#and then she decided to be petty and handle it like a child

[i-am-a-secret-ssshhh]

Me, at that one ex-friend who caused so much drama on her way out:

[scarasimplysimping]

All In

Part 1 (might be two parts idk)

(⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

Summary: A bet is placed to see if you can get the Summa Cum Laude to fall in love with you. (Scaramouche x Reader) (College au)

Contains: Idk. So it's one of those love stories where there's a bet. Hu Tao and Childe are kind of assholes for the sake of this fic, I am SORRY. Reader is also kind of an ass. Ooc. Some plot holes because I don't go to college or drink or smoke. Just roll with it.

(⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

2,822 words 15,518 characters

What a stuck-up prick.

That's what you thought of him anyway. He was *the* Summa Cum Laude of your year. He was snobby, self-centered, friendless, and to top it all off, he just so happened to be your partner for your big thesis.

It was not by choice but he had no partner because people were afraid of him and you had no partner because well... people hated you. It wasn't a project that could be done individually either, lest you wanted to die before you graduate.

"He's such a bore." You complain to your friends on the lunch table, Hu Tao, Childe, and Xiao. "I tried to make plans with him, really. I asked if he was free, and you know what he said?" You slammed your hands on the table for dramatic effect.

Hu Tao leaned in closer, strands of her hair falling onto the table, and alarmingly close to Xiao's food, making him scowl as he moved his tray.

"He said," you began, putting up a silly impression of him with a snobby expression. "I don't need bottom feeders like you dragging down my work. I'll handle everything. Pay me if you want."

Childe snorted. Hu Tao doubled over in laughter, mainly because you're impression was so on point.

"God, what a freak." Hu Tao mused as she wiped her tears from her face, she never passed on the opportunity to talk shit about someone she didn't like. Childe agreed with her but he was partly not paying attention. He jabbed his fork into Xiao's food.

"Fucker." Xiao muttered under his breath.

Your silly clique was a ragtag bunch of misfits in their own ways. Hu Tao was your childhood friend who always had something vindictive to say or some storm to stir up. She lived for the drama.

Childe started tagging along around highschool. He was a charming, silver-tongued ginger ball of sunshine, he started developing a negative reputation over time as as somewhat of a satyr, though.

Xiao was above all the petty and immature antics whichever one of you had the gall to cook up. In all honesty, he was only there because his older brother, Zhongli had asked Childe to help him settle in to the college life. Childe owed the man a favor so he dragged the poor emo wherever you guys went and you kind of just got used to his company.

Then there was you, there was one thing that set you far apart from them all.

Money.

They were filthy rich and you, an independent college student, had not a penny to your name after you decided to up and leave your family to follow Hu Tao to college. You didn't really have to work though, your friends pretty much covered most of your college expense as casually as a friend would by you lunch.

"I know I can't really help him, I mean, my grades are dogshit right now but like I don't know how to pay him either," You said, burying your face into your palms.

Childe scoffed. "I don't even think he means it. Plus, it's nothing to worry about. We've got you covered if that greedy little nerd actually demands shit from you."

"Yeah, just let him do everything by himself," He continued "Watch him or something, in case your professor wants updates.."

A small smirk formed upon his lips. "I bet he's not that hard to watch anyway."

You playfully punched him on the shoulder "Gross!"

"You gotta admit he is kinda cute," Hu Tao chided in. "Right, Xiao?"

Xiao shrugged, far too focused on actually having lunch.

Childe snaked an arm over you. "Tell you what, (Y/N). If you can somehow bed the prudish bastard before the end of this semester, I'll fork over some money for this month's rent."

"Hu Tao pays rent."

"I'll fork over some money for anything you want."

"Hmm... I want VIP tickets to La Signora's concert."

"Done~"

"Oh my archons! Like actually?" Hu Tao couldn't tell if you both were serious. "(Y/N), your charm is above average but I don't even know if you can pull this one off."

You roll your eyes." Have faith in me. I bet he's easy."

Hu Tao leans back thoughtfully, a mischievous smirk playing on her face. "Alright, (Y/N). If you manage to pull this off I'll give you a grand.

You gape at her. "Seriously?

"Absolutely."

You know were only entertaining the idea because they had no actual faith you'd pull it off, but to you. This was easy money.

You slowly turn to the brooding emo on the table. "What about you, Xiao?"

His eyes narrowed at you. "What about me?"

"You gonna offer anything?"

He scoffs, groaning internally and being the only one with a moral compass. "Only an asshole would find bets such as these any type of fun."

Childe flicks his wrist dismissevly. "We are assholes."

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It was hard enough convincing Scaramouche to work on the project and your (and Hu Tao's) place but now you had to deal with the emanating silence from you both. You've barely ever talked to him but the tension in your room could be cut with a knife, or maybe that was just your imagination.

He was sitting cross legged on your bed, typing away at his laptop with several papers surrounding him. You were sat across from him in the same position, nursing a cigarette in between your fingers.

"Do you want something to eat?" You finally break the silence.

He doesn't look up from the screen as he responds. "What do you have?"

You look to the ceiling, trying to recall what you and Hu Tao had last shoved into the fridge. "Uh... Pesto... Pizza... Dumplings. Probably some leftover vegetables."

"Bring me them all." Talk about shame.

"Alright." You say, putting out the cigarette on your nightstand. You couldn't help but notice the tiny scowl on Scaramouche's face as he glanced at the ashtray.

You come back balancing a bowl of pesto, a bowl of dumplings, and a bowl of salad on a box of pizza. Scaramouche pats on the side of your bed, indicating for you to drop the offerings there.

You light another cigarette as you take your previous seat in front of him.

"The weather is pretty nice today.." A sad attempt at conversation on your end.

Silence

"So... Childe's hosting a party tomorrow night, would you like to come?" You try once more.

Scaramouche still doesn't say anything, he doesn't even look up from the screen.

You blow a puff of smoke on his face. He coughs a bit before glaring at you with cold judging eyes. At least he was actually looking at you now. "I have no time to indulge in that crap."

"You have plenty of time. That thesis isn't due for another month."

"Well not exactly, since I'll be doing the work for both of us."

"Do you have a problem with me?"

"I have a problem with people like you." He glowers.

"People like me?" You raise your eyebrows.

"People who just have everything spoon fed to them by luck or by birthright and take that as a reason to slack off for the rest of their life since everything just magically works out for them." Scaramouche wasn't wrong, you really fucked around and never found out but still, what right did he have to judge you?

"Didn't know you knew me so well." You say, blowing out another puff of smoke but this time it's to the side.

Scaramouche opens his mouth to respond, then closes it once more. You had a point. It was hypocritical of him to listen to judge you based on gossip.

Finally, he speaks after a few minutes of silence.

"I was out of line." It's an apology although he doesn't outright apologize.

"Yeah." You decide to take advantage of his momentary guilt as you inquire about what he's working on. "So, do you mind telling me what you're doing?"

"Well, I'm looking online for research papers related to the topic were studying. I'm taking snippets I find interesting and I'll save them for later to expand on them in our thesis."

Scaramouche speaks a bit more but you're hardly listening. You take this time to really observe his physical appearance. Hu Tao was right; the man was cute. His eyes, his mouth, his lips. If you took a meat cleaver to the center of his skull, you'd have matching halves.

Even his hair looked softer than unicorn fur.

"(Y/N)?" He snaps you out, a displeased expression creeps upon his face upon noticing that you aren't even paying attention.

"Your hair looks softer than unicorn fur," you blurt out.

His eyes widen slightly, and you could've sworn he turned a shade pink before he feigned a disgusted look to save his dignity. "What the hell?"

You caught on immediately. There it was. Scaramouche had a weakness. The Summa Cum Laude, the bridge troll with a big brain and purple hair (as Hu Tao once described him) is someone who gets easily flustered .

"You're kind of cute." You push on.

"Shut the fuck up." His head lowers, he dares not look into your eyes.

"Come to Childe's party with me?" You ask once more.

(⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

Scaramouche hated you. He hated your face and your voice and your personality. He hated every single atom you were made up of, but most of all he hated the way you were able to persuade him to come to this stupid party. And for what? Just because you were the first person to ever call him cute? He'd curse you and all your descendants to come.

Childe's party was just a gathering of drunks and trouble makers. His house was practically a mansion that could fit 60% of the university's student population.

He hated the blaring lights and unbelievably loud, repetitive, and distasteful music.

