#they lived happily and forever and nothing bad ever happened right..

[fancysilverfox]

Finally made one!! I love a good tier list

[veganineden]

On the Evolution of “Happily Ever After” and Why “Nothing Lasts Forever”

A reflection inspired by Good Omens 2

One of my favorite Tumblr posts on the second season of Good Omens 2 was actually not about the series at all, but our reaction to it, primarily the ending. @zehwulf wrote, “I think a lot of us—myself included—got a little too comfortable with assuming [Aziraphale and Crowley would] work on their issues right away post-Armageddon.” We did the work for them through meta, fanfiction, fanart, and building a plethora of headcanons. Who among us AO3-surfing fans didn’t read and love Demonology and the Tri-Phasic Model of Trauma: An Integrative Approach by Nnm?

In the 4 long years since season one was released, we did more than seek to understand and repair rifts between two fictional beings: we were forced to reckon with ourselves too. We faced a global pandemic, suffered traumatizing losses and isolation, and were forced to really and truly look into the face of our atrocities-ridden and capitalistic world. The mainstream rise of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice work, and our participation in this work, showed us that the systems in place were built to oppress and harm most of us, and they are. 

So, what does this have to do with the evolution of “happily ever after”? 

My friend put it best in a conversation we had following the season finale, when she pointed out a shift in media focus. The “happy end” in old stories about wars and kingdoms used to be “we killed the evil old king and put a noble young king in his place and now citizens can live in peace” and we’re transitioning into a period of “we tore down the whole fucking monarchy.” 

If we look at season one, written to follow the beats of a love story, it comforted us by offering a pretty traditional happy ending pattern: you get your fancy dinner with your special someone, the romantic music plays, and you have a place to call your own. Season one’s finale provided a temporary freedom for Aziraphale and Crowley, the “breathing room,” but it didn't solve the problem that was Heaven and Hell, or the agendas belonging to those systems of oppression. 

Is it good enough to keep our heads down, pretend the bad stuff isn’t happening, and live our own personal happy endings until we die? Moral quandaries aside, if you don't die (or if you care about the generations after you), then, like Aziraphale said, it “can’t last forever.” There’s a clear unpleasant end to the “happily ever after” that’s based on ignoring our problems– it’s the destruction of our relationships, and humanity. 

Ineffable Bureaucracy can go off into the stars because they do not care about humanity. 

You know who does?

Aziraphale. 

And Aziraphale knows that Crowley cares about humanity too. (He knows because Crowley was the one who proposed sabotaging Armageddon in the first place, who only invited him to the stars when he thought all was lost, because Crowley would save humanity if he thought it was possible, and Aziraphale knows Crowley has survived losing Everything before, and he will do all in his power so that Crowley does not need to experience that again.) 

In season one and two, we see how much they care about humanity, beyond their orders, to the point The Systems begin to frown at them. Aziraphale hears Crowley’s offer to run away together in the final episode of season two, to leave Earth behind, and just like the first time that offer was made in season one, he declines. He knows choosing only “us” is not a choice either of them can live with for the rest of eternity.

I believe season 3 will provide an opportunity to “dismantle the system,” but I don’t know how it will play out. I worry that Aziraphale has put himself in the now-dead trope of the “young noble king.” (I wish Crowley had told him why Gabriel was dismissed from his duties.) I worry that he would martyr himself as a sole agent for change. I worry that he doesn’t actually know how to dismantle anything by himself: because you can’t. He needs Crowley. He DOES. He needs Crowley, and Muriel, and other angels and demons and humans without fixed mindsets to help him. Only by learning to listen and making room at the table for all can they (and we) move past personal satisfaction to collective liberation. 

Crowley was right when he said that Aziraphale had discovered his “civic obligations.”

So, I think we will get our modern-day happy ending– and it’s going to involve a lot of pain and discomfort, communication, healing and teamwork– and in the end, it’ll all be okay. There will be a time for rest and a time for “us.” 

And most likely a cottage. 

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

 - Maya Angelou

[lees-chaotic-brain]

For You Part II (Gojo x Reader)

Reuniting after you're unsealed

CW: hurt/comfort, not canonically accurate, slight spoilers for the Shibuya Incident, swearing, alternate universe where nothing bad happened to anyone else and they all lived happily ever after after the Shibuya Incident, angst to fluff

Part One | JJK Masterlist | Blog Navigation

It had been nineteen days since you had been sealed.

Nineteen days since you had been taken from him.

Nineteen long, torturous days of fighting back against every instinct, every part of his being that was screaming to go get you.

Nineteen days without your love.

Running faster than he ever had in his life, he skidded to a stop panting.

You turned around and met his eyes, a tired smile gracing your lips upon seeing him again.

An anguished sound, almost a keen escaped him as he saw you.

Time seemed to stand still for a moment, then he was barrelling into you.

The two of you crashed to your knees, as he yanked you into his chest as if he was trying to fuse with you.

Just as quickly, he jerked back and cupped your face in his large hands as he frantically scanned you for any sign of an injury, something akin to hysteria shining in his eyes.

Soothed for the moment that you weren't injured, he pulled you back into his chest, and burying his nose in your hair.

Even after all this time, traces of your comforting scent linger in your hair.

"You're here. You're here. You're here."

He repeated those words like a mantra, reassuring himself that you were back, safe in his arms where you belonged.

"I'm here."

You croaked, voice rusty with disuse as you embrace him just as fiercely.

"I'm right here."

"Baby you can't do that to me. Fuck, I thought I lost you."

His voice cracks, and you can feel his desperation and panic in the way his body curves around yours, needing to shield you, to hide you from the world; to protect you.

"I thought I lost you. I thought you were gone. You can't leave me. Not now, not ever."

"You didn't lose me. I'm not going anywhere. I wasn't worried for a second. The entire time I was in there, I was just waiting for you to come and get me. Because I knew you would. And you did. You saved me. We're okay."

His arms tighten around you, and he moves his head, burying it in your neck as his lips hover over your pulse.

Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba dum.

Feeling your heart beat, some of the tension drained from his body.

"Fuck baby. You can't do that to me. You can't do that to me again. You just can't. I wouldn't be able to survive it. Please, don't make me leave you again."

He breathed, lifting his head to rest his forehead against yours.

"Please."

His voice breaks.

"Hey, hey, Satoru, baby."

You brush your palm against his cheek.

"It's okay now. I'm right here."

You kiss him gently, holding his face between your hands.

After a few seconds you pull away.

"I love you 'Toru. You're alright."

"I love you too."

He mumbled, and drew you back in for a tight hug, needing to feel you between his arms to relax and convince himself that this is real.

The two of you sit like that for a couple minutes, before you suddenly remember that the two of you are kneeling in a pile of rubble, and that you haven't seen the kids.

"'TORU! THE KIDS! ARE THE KIDS ALRIGHT?"

"They're fine."

He grumbled, tucking you back against his chest.

"Take me to them."

You demand, tapping on his chest insistently.

"I need to see them. Plus we can't keep sitting here in the dust and rubble forever."

"But I just got you back."

The Gojo Satoru you know and love is back, as he gazes up at you petulantly.

"I don't wanna share you yet."

"Satoru. Take me to the kids. We can cuddle later."

Unhappily he did as you asked, teleporting the two of you to your students, but not before securing you against him again.

As soon as you arrived, you peeled him off you, and sprinted towards the kids, yelling their names.

Turning and crying out your name, they run towards you, swarming you as they latch on to any part of you they can reach.

Watching the scene unfold before them, Gojo can't help but to smile, relieved that the people he loves are safe.

But he only tolerates them hogging your attention for maybe three minutes.

After that, he's entering the fray, practically chucking kids to the side as he makes a beeline towards you.

"Well, now that everyone's checked in, we'll be off!"

He said cheerfully before teleporting off with you.

You know him well enough to see that his playful attitude is just his way of hiding his true emotions, and that he is still suffering.

So for the rest of the night, and many, many, many, months to come, you coddle him, reassuring him that you're safe; you're not going anywhere.

On his part, he essentially super glues himself to your side. Like, you haven't gone more than five seconds without seeing him in months. And at night, this man has both arms, and both legs wrapped around you as he hooks his chin on either your shoulder or the top of your head. Full on koala mode; no one can take you away from him.

But most of all, he tells you every day how much he loves you. How much you mean to him. He does little things, to make sure you feel loved and cared for.

Anything bothering you at all? He's on it. You want some red bean mochi? He's teleporting to the store and back in minutes a whole bag of it freshly made. You're anxious and need reassurance? He has a whole cute couples night planned, complete with a movie, dinner, bubble bath, and more. He takes care of everything and anything for you.

After all, there's nothing he wouldn't do for you.

─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

Note: Well I originally planned for this to be pretty short, but I got kind of excited and just kept writing. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Let me know what you think and feel free to send in any requests you may have!

Taglist: @phoenix666stuff @thefictionalcharacterssimp

[shu-porang-porang]

Home at last

Pure fluff, coz my boy's so fluffy! (plus, I needed to wash away my previous fic!! 🥵)

Pairs: Lee Minho (Lee Know) / reader (gender not specified)

Theme: fluff, a little angst if you squint

Warnings: not proofread

Word count: 0.8 k

It’s just another one of those days, when the world seems to crumble down around you and your tongue feels too heavy you don’t wanna speak a word. As much as you need to hear his voice, you don’t wanna trouble him with your blues, he’s busy enough as is, why bother him with your mood swings? You’re watching a random episode of your comfort sitcom to try and distract yourself when his name appears on your phone screen, as if he sensed you need him.

“Hey gorgeous! How are you?” his sweet voice brings a smile to your lips.

“Hi, I’m good, thanks.”

“..hmm… are you sure? That’s not how your voice sounds like.”

“Yea… I’m fine.”

“I’m coming over.”

“No, you don’t need to, I know you had a busy day.”

“Nonsense. I’ll be there soon.”

He hangs up so you don’t get a chance to argue. Despite having been dating for only a few months, he knows you like the back of his hand. He knows you tend to keep everything to yourself, so if he doesn’t try to help, you’d never reach out.

Finally, he’s here, with bags of takeouts in his hands. As soon as you see his warm smile and glittering eyes, your heart skips a beat. He puts the bags down and opens his arms to you. You hug him impossibly tight, pressing your cheek to his chest.

“Thanks for coming.” You mumble to his chest.

“Anything for you, babe.”

He breaks the hug and cups your cheeks in his hands.

“I really missed you.” he says while leaning in to capture your lips. A few gentle kisses later and you already feel much better.

He points to the bags “shall we eat?”.

“I’m not really hungry…”

“Were you gonna skip dinner again?”

You don’t answer, just stare at the floor.

“Come on, let’s eat together.”

You follow him like a puppy. He sets the table and feeds you. No one ever treated you like this before, no one ever cared if you ate well or got enough rest. No one ever asked if you needed to talk. No one was ever there for you. Sure, you had friends and a seemingly loving family, but whenever you weren’t feeling well, they just kept away and let you be until you came around again on your own.

After dinner, you cuddle up in front of the TV, your back resting on his chest, his arms around your waist, a fluffy blanket covering you both.

“Are you comfortable jagya?”

You nod, looking up at him, he kisses your forehead. You turn your head back towards the TV and he rests his cheek on top of your head.

“You know you can talk to me, right?”

“There’s really nothing to say… you’re here and I feel much better.” you bring his hand up to your lips and kiss along a vein. He tightens his grip around you. The warmth radiating from his body melts your heart. You sink deeper in his embrace.

