#and i have Thoughts about him but since we won't be done with him til act 5 i am withholding most of my judgment til then

[ac-liveblogs]

I at least think that in 3.2 we're gonna 'solve racism' in a really basic way by beating up the three sages who are, in HYV's fantasy land, the three dudes holding together the entirety of Sumeru's racism.

(In real life, discrimination is obviously more complicated than that. Hell, even in game it's clearly more complicated than that because the sages racism trickled down to the ordinary scholar. But this is the team that gave us Heizou with no complex thought so hopes are low.)

Course, this is gonna expose all the dumbassery HYV tried to pull with 'war and conflict is bad' when we inevitably go to war with the sages like the eremites planned to do, but it's okay when we do it because we're polite! and not brown religious extremists (nice look HYV. Real nice look.)

After that, all they'd have to do is show more brown people being npc and pc scholars (I personally think Dehya and Cyno would be good picks, considering how it'd pay off their stories) to imply that the physical and metaphorical wall had broken down.

Honestly I'm just surprised it's THIS bad, considering Cyno was actually really good imo. (IM DEFINITELY READING TOO FAR IN THOUGH LOL)

He's a cop who genuinely believed in what he was doing and can be considered as 'having made it' because he was a desert person in a 'high ranking position'. Then this cop 1. learns his duty isn't to do justice, but to enforce the sages hierarchy. 2. That they never trusted him and effectively put a nanny cam on him (which can be symbolically compared to a collar).

His position as a doer of violence also ultimately fits into the sage's hierarchy, where desert folk can't be scholars, and are only fit for brutish, violent jobs like mercenaries (and cops) so even his high ranking position is inherently lesser in their culture. Additionally, this position forces him to distance himself from his own community.

Then you add the theme of dehumanisation with how everyone talks about him like he's some dangerous animal (because he's scary and brown) along with how he resists this classification with his terrible jokes. Even his hat adds to this with how it 1. is initially a desert folk hat, thereby serving simultaneously as proof the sages thought of him as other AND as a connection with his people. and 2. marks him as a fake animal, someone made inhuman and violent by their job.

But then the rest of the quest is just. Like that. Which is why I'm pretty sure I'm just reading in too hard. Where's the guy who wrote Itto? I want him back.

Haha, yeah I wouldn't expect much more than that. I wonder if Cyno will ever formally go back to the Akademiya, or if he's just going to stand ominously in the corner tapping his foot whenever dubious shit starts happening. I hope at least the 3 Sages are removed and the leaks about the "corrupting influence (the Fatui) infected them" won't mean they get to stay in power.

But that said, the Akademiya doesn't have a godwaifu that would be negatively impacted by the sages getting torn apart since Nahida is their victim, not their boss, so I think we'll get to sidestep a lot of the issues we got in Inazuma. We can't think EI did a bad, but 3 random old dudes, literally who cares etc etc etc.

(We've already gotten "Rukkhadevata did nothing wrong!" with her dealings with the Scarlet King, after all).

Course, this is gonna expose all the dumbassery HYV tried to pull with 'war and conflict is bad' when we inevitably go to war with the sages like the eremites planned to do, but it's okay when we do it because we're polite! and not brown religious extremists (nice look HYV. Real nice look.)

I am probably not the person to be talking to about colourism and HYV's handling of it, but I do wonder how meaningfully different this is to the way Narukami vs Watatsumi was handled in Kokomi's quest. We definitely had some ~Stupid ~Extremists in Watatsumi that almost ruined everything (the original basis of the conflict being the Raiden/Orobashi divide), and the Right Answer was Kokomi sitting down with Sara to talk things out ~diplomatically. It's not a good look from HYV here, but it's definitely not new ground beyond more unfortunate aesthetics this time around.

Not that it was any good the first time, but at least they're consistent about it(?) God damn, I hate the "bad rebels did rebellion badly, we the civilised shall TALK THINGS OUT" trope. Though I do wonder how much baggage HYV as a CN company is saddled with, there.

I also wonder how much diplomacy there'll be this time... maybe we'll beat up Scaramouche and the Sages will be scared of us/acknowledge Nahida is cool actually and do whatever we want. And then everything will be fine once Nahida is in power?

I think Genshin is pretty much almost always going to go "the Archons did nothing wrong!!!!!!!" and god forbid how bad anyone else looks because of it. This paired with HYV's unfortunate though hopefully subconscious biases is coming off really badly in Sumeru. We can only pray they don't also apply this standard to the Tsaritsa, and... I guess that it is applied in Natlan? ugh...

I think re; Cyno... there's an interesting narrative around him atm but we'll have to see how that plays out in Act V when we finally meet the Sages. I do think that HYV won't acknowledge most of what they've laid down and depending on how delicate their writing is (lol Inazuma) and how much of it was actual intentional commentary vs "we just didn't think about it lol" it might be for the best that they don't. Guess we'll see.

Speaking of Cyno's headdress and wolf-like partial transformation, while I think that's just meant to invoke Anubis/"Judgment"/"Guardian of the Scales" imagery than it is meant to be dehumanising, I would maybe like some more information about it??? what's with that??? hello???? wolf man transformation? WHY??

[piratefalls]

another long list, except it's a day early because this is how i give thanks.

list one. list two. list three. list four. list five.

No Sense or Sensibility by inexplicablymine

“When and where was your first kiss.” Oh shit. The thing is… Alex actually has an answer to this one, it’s just a matter of admitting that it happened. ____________________ Kennedy’s. 7pm, Pub Quiz and Ice Cream. Every Monday ‘til death due us part. Alex liked his little routine, until Derryl got it in his head to host The goddamn Newlywed Game instead.

I'm Rememberin' I Promised (to Forget you Now) by Angelwithwingsoffire

It's been six years since Alex Claremont-Diaz graduated law school. And he's made a good life for himself, working with a firm he enjoys and making a difference in the world. Until a part of his past he'd thought he'd gotten over seven years ago walked back into his office asking for his help. To get a divorce. Which Alex has never done before. But he's never been able to say no, and he's willing to put his heart back under the bus for the chance at one more smile.

Rogue's Gallery by OrchidScript

Loathe as Alex was to admit it, Henry Fox was going to be a legend someday. He already was in the bureau depending on who was answering. Tied to art theft, jewel theft, one or two little sweet confidence schemes, and an alleged counterfeit Super Bowl ring, but caught on three counts of art forgery, the blond Brit had run circles around the Art Crimes division for six years. He was quick, smarter than the average bear, and more detail-oriented than a nuclear chemist. He had a penchant for nice suits, silk ties, and gin tonics with lime. He wrote letters to agents in taunting poetry, tucking them under windshield wipers or posting them to the office directly. Once, he managed to drop one directly into the pocket of a plainclothes officer without them seeing his face. _____________________ Henry Fox is a famous art forger, and Alex is the FBI agent who caught him three years ago. When one of Henry's aliases comes up attached to a new case, can the two put aside their cat-and-mouse past to put the copycat away?

Queer little ducks hold a special place in my heart. by anarchyat4am

Henry’s at a local Hispanic Heritage Month event browsing the art stalls when his gaze catches on a kid looking around with both purpose and nervousness. She’s fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt with one hand while she bites the nails of the other one, eyes alert and searching. Lost, then. And oh, Henry recognises her. She’s a regular at his bookstore, even at only six years old, and is there at least weekly with her dad—Alex, who she’d introduced to Henry as her papi—or various aunties and uncles, most of whom Henry doesn’t think are actually related to her. Keeping one eye on her, he lets his gaze sweep the vicinity but doesn’t see anyone else he even remotely recognises. Shit. He has to do something. “Sirena?” he calls gently. * Henry... is more than a bit useless around hot guys. So when he finds the lost kid of the gorgeous dad who frequents his bookstore, he pulls himself together until they reunite, only to then be devastated by the revelation that the man thinks Henry hates him. And, well... courage always rises, and all that.

just say you won't let go by viciouslyqueer

After dancing around each other for months, Alex and Henry finally get together. The morning after comes with a slight misunderstanding and comforting words.

We were supposed to find this by kiwiana

Still, half an hour after shaking Prince Henry’s hand for the first time, he finds himself back in his hotel room with one shoe and sock hurriedly tugged off and his right foot resting on his left knee. Just to check. Just in case Alex is somehow, by some miracle, about to become the first documented case of Surprise! You Can Totally Have A Different Soulmate, We Fucked Up And Your One Kind Of Sucks. No such luck. The words are the same as they’ve always been, etched into his skin in a careful, calligraphic font. The kind of handwriting someone might have if, for example, they came from the sort of family that valued tradition and etiquette far higher than letting their children write like normal human beings.

Sit. Down. Please Stay. by politics_and_prose

Alex adopts a dog he found abandoned on the side of the road. She's nervous and he wants to make sure he knows how to give her the best life possible. Enter Henry Fox and his beagle David.

muscle memory by stutteringpeach

It's been ten years since Alex was in London to stage a PR friendship with Henry after ruining the royal wedding. It's also been ten years since Alex dropped to his knees in front of Henry in a Kensington Palace kitchen. But now Henry's in the Hamptons for the summer, and who should he bump into? None other than Alex Claremont-Diaz, who happens to be working in New York all summer long.

The Perils of Midsomer Residency by clottedcreamfudge

"I'm sure I don't need to tell you that care should be taken, given the Mountchristens' local influence?" Liam nods. "Sir." Luna then turns to Alex. "Do not piss anyone in that family off." Alex throws his hands in the air. "So many aspersions have been cast on my good character this morning that I could start a fucking farm. An aspersions farm." Luna narrows his eyes. "Correction," he says, "have another coffee and then do not piss anyone in that family off. Don't make me regret fast-tracking you through the ICI Development Programme." * After getting shot in the line of duty back in Texas, June forces Alex into a change of scenery. Because how much can really be going on in the quaint little English county of Midsomer?

something that feels like forever by dearestalez

“You’re crying,” she pointed out. Alex choked on a laugh, wiping his eyes. “I’m just-” he sniffed, holding her so delicately Henry felt herself melt into the touch. “I’m so happy for you, baby.” — alex and henry are so in love it makes me want to rip out my heart and stomp on it but slash pos

behind brick walls by weather_stained

After Henry and Alex move in together, it takes quite a while for them to fully adjust to their newfound freedom. Alex very much enjoys watching Henry grow more comfortable in his own skin after a lifetime of looking over his shoulder.

It's a (Birth)date by Celaestis

5 times Henry is oblivious that they're dating and 1 time he isn't.

Save a Horse, Ride a Princess by affectionatelyrs

“I have to say, this is all quite literal, don’t you think?” Alex wouldn’t know literal right now if it hit him in the head. “Huh?” Henry points at Alex: “Pillow Princess,” and then to himself: “Cowboy. Ready to ride and all that.” Alex nods dumbly. “Right.” - Or, Alex and Henry dress up as the ultimate couples costume for Halloween — themselves — and they both feel some kind of way about it

baby boy by smc_27

It starts as a joke. Alex taking the piss about how much money Henry has. How he could have anything he wanted, from anyone he wanted, if only he just asked.

My Songs Know Secrets You're Sick of Keeping by ma_lark_ey, paythe_piper

"How about this," Alex offered, "If I win AOTY, I announce Henry and I in my acceptance speech. If I don't, we do it your way." OR: Alex is a world famous pop punk star, Henry is still the Prince of England, and the public is onto them.

