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the-void-writes · 2 months

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This part in particular is over 3k, and it deals with some heavy subjects for some readers. so fair warning before you read it.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 4 / Part 5

TW: Mentions of child death and adult death, descriptions of the deceased at a funeral, and overall mentions of the funeral process

FOP - Where Family Begins and Ends - Part 3

Vesely’s extended family was so huge that they spilled out onto the lawn of the funeral home, chatting and hugging affectionately, completely unlike himself. When he left the car, everyone swarmed him. Will watched as waves of ladies with bright red lipstick came up to welcome Vesely. Their touches were brief, hands resting on his gloves and sleeves, keeping away from any exposed part of his skin. They knew what would happen if they touched him.

Soon, their attention fell on Will. His stomach twisted each time they asked if he was Vesely’s son. Thankfully, Vesely sat everyone down and explained in great detail how Will was “his scientific prodigy,” the answer to Sal’s hopes and dreams. Despite his scientific jargon, everyone in the family understood Will’s importance to his work.

Even knowing that he wasn’t family, they still treated him as such. They pinched his cheeks and offered him food, the way Will imagined all grandparents would act for Human children. His mother’s side of the family rarely spoke to him, and it would have been a miracle if Isaiah’s side even looked at him. To have the love of the Vesely family, even for a moment, felt slightly refreshing. It may have even been enjoyable… if it weren’t for how they spoke about him.

“What a strong-looking boy! I can see your father in him.”

“Have you trained him yet, Gabriel? We’d love to see his gift.”

“Sal would have loved to meet him. He’s so well-behaved.”

They were gawking at him, cooing over him, as though Vesely had brought home a dog. Every time he had Will do a small trick for them, they clapped and cooed some more. They were all a part of whatever gospel Sal had spread about Freaks being the superior species, and in that moment, Will was the golden goose they had been waiting for. Will couldn’t decide which he hated more: the torture and ridicule from Preston, or the feeling of being ogled like a circus animal.

There were only two people who didn’t immediately swarm him. They stood in a corner of the parlor, out of place among the more cheery guests. One was a tall lady with olive skin, and dark eyes that scoured every inch of the room like a hawk on high alert. The other was a man with choppy, unkempt, sand-colored hair. They pointed at Vesely, then at Will, and back to Vesely again— They were having a whole debate, it seemed. Their eyes bore into Will as Vesely ushered the boy towards them.

“Pay them no mind,” Vesely said. “They’re going to be bitter. You’re not to blame for it.”

Oh, I know, Will thought, believe me.

“Will, this is my brother, Enzo, and my sister, Alma.”

His siblings looked so much younger than him. It was still hard for Will to tell whether that was a sign of Vesely’s age or his illness. Alma stared at Will with an expression that he couldn’t accurately pinpoint. It was either confusion or disgust, but neither of those answers seemed to match her words as she offered her hand.

“Thank you for coming. It’s a pleasure to meet Gabe’s star student.”

Will shook her hand carefully. “Thank you, ma’am. I’m sorry about your father.”

Enzo startled them all with a laugh. “Look at that, Alma, he’s still trying to be nice.”

Alma rolled her eyes. “Don’t start now.”

“No, I want to know— Is that something they conditioned you for, or are you always nice to men who force their father’s blood into your veins?”

Vesely frowned. “You can argue about our work after we’re done here.”

“If you don’t want to talk about work, you shouldn’t have brought your guinea pig with you.” Enzo readjusted his glasses. “Christ, Gabe, why did you choose a kid, of all things?”

“He’s not as young as you think, brother.”

“Oh yeah? How old is he, then? What’s the acceptable age of human experimentation for you?”

Vesely didn’t answer him. He was eerily still, barely even moving to breathe. Will had seen him do the same thing around Jason, typically when he didn’t want him to know something.

“How old is he, Gabe?”

He still said nothing. Will tried to bite back the bitterness in his voice as he looked up at his boss.

“How old am I, sir?”

Vesely cleared his throat. “Twelve?”

Will rolled his eyes and stared out the window as Enzo started yelling again. There was something pleasantly cathartic about hearing Vesely’s own family condemn him for hurting the boy. Still, Will couldn’t help but feel bad for the rest of the people who had come to mourn for Sal. Regardless of his actions, he didn’t deserve to have his death overshadowed by his bickering children. If Will was ever allowed to return to his family when Isaiah passed, he would make sure not to argue with his sisters, for everyone’s sake.

As he looked out the window, he spotted something that made the gnawing pit in his stomach disappear: a familiar, friendly, and comforting face. Will slipped past Vesely and ran out the front door towards the new guest. Jason immediately caught him in his arms with a soft smile.

“What happened?” Will asked. “Did they let you go from work?”

“I called it an early day out of frustration,” Jason said.

“Oh, gotcha. I’m glad you’re here, though.”

“Same here. I know you said you’d call if something went wrong, but for the sake of this old man’s heart, I need to see that you’re okay with my own eyes.”

Will chuckled. “You’re not that old.”

“I beg to differ, dear.” He placed his hand over his chest and leaned backwards dramatically. “I can feel my bones growing heavier.”

Will bit down on his fist as a sharp laugh left his throat. “Stop— I can’t laugh, not here.”

“Oh, no one would mind if you did. I’m sure you’ve seen it already, but Sal’s family is very cheerful.”

“I guess so. Three ladies were fighting each other to offer me a slice of pie.”

Jason smiled. “They can be overbearing, I know. I don’t think there’s been a new child in the family for a long time.”

His eyes flickered with sympathy. It had been Jason’s dream to have a large family, to care for a bunch of children, and perhaps even grandchildren. If things had gone differently, if he had stayed with Vesely… Will couldn’t bear to think about it. It may have been selfish, but he didn’t want Jason to be with anyone but him and Henry. They were a family, no matter what anyone else said.

“Is that suit new?” Jason asked. “I don’t remember you having it.”

Will looked down at his clothes. The jacket’s design only accentuated how thin he was, and the shirt cuffs had become uneven from stretching as he tried to hide his scars. Still, it was the fanciest thing he had ever worn.

