#If anyone was wondering I used Flutter: Starlight for reference

[acegineer]

Got a new sketchbook today so I wanted to draw moths in it

The first of many to come, the Yellow Furry-legs

[the-lady-of-stars]

Wishing you were somehow here again - part 1

Commander Wolffe x Jedi ! Reader

Summary: Wolffe loves you, his Jedi, more than anything. Nothing could ever come between your hearts. Or at least that’s what you believed up until he was commanded to kill you under Order 66.

A/N: Unfortunately for you all I have returned, once again inspired to write more heartbreaking angst for Wolffe. Luckily for you, however, this first chapter will exclusively be fluff. Kudos for anyone who knows what the title is a reference to. Enjoy my lovelies ;) 

You had always thought that Wolffe looked most handsome under the light of the moon. The way the silver glow framed his face made him out to be some ethereal being sent from the stars themselves.

From where you lay next to him on the grassy hill you could just about see the blissed out smile that graced his features. He had brought you out here away from camp to bask in the beauty of the night with him, and there you were, fingers clasped with his as his thumb stroked tender circles on your palm, grounding you in the moment. His eyes were gazing up at the vast expanse space above you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to peel your sight from him. Sensing your lingering stare, Wolffe turned his head to you, smile broadening at how enamoured his beloved looked. 

“What’s goin’ on in that pretty little head of yours, hmm cyar’ika?” he coaxed sweetly, squeezing your hand. 

“I really love you, Wolffe,” you spoke softly, not daring to break the pure serenity of the moment. 

He huffed in loving amusement, rolling onto his side to look down at you with fond eyes.

“And I love you, my starlight. But what’s brought this on? You goin’ all soft on me, General?”

“Can’t help it, Commander. ‘S all your fault. Might just have to court martial you for it,” you mused. 

“Court martial! And what exactly would the reasoning for this court martial be, might I ask?”

“Mm, well, quite a few things actually. For starters I’d accuse you of making your Jedi General fall hopelessly in love with you- that’s the most important one.” Wolffe grinned down at you as you spoke. “Next I’d accuse you of distracting your General from patrol and making her stargaze with you instead. Also important. Finally I might accuse you of having brought me here over an hour ago yet not having so much as kissed me on the cheek even once, although that can be rectified before it’s too late.”

Wolffe let out a genuine laugh before leaning down closer to you, putting his weight on his forearms, obscuring most of your vision but leaving a slight backdrop of the blinking stars surrounding him.

“Ah well, in that case I suppose I had better make a start. You have my sincerest apologies, Mesh’la.”

“I might find it in me to forgive you, but you’ll have to make it up to me first.”

“Yeah?” he cooed. 

“Mmhmm. Real nice.”

“I think I can do that.”

He began with a gentle kiss to your jaw, rising up your face to your cheeks, brows, forehead and nose, spoiling every inch of you in the loving way he thought you deserved. He muttered compliments and praise in between kisses, soothing you with his whispers of  “sweet girl,” “so beautiful,” and “so good for me.” You both sighed in harmony as he finally closed the remaining distance to meet your lips, locking them against yours. Your noses pressed together, eyelids fluttering at the sheer intimacy of the moment.

When you eventually separated from each other, you remained with your foreheads touching, both panting to reclaim the breath you had stolen from the other. You remained there, silence unbroken for minutes, just enjoying the moment. 

Wolffe was the one to break the stillness, pushing himself off of you to lean on his side again, eyes wandering over your face in thought. 

“What is it?” you spoke serenely, surveying his expression. He appeared to be deep in thought, although what about you couldn’t tell. 

“Do you remember when we first met?” he spoke up after a few more moments of thinking. 

“Of course, how could I forget?”

“We all knew that General Plo had trained a padawan to knighthood but we’d never actually met you. I remember on one campaign to some planet in the outer-rim we were resting for the night and Wildfire asked the General to tell us a story to pass the time.  That was the first time he told us about you. Told us how you’d taken out an entire squadron of clankers all on your own and without your saber. I’ll admit I fell a little bit in love with you right then. The more he told us about you the more I wanted to meet you. That night I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about what you might have looked like. I lay there picturing your face, wondering things like what colour your eyes might be. If there’s one thing I guessed right it was that your eyes would definitely be striking, had to be to match the personality that went with them. So in some way I suppose you could say I was in love with you before I had even met you. I’ve heard Master Plo saying before that the force can bring people together. I don’t know if that’s real or not, I’m no Jedi, but I like to believe that we were meant to find each other, you know?

“Wolffe, you’ve never told me any of this before,” your eyes were glued to his lips as he spoke, captivated by his words. 

“I was always too embarassed to tell you. Honestly I’m surprised the boys didn’t get to blabbin’ about it to you before now. And the first time I actually met you? Stars. If you ask the boys they’ll tell you that I looked hypnotised. According to Sinker my mouth was wide open like I’d been hit straight on by a gunship. Nothing I’d imagined before could even compare to how beautiful you were. If I wasn’t in love with you before that then I definitely was then. My vode still haven’t stop teasing me for that one. But you wanna know when I was sure you were the one for me? You remember that time I got injured on Naboo after that clanker we didn’t notice hit me good in the knee?”

