#THIS SHOW that cannot continue until a fair deal is made

[chirpsythismorning]

Well, it looks like I've been shadowbanned by the Stranger Things subreddit for talking about the strikes.

This might not seem like that big of a deal, but considering the ST subreddit might very well be moderated by Netflix themselves in some capacity, has me pretty pissed off rn.

For some context, Netflix creating the ST sub has already been speculated since the sub's inception. The first season of the show didn't even start filming until November of 2015, however the subreddit for the show was created a month before that, in mid October of 2015.

It's not uncommon for Netflix to create social media accounts across the board for all of their content in order to promote it online, and so it makes sense that in the process of getting filming ready, marketing was going about creating social media accounts on every platform (their other official accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were also created months in advance of filming as well).

Also worth noting that there is a separate sub called Hawkins AV Club, which fans created themselves to talk about the show and other things related to it that they weren't able to on the main sub, most commonly leaks, which are prohibited on the main one (Netflix don't like leaks...).

Recently though, I noticed all the strike related posts were getting removed, with it being flagged as breaking rule three.

Rule three is pretty simple, in that all it really states is that users cannot post stuff unrelated to the show.

As far as I know, the main ST sub has never made an official post about how the strikes qualify as being unrelated to the show, so it's not like this is some widely understood specific point that has been elaborated on that fans have to follow. To me, it looks like this rule operates as a loophole for a moderator to remove strike posts and list it as 'breaking rule three', without having to acknowledge how fucked up that is.

And so I wanted to test this theory and decided to post the picture of Finn picketing at Paramount Studios in support of SAG-AFTRA the other day.

Right after posting, I added the comment, 'Also ST sub if you delete this, you're confirming you have a Netflix bias'.

For the first hour, the post remained public and so luckily I was able to get some comments on it from other users in the sub. A majority of the comments just acknowledged the picture of Finn and voiced their support, though there was at least one condescending comment speaking negatively against the writers and actors striking. But most importantly, I got a few comments from fans asking why I was insinuating that the post would get deleted aka my time to shine.

I replied by saying that I noticed all the strike related posts were being removed for 'breaking rule three' and how it was bogus because plenty of other unserious posts, that are even less related to the show, stay up all the time. And so, considering the speculation over the years that Netflix played a part in creating the sub and therefore likely still has a stake in moderating it in some capacity, means they are essentially blocking fans from discussing the strike.

I then went into how ST has one of the biggest fandoms for a TV series and how the sub reflects that with over 1 million users. There are plenty of other fandoms out there that are much more niche and small in comparison to ST's base, that have been able to come together and make a big difference by donating and spreading the word as a community, and how it's kind of embarrassing considering our size, that we have not been able to come together to show support for our writers and actors in a tangible way.

And that's when I speculated how I didn't think it was a coincidence that one of the biggest fandoms in the world isn't able to even merely talk about the strikes, in the one place that affords them the ability to come together in the masses, to potentially have the ability to play role in putting pressure on the studios in order to reach a fair deal sooner than later.

These strikes literally depend on the writers and actors not talking about their content in order to put pressure on the studios, and this sub basically operates in the exact opposite way. It allows free for all discussions about the show, but doesn't allow any discussions of the strikes.

Who benefits from that? Netflix. The studios.

The reality is the strikes have EVERYTHING to do with the show. Making posts about an actor protesting so that the writers and actors of said show can continue production in a way that is more just and humane, is about the show. Technically, in a reality where things are never resolved as a result of this strike and the studios being greedy, the show could literally cease to continue. So again, this strike has EVERYTHING to do with the show.

I then ended my comment by saying that despite my suspicions, I hoped that I was wrong and that my post would stay up.

Returning to the sub the following day, I found that my post was not only removed, but also all of my comments were. Everyone else's comments remained including the anti-strike one, and there was also the addition of a pinned moderator comment explaining why the post was removed ie Rule 3.

Now, I have had some of my posts removed on Reddit in the past. Byler posts for example tend to get removed pretty swiftly because the comments get nasty and so that's the moderators usual excuse for removing those, however they don't say it outright with a moderator comment, you usually have to message them directly to get the gist of why it was removed. I've also posted memes before with them being removed and being flagged as breaking rule three, however I have never seen an actual moderator pin the details of the rule. They usually just tag Rule 3 at the top, with it being implied that you have to go look into their FAQ to read up on the rules yourself.

The way they removed my post just came off soooooooooo corporate to me, where the moderator(s) didn't even acknowledge what I said, but basically just proved my point by taking advantage of their rule loophole, by listing off the irrelevant argument against it based on said rule, with no further elaboration on what I actually speculated.

Initially, I wanted to make a post about what happened on here, but I sort of just shined it on because I already assumed they were going to remove it, and so all they did was confirm my suspicions.

But then today I was on the sub and tried to comment on a recent post, only to see that when I tried to reread it after posting, my comment wasn't showing up.

To test if it was a me problem, I went to another subreddit I'm in, Shrek (naturally), and commented on a post. Low and behold it showed up and stayed there...

I then went back to the ST sub to comment on a different recent post and again it did not show up right after I posted it.

So apparently I am a threat to the ST sub to the point where they do not want me commenting on posts anymore, specifically after I posted about the strike and the subs intense measures to prevent it from being discussed at all. Like... ya'll just literally proved my point tenfold.

Now, I do think there very well could be several moderators that are not associated with Netflix at all that are in charge of moderating the main sub. That's actually very likely. However, whether Netflix was involved from the beginning or not, it's also very likely they are now, as the sub is MASSIVE and they probably don't want an account on that scale to be controlled entirely by fans. That would mean 1 million people having access to leaks or anything and everything. Not being able to moderate that would be a pain in the ass (and we're seeing how now in the case of a strike, they also benefit from preventing certain posts from being seen).

So I think that either Netflix created the account themselves from the beginning and have recruited a handful of regular hardcore fans over the years to help moderate it, or they hopped on after a bunch of complications with leaks getting posted to hundreds of thousands of fans during s2-3, taking control at some point from the original moderator, only to join the mix of other moderators that already existed and are basically none the wiser.

In the case of either of those, they can play off that they are an unofficial ST reddit, all because they have a few fan moderators, when it's clear that is not the case.

Anyways, the ST sub has a Netflix (studio) bias and everything that's posted on there is likely moderated by someone that works for Netflix. So, keep that in mind.

[flanaganfilm]

Hey Mike,

Any update you can share on The Dark Tower adaptation? Would be thrilled to hear any update at all no matter how small. I hope that things are still progressing forward.

I imagine that the current writers strike has slowed things down if not paused development and I hope the studios will come to their senses sooner rather than later to offer a fair deal.

I truly hope that one day your Dark Tower adaptation will come to fruition. Until then, long days and pleasant nights.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Things are going very well, actually - we made a lot of progress in the past few months. But you're right, the project simply cannot move forward in any way during the strike. I will not render any writing services until the strike is over, and that means development cannot continue on the series at the moment.

In the meantime, I'll be on the picket lines, and will be shooting my adaptation of Stephen King's Life of Chuck later this year (that's an independent project that was written before the strike began.)

But I am very excited to pick things up with The Dark Tower as soon as I'm able. We found the path of the beam earlier this year, and have been steadily working toward making the show a reality. I'm very confident, while the strike will delay it, that it's going to happen... and it is going to be extraordinary.

[star-anise]

Pulling a piece out of an already massive post to reply to @zenosanalytic :

Most of this is great, but I feel like this overstates the influence and power of exclusionists; they never took over either Feminist or Lesbian groups or turned them en masse against bisexuals and transpeople, at least not in the US(in Britain it's an accurate description from what I've read). They def were still there, TRYING to(they were majorly annoying in the Fair scene), and you'd meet them or lesbian-separatists moving in wider queer circles, but they were pretty consistently losing that fight especially in academic and political queer orgs and, by the 00s, were pretty much irrelevant. They stayed that way until the Conservative movement deliberately revived/coopted them in the 10s.

Because... here's the bit from the original post I think this is talking about:

That process of expelling bi women from lesbian groups with immense prejudice continues to this day and leaves scars on a lot of bi/pan people. A lot of bisexuals, myself included, have an experience of “double discrimination”; we are made to feel unwelcome or invisible both in straight society, and in LGBT spaces.

It is absolutely true that radfems did not succeed in making exclusionary politics the mainstream policy of LGBT institutions. Hooowever. That's not what I was talking about.

Most people do not engage with the LGBTQ+ community solely by, like... walking into a policy meeting at GLAAD. Generally we do things like finding LGBTQ+ content on social media, or by attending LGBTQ+ social events, or by trying to find people to date!

In those settings, groups that are minoritized within the LGBTQ+ community (bi, pan, m-spec, ace, aro, trans, nb, etc) experience being treated in ways that are invalidating or derogatory. Not all the time! #notalllesbians!! The majority of the community might actually be kind and welcoming, and it might be relatively small microaggressions. But those microaggressions can happen often enough, and in a context where not much is being done to show that we are valued by the community, to create a sense of wariness and unwelcome in a space that ought to be safe for us.

I didn't attend a single LGBTQ+ event, or try to date a single woman, my entire undergrad career, because when I was 16, the first real-life gays and lesbians I ever met laughed and joked, in my hearing, about how bisexual teenage girls are just sluts who are doing it for the attention, not actually gay. It's not that I believed them, since they were obviously wrong; it's just that I went, "Oh okay, so LGBT spaces are still ones where I'll be bullied and shit-talked. I absolutely cannot deal with any more of that, so I'll just never go into those spaces."

Mine is a very small story. There are a lot of little stories like mine, and also ones big enough that they'd look exclusionary even to an outside observer. I know people who actually did get pushed out of their college GSAs, or lost their whole social support network, or had people try to coerce them into thinking they were horrible misguided tools of the patriarchy, in LGBT spaces, because they were bi, pan, m-spec, ace, aro, trans, nb, etc.

If you'd clicked the link in the post labelled "double discrimination", you'd read an NBC article that says, in part:

“This study adds to the growing body of research confirming that bisexual people face unique mental health disparities [that are] closely related to stigma and discrimination [they face] from straight, gay and lesbian communities,” Heron Greenesmith, a senior policy analyst at LGBTQ advocacy organization Movement Advancement Project, said.

(Note: this means "unique" as compared to gays and lesbians, which have been the focus of most mental health research and practice in this area. Namely, bisexuals tend to face certain pressures as a group that cis gays and lesbians don't so much. It does not mean "unique" as in "only bisexuals experience this". Bisexuals are just one of many groups that feel unwelcome or unsafe in LGBTQ+ spaces they ought to belong in.

Maybe you didn't mean to imply that all these experiences didn't happen. I hope you didn't. Because it would be really goshdarn silly for someone who's been on Tumblr for years to suggest that the 2010s were not a fucking golden age of young LGBTQ+ people tentatively reaching out to explore their gender and sexuality, and being deluged with immense volumes of bullshit by other LGBTQ+ people for it.

I don't want to in any way discourage people from reaching out to LGBTQ+ groups, because it's very possible that the reward will far outweigh the risks. It's possible that other people will welcome you and will enforce a code of conduct against anyone who gives you shit. I'm not saying, "Hide forever! You're on your own, kid!"

But on the other hand, it is very easy, in a million different ways, to say "We didn't think very hard about making these groups feel welcome and protected in our space" without ever writing it into official policy.

[earanemith]

Promises Made

Here it is Chapter 1. Since it's very long for Tumblr please read on: Ao3

Chapter 1: Chaos

Chaos. Where the street had once been busy but peaceful that had all been over in a split second when chaos descended up it. Shouting, shooting. Liat had franticly looked around her, as she pulled her own gun out, for Ziva. Not being able to get a clear shot she kept looking for Ziva and for cover. It was then that she spotted Ziva. As if carried by the wind she crossed the street Liat seeing her push a girl out of the way for the worst of it. But being too late to safe herself.

The cars sped off leaving the chaos they started in their wake.

"Ziva!"

The moments it took Liat to reach where Ziva had landed seemed to stretch endlessly. When she finally reached the place her friend was the girl she had pushed out of the way had also reached her. Looking white as a sheet. When she got a closer look at Ziva she understood why. Ziva's body scarily still, blood slowly pooling out of her. Kneeling on the glass and debris scattered around them Liat felt for a pulse fearing the worst, but sighing with relief when she felt it. Calling 101 as fast as she could. Giving off all the relevant information as soon as someone picked up. Making sure to give her Mossad identification code and Ziva's. Knowing ambulances were most likely already on their way. Also knowing that if Ziva wasn't taken to the hospital quick that relief she had felt would turn into grief.

After informing Director David's secretary of everything that had happened over the phone Liat took her place in the waiting room of Sheba Medical Center.

After two hours of waiting finally a doctor showed. Normally she would not have gotten any information, being friends did not constitute the right relations to get medical information. Being the Mossad officer who called it in and saying she was there on behalf of Eli David Director of Mossad , did give her some pull however. After confirming she was there for Ziva and introducing himself as Ran Barzel MD the doctor quickly spoke to her.  

"Miss David's injuries were severe. More severe than we initially thought. She almost crashed when we got her in the operating room. After we stabilized her we could focus on the bleeding. It appeared she was hit by quite a bit of debris, maybe a stray bullet. We did however get that fixed and it will be okay. After, we continued our preliminary examination, I highly suspect Miss David having a vertebrae fracture form being hit by the car. Right now they are taking her to get her spinal cord x-rayed. I waited with this until after we could give her a blood transfusion and the first dose of antibiotics to give her body as much strength as we can. Once I get the x-ray results I'll be moving straight into the OR"

Liat silently, took it all in. The superficial wounds didn't worry her as much anymore. Both her and Ziva being in Mossad have had to both deal with their fair share of battle wounds and healing time. The X-ray had her worried, she had lost friends from having a broken spine and dying from internal bleeding. Forcing herself not to continue with that line of thinking she looked the doctor in the eye again.

"Doctor Barzel, what are her chances?" She needed to know, Ziva had to be okay.

"At this moment I cannot tell you that Miss Tuvia. All I can say at this moment is that Miss David's body has sustained a lot of trauma, how severe and what her chances at complete recovery will be I can only guess at." He looked Liat up and down. Seeing despite the strong front she put up that the young Mossad agent in front of him was worried. Maybe she was there for more reasons than just on behalf of the director of Mossad. "I take it you will be waiting?"

"Yes"

"Very well, I have to get back to the operating room. I'll have a nurse come get you after we are finished. "

With that the doctor returned to where he had come from and she sank back into the plastic chair she had occupied before. Closing her eyes and sending silent prayers up for Ziva to be okay. To come out of this and be fine.

It seemed like an eternity before she heard footsteps coming closer again. All the time spent waiting Liat hadn't dared to look at the clock. Fearing that if she saw the time pass the chances of Ziva getting out of this alright got smaller and smaller. Looking up she now saw a nurse before her. The nurse spoke kindly to her and took her through the halls of the hospital. They ended up in another wing and level. After opening the door for Liat and letting her in the nurse left. Already focused on the doctor before her Liat forgot to say any form of thanks or goodbye to the nurse.

