#OH BUT YOU KNOW WHO HAS GAVE ME GRIEF MANY TIMES OVER?

[skrs-cats]

i dont really care about it that much, so long as i think it looks ok, but for all the times ive drawn lion, the specific design or look for him that i actually earnestly like has still yet to happen

[russellsppttemplates]

A red thread tying you to me (Charles Leclerc)

There was something pulling you to him and Charles was ready to act on it

Note: english is not my first language. I loved the blurb and now we have a big piece too!

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: mentions the death of reader's father's and Charles' father's deaths

Tag list: @myloverjk-blog @hiireadstuff @c-losur3

"The congress is just outside of Milan, the exact city and details are in there", your colleague Lucia offered as she flickered though the pages, "I've been a couple of times before and it's really enriching, I just know you'll love the students and the department head - she was my supervisor for a couple of years".

"It sounds great", you looked at the panel information and then the travel details, "it's such a shame you can't come with me though, but I also wouldn't want to risk your little dude showing up and have me as your midwife", you chuckled as Lucia rubbed her baby bump.

"You're capable of many things, Y/N, but I would prefer if the fate of my baby and my underparts was in the hands of a professional!", she bumped your shoulder, "and the area is really nice too, I'm sure you'll find something to keep you busy during the weekend".

"I have plans, actually, I'll be fine I think", you smiled.

Like Lucia predicted, you had a great time in the conference and the guest lecture you gave was applauded and discussed for nearly an hour after you showed the last slide of the presentation, topics going back and forth until everyone had to absolutely leave the room before the next lecture began. For now, you'd get to enjoy the region, drinking some wine and taking in the views you recognised.

The park where your father used to take you didn't look too different. The slides didn't look rusty anymore, and the swing was a bright red colour as you sat on it once you didn't see any other kid around who might want to use them and let yourself feel the breeze on your face and hair as you kicked your legs in and out. Your father used to make you feel like you could touch the sky with how high he helped you go, "you're going to touch the clouds, mia piccola stella", he would say and you would laugh loudly.

You missed him every single day, but over the years, your grief allowed you remember all of the happy moments you lived with him, cherishing them close to your heart. Spending the whole weekend in Monza and attending the race was something you hadn't done without him since he passed away. The circuit was your father's favourite - "it's the fans, Y/N, there's a thrill in the air that no other circuit has - Tifosi cover the streets, they're all you can see around town and it's magical almost" he would say to you, so when you noticed the conference was in the area and coincided with the Grand Prix weekend, both you and your mother agreed you should take the opportunity.

On your way back to the hotel, you stopped by the track, wondering what the preparations for a race weekend looked like after so many years. You still followed the sport, but you never got the chance to catch this on television.

"Oh my, oh my", you heard someone say beside where you were standing, "I can't believe my eyes, it's Y/N Y/L/N".

Turning around you spotted Salvatore, one of the mechanics your father worked with. He also had kids around your age and you would often play together whenever you were both in the garage for the weekend.

"Salvatore!", you cheered, giving him a big smile after kissing each of his cheeks, "you better believe your eyes then".

"It's been so long since I've seen you last", he recalled, rubbing your back softly. You and your mother had gone to Maranello for a tribute ceremony the team had for your father - that had been the last time he saw you.

"It has been, yes - I'm sorry", you apoligised. You told the team you'd be around and so much had happened since and you only watched it through a screen instead of living it in the flesh.

"It's okay, it was the time you needed - What brought you to Monza this weekend?", he wondered as he walked inside the paddock with you, scanning his card and getting you both in.

"A work trip actually - I finished a conference yesterday and I also gave a lecture at the university", you nodded, "and my father always loved Monza", you smiled at the memory, "he knew how cliché that sounded, but he always said there wasn't a better weekend on the calendar. And I've missed the rush, too", you offered, letting the tears flow freely and accepting them even though you were in the middle of the paddock, loud noises coming from every angle as the teams prepared the finishing touches for the upcoming race.

"He's very proud of you, I'm sure", Salvatore comforted, "and everyone will be happy to see you here - the little girl with the high pigtails is a grown woman now who attends conferences and gives lectures, who would've known?", he joked as you stepped inside the garage.

"Is this little troublemaker Y/N Y/L/N?", one of the oldest mechanics said after he applied a sticker to the halo.

When your father took you to the races, everyone knew they had fun guaranteed with you, always pulling pranks and laughing loudly, "my troublemaker days are over, I'm a responsible woman now", you chuckled, giving a quick wave to everyone before greeting everyone individually.

"Do you have tickets for this weekend?", Fred asked. Even though he had just met you, it was clear to him how much you mattered to everyone who worked with your father, "we can get you a pass, I'm sure".

"I have grandstand tickets", you stated.

"Silvia!", the team principal called the woman, making her approach him and rub your arm kindly, "do we have any guest passes left?".

"Let me check", Silvia mumbled, "we have one left, actually! Charles didn't even notice he asked us to save a ticket for his mother twice - I'll get it for you, it's in the meeting room upstairs", she smiled.

"Charles will also be very happy to see you around, did you tell him you were coming?", Salvatore mentioned.

"I haven't actually - I've been really busy", you mumbled.

You met the monégasque driver when he was Scuderia Ferrari's development driver and Prema Racing driver in Formula Two, accidentally running into him in the dining area of the hospitality and ending up spending most of his free time there throughout the whole weekend.

Quickly, it became a tradition to do so whenever he was over and whenever he was done with his Formula Two duties and you happened to be at the same track.

When you stopped attending races because the memories were too painful, you lost contact, opting to react to eachother's Instagram stories every now and again and sending quick messages through the social media app.

"The boys arrive today, but they're only coming to the track tomorrow", Fred added, "you'll have plenty of time to catch up".

Charles had finally arrived to the hotel after all the flights and drives, thankful that there weren't many fans around already and he could get inside without a hitch, checking in and getting his room keys.

"Hold it, per favore!", he said to the person on the lift, dreaming of the changing from his travel outfit and the bed waiting for him. When his hand helped him inside the metal door, he couldn't believe his eyes, "Y/N?".

He could remember the last time he saw you. He had just started his first season as a Formula One driver for Alfa Romeo and you had come back to the paddock for the first race of the season like you promised you would. He sat with you whenever he had a little break, you caught up with him and his early days as a driver with a seat rather than just watching from the sidelines.

"Charles, hi!", you gasped, hugging him and feeling him squeeze your body against his.

"I- what are you doing here? Are you here for the race?", he wondered. This couldn't be a mere coincidence. He hoped it wasn't.

"I had a work trip here that coincided with this weekend, and I thought of it as a sign", you explained, "you're staying in this hotel too?".

"Yes, the team are at the one where we usually stay for the weekend, but until Thursday, I'm staying here, yes", he smiled, "Goodness, I feel like it's both been forever and like it was yesterday", he chuckled, "do you want to get a drink? I have a nice selection in my room whenever I stay", he offered.

"I'd love to, Charles", you said, hoping that the tingly feeling on your tummy mirrored Charles' own excitement at this unexpected but valued encounter, "are you sure though? You just arrived".

"No, don't worry about that! My room is... 705", he checked on the card he was handed, "so you can join me now or maybe you want to set those things down first and meet me there?", he pointed to the bag you were carrying.

"Yes, this is quite heavy actually", you blushed, "my room is on this floor, so I'll meet in your room in fifteen? I need to freshen up because I've been walking around town all day".

Leaving the elevator on your floor, Charles waved at your before the doors closed andyou headed to your door. Stepping inside, you left the totebag with the books you bought in the chair before heading to the bathroom, brushing out any tangles in your hair and splashing your face with water to freshen up.

After getting yourself ready to go, you went up to Charles' floor, knocking on the door and waiting for him.

"Come in, come in!", Charles offered after he opened the door, "I've unpacked but kept it very organised still", he chuckled as you walked inside the room. It looked the same as yours did, only a different colour pallette for the decoration.

"How have you been?", you wondered once you sat down and shared some sparkling water, neither of you really feeling like drinking anything alcoholic.

"You surely know more about me than I know about you", Charles smiled, "but it's been good, this season has been great so far, I feel like we're in a really good path and things are working well", he took a sip from his cup, "the team have done such an incredible job".

"And the driver on the car doesn't have anything to do with that?", you squinted at his ever so modest take on things.

"I suppose I do", he blushed.

"I may have not been here, but I've watched every race - minus some of the ones at daft o'clock, I only watched those when my sleep was all messed up", you joked, "you're an essential part of this team, Charles, everyone can see that so you should give yourself more credit", you touched his arm.

Even though it had been years since you last saw eachother, you hit it off immediately and it seemed like no time had passed.

"And you? What is this work trip that brought you here?", Charles nodded.

"You're not the only one who gets to travel for work, alright?", you tsked, "I had to do a presentation on a conference and then the department invited me for a lecture, nothing big".

"Who's being ever so modest now, hm? That is fantastic, mon ange!", he congratulated before he noticed the words coming out of his mouth.

"When I noticed it fell around this weekend, I told my mum and she said that I should try and dip my foot here - I've been wanting to come to race sooner but...", you trailed off.

"I get it - it's hard going to the places that remind you of them", Charles took his hand in yours and squeezed it, "he was so cherished by the team, I'm sure everyone will be very happy to see you".

"Actually, I walked to the track today so I could see it up close before the race - I hoped it wouldn't be such a big shock once I got there on Friday -, and I bumped into Salvatore", you smiled, "he let me go into the garage and I saw everyone, it was really nice", you looked up so the tears on your eyes wouldn't fall.

"I can get you a pass, let me just text Silvia!", Charles said as he got his phone from his pocket with his free hand.

"She already did", you chirped, "apparently you booked two for your mother, so they had a spare one".

"You see, a couple of years ago, my mum was too late to tell me she was coming to the race and I was out of the guest passes, so I always have one on hold for her and I sent the list with her name on it as well", he admitted, "but it seems to have turned out just fine - meant to be even".

You ended up requesting room service for the two of you for dinner, neither feeling like going out of the room after feeling so comfortable there. Conversation was steady, vulnerability was easy to show and the butterflies were happily dancing on your tummy.

"I better get to my room, then", you stated once Charles told you about what he needed to do tomorrow once he was at the track.

"I didn't mean it that way - I'm fine!", he said after doing his best attempt at containing a big yawn, "I'm fine!".

"You're tired, and frankly so am I", you admitted as you got up from the bed.

"Would you like to come with me to the track tomorrow? If you don't have other plans that is", he mumbled the last part.

"I don't - I was just going to work a little bit, but if you find me a spot in the hospitality, I'll happily take my stuff there", you smiled reassuringly as you put on your shoes and headed to the door.

"I can take you to your room", Charles got up from the bed and followed you.

"No need, my room is just downstairs", you reasoned, kissing his cheek in a silent thank you still.

"That's right - so we'll go tomorrow after breakfast?", he rested his body on the door once you opened it.

"Yes, that works for me! Good night, Charles", you smiled before walking up to the elevator.

.

Walking inside the hospitalitynwith Salvatore and the rest of the team, he was quick to show you where you could set up.

"Charles likes to spend as much time as possible with the fans and it's right about now that they start becoming more and more and they're everywhere, too", he explained as he helped you in the table on the lounge area, "there's food and coffee in there if you need anything", Salvatore smiled, "if you need anything, just ask someone".

"Thank you - this is perfect", you assured, sitting down and working on your laptop and reading some of the books you had bought.

Charles and Carlos finally arrived at the hospitality, greeting the team and talking to them for a while before they headed upstairs for a meeting.

"You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend and you were bringing her here", Carlos told Charles as he poured some coffee on a mug after the meeting.

"I don't - I haven't brought a girlfriend here", Charles quirked an eyebrow at his team-mate.

"So who is that young woman you just smiled at and are pouring coffee for after giving her the heart eyes?", it was the spanish driver's turn to raise his eyebrows.

"Oh, Y/N!", Charles smiled as he mentioned your name, "she's an old friend! Her father was a mechanic before he passed away a few years ago - the older team members have known her since she was little, everyone loves her", he mused.

"Everyone loves her - I can see that", Carlos chuckled as he followed Charles to the table.

"We don't want to interrupt or disturb you too much", Charles announced as he set the mug next to your laptop.

"It's fine, sit sit!", you encouraged as you closed the books you no longer needed to make room for them, "I'm Y/N", you told Carlos.

"I'm Carlos", he smiled back, "nice to meet you", he said before you dove into conversation, discussing anything that popped into your minds and getting to know eachother.

"Don't let her fool you into believing she has always been a responsible, put together girl because she used to steal and hide all of our tools!", Antonio, one of the engineers pointed at you after he got himself a bottle of water, "Charles knows her tricks already but you, Carlos, don't fall for that!".

"You loved it every time I was on the computers and drew on Paint! You even had one of my drawings as the background for almost an entire season!", you threw at him as he approached you, patting the top of your head protectively.

"I'd like to see that! I've only known her since she was way older", Charles pouted.

"Jealous much?", Carlos teased, his voice above a whisper as Charles seemed to get flustered.

"Is it really that obvious?", the monégasque driver mumbled once you got up to get something to eat, "I've had a crush on her since I was a development driver".

"Why have you never said anything? She seems like she really cares about you too", Carlos mused as he thought to a few moments before where you too gqve him heart eyes. He would have to be blind to not notice it, and even then the energy between you too would still be felt.

"The timing wasn't right, I guess - her father passed away almost right after as I became a driver for Alfa Romeo, and she hasn't been in the paddock since. We have texted every now and again over the years and now she happened to be here for the race too", Charles offered.

"I'd say you should take a shot - trust me, she likes you back", Carlos patted Charles' shoulder after getting up, watching you go back to the table with a big smile on your face.

.

After Charles took pole position in qualifying, the team stayed a bit longer for the debrief, going over a few points of the discussion and the changes they still needed to make before the race.

"Y/N! We're having dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in town and I'm counting you in, okay?", Charles said as he spotted you in the garage, followed by Andrea, who had been keeping you company along with his brothers, Charlotte and Pascale.

"Your family is here for you, Charles, I don't want to intrude", you said as you got up, unaware of the Leclerc matriarch behind you.

"Chérie, of course you won't be intruding - we'd love to have you there!", Pascale chirped in.

"Well, in that case...!", you smiled, "just tell me where I should go and at what time, or are we going straight there?", you wondered.