"I hate this!" He has to shout for you to hear.

"I know!"

"I'm going home!"

"You can't! You're my ride home!"

"We walked here, dumbass!" Scaramouche wanted to leave you truly he did but something, wasn't letting him. His moral compass or his growing fondness of you?

Childe finds you, placing an arm around your shoulder. "Hey!" He hands you a shot glass which you graciously accept and down in a couple of seconds, much to Scaramouche's dismay.

Childe pays no attention to your companion until he does a double take and realize it's Scaramouche.

"Holy shit! Is that Scara!?" Childe grins hazily. He was drunk drunk.

Scaramouche does not respond. He is frowning while Childe handed you half a bottle of gin.

You drink it within a couple minutes as you chat with Childe.

Scaramouche stands there, awkward, cranky, and out of place as the only person he's aquatinted with in this party is getting absolutely inebriated.

At some point you don't know when or from where but you get your hands on another shot glass.

"You're not drinking that," Scaramouche states firmly.

"I am." You bring the cup to your lips but Scaramouche is faster, he snatches it from you and lets it fall to the ground.

"What gives!?"

"I'm not carrying your drunk ass home just because you drank away the capability to walk!" He shouts at you.

People are staring now. Is it because of the commotion or because Scaramouche was the last person anyone would expect to see at a party?

Scaramouche didn't like the staring or the attention. "I'm going fucking home." He says, grabbing your wrist and pulling you past the crowd. "So are you."

Childe is left there, impressed. He takes out his cellphone.

To: Hu Tao

She's actually gonna pull it off. Wtf

From: Childe

You stumble and trip as Scaramouche drags you through the night. It was a miracle you could keep up. (It wasn't, he slowed his pace on purpose to match yours but it still wasn't slow enough for your drunken ass.)

"Scara, slow dooown~"

He ignores you until he feels you slip from his grasp, landing with a thud. "What the fuck is wrong with you!? Do you not have the smarts to walk!?" The boy scolds.

You decide to rest your knees a bit as you stay on the ground.

You hear him sigh sharply before crouching in front of you. "Get on."

"What? Like piggyback style?"

"Yes, damnit just get on." His face wasn't facing you and it was dark. Scaramouche was eternally grateful to the archons that you couldn't see the way his ears reddened.

He carries you like that until you're at the front door of your place. Scaramouche gently drops you off. Miraculously not panting. (He wasn't that athletic.)

"Can I trust you enough to tuck yourself in?" The boy asks, his tone was calm this time.

You nod in response.

"Alright." Scaramouche turns his heel to leave.

"Scaramouche." You call out.

He turns back to you, a little too quickly.

You try to take a step towards him except you "accidentally" trip on air and crash onto his chest. He barely moves an inch but his hands instinctively wrap around you. You can see the exact moment he scrunches his nose as well as the moment before that where his cheeks flush.

You'll blame this on alcohol later. You'll also blame alcohol for when you pulled his collar to place a quick peck on his lips.

This was the night Scaramouche nearly passed away.

(⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

Scara paced around his room. What the fuck was that? Why the fuck would you do that? His heart still raced as fast as it did when you kissed him.

He replayed the kiss over and over in his mind. Why? Just why? He mussed his hair in frustration as he plopped himself on the bed. If Scaramouche focused enough, he could still feel their lips on his, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.

Why had a drunken asshole decided to take his first kiss? Why was he reacting so weirdly?

And why did he just tuck tail speed walk away right after it happened without saying shit about it?

(Y/N) will probably tell their friends. They'll gossip and laugh at how the smartest person in their program was turned into a blushing, sputtering mess at the mere kiss of some drunk. Some overly confident, obnoxious, attractive drunk who's lips were soft as velvet.

The thought has him reeling. Rolling to the side, Scaramouche pulled a pillow over his head and groaned into it.

"I'm done guessing. What's wrong with you?" His inner monologue was broken by his cyan haired roommate.

"Nothing. Fuck off, Dottore." His words still muffled by the pillow.

"All your ceaseless brooding is keeping me distracted. I suggest you stop whining if you don't want me to give you more reasons to whine."

Silence.

That came out wrong, but it got Scaramouche to shut up so who would complain?

(⁠人⁠ ⁠•͈⁠ᴗ⁠•͈⁠)

It was a crush. That's what Dottore had said to him. It made jackshit sense though. Why would he like you? You were just someone he perceived as a slacker. It's possibly because you were the only one who ever showed interest in him. He'll probably get over it when he finds someone else to adore, but he couldn't.

Scaramouche was once again working on the thesis, on your bed. He didn't bring up the kiss. Maybe you'd forgotten about it? A small part of him hoped that you didn't though.

Finally, he decides to speak up. "I demand compensation."

You shoot him a confused look.

"What? Don't you remember?" Scaramouche scowls.

"You kissed me..."

"Did I?" You feign innocence.

"Do not make me repeat myself." He orders. "That was my first kiss. I demand some kind of compensation." His cheeks were heating up as it became harder and harder for him to look you in the eyes.

"Oh?" You bring your index finger below your lips in an expression of mock thoughtfulness.

Scaramouche's scowl deepens at your mocking finger below your lips. "Do not toy with me," he warns. "You took something and I want fair repayment."

You chuckle, enjoying his ruffled feathers. " And what is a first kiss worth these days?" Leaning back on your hands, you look him over appraisingly. "I'm not convinced it was really your first. You seemed to know what you were doing..."

His cheeks redden as he scrunches his nose at your audacity. "You're insufferable."

"And yet you enjoyed kissing me." You smirk. "Perhaps you even want more?"

Scaramouche's embarrassment only grows at your bold insinuation. "You presume too much, fool," he bites back, though his resolve seems weakened.

You shrug. "Suit yourself. I was just about to offer a date."

He narrows his eyes at you, as if trying to ascertain if this is some sort of trick. "A date?"

[jhkfan123]

enchanted- tom blyth | ch. 9

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✦ix.

A/N: this chapter is so me when-

2nd A/N: guys i KNOW the oscars aren't directly after the golden globes but pls ignore its for the plot. 😁

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you felt like throwing stuff. just throwing everything in sight. the two of them cannot tell you everything is fine, and then pull a stunt like that. not only did it confuse you, it only fueled the fire of the relationship rumors even more. at this point, you were considering deleting social media altogether. you did not want to deal with it. at this point it made every day worse. it sucked you in like a vacuum, and you couldn't escape what you didn't want to see. no matter how many times you clicked "not interested" on a post, it would not help the amount of rachel and tom content you saw. it wasn't healthy. 

you had the impulse to archive all of your social media posts and just take a break. maybe it would help. help you get away from all the things you didn't want to see. you reminisced on your actors on actors with jenna ortega. everything the two of you had said. maybe it was a good idea. you were feeling impulsive anyways. 

just to be petty, the only posts you archived were the ones that were hunger games related. at least, for now.  why not be petty? they seemed to have lied to you, anyways. 

you felt they were treating you like a child. like you couldn't handle the truth. yes, it would be hard to hear, but it's not like you wouldn't understand. you weren't a little kid. you were an adult. a petty adult? yes. but an adult nonetheless. you wouldn't have been so angry if they hadn't lied. if they had said it to your face, you wouldn't be reacting like this. but you just felt anger. 

you felt like you wanted to break something. break something like he broke your heart. you weren't going to slash his tires or anything, nothing to him. just something to destress. but there was nothing in your house that you could. so you just decided to scream into your pillow. easy solution. then, you continued to archive your posts. every single one that included tom. it was fun. so much fun. you felt a little immature, but it was definitely making you feel better. then you went through you instagram highlights. took them all down. you changed your profile picture, which was originally a picture of you, rachel, josh, tom and hunter, to a solitary picture of you. it felt so good. you knew your social media team would be mad, but who cared. 

then you cried. the situation was giving you major mood swings. angry, sad, angry, sad, really angry, sad. this went on for hours. you rotted in bed. you called your best friend and cried to her for about an hour. you just listened to olivia rodrigo. she seemed to have songs that fit every situation. you listened to get him back! and lacy on repeat. 

then making the bed came on. and then you realized. in 2024, you should not be rotting over a possible dating situation. you should not be crying for hours over a situation that you can easily question. you are the only one who is making you feel like this. you were doing this to yourself. this could easily be solved by talking to them, and even better, you had your final red carpet event of the season, where both of them would be in attendance. this event just so happened to be the oscars. it was very exciting, and even though none of you had been nominated, just going would be an amazing experience.  you had to deal with the truth, and that was, if they are together, there was absolutely nothing you could do about it. you could not go back in time and do something differently. and if they weren't together, great. 

you had to stop being immature, and start being rational. you had to prepare yourself. you glanced up at your door. your stylist had picked out a white dress. there was no way. you scavenged in your dress closet for anything better. 

