaps if they did, that might ease the transition.
As the two of them reached and passed the treeline, they also reached a more densely populated area. This was of course relatively speaking as the buildings scattered here still had a considerable amount of distance between them. Cainan glanced around with considerably more interest than he’d shown up until that point, his green eyes taking everything in. “Ah yeah, I do remember this place… a little. It hasn't changed that much from what I remember…”
“Suppose there’s not too much of a point in showing you around then. Hmmm, let’s see… If you left some ten years ago, I suppose you may not have seen that we have a bookstore now, have you?” Abelard asked as they approached the nearest building. He didn’t remember exactly when the bookstore had been opened, but he was fairly sure it must have been after Cainan left home.
“Oh, I don’t think so, no. I might have to stop by later,” the younger cat said. Abelard thought it might be the first time Cainan said something genuine. At the very least it seemed more genuine than anything else he had said up until that point.
Out here, there was more open grassland, less of it dedicated to farmland, more of it just simple grassy, green hills that rolled along the beautiful landscape. While there was distance between the homes here, they were closer in proximity than some the farms around the church. Cainan looked around curiously as the two of them continued along the dirt road. “Ah, I recognize some of the buildings.”
“So, where are you staying exactly? I take it you’re not staying in your parents’ old home. Are you renting a room at the inn?” Abelard inquired as they neared the very same inn on their stroll. Although it was one of the larger buildings in town, they only had two rooms they rented out, seeing as Defiance didn’t see many visitors, usually. It had a seating area inside for guests to sit and dine as well.
“Oh, no, I’m not. I’ve already got a bed with my name on it,” Cainan replied vaguely. As the two of them passed the inn and approached other houses, a few people took notice of the strange duo.
Abelard would nod in greeting to them, but he could tell people were curious. “And where might that be? If you’re planning on working here, I think we ought to make sure you don’t have to commute back and forth…”
“Ah. Well, I’m staying on over in Cottleville, it’s not too far.” Abelard watched Cainan closely, trying to see if he was being honest. He had a difficult time with this young, white cat; he was easy to read at times, yet other times, such as now, Abelard hadn't the faintest idea what he was thinking. His face was neutral, blank like a fresh new canvas, not showing a single discerning emotion.
“I see. I suppose that isn't too bad as far as distance is concerned,” Abelard reluctantly agreed as they continued on their way. He fell silent for a moment, the older cat needing a moment to think things through. They passed by the post office on their way.
It was another business that had had its start in someone’s home, albeit a house considerably smaller than most of the others. A single-story house where the very front had been converted into the post office where letters were sent and received daily.
Abelard privately thought that if anyone had kept in touch with the Wirths, Cainan may be able to get their new address and send for them… if that was even something he wanted at all. Abelard had gotten the distinct feeling that perhaps there was some unpleasant history between Cainan and his parents.
“So, say if you were to stay here, what work would you be willing to do?” Abelard finally asked after a brief of silence. He fixated the white cat with a scrutinizing stare once more. He supposed this too might reveal a bit about Cainan's current situation, as well as his character.
“Oh, anything and everything,” the young cat said almost lazily. “I did do food service for a while, but I don’t know if the inn would need to hire any help. I don’t know what else there would be around here. But I suppose I’ll just have to find out.”
Anything and everything was a very wide spectrum, and Abelard wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. It could mean one of two things to Abelard; either Cainan truly was incredibly versatile and not at all picky; or he was desperate. Abelard supposed that regardless, it shouldn’t be too hard to find something for him to do.
“I really ain’t too fuzzy about it. Maybe I’ll just stick around for a few days and see what happens.” Cainan cast an inquisitive glance back over his shoulder towards the post office. It was one of the first buildings one would encounter when entering Defiance from the direction they were going. “Hmmm…”
“What is it?” Abelard looked towards the building as well, then looked back at Cainan. He raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Oh, nothing, nothing. Just considering my options,” the younger cat replied with a shrug. Cainan pulled his hands out of his pockets and cracked his knuckles rather loudly, before resuming his slouching posture. “So, hmmm… anything else you want to know about me?”
Abelard could tell Cainan was hesitant, and odds were he was only asking to be polite; it was clear to Abelard that Cainan was being secretive on purpose. Whatever it was, the younger cat did indeed seem to hide something, though perhaps he just simply didn’t enjoy sharing. Abelard supposed he couldn’t blame him there.
“So, if you’re staying somewhere over in Cottleville, are you a permanent resident there? Or what is your living situation? I’m trying my best to understand here…” Abelard had a feeling he knew the answer, but he needed to be sure. That was assuming Cainan chose to answer truthfully, of course.
“I’m… more or less homeless at the moment,” Cainan admitted, looking up at Abelard. Their eyes locked again and Cainan just gave a small smile when he saw the look on Abelard's face. “It’s alright, I’m managing just fine for now.”
Abelard watched the younger cat for a moment as they continued on their way. He wasn't so sure; being a young man without a job and a home didn’t seem like he was managing. He supposed if he had money saved up that was one thing, but he also didn’t know for sure. Abelard's eyes drifted down to the torn knee of Cainan's denim pants. That seemed like something he could and would have fixed if he’d had the funds for it.