"I was thinking we could go straight there if that's okay with you - you can can come with me and Andrea can ride with my brothers", Charles suggested, "unless you need to go back to the hotel", he quickly scrambled.

"No, I'm fine! Unless this outfit is not restaurant appropriate", you muttered as you looked down. Against all odds, you managed to not get any food stains on your dress. It was a midi skirt cut, flowy to allow your body to feel cool considering the warm Italian day.

"It's fine - you're fine, you look beautiful!", Charles was quick to assure you.

"Good, that's good then", you smiled before excusing yourself to go and get your things.

"You have to tell her, Charles - your affection is no use to either of you if you keept it in here", Pascale tapped her son's chest.

.

"Y/N", Charles called you before he had to go and get ready for the race, "I have something for you - we do", he said as some of the mechanics, including Salvatore, followed him.

"Oh, what is it?", you smiled.

"We commented with some guys back at the factory that you were here with is this weekend and they found something we thought you'd like to have", Salvatore said as he handed you a bag.

Looking inside, you noticed an old Ferrari cap and some embroidered lettering on the side, recognising it immediately. When you were a teenager, you decided to try different hobbies and hand embroidery was the one that stuck the most, so much so that on one of the race weekends, you embroidered caps for everyone on the team that asked you.

"My wife remembered the one I have at home and then the guys at Maranello found your father's and apparently one you did for Charles' as well", Salvatore offered as you took them both out.

"Dad always said he had plenty of embroidered things at home and this one was the one he had to travel with him", you chuckled as tears welled up in your eyes, feeling Charles soothingly rub your back.

"I remember getting this and loving it - I thought I had lost it!", Charles said, unaware if how close he was pulling you together so he could get a peek at the old caps.

"There's some loose string here", you chuckled, wiping the tears and fiddling with the red thread, "I didn't know how to properly tie it at the start, I kept losing it - I think I even glued it down at some point. Thank you for bringing this out", you smiled.

"Would you mind if I wore this for the driver's parade?", Charles asked you.

"I was planning on wearing my dad's while I watched the race", you offered, testing the fabric and placing it on your head before doing the same with Charles, fixing it on his head and looking up at him.

You never got over how handsome he was. The little scar on his cheek, his mole, the smile that never failed to make you smile, his beautiful green eyes. His kindness, his gentleness, his talent - there wasn't a way to deny how much you liked it. How much you liked him.

"We will be matching then!", Charles squeezed you against him before going to his driver's room.

Only when Charles was headed to take P1 on the grid did he hand the cap back to Salvatore and put on his helmet, giving you a wink before he left.

"How are you feeling?", Pascale asked as she sat next to you to watch the race. Over the last couple of days, she had grown close to you, not only because you had captured her son's heart and she wanted to get to know you, but also because Charles had told her how emotionally charged it was for you to be at the track, in Monza nonetheless.

"It's a lot", you admitted, "everyone has been so kind and warm, so all of the heavy feelings have been slowly infiltrating the good ones and it's been easier to deal with them like that", you blinked away a few tears.

"I get it", Pascale nodded, "losing someone is not easy, and I can't imagine what it feels like for you - the boys and I talk about my late husband every now and again and it gets easier to talk about it, I think that's what it is anyway".

"Yes, definitely like that. My mum and I have reached the point where we don't cry at every mention - despite what you might have noticed this weekend", you chuckled.

"It's emotional, chérie - I, for one, always cry whenever the boys achieve their goals. Hervé isn't here to see them, but I know he knows, and the boys know how proud he is of them", Pascale smiled, keeping some tears at bay too.

"You raised amazing young men, don't doubt that", you let out. At this point, you were sure she had noticed or had at least an inkling. As any mechanic for the red team who knew you since you were a kid would say, you were never a good liar - anytime you said you didn't touch something, they knew to look in your backpack first.

"Thank you, dear", she added, "you know, Charles is quite careful in who he lets in, but he's never been good at hiding how much he cares about someone and I can tell he cares a great deal about you".

"I care a lot about him too", you smiled before you were handed a pair of headphones each with the race about to start.

When Charles successfully kept the cars behind him away with a good gap, you clapped and watched the remaining laps number get smaller and smaller until there was only the current lap left.

Charlotte held your hand together with hers as you watched Charles be the first driver to see the checkered flag and when Xavi yelled "And P1!" into the radio, you did your happy dance, not having a care in the world about what others thought as you watched the Tifosi erupt in cheer.

"He did it! He did it!", Pascale clapped for her son, Arthur hugging her while Lorenzo did the same with his girlfriend while you softly touched your father's embroidered name on your cap with your fingers.

Running up to Parc Fermé, you stood in the sea of red, waiting for him to come back and hug them.

"You did so well, congratulations!", you said as you pulled Charles for a hug.

"Had my good luck charm with me!", he smiled back, kissing your cheek as he took advantage of you being shielded by the mechanics and engineers.

The team celebratory dinner was going really well, everyone happy with how the weekend panned out with both drivers on the podium and enjoying the meal on the restaurant's outside patio.

"If you guys want dessert, they're going to set them out on that table and you can grab as much as you like", Fred spread the message as you could see all kinds of sweet foods being brought out, a pudding catching your eye along with some raspberries.

You and Charles got the dessert plates and served yourselves, noticing the staff was already clearing up the tables, meaning you'd have to move to the bar area, many people opting to skip dessert and get some drinks instead.

"You can see the stars so clearly tonight", you mused as you looked up at the sky, setting your plate on the high table.

"My father always said that the stars did shine brighter here, and tonight the sky is very clear", Charles hummed in agreement, looking at your face. The moonlight and the dim lighting for the lamps and fairy lights illuminated all your features perfectly - your smile as you looked up formed the dimples on your cheeks, your eyes that were a tiny bit squinty and the way your whole body seemed relaxed.

The goosebumps on your arms caught his eye though, "here, have this", Charles said as he offered you the cardigan he had carried around all night since according to him his mother made him do it because it would be cold.

"Thanks", you smiled as you pulled the sleeves and folded them around your wrist so they would fit better, "this is really comfy, I might steal this if you don't ask for it back", you joked.

"I don't mind if you keep it, you have had my heart all these years", Charles stated. There it was.

"What?", you faced him, heart beating fast inside your chest.

"It's true, I've had a crush on you since I first met you, and these past couple of days have been amazing, and I can't believe it took me all these years to realize how I truly feel about you Y/N", he told you, no stutter or sign of regret on his face.

"I haven't been around, really, it's my fault", you fiddled with your thumbs before looking at him again, "but I can't lose you again".

"You never lost me, amour", he smiled as his eyes flickered between your eyes and your lips, his hand cupping your cheek your mouth pressed on his, ignoring everything and everyone around you.

Interrupting the kiss for air, Charles giggled as you hid your face in his neck once you heard the cheers and whistles, your lashes tickling him as his arms circled your waist and pulled you closer to him.

"He wins inside the track and outside of it, Charles Leclerc, P1 to Y/N's heart!", Carlos shouted before whistling again.

"Just so you know, I want an invite to your wedding!", Salvatore pointed his finger at you, "I still remember when you invited me for your wedding with Vettel!".

"You and Seb?", Charles chuckled once you pulled away from his neck.

"Sebastian was my favourite when I was little", you giggled, hiding your face on Charles' chest this time, "when he was back in RedBull still, I asked my father to ask him if he could take a photo with me and I cherished that for so many years - it was my most prized possession!".

"I can't promise you Seb, but I can promise you the very best of me", Charles said as he kissed the top of your head.

[our-happygirl500-fan]

Something that I think is kind of interesting is what Rise did with the traditional Leo & Splinter dynamic, throughout the different iterations of TMNT Leo is usually the one to take after Splinter the most & the same is true in Rise as well.

Leo: Relax. We’ll do what we always do. Ninja in, ninja their faces, ninja out.

Splinter: Once the hounds sniff out the boys, I ninja them out!

It’s been shown that Leo can often have a similar style of both talking & thinking as Splinter has as in the movie Leo was also shown to say similar phrases to things that Splinter had said in the show, Leo’s original plan to save Raph being to ‘ninja in, ninja out’ is also similar to Splinter’s plan to save the Turtles in the episode End Game.

Leo: Sorry, I missed that. Can you repeat everything from... well, everything?

Grandpa Sho: Yoshi! You never listen to me

Splinter: What was that? I wasn’t listening

It has also been shown that Leo has some of the same avoidance tactics as Splinter as in the movie Leo expresses a similar actions when he is trying to avoid talking to Raph about being the leader of the team that a young human Splinter expressed when he was trying to avoid his destiny as a Hamato to spend his life protecting the world from the Shredder.

It is also possible that Splinter also might have trained primarily with a sword when he was younger as we see a sword in a young Splinter’s bedroom similar to how we sometimes see swords whenever we are shown Leo’s bedroom.

There have also been a few people who have pointed out that Splinter had a similar pose in the episode Turtle-dega Nights: The Ballad of Rat Man when throwing Donnie as the future version of Leo did when throwing Casey Junior through the time gateway.

Future Leo: Casey, when you’re done saving the world, do me a favour. Grab a slice!

Splinter: Bring home the win boys

Members of the Rise team have also said that putting Leo in a Lou Jitsu outfit in the episode Many Unhappy Returns was also partly meant to be symbolic on how Leo is the Turtle most like a younger Splinter

However though Splinter & Leo share a lot of similarities unlike most iterations of TMNT where those similarities make Leo arguably the Turtle closest with Splinter, in Rise those similarities actually cause Leo & Splinter to clash with one another.

Leo: What do you even know about training anyway? You’re just a rat

Leo: Trust me

Splinter: I do not!

Leo: No! I’m not going back to whats-his-rat

Splinter: Oh why did I ever trust you to handle this? My other sons would’ve taken this seriously!

There are a few times in Rise where Leo & Splinter clash where Splinter seems to not like Leo’s attitude or Leo seems resentful of Splinter however even though the two clash there is still a lot of love between them both.

Leo: Dad was right, and we were so mean to him

Leo: Locked in a cage, failed in our mission, held for ransom by the Foot, and none of us gave him grandchildren! Somehow I think he wanted more

Leo is shown to regret whenever he lashes out at Splinter & seems kind of visibly upset at the prospect of disappointing him

Splinter: Where is Leo? And, uh, Future Boy?

While Splinter has shown concern over Leo’s safety & has literally fallen to his knees in grief at the prospect of loosing Leo.

Splinter & Leo both love each other in Rise but I think it is kind of interesting where Rise has taken what previously made Splinter & Leo so close in other iterations & instead caused them to clash instead

[metamorphicrocky]

the most heartbreaking moments of the episode were showing how STRONG the doctor and donna's friendship was and is

the doctor's immediate grief and fear seeing donna and getting dragged into her family's life. immediately terrified that he would be the reason for her death. but he misses her so so much. "she's my best friend. I absolutely love her" something the doctor has NEVER been able to say about people before so easily. with thirteen and yaz, she struggled to even admit that there were feelings and she could never voice them. all the years of pent up regret about rose and donna and every companion that's come before and after. the doctor does NOT love easily, especially ten. but now we have fourteen! who has his old face and he doesn't know why but donna is there!! and it's so unexpected and all those years apart falling in love with others and never being able to express it and suddenly he so easily puts his heart on his sleeve. because he loves donna noble soooo much and he's had so many years to regret not being open

and oh, donna. when she talks to her mom early into the episode and says that there's something missing. she had something wonderful and it's gone. the line that really broke me was when she said she turns to look at her side and she KNOWS there used to be something there but she can't remember it. the doctor gave her a winning lottery ticket and she gives it all away! because the part of her that knows something is missing knows that it was kind, and she was kind, and that it was something he would do. saving people. later in the episode the doctor hands her his sonic and she reaches out in turn to grab it like it's ingrained in her, a reflex. and she has a look on her face like she starts to realize that this is what was missing at her side. WHO was missing. and all of this builds up and when she sees the doctor running towards danger, she runs after without a second thought

she was at his side. he was at hers. the doctor, after not seeing her for hundreds of years, remembers exactly how she likes her coffee. remembers every moment with her, good and bad. remembers the pain of losing her. but when donna wants to help, even if it kills her, he does it. he can't be the one who kills her but he missed that donna so much, so she remembers, and the doctor donna saves the world again. because donna is his best friend and she thinks she's nothing and he needed her to remember everything she's done and how much she means to him and the universe. how important she is. even if she dies

my heart BROKE when the doctor thought donna was dead and when pushed against a wall with the threat of death looming over him, he says "do what you want" because how could he go on living having killed his best friend in the entire universe? the doctor with his heart on his sleeve for the first time dealing with this immense loss. HE SAID HE LOVES HER!! AND IT TOOK HIM BY SURPRISE TO HEAR IT SAID AND NOW SHE'S DEAD. but she's not dead and she's so so alive and losing her killed him once and it won't happen again

donna can live and she has a family and where she once was going to travel with the doctor until the day she died, she can't anymore. but she still needs him in her life! her second shadow needs to stop by for a cup of tea and dinner parties because they can both live now! and I so so so hope that we get to see the doctor love donna openly in the next two episodes and open up to her, to let her in where the doctor never could with companions before because the doctor was always so so afraid that if people knew the doctor loved them, they would be ripped away

[lullaebies]

Helaegon prompt. Aegon tries to comfort Helaena post B&C.

Oh anon, you just gave me way too much freedom with angst and pain. Thank you - and also, ahead of time, I'm sorry. 😂 [half way through writing rn: I am REALLY REALLY sorry] TW's: mentioned body gore, child's death, lowkey mental breakdown

Aegon steps into room, his dread woven into his heavy stomps. The sounds of whimpers and sobs are heard all throughout the Keep, already a resounding dirge for what he knows expects him within. He doesn't want to believe it. He can't believe it, not unless he sees. It was our time. All was going well; all was finally changing.

Why? Why their son?

The room is so dark. The curtains were drawn, and only the last ember of their fireplace remained alight. His servants told him; Helaena is nearby catatonic, and refuses to let go of the body, nor let anyone beside it. But when he sees her, she's so still. The blood stains the floor beside her, flowing on the carpet and at the hem of her dress. She's weeping bitterly, he hears. She is holding him, Aegon realizes, as he sees little feet laying limp against her arm. "Helaena," his voice trembles. His fear is so loud, and her weeps grow quiet as she hears him. He swallows it down, but tears still pool in his eyes as he approaches. It's just half a turn on his heel, when he sees the cut-off of a neck. As if a headsman himself has come to execute his boy, for a horrible crime.