You winced, the memory still fresh in your mind. “I still have nightmares about that sometimes. Thought I was going to lose you, and even though I hadn’t known you all that long I realised then that I couldn’t bare to live without you.”

Wolffe took one of your hands in his, pressing a reassuring kiss to your knuckles in comfort then moving to play with your fingers absent-mindedly as he continued to speak. 

“And that’s why I fell for you. You looked after me all day and night, even while I slept, making sure I was clean, hydrated, comfortable and not in any pain. You cared for me so selflessly. When I woke up and saw that you had fallen asleep next to me in exhaustion I wanted nothing more than to show you just how appreciated you were. But I just couldn’t find the words no matter how hard I tried.” He looked into your eyes, noticing how they had glazed over slightly from how close you were to tears. 

“I know. I felt your emotions through the force. No one had ever felt that strongly for me in my life. Which is why I kissed you when you woke. Couldn’t find the right words either,” you smiled at him, lips trembling with emotion. 

“You’ll never know how often I think of that kiss. Think I nearly passed out again when it happened, my heart was racing so fast. You had me absolutely doll dizzy. But you know what the funny thing is? You’d think that I’d have become more used to it by now, you kiss me at every chance you get, but I haven’t. Every single time you kiss me I feel that same way I did the first time. You’ve got me good, sweetheart. Point is- I don’t ever want to stop feeling that way. I want to be able to lean over and kiss you for the rest of my life. So, Y/N, I’ve been thinking about this for a while now and I’ve decided. I want to marry you.”

“What?” you gasped, heart pounding against your chest. 

“I know it technically won’t be a legal marriage seeing as I’m a clone and you’re a Jedi, but that doesn’t matter to me. We don’t need paperwork to prove our love for each other. I want you to be my wife. My wife who I can spend every day of the rest of my life spoiling in the way she deserves. So, what do you say? Y/N Y/L/N, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” 

Both of you now had tears streaming freely, a sob catching in your throat as you went to reply. 

“Yes,” you choked out. “Yes, Wolffe, I would love to marry you.”

The two of you were crying your hearts out, smiles pulling at your cheeks so brightly that it was nearly painful. Wolffe wasted no more time before standing up and pulling you to your feet then into his arms, picking you up to spin you in pure unbreakable joy. 

He set you down and instantly brought your lips together, giving him a new most passionate kiss to think about for the rest of his life. 

“I love you,” he laughed through his tears. “I love you so much!”

“I love you too. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Wolffe paused for a second, visibly thinking before kneeling down to the grass. 

“What are you doing?” you asked, but he was too distracted with what ever he was doing to reply.

You watched as he plucked a long blade of grass out of the soil forming a loop with it then tying it off so it was shaped like a circle. 

“A ring. I’m sorry I can’t get you a pretty one straight away, so this will have to suffice for now, but one day, after the war, I swear to you I will buy you the most beautiful ring I can.”

Wolffe took your left hand delicately in his, sliding his grass ring onto your fourth finger. You once again sobbed at his actions, throwing yourself into his chest and tucking your head under his chin. 

“Wolffe, it’s perfect. I don’t need a fancy ring, I only want you. And if you think I’m not treasuring this ring made from the grass of the hill you proposed to me on for the rest of my life then you don’t know me like I thought you did.”

He laughed, a wide grin settling on his face as he pulled you tight against him, rocking you in a slow dance as you both tried to stop crying. 

Absolutely nothing could tear the two of you apart. Or at least, that’s what you believed. Palpatine, you would soon discover, thought otherwise. 

[spacebatisluvd]

Summary: Bow tries to be friendly, Hordak does not, and Catra is...Catra.

Content warning: mention of dissection and experimentation, mild dehumanizing language regarding Imp and Hordak’s failed clones, references to Prime and his purification ritual, Hordak being generally grumpy and unhappy being around anyone who isn’t Entrapta.

-

The journey to Salineas was a brief one. The She-Ra, Catra, the archer, and the young Queen arrived in the First Ones’ ship—which Entrapta greeted with a happy squeal of, ‘Darla!’—to escort him to Salineas. It was unnecessary, in his opinion. This was part of a peace treaty. A treaty he’d helped negotiate. He’d agreed to this willingly—happily, even. There was no need for them to act as guards.

He resented the others’ presence, but reminded himself that he was heading into hostile territory. He would likely be facing worse. So he lifted his chin and bore their scrutiny—and Catra’s awkward, nervous glances—with dignity.

Entrapta, as always, helped. She seemed oblivious to any tension between the other passengers, intent on coaxing Darla into a system’s upgrade. Assisting her with this was at least comfortable and familiar. Emily often resisted the various patches and software updates they designed for her, no matter that Entrapta promised she’d never do anything to compromise Emily’s core personality codes. Hordak was beginning to suspect it was a game, much like Imp’s games of “keep away”.

