#that sort of gave me hope. made me go from 'there's a 70% chance this will be bad' to 'there's a 40% chance this will be bad'

[mymarifae]

really dreading mizu5 tbh. yes the writing around mizuki has generally been really well done and it feels thoughtful and intentional, but it'd be a very easy and very instantaneous thing. to just throw four years worth of build-up in the fucking garbage. or maybe nothing of substance will get confirmed at all because they decided they like making money. maybe it'll just be bad and this is all a waste of time and no one's going to be happy. maybe i should obtain a grenade launcher and play with it

[heartbreak-hotel-35]

Give Me A Chance

Elvis Presley x Fem!Reader

No one would ever believe the high and mighty King of Rock and Roll could be so clingy. But I’ve seen it first hand. He just can’t seem to leave me alone. If this damn job didn’t pay so well I might just leave it. But I must say, having him on an invisible leash made me feel some sort of way. Some sort of way indeed… Do I truly hate him? Or am I just afraid I’m not as special as he secretly makes me feel.

Warnings: lil bit of cursing, pretty suggestive actions in this one… but no smut!

70s Elvis / International Hotel Elvis

• •—•• •••— •• •••

There was Vernon. Followed by Ronnie, James, and Glen. The Jordanaires. The Sweet Inspirations. The Colonel. Diskin. Lastly, there was Red with Elvis Presley walking right on his heels, like there was something to fear in the lobby. I rolled my eyes before turning my attention back to the computer, hoping silently that he had not seen me looking at him. Lest it inflate his already enormous ego. Just as I was about to stand and hide in the back office, a voice traveled effortlessly over the counter.

“See the show tonight, Honey?” He said. Honey. The nickname made my skin crawl. I kept my eyes firmly on the screen in front of me.

“No, Mr. Presley. I’ve been here for the last eight hours.” I replied plainly.

“EP, the girls are comin’ man. We gotta get you outta here.” Red said urgently. I saw Elvis wave him off in my peripheral vision.

“When you gonna come to one?” He asked, clasping his hands together and resting his elbows just inches away from me. At this point, I was growing extremely agitated with his presence. I turned my attention to him, trying to look past how sweaty and disheveled he looked.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Presley, your shows bring in so much business, that I will forever be stuck at my desk for every show you put on.” I told him. That sickening smirk appeared on his face at my words. He tapped his ringed fingers on the counter almost impatiently.

“Just say the word, Baby. I can get you into a show whenever you’d like.” He said, resting his chin in his hand.

“Bold of you to assume I want to attend one of your shows, Mr. Presley.” I said, my words dripping with venom. Elvis stuck his tongue out, glazed his bottom lip with saliva and nodded his head slowly. I bit the inside of my cheek, worried I may have sounded a little too rude. Before he could retaliate, the sound of hundreds of women’s screams poured in through the sliding glass doors. Red grabbed Elvis’ arm and pulled him away, taking my breath along with him.

I looked over to see our three security guards on duty holding the women back, telling them that if they came any closer there would be consequences. I sat back in my chair, rubbing my temples and brushing away the thought of him. Looking at the clock, I groaned in realization that I had another hour and a half before shift change. That meant more complaints, problems to be fixed, and endless questions of “where’s Elvis?”.

“You’re going to have to get used to him you know.” Lillian, my co-worker said. I shot her a dirty look.

“Easy for you to say. If the man sneezes you’d be there with a damn tissue.” I prodded. She scoffed and gave me a gentle smile.

“Did he call again last night?” She asked, grabbing a stack of papers and flipping through them.

“Yes. Of course.” I replied. “Only to say, ‘what’re you wearing, pretty girl?’.” I mocked his voice, adding a huff of disgust at the end. “Which is stupid, cause he knew I was sitting right here.” Lillian looked over at me with wide eyes.

“What’d you say?” She asked, sounding almost excited.

“I hung up, Lillian.” I stated harshly. “That’s incredibly inappropriate and unprofessional.” I hoped silently my cheeks had not grown red at the memory.

“Did he call back?” She was fully facing me now.

“No, surprisingly.” I told her. Lillian stared at me, mouth hung open in silent awe.

“Well, you’re way stronger than I would be in that scenario.” She admitted, hiding her face behind a paper she’d be gripping. I rolled my eyes and faced the computer again, reopening tonight’s guest list. My head was throbbing, my shoulders were heavy, and my chest felt tight with frustration and another feeling I couldn’t quite put my finger on. An hour and ten minutes left. The minutes seemed to be running like hours and it was making me nauseous. Then the phone rang. I picked it up without a second thought.

“International Hotel, Vegas.” I stated.

“Hello! Is Elvis Presley staying at your hotel tonight?” The woman asked. I bit my tongue so hard it nearly bled.

“Yes ma’am. He does have a residency here. But I’m not allowed to give any personal information.” I replied. I felt like a robot; programmed to repeat the same thing over and over.

“But he is there?” She pried. I stayed silent. “Hello?” More silence. Then she hung up. An hour and seven minutes.

—tiny time skip—

My eyes had grown dry with the amount of time I’d stared directly at the clock. Lillian had gone nearly an hour ago, leaving me to answer the phone and check guests in on my own. Elvis’ band had come down for dinner about thirty minutes ago, their laughs and chatter echoing from down the hall. But there had been no sign of Elvis. Five minutes left. I felt my body relax with every tick of time. The phone rang once more.

“Last one.” I told myself. I picked it up and spoke slow.

“International Hotel, Vegas.”

“Hey Doll.” The voice said. I nearly choked on air. I didn’t say a word for what felt like several minutes. Once I collected my thoughts, I spoke.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Presley?” I asked, remaining as professional as my sanity would allow.

“Elvis.” He said. “Please, call me Elvis. Just once, would ya, Honey?” He pleaded. Pathetic. I shut my eyes, hoping it was just a bad dream.

“What can I do for you, Elvis?” I asked again, adding emphasis on his name. He hummed in approval.

“Jus’ wanted to hear your voice.” He said. This had to be a joke. Yet, something in his voice led me to believe he was dead serious.

“Mr. Presley, this is very unprofessional of you. If you need something, please call room service because I’m,”

“Done for the night?” He finished my sentence. I swallowed my words and grit my teeth. “Why d’you think I waited to call?”

“Enlighten me.” I bit. There was a pause. I smiled to myself. He couldn’t. There was no reason.

“Let me buy you a drink.” He finally said. I shook my head.

“No thank you.” I replied with forced politeness.

“Please? I jus’ wanna talk.” He continued.

“Mr. Presley, I have no interest in talking to you. You have a hundred groupies in the lobby just hoping you come down looking for a damn towel. I’m happy to send one of them up. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m no longer on shift and I would like to go to bed. Have a good night.” Then that was it. I put the phone on the receiver, stood up, and walked to the office to clock out.

My skin was was hot. I could feel my heartbeat in my throat. My sight began to blur with frustration. It would be a miracle if I still have a job here tomorrow morning. I pulled the bobby pins from my hair, releasing the half up style I had worn all day. I walked down the hall, keeping my head on a swivel in fear of Elvis appearing out of nowhere. I made it to the staff only stairs, walking down to the employee quarters and unlocking my door.

Once I triple checked the lock, I pressed my forehead to the door, sucking in a breath of relief. I survived another day. I knew I was being dramatic, but I just don’t understand why he seems to be… obsessed with me. Running my fingers through my hair, I walked to my bed and reached for the remote, turning the tv on and letting it run whatever happened to be on.

Just as I began to undress from the days work clothes, there was a knock at my door. My stomach sank.

“Please, God.” I pleaded, crossing my fingers behind my back. I stood on my toes, looking out the peephole only to see a post-boy standing in silence. I unlocked the door and opened it, greeting him quietly.

“You’re out awful late.” I told him. He tipped his hat and handed me a dark purple envelope.

“I know, but he said this was urgent.” The boy said. My eyes widened.

“Who said?” I asked, a little too aggressively. Then it was the boy’s eyes that widened this time.

“Uh, he said not to tell you.” He replied, picking nervously at his finger nails. I mustered up a smile and held the envelope to my chest.

“That’s all I needed to know.” I said, the sarcasm practically drowning out the kindness in my voice.

“Good night, ma’am.” He tipped his hat again, and vanished into the darkened staircase. I shut the door, triple checking the lock again, then pushed my back to it, forcing myself not to scream.

“This is ridiculous. How did he know where to send this?” I asked my empty room. I tossed the envelope in the small trash can by the desk, and began to undress, just ready to be pajama clad and in bed. I was shaking my head the whole time, muttering nonsense to no one. “How?” A pause. “Why?” Silence. I threw myself onto the bed, shut my eyes, and tried to force myself to sleep. But it never came.

An hour went by. Two hours. Another hour. I slammed my hands on the bed, looking over at the red digits on the clock. It was like they were staring at me. Taunting me and my inability to push Elvis Aaron Presley from my mind. I ripped the covers from my body and stormed over to the trash can, grabbing the letter the post-boy had given me only a few hours ago. My hands were trembling as I reached for the bedside lamp, switching it on to read whatever he had written.

Then I froze. Gazing down at the unopened envelope.

“What am I doing?” I asked myself. “Why am I letting this bother me so much?” A question I had not spoken out loud until that very moment, sitting on my bed, fancy envelope from Elvis Presley in hand. Next thing I knew, it was opened, cream colored paper in my right hand while the envelope was set aside. I stared at the cursive words at the top, chewing my lip nervously.

from the desk of Elvis Aaron Presley

Those words sparked something in me. The man that every woman in the world wanted a piece of, took time to write me a letter. Using his very own stationary, from his very own desk. I don’t quite know what I was expecting to be written. But what was written was not at all what I was expecting.

Please come up and see me,

I need to tell you something.

Yours,

EP

Yours. That made my heart melt. How was it that I could hold such a grudge against him, just for existing. But because he signs a silly note with ‘yours’, I suddenly can’t resist? I shook my head, hoping that the curiosity would fly right out. But after about five more contemplative minutes, I folded. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to hear what he had to say, and be done with this whole mess. I rid my body of my pajamas, settling for a light blue lounge gown that sat at about mid thigh length.

“What am I doing?” I muttered, giving my appearance a once over in the mirror before grabbing my room key and going out the door. “What the hell am I doing?” I was now standing just outside the staff elevator, the sound of its descent making my heart thump faster. I stepped on, pushing the ‘private floor’ button, followed by scanning my key. It felt as though it wasn’t even moving. My knees were growing weak. I tried to retain my firm opinion of ‘not liking him’. But with every beep of the elevator’s climb, a little piece of me wanted him more.

“Stop it.” I demanded. “You don’t like him. You want no part of this.” It became my mantra for the rest of the ride up. The doors pulled open, revealing the navy blue and red walls of the private floor hallway. I stepped out, looking right and left, like it was a dangerous street crossing. Fiddling nervously with the charm on my necklace, I walked toward the door I knew belonged to him. Then there I was. Stood directly in front of it, staring as though it was a portal to another dimension. Part of me wanted to run. Run right back to the elevator and forget I even attempted to speak to him.

Then there was the other part. That little voice telling me I must be something special. The voice I’d been shushing for the last six months of his residency. The part of me that desired him. That enjoyed having him on this invisible leash. Like he was something I could play with. I chewed my cheek, drawing a coppery taste to my tongue that startled me. I raised my hand to knock, but just as my knuckles brushed the wood, the door flew open and there he was. He stood before me shirtless, damp and messy hair, with pajama pants sitting dangerously low on those rebellious hips. Elvis Presley. King of Rock and Roll. The man I loved to hate and hated to love.

“I knew you’d come.” He said lowly, pressing his palms on either side of the door frame. My mouth went dry.

“And how, might I ask, did you know?” I asked him, fighting to keep my voice steady. He smirked and looked down at his feet.

“I was bold enough to assume.” His eyes scanned my body from the floor up, locking onto mine and giving me a knowing wink. My mouth opened with the intention of words leaving it. But nothing came. He took a cautious step forward, his eyes never once leaving mine.

“Elvis,” I squeaked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“There it is.” He said, taking another step toward me. “Say it again.” My eyes began to water at the closeness he was creating.

“Elvis.” I said again, still unable to raise my voice. He smiled, his arms by his sides now.

“That’s it, pretty girl. Again.” He demanded, his tone remaining gentle. My hands were clasped together against my chest, my breathing growing rapid.

“E-Elvis.” I repeated. His head lolled to the side, his gaze still fixed firmly on mine. Then he bent down, placing his palms on his knees, like you would stand when scolding a child.

“Ain’t no other name needs to come out of that pretty mouth tonight. Alright?” He said softly, bringing his right hand up to brush my lips with his thumb. What was happening? Not even twenty-four hours ago I hated the man in front of me. But now all rational thought was clouded with him. I was overwhelmed by him. All I could do was nod in response. I found myself gravitating toward him. Reaching for him. Aching for him. Something dark flashed across his eyes and suddenly he scooped me up from the backs of my knees, holding me against his bare chest. I gasped, pressing my hands flush against his shoulders and looking down at him.

“What on earth are you,”

“Hush.” He spit, tightening his grip on the back of my thighs. My head was screaming at me to fight and get out. But my heart and the pooling heat in my stomach was crying for me to stay put. He closed the door with his foot and then pushed my back up against it, dropping me lower in his arms.

“Elvis.” I said, regaining his attention.

“Yea, Satnin?” He replied breathily, looking up at me with wild eyes. My senses were overloaded. The chill from his still damp hair. The warmth of his ribs against the insides of my thighs. The smell of his shampoo and aftershave. There was no hiding the blush rising on my skin.

“You… you said in your letter you had something to tell me.” I reminded. His eyes darted back and forth between my own, as if searching for the very thing he had been thinking of when he wrote to me. I trailed my hands along the expanse of his back, eventually tangling my hands in his hair. He rolled his eyes back just before closing them and shaking his head.

“Can’t think of it when I got you against me like this.” He answered with a slight chuckle. I couldn’t help but smile at the sound.

“Then put me down.” I suggested softly. But he only shook his head faster.

“Nuh uh.” He protested childishly.

“Do you do this to all of your one night stands?” I asked, growing slightly irritated. His eyes darkened at my words.

“You ain’t no one night stand, Baby.” He told me. “I want you here every night. I’ve always wanted you here. But you’ve been too stubborn to give me a chance.” His grip on me was tightening at every word. I had nothing else to say. The way he spoke. I believed him. His gaze fixed on mine once more. “Will you give me a chance, Honey? Please?” Elvis’ voice had grown quiet in an almost begging tone. His brows lifted and furrowed together in patient silence.

I stared down at him, taking a mental picture of the sight in front of me. Elvis Presley, holding me against him, pleading for a chance. I slid my hands down from his hair, dancing them teasingly along his back. Any thought that had any trace of hate toward him had vanished. Melted away in his surrounding body heat. Suddenly, I felt myself nodding.

“Y-yes, Elvis. I’ll give you a chance.” With those words, I had given away any control I had previously had over him. My vision cleared and I saw his eyes sparkle. Even in the engulfing darkness he seemed to glow.

“Bout time.” He said, his top lip curling in a sly smile. I felt his hand land on the back of my neck, his strength gently pushing my head down to be level with his. Then he kissed me. Just once, short and soft. “Mm.” He huffed, then pulled me in again. Another kiss, this one longer, still just as soft as the one before. I kissed back, bringing my hands up to interlace behind his head. Then he broke it again, staring up at me to gauge my reaction.

“Alright?” He asked, his breath ghosting my lips. I thought for a moment. Was it? What exactly was I feeling? I couldn’t figure it out. I was so enveloped in the many ways he was making me feel, that I couldn’t pick one I was feeling more than the other. I finally decided to just be with him and let him make me feel anyway he wanted to.

“Alright.” I said at last. I felt his body relax and then he quickly reattached his lips to mine, absolutely devouring them. It was a mess of tongue and teeth, his hands gripping the backs of my legs with a newfound strength. He began to walk away from the door, carrying me to I didn’t care where. As long as he was there with me. I was so focused on the way his lips felt on mine, I’d hardly noticed the silk sheets against my back. Only when Elvis pulled back did I note my surroundings.

“Look so pretty under me, Baby.” He whispered, pressing another quick kiss to the corner of my mouth. I ran my hands along the bed, letting the chill from the silk soak into my skin. He began to pepper my face a neck with loving little kisses before climbing further onto the bed, moving his knee to the inside of my thigh and pushing it forward, causing my legs to spread. I gasped softly at the movement, reaching up and placing my hands haphazardly on his back. I heard him chuckle, the vibrations against my neck causing a chill to run down my spine.

“You like that?” He asked, placing his left hand on top of my hip.

“Mhmm.” I answered faintly, brushing his hair from his beautiful blue eyes.

“What else you want me to do to ya, Satnin?” His voice was low and somehow even more seductive than before. I sat up just enough to press a kiss to his lips before answering.

“Anything.” I said simply. “Everything.” Elvis smirked and touched his nose to mine.

“Anything it is, Pretty Girl.”

[wroteclassicaly]

How about a little blurb about going to your first pride parade with Nancy. Maybe it’s the first for both of you.

Ahhhh, Gia! Thank you for this, love! I love it so much!

❤️❤️

Warnings: Language, references to smut, fluff, bisexual!Nancy Wheeler, anxiety, mentions past trauma, PTSD, panic attack, and mentions chronic dissociation.

Note: Making this a little more modern since the first parade stuff didn’t occur until the 90’s. Nancy and the Reader are very close to their 30’s, as this occurs in the later 90’s. I also made Chrissy a learned sort of mechanic (I think that would be so cool, her channeling her energy into bonding with Eddie and restoring old cars with his help). I hope this is okay? I haven’t been to a parade, especially when they first started having them, so I didn’t want to get anything wrong, and I made it a little vague/open ended. ❤️

Pairings: Robin Buckley x Chrissy Cunningham & Nancy Wheeler x Reader

~*~

You really couldn’t fathom that your five year anniversary would be a pride parade with two of your best-friends and your girl, spent at your first ever Indianapolis pride parade. Robin and Chrissy had been to the last two, but you were always afraid of the crowds, and Nance had been patient with you. After all, it’s what you gave her when she was figuring out having feelings for her closest friend, a girl at that - you. It was years of dancing around, flirting, denying, and then BAM, there she was, there you were, kissing in the backseat of her ex-boyfriend, another one of your best-friend’s - Steve Harrington’s BMW.

“I just like you. Whatever I feel, I’m really not wanting it to stop,” she’d said, her maroon lipstick smudged across her mouth, staining your lips, your gloss leaving a shine behind on her.

“I’ve liked you a long ass time, Nance. More than I’ve realized, I think.”

And the rest became history. Most of your friends, your exes, they’d known already, they’d excepted. Your families were a little harder. Karen had taken it the easiest, your mom warmed up. As for your dads? Verdict is still out.

You cling tightly to her dainty hand, your index playing with the small infinity band you’d gifted her that sits on her middle finger, showing your nerves. After departing Chrissy’s classic yellow mustang (one she had Eddie help her put work into), she and Robin had went to get some waters for everyone, leaving you and Nancy by a park bench. You were trying to focus on the decorations, the music, everyone just showing love and being themselves, but the crowd had sat your panic ablaze, embarrassing you. Thank fuck for your girlfriend, always jumping into action to save everyone since 1983. When she pulls you side under some shade near the bench, she begins to rub your shoulders, soothing you, leaning in to rest her forehead.

You don’t pull away and she takes this as her chance to talk. Everyone has their long lasting traumas from Vecna, this just happens to be part of yours. The rapid dissociation. She pulls her silver coke bottle, black rimmed 70’s style sunglasses atop her messy, honey blonde ponytail, her soft floral perfume engulfing you before she speaks.

“Give me five colors you see.” Leaving no room for your panic to argue.

You open your eyes and are met with her rust orange lined lips, giving off that color, pointing to the green of the tree top above, tracing your finger to a red food cart over her shoulder, and then Nancy is pointing at your outfit - simple ballet flats that match her own, blue jean shorts, and the pink bouquet pattern that’s held by the sketching of a nude woman, stiched across your flowing tank top.

“Final color choice?”

Your eyes immediately zone in on the crop top beneath her baggy jean overalls. All black canvas, with bright neon colored letters, and a quote that reads, Eat Your Girl Out Or I Will. You follow that shirt all the way to the necklaces dangling in between the valley of her breasts, her beautifully defined facial features, across that jaw you’ve layered with numerous kisses more times than you can count, to finally meet her signature smirk. You lift your settled hand to play with one of her dainty hoops, leaning chest to chest in the embrace. Your heart is slowed and she breathes a sigh of relief, knowing you’re back.

Tilting her head with an eyebrow raise, you nod. She cradles your face in her hands and you meet her for a kiss, one that’s full of love and a promise that’s been building since you became close, being shaped and molded into what it’s supposed to be.

“Aren’t they cute, Chris?” You hear Robin’s voice first, Chrissy’s soft teasing agreement following.

Nancy, still holding onto you, fixes them with a stern little grin. Both girls, however, pick up on the slight distress still fading from your features.

“I’m okay,” you break in first, wrapping your fingers around Nancy’s wrists and giving them a gentle squeeze until her own have come down to meet in a lacing.

That’s when you both notice that Robin and Chrissy have brought more than the water. Flags and beads galore.

“Jesus, Robs. How much did you spend?”

“Ah!” She wags a lilac colored nail in your direction. “No straight man shall ride on the coattails of this conversation, girlfriend and best-friends of mine! By the way, who wants to put some of this spray paint in my hair?”

Nancy gives you a look, one that helps you remember that reality is way better than any post-traumatic nightmares that will ever come your way.

“You ready to go check this thing out? Have some fun, baby?”

You nod, disappearing into the crowd, free and happy.

[lemoncrushh]

Out of Bounds - Chapter 18

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 2157

James was gone when I got up the next morning. I was grateful that I didn't have to face him. It was cold and rainy outside so I wore my heavier coat for the first time since last spring. When I put my hands in the pockets, I felt something and pulled it out. It was a ticket stub from a movie that James and I had gone to see. I hadn't really been interested, and didn't care for the film, but James had so I'd kept my mouth shut.

Thinking back, I remembered a lot of little things like that. Where it wasn't my choice or my decision, but I'd gone along with it to make him happy. I believed that was what marriage was. I didn't want to rock the boat. But I suppose in the end it just made me a chump. Because I wasn't getting that kind of treatment in return. He had the upper hand always, and every choice in our marriage had been made by him and him alone. The only think I'd ever done was decide to go back to school. Now I was going to have to give that up. Because James paid for it. Once the semester was over, I had to say goodbye to college once again. I shook my head at the irony. I'd wanted to better my life, find myself so to speak. Instead, I'd found Harry. Now the thing that had brought me to him would be no more.