He was just my son; that was his crime. Aegon's knees grow weak, and he falls to them as it all crashes on him. He can't breathe, but he must. He reaches for the boy's lifeless hand. Helaena clutches the body closer, hyperventilating. "No." His tears cascade almost freely. Guilt ran down his being; Jaehaerys died for his crown. He wasn't even here to see, but his entire being is on fire; and Helaena, who has been ice, seems to be melting into their boy, like a mother hen trying to revive a broken egg. "We need to take him to Silent Sisters," Aegon says, ashamed, afraid, in pain. Need to send him away; even though he says as much, he doesn't want to, either. He just got him back. I just got him at all. "No," Helaena says again, as he touches the side of him. "Helaena, please!" "No!" She screams at him. "They already took his head! They took him away from me," she weeps. "No more. Please, no more.." she cries bitterly and folds over their son. Aegon has been so afraid to face her, for so many years. So scared of hurt of resentment, of hurt of rejection from the children. What wouldn't he do, to turn the wheel back, to face them in any way, but this. "No more," he says, trying to reach for her. "There'll be no more," as he affirms she cries louder, and tries to push him away, but he catches her by the shoulders. "They forced me to pick," she says. "I didn't want them dead. They forced me to pick," she trembles as she recounts. "Or they'll rape Jaehaera, or they'll-" she nearly collapses. "It didn't even matter." He brings his hands around her. "It was my fault, I couldn't protect them," Helaena finally says, and Aegon is enraged.

"No," he says, and brings his forehead against hers. It was my fault, he thinks, as their tears mesh on their cheeks. "Not you," he tells her again. "Never you." She sobs loudly when the tears fall bitterly on their son's body. "Those responsible will pay their debts," he says in his wroth. They'll die; his sister, his uncle, and their brood. He too, if need be. He too, if this be his karma. "But those will never be you." Helaena's head drops onto his shoulder, her body wracked with sobs. Holding her tight, the embers of the fire die out; and all is dead. In the realm of the Stranger, all that is known is pain and grief. And if that is the realm that is left to him, he'll take his reaper's scythe and reap what has been sowed.

[rainroses45]

Collapse into me (Sully family x reader)

☾description: You are Neteyam's twin sister who is trying to learn to deal with your unprocessed grief ☾a/n: tried writing fluff and failed to finish it in time so here is sad fanfic to help me process what the movie put me through ☾song inspiration: Sea, swallow me

 You didn’t scream or sob. Your pain was horribly discreet, but as as persistent and almost quiet as bleeding from an unstitched wound. There was no time to spend over the loss of your brother. Everyone let out their wails, their screams, their frustration over the loss of Neteyam - but you stood still. You stayed intact, holding on to the false allusion that your other half was still being whisked away in tide, that he still is laughing at your remarkable memories. 

    Maybe it was your fault? Who was pointing the finger at you? Did you even see the bullet? Why did you let him take the gun? Should you have been the one to stay behind? So many questions floated through your mind as you stated out into the sky. You felt lost. Lost as in the sense that you couldn’t tell the difference between breathing and letting go. 

   Your parents handled your brother’s death better than you could. They let the grief wash over them, surround their everlasting reality, guiding them through the stages of living without that certain someone. Sure your dad felt like he was no longer deserving of the title of being a father, but he will get over it - he always manages to do so. 

  Your mother prayed, she prayed at sun rise and sun set, it was like clockwork. Her tears still held the twin of the ocean, but her eyes will soon day glow, for like a sun she never manages to stop shinning. 

  Kiri, in spite of everything that has happened still manages to persevere on with her day. Neteyam left a scar on her heart that will never be banished away. She does not know that at night I can hear her soft sniffles as she told the moon her troubles, and prayed that her brother rest in everlasting peace. 

   Tuk was too young to experience the full objective of it all. She would ask us constantly when her loving older brother would show up, and how is it possible he was allowed to be gone for so long. We all simply batted our eyes at her not daring to inform the little girl about death of her brother. 

  Lo’ak, oh sweet disconsolate Lo’ak, he never stopped to ask himself what he did right, always looking at what he did wrong. His days were filled with solitude and remorse for his older brother. He would wake up in cold sweat calling out for him, begging,pleading with him to come back. To stay with him and never leave his side. You would always comforted him in the shadows, gently hiding him from the public view so he may grieve in peace. He needed to grow and learn how to not hold onto the past, and learn that the future is forever changing, but his bleak mind made it hard for him to escape. 

Fortunately for him there was you, the one who stood intact for the family. Who was not allowed to mourn for their brother without having to take care of others. They never questioned as to why you lied awake, ready at any moment to soothe them after a nightmare. Your heart ached in pain for your brother. The memory of the life leaving his eyes was imbedded into your mind and soul. No one asked you if you were okay, if you needed a shoulder to cry on - no they expected you to act just like your brother. 

   The setting of it all caused the feeling of suffocation and darkness to cloud your thoughts. It’s been days since he has returned back to Eywa, but to you those memories of him were so fresh and clear it tormented you. 

You shuffled out of the marui, careful not to wake anyone as you made your way to the cold isolated beach. The moon gave off a spotlight to help guide you through the swaying platform of the pathways. 

How could you take up the role of being the eldest? He was suppose to guide the clan to the next victory, he was suppose to live to tell his children one day about the battle we faced, but he is gone. And every time you remember that small detail, you cry out to the world. How could they take him from you?! How could they take your brother?!

   You kneeled down at the beach and let out a silent scream in agony, your hands filled with sand began to turn purple from the tight grip. You cried out to Eywa in pain, so you could let it all out before putting back your mask. 

You looked back into the endless ocean of death and thought “maybe some children are simply born with tragedy in their blood.” 

[lacrimosathedark]

Hello. I love Conner Kent and have compiled pretty much every time Conner and Tim have had any kind of intimacy since he was brought back to canon.

Let’s go in order!

Young Justice 2019 (not to be confused with the OG)

For the record, this is pre-bisexual-realization Tim. tbh I’ve been thinking about just how bitter Tim sounds here despite still being oblivious to how freaking gay he is. Like, seriously “Whatever dumb thing or person makes him happy makes me happy.” Like, why they gotta be dumb, Timbo? While not anywhere near as weird, it also feels very strong for Tim to say with his whole-ass chest “he’s my best friend and I love him” solely given how recently he recovered those memories.  But if they had resolidified into him by that point, it’s not too strange. Stronger things have been said about them and by them.

Conner goes right for Tim. (In fairness, Cassie’s already got him and Bart isn’t in the room yet, but still)

(Also please join me in desperately trying to ignore the Drake outfit for the next few images because Yikes)

Conner was being such a Mom to Bart before this that this just reminds me of when they started Young Justice and he made a comment about how Bart would be a handful for other heroes or parents and Tim just gave him a Look and he was like “Oh, no! I am NOT the mom!” Sure, Jan.

More cute Bart, but it’s just...the thought. Bart knew Tim would want to see pics of Kon punching Luthor in the face and I love that for them.

I couldn’t not include the subsequent hug. THEY’RE SO FRICKIN CUTE.

That’s about it for Young Justice (and thankfully Drake). Next is the Tim Drake Pride Special, most of which is also in Batman: Urban Legends. Though Conner is only in Urban Legends for this one hot sec.

Kon doesn’t end up helping with Bernard because Tim is a stubborn dumbass with a habit for self-sabotage. But he saves the day and gets the boy anyway.

(For the record, I am endgame TimKon 100%, but Tim and Bernard are also very cute together and I’m so excited to see more of them! Honestly, read the new Tim Drake: Robin comics they are so flippin cute and we get to see Bernard being a ridiculous conspiracy theorist like he was on New Earth and it’s actually pretty funny and so cute UGH)

Then this is I think exclusive to the Pride Special, and we are post Bisexual Awakening.

So many people loved this page. Including me. But this part of the special was more about getting Tim to talk to Stephanie again. Because he’s an awkward loser who is trying to find himself and will occasionally just distance himself from people to do so. Despite generally being self aware and knowing better.

Anywho, the following is from Dark Crisis: Young Justice. Which isn’t too bad, but sometimes feels a bit wonky, especially with the girls. But it’s not totally out of character, especially given the Fresh Trauma, and it gets in the boys’ heads. And there’s...A Lot.

This is...well, these are Cassie’s thoughts. The plot hole made here, “Conner never find[ing] out” which shouldn’t be true because both Cassie AND Tim told him about this, is hand waved later because the whole thing with Rebirth is everyone’s memories are Fucked. I mean, Kon and Bart should have not been included in that because they were “off-world” when the N52 reboot happened which is the explanation for the 90s/2000s versions to come back basically as they had been, but y’know. Comics.

But anyway, this is bringing up, in case you live under a rock and were unaware, the time when Kon died and Cassie and Tim started dating for a hot second almost entirely because of their shared grief over Kon. Cassie had literally been in a Superboy cult and Tim was in the desperate process of trying to clone him.

You know. Fun times.

Dark Crisis actually has a lot of Kon@Tim stuff. I mean, plenty of the mutual affection still, but Kon is very focused on Tim, whereas Tim is trying to be more logical and, funny enough, listening to Bart.

Everyone forgets Bart is Super Smart, in part because he’s actually naturally clever but has a goober personality, but also because part of his trauma response to getting his kneecap blow off and having to have surgery done with little to no anesthetic because his metabolism burned that shit right out, he literally consumed an entire library. Like, read every single book there at super speed. Boy Knows Things. Plus he’s experienced to much more trauma since then, he’s become a quick thinker (pun always intended).

But you’re not here for my Bartholomew Is Great lecture, you’re here for TimKon!

Coffee Boy Confirmed

Oh, Tim...

All three of them go flying out of a car and Kon grabs Tim, but fuck Bart I guess? Bart brings this up later but it’s still frustrating. Sure, Tim and Kon are besties, but they love Bart. He’s not a third wheel in their friendship. He’s part of it. Just...sigh.

I love “You know I can run, right?” This is just a little glimpse into while Kon’s brain seems almost exclusively reserved for self pity and Tim, and Tim is still very much more focused on Conner, Tim is still paying attention to Bart (even if he doesn’t feel like it). Tim didn’t need to grab Bart at all, but why not?

Again, Kon brushing Bart off entirely, and Tim acknowledging Bart’s point but still showing preference to Kon.

Tim is So Done with these two and it’s so funny.

Also want to note, “process this with Babs later”. Is Babs acting as his therapist? I think she has the training, or at least a degree in psychology? That would actually be kinda sweet.

This seems so much more “ow my heart” out of context...the context is, Kon is being a dick to Bart. Tim ultimately disagrees with Conner, but not enough for Bart to not storm off, as seen below.

For the record, that’s not Cassie. Which is pretty obvious from the jump. But even here...yikes.

This stunned look (which is oddly glassy-eyed and unnerving tbh...) is in direct contrast to his calm understanding when Cassie actually told him, and then when Tim tried to talk to him about it. He was initially like “that’s kinda fucked up, but I get it and I forgive you”. Which...honestly sounds super big and sweet, but he also had pretty much the same reaction to “I was in a Superboy revival cult” and “I tried to clone you 90+ times and considered tossing you in a Lazarus Pit” so...

What I’m saying is Kon, in true Kent fashion, is a himbo.

But this could set off so many trains of thought here. Cassie told him it was out of grief that she did it--Tim never gets to explain his side. But what if it was a grief reaction for Tim? (It was.) Does that mean he was projecting his feelings for Conner onto Cassie? (Probably.) Tim knows he likes boys now, does that mean he liked Conner? (Likely.) Either way, what does Kon do with this?

Okay, this isn’t TimKon, but these boys are so fucking funny. Have I mentioned that I love Tim Drake? Because I love him. (Also reminds me of the time when Bart’s head was fucked up and he thought he was Batman...look, the 90s were weird, okay?)

They just had a fight and Tim’s first move is to stabilize and comfort Conner. Just....aaaaaaaaaaaa

And then we get to the fourth issue...which is probably my favorite because we’re finally in Conner’s head! We’ve been bopping between Bart and Tim until now (and also Cassie and Cissie elsewhere), but nearly this whole comic is Kon’s POV and it’s both hilarious and a little heartbreaking. I...I love him. He is my Favorite.

So, they’re being attacked by a whole fake Justice League and Titans (I see Roy and Kory and Kyle and Donna and--) and Big Bad is fucking with the sound waves. Until Conner is like, “Okay, but what if we didn’t?”

He’s the one who’s been trying to convince the other two that this fake world is okay, that it’s better and they should stay, despite things being noticeably Off, and despite the distinct lack of Jon, Damian, and Wallace. (As far as I know, Bart doesn’t know Wallace too well, but Kon and Jon at least met and got on okay, and Tim and Damian are...well, they’re at a point in their relationship of begrudging respect and affectionate verbal violence rather than, y’know, actual violence). Bart wants to GTFO, and Tim was wishy-washy at first, but at this point is firmly with Bart and wants out. I mean, he started getting Bad Vibes when Fake Batman said him wanting to date Bernard over Stephanie was “just a phase”. I didn’t include that image despite loving it, but Tim’s internal thoughts are, verbatim, “@#$&#&* what?” which can, I would guess, be translated to, “Fucking what?” Tim is very curse-y in this series.

But I’m getting sidetracked. Kon wants to stay, the others want out, and Kon throws a bitch fit.

“The man was too stunned to speak”

Poor Bart, figuratively and literally carrying this fucking team.

Here we go.

Hey. Hey, Conner. Buddy. What the fuck does that mean, man?

I cannot begin to tell you the number of ways this page hurts me. Just...all three of them are so fed up with everything and aaaaaaaaa

And then Bart rightfully goes off.

Like, that’s not quite true, but it sure do be feeling that way right now. And while even in this post I’ve shown just how much both of them can care and pay attention to Bart, they have always been more focused on each other. At first it was because Tim was secretive and Kon thought he had a stick up his ass meanwhile Conner was new to the world and being actively manipulated by people. And then it’s because they’re best friends. Like, heterosexual life partners levels of best friends. Platonic (or not-so-platonic) soulmates levels of best friends. They both consider Bart their best friend too, but they hold each other above pretty much everyone else. Which, after they’ve all lost some footholds in reality with their seniors missing, those small slights feel more pointed and are getting to Bart a lot more. He’s hurting and Tim’s the only one listening, but Tim is favoring Kon and it’s driving him up the wall. All that frustration and resentment come to a head. Hopefully to be resolved.

