#and also izzy thought they were fucking which made it funny

[super-who-locked-me-in-here]

Honestly, after watching Supernatural, Merlin, and Hannibal, it's kind of hard to wrap my head around the queer romances in Our Flag Means Death. I'm so used to the queer romances in shows I like being tragic and/or toxic and it taking forever for the two characters to stop dancing around their feelings.

What is this "side characters pointing out to main character A that B likes them and A just rolls with it instead of shoving it down"?

What is this "several loving canon queer characters"?

What is this "'His name is Ed' followed by a smile and a hug"?

WHAT IS THIS "ONSCREEN KISSING" YOU SPEAK OF?

[icallhimjoey]

everyone is talking about Tupperware joe or ciabatta roll joe but what about lost-the-bet (won the bet?) joe? We still never got our epilogue where her dream came true and she could ogle at him in peace 😆

okay well shit, all this fuckery about rumours has resulted in this bullshit, are you happy now?!

Wordcount: 3K

—-

Blind Bargain

(read Double or Nothing here)

"You look... um, windswept?"

Izzy passed you a drink she'd been holding onto you for, and she was right. There was a rosy tinge to your cheeks, your hair a bit messy and you looked rushed.

Because you had been rushing.

"Oh, is my, is my mascara running?"

Izzy leant closer and squinted, "Yea, a little. Wait, here," and with a finger wet from her beer glass, she carefully wiped under one of your eyes. "It's not that windy though, is it? Did you run over here?" she gave you a suspicious look and you instinctively went for a sip of your drink to evade her question. To hide half your face.

"Hey, did Joe say he was coming?" one of your friends asked the group, and before anyone could answer, someone spotted him walking in.

Too soon, Joe.

That was too quick after you had walked in, God, what an idiot. You'd gone over this!

Calmly smoke the rest of your cigarette. Don't rush it. Make no one suspect anything had just happened mere minutes ago.

Everyone greeted Joe like normal and for a moment you were convinced it was just you who was making things weird.

"Hi,"

Why were you blushing?

"Hey,"

You knew why. Saw Joe's little smirk and, fuck, it made you want to squish his cheeks together to make his lips go funny.

You exchanged polite smiles instead, pretended to not have seen each other in at least a week, and cheersed drinks once Joe got given one by another friend.

When you turned back to Izzy, she was still sort of squinting at you.

"What?"

"Nothing," Izzy immediately raised her eyebrows but then kept looking at you. "Did you work from home today?"

Now it was your turn to squint at Izzy, suspicious as to why she wanted to know. "Yea, why?"

Fuck. What if she was onto you?

She might be closer to the truth than she thought, but you were not sharing your secrets. Not today.

You and Joe were sneaking around.

No one needed to know.

Just like during the bet, no one needed to know what was really going on behind closed doors. Difference being that now, the frightening parts weren't there anymore. You didn't like lying to Izzy, but, it was no longer scary, which was good.

Before, you were scared that if someone, specifically Izzy, were to find out about what Joe was doing to you on a daily basis, you'd lose him as a friend.

You weren't quite sure how one and one made two there, but that's exactly what you'd thought.

Now, if someone were to find out about what you and Joe were doing to each other on an almost daily basis, then they'd just know and it wouldn't really change much.

You just didn't want to be the one to tell anyone. Use words to explain anything. And neither did Joe. So, it remained a secret.

So far, you'd been resourceful in your ways.

Avoided Izzy like she was the plague.

She'd nearly caught you that one time she came home in the middle of the day whilst you and Joe were in the shower.

"Showering on company time?" she'd shouted from the hallway, and you'd stammered, "I worked through lunch time," as an excuse before whispering, "Did you leave your shoes by the door?" to Joe who was pressed into the corner of the shower with his shoulders hunched up, eyes wide and both hands covering his penis as he nodded.

"Shit."

"Shit."

Izzy hadn't seen the shoes.

Or, if she had, she hadn't mentioned them.

She had also once so very nearly caught sight of your text chain.

It was just a continuous thread of times followed by places. The bet had ended just over a month ago, but if someone was to go just by your texts, you knew you'd be able to convince them it was an ongoing thing still.

You'd been able to throw your phone into your lap face down just before Izzy had passed you a mug of tea. Just in time.

"Can people not just know?" Joe had asked once when you were in the middle of throwing every last item of clothing his way whilst he got dressed in a hurry. Izzy texted she was on her way and if you needed anything from the corner shop.

"Sure they can," you said, hitting him in the head with a sock. "Will you tell her?"

Joe scoffed, gave a soft frustrated, "No," and made a face as if he was making fun of his mum when she asked him a ridiculous question.

"Yea, didn't think so, hurry up," you rushed out of your bedroom to find Joe's shoes, held his coat so he could slide in and be quick out the door.

But there Joe had paused, right on the threshold.

"What if she..." Joe stalked closer and pushed himself right up against you. "Just walked up, right now, and happened to catch me do this?"

Fingers curled around your neck and were used to pull you in just enough for your lips to collide. Joe felt how just for a second or two, you turned boneless in his hands.

"Saw me touch you here?"

His other hand found the hem of your shirt to slip under, and you so very wanted to get lost in all of it again. You did.

But then you heard the lift go, and it startled you enough to squeeze a laugh out of Joe.

"Stairs!" you hissed, "Go, go! Stairs, now. Quick!" you shoved him towards the stairs, chuckling man easily moved by your hands. First step down, he leant back and, you obliged, gave a last quick kiss before he scurried down. You'd closed the front door to your flat just in time.

Yea.

It was definitely still a secret. One you wouldn't mind leaking, not at all. But you weren't the one who was going to say anything. And neither was Joe.

So at the pub, you pretended and tried your best to act the way you acted before any of this started. Before the bet had even become a thing.

Joe would still be flirty, but just a little flirty. Flirty like he had been flirty before.

Like when he'd see a random guy trying to make conversation when you went to get drinks, he would afterwards pretend you had an eyelash stuck under your eye and lean in real close to get it. Would make you make a wish as you blew nothing from his finger tip.

Tonight felt extra risky though.

You had worked from home. Izzy was right.

What Izzy didn't know is that Joe had spent half the day on your sofa, and he'd decided that, just before you were heading off to meet everyone at the pub, his eyes had had enough of just looking at you all day. His fingers were jealous. Mouth envious.

As a joke he'd nearly walked you into Izzy's room. You'd shrieked and laughed and oh my God, could he please never even try to joke about that again?

All right, Joe thought. Instead he'd fucked you right up against her door.

Risky business.

You didn't know if Izzy was going to come home first, but when you walked in and saw her in her full office attire, you secretly sighed a small breath of relief.

You fell into easy conversation that night. Avoided Joe until you couldn't after a dance of people getting drinks and going to the toilet, you ended up next to him at a table.

Joe didn't waste any time getting a hand on your thigh.

Your brain only stuttered for a second.

You were good at this. Kept up the conversation you had with the friend opposite, and Joe joined in the casual chat as his fingers squeezed and inched closer to where it was warm.

You squeezed your legs together in warning.

It did nothing.

Joe's hand stayed in place, fingers playing where they wanted to play.

Suddenly, someone who thought they were being real funny, asked about your luck on the apps. You hadn't taken a guy over to Friday night drinks at the pub for a bit now.

"I'm off the apps, actually," you shared. "So far it's been really unsuccessful, so I decided to just delete everything—"

"Don't lie," Izzy spat, interrupting you.

You felt Joe squeeze tighter before he removed his hand. Too many eyes on you now.

"I'm not lying!" you scoffed. "I'm not on the apps anymo—"

"I hear you sneaking guys in all the fucking time,"

Shit.

This got everyone's attention quick enough. Good thing Joe got both his hands above the table just in time.

"You sneaking guys in?" another smiley friend asked, bumping you with his shoulder. "You little minx!"

You were at loss of what to say, scoffing with your mouth open, you didn't know if you were better off denying everything, or coming up with another weird lie to save yourself from this situation.

"It's erm," you played with your drink a second, slowly spun it 'round on the table in front of you. "It's recent, this being off the apps thing,"

Izzy frowned.

"So you deleted them yesterday?"

So she'd heard you and Joe two days ago. Neat.

"Yep. Deleted them yesterday."

You didn't like how Izzy was pushing this, but you didn't really have another choice but to just go with it.

Izzy seemed annoyed and hostile and, you got it, sort of. You were best friends. No need to lie. You'd never lied about bringing guys over to the flat ever before.

Some of your other friends fell into a conversation about dating apps. About how none of them really work, how they barely know any people who've been on them and who are still in successful relationships. You leant back a little to listen along, had a slow sip of your drink and tried to ignore Izzy staring at you from across the table.

When you did look her way and made eye-contact, her features instantly softened and she leant closer over the table as she mouthed, "Why?"

You frowned, unsure of what she meant.

"What do you mean, why?" you mouthed back, and in a crossfire of conversation, Izzy pushed another friend out of his seat to sit directly opposite you.

"Why are you off the apps?"

Joe tuned in. Couldn't not. The two of you were right there next to him, blocking him from joining the conversation on the other side of the table.

You repeated what you'd said earlier. Added, "They're a bit shit really, aren't they?" to which you knew she'd agree.

And Izzy did agree.

But you also saw her worry lines work.

"I don't— we're on different pages," Izzy started, a little louder now as she sat back. "Different books even."

"What do you mean?" Joe asked, tried to make it sound like he wasn't incredibly invested in whatever this conversation was between you and your flat mate. Best friend. The one person who you'd been actively hiding from for over a month now.

"I know the difference between a fake orgasm and a real one," Izzy said, voice flat and loud enough for the whole table and then probably also the three closest to you to hear.

You choked on your drink before Izzy carried on. Coughed right into your glass and got beer all down your chin.

"These guys are—" Izzy shifted from talking to Joe to talking to you, "I don't know what they're doing to you, but they're good."

This got whoops - loud ones. Ones that made people across the pub turn their heads to see what the commotion was about.

"Okay!" you immediately tried to make everyone tone it down, one of your arms stretched over the table. "All right, I need some— some fresh air? A drink. I'm gonna get— does anyone else want to do a drink over a tenner? Gin tonic? Let me just—"

You stumbled through an excuse to escape everyone whilst simultaneously ignoring every question that was thrown at you by your friends.

"Guys? These are plural men?"

"Is that why you're off the apps? Found the right bloke who does it for you?"

"How often do you hear her, Izzy?"

"Give us a name!"

You awkwardly climbed from your seat and disappeared on your way to the bar.

Fuck.

You'd been so convinced Izzy didn't know, or hadn't heard. She never said anything.

She didn't know it was Joe though.

She'd said guys.

Thought you were bringing home guys from the apps to spend some spicy time with in your closed of bedroom. Snuck them in and snuck them out.

Sure.

Slut era.

You could pretend that this was the actual truth and go with it for however long you needed to.

"Hey,"

You thought maybe Izzy would follow you, but instead, Joe placed a hand on your shoulder as you waited for your turn at the bar.

"I um— I hear that someone is, um—" Joe couldn't help the smile he was sporting. "Being real nice to you."

You smiled through a scoff.

"Don't,"

"I'm not doing anything, I just..." you felt a warm hand spread its fingers over your bum. "It's not gone down, yet," Joe whispered right into your ear.

It made you lean back to scan his face a second as you frowned with confusion. His mouth made it back to your ear, "Here, it's been— I've been walking around with this since we left yours," below the bar, Joe's hand found yours and moved it over to his crotch.

"Jesus Christ, Joe," you hissed, panicked eyes darting around to see if anyone else had just witnessed that.

"I told her."

What?!

You couldn't fucking believe what you were hearing.

"You told Izzy about your semi?"

"Um, have a proper feel, this isn't a—"

"What can I get you?"

"A dirty bucket of gin, side of tonic," you huffed before Joe interjected, ordering three regular sized gin and tonics. One for you, one for Joe and presumably one for Izzy, for the traumatising.

"I told her it's me,"

You laughed. Bursted right into it, puffed out cheeks releasing air before it stuttered into giggles.

"No, you didn't— listen, I'm going to down my drink and leave, I'll text you when—"

His mouth found your ear again as he leant into you, spoke right into your ear again, voice low and husky, "I told her. Izzy knows now."

"What— what did you say?"

"I went," Joe started and made exaggerated facial expressions, raised eyebrows and big eyes. Then he smiled and pointed a finger at himself and nodded as his grin grew. "And then she went," Joe mimicked Izzy's reaction, surprise and frowned shock before adding, "And then she said she fucking knew it, that she'd known all along."

Oh.

Okay.

What now...

You didn't know what to do next.

Was Izzy mad?

You'd lied to her for ages.

Joe paid for the gin and you took a glass to immediately take large gulps of, stepping back just enough to catch sight of your table of friends.

They were all talking. Izzy included. Didn't seem bothered that you weren't there. Just a normal group of people talking about their week. All commotion from before gone, which, good. That was good.

You still didn't really want to go back over.

Then Izzy looked over and caught your eye. Your breath stopped for a second as you froze, afraid Izzy would let you see her anger and annoyance and frustration, because why had you lied for so long? Why had you not just told her?

But then, instead, Izzy smiled, pointed a finger at you with a scrunched up face and winked.

Izzy was a good friend.

"This is for Izzy," Joe pressed a second gin and tonic into your hands, already halfway through his own, just like you.

"Could you go— I don't, we have to— you know,"

You suppressed a smile.

"Ugh," you groaned with faux annoyance. "You're hard, we get it."

Before stepping away from him to bring Izzy your drink, Joe took hold of you by a bicep and pulled you close once more. "You say that like it isn't you fault."

It was weird and a little scary being out in the open, in public, with Joe like this, but you guessed that now, you could just... do that?

Wild.

You pulled back a little, smiled and raised your eyebrows at him.

"You say that like I'm not going to take care of it,"

You bumped your hip into him, and Joe had to close his eyes for a second. Bite down a groan and take deep breaths through flared nostrils for a second. You left him there as you quickly took Izzy's drink over to the table before turning around and beelining it back.

There was no way you were going to say anything. Invite comments or questions or even the odd facial expression.

You got them anyway.

"Bye,"

"Enjoy!"

"Have fun!"

"Hey, tell Joe to tuck it away already, we've been making jokes behind his back all night,"

"Bye babe,"

And with a laugh, you shook your head as you walked back over to Joe, both downed the rest of your drinks, drinks that Joe paid far too much for to down within a minute, interlaced fingers and left the pub together.

Joe got into a bet with you weeks ago, all for a week of fun he knew he was going to have with you, win or lose.

Had wanted to have with you, since, like, forever.

He'd never expected the outcome to be better than what he could've predicted.

He'd never even expected you to jump into this bet with him in the first place.

A sight-unseen transaction.

A true blind bargain.