Doctor Barzel immediately went on with explaining what they had done, knowing that the young woman before him was probably anxious enough as it was.

"After I got the x-rays of Miss David back I concluded that she has sustained severe trauma to her spinal cord. Namely to the lumbar region" He put up the x-ray to show Liat. "There is a fracture in her L3 vertebrae and possible contusion in L2, L1 and T12. There is also a lot of swelling from T11 down to L5. We have started treatment with corticosteroids to get the swelling down as fast as we can. Tomorrow we will take her for another x-ray and ct scan to see if the treatment it working. For now we have to wait"

"Isn't there anything ells to be done right now?" Liat asked the doctor.

"Not right now, with the swelling present it's too unpredictable what the fracture and contusions will do. If we try for more drastic interventions right now we could make things worse. If the swelling goes down enough we will then continue on with fitting Miss David into a brace to keep her spine well aligned for the healing process or if needed operate on her to make sure the vertebrae will heal well."

"Does this mean she will be paralyzed?" Almost afraid to ask but needing to know.

"Right now we can't make that determination. She came to us unconscious and until she is awake and coherent again we won't know, but yes, there is a chance she will be paralyzed." After a moment of silence "Come with me. I will take you to her"

Swiftly the two make it down the hall where the doctor stopped in front of an opened door. "I do have to warn you, we intubated Miss David and are keeping her sedated at the moment. Her body will need all the strength we can give it. That is why we also put her on another blood transfusion. Please be careful with touching her. Right now with the corticosteroids working we don't want her moved at all. The nurse will come and tell you when visiting hours are coming to an end."

Turning away from the room, facing the doctor she spoke "I won't be leaving. Director David gave orders to stay with his daughter."

Doctor Barzel doubted that Liat had spoken the truth. He had not thought about it while Miss David had been on the operating table but he did when he waited for the nurse to bring Miss Tuvia up. Looking through the medical file he had found out that the director of Mossad was his patients father. Eli David was known as a strict and strong man, ruthless when it came to his position. Ran having heard the stories from former patients working with the man and a family member in Mossad. He had his doubts if Miss Tuvia really had gotten orders to stay or just to get information. Sensing he would not be able to remove her from the room he gave her a short nod. "Very well. I'll let Miriam know to bring you some dinner. I will speak with you tomorrow."

With that doctor Barzel left and Liat was left in the doorway of Ziva's room. Hesitantly she put one foot in front of the other and walked in. The sight that greeted her send a flash of shock deep through Liat. Never before had she seen Ziva lay that still. Glad at having been warned about all the tubes coming from seemingly everywhere in Ziva's body. That paired with the scratches and dried up blood that were visible on her face and arms.

Pulling a chair closer to the bed and sitting down in it Liat lay her hand softly on Ziva's in the bed. Afraid to take Ziva's hand in her own of fear of moving her to much, at the same time needing to feel her friend beside her. Once again she closed her eyes.

Having already been woken by her internal alarm clock Liat only had to wait a handful of minutes before Nurse Miriam came in.

"Morning"

"Morning" Liat mumbled back. Capable of sleeping anywhere even a hospital chair did not mean she felt completely rested after the night that she had. After getting diner the night before, brought to her by the kind nurse who also replaced the  corticosteroids for a new batch, Liat called to Director David's secretary. Updating her that there was really no news, the night had to pass before they would know more. The secretary had assured Liat she would inform the director asked her to please keep her informed and being sure to tell her that she would pray for a swift recovery for Ziva. Having met her a handful of times in her years of serving as Eli David's secretary.

"I will be taking her to get the scans necessary. After can I bring you some breakfast?" "No thank you I will quickly go home and change. I will be back"

Sending a kind smile to the nurse she whispered her goodbye to Ziva before leaving.

Just in time to see Ziva being rolled in again Liat arrived back in the hospital room. With it came also doctor Barzel.

"Ah miss Tuvia, good to see you. I am happy to tell you that the corticosteroid treatment worked. The swelling in miss David's spine is almost completely down. The fracture of the L3 vertebrae didn't worsen and the contusion was only in L2 and slightly in L1 further than that I think we are in the clear. The corticosteroid treatment will continue the rest of the day to make sure the swelling can completely go down. doesn't come back. Tomorrow morning she will get a last round of scans to double check, after that specialist will come to fit her into a spinal brace to keep everything straight while healing, further surgery is not needed. For now we'll keep he stable with pillows and pads. "

A sigh of relief passed her lips. Good news, things had not gotten worse. They were looking up.

"Once the treatment has finished and she is in her brace we will also change the sedation to pain medicine to get her to wake up"

"Thank you doctor, for your care"

The doctor left again after jolting down a couple more things in Ziva's file.  Deciding to update Ziva's father after the treatment had ended and she was fitted for the brace Liat took out a book she'd brought for home and settled back in.

In the morning the scans had gone well. The swelling was comepletly gone and it was time for the specialist to fit the brace. As the specialist were moving and measuring Ziva everything went wrong. It seemed as if all hell broke loose. Suddenly an alarm went off on one of Ziva's many monitors. Nurses closely followed by doctor Barzel rushed into the room. They spoke quick with the specialist after which an order was given and Ziva was rolled out of the room.

Shocked she stood suddenly all alone in the room. How long she stood there motionless she could not say until Miriam entered the room.

"Please sit down" the nurse spoke kindly to Liat.

"No. You tell me right now what happened!" she demanded.

"Ziva's blood pressure and heart rate suddenly spiked after she was moved. That was the cause of the alarm. Doctor Barzel fears she started to bleed internally. And the jostling of the last few days with the scans caused it. He did not want to lose any time that is why she was rushed to the OR again. They are operation on her now. That is all I know for now."

That was it Liat's worse fears come true. Ziva was bleeding out, she was losing her closest friend. Ever since they were young Ziva had been her only real friend. Being there for her when her father got in one of his drunken states again and home was no longer safe. She always had a safe place with Ziva. They had grown up together, Liat by her side when Ziva lost her mother and her sister. Ziva by her side when finally, a day before she turned 18 and would go into the IDF, her mother snapped and killed her father for all of the abuse he had put on them for far too long. While they had drifted apart some, first by separate missions for weeks or months on end by Mossad, then Ziva's transfer to the American agency, there would always be a place in her heart for Ziva. Having thought they finally had a chance to reconnect and then having it snatched away was something Liat did not want to face.

It had barley been a week in his cramped room onboard the ship. Already it was driving him crazy. Even though the top deck was always busy and loud he made it a point from day one to breath in the sea air at least two times a day. If he did not at least see the sky a couple of times a day he would go crazy. Looking forward to two weeks from now, when they would dock for the first time. He chuckled to himself Ziva would defiantly have something to say about his restlessness. With every time his mind went to Ziva he got a little lost in thought. He had not yet heard anything from her. No email. While she told him contact would most likely be sparse, she had promised to contact him. Tony suspected there something being wrong with his email this far out at sea. He had mailed Abby, McGee, even director Vance to send his first report, but no responds so far.

He had already gone to the bridge and ask one of the techies to help him out. They all claiming no time. While his senior field agent status helped him along plenty of times within the walls of NCIS, on this ship he'd had no luck. A little annoyed he closed his laptop again to look at his notes next to him. The first incident had occurred since he'd been stationed there. Better keep his focus on that instead of the people he, for now, could not talk to.

Not until the sun was setting was Liat spoken to again. Miriam had taken her out of the room when the other nurses were situating Ziva again. Together with doctor Barzel another doctor stood next to him. Introducing herself as "Liana Raviv"

Doctor Barzel spoke first. "After Miriam updated you last there have been some changes. What I initially thought was an internal bleeding did not turn out to be one. We took some x-rays again when we could not find the cause of the distress. That is where doctor Raviv came in the picture"

Doctor Raviv took over. "We discovered that miss David also has a pelvic fracture. It was probably hiding as a hairline fracture that broke under the pressure of her being moved around the last two days. Because this hospital specializes in a lot there luckily wasn't any time lost. Pelvic fractures can be extremely unpredictable. I was able to fixate her pelvis with what we call an external fixator. Simply because there is not enough room inside. It will help keep the bone stabilized so they'll heal in the right place. Healing a pelvic fracture usually takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. Once the bones have started to heal enough she is free to move and put weight on the fixator even before it is taken out again, that is what it's build for."

It was a lot of information to take in but doctor Raviv was not done yet. "That together with the spinal brace will inhibit her movements some at the start. But our first priority now is getting her started on healing not on mobility. I specialize in pelvic and spinal injuries that is why as of now I will be taken over the care for miss David from doctor Barzel. Come with me" She said as she led Liat into Ziva's room.

"I know it can be quite a shock to see a loved one with the external fixator. It looks more gruesome than it is. We keep the area uncovered to closely monitor for any infection."

It was then that Liat noticed something off and it was not the titanium frame protruding from her friends body. "Why is her heart rate off?"

With sorrow in her eyes doctor Raviv replied "All the trauma miss David has gone through has taken its toll on her body. While prepping to place the external fixator we could not get her heart rate and pain signals under control. We thought it best to induce a medical coma to take some stress of off her heart. Her body needs time to heal. If she were to wake now she would be in extreme amounts of pain. Pain for which no medication would truly help. This way we can take the worst of the healing process away from her. Bring her around when we see signs of it getting better. Miss David has a long road of recovery ahead of her"

"Ziva. She hates being called miss."

"Ziva has a long road to recovery ahead of her" Liana corrected herself. "I hope that in a weeks' time we can lighten the sedation we are using now. And in two weeks take her off of them completely to wake her up."

"But she can recover right?" Feeling as that little girl again scared and afraid asking Ziva if things would be okay if she got back home.

"We will help her recover as best as we can. A big part of it will be up to Ziva herself."

"Recover completely? Doctor Barzel said..."

"Yes, he told me you asked. While we cannot know for certain before Ziva wakes up there is a very high chance she will be paralyzed from the point of her injury down. How severe we have to wait and see."

Wanting to stay with Ziva right now was not an option, director David needed to be updated. And it could not be done through his secretary this needed to happen face to face. Everyone knew that the director did not go home until late in the evening so even though it was already dark Liat make her way through the hallways and in front of the director's office. His secretary had left for the day but there was still light coming from underneath the door. Taking a breath before knocking and entering when given permission.

"Officer Tuvia. Why are you here?" Eli asked her once she was inside and closed the door. He knew that she had been staying in the hospital where his last remaining daughter now lay. A hopefully minor setback. There were a lot of plans, missions that needed Ziva's attention.

"I come with news about Ziva sir." Was all she said in the form of an intro before explaining everything to Ziva's father that the doctors had told her. When she was finished he did not respond immediately. Slowly taking his reading glasses off.

"Very well then. Thank you for the update officer. That reminds me here." he looked around his desk and gave Liat a file when he found it. "I wanted to wait until tomorrow but since you are here now. These are your new orders. Your unit is send out on another mission tomorrow 6 o'clock"

"But sir what about Ziva?" it left her mouth before she could truly think to whom she was speaking.

"You best not be late" was all Eli replied with and with that dismissing her.

Knowing there was no arguing with her boss Liat left his office file underneath his arm. Orders were orders you had to follow them.

She went home and packed for her mission, reading over the file and preparing as best as she could. Very early, barley morning she dropped by the hospital.

"I am sorry Ziva. I have to go. You rest and heal, I will be back" with worry in her heart Liat left Ziva behind. Stopping at the nurses' station quickly to inform Miriam she would not be around for a while. Telling her where to contact if there were updates on Ziva's status.

"I will look out for her, don't you worry dear" was all Miriam said before Liat left.

Tagglist: @benedettabeby @happygirl-0408 @tivafanfic @loudlooks @hopeless-nostalgiac @mrsmungus

Also tagged a bunch of you still active in the NCIS fandom if you want me to take you off the list please let me know:

@and-he-will @kmpotter4140 @litningmyway @koogamy @oceangirl24 @danceswithdarkspawn @irish-trish @residentdormouse @munstysmind @lovelyme12m @tonysziva @artemisscabin @television-overload @tiva2023vibes @tivancis @ncisfanatics @tonyandzivauk @tonylovesziva @tony-love-ziva @tonyandzivamakestiva-blog @missbuckynat @zivaninja @smedegaard3105

[theladyragnell]

Welllll now I can’t stop thinking about it, so if it appeals, middle aged Kel/Neal/Yuki? With a preference for the realization/pining/getting together stages rather than established relationship. [If a more specific prompt than that is useful, maybe Neal and Yuki talking about being into Kel?]

(I heroically condensed a lot of things here, this was SUCH fun to consider that it could have gotten very out of hand. Also, ignore me steadfastly refusing to commit to things like naming Neal and Yuki's kids or deciding whether Jon and Thayet are still ruling.)

Yuki returned home from the palace to the familiar sound of her husband remonstrating some patient of this who had the unfortunate honor of being his friend and thus fair game for a scold. Under his care, Queen Thayet had once said, the palace’s healing ward was much less restful than it had been under his father. Yuki couldn’t disagree, but she couldn’t mind it, either.

“—reckless disregard, as always,” he was saying as she took her shawl off and handed it to her maid, “for your own safety! You have people to do that kind of thing for you, and may I remind you, you aren’t eighteen anymore, whatever kind of shape you keep yourself in!”

The reply was too quiet to hear, which eliminated Sir Owen, any member of the Pirate’s Swoop and Olau family, and any of Yuki’s own children (thank the gods) from the possibilities.

“And that,” Neal continued, as though he hadn’t heard what the reply was, “is why you are staying with me until that leg is healed. And I mean fully healed, Mindelan.”

Pleasure and worry warred in Yuki, and she took a moment to soothe both before she knocked on the door of the converted parlor where Neal saw patients privately. A moment later, Neal swung the door open, somewhat wild-eyed. She couldn’t blame him. He didn’t like anyone getting injured, but Keladry had always been a special case, and so often, when she was hurt, she was out in the field where he couldn’t do anything but inspect her long after the healing was done and mutter about upstarts. “I get the impression we might have a visit from our dear friend Keladry?” she asked, a little pointed.

“Maybe you can talk some sense into the Lady Knight Commander so she stops doing things like leading charges against giants and getting her thigh shattered, among other things!”

“It is my job, Neal,” Kel pointed out from behind him. The injury must have been fresh, because she was fighting the yawns that meant Neal had just poured a good deal of magic into her. “And I was the best with a lance, it only made sense. Hello, Yuki. Obviously I will not be imposing on your household, I have perfectly good quarters at the palace, where a maid can see to my needs.”

Neal made a noise like a kettle letting off steam. She looked at him, and was grateful for the twenty years of marriage that told her this wasn’t simply the drama he still put on like a coat to cover up showing his emotions, his own version of the Yamani control Yuki still relied on. Kel had been in real danger. It hadn’t just been her leg. “Nonsense,” she told Kel, and watched Neal relax. “None of the children are at home right now, as you well know. You’ll stay at least a week, under a healer’s tender care. Perhaps longer. The Knight Commander of the King’s Own cannot heal poorly when the realm relies on her so much.”