“Cierra made it for me,” Will said, “which probably means it’s also bulletproof, or something.”

Jason laughed. “Ah, lucky us. You never know when someone will pull out a gun at a funeral.”

“With this family, I’d believe anything.”

“True. Is Gabe inside with them?”

“Yep, arguing with his siblings. He said it wasn’t personal, but I don’t think they like me.”

“Oh, it’s not personal, dear. It’s about Gabe’s actions. He can show you off all he likes to prove himself, but it won’t change what he did to his father.”

Will stared at his hands, seeing the flashing police lights in the corner of his mind, the broken bulbs and Isaiah’s mangled arm. Nothing would ever change how he had lost control that day, how all of his anger and pain had turned him into the very thing his father said he would become: a danger to their family.

Jason brought him out of his thoughts by brushing his hair aside. His touch was always slow, delicate, and safe. Will never had to fear for his life around him.

“You’re comparing yourself to him, aren’t you?” Jason asked. “You’re nothing like Gabe. He hurt his father for a selfish dream. You were just defending yourself—”

“I crushed his arm.”

“He crushed yours first, remember?”

Will shook his head. “I’m still no better than Vesely.”

“If you feel this much guilt for hurting the man who hurt you, then you’re already ten times the man Vesely wishes he was. Don’t treat yourself so harshly, please.”

Somehow, no matter the situation, he always knew what to say to make Will feel at ease. The guilt and the illness and the ogling of Vesely’s family still weighed on his mind, but with Jason there, everything felt a little lighter.

“Thank you,” Will said as he hugged him one last time, “for being here.”

“Always and forever, right?”

“Always and forever.”

They both smiled, happy to hear their phrase completed again. Will led Jason inside, and was immediately surprised by the amount of people that happily greeted him. Even more surprising was how Vesely’s siblings immediately stopped yelling at each other and ran towards Jason. Enzo had the biggest smile on his face, and even cold, stone-faced Alma seemed to relax more.

“Jason!” Enzo greeted him with a hug. “God, what happened? It’s been forever.”

“Oh… Right, I’m assuming Gabe didn’t tell you that I’m working for him.”

Alma raised her eyebrows. “You know his name?”

“I know everything, thanks to Rio—” Jason held Will’s shoulder. “And my boy here, they both helped me find out the truth.”

“Truth?”

“Boy?” Enzo asked.

“Oh, I can explain it later.” Jason chuckled nervously. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt the procession.”

“No, hold on— This is your son?! He’s using your son for his— GABE!”

Vesely had disappeared from sight. Enzo went digging through the crowd while Alma rolled her eyes, muttering something in a language Will couldn’t understand— Italian, he guessed, from the sound of it.

“What was that?” Will asked.

Jason shrugged. “Most likely, nothing I’d want you repeating around the facility.”

“Jason?”

It was a feeble, silky voice, belonging to a small woman with soft gray hair and a thin smile. From the way Alma helped her move closer, Will could tell it was her mother, the remaining parent of the Vesely household. Despite her wrinkles, she looked younger than Gabe. Will wondered how long she had been married to Sal, and whether she had been dragged into his politics, or if she had always supported it. Either way, Jason bowed to hug her as though she were a lifelong friend.

“It’s so nice to see you, Maria. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to call.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure you’ve been busy.”

“How are you holding up?”

“Just trying to stay busy, keep myself together, and all that. Trust me, dear, you’ve made today a lot more bearable.” Her soft brown eyes fell on Will. “Who is this?”

Jason smiled. “This is my son, Will.”

Those five words bounced around in Will’s mind. Son, he thought, I’m his son. Jason only said it when they were alone or with Henry, out of fear that someone would correct him. Today, though, he could say it freely, and the proud smile on his face was proof that he meant it. A cloud of warmth bloomed in Will’s chest, and he bit down on his lip to keep from grinning so hard.

“Your son!” Maria squished Will’s face in her frail hands. “It’s so nice to have you here. Have you eaten? You look starved!”

“No thanks,” Will said through squished cheeks, “I’m all good.”

Jason laughed. “He should be resting in bed, but I’m afraid Gabe brought him along for business. I’m here to keep an eye on him.”

Maria furrowed her brow at the mention of her son’s real name. With a few words from Alma that Will couldn’t hear, Maria’s expression shifted into something darker. She gently took Jason and Will’s hands and squeezed them.

“Neither of you deserved to be dragged into Gabriel’s work. Forgive me, please.”

Jason looked ready to correct her, to insist she wasn’t to blame, but he stopped when Will patted her hand.

“You don’t have to feel bad, ma’am. If we weren’t a part of this, I wouldn’t have my father, so I’m grateful to your family for bringing us together.”

Maria and Alma had the same dumbfounded look in their eyes. Before they could say anything, the doors to the parlor slid open, and everyone shuffled inside to take their seats. As Will trailed behind the crowd, he felt Jason’s hands on his shoulder.

“You called me your father,” he said softly.

“You called me your son.” Will smiled up at him. “It feels right, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.” He chuckled and closed his eyes. “I wish I could say it more often.”

“One day, hopefully.”

“Oh, it’ll be more than one day. You’ll never be able to go anywhere without your old man bragging about you.”

Will snickered. “Stop calling yourself old.”

They followed the last group of people into the viewing room and sat in the furthest corner. The ceremony was short and sweet, with a few people coming up to share their stories about Salvatore Vesely, a man who had provided for his family all the way up until his hospitalization. That was the image of the man that they wanted to remember, and Will thought it best to let them have those memories.

Maria spoke of the deep connection that she and Sal had, one that kept her going after the loss of their youngest child. Alma barely said a word, only citing how Sal was kind enough to adopt her and give her a purpose. Then, the third speaker wandered up to the podium, looking like she was walking through a dream. Her pale hair stood out among the sea of black and gray, her cheeks were thin, and her large gray eyes were full of sorrow. Alma helped set the podium up for her, and Will heard her call the lady Vivian— Vesely’s ex-wife.