But one thing was for certain. I wasn't going to give up Harry.

History was dull with the exception of a pop quiz. I'd almost fallen asleep by the end of class. Because I'd only made it just in time, I hadn't had a chance to talk to Harry beforehand. So as we walked out together, I told him I was leaving James. He listened intently as I gave him all the details of the night before.

"A week? Bloody hell," he cursed under his breath.

"I know," I sighed. "But I guess I can't really blame him. I wouldn't want someone who doesn't love me to live with me for another moment."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I haven't figured that out yet," I replied. "I just know I'll be busy packing and trying to avoid running into him. I texted Justine but she hasn't gotten back with me yet. I was hoping maybe I could talk her into letting me stay with her."

Harry nodded. I knew what he was thinking. And I wanted very badly to stay with him. But we both knew that wouldn't be the wisest choice right now.

He kissed me goodbye, and we separated. I dreaded going to the snack bar or library for fear of running into Liz or Leslie, but it was too cold to sit outside, so I resigned to sitting in the corner of the snack bar anyway. I got a cup of hot chocolate and a muffin and sat down to read. Fortunately, I saw no sign of the "mean girls", and before I knew it, it was time to walk to English class.

On the way home, I stopped by the grocery store to see if they had any empty boxes. Most of what they had had gotten wet from the rain, but I was able to get a few so I could go ahead and start packing. When I pulled into the driveway, I felt a sudden rush of sadness, knowing I would be leaving this place soon, forever. My life would be completely topsy-turvy. I'd be starting all over.

When I walked in the door and set down my book bag, I checked my phone once more for any possible messages from Justine. None. I decided to try her again, only this time calling instead of texting. I was disappointed to get her voicemail. I left her a message to please call me, it was very important. Then I hung up and dragged the empty boxes into my bedroom.

I turned on some music to distract my mind - a playlist I'd made of 70s female singers like Linda Ronstadt and Carly Simon, and I sang along while I packed. Because everything in this room was mine, I didn't feel that nostalgic about anything. It was mostly items such as books and magazines, DVDs, and clothes. When I got to my jewelry box, I was afraid I would feel some sort of pang in my chest from seeing my wedding ring. I hadn't worn it since that day Harry showed up at my door and we'd made love on my bed. That particular memory was the one that put a smile on my face. Not the ring nor what it signified. I picked it up out of the box and walked into James's office. I dropped in on his desk, next to his daily planner and mug full of pens.

When I returned to my room, Carly was singing about how nobody does it better. I sang with her, my arms open wide. "Baby, you're the best!"

I picked up my phone and quickly texted Harry, just to tell him I loved him. He replied within seconds, telling me he loved me too, and asking how I was. I told him I was fine. He had to work that night, so he said he'd call me when he got home.

When the clock showed after five, I almost got up to cook dinner. Then I laughed out loud, thinking how ludicrous that would be. I'd filled up all the boxes I'd brought home, making a mental note that I'd have to get some more tomorrow. Then I got in the car and drove to a drive-thru to pick up a burger and fries. I didn't really want to be there when James got home, so I pulled into a nearby park and ate in my car. The sun hadn't quite set yet, so I got out and walked around for a little while. The rain had subsided for the day, but the night was cool and crisp. I wrapped my coat tight around myself, watching the other people go by.

Finally when the sun had gone down, I drove back home. I expected to see James's car in the garage, but his spot was empty. I figured he probably didn't want to see me either and had decided to stay at work late. I retired to my room, got in my cozy pajamas, and crawled under the covers. I picked a movie from Netflix that I'd had in my queue for a while and never got around to watching. I wasn't really paying much attention to it as my mind was elsewhere, and eventually I fell asleep.

I awoke to the sound of someone in the kitchen. I gathered it was James, and he seemed to be deliberately trying to either wake me up or annoy me. A few minutes later, I heard his footsteps approach in the hallway, then the turn of my doorknob.

"Tisa," he whispered loudly. "Are you awake?"

"I am now," I muttered, perturbed.

Not taking the hint, James walked up to the bed and sat down next to me. Although I couldn't see him very well in the dark, he looked a little disheveled. He sighed and turned towards me.

"Tisa," he said with a cry in his voice. "I don't want a divorce."

"What?" I sat up and turned on my bedside lamp.

"You're my wife," he exclaimed. "You're supposed to be my wife forever. For better or worse. Whatever problems we have, we can work through them."

I rubbed my eyes and looked at him, all slumped over the side of the bed. For a moment I felt sorry for him. Perhaps I wasn't being fair to him. He had helped me when I needed someone. He had given me so much.

James suddenly leaned forward and kissed me. I noticed the smell of scotch on his breath. Reacting fast, I pushed him away.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Kissing my wife," he replied. "I love you."

He reached for me again, but I stopped him. "No," I demanded. "Are you drunk?"

Without answering, he just stared at me. Then he shoved his hands underneath my shirt, causing me to pull back. His touch now gave me chills, and not in a good way.

"James!"

"Why can't I touch you?" he whined.

"Because I don't want you to!" I yelled.

"I bet you let your boyfriend touch you," James declared.

I glared at him incredulously. "What?"

"You heard me," he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

He knew? How? Keeping my cool, I continued to stare at him, not giving in.

"He probably gets to touch you wherever he wants," said James. "Like here..." James reached for my chest, but I grabbed his wrist. "And here..."

Pointing down between my legs, James released himself from my grip and touched me. I growled at him as I tried to push myself back.

"Yeah, you like it, don't you? You like him to touch you there. Your little boy toy."

"Get out!" I screamed.

"C'mon Tisa, I still want to make this work. I forgive you."

"You forgive...," I shook my head. "Get the fuck out of my room!"

James stood up, swaying a bit. He was obviously inebriated. He raised his hands, displaying nine fingers. He double checked them before speaking.

"Nine more days, Tisa," he announced. "Nine days and you're gone."

"Fine with me!" I exclaimed. "I'll be out before then!"

He left the room without shutting the door, so I got up and slammed it. I was so livid, even more than I was afraid or curious about how he'd found out about Harry and me.

Harry.

I picked up my phone and texted him, knowing he'd be at work but I didn't care. I told him to call me ASAP. It was about another thirty minutes before my cell rang. I answered it hurriedly, eager to hear his voice.

"Baby," he greeted. "I'm so sorry, love, I couldn't call you sooner."

"It's okay," I answered. "I just had to talk to you. James knows."

"I know."

"What?"

Harry took a deep breath and released it slowly. "He was here."

"Are you serious?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so," Harry replied. "He came and sat at the bar with another man. I recognized him right away. I poured their drinks and then Grayson called my name. Your husband looked up and said, 'Oh, so you're the infamous Harry.'"

"Oh no," I breathed. "What did you do?"

"I acted like I didn't know who he was. I held out my hand to shake his and said, 'Yes, my name's Harry, and you are?' He looked me up and down for a minute then introduced himself as your husband."

"Oh, God," I grimaced.

"Grayson about shit himself. Because he didn't know you were married, see."

"Right."

"I had to keep it cool, and kept giving Grayson the eye to keep quiet, letting him know I'd fill him in later. Anyway, I definitely got the vibe that he already knew."

"Jesus Christ," I groaned.

"So after a couple of drinks, some other man came and the three of them got a table. I didn't see him after that and the bar got busy. I just now got a break. But I explained to Grayson the situation. And check this out."

"What?" I asked.

"Grayson said he's seen him in here before, during lunch hours," Harry stated. "Sometimes with one of those men, sometimes with a woman."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm not sure what that means. They could be colleagues or clients I suppose."

"Yeah, I suppose," I echoed.

"So I take it he's home now," said Harry.

"Ugh, yes. He's drunk. He came in my room crying at first, then he wanted to touch me."

"What the fuck?"

"I know," I agreed. "I pushed him away, and he said he bets I let my boyfriend touch me."

"Did you kick the shit out of him?" Harry asked.

"No," I chuckled at the image of me kicking the shit out of anyone. "I told him to get out. He reminded me he wants me out of the house. So I need to find a place as soon as possible."

"Well I guess since he knows, you can just come stay with me," he offered.

"I..."

"Tisa, I won't make you if you don't want to," said Harry. "But I would love that more than anything."

"What about Zack?"

"Zack wouldn't have a problem with it. Penny's practically living there now anyway. Or he's at her place."

I bit my lip. "I'll think about it."

"Alright, love," he cooed. "Try to get some sleep okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you," he said before he hung up.

"I love you too, Harry."

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK

[morgansmornings]

[ mai tai ] if they could have any superpower in the world, what would they choose? [ grasshopper ] what / who would they dress up as for halloween? [ tequila sunrise ] how would they spend their perfect day? [ painkiller ] what is their greatest regret? [ moscow mule ] if they could travel through time, where would they go? [ sangria ] do they have any special routines they follow every single day? if yes, which?

This Meme: Not Accepting @wexarethewalkingxdead

“Any super power?” That was something that she had to think about while staring at the amount of drinks that were on the table. Starting with the Mai Tai, she drank half of it and gave herself a minor case of brain freeze while doing so. Another deep breath and she finished the first one. Her hand came down, wrapped around the second drink that Charley had lined up. “I would have to say water control. Now here is why, my best friend took me to so many protests and campaigns to clean up the oceans. Not only could you get rid of pollution and stop criminal poaching, thing about bringing water to places that are in desperate need of it. Stopping Wildfires before they destroy thousands of acres and endangering hundreds of thousands of lives.”

The next question made her giggle like a fiend. Because she still dressed up to this day. It didn’t matter how old she was, she needed that sort of connection with the fantastic and magical to keep from falling to despair over the state of the world.

“It spoils the surprise. But my usual go to is a barmaid from around the 1700s or a take on mother nature. But this year I decided that I wanted to have extra fun. I’m going as Gelinda the Good Witch. I have the gigantic frilly dress and crown.” Down the second drink went. She shivered at the taste but moved onto the next drink as Charley asked her next question.

“My perfect day? That is a little harder to answer.” She spun the glass that the third drink was in for a minute. “I think it would start with waking up. Getting my morning Yoga in, then getting ready for the day. A light, but fulfilling breakfast, getting in a 45 minute walk with my dog. More coffee. Then spending the day with my future husband. Doing our hobbies separately but within eye sight. Be together without the need to break up the silence of just existing with one another.”

Down the tequila went, a sneering wince crossing her face as she tried not to gag. She hated tequila. Which was hilarious because most things she could tolerate. Just not the biggest fan of the usually clear agave based drink.

“Never making up with my dad when I had the chance.” She said and wanted nothing more than to leave it at that. She didn’t want to hear about how well the dumbass stray her father picked up to take her place a few years ago was doing. She chugged the Painkiller down and hoped that it would do the trick.

“Oh yes, I would go back to the 70’s. I know I was born about 15 years too late, but to be a part of those radical changes to Social and Economic Changes. Plus being in the golden prime of DIsco?! I mean, come on.” Jayden said with a forced chuckle. While what she said was true, she was trying to push her more negative thoughts away. A task she did by almost inhaling the Moscow Mule. That was at least smoother going down.

“Wake up, get coffee going, yoga, shower, get ready for the day. And then head out to open the clinic at the ungodly hour of six a.m.” She proceeded to drink down the sangria at a slower pace. Already planning her revenge for Charley. With a waggle of her brows she gave the other woman a cheeky grin. “My turn Mrs. Teacher.”

[yuyu-bi]

oh my god the ending… see I thought I was giving Armand the benefit of the doubt by saying that he didn’t really know that much about the play like at most he told the coven that Louis was planning on turning Madeline, but as matter of fact, this bitch directed the play and was writing notes in the script for cues and shit 💀💀 ALSO even better!! He didn’t even save Louis in the end it ended up being LESTAT!!!! he was the one that was mind controlling everyone because it never made sense to me like why have Louis be deemed guilty but then like banish him like I feel like the banishment was like a worse alternative to just like dying in the sun, but that’s just me 🤪 I just can’t believe he like directed the whole fucking play like that’s like so insane to me and that he was willing to let Louis die for whatever reason, but even though he ended up saving him from the coffin after the fact and taking credit for saving him, which is also such an insane thing to do 😭😭

like I love Armand a lot he was just so insanely unwell for like Louis and like his validation and everything and it’s also ridiculous that after Louis killed everyone in the coven and then went to go find Lestat the only reason that Louis and Armand were together to this day was so that Louis could basically punish Lestat by not being with him and being with Armand and why the fuck would Armand put up with that? I have no idea and I want to say I feel like at some point, especially since they were together for so long. I feel like there is definitely a point in time where Armand felt like they were actually able to form an actual relationship instead of Louis just being with him out of spite 🫡 and it also brings into their whole fight in San Francisco into perspective because they probably were at a point where Armand felt like they were comfortable enough in the relationship and then like Daniel came along and gave Louis the opportunity to speak about Lestat all he wanted because Louis probably knew that he was alive and knew that he would probably try to seek him out if he was like talking shit about him in an interview 💀 so like no wonder Armand was like super pissed about that I kind of understand though lmao 🫣 thinking louis finally moved on from lestat to find out that he absolutely did not

my man is the gaslight king even at the very end he was trying to deny the information that was given to Louis like blaming it on santiago (who conveniently cannot defend himself) and trying to say like oh because it was 70 years ago he should be over it by now (by it he means claudia’s death and his betrayal 🥴) and that they’re able to move on and like have an actual relationship and should let such an insignificant detail get inbetween them and he was also saying some shit about like being each other’s like teachers for one another or some shit like that and like whatever Louis finds happiness in Armand will and I think that’s just very insane of him and I love him very much for it tbh I need to learn how to be that delusional when I get in a relationship 🤪 so unwell my guy i love this show

however, I will say that when Louis actually did end up encountering lestat back in New Orleans I was very glad they did not make him a decrepit like gross version of himself, but I’m also glad that Louis decided that he’s good enough to be his own companion now and that he’s able to sort of venture off on his own and be his own person and find out who he is because to be honest for the past two seasons, his whole self has been determined by what person he was romantically entangled with at the time and a lot of what happened in the story was because he was in very toxic romantic relationships with people so I’m glad he’s actually taking the chance to venture off on his own so I really hope that he’ll become more of an interesting character later on 🥲

iwtv is probs the most recent show to literally drive me up the wall i need to know what is going on and why there is so much deception lie there's many moving parts idk where to even start and as someone who has no patience to read the books (im still trying to get through the first one) it's hard!! bc even then book readers dont know what's going on

the trial was just super weird like too many little details i need to rewatch it tbh but it's such a sucky episode tbh :((( hard to rewatch but i need to

like i can’t even write what i think and my reactions bc im so discombobulated w my thoughts about this show

like i feel like the fact that there’s only one more episode left and so many questions left unanswered and idk if they’re even going to be answered this season??? insane actually

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

The Demigod From Asgard - Steve Rogers x Reader (Part 82)

A/N: We’re officially in the Endgame now! So for all of those that have missed our reader, she’ll be popping up very soon!

Summary: A surprise visitor, long thought gone, turns up at the compound giving Steve the chance he never thought he’d get

Word Count: 3.7k

Warnings: Angst! Language! Talk of Grief and moving on!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics​

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

Chapter 82: A Chance

5 years since the snap

Steve’s mood was a direct reflection of the weather a dark and gloomy day, thick fog covering everything, even JJ’s excited mood for the first day of first grade could pull Steve out of his slump. 5 years on since Steve started seeing his therapist about depression and grief, he still had days when it felt impossible to get out of bed.

He’d hoped that after taking JJ to school and going out for a run with Scout would help improve his mood, but it didn’t. so much so that he even considered cancelling today’s support group. Struggling to see how he could be any help to others when he could barely help himself.

Nevertheless, the sense of duty drove him to attend. The small room in the community centre seeming more dark and gloomy than before. The group was smaller than usual, people seemingly having the same sort of day as him. The core members of the group were still there, including the man, Joe, who inspired Steve to start the whole thing up.

“so.. I, uh, went on a date the other day,” Joe told the group as part of the catch-up portion of the session, each member telling the group what changes, big or small happened, Steve telling the group how JJ started first grade.

“it’s the first time in five years, you know? I’m sitting there at dinner… i- i- didn’t even know what to talk about” Joe sighed and looked over at Steve.

Steve nods sympathetically, knowing the weight everyone carried around on their shoulders, the extra baggage caused by the snap “what did you talk about?” Steve prompted.

“eh, same old crap, you know how things have changed, my job, his job, how much we miss the Mets… and then things got quiet… then he cried as they were serving the salads” Joe sighed shaking his head.

“what about you?” another member asked.

“I cried just before dessert” Joe answers with a sigh “but I’m seeing him again tomorrow so…”

“that’s great” steve nods “you did the hardest part you took the jump, you didn’t know where you were gonna come down, and that’s it, it's those little brave baby steps we gotta take to try and become whole again, try and find purpose” steve sighs his mind going instantly to JJ.

“I went into the ice in ’45, right after I met my first love… woke up 70 years later, life turned upside down, didn’t think I’d be lucky again and then I met the woman that became my wife, and while she’s not around anymore it’s a reminder that you gotta move on” Steve sighs

“you gotta move on” he repeats mostly for the benefit of himself, reminding himself that it would be what you wanted, no matter how hard it was “the world is in our hands, it's left to us guys as we gotta do something with it otherwise… Thanos should have killed all of us”

Silence falls in the room as everyone takes in what he said, a few people nodding, some wiping away stray tears.

“do you think you’ll find someone again?” one of the ladies asks.

Steve sighs deeply, crossing his arms over his chest as he thought “honestly, I don’t know, maybe… life gave me a second chance with Y/N, it was rough at times and we didn’t get to do everything we planned to, but we made it work, we had our son…” steve sighs before shaking his head “it still seems so fresh, friends have tried to push me into it but it just doesn’t feel right, I feel like I’m cheating on her still” Steve has to bite his lips slightly to stop himself from crying “but that doesn’t it mean it won’t, I know Y/N would want me to be happy and move on and maybe in a few years JJ will have a mom again, but right now I’m just not ready”

A few people nodded and voiced their understanding and agreement, and to Steve’s relief, the topic of conversation moved on. For the rest of the session, Steve tried to stay present but after talking about moving on from you he struggled. He’d had the same conversation over and over again with his therapist but he just couldn’t bring himself to move on. There was something holding him back and he didn’t know what.

Once the session was over Steve packed up all the chairs and made his way outside, taking a deep breath to try and centre himself. When he opened his eyes he spotted a flower stall across the street, spotting a bouquet of your favourite flowers. Without thinking he walked across the street and purchased the flowers before grabbing his phone and dialling Roberta.

“hey Steve is everything okay?” she says once she answered.

“yeah, um do you mind picking JJ up from school today, I know it's bad and I should go considering it's his first day but…” Steve sighed shaking his head as he looked down at the flowers in his hands.

“The session today was tough and you need some time” Roberta finishes for him.

“yeah,” Steve breathes out, his voice shaking.

“of course, it's not a problem, and just call me if you need anything, I’ll cook some dinner for the both of you and get Scout from the house too,” Roberta tells him.

“thank you Roberta that really means a lot, I’ll try and not stay too long, I just need to go see her” Steve promises.

“take as much time as you need sweetheart” Roberta reassures him.

“thank you, I’ll see you later” Steve sighs before hanging up.

As Steve made his way out of the city the sun was beginning to set, the sun finally breaking through the clouds casting an orange glow over everything. As he reached the bridge over the Hudson he hit standstill traffic, looking up ahead he could see a large group of people out of their cars looking out at the river. He looked out to see where they were pointing, spotting a pod of whales swimming past.

Steve muttered in amazement under his breath, even back in the forties the chance of seeing any life in the Hudson river seemed impossible. Yet here they were. Steve sighed wishing JJ was here to see it, knowing how much the boy loved animals. But a part of him hated that scenes like this were now possible, he hated that what Thanos did actually had some good. He’d rather have you, than see whales in the Hudson, no matter how selfish that seemed.

Steve revved his bike and carefully slinked through the traffic towards the compound. The sun had nearly set when he arrived, when he parked up he grabbed the flowers and walked over to the memorial. He took a deep and shaky breath as he placed down the flowers, his eyes instantly finding your name, fingers running over the inscription.

“JJ started first grade today,” Steve said his voice barely above a whisper “he was so excited, I don’t think I've seen a kid so excited for school, I just hope he feels the same when I see him later” he sighs looking up at the sky, silently cursing the clouds that blocked his view of the stars “I miss you so much” he whispered.

Steve stayed there for a few moments before collecting himself and making his way inside to go say hi to Nat before heading back home. As he walked in he found her sitting at a table in the conference room, Steve lingering by the side as she asked Rhodey to continue to look for Clint. Rhodey caught sight of Steve as he signs off, giving him a quick nod before the hologram disappeared. Once he was gone Nat slumped back in her chair clearly unaware of Steve’s presence as she puts her head in her hands and struggles to hold back the tears.

“you know I’d offer to cook you dinner… but you seem pretty miserable already,” Steve says grabbing her attention, trying to lighten the situation.

It works slightly as Nat gives him a weak smile before looking over at him “I do wonder how you feed your son” she comments.

“microwave meals and a friendly neighbour” Steve jokes despite it being far from the truth, now you weren’t around Steve had to step up and slowly over the years learnt to cook with the help of Roberta, while his cooking wasn’t as good as yours, it was pretty decent.

“Are you here to do your laundry?” Nat says, referring to Steve’s usual excuse to visit unannounced.

“and to see a friend” Steve nods.

“Clearly your friend is fine” Nat sighs, clasping her hands together as she looks over at him.

Steve sighs glancing down at his keys “you know I saw a pod of whales when I was coming over the bridge”

“in the Hudson?” Nat asks surprised.

“there’s fewer ships… cleaner water” Steve sighs.

“you know if you’re about to tell me to look on the bright side, um… I’m about to hit you in the head with a peanut butter sandwich” she states with a tight smile.

“hmm” Steve hums with a small sigh “sorry force of habit” he apologises as he moves to sit opposite her.

As he sits down she pushes her plate closer to him, offering him half of her sandwich. He thinks about taking it for a second but before he gets the chance he sees a hand reach out and grab it. He looks up to see you standing there smirking as you took a bite of the sandwich, winking at him. Steve lets out a shaky breath as he watches you, trying to keep his eyes open but as soon as he blinks you disappear and the sandwich is left on the plate untouched.