...

after a lot of slow skincare, a shower, and digging through your closet, you eventually picked out a black, elegant, silky dress with a very high slit. you paired it with a layered pearl choker, and a black garter. the garter was visible, but not totally out there. you put on the highest black heels you owned, did you hair nicely, created your daily bracelet stack, and prepared to leave. you paired your outfit with a black clutch, and made your way out the door. you knew people would be dressed in gowns, and other elegant things, and your dress might now be as big and showy, but you had a point to make. again, it was based on princess diana's revenge dress. you really admired her, and this look made you feel empowered.

when you arrived on the red carpet, you walked with confidence. you had been on a lot of red carpets these past few weeks, so you had developed a strategy. get on, say hi to a few fans, strike a few poses, more fans, and then walk in. so that's what you did. stepping out of the car, there was an immediate reaction to your outfit. it was a mix of shock and surprised gasps, along with cheering. you went over to the crowd and began to say hi to a few people. you took a photo with one young fan who was so adorable. then, you did two short interviews. next it was time to pose. you were going to make sure there were lots of photos. on your way to the carpet, you caught sight of tom. he was maybe 25 feet away from you, posing on a different background. 

However, you accidently made eye contact with him. he looked at you, glanced down at your outfit, then up to your face once more, then down to your outfit, then up to your face. he couldn't seem to get enough of you. he seemed to be shocked at your outfit, which is what you were going for. you didn't know wether to smile at him, or to look away. 

you ended up doing a combination of both, which looked very odd. you had hoped no one caught that on camera. you saw him smile slightly, but then he turned away and posed again. you took the hint and went back to posing again. you had not found rachel yet, or any of your other castmates. still on the red carpet, a security guard gave you a fifteen minute warning to the top of the show. you decided maybe you should go find your seat. at the oscar's there was not as much of a guarantee you would be seated with the members of your movie as other events. the only guarantee was if you were nominated. 

you walked past the coat check, and over to the seating chart. the theater was huge, so finding your seat took a while. you sighed when you found that your seat was next to tom. and tom was next to rachel. on your other side, hunter schafer, and josh. you were glad to know you weren't seated in the middle of them again. you had hunter to talk to if things got weird. 

shuffling through people, you finally approached your seat. you gave hunter a tight hug, she was being so unproblematic in this whole situation, and you were here for it. you sat down in-between hunter and tom, and the second you sat down, your mind blank. you had no idea what to say to the boy next to you. do you ask him now? wait till the party? go outside? don't ask at all? that one was definitely out. you probably wouldn't be able to sleep until you asked. rachel was next to him, and while you smiled at her, you didn't say much. hunter complimented your outfit, and you returned the compliment. you noticed tom listening to the conversation between the two of you. you had a feeling he was going to butt in anytime now, but nothing yet. 

finally, you heard him take a breath, coincidentally at the same time the show started. you heard him say something, but loud music came on, and you couldn't make it out. 

"what?" you asked him to clarify, but he shook his head. well that was going to bug you. you focused on the show, still dying to know what he said. it stuck in your head the entire duration of the ceremony. 

...

the final award was given, and the lights came back on. it was a great show. you knew that you needed to talk to tom. you had to make sure you didn't lose him in the crowd. when everyone was making their way out, you made sure to not lose sight of him. he was walking in front of you, and also much faster. figured, he was much taller than you. 

when you finally caught sight of the exit of the building, you started calling his name. he heard you the second time. he stopped walking, and waited for you to catch up to him. you began walking again, this time with him. you made your way outside, finally, where there was fresh air. you took a deep breath, and pulled him off the driven path. 

"what, y/n?" he asked, seemingly ok with everything.

"tom, i need to talk to you. right now." 

[adracat]

G Witch episode 16 thoughts

Or the episode where the real plot thickens. No offense to earth and Guel but these are the sort of stakes and drama I'm weak for. Truly a wonderful present to receive on this blessed of Sundays! Just in time for Walpurgisnacht too

And we start off strong with this heated Prospera and Bel confrontation! Cont. from last time, Bel just learned Eri Samaya is not Suletta Mercury or even alive anymore, but a mysterious 3rd thing-- her biometric code uploaded to the cloud aka Aerial. We learn her immature body couldn't handle it so she perished. Eri is now entirely composed of Permet particles, and without Aerial housing her consciousness she'll dissipate. The Gundam is literally possessed by a child's ghost.

And it seems with a permet score of 8, the datastorm can be extended with Quiet Zero and create a space for Eri to live. Or that's the implication, I gather. How exactly that would happen is a mystery though I suspect it would mean granting Eri a new physical body, perhaps by 'overwriting' Suletta's mind/soul. (Well this is sounding familiar, isn't it 3h fans?)

But amid all this, there's the matter of Benerit's leadership. Without Delling, they need someone to control the various corporate beasts so it's decided they'll hold an election. Awfully democratic of them tbh. Though I wager leadership might boil down to whoever can crush hardest in a Mobile Suit royale.

We know Shaddiq will be throwing his hat in the ring, as will our prodigal failson Guel by the looks of it. Speaking of, I wish he had a bigger moment with his brother but maybe later? Their surprise was pretty good, and I enjoyed Guel's talk with Petra. She's grown up quite a bit from the shallow bully/fangirl of the first season.

Moving on to Mio, I went nuts over this shot. Suletta is fulfilling all her promises!! Even cleaned her disaster area of a room and messaging three times per day. She's unnervingly good at following directions tbh.

Adored this so much too. Lauda is grateful to GUNDARM for their aid and subsequently clears them of suspicion in the terrorist attacks. He goes out of his way to say Mio is free from the dueling games too, but Mio could care less about that petty nonsense. Her heart and mind is set on Suletta.

Quick mention to Secilia for being the most relatable person in the show. She just wants to sit on this god forsaken couch, watch the drama, and see who'll be Miorine's husbando. She's so funny, I swear.

And ofc we get spacian/earthian hostility in the wake of the attacks. You can't blame these kids for being scared and lashing out at the nearest targets but also Earth House was clearly not involved and aiding students during. Even Lauda of all people can understand that. They are grieving for a friend apparently which just complicates the situation further. Sad for all tbh

Martin steps up to defend his housemates, which was nice to see, but it's Mio who is able to shut down their hostility with a clever bit of blackmail. She's so cool and taking no one's guff this season

Nika had a brief interaction with Sabina, but it was insightful. We understand Sabina's loyalty to Shaddiq now as she's an earthian who was taken in by Grassley. Like Nika, she wants to become a bridge for spacians and earthians. Their methods contrast Nika's but they're all coming from the same place. Sabina is anyway. Shaddiq is a bit more inscutable.

Detective Mio is exploring all avenues in her quest and the space assembly league are all too happy to collaborate. They all find Shin Sei and Prospera suspicious, it seems. Valid observation. She does manage to locate Nika, sorta, and brings that information back to the others.

Mio is so adorable when Earth House thanked her for everything. This is probably the first time in years people appreciate who she is on her own merits and formed bonds that aren't conditional or tied to her father. It was just a really wholesome moment. Ah I love her and Earth House! Especially after hearing that first drama cd sketch.

Shout out to Till for shipping these two like the rest of us. Solid wingman right there. Poor Suletta doesn't quite know where they stand after all this time and doesn't want to be a nuisance, but still desperate to show Mio her dedication.

Just look at this pathetic puppy face 🥺

Only a monster could say no to that look, and luckily for her Mio is an understanding and loving bride.

Prospera Jumpcare. Watch out y'all, this one has a mean bite. Her showing up suddenly was unnerving. For the love of all that is holy, never do this again lady. Creeping me out somethin fierce.

HOO BOOOY where to begin? So 5lan was rejected from Aerial immediately, unlike when Eri was humoring El4n and Mio. Is this a sign she's grown in power or just fed up with 5lan's gremlin antics? Could be a combo of both! I take this as confirmation there were multiple failed clones/instances of Eri and Suletta was the lone sucess. The others look Eri's age. 12 of them in total, making Suletta unlucky 13.

