#We did say in the past we wouldn't close them but - well - we changed our minds haha

[haveyouheardthisband]

Submissions will be closed in one week!

To put it simply, we were not at all expecting this blog to reach this level of popularity (thank you!!), and thus were completely unprepared for the amount of submissions we got - over 20,000! At our pace, posting one submission per hour, it would take us about two years to do all of them (not accounting for duplicates, so the real ETA would be a bit less, but still just as preposterous.)

So, before the backlog gets even more ridiculous, we've decided to close submissions, effective one week from now. We don't know when or if we'll open them again, so get them in now - but do keep in mind that, ultimately, nobody knows if this blog will even still be running two years from now, so it's no guarantee!

To preemptively answer a few questions:

The blog is not closing down - we will continue to operate as usual.

We have no plans of increasing our post rate beyond one per hour. We have enough on our plate as-is.

We're still trying to work out a convenient way for songs to be added to existing submissions. EDIT: This has been implemented! See this post for details.

If you have any other questions, reply below or shoot us an ask.

Seriously, thank you all for the love and enthusiasm you have shown towards us and our silly poll blog! :-)

[acourtofmarvels]

Comfort - Cassian Pt.1

Summary: MC has a hard time coping with Rhys, her brother, being under the mountain. She originally leans to alcohol until Cassian confronts her to lean on something else...

Warnings: Alcohol abuse, mentions of vomit only at the beginning. Mentions of smut but nothing detailed (sorry)

Word count: 2k

"Oh, gods," Cassian groaned. He gagged, stuffing his nose into his arm to try not to smell it.

"You can leave," I slurred. My head was currently in a toilet, puking my guts out. Cassian was behind me, holding my hair back.

"Yeah and let your drunk ass choke on your own vomit and die? Don't think so." He gagged again as I threw up again.

"I'm not drunk," I replied. I was so very drunk. Of course I would never admit that cause that would mean he was right. And I don't like when he's right.

"We're having a long talk in the morning. You can't keep doing this every night." His voice was soft and full of concern. I wouldn't remember this conversation by the morning.

I would wake up with a pounding headache. A glass of water and a piece of bread with an elixer to help with the headache on the nightstand by my bed. I would see a fresh pair of clothes layed out in the bathroom beside a warm bath, kept warm from the magic of the house.

After my bath I would go back to sleep and wake up around lunch time. I would go to the kitchen and most likely find Cassian and/or Mor sitting at the table eating lunch. We wouldn't say anything to each other. I would eat lunch and then go about my day with whatever duties was needed of me. That following night I would either drink myself into the same pattern or cry myself to sleep.

I couldn't deal with my emotions very well. It seemed like everything was always heightened, especially sadness and anger. I found it hard to cope which is why I leaned toward alcohol. Just to numb it all. The night I didn't drink was punishment to myself. The guilty feeling just made me want to feel it all. I couldn't do anything to help him.

That next morning was different though. There was nothing layed out for me like usual. I deserve that. I never deserved Cassian's gentleness in the first place. It was never spoken but I always know it was him who left the stuff for me. Guess last night was the final straw. Whatever... I didn't care.

I ran my own bath and changed into clean clothes. I brushed my hair and pulled it up away from my face. I walked out of my bedroom in the House of Wind and went downstairs to the kitchen.

Cassian, Azriel and Mor were all there. I knew if they weren't out early in the morning they ate breakfast together sometimes. Rhys and I would join a lot in the past before but...

I wasn't ever awake for breakfast nowadays. If I was up that early I would skip breakfast and spar with Azriel at Windhaven. It felt like forever that I had been in the same room as all three of them. Thank the gods Amren wasn't here.

"Good, you're awake!" Cassian said loudly. I winced and closed my eyes. He did that on purpose.

"Would you mind keeping your voice down, please?" I whispered. I sat down at the table with them and some hot tea appeared in front of me. I loved this house.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you have a headache or something?" He didn't lower his voice. He was angry. That's fine.

"Azriel, there is something I wanted to show you," Mor said to him.

"Right, you mentioned you wanted to show me that. How about now?" Azriel replied. They both stood up from the table and walked quickly out of the dining room.

"You guys aren't slick." I rolled my eyes. I knew what they were doing.

"The drinking has to stop." Cassian went straight to the point. "You're not helping yourself."

"You don't get to dictate how I deal with my pain," I replied taking a sip of my tea.

"It's been 10 years," Cassians voice was soft and quiet now. "You have to find something else to lean on. You're going to drink yourself to death and I-... We can't lose you too."

I couldn't help the tears roll down my face.

"Our brother is in the hands of a monster. I cannot imagine the horrors he is going through and there is nothing I can do to help him! I can't save him, Cass... I can't free him. I do not know if he is okay. And I miss him so so much."

I hadn't let myself cry in front of my family since the day Rhys never came home. Since he spoke to all of us mind-to-mind that he couldn't come home.

Cassian was knelt in front of me, pulling me into his arms to cry into his shoulder. I knew he was crying too. We all shared the same pain. We all dealt with it differently. After a few moments of just holding onto each other, oh so very tightly. That deep fear of losing each other just how we had lost Rhys, we pulled away.

Cassian held my face in his hands, forcing me to look him directly in the eyes, our noses basically touching from the close proximity. "The drinking needs to stop, or slow down at least." He brushed away the tears on my face with his thumbs. "You are not going through this alone. We need you. I need you. You can't push us away."

"How do you deal with it?" I sniffed.

"I don't always. It hurts like hell and I'm fucking terrified for him... But Rhys wouldn't want this. He'd want us to be strong. For him, for each other, and for our court. Our people look up to us." Cassian pressed a longing kiss to my forehead. "You are not alone."

"What do you do when it gets to much?"

"Fight. Scream. Cry.... Fuck," he shrugged and I couldn't help but laugh a little. Cassian smiled when he saw he made me laugh. "I'm being serious. It's a great stress reliever."

"I'm aware. I just wasn't expecting you to say that when we are having a serious talk." I leaned away from his embrace, wiping the remaining tears from my face.

"You think highly of me if you think I can be serious for more than ten minutes." Cassian's smile matched my own now. We both bursted into laughter.

"Why did they send you to do the talking then?" Cassian stood up from his crouching position and sat on the table in front of me.

"Because Azriel would cave the second you started crying, Amren would most likely be the one to make you cry, and Mor didn't have the balls to confront you about it. We agreed that I could talk to you, comfort you and make you smile afterwards."

His smile fell after a moment of silence. "I need you back. This was the first time I've heard you laugh in 10 years. I need the old you back. And I'm not leaving your side until you are."

"I can't get back there. Not until Rhys is home and safe."

"I know... But you're not alone in this. We go through this together, okay?" Cassian held his hand out to me. I hesitated before I nodded and took a hold of it.

*** 5 years later***

"I gotta get to the Illyrian camp, Az is expecting me in 20 minutes." Cassian was walking around the kitchen of the cabin looking around for his things.

"Can't you tell him you're running late?" I pouted.

"You know he hates when people are late. He's already pissed at me for last week. 2 minutes late and he has a come apart." Cassian pulls on his boots.

"Yeah he really went hard in our training yesterday since I was late." I walked him over to the front door.

Cassian turned the knob to the front door and opened it slightly. He let out a yelp and jumped slightly.

"What's-?" His hand clamped over my mouth and he pushed me back to where my back was against the wall.

"Mor! Hey!" My eyes went wide. Oh shit. "What are you doing here?" He sounds so suspicious. Was he even trying to act normal?

The wards in the cabin will mask my scent and basically soundproofs the whole cabin to the outside. There's no way she will know I'm here until she steps a foot inside.

But if Cassian doesn't stop acting all shady then she's gonna know somethings up.

"Why are you acting all weird?" I could just imagine the confusion on her face right now. We are so screwed.

I was trying so hard not to laugh right now. Cassian's hand pressed tighter over my mouth. His thumb ran gently back forth on my cheek.

"I've got a female over. Look I don't need your judgement, okay? A guy has needs. But I would really prefer you not come in." Okay he's not wrong. He didn't say who he had over. Cassian is awful at lying so telling the truth is more convincing.

"Oh, really Cassian? Ugh," Mor gagged. "You couldn't have taken her somewhere else? This is our place. We share it."

"Don't act like you haven't brought someone up here to fuck before. We've all done it. Now, what do you want?" I smirked against his hand. I reached out my arm and ran a finger down the inside of his wing. Cassian inhaled quickly and tucked them in away from my reach.

"I left a book here that I need. Can I come in and get it?" Cassian moved more to where he blocked more of the entrance.

"Where is it? I'll get it." Mor told him where she left it and what it looked like. He closed the door in her face quickly. His hand that was covering my mouth now gripped my jaw.

"You cruel, wicked thing. Are you trying to get us caught?" He towered over me. His eyes flared with passion as he looked down at me.

I bit my lip and batted my eyelashes up at him. "Maybe," I smiled innocently.

His hand trailed from my face down to my throat where he squeezed gently. "You're so in for it tonight." He leaned down so close I thought he was going to kiss me. I craved it. I wanted him. I know he could smell my arousal.

His lips brushed against mine before he pulled back and walked away. "You're not the only one who can tease." He had Mor's book in his hands now. "I've gotta go. When you touch yourself later make sure you think of me." He winked at me before opening the front door and walking out.

Asshole.

Ok so I stopped the excessive drinking that day Cassian talked to me 5 years ago. But I was having a hard time channeling my emotions into something else. I think I definitely wore Azriel and Cassian out with the constant sparring. Which was a shock. I screamed a lot, cried a lot. Cassian was by my side the whole time like he said.

400 years. 400 years I have known Cassian and not once have either of us made a move. I know Cassian never did because I was Rhy's little sister. I never made a move because I didn't want to anything to change between mine and Cassian's friendship.

But one night. Just one night I was so tired of screaming and crying. My whole body hurt from sparring with Azriel that morning. But I still needed a release. Some sort of release.

I don't think I remember exactly how it happened next. I think 400 years of pent up sexual frustration finally broke between the two of us and neither one of us gave a fuck about what the repercussions would be.

And we haven't stopped since. We can't tell the others. No one can know. It's our secret. Mor and Azriel wouldn't understand. Amren couldn't give a fuck. I think she already knows anyway.

Azriel probably suspects something is going on. He is the spymaster overall. He knows everything. He hasn't said anything otherwise which I'm grateful for.

Maybe this happening between Cassian and I wasn't so surprising. I've always been attracted to him. I've always loved him as my family and best friend. Who am I kidding though? It's obviously been more than that.

We have something special.

I think he could be my mate. I love him so much. If he's not my mate I don't even care. I want him forever. I need him for eternity.