One that panned out fucking perfect.

the end

---

The Taglisted

@adoreyouusugar, @alana4610, @ali-in-w0nderland, @alwayslindie, @babybluebex, @barfightzanddiscolightz, @bettyfrommars, @cancankiki, @capricornrisingsstuff, @chaoticgood-munson, @choke-me-eddie, @demonsanddemogorgons, @did-it-work, @dirtyeddietini, @dylanmunson, @eddies-puppet, @electricmunson, @emma77645, @emmamooney, @everythinghasafacee, @figmentofquinn, @frogers, @frootvelvet, @ghost-proofbaby, @ghostinthebackofyourhead, @harringtonfan4, @haylaansmi, @jasminearondottir, @jewellethief, @joesquinns, @kellyxo1, @kennedy-brooke, @lovelyblueness, @manda-panda-monium, @miserybeans, @nadixq, @notverywise, @paola-carter, @pepperstories, @phyllosilicate-s, @roosterisdaddy36, @sherrylyn628, @sidthedollface2, @thebellenouvelle, @thewondernanazombie, @tlclick73, @werepartnersnow, @winterwakesthewolf, @witchwolflea, @yelyahcardella

taglist currently full, sorry

[ladyluscinia]

Organizing my thoughts on OFMD 2x01 - 2x03

Strong start to a season. I really enjoy the black comedy aspect of the show, and the "all these people are kinda terrible" aspect, so win for me! The opening scene gave me a lot of thoughts. Actually, lots of stuff gave me thoughts that I'm gonna dump here (as I rewatch the episodes since I spent the first go around whooping and cheering more than paying attention to details lol) so I can start picking through them more coherently.

---

Ok, first. OHMYGOD EDWARD AND IZZ- *I am yanked off the stage* Ahem. BlackHands thoughts will go into a different post, so as not to overwhelm the many other things going on worth discussing. (Link to post)

So. Real first point:

Kraken Era

Big thing I was absolutely wrong about was how dark Edward's Kraken arc would go. I was counting on a very handwavy resolution that would still let him do some fucked up shit, but I expected it to be mostly externally directed violence that toed up to a potential line but didn't quite cross it. Reminiscent of Flint's vengeance rampage after Miranda is killed. Self-destructive harm but only tangential harm of others in your social sphere.

That is... we did not get that. But what we did get I am very here for.

I'll be honest - I wasn't sure they were bold enough in a romcom to blast right over the line into horrifying and then be so audacious it looped back to funny, but they did. And I think the tone is working for them so far. Big saving grace is they went way further with Edward's cruelty but they counterbalanced it by going way further with the suicidal themes, which made the whole situation more extreme and sympathetic. He should still probably apologize tho.

The Breakup Boat

Frenchie my beloved! Also Fang & Jim & Archie & Izzy! Literally the breakup boat is a resounding success all around and I adore every second of their fucked up trauma bonding. Win after win after win.

Frenchie is repression king and it's hilarious. I love how he gets named first mate for presumably being the only one who sounds plausibly honest when getting interrogated, tries to turn the job down, and then doesn't follow a single order while vibing. Also the bonding with Izzy?!? He's steps in during the intervention. He hides him after Edward shoots him, and then later he's checking in on him and leaning against his leg in the cell. Please Frenchie get all up in that Edward and Izzy mess!

And I'm trying not to turn this into a breakup boat recap but also Fang sobbing through basically every scene. The wooden boy story. Jim's terrible voices. Izzy hiding in the walls. "He's our dick" to "He was your friend" holy fuckkkkkk. And the whole mutiny scene was amazing. Jim saying fuck this toxic bullshit and Izzy saving them all!!! (Sidenote: love how all the nameless extras got washed overboard in the storm. More bodycount!)

The tearing into a seagull like zombies scene - perfect. Archie recognizing Stede (did they tell her about Stede in hushed whispers or was it literally just Izzy's singular statement?). All backing each other up on the "retirement" story. Izzy taking the blame to motivate Stede in trying to defend the crew again.

Trauma bonding WIN!

Also sympathetic Izzy has been real forever despite misreads of S1 and the mistaken predictions they spawned, but once again... Izzy!!!

BlackBonnet "On A Break"

They are idealizing each other so fucking hard. Also Stede what on earth are you talking about in the first episode??? "He's just blowing off some steam." "I'm afraid that your life is better without me?" MY GUY are you reading that list of what Edward has been up to??? Denial so strong.

So we have Stede still full of self-loathing and simultaneously convinced Ed couldn't want him but also avoiding the realization that he hurt him really bad because Ed wanted him. And we have Edward actively suicidal over feeling unlovable and determined to murder-suicide his situationship and the kids, except he can't kill himself so he's trying to make everyone else do it.

(And, you know, Edward is very pointedly refusing to see how the people around him would care for and support him if he would let them - even when they straight up offer it to his face - because he is more concerned with the misery of his own twisted narrative about being fundamentally unlovable than whether or not that is a true statement. Stede doesn't want him and everyone else is just a prop for his depression's final act. Very "I don't have any friends" of him - shoutout to that flashback in his purgatory sequence too.)

Edward's self-loathing throwing him into the water, but Edward starting to save himself well before merman!Stede shows up. Because he does, deep down, want to live with or without Stede. Very strong. Like that. Also the idealization on Edward's end of envisioning Stede as a legit magical being of golden scales??? Fuck, you two need to get some perspective.

Stede's Crew

Trauma Lucius I was not counting on, but Lucius going from BlackBonnet supporter to FUCK YOU STEDE was fun. Also Stede offering to be supportive and then immediately trying to nope right out.

Sea Witch Buttons!!!!!! We're going to get naked Buttons charging into a scene screaming about how he's a seagull or something, aren't we?

Confirmation that Oluwande can't read in the funniest way. Well I guess on reflection the scrolls are probably in Chinese so reading wouldn't help, so maybe this point is null.

I did like the note of Stede knowing "The Soul Reaper's" real name. Piracy hyperfixation bonus.

JimOlu vs JimArchie... If we get another poly ship then I'm calling SteddyHands real. I'm just saying.

Oluwande taking initiative to step up and flex his boytoy powers to advocate diplomatically for the crew - very Captain material of him. Also conveniently doubled as a distraction so he was essential to the plan. Go Olu!

Antagonists New and Old!

Spanish Jackie was a treat. I enjoy that she still hates Stede. The Swede literally became a new man by marrying her. AND WE SAW THE HUSBANDS!

Prince Ricky is so far just kind of a shady classist scumbag - presumably that's going somewhere.

Zheng Yi Sao on the other hand... interested what's happening with this whole armada plan she's apparently enacting. The whole Olu boytoy arc was fun. I'm not as into the whole "girlboss" approach to every single female character in this show so far, so, uh, concerned about that. Hoping for more exploration of how she's doing Stede's version of piracy but what exactly is off about it? Because so far there's no real reason to resist her, other than maybe the whole "I didn't conquer China by listening to pirates ramble about their feelings" bit.

Hornigold. Yeah, I know he was a subconscious manifestation of Edward's self-loathing but I still have hope. "Last time I saw you, you said you were gonna flay my skin and feed it back to me." Does that not sound like a great foreshadowing for S3???

[ninthform]

i have so many fucking thoughts this is gonna be so disorganized. ofmd spoilers

•ed calling the older fisherman pop pop. ed the babygirl that u are

•also i did feel kind of bad DKJFH ed was so excited to be a fisherman and he was right that guy was a dick

•his transformation back into blackbeard after seeing the destruction and being scared that he lost stede after they separated again. god. also the fucking physics in this show are so funny bc how was the navy dinghy docked right above where his leathers sunk to???

•everyone leave stede alone be nice to him!!!

•also zheng yi sao thinking she lost auntie and just losing all hope :( so glad auntie wwas alive tho i love her

•"and you are... pinocchio?" izzy ur such a fucking bastard. get his ass

•i also wasn't big on the theory that izzy was going to die bc of how much everyone seemed to love him both on the show and within the fandom but the whole buildup this season between his development and ed's journey toward self discovery honestly made it make so much sense. ed really did need to lose him to truly separate from blackbeard - the two of them together were blackbeard and that's why they were so toxic!!

•THE FUCKING BEACH SCENE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. OH MY GOD THE PARALLEL TO STEDE'S DREAM. THE REUNION. THE KISS. "I LOVE YOU" "I KNOW" im fucking. biting and scratching at the wall.

•SOMEONE TELL STEDE HE DID A GOOD JOB also ed calling stede babe omg

•"it's only suicide... if we die" babygirl izzy just got shot

•also stede putting on the naval uniform. WHEW.

•i'm so so fucking glad the crew stayed together. that was one of the things i was most worried about, but i'm glad that the found family got BIGGER!!! spanish jackie and auntie and zheng yi sao joining the revenge!!! the swede is back!!

•i'm so glad they got to retire to their inn omg. but babygirls please find out what that smell was

•buttons landing on izzy's grave. i'm not well

•the episode (and the season as a whole) was VERY rushed but i'm not surprised nor do i blame the crew. they worked with what max gave them and still managed to speedrun some of the best development and writing despite it. i might be biased bc of brainrot but truly the only complaint i have is the pacing which was entirely due to budget cuts and not the writing. if we could've gotten two more episodes i'm positive the pacing would've been so much better

•i like that there are still loose ends and conversations to be had and adventures to go on with the hopes of a renewal, but i also appreciate that they made the ending just satisfying enough that in case we don't get s3, we at least get the ending we got without a huge cliffhanger

[khaleesiofalicante]

Hello! So exams are almost over I only have one more class that I need to pass so I found some time and read Gigi's chapter. And I have so many things to say it's a little ridiculous but yeah. Be warned this is gonna be loooong.

Okay I thought that Madeleine was one of the good ones and because of what happened to Joseph(what exactly happened there?) she was filled with so much grief that she wants Lance dead but somewhere along the way she would realize her mistake and join the team again. But now, I'm not so sure. Because Gigi has a great instinct and I trust her. If she says she doesn't like Madeleine's vibes neither do I. Also her name starts with M? And we've established that people who's name starts with M are out to get Mavid so no thank you. However, I reserve the right to change my mind about this.

I'll investigate Aby for Gigi, I think the flowers and her secret boyfriend is someone Izzy won't like and that's why she's hiding him. My guess is Antoine(it just fits for a lot of reasons).

I just love that no one wants to disappoint Alec, they all just respect him and his achievements so much- what kind of idiot thinks you undermine him in your fics??

I remember David used to spend time with Aby because he liked babies, it really hurts to think about how different things would be if the Clave wasn't fucked up

This Lance is like Lucifer and Arthur is like Raziel and the David comes from Jonathan the shadowhunter/Raziel is always at the back of my mind, just waiting for the connection to drop

If the Clave keeps up with all this bullshit it won't have to worry about Lance because I'm pretty sure Max will burn it to the ground

Also let's not forget the vision Asmodeus showed Max about burning down the Clave because it hurt Magnus, I feel like that never got closure and could be connected to the reason Lance will attack Idris? (Because I'm pretty sure Lance will attack idris)

One word about Maxs reaction when he finds out about the wards/the tests because I feel like when he finds out about it it's all gonna go down pretty fast because my baby will go feral

Rereading LBAF made me realize just how close the gang was and Gigi's chapter really really hurt because we never got to see the new generation like that ever, if I get it correctly there are canon events that if they change the timeline is in trouble and there are things that just happen in every reality(like mavid eloping), do you think you will ever write a reality were they all stay close together and the LBAF 5 gang hangs like the og LBAF gang?

I feel like the the og LBAF gang had a relatively okay childhood and then with the Devlins their world changed and they all have a very screwed up adult life and their kids have a very screwed up childhood but when Lucifer leaves the picture they'll have an okay adult life. And then there's the TMI gang who can't catch a break, love those guys so much

I have so many thoughts Gigi's chapter really got to me I don't know why😭 And I have many theories as well, but I'll share them later👀 I can't wait to see how everything will unfold, I just get more excited with every update and main plot hasn't even started yet, you really know how to keep us in our toes🌷

PS: I read the Mavid one shot just after finishing a big exam yesterday and I LOVED IT! I laughed so hard and I loved the bathroom scene, it was explicit but not in a very descriptive way, it still felt really classy and still very Mavid, your writing is really great and you always manage to stay true to your characters which is really admirable. I can't wait to see you write more of those in the Mavid RWRB au, preparing for a wild ride. Also, some of the scenarios David had in his mind fit Mavid in different fics of yours and that was so cool and funny I loved it😂

UGH I NEEDED THIS AFTER THIS STUPID WEEK (i had no fuel or motivation so i didn't get any of my work done 😔)

I'm not at all surprised that Gigi's chapter led to a lot of thoughts because there is a fuck load of foreshadowing in it lmao.

LET'S GO.

We'll find out what happened to Joseph. Eventually. I can't wait yall to see whose pov it's gonna be from!! Madeleine is...complicated. She is definitely in the wrong. But I feel there is still time and space for her to understand that she is wrong and do better. Let's just hope she can do that before she does something that can't be fixed...Also I forgot who the M people are knkdfd. Mallory? And who else?? Lol.

Antoine?? And Abby??? I ship it

I'm just going to lean into the whole 'alec underminder' thing. Make it my brand now :P

If I start to think about all the things David lost, I will begin to cry. So, I'm not gonna do that.

Plot twist. LBAF V is actually about Lucifer and Raziel love story (idk if this is incestuous or not fkdndjk)

Can't wait bebe 😏

Fascinated to hear theories about why Lance will actually attack Idris (as Gigi/Camila were saying it's unlikely that Lance will attack unprovoked)

Max is slowly going from 'angry to disappointed' with all the Clave stuff (which I think is more dangerous). We won't see his reaction when he finds about the wards, but we will see him being indifferent because he is no longer in a "how fucking dare you" mentality but rather in a "of fucking course" mentality. He will go back to "how fucking dare" you later when they do manage to piss him off hehe.

I don't I think I will. For me, it depicts a very real reality where you don't always stay friends with people for generations (there are exceptions of course). Like my mom and her friends are super close, but I'm not close with their children at all. But when we hang out once a year at some event, we have loads of fun. I just think it's reality - and shadowhunters are no exception.

Don't forget LBAF gang's experience with Asmodeus and Belial hehe. Also what do you mean "when Lucifer leaves the picture" ckjnks. He is here to stay :)

ALSO I AM SCREAMING AT SOMEONE CALLING MY SMUT SCENE CLASSY THIS IS ALL I EVER WANTED.

ALSO ALSO.

[apostatehamster]

Watched OFMD, I have thoughts and feelings, and here be my outlet, whoopee. Spoilers, livewatching ramblings and screenshots ahead

Oh yeah Izzy focus, because I am me :)

Ep 6:

The episode had a villain of the day and I thought that was funny. Just some random guy who got jealous because Ed broke a record jkfhjk. Chill out, man

I've wanted Ed and Izzy to talk again for episodes but -

Bro, he confessed his love to you and you shot him down like a dog. Then knowing he loves you, you wanted him to end your life, which he refused. He tried to end his life instead, stripped of all meaning in life. You do not fucking get to be snappy with him, you were supposed to be the first one to talk,. Yes I am bitter, shut up- Kudos for Izzy being the bigger man (heh).

