Art is never finished..just abandoned.

Fanfiction planning:

Title - A Quiet Kind of Violence -“Some wounds are invisible, but touching them still hurts ”

3 Act fanfiction

Act I: The Quiet Kind emotional abuse, silence, restraint

Act II: The Violent Kind physical abuse, murder, sex born of desperation

Act III: The Gentle Kind care, parenthood, breaking cycles

Act I: The QuietKind

Includes:

emotional abuse

silence

restraint

longing without language

politeness as survival

It applies to:

Ed’s manipulation

MC’s self-erasure

Sylus’s emotional distance

society’s expectations

Act II: The Violent Kind

Includes:

physical abuse

murder

desire crossing boundaries

desperation

consequences

It’s loud, messy, and irreversible.

!VERY IMPORTNAT! - In this part I do not want to glamorize violence, nor domestic abuse only exposing it.

Part III — The Gentle Kind

This is the most dangerous title emotionally — because gentleness is earned.

Includes:

provision without possession

care without control

parenting as repair

love that waits

breaking the cycle on purpose

!VERY IMPORTNAT! - Gentleness here is hard-won and earned.

1. Story Overview: Three-Act Structure

ACT I: Foundations & Slow Burn

MC approaches Sylus for work; he reluctantly hires her

She proves herself useful, intelligent, and resourceful

Sylus begins noticing her value; she doesn’t see it herself

Uncanny, quiet companionship develops - no prying, no confessions

MC falls for Sylus privately, burdened by guilt over Ed

Ed’s abuse escalates, still hidden

Sylus notices subtle signs of abuse (clothing, makeup, behavior)

Flashbacks reveal Sylus’s childhood and his mother’s suffering

Sylus’s feelings begin shifting from detached interest to emotional conflict

ACT II: Escalation & Rupture

Sylus increasingly brings MC along to meetings, different events under flimsy professional excuses

Mutual tension and near-misses: neither acts on them

MC slowly gains some confidence due to her doing good at her work, begins standing up to Ed

Ed grows suspicious, volatile, and violently jealous

Severe beating – during it MC dissociates - then seeks refuge at Sylus’s house

Silent, intimate care scene (NON SEXUAL VERY IMPORTANT): bathing, tending wounds, protection

MC returns to Ed despite Sylus’s unspoken plea !VERY IMPORTNAT! This is the first rift between them

After this Sylus follows her discreetly, torn between restraint and obsession

MC leaves Ed secretly after saving money

Ed attacks again; Sylus intervenes and kills him

Sylus “abducts” MC to safety, ashamed and terrified she’ll fear him

MC thanks him; feels attraction, not fear

They have sex born of desperation, grief, and repression

This part of the story ends with emotional fallout unresolved

ACT III: Consequences, Pregnancy & Healing

Both pull away, misinterpreting each other’s distance

MC discovers she’s pregnant, shes conflicted about abortion vs. societal pressure

She decides to keep the baby, largely out of fear and judgment

She tells Sylus !VERY IMPORTANT! first honest conversation between them

Sylus promises provision, protection, and involvement - without coercion

MC lives alone, Sylus supports her through pregnancy

Societal judgment intensifies, Sylus proposes she move in with him

Pregnancy and guilt overwhelm MC, she hides her struggles

Birth of child (or children maybe twins? Can’t decide yet), MC develops postpartum depression

MC flees, believing she’s unfit and undeserving

Sylus raises the children, determined not to repeat his father’s sins

Months later, Sylus finds MC and confronts her gently

Confession of mutual love and shared brokenness

MC returns; they rebuild slowly, imperfectly

Cycle of generational trauma is consciously broken

2. Not so fun facts - Prohibition Era (1920-1933)

Mob & Bootlegging

Alcohol illegal under the 18th Amendment

Bootlegging = illegal production, transport, and sale of alcohol

Common fronts: laundromats, bakeries, bookstores, import companies

Speakeasies operated secretly; often protected by mob connections

Police and politicians frequently bribed

Violence was strategic and often quiet - disappearances over shootouts

Mob bosses cultivated “respectable” public personas

Women & Society

Women did work, but mostly in:

secretarial roles

factories

domestic labor

Unmarried women living alone were heavily judged

Domestic abuse was considered a private matter

Marital rape and spousal abuse were not legally recognized

Pregnancy outside marriage carried immense stigma

Abortion existed but was illegal and dangerous

Postpartum depression was not medically acknowledged

Women were expected to endure, not complain

3. 1920s-30s lifestyle (good for worldbuilding)

1. Fashion / Style

Men

Suits: Dark, pinstriped or solid wool suits, high-waisted trousers, suspenders common.

Shirts / Accessories: White or striped dress shirts, ties (skinny or wide depending on taste), pocket squares.

Shoes: Polished oxfords or brogues.

