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#Neptune save me I can’t do this no longer
nrc-confessions · 8 months
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I have a confession to make: I've been reading non stop at the library about merfolk society to know how to flirt with the Leech twins. I'm shooting my shot with both cuz if one misses I still have, possibly, 50% chance right?
thank you for your confession! IM TIRED OF YALL SAYING UR GONNA RIZZ UP THE LEECH TWINS AND NOT DOING ANYTHING. NO FOLLOW UP NO ANYTHING. clearly it isn’t working bc i never hear from u ppl again 😗😗
just for once I wanna see someone say they want someone normal like
uhhhhhh
well…. shit nvm. 🙁🙁🙁
JUST NOT THE LEECH TWINS????
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luneair · 2 years
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Just thinking about all the different and not so pretty complexes people have that can be categorized under certain placements and aspects present in the natal chart
Venus aspecting Uranus, Aquarius Venus: I want a lot space in relationships but I want to orbit the person I’m in love with
Neptune in the 7th/Pisces Venus: I want to save and be saved by my one true love
Pluto in the 1st or 5th, Scorpio sun: you can’t be like me because only I can be like me
Or in a general sense, Scorpio placements have the complex of hypocrisy surrounding being possessive of their own personality traits according to the planet. For example: Scorpio moon - you can’t feel the intense emotions I feel because these are my emotions. Or Scorpio mercury - you can’t think like me, these are my thoughts and beliefs (in extremity, even to the point of being bothered when people agree with their way of thinking).
Venus in the 12th, Neptune or Jupiter in the 7th, Sagittarius Venus, Pisces Venus: I’ll make big, heaven-glittered promises and love you as big as the universe and I will project this onto you so you can match my love by being the all giving angel or god my eyes and heart see you as, we’re not allowed to be just human
Saturn in the 1st or 10th, Capricorn sun or moon, Saturn aspecting sun or moon: I am way more qualified and better than everyone in life but also I’m a piece of sht and a sorry excuse of a person
Gemini sun, Gemini mercury: I researched this topic once so therefore I know more about it than you, even if you have “studied” it longer
Virgo moon or Venus: What do you mean my love can’t heal you I know how to fix everything
Mercury aspecting Venus, Gemini Venus: I want to learn and know all about you but I’m more interesting to talk about
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tacogoats · 2 years
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I’m replaying Lightfall on Legendary, which is a first  for me because I’m dogshit at this game but I’m gonna put some thoughts below on what I think so far, along with some thoughts about posts I’m reading now that I’m not at risk of spoilers:
So honestly I gotta get this out of the way first but I thought Lightfall was kind of mid. Like, a 6.5/10 at best; I think the emphasis on Strand hurt the narrative a lot and it felt more like “Strand, the Campaign” rather than fighting off the forces of the Witness and saving Neomuna and all. It’s not an uncommon complaint either - I’m seeing tons of people complaining about Strand taking too much of a stage presence, and I kind of agree, but anyway...
Nimbus took some time to grow on me because I was expecting a much darker tone to the story and the ‘peppy rookie’ was irritating sometimes (particularly when I was mid-fighting), but I’m told the Exotic quest has some very insightful commentary from them, and it’s just how they cope with their loss and the pressure on them now that they aren’t ‘the rookie’ anymore. So, while I said that I was done with the campaign I still have the post-campaign to do, and knowing *that* bit of info I think a second look at Nimbus is actually putting them in a much better light to me now. I think they’re a good balance to cranky Osiris who is constantly yelling at the YW to push themselves harder and harder, and who isn’t taking any bullshit. I’ll get to Osiris in a bit too, but I am actually looking forward to how Nimbus evolves from here since we have them as basically representing Neptune now. I’ve just gotten to the ‘restoring the graves’ kind of thing for past Cloudstriders and it’s lovely to look at the legacy Nimbus is carrying. I hope we can bring them out into the world and show them places like the Dreaming City, or the Tower. I’ve heard some quips from them picking up bounties about their amazement of the outside world and I hope they get to see it and aren’t confined to their little bounty perch.
I really love the whole “everyone is standing together” part of the story with humanity, the Awoken, Eliksni and Cabal standing against a new Collapse, so I hope we see Neomuna stand with us sooner than later in physical presence, too. I screamed in joy when Caiatl showed up, and also want to kind of touch on those words of warning she gave us when she rescued us, because oh boy are we ever reckless... and so is someone else!
So... now Osiris.
Seen a lot of hate thrown his way, and I don’t understand any of it. I think people are mischaracterizing him and his behaviour is just going way over their heads. I DO think it’s a bit easy to miss conversations in this game though so I will throw some understanding to newer players who maybe didn’t see the little holo conversation Saint-14 had with him and who maybe don’t Know him, but still. He’s reckless, stubborn, and very, very driven to the point it teeters into obsession - and he’s living all that through the YW because he is no longer a Lightbearer and can’t throw himself at problems like he used to, so of course he comes off as pushy and mean, he *is*, but it’s because of what was stripped from him. Did people forget he’s spent years being a puppet, basically? He woke up to a changed world and lost his best friend, his Ghost, and now has to deal with an imminent Collapse 2.0 in a world he hardly recognizes with how fast things have changed (for the better, but it’s still a change!) And he was always a cranky old guy! Of course he’s gonna be cranky, but he’s not *stupid.* He reigns it in when called out on his bullshit. He is capable of stepping back and taking a moment to *think*, and he does it. He and Nimbus are excellent partners for that kind of thing too, and I look forward to seeing more of it from these two queer folk from different walks of life.
But uh, Caiatl’s warning? Yeah, I’m kind of hoping for a Real beatdown moment for us. That shit was ominous and Osiris has been kind of overbearing with his ordering us and pushing us more and more. I came from playing FFXIV where the PC, the Warrior of Light, is very much used as a tool for people - and a certain character calls it out to the person who does it the most, and it’s a wakeup call for them. I think the game does a decent job of having the characters acknowledge they push and shove us into danger constantly - because, unfortunately, we’re the only one who can meet the challenge and come out of it - but we’re a person at the end of the day, too. I think YW is in need of that moment where they have to lose, and the cast has to recognize they can’t rely on the YW for everything. I think we’ll be approaching that in the Seasonal story, (I hope), with how the civilians want to do their own part in the fight for Earth. I think the hesitancy to shoot our Ghost in that ending cinematic was fantastic, but Give Me More.
Disclaimer: I have only come back to D2 with the Witch Queen expansion, so if a moment like that has really happened already and I missed it - oops. I’m doing my best to keep up with the story but I do miss things, and I am not counting Forsaken for a plethora of reasons that kind of merits its own post.
So, now the Seasonal story which has some of my big gripes because I’m a little fucking creature who has latched on to Crow like a leech who won’t let go. :)
I came back to D2 after not having played since the Curse of Osiris expac, and I landed back in mid-Season of the Haunted. I had to do a lot of googling as to why Uldren Sov (I had seen the Forsaken cutscenes because an old friend was still playing during that, so I knew who him) was now going by the name Crow and was our buddy. I had to google what a ‘Savathun’ was lmao; I was a very casual player who’s first experience to D2 was the Red War - only picking it up because I could buy it with WoW tokens back when D2 was on the Battle.net App. (Yeah... so...I went crazy farming flowers in WoW, and bought D2...)
So, basically I didn’t know jack shit. I had landed in a Strike or something at one point and heard Amanda talking to Crow and totally thought they were cute as fuck and hoped it would go somewhere.
And then I landed in Season of the Haunted and she blasted him for being Uldren, and basically all of Uldren’s crimes. And I was kind of upset.
Aaannndd now we’re in Season of Defiance and that blowup is still definitely hanging between them and it sucks.
Now again I’m prefacing this with Crow is my special little blorbo whom I would like to lovingly chew on like a dog toy, and also as someone who loves toxic relationship dynamics - I am staring directly in all my horrible little men I ship - but wow. This ain’t the fun kind of toxic relationship. It’s just... sad.
Crow’s taken nothing but huge Ls since waking up as a Guardian and it’s not fun seeing him continue to take them into the mess of a love life attempt Bungie is wringing him through. I don’t think it’s cute how he’s basically on his knees groveling to Amanda while she is totally fine shooting the poor guy. It doesn’t matter that he can come back - she killed him, why is he still chasing her? Guy isn’t about to get a break either because Mara is Right There and is another character effectively haunting him, especially now that he has Uldren’s memories to boot. I am in absolute awe this poor man hasn’t snapped like a twig under all this mental hell he keeps enduring - most of his existence has been torture porn. I recently discovered how his time was spent before falling into Spider’s hell for him and just... wow.
I’m seeing a lot of people post about him ‘flirting’ with his ‘I’m so beefy’ joke and like. It didn’t clock as a joke to me, it’s that awkward ‘haha yeaaahh you totally shot me, I guess it was an accident, right?’ and her totally blowing that off - and then in the next battleground (which, I love the battlegrounds!) I did he makes a comment about how he hates dying to falling, and she snaps back at how she went to easy on him with the shotgun? Girl. What is wrong with you? Am I supposed to be cheering for these two to hook up eventually, Bungie? Because before this I had to listen to him groveling to her about how he could make things up to her - like he’s the problem here and not her seeing him as Uldren.
I LOVE the idea that some people can’t let it go but like we’re really doing this this late in the game with the Witness up in our asses? And then trying to have HIM chase her? Nooooo thank you. I kept wishing for Crow to appear in content again but now I’m regretting it lmao. It’s souring the seasonal story for me a bit, honestly. I’m not really looking forward to how this is gonna inevitably blow up, OR, worse: Amanda ‘takes him back’ after some more groveling on his end. It just isn’t fun to watch, at all.
On a more positive note I am elated Devrim is back and has a beautiful new title that keeps him relevant! Queensguard! I also found out he’s gay and it gives me life seeing all the queer folk in this game. :) I wish little babygay me knew how gay this game was going to be back when I had first bought it because I was still with my shit ex, I think it would’ve launched me out of the closet a bit faster lmao
I’m gonna probably add more later as I’m at work and have been darting between this and work for the past couple of hours. I want to add some more on Caiatl and the environmental storytelling of Neomuna. 
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THE GOLDEN RECORD
SHORT FICTION
“Tom, you’ve got a call on line 2.”
“Who is it? I’m in the middle of something.”
“It’s your friend over at NASA, David Eichorn.”
Tom Kelvin saved the piece he was writing on his computer, and reached for the phone.
“David? Tom Kelvin. What can I do for you?”
“Tom, I was wondering if you might be free for dinner this evening? I have something I think you’ll want to see.”
“What is it?”
“I can’t really get into it on the phone. But it’s urgent that I see you as soon as possible.”
“Alright, David. How would it be if I met you at Kearney’s about 7:30?”
“That sounds good. I’ll see you then.”
As science editor at the Houston Chronicle, Tom Kelvin had known NASA engineer David Eichorn since he’d started at the paper more than twenty years earlier. David was always a good source of information, and he’d become a trusted friend. But with NASA idled by budget cuts, it’d been some time since he’d spoken with David. He couldn’t imagine what was suddenly so urgent, but he was curious to find out.
He arrived at Kearney’s Steak House about 7:20, and spotted David Eichorn at a table across from the bar. He signaled to the hostess that he was meeting a friend, and he made his way to the table.
“Tom, thanks for coming.”
“Always a pleasure to see you David. I was surprised to hear from you, though. It’s been awhile,” replied Tom, reaching to shake David’s hand as he seated himself.
“Yeah, I know. I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important, but I think when you find out why I called, you won’t mind.”
“Have you ordered a drink yet?”
“No, I thought I’d wait for you,” as he hailed the waiter.
The two men ordered drinks and while they browsed the menu, exchanged small talk. Tom Kelvin thought David Eichorn seemed a bit nervous. He seemed anxious to get dinner on the table and out of the way. It was clear to Tom that whatever David had to tell him wouldn’t keep much longer.
Over dinner, David filled Tom in on life at NASA these days since the budget cuts had come down, and David detailed the struggles the newspaper was having since being sold to a media group based in the Northeast. There were probably staff cuts coming, and Tom worried that his own job might be in jeopardy. But with the dinner finished, and the table cleared, the two men each ordered a cup of coffee, and David Eichorn finally seemed ready to tell Tom Kelvin what was so urgent.
“Tom, what I’m going to tell you is, for now, anyway, off the record. It can’t get out that I told you or I could lose my job.”
“Jesus, David, what is it?”
“Promise me that this goes no further for now.”
“Of course. You know me. We go back a long way.”
“I know. I trust you. Otherwise I wouldn’t have called. I’m taking a real chance doing this, but I really felt someone else ought to know. And I -“
“David, just relax. It’s just us. We’re just talking over coffee. Start at the beginning.”
“Alright. Well, like I told you, since the budget cuts, I’ve had more time on my hands than usual. I’m in the facility alone for a good portion of the day just catching up on busy work – filing, doing research, and so on. A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a friend of mine who works at the VLA in Socorro.”
“The Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico?”
“Right. Anyway, he told me something I could hardly believe. For the past couple of months he’s been monitoring radio galaxies. And he heard something very strange. You know it was his section that received radio communications from Voyager 2 when it flew past Neptune back in ’89. Usually his division handles radio galaxies, pulsars, gamma ray bursts, and so on. That’s what makes this so incredible.”
“Did he pick something up that –“
“You won’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. But he’s been hearing it now for several weeks, and that’s why he finally called me. Do you remember when we launched Voyager in 1977?”
“Sure. Of course. Why?”
“Do you remember The Golden Record?”
“The Golden Record? Oh, yeah. The record Carl Sagan’s committee put together for the time capsule. It had a bunch of different things on it, didn’t it?”
“Right. There was a Bach piece, and something by Stravinsky. Even a Chuck Berry song.”
“Yeah, I remember that. The paper did a piece on it that got picked up on the wire and went national.”
“Your predecessor interviewed Sagan for the piece.”
“Of course. I remember. But what’s that got to do –?“
“Do you remember there were instructions included with the record as to how to play it – in case some extraterrestrial life happened to find it?”
“Yeah, that seemed a ridiculous notion, though. I mean the idea that some other life form would find the thing and actually play the record seemed pretty ridiculous. But it made a good story. Captured people’s imaginations. It was good for getting more funding from Congress as well, if I recall.”
“Well maybe it wasn’t such a ridiculous notion after all. That’s why my friend called me. On April 9th he was at his station monitoring his equipment, and he heard a faint echo of what sounded like a human voice singing. It lasted just a few seconds, and then he lost it. He wasn’t able to find it again that night, and he figured it was something else, and he wrote it off. A couple of nights later, he heard it again. And this time is was clearer, and he heard it for several seconds. He still couldn’t make out exactly what it was, but it sounded like a human voice singing a song. This time he detailed what he’d heard in his log for that evening. The next day he picked up the transmission three separate times – each time more clearly than the time before, and the transmission lasted just long enough for him to be able to decipher some of the words the voice was singing.”
David Eichorn reached into his shirt pocket and produced a slip of paper and slid it across the table to Tom Kelvin.
“Go ahead. Read it.”
Tom Kelvin spoke aloud, “Father, remove this bitter cup, If such thy sacred will; If not content to drink it up, thy pleasure I fulfill.”
“What is that? What’s it from?”
“One of the songs included on The Golden Record that made the trip on Voyager 1 was an old blues song from a Texas bottleneck guitar player named Blind Willie Johnson. The song was called Dark Was The Night-Cold Was The Ground.”
Tom Kelvin’s eyes registered surprise and then shock.
“Wait a minute, David. Are you telling me your friend heard Blind Willie Johnson singing in his radio transmission from space?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you, and he’s been hearing it for a couple of months now, and documenting it as well. Do you know what this means?”
“It can’t be.”
“It has to be, Tom. There’s no other explanation for it. Some thing or some body was able to retrieve Voyager’s contents, and figured out how to play The Golden Record. That’s the only plausible explanation.”
“But what about the rest of it?”
“What? The rest of the record?”
“Yeah. Why hasn’t he picked up the rest of it?”
“I can’t answer that. But there’s no other explanation –“
“But that song is close to a century old. And isn’t it possible what your friend heard was an old radio broadcast of the song that went out into the air in the 1920’s or 30’s, and found its way into his radio transmission?”
“That’s an extremely remote possibility, but what are the odds it would pick up that particular song? It didn’t send back Ellington’s Take The ‘A’ Train or Billie Holiday’s Lover Man or The Beatles singing Love Me Do. It picked up a 1927 blues recording included as part of The Golden Record. It can only mean one thing, Tom. There’s life out there, and we connected with it.”
“I can’t believe this, David. If it’s true –“
“But we’ve got a problem.”
“What’s that?”
“My friend took his findings to the director of the VLA, and he buried it.”
“He buried it? What the hell? What do you mean he buried it?”
“I mean he buried it, and instructed my friend to never mention it to anyone ever again.”
“Why? Why in the world would he do that?”
“Obviously the government is afraid of inducing panic. Something like this might terrify people. Suddenly we discover there’s intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. And everybody assumes they’ll want to destroy us.”
“But the whole point of sending the Record into space in the first place –“
“I know that. It doesn’t make sense. But it doesn’t surprise me either. That’s why I brought it to you.”
“But if I publish what you’ve told me, your career is over. Your friend will probably be jailed – if he’s lucky – and I’ll be the reporter who “made up” a story about discovering another life form in the universe just to sell a few more newspapers.”
“I know that. But I had to tell someone. We’ve got to document what we know, for the record, and wait.”
“Wait for what?”
“We’ve got to wait for the right time.”
“But that may never come! What’s going to change?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know. Look, I don’t have any answers here. I can’t even think straight. I’ve been keeping this secret for weeks now. All I know is that we have to document it so that somebody besides us finds out – someone who is receptive to it, and can figure out a way to take it to the public without creating a panic.”
“But David, do you realize what this could do for NASA? You’d get your funding back. Everybody that was laid off would have a job again. And we’d sell enough newspapers to –“
“You’re right. But we have to wait for the right time. Don’t you think I want to shout it from the rooftops? This is validation for every single program NASA undertook in space. This is validation for all the money spent on CETI. It’s the biggest single story in the history of mankind.”
“Look, David. I’m willing to risk my career on this. I’m willing to take it to the public.”
“Are you willing to assume the responsibility for what may happen to my friend at the VLA? I don’t care about me. All they can do to me is show me the door. He’d be the one in jeopardy.”
“How do you know he isn’t willing to take the risk? Have you asked him about it?”
“Well, no. I mean we didn’t get that far.”
“Well maybe before we shut this thing down on our own, we ought to see what he has to say? I think you should call him. We’ve got to find out. If he’s on board, we can take this to the public, and let the chips fall. Do you have his number on you?”
“It’s at the office. I can’t get back in tonight.”
“First thing in the morning then?”
“First thing in the morning. Yes.”
THE END
© 2023
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palaceofpassion · 2 years
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Truth Or Dare Night
Some things to preface, asks have to be done in a way from character to character.  So you can send it as say May Dares Pyrrha to so and so.  