“you still see her don’t you” Nat sighs grabbing Steve’s attention.

Steve sighs nodding his head sadly “only here, and its less often now but even though it kills me to see her… I don’t want it to stop” he admits before scoffing slightly under his breath “you know I keep telling everybody they should move on and grow, some do… but not us”

“if I move on, who does this?” Nat says shaking her head as she looks around the room.

“Maybe it doesn’t need to be done” Steve presses gently, hoping that this time she would finally stop.

But Nat shakes her head, tears collecting in her eyes “I used to have nothing, and then I got this. This job… this family… and I was better because of it… and even though they’re gone… I’m still trying to be better” she admits.

Steve sighs knowing that no matter what he said she wouldn’t change her mind “I think we both need to get a life”

Nat lets out a small huff of a laugh “you first” she says, Steve giving her a small smile.

Their conversation was interrupted by an alert appearing in front of Nat, she quickly swipes it aside “oh hi, hi!” Steve hears behind him, Steve glancing over his shoulder to look at the screen “uh is anyone home” as he does so he sees the CCTV footage of Scott outside the gate of the compound waving at the camera “This is un Scott lang! we met a few years ago at the airport in Germany”

Steve frowns in confusion as he stands up to get a proper look at the screen, not believing what he was actually seeing. As far as he knew Scott was one of the ones who didn’t survive the snap “is this an old message?” Steve asks.

“It’s the front gate” Nat answers her voice wobbling.

Steve’s mind exploded with possibilities as Nat jumped into action opening the gate for Scott, telling him to drive up. How was Scott here? What if the snap was only temporary? If Scott was back did that mean everyone else would come back too? Steve had too many questions he needed answering.

“what the hell has happened?” Scott said as he walked into the compound.

“we’re kinda hoping you could tell us the same thing,” Nat says with a brow arched.

“right because the last thing I knew it was 2018, not 2023!” Scott fires back making Steve’s eyebrows raise in surprise, Scott covers his mouth in shock at his own outburst “sorry, I’m sorry I’m just really freaking out and I need someone to explain what’s going on”

Steve holds out his hand to calm Scott down “okay, okay, what do you know already?” Steve asks him.

“um um I don’t know- i- I Cassie said there was this guy called Thanos and he wiped out like half the universe or something but it's been five years and my little girl isn’t a little girl anymore!” Scott says beginning to freak out more, pacing back and forth.

“I mean that’s the general gist of it” Nat admits “but we thought you were gone too, so how are you here?” she asks.

Scott doesn’t answer and continues to pace back and forth in front of Steve and Nat, the two of them sharing a concerned look as they watched him. Scott muttered to himself as he tried to comprehend everything, Steve knew he needed to give him some time but he was dying to have some answers. He needed to know if you were out there somewhere.

“Scott, are you okay?” Steve asked finally getting Scott to stop pacing.

“yeah” Scott nods, his voice still trembling as he ran his hands down his face “have either of you guys studied quantum physics?” he asks suddenly.

“only to make conversation” Nat admits, Steve looking over at her in surprise.

Scott points over to her “all right so, five years ago, right before… Thanos… I was in a place called the quantum realm, the quantum realm is like its own microscopic universe, to get in there you have to be incredibly small” Scott explains “Hope, she’s my- um- she was my- she was supposed to pull me out and then Thanos happened and I got stuck in there”

Steve sighs deeply dropping his head, the hopes he had that the snap was temporary and you were out there somewhere right now completely dashed. Scott was one of the ones who survived, he never disappeared in the first place.

“I’m sorry that must have been a very long five years,” Nat says sympathetically.

“yeah but that’s just it, it wasn’t,” Scott said shaking his head “for me it was 5 hours, see the rules of the quantum realm aren’t like they are up here, everything is unpredictable, is that anybody’s sandwich? I’m starving” Scott asks pointing over to Nat’s sandwich.

“Scott” Steve says as he walks past him to grab the sandwich “what are you talking about?” he asks completely lost on what Scott was saying.

“so” Scott starts, his voice muffled by the mouthful of sandwich “what I’m saying is, time works differently in the quantum realm, the only problem is right now, we don’t have a way to navigate it” Scott explains beginning to pace again “but what if we did? I can’t stop thinking about it, what if we could somehow control the chaos and we could navigate it? what if there was a way that we could enter the quantum realm at a certain point in time but then exit the quantum realm at another point in time, like… like before Thanos” he finishes.

“Wait,” Steve said holding up his hand as he tried to comprehend what Scott was suggesting “are you talking about a time machine,” Steve asks struggling to believe it.

“no, no of course not, no not a time machine,” Scott says shaking his head “this is more like a…” Scott says gesturing with his hand as he tries to think of something else “yeah like a time machine, I know its crazy, its crazy, but I- I- can’t stop thinking about it, there’s gotta be… some way… it's crazy” Scott sighs in defeat looking down at the floor.

“Scott, I get emails from a raccoon so nothing sounds crazy anymore” Natasha states in an attempt to comfort him.

“so who do we talk to about this?” Scott asks.

“Stark seems like the best bet,” Steve says with a sigh glancing over at Nat.

“do you think he’ll be up for it?” Nat asks unconvinced.

“maybe but it's worth a shot, I’m supposed the be going over this weekend with JJ, we can ask him then,” Steve says shrugging his shoulders.

“sounds like a plan, wait who’s JJ?” Scott asks confused.

“my son, he uh- he was born a year before the snap” Steve explains clearing his throat.

“oh nice, congratulations, how is Y/N?” Scott asks with a small smile.

Steve’s voice catches in his throat, swallowing the lump of emotion as he looked down at the floor. Thankfully Scott seemed to pick up on what was wrong meaning Steve didn’t need to say the words he hated.

“oh… oh I’m so sorry Steve” Scott mutters shaking his head sadly.

“it's okay,” Steve says his voice cracking as he cleared his throat “it's uh late, I should get home, I’ll swing by here and pick you guys up on Saturday,” he says grabbing his keys and jacket and quickly making his way out.

“Steve” Nat called out making him pause at the door “we’ll work it out”

Steve just nods before turning and making his way out the door.

When he got home, he quietly opened the front door aware that JJ was most likely fast asleep upstairs given the late hour. As he stepped inside Scout quickly trotted over, his tail wagging as he greeted Steve, nuzzling his snout into Steve’s hand as if he could sense Steve’s distress.

“hey, you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost” Roberta says grabbing Steve’s attention.

Steve blinked a couple of times looking over to see her sitting on the couch book in hand. Steve nods slightly before kicking off his shoes and handing up his coat before walking in.

“is JJ asleep?” he asks as he sits down on the couch.

“yeah he wanted to stay up but I managed to convince him saying you’d pop in when you got in” Roberta explains as she puts down her book “is everything okay?”

“yeah… no… I don’t know” Steve sighs dropping his head into his hands and rubbing his face tiredly.

“What happened?” Roberta asks sitting forward and putting a hand on Steve’s shoulder.

Steve took a deep breath as he leaned back and slumped against the couch “while I was at the compound, someone we thought had been snapped away turned up” Steve explained, Roberta’s eyes widening in surprise.

“it turns out he was in this place called the quantum realm for the past 5 years, but to him it only felt like 5 hours” Steve continues shaking his head as he still tried to understand it all.

“so it's like he travelled through time?” Roberta asks confused.

“yeah, and he thinks maybe we could use this realm to get everyone back,” Steve says looking over at her.

“shit…” Roberta mutters, slumping back in disbelief.

“my sentiments exactly, it's this wild idea but what if we can? What if we can get everyone back, bring Y/N back” Steve admits quietly as he looks up at the ceiling.

“Are you gonna try? If it works and you can do it?” Roberta asks him.

“I have to, for JJ” Steve sighs shaking his head “for everyone who lost someone”

“then do it, do whatever it is you need to do, and if it doesn’t work at least you know you tried,” Roberta says reaching out to put her hand on top of his “and whatever you need, I’ll be here”

“thank you Roberta, I just really hope this works” Steve sighs biting his lip to stop himself from crying.

“if I know anything about you Steve, it's that you never give up,” Roberts says making him let out a small huff of a laugh “now go on upstairs, say goodnight to JJ and get some rest, you have a lot ahead of you”

“Thank you Roberta, I don’t know what I would have done without you” Steve smiles as he stands up from the couch.

“probably burnt this place down a week after moving in” Roberta snorts making Steve chuckle.

“yeah probably, you get some rest too, thank you for helping out tonight” Steve smiles.

“It's nothing, I’ll see you tomorrow” Roberta smiles standing up and heading out.

Quickly and quietly running up the stairs Steve crept into JJ’s room, his jungle nightlight projecting the shapes of different animals around the room. Steve could see JJ was fast asleep and while he Roberta promised Steve was come in to say goodnight, Steve was reluctant to disturb him.

“Daddy?” JJ murmured in his sleep rubbing his eyes tiredly.

“hey bean, sorry I didn’t mean to wake you” Steve smiles as he walks in perching on the side of JJ’s bed, hand running over his hair “did you have a good day at school?” he asks.

“yeah it was really fun, Miss Levinson is really nice and pretty,” JJ says making Steve chuckle.

“That’s good I'm glad you enjoyed it” Steve smiles leaning down to kiss the top of his head.

“where did you go?” JJ then asks him.

Steve sighs as he tries to work out what to tell him “I needed to help a friend who’s been lost for a while now” Steve tells him.

“lost?” JJ asks confused.

“yeah he didn’t know where he was and needed some help” Steve explained.

“Is he okay now?” JJ asks concerned.

“yeah, he will be, now you get some sleep you’ve got another couple of days of school ahead of you,” Steve says tucking JJ back in.

“and then we’ll see Morgan?” JJ asks hopefully.

“yes we’ll see Morgan” Steve confirms with a chuckle “now go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning”

“Okay, night night daddy,” JJ says making himself comfortable.

“night night bean” Steve smiles kissing the top of his head.

Sharing is caring so please reblog if you enjoyed this and maybe even leave a comment to make my day!

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

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[howdoyousleep3]

where’s that hc about bucky learning to touch 🤲

I was hoping someone would notice that tag and hit me up. Thank you, sweet pea. This one is special to me, one of many. ❤

Bucky doesn’t say much about what happened to him after the fall and before Steve was miraculously given a second chance at a life with him. Steve is thankful for that. The details he does know come from Bucky’s therapist and from files that have been scrounged up over time, ones Steve can’t stomach through, ones he hands to Natasha and asks only for the information she finds pertinent.

Steve is sure he’d die of a goddamn broken heart if he knew every detail of Bucky’s 70+ years of brainwashed torture.

What he needs to know about Bucky is constant and will never change: this is James Barnes, the one in the same Steve spent his entire life falling in love with, Steve loves him now more than ever, and he is going to live every day he’s gifted with in this life for Bucky.

There are things Steve expects after Bucky joins him and the others back at the Tower, things Bruce has helped him comprehend in such a volatile predicament.

“It could take months, years even, for him to come back to you in full. And honestly, Steve...I would be ready for the possibility of him not returning to you in full. This may not end up being the Bucky you knew and grew up with. He needs therapy, needs patience, needs reminders of his life before, of who he was and is. This won’t be easy, Steve.”

Anything for Bucky.

There are things Bucky took to right away and other things that took much longer for him to enjoy or remember. Steve is with him every step of the way.

Sleep was one thing that Steve thought would be a struggle. After only one month of sleeping on the floor in the corner of his bedroom, Steve able to hear him tossing and turning and breathing heavily through his own bedroom wall, it took one afternoon nap on the couch to make him want to move to his new bed. While nightmares continued, Bucky slept albeit in small increments and sometimes through the day, but he slept.

Steve thought that would take years.

Crowds were another story. Crowds came with trust and Bucky rightfully didn’t trust others easily. He barely trusted Steve at first. It took time to get him out of the apartment, baby steps, one step forward and two steps back. They started with walks at dawn, fewer people, gave a shot at stopping for coffee on the way home a few times.

“It’s a Venti here, Buck,” Steve had tried to explain and Bucky huffed. “Why are things so goddamn complicated now? Just want a coffee, a—”

“I know— a black coffee with too much sugar. I got it.”

They’re working on interactions with others and the anxiety that comes with crowds. That one will take time.

What hadn’t taken time, and what startled everyone in the tower beyond belief, was Bucky and affection.

Steve may not know much of what Bucky has spent most of his life enduring but he at least had the assumption that what Bucky went through shouldn’t make him want any kind of touch from another person. Steve wrongfully assumed that any sort of gentle or soft touch wasn't something Bucky would like.

Bucky had spent the past 70+ years walking this earth as a killer, a robot, a machine, an assassin. He surely spent decades thinking he wasn’t worthy of anything, let alone love. He had been touch-starved, void of the tenderness and closeness Steve knows Bucky deserved and craved underneath the brainwashed parts of him.

It took time for Bucky to remember who Steve was to him. While he had recognized him immediately, remembering him but not how, it took months for Bucky to remembered the capacity in which he did so.

And Steve waited.

And waited.

Steve was gifted with small moments along the way, on this journey of Bucky remembering both himself and who Steve was to him:

“You...you were real small once,” Bucky said, factual with no trace of a question, hands in soapy water as he handed Steve a plate to dry. Steve had merely hummed. “Yeah, was...was maybe half the size I am now. Real small.”

“Could fit both’a my hands right around your middle…”

It had been a long while since Steve blushed like that.

Bucky standing over Steve’s sleeping form, heaving chest visible by only the filtered moonlight, Steve mumbling out a, “Buck, wha—?” before Bucky whispered, “You...you’ve been inside of me.” Steve sat up.

“I have,” Steve breathed, on cautious ground, shakier when Bucky then whispered, “But you like it better when I’m inside’a you.”

When Steve had swallowed audibly, nodded his head wordlessly, Bucky had turned and left the room.

It took months of moments like those to compile together, to form the picture of what Steve once was, what he yearned to continue to be, to Bucky. All of these moments, these memories, came to a head so unpredictably during yet another movie night. Knees knocking, fingers brushing, small touches that Steve absolutely soaked in, had gotten used to, had relearned.

When a glance towards Bucky had the wind knocking its way out of Steve’s chest, the familiarity of that look a bone-deep ache—

Bucky was going to kiss him.

A look full of determination and want, lips parted, eyes a bit glassy. Steve didn't dare move, had let Bucky come to him for fear of scaring him away. The moment their lips touched was the moment Bucky started crying. It had only been a short brush of their lips but Steve barely breathed, barely moved. Bucky had pulled back with wide, wet eyes, shaky breaths. “Buck, it’s okay. It’s okay. Everything’s alright, sweetheart,” are the words that easily slipped from his mouth, unable to stop them in a moment of progress that satiated his entire being.

That was the moment that changed everything. It was a startle to everyone involved. Steve had been ready to wait years, this entire life, for the moment he could touch Bucky again, could show him that physicality he knew his Buck craved. After that night on the couch it was as if the floodgates had opened—

Bucky remembered and wanted.

Regardless of where they were or what was happening, he wanted to be touching Steve: soft kisses on the cheek and lips, laying his head in Steve’s lap as he read, lacing his fingers between Steve’s during meetings, an arm wrapped around Steve’s waist between bouts of sparring. He’d trace patterns onto Steve’s thigh as he watched Steve draw, press against the line of his back while he cooked dinner.

Steve was floating on a cloud, was in heaven, never happier. It was perfection.

But what Bucky wanted, Steve couldn’t provide, couldn’t meet. Steve was only one man, couldn’t provide Bucky, whom touch had been stolen away from for decades, with everything he wanted. And that was okay, something Steve accepted, because there were other people Bucky could turn to that Steve trusted.

“I’m sure you all know why I asked you to meet with me,” Steve started, choosing a time Bucky was napping to meet with the rest of the group that either lived in or frequented the Tower. “Bucky has shown us a new side of him, has made some progress I think it’s worth discussing with everyone, since we’re all...we’ve all been affected...”

“Uhh, yeah— your Barnes-y boy has been all over me lately. I’m almost offended that everyone else is here to talk to Cap though. Thought he was just comin' onto me.”

“I have to tell you, I didn’t...I know we talked, Steve. But I’m honestly shocked at Bucky’s progress. It’s baffling.”

“I haven’t minded it. He lets me braid his hair.”

“Wait— y’all are getting touches?”

It was a group effort, supporting Bucky in this way. It was an adjustment, Bucky never prompting and questioning before touching or requesting touches— he just went for it. He was quiet still, not shy, merely observant. And just like he nudged at and leaned against Steve until his hands were on him, he did the same to others.

“I just ask that you show Bucky grace during this time. It’s a delicate situation. I need to know if you don’t want his touch or don’t wish to give him any kind of touch. I think it would be best if it came from me instead of from you in the moment.”

Natasha was who Bucky went to for scratches. Steve thinks it’s the nails. Steve also thinks Nat is Bucky’s favorite to go to for touches, even over him, but Bucky refuses to admit it.

When Bucky wants mindless touches, when he wants tickles and scratches, he goes to her. She naturally took to Bucky’s need for touches, the first occurrence one that came without hesitation. She’ll braid his hair, let him turn his head right where he wants her head scratches, naturally reaches for his back or shoulders to run her nails across when he saddles in close to her.

Thor is one of Bucky’s favorites too. Steve isn’t sure if it’s because of his strength or because of his warm and accepting demeanor but Bucky gravitates towards Thor often, mainly for neck and shoulder rubs. One, “James, my friend. You musn’t be afraid of asking for touch with me. I will always be willing to assist,” and that was all Bucky needed to feel comfortable walking over to Thor and nudging at his hands.

He puts his head on Bruce’s shoulder as soon as he can, likes sparring and playing hide and seek with Clint, enjoys putting his feet in Sam’s lap. Tony took some warming up to, but even then Bucky spent many hours in Tony’s lab, Tony guiding his hands, showing him what to do and how to work different machines, the two of them tinkering on his own arm.

Bucky kinda turns into the Tower kitty cat, wandering around quietly, napping in the sun, snacking, demanding affection from anyone he crosses paths with and trusts.

Everyone had their form of touch they shared with Bucky and Bucky absolutely blossomed under this form of support. Steve is forever grateful to be surrounded by a group of understanding individuals.

And every night when he lifts the comforter and feels the solid line of Bucky’s warm form against his side, the arm that now easily and inevitably slips around his waist, the familiar lips that always press against his temple, shoulder, and cheek, Steve is reminded this day was for Bucky and that the one they’ll wake up to will also be for him.

"I love you, Buck."

"Mhmm love you too, pal."

Steve doesn't even mind that Bucky spends his nights snoring in the crook of his neck, hot breath wafting over Steve's skin, hands grabby even as he dreams—

This is heaven.

[theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin]

You said in another post you don’t believe the Knights of Walpurgis (aka Death Eaters 1.0) were all that plausible. Why is that?

Oof, this is a larger ask than I think you intend that gets into a lot of controversial things. Though, I suppose that’s what this blog has become.

Remember when I just talked about my weird fanfiction? Remember those days? I remember those days.

I guess to start out we need to go at a high level and acknowledge a few things.

For all we know about Tom Riddle’s life we know very little that came from himself. Most of what we know came to us via The Halfblood Prince, in Dumbledore’s lessons to Harry.

Think what you will about Dumbledore, benign or evil, but we can all acknowledge that the man had a clear goal and agenda in Halfblood Prince. Dumbledore was facing his imminent death, suddenly he no longer was looking at years but a few months to accomplish everything he needed to. He knows Harry is a horcrux, knows he himself no longer has time to hunt down Tom’s horcruxes himself, and instead must leave all his work to Severus and, partly, to Harry Potter.

Specifically, he has to groom Harry for suicide.

By the time Severus relays the truth to Harry (never mind that this very nearly didn’t happen in canon and what would Dumbledore do then) Harry must be prepared to sacrifice his own life to stop Voldemort. That, or Severus will have to murder the shit out of him, and that was probably plan B but Dumbledore would prefer it if Harry went along willingly so that the whole thing’s a little less shady. Dumbledore’s not murdering children if the children murder themselves!

This means, in part, convincing Harry that Voldemort is such a monstrous evil that his presence on this earth cannot be tolerated. Voldemort cannot be allowed to survive, even if Harry’s death does not guarantee Voldemort’s destruction, Harry must do it because Voldemort is that bad. There must be no hope, no recourse, and the only action Harry can take is martyrdom. 

And so, that is essentially what Dumbledore does. 

He gives Harry a series of lessons, hand selecting memories of Tom Riddle’s past (often shockingly innocuous), and then narrates them to tell Harry exactly why Tom Riddle is so evil today. The flimsy excuse of Harry wheedling information out of Slughorn is nice, but not necessary, as Dumbledore has no reason to believe this memory contains information he himself doesn’t already know (indeed, that Tom actually did make six horcruxes as he told Slughorn is a very strange coincidence as we rarely end up doing what we thought or being where we thought we would when we were sixteen). 

Per Dumbledore, Tom Riddle was born evil by his very conception, is doomed to be a lowly miserable creature, and that murdering him is effectively putting him out of his misery.

Right, how does this relate to this post?

Well, neverminding what JKR says outside of canon, we learn about the Knights of Walpurgis/Tom’s schoolboy syncophants from Dumbledore. Per Dumbledore, Tom Riddle, while a highly respected and charming student was Evil McEvil who had junior cultists galore. So, you see Harry, the man must die (ergo you must kill yourself).

However, this is frankly ridiculous and not in any way believable.

First, the Hogwarts era when Tom’s in school.

Personally, I believe Tom was regarded 100% as muggleborn. Tom went into Hogwarts with the last name Riddle coming from the muggle world. When he gets sorted into Slytherin he can point to know family members at all (and even if he could would, at best, be considered a low class halfblood). Tom doesn’t know the significance of parseltongue and likely tells no one (I’ll get into this in a few paragraphs). Tom may insist that he could be a halfblood, he knows nothing of his father, but given his origins he himself probably believes he’s muggleborn until he stumbles across the hereditary nature of parseltongue.

Regardless, Tom is impoverished, comes from lower class muggle London, has the last name Riddle, no relatives to vouch for him, and you want me to think that the purebloods sign up to be his cult members?

Even though Tom is terrifyingly talented and brilliant, he will be fighting for respect every inch of the way. At best, I see the Slytherin’s tolerating his presence. Riddle’s tolerable, for a muggleborn, it’s a shame that he has such dirty blood but they’ll admit he’s a talented sort.