Although Abelard didn’t want to give Cainan too much just yet (in case he was the type to take an arm, when offered a hand) he couldn’t help but feel as though he ought to do something for him. As untrustworthy as he’d been acting up until this point, Abelard thought that perhaps he was making light of his own situation to make it seem less severe. Perhaps a coping mechanism of some kind.
Nevertheless, the two of them continued along the road. They didn’t speak too much outside of Abelard explaining which buildings were from after Cainan had left town, which seemed to be a good number of them. Even with Defiance’s small population, there ought to be quite a few new faces among them now, at least for Cainan who had been gone for so long.
The two had made it all the way to the road sign that would first greet those arriving in Defiance, at which point they turned back. They’d ended up further from the residential area and closer to Defiance General.
The post office was the first building of significance they reached on their way back. A decently sized building with just one floor, a quite scenic one given the open field behind it. Abelard knew a local artist had once painted a beautiful piece featuring the post office and its backdrop. It was, in fact, iconic to the residents.
Glancing through the main window as they passed, Abelard offered a wave to the local postman, Mr. Lang, who was working inside. The gray tabby offered a wave back, though he cast a curious glance at Cainan, who seemed to be glancing the complete opposite way. He almost seemed to willfully try to ignore the post office’s existence.
“Would you like to go inside? Perhaps we can ask if there’s work to be done in the post office.” Cainan turned towards Abelard again and looked apprehensive at best.
“Oh, uh… Yeah, we can head inside,” the younger cat replied, speaking with a similarly apprehensive tone, his eyes not meeting Abelard's. Abelard raised an eyebrow curiously. For someone who said they’d take on anything and everything, this was a curious reaction, when the very prospect of a potential job was brought up.
What are we going to do with you? Abelard privately wondered as he stepped up to the post office’s door, looking sideways at the younger cat. Abelard knew next to nothing about him at this point, maybe Cainan truly was doing better than he appeared to be.
He was an enigma, this one…
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ericaportfolio · 10 months
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TW: For references/mentions of abuse. You all are going to hate this character.
After some of the last crazy few weeks, I finally finished another character sheet based on the art from the Hello Puppets games with another OC I created if the show did not get canceled, no fire, and no possessed murder puppets ever happened. This character was created when the Lackadaisy Pilot came out, but I added some Helluva Boss (don't watch the show if you are under 18 kids, please wait) mafia episode influences.
On the outside, Francis Nack, Father of Nick Nack, runs an Arcade Casino in one of the cities near the town the Handeemen lives. But in reality, Francis is the French Mob Boss and uses his Arcade Casino as a coverup for a money racketeering scheme. Sadly, after years of emotional and physical abuse, when Nick was about to turn 18 in a month, he was secretly approached by a banker who was hired by his missing mother, Jancis, years ago to give Nick his inheritance from her to use if he wanted to get away from the crime family and use that money for anything he wants to pursue. Obviously, Nick took the money, went to an art college, and years later joined the newly formed Handeemen group that later became a show. Blessing or a curse, on the premiere episode of Season 3, when the Handeemen accepted an offer to help a kid win a pinball tournament, they are suddenly picked up by a mysterious luxurious travel escort transportation. To Nick's (even Virginia's) dismay, it turned out that the pinball tournament was taking place at the same Arcade Casino with Francis waiting for them. As Francis's premiere episode progresses, his intentions are made clear becoming the main antagonist for Season 3. Yep, Season 3 became a French parody of The Godfather.
Historically, the law chased the Mafia out of Las Vegas during the Mid-1980s. Whoever got the character approved by the censors must have been the many therapists at the time when PSA episodes really started to kick in the late 1980s/early 1990s to spread awareness of child abuse because the Handeemen fandom was theorizing if Nick came from an abusive home, but nobody was expecting The Godfather route. So what better way to bring awareness than by making the abuser the main antagonist for the season. Francis is literally the French version of The Godfather. Along with Lackadaisy and Helluva Boss, his biggest inspiration came from the 2003 French animated comedy, The Triplets of Belleville, which is a CLASSIC!!! Though be warned of mature content in the film since the movie is for audiences thirteen and up. The mafia in that film is similar to the Nack Mob in this AU. Like father like son, they are almost alike, except for height and Francis is commonly nicknamed Scarface for his scar. Francis originally had Brown Hair that faded over time. To get the season approved by the producers and the censors, instead of having a regular Casino as a backdrop, they instead went with an Arcade Casino with arcade games, pinballs, and fair games in a classic Las Vegas-like setting.
Nick's mom, Jancis Nack, was a mixture of Riley and Daisy with Audrey Hepburn influences. Speaking of Daisy, Jancis's hair was inspired by Daisy's blueprints from the Hello Puppets games. Nick's mom's disappearance becomes one of the biggest mysteries in the show, some thinking Francis had something to do with it. So yeah, Nick has 🎵 parent/daddy issues🎵 everybody!