I’ve made this a Young Justice Boys post instead of just a TimKon post, but I regret nothing!

For the sake of my image limit I haven’t given everything I love about this issue, but even if you don’t read the rest (which is fair, it gives some people Bad Vibes at the start) please read this issue. Conner’s inner monologue is so stupid and so funny and I love him so much.

But anywhozits, proceeding!

I want it noted that Bart was attacked right before this and is held on the ground but Conner immediately goes for Tim. Unbelievable.

(I refuse to crop out Bart when he’s funny)

I’m, uh, not a fan of Superboy’s face here, but y’know, more him focused on Tim. While Bart is in a similar predicament.

He finally mentions Bart...after he seems to have nearly been able to save himself.

(Yes, the bad guy’s name is Mickey. Yes it’s awful, but that’s the point. I think.)

Now, here’s a big point for me, so I’m breaking down the page.

Mickey-boy conjures up images of new and revised characters (ex. Jon Kent and Harley Quinn) and Tim sees

And the next panel?

He sees Tim looking at the image of his boyfriend...and he changes his tune.

And they they all go off on a speech that’s touching in context but incredibly cheesey out of it. Also a bit obnoxiously meta, but so is this whole storyline.

“What are you gonna do about it, Conner Kent?” I don’t know why that gets me so much but it does.

That’s all for now. Last DCYJ comes out November 15 and I’ll probably edit this post at that point to add what’s in there but I’m impatient and made this whole thing and I need people to love and appreciate these boys.

[thefirstknife]

To take a break from this week's awfulness, I wanted to tag in on Calus in LF. As you deftly laid out, it's perfect for his character & his relationships with the Witness & Caiatl. It shows him as vain & pathetic. But that's precisely why it fails *as a game villain*. He needs to be scary & powerful for our final battle, but it was just sad to me. A sad little man, unloved & desperate. Compared to Sav, Oryx etc it's a big emotional difference. What do you think from the angle of *game* villain?

Oh that's an interesting question, no worries!

Honestly, it really depends on what type of a villain people expect or prefer. I can see why some would prefer a villain to not be this way or at least if they didn't know all the details. I personally really love villains like this; villains who have put themselves into a path that led them to being just sad, abandoned, lonely and desperate people, despite being given options and a way out, multiple times. But their refusal to accept change is what ultimately led them to their fate.

Calus fits this really well! There's definitely a tragedy to him and his life as a whole. This doesn't really bring the same sort of joy over his defeat as it would be to defeat someone who is villainous in a different way so I can understand why people would feel off for killing him. But personally I believe that Lightfall's whole theme fits this with Calus. He was a sad little man, who rejected everything to overcome his problems and grief and instead chose the simpler path, unlike us; we worked through our grief and took the more difficult way but ultimately more rewarding. It's the primary dichotomy between the way of Light and the way of Darkness. The Witness is also important to consider here because the Witness looks for these types of people in particular for manipulation. A sad little man like Calus was overjoyed to meet the Witness, ages ago. The Witness played with that aspect of him and promised him everything he wanted; most of all, to be important and to be seen.

And in truth, he simply wasn't. He was being used, as all who side with the Witness are. With the whole setup of loss at the end of Lightfall, yeah; his defeat didn't feel as triumphant as it would've been if he'd been different. I believe that was intended. It definitely gave me more of a sense of relief that we put him to rest, rather than triumph. The Witness does that to people. You're kinda glad that you're putting those irreversibly manipulated by it out of their misery. It's also reflected with Caiatl who was basically just tired of it all and just wanted to know if it's done.

I'd even say that Oryx was a similarly tragic figure, though not exactly in the same way. Oryx was also manipulated and he struggled with his doubts all of his life. And when he finally came to attack us, he was literally just a father struck with grief over losing his child. He was more of an imminent threat to the solar system of course, so there was more triumph in defeating him. His story was also much more obscure overall (given how D1 did lore). To a lot of people, Oryx was just a scary monster that arrived to kill everyone. But once you know the background (and especially now with the full scope of it and the role of the Witness in shaping the Hive into who they are), I believe that he is also one of those villains that are ultimately just tragic people. I know Oryx is like that to me.

So yeah, I think this is a really interesting perspective to consider. I still think that this does work for villains, it's just not something that everyone equally enjoys. An expectation for villains is that we should feel good for ending them. But Destiny in general has given us many questions about that over the years; Uldren is a perfect example. He was also painted as a villain, but even back then (and especially now with Crow post-Haunted), I genuinely felt like crap for what we did to him. And that was kinda baked into Forsaken as well; our revenge rampage was never meant to be heroic. There was no real glory or justice in it.

This is definitely something that not everyone will perceive the same way and that not everyone will equally enjoy, especially when considering what the expectations are going into it.

[1800-fight-me]

Bloodthirsty

Vampire!Eddie Munson x Afab!Reader (No Y/N)

Rating: E (my blog is 18+ so minors please do not interact!!)

Warnings: oh god, so many, explicit descriptions of sex, rough sex, blood drinking during sex (i mean he’s a vampire- duh lol), reader cries during foreplay though consent is definitely given, please don’t read if any of this is triggering to you!! 

Word count: 1.3k

Author’s note: I’m so horny for this man it’s embarrassing and I read a couple of fics of Eddie coming back from the upside down as a vampire because of all of the bat bites and I am obsessed with that theory and could not get this idea out of my head I was like a woman possessed writing this.... pls don’t judge me I’m just going to post this and run lol

P.S. Here’s a link to my masterlist if you’d like to check out my other writing! Also! My taglist is always open- leave me a comment or an ask if you’d like to be added!

He came to you only at night, your Eddie. Well you supposed he wasn’t quite your Eddie anymore. He was different, changed. 

He was rougher, angrier, harder. 

Eddie has been through a lot in his life but he always bore it with a smile, a laugh, a joke. But, whatever he experienced in the upside down changed him. 

It was like he was becoming the thing people always said he was. 

Dark, scary, a monster. 

You still love him, desperately. 

He comes to you at night and you let him use your body as he wants, as he needs. 

There’s a moment when it’s over, when he holds you close, his hands turn gentle and his face nuzzles into your skin and you sigh in relief. It’s like it was before when he used to love you, hold you, cherish you. This twisted version of him still has you imprinted on his black heart, at least. 

You have him but you miss his laugh. 

You have him but only at night. 

You have him but you still miss him.  

He at least allows you to fall asleep in his arms and you cry in the morning when he’s gone. If it weren’t for the bruises on your body you wouldn’t even believe he was real, that he wasn’t a figment of your imagination. 

It’s been ongoing for weeks but no one believes you. They think you’re tortured with grief and nightmares. 

The first time he bit you, you cried. He murmured reassurances and patted your head as he gulped down your blood. 

Now, you let him without a fight. You gasp and writhe but only because he always has his fingers or cock inside you before he bites down. 

Sex with Eddie was usually rough, but the undercurrent of tenderness that used to be there was gone. 

And you enjoyed it, of course you did, it was Eddie- he always, always made you come but you missed when he used to kiss you softly and make love to you. 

You didn’t know what happened to him in the upside down, and you assumed he went back there after you fell asleep though he never told you. You didn’t know how he was alive or why he was changed but he was close enough to your Eddie, the love of your life, that your body- your mind- your soul couldn’t refuse him as he slipped in through your window night after night. 

Gone was the grinning boy who cracked jokes and comforted you and present was the the man- the monster- who fucked you until you cried while he growled and drank your blood. 

The bruises from his fingers stayed but where there should be an open wound on your neck there was always only a small scar- like an imprint of his teeth- left on your skin by morning. 

You brushed your fingers against the scar during the day as you missed him. 

“Sweetheart,” you heard and your eyes flitted open as you blinked and woke. 

You couldn’t stop the tears just as you knew you wouldn’t stop what was coming. 

You felt his hands on your face, your neck, down your body. He shifted you in your bed until he was satisfied with your position. 

“Eds,” you whimpered and he shushed you. 

“Gonna give you what you want,” he murmured as he moved down your body to settle between your legs. 

“No,” you whined and he looked up at you. 

The moonlight streaming through the window gave you enough to see the outline of his face and the otherworldly gleam of his eyes. 

“No?” he challenged and you grabbed his shoulders in an attempt to pull him up closer to your face. 

He was immovable, like hard stone. 

“I miss you, baby. Please,” you beg desperately. 

“I’m here,” he said, his voice gravely and harsh. 

“Kiss me, please, Eddie, just-can you just kiss me,” you practically cried. 

The only kisses you get from him now are harsh, teeth clashing and tongues fighting, the taste of your own blood in your mouth as he quiets his climax with his lips on yours. 

“I travel through hell every day for you,” he said quietly, his tone almost scary. 

You couldn’t stop the tears from dripping down your cheeks as guilt filled you. Here he was, having yanked himself from death’s grip for you and yet you were telling him you didn’t get enough. 

“I’m sorry,” you blubbered, “I love you.” 

He sighed and nodded. You tried to quiet your sniffles as your tears threatened to turn into sobs that he wouldn’t or couldn’t say it back to you anymore. 

This monster before you looked so much like your high school sweetheart and you couldn’t look away. You couldn’t help but give him what he wanted. 

“You-you can bite me wherever you want. Can you just kiss me first?” you said timidly. 

He licked his lips and nodded again and allowed you to tug himup. 

You sighed in relief as his body settled on top of yours, the weight of him comforting even if his body temperature was so much colder than it should be. 

He placed a large hand on the side of your face as you watched him with wide eyes. 

He dipped his chin down and you gasped as he licked the tears from your cheeks, one after the other. 

Your surprise stopped any more tears from falling as he pressed his soft plush lips to yours. 

You moaned as he kissed you with the gentleness you so craved. 

His hands moved to grip the sheets of the bed on either side of your head as you wrapped your fingers in his hair and deepened the kiss. 

You tried to keep the pace of the kiss slow but it was clear he was fighting against his new nature as he tried to give you the tenderness you wanted. 

You tentatively brushed your tongue against his bottom lip and he opened his mouth to yours with a groan. 

His hand moved to the headboard and it groaned under his newfound strength as he continued to hold himself back and allow you to lead the kiss. 

You kissed him and poured all your love into his mouth as your tongue danced with his and your lips moved against his. 

You pushed your luck for as long as you could and you wrapped your arms and legs around him as you continued to kiss him and felt some of the hurt in your heart heal. 

He pulled back with a growl and you knew your moment of tenderness was over and it was okay. It was okay, because your Eddie was in there. He was in there and he fought hard to show you the love and care you needed. 

He panted as he looked down at you, shining eyes full of hunger, self-control about to snap, and you nodded at him, giving him permission as you tilted your jaw up and bared your neck to him. 

He shook his head and moved back down your body and settled himself between your legs as he yanked your panties off. 

He alternated between licking your pussy and drinking blood from the inside of your thigh and when you cried out your release he shoved himself inside your blood soaked warmth. 

He pulled another release from you before he came with a snarl of, “You’re mine.” 

“M’yours Eddie. Always yours,” you agreed and he pulled out of you and wrapped you in his arms. 

You woke the next morning to blood stains and teeth marks, but you didn’t feel as empty anymore. 

You were sure now, your Eddie, the love of your life was still inside the monster he had become. You were determined to do everything in your power to pull out the good in him even if it meant giving the bloodthirsty monster everything he wants.  

Everything taglist:

@spideysimpossiblegirl @dinandgone @ohpedromypedro @littlemisspascal @tombraider42017 @kirsteng42 @just-here-for-the-moment

Eddie taglist:

@bunnywritesmarvel @crazycookiecrumbles​ @kindnonny23-2​ @kaqua​

[arabian-bloodstream]

HOTD S01E10 thoughts

Well, I thought the finale was awesome. Also, apparently, Rhaenyra is TOTALLY my favorite character, not Daemon, LOL!

- Emma D’arcy is amazing. Period.

- Sorry, ya’ll, but I completely understood where Daemon was coming from throughout the whole thing. He was like YAAAAS, I finally have a reason to take these motherfuckers down, go to war on Otto and his bootlickers after nearly 20 years. YAAS!!!! Woohoo!!

- Why, why, why would he even remotely want to be there when Rhaenrya was going through that childbirth which could possibly lead to her death when he loves her so much when he went nearly through the same thing with Laena who he didn’t love even remotely near like? Daemon has shown in the past that he does, you know, like cowardly shit. He runs when it’s too much. This is like the ZENITH of way, way, waaaaaaaaaay too much. Of course, his ass wasn’t there.

- As for Daemon choking her, duh! four things:

1. That was all about Viserys and Daemon’s major, major issues about Viserys. Never being good enough for Viserys. Viserys never choosing him for anything. Finding out that he had been heir to the throne for how many freaking years and Viserys had NEVER told him this HUGE fucking thing? And to find this out the day or so after Viserys died, so he can’t even have a good vent to Viserys about it because he’s still dealing with his major grief over Viserys, you know, dying.

2. Daemon is dealing with a shit-ton of emotional shit. A) Viserys, the brother he deeply loved, died. B) He just lost his baby. C) His wife’s throne was just usurped. D) He’s all hepped up on YAAAAAS! I can finally kill Otto and Crispin and all of those other cunts who have annoyed me for years!!

3. Daemon hurt her physically. And then Rhaenyra gave it right back emotionally. Did you see her reaction once he let go? She was all (with a smile on her face, no less) “You didn’t know? Hahahahaha! He never told you!!” Yeah, she hit back at him where it fucking hurt!

Yeah, these two fucking fight dirty as fuck!

4. Daemon Targaryen is NOT an anti-hero. He can be a monster. He can be a bad guy who does a lot of really, really bad things. Yes, he loves his family. Yes, he does, but he is not some woobie. He does really awful, terrible shit. That be who Daemon is. This is NOT out of character for him. No, sireebob!

- Rhaenyra making sure that Rhaena and Baela were part of the war council discussion... chef’s kiss.

- I love Jace. That is all.

