#I don't think it's a light thing and I wish he dealt with it better

[yelow-heart]

I miss JaidenAnimations, tails. I miss her a lot..

[angel-lopes2000]

Love is patient, love is kind.

Early night, almost dinnertime. There was the Campbells residence at BlueBird town, on kitchen, there was "Mr.Campbell'', better known as our friend Brick and he was cutting some vegetables to prepare the dinner with Carrie while Benji was watching all this cooking like a real excited child. On radio, the announcer were announcing many oldie love songs, which made the scenario more comfortable and soothing.

"Woof Woof!" Jumped the dog by wishing a piece from the beef. Brick grinned and scolded playfully. "Benji, you bad little boy! Behave now, your Mama will have a special dinner. Don't mess the kitchen." And returned to cut the vegetables. On second floor, Carrie was on tub, having a fresh bath and filled of foam, rubbing her legs with soap.

Humming to the rhythm from touching fingers on skin, Carrie had found a small percentage of blood from your hand. At first, she thought as rub too hard enough to cut the skin and returned to the cleaning until noticed more blood coming from water. This red tone was enough to make her in real panic.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" And she started all her anxiety attack as screams, crying and despair to remove the blood from hands. "BRICKY!!! BRICKY!!!"

Heard from the kitchen, Brick got desperate and ran after bathroom to rescue. However, he forgot the burning soup on pan. Benji tried to bark as warning.

"Wait, Benji! I must need help Carrie now!" And he went upstairs, following to the bathroom. Without thinking before, he open the door quickly, almost banging duo the despair.

"I'm here, I'm here!! What's the problem, Carrie??" When he approached the tub, Carrie was crying and shaking from panic. The crying was so excessive that her mouth couldn't get any word but she showed her bloodiest hands.

"Jesus Christ! Did you cut yourself, baby??" Carrie tried to explain, but she was too scared that was still unable to speak something. This time, Brick had to use the brain and find which happened.

"Getting stressed won't help anything.. Mama said once that when we're on desperate situations, the best thing to do is keep calm and think rational. Yeah, this which I'll do...'' He breathed heavily and sat on bench aside the tub, trying to talk to Carrie slowly.

"Did you cut yourself...?" Your tone was almost as whisper. Carrie waved the head on negative. His hand found to her small one and he held firmly, showing trust and support. After his wife stopped crying and the beatings getting slow as much she kept deep breathing, she finally could be able to ratiocinate and explain, even as simple way...

"I was rubbing my legs with soap when I found blood on my hands...At first, I thought as I rubbed too much enough to hurt my skin... But it wasn't... I passed my hands to see from where it's coming and IT WASN'T JUST A CUT!!" She said on sobbing, starting to cry terrified again.

"Shhh... This okay, love. I'm here, okay..? Let's have some breathing first." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and caressed her cheek as support and gentle affection. And this affection was always effective to calm her nerves, and she needed to calm or their house were coming to suffer another earthquake.

"Bricky's with you. My Carrie is stronger, there's nothing that will win over her..." He kept repeating as cheering to make her more calmer. Carrie open the eyes and feel her body breathing quietly and her eyes stop tearing. Now he had few seconds to understand which actually happened and finally, a light came to your mind. "I guess you had a period, love. The blood that you found isn't a cut or any serious infection, but just something that is normal to women."

Hearing his explanation that she just had a new period from the month, Carrie got embarassed because once again, she made a thunderstorm from such an innocent thing - but we can't blame her, knowing how she dealt to her old househood. But Brick gave a small grin and made another caressing to comfort his loved girl.

"It's everything okay, right..? Now, focus to get yourself clean and I will take you some stuff you need. Alright?" Feeling grateful, she smiled back and nodded in response to his question. Then, Brick left the bathroom but during the way, sniffed as something burned. Realizing it was his soup that he was cooking previously, Brick turned off the stove and sighed in annoyance. So, he decided to order some pizza instead.

"Good! I'll be waiting for 30 minutes. Bye." And he turned off the phone to return the bedroom and take some things for Carrie. When he arrived, Carrie was already out of tub and stopped, waiting to have her new clothes. Brick got a little blushing duo seeing her clotheless body without a towel, but once her husband had seen her that way many times that she didn't feel the need of shame and embarassing, knowing that her young man had always been sweet to her.

"Thank you!" She responded to a kiss of his cheek and closing to wear her clothes and take some pad. After done, Carrie left the bedroom to join the dinner with Brick. But Brick had explaining in frustration that it had problems with the cooking and they didn't have food enough to cook another dinner.

"...And then I decided to take some pizza and ice cream. Tomorrow we will buy more food. Sorry, honey. I really wanted you had a good dinner." Understanding, she thanked her husband once again and smiled, by giving a soft peck kiss to his lips.

"So, aren't you mad, love?"

"Bricky, you're so dedicated and so sweet man that there's no way I could really get mad on you. A dinner doesn't need to be always like those we see on TV. Sometimes, simplicity also means perfection." She held his hand exactly how he did on bathroom "..Especially when we eat in side of one we love." Brick smiled so proud from his girl that the couple shared another passionate kiss, however they needed to stop after reminding the pizza. And exactly as promised, the 30 minutes had passed and the delivery guy arrived at time, they paid it and took their food.

"So, there's some movie in mind, baby?" He asked to her.

"Well, I guess you don't need to find which I do have in mind." She winked. He knew her stare and rolled his eyes playfully. Brick took Cinderella VHS and put it to play the movie. Carrie and Brick sat together on couch and both focused to the animated story. Benji was also watching excited. And this was their night.

The End.

[mythicalartistx]

KH opening Songs are about Soriku -Chikai Translation

KH Utada songs are sung and written in thought of Riku and Sora, Nomura told Hikaru Utada and they went along with it.

The difference between the English and Japanese versions of the songs is that the lyrics are completely different, but for a purpose. It's not like a translation issue.

There is an absolute reason for it. They're two separate songs with different but similar meanings.

Like Chikai doesn't translate close to Don't Think Twice except for the Kiss me Once lines.

We're going to take a look at Chikai since it's the one I'm most familiar with and break it down on how it relates to Riku.

I don’t care much about destiny, but at this point, I cannot but acknowledge its existence

Are you really sure you’re happy with me? Really?

I wish you wouldn’t raise my hopes up too much

The fire line refers to he doesn't like destiny but is forced to acknowledge it chose certain things from events.

It shows that Riku is insecure and shown that through how he acted in KH1. He thought his best friend was going to leave him and he did bad stuff.

In return it made him feel worse about his friendship and he went to castle oblivion and dealt out his insecurities along with the darkness and fear. Then he had to be one with the darkness in 358/2 days.

The line where is stated to not raise his hopes, I think refers to his emotions towards Sora and hope Sora didn't care about his appearance he was still his friend.

It could also refer to he papou fruit.

But it's gay.

Today is the perfect day for a truthful, eternal vow

We don’t need beautiful flowers or witnesses

Let’s wear rings of the same color

The narrator wants to PROPOSE. I assume the narrator is Riku here, he wants to be with Sora and then get married. There doesn't have to be an audience or witness, they can just wear rings of the same color. And then the vow line is just 👌

It probably refers to the promise Riku made to want to protect him/ his friends.

It’s so dang annoying, that I want to fall asleep clinging to you every day

I will not make promises anymore, those things are for pleasing somebody

What I am about to say is not a second hand line, nor a promise; it's a vow

He is shy and embarrassed that he likes him and that he wants to fall asleep next to Sora. This is so cute 🥺

Like he clearly wants affection but is embarrassed like in DDD when Sora hugs him.

Then he says he wants a vow since those are seen as eternal while promises can be broken.

I can’t go back to being the liar I used to be

Our rings shall be the color of the sunrise

Lay your heartbeat on top of mine and let’s dance

Let’s celebrate the fact that we live in this moment

The liar is probably referring to not telling his feelings and how he acted against Sora in KH1 and then felt ashamed for his jealousy. Then he talks about the RINGS AGAIN the color of sunshine. Like dawn and he wants the road of dawn.

This section is just him being gay and wanting to lay with him again. He wants to lay together where Sora's heartbeat is on top of his so he'll hear and feel it. This is a bit too much for me to handle. Then the last line I think probably is Kh2 ending where they are content with each other 😊 😆

The tears that I can’t hold back sometimes, there’s no deep meaning to them

It’s just that I recall the past unexpectedly (Ah, I want to cry)

A light streams in from the opened door

This part breaks my heart. He sometimes cry because of the past and what he did in KH1 and probably insecure about that and feels like Sora deserves better.

The light streams refers to KH2 ending where the door opens from the darkness. And how he is also shown to be light, also Sora being his light.

I want to be with you, for a very long time

Other options have long been gone

Today is the perfect day, for an unprecedented vow, our vow

He wants to be with him for a long time and how he doesn't want to loose him. However that ends up happening in KH3 ending.

Other options are gone refers probably him realizing he might have a chance. Then the line is about their gay little vow.

Like in the games they are into each other and these lines are just so fitting and so cute.

Kiss me once, kiss me twice

Once is not enough

Kiss me once, kiss me twice

Please give me you

You know how I said he's too shy, well he's too shy to do anything and wants Sora to make the first move.

Like he secretly wants to be kissed, hug, touched, ect.. He wants affection from him. Here he wants to be kissed but once isn't enough and he is giving his connected permission to be kissed and wants to make sure he's okay with it too. He's like more needy here since this line pretty similar to the DTW counterpart song.

Kiss me once, kiss me twice

Kiss me three times

Please

The please here adds everything like he really wants it and he is asking for it so much.

Kiss me once,

kiss me twice

Give me you

Repeated line so we're moving on..

Let’s listen to the sound of the sunrise, side by side

Let’s vow to live our lives together

Okay so basically he in turn says let's live vow to live our lives together. It could refer to marriage or just a vow to live together because they like each other. And they'll be by the sunrise referring to Riku like the DAWN he walks the road of dawn.

And that is it.

It's pretty gay and like if you don't ship them fine.

And if you don't see how it relates to them that's okay, however Nomura did mention to Utada to keep them in mind when writing the songs.

And if you ship Sorkai tell me how you think it relates to them instead.

I'm just curious.

DTW and Chikai are vastly different but they are different songs with the same instrumental and beat.

[karmalynn500]

Don’t fucking touch her~ Stu macher x fem reader

Character~ stu macher

prompts ~ yes-no

words~4715

warnings ~ death, mention of suicide, slight harassment, im in love with cussing, drinking, mention of blood, mention of torcher, mention of being a slut/ stu being a whore.

“Stu!” I was so happy he was alive, when I found out what sids dad did… and I just slept through the whole thing! I hugged stu, holding on for dear life as tears made their way down my face in rivers, I almost lost my best friend. “I'm so happy your ok… hows billy” they had both just lost their girlfriends, and while i didn't want to say it straight up i wanted to know how they were dealing with it. I sniffled trying to withhold the rest of my tears. “Hes ok, he misses sid but i think he will be able to move on'' i nodded, thinking about my sister, i heard how she was found, i can't imagine what it was like to witness it, “i'm sorry about tatum” i whispered, i missed my sister so much, it's been a week and passing her room to get to mine feels like twisting a knife in my stomach. “I should be the one saying that to you.. She was your sister” he sighed, a frown etched onto his face, i wasn't used to it he was almost always smiling or joking in someway, and even though i was the one he went to with all his problems, it was still unusual to see him frown or cry, “yeah, but she was still your girlfriend, you loved her” i pushed, i wanted him to know it was ok for him to be sad, to miss her. He shook his head, “and she was your family, yes i miss her, but you don't need to be saying that to me, you're probably hurting worse” by this point we had pulled away from the hug, still holding on to each other. “How's your brother” he pulled me back into a hug, “he has to use a wheelchair for a while, but with some physical therapy there's a chance he will go back to his old walking self” he nodded. “You know.. Y-your heart stopped for a little, scared the shit outta me” tears welled up in my eyes again, i was with him in the ambulance, gale had lied saying that she was dewey's wife and took my spot with him, and well i had no car, billy had picked me up on his way to the party and there was no way he was going to be giving me a ride to the hospital, being in a ambulance himself, so i got in with stu, no one even questioned it. “How-'' I cut him off pulling away to look at him, “ gale went with dewey, apparently there a thing now, so i was with you” i gave him a soft smile. Stu was my best friend, so was billy, i was how tatum and stu met, i was how billy and sid met, and let me tell you i was so happy when sid and billy got together, they seemed so right for one another, i was not as happy about tate and my childhood crush getting together, but i had dealt with it and moved on, seeing stu sad about her made me feel like crying myself, i wish she had made it… I hate whoever did this.

“Dewey, it's been two years! We're in Ohio for the love of god! I can go to a stupid party, it's not like the killer can come back from the dead! Plus stu and billy will be there” i held up a red romper, looking in the mirror seeing how it looked, nah it doesn't match my makeup. “ and that's supposed to make me feel better? No you're not going, that's final” he snatched the shirt i was holding up, i sighed continuing my search for an outfit. “Too bad I'm an adult and you can't control me” I flicked his forehead as I walked to the bathroom to change. I pulled on a green crop top that was tied in the front, it had a long v neck and showed off my breasts nicely, it had long flowy sleeves that went past my fingertips and a pattern of mostly orange and purple flowers, blue and red mixed in in some places. I paired the shirt with a light green jean skirt and some brown mary janes, walking out of the bathroom, i sighed seeing that dewey had made himself comfortable on my bed, shoes still on. “Really dewey ew! Get out of my apartment i'm leaving” i grabbed a smell orange purse, “you are not going in that” i ignored him, checking my makeup and outfit in my full length mirror, he followed me to the door which i held open for him, “ladies first” i smirked, he rolled his eyes, “im telling mom, just wait until she hears your going to college parties” he passed me and into the hall, “wait until mom find out your doing what you promised you wouldn't! Overbearing " I closed and locked my door before making sure I had everything and dewey was fully gone.

I could hear the music from where I was parked down the street, I rolled my eyes knowing this ment dewey was most likely going to show up. “God why is it so cold, i should have grabbed stu's sweater” it was right at the door when i left, “i couldn't help but over here your whisper for help, and don't worry you will heat up once you inside” i rolled my eyes at the familiar voice, “sooo y/n.. You look good” colby got a little too close for comfort, normally i would love getting a complement, but colby basically harrasses me, he can't seem to get that im not interested, “hi colby, thanks” i sighed trying to be polite still speeding a little, i really did not want to have to seal with him right now. “Hey you meeting anyone here” I frowned, of course he also sped up, cause why not right, “yes, i am actually” finally inside, i made my way over to the kitchen for a drink, i could feel his eyes following me and i walked. “y/n!” I looked up at the familiar voice, smiling at the sight of stu, “stu!” I waved him over, a big smile spread across my face as I watched him abandon the people he was talking to making his way over to me. “Hey! You look great” giving me a gentle peck on the lips, i know it doesn't mean anything, were just friends but i couldn't help but blush, i smiled “you look very handsome, good sir” i bowed, he giggled “why thank you kind lady” he kissed my hand. He really hasn't lost that childish charm, and I love it. Stu~” some random girl walked up grabbing onto his arm, i cringed, he hooks up with girls all the time so i can't say its a surprise but i still gave him a puzzled look that he returned, so he doesn't know this girl? “Umm hi?” yep definitely doesn't know her, or doesn't remember her, the latter being the more likely one. She smiled up at him, “ So people say you're single, and I am also single and in need of a boyfriend, so what do you say, you, me?” she batted her eyelashes. “Oh well, it seems people are lying to you” he didn't let her get a word in before i was lifted up and over his shoulder, i giggled trying not to spill my drink. “Jesus stu, give a girl a warning next time” he laughed, slapping my ass and running off, here we go.

The party was going great, the one girl kept trying to bug stu but other than that, i hadn't seen colby and had spent my time dancing, smoking and making out with stu, that was until colby actually showed his ugly face. “Hey y/n.. Whos he” i growend, i don't know how he doesnt realize i have no desire for him, im sitting on stu's lap making out with him! “This is stu, my boyfriend” not true, he acts like we are dating then gets a new girlfriend the next day, i think i just remind him of tatum, i also haven't told stu about colby yet, stu's a little protective… knowing stu would go along with the lie i continued my stare down with colby “what, boyfriend?” colby basically growled, i felt stu's arms wrap around me in a protective manner, “yeah man back the fuck off” stu stuck his toung out, its a habit he picked up some time in middle school. “Ok well how bout this, i saw your boyfriend with a different girl literally yesterday” colby shot back, there was a small pang of hurt in my chest but i pushed it away coming up with a quick lie, “we started dating today” colby crossed his arms, “oh yeah, moving a little fast aren't you” this was starting to get on my nerves “we've been friends for forever” colby chuckled darkly, “whatever i'll see you monday” i really wasnt looking forward to monday. “Ok. who the fuck was that” stu chuckled, i couldnt tell him that colby was harassing me.. He would hunt him down and I really don't feel like having a best friend in prison, “some guy that came up to me before the party, i think we have a class together” i shrugged, he snorted “he thinks that he has a chance with you” i smiled.