He kisses your temple. “Whenever you need me, I’ll be here, all you gotta do is say the word.” He whispers in your ear. You smile and nod at him. Oh you got words you wanna tell him so bad, but you’re afraid it’s too soon and would scare him off. You rest your head back on the juncture of his shoulder and neck. His cologne on his pulse point mixed with his scent engulf your senses. You can’t help but give a lingering peck to his neck. He nuzzles his cheek against your hair in response.  

You feel like your heart is so full it could burst. How he turned your whole mood around. Right here, in his arms, it’s where you belong. You think no matter how shitty life gets, if you have him by your side, nothing can bother you or make you wanna give up. With him in your life, you could live forever or die happily any moment. You hate to admit a boy has such an impact on you, but he’s no ordinary boy, you’ve never come across someone like him, or maybe you think this way because… you’re in love.

You make up your mind, if it’s gonna scare him off, it better happen sooner than later, before the possible damage gets irreparable.

“Min?” you call out.

“Yes babe?”

“I think… I think I’m in love with you…”

“Well, that works out perfectly! Coz I’m in love with you too.” He says with a big bright smile on his face. Then he leans in to seal his words. He removes an arm from around your waist to cup your cheek. His lips move gently on yours, each kiss drenched in love, telling you things words never could. He feels like home, like the soothing breeze of a spring night, carrying the scent of cherry blossoms. A single tear rolls down your cheek and he catches it with his thumb.

He breaks the kiss: “Are you alright love?”

“I am, I really am, haven’t been this well for a long time.”

He keeps caressing your cheek as he adoringly gazes into your eyes, melting you into a puddle.

“My sweet sweet baby.” he says as he takes you back into his arms.

[acescorazon]

Changes

Chapter: 14

Title: Confliction

Rating: M

Word Count: 3248

Warnings: Su*cidal thoughts.

Chapter Excerpt:

Before anything can happen, though, Mihawk steps into the tent with Crocodile following close behind him. Buggy freezes up the moment that he sees the two imposing figures. The room feels awfully hot, and his body quickly becomes covered in sweat as he stares at his executioners. This is it, Buggy thinks, closing his eyes tight to prevent himself from crying.

Buggy holds his breath and waits for it: For mountains of sand to surround him and swallow him whole or for a sharp blade to pierce his chest (he won’t dodge any strikes that Mihawk might try and deliver to his frail body) he’s ready for the end.

 

No, he’s not. 

Yes, yes, he is. He wants to be free. 

No, he doesn’t. He wants to run, he wants to live so badly, but not like this.

|Ch1|Ch2|Ch3|Ch4|Ch5|Ch6|Ch7|Ch8|Ch9|Ch10|Ch11|Ch12||Ch13||

Buggy’s lost track of time again, but then again, maybe it doesn’t matter what time it is or what day it is anymore. He lies in his bed, staring at the ceiling and trying to block out all of the thoughts that continuously pour into his head. He’s been in the same clothes for god knows how long now, but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care about anything at this point. 

(That’s not true.)

Buggy is lying there, rotting away. He hasn’t allowed anyone into his room, not even his nearest and dearest friends. Not this time, it would just be too hard for him - for them. His head pounds at all hours of the day when he isn’t asleep, and his stomach is painfully empty but he can’t bring himself to go out and look for food and medicine nor can he bring himself to ask for someone to bring him those basic necessities. 

These last few months have felt like some strange nightmare that Buggy can’t wake up from. Everything’s happened so fast and every time Buggy tried to get a grip on the situation, something always went wrong. Just how much bad luck can one guy possibly have? Buggy feels like he’s at the end of the line, though. There’s nothing that he can do to salvage his relationship with the other two founding members of Cross Guild and live happily ever after. Then again, maybe those silly little hopes and dreams that Buggy had, the ones where he, Mihawk, and Crocodile actually coexisted and made Cross Guild a formidable force were just that, silly little hopes and dreams. 

Buggy should know better than to get his hopes up or dream by now. 

He wonders how his captain did it. Gol D. Roger made an ally out of even the coldest loner.  Buggy has his children - his devout followers - sure, but he doesn’t have what Roger had, and he sure doesn’t have what Shanks has either. He never did, though. For the most part Buggy is either universally loved or hated and there’s never been an in between. It’s a stark comparison to Shanks who people fear and instantly love once they actually meet him. Shanks was always more like their captain, though. While Buggy was… Well, Buggy. Buggy the clown, Buggy the apprentice, Buggy the….man forever in Shanks’ shadow.

Whatever, It’s far too late to start again and figure out what makes people love Shanks or what made them love Roger. It’s also too late to figure out what makes them hate Buggy, maybe he should have stopped and thought about why Mihawk and Crocodile truly hated him. Sure, he’s a bit of a coward, there’s no denying that. There are also times when his mouth gets the best of him, but other than that…What’s so bad about Buggy? He��He just doesn’t get it. Out of all the pirates out there on the sea right now, Buggy can’t possibly be the worst person to be stuck with yet Mihawk and Crocodile have always seen him as a pest. A nuisance. A waste of space and air.

 

Why is Buggy wasting his time wondering about all this? It’s not like it even matters at this point. Nothing matters anymore. He hasn’t seen or heard from Mihawk and Crocodile, which should be a good thing, all things considered, but instead their absence fills him with anxiety. He can’t help but think that they’re planning his execution right about now and that eventually they’ll come, beat him up, and then finally finish him off for good. A scary thought, that’s for sure, but he doesn’t have it in him to run or beg for mercy anymore. After all, all attempts of escape or weaseling his way out of a beating were futile in the past, so why would they work now?

There are times when Buggy wonders if he should just off himself before Mihawk and Crocodile get the chance to. He finds himself thinking that he should piss them off one more time and take away the fun in killing him, but then he stops and thinks. He thinks about jumping into the ocean or grabbing a gun from their armory and just….finally getting the peace and freedom that he’s so desperately wanted for weeks, even months now.

The funny thing is: Buggy’s anxiety is protecting him. It’s keeping him alive for another miserable day. It’s his safeguard. Even though Buggy is rotting away and has even come to accept his fate…his anxiety is still putting up a fight. He’s stuck in a place where he’s ready for death, but far too scared to face it. He thinks about his captain again, and how he was so ready to face his own death. That could never be Buggy. Buggy could never laugh in the face of fate and death like that, he couldn’t even embrace it. He’s spent his whole life running away from death instead and living the life of a coward.  

That same anxiety will probably make him run when Mihawk and Crocodile eventually come find him, or force him to seek help before he can truly rot away, when all he wants is to escape this never-ending nightmare. It’s painfully frustrating how consuming his fear and anxiety are at times, and he wishes he were just a little braver, but he’s not.

Buggy can faintly hear some noise coming from outside his tent, but it’s all a distant blur. He can’t make out who’s saying what, but he doesn’t think he wants to be able to hear what’s going on anyways. He’s given up. For all he knows, Crocodile could have finally taken over the island completely after their fight. If that’s the case, Buggy’s better off being in the dark. He doesn’t even want to think about what Crocodile has done to his poor children and island at this point, but it probably isn’t anything good. 

“Buggy?” A voice calls out, but Buggy is too emerged in his thoughts to notice who’s speaking to him at first. He figures it’s just one of his crew, trying to get him to eat or come out of his tent finally, but then realization sets in. The voice is soft, masculine, and there are no formalities being used. No ‘Captain Buggy’ or ‘Chairman Buggy.’

 

A sigh can be heard from outside his room next, “Oh, come on, Buggy. This is starting to become…” 

Buggy bolts up into a sitting position, and his heart starts to beat furiously in his chest. This is it. They’ve finally come to end Buggy, just like they said they would if he proved to be a burden. He doesn’t say anything at all, he just stares at the entrance of his tent, waiting for them to come in.

This is it. The day that he’s going to die, the day that he’s going to finally be reunited with his beloved captain after all these years, the day he finally gets freedom from this whole nightmare. He’s scared. He’s never been so scared in his life. Of course, he says that all the time, but he means it this time. His body is trembling on its own and he can feel the first few tears build in his eyes, as well as a bout of nausea.

 

Buggy’s anxiety is telling him to push past Mihawk (and probably Crocodile) and run as fast as he can to somewhere safe, but he knows that that would be pointless. He wants to run, but he can’t. He’s ready to die, but he isn’t at the same time. Goddamn it, he wishes he wasn’t a walking contradiction. 

“Okay, enough of this nonsense. We’re coming in,” Mihawk warns, and it’s at that moment when Buggy thinks he’s actually going to throw up. Maybe if he’s lucky, he’ll just have a heart attack before Mihawk and Crocodile can get their hands on him. It seems like the ideal situation, as grim as it might sound. He’d be spared any pain or any conflicting emotions, and that sounds like a win-win to him… Kinda. 

Before anything can happen, though, Mihawk steps into the tent with Crocodile following close behind him. Buggy freezes up the moment that he sees the two imposing figures. The room feels awfully hot, and his body quickly becomes covered in sweat as he stares at his executioners. This is it, Buggy thinks, closing his eyes tight to prevent himself from crying.

Buggy holds his breath and waits for it: For mountains of sand to surround him and swallow him whole or for a sharp blade to pierce his chest (he won’t dodge any strikes that Mihawk might try and deliver to his frail body) he’s ready for the end. 

No, he’s not. 

Yes, yes, he is. He wants to be free. 

No, he doesn’t. He wants to run, he wants to live so badly, but not like this.

Buggy’s end isn’t swift, nor is it slow and painful. His end doesn’t come at all, actually.  Instead, what comes next is rather unexpected. “Open your eyes. I assure you that we mean no harm,” Mihawk orders, and Buggy can hear him pull out his sword. He thinks it’s a trick at first, and waits for Mihawk to stab him, but he doesn’t.

A tense moment of silence goes by before Buggy opens his eyes. His vision is blurry at first but he quickly wipes the tears away and accidentally makes eye contact with Mihawk. “Look,” He says before slowly placing his sword down on the ground and raising his hands up. “We didn’t come here to fight.”He glances over at Crocodile who grumbles something as well as he raises his hands in the air:

“Yeah, we’re just here to talk…” 

Naturally, Buggy doesn’t believe a single word that the other two are saying. He figures they’re just going to trick him into thinking he’s safe before killing him for real, but he has no way of proving it. It seems rather likely, though. 

Crocodile clears his throat, “Look, I want to apologize again.” He says slowly. Buggy can barely believe that Crocodile apologized a first time, let alone a second time. “I’m not going to bullshit you. I really want this Cross Guild thing to work, and that requires me to have both you and Hawkeye by my side.”

Ugh, stupid Cross Guild. Why does everything have to be about their shitty organization? Crocodile pauses for a moment to gather his words before he continues to speak, “You are more than just a coward, okay? You’re actually an excellent leader, and your status as emperor of the sea makes you rather…invaluable.” 

Buggy blinks, unsure how to respond to Crocodile’s praise and apology. It all feels surreal. Maybe he’s dreaming right now, or maybe he’s died and gone to a very bad place, but it’s still somehow better than where he was before. 

Crocodile glances over at Mihawk, who nods at him, silently urging him to continue. “I know i’ve been a real dick and i know you probably think i just want to call a truce for Cross Guild’s sake… And, I’m not going to bullshit you, you’d be right to think that. But, look, Buggy, I’m asking you for your forgiveness as well. I’m asking you for your forgiveness and for you to ‘lead’ our little group like before. I swear on my life that I won’t lay a finger on you ever again, okay? I swear I’ll change. Can we please just get back to business?” 