- Every moment with Luke made my heart hurt because I knew what was coming.

- The contrast to the birth episode from the first episode compared to this one, gah. All the awards for Emma D’Arcy. ALL. THE. AWARDS. Throughout the labor, pulling out the stillbirth baby girl, holding her, wrapping her up. Gah. And even Daemon coming upon her and unable to come in because it was too much for him and then his grief on his own out in the waves. My heart!! Gosh, it was devastating.

- Vhargar is huge. Aemond is fucking evil. I hate him. I know, he didn’t mean to kill Luke, but still!

- Rhaenrya tried so hard for peace. She. Tried. So. FUCKING HARD. And Daemon was such... ugh, he kept acting like he was in charge, and some of the looks she was giving him like, “Fucker, I AM THE QUEEN, dude!” And then likewise when she wouldn’t let him kill Otto, he was all, “but, but, but.... I wanna! Why won’t you let me kill me him?!?!?” (And, honestly, I was thinking same. “Rhaenyra... let Daemon kill Otto!!”)

- Ooh, I loved the callback to Daemon and Otto facing off on the Dragonstone walkway and then here comes Rhaenrya on Syrax. And this time, Rhaenyra was WITH Daemon. So cool.

- Finally, oh, I LOVED when Ser Erryk brought out the crown, knelt and declared himself loyal to the Queen, said his vows. Oh, I was all verklempt. Then Daemon put the crown upon Rhaenyra’s head, called her “My Queen” and then knelt before her. And all followed suit. That was great.

Really, I think if the showrunners had known how well the show as going to do they would have stretched things out more and THAT would have been the end of the season. It would have been a fantastic contrast the to previous episode’s end, and such an awesome end to the episode and season. Ah well.

Overall, I thought it was a fantastic episode. Emma D’Arcy was really the MVP. Just fantastic. Ep 9 was meh, but this one was awesome. Can’t wait to rewatch it on Sunday night!

[sorrow-and-bliss]

Let Me Help You

Draco x Sick Reader

Warnings: Reader has chronic pain/health issues. Angsty anxious Draco. Fluufffffyyyy (A little cheesy)

Draco has some extra powers. In this adjusted universe you can feel someone else's pain by touching them.

Reblogs are fine.

Masterlist

~

'Rain may fall and wind may blow, And many miles be still to go' ~ J. R. R. Tolkien

You walked doggedly down the corridors of Hogwarts, each step heavier than the last. School had been exhausting lately and it wasn't helped by the inflammation in your veins. Pain permeated your whole being as spasms darted in and out of your body, pinching you here, searing you there. It made you numb, causing you to completely check out. Your friends simply thought you were tired but there was someone who knew better.

In your daze, you failed to notice a head of platinum blond hair in the mass of students crowded around the potions door. Pain ricocheted through your body, causing you to clench your jaw and wince. Then your eyes glazed over once more in an unseeing stare.

Someone spoke to you.

"Hey, y/n, snap out of it."

"Huh?" You murmured.

Draco Malfoy grabbed your forearms then jumped back with a sudden yelp. The surrounding students gave you both strange looks.

You understood at once what had happened, and Draco looked at you in alarm. As the other students went off, Draco put an arm around your shoulders, steering you away from class. He completely ignored your protests until he reached the outer archway leading to the grounds.

"What are you doing?" You snapped, flinging his arms off, finally getting a word in.

"How long has this been going on?" He interrogated. "That was no measly shock I got and I know darn well where it came from. Merlin's beard, why didn't you say something?"

He ranted in frustration as he pulled your sleeves back.

"Draco, no," you warned. "You'll get hurt, too." You looked on in horror.

"And just let you suffer?" He fired back.

It was concern that made him so tense, and you could see the sympathy swimming in his eyes.

He put his hands on your arms again, moving up and down, trying to discern an epicenter. Finally, he settled on your biceps. Slowly the pain drifted out of your body and took the shape of a dark mass hovering around his hands. Not once did he flinch as he absorbed the pain. "Draco you shouldn't!" You cried in protest. But he only shook his head.

"How long has this flare up been going on?" He asked, tone laced with grief.

"It's been... awhile."

He sighed, then infused the swirling mass into a nearby stone, catching you just in time before you swayed to the floor. Your body had gone into sudden relief as the pain left.

"Oh, y/n, y/n," he repeated, caressing you. "Please tell me when these things happen," he pleaded. "I can't stand you suffering alone."

You cried silently into his shirt, as he rubbed your back.

The stone that Draco had flung away began to smoke and hiss before exploding and turning to dust.

You looked at him curiously, "How did you do that? I thought you were going to absorb it."

He smiled at you fondly, "I know. I've been experimenting and studying. Another object can absorb an illness from the withdrawer's hand, but will combust upon absorption."

"But you could still feel the pain temporarily?" You pressed, anxiously.

He shrugged, "Don't worry about it. If you can handle it, I can too."

"But -"

"Shh," he ran a hand through your hair. "You need to rest. Come on."

Picking you up he carried you outside and set you down under a beech tree near the lake. It was a pleasant day with the sun actually peeking out. The grass was soft beneath you and an amiable breeze blew. Draco gently pulled you against his chest.

"Draco, we'll get in trouble skipping classes." You murmured, as the sunlight warmed you, ending your will to move for a few centuries.

He waved off your concern. "I won't get in trouble because I have connections, and you won't get in trouble because you're an excellent student."

Draco pulled out his wand and did a flourish. Bellflowers began to crop up.

Then with a ringed finger to the wind, some small air currents began to dance around his hand.

Taking the sphere of wind he'd obtained, he pressed it gently to your chest. Oxygen filled your lungs, and your body finally relaxed.

"Thanks, Dray." You smiled and snuggled into him.

He kissed you soundly on the lips and stroked your cheek.

"Anything, for my y/n."

'But under a tall tree I will lie, And let the clouds go sailing by.' ~ J. R. R. Tolkien

[fandomxo00]

X-men - First Class: Part 8- Erik Lehnsheer, Magneto

word count: 2.6k

warnings: mentions of violence, smutt 18+, unprotected sex, p in v, oral fem receiving!, mentions of missiles and war, mutant training, emotional. 

To leant against the near by fence as Erik and Charles chattered back and forth before Charles wanted to test Erik's powers. You laughed when Charles awkwardly held up the gun to Erik's head. Erik should be able to stop the bullet since its made out metal. Erik, the maniac he was almost seemed to be excited at the prospect of being able to show off his abilities.

"Are you sure?" Charles asked.

"I'm sure." Erik egged has a smile on his face. Charles clenched his eyes his hands began to tremble.

"No. No I can't I'm sorry." The sentiment only frustrated Erik as he leant down to position the gun against his forehead. Charles gritted his teeth, cringing.

"Oh come on." Erik urged, "You know I can deflect it. You're always telling me I should push myself." You sighed as Charles jerked his hand away.

"If you know you can deflect it, then you're not challenging yourself." Charles countered. "Whatever happened to the man who was trying to raise a submarine?"

Erik slapped his hands down at his sides, "What-I can't." Charles handed the gun to Erik. "I need the situation, the anger." He explained, you started to listen intently to their conversation.

"No, the anger's not enough." Charles replied.

"Well, it's gotten the job done all of this time." Erik retorted.

"And Shaw got the upper hand." You added, stepping towards the two men. "You feel so much Erik, there is so much more power in channeling your emotions into your power." 

"She's right." Charles started. "Because your anger has nearly gotten you killed all this time."

You felt his words deeply and then wonder if this is why Charles was better at controlling himself. He isn't just fueled by emotions but motives, inspiration, justice. Erik wanted to act on all of those raging emotions because he learnt that from a young age. But he could have so much more power and so could you, if you knew how to properly use it. "Follow me." Charles mumbled as he walked over to the fence you were leaning against. "Here's something challenging get that satellite to face us." Erik looked back at him before Charles turned to you.

"Nadine, I want you to unblock his mind, he needs to find that power within his memories. Instead of seeking out the dark, you need to find the light." Charles directed. 

A low humming filled the air as Erik attempted to turn the satellite to no avail. Charles looked over to you and you closed your eyes, you focused in on finding Erik in all the smoke, hearing his daunting of thoughts, the pressure he put on himself to perform this task. That's when a memory flooded back. Erik as a young boy, with his mother, Edie. A menorah set in the front of  the pair, laughter filled the air as you felt the weight of Erik's grief slipping away as a positive memory showed itself to the surface. You felt a tear run down your cheek as you opened your eyes to see Erik turned around facing you, his eyes glazed over with water. 

"What did you do to me?" Erik croaked, his voice soft but demanding. You stepped closer to him as you looked into his eyes.

"I looked for the brightest spot in your memory rather than the worst and it makes me feel so much better-." You explained.

"I didn't know I still had that." Erik murmured, looking down at the ground before meeting your eyes. 

"It's hard to keep those good memories when there are so many bad ones." You breathed, Erik reached out for you, his hands going to the back of your neck. He pulled you into a deep kiss, before Charles cleared his throat. "Now move that satellite bub." You urged as he softly smiled at you and gave you a short nod. 

Then Erik turned back towards the satellite, he focused in on his powers before gritting his teeth as he tried to pull the satellite towards the three of you but he wasn't able to so Charles spoke up, "If you are able to access that good, Erik, you'll possess a power no one can match." Charles explained before shaking his head. "Not even me."

"Come on try again." You persuaded. Erik's hand reaches out and all of his focus going inwards as he set his mind to the task at hand. You watched as tears trailed down his cheek as the metal of the satellite began to groan. He slowly brought his hand in towards himself and the satellite moved. 

Charles laughed in excitement and your heart was pumping with pride as Erik turned to you, laughing in joy. He didn't expect for you to jump on him, wrapping your arms around him. But he took the initiative and smashed his lips on to yours before he whispered, "You and me?"

The rest of the afternoon was filled with training the other mutants to use their powers. You watched as Alex became more comfortable with himself, Banshee more confident in his power and Hank finally using his mutation rather than hiding it away. Erik had gotten to know Raven a little deeper and came over to you to discuss her powers. He even saw a bit of you in her as Raven hid away her abilities, afraid of them. Then he went to speak with Raven, helping her take back her power in her natural form. Explaining to her that if she was always in a human form, then she was always half not paying attention. After dinner, the group piled into the den to listen to the president's address. 

"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any missile crossing the embargo line that surrounds Cuba as an attack by the Soviet union on the United States requiring a full retaliatory response." Kennedy continued. 

"That's where we're gonna find Shaw." Erik announced.

"How do you know?" Alex asked in curiosity. 

"Two superpowers facing off, and he wants to start world war 3." Charles began to complain. "He won't leave anything to chance."

You glanced over at Erik as he spoke, "So much for diplomacy. I suggested you all get a good night of sleep." He nodded towards the door as his eyes connected with yours. You silently obeyed as you followed after him. 

You had fallen asleep in Erik's arms that night, he had spent hours snuggled into your neck and his arm draped around your waist. He had gotten a bath made up for you before making some tea to help you sleep. He silently took care of you and enjoyed it. You woke up later in the night, turning over in the bed to see the note Erik left for you, letting you know that he was with Charles. Your throat was dry and you were desperately craving a glass of water. As you walked back to the room, you paused as you heard voices on the other side. You reached out your mind, connecting with Erik's.

"This is a surprise." Erik said, as he looked away from Raven's covered body, she was under your sheets, naked. 

"A good one, I hope." Raven coaxed.

"Get out." Erik grunted. "You don't belong in here."

"How about now?" Raven asked, slying turning into your form and your anger informed Erik of your presence. 

"Hello darling." He spoke in his head, before you felt anger bubble up in his chest. "Don't pretend to be her, Raven. You won't ever be."

"But-."

"You are beautiful, Raven. But I would never hurt Nadine like this. I wouldn't ever do this to Charles. And we would never match." 

He covered all of his grounds as Raven began to cry, "Hank-." She broke off into a sob, breaking down in front of Erik, he sighed before speaking into his mind.

"Give us a moment." Erik spoke as you reluctantly left his mind, confused on why he wouldn't want you to be there. 

Moments later the door opens and a blue, naked, Raven came out of your room and you took no time to splash the water in her face. "So much for friends, Raven." You spat, angrily before stepping up to the shocked Raven, anger boiling through your veins. Raven swore she saw flames in your eyes as you threatened her, "You pull a stunt like that again and I will have you reliving your worst nightmare." You gritted.

"Leave her be, she made a mistake." Erik soothed, as he opened the door to the room and nodded for you to come to him. You trudged through the door angrily, trying your best to not be hurt by the situation. Erik didn't need your powers to know how you felt. You sat on the edge of the bed and Erik took it up on himself to kneel in front of you. 

"I would never hurt you, Nadine." Erik began, but you refused to look into his eyes, so his hand reached up to pinch your chin. "I would never give up this relationship, it's me and you." You looked into his eyes, his words puncturing your heart. "You trust me?"

"Of course." You assured, your hand coming up to wipe the tears that came from your overemotional state. 

"What shall I do to help sway you?" Erik asked, as he reached over to your arm before leaning down to softly kiss your hand. He slowly worked his way up your arm before his hands moved to the sides of your thighs, his hands spreading wide. "Show you how much-." He started, his breath hitching, his eyes growing dark as he looked up at you. "How much I love you." He finished as the words sunk into your chest, making you freeze. Erik's hands moved up your thighs, grabbing the edges of your pajama pants and slowly pulling them down. 

You didn't know how to reply to him, staring down at him as he hyper focused on getting you naked and under him. Though you knew it would be hard for Erik to confront his feelings after what you had done to him. When he had a clear head, no alcohol clouding his judgement but that feeling overcame you as Erik kissed on your skin. It was so easy for him to get caught up in you but he noticed that something was off. His hands came up to frame your face, pushing your hair back to look in his eyes. The truth being told at the way he was looking at you. You shouldn't doubt his loyalties, after all this time had never disappointed you in making you feel valued, needed and now loved. 

When you looked in his mind, all you felt was love. Concern flashed in his eyes as you started at him, lost in thought. He moved his head down to rub his nose against your jaw, trying to catch your attention. When you gazed up the man you finally said something, "You love me?"

You remembered your dream, how it played out as he buried his face in your neck, his hot cheeks warming up your skin. He inhaled before lightly kissing your neck. Your hands came up to his short red hair, pulling softly at the threads to meet his face again. "For how long?" You asked. 