I flopped down onto my bed. I hate this, why do I have to care about him so much? Stu, of course at the end of the night left with the girl that had been bugging him, leaving me, and i was too drunk to drive so i was stuck there while I sobered up, I cared so much and were not even together. Monday was going to suck. Not only will i have to deal with colby, but i will have to hear all about stu's girlfriend of the week.

Monday, my greatest enemy, i rolled my eyes as colby cam bounding up to me, “wow new boy toy doesn't even walk you to class, i would be so much better for you” he winked, i sighed pushing passed him, “oh come on, think i haven't heard about stu macher~ new girl every week? Dated your own sister” i froze cringing, how did he know about tatum, we tried our hardest to make sure that were not connected to that stupid movie and what had happened to us in the past, it's not some big secret, if you look us up you will find out about it at some point but you still have to do some digging “how-” he smirked cutting me off “i dug a little bit, it wasn't even confirmed that stu and tatum dated, but your reaction just gave me all the confirmation i needed” i sighed turning to face him “what do you want” i glared, “ah smart girl” he stepped closer, to close. “Just give me one chance, one date to prove to you i'm good” i sighed “fine, one date” it's just one date, hopefully he will leave me alone after it. He gave me a cocky smile before walking to his seat. “Really!?” I turned to Randy, I was happy he survived, he deserved life. I frowned, “i know, but i don't want people to know who we are, it will be to much for all of us and i don't want to be constantly bugged about how we survived a massacre” randy nodded in agreement, “yeah maybe, but this guy has been harassing you, and..and im going to tell stu” i glared, “don't.you.dare” randy rolled his eyes, and started to make his way to his seat, “oh my god! Fine how bout this, if after the date he doesn't leave me alone, i will tell stu, and i will keep you updated on the date” he turned to face me again with a mock thinking face, “fine, but you have to tell me each location you guys go, and i want to know when your on your way home and when you get home” he went to go to his seat before turning back and adding, “oh and if you don't call me when you get home i'm calling stu and dewey and looking for you” he gave me a stern look before turning back to his seat and sitting down. I rolled my eyes, it's kinda funny that he never brings Billy into all this even though he's as much my friend as Stu is.

“Wacha doing” I sighed as Stu walked into my room, maybe i shouldn't have given him a key, I'm basically naked here!! And Looking down wont do anything!! “I'm getting ready for a date” his head shot up “what?” I rolled my eyes, a small laugh still escaping, “what, thought I was going to be single forever” I booped his nose on my way to grab matching shoes. “No.. who are you going out with, if it's randy i don't approve!!” I grinned turning to face him, “it's not randy” his fake sigh of relief caused me to chuckle “you had me worried there for a second” now i was full on laughing, “but really, who are you going with?” he plopped onto my bed back first, “colby, the guy from the party” this piqued his interest, “the guy i had to pretend to be your boyfriend around?” i frowned, i wish he wasn't pretending, maybe this date will prove worth it and i will be able to move on. “Yeah, turns out we have a few classes together” he frowned, by this point i was fully dressed and looking in the mirror. “Hey guys i got the movies- what the fuck are you doing” billy looked me up and down, i rolled my eyes, then i realized. “Oh shit it's movie night!” No wonder Stu was here. “Yeah? seriously what are you doing, why are you dressed up?” i sat down starting on my makeup only confusing billy more, “i'm going on a date, i forgot it was friday” i really didn't want to miss movie night, it was my favorite time of the week. I noticed that Billy looked at Stu, with an emotion I couldn't read, he was always hard to read, only got worse after his mom left. “Who with” shit, billy knows all about colby, it's a miracle i was able to convince him not to kill him before, he's not going to be happy. “Ummm” i was stuck, “it's some dude named colby, she met him at the party the other day” stu ratted me out, yes he didn't know i didn't want billy to know, but he still ratted me out. Please Billy, don't tell him. “Don't tell me it's creepy colby” billy sighed using the name he gave colby when they first met “it is” stu stared me down from his place on my bed, i could feel it, before shrugging it off and looking through old polaroids of us, i stood up standing in the middle of them, “do i look ok?” i gave a quick spin, “you always look good” stu smiled, i blushed turning away from him to hide my grin, i could feel billy’s eye roll, i gave billy a look telling him to keep quiet before grabbing the last of my stuff, “you guys start without me, i shouldn't be gone for to long, probably will be back around the second half of the second movie” i went to leave before remembering that it was cold and i really don't want to ever wear one of colby's jackets, “billy i require your leather jacket” i held my hand out expectantly, stu giggled as billy angrily took it off and handed me the jacket, “thank you” i hugged him and stu before leaving.

I waited until I knew y/n was gone before turning to billy, “date!?” I flopped back onto her bed, having sat up to give her a hug. “Shes probably going to get the guy off her back, he fucking harasses her, she literley shit talks him daily” billy sighed while putting the first movie in, i let out a frustrated huff, why hasnt she told me shes being harassed? And Billy knew! I glared at his back. I felt my heart tug at the thought of her being with someone else tonight, “dude calm down, she's been in love with you since we were thirteen, you have nothing to worry about” i sat up, getting a little dizzy from the speed i went at, “really” a wide smile spread across my face “yeah you shit rag, she used to rant about how lucky tatum was and shit, she's whipped man” i giggled, she feels the same! “And so are you, so stop sleeping around, and making out “as friends” i rolled my eyes, “i took what i could get, you know that” i frowned. I left the room going to her kitchen to get something to eat, billy followed, “and when that started she was dating that douche conner” i had been dating tatum at the time, but i was only with her cause i felt bad rejecting my best friends twin sister, then tatum ended up part of billy's plan so i stayed with her. “Well yeah, she can't chase after you for forever, but she only dated conner to make you jealous” billy shrugged, “she was hoping it would help you confess if you did actually feel the same, she's basically given up now though” it started so good, why end it like that, i groaned.

“Colby, let me go please!” I cried out, “no! You rejected me! On our fucking date, my original plan we would be together, but you just had to be in love with some random fuck boy, who might i add dated your dead sister? News flash babe, he doesn't have feelings for you” colby shouted, i ignored the last part letting out a small “no” before slumping down in the chair i was tied to. “You will be caught, Randy, Stu and Billy are probably already looking for me, along with dewey!” I looked up at Colby, a glare settled on my face. “Maybe, maybe I will be caught, and your little boyfriends will call Dewey, maybe I will kill them, and maybe you will already be dead” colby smiled manically, i sobbed, trying to pull my hands loose from the rope holding them together.

“Yo! Whats up randy” me and billy were half way through the third movie, and were starting to get worried about y/n. “y/n said they were on their way home, said they would call when they got there.. It's been an hour and they haven't called, I'm worried "I shot up from my spot, now standing “what?” Billy winced, guess I was being loud.. “Yeah, took her to some theater downtown, I don't remember what it's called.” I looked over to Billy, who looked confused for the second time tonight, “what happened?” he asked, i ignored him to listen to Randy,"I don't know what to do!” i rolled my eyes, “did you call dewey” i asked, silence, “really?! Ok, call Dewey and stay home! Me and Billy are going to get her” pissed, that's one way to describe the emotion i'm feeling right now, how dare he! Randy hung up, I turned and started towards the door grabbing a kitchen knife on the way, “come on billy were killing this bitch, lets go” billy got up still confused, but grabbing a kitchen knife anyways, i should probably fill him in on the way to y/n.

I opened my eyes, head pounding, shit did Colby really hit me hard enough to pass out. I looked around, not seeing Colby, this is my chance! I stood in a somewhat crouched position moving as fast as I could to the table to my left, my legs hurt already but I couldn't give up. I sat down, looking around the table for something helpful, nothing, I looked over to the table on the right. Cobly stood a small smirk on his lips, arms crossed, “and where do you think you're going sweetheart?” i started to cry, even if there was something on the table, how long had he been standing there and how had i not noticed, the door wasn't necessarily quiet. “Colby, please let me go, i won't tell anyone just please! Let me leave "I whispered the last part, slowly starting to give up. Was stu worried, was billy or randy, i couldn't think straight, i was going to die and it was all my own fault. My eyes followed as he moved to the table on the right, grabbing something before calmly walking to where I now sat, I looked down to his hand, a knife. “Now why would i let you go, you have a cop around you almost constantly, and this way you cant reject me, can't leave me for some, some man whore” he growled, i was fucked.

Finally Colby walked away, knife stained red from my own blood. My vision was starting to fade in and out, I knew that I had to stay awake, stay conscious, but as time passed the harder it got. The last thing i heard before my vision faded was a loud bang and “hey stay away from her you ugly piece of trash”

“I don't understand! Why won't she wake up "I was frantic, i knew y/n wasn't dead, but it sure did feel like it, and the longer it took to get to paramedics the closer she got to death. “Stu for the last time i don't know either, the paramedics will know” dewey sighed, i knew he was stressed, but i couldn't help it! This is my soulmate here. “Stu, what you did.. It was stupid, you almost killed the guy” he sighed, handing y/n over to the paramedics, i glared at him “what! No, he hurt her. Don't you want him gone! What's the difference between me doing it instead of the death penalty” he glared at me before raising his own voice, “the difference is you don't go to jail on manslaughter charges, the difference is y/n doesn't lose her god damn best friend” he took a breath before continuing quieter, “we don't even know if he's getting the death penalty” i rolled my eyes, he better. “Well he deserves it. You saw- you saw y/n, it was bad” i looked at the sky, i was not going to cry in front of dewey. Dewey sighed patting my shoulder, people who did worse than him only have a life sentence, im sure he will get a life sentence with parole- he has only killed to people, thankfully y/n was not one of them, he's not even a serial killer” i looked to my feet, “he would have become one no doubt” i had quieted down, “your right, but he didn't, we stopped him, you saved my sister, thank you” and with that dewey walked away.

I opened my eyes, again, headache forming from the amount of white, shit am i dead? I went to rub my eyes, hoping to get rid of the fogginess but my hand was being held down, I looked to my right, there sat stu eyes wide and a huge smile forming. I smiled. “Finally you're awake, you definitely didn't sleep through it this time” even while joking i could see the sadness and worry in his eyes. i wondered how stu making a joke about my torture and almost death, and still brighten my mood. “How long have I been out” a frown I hate seeing when on stu formed, “a week, it could have been worse, the doctor told me she expected you to be out for at least a month, i was worried you would never wake up” his voice cracked, breaking my heart. I went to sit up, wanting to hug him, but Stu quickly pushed me back down, “no you stay down, oh shit i'm supposed to call the nurse!” I giggled, leaving it to stu to forget something like that, stu pressed a little button on the side of my bed before sitting back down in an uncomfortable looking chair. “What happened to colby” i wondered how he was stopped, i mean he was fully prepared to kill me, “umm, well randy called me and billy and told us where you were, so we went there and i came to you rescue, dewey pulled me off before i could actually kill him, so he's in the icu” i hummed not even surprised he did something like that, “why didn't you tell me you were being harassed” i smiled, “i know you, didn't want you to get in trouble for hurting him” i shrugged “but billy knew, and he's just as protective!” i rolled my eyes, “no he's not stu, yes i had to convince him not beat the shit out of colby, but there would be no talking you out of it” i sighed wanting to change the subject, “fine, but when we get out of this shit hole your getting ice cream” i knew that was his way of saying he was wrong and he will get me ice cream because of it, so i gave him a soft smile and a nod. Stu cheered, I rolled my eyes still laughing at his stupidity.

Stu kept to his word, taking me for ice cream right after i got out of the hospidle, i was supposed to eat mostly soft food anyways. “Stu, how can you eat that!” i fake gagged, Stu smiled, licking his gross ass ice cream in response. “You know the other day *lick* Billy told me something really interesting" I froze, god damn it Billy, what did you tell stu. “Said your whipped for me” stu smiled, i was to busy mentally cursing billy out to notice, i used my ice cream to hide the blush on my cheeks, “ i don't know what youre talking about” i frowned, “well that's too bad, i was just about to tell you how whipped i am for you” he faked a sad face before licking his ice cream again, “well you should tell me anyways” this was awkward for me, then colby’s words rang threw my head “News flash babe, he doesn't have feelings for you” i held back tears, why would stu have to play with my feelings like this, and why did billy have to tell him. “Well dear y/n, I have been in love with you since we first met, and that plan you had, to make me jealous.. It fucking worked- hated conners guts, hated that he got what i wanted so desperately, you” he smiled, blush settling on his cheeks. I was shocked. He continued, “but i didn't have the guts to ask you out, or break it off with tatum, so i kinda just gave up… then we started kissing “as friends” and i took what i could get, still not having the guts to ask you out” stu grabbed my hands “y/n, will you go on a date with me? I want to do this right, I want to finally be able to call you mine” he looked nervous, it's cute, i smiled squeezing his hands, in your ugly face colby, “yes stu! I would love to go on a date with you” we both smiled wider than ever, i swear stu’s smile could light up the entire city “do i have to wait until after the date to kiss you though” he whined, i giggled “yes” stu gave me a fake frown, dramatically pretending to cry, “damn it” i really love this man.

a/n- i hope you enjoy this fic, its my first tumblr fic, all my other ones are on wattpad cause i never had the confidence to move to ao3 or here! But I love Stu and he gets more love here, so I'm going to post here from now on. On a very different note, i have a question for all of you, do you want me to keep describing clothes or should i use pictures, i know that pictures are kind of a wattpad thing, but i'm not the best at describing cloths, like here's a picture of the party outfit i was describing i did change the shorts to a jean skirt but other then that how close to the shirt were you? Also requests are open so if you want to request something from me i'll do it! Just message me. I might put up a poll soon, for the whole clothes thing but I'm not sure, anyways have a good day/night!

[aladaylessecondblog]

light glimmers in a flower (good tav x gortash 7)

One week, and then two. Then four.

Tav had been placed under strict orders to ensure she bonded properly with Cald, that she was rested, and that any lingering damage from the birth was healed fully. Two weeks of confinement to the fortress, and six before any attempt should be made to resume marital relations.

Not, she thought sourly, That THAT will be a problem.

As she pulled a fresh sleeping gown over Cald's head she thought again of Gortash.

He'd spoken little to her since their argument. Had he been any other man she would have thought he was merely being considerate, perhaps heeding the midwives' orders, but him being...well, him, she knew better. Now she'd served her purpose, he didn't want her.

Tav reached a finger down, let Cald's tiny hand grip at it, and smiled.

He was a marvel, this little one. His movements had been a little jerky at first, but Berlina had said that was normal. He was already starting to raise his head on his own and bringing his hands closer to his mouth. She was tired, so achingly tired, but she hardly want to take her eyes off him. The rocking chair had been a blessing in that regard--she would often nod off holding him.

As she had now.

She only realized it when she felt someone attempting to take the babe from her, and automatically held him closer. Her eyes snapped open--

It was Gortash.

Her fear shifted to a strange mix of annoyance and grief, which she quickly masked over as she handed Cald to him.

"You should sleep, my lady." He took a step back, and gestured toward her bed with his free hand.

"I'll need to feed him again soon," Tav replied sleepily. She yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Or I would."

"Is the wet nurse not doing her job?"

"I didn't hire one."

"So you will spend everything for those unwashed refugees but nothing for your own son?"

"I don't call this nothing. There's no NEED for me to spend extra money on a wet nurse when I'm perfectly capable of taking care of him myself." It was another jab, but--after so much time without him, she thought it was simply the price of his company. This was what they were now, after all, right? She had given him what he needed, so there was no longer a need for him to pretend he wanted anything to do with her. She was almost glad. Had he continued in the same way as before, Tav was certain she may have started feeling more than she ought, considering the evil he was responsible for.

Fooled by pretty words...did you not do the same with me? Astarion's voice asked her. Poor thing, so hungry for affection you will believe any lie whispered in your ears.

"You are a Duchess, not some common child's mother. Certain things will be expected of you, and one of those will be not falling asleep when you re-enter society."

"That I don't yet need to do," she replied, "And we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

Gortash huffed. "You'll be doing it soon, so you should arrange for it within a tenday."

"I can't--"

"You can."

"I don't want to lose him to a doppelganger!" she burst out, finally. "Every time I think of letting anyone else handle him without me present I--I imagine that bloodthirsty bitch and what she or those Bhaalists would do if--if--"

He looked stunned.

"They were spreading pieces of that circus clown all over the damn city, what they'd have done with--a--a baby, I..."

Tav forced herself to take a few deep breaths, and was able to keep herself from shedding tears. She watched Gortash, as he let the sleepy Cald grab at the fingers of his gauntlet.

At least he will be good to the child.

"But as you wish, Archduke. I'll have a wet nurse hired."

"You could have said that more nicely," he finally replied. "I was under the impression the Bhaalists were...dealt with. There should be nothing to worry about further, on that head...though of course, checks can be done."

"There is ALWAYS something to worry about." Tav sat back in the chair. "Always."