However, as soon as he’s out of Hogwarts they’ll drop him like it’s hot.

This is evidenced by a few things. Upon graduation, Tom Riddle struggles to secure employment. He tries for the Defense position but is unvested and a recent graduate, and so is rejected (and when he later tries again Dumbledore laughs in his place and says, “Bitch please, I will never hire you, I just accepted your application so I could spend this interview laughing in your face!”) He does not enter the ministry, which would likely have been far more beneficial to getting him a leg up in society.

No, Tom instead secures employment as a clerk and purchaser at Borgin and Burke’s the wizarding world’s shadiest pawn shop equivalent where he spends his time miserably wooing older women so they’ll sell him their fine goods. Dumbledore tries to convince us this was Tom’s plan, that he somehow knew about the locket beforehand, but this is bullshit. How the hell would Tom know that the heirloom undoubtedly locked away under safe and key had been sold to Borgin and Burkes? And even if he did, why would Tom take up this miserable position doing nothing he wanted to do? 

Whatever minions Tom is supposed to have, whatever friends, they dropped him completely, pretended they never knew him, and did nothing to secure Tom’s future.

Now, back to the parseltongue bit since I made a promise. I believe Tom told no one. Had Tom told the Slytherins he was the Heir of Slytherin, this would have spread like wild fire not only across the house but the school. All the staff would remember Tom as Tom Slytherin, Tom would likely have changed his name, and frankly Tom probably would have been able to get into the ministry with a name like that. Tom Riddle’s life would have looked very different.

More, had the Chamber of Secrets episode happened in a world where Tom proves his heritage, he would have immediately been caught. Someone in Slytherin, even if only a few dormmates knew, would have narked on him. Someone would have been jealous, scared, etc. and would have turned him easily over to the authorities. A secret like that simply cannot be kept, it would spread, and there would be no needing to frame Hagrid and none of Tom getting off. 

More, I always got the feeling very few knew that Voldemort had once been Tom Riddle. First, it would make recruiting very difficult. Voldemort is the mysterious, beautiful, heir of Slytherin who has come back from abroad to save their country. Tom Riddle is a dirt poor mudblood who comes from decades of incest and squalor.

Given the wizarding world at large does not know who Tom Riddle is (proved by The Chamber of Secrets) I would suspect the vast majority of Death Eaters and Order members didn’t either. Dumbledore was the one who pieced it together thanks, in part, to a ten-year-old Tom Riddle confessing his parseltongue abilities.

If Tom Riddle had told most people he was a parseltongue, far more would have made the connection, it would be common knowledge. Which means, of course, Tom Riddle has no ability to prove his heritage and is thus muggleborn swine.

More, I think Tom wouldn’t want Tom Riddle to be associated with Voldemort. When he becomes Voldemort, he will transcend his lackluster origins and become far more than an ordinary, mortal, man. He will leave the name Riddle behind and no one will remember that boy. He will eclipse his past.

Not to mention, that if Tom gave them the excuse of his heritage, it means giving himself the easy way out in Hogwarts. They won’t be forced to acknowledge him, acknowledge that he’s better than them despite his roots, but instead given the easy excuse of “oh, it’s because he’s the heir of Slytherin, duh”. And I think Tom would loathe the idea of that.

Tom wanting to eradicate the memory of Tom Riddle is especially why I think Voldemort came out of nowhere in the 70′s.

Tom doesn’t want to be recognized as Tom, he wants to be mysterious and originless, to give the purebloods everything they want to believe in. If it’s people he went to school with, they’ll recognize him, he’ll be just an ordinary mortal to them. If it’s their young, stupid, children well then he has a real chance. 

Voldemort is a figure of myth, something that appears to come out of legend itself, the savior of his country.

He cannot have origin let alone Tom Riddle’s. 

Not to mention the idea that multiple people waited on Tom Riddle for generations, even for decades where we know he went abroad and travelled the world, is utterly ridiculous. Why would they ever do this? What do they even gain from this? And why would it take so long to take over this ridiculously incompetent country THAT ALL OF TOM’S RECRUITS ARE PRACTICALLY SET TO CONTROL (the beauty of the Death Eaters is that they form a good chunk of the Wizengamot, and in using them, Tom Riddle effectively destroys the country from the inside out, which I believe was his true goal the entire time). 

If Tom Riddle is so terrible, so horrifyingly competent, then it can’t have taken him fifty years of constant work to topple the country. 

So, yeah, there were no Death Eaters 1.0.

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 70: Patronus

"I'm doomed," Draco hissed at Pansy as they left the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. "The final is in less than a month! How could Higgins spring this on us?"

"Calm down," Pansy said.

"Calm down? Calm down?! Pansy, you recall that I have a dark mark don't you? The final is half of our grade! I'm going to fail."

She shook her head, "You're not going to fail," she informed him calmly. "You'll learn Draco, you have over three weeks."

"But I'm an ex-death eater," he whispered, as though anyone could ever forget. "Death eaters can't cast a patronus, you know that."

"That's not true," a voice behind them piped up, making Draco jump.

"For Circe's sake, Potter, stop sneaking around," he grumbled.

The other boy shrugged, "Sorry," he said unrepentantly, "Couldn't help but overhear what you were saying."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Oh, you just couldn't help it, huh?"

He flicked a careless grin at Draco, his dimple showing, and as always, Draco didn't know quite what to do with that. "I'm just saying that death eaters could cast a patronus."

"How would you know?" Draco asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Snape could cast one, and Merlin knows that you did far less horrific shite than he did," Potter replied as he sauntered past them and into the common room. "I could help you, if you want," he called over his shoulder before walking out of view.

Pansy opened her mouth and he cut her off, "Don't," he said, holding up a hand.

(Read more below the cut)

She cackled, "I bet there's a thing or two he could help you with."

"Why am I friends with you?" he groaned. "I'll figure it out myself," he added with a haughty sniff.

---------

A week and a half passed and Draco was no closer than he'd been the day she'd first assigned this task to them as part of their final. Draco sat in the library, pouring over textbooks that were supposed to help to teach you to cast one but none of them seemed to help.

"Hey," Potter said as he dropped into the chair across from Draco like they were friends or something. He'd been doing it since February and Draco still couldn't understand it. "How are you?"

"Awful," Draco replied with a groan. "I'm going to fail my Defense final and then I'm going to go to prison because passing all of my classes is part of my parole," he said, the words pouring out of his mouth without his consent. "And I never imagined that passing my classes would be a problem, but-"

"Draco," Potter said, his voice calm and unruffled, "Let me help you."

"You can't," he said shaking his head.

Potter tilted his head consideringly, "Maybe not but would it hurt to try? I've taught like over twenty other teens to do it," he added.

Draco bit his lip, what could it really hurt?

"Come on," Potter said, standing up and holding out a hand to pull Draco to his feet. "If it fails you can always come back and read through dusty books some more."

"Fine," he sighed, reaching out and taking Harry's hand, a thrill tingling up his arm at the contact.

Harry didn't let go right away as he started walking and Draco's heart tripped along inside of his chest as he stumbled after him.

"Where are we going?" Draco asked.

He released his hand but gave him a little smile, "we can't very well practice it in the library, can we?"

Then Harry took off running and Draco had no choice but to jog after him, spluttering indignantly. "Why are we running?"

"Because it feels good," Harry replied as he raced down the stairs and outside.

When they reached just the edge of the forest, where there weren't any signs of other students Potter stopped and took off his cloak, enlarged it, and laid down on it.

"What are you doing?"

Harry just patted the cloak beside him.

"Potter," he said, hands on his hips.

The other boy opened his eyes and said, "Trust the process. Come lay down."

With a sigh he laid down on the cloak and stared up at the sun peaking through the branches.

"Relax," Harry whispered, covering Draco's hand with his own.

Somehow, it soothed Draco and made him panic all at once but at least it wasn't the normal kind anxiety, it actually made him feel a weird sort of excited anticipation.

"Think of a happy memory," he murmured, "A really happy one that you can feel all the way down to your toes."

He was quiet, trying to think, "It's been a while since I've been that happy," he confessed.

Harry's hand squeezed his gently and he thought this was probably as happy a moment as any. He focused on the feelings in his body.

"When you're ready," Harry said a few minutes later, "we'll stand up and try to cast. You've already got the mechanics down, it's just about getting the feelings right."

Draco nodded, then pushed himself to his feet.

The other boy stood behind him and rested a hand on his shoulder, "Think of your happy moment," he murmured. "Let it fill you up."

He inhaled, thinking of the way Harry's body felt next to his, of the warmth of his hand, the tingles in the pit of his stomach; and then he cast. "Expecto Patronum," he said, circling his wand.

A thin, silvery mist appeared from the end of his wand and he stared at it in shock, "Did you-?" he started.

"Well done," Harry encouraged. "See. You can do it."

"Can you show me yours once?" he asked. "It would be helpful to see your technique," and while this was the truth, it wasn't the whole truth; mostly Draco was just curious to see Harry's patronus for himself.

Harry nodded slowly, "Just, don't tell anyone."

"What? Why?"

"Because it's changed," Harry replied "and I don't mind you knowing but I don't know quite what it means and I'd rather figure it out before the press catches wind of it."

"You don't have to show me," he ventured.

The other boy shook his head and took a deep breath "Expecto patronum," he said and his wand produced what appeared to be a fox of some sort. "Hermione thinks it's an arctic fox," Harry said as they watched it lope around the clearing.

"It's beautiful," Draco breathed.

"Thanks," Harry said with a little smile. "She tells me it's because I've become more withdrawn, that I had to be more reliant on myself," he shrugged.

"Do you miss your stag?"

He nodded, "It was nice to be connected to my mum and dad, you know? To have something in common with them."

"I'm sorry," Draco said softly.

Harry shrugged, "There must be a bigger reason," he said. "I hope, anyway." His fox dissipated and Harry turned to him, "Let's see yours again."

-------

Over the next two weeks, Draco's patronus charm got stronger, and once he thought he'd caught the glimpse of a what appeared to be a dog's nose, perhaps, but nothing more.

"The final's tomorrow," he told Harry as they laid out under the trees, "And I still haven't been able to conjure it. I'm going to fail."

"What's your happy memory?" Harry asked.

"What's your's?" Draco countered.

Harry hummed thoughtfully, "It changes," he said. "The first time I cast one it was of my mum's voice. I don't even know if it was a real memory of not," he added.

"What about the last one you cast?" Draco asked.

The other boy turned his head to look at Draco, "It was that you were giving me a chance," he confessed softly with a little smile. "Will you tell me yours?" he asked.

Draco bit his lip, "Just this," he whispered finally. "There's something about you that just," he trailed off, searching for the right descriptor, "Thrills me. And it used to be in all the wrong ways, but..." he trailed off feeling a little shy and embarrassed.

"But now it feels a little bit like flying," Harry whispered. "At least that's how it feels for me."

The corner of his mouth tipped up, "Me too."

Harry rolled onto his side, "Can I kiss you?"

Draco nodded up at him and Harry leaned down to press his mouth softly to Draco's, his fingers brushing the hair lightly back from his face.

He reached out and pulled the other boy a little closer, tilting his head to find a better angle. After a minute, he pulled back, "Wait a second," he said as he stood up and set himself up to cast. He let the kiss wash over him again in his memory, filling him up with boundless joy, and the silver mist came out thicker than ever before.

Harry stood up and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his neck. "Try again," he murmured.

Draco took a deep breath, feeling the heat radiating off of Harry's body. "Expecto Patronum!" he said once more and his patronus burst from the end of his wand.

He stared at it, hardly daring to believe what he was seeing.

Harry's breath caught as he leaned forward, pressing against Draco's back to get a closer look. "I hoped so," he said softly as Draco's little arctic fox trotted around them.

"Expecto Patronum," Harry said and his arctic fox appeared, making a beeline for Draco's.

Draco leaned back against Harry, "What does mean that they're the same?"

"My mum's and dad's were the same animal," he said, "and Snapes was the same as her's."

"What does it mean?" he asked again, he had his suspicions but he needed to hear Harry say it first.

Harry cleared his throat, "Well I don't want speak for you, but I think it means that at the very least, I'm in love with you."

Draco blinked, then turned himself around in Harry arms, "I think I'm in love with you, too," he confessed with a smile.

And this was only the start of the many, many ways that they would spend the rest of their lives making one another happy.

-----------

Thanks so much @oviovs, for the prompt! It's not quite established at the beginning but I hope you enjoy it anyway! Thank you for all of the love and encouragement you leave on my little stories. <3

Day 69: Soaked | Day 71: Return

[doiefy]

yellow // na jaemin

genre: fluff, angst, soulmate!au, slice of life pairing: jaemin x gn. reader (feat. lucas) warnings: none word count: 1.4k

a (possibly non-canon?) epilogue to blue that i’ve been meaning to write for weeks and finally got around to. and just in time for my lovely beta reader @neojaems’ birthday!! hope you have an amazing day and thank you again for all your support while i was writing blue. love you bub <33

would definitely recommend reading blue before this (it’s a long one, but also my baby). there’s a lot on soulmate mechanics and the other characters here that probably won’t make sense without the context of blue.

You never realized how much you missed Seoul.

It wasn’t the busyness you missed—the hustle and bustle of city life was ever-present in Hong Kong where you’d moved to three summers ago—nor was it really the people you had to leave behind. And as a matter of fact, you hadn’t even thought much of Seoul while you were gone, too caught up in hectic schedules and settling into your new job. Only when you arrived in the Incheon Airport did you notice a certain emptiness being filled with the familiarities of your mother tongue, the sights and smells of your city, your home.

You supposed your home was no longer limited to just a city though, not when the love of your life had eagerly dropped everything to be next to you. Home was in his arms.

After everything, after Jungwoo and Mark and Donghyuck and Jaemin… it seemed so unreal. You’d reread the test papers again and again, struggling to decipher some of the intricate characters of a language you were still so clumsy with, scared you would wake up from some fantasy the universe had so cruelly shoved into your head. God knows how long you sat there, fingers tracing over the coloured stripe at the top of the page. But you never found a mistake in the results. You never woke up to the coldness of an empty bedroom. Your test had come back yellow.

The morning after your arrival in Seoul, you woke up just before sunrise, to comforting arms around your waist and the faintest sounds of morning traffic outside. You lay there for a few minutes, and when you realized there was no chance of you falling back asleep, slipped out of bed.

“Where are you going?” You heard Lucas murmur softly as you slipped into a pair of jeans and a sweater, his voice swallowed up by the pillows.

“Just taking a walk. Might grab us some breakfast while I’m at it.” You leaned over to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, brushed a few pieces of his brown hair aside. “I’ll be back in a bit.” He mumbled something in reply before promptly burying his head back into the duvet, and you felt the corners of your lips turn upwards fondly.

It was cold out; much colder than what you’d become accustomed to in Hong Kong. Autumn was upon you, and the cold wind swept away the scarce bit of warmth that’d accumulated in your layers of clothing. You made your way down the street towards the Han River, where you could watch the sunrise. The park was relatively empty at this hour; you could spot only a few joggers making their morning laps and a group of kids on the basketball court, passing a ball back and forth between them. You used to come here with Mark in the 70s, long before the city built sidewalks and fences and recreational centres, when there were only small paths leading down to the riverbank and an elderly man offering boat rides at the dock.

The leaves at your feet scattered, parting for you as if you were a gust of wind rushing past. They skittered along the sidewalk, rolled and tumbled over themselves, collected in piles next to the brick fences of the park and in the muddy puddles of the main road. The breeze danced by your side, laughing mischievously in your ear while trying to grab the cap you wore on your head.

Someone was sitting in your usual spot: the carved wooden bench by the waterfront that Mark had shown you years ago. You’d brought Donghyuck and Jaemin here, and you made a note to show Lucas as well when you took him on a tour of the city. But for the time being, you awkwardly made your way past him to look for a different spot. Until you recognized him.

He was just as you’d met him some eight or nine years ago—dark eyes, fair skin, a fitted black sweater and wool coat, his hair now dyed black and swept back neatly. He looked a bit older, more rugged than you remembered, weathered by age. A surge of memories washed over you and you stopped, wondering if you were seeing correctly.

“Jaemin?”

He looked up, shocked, confused. The two of you stood there for a moment, unmoving, as if both uncertain of what to say. You were suddenly aware of the blue pendant hidden beneath your shirt, the way the coldness of the glass pressing against your skin brought back memories of purple irises, glasses of wine, softly whispered words in the early morning hours.

“What are you doing here?” Jaemin asked, smiling as he invited you to sit down. “I haven’t seen you in years.” There was a certain sadness to his voice, and you couldn’t help but feel an unsettling bit of guilt in your chest. It was only inevitable that you drifted apart, you supposed, when your phone calls and text conversations came to a stop, when you began to busy yourselves with your own lives.

“I just got back. Last night,” you explained, sitting down next to him. Perhaps the decision to move back to Seoul was a bit abrupt, now that you thought about it. At least, abrupt enough that he didn’t hear about it through your friends.

“Hong Kong just wasn’t for you?” He raised a brow. ��I heard it’s a beautiful city.”

You giggled, shaking your head. “It’s lovely there, Jaem.” The old nickname came naturally, and you didn’t know how to feel about it. “But I never intended to stay that long anyways. It wasn’t a permanent thing. It was just to…”

“Catch a break. Get away from all the changes here.”

You gave him an amused look. “How did you know?”

He smiled sadly. “You left so suddenly, I figured there was something bothering you… Mark getting married. Doyoung’s passing.” A pause. When he spoke again, his voice was small. Far from disappointed or bitter or sad, but quiet, thoughtful, in a way that reminded you of Jungwoo. “And me.”

“Not you, Jaem,” you murmured, looking wistfully out at the water and now reminiscing the summer you’d spent here with him. “Seoul is just… too many memories, too many emotions. Sometimes I need time away from all the reminders. To find some sort of calm.”

“Did you find what you were looking for then?”

For a moment, you thought he meant Lucas, and you wondered how he could’ve possibly known. You laughed, nodding.

“Yes,” you said. “And among other things. I found him. My soulmate.”

There was a moment of surprise before his face lit up with a genuine smile. Some time ago, maybe he would have thrown his arms around you in a bone-crushing hug. Some time ago, he might have taken your hand, told you he was thrilled for you, kissed you on the cheek, whispered something only the two of you could understand. But as much as your mind drifted to those times, you were content with what it was now.

“Oh my gosh, you found them,” he repeated excitedly as he held you at an arm’s length. “What’s he like?”

“He’s, well—” You paused for a brief moment before continuing shyly. “His name is Lucas. And… he’s wonderful, Jaem. He’s funny, he’s kind, he’s smart… I got lucky.”

“Not lucky,” he corrected you, beaming. “You deserve each other.” He sighed, and his eyes glazed over, the way they did whenever he broke away from the present reality to visit some moment in the past. “You deserve so much, Y/N. So much more than what I gave you, you know?”

“Don’t discredit yourself like that,” you chided him lightly and he laughed, shaking his head.

“I’m happy for you. Really.”

Happy that the universe finally gave you what you needed most, his eyes seemed to say. Happy that after all these years, you still remembered him. So many unspoken words, but there was no need to vocalize them—you sat there in comfortable silence, and you knew. It almost felt like old times: wordlessly watching the sun rise over the city, watching the world come alive from slumber. Knowing that you were in two different worlds, yet not quite apart either. Your paths would continue to diverge; you would return to the boy asleep at home and he to the girl waiting for him, you to your life and he to his. But the diverging of two lines could only mean that they’d intersected at some point in the past.

The sky glowed golden above you.

[leah-halliwell92]

Fast and Furious(ly)

Summary: A follow up to “it’s over”, for @band--psycho​‘s bingo; prompt is Car Sex.  WARNING: Sexual content 18+ only please!

6 p.m – Friday night

You’d walked into the club house feeling pretty ok. It had been a long day but nothing you’d been unable to handle. Tig had been driving you up the wall with trying to make amends for his straying dick. He’d been shooting for the two of you to try again, much to your displeasure. The boys could only do so much to keep him at bay, you knew, but the fact lay in that Tig was tap dancing on your last good nerve, especially when he insisted that your sister was just a lay that happened while drunk. Your sister too for that matter...

She’d been so apologetic, fat tears running down her face as she she sobbed for your forgiveness. Begging you to listen, trying to convince you that he’d only been a lay. That they’d fallen in bed just for sex. You remember yelling something and telling her to got to hell. You’d been avoiding going to TM’s ever since you’d found them together two months ago. In that time your brother-in-law, Ben, had come back from deployment. You’d been happy he was back safe and sound but knew shit would hit the fan sooner rather than later, and it would not be you who started the shit fest. 

/Flashback – two weeks ago/

Everything had come to a head, as you’d predicted, during a family picnic. Ben had been so happy to see everyone again and everyone had been honestly happy to see him too. Half-Sac had been more than happy to sit with him and talk military and how Sac as adorable as he is landed in the rink with the sons. Ben looked impressed, you hoped to God he wasn’t thinking joining up but hey, what's more than family?

You’d been on the other side of the park looking at the vintage Dodge Charger Happy had driven in, more like drooling.

“Never thought you’d be into cars little girl,” the tattooed biker said with a small grin.

You shrug and say, “My dad used to buy and restore old cars. I grew up with the smell of oil and sound of power tools, its kind of why I feel at home here.”

“Well that and that you actually know your shit right?” He said knowingly.

You shrug with a smirk, “And between you and me, I lost my ladyhood in the back of 69′ mustang. There really is nothing like doing it in a muscle car.”

Happy choked on his beer and looked at you as if for the first time. 

You gave him a saucy wink

But before he could say anything else, your heard Opie tell Lyla to take the kids back to the club and keep em there.

Lyla did as done and you turned to see your sister in tears and Ben looking like someone had killed him. 

“Is it true!?” Ben yelled at your sister, “Did you really fuck ten years of marriage down the drain for nothing!?”

You saw Jax hide behind Chibs who gave him a knowing look.

Your sister was in tears apologizing for all she was worth, which currently was nothing. 

What made you mad was Gemma getting in your face about hurting Tiggy. It took Happy, Chibs, Jax, Bobby, and Opie to keep you from beating her ass in. You’d proven to the club a long time ago that you had the balls to do shit others couldn’t do. That included knocking the queen of SAMCRO down a peg...or ten.

Happy had swept you into his car and drove away allowing for you to get some much needed air.

/End flashback/

“You got everything set kiddo?” Bobby asked, coming into the club and setting the last crate of booze on the bar top.