“Sal was a sweetheart, through and through,” she said. “My parents were always so serious, but when I joined Gabe’s family, everything became brighter. Sal loved cooking with me and Paisley. He adored our daughter more than anything in the world.”

Everyone nodded sadly. Will knew that young Paisley had been killed by a mob of anti-Freak citizens— burned alive like a witch. Vivian had every right to be upset, and yet it seemed like she was in a wistful trance as she spoke.

“He’s in a better place now, just like her, far from this world. One day, we’ll all be together again.”

Everyone thanked her quietly as she took her seat again. When Enzo took to the podium, his whole demeanor seemed to shift. Any shred of responsibility Will might have seen in him disappeared as he leaned against the stand.

“When we lost Ava, Dad was a wreck. You all remember those holidays, we barely saw him outside of his room. And yet, if any of us ever had a problem, he’d show up with his toolbox and get to work. Even when he was crumbling, he would only think about us. He kept this family together— So I really hope you’re happy, Gabriel. I hope your life’s work was worth it. You just had to prove yourself, didn’t you? You couldn’t let the rest of us have our father— ”

Alma dragged him away from the podium while Maria came up and gave a brief thank-you to everyone for showing up. Then, after a moment of consideration, she turned to Jason and extended her hand towards the podium, offering it to him.

“Would you like to say anything, dear?”

Jason took one long, deep sigh as he rose from his seat— with Will’s help, since he hadn’t brought his cane. Vesely’s siblings took notice of his limp, and Will hoped that they would be courteous enough to wait until after the funeral to kill Vesely for taking Jason’s leg.

When Jason was settled in front of everyone, the whole room seemed to shift. The tension of Enzo’s speech was replaced with a surprising wave of warmth and comfort. Either they had met Jason before, or Sal had loved him so much that his praise reached the rest of the family.

“Hello everyone—” Jason cleared his throat and chuckled. “I’ve never been the best speaker.”

Everyone laughed with him, and a small smile fought its way onto Jason’s face.

“You’ve all known Sal much longer than I have, so I don’t have to tell you what he was like. In fact, I could never perfectly describe him. The best thing I could possibly say is that he was always incredibly welcoming.” He wiped a small tear from his eye. “He was happy to take me in when my own family kicked me out.”

The crowd nodded in sympathy. Jason’s eyes landed on Will, who gave him a comforting smile, which he gladly returned.

“I’m so grateful to him,” Jason said, “and to all of you, for showing me kindness. It’s because of you that I’m able to help my own son.”

The crowd thanked him as he returned to his seat. Maria took the stand again, a serene smile resting on her face as she invited people to come up and say their goodbyes. A few people followed her up, while the rest talked amongst themselves. Jason and Will followed close behind the smaller crowd until they all seemed to disperse, leaving them alone with the casket.

“You don’t have to stand with me, if you’re uncomfortable,” Jason said.

“It’s okay,” Will said. “I’d like to see him.”

He held onto Jason’s arm for balance and stepped closer to the table. The casket had been too far away for Will to see his face initially, but now that he was here, he was stunned by the sight. Sal was an ordinary-looking man, round like Henry and balding slightly in the center of his silver hair. He looked nothing like his kids, not in appearance or in temperament. Despite his horrific state, being comatose and harvested for his powers, he looked like any typical grandfather having an afternoon nap. The father to Vesely and his siblings, the man who had instilled his Freak-centric ideas into his family… He was just a person.

“You seem puzzled.”

“It’s just strange,” Will said. “He looks so different from the others.”

Jason chuckled silently. “I know, it’s hard to believe they’re related. Sal was nothing like his kids— Well, save for Ava.”

“Did you know her, too?”

“For a short time, yes. She was lovely— A little childish, but very thoughtful. She died just before Gabe faked his death. I think that’s what started all of this, to be honest.”

Will nodded solemnly. “It sounded like everyone loved her, especially Sal.”

“Oh yes, she and Enzo got all of his attention, being the younger siblings, and all.”

“Right.” Will closed his eyes. “They usually get all the love.”

He felt Jason’s cold hand slip into his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I can’t imagine what you’ve had to put up with, but I’m so sorry.”

Will squeezed his hand back. “Tell me more about Sal, please.”

“Well, he loved to make food for people. It was a family tradition, he said, and he was actually prepared to hand his recipes down to me.” Jason smiled, and Will could hear his voice crack slightly. “He really was the best father I ever had, and I never even got to join the family.”

It was Will’s turn to comfort him. He felt like a young boy again, pressing his forehead against Jason’s shoulder as they both stood in silence. The world had been cruel to them both, but at the same time, it had brought them to each other. Jason’s generosity and care was the only reason Will was still alive. If that was because of Sal, then he was more than grateful for it.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have a real father,” Will said, “but thank you for giving me one.”

Jason smiled and kissed the top of his head. “I should be thanking you.”

“For giving you a father?”

He laughed. “You know what I mean.”

They both stepped aside as someone else came to see Sal. Vivian approached the table politely, glancing up at Jason.

“So, you knew Sal?” she asked.

“Yes,” Jason said. “Well, for a time, at least.”

“He was so sweet.” Her voice sounded distant and wistful. “Gabe was always embarrassed by him, and I couldn’t understand why.”

“I’m sure he hated how un-serious Sal was.”

“Un-serious?” Will said.

“Hey, I can make up any words I want. We’ve more than done our time for Gabe.”

Vivian glanced between the two men, and her big eyes seemed to soften.

“You were next.”

Jason raised his eyebrow. “Next?”

“He needed to have a Freak-child, to pass on his legacy. That’s the only reason he married me. It’s not my place to get personal, I just assumed…”

Will had to admit it was kind of funny to see Jason get flustered by her inquiry— not because of the appalling suggestion that Vesely was somehow the father of his son, but because she had thought Jason was Will’s biological father, in the first place. A secret childhood wish had finally been fulfilled.