They can’t be anything that takes longer than a few minutes, due to this entirety being done in a single day/night.
This will be base RWBY, but with side characters!
I will probably write my own story around a Truth or Dare Night for fun, you can expect that one to be sorta mean cause well ya know.
So I’ll probably get a lot of asks, but they’ll have to be based on the last character who did the dare to a new one.
More characters may be added later, but for now only a few.
Oh try to start small by the way!
So let’s begin!
Starting With Nora as the asker!
I’ll use the RWBYTruthORdare tag and try to number them in the heading.
“Yes yes yes yes!”  
“Nora, can’t you calm down a little?”
“Oh come on fearless leader!  Aren’t you excited for this?!  You’re going to get to do truth or dare with a bunch of pretty girls!  And it’s going to be all here!”  
She ignored the blank stare he gave her, “Nora, I don’t think it’s going to be as amazing as you say.”  Not like he would know of course, he’d never had the opportunity to join a Truth or Dare, and the few times he was involved tended to involve him getting pranked or punked by his sisters friends, so no he didn’t have very good memories.
“Besides, it’s not like anything exciting is going to happen.”
“Boo!  You know everything’s allowed!”  
“I... that’s not a good idea, I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable.”  
Jaune’s nerves were allieved a little as Pyrrha placed a firm confident hand on his shoulder.  “It’s alright Jaune, we’ll pull out of it makes that person too uncomfortable, alright?”
Jaune bit his lower lip, “Alright.”  He ended up giving into Pyrrha’s urging.  
However, as he turned away he missed the devious glint in her eye.  Pyrrha also never had the chance to do things like this, but now?  NOw she was given the chance, the power to REALLY let loose the perverse monster inside of her, and she couldn’t wait.  Her eyes zeroed in on Jaune’s rear end.
“Pyrrha, you’re drooling.”  
Ren stoicly spoke next to her, throwing her off her vibe.  “Oh!  Sorry.”  
“Anytime, just don’t break his Hip if you get the chance.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Sure you don’t.”  
A knock came at the door breaking their conversation.  Thankfully Jaune was already there opening it.
“Hey Jaune~”  
Ruby sauntered in, a rather large smile plastered on her face.  “This is going to be so much fun!  I finally get to play with the big kids!”  
Her sister followed, “Calm down Ruby.  You’re old enough now, but don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.  Though~”  Yang made her way over to ren, giving him a quick hip bump, “If you want to ask me something saucy Renny, feel free to.”:
“Hey no getting ahead!”  
Nora threw herself between them, “Save it for the game.”
“Ah what a buzz kill.”  
“This is a terrible idea, a most terrible one.”
“Weiss, you don’t have to be here.”  
Though he said it, Jaune felt the same, “I can only assume it’s cause Neptune’s going to be here?”  
“S...shut it ARc!  You better not try to take advantage of me either.”  
Jaune rolled his eyes, Neptune and Weiss had been a rather hard pill to swallow but he’d gotten over it.  For now he just wanted to be friends, “Yeah, don’t worry.”  
Pyrrha however, had a small grin on her face, ‘Oh you poor Heiress, it’s not Jaune you have to watch out for.”  
Blake simply entered, ignoring Jaune and taking a seat close to the corner.  “This is stupid.”
“Sure it is Blakey, I bet you’re all excited about watching some sexy times going on, aren’t you?”  
She ignored her partner, but her ear twitched.
Soon, Sun and Neptune showed up.  “Hey guys!  I brought the bear!”  
“HELL YEAH GIMME!”  
Sun was nearly tackled to the ground as Nora launched herself at him.
“Hey ladies~  Whose ready to have some good times with Neptune tonight~”  
Perhaps smoozing on the other girls wasn’t perhaps the smartest idea, as most of them turned away and Weiss let her mouth hang open.  He either didn’t notice or didn’t pay attention.
“He...hello?”  
“You can go in May.”  
“Yeah!  It’s partaaay time!  I’m sad Flynt couldn’t make it but hell yeah!  Dicks to ride!”  
“Agreed, we should continue inwards before we take up the hall... however I can smell the lust radiating from this room.”
Jaune’s attention was brought to the four strangers of the group.  May Zedong, Reese Chloris, Neon Katt, and Ciel Soleil.  The four of them had been invited to pad numbers, and well cause they’d seemed interested, which was shocking coming from Penny’s partner.  Who... was actually looking at him now.
“Ye...yes?”
“You’re violating me with your eyes, aren’t you?  I can feel the lust practically radiating off of you.” 
“Ooh~  Is the big boy packing?   SNIFF SNIFF  Oooh I think I see what you mean.”
His face scrunched, confusion hit him, and words failed him as the four entered wordlessly after. 
Well except May, “I’m sorry Jaune.”
“Hey it’s no problem.”  
Well he knew May, if only because they’d taken a few classes together and had the chance to talk.
“Friend Jaune!”  
Jaune’s attention quickly fell as he nearly well fell over.  Penny’s loud and surprising arrival caused him to grab his ears.  
“I have brought the last three members of our merry band!”  
“Sup hoodie, good to see you’re doing well.”  Coco Adel and Velvet Scarlatina entered after the robotic girl.  And yes, everyone already knew Penny was a robot.
“Hey Jaune, sorry for intruding.”
“It’s no problem Vel, hope you have a good time.”
Velvet smiled looking at the group, “I think I will.”
“This is so dumb!”  
Emerald shook her head, “Can’t believe I got dragged into this.”
“Ah, sorry... it’s a bit crowded, but i hope you have a good time.”
The foreign student eyed him for a bit before relenting.  “Well it’s better than hanging with Mercury at least.  Oh by the way, he’s pissed he wasn’t invited.”
“Maybe he shouldn’t have been trying to harass Nora that one time.”
Emerald smiled, “Ahhh, seeing his legs get broken again was pleasant.”  
The girl gave in and entered, causing Jaune to close the door and lock it, to avoid any intruders who may come in.  
He gazed at the room, everyone having finally formed a circle, “Good thing we moved around the beds.”  Said beds were pushed to the side... for specific reasons.
“Yep!  I knew we’d have enough room!”  Nora gleefully motioned for her team leader, who took a seat between May and Pyrrha.
“Alright, whose going first?”
“I am!”  
Nora smiled brightly.  
“Well let’s get to it then.
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blacksunscorpio · 4 years
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Astro Musings No. 5
Placements Most Prone to Getting Stuck in Abusive Relationships
Are usually people with Venus in Scorpio because of the intensity of how they love and the intensity in which people love them back, Venus in Libra due to their penchant for trying to see the good in those they love. Venus square/opposing Neptune, due to these natives often idealizing those who do not deserve it. Venus in Pisces, due to their savior complexes. People with Moon squaring their Mars’, or Moon conjunct/squaring/opposing their Pluto’s— often they associate pain and intensity of feeling as equatable to love. These are the types of people who feel deeply and often have a hard time entertaining the idea of love unless there is some sort of “suffering” involved.
Many with Moon or Venus squaring Saturn
Can endure the same thing/have the same habits. I’ve found with the latter two the duration of these relationships will last a lot longer. This is because Saturn adds longevity to relationships.
Nessus in aspect to Dejanira in synastry
Can also cause obsession or at its worst, abuse. Sparknotes version of the Greek myth is a wild centaur named Nessus attempted to kidnap and rape Dejanira as he was ferrying her across the river Euenos, but she was rescued by Heracles. If you’ve ever watched Disney’s Hercules, Megara is the Hollywood version of this broad. In regard to synastry Dejanira is the asteroid of the victim, especially sexual, and Nessus indicates the abuser. If this appears in synastry you can be certain two people will have some sort of abuse involved in their relationship or some sort of intense obsession with each other than may not be altogether healthy. Be careful if it aspects [in square or opposition] Sado or Algol. No bueno. If touching Chiron it there will be some sort of lesson involved. Make sure it’s one worth learning. Aspects like these in astrology can be very humbling.
Typically if One Has an Aspect Natally it Will Often Appear in Synastry With Another.
For example, One can have their Sun opposing their moon and often attract people whose moons oppose or square their sun. If one has a Mercury squaring their Pluto, they may attract someone whos Pluto square’s their Mercury. You can often always trace a synastry aspect back to one or the other person’s natal chart.
People with Venus Conjunct Lilith
Will have enormous sex appeal. Their basic femininity will be in touch with their wild femininity. If in the 10th house, they may make a career out of it. Become models or make money off their figures. One of my best friends is a porn star and has this aspect. Her ‘Only Fans’ is poppin’.
People with Sagittarius 5th houses
Can/will adopt children from other countries or have children in countries other than their native land. Angelina Jolie’s 5th house is in Sagittarius and her whole brood save for 3 are of different ethnicities.  People with the same rising sign as you often deal with many of the same issues as you and therefore, can be easier to have friendships/relationships with. This is typically because two people will have the same houses/house sign cusps.
Placements That Make One Lucky
Are often strong Jupiter placements. Jupiter rules fortune and is in general a benefic planet. Wherever he touches will show growth or excess of energy. It is best when he is working harmoniously. So, Jupiter trining/conjunct/sextiling inner planets or Jupiter trining the north node. Jupiter as the most elevated planet is a good indicator of someone who often gets lucky in the nick of time. Luck often comes through at the clutch for these folks.  Asteroid Fortuna, Fama, or Abundantia making harmonious/conjunctions to planets like Jupiter, the Sun, or the Moon. The Sun in the 10th house is a good indicator of someone lucky in their career. Asteroid Karma No. 3811 in favorable aspect to inner planets, and/or Asteroid Talent No. 33154 in favorable aspect to inner planets or in benefic houses.
A good place to look to see determine someone’s physical features is often their Sun, Rising, Dominant planet, or Midheaven.
Yes, I know, not very exciting but I keep telling you guys to stop ignoring your Sun. It is the most powerful Planet in your chart. However, if we were to look beyond the Sun, Your rising sign is your face. Someone with a Scorpio rising will inevitably have some sort of intensity to them. 9 times out of 10, it has something to do with their eyes. The Midheaven will also show you a bit more, usually how a person carries themselves. I often find those with Virgo or Venus Midheavens [women] are very good in heels. Good with structured walking. Men will often have model-esque walks as well. Attention grabbers. Same with those with Capricorn MC’s. Neptune MC’s have a bit of a “swagger to their walk” like they’re swimming through air. Gemini MC’s are often very light on their feet. Aries MC’s walk in a very militaristic way. Straight backed. Authoritarian. George W. Bush has an Aries MC and walks in such a way.
Psychic connections in Synastry [Platonic or Romantic]
Are usually 12th house, 8th house, 1st house, or 9th house placements/Overlays. Aspect-wise typically Moon to the lunar nodes, Uranus to the Nodes or Moon, Vertex to nodes, PLUTO, or NEPTUNE to Mercury. Mercury to Moon, Mercury to Uranus, or Neptune. These are all highly psychic points. Having these placements in synastry/overlay will usually indicate dreaming of the other person, prophetic dreams [especially if 9th house or Jupiter is involved] Knowing what the other person is thinking or gut hunches about the person’s well being. If in harmonious aspect these will make you feel closer to the person or bolster feelings of affection. In hard aspect, it can cause obsession or the other person may feel as if they are “haunting” you. Trust me.
A Singleton Planet
is a planet posited in the only sign or house of its type [element, mode, or orientation]. For example, if your sun is the only planet in a water house, or if your moon is the only planet in a sign of universal orientation, those would be singletons. Singletons are EXTREMELY powerful forces in the natal chart. They can be considered focal points of consciousness, sometimes vehicles of manifestation. They are widely understood to have extreme expressions (or repressions) which are heavily symbolic in a native’s entire life.
People with many Aries placements, strong Martian influence, [especially if in aspect to Mercury or Mars], or hard Plutonic aspects [including conjunctions] tend to enjoy more aggressive forms of music. The types to listen to heavy metal/rock or hardcore gansta rap.
Leo and Aquarius mixing in a natal chart or in the 2nd house can make someone have a bit of a “bark” like voice.
Venus retrograde natives may have had a hard time or still have a hard time in their social lives especially if it’s placed in the 11th house.
On Chiron
People with Chiron in Aries have a fear of failure. Can suffer from identity issues. They can heal by empowering others and being independent. Chiron in Taurus feel as if they never have enough. May have grown up a bit poor or might feel as if they don’t deserve nice things. They can heal by being financially responsible, but also treating themselves to something nice once in a while. Chiron in Gemini feels like no one understands them, may have suffered from feeling unintelligent or their mental pursuits were discouraged. They can heal by speaking up. Writing or singing. Translating their pain into beautiful intellectual activity. Chiron in Cancer feel as if they can’t be vulnerable They may have been made to feel ashamed of their emotions. May have suffered neglect at home, specifically from the mother. They can heal by taking care of others. Cooking. Expressing themselves to those they trust. Not everyone will hurt you. Chiron in Leo may have suffered from being invalidated in life. Feeling rejected. Having impossible standards forced on them. Not getting recognition for their talents. They can heal through channeling creativity into art. Helping others see their worth. Being playful and bold in their own self-expression. Chiron in Virgo may suffer from some sort of distorted self-image. Perfectionism or excess of criticism from others/family. As a result, they can either be extremely critical or compensate by being people pleasers. They can heal by maintaining their health and seeing a counselor [remember Mercury who rules the mind is the ruler of Virgo so mental health is NOT something to ignore.]
People with Venus in Taurus
Are actually some of the slowest moving people in terms of romance. Even more than Capricorn Venusians. They love to take their sweet time. If they were to be a Tarot card, they’d be the Knight of Pentacles. Methodical, slow-moving, careful. They are caring but terrified of choosing the wrong person, being abandoned, or making the wrong move. They study the object of their affections almost to the level of Plutonians [but without the dark appeal]. This is because they want to know how and what pleases the other person. Very traditional.
Cancerians
Are very jealous in love and can give Scorpios a run for their money.
Leo Moons
LOVE ATTENTION I've noticed even more than Leo suns. Why? Because validation is often tied to what makes them feel good emotionally [moon]. These are the people who will post about 20 snap or insta stories talking about their day.
Gemini Mars’
Have a problem with dry-snitching on themselves. This is because their drive is tied with their intellect and speech. As a result, they can often find themselves saying more than they mean to.
Aquarian placements
Are high-key opinionated but are can also be the least accepting of other points of view, especially if Saturn/Capricorn is in the mix. This is because they are fixed air. So their mindsets/intellectual opinions are hard-pressed to change. Good luck trying to win an argument with one. However, they do move on quickly because they are detached by nature.
Sagittarians/strong sag placements will often make friends the easiest out of any zodiac sign. Opinionated but their curiosity for people from all walks of life makes it easy to relate to them. Those who come after would most likely be Gemini moons or 5th House/ 11th House Leo’s.
6th house placements, especially if Leo or Pisces sits on the cusp often are very good with animals. Piggybacking on that, Piscean placements tend to have an almost telepathic ability with animals.
Cats seem to take to Scorpionic people very easily, even if the native doesn’t care for them. As a matter of fact, most Scorpionic people have a knack with animals that are nocturnal. Spiders, Owls, Cats, Foxes. These animals will likely find a Scorpio native/ those with heavy Scorpio placements out of nowhere or perhaps never bite them.
Astro Musings No. 1 Astro Musings No. 2  Astro Musings No. 3  Astro Musings No. 4  Astro Musings No. 6 Astro Musings No. 7 Astro Musings No. 8  Astro Musings No. 9  Astro Musings No. 10
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kitkatopinions · 3 years
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The sad thing is that Blake's most healthiest option romance wise is someone who gives her space and willing to let her go. Sun fits this description perfectly. But they went with a codependent toxic relationship partially held together by guilt in which one side is clearly submissive and the other too worried and insecure.
Yeah, tbh, the send off to Sun at the start of volume six made me think they would pick up the relationship where it left off eventually for a couple different reasons, but one of them was this reason.
I want to preface this post by saying that A. I don’t really like Bumblebee and I don’t need a reason to dislike it even though I have reason to dislike it, B. I’ve shipped BlackSun from Sun’s first introduction, and C. also I’m coming at this as someone who has been in a co-dependent relationship, so all three of those things means I’m naturally a little biased. I’m not pretending this is all a super objective, impersonal interpretation. This is just me talking honestly about my thoughts towards a ship I don’t like. Bees, I’m sorry if this shows up in your tags, Tumblr is being screwy and I’m not trying to rain on anyone else’s posts. I’m using filterables and putting this under a keep reading to try and make it easier for Bumblebee fans to not see this.
I had - when I saw season six’s opening ep - given the show mad props for writing a romance driven relationship where the partners didn’t have to stay together all the time to still care about each other and be secure. It felt like the perfect move to me to get some distance between their characters while firmly establishing that Sun had never done the things he’d done ‘to win the girl,’ and didn’t consider himself ‘letting Blake go.’ Sun not only being willing to spend this time away from Blake, but to not even need it really said, and to have his own stuff he needed to do as well... All of that felt like a healthy, independent relationship. I don’t mean to get personal on main, but I’ve been in a relationship where I felt partially responsible for my partner’s happiness and he tried to do things like keep me from my friends or guilt me into things. I ignored the red flags because our relationship was important to me, but it made me feel pretty unhappy because I was always worried that if I didn’t do the things he wanted, he would get upset and over-react, and put himself down until I built him back up, and if we didn’t spend the majority of our time together, he would start talking about feeling like I didn’t really care that much about him and how lonely he felt. This was really exhausting to me, especially since I’m an introvert.
Sun always seemed like such a good partner for Blake because he was always so self-possessed, so confident in who he was already, independent and happy and accepting of Blake’s independence. Sun was always there for Blake, but he also was the one usually pushing her towards interacting with others too, they were able to go do separate things and even go on completely different missions with confidence and without drama. For a character who had previously been in a destructive, possessive, controlling, abusive relationship, it had seemed like a scene that clearly established Blake and Sun’s relationship as one where Sun wasn’t expecting Blake to stay with him all the time, respected her goals and her independence, and had his own life and his own friends too. I had kind of just assumed that the choice to have Sun leave the group and go to Vacuo was to further their relationship. Upon rewatching the scene later now that I know that the writers were already starting to try to implement Bumbleby, I can see how the show writers might’ve been intending that scene to be an amiable goodbye where Sun confirms to Neptune that they aren’t actually an item with his ‘it was never about that.’ But I just have to shake my head, because I was giving the writers credit for something they didn’t do.
Instead, they were trying to tie off the relationship between Sun and Blake by having him leave, not cementing Blake’s independence and Sun’s encouragement of that (and they tied it off badly imo because Blake freakin’ kissed the boy lol.) And once they had Sun leave, they started setting Blake up with Yang. I want to clarify that there’s nothing wrong with the writers deciding to go with Blake x Yang, and the ship itself was not a totally baseless one. I’m personally disappointed that one of my favorite RWBY ships isn’t going to be endgame, and I personally don’t like the idea of Blake and Yang as a couple. But my problem isn’t really with the ship itself, it’s with how the show writers have chosen to write the ship in execution.