Crocodile’s second apology seems a lot more genuine than the first, but part of Buggy is still hesitant. How can he believe that Crocodile is being serious right now? Why would he forgive him for all that he’s done anyways? Is it even possible for Buggy to put aside all his fear and hatred so the three of them can 'get back to business?' 

“Look, Buggy, i can tell you ain’t exactly thrilled at the idea of kissing and making up,” Crocodile adds, “But, look, you don’t have to forgive me right away. You don’t have to forgive me at all. I’m an asshole, i know that. Just… can we all agree to get along for the sake of Cross Guild? For the sake of money, land, and power? We don’t have to be best friends but we need each other now and if the government realizes there are cracks in our foundation, you bet your ass they’re bound to attack sooner rather than later.”

“While I agree with Crocodile and want us all to stop with this foolishness…” Mihawk says, joining the conversation again, “I won’t agree to anything officially until you do, Buggy.” Why is the pressure always on Buggy?  Why is it that as soon as he’s freed from one situation, he’s cornered into another one? “You already know that I want us all to have a better relationship and if you forgive Crocodile then I’ll make sure he sticks to his word. I’ll make sure that there is a healthy amount of respect between the three of us maintained and that no harm ever comes your way.”

“What do you say, Buggy?” Crocodile asks, holding out his hand. 

“We can’t change what we did in the past, but we want to make up for all of our mistakes.” Mihawk states before also holding his hand out, “What do you say? Will you give us another chance?”  

Everything freezes in that moment. Buggy can’t wrap his head around the idea that Mihawk and Crocodile are actually apologizing to him again, that they’re actually trying to make this Cross Guild thing work. Their behavior is such a stark comparison to what it was just a few months ago, and it makes Buggy feel like he has whiplash. Is it actually possible for two people to change their ways so soon? he wonders. It’s definitely not possible for him to change that fast, he knows that.

After all the fighting, all the beatings, all the insults, they actually want to put things to bed? Dozens of memories flood through his mind at that very moment. The hell that Mihawk, but more specifically, Crocodile, put him through in the last few months has left permanent scars, and he’s not sure how he’s supposed to heal from those scars. 

However…Crocodile does have a point. Buggy hates to admit it, but Crocodile is right. They need each other now and if the world government finds out they’re having problems, then they’re sure to capitalize on said problems. And he would be stupid if he passed up an opportunity for a truce again…

Buggy stares at the two hands being offered to him, and as much as he hates the two men before him and wants to reject their offer, there's a voice in the back of his head telling him to shake their hands. To put aside his pride and not start any more fights or drama…  

You don't have to like them, just accept the olive branch that they're extending, stupid, he tells himself as he slowly reaches out with shaking hands. He shakes Mihawk's hand first and then, after a moment of hesitation, he shakes Crocodile's hand. 

If this is all a lie or a trick, then he'll just have to accept the fact that he fell for it. He slowly opens his mouth and when he speaks, his voice is hoarse and shaky, "W-What happens next…?" He asks. 

"We'll have a meeting in a few days," Crocodile replies, "Now that we're all on the same page, it'll be business as usual."  There’s that phrase again: Business as usual.  Buggy doesn't know whether or not he should dread this new chapter for Cross Guild, but anything would be better than what they had previously going on for them. 

"Yes, but, again, Crocodile and I can't stress how sorry we truly are." Mihawk tells Buggy, "And we're truly grateful for your forgiveness." Eh, Buggy wouldn't say that, but, okay. It's more like he accepted their apology because he had no other choice, but, it’s not like he’s stupid enough to say that out loud. 

Crocodile heaves a sigh, "Yes, we're sorry. We're sorry. I'll have gifts sent to you first thing in the morning." He mutters, looking at some random corner in the room. Oh, now he's just trying to buy Buggy's forgiveness, isn’t he…? Well, It can’t be bought, but he’ll still take the presents, especially if it’s booze.

Buggy looks down at his lap, “Yeah, I…” He pauses, not quite wanting to outright say that he forgives Mihawk and Crocodile when he really doesn’t. He smiles instead, “It’s fine! Did you two really think you could bring me down?! Get real!” He fakes a laugh because that’s what he’s supposed to do, but it’s all another act. He thinks Mihawk can tell he’s putting on an act right away, and if Crocodile can too, he sure doesn’t show it.

“Nothing can bring Captain Buggy The Clown down!” He laughs again, but these are two men who are well aware that he’s been locking himself away and suffering alone because of all the issues he’s been having with them. They know the truth, yet they don’t say anything. “You didn’t even need to apologize, really! You could have just sent some booze over and all would have been fine!”

(No, It wouldn’t have been.) 

Buggy guesses that means he’ll return to being more or less Crocodile’s personal secretary and the fake leader of the group… It’s not the worst gig, he supposes. “What’s with the tense faces, boys?!” He asks as he looks around and notices that Mihawk and Crocodile have rather serious expressions on their faces. “ This is a new chapter for us! For Cross Guild!” He cheers, “We’re going to take over the world, boys!”. No one cheers with him. They stare at him, reading him like a book. They know the truth. He wonders how they can read him so easily. 

Mihawk stares at Buggy, and there’s feeling behind those icy eyes of his. Perhaps it’s pity, but Buggy has never once asked for Mihawk’s pity. “...” Mihawk finally looks away with a sigh, “I look forward to this new chapter as well…” He mutters as he turns to leave. 

What the hell? Buggy can’t help but think. He’s done everything right, hasn’t he? Why does Mihawk still seem so…disappointed? Was that disappointment or more pity? Was it regret? There’s something that Mihawk clearly isn’t saying, but Buggy can’t figure it out.

Crocodile also begins to make his leave as soon as MIhawk starts to go, but then he suddenly stops. "One more thing," Crocodile says, turning around. Oh, God, he's going to ask for something unreasonable right away, isn't he? The more things change, the more they stay the same. "Go get something to eat and take a hot shower. It pisses me off to see you like that." He mutters before turning around and leaving. 

Buggy stares at the entrance to his tent for a moment after his two partners leave. “Like you even give a shit…” He whispers to himself softly before lying back down and laughing bitterly at the irony of Crocodile’s words. Maybe, just maybe, if Buggy were a little stupider, he’d think that was Crocodile’s way of showing he cares, but he knows better by now.

A/N: An actual totally legitament picture of me walking out of the pits of hell to write and post this after disappearing witihout warning:

[randomingoftherandomness]

Im thinking this hc ✨

Zyc being flirted with zyz so he fools himself that its just banter, holding his breath, thinking that its not really romantically motivated(!!!)

until both cant hold it back (zyz w his flirting n seducing, zyc with soft blush n caring nature) and so they kiss

(or made out or more)

Then wx found em both in the position and just… smiled that they finally happens

Btw enjoyed ur writing sm sm sm sm, so glad i watched FoF at the same time w one of my fav writer✨

He's trying not to read into it, but Heavens above it is as if Zhao Yuanzhou has made it his personal mission to make it anything but what it probably was -- banter, the kind of joking around you do with your team members, friendly exchanges, or something of that sort. Anything, at this point anything would be better than what it could be.

Because at this point, it would be easy to fall for the great demon's charms.

Simple, in fact, to just throw common sense to the wind and give in to the way Zhao Yuanzhou lingers a beat too long when their hands touch or when their gazes meet over the dinner table. It would be child's play to call him to his private rooms, share a pot of wine under the moon, and ask him outright what he meant when he said this or that.

And if giving in meant he doesn't have to sleep in a too big bed alone? Would that be so bad?

Xiao Zhuo reels those thoughts back with decisive viciousness and buries them six feet deep. There's no reason for him to indulge his heart like this. Not even if logically he can read between the lines when Wen Xiao gently cautions him to be careful with his affections and Ying Lei breezily tells him that his eyes are the most transparent things he has ever seen.

No. Easier to believe that Zhao Yuanzhou means nothing more than friendly banter than to risk getting it all wrong.

Xiao Zhuo would happily live a long forever just basking in the warmth of the demon's gaze. Would have been content with the unspoken thing between them always hanging in the air above, never resolved but never unspooled.

Would have, had it not happened.

Zhao Yuanzhou sits on the soft grass, robes splayed out. Serene, leaning against the tree trunk, looks like a handsome, rich master taking a rest in the middle of his day. Xiao Zhuo allows himself to admire him, committing the way the sunlight dapples over his eyes, the way the breeze undoes his hair at the temple.

In a way, Xiao Zhuo could fill entire libraries with what his heart wants to say about the demon. All the poetry in the world fails to even measure up to a single drop in the bucket of all the things he feels in his heart about Zhao Yuanzhou.

"Are you here to scold me or are you here to invite me for a drink?"

The great demon's voice is soft in the quiet, but it rings in Xiao Zhuo's ear, sending a flurry of butterflies flying in his belly. Looking over at him again, the demon is blinking slowly at him, lips a soft curl of amusement.

"If you're here for the former, come closer. If you're here about the latter, well." Zhao Yuanzhou lifts his bottle, shaking it. "I hope you brought your own."

Xiao Zhuo feels his feet move his body before he even registers to do it. "I..." He starts, then falters. In his searching for the right words to string together, a hand comes to rest over his own. Gentle touch sliding over his wrist, tugging him down to where the great demon is three parts amused, three parts fond.

"Here." Xiao Zhuo hands over the jade pendant he kept in his lapels. "For your replenishment."

"Ah, our Xiao Zhuo-daren cares for me that much." Zhao Yuanzhou laughs gaily. "If I were a lady, I would have taken this as a love token."

Impossibly, Xiao Zhuo's heart skips a beat at that. Looking down at the fine jade that he had chosen with great deliberation from his family's collection in Zhao Yuanzhou's elegant palm, he swallows tightly. "What if I wanted you to? Take it as a love token, I mean."

A stunned silence falls through the hush of the courtyard and Xiao Zhuo immediately regrets saying anything. Making to pull away, he quickly thinks up an excuse, not daring to meet the demon's gaze. He has a palm's width of space between them, when Zhao Yuanzhou tugs him back.

"What if I accept?"

Xiao Zhuo's mind blanks out. Head snapping up, he makes contact with Zhao Yuanzhou's eyes. Despite everything, hope springs in his chest.

"What if I accept your love token? This one and every single one that comes after?" Zhao Yuanzhou asks. His voice pitched low and gentle as if trying to get him to understand something he's still not quite getting.

"Do you... Do you know what it would mean?"

"I do." Zhao Yuanzhou answers. Smiling, the demon's eyes searches his face. "Do you?"

Xiao Zhuo turns his sight on their hands. A surge of affection burns through him like a sudden summer storm. Bringing Zhao Yuanzhou's palm to his lips, he kisses his lifeline and turns it over to kiss over his knuckles. With a shaky exhale, he nods. "I do."

The demon's smile falters at that. "Everything in me tells me I shouldn't reciprocate. That I should protect you from the pain of what's coming next." Zhao Yuanzhou murmurs, almost sadly "I feel like I've dragged you into my pain."

Xiao Zhuo cradles him by the cheek, bringing their brows together. Licking his lips, he summons his bravery and tilts his head for the softest brush of their mouths. "I got here just fine on my own." He whispers into the seam of the demon's little smile. "But I appreciate the company."

The bark of laughter they share is swallowed up in the kisses they trade between breathing in each other. Vaguely, Xiao Zhuo is aware of the presence of another at the edge of the courtyard and a surprised little, "Oh my!"