Kel frowned at her. She could be stubborn when she wanted to, and so could Neal. Yuki, stubborn herself, frequently brokered between them, and if she picked a side, the loser would, if with ill grace, abide by the majority. Sometimes Kel would argue a little longer, and Neal would grumble for days, but one holding out against two hadn’t yet lasted more than a day. And Kel was apparently mostly immobile, exhausted from healing and pain, and on the losing side. Sure enough, a second later, she sighed. “A week at most, and then back to the palace, where I have no doubt I will see one or both of you every day anyway.”

“We’ll discuss this again in a week,” said Yuki, and frowned at Neal when he started to object. “And now we will let our guest rest, and send to the palace to have them send down some clothes.”

After a moment, Neal smiled. “My very wise wife. Fine. Please do rest, Kel, you know you don’t have to stand on ceremony with us.”

Keladry grumbled something, but Yuki, who knew how to accept a victory, was already ushering her husband out the door.

*

When the children were younger and Kel not quite so grand a personage, she stayed with them often. Those years were a blur of late nights, of Yuki being left alone while Neal and Kel were called away together and apart at a gallop to deal with one thing or another as promising young knights of the realm. Kel wasn’t the only one who’d helped—Yuki was very grateful, as it turned out, for her kind parents-in-law and their love of babies—but she’d been there often, and it hadn’t seemed odd. How could it, when she was helping her best friends and her godschildren?

When Kel had received a posting with a detachment of the Own in hill country that took her away for a long time, they’d missed her sorely, children and adults all. The babies had wept, Neal had been irascible and wrote voluminous letters dispatched to hill country with impressive regularity, and Yuki had lost the person in her household most likely to speak her home language, and with Shinko busy and Lady Haname pleasant enough but not a close friend, she’d been cut off.

Yuki had had half a thought then, the kind of thing that well-bred young women from neither her old country nor her new were supposed to think about, but Kel was gone for a long time, and there was always something else to do. Kel had been a guest after that, not an integral part of the household, and Neal had been worrying about knighthoods and his father’s retirement and a thousand other things.

It hadn’t been possible.

Or, as Yuki thought in the days that followed Kel’s arrival in her household, it hadn’t been possible yet.

*

Kel was, no matter her good manners, a terrible patient. She followed Neal’s orders to the letter, but she chafed, and kept sending missives to the palace that had members of the Own trotting down to receive orders and get scoldings they didn’t deserve from Neal.

Yuki distracted her with one thing and another: poetry Kel hadn’t had time to read for years, letters from her children in both of their languages. Neal, more effectively, was sometimes convinced away from his anger and into sitting at her bedside regaling her with the antics of the pages and squires he had to patch up after their training incidents. Under Owen of Jesslaw’s irrepressible guidance, there was less of the fighting and bullying and stupid danger that Neal spoke of in his own years, but he was an indulgent teacher famous for saying “Well, we should try it” and letting children strand themselves up trees and in caves, or attempt a hand-to-hand exhibition match on the edge of a wall.

In her turn, Kel was convinced to tell stories, wherein she credited a great many other people for tasks she had done herself. In between the modesty, Yuki heard a fuller picture than Kel had ever written in her letters about her dangers and frustrations, the lessons she’d learned that she was doing her best to apply to the King’s Own.

Half-formal dinners turned into laughter at the fireside, which turned into quiet breakfasts and afternoons spent in the garden Yuki insisted on maintaining herself, which turned into games of dice and chess depending on the mood. Neal fretted over Kel as much as he’d ever fretted over Yuki or their children, and Yuki enjoyed the company.

“Our house is much nicer than your apartments in the palace,” she said when Kel’s week was over and Neal was allowing her to hobble around the house. “And it doesn’t need airing out whenever you visit. You could stay somewhat longer. Especially since you said you’re recruiting and you need to be here a while anyway.”

Kel opened her mouth to argue, but after a moment’s assessing gaze, she said “A few more days, at least.”

Neal’s naked relief when Kel communicated that decision over dinner told Yuki it was time to have a talk with her husband.

*

“I love you,” she said to him in bed that night. They were still words she savored in their bald honesty, even if she said them less often than he did.

Neal savored them too. He never stopped smiling to hear them. “And I love you. To what do I owe the honor?”

“I don’t mind,” she said, trying to choose words that wouldn’t propel him out of bed and into explanations and apologies that she didn’t need, “if I’m not the only one you love.”

Somehow, though Yuki wanted to blush for the forwardness of it, he didn’t understand, his brows knitting with confusion. “I know. We have friends, and we have the children.”

The Tortallan word was so imprecise. Yuki returned to Yamani. Neal’s accent would never be good, but his memory for anatomy helped him with vocabulary too. “You love Kel.”

Then he understood, from the horror in his eyes. He took her hands and squeezed. “If I’ve given you any reason to doubt—and even if I did, surely you know Kel has too much honor—”

“And I love Kel,” she said, still in Yamani, and that silenced him. “You’re right. She has too much honor to allow herself to love us, unless we tell her she may. But I think she’d like to.”

Neal took a few long breaths. Twenty years ago, or even ten, he’d have been out of bed and pacing, or halfway out of the house looking for distraction or, disastrously, banging down Kel’s door to ask her opinion on the matter. “What do you propose? Anything we try on Kel will have her flying out of here in fear that she might ruin things for us.”

“For now, we love her and make her welcome. She’s a general. If we try to plot and plan she’ll know it in a second.”

“And then the screaming and the running.” He sighed. “I could try poetry. She might be so busy laughing that we could trap her before she ran off.”

Yuki laughed. “I’m sure we can find a better way.”

*

Kel stayed. She stayed a few more days, and a few more after that. Her maid came down with a bag for her, and people started paying her visits at the Queenscove residence like they expected to find her there. Yuki’s own children, who thought their parents very dull, came back clamoring for stories from “Aunt Kel,” and Kel was happy to give them.

“I may not let you leave,” Yuki said lightly one evening. “You make my house happier when it feels so empty with all of them mostly gone these days.”

“You’ll get tired of me eventually.”

“No. You’ll leave when your duty calls you away, and we’ll be glad to see you whenever you come back. If you come back to us, all the better.”

Kel frowned at her for a minute, but she didn’t ask. Yuki wouldn’t have expected her to.

*

Neal, his feelings admitted, couldn’t help pining. It was in his nature. He hovered over Kel at every spare second, stared at her and sighed more than was wise, and read (though didn’t write, or at least didn’t show his wife) a good deal of love poetry. Kel frowned at him too, and complained that he thought she was incompetent and that she knew how not to impede her own recovery. That sent Neal clutching at his hair pacing his way back and forth in Yuki’s study while she tried her best not to laugh at him.

Yuki paid Kel what special attentions she could, and hoped that she was successful. She ordered Kel’s favorite meals from the kitchen and the market, asked her about her latest pet causes, invited Lalasa Isran for an afternoon and Tobeis Boon for another, though both of them were successful and busy enough that they couldn’t stay longer, with apologies.

Kel started watching both of them with the puzzled look of someone who’d stood too close to a painting and could only make out the brushstrokes rather than the subject, but she didn’t ask.

*

It was Neal who broke, nearly a month in, and Yuki couldn’t blame him. Kel was part of their household, and so close to fully healed that she was back to doing pattern dances in the courtyard at full speed and prodding her hosts into joining her. She barely blushed and averted her eyes when Neal and Yuki exchanged kisses of greeting or parting in front of her, and she never seemed to want to extract herself from their presence.

So, when Neal was called up to the palace in the middle of a quiet evening to attend to the Tusaine ambassador’s burn from some ridiculous accident, it wasn’t a surprise when he kissed Yuki in the same way he always did upon leaving and then turned as natural as breathing to Kel who, looking up to tell him to ride safely as she always did when Neal left, was in the perfect position to receive the identical kiss he bestowed upon her.

All three of them froze. “Mithros,” Neal swore, and looked between them. “Damn. Yuki, it really does seem like a very bad burn. You don’t mind—”

“We’ll talk,” Yuki promised, and shooed him out the door.

Kel was already on her feet, no doubt several steps into a self-sacrificial plan Yuki had no intention of letting her enact. “Yuki, I didn’t—we haven’t been, you know Neal would never, he loves you, he has since you met.”

“Keladry.” Yuki stepped forward to take her hands. “I think maybe you should listen first, and I’ll explain. And when Neal comes home, he’ll confirm everything.”

Kel was smart, had years of command behind and ahead of her. Yuki wasn’t surprised when realization broke over her face, and was relieved when hope followed, and then, predictably, a likely realization of all the scandals they would be courting if anyone caught on. “This can’t—”

“It can. If all of us want to, it should. But give me the pleasure of saying it first.”

*

Neal must have terrified the ambassador and used even less than his usual bedside manner, because he was home long before he usually would have been for so important a personage. When he arrived home and found Yuki and Kel sitting together in the sitting room, hands laced together while they talked, his whole body relaxed in a way that would have been comical if Yuki weren’t feeling much the same.

She stood up and drew Kel along in her wake, watched them exchange one of those looks that reminded her all the things they shared, love in all its definitions and translations, before Neal kissed her again, a much longer and more purposeful kiss. Kel’s hand flexed in Yuki’s, in surprise or joy or dissipating fear, and Yuki stood close by, so when they parted, she could kiss Kel herself, and then her husband and then, trusting that warriors might have an easier time saying things with their bodies, she used their joined hands to lead them to bed.

*

When Yuki woke in the morning, Neal and Kel were talking, up and dressed by the window, hands clasped together. Between them, they were no doubt coming up with worries and dismissing them, saying all the things they hadn’t said the night before, taking their minutes of privacy to reaffirm their friendship and build this newest layer of it.

Yuki was patient. She didn’t sit up and interrupt them, didn’t listen in. She lay there, listening to the cadence of those well-loved voices, in the morning light, watching shadows play across the ceiling, until it was time to sit up and greet the day.

[bokutosmochi]

nsfw!semi headcannons

what's it? smut allergen warning/s? [all light] choking, daddy kink, gangbang, voyeurism, fingering, spitting, body worship sugar level? 0.6k regulars? @hanayanetwork​

bon appetit!

♧ likes sending his partner hand pictures instead of nudes. sometimes he'll crop a photo of him on stage, fingers expertly plucking the strings of his electric guitar, veins sticking out of his fair hands, making for a great view.

♧ i'll keep this one short because it's hot enough on its only and i'll let your imagination run wild. semi. rings on his fingers. on his partner's neck. choking them.

♧ has a daddy kink. you cannot change my mind on this. he loves being dominant and having his partner on their knees, worshipping him and his pretty cock.

♧ has probably already done so or has probably dreamed of sharing his partner with his bandmates. or at least having them watch the two of them and admire how they fall apart so prettily on his cock. or maybe even his old teammates from his alma mater during their reunion tendo would surely be into it.

♧ if he doesn't have a partner, he goes to stripclubs like,, a lot. two times a week when he's free. he loves getting gigs at those because there are times where the owner of the bar offers him a lapdance or a striptease from one of their best dancers as an additional payment of sorts. semi eita says sex work is real work!!

♧ now just like any person, he's not the most fond of hammering in nails so he could hang things, but if he has to install a mirror by the ceiling above the bed?? he's doing it asap. he thinks he's so hot being able to watch him and his partner make love.

♧ has tried to finger his partner with his rings on until they stopped him to lecture let him know how dirty and unsanitary that was, especially because he wears those rings whenever he's playing his guitar on stage, his sweaty fingers plucking the strings with unbelievable accuracy and speed.

♧ wants to fuck his partner on stage. i mean fucking them in front of the crowd and showing everyone he's taken is nice, but waiting until the crowd is gone is nice too ig 🙄🙄

♧ sometimes finds himself unable to get a hold of himself. when it feels too good, he just lets his hips do all the talking and completely lets go.

♧ loves spitting on his partner. spitting into his partner's mouth, specifically. sometimes lets strangers at the bar talk to them, only for him to interrupt the conversation to pull at their hair and spit into their mouth. he gives the strangers a sense of hope, only to take it away.

♧ one time, as punishment for his partner being so impatient for his cock, he made them ride him while he was tuning his guitar. no guiding hands, no bruises on their waist in the shape of his fingertips. he let them do it on their own.

♧ "c'mon, baby. since you're so desperate for my cock, why don't you ride it? 'm busy,"

♧ his partner was approaching their climax so they found it hard to be stable. their hands supporting their weight was buckling and they were starting to slow down. semi being the cocky bastard that he is decided to throw his guitar down, grab them by the hips and show off his power by turning the two of them around and pistoning his cock in and out of them.

♧ loves being the dom. he loves the power it gives him, how as long as his partner continues to consent, they're his for the taking and he can do whatever he wants to them.

♧ makes his partner beg for his cock every. single. time. they just look so cute, on their knees in front of him, where they belong. he loves it when they're desperate for his cock, crying for it and rubbing their cheek on the tent forming on his black skinny jeans.

i get: reblog

you get: mochis

do we have a deal?

[hesperidia]

So i was thinking about Akutagawa's entire character arc in Beast and need to get this out:

In early chapters we see his backstory. We know he's capable of violence and how that violence resulted in Dazai taking Gin away. He acts abrasive at first to Oda and the rest of the ada, and seems to think that everything could be resolved by force because that's all he knows.

In chapter 6, Kenji tells Akutagawa that his friends gave him their "better halves", implying that his act of avenging them was something noble (because of the intention behind it) instead of despicable (at least, that's what i understood). And he says that he's sure Gin and him would reunite. See how hopeful Akutagawa looks:

Multiple times the ada gives him encouragement words and (show him better coping mechanisms) help him tone down his violent reactions... the most important imo being this one and Oda's speech:

And then, chapter 11: Atsushi taunts him by saying that "there's no one on his side", but then Tanizaki comes to Akutagawa's aid and reassures him...

He just can't believe there are people willing to help him.

Tanizaki basically spells it out loud for him and he seems to understand, but Akutagawa, however, has this thing where he NEEDS to hear the right words from the right person. He's still so insecure about his own goodness, so Atsushi telling him point blank he can't ever be good, that his motives are selfish and that he will not stop at that and continue in a path of destruction is like pouring salt in an open wound.

When he reunites with Gin:

His sister resents him and that hurts him badly (metaphorically and literally). But she's not aware of Ryuunosuke's good intentions (because his end goal was just seeing her again, despite what Dazai made Atsushi and Gin believe) and the growth he went through in his short time at the ada.

She keeps on blaming him for something he did out of desperation as a kid, and her words are devastating to him. And no matter how many times he tries to convince her, the impression he left in her four years ago is terrible and Gin simply doesn't believe him.

(To be fair, he still has cruel outbursts and that does not help the case at all. See: Kyouka. It's logical though, because that's all he knew for years).

All the hope Kenji, Tanizaki, Oda, and the rest gave Akutagawa was crushed in seconds:

(hoshikawa's art is insanely good look at that face)

There's also the added weight that Gin's life was to be taken in exchange of keeping him alive. Of course Akutagawa would not accept that. So he reacted as he's accustomed to: Lashing out at his enemies. That made everything worse because again, he was proving the point that he wasn't capable of anything else. And he could tell.