"Clearly you've no end of--" Gortash suddenly tensed up and gave a slight yelp.

"What's wrong?"

"Static," he said, pulling his finger back from Cald and giving his hand a few shakes, as if trying to get something off it. "Given the way you have him wrapped up, it doesn't surprise me."

"That blanket is entirely cotton, it shouldn't--" Tav shook her head. She couldn't think of much more to say, not wanting to sound defiant, lest...

Lest he take away everything he's given you, Astarion's voice came again.

He will act only in his own self-interest, Halsin's voiced joined in. Mark my words, your days with him are numbered.

No, she thought, No, I'm still useful to him, he won't.

He has the means to provide for a cub on his own. Why does he need you?

The idea of losing Cald to a doppelganger was bad enough, but the idea that Gortash would take him from her was somehow worse.

"What," she said quietly, "Or...when, rather, do you wish me to re-enter society? Is there an event I need to attend with you?"

"A soiree celebrating the birth of my son and heir two tendays from now," Gortash replied. He looked down and let Cald take hold of his finger again. "You need not stay long, but we will both be expected to attend...and I imagine there will be a few who question you regarding your view of a son."

"He is no different to me than a daughter would be. I have only ever behaved that way when dealing with--troublesome male drow I ended up fighting. They could claim themselves to be hardened warriors all they like, but deference to a female is virtually ingrained in their souls."

Gortash was silent for a moment, as Cald seemed to be waking up. The boy clenched at his finger and brought it forward, into his mouth, gumming at it for a moment before beginning to cry.

"You see? Hungry." Tav stood tiredly, and moved closer, "Mama's coming, little one."

The babe's head turned in her direction and he calmed down almost the moment he was in her arms.

He looked up at her with his little red eyes and babbled, "Aaaaaaaaaaa...."

"That's right, Cald. Aaaaaaaa. You are inferior to nobody," she cooed and settled back in to nurse him. "My sweet, perfect little boy...one day you will be Archduke. Maybe even a King, if your papa has anything to say about it."

Gortash watched her in silence for several minutes, and then left.

At least this time, he didn't slam the door.

--------------------------------

The wet nurse was a human woman named Meara who had made a living nursing the children of others, despite having none herself.

"I had not thought it possible," Tav said. "Is it some spell you perform on...yourself?"

"My husband, rest his soul, liked to...let us put it politely and say he liked my breasts above anything else, and after much...interest...we realized I was producing milk. The healers say this is perfectly normal when you...handle...breasts frequently. So after he died..."

"You thought it the best way to secure an income for yourself." Tav nodded. "I...there is one thing that I hope you won't take issue with, but..."

Here she explained the situation with the Bhaalists, leaving out of course that Orin had once worked with Gortash.

"I worry that they make take issue with the way they were rooted out and...well..." she took a deep breath. "I don't wish to accuse you of being a doppelganger, but my husband wants to ensure his heir is safe."

They agreed in the end that a daily cut of the thumb with a small dagger would do the trick--just enough to draw blood. A gift of a ring with an attached healing spell would be provided to ensure nothing came of this little cut, and all would be well.

And, Scratch assured her, he could smell when someone wasn't right so would be happy to lend his aid.

I'll take care of the little master, he promised, Pups need to be watched!

---------------------------------

It was anxiety-inducing to leave her quarters, to leave Cald alone with anyone, but Tav swallowed her fear and forced herself through the dressing process and the short journey to the ballroom with Gortash.

She hated how she ached to take his hand as she walked beside him, hated the way she craved even a single touch. The necessary time of rest had passed, and he was free to come to her again...but the question was there--would he? She doubted it. He had barely touched her at all since the argument, let alone proceeded beyond that.

You want to touch him, even if you get nothing in return, Halsin's voice came, for the first time in months not as hard as it had been. My heart...you deserve better.

Sex is the easiest way to keep a man happy, followed Astarion's voice. If you can get him to take it, he will undoubtedly come back to you for more.

That was it. She would have to stay in his good graces somehow, and sex was the best way to do it. Tonight. She would try tonight, once they were back in his quarters...once they were alone.

They entered the ballroom, and Tav pasted on a smile.

---------------------------------------

It was as grand and glittering as any event for the elite of Baldur's Gate ever was, and the largest part of conversation she participated in was congratulations for bearing the Archduke his heir. Gortash, it seeemed,

"Girls have just as much to offer as boys, but you know how some human men are," said one of the high elven nobles, "Always on about legacies. And such a one the Archduke is going to have! With all but the drow, of course..."

"Oh, I think we both know the Archduke knows how to deal with drow," Tav replied. When there was a round of chuckles, she went on, "My little Cald will be more than able to carry on his father's heroics. What else could he do?"

"Fall in line behind the first lady to give him a hard glare, perhaps? Some men like that, drow or no," one nobleman said. "It's only that they're more...susceptible to it."

"It's a product of their upbringing, and he won't get it from me. He is just as valuable to me as any daughter would be."

"How brave of you," another said, "It will be quite a fight to make them respect a male leader, but I can't imagine they will be much trouble...at present, anyway. So few of your people are found here."

She went to the refreshment table after the conversation concluded, having warded off any number of little statements about how brave she was, and how pleased the Archduke must be.

(Once or twice she looked over in Gortash's direction and gave him a hopeful smile; both times he merely inclined his head.)

As Tav was heading back to her seat beside him, she felt a sharp-nailed hand at her elbow.

"Lord--Szarr," she said on turning to him, voice halting, throat suddenly dry, face paling, "A pleasure."

"Indeed," he replied, "I had not expected you out so soon. The Archduke seemed to think your recovery would take longer."

"I was already recovering well, he was merely being--considerate."

Cazador stepped in front of her, and raised one of her hands to his lips. She said nothing, but inwardly was praying he'd quickly grow bored.

What happened to all your bravado? Gone. It's just as well. You can't be too careful with Cazador, my dear. Astarion's voice whispered in her mind. Remember that.

Your position is too precarious. Halsin added.

"If you are not overtired--"

Please don't...

"--perhaps I might persuade you to dance."

"I can hardly turn down an invitation here," Tav said quietly, "Now can I? It would be...quite rude."

The smile that then appeared on Cazador's face was just a little too wide, wide enough she could see the points of his teeth. "Indeed. But you know better, of course."

"Of course."

She took his hand, let herself be lead, and didn't speak again until the dance actually began.

"I can't imagine why you ask me to dance when we attend the same...events," Tav kept her voice meek, "Surely there are other young women you'd like to ask."

There was a pause, and then he spoke in a sharp tone, "Look at me when you speak. You're being very rude."

She forced herself to look up.

Be perfect and pleasant.

After a slight pause he asked, in a strangely more pleasant tone, "Tell me, before you were the Duchess...when you still loved my wayward son...how did you reconcile his behavior with that love?"

"What behavior do you mean? Being catty? He tells me he never tasted...certain things...before me."

"Oh, a very clever liar, that one. Or perhaps you were simply easy to fool." He pressed just slightly closer. "I don't mean those he drained, I mean those he brought to me."

"Those he--brought to you?" She kept her eyes on his smirking face, eager for an answer. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, Duchess..." Cazador tutted at her, and lowered his voice, "I know you know more than you let on...do you think he could have made spawn on his own?"

She didn't respond. She couldn't.

"There...are...thousands," he whispered, "Thousands, he brought me..."

Tav looked away, and remained silent.

Thousands? Really? He must be exaggerating.

And suppose he's not? Halsin's voiced asked her.

Astarion's voice remained silent. Tav found herself gulping.

"Have I told you more than you want to hear?"

"No more than I already knew."

"You're a terrible liar. You should work on that."

Another smirk. Tav again found no response.

"You seem much more subdued today," Cazador went on, "And I can only praise the improvement. Perhaps the Archduke will make a lady of you yet."

"I have tried to do him proud."

But you know you haven't, have you? You'd be in his bed already if so.

"I hope you don't refer only to the child. Any whore on the street could do that."

She remained silent for another few minutes, and stiffened on hearing him speak again.

"Nothing to say?"

"Do these insults have a purpose?" She asked after a lengthy silence, "What are you trying to do, exactly?"

"To remind you," Cazador replied as the dance concluded, as his piercing eyes met and seemed to cut straight through her own, "That you have risen quite high, but..."

Another kiss on the hand. An unsettling smile.

"You should think...how much farther you have to fall."

Tav found herself feeling momentarily faint, and only accepted the next dance from one of the other nobles out of fear Cazador might ask her for a second.

He was at least more pleasant, if also more slimy. He was another of those wishing for Gortash's favor on some matter or the other, and she muttered promises to speak to him about the issue.

She practically ran back to her seat after that.

"You look unwell," Gortash said after she'd eaten, "Perhaps this was not the best of ideas."

"It's nothing you need to be too concerned about," Tav replied in a muted tone, "I only needed to eat. I find my appetite has increased of late...your son is quite a hungry little thing."

He was silent for a long period, as they sat watching the crowds. He drained the last of a goblet of wine in front of him, then added, "I see Lord Szarr had quite a lot to say to you. Was there anything of note?"

"Only advice on how to look the part of a lady, for whatever reason." She took a deep breath. "I think he means to intimidate me."

I'm already on thin ice with him, I can't tell him more.

"They're all like that, to one degree or another."

Is that it? Is that all you have to say? Have I really fallen so far in your sight? Tav wondered to herself, No, Cazador's a threat to his power, he's GOT to do something about the man.

He would hardly share his goings-on with you, would he? Astarion's voice sounded off, Likely as not he has a plan and doesn't want you interfering. You never were particularly sneaky.

But I would want to help him, I don't understand...

Do you think he really NEEDS your help, darling? He's Archduke of Baldur's Gate, and you are the pretty thing on his arm. There is nothing you can do that he can't do better. Sad as it is to say.

I can do more than he might think.

"Yes...I'm learning that," Tav finally replied, "It would be better if we could have him as ally, I suppose, but he sees no need for allies, with that...ascension in mind."

Please, she found herself begging internally, Talk to me. I'll take anything, even an insult.

She wanted to ask what he was doing, what he had planned, but after battling it together in her head, decided against it. If she was right--if he was as done with her as he seemed, she couldn't bother him with much if she wanted to stay on his good side. He'd already talked of planning to deal with the man anyway, it wouldn't do good to prod him about it.

"You fear too much. We have this well in hand."

"Shall we say...becoming a mother has only added to my concerns," Tav said gently, "Before Cald I could be as foolish as I pleased. I lived on the road, what were a few petty dangers when it came to what lurked in my head? Perhaps I was more reckless than I should have been, but..."

She shook her head.

"But?" Gortash asked suddenly.

"But I spent so long being ready to die...that I forgot how to live." She thought of the little eyes, the grasping fingers. The way Cald had begun to look in her direction when she spoke. The way she saw danger for what it was, for all the new fears that had resulted from the birth of this little one who had stolen her heart. "And he reminded me."

Tav chanced a look at him then, and while he wasn't looking at her with that strained expression, at least he did not look angry.

"One dance," he said slowly, after having a few sips from another glass of wine, "And then I believe you'll have discharged your obligation."

"I would do more than that, if you would allow it," she replied softly, and finished her water. "Trust me."

He huffed slightly. "My lady, no one is as good as you are pretending to be. I would prefer the mask you put on before."

What surprised Tav was not that this remark hurt, but how little it did. It was nothing to his insults from before.

"It may have started a mask," she replied, taking the meek tone she'd used with Cazador, "But it has not been such for some time now. If you prefer to believe otherwise, that is your right. I ask no more of you than civility and duty demand."

The current dance they were watching ended, and he was silent until the time came for him to lead her out for the next. Seeing more than one pair of eyes on them, she pasted on a smile.

"And who taught you to keep such low expectations?"

Tav didn't answer.

[scmoobly]

Forever yours | Vincent Solaire

Goodbyes are harder for the ones that are left behind

Warning: [character death] [dealing with the pain of loss] [language]

It had already been months since that day but Vincent still couldn't find the strength in himself to keep going. To keep living.

But he didn't have a choice.

He couldn't die anyway.

Maybe that was his punishment for bringing you into his world. For loving you so much that every second without you felt like its own kind of hell.

He had been looking at the polaroid of you for what seemed like hours but even hours weren't enough.

He wished he had held you closer, kissed you harder, and ingrained every feature of you so deep into his body that he would've had to try and fail to forget you.

Neither William nor Sam could get Vincent to come out of your home let alone be around other people at all.

At first, he seemed fine. It was your choice after all. He knew he had to respect your decision to want to let your life end as a human. He knew he had no right or say in the decision you made, but it still hurt so fucking much.

When the cruel reality that he still had an eternity to live without you set in he started to starve himself for long periods of time. He liked to think that torturing himself into absolute fucking insanity would numb the pain of not having you by his side anymore.

It didn't change a thing though.

You were still gone. And he was still here.

William and Sam would take turns visiting Vincent to make sure that he was drinking enough blood to at least keep him alive

"I can't do it, William-" He cried in the arms of the older vampire. "Please make it go away-" He held onto the other as if he was holding on for dear life. "Vincent.."

As his maker, William felt every stab that Vincent inflicted upon himself with his words and his thoughts. The hatred and pure helplessness towards himself was so deep that no matter how far down he cut into Vincent's entire being William wouldn't have been able to find the part of him that still believed in life.

"I wish I could Vincent, If there were anything I could do so that you won't have to go through this, I would do it in a heartbeat, but that is the pain we take on when we choose this life." He knew in his heart that William was telling him the truth but the truth didn't make it better. It didn't comfort him. It didn't bring you back.

Fuck, he missed you much.

He would roam around your apartment in an effort to relive the memories you left behind. He would lay on your bed hugging the clothes that still had a hint of your smell and cry himself to sleep.

Even in his dreams, he couldn't escape the constant reminders of you or the last time he saw you, losing the light in your eyes.

How could he forget?

The moment he asked you for your forever as you lay in his arms almost lifeless and you used the last ounce of your strength to pull your hand away from his, reaching up and holding his cheek. You smiled weakly, running your fingers gently against his cold skin.

"I love you so much, Vincent, so much. And if this is how it's meant to end I'm grateful that I could give you the very last of myself-" You choked as you tried to finish your sentence.

"Lovely please-" He silently begged as tears poured from his eyes, leaning into your hand desperately trying to feel your warmth that was quickly growing colder. "Don't leave me, please."

He held you tightly in his arms, rocking back and forth as if he could absorb you and keep you in his heart forever.

But no such thing happened.

You passed with the remnants of a smile still on your face. Your body lay still in his arms and he remembered the distinct moment when he couldn't hear your heart beat anymore.

When he was at his worsts he'd wish, if only he had just turned you despite you telling him not to. He would've dealt with the aftermath. He would've been okay with it if you never wanted to see him again as long as he knew you were alive.

More time passed and Vincent had finally gathered the courage to visit your grave from time to time. He still broke down when he came back to an empty house where you were no longer waiting for him, but he was trying his best.

Vincent got down on his knees and placed the bouquet of carnations near your stone, swiping away the stray leaves and dust that had gathered around it.

"It's been months Lovely, but it feels likes decades have passed. I struggle to even remember the sound of your voice now-" His voice cracked towards the end, tears pooling around his eyes like it was instinct. He couldn't even think about you without crumbling into pieces.

He didn't want you to see the pitiful state he was in where ever you were so he wiped away his tears and put on a brave face once more, facing your grave with a heavy heart.

"You're missed Lovely, and if missing you is pain then I am ready to be in that pain for the rest of my life. As long as it keeps a part of you in it. Anything as long as even a fragment of you is still there."

He placed his forehead on the gravestone, letting out muffled sobs.

"You aren't mine but I'll forever be yours."

[noemitenshi]

The moon bathes your face in gentle light

A Troy Otto post s8 Imagine/story of how Tracy and him started to heal after the events of that horrible season.

The idea came to me after a conversation with @marrecarandgi so many thanks for that! It wouldn't exist without you 🧡

Let's jump into it.