As they worked, the archer—named ‘Bow’, naturally; whatever his opinion of the planet itself, Hordak had always been pleased by the sensible nature of their naming conventions—approached. He glanced between Entrapta and Hordak, hands behind his back and rocking a little on his toes. “Sooo, how’ve you two been?”

Hordak’s eyes narrowed. He looked at Entrapta, not sure how to answer. Was this an incredibly blatant attempt at gathering intel? To what end? They weren’t at war—

“We’re great!” Entrapta said, voice echoing from inside the access panel she was currently half-buried in. “I’m so happy to have so many friends at home now! And it’s been nice being able to get to know Hordak better now that he’s not trying to conquer the world. I have so much new data to analyze and process!”

Bow looked between them again, a hesitant smile making its way to his face. “That’s. Great! I’m. Glad to hear it.” He looked up at Hordak, who crossed his arms and looked him over, trying to guess the meaning of this conversation. “Yep! Just. Great,” Bow squeaked.

“Oh!” She abruptly popped out of the access panel. “Hordak? Did you transfer your notes? You know, on the dissected clones?”

Bow went stiff and straight. “Dissected...?”

“Clones?” The She-Ra asked, standing.

Seeing their expressions, he huffed. “They were failed experiments. Incompatible with life outside their vitrine. Technically, they never attained consciousness.” As far as he knew, at least. Their brainwaves had never been especially complex. “And yes, I transferred the data to you.”

“Thanks! Oooh! What’s that?” She scurried deeper into the access panel.

That left him alone with the others. He glanced at them, then resumed monitoring the system update. “So...what about you?” Bow asked.

Hordak did not look up from the data pad. “What ‘about me’?”

“Uh. How are you? Doing okay? Settling in?”

“Conquered any villages?” the queen asked.

His ears folded back. “No, but I’m certain I can arrange something if you’re already bored with peace.”

Bow stared at him, then laughed uneasily. “Ha! That’s a joke! Heh. No offense, but uh, I never really thought you’d have a sense of humor.”

“I don’t.” Hordak eyed the archer, then turned back to the control panel. “Darla, patch into Entrapta’s communicator. I am in need of intelligent conversation.”

“Hey! I’m intelligent.” He sounded almost hurt.

Hordak ignored his outburst. “Entrapta? Can you hear me?”

“Oh, yes! So the updates to Darla’s communication systems worked?”

“It would appear so. How do the internals look?”

“Good! Though....”

“What is it?”

“Well, I was thinking. The exterior sensors could use some tweaking....”

Bow made a choking sound. Still ignoring him, Hordak frowned. “What’s the rating on your tether?” She rattled off a number. His frown deepened. “That’s designed for spacewalks and likely won’t stand up to the wind-resistance of atmospheric flight. Wait until we land to work on the exterior.”

“If I—“

“Is it an urgent repair?”

“No,” she admitted, and he crossed his arms, mouth briefly twitching into a small smile.

“There is plenty of tech for you to ‘tweak’ in here, Starlight. Please refrain from venturing outside the cabin unless the matter becomes urgent.”

At the rear of the cabin, he heard Catra ask no one, “‘Starlight?’” He refused to blush in their presence, choosing to ignore them and focus on Entrapta’s response.

“Okay,” she said on a sigh, though he could hear the smile in her voice. “But you owe me!”

He chuckled. “I’m certain you will have something dangerous and impractical for us to do when I return from Salineas, though I insist we at least take proper safety precautions beforehand.”

“You’re no fun—oh.”

His smile disappeared abruptly. “Entrapta? What is it?” She didn’t respond. “Entrapta? Can you hear me?”

“Yeah! I’m still here! I think we might have a stowaway. I couldn’t catch him, though.”

“A stow—“ Then he huffed. He knew exactly two people that were comfortable using the vents and service corridors as a means to navigate. “Hmmph. He’ll grow bored now that he’s been discovered, so long as you don’t chase him.”

“Be prepared—it looks like he’s headed your way.” She giggled, and he sighed. From the rear of the cabin, Adora walked toward him.

“That’s to be expected. Are we ready to begin the next stage of the update?”

“Yep! Ready when you are!”

“Initiating installation. Prepare for radio silence in three. Two. One.”

The subtle buzz that heralded an open connection cut out. Only then did he direct his attention to the Etherians at his elbows. “A stowaway?” Adora asked, hand on her vambrace.

“Nothing to be concerned with.”

“No offense, but that’s not exactly reassuring,” Bow said.

His ears twitched when he heard clicking from the vents above. “It’s just—“

Imp dropped out of the vent with a screech, wings fluttering. The Etherians—aside from Catra—screamed. “What is that thing!?” Bow asked, reaching for his quiver. Thankfully, Adora seemed too startled to become She-Ra.