Chapter 19: Akutagawa keeps a tough facade until this point, where he doubts his own resolve after seeing Atsushi's strength. He also remembers Oda's speech to him but questions (even dismisses) it.

He's done, he can't defeat Atsushi like that. He's basically unconscious at this point. We get the reveal that he the 2nd person he wanted to kill at the beginning was himself. He absolutely dreads being impulsive and violent. He knows that's what kept him apart from Gin and the cause of all his grief. He's already in an abysmal headspace so all he can think about is to just, end it.

until.. Kunikida comes in with the steel chair!

i literally cannot explain how impactful these lines are. (i'm sure somebody already pointed it out)

Kunikida's words are the catalyst. Akutagawa finally understands that he's not doomed. That he can turn his life around to be what he desperately wants to be: Good. And he, quite literally comes back to life because of the support he got from the ada.

Still, he has to deal with Atsushi. This new-found inner strength and confidence (which he lacked at first) helps him to do so, and this moment i feel is the turning point:

Atsushi begging him to kill him. And Akutagawa understanding all of Atsushi's past, the trauma and grief. And deciding not only that he won't kill him, but wanting him to heal.

"Spit blood, tiger. Spit blood then move forward"

He then tells Atsushi that if he fails to move on he would be there to make him come to his senses. In his own, messed up Akutagawa way after all, he wants to help him.

(i already mentioned this in another post but!) looking at the very ending:

“even if this world is no more than a fleeting shadow…”

This sentence is unfinished (it continues in the last pages), but can be read as “even if its no use, i’ll keep fighting to protect this world” (also part of the "mission" Dazai gave him and Atsushi). If his goals at the beginning were pure selfishness, now they are nothing but selfless.

Final thoughts:

if you made it this far, thanks for reading🖤

[esther-dot]

White savior anon again lol. So I go back and forth on the J/D romance. On one hand, the show going thru with it and Martin's fixation on incest makes me think there will be some type of romance. That being said, it's not going to end well because all their foreshadowing is negative lol and speaks of betrayal. Also, Martin intends to complete the story in two books, which is not realistic since he gardended himself into hundreds of interconnected main characters and plotlines - he needs to set the chess pieces in place for the climax in the last book in Winds but he literally cannot do all that in one book. So, how exactly he intends to write some sweeping, dynamic romance when Dani won't even step foot in Westeros until the last leg of the book is well, lol....good luck with that one. That's why the show romance was ass, it's hard for audiences to buy a romance between two people who met and conversed for approximately 20 minutes across 8 episodes - no development or investment. I just don't see how Martin has the page space or time to do all he needs to do with the other 9768 characters and plotlines while developing this supposed grand love story between J and D. He's a talented writer, but deeply inefficient and made some key mistakes - the ages of the characters, wasting so much time having characters walk around the riverlands, braavos, etc. while internally contemplating their shitty lives for chapter after chapter, like ok you're miserable we get it but this could have taken half the chapters - so now he's screwed himself as a result lol.

IDK about Jonsa, I believe Sansa is the girl in grey, and I do think per the show (I think a lot more big plot points were taken from Martin than readers want to believe tbh) Jon and Sansa will have a significant relationship in Winds, platonic or not, or at least he intended that to be the case, but idk if he is willing to Go There with that pairing. He let way too much time pass between books and social mores have changed quit a bit. The faux sibling almost incest trope was pretty big back in the 90s and early 2000s, but now? Not so much.

Jon and the Targ line ending with him. Sure there are people will targ blood still around like Brienne and the Baratheons. But none of them are the direct descendent/son of Targ prince who plunged the realm into a civil war over said Targ's birth lol. Sure it's not fair, but thematically it makes sense and I do think this is what was intended back in the 90s. Now? IDK lol.

(continuation of this convo)

Oh yes, I've seen a lot of fans criticize how he allows himself to write so much of his favs (*cough* Tyrion *cough*) rather than streamlining. I can't figure out how he can bring all these characters and carry out the plots in two books either. I know he said they're big books, but there are so many things that have to happen and they characters are all still so scattered...I really don't know how he'll manage. Like, Sansa has to go North, reunite with Jon, reclaim Winterfell, be reunited with other Starks/handle succession, they have to deal with the Others and then there is Dany. It's a lot.

I don't think there could be a genuine romance with J/D at all. Jon's experienced the whole Ygritte situation, then he was assassinated, it doesn't make sense to me that he'd fall for an enemy so soon or trust one either, not with the guilt/betrayal he'll be feeling. I do think Dany is vulnerable with her belief that she needs another dragon rider/that will be a person she can trust and her romantic nature, so I think she could convince herself she can trust Jon and then he betrays her. That could be a fairly short-lived interlude though, since she's primed for it. There is also Euron and Aegon too though, and I had assumed that would be before she met up with Jon and if that's the case, Jon is not gonna have kind thoughts (if she kills Aegon), and Dany will be even less trusting (if she's dealt with Euron), so Idk. I don’t want anything to happen between J/D, but imo, there has to be some kind of relationship or trust to make it an awful scene when Jon stabbity stabs. Dany will have burned KL, if anyone else assassinates her, it’s badass, but I think Martin's way too anti war/anti violence to do that. I really think he's gonna want it to be painful.

Also, I’ve recently been wondering if instead of some past events being foreshadowing, they’re meant to work as explanation, justification for the end of the story. As in, I thought the mess of the war in canon and Robert’s Rebellion were meant to convince us that the moral thing would be to avoid war to spare life and that Jon would be KitN and kneel a la the king who knelt. The show’s bizarrely written inclusion of him kneeling seemed to support such an idea. Except, look at what the Targs became as rulers, where that ended for Westeros, and Dany has dragons and will have do her little KL bbq, so the moral thing in this instance isn’t submission, but neither is it all out war. I think that's the grounding for why it has to be faux submission then assassination.

I really don't think Martin would change his endgame now because of fan outrage or social norms, but imo, the foreshadowing isn't conclusive, or, I guess I should say, I see problems with every potential endgame, but particularly with Jon ending up at the Wall because of how it seems to answer problems Martin seemed interested in addressing. So, I think there's room for a nicer ending for him, if Martin wants it.

[therealcalicali]

PREVIEW: WHITE LIES AU - BOOK 3

“Eiriana….” Ivar said as he finally cast his gaze in her direction. “What are you trying to get at this evening?

“You forget that I overhear things. And from what I recall, you and your brothers have made an enemy of King Leif Ericsson. Therefore, any news of you being incapable of fighting would give him reason to strike Kattegat.”

Truth be told, he longed to cause great havoc. Not only against the likes of King Alfred and Värro. But also with Prince Hallmund; whom he blamed for introducing you to his cousin in the first place. However, it seemed wiser to leave such battles for another time.  

“I will make my health a priority.” Ivar relented. “But do not make whispering in my ear, a new habit. That is the duty of my Advisors. Understand?”

“Of course, my King. But also remember, until Queen Y/N’s return,  do not behave like a jilted lover. Break things in private if you must. But desist with these outbursts that cause tongues to wag.”

“Go away, Eiriana!.” Ivar hissed with eyes darkened by rage. He then returned focus to his meal. "I do not want you here when my brother arrives.”

“As you wish.”

“Ronan, you boast a great deal in Värro’s absence.” Princess Tiffally countered; sounding far older than her fifteen years. “But you never make such claims otherwise; even Maester Gilead calls you a braggart.”

“Maester who?”

“You know very well who he is. We have all been under his tutelage; at one time or another.”

“Hmm, the name is still unfamiliar. But then again, I do not make habit of gossiping with servants.”

“But you make habit of placing bets with them.” Eleven year old Princess Dorrit interjected to the amusement of everyone.

As the debate continued, King Daegar set a hand upon the Queen’s own. But though she did not shrink away from his touch, Lythia made it clear that she would protect Värro without his blessings.

“My wife….” King Daegar whispered. “We cannot mistreat Queen Y/N based upon emotion. Moreover, I have already given my word as host and cannot withdraw such a promise.”

“Then my position remains unchanged. Or have you forgotten the girl is wedded to Ivar Ragnarsson?”

“Aye, this I know.”

“Yet, you remain apathetic.”

Though frustrated to no end, King Daegar listened to his wife’s concerns. But without realizing it, a smile soon crossed his face.

“Do you find the subject matter amusing?” Queen Lythia snapped.

“Not at all. It is only that you remind me of my late Aunt; Lady Elastane. She too possessed great wit. However, she could be overprotective to a fault.”

“Well, at lease she would be concerned for Värro.”

“That is hardly fair. I also want the best for him, and the rest of our children.”

Regrettably, his words fell on deaf ears. So as the feast continued, the topic was dropped entirely.

“Father, I would like to join Värro in his duties upon his return.” Prince Ronan abruptly announced to the astonishment of his parents and Ser Barrish. “Obviously, find matters of state to be a chore most times. But perhaps it is high time I participated formally. After all, I am heir to the throne.”

Though wary of Ronan’s sudden show of interest, King Daegar nodded. But Queen Lythia was exceedingly pleased. For it had been her prayer for her two eldest to work side-by-side. And if God was kind, they could even behave more like brothers than feuding rivals.

“This is exhilarating!” Prince Ronan declared with a boyish grin. “Now I can hardly wait for Värro and Queen Y/N’s arrival.”

“Is that true?” Asfrid asked Prince Värro. “You will convince mother to allow me riding lessons?”

Certainly, Torsten’s illness was a source of despair for all aboard the vessel. However, no one felt the impact more than your kindhearted daughter. For this reason, your brother Kori, and Huntsman Icarus provided distractions whenever possible. But on this particular afternoon, Värro volunteered his services.

Thus, as the two chatted in the lounging cabin, he filled Asfrid’s mind with happy thoughts.

“I cannot guarantee your mother's blessings. However, we can improve our chances by taking the right approach.”

“How, may I ask?”

“Firstly, we need to host a proper Name-Day celebration; since hers passed without ceremony. And with you knowing her tastes better than anyone…” Värro said as Asfrid’s eyes widened with anticipation. “You shall take charge.”

“Really?”

With a nod, Värro told Asfrid that she could choose everything down to the last detail. A thought that made her clasp her hands gleefully. But after processing the notion a while longer, your daughter's smile gradually became a pout.

“I have no coin to my name.” Asfrid sadly confessed. “And mother says I cannot carry any until I am much older.”

“Your Highness, it would be an honor to bear the costs. Especially since I requested your guidance in the first place. So, are we surprising your mother…or not? ”

“Oh, yes Prince Värro! And I shall do my very best.”

[nautiscarader]

Fertile Friday-Molly takes Ollie's load and ends up pregnant

(this kinda goes with the previous Mollie drabble)

"Give me your load..."

"W-what?", Ollie froze, hearing his girlfriend's command.

"The box you're hauling, lemme help ya", Molly clarified and she grabbed the other end of the elongated box containing their belongings.

They have just moved in, their own small flat, now littered with other cartons. It reminded her of the day his family moved in next door, and how she fell in love with him...

"Darn it's hot", he muttered and took off his shirt, as the heavy box was put to the floor.

"Okay, this is not fair", Molly protested, "You-you just cannot undress, and-and show me those perfect abs..."

"Molly, I barely have any muscles here."

"Ssh, I'm talking", she continued, tracing her finger across his slightly muscular chest, "And it is just not fair, like, this is a perfect porn opening setup. What am I supposed to do?"

Molly looked up at her flabbergasted boyfriend. And as their eyes met, they both knew the answer.

Molly jumped into his arms, her legs locking behind him, and the two waltzed towards their bedroom, until Ollie reminded her of one important detail, breaking their kiss.

"We haven't put the bed together yet"

"Then take me against the wall", she spoke in low, sultry voice, as she fumbled with her panties, slipping them just enough to let him slide in.

"No foreplay?"

"No. Take me raw and let's mark this place as o-OURS!"

Molly yelped as his tip pushed her lips apart and made her feel the texture of the wall behind her. Ollie secured the back of her head with his hand, as he did exactly what she asked for: taking her raw and ruthless, though accentuating each thrust with a kiss.

Molly hold onto his shoulders, her legs locked firmly behind his back, responding to each and every push that made her feel like he was trying to demolish the wall behind her.

And with each one, her mind was filled with images of their future, with their place decorated, and full of joy as the two began their adult life as a couple...

"Molly...!", a sudden grunt from Ollie interrupted her fantasy, "I-m-!"

"Inside!", Molly answered at once, tightening her grip around him, her lips silencing any worries.

The next moment her body shook as his thumb toyed with her clit, the sensation strengthening with every pulse of thick seed shooting deep inside her.

The young couple stayed locked in their blissful moment of pleasure, slowly slumping to the ground, their bodies and lips still locked.

"That was a good test run", Ollie huffed, admiring Molly's reddened face, stricken with post-orgasmic bliss.

"Yeah... but we still have lots to do, so put on your shirt, mister, so you don't distract me."

She tossed the shirt at him and let him help stand her up. She pulled her panties up, feeling the warmth of the creampie that has now been trapped inside her. She made sure to remember to deal with it later.

But with tons of work to do around their new place, she never did. And now, months later, as Molly got used to her new, pregnant body, she could never walk past that wall without being reminded of the heated moment that marked the beginning of their new, extended family...

[piningeddiediaz]

Hii, so a question about TDT. I read TRC years ago and loved it ofc, it's one of my favorite ya series and i still think about it regularly. Gansey and adam were my favs but i still looked forward to CDTH so much, but :( i ended up not liking it all that much. I didn't connect with the new characters the way i did with the gangsey, and i barely remember the plot, except that they drove around a lot, this one girl dreamed clones of herself and declan was there. MI is on my shelf but i've never read it. So, should i continue reading? Why/why not? Does it get "better" in MI? I want to love TDT, especially since i know the last book will be out this year but idk :/

Hi! I completely understand what you’re saying - personally, I felt the same way too. I didn’t (and maybe still don’t, though it got better with MI) connect with the new characters in the way I connected with the gangsey either. But i think that’s the point? the overall themes/message trc is very different to the ones in tdt. trc, at it’s core, was a story about friendship. yeah they searched for this dead welsh king together and in doing so went through these major personal developments, but in all the challenges they faced their strength came from their bonds with each other. the impact of trc hinged on us as the reader’s connecting with the characters and their relationships with each other, because it was those relationships that led to the development of each character. adam’s development in the books doesn’t hit until you take it in conjunction with his ability to accept his friends’ love, for example.

tdt is, i think, very different from that. it’s not an arthurian tale about friendship. it’s much darker, much sinister, because it’s about the struggles of someone who physically cannot fit in. magic is a metaphor for chronic illness, and the helplessness that ronan and hennessy feel in relation to their powers, matthew and jordan’s restlessness as they grapple with their lack of identity away from their dreamers, declan’s own conflict as he tries to protect his family but feels his facade slip away - the tone is completely different, and admittedly, it can be hard to get used to after the more hopeful tone of trc. it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s completely valid!

i can’t tell you if you should carry on, but i can tell you what made me stick to it. to me, this is a story about ronan, and i think mstief is telling a really compelling one. ronan ended trc in a place where he may have accepted himself, but he didnt understand himself. whilst everyone else had in some ways healed, ronan still hadn’t. he ended it with an understanding on his powers and love in the form of adam - and the main question of the series (and certainly of mi) was: is that enough for him? ronan is still on a journey of discovery, one that he had started in trc but hadnt finished there, and i needed to experience that journey with him. this series is about healing from the things you never thought you could escape, and i want to see ronan reach that point. declan was also a big selling point for me - i liked him since trb, and the best thing tdt did for me is finally show us the depths of declan! i didnt feel any connection to the new characters in cdth (tho that did change a bit in mi) but the story that is being told about the lynch brothers is the main thing i care about.

that was probably in far more detail than you wanted 😂 but in summary, i recommend maybe trying out mi and see if it helps? if it doesn’t, that’s completely fair bcos like i said, tdt deals with much more serious, darker themes than trc. but if you do try reading it, let me know what you think!