The drinking issues continue, i see :( "I thought you were Roach" hjkdfhkjl sur

Well, he managed to say the word Sorry at least, that's more than the crew got. I know he is working on the apologizing but. Oof man, it still needs work.

fucking love the crew but especially Archie, I think she's a great addition. Just good chaos. Also lmao Roach

Fang is so precious to me, you do not understand-

Everybody: AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEE CALYPSO BIRTHDAAAY

Everybody is just adressing Stede as their captain. Frenchie's eyes nervously flick to Ed from time to time though. Ed just heaves in annoyance. This guy really just hates his life atm. He's the most disconnected from the crew, like they tolerate him but his only social contact is Stede basically. And somewhat Izzy. Speaking of, it feels like a role reversal to season 1 where Izzy was the one kind of isolated on board

idk why but the way he said "that"Oh." absolutely made me lose it- What emotion was that. Nobody nose

Ed, seeing two kids: "Here's a lot of money. Also here's a knife. Stab anyone who gets close to the money" Me: he'd be a great dad-

idk just LOOK at her, ugh. QUEEEEEEN

Love Feeney for having that idea. Love Izzy listening to this and thinking "...you can just. do this?" and then picturing himself like that next to feeney. We love the self-discovery and self-expression

I just love them, your honor <3

He absolutely fucking killed it man and I need to look at ref pics to draw this because holy shit what a look

my favorite guy and his two support pals <3

Love the way Stede's face goes from "ehh...?????" to "awww..." within seconds. Love the way Fang starts clapping immediately after like one Note of singing (honestly same) Love Izzy just casually grabbing for Calypso/feeney's hand and turning the whole boat into his stage. You stole the thunder you little drama queen. But man he can SING T_T it's so soft..... and a love song....

The throuple hugging..... and also wth Fang and Roach have going on. I love the crew....

And the wonderful singing gets interrupted by... Cannonball and torture!!

OK Ed stepping in front of stede to shield him is cute

Ed continues to look annoyed and pissed off at everything that is happening in his life. Fair enough, I mean he wants to leave the pirate life behind but his pirate life keeps catching up with him

"Struck a chord" haha music pun

Roach laughing "I dont think the torture has begun yet :D :D :D" are you okay, my guy hsdjkhsdjkl???

*they're about to be tortured* Izzy: "It's just gonna turn me on." Ffs Izzy you little freak lmao

Lucius and Pete celebrating their honeymoon for a whole day, that is. impressive and lowkey concerning hjkshdjk

this was just. a nice frame. okay-

This season has a really mixed vibe inbetween funny and dark. Like, this ep is very artsy but they're also being tortured, i almost felt like I was watching a bit of Hannibal

If you think I am going to make this about Izzy, you are absolutely right!!! (I guess Ned and Maggie are Captain and first mate too, so I am definitely drawing the parallels) Because I think most of the issues between Ed and Izzy stem from Ed seeing him only as his First Mate and not Izzy, to the point where Izzy wasn't a person anymore. And now that Ed doesn't want to be a pirate anymore, the First Mate following around is a thorn in his side, and he fails to see the loyal friend underneath the front of the First Mate

Live Mutiny reaction

Ned not caring about whether Maggie dies, because she deserves death if she can't do her job (tie a proper tie). Yeah I am thinking about Ed shooting down Izzy and replacing him immediately. "You're mercenaries, you don't have feelings." Yeah, hm.

Stede is an absolute handsome charmer in this season, I gotta say.

Izzy absolutely flinching in panic as LuPete kick in the door. My man has PTSD (like the rest of the BB crew probably)

"We got engaged" Everyone: Awwwww :)

Ned: "You used to be a killer" Hm not so sure about that. Not the way everyone thinks at least. I am actually not sure if Edward ever killed anyone after his dad and the one person during the raid. His flashbacks were of these two murders at least (and the almost murder of izzy) so I am guessing there weren't anymore off screen murders?

Ed giving absolute zero shits about Ned's taunting, but Stede steps in, my man is manning up.

I find the difference between Ed and Stede so fascinating. Ed, who feels like his whole life went downhill after he killed and who wants to run from his life as a pirate, versus Stede who has been taunted for being weak, who wants to prove his strength and become a proper pirate. They are progressing in opposite ways.

"See, that's why he likes you. Because of your bumbling amateur status" I wonder if Ed feels like he corrupted Stede, sort of like Stede was afraid he ruined Edward at the end of season 1.

Izzy the killer being like "Give him a minute. First kill is always a mindfuck." and Edward going to check on Stede anyway, makes me wonder when Izzy first killed. If it was for Edward or if it was on his own. And if it was for Edward, if he checked on him, because I think probably not. And judging by the way Izzy stares into nothingness as Ed goes to check on Stede... yeah, no.

EMOTIONALLY LOADED KISS AGAINST THE WALL!!!!!!!!!! hell llloo

Can't help but feel sad tho with Izzy continuing his love serenade as Stede and Ed make out. Singing about how "It's only him for me, and me for him for life. He told me, he swore to me, for life." while the guy you're in love with is hooking up with another. I swear if the ring he wears around his tie was a promise form Ed I'm gonna be so devastated, I really really hope it isnt. :')

Fingie sand footsies gdfgjh LET'S FUCKING PARTAAAAAY

OK will continue in another post for episode 7 because I can't post so many pictures

[rachelillustrates]

Aaaaaaand onto another rewatch of "We Gull Way Back."

Thoughts:

- The fact that Ed and Jack find the armoire and immediately think to blow it up is a really interesting detail. Considering this episode is all about "old" Ed vs. who Stede perceives him to be, the finding and destruction of one of Stede's belongings - thoughtlessly, without any consideration for why it might have been saved there - is probably the first act of real piracy toward any part of the Revenge that we've actually seen on Ed's part. Yes, he took over the ship in full after rescuing Stede from the Spanish, so he technically stole the whole thing, but other than that he's just been... living in it alongside Stede and the crew. Like a home. This is the first time we see him plunder the ship itself. Break something apart from it. Ruin it. Like he'd be expected to do as Blackbeard (the taking of ships to add to his fleet notwithstanding).

- I love the whole crew so fucking much. I hope we get to see much more of the Swede and Wee John next season.

- GAWD also the extent to which Ed is totally blind to how Jack is treating Stede.... jesus. First with the not-so-subtle insults (who says passive aggression is only for the upper crust?), not hearing them at all, and then with the breakfast seating. I think it's interesting, too that this episode happens one episode after the first full one when Izzy's gone. We also don't see Fang or Ivan this episode either, and didn't in "This is Happening" (I don't think, please correct me if I'm wrong), so we've had Ed 100% immersed in Stede's world - Stede back in control of his ship, Stede's crew being the only focus - for at least a few days plot-wise. Or at least two, depending on how long the St. Augustine stop took and how far they are out to sea again. When is the last time he was separated from all of his crew, from that atmosphere, for any amount of time at all?

As we see, especially more and more towards the end of the season, Ed snaps into behavior that people expect of him as a coping mechanism. As much as the prospect of being co-captains is new and lovely, for the fact that he knows now that Stede likes him back, there's a lot of unknowns there. Space he doesn't know how to navigate yet. And then Jack shows up - reminding him of the manic glee of destructive, good old fashioned piracy. Someone he was even closer to than Izzy, in some ways (as we find out later). There has to be an immense level of relief in that, in a sense, even if he doesn't realize it. Gods especially since we know how little he thinks of himself deep down - which hasn't come up in a while, but was made clear in what his mother told him about "that kind of people" and how he feels about having murdered his father. So in ignoring what Jack is saying, doing to Stede, literally not seeing it, I think that he's acting from that coping skill without realizing it.

- ALSO, right before Jack interrupts him to bring up Hornigold, Stede says "Blackbeard and I met on a ship, it was a Spanish vessel. Funny story actually, I was gut-stabbed, and I remember -" THE CAPTIONS DIDN’T CATCH THAT BUT SIR WTF WERE YOU GONNA SAY????

Also Stede refers to Ed as Blackbeard, here, and I honestly don't remember enough to compare whether or not he's ever done that before. Will have to pay more attention on the next rewatch.

And before that moment, the way Ed looks at Stede when he explains who Hornigold was, how he and Jack met on his ship, "Where we first became outlaws." He looks SO soft, and so proud of himself almost too, for a moment. Like he wants Stede to see that, holds affection for him so strongly - even though he's oblivious to Jack's abuse - and wants him to be impressed. All with one glance. Jesus, Taika, how your face?

- "I thought you'd given up the killing," from Stede, in the face of what Jack says about the ship that Ed torched, is SO interesting. The writing on this show is so thoughtful and good - I'm not saying that mistakes aren't/won't ever be made, but it's not likely, so this means one of two things, I think - either he was so overwhelmed by Ed's upset and the prospect of his own death at the hand of someone he already cared about so much, when Ed confessed what the plan was, and told him about what really happened to his father, that he misunderstood that detail despite Ed telling him clearly that he still outsourced "the big job," meaning murder was still happening (which, honestly, not likely. Stede's attention to detail when he gives a shit is impeccable, and he gives ALL the shits about Ed). OR, he's been adjusting his perception bit by bit to believe that Ed isn't as bloodthirsty and dangerous as the stories say, probably without realizing it. Yes, logically, he knows what Ed said and he knows what's said about him, but the man he's come to know is so much softer, so much kinder, than any of that. So how can those awful stories be true? Which I think means that he doesn't even realize he was starting to think that way, to perceive Ed as just Ed, not Blackbeard or Blackbeard's actions, until faced with this story from Jack - which he has to believe, based on the fact that Jack knew him then, and is reinforced by how uncomfortable Ed gets, how he tries to keep Jack from telling it.

And I think we're supposed to glean that just from how that line is placed, here. We know that Stede is On Board for the romantic adventure version of Blackbeard based on the treasure hunt last episode, and based on how he reacts to Ed's piracy lessons and to Ed abandoning all sense of that persona when they're caught later. But this is the first time since the Kraken confession that he's faced with the reality of who Ed is, or was once upon a time, and he doesn't have the luxury of focusing on caring for Ed to distract himself from it. He is literally having to show up for Ed's past due to Jack's presence. There is no looking away.

And honestly, he doesn't. When Jack tries to call him out about piracy being an ugly profession, "but then again, you'd know that," he doesn't flinch. He stares at him back, nods slightly, expression neutral. He's not running away from it, not even internally. And that's a huge gift in the face of what happens at the end of the season, thankyouverymuch.

(That and he's obviously having to process that Ed has been abused in the same way that a life of piracy tends to abuse pirates, confirmed now by Ed's own words about Hornigold. And we know - from the very first moment we meet Stede - that he IS aware of the violence and mistreatment that usually happens on pirate ships. And he stays, and sees. He is choosing to be present for it instead of running away, because even with Jack being a complete asshole, he cares about Ed so much, he wants to understand.)

- Obviously, based on the fact that we know that Jack's planning on using whatever leverage he needs to to get Ed off the ship, including the fact that he saved Ed's life once, it's interesting that Ed himself brings it up before Jack does (while they're regaling the crew with stories of their time together). I wonder if Jack expected that to happen - banked on it, and that makes me wonder what ways in which he made sure it came up enough in the past that Ed would bring it up himself, eventually, going forward. Not sure that means anything, per se, but it is an interesting choice.

- Oh man there is SO MUCH to unpack in how Ed reacts to Stede "insulting" Jack by asking where his ship and crew are. So he's just gone on this diatribe about how awesome the old days with Jack were, just got praised for who he used to be by Jack, told that he's loved - "that's a real pirate!" - literally right before Jack insults Stede by implying he's store-bought. It doesn't look like Ed catches that per se, he remains pretty neutrally just paying attention to what's being discussed, and remains so even as Jack goes to answer Stede's question - actually, he looks a little curious at that, as if he's been wondering too but didn't want to spoil the mood by asking. Then of course, Jack pulls the oh-no-boo-hoo-I'm-being-bullied-please-ignore-MY-bullying card and though the crew goes to comfort Jack, he pulls Stede aside instead. That shows a level of understanding that a) Stede wasn't being malicious exactly, and b) he knows Jack IS setting him off, to some extent. So he may not be noticing all of the specific mistreatment, but he is noticing at least some of it - the vague, "oh Stede is uncomfortable" vibe of it at this point. And then, though he technically does defend Jack, he does so very gently and with understanding of Stede as well - "Well Jack's always been a bit emotional. You know the two of you actually have more in common than you think. I know he comes on a bit strong at first, but he's insecure. I owe him a lot, including my life. Give him a chance." Also, pulling in the life-saving again, this is the first direct acknowledgement we've gotten all episode that Ed knows know how Stede values and cares for him. I care about you. I care about him too, and I'm still here - with you - because of him. I want the people I care about to get along. Please. And Stede sees that, gets it, and immediately agrees to move forward and try to like him for Ed's sake.

Just.... the way they look at each other, the softness, them reaching this level of understanding - firstly, gorgeous. And secondly, even though we didn't see them officially agree to become co-captains (I still think it's just an idea hovering between them at this point - a solid idea, but they're not fully there yet), they are acting like it here. I have been in a relationship with my amazing Wife for almost 2 decades now, and when we have a disagreement that we can talk through calmly, this is what it looks like. That fact is striking me SO hard, and just.... to place that here, in between what happened last episode and what's coming? That's extremely hopeful, too. And I believe the writers KNEW what they were doing. We keep getting little tastes of how things are going to look, moving forward - how Stede will react to Ed's rampage, how they're going to be together once they reconcile. That they CAN. So, again, so many huge gifts in so many small moments even before the way the episode ends.

(Pause to scream gratefully into a pillow.)

- .....but then of course as soon as things seem back on track with keeping Jack around and keeping him happy, Ed starts missing Jack's microagressions toward Stede again. When Stede brings up taking a nature walk, he even shoots it down saying that "this crowd" would want something a little "more" (whatever that was gonna mean). But this crowd is still the crew, their crew, with the addition of Jack's expectations - or Ed's perception of Jack's expectations. So this crowd means, specifically, Jack, and reveling in this kind of pirate antics.

(And can we talk about how very very Jack is a master manipulator?? As already mentioned, he doesn't even have to bring up that he saved Ed's life, Ed does it himself. He gets Stede to basically offer to take them to Blind Man's Cove himself too, digging his own grave. J e s u s.)

- Also, "this crowd" also points to the fact that the crew is having fun with Jack (at first) and Ed is perceiving that. They revel in the danger and chaos that Jack's bringing, after things having been so much calmer with Stede this whole time. Reinforcing, as they hit the beach, how very much more an outsider Stede must feel as he's not enjoying any of the hijinks. How much he himself must not be feeling good enough, nor equal to the life he's chosen in the eyes of everyone around him. Hmm, familiar for how he was treated in high society, too.

- Also also, mad props and delicious enjoyment and thanks to Leslie and Vico for playing their fight scene as Sapphic as possible, especially now that I know that was intentional.

- Even more importantly, Stede and his parasol. That is all.

- AND THEN THE PEE SCENE.

