#THE ONLY AG SPOILERS I HAVE ARE THE REALLY GOOD ONES DAMMIT

[takearisk-xo]

how about an already gone spoiler? come on someone had to ask

damn i walked right into this one

Ginny awoke to a thick feeling in the back of her mouth and a heaviness lingering in her eyes. She’d cast a silencing charm before crying herself to sleep the previous evening. But just because her sobs had been muted, didn’t make the after effects any less severe.

Her despair looked different in the light of day, though.

Less hopeless. Less insurmountable. 

She took several moments to herself, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling and gathering all her carefully crafted reasons. Then, with one heaving sigh, she pushed herself up off the bed and stormed across the hall. 

“Oi!” she shouted, pounding her fist on the master bedroom door. “Get out here!”

She continued her incessant banging for nearly a full minute until the door whooshed open and Harry appeared looking bleary eyed and cross. 

He was also shirtless, flannel sleep pants slung low around his hips. 

Ginny did her best to ignore this fact and instead thundered, “You’re an idiot!”

Harry blinked a few times, his jaw clenched shut. 

“You married me and I married you,” she carried on, her voice brokering no argument. “It doesn’t matter if I remember it, because I sure as hell know I don’t do something just to quit when it gets hard!”

The corner of his mouth twitched and he breathed out a chuckle through his nose. 

“Is this somehow funny to you!?”

“No,” he smiled sadly. “You just sounded like you, is all.”

“Because I am me!” Ginny threw her hands into the air in frustration. “You great bloody moron!”

[081314]

Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 6 (Part 3)

Following is part 3 of my translation of Chapter 6 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains Episode 7-95 to 7-100. This concludes chapter 6.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut.

Episode 7-95

Lilia: …It’s been 80 years since then, huh. They said you were gonna join the stars soon, but you’ve held on for a really long time. What a good boy. Now, aren’t you sick of being inside that egg? Are you holing yourself up in there ‘cause you’re mad about something? If you came out, I can show you picture books, and change your diaper.…So just come out already….. *sigh* Oh, yeah. I learned a new spell recently. Hard to believe at my old age, right? Life’s just full of surprises. Anyways, this spell lets me view an object’s memories… But none of the memories I’ve seen so far have helped me one bit. I guess I haven’t mastered it enough yet to sift out the important memories from the useless ones. But I’m certain I’ll be able to make a lot more progress with my search now. Maybe on my next trip I’ll finally be able to find a way to hatch you. Alright, I’ll be going now. See you, Malleus. …Hmm? Did you say something just now? No, of course you didn’t. Eggs can’t talk… I must be tired or something. …Yeah, I am little tired. So I’ll just… I’ll just take a breather here for a bit.... So not too long ago, I met this dragon that lives in the Land of Red Dragons…

Lilia: I-It’s so cold… m-my hands and f-feet f-feel like icicles…! Dammit, I’m getting s-so s-sleepy… I c-can’t… n-not… here…

(a dog barks)

Elderly Man: Oi, you there! You alright!?

Lilia: Huh…?

Elderly Man: Why, you’re just a kid! Teddy, let’s take ‘im back home on the sled.

(Teddy barks)

Elderly Man: Oh, wow. So you’re on a journey to find dragons.

Lilia: That’s right. And sorry for all the bother, I’ll get out of your hair now.

Elderly Woman: You’re not going anywhere in that shape! The winters here are just awful, a child could never cross over these mountains alone. You should stay with us until spring.

Lilia: No, I couldn’t…

Elderly Man: Don’t you worry about a thing. Why, it’s been ages since we’ve had any guests over.

Lilia: …Don’t you two see my ears?

Elderly Woman: Your ears? …Ah! Are you a fae?

Elderly Man: So you’re not a kid, are you?

Elderly Woman: I’m so sorry, I thought for sure you were about the same age as our little granddaughter.

Lilia: You aren’t… afraid of me?

Elderly Woman: Why would we be? You’ve been so sweet.

Lilia: Well, I…

Elderly Man: If you don’t want to stay until spring, then how about you just stay with us until this blizzard passes? The nights here are long in the wintertime. You think you could keep a couple of old folks company?

Lilia: …Hah. Old folks, huh. I’m the only old person here.

Elderly Woman: You certainly don’t look it. How old are you?

Lilia: 420… No, 430 years old.

Elderly Man: I didn’t see that coming! Ah hah ha! Ahh, I know. Grandma, could you get us something warm to drink? It’s not every day we get to talk to one of our elders. There’s so much I wanna ask you about.

Elderly Woman: That’s right. You can’t have a good chat without something to sip on. I wonder if you’ll like what we eat, though?

Lilia: …..

Episode 7-96

Lilia: 150 years passed by in the blink of an eye… Hard to believe I’m 450 already… a total geezer. To think, despite all my traveling over the years, there’s still places I haven’t been to yet. The world’s so much bigger than I ever could’ve imagined. And the countries out there have completely transformed since my search began. And now, there’s a bunch of places that let us followers of the night pass through. That’ll make my search a lot easier. I haven’t had any humans throw rocks at me lately, either… I guess you could say the conflict between our species is just a thing of the past, from a human’s perspective. And there’s not a thing we can do to stop their civilizations from progressing so much. One day, they’re gonna… They’re gonna forget all about us. We’ll be nothing more than fairytales to them. I just don’t want that to end up happening to you, Malleus. So could you please come out of that egg already? Aren’t you cramped in that little thing? There’s lots of annoying stuff here in the outside world, but I’m sure you’ll have a lot more fun out here. You know, Malleus. There’s so many things I want to show you once you’re born.

A letter from Baul

“Sir Vanrouge,

Please return to Dragon Capital City at once.

His Majesty’s egg is losing magic at a rapid pace.

It’s possible he may end up returning to the stars before the next full moon.

We kindly request your audience…”

Land of Briar – Maleficia’s Castle

Lilia: Baul!

Baul: Sir Vanrouge! Thank you for coming.  *Lilia grabs Baul* Ack!

Lilia: The hell do you mean Malleus’s egg is in danger!?

Baul: Augh… P-Please, compose yourself. I can’t… I can’t breathe-!

Lilia: You guys have been taking care of him, haven’t you!? So why is he-

Baul: He should’ve returned to the stars two centuries ago. Miraculously, he’s been able to hang on all these years. But now… Now his time has finally come.

Lilia: No…! Isn’t there anything we can do?

Baul: Please come with me to the tower.

Lilia: What… What’s going on here?

Baul: Three months ago, he started completely rejecting all of Queen Maleficia’s magic… His pulse has been getting weaker and weaker, and last week, this powerful forcefield suddenly appeared around the egg. Anybody who tries to get close is repelled by lightning strikes, and the doctors and Imperial Guardsmen who attempted to approach him have all been left seriously injured. Queen Maleficia has tried suppressing the forcefield with her magic, but it’s incredibly resistant... And if we aren’t careful, the egg might end up getting crushed. We’ve pretty much reached an impasse at this point.

(A dragon cries)

Lilia: Someone’s crying…

Baul: Huh?

Lilia: You guys can’t hear that voice?

Baul: Voice? All I hear is the wind and the thunder-

Lilia: Malleus!!

Episode 7-97

Lilia: Malleus!!

Baul: Sir Vanrouge! Don’t tell me you’re going to climb the tower!? You can’t go up there! Those lightning strikes could kill you!

Lilia: You damn idiot! That little kid’s crying all by himself up there! We can’t just sit around and watch!

(Lilia runs off)

Baul: Ah- Wait! Please!  Sir Vanrouge!!

Lilia: Malleus!

(Lightning strikes nearby)

Lilia: Ack-!! What power… If I get hit next time, it’s gonna be lights out for me. But… Ah ha ha! That’s the first time in 200 years you actually replied to me!

(Malleus cries out)

Lilia: That voice… I knew it. He’s crying!

(lightning strikes)

Lilia: Guaaah! Ugh, are you mad? I-I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was never able to hatch you…

(lightning strikes)

Lilia: What, that wasn’t it? I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me! Just stop crying and tell me what’s wrong already!

(lightning strikes)

Lilia: Augh! Haah, haaah… O-Okay, fine. That’s the spirit, Malleus! Just keep on crying! It’s okay for babies to cry! It’s okay! Cry all you want!

(lightning strikes)

Lilia: Ugaaah! Haaah, damnit, that hurts! Feels like my body’s gonna be ripped apart! Meleanor! Levan! Are you watching right now!? I’m sure you’re having a ball up there, huh. Lucky you! Well I’m not letting Malleus come join you just yet! He has to see the world… He has to see all the things you guys never got to…!

(Malleus cries out)

Lilia: …Wait, that’s it. Malleus, are you… Are you crying ‘cause you’re lonely?

(lightning flashes)

Lilia: Augh….! Ah- Ha hah. That’s it, that was it all along. Anyone’d be lonely if they were left all by themselves for two hundred years. Why did it take us so long to realize that? It was so simple... You wait right there, I’m coming for ya.

(Lilia starts climbing the tower again)

Lilia: Haaa, haaah… Almost there…

(lightning strikes)

Lilia: Aaaughh! Ugh… I really felt that one. But too bad for you… They didn’t use to call me the Running Rampart of the Verdant Moors for nothing… I’m not going down that easy…! Haaah, haaah… Okay, Malleus. What’s your next move? I can go at this all night- No, for another 100 years, another 200 years… Until you finally give up and come out of that egg already… I’m gonna keep holding you and coddling you and hugging you, no matter how long it takes…!!

(Malleus cries and starts absorbing the magic around him)

Lilia: What the-!? The egg’s drawing in a bunch of magic from all around it… Is this- Is this what the egg wanted!? Ha ha! I knew it, you were starving this whole time, weren’t you. Sheesh, you didn’t have to put up with it. Go on, take some of my magic, too. I’ll give you my magic, my life span…. as much you want!

Lilia: So please, come out already… Come join us in the outside world already!!

???: Gyaaaaaaaah!

Lilia: That… voice… it’s…?

???: Gyaaaaan!

Lilia: You… hatched?? You really hatched…?

Baby Malleus: Gyaaaaa!!

(Malleus breathes fire)

Lilia: Ack- …You’re only five seconds old, quit it with the fire balls! ..Ha ha! Look, you guys! He’s got the same green eyes and fire as Meleanor. Ah- I guess we’re the only ones here, huh. Malleus… I finally got to meet you.

Baby Malleus: Gyaaaou!

Lilia: After 200 years I finally… Ahh… Ugh…

(Lilia starts sobbing)

Episode 7-98

Silver: This whole time, I couldn’t figure out why father was dreaming of all these awful things. But now I… now I understand. This must be the happiest moment of father’s life. And he only could’ve gotten here after going through so much heartache, so much pain. And after losing so much… Only then could Lord Malleus finally enter this world…!

Sebek: Ugh… *sniffle* …I hadn’t the slightest idea… That Lord Malleus’s birth occurred under such circumstances. Despite all the countless books I’ve read on Briar Valley’s history, not a single one spoke of this moment. Why did my grandfather never make mention of this awesome tale…?

Senate Member A: Vanrouge! You did an amazing job hatching His Majesty.

Senate Member C: It’s a miracle! You’re our hero!

Lilia: …Hero?

Senate Member A: Now then, come bring His Majesty to the Queen.

(the background starts warping)

Lilia: Augh…! …No, *I… I… Augh!

Senate Member A: Vanrouge!! You fool! You dare lay your filthy hands on the heir!

Senate Member C: For a dragon egg to be hatched with a bat’s magic… This is a scandal upon scandals!

Senate Member A: You have defiled the noble blood of the Draconia clan! Do you even comprehend the utter gravity of your sin!

Grim/Sebek/Silver: !?

Sebek: What is the meaning of this!? Why have the senate members changed their tones so abruptly? And why is the world distorting before us!?

Silver: Father must be starting to realize we’re inside a dream…!

Sebek: Mean you that instead of words of celebration, Sir Lilia was subjected to this absolute abuse!?

Silver: He probably was, yeah.

Yuu: Those senate guys are going totally overboard!

Senate Member C: Do not ever show your face before His Majesty again, wretched bat! Hurry, someone get the prince away from him!

Baby Malleus: Kiiii!!!

Lilia: Ah….

Senate Member C: Call a doctor, quickly! We need to make sure His Majesty is alright!

Senate Member A: Ahh, His Majesty… How my heart aches for him. Not only did he lose his parents thanks to our useless Imperial Guard, his body has been sullied by tainted magic.

Senate Member C: What will we do if you’ve left His Majesty sickened, you fool!

Baul: You awful- …That’s it, I’m not holding my tongue a second longer! Take back what you said at once! Have you any idea just how much Sir Vanrouge loves our country, loves the Draconias! He’s devoted his everything to them!

Lilia: …Enough, Baul. It’s better this way. I’m sure this is the right thing to do… The right thing to do? …Augh! My head’s killing me…!

Baul: Sir Vanrouge! Are you okay!?

(lightning strikes)

Everyone: !?

???: So this is where you were. I finally found you… Lilia!

Episode 7-99

???: So this is where you were. I finally found you… Lilia!

Lilia: That voice… Levan!? When did you get back- No, wait. Those horns. They look just like Meleanor’s… Who the hell are you!?

Malleus: …I never knew… I never knew you gave up part of your own lifespan to hatch me.

Lilia: Hatch you? The hell are you-

Malleus: Those damn senate members, how dare they treat you like this… And my grandmother! Why did she hide the truth from me all this time!?

Lilia: Malleus, no! I was the one who asked everyone to keep quiet about all this. I was worried you’d feel guilty if you knew the truth… Huh!? No, you’re not Malleus… Malleus hasn’t even learned to shift into his two-legged form yet, he’s just a baby… Ugh.. My… head…!

Malleus: Don’t bother yourself with all those unnecessary thoughts, Lilia. You need not suffer one moment longer. Now tell me, what kind of dream would you like? One in which my mother and father are still alive? Or perhaps one where you and your son can live together in peace?

Lilia: Ugh… Stop it, *I…. I…!

Malleus: I’ll grant you your every wish. Now come, Lilia, and take my hand…

Silver: FAAATHEEEER!!

Malleus/Silver: !?

Lilia: The Knight of Dawn!? Why are you here!? Ugh!... No, you’re-!

Malleus: Silver, Sebek… You two again, eh. You must have an awfully hard time falling asleep. Do you still intend to oppose me?

Silver: We’re never giving up! Never!!

Sebek: All the more, knowing how Sir Lilia feels. He poured his love into you so that you might enter this world, and we shan’t sit around and watch us you become its enemy!

Silver: That’s why we’re going to put an end to this… We’re ending your “Blessing”, Lord Malleus!

Lilia: Blessing… Ah- Aah!!

(Lilia sees flashbacks of his farewell party)

Lilia: Heh… Kufufu… Hahaha! Ahahahah! Well said, you two. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my apprentices.

Silver: Huh? Apprentice…? Are you…

Lilia: My head finally cleared up. I remember everything now, Silver, Sebek. And Grim and Yuu, too!

Sebek/Silver: Sir Lilia! / Father!

Lilia: Seems like I took a nice, long nap. Ooh, you’re in hot water, Malleus!

Malleus: Tsch... So you’ve awoken. …However, you needn’t worry. I’ll put you back to bed again in a moment.

Lilia: Ha! You’re going to put me to bed? You grew into such a cheeky young man, you know that. Go ahead and try, then! Everybody, follow my lead! …and run awaaaaaaay!!!

Yuu: Wha- run away!?

Malleus: Fufufu… A game of tag, is it? I feel it’s been decades since we’ve gamboled together like this. We’ve all the time in the world. So let’s have some fun, shall we, Lilia? He heh heh…. Ahahahhaha!!

TL note: He’s switching between using the first-person pronoun 俺 and the first-person pronoun わし. His past self uses 俺 and his present self uses わし so he’s starting to wake up from the dream here.

Episode 7-100

Lilia: I’ll keep Malleus busy, and you guys escape with Silver’s Unique Magic in the meantime.

Silver: !? We’re not leaving you behind! Come with us!

Lilia: Oh, it’s fine. I’m long used to Malleus’s little tantrums. Besides, my magic reserves are back to normal inside this dream, so I’m the best choice to take him on.

Sebek: But that’s-!

Lilia: Don’t you worry. Malleus would never dare hurt me like that. …I suppose he takes after his father in that way. He’s a kind man, not cruel. Silver, Sebek. You guys have to handle the “real” Malleus for me.

Sebek/Silver: …Yes, sir!

(Malleus appears in a pillar of green fire)

Malleus: I found you, Lilia! …Now then, what shall it be? Hahahah…. AH HA HAHAHA!

Lilia: Now’s your chance to escape! Hurry!

Silver: …I swear, we’ll wake up you and everybody else from this dream. There’s so much I want to talk to you about!

Lilia: Yes, Silver! That’s a promise. Let’s meet again, once we’re all wide awake! …The night’s blessing upon ye.

Silver: …The night’s blessing upon ye! Those I’ve met before, and those I’ll meet someday…. Come, and let us dream the same dream!

Corridor of Dreams

Everyone: aaaAAAAAAHHH!!