Getting past the queerbaitery nature of Bumblebee as a ship, the choices surrounding Blake and Yang seem faulty on both sides (which I also think is important to remember. I’ve seen loads of people recognizing that Bumblebee as written in the show is destructive to Blake, but I’ve seen much fewer people talk about how it’s not the best for Yang too.)
Let’s start from the fact that Blake is an abuse victim. She was previously in a relationship with Adam and talks about his destructive and violent behavior. Blake has a really hard time trusting people because of how Adam had acted. He was explosive, manipulative, and he got angry at and hurt Blake specifically for leaving him. The last thing Blake would need is a relationship where she feels personally responsible for the stability of another person. The last thing she needs is to be pressured into staying with someone. The last thing she needs is to be expected to be with that person without the option of ever working with others. The last thing she needs is to be in a relationship where she can’t be apart from someone even temporarily without that person getting anxious and insecure or without having to feel guilty and like she did something wrong.
And yet the show has her in a relationship with someone that has abandonment issues. The show has her promise to stay with Yang in a moment of huge trauma, Blake crying out a desperate denial to the accusations of the abusive ex who had made her life hell, after he tried to again separate her from anyone she loved and she was forced to kill someone she had once deeply cared about. It was also a really weird choice of the writers to have the characters respond to a question over if they’d ever thought about working with other partners with dismissive and cold behavior as if the very idea was somehow wrong (especially since Yang spent quite a bit of time pre-volume six working with Weiss and Blake spent so much of her time working with Sun.) And the writers chose to frame Blake and Yang leaving on temporary separate missions in volume eight to result in insecurity and anxiety from Yang and guilt for Blake. On top of that, Yang is a person with a strong temper and aggressive tendencies. Although she seemed to be trying to work through those problems in seasons four and five, Yang backslid and seems just as controlled by her anger and her insecurities as her volume 2 self now, who had lashed out at Blake and angrily pushed her for not listening in ‘burning the candle.’
As for Yang, she lost her mom when she was very young (Ruby was a toddler,) and her dad temporarily shut down after that. She soon found out her biological mom had left her when she was a baby and spent her whole life wondering why while her uncle spent that time flitting in and out of her life and taking on dangerous missions - the same types of missions that had killed the woman who had raised Yang for the first part of her life. Yang has deep seeded fears of being abandoned and losing her loved ones, and she also has a history of trying to take care of and support the people around her even at her own personal expense. While Yang’s more selfless moments in season five - like giving up her dream of getting answers from Raven to follow and protect Ruby even when she clearly wasn’t wholly healed from her trauma - are admirable, what Yang absolutely doesn’t need in a partner is someone who she feels like she has to protect and save and sacrifice for. What Yang absolutely doesn’t need in a partner is someone she feels like she can’t rely on to be there for her. What she doesn’t need in a partner is someone who can’t give her stability or struggles to trust her. What she doesn’t need in a partner is someone who won’t call her out when she goes a little too far. And yet the writers chose to put Yang with someone who runs on the regular, the only member of their team who thought Yang might be lying about Mercury, someone who needs time and distance when Yang clearly needs someone who is consistent and present. And then the writers made it so that Yang and Blake spend very little time with anyone else. The writers made it so that they can’t be apart without guilt and anxieties.
And you guys, Blake in seasons 6-8 feels so needy. She’s consistently in need of saving, consistently doesn’t stand for herself, seems like she needs a lot of reassurance in her relationship, she’s consistently waiting for other people to make moves, etc. Even when Blake convinces Yang to divulge top secret information to Robyn, when Ironwood confronts them about it, Blake backs up and leaves Yang to explain their actions. In the early seasons, it feels like Yang cares more about their friendship than Blake does and that she’s putting in more effort, which don’t get me wrong, makes total sense since Blake had just gotten out of an abusive relationship and Yang’s clear anger problems (and her using a laser pointer to try and force Blake to talk to her,) might’ve made Blake hesitant to get close to or open up to Yang. But while it no longer feels like Yang cares more, it still feels like Yang puts in more work. Yang is constantly reassuring, protecting, comforting, and stepping up for Blake, while Blake is so passive and acts so dependent that I personally can’t help but feel like Yang must be exhausted. Yang needs stability and reassurance too, Yang needs a partner she can talk to and rely on to be there. When the writers did write Blake as trying to comfort and take care of Yang, it was way too much and had undertones of ableism. And I know, I know they had this ‘we’re taking care of each other’ moment when they were fighting Adam, but that’s just what we were told for one scene, and not what we’ve actually seen in their relationship.
The worst thing is that it didn’t need to be that way. Bumbleby could’ve been a really good ship that built on their foundation. Blake used to be an independent, brave, strong, active character. Blake stood up for herself to Weiss, told Ozpin to his face that he needed to do more for the Faunus, used to have a great, creative fighting style, used to be this sassy girl who’d banter with Sun and with Yang and when she did start opening up to Yang, it was a great way to start evolving their characters to be a strong relationship. In V3 when Blake admitted that she had doubts about Yang due to her past experiences with Adam, but opened herself up and decided to trust Yang anyway when Yang looked her in the eyes and told her sincerely exactly what had happened... That was so great and it really showed off the dynamic the two of them were starting to adapt. CRWBY might’ve immediately separated the two, but A. Seasons four and most of season five had great set up for them to work through their problems and then continue to grow that great dynamic we started seeing in the first three seasons. And B. their respective arcs continued their growth as characters even apart from each other. While I wish that RWBY had let the two work some of this out together, the growth that we were getting did make them more suited for each other. I’ll always ship BlackSun. But Yang getting a hold on her emotions, maturing, starting to work through her abandonment issues, and displaying just what a caring, honest person she was, at the same time that Blake was working through her past and her fears, learning to let people in, strengthening her resolve, and coming into her own as a leader... Come on, those two characters could’ve easily developed a good, healthy, strong, independent relationship and I’m legitimately sad that’s not what we got, especially since we sacrificed so much of Blake’s personality to get a worse ship.
I don’t even know what to say about it, tbh. Idk what else the writers expected us to think with how they wrote things. I’ve heard before that there was probably a cut scene in volume eight that included Yang and Blake fighting (which would then justify Yang and Blake’s reactions when they reunited,) and I do believe that, but the writers chose not to include it, and that made them look worse as a couple. Just like they chose not to include a scene where Blake and Yang work through the problem of Blake having left Yang without a word of explanation at the end of Volume 3. And they didn’t include a scene where Blake explains herself and Yang realizes that maybe she was being a little shortsighted about the trauma Blake had also gone through. And they didn’t include a scene where Blake actually learned that she didn’t have to protect or take care of Yang in volume six. And they haven’t included a scene where Blake puts just as much effort into their relationship as Yang does. And they didn’t include a scene where the two make it clear that they’re fine being apart. If anything, CRWBY has established the opposite, and it isn’t enough to just say that they’re taking care of each other, when they don’t show that to be the case. 
Sun being not only willing to let Blake be with others, go her own way, and be her own person, but encouraging of that, made him a very compelling romantic prospect for her. Unfortunately I just don’t see that with Blake and Yang. Their relationship feels co-dependent, and maybe it’s just my personal experience talking and making me chafe, but I personally just don’t like it.
However, fans have been queerbaited long enough. So personal opinions aside, CRWBY give Bumblebee some confirmation you fucking cowards.
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witchystarryskies · 2 years
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Full Moon in Sagittarius - 14th of June 2022
Super full moon in Sagittarius, that’s going to form a square to Neptune in Pisces, and a sextile to a retrograde Saturn in Aquarius on the same day.
Tuesday night is a little intense, but in a hopeful way.
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★ Contextual Energies ★
We’ve already been having a sweet triple conjunction of Venus between Uranus and Pallas Athena (which I’m strongly associating with positive queer experiences and bodily autonomy politics, especially being in Taurus.)
Now Venus is moving onto the North Node of the moon a couple degrees away, while still holding hands with Pallas Athena. So it’s already a context of energies I’m excited to work with. Venus-North node in Taurus says so much love and beauty ahead, especially when it comes to our physical bodies and values by which treat them. But having Athena, Goddess of military strategy, wisdom, androgyny and trans identity, there with Venus tells me it’s a longer haul, and a slower process that should and will involve some forethought and consideration. Not just a celebration of beauty, but of coming together to guard it. Planning ahead enough to feel safe enough to actually have a good time, whether it’s bringing along simple medkits and leaving your phone at home during weekend parades, or saving up money and making sure you’re splurging within your budget, especially so you’re not left struggling in a couple months when Mars will be joining this party in Taurus and things may get more intense than pleasant.
Tuesday’s full moon will also have Mercury entering Gemini, feeling VERY at home and sovereign, and will be of great help to you in whatever communication, information or opportunity you’re seeking, but moreso next week when it’s completely out of its shadow. Great time to sort out old issues since late April and move on, or at the very least, we’ll have more clarity around them and gain some much needed wisdom.
🌕 Moon Aspects 🌕
♆ Square to Neptune in Pisces: I love this as an opportunity to take an issue and turn it in your hand like a jewel to examine different aspects of it. Great for reconsidering positions. An invitation to step back from a situation and take a more objective bird-eye perspective. It helps diffuse any tension you may have or attachment to one extreme against the other. May turn up false dichotomies.
♄ Sextile to Saturn in Aquarius: (which means the sun would be in a trine with Saturn too) even more helpful. Whatever insight you gain through the Neptune aspect will not take you very far if it’s only theoretical. Put it to practice and use this smooth Saturnian flow to dissolve some limits and work at something with more resolve. A head in the clouds pairs best with feet on the ground. (but both are essential, especially when you’re working with fundamental values)
☀ Journal Prompts  ☀
Thoughts worth considering through your work or practice this week and especially around the full moon on Tuesday.
:: How can you best plan for the week ahead and minimize your worries?
:: Priorities: What’s really worth investing your time, attention & money into? How much of it really aligns with your personal values as opposed to the collective? How much of these investments you’re making this week aligns with “performative values” that you only feel you should have? Authenticity exercise!
:: How are you balancing your “sphere of concern” vs. your “sphere of influence”? If you’re concerned about the many issues around you lately, have you been overwhelmed and feeling helpless or powerless? How much of that is a result of focusing only what upsets you and not enough on what you have power to change? What about your sphere of influence, how much power do you have? How far can you stretch it by redefining limitations and seeing things from another angle?
:: If you feel you have taken something as far as you can, whether it’s a skill, a debate, a relationship issue, and can’t exert any further power over the situation in its current state, how can you dissolve some limits so you can take it further? Where can you delegate or pass the baton? (ex. trying to solve something by yourself vs. asking for help or hiring a professional. Protesting via social media vs. joining a rally or any local group event. Solo apartment hunt vs shared accommodation. fixating on a solution having to be a certain way vs. aiming for an outcome regardless of specifics)
:: how many of your decisions you made this week were to avoid a bad outcome, and how many were made toward a desired outcome? In other words, how often do you spend time planning around what you fear and how much do you plan around what you love and what you desire? How would a decision look differently if you shift this focus from fear to love? (you can think of fear simply as any act of separation, and love simply as any act of bringing closer or integrating. Could be a person, an experience, an approach to a difficult conversation you’re planning, etc.)
:: Any recurring blockages or issues since around April29th and May 22nd? Have you gained any clarity now and are you getting a sense of resolution or moving on? If instead it’s an opportunity you’ve been contemplating, are you sensing a change that may help you make a more informed decision about it?
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Stay safe so you can better enjoy your week, and happy journaling.
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vmficrecs · 4 years
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Every school has an obligatory psychotic jackass. He’s ours.
It has been one year since The Incident. In celebration of this beautiful, snarky, dynamic, passionate, beloved, smug, asshole, essential, etc., etc., character I have complied a lengthy (but by no means exhaustive) collection of some of my personal favorite fics focusing on Logan, or on his relationships, or fics that i just think do something neat in terms of Logan/his journey/his character. ❤️
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Previously on vmficrecs: 
dark_roast, “Fish Out of Water,” Mature, Post Season 1 AU 
Logan opts to leave Neptune, and spend summer vacation with his grandparents.
Notes: This AU is essential reading if you love Logan. His characterization is nearly perfect, and the premise of the fic is endlessly engaging and smart. 
wily_one24, “Sleep, Perchance...,” Mature, Pre-series AU
Logan thaws towards Veronica and sets out to save her.
Notes: I want to eat this fic. If you’ve never read it, read it-- it will linger endlessly inside of your brain in the best way possible. So many of the things Logan does or says in this fic exist in a very tangible and palpable manner for me, it’s that good. I think about it constantly. 
ghostcat, “What We Have in Common,” Teen, Post Season 3 AU 
Weevil Navarro, his incredibly poor choice of a research paper prepping locale and the close talking, finger waving jackass that interrupts and effectively hijacks his night. Set in 2010, three years after The Bitch is Back.
ghostcat, “A Trace of Meaning,” Teen, Pre-series 
13 year-old Logan Echolls and 14 year-old Veronica Mars wait at the Kane Estate for their held-up sleepover hosts to show up. 
theohara, “Rich Dirt,” Mature, Pre-series AU 
And Logan wouldn’t let you have anything. He’d danced over to you and smirked in your face and twirled your plastic cup right out of your hand and cooed that just because your Daddy wasn’t sheriff anymore didn’t give you license to break the law, and he’d acted all shocked with his hand over his mouth and he’d laughed like breaking glass and nanced off with your drink.
anjou, “Into the Blue,” Mature, Post Season 1 
It’s almost summer, and Logan is sinking into the blue.
flyingcarpet, “Mexicali Blues,” Mature, Post Season 3 AU
When he reaches the water he doesn’t hesitate, just keeps walking until he can duck his head under and start to swim away from shore, letting the salt and the waves wash away the residue that Neptune’s left on his skin.
absolutelyiris, “Truth for a Dream,” Teen, Future Fic (Pre-movie)
Fleet Week 2012. A reformed bad boy turned sailor and a former party girl turned career woman meet in a bar…
Notes: A LOGAN AND PARKER FRIENDSHIP FIC!!! pure fucking delight 
absolutelyiris, “Come Around,” Mature, Future AU 
A woman travels the world over in search of what she needs and returns home to find it.
Notes: I will talk about this fic until the day that I day, and then I will still talk about it. One of my absolute favorites. Pure gold Logan/Keith dynamic. I would 10/10 die for Razia. and, of course, the l/v is so damn good 
TheLastGoodGolfish, “The Phenomenal Pixie, #1,” Teen, AU 
Veronica is a masked avenger who stalks the streets of Neptune. Logan is the intrepid reporter who’s on the story.
Notes: PERFECT. PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT. also-- “That’s ridiculous. My favorite person is a sorority girl.” in my head, rent free, and i am forever indebted. 
bryrosea, “Waste of Breath / A Quartz Contentment,” Mature, Post Season 2 to TDTL 
Part one: Logan Echolls, the nine years, and the Navy. Part two: Veronica Mars, the nine years, and a new normal.
Notes: I am recommending specifically “Waste of Breath” for my boy, although Veronica’s piece is excellent as well. 
always_winter, “Written Out,” Teen, Season 2 AU 
Duncan has some residual guilt and Logan wants to be left out of the story.
always_winter, “White Combs and Sweet Honey,” Mature, Season 1
Even when Aaron is trying to be a good father, there’s still a lot he’s doing wrong.
Notes: This fic is so tender to me!!! A beautiful Logan and Aaron piece. 
sadiekate, “Grand Canyon,” PG-13, Season 1 to Future AU 
Three friends reminisce several years in the future, snarkily and pointlessly.
sinaddict, “Necrosis,” Explicit, Season 2 AU 
Death in bits and pieces, denial as a religion… Or ‘normal’ in Neptune.
sowell, “Surviving the Wreck,” Explicit, Season 3 AU 
Nothing’s ever simple with Veronica Mars. Weevil’s day at sea gets a little complicated.
Notes: THIS FUCKING FIC!!!! i love everything about it and especially at this moment in time, the part where logan gives weevil a blow job but weevil notes that somehow, in spite of this, logan retains the upper hand. this fic is world class and i am grateful everyday for it 
theohara, “Broken Toys,” NC-17, Pre series AU 
One glance across a street saves Lilly Kane’s life. It changes everything; it changes nothing.
Notes: This is the most heartbreaking Veronica Mars’ fanfic ever. I have such a deep love for it. It takes Lilly’s character and Logan/Veronica’s relationship to places I don’t ever think they would go and yet it works in this and it works so damn well. a truly devastating and beautiful au 
fluffernutter8, “The Ninety Nine Percent,” Teen, Post Season 3 AU 
Junior year of college, Logan gets some news that proves that no matter how hard he tries, life is just going to keep throwing him curve-balls. Post season 3, non movie canon compliant.
youcallitwinter, “gravity is gonna keep you tied down to this city,” Teen, Post Season 3 to TDTL 
[your life in extended parenthesis] the lone neon nights and the ache of the ocean, and the fire that was starting to spark. From the love to the lightning and the lack of it. 
Notes: please don't fall out of love with me, okay? don’t you dare give up on me. I DIE EVERY FUCKING TIME youcallitwinter is a force with all of her writings, but this one.......my god every single bit about it is fucking flawless 
petpluto, “Of Scars & Consequences,” Teen, Post-series AU 
Almost a decade in the future, Logan's still a little messed up. And Veronica's still a little closed off. They make it work.
julietbravo, “one brutal thing after another,” Teen, Pre-series to Season 1 
These rich boys think they can get away with anything, don’t they.
querulousgawks, “there should be stars for great wars like ours,” Teen, AU 
It’s gotta be some Alliance mind game, a holdover, the Operative’s last trick: Logan’s old secrets manifesting everywhere around them. Where are you, how are you doing this, he wants to scream, but he doesn’t know which ghost he’d be railing at.
SilverLining2k6, “Sometimes (You Can’t Make It On Your Own),” Teen, Season 1 AU 
Silly Duncan stopped taking his meds. Now, one dead Fitzpatrick later, Logan and Veronica need to get him out of town. Too bad they hate each other.
SilverLining2k6, “Control,” Teen, Pre-series AU 
Don’t you mess with a little girl’s dreams. ‘Cause she’s liable to grow up mean. Pre-series. Oneshot. - A twisted little tale of hate and revenge.
Notes: CONTROL!!!!! I love Control so much, it’s one of the first fics I ever read for the fandom and one of the finest. The Logan that exists in this is sooo good and his relationship with Veronica is deeply flawed & wonderful. M is in the process of writing a remix to Control (more in-depth emotion) and I for one am foaming at the fucking mouth every day about it. 
nevertothethird, “Reunions,” Teen, Post Series AU 
Sometimes it just takes a little longer to get things right. Two high school reunions and a birthday party should do the trick.
youcallitwinter, “you give love a bad name,” Teen, Season 2 AU 
“Hey, did you guys know there was a sensitive poet-type hiding behind this hard exoskeleton of expensive alcohol and bitter cynicism?” In which Logan Echolls is, well, Logan Echolls.
scandalpants, “Something to Remember,” Mature, Post Series AU 
Facing a separation, Logan and Veronica spend their last night together exchanging gifts.