Part 2 continues here

[dollydaisies]

Can I pls request a BTS reaction? They have a crush on their friend who is not a celebrity, so they can't confess to her because of their reputation/job, but they are really close. One day someone from their company revealed a sensitive information about them. So, the members and the company accused her of it because they thought that she was only with them to become famous. They didn't believe her and also told her many hurtful things. But later it was revealed that it was not her but someone else and she was telling the truth. Later they try to reconcile with her and asks her to forgive them but it was too late. Can you please write it as angst?

If it's too specific for you, you don't have to write it. Thank you anyways ☺️☺️

my first ask! thank you so much for sending this! my bts skills may be a tad bit rusty, so i'm sorry if this isn't up to par with your expectations. im doing allll the research i can! some things may be changed up a bit, but i'm trying to stick to your prompt the best that i can!

summary: forbidden love hurts, and it sometimes builds up frustration inside you, which then turns into flipping out on the person you love nonsensically solely because you're overwhelmed. they had to learn to think before they act, and, now, they're suffering from the consequences of their actions.

characters: just to test the waters and see if you like what i'm doing, i am only doing kim namjoon. if you like this, i will continue with the other members i’m comfortable writing! please tell me if i did well or was a lil' off. i'll always take constructive criticism:)

kim namjoon never meant to hurt anyone, but he especially made sure that he would not hurt you. he cares about you so much, to the point where seeing you even slightly sad could mess up his whole day.

you're bts's songwriter and producer, but also their friend. when they make plans, they want to include you, always. even if they go to the beach for a run bts episode, they want YOU to be there after the cameras are off. of course, every single member of the group wants you to be around, but namjoon insists on it. you're his safe place, the person he confides in when times get hard--why wouldn't he want you there?

"are you sure you don't want to come with us on this tour?" namjoon looks at you with full passion in his eyes. he wants you to come with them, even if he won't directly say it. "you know that we will always want you to come with, right?"

that little "we" always gets you every time. sure, you know that it's true, and so does he, but that's not what you want to hear and that's not what he wants to say. you want to hear him say "i want you to come with," but it feels like he refuses to say it. he's only not saying it because it'll make his feelings too real, and he can't deal with the reality that you can never be his.

"ah, i know, joonie... but i need to work on the ideas you all gave me for this next album. it's the final one before you all go on hiatus, so i can't take a break," you respond, playing with your bowl of ramen without eating it. you're the only two in the kitchen, and it's quiet. "i'd love to go, but i just can't afford to right now. you know i'm short on money."

namjoon sighs, but nods. "i understand. it's just gonna be hard to be on tour without you."

you send him a sweet smile, then giggle softly. "you're such a baby, did you know that?"

"it's our little secret, keep it hush."

that wasn't the secret that destroyed everything you've built with him over the past decade, but it was more of a foreshadow. you felt excited at the idea of having a secret with him, but also dread--this is silly, though. you guys have thousands of secrets. you're best friends, and you always have been, so why is your gut telling you to fight or fly?

around a week later, dispatch reports on news that namjoon has never told a soul about--except for you. the moment his brain processes the information told to him by the higher-ups, he immediately gets up from his seat and marches to your usual spot that you linger in.

"get out."

"huh?"

your face is full of pure confusion, a bit like a deer in headlights. sure, you've had your arguments and fights before, but he has never been this harsh off the bat--hell, he was rarely ever truly harsh.

the way his eyes look at you with pure disgust, and the sarcastic laugh he lets out... it feels like you don't know who's standing in front of you. yeah, it's namjoon, but... it's also not.

"i knew you were desperate for money, y/n, but i didn't think you'd be this desperate. if i knew you were like this, i would've fired you sooner."

"namjoon, what the hell are you talking about?" you stand up from your seat, yelling at him a bit. it's obvious you aren't even mad, you're just a mix of confused, scared, and worried.

"you know what i'm talking about, y/n. hell, the rest of the world does as well, since you decided to go to dispatch about it."

he holds up his phone so you can look at the site he pulled up. you scrolled and scrolled in pure shock, confusion, and disgust. "i... namjoon, i did not rat you out to anyone. why would i?"

"people like you only care about money. figure it out, and get out of this dorm."

absolutely stunned, you walk to the door in complete silence, then turn around. he looks a bit lost in thought, then he finally sees you. you, whose eyes are full of tears; you, whose cheeks are red due to how panicked you got from him yelling; and you, who refused to yell at him back even when he disrespected you.

while he was so sure he was right, a pit in his stomach grew larger. he feels like he’s doing something bad, something wrong, and he doesn’t know why.

"i just want to say," you pause for a second, then continued. "if this is the real you, kim namjoon, maybe i should've been the one to expose you after all."

you slam the door.

months have passed, and you work at a local music store. sure, you write songs still, but they're not for anyone else except you. you refused to talk to all of them, talk about all of them, or even think about any of them. in your mind, bts disbanded the second he broke your heart, and your trust. truthfully, it’s unfair, as all the other members have texted you so many times and begged for a response, but you can’t think of them without thinking of him.

the store is completely empty, so you're scrolling through every single social media app you have downloaded brainlessly. the words you're reading are not completely processing in your head at all, they kinda just look like funky shapes.

one title, though, caught your attention.

"kim namjoon talks about trust, compassion, and friendship in recent SEVENTEEN interview."

your jaw clenches, and you slam your phone down. your tears are threatening to come out, but you refuse to let yourself still be hurt by him. he doesn't deserve your time, your tears, your anything. that's, at least, what you keep trying to convince yourself of, anyways.

the bell at the door rings, and you try to regain your composure. you

"welcome to good vibes, home to all of the--"

you freeze. you don't know what to do, what to say, or how to even move. are you supposed to say anything? it's not like he’s saying anything—hell, he has a mask over his face and a hood on his head, but you KNOW it’s him. now, he’s just staring at you blankly. you’re wearing a mask, so maybe there’s a chance—

“y/n,” namjoon softly says your name, and your heart pangs against your chest. it’s a mix of heartbreak, anxiety, and all the leftover love you have for him. “i was looking for you.”

you’re so nervous, you could burst into tears. you want to hop over your desk and run into his arms and tell him how much you miss him, but also how much you hate him for hurting you so much. why do you still love a man that said such unforgivable words?

“why?” your words were a bit breathy, and you began to chuckle a bit while shaking your head. “there’s nothing left to say—unless, y’know, you’re gonna tell me all i care about is money again because i have a job.”

“i’m sorry,” namjoon sighs, then walks to you. the desk separates you, but you wish you could fall into his arms. you keep your composure all the same, though.

“that day, i was so stressed. it felt as if so many things were happening at once, and to know that a secret that i only told you got out… i felt so much betrayal all at once, i didn’t want to hear you out. if i’m being completely vulnerable, i wanted to go cry,” he let out a small chuckle.

looking at you, your face was completely unreadable. it’s like you were thinking of so many things, but also of nothing at the same time. was he doing well? he doesn’t know. he’s just going with what he feels in his heart.

“in my heart, i knew i should’ve ran back to you and apologized; in my heart, i knew i should’ve heard every single word you said, because you would never lie to me,” namjoon balls his hands into a fists, then looks at you in the eyes, “so i’m sorry it took so long for me to realize that i was wrong.”

the store was tense, and all you could hear is the music playing so softly in the background as you stare at him. he’s trying to read your expression, to see if there’s any bit of leftover love in your eyes, but it just feels cold.

after a minute, you begin to laugh. it’s a full laughing attack, actually, and namjoon just stares. his heart dropped to the bottom of his stomach, because he’s not stupid—he knows this means he’s fucked up.

“what, did you think was a kdrama, namjoon? did you think i was going to hear that apology, jump into your arms, and say, ‘oppa, never hurt me ever again!’ or something?” you say these words while still laughing, and namjoon is still stunned. “what happened for you to come up here and say this to me? based on your new change in personality with… hating poor people and all, i can’t imagine you just woke up one day and did it.”

“we found who actually did it. it was our stylist, sooyoung.”

“so that’s what it took for you to finally realize i was innocent? instead of thinking back ro everything you said to me and how hurt i was, it took them finding out the real person behind the crime for you to realize i was telling the truth?”

you slam your hand on the desk, and your body is trembling. you’re on an adrenaline rush, but you’re also sad, scared, and angry. namjoon notices this and places his hand on yours, like he always used to.

“y/n, you’re shaking, please ca—“

“i don’t give a fuck, namjoon,” you yell, and namjoon is completely frozen. “i’ve known you since you were a trainee, and, yet, you still thought that i was some… freaky gold digger that would sell her friends out for money. do you know how much that hurts? to know that you think i have the potential to be like that?”

namjoon’s eyes begin to tear up, while your eyes have already overflown. your cheeks are entirely red, and you let out a choked sob. your head drops, and you let out a dry chuckle.

“for over a decade, i have been nothing but loyal and true to you; yet, it takes a full-blown investigation for you to realize how you did me wrong,” you then look up at him with no sympathy in your body. “it’s my turn to tell you to get out, namjoon. and, for your sake, never come back. i never want to see you again.”

he hesitates to walk away, and you’re staring at him, emotionless.

“what, are you deaf? get out.”

namjoon finally leaves, walking quickly towards his car, and you fall to your knees. you’re on the cold floor, shaking and crying, as you realize your life will never be the same ever again.

[foxsoulcourt]

An unassuming cheese-monger

It's truly amazing how much you can learn by listening and observing.

Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today Javone. Can I get you a cuppa? Why don't you look over the cheeses and pick two or three you would like to try. I'll make us a plate and we can go sit over in that quiet corner.

As I said earlier, my name is Harriet and I’ve been a cheese-monger in this shop for many years. Before you ask me your questions, let me give you some context for why I contacted your office.

I'm worried. Several of my regular customers have not been in the store in over a week. If it was just one or two of them, especially that particularly handsome one with the gorgeous suits, I wouldn't worry. We often don't see him for weeks at a time. But the others? I'm not sure I can convey to you how unusual their collective absence is, especially for this length of time.

How do you like the Port Salut? I'm glad to see you chose it because it's one of my favourites. Understated, but consistently delicious. Such a lovely texture too.

Now, while many different types of customers frequent our shop, we are known by busy professionals in the area. They count on us for a reliable source of high quality meats, cheeses, beverages, biscuits, and breads. You probably know that type of customer. Those executives who work long hours and rarely set time aside for regular meals, yet still want to eat and drink well while working. We show our gratitude for their steady patronage with delicious goods, prices, and hours which match their needs.

Even though we are not supposed to know many details beyond their name, a career retail employee like myself learns to pick up subtle clues about even casual customers.