“Yep, just need to count these in and then set up for opening,” you said with a large smile.

“There she is,” the biker looking at you with a happy nod.

“What?” You asked curiously.  

“I’ve not seen you smile like that since Tig decided to commit boyfriend suicide,” he said honestly. 

You sighed but nodded appreciating Bobby’s blunt honesty.

“I hope to see that smile on your face more darlin,” he said with a smile of his own making his way to the back.

“Make me food and I’ll smile all you like papa,” you say with laugh as you counted the bottles.

“Done!” He called out laughing as he went. 

You shook your head and picked up a couple of cold ones to take to Happy and Chibs who were at the pool table.

“There’s the wee lassie!” Chibs called out boisterously as he saw you approach.

You laughed at his antics and let him pull you into a hug. 

“How’s a girl supposed to live with you as her big brother?” You asked teasingly, pulling away to hand Happy his own beer.

“Ya ain’ tha’s what,” he said with laugh as Happy pulled you to his side and pressed a tender kiss to your temple.

“Ya do righ’ by ‘er or no one will find your body,” Chibs said seriously to Happy.

Happy gave a short nod and the men came to an understanding. 

You blushed deeply as you realized that you were truly cared for here. The moment was ruined by a commotion coming from right outside the bar.

“You’ve got to be shittin’ me,” Chibs said with a sigh.

You walked out to find Tig and Ben whaling at each other as hard as they could.

Some crow eaters and stragglers surrounded them as your sister looked on panicked and clearly distraught.

“Fuck me, I knew God should have made me a lesbian,” you say walking back into the bar.

You felt Chibs and Happy stare at you as you made your way inside. 

Bobby saw you pick up a ten gallon bucket and fill it to the brim with water and lots of ice.

“I’m gonna...go do something,” he said as he saw the look on your face. 

You walked back out bucket in hand getting wide eyed looks from Chibs, Happy and the rest of the boys. 

“Thats enough assholes!” You yelled before promptly pouring the bucket over the fighting men. 

“What the hell!” They yelled out ready to pounce when they saw it was you who’d done it.

You looked Ben in the eyed and honestly said, “Yes she fucked Tig, yes she saw a chance while he was drunk and took it, no it doesn’t excuse Tig guilt fucking her every other time the fucked and no I’m not ready to forgive either of them. You’re a decorated military soldier, act like it.”

Tig had never been scared of you but right now, he knew you were done.

“And you, quit coming around Chibs trying to see me,” you said anger and hurt seeping through, “You killed us the moment you fucked her, the moment you didn’t come clean, and the moment you thought playing dumb was the way to go. Quit trying to save something that burned Alexander and us both a favor and stop trying to win me back.”

He gave a shaky nod that he’d understood. 

That done you made your way back inside ignoring your sister’s cries for you.

From then on two things happened, you and Happy grew closer. With him looking out for you closer than the other boys, and Ben made himself a more or less permanent fixture at the club house. He kept to himself most times which worried you. You feared his PTSD would be triggered bad after finding out about your sister. But to your relief, and surprise, Half-Sac had glued himself to Ben’s side.

Happy gave you an appraising look and said, “I have something to show you.”

“Oh really?” You asked with a smirk.

“Don’t you go thinking about asking what either,” he said playfully serious, “It’s a surprise.”

“Ok, fine...keep your secrets,” you said pulling yourself onto the bar top to give him a quick peck.

Before he could pull you over you looked over his shoulder at Opie who was caveman carrying your sister out of the bar.

“I’m not sure if I'm surprised or disappointed,” you said honestly, “Question is if she was here for Ben or if she was looking for familiar pastures.”

Happy gave her a look and noticed Half-Sac consoling Ben, “I think she was here for the soldier.”

“For all her hot bloodedness, (S/N) really did love him,” you said with a sigh letting Happy pull you over the bar top and onto his lap, “Doesn’t excuse what she did though.”

He nodded agreeing with your assessment and said, “You are off as of now little girl.”

“Oh am I really,” you said with a teasing grin, “Says who?”

Happy growled lowly in your ear giving your exposed thigh a firm smack.

It had been some time since you’ve felt this publicly and openly loved. Tig would love on you like a bitch in heat, but this tenderness was something you’d not experienced since the beginning of that relationship. The blend of hot and tender you got from Happy is something else.

“Stand up little girl,” he said after he finished his beer.

You nodded to Half-Sac who understood and took over giving you a saucy wink as you stood and let Happy drag you to the garage of the clubhouse where the boys’ personal vehicles were.

“Pull the cover of that one in the back,” he said nodding a tarp covered car.

You did as told and pulled the cover to reveal something akin to Dom Toretto’s Dodge Charger. 

“How–” You started to ask your eyes wide in awe and wonder.

“Trust me you don't wanna know,” Happy said seriously.  

“Did you kill someone for this?” You asked seriously, you were not about to accept blood money or anything of the sort if it came through the club’s less than stellar dealings.

“No!” He said loudly in alarm, “I just...Uh, it was one of my first fixers.”

You gave him an astonished look.

“You’re giving me, one of your...” You looked at the sleek black 70s car in shock, “You can’t give me this.”

“Why not? You’re my woman now,” he said seriously walking to you slowly pinning you against the car, “And as my woman...I will treat you like the queen you deserve to be treated as.”

You gasped as your butt hit the side of the car.

“And may your queen make a request?” You asked breathlessly.

“Hm.”

You took a hand that was at your hip and put on your cloth covered mound.

“I need you,” you said before gasping as he applied pressure as he ran his and over you.

“Here?” He asked eyes burning with desire.

You smirked and said, “I’ve a surprise for you. Why don’t you pull down these shorts and find out what it is?”

He smirked and yanked your biker shorts down to reveal you wearing nothing underneath.

“This for me?” he asked running his middle finger along your outer folds.

You nod with a sigh that turned into a full moan as you felt it slip between them and tease your entrance and clit.

“So wet already little girl?” He asked as he felt the wetness.

You nod and moaned loudly as ran a finger over your clit.

“I want to hear you scream,” he said sultrily as he pressed open mouth kisses on your neck.

And scream you would, he pushed you onto the side of the car and made quick work of his pants before pulling one of your legs over his hip.

Twin moans escaped echoed as he entered you for the first time.

“Harder daddy,” you moaned as he gave an experimental thrust.

He happily obliged and kicked up the pace while at it.

You held on for dear life as kicked up the pace, the sounds of moans and wet kisses taking over you as you felt your pleasure build. 

Unbeknownst to the two of you, the boys were having a moment. Tig looked like someone had blown up his bike, Jax was on the floor laughing, Opie and Bobby were as red as tomatoes the older of the two murmuring about not having the health strength to handle hearing the woman he considers his kid fucking one of his brothers. 

“Look’s like she found her match then,” Chibs said with a snigger.

Tig threw him dirty look.

“What!? Sorry to say this brotha but while you may have fucked her...Hap’s fucking her up,” Juice said in complete honesty. 

Bobby rolled his eyes and left before he punched someone a new hole.

Half-Sac and Ben shared knowing looks as Sac nuzzled Ben’s neck.

“Happy,” you gasped as you panted.

“Looks like she doesn’t like white man dick,” the young man said matter of factly.

This only made Jax laugh harder and Tig look even more devastated.

“You gonna come for me girl?” He asked reaching between the two of you to rub clit.

You came with a scream.

Ben gave a low whistle and said, “I met (S/N) through (Y/N) in college, (Y/N) was a wild woman I swear on my daddy’s grave. SO much so she invited me to bed with one of her best friends....Now I’m not saying I'd jump her cuz I see her as sister but son of a bitch do I regret not joining that particular duo.”

Half-Sac whistled and pulled ben to where his dorm was grinning from ear to ear saying, “Oh this daddy is mine.”

Chibs went to Tig and said, “The next time the good lord gives you the privilege of being with a good woman to fuck it up ya feck.”

[pretend-writer]

Down Below (Chapter 70)

Summary: After being sent down on Earth with the other prisoners from the Ark, Y/N Reyes faces series of events and learns about survival. With new things happening around her, she is now starting a new chapter in her life.

Pairing: Bellamy Blake x reader, John Murphy x reader, Raven Reyes x sister!reader

Word Count: 2.2k words

Warning: swearing, injuries

✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤

As I opened my eyes, I felt a massive headache as if I had too much to drink the night before. Not to mention the body ache from the force field I ran into was still there.

Clarke still chained, she noticed I woke up. 'Surprised you went to sleep, looked like you had a good nap.'

'Yeah.' I've tried to think of a good memory while I fought off the thoughts in my head. Moments with John that we had before we were locked in the skybox, the times I spent with Raven. Bellamy crossed my mind occasionally too; Even the Red Sun didn't help me forget about him.

She stared at me, 'Are you mad at me about something?'

'I'm sorry I'm a bit tired from fighting off the Red Sun, Clarke. I totally forgot to start an argument about how you love to abandon your people.'

It was out of pocket I know; Monty promised us to be better, to restore our humanity back. I knew out of everyone, I had a lot of work to do. Having Clarke beside me didn't make it any better, she continued to betray her family. I was a monster but at least I had Wonkru's back.

Clarke rolled her eyes and sighed, 'Shouldn't have asked.'

'Thought you knew by now.' I left a remark before I tossed her her keys to her chain. She threw mine back at me and I unchained myself from the wall.

Then I remembered the encounter I had with John before I came back; leaving Clarke by herself, I instantly rushing to the pond right outside the castle. I squeezed through the crowd of people, they weren't our people but my mind was too busy I didn't care. I eventually got to the middle of the crowd that was surrounding Bellamy and John.

My eyes widened as I saw John laying unconsciously, black veins popping out of his pale skin. I kneeled next to him, caressing his cheek and hoping that he'd wake up soon. 'W-what happened?'

'I don't know, I just woke up next to him like this.' Bellamy panicked, barely getting the words out of his mouth.

'Maybe I can help.' A deep voice came from behind me. It was a man with fancy clothes walking this way. 'We have something that can revive him.'

'Re-revive? So he's dead?' My mind went blank as I stared at this man. There were so many thoughts running through my head. Who were these people and can I trust them? Can I really believe that John was dead?

Another man followed behind this fancy man, he seemed to be the doctor. As he pulled out a snake from inside his bag, he kneeled next to me. 'May I?'

My heart thumped fast, scared that I might of lost John for good. I didn't know who these people were but I had no other choice; It was better than not helping him at all.

'Please, help him.' I begged, taking a step back from him to give these people some space.

Watching John breathless and unconscious killed me; I think that this was when I realized I really loved him.

It hurt to think that I would spend the days without him, not only did I love him but he was my best friend. He was with me through everything, beginning with the days when we were up in the Ark to literally yesterday when he helped me through The Red Sun.

I needed him with me. The man pulled out a rather large orange snake from his bag, putting it closer to Murphy. The snake rattled, showing its sharp teeth as it slowly crawled onto his skin.

From the moment the snake touched him, the black veins disappeared and eventually left John's skin unmarked. The snake actually worked, I thought to myself.

Murphy inhaled, coughing as he tried to catch his breath. He became somewhat conscious but he wasn't opening his eyes. All that mattered at this moment was that he was alive again.

'John, oh my-' I caressed his face, kissing his cheek over and over again. Happy tears rolled down my eyes, so relieved that I didn't lose him.

'If you don't mind, I would like to speak with you all inside. I'll have my people bring this gentleman in.' The man with the fancy outfit asked.

I nodded my head, getting up as I smiled at him. 'Yes, of course. Thank you for saving him.'

✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤

'So what's the plan?' Clarke asked, her arms crossed as we stood in a circle.

'Make sure you don't talk for starters.' I joked but was half way serious. 'Last time around, you sided with the fucking psychopath and nearly got us killed.'

'Oh, I don't remember siding with you Skafaiya.' She commented back. She was lucky that side of me was gone, otherwise she would've been stabbed on her foot before she could say "Madi."

I looked over at her and flashed a sarcastic smile. 'Every time you're involved, something backfires. You're the reason why Earth is gone.'

'No, you and Octavi-'

'Guys, guys.' Echo stood between us, 'We have to make sure we know what we're talking about before these people show up.'

'She's right, we have to make sure they like us enough to take us in.' Shaw agreed with Echo.

Emori chuckled. 'After hearing everything that we've done, I hardly believe that's going to happen.'

Bellamy rolled his eyes. 'This is our one and only chance. Let's be on our best behavior, alright?'

Looking over at John, I watched him lying on the bed that the people prepared for him. He seemed fine but the fear of him not coming back didn't leave my mind. I already had Marcus that was severely injured that may not survive, I couldn't lose John too.

The man who seemed like the leader type walked in, the same man that offered to help John. With him came a bunch of people, most likely body guards of some sort.

'So what brings you guys here to my palace?'

I stepped in, scratching my head as I felt nervous. 'Well, we came from Earth and then we found this place after being in cryo for years. We landed and we were looking around to see if it’s habitable. Then we stumbled upon this place and well, you know the rest.'

'Earth? Wow. I haven't heard about Earth in ages.' The man smiled, 'The name is Russell and I can try to make arrangements for you all to stay. I'd first like to have a meeting to get to know you all better.'

'Before that sir, there's something you might want to know.’ Clarke stepped up, scratching her head as she let out a nervous laugh. ‘We aren’t the only ones that landed out here.’

'How many of you are out there?'

She sighed, 'Over 200.'

Russell let out a breath. 'We can't take that many, we don't even know if we can take you guys in. For all we know, you could be criminals escaping Earth.'

'Ha, that'll be crazy right?' Shaw commented sarcastically, scooting near me as Russell looked over at him.

'Can we perhaps talk to our people back in our ship, see what we can do.' I added. It was nice that they were offering their own place but who knows what these people are. Last time we landed on someone's territory, people died.

He nodded, agreeing to what I had offered. 'I don't see why not. While you guys do that, I can maybe show some of you around Sanctum. Worst thing that can happen is that we become neighbors, right?'

Bellamy stepped in, smiling to convince the man. 'That sounds like a great idea, I'll take a few with me back to the ship.'

I walked over to Clarke, whispered in her ear to make sure she heard me but no one else did. 'You guys make sure we're not dealing with psychos.'

'That's what they're probably saying about you.' Clarke made a snarky comment. I chose to ignore, I was tired of her judgement when she had no room to talk. 'Why do I have to do it?'

'Because I need to go back and make sure Marcus is okay. Is that a problem? Or are you tempted to blow this place up as well?'

Clarke rolled her eyes, 'What about Murphy?'

'John seems like he's getting better, besides I know Emori won't let anyone mess with him so I feel safer going back to the ship.'

'Okay, go do what you got to do.'

Turning to Bellamy, I tapped him on his forearm. 'I'm ready to go.'

Bellamy looked over at Murphy, then back to me. 'What about him?'

'What about him?' I asked back, replying back with a bit of pettiness. There was no need to ask about my relationship between me and John. He lost the right to know when he decided to betray me.

He got the hint as he bit his lip and looked down on the ground. It's been a while since I've saw him sad and guilty, the last time I did was when he thought Pike had executed me.

Walking pass him and out the door back outside, I prepared for another yet long walk back to our ship.

✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤  ·  ✤

Going back to the ship felt like forever. My body was in pain from the force field and not to mention my leg wasn't completely healed from when I got shot by McCreary's men back at the gorge. It didn't also help that the people I was walking with were Bellamy and Echo.

I tried to put my distance between the two of them, sticking next to Shaw as much as I can as we trailed from behind. They would mumble something amongst each other as well but I had to pretend that I didn't give a shit. I hated that I was curious about what they were talking about.

Bellamy then stopped, waiting for me to catch up to them as he eventually started walking next to me. Reading the signs, Shaw caught up with Echo, walking next to her this time.

What Shaw didn't do was read my sign, giving him the signal with my eyes that I didn't want to be left alone with Bellamy. But as polite as he was, he gave us some space.

'Reyes, I really am sorry.'

'Do you remember the conversations we had when we lived at the drop ship?'

'Of course I do.'

I sighed, 'Do you? Because I'm sick and tired of hearing your apologies. That's all I've told to you when we first met and now you're doing it all over again.'

'Tell me what I should do then. Tell me how I can be better.'

'There isn't anything you can do. It's done.'

'I don't believe that it is.'

'It's not just the kiss that I'm upset about, Blake.'

He reached for my arm, pulling me to stop me from walking. Bellamy looked me in the eyes, 'Then what is it?'

'No, I shouldn't have to spell it out for you.'

'Well, I need to know to fix what I've done wrong. That's how much I care to make this right.'

A chuckle escaped my mouth, 'You know. If you really cared from the beginning, we wouldn't be in this mess.'

His brow raised, licking his lips before he said what he said. 'You don't have any room to talk, Skafaiya.'

My nose flared, anger coming out of me. With instant instinct, I shoved Bellamy but of course he didn't budge. 'You want to get back with me and you say this type of shit, Bellamy. That's what's wrong with you.'

'You're telling me-'

Instantly cutting him off, I practically shouted at him. 'No. You want to know the difference between you and John? He doesn't judge me and the mistakes that I've made. Despite all the things I've done, he understands that I am me. He loves me for who I really am.'

Bellamy swallowed the lump in his throat, staring at me like a sad, lost puppy. I knew that he hated John, especially because of the close relationship I had with him again. But this was probably the only way he will get a proper idea in his head.

'I've never brought up your past mistakes that you've made. With that, I still loved you because in the end, I knew who you really were. I knew that the things you've done wasn't the real you, it was just a mistake that you had to learn from. So don't give me that bullshit, Blake. Stop being a fucking hypocrite.'

I took a deep breath, mostly to keep myself controlled so I wouldn't cry. I didn't want to hear another word from him, I was tired of crying and explaining myself to him. Walking in a faster pace, I left him behind by himself, catching up with Shaw and Echo. I'm pretty sure they heard all of our conversation but I was too hurt to even care. I didn't know what to do with him anymore.

[whatcouldgowrong-ohthat]

Between the Ink and Papers Ch. 7

Summary: Steve and Peggy have been divorced for a year and Sarah is still starting to find her groove in it. However, it becomes a lot easier when she and Typhanie realize it might be time for her dad to start dating again.

Pairings: tattooartist!dad!Steve x Reader, Typhanie x Sarah, Peggy x Logan, Bucky x Natasha

Between the Ink and Papers Masterlist - Masterlist to Other Works

Word Count: 1691

Warnings: Teenagers plotting

--

Death’s “Politicians In My Eyes” blared over headphones, threatening to deafen her poor ears. Not that she cared. Instead, Typhanie twirled around the kitchen and rocked from one foot to the other while waiting for the toaster to finish its attack on her poor bagel.

However, the awesome 70’s song grew quiet when her headphones were tugged off her head. She spun around, grinning when Sam held out her very burnt bagel. “Eating this will kill you.”

“Life’s all about risks.” She snatched the food right out of his hand, taking a bite before grabbing a Fanta from the fridge.

“Why’re you in such a rush?” Sam grabbed her backpack from the kitchen table, holding it out of her reach as Typhanie paused her song.

“I have a meeting with the school counselor.” With a mouth full of bagel, she shoved the last of her papers into a messy stack and shuffled them until they resembled something akin to order. Then, turning to her dad, Typhanie held out her hand. “Backpack, please.”

Sam silently raised a brow, waiting for some sort of elaboration. When none came, he shook his head and handed it over. “Be safe! And let me know if you’re hanging with Sarah after school.”

Already out the door, a muffled “got it” was the only sign she heard him.

He chuckled, looking out the window. His crazy teenager grabbed her skateboard and was already taking off. The pep in her step never wavered and god, he loved to see her smile like that. Sam pulled out his phone, taking a second to glance at the time before he muttered a soft, “Shit!”

It looked like his kid would be early, but Sam would mostly definitely be late.

--

“Ms. Y/L/N! Ms. Y/L/N!”

Y/N looked up to her open door, wondering who would be shouting her name this early in the morning. She caught sight of Typhanie sliding past the door and immediately scrambled to her feet. “Typhanie?” Y/N poked her head out as Typhanie kicked up her skateboard and tucked it under her arm. There was a giddiness to the teenager, something Y/N saw so rarely in the students she worked with. It made her smile. “You’re here because of our conversation, right?”

“Y – Yeah. I just have Speech and Debate practice later, so this is really the best time.”

Y/N’s smile faltered. Concerned, she asked, “What other school activities are you a part of?”

“Um…” Typhanie’s brow scrunched as her teeth caught her lip. “Band and StuCo. Plus I take duel credit where I can and Mr. Rogers hired me to help out at the shop when I have the time.”

“Wow.” Y/N leaned against her desk, hands braced against the edge. “Typhanie, I’ve looked at your grades. That and what you just told me, you’re doing amazing. I’m not sure why you’re worried about college. If anything, I’d be worried you’re overworking yourself.”

“I can manage this last year. That’s not a problem for me, Ms. Y/L/N.”

“Yeah, you mentioned.” Y/N walked around the table and flipped through her notes. “You’re worried about affording it, right?”

Typhanie nodded, sitting on the arm of the nearest chair. “Dad tries his best and I love him for it. I just – “ She swallowed the lump in her throat, twisting one of the many rings around her fingers. “I want to ease any sort of financial burden if there would be one.”

Y/N watched her carefully. She loved Typhanie’s determination. Her drive was impeccable. She knew exactly what she wanted and she wasn’t going to let anything get in her way. Nodding, Y/N pulled a file out of one of the desk drawers. “Then, let’s see what we can do, hm?”

--

Sarah had been hopeful ever since she and her dad had spoken about her anger. The fact that he believed in her, in Ms. Y/L/N helping them work through this, it brought a pep to her step that even her teachers noticed. They knew better than to question her about it. After all, no one wanted to be the reason for its disappearance.

However, the one person she wanted to talk to about it was Typhanie. And the girl was no where to be found this morning!

She had tried catching her at Sam’s, but she wasn’t there. Tried seeing if she’d be at the subway and there was no luck. Tried and tried and tried.

So there she was, totally surprised to find her girlfriend leaving her counselor’s office.

Definitely not something she expected to see today.

“Hey.” Concern etched her features. The pep wavered just a moment as Sarah approached Typhanie. She wasn’t even paying attention to the fact that Typhanie had a bunch of papers in hand or that she was smiling.

Girlfriend + Counselor = Concern.

That was all there was to it for Sarah. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” Sarah’s eyes flitted from her to Y/N who was pouring herself a cup of coffee and back.

