#even if it doesn't mean yes always to chicago either

[pigtailedgirl]

Due South and a Canadian White Girl North-ish

I'm so nervous. Addition: Perhaps some trigger warning for abuse and illness talk?

So I read this great Due South fanfic.

BLESSED

I think it's going in my top ten. And I have a bunch I like that deal in the same theme. In Fraser's fit of himself in the city versus northern Canada and how he finds something in the contrasts.

Still this fanfic, though it does a neat re-examine overall, and others, have an image I guess that is put out by Fraser, by the narrative, of Canada that just does not work for me.

EXAMPLE

***

"Think about being somewhere else," Cleve told him as the strings began to vibrate again. "Anywhere but here."

And he did. Where did he want to be? Anywhere but here. Yes, Cleve had indeed answered the question for him.

The MacKenzie River, strong and swift, slicing through the spruce and pine, cutting a path between the snowcapped mountains.

The frozen, inhospitable Beaufort Sea, where a man could see his own breath turn to ice on the air and blow back to his face, clinging crystals of ice on his skin and lashes.

The mighty forests of tamarack and poplar that covered the western slope of the coastal mountain ranges. The warm, gentle breezes of heady lodgepole pine scent. The soft hiss and crackle of campfire, mellowed by a handful of cedar bark.

"There you go," Cleve decided at last in a quiet, satisfied voice.

Ben smiled until his face hurt, not quiet ready to open his eyes and let go his vision just yet. The strings felt good, like the strips of cedar bark he had imagined for the fire, the neck of the guitar a more than adequate rendering of the canoe paddle the MacKenzie demanded. The smooth, time worn wood of the box pressed into his belly, a body that complemented his, perfect in its unyieldingness, yet matching his every bend and twist.

Stella the True.

Ben would have given her another name.

His eyes opened then, noticing first how the world seemed to have blurred in more ways than one, and that the smile had faded away as the memories had faded in upon him. The world was only blurry for a few seconds more, until he realized that once he blinked the beginnings of tears from his eyes, the world became amazingly clear. So much became amazingly clear.

"Don't give up on yourself, son," Cleve Abernathy's voice came from somewhere very, very far away. Fraser gave his saturated eyes to the man who had spoken.

***

"Where I come from, people help one another. If one goes without, then all go without equally, so that everyone has a chance. You don't let your neighbor's coal run out in January. You don't let their stomachs go empty when your kill is plenty. When their children don't return from the trail, you go looking for them. That's just the way it is."

***

It's beautifully written, but feels wrong to me. Feels like lies to my lived experiences. Being from a small place like Fraser, this is a beautiful sentiment, and not at all true to it's realities.

When Fraser, Due South's narrative and comedy, and fandom view the otherness of the wilderness or northern Canada, make big deals to study it, never mind just mark Canada different in broad... It feels othering. Othering in a way I think is really important to how Fraser doesn't fit in if he's got this perspective too.

I've grown with stories about people and family who lived the same kind of lives as the Fraser family. In modern ways my home here still is like this. I even lived some like this and I'm baby in comparison.

Remote and isolated. Lots of nature to be in. Law, education and medicine as tiers in the community that are mostly outsiders to the community either brought in short-term or recurring.

Even those who live here permanently now, have founded themselves career wise, and have to, going away to do it or having been born and raised elsewhere. Christ, we have to basically leave after high-school more than 1000km away. HAVE TO.

And there is a definite disconnect between this group who are outsiders and the what I would call settled persons in the emotional connection to the place and town and the ability to fit in.

If it's a truism to me, this idea of grand north, natural beauty or isolation in a small town, with the people, to get in touch with an emotional growth is the biggest lie I have ever witnessed done by people to themselves. And this is an idealism of outsiders. You don't come out into isolation or live it to get NEW emotional needs met. You don't grow yourself thinking this is something special or the true way or will fix you.

Those that say living like this is a personal spiritual ride are:

1. High on their own supply as it were, aka, either tapping what they had dormant before or pretending.

2. Doing so off the backs of those who just don't think too much about it and are where and what they are.

If I had a dollar for every doctor or therapist I met who came here and were enamored by the place, the seas and freedoms and kind people and opportunities in solitude, expected it to change the people here and them, and then ran wild because they were always dumbasses, or took advantage, or after a year of seeing it day to day still wouldn't or didn't understand how to live with it and ran or got burnt out...RICH.

Because the truth is that small communities and remoteness don't make special or perfect people or places. We aren't magic, we aren't even that different, we just face a different or smaller reality.

I'm struck by the story One Good Man paints of Fraser's grandmother, who faced early trauma, and to me tells a reality you maybe don't want to embrace fully but should reflect on before concluding the nature of life here. A young woman who saw her town burn, who saved some of the children in it, but watched the others and adults die and was also horribly physically and probably emotionally scarred by it. Who only had an idea, and with it, bravery in the face of that moment, and after the strength to hang on as her backbone tip of surviving. Any wonder then, the tough it attitude and gift of wisdom was maybe her main survival and emotional mantra. That what tied her there to keep trying to give knowledge to people and how she pushed that above emotion on her grandson was this.

I think canon does a good job of highlighting an undercurrent of why Fraser and family still didn't fit in and why Fraser and Due South is a story of growth as a person and finding his home/community is going outside. His emotional needs weren't here. That's alright to find elsewhere when you need it.

@juniperpomegranate made a really great point of difference of Fraser's north, so often idealized in show or fic, and how it isn't actually like a town. It's not imagined or filled or understood in the reality of a community. Which is hella important. Because your community and relationships is how you really fit in a place like that or in my home.

And that's people. People to connect to. People who aren't wildly different. Experiences only seem wild to outsiders. Perfection or an image of better peeps is only lauded to cover in my opinion.

We face hardships and issues. We don't face them mythically. Nature is pretty and it requires work and understanding of it, learned only from experience and listening or knowing others who have, to survive and thrive in.

The reason we have outsider law or medicine or education come in is...

Well it can be real fun when the town is faced with say influenza and has no resources, or knowledge about it. Where you have to be cajoled to get immunized by your sister dressing up in the nurse's coat and leaving, to trick you into coming out of hiding. Where Dad tells stories of my great-grandma who plastered everyone with coal oil for cures as the rock of the town. Or where, when you have criminal stuff or domestic violence or mental illness and you can't treat or stop. A woman who hurt her family for decades because she was sadly untreated and unknown Schizophrenic. When another woman my dad's age wrote of her harrowing experience of childhood, of her mom dying from cancer and her father putting her to work as a teenage girl to care for the siblings and home, and then not providing any of his income or the support people gave him for them, until she and her siblings were literally found starving. Cause he fucked off to the neighbors. Cause the whole town knew it was happening, but there was no alternative, this was just their monetary and work survival versus that family and that family's lack of social capital paired with no place to go. Where solution was when law finally came in an forcefully moved the minor kids to different fosters in villages 100s of kilometers away, this was just a daily continuation of life though for most here.

See law, as external resource, can't even do much beyond come in twice a year and judge people. Punishment for crimes is more social than moral and depends on taking a person out of the community most times. Bob Fraser, Mounties and cops who ship around to different spots, if they are good get then respect sure, but they were and always have to stay detached to not bias too. It's a hard one. It's you can have impact and respect, for example the priest use to come a couple times a year and get the good dishes out for him, but you don't build the emotional connection of say staying for the weddings after-parties of music and dancing all night. Of people crossing islands to visit each other at the end of weeks' work.

In this vein I'm not surprised Bob had a great reputation and a lot of "friends" he didn't know.

And education. Where it's people come to knowledge at you, or knowledge from you. Where it's students come to study you like you are a tropical native of the 18th century. Write their papers and go back and take your history and skills to sell and forget the here left behind. Or come dodging the drafts of the States. All our stories or archives are in a "local" museum we can't even get to without a plane ticket yo. Or again those who come to give wisdom like they are the holders and we are heathen plebs. With maybe a one in ten being someone or something honest or decent. Though I'm a little bias here. My mom was a teacher who came here in the 70s and spent her whole life teaching grade school. Literal one room school house start. Who met and married and stayed with my Dad here. Some people do catch. Some, I think like maybe the example of Fraser's grandma, which I have soft feeling for probably because of this, just really want to impart shared knowledge and get happiness from seeing it grow and having that personal shot to help it. In a small community that seed growing outwards, to see it, is freaking awesome. But key is shared. You got to learn from too.

Finally, small isolated communities need and foster their connection through the people. Who you know. How you are all related. The meme of does everybody know everyone in Canada hits lol. But that's got the inverse too. There is no privacy. Loners be seen and judged. Again, social fit and capital being supreme.

That's why the nature loner or lover is myth too. Drop you off on a pretty snow covered lake. Pretty yes, magical and just for you, no. You still need the community knowledge to know where the fish, which direction is inland or sea, where is best shelter, where is Indians in the country to help you trap, when does the supplies boats and airdrops come. Nothing is done alone okay, trust me on this. You go out to snowshoe alone on a clear day, and weather strikes and you die.

I guess my point I keep trying to rope back into is maybe the experience or place or people sound different, or magic, but it's superficial. It's no different than how stories of history or cities sound to some. Emotionally I think we run the same. I think the true beauty is in seeing that reality. That you can't be the best stuck in an unreality or hiding from finding your fit. And again the true charm of Due South and Fraser, is his going south grows himself to see it. The show gets us to play and have fun seeing it.

And that the best of people or place, Canada or States, small town or city, outsider or no...is accepting and acknowledging that difference and sameness is the way to grow. Is the best beauty.

It's how my community did grow out of most of it's struggles imo, and hopes to go further I tell ya.

So here are my recs on the wonder of difference and sameness in Due South. Again like the fic above, can't rec enough.

Here are a small sampler of finding yourself near and away.

Stars, I Have Seen Them Fall (squidge.org)

Smaller Gods - arrow (esteefee) - due South [Archive of Our Own]

Our Dancing Days - sdwolfpup - due South [Archive of Our Own]

Also, does anyone have a link to an old ds flashfic of Fraser wandering Chicago in a power outage? I loved that one.

#due south #due south meta #personal life i dont know how much to put in honestly #fic recs #fraser is example of you can emotionally or physically survive a place and enjoy or be accustomed to it's nature #but does that mean you fit it? #i think there is a pretty good argument his longing for emotional contentment beyond his isolation inside himself means no to the north #his lack of friends or family up there #his dad's and grandparents as well #and their lack of ability to give him emotional happiness or get him tied to the towns #even if it doesn't mean yes always to chicago either #which would have lots of overwhelming differences to see and grapple with and explore #also this hits what i think meg thatcher could have touched on as a character #as a canadian city woman trying to entice or grapple with fraser #a fun idea of othered but from your country to play with #benton fraser

[clockwayswrites]

Masked in Amity

CW: Sam doesn't come off great in this, but not Sam bashing. She just has a lot of growing up to do still and knee jerk reacts badly. (I also don't want to listen to any Sam bashing please and ty.)

Sam’s room still looked the same as always. Danny supposed that’s what happened when someone moved out for college but still came home again— especially to a home like Sam’s. There were only a few posters, a few photos, and a knickknack or two that had changed between high school and now. Danny sat on the edge of the bed like always.

“So how’s school doing?” Danny asked into the awkward silence. Silences never used to be awkward between them, or was that just looking back with rose colored glasses?

“Ugh,” Sam gripped and flopped back onto her bed next to Danny. “Why would you even ask me that? You know I hate it.”

“Because it’s what you’re doing right now? It’s a huge part of your life, you can’t just… avoid it.”

“Watch me,” Sam said, bitterly. Her snarled lips looked weird without the dark purple lipstick. “I’m going to get my stupid law degree my parents are paying for and work at some stupid corporate firm Dad has connections at and when my trust fund has made enough in interest I’m going to quite and go open a non-profit and sue all those fuckers I was forced to work for over how they’ve fucked up the environment.”

“Okay,” Danny said. He didn’t want to argue about this. He just hoped this plan worked better than the last three Sam had had before her privilege knocked her down a peg.

“Can I ask about, I don’t know, your time in Chicago at least?”

“Chicago is amazing,” Sam said, wistfully. “Being in Chicago, I mean, I’m sure you know how it is, it really makes it clear how backwater Amity Park is. The things people worry about here are so small compared to what’s out there!”

Danny just hummed in response. He didn’t exactly know what to say to that. It didn’t feel completely wrong, but it wasn’t right either. Worries weren’t a competition like that.

“And the bands!” Sam continued, thankfully changing the topic. “I have got to see so many amazing bands. The local scene alone is amazing and no one knows about them so you can be right up close and a lot of times even talk to the band after. You should come for a show sometime.”

“I can try to,” Danny said. Sam’s music wasn’t usually his thing, but something like that might be fun. It would be different at least. Danny gave her a little smile. “Maybe Tucker could make it out too.”

Sam rolled her eyes. “You know he won’t. When was the last time you talked to him not on the computer or the phone? He’s only here at Christmas when you aren’t.”

“You know how I feel about Christmas, Sam,” Danny said, holding back a sigh. Sure Tucker had been busy lately and that had made him more distant, but he was still one of their trio. “And if we plan something then Tucker can schedule for it. Don’t count him out just because he’s busy.”

“Alright, fine, we can plan something for a bigger show with Tucker,” Sam agreed, “but you still need to come out to something local. They’re really better anyways. We’ll go out to eat first and hit up a bar or three after. I know some really great places— places like you’ve never seen.”

Sam reached up and wrapped her hands around Danny’s neck, pulling him down a little. “It can be a date.”

Something in Danny balked at that. It was an innocent enough comment. Sam and him had dated and then not and then dated again or just had fun together. They’d known each other so long that it was easy to just ebb and flow out of the different levels of a relationship like that.

This time, though, Danny found himself resisting the tide. “Or we can just hang out.”

The almost dreamy smile Sam had crumpled into a frown. “What? I mean, sure, it can, but why? Are you seeing someone?”

“Yes? No? I mean, I’ve been… sleeping with someone, but we’re not dating or anything.”

“That’s okay,” Sam said easily. “I’m not going to make you be exclusive. I don’t want to be either right now; we’re not around each other enough for that and You know that I’ve been sleeping with my roommate sometimes and I’ve met a cute person in study group now too with amazing fingers.”

“No, I know, just…” Danny gave a frustrated noise. Nightwing and him weren’t even close to being exclusive. Someone like Nightwing could have anyone they wanted and with how much he liked sex, Danny was pretty sure Nightwing did have whoever he wanted. Danny was just… convenient for the hero side and Danny didn’t begrudge the other that. It was convenient for Danny too. It was just…

Danny didn’t want to keep living the same cycle with Sam where he was her world for a few weeks or months and then just back to an occasional phone call. He didn’t want to keep being pulled back to Amity Park. Maybe meeting her in Chicago would be different enough, but Sam was still so tied to Amity and always would be by her parent’s money.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do this again,” Danny said slowly, feeling the words out as he said them. “Maybe it’s time just to leave us dating in the past?”

Sam dropped her hands and sat up. “Excuse me?”

Danny rubbed at the back of his neck. “Just, we’ve tried being together in a lot of different ways and we always end up in the same place.”

“So you want to leave me in the past?”

“No!” Danny said quickly, trying to get ahead of this before Sam spiraled too badly from making assumptions. “I’d love to come to Chicago and see a band with you! Just… not as a date.”

“Because you want to leave that in the past,” Sam snapped and got up off the bed.

Danny scrambled off also.

“That’s not a bad thing. I enjoyed it and I know you did too. Just more, okay, maybe that wasn’t the best phrase? I mean maybe we shouldn’t go down that road again when we know where it’s going to end.”

Sam crossed her arms. That was never a good sign. “Right, because I’m always going to be a dead end, is that it? Not like you who’s off playing hero with the big names?”

“What? What does me being a Titan have to do with this?”

“Don’t play dumb, Danny, we both know you’re not. You left to go be a famous hero and hardly looked back at Amity Park or me or Tucker or your parents. What if the town needed you?”

Danny threw his hands up in the air. “Why would they need me? I destroyed the portal, came to an agreement with Vlad, made sure my parents couldn’t build another working one— it fixed everything!”

“And then left.”

“So I could help other people!”

“Sure it wasn’t so that you could be famous?”

Danny closed his mouth with a clack.

Sam winced at her own words. “Danny…”

“No.” Danny backed up a few steps from her. “No. You don’t get to— you of all people don’t get to come at me like that! I never wanted to be a hero, Sam! You’re the one who said I needed to protect Amity and you were right, sure, but it’s never what I wanted! You wanted it!”

“Danny, no—” Sam reached out for him and Danny stepped back again, hitting the wall.

“Yes you did, Sam! You did or I never would have had to die a second time after your wish! I lost everything again! I don’t have a future like you and Tucker, I just have being a hero. I just have being dead.”

“Come on Danny,” Sam tried. She moved close again, slowly, like Danny was some sort of feral animal.

Maybe he really was just a caged beast.

“I’m just— I better go. I’m just going to go,” Danny said. In a flash of light he was back to being Phantom. He let himself tip back and phase through the wall.