Therefore Javone, I can reliably tell you several SIS senior staff frequently shop in our store. Partly it's due to our quality merchandise and, frankly, because we open at the crack of dawn and don't close until very late. It also helps we are an easy ten minute walk away from their home office through Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. That's just the right amount of time to clear your head after a troublesome meeting, isn't it?

Excuse me young man, did I say something funny? Oh, is it that name? I know, it seems a bit silly, but no need to snicker. <clears throat> Now, back to our mutual concern. I believe I have information you want, is that correct?

Over the years both Mr Tanner and Ms Moneypenny have become particularly friendly. They're terribly kind, both of them and they work such long hours. It's been through helping them I've learned to separate out which cheeses Mr Mallory prefers from the ones he does not care for, the beverages that gentleman in the beautiful suits prefers, and which biscuits to keep in stock for the often distracted younger man with the ever changing hair styles and glasses. He's always so kind to me. I really like talking with him.

Which explains why when I didn’t see any of them come through our doors this past week, I became concerned. They rarely all come in on a daily or even weekly basis, but not seeing any of them this past week felt downright odd. I knew immediately something horrible had happened.

Now Javone, what can you tell me? What do you know? And how can I help you?

[generalpalacefishgoop]

Transcript of the conversation between qBad and Pomme at Baghera's castle

Bad :Hi, Pomme! Good morning! How are you?

*sees the messages on the black concrete* Ah.....

Pomme :Hi Dad :'3

Bad :Oh no, what's wrong, Pomme? You ok?

Pomme :I wanted to leave a little gift for when she would come back

and... yeah... I discovered this

Bad :Ah, you saw the black concrete and the messages you had left?

Pomme :I didn't' see it before :(

Bad :While you were away, Pomme, all of the parents found black concrete appear in different places that were significant to their kid and, yeah...um well, as you can see, this is where we found your message, and I guess, since we went to purgatory, you know, no one's been by here to clean up or maybe before...maybe Baghera just didn't want to clean. You know, I didn't clean up Dapper's message, I don't think at all...someone else did...

Pomme :It's terrible because... they left messages for me too

I'm not sure if we received them, I don't remember well still

But one of them, it literally says they're coming to find me...

And... yeah I guess you all went there to find us, heh :(

Bad :Yeah, no we did. We did, Pomme. But um... you know we found you but we weren't necessarily able to take you guys back with us.

Pomme :Yeah... the earthquake happened, right?

Bad :A big explosion went off and yeah caused that... *sigh* Look, I'm sure Baghera is fine, Pomme, and I'm sure she's going to make it back here, at some point.

Pomme :I remembered recently

She was there, when the earthquake happened

Bad :Oh, you saw her? Yeah, she was I remember you were all in the little cages

Pomme :Yeah... she "was"...

Bad :But look, I'm sure she's fine, a little bit worse for wear, but I'm sure she's alright, and um...you know right now, I think it's just to...you know, wait.

Pomme :Do you think she's alive still...?

Bad :Yeah, I do. I've got some good reasons to think she was alive. What I would do, Pomme, maybe leave a message here, another one, just for her, because if your messages where somehow able to get to us, there's a good chance, they'll be able to get to her.

*Pomme goes up and places down a sign on the black concrete and places down a pot of crocus*

Pomme :Dad... I'm sorry we ran away

It was useless anyway, we couldn't protect you in the end :(

Bad :I think you guys running away, I think it was important to you at the time. You guys did it to protect us and you just want to keep your family safe. I understand that. I don't think you guys could have known anything that was gonna happen so, I wouldn't blame yourself, Pomme. I don't think you should.

Pomme :It was... a panic move. mostly

Bad :Hmm maybe but it also may have seen like the right move but Pomme, even if you want to view as a mistake, which I'm not sure it was, the important things is Pomme, is to not let our mistake drag us down, the only time we have ever truly made a mistake is when we can't learn from it Pomme. So I think in this situation, while maybe it wasn't a good idea to run off, I think you can learn something from it. Just think about what can I take from this situation and what should I do in the future, you can't change the past Pomme, but you can look forward.

Pomme :I do feel guilty but... your words are truly comforting :(

I'm glad you're not... upset, that much :')

Bad :*chuckles* I don't think I could be upset with you, Pomme, especially not when the reason you guys were doing it was to keep us safe, I wished you guys would have talked to us but, you guys did what you thought was right, and in the end, I'm just happy that we got you guys back.

Pomme :There was kinda... no time really

They were all very... panicked about the situation

Bad :You guys were caught in a bad situation, when someone is threatening people who are close to us, it's like a fight or flight response kicks in, (...) we often times don't think, we just act. Sometimes, the decision we make ends up not being the best one. But who knows, Pomme, maybe if you guys had stayed, something worse would have even happened you know. We don't know, we just dont know at this point. We never know what would have happened Pomme, I wouldn't beat yourself up over it. I think you guys did the best you could, with what you knew. *sigh* So, in the future, maybe tell me at least? Hopefully something like this never happens again.

Pomme :Thank you, Dad :') <3

Bad :Aw you're welcome, you're the apple of my eye, Pomme, and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you.

Pomme :I don't want anything to happen to you either

I love you, you're important to me okay? :') <3

Bad :Aw, thank you, Pomme, that's very sweet! I love you, too. I'm sure everything is gonna work out, Pomme. We just can't give up hope. Baghera will return to us, someday, I just know it.

Pomme :I hope so, I can only hope

Bad :Yeah, sometimes that's all we can do, Pomme, is hope.

Pomme :Like you did for us during all this time, I imagine :(

Bad :Yeah, that's a great point, Pomme, I never gave up hope that you guys were still alive somewhere, and look! You're back! So I guess my hope paid off after all.

Pomme :yeah, you were right to hope :D

Bad :Yeah! I was right, to hope. Everything works out in the end.

Pomme :You know what, I won't lose hope either

I know she's strong, there's no way she wouldn't

have survived it :')

Bad :I'm sure she did. This is Baghera, I mean, I'm sure she's probably tearing that island apart looking for you right now, something tells me that's the case. I'm sure she's fine.

*Pomme puts down another 2 signs on the black concrete*

Bad :I'm sure she'll get it, Pomme. Just don't give up! Just don't give up hope, everything's gonna be ok.

Pomme :I won't :') I will never

Bad :Nice! Good! No matter what, you just can't give up hope. Sometimes it's all we have.

Pomme : There's a reason I named by raccoon like that, after all

That's why you should, yk, not eat it

(shenanigan ensues...)

[joyswonderland1108]

Fanservice?

In the lights of uhm.. everyday's events because at this point there's nothing occasional about this, i wanted to talk about this one subject :

✨Fanservice✨

Or as they call it in Korean 팬서비스 . Quite honestly i'm not making this post for you know who because as much as i want to educate them they're hard headed so this is more of a general knowledge for everyone and whoever wants to add it to their Kpopictionnary.

Fanservice is literally the act of servicing the fans aka doing things that would please the fans. I know that a lot of people think that fanservice = gay activities or queerbaiting well.. It's not entirely true, maybe it's a form we are more used to seeing nowadays but fan service can pretty much be a very straight activity as long as it keeps the fans entertained.

As a kpop oldie (i'm no expert just speaking from experience) i used to listen to 2NE1 and a bit of Bigbang and these two groups engaged in fanservice mainly because both of their fans liked the chemistry between them, i remember noticing this about CL and G-dragon, yes they were friends but that didn't mean that to please their fans they wouldn't do a lil something to make it look a tad bit romantic

In more recent kpop groups, despite me not knowing them all too much BUT i know OOO (OnlyOneOf) have this one "Libido" choreography that is very.. HUM and personally i know choreographies are a form of art but i also think that it has a bit of an act of service. But then one should be able to not mix up everything cause one of the members, Rie, has a song called "because" but because of the nature of the song, what it is talking about, the MV cannot be considered as fanservice.

In other words, just because something looks "gay" to you it does not mean that it is automatically an act of service.

In general the fanservice culture is pretty well known in Kpop but contrary to the past where it somehow was a bit of a "mandatory" thing, now as an idol you either chose to do it or you don't, and many times within the same group some chose to do it some don't, as long as the one who choses to do it respects the boundaries of the person who just isn't interested in it, then they're just having their fun.

Now moving on from generalities to specifications, BTS, which i've seen a lot of confusions and misinformation going on about them and fanservice. Will i be one of those who will say that they NEVER did that? No of course not i'm not that stupid and blind, but will i just lie and say that up until this day they are still engaging in it? Also no.

Listen, kpop idols in general have a tougher starts, and BTS just like other groups had to engage in some form of fanservice which is why you'd find videos like this on YT

And yes this whole thing was an act of service, remember their lil games too? Aka when Hobi stole tae's first kiss lol well yes that was an act of service. But you know what else is an act of service? Fan meets, because whether people are ready to accept that this also falls into the fanservice category or not, it IS a fanservice, an idol basically offers the fan the service of getting to see them up close, hold their hand, talk to them, give them gifts, etc..

Now just like i mentioned above, it is a bit less tough in the recent years as idols now have a choice, which was the case for our boys. Things change, the same way personalities do, the same way our boys in the past had a certain view about what masculinity is and what their view now is of masculinity, our boys are just no longer interested in that type of fanservice since within the years they've been together they grew closer and it's easier for them to naturally tend to be affectionate.

In what i like to call their "lil skit" on PTD in Seoul Jimin made it very clear that they're not into "fake stuff", why do i think that maybe it's a skit to get the message across, it's simply because our boys do go online and they do see what people say about them and in a way or in another they always tells us what's up, so of fucking course they must've known about how some "fans" seem to downgrade their bond into just an act of service.

While some smaller groups are still a bit "forced" into that extra bond with the members, i remember seeing somewhere that some idol confessed they weren't even that close but they were forced to act like it, bigger groups like BTS don't need that anymore to push them further and yet "some people" like to still call their bond a fanservice simply because they have narratives that get humbled everytime and they're not ready to accept it.

Whatever activitiy a member choses to do with the other, this has nothing to do with fanservice whether you like it or not. Jimin attending Tae's music bank show is because he wants to support his friend, Namjikook attending and participating in Yoongi's concert is because they wanted to be there and wanted to do a surprise, any member chosing to hang out with another member or a member of a different group is not an act of service, they are human, and they have relationships with other humans which so happen to be their friends.

People need to stop putting the boys into a bubble they've created for them and anything that goes beyond that bubble is deemed unacceptable for them and titled as fanservice or "forced to do". BTS will ALL be in their 30's very soon, they are adults and very responsible for their own action, they are very big, very popular and don't need anyone to tell them what type of relationship they should be having with others.