[lilxberry]

Hardly Burglar Material - Bilbo Baggins

Requested by: @donniethescienceguy​

Helloooooooo! Can I have a Bilbo x hobbit wife reader where after Thorin insults him (in the beginning when he arrives) she defends him and Thorins like: are you sure it’s the male Baggins we want?

I mean, I still did as what was requested but man, did I not know where tf this was going lmao

I followed quite a bit of the manuscript of the film, the only alteration is when reader confronts Thorin

Warnings: Nothing really. Asshole Thorin. Terrible writing lmao. 

Words: 1,796

Pairings: Bilbo Baggins x Reader (female reader) (wife!reader)

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You hadn’t expected your quiet evening meal with your husband to be interrupted but when a dwarf, a big, burly, tattooed, balding, towering one at that knocks your door, there certainly isn’t much you can do.

After the dwarf, who introduced himself as Dwalin, had entered your home and devoured your husbands fish dinner, to which you offered Bilbo your own meal, more and more knocks sounded at the door, each one miffing your husband further and further until he had finally had enough.

“There’s nobody home!” he shouted as another sound came from the front door, arms holding up the abundance of weapons the two brothers’, Fíli and Kíli, loaded on to him.

You felt terrible, watching as your husband becomes frustrated, not knowing what to do other than spectate in concern.

He tossed the items down out of his arms as he stormed towards the door, shouting at whoever was on the other side. “Go away and bother somebody else! There are far too many dwarves in my dining room as it is.”

Bilbo closes in on the door. “I-I-If this is some plotheads idea of a joke,” he laughed in disbelief before grasping the door handle in his hand. “I can only say, it is in very poor taste.”

With that, he pulled the door open and in comes tumbling through the doorway a cluster of dwarves, all grumbling and whining at the other to get off of them. Bilbo and yourself, who stood a few steps behind, looked down at the mess of moving bodies on the floor before his feet, dumbfounded expressions on both of your faces.

Movement behind the pile up caught both yours and Bilbos’ attention, and once the tall figure bent down ever so slightly to reveal himself, your face twisted into that of utter confusion as your husband sighs in exasperation.

“Gandalf.”

_______________

Although you were concerned for your husband, you couldn’t help but find the whole situation quite amusing. You found some of the dwarven folk that had invaded your shared home to be quite a fun, entertaining bunch.

Of course, you were concerned about the possessions within your home, hoping that the dwarves leave your home relatively untouched and that your husband wouldn’t have some sort of mental breakdown.

Your uninvited guests had pillaged the pantry of its food. The race of dwarves certainly did have quite an appetite. Even Gandalf had nibbled on quite a bit of food.

The rowdiness of the dwarves had calmed slightly, if only for moment when they downed whatever drink they had. Even the ridiculous and frankly disgusting belching afterwards was calmer than their initial arrival.

Yet that was quickly replaced with plates, platers, knives, forks, and spoons were tossed from one dwarf to another as they sang a merry tune. Bilbo was quick with demanding caution and for things to be put down. Even you were slightly worried for your kitchen utensils.

The dwarves released hearty laughter when you and Bilbo peered into the kitchen and had seen that everything was clean and stacked, Gandalf chuckling along with them as both you and Bilbo simultaneously release sighs of relief.

Then, the atmosphere became tense as three, loud knocks sound at your front door for a final time that night.

The laughter died out instantly and Gandalf spoke quite ominously. “He’s here.”

_______________

You couldn’t really pinpoint what exactly was unsettled you so much when it came to the dark-haired dwarf who sat at the head of the table. Maybe his stature. Possibly his stoic expression.

Most likely the look behind his eyes.

Well, you certainly didn’t like him all that much whenever he addressed your husband.

Most of the conversation between the dwarves and Gandalf became muffled when reaching your ears, certainly seeing no point in listening in on their talk. The second your husbands voice rang out through the room though had piqued your interest and your attention was brought to the conversation.

They spoke of The Lonely Mountain, the dragon Smaug, how they were on a quest to reclaim their home. Gandalf had produced not only a map of some forts but a key, a key the dwarves seemed to become quite excited about.

You also happened to admire the young dwarfs’ courage. Ori.

Then, the topic of a burglar arrived.

“That’s why we need a burglar,” Ori spoke.

“Hmm, and a good one too. An expert I’d imagine.” Bilbo moves back from peering down at the map, holding on to his suspenders.

“And are you?”

Bilbo glances around to behind him before looking towards the dwarves once more. “Am I what?”

“He said he’s an expert!” Oin spoke cheerily. Of course, the dwarf with the horn to aid his hearing would say as such.

“Me? No, no, no, no, no,” your husband started, eyes darting to each dwarf, hoping his point would get across. “I’m not a burglar. I’ve never stolen a thing in my life.”

You nodded your head in agreement. As much as you love your husband, he is quite the stickler for following rules.

“I’m afraid I have to agree with Mister Baggins,” Balin was next to speak. “He’s hardly burglar material.”

You supressed a chuckle as Bilbo, although relieved that someone agreed, looked the tiniest bit offended.

The group of dwarves began to chatter and raise in volume, no words could actually be comprehended by yourself, it all a jumble of noises. Then Gandalf raised out of the seat slightly, his voice booming over the racket the dwarves created.

“ENOUGH! IF I SAY BILBO BAGGINS IS A BURGLAR,” he lowered his voice with each following word. “Then a burglar he is.” Bilbo looked as if he wanted to protest but no words left his mouth.

“Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet,” he continued. “In fact, they can pass by unseen by most if they chose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a Hobbit is all but unknown to them which gives us an distinct advantage.”

The whole discussion about your husband was unnerving for you. You disliked how your husband was talked of like a ploy in some silly game.

“This quest is no place for gentlefolk.” Thorins’ tone was as if the words left a vile taste in his mouth, clearly showing his disgust for your husband. “He probably wouldn’t last 5 miles away from his precious little home. Look at him, Gandalf! He isn’t made for such things, it’s as clear as day. His big feet and rounded belly would slow us down. Your little Hobbit would cry out for home within a day.”

Your blood boiled with each word he spoke, an anger rising in you which you desperately tried to keep down. Your nails dug into the palms of your hands and your jaw was clenched tightly shut, but enough was enough.

“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF MY HUSBAND LIKE THAT?! NO LESS WHILST YOU ARE IN HIS HOME AND IN HIS PRESENCE!”

Your outburst caught the attention of every soul in the dining room around the table. Their eyes settled on your figure that stepped closer and closer to them up to the point where you stood glaring down at Thorin right beside his seat. Even Bilbos’ eyes were wide and looked almost ready to pop right out of their sockets.

“My husband may not be a fighter like you…you BRASS DWARVES! But he deserves no less respect. I will not stand for someone speaking down on my Bilbo in such a manner, even if they are some king,” you all but spat out.

Some of the dwarves looked offended that you spoke to their leader in such a way, others looked thoroughly shocked, surprised that a small thing as yourself had such a fire in you. Gandalf smirked as Bilbo looked like he genuinely feared for your safety. He had witnessed outbursts from you that scared him before, which were quite rare, you barely losing your temper, but for once, he was terrified of the consequences seeing as it wasn’t at him nor a fellow Hobbit.

But it was Thorins’ reaction that had you confused. He seemed…impressed?

Thorin turned towards Gandalf, a smirk of his own forming on his face. “Are you sure it was Mister Baggins you had wanted to join our quest?”

Gandalf chuckled and looked towards you and your husband, you now joined your side, who was silently scolding you with his eyes but nonetheless remaining the concerned, dotting husband. “I was certain on Mister Baggins being the 14th member of your company, but I would highly recommend you take a 15th as I believe Misses Baggins certainly has something of her own to bring to the quest.”

“They both have a great deal more to offer than any of you know, including themselves. You must trust me on this,” Gandalf finished.

Thorin looked at Gandalf and Gandalf at he for a moment, Thorin evidently mulling it over within his head before finally, he spoke. “Very well. We’ll do it your way. Give them the contract.”

Both yourself and Bilbo began to protest as Balin produced the document. He handed it over to Bilbo who unravelled the parchment and began to scan over the words, your eyes peering over his shoulder to read it for yourself.

As Bilbo and you busied yourselves with reading over the document, Thorin had leant over towards Gandalf to whisper within his ear. “I cannot guarantee their safety.”

“Understood,” Gandalf hummed in acknowledgement.

“You’ll be left responsible for their fate.”

“Agreed.”

Bilbo began to read aloud the text, brow furrowed out of concentration, your own face screwed up slightly, straining to peer at the words.

“Terms; cash on delivery up to but not exceeding 1 14th for total profit, if any. Seems fair, uhh-“

“Shouldn’t it be changed to 1 15th if I were to join?” you questioned aimlessly.

Bilbo nodded his head in agreement before continuing. “Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a government, thereof including but not limited to; lacerations. Evisceration?” He unfolds a piece further, reading before looking towards the group with a look of disbelief. “Incineration?!”

“Oh, aye. It’d melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye,” Bofur quipped with ease.

Many more ‘encouraging and reassuring’ words were spoken by Bofur, unnerving both yourself and Bilbo, though you hid it extremely well. The moment your husband passed out, was when Bofur seemed to finally relent.

“Oh dear.” You looked towards your husband laying on the floor unconscious with concern before turning towards the others with a worried expression.

Valar forbid you allow him to go with those dwarves and that conniving wizard alone.

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I mean, I don’t really have anything to say sooooo

If you want to be added to a taglist lemme know

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

_______________

LOTR / The Hobbit taglist:

@iwazoomingouttahere​ 

[imagine-a-life-like-this]

You Are In Love (M.YG)

Warnings : mentions of cheating

Word Count : 2149

Synopsis : while laying in bed, she realizes she’s in love with min yoongi

When my eyes opened, I was met with my boyfriend’s sleeping face, and a smile spread across mine. His arm was lazily draped across my body, unlike the tight hold he had on me when we had fallen asleep the previous night. Watching him sleep peacefully like this, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I am to call him mine. “What are you looking at?” He grumbled in his morning voice, his eyes slowly opening to meet mine.

           “The most handsome man in the world.” I whispered, leaning up to kiss his nose. He scrunched his face before pouting, saying I missed the obvious target and pulling me in for a sweet kiss. When we pulled away and I met his eyes again, his hand moving to brush some hair out of my face, I was hit with the sudden realization that I was in love with him. I knew I was falling; I’d been falling for him since we started dating. But being with him like this feels so domestic, and I want to wake up to his face every day for the rest of my life.

           “Coffee for the pretty lady.” Yoongi smiled as he sat across from me, placing both our drinks on the table between us. I thanked him and reiterated that he didn’t have to pay for me. “Let me be a gentleman.” He pouted and I giggled, completely giving into him.

           I was so nervous, playing with my hands in my lap as we talked and got to know each other better. But as the date went on, I found myself laughing more and becoming more comfortable with him. After we finished our coffees, we decided to take a walk around and enjoy the nice weather. At one point, he had slipped his hand into mine, smiling down at me when I looked over to him. “I like holding hands.” He said simply, his gummy smile on full display.

           “Me too.” I tightened my grip on his hand, and we continued walking around like that, telling each other stories of our lives, and just enjoying each other’s company.

           I met Yoongi through a mutual friend, Jung Hoseok, and there was a connection almost immediately. He was a bit distant at first, and I later found out through Hoseok, and then Yoongi, that it was because he found me pretty and got nervous around me. It took him almost three months to ask me on our first date, and then another month to make us official.

           “For you.” He said with a nervous smile as he handed me the plush he had won at the game at the fair. A blush rose to my cheeks and I accepted it, thanking him. “Those games are rigged, but I really wanted to win you something.” He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck as we slowly walked by all the concessions.

           “You’re cute.” I told him, causing him to stop walking. I stopped a couple steps ahead of him, and turned to face him, a look of confusion on my face. He just stared at me in silence, a small smile dancing across his lips that slowly grew into his wide, gummy smile that I adored.

           “You think so?” He chuckled, taking the two steps towards me, and slipping his hand into mine as we continued walking.

           “I know so.” I countered as I started swinging our arms back and forth, looking around at all the lights that seemed to brighten the darkening day. We made our way to the ferris wheel, completing our fair date night with a cliché. I looked out at all the lights, and watched as couples wandered around hand in hand, much like Yoongi and I.

           “Can I kiss you?” His question caught me off guard, and I looked at him with widened eyes, before giggling at his question.

           “You’ve kissed me before; you don’t need to ask.” I told him, and he wasted no time; cupping my face and crashing his lips to mine as if he would die otherwise.

           “Just let me be a gentleman.” He said softly after he pulled away, his hands still cupping my face as he rested his forehead against mine. The ride quickly came to an end, and we decided to call it a night.

           We held hands as he drove me home, his thumb running over my knuckles subconsciously. The ride was silent save for the soft music playing from the radio, but the silence was comfortable. When we made it to my apartment, he walked me to the door like he always does, but he seemed really nervous this time. I thanked him for a fun night and gave him a quick kiss goodnight. “Y/N.” He called before I could open the door, and I turned to face him. “Be my girlfriend.” He spit out quickly and my eyes widened. “I mean, uh, would you want to be my girlfriend?” He started kicking his feet and rubbing the back of his neck, and I couldn’t help but smile.

           “I’d love to, Yoongs.” I walked towards him, lazily wrapping my arms around his neck, and bringing him in for a sweet kiss.

           “I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch with Hoseok?” He asked and I nodded, asking him if he could pick me up. “It would be my pleasure.” He kissed me one more time before heading home.

           Hoseok wasn’t surprised when we told him we were dating, having to deal with our pining for months. He would act as if he hated being the third wheel but was actually really happy we both were happy. He’s taken so many photos of us it’s almost like he’s our own personal photographer.

           “God you two are disgustingly cute.” Hoseok rolled his eyes as he walked into Yoongi’s kitchen, Yoongi behind me with his arms wrapped around me as we cooked together. Neither one of us moved from our position, and Hoseok snapped a couple pictures. He definitely wasn’t complaining when he dug into the food and ate most of it, going on about how delicious it was.