Notes: I am always in a goddamn state about this fic. Logan jacking off in front of Veronica at her request? Yes, thank you please. thank you so much 
leurocrystal, “Take Your Time,” Teen, Post Season 2 
Keith doesn’t know how to look at or touch his daughter for the first time in his life.
petpluto, “We Are Nowhere, And It’s Now,” Mature, Series AU 
“You know there is another way of looking at this, Logan. If you’d still been together, you might be dead too." Logan and Lilly both die on October 3rd. But for Veronica, it’s not like they’re gone. And she still works to solve their murders.
absolutelyiris, “Delay,” Teen, Post TTDL
Logan reflects on his first Christmas with Veronica after a ten year separation, as well as how his life has changed with her absence.
New to vmficrecs: 
Christmas in Arkham Author: dark_roast Pairing: Logan Rating: Teen Genre: Hurt/Comfort, A Really Good Hug  Setting: Season 2 Spoilers: 2.09, “My Mother, the Fiend” Chapters: 1 Word Count: 10128 Status: Complete Summary: Sequel to Fish Out of Water. Logan spends christmas with his grandparents.  Notes: This is, full stop, my favorite Veronica Mars fanfiction ever. I am so protective of this fic that part of me doesn’t even want to give it a formal place on the blog, which is ridiculous because I’m sure plenty of people have already read it and obviously it’s so good that I want people to read it but....this belongs to me, somehow, like I feel like it’s mine that’s how much I love it. ANYWAY possessiveness aside-- Every word, every sentence, every punctuation mark in this fic is perfect, devastating insight into Logan’s character. Absolutely beautiful and wonderful and every other good thing. 
The Teeth by the Shoulder Author: ghostcat Pairing: Fab Four, Logan/Lilly, Veronica/Duncan  Rating: Teen Genre: Friendship, Angst  Setting: Pre-series Spoilers: 1.01, “Pilot”  Chapters: 3 Word Count: 17273 Status: Complete Summary: Two couples, two friendships. The Fab Four in three Octobers. Notes: WE’VE NEVER FUCKING RECOMMENDED THE TEETH BY THE SHOULDER BEFORE?????? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE OH MY GOD jesus this is one of the greatest fanfictions ever written. three pre-series explorations into the fab four friendship and it is impossibly good. i am especially in love with the logan/lilly in this fic (the first chapter!!!!) and as always special care is given to exploring the logan + veronica dynamic. the third chapter will break your fucking heart so bad in the best way 
Seven Times Logan Echolls Went to Jail Author: sowell Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Veronica/Piz  Rating: Teen Genre: Angst, Romance, Logan Echolls is a Little Shit   Setting: (Post) Season 3 AU  Spoilers: 3.12, “There’s Got to Be a Morning After Pill” and 3.16, “Un-American Graffiti”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 6701 Status: Complete Summary: Who thinks Logan behind bars is sexy? I do, I do! // Logan goes to jail and calls Veronica to bail him out. Again and again and again and again.  Notes: WE HAVEN’T DONE THIS BEFORE EITHER???? oh my god!! I remember finding this one a few months before the movie came out and i would just lay in bed in the dark and re-read it endlessly. and then i left it alone for a few years and when i went back to it holy shit it undid me all over again. perfect logan and veronica relationship. p e r f e c t!!! i firmly believe this is exactly what shape their relationship would’ve taken if veronica hadn’t cut and run 
Love is Just a Four-letter Word Author: bigboobedcanuck Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Keith, Weevil  Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort Setting: Future AU  Spoilers: 1.12, “Clash of the Tritons”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 1753 Status: Complete Summary: Set a few years down the road from high school. Logan hits rock bottom. Keith and Veronica help him back up. Notes: Lynn’s body turns up and it is fucking DEVASTATING. A short piece that’s told from Keith’s POV (anyone who knows me knows how much of a sucker I am for Keith + Logan interaction) and holy hell Logan is so good in it and I think about it all the fucking time 
Serendipity  Author: TheLastGoodGoldfish  Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Veronica/Piz, Carrie, Gia, Stu Cobbler, Ensemble Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Detective-ing  Setting: Post Season 3  Spoilers: 3.20, “The Bitch is Back” and The Movie  Chapters: 4 (out of a planned 6, fingers crossed!!!) Word Count: 59763 Status: Complete Summary: During her sophomore year at Hearst, Veronica takes on your run-of-the-mill blackmail case: the clients hate her, the evidence is impossible to destroy, and her ex turns out to be a bit of a distraction, but Veronica is a sucker for a damsel-in-distress. Even if the damsel is an intoxicated, pissed off Carrie Bishop. Notes: I AM HIGH PITCHED SCREAMING. Transplanting the movie plot to this timeframe works tremendously and TLGG’s execution is fucking perfect. Carrie is a powerhouse in this fic and god, Logan is such a honey it in which is why it is being recc’d for him. Him practically letting Carrie move in with him and doing his damnedest to protect Carrie and Gia (much to Veronica’s chagrin) is so, so important to me and I love him so much. 
The Phenomenal Pixie - Interlude #1 - “Bugs”  Author: TheLastGoodGoldfish Pairing: Logan/Veronica, OC’s  Genre: Humor, Fluff, Logan and Veronica Are Smarter Than You  Setting: AU (Season 3)  Spoilers: uhhh n/a Chapters: 1 Word Count: 5072 Status: Complete Summary: Dating a superhero poses a unique set of challenges. Notes: Tiny sequel to The Phenomenal Pixie which you absolutely must read first (and is recommended above) because it’s a fucking delight. Logan is incredible in this fic and I would die for him, like always. The part where Steve can sense Logan is thinking about punching him in the face-- a million chefs kisses. 
The Medusa Jewel  Author: TheLastGoodGoldfish Pairing: Logan/Veronica  Genre: Established Relationship Bliss, Fluff  Setting: MKAT Spoilers: MKAT  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 5336 Status: Complete Summary: Logan and Veronica's new neighbor is a writer. Notes: is my TLGG obsession shining through? good because it fucking should be. The Logan/Veronica in this relationship is so sweet and perfect and is 100% my reality and i would like to bathe in this fic and live in it forever as is my right.
Drowning Together Author: bryrosea Pairing: Logan/Veronica Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort Setting: Season 3 Spoilers: 3.07, “Of Vice and Men” Chapters: 1 Word Count: 897 Status: Complete Summary: AU of the confrontation scene from 3x07: Of Vice and Men (Logan and Veronica both need a hug) Notes: Absolute wonderful insight and even some reconciliation into a canonical season three fight. Logan calming down while Veronica falls apart as they hug is so important to me. 
Interrupt Us  Author: bryrosea Pairing: Logan/Veronica Genre: Romance,  Hijinks, They Want To Fuck So Bad  Setting: Post TDTL Spoilers: through TDTL  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 17223 Status: Complete Summary: Logan Echolls is home from deployment. Time to cue the sweeping movie montage, right? Notes: Logan and Veronica try to have sex everywhere and it is my life force. The car scene when they get pulled over and Logan instinctively hiding under Veronica’s desk....god i love everyone in this bar
Ready to Go Author: Amberina Pairing: Logan/Duncan; Veronica  Genre: Friendship, Romance, Angst Setting: Post Season 1  Spoilers: not obvious but 1.22, “Leave it to Beaver”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 6346 Status: Complete Summary: "Let's leave. Let's go. What's left in Neptune for us anyway?" (AKA Duncan, Logan and Veronica have wacky adventures on the road! Also angst.) Notes: Logan getting hissy and storming off from the car while Duncan and Veronica just watch him and then calling a taxi once he’s out of their sight is PEAK logan. I love boyfriends, even if they’re angst-ing in this, and they big time are. 
Nashville On My Mind Author: hjcallipygian Pairing: Logan, Veronica, Duncan Genre: Friendship, Hijinks  Setting: Post Season 1 AU Spoilers: 1.22, “Leave it to Beaver” Chapters: 1 Word Count: 1659 Status: Complete Summary: Every year, they take a road trip together. This year, it's to Nashville, Tennessee. Notes: i just spent forty minutes trying to find this fic to the point where i was genuinely concerned i had hallucinated it. it’s so fucking good. a sequel/prequel of sorts to grand canyon by sadiekate (recc’d in the previously section). logan is a mess and by god do i love him 
Six Times Logan Echolls Got Wet Author: bryrosea, CarolineShea, ghostcat, kmd0107, marshmallowtasha, SilverLining2k6 Pairing: Logan/Veronica Rating: Teen Genre: Romance, Friendship, Hijinks Setting: Everywhere Spoilers: All series to MKAT  Chapters: 6 Word Count: 11568 Status: Complete Summary: aka: The Wet Henley ChroniclesSix stories in which we probably give Logan Echolls pneumonia, inspired by the movie's infamous wet henley. Set variously across the series and post-MKAT. Notes: each chapter is written by a different author, they’re all good but bryrosea’s chapter and silvery’s chapter are my favorites. set during the summer between season 1 & 2 and post season three respectively they do such a great job dealing with the fractious and tumultuous nature of Logan/Veronica’s relationship at the time and i love it so much
A Little Dysfunctionality Goes A Long Way  Author: fluffernutter8 Pairing: Logan/Veronica Rating: Teen Genre: ANGST with a side of fucking ANGST, happy ending but jesus   Setting: Post Season 3 AU  Spoilers: 1.22, “Leave it to Beaver”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 2878 Status: Complete Summary: Despite their history, Logan and Veronica might be somewhere on the brink of normal. A few years post season 3. Notes: i just read this for the first time 07/13/20 at 9:08pm because when i asked shelby for her favorite logan fics she included this one. i am fucking dead now and-- there’s nothing else to say about it. i’m just fucking dead. for YEARS i have said that nobody with the username fluffernutter8 should be able to write shit this goddamn emotional and yet, time and time again, i find myself here fuckign wrecked and furious about it 
these are just ghosts that broke my heart before i met you Author: theviolonist  Pairing: Logan, Veronica, Carrie, Dick  Rating: Teen Genre: Introspection, Angst, I Love Logan   Setting: Pre Movie & Movie  Spoilers: Movie  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 1326 Status: Complete Summary: In the army they say, don't think of the target as a person, otherwise you won't have the guts to pull the trigger. Notes: fuck, you guys. this one is so beautiful. an exploration into logan’s grief and him trying to move on and it cuts like a damn knife because he can never really do it but fuck he wants to so bad and [lucas scott voice] that’s gotta mean something, right? truly so so wonderful 
Fugue Author: vaeran Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Logan/Lilly, Dick  Rating: Teen Genre: Angst, hopeful ending  Setting: Post Season 1 Spoilers: 1.22, “Leave it to Beaver”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 4137 Status: Complete Summary: It's something he refuses to let go because it defines who he is and what he has become. Notes: deviates from the PCHer confrontation on the bridge, which means logan takes a little longer to come around to reconciliation with veronica. it’s perfect and i particularly love the logan/lilly in this, he’s hurt but still so impossibly and eternally in love with her 
One Flew Over the Echolls Nest Author: Wynn Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Duncan Rating: Teen Genre: Angst, Friendship Setting: Post Season 1 AU  Spoilers: 1.22, “Leave it to Beaver” Chapters: 1 Word Count: 1507 Status: Complete Summary: Open wide and see what's inside. A bridge and a bed and Veronica. Logan finds himself in a mental institution after the events of "Leave it to Beaver." Veronica, Duncan, and Logan's psychiatrist attempt to help. Notes: so sad and so good!!! the part where Logan’s psychiatrist asks him when the last time he was happy was fucking wrecks me everytime!! 
Free at last  Author: querulousgawks Pairing: Logan, Weevil, Aaron Rating: Teen Genre: Frenemies, They Are Boyfriends Setting: Season 2 Spoilers: 2.09, “My Mother, the Fiend”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 1242 Status: Complete Summary: Logan and Weevil and fire go a long way back. A flashback scene interrupts their Season 2 meeting in the Neptune Grand. Notes: I LOVE EVERY SINGLE THING ABOUT THIS SO GOD DAMN MUCH 
The Right Shade of Red Author: ghostcat Pairing: Trina, Logan, Aaron  Rating: Teen Genre: ANGST Setting: Pre-series Spoilers: 1.15, “Ruskie Business”  Chapters: 1 Word Count: 883 Status: Complete Summary: Trina finds her jerky little brother hiding in her closet and does the unexpected thing. (Or, A time Logan trusted Trina) Notes: If you want 883 words to be able to make you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck this is the fic for you! I love the Echolls family dynamics so much, and this one is excellent. 
137 notes · View notes
pilot-boi · 4 years
Text
The Sun’s Sorrow
When the Fates cut a string, that person’s life is meant to end right away. But there are special cases. And Pyrrha’s string is shorter than most, measured out to one length since the day of her birth. She knew this and she was more prepared than most for when her time would come, and for the time she had she would burn as bright as the sun.
Although not everyone would cope with her absence quite as well, one life’s flame is often enough to ignite another’s.
(Or: The PJO AU that literally nobody wanted or asked for)
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
AO3 LINK
Battles raged up and down the streets of Manhattan.
As he ran, Jaune passed Yang and the remaining members of the Ares cabin taking on a squadron of Lastragonians. His blonde haired friend had long since abandoned the shield her adoptive sister had begged her to use and was clocking demons in the face with her celestial bronze knuckles. One giant took a hit to the jaw, to match the cut across Yang’s cheek, but that was all Jaune could see before he sprinted past.
He ducked on instinct at the yelled command of Qrow Branwen, and a volley of Hunters arrows streaked across the street brushing close enough to ruffle Jaune’s hair. The front line of a horde of hellhounds fell, and he had barely enough time to hear Qrow call for another volley before they too were passed by.
The sounds of more battles echoed through the sleeping streets, in a mockery of the sound of the normally bustling city. Nora called a strike of lightning down on some giant blue… giant down one alley. Sun and Neptune fought back to back down another against a whole troupe of enemy demigods.
A flurry of petals shot past him and materialized into Ren and Ruby, the girl already swinging her scythe to launch Ren up into the air to fight some kind of flying pig. Another street down Weiss barked orders while simultaneously taking down a monster with every expertly placed blow as she and the rest of the Athena cabin took on a phalanx of dracanae.
Jaune had no time for any of them, because just up ahead the person he was chasing was already out of sight.
They’d received word that Cinder- Kronos was advancing on Central Park. Flanked by a million bajillion monsters of course, but what did that matter? The King of the Titans was here, and they were in no way prepared.
Well most of them weren’t.
Red hair and a sash to match sprinted away from their little war council before any of them could stop her.
A chance to stop Kronos before the battle even began? A chance to fulfill the prophecy before the burden of the world fell to Ruby. To fulfill the destiny that the Fates had brought her back for. How could she not? This was what she was made to do.
Jaune had seen it written across her face as clear as day, and his dad was the god of daylight so he knew what he was talking about. He should have known what she was going to do, he should’ve stopped her-
He’d never be able to catch up in time. Even if Pyrrha wasn’t one of the fastest people at camp, Jaune was definitely one of the clumsiest.
Why couldn’t he have inherited his dad’s speed? Nope just blonde hair, a sunny disposition, and crushing abandonment issues. No special powers for Jauney, whoop-de-fucking-doo.
He turned a corner, and arrived on a scene of destruction straight out of an action movie. Or a nightmare. Or a nightmare that he had after watching too many action movies
It was a warzone. It looked like the rest of the Camp demigods had heard the news and also converged onto the park. On the right flank, Sun was leading an assault with the rest of their siblings. On the left, Blake raised her sword into the air and together she and the other satyrs and nature spirits charged in to face Adam and his faction.
Ruby was fighting scythe against sword with a flame bright Titan out on the surface of the lake. His friend was barely half the height of the Titan, and she was only holding her own against the laughing man by shadow stepping behind him every other second.
Pyrrha was nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, neither was Kronos, because they were already getting thrashed as it was.
There was too much blood everywhere to pick out her hair or sash. Bronze gleamed on the chests of campers and enemies alike, blurring into one big shiny mess. He ran through the throng of fighting, squeezing past giants legs, helping where he could with his shield blocking a strike or two. But mostly he was screaming for Pyrrha over the sounds of the battle.
And then he found her. Crumpled at the base of a maple tree just outside of the line of battle, almost looking asleep like the rest of the mortals. Jaune was almost relieved until he slid to his knees by her side and she didn’t open her eyes immediately.
“Pyrrha! Thank the gods,” he yelled, pulling her up and holding her tight against him. She barely resisted, just chuckled softly. “I was so worried, don’t do that!” he reprimanded, pulling away and examining her closely
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” she promised, smiling weakly up at him. With eyes as bright as Greek fire, and an unmistakable blood trail dribbling from her mouth.
He examined her again, looking for anything that could be causing this. Because people didn’t just start bleeding for no reason. And then his eyes fell on the arrow sticking out of her ankle, just above her heel.
Her Achilles’ tendon.
Jaune’s blood ran cold, but he shook it off. It was fine, just a little scratch he could handle this much. “You’re hurt! Hold on-” he patted himself down for ambrosia, nectar, for anything that he could use to fix this. “Just give me a minute-”
“Hey-” Pyrrha tried to get his attention, but he ignored her.
“I can fix this, just hold on Pyrrha.”
“It’s okay-”
“No it’s not okay, you’re hurt, and I can’t do anything and-”
“Jaune.” His frantic rambling was cut short by one of Pyrrha’s hands closing around his own. “Look at me.”
He didn’t want to look at her, afraid that he’d start crying if he met her eyes. Dammit, his friends were dying behind them, and Jaune was crying over Pyrrha holding his hand. What the heck was wrong with him?
“Please?” And now he did meet her eyes, because she sounded fragile in a way that he couldn’t take right now on top of everything. And she was still holding his hands in hers, but Pyrrha’s hands were shaking. So he looked at her.
And what he found broke his heart and scared him even more than the warzone he’d just wade through to find her. Because Pyrrha was crying. Crying and smiling up at him like he was the most important thing in the world.
Which was wrong, because he wasn’t the prophecy child, Ruby was. Or Pyrrha was. Or they both were, or neither of them were. Anybody but stupid, bumbling, useless him.
“It’s okay,” she repeated, still smiling at him, and although her voice was soft, Jaune didn’t have to strain at all to hear it over the sounds of clashing bronze and fire behind him. It was like they were contained in their own little bubble, hidden away and unnoticed by the rest of the world.
“But it’s not okay.” And now his voice was shaking, and he swallowed back tears. “Pyrrha you’re-”
“Dying?” she replied, sounding vaguely amused by the whole situation, even as she coughed more blood out to land on her chestplate. “Yes I suppose I am.”