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rain-draws-all · 1 month
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Things I've had Rocky do in DnD
Please note that my brother is the DM and will sometimes put in special interests for the group
Ms Tracy J Butler if you read this, I hope you have a good laugh
He's the only male character in this party. The others are a Tiefling Warlock, a Saytr Cleric, and later on a Half Elf Rogue
The cleric will occasionally just take off her clothes and chivalry dictates he must avoid his gaze
Though he will also just randomly take off his clothes so what the hell
First session did the Old Man River Poem when the chance arrived
Used vicious mockery on a goblin that didn't understand him but felt the need to go home and cry. Then he set its home on fire
Rolled a Nat20 on a chance encounter and had a unicorn nearly trample him
Said Unicorn adores him bc he's a virgin (I'm assuming) and keeps slut shaming his friends
My brother gave everyone who wanted one a love interest, Rocky's is a calico tabaxi ship captain (her name is Astrid)
They have a history but not a romantic one as Rocky lost her 400 gold worth of cargo and broke her ship's mast
Unintentionally got the warlock's hand bitten off by a were shark
Don't worry he had the unicorn fix it (begged)
They all have mounts, Rocky's is a fire bat named Novasa. Almost went with Sludge Rudge Begrudge (a snail) but didn't cuz I almost didn't play as Rocky
Keeps loudly bullying the Cleric for her crush on the local shop keep and now he's unofficially banned from going to shop at the same time as her
Went to an endless party also owned by a Satyr. Said satyr kept acting weird to our Satyr So when we investigated his room, Rocky took his "suspicious" fuzzy handcuffs
He also met a teleporting magic chicken named Margarita at that party. She really liked to nest on his hat
During a fight, he broke a man's legs near a lake. And then just left him by the lake. That man drowned but hey technically the water killed him not Rocky.
Found the undercity by following Mordecai (I get chance encounters with Lackadaisy characters except Freckle and Ivy)
Went to an underground gambling ring with the Cleric, her God is one of gambling so she kept cheating
The workers started to realize she was cheating, so in order to make a quick get away, Rocky loudly announced she was having a baby.
Satyr Cleric was clearly not pregnant but I rolled a Nat20 and got away with it.
Now they won't go back to the casino out of embarrassment (well her's not Rocky)
Later on he somehow, SLAYED A DRAGON. Like he got the killing blow. He kept a fang as keepsake and got a dagger made out of it.
Made friends with a Fae Prince who's just as chaotic as him. His name is Jasper
Helped Treants and as a reward they gave him 10 gallons of Treant Maple Syrup. Currently has 4 gallons left
Set up a daycare deal with a swamp witch named Zamboni (Don't worry he's not the babysitter)
So he's wanted in one city that's not actually a city it's more of a group traveling merchant shops/ships on the ocean. That's where he got his ear nicked in this world
He decided to sneak back on... in drag. DESPITE HAVING DESGUISE SELF
His love interest Astrid gave him a black ball gown to wear and her first mate gave him a blonde wig. Our Warlock did his make up that looked like a 6 yr old experimenting with a makeup set.
I had to roll for every interaction he did. When I rolled a 2 he tripped and ripped the dress down the back. The wig fell off as he tumbled
They immediately recognize him and he went sprinting back to the ship he came on in his underwear and boots.
What he did to be wanted was "accidentally?" set fire to a boat that turned out to have fireworks.
I think this is when his love interest caught feelings bc she's usually stoic but was cackling at this
He ate rocks with harpies
He melted a man's face off for threatening his friends (and his sweetheart) during a pirate battle
During the pirate battle Astrid gave a man four butt cheeks
And a gods damn Turtle Dragon showed up wanting to kill the fighting ships but Rocky knowing the spell Tongues was able to talk it out with her and she destroyed the pirate ship
(Here's where special interests start to show)
They helped Iplier Fischbach King of the Court of Finaf, received a Mr Hippo Magnet as a token
Cooked with Undyne and Papyrus from Undertale (surprise it caught fire)
Had to climb a gi huge fuck tree as he was the only one with claws. Paragliding down with a giant feather that he could barely lift
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Freckle&Ivy x Poly!Reader Headcanons
My first shot at headcanons, and I had to pick something I have no personal experience with. Enjoy!
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• You saw Freckle and Ivy dancing one night at the Lackadaisy, and boy were you starstruck.
• Two beautiful people who are seemingly opposites, yet are still lovey dovey? Yes please!
• Is what was most likely thought in your head.
• Of course, having multiple partners at once isn't exactly mainstream, so you settle with approaching them and, at the very least, befriending them.
• Guess what, the feelings didn't go away, in fact they multiplied.
• Eventually, after a while you work up the courage to talk to Freckle and Ivy.
• Soooooo, pitching the idea to them was a hassle.
• You wanted to take it slower with the explanation of what you were asking, but you kept tripping over your words.
• Eventually you ended up just, spitting it out, a decision you immediately regretted.
• Curiously, though, Ivy and Freckle were...cool with it?
• Granted, some of it had to deal with Ivy thinking it'd be an interesting idea, and Freckle being a people pleaser, but you got to take victories where you can find them, y'know?
• The three of you decided to go for it, and boom, poly couple.
• Unfortunately, no matter which way you identify, you'll have to hide the affection for them.
• The 1920s had lots of cool beer and neat criminals, but folks weren't exactly accepting of anything out of the norm, and Freckle and Ivy were already an established couple.
• Don't worry though, that just means you get extra love in private!
• Well, as in private you can get, that is.