Sebek: Oi, Silver! Just whose dream are we traipsing into now!?

Silver: I don’t know! But we’ll need to put a plan together once we cross over! Everybody, hang onto me and don’t let go!

Grim: Uwaaaah!! You’re gonna pop me like a balloon before we even make it to the next dream!

Silver: Hm? Do you guys see that, there’s something shining in the distance…

???: Ooooi!

Sebek: What on earth is that!? Something’s approaching us rapidly!!

Silver: Is it a bird? A plane? No, that’s-!

Ortho: Ooooooi!!

Everyone: Ortho!?

Ortho: Yup, it’s me! I finally found you guys!

Silver: How did you even get here!?

Ortho: We’ll talk later! For now, just hang onto me! Okay, let’s go! Waaaaarp!

Ignihyde Dorm

Everyone: aaaAAAAAHHH!!!

Sebek: Ugh… Must we always make such an unsightly entrance?

Yuu: I’m used to it, honestly.

Silver: Is this… Ignihyde?

Sebek: Just whose dream have we entered, I wonder?

Grim: Wait, where’d Ortho go!? He was just with us?

Silver: What? Oh, no, what if he got left behind in the Corridor…!?

???: Uhhh… Umm… could you guys, uh, chill out a bit?

Everyone: !!!!

???: Wait, wait, wait! Time out! I’m on your guys’ side, so could you not with the death stares…

Silver: Y-You’re…!

Idia: Can’t start a boss raid without a tank, and now we’re all set to go. The opening act’s DONEZO. Time for the main event! Heehee!

Part 1

Part 2

[dc-said-bi-robin-rights]

“Never has my father ever…” Steph pauses, tries to think of something her father did to her that even Rose’s dad wouldn’t do. “…left me alone with a creepy middle-aged friend.”

Rose chuckles dryly. “Does it count if he’s the creepy middle-aged friend?”

Dammit, she didn’t think of that. “…sure?”

Wordlessly, Rose raises the bottle—vodka, the second tonight, Steph notes distantly—to her lips and takes a long swig.

Steph doesn’t press.

“My turn,” Rose says, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She sits up, a strange kind of eagerness on her face. “Never has my father ever… tried to make me choose between him and one of my siblings.”

“That doesn’t count,” Steph protests immediately, as if this is a game, as if… whatever this is has rules. “I don’t have siblings.”

“What about the other Bats?”

“Not my siblings. Ew.”

“Fair enough,” Rose concedes, and up goes the bottle again for no reason at all. Steph is starting to think she doesn’t get the game. “Then how about… hold on, do versions from alternate universes count?”

Steph’s reply is immediate. “No.” Whatever this is, it’s confusing enough without bringing multiversal variants into it—not that her father is important or complex enough to have substantially different multiversal variants, but still. “Let’s stick to our universe only, please.”

Rose shrugs, discarding what she was about to say as easily as she discarded her first bottle—which Steph is going to have to look for later, now that she’s thought about it. With her luck, it probably rolled under the bed. “Fine. Then how about… never has my father ever—ooh, this is a good one—payed a bunch of complete strangers to pretend to be my long-lost maternal family as a present.”

Steph blinks, cause what. “Huh?”

“I know, right?” Bottle, again. Steph’s getting annoyed… and maybe a little worried. “Talk about mixed signals.”

“You can’t just say something like that and not expect me to want a follow-up.”

Rose just shrugs. And then she takes—what a surprise!—another swig from the bottle, just for good measure. As if she hadn’t already made it throughly clear she doesn’t care about Steph’s opinion.

It’s like she’s trying to piss Steph off.

Steph opens her mouth, a scathing, alcohol-induced retort that will probably ruin the whole night already on her lips, before she is thankfully interrupted by a figure swinging into the room through the shadowy window near the back. Rose startles, but Steph grabs her arm, stopping her from tackling the new arrival before she can reveal herself. She really should’ve warned Rose that there was another person joining them.

“Hey, Cass,” Steph calls out to the shadowy figure, a smile in her voice. Steph had told her to at least knock on the window before entering on account of Rose’s presence, but she neglects to bring it up in favor of greeting her friend. “Back early?”

—

A few quick hand signs that Rose can’t make out—she’s getting better at ASL for Joey’s sake, but she’s not even close to fluent yet—and Cassandra is sitting on the floor with them, a red plastic cup filled with something that is probably not alcoholic clutched tightly in her hands. Usually, she’d complain that non-alcoholic drinks ruined the whole point of ‘drinking games’, but the words die in her throat when Cassandra turns to her and raises a pointed eyebrow. Fine. If she feels that strongly about it, Bat Bitch can drink orange juice from a sippy cup for all Rose cares. It’s not like it matters.

—

“Never has my father ever…” Cass starts slowly, deliberately trying to imitate Steph’s inflection in order to get the words out easier, “… shot me. As… practice.”

Rose drinks. Steph hesitates.

“Shot at me?” she asks, remembering the times she tried to apprehend her father before he knew she was Spoiler—and after, now that she thinks about it. “Or shot me?”

Cass frowns. “Shot me.”

Steph racks her brain, trying to think of a time when any of the bullets connected. She doesn’t think there is one.

(Huntress had taken one of those bullets for her, hadn’t she? Damn. She doesn’t think she ever thanked her for that. She should say something next time she bumps into the Birds)

After a pause, she decides not to drink. Which means it her turn again. Joy.

“Never has my father ever…” she hesitates, but only briefly. “… kidnapped me.”

All three of them drink. It should be funny. It’s not.

“Let’s drink once for every time it’s happened,” Rose says as an afterthought, tilting the bottle in Steph’s and Cass’ direction and smirking. “I bet mine’s bigger than yours.”

Steph doubts that. “You’re on.”

Cass drinks twice. Rose drinks three times. Steph drinks four times.

Then, after a pause, five.

Then, after another pause—this time to get another cup—six.

And then seven.

And then eight.

And then nine.

(Rose looks impressed. Cass just looks concerned)

“Don’t ask.” Steph grunts and slaps her chest in an effort to hold back a burp. She isn’t sure who she’s talking to, only that she means the words. “It’s none of your business.”

They nod. After all, asking is not part of the game. They established that at some point.

She thinks.

Truth be told, everything’s kinda fuzzy at the moment. Maybe she should slow down.

(She doesn’t)

“Never has my father ever,” Rose drawls some time later, after both she and Steph are more drunk than recommended, “slept with one of his childrens’ partners.”

Steph blinks. Cass stares.

Rose huffs drunkenly. “Don’t look at me like that. He did it to Joey, not to me.”

Like that made it better.

“That doesn’t count,” Cass says, surprisingly.

Rose scowls. “Yes it does.”

Cass scowls back. “It doesn’t,” she insists.

“Says who?”

“Says we,” Steph slurs, backing her friend up. “It has to be something he did to you. You’d have an unfair advantage otherwise.”

Rose mutters something under her breath that makes Cass frown, but moves on without much fuss. “Fine. Never has my father ever… watched me sleep.”

Steph tilts her head carefully, feeling dread pool in her stomach. “What do you mean?”

“You heard me,” Rose sneers. There’s an edge to her voice, and Steph sits up when she realizes it’s barely-hidden desperation. “Don’t tell me I’m the only one.”

The back of Steph’s throat starts itching. “Just… watches you?”

Rose crosses her arms. “That’s what I said, isn’t it?”

Cass doesn’t drink. Steph doesn’t either. A shadow passes over Rose’s face.

“Don’t tell me I’m the only one,” she repeats, and yep, that’s definitely desperation in her voice. “Seriously?”

Steph’s hands are tingling. After Terra, there have always been rumors about Deathstroke, but… “Rose…”

“Seriously?” Rose asks again, laughing, and it’s the ugliest sound Steph’s ever heard. “Score one for dad, I guess.”

It’s Cass who tries to speak next. “Wh-”

Rose’s arms snaps like a whip as she suddenly throws the bottle on the ground. Instinct alone prompts Cass and Steph to throw themselves back, shocked, even as Rose stands up and grabs her jacket from the couch. A single rivulet of blood runs down her face from a shard of glass the width of Steph’s middle finger embedded into her jaw just below the cheekbone, but she barely seems to notice as she shoulders her jacket and turns towards the exit. “Forget it,” she sneers over her shoulder, and Steph only now understands why people call Rose volatile. “This was stupid anyway.”

Steph finds herself stumbling after Rose and grabbing ahold of her sleeve, even as Cass signs to let her go. “Rose, wait.”

Rose shoves her away, harder than necessary. “Get off me.”

Steph stumbles back, but catches herself on the edge of the couch. “What the hell’s your problem?”

The daughter of Deathstroke whirls around, her white hair wraithlike in the light of the moon. Her one blue eye pins Steph in place with such intensity, with such vitriol, that Steph’s breath hitches, and she finds she’s not entirely sure who the person in front of her is.

“My problem?” Her voice is raw, and something not at all like a laugh bubbles up from her throat. It’s the sound of someone who has ripped their soul bare under a misassumption; it’s the sound of a girl who tore the darkest, most well-kept secret she had from her chest only to find out that the people around her were not peers at all. It’s the kind of laugh an addict might make after finding out that their AA meetings were staffed by undercover cops, the kind of incredulous, numb chuckle that might come out of a person finding out their long-lost family were paid actors the entire time. It’s an ugly sound, and Steph decides she never wants to hear it again. “God, I was so stupid. I thought—neither of you…” she trails off with a frustrated groan, then turns, slamming the door behind her as she leaves.

The two of them are left standing there, staring at the door uncomprehendingly, for more seconds than Steph is willingly to admit.

“We need to go after her,” Steph says eventually, her voice distant even to her own ears.

“Yes,” Cass agrees.

Neither of them moves.

[mischief-lies-and-stories]

Reacting to Animated Marvel Shows 8/?

All right, back to the anime Avengers. All you need to know is: pretty Loki (of course the most important part), weird noses, Avengers meets Sora & co., way too fast redemption arc, and another possible incestuous ship for me whoops. Spoilers for Future Avengers 1x20 (and probably 1x19).

Bruno looks a little early Avengers (2012) Loki and I don’t know anything about his usual character design, but between his eyes and the war paint (I think) on his face, he looks a little mind-controlled. [I knew nothing that happened before ep 19 at this point, and even that I didn’t really retain, but damn I was really close to what’s happening here.]

“Wing daggers”??

Hulk speaks in complete sentences in Japan, apparently 

Ugh Amora, fuck off

Amora who are you calling “young sorcerer”? I know you’re older, but you’re roughly the same age 

Cap just said “Avengers, stay frosty.” What the hell does that mean?!

Ironman just jumped in front of Loki (and Wasp, but mostly Loki) and my frostiron heart has reawakened. Cap, is this what you meant? Frosty, like frostiron?

I mean, it did nothing, all three of them got thrown into the wall, but it was cute

Hey, Loki, remember how you have magic? Why are you letting the mortal with science superpowers protect you from overpowered Amora???

I don’t understand what Makoto’s superpowers are

This b-plot is still hella gay

“Being a hero without you is meaningless to me.” What the fuck, friends to enemies to lovers, excruciating slow burn 100k words

I will not go to AO3 after this episode, I’m stronger than that

Thor why do you have to yell “Mjolnir throw” like it’s a Pokémon that needs you to tell it what to do? Also how did you miss?!

Why do they all have to name their powers to activate them, first of all? Second of all, isn’t Loki canonically immune to this? I know this came out before Loki, but still.

Ooh this is a good idea for a scene. I hope they do it well. 

Lol they recreated the live action Avengers shot and just shoehorned Wasp in there.

I hate how the only part of their face animated to move is their mouth. Like Loki begging Thor not to listen to Evil Guy No.1 would be so much more moving (literally) if the rest of his face was allowed to be expressive. Like even if they did the anime pupil vibration it would add so much more emotion.

Loki kiss him to break the mind control (sorry, I’ll try to remember to tag this as thorki, I couldn’t help myself)

Thor please do the whole giving the villain a false sense of security in thinking he’s won by raising your hammer against your brother but at the last second slamming it against Evil Guy’s skull (I’ve already forgotten his name). You’re smart enough for this to be feasible, I believe in you.

I do also like the breaking the mind control through the power of (brotherly) love, too, though

But letting Loki genuinely show remorse and apologize when really you’re not influenced by Evil Guy (because your love for your brother is already too strong, okay I’ll stop) before you smash Evil Guy’s head in is cool too. Loki probably needs to do this for character growth purposes anyway. 

Loki’s crying and I’m screaming, this is cute I can’t stand it 

Holding hands! Okay I’m also crying now this is so sweet 

Oh shit is she dead! Fuck I hope so. Go straight to hel, Amora

So does Bruno take on the Emerald Crystal to try to be more powerful than Makoto and then Makoto has to save him through the power of love?

Oh wait he’s already got the emerald!

Makoto fuck off with this no homo bullshit

Makoto kiss him to get the Emerald shit off him

Why are the OCs the only ones with normal fucking noses?! (Yeah, I’m on that shit still)

Gay love can pierce through the veil of emerald crystal and save the day 

Makoto is so in denial about being in love with his bff lol 

Makoto, it was the YAOI

“Brotherly bond” shut up, Thor, it was also the YAOI on your end

Dammit, Amora’s still alive

Evil Guy’s alias is just Leader? Weak.

Oh shit Evil Guy had a gun this whole time?! I swear to god if this kills either one of them I’m gonna be so annoyed. They’re Asgardian.

Also, I paused it just as he shot, but I’m calling it now, he aimed for Thor, but Loki jumped in front, even though they’re both immune to bullets (I think)

If Loki dies I’m suing 

I fucking told you! Self-sacrificial piece of shit. If that armor isn’t bulletproof what’s it fucking good for?

Hey maybe subdue Evil Guy first before Loki fakes his death? He can hold it, it’s fine. But one, the dude might have another bullet in that gun, and two, he’s gonna make a run for it, both of which would render Loki’s bullshit sacrifice meaningless 

Loki you piece of lying shit

All the same, I can’t tell if I’m crying from laughter or just crying 

Marvel: So we can give you an evil Loki who lives or a redeemed Loki who (pretends to) bite it. That’s all we got.

Evil Guy why are you still here? Thor’s about to murder you three times over. You’ll be nothing but a spatter of blood on cement when he’s done with you, dumbass. You fucking shot Loki, then stuck around long enough to call him weak TO THOR’S TEAR-STAINED FACE?! Buddy you’re stupider than your choice of alias would imply.

YES! YES I FUCKING CALLED IT MY BOI LIVES

Oh motherfucker did you turn on your brother, you’re awfully close to Evil Guy for my liking 

I’m more mad right now that Loki’s surprised (again) by how Thor reacts to his death than I will be if it turns out he’s a dirty lying traitor again 

MOTHER OF FUCK, YOU PIECE OF SHIT

Again, Loki can live and be a villain or be a hero and die (fuck and doesn’t that sound familiar?)

Damn, there goes the kink cuffs 

Fuck am I invested in this? Oh no

The end credits song is so stupid lol

End announcer guy: Come on, Loki, how could you betray the Avengers like that?

You must be new here, fam.

End announcer guy: Who is orchestrating the forces of evil?

Me: Dr. Doom.

Show: *Kang appears out of the fog, the size of a skyscraper*

Me: NO!!!

Me @ me: Bruno and Makoto are not getting together. This is a Disney kids show from 2017, it’s not gonna be gay.

Me: *proceeds to watch the next episode anyway*

Loki: *betrays Thor, like he famously repeatedly does*

Thor: *surprised Pikachu face*

Me: *surprised Pikachu face*

Yeah, I’m disappointed in me, too. 

[liladiurne]

From the writing asks! 6) what's the last line you wrote? / 8) Post a snippet from a WIP? / 42) What's your favourite title that you've come up with? / 25) what's your favourite part of the writing process?

Thanks for the ask, Coco!!! 🔅

6. What's the last line you wrote?

Dammit! I was afraid someone would ask this one. 🤣 I can't share the actual last line I wrote because it's super secret, and it would give me away!!! So I'll cheat and sneak into my Scrivener files and pick the last line from an unposted and unfinished WIP and hope that it's satisfying enough! So here it is:

"What in Merlin's name are you?" Severus croaks, certain that he must have lost his mind.

That's all you're gonna get, I'm afraid. 🤣

8. Post an out-of-context spoiler from a WIP.

He watches as she strains the pasta, humming softly under her breath. “What about that girl, the one with the pink hair?” she asks after a moment.

“Ugh,” Harry groans. He knew she would bring that up eventually.

When she turns and sees the annoyance on his face, she shakes her head but smiles with fondness. “I knew it. I told you she wasn’t for you.”

He sighs. “I know. I know you told me.”

“You never listen.”

He groans again. “Oh, forgive me, mother. Oh, goddess of wisdom.”

She laughs heartily for a moment, then turns back to her pasta. “She is a child,” she adds softly.

“She’s my age, Mum.”

“You are an old soul, love. You need someone with depth. Someone who can make you think. That girl is brainless.”

