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correlance · 2 months

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Art of Alastor as a Boucle Unicorn with deer features that I commissioned back in 2020 from my best friend, Dana Veitinger, a professional artist, illustrator, and animator. Dana and I met years ago through HARPG (Horse Art Roleplaying Game) on DeviantART.

See below the cut for a full explanation on "Boucle Alastor", as well as more related art and design pieces by Dana V. and other artists.

Some background: From 2017 to 2022-2023, I was highly active in Boucle Unicorns, a fantasy equine D&D art and pen-and-paper roleplaying game. In the tradition of "ponifying" characters, as seen with the TV show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (MLP: FiM), people who participated in Boucles created unicorn OCs, as well as variations of characters from other IPs in unicorn form. The group also revolves around breeding; specifically, using a breeding roller that took years for the group to create that auto-randomizes breeding rolls.

Now, normally, Boucle Unicorns look like your standard fantasy unicorns, with various mutations and variations that you could choose, such as lion manes, gemstone horns, etc. I initially joined the group in April 2017 due to the group offering a limited-edition Lapin mane, or bunny-ears-and-tail, for the month of Easter. However, in August 2017, the group introduced one of the biggest changes to the breed: Corrupted, a super-rare deformity that would turn your Boucle Unicorn into an eldritch abomination, or a "cursed" version, of itself.

To this end, one of the administrators, Tigglesaurus, introduced the first Corrupted: Doom, based on Sleipnir from Norse mythology. In order to get your own Corrupted, you had to breed a normal mare to Doom, and hope that, through chance, the breeding roller would roll for the foal to inherit the Corrupted deformity; that is, of course, if the breeding was successful. As many group users started breeding to Doom, the group made it harder to breed Corrupted foals, as the deformity was supposed to be rare. The rules were changed to this:

"Corruption is an incredibly rare group of birth defects, and their ways of expressing is largely unknown. It seem to warp the bodies and sometimes the minds of the Boucles, and while they do not have special magic types or abilities some seem to be prone to their magic backfiring. A Corrupted Boucle will always reflect the phenotype it has; for example, a Corrupted Muffet would have a spider theme! If an Ancients' Blessing [from the gods] is bestowed upon a Corrupted Boucle, the Corrupted [curse] is removed!"

Breeding Corrupteds:

All Boucles that inherit Corruption also roll for an extra defect, as well as any others inherited from the parents (i.e. blind, deaf, etc.).

Only 50% of breedings to normal Boucles succeed, as Corrupted Boucles quite often scare away their partners [due to their fearsome appearances], or are not very fertile.

Breeding one Corrupted to another Corrupted has a 75% rate of a successful breeding.

Even if the breeding is successful between a Corrupted and a non-Corrupted, and a foal is produced, there is still only a 25% chance that they also inherit Corruption (50% chance if both parents are Corrupted).

If you breed a Blessed Boucle to a Corrupted Boucle, and it inherits both, the Blessing will cancel out ('heal') the corruption, [as the Boucle deities hate Corruption, and Corrupted Boucles].

I helped my friend, Dana, breed one of the first successful Corrupted offspring from Doom: Pennywise, based on Pennywise the Clown from Stephen King's IT. However, when the Hazbin Hotel pilot episode came out on YouTube on 28 October 2019, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at breeding Alastor the Radio Demon as a Corrupted Boucle into the Boucle Unicorns roleplaying game.

Now, for those familiar with Boucle Unicorns, and how their breeding roller works, this was an exceedingly difficult task, due to how inheritance works in the game. For one, the mutations needed to create "Boucle Alastor" could not simply be ported as a starter Boucle Unicorn into the game; you had to specifically breed a certain combination of mutations into a foal to get the result you desired. This means having to submit a breeding, and hoping that the "odds were ever in your favor" of you rolling all of the mutations you want.

On top of this, in order to breed a Corrupted foal, you had to breed a Corrupted Boucle to a normal Boucle, and hope that, one, the breeding didn't fail outright (50/50 odds of success/fail); two, that the breeding rolled each mutation that you wanted (50% chance of each for heterozygous); and three, that you also rolled the 25% chance of the foal inheriting the Corrupted defect from their parent.

Breeding Alastor into the game itself also took a lot of careful planning, and selecting a sire and dam who could pass the desired trait(s) to produce Alastor's genotype and phenotype. When I say that summoning Lucifer himself through a demonic summoning ritual would've probably been easier, I mean it. I was lucky in the sire department; Dana, who owned Pennywise, gave me unlimited breedings to him, as I had helped her breed Pennywise into the game successfully in the first place. However, finding a dam was harder.

For one, one of the mutations needed to create Alastor in the game was "Extended Fawn Rayé", a gene that gave a Boucle foal deer-like features, such as antlers, a deer tail, etc. However, as Extended Fawn Rayé was a limited-edition Christmas mutation, I had to find a mare with the gene who I could breed to Pennywise to combine it with Corrupted. I eventually got two breedings to Tropdetache, a mare with the Extended Fawn Rayé gene, as well as "Sabertooth Félin", an additional gene that could give a foal sabretooth cat-like fangs.

All in all, it took months to organize, plan, and roll the breeding. A few months after the pilot episode aired in October 2019, I finally sent in the breeding between Pennywise and Tropdetache in January 2020. Why January 2020? Well, you had to breed during the month of January in order to get a red birthstone for the foal. Since I just had two breedings to Tropdetache, I had to hope and pray that the randomized roller gave me the genes that I needed to breed Alastor.

There were low odds of success, but the breeding, much to my surprise, worked...mostly. The breeding rolled in the 50% range for "success" (i.e. produced a foal), and I rolled an amazing 50% "success" for each of these genes: "Vampire (1) Noir Merle (2) Winternight Nuage (3) Jeté (4) Féerie (5) Haunted Joker (6) Plumes (7) Extended Fawn Rayé (8) Sabretooth Félin (9)". That's nine genes in total, with about a 50% success roll on each (1 in 512 probability).

There was just one big, glaring problem: The foal didn't inherit the Corrupted gene from Pennywise (25% odds, so lower than 50%), which was one of the main points of the breeding to begin with. However, I was able to find a loophole: By bestowing an Ancient's Blessing of Blood on the foal through another in-game reward, I could have the foal mimic Corrupted, without it actually being Corrupted. Thus, "Alastor the Boucle Unicorn" was born in the game.

Note that some genes were technically "Christmas", but because the foal also inherited Vampire and the Ancients' Blessing of Blood, I could "twist" the Christmas genes to be more Halloween-ish. For example, "Winternight Nuage" became a blood moon here instead.

From October 2019 to September 2020, when Alastor was finally bred, designed, and referenced, the entire process took about a year. Dana and I spent another few years levelling up Alastor in the game.

Boucle Alastor's magical abilities, which had to be earned in-game, with Alastor being a disciple of Sanguis, the Deity of Blood:

Fire Magic (ability to produce and control fire, from god Ignis)

Blood Magic (ability to control blood, from god Sanguis)

Dark Magic (power over shadows and darkness, from god Nox)

Electricity Magic (ability to control electricity, from god Fulmen)

Time Magic (ability to control time and flow, from god Tempus)

Telepathy Magic (ability to read minds, from god Animo)

Creator Magic (ability to create objects, from god Aedifex)

Official group description for Sanguis:

Not only did Boucle Alastor become even more overpowered than canon Alastor ended up, but Boucle Alastor became a god himself. A lesser one, to be sure, but still a powerful being blessed by the gods.

In turn, Alastor also created his own slew of offspring, including the lovely Anenome, designed by the artist Memuii, also blood-themed:

Eventually, since Dana and I both ship Charlie/Alastor (Charlastor), I was able to breed a mate for Alastor in the game: "Princess of Hell". Ironically, Boucle Charlie did inherit the Corrupted gene from her father, so you have a Blessed Boucle, favored by the higher gods, paired with a Corrupted Boucle, with the gods hating Corrupteds.