Typhanie was already laughing. Sarah was too much like her dad. Protective and asking the wrong questions. “I’m fine,” she assured. “Ms. Y/L/N was just helping me with…” She shrugged, fiddling with the papers.

Sarah’s eyes drifted to the stack. On top, a list of colleges and scholarship opportunities. The wires finally connected in Sarah’s head. “You finally talked to her about college.” It wasn’t a question. It didn’t need to be. “Oh my god, you finally did it.” A cheek-hurting, face-splitting grin tugged at Sarah’s lips as she squealed. She tackled Typhanie in a hug, earning a startled laugh.

“Sarah! Oxygen,” she wheezed. But instead, she was only squeezed tighter. Startled laughter and an another attempted, “Sarah,” and yet still, there was no use. The bell rang, signaling the actual start to their day. “Babe, the bell!”

Sarah begrudgingly let go, making a point to give Typhanie that look. “We are not done with this. I swear, we are going to celebrate.”

“I haven’t even applied,” she reminded.

“I don’t care. As long as I’ve known you, this is what you’ve wanted. I’m not going to ignore it and nothing you can say will change that.”

Before Typhanie had a chance to comment on Sarah’s excitement, or even why she was in such a good mood, the blonde was kissing her cheek and running off to class. Typhanie stared for a long moment. Shocked. She looked over her shoulder - at the office that had given her so many answers. A thought crossed her mind. A rather valid one that had her wondering. Was Ms. Y/L/N was a bigger influence than any of them were realizing?

--

It wasn’t until lunch when Sarah and Typhanie actually got another moment together. Now, Sarah was much like a cat. Head in Typhanie’s lap, letting her play with her play with her hair as the much more responsible one flipped through paper after paper.

“I should’ve known you would go straight into the work part of it.” Sarah took a bite of her way-too-greasy cheese pizza. A long string stretched from food to lips before she finally gave it a good yank.

Typhanie glanced down at her. An unbecoming snort made her shoulders shake when she saw tomato sauce splattered on Sarah’s chin. She flicked her nose, earning an adorable scrunch as she teased, “And I should’ve known you’d pig out.”

Around a mouthful of food, Sarah declared, “’M hungry.”

“She’s always hungry.”

Typhanie looked up as Sarah half-assed an attempt at peering over the table. “Cassie!” Grinning like the cat that ate the canary, Sarah swung herself around so she could properly sit up. “Did you finally get a break from that stupid boyfriend?” Reaching across the table, she stole one of her friend’s French fries and shoved it in her mouth before it could be snatched right back.

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Stupid boyfriend is stupid ex-boyfriend now.”

Sarah’s nose wrinkled once more. “Gross.”

“I’m sorry, Cass. You want to talk about it?”

She shrugged, shaking her head and finally digging into her lunch before Sarah could eat it all. “Not really. Ned was a sweet guy, but there’s not really room in his whole friendship with that Parker guy.”

“Oh, yeah. Isn’t that the kid interning at Uncle Tony’s?”

Though the question was innocent enough, Typhanie turned to face Sarah. She pointed at her, a determined, “No,” putting a stop to any schemes Sarah could come up with.

“What?”

“Just no.”

Sarah huffed, shoulders slumping as Cassie giggled. An irritated whine left her lips, but everyone knew that Typhanie had won the non-argument.

“Jeez, you two are too good together. It’s gross.”

Typhanie shrugged, smiling. “I don’t mind it.”

“Well, yeah, of course you don’t! Everyone wants someone they can share – “ Cassie gestured to…well, all of them. “- That with.”

It was meant as a joke. Simple teasing between friends, really, but Cassie and Typhanie could practically see the lightbulb blip over Sarah’s head. “Cass, you crazy genius.”

“What’d I do?”

Sarah turned to face Typhanie this time. “Ms. Y/L/N really helped you with the college thing, right?”

Typhanie shrugged, taking a sip of her water. “Yeah, I guess.”

“And she’s helping me with my anger. She’s already met my whole family and knows their shit. Dad actually thinks she’s cool. In fact, Dad thinks she could be a huge help for us.”

Cassie waved a hand in the air, feeling very much like the kid in class who simply didn’t get it. “What am I missing here?”

And like always, Typhanie was quick to catch up. “No.  Don’t you even – “

“I’m evening. I’m going there. You can’t stop me.” Sarah was already gathering her things and getting up.

Typhanie had no choice, but to watch as the dominoes lined up and chaos prepared to unfold. It was then she saw it. That pep in her step. Excited and unwavering, Sarah headed inside like a woman on a mission.

“Typh, what’s going on?”

She spared Cassie a glance and shook her head. “Believe me, I’m not even sure I want to know.”

[adventures-or-death]

Road Trip Notes 8/24 Thur 8/28

Covid put the kibosh on visiting my Dad in Florida so we canceled our flights, hotel and rental car and made a last minute decision to go on a road trip instead. It wasn't hard to figure out where to go because we love the beach and have road tripped from Las Vegas to California many times before. Our last road trip was to Newport Beach, California, which was nice, but it was crowded and touristy. Before the Newport trip we went to San Diego and stayed at the Hampton Inn near Seaworld, but the location was too far from the beach and I didn't feel good about the crackheads running around outside 24/7. We always take our dog with us on road trips. The last time we visited San Diego we found Dog Beach, which is a huge off leash beach dog park located in Ocean Beach. Shooter loved it and we loved watching him and all the dogs play in the sand and swim in the ocean. So going to San Diego again was almost a no brainer for us. I booked an Airbnb a couple blocks from Ocean Beach, which is right next to Dog Beach.

The goal for this trip was to chill out. No running around seeing the sights. We’ve done that before in San Diego. It's a gorgeous place and I love seeing the sights, but this time I needed some time to decompress.

Day 1

We arrived, plopped our bags on the bed and took the dog for a walk to get the lay of the land. Before going, I did a little research about Ocean Beach and learned that the town of Ocean Beach was laid out in the late 1800’s, but it didn’t really take off until the first decade of the 1900’s when electricity and paved roads arrived. It became a big vacation haven until the depression hit in the 1920’s. The town tanked for a while, but the 50’s came along and the population exploded. The 60’s brought in a heavy hippy surfer vibe, which still strongly remains today. I’ve been told that Ocean Beach is one of the only original California surf towns left in California that hasn’t changed all that much since the 60’s. The town motto is “Keep Ocean Beach Weird.” Perfect for us!

We left the cottage, walked the dog two blocks to the beach, made a right, and just past the rocks, Dog Beach begins. Dog Beach is one of the country’s first beaches for dogs to run freely off leash. Not many rules apply at Dog Beach except you must pick up your dog’s poop and make sure your pup behaves well with other dogs and humans. We’ve been to Dog Beach a couple times on past road trips and have never seen a vicious dog fight. Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes zip around the beach in harmony. It's fun to watch them smash in to waves while fetching balls and playing with each other in the water. After watching surfers ride in waves and exhausted Shooter with exercise and play, we made our way back to the cottage. Before going inside, I hosed Shooter down with fresh water and did the best I could to get the sand out of his coat. Once cleaned up, I went inside to do some organizing. The first thing I noticed when entering the Airbnb was the heat. I looked for the air conditioner right away and that's when I realized there wasn't one. How did I overlook this detail? I looked down and saw a small box fan and let out a laugh. Seriously? I looked up and there was one ceiling fan over the main bed. Oops! Thankfully San Diego weather is perfect almost all year around, but the heat inside the place was really noticeable. I also noticed no television. Great! I can't stand the TV on while on vacation. The place was quirky to say the least. It was decorated in a cute beachy way and had two queen beds, a kitchenette and a bathroom. The shower was almost too tiny for Mark to fit in to it. We laughed. Ocean Beach is old! The cottage floors sloped and felt spongy in some places. Outside we had a big picnic table, umbrella, barbecue and a thankfully we had a dedicated parking space in the back (This is extremely important in Ocean Beach). After unpacking and turning the fans on full blast, we walked a few blocks to a Mediterranean food truck for dinner. The falafel was great! We brought the food back to our picnic table and sat outside in the cool salty air talking the rest of the night away.

Shooter G.

Beach Cottage

Day 2

Went to breakfast at Day Break Island Grill on Bacon street. I had sourdough waffles and Mark ordered an omelette. We were the only customers so I worried about the quality of the food. Turns out the food was amazing. So much so that we went the next day and I ordered some delicious peanut butter, banana chocolate oat bread breakfast thingy that I wanted to eat every day for the rest of my life. The staff was laid back and super friendly. Businesses in Ocean Beach encourage you to bring your dog. It's probably the most dog friendly town I've ever been to. As soon as we walked in to the restaurant they plopped down a water bowl for Shooter and gave out menus for us and our dog. They have a doggie menu! I love that. After breakfast we changed and went to the beach. The Pacific Ocean is cold. Mark went in up to his waist and waded for a while. I stayed by our chairs and watched the world go by. The beach is my happy place. I practically grew up on a beach, so whenever I get the chance, that’s where I’m going. We walked Shooter in to the waves and all along the coastline. It was a pretty day.

After the beach we returned to the house, showered, rested for a while and went out for seafood. Shooter is the most well behaved boy! We're so lucky. He quietly lays under the table and watches things while we eat. After dinner we spent the majority of the time outside at the picnic benches then went to bed. The sun wore us out! Thankfully the cottage cools when the sun goes down.

Day 3 We went back to Day Break Island Grill and chatted with the waitress again. She was telling us about the town and how most of the people there aren't tourists. She said some of the homes are Airbnb's, but most are either owned or regular yearly rentals. It made sense because the area didn't feel touristy to me. It's extremely laid back and really quite. I expected it to be rowdy at night because I assumed all of the houses were vacation rentals, but I was wrong. You could hear a pin drop outside once the sun goes down. After the beach we grabbed some lemonade and walked through a tent festival where a bunch of legit hippies were selling all sorts of weird shit that only made sense to them. They had a giant bongo circle where twenty or so people slapped bongos while smoking giant blunts. The smell of patchouli oil was strong and the smoke was thick. I felt old. After getting a contact high at the festival we walked to the pier and around town to check out the sights. I didn't see one big box store. It was like the town was frozen in time at that 70's peak surf town time. Perfect.

Got home, took showers and slathered on as much lotion as possible to keep my skin from leathering. We hung out at our picnic table and talked a lot again. Yay for no television! Eventually beachy breezes fanned us to sleep.

Day 4

No matter how much sun block I slathered on to my body, I still managed to get a sunburn. I didn't bring an umbrella from home, but I still wanted to go to the beach. It was our last day! I called a couple surf shops and none of them rented umbrellas. Why would they? I took a shot and called an equipment rental place and they told me that they had one umbrella, but they didn't rent it out. They must have heard the desperation in my voice because they broke down and rented it to me for 15 bucks for 24 hours. Yes! The place was within walking distance so I picked it up. It was one of those big half dome umbrellas that you pitch like a tent. Even better! Mark wanted to check out Coronado Beach. We ran out of time the last time we were in San Diego so we gathered everything up and spent the day there. Coronado Beach sand has a mineral in it that makes the sand sparkle like there are diamonds in it. It's beautiful. The town is ridiculously rich. Nothing like Ocean Beach at all. The homes are in the multi-millions. Ridiculous. We pitched our half dome tent and went for a really long walk along the shoreline. Everything sparkled. The waves were big. Many were out swimming in the chilly Pacific. After our walk, we hung out under our half dome for a long time talking. Mark went in for a swim while I zoned out. Towards the end of our stay, we went for another long walk in the opposite direction. I didn't want to leave. Got back to the cottage in the late afternoon/early evening, took showers and walked to dinner to a Thai fusion place in Ocean Beach. The food was great. The air cooled down our sunburns. We ate outside and watched people pass. Shooter was under our table and was being the goodest boy. Sadness sunk in towards the end of our meal because we knew it was our last night. We had to go back to the Airbnb and pack up for an early departure the next morning.

We'll definitely go back to Ocean Beach. I hope the town stays the just the way it is and doesn't turn in to one of those instagram tourist traps.

Thank you for a great time Ocean Beach!

[snkpolls]

SnK Chapter 130 Results

The chapter poll closed with 1775 responses. This month’s poll results were brought to you by u/staraves, Crunchwrap, Luna, Momtaku and Giovata! Thank you to everyone for your support!

RATE THE CHAPTER

Maybe it was finally getting Eren’s POV, or maybe it was finally seeing the rumbling in nine glorious double page spreads. Either way “Dawn for Humanity” was very well received with close to 70% giving it the highest possible rating, marking this the most acclaimed chapter since chapter 123.

Beautifully drawn and written. I like the teasing of Eren's PoV

Good to see some Eren and Historia (finally!!) but the lack of answers is really hurting my heart, cmon yama!!

Epic chapter, amazing artwork. And astonishingly, with 5-6-7 chapters left i still don't know where this is going.

Definitely in my top ten best chapters. The ending was gloriously horrifying to read. Also, we finally got some Historia content, which is a big plus.

Cool as hell chapter.

I feel like this chapter wasn’t that great. It kind of gave way to more speculation without giving many concrete answers. The things that it DID answer felt like stating the obvious.

Tease me more, daddy Isayama

This chapter most likely is the best i've ever seen. So many answers and sooo many questions left behind. This chapter directs us to think about the previous chapters and obviously ISAYAMA'S THOUGHTS. That thing makes me happy. I'm very grateful.

Death is on its way, ladies and gents. Also the end is almost here. What the fuck is going on? I just want some answers about  E V E R Y T H I N G (especially about Eren's psyche).

Is there a singular word for the feeling of a mosquito bite?

  WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT?

“The revelation of Eren’s freaky final boss form” was our favorite moment (22.7%) followed by “Eren’s POV finally! Sort of?” (15.8%) and “The rumbling! At last!” (13.4%). “Historia and Eren’s tense discussion on the farm” came in fourth (11.6%).

Fuck yes! Erens back!

Our Queen has finally returned!

The whole chapter was building up to the reveal of Eren's titan form, and I enjoyed it.

Finally back at our one and only true hero Eren.

SWIMMER TITANS ARE NOW THE GOLD MEDALIST FOR THE SWIMMING CATEGORY IN OLYMPICS 2020 special edition

FINNALY HISU POV, even if it’s just a flashback. Honestly I’m just happy to see her again, becuase she’s my favorite character, and even if the flashback gives more questions than answers.

loved zeke-eren bro talk

everyone who thought that Floch was lying in charter 125 are 🤡🤡🤡

reiner tiddies

  WHO WAS THIS CHAPTER'S MVP?

“The colossal synchronized swim team” made an impressive showing (28.5%) but their majestic moves across the ocean were not enough to topple Eren (53.6%) for chapter MVP. Historia (8.1%), Zeke (5%), and Annie (3.5%) also received some love.

EREN IS THE GOAT

Eren is the worst boy in the world.

EREN JAEGER GENOCIDAL MANIAC

I really missed Historia, so it was nice to see her.

can the rumbling start a synchronized aquatic dance?

  WHAT DOES THE CHAPTER TITLE "DAWN FOR HUMANITY" REFER TO?

I thought of it as some sort of "End of the world" titling.

Dunno; but it doesn't really work if the rest of the world gets rumbled, does it?

I want to see the japanese title to decide

Eren wants to kill “animals” to give a new life to “humanity”

A dawn, or a beginning of a new day, has arrived. Whether this new day is a good or a bad one for humanity, we do not yet know. Everything is still possible, but once this day is over, the world as we know it is no longer here, for better or worse.

A new age for humanity is incoming. The story will end as a tragedy with Eren achieving his goal.

Dawn means the start of the day. So I think the start of the rumbling will be the start of humanity for this world. I think we started to see this with the world fleet being there to try stop eren. I believe every country is helping people flee regardless of race. Maybe I'm just too idealistic.

Ce chapitre fait reference au fait qu’eren est pret a tout pour sauver ses amis

Eren will achieve his goal (end the cycle of hatred)

Hope for humanity outside the walls. Dawn for me is something like hope, even if today was a bad day, tomorrow, after dawn, things might get better. Maybe the Warriors-Paradis alliance will somehow reach Eren and stop the Rumbling?

dunno but got the vibes of ‘it’s darkest before the dawn’ might be a tip for a change coming

Eren has now officially started eradicating the world and also it's dark ideas against people on paradise and conquering freedom for his people and that is why this moment onwards is "the dawn of humanity "

Dawn for Eldians to be exact. Dusk for Marleyans.

Finally defeating Eren, ending the curse of Ymir and freeing everyone from the shadow of Titan powers.

Dawn of Terror? Dawn of "What The FUCK Is That??" Dawning that the remaining places of humanity are to be trampled?

It could refer to a ""dawn"" for the alliance, who intend for neither side of the conflict to be eradicated, as they believe everyone is part of ""humanity"". Despite their deliberation at the beginning of the chapter, the fact that they're finally setting sail to stop Eren is testament that they've not lost their hope in the pursuit of this ideal, hence they can be interpreted to be the ""dawn"".

Eldians in Paradis Island being free from the wrath of outsiders and being avenged

I think it refers to a new beginning a new start for the eldians living on the island or it can be used as an ironic way that the humanity outside the walls is going to end so it's complete destruction hence the beginning of the new cycle

The Rumbling & Historia's child, humanity's destruction and its rebirth

Continuation of "End's Eve" as this is the dawn of the day where humanity fights for its continued existence

"Dawn" refers to Humanity's realisation of many things. Eg: how Eldia is not a weak nation, how the Rumbling wasn't a lie, how people are people and they are all the same - wanting to live and shedding the same blood no matter what nationality they have. "Humanity" refers to those still alive and realizing these things.

Dawn of the final day - 24 hours remain

  WHAT ARE THE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF ANNIE DECIDING SHE'S TIRED OF FIGHTING AND NO LONGER WANTS TO STOP EREN?

Despite learning that her hometown is doomed, just over half of respondents feel confident Annie will stay the course and continue to work with the alliance. Among the rest of responses, 27.4% think this will trigger Annie’s exodus, selecting “Annie will leave the alliance and try to be with her father,” 16.9% believe this will cause Annie to do something stupid resulting in her death, and lastly 4% of the fandom believe this bad news will trigger Annie’s homicidal instincts causing her to switch sides and join Eren.

Annie saying she didn't want to have to be prepared to fight mikasa, Connie, armin, jean, Reiner and eren again made me feel sad for her ;-;

I just wanna say that it wouldn't make any sense for Isayana to bring Annie back and then write her out so it's obvious she will continue in the alliance lol (but I don't really agree with any of the options offered, I think she will decide by herself to stay)

Poor Annie's breakdown made me feel terrible for her. I still think she wants to leave but I think there are chances of the Warriors and/or Armin convincing her to stay and fight. As one of the nine shifters, she kinda has the responsibility to fight, even if she doesn't want to, and I get completely why she doesn't want to, poor thing. I have a sneaky suspicion that she might choose Porco's way out and we might yet see a new holder of the Female Titan power. :(

  WHAT WILL BE THE FATES OF THE ELDIANS IN LIBERIO, SPECIFICALLY THE WARRIORS' FAMILIES?

When asked about the residents of Liberio and the fate of the Warriors’ families, a combined 58% believe that they are alive for the moment selecting that they were evacuated (39.3%) or else managed to escape (18.4%). Close to 30% aren’t so optimistic, believing Liberio is flattened and they are dead. We also had plenty of write in responses:

They are going to die, but I can see Annie meeting her father and die together in each others arm by the rumbling. It's sad I know, but it would be a fitting end for both of them :(

They are probably arrive. Either they overcame the Marleyan authorities that tried to surpress, or The Rumbling avoided Liberio entirely. I just doubt they would kill off Mr. Leonhardt offscreen.

They may have started to fight the Marleyans and then ended up flattened by the titans since they didn't escape earlier.

They took a ship to the south and we will meet them including Reiner's family  and Mr. Leonhart.

Am I supposed to feel sorry for these people? I don't. The Warriors don't deserve happy endings for everything they have done.

Bands of survivors have made it out but Annie will meet her dad when he is dead or dying

some died while revolting, some are alive, annie's dad is wounded

They're currently fineish because Eren didn't go where Hange was expecting, hence why all their estimations have been off

I mean, they must be alive somehow. It seemed  that there were only soldiers in Liberio and the others evacuated so I'm hopeful that at least Annie's father survived

I want to have hope ;-;

I just want Annie to see her father again, and for Reiner to get what he wants.

What if the city Eren attacked isn't Liberio? I feel like it's too important to be flattened just like that (thematical resonance + too many side-characters like Eren's own grandfather are there) and we're being misled about the place Eren is attacking.

  HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT HISTORIA'S STANCE ON THE RUMBLING?

Many of us had expectations about Historia going into this chapter. Her initially disagreeing outright with the rumbling but seemingly giving in was a surprise to 8.4% who thought she would have been all for it all along, and 19.9% who never expected her to agree with it at all. 6.4% of you expected her to do the opposite of what is implied, with agreeing at first but changing her mind in the conversation, while 23.3% reported expecting the exact turn of events. However, a huge 41.5% of you aren’t taking everything at face value and do not believe Historia does or has ever supported the rumbling.

  DO YOU BELIEVE EREN IS THE FATHER?

After almost 2 years of the fandom fighting over the identity of Historia’s baby daddy, this chapter has finally definitively proven that… we still know nothing. Nonetheless, the narrowly winning belief (37%) is that Eren is the father, closely followed by those who believe he is not the father (34.4%). Some are unsure what to make of the situation (18.2%), and some of you don’t care enough to speculate (10.4%).

there is a TON of hints, him being the father makes prefect sense.

i will bet on my freedom that eren is the father

Historia x Eren ftw!

Eren being the father would be the most meaningful for both the story, as well as for Eren and Historia and their chemistry together if you ask me, though I can accept otherwise.

Whoever disagrees eren is the father doesn't read the manga seriously

I have not any positive thoughts about Eren-Historia's flashback. Just pain, I feel pain for her. I don't get the point to destroy her character like that.

I really hope Eren isn’t the father — it just doesn’t seem right.

I don't believe Eren is the father since it will contradict what he said to Zeke: "I'm only left with 4 years"

Sorry shippers, I don't think we'll ever get a straight answer about who's the father. But I kinda prefer it that way, because then we'll each get to decide what we thinks is correct.

IF YOU DONT STOP THIS I WANNA MAKE BABIES WITH YOU

Still don't care about who's the father

Who is the father?

  HOW HAVE YOUR FEELINGS ON THIS CHANGED DUE TO THIS CHAPTER?