As he left Amity Park behind, he couldn’t help but think it really said something that he was far more comfortable being Phantom these day than Danny.

--

AN: Here's yous all voted on treat for the day! This comes before Danny showing up at Dick's door, quite upset.

#dp x dc #past Danny/Sam #masked #death defying

[weaselbeaselpants]

Trying to be careful in how I go about this post, since it's not an accusation or slander of any kind, more of a trip down deviantart memory lane for me. I'm nervous mostly because I've seen some Lackadaisy fans and HazbinHelluva fans starting to butt heads about which animated short is better. C'mon guys, no fights or I'm putting you all on time out.

The first time and the first person who introduced myself to Tracy Butler and the Lackadaisy comic was actually Vivzmind (that's VivziePop's old da username. Will always subconsiously call her that in my head even though 'Pop' sounds better). I vividly remember Viv had filled out one of the then really popular 2010 meme template things called an "Inspiration Map", and in the bottom she had Lackadaisy and linked to Tracy's page and called it "so good". I'm 100 percent sure that much of Lackadaisy, the webcomic, inspired Viv's interest with jazz age memorabillia. I mean it was already there given that Viv loves Princess and the Frog and Chicago, but I really think Lackaidaisy had a hand in creating Husk and Angel as they were seen in 2013- onward.

Yes, I know protoAngel and Arachnis died in the 1940s and Husk died in the 60s I think (also, I think Husk's final design was mostly done by Faustisse??? the hazbin stans feel free to correct that one ), but Husk's extraevegant casino-inspired look and detailed design feels like a Hazbin fusion of Mordecai, Rocky and Zib all at once and if nothing else inspired by Tracy's grand stand alone artwork of the Lackadaisy cast. Viv takes a lot of inspiration from fellow artists and to me it's clear she mused Tracy back in the day. Meanwhile, I'm not convinced half the reason Angel was/still is a mobster is related to her love of Lackadaisy, even if he and his brother are spider things, not cats. I can't unsee it, is all I mean.

If we're talking jazz-age inspo, I think Viv's world is flashy and simple in terms of depth where Lackadaisy's characters and world is a lot more nuance and definitely more researched, than Hazbin. Viv kins Chicago way better than she does Lackadaisy with her use of aesthetics and flare. When I say I personally take issue w Viv's art it's not that I think it looks bad on principle or because "ew sexymans everywhere = bad". I like sexymans and I love Viv's style. What frustrates me and other critics of Viv's art is it's all about what looks pleasing to her at the time and that's it. For the record- that's not inherently a bad thing-

Tim Burton, in case you didn't know, works the exact same way with his personal art and why he puts certain things in his movies. Ever wonder why Oogie Boogie's theme is casinos and Mars Attacks ends in Vegas? It's literally just because Tim spent a lot of time in Vegas and thinks Vegas and casinos are cool. ((Oogie was also kind of Elfman's brainbaby and a loveletter to Fleischer, but regardless)). My issue with Viv liking herself some edgy sex jokes, bowties, skinny guys, sharp edges and loud designs isn't that they're bad on that 'draw what I feel like' principle. It's that, unlike Tim or Tracy Butler, she continues to do it in ways that kind of hurt the character's designs and even personalities. You can absolutely pitch a character as "demon who died a 40s gangster so looks like a mobster spider freak and is just as manic and obnoxious in death as he was in life"- but when you keep only some aspects of his mobster look alive and get rid of others in lieu of the new personality you've basically grafted him into; "complex sleazy pornstar who's at once unapologetic about his perviness but feels trapped and exploited by his own interests and is also named after a drug from the 80s"...it just kinda falls apart.Because almost every other male character in Hazbin and Helluva have bowties, Angel's doesn't exactly stick out or feel like either a gangster or a cheeky pornstar aesthetic. Same goes with Moxxie in Helluva- he's supposed to be a gangster from a gangster demon family, which as a twist is kind of neat but in execution kinda fails because he doesn't exactly read hitman or gangster the rest of the time even though he wears a suit. Between his personality+demeanor, Moxxie's outfit screams more...tap dancer than gangster. It feel confused and kind of overconvuluted is what I'm trying to say.

While not everyone can be Tracy Butler, by contrast you can see through the ages how her characters have come into their own through the decade since Lackadaisy started, which leaves in interesting feel for characters like Mordecai, f.e.

In the comic proper Mordecai is a straight-faced and kind of terrifying hitman who's both good at killing and getting the job done, so he feels very serious even when he's cracking jokes or playing off the goofier characters. In the years since the first volume was finished though, while Mordecai himself has stayed serious in the comic, the readers have gotten the peek into his past ahead of the 'main'-ish cast with the prequel comics about Morty and Victor working together and Mordecai still being an overly serious nerd but also a pissy neat freak. I think the latest parts of the comic featuring Mordecai have done a great job at alluding to what's funny about him while still keeping him relatively serious. It's obvious the fandom love for this character and Tracy's own love for him rubbed off on his portrayal in what exists of vol 3 so far. Tracy's also made changes and add ons to Mordecai's final character that feel consistant with the mostly basic character he was introduced as, more of a fleshing out of his character than a departure of who/what he has always been written to be.

I want so much to like, even love Viv's characters y'see, it's just that they kind of feel like Viv decides them a finished character upon first creating them and not when after she's truly introduced or finished working on them. This is the case with Angel, with Millie, with Stolas, with Lucifer. It's why I don't care for Sir Pent as his design reads too competant for the kind of folly he's ultimately supposed to be. Viv literally made him a permanent part because she just really liked his design, but what's been seen of him in and out of canon kinda shows two different types of characters the writers are desperate to insist are one in the same, or which naturally flow into the other...but they just don't? Yes, even for what is seen now. Some ppl say the way Viv's characters are fleshed out is like if the writers are writing fanfiction of their own property. It feels that way because rather than writing and designing for the sake of the character, the writers are writing for themselves. They're being self indulgent. Their appraising with the cast that doesn't feel earned because the actual depth the cast needs as characters hasn't happened yet (see also: Millie), just alluded to, and the writers being fans of their own work so much means they can't recognize that and keep up the indulgence parade. I "know", because I can recognize myself doing it when I get hyperfixated on my blorbos and so only write about them and my headcanons relating to them. The rest o the cast is important because otherwise your fav side character has nothing/no one to bounce off of. As much as I love Mordecai, the tale of Lackadaisy is not his story alone and the main character is Rocky.

Still tho, none of this should ever imply that Lackadaisy as a property is competition or better or worse than Hazbin and Helluva Boss. All of this is just *Dude voice* my opinion mayn. Even if it wasn't, both shorts and series have their own world and inspirations. Maybe all the business I laid out about Viv's writing is what's actually appealing to you as a fan and not a take away, maybe my Mordecai hypothesis doesn't cut how underwhelmed by the character and the short. IDK. While I think they have inspiration to thank for each other's existence...please don't bother the staff who worked on these or act like their problem is that one of them 'needs to be' the other. That wasn't my point. I don't want Hazbin or Helluva to be Lackadaisy at all. They're their own thing and shouldn't be treated like one in the same because of who created what and who worked on both pilots.

Let's not dip back into the time we were all "Star vs the Forces of Evil is what Steven Universe SHOULD BE, there's no way comparing these two it's a competition could cloud our judgement of either shows!!8D 8D 8D "

#helluva boss critical #hazbin hotel critical #spindlehorse critical #lackadaisy #lackadaisy critical #This entire post was a ruse to demand Angel Dust's hat back btw

[terrence-silver]

I have a Terry McCain headcanon to share: we know he is Irish Catholic, and I see him being superstitious as well. Always making sure to knock on wood, throwing spilled salt over his shoulder, etc. What do you think? And do you have any headcanons about how his background might affect his personality, quirks, or everyday life?

---

Oh yes, Terry McCain is a definite practitioner of Old World Irish superstitiousness.

Overall Irishness in general too.

Doesn't even try to hide it particularly, because why should he? Is this something to be ashamed of? Quite the contrary! If anything, he's very much in-tune with his heritage. His colleagues on the force, for example, know all about it, because he's just that forthright about it it bleeds into his professional life, as well as his private one. On Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays they all about just know what to get the Detective and yeah, clovers with four leaves and thematic green ties and scarves for St. Patrick's Day are items frequently passed around the Station (both as an inside-joke and legitimate picks) because there's no way to go wrong with those choices where Terry McCain is concerned. Does his desk end up decorated with a cheesily endearing 'Kiss me, I'm Irish' Leprechaun coffee mug at one point, surrounded by all his paperwork, folders and files? Yeah, possibly.

But, superstitions, eh?

He believes in them as much as he believes in God.

In a left mean hook.

He believes that if his nose itches, it signifies a fight or a physical confrontation to come and he isn't above vocalizing it. 'Don't provoke me,' he'd say 'my nose is itching for it.' Same case with money; if one's palm's scratchy meaning he'll either get some or lose some, but Terry's admittedly infinitely less excited about that one than the possibility of a good punch out.

He believes in Omens. Magpies and bad luck. Crossing forces unseen. Fairies. Curses. He believed in it even as his colleagues got picked off one by one and he proceeded avoiding near death experiences several times in the row. What was that if not a case of luck? Someone somewhere looking out for him, in ways his coworkers weren't quite as fortunate? Of course while he's on the task of vigilantism and taking revenge to those he feels hurt his people these quirks come into practice. He relies on his guns, sure. His fists. His fighting ability. His stubbornness and conviction in going out and fixing things. In what's just and right. But, he goes out into the streets, looking for the down and dirty places of Chicago to take order to all while wearing his shirt backwards under his coat and scarf. You know --- for luck. Just in case. Nobody has to understand it but him. He expects nobody to understand, although he is more than likely to explain.

Very ardently.

Rain at funerals meaning at a departed soul is happy? Terry McCain is entirely likely to quietly stand in front of the cemetery grounds, hands in his pockets, looking for signs of a downpour even as his colleagues get buried and once he doesn't get it and the weather proves to be dry, he internally knows what has to be done; he knows he's got some scores to settle so his friends can rest in peace. Again. Nobody has to get it but him. The same way nobody has to get that he thinks that when you're sent a gift, you're supposed to take it; he trusts in this idea even as he adopts that kitten intended for him. That animal is there for a reason. People of ancient Ireland believed that cats operated somewhere between the mortal and spiritual realms. They viewed them as guardians of the gates of the Otherworld; a link between humans and the Otherworld. That, or he just overall doesn't want to jinx himself by not adopting a homeless cat given to him in a box with his literal name on it and he does purely because he wants to. Because he's a good man as much as he is a man of superstitions and a set of believes all his own.

He may or may have not have attempted the apple test.

You know --- to discover the first letter of his love's name.

Hey? What!? C'mon! He's allowed his indulgences!

Man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

Might've done it idly, at work, for example, or at the bar afterhours on a weekened, where nobody even figured what he was doing or why. Lunch break at the police force or perhaps McCain leaning on a patrol car, peeling himself an apple idly as a snack, watching out to avoid any skin breakage and create a long strip, trying to decipher what shape the remains resembled and truly taking the letter he saw closest represented in the peel as something meaningful, secretly on a lookout for that special someone with a name starting with a, oh, I don't know, letter C. or a letter S. or a letter O. or a letter B. This could've been a habit he had since he was a very young boy and the habit simply carried on as he aged. If it is nonsense, why have people don't stuff like that for centuries? Why does stepping into a circle of mushrooms (Psst! Fairy forts!) feeling innately wrong regardless where they are encountered? Why does Terry instinctually bypass them even without thinking, out in some park or a patch of soil behind a jazz club after weeks of rain? One doesn't need to be in Ireland to find Old World things. Encounter them in day to day life.

You better believe in ancient magic, because it sure believes in you.

#terry mccain #excessive force #excessive force 1993 #supersitions #irish folk beliefs #character analysis #the supernatural

[bohemiandeer]

And yes, they're a couple. No one knows whether or not they're married or just, together at this point, even them. They just assume they're a married couple because they have two biological kids together and act like one and they just go with it.

Agent Natia Novak: 

German/Polish Jewish Immigrant from Chicago, migrated to America when she was 9.

When she’s not on the field she studies PSI Powers as a whole. But more specifically the nature behind specialties and why certain people have one power that is stronger than the other, but most questionably, whether or not there are more powers that you can pry out of the human mind that either is pre-existing but doesn't have a name yet or that can be freshly discovered. This includes researching whether or not certain powers can be extinct and if such, if there is a means to bring them back and whether there's some shit going on in there that is dormant altogether. This includes studying both the living and the dead(to an extent at least).

Doesn’t know much about her parents, nor what exactly happened to them(passed away when she was younger). Eldest of 3 sisters, used to raise them both after they ran away from her aunt and uncle to live with their grandparents(she was 12 then, them 9 and 7 specifically). Didn’t get far until post Agency rescue because she got caught up in crime to survive and make a living until she was 16,including with a few villain organisations.  

Generally a highly stern presence. Intimidating and closed off in a sense and a true neutral to a near anti-nihilistic degree who literally flames/smokes up whenever she gets angry or frustrated. But is actually a caring 

Agent Manolo Garcia: 

A first generation Colombian American Immigrant who was initially from a very new money, very religious family of Doctors and Psychiatrists where he was the eldest of 4 kids. Wanted to be a Musician initially, became a Psychologist due to family pressure. Least before he got disowned for being psychic for landing the kids he was rebelling against the parents with in  a psychiatric ward and wound up with the Psychonauts for a variety of reasons. Used to be a field agent for a time before he retired to go into Psychology full time, even went back to get a doctorate, when he had his kids and his kids’ powers came in full swing. Particularly his daughter since her sensory overload always keeps interfering with her powers and making it worse. 

Now helps rehabilitate cases of Psychics who were forced into criminal organisations against their will as well as cases where pre-existing mental issues interfere with one’s powers and minors, on top of functioning as a general Therapist and the Residential Psychologist in charge of everything Psychology related. 

Literally unfireable. Too good at his actual job to get a replacement for/one of the few people in the Psychology Department left. Doesn’t help that he’s usually the only one willing to take on particularly critical cases either. 

Chaotic Neutral sweetheart who only shows his sanity in his full capacity when he’s either doing his job or around kids and people he actually likes. Is otherwise the human equivalent of a cat who dislikes most if not all forms of authority and spends his free time either raising his kids or pranking the shite out of the rest of the Motherlobe, basically being Hollis’s worst nightmare essentially. Has barely an inbetween.

ANd yep, they've got twins together. As a couple they're essentially the Aziraphale and Crowley of the Motherlobe. Either way if anyone's curious over them don't be afraid to ask.

#psychonauts #psychonauts 2 #psychonauts fanart #psychonauts original characters #psychonauts original character #psychonauts ocs #psychonauts oc #ocs #my ocs #original characters #oc art #oc artwork #my artwork #natia novak #manolo garcia #the novak-garcia family #novak-garcia

[cosettepontmercys]

Hi! How are you? How was your work party? I hope it went okay and that you're feeling a little better. I know things aren't the best right now but also your last text post made me laugh. Sadly I can relate lol. Sending you love and well wishes! 🩷

I actually don't drink coffee. Soda is my drink of choice for caffeine. But more recently my sister says she needs to drink coffee for energy and makes it for work so sometimes I'll drink a little bit I guess. I'll never really drink a full cup though. I think I prefer iced coffee compared to hot which is what she drinks and I like it to be really sweet. I've had some Starbucks too but that's kinda different and I don't even like it really either.

I listened to some of it and I think she could have potential I guess but I agree it would not be the best fit for her. Something like once could possibly be a good starting point though..I could see that since her voice kinda fits that more. Apparently a movie musical of Kiss of the Spider woman just got announced with JLO as the spider woman. I think that will be pretty interesting actually and how the musical would be on screen. It definitely could be good cuz it reminds me of Chicago and people love that movie.

Yes I would honestly like to know everything and all of her decisions too. I think she made the right choices mostly besides debut being cut. It would be very hard to come up with though and how she envisioned everything so it would be fascinating to see a behind the scenes.

So she got named person of the year by Time and did an interview! I did not expect it at all and was a nice surprise! I loved the pictures and photoshoot and interview. She also said the rep vault songs will be fire..ahh! That's so exciting! Her look in the shoot even had a little bit of rep in it in my opinion and even how she is so proud of herself now which she said in the interview and rose up from the dead against the hate will always be inspiring to me! She also went to Emma Stone's movie premiere and there is a new photo of them! I love their friendship so much and Hayley Williams recently had a quote about her career just getting started too.