           “It was made with love.” Yoongi smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my lips.

           “Wow I cannot wait until you two are out of the honeymoon phase.” He quipped, but I could see the small smile on his face as he watched his two best friends fall in love.

           Before meeting Yoongi, I believed I wasn’t meant to find love. Everyone I liked and dated seemed to treat me like shit; toss me aside for something better. I was scared Yoongi would do it as well, but he’s proven over and over again that he’s in this for the long run. And as I lay here in bed, staring into his eyes, realizing that he’s the love of my life, I can picture him at the end of the aisle, smiling as I walk towards him.

           “Y/N! What a small world.” Mark exclaimed, pulling me in for an awkward hug. “This is Jennie, my fiancée.” I looked down at her ring finger, seeing a beautiful diamond ring adorning it. “This is Y/N, my ex. She’s chill people though.” He said to Jennie. I smiled at her, extending my hand for her to shake. She did so with little hesitation. Yoongi slid his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him as he looked at the couple in front of us.

           “This is Yoongi, my boyfriend.” I told Mark, smiling up at Yoongi who was already looking at me with a smile. “This is Mark.” The two of them shook hands, and the four of us stood around for a couple of minutes before I excused us so we could go greet the man of the hour. “I forgot he and Jackson were friends.” I told Yoongi, trying to calm my pounding heart.

           “Are you okay? You don’t look so good.” Yoongi immediately led me to the closest chair, sitting me down and kneeling in front of me. He placed his hand on my forehead, checking my temperature while looking at me with concern in his eyes. I grabbed his hand from my forehead, holding it in my hand as I told him I was okay.

           “Mark’s the guy I told you about. The one who doesn’t do marriage. The one who was cheating on me; with Jennie.” He cupped my face with his hands, wiping away the tears I didn’t know fell.

           “Well honestly, that’s his loss. You are the most beautiful, kind-hearted person I’ve ever met. And because he was an idiot, I get to show you what true love looks like.” He ended his small speech with a small kiss. “Now, what do you say we go wish Jackson a happy birthday and then sneak away and go see that movie you wanted to see?” I smiled and nodded, taking his hand as we both stood up and made our way to Jackson.

           Yoongi was right. We just celebrated our 6 months last night, and I’ve felt more loved during these last 6 months than I did the 2 years I was with Mark. Yoongi always reminds me how much he cares about me, how beautiful he finds me. Not a day goes by without him reminding me. I was so sure I was going to marry Mark, but in this moment, I know that was just a silly dream, a wish. But marrying Yoongi, I can picture it. I want to spend the rest of my life showing Yoongi all the love he’s shown me, and then some.

           Come outside. His text read, and I didn’t even think twice about throwing on some clothes and meeting him outside. The sun had long set, and the stars littered the sky. There was only a small breeze ruining an otherwise perfect night.

           Yoongi was standing beside his car when I got outside, a wide smile spreading across his face when he saw me. I practically jumped into his arms, giving him a quick kiss. “You make it seem like you haven’t seen me in ages.” He joked; his arms still wrapped around me.

           “I haven’t seen you in 2 days. That is forever!” I jokingly exclaimed, throwing my head back to further make my point. A chuckle escaped his lips, and I absolutely loved the sound. I have since the first time I heard it. I could listen to it on repeat all day and not get bored.

           “You know what, you’re absolutely right. 2 days is far too long without you, angel.” He leaned in for another kiss, one I happily returned. “Shall we go?” He asked, pointing to his car, and I nodded, even though I had no idea what he had planned. I trusted him.

           He had driven us to an open field and laid a blanket down. “I wanted to star gaze with you.” He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.

           “You really are too cute, Min Yoongi.” We laid beside each other, and I listened as he pointed out different constellations to me. He would tell me the stories about them, and I would hang onto every word.

           “And that one right there, that’s Y/N Y/L/N.” My eyes widened as I looked at him, sitting up quickly. He sat up too, pulling a folded paper out of his pocket, unfolding it, and showing it to me. “As of today, there is a star named after you. Because you are my star.”

           “You really just went and named a star after me.” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. “Just take my whole heart, Min Yoongi. I don’t even want it back.” He chuckled, wiping away the tears that fell.

           “If I could buy you the entire world, I would.” He told me. And I know he would.

           “You are my world, Yoongs.” I admitted to him. And that’s when he pulled me in for the most passionate kiss I’ve ever felt. And it didn’t end there. It ended later that night, in my bed, soft moans in the air as we slept together for the first time.

           As I laid beside him, recounting all my memories with him, I realized I’d been in love with him the entire time. For me, there wasn’t going to be anyone else. Min Yoongi was it for me. “What are you thinking so hard about, love?” He said softly, a small smile on his face.

           “How absolutely, irrevocably in love I am with you, Min Yoongi.” I admitted and watched as his small smile grew. “I’ve always been in love with you.” I continued.

           “I am so in love with you, Y/N Y/L/N.” He chuckled. “And I’m going to show you that every day for as long as you’ll have me.”

           “I was thinking forever.”

           “Forever sounds good.” Forever sounds perfect.

[qianinterprises]

Bundled Joy {Part One}

Pairing: Kun x Reader

Genre: fluff, crack, minor angst, pregnancy au

Warnings: pregnant reader, yelling, teasing, overprotective Xiaojun, teasing YangYang, slight explicit language

Word Count: 2.9k

Synopsis: You have a secret that somehow, all of the boys discover before you have time to tell the father. Now, you just have to fight them to tell Kun first.

Author's Notes: I started writing this honestly because I was bored and needed something to do. I didn't expect to finish it, much less post it, so it's going to be pretty different from most of the things I have written in the past. With that said, I have also decided to make this a series, but, as this was just meant to be fun, I cannot guarantee that I will update regularly, but I will try. Also note that this is my first ever series so I hope it's ok! Please enjoy!

Part two coming soon

Tagging: @treasuretaeil

Movie night with WayV happened about once a week, usually on the weekends when the boys either had a day off or didn't have to get up so early. Most of the time, you were invited to movie nights because, in Hendery's words, "movie night just isn't complete without mom and dad together!" It, however, had been a while since you had enjoyed movie night with them, having been too busy with work. This weekend, however, you had decided to join them after not so subtle but ridiculously persistent badgering from both your boyfriend and the other members, particularly YangYang.

Kun had texted you earlier in the day and asked if you'd pick up dinner, something you were only slightly surprised at. Typically, Kun cooked and, if you were over, you often cooked together. However, with deadlines and schedules, you weren't surprised that he was a little too tired to cook a huge meal for six bottomless pits. So, after ordering food online and picking it up, you showed up at the door carrying 10 pizza boxes, four two-liter sodas dangling from your arms in plastic bags because you were sure they'd want something besides water.

As you were struggling to ring the doorbell, having no arms left to reach the door knob or fish your keys out of your pocket, the door flew open to reveal a grinning Hendery who looked more interested in the pizza's that your presence.

“Can I-” he didn’t finish his sentence, looking greedily at the boxes.

“Yes,” you said, almost exasperatedly, though you were glad to be free of the burning boxes.

He grinned gleefully and took the boxes from your arms, hurrying into the kitchen where Lucas and YangYang were already waiting, each holding their own plate.

With a small laugh at the antics of the boys you’d come to love, you stepped into the dorm, only to be greeted with arms wrapping around your waist and a small kiss placed upon your lips.

“Hey babe,” Kun said, smiling softly as his eyes washed over your face.

“Do you guys really have to do that in front of us,” Ten whined, making a disgusted face as he grabbed his own plate.

“At least we have the decency to go somewhere else for our extracurricular activities!” Kun retorted.

Ten was notorious for bringing guests back to the dorms and making poor Hendery snuggle with a reluctant Xiaojun in a small bed.

“Not every time,” Sicheng pointed out, his own face morphing into disgust.

You rolled your eyes. One time to Ten’s twenty, that seemed fair.

“It was one time! And we didn’t even do much!” you argued.

“It would have been different if he had been giving you some… special attention! But instead of seeing boobs, we saw the dick we see all the time!” Xiaojun complained.

“Why do you want to see my girlfriend's boobs?!”

“Better question, why is it so normal for them to see your dick?”

“Kun-gi likes to change in front of us!” YangYang yelled, sounding scandalized.

“We all do!”

“Oh my God! Can we just watch the movie and eat?!” Hendery begged.

With that, Kun handed you a plate of food and sat down on the couch, pulling you snuggly into his side as YangYang started the movie.

~

It was late when the movie finished and Kun insisted you stay the night, something you would have denied if you hadn’t been too exhausted to think.

It wasn’t unnatural for you to stay over, and it wasn’t that you didn’t want to, you quite liked sleeping with Kun. He liked to hold you while he slept, which was part of the problem. You knew you’d be needing to untangle yourself from him at some point early in the morning and, if you intended to keep your secret, you’d have to do so without waking him, which wasn’t an easy thing to do. However, you agreed anyway, letting him lead you to the bedroom he shared with Xiaojun and YangYang. He wrapped his arms around you and, just like that, you were both sound asleep.

And there you were at 5am struggling to remove yourself from Kun’s hold without waking him up as your stomach churned and half-digested pizza threatened to crawl up your throat.

After a struggle that took way too long for someone needing to rush to the bathroom, you finally, successfully, pulled yourself from the bed without waking up your boyfriend, however, the early morning struggles didn’t stop there.

Stumbling through the dark, your feel suddenly got tangled up in a pair of stray shoes (most likely YangYang’s) settled precariously on the carpet, causing you to stumble and nearly lose your balance, catching yourself on the bunk bed.

Cursing, you paused your movements to listen for any wakefulness, swallowing thickly to push down the creeping bile as YangYang simply rolled over and resumed his quiet snores. Surging with relief, you quickly, but quietly, rushed from the room, not noticing a sleepy Xiaojun sitting up, watching you disappear into the hallway.

You stumbled blindly down the dark hallway until finally, you reached the bathroom, dropping to your knees immediately and hurling into the toilet, holding your hair back until someone suddenly appeared behind you, taking your hair in their hands, allowing you to clutch the toilet as your body shook with the force of the retches.

You assumed it was Kun until Ten’s voice met your ears as a hand settled on your back, rubbing soothing circles.

“Let it all out,” he said softly.

You didn’t have time to question his presence as your body shook through a new wave of nausea. His soothing motions didn’t cease, even though you knew he was probably disgusted.

When you finally finished, you weakly reached up to flush down your sick before turning around. Ten helped you settle against the wall as you struggled to catch your bearings. However, when your eyes floated up from the floor, you were met with a tired, but concerned Ten standing near the sink and a sleepy Xiaojun peering in the doorway.

“What are you guys doing up?” you asked, voice hoarse from exertion.

“I was entertaining a guest when I heard someone barrelling down the hall,” Ten explained, turning his attention to the male sleepily leaning against the door.

“When you hit the bunk bed you woke me up,” he explained through a yawn.

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head and turned his gaze on you, eyes filled with concern.

“Why didn’t you wake up Kun?” Ten asked.

You sighed. You’d have to come clean now, because if not, they’d badger you until you did and then Kun would find out before you were ready.

“I didn’t want him to know yet.”

“Know what?” Xiaojun asked.

One glance at Ten and you could see the gears turning in his head. You simply let your eyes rest on his face, waiting for the question he was working on generating, steeling yourself when he opened his mouth to speak.

“Are you pregnant?”

Out of the corner of your eyes, you saw Xiaojun’s face morph, eyes growing as wide as saucers, lips parting into an ‘O’ at the sudden, accurate question.

You simply nodded before speaking.

“But you’d better not tell him if you both value having dick’s!” you warned. “I already have something planned out and you two better not spill the beans before I have a chance to tell him!”

“We won’t! We won’t!” Ten promised, a giant grin spreading across his face.

“I’m going to be an uncle!” Xiaojun piped.

You rolled your eyes and shifted off the wall to get up when Xiaojun suddenly appeared at your side, half picking you up, eliciting a small yelp from your lips.

“What the hell are you doing?!” you hissed, voice reaching a volume that would likely, accidentally, wake someone else up.

“You have to be careful now! You can’t hurt the baby!” Xiaojun exclaimed as if it should have been obvious.

With a roll of your eyes, you let him continue, crossing your arms over your chest as Ten cackled.

“Looks like you’re going to be dealing with an overprotective Jun!”

You let out a huff but resigned yourself to the fact that this was probably going to be the new normal, at least until you told Kun.

Xiaojun carried you from the bathroom and placed your feet down on the soft carpet of his bedroom floor. He slowly escorted you past YangYang’s shoes to your side of Kun’s bed where he lifted the blankets and tucked you back in. Almost instantaneously, Kun’s arms wrapped around your form, hugging you to his chest.

~

It was the next morning when the amazing scent of breakfast wafted into the room, stirring you from sleep in the best way possible. You rolled over, feeling Kun’s side empty and threw the blankets off your body, the cool morning bringing goosebumps to your skin.

Slowly, you threw your legs off the side of the bed, letting out a yawn as you scanned the bunk beds across from you, finding both beds empty.

As you stood up, your stomach shifted and grumbled, although you weren’t sure if it could handle Kun’s delicious breakfast.

Still, you made your way from the bedroom, meeting a grinning Lucas outside the room. He was standing outside the door, almost as though he was waiting for you to step out. His grin was a little more than slightly creepy and, as soon as he saw you, he began rocking on the balls of his feet like a puppy getting ready to pounce on its owner, something that wasn’t unusual for Lucas to do.

“Lucas?” you asked cautiously, already bracing yourself for the weight of the gentle giant.

“I wanna be the favorite uncle!”

At his words, you let your arms fall by your sides, a groan rising from your throat.

“I’m going to kill them,” you mumbled. “Which one of the boneheads told you?!”

“Your squeal last night woke me up, and then I heard Ten mumbling how amazing it was walking past my room!”

So your screech had woken people up. Great.

“Who else knows?”

With Lucas knowing, it was only a matter of time before the whole world did. If there was one thing Lucas couldn’t do, it was keep a secret.

“Pretty much everyone except Kun. Xiaojun said you threatened our dick’s if anyone told him.... But with as many hints and YangYang keeps dropping, it’s only a matter of time before he figures it out.”

YangYang. You loved the boy. You really did. He was so precious when he was crawling in bed between you and Kun on the nights nightmares woke him up from sleep. Or when he was crying as his legs cramped painfully. The times when he really showed just how young he was.

However, despite your love for the boy you thought of as a little brother, he truly could be a thorn in your side.

You pushed past Lucas and speed-walked into the kitchen where YangYang was, as Lucas promised, dropping hints.

“I want baby carrots and swaddled pigs in blankets for dinner!” He was saying cheekily.

“That’s a lot! Maybe I can help with that!” you said enthusiastically before grabbing the younger's arms and all but yanking him from the room.

“What?” he asked, as if he had done nothing wrong.