“Yeah, well.” Harry shrugs, then adds, “She’s fun. I thought it would be a good idea. I thought it would be… different. I don’t know what I thought.”

It said "out of context", so I'll leave it at that!

42. What's your favourite title that you've come up with?

It has to be On the Deficiencies of Translation Spells. As I mentioned in an earlier ask about titles, I picked it because it not only expresses one of the main themes of the story, which is Harry using a translation spell to navigate his daily life in France, and the debate on whether it's a good thing or not as it sometimes causes misunderstandings, and also because it's taken from a line spoken by Severus in the fic, in the scene where he offers to give Harry some French lessons. And since I've been quoting a bunch already in this reply, I thought I'd include a snippet here:

“I have been thinking about your problem,” Snape reveals.

Harry sighs, rubbing his eye, where the headache is throbbing. “My problem? And what is that?”

“Your complete lack of skills in the French language.”

Harry snaps his notebook shut. “Oh, for Merlin’s sake! I manage!”

“Yes, by relying on that ridiculous trinket.” Snape eyes his bracelet disdainfully. “Let me give you some insights, Potter, on the deficiencies of translation spells.”

“I know about those,” Harry protests. “I don’t need a lecture from you, Snape.” He stares darkly at the man, who actually seems to be trying not to laugh. “None of my students have remarked on it. Not one. They all seem perfectly satisfied with the spell.”

Snape shakes his head. “Too polite to complain, surely.”

25. What's your favourite part of the writing process (worldbuilding, brainstorming/outlining, writing, editing, etc.)?

Oh, writing for sure! I'm not a big outliner, in fact I really struggle with it. I find it hard to sit down and plan, because I just want to dive straight into the writing. Which has caused me problems before, where I've written myself in a corner and found it hard to get out of it. 🤣 But I usually can manage. Writing is just so liberating, so satisfying.

Ask me something from the Fanfic Writing Asks

Already answered: 11, 22, 33,

[allkinds-oftrash]

The Crown S5E9 Commentary

Non-Spoiler Review: THIS EPISODE!! This episode had the Peter Morgan writing I have loved for The Crown since S1 and that went all out in S4. I’ve been missing this spark all season and he FINALLY got it back after 8 episodes - s i r why. So far, this and Mou Mou have been the best written episodes of the season. We deserved more punchy episodes like this especially in highlighting the media war between Diana and Charles. But phew what a way to showcase the end of their marriage. I really really loved the writing of this episode! 

Spoilers Under The Cut 

The fallout of the Interview!! This should be juicy

I always appreciate how Peter Morgan uses other people or events to parallel against what's happening in the family at the time. It's just such a clever narrative device and works every time!

Also ohmygod Couple 31 - they're going to be the 31rd couple on the divorce docket aren't they!

LMAO LIZZIE WROTE THEM A LETTER TELLING THEM TO DIVORCE HSKDHJD Only took you 14 years Lizzie I'm cackling "To request a divorce" HSJDJDJ I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING Like this is so sad but also it was a long time coming and they all deserved to be free from the marriage

Oh nooo Patrick and Dr. Khan WHY 😭😭 Patrick was always there for her too dammit I mean the separation was always going to lead to a divorce Di But I can't help but still feel sad for her sigh Not the fucking press hounding her outside her therapist's office too wtf??? She deserves to drain him for all he's worth Lord knows she'll put that money to good use with her charities more than the BRF ever will

Well Camilla's prophecy from S4 came true - wasn't so much a prophecy but a prediction Girlie is the villian now and being hounded by the press Lmaooo not Charles getting her a PR expert to protect her image

LIZZIE I KNOW YOU'RE NOT MAKING POOR JOHN MAJOR THEIR DIVORCE MEDIATOR SHDKJDJD Mans really became their babysistter-therapist-marriage AND divorce counsellor this season huh This is too funny pls All the previous PMs have had serious political reports to give her And this one who I like the most so far despite him being a Tory, is set up to put out personal fires for the Royal Fam I can't stop laughing Not him listing all the suitable candidates with such obliviousness and then Lizzie drops the bomb hskdjkd

Lizzie: "What about you"

John Major: "Me?"

I DIED Johnny Lee Miller I LOVE YOU The Crown is ✨a comedy✨ yall Not her comparing this divorce to the conflict in Northern Ireland Elizabeth STOP IT Yeah he is easy to like and trust and I hate it cos he's a TORY Lmao well Lizzie he can't really say no, can he. Who the hell is going to say no to the Queen of England dhdkkds Omg he's into it?? Just cos she used the word umpire John babes don't you have a country to run?? Not his family feeling neglected 💀💀 Occupational Hazard things I guess

This Irish couple is going THROUGH IT Ngl I like these divorce couple breaks in the episode. It's really interesting

Okay Mark stop lying you can hate her too Lmao okay Camilla you made the consistent choice to do so loving him and in the process tagteamed with your lover to bully and manipulate a 19 year old so yall do not get off that easy

God this conversation is depression to watch now that she IS the Q word Also again with the "word" although in this case I get it. Better than the divorce conversations with Andrew dkdkkdkd LMAO THE CALLBACK TO TAMPONGATE I'M SCREAMING God Charles is being such a baby

John Major is really good at this I'm shook Not this motherfucker telling her never to speak publicly abt what she went through Basically paying her off to be silent LMAO DIANA "If he's hoping to stuff my mouth and hoping I gag on it, then that sum better be 8 figures and start with a 3" W H A T A L I N E

Not them sucking up to the Spin Doctor shdkjdd this is so funny

OH this dentist and hygienist's age gap and dynamic is PEAK Diana and Charles This was sad to listen to

Chucky I KNOW you're not flirting with your ex wife right now what is wrong with you Also ALL her looks are iconic "Natural" Okay stfu Chucky Yeah you never said nice things ever Chuck She's right you got everything you ever wanted He's being too nice I do not trust it nor him

Lmaooo he doesn't remember where the kitchen is She's right buddy you were never happy here This is the first time he's ever said anything I agreed with: "Why doesn't one eat scrambled eggs all the time" He's right they are a vibe

Charles: An audit of the marriage Diana: An autopsy I LOVE IT

Holy fuck this is a brilliant piece of writing Just wowow this conversation is so snappy and tight THIS is the kind of writing I've been wanting all season

It might have been mean Di but it's true the mans has always been old He has Old Energy nothing wrong with that jajjsks Lmao she called him old once and he got upset 💀💀

"You do know there was always love there" Okay Mr "Whatever In Love Means" Charles is odd wanting Di to say her name God this is a painful conversation Ofc Chucky is throwing a tantrum Not the "Ask my parents" line 💀💀

Dominic's Charles feels more restraint I can't decide if that's a good or bad Like Josh went OFF Dominic even while yelling doesn't feel as visceral?? This was an autopsy indeed Okay sorry but that was such a bad crying shot - should have just kept it a wide from the start

Lmaooo NOW the divorce court is full of the press after being empty I mean I know why it's just funny it was just the lawyers for the other couples who weren't even there and now the whole court is full They weren't even there 💀💀 Also omg imagine the person finalising THE Wales' divorce - w i l d shit Damn to end it on their wedding procession that was A Choice

Now onto the finale!

[mshomestyle]

MHA [Reader x MultiCharater]: Looks like you made Headlines Part I!

Not going to use Bakugo’s hero name because it’s a spoiler!

The Reader Making Headlines with her Pro-Hero S/O:

(Izuku, Hawks, Bakugo, Kirishima, and Todoroki)

Slightly mature ones: Hawks, Todoroki

Izuku:

Izuku is known for being a sweet and helpful hero. He goes very far to help others after all, and the civilians can’t help but to feel safe when they see him. Yes, he’s very kind...Until someone decides to try to hurt you:

Pro Hero Deku uses Excessive Force!

The normally gentle and sweet hero was seen this afternoon mercilessly beating a villain without stop! Just prior to the incident, Deku was out on patrol with [Hero Name]. In the middle of their walk, a well-known neighborhood flasher, that goes by the name All Exposed, popped out in front of the duo, opening up his coat and...

You stop reading at that point and turn to Izuku who’s looking like a kicked puppy.

Hawks:

“Good morning!” you greet your neighbors as you go to get the mail. They give you a rushed bow before leaving the area nervously, which has you raising an eyebrow.

With a shrug, you go back inside your home to eat breakfast, scrolling through your phone and reading different articles that interest you...And then one pops out that has you nearly choking:

Hawks’s Mating call! The Scoop on Hawks and his Wife’s Loud Sex Life!

A reporter was lucky enough to run into one of the pro hero’s neighbor in line at a coffee shop. The neighbor seemed a bit sleep-deprived and admitted to being able to hear Hawk’s wife, [First Name], almost as clear as day throughout the night time hours! The neighbor said, and I quote “She sounded like she was going through an exorcism!”

You feel heat rush to your cheeks in utter embarrassment, “K-Keigo!” you call, knowing he was upstairs.

“Babe, just start biting your pillow!”

Bakugo:

“Ah, I love it so much!” you gush as you admire the bracelet Katsuki had given you. He leans over and kisses your lips, softly.

“Well, you did say you wanted it.”

That evening the two of you are all cuddled together with Bakugo scrolling through his phone absentmindedly. All is fine until you hear him cursing. “Dammit! Those bastards!” You look over to see what he’s reading.

Pro-hero Bakugo is more of a Softie than he lets on!

Always coming at villains with a murderous intent? Turns out it’s all a sham! Earlier this afternoon, the pro-hero was seen out with his girlfriend. Several witnesses reported that he presented her with a beautiful gift and kissed her right then and there...

“Well, that’s the media for you,” you couldn’t help but to say.

Kirishima:

You and your boyfriend were out to lunch, just enjoying yourself. Kirishima then decided to challenge you to an arm wrestling match, which you had been easily beaten.

One week later, you were out grocery shopping only to see a magazine with a peculiar headline:

Red Riot beats Girlfriend in Public!

No, we are not lying! The two were seen at a restaurant together where the violence happened. Red Riot challenged his girlfriend to an arm wrestling match and...

You could only sigh and roll your eyes at this.

Todoroki:

You were out enjoying a nice date with Todoroki, and you had no idea why or how, but the conversation ended up being about Soba, the cold kind of course. Todoroki listened attentively as you were speaking.

“I really like it, too,” you spoke, “It’s such a nice white color, and the feeling that I get when I slurp it down really can’t be beat!” Todoroki smiled softly, putting an arm around you.

“Let’s go back to my place then. I’ll give you as much of it as you want.”

Then the following day happened, where a friend of yours sent you an online article that she found, telling you to read it with urgency:

Spit or Swallow? Pro-Hero Shoto’s Girlfriend likes to Swallow!

An age old question, to which we have [Surname’s] answer! The two were seen walking around in town where an anonymous passerby heard the two speaking about what sounded like oral sex. [Surname] was heard saying, “It’s such a nice white color, and the feeling that I get when I slurp it down really can’t be beat.” Shoto then offered her to go to his place.

You groaned loudly, rubbing at your eyes. Being with someone famous certainly came with a price.

[paperpocalypse]

family outing.

50 Wordless Ways to Say “I Love You”: 29. Tucking their hair behind their ear to help them get it out of their face.

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Reader

Word Count: 1,436 words

Warning: Mild swearing

[A/N: Mild S2 spoilers!]

“So,” Vanya’s brow furrows, “Five met you after the apocalypse?”

“Yep.” Leaning against her car, you cross your arms and sigh dreamily. “Hate at first sight. He almost shot me in the head.”

“… With a gun?”

You grin. “Well, he couldn’t’ve shot me with a Twinkie.”

Vanya looks ahead at where Five is talking to some middle-aged guy, his expression friendly and polite. What a businessman. Her eyes narrow in shocked disbelief. “This is crazy,” she murmurs. “My family is crazy.”

Your grin widens as she shakes her head. Something about her mannerisms helps you realize why Five is so fond of her, though he’s never said it outright. She’s definitely your favorite of the bunch. Sans murderous intent.

“Some types of crazy can be good,” you reply, nudging her arm. “But your family’s got all of them and it’s gonna get real messy. Time to spice up your little farm life, Vanya.”

She chuckles a little awkwardly and shrugs. “I just hope I’ll have time to talk to them. Again, I mean. Maybe I’ll remember something when we’re all together.”

“Yeah. Maybe.” Noticing Five bidding farewell to the man, you push yourself off the bumper and wave at him. “Any luck, Five?”

He points down the street behind you as he walks back over. “Plano Street Rooming House for Solitary Men,” he answers. “It’s just a few blocks from here.”

“How do you know he’s there?” Vanya asks.

“I really doubt Luther would live anywhere else.”

You snort, raising your hands in surrender when Five returns it with a semi-faux withering look. With a sigh, he shakes his head and opens the rear passenger door, gesturing for you to get in.

As Vanya starts the car and turns into the street, you look through the rearview mirror at Five as he tells her where to go. Despite being stuck in a thirteen-year-old body, he still has that resting glower of his that makes him look perpetually stressed. 

(Of course, it’s not just a matter of looking stressed – he is definitely stressed. Wound up tighter than a spring. You’ll probably need to force him to sit down and relax for at least a half-hour tonight before he explodes.)

His hair is a little disheveled, so you reach over to brush it out of his eyes. It doesn’t really work, but just going through the familiar motion grounds you somehow. “You know,” you muse as Five glances back at you, “Luther’s probably living there, but I doubt he’ll be in right now. He’s probably with Ruby somewhere.”

“Even if he is, we can ask around. I assume that at least one person there knows his business.”

He absently lifts a hand to smooth his hair back, and you smile. “Good point.”

—

“Hello, do you know Luther Hargreeves by any chance?”

After some door-to-door work, someone from Luther’s hall finally answers your knock. He’s a burly man, though not nearly as big as Luther, and obviously drunk off his rocker. Definitely solitary. He squints at the three of you through red, puffy eyes.

“Luther? Yeahhh, I know ‘im. Huge bloke. Real hairy.”

“That’s the one,” Five confirms. “You see, we’re his brother and sister. He hasn’t visited home lately and we’re pretty worried, so we’re just wondering if you know where he is.”

Burly picks at his teeth. “Brother n’ sister, eh? Well,” he rumbles, “I dunno where he is, but I know some of the boys are gonna watch ‘im fight tonight.”

“Where’s the fight?” Vanya asks.

The man regards her with suspicion. “Well, it ain’t a place for a little lady like you.” He swirls his beer around in its bottle, then jabs a finger at all of you. “Don’t want you three squealing to the cops, either.”

“We won’t,” you assure him, smiling sweetly. “We just want to check on Luther.”

With a little more cajoling, you finally obtain the time and place for Luther’s fight before the man waves you away with a grunt, slamming his door shut. You give your companions a self-satisfied grin before descending the staircase back down to street level. Worked like a charm. (You suspect your youthful looks probably helped a lot, though.)

“How’d you do that?” Vanya wonders as the three of you step out onto the sidewalk.

“Simple,” you respond. “I have a knack for sweeping tough guys off their feet.”

You wink secretly at Five. He rolls his eyes, the minutest of smiles at the corner of his mouth, before ushering you and Vanya back to the Chevy.

Your little trio spends the next few hours driving and poking around, looking for Luther or Klaus or Allison. The optimist in you hopes you’ll run across at least one of them. But Dallas is a big place, and darkness begins to fall around 5:30 without a single sighting.

“Dammit.” Five clicks his tongue as you exit a paint shop alone.

“At least we know where Luther will be,” you point out, shoving your hands in your pockets. “How about we get something to eat before we head to the fight?”

Vanya unlocks the car. “There’s a place I know close by,” she says, lips quirking up. “They have sandwiches and donuts there.”

You pat her back. “Sounds great, Vanya. Five? You’ve got to eat something, too.”

Your favorite number crosses his arms as you and Vanya stare at him expectantly. “We’ll get something quick,” he eventually says.

The trip only takes a few minutes. The three of you get sandwiches and a donut each and unwrap them on the bench outside the bakery.

“Sissy and Harlan and I get something from here whenever we go into town,” Vanya says, finishing the last of her sandwich and picking her donut up. “It’s pretty good.”

“So good,” you agree. Lands alive, sitting out here like this makes you nostalgic. Ignoring the upcoming doomsday and the ‘60′s aesthetic, it feels like you’re back in 1927 again, staying out past curfew with your peers. You smile to yourself and look down at your half-finished maple bar. Best to enjoy it while it lasts.

A finger quickly sweeps your brow, tucking a lock of hair out of your face. You blink and glance over at Five, but he’s looking across the street and starting on his own pastry. (Apple fritter. Perhaps you’ll ask him one day why he always gets those.)

Heart feeling even softer than before, you lean silently against his side. He doesn’t move.

After a moment, Five speaks up. “When we were kids, I brought you to this donut shop near the academy a couple times.”

“You did?” Vanya asks.

“Yeah. Griddy’s.” Oh, the one near the academy. The one that had gotten destroyed along with everything else in 2019. He gestures at the last bit of donut – plain, glazed – in her hands. “You usually got that kind.”

She raises her eyebrows, looking into her napkin. “Oh, wow. I guess it must’ve been a subconscious choice or something, then.”