So I'm pretty sure I know almost all of those artists and songs already haha. Someone pointed out that replay ot wrapped seems mostly influenced from stuff that came out in the beginning of the year and I guess that makes sense cuz that means it would have more plays. I think it's sort of true for me too. My top artists were Taylor and Paramore. Paramore's album came out in February so that makes sense and I played it a lot. I also played all their old music before their new album came out and I think that's another reason too. Cuz for me, on Spotify, I don't really play old music..I only play new music from the year usually..but sometimes I will go back and play all of an artists albums before listening to their new album. Like for Paramore, I hadn't really listened to their old music in a long time before then. Usually if I just wanna play an old song, I'll just YouTube it instead and I don't really play full albums of stuff I've already heard. That's why some artists I really love didnt make it this year just because they didn't have a new album. This would be different with what I would play in my own time or mood music I would play on YouTube lol and I always replay a lot. I just don't really like to mix old and new and my sister doesn't always like my songs either.I did this with another band too also in February and that's what a lot of my top songs were. But there are two bands I actually discovered this year and cuz I liked them I went back and played their old music before their new album and those were my next two artists. They are called Movements and Slowdive. My two favorite songs are called Daylily and When the Sun Hits even though they were actually from their old albums lol. One has pretty long albums and when you play them five times or whatever..the listening is gonna add up. Plus if my sister also.plays it that much, then its even more. I think almost all of Paramores album made it on my top songs and one was my top song. I highly recommend their album. Sometimes I get into phases with songs and replay them once the song is over so the song will keep coming on more so it plays a lot so it's not always accurate. My top Taylor song was I Can See you at like number 10.

There are so many surprise songs pairings I forgot about but one would definitely be The Lakes and I Wish You Would and Cornelia Street and you're on your own kid. I would die to hear any of those songs omg. She will never play Evermore and the Lakes as a pair because they are both piano songs lol but that's my dream but overall I was pretty happy with what I got. Sorry if I missed anything but I hope you have a nice weekend!

hi friend!! my work party was fine, but very humbling — walking around with my notes app open with a note saying "not ignoring you! just lost my voice" and then playing a lot of charades was very ... entertaining, to say the least! i did get a brownie though (i do not have much of a sweet tooth, so my friend was kind of shocked/confused at my request to go find brownies but it was fun)! hope you're feeling okay 🤍 i think the text post you're talking about is the being sent to the seaside for your health one? my voice is still very much in and out but hopefully it'll be back back soon :(

on the other hand, i have had (1) sip of soda ever — and that was this summer. i am not a soda person! but i will happily drink coffee + tea! i used to be a "iced coffee only unless it's freezing" person, but i've been gravitating towards iced coffee in the summer, hot coffee in the winter! i'm getting old haha. i don't really buy coffee since i have a keurig, but if i'm out i try to go to local shops! there's one near where i used to go to school that i loveeeeee and they have the best fun drinks :")

i need to listen to more musicals! i haven't listened to one in a hot minute (and i've also never listened to spider woman!!). beginning to think that you need to assign me homework so i expand my music tastes! like i really think i need to go through my asks, and make a playlist of songs/albums/musicals recommended by you and then report back every ask 🫡 i did that with one of my friends — i made them a playlist (with my own notes/annotations) of some songs i love, and they've been slowly working on it / listening and writing their own notes back!

i do agree with wrapped/replay being very beginning of the year influenced! when sour came out, it dominated my entire replay but i didn't remember listening to it that much. i think that was a combination of it being such a short album/songs are short + coming out at the beginning of the year.

i am very bad at making playlists (but i love doing it); normally what i'll do is just throw entire artist discographies into a playlist, and then shuffle that while i work! my top taylor song this year was cardigan and i think it was like, 42. i really want to properly get into paramore!! a lot of my friends love paramore, and i know a few of their songs (and what i do know, i love) but for some reason i've never done a full discography listen!

evermore is so good!! i need her to release a surprise songs live album when she's done — i think i just prefer live albums more than studio recordings, actually? i've been listening to a couple lately and i think i just love the energy of live albums more!

my weekend is going well! i hope you're having a good weekend too 🤍 🤍

#post: answered #🩷 anon

[hotkoyo]

SFW Howie Alphabet Headcanons

Author's Note: When will my husband come home from war?

Disclaimer: These headcanons are based on how I imagine Howie to be based on the game. You don't have to agree with what I say here as everyone is free to have their own ideas.

𝄥 𝄞 ── 𝄇

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

VERY affectionate. I honestly feel like he grew up surrounded with so much love and now he’s just overflowing with it. Howie is all about showing his love through warm hugs, having his arm around you, swinging your hands as you walk, head pats, you name it. Another one, in my opinion, is words of affirmation. He'd tell you how much you matter to him through words, like quoting lines from his favorite movies and saying "I love you" before you both go to sleep.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Affectionate. Lots of play fighting and cuddling during movie sessions. Singing to Disney songs at the top of your lungs. You guys make friendship bracelets for each other (and he never takes off his). Definitely one of those dudes who drive their best friend everywhere.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

If it’s not apparent already, this dude is a giant golden retriever and he lives for the cuddles. He is born to cuddle, baby. Due to his size, it’s natural that he ends up as a big spoon more often than not but he definitely loves the moments he gets to be the small spoon.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

So domestic, even when you guys just started dating. It’s easy to imagine yourself settling down with someone as warm and comforting as Howie. He would love to settle down and build a home with you and you guys love having conversations about your dream house and how your life would be like in five, ten years. He’s alright at cooking in general but can cook some amazing Chinese dishes that his mom taught him.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

It would be hard for him to get out of a relationship, to be completely honest. He’s one of those people who easily gets attachment issues and finds it hard to move on from a relationship. If he really has to be the one to end the relationship, he would want to talk it out with you and try to end your relationship on a good note. I feel like he’s one of those people who really values respect, even when things aren’t working out anymore between you two.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Howie is a hopeless romantic and while he does have his insecurities, I feel like he would really love to commit to someone. In terms of marriage, it really depends on you. I don’t think his career would hinder him much when it comes to popping the question, to be honest. If he feels like he’s comfortable enough with the relationship and sees that you are, too, I think he’d propose to you when he feels like the time is right.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Howie is a textbook example of a gentle giant. He knows he’s strong so physically, he knows when to hold back a bit. Emotionally, it’s canon that he’s a soft and caring boy through and through and he would never hurt you on purpose.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Ugh, he LOVES hugs. It’s canon that the Yan fam is really good with hugs so if you need a pick-me-up, he’s your man. Whenever you guys are alone, he acts like an overgrown koala because he can’t get enough of hugging you. If hot chocolate is a hug, it’s what Howie’s would feel like. Warm, familiar, and comforting.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

He knows he loves you when he does but holds back a lot in fear of coming off too strong. If he feels that you feel the same, then he would say it pretty quickly into the relationship or during a spur of a moment. If it seems that you need more time, he would hold back just so that you wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

He’s the type who’s less jealous and more insecure. His jealousy isn’t going to make him act rashly and put you on the spot. It’s slow and creeping and you might not notice at first because of how well he conceals it but it becomes apparent by the way he starts to act distant.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Warm and gentle. His kisses make you feel so safe and loved and he likes to take the time to show you how he feels through the gesture. He loves to kiss you everywhere but his favorite places to kiss you are your nose and temples.

Also, kiss him on the forehead and he’d melt into a puddle. Another one of his hotspots is at the back of his neck. Kiss him there and watch him sputter as he tries to gain back his bearings.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

He loves kids, kids love him. He humors the kids a lot and is a great impersonator so prepare yourself for some improvised skits in front of the kiddos. Can’t say no to the kids, though, so you might have to step in from time to time. Kids treat him like a human jungle gym. Which he actually is.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

I definitely see him as a morning person. Also, he’s so fit that you can’t tell me he doesn’t workout every single morning. Probably goes on an early jog and is one of those people who seems so chipper even if it's only seven in the morning.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Have you seen actors with their stage makeup on? There’s no way Howie’s skin stays so smooth and supple without some form of skincare routine. Has his own skincare routine and loves doing it with you together in front of the mirror (while making faces at you). After a good skincare session, he'll sit on the couch or in bed with you cuddled up to him as he reads scripts from his new upcoming projects.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Depending on how much he trusts you, it could be sooner or later. The thing with him is that he keeps things bottled up to himself. It’s hard and it’s tiring and the moment he feels safe with you, the dam breaks and he starts to reveal things about himself.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

It’s definitely hard to annoy Howie and even harder to provoke him. He has the patience of a saint and unless something is very wrong, you can always find him just chillin lol.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

He’s quite sentimental so he definitely remembers your relationship milestones. He remembers a lot of small things about you; like how you like your cereal and your best friend’s name from high school. Some of the details can be fuzzy at times but he tries!

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Canonically: The moment you said yes when he asked to be your boyfriend at Luca’s "sister's wedding".

Headcanon: The time you both visited his family in Chicago for the holidays. You were walking home from dinner when the snowfall turned into a snowstorm. It was terribly cold and windy but you both kept on laughing at the situation and you looked so gorgeous with snow stuck to your hair under the waning streetlight that he didn’t even care that he's freezing his butt off.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Isn’t too protective in the traditional sense because he knows you can take care of yourself. More protective of how you feel because of his words and actions so he’s careful in what he says and how he says them because he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings. Highkey loves to be protected tho. Thinks it's kinda hot.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Puts a lot of effort in his career, obviously. Howie is always so passionate and ambitious when it comes to being a top actor. Relationship-wise, he’s a simp. Dates are mostly casual with him but he puts extra time and effort in choosing or making gifts. All the extra and expensive bits goes into your anniversary dates.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

A lot of times, he leaves his wet, sweaty workout shirts at the corner of the room and somehow always forgets no matter how many times you’ve scolded him. Sometimes doesn’t close or tie snack packages properly so when it's your turn to eat them, they’re often stale. A terrible snorer when he’s had a long day on set.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Quite concerned. He likes to highlight the nice parts of his body through the clothes he choose to wear and tries to follow a healthy diet in general. He worked hard for his body and as much as embarrassing as it is to admit, he loves to show off and be admired for it (especially by you).

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

A strong believer that every person is complete and whole on their own. He believes that every person is their own and just because you love someone, it doesn't mean that your life must revolve around that person. Even so, he is a romantic. So even if he knows that he's complete without you, he does prefer to have you by his side.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

He can play the piano really well. Aside from dance lessons, his parents put aside a lot of money to sign him up for piano classes when he was younger. Now, he plays them whenever he’s deep in thought and it’s always relaxing to hear him play.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

In general, Howie doesn’t like broccoli. Keep those away from him. Please. When it comes to partners, Howie stays away from people who make him feel less. Basically people who put him down for being who he is and liking the things he likes. Narcissists, if you will.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He’s a snuggler and he nuzzles into your side a lot when he sleeps. Whether you get too warm is your problem because this dude is Strong™ and won’t let you push him aside that easily. And, God, I hate to say this but he’s definitely a snorer. Not all the time but when he’s really tired.... let’s just say you won’t be getting a decent sleep.

#howie yan #roadkill howie #fictif howie #fictif roadkill #roadkill #fictif #fictif nix hydra #nix hydra #howie yan headcanons #fictif howie headcanons

[fighterkimburgess]

In the last episode of Chicago Fire Hawkins said that he and Violet dating wasn't a fireable offence just frowned upon and I understand that.

But I feel like it's easier for Hawkins to say this because he's a man in power or a position high up. Even if it's 'just' frowned on, Violet is most likely the one that is going to end up getting the short end of the stick or having people side-eyeing her wondering if the award she won and her future accomplishments are because of Hawkins.

I know it wasn't supposed to come off this way, and maybe it's just me but Hawkins saying it's not something they can be fired for felt like he was just brushing off an issue that would primarily affect Violet, a WOC that is his subordinate.

(Again, my standard disclaimer of I am a white person and can we PLEASE FOR THE LOVE AND HONOUR ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE POC IN THE FANDOM. Like I do love answering these questions, please, please, PLEASE don't think I don't. But I need to make it crystal clear that every time I answer these questions it comes from this position of being white and having this privilege and I need to make sure that's put front and centre.)

This is definitely part of it. I think the other thing is that Hawkins has family in CFD too. We know from when Mouch went to talk to him that his dad was previously Paramedic Field Chief, so he also has his dad's (from the sounds of it fantastic) reputation to help him out with that.

It's different for anyone who's AFAB as those of us who are know. If you're dating your boss, people think that you're sleeping with them to get ahead. Even in a case like this where we know it's not the same. And I worry that what Gallo said to Violet (and the One Chicago youtube channel put it up here) isn't going to be the only part of it. We saw Sylvie's concern that she hid because it was so clear to her how happy this makes Violet, but I think Sylvie will be the one who will defend this relationship even if she doesn't personally approve of it.

Part of it I honestly think was Hawkins trying to convince Violet that it'd be fine because he does have feelings for her. They do have great chemistry. It's Violet mother forking Mikami, she is an amazing human who deserves EVERYTHING. But he definitely didn't think of the potential ramifications.

And it's not even just the relationship, because hear me out for a moment. Violet left being a PIC to be Sylvie's number two. And yes part of it was Violet wanting to work with Sylvie, but I think that could affect things too. Will people think that she couldn't hack it and she's dating Hawkins to get ahead?

I think ultimately it was Hawkins trying to be well meaning - he obviously looked up the rules, he clearly wants what he and Violet has to be more than a one time thing - but he hasn't realised the full ramifications. And for her part I don't think Violet has either. But I'll be rooting for these two, because Hawkins, while he might not realise the...ugh I can't really come up with the word because it's after midnight but like sensitivities? He doesn't understand the full extent of what their relationship might mean on multiple levels - age, work positions, race, and gender - he does want it to work. And I don't think Violet fully realises everything she's going to be up against for this.

#cíara answers #hawkami #violet mikami #evan hawkins

[shelby-love]

JAY HALSTEAD

Third and Fourth Wheeling

Requested: yes

Prompts: "It's not a double date. We're just third and fourth wheeling."

Warnings: none

Authors note: I hope that this will meet your expectations! ❤️

"Okay stop whatever it is that you're doing," Will Halstead appears by your side on a hectic afternoon.

"Will I'm holding a cancer patient's charts in my hands," You look at him dumbfounded. Why does he think sneaking up on you in the middle work and telling you to drop everything is a good idea? 

"Give me three minutes," You start counting immediately after those words leave his mouth.

"There's this new restaurant that opened not too long ago." He explains quickly, scared that you might leave before he gets to say it all. "Natalie and I want to check it out but because it's new, you know, they don't want to give us a two person reservation."

You're still not picking up what he's trying to tell you so he continues his train of thought. "I thought you might want to go check it out with us."

"Will I don't want to third wheel." You tell him. As much as you live for him and Natalie, going with them to this restaurant seems a bit odd.

"I promise you that you will not third wheel in any way. Okay you just gotta trust me on this one." The tablet in your hands was forgotten and the only thing on your mind was this dinner.

"William..."

"No. You're coming. End of discussion. Dress fancy." With that, he left you alone at the reception. Chasing after him all the way to trauma 2 would not only be stupid but also pretty unprofessional because that's where his patient is.

With a sigh you started walking towards your own patients, eyes glued to the tablet in your hands.

Usually you're good at avoiding collision in the ED but when your body came in contact with a much bigger and stronger one you had to take a step back to steady yourself.

Luckily you didn't fall to the ground as the person cached you before you managed to do so. "Woah Y/N, you okay?"

Jay Halstead.

"Jay if this is another one of your surprises I'm kind of busy at the moment." Jay and you were friends. You were close to Will and ended up being a good friend to his younger detective brother Jay.

You admit that Jay was a handsome guy. He had everything a girl would want but you were blind to see that he truly has eyes only for you.

His playboy image wasn't necessarily going into his favour. You were protecting your little heart by just not giving him the time of your day. But he gave you all of his.

Whenever he's in the ED it's either for Will, for work or for you. He even gave you flowers for your birthday that was not too long ago.

"Y/N the world doesn't rotate around you," He teased which made you roll your eyes. "For your information I'm here strictly work related."

"Oh, well. Good luck." With a bright smile you stride past him to meet your patient.

You ignore the race of your heartbeat.

***

"Yeah, I'm standing outside freezing." You hold your phone shakily next to your head. In a fancy dress and pointy heels you wait for Nat and Will to pick you up.

"Look we won't be able to make it."

Your jaw drops to the floor.

"Excuse me?" You say.

"But don't go anywhere Jay will pick you up since he's closer to your building than we are."

"You're setting me up with Jay?!" You yell at her. No matter how much you tell them they don't listen.

"Please just bare with me! We needed two more people and the two of you are perfect!" Her voice sounds sincere and you give in like you always do.

"Tell him to hurry." And with that you end the call.

***

Soon enough a sleek black car pulls up and Jay comes striding out. He's cleaned up nicely and you even admit he looks dangerously handsome in his suit.

"Jesus Y/N you're freezing." He says when he comes up to you.

"Nice catch detective." You breathe out a puff of air that turns into small clouds of air.

"Let's go." He places his hand on the small of your back and helps you settle in the car before joining you inside.

He turns on the heater and you see yourself visibly relax. The leather interior of the car starts to feel comfortable and you feel yourself fall in love with his car.

"It's nice right?" He chuckles next to you.

"Huh?"

"The car. You seem to love it." He explains.

"Aah," You smile. "The CPD pays well, doesn't it?"

"The CMD doesn't?" His eyebrow is raised teasingly.

"You don't see me drive this beast around town do you?"