“I swear Yang, if you rob me of the joy of telling him, he’s going to be a dad, I will personally remove your gonads with a rusted spoon!” you hissed,

“Yeah, yeah,” he mumbled, rolling his eyes. “Good luck finding a rusty spoon without searching Jeno’s bedroom.”

You shoved him lightly, glaring at him as he walked back into the kitchen, you hot on his trail.

“Good morning sleepy-head,” Kun greeted, seemingly noticing you for the first time.

He placed a soft kiss on your lips and wrapped an arm around your waist, a greeting you loved but would never get used to.

“That’s exactly the kind of thing that got you into this situation,” Hendery piped.

Kun turned around, arching an eyebrow at the male as you sent Hendery the harshest glare you could muster. He bit down on his lip, trying, and partially failing to hide a sinister smirk.

You were going to end up killing them all if you didn’t tell Kun soon, but you wanted him to find out your own way, not because six boys couldn’t keep a secret!

“Babe? Do you think we could go out today?” you asked.

“Ooooo!” all six boys cooed, nearly in unison.

“Ok, what’s going on?” Kun asked, placing his hands on his hips.

It killed you how perceptive he could be.

“You’ve all been acting funny all morning!”

His tone was sharp and commanding, the kind of tone that sent trembles down your spin and heat rushing to your core with need.

“Oh! He’s using his dad tone! He must be-”

“Yang! Shut up!” you snapped, voice raising as tears gathered in your eyes.

His eyes widened as a tear slipped past your eye, trailing down your cheek.

“Y/N… I’m sorry!”

“Why can’t you guys just accept that I want to tell him in my own way! Stop messing around before he figures it out! Because if he does, I will never forgive any of you!” your voice shook with emotion as you spoke, hands balled into fists at your sides.

You were expecting a snarky comeback about being a crybaby, but no one said anything for a good few seconds before Kun broke the silence by clearing his throat.

“Where did you want to go?” he asked.

“To our special place in the park… for a picnic…”

He smiled and pressed a soft kiss to your head.

“Let’s go back to your place to prepare then,” he said.

With that, you sent one more look at the boys before following Kun back to his room to adorn yourselves in anything other than pjs.

Part of you was reluctant to tell Kun yet, wanting to wait just a little longer, but with the boys’ inability to keep anything held within the confines of secrecy, you knew you couldn’t wait any longer if you wanted to be the one to tell him.

~

After preparing a nice picnic while Kun was playing with your cat, Kun took your hand and led you to the park where you both had said “I love you” for the first time.

As you reached the grassy area, you separated yourselves from the playground where kids were playing and screaming, finding a nice shady spot near the hiking trail where Kun spread the old purple and brown blanket you’d fished out of your linen closet. You placed the brown wicker basket in the center and sat down on the blanket, pulling your legs in and curling them. Kun sat down beside you, pulling out the plates as you grabbed the plate of premade sandwiches and cucumbers, your heart pounding in your ears.

“So… how do you feel about... sitting on a picnic blanket with… more than just us?”

It was vague, you knew, but you didn’t know how to just come out and tell the truth.

He gave you a puzzled look as he retrieved a sandwich from the plate.

“Like… the boys coming too?” he asked.

Dense. Kun, WayV’s leader. The group's father. So damn dense!

“I mean like… children…?” you mumbled, heart pounding harder.

“I’d love to have children with you one day!”

“What about soon? Like… now?” you asked.

He raised an eyebrow and took a bite of his sandwich, swallowing before replying.

“Are you telling me you want to start trying?”

You sighed, resigning yourself to the fact that Kun was just too dense to get it without you spelling it out for him.

“I’m pregnant,” you whispered finally, the words coming out softly as a weight lifted off your chest.

The truth will set you free.

Kun was silent for a long moment. So long, in fact, that tears of rejection were gathering in your eyes and you prepared yourself for the “it’s not mine” or “I can’t have a baby right now” speech.

However, as you were about to get up and apologize, a huge smile broke out across his face and the next thing you knew, you were being tackled back, back hitting the grass as Kun held himself on top of you, grinning like a madman.

You were too caught up in the moment to care how the moment might have looked to any onlookers. It was none of their business anyway.

“I’m going to be a daddy?” he asked.

Tears of his own were already falling down his cheeks.

You couldn’t bring yourself to speak, your throat choked up from the happiness of his reaction. So instead, you gave a simple nod, your own smile mirroring his.

He rolled over into the grass beside you and pulled you into his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

“I’m going to be a daddy,” he whispered this time, almost as if to assure himself of the fact one more time.

As soon as the words left his lips, your ears were met with a surprisingly on key chorus of “awwww’s,” seeming to come from behind the bushes before a hyperactive Bella was jumping into Kun’s lap, licking his face in delight.

“Wait… why did everyone else find out before me?!”

[illogicalthinking]

The Burn Within

warnings: Some NSFW language (Remus), blood/ bruises mention, hurt no comfort and self hatred 

word count: 1883

authors note: for this fic i used a prompt by @just-another-ts-prompt-blog which can be found: here 

hope you enjoy!

Whilst the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ sides preferred to keep their distance from each other, they had to share certain parts of Thomas’s mind. For example, they shared a common area, and the imagination was split into two separate realms, much like Roman and Remus: Whilst one contained multiple castles and kingdoms living in harmony with each other, the other was a prison of living nightmares. 

However, this arrangement did not bring them any closer to each other. The light sides tried to avoid the dark sides at all costs. Remus often played pranks on the others such as swapping the sugar out for salt, spiking drinks with inedible products, and stealing utensils. 

This made meal times extremely difficult to control: Virgil would hiss and hide, Patton would try and fail to diffuse the situation, Janus would watch in entertainment and Roman was never around to witness. The only side that could keep the sides from murdering each other was Logan. 

Today seemed like one of those days. 

“Virgil could you please come down from there, Remus did not do anything” Logan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. It was far too early for this, Logan muttered to himself whilst taking a large sip of coffee from his “worlds best mum” mug. 

“He walked in whilst we were making coffee, that’s more than enough reason to hide. What if he put baby powder in my drink again? I’m going to die because of him!” Virgil hissed from his place on the top of the fridge, hoodie covering his frantic eyes. 

Virgil had been more paranoid than usual after the recent video. He had fallen back into his old habit of hissing at the other sides when stressed. It concerned Patton greatly. 

“Oh please sunshine, there is a higher chance of me fucking a woman with 3 arms than there is me spiking your drink again, I just walked in!” Remus exclaimed as he passed Virgil on the fridge to the dining table. 

“Whilst Remus vocalized his argument in a very unprofessional manner, he is right, we have been awake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes whereas, by the looks of it, Remus has only been awake for around 10 minutes.” Logan made sure to maintain eye contact with Virgil whilst voicing his opinion to ensure Virgil knows he’s telling the truth. “There is nothing to worry about Virgil, you are safe” 

“Thanks, L” 

“You're welcome, now please come down from there, it is very dangerous to be sitting in places you are not supposed to be sitting”

-

-

After the incident this morning between Virgil and Remus, Logan remained seated in the common room, his back straight against the recliner with his laptop placed on his lap. He was researching content for a Sanders side video they will be filming in the evening. He did not do this in his room due to not wanting another incident like this morning. Logan is the only side that is willing to deal with the incidents, while the other sides (particularly Janus and Roman) are too impatient and often make the situation worse. 

Throughout the whole day, Logan continued to research the link between intrusive thoughts and depression. Thomas had recently been showing signs of this mental illness and Logan wanted to bring it up to him via a video. However, there was a small issue, Logan would have to have all the other sides present including Janus and Remus. He needed Janus because Thomas listened to him more than Logan (much to the latter's dismay) and Remus represented intrusive thoughts. It would only be fair to have Remus take part in a discussion about him, even if the light sides had a problem with this. 

Happy with his research, Logan snapped his laptop shut. Due to none of the other sides entering the common room after this morning's incident, Logan concluded it was safe to retreat into his room because he was not needed to split up another argument yet.

To Logan's annoyance, it was time to film the video for Thomas' youtube channel. After the events of putting others first, Logan had started to dread taking part in videos. This was because Janus proved he could take his role as logic, and remain loved and respected whilst providing the necessary information Thomas needed. 

“Enough of the self-loathing, Logan, now is not the time,” Logan muttered to himself as he sank down into Thomas’s living room. This evening is going to be a long one for all of the sides, especially Logan. 

-

-

Logan didn’t know how much longer he could handle the arguing. 

None of the other sides were listening to his facts or solutions, too busy pinning the blame on each other for Thomas’s current problem. Roman and Remus were currently swords to mace, about to start a physical fight, Janus remained by Patton’s side trying and failing to calm him down before he turned back into a frog and Virgil remained curled up on his side, his hoodie covered the majority of him but Logan could still see him shaking. 

 Something had to shut them up.

I will shut them up, Logan thought to himself. Logan became alarmed by the sudden aggressive thoughts. He may have a short fuse but he wasn’t usually aggressive, not without guilt eating away at him. However, this time Logan had no guilt attached to this thought and he shivered at the realisation. 

This time was different he reminded himself and with that thought, Logan snapped

“Will you all shut up and listen to what I have to say for once!” Logan all but screamed at the top of his lungs, ensuring he was heard over the arguing. 

The silence that came after was enough evidence for logan to continue:

“People who suffer from depression often get stuck with a single or even several intrusive thoughts that arise frequently. These types of repetitive intrusive thoughts are known as 'rumination'.”

 “The whole point of me organising this stupid video was to bring this statement to Thomas’ attention and guide him with the help of Janus to seek professional help. You all arguing like a group of immature school children was not part of the script, now if you would excuse me I am going to make myself useful for once and leave” Logan huffed, glad to get that out of his system. Even after snapping, the guilt never choked him like it usually would, which disturbed him greatly.

“Logan, wait!”  Virgil pleaded, but it was too late.

“I said I was leaving, now fuck off and leave me alone” Logan hissed at him, the guilt still not reaching him.

Happy with this statement. Logan sunk out of the living room back to his room, leaving six shocked and petrified individuals behind.

“What just happened?” Thomas said to nobody in particular. 

“I do not know but it’s best to leave him alone, let’s just get this shit show over and done with” Virgil muttered, far too anxious about Logan to care about the video.

Logan what happened to you. Virgil thought. 

-

-

When Logan rose up into his bedroom he could not hold it in anymore. All of the pent-up frustration from being ignored for months became too much for the logical side, causing him to slam his fists into the nearest wall. However, without realizing it, Logan’s fist struck a family photo of all the sides surrounding a very happy Thomas. 

For some reason seeing the shattered photo frame on the floor and the glass sticking out of his broken skin caused something within him to break.

 For the first time in months, Logan allowed himself to cry out all of his frustrations. 

After what seemed like hours, Logan finally got up from his place on his bed. He noted that his eyes were swollen and his hand was covered in dry blood and bruises. He did not want to get up and clean his mistake, but he knew he had to because the others would ask questions and he did not want that. Logan did not want the other side’s sympathy. It was a little too late for them and Thomas to care about him but he had to stay because Thomas needed him. They needed him.

“Do they need you though, Logan? Come on, you’re just as useful as me right now and you know it.” A harsh voice sneered into the cold room. Logan immediately knew who it was. 

“Be quiet Orange, no matter how much Thomas tries to push me aside, I won’t leave because I am his logic, and Thomas needs his logical side. 

“Come on Logan deep down you know I am right, let me prove it to you”

“Let’s just say you were correct in your hypothesis, what happens after that?” Logan sneered. He was far too exhausted to deal with this right now, and he just wanted to sleep.

“Let me show you”

“If I trusted you I would be breaking trust with the others and Thomas and I cannot do that. Thomas’s welfare is my number one priority and I cannot cause any harm to them, no matter how much they have hurt me”

“Oh please Logan, Thomas has not given a shit about you since the beginning. Where is your video, Logan? All the other sides have an episode focused on them, even Remus! And Thomas hates the guy! Do something for yourself for once in your life and listen to me, I can make them listen to you but you have to trust me,” Orange whispered to Logan. Logan knew deep down that what orange was saying was correct, he did not just want to admit it to himself. Until now, that is.

“Fine, what do you have in mind?”

-

-

It has been approximately one hour since Logan had sunk out of the video, and Janus was getting worried. No matter how much he tried to get a hand on Logan and summon, he couldn’t. Logan was unreachable

The twins were arguing and Patton and Janus couldn't find a middle ground. Finally, they summoned Logan, needing an impartial side. But when he appears, something is different.

He was wearing a long-sleeve dress shirt, much fancier than usual. He had streaked eyeliner and his glasses were different. He was not wearing a tie.

“Logan? What happened?” Thomas asked, hesitant like he almost doesn’t want to know.

Patton had his hand to his mouth. He spoke up after a moment, “Logan, you look like… like a dark side. What did you do?”

Logan’s voice was quiet and soft like if he spoke too loud he might break. “I didn’t do anything. I didn’t try to do this, I-” he cut himself off, taking a deep, steadying breath. “I have become obsolete.” His voice broke on the last word and he clamped his mouth shut.

“No, Logan!” Thomas immediately disagreed. “We need Logic!”

Logan nodded, eyes still trained on the floor. “Yes, you do need logic. But . . . you don’t want me”

And with that, Logan sank out for the second time that night, leaving nothing but a cloud of smoke that soon vanished, just like he did.

The others could not do anything but feel the burn within. 

What had they done?

[five-rivers]

Danger First

Chapter 6

@pocketramblr another :)

.

Shouta trudged back to the staff break room. His counseling session with Midoriya had lasted a little over an hour, so while there were still teachers in the building, many of them had left. With the exception of semi-retired heroes like Recovery Girl, everyone working here had two full time jobs. Hizashi, despite his carefree air, had even more than that in the form of his radio show. Hizashi had probably left with the students.

But Hizashi wasn't either of the ones he wanted to talk to. Not today.

He opened the door. Three, no, four teachers were there, but Snipe didn't count, seeing as he was completely passed out on one of the couches with his gas mask half off. He must have had an early shift patrol today, poor sucker.

Nemuri was there, too, with most of her hero outfit on. She was applying her hero-grade makeup (water proof, resistant to three common contact poisons, and guaranteed not to react badly with mace).

More importantly, Kan and Yagi were both there, poring over papers on the same desk, no less. Shouta walked up to the table and looked down at sheets and sheets full of incomprehensible numbers.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"We-"

'Don't tell him!" said Kan, urgently. "This is going to be my class's leg up on Aizawa this time around."

"Haha! Good one!" Yagi slapped Kan's back, and apparently even in his skeletal form he could pack a punch, because Kan had the air knocked out of him. Before he could recover, Yagi continued, "I'm making personalized nutrition plans for his class!"

"What?"

"One of my undergraduate degrees was in nutritional and health sciences, after all!"

Wow, there was a lot to unpack there, but Shouta was more than happy to leave it in its box. He had other fish to fry and topics to interrogate. Small talk requirement fulfilled, he moved on.

"How well do you know Midoriya?"

Yagi blinked and put down his pencil. "Moderately so? We met about this time last year and have been meeting regularly since then."

So, so much to unpack.

"Why?"