Once again, Jack manipulating the fuuuuuuuck out of the situation - first diminishing Stede and Ed's closeness by calling them "good close buddies" (which is a classic way to diminish a queer relationship in a socially acceptable way. Hi Professor Mary Lee Lunde), then trying to get Stede to let his guard down and admit if they're being physical, by saying "nothing to be ashamed of, anything goes at sea." To then reveal, with such a shit eating smirk, that he and Ed have been together like that. Once again - I know him, I HAVE him, and you don't. BUT Stede doesn't rise to it - he looks hurt, at first, but then asserts that he respects that Ed's past is Ed's business. And Jack gets angry - insisting, just like Izzy does, that "Blackie" wouldn't take being called Ed, would have killed him for it, and that his version of Ed is the only correct one when Stede suggests (firmly, rightly) that he's changed. Punctuating that, of course, with literally peeing on him. What the fuck.

ALSO, I went back and rewatched Stede's reaction to the suggestion that they're buggering - he startles, but gets defensive right away. Flatly, trying for cheeful "I don't care" kind of neutrality, like he has been thinking about it and feels exposed. That, and the fact that he does look sad when Jack says that he has been with Ed (before he rallies, of course). That feels really telling and is interesting in the face of what happens later, at the Privateering academy. He may be romantically oblivious, but he's not totally unaware of what he seems to want (pair this with what I said before about how he drank his tea at the beginning of last episode! He is starting to figure it out, already, even if he doesn't get there until way after they kiss, even. Which, honestly, tracks with what we can assume he's experienced of physical intimacy up until now, just being expected to produce heirs and not being attracted to or having feelings for Mary. This might be the first time he's ever wanted someone like that, and I know from experience that that actually adds to the confusion. Especially when jealousy surfaces at Jack's experience with Ed, making it impossible for him to pretend to himself that such a suggestion isn't impacting him after all).

Shoutout also to him bitchily reminding Jack that he is Ed's past, in saying that he respects that Ed's past is his business. This whole scene is such a passive-aggression-off and just *chef's kiss* ...as much as I want to punch Jack in the face.

I didn't actually process how angry Jack got about Stede not rising to that bait, before, too, and that's VERY interesting. Especially in the face of the fact that even though later he claims that pirates don't have friends, he introduces himself to Buttons simply as a friend of Ed's at the beginning of the episode, and let's Ed call him his friend the whole time before that. It feels the same as Izzy calling Ed Edward, but hissing at others whenever they do. Only I am this special to you, only I get to call you that, be that to you, and we don't talk about it.

- All of this which of course leads to Stede blowing up at Ed after all, like Jack wanted. Ed, continuing to be oblivious to the fact that Stede's being abused and denying the level to which he is uncomfortable, suggests doing another thing he doesn't have a taste for - another thing that shows he's more like the Blackie Jack is insisting is really him, not the man he's been falling in love with this past month. And it's just too much, after having been told once again that he doesn't know him, diminished as a person and literally peed on. But Ed, having been unable to see any of that, thinks it's really just about who he is, especially because of what Stede chooses to say - "I don't like who you are around this guy." And he responds in confusion - "But this is who I am. This is me." Not processing, either, that Stede hasn't seen this side of him yet, since all the pirating lessons before were about the work of piracy, actually raiding, and not what fills the time in-between.

I feel like this whole episode is a direct mirror to what they went through in "The Best Revenge is Dressing Well." In that, they both got sucked into the bullshit of Stede's world - which was necessary for Ed to see, as they were still learning each other - but were able to get out of it because things were so fresh and Stede saw what it did to Ed, and helped him. As much as it's not either of their faults that Jack is expertly driving this wedge between them, and as much as I wish Stede had chosen different words, it's also so painful to watch that Ed can't see how Jack is literally bullying Stede right in front of him, as he's blinded by his own nostalgia and the approval, the familiarity of that space. Which, again, ties into that previous episode. He doesn't catch passive aggression that easily, despite Stede's lessons, and with someone he cares about, something so close to him? Impossible.

- Also Spanish Jackie being 25 should not be as funny as it is but I bust up every time.

- I think it's also VERY important to note that when Buttons calls them out for causing violent drunken ruckus, Ed does suggest they call it a night - he is, even with the distraction of Jack, still a changed man who is trying to find a balance, even in this situation, between the exciting chaos and the calm respect for each other that exists on the Revenge.

- And a moment of absolute respect for the moment Stede steps up and kicks Jack off the ship, the murder of Karl - that injury to his crew - finally being the last straw.

He is obviously willing to put up with A LOT for the sake of Ed's happiness, but when it hurts the people in his care? That's it.

(Also that raises some interesting flags in terms of what he might need to work on in their relationship, setting boundaries for himself if people around Ed are mistreating him and Ed isn't stopping them. But I believe they'll get there, and it's a bit of a relief to see that Stede may still have some pitfalls to work through, since Ed has so much of a personal journey still to go, before he can be with Stede regardles of Stede's approval or lack of it. They both have to grow toward each other.)

- He's also wearing the fuschia robe again, leading into the moment Ed leaves with Jack (more breakup robe energy). And Jack gets Ed to go with him by finally leveraging the life-saving himself - after once again belitting Stede, calling him a fop, calling the party awful even though he's the one who insisted it keep going before. I don't think those two things contributed to Ed's decision, but I think he feels partially responsible for what just happened. Jack is here because of him, they were reveling in that manner because he let Jack stay in the first place. And now Stede wants Jack gone, along with that level of chaos, which he'd just told Ed he didn't enjoy about him. So between that, and the reminder - the claim on him - that Jack saved his life, it must SO MUCH feel like this is all he is, in this moment, and look what it leads to. So he leaves, saying "This is who I am Stede. Can ya see me now? You were always gonna realize what I am."

So a) I think that subconsciously, at least, he thinks he's protecting Stede from how awful he truly is (believes he is) by just giving in to Jack, and b) I feel like these kinds of doubts have been broiling within him since before Jack even arrived. They must have, for him to just go. Once the happy glow of "oh he likes me back!" wore off, in the face of maybe accepting, embracing the idea of being co-captains - of staying, of seeing where this really goes - must have seemed so scary, in the face of his self-hatred. As much as he wanted it, as much as we already know he wants Stede. And everything that's built up since Stede finally snapped at him has just reinforced that, once again, he's not good enough and never will be. So he goes. And turns his back before he can see how crushed Stede is at his departure. He can't let himself see or believe that.

- That said, I LOVE Stede's catty-judgey watching them all night through the window behavior. Just... perfect. Living in my head rent free until the end of time.

This was never NOT a breakup scene. Lucius even calls it that, and Stede doesn't contradict him, even though he's still mostly oblivious about his feelings. He just continues to look as thoroughly dismayed as he did the moment Ed hopped off the ship.

And just the support system of Olu being able to crash on the couch, and Lucius popping in to check on both of them. I love this found family sooooooo much.

AND the frustrated eye roll and heavy sigh from Lucius before he comforts Stede and tells him he's fantastic at breakups - he has worked SO HARD to get these two to stop being idiots, and he thought he'd made progress, but it was all for nothing after all. He is gonna lose his shit on both of them when he finds out exactly what Stede did to break Ed's heart, at the end. Jesus ass. GOD he was just rooting for them SO MUCH, not only does he take it upon himself to get Ed's stuff to the beach, and make sure ALL of it is in there so he can't have the excuse to reach back out, there is so much sympathy in the way he says "You know he really liked you. I hope you know that." Like it's not just about calling him out on the fact that he blew this chance with Stede, it's about him wishing Ed will someday believe he is lovable, too. And during the divorce-talk scene, he looks so irritated at first and then resigned - so he KNOWS Stede’s making a mistake too, but he's his captain (and friend) so he is/has to respect his wishes. Even with his boyfriend being a dick about it behind him (omfg Pete 😅 This scene never gets any less amazingly perfectly awful).

- ALSO the fact that Stede responds with "It is, it's terrible news!" when Roach sees the ships and says bad news - I LOVE that he cracked for a minute there. SO MUCH. I can't imagine how much shoving asid of his feelings he was having to do to make sure his crew felt cared for in this situation. Gaaaaaaaawd sir. Yay for taking care of your people but you are worthy of care toooooo.

- Buttons and Olivia solidarity. I hope she sticks around and they get to work through their grief together. And then that she stays.

- Speaking of Olivia, and her distraction of Jack so that he's standing and not looking when the English arrive, being right in place for the first warning shot to take him the eff out, Ed's expressions and actions up until that point are just.... ❤️ He looks so sad, but resigned as he gazes longingly back at the Revenge as they're first rowing away, but as soon as he realizes Jack found him on purpose, he understands the situation so fast and suddenly all of his self hatred, self doubt, doesn't matter. All that matters is that everything that Jack was making him feel, that validation, that longing for the ease of the old days, was a lie, AND - more importantly - Stede is in trouble and he abandoned him to it (unknowingly, but still). I think that's a really, really hppeful note for what will happen when he realizes Stede's running "home" to his family was instigated by Stede getting kidnapped by Chauncey. Yes, he had a part in this, in a small sense. But he immediately turns around and does the right thing, what he can, to fix it. To be there. So yes 👏👏

(Also of course watching him call Jack out, as much as Jack just laughs at him, is SO satisfying every time.)

ALSO he left all of his stuff behind!! Didn't think about that before, and obviously he has more stuff wherever the Queen Anne is waiting for him, but isn't that an interesting parallel...

- I am never ever ever ever ever gonna get over the fact that neither of them were sure they wanted to live anymore, before they met each other, and (here) Ed immediately tells them to hoist the white flag - "Better alive than dead." And (later) Stede begs for his life in front of the firing squad.

Yeah, obviously, Ed needs to realize and express what he wants on his own and value himself on that level regardless of Stede, BUT istg there is nothing more poetic and gorgeous than them lighting that spark of wanting to live again, within each other. AAAAUUUUGH.

Also Stede's relief and joy when he sees Ed there in the first place.

- And then of course. The entirety of "The Chain" scene.

How well choreographed and designed it is, in general.

Ed immediately looking over at Stede when they're forced down, looking panicked, but his entire fucking face relaxing when he sees him - and he exhales, too, like he's been holding his breath until this moment.

Stede's "You came back" as a statement, not a question. Staring at him in delighted shock.

The determination on Ed's face and unbroken eye contact, and then "Never left" and the wink.

And that determination/flirtyness turning into such softness from both of them, continuing to gaze at each other as the camera pans out, as if nothing else matters.

AND THE FOOT BUMP. INCLUDING STEDE MOVING TO CUDDLE ED'S FOOT BACK WITH HIS OWN, KNOWING THAT ITS HIM.

JESUS

JESUS

JESUS

JESUS

jEsUs.

I am never ever emotionally prepared to watch his scene but I can never not watch it and now I need to lay down.

.....all of that said, I didn't expect to have this many notes about the episode, since most of the time I sit seething at Jack though it until we get to the Best Scene Ever at the end there. But there is SO much good stuff, so much subtlety, that I think/hope sits to give us optimism for how they'll come back together and move forward after the events of the season finale.

Okay gonna go cry some more again now.

.....Also, if you are a big Anne Bonny fan like myself and want some content in which Anne and Jack (and Mary!) still happened, I highly, highly recommend checking out @underthecouchh 's "Hijinks on the High Seas" series. SO GOOD. Especially if you're as unhinged about Blackbonnet as I am, and are rooting for an Izzy redemption arc. So very well handled and so very fun to read, all around.

[wontonsoupho]

THEN GOD

MADE THEM BLUE

© Artist the Author 2022

SYNOPSIS

This series was inspired by GOD HIMSELF , my personal life , my own spiritual experience , and journey of self. The people , places , and events that occur are loosely based from things I have witnessed or partook in; or are inspired by the lives of those whom surround me in which I love dearly. I wrote this series to have conversations about those uncomfortable and controversial topics , in hopes of bringing darkness to the light so that people can heal their hidden traumas. I’d kindly advise you NOT to steal any of my work as it is protected legally binding underneath Copyright Law with THE ARTIVERSE PRODUCTIONS and Wattpad Corp. — Artist the Author

GENRE : URBAN DRAMA / FICTION

LEADS : DAVE EAST X SHANNON THORNTON

SETTING : MACABRE , GEORGIA (fictional city in the belly of ATL)

“YOU DROVE ME AWAY and then they TOOK ME , only GOD can save me now.”

THEN GOD

MADE THEM BLUE

Has anyone ever heard of the saying ,

‘FATE HAS A FUNNY WAY OF WORKING ITS SELF OUT?’

On the dreary morning of October 14th , 1999 , sixteen year old Prodigy of The Arts , Goapele Scott was officially declared missing fourty-eighty hours after she was nowhere to be found within her self acclaimed hometown of Macabre , Georgia. Sources say that she was last spotted in a heated disagreement with longtime family friend Georgia State University's Star Basketball Player seventeen year old Xodus Casanova.

The two not only knew each other very well , but also allegedly concocted a plan to run away together which led authorities to believe that the Elite Division I Power Forward had involvement in Goapele's disappearance-however , that could not be any further from the case. Twenty long years , never ending pain , severe strife , and many tears later she mysteriously returns opening Pandora's box.

Two worlds collide after demons from their pasts force them both into a whirlwind of mayhem. Goapele and Xodus were two traumatized souls , but by the power of truth , God made them BLUE.

The question is , WILL THEY SURVIVE LONG ENOUGH TO WATCH IT COME INTO FRUITION ?

STARRING | LEADS

SHANNON THORNTON (circa 2019-present) as GOAPELE SCOTT

THE ANGELOU FROM HEAVEN

“I bet you NEVER thought you’d SEE ME AGAIN huh?”

DATE OF BIRTH : SEPTEMBER 22ND , 1985

HOMETOWN : BROOKLYN , NEW YORK

PHYSIQUE : 5 FT. 3 IN. — 127 LBS

DAVE EAST (circa 2016-present) as XODUS CASANOVA

GOLIATH REINCARNATED

“Our lives are like the fucking LIVING TESTAMENT Xo , can’t be surprised that it’s so damn treacherous.”