Erik sighed as he remembered your trip to Paris, "For a long time, Liebling. On our trip to Paris, you trusted me to take you to different sites and restaurants. You remember that it was the first time we slept in the same bed together?" You felt deju-vu as he continued to explain himself in the best way he could, "I've never told anyone aside from my mother that I've loved them and I've never felt-in love before, " His eyes wonder your face before drifting to your lips and settling on your eyes. You clashed your lips together, running your fingers against his hair as he dipped his tongue into your mouth. 

Erik moved back on the bed, admiring you as he stood in front of you. His eyes trailing your body laid out on the bed, half clothed, you still looked like a wet dream. He pulled off his shirt before going to undo his belt. There was a different air in the night, there was deeper reach for connection rather than just needing each other. When he was finally naked, he knelt over you, his cock swelling by the moment. Erik spreads your legs, his cock fitting between your thighs. Erik's hands hover your breasts, taking his time to kiss your skin and suck at your breasts. He swirled his tongue around your nipple, his cock hard against your thigh. He moved his cock to rub against your clothed panties. Your legs move up as he grasps your panties and quickly gets rid of them. Then he leant back over to you, spreading your folds with his fingers before sliding his cock head into your weeping hole. Erik thrusted into you, his arms holding himself up are by your head. 

@fussingoverfassbender

He looked down at you with bliss shown on his face as he began to pound into you. Your hands moved down his back to feel his muscles flex as he held himself above you. Your legs moved around his waist, pulling him down on top of him, his arms moving down to his elbows. Erik leant down to cuddle into your neck and suck bruises on to your skin. This time was different between the two of you. Erik didn't act dominate because he couldn't think he could only feel all the sensations you made his body feel. He was passionately making love to you as he whispered in your ear, "I love you, Liebling. Me and you."

You panted back his words as you pulled his head in close, "Me and you baby." You promised, his thrusts sped up as he used down your neck, his kisses were quick but all consuming. Erik's hand moved down to your clit rubbing it in circles. You croaked out a moan and he lifted your hips up with a pillow to hit a deeper spot in you. You shoot your head back and grip on to his back as you arched into him. 

"Come for me." He croaked. You fluttered around his dick, sucking him in as your orgasm comes crashing down you. Erik picks up his pace, trying to chase his own high. Then his hips stuttered against your own as he was coming. You whined out the over stimulation then he slipped out of you and got on his knees. The flat of his tongue comes in contact with your aching clit and wet hole. 

"God, Erik."

"God won't help you now." Erik murmured, darkly, as he swirled your clit with his tongue before wiping up his come that dripped out of you. Then he started to fuck your cunt with his tongue, making you moan out loudly and grip on to his hair. You could feel another orgasm bubbling up to the surface as Erik suffocated himself to your pussy. His determination to make you come, drove him wild and he desperately needed that from you. You broke apart on his tongue, your skin burning hot. "Calm down, my love." He urged, pulling his tongue off of you as he felt your heated skin. He moved up to lay next to you, his arm draping around your waist. Erik made sure to pull the blanket over the two of you before pulling you close.

[caffernnn]

Free! Anniversary Fic Recs 🦋🐋🐬🦈🐧 Can you share your fav fics from each year (2013-2023) Free! has been around?

This is a very fun ask!! Lemme root through my bookmarks and see what I can find 😅

2013 - A lot of the stories I have saved from this time are shorter lil one-shots like “Never Leave” by Shimegami (classic mh hug-it-out interlude fic) and “The Sound of Settling” by teke (feelings realization stuff), but one other one I liked was “The Ocean You Gave My Heart” by miaoujones. Smut warning for that one (if that’s not your thing), but something about desert-bound Makoto learning to swim and indulge in water with Haru, thinking upon meeting him that he’s a wonder whether he’s really a mermaid or not, that’s neat!!

2014 - starting to realize the ones I kept any note of from the early years are some of the popular mh fics probably already recommended 10 times over, but there’s a reason why people sing their praises. If you haven’t checked out fics from tide tothemoon like 2/13189000 (mhtokyo my beloved), their writing is *chef’s kiss* delightful. Another AU I haven’t been able to bring myself to revisit was orihime’s reincarnation stories from “I cannot be without you, matter of fact.” There are two different stories, one where Makoto remembers their past lives and a follow up where Haru remembers, and oh that made me ache dude.

2015 - Speaking of suffering, have y’all checked out Heart’s Departure yet? I think we’ve referenced and talked about that story enough for it to speak for itself 🥴 heartbreaking circumstances but still cosmic and so so beautiful. Then, once you’re done crying about that story, hop over to “Shake the Heavens” by Ad_Astra to break down over (what I described in my ao3 bookmark) Makoto and Haru’s “inherently cataclysmic devotion.” I guess 2015 was the year of shoving the boys into tragic AUs and seeing how much they were willing to give up to get back to each other. A whole vibe

2016 - let’s goooo gamers, more AUs!! “I’d Create Oceans For You” by trashness is a fun fantasy adventure that has both tender moments and interesting action (and some banger art from donguris omggg). If you want something more future-fish-flavored that shows that happily-ever-after doesn’t save you from your grief, “Sublimation” by RedScribbler was great. You can find more of my thoughts on that one if you scroll back a bit in my “fic recs” tag — one of y’all sent it in and yeeees it was so up my alley!

2017 - Alright fellas, there are so many to choose from, because now we’re getting into the macbetha years! Who would I be if I didn’t mention “Eyes Wide Open All The Time” tbh?? It’s a long one with its own hard-hitting involved lore and world-building, but Beth builds this unique story in a way that pulls from the characters we know and love so effectively. I’ve sung the praises for this story multiple times (and could so do it again bro don’t tempt me) but I’ll end off with saying that if you’re fascinated in watching deeply-wounded people who’ve been put through hell learn how to make a life in the aftermath, there’s something special for you here. Aaaand, if you want something about 1/10 the length and not as heavy, “159 (Architect/Interior Designer AU)” by intoxicatedcinnamon has some fun moments 😌 that’s another one where you can find more of my thoughts somewhere in the fic recs tag (love when y’all send me stories 💚💙)

2018 - “Coral and Bone” by Macbetha my beloved!!!! Wanna play mermaids and fight the gods? Maybe try to find that summer magic that makes you want to keep going and accidentally fall in love on the way? I am puuushing you toward this story bestie. Everyone’s here and everyone’s having fun! OH ALSO I’m throwing in “Night Changes” by SEMellark because I love stories where Makoto and Haru actually figure out how to talk to each other. (Side note — a lot of these are probably gonna be things I’ve rec’d in the past, so feel free to scroll my tag for more details and consider this list an extra endorsement 😅)

2019 - (drops basket full of love for mutuals) OOPS OOPS OOPS!!! Don’t mind me, just popping in with some “Let’s Get Married” by sagesprouts and “Anthropocene” by testosterogna, nothing to see here but some classic natsunao shenanigans and one of the sickest elemental bender AUs out there 😌✨ I also have some fics from Svana saved from this year, but I’ll be mentioning her again later so hold on okay!!

2020 - alright, now the list is getting longer with everyone jumping back in during the early pandemic days 🏃🏻‍♀️SO FIRST OFF “green eyes, you’re the one I wanted to find” by infinite_always is an absolute FLUFF FEST of a soulmate AU! Unbearably tender moments but who doesn’t love that every so often? OH AND we have another one of my all-time ultimate fic recs here!! “Reaching” by CupNoodles55 has shaped and reshaped how I look back at Eternal Summer in the way I’d want any great canon-compliant fic to. Big love for interlude scenes and extra bits that help recontextualize or deepen what a moment could’ve meant in the show. Gonna end off 2020 with “The Sea Aflame” by Dizzydodo because even though this urban fantasy story is unfinished, I was super drawn in by the prospects of dragon!Makoto and whatever god stuff was going on with Sousuke. An interesting universe I love thinking about again from time to time.

2021 - Starting off strong with “love on the water, love underwater (and so on)” by rudimentaryflair because we love introspection here!!! Lovely writing style with lines that make me want to scale the walls. This take on Makoto is so so special. Also gonna rec “To Clear Away Today” by suhmayzooka (omg hiiii) if you want to be thrown into another hard-hitting intricate AU with loads of potential. Love exploring what we’ve got to see of the world so far 💞 and OOOH IT’S TIME!! “Extraordinary” by Svana_Vrika is basically canon to me at this point. Svana has a lot of sweet shorter stories with Makoto and Haru (look here, look here), but this one is everythinggg my guy. Similar appeal to “Reaching” mentioned earlier: a story of interludes that bring the story we already know to life in a delightful new way. Required reading for mhtokyo fans forreal. ONE LAST ONE OKAY!! “Teacher” by VeloxVoid is a great future fic with teacher!Makoto and artist!Haru (and I’m not biased just bc it was a gift exchange for me with details fit to my specific tastes wdym🧍🏻). Domestic blisssss

2022 - Ooh we’ve almost caught up y’all ☺️ gonna start with “All This and Heaven Too” by SocksAreArgyle because sometimes the bestie crafts a smorgasbord of smut with a delicious throughline of character/relationship development baked in. If you want your choice of spicy makoharus or some character exploration, you’re SET with this one. Next is “I Let My Heart Go” by martincrieff because sometimes the bestie looks at poor pining Makoto and goes “you know what would be messed up?” AND I JUST !!! So full of love and now full of flower petals. Hanahaki!Makoto my dearest boy!! Aaaand ending off the year with some tender mh (to Ikuya’s detriment) in “The Night Train” by Lizzyboo. They’re so softtt with each other and UGH this story is so nice. Love watching people take the crumbs from FS/FS2 and make a meal 💜

2023 - The year is young! And old! So here’s some more, with who knows how many bangers yet to come 🎉 First going to throw in the Makoharu Week 2023 collection for your perusal because I saw some fantastic stories emerge from that event. If you have twitter, I’d recommend also seeing some of the threadfics posted over there from the event as well 💚💙 and I thiiink I’m gonna close off for now with “just like it was always meant to be” by tonfea because they’ve been putting out banger stories that deserve all the love. Haru introspection is one of those things that isn’t always done very well (which is especially hard to reckon with in older fics) but tonfea’s stories all have an intimate understanding about Haru’s mind and journey that just makes sense.

Alright hello we made it to the end!!! Might’ve thrown in more than expected but I hope makoharu enjoyers find something on this list that fits their fancy 🥲 (and if anyone wants to rec something or ramble about a story here that they loved I’m all ears)

[bonesandthebees]

YOU FINISHED DAY OF THE FALLEN NIGHT!!

Okay. I'm normal. I'm totally normal.

.... Please ramble to me I'm so starved on talking about it TELL ME THE DETAILS OF YOUR THOUGHTS

- ❄️

OH BOY SNOWFLAKE DO I HAVE THOUGHTS BECAUSE THAT WAS SO GOOD

ok for everyone else, spoilers for a day of fallen night by samantha shannon will be below the read more

ok that was just. so amazing. holy shit. warning this is going to be long.

there's so much I loved about adofn. the characters, their relationships, and especially the more in depth look we got at the worldbuilding. for one thing I loved learning more about Hróth and getting to see it, along with the Queendom of Sepul in the East (although I do wonder why we never heard of Sepul in Priory. did it get destroyed in the Grief of Ages like Carmentum did? if so why was that not mentioned? or maybe it was and I just missed it?).

also I loved getting such an in depth view of life inside the Priory through Tunuva. like how birthing works and the way boys and girls are raised and all that. also just, fuck, Tunuva. I love her as a character so much. she's such a good contrast to Esbar. you can see exactly why their marriage has worked for so many years. they're different but complement each others differences. Tunuva is the soft caring side of Esbar's sharp pragmatism. Esbar makes the hard choices needed, Tunuva reminds her when they're not needed.

I'm so happy Wulf got to go to the Priory and spend time with Tunuva and Siyu and everyone else. tbh one of the few criticisms I have of the book is that I felt like Wulf's entire arc with the Priory was rushed. like we didn't even get to see his initial reactions to anything. I wanted to how he dealt with learning about Galian's legacy being a lie and the truth of Cleolind and all that. however, I'm so happy that Siyu went to Inys. Now we know why Ead was sent to protect Sabran in the first book!!! And Siyu is such a kind girl who is so similar to Glorian. they're nearly the same age and they're both young mothers and just ahhh I'm so glad Glorian has Siyu as a friend (although it makes me horribly sad that Glorian and Wulf would have to stay apart for so many years)

speaking of Glorian, oh my god, my girl. Glorian definitely ended up being my favorite character of the book. she had to grow up so fast. she matured so drastically throughout the novel and she shouldn't have had to do that but she took on her role as queen and did it so well. she proved to everyone ten times over that she was more than enough (and I'm lowkey still pissed at her mother for making her believe otherwise). I had chills during the entire scene when she rode out onto the battlefield only hours after giving birth. her entire struggle with the ownership of her own body and identity and the 'tax' she had to pay to Inys with giving them a child was so well done and so painful to read. I think adofn showcases so well the more subtle themes of misogyny we see in the world. because yes, it is a fantasy world where women can hold positions of power the same as men without anyone blinking an eye, but there are still misogynistic systems put in place. we definitely see our Sabran (the IX) struggling with this in priory, but it's even more evident and discussed here. With how the Inysh queens are essentially little more than walking wombs who have been told they are the only thing keeping the world from destruction. and it's so telling how many people around Glorian recognize how terrible this is. even fucking Prince Guma told her outright this was a horrible thing for her to be put through. I'm so glad that at the very least, Glorian gave birth how she wanted despite the protests that an Inysh queen should never kneel. And she did what she wanted as soon as her toll was paid (although, uh, girl definitely needs therapy because you really shouldn't have a death wish as soon as you no longer 'need' to be alive)

also, god, that scene where Glorian hands baby Sabran off to Wulf and he goes and hides with her? the entire private moment he has with his daughter—the only private moment he'll probably ever get with his daughter—made me cry. when Wulf hoped that somewhere deep inside, his daughter would remember his voice and his warmth and know she was loved like how he was able to faintly remember Tunuva's love and warmth just made me start sobbing. I literally had to take a few minutes to calm down so I could get the tears out of my eyes and see the pages again. I think I also shed a tear or two when Glorian had just given birth to Sabran and told her she was always going to be enough for her. That she was already enough. like, ouch. that hurts.

the only other time I came close to crying was when Kanifa died. I didn't actually cry but I did feel my eyes start to burn when he sacrificed himself for Dumai. Dumai's story just hurt in so many ways. obviously she and Glorian were never going to be able to meet, but they felt as though they were sisters to each other and never got to know. though I am glad that Dumai got to live how she wanted and became the Maiden Officiant. I especially loved Nikeya by the end. How she was able to step out of her father's shadow and rebuild Seiiki for the better. She was the one built for court and politics, not Dumai. but god their marriage in the hot spring fucking WRECKED me they loved each other and just wanted to be together but they couldn't arghhhhh it's Ead and Sabran all over again.

at least we got two pretty happy couples out of this—Esbar and Tunuva and Wulf and Thrit. Thrit fucking deserved it after he spent so long pining and blatantly flirting with Wulf's clueless ass. their kiss on the battlefield was so :(( And that epilogue scene with Tunuva and Esbar just cemented them as a great couple. despite their ups and downs they love each other so deeply and will continue to love each other for the rest of their lives. Choosing to believe that Esbar made an exception to the no outsiders rule for Thrit so he and Wulf could visit and Thrit could meet Tunuva. They all deserve it.