35% went into the chapter thinking Eren was not the father and 30% believing he was, with this chapter doing nothing to change their minds. For those who were affected, this chapter influenced 14.2% to join the team #DaddyEren and 5.6% to burn their membership card. The remaining 15% don’t care enough to speculate.

If Eren is the father, I think it's possible Historia wanted his baby to keep a part of him with her after the rumbling is over, or perhaps it was an attempt to make him want to come back when he's done or even not commit genocide.

why does everyone keep saying Eren is the Father confirmed? There is literally no evidence to support that, and it actually contradicts Erens statement when Zeke discusses Mikasas feelings towards him.

I just want Eren to be the father

Historia's pregnancy smacks of her own plan but I'm not sure Eren is on board with it.

I want confirmation on the father cause if it's not eren ima be pissed off

don't care who the father is, whole world is ending.

I can't stand the mystery surrounding Historia's pregnancy anymore, this is worse than serum bowl.

WHO THE FUCK IS THE FATHER

  SO THEN WHAT'S THE REAL DEAL WITH HISTORIA'S PREGNANCY?

“What’s the deal with Historia’s pregnancy?” Jerry Seinfeld asks. But we cannot answer – we can only sustain ourselves on memes and ship wars. Despite Eren and Historia’s somewhat uneasy conversation, a solid third of you are still pretty sure that Eren is the baby’s father. A little over a fifth of you think she did the dirty with Farmer-kun instead. And another fifth is convinced something else is going on (watermelon baby?), but aren’t sure what. Some of you scream to the sky, sick of all the drama. And a few of you wouldn’t rule out a baby created through PATHS. It might be Ymir’s doing! No, not that Ymir. THAT Ymir.

Historia is playing 5d chess I just know it. I just don't know how yet

Why'd Historia act like that if Eren wasn't the father?

ymir is the father

Eren has to be the father for the good dev of eren & historia characters

I really hope the pregnancy thing is just a red herring, but it wouldn't be the first-time Isayama appealed to fan-service if not.

If I see more speculation on whether Eren is the father I'm gonna puke. I mean how about focus on the real story? Like how the world is about to be destroyed??

We need more Historia. We literally need her POV for the story to make sense right now. I can't believe that with ""5% of the plot"" left Isayama is *still* pulling this all this time? There *has* to be more.

I always knew Mikasa was the father

  WHY DO YOU THINK HISTORIA IS PROPOSING A PREGNANCY?

Despite a majority of respondents believing the pregnancy is authentic, there is no consensus as to why Historia would propose it. The most popular answer when asked was “I don’t know” (32.2%). The remainder of the fandom is split between Historia proposing the pregnancy in support of Eren (23.1%), as part of an alternative plan (21%) or as an act of defiance against Eren (17.6%). Only a small percentage (6.1%) believe she actually wants a child.

What the hell is the pregnancy for? It doesnt make any sense for Historia to suggest that all of a sudden

How did getting eren and historia's conversation make things more confusing😔Like what went through historia's mind when she thought of having a baby i-

What if the "what if I have a child" scene with Historia actually happened EARLIER than the rest of the conversation? It would explain why they switched places, and if Eren really is the father, would explain why he feels he has such a say in Historia's child's future ("even if you agree, I don't" ) , and why when he spoke about the MPs he said "WE have two options: fight or run". It would also give him a  motivation to oppose his friends, since they are trying to stop him.

I don't see his conversation with Historia in romantic light. She was scared of him and Eren was trying to manipulate her with her own words about being ""the worst girl on the world"". We still miss some important parts of their conversation, but if she agreed to help him because he reminded her how ""the worst girl"" she was, then I would be very disappointed. I saw her as strong woman and I hope she will not turn to be a mild sheep who isn't brave enough to follow Ymir's wish and ""live her life with pride"" (or ""live sticking her chest out"").

I have no idea for which purpose Historia want to become pregnant, but I'm glad that I was right that she decide it for herself and doesn't get forced at all!

Historia has a trick up her sleeve and I can't wait to see what it is.

  WE LEARNED WHAT ZEKE REALLY TOLD EREN ABOUT THE ACKERBOND. ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH EVERYTHING WE HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THE ACKERMAN CLAN?

75% of the fandom wants more resolution to the Ackermysteries with 38.4% wanting MOAR and 32.3% wanting at least a little more. Only 22.3% are satisfied with the ackercrumbs we’ve been tossed and 7% have no opinion.

love guru zook

ackerman bond means LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!! sweet for all ackerman related shippers ohhhh

I'm satisfied to see yet another example of people trying to pin eren's BS onto zeke (with the ackerman theories) be proven completely wrong

Mikasa's charachter wouldve been a lot more interesting if her ackerman genes had an effect on her decision making and her trying to overcome them would be a lot more intriguing to see. Instead it turned out to be some lovey dovey pancake bullshit. I mean what would Zeke even know about Mikasa??

WHAT IS UP WITH HISTORIAS PREGNANCY AND ACKERMANS BLOOD AHHHHH

I think the fact that the Ackermans can access the Paths without being shifters is going to be super relevant. My pet theory is that Mikasa will be able to cross into the Paths dimension to kill Eren and truly free Ymir Fritz, but let's see how that goes.

  HOW ACCURATE WAS ZEKE'S ASSESSMENT OF MIKASA'S FEELINGS TOWARD EREN?

One of the few areas of agreement in this chapter was with Zeke’s assessment of Mikasa’s feelings towards Eren. Close to 80% think that despite having never met Mikasa in person, Zeke correctly understands that Mikasa’s concern for Eren has little to do with genetics and everything to do with reasons of the heart. However, the majority of people who took the option of writing in their answer cited both as a factor in Mikasa’s bond.

Eren, when your sadistic and bloodthirsty big bro can see how much Mikasa loves you, you probably should take it seriously lol

Zeke. Is. Big. Bro

He's a lying liar who lies.

usually when panels sway to the right, they are true, so I believe this is the case.

Did anybody honestly not already know this? We learned nothing new from this as far as I'm concerned.

Mikasa really cares for Eren but the Ackerman genes amplify her love for him.

Everybody's emotional attachments have some basis in biology. It doesn't make them any less real or meaningful

we learn Zeke ships eremika 🤔unexpected but naice

The ackerman blood does boost her physical abilities but i believe it doesn't affect her mentally (she probably has ptsd and seperation anxiety)

What is between Eren and Mikasa?There is something we still Dont know.I wish for more Mikasa....

I think the bond itself is clearly related to her trauma but the intensity of it probably has more to do with her Ackerman genes

Both ? Even tho Ackerman genes could have a big part in it

I think Mikasa loves Eren but it's not JUST romantic or JUST familial.

Her devotion is strong on its own- but her Ackerman abilities definitely have played a role in her saving his ass all these years.

Very accurate, he is Love Master Zook.

Only  a fool believe that shit regarding Ackerman bonds and so on. [...] The hate speech I believe is some kind of Eren pathetic attempt to release her of her feelings towards himself, just in case the worst scenario is coming up in not too far future.

The Ackerman instincts amplified her love towards Eren.

Zeke was right [...] As much as Mikasa being ready to snap titans necks in two for Eren is due to her love for him, Eren being willing to go through with a world genocide to prevent Historia's sacrifice definitely results from his love for her.

  HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PLACEMENT OF FLASHBACKS DURING THIS CHAPTER?

The majority of the fandom really enjoyed the inception-like flashbacks, but 1/5th just found it confusing as all hell. A sixth of the fandom is just fed up with Isayama blue-balling us. We’ve been in this relationship 10+ years, Yams, it’s time for you to give it up!

Loved the interwoven flashbacks, and made sense considering a lot of the "unknown" conversations(Eren with Yelena, Floch, Historia....) all tie into each other. Made sense to them like this, and plus there is still some mystery from his talk with Historia.

E-H convo should've been shown months ago; now is not the time for flashbacks.

Just Yams trolling the shippers

The confusing flashbacks also reflect Eren's state of mind. The placement was well done.

I don't mind it, but i feel Isayama was, to a certain degree, struggling to work all of this information organically into the story, so he was forced to choose this flashback method to get it out there.

The juxtaposition is very purposeful, while I don’t necessarily like what it implies, it is indeed impactful.

The way the flashbacks were placed would look amazing in the anime, but in manga format it looks a lot more confusing!

People might say this is Isayama being mysterious and showing us everything but revealing nothing as he always does, and yeah and if this was 10 chapters ago I might see that as a positive, but this late into the series it feels like it was just a waste of a chapter.

They were good because they connected with each-other; though I had to reread the chapter several times to distinguish who was talking because it flipped so much.

These kinds of chapters are slightly annoying in the moment, but are more than worth it in the long run.

The Historia flashbacks are confusing af

  WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND EREN IMPLYING HE "WANTED THIS", REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE RUMBLING?

Continuing Eren’s ongoing theme of the question of free will and determinism, this chapter presented us with the possibility that Eren wanted everything that has happened from the start. Depending on your interpretation, of course. The majority of respondents to this question (54.7%) believe that Eren has been convincing himself there was no other possible future due to seeing said future play out in front of his very eyes, and 17.1% somewhat similarly believe Eren did not want this in the conventional sense, and he is an unreliable narrator. A smaller 12% believe this is confirmation that Eren’s vengeful nature caused this, closely followed by 9.5% of you who just think he is a lunatic.

Despite him talking as if this future was fated to happen he still seems aware enough that his own decisions still led to this outcome. From his perspective  all of this was meant to happen because he already saw his future memories, but he doesnt deny that the path he took was still by his own will.

Eren said from the start he would, "destroy them all." He hated being a slave. I think he *does want this. He wants whatever will guarantee freedom.

Both future can't be changed AND Eren is a fucking lunatic

Even if the future could be changed Eren preferred the full rumbling

He literally had no option from the very beginning , his actions is definitely justified .

it's probably all the attack titan's will, not his.

he's trying to fool himself into thinking he never changed

Eren has accepted that the future cannot be changed, and has realized that the unchangeable future is the future that he has always wanted

Eren is so close-minded & immature

I've given up trying to understand Eren's logic. It's just too bizarre. I will wait until the story is finished to form any opinion about him.

Eren was bored in his original universe and wanted humanity to have a threat so he made the aot universe via Ymir and became that threat himself.

Even if a significant part of Eren wants to eradicate his enemies out of rage/revenge, really deep down it’s been shown he wishes there was another solution but right now he doesn’t want to admit he’s surrendered to his destiny. So Isayama’s going to come back to this by having Eren admit to himself he isn’t really free/this isn't what he wants, which will be the culmination of his character arc (what will he do then?…).

Eren kinda forgot about the mothers

  THIS BURST OF PANELS SHOWS A VARIETY OF SCENES FROM EREN'S POV, BUT SOME SCENES APPEAR TO BE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OR ENTIRELY NEW SCENES. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Nearly 45% of the people who voted, thought it was a deus ex machina move from Founding Titan by Proxy, which granted Eren a glimpse at all Eldians’ memories. Almost a third think that Eren was actually able to control their memories. 14% of all voters are just “wtf…? I dunno” at all the Pathsnanigans.

I don't know and I don't like it. Hope it isn't another pathsfuckery while all I want in life is KRUEGER'S POV.

Eren's path shit also implies the story has always been bending to that moment too. From the pigs, to even Dina from that Bert shard. If it's ever revealed he orchestrated Carla's death to stimulate Grisha and Eren's hatred, the whole demonisation of RBA gets turned on his head.

I don't like the idea that Eren controlled the Smiling Titan but it's starting to feel more and more likely...

The second one except it WILL come up again cause it’s fucking Isayama like tf do you expect lmao

The new POV scenes are definitely intentional but I hope the explanation isn't some magical PATHS stuff where he orchestrated characters (like Dina's) actions or is suddenly an all-seeing almighty being. Grisha was enough pls.

DUDE, THIS MEANS THAT BIRD HAS P A T H S!

dumb answer choice

FT/Ymir lets Eren see the memories of all Eldians. It will come up again. I don't get some of the angles/perspectives though.

It's possible some of these things haven't happened yet, or that Eren has access to the memories of more shifters somehow. For example, Berthold might be a memory Annie or Reiner have and Eren will receive if he eats one of them while they try to stop him.

I have absolutely no idea what the deal is with the Falco and Bertolt memories but I'm sure they're not inconsistency errors considering the care that went into showing that the Mikasa/Grisha/Levi etc. panels are clearly from Eren's POV. I expect answers really soon (and no, I do not think he controlled Dina’s titan to kill Carla, that would be pure character assassination). Hange's panel looks like it's from the future, as well as Mikasa's unfamous 'see you later'. The geese are also interesting but I have no mindblowing theories about them unfortunately..

Excited to see from where Hange without glasses memories from though.

Eren is the air, the trees, the birbs, everything

Marcel is more like to come back from the dead before I ever understand half the shit inside Eren’s head.

If Eren somehow got his mother killed that'll be the ultimate bruh moment

  THIS CHAPTER SHOWED US ANOTHER MEMORY OF FEZ-KUN, FINDING HIMSELF IN TROUBLE AGAIN. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MEANING BEHIND HIS HIDDEN STORY?

The mystery of the Fez persists once again, with this being the tenth chapter since he was first shown. Though by a small margin, the consensus is that the purpose of his story is to reaffirm Eren’s determination to wipe out the world at 44.8%, with 33.4% of respondents believing he will be a tie to Eren’s compassion and remorse for what he is doing, and 17.1% believing it highlights Eren’s inherent hypocrisy for caring for him even though he will die by his actions later. Many write-in options expressed confusion at who this kid is.

Eren believes that suffering and oppression of minorities will never end just by small acts of kindness and simular "passive" acts, like what Levi did, it does not provide a long term solution or prevent Fez-kun'sfrom furder torments, which is why Eren feels like the extreme solution of the rumbling is his only option

Eren gave a mission to Fez-kun

Eren using another kid to get his way without caring about his life. What else is new.

He's the "even someone on the street" part of Kruger's advice to love someone to break the cycle of tragedy.

He’s showing that little boy he has to fight to survive, like he did with Mikasa when they were kids.

I think he found himself in trouble again (he looks to be bruised on the cheek in 120) and Eren will come to his rescue. However I think Eren will not just save him by beating up or killing the Marleyans, but inspiring the Fez kid to take action and "fight" just like he did with Mikasa. This arc has had a lot of focus on the almost inhumane level of violence Eren showed as a kid when killing those kidnappers, so I can see that being for the purpose of a direct parallel where Eren pressured the kid with the fez to stand up for himself.

I think Eren saved Fez-kun of those guys, but then he will kill him later, showing his own hypocrisy (those guys can't do bad to a child but I can).

I expect his shard(s) to contrast the other previously unknown panel from 120: Historia’s shard was revealed to be yet another instance of Eren manipulating a friend by putting his desires above her own, thus robbing her of her free-will. I hope that Fez-kun symbolizes the "beauty in a cruel world"

It show that Eren just have an other plan and not just kill everyone for no reason???? Lest not be that blind :) what esle u want to understund thats an option too? you want isayama to told u?

maybe eren intends for some people to escape when he announced the rumbling which allows people to prepare themselves, idk.

Eren will save their family and he told Fez to lead his family to a certain location that the rumbling won't reach?

What are all these crappy options? He represents Eren’s journey to changing his viewpoint about everyone being an enemy, as he told Reiner.

Just thought he was part of the collage of events, no further meaning.

Who’s Fez-kun

  SWIMMING TITANS?

88% of you welcome your Swimming Titan overlords, but 12% aren’t so convinced - there’s a pretty even chance it’s because the image is just too absurd, too terrifying, or a pants-wetting combination of both.

SWIMMING TITANS

swimming titans

Seeing those colossal titans was crazy

The panel of the titan swimming underneath that ship haunts me in my dreams.

HELL YEAH FUCKING SWIMMING TITANS

  WHEN THE MILITARY SIGHTS ERENSAURUS AT THE END, RATHER THAN CALLING IT THE FOUNDING TITAN OR EREN JAEGER, THEY RECOGNISE IT AS THE ATTACK TITAN. WHY?

Despite the threat of Eren Jaeger previously being referred to by name or as “the Founding Titan”, this chapter encapsulated the horror of the allied forces as they recognised it as the Attack Titan. The plurality (40.3%) is that this was just for the purpose of Isayama being able to drop a “Shingeki no Kyojin” in this climactic chapter, though a close second option (34%) is that there is historical information to distinguish the Attack Titan from the others. 15.2% of you believe the Attack Titan is the Titan Bogeyman for Marleyans, and 10.4% attribute the naming to the fact that it’s attacking them, duh.

I think the Maryleans/World Forces knew it was the Attack Titan bc of the Eldians in Marley (like Annie's dad) warning them ahead of time. I think once they realized The Rumbling was happening, they asked for more deets from the folks who heard Eren's message in the Path's Realm.

I wonder why the rest of the world was only  using Mikasa ships instead of various ships lol

IT CAN'T BE STOPPED ANYMORE

  NOW THAT WE FINALLY GOT TO SEE EREN'S SPINE-CHILLING (BADUM-TSS) FORM, WHAT DID YOU THINK?

This manga has turned into a horror show, and y’all seem to be loving it, according to over fifty percent. Thirty percent are aghast at the sight before them, and nearly a tenth of you don’t really know what to think of the Grim Reaper titan yet. Some of you wanted something more fully formed, but this creepy crawly is freaky enough, isn’t it? Let’s just be glad none of us live in Marley right now.

My jaw dropped when I saw Eren’s titan form. Horrific.

I love Erensaurus a lot. This chapter gave the same level of anxiety that Zeke's attack in Shiganshina gave me. Good

YEAH EREN IS SCARY AS FUCK I LOVE IT MORE FREEDOM MORE FREEDOM MORE FREEDOM

Eren's titan looks a little like the earth devil

Did Eren pick the design of his new Titan or did Ymir just give it to him?

Really interested in where it is going especially because Eren's Titan got lips which could be an indicator for it to have the ability to speak

Eren’s Founding Titan form looks like something out of Silent Hill

I'm not saying anything about Eren's titan. What even the actual fuck, Yams

Oh lawd he comin

  WHY IS EREN'S CURRENT TITAN FORM A SKELETON WITH NO FLESH?

Eren is looking awfully spooky right now. That’s a good sign, isn’t it? I guess looking like a death metal album cover is better than looking like whatever Rod Reiss was supposed to be. 34.9% figure that as this is probably the largest titan ever, it’s just too big for flesh. It’s not like PATHS sand is infinite, after all. 34.6% think that the form is incomplete because of the missing titan powers; this is only a third of his potential scariness! 23% think there’s no real reason he looks like this. Not an in-story reason anyway. Finally, 7.6% think Eren is still not done forming this devilish beast.

Eren's upper skeleton body thing looks like wings of freedom...

The reason Eren's body was like this, if he was muscular, he would radiate a lot of heat, so the Allience's couldn't reach him. But now, no muscle, no heat. They can reach easily.

Eren's form is creepy as hell! I also think he might be dead/dying/the titan now.

Seriously, how the fuck does Eren's Titan move?

When a shifter generates a titan body, they need to have a special task or purpose in mind. Is Eren's titan meant to be a bridge between Paradis Island and the continent?

  WHAT IS ISAYAMA TRYING TO SAY WITH THE PUPPET-LIKE MOTIF OF EREN'S TITAN?

Many have noticed the puppet-like strings connecting Eren’s torso and head to his stegosaurus spikes in the final panel (though not in the first shot we get of Eren -- we’ll just ignore that), but what does it mean? Him being a slave to himself (38%) just edged out him being a slave to fate (36.7%), with a slim minority (3.3%) believing Ymir could be the true puppeteer. Of course, there are the 21.9% of you who are remaining steadfast in the belief that Eren is NOT a slave, he is FREE.

He is a slave to the future memories and instead of trying to find a different way, he is convincing himself that this is what he wants from the start to compensate for how little freedom he has.

He's trying to justify to himself that he isn't a slave

Eren is a slave to that sweet sweet feeling of self-righteous rage.

Ymir might be acting through Eren.

I think eren has become a vessel for ymir and it's ymirs will that we're hearing.

  WHERE IS EREN'S HUMAN BODY MOST LIKELY RESIDING?

The results for this are a mixed bag, with the three most popular answers extremely close in votes. It’s most agreed upon (29.1%) that Eren has no human form, and has merged with the Titan on some level, with a close second (28.8%) being him being separated from the Titan but not in the conventional sense, and using the Warhammer Titan power to operate it from the ocean. 27.9% of you believe he is in the standard position of the nape, and only 14.2% of you believe the head of the Attack Titan could be his true location.

So, does Eren now only have his head left or was he fully healed thanks to Ymir?

where is Eren (No,not his titan)? There is no nape on that thing, just bone

I NEED TO KNOW HOW EREN IS TRANSPORTING HIMSELF

  THE CHAPTER ENDS WITH CHILD EREN'S DETERMINATION TO "DESTROY THEM" OVERLAPPING WITH ADULT EREN COMMANDING THE RUMBLING. WHICH STATEMENT IS THE MOST ACCURATE REGARDING THIS COMPARISON?

This curious panelling choice ends the chapter, giving us a peek at Eren’s inner monologue – but in true Isayama fashion it’s not clear exactly what it means. 45.6% believe it shows that Eren hasn’t fundamentally changed the way he views the world, his will and titan powers giving him the means to influence it. 26.4% think it’s a reminder of Eren’s tragic tendency to believe that peace cannot exist without the complete elimination of an opposing force. 16.8% think it demonstrates Eren’s willing or unwilling continuation of the cycle of hatred and revenge. Finally, 9.1% think there’s a hint here that Eren’s childhood self was cursed with thoughts from his future mind.

ALL OF THE ABOVE

All of the above, minus the P A T H S.

I hate eren do the same thing as what he had been through

It's Eren's tendency to lose himself to the desire for vengeance, which in the mange is always depicted as leading to a catastrophe in the end.

His childhood trauma comes back to him when he sees a loved one die / about to die and feels the powerlessness of having been unable to do anything because of being weak. Then pain and anger return for this reason

It's a parallel showing his determination to fight back against those who would deny he and his comrades their freedom.

It is once again Eren reassuring himself he's doing what's right, by telling himself that the cycle of hatred is what's causing this and that he needs to break it

The thoughts are child Eren, simply overlapping with the current situation. It may not be adult Eren’s thoughts.

THIS BITCH CRAZY.