DATE OF BIRTH : MAY 23RD , 1984

HOMETOWN : QUEENS , NEW YORK

PHYSIQUE : 6 FT. 7 IN. — 253 LBS

FEATURING | SIDES

lela rochon as MAYOR CASANOVA

missy elliot MAMA QASIM

sonía braga as MAMA SOSA

jazzy amra as KAGOME

ava mcclure as NANI

faith jaggernauth as CHITTY

amil whitehead as MOTHER MACABRE

bia as PRINCESS

lola brooke as FLOJO

demetrius flenory jr. as KASPER

skepta as MAC 3

bandhunta izzy as DRAEKO

sebastian mikael as CHÖSEN

VISUAL AESTHETICS & CLOSING REMARKS | CINEMATOGRAPHY & AUTHOR’S NOTE

Hello my favorite heauxs!—and to those of you who don’t already know me I hope you’re enjoying your experience in the Artiverse. I want to start off by saying that my name is Artist Oriental , and I’m just an anomalous child of The Most High here baring gifts and fruits to give to the collective. For the past decade and a half I have been perfecting the craft of storytelling , and I’m at a point in my practice where I’m focused on broadening my horizons and expanding the audience I’ve been blessed to entertain and edify. From filling up notebooks all day long in class to hundreds and thousands of reads on Wattpad , my love for the art of literacy has never faded. Throughout the years I’ve been a breathing witness to the evolution of Artist as a person , creator , and soul—and may I say she’s come a mighty long way. As I grow older and enter my quarter century milestone , I find more and more that my work is often a reflection of my peculiar perception with the perfect blend of my eccentric imagination. With that being said; GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN ALL OF ARTIST THE AUTHOR’S CONTENT. I will not denounce the reality that I know to be true , experience , and choose to express. If that is unsettling for you my world may not be tailored to your liking , therefore feel free to roam at YOUR OWN DISCRETION. You can expect that the majority of work coming from me is more than likely to have some sort of spiritual aspect in it. There will also be lots of poetic vibes and a great deal of strong adult themes that usually hold HEAVY CONTROVERSY. At times my writing can get crude and dark , I tend to hound in on the gruesome details because I want readers to feel every raw emotion , but don’t be alarmed you’ll always be forewarned. Within The World of Artist have the opportunity to find all types of experiences from different genres like Urban Fiction all the way to Sci-Fi , so it’ll be hard not to get immersed. I chose this series as my debut piece because of how much it means to me at a soul level , and it further exhibits the growth I’ve had since deciding to master the element of literature. It’s also in hindsight my first ever official screenwriting piece which makes me all the more excited as I am intimated. Please take your time trekking through the universe I’ve created , and know that when you’re here things normally are vague and obscure at a first glance; sometimes it may feel a bit riddling to latch onto—but I promise you all there is a method to my madman ways. I’m gonna finish off with saying a big thank you to GOD for invoking divine favor upon everything that I am , Nothing would exist to be if it weren’t for my Guide and I’m standing under that irrefutable truth. All praise goes to The Most High , forever and ever. Remember that everything you need or desire is already within you; Create the World that’s Yours. Until next time my little Jezebels , be the influence not the influenced. — Artist the Author

Copyrights © Artist the Author 2022

[firedragon1321]

HEY WHO WANTS SOME FUNNY BADFIC LINES?

I torture myself with badfic sometimes. There used to be a LiveJournal for posting this kinda stuff, but who uses LJ anymore? Here is a fine collection of horrible badfic lines and author’s notes, for your viewing pleasure.

Most of these are from Digimon fic. Some of these are NSFW, or from a NSFW source.

THE FIC LINES (SFW)

“Then Myotismon then said," I think that’s enough damage for one day, ciao!..."

Myotismon, Digimon

This one’s from a Digimon Mary Sue fic. Myotismon- a villain who wants to kill the child protagonists- kills only the Sue. The canon characters mourn the Sue. He has them at his mercy. But then he does...this. This is one of my personal favorites, but I never noticed there’s two “thens” in that sentence until tonight.

“You like what you see, Hugh? Come get it, come get your birthday gift. That’s right; you’re getting an ass as your birthday present. Who needs a Wii U when you’ve got an ass?”

Nate, Pokemon

I need to stop reading bad/OOC fic on purpose. But lines like this make it all worth the suffering. The succulent line “Who needs a Wii U when you’ve got an ass” made me break out laughing- hard. The rest of the fic was OOC crap, BTW.

“What the HELL ARE You Doing You Motherfukers! It was. Dumbledore!”

Dumbledore, Harry Potter My Immortal

This is one of the classics of badfic. I read it in one night. A skunk sprayed outside, providing an odor to enhance my reading experience. I went a little crazy and remember nothing but the famous introduction and this line. A pure gem.

"Stop calling Lexaeus my mom, it just creepy. I mean he's like almost 7 foot and hell of buff!"

Axel, Kingdom Hearts

I vaguely remember this fic was some kind of Soriku/AkuRoku Double Power Hour where Sora and Roxas were catboys or something. This line- like many of the other zingers- comes in out of fucking nowhere. Yes, Axel- Lexaeus is “hell of buff”. I also know the image is technically of Lea, but KH3 graphics are pretty.

“He smiled, before pulling off his plaid shirt. Don't worry, he had a white t-shirt underneath.”

Prose, Digimon

I used to do a lot of MSTs of Digimon fanfics. The Myotismon quote was from one of my victims. So is this one, which was a Stufic. The Stu’s target was Mimi. They were hanging out or going to bed or- God knows what. The author pulled the story to a full fucking stop to tell the reader about this white t-shirt. Just in case they thought things were getting too racy. The fic was rated K on fanfiction dot net.

“Mimi's eyes widened as she watched the older man grab Izzy's neck viciously as the man grabbed a rifle from his pocket and held it threateningly against the younger boy's head.”

Prose, Digimon

Another old MST victim. Yes, you read right. A thug pulled a full-size rifle out of his pocket. I had to stop my MST for two solid minutes because- no? I think the author meant a small handgun, not a fucking rifle. Fun fact- the minimum length of the barrel for a rifle is sixteen inches. This is equal to stuffing a standard ruler and then some in your pocket!

““DORA! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Screams Annie way too overdramatically.”

Prose, Digimon

This was another Suefic. Not sure if I actually MSTed this one. Anyone who knows Digimon knows that- right before crossing into the Digital World- your regular Joe experiences some freaky electronic behavior. A television playing Dora the Explorer- to the delight of some teenagers- zapped out, leading to this little gem.

"I had them not shoot you for the soul purpose to annoy you."

Leomon, Digimon

This fic was an MST fic and I fucking hated it. It was made by non-Digimon fans if I remember correctly, who made everyone OOC and stupid. And used “knave” as an insult a lot. Leomon was an antagonist- not sure if he was under Devimon’s control- and he summoned cupids to make the DigiDestined fall in love with random bullshit. TK was spared this gruesome fate. When he questions why, Leomon drops this zinger.

“He then kicked Gatomon a few feet (Because I hate Gatomon and so does Koushiro.) “

Prose, Digimon

Same fic as above. I forgot to mention the Author’s Notes liked to butt in at times, too.

"Sorry Miss Luna, but there are no breaks form learning your education,"

Teacher, Digimon

MST Suefic victim. This one is just a grammar mess. It looks like something Google Translate might write if it was allowed to make a fanfic. No- let’s not wish that into reality.

“He decided to act like a complete wigga and moonwalked home at 45 miles an hour.”

Prose, Beyblade

This was the most terrible Beyblade crackfic I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be a slur in there? The moonwalking bit was what got to me, in addition to the very specific speed. The fic gets even worse. That gem of a line is in the NSFW section.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY SALAD?!"

"Samus... there's no sal-"

"DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT A MEME IS!?"

Link and Samus, Smash Brothers

I honestly remember nothing about this fic except this line.

THE BEST POKEMON BATTLE EVER

(Note- I didn’t bold anything to avoid eye strain. The battle below is presented uncut in its entirety, to deliver maximum pain. Enjoy!)

+++++++++++++++++

"Let's get started, shall we?"

"Okay," Rosa said, moving away from Elesa to get their battle started. "Go, Emboar!" Rosa said, releasing an Emboar holding a Quick Claw.

"Go, Zapdos!" Elesa said, releasing a shiny Zapdos. "Thunderbolt, Zapdos!"

"Flare Blitz!"

Doing as told, the Emboar ignited himself, then he rushed towards Zapdos to tackle it. The Fire-type move instantly knocked Zapdos, but it costed a bit of Emboar's health.

"Impressive, I say. Go, Raikou!" Elesa said, and she released Raikou. "Thunderbolt!"

"Flare Blitz, again!"

The Emboar's Quick Claw didn't activate this time as Raikou attacked first with Thunderbolt, easily blacking Emboar out. "Go, Haxorus!" Rosa said, releasing Haxorus. "Outrage!"

"Hidden Power (Ice), Raikou!"

The Raikou's Hidden Power wasn't enough to knock Haxorus out as Haxorus retaliated with Outrage, knocking Raikou out as Elesa stomped her foot.

"Damn," Elesa cursed.

"Almost out of Pokemon?" Rosa asked.

"Yep, let's see what happens next!" Elesa replied.

After releasing her last Pokemon, a Magnezone holding a Life Orb, Elesa yelled, "Hidden Power (Ice)!"

Rosa didn't order her Haxorus to use a move since Outrage forces Haxorus to use it again. After getting hit, the Magnezone used Hidden Power to knock Haxorus out.

"I'm almost out too," Rosa said.

"Then let's finish this," Elesa said.

"Okay. Go, Sigilyph!" Rosa said, and she entered a shiny Sigilyph in battle. "Use Heat Wave, Sigilyph!"

"Avoid Heat Wave, then use Thunderbolt!"

Failing to avoid the Sigilyph's Heat Wave, the Magnezone blacked out and Rosa jumped up and down in joy, celebrating over a win against a Gym Leader.

THE FIC LINES (NSFW)

"She just walked away licking off your semen like it was gameshow slime."

Sora, Digimon

MST victim again. “She” is Kari and “your” is Tai. Yep- it was one of those fics. The fic was later revealed to be a deconstruction of ero-fics, exonerating it of all crimes. But this line remains, like a bad taste in your mouth.

"With my Viagra pills of the gods, anything is possible."

Palutena, Kid Icarus

This was...special. The fic was set up to be a Pit/Palutena fic, then abruptly bait-and-switched into Pit/TWINBELLOWS. This line explains why Twinbellows is willing to participate in a union straight from the Underworld.

“Jizztacular!“

Pit, Kid Icarus

Same fic as above. You can probably imagine when this line comes into play.

"Whut are you fuck'un norms looking at!" roared Granpa, his 134 inch knob swaying out in front like a barge pole. "GAY PRIDE WORLD WIDE!"

Ryu Granger, Beyblade

This is the same fic as the moonwalk line and hoo boy. I told you it got worse. How to make it even worse? Every single major male character is lined up behind him and- well, I’m sure you can figure out the rest.

THE AUTHOR’S NOTES

“this is a sentence that makes no sense for you enjoyment.“

AN, Kingdom Hearts

This is from a response to a PM from an anti, who wasn’t happy about the author sexualizing the underage characters. The author broke down the PM- itself poorly written- in a nasty, mocking way, making an ass out of the anti. This was part of that response, and perhaps the only redeeming quality of the exchange.

“My grandmother was a poet (she taught me to read, too!) and she watches over me from the Good Place The Good People Go. She watched me write all 12+ words of this. Do you think YOU can shame me, internet puritans? Do you really? No one can shame me or stop me. The only thing that can stop me is running out of tea.”

AN, Beyblade

This is similar to the AN above. It’s more of a general response to antis than a direct attack on one person. This line made me lose my mind laughing. Remember- it’s okay to write pedofics, as long as Grandma approves of them first! Props for having better spelling/grammar than the Kingdom Hearts AN...

THE END

You survived! Yay! This is my grand gallery of badfic lines and horrible author’s notes. I am honored to share it with all of you!

[angstysebfan]

The Past Can Break You - 5

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

AU: Avengers

Summary: You and Bucky have been dating for aa few years. As far as you’re concerned he is the one. But what happens when a blast from the actual past shows up?

A/N: Ive seen a lot stories of Bucky getting his first love from the 40′s back. And I’ve always wondered... what would happen if he was dating someone already? Reader is from this time. Not proofread.

Warning: implied smut, angst is back

--

The next 2 weeks were amazing. Bucky really turned everything around and showed you that he was committed to you. It made you feel so much better. While you felt bad that he now completely avoided Dot, because she is still out of place, you didn’t feel that bad because you knew she was bad news. Whenever she saw you and Bucky together she would scoff and glare at you. It made you uncomfortable.

One day the whole Avengers team was called into a meeting to discuss an upcoming mission. Per Steve and Tony, everyone, except you, were needed. You didn’t like the thought of staying behind with Dot in the compound, but you were a team player, and wouldn’t argue. Bucky on the other hand let Steve have it with both barrels.

“Steve you know the situation with Dot. Can’t someone else stay behind?” he said to Steve.

Steve sighed, “Yes, I know this will be difficult, but everyone else is needed for their skill. Y/N’s skills aren’t needed on this mission. She agreed, so why are you fighting me on this?” Steve argued back.

“Of course Y/N won’t fight this, but I am trying to protect her from Dot. You remember how vicious Dot can be, and I don’t want her to upset Y/N when we just started to get back on track,” Bucky said.

“Look Buck, I get it. I do. But this is how it is. The compound is big enough that Y/N won’t need to be anywhere near Dot. By the way, when are you going to tell her that she needs to start looking for employment and another living situation. She makes everyone uncomfortable. Even Tony is starting to get annoyed at all her questions about FRIDAY, and he loves showing people how smart he is,” Steve asked.

“I-I don’t know. I mean I know I have to do it, especially after what she’s pulled, but I still feel bad for her. I mean she didn’t ask for this to happen, and doesn’t deserve to be thrown out on her ass, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I’ll talk to Y/N about it and see if she has any ideas. Maybe if we help setting her up I will feel better about it,” Bucky said.

“Yea, I know. Let me know if you need help. But we gotta get packed and head to the quinjet. And please don’t worry about Y/N. Your girl is strong, and she knows how Dot is. She will be fine. Besides, we are only gone for like 24 hours, what could happen?” Steve asked.

Bucky didn’t respond and watched as Steve walked out of the meeting room. He ran his hands through his hair, what could happen? He hoped nothing, but he didn’t trust Dot. It’s funny the way she is acting now didn’t bother him when he was in the 40s, but now, because of you, he sees that she is not as great as he thought.

Bucky sighs and heads to your shared room to find you packing his bag for him. He smiles as he walks in, “Hey baby,” he says.

You look up at him and give him a bashful smile, “Figured I would help you out,” you said.

Bucky walks up to you and wraps his arms around you, pulling you into his embrace. He looks into your eyes, and all you see is love and admiration in them. He leans in and connects his soft lips with yours. After a moment he deepens the kiss and you feel his tongue on your lower lip. You open you mouth in response, allowing him full access. When the need to breath becomes too great you pull away, panting.

“You’re only going to be gone a day,” you say with a chuckle.

Bucky also laughs, “Will you be ok? Here? With... her?” he asks.

You brush your hand through his soft hair, “Yea. I’ll stay clear of her as much as I can. But I’ll be ok,” you say.

Bucky pecks your lips again. “When I come home, I was wondering if you could help me with something,” he asks.

You look at him with confusion, “Like what?” you ask.

“I think it’s time for Dot to go off on her own, but I don’t want to just kick her out and make her fend for herself. I was thinking you could help me find her a job and a place to live? I would just feel better if I know I wasn’t kicking her out with nowhere to go,” he asks.

You smile and nod, “Sure. I’ll be glad to help. I’ll start while you’re gone,” you say. 

Bucky kisses you one more time, “I’ll be back tomorrow. I love you, Doll,” he says.

“I love you too, Buck.”

--

You have to say you are surprised when you find yourself not running into Dot at all. It’s almost like she doesn’t want to be near you either, which is fine. She has spent most of the last 24 hours in the lab, while you stayed in your room looking up possible jobs and apartment for her. 

You thought it was nice of Bucky to at least help set her up and not throw her to the wolves. It was something you admired about Bucky, his big heart. You both have been texting before the mission, but since then you haven’t heard from him. You hope everything is ok. 

“FRIDAY, any update on the team?” you ask the AI.

“No agent, I’m sorry,” she responds.