Imp, obviously delighted by the chaos, landed on Hordak’s shoulders and spread his wings wide, preening. Hordak just shook his head, looking at the little clone-hybrid. “You were to remain in Dryl with Kadroh.” Despite his words, he reached up to scratch the nape of Imp’s neck. Impervious to chastisement, Imp just chittered happily and settled more comfortably on his shoulders.

Adora blinked. “Wait—is that Imp?”

Seeing her, Imp chirped happily and jumped to her shoulder. “[Hey, Adora],” he said, in Catra’s voice.

She giggled. “Aw, hi, little guy! I‘ve been worried about you.”

Catra stepped forward. “Tch. Of course you’d make friends with Hordak’s spy—“

“[CATRA!]” he screamed in Shadow Weaver’s voice, causing her to shudder.

Curious, Bow approached, one hand lifted as if to pet him. “He’s kind of cute. Is he friendly?”

“Not even slightly,” Hordak said, at the same time Catra replied, “Fuck no.” They shared a look, both their ears folded back, then Catra huffed and turned away.

As if to contradict them, Adora happily scratched the top of his head, earning a happy chirr. Hordak sighed. “Though he can be bribed with food, if you haven’t given him any prior reason to distrust you.” He said the latter with a look at Catra.

Adora smiled. “I used to give him apple slices from my commissary allowance.”

“[apple]” he echoed, adding a questioning chirp at the end.

“Sorry, little guy. I don’t have anything for you right now.”

“[Useless!]” he said, using Hordak’s voice, before jumping back to Hordak.

“Well. That seems a little harsh,” she said, only for Imp to, again, declare her ‘[Useless!]’ as he dug his claws into Hordak’s shoulders.

Shaking his head, Hordak returned his attention to the data pad, punching in a few codes when prompted.

“So...what is he, anyway?” the young queen asked, joining Bow and Adora at the control panel.

His ears folded back as he regarded them, wondering why they were so intent on talking to him. He wished he could open a com-line to Entrapta; he could already feel himself growing irritated at their questions, their interest, and he wished for some kind of buffer. “His genetic makeup is not your concern.” An alert popped up on the pad, flashing bright red. He was almost grateful for it. “I have to go to the engine room and attend to this. Remain here.” He shooed Imp from his shoulder, earning an angry screech as he left to check the engines.

He growled softly when Catra fell into step behind him, though neither of them spoke as they walked to the engine room. Determined to ignore her, he began checking the affected systems. “Do you, uh...need any help?” she asked, lingering awkwardly in the doorway.

He studied her. Her arms were crossed and she wasn’t looking at him, instead fixing her gaze on the ground in front of her. His ears folded back, and he looked away with a huff.

There was much between them, though neither of them were the type to discuss such things. The past was past. Entrapta held no grudge against her, so it seemed he didn’t have much reason to cling to his anger, tempting though it was some days. Were he in a better mood, he probably wouldn’t have minded her presence. As it was, her company was unwanted and only wore at his already fraying patience. “No, Catra. I do not require help. Nor do I need to be guarded,” he snapped, bitterness slipping into his voice.

“Hey, I’m not—“ She groaned and ran a hand through her hair. “It’s not like that.”

The flashing on his data pad was growing more urgent. He turned away from her, tucking the pad away to make the necessary adjustments. She continued to watch him, fidgeting in the doorway. He knelt to make another adjustment, and she asked, “So, how have you been, anyway?”

He paused to eye her, then returned to his work. “Why is that a concern of yours?”

“Did you forget I was on Prime’s ship too?”

His fingers fumbled the hexdriver, but he caught it and glared at her. “I fail to see the relevance.”

She glared back. “Oh, yeah. My bad for being worried you might be, I don’t know, traumatized or something. You’re obviously totally fine.”  He huffed, ears folded back. He didn’t respond for a while, checking the data pad and making minor adjustments as needed—aware of Catra’s gaze on him the entire time. She sighed. “Look, I...get it. Okay? We’ve both been through the...the slime torture—“

He choked. “Slime. Torture.”

“Well, what do you call it?” she demanded.

“The purification ritual.”

“Of course that’s what you’d call it. I don’t know what else I expected.” She rolled her eyes. “Can you just—be normal for a few minutes? I’m trying to be nice here.”

“That must be difficult for you.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not exactly making it easier.” She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “What I’m trying to say is, if you ever need someone to talk to. I’m available. I guess.”

His ear twitched. He hadn’t expected that. “Why would I want to talk about that?”

She looked away. “It helps.”

He huffed, checking the data pad. The flashing red icon was gone and everything else seemed in order. “We’re done here,” he said.

“Hey, I’m just trying to help—“

He held up the pad. “With the update. There are no further adjustments to make.”

“Oh.” She shoved her hands into her pockets. They walked back to the cabin in silence.

Just before they reached the door, he paused. “Your concern is...noted.”

She muttered something under her breath, but she fell silent as soon as the door slid open. Imp had—somehow—stolen the archer’s quiver and was currently clinging to some pipes on the ceiling, throwing arrows at the three while they tried to knock him down. Adora had changed into She-Ra, trying to use her height to reach him, and the floor was littered in the remains of spent arrows, as well as a net, several puddles of water, a rope, and a few scorch marks. “What is going on in here?” he yelled, marching in. The She-Ra automatically snapped to attention before remembering herself.