• Private time is short, having to fit between Ivy's college classes and y'all's work at the Lackadaisy.
• Because yeah, you probably landed a job over there, either because you wanted the job, or because they desperately need supervision.
• Bonus perks if you're good with a needle and thread, because Ivy needs someone to fix her clothes up, and Freckle needs someone to fix his cousin up.
• Speaking of Rocky, he's not really suprised when he finds out.
• Man's been traveling the country, he's encountered lots of stuff like this.
• Actually, a lot of the Lackadaisy members are atleast fine with the idea of the three of you together.
• I mean, speakeasies were the place for people and relationships who didn't conform after all.
• And that means you can be all lovey dovey with them at the Lackadaisy with only the odd stares of new patrons.
• Of course you do have one-on-one dates, especially when either Freckle or Ivy are busy.
• Ivy will take you out shopping and just generally hanging out around town.
• Whether you're fem or masc, she'll get you the perfect outfit.
• Just know, you'll be carrying the stuff, and Freckle's aching arms are ever so grateful for your sacrifice.
• Late night study dates at either her dorm or a local library (depending on gender) are also pretty common, especially when finals roll around.
• She also likes when she can take a break from the work to sneak off somewhere private where you two can be all cuddly.
• As for Freckle, he mainly just goes with what you want to do.
• Want to head out and see a play? Freckle'll come along too. Spend some time just fixing things and cleaning? Freckle loves that? Recover after Rocky convinced you to do something stupid? Trust me, he's been there, and he's right there next to you.
• That's not to say he's completely hobbyless, he'll take you out to baseball games and parks when he's feeling confident.
• Freckle will stay away from anything too high energy though.
• He doesn't want to show off his more... psychotic side.
• He'll invite you over to his house however.
• As a friend, of course.
• You are about 70% sure that Nina knows, though, but doesn't say anything to keep Freckle happy.
• All in all, you three make things work, even with the weirdness of the situation.
• Oh and by the way, I hope you don't mind not having both of your hands when you're alone with them.
• Odds are the one of, if not both of them, will be holding your hands throughout the day.
• But hey, who needs hands when you've got a kick-ass girlfriend and a shy, unstable boyfriend?
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Note
I have been in love with this ship ever since I came up with it in an AU! My reasons for it are because I don't like the canon ship one of them is in and I think it's cute! Yes, I know the creators are at odds, but their drama isn't my drama so, I'm going to have fun!
Character: Stolas and Rocky Rickaby
Fandom: Helluva Boss and Lackadaisy
Relationship: Romantic
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Characters: Stolas x Rocky Rickaby
Fandoms: Helluva Boss | Lackadaisy
Relationship: Romantic
Submitted by Anonymous!
Ok, I genuinely had no idea there was any drama to speak of, but from what I saw (thanks to a quick Google search), most if not all of the drama is fans claiming one has copied the other, or done something better/worse. Which is silly. If you're gonna be that nit picky about something, I hate to break it to you, but it's probably been done before about a gazillion times.
Why do some fans have to be toxic and ruin things for the fans just in it to enjoy stuff?? I even saw a post on Reddit like "here's a list of things that prove Lackadaisy copied Helluva, despite coming out first".. WHAT?! That's not how it works?! Unless you're also claiming the Lackadaisy creator TIME TRAVELLED??
Sorry, I'll stop rambling now XD IT JUST MAKES NO SENSE
On a lighter note; I've never seen Lackadaisy before and I had planned to binge Helluva and Hazbin, so I guess I'll add that to my watchlist XDD
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lordofdestructionm · 8 months
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The fear behind the manic grin
I know I have a reputation as a feral Vikdecai account (I mean can you blame me?) but all the characters in Lackadaisy are amazing and the main cast all have their own interesting stories playing out
Case in point the musical, poetic and lovably derranged Rocky Rockaby
There is one moment in the pilot where the feral energetic grinning persona slips and we see the face a of a broken young man in a state of total despair, before mercifully Mitzi decides to lighten the tone
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This is key to understanding Rocky and his motivations
After being abandoned by his father and his mothers death from illness, Rocky was raised in his early years for a period of time by his Aunt Nina along with his cousin Calvin (Freckle)
However, due to some as yet unrevealed tragedy, Rocky was ejected from the Mcmurray house and spent the following years riding the rails
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This is what we see the tail end of in the trailer for Season one
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He stayed in touch with Calvin, writing him letters about his adventures, and as you would expect from a flamboyant personality he exaggerates what a big adventure it was how optimistic he was feeling at this time as he travelled from place to place working various assorted odd jobs between 1921 and 1924
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The Lackadaisy Wicki provides a nice breakdown
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But of course the reality is quite different. Having no home, no family and no friends outside what brief and fleeting acquaintances he made on the road took its toll
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When he finally returns "home" to St Louis he attempts to reconnect with his deadbeat dad only to realize that he had skipped town quite some time ago and once again is not there for him.
Knowing better than to expect a warm welcome from Aunt Nina he is once again all alone with nowhere to go. Simply living on the streets with pidgeons as his only companions
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But all that changes when he meets Mitzi May by chance around 1925 while busking in the street with his violin after charming her with his music.