“Oh no,” Jason said, “Gabe had nothing to do with this. We were engaged long before I met Will, but Gabe chose to fake his death and— It’s a long story, actually.”

Vivian squinted. “You had to meet your son?”

“He’s my godson. I call him my son because he deserves something other than the incompetent brute that’s currently taking up his house. Believe me, I’d love to march over there and fight to the death for the title of fatherhood.”

Will hid his face with the collar of his shirt, surprised to hear Vivian laugh at them softly. Her smile was small and misshapen, as though she had forgotten how to do it, but it still looked sweet.

“Paisley would have loved you.”

#writeblr #writing community #wip: freaks of preston

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talesandfluff · 1 year

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Hi! I was wondering do you have a top 3 (or maybe 5?) Headless characters ! I know it might be hard to pick 🤭

Okay so. I literally could not pick just 3 or 5 because I felt so bad for leaving some out (I don't want them to be sad!), so this is a top 7 instead which are the characters that truly make my heart vibrate loudly and without whom I cannot live. It's just a top 5 with ex aequos.

1. Matilda (by like a lot lol I'm in deep): I loved her during the entire series but it's only the finale that truly elevated her to confirmed fave and made me fall in love with her completely. I love her emotional nuances, her secrets, and how good and kind she truly is at her core. She's very powerful and witty and sensitive and everything I want in a character.

2. Devlyn Versace: Not currently taking any criticism on how high she's ranking. Every word, every sound, every laugh that comes out of her mouth is gospel to me. I'm a proud member of the Devlyn Gang, she is my happy place. GONZO! *nice*

3. Brom: He is SWEET he is LOYAL he is FUN he is RESOURCEFUL his patronus is a golden retriever he’s in love with his wife he loves his ghost child he loves his FRIENDS he’s always up for anything he’s the only man that ever was. Gabe makes so many extremely inspiring acting choices every single time Brom is on screen.

4. Ichabod/Kat: lol the Perswiles tier. I honestly couldn’t pick one over the other, and I love the parallels between them, how both left Sleepy Hollow and came back, I love how each of them uniquely relates to Matilda and to Brom and the differences there in what they bring out in them, I love the way our expectations were turned on their heads with that story between them, I think they’re both very solid characters and I love the way they’re both a bit of the straight man in their relations with the rest of the town and would have had a lot to bring to one another if things had gone differently.

5. Judy/Verla: IF I STOPPED RIGHT BEFORE HERE I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO HAVE THESE TWO AND DO YOU REALIZE HOW PAINFUL THAT WOULD BE????? Anyways, best side characters ever, I love them when they’re in the same scene, and when they’re not. I love how spooky and unexpected everything Verla does is, and how endlessly positive Judy is. She truly feels like a force of nature. Headless has a perfect cast of town people but these two totally own my heart.

Thanks for the ask I could talk about that show all day 😭

#headless

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ohimtherebabey · 1 year

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god. remember sunrise. remember gabe saporta midtown moment. remember frank singing with homeless gospel choir. remember the sheet ghost. remember i never told you what i do for a living.

#remember rainforest cafe. remember the guy who shitted themself #isaac.txt

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mightyflamethrower · 6 months

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down-in-mandela-valley · 1 year