Au Naturel by cmere

The French doors leading to the office are thrown open, so he has a moment to take in the scene in front of him: Alex, lying on his stomach on the floor, feet kicked up and crossed at the ankle, surrounded by books, papers, and two open laptops. None of that, however, catches Henry's attention as much as Alex's hair, secured in a small, messy knot on top of his head with nothing but a single wooden chopstick. Henry blinks rapidly several times. "Alex," Henry says, somehow hoarse. Alex's head whirls around. There's a single, perfectly curled tendril over the apple of his cheek; his scruff has hit the mystical, magical point where it's more soft beard than prickly shadow; his reading glasses sit atop his adorable nose; and Henry realizes with sudden gravity that he's not entirely in control of his physical responses anymore—something has to give. Alex hasn't really been bothering with some of his usual upkeep, and Henry is kind of extremely into it.

You deserve my love by whateveridk

“I’ll leave as soon as you tell me to." Henry had turned towards him, stealing himself, sticking his chin out, and said “leave.” Alex has been picking up the pieces ever since. Two years later, living with Nora and June in NYC, it still haunts him, but it's fine. Whatever, he is fine. And then... Breaking News: Prince Henry comes out as gay So it's not fine, Alex is not fine.

sex ed in 6 steps by coffeecatsme

“Please tell me you used a condom, Fox,” Alex drawls out, leaning against the wall, and Henry chokes on his next breath.“Excuse me?”“You’re gonna tell me all about this tomorrow, but for the love of God, tell me you used a condom and we won’t have mini Henrys on campus anytime soon.” Or, 5 times Alex thinks Henry's straight and 1 time he finds out the truth. Or, 5 times Alex jokes about Henry's sex life and 1 time he gets to be a part of it.

More Than A Makeover by everwitch

The Fab Five—Alex, June, Nora, Liam and Spencer—descend on a New York based shelter for disenfranchised queer youth to give the place a much needed makeover. As the week progresses, sparks start to fly between Alex, the culinary representative of the queertastic quintet, and Henry, the sweetly charming founder of the shelter. It’s a deeply emotional week full of unexpected realizations, and certainly a week that strengthens Henry’s friendship with Pez in ways that neither of them quite knew they needed. As the week comes to a close and the Queer Eye team say their goodbyes, it remains to be seen what will become of the warm connection between Alex and Henry. Will it last, or was it too much of a perfect miracle to ever grow into something real?

The Royal Wedding by DracoWillHearAboutThis

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE HENRY OF WALES AND MR ALEXANDER CLAREMONT-DIAZ ARE ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED HM Queen Mary is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Henry to Mr. Alexander Claremont-Diaz. The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2025, in London. Further details about the wedding date will be announced in due course.  Prince Henry and Mr. Claremont-Diaz became engaged earlier this week during a private holiday in Paris. Prince Henry has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Henry has sought and received the blessings of Mr. Claremont-Diaz's parents.  The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. 

A Toast to the Night by allmylovesatonce

Henry looks up from his drink and swears his jaw drops. Standing in front of him is one of the most beautiful men he’s ever seen. From his dark brown curls to the way his deep eyes gleam as he stands there, an awkward smile on his face. Henry is nearly sure this man is going to ask for his seat. He probably has some woman with him, scouring for a place to sit. “Uh, hi,” the man says. “Hi.” “Look, this is really awkward,” he says and Henry feels the confirmation in his gut — also maybe disappointment. “My ex-boyfriend just walked in and I really don’t want to talk to him. I was wondering if I could sit here with you so that he won’t talk to me.”

That's What You Get For Waking Up in Vegas by bleedingballroomfloor

The bartender slides Alex the whiskey and shot of water before turning her attention to the person behind him. He turns around at the same time as the person speaks, “Gin and tonic” in all rounded vowels, a distinct English accent shining through, and he swears his heart stops. “Holy shit,” Alex says before he can stop the words from slipping out of his mouth. “Henry?” When Alex is celebrating June and Nora's bachelorette party in Vegas, the last person he expects to see is his ex-boyfriend Henry, who moved back to London nearly a year ago. Waking up next to him the following morning, naked and sated with a marriage certificate poking out of his pocket, he starts to wonder if he's truly over Henry.

hang on 'til the chaos is through by ShyAudacity

David is lounging on his spot at the foot of the bed when Alex comes in. He opts not to turn on the light, not wanting to disturb Henry, but then quickly finds that the light is on in their bathroom. Henry must still be getting cleaned up before bed; Alex can say hello and check on Henry when he steps out. It’s weird that he’s still up. Henry was awake well before Alex was this morning and… come to think of it, Alex can’t remember him ever coming to bed last night. Alex has only made it through the top three buttons on his dress shirt when he hears a terrifying crash come from the bathroom. Clutching his chest, he steps towards their shared bathroom, afraid to see what’s on the other side. “Henry? …H, what was-.” Alex stops short in the doorway, startled to find the love of his life in a miserable heap on the bathroom floor.

Sad Again (Don't Tell My Boyfriend) by lucy_in_the_sky

After proposing to Alex, Henry writes a letter to his father reflecting on all the moments he’ll never get to share with him. AKA Alex comforts a mourning Henry and promises to be there for him, forever and always.

monster mash by matherine

None of Henry’s answers to “Who are you supposed to be?” are particularly funny to anyone but him, especially in his inebriated state, so he’s completely given up on making any sense when the latest person asks him, someone who he assumes is yet another sorority girl in a skimpy costume from the glimpse of a cheerleading skirt he gets while they brush past him to open the fridge. “George Villiers,” he offers. “Deep cut, England,” a decidedly male voice snorts, and Henry can’t help the way his head snaps up, eyes wide.

Take it Down Low / Make Me Get High by Mags (sparklepocalypse)

“Henry,” Alex rasps wonderingly, sounding almost entranced, “I want to eat your ass.” Henry’s train of thought screeches to a halt with such force that for a moment, he thinks he might’ve had a stroke.

how did a middle-class divorcé do it? by Time_Sequence

Not really concerned, Alex watched the typing bubble appear – disappear – appear again, like Henry couldn’t quite find the words to say what it was he was thinking. Most likely, he was trying to find the perfect sarcastic quip in response. What came through made him genuinely pause. HRH Prince Dickhead💩: You complete and utter moron Then, HRH Prince Dickhead💩: Royalty can’t marry divorcees If Alex had been having a good time before, he definitely wasn’t now. - When a joking interview reveals that Alex and Nora drunkenly married ten years ago, suddenly Alex's upcoming wedding to Prince Henry is jeopardised.

discreet packaging by demigodbeautiies

“Please, please, please explain to me,” Zahra says, finally, sounding more than a little bit long-suffering. “Why I had to have the head of the Secret Service sit me down and tell me to give you a talk about avoiding bomb scares with unidentifiable packaging.”

the world watched (and the world smiled) by fangirl6202

"Oh,” Alex says finally, faintly, touching one hand to his lips. Then: “Shit.”  His mind catches up then, realizing that Henry is walking away and he doesn't even think twice. He begins to quite literally chase after him, trying to get to him before he can get away or, God forbid, try to fly back to England and ghost him.   Henry is very pointedly not looking at him, stuttering apology over apology until Alex has to quite literally throw himself in front of him to get him to stop. Alex doesn’t know what to do. But the answer is simple, isn’t it? So fucking simple.   He takes Prince Fucking Charming’s lapels into his hand and kisses him back.  Or; it's New Years, and Henry stays.

Rabbit Hole by TuppingLiberty

Some sort of non-famous au, don't worry, there's not really a plot. Alex has been going down a research rabbit hole for hours and Henry comes to rescue him.

Let Loose Your Glow by athousandrooms

“Seems like my liege was caught in a situation where he’d rather the ground swallow him whole.” Pez nods towards a spot to the side, and Alex follows his gaze. He spots Henry easily – a tall lighthouse of tousled blond hair – talking to a girl who is clearly into him. His expression looks perfectly polite, but he’s subtly leaning away, and he looks tense. So, Alex makes an impulsive decision. Whatever happens, this is going to be fun. *** Or: Alex is so very definitely straight, so pretending to be Henry’s boyfriend to get him out of an awkward situation should just be a fun little pastime - except that he doesn't really want to stop, and he has no idea why. But maybe it's okay to not think too hard and let himself go with the flow, for once.

Things I Cannot Accept by SprigsofViolets

In 2016, Ellen Claremont lost the presidential election. In 2019, Alex Claremont-Diaz is not the first son of the United States, so he’s shocked when his path crosses with Prince Henry for the first time in almost four years.

How well you play...that's up to you by happinessofthepursuit

Treacherous (adjective) guilty of or involving betrayal or deception; (of ground, water, conditions, etc.) hazardous because of presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers. Or, how to describe surgical residency in a single word. A Grey's Anatomy inspired AU.

In Accord by absoluteaudacity

Pursuant to the establishment of an ongoing relationship between The Crown and the Office of the President of the United States, the representatives of the The Queen and Her interests are authorised to establish a contract of marriage between His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Alexander Claremont-Diaz.

A Heart Even More Your Own by chaa_kiao

“Guess you’ll be writing those poems after all.” He swallows. "I should go." Henry’s mind— every part of him, really— his heart, his body, his fucking soul— is screaming at him to take it all back. To hell with the monarchy, the American presidency, damn it all. This is the man he’s spent his entire life loving and he’s throwing it away for a legacy he doesn’t give a single fuck about. He forces out a rough “I think so,” but he can’t hear it over the ringing in his ears. “I love you.” “Alex—” “I know,” Alex says. “I just had to say it.” _______ Or: Alex and Henry getting back together takes a little bit longer this time.

you are my mountain (you are my sea) by alasse

Five times Alex and Henry have important conversations in houses, and one time they have a very important conversation in a castle.

Down For the Count by LolaLand (Lola_di_Penates)

Alex came to Las Vegas to count cards, not feelings. Henry came to win it all. Is it possible to find something real in Sin City, where nearly everything isn’t as it seems? OR Goodbye reality, hello Vegas (the blackjack/poker AU).

Let Them Eat Cake by rohruh

“I wanna eat you out,” Alex’s voice comes out raspy and intrepid through the phone pressed against Henry’s ear. Henry lets out a soft whine at the admission, his breath up-ticking in synchrony with his hips as he thrusts up into his hand. “I’d like that,” he tells Alex eagerly, cradling the phone in his palm as though he could materialize Alex right there in front of him if he presses it against his ear firmly enough. “I’ve never done it to a guy before,” Alex confesses. “Is it… different from eating out a girl? I bet you’d taste so good, baby. Fuck.”