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This makes Mitzi his patron, and indeed his saviour from a vagrant existence when she lets him join Zib's band, then playing exclusively at the Lackadaisy speakeasy.
For the first time in years he has not only found somewhere seemingly more long term to be but back in the town he thinks of as home
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But even this seemingly positive change does not get to last long. Atlas's death in 1926 throws everything into uncertainty and without its leader and despite Mitzi's best efforts things begin to decline both financially and in terms of manpower.
Those that remain do so for various reasons despite leaving arguably being the smartest option. Rocky does so because he is done with drifting and is determined to hold onto the solid ground he has found no matter what. He makes this desperation clear to Calvin
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Though it should be noted while he wants the Lackadaisy to be saved he wants it done on very specific terms.
Specifically ones where he is the golden boy that saved the day.
He is desperate to ingratiate himself to Mitzi. This is in part due to gratitude to her as his "saviour", partly him having a crush on her, mostly its tied to his perception of her as a "damsel in distress" that he can ride in and rescue, and in the process secure a permanant place for himself
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This is why in both the pilot and the comic he is so devastated when he sees that she is dissapointed with his efforts.
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This is also why in both you can see a (barely) passive aggressive attitude towards Wick.
Its not just that he is a rival for Mitzi's affection. The friendly wealthy industrialist, who clearly has a thing for the beautiful widow, threatens to make Rocky and his efforts to be the Knight in shining armour redundant, and equally so Rocky himself.
If he invested his money in the Speakeasy he would be the hero and Rocky would just be the clown that tried so hard (risking his life even) but failed, only for some handsome aristocrat to stroll in with his chequebook
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Rocky fears being adrift again. Of feeling alone and unwanted again. He is willing to go to extreme lengths to prevent that from happening.
To feel wanted, included and loved he will start as many fires and thow as much dynamite and dodge was many bullets as it takes
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BELOW THE SURFACE: CHAPTER FIVE:
Below the Surface: A 2023 Lackadaisy Fanfiction...now posted here, there, and NOW on Tumblr. Enjoy!
---“Often enough the manipulator approaches, stimulates, or even creates a powerful wish or a strong desire in the target's mind.” – Sapir Handelman ---
"His voice means to deceive you...my voice just wants to lead you...Below the Surface."
-🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹-
“Need you go on about this murder, dear?”
“I have to: Lacrimosa’s orders.”
Mandisa had slid off her cloak, and sat on the couch in the jazz lounge. Barely anyone was there, aside from her, and her lovely Maine Coon lover: James Monroe. An author from England, traveling for inspiration and businesses. He had treated her better than her ex husband ever had. She didn’t feel like an object around James.
“You have to realize that you’ve been running yourself ragged.” James gave her a knowing look. Mandisa craned her neck up to look into his blue eyes, and how they softened when they were around her.
“Business is business, my darling. I cannot control that.” Mandisa replied, a bit curtly, even. James merely raised an eyebrow. He sighed, his shoulders dropping.
“Let me make you a drink, at least…you need to unwind.” He insisted. He turned on his heel and left to the other direction, his bushy tail gently brushing against her arm. Mandisa turned her head to watch him, and she held her arms. A faint smile came across her slightly wrinkled face, and those wrinkles did represent a bit of happiness. The dimples she harnessed whenever she smiled. Her blistering glare made her dangerously attractive, at least to James.
After a while, he came back with a cup and a saucer of Saiidi tea: her favorite. Seeped for five minutes over a burning fire. The fragrance calmed her down, and her ears slicked back. Her fingers traced the porcelain cup gently, and she held the handle. She brought it to her mouth and sipped carefully.
“...thank you, James.” She whispered.
“Anytime, love.” James pressed a gentle hand against hers. “How are Malachi and Cassandra?”
“Both are excelling in school. Cassandra is enjoying her art class, and Malachi is exceptionally good at baseball.”
“Ah, perfect!”
“Not perfect: …comforting.”
“Comforting?”
“Knowing how resilient they are, despite not having Aziraphale with them. Those two are thicker than thieves, now…”
James gave another smile, then a hum as an answer. “You’re a good mother, my dear. I am unable to comprehend how much you stress over being terrible.”
“I want a better life for them, James.” Mandisa’s smile dropped, and it faded into something sullen. “I shouldn’t be doing this job, but after… this, ” She gestured to her glass eye, and the jagged scratches on her eye, “this and the rumors…rumors of a divorce between ‘the Marvelous Mandisa’ and her ever-so-loving husband?”
“Is that why you chose to hide away?” James’ voice turned gentle. Mandisa squeezed her eyes shut, grimacing ever so slightly. She turned her head to look up at him, her eyes becoming glossy.
“Not hide away: run. ” She lowered her voice. “Princeton was my home…until Lorenzo ruined it for me.” She hissed out the last part. “I’m already torn. I couldn't take Aziraphale, despite me wanting to get him into a safer environment. Lorenzo didn’t listen to me, nor did he care.”
“...it was all arranged, correct?”
“Pardon?”
“The marriage, I mean.”
“Unfortunately…though he started off nice…things went horrible slowly.”
“My condolences, Mandisa.”