There is another small irony: Charlie is taller than Alastor, officially speaking, per the randomized official rolls. Alastor is 16 hands high at the shoulder, whereas Charlie is 17-18 hands high, more like Lilith.

I'll edit or reply to this post later with Dana's art of Boucle Charlie.

#alastor #hazbin alastor #alastor hazbin hotel #alastor hazbin #radio demon #boucle unicorns #d&d art #dnd #dungeons and dragons #rpg art

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thedndgoblinwholivesinyourwalls · 13 days

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Associating my ocs with a random thing, bug,animal and plant cuz i can hehehe (@enlighten3d idk maybe you’d be intrested in this hehehee and all the bugs are cuz of youuu)

Janette: Cicada, Lilly Of The Valley, stained glass, doves

Adele: Mantis, Strangler Fig, cigarette ashes, wild dog (lmao)

Josh: Ladybug, Baby’s Breath (wilted/yellow), knitting needles and thread, rabbit

Ryan: Stag beetle, Sunflower, cupid’s bow and arrow, deer

Carmela: Moth, Tulip, stars,greyhound

Dana: Dragonfly, Water Lily, fishing hooks, whale (are we sensing a theme with them lmao: its water)

WOAHHHH SYMBOLISM!!!

#this is mostly if i want to draw ‘meaningful’ oc art i have some ideas for symbolism yipee #thoughts in the void #cryptid hunter blabs #oc tag

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onceuponalegendbg · 2 years

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Thoughts During TOH 3x01 Thank to Them

Alright, here we go. Let’s do this. Final season of the Owl House.

Man, the first six minutes are so bittersweet. All the adventures we would have had. But honestly, Dana and crew made the most of that intro holy cow.

It’s really cute that they were all trying to learn Spanish. Amity referencing the top student star. Ha.

Finding that little box was a little quick but I’m not gonna hold that against them.

Luz, baby, you really are too hard on yourself.

Luz being like “mom” and Camila not understanding that Luz is trying to warn her about something in the road actually reminds me of something that happened with me and my mom. We were trying to decide what to cook for dinner for a party. I saw a deer in the road and didn’t want to freak Mom out so I very calmly was like “Deer.” Mom didn’t get it and replied “I don’t think that would be a good idea for this.” And so more emphatically I said “No, Mom, deer,” and she finally saw it and hit the brakes.

….Anyway, back to the show.

Hunter has gotten really good at sewing. And wolves are cool.

Finding a character your relate to in an effort to try and sort your own stuff out? Say it isn’t so.

Camila is such a good mom, y’all. I’m crying. She loves Luz so much. Every scene with them hits so hard, why are they so good?! Frick me.

Willow is so supportive of her man lol.

Belos goop!

I never knew to fear giraffes until now.

Oh hey, Grey Griffin Goth Kid. Which flag are their nails painted for? Vee seems smitten.

The photo album of adventures we could have had. Sigh….. Last time I’ll bring it up I promise.

Oh? A little magic in those glyphs?

Oh, Hunter… we know you’re not crazy.

“You’re family now.” Aw, sweetie, don’t cry. Luz and Hunter’s sibling dynamic is all I ever wanted.

Nerd bros.

Uh, Camila? Got something to share with the class?

Luz baby… You couldn’t have known. I mean, the audience knew… but you couldn’t have.

Oh god everyone looks so cute!

Ah! Man! No! Not possession!

Oh. Hi. Jacob.

Oh, Goth Kid! (Do they have a name?)“Boo! Just lie to me!”

Evelyn? Interesting. Sounds like a Clawthorne.

“Sounds like big bro got a hot witch girlfriend and little bro got upset, but that’s just me.” Facts.

No! Belos is possessing him!

Man, she’s been making video diaries since she was a kid.

Awww no! The Azura books were something her dad left for her!!!! No! Don’t make me cry!

I’m gonna be honest, I completely forgot about the cut on his finger.

Oh! Interesting. Titan Blood = Able to do Glyphs.

Not gonna lie, Hunter looks dope.

Yooooo! The animation just got a boost! So smooth!

Leave Flapjack alone!

So… can Hunter not swim or….?

Yo are we actually going back now!!?

Man I saw the theories but I really hoped Flapjack wouldn’t die man.

“Sit up slowly, baby.” Aw Camila, why are you so good?

Of course they don’t blame Luz.

Camila is really coming with us? Oh man. I’m so excited for that.

“We’ll be back after we get some revenge.” Oh my god I love her.

Aw, the callback.

Man that was a lot. I’m still really processing all this but… man I’m so glad this show is back. I think the next one isn’t airing until 2023? But regardless, just having this was phenomenal.

Dana? Crew? You guys did amazing! Can’t wait to see more.

#spoilers #the owl house deserves better #the owl house #toh #owl house #dana terrace

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utakanalight · 8 months

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youtube

— Малдер, когда мы познакомились пять лет назад, ты рассказал мне, что твоя сестра была похищена пришельцами. Это событие так сильно повлияло на тебя, что остальное было неважно. Я не поверила тебе, но я тебя поддержала. У меня не было ничего, кроме твоей веры, что «истина где-то рядом». Я не опиралась на факты или научные данные — лишь на твои воспоминания, что когда-то тебя разлучили с сестрой. Все, что у тебя было — воспоминания. Веришь ты им или нет, но они тебя сюда привели. И меня.

#my art #deer's #aesthetic #fan vid #the x files #dana scully #fox mulder #scully x mulder #the x files 30 years #happy 30th anniversary the x files #Youtube

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depressedbagpipe · 1 year

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"Blackbird to Robin, do you copy?" (Billy Russo x ofc)

Chapter four

Words: 4145 Warnings: mentions of smoking, foul language, mentions of sex, Bridgerton season 1 spoilers?? mentions of explosions and weapons, a little mysoginy thrown in there as well, LOTS of coffee A/N: i'm officially the worst writer on this site. i'm so very sorry it took this long to post, but i had a family member at the hospital for an entire month (and they still are) and between my screenwriting lessons and my job, life has never been this hectic. i'm not 100% sure i like this chapter, but i needed some 'spoken' conflict before delving into the bigger drama. thank you so much for waiting, and i love you all <;3 Taglist: @badasseddy, @noortsshift, @britishbassett

Series Masterlist Previous chapter <> Next chapter

Chapter four

Insomnia was becoming a thing for me, apparently. My cigarette consumption was increasing by the minute, and though I didn’t feel particularly proud of it, it was one of the few things that could calm my racing thoughts enough to let me sleep. Dreaming was out of the question; every night was restless, and every day I woke up feeling more tired than how I had gone to bed.

Billy didn’t help. Everywhere I went, he was there. At some point, I didn’t know who became whose shadow. We worked as a unit, or rather, he made us work as a unit. It had only been a week since he showed up at the stairs of my faculty, but it already felt like a lifetime. He loomed over my shoulder every chance he got, double, even triple-checking every single detail of every single room, every single second of every single day. And whilst I appreciated the effort, his presence only reminded me of the reality. I was in danger, constantly. And nobody knew why, where, or how.

Opening my eyes with a groan, I turned once again on my bed, tossing the covers off and staring at the wall in front of me. I gave up on reading the numbers on my alarm clock, knowing that no matter how late –or early– it was, sleep was simply out of the question. I yawned in exhaustion, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. An unfinished book lay open on the bed next to me, but I quickly closed it. Not even reading had been easy this past week.