“Hm.”

“You know, I’m glad we found you, Vanya,” you offer warmly. “I didn’t … really have time to get to know you the last time we met.”

A smile spreads across her face. “Same here. For both things, I mean. Not that I’d know much about our first meeting.” She pauses, examining you for a second, then blurts, “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

She awkwardly motions between you and her brother. “Are you and Five …?”

“Partners,” you finish, “in every sense of the word. From what I know, at least.” With a grin, you turn to Five. “Is that more or less right?”

He rolls his eyes fondly. “Unfortunately,” he mutters as you move to smooth his hair back again. He sure had lovely hair when he was a kid – not that you didn’t appreciate his looks back in your Commission days. This de-aging thing really knocks you for a loop sometimes.

Vanya nods, still looking vaguely confused. “Okay. I don’t want to make things weird, I just – well, you two are kind of … young –”

“Believe me, we’re much older than we look,” you quip, standing up. “But that’s a tale for another time. We gotta go.”

Disposing of your trash, you join the others into the Chevy and start your next journey to Luther Hargreeves. Radio turned off, the leather seat squeaks as you lean back and listen to Vanya and Five murmuring in the front.

To see the siblings together again makes you glow inside, a bit of calm before the inevitable storm. You drink it in as much as you can.

[pika-ace]

I FINALLY SAW THE IN THE HEIGHTS MOVIE

HOLY SHIT

HOLY FUCKING SHIT I JUST WITNESSED MANNA FROM THE FUCKING GODS

My skin is clear, my children are fed, and my crops are thriving and I have SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT IT

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT! Seriously, do not read if you want to see the movie, I want you to experience this emotional ride yourselves

- I don't really need to talk about the music because, as expected, it was top-notch. Everyone was great, great voices, god-tier dancing, just good shit all around

- Songs are cut and things are changed, but honestly, NOTHING was lost so there's no need to worry. For every story element they take away, they add SO MUCH MORE with the changes they made to make up for it. It's like ITH for the first time all over again :D

- First up, Usnavi. MY GOD ANTHONY RAMOS, I AM SO SORRY I'VE BEEN SLEEPING ON YOU FOR SO LONG! I never paid him any mind back in the day because his face was just plastered all over Lams stuff (UGGGGH) so seeing him doing his own thing SEPARATE from that? I WAS ONCE BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

- The whole beach story-telling thing was throwing me off the whole time. I remember how PETRIFIED everyone was when the trailers showed that, but I had faith that there was a point to it and I WAS RIGHT!! The SECOND Sonny pointed out that green crab he painted, it was like a slap in the face, and when Usnavi started his whole 'There goes my flight' part, my cousin and I silently fist pumped in pure joy

- Also, USNAVI👏AND👏VANESSA👏AS👏MARRIED👏BUSINESS👏PARTNERS👏FUCKING👏ALL👏MY👏YES (Why did none of us think of this before????)

- USNAVI AND VANESSA GETTING A CANONICAL DAUGHTER, FUCKING YES PLEASE, PUT THAT HAT ON HER HEAD

- Next, Nina. Just...OH her voice...so soft...so gentle...I could fall asleep to that shit...

- The extra details of her being discriminated against at Stanford, just...DAMN, that shit HURTED. Best Girl doesn't deserve that shit!!!

- And her deciding to go back after learned that Sonny wants to be like her but can't due to discrimination just...BEST GIRL

- Benny just...OOZED charm, man. It almost makes me sad that he and Nina didn't play as big a role in the movie as they did in the play compared to Usnavi and Vanessa. ALMOST.

- Speaking of, Vanessa got an expanded role, HELL TO THE FUCKING YES. (She got a last name change from Otilla Garcia to Morales, but hey, her last name was just a workshop thing anyway so it's JUST not-canon enough to make changing it acceptable)

- Vanessa being the one who decided on the mural thing and getting Pete and Sonny to help just...BEAUTIFUL. That's TRUE LOVE right there

- Lin as Piragua Guy and Chris Jackson as Mr. Softee; that was the funniest meta shit I've EVER seen.

- I?? Did not expect?? To come out of this LOVING Kevin Rosario??? Like, he was SO MUCH BETTER and less antagonistic??? And I LOVED IT??

- Seriously though, getting rid of his prejudice against Benny was THE MOST WELCOME CHANGE in this whole movie (to me at least). When those two were together in the dispatch during the Blackout and helping people, that was just *chef's kiss* That was the pseudo-father-son shit I have been CRAVING for those two!

- Blackout was much less scary and chaotic than we were led to believe in the stage play; a part of me was disappointed, but the way they made it with everyone taking it in stride made up for it. It was like 'Aw dammit, blackout! Welp, bust out the fireworks and the Bingo boards, we're gonna be in the dark for a while, you all know the drill.'

- Also, lights turning back on RIGHT after Carnival del Barrio? Nice touch 👌

- Pete was SO GOOD. Favorite scene:

Usnavi, with Sonny: You're out here; who's watching the store? *points to Pete who's booking it out of the store having stolen something*

Sonny: *runs after him* PETE NO, YOU CAN'T JUST DO THAT!!!

- Age gap still seems a bit ambiguous between Sonny and Pete, so until confirmation is given, this pairing is staying EXPLICITLY in the stage version tag on Ao3 XD

- PETE PROVIDING VANESSA WITH INSPIRATIONAL MATERIALS, THAT IS A FACET OF FRIENDSHIP I NEVER KNEW I WANTED

- Also, appreciate Usnavi being MUCH less antagonistic towards Pete, just treating him as an annoying kid that enjoys getting a rise out of him rather than a vandal that's a bad influence who Usnavi WILL call the cops on if pushed.

- Daniela and Carla were REALLY awesome together and I'm DOWN for them being a couple, even though Hollywood STILL decided to be cowards about it with no on-screen kiss or mention that they were girlfriends (come on guys, it's 2021, stop hiding the gays!!)

- Abuela. ABUELAAAAAAAA. NEED I SAY MORE????

Usnavi: I wanna take you and Sonny to DR

Abuela: I'm not leaving without Sonny

Me: MY QUEEN, YEEEEES

- When I saw her lying down during Blackout and staring at Usnavi and Sonny and then started transitioning into Paciencia y Fe, my writer brain IMMEDIATELY began putting those metaphor pieces together and was like 'No...no no no no NO, don't you do this to me, DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE DO THIS TO ME-'

- Alabanza had me sobbing; no comment.

- The lotto money twist was SO GOOD??? Like, my cousin and I were VERY concerned when it wasn't brought up AT ALL, but then when it turns out she saved the ticket to give to Usnavi as a final gift after her death just...TEARS EVERYWHERE

- And last but not least...Sonny. Sonny Sonny Sonny Sonny SONNYYYYYYYYYYY! My son, my child, the light of my life, the stars in my sky, was given justice on this day!!!

- HE HAS A DAD!! IT'S A SHITTY DAD BUT HE HAS A PLACE TO LIVE!!! IT'S BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAD BEFORE AND I THANK BASED LMM FOR GIVING MY BOY THE BACKSTORY HE DESERVED!! (Fanfic writers, I expect MOUNTAINS of angst and hurt/comfort from you all with this new material!)

- RIP Smol Sonny, but that baby face of his MORE than made up for it :3c

- Usnavi WANTING to take Sonny to DR right off the bat, just...THANK YOU. That was DESPERATELY NEEDED and was even wrapped up early and neatly with Sonny saying to Usnavi 'Nah, I grew up here in NY, I have no memories of DR but YOU do, so if you wanna go, then go, I like it here.' and since he HAS A FUCKING HOME here, the worry for his well-being is GONE and it feels GOOD.

- Learning Sonny was undocumented was a PUNCH IN THE FUCKING HEART! My mind IMMEDIATELY reminded me when his dad asked Usnavi why he only paid Sonny in cash and the FACE HE MADE when Nina said that undocumented kids can't get in college just BABY NOOOOOOOOOO

- Usnavi. Using. The goddamn lotto money. TO GET SONNY DOCUMENTED. MY DE LA VEGA COUSIN LOVING HEART HAS FUCKING ASCENDED AND IS NEVER COMING BACK DOWN. DADNAVI SUPREMACY.

Do I have ANY gripes with this movie? Yes, I do.

THEY FUCKING KILLED CAMILA. I DO NOT APPRECIATE BEST MOM GETTING THE DISNEY TREATMENT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH >:/

Other than that though, this movie is a 10/10, go see it. Right now. I mean it.

[thestarkerisobvious]

Kidnapped

tw: kidnapping, off screen violence, mentions of self-harm

spoiler alert: Angst With A Happy Ending

Chapter 1: The Mona Lisa

Peter looked out through the heavy white curtains, over the walls of the courtyard to the street below. He had a very good view of the world from this window, and as long as he sat still, no one would see him.  He didn’t want anyone to see him.  If someone saw, he would be punished.

The thought of Tony punishing him gave him a shiver in the warm room.  He

 didn’t want Tony’s punishments.  Tony’s punishments could be cruel.  

But there wasn’t much to see of the world, good view or not, so Peter went back to pacing.

He had three rooms to pace through – four if you included the luxurious bathroom Tony had made for him. There was nothing else to do but pace. He thought about doing more pushups or chin-ups on the bar Tony had installed for him, but he had done all his reps for the day.  It felt petty, pacing back and forth passed the large piles of video games stacked up next to the huge monitor or the massive stacks of books opposite them, but Peter didn’t feel like addressing either pile (although he might dust them again. His rooms were all immaculate.  No mess here.)  He groaned in frustration. It was the only sound in the silent room. He gave his gaming chair a petulant kick.  He wanted his computer back.

He didn’t know why Tony had taken his computer.  He hadn’t broken any rules or earned any punishment.  Tony told him it wasn’t a punishment… but it certainly felt like one.   He had been right in the middle of a project and he was dying to get back to it.  He knew he should be grateful that Tony had piled his rooms full of the newest video games and every book he had ever asked for, but that’s not what he wanted.  

Maybe he should take Tony’s advice and write it all down – he glanced over the lovely antique writing desk that Tony had bought him, filled with expensive kinds of notebooks and journals sitting next to expensive pens.  That seemed ridiculous to Peter, the idea of expensive pens, but it seemed to mean something to Tony, so he tried to be appreciative.

But dammit, he didn’t write things down like that.  Well, not those kinds of things.  Not his grandiose plans, not his clever internet schemes.  Those weren’t things you wrote, those were things you did.  He had tried, for Tony’s sake, to do more writing, but usually it came to nothing.  He didn’t even bother sitting down at the desk now.  He went back to pacing.  

But pacing was boring too. Maybe he would go back to sitting at his view-of-the-world window.  It was deliberately kept dirty on the outside, so that no one looking at the grand house (if anyone would) would see Peter’s face through the grime, and the bars on the windows, and the curtains.  Problem was, the street in this mansion-filled-neighborhood just wasn’t very interesting at all.  Once again, Peter longed for his computer.  Of all the luxurious things Tony had stocked his hidden rooms with, that was the one thing he couldn’t live without.  He didn’t know why it was gone, and he didn’t know for how long.  He sighed, then growled in frustration.  At least Tony would be back soon.    Tony would bring information – explain why he wasn’t being punished even though it felt like he was being punished.

As he walked passed his exercise bar and leapt up to grab it, doing a few more chin-ups before resuming his pacing.  He glared at it as he walked away.  It was good for exercise, but it wasn’t good enough.  It was just too boring.  He couldn’t say why.  When he was living in Quentin Beck’s mansion he had exercise equipment and a swimming pool and a private basketball court.    It had been ages since he had played basketball.  He wondered if he’d still be any good at it.

He paced by the large mirror that stood behind the huge dresser.  He stopped for a moment and regarded himself.  He was wearing an old t-shirt and saggy sweats, like he always was. He never saw the point in getting dressed when he wasn’t allowed outside these 3 rooms (four rooms.  3 rooms and a bathroom.  The bathroom counted as a room.  It was huge – as big, if not bigger, than his childhood bedroom. He wanted to remember that.)

Seized by sudden inspiration, Peter peeled off the shirt.

Turning to put his back to the mirror, he turned around and tried to see himself from behind.  It didn’t work too well, so he backed up until he was practically sitting on the dresser.  Then he could see.

Then he could see the bruises.

Mostly bite-marks, although those were fading.  Thought they were bright and angry red just a few days ago.  There were finger-bruises around his waist, too.  Those made his breath catch… made his eyes well up with tears. There were three straight lines still visible across his back, but he was expecting those.  Problem was, the worst of the bruises were very difficult to see from this position.  He needed a second mirror – one he could look into so he could see the mirror behind him. That was the only way to see the ones right on the back of his neck.

For a moment, he turned around and looked at his own face.

There were no bruises there, and there never would be.  Tony said Peter’s face was like a work of art… like the Mona Lisa.  Too precious, to beautiful to bruise.  

Peter smiled ruefully. He was the Mona Lisa, if you thought about it.  Beautiful, like a picture.  Beautiful, and locked away.  Locked up tight and safe where no one, no matter how clever or how powerful, could steal him.  But unlike the Mona Lisa, he had been hidden away as well.  Hidden away so carefully that no one, not even the man who loved him the most, had the slightest clue where he was.

His rueful smile didn’t look good on his face, so he struggled to hide it.  His pretty face.  The only argument he had ever had with his kidnapper – the only time he had ever spoken up or raised his voice to Tony Stark – was when they argued about his face.  But Peter didn’t argue too long.  If he argued too long then he might get into trouble.  If he got into trouble, he might get punished.  Tony might take away his computer, and he didn’t want that…

(Of course he had been good, he had been very good, and lost his computer anyway...)

Peter leaned in and looked at his face closely in the mirror.  It wasn’t a very good mirror, that was for certain.  It wasn’t very good because it wasn’t really standing on the huge dresser (half of which was full of Balmain jeans and Dolce trousers and socks that cost more than his first bicycle.)  The mirror wasn’t in the room at all.  It was inside the wall, on the other side of a glass pane.  The glass was unbreakable.  Peter knew.  He had tried. At least, it wasn’t breakable by any object Peter could find in his three (four) rooms.  

Peter frowned as he looked at his chin.  Tomorrow, or maybe the next day, Tony would have to shave him again.  Peter wasn’t allowed to have razors, for the same reason he wasn’t allowed to have things that could be broken and turned into sharp objects.  He had no one to blame for that except himself – at least he hadn’t been punished for that little slipup, not really.  His only punishment was the removal of the sharp things and the installation of the mirror.  

He looked closely at his face, still frowning.  He hoped Tony would have time to shave him, otherwise… Peter shuddered.  As much as he hated looking at his “beautiful” face, he hated that pale show of stubble even more.

Sighing, Peter put his shirt back on.  As he did, he noted the faintest hint of bruises on his wrists.  Faint, and fading fast.  Barely visible.  In a day, maybe two, and they’d be gone completely.  

Not that it mattered. Tony would be back, and soon.  

Tony would put the bruises back.  All of them.

Sighing, then groaning, in frustration, Peter started pacing again.  The silence of the rooms was really getting to him.  He went to the window, and then back through the three rooms to the writing desk.  Sometimes including the bathroom in the circuit.  Then back to the window again.  He would drive himself crazy if he kept pacing – but sitting behind the curtain looking down at the boring world would just be worse.  He began to wonder if he should try to take a long luxurious bubble-bath in the huge bathtub… Tony certainly seemed to think that was a thing that people liked… maybe he could even do that and read a book at the same time.  That was a thing that people did.  But by that logic he could just take a nap.  Or maybe…

Walking back to the writing desk, Peter sat in the chair and reached for a pen.  He had considered keeping a diary (or a journal – girls kept diaries, boy’s kept journals) about the life he was living here.  Behind all the locked doors.  In the hidden rooms on the third floor of Tony’s secret house. It wouldn’t exactly be a private account – Tony would read it for certain – but it might pass the time at least. Give him something to do.  Give him a place to complain, without complaining, about how unfair it was for Tony to take away his computer when he hadn’t even broken any rules.

He was actually reaching for one of the unused leather journals when he heard something that made his heart skip a beat.

He could sound of the key in the lock, even from where he sat.  It was because of the dead silence in the room – he could never abide to have music playing when he was alone, no matter how nice a stereo system Tony had bought him, no matter how much music he had provided.  Maybe that’s why he couldn’t abide to take a bath or play a video game while he was alone.  He needed the silence.

He needed the silence so he would know when someone was coming.

And someone was coming.

Tony was home early.

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

chapter 2 coming tomorrow

ask to be tagged

warning: Not Really A Dead Dove (I try to do dark and always fail)

[lonelier-version-of-you]

Well. The Christmas kiss was Kylie and Louis. The two proposals was a clever misdirect - Ange proposed to Josh, then Josh proposed to Ange. I’d be lying, dear audience, if I told you I was not a little bit disappointed. I think I convinced myself that the kiss was going to be Henrik and Russ. For a brief moment, when they were talking in the AAU staff room, I really thought it would be.

However! We still got some lovely Henruss content tonight. The way they were looking at each other was the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen. And Russ’s “What took you so long?” was just... awww. So sweet.