“Don’t be: condolences don’t convert already–done damage.” She went silent once she heard the familiar clicking of heels. She sighed, straightening herself up and placing the cup and saucer down. James gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, before walking off, just in time for Lacrimosa to walk in. She wasn’t in her usual flapper dress. In fact, she was in her suit. Her slacks were black, her undershirt was white, and her jacket was dark blue, with a fresh rose regalia pinned onto the lapel. She fixed her cufflinks, her tail swishing. 
“Mandisa, honey…how did the assassination go?” She kept her gaze down. The brim of her fedora was covering her amber–orange eyes, hiding the indication of how she was feeling.
“A failed assassination attempt. Heller is a damn monster with that gun.” Mandisa remained calm. Lacrimosa raised a brow. She slowly walked over to the booth, watching the Sphinx cat in front of her.
“So you’re telling me you failed?” She spoke in a dulcet tone.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Hmm.”
“I can certainly try again: though it’s going to be a better plan in order to execute it perfectly.”
“Are you defying my orders?”
“I–-excuse me?” Mandisa stared in disbelief. Lacrimosa lifted her head, showing a flash of disdain in her eyes.
“I heard through your yammering that the plan didn’t work: it was the fact that you didn’t try hard enough .” She made herself tower over the other. Mandisa’s ears flattened on her head, and she bit her tongue.
“...you’re correct, ma’am.” She gave a singular nod. “I should’ve tried harder.”
Lacrimosa smiled a bit. “Good: that’s all I needed to hear. Now…where’s that violin of yours? How about you play us a symphony?~” She smirked.
“...I don’t play for anyone but my children.” Mandisa stood her ground.
“Mhh. A pity.” Lacrimosa toyed with her cufflinks, now. “Mmm. Alright. I suppose I can let this slide once. But do me a favor?”
Mandisa blinked. “Yes?”
“If you fail another mission for me, then you are certainly going to be replaced by Silas: we both don’t want that to happen.” Lacrimosa tilted her head slightly. Mandisa pursed her lips tightly, nodding again.
“Yes…you are correct.” She choked out.
“Good: now, I’m off to the Hotel Maribel to discuss some…business, with dear ole’ Mr. Sweet.” Lacrimosa tipped her hat. “Make sure the Tueuse siblings don't cause any trouble~”
“You get to deal with them in the hotel, remember?”
“...agh, damnit. How didn’t I recall?”
Mandisa had to fight off a smirk. “Apologies for the inconvenience.” 
“Whatever is an inconvenience can be shifted into a convenience~” Lacrimosa waved a hand. She cocked her M1911, then went to a coat rack in the front of the jazz lounge. She threw it on, and glared over her shoulder. “Don’t disappoint me: you’ve reached the top, so don’t tumble to the bottom.” She gripped the door handle and flew it open. She walked out, slamming the door shut, and Mandisa was alone with her thoughts. She sat down in the booth, fingers tapping gently at her cup of tea now…it was cold. She ran a head on her head, eyes dulling. She gripped her ear.
“Damnit…” She whispered. Lacrimosa was certainly interesting, coming to emotional outbursts or reactions. She would be sweeter than honey one minute, then an absolute monster the next. She was very unpredictable.
Mandisa felt a sudden weight in the booth, and a hand on her shoulder. She was pulled closer by James, and rested his head on her head. His eyes closed slightly.
“...I know it’s rough…yet you’re doing so good.”
“I hardly recall being drained as ‘doing good’.”
“Yet here you are, trying your hardest.”
Mandisa hummed at the comment. “I don’t feel it’s enough.”
“...to me, it is.” James slowly reached for her hand, his fingers laced with hers. He smiled slightly, his eyes squinting slightly. Mandisa cracked a grin, her dimples being accentuated. It made James feel slightly relieved to witness her smile now.
…it made him feel complete.
“...where is Silas, again?”
“He and Raquelle are at Hotel Maribel. Raquelle had gotten too tipsy to return, and Silas had to deal with doing another murder.”
“Well I’ll be damned.”
“I surely am.”
“Hey now.”
“You know it’s true, James.” Mandisa pulled her hand away reluctantly. Yet she didn’t fight James’ thumb running against her knuckles gently. “I wouldn’t be here if Lorenzo wasn’t unfaithful.”
“If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t have known how much of a lovely person you are.” James whispered. Mandisa stared at him. She gripped his hand one more time.
“You’re too sweet.” She mumbled.
“I’m only speaking facts.” James replied. He tilted her chin slightly, eyes dulling. “...I will say: you deserve every ounce of happiness…especially after being torn up in the past. Quite literally…” He chuckled awkwardly. Mandisa rolled her eyes, unable to disguise her grin.
“Thank you for the reminder.” She commented. Her eyes fluttered wide open as a soft kiss was planted on her forehead.
“Not a problem, love.” James brought his hand to her cheek. “Not a problem at all.”
Mandisa held the hand closer to her cheek, and she pulled herself closer to him. His hands now rested on her hips, and the two of them were inches away from each other’s faces. Finally, after breaking the tension, Mandisa pulled herself inward to kiss James, her eyes shutting slowly. At first, James flinched, but he eased, his hands once again gliding up to the sides of her face. 
She wasn’t worried about the cold tea anymore: because she was in his warm embrace.
-🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹🌼🏵️🌹-
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silver-heller · 1 year
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♣Guns & Flowers Master list/Timeline
This is a canon divergent universe, and anything written here is of course subject to change!
Characters
Silver May - August 4th 1900
The only daughter of the Argenis family. Later adopted by Atlas and Mitzi May. Known for being quite the skittish recluse.
Mordecai Heller - March 28 1899
Atlas' golden boy, unforgiving and relenting, though Atlas claims he is more than that. Cold and professional by default.
Viktor Vasko - April 16th 1886
A mysterious and grumpy man who keeps his past and his secrets close to his chest. Though can be quite playful and teasing to loved ones.
Mitzi May - September 25th 1885
A musician who falls in love with Atlas and ends up helping out with the café and speakeasy. Overall friendly and playful, but isn't afraid to say it how it is.
Atlas May - January 3rd 1884
The owner of The Little Daisy Café and the Lackadaisy speakeasy. Known as an opportunist that is slowly collecting a menagerie of misfits. Known to be quite interested in the human nature and often pries into the psychology of those around him.
Rocky Rickaby - December 19th 1904
A rather rambunctious member of the crew who ends up asked by Atlas to look after Silver. Atlas, however, wonders what fate he has designated Silver to, seeing as Rocky is not entirely there.
Serafine Savoy - 1902
Mordecai's coworker at The Marigold, along with her brother, Nico. She had a short fling with Mordecai that ended up being a more permanent arrangement. Confident, spiritual, and appears to know more than she lets on at times.
Wick Sable - January 11th 1895
The man Mitzi has an interest in after Atlas' death. Has a fascination with rocks and is considered a pillar of the community, stopping him from financially supporting the Lackadaisy despite frequenting the speakeasy.
Timeline
1916
♣A Light In The Shadows
M | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Atlas | 1916/1920
When fleeing from New York, Mordecai is nearly killed for embezzling funds from the gambling rink he used to work for. Given a gun by Atlas, he is forced to kill the gamblers to save himself, marking his first kill.
♣First Days
M | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Atlas | 1916/1920
Mordecai stays with Atlas in Washington as he recovers. Atlas observes him in the meantime, while Mordecai begins suffering from lucid dreams.
Atlas encourages Mordecai to travel with him back to St. Louis, stopping at many cities along the way in the process. Mordecai notices Atlas often gets caught up in opportunities when he spots them.
1917
Prohibition is proposed in the Senate.
Atlas offers Mordecai a job as his bookkeeper, and tells Mordecai to think about it. Mordecai is extremely reluctant considering what he's seen from Atlas so far, though feels he is destined for this life.
Atlas begins training Mordecai in some of his ways.
Mordecai continues helping Atlas in his various travels, but is still yet to accept the job in all this time.
1918
Silver, reluctantly, is married to Valentin.
With a fair amount of money now, thanks to Atlas, Mordecai parts ways with Atlas to deal with some "unfinished business".
Atlas meets Viktor during this separation.
Mordecai returns briefly to New York for revenge. Receives bullet related head injury in the process.
Mordecai is taken back to the Little Daisy to recover.
1919
Prohibition is ratified.
Atlas can see Mordecai is cracking and coming to a decision, so he asks him that fateful question; "who are you?"
Mordecai accepts Atlas' offer for a job at the very end of the year. Atlas is thrilled, though curious what made him accept then.
1920
Atlas converts the limestone caverns under his café into a speakeasy.
Atlas hires Viktor and stops him from making a drastic decision.
♣It's a Short Drive
M | One | Viktor & Atlas | 1920
Mordecai begins working with Viktor distantly. The lodge incident shown in Gravediggers through to Momentum occurs.
Mordecai goes back to St. Louis with Atlas as his shadow, while Viktor takes a break.
Atlas meets and courts Mitzi. Mordecai meets Asa and Mitzi.
The band begins working at the Lackadaisy.
Mordecai becomes a bookkeeper for the Lackadaisy.
♣A Light In The Shadows
M | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Atlas | 1916/1920
Silver is admitted into an asylum after attacking Valentin. Silver is soon taken into Atlas' and Mitzi's care months later.
♣First Days
M | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Atlas | 1916/1920
♣My Bloody Valentin
M | One | Mordecai/Silver & Atlas | 1920
Dress To Impress
M | One | Mordecai & Atlas & Tawny | 1920
Atlas becomes curious about Mordecai after noticing a few of his quirks concerning love and romance.
Lovemaking
M | One | Mordecai & Atlas/Mitzi | 1920
Viktor and Mordecai work together again specifically for the Lackadaisy back in St. Louis.
Mordecai and Viktor become rather close, spending nights together and doing the dirty work of run-rummers/triggermen together. Mordecai is confused by this, though thinks it's nothing more than a friendly business partnership.
♣Lackadaisy's Ghost
M | Two | Mordecai/Silver/Viktor & Atlas | 1920
Mordecai's lucid dreams become worse after starting the job.
Mordecai develops feelings for Viktor around the end of the year.
♣Daughter of Mine
M | One | Mordecai & Atlas/Mitzi | 1920
Mordecai is informed May and Atlas have a daughter. However, he is not permitted to meet her.
1921
Atlas and Mitzi get married.