As per our agreement, Troy Otto definitely 100% survived the stabbing by Madison. I'm not gonna be thinking too much about how (taking a page out of canon's book - they never explained how he survived the hit to the head nor getting stabbed by Alicia either. Guess he's just *that good*). So, Troy survives, though I'm sure it's not pretty. By the skin of his teeth, in immense pain, and fearing for his daughter. Maybe not so much her survival because he gave his best didn't he. But what his lie will do to her. Now that this didn't kill him (again, again it didn't kill him). And every waking hour he imagines Tracy with Madison, imagines Madison turning Tracy against *him*. And he wishes it would be enough to know she survives but of course it's not. It's a father's pain he's bearing now (on top of the gaping gut wound, though he probably did something about that...), the loss of his daughter. Not the end of her life but the end of her love. And he has to be patient now, has to *heal* and it takes time, he knows it does (he's been through this before). He can't rush these things but god he wishes he could, he feels he's going crazy with this, waiting. Waiting never was his strong suite, he'd always preferred to act, however rashly. Preferred to *do* not think. And now thinking is the only thing that he *can* do. It takes weeks. Months, before he is halfway fit again (and probably a lot of sheer dumb luck, again, don't think too much about this). Anyway, the point is, he knows how to fight for things, how to go on despite, *how to survive* and he puts his all into it now. So he may get his daughter back (don't think about her, don't think about her, just get better). And once he is, better, he's putting everything into finding her. He *has to*. And of course he does. Probably sneaks into the camp at night and slits Madison's throat (like he should've done way back in s3...). If Alicia's there I don't think she survives this either. And then he takes his daughter and they leave. Off into the sunset they ride (or, I guess, sunrise. Since it was night). Now. Probably both of them will have some new trauma to deal with. Troy for, well, having been stabbed and losing his daughter (even for a bit) and losing his men and their kids and the safe place to call him he almost had in his hands... and Tracy for having lived with the killer of her dad - and thinking that her father had died. So, it's a lot for both of them. And I think both of them only start feeling these things when they have one another again (Tracy because she finally feels safe again and Troy because now his mind can finally stop thinking nonstop about getting Tracy back and uh starts processing all that other shit). So they aren't in the best place, emotionally speaking. Troy is bitter (though he really tries with Tracy. I do think he is still good with her, there's just now an edge in him that wasn't there before). And Tracy... Tracy probably has nightmares and panic/anxiety attacks - probably also bursts of anger at her dad. This is difficult on both of them... probably reminding Troy of his own childhood (the bursts of almost unexplained anger) and he's gonna have to work extra hard not to react like his parents (in high-stress situations it is very likely to fall back to well-known behaviorial patterns after all and what he knows *really well* is how his parents dealt with him when he behaved "badly"). So no wonder is he bitter/moody. On top of it all they still don't have a place to call home and maybe are just wandering around in search for... something. Not even sure he feels like he could built a new community since he lost his men - from the way they were it seemed like they were together for a while now. That has got to hurt. And maybe he feels safer, wandering around, not staying anywhere too long. (Maybe he is trying to run away, from these feelings - not that he can. he knows that. but the urge is still in him and so he gives into this, for a little. he's already stretched so very thin, he can't fight himself on this front now, too).

And one night when they've been scouting a bit too long, they stumble into another person's camp. or, well, it's not really a camp, not even a fire going, that's why they didn't avoid this spot, just a man curled on the ground, right by a tree. He woke, of course, when Troy stumbled over his feet. He didn't hesitate to give Tracy the signal to get out of sight, NOW, while he regained his footing, hand going to the pistol on his side while he eyed the stranger, who was slowly straightening into a sitting position, blinking slowly.

"you!"

They both spoke simultaneously and Troy's hand twitched with the need to draw his weapon when he saw who that man was. He *knew* him. And the second he'd recognized him, he felt like fate had slapped him. On both cheeks. That was...

"crazy dog"

That couldn't be true. But it was, he was here. What where all these ghosts from his past doing here?! When would he finally find peace from all of that!??!

"Troy Otto..." Crazy Dog replied. *He* didn't seem tense. Didn't seem alarmed. He looked - different, too, then back at the ranch. And Troy wasn't sure if it was just his missing anger or - something else? Haggard, he realized, Crazy Dog was haggard. Seemed tired too or was that because he'd leaned his head against the tree trunk and continued to look at Troy silently. Troy furrowed his brows. That was... not at all the reaction he had expected. It was so out of left field that he heard himself ask

"aren't you gonna draw your weapon?"

God, what was he doing?! Did he *want* a violent confrontation?

"No." Crazy Dog's answer was - not firm, not really. But it still had an air of finality to it. It had come faster than anything else he said (or did) before, too. Troy blinked. Mouthed 'no' uncomprehendingly. What was going on? The Crazy Dog he remembered had been dead set on killing him - had only waited for Troy to give him a reason, *any* reason. This, now, was the perfect opportunity to do so. But he seemed wholly uninterested in that. Not even bothered by Troy standing in front of him. Not *threatened*. Troy pulled his lips back into a snarl.

"I'm gonna be taking your things," he announced. Didn't even know why. Did he *want* to anger the other man?

"Don't have much anyway," Crazy Dog said mildly and - what was wrong with him!? Didn't he *care*?!

"Dad?"

Troy froze. Tracy apparently had figured there was no danger - no wonder, Crazy Dog hadn't even risen, still leaning almost relaxed against the tree trunk; both their voices were calm and Troy hadn't drawn his own weapon either.

"Dad?" Crazy Dog repeated and Troy swallowed uncomfrotably. *Afraid*. Would that tidbit finally compell the other man to be cruel? Was that what it would take to bring the Crazy Dog of old to the forefront? And without him even noticing he'd stepped in front of Tracy, blocking her from Crazy Dog's view, his face a stony mask.

"Take it."

Troy couldn't quite process what Crazy Dog had said to him, it didn't make sense. Not even a little. He must've looked confused, because Crazy Dog repeated, "My things" and nodded to the backpack, "Take them all." And it looked like - was that a slight smile tugging at Crazy Dog's lips? Was he having a stroke!? Or was Troy? Something wasn't right - but then again, why would he look a gift horse in the mouth? So he leaned down and took the backpack - somehow still expecting to be stabbed in the back. But no. Nothing like that was happening. *Nothing* was happening, actually. Just Crazy Dog looking at him, still with that almost smile. Even when he slung the backpack over his shoulder nothing changed.

"Thank you" that was Tracy, coming to stand right besides Troy, looking at Crazy Dog curiously. Her words were honest and Troy had the urge to pull her back behind himself again. Especially when Crazy Dog's gaze slid to her. That was it, wasn't it? He'd do what Troy had feared, attack them after all. Why did Tracy have to go and draw his attention like that---

But nothing like that happened. The only thing moving were the corners of Crazy Dog's mouth, deepening the slight smile a little - so it actually looked like a smile now. Somehow it made him appear even more tired. *Exhausted*. That's what it was. That was why he looked so different to how Troy remembered him. Not the years etched on his face, nor even the haggardness. It was the air of defeat around him. He *never once* had seemed defeated back then... He nodded at Tracy, kindly - again something that didn't fit with Troy's experience with that man. His daughter was smiling back and Troy stared. Seeing her smile, especially towards strangers, had become so seldom these days. So seldom after - Madison.

Tracy caught his gaze and raised her eyebrows demandingly. What was she--- oh.

"Thanks," he mumbled quickly, and watched his daughter smile at him now sweetly. He grinned back.

What he wouldn't do to have her smile like that.

Tracy looked suddenly around, searchingly. Troy enjoyed watching her when she got like this. Curious, inquisitive. About to solve some kind of puzzle in her mind. It was a delight, getting to see how her brain worked.

"Uhm...should we maybe stay here, dad? Until morning?"

Today was just full of unexpected things wasn't it? Never could he have predicted her saying exactly those words. 'No!' was his first impulse, he did not want to stay longer around Crazy Dog than he had to. Taking his things probably was already a mistake. Made them spend more time than necessary here... But then, this wasn't the kind of dad he was. Had made sure of it. Painstakingly. So, he asked,

"Why do you say that?"

"...it's not the safest spot..." she mumbled. Oh. She wanted to make sure Crazy Dog was ok. That was... Troy didn't know what that was.

"That's alright," Crazy Dog said before Troy could think of a reply, "I'll get home at first light. Don't you worry about me." His voice was still wrong. Different now though. Different now that he was talking to Tracy. Not as... devoid as before.

"We really should get going." Troy didn't waste time trying to hurry Tracy along. Especially since Crazy Dog seemed to be doing the same.

"Dad!" Tracy was tugging at his shirt "Dad, we can get him home right?" Then she turned to Crazy Dog "Our car isn't far from here, we-"

"Tracy." Troy's voice wasn't loud, nor especially harsh but she still stopped speaking. She knew it was his no-nonsense tone. The one that said she didn't have all information, didn't see all consequences of her actions. She didn't like when he used it and couldn't wait to ask him *what exactly* she hadn't thought through.

"Go along now, I'll be fine."

Troy was strangely thankful to the other man for insisting on this - and he didn't want to be.

"You heard him," he said, taking Tracy's hand in his and then they were walking.

"Be careful!" Tracy said as if it were an invocation, her serious eyes boring into Crazy Dog's.

"You too," he answered her immediately. But his gaze caught Troy's. Troy did not know what to make of this. This whole interaction feeling unreal. It had him on edge in a strange way and he couldn't wait to get as far away from this as possible.

Of course it wasn't that easy.

And so he found himself driving back to that spot, opening his door and hissing

"get in"

to crazy dog. Crazy Dog looked as perplexed as Troy himself felt over the whole thing - but then, Tracy always did have a way to get what she wanted. He didn't know why he'd thought it would be different this time. She'd been adamant about helping that person that had so selflessly given up his things. Troy had wanted to point out that he didn't seem to *care* one way or another, but really, that wouldn't accomplish anything but make her sad. or worried. he wasn't sure which one was worse. so he just bit his tongue. He *had* told her who he was - Crazy Dog. She knew that name from his tales. And - he'd thought it would make her back down. She had - hesitated (and that had hurt him unexpectedly, the sudden *curling into herself*. Of course, figures of his past would incite that reaction. After what the last group had done...!) But she hadn't backed down in the end, weighing Crazy Dog's behavior towards them *now* more than anything else that had happened in the past.

And so Troy agreed to do what she wanted because - he hadn't seen her as animated, as *invested* since - since! Her time away from him had done a number on her. On both of them, but he'd gladly shoulder whatever needed to, just so she could be spared. But that wasn't how it worked and so he had been helpless to watch her be this subdued, quiet child since he'd... recued her from Madison. Had watched her be so unlike herself. Had tried to bring her back, of course, anything and everything he could think of but---no need to keep thinking about that. His kid was back, at least for now.

And so he was now watching Crazy Dog hesitantly get into the back of the truck.

"Where am I going?" Troy asked him, and this was maybe the strangest thing to happen that night. Asking Crazy Dog for directions. But the way Tracy was beaming more than made up for him and when the other man didn't immediately answer Troy turned his head to him.

"Where to?" he asked again and somehow his voice had turned softer. Crazy Dog's gaze met Troy's. And after a little sigh he told him.

The drive was maybe half an hour at the most - and no one seemed to feel the desire to speak. Not even Tracy. Or maybe that was just Tracy retreating into herself again. Though she didn't look subdued, quite the opposite actually. Maybe she was just content. That thought made Troy smile a little. Maybe she really was. The road turned from asphalt to dirt and after a while Troy could see a farmhouse at the end of it.

"That it?" he asked. Crazy Dog nodded.

"You can just let me out he---"

"We said we'd get you home and we will," Troy interrupted. Honestly, they were almost there.

Crazy Dog nodded.

Then, slowly he said,

"You can.. come in if you want. Stay - the night. It's late." Almost reluctantly.

Troy still felt a sliver of irrational danger just imagining Crazy Dog near his daughter - but his daughter was looking at him with big big eyes and he thought a real bed would do her some good.

"It is," was all he said. Was as much as he allowed himself to agree.

"It's so nice here!" Tracy exclaimed once her large eyes had taken in as much as they could of the living area.

"Yeah," Crazy Dog said in that slow way of his, "it is..." Then he looked at her, brows furrowed. "I don't even know your name."

"Tracy," Tracy said. Crazy Dog repeated her name softly.

"I'm Lee," he said then.

"Not Crazy Dog?" Of course his daughter wouldn't let something like rest - and frankly, Troy wanted to know the answer to that, too.

"Just Lee," Crazy Dog - Lee? said mildly and without stopping asked, "Want something to eat? I've got food in the kitchen"- he nodded towards a door behind which Troy guessed was said kitchen-"though I'm not the best cook so... it's straight out of the can..."

"I can cook," Troy said and then let ...Lee show him around.

"It's not much," *Lee* said, almost apologetically. He was right, it wasn't the best stocked kitchen. But it was better than what Tracy and him had had the last few days. Weeks.

"I can work with this," Troy announced. *Lee* nodded at him.

"Take what you need. I'll leave you to it."

*

When Lee went back to the living room, he saw that Tracy had cozied up on the couch. It looked precious, in a way nothing had for... for a while now and the ghost of a smile was again tugging at his lips. He was strangely glad they had accepted his offer to stay. Or maybe not so strange, the house feeling more alive now than... for a while now. He sat down on the chair besides the couch and watched Tracy doze. How strange to think that Troy Otto had a child - a very sweet one at that. But then, years had passed. Years in which he'd assumed him dead. He... wasn't saddened to find he'd been wrong in that. Or maybe he was just glad to see how well Tracy had it with *him* as dad. Lee would not have guessed that Troy would turn into an indulgent dad. Would not have guessed he'd turn into a *good* dad, but from everything he'd seen today exactly this had happened.

"You *are* Crazy Dog though, aren't you?" Tracy was suddenly looking straight at him, sharp sharp eyes boring into his. Oh yes, she was her father's daughter.

"That's not a name I'm using anymore," Lee said.

"You know each other from ..back at the ranch," she continued without acknowledging what he'd said. Lee nodded.

"My dad told me you wanted him dead... why are you helping us now?"

Oh she was quite brave, this one. He'd have expected nothing less of Troy Otto's child. Whatever could be said about the man, a lack of bravery wasn't it. But where the bravery was almost scary in its intensity in Troy, it was endearing in Tracy.

"That was then. This is now."

Apparently this wasn't a good enough answer for her because she asked, sharply,

"You don't want him dead anymore?"

"I've got no reason to," Lee told her. He didn't. Who cared what had happened years ago. He'd moved on. he'd built a whole new life---

"He robbed you."

Oh, so she *had* heard that part, hm. Still he disagreed,

"I freely gave it to you"

"...why are you helping us?"

Lee closed his eyes, unwilling to think about this, to let his mind wander there...

"You have no reason to," she said, emphasizing the words almost mockingly. A challenge.

"...I do," Lee said softly. Oh, did he ever and his heart squeezed uncomfortably, his throat closed up and he tried to swallow against it.

"Food's done!" Troy had appeared in the kitchen doorway - just at the right time, it seemed. "Come." With one last look at Lee, Tracy went.

Lee breathed a sigh of relief, he hadn't been sure how much more of her questions he could take before... He shook his head and focused on his breathing. Slow and deliberate. In. Pause. Out. Pause. In. Pause. Out. Pause. And on and on until it was the only thing filling his mind. And then some more.

A sudden noise made him flinch and open his eyes. A plate of steaming food was placed in front of him.

"I meant you, too, you know?" Troy told him casually. Then he went back to the kitchen. Lee blinked at the food. It smelled - good. Much better than... He sighed. Then he slowly started eating. He figured they'd be more comfortable without him in the kitchen.

After they were done eating, Lee showed them the bathroom and the master bedroom. He knew how important it was to be able to stay together, especially during night, during sleep, the most vulnerable time. He took the couch - just like he'd done the days before. Somehow sleep came easier to him today.

*

The next day Troy woke early. Tracy was still sleeping and so he let her, softly moving out of the room and downstairs. He wasn't sure if he was surprised or not to see *Lee* awake too. He was just sitting there, looking outside into the rain. Still like a statue.

"What's wrong with you?" slipped from Troy - no one could accuse him of having tact. (And honestly, he was about fed up with this version of Crazy Dog. With being on this strange edge the whole time. He'd rather have it out, he thought). Lee turned to him, eyes suddenly as cold and dark as he remembered.

"I'm not talking about that."

Well. That wasn't helpful at all. Made him angry in a petulant way. But then, *he* didn't want to be to start a fight. Didn't want to destroy this for Tracy. They'd leave here soon enough and then who cared what had happened to Crazy Dog. So he turned his attention to the outside, where Lee was staring. A beautiful garden. Flowers and vegetable patches filling it.

He wondered about the canned food.

"Quite a garden," he remarked.

"...Yeah."

Troy rolled his eyes and decided to go snoop a little. Was bound to be more interesting than a conversation with *him*. That unsettling version of Crazy Dog. He didn't want to be too obvious about it, so he didn't exactly rummage around in closets (though he itched to), instead looking at what was displayed. The books laying around (a suspicious lot of them *medical* though he supposed it made sense to learn as much as one could about these things - doctors were hard to come by these days..), the wide array of knick-knacks. He couldn't see a common thread there. Shells and necklaces, lighters and key chains, little toys and pens. Strewn all over the house from what Troy could see. Curious.

"Dad?!"

Tracy was awake, and from the sounds of it trying not to panic.

"I'm here!" Troy was quick to reply, already going for the stairs, taking two, three at a time, rushing to her. He should've thought of that! God damn, he really should've but then - this hadn't really been an issue until now, him not being near her when she woke up. Of course it made her panic. The moment he stepped foot on the second floor Tracy rushed into his arms and he picked her up, having to shift as to not tumble down the stairs with the force with which she'd thrown herself at him.

"I'm here," he murmured, stroking over her hair, "It's alright."

She clung to him and it didn't seem like she wanted to let go anytime soon. He just shrugged good-naturedly and decided to carry her downstairs. Breakfast would do her good.