And here’s the big news, folks. THERE IS A METRO ARTICLE CONFIRMING HENRIK’S FEELINGS FOR RUSS ARE DEFINITELY, 100%, ROMANTIC. It’s the “How will Holby City end after Christmas episode?” article, if any of you want to go have a look.

I mean, we all knew. But it’s nice to have undeniable, official confirmation that Henrik is bi and in love with Russ. There is nothing the bi Henrik deniers can say to this one. Nothing. (Additionally, the director of this episode liked a tweet I made where I said I was glad Holby are letting Henrik settle down and find love before the end, and the official Holby account liked another tweet where I called their interactions tonight “very sweet and very romantic”.)

So it’s happening, folks. Henrik is bi and he’s getting a boyfriend and there’s nothing homophobes can do about it.

I keep thinking about how Henrik smiled at Russ after that “what took you so long” line. The actual cutest thing ever. I am so glad Henrik’s found someone who makes him so happy. Someone he feels safe around and can be himself with. He deserves it.

Meanwhile, Ollie’s gone. I’m gonna miss him. I didn’t like a lot of the writing surrounding his return (the whole idea that he could totally be a surgeon again if he wanted to?? I would’ve much rather had him realising he can’t be a surgeon again and that’s fine, maybe he can go into some other medical job someday (I think he’d make a great GP, his diagnostic skills are excellent), but what he needs to focus on for now is being a good father), but he’s one of my favourite characters so it’s just been nice to see him back. And James Anderson has given some truly brilliant performances.

I predicted he’d video call Zosia, but I still thought it was incredibly sweet when he did. Gah. I’m just so happy Zollie are reuniting, I’ve shipped them for four years.

And as one character leaves, another one returns. Nicky, my beloved!! I have missed her so much, she was such a great character, and I’d accepted the thought that we’d never see her again after the cancellation but HERE SHE IS. Thank goodness for that. She’s definitely going to throw a spanner in the works with Louis and Kylie, though. Too bad the Holby writers probably haven’t heard of polyamory (I mean, they’ve only just realised bi people exist, ffs).

Although the way they talked about it in the spoilers really implied her return was gonna be post-credits. Dammit, now I look really silly for telling people to watch until then.

Eli and Amelia broke my heart tonight. They are a lovely couple and they deserve so much better than this.

Tonight really showed what an incredible character Eli is. One of the best autistic characters I’ve seen in ages. Davood Ghadami plays him BRILLIANTLY.

And Lucy Briggs-Owen is incredible as Amelia, too.

I can’t say much else about that storyline, or I’ll probably start crying.

Kylie gave off major Chantelle Lane vibes tonight, didn’t she? Like, she really reminded me of Chantelle in her first episode, but mostly I didn’t notice it too much after that until tonight.

Josh and Ange are an adorable couple and they deserve the world. Enough said.

And I am very worried about Jac now. Holby, please don’t hurt her. I’m glad you’re giving Henrik a happy ending and all, but please don’t forget that Jac deserves one too.

All in all, that was a pretty great episode, a satisfying final Holby Christmas (and even as someone who believes the show dug its own grave by putting out nonsense like the Cameron storyline, I’m still a little sad to think this is their final Christmas). I just can’t wait to see how things continue in January.

[portsidewonderland]

Okay, I’ve been wanting to write this for the last three weeks, but I’m finally - finally - sitting down to do just that.

First, I’m a Rogan shipper. I’ve been a Rogan shipper for the last 20 years, but in that time, I’ve grown, I’ve experienced my own sense of love, and I’m a writer so I’d like to think I’m familiar with structure, characterization, and the like.

Second, I’m focused on the film franchise, strictly speaking. Just wanted to make sure that is clear.

Having said that, when I discuss how utterly wrong the X-Men franchise is, I’m talking about from a story standpoint. When I speak of Logan and Rogue, if that ship isn’t your jam, fine, but the points I make still stand.

Finally, spoiler alert for all of the movies.

Okay, I think we’re ready to jump in.

1. After the first movie, everyone forgot the heart of what made the first movie so special: Wolverine & Rogue

I don’t necessarily mean together. I mean, the movie focused primarily on Logan’s story and Rogue’s story. It was told through THEIR POV. This is important because, essentially, we’re asked to connect with these two characters AND WE DO.

The dialogue, the acting, and their stories (which reflect each other’s as well as stand on their own) draw us in and we are hooked.

Even the critics thought some of the best scenes are the ones Logan and Marie share together. Multiple critics discuss chemistry, how they add to the scene, etc.

Regardless of whether you ship them or not, there’s a compelling story between the two. This vulnerable, slip of a girl is the most powerful X-men out there (or one of) and this growly, fierce angry, broken man who’s been alone for so long that out of everyone he’s met and seen, THIS girl brings him to his knees.

And it’s because she isn’t scared of him.

Even after watching him beat the shit out of his opponent, even after seeing the claws threaten humans and slice through a barrel of a gun, she still thinks, I can trust him.

And when he catches her in his trailer, she STILL isn’t afraid of him. She gives him lip. She calls him out on his shit.

That’s how she manages to slide through the cracks.

And that is BEAUTIFUL.

I’m not here to talk about the performances, but Jesus Christ, I love this scene so damn much. The chemistry RADIATES. The glances, the confusion, the curiosity, and the attraction. (Sorry not sorry, it’s there on both parts, I’ll die on this hill.)

Anyway, the first movie is about how this girl brings the savage, feral Wolverine to his knees. How she gets him to STAY. How she gets him to open up.

Yes, Logan wants info on his past, but he’s staying for Marie. We all know it.

When he threatens Jean after first waking up, Jean is scared. And for good reason, obviously.

But Logan STABS Marie with his claws, and guess what? She’s still not scared of him. She’s worried about him.

This is THEIR story.

Do you really think Wolverine is going to go running around in leather for anyone but Marie? Yeah, I don’t think so. I mean, he literally STABS HIMSELF IN THE CHEST to free himself and get to her.

He PROMISES her that he’d take care of her. Do you think Wolverine bullshits? Hell no, he doesn’t.

And that’s why....

2. The whole Jean thing was just not great.

Okay, can I tell you something?

I don’t see Jean as a sympathetic character. She’s engaged to Scott and suddenly, Wolverine comes strolling in and she can’t get her shit together?

I mean, okay, I get it, let’s be real.

But Scott isn’t a bad guy. He nay be a dick, but he treats Jean well. Because we’re not in Cyclops’ or Jean’s head, we as the audience don’t see any marital/romantic issues between them. Hence, when Jean gets flustered by Wolverine to the point where she lets him goad her into reading his mind, she knows what she’s doing. She likes it. She likes Logan’s attention.

Not because she likes Logan.

(I read this fic where basically Jean tells Logan he could have been anybody, and I thought that was so perfect)

But because he’s giving her attention. He makes her feel desired.

And she leads him on.

Right there, I don’t like her, and I think that’s why a lot of Rogan shippers don’t like her is that she has no problem toying not only with Logan’s feelings, but with Scott’s.

But that’s not even the worst part of this.

At the end, when Logan asks for Marie and Jean makes her comment, she adds, “I think she’s taken with you.”

Like - why would Jean say that? Why mention it?

That’s petty ass shit right there.

To me, what she’s trying to do is align herself with Logan as adults and belittle Marie for having a little crush on him. Like it’s so juvenile.

And the worst line of this whole movie is when he says, “Tell her my heart belongs to another.”

Want to know why?

Because the writers/director haven’t SHOWN this. This line is forced here to TELL the audience that we should be shipping Jean and Wolverine. It’s sloppy writing. It tells me they think the audience are idiots.

Really, Logan?

Jean has your heart even though you completely go against Tall Dark and Feral to pick up a girl, then stay at the school with her, leave a fucking mansion to bring her back, make a promise to her, go after her after she’s kidnapped, stab yourself in the chest, fling yourself on the Statue of Liberty AND RISK YOUR FUCKING LIFE TO SAVE ROGUE’S JUST BY TOUCHING HER and you want me to believe your heart belongs to Jean????

Please, tell me, why the FUCK should I buy that?

Oh, because they’re the same age?

LOL no.

Anyway, I didn’t like Jean’s characterization because of that. Because she’s leading people on, because she needs to put down Marie’s feelings after her ordeal because of her insecurity, because of it all.

Which is why I’ll never ship them together.

Logan is at his worst when he’s around Jean.

Anyway.

And Jean is just the worst.

3. They took something meaningful and they fucked it

Logan promises to take care of Rogue. Do you know important that is for both of them as individuals and their relationship?

Rogue only goes back because of Logan. Not for anyone else. Not even Bobby. She comes back, she stays, for Logan.

Where do we see that after the second movie?

He’s so goddamned focused on Jean, on everything about her, that he barely notices that Rogue is ready to get the cure.

I’m GLAD they got a scene together. Because of their looks.

I am.

But shit.

It’s like Logan has completely forgotten all about Rogue, and I’m sorry, but after that first movie, I just can’t buy that.

I can buy that he leaves to check out his past. The dog tag scene is one of my absolute favorites. That’s perfect. Makes sense.

(Also, side note: Fic is so beautiful about this but he isn’t afraid to touch her. Like, he doesn’t HAVE to play with her hair but he does. It’s playful and flirty. It IS. He could have just said he liked her hair BUT HE HAD TO TOUCH IT. And this is HUGE for Rogue because honestly SHE’S afraid to touch and of herself but if Logan isn’t afraid, she stops being afraid - if that makes sense.)

But seriously? He’s not calling the mansion, not writing to Rogue?

I don’t believe that for one second.

This is why I will never watch The Wolverine after that first time (I refuse especially after the director said he was contemplating adding Rogue at the end and didn’t and FUCK EVERYTHING.) because he just leaves because he’s upset about fucking JEAN

I’m sorry but the Wolverine isn’t ABOUT Jean.

If that was the case, we should have had point of views between Logan and Jean in the first movie, not Rogue.

We should have SEEN their development, but we didn’t.

We’re TOLD it.

I’m sorry, but how do you want me to believe that the big bad Wolverine runs off to Japan because he’s sad about Jean? Like, so he’s just going to leave Rogue alone with all of those threats? Are you fucking kidding me?

Show them keeping in touch or SOMETHING. You can’t expect me to see such a huge transformation arc in Logan in the first movie that just gets shit on in every other movie (besides the second). Because that makes Wolverine look like a big, gigantic ASSHOLE and I get that he’s supposed to be that way, but NOT with Rogue.

Which is why Days of Future Past pisses me off as much of the rest them (I’m only discussing the Rogue Cut because I refuse to acknowledge that Bryan Singer - who gave us the first movies - regulated Rogue to such a fucking small cameo.) because Rogue was treated as garbage.

Now, I’m going to assume Logan doesn’t know about what really happened to Rogue because no one told him. But honestly? If he cares about Rogue the way I know he does, he should be asking about her every single time he and Xavier talk.

I love that Logan can sense Rogue when she steps in to help. I love that Rogue refuses to let go of Logan’s mind even in the heart of danger (@bigfrogbestfrogs has an awesome breakdown of these scenes). But I’m appalled at how Kitty is chosen before Rogue? Like, even when coming up with the idea for this movie, why not involve Rogue more?

I refuse to discuss Bobby and her together at the end.

Fuck that.

4. The timelines

Look, I’m not even going to go into the shit that is the timelines.

But honestly?

Fuck everything about that.

I get Singer wanted to retcon X3, but I don’t care.

Based on Apocalypse, the future still sucks so everything failed and then the movie LOGAN takes that shit and amplifies it.

5. LOGAN (the movie)

I’m sorry, but this movie is amazing in some ways and sucks in others.

Want to know why?

Because it takes everything about what made the first movie great and emphasized it.

Laura is too young to be a love interest, so clearly, it’s paternal, and I’m here for it.

But there are so many parallels between logan and Laura and Logan and Rogue that for Logan not to say anything or feel anything in a way tgat tells the audience he’s feeling something just boggles my mind.

Even if he carried HER picture or played with the dog tags and thought of her, something that shows the audience he remembers her, dammit, and she MEANT something to him.

But FUCK how could he NOT?

And that’s why the scene where he’s reading that comic book and he sees himself saving Rogue is so poignant.

Because his gaze lingers.

I mean, obviously I’m assuming she’s dead (which is bullshit but whatever). But still.

And then when he’s dying and Laura is holding his hands and you get that prophecy of him dying with his heart in his hand and I loved how they paired it with the Logan and Rogue song. I loved that callback.

And if the films in between them weren’t such shit, it would be enough.

But it’s not enough for me.

There was so much potential and everything got shit on and it angers me soooo much.

Anyway.

That’s me venting.

Luckily we have so many talented Rogan fic writers and that our ship has survived 20 years.

But still.

What could have been...

Shit.

[bard-llama]

The Taint of the Common Man (Meve/Reynard/Gascon)

Okay, so I finally tried to play Thronebreaker again and it turned out that my comptuer/steam/whatever had actually kept my save!!! So I didn’t have to start over, which was good, because the beginning was kinda boring, which is why it took me so long to continue. But it’s also kinda bad, because now I do not remember anything about Gascon’s introduction beyond “they fought, Meve won and threatened to hang him next time”. Which like... I could probably make it work, but knowing the details seems important for writing Meve’s feelings and reactions to Gascon. 

Anyway, this is a continuation of the thoughts that this lovely post inspired, and because I’m me, those thoughts grew a plot. Both the link and the rest of the story involve a VERY dubcon/noncon premise, so please engage only if you can. Also, spoilers for Chapter 1 of Thronebreaker (aka major plot things that happen once you reach Lyria’s capital).

Okay, once again: HUGE WARNING for Dubcon/Noncon stuff. Like, it’s how the story starts and it’s gonna be something dealt with through the whole story. My idea is basically a story that starts with Meve losing EVERYTHING, and then, through her quest to reclaim her throne, she learns how to be a better queen to ALL of her people, not just the noblemen. End game is intended to be Meve/Reynard/Gascon, but tbh, idk how they get there. Like, at first, Meve and Reynard hate Gascon A LOT, so they have to learn to love him and that takes time.

I’m kinda still learning about these characters as I think this through, so apologies if you find them ooc or if I contradict canon (without meaning to. Sometimes i do it gladly lol)

So we start with Meve returning to the Lyrian castle, only to find that her son and the Council of Peers (read: ruling council that advises the monarch and consists entirely of peerage aka nobility) have betrayed her and surrendered to Nilfgaard. She’s thrown in a dungeon and though her son orders that she is not to be harmed, she knows enough about reality to know they’d never let her live. 

She’s on guard, waiting for the guards to come and kill her - only when footsteps approach, it’s not the guards at all, but the fucking Duke of Dogs, the leader of the Strays of Spalla, a gang of bandits that plague merchant caravans and noblemen alike. Gascon, the proclaimed Duke of Dogs, opens the cell door and steps in and tells Meve that he’s freeing her, because the Council of Peers used him and his men and he can’t abide betrayal. But there’s one condition - Meve has to ask him, all nice and polite-like.

Meve, of course, refuses, because she’s nothing if not prideful. So Gascon closes the cell door and leans back against it and says something like, “guess we won’t be leaving, then. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to do something else on your knees,” or some sort of implication like that that makes it clear he’s suggesting that she blow him in exchange for release. And Meve is furious and her pride cuts at her, but dammit, she has no hope of freeing Lyria from Nilfgaard’s grasp while stuck in here. So she goes to her knees. And Gascon is surprised - from his view, she could’ve just begged him??? - but like... the QUEEN is on her KNEES for HIM, a (decidedly un)common bandit who she’d threatened to hang not a week prior. 

Also, I think there’s also a part of Gascon that blames Meve for the massacre of his family. According to the wiki, the year before King Reginald (Meve’s husband) died, Gascon’s family revolted against the king and were soundly squashed, with Gascon at a mere 8 years old the only one to survive. From there, he fell in with the Strays of Spalla and eventually became their leader. Remember this bit, ‘cause I’m definitely gonna come back to it. But anyway, Gascon doesn’t like Meve. He’s doing this because it’s the right thing to do and a little because having the queen indebted to him feels awfully good. Also, Meve is good with her mouth.

So good, in fact, that she drives him crazy, taking him to the edge and teasing him and teasing him and teasing him until his legs are shaking and the cell door is all that’s holding him up. I don’t think he actually begs, because his men are around the cell watching this, but he has to bite his lip hard to keep from doing so.

For Meve, there are many complicated feelings happening. On the one hand, this is humiliating and degrading and it’s shameful that she’s fallen so far as to be forced to service a fucking bandit and even worse that his men are SEEING this happen.

On the other hand... look, Meve was widowed 8 years ago. Somewhere in there (or before?), she comes to love and trust Reynard - who her husband, upon his deathbed, told her that he alone could be trusted. But she hasn’t made a move, because it wouldn’t be appropriate and she doesn’t want to ruin things between them. 

Point is, it’s been 8 years since she’s had sex and she has had cause to desire some sex. Queens can probably get amazing sex toys, but like, an actual cock? it’s been AGES since she’s been able to play with one and she kind of missed it. 