I kinda felt sorry for 5lan here, cause he has a right to want to live and not be a tool but also... I don't like him and wish him nothing but misery for being a creep + striking Bel, who I do love. Poor Bel is not having a good week in between Prospera's guilting and now 5lan's.

And we finally arrive at THE SCENES we've been waiting for. It's so wonderfully tense but also tentatively hopeful at the start. Suletta who wants nothing more than to bridge the gap and Mio who wants the same.

Mio starts off with an empathetic apology, stating she understands Suletta's choice in ep12 even if it was traumatic for her. But the reconciliation derailed the moment Suletta declares her mother was right after all. She did the right thing. Run gain one, move forward and gain two.

Mio is galvanized by this logic and hastens to ask Suletta how she can smile at something so terrible. She might understand why Suletta killed for her sake, but she doesn't get how Suletta can just blindly accept everything is ok; that murder was right. Then Mio goes directly in, striving to make Suletta understand. She presses her about her mother, asking if Suletta would do anything. Including giving up her dream for Mercury or killing again.

Her answer, while terrible, is yes. To all of it. Suletta would forfeit the school for Mercury. Would kill again at the behest of her mother. Would do anything so long as her mother said it was right.

Suletta only sees the positives. She got to go to school, have friends, and meet Miorine who she loves. All because she moved forward at her mother's demand. It's horrifying but it makes perfect sense why she would think this way. It's clear from her anxious gestures she's not wholly oblivious to the horror either, but deems her discomfort inconsequential when she gains so much from obeying.

Hearing this speech is the breaking point for Mio who dashes away, leaving a forlorn Suletta to gaze after her. And we're swiftly shown what exactly she has on her mind

This scene was electric from the start. Someone is finally calling out Prospera's manipulation and while she's unflappable as always you have to admire Mio's fire. She wants Suletta to be freed and doesn't care a whit what Prospera thinks.

GOOOOOD this quote. We know Mio loves Suletta genuinely but Prospera only sees her 'daughter' as a tool to be tossed around and used by others. Her phrasing is disgusting in this exchange. 'She's a good little girl, isn't she?' *shivers*

Prospera proceeds to lay her cards on the table and is amazingly forthright, declaring her intent. She reveals her hungry fixation for vengeance and 21 yr long grudge against Delling.

Ngl it's pretty hilarious that Mio doesn't mind the idea of these adults killing themselves fighting each other so long as she and Suletta are left alone. Mio in protective wife mode fr.

It's not that easy however, as Prospera coerces Miorine to help her with QZ. And the first step is to become president of the Benerit group. Miomio for President 2023!! Will she find a loophole from this dire situation? Cast your votes now as we await what becomes of our stellar cast until the next Suletta Sunday~

[tallymonster]

Memories of Us chapter 10

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |

AO3

Okay first things first. Partial writing credit goes to @micropoe10 because she helped me write a good chunk of this. I owe you so hard bestie.

As always thanks to @cheesy-cryptid for allowing me to use their art as inspiration and for reblogging this. I literally would not continue this if I hadn't gotten the attention from them I did. So thank you thank you thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

One last thing before I post the story. This has been the most fun I have had on Tumblr. All of the support and love I have gotten from my friends on the Astarion Brainrot discord has been so encouraging. I owe you guys more than I could ever express.

ALRIGHTY THEN. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO.

Tags: @justporo @satanicspinosaurus @sleepy-timaeus @tragedybunny @davenswitcher @wayward-hel (if you wanna be included let me know ❤️❤️)

 chapter 10. I caught fire

The day went on slowly. Octavia stared at the clock on the wall, the anxious feeling gnawed at her. Earlier, she had briefly seen Astarion at the end of the office corridors. He gave the same empty stare he has for the last few weeks. 

 

She stood in front of her office door, glancing down at the handle. She should go say something, it's been long enough. Octavia turns to walk towards him, but as she looks over, he's already gone. 

 

As she walked into the office, Gale was sitting on his desk going through a few things he was researching on his own. He tears his eyes away for a moment and slides a small red piece of paper towards her.

 

Another note. 

 

“You know at some point, you'll have to admit you fucked up, Octavia. This is all becoming a little childish isn't it?” Gale chided.

 

He put down his pen and sighed. “You're not the only one suffering here, it's so ridiculously obvious that you're both miserable. In the years I've known him, I have never once seen him be so quiet around anyone else. You, my friend, are a first in many instances.” he chuckles at the end of his scolding. 

 

“You two are so dumb sometimes, it makes for fine entertainment.” He smirks and continues to write. 

 

Octavia scowls a bit, “I’m glad my misery is so interesting to you, Gale. Do you and your mother gossip about us during your brunches?” 

 

Gale immediately stares up at Octavia, “Okay, I apparently hit a nerve…I’m sorry. Really, I am. You know I'm only telling you this because I care about you both? I hate that you're not speaking. Not only because it's unprofessional for me to be your note lackey, but because the others have started to notice. So I suggest you read whatever is on this note, and go fix it. For all our sake.” He shuts his notebook and walks up to the office door. 

 

“I’m going for a walk, I hope you can figure out how to amend this.” He steps out, leaving Octavia to sit in her own anguish. She fiddles around with the folded piece of paper before deciding to get it done and over with. 

 

She unfolds the little more and her whole soul escapes her body. The note sent with Gale only said "Office. Now." Well that's it, he's firing her, or demoting her, or even worse, nothing at all. 

 

Octavia made the long walk over to Astarion's office. She stands in front of the door, hesitant to knock.

 

The whole argument replays in her head like it has for the last few weeks, she should've knocked on the damn door. But no, like a petulant child she was only thinking petty thoughts.

 

As she lifts her hand to knock, she hears some banging on the other side. She presses her ear to the door and listens quietly. Nothing. Was he even in there or was he testing her? 

 

It doesn't matter in hindsight, he's got his reasons for whatever he called her here for. She softly knocks on the door, the sounds behind the door stopping immediately. "Astarion? I got your note."

 

On the other side of the door, Astarion quickly picks up the papers he's thrown everywhere. Thank the gods he still used that arcane magic Gale taught him while they’d sort through maps and scrolls during their adventures. Within seconds his thrashed space is as impeccable as before. He composes himself and takes a moment, the mask expertly back on. "Come in."

 

Octavia walks in, Astarion is standing with his back to her, facing the window. "Locked. I don't want any interruptions." He speaks in a curt tone, not turning at all. Octavia locks the door, nervously sitting on the chair across him.

 

Astarion slowly walks over to her, stopping in between her and his desk. He sits on the edge facing her, his eyes two sunset orange orbs glaring deeply into her. He takes a long breath before speaking, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have raised my voice to you like that. I hope we can go back to how we were before, I'm not angry anymore." 

 

Octavia's face is suspicious, her eyebrows furrowed, eyes turn into slits and she's taken back. "Hold on, you haven't spoken to me in three weeks, and you're apologizing? Why? Aren't you still furious with me? Are you okay?" 

 

Astarion scoffs a skewed scowl on his face."I'm trying to be open with you like you asked me to. Are you really going to get mad because I'm apologizing to you? What is wrong with you?" He asks exasperated, closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Gods you are so infuriating you're just like-" he takes a sharp inhale, "Listen, I'm trying, okay? This whole being patient, kind, open communication sort of thing is still very new to me." 

 

He continues, "I'm willing to look past this little invasion, honestly I'm amazed that you of all people would be the one to sneak in here." He sounded impressed. "Either due to luck or stupidity, but you're the first to leave alive." He chuckled a dark sarcasm behind it. 

 

"Besides," he paused, shuffling his feet, clearing his throat, and pursing his lips, "I missed talking to you. Passing notes like we're school children isn't as fun or exciting when you're an adult and Gale is the one you're passing them through." He pouts softly, as if seeking some sort of playful pity.

 

"I find that hard to believe, you seemed to like those little notes. I had so many, I thought it was an excuse to keep seeing Gale?" Octavia mocked, giggling softly. "Can I be honest with you too? I mean since we're in the spirit of openness and all?" Astarion motions her to proceed, "I missed talking to you as well. You're fun to talk to and complain with." 

 

Astarion smirks and extends a hand towards her. "Then, may I offer my apologies to you? Will you let me air my sweet grievances and complaints to you?"