I feel like countries need to invest in more green spaces because clearly some "fans" need to go outside and touch some grass they've been a bit too invested into the online community that they forgot that idols have lives and they can actually chose to be friends with members of their own group too.

With that being said, let's please keep supporting our boys, we shouldn't let haters ruin our mood or try to pick fights with us, the best thing to do is ignore what we can and report what is harmful. Have a nice day y'aaaall and STREAM MUSE!!!!

[azulcrescent]

Hi Azul! :) I started following your silly scribbles about a year ago, and seeing Cheryl model how she came out to her friends and family in the comic helped me articulate my gender experience better with my wife and even come out to my friends and family. Thanks for sharing your art! I also wanted to say that I'm sorry that you're experiencing poor sleep and burnout lately. :( Those can make you feel awful. I've had a chronic illness for the past six years -- and I'm fully aware that's something separate, nor do I want to equate it with your experiences -- but, at risk of giving any unsolicited advice, I do wish someone had said something to me about this when I first felt those as well. Because I was pushing myself to work for 2 hours a day as a special education paraprofessional in a wheelchair due to fatigue and systemic dysfunctions throughout my body -- so I had to quit my job since I was making my health even worse. When I stopped working, I was fully bed bound for a time but even still kept pushing myself to attempt grad school online despite only being able to sit up for 5-10% of the day. My point is that, even when our bodies are burnt out, we still push ourselves because that's generally just our human nature to do. And I wish that during that time someone had gently said it's okay to slow everything down and listen to what my body was telling me it needed.

With slowing down, I also get that finances are a thing, and I wouldn't have been able to recover from severe to moderate ME/CFS without my wife working her butt off for us to cover medical expenses by switching jobs and upskilling. (She jokes that she has no more butt anymore because of those years :'(... )

So, although this is stepping into unsolicited advice, but as someone who was burnt out and constantly eepy for years, I feel like it would be remiss of me to not try to say something and just give a bullet point list of free things that helped my nervous system not be so overstimulated and tired but wired that I couldn't sleep and even when I did it was unrefreshing and yucky to wake up the next day:

•Search for "ally boothroyd yoga nidra" on YouTube and pick a 10 minute video •Do belly breathing to expand the diaphragm (one of the few ways we can give input to our parasympathetic nervous systems -- the rest, digest, and heal system) •When breathing, breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4, repeat to tell your body it can be calm •Spinal flossing in bed: start from your lowest vertebrae you can, try to isolate it with your muscles, and shift it up down left and right, then go up to the next one •Listen to how your body responds to foods: maybe try cutting out gluten and refined sugars for a week to see if it helps in any way; a lot of our immune system is in the gut, and being in a stressed state can cause our immune systems to mistake food molecules for pathogens which then activates the immune system and turns off the parasympathetic nervous system •Drop your jaw fully open like you're going to yawn, then stretch your tongue upward outside your mouth as far as it can go and stretch it around. This is a stretch for the muscles near your vagus nerve near your ear/neck behind the jaw to help them relax •Plan a bedtime routine for the thirty minutes before you go to bed and be consistent •Brain retraining: When you feel stressed or anxious about sleep or being burnt out, compassionately tell yourself "Stop, stop, stop." Thank that part of you for bringing up its concern, then remind that part of yourself that it doesn't need to worry anymore because you are working on recovering and healing. And if the insomnia or fatigue do happen, you have plans for what to do and will be okay. •Remember the conclusion from the American TV show Mythbusters: https://www.tumblr.com/gretchensinister/678474387179077632/one-of-the-most-life-changing-things-i-ever You're still getting rest even if you just close your eyes. You've talked about having ADHD, and while I don't have it, I get that it messes up brain chemicals and can contribute to both insomnia and burn out. There might be a reddit discussion that speaks to you better about medications or deficiencies. I hope you get to rest. Cheering for you. It's always fun to see your art. Thanks for what you do! :) Sleepy cat tax:

Glad to hear you like my comics! And thank you for the very informative and helpful info on sleeping better! Ill try to put your advice to use!

[thebluestbluewords]

time travel shenanigans again

Rise of Red is driving me SLIGHTLY crazy with the time travel retcon, but in a way that’s making me want to write about how the timeline shifts COULD have worked. loosely inspired by this post.

"I don't know what that's like," Bridget says. Her expression, which Red is just starting to understand as perpetually stuck in a sweet, bright smile, falls blank for a moment. "I love my mom. It must be awful, not having someone who really loves you. If you were my daughter, I'd think you're the coolest daughter ever." 

Oh, if you only knew. 

"Thanks." Red manages, around the lump that shouldn't be in her throat. Bridget isn't her mom yet, not really. There's nothing for her to get upset over. "That's sweet of you." 

"And speaking of sweet," Chloe jumps in, giving Red's hand a little squeeze. Oh, please. Like the perfect princess knows anything about having a tyrant as a mother. "We're looking for a cookbook. Your cupcakes were amazing, so we thought maybe you'd have what we're looking for." 

Bridget beams. "Of course! I have almost every cookbook ever. Except like, the super illegal ones. I don't have those. Did you want to make something special?" 

"Just a little magical baking. I think the recipe we need is in the sourcer's spellbook?" 

Bridget's face falls again. "That one's illegal. I might be breaking the Wonderland laws that you remember, Red, but I don't break international law. At least not while I'm at school."

"But you'd break them out of school," Red drawls. If they can't get the cookbook they need, they can at least pump Bridget for information about herself. Half of her pranks back home only worked because she was able to get classified information from Maddox, or Isaac and the other guards, or swipe it from her mother's writing desk before she noticed a letter had even arrived. "That's pretty cool." 

Bridget giggles. "Well, I wouldn't say that. I...." 

She stops. 

"You?" Chloe prompts. 

Bridget doesn't move. Doesn't even blink. 

"Bridget? Hello?" 

"She's breathing." Red says. It's all she's doing. Just standing there, completely frozen, breathing. She's not even smiling. Her face is just....blank. 

Chloe steps close enough to wave her hand an inch from Red's mom's nose. "Hello? Can you hear me?" 

Red sidesteps around her princess sidekick to slip the back of cards out of Bridget's pajama pocket. It's not the same pack that she's seen her mom use in their timeline, but disarming her future mom makes her feel a little better. "She's broken, princess. We froze her." 

"People don't just freeze. That's not how human bodies work, even if we are in the past. My mom never mentioned freezing up like this." 

"I bet your mom never mentioned knowing my mom either." Red shoots back. "Or Merlin Academy, or how gross that Alchemy class was." 

"My mom," Chloe starts, and then stops. Just like Bridget. 

"Princess?" 

"My mom never mentioned attending Merlin Academy." Chloe says, bursting into motion again. "She only mentioned it once, and that wasn't until we were in the carriage on our way to school, a few hours ago." 

"Or twenty years in the future." Red reminds her. 

Chloe spins around, her hair flying out in a fluffy blue halo around her head. Her empty sword belt swings with the rhythm of her pacing. "More like thirty-five. Maybe more. I have an older brother, and my parents didn't have him until they were already  married for like, ten years. So we don't know exactly how far back we are, and my mom never talked about attending school until we were already in the carriage. And more importantly, you were in your carriage." 

"So what?" 

"So I think we started changing the flow of time the minute your mom let you leave Wonderland. I mean, think about it. The timing makes sense." 

Red considers the facts. 

Her mom never mentioned attending school - check. But her mom hardly mentions anything to her aside from how inadequate she is, so that's off their evidence list. Bridget is acting really weird - sure. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything, because Red's mom is really weird. Whatever statue Bridget's become, it could just be her brain rebooting to be even more evil. Or maybe she started rewriting time from the moment she grabbed the pocketwatch, and everything that's happened since then really is all her fault, and her mom would never have turned evil in the first place if Red hadn't gone back in time to try and fix her. 

Or maybe time travel logic is bullshit, and they're doing the right thing. 

"Whatever." Red declares. "We can think about it after we search this place for secret evil cookbooks." 

[arivsxq]

Pairing: Jungkook X reader

Theme: angst, friends to lovers to enemies

Warning: +18, mention of drugs, smut, angst, JK is kinda an asshole

Song: Friends-Chase Atlantic

Word count: 1k+

A/N: hey, I was bored last night so I thought “why not write a little one shot?”. Hope u like it and sorry english is my second language so I tend to make some mistakes. Have a great dayyy

One thing I learned in the past few months is to always keep your promises. I didn't do that which led to, me lying to every single person I love only to be with the man that I loved. Can you even call it love? I think so. At least from my perspective, but from his? Did he love me or did he love the rush of excitement that came with the forbidden romance between us? I don't know and I probably won't ever know but what I know is that we both screwed up. The promise we made many years ago had its purpose and we ignored it because we were blinded by the mind-blowing sex we had when none of our friends were around.

Now we're sitting here, pretending like the past months never happened, keeping up this facade for our friends in the hope that they will never find out. The smell of weed lingers in the air, taking me back to the night before everything went down. "You want sum' "J.T. holds a package of cigarettes in his hand. I stretch my arm slightly to take one and light it up before I blow out the smoke into the cold night air. "I thought you wanted to quit" His raspy voice reaches my ears, making me stop my movements for a second. "I've changed my mind" I try to make my voice sound as normal as possible but even an idiot could see that something was off.

We were very close, even before our 'little romance' but now I couldn't even look into his eyes. "You guys are fine?" Cora asks. "Yeah, why wouldn't we?" and another lie. "You two seem off. I just thought you fought or something" She's right, we fought but that's the consequence of fucking your best friend behind closed doors. They drop the topic fortunately and out of one cigarette becomes a joint. Our five friends talk and laugh but the only quiet ones are me and him.

"I should head home now. It's past midnight and I have practice tomorrow" I get up from the bench and take my bag. "How do you get home?" Dane asks, reminding me that he had quite a few drinks by now. "Walkin' " I feel his gaze on my body and before I can think any further he stands up and says "I'll drive you". I want to say something. I want to say no, I really want to but I can't because our friends are listening. I wave them goodbye and start heading into the dark with him behind me like a guardian angel.

"I can walk" my voice echoes through the darkness, making him let out a laugh. "What's so funny?" "When will you stop lying, y/n?" I stop in my tracks and turn around to face him. "You are scared of the dark. You hate walking around at this hour"

"Things change" my answer makes him laugh again. "I still wonder how the others never found out because baby you are a terrible liar". My eyes widened at his statement but also because of the pet name he always called me when no one was around.