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The Drifter

Backstory(?) stuff. Spoken from the perspective of a younger Dave Lee, telling an older story about the town to a small Sarah Heathcliff.

~~~

You know what they say about never asking a lady her age?

Yeah, it goes the same for men, if you'd believe that. Especially down here in Mandela Valley.

For example, Mr. Gabriel O'Brien- you know, the preacher?- Yeah, he's about 50 or so years older than he looks, and oh, boy, does that make for him to have a lot of good stories and myths attached to him.

Here's my personal favorite of 'em:

Did you know he's got a twin?

Well, actually, we're not entirely sure if he does have a real twin. He's a very secretive man, and it's not exactly like he'd willingly be talking to me about anything. But I digress.

His name was ㅤㅤㅤㅤ, though everyone else calls him… the Drifter. Duh-duh-dunnn..!

The reason we call him that is, well… he and his brother didn't exactly get along, and after ol' Gabe was appointed town priest whilst the Drifter still wasn't anything near that, Drifter got angry.

So angry, in fact, that he denounced the church entirely! "I don't deserve to do all the sweeping around here while the man with my face is at the stand, preaching a gospel he doesn't even bother to learn from!"

And Gabriel found this to be a rather scathing accusation, and so quickly moved to defending himself. He was a man of order, whilst the Drifter was a man of havoc and chaos, and that is the reason he was selected - rightfully - to represent the town in the presence of the Lord.

He would never go against God's will, and if the Drifter didn't like it, then he could leave and never return.

Now, I'm not a godly man myself, but I'd think this is kind of a stupid thing to get into an argument over if I were there.

Regardless, the Drifter followed the suggestion and left, the town yelling out at him, throwing stones and generally heckling the man.

His last words were said to be, "I'll be back when you least expect it, brother, just you wait. Everything that you hold dear will crumble to the ash from whence it came. I look forward to hearing your retort then."

And then he left. He hasn't been seen since, and it's been treated as a sort of folklore for a while. I wasn't around for this, so to bring up my earlier point, if this is true then being a priest in this town must make you some kind of immortal.

Just saying. Got a face that'd make babies jealous, Christ…

So yeah, that's that story. I don't think you can draw any lessons from that except to not brew in sibling jealousy or whatever.

Would you like to hear a song now? I've got my guitar with me, so—

(...)

…Of course you'd say that. I'd expect no less from you, Sarah. Same song as always?...

#the tramp ; dave lee #the preacher ; o'brien #mandela cowboys au #tmc au #the mandela catalogue #tmc fanfic #←?? i guess

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disregardcanon · 1 year

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kinda doubt i’ll ever do anything with this but i have a tentative idea for a gravity falls cis swap with the twins.

dipper is still called dipper most of the time, and mabel has a charming little old man’s name. i’m going with merlin as the placeholder. the big differences here would be

1. merlin still makes sweaters and dresses basically the same, but he incorporates a lot of space imagery into his crafts because people were mean to dipper about her birthmark when they were kids and he was like NUH UH SPACE IS GREAT! MY SISTER IS WAAAAYYY COOLER THAN YOU!

2. merlin is visibly very very gay. like he’s basically just... always known. his parents are supportive enough that when he was a kid and kept showing interest in so much “girl stuff” if he was an egg they would have let him socially transition. but merlin’s really just really visibly, flamboyantly gay. boy bands. glitter. he’s a lot more careful with his flirting and crush of the weeks than in original canon because. you know, not always safe to be as upfront about that for a gay boy as a “straight” girl, but the gnomes, mermando and gabe all still happen.

2. the teasing about dipper not actually being “manly” enough slips into much different places. merlin laments a lot of the time that his sister doesn’t want to do girly things with him, he’ll gently poke her about how tomboy is another word for “baby butch”, and a lot of “ugh, you’re hopeless. you could at LEAST let me do some makeup for you”

3. One of the first things that happens when they get to gravity falls is merlin saying “HI! I’M YOUR GAY NEPHEW!” and then grunkle stan says, “uh, i’m your gay uncle?”

“Wait, really?” merlin asks.

Dipper crosses her arms over her chest. “I thought dad said you were married to a woman once.”

Stan rolls his eyes. “Fine, I’m bisexual. That clear enough for ya?”

“CRYSTAL QUEER!” Merlin crows. Dipper groans.

4. Okay so. There is no copyright restriction in my fanfiction ideas (plus i think that disney would actually LOVE the synergy of this) so dipper is very into percy jackson and she projected HARDCORE onto annabeth. She’s like look! there she is! A smart tough tomboy!!!! And she has a lil crush on percy so she’s like smushing her dolls together in her head. But a lot more subtly because she’s dipper and she’s embarrassed about everything.

5. Merlin loves Sevral Timez. Dipper HATES them. While dipper does sometimes like guys, she is insistent that boy bands are a cash grab, manipulative, a way for companies to bleed girls dry while making fun of them, and pathetic. Merlin tells her to lighten up and goes to the concert with candy and grenda. Dipper reads her little mystery novels in their room.

6. Dipper IS bi. She DOES like girls, but she’s been in denial about that already for years. She had a boyfriend in fifth grade. They hung out on the playground and held hands and junk. Merlin is still convinced that she’s bisexual and brings it up CONSTANTLY, but stopped and now only brings it up when it’s the two of them because he knows it upsets her. (he thinks that she’ll be much happier once she just accepts who she is though!)

7. Merlin tried his best to ignore his own bullying, stay away from the guys it wasn’t safe to be around, and stick to hanging out with either the girls who were legitimately fine with him or wanted to pretend to have a gay best friend. He was caught up enough in avoiding HIS bullying that he didn’t notice DIPPER’S bullying. Dipper is a bit of a “not like other girls” type in this scenario, but that’s mainly the result of most other girls being mean to her. While SHE hasn’t accepted that she likes girls, the mean girls in class have decided that it’s gospel truth. There’s a lot about her “finally coming out” and her “finally matching” her brother. I would go into further detail but I think “the bullying was homophobic, partially due to her gender presentation and partially due to her brother, and a lot of it is centered around their first year of middle school gym and changing in company”. Dipper and Merlin both change inside a stall to prevent harassment. Not yay.

8. Dipper’s crush on Wendy is not any smaller than in canon, but she frames it to herself as just wanting Wendy to stay single because boys suck. Merlin is very pushy about it being a crush crush and. Well. Robbie is an insecure little shit and he’s not super emotionally intelligent, but he knows that Wendy is bi and a little girl isn’t any less threatening to him than a little boy. When Robbie spills the beans about Wendy liking girls too (which is a lot of reason that he’s still threatened by dipper and still so confrontational right back at dipper who thinks that she’s just Protecting Her Friend From Shitty Boys), Dipper goes through about six and a half crises as she realizes that it would actually be. Possible. For wendy to want to date her.