“No, no stop that,” he insisted, scooching closer to her and glaring through the tears that definitely weren’t blurring his vision. “You’re not dying, you’re just hurt, and if just hold on a little longer-”
“I… don’t think I can,” Pyrrha repulsed simply, grimacing a little bit. “I can feel it…” She trailed off, eyes defocusing for a moment, and Jaune’s blood froze at how long it took her to come back to the present. “This was how it was meant to be.”
“No,” he swallowed thickly. “You’re wrong, you’ve gotta be, Pyrrha please you’ve gotta be wrong.” Just this once, she had to be wrong. Pyrrha was never wrong, but please just this once.
“You’re more important to me than the world, you know that?” Another one of those sad smiles, and she leaned back heavily on the trunk of the tree. “More than the whole world, or the gods, or anything.”
Jaune couldn’t believe what he was hearing. For one because he’d seen enough movies to know that this was final words type talk, and Pyrrha was strictly forbidden from having any final words whatsoever. But mostly, because how could he be more important to Pyrrha than the world? He wasn’t anything special, which she knew better than anyone.
His heart felt like it was rolling around in a rock tumbler, being worn away by knives and other rocks and fire. He shook his head numbly, unable to articulate any further protestations.
“You made me believe, for just a moment, that the prophecy didn’t matter, that I could actually have a life.” She squeezed his hand, and her Greek fire eyes crinkled into a smile. “Jaune you gave me back my life.” And her voice cracked on the last word, and now they were both crying
He was dumbfounded. Whatever words he might have said died in the back of his throat. But luckily he was saved from having to think of more when Pyrrha reached one hand up and pulled him down into a kiss.
Jaune froze. His brain was going a million miles an hour, too fast for any coherent thoughts. His eyes were wide open in shock, and they stared at her for a moment before sliding closed.
It was a clumsy kiss, too fast and awkward to be anything else. Pyrrha tasted like blood, and tears, and they were both still crying, but they fit together like two pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. Made for each other.
He felt like he was burning up, and for a moment he wondered if this was how Pyrrha lived her life all the time. A flame burning brighter than any other, destined to live life more than anyone else. But to be snuffed out far too soon.
And then realized that it was because Pyrrha was burning alive with fever. Something flickered to life within him, and he could feel it. The arrow was poisoned. And the fire in Pyrrha’s veins had reached her heart.
Jaune’s eyes opened slowly, too dazed from what had just happened, and he gazed at her in wonder for a moment. Her eyes were still closed, and her grip was lax against his neck, but she leaned her forehead against his.
“I’m sorry.”
And then Pyrrha’s hands fell away. And the flame flickered out.
Instinctively Jaune reached out and grasped at that flame. Something tugged in his stomach and he fed every scrap of energy he could find into keeping the flame alight. Into reliting, into anything.
Tears were streaming down his face, and his hands were glowing but he couldn’t see them, and maybe he was yelling something but he couldn’t hear anything over the pounding in his ears. The flame stayed out, and the darkness inside of Pyrrha filled her like a void.
She wasn’t warm anymore.
He leant down and pressed his ear to her chest, desperate for any kind of sign, and crumpled against her when she didn’t move and he found none. Even through the ringing, Jaune could tell that he was screaming now. Pyrrha’s head fell limply against his shoulder, her bangs covering her eyes. Eyes like Greek fire that would never shine again.
With the battle still raging behind him, Jaune laid Pyrrha gently against the tree. Now she looked like she could be sleeping, even though her chest didn’t move with breathing.
He was more angry than he’d ever been. Angry at the Titans for killing her. Angry at the gods for being terrible parents and dragging them into this stupid war. Angry at the Fates for convincing Pyrrha that she was only good as a weapon to point at the enemy. Angry at himself for letting her down in the worst way possible.
Jaune didn’t remember much after that. Just his veins burning like the sun, rage flooding his body like a fire, and a sorrow and mind-consuming determination that this wouldn’t happen to anyone else.
He waded into the battle, tears streaming down a face that was glowing bright enough to rival the Titan still battling Ruby on the lake. Jaune fought like a maniac, paying no heed to any injury he might take from strikes that he wasn’t meeting.
Every ally he brushed past was suddenly bursting with energy like they could fight an army. Fully replenished in a way none of them could be after fighting nonstop for days, weeks, and months straight.
Dammit, nobody else was going to die.
And then the world went dark.
Who knew how long later, Jaune woke up beside the lake and found Ren and Nora kneeling over him. Nora was rambling worriedly and excitedly before his eyes were even open. Ren helped him up and nodded in response to Jaune's thanks as he passed him a bottle of nectar.
Ruby appeared out of the side of a tree, shadow-stepping from somewhere else in the park. “Jaune! Thank the gods you’re awake,” she exclaimed, a grin splitting her exhausted face. “You’re not hurt are you?”
Jaune hesitated, and was shocked to find that he wasn’t. He’d waded into battle without bothering to use his shield, and somehow miraculously he was uninjured? Well uninjured past a weakness in his arms and a shaking in his legs. But that was it, so what in Hades was going on.
“It was Apollo,” Ren spoke up, after a moment’s silence. When everyone looked confused, he explained. “I saw you come out of the woods, glowing like the sun.” He nodded at Jaune’s hair. “You’re still glowing, in fact.”
“I am?” Jaune glanced up, as if suddenly he’d for some reason be able to see the top of his own head. His eyes narrowed. “But what’s that got to do with my dad?”
“Your dad blessed you,” Nora clarified, rolling her eyes fondly at Ren. “Glowing hair, healing stuff, no injuries? What else could it be?”
“Healing?”
“Everyone you came in contact with during the battle was healed,” Ruby confirmed, nodding. “At least until some enemy demigod saw what was going on and clonked you on the back of the head.”
Nora shuddered slightly, and at Jaune’s questioning look said. “You dropped like a sack of potatoes. We all thought you’d died.” Ren nodded in agreement.
“Anyway,” Ruby continued, “I just got the report from Weiss, and we’ve got no serious injuries.” She opened her mouth, and then closed it again, a look of confusion darkening her silvery eyes. “But why now?”
Nora hesitated, shooting a glance towards the treeline, and some kind of understanding flickered across her face. “What happened in the woods, Jaune?”
His heart dropped out of his chest.
The world was moving in slow motion suddenly, and for a moment he was worried that Kronos was nearby. Jaune had heard about what effect the Lord of Time had on the environment, and if this wasn’t the same he’d eat his sword. Up was down and left was right and he felt like he was inside an airplane with how sick he felt.
“Jaune?!” Nora exclaimed. Jaune blinked his eyes open -when had they been closed?- and saw them all staring down at him in alarm. Darkness was blinking into his vision, but he found himself leaning against Ren, who suddenly had to hold him up as he’d pitched sideways towards the ground as all the strength left his body. “What’s wrong, what happened?!”
Jaune didn’t want to say what happened. Didn’t want to think about hair as red as the fire he could still feel pulsing through his veins like the rays of sun on a summer day. He didn’t want to think about Greek fire eyes that burned into his soul, and would never see anything ever again.
Averting his eyes, he swallowed thickly at the tears that blocked the words caught in his throat. Staring across the lake, he looked away and stared instead at the ground, finding that he couldn’t look at the trees whose fall leaves were the exact shade of Pyrrha’s hair.
He’d felt her die, he realized now. That flame had flickered out, and at the same time, in that moment of trying to fight against the Fates themselves, Jaune had unlocked something within him.
Jaune had reached out and grabbed at Pyrrha’s very life in an attempt to keep it here on the mortal plane, and his father had blessed him for that. Finally using the latent godly power that had been passed on to him by his father, Jaune had used Apollo’s own healing to stave off death with his bare hands. And he’d damn near succeeded.
He could still feel the heartbeats of everyone in the glade.
But one critical one was missing, and would remain missing.
“We need a shroud,” he said finally, tears barely letting the words out. His voice sounded hollow, like all the life had been stripped away leaving behind an empty shell. “A shroud for the rebirth of Achilles.”
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takadasaiko · 4 years
Text
Best Laid Plans (a Veronica Mars one shot)
FFN II AO3
Part of my Spanning Years. Continents. series.
Summary: Logan tries to surprise Veronica with a romantic vacation and things don't go exactly as planned.
Best Laid Plans
Surprising Veronica Mars with more than a small gift or a dinner out took a tremendous amount of patience and planning. Every step needed to be carefully mapped out - but definitely not written down in any way, shape or form that she could come across - and executed. It had to be flexible, but too much improvisation was a recipe for disaster. It typically took others that were both willing to help and that wouldn't underestimate her pension for uncovering something she hadn't been specifically looking for. It was an art form, really, and Logan thought he'd done a damn good job all things considered.
The first step had been to find and actually submit a request for leave. He couldn't remember requesting two full, consecutive weeks since he'd enlisted, but he had managed to snag the days and get them set, leading him into the next steps: the actual planning portion of the surprise. This was where things got a little more complicated. He worked to keep any physical files he needed at Dick's suite at the Grand and had forwarded any related calls to Riley's cell rather than his own. Still, that had been easy compared to the balancing act he'd had to go through to both make sure that Veronica freed her schedule during his leave time and didn't tip her off that he had a trip planned. That had taken some next-level finessing that he thought he'd pulled off right up until the night before they were supposed to leave.
Logan had left late that evening, tying up any loose ends on base before his two week vacation. Veronica should have beat him home by at least an hour or more on any normal day, but he found all the lights off at the apartment and a veryeager Pony at the door who was ready for his walk. Logan had checked his cell - no messages - and had called her phone as he walked their dog down down to a green patch. It rang through until it connected to voicemail. Okay. No need to jump to conclusions. She'd told him earlier that week she was going to make sure she took some time while he was on leave. Maybe she was just wrapping up a case.
Dinner came and went, and by the time that the front door opened Logan had already cleaned up the dishes, put their bags together for the trip, and was stretched out on the couch with a video game controller in hand. He hit pause and peeked up over the back of the couch. "Hey, you're in late."
Veronica jumped a little at his voice and shook her head. "Hey, sorry. This huge case dropped in our lap today. Kind of took over."
"But you wrapped it up?" he asked, even though something in him already knew the answer.
"No, actually brought it home. It's fine. You can keep playing. I'm just gonna set up shop at the desk."
Logan set the controller down and eased himself off the couch. "I thought you were going to take some time."
She shot him a confused look and he saw when she turned into what he'd meant. "Your leave starts tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry. It's time sensitive."
"Most of them are. Can't your dad take this one?"
"I mean, maybe, but I don't think we should risk it."
Logan quirked an eyebrow. "If you thought you told what the case is, you didn't."
She hesitated. In general, they didn't discuss the details of her cases, but as Logan waited as patiently as he could manage, he saw her make a judgement call on it. "Kidnapping," she said at last. "This dad's been trying to get custody of his son from his abusive ex-wife but the lady took off with the kid. The sheriff's office is being less than helpful and the dad hired us. There's a chance I may actually have to fly out at the break of dawn tomorrow."
Okay, yeah. That took precedence over his plans. No wonder she looked stressed. "That… yeah, okay. Don't worry about it. Just get the kid home safe."
She tried for a smile. "It'll be fine. You've got two weeks, right? I'll make it up to you as soon as we…." She dropped her bag on the desk in the corner and stopped at the sight of the suitcase and duffel bag that he'd stacked there. Slowly, Veronica turned back to him. "Were we going somewhere?"
"I thought we could take a few days," he offered vaguely.
"And you were going to surprise me? You did surprise me. I'm impressed. Where'd you make plans?"
"Napa Valley," Logan lied, hoping it was convincing enough.
She managed a tired smile, crossing the living room to wrap her arms around his neck and tipping up on her toes to press a kiss against his lips. "I bet they'll let you push the date back a few days. Let me get this kid home and safe and we'll go celebrate, okay?"
"Absolutely," he answered and kissed the tip of her nose. "Go get 'em, bobcat."
She lingered for half a second more, her gaze latched onto his, before finally releasing him to return to her files she'd brought home with her. He reached over to save his game and turn the TV off, giving her the space she needed to work.
------
Logan was in bed and asleep long before Veronica, and he didn't dare risk a look at the clock when he felt her climb in with him. He rolled over, wrapped an arm around her, and felt her fold into him, her hair tickling his nose as he settled back in to sleep.
For once, it was her alarm that woke him the next morning, and Veronica was out the door and on her way to Arizona by ten till six. He had stayed in bed - a rarity once he was awake these days, but he told himself he was staying out of her way so she could move without tripping over him - until she bent over and gave him a quick peck on the lips, promising she'd call.
Around six thirty he finally admitted that sleeping in was no longer something his brain allowed him to do even on vacation and he rolled out of bed. His bare feet hit the floor and it was time to decaffeinate and try to be productive. An hour after that he had canceled their trip and was out the door for a run, dragging a very reluctant Pony with him. Two miles with the dog and three on his own later he rounded back around to the apartment and decided to remind himself that he could and should take some time to relax, even if things hadn't gone as planned. Good thing the waves were always perfect on Neptune beaches.
"Weren't you supposed to be on a plane to Paris or something like that today?" Dick asked as they paddled out and away from the beach.
"Yeah, that didn't work out."
"Ronnie bailed on ya?"
Logan cringed at the complicated question. "She had a case she couldn't get out of."
"Not cool, man. Work over a vacay in France? I told you you shoulda booked at least a month. No one vacations in Europe for two weeks."
"A lot of people go for a week or two," Logan chuckled as he flattened himself out on the board, ready for the incoming waves. "But I didn't tell her where we were going. The whole trip was supposed to be a surprise."
The wave started building and he popped up on the board, finding his balance as he rode it up and over. It felt good, relaxing, even as he finally tilted and ducked down under it.
"That was your first mistake," Dick called as they surfaced. "No one surprises Veronica Mars."
"Hey now, I've managed once or twice."
"But did you really?"
Logan snorted, pushing saltwater out with the breath through his nose, and glanced over at Dick who was straddling his board next to him. He shoved him hard, sending his best friend tipping over and into the warm water. He smirked as a mop of blond hair surfaced, but didn't have time to let himself get too smug - or escape - as Dick returned the favour and both men found themselves treading water next to their boards.
"I mean, it's not like France is going anywhere, man. Just take more time off."
Sometimes Logan forgot that Dick had very little real world experience, especially hen it came to the way the Navy functioned. He could explain things in detail and it was the old cliche of in one ear and out the other. Dick would nod, give the occasional uh-huh at times that Logan would swear meant he was actually listening and comprehending what was being explained, but it was like all of the data got deleted at the end of the day. If it was the drugs he'd indulged in over the years or just the way Dick's brain worked, he still wasn't sure, but at least his heart tended to be in the right place, and if nothing else he was trying to help. That had to count for something.
"Eventually," he chuckled.
"Piece of advice, buddy," Dick said as he flopped over the board again, working his way back onto it. "Next time, just tell her. The big ol' romantic gesture only works if she shows up."
Logan wrapped his fingers around the opposite side of his board, using it to stay afloat as he looked at his friend. "Maybe you're right."
"Definitely, man. C'mon. That one looks good."
Logan glanced back to see the wave rolling in. Well, he could think of a lot worse ways to spend a vacation, even if the plans had fallen through.
-------
Nearly four days after taking the case, it was finally finished and closed. They had found the missing little boy and gotten him home to his father. It had been a mess of interviews with both Neptune's illustrious sheriff's department as well as the local police force in Arizona and the FBI after they had found out that the mother had crossed state lines in the kidnapping case. Count Lamb's disinterest as yet another knock against his reelection. Really, he just continued digging his own grave. It was going to be a glorious day when they booted him out of office.
Veronica dragged herself up the stairs to her apartment and dug in her bag for her keys. The lights were on and she could hear the muffled sound of music from inside. Logan must be cooking and as her stomach gave an audible growl she knew she couldn't find her keys fast enough and rapped her knuckles against the door.
There was a long moment, then another, before she saw her boyfriend peek out the large window next to the desk and shake his head. "Sorry, we don't want any," he shouted loud enough for her to hear and she flipped him off with a smile.
He undid the locks on the other side of the door and finally pried it open, but just a little. "Fine. Just one box of thin mints. That's it."
"Asshole," she laughed and pushed her way in, wrapping her arms around his neck and suddenly she was kissing him. Interesting. She hadn't realized quite how much she had missed him until that moment.
Veronica felt Logan's strong arms around her and without warning he was lifting her up and off the floor, bag still draped over her shoulder and all. He spun her a little, pulling her fully into their apartment and she wrapped her legs around his middle for support and found herself looking down at him. "Miss me?"
"So much." He pulled her down into a kiss and she grinned into it. She thought he might forget whatever he was doing and just take her straight back to the bedroom, but instead he set her down, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead. "You find him?"
"We did. Everything's good."
She felt a twinge of pain at the relief that flashed across his face. She knew what abuse cases did to him, even if he really had nothing to do with it other than being near to her. "Good," he breathed. "You hungry?"
"So hungry. You have no idea."
He brushed a stray strand of hair back and let his gaze linger on her a moment before returning to the kitchen. She followed him, finally giving herself half a second to both see and smell what the meal-in-progress was. "Oh. Look at you. I thought I was the only one that could convince you on a steak night. Is there some leggy brunette hiding back there I should be aware of?" she asked, her tone light and playful as she circled around behind him, her fingers against the small of his back.
"More of a pairing thing. I picked up that Bordeaux we liked."
Veronica hummed a soft agreement, letting her hand drift down his arm and she laced her fingers into his as he shifted to use his now free - left - hand to awkwardly flip the steak. "Enough there for both of us, flyboy?"
"I think we can manage. You wanna grab some of the frozen green beans?"
"No veggies? You really were being bad while I was away," she teased, finally - reluctantly - releasing him as she turned to grab the frozen veggies he'd requested.
"I'm on vacation," he answered and flipped the steak in the pan with some effort.
"You know dad would totally have been cool if you went over to his place to use the grill, right?"
"Bold of you to assume I can grill."
She smirked as she bent down to grab a pan to boil the green beans in. "I just remain impressed you can cook." She filled the pot with water and she saw him reach for a fresh wine glass and pour her some of the Bordeaux he'd gotten into that night. "So, you talked to whatever vineyard you booked us that surprised trip to?"
"You remember that, huh?"
"The amazing wine is reminding me."
She grinned at the way his eyebrows danced at that one and took a long sip, waiting. "We'll figure something out. I still have some time on the books."
There was something in his tone that, even as exhausted as she was, caught her attention and she peered over the lip of her glass at him. "What's up?"
"What'dya mean?"
"I mean something's up."
"Nothing's up."
"Logan, as much as I love fun games, but I know when something's up," she said pointedly, turning so that she could lean back against the cabinets. Did he really think he was hiding it that well? She didn't know what was going on, but she was about to find out.
He loosed a long breath. "It's really nothing."
"But really something you're gonna spill," she popped back, her tone lighter than the meaning was. He was starting to push her buttons and she was letting him to know.
She saw his gaze flicker towards her and he flipped the steak again. There was a moment in there when the resolve finally cracked. "I didn't plan a trip to Napa."
"Then what were the bags for?"