"I'm not a liar" another lie. "You are. You never have practice on Sundays". Fuck this son of a bitch. How does he remember every detail about me and makes me feel things I shouldn't? "I'm not the only liar here" my arms crossed in front of my chest, trying to make myself feel less exposed. "You're right but the difference is that I don't deny it" I want to rip this damn smirk off of his face, that he always makes when he knows he's right. He gets on his bike and puts his helmet on while I stand there dumbfounded. "Get on top" he throws the other helmet and I catch it. My eyes roll before putting it on and hopping behind him onto the bike. He puts on the engine after making sure my hands are secured around his waist that I knew so well and before I could feel my heart beating faster, we drove off into the night.

***

I should've known better when he said he wanted to follow me upstairs and make sure I would get home safely. But I was too dumb to think twice or maybe I hoped that this would happen. That's the reason why he's pounding inside me, right? Making me cry out the noises that he loved so much while my acrylic nails bury into his skin. I feel his muscles flex under my touch. "Fuck" he curses when my walls clench around him. His heavy breaths tickle the side of my neck while his tattooed hand goes down to stoke my waist. Soft moans escape my mouth and I feel his lips again.

My legs feel numb, the kiss deepens and I feel him hitting the spot that makes me want to scream out his name. It's like he can read my mind. Fuck you Jeon. "Do it baby. Say my name" he grunts beside my ear. I whine at the pleasure that starts building up inside me and as much I hate him, I still can't get enough of him. "Say my name baby. Tell me who makes you feel good"

"Fuck you, Jungkook" is the only thing I get out before the knot in my stomach explodes and my orgasm rolls all over my body.

He moans at the feeling of my walls tightening around him and increases his speed, pounding faster into my dripping core. "I missed you" did he? "Fuck I missed you so much" my heart clenches and I feel what I did when he whispered sweet nothings when he had me in his arms. And that's the moment I start thinking that maybe he has changed. Maybe we can try to be something again but this time stop lying about it. Dumb little girl. Because the next day I wake up he's gone...again.

[braveclementine]

Chapter 3

Warnings: None. (Will however be a 18+ reader book)

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

"Seriously, where were you?" Your sister demanded, arms crossed, looking down at your slumped frame against the door.

"It's a long story. Like a long, long story." You muttered, getting your feet, trudging past your younger sister to get to the kitchen, "What's for dinner?"

"I thought you came home from work early?" Y/S/N scrutinized.

You sighed. "I did. Then I went for a week. I mean a walk. And I met my soulmates."

"All of them?" Y/S/N asked incredulously.

You nodded.

"So why are you so glum? Was it to painful hearing all of their names at once?"

"Am I glum?" You questioned in surprise. "I'm not unhappy. . . just surprised and a little overwhelmed."

"Do you like them?" Y/S/N asked.

"Oh yeah, they're great." You responded, trying to figure out how you would categorize them. "Everyone likes them."

"Who are they?"

"The Avengers."

Silence.

She snorted, "Y/N-"

You sighed, holding your arm out. "Spider-Man dropped me off."

Silence again.

"How much do they know about you?" She asked.

"Nothing. And I know nothing about them."

"Oh, well I got a song that could help with that. It's called We didn't start the fire. It's a lovely little song, lets you know small tidbits about the superheroes."

"Ah." You muttered.

"So, who all did you get?"

She sat down across from you, taking your arm into her hands. "Oh my God Thor? Lucky bitch. Oh my God and Tony Stark and the King of Wakanda and Steve Rogers? Oh, but you got Loki and Bucky though."

"They're not that bad." You said with a frown. "Loki was actually very. . . sweet."

"He tried to take over Earth."

"Minor character flaw?"

"And Bucky is a trained assassin!"

"Because HYDRA messed with his brain." You pointed out. "Not him himself."

"Mm, fair enough. Are you sure you'll be okay around them though?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" You felt your feathers being ruffled slightly as your younger sister had a go at some of your soulmates.

"I'm just saying, some of them are dangerous. And they work in a dangerous line of business. If the wrong people found out that you were half- probably more than half- of the Avengers soulmates, you could be a target!"

"It's not like I have a choice!" You snapped. "They're my soulmates and that's that. I can't change it. I can't just walk away from it. Alright? I would give anything to be normal and have just one, maybe two soulmates. You know I've always covered these up. You know I've never wanted an entire freaking orgy of soulmates!"

"Alright, chill girl." Y/S/N said. "I'm just saying, you're going to have to be prepared. It's not everyday you find out your soulmate is the King of Wakanda."

"Right." You murmured.

"And for dinner, Y/S/BF/N (Your sister's boyfriend's name) and I are going out for dinner." your sister finished. "You're welcome to join us, of course."

Though they were married, she wasn't quite eighteen yet and wasn't allowed to move in with him until she turned of age. However, if soulmates found their mate before eighteen they were allowed to get married at the earliest age of sixteen. However, they had to be eighteen to live together.

And the reason that we weren't with our parents was because. . . well that's a whole other story.

"I'll cook." You yawned, not even sure if you were hungry.

"Alright." She said, dancing out of her chair and heading for the front hallway, "See you when I get home."

The door closed behind her.

You sighed, getting out of your chair to pad into the kitchen. Opening the cupboards and refrigerator, you went easy on yourself and threw together a small meal of Y/F/F.

*Meanwhile at the Avengers Compound*

Tony, Stephen, Thor, Loki, Steve, Bucky, Sam, Clint, T'Challa, Rhodey, and Fury all sat in a large living room like room.

"I can't believe we all have the same soulmate." Rhodey sighed. He was very simple, liked everything simple. He would've been pleased to have a soulmate that was with him and him alone. He'd always liked having only one band. Just the two of them and a family. Well, now things were just slightly- a lot- complicated.

Tony rested his chin on Stephen's shoulder, "I'm not sure why you're surprised. We've all seen each other's wrists everyday. We all knew we'd have the same soulmate. The colours always changed at the same time and everything."

"We'll have to keep an eye on her." Fury said, always in survival mode. "Make sure that she's a safe person to have around, and make sure that she's never in danger."

"You worry to much." Clint said.

"Why don't we just invite her into the tower?" Steve asked. "We have plenty of rooms upstairs."

"We did just meet her. . . six hours ago." Loki deadpanned. "I doubt she'll be highly receptive to move in so early."

"I'm already planning weddings in my head." Thor announced happily, munching on a pop tart.

Loki groaned, putting his head in his hand. "To fast, much to fast."

"We could all just spend some one-on-one time with her, or as groups." T'Challa suggested. "Stephen and Tony. The three of you. Thor and Loki. Clint and Rhodey. Fury and I. That way we're not overwhelming her with to many people that she needs to get to know. And we can also get to know her better than if all twelve of us tried to get to know her at the same time."

"That's a good idea." Sam said, shrugging.

"I'm more worried about your guys wedding." A new voice said from the doorway. Dr. Banner stood, leaning in the doorway.

"Come again?" Rhodey asked.

Bruce sighed, walking forward, folding his glasses up to stick in his pocket, "For example, Nat and I. When we got married, she got a bit of my hulk strength and in return, I got some of her flexibility. We have two gods, two super soldiers, and one immortal here. I don't know how exactly that'll work on her body. Not to mention, the fact that Fury is bonded to Agent Hill means that she will get something from Agent Hill as well, even though they're not bonded. Like how Fury got a trait from Coulson even though they aren't bonded, because Coulson and Hill are bonded."

"Is there even a way to make sure she doesn't get our more. . . dangerous traits?" Bucky asked quietly, his metal hand clenching into a fist.

"It's random." Bruce said with a shake of his head. "You'll just have to wish luck. It's not like you can put it off, you know. You have one year to court her and a second year to get the wedding together. Especially since she's over the age of eighteen."

"This is exhausting." Rhodey grumbled.

"I also agree with Steve." Bruce continued, putting his hands into his pockets, "It would be much safer for her to move into the Compound or the Tower, whichever you guys feel you'd rather live at."

"Let's invite her over tomorrow!" Tony said enthusiastically, practically bouncing up and down where he sat. Stephen flicked his ear lightly. "Knock it off."

"I say we go with T'Challa's idea." Stephen said simply. "Start with one of the groups tomorrow."

"Yeah, she takes the taxi to work so I could drive her." Tony said enthusiastically.

Rhodey groaned, "I don't even want to know how you know she takes the taxi to work."

"Well, it is New York." Sam pointed out. "Almost everyone takes Taxis or subways. It's a pain to try and drive your own car."

"Yes! Stephen and I will drive her tomorrow!" Tony said, bouncing again.

Bruce cleared his throat as Stephen flicked Tony's ear again, "You should go in reverse order of meeting her. So Stephen and Loki could take her to work tomorrow."

Everyone stared at Bruce.

"You want me to work with the guy who made me fall for thirty minutes?" Loki questioned.

"Sure." Bruce said with a shrug. "Or it can be Stephen and Fury and then you and Thor. But as she's already spent a bit of time with King T'Challa and Tony, well it's probably a good idea to start with those she barely met. That way you aren't starting off with supposed favoritism."

"That makes sense." Steve said, stroking Bucky's hair.

"Well, I'm glad that's settled." Nick said, getting up out of the chair he'd been sitting in. "See you at the next meeting. Don't die."

"Cheerful." Clint muttered before moving away to probably go and sleep in the vents.

The others dispersed accordingly.

*Next Day*

There was a knock on the door as you put the finishing touches to your makeup, getting ready for work. A white blouse covered about half of your lines, showing about four of them. A knee-length black skirt and your heels were somewhere in the front hallway, only to be put on last minute.

You hurried down the hallway- your sister having already left for school- opening the door which revealed a rather comfortable looking Stephen Strange wearing blue jeans, a red T-shirt, and a black suit jacket you swore probably belonged to Tony. And also a rather uncomfortable looking Loki who was dressed in the same black outfit as yesterday.

"Oh." You said in obvious surprise, not expecting two of your soulmates you'd met for about a minute and twelve seconds standing on your doorstep. "Er- come in."

"Do you normally let strangers into your house?" Loki asked as they stepped inside. You'd headed back down the hallway to put the makeup case away.

"Only charming ones." You called over your shoulder without looking back.

"I like her." Loki snickered.

You blushed as you shoved everything away before shutting off the bathroom.

"Sorry, but I am on my way to work." You said apologetically.

"We know, we're here to take you there." Stephen said with a shrug. "Thought you'd prefer it to spending money on a taxi or a subway ticket."

"Thank you." You said. "Lead the way then."

You shut off the lights in the apartment, wishing it was just slightly cleaner before you met Loki and Stephen back at the front door.

"We spoke as a group last night." Stephen said as the three of you stood in the elevator. "We said we'd take the relationship as slowly as possible within the Government rules, that way we don't overwhelm you."