A Thousand Words by Thunder_Cakes

After that Han/Leia mural both their accounts go silent for a while. For months, actually. They’re both in therapy after Alex tried to post a selfie with June after election night and had a panic attack before he could hit “Share.” Suddenly the thought of sharing the details of his life and loved ones with the world is paralyzing. Wonder why. or: Alex, Henry and what they choose to share of their life

All for a Taste of the Honey by chamel

“So you’re telling me you’re not in favor of this plan,” Henry says eventually. “No, I’m fucking not,” Alex huffs, glaring at him. “It’s stupid and dangerous and unnecessary.” Henry cocks one perfect eyebrow at him. “You have another idea for how to get access to the room where he does his deals? The one that only ever admits Vega, his associates, and the strippers who entertain them?” (Or, an FBI agent!Stripper!Henry fic. Henry goes undercover at a strip club, and Alex has a lot of feelings about that.)

in the mood for... by carzla

Henry knows that he’s the one who said “casual”, and it had been a reminder to himself that that was all it could ever be between him and Alex. So, telling Alex that they should “make love” is probably a mistake in syntax bigger than he could safely afford. But they’re in Paris and Henry is feeling terribly, terribly maudlin.

something good and right and real by HypnosTheory

“This is pretty expensive for a high school trinket.” “Everything is bigger in Texas,” Alex jokes. Henry looks up at Alex, who’s standing with his shoulders relaxed for the first time since October. The relief of his mother’s victory has made him loose-limbed and calm, his smile easy and lovely. Henry looks down at the crown in his hands and back at Alex. He imagines the gold half-buried in Alex’s hair, heavy on the man’s brow, decadent and royal. Henry swallows, face heating, and holds the crown out to Alex. “Put it on.” -- After the election, Henry explores Alex’s childhood room. He finds trinkets of a young Alex that intrigue him, including a crown that gives him some ideas.

In His Wildest Dreams by myheartalive

Once Alex has pulled out, Henry turns over to face him. He strokes the hair softly away from his face and Alex smiles at him. “So… that happened again.” Henry leans forward and kisses him on the forehead. “Indeed.” There’s a sort of thoughtful pause, where Henry can see Alex working to pull together the right words. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you that… thirsty?” “Oh, bugger off,” Henry says, but he’s laughing. It’s a fair description. “No, but I mean it. You were like… urgent. It was hot.” “It felt hot. I liked waking up like that. With you up against me, trying to have your way with me.” — Set in and around the Henry bonus chapter, this is a story about Henry and Alex’s hectic schedules, family appearances etc. pulling them apart, and about what starts to happen between them, in the quiet of night: their sleeping bodies turning to each other, finding their sweet spots and opening up. And Alex and Henry learning a lot about each other in the process — Mind the tags, y'all. That particular tag features prominently and it’s a major plot point, so if that’s not your jam, just hit the back button.

until next time!

[bigfan-fanfic]

Back Into Trouble (Winchester!Reader x Winchester Bros PLATONIC)

A sequel to Brother Mine

This fic takes place somewhere near the end of season 1, after episode 19 but before episode 20. In addition, there's a song called Brother Mine that is really sweet and cute especially if put into this context of being Sam and Dean's, but especially Dean's, older brother. "I know that I sit and I worry too much/Especially when you come home such a sight/But I guess what you've got to do, boy, you go ahead and do it/And I sure hope things will be all right"

You may not have enjoyed returning to hunting, but you're damn good at it.

Although it's made even more frustrating when your father actually calls in.

You're not so thrilled about continuing on this... gallivanting cross-country, especially when John is chasing down the demon that killed your mother.

But Sam seems to have come to terms with it, though you honestly feel like that might have more to do with his desire to avenge Jess.

The real problem you see with your little brothers is their inability to let go.

You had all been raised by John in the hunting lifestyle, the family business.

But it's been decades since your mother's death. A horrible thing, that you have had to come to terms with having no real answers for.

And you can understand the desire for vengeance, for a clear-cut answer that will "solve everything."

It won't.

Something you've tried to get your brothers to think about is the future. About what they want out of their lives.

Because you remember how it was, living completely in the moment, day to day, hunt to hunt. And it was Bobby who pointed out that you had potential, that you deserved a life, if not now, then at least the promise of one.

So you convince them to take a rest in Massachusetts after leaving a hunt. Just to take a couple of days for hanging out.

Dean wants to see the Cheers bar and Sam wants to visit the Old North Church, so you get an actual hotel suite in Boston.

You check in with your colleagues and employees, apologizing for being incommunicado for so long. Thankfully the hotel has a business center with a fax machine you can sign invoices and contracts with.

Dean looks at you curiously. "So... you really did just... start a business?"

"Technically I bought it out from the owner who wanted to retire. So more... maintaining."

"You really are just... out of the life."

"I was, til you two called me."

"...sorry." Dean mumbles, and you grab his shoulder.

"Don't be. I was never doing this for Dad. I'm here for you and for Sammy."

Dean nods thoughtfully.

"You saw him. With that girl at the art gallery. He liked her. She liked him."

"Yeah."

"And you... with Cassie."

"Your point being?"

"Life keeps building off-ramps for you but you keep on truckin down this road."

Dean scowls. "Look, I'm not stupid. I know this life is dangerous. I know my days are probably numbered. But I'm making a difference. I'm saving people."

"What about you?"

He blinks. "What about me?"

"I'm done trying to force you out of the life, Dean. It's your choice. When we finally deal with all this shit - when the bastard that killed Mom is dead and you and Sam are finally free... I'm not gonna stop you if you go back to hunting."

"You're not?"

You nod. "But I'll be damned if I'm gonna lose contact with you again. I'll be there when you need a place to crash or a voice to call. Maybe you'll even visit me.

"Just... I need you to promise me you're not gonna run yourself into the ground. None of this has been your fault. It's not your fault about Mom, and it wasn't your fault I left, and it's not your fault that Dad couldn't really be a dad to us."

Dean wants to protest but you shush him. "You're gonna do what you do. And I'm gonna stop hunting again. For good this time. But when you decide it's time to come home... I hope you come to me, little brother."

You stand up then, leaving Dean to his thoughts. He's quiet for the rest of the day, but you feel an almost companionable nature to the silence.

And just maybe, after this all... maybe your brothers will follow you away from the things that go bump in the night.

[blazehedgehog]

I WILL CHOKE ON THESE SOUR GRAPES TIL I'M IN MY GRAVE

I left this open in another tab, meaning to watch it like a week ago. It's an official video published and promoted on the Youtube Studio dashboard, about common misconceptions around their recommendation algorithm and what the truths really are. .

And now, finally watching it, that white haired dude, Mr. "Youtube Liason", is the guy who told me the algorithm ignored one of my videos because "maybe it just wasn't very good."

Famously, and something I will never ever shut up about when given the chance to mention it, I put out a video about Jurassic Park games just before Christmas, expecting it to slot in and do decent numbers, just like all of my other videos do. Since Youtube earnings tend to spike around the holidays, this was going to be how I paid for Christmas presents that year. It was something I'd done at least twice before. Instead, the algorithm completely ignored the video because it was outside my usual wheelhouse of Sonic content.

This is shockingly relevant to the very first topic they cover: whether a single "off-topic" video actually matters with regards to how the algorithm sees your channel, and the general answer from the Youtube technician is "No." You don't gotta tell me.

When I put my full weight behind a video, it easily breaks 10k views, even 50k or 200k+ views. Some of my most popular videos have cracked the multi-millions!

So when this dude spells out in plain english that the algorithm effectively ignores one-off videos? Yeah, no shit. I'm living proof of that. Across the first two years, that Jurassic Park video struggled to break even 2000 views. Only by paying out of my own pocket for multiple promotional campaigns and constantly complaining about its lack of performance has it struggled to hit just over 5000 views, some four years later. The algorithm knew it was way outside my regular wheelhouse and treated it like poison.

And this liason clown had the balls to tell me "well maybe the video was just bad, sorry bud" only to, two years later, sit down with this technician that spells out exactly what I was knew was happening and was trying to explain to him.

Except now, of course, it's being spun as a positive: "don't worry, a one-off won't hurt your regular content" as opposed to the "we didn't notify anyone about your one-off and it became stillborn" I experienced.

I have sat down and thought very intently about this Jurassic Park video. Obviously, if I make a stink about its performance, tell people the algorithm made a poor judgment call, I'm going to get patted on the back and comforted that yes, the video is good. Don't worry. The mean old algorithm is just dumb. Right? And Youtube unflinchingly believes in the power of their algorithm as this perfect shining golden standard to drive viewership, the thing that can never, ever be wrong about guys like me.

I appreciate the comfort and support of friends and colleagues and even random strangers who are inherently distrustful of the algorithm. But I also know that feels like an echo chamber.

So then what, do I trust Youtube? Absolutely not. At the end of the day their algorithm still made an unfair judgment call and despite their claims above that any old video can get picked up by the algorithm at any time, my video has never recovered. I've tried more interesting thumbnails, I've spent almost $100 on Google Adsense promotion -- one of which, I should note, was the same week that Jurassic World 3 released, and the other being E3. Both should have been extremely lucrative times to run ads. And I got crickets.

I like the video. I stand by the fact I think I did a good job on it. I remain proud of it. It's as good as any real-effort-content I've put out in the last five years. The echo chamber tells me it's a good video, too, even if I literally can't buy views.

So my only recourse is to sit here and stew in my bitterness towards this algorithm. The shining, ultimate example as to why you should never let a computer make a qualitative judgment call. And I will be frustrated and angry about this until I draw my last breath.

[sweetescapeartist]

MY THOUGHTS ON DRAGON BALL DAIMA

(Wasn't going to post this old draft, but decided to post it anyway since @/puyohero was curious about my thoughts)

Awesome! Love that Toriyama is heavily involved! Love the art & animation and the idea is interesting too.

SIMILARITY TO DRAGON BALL GT

Yes, GT did something similar. However GT sidelined most of the cast. Even Pan & Trunks kinda got sidelined when they were part of the main cast of GT. In this, it seems the other characters will play some sort of role too. Or I assume so. And they will be traveling to another realm/world. So maybe the others will go with Goku.

DB DAIMA seems to be referencing a lot of DB properties & not only GT. As pointed out here...

CAST AS CHILDREN COULD MEAN...

I had hoped it would turn the entire cast into children and glad it happened. Now I hope we get more info about it. Because what I want is for the other cast members to get involved. Gohan & Piccolo are on a similar level to Goku & Vegeta, so then being excluded to only focus on Goku & Vegeta would be stupid. And since it is stated that this series won't be transformation heavy... what if Goku cannot transform into forms he didn't have as a child?? Or it's very taxing on the body if they can. Now everyone can get involved in the battles! Krillin has already returned to martial arts, but we can get my boy Yamcha fighting again! We might even get to see kid Ox King fight alongside kid Roshi. That would be neat!

Now what would be funny is to see a kid version of Buu. Would it be a short chubby Buu or Kid Buu/Pure Buu? Or maybe the magic won't affect him much since he can change his appearance at will. 🤔

Also, I bet there is a joke about Krillin not getting much smaller when turned into a kid again like how there was a joke in OG Dragon Ball that Krillin didn't get much taller & Krillin is upset about the statement.

Also, the chibi reminds me of the Dragon Ball SD manga.

TITLE POSSIBLY ELUDING TO...

Another interesting thing was the placeholder name "Magic" and the current name "DAIMA." Seems like Toriyama is possibly hinting at the Makaioshin. Evil beings with magical power, the Demon Realm being a place where magic rules over science, and the fact that THIS guy looks like a Kaioshin.

So the little guy could be a God of the Demon Realm. Or maybe a God of Destruction of the Demon Realm. Who knows? We'll have to wait and see.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST REFERENCES

I see some Journey To The West/Saiyuki influence in here too which is good cause this is Dragon Ball after all. Goku with a Sun Wukong role, East Kaioshin (Shin) with the monk role. And maybe other characters who are inspired by Saiyuki will play roles similar to their inspirations.