 

His voice dripped like warm syrup towards Octavia, his eyes had a sultry energy behind them which made her cheeks quickly heat up. Her mind is scrambling to react, but the only thing working on overdrive is her need to see how much further this could go. She decides to play into his dangerous game, one that she knows she will most likely lose. 

 

Octavia takes his hand and leans forward on the chair, "As long as there are no complaints about me, I've been working very hard to earn your forgiveness." She chuckles, smiling with her eyes, dragging her gaze slowly back to his own, inhaling quietly as she stares into those gorgeous golden sunset pools.

 

Astarion leans in mirroring her movements, "Well you have, if that makes you feel better. I'm willing to work hard too. If you allow me to-" she stops him from speaking, pressing a finger to his lips.

 

He's taken back slightly, his lips stay puckered on her finger and he takes his chance to kiss it gently, earning him a sharp inhale from her. 

 

"Honestly, an apology is more than I ever thought I'd get from you Astarion, no offense." Octavia laughs, she stands and removes her finger from his lips. She stands in front of him, and reaches her hand down to hold his again. 

 

He smiles and tucks a stray piece of hair behind her ear, gods she's even more beautiful up close. She breathes deep, allowing his touch. He caresses her cheek, gliding his hand down to hold her chin tilting her head up and looking her over. 

 

"You expect so little of me, how can I show you that I'm much more than that?" Astarion looks at her through hooded eyes, he was incredibly persuasive in the most benign occasions, and now that he had the invitation from her, he wasn't going to let that go to waste. He pulls her in closer, letting his arm rest on her waist.

 

He spoke so sweetly and Octavia wants to trust him, if he's willing to drop his guard, she can drop hers. "There's so much I want to tell you, but I'm afraid it will change your opinion of me." She spoke so softly, almost a whisper. 

 

Astarion's face turns to worry, there was a vulnerability he wished to share with her, how he did with Tav, they're so similar, this feeling is bittersweet and it terrified him. "Octavia, nothing can deter me. How intelligent, thoughtful, genuine you are..."

 

Octavia can't breathe, the words from his lips are so saccharine, like a forbidden fruit she longed to taste. "It scares me, the last time something like this happened, I ran from it, like a coward. I'm afraid of what it would do to you. The lengths I would go for someone like you." He confesses, she can sense the heartbreak behind the words.

 

His hand falls over the edge of her jaw sliding down and trailing it across her shoulder, up around her neck playing with the strands of hair that betrayed its styling, pulling her closer, his lips feather lightly across hers. Octavia's knees felt like they were about to give out, this is what she was hoping would happen in her garden, at the fundraiser, practically any time she saw him alone, he was so hard to understand but that made the appeal more undeniable.

 

"What if I wanted to find out? What would you do?" Octavia presses her forehead to Astarion's, her breath shuddering under the closeness between them.

 

Astarion chuckles "Curious little kitten aren't you?" His hand intertwined in her hair turns her head so he can lean in closer, his voice a low whisper in her ear "If you let me, I could drown you with my love. You would die a million little deaths each day. Allow me to show you." 

 

She felt his lips press against her skin. They were cool and soft, he could feel her shiver underneath his touch, a warmth grew inside that was boiling over both of them. The fire was certainly lit, but she had to be the one to control it before it became unstable.

 

Her hands shot up to his shoulders, stuck between pushing him off and entangling a hand in his hair. "Astarion, wait.." 

 

Octavia turns and looks into his eyes, full of hunger and lust, she takes a second to catch her breath. "I want this, but I want to take my time with it, I- I don't want to do anything to make you regret this. I really like you." Astarion's eyes grow wide, "I won't. I can't." His voice was soft, pleading almost.

 

One of Octavia's hands settles on Astarion's cheek, he settles into her touch and kisses the inside of her hand. His normally angular eyes are so round and soft, looking up at her, wanting. The vulnerability she was seeking on full display. He continues to kiss her hand, slowly going down her wrist. 

 

She continues to watch as he leaves a trail of languid kisses. As soon as he passes halfway up her forearm, she can't take it anymore. She pulls him in, kissing him, her whole body feels like it's floating and sinking all at once. She feels his arms pull her into himself, holding her closer as he deepens their kiss. 

 

One of her hands rests on his shoulder as the other snakes up to his hair, wrapping it in his curls. After a few moments he pulls away, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. "You are going to be the death of me, and I welcome it with an open embrace." 

[whole-bunch-of-hcs]

Teddy Lobo Arranged Marriage

HCs plus a blurb/shortfic at the end, there is nsft content so be warned. Request by @ghnaim24

Teddy doesn't like being told what to do

At all

And he doesn't like feeling cornered or controlled. This is not a man who handles responsibility well or even willingly tbh

But he agreed to this bc it's not like he can refuse if he wants to inherit (which he does) and it's not like this will have all the rules a 'real' marriage does so who cares. Just another way to stay on top

Plus you're an only child and a woman so this gives him a leg up over Mandy- this is something he can do for the Lobos that she can't (yeah he's exactly that petty)

So he doesn't really have any set idea of what you'll be like in his head and doesn't care cause at this point you are a concept to him- a means to an end.

Then he actually meets you. The shy act is kinda cute but come on you're a mafia boss' kid, you've gotta be holding out on him

Except you're not. What he sees is what he gets with you. For a while he's not sure what to make of it bc no one in his world is like you.

Eventually he decides he's on board and wants to make this arrangement actually work bc it's one thing to be married but it's another to enjoy it and he doesn't want a miserable wife right?

(Kinda in denial sure but he's got the right idea)

He takes you out with him and tries to keep you away from all the nitty-gritty. He gets it in his head that you're all sheltered and shit and the reality of this life (that you have also been leading since way before he knew you) would damage you.

Gets on his guys' asses for doing uncouth shit when you're around and everything it's sweet but dude. Come on.

Absolutely FLINGS money your way. You don't even need it but you're never paying for anything ever again. He'll actively encourage, no demand, that you get more and more expensive taste.

His mother likes this less than he does but he's used to her being mad at him

Speaking of which, your gentle and shy nature taps into a more vulnerable side of him so you're about to hear shit he has told NO ONE before

Your wedding is going to be more extravagant than certain royal weddings have been. It's practically a multi-day affair. It is the epitome of ostentatious and why shouldn't it be? Two mafia families are marrying and more importantly he is marrying you. That's worth some serious celebration.

Nsft-wise... boy does he have a lot going on

Furthest thing from a virgin like. Ever. Man was a SLUT all the way up until he met you and he has the experiences to prove it

Good thing: means he knows what he's doing. Bad thing: he has a skewed idea of what normal is

He'll be willing to try anything and everything you like and he is EAGER to show you stuff you might not have even known about

You will be discovering at least one new kink cause of him

He's a switch too so he can really adapt to whatever you want from him

Prefers filling a specific role though, when in a relationship. Likes the stability of knowing his place cause he's dorky like that

Has nipple piercings idk why I'm so sure of this but he does

If he's a dom he is NOT very gentle and if you need him to slow down or ease up you gotta tell him that.

He likes it when you're demanding, when you tell him what you need, when you make him almost wonder who's really in charge (but he is HAPPY to remind you)

If he's a sub you better not be gentle with him. He's a hardcore masochist and he promises he can take it (he has no pain tolerance he just likes pain a lot for some reason bc he's a freak)

He will tell you exactly what he needs too so don't ever worry that you're not fulfilling his needs.

"What're you eyeing, babe? What's good?" Teddy asked. He needed to know so he could tell the waitress, and he'd probably bribe her with absolutely no subtlety to make sure a few other tables were put on the back burner so you could get it sooner.

"I dunno," you answered. "The seafood boil looks really good but it's fifty dollars, Teddy, that's insane. I'm not paying fifty dollars for bugs that live in the ocean."

"Well you're not paying for anything so it doesn't matter," Teddy said. Immediately he wondered if that sounded like he was taking a dig at you. You didn't seem to think so though so maybe he did good? If you did that cute little nose-exhale and reached up to play with the necklace he got you he'd know he won.

You did. I'm an actual good boyfriend now, holy shit, he thought.

"Fine," you said. "Fifty dollars for a lobster and some crab legs."

"What, that's it?" Teddy asked. "Get the upgrade that's got like oysters and sh-all that."

"Teddy that's fifty-seven dollars, that's insane."

"So am I, babe!" He laughed. He had a nice laugh, you thought, when he wasn't playing it up for some reason.