"Thank you." You answered sincerely. "I didn't expect to meet all eleven of my soulmates on one day. Or expect that they'd all know each other. Or that half of them would have super powers of some sort of well, no offense Mr. Laufeyson, but not entirely human."

"You can call me Loki. No offense taken. I know I'm a God." Loki said with a slight smirk.

You studied him out of the corner of your eye. He was truly a beautiful specimen. No facial hair, his face extremely smooth with a pale complexion. His inky black hair was curly in waves. He carried himself with an air of elegance and self-assurance.

I flicked my eyes to look at the opposite man. He was just as tall, his facial hair giving a very smart appearance. His eyes looked like galaxies, his hair smooth and combed over on his head. He was a bit more relaxed than Loki was, though Loki had relaxed more since the front door.

The car that was waiting in front of the apartment building made you raise an eye. "This is yours?"

"Tonys." Stephen said it like an explanation.

"Of course." You murmured. Loki opened the back door so that the two of you could climb into the back while Stephen climbed into the passenger seat.

"This is Happy." Stephen introduced the two of you.

Happy simply nodded and you gave a smile, settling back into your seat.

"Would you like to come to the Avengers Tower after work?" Loki asked quietly.

You thought about it, "Yes, that sounds nice. Thank you. Are you sure I won't be imposing?"

"Not at all. Steve, Tony, and Clint are all for you moving in yesterday." Stephen chuckled. "Some of us had to convince them that it's a little to soon and that you might get overwhelmed if we asked you to move in with us today."

"Thor is ecstatic." Loki murmured, "He's already planning weddings in his mind. Mind you though, he's been without a soulmate for a thousand and a half years."

"Haven't you as well?" I questioned.

"No, only 1,058 years." Loki said with a smirk. "442 years less."

I chuckled. "I'm surprised though. Would've thought as Gods you would've had several soulmates?"

"For the longest time we didn't even have colours. Of course, that's not uncommon when it comes to Godlings. We usually wait for soulmates for a couple hundred, couple thousand years. And when we do, we are ecstatic."

It was all fascinating and you found yourself at your job far to soon for your liking. You were just slightly disappointed.

Loki took your hand, kissing the back of your knuckles again, "We'll see you after work my Queen."

Stephen had opened your door without you realizing and you quickly stepped out, making Jessie crash into Katherine as she stopped on the sidewalk.

Stephen placed a kiss on your forehead. "See you after work."

Forward, but it was to sweet to be weird. You were getting butterflies and starting to wonder if you really wanted to wait two years to get married.

"Y/N!" Katherine screeched, making you jump as the expensive car drove off. "Some explaining to do!"

"At lunch." You hissed. "Come on, we have work."

Katherine, Jessie, and Stacy were incredibly impatient as they waited for their lunch break to come. Once it did, they practically dragged you from the office so that the four of you could sit yourselves down at Big Boys, deciding to do the buffet as lunch.

You decided on breakfast for lunch, putting a few pancakes, sausage links, bacon, eggs, and cinnamon rolls along with apple/orange/grape juice as a drink.

"Explain, explain!" Jessie said.

"Shh." You hissed, rolling up your sleeve, "Stay quiet, it's supposed to be a secret."

Jessie, Stacy, and Katherine leaned over your arm to see what was there. They were the few along with your sister that knew how many soulmates that you had. Their mouths just kept dropping farther and farther until Katherine squealed, "OMG THEY'RE ALL THE AVENGERS!"

Stacy and you tackled her to get her to shut up. "SHH!" You both hissed, getting stares from the others around, though they didn't seem to really care about what you were talking about.

"Yeesh." You whined, leaning back in your seat. "I don't know if I'm lucky or cursed."

"Lucky." The other three answered.

"Seriously, you'll be one of the safest people in the city." Katherine said, eyes big as saucers as she rubbed the silver mark of her unknown soulmate.

"Unless someone from HYDRA was here and overheard your big mouth." Jessie teased Katherine.

"Yeah right." Stacy said rolling her eyes. "I'd like to see a big hulking HYDRA agent in a Big Boys."

You all laughed at the ludicrousness of the comment. After you finished lunch, you went back to work, completely unaware of the watchful eyes on your back.

⬅️➡️

[jpitha]

The diplomatic ship Handshaker picked up the Xenni ambassador.

The ambassador was on a trip deep into human space, to visit a new embassy being constructed in orbit around Earth. It was a prestigious position, and the ambassador was a socially important Xenni.

As he came aboard, he cast his eye stalks about, taking in the ship. He was hard to read, but he seemed unimpressed.

A tall, muscular human with close cropped yellow blond hair walked over to the ambassador and saluted smartly. "Ambassador, welcome to Handhaker. I'm Captain Brock Davidson. My crew and I are at your disposal for the duration of our trip. Please let us or Handshaker know if you need anything at all.

Handshaker added "Ambassador, I have adjusted the environmental settings on your quarters. Please let me know if I need to adjust them further. I have data on Xenni preferences, but please do not hesitate to ask if you need a change."

Without acknowledging the salute, the ambassador looked around the command deck. "Hmm. Thank you Captain. I will do my best to endure the trip. I hope it is not too long." His dark red brown outer carapace was polished to a glossy sheen; you could see the reflections of the overhead lights in it. Brock didn't know a ton about Xenni, but this one gave off an aura of being vain.

As they started off, Brock invited the Ambassador to sit next to him on the command deck and watch the departure.

"Please proceed ahead until we are ready to link to the next system."

The crew and Handshaker replied "Aye Captain." and got to work.

"Captain, I must say, this is my first time aboard a Human vessel and I am quite surprised and how large the crew is. Most Xenni ships have the core command, a contingent of warriors and that's it."

"Human ships like to operate with a large degree of redundancy. In case of emergency, most of us can do the work of the others, and of course Handshaker can take care of nearly all of it if necessary."

"Ah yes, I've heard about how human's treat their AIs." He clicked a mouthpart, tisking. "You've given them entirely too much agency in their own operations. They're going to get Ideas."

At that, the room instantly chilled. Everyone suddenly stopped their work for two beats, and then started again, but now, was listening intently to the conversation.

Captain Brock did not get to where he was by being an idiot, or brusque. He looked away from the ambassador for barely a second and came back, with a bright, friendly face. "Well, we all do things differently. We've been in partnership with our AIs for centuries. They are fully sapient beings with the same rights and expectations of all people."

"In human space maybe. In the Xenni Empire, we know how to treat our machines."

The room chilled past absolute zero.

The Ambassador, not very well trained in human body language (or just not caring) went on. "Humans have this unfortunate tendency of personify everything. It's frankly childish." His mouthparts clicked again and he continued "Naming your ships? That's part of the reason you treat them like people. That's as preposterous as naming that malfunctioning light over there in the corner!"

All of the crew members on the command deck took note of how the Xenni ambassador disrespected Blinky the Light and would remember this. They had decided long ago that Blinky blinked faster when they were upset. Even Handshaker wouldn't let anyone replace Blinky.

Brock took another two beats to compose himself. "Differences are what makes the world go round, they used to say back home. I'm sure that once you spend some time in Human space, you'll see that while we may do things differently than what you're used to, we get by just fine."

"I assure you, this will be a short visit. I have no intention of staying at the embassy. I am there to inspect the work, make sure it is up to Xenni standards, and give the diplomatic corps their orders."

Blinky's flashing became faster.

Captain Brock stood up quickly; a shadow crossing his face. He used all of his 1.9 meter height to his advantage and towered over the 1.5 meter Xenni. "Ambassador. You sound like you could use a rest. Allow me to accompany you to your quarters." It was not a request.

"Harumph. Very well. Please lead on. I shall see if it is to my satisfaction." And trailed behind the Captain without giving a single glance back to the seething crew.

When the door had clicked shut, they all talked at once.

"-Can't believe the sack of that-" "-what they said about Blinky!"" "-Handshaker can't take the-" "-Look how fast Blinky is, he's pissed too!"

A few minutes later, the door to the command deck opened again and Brock returned alone.

With a wicked grin, he sat back into his seat. "The Ambassador has been installed into his quarters. Unfortunately, it looks like there has been a malfunction with his door. Luckily, his environmental settings are ideal, and he has more than enough food and water to make it to the Embassy. I've even told him we will expedite the trip."

Handshaker piped up "It's really too bad. If he'd only ask me for help person to person I could probably figure out a way to reroute the lock power and open the door. Oh well. Since I'm just a machine he'll have to deal with a malfunction until it can be repaired.

[howlingday]

Sorry to bother you with this but I have no writing skill and you're the first one I thought of when I had this idea so

Have you played or watched the ending for God of War Valhalla? If so do you think you could do the ending with Jaune?

No need to apologize. It's not bother at all. And the best advice I can give you about writing is to keep doing it and to draw inspiration from other works. That said, I hope you enjoy this work I am about to present. Now, that said, I did, in fact, see God of War: Ragnarök: Valhalla. And it was probably the most perfect DLC we could get for God of War story-wise, since it covered pretty much what was missing from the story, which is Kratos becoming the better man he should have been shown to be. And now, here we have it. Kratos becoming who he was meant to be. And now, I present to you,

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

JAUNE ARC, THE NEW GOD OF WAR

This battle, like all others before, had come to an end. Jaune Arc, the God of War from the Kingdom of Vale, lifted Winter, the War Maiden of Atlas, over his head and threw her to the ground. As she rolled across the floor, she found her way to her knees. Jaune closed in with his fist held high, ready to strike her down. However, her hand caught his. There was a bit of struggle on her end, and with heavy pants, she spoke.

"Enough, Jaune." She said. "I yield."

Jaune took a step back, then reached forward with his hand. Taking his hand, she was pulled to her feet. With a smile, he nodded.

"Well-fought."

"Let's see what the relic has to say about you." Winter brought forth the relic she was charged to protect, and it's blue mist began to swirl around the two. Once more, Jaune's past was revealed, beginning where it ended with Jaune's victory over the maddened Ozpin. "After you slew Ozpin, Beacon had fallen. The Maiden of Vale was dead by your hand, both of them, and yet you survived."

"Not without my own attempt on my life."

"No, but the question remains why you continued to fight." The image changed from the fallen Beacon to Jaune falling from the highest point of the tower. "Why did you continue to live, even when you were so committed to ending it all?"

"I had lost everything, but..." Jaune swallowed. "But there was something else for me. It was little, and it seemed useless, but it was all I had left."

"And what was it?"

"Hope."

"Mm, hope." Ozpin said, standing by Jaune's side. "Hope, however fleeting it may seem, can prove to be more powerful than any weapon on Remnant. It was all left within you, and you chose to bring hope back to Vale. To all of Remnant."