My eyes fell on my laptop, quietly charging on the floor by the window. A sudden spark gave me enough of a push to retrieve it and swiftly returned to my bed. Getting comfortable, I turned it on and typed on it, my eyes scanning over the words on the search bar for a few seconds, either in anticipation or maybe fear.

Billy Russo

With a deep sigh, I hit enter.

In less than a second, thousands of results littered the screen and all sorts of news and facts about the man sleeping in the room next door were suddenly available before me. Why hadn’t I searched for him earlier was beyond my comprehension, but all of a sudden, I couldn’t stop.

That’s how Billy found me in the morning, heavy bags under my eyes and sore pupils from reading every article with Billy’s name on it.

‘Dana?’

The door opening brought me back to Earth. I jumped in my place, taking out my earphones. I stared at Billy’s worried face, like a deer caught in the headlights. As if I had just done something I shouldn’t have.

‘Yeah?’

‘You weren’t answering. I thought you were asleep.’

‘No, no, sorry, I didn’t hear you,’ I winced.

‘You okay?’

I knew why he was saying that. I knew the redness of my eyes could mean a million things in his mind.

‘Yeah. Couldn’t sleep,’ I said with a small yawn, closing my laptop before Billy could see his own face on it.

He looked unconvinced but didn’t press the matter further.

‘Frank is coming by later. We think we might have a lead.’

I nodded, tiredly. ‘Alright.’

‘You wanna try to get some sleep now?’ he said, raising his eyebrows.

I shook my head. ‘No, I’m good. Wouldn’t be the first time I pull an all-nighter. Besides, I got nothing to do today.’

I got up from my bed with a firm grip on my laptop. A slight chill went over my bare legs, but it was nothing compared to the chill that went down my spine when I saw Billy’s dark eyes looking down at them.

‘Don’t you have class this afternoon?’ he asked, his voice slightly lower than usual.

I pretended not to notice. ‘It got canceled.’

Billy shrugged. ‘Okay.’

He was about to turn around and leave but lingered slightly on the frame. ‘Put something on, it’s a bit cold this morning. Also, there are pancakes on the counter.’

He closed the door. The silence he left behind was almost too much to bear, like the ringing in your ears after hours of loud noise.

Another shiver reminded me of his words. They had let a tension in my muscles that I couldn’t comprehend. Opening my laptop once again, I finished reading the article while I put on some old sweatpants and a hoodie.

“‘[...] Here at Anvil, if you are recruited you will find that something. A new brotherhood to call your own. Something to fight for.’ Were the lines CEO William ‘Billy’ Russo spoke at the launch ceremony of his new private military firm. Despite initial backlash for the hiring of ex-members from all different branches of the US military forces, Anvil is now one of the top security enterprises of America, operating globally for the protection of private clients with overall positive results.”

I frowned as I finished reading. I didn’t want to get too deep into it, but I knew Anvil was my next target. Everything about Billy’s life was a complete mystery, from his years in the marines to the insane fortune he had amounted after the war, to his own involvement in the New York mafia.

Everything about Billy was dangerous. But I’d be lying if I said that didn’t pique my interest.

I quietly refreshed myself in the bathroom on my way out and found Billy comfortably sitting on my couch, watching the morning news on the TV with a big steaming mug of coffee in his hands. He didn’t acknowledge my presence, but I knew he was listening. He always was.

I raised my eyebrows at the sight, though, seeing him so casual and domestic in my living room, as if he had been living here forever. He already knew his way around the apartment, which only deepened my frown. Yet again, Billy knew everything about me, and I was constantly left in the dark about him, resorting to dubious articles on the Internet about his persona.

Grabbing my own food, I sat down next to him in silence, leaving a respectable space between us on the couch. I was too busy eating my breakfast and sipping an ungodly amount of coffee to notice Billy tensing beside me.

He grabbed the remote and turned up the volume, the sudden noise finally catching my attention.

‘An explosion in an old warehouse on the outskirts of Brooklyn has been reported earlier this morning. Luckily, nobody was near the incident, therefore no casualties have been disclosed to the authorities. Expert teams arrived shortly after the outburst to determine the reasons for the explosion, although no theories have been confirmed yet. The first reports indicate the possible inclusion of dynamite and other explosive artifacts, but the investigation could take longer than originally expected, for the structural damage prevents the teams to access the destroyed building further. Back to you, Martha.’

I looked at Billy through half-lidded eyes, noticing the tension in his jaw.

‘Billy? You okay?’

He took a few seconds to answer but ultimately nodded his head. It didn’t take long for me to connect the dots.

‘That warehouse was yours, wasn’t it?’ I asked, knowing the answer.

He nodded his head. ‘It was Anvil’s,’ he took his phone out, quietly typing something on it.

‘What did you keep in it?’

‘That’s classified.’

‘Of course, it is,’ I groaned, taking another sip from my coffee. ‘Is that why Frank’s coming later?’

‘Yeah.’

‘When did it happen?’ I interrupted Billy before he could answer with another excuse. ‘And don’t me it’s classified either, they’ll eventually say something on the news.’

He finally looked at me, his eyes slightly tired. ‘At four in the morning.’

‘Were you awake?’

‘Yeah. Were you?’

I closed my mouth in surprise. ‘Yeah.’

‘So we both didn’t sleep at all.’

‘I guess we didn’t.’

‘What were you doing up all night?’ Billy pressed again.

I snorted. ‘What, you think I snuck out and set fire to the warehouse?’

Incredibly, he smirked. ‘I know you didn’t. I would’ve heard you.’

‘What are you implying?’

‘You’re not that stealthy, you know. You don’t have to bother trying not to make noise when you go to the bathroom at night, I’m literally trained to hear everything.’

I blushed. ‘Alright, well, you didn’t have to bring that up.’

‘Sorry. But yeah, definitely not made to be a spy.’

‘Thank god I don’t wanna. Don’t like weapons, either.’

‘Such an academic.’

‘Shut up.’

‘Why were you awake?’ he pressed.

‘I just couldn’t sleep. It’s been hard lately,’ I didn’t meet his eyes. I simply stared at the warm concoction in my hands.

‘Tell me about it.’

‘And why were you awake? Besides being woken up by my clumsy feet, apparently?’

‘I’m always working. Crime doesn’t take vacations, you know.’

‘Right.’

‘I managed to sleep for an hour until Frank called me after the explosion,’ he stopped. ‘Somebody’s sending a message.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘Couldn’t they just text?’

‘You are so funny, Dana Jones, I don’t know why you aren’t a comedian,’ despite his sarcasm, it brought a small smirk to my lips.

‘What can I say, I’m a woman of many talents,’ I said, flicking my head to the side.

‘Clearly.’

He stood up, fixed his pants, and stretched a bit. His t-shirt rid up enough to show the defined lines of his lower abdomen, and I quickly brought the big mug to my lips, hoping it would hide my growing blush.

‘I’m gonna take a shower. Is that alright?’

I nodded. ‘Yeah. All yours.’

Billy was about to disappear through the hallway when I called him back.

‘Thanks for the breakfast, by the way. These pancakes are insane.’

He nodded appreciatively. ‘I’m a man of many talents too.’

With that, he left the room, the running water sounding not long after.

I smirked, almost shyly. ‘Well, I can’t wait to see them.’

···

‘So, what are we talking about?’

‘Well…’ Frank started, but Billy quickly took over the conversation.

‘Dana, not now.’

‘Then when? ‘Cause, you’re kinda taking over my apartment so I think I deserve some input in this, right?’ I asked. I took one of the chairs at the small kitchen table and sat down next to them. ‘So tell me. What are we talking about?’

Karen smiled at me, while Frank and Billy shared a look, but with Billy’s sigh as a response, Frank started talking.

‘The Alcaides received another letter yesterday afternoon, with the coordinates of our warehouse on it. Whoever set the explosives knows we’re working with them.’