Additionally, in an effort to combat her shame and humiliation, she decides to flip the script on them. Gascon wants her to blow him? Fine, she’ll blow him so well that he utterly falls apart. And maybe she’s a little of practice, but Gascon is young anyway, he probably doesn’t even know better lmao. (But later, she’s oddly grateful that she had this chance for ‘practice’ before it actually mattered)

Eventually, she lets Gascon come - or maybe he uses his grip on her hair to pull her onto him? (She may decide to make it a good blowjob, but that doesn’t mean he’s earned deepthroating) - and the Strays, who have gone from hooting and hollering over the queen’s humiliation to flushed and aroused at the skillful way she destroyed their boss, let them out of the cell. 

Next, they go to the city jail to release Reynard, who was arrested as soon as the coup happened because everyone knows that Reynard’s loyalty to the crown is absolute. Reynard is sitting against the wall and he smiles brightly at the sight of her, so Meve strides into the cell to unshackle him. So of course Gascon, who now stands in front of the door once more, suggests something like, “such faithful loyalty deserves ample reward, does it not?”

And Meve is conflicted. Because AGAIN, the Strays of Spalla are watching them and Gascon is trying elicit sexual favours from her. But also, it’s Reynard. She’s wondered for so long what Reynard’s cock would be like and how he would treat her. And, she justifies to herself, she was already forced to give a piece of filth like Gascon a blowjob. Reynard most certainly deserved better.

So she orders him to stand and goes to her knees and is almost eager to get him in her mouth. And Reynard is caught entirely off guard here, because he was ready to skewer Gascon for the mere suggestion, and then she’s ACTUALLY DOING IT!!! And it’s not like she’s alone in having thought about it, but he always assumed that he would be the one on his knees. So for her to do so... he’s awed and a little horrified that he is party to degrading his queen in this way. And also aroused. REALLY fucking aroused, because Meve is on her knees for him! And unlike Gascon, he has earned deepthroating. Fortunately, he’s already leaning against the wall, so he doesn’t collapse. 

If Gascon hadn’t had the most intense orgasm of his life like 10 minutes previously, he’d definitely try to see if he could join in, even though they really don’t have the time for that sort of thing. But suffice it to say, Gascon remembers each and every moment Meve spent on her knees vividly.

Reynard comes (and Gascon is reluctantly pleased to have a companion in the wait-you-want-me-to-fight-after-how-hard-I-came!? club) and they all leave the dungeons - and get found by a patrol of guards. They have to fight their way out and Meve thinks Gascon managed to slip away - right up until he comes to their aid with his whole crew. With Gascon’s help, their motley crew flees the capital of Lyria (largely by traveling thru the sewers).

That night, they set up camp somewhere and instead of the royal supplies she’s used to, all they have is whatever the Strays of Spalla had, which means stolen and/or threadbare, ‘cause they’re not exactly living the high life. And Meve knows she should get some rest, but she can’t stop thinking about what happened in the prison(s) and she decides that, as long as Reynard was willing, why shouldn’t she pursue the man she loved? 

So she goes to the mess tent and it’s predictably full of drunken soldiers - well, drunken warriors. This rabble didn’t deserve to be called soldiers - and clusters of people playing dice and cards. She spots Reynard at one of the card tables - but sitting across from him is none other than the motherfucking Duke of Dogs. Half-formed plans to kiss Reynard drown under the flood of fury she feels and she summons Reynard to her, ignoring Gascon, who definitely tries to flirt with her. At this moment, she has VERY conflicted feelings about Gascon and most of them are negative. But also, they need him. She is very much aware that his men are the only reason she has any chance at all of taking back her home.

Anyway, Meve confronts Reynard, who explains that he doesn’t trust Gascon as far as he can throw him and whatever mischief Gascon is up to, whatever he thinks he can gain from helping them, Reynard is ready for the doublecross. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer is very much his philosophy, compounded by the way he has learned not to reveal - well, much at all. People probably find him very... is softspoken the word? Not like he speaks soft, but like, he doesn’t say a lot. He learned to keep his mouth shut after he managed to survive insulting the king, so he plays things pretty close to his chest and people find it hard to guess what he’s thinking. 

Gascon, for his part, is helping Meve because it’s the right thing to do (and a little because again, queen indebted to you? Very handy). He’s probably aware that Reynard doesn’t like him, even if Reynard acts friendly enough? Like, literally Reynard is so loyal to Meve that he was imprisoned and she was sure of his fealty. And Gascon has found ways to rationalize what he did i.e. raping Meve - she could’ve just begged! She had a choice! - but even though Reynard got a blowjob out of it, I’m sure Gascon would assume that Reynard would want him dead for the blowjob that he got.

I don’t precisely know what Reynard and Gascon’s relationship is like during this, tbh. I think it’ll be Meve’s POV, so she may have a limited view, but I think it’s definitely complicated. Made worse, of course, by both Meve and Reynard beginning to see the redeeming qualities in Gascon. But that comes later.

For now, Meve accepts Reynard’s explanation and knowing that he would do anything to protect her soothes some of the ruffled feathers from a very trying day. So she decides to subtly ask him something like, “come to my tent?” that like, isn’t blatant ‘cause they’re surrounded by drunk men, but also is pretty clear. And Reynard’s eyes widen and it hurts so much to do, but he tells her no. She’s had an intense fucking day - betrayed by her son and court, imprisoned, forced to give multiple blowjobs and work with lowly bandits and shit. Like, she’s been through a lot and he knows that she’s not able to be in her right mind. So he says no, part of him hoping that if she actually means it, she’ll try again in the morning.

But what Meve hears is no, not interested. Which makes this the third time today that she gets to be humiliated in front of the fucking Strays of Spalla, because not only is the man she loves rejecting her, but like... is he rejecting her because she’s tainted now? How is she supposed to interpret him enjoying a blowjob from her one hour and rejecting her advances the next? 

And the taint... I think that’ll be a theme in this fic (thus the title). Like, at the height of her power before the fall, Meve was “pure” - which in this case means firmly assured that she was right in everything, as she was always destined to be. There’s no questioning of the world order or if she’s qualified to lead. She simply knows that she is.

But now she’s been betrayed, her nobility and her title ripped from her grasp. And not only that, but she’s demeaned herself with a common thug! She even says it in the game - “look how far we’ve fallen, to be surrounded by peasants and deserters and bandits”. For her, this entire situation is almost like “being common” is reaching for her, trying to pull her in, and she wants to resist, because she’s always been taught that the nobles are BETTER than the common people. But as she works with her army of thugs and commoners, she starts to learn that poor people are people too (gee, who’da thunk it?)

That journey takes time, though, and we’re barely at the start of it! 

So, Meve gets rejected. She’s hurt and humiliated and at the moment doesn’t have a kind word for ANYBODY. She maybe cries herself to sleep and hates herself for being weak.

Then morning comes and she has her regular strategy meeting with Reynard, as she did every morning. And it’s awkward and Reynard is as silent as usual, always so deliberate about every word that leaves his mouth. And she wants to ask, but yesterday’s humiliation was enough. She can’t repeat it.

So even though they SHOULD’VE gotten together, they fail to, because Meve is stubborn and prideful and Reynard is closelipped and proper. And Meve kind of hates even the sight of Gascon, but since he IS the leader of the army that is currently only at her disposal because of him, she invites him to join the strategy meetings every morning. If Gascon helps provide a buffer between her and Reynard, so much the better.

Okay, I don’t actually know how everyone ACTUALLY gets together, BUT as they travel through the countryside of Lyria towards the Aedirnian border, a couple of important things happen.

1) Meve sees the real conditions of the people living in her realm. Even in areas that the lords had reported prosperous, people were starving and dying. She starts to learn that these are her people too.

2) Meve and Reynard get to know Gascon. Not just over their strategy meetings, but as they observe him and the Strays of Spalla they (Meve especially) begin to realize that their judgements were all wrong. Because yes, the Strays of Spalla are bandits. They steal from wealthy merchants and even wealthier nobles. That had always been enough to know before.

But now they come to know that that stolen food and blankets and supplies and coin went to the starving peasants in these lands. Hell, most of the Strays are from these areas. These are their people, even if Meve hasn’t figured out that they’re hers too.

Anyway, idk how they get together or how the story ends - is it with them getting together? Getting to Vengerberg to ask for help to reclaim their home? Ousting Villem and taking Lyria back? idk, I haven’t even gotten that far in the game yet lol.

So yeah, here’s a very long synopsis of a story that manages to have almost no porn and lots of angst, despite being inspired by a purely porny post lmao.

[sapphicmsmarvel]

Platonic! Hotch x Reader: Payback

masterlist

Reader is Jack’s babysitter. Y/N was hired the second Hayley went back to work after having Jack. Since Hayleys death, Y/N has stepped up to take care of Jack full time. That includes living at the Hotchner residences. 

Spoilers for season 5 below:

Imagine hotch didn’t kill foyet, imagine it was Y/N. after hayley, they lost foyets trail and resumed their lives.

Lets pretend they didnt go back into protective custody. Bc obviously if this happened irl they would

Tw: foyet shit, stabbing with scissors. 

“Y/N!” You felt a tiny human jump on top of you. 

You immediately woke up, making sure not to jerk out of bed so you didn’t push Jack off of you. “What’s up little man?” 

“Daddy said to wake you up!” You groaned at his answer, causing him to giggle. 

“Did I oversleep?” 

Hotch answered from the doorway, “no, I got called in early.”

“Oh shoot.” You immediately got up, Jack following. “I missed breakfast?” You asked as you pulled your sweater on. 

“Breakfast didn’t even start.” He laughed. You liked seeing him at ease, he was your friend and he was always stressed. “But Strauss called and said there’s a lot of paperwork.” 

“Want me to bring you lunch?” You asked as Jack led the way to the kitchen, you and Hotch following suit. 

“If you find the time with him.” He pointed to the child skipping in front of you. “He’s extra energetic this morning. Said he had a good dream and now he’s happy.” 

“I’ll make time, we can go to the park during lunch. Gives him some exercise.” You said as he sat down at the table. 

“Aright, see you at noon, goodbye Y/N.” He squeezed your shoulder, then kissed Jack's head and said goodbye to him. 

He walked out the door, and you couldn’t help but wonder what today would bring. One time….one time when he squeezed your shoulder and said goodbye, you went into protective custody away from Jack and Hayley. Then a month later, got a phone call saying Hayley was dead. 

Not just dead, murdered. 

And Foyet was still out there. But everyone was positive he’d move on. He took Hotch’s love away from him, so everyone assumed he’d moved on to a new victim. 

Boy, you really hoped that was the case. 

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

Hotch sat down at his desk, ready to start work, then he noticed something. Hotch loved you like a daughter. You were truly a blessing in his life. He even had a photo of you three on his desk. 

And now that photo was gone. In it’s place, Hayley’s necklace. 

Hotch’s stomach sank, he immediately called you and your phone went to voicemail. He sent you a text, “Foyet’s close.” He knew he had to think rationally, given that you and Jack were in danger. He couldn't mess it up. 

He couldn’t lose you, too. 

He knew Foyet wouldn’t harm Jack, Foyet wanted to punish Hotch, so he’d make Hotch see his son in pain, first losing his mother, then losing his sister-like figure. He ran to the team, they were at their desks, “meeting room, five minutes.” He needed those five minutes to discuss with Garcia. 

He walked to her office and told her everything. And how he wanted her to hack into his security cameras and check on you. Which, she immediately did. He walked back up and told the team everything, then Garcia walked in. 

“Sir?” Garcia asked. 

“Yes?” 

“I managed to get the security camera footage from your house.” 

“Show it, now. On the big screen.” 

It showed you and Jack in your bedroom, watching The Golden Girls (yes you got the boy into The Golden Girls he talks like Sophia all the time) That’s when you heard the bang. 

Garcia enhanced the audio. You looked at Jack, “hey buddy, how bout you go read in our favorite reading spot, okay?” His heart sank at the fact you had to use part of the Protocall Words that you two had discussed. There was a code-locked room in the back of the house, that’s where he was going. 

When Jack was at a safe distance away from you, you beeped your code into the mini safe that was beneath your bed. 

“What is she doing?” Morgan asked. 

“She’s getting ready to protect herself and Jack.” Emily answered. 

“You armed her with a gun?”

Hotch nodded, “when everything with Hayley happened, she suggested being protected and learning how to defend herself and Jack if it came to it. I happily put her through classes so she learned every fighting skill she could.” 

“Call all units you can, dispatch them. Discreetly, I don’t want this scaring Foyet into killing her.” 

You checked to make sure the gun was loaded, then you put it into your waistband of your pants, you pulled your shirt over it to conceal it. You patted your pockets, Hotch was confused, then saw your phone light up on the table downstairs. 

The cameras switched, you maneuvered the hall, moving quietly. Hotch saw you checking windows and when you didn’t see anybody outside, he knew you well enough that you were scared but wouldn’t show it. 

The front door creaked open. 

Hotch was holding his breath, you were his best friend, despite the 15+ year age difference, you both grieved Hayley, you both loved Jack. You both would do anything to protect each other and Jack. 

He heard the team’s intake of breath. The cameras switched to Foyet’s entrance. He was wearing his mask and all black attire. Two camera views were side by side, you peering over the bannister, and Foyet maneuvering. When Foyet wasn’t looking, you tossed a shoe across the room, to a corner that Foyet couldn’t see. So it’d make a distracting bang for you to get to the Panic Room as you and Jack dubbed it. Foyet turned to go to the corner. 

“She’s smart.” Prentiss said, keeping her voice quiet, as if Foyet could hear them. Hotch thought about going with the units. But he knew, he couldn’t move away from the screen. 

You crept down the stairs, then you ran to the other hallway, where he couldn’t see you, except, he heard the rush of air and the rustle of clothes. He spun around. 

You put the code to the locked room into the panel, the door popped open, but it beeped. Foyet ran up behind you and wrapped a headphone cord around your neck. You gasped from the lack of air, and as he pulled you away from the door, you kicked the door shut to lock again. 

He dragged you through the living room, he threw you to the ground, stomach first. He ripped the gun from your waistband and threw it against the wall away from you two. He rolled you over and crawled on top of you. 

As he sat up to hit you again, straddling your waist, you sat up quickly and did the only thing you could do. 

You, quite literally, grabbed him by the balls. 

All the males in the room flinched, and Garcia said, “go girl.” 

He hissed in pain, then grounded out. “You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?”

“You have no idea.” You growled, rage filling your eyes. You spat in his face. He shot back, and you used that opportunity to let go of him and kick him where it really, really, hurts.

He flew back, hitting the glass table in the living room, breaking it with his impact. And, in the time it took for him to get back up and grab the gun again; you were gone. 

He groaned, “dammit.” 

Despite the lump in his throat, and the fact that his stomach was in his feet, Hotch smiled. Foyet had no idea what you were capable of. 

He scoured the area where you disappeared too. He found himself in Hotch’s office. 

Hotch watched as Foyet’s eyes saw the open closet door and crept towards it. 

Hotch started tearing up, he was holding his breath. But he was unable to tear his eyes away from the screen. 

But, what Foyet didn’t see, was that the door was left open so you could hide behind the door. 

Then, he watched as you lept from behind the door and drove a pair of scissors into the Foyets neck. 

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

The next few hours went by in a blur. 

After, you stabbed Foyet, you sat down against the wall, waiting. He watched as you stared at Foyet dying on the ground. You didn’t raise your eyes from his body. Not to wipe his blood off your hands, not to wipe your bleeding nose, not even to check your busted lip or pick the crusted blood from your hair. 

Instead, you watched as Foyet tried to fight, tried to get up and hurt you. But instead, you smiled. “Paybacks a bitch, huh?” 

Foyet tried to move again and you mock-pouted, “aww, you mad you can’t control this situation or torture me? Fuck you.” You hissed, then Foyet took his dying breath. 

A minute later, he watched SWAT enter his home, he watched officers peel the gun from your fingertips, he watched them guide you up. Then, you calmly walked to the panic room, looked at the Chief and said. “Kindly, back up, don’t let Jack see you. In fact, can you hand me a jacket and gloves so Jack doesn’t see this blood on me?” You requested. 

What surprised him is that they listened to you, you covered up your body and hands. You then went to the couch, as if you had all the time in the world, you grabbed a blanket. 

You pressed the code into the room, walked in, then walked out with Jack curled in the blanket, his face tucked into your shoulder. He didn’t have to hear, he knew you told him to close his eyes and not look. 

Then the outside cameras showed you getting into an FBI vehicle. That’s when he turned away from the screens. 

He raced to the doors, JJ readied first aid, Prentiss helped her, she wet cloths for the blood. The ten minutes drive felt longer, but then he saw you and Jack come through the doors. He immediately hugged you. He heard you sniff, so he held you tighter. 

You were the one who pulled away, and you put Jack into his arms. You sniffed, while your eyes were teared up, you didn’t let them fall and swallowed them. You turned to go to first aid, your body was hurting. But then you saw Struass. 

You knew of her, she interviewed you when Hayley was murdered, to see if Hotch was as put together at home as he was at work. You told her to never contact you again, you were furious when she had the audacity to ask if he was abusive. 