Hats: Fedora or trilby, tilted slightly.

Outerwear: Long overcoats, trench coats.

Gangster touches: Overdone lapels, cufflinks, gold watches - subtle flex of wealth.

Women

Day wear: Tea dresses, blouses with skirts, mid-calf length.

Evening wear: Flapper dresses, shorter hemlines, sequins, fringe, dropped waistlines.

Undergarments: Corsets still around but looser styles emerging; stockings with garters.

Hair / Makeup: Bob cuts, finger waves; bold lips, thin eyebrows, pale skin. Heavy makeup often signaled both fashion-forward and social danger.

Shoes: Heels 1–2 inches, often T-strap or Mary Jane style.

2. Cars / Transportation

Cars were luxury items, not everyone had one. Gangsters often owned cars for both status and mobility.

Common brands: Ford Model T (earlier), Ford Model A, Chevrolet, Dodge, Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln.

Colors: black or dark colors were preferred (practical + stylish).

Gangsters sometimes used armored cars or cars modified for quick escapes - extra gas tanks, reinforced bumpers.

3. Guns / Weapons

Handguns:

Colt M1911 (.45 ACP) - very common, semi-automatic.

Smith & Wesson revolvers (small, reliable).

Tommy Guns: Thompson submachine gun - iconic 1920s gangster weapon. Often carried for intimidation and raids.

Shotguns: For close-range intimidation.

Concealment was important - trench coats helped hide weapons.

4. Classic Mob Hierarchy !VERY IMPORTANT INFO!

1. Boss / Godfather

The head of the family / operation.

Makes all major decisions, controls territory, and handles alliances or rivalries.

Often keeps a front business (books, laundromats, clubs) while secretly running illegal activities.

Sylus fits here.

2. Underboss

Second-in-command.

Oversees day-to-day operations and enforces the boss’s orders.

Sometimes handles the “dirty work” or mediates disputes within the family.

Can step in if the boss is unavailable.

Luke and Kieran fits this.

3. Consigliere

Advisor / counselor to the boss.

Doesn’t necessarily command troops, but has the boss’s trust and gives strategic guidance.

Often the most neutral and wise member, someone the boss can rely on for honest opinions.

MC in the story could become this, not officially but Sylus will value her and her opinions.

4. Caporegime / Capo / Captain

Leader of a crew of soldiers.

Reports to the boss or underboss.

Manages specific operations (like a warehouse, speakeasy, or bootlegging route).

Can issue orders to lower ranks.

5. Soldiers / Made Men

Fully initiated members of the mob.

Carry out assignments, enforce rules, and handle operations.

Must follow orders from above and maintain loyalty.

Usually the people who do the “hands-on” work: collecting money, guarding shipments, intimidation, etc.

6. Associates / Runners / Low-level Thugs

Not officially part of the family.

Do small jobs: delivering packages, collecting debts, running errands.

Could aspire to be “made” if they prove themselves.

Often expendable, disposable if they mess up.

Ed is a low level thug, trying to muscle his was up the hierarhcy, another tension point for him and MC this time its external, bruising Eds ego as well.

5. 1920s-30s Slang & Lingo (Useful for Flavor)

Broad – woman

Dame – woman (often dismissive or flirtatious)

Doll – affectionate term for a woman

Gams – legs

Palooka – stupid or weak man

Wise guy – mobster

Big shot / Big cheese – powerful person

On the level – honest

Take a powder – leave

Hot – stolen or dangerous

The Feds – federal agents

Joint – club, bar, or establishment

Make the rounds – visit multiple places

In a jam – in trouble

See? – sentence-ending emphasis common in mob speech

6. Main characters and their stuff -

1. Sylus: Background & Personality

Inherits a mob/bootlegging empire during the Prohibition era (1920–1933), fronting as a legitimate businessman (laundromats, bookstores, etc.)

Raised by a cold, ruthless father who ran the business with discretion and brutality

As a child, he was a mama’s boy; his mother shielded him from the worst of his father’s violence

His mother was abused by his father, her eventual “disappearance” was actually murder, though Sylus never witnessed it nor did he witness the actual abuse, just the aftermath of it usually.

Sylus grows up knowing his father was responsible, even without proof

As a young adult, Sylus kills his father, publicly framing it as a necessary business move, privately as vengeance and self-fulfillment

Develops a guarded, emotionally closed personality, especially toward women

Has no trouble with sex (including rough or transactional encounters), but avoids emotional intimacy

Deep fear of becoming his father, especially in romantic or domestic contexts

Values people the way he values assets: he “collects” those he deems useful, competent, or rare

Loyal to his inner circle; sees capable people as his responsibility

Cool, restrained, controlled exterior, not because he lacks emotion, but because he fears losing control

His possessiveness and jealousy terrify him, as he associates those feelings with his father’s abuse

With MC, his aloofness shifts from self-protection to deliberate restraint to respect her boundaries

Ultimately views MC as his most valuable possession, though he never wants to treat her as one

How Sylus Talks - Core Rules to follow for me later

He speaks sparingly

He rarely asks direct emotional questions

He states observations instead of feelings

He gives options instead of commands (even when he’s in control)

When he’s emotional, his sentences get shorter, not longer

He almost never raises his voice

!VERY IMPORTANT! He does not reassure verbally instead he acts.