‘I’m surprised it took them that long,’ I shrugged.

‘They have probably known for some time, only they didn’t know how to send the message,’ Billy said.

I looked at him with a frown. ‘You’re awfully calm about this.’

‘This is exactly what we wanted them to do.’

‘Is it?’

‘They’re after Anvil too. If the mafia were the only victims, public opinion would even thank them. Now they’ve started a war with a business that protects pretty much all members of the US government. They’re setting themselves up for failure,’ Billy explained.

I kept quiet for a few seconds. ‘But, what are you going to do about it?’

‘Now we attack,’ Frank shrugged, typing something on his phone.

‘And how do we do it?’ yet I already knew what their answer was going to be.

‘That’s classified.’

Billy and Frank seemed amused when I too replied those same words. Billy shook his head while Karen stifled a laugh, clearly enjoying the banter before her.

‘Anybody wants some coffee?’ I offered, getting up from my chair, just to keep myself occupied.

‘Yeah, please,’ Karen said.

‘Make it two,’ Billy also jumped.

‘Three,’ Frank grunted.

‘So four, got it.’

I tuned their conversation out slightly, my hands moving automatically while they discussed things I didn’t even want to fathom.

Life seemed to have become a mere whirlwind, with me standing right in the middle despite having always kept to my own devices. The ringing of my phone prevented me from having my thoughts led astray.

‘Hello?’ I picked it up without even glancing down at the caller.

‘Hey, loca, long time no see.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘Hey, Owen, what’s up?’

Supporting my phone between my ear and shoulder, I left the coffee on the table with some difficulty, not wanting to bother the three adults that had taken over the entire space.

‘Nothing much, I guess. I was wondering if you’d like to go on that date you promised.’

‘Date?’ I frowned at his words, but it only deepened when I saw Billy whisk his head to the side and eye me intently. ‘Hold on.’

With that, I left the kitchen and got into my room, closing the door quickly behind me as I heard Billy’s steps run after me. Locking the door, I sat on my bed.

‘Everything alright?’ Owen asked, worry laced in his words.

‘Yeah, sorry, I was just turning the TV off. Too much noise.’

‘Well, yeah, date. You. Me. Date.’

I bit my lip, feeling somewhat conflicted. I had a huge respect for Owen, but the way my stomach did somersaults wasn’t what I had expected when asked on a date by a cute guy.

‘Well…’

‘Dana, c’mon, you promised. Just one. And we’ll see where we go from there,’ he pressed.

With every word he spoke, the more I wanted to say no.

Billy knocked on my door. ‘Dana?’

I sighed.

‘Who was that?’ Owen asked.

‘Just a neighbor.’

‘Okay. Listen, there’s this new exhibition at the MET. I thought maybe, you know, we could go check it out. Grab some ice cream later. And be home by 9 pm,’ he insisted.

‘Dana!’ Billy called from the other side of the door.

In a rush, I accepted, only to have a reason to cut the conversation short. ‘Alright.’

‘Really! That’s great! I’ll pick you up at 5 pm?’ he offered.

‘Actually, I’d rather meet at the stairs directly.’

‘Oh, yeah, alright,’ he sounded deflated, but the incessant knocking didn’t allow me to ask the reason why.

‘I’ll text you later, I gotta see what my neighbor wants. Okay? Bye,’ I ended the call before he could say anything else, and quickly opened my door, Billy’s fist inches away from my face. ‘What?’

Billy was fuming. ‘Are you kidding? You can’t go out on a date with him!’

‘Why not? You’re not my dad,’ I squeezed past him, trying to get away from him, but he grabbed my forearm and brought me closer to him.

My heartbeat picked up, and I only prayed Billy wouldn’t notice.

‘How many times do I have to tell you that it’s dangerous for you out there? We don’t even know who this Owen person is, and we both know it’d be so much safer for you to stay here until all this is over.’

‘Billy, it’s just ice cream and an art exhibition. I mean, the MET is like, one of the best-guarded places in the world. I think I’ll be fine,’ I retrieved my arm and walked back to the kitchen, sitting down again on the table. ‘Any updates?’ I asked no one in particular.

‘We are planning on setting up a trap with the Alcaides. Whoever’s after them won’t want to miss the chance of them together at the same place,’ Frank asked.

Billy sat down on the chair in front of me, glaring at me through his eyelashes, but I paid no notice to him. The last thing I wanted to give him was attention.

‘Does that include me?’ I’d be lying if I said the plan didn’t worry me a little.

‘Not now. We’re counting on them researching the family. You’ve never been directly attacked as they have, and though it could be a matter of time until you are, anybody in the right state of mind would know that you have no affiliation with that family whatsoever. I’m actually ‘leaking’ a few papers, just enough to get yourself an alibi when it comes to the family name,’ Karen explained.

I sighed, feeling the familiar weight of anxiety in the pit of my stomach. ‘Are you sure this is the best idea?’

‘Unfortunately, there is never a good idea when it comes to this,’ Karen stroked my arm comfortingly as I took a sip from my mug.

‘That’s not reassuring.’

‘I know, but don’t even worry, you know we’re not gonna let anything happen to you.’

The peace that came with her eyes was too strong not to believe. Even though I still had my doubts about everything, and despite Billy and Frank’s presence not being totally calming, something in her just made me want to fully trust her.

‘So, what’s that about a date?’ she asked, also taking a big gulp of coffee.

I blushed. ‘Oh, it’s nothing, really, just some art exhibition and ice cream.’

‘Those are the best ones,’ she winked.

Billy suddenly interrupted. ‘How?’

Karen rolled her eyes at him. ‘It’s casual. It’s all about the conversation, not the plan itself. You get to learn more about the person you’re seeing, rather than just bonding over a shared experience.’

‘You women are complicated,’ Frank groaned.

‘Say one more thing like that and I swear I’ll..,’ I replied, honestly tired of such remarks, but Karen cut me off.

‘Don’t bother, it’s not getting into his thick skull.’

‘You’re lucky your girlfriend’s cute, otherwise I would’ve punched you in the face already,’ I squinted my eyes, partly joking.

Frank snorted. ‘Good luck with that.’

‘Am I the only one who thinks the date is a bad idea?’ Billy tried again.

‘You’re insufferable,’ I shot.

‘It’s a casual date, Billy, she’ll be fine,’ Karen aided me, much to my relief. I winked at her in return.

‘She’s got a target on her back and you think a date is going to be safe? Am I the only one here that is thinking straight? Besides, Dana, you don’t even wanna go!’ he complained again.

I sighed. ‘I mean, I don’t know, I love pissing you off more right now, so if going on a date will do that…’ I trailed off, yet I quickly wiped the smile off my face as soon as I saw his. ‘Alright, sorry, but c’mon, I already told you, we’re going to the MET. That’s it. Feel free to join us,’ I added sarcastically.

‘I might have to,’ he replied.

‘Hell, no, you’ll do no such thing. Billy, just… one afternoon, that’s all I ask,’ I was on the verge of begging at that point.

‘No.’

‘Billy!’

‘Dana!’

‘You’re a fucking asshole, you know that?’

He raised his voice too. ‘Of course, I do. And if being an asshole will keep you safe, then so be it.’

‘I’m still going on that date with Owen.’

That seemed to catch even Frank’s attention.

‘Who’s Owen?’ Karen asked.

‘A classmate. He came into the café the other day.’

‘Ooh, he was cute,’ Karen smirked.

‘Yeah, but he’s not on their files,’ I mocked Billy, glaring at him once again.

Karen glared at Billy too. ‘That’s a shame. You deserve to have some fun too.’