"Ah, he... impressed me, I suppose? He was involved in the bodysnatcher incident last year."

That was an understatement.

"He had a lot of heroic spirit!" continued Yagi. "But... not so much in the, ah, body category. I thought it would be a shame, a waste, really, if he wasn't able to pursue his dream, and a hero school prep course wasn't really in the cards for him, considering his quirk status and the timing... And I did have this degree..." He waved his hands vaguely at the table. "I just gave him a little help."

"What brought all this on, anyway?" asked Nemuri. "Midoriya is the little green haired kid, right? One of Chibiida's new friends?"

"If you keep calling him that, I won't be held responsible for when he snaps and attempts murder. But, yes, that's Midoriya."

"So...?"

"He told me I was the best teacher he'd ever had."

Nemuri started laughing.

"Oh," said Yagi. "I'm glad the two of you are getting along so well."

"I think he's pulling your leg, Shouta," said Nemuri, coming over to pat him on his shoulder. "Man, I didn't think a friend of Chibiida's would have it in him. Such youth!"

"I cannot even begin to tell you how much he wasn't."

Nemuri's laughter died off.

"Judging from some comments he made today," said Shouta, "not to mention the discrepancies between his record and his observed behavior in the classroom, I'd say he's been the target of severe quirkism in the past, particularly from his teachers. Did he ever mention anything like that to you?"

Yagi's face darkened and the mood in the room grew much more somber. "Not in so many words, no. However... some of his comments about his teachers disturbed me enough to bring it to the attention of the Musutafu Educational Services District, but as an unrelated stranger without concrete proof..."

("You can use the acronym, you know," muttered Vlad.)

"You're telling me they ignored the number one hero."

Yagi made a face. "I didn't go to them as All Might. Can you imagine the media frenzy if I did that? I didn't want to paint that kind of target on young Midoriya's back."

That was fair, actually. If largely-anonymous Shouta had enemies, All Might had ten times as many. Not to mention supposed fans.

"Other avenues of inquiry were also fruitless," said All Might, countenance darkening. "I asked some of my police colleagues, but they don't have full discretion over the direction of their investigations, and, again, if I were to use my weight to move them... It would get out, and people would wonder why I was so concerned with an apparently normal middle school."

"Did you try talking to Nezu about it?"

"No? Why?"

Shouta reminded himself that although Yagi was an alumnus, he was also very new as a teacher, and was as of yet unfamiliar with Nezu's more interesting traits.

"I'm going to," said Shouta, "and you're going to come with me." He turned to Kan. "Have you heard anything from Bakugo about quirk discrimination?"

"All I've heard from him are explosions, threats, and some kind of complex I don't have nearly enough psychiatric training to- They're from the same school," he realized.

"Yeah."

Kan pinched his brow. "So, the sweet shy kid you keep gushing about-" Both Shouta and Yagi attempted to reassure Kan they weren't gushing, "-and the demon brat are from the same school."

"That is what their records say," agreed Shouta. "Did you know, Yagi?"

"Oh, that they knew each other? Yes. Actually, I was rather under the impression they were childhood friends, as Midoriya ran out to help him during the bodysnatcher incident."

Shouta grunted. It was possible. He hadn't seen the two of them interact, at any rate.

"I'm going to Nezu with you," said Kan, standing up. "No matter what else this hell school did, they deserve to suffer for inflicting Bakugo Katsuki on me with those recommendations full of lies."

"Why don't you just expell him if he's that bad?"

"Because he's talented, hardworking, and hasn't actually broken any rules except for the swearing. He's just a pain I wasn't prepared to deal with and will probably contribute more to my hearing loss than Yamada by the end of the year."

"Wait, wait," said Yagi. "What exactly are you expecting Nezu to do in this situation?"

"Well," said Nemuri, who still hadn't left yet, "let's just say there's a reason hid name is 'god' in the staff group chat."

.

Terrible did not even begin to describe how Izuku felt when he woke up. His skin was static. His mouth was dry in a way that hurt. It felt like a siren was going off in his brain, and also like it was too quiet. He wanted to both run all the way to the school and hide in his closet.

This, of course, left him paralyzed in bed.

He hadn't felt remotely like this since the first time someone had left spider lilies on his desk at school. What was wrong with him?

No, that was the wrong question. All signs pointed to him having Danger Sense. He was in danger. And also immobile in bed.

With a great deal of effort, he turned to his bedside table and grabbed his phone. The clock in the corner read 4:42. Far too early to call anyone. And yet...

With shaky fingers, he navigated to Mr. Yagi's contact information and pressed dial. To Izuku's surprise, it only rang once.

"Young Midoriya? Is something wrong?"

The sound of his voice loosened the terrible knot under Izuku's breastbone. "I- May-maybe? I don't- I don't know, I think so."

There were sounds of movement on the other side of the line. "What happened?"

"I just- just woke up, and I- I think it's Danger Sense. It- Something bad is going to happen."

"I'm on my way. Is your mother with you?"

"N-no. She's at a- at a tech conference in Tokyo. She won't be back until- until tomorrow. Mr. Yagi, I don't- I don't think it's something here. I think it's later... at the school."

There was a pause. "My boy, are you quite sure?"

Izuku's laugh was just a little hysterical. "I mean, I'm- I'm pretty new to this, but..." he'd like to think his flight or fight reflex would have a more constructive response to am immediate threat. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have woken you up, I should have waited-"

"Nonsense! Forewarned is forearmed, and time is one of the most valuable resources a hero can have! I'm still picking you up, I'll just-" Mr. Yagi coughed, "-take the car instead."

"The car? You mean Hercules!?" The excitement was enough to free Izuku from his paralysis and propel him into a sitting position.

"Well, yes, but, my boy, how did you know? I don't think I've ever mentioned the name in my interviews..."

"But you did! In one of your American interviews. It was for a local station and you and Mr. Shield were on together."

"But those were in English."

"I know! When I found out about them, it really motivated me to work on my English! I think I could probably pass the Level Two fluency test..."

"Young Midoriya, have I ever told you how glad I am that you aren't a villain?"

.

"Hikage, did Danger Sense ever make you feel this bad?" asked Nana as Yoichi fussed in the background.

"Super Anxiety made me feel this bad all the time. Sometimes, it made me feel worse. I got used to it."

Nana let out a sigh of relief. It sucked to Ninth right now, but if it was normal for the quirk...

"That's good, then," said En. "Not for Ninth, obviously, but if that's just how the quirk works, he'll be able to figure it out. What did it usually mean, when you felt like this?"

"Generally, that someone was planning on killing me in the next few hours."

Dead(er than usual) silence.

"Ah," said En.

"You know," said Nana, "sometimes the kinds of lives we led slips my mind, but then the universe is always real happy to turn around and slap it back into me."

Yoichi started screeching.

.

"Do you feel any worse now that we're here?" asked Mr. Yagi after shutting Hercules down.

"Not really," said Izuku. He slumped down in his seat and looked away. "I'm sorry, I dragged you out of bed and this is probably just a stupid pointless meaningless panic attack..." He felt tears begin to prick at the edges of his eyes. He was so stupid. And selfish. All Might could be out helping people right now. Or taking care of himself (which, according to Recovery Girl's comments during their training sessions, he didn't do nearly enough of).

"Hey, hey, there's no need to cry, it's alright."

"Because you're here?" asked Izuku with a sniffle.

"Well, yes, but also, even if it was 'just' a panic attack, I'd still want to be here for you." He reached across the central console to pat Izuku on the shoulder. Then his face twisted into something rather sheepish. "But on the subject of panic attacks, something did occur to me on the way here."

Izuku looked back down at his knees. "What is it?"

"This is the anniversary of the day we met."

Izuku... had known that, actually. Waking up as he had had driven it from his mind, but the date was marked on his calendar. He'd even gotten All Might a gift, although he hadn't yet talked himself into being brave enough to give it to him, and with what happened today, it would most likely languish in his desk drawer for an indefinite period of time as the idea of giving it became progressively more awkward.

"My boy? I can't quite make out what you're saying. You're mumbling."

Izuku clapped his hands over his mouth. "Sorry."

"It's quite alright. I'm just an old man with hearing problems."

"You're not old! It's... I just- I just don't see how- how that's connected to this." He gestured at himself in all his vaguely-trembling glory.

"Young Midoriya... you almost died three separate times that day. That's traumatic. And sometimes anniversaries are... reminders."

"I only almost died once?"

"The first time with the sludge villain, grabbing on to my leg- and I don't think I ever apologized for telling you to let go, I was just so surprised- and then the sludge villain again."

"But I only almost died the first time..." He trailed off as Mr. Yagi gave him a look. He'd thought his mother was the only one who could give looks like that... "Do you really think this is connected to that?"

"I don't know," said Mr. Yagi. "Do you feel like it might be?"

"I don't know," said Izuku. He bent over and knotted his fingers in his hair.

"Do you think it might help to stay home today?"

"No!" yelped Izuku. "No," he repeated, trying to calm his racing heart.

"Alright, alright. Never fear, my boy." Mr. Yagi gave him another steadying shoulder pat. "In that case, let's go into this with the assumption that this is danger sense, and it is attempting to warn you of a real threat."

"Okay," said Izuku. He rubbed at his eyes. "What do we do first?"

Mr. Yagi tensed and looked up at the top floors of UA. "Well..."

.

"Hm!" said Nezu. "That is something of a conundrum! The extent of your quirk is unclear, and it is not properly registered, so we cannot go through the official routes we normally would for a warning given through a precognitive or clairvoyant quirk, even given that we are aware of One for All and the probable nature of Danger Sense."

Nezu knowing about One for All had been a bit of a surprise. In retrospect, maybe it shouldn't have been. All Might would have had to tell Nezu something so that Izuku was allowed on campus before he was really a student, and seeing as how All Might was originally teaching here to find a successor... well, it made sense. Izuku just wished he'd been told.

How many other people knew was a question for later, however.

"Your inexperience with the quirk and other circumstances further complicates the matter."

"Sorry," said Izuku.

"Whatever for? It isn't your fault." Nezu did not wait for an answer. "Then there is yesterday's incident to consider... You say you felt something with the reporters?"

"Y-yes, sir."

"Hm. Yes. Toshinori, I so believe you have a contact who could clear this up much more efficiently."

"I know," said Mr. Yagi. "He isn't picking up his phone."

"You don't think-?" started Izuku.

"No, no, he just hasn't been speaking to me lately."

"Oh? I was under the impression you had been communicating with him regularly since returning to Musutafu."

"He thought I would change my mind about something I didn't change my mind about, apparently. It doesn't matter. What else can we do?"

"A good number of things, luckily. Midoriya, I am going to make a series of phone calls. I would like you to tell me if the sensation you are experiencing changes at all while I make them."

"Yes, sir."

Nezu began methodically going through Izuku's list of teachers, warning them that something 'like yesterday' might happened and going over lesson plans and safety procedures. Nothing really changed. Until Nezu called Thirteen.

(Oh, gosh, they were going to go to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint on a field trip today? That was so cool!)

But after Nezu talked to Thirteen about checking safety systems, a little bit of the tension he'd been holding onto leaked away.

"Interesting," said Nezu. "Perhaps we should reschedule rescue training until-"

Izuku dove for Nezu's garbage bin.

"-or perhaps not," mused Nezu as Izuku expelled the meager contents of his stomach.

It was a good thing he hadn't eaten breakfast.

.

"Hikage," said Banjo. "I'm sorry for calling you a dead-eyed emotionally stunted bastard with a warped sense of humor if this is what you had to put up with all the time."

"You called me a dead-eyed emotionally stunted bastard?"

"Not to your face, but yes."

"Well. It isn't as if those things aren't all true..."

.

"I'm okay," said Izuku. "That just... felt bad."

"No cancelations in that case," said Nezu as Mr. Yagi hovered.

"Y-yeah. Oh gosh, now I know how Uraraka feels..."

"Perhaps you should stay home-"

"No! I can't! That would be..."

Nezu held up his hands- paws? "It was merely a suggestion. Can I offer you some tea?"

"Yes, please," said Izuku, voice catching uncomfortably on his raw throat.

"I do have a few more calls to make. Do you feel up to staying, or would you prefer to head down to Recovery Girl? Or perhaps even the cafeteria? I imagine you haven't eaten breakfast."

"I'd like to stay."

"Very well." Nezu picked up his phone again. Izuku could just make out the click on the other end when it was picked up. "Am I a mouse? A dog? A bear? One thing's for sure! I'm the principal!" There was laughter on the other end of the line. "No, not at all! I am in fact calling for you, Tensei. Or should I say, Ingenium? I'm aware this is last minute, and you were planning on taking the day off- How do I know? It was quite simple, really- but between the break-in yesterday and a tip I received this morning regarding a threat to the school, I would like a few more hands on deck than usual. Why, yes, you can stay with your brother's class. Do try not to tease Shouta too much. He has a reputation to maintain." After a few more pleasantries, Nezu hung up. "Midoriya?"

"I... think that's better? I'm sorry, it's hard to tell what could be the quirk and what's just me feeling bad."

Nezu nodded. "In that case, I do recommend that you head to Recovery Girl's office. My other calls will be similar, and the other heroes will not be with your class."

"Why not?" asked Mr. Yagi.

"Because Midoriya's reaction to the field trip being canceled suggests that the danger may not be limited to himself or his class. Oh! And one more thing. Midoriya, I noticed that you put in some costume alteration requests. Naturally, most of them will not be finished until some time next week, however, some of the support items you mentioned are fairly common. If you have time before the field trip, you should pay a visit to Power Loader."

.

Izuku hadn't expected it, but he did feel much better after eating, despite his continuing sense of impending doom. It was also about half an hour from the beginning of homeroom, so he had the time to go to the support department and check if they had anything he could take.

He hoped they had grappling hooks. Izuku had always wanted a grappling hook.

Mr. Yagi took him most of the way there, but students had started to arrive at this point, and Izuku convinced him to go prepare for classes (and hide in the staff area so that no one would wonder why he, a skeleton man not recognizable as a hero, was at the school). Before too long, Izuku stood in front of a rather sturdy-looking metal door. He hoped this was the right one.

He raised his hand to knock just as something crashed into him. Ah. This was it for sure. The way he would die. The danger he had foreseen.

No. Wait. Never mind. He was fine, just on the ground.

"Oh! There was a person there! You okay?"

"U-um," said Izuku, sitting up and rubbing his head. "I'm fine, just a little startled."

"What're you doing here, anyway?"

"I- I'm here for... support... gear?" He sort of trailed off as he looked up.

It was the intense pink haired girl from the other day. As he watched, her expression changed from one of mild concern to calculating interest.

"Support gear, you say?"

.

Shouta answered his phone as he walked down the hall. "Nezu, I've already done every security check I can think of that'll fit-"

"Not quite why I was calling, although I can see why you would think so. One of your students needs to be rescued from the support department."

Shouta changed direction without missing a beat. "It's Midoriya, isn't it?"

"Why, yes."

"Did you send him down there without warning him?"

"Yes, again. You know me so well!"

Shouta hung up.