"Yo, Teddy, your mom's calling," one of Teddy's "boys" said, running over, phone in hand. "Wants to talk about the patrols in the French Quarter. 'Pparently one of the beat cops 'round that joint forgot he likes money so she wants you to get a guy out there and-"

Teddy waved his hands frantically. "Hey, hey- not in front of her, man, are you fuckin' stupid?" He grabbed for the phone. "Hey, Mom, I'm out with y/n right now-"

He got up, leaned over to plant a kiss on your cheek and slap some money down on the table. "Go ahead and get a little tequila, the top shelf stuff that doesn't give you a hangover, while you're at it, and- hey, Scraps, if I'm not back when the waitress comes you tell her my girl wants the deluxe seafood boil and we don't care how much it costs, yeah?"

He was adorable, as far as crime-boss nepo-babies went.

[vellichxrr6782]

CHAPTER THREE, you know that i caught it.

SYNOPSIS: childe attends a party, to prove that he doesn't need you to be sought after. but the party soon takes a different turn.

CHARACTERS (in this chapter): childe, kamisato ayato, kaeya.

CW/TW: cheating, alcohol usage. i also can't think of any names for the gf, so i just put some generic name :D

WORD COUNT: 1.6k words.

<- previous chapter | cruel summer masterlist | next chapter ->

ajax checked the time on his watch for what seemed like the millionth time in a minute. tapping his foot impatiently on the ground, he adjusted his suit's collar, pulling down his tie. 

a big part of being a celebrity was to build up your reputation. attending parties, going out, interacting with your fans, using all resources you had at hand to popularise your name. now, that his soaring popularity was seemingly falling short, childe deemed it far more important than ever to participate in such reputable acts.

in other words, he wanted to show you that he didn’t need you to make a name for himself. he alone could do everything, he didn’t need anyone’s help. especially when the help in question was to date you. 

he let out a sigh, leaning against the wall behind him. it had been a while since he’d last gotten in touch with his girlfriend. what was she so busy doing, anyway? he sent a message to her, since she wasn't picking up his calls.

he frowned when there was no response for all his previous texts. he kept his phone in his pocket, and he decided to look for her at the party. maybe she'd already arrived? 

the party was full of cheer, dancing, people getting drunk, and whatnot. as expected from a party full of actors, models, singers, producers; nearly anyone you would assume would be in the film department. these kinds of places were advantageous to newer actors, to expand their horizons, make connections and get opportunities. 

which is why, usually, one’s manager attends with them to help them out. wonder what zhongli was doing right now, huh?

he could hear the chatter of people in the air. he wasn’t one to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations, especially if it was petty gossip, but a certain topic, or a certain name kept catching his ears. 

kamisato ayato.

that was him, wasn’t it? the actor zhongli said took the number one spot, that formerly belonged to you and childe. he had to admit, he was curious as to why this actor was suddenly the talk of the town, considering he just made his debut. 

"hey, kaeya!" childe called out, waving. kaeya grinned, greeting him. 

kaeya and childe had been friends for years now. kaeya was a successful model, often claimed to be one of the most attractive people in the film industry. he had charm, charisma, and he knew his worth.

"what's up, 'jax?" he swirled his glass of wine around, "lookin' nice, how're you?" 

one of his only “issues” was that he was a huge alcoholic. it was pretty bad for his health, but seemingly, kaeya did not care. if anything, he accepted it with open arms.

"i'm good, just looking for alyssa." childe sighed, and pointed to kaeya's wine glass, "it seems you didn't waste a moment in getting drunk."

"i have priorities, ajax." kaeya smirked, "want some? it's diluc's best so far, honestly."

"no thanks, i'm not good at handling my liquor like you." childe declined, "see you around, kaeya."

“so soon?” kaeya raised a brow, concerned. “you good? you sound pretty down.” childe waved dismissively, claiming it was nothing, and he was a bit worn out from filming.

“if you say so,” kaeya shrugged, “but if there’s anything, you know you can tell me, right, ajax?” childe nodded, taking his leave. kaeya waved back nonchalantly, turning around for another glass. 

childe walked through the bustling crowds, noticing a particularly large group gathered around a table. “what’s all the commotion?” childe asked an onlooker, and they shrugged. “dunno, can’t see anything myself. but apparently it’s about kamisato ayato.” 

childe was hearing that name a bit too much these days, it made him a little uncomfortable. just how much of a bigshot was this guy? 

he slowly made his way to the front, muttering an ‘excuse me’ every two seconds. 

“hey, isn’t that your girlfriend, childe?” a woman pointed to the middle of the gathering. lo and behold, at the centre of all the attention, was alyssa.

childe’s eyes sparkled from joy upon seeing his girlfriend, who he’d missed terribly. but his smile immediately twisted into a frown when he realised what she was doing. 

alyssa was clinging onto a man whom childe had never seen before. she had her arms wrapped around his neck, while he had his around her waist. they both were in close proximity, a bit too close for two people to just be friends. 

then it dawned on childe. 

the man in the centre of attention was none other than the kamisato ayato. childe could definitely see why he’d shot to popularity in such a short amount of time. he had the looks and the charm that attracts the people around him. 

and it happened to be childe’s girlfriend, alyssa, of all people, to catch his eye. 

“oh, childe.” alyssa murmured, “you’ve been blowing up my phone. you should take the hint that when someone doesn’t respond or reciprocate all your efforts, you should give up instead of actively seeking them out. it’s annoying.”

he swore he felt his blood boil, he’d never felt angrier before. “you’re... cheating on me?” childe asked, clenching his fist. there was a hint of disbelief in his voice. “what has he given you that i couldn’t?”

“oh, you didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend.” ayato spoke. alyssa rolled her eyes, “well, now he’s my ex.”

“i didn’t exactly plan on being your little cheating accomplice.” ayato muttered under his breath. “talk this out, i’m getting a drink.” the actor slowly slid out of the conversation, and the crowd of people followed behind him, as if in a trance. he clearly knew how to sneak out of trouble, which was respectable.

childe couldn’t spare ayato a glance, his eyes focused on his ex-girlfriend. 

“you could’ve just told me you’d fallen out of love. i wouldn’t have forced you.” childe frowned, and alyssa laughed. 

“me? in love with you? please, i don’t have time for your jokes.” she crossed her arms, “i didn’t love you to begin with. i was just with you because you had money. you had people fawning over you and i could brag about how i had the most popular actor as my boyfriend.” 

…seriously?

“but now… it seems you’ve been defeated.” she motioned to ayato, a cocky grin on her face. childe had never wanted to punch someone so badly. “so understandably, i broke up with you.”

“there is nothing understandable about this.” childe grit his teeth, he was fuming. a part of him still believed he and alyssa had a chance, and that’s what he hated most. maybe he should just apologise to her, and she’ll take him back?

but for some reason, childe couldn’t bring himself to say anything except, “go fuck yourself.”

cameras flashed, and your accessories glimmered in the light, your skin aglow with the moonlight. you had dressed up nicely for this event, considering many big stars and producers would be attending. 

and when reporters and fans surrounded you, you expected questions about your upcoming movie, or questions about filming.

the last thing you wanted was the spotlight on your personal life.

"please tell us about your relationship status, l/n!" a chipper reporter inquired, and you pressed your lips into a thin line. 

"well, i don't think it's your business to know about my personal life." you chuckled, trying not to frown, "and besides, i don't have a lover anywa-" a tap on your shoulder made you stop. 

"mm, yes-?" you turned your head to the side, and were greeted with ajax's cerulean blue eyes. “uh, childe?” 

he had a glum look on his face, and he placed his hand on yours, leaning close to your ear.

“can i kiss you?” he whispered, sounding like a desperate plea rather than a romantic gesture. “please?”

“...okay, but wh- “

you immediately froze, trying to process what was happening. childe’s lips were on yours within seconds. why did you agree?

ajax could smell your expensive cherry perfume. he ran his hands through your hair, the other hand on your waist, pulling you impossibly closer to his body. 

cameras flashed from each side, the gasps from reporters and onlookers filled the air, whispers and shouts throughout. 

but in that moment, it all fell on deaf ears as ajax's mind was hazy with you. 

your breathing was slow, you didn't have any time to breathe as he made sure to let everyone know you were taken. a bit too much pda, you'd say. 

when he finally let go, you stammered back, your cheeks flushed. ajax had your pretty lipstick smeared over his lips, wiping it away with his thumb. 

he looked towards the reporters, "so, does that clear it up?" 

the crowd went wild, immediately bombarding you two with endless questions. you were still in a state of shock, and ajax quickly took your hand and dragged you away from the entrance and into the party. 

the attendees at the party stared at you two with unexpectancy, due to what they had just witnessed. when did y/n and childe start dating?