9. Once she’s done freaking out about that and has to talk to wendy about it (because merlin forces her into the same situation as in canon) Wendy assures her that it’s perfectly okay that dipper has a crush on her, she knew, but that it’s just not going to happen. She DOES take one of the queer pins off of her shirt and give it to dipper as a keepsake, though.

10. when stan finds her in the pin he’s THRILLED

“You bi too, kid?” stan asks. Dipper nods. Stan claps her on the shoulder. “Welcome to the family.”

Dipper frowns. “Aren’t I already family?”

“The other type of family,” stan says, winking. And that’s when it sinks in that it’s a euphemism for queer. <3

11. things are probably still going to suck when they go back to piedmont, but... both the twins are a lot more confident in themselves after this summer. after saving the world, how could they NOT be?

#gravity falls #gf aus #dipper pines #mabel pines #cis swap #gender bent pines twins #the mystery twins #the pines twins

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plotbunniesattack · 2 years

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AO3 WIP SPOILERS:

** Friendly reminder that fanfic is FREE content & in addition to writing I have an IRL 24/7 day job**

Love + Stage Crew - Published 08/16/19

CH20 - The Winchester’s celebrate Thanksgiving with Castiel & Naomi makes an unexpected appearance. Castiel briefly considers suicide but then forces himself to vomit up what he’d ingested instead of going through with overdosing again.

CH21 - Dean knows something is up with Castiel, just not what. Meanwhile Castiel’s suicide attempt pushes him a major depressive episode.

CH22 - A well meaning Sam asks Castiel not to “distract” Dean while he’s studying for the PSATs. Unable to cope, Castiel spirals back into recreational drug use to manage his anxiety.

CH23 - After taking the PSATs Dean goes all out planning for his and Castiel’s first anniversary. Unfortunately Castiel forgets all about it, shows up late and is noticeably high.

CH24 - Castiel meets with his new therapist, social worker!Jody who suggests him living in a group home/going to rehab because he’s clearly unhappy and on drugs. Missouri confirms Dean’s suspicions about his boyfriend's extracurricular activities which causes them to fight. This triggers Castiel into dissociating, which results in him banging his head against the wall repeatedly and freaking Dean the fuck out.

CH25 - Castiel ditches school to get high with Andy & Ava then accidentally overdoses. Dean worries this was another suicide attempt & feels responsible.

CH26 - Dean breaks down completely in front of Castiel, afterward they have a good talk and gain a better understanding of each other and their relationship.

CH27 - Dean & Castiel talk with Dr. Milton about drug use & antidepressants. Later they meet with Jody to reevaluate Castiel’s living situation.

CH28 - Castiel’s medication leads to more unexpected weight gain and some disordered eating. He confides in Dean and explains why he wants to stop taking his meds. Together the boys come up with a better plan, Castiel starts jogging with Sam.

CH29 - Gabe visits the Winchester’s for Christmas break. Shenanigans & Fluff, Castiel is authentically enjoying life again now that his meds are finally working.

CH30 - Castiel’s New Year’s resolution is to “just be okay” or whatever that means for him. He also wants to learn how to support Dean the way he’s been supported. Story ends with fluff and optimism.

SPN X Stand By Me - Published 06/18/21

CH5 - The Train Dodge - Gabe and Cas outrun a freight train and nearly get squashed.

CH6 - The Campfire - Cas tells his friends a story about a family of monster hunters. Later he comforts a very tipsy Dean who tries to explain why the world doesn't want him in it.

CH7 - The Leeches - Puberty is scary enough without adding blood sucking aquatic monsters.

CH8 - The Body - The boys find Adam’s body and face off with Lucifer’s gang.

CH9 - The Epilogue - Dean isn't dead at all and has been dating Castiel the whole time.

The Road Too Far - Series Published 09/3/22

“Dad’s on a Hunting Trip”- S1 rewrite where Dean is already an alcoholic and John had been enabling this prior to disappearing. Also implies John spent most of the first season unknowingly possessed by different demons.

“Watch Out, For Sammy” - S2 rewrite where Dean isn't handling John’s death at all and is seriously reexamining all the things he could've done with his life instead. Emotionally switching places with his little brother, Dean begins to understand why Sam left hunting.

“Got A Year to Live”- S3 rewrite where Dean comes to terms with his own impending death and for the first time in forever decides that he might actually want to live instead.

SPN Headcanon Gospel - Series Published 01/14/20

“Failure”- Dean tries really hard on his freshman year finals but fails them anyway. Alone with Sam for the Summer, he spirals into substance abuse, sexual misadventures, and clinical depression.

“Promises”/“Flagstaff”- Kid!Sam misunderstands Dean’s childhood plans for them, later he uses his promise to Dean as an excuse to run away from hunting. / Sam’s adventures come to a screeching halt when John Winchester tracks him down in Flagstaff, AZ. Bones the dog turns out to be a Zanna sent by Sully to watch over him.

“Dropout”- Dean officially gives up civilian life for hunting, and although he knows it's what dad’s been hinting at for years- when all is said and done John still seems as disappointed in him as ever.

“Road Trip”- At 19 Dean’s more depressed than ever and it's leading to increased recklessness on the job. John notices and sends him on a “Five states in five days” road trip hoping he’ll sow some oats and figure himself out. Lisa Braedon seems to be going through something hard herself. In addition to all the sex turns they have, Lisa turns out to be the kind of person Dean could actually fall in love with. Now if only he were allowed to do such things.

Visitations of the Heart - *REWRITE* Published 04/12/19

Originally I wrote this based on a personal experience and while I have no regrets IRL, Cas and Dean deserve better.

I want to change Cas’s reasoning for kicking Dean out from ultimatum to an attempt at setting healthy boundaries for himself - which I feel is even more valid than original content.

I want to explore more background into Dean’s issues with alcohol and Cas. How he unintentionally used alcohol to cope with stress/ fell back into once normalized patterns of addiction.

#spn fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #works in progress #spoilers #destiel #deancas #dean winchester #castiel #pre series #rewrites #alt universe #angst with a hopeful ending #tw: implied/ referenced suicidal thoughts & actions #tw: implied/ referenced alcohol abuse/ alcoholism #If you comment on my work do it nicely or not at all

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pvccblog · 2 years

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HAPPY 4TH!

I'm sharing a post before the end of our night tonight because we had such an amazing time at the 4th of July festivities today! Our team, and the three other teams here are all amazing!