Vegeta having a Sun Wukong role while Bulma has the Tripitaka role

Piccolo having a Tripitaka/Wukong role while Gohan also has the Tripitaka/Wukong role

Krillin with a Tripitaka role (maybe some Wukong role too since he also takes some Wukong inspiration) & maybe 18 takes on the role of Tripitaka in certain aspects?

Yamcha with a role referencing Sha Wujing role

Tenshinhan with a role referencing Erlang Shen

And if the Demon Realm is involved then there is more Saiyuki references. Journey to a dangerous land and fighting demons. This could be pretty cool to see.

GOKU'S DESIGN

And another thing... Goku's gi in Daima. It's becoming closer and closer to his End of Z gi.

The untucked style of Goku's gi in Daima is similar to EoZ, but the colors are still like his iconic orange and blue gi.

MY THEORY FOR THE STORY

In the Demon Realm, the Makaioshin & some Demon God examine Goku & his friends. They speak about Babidi and how he recruited the King of the Demon Realm, Dabura, and still failed. As well as Bibidi summoning & Babidi reawakening the evil beings Majin Buu, then Buu becoming an ally of Goku. Where a sorcerer failed, a Demon God plans to succeed. The Demon God & Makaioshin notice that Goku & company are always victorious due to their strength, transformations, and friendship that encourages each other. So somehow, they are all turned into children to make them doubt their chances of victory. And their power is nerfed too. The Saiyans might have to struggle just to turn SSJ again. I believe it will be through a spell just to be different from GT and not use a wish granting Dragon. The part that shows that a wish was made to Shenron wish was likely after they were turned into kids and they needed help in some way, or they tried to reverse the spell and it was beyond the power of Shenron.

So they venture into this new realm to fix things. Perhaps splitting into groups. Goku & Kaioshin, Vegeta & Bulma, Gohan & Piccolo, Krillin & 18, ect. Some teaming up with other groups too. Get to see stuff like Goku & Tien team up. They learn about the depths of magic & Bulma is surprised because her technology she relies so much upon doesn't matter much in the Demon Realm where magic is their technology.

At some point, they find a way to return to their actual ages and adult bodies. In the end, they confront the Demon God & Makaioshin. Of course Goku would face the main bad guy (along with Vegeta & maybe with Gohan & Piccolo). Godly power vs godly magic. Or something like that.

Now let's wait & see how wrong I am 😂

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

Actually, I've been wanting to hear about what Yuu was doing during the House of Villains event. (That was my very first introduction to the House of Mouse) @sandbees wrote a brief scenario about that.

Obviously, Yuu won't get kicked out, but boy is it awkward for her. Wait til her classmates hear about this.

It's our house now,

It's our house now.

It's the fact you can't ignore.

Shut the windows. Lock the doors!

- smol me blasting this every Halloween to drive my parents crazy

So the villains do the whole take over thing where they prove how evil and not-boring they are (still can't believe that they were being bullied and peer pressured by a parrot). Since they can't kick out their favourite staff member, she's making sure the chaos isn't too crazy.

Also side note but Yuu wears a vampire costume to match with Mickey and Minnie because I said so.

When the whole 'kicking the staff out scene' happens they make sure to keep Yuu contained in an area so she can't stop them/escape. IDK maybe the hyenas and Pain and Panic lock her in the kitchen when the lights go out and let her out when they're done.

Yuu: *finally bursts out of the kitchen to the main area and sees all of the staff gone, Horace is tied up in the control room and the villains are singing and doing a conga line around the hall* What the-

I like to think that the heroes are like "oh no, those villains are holding poor Yuu hostage. We must save her." While she's just sitting at a table drinking tea with the Queen of Hearts, Queen Grimhilde and Maleficent and having a pleasant conversation.

The Great Seven see this as a perfect opportunity to do more matchmaking. When's a better time to talk about their twisted counterparts when than when Yuu literally can't escape the conversation.

As much as she wants to comfort and hang out with the heroes (poor Piglet has been shaking under the table for the past ten minutes) she knows that she has to do damage control before Mickey gets back. At least she's got the penguin waiters and Fantasia brooms to help her. Plus the nicer henchmen like Mr Smee and Kronk are making sure that she's all right. As much as villains like Kaa and Shere Khan want to scare her, everyone knows that she's off limits (she's even got frickin Chernabog and the Horned King on her side. How does she do it?!)

Besides everyone has seen what she's been through. This little coup is nothing compared overblots and NRC life in general - she can handle herself just fine.

It would help though if she wasn't being pulled from her work every five minutes because a different villain wants to talk to her. They all want her to join in with the chaos and villainy and maybe prove to those do-gooder heroes that she likes them more but she's just like "guys, it's a school night."

When Mickey does save the day, she's there cheering him on with everyone else (sorry not sorry, Jafar. The Fab Five are like her family and you did lock them out onto the streets). Also can we talk about how Aladdin was a real MVP during that episode because he's going to be so smug hearing Yuu praise him for throwing them the lamp.

Also when the other customers are freed (I know that some of the heroes were still in the HoM whilst others were locked out) you bet, they're all going to have one big group hug and they're going to check if Yuu is okay.

When she recounts all of this to her friends they're like: The Great Seven sort of kidnapped you?

Yuu: Yeah but Mickey gave me a raise so it's cool. Also he can deflect fireballs.

@adrianasunderworld Any thoughts?

[ochako-deserves-better]

Touch-starved Katsuki Bakugo & Ochako Uraraka [ambiguous]

— “how long has it been since someone hugged you?” prompt from here

After the Sports Festival, Uraraka and Bakugo had a mutual respect for one another. That respect evolved into one of Class 1-A's least expected friendships. Uraraka would periodically invite Bakugo to her room for vent sessions or study time, and while Bakugo always reacted negatively in public, she would undoubtedly hear a knock on her door after dinner hours.

This night was no different. Uraraka approached Bakugo in the common room of the dorms, casually watching as Bakugo leaned over his English homework. He was sitting on the couch, using a large book as a desk, his pencil hesitating above the prompt he was working on.

"Hey Bakugo? Have you finished the history assignment yet? Could you help me with it?" she asks, her normally cheery voice lowered to slightly above a whisper.

Bakugo's red eyes dart upward from the paperwork to meet her brown ones. His brows furrow slightly. "What's the matter? Wait 'til the last second?"

Uraraka smiles sheepishly at her friend, "something like that."

"Pah," Bakugo rolls his eyes. "Fine. Lemme finish this first and then I'll-" he stopped, glancing around the common area. They were, for the most part, alone. Jirou is sitting on the other end of the room, but she seems to be distracted, headphones seated completely over her ears. Judging by the way her head is bobbing as she works, she can't hear them. "Meet you in the usual spot?"

Uraraka smiles, "Sure thing!" she flashes him a thumbs-up. "Thanks Bakugo!" She ignores his muttered 'whatever' and turns on her heel, heading back to 4th floor to tidy her room for his visit.

He must have been nearly finished with the assignment, because the knock on her door echoes out about 20 minutes later. Ochako slides the last book back on the bookshelf before stepping over to open the door, ushering the blonde inside.

Bakugo shuffles in quickly, waiting for the door to shut behind him before speaking. "So how far did you make it on the assignment? Did you--"

"What's going on with you lately?" Uraraka interrupts him, one hand on her slightly popped hip.

"What the hell are you talking about? I'm fi--"

"Don't you 'I'm fine' me Bakugo Katsuki." At the sound of his given name, Bakugo visibly flinches. "You were doing your homework in the common room. You always do your work in your room, never the common room. But you didn't want to be alone, right? So? What's going on?"

Bakugo growls, but his shoulders drop. "You're as bad as the damn nerd, you know that?"

Uraraka pursed her lips slightly. She sat on her bed, patting the spot next to her on the comforter for him to join her. She still had the school issued bedding--the matcha green covers both clashing with and somehow matching the girl perfectly. Bakugo huffs a sigh before sinking himself onto the mattress, just far enough away that his legs don't touch hers when he relaxes. "Is that what this is about? Are you stressing about Deku again?"

Bakugo turns his head to glare at her. "Not every thought I have is about that dumbass, you know." He sighs, realizing his mistake. "You're already done with that history homework."

"Not important. Bakugo, please. You can tell me. I won't tell anyone, not even Deku." She places a hand on his shoulder.

Bakugo's eyes widen, his shoulder tensing under her touch. He doesn't shake her off, but it's clear he's uncomfortable. Uraraka quickly removes her hand. "You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to. But--" she hesitates before doubling down, a determined look steeling her gaze. "Do you need a hug?"

"What?!" Bakugo hisses, leaping away from her and off her bed. His feet slam onto the floor, making them both freeze. Bakugo looks down as though he is staring through the floor before he mumbles "She's still in the common room. It's fine."

"I'm serious Bakugo. I feel like you're not okay. And we learned in class that hugs actually can reduce stress. Sooo," she stretches out the word as she gets up from her bed. She takes a sliding step toward him. " Let me help you."

"I don't need a fucking hug, Pink Cheeks."

She raises a brow, "I disagree. How long has it been since someone hugged you?"

His scowl falters. In this moment, his face loses its usual anger. "It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does. You deserve affection, Bakugo." She takes another step.

"Stop," he warns.

"Do you actually want me to?" She counters.

He hesitates again. "...I don't care." Uraraka watches as his face slowly changes color. Shy Bakugo is unbelievably adorable, but saying that in this moment would mean certain death.

She reaches out her hands, pink fingertips facing upward. "Can I?"

"Whatever," he says. Uraraka knows the boy well enough to know that that's the closest thing she will ever get to a 'yes.' She beams at him and closes the gap between them.

Uraraka slips her arms under Bakugo's, her hands resting firmly on his shoulder blades. She tucks her head under Bakugo's chin, nestling her face into his chest. The hug is awkward, Bakugo's steel muscles refusing to budge as the boy tenses under his friend's grip. His heart audibly thuds against his ribcage, the drumbeat loud in Uraraka's ear "You can hug me back, you know," she teases. "You know how to hug, right?"

"Shut the fuck up. I know how to hug, asshole."

"Could've fooled me," she counters. He grumbles, but Uraraka feels his arms start to move. Starts to feel him pull her closer. She smiles against his chest as his shoulders relax. "This is nice." She says after a few seconds. "I'm sorry I doubted your hugging skills," she joked. Bakugo doesn't say anything. Uraraka waits a bit, but still, the normally explosive teen is silent. "...Bakugo?" She tries to lean back to look at him, but his grip on her holds firm. "Bakugo," she tries again. "What is it?"

"Nothing," he mumbles. His voice is tight. His vicegrip only tightens, causing Uraraka to gasp in surprise.

"I can't breathe," Uraraka manages, slapping his shoulders with her hands. She feels his grip loosen abruptly, the muscles in his chest once again a steel wall of anxiety. She tightens her grip before he can push her off. "No no it's okay! The angle was just wrong, that's all! You don't have to let go," she rambles.

"Let go," he orders. Uraraka flinches at the razor's edge in his voice. She obeys, untangling her arms from him and stepping back.

She sheepishly looks up at him through her bangs. He refuses to make eye contact; instead his crimson gaze burns a hole in the wall of her room. His ears are equally radiant, the fiery blush of shame burning bright. "Sorry," she whispers.