"It's not like you and I hang out." There's something more in his words and you know it. "Except now when we're going on a double date."

You take a deep breath, "It's not a double date. We're just third and fourth wheeling."

"Yeah right. Keep telling yourself that Y/N."

You smile.

***

"Good evening." A restaurant attendant comes up to the two of you when your make your way inside. "May I take your coats?"

While you're a bit stiff, Jay seems to be as relaxed as one could be. He casually helps you take off your coat before handing it to the attendant. Coat check at restaurants isn't something you're so used to, so seeing Jay manouver his way with the fancy lads made you see a whole new side of him.

Coat free you were left in your dress. You didn't miss the way Jay looked at you. No matter how much you tried to deny it, it did bring out something in you.

"Do you want to walk among the fancy people like two people who don't know what they're doing... or will you take my hand and walk with me?"

"You win." With that you loop your arm through his and let him lead you away.

His lean body felt nice against yours. With the circumstances switched up you started looking at him differently. You wondered if this is what Will and Nat planned all along.

Soon you spot them. Both of them look dashing and perfectly dressed. "Wow..." Natalie mouthed when she saw the two of you.

Blush crept on your cheeks while Jay was helping you settle in your chair before sitting next to you.

"I mean..." Will started but lost his words.

"Isn't this the best decision ever?" Natalie piped in.

"I already told Jay this and I'll tell you again... This isn't a double date." You calmly say.

Next to you Jay was smiling from ear to ear.

"Adorable." Natalie giggles before taking a sip of wine. You roll your eyes while smiling.

"Well this is going to be a long night." Will comments.

"Cheers to that." Jay says and the two clink their fancy glasses.

***

All throughout the night you became more and more relaxed around Jay. For the first time you truly forgot about the boundaries you've set to yourself and let yourself get to know him.

He charmed you. Yes. He made you smile and laugh. Yes. He made you feel good about yourself. Yes.

You didn't stop thinking about the times your legs brushed against each others, or the times when he would casually drop his arm around your chair.

By the end of the dinner you did admit that this felt like a double date.

"Let me." Jay gestured towards your coat. Smiling lightly you let him take a space behind you and help you put it on. Your heart raced and cheeks began to flush as you felt him standing behind you.

"Are you driving with us?" Nat asked you. You thought about it for a second before shaking your head.

"You two go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow at work." You tell them before turning to Jay. "Do you mind dropping me off?"

The smile he gave you made you think that he just won the lottery. "Y/N wants to ride with me. Please, be my guest."

His hand on the small of your back doesn't feel foreign anymore. It's nice and comforting.

"So... What do you think?" You're settled in Jay's car once again only with different feelings in the air. The atmosphere was comfortable.

"It went better than I expected." You admit. Chicago during the night was a pretty sight to see, it made you smile instantly without you even realising it.

"What's going on with that smile?" Jay teases. Your cheeks tint with pink as you shake your head.

"Nothing. I'm just thinking." You reply, finding it hard to give him a sassy comeback like you always do.

Soon enough, the car is stopped and you're parked in front of your building. Realisation hits you and you take in the fact that the night is over.

You smile lightly before leaning in to give him a kiss on his cheek as a thank you. "I had fun tonight." You admit.

Something shines in his eyes before he replys, "Yeah me too."

You take it as your cue to open the door and bid him a last good night. Just before you close the car door you hear him call your name. "Hey Y/N."

"Hmm?"

"Do you want to have a drink with me some time?" He asks you. This wasn't the first time he asked you that but the only difference with this one was that you had a change in feelings. He seemed genuinely interested into taking you out for a drink and getting to know you. "I doesn't have to be anything fancy like tonight if you don't want to."

The chill Chicago air doesn't bother you as you lean against the door. "Yeah I'd like that."

Why not give him a chance. After all of the flowers and suprise drop-ins at the ED you could see that he meant it.

Your smile mimics his before you close the door and make your way inside. By the time you're warm again you find yourself thinking about Jay the whole night with a racing heart that followed.

MASTERLIST

#jay halstead #jay halstead imagine #jay halstead fanfiction #jay halstead x reader #Chicago PD #chicago pd fanfiction #chicago pd imagine #manstead #will halstead #natalie manning #chicago med imagine #chicago med

[bumblesimagines]

Still A Costa

Request: Yes or No

I haven't seen a single fic for this series on Tumblr. For anyone curious, since Bayardo (Ramon's actor) is 37 I'm gonna make Ramon 37 which means when (Y/N) was born, he was around 19.

~

'Yesterday night, Cassie Shore, a student at the prestigious Archer School Of Ballet, fell four stories down from the roof of the school. Miss Shore, who was an exceptional dancer and beloved by her fellow peers, is currently in the hospital in a deep coma. The director, Monique Dubois, has stated the following-'

"What a load of bullshit." (Y/N) muttered, shutting his phone off as he leaned back in his seat. Cassie Shore was hated by everyone. Nobody there truly loved her. They all hoped she'd break an ankle. (Y/N) felt the bus stop and grabbed his bag, standing up. He exited the bus, letting out a deep sigh. He never expected to be back in Chicago but his brother wanted him there. (Y/N) was much happier in Madrid. The mere thought of bumping into any of his old acquaintances gave him a headache. Unlike his brother, (Y/N) wasn't as wellknown. He was only eighteen yet he already had a job as a photographer. (Y/N) felt his phone vibrate in his hand, looking at the contact.

Mona

"Fuck off already." (Y/N) huffed lightly, rolling his eyes. He answered the call, walking forward as he pressed the phone to his ear.

"This is the twenty-fifth time you've called me this week and it's only Tuesday. What do you want?" (Y/N) asked, getting a taxi. Monique hummed. (Y/N) watched a car pull over.

"Is that any way to speak to an adult? Especially someone who practically raised you?"

"Ramon raised me. You were just his pedo girlfriend." (Y/N) said, putting his bag in the car and getting in. He moved the phone away from his face, quietly giving the driver the address.

"How's Madrid? I heard your brother ditched Paris and is back in Chicago. When are you gonna come back?" Monique asked gently. (Y/N) scoffed, leaning back in the seat. He turned his head slightly, watching the buildings pass by.

"Face it, Mona. You only call when you want something. What is it?" (Y/N) asked.

"I see Ramon taught you nothing but attitude. Fine. I was hoping you'd be able to convince your brother to choreograph for me. I see what he's done for Delia. He should do something for the school as well." Monique responded, the fake sweetness in her voice dropping. (Y/N) let out a small chuckle, shaking his head lightly.

"He'd never do it. Not even if I asked. Plus, he knows I don't care about ballet. He'd know you begged me to ask."

"I'm not begging-"

"You are." (Y/N) cut off, toying with the strings of his hoodie. "And even if I agreed, you'd have to give me something in return."

"You wouldn't do it as a favor to an old friend?" Monique asked.

"No. I don't have friends. Just people I know." (Y/N) replied.

"Was Cassie not a friend? You've probably heard about what happened to her by now. Are you not gonna visit?"

"Cassie and I are history. I have no business visiting her or trying to make amends. She's half dead, isn't she? I don't bother dead people." (Y/N) answered, annoyance in his voice as he got his wallet out and gave the driver some money. He got out of the car, closing the door and watching the car drive off. His gaze settled on Ramon's house, eyeing the front door.

"Always dramatic." He approached the house, opening and closing the door. He glanced around, sighing. He headed up to his old room, entering and finding it just the same as he had left it. Ramon was still young when (Y/N) was born and thrusted into his life. Ramon held resentment towards him during the first few years since his parents up and disappeared and Ramon had to travel around with a baby but as (Y/N) got older, the resentment was replaced with brotherly love. (Y/N) tossed his bag on the messy bed, looking over his bookshelf. Seemed like either Delia or Ramon had added more books. (Y/N) approached the shelf, picking up the new additions.

"Sharp Objects, The Bell Jar, White is For Witching, and House of Leaves." (Y/N) read the names aloud, humming softly. He put them back, continuing to look around the room. He only returned to Chicago to watch Ramon's debut ballet. (Y/N) sat on the bed, unpacking his bag. He took out his camera, placing it on his nightstand. He grabbed his phone, getting an uber and heading out. (Y/N) thoughts wondered back to his and Cassie's last exchange.

"Are you fucking serious? My brother?" (Y/N) stared at her. Cassie swallowed, shaking her head.

"It was a one time thing! When I graduate, I can have Ramon wrapped around my finger and it'll help boost my career!" Cassie explained, staring at him. (Y/N) scoffed, shaking his head.

"You have a habit of using Costas, you know that?" (Y/N) asked, looking away from her.

"I never used you. You were my best friend and-"

"And you used me to get closer to Ramon. I always wondered what went wrong. I'm glad we got that cleared up." (Y/N) ran a hand through his hair, unable to look at the girl. Cassie stepped closer to him.

"You're wrong-"

"I always knew you were a selfish bitch." (Y/N) muttered, walking past her and leaving the hotel room.

(Y/N) blinked, feeling the car stop. (Y/N) thanked the driver and got out, staring up at the old building. He closed the door and walked forward, gaze dropping to the dried blood on the pavement. He went up the steps, entering the school. (Y/N) stuck his hands in his pockets, heading up to Monique's office. Selena glanced up, doing a double take and quickly standing as her eyes widened.

"Mr. Costa, I wasn't-"

"Yeah, nobody knows I'm here. I want it to stay that way." (Y/N) said, opening the door and entering the office. Monique looked up from her phone, brows raising. She stood, taking off her reading glasses.

"Well, someone got here fast." She breathed out, dismissing Selena with a wave of her hand.

"I was already here when you called and ruined my mood even more." (Y/N) replied, glancing around the office. He plopped down on one of the chairs, arms crossing.

"So, Cassie pulls a Humpty Dumpty and you think my brother is gonna clean up the mess?" (Y/N) cocked a brow, watching Monique sit back down. She chuckled, tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.

"A choreographed dance by him would pull people's attention somewhere else." Monique said, shrugging lightly. "Your brother has been ignoring me."

"I would too. You're really persistent and annoying." (Y/N) said, eyes sweeping over her desk.

"Any lawsuits?"

"The police declared it an accident."

"Was it?"

"I thought you and Cassie were history?" Monique cocked a brow, tilting her head. (Y/N)'s jaw clenched as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, we are. I'm just curious if there's a potential murderer among the staff or students." (Y/N) shrugged.

"She's alive." Monique reminded.

"Barely. You think she didn't bust her head open when she fell? Who survives a fall like that?" (Y/N) questioned. Monique leaned forward, resting her arms on her desk.

"Why are you here, (Y/N)?" Monique asked. (Y/N) sat up, licking his lips as he stood up.

"I was wondering if anything changed at the school. Since you're still director.. That means nothing has changed. All the work you put into this school and still only medicore dancers graduate. You have a star dancer once every couple of years. Delia was the lastest one." (Y/N) shrugged, grabbing the edge of the desk as he leaned forward.

"Who's the next star?" (Y/N) asked, tilting his head. They turned their heads as the door opened and a girl entered.

"Neveah Stroyer." Monique replied. (Y/N) hummed, looking back at her.

"Let's hope she doesn't have a great fall." (Y/N) leaned back, stepping away from the desk.

"Neveah meet (Y/N) Costa." Neveah's brows rose, looking at (Y/N). Her eyes shined with excitement.

"I've read some of your books and seen the photographs you take. They're amazing." Neveah said, walking forward and shaking his hand. (Y/N) hummed.

"Maybe you'll take some pictures for the school." Monique said, smiling. (Y/N) hummed, looking at the older woman.

"I'd rather choke." He replied, giving her a fake smile. Neveah's brows raised, clearing her throat. (Y/N) walked past Neveah, opening the door.

"Good luck surviving with rats and sharks, Neveah!"

#x reader #x you #x y/n #x male reader #x male!reader #tiny pretty things #tiny pretty things x reader #tiny pretty things x male reader #tiny pretty things x you #tiny pretty things x y/n #ramon costa #ramon costa x reader

[cadetcama]

Ooh!!! Do a lily and red being jealous of each other!!! Hcs step siblings au.

What do you do when your bff has a NEW bff?? Or when your chosen brother already HAS a chosen brother?? You fight for his affection

Setting the scene: Ricky has been in Chicago, phone off for a week. He turns his phone back on and has has lots of new notifications because of a video of him singing - and a comment from Lily??

He is suspicious and confused so he calls Big Red

He’s like “how did anyone even get this video?? Did Lily hack my phone?” “Dude why would she hack your phone?” “Why does she do any of the shit she does??”

which is fair, but also not the point

Big Red is a little mad Ricky calls him after a WEEK to talk about Lily. But still. He’s glad Ricky's okay

And that's how it starts, Ricky starts hanging out with Lily more (because their parents are dating and very quickly (like 4 months into the relationship) end up moving into the same house)

So then Ricky's LIVING with Lily and ALWAYS AROUND

And her house has a sweet theater room that is awesome to play video games so they end up at Lily's-now-Ricky's house a lot

And Big Red is jealous of Lily because he has to share Ricky

He didn't even have to share Ricky this much with Nini!

"I used to be your brother!" “Dude you still are! You’re just now Lily’s brother too!” “I don’t want her” Lily, from the back: “Yeah, I hate to agree with him but I don’t really want him as a brother either”

(If someone had told Ricky that one day he would have to mediate things between Big Red and Lily, who are now competing for his attention...)

Like Lily doesn't antagonize Big Red or say mean things about him but that doesn’t mean they get along

Big Red just does not make sense to Lily

She thinks he's too nice

And he takes up too much of Ricky's time!

Like honestly, do they need to spend hours in "bro-time" playing video games??

And how does he expect to run a pizza place when he's lactose intolerant? That's like being a wheat farmer when you're gluten intolerant!

(Look, Lily and Antoine only got along out of necessity but he was right about one thing: Big Red is ridiculous)

Unless Red is using power tools and his dark side comes out, then Lily’s like YES

She has even been known to show up places WITH power tools just to get "Dark Red" to make an appearance

#step siblings au #cama rants

[ally-writes-many-things]

Secret Voight S2 Part 4 (Jay Halstead)

Summary: With the team now knowing you are Voight's daughter. That's one problem down but Voight still doesn't know about you and Jay. Unless he already knows.

Words: 2748

Prompts:

Requested: Heavily

A/N or Warning: mentions of r*pe, murder, and torture.

You had left Jay in your apartment while you go talk to this Joe guy. His file said he always went to the same bar. You walked into the bar and spot him sitting alone. Joe gave you a once over. "Last time I drink with one of you, I ended up in jail,"

    You scoffed and ignored it. "I know how this works, you took care of Justin inside and now you think he owes you. Justin doesn't owe you jack shit. You hear me? Jack shit,"

    Joe takes a sip of your drink. "You can't arrest someone for hanging out with friends,"

    You looked Joe. "No, but I can arrest you for the drugs I'm going to find in your car. Don't fuck with me,"

     You were sitting in Intelligence the next day and Voight hands out a case file to everyone. You opened up the file and saw that there was two girls that were raped, murder and their ears were cut off. Voight cleared his throat. "They're calling him the Riverwalk Killer. Mayor is flipping out on the superintendent, who us flipping out of the Chief. None of that matters to me. Two women are dead and went through something hoffic. It isn't going to happen again,"

      Antonio looked up from the file and addressed the team. "There were no witnesses. Area control searched every crimes scenes and found nothing on physical evidence,"

    Ruzek looked at Dawson. "Pods?"

    Voight pointed at no one in particular. "Detectives from New York SVU are in route right now to help out,"

    You looked back at the file. "They also had two victims killed in their city two days apart,"

     Voight nodded. "Traffic camera picked up a male, white, 5'10 wearing a hoodie following both victims. but they couldnt get a clear visual on his face,"

   Jay looked at Lane. "What about sex offenders?"

     "Nothing pops out. Plus, no DNA yet off ant of the victims,"

    Voight walked to his office but stopped and looked at us. "We aren't waiting for that. We get proactive m. Boots on the ground. I want everyone working the river for suspicious behavior. Dress the part,"

     You were walking on part of the river while the team walked the other part. Well beside Voight and Lane, they were in the surveillance van. Antonio had came through the radio saying that he saw a suspicious person and was walking towards Jay. Jay being Jay ran after him and chased after him.

    After running his name, you guys didnt like him for the crime and still took him in to see if he had any information. He said that there was a guy around five in the morning that he remembers giving off the vibe of either a cop or a criminal. 

    It was an hour after you talked to the guy from the park and the detectives from New York were now here and you all had introduced yourself. Rollins was standing next to the board, also near Voight. "The only connection we can see is a trade show convention in New York at the time of the murder us here in Chicago now. Its at the Rittenshiuse convention center,"

    Voight looked at Lane. "Lane,"

   "On it,"

   You crossed your arms and walked over to your desk and leaned on it. "Who is this guy? What are we looking for?"