"And you have brought hope to Atlas, too." Winter gave a small smile.

"I should have died." Jaune said. "It would have been fitting. But it didn't happen."

"Because you still had hope, and that hope lived on through you. Since your attempt in Vale to your triumph in Atlas, you have brought hope to us all. Regardless of any relic, whatever magical power it may hold, anger and hatred and love and joy and hope all live in each and every one of us, whether we are meek and mortal or mighty and monstrous. And yet there is one last question you must ask; which will you choose to let guide your actions?" The mist fell, leaving Jaune face-to-face with the Winter Maiden. "Every decision we make shapes our world."

Jaune gave a grunt. All this time, all this struggle and pain and near endless pain had led to this moment, just as this moment would lead to the next one. Jaune Arc held onto his hope and had grown since his time as a God of War in Vale. Since his attempt to end his life. Since the beginning of his new life here, in Atlas.

"I understand now."

"And?" Winter asked.

"And I'm ready go inside."

Winter smiled. "Excellent."

Jaune walked up to the massive door, the same as he had before. Except it wouldn't be the same, would it? He had changed since the first time he entered, and he changed the last time he entered as well. As he pushed, the doors that once felt heavy suddenly became light and easy to push. Entering the dark room behind the doors, the world fell away, leaving only himself inside the darkness.

As he continued to walk forward, a little began to glow from above onto himself. Except, it wasn't himself. No, Jaune was staring at his younger self, who was sitting on an empty throne, clutching the same red bandana tied to his hip. Jaune stopped, expecting anything and everything he could, except for this.

"What... can I say to you?" Jaune began, speaking to the seated Jaune. "I remember the day I first took that throne. All that it meant. And all that it didn't. I... was the God of War. The God of Pain. Of Suffering. Of Destruction." He looked away. "Jinn said I would always chase a redemption I know I will never deserve. But what does that make me?" He glanced to his younger self. "A God of Fools. A God of...."

Suddenly, he found Pyrrha's sash in his hands. He turned it over, once more remembering how soft her hands felt in his. How sweet her breath smelled to him. How warm her blood felt as it fell from her cold body. Her final words to him were for him to trust destiny and to have...

"...Hope. When all else is lost..." He turned to his doppelganger once more. "You... lost everything. And everyone." He felt his body tense as his anger built the closer he got to the throne. "And you became..."

The younger Jaune shifted in his seat, blue eyes glaring at blue eyes. No... No, Jaune stared at Jaune. It didn't matter what kind of Jaune he was speaking to, whether they were younger, older, seated, standing- It didn't matter because he was still Jaune. Anger filled him at the realization.

"There is no excusing you and what you've done!" He shouted. "You became-!" Finally, Jaune's remaining words died in his throat. "I became." He turned away, realizing who he had been shouting at, who he had been fighting against since his ascension to godhood.

"What now?" He whispered. "Should I, the same Jaune Arc, sit down on this throne? Should I take? Yell out? Lead? Submit myself to service?" The final words danced on his tongue. "Service. In service." He looked once more to the sash in his hand. "If... If I lose everything and everyone, will there still be enough of me left so that I don't become you?" He shook his head. "I don't know." He nodded. "But I have hope."

"You..." He turned once more to the throne. "You are cruel, and arrogant, and selfish." His fury subsided. "But you are more than that. There was always more to you than what others saw. You are more than that."

With a deep breath, Jaune stepped forward once more. The once glorious throne of Vale had long withered away to it's barest stones. Seated upon the throne was a red sash, and taking it in hand, he touched the throne. He then turned and lowered himself to sit on the throne. With a shaky breath, he knew this was where he belonged.

Holding onto hope, he had become the new Atlas God of War... and of Hope.

[dontyoufinditstrange]

From Under The Cork Tree Lyrics That Alter My Brain Chemistry

Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued

"the ribbon on my wrist says 'do not open before christmas'" "we're only liars, but we're the best" "its just past 8 and i'm feeling young and reckless"

Of All The Gin Joints In All The World

"i used to waste my time dreaming of being alive, now i only waste it dreaming of you" "we're sleeping through all the memories"

Dance, Dance

"tonight it's 'it can't get much worse' versus ' no one should ever feel like'" "i'm two quarters and a heart down" "and i don't wanna forget how your voice sounds" "these words are all i have so i'll write them so you need them just to get by" "this is the way they'd love if they knew how misery loves me"

Sugar, We're Going Down

"i'm just a notch in your bedpost, but you're just a line in a song" "a loaded god complex, cock it and pull it" "isn't it messed up how i'm just dying to be him?"

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner

"i keep my jealousy close cause its all mine" "hand behind this pen relives a failure every day" "so wear me like a locket around your throat, i'll wear you down, i'll watch you choke"

I've Got A Dark Alley And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)

"we're the kids who feel like dead ends" "and the poets are just kids who didnt make it and never had it at all" "force our smiles, baby, half dead, from comparing myself to everyone else around me" "please put the doctor on the phone cause i'm not making any sense" "blame everyone but me for this mess" "and my back has been breaking from this heavy heart" "i'm hopelessly hopeful you're just hopeless enough"

7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen)

"i keep tellin myself, i keep tellin myself i'm not the desperate type, but you've got me looking through blinds" "trying to forget everything that isn't you" "i'm not going home alone, cause i dont do too well on my own"

Sophomore Slump Or Comeback Of The Year

"cause i swear i'd burn the city down to show you the light" "no matter what they say, don't believe a word" "cause i'll keep singing this lie if you keep believing it" "take our tears, put em on ice" "ashamed of the way the songs and the words own the beating of our hearts" "got a sunset in my veins" "i need to take a pill to make this town feel okay" "i need to keep you like this in my mind"

Champagne For My Real Friends, Real Pain For My Sham Friends

"you are a getaway car, rush of blood to the head" "we only do it for the scars and stories, but not the fame" "at least everyone is trying, everyone is shining, everyone deserves the flames, but its such a shame" "the sounds of this small town make my ears hurt" "the tide's out, the ship's run aground, we drown traitors in shallow water"

I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me

"you're the only place that feels like home" "i'm the first kid to write of hearts, lies, and friends" "i am sorry my conscience called in sick again" "i've got arrogance down to a science" "they call kids like us vicious and carved out of stone" "but for what we've become we just feel more alone" "so progress report: i am missing you to death"

A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"

"you're just the girl all the boys wanna dance with and i'm just the boy who's had too many chances" "i don't blame you for being you, but you can't blame me for hating it" "write me off, give up on me, cause darling what did you expect?"

Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part To Save The Scene And Stop Going To Shows)

"we never stood a chance and i'm not sure if it matters" "i'm mailing letters to addresses in a ghost town" "i know this hurts, it was meant to" "it's mind over you don't, don't matter" "it must be said again that all us boys are just screaming into microphones for attention because we're just so bored" "we never knew that you would pick it apart" "i'm falling apart to songs about hips and hearts"

XO

"i left my conscience pressed between the pages of the bible in the drawer" "love never wanted me, but i took it anyway" "choose love or sympathy" "loose lips sink ships"

[zenphiaaa]

Vulnerable (Ushijma Wakatoshi)

Friends to Lovers Arc Gen!Reader

You found yourself staring blankly at the man standing in front of you. You watched as his face slowly started to turn red before he ducked his head down. You suppose that was your cue to respond but, you just didn't know how to. You never once suspected that one of your close friends had feelings for you, much less expected them to confess to your face.

You never once thought of him that way and you were sure he felt the same. But as you stared at the male in front of you, who was acting bashful, you knew you didn't want to hurt him. But did you even feel the same way? You couldn't tell in the moment.

"You don't feel the same." Ushijma stated as a few more seconds had past and you continued to stare at him like some sort of alien. "You don't have to. Our friendship means the world to me, I just wnated to let you know that someone loves you like that. I wanted to tell you, but I'm not expecting anything from you." Ushijma spoke in a soft tone. "Nothing has to chnage. I didn't confess for things to be awkward."

You bit your lip as thoughts flooded your head. You knew what Ushijma was saying was ture. He wouldn't put you in a situtation where you would be uncomforable. You wondered how long he has felt this way.

"it's not awkard I just," You finally found your voice as you struggled to speak your thoughts. "Feelings change so fast, are you sure?" As soon as those words left your mouth you wanted to slap yourself. "I didn't mean to question your feelings! I just um..." You wanted to die in a hole.

"It's okay." Ushjima says, taking your hand into his as he gently rubs your knuckles as a source of comfort. "I understand why your anxious. Let's just forget about it, I didn't mean to send you panicking."

You quickly shake your head and grasp his hand into yours futher. "I'm not sure how I feel about romance itself so I never gave it a second thought. I'm not evens ure if its something I want." You quietly shared.

A few beats of silence past before Ushijima spoke up, "Then how do you feel right now? Knowing I have these feeling for you?" The male questioned, eyes on how your hands were still clutching each other tightly.

"I..I'm not sure, but I don't feel uncomforable. Just nervous."

Ushijma hummed, "Do you remember that manga you showed me a few days ago? Where the characters come up with that plan?" The male's face srunched in thought as he tried to better verbalize his words.

"You mean, fake dating?" You asked confused.

Ushijma shook his head, "Not quite, if your really not sure about this, why don't we have a trial run of sorts? I am confient in my feelings for you. And if you would let me, I would be honored to treat you how you should. Even if it doesn't end up with us together. At the end of the day, I only wish you happiness."

Your heart thumped in your chest as you carefully took in his words. You knew Ushijima would never hurt or force you to do something you didn't. He was giving you an out as well as a chance to explore your feelings. Was it really okay though? It felt like your were playing with his feelings if you both went down this path and turned up empty handed.

You just didn't want to hurt him. He didn't deseve it.

"Let's go on a date after classes. I don't have to be a practice until much later. We could have lunch, just a trial date." Ushijma explained, now lacing your hands together.

Your face heated up as you noticed yourself playing with his hand. With a deep breathe you slowly nodded your head watching as Ushijma's eyes lit up in happiness. "Sure." You replied, you hoped that your feelings would soon come clear to you.

Your heart just had to catch up.

[my-mt-heart]

Where's Daryl?

This was very difficult to write. It opened up a lot of old wounds for me, so if you read this, thank you. If my thoughts on this show haven’t been your cup of tea, that’ll most definitely be the case here as well, so maybe just move along. ***Trigger warning for discussion of childhood abuse***

For about a year and a half, Caryl fans asked Where's Carol? as a pointed reminder that the spinoff was always meant to be hers just as much as it was Daryl’s. Even though she's back now, her fans didn't always know she would be (nor did the EP's 🙄) so her absence during filming and promotion of the first season was a heavy burden to bear. The irony is, though “Daryl Dixon” sticks out like a sore thumb in that ridiculous font, he's the one who feels absent sometimes, as if important parts of his character development were lost when he washed ashore while other parts come and go as the plot demands.