“Uh,” she said.

“Well,” Bow said.

“It’s his fault,” the Queen said, looking decidedly unqueenlike when soaked in water.

He speared Imp with a look, but he meekly flew to Hordak’s shoulders, chirping pathetically. He held his wing as if it was hurt, whining softly. Hordak sighed, taking the quiver of arrows when it was offered. He returned them to Bow. “This is why you will not be accompanying me to Salineas,” he told Imp. “Let me see your wing.” Imp whined, pulling it out of reach. Likely because he was faking for sympathy. “Imp.”

Entrapta dropped down from the vent, her mask down. “Oh, what’d I miss?! It looks like you guys had fun!” Seeing Imp, she pushed her mask up and held out her arms. “Aw, were they playing too rough?“

Realizing he could get more sympathy from Entrapta, Imp blew a raspberry at Hordak before flying into her arms, cuddling close and chirping pathetically. “Poor little guy. Let’s get you fixed up!”

Hordak gave Imp a disgusted look, but didn’t object when Entrapta made a show of checking Imp’s wing—indeed, perfectly fine—finishing her exam by kissing her fingertips and bringing them to his wingtip for a kiss by-proxy. “There!” she declared, “All better!”

Catra smirked and leaned close. “Did she pull that move on you after the last battle?”

His ears flexed, and his cheeks grew hot. He crossed his arms and glared at her, though that didn’t wipe the smirk from her face. Thankfully, her voice was pitched too low to carry.

He exhaled slowly, walking away from her without another word. “You shouldn’t encourage him,” he said as he came to stand beside Entrapta. “He’s not actually a child, though I admit his neoteny is a curiosity.” A fortuitous one, as it had likely saved his life on multiple occasions. Hordak’s soldiers had not always been the most savory of characters, but most were reluctant to harm a child. (And those that weren’t had a tendency to...disappear. A curiosity he’d declined to examine more closely.)

“Ooh—you don’t know why Imp is Imp?”

“I do not. He is...unique.” The only living result borne of his efforts to create a clone by patching his own faulty genome with bits and pieces of compatible Etherian animals. Both a success and a failure, all at once. “I considered running further tests, but....” He reached out to scratch Imp’s head. “I decided that could wait until he reached the natural end of his lifespan.”

“[Sentiment!]” Imp growled in Hordak’s own voice, sounding suitably disgusted.

“Yes, you little cretin. I hope you’re pleased with yourself.” Imp gave a happy chirr. “Now go fetch some towels. You are going to help clean this up.”

“[Cretin!]”

“Do not argue with me. If you can’t behave yourself, then I cannot send you to stay with....” He sighed, pained by his next words. “‘Aunt Lonnie’ and your ‘Uncles’. Am I clear?”

Imp responded to this with a hiss, but he did dart away. Whether or not he would actually return with the towels was yet to be determined. Hordak and Entrapta started to exchange notes, but he quickly became aware that the others were staring at him with wide eyes. Again. He glared at them. “I agreed to many things when I signed our treaty. I did not agree to be stared at like an animal in a menagerie. So I will ask this once; what. do. you. want?” He enunciated each word sharply, still glaring.

Bow and the Queen blushed and looked away, but the She-Ra just kept smiling at him. This only caused his scowl to deepen, until Catra spoke up from the rear of the cabin. “Just wondering how Shadow Weaver managed to be worse at parenting than the Horde Lord himself.”

He sputtered, so thrown by that statement he wasn’t even sure how to reply. “Imp is not a child! He’s—“ He growled. “Are we done?” he asked Entrapta.

“I think so.”

“Good. Find me before we land. I’ve had enough of this,” he said, stalking out of the room—and making a special point to hiss at Catra as he left.

She had the gall to wave at him.

-

A/N: “Neoteny”, by the way, is just a term for the prepubescent traits an animal retains after reaching adulthood. Many domesticated animals display neoteny—cats’ playfulness and their vocalizations, for example. In this case, I’m using it to refer to Imp’s general child-like appearance. (It’s also the most scientific way possible to say something is adorable.)

[thatfairyfangirl]

Part Of That World Chapter 8

Your eyes lingered on Bucky’s muscles glistening under the lights of the training room as Nat’s foot landed in your stomach. “Ughf.” It didn’t exactly hurt, but it definitely wasn’t comfortable as you landed on the mat. 

“You alright?” Nat asked short of breath as she lowered herself down to you, following her friend’s eyes to the former assassin sparing with Steve on the other side of the room before giving you a knowing smirk. “You seem a little distracted.”

“No I don’t...No I’m not. I uhh, I just had some hair in my eyes.” You protested as you pushed your blond and aqua hair from your face. 

“Mm hmm sure.” She said as she turned to the super soldiers. “Hey Steve, I need a break, what do you say to a coffee run?”