1. Early Sylus (Aloof, Professional)

No praise, no cruelty, he corrects behavior without belittling.

“Sit. You don’t need to stand every time I look at you.”

“If you’re going to apologize, make sure it’s for something that matters.”

“I don’t hire people because they’re desperate.”

“You’re quieter than most. I don’t mind that.”

2. When He Starts Noticing Her Worth

Still restrained, but more attentive.

“Next time, bring it to me before it becomes a problem.”

“You don’t ask unnecessary questions. I appreciate that.”

“If anyone gives you trouble, you tell me. That’s not a request.

3. Quiet Companionship / Uncanny Friendship Phase

This is where the slow burn lives.

“You work better at night. I’ve noticed.”

“Stay. I’ll be finished soon.”

“You look tired. Eat.”

4. When He Notices the Abuse (But Doesn’t Name It)

!VERY IMPORTANT! he never says “Are you being hurt?”

“You bruise easily.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me.”

“If you need time, take it.”

“You’re not in trouble.”

5. Jealousy / Inner Conflict (Still Controlled)

!VERY IMPORTANT! He won’t insult Ed. He won’t compete openly.

“He doesn’t strike me as careful.”

“Does he know where you are?”

“I don’t like unpredictability.”

“You don’t belong in places where you’re watched.”

!VERY IMPORTANT! The jealousy is coded as concern.

6. The Night She Comes to Him (Silent Care)

!VERY IMPORTANT! Very few words. Every line lands. No comfort speeches. No apologies.

“Come in.”

“You’re safe.”

“I’ve got you.”

During bathing / tending wounds:

“Tell me if it hurts.”

“Look at me.”

“Easy.”

7. After She Goes Back to Ed (First rift between them)

This is where his restraint strains.

“Are you going back to him?”

“That wasn’t an accusation.”

“You don’t owe me an answer.”

“I won’t watch this happen twice.”

!VERY IMPORTANT! The last line hits because he doesn’t explain it.

8. After He Kills Ed (Ashamed, Afraid to Look at Her)

His voice is flat, almost hollow.His sentences are short. Broken. !VERY IMPORTANT! Uncharacteristic apology.

“Get in the car.”

“We’re leaving.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“I should have waited.”

9. When She Thanks Him (Cracks fully form in his psyche)

This is where his control nearly goes.

“Don’t thank me for that.”

“You don’t know what I am.”

“You shouldn’t look at me like that.”

“This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen.”

10. Pregnancy Conversation (Protective, Absolute)

No romance. No judgment. He frames commitment as fact, not promise.

“You’re not alone.”

“You won’t need to worry about money.”

“I’ll be involved.”

“That’s not negotiable.”

“I won’t disappear.”

11. Reunion Scene (The Only Time He Begs)

Still quiet. Still controlled. But vulnerable.

“Tell me what you want.”

“They need you.”

“…I need you.”

!VERY IMPORTANT! That last line should hurt. Almost painful for him to say.

Sylus’s speech at intimate/romantic moments

“Tell me this is what you want.”

“I won’t take what isn’t given.”

“You don’t have to be quiet.”

“If you want me to stop, say it.”

“You’re doing this to me.”

“You shouldn’t trust me like this.”

“Stay with me.”

“I won’t hurt you….I swear.”

“I don’t know how to be gentle.”

“This isn’t how I planned it.”

“You make it difficult to think.”

“If I lose control -” (cuts himself off)

2. MC / Reader: Background & Personality

Daughter of a man who worked first for Sylus’s father, then Sylus himself

Grew up in a household marked by emotional abuse, not physical

Witnessed her father gradually destroy her mother’s self-esteem

Her mother died, leaving her emotionally isolated with her father

Develops severely low self-worth, internalized guilt, and apologetic behavior

Learns early to stay quiet, accommodating, and invisible

Begins dating an older man (Edward, Ed for short) as a teenager: a relationship defined by power imbalance

Falls deeply and quickly due to emotional deprivation and longing for safety

Ed emotionally abuses and manipulates her, mirroring her parents’ dynamic

After her father’s death, she moves in with him: abuse escalates to physical violence

Social stigma prevents her from seeking help, shame keeps her silent

She is intelligent and perceptive, not naïve, just conditioned to minimize herself

Knows exactly who Sylus is and what he does so she seeks him out strategically, not blindly

Works as Sylus’s secretary: professional, capable, overly polite, constantly apologizing

Struggles to recognize her own competence and worth

Craves safety, stability, and quiet rather than romance or grandeur

Pregnancy intensifies her feelings of inadequacy and fear of repeating generational trauma

Postpartum depression leads her to flee, not out of cruelty, but belief she’s unfit and undeserving

Ultimately learns to want something for herself - Sylus, her children, and a life she chooses

How MC Talks - Core Rules to follow for me later

1. Early MC (Apologetic, Small, Hyper-Aware)

This is survival-mode MC. She speaks like she’s always bracing for punishment.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“If that’s alright with you.”