"France?"
The answer came out more like a question and Veronica felt a tightness in her stomach. "France?"
"It was supposed to be a surprise," he murmured, looking more like a kicked puppy than she would have liked.
"You booked us a flight to France?"
"You'd never been," he answered, as if that was an explanation. She shot him a look and he kept going, motioning at the bottle of wine with those long, expressive fingers of his. "Flight was into Paris, I figured we'd rent a car once we got there and after you saw what you wanted to in the city we could drive down to the wine country. I had two weeks."
"And now you don't," she breathed.
He gave a dry chuckle in response and moved the steak from the pan to the plate. "Next time, and I won't try to surprise you."
Veronica wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing a kiss between his shoulder blades. "It was sweet."
"It didn't work."
"Still sweet." She tightened her hold until he dropped a hand down to cover hers. "You think you might be able to pull some of that Echolls magic in Napa? Or… somewhere?"
"Maybe. It's not France."
"But it's with you."
She felt him tense at that and for one brief, terrifying moment she thought she'd said something wrong. He turned in her arms, though, and she saw that look that said she'd said something right instead. He reached a hand up to her face, cupping her cheek and holding her gaze, his smile slow but real. "You sure you're good with work?"
"Definitely."
"Then I'll call them first thing in the morning." He ducked down, catching her in a kiss.
Veronica tightened her grip on his shirt at the small of his back. "Hey," she murmured against his lips.
"Hmm?"
"Still starved."
He chuckled at that, finally breaking the kiss and he reached for a spoon to start stirring the beans in the pot as she split the sizable steak in half for them. He dished out the veggies and they started in on it, Veronica's gaze fixed on him as he started going over some spots he liked in northern Cali that would make for a good vacation. She listened, nodding along and commenting when she liked one, but her focus was on the thought behind his original plans. Despite the cost of the trip - something she was desperately trying not to think about - it had been absurdly sweet that he was trying to take her to a place she'd never been for a getaway. They needed it, not because things were bad, but because they were good. She wanted to spend time with him and him with her. Northern California wasn't Paris or the wine country of France, but they could still get away, just the two of them, and that was the point. The best laid plans didn't always pan out, but they didn't have to to be perfect anyway.
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razorblade180 · 5 years
Text
Rosebud prep 11
They say time heals all wounds. Ruby wasn’t sure how much truth was in that saying but right now she could be swayed to believe that achievement should go to love. It’s only been several hours and yet being Jaune’s arms as they sat in her old house enjoying the company of her family has done so much for her than anything else she’s done all year. That being said, listening to other’s talk and smile was more to her liking than actually talking. Everyone understood though. The fact that Ruby wasn’t passed out from emotional exhaustion was pretty impressive to say the least.
Periodically the reapers arms would tighten around Jaune’s waist like if she was worried he’d fade away. Her head laid comfortably on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. It was calm and soothing. ‘I had forgotten how nice this was. His arms.....his scent....’ A tiny of red came across her face as she eased into him a little more. The display of affection didn’t go unnoticed.
Yang:Uh oh, someone is falling in love all over again. I haven’t seen that look in Ruby’s eyes since you both started getting serious.
Jaune:*blushing* Yang! You’re dad is the room!
Tai:I’ve walked in on both of my girls in awkward situations unfortunately. Words don’t shock me anymore.
Yang:You should’ve learned to knock.
Tai:It’s my house! Excuse me for not expecting my respectful daughters to sneak people into it while I’m not looking.
Yang:If it makes you feel better you got me back a few months ago.
Ruby:What happened a few months ago?
Yang:I went to visit dad and casually walked through the front door to see him and mom were....catching up.
Tai:Once again, it’s my house. You should’ve been the walk knocking or text first.
Ruby:The two of you are back together.
Tai:*Rubs head* Well....we’re talking again.
Yang:*mumbling* I didn’t see much talking.
Tai:Yang!
Weiss:Still doing better than me. Neptune might have gotten is act together but work tends to take most of my time.
Blake:If I can take time away for my organization to get married and have a honeymoon, then you can have one day off.
Ruby:She’s right. Spend time with him when you can. You could’ve invited him here with you.
Weiss:Ha! Ruby, time hasn’t given him the ability to read the room yet. He’s a sweetheart but wasn’t risking him saying something that’s still a touchy subject like-
Ruby:*raising eyebrow* I was wondering if you were gonna catch yourself or slip up.
Weiss:I’ve spent too much time around him.
Yang:Ooooo, anything worth noting?
Nora:You’re the only person here not married Weiss. How’d that happen!?
Ren:Time is ticking.
Weiss:Ticking!? I’m only twenty five!!!! I don’t feel the need to nose dive into love like everyone else.
Blake:Hey when you know, you know. Haven’t even been married a month yet and I know it’s the best decision I’ve made with Yang.
Yang:Awwwww
Everyone:Eeeeeeeewwwwwww
Yang:WOW!!! I can understand Weiss be really, my married friends and father?
Jaune:Being married has nothing to do with it. You two have been doing the mushy thing for years and we’ve always cringed.
Ruby:*giggling*
Yang:Y’all are haters.
RNJR:We’re married.
Tai:And you I’m definitely not hating.
Yang folds her arms and turns her head away from the teasing to pout. It was her plan to stay like that for a good minute until her attention was drawn to the window. What used to be the orange glow of a sunset turned into a sky with stars.
Yang:Holy crap it’s night already!?
Blake:What!? we still need to unpack and there’s people expecting me tomorrow!
Nora:Pfft, how did you let time get away from you like that. Very irresponsible of you two.
Ren:Nora, we have to be back at the orphanage by daybreak tomorrow....
Nora:...........Weiss can you give all of us a ride please?
Weiss:Don’t know. I’m twenty five and apparently getting up there in years.
Nora:Weiss I am older than you! Take a joke please!? Children’s lives are on the line!
No one had payed attention to those words too hard. Except for Jaune of course. He looked down to see Ruby staring up at him . They both caught a little sting from Nora’s words but knew it unintentional. It was not worth bringing it to everyone’s attention that they stepped on the land mine that they desperately tried to avoid.
Weiss:I suppose since I have to go soon anyways that I can give you freeloaders a ride. The more I think about it, maybe I am getting old. My back is really starting to hurt helping you guys.
Yang:Oh here we go.
Weiss:I’m just saying. *opens door* You all never fall when I’m by your side. I could make a list from our time at Beacon and it would still be impressive. Top of that list, saved you from a train crash. You’re lucky I’m talking about Beacon days because I could put that on list twice.
Jaune:I saved your life before.
Weiss:I know, I’m grateful everyday. Would you and Ruby also like a ride home? I’d be more than happy too.*smiles*
Yang:Someone is playing favorites.
Blake:Jaune and Ruby are all of our favorites.
Yang:.....Yeah, yeah you’re right. Weiss is still petty though.
Weiss:All who asked for a ride had ten seconds to get in the airships before I change my mind.
Nora grabs Ren’s hand while Yang too Blake’s. They weren’t about to test that bluff and were in the ship with eight seconds to spare.
Ruby and Jaune still sat on the couch however. Going home finally sounded nice in concept, but there was a slight problem. From the way Ruby felt Jaune grip her hand firmly with worry, it was obvious they were thinking about the same thing. She reached for his face and gave him a gentle smile.
Ruby:We can stay here a little longer if you need to. Yang told me the reason you left. All the reasons.
Weiss:All...the reasons?
Jaune:Yeah. Dustin’s room.
Weiss:*bites lip* Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t-
Jaune:It’s okay. Sigh... I’ve been here for some time now. I like to believe I’ve made a bit of progress here but I’ve been informed that recently I’ve been spinning my wheels.
Ruby:What!? Dad!
Tai:N..now hear me out. I told him a change of scenery was nice but he still wasn’t really doing anything. You both are more than welcome to stay longer. Just don’t get stuck wallowing. Try and do things.
Jaune:Yeah I could’ve paraphrased better.
Ruby:So what do you wanna do. You’re the one who needed space. I won’t go back if you aren’t ready to.
.......
Jaune:*interlocks fingers* Through a lot of points in my life I found myself coming to a stand stil when life threw its worst at me; Then like clockwork, you walk by me and I can’t help but feel inspired and chase after you. I always was surprised that I managed to keep up. Then I realized, you were never gonna leave me in dust; any of us. You walked just enough ahead to show us it was possible to keep going but looked back in case you had to slow down.
Ruby:*smiles* Nah, I never looked back. More often than not everyone was beside me. You all were only one step away when you weren’t. I knew you guys could keep up.
Jaune:Then why start changing things now. I’ll take the steps towards home with you.
How could he be so talented at moving her. This is the second time today she’s tried to support him and then he pulls a roll reversal and inspires her. Maybe that was the key to their victories? It was obvious when she thought about it. They always called each other a team unlike any other but Ruby was surprised how deep that actually ran. It was hard not to feel a little invisible around him.
Ruby leaned in to kiss his cheek before standing up and guiding him towards the door. Weiss was proud of the two and even gave a slight bow as they exited the house. She waved to Tai and almost closed the before he walked outside as well and gave Ruby a surprise hug that made her laugh. He carefully looked at Jaune and shifted his eyes towards the ship. It took a minute before Jaune got the message that Tai wanted a quick chat. A wink and a nod then the blonde boy continued to walk with Weiss.
Tai:I’m so proud of you.
Ruby:Me too. About you and Raven I mean. That’s nuts.
Tai:Should I be offended by that?
Ruby:You know what I mean. It’s just unexpected but I’ve been gone awhile. Things are bound to happen.
Tai:It was us working to help you that made it all possible.
Ruby:Then I guess....it wasn’t a total loss. I’m glad.
Tai:Believe me, I got a feeling from all this you’ll gain something beyond belief. The world works in mysterious ways. If you look closely then you can see them.
Ruby:Why do I have a feeling this isn’t only a comfort talk?
Tai:I didn’t want to say anything since Yang did not bring it up but she’s also been having trouble and really wants the chance to talk to you about it. Her and Blake have been talking for a long time, way before the incident about-
Ruby:Kids. They’ve thought about kids. And between what happened with Dustin and with how I am now....
Tai:She’s scared. Not only about a potential attack but hurting you too. We both know that’s the last thing Yang ever wants to do.
Ruby:.....Heavy stuff. Didn’t realize how much this affected her.
Tai:Don’t bring it up if you’re not ready to have that conversation but I thought you should know.
Ruby:Thanks dad.
Tai:Safe journey home. *kisses forehead*
xxxx
The flight home had been a bit longer than expected. Geographically they were closer to Vacou and should’ve been the first stop home but that’s where changes were made. Nora had been real anxious of the orphans despite them being watched over, so a trip to Anima was the first drop off. Nora and Ren had felt a little bad but was assured by everyone they understand.
Next stop was Menagerie. It had been well into nighttime by the time the island was in view. The island was mostly lit up with lanterns though which proved very helpful. Technically there was no formal landing spot and finding a clear space was more annoying at night than it has a right to be. So that only left one real option....
Weiss:Okay you two, think you can jump from here? *opens door*
Yang:Yep!
Blake:You know I never thought Ozpin’s training on landing strategies would come up so frequently. Go figure... *jumps*
Yang:Well it’s been f-
Ruby:Hold on one second. *standing up*
Yang:Hmm?
Ruby:Yang I just want you to know that I love you. You’re the best sister I could’ve asked for. Actually, if I’m being honest with myself, you’ve also been like I mom to me more times than I can count. Don’t....don’t let me stand in th way of you becoming a real one.
Yang:*eyes widened* Dad told you, didn’t he?
Ruby:*nods* I know you’ll always consider my feelings in whatever you do in life. We’re both grownups now though and married. Take those leaps in life when Blake when you two are ready. It’ll be a little rough but I’ll back you up. I’m your sister and your leader; that’s sort my job. *smiles*
Yang was at a loss for words. The wind roaring from outside wasn’t doing her any favors either in terms of thinking. So she did what she always does when words fail her. Yang got physical. Her arms opened up and Ruby already knew what that meant. Ruby walked right into hug and enjoyed the warmth of her sister’s embrace before breaking apart and giving her nod. The older sister kissed her forehead and gave a nod back before hopping out the airship.
That conversation had taken more energy out of her than expected. It was short and to the point yet somehow managed to stir something in her. Maybe Tai was right when he said it was okay to wait to have that talk. Yang had been waiting a long time though and Ruby couldn’t bare the thought of hindering her sister’s life any more than she already had. Maybe what she needed was rest. Ruby found herself cuddling up under Jaune once again. His hand lulling her to a blissful sleep as it rubbed her head.
Ruby:Jaune....I....I......
Jaune:Ssssshhhh rest for now. I’ll wake you when we get there.
Ruby:*blushing* Okay.....
xxxx
Jaune:Ruby? *shakes her*
Ruby:Zzzzz
Jaune:*chuckles* Worn out to the bone.
Weiss:I can park a little closer to your house if you have to carry her.
Jaune:Nah it’s alright. I don’t mind a tiny walk.
Weiss:If you say so. You two take care now. You deserve it. Call me for anything.
Jaune:Awwww
Weiss:Yeah yeah, I’m a softie who cares. Honestly why is that still surprising?
Jaune:It’s just really satisfying.
He scooped Ruby up into his arm and walked towards the door. Weiss opened it for him and gave him a warm smile. “Have a nice night.” Jaune smiled and gave the heiress an unexpected peck on the cheek that made her do a double take while he walked off. “Fly home safe.”
She didn’t respond. Instead she let out a small chuckle and closed the door. Weiss was never one to turn down a little affection from her friends. Especially Ruby, Ren, Blake, or Jaune. Something about it was always nice and innocent.
Alone, Jaune walked to his home. Well, technically he wasn’t alone; just the only one conscious. He did not mind though. It was actually pretty nostalgic. Carrying Ruby had become one of the little requirements of knowing the girl for as long as he did; even before they started dating there were many times the girl had found her way into his arms. It’s been some time since last he had to do it however. She seemed lighter than usual. All those missions most likely had something to do with it. If he hadn’t stopped training then no doubt she’d feel like a feather to him. ‘I should get back to my routine soon. I’m lucky Nora didn’t say anything about my health or else she might’ve put me on her work out routine.” He shuttered at that thought.
The trek home had finally ended at his door step. Only a few weeks has passed but the house had already seemed a bit foreign. No lights were left on, no mail at the door, no anything. Just a simple house looking over a town from their rocky and sandy landscape. It was supposed to be their little world with room to do anything. Train, picnics, or whatever. He had hope his future child could feel free to stretch wings. Now this place seemed lonely and a reminder of what could’ve been. He continued to stare blankly at the front door before the click of the door knob snapped him out of the daze. Ruby had woken up and was unlocking the door from his arms.
Jaune:Y..You’re awake.
Ruby:Yep. About five minutes now. I’m surprised me wrestling with the keys didn’t startle you.
Jaune:Five minutes? *frowns* I’ve stood here that long?
Ruby:*pushing open door* Yeah. I’m actually happy you did. It gave me time to think.
Jaune:About?
Ruby did not answer. Instead she hopped out of his arms and grabbed his arms to slowly lead him in. Jaune flicked on the porch light and the living room to get a nice look at everything. A bit dusty to be expected. The kitchen and dining room looked undisturbed except for a chair slightly out of place. Jaune had been told Ozpin had been waiting for Ruby a couple days and. He expected that’s where the man sat. How he got into the house is an entirely different question he’d have to make sure to ask later.
All in all the first floor was fine. No doubt the second floor was as well, but it was that floor that made his blood freeze up. There’s a room up there that should have a his son in a crib but remains empty. Empty because he was too slow to find him. Cinder had taken two very important things from his life now. No amount of healing will change that fact.
Jaune:Ruby I-
Ruby:I’ve kept a secret from you.
Jaune:...What?
Ruby:I’ve kept a secret from you. For a little over a year now. I told you how I was scared how my life might change the day I told you I was pregnant. I never told you that the entire month before I told you I was debating. Debating on getting rid of it.
Jaune:......
Ruby:I still would’ve told you before I went through with it but that day never happened because my dad made me realize what I could possibly be throwing away. All that joy and experiences. It out weighed my previous fears and the thought of never knowing what I was giving up. *tightens grip*
Jaune:Why are you telling me this now.
Ruby:Because for a year I’ve had a nagging question in my head. Would losing my child by my own decision hurt less than someone else taking them away? Did I have the right answer the first time around? I’ve achieved my first dream of being a legendary huntress. That was always what I wanted then parenthood seemed to be tagged on in the last minute. I should feel a certain level of happiness from completing the one I wanted to do for so long but I don’t. Instead it feels like I’m only halfway to getting what I want. Reconnecting with you, standing in this house, I think I finally have my answer.
Ruby turns around to face him. Tears well up a little as she extends her left fist until it rests on his heart. Her eyes remain dim but filled with a since of purpose that Jaune watches slowly build until it forms into words.
Ruby:I may have only held Dustin once in my arms but there is no doubt in my mind that the feeling it gave me will always be a moment I don’t regret gaining; no matter the sorrow that followed after. So as long as you are with me and feel the same way I do, then one day when we are ready, we’ll get another chance to have that feeling. You and I will try again and put a baby in that crib I watched you struggle to build. *crying*
Jaune:*crying*.....hehe
Jaune:I did not struggle just so you know.
Ruby:Yeah sure you dummy. *sniffling*
Jaune:Have I told you I much I missed you.
Ruby:Show me instead.
Jaune:All I needed to hear.
To hell with the pain, the fear, and sorrow. All of it numbing as long as they stood by each other. Jaune pulled Ruby into a kiss she might as well jumped into; their tears being wiped by the other. There was no fever behind the kiss but an intense passion. A promise to keep going. Ruby pulled him down to her level and walked towards the couch where she stumbled backwards and Jaune fell on top of her. All while never breaking the kiss. Yeah they had a bed but it was also upstairs and right now that was still the last place they wanted to go. Finally they separated for air and they got a good look at each other. Puffy eyes and flushed faces. Not to mention a deep desire to not stop.
Jaune:Are you sure?
Ruby:Yang was right earlier about that look in my eye earlier. Except I wasn’t falling in love all over again; I never stopped loving you in the first place. Somewhere along the line, I guess I just forgot how good it felt to be with you. In your arms, kissing you, under you....I miss all those feelings. Please give them all back to me. I won’t squander them again.
Jaune:You never lost them in the first place.
He gave her a chaste kiss before working his way down to her neck. The subtle scent that came off her body. The tiny gasps of air that escaped between her lips when he bit down and the whimpers from his hands outlining her frame through Ruby’s clothing. Jaune had missed many things as well from being separated from his wife. Ruby wasn’t completely docile during this rekindling of affection. She had already placed her legs on each side of him and managed to fumble around with his belt long enough to finally unbuckle it.
Before she could get any farther, Jaune had guided her hands back up to the bottom of his shirt and then over his head. Workout or not, Ruby missed seeing the sight of her man shirtless. Even though it brought a pout to her face that he had stopped her from what she really wanted to see. “I was kinda in the middle of something you know?” He chuckled at his beautiful and flustered rose. “Someone is a bit eager.”