“Sure. Buck can you work with (Y/n) while we’re gone?” He turned to you, letting out a sigh as he watched your eyes sadden at the thought of being stuck training with him. “The more practice you get with those knives the better. Plus,” he turned to Bucky, “you getting some action against her harpoon might not be a bad idea either.”

The two of you just stood awkwardly as you were left alone for the first time since the halloween party. “So...Should we maybe talk about-”

“No.” You said sharply as you reached for the knives Steve had given you. “Let's just get this over with.”

“Alright…” He sighed as he readied to spar. “It’s just,” he dipped to the side to dodge the slash of your knife, “I’ve been wondering...” he dipped to the other side as you slashed again with enough firosity to make him think you might actually be trying to hurt him. “Did you know it was me?”

“Of course not!” You snapped as you both traded blows. “That was my one chance to get to know some people as an equal, you really think I would have wasted it on you?” 

As you attempted to punch him he grabbed your hand with his bionic arm, then the next with the other. “It’s just, Wizard of Oz is such an old film...Hell, it was the last movie I went to see before the accident. Is that really your favorite movie?” 

“Yes.” You replied as you attempted to pull your hands free. “Me and Great Aunt Pearl used to watch it all the time back in Maine. It reminds me of my childhood.” As you stood there at a stalemate he found himself looking into your eyes, heart racing. He thought about how the mystery girl from the party made his heart skip a beat with just a smile. How could this be the same girl?

~ ~ ~ ~

With a sigh you settled into your usual reading spot by the window looking down onto the streets below, barely colored with the few leaves in the city changing their colors. “Pretty isn’t it.” Bucky said with a half smile as he came close to admire the view of Central Park off in the distance.  

“It’s alright. But Maine this time of year is breathtaking. I’m thinking about going for a visit.” You said as you set Return of the King down.

“You’re still reading that book? Didn’t you start it over the summer?” Bucky half teased as he came to lean against the window.

You looked up to the ocean blue of his eyes, still finding it hard to believe this was the guy you had such a good time with at the party. As he leaned over you, you realized just how intoxicating his musk could be. He smelled just like he did the night of the party. “No, that was Fellowship. This is the third one.” You explained as you stood, worming out from between him and the window.

“Hey you two!” Steve called from down the hall, on his way to their rooms to look for them. “Shield came up with a lead on a possible Hydra base in the Rocky Mountains. Think you two can play nice long enough for a recon mission?” You both looked to each other before nodding. “Good, suit up.”

~ ~ ~ ~

You and Bucky let the auto nav system fly the quinjet as he did a last minute inspection on his guns and you did some last minute testing on your h2o condenser gauntlets. “So...Maine? Any plans for while you’re there?” 

“You mean outside of being away from you?" He couldn't help noticing much less disdain for him in your voice as you spoke. "Oh not much, maybe visit the marina dad kept his houseboat in.”

“You should go. It might help you cope with stuff.” He offered lightly as he prepared his weapons. 

You raised a brow as you looked over to him, the black leather of his uniform mingling perfectly with the metal of his arm and the dark tendrils of hair dancing over his shoulders. “What is this? What are you doing?” You asked suspiciously as you pulled your hair back into a tight bun, realizing you were close to your target. 

“It’s called being nice. You should try it sometime.” He answered with a smirk before the cabin of the quintet shook violently. "Shit!" He exclaimed as you both tumbled toward each other, arms reaching out instinctively to steady yourselves against the other. "The hell was that?!"

"You act like you've never been fired at before." Your eyes darted around the cabin. "Friday, get us out of the air!" The computer's voice was little more than static but she did as requested. 

"Well...so much for recon mission…" Bucky half chuckled  handing you your harpoon.

~ ~ ~ ~

Though the jet had been shot at you were glad to see it landed in one piece before managing to sneak your way inside. But, what you found in there definitely left you less than thrilled… The facility hidden deep within the mountains held a large tank, thankfully empty. But what sent the worst chill down your spine was the sheets of paper covered in sketches of Atlantean biology and calculations for just how much water they would need and how much sedation would be effective. "I think I'm going to be sick." You scoffed as you pieced together that what you found was a research facility and test lab for a crossbreeding program.

Bucky nodded in agreement, his eye not once leaving the scope of his gun, aim constantly moving, ready to shoot down anyone who stumbled on them. But no one did...the place seemed to be deserted. "I don't like this. We should have ran in to trouble by now."

Your eyes scoured the room. As much as you hated to admit it, he was right. "There has to be someone here...who shot at the jet?" You asked as you searched for any clues.

"Might have been an automated security system." He answered as he continued to look around. Spotting a map Bucky lowered his scope, a deep sense of dread growing in his gut. The map had colored pen marks  in seemingly random points in the oceans. But one spot he recognized...where they found you. "Hey...what do you make of this?"

Your eyes looked up from a journal filled with notes before you stepped closer. "Oh good god… " you muttered, recognizing each pinpoint as a different settlement colony. "How did they find them?" You asked in a worried breath before reaching up to tear the map off the wall.