The way she hid her face in the crook of his neck, the way she held on to him had him remember their days when she was a toddler. When they'd lost--- He'd thought they'd never get through that. He'd thought, without *her* he wouldn't be able to do this. To be a good parent. He'd clung to her just as much as she'd clung to him during those days. And they both had persevered. They would again. Even if the situation seemed impossible. They'd done it once before. They would again. She'd be fine, with time. She'd get over this. He fastened his hold around her.

After breakfast - which had been a somewhat strange and subdued affair (strange because Lee had again declined to eat with them and subdued because the panic still clung to Tracy it seemed. Not as immediate but Troy could still tell) - Tracy had wandered to the bookshelves, looking through them. Somehow that had made Lee move from his place on the chair, looking to the outside and he'd started a quiet conversation with her - from what Troy could tell, asking her what she liked to read, offering different things. He watched the two of them for a while and when he saw that Tracy was becoming more animated the more they spoke he felt a tenseness fall from him he hadn't been aware of holding. *She would be ok*. Of course she would be.

Just now the sun was peaking through the clouds, the rain finally having stopped. He was immediately drawn to the garden, wanting to take a closer look at the vegetables - maybe there was something he could use?

"I'll be outside," he announced to the other two. Those had now moved to the couch, both their noses inside a thick medical book. He had to smile. Tracy definitely had her thirst for knowledge from him - and he was proud of her for that. For asking questions, trying to figure out how everything worked. It was a good thing to be thirsty for in this world, where nothing was safe. Where you could not depend on others--- He stopped these thoughts cold, stepping into the garden, his sharp eyes taking everything in. Most plants were already withered - no wonder, it was late autumn. But he did spy a small pumpkin and - weren't those sweet potatoes? He sat to work.

Somehow he didn't only harvest the few sweet potatoes and the two pumpkins but had started to cut back the plants that needed it and take out the ones that wouldn't survive the winter - he hadn't even thought about it, his hands intimately knowing what to do. And once he realized what he was doing - late into his work - he stopped, breathless, blinking around and looking at his work. Then he shook his head at himself and couldn't stop an self-deprecating smile. He hadn't even made it half through the garden. So he straightened and walked through the rest of it - it was in need of tending too. Not that it was overgrown, clearly there was work put into it. Just - not for the last... weeks? And when his gaze caught by something shimmering almost silver-y he thought he understood why. He'd found the missing puzzle piece he hadn't even been aware he'd been searching for. There in the secluded corner of the garden stood a pale wooden cross, a name carved into it - Ri Ortego. And underneath it just one word. 'Beloved'. Troy's fingers traced the letters and he couldn't help himself, but he felt like whoever had carved them (*Lee*, who else) must've been shaking. That explained his strange behavior. It was grief. He pulled his hand back as if burned.

*

"You had a wife." Troy hadn't even fully entered the house that those words left his mouth. Lee flinched. It wasn't enough for Troy, so he spoke her name. "Ri, right?"

Lee stood abruptly and stomped into the kitchen. Troy took that to mean he was right - why else would Lee be upset. And it was clear that he was.

"Da~ad!" Apparently he wasn't the only one to get that, Tracy was looking at him disapprovingly, her eyes glinting dangerously. He almost shrugged but then thought better of it. This was not the time to be flip with her. So he just blinked and pressed his lips together. He'd lost a wife too, after all. No need to be so dramatic over it. "You should apologize," he heard his daughter say. The same tone he used when he demanded the same of her. It almost made him smile. Though the prospect of doing *that* didn't let him. It wasn't like he'd *meant* to hurt the other man. He'd just been after answers. But Tracy kept staring at him - and both knew he'd give in, just as he'd had last night. He took every opportunity he had to make his daughter happy, after all. So he sighed and went to the kitchen, carefully opening the door.

"Hey," he whispered, somewhat uncomfortable, not wanting to startle the other man. Lee was sitting at the kitchen table, his back turned towards the door, hunched over. He looked like--- "Uh, that before," Troy started to explain, "listen, I, I didn't--- uhm..." There was no reaction and Troy swallowed. He had expected to get at least something from the other man. "I didn't mean anything by it." He finally settled on as an explanation. *That* had an effect; Lee turned his head slowly towards Troy and Troy was glad to be done speaking because otherwise the next word would've gotten stuck in his throat - the misery in Lee's eye, the devastation on his face felt like it was stopping his heart. It felt *so familiar*.

"I'm sorry." It was the easiest thing to say, suddenly. "*I'm sorry*, Lee."

***

And that is how it will begin. Of course Troy and Tracy will stay in Lee's house. Tracy is doing lots better there than before when they were driving around and though Troy does feel unbalanced by Lee's grief, he still feels alright staying. For Tracy, he's telling himself at first (and let's be honest, seeing the mirror of past him in Lee is difficult - maybe he didn't have enough space to grieve Serena what with having to raise a kid, so it's gonna be bringing things up for him too. But it'll be good for him overall) but he's gonna enjoy it, too. Being here with someone that is supposed to want him dead but very much *doesn't* is doing wonders for his trauma. And over time they're gonna become friends and raise Tracy together. Not sure how/when it'll turn romantic - maybe I'll add to this once I have an idea.

[starry-eyed-steve]

Stumbled across you and really enjoyed your takes on the show and the characters. There were multiple things that bugged me about S4 but by far my biggest peeve is that no one felt the need to apologize to Lucas or acknowledge the fact that he was putting his life in danger trying to keep tabs on his teammates. The show + Hellfire treats his decision to play basketball like some big betrayal when really, it's a kid expressing interest in two things equally. Just wish we got a scene for that.

I absolutely agree, Lucas never did anything wrong in this show, and I stand by that. He deserves better!!!

When Lucas looked around and saw those empty seats, knowing his friends didn't have his back. Or worse when they replaced him with his own sister, who was at every game and missed the one where he scored. My heart broke for him in that moment. To think that people who watched the show were pissed at Lucas for hanging out with his teammates when his friends let him down. I would have avoided them as well. And when he realized that something went wrong, he used his position to help his friends. Like, what do people want from him?

In general, it's weird how the show vilianises people who are popular, jocks and athletes. It's not like Lucas ditched his friends. He was still part of hellfire, but the show treats him like a villain for doing sports now. How are those people worse than Eddie, who shamed everyone in that cafeteria with his speech? He's also a judgmental asshole but because the show frames him as the underdog, his actions are not seen as bad. It seems like the Duffers have some unresolved high school trauma where a popular guy wronged them, and now everyone who isn't a loser nerd is essentially the devil.

Back to Lucas, like my boy deserves better plot than what he is given. Don't get me wrong I loved his storyline with Max, Lumax is my favorite ship in the show. But like I mentioned in another post, his struggles as a black kid often gets overshadowed for the romance plotline.

A huge factor as to why he played basketball was the fact that on top of the bullying his friends face, he also had to deal with racism. We deserved to see a Patrick and Lucas friendship where they discuss it or bond about it. If you think about it, the party never really gave a shit about this reason, and the show underplayed it as well. Instead, Lucas sports plot was framed as him turning his back to his friends, automatically painting him in a negative light, even though it wasn't true. He just wanted support from his friends, and they never delivered. If Will was there, I think he would have supported Lucas, knowing how it feels when your friends ridicule your hobbies. An apology from Dustin would have been the minimum. (Mike wasn't there for the plot) At least Erica apologized to him later, but still. Eddie should have spent a bit more time with Lucas and apologized as well. But that's never going to happen because the Duffers refuse to acknowledge they have this agenda towards jocks.

Another point that I wanted to see was Lucas struggling with Billy's death. I know this season was mostly about Max, and I loved how it was dealt with, but I wish we could have gotten Lucas POV as well. Of course, he wanted to be there for Max. He loves her, but it would have been difficult to emphasize after s2 when Billy attacked him for racial reasons. Billy never made it up to Lucas. He could have gotten the chance in s3, but the show killed him first episode and turned him into a monster. That's why I don't believe in a Billy redemption in s3 because the people he hurt (Lucas and Steve) never got an apology. So I really wanted to see Lucas's complicated feelings towards it. (I think it's the main reason Max kept her distance she knows Billy hurt her friends, so they might not understand her.)

In general, the show has a huge problem with how they portray their black characters. Lucas's experiences with racism are not taken seriously. Most of his arc is about a white girl (nothing against Max, seriously, I love them together). Erica is a stereotypical sassy black girl with a big mouth, and when she got tackled by this grown ass man in vol2, nobody really bat an eye. Patrick was the least developed Vecna victim, Fred and Chrissy got so much more screen time. So you can clearly see the pattern through the show.

Lastly, because of the limited amount of time, the show can't address anything. Especially in s4, the plot was super tight. They had to cut out so much. I blame the useless Russian plot because that was so unnecessarily. Anyway, with more time and with more episodes, the plot could have spread out more. The characters would get time to breathe and interact with others more. Traumas could be dealt with in a better, more genuine way as well. But we are stuck with 9 episodes per season. Something has to be cut, and we can't forget the show is created by two white men. Of course, they are not sensible when tackling racist matters. (Btw Caleb also deserves so much better. The fact that he wasn't invited to talk shows and is always kinda left out is absolutely horrible. Plus, the hate he got in s1 just because his character wasn't a big fan of El is unacceptable)

[scurvgirl]

I found Ansur today and had thoughts. My little cleric has also been having some feelings. I was also thinking it'd be kinda cool for clerics to have Commune in BG3.

For some context: she is half-wood elf and follows Mielikki (did I choose this goddess because of the unicorn? Yes, but that's besides the point) and Astarion is NOT ascended here but Cazador is dealt with. General Act 3 spoiler warnings!

__

Everyone was celebrating the dragon slaying. Everyone, that is, except Mynara.

She kept herself from the revelers, her heart and mind troubled enough to make the festivities feel...misplaced, perhaps. As quietly as she could manage, she slipped out of their rooms within the Elfsong, heading for the rooftop. The sun was just about set and with it she felt some of her energy wane. Part of being a light cleric - she rose and fell with the sun each day.

Footsteps behind her had her spinning 'round -

"Astarion, you surprised me."

"My apologies, darling, but you did leave a party celebrating one of your accomplishments." He was of course stunning in the quickly fading light, even with the downturn of his lips as he looked on her with concern. It was a look she was seeing more and more often now they were in the city.

"What's troubling you?" He asked and damn, she needed to be honest with him. What was the point of having a partner if you couldn't confide in them?

So, she spoke. "All of my training and worship before this taught me that the undead are to be reviled. That they're - you're - abominations and it is a sacred ability of ours to return you death."

Astarion quirked a brow, "Quite the plot if you're going to kill me now."

Mynara rolled her eyes but smiled, "Never, love. What I'm saying is...I think it's wrong, they're wrong. Yes, Cazador was a monster and the world is immeasurably better off without him, no question. But then there's you - who defied all odds and you've done good, Astarion, and you are healing and growing as a person. These are things that...that they said weren't possible to those who weren't truly alive and I think...I'm wondering if undeath is really just unlife."

"Unlife?"

"You're not alive but not dead but you have the ability to learn, to grow, to...live, albeit differently. I think of Thrumbo and his friends who were so wrongly turned into zombies and abused by Carrion, or the seven thousand spawn having a chance and...I think of Ansur, who we just killed."

Astarion watched her as she bit her lip and began to worry at her hands. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, "I don't know if killing him was the right thing and it terrifies me to think that. It terrifies me that I love you so much and that I don't regret freeing the spawn or helping Thrumbo. It terrifies me because...because if they were wrong about this, what else were they wrong about? I love my goddess and my faith and I believe in her but this...I see you in the sunlight and you are radiant. I see Thrumbo getting a chance of life. And I saw Ansur, still righteously fighting against what he thought to be a monster inhabiting his friend and I question."

The pain and worry and indecision mingled together in a frightful storm within her and she couldn't bear to look at Astarion. Not when she talked like this, not when she questioned the source of her power, or the only consistent sense of comfort in her life for more than a decade now.

Larger, paler hands gently took hers. She slowly looked up into her love's red eyes to find...not understanding, not quite softness, but...comfort?

"You are the one good at these pep talk things, but I suppose I will try. Darling, if you wish to break from your faith because you disagree with it, if they have harmed you - then I will stand by you the entire step of the way. But do not sever this for me, or for Thrumbo, or for Ansur - this is about you and your faith. You do not need to sacrifice yourself for me, for anyone."

Damn Astarion and his fucking voice and his words. He was always doing this, pulling her away from the self-sacrificing ledge. It had kept her alive and well, grounded.

She swallowed thickly and turned towards the fading light. There was an old ritual she saw the priest do once...perhaps she needed to not think about what mortals had taught her and commune directly with The Forest Queen herself.

Mynara undid her bracelet of wooden beads, all carved with Her holy symbols, and placed it upon the ground in front of her. She kneeled and began to pray.

A warm, glowing feeling pressed against her like a cat and she smiled. She was here.

"Forest Queen...I want to help the unliving, and I do not think they are inherently evil. I don't wish to purge them from this plane or any other. May...may I remain in your service with this thinking?"

More warmth pressed against her and a gentle breeze rustled her hair like her mother used to when she was a child to convey the feeling of course, little one.

Tears welled in Mynara's eyes, "Thank you. May I use your blessings to help them?" Pressure on her hands, like a kind mother squeezing them - yes.

One more...she had one more...the questions for her were answered but there was one more...She felt Astarion behind her and knew he was listening, knew he wouldn't exactly approve of the question, but when an opportunity presents itself....

"Thank you, my Queen, I forever walk within your Forest. I have one more question...my beloved, Astarion, is a vampire spawn. He is dearer to me than any words I could say. Is...is there way for him to safely walk in the sunlight again without Ascension?"

"Mynara -

The breeze whipped around her hair, leaving her briefly cold...only for the sun's warmth to return to her in the form of a kiss to the forehead. Perhaps there is.

With that, the warmth abated, and Mynara opened eyes she hadn't realized she'd closed. The sun had set, leaving the sky a beautiful shade of indigo. Her face was wet with tears and unmistakable joy filled her heart.

Mynara turned to Astarion, smiling brightly even as he scowled with his arms crossed.

"How many times do I have to tell you -

"There's a way, Astarion, there's a way, and I'm still a cleric and she is...happy with me. Love, for once, for fucking once - it was all good." She was up and pulling him into a tight hug in mere moments.

"Don't get your hopes up, it's probably something awful."

"I will hope enough for the both of us, love." She held onto him tight and smiled and smiled.

She had hope and more importantly she had faith.

[aventvrina]

@halothes gambled:

the fate of a gem is to be desired, cut and sold. such is the steadfast belief of the blond man, a notion that holds truth in the hearts of many, perhaps even his own. ❝ i don't find myself agreeing. ❞ sunday declares, ❝ rather than being desired, cut and sold, i believe its destiny should be to be cherished. ❞ he muses gently, leaning forward to place a delicate kiss upon the man's forehead. ❝ the fate of a gem lies not merely in its material value, but in its ability to be treasured and loved. ❞

He all but stops, cheeks warming, gaze fleeting as the words sink in. He wants to blame the tender gesture that renders him speechless but actually it's the belief. Destined to be cherished. Ability to be treasured, to be loved. It's a dangerous thought, to think his end is not that of death. Sunday always has a way with words.

"Ability you say." Aventurine wonders if he has it in him. It's a difficult thing to accept when his birth dictated his worth, to his people and the rest of the verses, the expectations were there before he could even open his eyes. He's not supposed to be able, he's meant to just be, meant to follow the tell tale of the gem whether he's capable of withstanding it or not. Yet all those who believed in his worth are no more and he's currently left to prove himself to those who consider him even less than a speck. But Sunday speaks of inner worth instead of bestowed, and the kiss to his forehead is a quiet proof of his belief in it's existence.

He's not sure what to say, what to promise. It'd be so easy to fall back on the Aventurine, to shrug the gesture and taunt the man, remind him of who they're supposed to be, how they're supposed to act. In a rare moment of honesty, silence speaks. He can't really say much else, he would win nothing by airing out his actual thoughts on himself nor what he's been put through. The less Sunday knows the better, like that, the halovian can keep on believing in whatever inner worth he thinks Aventruine may have. A gem doesn't chose it's value nor destiny but if it could.

If it could.

A gloved hand seeks the other's and is rewarded with warmth, he musters a smile, however practiced it might be, it'll do to not shatter the moment. Even he finds himself deserving of it in spite of it all.

"That's a lovely sentiment." It's all it is, a sentiment. But he still ponders it.

Sunday is an earnest idealist, his core quality and flaw. For all the things that make it easy to understand one another, all the similarities, the thing that distinguishes them the most is their view. Aventurine accepts reality as it is, all it's flaws, all it's injustices, the roles he must take to keep going and all the ruin it brings him. The cards are dealt regardless of fortune, the only thing one can do is to play. Sunday wishes to end the game, he tried so, almost did it, but in the end.