"It's late," Bakugo states, turning on his heel to face the door. The air is thick. Uraraka's heart has turned to lead, dropping through her ribcage to settle into her stomach. She tried to make him feel better, but if he leaves now, he'll only be worse off. She doesn't know why, but Bakugo absolutely can not be alone right now. "Night-"

Uraraka's hand darts out, wrapping securely around his wrist (with her pinky lifted to avoid floating him by accident). "You didn't hurt me," she tries.

"Okay."

"I'm not afraid you'll hurt me."

He turns his head to the side, not quite able to see her behind him. "Okay?" he restates.

"Stay?"

Part 2 [platonic]: here! Part 2 [romantic]: here!

[winterspiderpurrs]

Part 1 listed in the link above!

Part 2:

Sighing as Tony hung up the phone in his office. Widow just confirmed that Winter and her were almost here to hand over the information he requested. Though they wanted to question Peter first. Which irritated Tony, but if it will help solve the mystery of who knocked up Peter, he would allow it. Anything to help protect his family.

It's been a few hours since Stephen showed up, the equipment delivered, ultrasound down, images printed. 100% confirmed that his little bambino was pregnant. Atleast Peter was almost done with getting his doctorate and this won't hinder his career. As if Stephen would allow that. If he could start going into labor while operating its sure as he'll that Peter could keep up with his lab work. [As long as extra safety precautions were made cause of the pregnancy]

Walking up the stairs to Peter's old bedroom, he thinks of how this is so similar to how he found out he was going to be a father the first time. At a charity event for the local hospital all those years ago. Ego met ego when he met Stephen. He never met an omega that was so Alpha like. They carried on their tic for tac into a heated night that lasted til morning. It was 4 months later when Stephen showed up at the restaurant where he hosts meetings at times for reality of that night comes rushing back. Tony had already had the business set up for Harley to take over. While he still acts young, Tony knows at some point he would be too old to keep going. He never thought he would have a family of his own. He rushed to make sure that even if Stephen didn't want to raise the baby, he would take care of anything. Moved him in and doing his best to woo the Omega. It was a year after Peter was born that they officially became a bonded pair.

They set it up where Peter's address and "guardianship" would be under his god mothers ' Aunt May' to help alleviate attention that he was Tony Starks omega son. He went to the best private school in Queens, distancing him for the Manhattan area as best as he could. Safety was the biggest priority that Stephen stressed for his pups. Yes, pups. Surprise, surprise, when Peter was 16, Stephen ended up pregnant, again shocking the family. Miss Morgan Strange was born. Peter absolutely dotted on his alpha little sister.

Sighing one more time before opening the door to the bedroom, Tony paused before smiling. At the center of the bed was Peter snuggling up to Stephen on the bed. Stephen gently combing his fingers through his hair. They were whispering to each other, " and if they are fools and don't want anything to do with them. We will always take care of you and the pups. Family is important." Stephen stopped talking, looking over at Tony in the doorway. Tony cleared his throat. " Pete... I'm sorry for... reacting how I did. I was just worried... Widow and Winter are headed over with information for us. They want to talk to you first if you won't mind meeting them down in the study. "

Peter's eyes widen, he has met Natasha, and she was practically an older sister/aunt to him. He has only heard of rumors about Winter.

Stephen and Peter untangle from each other before getting out of bed to head downstairs following behind Tony. Once downstairs, Peter goes into the study while Stephen stays out in the hallway with Tony. Not long after, Natasha shows up with Winter, aka James 'Bucky' Barnes, and shockingly Steve Rogers. Tony frowning. " Winter, I know you know that I tolerate your... choice in mate. But we really dont need goody twoshoes getting involved in this... private matter. " Steve frowns before opening his mouth, but Bucky beats him in addressing Tony." Don't worry, Stark, Steve here has recon in the area... once we confirm a few details, things will get sorted. In the study, Natalia said?" Bucky nods toward the door of the study.

Tony says and waves his hand. " Yeah, yeah. Go easy on him. No unnecessary stress. Nat introduce?" Natasha nods and goes to the study, opening the door and smiles " Oh my little spider, I have some friends here that need to talk with you" she waves Bucky and Steve over and the men enter the room but Natasha does not enter and closes the door. Tony frowns and stares at her. " Why you let Winter bring his Alpha with him? Do you want to stress Peter out more? Also lack luster introductions- he has never met Winter. Only heard of him and not even a warning? And why are you looking at me like that, Stephen?"

Eyebrow raised as Stephen stared at Tony, eyes flickering toward the door and then back at Tony. Blinking Tony looks at the door and then back at Stephen. Stephen tilts his head and looks at the door before back at Tony again. Frowning, he looks at Natasha, who's blocking the door. Then it clicks. Two Alphas. Natasha could have just brought him the names. There's no need to bring Winter over here.

He started to stutter in disbelief before the anger rolled back in. He growled loud and rushed the door. Thankfully, Natasha moved to side, but she had a unbuckled the gun from her holster. " Don't do anything stupid Tony. You have to think of Peter." Blinded be rage at the audacity that these two Alphas picked HIS child to fuck with? Tony rips the door open and off its hinge. " The fuck is the meaning of this!?" But Tony deflates at the scene infront of him.

Inside of the study on the couch was Steve with Peter on his lap, looking at the sonogram photo, a dopey smile on his lips, arm wrapped around him. Bucky was kneeling on the ground in front of the pair, nuzzling up again Peter's stomach, gentle rumbles coming from him with his arms wrapped around them.

Well shit.

*********------***********-------***********

So.... it's been a month since I typed up Part 1 and it's not where I want it to be. But kept thinking about it and just had to get it out.

Hopefully you like it @professional-benaddict and @no-name-for-me since yall said ya wouldn't mind a part 2!

[ghostofwriting]

love of my life by harry styles is also a song that i think rafe would put out on the album.

"i dont know you half as well as all my friends [...] maybe you dont know whats lost til you find it."

idk at this point every sad harry song makes me think of #them .

okay me. There are a lot of songs that make me think of them but none of them come close to Place In Me by Luke Hemmings which is why I chose it and keep mentioning it in the tweets.

I'm using this ask as a place to dissect it because my brain will not stop thinking about the correlation between the song and Rafe x reader. I didn't even base this fic off the song but it fits so perfectly so I HAVE to talk about it.

Hold on I never meant you any harm Got no legs to stand on I was just dancin' in the dark

"dancing in the dark" was his mindset during that whole era, he was on drugs, and his mental health wasn't doing well at all. It's not an excuse but he's finally coming to terms with how much he hurt her but he has nothing to stand on because he shouldn't have done what he did to her, there's no excuse. He's telling her in song to hold on, to listen to the lyrics for insight on how he feels because he doesn't know how to tell her any other way.

Now with my eyes wide open It's heaven in your arms, mm

He sees it now, now that he's in a better place mentally and he's clean, he can see the harm he has caused and what he has lost. "Heaven in your arms" obviously knowing that she helped him so much and he was so safe to fall apart with her, realizing his feelings go way deeper than he thought they did but being stuck. And of course 'heaven' to tie it back to 'angel.'

Hold on I never meant to start a war I was just dead wrong I know we've been in this before

Again, not excusing him but, he didn't know what he was doing when he said those things to her. He had his reasons, which I will expand on in the fic. He didn't mean to start this friction between them for all those years and make his friends choose sides. He realizes that he was wrong but again, he's stuck. She won't look at him how she used to.

Now with my eyes wide open I tore you right apart, mm

Speaks for itself, he tore her apart, he ruined her and he knows that now that there's clarity.

Call me in the morning, yeah I'm sorry that I let you down, I I'm so apathetic, it's pathetic But I need you now, now

This is him knowing that he's in the wrong for needing her because of how much he's harmed her. Y/n said that she couldn't believe that the person she had known since she was 10, the boy that he was at 13 would have done to her what he did to her. And he knows that. He knows what she thinks.

Sun's gone But you always liked this time of day No words left to play on How many chances does it take? Now with my eyes wide open I'm nothing but a fake

This verse explains how tied he is to her, how his identity is very much based on how she sees him and how he doesn't think too highly of his self-worth if she sees him as a bad guy. "No words left to play on" The fact that she doesn't give him the time of day, there is nothing that he can do to fix it with her.

Don't you move Can't we just stay? Can we start over? Don't fade away

'Cause you'll always have a place in me

You'll always have a place in me

I think the rest of this is pretty on the nose. That's why it fits so perfectly. He doesn't want her to leave, he wants a chance to start over with her but he's dumb and has no idea how to tell her that and is going about it all wrong. As well as the fact that y/n doesn't want anything to do with him. Had this been anyone else, she would have left their life and never looked back. He knows that and he also knows that she only tolerates him for the band. In a way, he's lucky because without the band he would have never seen her again. He's very limited in what he can do to get her attention and ask for another chance. He also just doesn't think he deserves one. Selfishly though, he wants her to stay with him forever, even if it's at arm's length. even if that means she never talks to him again. Because she will always have a place in him.

Anyway thank you for reading to the end of this if you did. I love this song, I love Luke, and I love how well this goes with Rafe's pov.

[candied-boys]

🍯 Honey Cakes 🍯

Luke Randolph x fem! Reader

Tags: merpeople au, lazy!Luke, happy!Luke, possessive!Luke, romance, picnics, cottagecore, a lil' more smut, happy ending

Part Five

2,300 words

NSFW CONTENT - MORE TAGS BELOW

More tags: short smut, knotting, pregnancy (are you surprised I have a breeding kink after I told you I'm a cum slut?), body horror implied?? (Not detailed but he has to get legs somehow...)

Knowing it wouldn't be long before you could only visit on your day off, Luke charmed a little dove into being his personal messenger so he could at least hear second-hand how you're doing without waiting a full week. The small grey dove has visited you every morning and evening since the sun started setting earlier in September.

You tell it all about your day and how much you miss your lover. It bestows gifts of crystal beads tied on woven grass, and in exchange, you give it bread crumbs from the bakery. It can't tell you anything from Luke, but it's an affectionate creature nonetheless — cooing and cuddling under your palm while you pet its fluffy cheeks.

Sometimes you give it a little peck hoping it can pass on the gesture. But knowing that even the bird won't be able to give him your love in a few weeks makes you yearn for him that much more when he's in your arms as he is now.

Enjoying the last rays of early October before the sun is too far to grace the earth with its warmth you sit straddled on his lap, playing with his hair and humming a song he taught you ages ago. Since the weather turned too cool to swim he's taken to holding you like this — his arms wrapped around your midriff and his ear on your heartbeat.

Where he rests against your chest you can hear him grumbling into your skin, “I dun wanna lose y’ when the foliage turns and the snow falls… I dun wanna wait ‘til the lake thaws and the birds return before I can see y’ again… hold y’ again… love y’ again…”

Pushing his fringe out of the way when he tilts his head back to find your colours, you answer tenderly, “I don't want that either, Luke… but do we have any other choice?”

“If there were a way… would y’ want that? Would y’ wanna stay together?”

“Do you mean forever?” you blink, confused.

He doesn't meet your gaze, but you catch the pink dusting his cheeks as he bites his lip and nods fervently.

“I wouldn't be able to bake honey cakes for you anymore if I was a mermaid though. Would you still love me?” you tease.

Burying his face in your neck he mumbles, “I’m not with y’ just for y’r honey…”

Usually he's the one teasing you — it's your first time seeing him so flustered, so vulnerable.

“Besides, there's no way to turn y’ into a mermaid that I know o’.”