I still feel like I have so much more to say but arghhhh this book was so good oh my goddddd I need more stories in this world desperately Samantha Shannon I am BEGGING you

[umbralstars]

Wip whenever. Rebirth is making me drag out the old fics and add to them and replan them. Here's some Sephiroth in Cosmo Canyon that has many before chapters of context, but I need to share it: Looking up at the familiar scrawl, Sephiroth bit his lip at the sudden tightness of his chest. Long forgotten grief always bubbled to the surface upon seeing that familiar scrawl. Every familiar loop, every equation to puzzle, every marginal note that had miraculously not been wiped away that upon the blackboard another piece of a man whom only lived within memories. How many relics were preserved here? If Spehiroth tore through this library how many times would he see Professor Gast’s ghost among the pages?

Would he finally be allowed a full picture of the man?

There was a sinking feeling deep within him as he gazed up at the celestial body, and the words written in Cetran script below it. He wanted to study the diagrams of the lifestream, the stars, the ruins he could see behind a stack of precarious books, every equation being added to, and anything else he could get his hands upon until his body gave out from the exhaustion of it. He wanted to leave the observatory and never see that handwriting again. Professor Gast had only mentioned once he ever came to Cosmo Canyon.

“Oh ho! Are you interested in the work of Professor Gast, my boy?” Fellow Bugenhagen suddenly said from across the room.

Sephiroth startled. Turning to cut his eyes at the man; only to find Cloud looking right back at him with concern written all over his face. Familiar warmth from their bond pressed at his mind, yet Sephiroth turned away and stubbornly kept the door shut. He crossed his arms then drew them close to his chest.

“I did know he was a Planetology and Cetran scholar, but I wasn’t aware he was so deeply tied to Cosmo Canyon…” Sephiroth said slowly.

The elder was unperturbed. “Cosmo Canyon was his home. I still remember him as a youngster climbing all over those ruins in the valley, and begging the older acolytes to let him go with them to Gongaga.” When Bugenhagen chuckled it was full of the mirth of old memories, and Sephiroth couldn’t help the watery smile of his own at the image. He continued after a moment. “I’m surprised he mentioned it so little to you. He only got to visit once more before disappearing from our lives…but he spoke of wanting to bring a young child in his care here. At the time, I believed he could only be speaking of his son…”

Sephiroth wanted to deny it instantly. It couldn’t be him. He was no one’s son. But his mouth stayed firmly closed via a tangled knot. A hand touched his shoulder. Every finger distinct and warm even through the thick cotton his tunic, and he knew even without having to look that it was Cloud from how it made his skin buzz. He could do this. He could talk about this.

“Planet—“ his throat closed in on itself. A forced breath passed his lips as he worked his tongue to untangle the knot. “Planetology is not a field Professor Hojo found much use in. An ‘unscientific field of the weak minded’ he called it, I believe, so I was not schooled in much of it at all.”

Fellow Bugenhagen mulled on that before quietly sighing to himself. The materia he stood hummed within his very bones as the elder man drew close, and Spehiroth did not know if he should draw away. Leaving this place—despite Cloud’s intentions or Aerith’s interest—seemed a far better choice than to linger long. Then the elder, too, was at his side. “The more I hear about this ‘Hojo’ the more I believe it was he who was the close minded one. Not a good trait to have for a man of science...or of the Planet, I will have you know.”

“I could not speak of even half of it…” Sephiroth said.

[razorblade180]

Ignited chapter 3: Hidden Obstacles

Ch2 <-

As the promising youth of today took their exam, the heroes of days gone by were filled in on what transpired during their secret war. Yang told Jaune, Tai, and especially Jacquelyn, how Adam had saved her from an explosion that could’ve cost her life and put the man in an indefinite coma. After the story, Jacquelyn was finally able to explain to all, the festering hatred that hounded Jael like a tempest in her soul.

Most were privy to bits of the situation already, but for Jaune and Tai, who remained home to take care of the children, it was quite the story. Jaune had noticed the reserved and cold nature that Jael gave during her greeting like everyone else did. He wouldn’t have guessed the reasoning though, or how deep seeded the negativity would be.

“Poor girl.” He said, folding his arms. “That’s a lot for anyone to handle.”

Jackie nodded in agreement. “I’m happy to see you can empathize, but I also have to apologize. I’ve tried my best to get her to understand while her anger is justified, it shouldn’t be directed at any of you. Yujin especially. It’s just…” Jacquelyn sighed in defeat.

“It’s hard to tell your own child to look or feel one way when it’s impossible to hide your own frustrations. Believe me, I get it.”

Yang didn’t even want to think about the countless conversations Jaune must’ve had with Yujin about why her own mother wasn’t around. “I’m sorry.” She said softly. “To all of you; for…so many things.”

“Please, don’t burden yourself like this.” Jacquelyn looked at the group. “That goes for all of you. Nobody expected you to be perfect and despite my own grief, it was ultimately my husband’s choice to join you in ending this dangerous threat. Jael understands this too. I know she does. It just doesn’t change the fact Jael has sadly lived a life with things she could call hers and that are precious to her. The years Adam spent looking over your family in her eyes is time lost with him. Then this tragedy happened. To her, Yujin, or rather, the Xiao Longs have taken arguably the most precious thing of all from her.”

“Doesn’t help Adam trained Yujin.” Raven added. “It would be impossible for Yujin to not be the center of that girl’s resentment. I’m not saying Adam thought of my granddaughter as his own child by any means, but he definitely took his role as a mentor and figure quite seriously. Maybe he felt like he owed Yang for past grievances, or he is truly fond of Yujin? Either way…”

“It would be hard to stomach as his legitimate child.” Ruby finished. She couldn’t help but wonder if Canary held any similar sentiments in regards to how Uncle Qrow treated the two of them. “So what now? I can’t imagine Jael is swearing a lifetime of vengeance. I mean she’s taking the huntsman exam as we speak and seems like a pretty earnest kid.”

Jackie smiled gently. “Thank you, and she is quite earnest. Today, for better or for worse, she’s being comforted with the person she hates the most. She hopes to completely outshine Yujin and prove her superiority. At least, that’s how I see it. It’s why she hasn’t told Yujin about Adam. She wants to definitively prove that all the time she had with her father was well spent and more valuable than anything he gave yours. My fear is that she’ll get far too worked up, or worse.”

“Oh!” Yang perked up. “That reminds me, I saw her spit out blood. Adam had mentioned she was ill. Something about her heart?”

Jacquelyn’s eyes widened. To think he would share that with Yang of all people. Not to mention the look of concern on her face. Will wonders never cease?”

“Yes, my daughter was premature and has an exceptionally weak heart. In all honesty, she completely destroyed the odds of her life expectancy by more than a decade. Thankfully it’s completely possible for her to live a long life with her medicine and own diligence in her health. Her semblance, which is gravity, has also done wonders in lightening the stress on her heart.”

Ren was more than a little intrigued to hear that. “She uses her own semblance to help her heart? That takes incredible control.”

“She’s not always doing it but yes, she does. Life finds a way as they say. Her control probably surpasses mine. Still, the body has its limits. Reckless excursion and letting her emotions get the better of her too much will put strain on her heart. Sadly, I’m not surprised her first conversation with Yujin made her a bit… agitated. It’s why I asked Yujin to let Jael focus on the exam and try not to interact too much.”

Winter furrowed her brow, crossing her arms in skepticism. “You’re letting your daughter attempt to become a huntress despite the health risk!?”

“You see me as irresponsible? Truthfully, I can’t blame you, but believe me when I say my daughter is vastly more capable than I can put into words. If it weren’t for these specific circumstances, I’d imagine today and countless following days would be nothing she hasn’t handled in the past. We don’t exactly live in a comfortable environment. Also…”

Jacquelyn looked off at a single little bird standing on a branch. She watched as it took the leap, barely catching itself and taking flight into the sky.

“Any self respecting mother wishes a long and happy life for their children. That being said, I constantly see my youngest child doing everything she can to always feel her emotions within reason; as if she were a bird in a cage. As much as I would adore the idea of Jael living a simple, ordinary life for all her days, I know happiness is the last thing she’d feel. She may look like her father, but passion and desire to dream… those are my gifts to her. If I have a regret, it’s that I couldn’t give her a body naturally strong enough to chase down those dreams and ambitions without a second thought.”

A breeze blew through the group. It was hard not to feel some sort of pity towards the maiden and she deeply cared about her family. It was also difficult to not fear for Yujin. Once again, a Taurus and a Xiao Long were on opposing sides. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The sound of the tower’s bell rang. Nora turned her head to see several of the potential students already heading back.

“Time really flies. Looks like the first part is over.” She looked at Jacquelyn. “Sooooo…”

“Please treat my child normally, and I’d like it if all of you could continue honoring her request about Adam. If something happens, I’ll take full responsibility. Glynda already knows this, and you all of course have the right to intervene if you really think it’s necessary.”

They all nodded, but silently wished this day could stay pleasant. Yujin and Tenzen were already on their way back; Jael wasn’t too far behind them so Jacquelyn started putting a little distance from the group.

“We’re back!!!” Yujin grinned at her mother.

“Ha! Someone looks confident.”

“Of course! There were a few questions about grimm I was hazy on, but I know my stuff! If the grading scale is normal then I definitely passed this section.”

Tenzen wasn’t worried in the slightest either. In fact, he was even more relaxed than before. “I have a perfect score.”

“Oh yeah?” Nora smirked, hands on her hips. “That’s a bold statement before it’s graded.”

“Trust. I may not have been the star student at combat school but this surprise exam was easier than the finals.”

Yujin chuckled to herself. “I remember that day. You were sweating buckets and looked ready to vomit when I saw you.”

“I forgot my textbook! I couldn’t study properly!”

Several feet away, Jael let out a pensive sigh and tapped her left foot. “That could’ve gone better.”

“Oh no. Was our material not up to standard? I had Blake triple track.”

“No, it was.” She signed again. “I had just never taken a timed test before. Actually, I’ve never really taken a standardized test at all.” Being homeschooled really showed its consequences today.

“Did you manage to finish?”

“I managed that much. I also realized maybe my knowledge of dust isn’t what I’d call…up to par. As far as the rest goes, I feel pretty good about my answers.”

“Glad to hear it. I wouldn’t fret over the test too much. Many people here also don’t have the benefit of attending a combat school before entering an academy. However Beacon is grading this, I’m positive they take individuals like you into account.”

“Gee, I didn’t say I bombed or anything crazy. It was just…unfamiliar.” Jael pouted but quickly shook it off. “Regardless, I’ll make up the difference in the next part.”

“That’s the spirit!”

It wasn’t much longer than Glynda and Canary came walking out of the building at their own leisurely, but efficient pace.

“So was this a test of my grading skills?”

“Young lady, I wouldn’t have entertained an interview with you if I doubted your ability to do average math. Many of these children will be in your class before long. It serves you well to know what you might be getting into. That and if you’re anything like your father, learning to retain names now will make for less awkward moments later.”

Canary couldn’t help but smile softly. “Yeah. That sounds like something he’d struggle with.” They made it back to the group and surprisingly, the examinees all quickly lined up again. “Ha! Wow. Nice to see all of you are dedicated but loosen up a little. It’s not like you’re students…yet.”

Canary pulled out her scroll and raised it for all to see. “Now I could project all the scores big enough for you all to see. However, I’m not in the business of public humiliation or unnecessary stress. I’ll leave that to Professor Oobleck.”

The alumni of Beacon all sighed in unison. “Dr. Oobleck.” They said in a tired and strangely rehearsed manner.

Canary was only joking but now she shared the same look of worry the young adults did. “O…Kay then. Any who, once I hit the send button, all of you will be sent your personal scores thanks to all of you following the test direction by writing down your ID number. I will say this now. Even if your score is low, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Just that you have a steep hill to climb in terms of convincing us to let you in. Although for some of you…well, you’ll know who you are.”

She presses send and all scrolls start pinging. Voices of triumph were scattered alongside sighs of relief and agitated grunts. Yujin immediately sent her proud 89% to her family and heard their excitement. Tenzen scooted shoulder to shoulder with her, tilting his scroll her way to flash his 100%.

“…Fuck off. It’s my birthday. ” She nudged the snickering boy.

“What can I say? I’m a good test taker.”

Jael had to fumble with her new scroll a bit before finally opening the attachment to see a humble 72%. Honestly she wasn’t proud of it, but her attitude changed as a few of her peers actively began moving from their spot, heading towards an airship or back to their parents as they left.

“They could feel you immediately?” She said softly to herself.

“Yeah.” Said a boy with gray shaggy hair right next to her. “My cousin told me if you miss critical questions or get caught cheating, then you’ll fail immediately. Not that I can confirm this rumor but it makes sense. Huntsmen need knowledge and integrity after all.”

“Makes sense. Although by that logic it sounds like you could fail honorably and stay. At least that’s what it feels like.”

“Hehe, I like that theory.” The boy decided to show her his own score.

Jael wasn’t expecting to see a solid 50% in red. Yet there was a comment below that gave approval to stick around. “And here I was pitying myself. Guess my theory might have merit.”