“Miss. L/N. I just have a few questions-” 

You cut her off, “Strauss, there are a lot of words I can use to describe you. But the fact, that you are questioning me, someone who just killed one of America’s most prolific serial killers, someone who has more trauma than your entire bloodline combined, someone who has dealt with more than you can possibly imagine, makes you a massive, heartless, cowardly, bitch.” You hissed, then you did something that Hotch would admire you forever for, you shoved her shoulder and pushed her out of the way. You nodded to JJ and Prentiss, who immediately followed you to clean you up. 

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

Strauss paid for a hotel suite for you three to reside in. You had your room, Hotch and Jack had theirs. It was joined by a living room and kitchen. You’d be there for about two weeks. Maybe more. It all depended on whether or not you could step foot in the house again. 

You weren’t going to quit your job. You loved them. But, you knew it’d take time to heal. 

You had kept a stable mindset all through the process of that day. You got Jack tucked into bed, then you shut the bedroom door. You turned to find Hotch sitting on the couch. 

“Hey big fella.” You smiled looking at Hotch. 

“I’m so sorry, Y/N.” He said horsley. 

“It’s okay. I signed up for this the second I signed that babysitters contract Hayley made.”

Hotch huffed a laugh, “she was so proud of that contract.” You nodded and smiled, you went to go sit on the couch next to Hotch. “Don’t let this eat you up inside, Mr. Hothcner.” 

“How many times am I going to have to tell you to call me Aaron?” He smiled sadly. 

“When you stop blaming yourself for me and Jack having to run earlier today, that’s when I will stop calling you Mr. Hotchner.” 

“You know Hayley liked you cause you gave me shit. She’s probably laughing right now.” 

“Oh one hundred percent.” You smiled, it was easier for you to smile right now than show sadness. And fear. 

“What’d Struass want?” He asked, swirling his whiskey in the glass.  

“Wanted to know if I was fucking my boss.” You said. “I told her to go fuck herself since she was so interested in who I was fucking.” 

He laughed, a full throaty laugh. Then you said, “I’m sure you’re gonna hear about that on Monday.” 

“Frankly, I don't think so. She’ll be too embarrassed.” 

“Good, when she said she wanted to question Jack, I almost….” You shook your head. “I almost punched her in the face.” 

“She’ll see how tough you are. She’s probably watching the footage right now.” 

You grimaced, “did you see….”

“The full on ball grab? Yes, we all did.” 

“Gah,” you rubbed your face. “I can’t believe my boss saw me yank someone's balls.” 

He laughed again, “don’t worry, your pay just got promoted.” 

“You already pay me enough, plus allow me to live the rent free.” 

“You’re family, Y/N. Hell, the money can put you through therapy.”

You huffed a laugh, “I’m going to go to bed,” you got up. “Goodnight Aaron.” You smiled kindly. Then you walked away to your room without anything else. 

The second your door latched, you started crying.

[mushroom-cartel--writing]

begrudging (love-)blindness

Summary: You are, to him, unquestionably, terrifyingly lovely.

Relationship(s): Gojo Satoru & Reader, Gojo Satoru/Reader

Note(s):

Here’s the link to read this on AO3! (You know the drill, extra tags, different notes, the format I intended, etc.)

Personally, I think this is hot garbage in terms of structure and pacing (it’s loosely all strung together is what I’m saying, but I just needed to get it off my chest before I wrote anything else. Yet... I guess I had fun? Yeah. I did!

There's spoilers from the manga mixed with headcanon.

I still hate spacing and formatting on Tumblr, it sucks. Please, please, please, this is for your own good, click the AO3 link, this fic is such an eyesore on this platform.

|||

There’s a tug at your chest, sending you hurtling backwards and into something hard. A wall. Tiles. Smooth.

The heavens and the earth view one another through a layer of haze of light at night.

There are thousands of people gathering, their footsteps thundering echoes in your ears. Their chatter is a constant hum in the air. It stinks of sweat.

(“The train will be arriving soon. Please stand behind the yellow line—”)

You sigh.

“Dammit, Satoru! A little warning would be nice,” you hiss to the man. You hear him whisper something back but his voice is swallowed up by the crowds and then he, too, is consumed.

You feel him wander farther away from you; not left with much choice, you follow him. And down, down, down you go.

You pause when there’s an invisible wall blocking your path of his own making. “Hey!!” you shout, starting to scream expletives at him from the top of his lungs and he doesn’t look back.

A few seconds pass. The people, these poor, clueless civilians who just want to go home for the night are like sardines in a can, their bodies pushing and shoving. For space. For air. Requiring neither, you phase through the wall and the remaining levels to catch up to him, the thoughts going through your head solely focused on figuring out why he has let you out. He wouldn’t do something like this without warning you beforehand.

Why now? What now?

You pull out from the shadowed cracks of the feeble curtain set up along the fifth floor underground, suddenly feeling a heaviness you hardly ever experience. You run a cursory swipe over his teeth; the blood in the air is fresh, there are more civilians down here than up above, more sardine-ing (their presence is fading away, the above platforms’ panicked din becomes extinguished, it’s ghastly quiet, a moment frozen in time), but no Satoru. Not physically.

He loves you, you know. (You don’t understand though… Why?)

It’s a burden, draining you of what vigour is left in your soul, barely just clinging on to this plane itself.

His love is a curse in itself, really.

"I don't want you to see me hurt," he had said often, back when you were children, oblivious to the power of those words until you got older.

What they meant.

What they did—to him and you.

Still as the wind, you stand together, hands brushing up against each other's, your fingers infected with poison where his is not; the calloused skin and scars shared between you weaving a tale for the ages that will never be told.

You’re both nineteen at heart but certainly not in spirit.

You lean against him, completely unseen, waiting for him to flick his finger back.

Waiting for him to obliterate the first person he thought he could trust outside.

He doesn’t. You disappear for another time, expectant.

His love is a burden and you're not sure where you would be without it.

If he hadn't looked your way, would you be the same person you are today?

It's frightening, these thoughts of yours, but he usually chases them off when he senses them bubbling to the surface. (You want him to be annoyed.) A casual grin and stance, a flick of his wrist, a rush of wind by your side, then the phantom pressure is gone, yes, gone, however—it's never banished completely. It never can be.

You don't remember the colour of his eyes but there's a memory of you claiming they looked like marbles, buried somewhere (somehow), in the back of your mind. Like the marbles you'd smash glass bottles to obtain, their fizzy contents only drained seconds beforehand; stubby, sticky, small fingers sorting through the shards, squashing ants in the process.

Those very same fingers, now, haven't changed a bit, save for the chipped nails and whatnot duress they’ve sustained throughout his life.

You use them to push the blindfold up to his forehead, taking in the surrounding sights.

Why now? The fact that you can feel them, his fingers and everything else—that’s a bad sign. A very bad sign.

You breathe, inflating the faux lungs.

Finally, you see it. The reason why you’re walking and talking and fully corporeal.

You gulp at the living corpse, its stitches wonky and fresh. Cerebrospinal fluid spills from its face in fat droplets and lands upon the clothes of a dead man. Disgusting.

“So I was right in the end,” you say, more for yourself than anyone else. “You’re not Suguru.”

(Satoru owes you a thousand yen. You told him to burn the body immediately. Or, you know, the usual. But what’d he do instead? He went and passed it off to a third party! Man, why’d that old hag have to kick the bucket so soon… If she was still around she’d probably kick Satoru’s dumb ass for trying to be decent.)

“How are you free?” Not-Suguru asks.

The real Suguru wouldn’t ask about your appearance. He would make a comment about how the temperature has dropped and burrow into his collar. He wouldn’t question things.

The real Suguru never acknowledged you, but he knew there was something in the corner of his eye that took the image of his friend and laughed alongside them when they pulled their antics during missions.

The real Suguru is gone.

Who the hell knows where Shouko is.

Yeah. A little warning would have been nice. Real fucking nice.

There’s a cube with a dozen eyes between the two of you, the crater on the ground betrays its unassuming weight. Satoru’s muted presence, a shrunken pearl of light, emanates from the cube.

Not-Suguru follows your line of sight to it.

Giving him an answer would be a waste of your time.

You can’t, they say.

Young master, please, don’t go there, implores the servants and guards.

The elders, his grandmother especially, tell him not to enter the storehouse tucked away in the garden behind an avenue of camellia trees because that’s something they’ll discuss when he’s older.

He doesn’t listen to them, the curiosity of a three-year-old child cannot be satisfied by mere words. (“Let this be known,” the gardener says in his defense, one cold summer’s day. It is raining outside. His grandmother shoots the only person in the compound that doesn’t treat him like a blind fool with a withering glare. He does not see them again until—)

What’s in the storehouse?

A library of cursed objects? Spiritual remnants, artefacts, texts, poisons, weapons?

Maybe the mummified corpse of an ancestor whom they keep around to ward off evil?

Perhaps a curse, frozen in time forevermore?

Maybe it’s nothing and the adults are all in on some kind of elaborate hoax, he figures. Mm, yeah. Sounds about right. No one else knows about the storehouse.

It’s old and earthen. Wild plants curl the walls to one side and splotches of moss grow on the tiled roof. Where the sun hits least is pristine. Clean. He wonders if that’s where the wards are placed, out of sight, out of mind.

Oh.

Standing in the entrance of the open door with bare feet, at the threshold of the aged structure, fulfilling his desire, he learns why they wanted him to remain ignorant.

It’s a child. (A human…? This whole situation is off.) A kid his age. He can’t tell whether or not they’re older or younger. They might be a bit taller, though.

No, he wants to shout, this can’t be it! He stomps his foot. That’s cliché! Boring, boring, boring! Again, he strikes the ground. Ugh, whatever—

A sigh escapes the emaciated figure sitting in the darkness, hunched over themself against the wall of the bare storehouse.

“Ah, my f̶̥̍r̵̝͐̏i̷̳end,” they start, softly. “M̶̹̦͒y̸͍̮̋̚ f̸͉̓̋r̴͇̦̕ǐ̴̦͇e̵̫͠n̷̢͉̅̓ḍ̸̅, my very dear, old friend. You have returned.

“My e̷̳̭̿y̶͈͂e̷͔̭̎͘s̴̭̄̊, have you come to give them back? Ask for several others?

“I have waited for you, as promised. Come. Closer. Please. I do not know how long has passed since I last gazed upon your visage. Do not be afraid.

“I no longer lust for flesh as fervently as before, I will not ask of y̸͖͔̒o̵̳̍u̵͍̘̓ ą̴͕̈́n̵̫̓d̸̛̳͛ y̵̻͑̎o̵̖̥͒͌ų̴͋̐r̵̦̩̓s a sacrifice to please me.”

Their voice is garbled, the resemblance to a broken radio off-pitch jarring his reaction time, a music box opened underwater gurgling, ghosts beat to the rhythm of the blood in his ears and titter buried mysteries.

In the corner of his eyes distant stars burn, galaxies explode to life and die repeatedly, the vast cosmos is shredded apart. Universes are swallowed whole. The plane he stands upon bends to the will of the one whose gifts he uses carelessly to play the role of a deity and dictate the balance of the world.

People have said [they] reflect the very heavens.

His faith wanes.

.

a trio of ragtag orphans,

escapees, survivors and starved,

on the verge of being

no better than beasts,

happen upon a traveller taking respite from the winding roads.

a foreigner no doubt

they guess from the strange hued garb;

rest, everyone around these parts,

they know comes not

easy to scum, scoundrels, sinners and

deceivers alike.

.

.

.

mad ones, rushing to death

—without protection i must add—

oh my darling children, you are!

consume my flesh,

defend those unseeing,

purge the blight

and you shall witness

my return before long, indeed?!

.

They do not move and neither does he.

What he assumes to be their head tilts ever so to the side, gauging him, this fool of a boy trespassing on their domain. This part of the garden, the little boy realises too late, is theirs.

This, the storehouse and now him.

(—the gardener finds him sprawled out on his back come dusk. They help him to his feet and dust him off, the sparkle in his eyes an unusual occurrence; they ask their precious young master what happened and he points them in the direction of the doors sealed shut.

“I took a peek inside,” he lies. Children are supposed to do that, right?

“And what did you find?”

“Nothing.” The gardener knows he’s a bad liar.

“Good. Now come.” They lead him away from the path of the camellias. “Lady Mitsue has been beside herself over you, mister.”

His grandmother hasn’t. She probably knows what he has done and will instruct him to feed the council what they want to hear. My son was too soft, she asserts before and after every meeting with those windbags.

You have to do better.

And his father is dead, so only time will tell who’s right.)

He starts having weird dreams (memories?) several days later.

Trying to ignore them doesn’t work.

Every waking moment is subject to gore.

He has to resist the urge to scratch his own eyes out while he trains.

In the world beneath his eyelids, there are shadowy figures claiming it best he is blinded and locked away and fed what no other soul could hope to consume without issue. And just as they force open his jaw—every night, every time—he wakes up.

Satoru doesn’t know what to make of it. Doesn’t know what to make of you.

One day, he dreams of years of living without sunlight causing you to screw your not-eyes shut and look away upon the opening of a door into your domain. When you recover, you turn to the door, the emotion of curiosity tugging for your attention out of the myriad of beings you’ve eaten.

Standing at the threshold, ethereal, desperate and short of breath, is a young man. In his arms is a woman, his wife, you presume. They’re stark shades of white, binary stars of a celestial system long dead.

You smile, recognising them in an instant. “Ah, my old friends, children of my children’s children a dozen times over, tell me, what is it you wish for?”

“My wife and our child,” says the man, “please, I beg of you, save them!”

Oh? A healing? It’s been quite some time since that was last requested of you.

You skitter to the pair’s side and shut the door gently behind them, ushering them further in.

You click your not-tongue at the woman’s state, wondering why no one thought to come to you earlier. If they did, the price they’d have to pay would be much less than what you’re about to tell the man. Humans are such prideful creatures, Satoru knows this, but he can’t help but feel tense as you instruct the man to lay the woman down and state your cost.

First, he opens his mouth. Then it shuts. Opens. Shuts. The man regards his dear wife with something Satoru has never seen before in the eyes of those around him.

His reply?

“I accept—”

A harsh smack to the head disrupts the memory; he looks up, unsurprised to meet his grandmother’s gaze, wrinkled eyes so very much like his own piercing his soul.

“Being distracted in the middle of a fight is unbecoming of you, boy,” she says. “What seems to be the matter?”

He can’t tell her.

He stays silent.

“Satoru.” She raises her hand, fingers crossed, indicating the void’s opening. “We Gojou pride ourselves on our ability to adapt. That is why, in fact, I say my son was too soft. He could not accept that he would lose my daughter-in-law and the child she carried in her womb to common illness. He could not accept that it was impossible to cheat death. He could not accept the position he was placed in. And for that, he died and of the aforementioned two, only you lived. Do you understand?”

No. He doesn’t want to understand.

What is adaptation if they’ve yet to rid themselves of and bow down to your constant presence? Is that not their most fatal flaw?

You eat them.

One life in exchange for another; you told his father it was the only way.

You were given the corpse of his mother a hundred days after his birth by the elders.

Every Gojou after death, you grind their bones between your teeth and their flesh rots at the bottom of your belly. Their soulful essence fights for dominance against the forces of the innumerable curses the clans feeds you—the hate, the sentiment, the sheer bursts of techniques and mighty powers clashing, click, click, click—you embody and absorb the aftermath of each childish scuffle, playing the bored jailer adjudicator. Corpses, tools, objects, energy and flesh. It’s how you’ve lived for so long without light or human thought to taint you: the jujutsu world’s dirty little secret, waste disposal.

You are, to him, unquestionably, terrifyingly lovely.

He loves you for that one reason.

A means to an end, forever.

(The boy, a few days shy of his fourth birthday and inauguration, does not know what love is. He thinks he does, having read the definition in a dictionary in order to familiarise you with modern speech, but love is not a word to be thrown around lightly the way he does.)

“I do,” he lies again, this time, to himself. “I understand everything.”

His sight is black.

He pushes back against the current, against instinct telling him to relinquish control and reaches forward for the dream that he was ripped from.

Your true form towers over his mother’s prone form, dripping ichor and the fluid of loose entrails all over. His father stays seated even when you lift an arm to draw blood, the man facing you without a trace of fear.

“I accept—but on the condition that my child receives your protection.”

“My p̶̹̽r̴̽ͅo̵̠͐ť̷̬e̶̺̊c̶̻̒t̷̙͑i̵̮̓o̶̱n̷̖͂?” Do they not teach the younger generations what that entails?

“Yes. My ancestors wrote that you were a benevolent being in a past life. That you were a kind-hearted human who accidentally drank poison before being found and buried alive, condemned and reviled, forcing you to become what you are now. Does that still not hold true?” His father’s face is hopeful.

It doesn’t. But who are you to tell him that? That ‘benevolent being’ never existed in the first place. You’ve always been this.

The vivisepulture part was true, but the beginning? Debatable. Your memories of ‘being human’ are foggy; you’re not sure if they’re real or someone else’s. Satoru’s is the clearest thus far because you abide within him. And he’s young, there’s little to garner.