Toying with the long stands that graze the nape of his neck you query, “So when you say stay together… do you mean there's a way for you to be human?”

When he finally lifts his head from beneath your chin, his verdant gaze is sincere — tinted with fear of rejection as he nods.

“Luke, I can't ask you to do that… You can't give up everything you know on a whim. We've been together for a while, sure, but that's nothing compared to twenty some odd years… You can't just throw it all away for the cute girl in town even if she loves you dearly… You have your royal duties, and more importantly, you can't leave Leyla behind… She still needs her big brother, Luke.”

“But it's at least four moons ‘til the lake thaws… What if… y’ forget me… or some other guy steals y’r heart…”

“Is that what you're really worried about?” you ask gently, pointlessly tucking his fringe behind one ear again.

Nuzzling back into your neck he shakes his head a little.

“I thought not. You know I cherish you too much to let that happen,” you whisper and kiss his crown.

He nods against your shoulder and squeezes your waist.

“You just don't want to be apart, is that right?”

When he hums yes you continue, “We'll be alright. You'll fall asleep dreaming of me, and I'll pass the winter remembering everything we've done together. Every day I'll wear the jewellery you've made me and wake up next to your carvings on my nightstand. You'll be in my thoughts all day long and holding me close in my heart all night. I'm sure spring will be here before we know it.”

“Promise?” he asks as he leans back to look up at you.

“I promise,” you murmur into a kiss.

“The rain’ll be comin’ next week…” Luke whispers against your lips, jade eyes unsteadily clinging to yours.

Neither of you can bear to voice the truth his words imply, and you find yourself locked in a passionate tangle of hands and tongues — trying and failing to keep your hearts from shattering.

A desperate longing to be closer than mere touch can provide drives the two of you to unite.

“What d’y think y’re doin’?” he asks in a panic as he grabs your waist to keep you from sinking any lower.

“I want you, Luke. All of you. Please?”

Caught between the desperate desire to make you completely his and feral instinct urging him on, your pleading snaps his self-restraint instantly. Capturing your mouth with his to silence you, he lowers your hips and nestles his cock inside you completely for the first time.

You can't help but whine and tremble as you adjust to the slight thickness of the knot now held within. Every tremor that shakes your body rocks your hips and nudges his tip into that sensitive spot.

“Y’ alright?” he breathes, hand around the back of your neck to keep your forehead pressed to his while his pale green hues take in your watery gaze.

“S’good,” you slur, already feeling cock drunk. “S’full…”

A satisfied chuckle rolls through his chest as he hikes up your skirt and rests his hand over the bulge his cock makes in your abdomen. Just rubbing his thumb against his tip steals your breath with pleasure.

“That’s my girl. Takin’ me so well,” he purrs as you start needily grinding down on him, mind hazy and eyes rolling back while he holds you tight to him and matches your pace.

The closer he gets the more you can feel the knot swell within you, pressing into your walls, the sweet stretch making every contraction that much more intense. Strained hisses and silenced cries replace the sound of ragged breathing as euphoria wrecks you both on a shore of ecstasy.

Your impending fate is acknowledged wordlessly while you repeat the trip to heaven and back again and again until your bodies and hearts are too spent to hold back your emotions anymore, letting crystal tears mix with your own where both roll down his cheeks.

After the rain comes the bitter wind, and soon the lake is frozen over; your dear little dove no longer brings gifts but still visits for affection and crumbs. As winter approaches snow faeries paint the world colourless, and you notice your own blossoms lack the vibrant colour they usually grace you with.

When this repeats in December you become genuinely concerned. It didn't seem possible. Just because you could make love didn't mean you could make a baby. He's not even the same species after all. There were countless times you were entwined before. Why only now that you can't be together?

As the cold, winter darkness stretches on, loneliness consumes your frightened heart. In an attempt to soothe the emptiness, you let yourself fall into reveries of warmer days.

You recite all the stories Luke told you and recall how sweet and talented he is. A tiny someone listens to you hum his songs, and gradually you come to feel like the baby might be a gift to keep you company.

The child within grows week by week, and you're grateful that your bulky winter clothes hide the tummy that starts to show by February. Soon the baby kicks and squirms, settling down only when you tell it stories about its father.

You try not to voice your fears that the father won't be around to cradle and rock the baby, that he may never be part of its life but one day a week, that yuletide will not once be spent together.

Every moment of March is painful as you count the days until he wakes. The hours of light are still too short to walk through the royal forest and back before dark, so even as the solstice comes and goes you must wait for your day off.

If you could run you would, but the ground is muddy with the softened earth under melting snow and your body tires far more easily than it used to five months ago. Time drags, as do your feet, until the moment his beauty comes into view.

Sat on the edge of the water he turns to find you before you're through the thickets. Even after all these months he can still pick out your breathing, your footfall, and your scent well before you're near.

Afraid of tripping you resist the urge to rush forward; instead falling to your knees and clinging to him the instant he's within reach.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey. What's wrong? These aren't happy tears. What's goin’ on?” he whispers into your hair before pulling you into his lap and cradling you close.

It's then that he stiffens. The weight of you in his lap being heavier than he remembers and the feeling of your figure in his arms not quite the same.

Unable to stifle your tears or command your voice to speak, you take his hand in yours instead and guide it to your swollen belly. His touch is gentle as he confirms what he suspected.

“It's okay. It's gonna be okay. Shhh. I told y’ there's a way, remember?”

“But I didn't want to make you give up your life in the water for me, Luke.”

“Y’re not makin’ me do nothin’ I didna already wanna do. I wanna be with y’ forever. I told y’ that. And the hell I'm gonna leave y’ alone with a baby. Y’re mine. I'm gonna take care o’ the both o’ y’ — no matter what it takes.”

You only nod helplessly knowing that you can’t do this alone.

Soft murmurs of his love pour forth where his lips press into your hair — how much he missed you, endless dreams spent together, memories of holding you close. Whispering low he spins a tale for your future, bright and warm, full of tenderness and safety, until his promises stem your tears.

“Just gimme a little time to sort a few thin’s out. By the new moon we’ll be walkin’ home together. Nothin’ to fear.”

Each week you visit, bringing the same honey cakes that enticed him from the water a year before. The weight in the basket is replaced by that of precious stones, gems, crystals, and gold nuggets — hopes and dreams for your new life together.

Under the watchful eye of the new moon, the night sky above as black as the depths of the lake, Luke hands a stone dagger to the only brother he trusts. A gruesome sight unfolds. The blood curdling scream that should accompany the anguish gagged and silenced.

Praying by his side all night Jin waits for dawn, watching his baby brother teeter between life and death. The blood loss, the night air, the morning dew, the shade until noon — each stole from Luke more than he expected, and by the time you find him, his lips are blue and he lay shivering in Jin’s embrace on the cold granite.

He never wanted you to see him like this. He was hoping he would be okay by the time you arrived after work so he could pass it off as an easy feat. But now that he's human he's weaker.

You bundle him up in the clothes you bought and your shawl before massaging the blood back into his limbs cautiously. If the smoke wouldn't catch the guards attention you would start a fire, but all you can do is let his head rest in your lap as his split fins continue to transform, painful and slow.

He winces often, fist clinging to your skirt, breathing shallow at times. Yet you're the only one who sheds tears —pointless though they are. You wonder if you would have agreed to this if you'd known… But the alternative is spending the rest of your lives separated by the water and the seasons.

Selfishly, you don't wish you had said no. Instead you whisper your love, your gratitude, and your promises to look after him always.

Luke returns each a hundred fold when the baby is born in July under the roof of the cottage he built just for your new family. Madly in love with his red haired, green eyed baby girl, he begs you for a second hardly a month later.

As soon as you're well enough to go out, Luke takes you back to the lake to enjoy your first picnic in over a year. Really he just can't wait any longer to show off his little pride and joy to her uncles and auntie.

She's spoiled with gifts from all seven brothers — a rattle made of reed, a bracelet of shells, and so on — but she likes her auntie's gifts best. Well worn are the little carved bears and ducks; their surface smooth and polished by years of love and play.

Enamoured with how she takes to the toys, Leyla lifts her into the water for a hug, too pleased to notice the way the baby's feet dangle in the water. At least until she feels little leafy fins graze her bare skin…💚

The end

Thanks for reading 💖

[mikhardwheat]

Max and Eddie: Detention is a Family Gathering.

Eddie: okay, I won't ruin the school property anymore, I've learn my lesson, guilty as charged, never happening again

Principal: well, that's it, Munson, you can go now

Eddie: bye, see ya later

Principal: didn't you just sa-

He walks out of the principal's office, locks eyes with Max.

Eddie: no

Max:

Eddie: you can't do that again, Red

Max: but it's funny

Eddie: it was

Eddie: for the first three times

Max: Steve and Robin have shifts, Nancy is tutoring today

Eddie:

Eddie: okay, let's go

He turns around and goes to the principal office. Door opens, principal looks at him in question. He slowly moves away from the doorframe and principal immediately sighs.

They both sit down, Eddie's face is now clear of any emotion.

Eddie: what this little innocent lady could've possibly done wrong? whatever you have to say, it wasn't her fault, I'm sure

Max's knuckles are visibly bruised, there's still blood on her bottom lip and she struggles to keep her laugh inside, when principal sends them both an unimpressed gaze.

Principal: Mr. Munson, I would like to see one of Max's real parents or legal guardians for this meeting

Eddie: I'm the only one available at the moment

Principal: I insist on the matter.

Eddie: I am her emergency contact, and I am here. let's just discuss the issue so we all can go home

Principal: we've already discussed it three times in two weeks, and there was no improvement in Max's behavior, these conversations clearly do not work

Eddie: so what to we do

Principal: parent or guardian, Mr. Munson.

Eddie:

Eddie: I'm not sure if that's a good idea

Eddie: but what can I say... Max, call Steve, would ya?

Max: he's working

Eddie: principal here wants to see a responsible adult who can take some action, since I'm not capable, apparently, so give 'em a responsible adult

Max: Steve isn't a-

Eddie: just do it already, I'm not waiting here til the morning

Max: fine

It takes exactly 7 minutes for Steve to enter the principal's office. He still is in his uniform, breathing uneven - as if he was running. He should've used his car to get there.

Steve: good evening?..

Principal: Mr Harrington?

Steve: that would be me, yes

Principal: and your connection to Max is..?

Steve: I'm her brother. is... is everything okay, what did you need me for?

Principal: please, sit down, there's a lot to discuss

Steve sits down, looking at Max and Eddie beforehand. There is no guilt in those eyes. Eddie's mouth twitches as he tries not to giggle.

Principal: it's the forth time we happen to meet with Max in my office, second one this week

Steve: forth time???

He looks at Eddie again, but he avoids the eye contact, pretending to be interested in the wall's ornament.

Principal: her behavior is questionable, at last. she initiates lots of fights - mostly verbal, but there are physical ones too

Principal: she almost broke a boy's arm today

Steve notices Max's knuckles, and even though his expression seems thoughtful, both Max and Eddie could tell he is, in fact, angry.

Steve: who was it?

Principal: please, elaborate?

Steve: the boy you mentioned to provoke Max?

Principal: Mr. Harrington, I assure you, nobody provoked anyone

Steve: if there was a fight, there was a reason for it too. Who is this "boy" and why isn't he now here, with us?