"were you with her all along, or is she just some retaliation for the ugly truth you found out?" alyssa called out, appearing in front of you two. "tell me, childe." 

you noticed childe's grip on your hand tighten, and you looked at him in confusion. "ugly truth?" 

"oh! she doesn't know?" alyssa laughed, "my, i shouldn't be surprised. childe himself was clueless, how could you know? you're just another one of his side chicks." 

wow, now that was infuriating. you didn't really give a shit for whatever came out of alyssa's mouth. she was just jealous, and not worth your time. 

you'd been called many shitty things, but 'side chick' was incredibly demeaning. screw childe, but you were not letting yourself get called that. 

"side chick? please, alyssa. don't call me with the names you've been called with." you crossed your arms, "i don't know what's going on between you and him, but leave me the hell out of it." 

alyssa grit her teeth, still managing her smile full of malice. you turned around, not even sparing her a second more of your time, grabbing childe's arm to take him to a secluded place and question him about all of his impulsive actions.

"what, the, fuck, ajax?!" you yelled when you both were alone, "what were you thinking just kissing me out of nowhere? were you even thinking to begin with?" 

"i'm sorry, i was just... blinded."

"by what, exactly?" 

"alyssa, she's been cheating on me with this new up-and-coming actor." he said. sighing, "kamisato ayato." 

you wouldn't be lying if you said you had seen this coming. alyssa was one of the most unfaithful leeches you'd ever known. it was obvious she was just after childe's money. 

you didn't really say anything about it because you didn't care. but now, seeing childe so heartbroken made your stomach tie into knots.

"oh...wait... like, kamisato? like ayaka's brother?" you questioned, and he raised a brow.

"you know him?"

"yeah, kamisato ayaka is his sister, she's a professional dancer. i've worked with her a bunch, she's pretty nice." you smiled, and it suddenly twisted into a frown, "didn't think her brother would be so... insufferable, though."

"i think he didn't know he was helping her cheat, cause when he found out, he just slipped away quietly." he shrugged.

“i was just angry at her, and i wanted to show alyssa that her harsh words didn’t get to me. i wanted to show her that i was fine without her.” childe muttered, fiddling with his fingers nervously. “i wanted to show her that i was fine, because i had you.” 

a cold breeze brushed past the both of you, and you looked down to the ground. he sounded so genuine, and heartbroken with how he was speaking. it made you feel bad too. 

“and i know we don’t always get along, y/n, even though we’ve worked together for years. you’re still one of the people i know best, and i didn’t know what else to do.” he held his head in his hands. “see what i’ve done now. i’ve gone and ruined it all.”

“you didn’t ruin a thing, it’s alright, ajax.” you put a hand on his shoulder, attempting to comfort him. “i mean, this is what we were planning, right? so i'm glad she was cheating." you stated, leaning back in your chair.

childe looked up at you, eyes widened, "what?"

"she made you so miserable, ajax." you whispered, and he pressed his lips into a thin line, "and you weren't gonna think about yourself anyway, so i'm glad she showed you instead. now let's find you a new girlfriend and- " you started, and he suddenly interrupted you.

"...new girlfriend? but we're 'dating' now."

"oh... right. shit."

published on; 3rd april, 2023. writing belongs to @/vellichxrr6782 on tumblr.

[silentwillowwhisperer]

Shots (the doctory ones)

Ok, wait, I want to clarify that when I say shots, I mean vaccines, not the alcoholic ones or gunshots.

Cool? Cool.

When Lance is forced to get a shot, he shrieks like a child, but he’s mostly being dramatic.

After the ordeal, he’ll go home and be all whiny and use his ‘poor, abused, punctured arms’ as an excuse to make Keith do everything for him.

And Keith would roll his eyes and make a snarky comment, but clearly he’s genuinely worried and would spend the whole week (yes, week) suffocating Lance with care like the closeted mother hen that he is.

Keith, on the other hand, would try to keep a straight face. But he seriously can’t handle it.

Due to his killer immune system, he rarely had to go to the hospital. Also, he usually just toughed it out or fixed it himself when he got injured as a child.

So he’s already on edge thanks to this unfamiliar place full of grumpy adults and children who seem to be leaking mucus from absolutely all places, and now he’s being dragged into a small room by Lance and that lady is smiling at him so bright that he’s 58% sure that she’s a serial killer.

She has the nerve to ask him how his day is going.

So far he has been forced to this horrid place by his traitorous boyfriend (Husband? Are they married yet? Who knows.), been given a headache from the piercing wails of infants, made conversation with a dead looking receptionist with a scar splitting her right nostril (How does that happen?), and called into yet another strange hallway by a random who knows his name (what? Why? Did Lance give away Keith’s identity? Because partners or not, Lance has NOT helped Keith escape this situation yet and he feels utterly betrayed. He expects to be paid in full with cuddles and movie marathons after this is over).

Yeah, Keith’s day has been great, thanks. He decides to ignore Lance frantically shaking his head at the nurse.

Anyway, he makes it through the checkup with only a couple comments about his scars, and he breathes out at last, knowing he’s finally safe.

Lance clears his throat awkwardly.

“Uh.. it’s great to see you relaxed, but you don’t think we’re done yet, do you?”

What.

Screaming seems like an good option right now. Why hadn’t he been listening to the gibberish coming out of the doctor’s mouth? Why was this so much easier last time, when Lance was the one getting a check up?

He can feel Lance’s burning gaze watching him think, but there is a sharp knock on the door an it swings open slowly. The man who walks in is pushing a cart.

On the cart is a tray.

A tray of needles.

Before this point, Keith has been sitting in one of the 2 chairs in the corner of the room. As soon as his eyes land on those evil stabbies, he hops up and settles quickly in Lance’s lap, hiding his face in his boyfriend’s tan neck to block the rest of the room from his vision.

He can feel Lance running his fingers soothingly through Keith’s hair. He grips on tighter just to make sure it won’t stop.

Honestly, Keith can’t decide what’s wrong with himself. He can take a gunshot and keep fighting, be interrogated fiercely by aliens, hunt dangerous species from foreign universes, and yet he can’t look at some needles.

Lance chuckles softly.

“Hey. You have to sit up, you can stay on my lap and close your eyes, but it’s only gonna hurt more if you stay all tense like that.”

Keith raises his head just a bit to stare at Lance with wide, teary eyes. He nods shallowly and flips around so that his back is pressed to Lance’s chest.

Long story short, Lance ends up having to pin Keith’s arms still and hug his chest tightly until all 4 shots have been injected.

Keith only manages to ignore him for about 2 minutes before running over for hugs. He can be petty later, right now he’s been through a traumatic experience and need comfort in the form of Lance the doting boyfriend.

(Does Lance feeding him their stash of Valentine’s chocolates while they watch ‘Legally Blond’ and all three ‘How to Train Your Dragon’s make this all worth it? No.)

(Yes.)

—————————-

This was supposed to be 4 paragraphs long…

Have fun trying to find a plot in this mess : )

I just got 2 shots and a finger prick yesterday, so yes I am projecting. I’m really bad around needles, I can’t even look at cartoon-style pictures for longer than a couple seconds. I almost passed out, but what’s new?

[inu-jiru]

How I Would’ve Written “Unhappy Campers”

Big shocker, I didn’t like the new episode, lol. However, I’m at the point where it’s no longer funny to rip these episodes apart. It’s more depressing because I can see the ideas for interesting stuff within the episodes, but the execution is so atrocious because the writing team need everything to be wacky and silly and horny 24/7. So rather than my usual rambling, I’m gonna explain how I would’ve written the episode if I were the one in charge of it.

- First, I’d change the initial scene as Blitzo going to the rehab center because they’re required to contact a family member when someone is being released. Him trying to track Barbie down and force an interaction is going against the whole point of Truth Seekers, and, again, makes him look like a selfish creep that I really can’t feel sorry for. Blitzo waiting for an invitation could show that he’s actually trying to respect boundaries more. He could be contacted at work and that could be the reason he sends Millie and Moxxie to handle IMP. (I know Loona was MIA in this episode because ofc she was but if I had to put her in, I’d have her go with Blitzo. I feel he’d want her to meet her “aunt” now that she’s sober.) Of course, they find out that Barbie isn’t there because she booked it, rather than following protocol and waiting to be picked up. This could make Loona curious as to why Barbie would not want Blitzo to get her and we could maybe get a few lines from Blitzo hinting at what happened between him and his sister. Blitzo fears that Barbie might get herself hurt or go back to the drugs, so this is his motivation for tracking her down.