“I’ll do better next time.”

2. At Work with Sylus (Professional to a Fault)

She overcorrects constantly. She mistakes neutrality for kindness and clings to it.

“I can redo it if you’d prefer.”

“I’ll stay late. It’s no problem.”

3. Internal Monologue (Low Self-Worth, Constant Justification)

This is where the real damage shows. She edits her desires before they reach the surface.

Don’t get used to it.

He’s just being polite.

You’re reading too much into it.

Don’t want things you can’t keep.

4. With Edward (Defensive, Placating)

Her voice changes subtly: tighter, careful. She’s always trying to prevent the next outburst.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I should’ve told you.”

“Please don’t be mad.”

5. Beginning to Fall for Sylus (Quiet Longing)

She never names it. Her restraint mirrors his, for different reasons.

It’s just respect.

He doesn’t look at me like that.

This is safer.

Don’t ruin this.

Don’t want more.

6. When the Abuse Escalates (Dissociation)

Fragments of her inner voice. She leaves her body to survive.

This will be over soon.

Count the cracks in the ceiling.

Don’t cry.

You should’ve known better.

This is your fault.

7. The Night She Goes to Sylus (Shame & Relief)

Her spoken words don’t match her feelings.

“I’m sorry for coming so late.”

“I didn’t know where else to go.”

“I’ll leave if you want.”

“I didn’t mean to inconvenience you.”

Internally:

Please don’t send me away.

8. After the Murder & Sex (Conflicted, Raw)

This is the most dangerous emotional point for her. She mistakes desire for moral failure.

I should feel afraid of him. But I don’t..why?

I wanted this.

What does that say about me?

I ruined everything.

9. Pregnancy & Independence (Fear Disguised as Strength)

She’s trying to be brave, not healed. She, yet again equates needing help with being a burden.

“I can manage.”

“You don’t need to worry.”

“I don’t expect anything.”

“This was my decision.”

10. Endgame MC (Choosing, Not Apologizing)

Still soft. Still unsure. But honest.

“This is what I want.”

“I don’t know how to do this yet.”

“I’m scared.”

“Please stay.”

!VERY IMPORTNAT! These lines are powerful because she never used to allow herself to say them.

MC’s speech at intimate/romantic moments

“I’ve never done this before.”

“I don’t want to mess this up.”

“Please… slow?”

“I’m not sure what to do.”

“You’re not like… the others.”

“I don’t want to move.”

“Stay close.”

“…I trust you.”

“I… shouldn’t feel like this.”

“I don’t deserve it.”

“Don’t leave.”

“…I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“I feel… safe with you.”

“…Thank you.”

“I want this… with you.”

“Please don’t leave me.”

“…Stay with me a little longer.”

3. Edward Whitman “Ed” : Background & Personality

The opposite of Sylus in many ways- on purpose

Superficially polite and attentive which make him seem “respectable”

Emotionally manipulative, gaslighting frequently

Quick to anger if his control is questioned

Predatory in small ways (testing limits, pushing boundaries)

Self-centered, lacks empathy, rationalizes abuse as “love”

Classic power imbalance: older, experienced, thinks he knows best

Insecure about losing control therefore her jelousy flares easily

Contrasts Sylus’s calm intelligence with performative charm

How Ed Talks - Core Rules to follow for me later

“You worry too much.”

“I just want what’s best for you.”

“I only got upset because I care.”

“You’re overreacting… you always do.”

“If you loved me, you wouldn’t…”

“You’re making this harder than it needs to be.”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“I won’t ask twice.”

“You’re too sensitive, you always overreact.”

Ed’s speech when hes actively abusing her

“If you hadn’t said that, none of this would’ve happened.”

“I only did this because you made me.”

“I wouldn’t hurt you if I didn’t care.”

“I’m only doing this because I love you.”

“You think I enjoy this? You’re wrong. I hate it when I have to…”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“You think anyone else would put up with you?”

“Stay where I can see you. Don’t test me.”

“If you leave, you’ll regret it.”

“I said sit. Now.”

“This is for your own good.”

“I’m teaching you how to behave.”

“You don’t know what’s best for you. I do.”

“Stop crying, you’re making it worse for both of us.”

“I didn’t hit you. You fell.”