Principal: I assure you, Jason doesn't need to be here, he wasn't the one to initiate the fight. we're talking about Max's predisposition towards violence

Steve: Eddie, do you know the Jason guy?

Eddie: probably? isn't he the one from the basketball team?

Max: yeah, he's the one

Steve: any idea where can we find him?

Eddie: not sure

Steve, turning to principal: do you have his address or his parents' phone numbers?

Principal: we do, but we're not allowed to share private information of our students

Steve: you are, if there's an emergency

Principal: there's no such thing as emergency-

Steve: didn't you previously say we should do something about Max's behavior?

Principal: you sure can talk it through

Steve: we did that already, you mentioned this meeting to be the forth one

Principal: they were in presence of Mr Munson, yes

Steve: and he can't be silent for more than a minute, so it clearly didn't work.

Steve: and I want to talk to a boy who presumably is the reason why I had to leave my job in the middle of the shift and waste my time here. Let me contact his parents or do it yourself, I don't care.

Steve: you can't expect her to be teached a lesson if she's the only one to be punished for her actions. either I see other kids who were included or I take her home and you don't call me here ever again, and are dealing with Munson instead

Principal:

Principal: I won't call Jason's parents, Mr. Harrington, you should-

Steve stands up.

Steve: then we're finished here. hurry up, kids, I'm driving you home

Steve: thanks for your time

He opens the door, Max and Eddie go through it without a question, principal is left alone in his office.

[rmd-writes]

Kiss prompt: Tarlos - to shut them up

I’ve assigned each kiss prompt I received a number and am using a random number generator to choose which prompt to write because I got quite a few from you all! As a reminder, I’m trying to keep these to around 200 words and I’m going to try and do at least one per day til they’re all done. If you’ve sent me a prompt, I promise I’ll get to it!

I give up on limiting these to 200 words lol, this is very obviously not 200 words but c'est la vie. Sometimes the characters write themselves.

Thank you Cee darling for the prompt! 💖

a kiss to shut them up

TK set the table but Carlos can’t help but walk over and check it anyway, making sure that the alignment of the cutlery and the glasses on the table is perfect. He wanders back to the stove, tasting the sauce before getting out the serving bowls he’s chosen for the evening. 

Opening the refrigerator, he checks that they have all of the drinks they need – and looks over to the bench to confirm – for at least the third time in thirty minutes – that they have limes this time. Carlos made sure of it. Should he cut the limes up now? He walks over and picks a couple up, before pulling a clean cutting board out of the cupboard. He hesitates, with his knife to the rind. Maybe he should wait. What if no one wants lime in their drinks tonight? What if they’d prefer wine? 

“Babe, I can hear you thinking from here,” TK calls from the bedroom.

Carlos doesn’t respond, still debating with himself over cutting up the limes. 

“Baby,” TK says, in the living room now, walking towards Carlos. “Breathe.”

Carlos looks up at him. “I just want things to be perfect.”

“And they are,” TK insists, sliding his arms around Carlos’ waist and pressing a kiss to his shoulder. “Your food will be amazing as usual. And it’s just our parents. We’ve had dinner with them before.”

“Not here, not since…” Carlos trails off. It’s the first time they’ve invited his parents and Owen over for dinner together since TK’s moved into the loft. Carlos just wants things to be perfect; to show their parents that this is right, that things are good.

He puts the knife and the lime down and turns around in TK’s arms, running his hands up them.

“I know, baby, and it’s so sweet that you care so much. But it’s our parents. They love us. They just want to see us happy and we are. You make me so happy.”

TK’s smiling softly and his eyes are crinkled at the corners. Carlos can almost feel the way his contentment wraps around them both in a golden haze. But still–

“Should I have made tamales instead?”

“No, baby, the mole is perfect.” TK laughs a little. He’s so beautiful when he laughs.

“Is your dad even eating carbs these days? Oh god, what if he won't–”

“Dad will eat whatever he’s served tonight because he’s not a monster.”

“I should have bought you something more special to drink, are you sure you’re okay with mineral water?”

“Carlos.”

“Oh my god, are you sure you took the lube out from behind the couch cushions? What about the bottle in the–”

Carlos is silenced by TK’s lips on his, and when TK licks into his mouth, all of the thoughts rattling around his brain are silenced because when TK kisses him, there’s no room for anything else in his mind except TK, the way that TK’s lips feel against his, soft and lush and demanding, the press of TK’s body against his own, warm and safe and here. TK’s heart beating steadily against his own, where it belongs.

(find all of my kiss prompt ficlets here or read them on ao3)

[ballonleastadiumofficial]

@dragon-tailz 🌷 a time my muse said they loved yours. 

Do tell, won't you? (¬ᴗ¬)

Wyverlyn seemed convinced that Bede sorely needed her help to have fun. At least, when he told her he’d never participated in a sleepover before (something he’d never felt any sorrow over “missing out on”), she’d jumped at the nearest chance to rectify that. It was as if she thought his life teetered over some chasm of mundanity, and required a heroine to thrust it out of reach of the murky depths. Hm. 

That was how the two ended up lazing about Opal’s living room. Bede sat up against the dark colored sofa, wearing magenta pajamas patterned with spiral psychic type symbols and holding his Stuff-a-Stufful plush in the crook of his arm. Wyverlyn, in contrast, lay sprawled out on the carpet, head resting on a purple ottoman. She wore a soft cotton Charmander t-shirt mismatched with Alolan Exeggutor pajama bottoms. Some of their pokemon, too, were out and about: Mawile had stretched herself over Bede’s lap, Pickle the Dreepy floated lazily near the ceiling, Budew drowsed on the windowsill, and Odette the Altaria perched on the arm of one of the large chairs, humming idly. The world outside the window was dark and sleepy, save for the soft glow of fungi in the distance. The same could be said for the trainers’ eyes- obviously, they were attempting to stay awake as long as they possibly could. 

Bede brought a hand to his mouth and yawned. “You realize I’m going to be a less than ideal host, don’t you? I’ve never done this before, and I’d say I’ve already run out of ideas as to what we should do.”

Wyverlyn sat up, causing Pickle to turn his head with interest. “Well, that’s okay! I knew what I was signing up for! Let me show you a good time. It’s my turn to pick what we do, anyway.” She thoughtfully tapped her chin with her finger in just the same way Bede tended to. At first, he was convinced she was mocking him by doing it, but now he wasn’t so sure. Perhaps she was just the sort of person to pick up habits from those around her. “Well, there’s always the classic- truth or dare!”

Bede clicked his tongue with disdain. "And I suppose we're ten years old, now?" 

"Don't knock it til you try it! Here, I'll go first. Ask me."

"...Truth or dare?" Bede mumbled with a sigh. 

"Hmmm… truth." A playful twinkle danced in Wyverlyn’s eyes as she made her choice. Bede raised an eyebrow at her. "What? Did you think I’d choose dare? Why would I do that when I don’t have anything to hide? I’m actually excited for you to learn something about me, silly.”

“Hmph.” Bede eyed her with puzzlement, his violet eyes betraying his exasperation. He couldn’t fathom what it must be like to lead one’s life like that. Feeling vaguely put on the spot, he glanced around the room as he searched for a question. Finally, he raised a hand and pointed, thumb out and palm facing the sky, at the Altaria across the room. “Fine. Just how was it that you met that one? If my memory serves, Altaria can’t be found on mainland Galar.”

“Oh, that one’s easy!” Wyverlyn smiled brightly and sat up, scooting forward on her knees to give Odette a scratch under the chin. The flying type pokemon reacted with a pleasantly surprised soprano trill and leaned into her trainer’s hand. “I got her during my family vacation in Paldea. I was on a hike with my parents in the South Province… we were on our way to Mesagoza, I think. The area we were in was pretty mountainous, so we were kinda sidling our way over to the city to grab some food and fill our bellies after such a rough walk. Oh, but Bede, it was so absolutely worth it for the view! And the pokemon, of course.” She gave a sly look at Odette as she said that last part, who chirped with satisfaction. “Anyway, Odette was a Swablu back then, hopping around among the rocks. I remember seeing her and just, I don’t know… something clicked, okay? And since she was all alone, with no flock in sight, my parents were fine with me catching her. Which I’m so glad about! She’s such a great friend!” Wyverlyn’s gaze hovered nostalgically on Odette for a moment as she stroked the pokemon’s neck, until suddenly her head whipped around to look at Bede with mischievous intent. “Alright! Your turn! Truth or dare, my friend~?”

Bede’s eyes widened ever so slightly, despite his attempts to hide his surprise. He cleared his throat, taking a moment to collect himself. “Truth, I suppose. I’ll follow your lead,” He said with an attempt at a nonchalant wave of his hand. Wyverlyn’s smile gave him the feeling that he’d made the wrong choice.

“Truth, huh?” she said, shifting her body toward Bede and cradling her chin in her hands. “Well… You know I tell you I love you all the time, but you’re a liiittle harder to read from my perspective… so my question is, what exactly do you think of little old me?” Wyverlyn wheedled with a knowing smile. 

Bede stiffened, sitting up straight as a board. Mawile had to readjust herself on his lap. “I take it back. Dare.”

“I dare you to tell me you love me.”

“...You had both of those prepared, didn’t you?”

“Maybe~”

Bede watched her with a sense of irritability, then suddenly looked away to stare at nothing in particular. His pale eyebrows were furrowed, and he ran a hand over Mawile’s iron jaws in a subtly fidgety manner. 

The clock on the wall ticked. Ticked. The stale air hung thickly around them. After a moment or two, Wyverlyn’s expression shifted into one of concern. “You know, Bede, you don’t actually have to say anything you don’t want to. It’s just a game, y’know? I can just-”

“I love you.”

It was so quick and quiet, one could have blamed it upon the wind rustling through Ballonlea’s trees. A smile stretched across Wyverlyn’s face from ear to ear. “Awwww, Bede, really?”

He turned back to face her, conflicted expression already plastered over by his usual smug one. “Obviously, I had to say it. Else you’d go around telling everyone Ballonlea’s gym leader Torchiced out of a trifling little dare. Be grateful I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Bede, you know I wouldn’t-”

“Tsk!” He interrupted her with a sharp hiss between his teeth. After that, the two sat for a moment in contented silence…

[rikilouvre]

always

plot : ldr comfort <3 (fluff and 10% angst)

theme song : always by daniel caesar & summer walker

lying on your bed, your mind couldn't help but drift away into countless thoughts and possibilities that might happen some time – mainly about what could happen to you and your solace.

you pulled your phone out to text him, "hi luv" when he almost immediately replies back. your mind was set to ask him a question you'd been wanting to find the answer to, whether it be an unsure or a certain one, you just wanted to hear something from him. you wish it was the same for your fingers which were trembling in fear, learning the truth sometimes costs, after all.

"luv, what do you think would happen to us once school starts again and we get busy?"

you decided to start off with a rather vague question, a little off-the-point from the one you really wanted to ask him. he then gave you a reasonable answer,

"i'm pretty sure we'd find time to talk, it shouldn't be a hassle."

pretty rational, you'd say. he'd always been that kind of guy, he wouldn't want to sugarcoat things and end up hurting you unnecessarily instead of being clear and say what he thinks is right. he followed his own reply with something you didn't fully expect. you haven't exactly wrapped around your mind the fact that he knows you. he asked you why you were asking this all of a sudden, and that if you were doing okay and the like. he pretty much gave you an opening to say what you really want to say, so you went for it.