��Then it’s settled,’ I clapped loudly. I stood up from my seat, grabbing my mug and phone. ‘And if you,’ I pointed a finger to Billy. ‘Decide to ruin everything for me, know there is no single place in hell where I won’t find you. I’ll end you, Billy Russo.’

‘Nice threat,’ Karen winked back.

‘Dana…’ Billy started.

‘I’m going to take a nap if you’d let me. I’m tired,’ I fixed my eyes on him, looking at him rather harshly, before saying goodbye to Frank and Karen, without giving Billy another glance.

‘Fucking dick,’ I muttered, before locking myself in the room once more.

···

‘What are you watching?’ Billy’s voice made me jump in my spot. I had been too engrossed in the episode that I hadn’t even heard him come in.

I side-eyed him, not wanting to give him any attention. It was late in the evening now, and I hadn’t even seen Billy after the fight with Karen and Frank. I had retreated to my bedroom to sleep, and only came out when I heard the shower running, indicating that we were both alone once again. Rapidly claiming the couch, I had resorted to rewatching a show, if only to forget about the dark-haired man on the other side of the wall who was making my life a living hell, all the while making me question things about myself.

‘Bridgerton.’

He groaned. ‘Oh god.’

I immediately got defensive. ‘What? I like it.’

‘What’s up with chicks and period dramas?’ he complained, but sat beside me regardless, resuming the same position I had found him in this morning.

I shrugged. ‘Pretty dresses, romantic music, and men who don’t completely treat us like fucking toys,’ I offered, hoping he would get the message.

‘Sorry to burst your bubble, but I think Bridgerton does still treat women like toys,’ he grabbed one of the couch’s pillows and hugged it closer to him.

‘Well… true. But the slow burn…’ I said almost wistfully, looking back at the screen. I almost forgot we were still feuding.

‘The what?’

I chuckled. ‘The build-up romance. The tension between the characters just grows slowly, and when something does finally happen, it’s just so satisfying to watch.’

Billy stared at me with a small frown. ‘But that takes forever!’

‘That’s the point.’

‘It’s frustrating.’

‘I know.’

‘And you like that?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You’re weird.’

‘I’m not!’ I hit him with another pillow, but Billy only laughed.

‘I mean, if you truly love someone, why wait so long to even kiss them?’

‘Billy, it’s a period drama, you can’t just simply sleep with people as you, please. There was a strict etiquette at the time.’ I explained.

‘Yeah, that’s why that man’s fucking that girl,’ he pointed to the screen, where Anthony Bridgerton was indeed naked in bed with Sienna, the opera singer.

‘You’re a man, you know how it goes. Rules don’t apply to you. The richer you are, the more liberties you can take.’

‘And her?’

‘She’s not from the ton.’

‘Are you even speaking English right now?’

I audibly chuckled at him. ‘The English society, Billy, the higher classes! She’s an artist from the 19th century, she’s not wealthy like him.’

‘And why is that a problem?’

‘You really are thick, aren’t you,’ I rolled my eyes at him. ‘They’re not from the same world, Billy. Society at that time wouldn’t approve of a viscount marrying an actress.’

‘That’s stupid.’

‘Well, it’s true. But yeah, she’s not a lady. Barely a citizen at the time. But proper ladies had to wait till marriage to even address a man other than their family by their first name.’

‘You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.’

‘I’m not. You couldn’t even be in the same room with a man without someone else as a chaperone. I mean that’s the whole point of this season,’ even though I kept my eyes on the screen, the entire show had already been forgotten.

‘And why, pray tell, is it so satisfying to watch in the end?’ Billy ran a hand through his hair. Some loose strands still fell over his eyes. ‘Losing so many hours watching two hot-headed characters deny their feelings until they can’t anymore?’

‘Just imagine the pent-up tension. I mean, even touching hands was considered improper.’

‘I’m so glad I live in the 21st century.’

‘Obviously.’

‘Are you really going out with Owen tomorrow?’

‘Yeah,’ I frowned at his sudden change of topic.

‘I still think you shouldn’t go.’

‘Well, unluckily for you, you don’t get to decide that.’

He waited. ‘You know I’ll be around watching you, right?’

I sighed. ‘That I do.’

‘Then why are you going ahead with all this?’

‘Because I need to, Billy.’

‘Do you even like this guy?’

I paused, his words sinking. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Then why are you going?’

‘Because I won’t know until I try.’

‘It’s a date, Dana, not a fucking free sample.’

I finally looked at him, although his stare was also on the screen. ‘Billy, I haven’t made a single decision since you came into my life. So please, just let me have this. You’ll be around, if anything happens, you’ll be there, right?’

My tone was harsher than I expected, but apparently, it was enough to shut him up. He looked at me with reluctant eyes but eventually nodded his head.

‘Yeah.’

‘Promise me you’ll let me fight this battle.’

‘I promise.’

‘Good.’

We both resumed our positions, sitting straighter as we looked at the screen.

‘So, what’s the show about?’

Next chapter

#billy russo x reader #billy russo #billy russo fanfic #billy russo x female reader #billy russo x y/n #billy russo x oc #the punisher #billy russo imagine #marvel #the punisher au #frank castle #billy russo could step on my back and i'd say thank you

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jodithann827 · 1 year

Text

Pretty Woman 7/11

Rating: explicit / posted on AO3 / tagging @today-in-fic

Beverly Hills Country Club

Polo Field

Monday

1:03 pm

The shriek of an air horn sounds at full blast, signifying a start to the day's activities. Mulder walks around to Scully’s side of the car and waits patiently as Langly opens the heavy black door. Mulder reaches a hand out to her, one that she graciously accepts, and she uses his arm to steady herself upon exiting the limo. The day is warm and bright, the sun exploding with blinding light over the open sky. Mulder, sporting a sharp gray suit, looks dapper, though his looks pale in comparison to that of his companion. Clad in a sleeveless, knee-length brown dress with white polka dots, and a thick brown belt resting across her petite waist, Scully looks every bit the part of a wealthy companion of Mulder’s. On her head rests a wide-brimmed white hat adorned with a swatch of brown and white polka dots, and her hair styled in a sleek, low bun. As much as her outfit wears like a suit of armor, her nerves are getting the better of her.

“What if someone recognizes me?” She panics a bit, leaning into Mulder before they make their way to the center of the event.

“We talked about this, Scully, I promise no one will recognize you here. You look amazing, like a lady, although it would help if you stopped fidgeting. You’re going to have fun. I promise.” With that, he draws her hand into his as they make their way to the large crowd.

Mulder stops to introduce Scully to people he recognizes as they weave their way through the droves of well-dressed patrons. Near the announcer’s booth, he greets two ladies with a kiss on each of their cheeks.

“Dana,” he says, using her given name effortlessly, as though he’d been saying it his whole life. It sounds foreign on his lips and even more so to her ears. “Let me introduce you to the Carter sisters; Dori and Christina.” They each shake Scully’s hand and Scully casually nods her head in greeting. Seeing a familiar face out of the corner of his eye, Mulder excuses himself, muttering something about leaving Scully in good hands. For a moment Scully feels like a deer in headlights, but adjusts quickly, giving herself a small pep talk in her head.

“So, Dana, you’re Fox’s flavor of the month,” the one named Christina says.

Scully is taken aback, and it must show on her face, because Dori interjects almost immediately, “Fox is our most eligible bachelor. Every single woman here would love to be in your position. To be on the arm of Fox Mulder, no matter how long,” she explains.

Scully decides she doesn’t particularly want or need to hear anymore. Darting her eyes across the crowd of people, she spots Mulder. She looks at the Carter sisters and says in the steadiest voice she can muster, “Well, I’m just using him for sex,” then triumphantly walks away, unable to believe the words actually left her mouth.