~ ~ ~ ~

“So uhh...we have a problem.” Bucky announced with a scrunched brow as he turned back to face you.

“Oh god what?” You groaned as you came to lean over him at the cockpit. The gold and blue of your hair danced over his shoulders as your head dropped in defeat seeing the black screen that was supposed to be showing a map as you realized the hit you took on the way in knocked out the auto nav systems. "So? I thought you knew how to fly this thing?"

“And what good will that do if I don't know what way to point it?” Bucky's words spat out as he gave the computer a frustrated hit. You both knew well enough neither of you knew how to fix it. "Looks like you get that vacation you were wanting."

“Just radio the team for help.” You suggested, already annoyed with this as you reached for the com set. Nothing but static. “Oh you've got to be kidding.” You shouted as you threw the headset. “FUCK!”

“It's not so bad. They'll figure out something's wrong and come looking for us in a day or so.” Bucky offered as he got up searching the jet for the emergency rations.

“How well are you adapted to the cold?” You asked folding your arms, interjecting a healthy dose of reality into Bucky's unfounded optimism. “We are in the mountains in the autumn. As soon as the sun goes down it's going to start getting colder.” You informed him. “Get your priorities straight Buck.” You added before leaving the jet, disappearing into the wilderness.

Hours later you returned with a pile of wood kneeling down in the clearing the jet landed in. Bucky watched as you got a fire going. “How does a mermaid know how to do that?” He wondered out loud as he emerged with the blankets he found.

“Atlantean. And I didn't always live in the water… Dad loved to go camping a lot when I was a kid.” You explained as you took the blanket to wrap around you. Sitting by the fire your eyes drifted up to see the stars beginning to come alive in the mountain sky. Realizing how long it had been since you've seen them you let out a long sigh, studying each point of light.

“Man that's really something amazing.” He said referring to the soft smile and starlight twinkling in against your face as he sat beside you, leaning back on the blanket. It was nice to see you looking at peace for once.

With a growing smile you leaned back as well, your fingertips brushing slightly against his as your hand landed in the plush grass.  “Yeah...I've spent so much time in the water I almost forgot how beautiful they were.” You reached up with your other hand pointing to a cluster of stars. “That one is called puppis. It was always my dad’s favorite, he named his fishing boat after it.”

“Puppis? Why would you name a boat that?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Its part of a cluster that makes up the Argo. Its this ship from Greek Myth. Dad called it the impossible ship. The constellation moves westward but it sails stern first.” He watched your eyes go wide as you spoke. “Oh my god I'm an idiot!” you announced as you jumped up, the blanket fluttering from your shoulders.

“No objections here." He chuckled, watching you put the fire out with your powers. "Didn't you just get that going?”

“Yeah but I can get us home!” You explained as you scooped the blankets up.

“Did you suddenly remember Tony showing you how to fix the nav system?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Why? We have a working nav system.” You pointed upward. What sailor can't navigate by the stars? Once back on the jet he watched you slip into the co-pilot' seat as you helped direct him back to New York as you both sailed through the stars.

[marvelandponder]

The We’re All Really Proud of Fluttershy Episode

So, Fluttershy Leans In is an episode focused on character development. Not developing the character further quite yet, just finishing the arc already in place. A bookend, if you will.

On the one hand this episode is supremely satisfying in that it treats old episodes like they matter and have had a lasting impact on Fluttershy’s growth. It lets us appreciate her arc as a whole. On the other, there’s no internal conflict. Like, actually literally none---which isn’t the worst thing, but it does hold the episode itself back.

As fans, we always want to see the consequences of previous stories. It rewards us for spending so much time invested in these characters and their lives.

And let’s not underplay just how awesome Fluttershy is. Kindness has always been in her nature, but now being able to show that being kind and being assertive (as well as comfortable and confident in oneself) aren’t mutually exclusive concepts. 

It’s the kind of thing I was talking about when I went over how amazing Fluttershy’s development has been in the past two seasons! Link to that here, because it’s relevant dammit.

But, showing that a character has come a long way can sometimes get in the way of developing them further.

Which, by the way, is something MLP has gotten around before. They have the mane 6 show off how much they’ve developed by teaching those around them. I can even take Fluttershy as an example. In Viva Las Pegasus, Fluttershy herself doesn’t necessarily learn anything, but she’s able to stand her ground on what she thinks needs to be done even in the face of AJ’s stubbornness. 

Although, in the case of Fluttershy Leans In, the characters in the wrong don’t go through much of an arc, really. As soon as Fluttershy tells them what they did wrong, they have to be fired (which, I mean, I agree with), so we don’t really see them come to a new understanding about how they should treat quiet clients. Or, I don’t some lesson about assumptions.

In the end, I don’t think anyone really learns anything, and Fluttershy herself was always confident in her ability to stand up for herself and see her dream through to the end and... she did.