In the end Aventurine's cheeks are warm, the light feeling of a kiss lingers on his skin and he finds himself wishing for that reality. He places a kiss to the back of Sunday's hand, eyes finally meeting, a belief of his own, no matter how sheepish and unsure. While he's not as grand as the cosmos nor as important as humanity, perhaps he can muster the ability to make himself important to one person, regardless if he has value or not.

"Wouldn't be such a bad fate for the gem."

[laura-moon97]

Me and my boyfriend were joking around and made up a funny backstory for the daycare attendants. Hope you enjoy this mind blowing theory. (This is just for fun, so don't take anything I say seriously XD)

First up, Moon doesn't actually want to catch Gregory. What he really wants to do is to swim around in the air with his wire. You see, his dream is to become a professional swimmer, but since's he's not able to swim in water, he uses his wire instead.

When he's activated, he tries to chase Gregory into the play strucure. That way, he can swim in peace and blame the play structures being in the way. He uses some intimidating phrases to scare Gregory into staying there. He didn't think Gregory would touch the generators though, so he get alarmed when 3 of them has been turned on. If the lights go back, Sun will be in control and Moon won't be able to swim! So now he's actually trying to stop Gregory.

When the hourly recharges happen, Moon can resume his swimming, but he needs to pretend trying to catch Gregory, so that Vanny won't complain. Dragging away Freddy was just because he was forced to. That's why he's pretty slow when he's chasing. Of course, when Gregory looks at him for too long, Moon feels judged and goes into raging mode. That's why he speeds up and immediatly catches Gregory.

Gregory's safe in the recharging stations, because it's a prefect excuse for Moon. He'll just go "Oh no, I can't get in there, it's locked! Oh well, nothing I can do, guess I'll just patrol then..." and go back to swimming.

This is where Sun gets in. Moon has been neglecting his duties as a daycare attendant and just swam in the air, while the children either went to sleep themselves or played around. Moon didn't do anything else but play with the wire, so all work was pushed onto Sun. Management was annoyed with Moon's antics, so they made a rule that the lights should always stay on.

Sun got very stressed with all the work and he became obessed with keeping the daycare clean. It was the only thing that made him happy. Sadly, children are very messy, so it was impossible to keep the daycare clean all the time. Sun got depressed and just wished he could be left alone. He's happy and energetic on the outside, but on the inside he's like this:

When Gregory arrives, Sun wants him out of there as soon as possible. He dives down to stop Gregory from messing up the ballpit. He can't kick Gregory out unless the kid breaks a rule, so he has a plan. His plan is to be as annoying as possible, so that Gregory will escape to the security desk and take the pass. Sun knew that it would turn off the lights and then he would be able to ban Gregory from the daycare.

If Gregory goes into the play structure, Sun doesn't even bother going after him. He doesn't want to mess up his clothes and he's already depressed enough, why add more stress onto that? His plan won't work unless Gregory takes the security pass, so it's better just to wait. With nothing to do, he agonizes over the situation instead.

When the lights turn back on, Sun can finally ban Gregory and go back to peaceful solitude. Whatever happens out there happens, Sun has dealt with enough. He needs a moment of peace.

In short, Moon doesn't do his job and Sun is overworked... but that's just a theory, A GAME THEORY!!

[korgbelmont]

Cassius Harlow x Stevie Sun

Part 6 - Finale

With the Creations dealt with, Cas looks to fulfil his promise to Gabbie.

Written in the present tense

Part 5

Tagging: @choicesficwriterscreations, @jerzwriter

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1042

Notes: I don’t own these characters, they are the property of Pixelberry Studios.

Harlow created on cooltext.com

This is set a couple years after the events of both books.

Meeting at Gabbie's headstone, Cas looks around as Donovan pulls up. Two young women get out the car with him and the three walk to join everybody else.

Donovan - Cas, this is Claudia and Joanna.

Cas - Hi.

Claudia - So you're really a Vampire?

Cas' eyes turn silver, and the two girls freeze for a moment.

Cas - But that's not why we're here.

Gabbie's ghost appears before them and everyone apart from Cas looks in shock.

Donovan - Gabbie...

Joanna approaches the ghost of her fiancée, reaching out. Gabbie takes Joanna's hands in her own, and Joanna can't help but notice how cold they are.

Joanna - How... how have you been?

Gabbie - I've been okay.

Joanna steps back and Gabbie looks around at all her friends.

Gabbie - It's good to see all of you again. I just wish I had gotten the chance to say goodbye.

Stevie - You couldn't have known what would happen.

Gabbie - I guess now's as good a chance as any to say thank you for solving my murder and preventing Claudia's.

Claudia approaches her, shaking slightly. Gabbie gives Claudia a reassuring smile and reaches a hand out.

Claudia - I still can't believe this.

Gabbie - It takes some getting used to.

Gabbie smiles at the sight of her firends, family, and Cas gathered with her.

Gabbie - I'm glad I can see you all again. Have the chance to say goodbye. I love you all.

Cas notices the aura around Gabbie become brighter and he steps back, knowing what is happening.

Cas - I'll give you all some time.

While Cas steps away, Gabbie looks down at her hands, realising the same thing Cas has.

Stevie - What's going on?

Gabbie - I think I'm finally being given the chance to rest. But know that you've always been a badass and amazing to call a friend, Stevie.

She looks to Tyler next.

Gabbie - I'm sorry for asking of you what I did. But know that I do care for you as a friend.

Tyler - Same for you, Gabbie.

She goes over to Blake next.

Blake - That night when I was dreaming...

Gabbie - I was really there. Don't let the past anchor you, Blake.

Blake nods as Gabbie goes to her brother.

Donovan - I miss you so much. Mom, Dad, they miss you as well.

Gabbie - I miss you all too. But I promise I'll be okay. And I wanted to thank you for taking Joanna in.

Donovan - Always.

The two share a hug as tears begin to fall from the corners of Donovan's eyes. Gabbie steps back and goes to Claudia.

Gabbie - Thank you for being an amazing friend.

Claudia - Right back at you.

The two share a smile before Gabbie goes to Joanna. The two embrace in a tight hug, and Gabbie runs a hand up and down Joanna's back.

Joanna - I've never stopped loving you.

Gabbie - I love you too. And I know you'll have a happy life.

A laugh escapes between the sobs.

Joanna - Can you see the future or something?

Gabbie - No. I just know.

The two part and Gabbie looks to Stevie again.

Gabbie - Keep him out of trouble.

She nods to Cas and Stevie looks around at him for a moment before returning her attention to Gabbie.

Stevie - I'll try.

Gabbie looks to Cas and he gives her a nod. A bright light engulfs Gabbie, forcing everyone to cover their eyes. When it fades, they find that she's gone.

Joanna - Where...

Cas rejoins them.

Cas - Somewhere better. It seems closure was the ticket.

Donovan - Thanks for letting us get the same.

Cas nods, looking at the headstone.

Cas - (Be well, Gabbie.)

Stevie moves up next to him, taking his hand in both of hers.

A few days later, Cas flattens the final box chucking it in a pile near the bin. He turns to Stevie, smiling.

Cas - I am officially moved in!

Stevie - I'm glad you stayed.

Cas - You and Gabbie made me realise a lot. This is a chance at something new, and I want to see what that new is.

Grinning, Stevie crooks her finger and Cas stands before her as she loops her arms around Cas' neck, closing the distance between them in a soft kiss.

Stevie - It's still weird to be kissing a Vampire.

Cas chuckles, only able to smile. However, Stevie's expression grows distant.

Cas - What's up?

Stevie pulls back, stuffing her hands in her pockets.

Stevie - If I asked you... would you turn me?

Cas - What?

Stevie - If I asked you to make me a Vampire, would you do it?

Cas - I...

Cas pauses, remembering the circumstances behind the turning he played a part in two years beforehand.

Cas - I don't know. The last time I did, it was to save a life. But you do realise what it would mean. You'd outlive everyone you love. Your sister, parents, friends.

Stevie nods.

Stevie - Just wondered. But... tell me if you ever figure out the answer.

Cas - Yeah...

Stevie smiles again, changing the mood.

Stevie - Come on. The others are gonna be waiting for us by now.

Taking Cas' hand, the couple heads out.

CRIMSON BEECH

After learning the news that Cas is now permanently exiled, Gabe joins Seth at a clearing in the forest.

Seth - Can't believe he's really gone.

Gabe - Neither can I. In a weird way, I think I'm gonna miss him.

Seth - I'm sorry.

Gabe - You're still new to it all in the long run of things, Seth. Don't blame yourself. I know he wouldn't want you to.

Seth - I hope he's happy at least.

The two stare up at the stars, both wondering what things are like for the former Venandi.

BEACHWOOD

Arriving at the diner, Cas and Stevie join their friends for a night of celebration. Celebrating the end of a case, and the beginning of a new chapter. A new chapter that Cas knows he won't be alone and has a reason to fight.

[imnobodyuknow]

Surprise!!!

Well, I hate to tell y'all this, but...

I wrote another fan fiction!

Yep... And if that wasn't cringey enough, it's one about my favorite Ace Attorney ship!

And did I happen to mention I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic?

Dang, I'm just diabolical today. 😐

But for those of you who don't mind fanfiction, ships, and a bit of non-canon romance (and have played through both of the Ace Attorney Chronicles games), please enjoy a brand-new short story featuring two characters from my first one -- Ryunosuke Naruhodo and Susato Mikotoba!

I was hoping to have it ready by Valentine's Day, but I don't mind having a little extra time to polish things, so I'll just say "oh, well" to that. 🤷‍♂️ Now, without further ado...

***The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Spoilers Ahead!!!***

A Moment of Warmth

A short story by the Co-Mod

Dedicated to anyone struggling to stay positive (and every hopeless romantic out there)

5th December, 8:08 pm

McGilded Park

(Ugh…  We sure picked a lousy time to visit this place again.  London winters are the worst.)

The young man slumped over on the bench in his brown wool coat, crossing his arms and hating the bitter cold with every fiber of his frigid being.  He was grateful to be able to rest after the long trip from Japan to Great Britain, which had ended with a loud greeting and a sorry attempt at playing the violin from his eccentric British detective friend.  He was also grateful to be in an open space with no sound, save for that of a light wind blowing.  And at the moment, he was especially grateful to be alone.  He had met many friendly people here in London, but as a defense attorney, someone who had to deal with some of the worst cheaters, liars, and cold-hearted murderers on a regular basis (and had already seen more than his fair share of them), he was all too happy to be the only person in the vicinity.

He wished he knew of a better place to find solitude, though.  The only other quiet locations he could think of were the office of Prosecutor van Zieks and the house of the Garridebs, and he was never one to intrude unnecessarily.  Much as he loathed the biting cold, he preferred it over the chaotic company he was accustomed to here.  Being a Japanese in the Great British Empire had brought about a number of bizarre events in his life, some good, others not so good.  He was grateful to have established a reputation as Ryunosuke Naruhodo, a skilled defense attorney, and was equally grateful that his close friends Kazuma and Susato, also Japanese, had themselves achieved good standing with the people of London.  He was well aware that respect and social standing were often difficult to come by for outsiders to this nation.  All things considered, he and his friends had been truly blessed during their time here.

Even so, he was struggling to feel grateful for much else at the moment.  The cold weather and the dark sky above him reminded him of how cold and dark the human soul could be.  In just a single year as a defense attorney, he dealt with criminals liars of many different sorts—one of which had tried to frame him for murder—and he was well aware that this was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to the evil still lurking in Great Britain, his home country of Japan, or any other land populated by people.

“Haah…  People…” he muttered to himself.  When he was younger, he’d read all about evil villains in books, both real and fictional, but seeing them with his own eyes had been an entirely different experience.  Not only were they less fun to observe in person, but they often had a way of leaving one with a somewhat less hopeful outlook on life, as well as the future of the world and humanity.  And then another thought came to him – with all the new gizmos and gadgets being invented that were making possible things that were previously impossible, who could say what would happen if one of them were to fall into the wrong hands?  What new sorts of horrible crimes would be concocted and executed, and how many would suffer for it?  The thought made him shiver…although it didn’t make much difference in the cold winter weather.

On the other hand, he had been lucky enough to become someone who, with the help of friends, both old and new, was able to stand against the evil schemes of the wicked and put an end to them.  He’d never thought of himself as a hero, but somehow, he’d found himself in the position of being one now, at least in the eyes of his clients.  The smiles on their faces and words of gratitude always seemed to make everything he’d been through for them feel less like a trial and more like the end of a thrilling adventure, or like reaching a long journey’s destination.  It was those bright moments that truly made his efforts worthwhile in the end.  But even so, unlike the fictional heroes he’d read about, he knew he would never save an entire town or city from a dastardly villain’s evil plot.  Whether in Great Britain, Japan, or any other nation, all he could do was save one person at a time, and often only by sheer luck.  He was simply a cog in the machine known as the legal system, and one cog could never be strong or efficient enough to keep the machine from breaking every now and then.

But regardless of what he was able or unable to do, he knew one thing for sure – he needed a break from people.  Why else would he be out in the freezing cold, if not to get away from society and spend some time by himself, after all?  Sadly, he couldn’t say that he felt much better now that he was alone.  All he felt was the coldness of his surroundings, which only served to remind him of the coldness in the world and in pe-

“Naruhodo-san?”

He turned his head quickly in the direction of the familiar woman’s voice he’d just heard.  Standing only a few feet to his left was the concerned face of his judicial assistant and friend.  She wore a pink wool coat with the same design his coat had, though a bit fancier.

“Susato-san? Wh-What are you…?”

“I…could not help but worry when I saw that you had come out here by yourself.  And in the freezing cold, of all places.  Is there…something wrong?”

“Er…  N-No, of course not!” he answered with a sheepish grin. “I just…wanted to be alone for a moment, that’s all.  Heh…”

Her face grew more concerned.  “I see…  But…why out here?  You could catch a cold in a matter of minutes!  And besides, isn’t it rather uncomfortable?”

“I…  Well…  Uh…”

He paused for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts.  Why was he out in this frigid park?  Sure, there were no people here, but it hadn’t done much to relieve his inner stress.  And it wasn’t doing much for his outer self, either.  What had even been the point?

“…There is something wrong, isn’t there?” Susato asked with even stronger concern in her voice.  “What is it, Naruhodo-san?”

He struggled to find an answer.  She certainly wasn’t wrong, but what could he possibly say?  That he was sick of people?  That he’d rather be alone in the frigid cold than be near even one of them?  He wasn’t sure if he even had a good reason, for that matter.

“I-It’s nothing…  Really…”

He turned his face away, hoping she would believe him.  After hearing nothing from her for a few seconds, he assumed she’d decided to leave him alone and rejoin their friends in the comfort of their warm and cozy flat.

(Haah…  I hope I didn’t leave her feeling too concerned abou—)

“Naruhodo-san.”

“Ah—!”  He jerked his head up and saw her standing in front of him, looking down at him with an unsatisfied gaze.

“I have never known you to do something so rash without a reason.  Will you kindly tell me what it is that has brought you here?”

Realizing he had no choice, he let out a deep sigh, a large white cloud spewing from his mouth.  “It’s…sort of hard to explain.”

He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts before looking down cheerlessly.

“I guess you could say I’m…feeling overwhelmed right now.  I can’t put a finger on why that is, but…I thought it might help if I could just get away from the clamor of people talking, laughing, and shouting…”

He heard Susato’s shoes in the snow as she gently stepped closer to him.

“I’ve never really been someone who hates being around others, but…I guess they get to be too much to deal with sometimes.  It’s almost like…they wear you down over time, like a horse that’s pulling a heavier load than it’s used to.  Does that make sense?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Gyuh—!”  He jumped as he noticed her sitting right next to him.  How had she done that so quietly?

She remained in silent thought for a moment, looking out into the distance, before turning to face him again.

“Is that all?”

“Ah…  Mostly.  There’s also…”  He gave another deep sigh.  “…the bad feeling I get when I think about the malice and cruelty people are capable of.  It’s not as though I wasn’t aware of it before, but…it just makes me wonder…if…”

“If…?”

“If…there could be malice and cruelty inside everyone, only a few layers deep?”

“Inside of everyone?”  Her eyes widened at his words.

“Well…maybe not a lot of it, but…enough to make anyone resort to criminal deeds, given the right circumstances.  Enough to change them from a person to a heartless beast.”

She stared at him in silence, not moving a muscle.

“Look at Kazuma, for example.  He said himself that there was a demon inside him.  One that almost drove him to murder.  He said that it nearly consumed him, in fact.”

“Well…  Yes, he did, but…he managed to conquer that demon in the end, didn’t he?  At least temporarily?”

“Sure, but…”

“But what, Naruhodo-san?”

He thought for a moment.

“I…used to think there were some in the world who had no such demon.  I’ve come to terms with being wrong about that, but…”

He let out another deep sigh.

“…I never suspected there would be so many whose demons had conquered them.  It almost seems like a disease that no one is immune to.  I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will catch it, but…to realize that even those with strong hearts and minds can be overpowered by the evil inside of them…”

He glanced over at Susato, who was still giving him a motionless stare.  Looking toward the ground again, he continued, “I do apologize for sounding so gloomy.  I’m not usually this negative, am I?”