Strolling over in Mulder’s direction, Scully can’t help but notice that he is standing next to a tall, leggy brunette; one who seems to be leaning into Mulder a bit too closely. Perhaps a flavor from another month, she thinks, then immediately chastises herself, as it isn’t her place. As Scully advances on them, the leggy woman backs away, though only moderately.

“Scully,” Mulder says as he sees approaching. He reaches out to draw her in closer, then continues to keep his arm placed firmly, almost territorially, around her back. She moves in closer, tucked into his side like her own personal cocoon. “Scully, this is Diana Fowley, my attorney.” Scully, noting that Mulder introduced her to this woman as Scully and not Dana, reaches out her hand. Diana, after a blink and you miss it, hesitation, reciprocates the gesture.

“Scully,” Diana repeats snidely, “that’s an interesting name.” Scully looks down at her shoes conflictingly.

“You know how much I dislike my first name, Diana, though you seem to be one of the few people who doesn’t follow my request not to use it. Scully told me that if she was going to call me Mulder, then I should call her Scully,” Mulder explains nonchalantly, attempting to smooth over the slight awkwardness he feels in the air.

“Charming,” Diana replies coolly, barely containing the eye roll that is just on the surface.

A tension-filled moment passes before Mulder adds, “I think I see Mr. Spender, over by the bar”

At those words, Diana lifts her head, perking up, though only somewhat. “Well, I should go introduce myself to him.” She turns towards the direction of the bar and walks off without another word to Scully.

Scully moves out of Mulder’s embrace and cocks an eyebrow at him.

“What?” Mulder asks, genuinely confused. Scully tilts her head, as if to quietly say, you’re kidding right? Mulder nods his head, seeming to understand her thoughts. “She’s great once she warms up to people. I’ve known her for ten years. She’s been through many big business deals with me,” Mulder explains, though he isn’t sure why, as he knows he doesn’t owe Scully an explanation.

Scully shrugs. “Not to sound like a high schooler, but she likes you, Mulder,” Scully tells him matter-of-factly. Mulder, having taken a sip of his drink, starts choking a bit. Scully waits patiently for him to compose himself.

“Diana? No way, Scully. You are so off base. You aren’t even near the stadium,” he shakes his head at her. Scully’s mouth twitches and she shakes her head right back at him.

“I’m telling you, Mulder. I know these things. She was all up in your space when I walked over and then she hesitated when she saw me. Not to mention that very welcoming hello and handshake she had for me,” Scully tries explaining. She will never understand how some men are so unbelievably dense when it comes to women.

“She’s protective of me,” Mulder tries explaining it away again, though even he knows it’s a weak argument.

“So what do you think Mr. Spender is doing here?” Scully asks, diverting attention away from what is clearly an uncomfortable topic for Mulder.

“I know he wants an answer from me,” he explains.

Scully looks into his eyes. “I don’t trust him, Mulder. There is something about him. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I am sure that he is not a good person.” Mulder nods his head slightly.

In the not-so-far distance, an air horn blasts for the second time that day, indicating a pause in the game. Over the loudspeaker, an announcer invites everyone to participate in a polo tradition: stomping out the divots. Mulder eagerly grabs Scully’s hand, like a child with their parents on Christmas morning, and leads her to the field. There, he continues to clasp her hand as they stomp divots together. He looks down at her, affection filling his eyes, and shares a genuine smile with her. They don’t see Diana glaring suspiciously at them from the shade of a tree.

After the ceremonial stomping of the divots ends, Mulder leads Scully to a chair and a polo club employee begins to clean her dirt-caked shoes; another time-honored polo tradition. He then leaves her, begrudgingly, to go in search of Spender. Scully continues to take in her surroundings, observing the different people, their body language, guests and employees, and how they interact with each other. She likes observing people; it’s helped get her this far in life.

“Dana,” someone calls from behind her, and she’s pulled from her thoughts. She turns in the direction of the speaker and sees Jeffery Spender, the young man from the other evening, approaching. Scully slips her now clean shoes back on and stands to greet him.

“I didn’t know you would be here,” he confesses to her. “Come meet my horse,” he says warmly, attempting to guide her toward the stables.

“Fox is around here somewhere,” she tells him, unsure if she should accompany him to the stables. While his father gave her an unsettling feeling, she didn’t think anything of junior. “He’s probably schmoozing,” she adds. She looks over her shoulder and, not seeing Mulder, decides to hell with it, and walks towards the stables with Jeffrey. “I didn’t know you were playing in the match,” she tells him as they approach his horse. Scully reaches out a soft hand and strokes the horse's mane. They make chit-chat for a bit, about nothing consequential. Scully is pleasantly surprised that he is a decent conversationalist, though they don’t share much.

Across the polo field, Mulder is chatting with a colleague when Diana approaches in a huff, inserting herself into their conversation.

“Did you get a chance to talk to Spender–” he begins.

“Where did you meet her?” Diana asks abruptly, almost accusatory. Mulder bids his colleague farewell and gives all his focus to Diana.

“I’m sorry?” Mulder asks, genuinely misunderstanding her question.

“This Scully person. Where did you meet her?” she repeats, her patience limited.

“I was asking for directions and there she was,” Mulder states in a half-truth. Diana tilts her head in disbelief.

“What does she do for work?” Diana pushes in a rather aggressive way.

Mulder bites the bottom lip, then replies, “She’s in sales.”

“Sales?” Diana parrots, both of her eyebrows reaching the top of her forehead.

“What’s with the third degree, Diana? You’ve never questioned any of my dates before,” he asks curiously. Diana lets out a dismissive laugh. “Okay, maybe once or twice, but what gives?”

“You’ve been different these last few days, Fox. It was subtle at first, but now I’ve seen it a bit more,” she explains, honestly.

“That’s absurd,” Mulder immediately retorts, his defenses on the rise.

“I’ve seen it, you’ve been different. Hemming and hawing on business deals, getting in late to work, that tie,” she indicates, poking a finger at the tie a very naked Scully was wearing just the night before. Mulder blushes, thinking of their evening.

“I think this woman is changing you, Fox, and not for the better. I don’t trust her, especially not when I see her talking to Jeffery Spender.” She lets Mulder connect the dots on the rest of her thoughts after pointing a finger toward the stables. Mulder’s eyes travel the distance and he sees Scully and Jeffery talking. He waves the thought away, along with Diana’s comment.

“They met Saturday at dinner,” he says, his dismissiveness irritating Diana.

“Yes,” Diana says. “Why is she talking to Spender’s son? Is she talking them out of the deal? Does she know what Spender wants from you?”

“She’s not a spy, Diana,” Mulder asserts, suddenly overcome with a great need to defend or protect Scully, maybe both.

“Fox, I cannot believe how naive you’re being. Your motto is to trust no one. Suddenly You meet this woman out of nowhere, without a care in the world, no caution at all–”

“She’s a working girl,” he blurts out as quietly as he possibly can. Diana, utterly astonished, stops dead in her tracks, her mouth obscurely hanging open. He truly has rendered her speechless.

“I’m sorry, I must have misunderstood you. Or I had a small stroke,” she declares in a sobering tone. Mulder bends his head closer to her and tells her a watered-down version of the entire story.

“Fox,” she practically scolds, once she has some semblance of her wits about her again, “a hooker?! Are you out of your mind?” Mulder shrugs off her questions. Diana turns, clearly unable to continue the conversation with him, and swiftly walks away. Mulder catches a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

“Mr. Spender” he calls out, following after the man.

***

Elsewhere on the field, Scully leans against a tree, watching the second match. She’s in awe of the horses: their size, and their ability to work in different situations; sporting events, labor, and camps for kids. She’s pulled out of her thoughts when she feels a presence descending upon her, and she looks to her left to see Diana approaching. She paints on a smile, willing herself to be nice to the woman Mulder works with.