“Believe me when I say I’m more than ready for you know.” Ruby didn’t think her own words could make her any more flushed than she already was but she could feel her face get redder as her breath became more ragged. Jaune brought his left hand to her face and watched her lovingly lean into it. Everything she did managed to make his heart jump but Jaune was on a personal mission and no amount of beauty was going to prevent him from achieving it. He bent down towards her ear until she could feel his breath brush against it.“I’ve barely seen you all year. I’d like to change that and take my time with it. What’s a few more minutes of waiting?”
There was a base in his voice that made the girl gulp.That voice let him get away with a lot of things on a regular day; he might just get everything he asked for tonight. Ruby could tell that Jaune was teetering on the edge of restraint and it excited her. It was nice to know he was still interested in her on a physical and emotional level after everything. That made this all the more intense. The bottom of her dress was already bunched up way past her waist while he slid the top down along with her bra.”Well...?” Ruby said a bit anxiously as he burned the image of her into his mind. She knew he loved her but it was impossible to not got flustered when he looked at her so expose. “You’re beautiful.” Those words made it worth it. “Then stop teasing me already. The night is gonna be long enough already.” She had a point. He had is fill of foreplay and took one last look into Ruby’s eyes before he continued. “Let me know if you need a break.”
“Hehe, same to you my knight.” Indeed, it was gonna be a long night.
Part 10
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shinobirain24 · 3 years
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Water and Ice- Chapter 2: A Stormy Mission
7 years later, Jupiter was a huntsman and a member of Team ZRVT (pronounced: Serpent) and graduated from Haven Academy. His younger brother was also enrolled to a combat school in order to learn how to control his semblance. Since they moved to Mistral. Neptune eavesdropped at his brother's room and saw him cleaning up his spear; "De Nile." Which also serves as a sniper.
"Hey, Bro, what are you up to?" Asked Neptune. Jupiter looked up.
"Glad you asked. The guys and I are going on an undercover mission. We're slowing down the White Fang from attacking any shipping of dust passing by." He replied.
"Undercover? Cool, I wanna go." He smiled.
"Did you not get the last part when I said, ship?" Jupiter mentions, but Neptune still doesn't understand the last part of the sentence. "It means the mission is…" He then paused having the thought of saying the "W" word.
"You know what, never mind. The thing is, you're not going." Jupiter warns.
"What?! Why not?!" Neptune whines.
"Because it's too dangerous and you need a huntsmen license to get the mission. Besides, you're still a kid." He said.
"I am not a kid! I'm a man now! You know I have been getting good grades so far. I made my own weapon. Behold, the Tri-hard!" Neptune hissed with his arms crossed, then demonstrates his own weapon. "Besides, you get all the ladies, and all I'm getting is a pat on the back!" These words made Jupiter chuckled. "I know, Bro. You just need to wait a bit longer to come with me on those missions. Tell you what, maybe if there's something cool, I'll bring it back as a souvenir?" He ruffled his brother's head, making Neptune squint his eyes until Jupiter lifted his head.
"But can't this be the one time you can take me with you?" Neptune begged. "I'll do what you asked."
"No, Neptune. You know Mom would kill me if anything happened to you. And hey, this is a team mission, and I'm not in charge of this one." Jupiter takes his scroll out and read his leader's text, prompting him to head out of the house immediately. "That's my cue, and this is the part where I make my leave. Wish me luck, Bro!" He waved before exiting his room. Making Neptune pouted. Then the window was tapped and he glanced at the sound. The individual turns out to be Sun. The faunus who saved him from being thrown. They have been in contact through their scrolls since they were younger. The blue-haired boy then pushed the window opened and Sun happens to be hanging on the trees whenever he gets bored and want to eavesdrop on any gossips.
"Dude, have you even tried the front door?" Neptune inquired.
"It's much more fun then knocking the door." Sun replies. "Anyway, I couldn't help overhear what your brother is talking about."
"You really have good ears these days." Said Neptune.
"Big time. Since Jupiter's going with his team, we should be going too!" Suggested Sun. But Neptune is too reluctant to go along with this. "Dude, I don't think this is a good idea. We might get into trouble." He tilts. As much as he wanted to go, he's afraid he'll mess things up. On top of it, putting his family at risk. Sun and Neptune have done much together like picking on fights, sparring with weapons, and more.
"Come on, man. You wanted to become the best huntsman in all of Remnant, do you? We'll show Team ZRVT that we're more than just a couple of kids." Sun urged. "They'll give us the spot in their mission. With your brains, and my ninja skills, we're Team Awesome." With that speech, this seemed to convince him enough to prove to his brother that he can help with his missions.
"Okay, I'm in." He accepts and they fist-pumped together. And they climbed down the tree that Sun climbed on to the window, but not before Neptune closed his brother's window and left a note to let his mother know. Without thinking that she will freak out and would report him missing later on. They reached the ground after grabbing their weapons. "Let's go." Sun said and Neptune nodded.
While Team ZRVT are walking in the forest of Mistral, Sun and Neptune are not far behind. But they remained hidden behind the trees and shrubs. The leader of the huntsmen team is Zerena Slithers, a female faunus with sea blue snake rattle tail while her head and hands are still human with green long hair and glasses above her eyes. Sporting herself with a black tank top, brown jeans, and a yellow bandana. With a whip attached to her belt. The second member of the team is Roth Mandle, male with brown hair that tipped down to his neck, green eye on the left while his right has an eyepatch. Silver armor parts from the shoulders to the chest with a white shirt above and knee pads on his blue jeans. And a sword resting on his back. The third one is Jupiter Vasilias, like his brother, his hair is also blue with a white dress shirt and a grey jacket above. With a De Nile on his back. The fourth is Tyler Shepard, he's also a faunus with wolf ears, dark hair and skin, reading glasses above his head and a red sweater unzipped with a shirt under. With two tomahawks on the back of his waist. The four members are graduates from Haven Academy. To which Sun and Neptune will be going someday.
"Hold on, did you guys hear that?" Asked Zerena. This caused the two younger boys to jolt and lower their heads further in the bushes before they could see them and got quiet. The team looked behind and then sideways to see if there's somebody following them.
"I'm getting the feeling someone's following us." Replied Roth.
"Maybe we're just hearing things, you know paranoia and all." Added Tyler. Everyone but Jupiter remained suspicious that it could be an enemy, or former classmates trying to get the mission done first before them. Or somebody they could've know. But went along with his teammates to focus on the mission.
"You know what, maybe you're right, Tyler. For a second there, I thought it was my brother tailing on us." Jupiter agrees. They keep walking, forgetting like it was all just a hallucination. Much to Sun and Neptune's relief that they did not caught them. "Whew, that was a close one. We should head back, I don't think we should get in the way." Neptune told him.
"What?! Come on, Neptune, we can't look back now. We're probably five miles away from home." Sun refused. "It's not like your parents will find out anyway. We'll just tell them we went shopping for dust or something."
"You know what, that sounds like a great idea…Oh no." He grasped his head in shock.
"What is it now?"
"I forgot that I left Mom a note." He squeaked. This makes Sun frightened even more.
"You what?!" Neptune thought back that he placed the note he written on Jupiter's desk. "Oh, Dude. This is bad, if they found out you're gone, we're dead." Sun said in a shaken voice.
"I'm so grounded." Neptune whimpered. He then shook his head trying to keep his cool, like what his older brother would do whenever he gets into a situation like this. "You know what, forget it. Let's go right now." He then lifted his head up and Sun seems so glad that he's finally taking the streak.
"That's the spirit, Neptune!" Cheered Sun. They continue to pursuit Team ZRVT to secretly aid them on their assignment.
"By the way, have you seen Zerena?" Neptune asked.
"Yeah, why is that?" He replied.
"I've got to be honest, she's really hot." He blushed. "The cool outfit, tail, and hair. Also, her commanding skills." These words surprised his best friend.
"Oh man, I never seen this side of you before." Sun gasped. "Since when are you interested in girls? From what I can tell, you used to be a shy and awkward kid since we were six."
"Well that's the point of being a man, Sun. Chicks dig the rebels. Like we are now. Too bad she got the hots for Jupiter. She can't stop looking at him." He sighed. Remembering of how his brother's team would come to visit for meetings and their parents would give them some time alone. While Neptune on the other hand would sometimes join them. Only to have his eyes on Zerena. But then again, he could tell she only has hers on Jupiter since they're the same age. On top of it all, Zerena is only interested in him because of how trusting he is as a teammate towards her.
"Dude, she's too old for you." Sun corrected.
"Oh right, fair point." Neptune scratches his head nervously.
"Come on, I'm sure there's plenty of excitement where it comes from." He assured him. And they keep walking until they reached the Mistral Pier. It was very stormy in the night. Team ZRVT is wearing White Fang hoodies and masks for disguises. Sun and Neptune are not far behind spying on them from the trees they climbed onto. Neptune is looking thought the binoculars for any bystanders or anything connected in the mission. While Sun is watching from above. Sun looks at Neptune wearing a raincoat and goggles over his eyes. "Neptune, you don't need a coat, it's just rain." He whispered.
"Dude, I just hate getting my hair wet, okay?" He sighed. Sun then spotted two more White Fang members walking behind them and tapped Neptune's shoulder to point to them. He nodded. Together they climbed down quietly and knocked them unconscious. And took their uniforms and putting them on as their own. The submarine arrived and Team ZRVT in their disguises first saluted to the ones in charge of the attack. Then they entered the hatch. Sun and Neptune snuck inside quickly before the hatch closes. Then they hid in the closet before the team or any of the White Fang members notices.
"Alright, any ideas Neptune?" Sun asked.
"I think I can use my scroll to hack into the generator to cancel the assault on the shipping. It should slow them down. The power room should be in aisle 9. This way, Jupiter and the others will defuse the missiles." Sun the softly punched him by the shoulder.
"That's why they needed you, man. Like I said, you got the brains for this."
"Intellectual, okay?" They saw an air vent to go and it brought Sun to kick the hatch and lets Neptune lead the way to the power room. They came out of the closet still wearing the uniforms out of suspicion. Nobody suspected them to be kids are snooping around the sub. The disguise seems to be working. Both Sun and Neptune reached the power room and knocked out the operator. Sun keeps on the lookout while Neptune types down the few codes on the generator. "Anytime now." Sun mutters seeing the guards coming. Neptune then gets up and looks at Sun with a thumbs up. However, the guards showed up. "Hey! What are you two doing here?" One guard questioned.
"We're checking the generator, sirs. Nothing to see here." They both saluted while sweating in nervousness. Then the other guard lets them pass. They exit the power room and Sun nudges at his friend. "Okay, now what?" He whispers.
"I got just the thing." He replied pressing a button on his scroll to shut down the generator. All of the power in the submarine is shut down. It went into nothing but pitch black in the aisles. Back in the power room, the guards are astonished by the blackout. "What the?!"
Sun and Neptune high-fived for this victory, doing a dance. But then Sun bumped into a guard behind him not looking back. "Oof! Huh?" He turned to see the guard and jumped.
"Intruders! Don't let them get away!" He yelled. Another one switch the alarm systems.
"Time to go." Sun said.
"Yeah, let's get out of here." They both ran for their lives. "Aw man, wait until Jupiter hears about this!" Neptune shouts excitedly.
"Catch us if you can, Dummies!" Sun teased the White Fang Members. Three more guards showed up in front of them, the boys pull out their weapons to face them off. Sun whacks the two of them with his staff that also serves as gunchucks. One guard has a sword and swung diagonally but Sun deflects it while twirling it with Ruyi bang and Jingu bang on another.
Neptune holds on to his Tri-hard which glows electronically blue. A grunt aimed his axe, but he slides underneath before he was struck. And blocked his axe. Twirling his weapon above hie head and laced it to his right. The guard then charged at him and made a dent to the wall, causing the walls to crack water inside. Washing away the brute while the boys made their escape. But by the time they went outside, it was still raining. The sub was already halfway from shore and the waves are pushing against the sides of the sub. "Dang it, we need to find Team ZRVT and get out of here!" Sun shouts, and Neptune nodded. "We need to signal for help! I got some flares we can use!" Neptune suggested again pulling out some flares from his pouch around his belt. "Got any lighters?!" He asked Sun.
"Gotcha covered!" He threw a lighter to the blue-haired boy and he lights a fire on top and lit the flare. The flare sparks like fireworks as Neptune waves it in the air with all his reach. Team ZRVT ran outside beating two more enemies upfront. "Looks like our lucky day! This blackout is making our job easier and…Hey Jupiter, isn't that your brother and his friend over here?" Roy asked.
"Oh yeah, I didn't…Wait, what?!" Jupiter is spaced off until he gawked hearing the word, "brother." He turned seeing his brother and Sun. Either they're very brave or in danger. He then walked over to the duo. "Hey, I saw a ship over! And it's heading for us, we're saved!"
"What were you two thinking?!" They heard Jupiter's voice not far from behind and they turned slowly. By the look in his eyes, they were narrowed and so were his eyebrows. A sign that he is not happy.
"Hey, bro. How's it going?"
"How's it going?! That's all you're saying?!" He shouted angrily. "You two are in so much trouble! Do you have any idea how dangerous this was?!"
"Yeah, but we cut the generator. Epic problem solved." Neptune snaps his fingers.
"I told you to stay home. And you didn't listen." Jupiter scolded.
"Jupiter, can we save the family drama for later?! They already led the police to us and that's a good thing!" Zerena interrupted the argument. "Besides, those two are lifesavers."
"You and I need to talk about this later." He sighed, defeated.
"Hey, come on, Jupiter. Don't blame him for this, I'm the one who dragged Neptune into this. I thought it would be cool to bring him along to help you guys on this one. If it weren't for him, the White Fang would've gotten away." Sun came to the defense of his best friend. Until he heard Neptune screamed being grabbed by the same brute with the axe.
"Neptune!" Gasped Jupiter. He grabbed his De Nile and prepares to dash at him. But he has the upper hand to get them to surrender. "Not another step, or the boy gets it!" He warns holding Neptune by the wrist and dangling him in front of the rails. "Give my brother back first!" He demands.
"Lower your weapons first!" Jupiter and the others were hesitant with the need to take down the captor. But he isn't giving up, nor he is scared of them. Five against one isn't enough to force him to release Neptune. "Do it, now!" His fingers are slipping from the collar of his shirt. Neptune looked down at the sea, and his eyes widened. His fears came back to him when his four-year-old self reminded him of the day he was thrown from the pier in Argus. His heart beats nonstop. In spite of the group dropping their weapons and surrendering. The brute isn't merciful enough as he throws Neptune into the death waves of the storm. "No!" Jupiter wastes no time to jump into the water to save him. "Jupiter!" Zerena cried.
Neptune's head hits the water, splashing downward. Once again, his body is low in temperature. The water is pulled into his body for all he can remembered. His eyes remained opened when he sees Jupiter swimming down to him before his time is up. He reaches out to his older brother until a wave push him away by his hand and his aura is glowing blue once again. Back in the surface, a huge cyclone is forming around as it gets bigger like any tornado.
"What's going on?! Yelled Tyler.
"I don't know…" Zerena. "But it can't be good! Everybody hold on!" The sub is caught in the cyclone and spun around the funnel. Until the next morning, his vision is black.
"N…Tune…up." A voice called him. His eyes are still blurring with all the water. "Can…h…me?" His vision finally becomes crystal clear. Sun shook him awake until Neptune coughed off the water inside his lungs. Gasping for the air after the mess.
"Man, Dude, you scared me back then." Said Sun. "You okay?" He said with concern giving him time to breath. His head is still distorted. And he pushes the water our of his ears. He then remembers the events from the other night where the cyclone occurred. He also remembers the mission, Team ZRVT, and Jupiter.
"Ah! Jupiter!" He gasped shaking Sun, desperate for answers. "Where is he?! Where's my brother?! I need to find him! He has to be alive! He…he!" Before Sun could even answer, Neptune's parents arrived in fear for what happened to their sons. They were thankful that Neptune survived. But Jupiter, or the rest of Team ZRVT are nowhere to be found. All that's left is a Submarine. "Neptune! Thank the gods you're alive!" His mother cried and hugs him tightly. And his father also embraces him without a word and tears hit his eyes. Police arrived to arrest the surviving White Fang Members, while the medic examined injuries.
"Jupiter?" He inquires. But by the sad expressions on their faces, he could tell there are the worse news.
"He's gone, Son. I'm sorry." Said his father. The words pierced him like an arrow. His world shattered without his brother's presence. The anxiety flow from head to toe. His brother is gone, either he's dead or captured. Looking back, he thinks that his semblance is at fault for this to happened. He now wishes he never agree to go on this mission. In his head, it was all his fault. For that, he fainted. His father catches him to not get anymore injuries, shocking his parents, and Sun.
"Neptune, can you hear me! Neptune! Neptune!" Cried his mother.
"Somebody get the medic, quick!"
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Mark of Athena Re-read
Hey guys! If you’ve been keeping up with my last couple of posts, you’ll know I’ve been re-reading the Heroes of Olympus (HoO) series by Rick Riordan, starting with the Son of Neptune. If you want to my thoughts on it (spoilers included) and my background with the series, click here. I made a little bit of rant post about my feelings about the HoO series overall so far and you can find that here! This post will be about the Mark of Athena (MoA) and as always, spoilers abound.
Soooo y’all...I think this book is worse than the Lost Hero. I feel so bad for saying that bc I hated tLH (Like I’d give that book 2 stars) but god, this was so bad. No wonder I forgot what happened when I originally read it. Before I get into it, I will say I’m usually not negative in my ‘reviews’-I’ll give credit where it’s due (I did that in tSoN with Hazel and Frank who weren’t really my fav characters to start with) but this book has very little redeemable aspects imo. So I’ll start with the thing I was most irritated about: Piper.
Piper...Piper...Piper. Gods, none of her chapters ever passed the Bechdel test. I DESPISE her and I hated every single one of her chapters. With characters like Frank, I admitted that sometimes his chapters were a bit boring but I never hated the guy’s narration. Piper, however, is an insecure hypocrite. Let me show you.
So at one point, Annabeth, Piper, and Hazel meet up with Aphrodite. The POV is Annabeth’s and while Aphrodite is talking to them, it seems like Piper is just embarrassed to have her around. 
“Mother!” Piper said. “You’re embarrassing me.” “Well, I don’t see why,” the goddess said. “Just because you don’t appreciate my fashion tips, Piper, doesn’t mean the others won’t. I could do a quick makeover for Annabeth and Hazel, perhaps silk ball gowns like mine—” “Mother!” 
And a few lines later she says again “ ‘Mother, Piper said, “is there a reason you’re here?’” (30). 