Distantly, he thinks someone else says, "Took them long enough." But contentment in how he has his demon in his arms, the feel and the weight of his body being held so securely against Xiao Zhuo's, makes him heavy-hearted to pull away.

And so, he doesn't. Happy enough to drown under the thicket of kisses he shares with the one who makes his heart beat.

[robbyykeene]

@laniidae-passerine responding to you ask here bc I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. Serious spoilers for part 3 discussed below. You’ve been warned, read at your own risk:

got curious and checked out the CK Reddit (again, devil couldn’t get to me so had to invent new and terrible means) to see what the leaks and spoilers were for pt.3 and I swear if they’re true, I’m going to blow myself up. idk if you know them/want to hear them (will send in another ask if you do) but I think CK might be going toe to toe with HIMYM for the worst ‘pulled it out our ass’ ending ever

@gaffney sent me the spoilers and yeah lol they’re so fucking stupid. But tbh it’s everything i expected to happen after they let robby win the captain spot, and especially after part 2. Idk if these writers just really fucking hate robby or if they ultimately dont give a fuck about any of them so long as the red-pilled mra side of the fanbase is satisfied, but either way it is just such bad writing. they spend literally the entire show depicting how awful cobra kai is, culminating in a child literally dying, but theyre going to have EVERYONE rejoin cobra kai because the show is called that so obviously it must mean it has to end with it 🙄 even ignoring the robby of it all it is genuinely insane that daniel is going to willingly let johnny “wrap cobra kai gis around his children” when thats exactly what silver threatened to do and it made daniel (rightfully) lose his mind. If they want johnny back in ck fine, if they want miguel to be captain and win for ck fine, but they could have had Daniel and Robby decide that Mr. Miyagi was right. Competitions are meaningless and after Kwon’s death they’re not going to fight anymore. Daniel quits karate, Robby takes over Miyagi-Do to teach self-defense and balance but not competition, and Johnny and Miguel get the tournament win. And they all live happily ever after or fucking whatever. At least that would somewhat make sense character wise, even if it ultimately marks these entire 6 seasons meaningless. But nope! Robby’s getting his knee shattered because he’s cursed forever to pay for the sins of his father (who never has to pay for his own sins), and Daniel and family willingly joining Cobra Kai. It’s such a joke and just dogshit writing it’s almost funny. And the worst part is, the vast majority of the fanbase will be thrilled and critics will have nothing but praise and blow smoke up these writers asses even more than they already have.

[emilyjunk]

i won’t stop until you give me what i want!!! (bishova fics)

you taunt meeee. but fine, here is a snippet of something for you

So. Valentina has her fingers in multiple pies. It is not a surprise, really. Yelena expected this, to be fair. 

What she did not expect was to be dragged into it all. She had no intention of working with any form of government agency again. She had been there. Done that. No thanks and fuck off, also. 

And yet – 

It had happened all the same.

These Thunderbolts – Stupid. Stupid name. All these groups so full of self-important posers – are maybe not the worst waste of time she could imagine. At least they have no misguided ideas about what and who they are. Natasha may have been pulled in by some illusion of moral high ground preached by the Avengers, but Yelena lives under no such delusions. 

To her credit, Valentina is not so naive, either. There are no good guys; just bad guys and then worse guys. Not so black and white. This, at least, is a familiar thought, one that pokes uncertainly at uncomfortable memories of Melina smiling at her over home-cooked American meals and Christmas lights and blood twinkling against a frozen slab of ice.

It’s a consistent paycheck, anyway. 

Fanny’s food will not pay for itself.

//

So, she joins up. It is not a big deal, mostly, because the rest are like her. Independent, mistrusting, not quite convinced. 

Except of course, Alexei, who is thriving.

If she did not suspect Melina would secretly miss him, Yelena might murder the Red Guardian herself one of these days. It would certainly bring some peace and quiet to their Quinjet, not to mention a better aroma. But like it or not, painful history or not, he is still her daddy in the only way that has ever mattered, so she doesn’t.

So annoying.

//

Still, that does not mean she likes Valentina. She trusts her about as far as she can throw her, which, she will give herself, is further than the average person could throw her, but still not very far.

Which is perhaps why she is not altogether surprised when it all goes, as she heard Kate Bishop say one time, tits up.

She’s sitting on a bench in Central Park, enjoying the crisp November air while she works on a personal project, Fanny at her feet panting happily, when she feels the presence at her shoulder. 

Without turning, she says, “Hello, Agent Hill.”

The woman shifts into her line of vision, looking down at her with a nearly unreadable expression, except for the slight twitch at the corner of her lip. “Ms. Belova. Observant as ever.”

Yelena shrugs. “Your lotion is very distinctive.”

“Is it? Maybe I should try something new.”

“Eh. I would not worry about it. It smells quite nice.”

Hill looks at her for another moment, then gestures to the bench beside her. “May I?” 

Yelena quirks an eyebrow. “It is public park, yes?”

“Hm,” Hill agrees, then settles next to Yelena on the bench. Fanny nudges her knee with her nose, sniffing, and Hill holds the back of her hand out for inspection. At no sign of aggression from Fanny, Hill drags a leather-gloved palm over her head and scratches at her ears.

“So,” Yelena says. “To what do I owe this rendezvous? I hope you are not here to sell me on the Avengers again. I am unfortunately spoken for at the moment and I would not want you to waste your time. I am sure it is very valuable.”

Hill makes a noise, somewhere between a hum and a huff. “Yes, I’ve heard your new employment opportunity is keeping you busy.”

“It pays the bills.”

“I suppose that’s all you can ask for in a job these days.”

“Very true. And I have… what is it called? Ah. 401k. Smart, right? I hope you are investing in your retirement, Agent Hill. You cannot work for super-shady organization forever, huh? Bad for your health.”

Agent Hill says nothing to that, just stares across the wilting autumn-touched greenery of the lawn sprawling before them. Her gaze lingers on a red-headed woman spread across a blanket, hips up in the air as she completes a morning ritual of yoga and mindfulness, apparently at peace.

“Hard to imagine she's spearheading a coup.”

Yelena tilts her head. “She will not get her hands dirty.”

“I suppose not,” Hill agrees, then sighs, her tone edging against something slightly sharper and much too understanding for Yelena's liking. “She doesn’t need your help. You should know she is doing quite well for herself.”

They are of course not talking about the redheaded coup inciter anymore. “I am aware,” Yelena says dryly. 

“So why the interference?”

“Agent Hill, you are so forward,” she teases, even knowing it won't work. “I apologize to ask about your retirement finances, but you do not have to retaliate by getting into my business. It's very rude.” Hill glances her direction, eyes amused even if the apathetic tilt of her mouth remains the same. Yelena sighs, relenting slightly for the sake of decorum. “It is a personal curiosity.”

“I see.”

“You will do nothing with this information.”

“Of course not.”

Yelena narrows her eyes. “Something tells me this is not why you are here.”

“No.” Hill reaches a gloved hand in her pocket. When it reemerges, she extends a picture out. Yelena takes it. “This man is John Campbell.”

“John Campbell,” Yelena repeats, tongue sucking against the back of her teeth as she takes in a middle-aged white man, remarkable in absolutely zero ways except for a very full head of silver hair. “How American.”

A noncommittal sound leaves Hill's lips. “Unfortunately.”

Yelena resists the instinct to raise her eyebrows. “I did not take you for the unpatriotic type, Agent Hill.” She studies the picture again. “What is his business?”

“Software engineering,” Hill answers, purposefully vague to be sure. At the lack of response from Yelena, Hill continues. “I believe he is in bed with your employer.”

Yelena’s eyes flicker to Hill, then back to the picture. “I have not heard of this.”

“I presumed as much.”

“Unfortunate that you would also not assume I would have no interest in this. I do not pretend to have loyalty to the Contessa, but it is not my responsibility if your organization has objections to her business dealings. I have my own motivations. I do not aim to waste your time by making you think differently.”

Hill doesn't nod, just lifts her chin slightly as she continues to watch as their redheaded mark crosses her legs and settles into a relaxed meditation pose, spine straight. Yelena sees the agreement for what it is, the tightness in Hill’s eyes suggesting she already expected as much.

“That is not your objection with this man,” Yelena surmises.

“No.” Hill twists her lips. “Call it a personal curiosity.”

Intriguing. “You are invested.”

“I feel a responsibility.”

“In what way?”

Hill mulls over her words for a moment, and when they finally slip past her lips, they do so with a measured carefulness that suggests something deeply personal. “I believe Agent Romanoff would have insisted on her involvement.”

Yelena blinks. Grapples with the reactive tightening of her lips, the twisting of her lungs. “Is that so?”

“The intel suggests Campbell has had a major hand in developing software that can access the basal ganglia through the optic nerve.” Hill finally looks at her. “It would allow for certain control and manipulation. Of a kind with which I believe you are familiar.”

It takes everything in Yelena not to shudder, her body instead turning to stone as ice slides up her spine and tickles her neck. She pauses, as briefly as she can manage. Forces her voice out evenly. “I do not see how this concerns me.”

“No?”

“No.” She fumbles with the edge of her grip, teeth gritted and voice tight. “I am not Natasha.”

“No,” Hill agrees after a long moment. “I suppose not.” She sighs, taking the picture from Yelena's fingers. “Well. If you change your mind, I'm sure you can figure out how to reach me.” 

“I would not hold my breath.”

“Fair enough.” Hill finally pushes up from the bench. “Agent Bishop is tailing your mark's contact currently. He's stopped for coffee around the corner. They'll be here shortly for the drop, give or take two minutes.” Hill considers her with raised eyebrows. “Perhaps you've underestimated her.”

Yelena raises her eyebrows right back. “I have not. But thank you for your input, Agent Hill. It was nice to,” she twists her lips in purposeful politeness, “catch up.”

Hill hums, gives Fanny a last pat on the head, then retreats the way she came.

Yelena allows herself a brief moment to sit there and grind her teeth. Just as she's pulled herself back together, a man in sweatpants and a hoodie casually jogs up to the redheaded woman. They jovially clasp hands under the pretense of running into each other.

Across the lawn, a familiar figure nonchalantly strides around the paved sidewalk perimeter of the grass, one hand in the pockets of a long, gray-and-black checkered coat, the other wrapped around the leash of a fluffy one-eyed golden retriever. Her eyes flicker across the grass, over the pair of athleisure-wear clad friends and beyond, but by the time they alight on the bench across the way, Yelena is already gone.

[ordinaryschmuck]

Full Family AU Part Six

Manny buckled Luz up in the car, with Luz not making it easy by kicking her feet playfully as she's unable to hold in her unlimited energy.

"Ready for a new fun day at school, Mija?" Manny asked.

"Every day is a fun day!" Luz cheered.

"That's right it is." Manny closed the passenger door and looked to Camila, who stood patiently at the front door.

"I know it's my turn to take her," she said, "but I want to spend as much of the day that I can researching...her."

Camila turned her head to Vee, who hid behind a corner like a scared animal unsure of its environment.

"You sure you'll be fine being alone with her?" Manny asked.

"I...will be," Camila said, a little unsure herself. "I have to be. If she's going to be staying here for...who knows how long."

"Well, remember, she's more scared of you than you are of her."

"Trust me, I can see that now." Camila looked back at Vee, and the little creature just fully fled behind the corner once making eye-contact.

"Best of luck then," Manny said as opened the driver's seat door. "Have a good day."

"Thanks. And you have a good day at work!"

"I'll try. First time in three weeks I'll be back there. I'm either going to be congratulated for surviving or not acknowledged at all."