    Rollins looked at you and then to the rest to them team. "This guy had been elevated ri serial killer status. I mean, in terms of the rape and murder, there are five types of different profile psyches. I think we are looking at the anger retaliatory rapist,"

    Ruzek nodded but looked confused. "Why the ear? I get that hes a sadistic son of a bitch and everything, but us he trying to establish street cred or?"

    Tutuola, the other detective from New York who was sitting next to him answered. "Ususally a souvenir or a trophy m. Sometimes, they make a shrine,"

     Voight nodded. "How long do we have you for?"

    "As long as you need us,"

    --

    Lane does his magic and finds fourty five men who were at both conventions and showed him to the guy you took in eariler. He ID a Jeffery Baker which you and Jay were now waiting for. He was in a panel and its set to release at anytime. Jay looked at you. "Have you talked to Justin?"

   You looked at him. "Kinda been busy with you know the case,"

   "You need too. Voight is gonna kick my ass, if he finds me,"

    You walked up to Jay and grabbed his chin gently. "He won't find out and when I see Justin next, I will kick his ass, okay?"

   Jay was about to kiss you, but he looked behind you. "There,"

    You looked over and saw Jeffery walking out of the room. You and Jay walked over to where he was. "Jeffery Baker?"

    He looked up from his phone and looked at you two weird. "Yes?"

   "Detective Voight and Halstead, Chicago P.D,"

    Jay walked up next to you. "Apparently, there's been some damage to your hotel room. Housekeeping made a complaint,"

    Jeffery looked at you. "I didn't recant damage,"

    Jay placed a hand on Jeffery's back and pushed him to start walking. "Great, we can clear that up at the station,"

    -

    Jay and you were now sitting in one of the interview rooms with Jeffery. Jeffrey wasn't saying anything more than what he was answering.

    "How long have you been in town?"

    "Five days,"

   "From St. Louis?"

   "Yep,"

   Jay asked him a question now. "Have you been to the Riverwalk?"

   "What does that have to do with my hotel room?"

   "I'll ask again, you been to the Riverwalk?"

   "I have?"

   "When?"

   "I have a suspicion that I'm not here about a hotel room,"

     You didnt break eye contact. "What else would you be here for?"

     "I havent the foggiest,"

"I'll ask again when and what time where you down at the Riverwalk?"

"Do you guys got Internet here? Theres a great video on YouTube from this law-school professor called 'dont talk to the police' no ooffense,"

    Jay slammed his hand on the table and walked over to where Jeffery was sitting. "You're not in St. Louis, anymore. We have two rape-murders in the last few days, and your gonna answer some questions about that,"

Jeffrey had this stupid smile on his face since you took him in and Jay was getting tired of it. Frankly, you too. "Wipe that stupid smile off your face,"

Jeffery dropped his smile and then looked at Jay. "I will remove the smile as requested, to tell you very seriously, that you have the wrong guy,"

You were about to say something when there was knocks on the door and Antonio pops his head in and nodded at you two you to come talk to him outside in the hallway. "There's been another rape down at the Riverwalk. Victim survived. She's at Med,"

You and Dawson decided that it would be you and him that goes and see this vicitm at Med while Jay worked on getting infromation from Jeffery.

You walked into the room where Vanessa was, She looked at you and you saw how badly beaten this little girl is. Her one eyes was completely swollen shut. There was briuses and cuts all over her face. Your heart shattered. "Hi, Vanessa. I'm Detective Voight and this is Detective Dawson, and we're here to try to-"

Before you even could finish the sentence, she talked. "I'll do whatever I can do to help you catch him,"

"Thank you,"

Dawson walked up to the front of her bed while you were sitting in a chair next to her bed. "Can you take us through what happened?"

Vanessa nodded. "I'm on the soccer team at school, so I liked to get a run in after practice and out of nowhere, this guy appears in a brown hoodie with a mask,"

"Did he say anything?"

"Just to shut up and not to scream. He then, took me down to a dark area under the stairs and thats when he did what he did,"

"Is there anything you could see on him scars, a birthmark, a tattoo?"

"No,"

"Weight? Height?"

She looked at Antonio. "About your height, a little bigger. He had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes,"

"Anything else that could help idenity this man?"

"When he took his knife out something kicked in. We just had this self defense class at school, and the instructor said htat if you don't remember anything else, you should slap, grab, twist and pulled. That's what I did.

You were happy that her school did this class. It saved her life. "I glad you did. Where you able to leave a mark?"

"I got my thumbnail stuck in his eye and that when he fell out of me and I ran,"

You placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "You did amazing. Thank you for helping us,"

After you got done with Vanessa, you and Antonio drove back in slience as you were too heartbroken to talk. You went and told Voight about what Vanessa said, and kicked Jeffery. You were now in the break room when Jay comes in and shuts the door alone. You heard the door shut and you looked over and saw Jay was there. He walked up to you and place a hand on your cheek. You leaned into it. "Are you okay?"

You shook your head. "She's only 19 and she was beaten brutally. She wants us to tell the person who did this that they didn't break her. Let me tell you, that little girl is something else,"

Jay didn't say anything but pulled you closer to him and wrapped his arms around you. You allowed yourself to relax in them but the moment didn't last long because you heard the door start to open and he quickly let go of you and in comes Ruzek which told us that we were needed in the lobby. Rollins was the first one to address the team. "Okay, if the prep was rational, he would skip town knowing that the heat is on. There's a good chance he's still in town, so most likely he's angrier,"

Tutuola nodded. "He probably has a good idea that he left DNA under the victim's thumbnail and that's he gonna be I.D soon, so he's gonna need to strike soon while he still has a chance,"

Voight looked at Tutuola and then to the rest of us. "All right, hospital and clinics, check with foot patrol down at the Riverwalk. Beat the buses on this guy,"

----

Burgess was the one who found Neil Vance and he's likely the prep. The team was outside the hotel that he was staying at while Al and Ruzek were inside the hotel. You and Jay of course was in one car. "What if Voight does find out?"

You rolled your eyes as you were getting tired of this convestion. "I don't know. We'll cross that bridge when he have too. Stop brining it up right now as we have an important case we are working on,"

You guys were there for a good half an hour before Al comes over the radio about how Jeffrey Baker walked into the hotel and Voight told Al and Ruzek to take him.

We were now back in Intelligence, sititing the lobby area. Antonio was looking over the details of the case. "Baker is from St. Louis. Vance is from Shreveport. Not sure how they met,"

Tutuola answered Antonio. "Some deviant chat room most likely,"

Jay was the next to talk. "Baker travels for his conventions. Maybe Vance meets him there. Baker's the lookout while Vance does the crime,"

Rollins was looking at the board. "It's a dyad. Both partners plan and commit the crime together, but htere is usualy a dominant-submissive relationship,

Tutuola nodded towards his partner. "Like the Columbine killers, the D,C snipers. the Menendez brothers and those two yahoos who blow up the boston marathon,"

"Yeah, the dominant force is psychopathic and/or sadistic. The submissive partner is depressed. He's dependent. The leader is going to be charamastic, you know, enthusiatic. He's looking for a follower to manipulate, while the subordinate he's vulerable. He feels lost. He needs someone to lead him,"

You walked up to the board and pointed at Jeffery. "Guarnteed, Baker is the dominant one,"

"Where's Baker right now?"

Jay looked over at Voight annoyed. "Interview room. He's all lawyered up,"

"Not for long. Put him in the cage,"

As Jay was walking over to you, you heard Tutuola ask Kevin and Ruzek what the cage was but no one answered him so he looked very confused. You had to sniffle a laugh with a cough. Jay looked at you werid. "You okay?"

You nodded. "Yeah,"

"Laughing at Tutuola's question about the cage?"

"More like his reaction when no one answered him,"

Jay smiled and chuckled.

After maybe thirty minutes of being in the cage with Voight, Baker gives up Vance and said that he is meeting him at Navy Pier. When we got there, we all spreaded out. You all mainly stayed on the Pier but Ruzek went towards the water. Al and Jay went on one of the boots. After a good ten fifteen minutes of looking for him, Ruzek comes over the radio and he is clearly talking to Vance but he doesn't want to let him know he is talking to the team. Voight asked twice where we was at and Ruzek hinted at where he was which was the Marilyn Yatch. You took notice of the woman he was holding hostage. You ran over where the Yatch was and got there just as Voight did. You walked over to your father. "Call SWAT,"

Voight shook his head and put his radio to his lips. "There's no time for that. Halstead and Olinsky, move into postion,"

Vance noticed that the team was standing there watching and address us as a group. "We are going to back out of here. The moment I see someone flash metal at me, she's dead I mean it!"

Ruzek put his hands out trying to calm down the sitution. "None of that needs to happen, all right. We're not going anywhere,"

Voight radioed. You got the shot?"

You heard Olinsky come back. "Affirmative,"

"Take the shot,"

Olinksky takes the shot and within seconds Vance drops to the ground as the woman screams. You ran over to her and comforts her.

--

You were finishing up reports after you came back from the Pier. Everyone else had left before Voight, Tutuola, and Rollins. Voight was in his office with the door shut and Tutola was in the car waiting for Rollins to come. "I have a couple of questions for you,"

I looked up from the report and saw Rollins was standing in front of you. "Go for it,"

Rollins looked towards Voight's office and before she could even ask you, you knew what the first question was going to be. "Yes, he's my father and no he didn't have anything to do with me being place in Intelligence,"

"Well that's one question answer. By the way, I didn't think he did,"

You nodded. "The second question?"

"Are you and Jay-?"

Your heart sped up as she started. "No,"

Rollins, clearly didn't believe you. "Just be careful. Dating your partner or having feelings for him doesn't end well,"

----

Its been a few hours since the case was finshed and you were at your apartment waiting on Jay to come over with take out when you heard someone knock on the door. You get off the couch and you walked over to the door. You opened it and noticed that it was Justin. He walked past you into your apartment. You weren't really expecting Jay for a good ten to twenty minutes. Justing turned around and looked at you and his entire face screamed scared and worried. You walked up to him. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Justin couldn't figure out to say. "I just um, um I just. I didn't want to but I had to you know?"

He looked down at his hands you looked down at this and place his hands in yours. His hands were bloody. "What the hell did you do?"

#jay halstead x imagine #jay halstead x you #jay halstead imagine #jay halstead x reader #jay halstead #one chicago #chicago pd #secret voight

[multisugars]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — having a famous girlfriend (possible au??)

𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 — How would the gang react if their girlfriend became world famous or something? Like they had to constantly go on tours/etc

this is such a fun request! i’m sorry it took so long i just had no idea how to go about writing this since it’s such a specific request :) but i think i got the hang of it...i tried to make it sound as realistic as possible...hope you like it!! xx

𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮

a music producer heard you signing outside a local shop and you signed with him on the spot, the rest is history....you started your tour about a year later with a full album already competed and a band that was joining along side you. darry was so supportive and agreed to go with you as long as the boys were in responsible company which you made they sure were. he can be a bit overprotective at times, when you arrive to big venues you’re always a little nervous to see all the fans anxiously waiting for your arrival. you would have never imagined you’d make it this big, darry always believed in you but i think it was also something that he also has to get use to.

“we’re here! chicago illionios!” your manager announced from the front of your giant tour bus.

“you good?” darry asks snapping you back to reality.

“yeah of course!” you nod cheerfully. “just nervous.”

“you’re going to be amazin’ it’s just like singing at home,” he reassures.

“no it’s not!” you laugh. “this is a sold out show.”

“okay well it’s just like home plus about a thousand extra people watchin.”

“darry!”

𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙥

he’s your biggest fanboy in the world. every step of the way sodapop has been by your side. from when you first started singing at your school choir to now. before your shows he even goes around passing out merch to everyone but steals some for himself when no one is looking, even though you told him he can have whatever he wants without any charge. he loves to watch your performances from either back stage or right in the front row. if he can choose he’d rather be front and center so he can have a perfect view. at times you see him getting jealous in the crowd when other men cheer for you, but he’s always is waiting for you after so he can tell you how amazing you did.

“you were so good!” he gushes pulling you into a warm hug. “i could barely take my eyes off ya!”

“thank you soda,” you hug him back “for everything, for being here.”

“you know i wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else,” soda looks down at you placing a soft kiss on your cheek.

𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙗𝙤𝙮

he so badly wants to go with you but you encourage him to stay back and finish school, you graduated high school early so this wasn’t a huge problem for you and you know how much education means to ponyboy. the months spent apart are difficult but you have a pretty solid relationship and a few months of being apart won’t do any harm to your personal life. he calls you every morning and right before you go to bed. sometimes even before you go on stage to perform. he wishes he could be there to support you fully but he knows you’re amazing and can handle anything they throw at you.

“i can’t wait to watch your show,” pony says over the phone.

“i hope you like it. i added your favorite song to the lineup tonight!” you exclaim.

“anything you do i love,” he laughs. “you outta know that by now.”

“i do, really,” you pause for a moment when the stage crew gives you the five minute signal. “hey i have to go it’s almost time, but i love you so much.”

“i love you more.”

𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨

honesty he hates you being on long tours he thinks you’re being worked to hard by you management. when you have a day off after long hours of rehearsals dallas never lets you go anywhere without him, he’s worried that the fans will mob you, which has happened before and really terrified you. it’s not that you believe they would hurt you but the pushing and shoving and the cameras being shoved in your personal space makes you anxious. sometimes he can get insecure about how many male fans you have. he’s afraid you’re going to get bored with him. which makes him push to be around you more.

“dallas no you’re not joining my security team,” you cross your arms.

“hear me out babe, what if some guy thinks he has the right to touch you just because you’re famous...”

“i have a fantastic team already dal. i’m protected.”

“okay, okay,” he throws hiss hands up in defeat. “but i’m still comin..”

𝙟𝙤𝙝𝙣𝙣𝙮

when you first told johnny about the tour he asked you first about tagging along. you didn’t even have to try to convince him. he was extremely excited for you and incredibly supportive, like always. at times he’d worry though. when he saw you collapsing of exhaustion at night he always made sure you were okay and he also doesn’t let anyone boss you around to much. late at night when ya’ll can't fall asleep you work on your music, escaping to the roof of whatever hotel you are at in that moment. singing to johnny, he’s the only person you sing to when you’re working on a new songs. he makes you feel comfortable, but when you ask for feedback it’s not much help because he thinks everything you sing is gorgeous and should be shared with the world. 

“you could be singin’ scrips from the Bible and i’d still think it sounded beautiful,” he tells while looking up to the stars. 

“soooo...that’s a yes on the song then?” you joke. 

johnny laughs, turning to face you. “absolutely.”

𝙩𝙬𝙤-𝙗𝙞𝙩

two-bit shows his support for you but in a endearingly embarrassing kind of way, sometimes making you want to curl up into a ball or wear a ridiculous disguise while in the public eye. he loves to wear shirts with your face on them all day. you had personally designed them for the tour and your fans. when you are back home he can’t help but brag to everyone he meets that you’re his and no one else stands a chance. which you think is kind of sweet, until he gets too aggressive about it. this makes him want to take it a step further, every night before a show he begs you to let him join a song with you on stage. which is something you’ve never done.

“cmon please i know every single one!” he says proudly. 

“and that's great! but don't you think the fans would be too overwhelmed? “you question trying to get him to back out without sounding mean. “and i definitely would hate to see any girls trying to make a pass at you once they see how amazing you are.”

two-bit nods agreeing. “you're right. i’m way to pretty for tv..” 

you slap his arm before walking away. 

𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚

sadly steve doesn’t go with you on tour, because he’s committed to his job. even though its not the most high paying he still thinks of it as home, that's a decsion you have to respect. this doesn't stop him though from watching all your performances at home and he always makes sure to call you after. he shows his support in many ways. but the most extreme thing he’s done is asking his boss if he can play your tracks at work, which he has to agree to when steve has asked him every single day since you left. when customers come in he tells everyone how talented you are and threatens them until they agree to stream your music. you did not approve of this.

“you hear the girl singin’ on the stereo?” soda asks while helping a customer get his gas. 

“uh yeah, what about her?” the man gives soda an intriguing look. 

“that's my girlfriend y/n y/l/n she's a famous singer. you better go and buy her album after this for i’ll ban you from ever comin’ to this gas station again,” he warns. 

“what?! that's absurd you can't do that!” 

“watch me!” soda lunges at the man before he jumps into his car driving away. 

as steve makes his way back into the store he smiles to himself. 

“really hope that worked...”