This day started out pretty early, as they shoot off cannons at 5:30 am every 4th of July. The festivities officially kick off at Cottonwood Park with a free breakfast at 7am. They had a short presentation that involved raising the flag and some special reading, AND, for the first time, they asked Brody to open the morning in prayer! It was an amazing thing to experience, as it is proof that the ministry of Grace Reigns is really having an impact here. There were hundreds present for this.

There was a parade at 9:30 am and some of the team members were in it. The rest of us were finishing final preparations for the carnival area that we hosted. We had nine games, face painting, 5 bounce houses, archery, axe throwing, and a booth for the church! Even with over 60 volunteers it was a very busy day for everyone!

This picture is the calm before the storm. The area was packed with people all day!

All the teams worked so hard and everyone had great attitudes and we're willing to help wherever needed, even when they weren't assigned to a particular area, they worked extra when they were supposed to be off. It was such a blessing for those in leadership. Thanks team! I'm saying team because even though there were 4 mission teams, we truly are one!

The church booth was especially engaging for people. They had Bible trivia questions for people to answer. They received a raffle ticket for trying to answer a question and someone won a paddle board! Those are the booth mentioned that the simple trivia questions led to many great spiritual conversations. The gospel is going out mightily here through the power of God!!

Shout out to the three guys from the OC - Brett, Bryce, and Gabe - they put together this booth and it was awesome!

Also want to give a shout out to the incredible crew at the ticket and prize booth. This is always the busiest booth and is headed up by my lovely wife who is not here with us this year. She was missed but this crew really did an awesome job with pretty much zero breaks. Thanks a ton Vevalee, Kim, Sharon, Nancy, Aleah, and Alexis.

Well, I better go, Mr. Bill is cooking spaghetti for dinner and it's just about ready! Fireworks at the park tonight at sports camp begins tomorrow morning!

Love y'all!!

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peacewhendone · 2 years

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The Winchester Gospels: I just don’t want to miss you tonight

Title: I just don’t want to miss you tonight (Read on A03) Series: The Winchester Gospels - Chuck’s Deleted Scenes (A03 | Masterpost) Rating: G Characters: Sam Winchester, Gabriel Pairing(s): Gabriel/Sam Winchester Episode: Set between 05.19 Hammer of the Gods, 05.20 The Devil You Know Words: 2,234 Song Inspiration: Diamante & Breaking Benjamin - Iris Soundtrack: Spotify | Rebloggable Summary:

Hey, Gabriel. We've got a lead on Pestilence. Thank you, for... for going up against Lucifer, for telling us about the rings. We have a plan, now, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Because of you. I wish you were here. I'm sorry. You're gone and it's all my fault. If I hadn't started this – if I hadn't started this, you wouldn't be dead. If I manage to stop this, you can consider it an apology. Gabe... can you ever forgive me?

Goodbye, Gabriel.

Gabriel? I... I don't know if you can hear me. I don't know if you're really – really dead, or if it was just another trick. Either way, I need to know. So if you could, uh. Call. Or show up. Please.

Gabriel. It's Sam. We watched the DVD. I'm not gonna ask why you thought I would watch it all the way through, but – there's some things we need to talk about. Please call me.

Gabriel... I miss you. I've tried to find you. I've been checking online, in newspapers, tabloids... nothing. No hits. No leads. Either you're doing a better job then usual at staying under the radar, or... or you didn't make it. Gabe, I need you to have made it.

Okay, Gabriel. You win. I've been praying a thousand times a day, every day, for over a week. You're not answering. I get it. You don't want to talk to me. You could still let me know you're okay. Just come tell me you're okay, tell me to stop praying, and I will.

Hey, Gabriel... your message at the end of that DVD... did you mean it? Showing up right now would be a great way to prove it. I'm at Bobby's.

Gabriel, what the hell?! Why won't you fucking answer me?! I need to know you're okay! Even if you don't want to talk, or see me, or whatever, just – dammit, Gabe, let me know you're okay somehow! Snap some chocolate onto my pillow or something!

I love you too, Gabriel. I believe you meant it. Will you please show up so you can tell me these things in person instead of from my computer screen?

Cass says you're dead, Gabriel. Don't worry, I told him he was wrong. He didn't believe me, but, I mean, the guy is still looking for God. Even though he hasn't been around for millennia. Why can he have faith in God but I can't have faith in you?

Come back, Gabriel. I'll do anything. You hear me? I don't care what it is, I'll do it. I'll shower you in candy and cake and anything else you want if you just come back.

Dammit, Gabriel! I can't believe you did this to me! I can't believe that you left me!

Where are you, Gabriel? Why haven't you called?

Gabriel... did I scare you when I said we needed to talk? Is that why you haven't come back? It wasn't going to be bad. I just... we need to have an actual discussion about us, and we can't do that until you show up. Please, Gabe. Come find me.

I can't do this without you, Gabriel. Please come back to me.

Hey... Gabriel, it's Sam. Again. I'm, uh, guessing Lucifer really did kill you this time. It's been three weeks, and I just can't believe you'd let me freak out for this long if it wasn't true. So, maybe you can still hear me, wherever you are? I hope you can.

Goodbye, Gabriel.

Sam was sitting in yet another dingy motel room, waiting for Dean to come back. After Sam had gotten back from a food run, Dean had eaten and then said he was gonna find a bar. He'd tried to get Sam to go too, telling him he needed to get out, but Sam didn't want to be around people. He had been withdrawing more and more since Elysian Fields, slowly beginning to believe that Gabriel hadn't made it. Now he just wanted to be alone, all the time.

At the moment, he was sitting on the floor, back against one of the twin beds, forehead on his knees. He'd been crying – again – and he was glad Dean wasn't there to see it this time. Last time he had broken down, he had confessed to his brother that it was all his fault – that Gabriel would never have stood up against Lucifer if it hadn't been for Sam.

“I got him killed, Dean! Just because he cared about me! Because I couldn't stay away from him!”

Sam curled his arms around his legs, letting out a shaky breath. Castiel had shown up a few days after the confrontation with Lucifer, supposedly looking for Dean, but Sam knew he was just there to be with him. The angel still wasn't exactly comfortable putting words to his feelings, but Sam knew without asking that Castiel felt something about losing Gabriel. He always regretted the loss of another angel. Cass had looked at him awhile before asking, “was it worth it?”

Sam hadn't known if he meant caring for Gabriel, or Gabriel sacrificing himself, or what. He had the feeling that Gabriel's death was forcing the falling angel to come to terms with his own angel-human... entanglement. He had only shrugged and said he didn't know. Castiel had only nodded, before dropping back into silence, a warm presence that helped keep Sam from falling apart.

He still didn't know if it was worth it. Any of it.