"You beat cancer, that's not an easy feat. Of course they'd congratulate you."

"Just as long as it's nothing flashy. Not exactly a fan of surprises."

"Tia Gabbi said I was a surprise," Luz spoke up, "and you always love me!"

"That...is different. Anyways, time to go."

"Okay! Bye, Mami! I love you!"

"I love you too, Bebé! Have a great day at school!" Camila said with a wave while Manny got in the car, slammed the door shut, and pulled out of the driveway. Camila then went back inside and began a search for Vee.

A search that didn't last long because she saw the little one's tail shaking as the rest of Vee hid behind the couch.

Camila took a slow, deep breath, and carefully made her way over. "Hey..."

Vee squeaked, her tail zipping behind the rest of the coach to hide herself better.

"Hey, hey," Camila said in a hushed tone. "I'm not going to hurt you. And...I'm sorry if I've been a little...hesitant. It's just..."

Camila looked over to the mantle, her eyes gleaming at the photo of herself, Luz, and Manny, all together.

"The last few years have been stressful," she explained. "I thought I was going to lose my family forever. But then...I didn't. We stayed together, all in one piece and got to be...what we are now forever. Family movie nights, Manny making Luz the happiest girl in the world, me sleeping in his arms every night. I was sure we were going to live our happily ever after..."

Vee poked her head out, taking note in the sadness in Camila's eyes.

"So when I saw some...creature I've never seen before, who can talk and do all these...these crazy things, it made me worried. What if my family is threatened again? What if something bad happens that I can't save us from? I couldn't know what will happen and it...scared me."

Vee looked down, her lip quivering.

"But you're not a threat..."

Vee looked up again and jumped back a bit at Camila suddenly being crouched down in front of her. "You're scared too," she said with a nurturing smile. "A scared little girl with nowhere to go. I'm so sorry I couldn't see that. Manny's always been better at reading people than me. But I promise that I will do better, starting right now. I don't know what you are, but I'll learn to...look past your features and make sure you feel safe..."

Camila held out her hand. Hesitantly, Vee leaned over and sniffed it a bit, gave Camila a look, and reached her tiny hands to hold hers.

"Bass...Ill...Isk..." Vee said.

"What?"

"That's what they called me. A bass...ill...isk..."

[thaisibir]

Faith, Science, and Lessons to Learn in Claymore

Here come my thoughts I've articulated the best I could on why I absolutely love Claymore for over ten years. I love how faith and science are represented and explored in this series, especially how they are not only compared side by side but brought together. And I don't exaggerate when I say this series had taught me valuable life lessons and how to be a better person.

Faith vs science: Rabona represents the institution of faith. The organization is an institution of science. As Claymore is a story centered on, of course, the Claymores, and the world as they know it, we see a lot more than the institution of faith how the institution of science operates. And it's a very cruel, brutal operation. Girls are salvaged and trafficked to be subject to experimentation and training, conditioned to think and work like cogs in a machine. Their entire lives revolve around constant, endless missions of killing yoma. All the while they're fighting against their own inhuman side. They're ticking time bombs destined for nothing but a violent death. It's a vicious cycle. A system set up to doom them from the start.

I have to mention how incredibly disgusting and clever the psychology behind the organization's system is. 47 Claymores are deployed and scattered throughout the continent at all times, but few ever come across one another. I'm sure that after training, most full-fledged warriors go through their entire careers without ever meeting another of their own. The few times they meet up are strictly for missions only. No time for real bonding and fraternizing. In fact, it seems to be discouraged and deliberate. And there is no care or effort whatsoever put into fostering friendly relations between Claymores and the common folk. They have no home, no family, not even friends, no autonomy, only complete dependence on the organization. Not unlike a toxic relationship where the victim has no choice but to be shackled to the abusive partner. That's exactly how the organization wants it to be. They want their subjects to be powerful, dependable, but expendable and replaceable at the drop of a hat. The lonely and isolated lifestyle imposed on Claymores, along with the rules, keep them in line. Keep them apart and they would never get a whiff of the skeleton in the organization's closet and entertain the idea of rebelling. We all know that didn't last forever. (More on that in a later section...)

All right I think I've been beating a dead horse talking about how horrible the organization is. In contrast to their operations involving exploitation, dissection, and separation of Claymores, Rabona is the site of their unity and humanization.

Rabona is the pivoting point for bringing together a Claymore and three humans in their efforts to take down a yoma. It's where we learn that bonds are stronger than the carnal desire to awaken and feast on guts. Years later, it's also in Rabona where the same cooperation happens. Just on a much greater scale. Humans and Claymores collectively learned to fight alongside each other. Irene proved that it's possible to survive outside the organization. Galatea took it a step further, being the first to show that it's possible for a warrior to live happily among humans, albeit in secret. By the end, an era of a truly peaceful coexistence begins. It's a beautiful irony that the city well known for its spirituality, image of holiness, and rejection of the "unholy" becomes the first place to openly welcome Claymores.

The organization topples and falls apart from a single decisive strike. Meanwhile, despite multiple assaults from powerful Awakened Beings, Rabona still stands. And I'm sure it will continue to endure and flourish with the Claymores as its new resident defenders. An institution built on fear and blind obedience is much weaker than one built on the warriors' true sense of allegiance, belonging, and home.

That is not to say that science is all bad in Claymore. After all, surgery is what physically brought Teresa and Clare together.

Father Vincent: I need to talk about this man and how vastly underrated he is. In a story full of incredibly strong and kickass half-monster women, Vincent is not only one of the few ordinary men in the cast, but the best of them morally speaking (second to Raki). That scene of Vincent with Galatea, Clarice, and Miata made him my favorite male character in the series. He had come a long way since his first appearance. Even then, he had come around from a position of prejudice and his city's idea of holy vs unholy to acceptance and gratitude for Clare. His brief sharing with Galatea of that turning point shows incredible self-awareness and introspection, a mindset we should all strive to have. Then, as the head priest of the religious order entrenched in Rabona, he initiates that change at the greater societal level, turning Rabona into a sanctuary that welcomes all Claymores. I especially love that panel where he raises a hand of blessing to Galatea and says he wants to pray "for her and her wonderful companions." I found that incredibly touching. Those words must mean the world to Galatea, and to any Claymore if they heard. After all, they're so used to being dehumanized and reviled. Vincent is the perfect foil to the terrible men of the organization, second to Raki when it comes to showing empathy and compassion to Claymores and regarding them as more human than monster. Vincent sets a great example of what it means to be a decent human being, and just what it means to be human, to be capable of growth and change for the better. I'm sure we all want to be badass like the Claymores, but really we must try to be the Father Vincent in people's lives. You don't need yoma power to be an agent for good and change.

The measurable versus the immeasurable: In this world where only the strong survive, power and rank is everything. Or so it seems. Like I mentioned earlier, the organization is insidiously clever in using a ranking system to define the Claymores and keep them in line. Claymores have very few possessions to call their own: the emblem and armor they wear, the sword they wield, and the number they're given. Numbers are what separate and define them, what seem to give them identity, worth, and purpose. Enter Clare, the series protagonist, who flips a giant middle finger at all that. Unlike some Claymores who obsess over numbers (lookin' at you, pre-timeskip Helen), Clare doesn't let her low rank define or upset her. Mathematically and rationally speaking, with the flesh of a half yoma warrior, she's only a quarter yoma, therefore half the strength of a typical Claymore and the weakest of them all. Clare gives that rationale the middle finger too. What keeps her alive from beginning to end is her limitless, immeasurable, astounding courage and endurance that impressed Teresa from the beginning. And there's her great capacity to love and care for others. Love forged those strong, lasting bonds with Teresa and Raki. The lengths she went to save Jean inspired a loyalty like no other, and what leads to one of my favorite quotes in the series: "She saved my life. Her rank meant nothing then and it means even less to me now."

The Seven Ghosts embody true sisterhood allowed to flourish outside the confines and prying eyes of the organization. Living, hiding, and training together, sharing survivors' guilt from that massacre in Pieta, they are fueled by a drive that's far greater and more enduring than mere petty competition for ranks within the organization. They don't fight just to survive, but to honor the memory of their fallen comrades. Years later, those old ranks they were given mean nothing. The Ghosts become more than that, undefinable, and for all their strengths and weaknesses they come to regard each other as equals, as true friends and sisters ought to.

And finally, the most powerful manifestation of love is none other than Teresa and Clare, the twin goddesses who defeat the one horned monster. The organization had tried and failed many times to replicate that perfect synergy. They left out one important part of the equation. Clare and Teresa's love for each other makes their union a truly powerful thing that defies the limits and bounds of numbers and stats. Many times throughout the series, especially by men from the organization, it's brought up that Clare's true abilities and potential don't align with the number she was given. She's truly a wild card, defiant in the face of obeying the organization's rules and rationalities. It's human nature to assign numbers and ranks to things because we like to compartmentalize, but the real world is a lot messier than that. Clare is there to teach us that we are not defined by the numbers we earn or are given.

All of this is to say that the most important lesson I took away from Claymore is this: it's what you do for others that truly counts, not what others think of you. Love and compassion is enough to move the most powerful being in the entire series to tears.

[katnisspeetaprim]

Slice Of Life Part 3

Summary: After the birth of your daughter, you had hoped you could have a peaceful few weeks, but the universe has other plans.

Warnings: angst, fluff, established relationship, swearing, fighting, bad relationship with parents, idol!au, baby, breastfeeding.

Word Count: 2129 M.list

Ever since you returned home from the hospital, all you wanted to do was sleep. As soon as you stepped foot in your home, it was like every ounce of energy had escaped you. Jungkook had happily told you to go rest, eager to spend time with his little girl. Plus, his parents had come down and were staying close by, just in case you needed help in the first couple weeks. As soon as your head hit the pillow, you were out like a light.

‘Y/N? Jagi...’ You were awoken a few hours later to Jungkook gently shaking your shoulder. He was stood over you with your fussing daughter in his arms. ‘I’m sorry to wake you, but I’ve tried everything and I think she’s hungry.’ He smiled apologetically as he sat beside you.

‘I should probably get up anyway. Can’t sleep forever.’ You smiled softly as you sat up, reaching for your daughter.

Jungkook helped you to rearrange your shirt so you could move So-Hee into position and help her latch.

They’d shown you at the hospital what to do when it came to breastfeeding and lucky for you, So-Hee wasn’t a fussy one when it came to latching.

‘Do- Do you want privacy?’ Jungkook asked, suddenly unsure of himself sitting next to you. You chuckled and shook your head.

‘Don’t be silly. This is perfectly natural, plus it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.’ He seemed to relax after your reassurance and situated himself next to you, leaning against the head board.

Both of you looked down to the baby in your arms. She was perfect. Jungkook gently stroked her head as she fed, playing with the fine tufts of hair on her head.

‘The guys have been texting, asking when they can come visit.’ You let out a breathy laugh.

‘Maybe give it a few days.’ Jungkook also laughed and nodded in agreement.

‘Yeah they can be loud when excited.’

The boys had ended up coming to visit in pairs over the next few days. Each of them had been wonderful and understanding that you didn’t want to be overwhelmed by all of them at once.  They did bring lot’s of gifts with them though, more than you knew what to do with in your small apartment. But you guessed it was your own fault for skipping the baby shower.

Namjoon and Jin were the last two to visit.

You were all sat around the living room. Jin was currently cooing down at So-Hee in his arms and she was laughing up at him.