#the outsiders #the outsiders imagine #the outsiders prefrences #darry curtis #darry x reader #ponyboy curtis #ponyboy x reader #sodapop curtis #sodapop x reader #dallas winston #dallas winston imagine #dallas x reader #steve randle #steve x reader #two bit x reader #two bit mathews #johnny cade #the outsiders johnny #johnny cade x reader #se hinton #stay gold #anon request

[dojae-huh]

this is just my opinion, but I think that doyoung is genuinely interested (platonically) in johnny. he was the one to ask jn to take him to chicago to see jn's hometown + drive, he paid close attention to jn's mom when she was talking about a younger jn, dy said that eating that dinner with jn was the happiest he's been in 4 months (during their tour.) for the last one, I'm not trying to say he was happiest bc he romantically likes him, just that he genuinely felt happy during their time

as for boundaries, I'm wondering if part of it has to do with johnny being older and acting the part. its established that dy and ty are best friends, and even tho he still calls him hyung, dy pre-dominantly treats ty as same-age friends. yuta is also a hyung to dy, but yt is late 95 and dy is early 96 and are essentially same-age friends even tho dy also refers to him as hyung. I think while dy may baby him sometimes, yt still takes care of him as a hyung.

with taeil, he doesn't often play his role as the oldest - he is more content in watching things unfold, but still has the respect of being older than dy. but as you've said, tl is fine on his own and doesn't need anything from DY. not to say they arent close. but with johnny, unlike the other 95z he is definitely the "hyung" being early 95. he's not usually babied by dy either. so I think that dy tends to be less hands-on with those older than him, maybe due to his relationship with gm not-

-usually so affectionate. or at least it seems to be the case with hyungs he's closer to. with hyungs he sees less often, dy does seem to like affection from them (like got7 jinyoung) with those younger, he's less worried about over-stepping boundaries as the older one (jeno, jungwoo) but he still follows what they're comfortable with, like with winwin. so yeah with johnny, he's less affectionate in terms of being the one to initiate, but I dont think its a basis for who he's close to?

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

We are in the predicament of the meaning behind the words. It is difficult to communicate for people because everyone understands words like ���close” differently.

My main point, Johnny is not included in the uttermost inner cycle of important people for Doyoung. My another point is that Johnny tries to get closer (he needs “his” person in the group), but Doyoung doesn’t let him. There is still a line. Other than that of course they are friends who appreciate each other.

Doyoung is a person to show interest in the city (he wants to go to hometown of all the members) and the family (it is polite, it gives you a better understanding of circumstances your friend grew up, Doyoung is a social animal, he always thinks about other people and society). It is both “give attention” and “collect information”. The whole of 127 is a family for Doyoung, he calls them “being destined to meet”. He is the glue, he brings the members together.

The age has nothing to do with the boundaries. Johnny doesn’t act like an older person. He is as annoying as maknaes (1:32-1:45, 11:38-11:44). The “older brother” applies to Haechan and Mark. Does Johnny tone it down? Yes, he tries because he is met with resistance, he sees it’s not what Doyoung is comfortable with. And that is not good, JN is a goof, and he has to be a calm patient conversationist to communicate with Doyoung successfully. However, he can’t control himself all the time, and he irritates Doyoung again, and then asks for forgiveness for his jokes (Beyond ment). Is Johnny deep down a serious thoughtful person? He is, and Doyoung values him for the opportunity to talk adult-adult. Doyoung demands from him this adultness, while he allows Taeyong to revert to a child. 

A year difference is nothing past 20+, even in Korea for many young people nowadays. Doyoung is friends with his parents. 

Yes, Doyoung allows himself to be more brash with older members, he is less patient with them. And that’s because they don’t have the donsaeng pass. 

The fandom bends over backwards to make Doyoung into a cute little brother. It’s just not how it is. He is a donsaeng by name and rights, but in 127 he is not a donsaeng to anyone in practice (he is with older SM idols). He is not doted on, he is not forgiven for misbehaviour, his meals are not paid for him, he is not led by example, his problems are not solved for him, he doesn’t keep his opinion to himself, putting hyungs above himself. 

I mean, all I see on my tl is gifs of chewing Doyoung, the way his cheeks inflate. How many coo at this moment, using it as “proof” of Do “being a baby”, not paying attention to how short it is, that Do doesn’t even look at Johnny and goes away in a second. 

OK, back to Johnny.

I involved Taeil to show that Doyoung’s clinginess and playfulness is just his way of showing affection, acceptance. He likes all members, he is going to hug everyone. You can find him laying his head on the shoulder of every member. The measure of Do’s interest is him being proactive, making the first move.

Do asking Johnny to drive him around in Chicago is an example. Do pestering Mark and bearhugging him during NeoCity practice or Yestoday bts is another. 

Mark doesn’t need Do, and Do let go. Tae pretended to not need him, Do didn’t let go. Do constantly complains about Hyuk, but continues to do as Hyuk wishes. With Jungwoo it's different. Jungwoo was delegated to Taeil. Out of all Dreamies Do talks via texts only with Jeno. Not even with Jaemin, and on pictures he as sweet with the latter one. Jae actually managed to make him date him despite all the bickering, 2017 awkwardness, danger to Do’s carrier, etc. 

That’s what I mean by “genuine”. Not the best choice of a word, but I hope you understand me now better. Doyoung have many people to take care of. He changes his attention from one member to another. When he sees he is not as needed, he lowers the amount of dedicated time. Take Yuta. He prioritises him in Japan, because Yuta is more vulnerable there. Jungwoo got more love after his return in winter of 2020, after he settled back, Do switched to Tae, who was going through the hard with antis, then Jae and his scandal, now its Renjun.

To sum it up, if not for Johnny’s proactiveness, Do would be as close with him as with Taeil. He wouldn’t go out of his way to deepen the bond further. He chose Tae and Jae during trainee days, Johnny back then was with Ten and later Taeil.    

[ladyhistorypod]

Episode 4: Let’s Ms. Behave

Sources:

Charlotte Corday

The British Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Find A Grave

History Channel

UCL Art Museum

Encyclopedia Womannica (Podcast)

The Blonding of Charlotte Corday

Giulia Tofana

Wut. (Podcast)

History Collection

Historical Post

Medium

Mike Dash

Virginia Hill

The Mob Museum

Encyclopedia of Chicago

Alabama

Further reading/watching: The Damned Don’t Cry (1950 film), Bugsy's Baby: The Secret Life of Mob Queen Virginia Hill (eye roll from Alana), Virginia Hill (1974 film)

Click below for a full transcript of the episode!

Lexi: A brief warning about the following episode of Lady History: this episode contains sensitive topics, such as suicide and murder. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. To learn more, visit suicidepreventionhotline.org 

Alana: I think my therapist is listening to our podcast.

Haley: Wait what really?

Alana: Yeah. Because I was looking at like our dem– like our listenership and it said a bunch of people in Arlington and I don't know that many people in Arlington. I know like my mom's... my parents’ like family friend from… my dad like went to high school with them and then they introduced my parents and we call her my Arlington mom and so I was like oh maybe it's her but that's too many people to just be her and I think my therapist lives in Arlington and I told her about this so shout out Dr. Sterman.

Haley: I would love–

Alana: If you’re listening.

Haley: –Your next session she's like ‘by the way I don't listen to your podcast’ even though... and just like out herself from… not super listening but also listening we just had… 

Alana: I might bring it up. I'm seeing her on Tuesday, virtually obviously, but I’m seeing  her on Tuesday.

Haley: ‘Just wondering, do you listen to my podcast?’

Alana: Well I'm going to talk about how like ‘oh I started my podcast and it's doing this this and this for my mental health’ and then be like… just see if she says she’s listening.

Haley: I feel like she wouldn’t though. I feel like she wouldn’t just to…

Alana: I don’t know if she would.

Lexi: Does that cross the like professional boundary?

Haley: Yeah…

Alana: Is that a HIPAA violation?

Lexi: Is it though? It’s only a podcast

Haley: Well none of us are in the medical field.

Lexi: No. We are not.

Alana: Let us know.

Haley: So we can’t have a definitive answer. But I can see someone–

Lexi: Hey if you're in the medical field or are a certified therapist please email us at [email protected] and let us know if listening to your patient’s podcast violates HIPAA.

(Alana laughing)

Lexi: Thank you. You can also email other stuff there. Don't, don't– you don't have to be a doctor to email us.

Alana: No. I also I have a– because you can do asks on Tumblr, and I have our ask page for the Tumblr– Lady History pod dot tumblr dot com– I have… you can suggest a lady.

Lexi: Please, suggest ladies.

Haley: I would love that.

Lexi: Please suggest ladies to us at Lady History pod dot tumblr dot com.

Alana: You can also DM us, and as previously mentioned if you DM the Instagram that's Lexi and if you DM the Twitter that's me and they're both at LadyHistoryPod. We're gonna plug that again at the end so it's just a constant cycle.

Haley: No one can slide into my DMs. I'll just use one of… if you want to slide into my DMs, use like, the Twitter and just be like this is for Sprinklebear McPuss-n-Boots and they’ll know it’s for me.

Lexi: Okay if you DM or email any of the accounts, if you need the message to go to Haley, please use that name only. Any messages directed to Haley will not be given to her.

Alana: We’ll be like ‘who’s Haley?’

Lexi: So go back–

Haley: I don’t even know what I said. I forgot.

Lexi: No, so go back–

Alana: Sprinklebear McPuss-n-Boots and I will never forget it.

Lexi: Just go back, listen to that however many times you need to to get it in your brain, and then use that when you address Haley in any of your communication to our general inbox.

Alana: Hang on, my light went away because I have to go change Haley’s contact info in my phone.

(Lexi and Alana laughing)

Haley: I really hate if like I am interviewed for a job and they’re like… ‘so…  Twinklebear McPuss-n-Boots… 

(Lexi laughing)

Alana: It was Sprinklebear

Lexi: You didn’t even get it right. She can’t even–

Alana: Sprinkle… Sprinklebear… 

(Lexi laughing)

Haley: I used to have a crush on Puss-n-Boots when Shrek first came out.

[INTRO MUSIC]

Alana: Hello and welcome to Lady History, the good, the bad, and the ugly ladies you missed in history class. I’m the next best thing to being in the same room as Lexi. Lexi, what's the name of your favorite plant? 

Lexi: My favorite plant is probably a pothos. Just really cute, a cute plant, a good plant, grows well, grows well in my climate, has not failed me, has not died, so that is why I love the pothos.

Alana: And also in the virtual studio is Haley. Haley, how’s the weather?

Haley: It's quite gloomy. I am in San Francisco so we're still dealing with the wildfires. But I think it's just Karl the fog today.

Alana: Karl the fog?

Haley: Yeah the San Francisco like fog that just like looms over this bay area is called Karl. He even has a Twitter, a whole kids’ picture book. Karl the fog.

Alana: That's giving me An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green vibes.

Haley: And also, oh, the SF MOMA… the new building of it is Karl the fog. It doesn't– it looks kind of like a… like an old time steam iron, like on an ironing board. But it's like meant to be Karl the fog. Or like blend in. Karl just mushes his way through San Francisco.

Alana: Oh my god that's incredible.

Haley: Yes.

Alana: And I'm Alana and I theme my canvas tote bags based on event.

Lexi Nice. Solid.

Alana: Thank you.

Haley: So can I tickle your tastebuds with a fun fact?

Lexi: Oh… oh, tickle away.

Alana (whispering): Tickle your tastebuds… 

Speaker 1: This is either going to be like the best thing I've ever created because like– let me just give you a side note: I thought of this joke while taking shower and was cracking up for ten minutes.

(Alana laughing)

Haley: It's either– it's probably gonna flop. But, with this fun fact– it’s kind of setting the mood for our crime theme and it's about the guillotine and the family of the guillotine, Dr. Joseph– I think his name’s like Ignace? It looks like Ignatio, but it’s like Ignace Guillotin– was so horrified that like their family member invented such like a horrible thing, and if you don't know what the guillotine is, it is basically a big sharp knife that comes down from a pulley, will slice your head off, used in many executions– that they appeal to the French government to change the name and the French government just took it to a step higher and was like no we won't change the name but we will make it one of like the official ways of executing people. more s– to the point that the last execution was like in the 1970s. And this is like across Europe and at least for France it was in 1977. So this is where it gets to my cringy joke because I've used this before. If you want a sick burn while your parents are talking about their childhood and they grew up in like the 60s, 70s, you can just go ‘Pft, the land and time of the guillotine. Such heathens.’ And I like this more than the… the burn that goes like ‘when the dinosaurs roamed’ because dinos just like didn't live when humans lived and it always made me so mad where it’s like I learned that the dinosaurs were born millions of years ago but we have this like iconic just… execution machine that was used for so so long and no one realizes that this was just used until the 70s as a humane way of execution, which like I won't even get into that whole argument. There's so much of a rabbit hole of whether the like guillotine was humane or not. But it's just– it's almost funnier because like it did happen this was an ironic like ‘oh you’re so old you’re like a dinosaur’ this is like ‘you were born when the guillotine was used!’

Alana: Because that's like a burn but it's also true.

Lexi: Yeah. That's the worst kind of burn, I– I mean the best kind of burn because it hurts the worst.

Haley: I once said it to my dad because he was like talking about something when he was like younger and I was like the guillotine just looked at me and was like ‘excuse me?’ I was like ‘you lived during the time of the guillotine, heathen.’ And he was like ‘well…”

Alana: It's true!

Haley: Because he was like ‘no that's like the Middle Ages’ and I was like ‘let me school you on some facts. And that actually is a great segue into my first gal.

Alana: Alright, let's go Haley.

Haley: Uh, so my gal, like Artemisia, we have another one with her own movie. It's an unfortunate movie because I couldn't find it anywhere, but who am I talking about… Charlotte Corday. And other names include… side note, I don’t speak French, I speak Spanish. Please don’t come after me, with my horrible horrible French pronunciations, I had my boyfriend, who speaks some French, pronounce them to me… probably didn't remember anything that he said to me. Her other names are Corday d’Armont, Marie-Anne Charlotte, and now her like more modern name is Charlotte Corday the Assassin. So I love Charlotte as a topic, because other podcasts, like crime, history, women's studies, have covered her to an extent. Like I– you'll see in the show notes I like I've even used her– thanks, Encyclopedia Womannica. But on the other hand, not many people know about her. And they don't even know like her influence with the French Revolution because I've been in like many discussions about like history of crime or what like– the world history that we had to take, and I asked like about her and my even like my history teachers like ‘I don't know who that is’ and everyone just gave me that blank face and it's like wait a minute, this is weird, why isn't this covered. So of course, I'm going to cover it. And let's crack this case wide open before we do a deep dive and go over just like some historical background and some of the people be talking about because I don't want you guys to be lost in this whole mumbo jumbo. So Charlotte was a Girondin sympathizer– again, my French is not good– she came from a family of impoverished aristocrats from a little town outside of Paris, France. And as a noble family she was given the opportunity to go to a formal education, but really this formal education came because her mother and one of her sisters died. And her father was just so grief-stricken and also just couldn't handle the now need to raise two daughters, so he sent them to a Roman Catholic convent so they could get a formal education. During this formal education of hers, she learned about French politics, history of France, and was able to mold her own theories and just ideas about the world around her. Thus, she became a French moderate Republican party member during 1791 and 1793 and this is during the French Revolution.

Alana: I'm guessing that moderate Republican back then doesn't mean the same thing that moderate Republican means now.

Haley: No, not at all. I'll explain more. So that's– this is exactly why I wanted to do our whole kind of let's see the players let's name some names and let's go over some history because just looking at her based on just the woman it's very hard to understand why she's one, seen as a hero; two, seen as a murderous assassin which both are correct in a way.

Lexi: I mean, goals. No I’m just kidding. I’m not condoning murder.

Haley: No so that's basically where she's at in the scope of where she grew up and what role she’ll play in the French Revolution, or what side she was on. And she's also mainly known for murdering Jordian Jean-Paul Marat, and he was on the other side he was Jordian so she was very opposed to his ideals. So again like Alana said is this kind of like what our U. S. politics is like? No, this isn't the Republican Party. However we have two extreme sides and people on one extreme, people on another extreme. That is very much similar. And he was an outspoken leader of the French Revolution to the point where he was the founder of a popular journal, deputy of Paris to the convention, opposed legislation that would hurt the other side, empower him and to Charlotte and other Girondan followers. So now that we cover the big picture ideas and we know the players and we know how extreme both these sides are, let's do our deep dive. She was committed to fighting the Girondist side of the revolution, posing the radical Jacobin faction. So this was right before the Reign of Terror, and why I mention this is because all her actions were to stop a civil war; and the Reign of Terror was a part of the French Revolution that kind of like started the first French Republic and culminated in a series of massacres and like many many public executions. So this is what she tried to stop from happening in French society. However, her whole story and what role she played in the revolution actually caused the Reign of Terror. So that's why for me as– in high school was like why aren't we talking about her and now we're gonna talk about her now. So, we come to the point where our victim Marat was continuing his train of like bloodshed, and was responsible for utter catastrophe, and putting a lot of lives in danger of like the French– like the French people were just terrified of him, to an extent. And that’s why Charlotte just hated him. He was seen as definitely one of the leaders of this one extreme side that had to be taken out. So that's exactly what she kind of planned to do. And she was not in Paris, she was still in another city outside of Paris, France. So, Charlotte stabbed him while he was taking a bath; and that's really the punch line of like her whole story. If you do like a quick Google search you'll get a lot of stuff for her and even in some textbooks that I tried to look at it was just like Charlotte Corday assassin… stabbed Marat in the heart. Really, she stabbed him in a planned assassin while he was taking a bath. I'm gonna just go through the accounts of this whole story because they're not really pieced together in one area and I'm going to piece them together now so you can understand why he was like in a bathtub, why she stabbed him, and so on. Because this just sounds so strange and it's really strange to see this as your history. So the planned assassin started because she wanted, like I said, to stop from a civil war happening in France, and she truly believed that to do this you have to kill one of the leaders; and also to an extent make the other side seem strong in that way. Like if you kill one of the leaders, you prove that the other side is just as strong or stronger. So she originally planned to kill him at a Bastille Day parade to make a huge show of it and this was on July 14th 1793. Unfortunately, or fortunately for her plans in a sense the event was just like it either didn't happen or it became apparent that Marat was not going to be at that public event. So she quickly had to say okay what else can I do, how can… what will be the next step to kill him. On July 13th, so the day before this event was supposed to happen, she was able to get a meet and greet with him or just gain access to him by saying and promising to betray her political side and give some insider secrets– like name names, basically become a traitor. And Marat was like cool you're definitely high up in the Girondin side of it, let you like, come into our area, we’ll hold– like we’ll basically keep you hostage, in a sense, like that's the feel I got… like Marat was also like come to our side because if anything happens you'll be on our turf; and she did. She was like cool, great. You don't know I'm gonna kill you, you think I'm gonna come and like give you all my secrets and then you'll protect me in a way. So Marat was having this meeting in the bathtub, but this was a very normal occurrence for him because he had a terrible skin disease or infection that he would just be in the bath all the time, like the water soothed him. So he was just very vulnerable, but that was his normal state– like nothing was wrong with him taking a meeting in the tub… so like she could be alone with him. It would be more weird if they were just walking around in the streets together. And instead of having this whole conversation that Charlotte said she would, she took this knife out of her bodice that she was just like hiding there and stabbed him in the chest.