Okay so someone tell me why this girl says 10 pages later “But also, Piper was secretly hurt not to have her mother to herself. Aphrodite had barely looked at her. She hadn’t said a word about Jason. She hadn’t bothered explaining her conversation with Reyna at all. It was almost as if Aphrodite no longer found Piper interesting. Piper had gotten her guy. Now it was up to her to make things work, and Aphrodite had moved on to newer gossip as easily as she might toss out an old copy of a tabloid magazine” (40). LIKE GIRL MAKE UP YOUR MIND. Do you want your mom’s attention or not? But I’m highkey interested in what Aphrodite said to Reyna tho.
Let’s talk about Reyna for a second. First off, I feel so bad for her?? Percy turned her down-fine, he has a gf. Then I thought Jason had feelings for her but he says this in MoA, page 19: “It’s just…I never felt that way toward Reyna,” Jason said, “so I didn’t think about its making you uncomfortable. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Pipes”. Like damn can Reyna get any love?? I get that he doesn’t like her anymore since he met Piper but to have never liked her? That’s rough. And notice how this quote is from page 19, but again on p. 40, Piper is still so insecure in their relationship. I don’t she’s listened to a word he said at all. Then towards the end of the book, she says oh I love you but she literally didn’t know the man’s age prior to that. Like what?? Did they even kiss this book? I think like once lmao. Also speaking of the birthday thing, Piper says this while she waits for Jason to blow out his birthday candles.
“Well?” she urged. “Blow out the candles.”
Jason did. Piper wondered if he’d made a wish—hopefully that he and Piper would survive this quest and stay together forever. She decided not to ask him. She didn’t want to jinx that wish, and she definitely didn’t want to find out that he’d wished for something different. 
Me @ Jason: This your girl? Come get her. Because Imma hurt her feelings. What do you mean you want him to wish to stay together forever? He should wish for Gaea to you know die so everyone can be safe. If I ever met Piper in person, I’d fight her. ON SIGHT. 
In a related note, I’ve got nothing to say about Jason. He was fine. He passed out alot during this book, didn’t do much for how hyped his powers are supposed to be. I will say when he and Percy were possessed and they fought each other, Percy totally won that fight. He knocked Jason the hell out and was about to end his whole career until Piper got Blackjack to knock him out. But overall, I think Jason’s rather bland and him and Piper have NO chemistry. But I don’t think he deserves insecure Piper as a girlfriend. She’s a whole ass child of Aphrodite and she’s worried about her relationship...let me move on.
My main issue with the book lies in the structure and plot. The previous two books had 3 narrators and each set of trio had a specific prophecy assigned to them-i.e: Percy, Hazel and Frank had to free death, retrieve the eagle. The prophecies are a catalyst to get them to go on the quest. And then obviously, we have the overarching prophecy of the seven that will come to fruition in small chunks until the last book of the series. That’s fine. So the issue with MoA is that now Rick is handling seven characters + Coach Hedge (like why was he necessary??). He has 4 POVs which threw me the hell off bc we had 3 in the previous two books and honestly, I think we could’ve gone without one of them (Percy’s actually). As a writer, it’s hard to balance multiple characters in the same setting constantly. If they have a conversation, one or two of them will have less lines because other characters have already said them. Therefore to give everyone adequate ‘screen time’, Rick had to separate them by keeping groups of three or two on their own side quest. As a result, however, reading the book felt like I was being brake checked constantly. Ex-We follow Percy, Frank, and Hedge to an Aquarium then we follow Annabeth, Hazel, and Piper to meet Aphrodite, then they encounter the Romans, then Piper and Jason meet Hercules and get the horn and so on. Like they’re constantly shifting and doing stuff but not going as a group so it feels like I’m constantly trying to catch up. There’s too many pit stops for my liking. And I deadass have no idea what most of it had to with the MoA prophecy. 
This disjointed-ness is what makes me rate it lower than tLH. Because while I didn’t like Piper or Jason in that book, it was still cohesive. There was a plot and it was followed. Another reason I might feel this way toward MoA is because Rick has a formula and it’s starting to be predictable. Think about the original Greek myths-there’s one main demigod like Hercules, there’s a quest, there’s godly interference so it makes sense the the PJO/HoO characters have the same thing. But all this talking to gods (esp gods we’ve already met like Aphrodite) is taking up so much space and slowing the plot. It also didn’t help that the minor villians in this book are all unlikeable?? All they did was talk. Otis and Ephialtes. Porchy and Keto. Arachane. All they did was talk. Here’s how to defeat a PJO/HoO villain: con them to help you/let you go or fight them. That’s it. 
This book is where I started to really regret reading the series. Like I was just over it. The plot was somehow slow and all over the place at the same time. The last couple of chapters were good because I was like finally, something relevant to the prophecy is happening. 
Let me leave you guys with some positives about this book though:
1. Annabeth’s POV. What a gal. When she faces Arachane, Annabeth mentions that she doesn’t have an active power like the other Seven but she has her intelligence. And I’m like yes girl, you are brave and everything I want to be. I would read the PJO series from her POV over this series.
2. Percabeth. They kept promising to come back to each other and my heart melted. Percy was so worried about letting her go follow the Mark but he knew it’s what she had to do and he let her go. And ugh, them falling got me all over again. And like just their chemistry is off the charts. Piper and Jason could never. 
3.  Percy’s comments about Luke. Percy realizes that he’s around Luke’s age when Luke went all ‘Gods are bad, their children are pawns’ and like I get chills from reading that passage because you can tell Percy’s tired. He can’t have a life because of these quests, he’s constantly moments away from dying. He never really got a chance to be a teenager. And I get he wants to help people and keep the world from being taken over by bad guys but he’s also human. He’s seen demigods die...he’s traumatized. Like Percy, I really understand Luke better now (right idea, wrong execution) and l see how tired Percy is. 
4. The Leo/Hazel/Frank disaster of a love triangle. Like I’ve mentioned before, I want Hazel, a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD child, to be left the hell alone when it comes to romance. But because Uncle Rick insists on pairing up everyone, I have to oblige. So here I am. The amount of times I cackled at Frank and Leo’s digs at each other is astronomical. Like shots were fired, no one held back. I was like is this even MG/lower end of YA anymore with all this salt?? Over the years I’ve been spoiled about the series so I know that Leo somehow ends up with Calypso so I know nothing will come out of the love triangle (and it seems to be wrapping up bc Leo and Frank complimented each other’s abilities toward the end there) but passive aggressive-ness was peak. 
5. Every single conversation between Reyna and Annabeth. Like two powerhouses talking about wanting to save their camps and the world. I loved it. Hands down. I hope they can be friends when this is all over. 
6. And lastly, the reunion of Percabeth. The Judo flip. The fact that Percy talked about having a future with her. 
Thanks for reading if you made it down here and I’ll see you guys in a couple of days with my House of Hades update. This book and the one after it I’m reading for the first time ever so I’m going in semi blind (like I said, I know some spoilers). I’m currently on chapter 2 or 3 of that and ermm, it was a weak intro but I’ll keep going :) rooting for Percabeth to make it through. 
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lonestarbabe · 4 years
Text
World’s Best-ish Dad
Part 1 (AO3)
T.K. wasn’t sure why he agreed to his dad throwing him a birthday party. In all his twenty-seven years, his dad had never thrown him a birthday party. Those had always been left to T.K.’s mom, who’d throw big parties filled with kids, a huge cake from a bakery near their apartment, and far too many presents. She had decorations and entertainers and a million other distractions to make the party so busy that T.K. wouldn’t notice that his biggest hero wasn’t there, but of course, he noticed. As an eight-year-old, he’d made party planning decisions that he’d thought would cheer his dad up. He’d wanted pepperoni pizza, for instance, because he’d always give his pepperoni to his dad who’d always pick all the pepperoni off the pizza, driving Gwyneth crazy in the process. Then, when Owen didn’t show up, he was left with pepperoni pizza that he didn’t want and had to eat it himself. The pepperoni pizza was no fun when Owen wasn’t there to enjoy it.
The menu for T.K.’s part was a little refined than it had been when T.K. was a kid. There were having a barbecue with different meats and a bunch of sides, enough that everyone could be satisfied with the meal. T.K. had stayed over at Carlos’ that night because while the party wasn’t a surprise, Owen had wanted the setup to be a surprise and wanted to keep T.K. from trying to influence the part arrangements. He’d been nervous all morning, fidgeting and acting like he was about to be tortured.
“Are you okay?” Carlos finally asked.
“Fine,” T.K. snapped, leaving no room for further conversation.
Carlos didn’t buy it, but with T.K., pushing issues could result in a big blow up. He let T.K. brood for a while before the birthday party.
“I’m sorry,” T.K. said in the car.
“It’s fine,” Carlos replied, his voice tight, but it was T.K.’s birthday, and he didn’t want to ruin the event with a fight, so he was biting his tongue.
“It’s not. I’m the absolute worst.”
“Don’t say that. Everyone has off moments.” Carlos knew how it felt to be short and snappy when other stressful things were happening, so he was irritated, yes, but he knew that T.K. was under a lot of stress about his birthday party for whatever reason.
“Not everyone has off moments all the time.”
Things didn’t get better while they were at the party. T.K. remained on edge. He couldn’t stand this. Any of it. Everyone was smiling and laughing, and T.K. just felt bad. No matter what he did, he couldn’t shake his sour mood. His shoulders feel tense and if Owen makes a joke about T.K. as a kid one more time, he’s going to… “When T.K. was ten, he was Jupiter in a school play about the planets and he—” Owen’s voice cut in, and T.K. couldn’t let that sentence finish because what did Owen know about that?
“I was Neptune,” T.K. yelled, unable to control the surge of resentment that filled him. “You would have known that if you were there,” he wanted to add, but he had enough self-control to keep that to himself.
Everyone went quiet, and T.K. felt hopelessly stupid. He couldn’t even control his own mouth. He looked to Owen for some kind of response. An apology, maybe, for only knowing sloppy second-hand information about T.K.’s childhood. Owen was silent, and T.K. felt angry again. “I should have known this is was a stupid idea. You’ve always been bad at birthday parties,” and he wanted that one to hurt. He wanted his dad to finally understand the gravity of what he had done because you couldn’t have kids and then act like they didn’t exist just because life got hard.
Carlos grabbed T.K.’s arm and said, “We’ll be back,” and T.K. wasn’t sure it mattered because the party had already gone to hell, and it’s because he couldn’t save his grievances for an appropriate time. After all, that’s the kind of screw up he was.
“Oh my god,” T.K. said when Carlos had sat him on the couch. “My dad’s going to hate me for this.”
Carlos handed him some water as if water could cure being crazy. “He would never hate you.”
“He dragged me here to Austin because he feels guilty for causing my issues, which he didn’t cause them, but he still feels that way. But if he didn’t feel responsible, he probably would’ve ditched me long ago. I wouldn’t want to be stuck with me either.”
“I don’t think that’s how he feels at all. I think he wants what’s best for you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. You’re the most important part of his life.”
T.K. scoffed, “He wants me to be that important because he doesn’t want to feel like a bad dad, but the truth is that I’m not that important to him. I’m just an accessory in his neat little life.”
“T.K. that’s not—”
“No, it is. This party is so stupid. I hate birthday parties.”
Carlos looked lost. “What’s really bothering you? Because I think it’s something much bigger than the party.”
“It’s complicated.”
“I don’t need to understand it, but I’m here if you need to talk about it.”
T.K. looked away from Carlos. “My dad wasn’t always the best dad.”
“I’m starting to get that impression,” Carlos said.
“This is the first birthday party of mine he’s at since I was probably seven. He kept not showing up, so I quit having them when I was sixteen.” That’s when everything had started to go wrong. T.K. had been sixteen and fed up with his dad not paying attention.
“It’s dumb. It’s not like he was bad or anything. He just wasn’t the dad I wanted, I guess, which was my own fault for being so damn picky. Some kids didn’t have dads, but I let myself get upset just because my dad didn’t do what I expected him to.”
“It’s not a competition over who has it worse.”
“We don’t talk about it because he went through a lot when I was a kid, so it’s not fair to blame him, but when 9/11 happened, he just kind of left. He missed my birthday that year. I don’t even think he realized it happened until Mom told him, and it was just a birthday, but as a kid, you can’t tell the difference between your dad leaving you because he can’t stand to be around you and your dad leaving you because he was going out and being a hero.”
“Just because someone didn’t mean to hurt you doesn’t mean that they aren’t responsible for doing so.”
“I just wish that he would understand that he hurt me, but he acts like I’m overreacting every time I bring it up, but I can’t stop being that angry, hurt kid until he acknowledges. I’m stuck with all those feelings, and they’re messing up my life.”
Carlos gave him a sympathetic look. “That’s hard.”
“It’s hard when he does stuff like this,” T.K. said after a few moments of quiet. “Because whenever I know he’s here, I know that’s it only a matter of time before he leaves.” The abandoned kid lives on, no matter how much T.K. told himself that he was no longer lost.
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kitkatopinions · 3 years
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What makes you like May so much? I notice that despite her relatively little screen time and character development, she’s in a LOT of your top 3 ships. Not hate or anything, just always curious when people latch on to minor characters
Alrighty, let’s unpack May Marigold. Like you said, she doesn’t have a lot of screen time or character development, but even if a character isn’t featured much, there are still ways you can like them right away. Funnily enough, some of the reasons I like May are the same reasons I liked Qrow from his first season even though he didn’t get a lot of focus and we knew very little about him.
1. Mannerisms, body language, and attitude
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I like expressive characters, I like characters who are dry or feisty or both, I like characters who can be in tense situations and look totally bored, I like joking characters and mock politeness and winks and attitude. May has a dry wit and an air of devil-may-care behavior around her that I find really appealing in a character. But she also has a society upbringing and it leaks into her actions here and there and that adds interest. She feels really distinctive. Also since the mains have started all seeming a bit... interchangeable, May is a nice change of pace in that way. Everyone in the above image is making pretty much the same face, but May, who looks like she couldn't be more bored.
2. She's someone I want to root for
When Team RWBY wanted to pretend they were in a situation where they could save everyone and everyone could win, May recognized what they were too stubborn and illogical to. May was the voice of experience and reason in that situation that point blank told them ‘there’s no saving everyone, you have to choose.’ And I mean, I was on Ironwood’s side in volume seven before he shot Oscar, but May not only has a point in what she says and in her goals, but has follow through (something Ruby didn’t have.) She wants to launch Amity Tower and so accompanies Team RWBN while feeling assured that Ruby’s friends are making up for her loss in protecting Mantle, she resolves to help Mantle after the Tower is launched with the statement that Atlas has soldiers defending it while Mantle does not and therefore she’s of better use there, and then she does what she says she was going to and goes to protect the people of Mantle even though she did it alone because Team RWB couldn’t choose anything. While Team RWB was hiding out in a mansion drinking tea, May was actually determined to do something. May is a flawed character, she calls Penny ‘robo-girl’ and gets called out for it, she’s aggressive with Marrow, she’s partially responsible for the delay of Amity being launched, and she seems to follow Robyn with too much devotion imo (considering my dislike of Robyn lol, I think this is fair.) But she’s also determined to help those in need and is willing to follow through, and uses actual logic to see the situation for what it is and understands her own limitations. Between annoying protagonists with impossible idealistic standards that act like they never have to change who feel very insincere, former heroes who have gone crazy and who might be actually fighting and trying to do good but are also down to murder anyone and therefore can’t be supported, and villains who are getting ‘redeemed’ in the sloppiest and least convincing ways possible... May stood out as someone who is trying to be both smart and caring, brave and compassionate, but realistic. Ironwood was no longer allowed to be seen in a good light and so was turned into a puppy kicking maniacal ball of crazy willing to torture and bomb just to get his way, and Ruby was not allowed to be seen as wrong or failing and so the whole narrative was about how good and right she was even if she didn’t accomplish her goal or earn a victory because hey, at least she made a rousing speech and yelled at anyone who wanted to do something she deemed not enough. May was allowed to be a moral character who just disagreed with Ruby, she was allowed to make mistakes without it either being treated as monstrous or quickly covered with pretty words about how everyone knows she’s still great. May was allowed to be a character without the authors constantly reminding us of what they want us to think of her. Maybe if she’d been in one of the earlier seasons, she wouldn’t have been as compelling to me (because that wasn’t a rarity lol,) but compare her to Ruby now and she’s amazing. Also she told Ruby she was wrong, and she may have softened it later, but still, it was one of the better parts of the whole volume. Ruby needs more people who are willing to give her hard truths, instead of people who are going to agree with and support her no matter what.
3. Potential
When it comes to characters, the first thing I really look at is if they’d be good in fan fictions, how I’d use them, how I could see them interacting in this or that scenario, and what dynamics I think they’d have. A lot of this has very little to do with actual canon, like wondering how she’d fit into a fake organization full of OCs I’d written into a couple of fan fics or wondering what her dynamic would be with the redeemed Roman Torchwick and Emerald and Mercury that I’ve often centered my stories around. But some of it is stuff like ‘How would May see Winter? What sort of tension might May have with her in Vacuo?’ ‘How would May get along with Sun and Neptune in Vacuo?’ ‘When the others get back from the void, what will May be doing?’ Much like I took to the cocky but clearly more under the surface winking argumentative Qrow in his very first season, I like what little I’ve seen of her and hope I get more of what makes her an appealing character to me later. And much like I got attached to Neo after even her very minor appearances in the first three seasons and started including her as the babied little sister figure of Roman somehow three times more cut throat than him that takes his word as gospel, I like May for what I can see her turning into in my fics even if she’s never given a lot of focus or room to grow or (God forbid) gets her character thrown to the wolves.
Also, as for shipping her with people, I feel like since she hasn’t yet taken a lot of screen time and we are wondering at how she’ll interact with people once things aren’t so tense, it’s easy to imagine her with a lot of people just because I haven’t been put off by any interactions and relationships that were badly handled or that just don’t vibe. I think I’ve listed her in the top three ships with Ilia, Sun, and Blake, and omg I just realized how funny it is that I listed May as a possible romance for all three of them. XD These ships are pretty casual, as I was looking for numbers and I’ve shipped Sun and Blake for so long, it’s hard to picture them with anyone else and there are pretty big road blocks in shipping them with many of the other mains, and I hadn’t really considered many ships for Ilia before writing the post. May just happened to be a ship I saw that I thought ‘that could be pretty cute, actually.’ However, thinking about her and Sun...
Idk, I just think it’d be neat. If BlackSun can’t be canon, this just might be my second choice. Sun is a bright, caring, loyal optimist who isn’t afraid to get serious and emotionally vulnerable and is also down for some low grade crime here and there. He values independence, he’s not pushy, but he’s also not afraid to challenge and call people out. May is cynical and a bit jaded, puts her trust in people maybe a little too much, but is also feisty and sharp witted and has a quick tongue, and she’s compassionate and willing to get her hands dirty and put what she thinks needs to be done over what others want and she’s realistic and gutsy. Also he’s got blonde hair and blue eyes and she’s got blue hair and honey colored eyes, so... Yeah. I don’t know, because it’s so hard trying to ship anything other than BlackSun for him, but there might be something the writers could work with there.
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