‘So, how you two holding up?’  Namjoon asked kindly.

‘I mean, I think we’re doing good, all things considered.’ You nodded to yourself, knowing you were doing the best you could do.

‘Yeah, plus my parents have been a huge help. I think I would have had a breakdown if I couldn’t call my mom.’ Jungkook laughed, but it was true.

There had been a few times when So-Hee was crying and neither of you could figure out why. At first you felt like a failure for calling his parents for help. If you couldn’t figure out what your child wanted, didn’t that make you a bad mom? No, o course not. It just meant you still needed time and practice.

You were all disturbed by a sudden loud knocking at the door. You looked over to Jungkook in confusion.

‘Did you invite someone else?’

‘No. I’ll see who it is.’ You nodded as he got up and disappeared down the hall. You continued your conversation with Jin and Namjoon, thinking nothing of the situation, until Jungkook didn’t come back right away.

‘I should probably see what’s keeping him.’ When you turned the corner, you saw Jungkook stood in the doorway, blocking whoever was here from view.

‘Jungkook? Who is it? He shot you a look over his shoulder, eyes hard.

‘Jagi, go back inside. I’ll sort it!’ this made your brows scrunch up and question what was happening. You stepped closer and were about to talk, when Jungkook was suddenly and roughly shoved out of the way, so much so that he stumbled slightly. Before you even knew what was happening, two people were grabbing at you.

‘Y/N! I can’t believe it!’

‘We’ve missed you so much!’ Your mouth was dry as you stared at the two people you had hoped to never see again.

‘Mom, dad. H-how did you find my address?’

‘You both need to leave.’ Jungkook was now stood behind you, glaring at your mom and step dad.

‘Oh don’t be silly! We want to see our granddaughter!.’ Your mother said in a way too cheery tone. ‘Giving birth is the only decent thing you’ve achieved recently anyway.’ Your eyes widened when she tried to walk round you. Quickly, both you and Jungkook moved to stop them from moving any further into your home.

‘You don’t get to show up here and start making demands like nothing ever happened!’ You began yelling, now enraged that they thought they had any right to see your daughter.

‘Get the hell out of my home!’ You shoved your mother back as your shouts got louder, causing Namjoon to come running and see what was happening.

‘How dare you lay hands on your mother!’ Your step dad had now also raised his voice and raised his hand as he took a step towards you. Jungkook was quick to get between the two of you and push him back.

‘That’s far enough.’

‘I just want to see my granddaughter.’ Your mother mumbled again.

‘You’ll never meet my daughter! Now get out and never contact me again!’ They both went to argue again when Namjoon stepped forward.

‘I believe they asked you to leave. If you don’t, we can always  get the police involved.’ Namjoon was talking calmly. He knew just from the short interaction that both you and Jungkook were upset, so he needed to be the one to keep a level head right now.

Your parents were silent and looked between all three of you, before backing off. Your mom looked you up and down before scoffing.

‘I’m shocked you even managed to get pregnant in the first place just looking at you. Wouldn’t be surprised if you got him drunk first.'  You saw red. Her condescending voice and words were enough to tip the scales. You lunged forwards, but Jungkook was quick to catch you and stop you from doing something you would regret, though he didn’t stop you from screaming at her.

‘Get the fuck out! OUT! NOW!’

‘Calm down.’ Jungkook whispered in your ear as you shrugged against him. Namjoon stepped past the two of you to usher your parents out of the house. He quickly locked the door behind them.

By now, your anger has subsided and turned into sobs as you buried your head into Jungkook’s chest.

‘How did they find me Kook?’

‘I really don’t know baby...’ He stroked your hair as he looked over to Namjoon, not really sure what to do now.

So-Hee’s cry suddenly started up, probably from being scared by the loud shouting. You pulled away and jogged back to the living room.

‘So-Hee...’ You called out, wanting nothing more than to hold your baby in that moment. You made a mental note to thank Jin later for having enough initiative to keep your daughter away from the situation.

Jungkook and Namjoon stayed back, both leaning against the walls as they composed themselves.

‘What’s going on?’ Namjoon broke the silence. Jungkook looked up to him and sighed, frustrated.

‘Y/N hasn’t spoke to her parent’s in years. I have no clue how they found our address.

‘Do you think they’ll come back?

‘I don’t know but they seemed determined.’ He trailed off. Both men just stared at each other for a moment.

‘I could help you and Y/N find a new apartment?’ Namjoon piped up with a suggestion. ‘Plus I’m sure manager Sejin could get you some security in the mean time.’ Jungkook thought it over before nodding, glum look on his face.

‘I’d have to talk to Y/N, but thank you hyung.’ Namjoon smiled and patted him on the back.

‘Anytime Kook.’ The two of them made their way back into the living room, to find Jin alone.

‘Y/N took So-Hee to your room. She looked really upset.’ Jin was confused since he didn’t know what was happening. You had just ran back in and scooped up your daughter, ignoring him when he tried to comfort you.

‘We should go hyung. I’ll explain later.’ Jungkook saw them both out, before immediately gong to find you.

‘Jagi?’ He pushed open the bedroom door and saw you sitting on the bed with your back to him, cradling your daughter. Without another word, he sat next to you and wrapped his arm around your shoulders.

‘Are you ok?’ He knew it was a silly question, but he wanted you to know he cared.

‘No. Not really.’ You spoke so quietly that he could barely hear you. He just nodded and stroked across your shoulders.

‘Hyung said he could help us find a new apartment.’ You looked at him with raised eyebrows.

‘But... I like it here...’

‘Well... Maybe it’s for the best? I mean So-Hee can’t even have a nursery here because of the space.’ It was true. You and Jungkook never moved out of your small apartment. When you started getting serious, he moved right in with you so he could get out of the dorms. It was just the two of you, so neither of you felt the need to have more space, despite having the means to do so.

‘I just don’t understand why they would turn up now.’ Jungkook didn’t have an answer for you. He’s always had a good and supportive relationship with his parents, so he can’t claim to understand your feelings.

‘If you decide you want to talk to them-‘

‘No!’ You cut him off abruptly. ‘I want them no where near our daughter!’ You came off as more harsh than you intended, but Jungkook understood.

‘Ok.’ You both sat in comfortable silence as you rocked So-Hee.

‘Can I have my own office in our new place?’ You suddenly asked, causing Jungkook to laugh.

‘Sure jagi, whatever you want.’

It had only been a few days since the incident, but your parents had made no further attempts to contact you, yet.

Namjoon had also made good on his word, and got you in to view a pretty exclusive place in a gated community. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little excited to see your possible forever home.

‘She’ll be fine! Don’t worry!’ Jungkook’s mom laughed as she watched the two of you linger in the doorway.

Jungkook’s mom had gladly agreed to babysit So-Hee, whilst you both went to see your potential new apartment. This would be the first time both of you would be leaving since her birth and you were more than a little apprehensive.

‘Are you sure one of us shouldn’t stay?’ You blurted out, flustered.

‘Don’t be silly! I know how to look after a baby!’ She laughed before becoming serious. ‘And if you know who show up again, I’ll be right onto the police. The nerve of them...’ You relaxed a little, knowing that So-Hee was in good hands, but there would always be that lingering anxiety in the back of your mind.

‘Kook... This place is huge!’ You stood in the middle of the empty apartment, looking round in amazement. The real estate agent was standing to the side, looking quite pleased with herself.

‘A lot bigger than your cramped place anyway.’ He jabbed with a smirk.

‘Hey! You chose to move in with ME!’

‘It was either that or you move into the dorms!’ he retorted with a grin, knowing you would have no comeback. You loved the boys, but the thought of living with them was a grim one .

‘Sorry to interrupt, but what are we thinking?’ The real estate agent smiled over at the two of you.

You smiled softly at Jungkook and grabbed his hand.

‘I really like it.’

‘That settles it then!’ He grinned widely to you, before spinning back to the other woman, ‘We’ll take it!’

Moving in was a fast process, considering you both wanted to be out of your place ASAP. The guys had all helped you, and even the boys of TXT had extended their hand in assistance too.

You had decided that it was probably time to get new furniture, rather than moving your old beat up stuff, fresh start and all.

Now all that was left was to decorate.

A.N – So I have no idea when Jungkook moved into his current place, but this new place they have moved into is that place. The one he is currently living in as of 2023!

[yuseirra]

Mm..; well, I went and checked the hikaai tag

I actually don't really look up the tags here anymore because I get nervous,

Um.. Um.. I'm sorry for being an embarrassment(I SURE POSTED A LOT...) But I found a lot of things worthy of drawing about them and there was something that really drew me in about the two of them!

It happens when I really like a ship. I enjoy thinking about two people sharing a very strong bond, having a deep attachment toward one another, caring a lot, I can go on about that and explore about it on and on. I never get tired of it. I've been doing it whenever I join fandoms. It's something I find very precious and these two had something intriguing between them.

I think...I'll be still able to provide more, thankfully.

My chest is actually lifted to a degree(if they're going to refrain from explaining anything at all??) Because I refuse to downright just take the guy as a monster when we DON'T KNOW how things exactly played out!!!;; why can't they show it to us?? The whole thing about lies? Covering up? Was that what this character was supposed to be about? Then ISN'T the public's perception of him what's WRONG because, he'll be known for being Aqua's killer when he ISN'T. HE DIDN'T WANT HIS SON TO DIE. THIS WASN'T THE OUTCOME HE'S WANTED, evil or not. That much is still clear. It's still unfair. If he's bad, let him face the consequences of what he's actually responsible for. We don't know. This isn't justice then! So, you know what. I am not going to take him as the evil behind it all. I could sense some kindness in him even if what's left of it's a remnant of what he's originally used to be. This wasn't a person that should have turned out this way. I could see it really well.

Nothing about what Kamiki's told to Aqua about the nature of the industry turned out to be wrong, did it? People flock together and they entertain themselves with stories, isn't that what's happened to Ai? And now it'll happen to Ruby? Gosh, this really does feel like a bad/normal ending route of a video game. What more did we need to unlock the "true end" and find out the real truths of what's been happening? Sad or Bad or Normal ending or not, however, the writers should EXPLAIN what's been going on still. What are they going to do if they can't do that within the given limits of their own piece?

Since things are so indefinite, I can take things as positively as I'd like, out of all the possibilities, huh? And I don't think it'd be so far from the real truth either... I don't really see Ai having fallen for some "monster" because they were smiling very happily together in their thoughts of each other. The positive emotions they had were mutual. He was so happy to be with her. That wasn't a lie. She wanted to be forever with him and he thought she made him feel alive. I think that's precious. Whatever they'd become. I don't think...Hikaru would have EVER tried to harm someone he felt that way towards. The guy used to be TIMID.

Oh this got long again but, since the series is ending there wouldn't be a lot to add about, heard there's going to be live action and Hikaru may get some scenes there? Seeing what the recent writing's made of him, can I..;; trust them to write him in a way that treats him like a human being? Idk, it's been so confusing because I was ALWAYS able to read out some parts of his humanity as he appears(I actually wholeheartedly resonate with the idea that the guy must have had a noble soul.) but they make the other characters treat him like an irredeemable villain that shouldn't be regarded to have a heart.