Haley: He died almost immediately; and she actually waited for the police to come. She did not run away– she waited and confessed, essentially. She was proud of what she did, she wanted this assassination like the public assassin– assassination to still have some sort of effect on the public to show that her side did it to the other side, she is responsible for ma–Marat, and she did it as this political leader, in a sense. So at the trial, she allegedly proclaimed ‘I killed one man to save a hundred thousand’ and she kept reiterating that this was in fact a planned assassination, this wasn't out of passion. She took some thought, even wrote down like accounts and like had this whole… I saw like some people called it a journal or like statement– different written statements basically on her thoughts of an upcoming civil war and what she thought she was doing to help prevent that. She was also able, before the trial she was able to write down like write a letter and write her thoughts, feelings, concerns to her father. So her father was still alive and was able to get this kinda like last testimony of hers. And of course during this trial because she did essentially plead guilty… she was ordered to be executed via guillotine just four days after the murder; so July 17th 1793. And another quote from a lawyer from all this whole trial came from I think this was a man named Vergniaud, but I couldn't find this quote as in from like a reputable source as yes this was him, so could have been just another lawyer and not this guy. However, someone as a witness to this whole trial on this whole ordeal said ‘She is leading us to our death, but she is showing us how to die’ and it was because he, as a lawyer, saw this whole thing, saw her whole plan, and knew okay this is going to become a massive shit show. Like this won't end well. She is not preventing a civil war; she actually just started a whole other battle. However, she is showing us how to die with dignity, and showing how to like own up to the actions and just just die. Essentially die because a lot of people through the Reign of Terror did die. So you thought I'd be done– and I know this is gonna be my longest but this is such a great great story– because now we get into her overall death legacy, and we do know a lot of things, unlike Amelia Earhart where we just don't know what happened to her after death. A lot of this we still have artifacts and evidence of. She overall became this French savior, like the savior of French society in her circle. Months after her death, there are just so many portraits of her in different scenarios; short hair, long hair– like I needed to go back and make sure these were the same Charlotte Corday and if there could have been multiple Charlotte's just to make sure that these images looked so vastly different. And it was because people wanted to show that she was just this holy woman and ladies now weren't the ones who are supposed to be stuck in the kitchen with raising the kids. They had the power to do something in life and in society, but they also had a spin on it, so like– like I said, she was seen as a savior, this holy woman, goddess… like they even used her Christian name so Marie-Anne Charlotte, which she– to my knowledge, and to my research didn't necessarily go by that name. But there are definitely images of that name and her with very fair skin, white, brunette hair, looking very womanly and accentuating her womanly features. So that really pissed off the other side. Like all Marat’s supporters, they were absolutely flabbergasted that she was getting such a reputation. They thought this can't be happening; she just murdered one of our political leaders, and she was executed for it, why is everyone trying to kind of put this holy cap on her. And yes, that worked to an extent, like their outcry, because like yes she did murder someone. But it didn't help enough, and there were women in French society who did try to distance themselves from her and just for ideas of what women should be like. But, Charlotte did such a good job at like the legend of her as a woman, even before she died, that it didn't matter. Like I read an article about whether she had blonde hair or chestnut brown hair from a 2004 academic article; like this is still being discussed. And she had a part of her reputation– like she knew that whether it started a civil war or not she needed to form her own reputation. And there's even accounts that she witnessed the paintings and drawings of her that would be published and printed post-execution, and she gave comments. She was like no no no no, make me look more like a schoolgirl; or like make me more with curly hair. I don't really know the specifics but it was documented that she would give kind of suggestions on how she would look like. So while she did it, she tried so hard to like make herself look like this holy woman, and yes it did work. Marat, when he died, one of his very close friends, Jacques-Louis David painted the classic portrait or classic image, not portrait The Death of Marat, which is capturing the scene of his death and that is still considered like a classic image and the classic picture from– especially from the French Revolution. So I don't– I don't want to go as far as saying either Charlotte's portrayed as this holy one or this heinous, murderous, like scoundrel because both of them have lasted to this point in history that no one can make up their mind whether this was like a good thing that happened or a bad thing that happened. And I don’t even– I don’t even want to put out like in the universe whether we should have the discussion; if we should say like yes or no. I just wanna give you the facts and let you kind of like decide but that is Charlotte Corday.

Lexi: She is very interesting.

Alana: Yeah that's real cool. That's fun. That was a good transition for… from the guillotine to…

Lexi: Yes, good choice.

Alana: Charlotte Corday. I’m glad we let you go first.

Lexi: Alana hit us. Hit us with it. Don't hit us please don't hit me.

Alana: I won’t hit you. Okay so I will be talking about Giulia Tofana. Um.. Ooooh Haley's face, I'm so excited. I feel like– I hope I do this justice. Oh no. She is Giulia but it’s spelled G-I-U because she's Italian. Okay. So. I like to give credit as we've seen in the past like where I have first found out about my stories. And so I first found out about Ms. Tofana– I should I should call her Giulia not Ms. Tofana because there’s another Tofana, her mother’s name is also Tofana. I heard about this for the first time on Wut. W-U-T which is another great edutainment podcast by women. I'm gonna promo them without needing a sponsorship or a collab because women supporting women. So if you like us, go check them out. That was fun. They're not specifically women's history they're just kind of fun facts in general so not as niche as us but still pretty cool. And then I heard about that podcast from my friend Jesse on Twitter… I think we're friends I don't know I think we're friends… so shout out to Jesse. So Giulia Tofana, G-I-U because she's Italian, lived in the seventeenth century. Exact dates are kind of weird because she was a woman and not highborn. Best guess she was born in Palermo in Sicily. Her mother was executed for poisoning her father, possibly because he was abusive. This is a thing– like a running theme that we’ll see it later. Also later, Giulia's husband died mysteriously, probably also poisoned, probably also abusive. So she moved to Rome at some point in the 1630s-ish, probably, as a widow with her daughter to sell cosmetics and be apothecaries and poison people. Dun dun dun… 

Alana: So women in the seventeenth century have so many options. They can be sex workers, they can be essentially auctioned off to almost always abuse of older men and then later if their husbands died become respected widows. Those are your options. So many! So many options! What– how are you going to pick, so many things.

Lexi: The amount of choices is staggering.

Alana: Paralyzed by choice, really. My sources call these women ‘aspiring windows’ as if they are gold diggers and not battered women with no escape. I love– I love that like my running theme is criticizing my sources. That's my thing. Giulia crafted essentially her own poison. Created her own poison, or what by all accounts… she was the one who came up with this. Between like her and her mother and her daughter they came up with this poison called aqua tofana, named after her. It's a combination of arsenic and belladonna and lead, which are things that are already in cosmetics at the time but not quite lethal, still have problems, but not lethal unless they're ingested. And so having these things on a vanity looks totally normal. And so Giulia, as someone who experienced abuse, who had watched her mother get executed for defending herself, essentially… I am not condoning murder, and I know it's never good to say something at the beginning of a sentence like ‘I'm not condoning murder’ and then doing ‘but’... I feel like… there are no options.

Lexi: Self defense.

Alana: Self defense.

Lexi: And it seems very clear– again, we don't know the whole situation but it seems very clear that she was in a bad situation.

Alana: A bad situation. Yeah

Lexi: We are not the judge, jury, or the executioner so we can't say.

Alana: So she, having probably been abused and having watched her mother probably been abused and watched her mother get executed for essentially defending herself… she's going to help these other women get out of their marriages in such a way that it can't be traced. Because this poisoning with this mixture of belladonna and arsenic and lead, it takes really long for someone to die. Really long is like two to three days, but it also looks like natural causes or another illness which always happened in the 1600s. People got sick and died and that was just normal. And it gave these men time to get their affairs in order and to confess their sins and in a very Catholic area at a very Catholic time you like automatically got into heaven as long as you confessed your sins. So since these people had time to confess their sins, our murderess wouldn't have to feel so guilty that she was condemning her husband to hell even though he was probably hurting her. It only takes four to six drops to kill someone, depending on their size and all of that other stuff. And another side fact, side fun fact: Mozart, who nobody knows how Mozart died, Mozart wholeheartedly believed that he was poisoned with aqua tofana, but nobody knows. I feel so good that Haley is just nodding fervently. I feel like I'm doing a good job. Thank you for that.

Haley: I've awkwardly read so much on arsenic poisoning. Just so much so, but yes you are correct. There are probably just so many people who died of arsenic poison in the 1600s because autopsies weren’t like what we have today where you can do a toxicology, so so many people would seem like they were getting ill, because a lot of the times it just looks like a common cold or flu-like symptoms, they just weren't feeling good. But then they would die so now people do toxicology because it's a thirty year old man with no pre-existing conditions. But when you're talking about it in the 1600s it's like ‘oh they got sick we don't have modern medicine to help out.’

Alana: Nobody knows what's happening, essentially. It's like ‘oh no another person got sick.’ So Giulia Tofana sold this with her daughter and some employees at this family business, essentially, which is a weird way to think about it– that the family business is murder. They operated like this for about fifty years, for decades. And… at least the estimated number is something like six hundred plus people died because she sold their wives poison. But she got caught, and legend has it– and there are so many foggy details but this seems way too specific so I think like somebody exaggerated but, one of her clients who had bought the aqua tofana to poison her husband had poisoned a bowl of soup but decided, ‘no, I can’t. I can’t kill someone’ and dramatically knocked it out of his hand. And that's where I am thinking this… somebody exaggerated. Somebody made this up because that's way too specific. But she stopped her husband from eating the soup and confessed her crimes and turned in Giulia Tofana and her daughter and their three employees at the business. And all of them were executed. Under torture, of course, it's the seventeenth century, she turned on a bunch of her clients as well. So a bunch of her clients were also executed. Some of them were not executed, because they claimed that they didn't know that it was poison and it was just ‘oh no, I spilled some of my lotion in my husband’s soup… Oops. Oopsie poopsies I’m only like fourteen I don't know any better.’ I made myself laugh with that one I’m sorry. But those people were spared. So there is something to… was Giulia a hero, was she a murderess, could both of those things be true…

Lexi: Was she an anti-hero?

Alana: She's kind of an anti-hero. I think that's what we’re going for.

Haley: I like that, I like anti-hero.

Alana: I think– I also think like–

Lexi: Like a Robin Hood, but murder.

Alana: Batman, but murder. Does Batman kill people?

Lexi: Robin Hood stole things, he didn't kill anyone. This is like the Robin Hood of murdering people.

Alana: Sure.

Lexi: It's like murder the rich, give to the wife?

Alana: Vigilante!

Lexi: I don't know. Vigilante murder, yeah.

Haley: So far we’re on the track of like ‘our criminals are good, question mark?’

(Alana laughing)

Lexi: Mine was definitely a criminal, but we'll get in that.

Alana: Well, I am done. So, Lexi let’s get into that.

Lexi: What a segue! Okay. So my lady, though definitely also had a lot of background trauma as it seems that a lot of these ladies had definitely did crime. So we'll just jump in. Have you guys ever heard of the queen of the mob?

Haley: Yes. I'm so excited that you're doing this one.

Alana: Maybe. You'll have to tell me her name.

Lexi: Okay.

Haley: This is truly like my favorite episodes so far, and I like hate when people like get really into criminals like some people, like for Jeffrey Dahmer, people love him, think he's like the most beautiful man, same with Ted Bundy, and that's not where my head is at.

Lexi: That’s creepy.

Haley: I have a true fascination with the history of crime, death, medicine, and how our society perceives it now. When I say I love these people or I love these stories that is not where I'm going.

Lexi: You're not doing the whole crime fandom crush thing.

Haley: No.

Alana: I have seen people get like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer's signatures tattooed on themselves.

Lexi: That’s creepy.

Haley: Yeah

Lexi: And I don't condone that.

Alana: No we don't like that.

Lexi: But you can be interested in crime especially because as someone who has taken courses in the forensic realm… and who likes bones, and likes that kind of thing, I think you can be interested in the human phenomenon.

Alana: As academics.

Haley: That’s where we’re at for me.

Alana: Not as fanatics.

Lexi: Yes, yes.

Haley: I was listening to like you guys speak and kind of like going back in my head like oh, I seem like such a psycho when I’m like ‘I love Charlotte’ like she is just a fascinating human.

(Alana laughing)

Lexi: Well now we’ve clarified which is good.

Haley: She assassinated someone. And assassinations aren’t swell.

Lexi: But like when you think about like what is interesting on TV, or like what is interesting in our fiction, it's because humans have a general interest. So–

Haley: I wanna write a whole paper on that. Just truly that whole concept.

Lexi: So the queen of the mob, Virginia Hill. You can learn about her at the Mob Museum, people are really really fascinated with her and her story is really interesting. And she was born on August 26, 1916 in a place called Lipscomb, Alabama. I might have said that wrong, you know general– general reminder I say things wrong sometimes. She was born on her father's horse farm. Her father was abusive and he actually beat her and her siblings when they were children and one day she got really fed up with him attacking her and her little siblings so she hit him with a hot skillet in self defense. At the age of fourteen, Virginia married a man named George and three years later the couple moved to Chicago. When they got there she dumped him because you realize the world is a lot bigger than her hometown in Alabama, and so seventeen year old Virginia wanted to start her life anew. At the time, the 1933 Chicago Century of Progress Exposition, which is a World's Fair style event, and it was conceived to bring hope in the wake of the Great Depression that was happening. So Virginia took a job dancing, like as a shimmy dancer, so she had a really unique–

Alana: What– what does shimmy dancer mean? Like a go-go dancer? Like a str– like what?

Lexi: I think you dance shimmy like you shake back and forth and you wear tassels, I believe.

Alana: Dream job.

Lexi: But someone feel free to correct me.

Haley: Yeah, I was thinking one of those 1920s cigarette girls.

Lexi: Yeah that could probably be it because this is a similar era.

Haley: Like they would have like the thing that went over them holding a plate platter like tray that they would just like walk around, dance around, and you can buy stuff from them.

Lexi: Yeah. It could possibly be akin to that. When the fair ended, Virginia became a waitress at one of Al Capone's old haunts the San Carlo Italian Village, which is a restaurant not a town. I had to Google that. Though Capone was at that time in prison, he went to prison in 1931, the community of criminals that he had built was still thriving, and it was– it was in this role as a waitress serving tables of America’s mobsters that Virginia met the man who would change her life. His name was Joe Epstein. He was an accountant and bookkeeper for Capone's crime family, and he took a liking to Virginia’s style, and that doesn't mean like her physical attractiveness… she had a certain style of a way that she talked to the mobsters, and she seemed to really have like a no-nonsense kind of ability to deal with the mobsters, which is really unique in a girl so young. So he felt he could trust her, and he took her on as a money launderer for his racketeering. She laundered the money by placing large bets on horses in Chicago's racetracks. She later moved into betting scams which is basically when she learned how from Joe to collect bets on fixed boxing matches. So the matches will be predetermined, but she would encourage people to bet the losing side. Virginia didn't just launder money. Joe taught her how to dress and act like a rich woman, and used her to cross state lines with stolen furs, jewels, and other items, because of course no one would suspect a nice, rich lady of stealing things and crossing state lines with them. The craziest part is that this all happened before Virginia even turned twenty. So by the age of twenty she was wearing really wealthy clothes, working really wealthy circles, and basically was a part of the mob. Over time, Hill became a trusted cash carrier, money launderer, and information gatherer for Joe and the rest of Capone's crew. She had many rich boyfriends and often used these relationships to benefit her mob family. In one instance she dated an oil tycoon named Major Riddle. No, you cannot make up this name, and yes, I wrote in my script to pause for insane laughter but no one is laughing. I think his name is hilarious.