Zabel talks about swapping Daryl's iconic vest for "old man" suspenders as a matter of pragmaticism i.e. they were the only clean clothes available. Norman says it was a choice he wanted for some unclear reason, but neither of them seem to consider the intelligence of their audience, particularly Carylers, to see it more symbolically. The costume change is our visual reminder that Daryl isn't himself. In some scenes he's chattier than he should be, far more trusting of strangers with personal details, and far more theatrical. Then in others, the differences are even more alarming. He calls a child cruel names, puts his hands on him, and feels conflicted about returning home to his family, to the woman he said he loved.

I mentally prepared myself for retcons, but the one I'm struggling with a lot right now, which I haven't seen anyone bring up yet, is the retcon of Daryl’s childhood abuse. Daryl tells Isabelle that he and Merle had to take apart engines and if they couldn't put them back together, their dad wouldn't let them have dinner. It's a milder version of the stories the scars on his back tell us, though I can buy Daryl omitting the worst of it like he did in the pilot. What I can't buy is Daryl saying his dad was "hardly ever" around and emphasizing it as the main source of his pain growing up. It feels contradictory for one thing. When we see Daryl's scars for the first time in S3 of the flagship show, it's implied Daryl was trapped in an environment that enabled his dad to physically hurt him often. Presumably that's why Merle felt guilty about leaving him behind. The revelation also seems like it's only intended to highlight the consequences of an absent father figure, explaining Daryl's fear of not making it home, but also justifying his "close" bond with Laurent. The best stories allow a character's emotions to drive the plot, but this just does the opposite, twisting Daryl's backstory to fit the current narrative.

Daryl's backstory made so many people root for him in the first place. It allowed Carol to see him when nobody else in the group could. It helped me process my own childhood trauma. The ways I got to watch him overcome his violent past gave me hope that masculinity could mean more than what I grew up around—more than anger, shouting, and swinging fists. Daryl taught me that men could still be tender, kind, and loving even if those closest to them in their childhood never showed them how. I imagine Daryl's representation has been important to boys and men too, specifically to those who were afraid to speak up about their abuse because of the stigma around it. The implications of this scene may not be easily noticeable to some, but they are to me, and I'm deeply offended by it.

I’ve talked at length on this blog about how it takes a village to make or break a show, though it’s usually the showrunner who has to answer for it. I've already mentioned that I do blame Zabel. His knowledge of French history has no value when he obviously didn’t bother to study Daryl’s history aside from reading old scripts and (maybe) watching the first couple seasons. That's incredibly irresponsible and terrifying for S2. I also blame AMC for their short-sightedness and their determination to save face no matter how much it costs them. I blame Gimple for his pettiness. I blame Greg Nicotero for his insensitivity to Melissa and her fans.

As for Norman, he's hinted very loudly that he wants credit for the show being "different," so in theory he should be prepared to take some of the blame too. I can't name all of the decisions he specifically made, but no matter what they were, I can blame him for not speaking up about the shipbaiting, Daryl's wavering loyalty, and the childhood abuse retcon, all things that hurt his character and hurt the fans. I genuinely don't know what else to think other than Norman didn't give either the consideration they deserve. The show has been treated like nothing more than a vanity project, and it’s unfortunate when you think about what he and AMC had to gain from the original Caryl spinoff.

I love the version of Daryl I knew before this whole mess, I love Carol, and I love the relationship between them. I want them to have the story they deserve in S2. At the moment, I don’t know how to reconcile that with the agony I feel over the damages to half of my two favorite characters. If Carol is going to cross the Atlantic ocean to find Daryl, I want him to be the man who threatened to punch holes in all the boats so she couldn’t leave and the man who told her he loved her before—ironically—leaving himself. I need to hear Daryl admit he hasn't been completely honest with the French characters, not because he was afraid of getting too close to them, but because he didn't want to face the pain of potentially living without Carol and TF. I need to hear him say that he can't be Laurent's father, which is okay because the kid has plenty of other family to take care of him. I need to hear him say, out loud, that he could never love another woman romantically because he's already in love with Carol. That's what I need to feel better about this story. That's where my investment is. I feel like Carol is safe in Melissa's hands, but I don't feel like I have anyone to rely on for Daryl. That’s a big problem because their stories are so intertwined. There’s no Daryl without Carol nor Carol without Daryl. If you ruin one of them, you risk ruining both of them, and that’s a possibility I really can’t bear.

[akariarda]

Not everything is as it seems

Thanks Sophie for the request!!Sorry for waiting.

Lord Ras tries to prevent Lloyd from being born by traveling to the past. He plans to do this by preventing Garmadon from signing Wu's love letter for Misako.

"Soon..." Lord Ras hissed through clenched teeth. "I will rid myself of you forever, green ninja!"

"I wouldn't count on that," Lloyd replied with a grin. "I have far too many good ninjas on my side!"

"That won't help you," Lord Ras retorted, his eyes flashing."Not if I travel to the past!"

"What will you do there?" Nya inquired. "Stop him from being born?"

"Precisely!" Lord Ras declared. "And I know exactly how."

"We must stop him!" Kai shouted.

"But how?" Sora asked desperately. "He’s already creating a portal!"

"Everyone, attack!" Lloyd shouted and bolted toward Lord Ras, attempting to strike him, but Ras threw him to the ground.

"How do you plan to prevent my very existence?" Lloyd panted.

"You remember that love letter, right?" Lord Ras whispered into his ear. "If that letter never reaches your father..."

"No!" Lloyd screamed. "Mom said that it isn't"

"I'm not saying she will marry Wu," Lord Ras grinned. "But she definitely will not marry Garmadon!"

"You can't know that." Lloyd shoved him back with his powers.

"Then let's find out!" Lord Ras yelled as he leaped into the portal.

"No..." Lloyd cried as he jumped in after him.

"Lloyd, wait!" Nya shouted, running after him. At that moment, the portal closed behind them.

"Nya?" Lloyd whispered quietly.

"Shh!" Nya gestured for Lloyd to be silent as they looked around.

"Wow," Lloyd breathed. "Ninjago looks so different 40 years ago... luminous."

"It really does," Nya agreed, helping Lloyd to his feet. "We need to find some different clothes... No one must see us."

"I agree," Lloyd said and rushed after Nya. ~~~~~~

"Aha, there you are." Lord Ras smirked as he took hold of the letter. "You're finished, green ninja..."

Saying this, he redirected the letter to Misako’s address.

~~~~~~

"We look a little strange," Lloyd swallowed as he observed what they had donned.

"It doesn't matter," Nya shot back with determination. "We will do our best to stay out of sight. If only we knew what Ras was planning."

"I know," Lloyd said sadly. "He plans to prevent Dad from ever signing Master Wu's love letter to Mom."

"Oh," Nya sighed. "Then we must intercept him!"

"Wait!" Lloyd called out to Nya. "I’m not sure..."

"What?" Nya looked at him with confusion.

"Mom has said multiple times that that letter is not the reason she married Dad..."Lloyd started, "And that’s not fair."

"I'm not saying they will never marry each other," Nya whispered. "But that letter brought them together...

The past is changing, the future is changing. Who knows, maybe Garmadon writes something of his own."

"I don't believe it," Lloyd said sadly. "If we must..."

"No," Nya said in a panic, grabbing Lloyd's arm.

"What?"Then Lloyd noticed.

"The portal..."Nya frowned."Let's hope you’re right and nothing really changes.

Lord Ras has certainly expedited his work."

~~~~~~

Misako frowned as she read the letter.

She didn’t know... Well, until now she hadn’t known Wu had feelings for her.

If only Garmadon felt the same. She sighed and placed the letter on the table.

If only it were from Garmadon...

She hadn’t heard a single word from him since he left to train under Chen.

~~~~~~

"Did you fix everything?" Kai panted as Nya and Lloyd returned.

"No..." Nya said sadly. "It was..."

"Lloyd, where is your hand ?" Arin shouted in alarm.

~~~~~~

"Misako," Garmadon pleaded. "I just want to talk."

"About what?" Misako shot back, avoiding his gaze.

"You know what about," Garmadon said softly. "About us."

"And now you want to talk about it?" Misako sighed. "You left to train under Chen for far too long and didn’t even send a word.

Now you show up when the war has begun and expect everything to be the same as before?"

"I... uh..." Garmadon swallowed hard. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disappear. I just didn’t know how..."

"Fine." Misako shrugged and turned to walk into the house.

"No!" Garmadon shouted, gently catching her arm.

Misako stopped and looked him in the eye this time.

"I truly thought about you every day," he confessed. "I didn’t have the courage to say this before... but I love you."

"Save that for when the war is over," Misako finally softened.

"Who knows when that will be?"Garmadon frowned.

"Soon."Misako looked at him thoughtfully. "When you're here, right? At least that’s what the others say about the element..."

"Don’t listen to what they say," Garmadon said sadly. "Right now, it’s not going well for us."

Misako fell silent, gazing off into the distance.

"I didn’t just come back for that at first..." Garmadon began after a while.

"And for what?" Misako asked, curiosity piqued.

"I wanted to ensure you were safe," Garmadon took her hand.

"Don’t worry about me," Misako told him.

"...And that you won’t get too close to Serpentine."Garmadon added,

"We’ll see about that."Misako replied, frowning,

"Please take care of yourself.Take care of yourself and others if we don’t succeed at every moment."Garmadon finished.

"I will," Misako affirmed, standing on her toes to kiss him on the cheek.

"And you take care. Finish this as soon as possible." Garmadon smiled.

She hadn’t said she loved him, but he knew that kiss was more than just brotherly affection.

"Do you want to come in?" Misako interrupted his thoughts as she opened the door.

"Of course," Garmadon replied softly, stepping in after her.

~~~~~~

"Well, it’s good," Arin sighed. "I haven’t seen her beacouse of the rock.."

"How did you not succeed then?" Sora asked, puzzled.

Lloyd and Nya exchanged glances and smiled.

"Let’s just say that Lord Ras doesn’t quite understand the past like he thinks he does," Lloyd said to the others.

"You will tell us all about it later," Kai said. "For now, we need to deal with Lord Ras."

~~~~~~

"How are you still here?!" Lord Ras exclaimed in disbelief as he spotted Lloyd. "How did you stop me?"

"We didn't,” Nya shrugged. “You’re simply not as clever as you think you are."

"And you don’t know my parents," Lloyd added. "And now you’re over. Let’s go, Ninja-go!"