I'd like to think he was an essentially good person. And at least.. There will not be ANYTHING left to completely refute and deny me of this impression I have of him. I'd like to think Ai chose a kind soul to be her partner. What happened after she died and what's become of him...what is with this man? I can't BELIEVE that's still ambigious, trust me, I'm very strict about morals and being in the right. That's why I was so nervous. That's why I kept questioning. I need to know something in full in order to be able to judge something, it's unfair to do it without it being so and.. It seems like we'll never know. I'll never have to worry every week and question whether everything about him and Ai were to be lies. Maybe it is but??; I've come to the conclusion that their love was actually real. It did bring disasters but I think they really did care for one another?? Things could have been so much better. I think they really could have been happy with the twins and them having formed a loving family could have become reality, because Hikaru was never so hostile towards the twins after all except that one really freaky thought he had but HE DIDN'T GO THROUGH WITH IT. He probably.. Really could have felt Ai in a pretty solid sense if he did but he still didn't(no but what was really happening there????)

I can come up with some things. I'll do it, even if I end up looking at other works. Thank you for viewing my works regarding this couple ;v;)♥ I'm.. Glad to say they saved me some positivity left but that's not because the ending was good, it's because I already had it within me and the work didn't blow it out. I'll draw something about Aqua too this weekend because that boy deserves it. I have no idea why he couldn't just live unless he has to sacrifice his life to form a seal to kill his dad who can't normally be suppressed... Having him die... Really doesn't contribute to the story in any way the way I see it, I'd see if there's a point to it but I don't see it having any meaningful message with Ruby being how she is in the ending either. Her "growth" sort of.. Reverted back didn't it??;; so, it's better if Aqua just lives. Literally no one wanted it to happen. He himself wanted to live. What will become of his soul?? Tsukuyomi should take responsibility for having put him in that body and let him live a normal life!! He got caught up in other people's mess until the very end!

[brrrkdslek]

50M FOLLOWERS SPECIAL‼️

❒ ateez x gn! reader

❒ idfk, gossip girls???

❒ your friend ditches you and is replaced with your favourite group, ateez.

❒ 0.8k

❒ fyi i was like half asleep when i wrote this. im not even gonna bother to edit btw im not making fun of anyone n shit just go with it pls im begging😭🙏🏻

your heart stops for a whole minute as you watch ateez walking across from you, just getting off their flight.

you rubbed your eyes multiple times as you shamelessly gawked at the boys that walked farther and farther away from you. damn, is this how lucky you are???

apparently not as you waited at the parking lot, checking your phone every few seconds waiting for your friend to arrive to pick you up.

you squatted down as fatigue took over your body and knocked you to the ground. you sighed, not even bothering to move.

just then, your phone vibrated in your pocket as you pick up the call. "jiwon! where the hell are you, i'm fucking starving!"

"uh... i might not be able to make it, heh." your eyes widen as you silently cried. fuck it's already 11pm, who's gonna take you home now???

you decided to sit there and cry your ass off until a miracle happened, which it did. you cried and whispered words of curses directed to your supposed 'best friend'.

"waaa, that stupid bimbo... i bet she ditched me 'cuz she's hooking up with some man whore," "who did?" you jumped as you looked to your right.

is that,

jung. fucking. wooyoung. question mark.

you stare at him for a few seconds before suddenly slapping yourself across the face, taking him by shock. "fuck! focus y/n, you shouldn't be fucking hallucinating right now..."

you sighed as you looked in his direction again. his figure still and very real. "wait, what the hell? you're real???" you put your hand over your mouth, why were you so fucking unlucky????

wooyoung then laughed as you stared at him like he was on something, "ah- sorry, i've just never met a fan like this before! wait, you're an atiny, right?"

you nodded, face still red from embarrassment. "what are you doing out here at," you glance at your phone, "almost 12am?" wooyoung shook his head, "no, what are YOU doing out here? and why are you on the ground crying????"

you explained your situation to wooyoung as you cursed your friend in anger. you also told him that she hooks up with the randomest dudes ever and worst of all, she's your roommate.

the miracle finally happened when wooyoung offered to drive you back, not mentioning that he was with his members too.

as you approached the black van, he opened the passenger door, pulling san out and shoving him in the back. you side-eyed wooyoung as he kicked and shoved san into the back, no explanation.

"yah! jung woo- ow, don't kick me!"

"what the fuck are you doing???"

"hey, get off me!"

"what is going on???"

the members clamoured as they adjusted their seating due to the extra fatso being shoved in. extra fatso as in choi san of course!

"you saw nothing!" wooyoung exclaimed happily as he opened the passenger door for you, you got in and sat awkwardly as the members gawked at you.

maybe you should've stayed outside until you got kidnapped by a sexy man/ woman and lived in their basement forever, okay maybe it wasn't that bad.

"uh, who are you?" okay maybe it was that bad.

"uh-" wooyoung got into the driver's seat and started the car, "our little atiny's friend dumped her on the streets so we're gonna take her home!" ouch, why's he word it like that???

mingi's face lightened up, "you're an atiny!? ooo, who's your bias?" fuck, you didn't expect that. um, what were you supposed to say now???

suddenly your phone rang. for the first time ever, you thanked jiwon for calling you at a random time. wooyoung put on some music and started driving, "oh- right, where do you live?"

the members tease wooyoung for his stupidity as you entered a location on the gps, then answering the phone. "hello- what?"

the members eyed each other quietly as they, not very discreetly, listened in on your conversation. not like they couldn't, right?

"what did you say just now?" "uh- so my hookup might've stolen your yeosang photocard." you gasped so loud. wooyoung looked over, "what, what is it?"

"oh. my. GOD! KIM JIWON, HOW MANY TIMES DID I TELL YOU TO FUCK OUT OF MY SPACE!? I LOCK THE DOOR FOR THAT DAMN REASON HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??"

the members eyes widen with curiosity, silently rooting for you as you screamed at your 'friend' on the phone. unlucky day it was.

you hung up, turning to wooyoung, " actually, take me here instead." you enter another location. "what- wait why, what happened?"

then began your rant of your slut of a roommate. how she was messy, never giving you space and always up your ass about everything. you also mentioned that you were finding a new apartment so you could finally get away from her.

"what! that's so insane, she let the guy sleep naked on the couch??" seonghwa cringed in disgust. "yeah, he was so damn ugly too." san snorted and laughed, "i even have a picture, you wanna see???"

the rest of the car ride was filled with gasps and 'no way!'s and 'omg's and more! but of course, the boys deliver you to your location safely and you've never felt happier.

©BRRRKDSLEK 2023

[fandoms-in-law]

To the Past Versions

Summary: Steve gets pushed to write letters to his past by Dustin, and then Robin when he isn't nice in the first. It does eventually help him.

Authors note: I am ever confused when words fall easily. I write constantly so it happens often enough, but if I have a prompt I expect to get stuck. Today I did not, happily so.

The idea for this fic: Dear self esteem* as a Steve fic except he's really just writing to memories, wondering when he stopped feeling like he could do anything/be anything

*A sanders sides fic I wrote a while back

/\/\

Attempt 1:

Hey Steve,

So Dustin has it in his head that we all need to write to the past to get mentally healthy or something, sounds like bullshit, which is what you are, so I picked you to write to.

You’re so wrapped up in yourself, you don’t even realise how much of an asshole you are. You Don’t treat Nancy right now, and barely get better after you sleep with her. You’re a complete jackass, who I and everyone I’ve basically ever met hates and that’s without knowing you most of the time.

Literally, I meet people I thought were complete strangers, or maybe classmates I never interacted with, and get told how horrible you are. That’s how bad you are. You’re worse than complete garbage and trust me, I’ve met men like that enough to know.

Get your head out of your ass, stop bullying people for no reason and fucking learn money solves basically nothing. It just lets you pretend the problem isn’t there until you run out of it.

Thanks for nothing, And better grovel for Nancy to help you learn to be better, you useless prick.

Steve.

Attempt 2:

So, somehow Robin found out about my first letter and got mad about it? She’s telling me to right to a past me that I actually like and seems set on doing so until she thinks I’m healthier. There were threats to show it to Dustin involved and I do not want to know how he’d react. He’s already acting oddly, along with the other kids since Robs found it. I think she spoke to them too.

Sorry for the ramble, Steve, hello.

You’ll meet Robin soon so don’t worry over having no clue who she is. The kids have already inserted themselves into your lives and I still agree that you’re better for it.

I think the first time I actually liked myself was because of those kids. For once I wasn’t a Harrington, or a basketball player; I was a guy who could help them, protect them in a way Nancy never let me feel like I had done. (We both know I was the one who won against that demogorgan not her or Jonathan though)

Times are shit for you outside of the kids though, but I miss those days. Even if Billy liked to lord over me that he was king now, it was nice to be in the background at school, and stand a chance of learning in lessons instead of Tommy yanking me into parties or rubbish that I never enjoyed. Heck I even enjoyed a few of the classes that year. Who knew I could be interested in that stuff?

Life gets better though, even if it comes looking like horrid situations sometimes. And the kids will be there nagging you through it all. I love those shitheads.

Keep going.

Steve.

Attempt 3:

Hey Steve,

Erica would have gotten involved regardless. It might be horrible that you and Robin were the ones to do it when she was so young, but I think it was better for her. This last time was the worst and I’m glad she wasn’t trying to understand it all without something to get out of it. You don’t have to carry that guilt forever. At least share some of it with Robin since she was the one who came up with the idea and acted before asking me or Dustin if it was sensible to try.

I wish you had done that ceremonial burning of the scoops outfit though. You and Robs joked about it so much in the weeks after the fire but here I am, with Eddie fucking Munson begging me to wear it again just so he can see the old uniform fully assembled.

Seriously, go burn it now whenever you don’t get a letter from the future appearing

Steve

Attempt 4:

Dear Steve,

Kiddo, you know these people you think are friends aren’t. I wouldn’t call the kids I look after kiddo but somehow it works for 13yr old me. Popularity isn’t friendship, it’s people pretending to like you because they think that’ll get them something; I wish you weren’t so desperate for friendship and connection you fell into it.

This is the last year I remember trying to stop someone insulting another person. You got called a bleeding heart for months and if you even grimace at the worst bullying happening around you Tommy or one of the other people hanging onto you would turn everything onto ‘bleeding heart Harrington’. The poker face you develop because of it still hasn’t been broken when Eddie decides everyone should play cards.

Steve, you have hell coming before you, and despite the monsters and location that matches that name better to most people, for you that is high school and being forced to the top all because you wanted friends. You get through it, you find monsters and discover what real friendship is after all of that. I think someone in history class said something about if you’re going through hell keep going and that’s what you need to do, what I did.

But, kid, still keep trying to be kind when you can. I know it feels precarious, dangerous, to have everyone looking at you and see the bullying they do to anyone shown to be human. I know how scared I felt that it’d turn on me if I refused any of those people I thought were friends too much, but you try, I tried, as much as I could for as long as I could, until I got here.

You’re going to be lonely for a while, Steve, but not forever, I promise you that.

I’ll see you in my reflection when I get stunned by my friends. They’ll find you eventually.

Steve

Attempt 5:

Dear Steve,

I dug out a picture to write this. One mom took just before leaving saying she’d get it developed so she could never forget her darling boy. Two promises broken at once because I found that camera, and the film still inside it a decade later, the picture still undeveloped until I asked Jonathan if he could.

Dustin was right when he read somewhere that writing to our past could help us feel better, but he was wrong too. He suggested times I could write to for stupid things or times following what he thinks are the big traumas, but those are easy. I knew more of the world then, but you’re just a kid, younger than Erica was when I got to know her and needing far more protection than I think she’s ever done.

If Robin had brought you into the back room of Scoops that day I might’ve done the most sensible thing ever and just driven out of Hawkins, you and Dustin packed into the back seat to try and figure out how to survive. Until Mrs Henderson took Dustin back because she loves him so much.