You decide to take a nap in hopes that when you wake up your boyfriend will be home. You want your family home safe and sound.

--

You woke up to the sounds of the team in the hallway. You walk out and see Nat and Wanda and hug them hello. You head toward the common room hoping to see the guys, but don’t. You walk back toward the elevator and heard something from Dot’s room.

“Oh Dot, I’ve missed you so much, Doll,” you hear Bucky moan.

You gasp in horror as you continue listening to Dot moan and beg for Bucky to go harder. You can’t help the tears that begin to fall as you hear your boyfriend and his ex having sex.

“So good baby, you’re so good. Taking me so well, you feel amazing. No one is like you, I love you so much,” Bucky moaned.

You’ve heard enough and turn, running back to your shared room. You can’t be near him when he comes in pretending he didn’t just fuck his ex. Your heart is in a million pieces as his voice continues to play in your head. All you hear is her and his moans and his words. He loves her. It will always be her. Maybe you just need to learn to accept that.

--

“Buck, I think you should have told Y/N you got hurt. She is going to be worried about you,” Steve scolded.

“Look, I know my girl. She will be mad at first, but then she will nurse me back to health. I will have to convince her to ride me later, but it will be so worth it,” Bucky says with a smirk as the doctor continues to pull out shards of shrapnel from his side.

“Seriously man? TMI!” Sam complained before leaving Medbay.

Bucky laughed and then hissed as the doctor pulled another shard out. “How much longer? I don’t want Y/N to think I’m dead if she knows we are back,” Bucky asked the doctor.

“One more piece... and....” she pulls the large piece out, “There! Now I will quickly clean and bandage. no stitches cause you will heal fast, but please no sex tonight. You might bleed all over her,” the doctor said with a glare.

Bucky and Steve laugh. “Oh I talked to Y/N about helping me out with Dot and she agreed. I figured it was best to have her involved with that situation from now on,” Bucky says to Steve as the doctor cleans and bandages his side.

“Good idea, less messy that way. I hope everything went well here with the 2 of them,” Steve says.

“I’ll find out,” Bucky says as he puts his shirt on. 

Both men walk to the elevator and head to their floor. They say their goodbyes in the hall as Bucky opens the door to your shared apartment. You aren’t in there, which confuses him, but he figures maybe you went to the kitchen.

When he walks into the bathroom he senses something is wrong. None of your toiletries are there. It was different from when you cleaned, plus his was still there. He walks back out to your room and sees that everything on your nightstand is gone too. Now he starts to panic as he goes to the closet and sees that all your clothes are gone. He tries to not have a panic attack because that will slow him down. He goes to head to the door and sees a piece of paper on the floor:

Bucky,

I guess I’m the stupid one. I’m stupid to think that everything you said to me was true. I was stupid to think that I could compete with your one true love. I was stupid to think that you really loved me. Well I won’t be stupid anymore. No need to lie and say what I heard isn’t true. I hope you and Dot are very happy together in your new apartment, but I’m done. Have a nice life.

Bucky dropped the letter and fell to his knees as tears pool down his cheeks. What the hell happened that you up and left him? You are angry with him, and he doesn’t understand why. He allows himself to cry for a moment before rereading it.

Dot.

--

Chapter 4 / Chapter 6

Oh Dot you dirty bitch! Feedback is appreciated.

Permanent Taglist:  @hailmary-yramliah @tuiccim @comedictragedy @cap-n-stuff @thefridgeismybestie @swiftmind @aleaisntcreative @lookiamtrying @pinknerdpanda @morganclaire4 @iamvalentinaconstanza @verygraphicink @im-squished @joannie95 @peace-love-hobbitness @connie326 @amandamdiehl @harrysthiccthighss @its-izzys @roserose26 @rebekahdawkins @elegantobservationstudentsblog @broco8 @shinykoalacat @white-wolf1940 @jessyballet

Story Taglist: @afuckingshituniverse @wintrfld @cherries-and-berries @ilovemarvelanne1 @lilli2411 @minty-fiction @peakywitch @blue-mostacho @r0bbieshapiro @uncreativezx @sarahjoestewy-blog @geekanista @imtaashu @vicmc624 @browneyedgirl365 @happinessinthebeing @leyannrae

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I FORGOT ANYONE!

[three--rings]

Our Flag Means Death Finale

Spoilery edition. I.e. Where I try to be somewhat coherent. Despite the fact I'm fucking vibrating and both incredibly pissed and also so pleased and also fucking scared and just...ANGRYHAPPYFULL.

Okay. So. We got it. We won. We got the kiss. It was everything we were hoping for, but it happened in the second to last episode so you knew they were gonna fuck it up but we HOPED they'd end happily but NO because fuck everything they needed to give us a cliffhanger.

So I HATE losing the beard, first of all. I guess it's like, metaphorical, but I don't even like people with facial hair and I am a SIMP for Blackbeard. Like without the beard he looks like Taika Waititi, which is fine, nothing wrong with that, but he's too familiar honestly. With the beard he's Ed. Yanno?

And okay, it made total sense that Stede freaked out after the kiss (not really BECAUSE of the kiss) but because his family thinks he's dead and he thinks...he ruined blackbeard. I think that's really what it came down to. He thought he owed his children and MAry and that Ed and his crew would be better off without him.

And he's 100% wrong about that.

Still sad about Doug and the fact that Mary didn't start a lesbian harem while he was gone. But everything else about MAry is literal perfection. She is fucking top class, ultimate, I want her and I want to be her. Literally perhaps because I realized if I just got a vest I can cosplay her. Okay and a wig. I have a month before HAvencon, can I make a vest by then? Normally yes but my back is FUCKED RN.

Anyway. So much to be said about Sad Breakup Ed the Emo Rockstar. Well, okay that much. WEARING STEDE'S ROBE.

Seriously, though, Ed it's not like you confirmed nothing happened to Stede. You didn't go check on him or make sure he wasn't dead or captured.

But anyway, the conversation with MAry when Stede finally realizes, or finally admits he's in love. And says it's a HE. OMG all the gay fairies got their wings. It was pandamonium in the group chat.

Okay, all I'm going to say about Izzy Hands is that he so badly needs a Dom. He's way too into Ed choking him, and even Ed feeding him his fucking toe.

Like, honestly, as much as I was screaming no, I'm also really glad we got Dark!Ed angst because that's really what I've been wanting from this ship and didn't think the show was going to give me because it's all Rom Com. So, PROVIDED that Lucius is really okay, I'm fine with it because it's so meaty to explore.

Speaking of Lucius, NO HE CAN'T BE DEAD I DON'T ACCEPT IT NO. Like this show wouldn't do that, right? The most queer of queers? They wouldn't bury him, right? Surely he's actually alive. Like Fang actually saved him or something.

And the fucking FLAG and the hearts the silk from his mother was a red herring actually the hearts are made of Stede's clothes.

Finally, THANK GOD they gave us the gift of showing us Ed crying after all that because otherwise there would be so much speculation and we'd have to wonder an argue about whether he has actually lost himself again. But no, baby's just broken and trying to shut off the hurt with violence and returning to his former persona.

The fact that he looks like the worst mall goth ever with that face paint isn't helping though. Again, it's symbolic, yeah. But really, ed? Fucking drama queen.

Seriously, though how was that last episode SO FUCKING FUNNY and SO FUCKING TOUCHING and also SO FUCKING FULL OF PAIN. Like, if the show was capable of going THAT HARD the whole season they need to stop holding back.

Also once again, if we don't get season 2 someone has to die.

[oitommothetease]

Invisible String (8/?)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female reader (Modern AU)

Description: James Buchanan Barnes, the owner of the most expensive-looking club in town and your new apartment. He was a dick and you hated him. What could possibly go wrong when you, the new girl in town, start bartending at his club to pursue your dreams?

Word Count: 2.4k words

Your parents’ house was exactly how you remembered it, but again, it had been only two months since you last saw it. Contrary to your usual life, a lot has changed in two months. You aren't working in a cubicle anymore, you're not going on random blind dates that your sister and mother plot for you. What you are doing is bartending in a town far away from your family. You're fake dating your boss who happens to be the most dangerous person in the town, at least that's what you've heard of the rumors, but so far, James has been nothing but non-threatening to you. Yes, he was mean in the beginning, but a lot has changed since then. 

And now sitting in front of your parents with James beside you, eating lunch; you recall Barry's diner and you miss the food there. It's funny because you always thought that this was your home, your family and everything associated with them should make you feel at peace, but you were feeling everything but that. You were restless and anxious, and you wanted to go to that cozy dinner with James where Sally would tell you anecdotes about her life. You wanted to sit with James and watch him debunk the myths about his career that you believed were true your whole life. Turns out, he doesn't cut off people’s dick for disrespecting him. Who would have thought? And you decided that maybe you should stop reading those stupid mafia stories.

James sensed your discomfort, you don't know how he does that, but he always knows when something is bothering you. He brought his chair closer to you in hopes of providing you some relief. And it did, his presence made you feel at ease and you weren't sure how you felt about it. You knew you were dependent on him for comfort since the incident at his club, but being with him didn't make you feel caged.

You always thought that a relationship would make you feel stuck. That's why you never engaged in one, but with James, it felt liberating. Maybe because this wasn't real and the moment this turns real, it'll be a shithole. At least that's what you told yourself. 

“So, what do you do, James?” your father asked, and you nearly choked on your food. James's hand involuntarily reached towards your back, his thumb running soothing circles while his palms patted gently. 

“I own a club and a few other buildings in town,” your faux boyfriend answered, and you were thankful he didn't get into his other business. You wanted to ask about all the rumors in town and why people are so scared of him and why does everyone in the club carries a gun, but you were scared to ask. You feared that you wouldn't like the answers. Honestly, that's false, you weren't scared of the answers, you were scared that what if he closes himself again the moment you step into uncharted territory. And you really liked this fun, caring, swiftie James.

Everybody was sitting silently at the table which was unusual because usually family dinners were the place where everyone pointed out your faults. Carol kept glancing at your parents every few seconds and vice versa. Your brother-in-law, Nick, was focused on the food and their kids were taking a nap.

 You were going to thank your stars for this peaceful lunch when your sister broke off the silence. “So, how did you two meet?”

Every head on the table turned towards you expectantly, waiting for you to explain how you met James. What were you supposed to say? That you met when you interviewed for your current job and he clearly rejected you? 

Before the panic could make its way to the surface, James' palm landed on yours softly, grounding you. Your sister's eyes fell to your hands on the table and she scoffed.

 “We're glad you're happy, but at least don't forget basic table etiquette,” She commented. How could you forget the ‘no hands on the table while eating’ rule? Just when you were about to remove your hand from the table, James held your hand and placed it on his lap, lacing his fingers with yours. 

“Auntie Y/N!” A shriek made you turn behind, and you saw your nephew and niece running towards you with the biggest grin on their faces. Both the kids jumped in your embrace without a care of their surroundings and you stifled a laugh.

Bucky didn't like kids, hated them, to be honest. In his defense, what's there to like, they're always whining and crying, but seeing you attempting to straddle two 5-year-olds on your lap while their mother complained might change his opinions on the subject. 

You didn't like kids either, except your nephew and niece. They were perfect in your eyes, but maybe you were a bit partial because you sort of shared genes with them. You were so focused on the stories Alec and Izzy were telling you that you didn't notice the eyes that were fixed on you. James looked at you with not only adoration, but also devotion. He knew if he kept looking at you like that, he'd be deep in shit, but it was too late now. 

After dinner, you made your way to the bedroom, only to realize that there was one bed. Fuck. You really should have thought this through. 

Before the embarrassment could seep in, James started collecting a blanket and some pillows. “I'll take the floor,” He said. 

You frowned. “No, James. You've already done so much for me. Take the bed, please.”

James pretended not to hear you and started preparing his bed on the floor. 

“Seriously?” You queried, slightly huffing at his childish behavior. “You're gonna pretend you didn't hear me. How old are you, five?”

Without saying a word, James started humming a tune and situated himself on the makeshift bed on the floor and closed his eyes. 

You stomped your foot furiously, yeah, maybe you were a little childish too. Without muttering another word, you made your way towards the bed and tucked yourself in a comfortable position. 

“You were saying something?” James asked, his voice laced with tease, and you huffed at his tomfoolery. 

“Yeah, just how immature you are.”

“Sorry, I didn't hear that. What was that?” you couldn't see him, but you knew he was doing some theatrical actions by putting his hands on his ears for better listening or furrowing his eyes in feigned confusion. “That I'm so smart? Oh, why, thank you. You're not so bad yourself.”

“That's real mature, James,” you murmured, clearly not enjoying his antics.

A comfortable silence fell in the room. The only thing that could be heard was your breathing and the air conditioner that always sucked in your childhood room but your parents never thought it was a primary concern. Oh, yeah, also, you were staying in your teenage room with your boss. You tried telling your parents that you could get a hotel, but they insisted so now James could see one direction posters on the wall right in front of him.

You would have assumed that he fell asleep if he hadn't broken the silence. “I know it's not my business and you don't have to answer if you don't want to,” he paused, wondering whether he is crossing a line by asking you this. “But why do you let them treat you like that?”

You coughed in surprise, you clearly did not expect him to ask this. You thought maybe he was going to ask you who is your favorite one direction member. Anything really, expect this. “Wow, you do not beat around the bush.”

You could hear him shuffling and once he settled you were sure he was facing you. Well, the bed actually. You did the same, turning towards him. You couldn't see him, but it still felt so intimate.

 “I'm honest with people I trust,” he informed and you smiled, thinking about the time when he told you he did not trust you or your intentions.

“What do I get in return?” you teased, although you would have told him without getting anything in return.

“What do you want?”

You debated for a minute whether you should go forward and just ask him so you did. “What do you do?”

You didn't expect him to actually answer. You knew that your relationship (whatever that was) with James had increased from where it was a few months ago. You deeply cared for each other and had mutual trust in the other. But you still didn't know about the actual work he did. Your realtor told you that he was a criminal, a mobster to be exact, and had sketchy connections with the mafia but you didn't know the exact nature of his work. 

He signed heavily and you were ready to drop the subject, scared that it would only push him away again and you couldn't lose whatever you had this early. 

“We provide weapons to the government at a cheaper price, eliminate problems or shootouts that the government is too scared to take the blame for,” he said, voice unwavering but you could sense the tension. Bucky thought that telling you about his work would make you fear him, and he didn't want to risk losing the progress he made with you, but he also knew that if he wanted you in his life in any form then he has to be honest with you. “We don't do the kind of stuff you're thinking of, it's mostly assisting the government to do stuff where they don't want to get their hands dirty.”

“Why?”

“How would you feel if the leaders of your country were involved in shady business?” It was a rhetorical answer, of course, you would feel unsafe, but your sleep-dazed brain was about to muster up an answer but he quickly spoke. “So if it backfires then they don't lose their men and women and can blame it on us, the criminals.”

“So that's why you weren't scared if I went to the cops? Because you kinda work for them?” you asked. His reaction made a lot of sense now, but some part of your brain hoped that he did that for you. That he would defy the police for you. 

“Off charts yeah,” he answered, “Although that has nothing to do with why I wanted you to go to the cops. I wanted you to because what Rumlow did was unacceptable and he should pay for his actions.”