Haley: I think that’s the best name ever.

Alana: We're on meat. We're on mute. Lexi that's why we're not laughing you didn't... they won’t be able to see the face that I made.

Lexi: Yeah. That's true. I forgot. Well anyway she dated this oil tycoon Mr. Riddle and she convinced him to give her money for investments that were like completely fake and she took that money back to her boy Joe. And Hill used her womanly charm, and by that I mean she seduced men. And through these methods she was able to obtain valuable information for her mob bros. Joe encourage Virginia to move out east to build connections between Chicago and New York crime syndicates. In New York, she laundered money and met many more men including a Mexican night club dancer named excuse my pronunciation, if this is wrong, Miguelito Valdez. At some point Virginia marriedValdez to help him maintain his residence in the United States. And then Virginia, at the same time as this marriage, had an on and off affair with Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel who is a really famous leader in organized crime.The pair is well known to have real chemistry so this wasn't just considered to be a case of her seducing someone. They think that she genuinely liked him And unfortunately at the time Bugsy was married to another woman. In 1940, he was sent to jail on a murder charge. While Bugsy was in jail, Virginia tricked Valdez into signing divorce papers. And it was all very “90 day fiance” of her if you ask me. It is unclear if it was through her marriage or not but at some point Virginia had become very fluent in Spanish. She used her newfound language skills to begin trafficking drugs particularly heroin from Mexico to Chicago. In the 1940s, she attempted to start a career acting in Hollywood while transferring cash from New York to Chicago to LA. Meanwhile, Bugsy was setting up his new crime life in Las Vegas which he believed was the new up and coming resort destination for Americans and in hindsight he was probably right. He wanted Virginia to join him and she did but mainly only to spy on his activities and report back to her other mob leaders like Joe. Unfortunately, Bugsy’s biggest dreams were dashed when his resort project the “Flamingo” failed. He had drowned too much money into elabore improvements to the resort and lost cash when lucky winners struck it big in his casino. In a desperate attempt to save the business, he closed the casino and reopened the Flamingo as a hotel only, which sadly was unsuccessful, because we all know how Vegas went. Hill received orders to leave Las Vegas, so she did. 12 days later, someone shot Bugsy dead in their home. In 1950, Virginia went to a ski resort in Idaho, which I didn’t know you could ski in Idaho, but apparently you can. And she fell in love with an instructor named Hans Hauser. Again, very “90 Day Fiance” of her. Though she was still laundering money and Hauser was not a criminal, he still wanted to marry her. The couple eloped and had a son named Peter. Later that year, Virginia was subpoenaed to appear in a trial on organized crime which would be shown on National TV. She arrived like a star, dressed from head to toe in expensive clothing and jewelry. As a witness, she served her crime family well, evading details and giving vague, basic answers to in depth questions. She used creative lies to explain away all the cash she had laundered, explaining how she had bet money on horses to win her initial cash. She also insisted that most of her wealth came from gifts of suitors, or as we would probably call them today her sugar daddies. Now quick side note- this kinda gives me vibes of the musical Chicago and that song about the main character’s testimony, where she basically used her charm and virtue as a woman to get out of murder. “Well I can’t help it sir, I am just so beautiful men flock to me and give me free things.” On the stand, Virinigia denied that her male friends and lovers were racketeers. When the investigators caught her in her lies, she simply denied knowledge of the nature of their work. “But I never knew anything about their business” she would say. She denied her ability to have any financial knowledge, you know, because she was a lady, and ladies don’t do money things.

Alana: Ladies don’t money.

Lexi: Ladies never money.

Alana: Women be shopping but women don’t be money.

Haley: I love the comparison, like this whole story cuz this is so much like Charlotte. Both of these ladies are trying to be like, “Oh women do this, this is how women look, look how beautiful we are.

Lexi: That’s the vibe. That’s the vibe she was going for. The investigators were still suspicious, it did not work. Because, you know, it was about to be the sixties I mean it was the fifties but was about to be the sixties and so women were going to be liberated. As Virginia left the trial, she cursed out the press and she punched a reporter in the face. Then as she got her car she told reporters she hoped an atomic bomb would be dropped on them, which I think is a timely thing to say. This was right after World War II. That- That’s a big insult. That’s really mean.  Virginia and Hans then realized that they needed to leave America so they moved to Europe. The IRS was still on Virginia's tail and she knew she could not return to the States ever again. She met up with her old boyfriends and colleagues while they were in Europe and it was clear she still received money from her life's consistent characters like Joe. In the nineteen sixties Virginia and her family settled in Austria and her mental health rapidly declined.

Viriginia had suffered with her mental health through most of her adult life, getting hooked on sleeping pills and almost dying from a sleeping pill overdose on at least one occasion. Her life was turbulent, her trauma was intense, and she survived at least three separate suicide attempts. On cold, winter’s day,  March 24th, 1966, in Austria, Virginia took her own life. Pedestrians taking a walk along the water found her body, laying in the snow, along with a note stating the reason for her death, “I am tired of life”. Her husband Hans also took his own life, passing in 1974. Their son Peter, who would go on to become an American soldier and veterean of the Vietnam War, died in a car accident 20 years later. The family is buried together, in Salzburg, Austria. To this day, some crime enthusiasts believe Virginia may have been murdered, force fed pills as a method to hide a murder as suicide of someone with a history of mental illness. Though her apparent struggles with her mental health throughout her life really suggest this theory is unlikely. I think Virginia can teach us a lot, for starters I think the importance of mental health help is something her legacy can teach us. Virginia had a horrible childhood and instead of getting help she needed, she was married off and eventually she was convinced to do crime. She spent a lot of her life struggling, and it's possible some for mental health issues stem from that early trauma. I think Virginia can teach us a lot, for starters I think the importance of mental health help is something her legacy can teach us. Virginia had a horrible childhood, and instead of getting the help she needed, she was married off. She spent a lot of her life struggling, and it is possible some of her mental health issues stemmed from that early trauma. I think Virginia also teaches us that it took more than men to make the Mobs of early and mid century America function.  Virginia was often called the mistress of the mob, but that’s not fair- she wasn’t a mistress of the mob, she was a member of the mob. Women, both those whose stories are recorded and those whose stories were forgotten, played central roles in organized crime. So maybe next time you think about famous figures like Al Capone, think of the women like Virginia Hill who supported the crimes too. And that’s why we cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of women’s history, because there are so many stories that go untold.

Alana: That was so beautiful.

Haley: That was mind blowing.

Lexi: Thank you! I am gonna leave in you guys calling it beautiful too!

Alana: That was incredible.

Lexi: I really thought about that really hard.

Alana: Holy shit!

Haley: I truly love that like all our stories had a moral like that the ending for Alana was also just like you have to face that you're a killer that's a no no and like Lexi here with mental health and then me being like it's not all black and white you’re both bad people!

Alana: Nuance and context is like my mantra these days.

Lexi: That’s academics.

Haley: Yes.

Alana: Nuance and context as academics.

Lexi  As people who studied at a university. Oh my.

Alana: I have a bachelor's degree.

Lexi: Mhmm. Is this podcast just proof to your parents that you got a bachelor's degree?

Alana: No, they paid for it.

Lexi: They know.

Alana: They know.

Lexi: They suffered.

(Alana laughing)

Lexi: You can find this podcast on Twitter and Instagram at LadyHistoryPod. Our show notes and a transcript of this episode will be on lady history pod dot tumblr dot com. If you like the show, leave us a review or tell your friends, and if you don’t like the show, keep it to yourself.

Alana: Our logo is by Alexia Ibarra you can find her on Instagram and Twitter at LexiBDraws. Our theme music is by me, Garageband, and Amelia Earhart. Lexi is doing the editing. You will not see us, and we will not see you, but you will hear us, next time on Lady History.

[OUTRO MUSIC]

Haley: Next week on Lady History: we're going to be in the kitchen cooking up some great stories about famous women chefs and cooks alike. 

Alana: WHERE WE BELONG.

Lexi: In the kitchen.

Alana: /s. 

[staytiny-angel]

Safe Haven 4/?

Rating: E

Pairings: Drew McIntyre/Becky Lynch, Eventually Drew McIntyre/Becky Lynch/Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley/Renee Young, Sasha Banks/Bayley/Charlotte Flair, Mandy Rose/Trent Seven, Jordan Devlin/Millie McKenzie, Ruby Riott/Liv Morgan

Warnings for this Chapter: mentions of violence

Chapter Summary: Drew and Becky get to know their new mate better while meeting members of his unorthodox family, Plans are made to rescue Roman from Heyman's evil clutches.

Taglist:

@hitory--chan @sethsevolution @finnsauroraborealis @the-beastslayers-queen @pikapuff316 @writinglionqueen @writtingrose

"SETHIE!" Seth hadn't even made it back to town before being tackled by a overly hyperactive blonde girl.

"I missed you too Liv" Seth groaned, slightly out of breath.

"You're lucky I'm here and not Rubes, she's very mad at ya"

Seth grimaced at the thought of seeing his older sister.

"Hey! Redhead!" Liv yelled at Becky. "Is this too basic" she gestured at her hair.

"Um-"

"You're right, too boring" Liv pulled out a compact mirror and smiled at it, Becky and Drew staring in shock as her hair turned bubblegum pink.

"How?" Drew asked Seth.

"Liv's a chaos fairy. Hyper 24/7, pranks everybody. C'mon brat" Liv squealed and hopped onto his back..

"Hey Livvie, Mom conjured my clothes..would you mind?" Seth asked his sister's girlfriend

Drew and Becky watched curiously as the unremarkable clothes Seth's mother had put on him morphed into dark-grey skinny jeans and a blood-red t-shirt.

"Hair too?" the fairy asked

"Yes please."

Seth shook his head and a quarter of it immediately went blond "There ya go Sethie! You look like you again, only bigger!" Liv giggles, patting the wolf on the head.

"Thanks Livvy" Seth grinned. "You're still small though"

"I'm still bigger than Millie!" Liv managed to kick Seth in the hip. "Good luck apologizing to everyone. Trent's mad because you made Tyler cry!"

"Tyler always cries!"

"Okay true, but you also made Mandy upset!"

"How long have you been away from home?" Becky asks

"I haven't lived in Haven in 8 years. I lost contact with everyone 18 months ago." Seth explained

"Dude the only reason we didn't completely lose it was because we still felt you through the pack bond" Liv tells him "We knew you weren't dead but...it was hard, anyway so why are you with the newbies?" Liv asked as they made their way to the main house.

"They're my mates." Seth said simply.

"Oooooh, Sethie's got two mates!" Liv said excitedly. Becky looking at her with caution. "I need to see Sarah, you are making me coffee later!" Liv hugged him and skipped off, Becky and Drew watching her.

"I've only heard of chaos fairies, she was...unique" Becky said.

"I need to remind Ceasero she's not allowed any caffeine" Seth said shaking his head

The three mates walked along the path back to the town in silence after Liv left. None of them really knowing what to say.

"So you guys have had this town for a long time?" Becky finally broke the increasingly uncomfortable tension

"My grandparents founded Haven. Grandfather...used to run a circus and all of the acts were different beings. When he retired, everyone just settled here. Haven was these old fairgrounds and some of the woods surrounding it."

"A Circus?" Drew exclaimed

"Grandfather was a warlock, especially skilled in persuasion and he figured it would be a way for him and his friends to not only use their abilities for profit, but to not have to hide as much. Normies will ignore most Supe shit if they think its a trick"

"Absolutely true, they're dense as hell" Becky replied.

"So, you knew Finn?" Seth asked.

"Sort of, his name was Prince back then, always wondered what happened, not surprised that vampires had something to do with it...when they helped save you. I can't believe I just said that" Becky facepalmed, remembering what Mox and Stephanie had said.

Seth smiled and shook his head "I know Haven is an odd case. Weird even amongst the weird. I mean, I'm the Wolf/Warlock hybrid that claims a Lion, a Witch, a Vampire Queen and a Vampire thats the vessel for a literal demon king for parents. Weird is kinda my thing"

"Do you remember that night?" Becky asked. Seth looked down, toying with his amulet before sitting down.

"A little. I remember being in a car with my mommy and daddy" Seth said in a faraway voice "The was a big flash of light and loud noise, and then I was flying through the woods. I had bite marks on the back of my neck. Knowing now what I know about my bio parents, I think my Mom shifted and was carrying me through the woods by the scruff of my neck."

Becky hesitantly reached over and touched the top of Seth's bowed head. Drew looking on silently. It seemed like his spitfire was already growing attached to the younger man, while Drew himself was more hesitant. Seth lived...by Drew's upbringing, an unnatural life. Haven was a lot to get used to and he'd had Becky to himself for so long.

"Do you think it's possible that your mom changed you?" Drew asked. "To protect you?"

"Could be I don't know" Seth pulled his hair. "I don't like thinking about it"

"Hey brat" A girl said, materializing next to the three. She was holding a coffee cup and had red lowlights and was so pale, Drew thought she could be a vampire.

"Hey, Ruby." Seth said quietly, "Guys this is one of my sisters."

"Yo." The girl greeted them easily and handed her brother the Chicago Bears to-go mug "One Double Chocolate Cappuccino, courtesy of Cesaro. Figured you could use it, heard you haven't had coffee in a year or so."

"No espresso?" Seth groaned.

"You know he puts too much in" Ruby said, "Besides I want to be able to sleep tonight. Your howling was obnoxious" she turned to Drew and Becky. "If either of you hurt my little brother, I will rip out your eyes and shove them down your throats"

"Ruby."

"What it's true. We lost you once, brat. Never again" She replied with a smile

"Did anyone mention that Seth is the baby?" Ruby asked

"Millie is younger then me thank you very much" Seth said rolling his eyes and taking a sip of his drink

"Millie hasn't been missing for 18 months, and gone for 7 and a half years before that. So excuse us if we're all a bit concerned about all this" she says waving a hand at Drew and Becky.

"Excuse me, who's Millie?" Becky asked.

"My baby cousin" Seth replied fondly. "She's my Uncle Shawn's kid"

"She's a fire siren, sneezes out fire like crazy" Ruby added, drinking her coffee.

"She doesn't have much in the way of control yet. So she sets shit on fire a lot...luckily her mate is a water sprite. Jordan is really great st putting out flare-ups" Seth explains "Please don't threaten my mates. Honestly, I'm a hot mess. I doubt they even want to be with me anyway"

"Nonsense" Ruby waved her hand. "Mates are mates always. Do you think I would have gotten with Liv by choice?" Seth chuckled and blushed when Becky smiled at him. " Does anyone know about Ro?" He asked.

Ruby's face fell. "Mom is working on a tracking spell, since you don't remember exactly where Heyman's compound is located. Dad is making her rest before she casts it though so that won't be done until tomorrow, the good this is that Heyman can only do his enslaving curse during the full moon...so we have 6 days to find Ro."

"Fuck" Seth pulled at his hair. "None of this would have happened if I hadn't ran away"

"Stop it" Drew said, gently pulling Seth's hands down.

Drew had sat there quietly listening to the exchange between Seth and his sister, trying to learn more about the odd man the fates had bound him and his firecracker to. From what he'd gathered so far Seth was well-loved by his mismatched pack and had been sorely missed while on his journey of self-discovery.

"Don't beat yourself up. You couldn't have known any of this would happen" Drew says softly, still holding Seth's hands in his larger ones. Seth's brother had been right. Seth did look amazingly...like a slightly smaller version of himself, less so now that part of his hair was platinum blonde.

"He's my big brother" Seth whimpered. "He doesn't even know I'm not mad at him anymore, if Paul's spell works on him, he'll be gone for good" Drew unknowingly wiped away a tear that had trailed down Seth's face.

Becky wrapped her arms around Seth's waist "That isn't going to happen, sweetheart. We are going to get your brother back and Heyman will pay for everything he's done to both of you." She says fiercely. To which Seth nodded but said nothing.

"Forgive me for asking but are you his sister from the witch side or vampire side?" Drew asked Ruby.

"Stephanie and Hunter, can't be around Finn and Violet, my blood is toxic and Bálor hates me" Ruby answered

"I only have one sibling from Finn and Violet and that's Jordan. He's the last of Finn's pre vampiric bloodline. His parents died when he was a baby, and an old woman from his clan brought him to Haven shortly after" Seth tells them.

"Is this the same Jordan that's your cousin's mate?" Becky asked. "Yeah, thought my uncle was gonna kill him, then Finn was gonna kill him" Seth shook his head.

"Haven is completely integrated? " Drew asked, he and Becky hadn't realized just how many different species of Supernatural inhabited the small town.

"Unless they can't be around each other for a physiological reason, yep" Ruby answered "One of our cousins is a sun sprite, and she glows with actual sunlight. So she can't be around Finn and Violet."

"No one gets turned away unless you give our father a reason to" Seth said, "The pack is a family"

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