Sometimes it hurts to witness that, because of your year, 8yrs old and absolutely sure I was a big boy who could cope with a few nights home alone because mom wanted to go with father on a short trip. You shouldn’t have been, have needed to be, and for a long time I’ve been sad about that.

Mom and father were home last week and she found the picture, said she didn’t remember getting it developed. I didn’t correct her. Because you were lonely, scared, for so long, and now I’m mad.

I know you get through it, become the best cook to start taking home economics and almost kill yourself mixing cleaning products enough times you didn’t need chemistry class to tell you what makes poisonous gases. You get to become me eventually, but you shouldn’t have. I could never imagine leaving one of the kids I look after home alone in the way you were, and that’s on our parents. They failed you, even before now, but at 8 was the first time you wondered it. You didn’t need to correct yourself then although I know you did. Mom and father failed you.

We make it, and they will realise they’ve been strangers my whole life when they come home to emptied rooms, bills unpaid and no forwarding address. I move out next week to an apartment with friends.

You will have company again.

Steve

Attempt 6:

Your majesty, King Steve,

Eddie is pretty funny and I think I need his flavour of madness right now. Last time I tried to write to you I got mad, at myself more than at you. Then Robin both got mad and started paying attention to how she and everyone talks to me or about who I’ve been. She’s still mad but at herself and others now.

You aren’t good, Steve, but you weren’t as horrible as I began to think. I mean, even at what everyone thinks is my worst I went back to save Nancy. Robin pointed that out to me, sat down and dissected things I was sure I did at my worst, before Nance and I were officially dating.

Some things surprised her and I like knowing that I was a good friend, even to people who weren’t, because you are. You are there giving Carol pudding pots when Tommy ruins hers; there checking no one on the swim or basketball teams gets too hurt by teasing; there trying to make sure everyone claiming to be your friend has what they need.

Those aren’t things a bad person would do, just someone so caught up in protecting themself from the pain of loneliness and isolation that they compromise themself for company. Okay, Robin told me that too, but it tracks.

Most importantly, when I get the chance to be better, to know real connections, I take it. That’s pretty great of you.

Thanks Steve. You take the biggest step for us.

Attempt 7:

To Myself,

It’s been a long journey and I never thought I’d write to myself half so much as I have.

I’ve been popular, lonely, both at once, heartbroken, loved and to hell only to come out fighting. Concussions are far too familiar a sensation and I could probably make do living in the woods with the ways I learnt to cook.

Life is a trip and apparently I don’t get a choice about living it. But in all the letters to our past I’ve written there’s one thing I realised I’ve wanted someone to tell me for years and that’s that it’s okay to mess up. It’s okay if I wasn’t always the nicest person, or that I’m not smart, hardly perfect and have very little will to fight for myself or against other people. I don’t need to be perfect because with the right people we can make a wonderful imperfect family.

To us, Steve. To being myself, as best I know how.

[nagy-bari]

imperfect ideas about Clair Obscur Expedition 33

cause i have the brainworms and i'm an escapist as well

incomplete and messy timeline: child Verso and Clea amidst learning how to paint (rather than their passion) occasionally ente the painting to play in it (Aline is probably okay with it until she has to literally drag Renoir out of a painting) and this is where Esquie and Monaco first meet them. time moves on and the painting is just one of many in Verso's room Alicia encouraged by their Father's soft spot for her tries out something with the Writer - it backfires in more ways - burning down their house partially - most of Verso's stuff burn in it and he dies saving his little sister.

the family is coping. badly but they are coping somehow.

Alina finds the old painting and enters it - repainting it/reanimating it with her grief and desire to have a perfect world where nothing bad happened.

She paints a perfect family (probably the family portrait the player can find and take in the workshop/faceless boy and lampmaster side areas) and she lives out their life happily ever after- right until Renoir (the real one) crashes into the painting and tries to forcefully take her back to their reality - this is called as Fracture in the painted world - and it breaks apart the ideal family as well (Verso does say that expedition 00 was technically a search party for anyone who survived but got lost)

up until this poit painted Verso lives and loves his painted family (the only question is was Aline also painted like Maelle is at the begining or did she know the whole time but prefered not to realise it. did she paint herself a puppet or did she play doll house? apologies for this crude comparison) but the Fracture broke them. possibly caused Alicia's burns, Clea and Aline went missing. so he teams up with Renoir and does everything to find them. The expedition fails, he realises how much he's different from everyone he ever loved(the expeditioners, Julie- his sisters but one is missing and the other one is forever changed - and then the fight with Renoir) that all the help the expedition got is just too convinient (Esquié and probably Monoco as well - that their unconditional love is also a part of this curse of immortality and the mystery behind that) and things turn dark for a long while.

He tries many things all the while being absolutely sure he cannot help Alicia and that he lost all reason with Renoir.

(interesting tought experiment if the paintress and the curator are a failed/burnt out version of one of Aline previous worlds of the same story, if Alicia's burnt face is the sign of loosing her grip on her own mind, if the painted Renoir ever met the real one when he entered the painting to finish it)

the inbetween expeditions that are joined by Verso have differing success each time and each time Esquie and Monoco follow as the loyal companions they are - until Monoco feels overwhelmed and runs out on Verso for a decade. Esquie being the warmness they are always helps no matter when or why Verso asks. They might get upset because "Verso's a meanie" but they will help. without a fail. This probably shows how old part of the painting Esquié is.

Then the game happens all this to join in on the discourse of how much the Dessendre family loved each other.

I belive that Aline's first painted family had the happy au treatment - all alive and well and living together their life - until the first atempt to get her out - this is when Verso and Clea and Alicia became white-haired. But since it's Verso's soul fragment that still paints the world he can better manipulate how he appears (love how Sciel calls him vain for keeping the scar cause he is) so he got back his colors- Alicia lived throught the fire in the painted world and wears the mask for covering up it's consequences (though it's not clear who made that mask?) but since she's a painted copy she lost her colors in that fight and became more of a sketch. Clea the same only with the added part of meeting her real counterpart who directly painted over her (the golden parts mostly but who knows, maybe her dress or hair or more?) then we see Renoir who survived all this time only to protect his love and the sorrow of his love. though he started out with expedition 00 to find the rest of his family when they finally found Aline/the paintress he decided to be there - right next to her - far from all the problem - since his only goal was to find and keep them safe. if she happens to be the godess of this world keeping them alive for eternity while it crumbles to dust - so be it. he'll be right there as she wants her. she closed off his lookalike in the middle of a monolith deep underground just so she can keep being the ever tired godess of his world? of course he'll protect her even if she's not really his Aline. she's all he loved and will love in his wife - blind trust and devotion. And in return he keeps to live and see his son loose it. Did it even register to him that Clea is missing?

so yes i do belive Aline loves her family just as deeply as Renoir and the rest of them. but we know she's really not coping well.

Someone put it together better than me how Clea represents the ever missing anger and rage of grieving in the story and how she's so so so alone in her fight and devotion - i agree a 100% please read it and add your own thoughts

we also see Alicia clear through the game.

the thing i wanna ramble on about are how we see the accidental little tragedies that push Verso to his ending.

after act 2 in the celebration Verso finally reads (painted) Alicia's letter - his sister. true they are loving him more since he's the missing part of the family and he just spent a pretty long time traveling with an absolute lookalike but this is his baby sister writing to him and her, this is the same girl he saw growing up, the one he tried and saved from the fire, the one who still manages to get him to talk to their father, and the one who loves their not their Maman just the same.

and then in act 3 (or whenever the player reaches this sidequest) Maelle with her new-refound powers just gommages her. in a timefreeze. without question.

they finally venture into the endless tower - beat all the challenges and see a fragment of Clea - the haunting reminder of a sister he knew and not. but he probably burried her in his mind a long while ago. seeing her this playful is a strange reminder.

then they enter the flying manor. find this young boy telling about how she lost her color - they met him many times before, isn't that a haunting of his own? - so they collect it, preparing to face another monstrous Nevron only to find Clea - the same sister he grew up with - creating their enemies, colorless and rigid. He was so sure she was dead. as dead as they can be but still she was missing for so long - they fight, get her to a stalemate - he even sees the simple Clea under the black-white-gold feckles for a moment but the paint is too heavy - the paint draped over her (a sister he knew by a sister that knew him) takes control and silences her forever.

he tries to talk to Esquié and Monoco about the differences, the nuances. cause for so long he was fighting so it would end because he thought it already did. but then he gets what he wants (Act 2) and is forced back to the world again with even less grasp on things, even less saying in what now.

He asks if they are only loving him because he's painted as the man who made them before - and it's a cruel question in it's own, but he's asking unyielding loyalty there so it turns out okay.

then they face the real Renoir. the father he never knew - a man who was trapped in this world fighting for 67 years to escape and erase it all the same. a man so different to who he fought all his life. he watches Maelle plead and promise everything he wished and heard and cursed out before. He probably heard the same or something similar all those years before when they first met the paintress. and he sees this old tired man who could be his father - is his father - but so different gave under the sweet pleas and promises. watches Maelle use his tactics to earn what she thinks is okay. and he has had enough.

anyway. this is the brainworm that was eating me about the main things but the little ones are about Gustave, Lune, Sciel, Monoco, Esquié, Sophie, Pierre---

but i yet to find the words and the time.

in the meanwhile i love how we can only join the Writer's side in this war (i'll try to draw i swear but to paint? no chance for a loooooong while) if you have anything to add or to correct don't be shy

thank you for reading my ramble -

tomorrow comes.

[gabbingwaves]

The Silver-Haired Echo Trainer

OKAY SO WAIT

THE SILVER-HAIRED ECHO TRAINER QUESTS THOUGH???

Spoilers

So, all right. At first I figured this was one of those plotlines that tend to pop up in these games, where the lovable, quirky guy just refuses to take his crush's no for an answer and through various wacky hijinks and sheer relentless pestering eventually she "realizes the error of her ways" and this annoying guy who won't leave her the fuck alone really was the one for her all along and she falls into his arms and its like happily ever after or something.

The fact it was also about two very elderly people finding love softened me on it a bit, sure, but still.

But you just gotta take these things in the spirit of a romance novel sometimes, especially when it's covering important game mechanics, and Grandpa Jingzhu managed to be cute even though I wanted to shake him sometimes because she's just not that into you dude, and Grandma Lingyan's character design, her complete lack of interest, and her hyperfixation on her beloved Echoes was fun, so whatever.

AND THEN. AND. THEN.

THEY WERE MARRIED ALL ALONG???!!??

DUDE

So Lingyan developed what sure seems like dementia, and probably early-onset dementia at that from what Jingzhu said about when she first seemed to start showing symptoms, and so something she and Jingzhu would have been dealing with for most of their lives at this point. It eventually developed to the point she couldn't recognize Jingzhu as being the same person as her husband. Jingzhu responded to this 1) by seemingly having moved out of their shared home and out of her life as much as possible rather than upset and confuse her by trying to force the issue and 2) deciding that, well, okay, if Lingyan couldn't recognize him as her husband then he'd just have to win her over again as a stranger!

Dude.

AND. And Jingzhu has been talking about his old Captain this whole questline, about how smart and brave and reliable they were, how they taught him everything he knows, how they looked after him, still with so much warmth for this person, and it was LINGYAN THE WHOLE TIME?

WHAT a twist.

Nothing bad had better happen to these two ever at all. They are the Best Couple. I love them. I would die for them. They need to be happy forever.