"i'm afraid of what's gonna happen between us, i'm afraid we're gonna drift apart, i'm afraid you'll like somebody else and i'm just afraid you won't love me anymore."

he did see your reply quickly, but it seemed like he was taking time to digest what you just sent. his speech bubbles kept appearing and disappearing, and it was making you worry a little- who were you kidding? it made you worry a lot as you thought you might have said something wrong. "i'm sorry, luv. i didn't mean to bombard you with a question like that it's just that i'm really idk nervous you don't have to answer that" you added.

"as long as we have trust in each other, i don't see why we'd have a problem."

he also isn't the most affectionate and reassuring guy in the whole world but you get what he meant and he really trusted you – that really meant a lot to you since it came from a guy who have always had his guards up. a smile starts to form on the curves of your lips for the assurance he gave you. but right when you were about to reply, he added,

"and remember that i will always love you 'til i'm incapable of feeling anything at all."

you stared at your phone for a good minute, this time, you couldn't stop smiling – like your lips are taped on the sides of your ears. you rubbed your eyes to see if this is all maybe a dream, it isn't. your whole body softened to the romantic and wholesome message he just sent. half-conscious that you haven't replied yet, you chose to savour the moment that you didn't know was possible – to feel deep love and concern from someone a thousand miles away. "hey, you still there?" he shoots another message after five minutes.

"i mean you're right, we're still under the same sky and moon, right?"

you sent. "haha yeah :')" he replied. you swore you could hear his chuckle in your mind. he's been implanted in your mind and his love in your heart. you abruptly got up and took a picture of the moon to send to him. "it's so prettyyyy", you said. he replied,

"pretty, but you're still prettier."

you thought to yourself that you'll never get used to get used to his compliments since it always hits you so hard and that you know to yourself that he's a genuine guy who wouldn't just compliment you for attention.

your night went on with casual and deep talks with him. you also played mobile games together to kill time every time he's done all his work, he's a keeper for sure. and, you see yourself in so many memories ahead of you two.

[sharky-the-idiot]

elphaba,shUT U P!

FIRST OF ALL

I can't hArBOuR a fUgiTiVe, i am an

✨unelected official✨

and why SHOULD I help you?

you flyyy around oz trying to rescue

Animals 🙄🙄🙄🙄

you've nEvER even mEt

and not ONCE have you ever thought to use your pOWeRs to rescue ME!

ALLL of my life, I've depended on you!

HOWwwWw do you think that feeels?

all of my life, I've depended on youu

And this hIDeoUs chair with wheeEeels

S c r o u n g i n g for scraps of p i t y to pick up

and l o ngi ng to kiCK UP my heeeeeeeeeeeeeels

Nessa, there isn't a ✨spell✨ for everything The... the ✨power✨ is ✨mysterious✨, it not like ✨cobbling up✨ a pair of... ✨WAIT!✨

✨Ambulahn Dare Pahto Pahpoot✨

What are you doing????

✨Ambulahn Dasca Caldapess✨

What does that M E A N?????

✨Lahfenahto Lahfenahtum✨ ✨Pede Pede Caldapess✨ ✨Ambulahn Dare✨ ✨Pahto Pahpoot✨ ✨Lahfenahto Lahfenahtum✨ ✨Pede Pede Caldapess✨

OHH! My sHOEs! They feel like they're on fiYAH! What have you done to my shoOOOOOESS?

....

N O ! No, don't help me >:(

Oh ✨NeSsa✨, at last!!!! i've done what ✨long ago✨ I should And ✨finally✨ from these ✨powers✨ something ✨good✨ f i n a l l y somethinggg ✨good✨-

B O Q

tiNgA liNg a LiNG

bOQQQQQQ, COME QUICKLY

yes, what is it, madam governor--

YOUU U!

BrAnDisHeS KnIfE

sTAAAYYYY baCK

boq, it's mE i'm not going to hurt you-

you're L YY Y I NG

THAT'S ALL YOU DO

YOU AND YOUR SISTER

SHE IS AS

W I C K E D

AS YOU ARE

boq, what are you talking about???

i'm talking about my LIFE

..the little that's left of it

i'm not FREE to leave MuNchKiNLaNd :"(

n o n e of us are <//3

ever since s h e took power, she's been

STRIPPING THE MUNCHKINS

of our

rights

..and we didn't have that many to begin with :///

and do you.

know.

why

to keep you here with me :)

but NONE of tHaT matters anymore!!

l o o k

(✨l e g s✨)

......

...you... did this for her?

For BOTH of us!

oh n e s s a......

this changes EVERYTHING :"D

I know :)

nessa!

Yes? :)

oh n e s s a...... SURELY now i'll matter lessss to youuu and you won't mind my

😍😍🥰😍LEAVING HERE😍🥰😍😍

toniiIIiiIIght,,

l eA V IN G--??

Y E S 🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍

that bAlL that's being staged announcing

G l i n d a

is enGAGEDDD

To FIIIIIYYEEEEEEERRRROOOOOOO

G L I N D A ? ? ?

yes nessa!

,,,that's right

i've GOT to go appeeeeal to herrr, express the way I feeeeeel for herrrrr

..n e s s a, I

lost my heart

to Galinda from the moment I first saw her.

....you know that

.................

..lost your heart?

wellll, we'll sEe about thaaaat

✨ n e s s a✨ , let him ✨ go✨

did you think i'd let you lEAVE ME HERE FLAT???

D O N 'T COME ANY CLOSER-

YOU'RE GOINGT O

LOSE YOUR HEART

TO MEEEE, I TELL YOU

IF I HAVE TO--

...i have to...

..mAgiC sPeLl yOu

aH... tUmM---

n e s s a, ✨ no✨ , it's ✨ dangerous.✨

cORe,, tUM?

what's she doing?

AH TUM

You're ✨ pronouncing the words✨ all ✨ wrong✨ ...

TAH,,, taYK-

i'm warning you!! don't try to stop me--!

oh!

✨ oh no✨

n e s s a !!11!!1!!!!

B O Q

what is it?????

myyyyy h ea rt...

..it feels...

it feels like it's shRinKiiiIIIIIING-!

Oh, ELPHABA, do something!!

I ✨can't✨. You can't ✨reverse✨ a ✨spell✨ once it's been ✨cast✨

Then what do we do?! This is all

YOUR FAULT!

If you had not shown me that

horrenible

b o o k -

i've ✨got to✨ find another ✨sPeLl✨. It's the ✨only thing✨ that might work

Save him

please

just save him

MY poor B O Q

mY sWeET, my bRaVe himMMmmM

Don't leave me

'til my sorry life has ceEEEeeased

ALONEEEEE and LOVELESS here

just the gurlll in the miIIIRRROR

Just her and me!

Wicked Witch

ooOOOOF thee

EEEEEEE-AAAAST!

...We deserve each other...

,,he's ✨asleep✨

G AS P

what about his H E A R T?

it's ✨alright✨..

he won't need one now.

i ✨have to go✨ to the ✨eMerALd CiTy✨

(✨DLINNN DENUNEHNUNUH✨)

what happened to those mOnKEyS is

✨MY FAULT✨

i've got to set them ✨free✨-

YOU'RE NOT GOING BACK THERE TO SAVE SOME

M ON K E YS

you're going to find

✨fIIiiIIIYEeeeeEEEEErrRRROOOOOOO✨

but it's too late >:(

ELPHABA P L E A S E

don't LEAVE HIM

i have done ✨everything i could✨ for ✨you✨

and it hasn't been enough

and ✨nothing✨ ever will be.

elphaba wait--

E L P H A B A

grUUguguuuAHHJJHJJhgghhhHHg

...where am i...?

......

what happened?

umM... ✨nOtHiNG✨!

you just felll asleeeep-

ZSCHWOMMMM

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH-

WHAT IS IT?? WHAT'S WRONG???

ITWASN'TME ITWAS

H E R

ITRIEDDDTOSTOPHER--

wh-- aaAAAAAAAAAUGHH-

BOQ, PLEASE-- I STILl--...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGGGHHHH--

IT WAS

ELPHABA,

BOQ!

IT WAS

ELPHABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

(okay i lied i wasn't done)

erm so uhh erm erm uh uh uhhhh I dunno how to respond so mwa <3 /p

[silvertsundere]

Silver Talks AniManga (22/10/23)

next week is gonna have another big catch up, I was actually gonna do it the week after I did jujutsu but then realized next week it'd be the 200 chap for this series so decided to postpone it until then just cause it's a cool big round number, tho today's chap 199 woulda been fitting too since it was the colour page for the serie's 4th anni but anyhoo also starting from now the stuff I talk about will be bolded as seen below, yeah I shoulda done this from the start cause it's way more readable and stuff but the other thing I did made more sense at the time I started it, but this is better overall now

Anime

Hoshikuzu Telepath Ep2

nice epiosde mostly just introducing the 3rd member of our main group, next ep is gonna be aoki shiki's chara so that should be good

Frieren Ep7

very good ep like usual, the demon story in the middle was pretty obvious but it was still good. very excited for the next episode considering the cliffhanger and the title for it, hoping for some more sakuga 🙏

Undead Unluck Ep3

great episode all around, loved hearing my queen yuuki as gina, too bad we won't see much more of her til cour 4 or 5 (depending on how fast adaptation goes) but it'll be worth the wait. also, since I read all of UU from start to just some months ago, in just a couple days I had things very fresh on my mind so I noticed it easily, but it's really crazy to see how early tozuka set up seeds for future payoffs, I won't mention what exactly cause spoilers but there were 3 ones in this episode and it really is great writing and storytelling to be able to pull that off

Pokemon Horizons Ep25

nice and action packed episode, fit for being the end of this initial cour/arc, which we only found out about earlier this week. should be getting a new op along with the new subtitle and stuff but we'll see. we also got some lore like the full team of the ancient adventurer and that the evil organization was related to him in some way. the goal now is to find the rest of the team so that should last for 25 more eps probably but we'll see, there should still be gym stuff along the way and all that

Adult Precure Ep3

nice ep, lots of karen x kurumi moments which this artist I follow on twitter was certainly going hog wild for. saki and mai from splash star showed up at the end of this episode, and next one is gonna be about them, so that's cool since I didn't think they'd show up until the yes 5 girls had all gotten their transformations back

Imas Million Live Ep3

good ep as you'd expect, really enjoyed how much yuriko there was since she's one of my favs from ML (mikku 🙏), next episode is gonna have at least a crumb of rio so looking forward to that too they said the teather will take 2 months to finish building, I hope that it'll be finished after next episode just so we can move on to other stuff. not having this following the structure of the og anime/U149 makes it harder to predict what'll be happening

Manga

Ice-Head Gill Ch17

as expected it's ending soon, and as part of the U19 club as well, hopefully ichinose ends on the same week too, but I'll give more thoughts when it actually ends

Jujutsu Kaisen 239

I was looking forward to see how yuji and co were going to take on juiced up sukuna but we're taking a detour to have kenjaku fight, but with the twist that it's one of the most (unknowingly) op charas fighting him. I really like how goofy his power is so looking forward to this fight. tho I don't think there's any way he'll win

Undead Unluck Ch180

I could see this coming cause of fuuko saying all that earlier in the chap but it's still EXTREMELY POGGIES to have andy back after all this time, even if just temporarily, looking forward to them having a crumb of time together next chap