Viktor and Mordecai's love for each other becomes more evident.
1922
♣Love As a Scheme
M | 12 | Mordecai/Silver/Viktor & Atlas/Mitzi | 1922
Silver joins Viktor and Mordecai on the job after being introduced to them by Atlas.
Mordecai and Viktor make a promise that Mordecai will explore his feelings for Viktor if things with Silver do not work out.
Calm
M | One | Mordecai/Silver | 1922
I've Got Your Back
T | One | Silver/Viktor | 1922
1923
♣Love As a Scheme
M | 12 | Mordecai/Silver/Viktor & Atlas/Mitzi | 1922
Mordecai confesses more properly to Silver.
Mordecai asks Mitzi and Atlas for permission to marry Silver.
1924
Silver is accidentally shot in the head by Mordecai during a job, and presumed dead after being left in a house fire afterward.
Silver is saved and kept in hiding within the caves of the Lackadaisy.
1925
Rocky joins the band, and the Lackadaisy, in extension.
Mordecai and Rocky become friendly acquaintances.
Silver reads the Great Gatsby. Rocky accidentally lets slip that it's Silver's favorite book now and, despite coming out that year, is able to convince Mordecai it was always that way and he heard it from the others.
♣The Day Met The Night
T | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Rocky & Atlas | 1925
Rocky is introduced to Silver and asked to look after him.
♣Mordecai's Rocky Road
T | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Rocky & Mitzi | 1925
♣The Day Met The Night
T | Two | Mordecai/Silver & Rocky & Atlas | 1925
Rocky's drug trip makes Mordecai curious about the rest of the caves in the Lackadaisy.
♣Guardian Angel
T | One | Rocky & Silver & Atlas | 1925
♣Oh Sweet Violin
M | One | Mordecai & Rocky | 1925
Atlas goes traveling for a while. He meets Serafine at a station while she is left waiting for her brother.
♣A Line Without a-
M | One | Mordecai & Atlas | 1925
Mordecai has a fling with Irene before breaking up and finally accepting his sexuality.
♣Miss Irene
T | One | Irene/Rocky & Atlas | 1925
Rocky begins dating Irene.
1926
Atlas is killed mysteriously one night.
Silver is relocated by Rocky to hide in an apartment, via Atlas' instructions before his death.
Mordecai leaves the Lackadaisy to work for the Marigold, but not before kneecapping Viktor in an attempt to convince him to retire.
1927
Mordecai begins working with Nico and Serafine.
♣Right Here
M | Three | Mordecai/Silver & Serafine & Nico | 1927
♣Prophetic Bubbles
M | One | Mordecai/Serafine | 1927
♣Mr. Sweet's Tidbits
T | One | Mordecai & Asa | 1927
♣Silver Bullets & Black Dandelions♣
M | 29 | Everyone | 1927
Mordecai realizes Silver is alive when he is given the task to kill Silver by Asa. However, he can not do it and freaks out on his coworkers instead.
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the-broccodile · 11 months
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Meet Mitzi, named after Mitzi May from Lackadaisy She’s known as the god of gifts, a mythical force of nature, a kind soul lurking within the universe traveling among the different worlds together with her summonings. They swarm all accross, waiting quietly, listening to any offered wish. Worthy wishes, will be forfilled however strickt rules are set and followed as to not disturb nature. Sometimes a wish is desperetly needed but unattainable, in such moments, the biggest gift Mitzi can give to you is her time and she will always take her time.
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marloray · 8 months
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STORY INTRO ~ NABCABL
{BEFORE YOU READ}
     Note that this story starts well before the pilot, and starts when all of the characters are young, and when it begins it takes place in New York. Chapters will always start with the date at the top, so don't worry about trying to figure it out yourself!
This will also be a slow burn!! But I may skip a few days/weeks and not write out every single little day and thing that happens in this story to prevent all of us (including me) to go insane. 
     Please do know that this story may include some sensitive topics at some chapters in the story. The main sensitive topic that will be mentioned will be Asian hate. In the time period that this story takes place, Asian immigration was very much limited, and those who were able to get into the USA may have been ridiculed for who there were. While I will try to keep this topic to a minimum, it will be mentioned, as the main character (and my self-insert) Marly, is Filipina, with a bit of Chinese mixed in. Know that I, the author myself, am Asian (Filipina w/ a bit of Chinese), and I have received some hate for who I am in school in the past year. Chapters that do have this topic will mention that it includes it at the top, so feel free to skip these parts if wanted <3
{ABOUT THE STORY} like- the thing you read on the inside cover iykyk Marly Divata, a Filipina cellist who just moved to New York with her family has decided to meet her neighbors. She soon acquaints herself with the Hellers, a family of tuxedo cats. With time, she befriends each of them, including the quiet Mordecai Heller. Their friendship grows as the years pass, though at one point, years later, her friend Mordecai has seemed to run away from home. Marly now travels around the states with a cello based career set in play. As she grows in popularity in the musical industry, she soon decides to settle down in St. Louis in the year 1923. She joins the Lackadaisy band as their 3rd string player, and she soon gets to know all the staff, and even some regulars of the speakeasy! Though it seems that among (among us) the staff, is a very familiar tuxedo cat. He even has the emerald eyes.
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