“Wow,” you didn't know what to say. Anything further could push him back to the 'I don't trust you' James and you couldn't risk that. 

Bucky didn't want to elaborate further, “Your turn.”

“Sir, you just set yourself up for the biggest disappointment,” you joked, already imagining his reaction and smiling to yourself. 

“I let them treat me like this because they are my family,” you replied honestly. “I don't have anyone else but them.”

Bucky knew all about the issues that come with family, but he didn't think you'd be the victim of it. Bucky realized that in his head, he had conjured up a version of you that was perfect, so if he were to know you better, it would decrease his crush on you, right? 

Wrong. The more Bucky got to know you, the more he realized you weren't some angel and were just a vulnerable human like everyone, and the more he wanted you, all of you.

“Where does Rumlow come in this?” you questioned.

“His work is dirty like drugs, sex trafficking so he doesn't work well with government or any sort of authority,” he explained, “He's one of the problems they wanna eliminate but can't because he's too powerful. He works with Hydra.”

“Wasn't Hydra a myth?” you queried. You have heard stories about Hydra too, how Bucky was their rival. You assumed it was about territory or money. You know, like in the movies.

“Nah, doll, it's real. He's part of that organization and that makes him shielded from us and literally everyone.” 

“So you're technically not… you know, killing people for fun like the mafia and all? You're like undercover agents,” you concluded and he shook his head, chuckling at the disappointment in your voice.

In your defense, you expected him to be the movie-type mafia boss who kills people for raising their voice but again, this is not a movie. 

“If it makes you feel better, we smuggle weapons for the government. We're still criminals and dangerous,” he articulated, his tone laced with amusement at your reaction.

 “No offense, but that's a horrible career. Is that what you wanted to do growing up?” you asked, yawning, your eyelids becoming heavy from the exhaustion.

“No,” he answered truthfully. “Not everyone gets a choice, doll. My dad was murdered when I was a kid and I was shoved into the business to protect my family.”

 “Where are they? Your family, I mean,” you inquired, hoping you weren't overstepping.

“Ma basically hates me and my sister maintains her distance, but it's for her own safety.”

You didn't ask about them further, realizing his family was a touchy subject for him. You could relate to that. “What do you want to do?”

Out of all your questions and weird assumptions, this took James by surprise. No one asked him what he wanted to do. Hell, he didn't even ask him that, and now someone finally asked him, he didn't know what to answer. You understood his silence, you always understood everything James felt even without it being voiced. He generally hated when people predicted him, he prided himself on being unpredictable but not with you. James wanted nothing more than to just be Bucky with you.

“Don’t worry, you'll figure something out,” you mumbled, already drifting off to sleep.

James turned towards the opposite side. “Sleep well, doll.” he murmured, his breath growing even, matching yours.

TAGS: @bananapipedreams​ @akkinda10​ @rivers-rambles21​ @emmabarnes​ @goodcleanfunsis​ @valsworldofcreativity​ @boofy1998​ @marvel-3407​

[zombee]

Our Flag Means Undeath

well, here are the first two chapters of my nandermo blackbonnet crossover fic. i’ve written ten, but i’m not going to start posting them to ao3 until i have a “plot” or whatever. enjoy.

CHAPTER ONE

Edward Teach didn’t like working at Panera, but at least it was better than prison.

He was, all in all, very good at crime. But he was just so-so with pastries.

Gnawing at him, every day, was this aching, yawning, all-consuming boredom. Get up. Pills for the hangover. Pills for the knee. Pills for the fuck of it. Shower. Work. Home. Rum. Sleep.

He didn’t have friends. He couldn’t drum up the interest for new lovers. He still saw the boys, sometimes, Izzy and all them – but it was less and less, when he kept refusing to join them on jobs. He missed the life, he guessed, but he was never, ever going back to fucking prison. He’d rather die assembling you-pick-twos.

A shell of who he once was, was Edward Teach. And bored, so bored. Bored and stuck and yearning for something new.

Something like a head of golden curls and the most ridiculous outfit he had ever seen on a human being waltzing into the store thirty minutes before close. Frills and buttons and lace that did not belong in this century, much less a Panera Bread. Besides the gleaming watch, Ed placed the whole thing at mid-18th century, before he remembered he was too stupid and too rough to know something like that.

Said man walked up to the register and smiled at Ed like he hadn’t been smiled at in a good long while. Even without his reputation, the hair and the beard and the scowl usually kept most people at bay.

“Hello!”

“Hi. What can I get you?”

“Oh, I’m not here for human food.”

The man’s words were as perplexing as his clothes.

“No, I’m here because I had an interview, with someone named Pete?”

Ed blinked.

“I’m afraid I don’t know his last name, er—”

His eyes darted to Ed’s name tag.

“Edward,” he finished.

“Ed’s fine.”

“Righto! Nice to meet you, Ed. I’m Stede.”

Stede smiled again, and Ed, before he could stop himself, smiled back.

The moment seemed to linger.

Something inside Ed lurched.

Pete’s voice broke the tension. “Mr. the Gentleman, sir!”

Still smiling, Stede nodded once at Ed, before turning his attention to Pete.

“Are you ready for the interview, my dear boy?”

Pete nodded, before he said to Ed, “You’ll cover me ‘til close?”

Ed looked around the very empty Panera. “Sure.”

Ed put the fancy man out of his mind. He would never see him again.

CHAPTER TWO

It was forty-five minutes later when he saw him again.

Ed finished his smoke and went to heave the bag of trash into the dumpster. He heard a muffled “fuck!” and then Stede seemed to rise out of the dumpster as if he could fly.

Which wasn’t the most bizarre thing that was happening, as he also appeared to be steaming.

“Was that garlic!” he said.

“Uh…” Ed sniffed, and got a noseful of garbage for his trouble. “Yeah, maybe. I dunno. Garlic bread probably.”

Stede looked very put out. Ed’s thoughts tried to skitter around the word cute before giving up and accepting it.

“I know it heals quick, but oh, it stings!”

Ed leaned against the dumpster in a very cool way. At least things made sense now. “Ah,” he said. “You’re a vampire.”

“No, actually, I’m a vamp—” Stede frowned. “How could you possibly know that?”

Ed shrugged. “Ran with a few of them in my day. Weird fuckers. No offense.”

“None taken.”

They eyed each other.

“I was actually going to, well. I was going to eat you.”

Ed barked out a laugh. “I’m no virgin, Stede the Gentleman.”

There he went smiling again. “You’ve heard of me?”

“I heard Pete say it.”

The smile was gone, and Ed did not like that one bit.

“But you’re very, uh. I like your clothes.”

“Do you!” Stede preened and posed.

“What is that, silk?”

Stede nodded and fiddled with his lapel. “A rather exquisite duchesse satin.”

“Must be a bitch to get blood out of.”

Then Stede giggled.

And Ed was fucked.

“It’s funny you should say that,” Stede said. “Tell me, Ed, are you happy at Panera?”

Ed shrugged. Stede leaned toward him.

“Do you know what a familiar is?”

Ed did know. But he wanted to hear Stede talk some more, so he shook his head.

“A vampire’s familiar is like their personal assistant. Chores and such. Sourcing food. Cleaning up after.”

“After what?”

Vampires could not flush, but Stede was doing his damndest to try. He gestured and opened his mouth as if to speak, thought better of it, then waved his hand back and forth. He opened his mouth again, closed it, opened it, then said, “Oh, you know.”

Stede’s swishing sleeves left white streaks in Ed’s vision.

“Blood. Semen. Vampire things,” Ed said.

Stede looked grateful. “Yes! Yes. See, you already know so much. You’d probably make an excellent familiar. Pete wasn’t quite right for the position, but perhaps…?”

Ed very nearly scoffed. Edward Teach, fucking Blackbeard, running errands for some foppish vampire?

Some beautiful, ridiculous, bizarrely kind vampire?

Yes, actually. Yes, he would like that very much.

What he said was, “What’s in it for me?”

Stede beamed as if he knew what Ed was really thinking. “Adventure!” he said. “Companionship. Access to the dark underbelly of Staten Island. And, eventually, we can discuss the possibility of you becoming a vampire.”

Now wasn’t that a thought. If Ed was a vampire, when Stede got tired of him, he could go back to his old life and stay out of prison at the same time. And if nothing else, this was something different. Something entirely new.

“Deal.”

Stede reached out to grasp Ed’s hand with both of his own and shook.

“Oh,” he said, turning Ed’s hand slightly toward the light of the flickering streetlamp. “Your rings are lovely.”

Ed was wildly, utterly, absolutely, well and truly fucked.

[chocolatepot]

For @domaystic day 6, "cozy corner".

fandom | Our Flag Means Death, Ed/Stede

words | 507

notes | My autistic ass cannot deal with misconceptions and mistakes that never get corrected in canon! This has been bothering me.

Ed had never been on a ship like this, and he didn’t want to leave. His crew had caught and plundered plenty of fat barques captained by wealthy merchants and haughty naval officers, but even at their peak of luxury, they’d never had libraries. Fireplaces in staterooms. Little tiny pianos.

He’d meant to look at the rest of it while Bonnet was sleeping feverishly, but found it difficult to tear himself away from the man for some reason. He wasn’t exactly beautiful, all pallid and sweaty, but there was something magnetic that drew him like a compass. This “gentleman pirate” really was fucking fascinating – by all accounts a dandyish fop who’d walked his crew into an obvious trap, but also someone who’d taken a hostage away from Izzy and sent along a surprisingly bad-ass message to himself.

Then he woke up, and turned out to be utterly charming. God, Ed couldn’t tear his eyes away from him, especially after he put on the red silk breeches. Then they traded clothes, which was a hilarious joke, but the man looked incredible in black – and he turned out to be clever, too. After the lighthouse trick, they sat up in the crow’s nest until dawn, talking and drinking. Stede delivered a monologue on the difference between muslin, lawn, and batiste for fifteen minutes, and it was spellbinding.

“But I must be boring you,” he said, finally. “This is advanced stuff, really. You won’t be ready for it for weeks.”

“Not boring at all,” Ed assured him. “Comparative thread counts are … something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.” They sat in silence for a while, watching the rest of the fog burn off in the light of the riding sun. It was funny – with the two of them together, the little platform dozens of feet above the deck, open on all sides, felt like a cozy corner of Stede’s parlor. “Listen, there’s something I was wondering about.” Stede cocked his head, one blond curl dipping into his face. “What exactly were you thinking, telling Blackbeard to go suck eggs in hell? What was the plan?” 

“I – you – it was –” Stede took a swig from the bottle, and swallowed angrily. “I had no idea that you were his boss! I just thought it was some uncouth person with delusions of grandeur trying to throw their weight around, so I was throwing my own weight around to fit in. Obviously, now that I know who Mr. Hands works for, I’d never say his boss should go suck eggs in hell. It would be completely inappropriate.”

It really didn’t matter. Loads worse had been said to, about, and by Ed, even before he’d been Blackbeard – it’s not like he’d been hurt by it, especially since they hadn’t known each other. If anything, it had made him a more enticing figure. But … he broke out into a grin, took the bottle back, and swigged from it himself. That squared a lot more with his impression of the Gentleman Pirate, anyway.

[bringmebackdude]

I Can't Quit You Baby

(gif not mine)

Pairing: Slash x fem!Reader

Concept: Slash has been hooking up with a rich girl, but this time "no ties" starts to bother him.

Word count: 1,454

A/N: Actually I've been thinking about making a fic out of this one, haven't read or seen one like this with the guys and mixing a rich girl with Slash seems very interesting...(if you have, please let me know, I'm not trying to steal any content by mistake!)

(light smut, fluff)

His agitated body dropped next to hers, both chests going up and down from exhaustion and the heat that filled the considerably small room. Their bodies still felt the shivers of pleasure, there was a comfortable silence during the recovery. (Y/N) sat on the edge of the bed looking for her bra, which she spotted right next to Pandora's tank, his snake, alongside her panties. It was a usual scavenger hunt for her clothes, she and Slash wouldn't care where they left their stuff when lust came between them. He lit a cigarette while watching his companion with a frown, slightly smirking seconds later when he laid eyes on the lightning-struck tattoo she had on her left buttock. "You're leaving already?"

"Wasn't two hours enough for you, big boy?" she chuckled, sliding her legs inside the pink skirt.

"It's just that you usually stay longer...y'know" shrugging and letting the smoke escape from his lips, he sat on the bed. Carefully pushing some of his rebel curls back, so he could give a better look to the girl's half-naked body. "And it isn't two hours if you count the smoke breaks."

"I have stuff to do, and I'm already late," her tone was calm, but she buttoned down her blouse in a rush, shoving her panties in her purse after.

"Daddy invited the president over tonight?" he asked mockingly.

"Ha-ha, very funny," she finished tying her boots and walked towards him, holding his face between her hands "You would love to go to one, wouldn't ya?"

"I'd die for," using his reliable sarcasm, he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'll see you soon," always her same goodbye, not forgetting about the quick peck on the lips before taking her belongings and walking out of his room. "Bye, Pandora! Bye, Duff!" Slash heard the main door close, letting out a sigh, all the fun was over sooner than he thought. He was quite happy with the dynamic between him and (Y/N), no need for compromises, just sex whenever they were in need. She was funny, hot, friendly, listened to the same music as he did, and not to mention she was rich. Also, her dad hated Slash, which made the friendship more exciting for both of them. Two lovers of trouble, together, were no good. That's exactly what he wanted, a good fuck and then leave. But somehow, it slightly bothered him that she didn't ask for more. All the girls were looking for something serious with him, why not her?

"She left early, huh?" Duff's head poked out of his door before he made an entrance to the curly's bedroom. He shrugged again, taking a puff on his cigarette "Yeah." "Oh dude, I'm so jealous you can bang that anytime you want. Do you mind if I shoot my shot with her?" "It's not up to me. She's probably out of your league" Slash replied. The guys enjoyed having her around, she wasn't stuck up like other ones, but still, she had a very strong character, which would sometimes cause fights between her and Axl. Of course, she had developed quite the friendship with Duff. The blond giraffe was funny as hell. "If she's a Motley Crue girl, there will be no problem to get her" rested his body against the wall and crossed his arms with a smirk. He knew it was gonna piss the guitarist. "What do you mean?" "Izzy and I ran into her a couple of nights ago after a Motley Crue concert. No big deal." "What were you doing there?" Slash interest grew, he threw the cigarette to the floor and step on it. She goes to see Motley but not us? (Y/N) knew that they were making noise around Los Angeles, he talked endlessly to her about many gigs, still, she never attended one. The unusual feeling of resentment invaded him. He shrugged, making his way out of the room "Chicks are horny as fuck at the end of a rock concert, dude." Duff laughed walking through the hall, knowing the effect that his comment had caused on his friend. As much as Slash would deny it, everyone in the band knew there was something much more than just a friendship going between the two of them. Ever since the night they met her, the proprietorial side of the curly had shown. Besides (Y/N) being rad, she would sometimes arrive at their apartment with boxes of beer when she knew it was their rest day, lent them some clothes, or even offer transportation. Although she would disappear very often and for several days, it was a friendship worth keeping. At this point, the guys were just waiting for them to become something a bit more official, but the two lovers were too proud.