“I was just about to say that,” she answered in a harsher tone, now wearing an unhappy glare.

He turned his head to her, wondering where this sudden tone had come from.  “Eh?”

She put a hand on her hip.  “I have seen you pout, slouch, groan, and sigh on many occasions, but not once have I ever seen you speak in such a horribly negative tone.  And I must say, it does not suit you well at all!”

He stared at her for a moment before sighing again and slouching, “Sorry…  I can’t help it if I’m overwhelmed, can I?”

“And now you’re doing all four at once!  Will you kindly get ahold of yourself, Naruhodo-san?”

“…You make it sound so easy.”

“It has never been too challenging for you in the past, has it?”

“Hm?”

“As I recall, you have been overwhelmed on several occasions before now.”  She held up a pair of tightly-clenched fists as she continued, “Yet you have always been able to pull yourself together when it counted, even when it seemed as if all hope was lost.  And that is precisely why you are known and loved by so many today!  Surely you haven’t forgotten?”

“…”

“…”

“…I…guess that’s true…”

“Then prove to me that you have not lost your resolve,” she shouted.  “And do it now!”

Her words shook him out of his depressive state, if only slightly.  But he knew he couldn’t disappoint Susato, no matter how pessimistic he was feeling.  Sitting up straight, he paused, took a deep breath, and vigorously slapped his cheeks.

“Hah…  That’s a little better.”  He looked at Susato again and saw that she was still wearing the same glare, apparently still not satisfied.

“O-Oh, right!”  He quickly stood up and, with a look of confidence and determination, pointed his left arm straight in front of him, as if accusing some invisible witness of lying.  “OBJECTION!!!”

Susato giggled.  “There it is!  I was sure your resolve hadn’t left you entirely.”

He sat back down with a satisfied smile, feeling refreshed, and a bit warmer than before.  “Thank you, Susato-san.  I think that was just what I needed.”

She smiled sweetly.  “Do you understand now, Naruhodo-san?  Overcoming your negativity was as simple as that.”

He grabbed his chin and thought for a moment.  “I suppose so, but…what else did that achieve?  My mood might be a bit better now, but it’s not as if I’ve slain anyone’s inner demon by doing that, is it?”

“Oh…!  There you go again!” she groaned.  “And you were looking so content just a moment ago.”

“Ah…!  Sorry.”  He grinned at her again, unsure what to say next.  She closed her eyes and huffed through her nose, looking almost like a dragon exhaling smoke.

After a few moments of awkward silence, she spoke up again.  “I’m not unfamiliar with being overwhelmed myself, you know.”

(I can see that...) Ryunosuke thought to himself.

“And do you know what I prefer to do in those instances?”  He turned and gave her his full attention.  With a warm smile, she continued, “I prefer to be around familiar faces.”  He gave her a look of uncertainty, wondering what she meant.  “Being among company reassures me that I am not alone in dealing with my inner struggles, and it reminds me that I have people to help me calm down should my frustration ever get the better of me.”

(Assuming you don’t execute a Susato Takedown on any of them, that is,) he thought with a smirk.

Her eyes fell as she placed her hand on the bench next to her and added with a frown, “I suppose that’s a bit easier for us women, of course.  We’re more social creatures than men, after all.”  She looked up at him plainly.  “But if you prefer to be alone, it would worry me much less if you were to do so indoors.  I believe I speak for Sholmes-san and Iris-chan as well.”

He looked at her idly as he considered what he should do.  He doubted his mood would be improved much, if at all, by rejoining everyone inside the flat, but he hated the thought of making them all worry about him, and his solitude didn’t seem to have helped much, either.  If anything, it had only made his inner turmoil even worse.  But he still wasn’t sure what choice would be the better one…or at least the more tolerable one.

He sighed and muttered, “All right, I’ll go back in.”

She smiled.  “Thank goodness!”

“In a few minutes, though.  I still need some time to think.”

Her face dropped as she gave an unhappy sigh.  She looked down and saw his bare hands resting on his legs.  “Well, you certainly won’t be letting your hands freeze solid in the meantime!”  She quickly grabbed his hands and clasped her gloved fingers around his bare ones.  (Honestly…) she thought.  (How can you manage to be so careless?)

He stared at her hands, taken off guard by her sudden gesture.  Looking up at her face, he saw her staring down his hands as if trying to win a staring contest.  Even more alarming, though, was the strength with which she was gripping his hands.  He knew she had strong hands, but he was sure he’d never seen her grab anything so tightly or focus so intensely.  What on earth could have brought this on?  Was she afraid he might get frostbit if she didn’t squeeze hard enough?  Whatever her reason was, the warmth her hands provided was both comforting and pleasant, so he decided he may as well let her continue until she was satisfied.

But then he noticed something different.  The coldness he’d been feeling in every part of his body seemed to be slowly dissipating, starting with his hands.  It was almost as if he were holding them in front of a warm fireplace.  Almost as if…Susato’s hands were a warm fireplace.

He gazed at her hands.  He began feeling nostalgic and thinking of all she had done for him with those hands – helping him find clues during investigations, searching through evidence to help him put together the truth in the courtroom, taking careful notes and finding just the right information at just the right time, and writing letters to him when they were separated, using the most beautiful calligraphy he’d ever laid eyes on.  She’d also used them to flip him upside-down on several occasions, of course, but he’d gotten used to it over time, strange as it was.

And now here she was, using them to create warmth, both in his hands and in his heart.  It dawned on him then that he’d been spending so much time thinking about the cold and cruel people in the world that he’d forgotten about the ones who made the world a warmer place – those who gave of themselves without expecting something in return, those who used their talent and skill to benefit others rather than only themselves, and those who dedicated their lives to fighting crime and protecting those who fell victim to it – fighting the coldness he’d been so focused on earlier.  He’d been lucky enough to meet and befriend so many of those people: the professor at his university, Dr. Mikotoba, his famous detective friend, Herlock Sholmes (also known as the Herlock Sholmes), Sholmes’s brilliant daughter Iris, the pickpocket turned detective-in-training, Gina Lestrade, and even his close friend Kazuma, whose heart may have been tainted by bitterness, but who had changed course in the end and become someone for him to look up to and admire once again.  And, of course, his trusted friend and judicial assistant, Susato Mikotoba, who was now putting all her focus into warming his hands, as if it was her job.

A smile slowly spread across his face.  A moment ago, he’d been talking about malice and cruelty existing inside of everyone, but after knowing, befriending, and working side by side with this young woman for almost a year, he struggled to recall her saying or doing anything malicious or cruel at all.  She was certainly far from perfect, and even had a bit of an aggressive streak at times (one he had been on the receiving end of quite often, in fact), but if there was anything evil in her, it must have been buried under so many layers that no one would be able to dig their way through to it in a hundred years.  What was easy to detect in her, on the other hand, was an extraordinary collection of good and noble traits: kindness, grace, humility, respectfulness, virtue, faithfulness…  Not to mention, she was certainly rather beautiful.  In short, she was the personification of an idealized Japanese woman, or as they said in Japan, a Yamato Nadeshiko.  Now he was beginning to wonder…just how on earth had he found and become such close friends someone like her?

He became nostalgic once more and remembered a more recent moment between the two of them at Port of Dover, just as he was preparing to begin his trip home.  It was a moment he could recall with perfect clarity, as if it had happened yesterday.  He remembered the sun peeking over the horizon behind her as she asked him, firmly but hesitantly, “Um…Naruhodo-san…”  He had looked at her quizzically as she mumbled, “…the path you’re going to follow from now on…  I wonder if I might follow it at your side.  Un-Unless I’d be a burden?”

Her question had left him almost speechless.  He’d been under the impression that she would stay in London with Kazuma and the friends they had made there, and instead she wanted to go back to Japan with him and remain his judicial assistant?  Not only that, but she’d already discussed her decision with Kazuma, who fully supported it?  And she had waited until just now to ask what he thought about it?  What was he to do with this situation?

Oddly enough, however, his response had come to him quite easily.  Without thinking, he had answered, “With you by my side…no trial would seem too daunting.  So, if you’re willing, I’d be honoured if you’d come with me.  Together we can take on the world!”  Her response had been a sweet, humble smile – a smile he had come to love seeing every time it appeared on her face.  It was one he had seen on no other face but hers.

Now it occurred to him just how different his outlook had become between then and now.  It was almost inconceivable that the man who had just been brooding over coldness and cruelty was the same one who had once believed he could take on the world with his trusted judicial assistant by his side, and that no trial would seem too daunting.  Those words repeated in his mind as he stared at Susato’s hands, still linked with his.  “We can take on the world…”  “No trial would seem too daunting…”  It seemed like an era had passed since he’d spoken them.

“Ah…  Thank you, Susato-san,” he whispered.  “I believe my hands are warm enough now.”

She loosened her grasp and gently pulled her hands away from his.  “Then I trust you will keep them firmly tucked into your coat pockets until you come inside, yes?”

“O-Of course.  Thank you.”  Without hesitating, he slipped his hands into his coat pockets, fearing something much worse than frostbite if he disobeyed her.

Now he was utterly perplexed.  His ponderings about the evil in the world had all made sense, he thought, but why on earth had he been so fixated on them?  Why had he completely forgotten about the good he’d seen in others, and acted as if he was entirely unfamiliar with love, compassion, virtue, and everything else that made life and people enjoyable?  Why, he was sitting next to someone who exemplified those things almost perfectly!

That’s when he realized what it was that had kept him from falling into sorrow and despair as he had traveled the bleak road of the defense attorney – it was her.  Well…her and those like her in his life – his family, his friends, and the strangers who had shown him compassion and courtesy.  Even if such people seemed to be few and far between right now, he couldn’t deny that he had the pleasure of knowing quite a few of them – people with warm, friendly attitudes, whose very presence could melt even the coldest of hearts, if only for a moment.  Perhaps this is what Susato had meant by being “among company”?  That the antidote to being overwhelmed by the coldness in people was to be around the warmer ones?  If that was true, then…perhaps being alone had only served to make things worse for him.

Turning to Susato, who was focusing her eyes on his hands as if preparing to shove them back in his pockets should he dare to take them out, he smiled with gratitude as he realized she had done him yet another great favor.  His thoughts took him to the past again as he remembered Kazuma’s words: “Ah hah hah hah hah hah!  Your fine judicial assistant has everything in hand as always, I see.”  He chuckled to himself.  Was there anything she couldn’t do?  It was now clear to him that of all the people who had made his life warmer in one way or another, none had done so quite so well or so consistently as Susato Mikotoba.  She was truly someone special.  A “special someone” in his life, as he’d heard some of the children of London say.

(Special someone…) he repeated in his mind.  His smile slowly disappeared as his thoughts started taking off in a new direction.  He could easily describe Susato as his trusted assistant and close friend, of course, but…could it be possible that she had become something more to him?  Someone he could see himself sharing the rest of his life and career with?  Someone…he could marry?

(Ah…!  Slow down, Ryunosuke!  Don’t get carried away!)  Without thinking, he placed a hand on his forehead and grabbed his temples, and was soon met with an icy stare and a gloved hand grabbing his wrist.  “Ah, s-sorry!”  Instantly, he put his hand back where it was and resolved not to take it out even partially until he was back indoors.

Special someone…  This wasn’t the first time the thought had entered his mind, but…would it be practical to enter a courtship with his own judicial assistant?  There were no laws against such a thing, as far as he knew, either here or in Japan, but would it be proper?  Would anyone object to it or find it strange?  Would a judge find it problematic for future trials?  And most importantly, what would she think?  Would she be comfortable being known as his “special someone”?  For that matter, would he be comfortable with that title?  Even if it was mostly used by children, he had to admit it had a rather nice ring to it.

(Special someone…  Special someone…)

“Special…someone?  Who is that, Naruhodo-san?”

“Agh—!”  (Do my lips still move when I think?)

“I’m afraid so, Naruhodo-san,” she answered with a giggle.

“Haah…”

Now he was faced with a new problem – should he try and come up with a bluff about what he’d meant by those words, or consider sharing his true thoughts with her?  He wasn’t sure how well he could pull off the former, but the latter sounded a bit improper, to say the least.  She did seem to be in a better mood now, but even so, if he were to suddenly bring up the subjects of courtship or marriage, it would sound like something straight out of the blue to her!  The question now became one he had often dealt with in the courtroom: What was the most prudent way to continue forward?  His eyes darted between her and his lap as he pondered.

Suddenly, his questioned was answered when he noticed her smiling warmly at him again.  He could almost hear her saying through her expression, “You don’t have to answer if you would prefer not to.”  And once again, he could feel the warmth inside him that was somehow ignited by her smile, melting away every worry and care that had plagued him.  With his mind now put at ease, he decided upon a solution that would let him express himself honestly to her – rather than discussing the subject of courting her, he would simply express his gratitude for all she had done for him.  She deserved it several times over, after all.  There was no harm in letting her know how much he appreciated her as a judicial assistant and friend, was there?

“S-Susato-san…  I…  Th-That is…”  She looked at him intently, waiting patiently for him to gather his thoughts.  He cleared his throat and tried again, “I…just wanted you to know that I…I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done for me.  I mean…truly, very grateful!”

She giggled and tilted her head cutely.  “How nice of you to say, Naruhodo-san.”

He took a deep breath, now feeling grateful to the cold weather for making his cheeks flush so that Susato was unaware that she was making him blush.  His words gradually started to flow better as he continued, “I…really owe a lot to you.  You saved me from a Guilty verdict…you helped me grow as a defense attorney…and you’ve provided so much help and moral support for me along the way.  I…”  He glanced at her for a short moment.  “I feel very blessed to have someone like you in my life.”  His eyes popped open as he realized how that last part could be easily misconstrued.  “Erm…  As a friend, I mean!  Ha ha!”  He took another glance at her and saw that sweet smile again.  (That was a close one…)

“Hmm…” she answered, sounding just as pleased as she looked.  “I appreciate that, Naruhodo-san.  Truly!”

His fingers tapped inside his coat pockets as he wondered what he should say next, or if he should say nothing at all.  He’d already told her all he had to say…or at least what he felt comfortable saying.  Should he leave it at that, or add a few more words of gratitude?  She surely deserved more than that much, didn’t she?  But what could he possibly add to that without venturing too close to the borderline of confessing his love?  And for that matter, was he even sure he was in love with her, or was this just a passing fancy?  Bringing up the subject without 100% certainty could lead to disaster…

He thought for a moment before finally deciding to leave well enough alone.  Besides, Susato had been completely silent for the last few seconds, so it was probably safe to assume that she wasn’t hoping for anything more.  If she was, then she surely would’ve—

“Was…that all you had to say, Naruhodo-san?” she asked curiously.

“Uh...!”  His body tensed up as he struggled to come up with an answer.  And just when he thought he was home free!  Now what was he going to say?

“Ah…  I…”

“…”

“…”

She looked away for a moment, closing her eyes.  What Ryunosuke saw next, he would never forget as long as he lived – as she opened her eyes and looked directly into his with a peaceful, inviting smile, she appeared to him like a sunrise in human form, dazzling him with its beauty, brightening the world around him, and filling him with the warmth of the morning sun.  Once again, her expression seemed to speak to him, saying, “I know you have more to say…but you may feel free to take your time saying it.”  (Could it be…?) he wondered.  (Does she know what my true feelings for her might be?  Does she…  Does she feel the same way?)

And then he heard another voice – it was his own this time, or rather, the voice of his instincts, speaking the same words he had heard many times in the past, especially in court.  Words that had never led him astray.  Words that had often given him just the push he needed to make it through to the victory he’d been striving for.  Words that, when he chose to listen to them, had made all the difference in his life: “This is it, Ryunosuke.  It’s time to move forward.”

His doubts melted away once more, giving way to numerous new feelings – excitement, anticipation, gratitude, disbelief, and overwhelming joy.  Could this really be happening?  Could a day that had been so dreary become one of the best days of his life?  Or perhaps the best?  Was this the day fate had chosen for him to discover his ultimate soulmate?  His “special someone”?  Before, he might have laughed at the thought of it, but could it really be possible?  Was it no longer just a fancy?  Was this woman…his destiny?

All he knew for certain was that his instincts had already spoken their peace, which could only mean one thing: There was no going back from here.  The only question now was, how should he take the first step in this unexpected journey ahead of him?  He took one more deep breath and thought carefully about what to say.

“…”

“…”

“…Do you…remember what I told you…the day you offered to go with me back to Japan…as my judicial assistant?”

“Yes,” she answered with enthusiasm.  “I remember those words quite well, in fact: ‘With you by my side…no trial would seem too daunting.  Together we can take on the world!’”

“Yes, that’s it!”  He knew there was a bit more to what he had said, but this was hardly the time to worry about details.  “I…  I’m…”  She gazed at him with the eyes of a child listening to a fascinating story.  “I’m starting to believe that…maybe…those words have taken on a new meaning since then.  Th-That is…  I…”

He looked down toward his hands, which no longer had one bit of coldness left in them.  “Um…  Do I have permission to take my hands out for just a moment?”  She looked toward his hands, then back up at him…and gave him a silent nod.