“So, Scully,” Diana spits out, not attempting to cover the disdain in her voice. “Are you enjoying the match?” Scully nods but doesn’t make eye contact, keeping her guard up. Mulder may work with and trust this woman, but Scully doesn’t trust her as far as she can throw her, feeling a very Spender-like vibe.

“Good, good,” Diana acknowledges. She pauses, then adds, “I’m sure you don’t see many polo matches on Hollywood Boulevard.” For a moment, Scully forgets to breathe. She feels like a million tiny needles are breaching the perimeter of her chest. She turns to Diana, eyes wide, and though she doesn’t speak the words, Diana knows exactly the question Scully wants to ask.

“Oh, Fox told me,” she flaunts casually. “But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” she pronounces, then begins to walk away. She turns back and adds, “Oh, and I have many other colleagues who I am sure would love your… business. You know, once Fox goes back to New York.” With that she turns for good, not bothering to look over her shoulder at the damage she caused.

Waldorf Astoria

Penthouse

9:34 pm

Mulder fumbles with the keycard in the door lock. He’s feeling a bit off-balance since leaving the polo match and he knows one reason, but the other evades him. Once he’d caught up with Spender, he’d learned more about the dubious business activities he would be partaking in if going to work for Spender. Diana was right, in a sense. He’s changing. Whether it’s because of Scully or some other reason, he’s unsure, however, the more Spender spoke, the more Mulder began to despise the man. And then there’s Scully. She had appeared to be enjoying herself— at least he thought she was. Silence loomed in the car on the drive home; the usually chatty Scully had nothing to say. Mulder realizes she hasn’t said a word to him since leaving the polo club. He manages to open the door, allowing her entry first.

“Scully?” Mulder asks, hesitantly, cautiously, following her into the foyer. She doesn't turn to look at him, but he pushes forward anyway. “Are you okay?” he asks, facing her after depositing his coat on the bench in the entryway.

“I’m fine, Mulder,” she replies curtly. She heads straight for the bathroom, not allowing him a chance to ask follow-up questions, and slams the door at full force once she’s on the other side of it. Very un-Scully-like, as she hasn’t engaged in this type of behavior during the week.

Mulder hesitantly heads in that direction, but before he can do or say anything, the bathroom door flies open and Scully shoots out.

“You know, Mulder, I don’t know why you made me dress up.” She pulls the hat off her head and haphazardly tosses it on a nearby chair.

“I don’t under—”

“If you were going to tell everyone I’m a hooker, why couldn’t I wear my clothes? At least that way I could be prepared for the ammunition coming at me,” she says. Mulder, seeing the utter hurt in her eyes, can only look at the floor. She can’t look at him either, out of anger or hurt she doesn’t know, but she can’t meet his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” is all Mulder can think of to say, something so simple, yet not. As if he doesn’t already have his foot in his mouth, he continues, “I’m sure Diana meant no harm, I’ve known her for years.” It was the wrong thing to say if her wide blue eyes are any indication. Mulder can practically see the steam coming out of her ears.

“You going to act as my pimp now? Diana can hook me up with all of her people and you can get a cut of the money?” Scully, no longer holding back, is decidedly close to yelling. Mulder looks struck, dumbfounded, and hurt, though he knows not as hurt as Scully is. However, instead of being empathetic, anger takes over him.

“That’s not me, Scully, come on. I thought you had gotten to know me better than that. But I hate to point out the obvious, but you are a hooker. You are my employee. I’m paying you to spend the week with me,” he says, adding the last bit just for spite.

Scully sees red. “It’s my body, Mulder. My choices, my life, my say.”

“I’ve apologized,” he says, as if that statement solves everything, attempting to end the argument. Mulder, someone who is generally in charge of everyone and everything, is always used to having the last word.

“You know, Mulder,” Scully says, a bite still on her tongue, clearly not done with the discussion, “I’ve never had anyone make me feel as low or as cheap as you made me feel today.”

Mulder rolls his eyes at Scully and before he can stop himself replies, “I have a really hard time believing that in your line of work.”

Scully visibly recoils, as though she’s been slapped in the face. She walks out of the room without another word, grabbing her shoes and bag. Mulder catches up to her in the dining area. It dawns on him that she intends to leave, and suddenly he is devoid of air.

“I want my money,” she declares, her words hitting him like ice. Not wanting her to see that he is shaken by her abrupt departure, he takes a stack of bills out of his wallet, throws them carelessly on the table, and retreats like a wounded animal.

Scully stares at the money, disappointed in herself for enjoying her time with him, disappointed in Mulder for, in her eyes, letting her down, and disappointed in how it’s coming to an end. Leaving the money untouched on the table, she turns and quietly makes her way out the door.

Pausing, once in the bedroom, Mulder sadly thinks, this isn’t how it’s supposed to end. He quickly makes his way back to the dining area. Seeing the money on the table but no sign of Scully, he makes haste and heads to the hallway in hopes of stopping her. She’s standing in front of the elevator, staring at her watch while tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. Don’t look at him, she orders herself.

“I’m an asshole,” he affirms in a loud enough voice that she can’t mistake what she heard. She huffs out a diminutive laugh, indicating that she more than agrees with him, though she still can’t meet his eyes.

“I’m a self-absorbed, cocky, pain in the ass, asshole.” He inches nearer to her, cautiously, as though he’s approaching an injured doe, scared it will run. She shifts her head slightly, acknowledging she is listening to him. “I’m used to getting my way with everything. I’ve been told on more than one occasion that my people skills are not always top-notch. Scully, I wasn’t planning on telling anyone and wasn’t prepared to answer questions about us; that was a mistake, I should have been prepared. But I am also a person who generally tells it like it is, and I truly am sorry for hurting you Scully. Dana. I don’t want you to leave, especially like this, he pauses, then dejectedly adds, “Please.” Holding his breath, he waits for her response.

The elevator doors open and Byers stands there, ready to take his next passenger to his or her destination. He looks from Mulder to Scully, waiting with bated breath to see which one, if either, will come aboard. Scully shakes her head carefully, indicating she will not be needing a ride. He lets the doors close and descends. She slowly turns to face Mulder, wiping a tear from her eye.

“You hurt me.” A sentence so simple, yet very impactful. Mulder is silent, having said everything he needed to. “Don’t do it again,” Scully continues, half a command and half a warning.

Mulder holds out a hand, much like an olive branch peace offering. Taking it, they advance together back through the door.

Penthouse

Master Bedroom

10:30 pm

The room is dark, the only sliver of light coming from the moon peeking through the slatted blinds. The sound of nightlife bleeds through the window. The smell of sweat and mingled bodily scents waft through the room. They lay in bed breathing heavily, naked, sated, and facing each other, their heads draped cozily on pillows. Mulder kisses Scully’s nose.

“What’s going on in your head?” he asks curiously. He moves a finger towards some stray hairs on her face and gently tucks them behind her ear.

“I’m enjoying this more than I thought I would,” she replies honestly. Mulder scrunches his eyebrows, and Scully realizes he thinks she means the sex. She lets out a laugh and quickly explains, “This arrangement, not the sex, Mulder, though I am thoroughly enjoying the hell out of that too. But this, the week.”

Mulder nods, understanding. “Tell me something about yourself, Scully.” His hand makes gentle, rhythmic up-and-down motions over her naked side.

“You want the Dana Scully 411?” she asks. Mulder nods, biting his lip, almost afraid that she will refuse him. He doesn’t know why that bothers him, but he suddenly has an intense need to know everything about her. Instead, she lets out a breath and begins her story.