﹆

Her foot stomped on the floor when she tripped on the amp next to the sofa, the dark empty apartment echoed with giggles from the two of them, their mouths refusing to separate. Slash felt the doorknob of his room, quickly opening the door and pulling the girl inside, both wasting no time in starting to take their clothes off. She let her skirt slide down her legs, showing off her pink thong. He, on the other side, was almost naked when he took his pants off, the guy had no problem being commando most of his life. He laid her body delicately on the bed, sliding his mouth towards the female's jaw, where he left traces of saliva from his wet kisses along with a few bites. The rough touch of his blistered fingers running through her body, making her skin crawl as the touch entered between her legs, a smirk appeared in the guitarist's face when he felt how wet she was already, something he never got tired of. A moan escaped from her lips when his mouth positioned on one of her nipples, sucking hard. "Baby" her hands running through his curls, slightly pulling from these, "I need you," she whispered. Needless to say, that unleashed the lust he carried inside.

...

His tanned hand grabbed the delicate one, feeling his fingers locked with hers, a simple but cute thing that Slash usually didn't do. She bit her lip, hiding the smile that the sudden action had provoked on her. "So... Duff told me he saw you at a Motley concert." "Oh yeah, I think it was last weekend or something like that," she shrugged, peering up at him. "I didn't know you liked those types of bands..." trying hard to hide his jealousy, he kept an unworried face. "One of my girlfriends took me with her, and you know I like rock," covering her breasts with the blanket, she reached for a cigarette and took the lighter from the nightstand. "Why?" "Why what?" "Why is this whole interrogation happening, dumbass?" she chuckled, letting the smoke come out right in front of his face. Slash coughed, rolling his eyes before stealing the cigarette from her hand, to which she smiled. "I don't know, it's just that you never come to watch us perform." "So?"

"So? We are friends, and you've never attended one of our gigs, you just drop us off and we're way better than them," he scoffed irritated. The female looked at him with confusion, not understanding where this was all coming from. "Honey, you never invite me to any of your events, I thought this was only hooking up and hanging every now and then," she replied with furrowed brows. He never seemed to have a problem with that. "Well maybe I want more..." with his arms crossed on his chest, he avoided her fazed stare, the last thing he needed was for her to notice his cheeks blushing. The words slipped out of his mouth. Did he regret saying that? No, he didn't, all this time he had been craving more but his pride was too big to admit it. After a few seconds of letting all this new information sink in, slowly a mocking smile was drawn on her face, sliding in bed to be closer to him,"Why didn't you say anything before?" "Cause I guess I didn't realize it completely until a few days ago...whatever, this is stupid" his slight embarrassment was adorable for her, it was a completely new side of the tough carefree guy she knew. "No, it's not," she stopped him before he could get out of the bed."I think we could work something out," a shy smile was attached to the response that was going to change their path from now and on. "I'd like that" he pulled her closed, wrapping his arms around her waist as another round was waiting for them.

[woozi]

Um this might be annoying but your descriptions on that mutuals as svt members was so wholesome! So I thought if you could name your mutuals and say what you like abt them? Your favorite thing about them kinda? Idk I thought it was cute but you don't have to do it if you don't want to ! 💚💚💚

i went through my following list and i think these are all of my carat mutuals/friends <3 i only included those who i'm mutuals with here on this blog, but with that in mind i hope i included the right people/and all of you! if not, i may have gotten confused with your main and sideblogs. :/ i divided this into 4 sections (because that's how i think of them in my head, lol). so, without further ado, here they are in the order of my following list (from the most recent):

caratblr

@leechaerok (mirelle) - mi!! i love how you are always striving to be positive and that this is something you share and extend to other people! you literally remind me of sunshine and i hope that only good things are coming ur way. ily!!

@ohoshi (cora) - cora my naughty (IN A PLAYFUL WAY) friend <3 cora's really fun to talk to and she keeps you on your toes. idk why i didn't follow her earlier (i didnt know i wasn't following her jsdjkdsjsdk). extremely talented!! also love the upbeat vibe.

@soonyoungs (cara) - same with cora, i've been seeing cara around but never got to interact with her until recently! i love how versatile cara is and how she always always always appreciates even the little things. 10/10 would let her visit my home again <3

@wrongnanab (aya) - i get mom/older sister friend vibes from aya and i think it suits her a lot. she’s also not afraid of reaching out and i love that sm about her!! i relate to her a lot and i love how she’s always there.

@junhaoshua (e) - something interesting always comes up every time i speak to e! i also love her initiative and how well she manages her time. she’s really passionate about the things she likes and i love how she can get people to be interested in them too!

@choibeomgyus (kale) - kale has excellent taste! i love her aes so much. <3 her work is particularly right up my alley and i just love how clean looking they are. kale’s also such a sweet friend, and she’s not shy about showing affection. i love her sm!!

@dokyom (izy) - izy’s one of the first carats i first followed when i got into caratblr and i’m so glad to have made that decision! her work always wows me and although we haven’t talked much, she’s one of the people i always look out for in here.

@seohoshi (nele) - nele, my mutual at heart. <3 the way we became mutuals is so funny and memorable to me, and i can’t say that about most people! i really like the way nele presents herself as well. she can have fun while still being collected, which i find really interesting. i think she’s someone who brings stability, but i can’t really explain why i get that from her. <3

@art-hao (carrie) - goddess on earth. so elegant. a literal virgo. i love how carrie doesn’t want to be too invested in one single thing. that being said, she’s multitalented, yet is skilled in each of the fields she’s venturing in. she also speaks what’s on her mind, and i admire that a lot. what can’t this woman do :/  

@svtreasure (kate) - kate is one of the first people i got to talk to here on caratblr! and although she’s not on here that much, i always look forward to seeing her. i feel like i have to protect her like a younger sibling <3

@uriboogyu (lee) - lee definitely has feisty younger sibling vibes which i think is so cute! like carrie and e, she’s not afraid of saying what’s on her mind. lee is also such a go-getter! the future is very bright for this one <3

@smallkore (kore) - i remember first talking to kore after she tagged all 3 of my active blogs in one post, and i thought it was kind of funny <3 kore is super talented and entertaining! i also think she’s super interesting, and i love her strange picture collection. <3

@rq-s (katrina) - katrina is also one of the first few people who i interacted with here on caratblr! she is so supportive and always has a nice word for everyone. even though she isn’t here much, i always like seeing her around <3

@boosbin (isa) - iconic. legend. will kick your ass. my beloved <3 isa is SUPER talented and she never fails to amaze me. she’s also very relatable and is super fun to talk to! idk i’m just really fond of isa lol

@dk-s (zay) - i love zay’s sense of style and her overall aesthetic! she also is really smart and gets really invested in her interests. i love her dedication and initiative!

@scoupsy (dreamy) - dreamy and i haven’t really talked much aside from interactions here and there, but she’s someone i really admire. i love how she doesn’t take anyone’s shit and knows what she wants. she’s really skilled in her areas of interest and takes pride in her excellent work. love that about her!! 

@julyprince (madison) - i was really shocked when madison followed me back because i love her work so much! i love how she is so consistent and dedicated (honestly, the constant 9 sets say it all <3). she’s intimidating at first, but she is actually so nice and likes reaching out!

@xuseokgyu (belle) - one of my treasured moots. belle is literally the seok to my soon. <3 she doesn’t know it, but i was kind of shy during my earlier days in caratblr, and she encouraged me to be myself just because she was always reaching out to me. i see belle as someone who really nurtures and is just a reliable older sister for me!

@haniehae (anna) - also one of my favorites <3 anna doesn’t really need too much words but u can always feel the love from her by her little tags here and there. she’s also super supportive and very appreciative of the little things! anna is such a cute person to have around. i lalso love how much work she puts into caratblr. also an amazing dancer oh my god???????

@jaemtens (kevin) - like dreamy, kevin and i haven’t really talked much, but i always love seeing him on the dash! one of the people i admire. it absolutely blows my mind how he has a phd (about to have one? :D) and that he’s still somehow able to make gifs (BEAUTIFULLY!) consistently. love that dedication, wish that were me!!

@tearsofsyrup (vi) - vi thinking of me and tagging me on cute stuff really just makes me feel so :’>. i love how easygoing vi is and i just feel light whenever we interact!!

@soonhoonsol (chey) - everyone’s bestie!! chey literally is the go-to person on caratblr. idk how she manages to do it but she’s always so nice to everyone and really does go out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable! chey has a special place in my heart, and my stay in caratblr wouldn’t be the same without her. <3

@iiasha (emily) - you all don’t understand how much i LOVE emily. i can’t even explain why i love her i just do. she’s also one of the first people i followed when i came on caratblr and i’m so glad to have met her here on our own personal hellsite. emily’s the perfect balance of smart, cool, and funny (this sentence sounds lame as fuck but idk how else to put it)! i appreciate how much she likes her job and that’s something i hope to also imitate! i’ve said it before but i also really love how generous she is. emily also made my stay here on caratblr very enjoyable and i always love reading her text posts <3 i think tumblr junation would nearly die without her so go thank her rn. (she also spotted me turning full dinonara without me even noticing that i am one so. <3 /mwah/)

@coupsnim (izzie) - izzie gives me calm artsy vibes.  her work is always stunning omg. queen of red lips (and i think it’s so fitting bc it suits cheol the best imo???). ALSO love how much she loves cheol!! izzie’s just a sweetheart. <3 would also support ur 0 note posts, lol.

@kyeomshine (lyns) - lyns coloring queen <3 i looove how clean and cohesive her work always is! she’s also one of the people who encouraged me to stay here on caratblr (although she doesn’t know it!!). and though we don’t see lyns as much nowadays, i still think of her as the resident dk fan <3 one of the memorable people for me.

@heartgyus (rhys) - my sister (dISGUSTANG!!). my enemy. THE mutual to have homoerotic subtext with. rhys is actually my closest friend on caratblr. she’s multitalented, almost all-knowing, and has prettie vibes. i’m not elaborating anymore from here on out because i just know she’s gonna be a little devil about it on the dms. 🙄

@hanwooz (kellie & christine) - one of my absolute favorite blogs! i think of them as one of the constants of caratblr. i absolutely love their posts sm and just enjoy when they’re around!! (and how do ur gifs always look good omg tell me ur secrets pls <3)

@7ww​ (yasmin) - one of my favorite (if not my favorite) gfx maker!! i love how you can immediately tell something is from her because of their trademark look. we haven’t talked yet, but she’s one of my favorite carats!

@mngys​ (sofi) - coolest person in the world. idk why we’re even mutuals i don’t deserve this <3 sofi always has the coolest ideas and i look up to her sm!! i’ve also seen her from the birdie community before i got into caratblr so i’ve been following her for quite some time now, but we became mutuals here!

aes carats

@vixenjun​ (kaya) - another one of my beloveds <3 i always say kaya is funnie and sexie but she really is, and those are always the first words i think of when i’m reminded of her. one of my absolute favorites. a bestie that's close to my heart. <3

@tiddie​ (deniz) - i don’t see deniz posting much about svt anymore, but deniz is one of my first carat moots (i followed aes carats first). this one really witnessed my jeonghan downfall. :/ so funny. is a great friend!!

@bwaldorf (ramasha) - A SWEETHEART!! ramasha and i don’t talk much anymore but when i think of her i only am reminded of good things. i rmb how much she supported my weird posts back then <3 also iconic aes hello???? 

@vernons (oona) - oona and i are literally just vibing here <3 i actually met her from the aes side of tumblr before i got into caratblr (like deniz) and discovered that she’s also a carat! i really like oona’s presence and i just feel like she’s someone i want to protect. <3 also makes amazing pastries. she’s also so pretty!!!!! (i really like ur hair sm i think i’ve said this before lol) a cute friend. would send u things saying ‘this reminded me of u’, and i’d get heart attacks from it jsdjdjksd

@oldbooks (fawn) - my frog friend. i think it’s so cute that fawn shares this agenda with hao <3 also unexpectedly tags you on things and leaves cute little notes/tags that makes me want to :’). sophisticated taste!! also really friendly. ily!!

@scoups (hani) - hani is so friendly and takes really good care of her friends!! i was intimidated of her at first, but learnt that she’s an absolute sweetheart. i love how she’s also giving us sm svt content when she’s around! hani’s a supportive friend that you’ll always find yourself looking for. 

@snwo (joy) - refined taste. funny text post advocate. i love joy’s vibe sm!! i first got to know her when she had a hao url and i was super intimidated of her. now she’s one of my absolute besties! aside from her impeccable taste, she’s also such a great friend. this one always has ur back. ily ms joy <3

@sataemism (sof) - sof literally the funniest person in the world!! i’m always happy to see her and she brings me so much joy. very lowkey chaotic vibe (the taemin and hoshi urls speak a lot abt this lol), and just a very fun person overall!!

birdie carats

@flowerbeom (kat) - kat, like the rest of those in this category, is someone i’ve been following for a while now as i came back to tumblr because of got7. kat and i haven’t really talked much but always interact with rb/s and likes and i love that JSDJSDKJDSJ that being said kat’s tags are always so enjoyable to read. + it’s so funny as well that when we actually got to talking we didn’t realize we had a lot in common! a very generous friend. gave me a yugyeom pc even though i’m literally from another continent. 😭

@tuanzie (joanna) - content queen. i looove how joanna’s work has a trademark look to them! they’re always so gorgeous and smooth-looking. i love how joanna’s able to speak her mind and would not take shit from people. i see her as someone brave, but not too out there! also someone you can rely on to put reposters on hit lists mwah<3

@gotseventeens (belle) - my name twin <3 belle is actually one of the people/reasons why i got into svt and i’m eternally grateful to her for that!! we’ve been talking since i first became a birdie but somehow we both have 0 recollections of our conversations JSDJDKSJKSDJ tumblr wouldn’t be as fun for me if belle weren’t around ngl. i love how she seems to be mature yet you’re also up for a wild ride with her!! she’s my own personal wonu <3

@secndlife (karoline) - i’ve also been following karoline since i was a birdie, but we only became mutuals here! i love her writing so much and i enjoy seeing her lose her mind over hoshi (mood <3)

@defgyus (val) - i often associate belle with val and i think they have a lot of similarities!! val also gives me the mature yet fun vibe. i think val’s so successful and i admire her a lot!! i love her work sm and just love how she interacts with people. very warm and homey!!

more carat moots i haven't really talked to but enjoy seeing on the dash

@emailclub (emily), @kyeomblr (maddie), @joshuahong (bea), @delicatecy (deli), @mintyseoks, @syuperseventeen (nat), @haol (mali), @svtclub (hannah), @cutiejoshi (siri), @chanswu (mandy), @jeonghannie (myrena), @squishy-woozi (kris), @wonwooo (hiba), @rameniji (rain), @cafevernon (ish), @hoshluv, @minghyu (nicole), @mingyiu (katya), @yeol (tat), @dearkyeom (kristy), @seokgyus (kai), @bbaksu (akemi), @1adyluck (sushi), @shineesbag (gen)