In one quick motion, he took out his hands and gently placed them around hers.  Lifting them up slowly, he looked directly into her eyes.  “I love you…Susato-san.  You’re the sweetest, kindest, most admirable young woman I have ever met.  You’re…truly very beautiful, inside and out!”  She gazed at him silently, still holding her gorgeous smile.  “Perhaps…if you’re interested, we can be by each other’s side in a different way?  Perhaps we could…take on more than just trials in the courtroom together?  I’d…  I’d be truly honoured…!”  He took a moment to admire the warm light that seemed to be shining directly on him from her lovely eyes.

Unsure of where to go next, he waited in silence for a moment before suddenly letting go, tucking his hands back into his coat, and turning himself forward.  “That was…all I had to say.”  He was overjoyed to have finally gotten these words off his chest, but now he wondered if he might have said the wrong thing, or picked the wrong time to say it…or how he could even be sure one way or the other.  But just then, he heard a sigh from Susato that seemed to blow these worries away, followed by a light giggle that slowly grew louder.  His muscles tensed up as she opened her mouth to speak.  (Here it comes…  The final verdict…)

“I…”

His heart skipped a beat.

“…would be truly honoured as well, in that case...”

(…Did…  Did she really…?)

“…Ryunosuke.”

(She…  She just called me “Ryunosuke”!)

He felt her hand on his lap.  “I’ve had the thought cross my mind occasionally, too…especially since that day.”  He slowly turned toward her, giving her his full attention.  “I…knew you were only speaking to me as a friend and colleague at the time…but there was still a part of me that wondered…if there was even a small chance that those words might be prophetic…  A sign of things to come...  If perhaps…there could more between us than a close friendship and a shared passion for justice.”  She giggled with a wide grin.  “I…always felt so silly when I let myself entertain those thoughts.  But now…”

She found the part of his coat containing his hand and gently grabbed onto it.  “…I see that my intuition was right…once again.”  Her warm smile returned as she looked deep into his eyes, making his smile grow like a rose unfolding in the sun.

“Was it…everything you were hoping for?” he asked.

“Hmm…  Yes, it was.”  They gazed at one another for a few seconds, although it seemed more to them like a few hours.  “Well…” she added, dropping her smile and touching a finger to her chin, “That is, until you lost your nerve and put your hands back in your pockets.  That part was a bit unexpected.”  They shared a nervous but hearty laugh.

He looked down for a moment, then back up at her.  “I’ll…try to do better in the future, then…”

She closed her eyes and sighed contently before looking him in the eyes once more, and finally, she spoke the words she’d only been communicating through her warm smile until now.  “I love you as well…Ryunosuke.”

He looked into her shining eyes and returned her smile again.  “It seems as if my intuition was right as well, then,” he whispered.  “I truly am blessed to have someone like you in my life…Susato.”  He gasped lightly as the shared warmth between them suddenly became a fire burning deep inside them.  At that moment he knew this would be a day he would never forget – the day when a moment of warmth sparked the beginning of a lifetime of pure joy.

(Hmm…  So this is love, is it?  A feeling this warm could bring us through even the coldest of London winters…)

Their special moment lasted for another minute or two until Susato quietly broke the silence.  “It’s getting rather late, Ryunosuke.  Shall we head back now?”

He nodded.  “Yes, let’s.”  They rose from the bench together, still holding their mutual gaze.  Ryunosuke began shivering a bit as the coldness caught his attention again.

“Ah--!” he shouted lightly, quickly straightening himself.  “I almost forgot to make it official, ha ha!”  He pulled his hands out once more and gently took her hands again.  Focusing intently on her eyes, he asked her tenderly, “May I have the honor of courting you, Susato?”

She gave a heartfelt smile and answered plainly, “Yes, you may.”

His heart and soul filled with warmth as he pictured the romantic endeavours awaiting him and his incredible new lover!  What adventures would they share as a couple, both in court and elsewhere?  Where would they travel together?  What engaging conversations would they have about their likes, dislikes, and interests?  What did the future hold for the two of them as they took on the world together?  Just the thought of it all lifted his spirits to heights he’d never known before.  All he knew for certain was that they had much to look forward to as their separate lives became one life shared between them.

His thoughts turned to the present as he began wondering what he should do next.  His plans for beginning a courtship with Susato had stopped short of anything beyond gaining her approval, unfortunately.  “So…um…” he muttered, looking away awkwardly.  “Do you suppose we should…do something to signify our courtship?”

“Hm…  What sort of something, Ryunosuke?”

“Um…  P-Perhaps…”

“…”

“…Perhaps a kiss?”

She jumped back a bit in surprise.  “Kiss?”

“Y-Yes!  Only a short one, of co--”

She pulled her hands away and placed them on her hips, giving him a dissatisfied glare.  “If you think for one moment that we are going to do that before we have had at least three outings…!”

“Ah, s-sorry!  I…guess I got a little ahead of myself there!”

She responded with a huff.  “Honestly, you men…”

(I must be sweating bullets right now…) he thought.  (I sure hope it doesn’t freeze.)

She softened her expression and spoke quietly, “You needn’t worried about that, Ryunosuke.”

“Huh?”

“Sweat doesn’t freeze in this sort of weather.  You’d have to travel somewhere much colder for that to happen.”

“…”

“…”

“Haah…  I did it again, didn’t I?”

She giggled loudly.  “I’m afraid so.”

He scratched the back of his head for a moment.  Looking at her apologetically, he asked, “…Perhaps a hug, then?”

She nodded and stepped closer to him, her smile becoming warm again.  “That I will gladly accept.”

As they fell slowly into a loose but heartfelt embrace, Ryunosuke began to feel as if, somehow, everything was right with the world.  But even it wasn’t, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lie ahead for him.  No…not for him.  For them.  With this courtship, they had become one singular force for good in the world, whose strength, wits, and passion would make them practically unstoppable!

(Perhaps it’s only wishful thinking,) he thought, staring at the snowflake-filled sky above him, (But I’m beginning to think that perhaps…miracles do happen.)

5th December, 10:15

Sholmes’s Suite

The door creaked open as a half-frozen Ryunosuke shivered his way into the flat, holding tightly to a warm-faced Susato.  Looking at them, one might have thought they were drawings in a children’s book depicting the difference between cold and warm.

“Good heavens!” Iris shouted, jumping back and placing her gloved hands on her cheeks.  “Is Runo all right?  He looks like a walking iceberg!”

“He’s all right,” Susato answered calmly.  “He just needs a moment to warm up by the fireplace.”  She turned to him.  “And perhaps a few blankets as well.  Will that help?”

He nodded slowly, teeth chattering loudly.

“Well, I hope you’re happy now.” Iris grumbled as she crossed her arms.  “Your tea and cookies are stone cold, and I baked over three dozen cookies, so you won’t be getting any warm ones for quite some time!  Honestly…what were you thinking?”  She glared at the two of them as they hobbled their way to the fireplace.

“W-W-Well…” he began.  “I-I j-j-just n-need…needed a bo…a bobent t-to…”

Susato chimed in with a sad smile, “I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until he’s completely thawed out before he can answer properly.”

            “R-R…  *ACHOO*  Right…”  Susato pulled off his coat as he gently sat on the floor, inches from the glowing fireplace.

“Well, I hope he stays a bit closer to home the next time he wanders off,” Iris huffed.  She turned to Ryunosuke and added, “And I also hope you don’t expect me to be your nursemaid while you’re recuperating from your cold.  Hmph…”  She walked off with a pout, leaving them with their plates of cold tea and cookies.

Susato went to hang up their coats and fetch some blankets as Ryunosuke sat waiting for the fire to put an end to his shivering.  He heard her gentle footsteps as she approached him and draped several blankets over him.  Her presence next to him seemed to add to the warmth he felt from the blankets.  She sat down on the couch next to him before placing a hand on his shoulder and rubbing it tenderly.  He gave a quiet sigh in response.

“We seem to have left a bee in Iris-chan’s bonnet, hm hm!” she quietly remarked.  They chuckled softly.

He gazed at the small dancing flames in front of him, smiling as they warmed his face.  Turning to see the glowing face of his “special someone,” he admired the reflection of the fire in her eyes.  (It was worth it,) he thought to himself.

THE END

[eddie-brii]

Okay, after playing through it a few times, is it weird I'm finding there's a lot I'd like to change or rewrite in fics as far as character interactions in HoA? Like I really like Salim and Jason's relationship and how it evolved. But..... Rachel, Eric and Nick just don't have that much charm to me???

I like Rachel to some degree as I know what it feels like to be a woman in a field where you have to have balls bigger than the guys but I feel like she got reduced down for the whole love triangle thing, I honestly really only enjoyed the interaction she had with Clarice, Joey and Merwin. I feel like even Jason got a little more interesting dialogue with her than the main two that her interactions are focused with, but that's only if you bring Clarice with her from the Blood bit and towards the end when they find out she is infected too. I mean they're supposed to have worked together for at least a few months before the whole incident occurs and you do see a portion of mutual respect that I really wish they expanded upon.

I understand why Eric wouldn't be as open about things with anyone other than Rachel but it feels like he's only there to be the reason they're there to begin with and pine for Rachel. He gets a bit of hate from the fandom but I feel like it's a little unfair as I don't think we get to fully see Eric. Like, I hate how his dialogue was written as I feel like the only reason he has any meaningful interactions is because of something to do with Rachel, the conversation with him and Salim for instance, you could have still had that relationship building without her being the reason for it.

I'm not even sure if I want to get fully started on Nick as I really feel like he got dealt dirty, he's almost always the antagonizer in the relationships he's in when some of those moments could have been spread around to other members of the five. The checkpoint talk, the constantly wanting to leave people behind, the over attachment to Rachael that can be a sign of obsession due to him going through a traumatic event making him latch on hard to anyone even remotely emotionally available to him (it's honestly probably a good thing Jason was better at compartmentalizing as Nicky could have latched onto him instead, though I feel that would have been more interesting) I get it, he's not in a good head space but it gets ridiculous at some points, ie wanting to leave Salim behind after having the relationship building with him. You could probably argue the same for Jason wanting to shoot Clarice and Rachel but in he's defense the idea that the UV light could work to save them is on the far fetched side.

I have literally found through my playthroughs I couldn't care less if Nick, Eric or Rachel died but heaven help me if I fuck up and get Salim or Jason killed, then I'm just going throw the whole game system away at that point. Not really but you get the sentiment. There's so much I'd like to change, not even counting the development of other characters that I feel literally got hit for no reason other than plot (I'm looking at you Joey, Clarice and Merwin) that could have made the story more interesting.

Plus, does anyone else feel like the eclipse part was a little ridiculous or redundant? I get it's supposed to be the big finale but..... not going to lie it felt unnecessary from a story point of view for me.....

Sorry for the random rant but I'm actually trying to write something while expanding on certain things and the more I delve into the characters, the more I want to develop them more than what SMG did to begin with.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

*sobbing angry tears* BEE, NOOOO! SWEET SUMMER CHILD-

I am in a very murdery mood right now. Lloyd's despicable behavior has reached new heights even I am surprised by. Fuck. He's a tyrant and I wanna bash in this stupid face so bad.

"Fivethousand and change" he declares proudly. "And you wanna sit here and act too good for it-"

Sir, imma stop you right there. Bee does in fact not want to sit there. And you damn well know that.

"I know you want me"

I... Where do I even START?! Lloyd is downright delusional. He's so narcissistic and obsessed with himself that he can't seem to understand that not every woman is all over him. The way he keeps trying to make Bee out to be something she's not...

"You've been to a place like this dozens of times" "You're fun, Bee" "You're a bimbo"

Dude. You don't know the first thing about her. It's like his self centered, dysfunctional brain is trying to somehow make sense of the fact that Bee is not interested. But because that's a concept he can't grasp, he tries to depict her as something in his head that works for his perception of the world and doesn't challenge his narcissistic personality. Man, a psychiatrist would have a field day with this douche.

I also love how he keeps boasting about how he's gonna fuck her so hard, but then it's like.... Average? And he's being really selfish and sadistic too? Sir, how's that good?

"Did I tear you?"

*screams* WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM, FUUUUUUUCK-

Imma tear something right about now, Good Sir. You wrote his disgusting, unlikable personality so fucking well, Roo. I just want to strangle him. Hes- he's.... There's no words for how awful he is.

His reaction to her coming just put the cherry on top of his terrible behavior. It's SEX, man. What did you expect? She's not one of your blow up dolls or flesh lights. There's gonna be some fluids. I wanna know what he would say if Bee suddenly jumped up and pushed him away, cursing how he's gotten his mess all over her. Wouldn't appreciate that, would he?

God, I just wanna gather Bee baby up in my arms and carry her away. The way he shoved her off of him when she was coming and then just used and mocked her afterwards?

No. No, no, no. We don't do that here. I wish Bee would get up and straight up leave after she's gathered herself as best as possible. I just want her to walk out of there and never come back near him unless it's to beat the shit out of his stupid smug visage.

Murder daddy or deserves to be murdered daddy lol. He is fucking awful, not only did he assault poor Bee but he actively demeaned her and insulted her the whole time. Touting his status and money over her. Well dude you're like old so--

Bee was like 'can I pls go home and sleep' but Lloyd apparently is so narcissistic he functions on his ego alone. It's like a battery powering his despicable action. And I'm sure he's never dealt with rejection so rn he just doesn't even recognise it as that, he's just like oh that means I just speak louder, right?

He definitely is assuming a lot of someone who he still a) presumably doesn't know their name, b) only just thought to ask their age c) hasn't asked a damn question about.

And like the fucking was hot but bro. it's not like you paralysed a ho, try harder.

He don't even know nothing about nothing and that makes it worse. I mean he couldn't ask for a better assistant but as always he's thinking of his dick.

[inkblackorchid]

For the most part, I'm perfectly okay with how this duel plays out, tbh. Misty is an excellent opponent for Aki, her mirror maze field spell is a good set piece for the whole "you killed my brother; look your own cruelty in the eyes"-angle, Aki getting to duel with zero restraint for a bit is kinda cool, and even the fact that Divine shows up again out of nowhere is fine because his exit from the narrative would have otherwise been dreadfully boring for such a compelling, minor antagonist, to say the least. (Though I do wish they'd bothered explaining how the hell he survived the Arcadia building's collapse. My personal hc is that he saved himself with his psychic powers somehow.) And the whole mind control thing, as vague as it is in canon, at least really hammers home that Divine's despicable and that Aki's better off without him. (Arguably, a version of this duel without Aki being mind-controlled at all could have been interesting, but tbh I think that would have needed to be set up a little differently. But I'm not here to talk about that.)

There is one thing I absolutely would have changed, though, and it's precisely the scene above. Like, don't get me wrong, I love Yusei, he's a great protagonist and I could never be mad at him for saving the day. But the mind control bit is one thing where I wish it hadn't been him who'd broken it. I'm fine with him exposing Divine in front of Misty, that scene delivers some really good comeuppance and showcases yet again how good Yusei is at coming up with plans and executing them quickly; it's a smart move from a smart guy and feels earned. (And I love his dumb grin when he says "my duel disk is home-made". Bastard (affectionate).) However, I wish they'd let Aki snap out of the mind control on her own before Divine gets gobbled up by Ccarayhua. I can guess why they didn't do that—Yusei's the protagonist, after all, and this is still primarily his show. (And arguably Jack's, but that's basically the standard modus operandi for yugioh protag/rival duos anyway.) So of course he gets to save the day here, because he's already been established as the guy who was willing to be in Aki's corner even back when she was still willfully trying to hurt people at this point, too. So I get it.

But still.

Especially in light of how Aki gets sidelined once this arc ends, it would have been nice if they'd at least let her leave her spot in the limelight with a flourish. Her relationship to Divine and the Arcadia Movement are never explored again past this point, anyway, save for a few throwaway remarks that tell us basically nothing about how Aki worked through all that. So why not give her this? In light of her circumstances, it made sense that she was happy to see Divine had survived at first during this duel, but why not let the mind control thing be the moment where she realises just how much of a horrible person he is? Let her realise that he's willing to go as far as overriding her free will entirely just to use her for his cruel purposes, and let that be the moment she finally breaks free of him on her own, without anyone telling her Divine and Arcadia are bad (no matter how well-intentioned those people are). If they couldn't give us any follow-up whatsoever about how Aki dealt with being back home, with having been a part of a cult for a while, and with realising that her former mentor/protector was a genuinely horrid human being, they could have at least given us this tiny moment where Aki broke free by herself. As much as I love Yusei, I just think they should have let Aki save herself here. It could have been such a powerful moment to see her shake herself out of that control, unwilling to hurt Misty, who's grief she felt sorry for, and most of all, unwilling to hurt or let her new friends be hurt.

So yeah. Good duel, massive missed opportunity imo.