What other nonsense has been made truth in the time you have withdrawn from the world?

He wants to go down that rabbit hole.

You grab the cube and run, warping reality in your wake.

You are many things.

Alive, you are first; secondly a parent, a teacher and a friend; cursed thrice times over; quarter something-something or rather by this point; and last, your hollowness complements the damned hallowed.

You are Gojou Satoru but not.

His skin peels off in delicate scales from the speed you’re going.

The first and last time you puppeteer his body, Satoru invokes his father’s contract with you for the second time in his life.

Like the first occurrence, it happens by accident.

(The first occurrence is a stain on your memory.

Mitsue looked her grandson in the eye and tasked him with a futile quest, one that would decide the future headship of their clan. You personally thought such practices outdated but you held his tongue and grit his teeth, faking laughter for the audience they had.

She reminded you too much of your youngest, both in the way she cobbled herself together and how she suspended time long enough to catch a glimpse of you hunched beside him, flickering in and out of her void domain with the ease of a toddler climbing free of their crib.

Beautiful and deadly.

He nearly died.)

He is unaware of the finer details, but where his consciousness ends at getting a scalpel to head, it rouses again with him standing before the man who has the blood of Satoru’s friends on his hands and left him to bleed out undecapitated.

On a high from escaping Izanami’s clutches, he sprouts math and whatever nonsense off the top of his head and ragdolls up, down, across and through the air.

He feels like a being higher than the gods. Doesn’t mean he is, though.

He’s barely in control.

Violent swashes of red and blue fill the sky. He sees beyond his opponent rising from the earth the heavens condemning his breaching unto their space.

“Hey, stranger, did you know purple was her favourite colour?”

“Whose?”

|

“Satoru.”

“Hm?”

“You are Satoru, right?”

“Yessssss?”

“You… you’ve got a bit of…” Suguru gestures vaguely around the lower half of his face.

“Oh.” You rub the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb and see it come back tinged pink. The drying drool on his sleeves is used to rub the rest of the blood away. “Thanks.”

“Have you found her?”

“Amanai? Her body?” Suguru flinches. Your gaze is drawn to the cultists clapping. “Yeah, I did. Sorry.”

“What are you apologising for?”

“I don’t know,” Satoru says. “I feel like killing these people. Should we?”

“Why?”

“I’m still h̸͓̟͐u̴̦͗n̴͇͈̅͛g̵͔̒̕ŗ̴͕͂͘y̸͚͍͘͘.” Two wasn’t even a snack.

“I’m angry that we failed too. But we can’t do anything now, it’s out of our hands.”

|

Several days later finds him back at the entrance of the storehouse, none the worse for wear.

In the shadow of the building grows a lone weed.

“It’s changed.”

“Of course it has.”

“Will I end up like them?”

“Yes.”

[sincerly-kate]

Shattered Glass (Malcolm Bright/Whitly x gn!reader)

A/n: This story is inspired by two things; a two-part series by @wreckofawriter​ and also my experience with family . If you want me to remove it (wreckofawriter) then I will, but I don’t mean to copy your amazing work.

Warnings: Angst to fluff, Malcolm trying his best (not really a warning but that needed to be put out there, HE ONLY TRIES HIS BEST), also talk about poor mental health! (Such as Anxiety, description of an anxiety attack (this is based off MY experiences I’m not trying to generalize them!) and slight depression)

Don’t read if you’re not done season one! All spoilers are under the cut just in case (Eve is mentioned, iykyk)

Summary: You and Malcolm have been dating for a few years now, you share with him all of your sides- or so he thought. How will he react when he sees you crying when you think he can’t see you? How will he feel when he realizes that you guys are more alike than he originally expected?

Y/s/n = Your Siblings Name

Y/m/n = Your Mothers Name

y/n = your name (just in case this is your first fic)

Words: Just over 3,000 (😅😅)

I was listening to this song as I was writing this: If the World Was Ending- JP Saxe, Julia MIchaels

You always knew that Malcolm could see the real you better than anyone else, he could see straight through your facial expressions and little habits. It was his job after all as a profiler, he couldn’t just turn it off when he was with you and that was understood between the two of you. The last thing you wanted was for him to change in a world that treated him differently already (no thanks to his father).

But there was one part of you that you tried to keep from Malcolm at all costs, and that was your family.

It wasn’t because you didn’t trust him with that knowledge, but it was just a side of you that you’ve never been able to let anyone see. To see how hurt you were by their words, how little you were respected by them, how small you felt anytime you tried to be yourself around them. You couldn’t tell him any of it, you hoped that he would believe your lies, cause you knew that his family was way worse than yours; so you just kept it all inside for no one except yourself to see. The last thing you wanted was for him to feel guilty for confiding in you after all these years.

You felt him nudge your shoulder, which brought you back to reality. You were a Reporter, and a very god one depending on who you asked, and Malcolm needed you to help him drag out a killer for a case. He was profiled as overly confident and a borderline narcissist, so Malcolm was certain that if you talked about him on the news, saying that they had him in custody that he would contact either you or the station to say you had a fraud. Malcolm was going to be by your side the entire time, just to make sure they wouldn’t go after the most important person in his life-,not again; he wouldn’t know what he would do if you were taken away from him like Eve. He would do anything in his power to make sure that he wouldn’t go after you, since you matched most of his previous victims.

“You alright?” He looked at you slightly worried, he was always concerned when you got too deep into that head of yours, he wasn’t sure what caused you to be constantly thinking that you’re not good enough, but he wasn’t going to press the matter. He rubbed your thigh as he sat next to you, to keep you grounded.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like I’m about to be indirectly talking to a serial killer on live television, and possibly get a target on my back for doing so.” You nervously laughed as you looked down at your feet, your leg bouncing up and down to the rhythm of your rapidly beating heart.

“You don’t need to do this; you know that right?” He placed his hand on your cheek, caressing the side of your face with his thumb repeating the motion to calm your nerves. “I can ask Ainsley; she’s done this before-”

“Malcolm, I’ll be alright. I always am.” You gave him a tight-lipped smile; you knew it wasn’t very convincing but that’s all you could muster up at the moment.

He wasn’t convinced, you could tell since he gave you his doubtful that he’s given you on more than one occasion but he was cut off by another voice before he could call you out on it.

“C’mon Bright, they’re about to go live.” Gill said as he lightly grabbed his arm to get him out of the shot, and he complied.

“Live in 3,2,1...” You were given the cue as you took a deep breath and put your ‘TV face’ on as you liked to call it. “Breaking news tonight, the NYPD have confirmed that they have someone in custody who’s been known to the public as The angel of death, nothing has been said by police if this truly is their killer but after the past week of The angel of death terrorizing the city, police are led to believe that this is him.”

You took a pause to make it look like you were listening to someone through your earpiece, that was intentionally visible to the camera, then carried on with the broadcast.

“I’ve just gotten a confirmation from our sources that it has been officially confirmed that they have The angel of death himself in custody and will be setting a court date to be announced later. Now back to Ryan with politics.”

The second you heard the ring that signaled you were no longer on air, you slumped over in relaxation. You crossed your arms on the table in front of you and leaned your head, that now felt lighter than air, on top.

“You did amazing darling, that should get the killers attention for certain.” He said to you as the sound of his shoes got closer to the desk the kissed the top of your head and slowly rubbed your back to release more tension that he knew you were holding.

“I didn’t really- “You tried to correct him as you lifted your head, but Malcolm refused to let you get close to finishing that sentence of yours.

“Nope- you just brought us our killer baby; you did a hell of a lot more than most would’ve in your shoes.”  You loved how he was always able to reassure you, and how he did it without a second beat.

You turned to look up at your loving and supportive boyfriend in admiration and a warm smile slowly painting your features, “Whatever I did in a past life was so worth it.”

“What?” He slightly laughed at your statement, looking at you now with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

“To deserve someone like you and be lucky to call them mine.” You stood up from your chair and moved closer to him to close the distance between his lips and yours, you could taste the slight cherry flavor of the candy you knew he had earlier. As you two break apart, you can still taste it on your own lips.

Unfortunately, this moment doesn’t last as long as you two wanted it to, because both of your phones go off. His from an unknown caller, and yet yours is somehow worse.

You look down to your phone saying Mom, you sighed at this and then looked at Malcolm, or where he was, already on his phone, most likely talking to the killer himself next to Dani, Giles and JT.

You excused yourself to another room for some privacy that you knew you were going to need. You were only halfway to the quiet room when you answered your phone; you knew that was going to be a bad idea.

“Why in the hell did you think that was a good idea y/n?!”

You sighed and with a tight-lipped smile replied with, “Hello to you too mom, haven’t heard from you in a while.” You then slowly closed the door behind you.

“Don’t give me that lip! I am your mother, I deserved to be treated with respect! I never get this from y/s/n.”

You dropped your head down in defeat, you always considered the problem child, ever since your sibling came into the picture. Before that everything was relatively fine, but you never blamed y/s/n though; it’s not their fault your parents decided that you could fend for yourself at the age of 8.

“Yeah I know, but it was for a case- “Once again, she decided to cut you off.

“A CASE?” she shrieked into the phone, making you pull the device away from your ear.

“Yes- “

“Now I knew were selfish, but I never thought it was this bad. I could tell that it was staged, are you seriously putting yourself in danger so they could contact you for some ink?”

You were absolutely shocked by her words; she thought that you risking your life was selfish? So, you could save others, that made you selfish? You felt the pressure of tears build up as a sickening pit was building in your stomach; she always knew the words to say and never in the good way. “No, that’s not- “

“No, I get it, you’re too damn stupid to see past your own needs. I have no clue where I went wrong with you.”

The minute you heard that, you hung up the phone. You couldn’t care less about what she would’ve said after that.

You hit your back on the wall as you slowly walked backwards and slid down to the floor. You pulled your knees up to your chest and placed your head down.

You must’ve been sitting there for a while as there was a rough knocking behind your back, on the door. ‘They must’ve been knocking for a while’ you thought.

“Y/n! Are you in there?” Malcolm. You must’ve scared him to death, without even thinking you stand up and open the door for him.

Behind the door was Gil, JT and Dani accompanying Malcolm. “Shit guys, sorry if I scared you.” You laughed humorlessly but stopped once you saw all their concerned faces.

“Y/n, you alright?” Gil asked, who was more of a parental figure than your own, but you couldn’t ever tell him that. Not because you were scared it would go to his head, no, he wasn’t like that. You just didn’t want it to become awkward since he already needed to worry about Malcolm, you didn’t need him to constantly worry about you on top of it.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” You said then realized you still had massive tear stains on your cheeks and puffy eyes from your previous phone call, you forgot to wipe them away before you opened the door.

‘Dammit y/n’ you scolded yourself for making the four of them all worry.

“Um you got somethin’ right,” JT then motioned to his whole face, Dani then elbowed him in the side for his unhelpful comment.

“Oh!” You wiped the sides of your face, “I’m fine guys, just got something in my eye.” You smiled at all of them.

Your head then turned to Malcolm, who squinted his eyes at you. You could tell didn’t believe you at all; he knew all your tells. You could tell that he was going to ask later, but you were sure as hell going to avoid it if you could.

Unable to deal with the silence anymore, you pushed by all of them, apologizing as you went, and walked out to your car. You were done for the day anyways, so you wanted to go home to Malcolm and yours’ apartment.

~

Once you got through the door, you let the dam in your mind open. The flood gate of tears rushed, and there was nothing you could’ve done to stop it; not that you really wanted to anyways. Your hands shook from the rush of emotions going through you, but you forced down the inevitable panic attack until you got to the couch. Your hands continued to uncontrollably shake, and you curled up in a fetal position with your favorite blanket wrapped around you like a tight hug. The words of your mother echoed throughout your fogged mind.

“I knew were selfish… you’re too damn stupid to see past your own needs…”

It just wouldn’t stop. It was like a massive wave going over a surfer; nothing could be done about it, you just needed to ride it out.

You heard a muffled noise coming from behind you but being so caught up and immobilized in your thoughts, nothing could’ve dragged you out of this one, not this time.

 A pair of arms grabbed your shoulders, and there was enough fight left in you to push them away and run into the corner of the apartment. You could slightly see a male figure coming near you, and all you were capable of doing was whimpering and curling up in what you had deemed your safety blanket.

“Y/n… talk to me… happened at… were worried…”

You tried to make out the familiar voice- Malcolm; that’s the only person it could be right? It didn’t matter to you right now; the voice of your mother was stronger than your own thoughts, it always had been.

You felt a thud right next to you, and smelt the subtle sent of his cologne, it brought you back to your senses slightly, but not enough to stop your uncontrollable shaking and tears. He nudged himself closer to your body, and you instinctively laid your head on his shoulder. You could feel yourself calm down, but you knew it was because he was here. Yes, he was helping you ground yourself through the small gesture, but it was mainly that you were embarrassed of him seeing you like this and could feel your body force away the attack.

As you begun to trust yourself to speak, you turned slightly towards Malcolm, a numb look coated your features. “Sorry you had to see that; you shouldn’t have had to.” You spoke meekly, looking down at your still slightly shaky hands in your lap.

“Y/n, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

It was once he said that sentence that you knew you needed to come clean about the one secret that you had left from him.

“But I do, I’ve been selfish.”

“How darling?” He said while slowly petting your head, the way you’d comfort a child.

“I didn’t want to tell you, cause you already had so much on your plate, with this case, your family, and I- I just didn’t want to add my family on top of it.” He understood that this must’ve been eating at you for a while, because you normally bottled all your feelings until it broke; unfortunately, that’s why you both got along so well. He never wanted you to feel like that was necessary when you were with him, but how do you bring that kind of thing up?

“What about your family?” he spoke softly. You never spoke about them, hell he’s never even met them but now he felt deep down that he was about to find out why.

“Am I selfish to you? Am I someone you really see yourself with in the long run?” Tears begun to fill your eyes again, and a crack in your voice was evident to Malcolm that you believed in what you were saying about yourself.

He felt a pang of sadness for you in his chest, that was quickly turning to anger at whoever made you feel like you were any less than worth the universe. He composed himself before he responded to your question.

“Far from it, you are the most selfless human being I’ve ever met. There’s now way that a selfish person would’ve done what you did today; going in front of thousands of people and calling out a killer like that, like a badass.” He nudged your shoulder, where he got a slight giggle out of you. It wasn’t a lot, but it was better than nothing.

“And absolutely can I see you with me later on,” He took a deep breath before he continued his statement. “I love you y/n, and if I ever lost you… I don’t even want to think of who I would become. You’re the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.”

You immediately rushed into his arms and embraced him so tightly, afraid that this was all some massive cruel dream, and you’d wake up another day without him knowing. You stayed like this for a moment before Malcolm piped up,

“So, you wanna tell me why the most beautiful person to ever walk the earth is currently crying on our apartment floor at nearly 9 pm?”

You both chuckled at this, as you unwrapped yourself from his arms to look him in his beautiful blue eyes. His eyes were still filled with an underlying anger, but mainly held concern towards you.

“You know when we were at the news station today? And you got a call from the killer?” He nodded, encouraging you to continue.

“Well I also got a call, but it was from my mother. We got into an argument, since she saw the broadcast, and words were said.” You knew that the fine details were going to be said eventually, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say it.

“And, what did she say baby?” He answered in a voice that was barely even a whisper, he looked you up and down; most likely looking at your body language to see if you were going to try and lie, but he could tell that you were going to be honest.

“That I was selfish, dumb, questioning where she went wrong with me.” You sniffled and looked to your hands, terrified to see Malcolm’s reaction. Not because he might yell at you, but at what he might do to your mother now that this was his first impression of her.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Was all he said after some silence.

“You have your own family shit to deal with, I didn’t feel like it was fair on you to dump mine on top of it. I didn’t want you to lose anymore sleep than you already do over something that I need to deal with.”

“…”

“Malcolm? You’re scaring me.” You looked up at him to see him looking out the window, his face glowing from all the nightlife neon lights across the street; he looked so angelic, more than he normally did.

“How didn’t I see this any sooner? I don’t care that you didn’t tell me y/n, I don’t care that your family is screwed up as well. I do care about the fact that I couldn’t help you through it.”

“But Malcolm it wasn’t your fight-” you tried to defend your reasoning, but alas he needed to correct you once more before the night was through.

“You’re right; it’s our fight. To hell with our parents, we’re not our parents; we are our own people. So, from this moment on, I promise to be completely transparent with my baggage as long as you are with me. We can break our constantly bottled-up feelings together.” He gently picked up your hand and laid a kiss on top.

“turn them into shattered glass.” You nodded as you spoke, a smile slowly coming back to your face.

“Just like shattered glass.” He nodded back, returning your smile.

And just like that, the two of you sat down on the couch, cuddling and watching movies as dusk carried on into dawn.

A/n: I hope you guys liked this, I always loved Malcolm’s character and Prodigal son, and with my life being slightly hectic at the moment this was a nice change of pace. Hope you have an amazing day or night, depending on where you are! 💙

-Kate