“I’m the third child of four. An older brother and sister, and a younger brother. My father was my first love, my biggest defender, and the person who was the hardest on me in the world. I always wanted to please him, do my best, and live up to his standards. He died when I was sixteen. My oldest brother had already left home and my sister was just about out the door. My younger brother had his stuff going on. My mother tried to hold everything together. I was lost. I was drowning. I tried to make myself as small as possible. I had been a pretty good student up until that point; my dad and I shared a love of learning. He always told me I would be an amazing doctor one day. But when he died, I spiraled. I barely made it through the year and ended up dropping out about six months before I was supposed to graduate. I know I broke my mother’s heart, but I needed to get away. I couldn’t breathe. I hopped around from one friend’s house to another, taking odd jobs at diners or other shops when I could. I lived that way until I was twenty-three. Soon after, my sister, Missy, got in touch and persuaded me to come out here. She had been living here, trying to waitress and maybe make it as an actress. But that didn’t pan out and she ended up trading tricks. She introduced me to this life and I was suddenly making more money than I knew was possible. I had boyfriends now and then. None of them knew what I did. I was always safe, and never put anyone in danger. Looking back on it, I for sure had a pattern; I always went for the older guy, the father figure, one I wanted to please,” she pauses, looking into Mulder’s eyes. “A psychologist would have a field day with me,” she admits honestly.

“We’re not defined by our past, Scully. We’re defined by what we do each day moving forward,” he tells her. Not scolding, not harshly, simply stating a fact.

Scully nods and whispers, “I’ll have to remember that.”

“What’s one thing you wish you could do that you never had the chance to?” he gently asks, after a few minutes of silence. She contemplates this for a bit, thinking back to her childhood.

“Disney,” she settles on after a bit.

“Disney?” he reiterates. He searches her eyes to see if she’s joking, but her face conveys seriousness.

“What? I never got to go as a kid, and then my dad died and my world fell apart. Doesn’t every kid want to go there at some point?” she asks. Observing the look on his face she silently asks him, What?

“Nothing, it’s cute. That was probably the last thing I was expecting.”

“Well, Mulder, I guess I just like to keep you guessing.” She yawns and snuggles closer into his chest, drifting into a peaceful sleep as visions of horses, divots, and Mickey Mouse flow through her head.

#dana scully #fox mulder #the x files fanfic #x files #au fanfiction #msr #first fight #kiss and make up #damn Diana

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blackgumball · 5 months

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whats ur thoughts on toh? out of pure curiosity

aaaaaaalright so. the short of it is that s1 was mid, s2 was pretty great imo, and s3 SUCKED.

the long of it is that when i found out Dana Terrace was making a cartoon, I was excited. I admired her work on GF (which changed my life when I first saw it), and was looking forward to the Owl House.

when I started watching it, I figured it just wasn't my style. I had graduated high school found that i wasn't really into the 'school' element of stories anymore (which I remember hearing that Dana herself not being too interested in as well, but execs forced the crews hand). I also just don't care about witches very much. Luz didn't move me in any particular direction, nor did Eda. The animation was cute at points. I would say the best ting about the first season was the fight scenes, specifically the ones between Eda and Lilith. other than that the show was just fine.

season two. I loved season two. I thought it got a million times better. they introduced Hunter, who was probably my favourite character in the show, the stakes got higher, as did the quality of the storylines and arcs. I don't know! the show just became so exciting to watch. I had to drag myself through the first season but I was locked in on season 2 and very excited whenever new episodes were coming out.

so natch this is when disney decides to cut their legs out from under them.

look a huge part of me feels horrible for the cast and crew of the owl house. they had a decently popular narrative show that was being talked about WEEKLY and that still wasn't enough to save them from the axe.

so unfortunately I was watching rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles at around the same time I was watching the owl house. these shows were both canceled before they really got to end their narratives, and were given a shorter season/tv movie to wrap things up. I might've been 100x more forgiving to the owl house if rottmnt didn't EXCEL. granted, they're very different kinds of show, but rise really used what it had and made a heartfelt ending that insinuated the continuing adventures of the turtles. It really fucking worked (i love rise, everybody go watch rise)

so owl house gets three forty minute episodes to end its story, and the crew promised that just because they were short on time doesn't mean the show would be any worse. and I believed them.

the problem was, everything they chose to focus on in these episodes felt like the wrong choice.

so, context. the villain of the show since season one has been Emperor Belos. he's this big, creepy looking fascist dictator who wants everybody to be learning ONE kind of magic. he gives people special tattoos on the inside of their forearms to make sure they can't use more than one (which draws some uncomfortable parrallels to the holocaust considering we learn that belos wants to commit genocide against the witches)

so that's our villain but at the end of season two a new villain is introduced. a little creepy jester God Baby (heretofore known as GodBaby.) GodBaby wants to play. GodBaby destroys belos in one fell swoop and literally kills all the tension of the season two finally with a twitch of his finger, then GodBaby enslaves the planet as his playthings. Luz and her friends escape to the human world, but find they can't return.

When they DO return to the human world, they literally just explain to GodBaby that you have to ASK if people want to play with you and GodBaby immediately stops being the villain. The villain is now, again, Belos, who has been crawling around as a rather pathetic piles of deer shaped goo. There's your narrative context.

I found this was a huge waste of tension. they destroyed their villain, taking away all his credibility, his power, everything that makes him threatening to introduce this NEW guy, the new guy is convinced to the good side in a four minute conversation, all so you can bring this entirely non-threatening guy back for five seconds. this might have been alright if it didn't take place over the course of two and a half episodes. it wasnt DRAMATIC nor was it SATISFYING.

so that's the villains, now for the protagonists. Willow and Gus, our two side characters of colour, are underfocused on (as they have been throughout the entire show). Hunter, my favourite character, has basically the entire first episode dedicated to his suffering. i guess im biased cause I love that kid, but forty minutes of him getting infected with UncleGoop, slowly becoming paranoid and losing his mind, and then turning into some kinda (POORLY DESIGNED) deer beast, and then trying to KILL HIMSELF and THEN his first friend and beloved pet bird sacrificing itself to save his life..... hoooooooooooo. it was farrrrr too fucking much in my opinion. my man just wanted to cosplay. but i guess that's more of a personal thing.

Luz is in her depression era. she's upset because she thinks that everything is her fault, completely understandable. was i moved by it at all? noooooo.

amityyyyy. exists to be a good girlfriend. and that's OKAY. i'd probably like her way more if they hadn't turned the cunt beam down. she used to be a real bitch and that's when she was at her most interesting TO ME. IMO.

the most egregious thing to me is episode 2. that episode focused HEAVILY on side characters and stories I have no interest in when the stakes were supposed to be at their highest. they give boscha (fucking boscha?) a redemption arc when I was moe worried about hunter killing his uncle and luz freeing all the puppeteered slaves. and why are you INTRODUCING STORYLINES WHEN YOU HAVE LESS THAN SIXTY MINUTES OF SHOW LEFT???? it was very veryyy fucking frustrating.

last episode. i barely rememeber it. luz has he depression healed by the power of becoming a kaiju. hunter can now use magic because he ate his magic bird to survive. i was yawning.

when i talk shit about the owl house its because I was so fucking let down by its conclusion. I understand that the team had less to work with, but so did the crew on Rise, and they made an excellent conclusion to their series. because 2/3 seasons in that show were mid (TO ME!!! IN MYYYY OPINION!!!) i don't value it as much as I value shows like gravity falls or infinity train or rottmnt. if you or anybody reading this liked it, that's okay! live your truth. i did Not fuck with it though.

#she speaks #hater tag #asks #ty for asking i love asks!#long post #cartoonists listen to me TAKE STORY STRUCTURE CLASSES #omg and i just remembered it was like a carbon copy of the amphibia finale which released like three months before it #THAT was crazy

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