Lucifer was still out there, and while they did have a plan, there were so many things that could go wrong. Sam's trying to hold on to his faith, for his brother's sake, but since losing Gabriel... well. Faith was in short supply these days.

Lost in his grief, Sam didn't hear the flutter of wings or feel the slight breeze that rustled his hair. He did, however, hear the soft voice.

“Sam.”

Sam's head jerked up, body tensing, eyes wide open. Gabriel knelt in front of him, an uncharacteristically solemn expression on his face.

“Gabriel,” he breathed out.

Gabriel smiled, soft, hands resting on his knees. “Hey, kiddo.” He didn't move, didn't try to reach out to Sam, just sat there looking at him.

“This – you can't be here,” Sam almost begged. “This isn't real.” Convinced he fell asleep, that he's stuck in another dream, that Lucifer is using the image of another person ingrained in Sam's soul to manipulate him, he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head.

“I'm real, Sam. It's me.”

Sam kept his eyes closed. He was not going to give Lucifer the pleasure. “How could I possibly believe that?”

“Directed prayers can't be heard by anyone else.” Honey gold eyes collided with hazel as Sam's flew open. He couldn't look away. One corner of Gabriel's mouth lifted in a smirk. “So you watched the entire DVD, huh? Some of my best work, if I do say so myself.”

Sam froze. He remembered praying to Gabriel, telling him he had seen it all. Before his mind could fully catch up, he had thrown himself at the archangel, burying his face in Gabriel's neck as his hands fisted into the edges of Gabriel's jacket. Gabriel was just as quick to hold him in return, one hand going into the hair on the back of Sam's head and the other arm going around his waist. He breathed in the scent of pine and patchouli and vanilla that was uniquely Sam. His arm tightened around the hunter as traces of wetness hit his throat.

“Shhh, Sammy, it's okay, I'm okay, I'm safe.” the trickster whispered, trying to soothe the hunter.

“Where were you, Gabe?” Sam asked brokenly. “I thought - “ he couldn't finish the sentence, leaning into Gabriel even more. Archangel strength was a blessing. Gabriel would have toppled over if he had been human.

“I know, Sam, I know.” Gabriel stroked his fingers through Sam's hair. “I had to wait, had to make sure everyone believed Lucifer had killed me. It took longer then I wanted.”

“Do that again and I'll kill you myself,” the hunter grumbled, making Gabriel snort.

“I may let you.” he admitted softly. He drew back, waiting for Sam to meet his eyes again. When he did, he smiled, moving his arm from Sam's hair to stroke his fingers against Sam's cheek. Sam leaned into the caress, eyes still on Gabriel. “I never wanted to leave you, Sam.”

Sam swallowed thickly, before clearing his throat. “Then why did you?” The look he gave Gabriel was accusing, but there was still so much sadness. Like he still didn't believe Gabriel was real.

If Gabriel had had a heart, it would have broken. Gabriel's eyes closed and he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Sam's.

“You know why.”

Sam nodded, the motion making his hair tickle Gabriel's face. Gabriel titled his head, pressing a soft kiss to the hunter's forehead before drawing back again.

“You were right,” Gabriel said, hands drifting down to wrap around Sam's where they still clutched his jacket. “We do need to talk, but not about us.” Gabriel paused, waiting until Sam's attention was focused back on his face, before continuing. “What happened was not your fault, Sam. It was my choice.” He smiled ruefully, brushing Sam's hair back from his face. His hand lingered after he tucked the strand behind Sam's ear. “It was the only way I could make sure you got out of there. You gonna tell me you wouldn't have done the same, if the roles had been switched?”

Sam blew out a breath, annoyance on his face. “You know I would.”

“I did what I had to. I couldn't run, not that time.” Because you matter to me, he thought but didn't say. Because running meant losing you.

“But you wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for me,” Sam said. “If I had just stayed away after Crawford Hall, if I had let you go after Mystery Spot - “

“I didn't have to show up, ya know,” Gabriel pointed out. “Regardless of... us. I could've stayed away.”

“This is a circular argument, you know that, right?” Sam sighed. He sagged back against the bed, feeling drained.

“I was just waiting for you to figure that out.” Gabriel said with a mischievous smile.

The archangel stood, holding out his hands for Sam's. “C'mere.” Sam slid his hands into Gabriel's, letting him pull Sam to his feet. As soon as he was standing, the hunter was right back in Gabriel's space, a hand on Gabriel's shoulder and the other on his cheek.

“Will you – can you stay? With me? Just for the night?” the hunter asked softly.

Gabriel softened, looking up at the hunter. “I'll stay as long as I can,” he promised. When Sam smiled, a real smile full of joy, Gabriel's eyes got even softer.

“Good,” Sam said simply, tugging Gabriel towards his bed. He laid down on top of the covers, drawing the archangel down with him. They laid there, just looking at each other, legs tangled around the other's. Gabriel had one hand drawing soothing motions on Sam's side, while Sam was rubbing Gabriel's cheek with his thumb.

“Thank you,” Sam said after a comfortable silence. “For coming back.”

“I'll always come back, Sam.”

Sam decided not to ruin the moment by telling him that neither of them could promise that, not with their lives, not with the Apocalypse on the horizon. Instead he just laid there and played with Gabriel's hair until he fell asleep.

When Sam's eyes drooped closed and his breathing deepened, Gabriel let out a shaky breath. He ached with what he was about to do, with the knowledge of how it would tie Sam up in knots.

He shouldn't have come here. He should have stayed away, let Sam continue believing he was dead. But when Sam had started blaming himself, apologizing for it – Gabriel couldn't take it any more. He missed the hunter with a fierce ache that just kept getting worse. Coming here was a mistake. Indulging himself wasn't going to make anything better.

He didn't know how long he had been laying there, watching Sam sleep, trying to memorize the way his skin felt and how he looked and how he smelled, when he heard the Impala drive up outside the motel. He sighed, softly, brushing back more of Sam's hair.

“I'm sorry, Sammy,” he murmured, leaning over to softly kiss the hunter's cheek. So soft that Sam didn't even stir. He held up two fingers, hesitating, until he heard the Impala shut off. He pressed the fingers to Sam's forehead, taking one more moment to look at the way Sam's lashes curled against his cheeks in his sleep. When he heard Dean approaching the room, cursing as he tried to find his motel key, he snapped and disappeared from the room.

When Sam woke up the next morning, he was in bed, curled under the blanket. He didn't remember going to bed, but he must have, obviously. Dean would have just left him wherever he fell asleep. He didn't actually remember much from the night before. The heavy spot inside that had been there since Gabriel died had eased off a little, and he felt something else, too.

It felt like redemption.

It felt like forgiveness.

#my fics #fic: the winchester gospels - chuck's deleted scenes #sam winchester #gabriel #sabriel #dean winchester #castiel #05.19 #05.19 hammer of the gods #05.20 #05.20 the devil you know #supernatural fanfic #spn fanfic

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