Again, for Fluttershy this is wonderful to see, especially because she really is using the lessons she’s learned before (I think in particular her own brand of assertiveness from the end of Putting Your Hoof Down). So, there is still enjoyment to be had in this episode.

It’s just that the episode on it’s own isn’t an impactful story. Without an internal conflict, there’s no emotional arc to follow, no personal stakes. Fluttershy’s dream isn’t really in danger of not coming true because she knows she can handle any obstacle in her path and does.

The external conflict gives the episode its structure, and it can work well enough on that front, but it’s not one that’s going to stand out. Not in a show like this.

That said, since it’s such a simple episode, that’s the bulk of my criticism with it, and I’d like to just spend the rest of this review talking about minor details. I feel like other episodes have been more jam-packed with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gags and references, but there’s still some things worth mentioning for sure!

Can we just give the show staff props for bringing such a minor character back?

Dr. Fauna showed up once, in season 2′s The Secret of My Excess, and this is her first appearance since. Same voice-actress (Cathy Wesluck) and everything! They get points for consistency.

Also, okay, legitimate world-building question right here:

What ARE you? Yes, wisenheimer, I know that’s a giraffe, but people in the fandom suggested a good rule on sentience that generally held water: all hooved animals are at least more likely to be sentient.

Ponies, donkeys, cows, zebras, deer (in the comics, at least), yaks, etc.

And, sure, that’s not always the case. Goats seem to be pretty much your standard barnyard fare, but dude. You’re going to give giraffes those big expressive PONY-LIKE eyes, and yet one of them would still rather go to the vet than a doctor?

I know the cows seem to be chill hanging out on the farm, and I promised myself I wouldn’t accuse anyone of subjugation today, but you can’t make something look that much like a pony and not expect me to get all analysisy on you.

I can live with this, I just kept expecting it to have a voice. You know what? Maybe it does. Maybe it’s just free-loading off of Dr. Fauna and hoping she won’t notice. You sly giraffe you.

Also, can we talk about this moment for a second?

Out of all the ponies in the room, Rainbow Dash is the one who cries when Fluttershy explains her dream to them. You can argue it’s just a gag because she thinks she’s the tough one (or perhaps a bit of character growth from Tanks for the Memories because she’s not afraid to cry anymore?), but it’s also super adorable!

They grew up together. Fluttershy has always supported Dash in her dream---cheering super loud when she performed her second Sonic Rainboom, for example. The fact is, Rainbow Dash is just really proud of her here, and coming from the pony whose grown up alongside her the longest, that’s saying something.

Wow, that’s cute.

Oh, and speaking of Flutters’ dream board thing, it struck me that she never told any of them (even, say, Rainbow who she’s known for years and years of her life). Not to beat a dead horse, but that’s where this episode could’ve had an internal conflict. She’s never shared her dream before, with anyone. Yet, now she’s able to, thanks to her friends and the personal growth she’s had while being their friends.

You wouldn’t actually need Fluttershy told be afraid of sharing her dream, by the way. You’d just need her to realize she isn’t anymore. That in and of itself is an emotional beat. The relief of knowing you’re stronger than you used to be.

But I digress, because it’s BIG DADDY MCCOLT TIME.

I might be in the minority of people who liked The Hooffields and Mccolts (maybe because I always have the comparison to Avatar’s worst episode, The Great Divide, in the back of my mind and there’s so much more to like in this than in that), but can we at least agree that this guy a fun character to have pop up again?

He made for a great, fitting callback and showed in yet another way that this episode loves it some continuity. Good call on that, G.M. Barrow.

Discord could’ve helped, too, but I guess he wanted to let the others feel useful.

Oh, and Starlight appeared, just in the background helping out. Nice to see her naturally included even in episodes she’s not at all the focus of. The CMC helped their sisters out, too, which is just a cute detail to have in any episode.

And then there’s Fluttershy’s new animal sanctuary: Sweet Feather Sanctuary.

It’s fricking gorgeous and so fitting for Flutters, but never could’ve happened if she wasn’t confident enough to see it through. It’s really just the perfect accomplishment for Fluttershy to make. 

It really is fucking awesome! The episode surrounding it might not be as memorable as it could have been, but the fact that Fluttershy even acknowledges that she developed slower, and had to go at her own pace, but was happier in the end when she finally got where she was going... (look out for the sloth on the rewatch. It’s curled around her leg or somewhere around throughout the episode)

Yeah, okay, that’s a great end to an arc. Question now becomes, what’s next for Fluttershy? Guess I have an editorial to write, huh?

More Talking Horses? Sure, I’ve got some of those! You can see all the episodes I’ve reviewed here, and heck, here’s my editorial series in which questions are asked and answered about the pastel ponies! Here’s the last three things I’ve done for ya:

Royal Sisters Editorial, A Flurry of Emotions, and Rock Solid Friendship

Year of the Pony

Special Thanks to Millennial Dan on Deviantart, who made the Microphone vector for the logo!

I Went This Whole Review Without Making an Innuendo with the Title. I Deserve a Cookie