I just want to say that the history is repeating its self . What we thought it was the past it's actually the future

He is using this memory of his mother being eaten to motivate himself, like a main drive. It's not the first time. Anger/Rage was always the main drive that he used to keep fighting/seeking for freedom

This is already similar to some of the options presented, but I like the idea that this is showing deep down he is driven by his childlike rage, and as much as he tries to convince himself it's for his friends, he really just wants to revel in violence because he's broken and he thinks wiping everyone out is the only way he will be at peace.

  THIS CHAPTER ALSO PRESENTED US WITH TWO ALMOST DICHOTOMIC MOTIVATIONS FOR EREN, BETWEEN LOVE FOR HIS FRIENDS AND HATE FOR THE ENEMY, BUT WHICH DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE STRONGER DRIVING FORCE?

The two most powerful and conflicting emotions driving Eren right now have the fanbase somewhat split over what pushes him further. It seems that most are optimistic about Eren’s prime motivation being the wellbeing of his friends at 59.7%. Meanwhile 40.3% believe that Eren’s love for his friends has been eclipsed by the roiling hatred and thirst for vengeance within him. Even at this point in the story, it’s hard to be absolutely certain – safe to say Eren is a real menace when he feels this strongly about anything.

I feel like I finally fully understand Eren's mindset, even though there is probably still more to his POV. He just wants his friends to be happy and live long lives, so he had to push them away especially after Sasha's death.

This chapter Eren can't disentangle love from fear/hate/loss due to what happened to his mother, which is why his feelings about his friends now manifest so destructively.

Eren's memory chain went from remembering his friends smiling, to Sasha's death and Fez-kun being beat up, and eventually to his mother's death and his vow to kill all titans, showing that deep down he knows his motivation to protect his friends is bullshit and that his "enemies" are mostly innocents, but he keeps moving forward due to hatred and revenge.

Eren has never healed his trauma. It was "eating" him slowly and turned him into this he hated the most - a devilish monster.

I think the chapter settled very well that revenge surpass even his wish of protect his friends

The transition to Eren's pov and the fact we didn't learn anything new beside some basic confirmations, is really strange. And if Eren ends killing the friends he wanted to protect, he will be a complete disappointment. I really am afraid of SnK's ending.

"I want my friends to live long happy lives" he says after treating them like shit, breaking their spirit, and partially ruining their home island with millions of titans. I hope he doesn't act surprised when they show up to stop him (assuming they can catch up of course).

I don't believe the word "animals" align with Eren's current perspective, nor how he sees his "enemies". He holds the same ideals as he did as a child, but realises the nuance of his enemies and how people on both sides are ultimately the same. He just believes this radical action is the only necessary way to end an unstoppable inter-generational conflict in his lifetime so these problems aren't handed down to future generations anymore.

he's being driven both by hatred and love, but right now his rage is winning and he's using the safety of his friends and Eldia as an excuse to appease his conscience.

  ON A SCALE FROM "SECRET PLAN" TO "KILL 'EM ALL", WHERE DO YOU STAND ON EREN'S TRUE INTENTIONS?

This chapter all but confirmed that Eren indeed plans to wipe out the entire outside world for most of the fandom. The majority are skewed towards the opinion of Eren definitely rumbling everything, with less and less respondents holding onto hope that Eren has an alternate plan.

Eren wants this rumbling and he's ready to sacrifice others to get what he wants, even his friends.

I gotta say, I thought Eren would've had a real plan that wasn't just massacring everyone else on the planet. I was already against the plan, but I suspected he'd walk the other side of the ocean and then announce to the world that the existence of titans was no more and destroy all the titans as proof, and all the shifters would just be normal people again.

His goal is to wipe the titans out of this world, and not to flatten it.

I support the rumbling, cause Marley deserved this by trying to eliminate Paradis, but at the same time there are so many good people there(including eldians themselves) that haven't done anything wrong. Military and leaders of marley should be eliminated, but not the poor people that had no choice.

This hateful world is needed to be purged and I support Eren for this. And when Rumbling is over that beast piece of sh** must die by Levi's hand.

I thought eren had a secret plan for the rumbling but after getting his pov this chapter looks like he really is going for it

Somehow, I can't shake off the feeling that we still haven't seen 100% of Eren's plan, there is still some twist waiting. I am not trying to justify Eren's current actions, it's more like ""if there is something that will throw this whole scenario upside down it better come up soon, because right now IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD"".

I want to believe thtat Eren has a secret plan in the rumbling but the chapter says that this is what he wanted, he had always been like this, he was always “free” sadly, he’s enslaved by his beliefs of freedom that he resorts to these drastic measures.

I think that this chapter confirms two things: one, the Rumbling is Eren's true plan [...] BUT two, there is "something beyond that hell", which is the "scenery" Eren says he saw in ch. 121. I think it's the endgame after the Rumbling is stopped (no way is it going to be completed), and it's what caused both Grisha and Historia to go along with his plan in the end even though they didn't agree with it and thought it was awful. Eren's "everything is still ahead" and the weird cut in Historia's flashback are too... strange and seem to point to this being a game changer and the final plot point of the series.

If the rumble will succeed, then I've spent 7 chapters seeing characters do nothing to accomplish nothing. I don't wanna feel my time wasted.

I unironically want Eren to kill everyone outside the walls. Nuff said.

  WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE REPEATED BIRD IMAGERY?

Birds are a focal point of this chapter, with the combination of a four-panel tracking of a soaring seagull and a flash of a memory of some nearby geese. The majority of respondents (62.5%) believe the birds simply tie into the theme of, and likely Eren’s motivation of freedom. In a distant second (20.9%) is the answer that it relates to the idea of everyone being connected under the same sky, a fitting motif amidst this chapter’s exploration of the conflict as well as unity of different groups. 12.7% of you are hopping on board the “Eren is a bird now” train, and 4% of you just really don’t like birds.

The two birds from the Paths panels appear in episode 1 of the anime iirc, not sure about the manga though.

Eren is bird confirmed thank  <°^°>

I like the Bird Theory that says he’s transferring his consciousness to a bird. yeah it sounds a bit odd but it’s interesting and I’m willing to accept anything at this point

The birds are secret surveillance cameras

I like birds

idk man this shit is confusing as hell.as for falco thing i think eren has become the bird. anything can happen at this point.

Eren is the Eagle we see in the chapter 91 that Falco says to fly away lmao

  THIS CHAPTER HAD SOME AMAZING ART, SHOWCASED IN THE MANY DOUBLE SPREADS (EXACTLY 9... OH GOD WHAT DOES IT MEAN ISAYAMA??) WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DOUBLE SPREAD?

Whether it was the break back in May, or Isayama’s dedication to highlighting this chapter’s importance, the art has definitely taken a step up and blown us all away. Though it is very split, the final double spread showcasing the commencing of the rumbling garnered the most votes (18.2%). At second (15.7%) was the imposing silhouettes of colossal titans rising from the ocean, and at a very close third (15.5%) was the very next spread, of these titans wiping out the battleships as casually as if they were wading through seaweed. If there’s one thing to make of this from what the winners have in common, we have all definitely been waiting to see the rumbling for a while.

Isayama's improvement as an artist it's inspirational.

the art is god tier

Those Rumbling pages are so gorgeous they make me wanna say "Kill them all, Eren ! Destroy the fucking world !"

Mappa has their work cut out for themselves

MAPPA's fucked lol I hope they're up to the task.

That Attack Titan spread has the single GREATEST bit of shading in this entire manga.

Solid Art, phenomenal design and usage of double spreads

I just wanted to add that this is visually one of the most beautiful chapters I've seen in a while. The colossals, holy shit. I can't wait to see this animated. All of those double-page spreads were pretty fantastic but I have to say there's nothing quite like the chill that runs down your spine when you see all those colossals emerging from the smoke and the mist, where you see for the first time how huge and terrible they are (and also when you realise the first line of defense is already down). I had legit goosebumps.

  CHAPTER 130 MARKS THE END OF A VOLUME, WHICH HAS BEEN FILLED WITH ALLIANCE-FOCUSED CHAPTERS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS NOW THAT WE'VE FINALLY RETURNED TO EREN?

After six consecutive chapters focusing on the alliance with no Eren, the majority of you (57.6%) are relieved to finally move beyond the alliance, though have enjoyed the recent chapters, with 20.4% being completely over the alliance. 7.4% say they were originally sceptical but the chapters did well to make the alliance likeable to them, and 14.6% are open to more chapters just focused on the alliance.

Please for the love of God more of this and less of the alliance, the alliance was so rushed and as it's continued it hasn't been developed much further beyond plot convenience. The less of that I have to read before I get to read amazing stuff like 130 the better

i wanted more on the alliance, not flashbacks smh

it was something enjoyable after a while. Especially 126 made me grimace all over the volume till 130 came up. Not saying I was waiting for Eren but it was so cheesy.

Eren chapters are written worse than Alliance ones

This chapter single handedly made up for the below average, cringe-inducing chapters 126-129 Alliance bullshit. I have faith Isayama will create a very satisfying ending for this series now.

This chapter was legit a great way to end the volume off, it truly feels like its really the beginning of the end

  DESCRIBE THIS CHAPTER IN ONE WORD

The top 5 write-ins are below, followed by the average chapter score for each description. This months’ average chapter score was 4.59.

Amazing [4.89]

Epic [4.84]

Eren/Ereh [4.69]

Rumbling [4.46]

Confusing [3.88]

Honorable mention: Ragnarok

We’d also like to mention that there were a lot of write-ins related to genitals and coitus… seems like y’all were really hyped up by that first fanlation >.>

  WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPING TO SEE NEXT CHAPTER?

Despite this chapter theoretically giving us everything we had hoped for in a while, the responses show that we still want to have WAY MORE answers (34.6%), MORE Historia (16.9%) and MORE rumbling action (14.5%). We’d also like to know where on earth Zeke is and if Floch is going to be the little troublemaker that we know and have strong feelings about. Will the boat make it to Odiha? Will Levi do a thing? Stay tuned!

There's still some mystery that have yet to answer and I want answers

Where the fuck is Zeke

WHERE. IS. LEVI.

i want more eren, historia and zeke. They're interesting. I don't care about the alliance.

"Zekey-dekey-doo, where are you?" ...I'm so done with you guys.

need update on zeke and historia's situation.

I want it to end soon #TeamEren

I expect in the next chapter something more around the alliance and maybe (hopefully) Floch's comeback!

Enough of Hisu, she is just a side character.

Want more Rumbling

All I can say is, I'm beyond anxious to see how the series ends, and it's eating me up inside.

  WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES?

Most of our lovely respondents are rambunctious Redditors as usual, followed by a fair few from the flock on Twitter, distinguished Discorders, and discussors who want for nothing. Then there are some ravishing real-lifers, titillating Tumblrites, ...aaaand the rest (you’re all great). We’re still side-eyeing you Snapchatters though.

  ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE CHAPTER?

Honestly I just wanna let it out, but not on google Poll for obvious reasons

Not about the chapter... but you guys always come up with funny answers that I feel compelled to chose even if it’s not really what I think. I love to answer this. Thank you!

Zeke the relationship expert, huh?

This chapter went through far too many dodgy translations for its own good, and even the official typeset had one big mistake in it even though it conveyed the mood of the convo between Eren and Historia far better than all the others.

this is all so confusing I miss erwin

I don't want genocide to be how this ends.  I believe Isayama doesn't intend a story this complex to send a message that genocide is great.  Considering some of the mindscrews he's already pulled via Paths, I'm hoping the best mindscrew is yet to come.

Reiner was a snacc

Historia the Antifascist Queen

This is the best chapter

this series is so great man

This whole chapter was a certified Bruh moment (in a good way)

This whole chapter was about Eren dehumanising. And he killed his mom. I wouldn't be surprised if he'll eventually want to kill all Eldians and his friends either.

Loved everything except for Historian's forced reluctant pregnancy.

Here's to 3 more weeks

I hope Eren doesn’t love anyone from the series.

I feel like Isayama is still increasing the pressure to help his final plot twist, I’m still lost as I really don’t agree with Eren’s actions while I see the fandom going crazy over him. Maybe I missed something, maybe I’m wrong, maybe I don’t fully understand Eren. This chapter felt good, I don’t hate the Alliance because they’re part of what I think is the right choice for humanity, but we all honestly wanted to know Eren’s thoughts or a bit of it, as we didn’t see him for a while. English isn’t my first language I’m sorry in advance, loved your poll

I honestly have no idea what's going to happen and the whole time I was reading it I was internally screaming.

Ok I know Ymir (the lesbian) has been dead for years but I miss her so much. She was the dad. Forget Farmer-kun, forget Eren, it was all Ymir.

okay no offense but where’s Levi ☹️

One big tease of erens pov and who the father is

One of the best chapter I ever read! Love it!

Didn't expect the Eren POV but welcomed it anyway. We now have confirmation he wanted everything that happened to happen and even the implication he orchestrated the death of his own mother. That's very tasty

Eren's pov has been hidden for too long and right now I don't think the payoff is worth it

eren exhibits bird behavior & he killed his mom 😕

Eren is a bird confirmed or some shit

Eren later takes Ymir's place in Paths as a sacrifice for many years to fix everything, learning everything he needs by traveling around as, say, birds, as needed to send to his past self to guarantee "that scenery"

Eren is in control of more than we previously thought and this shows evidence of a timeloop scenario

Eren can see the future and can probably manipulate the pure titans at different points in time like the Founder does. It's also likely he's gonna fuse with more shifters to visit other pieces of memory.

Eren is able to use the full power of the FT, that why he can see not only his own memories, but also the memories of other Eldians. All of them are connected to him after all.

He will turn into a bird in the end

So exited that we finally got to see Eren in his Founding Titan-like form!!!! Can’t wait for next month (AoT fan from Japan)

Enjoyed the chapter due to a return to debating the morality of the Rumbling, and seeing it in progress. Also tend to enjoy interaction between Eren and Historia. However, I think the chapter is slightly let down by being cryptic. It's hard to tell what is going on with Eren due to how scenes from this issue and others can be interpreted.

nah mate do people actually read this?

This chapter marks something that has changed everyone's thoughts. Not just about Eren, but Annie, Historia, Zeke, etc. We heard them speak differently, and got a few answers to our questions. We got to see that Annie does indeed have emotions. That Historia did not want this. That Annie never really wanted to kill, nor does she want to anymore. That Zeke actually cared for Eren. That the father is most likely farmer-kun. It's one of the best chapters we've had. Each chapter we get, we get closer to the end of this wonderful story. I can't wait to see what Isayama has planned for in the final chapters. Truly hoping for the best!

reiner's tits dammit

Despite the devastation, I now feel like there is meaning hidden beneath the madness

Creepy and interesting chapter. The official translation confirms further that Eren is going to destroy the world. I’m hoping that the next volume shifts focus to Reiner a little more. I’m also excited for more loose ends to be cleared up.

Damn, only 5 more to go before the end of the greatest story of all time

Enjoyed it but I’m really hoping for some more insight into what’s going on with both eren and historia, I’m not a huge fan of the pregnancy subplot

eren just wants to see if marleyans are made of cake

Eren makes the most amazing villain ever. Will go down as one of my favorite characters ever if the story ends how I hope it will.

Everyone forgets Historia saw her dad’s memories without eating him, without being a shifter, and without touching Eren. We’re still waiting for the payoff...

Fantastic chapter, though it felt really short

Floch was Eren's lieutenant all along, he was his representative, and his actions are therefore Eren's responsability all the same. Get fucked those who didn't want to believe that Eren would consciously choose Floch, believe in him or to set things up for Eren in Paradis.

I'd like it if the Ackerbond was not as supernatural as it was claimed before. Not because of EreMika, MikaHisu would be much better than both options of this chapter. Now we know that Levi or Kenny's loyalty were real, and it warms my heart. Also, my bastard wasn't lying! He knew about the plan.

It confirmed everything we already knew: Historia didn't support Eren's plan, Ackerman weren't slaves, Mikasa's feelings for Eren doesn't have to do with the fact she's an Ackerman and the fandom is stupid for still believing Eren is the father despite him literally telling Zeke that he can't answer Mikasa's feelings, because he only has 4 years left to live.

My heart was beating so hard during Eren and Historia's conversation because I just couldn't believe we were actually seeing her again, it had been 2 years since we got anything this relevant from her and I also just really wanted Isayama to get on with it and tell us who the damm father was so that we could finally move on to other things. I still don't believe it's Eren, but I'm done with that theory, man. No more teasing, please. Two years is far more than enough.

Chapters like this one, which perfectly captures the culmination of Eren's entire journey, make me glad to be alive at this moment in time to experience Isayama's masterpiece. I'm not ready for this story to end in just one more volume.

The ending of this story will not be a gentle tapping of the brakes but a screeching halt followed by hydroplaning and crashing into a ditch

What if the rumbling is all one big sex reveal party for Historia's baby and the Colossal Titans are arranging all the corpses into a female symbol or something.

For 8 months I have been waiting for Eren Jaeger. My favorite fictional character ever. He comes back in best way possible, wow.

Great chapter, too bad half of this dumb fandom misunderstood it and are falsely claiming it confirmed Eren as the father. *facepalm*

Obligatory mention that eren is a manipulative bastard and is a little too far gone in his goal

Ambiguity: The chapter. More questions than answers, no way this ends in 4 chapters. Overall we are all going "Wuh?" like Historia after this chapter.

We are being fucked with.

I cry, eren has been one of my favourite characters in the AoT universe

I didn't think it was possible for Eren to get any worse, but he always manages to surprise me.

I don't care about eremika or erehisu. I just need my rivaere (: haha

i don't care for the alliance and the ship-baiting was making me weary. I just want more eren, zeke and historia. They're the interesting ones.

‏I don't know what the end will be but i know it will be sad ending!..We all suffer and I mean the world of AOT and the fans who read manga... I will accept all probabilities and the death of heroes, but please do not make Mikasa kill Eren..I mean after all this love that will kill him .. I read many analyzes of the possibility of this happening and I see it as a very bad and irrational end..It is not logical at all..If you did it, the AOT would be one of the worst deeds and to the landfill..Isayama If you have suffered a lot in your life and childhood, we have also suffered in our lives, but please do not bring this suffering into the AOT world

I dont want this to end @ isayama

I hated what direction this story was taking, now I really hate it.

I just feel Isayama hasn't answered so much stuff yet and has also raised the stakes so high that I can't possibly imagine how the story will end. I believe Mikasa's slowly been established as the character who will defeat Eren, but I have no idea how she'll do it... But at least there were beautiful Mikannie crumbs, so I'm happy af and hope they'll have more scenes together now that Annie's about to give up (I mean, there are parallels™ everywhere when it comes to our wonderful lost girls...)

I just hope it's building up to a really good ending.

i just wanna know what's gona happen next man this shit be driving me crazy

I love everything! I hope floch dies though

I love you eren

I need answers!!!

I need Zook back

I really hope this series doesn’t end with a message like “genocide is necessary for peace” I hope someone stops Eren

I really loved the art and double spreads, and seeing Eren's POV after a while

I think it's the 2nd best chapter we've gotten this arc. The 1st being 123. I loved it. I also think it's putting to rest the secret plan theories regarding Eren. I've made my final prediction for the series. I think it's a tragedy that will end in Eren destroying the world & manipulating everyone's memories except for Historia & Mikasa & a new age for humanity will begin.

I'm so glad my girl's back, but I'm confused as hell. There's definitly more to her meeting with Eren and her choosing to be pregnant, we'll see. Also Zook being a love conselor and having a Ackerman phd was hilarious, I love him even more. Erefloch canon.

If he wanted to protect his friends why didn’t he just forge some Marleyan passport/citizenships for them, god wtf

If you think about it we actually didn’t learn anything that wasn’t already heavily implied

im shook

Isayama gave more than i wanted my heart can't take it.

it was very good thank you for asking

It's finally moving forward (as isayama likes to say)

It’s a good chapter but I still with doubts.

JUST DO IT EREN

Just wanna see ZEKE

Kiyoger Theory!!!!!

l'm glad we got to see a bit from Eren's POV. But I still need more answers ;_; why choose rumbling, Eren??? not looking for justification for his actions here but i just want to know /why/ he did it. Still feel like theres a missing link somewhere tbh.. I just hope the ending of snk wont be a disaster like game of thrones where Daenerys' switch came out of nowhere. At this point I just want the series to end asap, the tension build up is killing me lol.

Leaks for 131 when?

Let’s get rrready to RUMBLEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Loved seeing the rumbling but I wish we could have gotten more character driven moments

Loved this chapter! I'm glad we finally got to learn more of Eren's POV and finally learn what was Historia's role in all of this (or at least beginning to learn her involvement in the plan). Seeing him initiate the Rumbling was epic. The destruction is about to begin!

my brain is too small to understand some of these theories

Now we know that Eren and Floch just pretending to follow Zeke's plan ever since from the beginning but I want to gain more explanations of Eren's secret plan

Oddly placed Eren flashback, but I'll take it

Something's up. I'm still not convinced we can take any of this at face value.

So many flashbacks were a bit hard to follow, but it really seems like the series is gonna end soon and I’m a bit nervous about how well any ending will play out

thank you Isayama for this masterpiece

THE ART IS JUST AMAZING but for me its so short 😭😭😭

That Eren with mid long hair is baby

the alliance has come together way too fast and theyve only really had 1 dispute so far. there needs to be more conflict to make it more realisitic. I think annie saying that they won't be able to/don't want to kill eren is foreshadowing this.

the Art is amazing but flashback scenes were a little mess

The chapter was full of messy memories, so it symbolized Eren's brain well :)

I think that now I understand Eren better. I used to believe he had some secret plan, but the true was always there - Eren is not any master mind. His plan was simple - destroy the whole world. The trauma he had after losing his mother has never been healed. It was always in him, growing bigger and bigger. He still cares about his friends, but he is also lying to himself saying that ""he is doing the rumbling  because he wants to see them having long, happy life"". He is doing it because his hatred to the ones who are responsible for Carla's death took control over his heart. Eren is adult, young man but deep down he is still the same, hurt crying child who bears painful memories of losing his mother.  

The cycle of war and hatred is saddening. This ain't something fictional, it's something we have always been observing from the earliest human consciousness :(

We all got a big storm comin

We are NOT ready for this shit

we need annie to live longer pls

Well here’s our proof eren is actually going through with the rumbling.

What it would feel like to be Eren right now

what kind of eva BULLSHIT

what the hell is going ON

Where is Floch

where is LEVI

Wheres zeke?

Yams, you're so diabolic. You  just want to make the real-life's rumbling with all that "confusing' ship tease xD

Yooooo, we need more explanation about maybe, everything? But amazing and bomb ass chapter though