“Looks like I’m steep climbing.” He laughed nervously.

His lack of confidence was more outstanding than his ability to get half of the possible points. This guy looked pretty sincere though and about a head shorter than her. Grayish blue eyes and deep blue jean shorts that contrasted his white shirt and open black button up. Even his cyan high top sneakers were pretty normal. Jael would’ve thought he was ready for the mall if it wasn’t for the black mechanical spear on his back.

Jael tilted her head as she examined the engravings on the pole and wide arrowhead shaped tip. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“Marcus.” He smiled. “Marcus Graystone. Nice to meet you. And yours?”

“Jael. A pleasure.”

“Likewise.”

As the failures left, Canary took the time to summon a giant Ursa, choosing to sit atop its head. Her eyes scanned for a certain person then checked the time. “Hmm, looks like I’m not the only person who shows up tardy; eh Glynda?” She smiled.

“The difference is you’re not a child. Also I have a pretty good idea on what’s holding them up.”

“Looks like they’re waiting on something.” Tenzen whispered to Yujin. “Any clues on what?”

“It probably has to do with the next phase of the entrance exam, right? Maybe another teacher is coming.”

“Ooo, I hope it’s Professor Peach.”

“Y’know I hear that name occasionally, and yet for some reason it sounds made up.”

Glynda took the initiative to call the examiner. It only took two rings before an answer.

“Sorry! I’m sorry!” A youthful and gentle voice cried out. “The devil's always in the details! Not to mention I took it upon myself to do some grimm dispatches. I know I probably shouldn’t since this is a huntsman academy exam but a particular few-”

“Ms. Aspen. Are you ready?”

Glynda said calmly.

“…Yeah. We’re all set, I'll say.”

“So I’ll have the students move to the next location and meet you there?”

“Mmm, no need for all that trouble. Plus it’s important to have ample time for good decisions. All you gotta do is video call me and point me towards the crowd! I’ll handle the rest.”

“Very well then.” Glynda hit video call and extended her scroll out. “May I have everyone’s attention!”

There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t squinting as they tried to see what was on the scroll.

“Ah, the courtyard. A nearly full one at that. Looks like there’s a bunch of good apples this year.” The young woman said, knowing few would hear her. “Let’s see who’s right for the picking!”

A golden portal opened up a few inches in front of the scroll and everyone’s eyes widened. Although some, like Yujin, had their eyes immediately grow to the size of dinner plates before the portal could fully open for a young woman to come walking out. It was as if radiant sunlight draped the new visitor. Long orangey-yellow fabric hung off her arms and the back of her dress while the front stood at her knees. The embroidered cuffs and the top of her strapless dress was an intricate white pattern that matched her shin high cowgirl boots. The most peculiar thing was the thin golden veil that rested on silky black hair. Her presence was sudden and captivating like a woodland sprite from a fairytale. However, one person was in immense awe from knowing exactly who that was.

“LILITH!?” Yujin all but shrieked in a burst of bumbling excitement before everyone looked her way, including the young lady who now lifted her veil to gaze with left sky blue eye and right amber eye. Yujin’s cheeks turned a crazy shade of red while her hands instinctively covered her mouth after her outburst.

Lilith waved. “Ah, looks like I have a fan in the ranks.” She smiled warmer than her dress. She could tell right now that the young girl absolutely wanted to disappear so Lilith chose to not dwell on the moment and addressed everyone. “Hello my future classmates. As several of you may know, I’m Lilith Aspen. A junior this year at Beacon and currently your examiner.”

Jael gave a long and puzzling look. She could’ve sworn she’s seen this person before. “Aren’t you the girl from the cereal box?” She blurts out casually.

To no surprise, several people look at her like she’s crazy for a second. Lilith on the other hand found Jael’s question pretty humorous. “Haha! If that’s how I’m recognized then perhaps I should listen to Professor Port and put more flair into my combat next time I go to regionals.”

“Please don’t.” Glynda said dryly.

“To answer your question properly, yes. I’m the lady on the Pumpkin Pete’s cereal box. Today though, I am the lady telling you all that the next phase of the exam is…an obstacle course!” She gives a very quiet round of applause. “Now I won’t spoil all the obstacles but the premise is simple. You’ll start at one end of Forever Fall and have to make it to the opposite side. You will be timed and there’s cameras everywhere to monitor both progress and safety. Any questions?”

“Is it a race!?” A girl yelled.

“Uh, essentially. All of you do have to start at once. Anything else?”

Tenzen raised his hand. “Are we going through your portal or taking a ship?”

“Hehe, excellent question.” She giggled. “That is all up to you. I imagine most of you, if not all, have brought all your equipment already. Due to the nature of this particular exam however, it also makes sense to be prepared. Forever Fall is still grimm territory at the end of the day. We have prepared an airship to bring you into town for exactly half an hour near all the approved equipment shops if anyone is feeling underprepared. After that you will get back on the ship and it will take you to the test site. Those who feel well equipped…” she stepped aside and gestured to her portal.

An interesting proposal for sure. The groups muttered amongst themselves, thinking of the best solution. The first to move and gain attention again was Jael. The contestants watched in awe as the girl floated over everyone towards the portal.

“She can fly!?” Yujin was beyond amazed. “That’s an awesome semblance!”

“Yujin, your grandma can turn into a bird and your aunt can turn into scattering petals.”

“Hush Tenzen! Multiple things can be cool! Anyways, let’s get going!”

They both followed Jael’s lead. This entire day was prepared ages ago. Tenzen jumped in feet first while Yujin sheepishly waved after Lilith gave another disarming smile. Yujin darted in quickly before she would do something embarrassing again. Many others began to follow their example while others headed towards the ship. Once all the participants got through the portal, Glynda went through.

“Ms. Schnee?”

“You can go ahead and go through.” She pointed at her family and friends. Raven had already made her own portal. Maybe she figured walking over was pointless with Yujin on the other side. “I’ll ride with them.”

“Kay. Heh, what are the odds of two portal users in the same space? I wonder how hers work?”

“I’ll try giving you an opportunity to ask later.” Canary gave a thumbs up and ran off to the heroes. “Hey! Don’t leave me out!��

Raven turned her head. “Wha- you were closer to the other one!”

“Don’t be like that auntie. It’s been ages since I’ve done this. I like the sensation.” Canary walked through the scarier looking portal. “Woooo~”

Canary’s carefree attitude earned a couple of snickers as others went through. “Looks like she’s in a bit of a better mood than earlier.” Winter said.

Ruby had to agree. “Yeah. I’m relieved. I thought I’d ruin her entire day.”

“Please don’t think like that, or let everything she said get to you. I can’t claim to know my daughter's exact feelings towards you currently, but I do know she still loves you a lot. In truth, that’s probably why she’s taken things so personally.”

“I know…” Ruby sighed. Hindsight really is 20/20 at the worst of times. “I’m sure the talk after the exams will be long, but worth it.” Ruby walked through the portal.

Everyone came out on the other side at the edge of Forever Fall’s forest. Medical staff was prepped and ready on the sidelines while a giant red archway signified the starting point. Glynda was already checking the monitor, double checking all the cameras.

Lilith clapped her hands and cried out, “Everyone ready!?” Earning many confused looks from adults and students.

“Umm aren’t we waiting for the people who went into town?” A shy girl asked in the crowd.

“Oh, about that, nope. It was a tactical lie.” Lilith said casually. “Everyone was given notice ahead of time on what they needed to bring. Failure to be prepared upon arrival is willful negligence.”

“Wait…” Marcus spoke up. “Does that mean getting on the airship meant failing!?”

“I’d think less about the choices you didn’t make and more about the road ahead; literally and metaphorically. The obstacles are vast and your path isn’t strict. My tip to all of you is to make use of the open area. Friendly reminder, you are timed. Starting now!”

A loud buzzer signaled the beginning of chaos as the future students began running through the arch and into the forest. Yujin and Tenzen broke free from the pack immediately by going out to the right and then continuing straight.

Tenzen looked at his friend with curiosity. “You following me?”

“Pfft, get real! Going straight is quicker in terms of distance. However…”

“It probably has the most obstacles. I’m practically a ninja though so I’m not worried. What’s your plan exactly?”

“Play it by ear? It’s not like there’s a marked path best suited for me. Plus I’m sure they aren’t only scoring us on time. Lilith’s words were like Canary’s during the first part. They’re intentionally trying to make us think in certain ways in order to mask others.”

Tenzen was amazed how much thought Yujin was putting into this. She was really trying to give it her all today. “Teamwork.”

“Huh?”

“If I had to take a wild guess, they’ll score teamwork. Everything Lilith said stoked competition but if we’re applying for a huntsman school then teamwork is important.”

That made sense to Yujin. If people failed by choosing to go into town then it wouldn’t be surprising if you could fail by willingly ignoring someone in need or intentionally getting in their way. Okay; her mind was made up.

“Tenzen, let’s have each other’s backs! We’ll also stick our nose out for others in trouble.”

“I mean I was going to do that regardless, but sure!” He grinned.

Jael stuck the trees and was in far less of a rush. A single lunge propelled her several feet to one branch after another as she made her way left and outward. Where less people gathered. She had thought of similar things in regards to Lilith's intentions and decided on pacing herself slower than normal. The obstacles could be anything and while she could easily avoid a lot of things, having others encounter them first could give valuable insight.

Back at the start, Canary and the others caught up with Lilith as she watched the monitors. “I never would’ve guessed a girl like you would use a tactical lie as a way to set up a bigger lie. I feel bad for those kids on the ship.”

“Don’t be. I haven’t failed them by any means.” She smiled in satisfaction. “That was the tactical lie, haha!”

“Excuse me!?” Nora questioned. “So what’s your angle!?”

“I could never fail someone who chooses to prepare with time given to them. Just like I acknowledge the readiness of everyone who decided they’re fully prepared.”

“So you did it to gauge personality?”

“A little. By the time the second group arrives this first one will be done. Luckily the split was fairly even. It’s easier to guarantee safety.”

“So this is the mind of the regional's winner? Not bad at all.” Jaune praised.

“Thank you, but it’s more of the mind of an overthinker if you ask me, hehe. Can’t say it makes for an easier grading scale unfortunately. Such is the price of nuance.”

It was an interesting approach to the exam. Those who did poorly in this group may come off as being too cocky or rowdy. On the other hand, failing after having time to prepare is going to look abysmal for those in group two.

Yang greeted Lilith with her scroll and a new journal she planned on giving Yujin. “Hey, my daughter is never going to ask herself but can she please have your autograph and maybe a photo?”

Glynda clicked her tongue. “Is this really the time to be asking for that?”

“It’s a cute surprise. Plus your eyes are glued to the screen. It’s obvious you have the say in finalizing scores. As if you’d give the control to anyone else.” Yang’s words earned a side eye from her old teacher, but she was right!

Lilith happily signed the inside of the book and held up a peace sign for a quick photo. It was hard not to notice how much the famous Yang Xiao Long looked like the girl who called her name. “By any chance, was your daughter-”

“Yes.”

“Hehe, outstanding.”

xxxxxx

“Achoo!!! Eugh!” Yujin sniffled.

“Uh oh. Getting sick on your birthday? That’s no good.”

“Relax. It was probably the leaves or something. I’m firing on all cylinders! Bring on the first obstacle!”

As if the gods heard her, hidden launchers fired hunting nets and bolas! The girl let out an “eep!” Before jumping over bolas aimed at her legs. Her shirt was quickly yanked by Tenzen, allowing her to avoid a net. She quickly returned the favor when she shoved him away from another net fired to her left. It flew right between them and tangled another pair of bolas.

“Phew! That was- ah!” Yujin yelped as Tenzen talked her to the ground and out from under a falling wooden cage.

Tenzen could not believe they set up an entire cage! Not that it would’ve been impossible to escape but come on! “Why do I have a feeling Professor Port was in charge of this section?” He chuckled.”

“Tenzen?”

“Hmm?” He looked down to see the girl staring right at him, her cheeks a little flushed.

“You can…get off of me now if you want.” She awkwardly asked, clearing her throat with a fake and weak cough.

“…Sorry.” He sprang up, extending his hand to help her up. “I guess I could’ve just broken the cage when I think about it.”

“It’s good!” She dusted herself off. “It’s all good. So uh..should we be…?”

“Yeah! Uuh, yeah…”

They both took off running again. Although this time they weren’t as talkative and extra mindful of their surroundings. Hopefully the cameras didn’t catch that particular moment.

Meanwhile in Jael’s neck of the woods, the girl finally touched solid ground and jogged down a path riddled with soft dirt. Left right left right left right left; every step felt good enough. She assumed pits had to be dug around the place.

“Am I getting lucky?” She asked herself. Right left right left right left ri-

Click

“Hmm!?” Jael froze immediately, keeping her right foot exactly where it was after hearing the mechanical click. She hissed softly. “Shit! Pressure plate; but for what?” There was a lot of foliage. It could easily be a trigger for projectiles or a trapdoor. She doubted it was anything explosive. She could raise her foot and found out. That was always an option.

xxxxx

Jacquelyn watched as her daughter stood motionless on the feed. “What’s on the floor?”

“Launching springs.” Glynda said as she monitored multiple kids. “They aren’t as powerful as the ones we use for the first day of school, but they’ll send anyone flying backwards at least 15 feet. More if they’re unprepared for the recoil.”

“That’s rough.”

Raven shrugged. “I see landing strategies are still highly encouraged for the start. Let’s see Jael’s. She can’t stand there forever.”

“They all waited to see how the girl would take this first obstacle. Only her mother expected the girl’s next move. Every witness Jael simply walk off. Anticlimactic for sure but still surprising! Jael stared at the spot she moved from briefly before continuing her jog. A few seconds passed before the springboard triggered forcefully.

“It was delayed.” Winter said, examining the live feed. “And she isn’t changing her path either.”

“Haha, why would she?” Jackie smiled, raising a single brow. “I told you all already. My daughter has amazing control of her semblance.”

xxxxx

Jael freely walked through this section of the course without fear. Hidden pressure plates weren’t so scary when you’re too light to trigger them. And even if she did, a little extra pressure to keep it still until she got off of one was just as easy.

Jael smirked at her own cleverness. She felt sorry for whoever made this obstacle. Clearly they weren’t thinking about her when they made it.

“Today might be easier than I thought.”