- Moxxie and Millie’s plot starts the same with the mysterious drowning of the camper, but I would modify so that she’s killed by some strange, demon (Before this episode, my theory was that imps can’t give themselves disguises, and for the sake of consistency, I’m applying that theory to Barbie for this rewrite). This interests M&M because this implies that there could be another IMP taking jobs on Earth, or something else entirely. I’m scrapping all the nonsense crossdressing sing-songy shit because it’s pointless. Instead, Moxxie and Millie come to Earth in the dead of night and sneak around in the shadows while they investigate for suspicious activity. Conflict between M&M could appear when Millie grows impatient with the sneaking and waiting. She wants to rush in and start hacking away at anyone who vaguely fits the description they were given. Moxxie could start growing frustrated trying to wrangle Millie in, and maybe, in a moment of frustration, say that she’s acting like a child, or something else that might remind Millie of how much her family belittles her for being a glass cannon. Millie could storm off, and although Moxxie loves her, he welcomes having some time to himself so that he can focus. Millie, as she’s alone, stumbles across a scene where an imp is drowning another victim, and Millie feels that she can prove Moxxie wrong by rushing in and taking the imp down by herself. However, Barbie still has her agility from the circus, and is far too nimble for Millie to get a good hit in.

- We could cut back to Hell after Barbie’s attack with Blitzo deciding to cut his losses and asking for help. He begrudgingly visits Stolas in the hospital so that he can ask him to show Barbie’s location. Stolas tries to flirt and make things about their relationship, but Blitzo would brush him off once he gets the info he needs, further proving to Stolas that Blitzo does not want him (because I’m petty like that). They see Barbie and Millie in a heated battle. Blitzo, in a panic, asks for a portal so that he can help Millie, and he and Loona hurry to Earth.

- Moxxie, meanwhile, is having no progress, and the lack of Millie to keep him company is getting to him. He tries to be stubborn, as he’s certain that he wasn’t in the wrong during their fight, but perhaps seeing the synergy between campers (maybe he sees a couple by the fire having s’mores or talking to each other after their own off-screen scuffle) makes him realize that he needs to properly communicate with Millie if they’re going to work through their differences. He decides to go and find her, but ends up hearing the scuffle.

- Back with Barbie, she lashes out at Blitzo for looking for her, and it’s slowly revealed in their argument why she chose to run to Earth rather than let him help her (I don’t know what the canon reasoning is, probably something to do with the Circus, but that’s just speculation). Maybe the idea of staying in Hell was just so awful to Barbie that she decided she would rather live in self-exile on Earth rather than risk facing the past again. As for how she got to Earth, she could’ve asked a Succubus to let her through one of their portals (or simply snuck through after them). While the idea seemed good, at first, Barbie actually has no idea what she’s doing and how she’s going to start a life on Earth. She kills humans out of fear that she’ll be hunted down if word spreads about her existence. Blitzo tries to reach out to her again, but Barbie is still afraid of the past. The climax could go one of two ways: either Barbie is talked down into coming home and facing the past with her brother at her side, or, tragically, she forces IMP to kill her so that she doesn’t have to make a choice. I feel the former would be better because Blitzo and Barbie growing together in future episodes could be interesting. Actually, this could work as a final push that helps Millie to reconcile with Moxxie.

Anyway, I think that’s everything. It might not be perfect, but I feel like it does the job a lot better than whatever the fuck Adam wrote, lol. I could possibly steal some of these ideas for my own AU, but we’ll see.

[adelaide-of-versailles]

How badly did Louis xv treat his wife???

Tbh he was more just... Neglectful and ignored her throughout their marriage.

At first, it was very idyllic and they loved each other, but after giving birth the first time to Louise Elisabeth and Anne Henriette, Cardinal Fleury (who absolutely hated her) decided that until she gave birth to a boy, she wouldn't be allowed to leave Versailles. Louis XV did nothing, and it took 3 years for Maria to have a son. Also, what the hell is up with that? She had twin daughters and suddenly she *needs* to have a boy?? Have some patience, she's working on it!

She was very shy, I mean who wouldn't be when faced with the King of France. She wasn't really raised as a Princess- she was raised in a small house with very few servants with her parents, grandmother, and I'm not sure if her sister Anna was dead yet.

Louis XV cheated on her quite a lot, which I know is normal for monarchy but it is worth mentioning. After the birth of Princess Louise (her last child) she almost died, and she was advised to not have anymore children, and after that she refused access to her bedchamber for the King.

One book says,

At certain times, vigils, feasts and days consecrated to the memory of illustrious saints, she demanded- well, let us call it a "respite" from the King's attentions. But gradually new saints of minor importance were invoked, and Louis XV became impatient. He did not chafe at the great elect, but he drew the line at all these petty saintlings. At first he was content with such a device as breathing on a mirror and writing on the fleeting mist, "Your Majesty is a proud minx"; but one night, pleading that it was a saint's day, the Queen refused to admit him to her bedchamber. "Madame," he shouted at her, you shall pay for this," and immediately commanded Lebel to go and fetch a woman, no matter whom. Lebel sped away, and soon returned with an amiable and tantalizing maid of the Princesse de Rohan, who undertook these supplementary duties with the most charming alacrity.

Also after Princess Louise's birth, Cardinal Fleury decided that the budget of Versailles was just too small to handle the extra daughters they had laying around, so obviously something had to be done to them, and not yknow, the king using so much of the budget for frivolous stuff. Adelaide, aged 6, Victoire, 5, Sophie, 4, Felicite, 2, and Louise, under a year old were chosen to leave.

Maria, who had a particular attachment to Adelaide, guided her into running to her father after mass and begging him to let her stay. It worked, but none of her other children were allowed to stay. Despite this, she often sent them gifts, and once they were old enough to yknow, read and write, sent them letters.

One letter from Sophie, which I believe was after Sophie properly met her later on in life, says:

My Dear Mamma, we have been this morning to the Carmelites : they have prayed to God for you, that nothing may happen to you on the road. I am very im- patient to arrive at Versailles ; for I assure you that it concerns me very much not to see you, since I love you, my dear Mamma, with all my heart. Be convinced of this I beg of you.

She loved her children, and they adored her too. Henriette, Louis, Adelaide, and Louis's first wife, Raphaelle particularly defended her against the growing faction of Madame de Pompadour, although their distaste didn't do anything in the eyes of Louis XV. Louis Ferdinand, the Dauphin of France, particularly wasn't very close with his father, seemingly mostly due to Louis XV's treatment of Maria and personality differences.

Louis Ferdinand was a mostly kind-hearted soul who enjoyed gardening, and didn't like hunting or cheating on his wife, which were two things that Louis XV enjoyed very much.

Louis XV comments:

My son is of an indolent disposition, and his temper, like that of most people with Polish blood in their veins, is quick and variable; he has no taste; he cares nothing for hunting, women, or good living. Perhaps he thinks that if he were in my position he would be happy. At first he would change everything, appear to make a fresh start in every particular, and would soon be tired of the position of King as he is now of his own. He is made to live like a philosophe with men of intellect; he likes to do good, he is really virtuous and intelligent.

Unlike what Louis XV thought his son thinks, Louis Ferdinand truly had no desire to reign. Apparently, on a lot of writings to his children, he begins, "If I ever have the misfortune to reign–"

I know this is an abrupt end but I have to leave my house rn- if I have more to add I will reblog!

[aegor-bamfsteel]

I really hate how everything falls apart for Rhaenyra when Daemon abandons her. I feel like that symbolizes how badly GRRM handled her and her war.

During the war, Dæmon:

Advised the Black Council to send envoys to the Great Houses that hadn’t declared for Aegon, which helped get the Arryns and Starks on their side

Captured Harrenhal without bloodshed with his dragon, allowing the Riverlanders to majority declare for Rhányra

Led “a strong force” of Riverlanders to capture the last big Green supporting Castle, Stone Hedge, with military tactics so dumb even I could tell GRRM was tipping his hand

Hired his mistress to kill one of Aegon’s children due to petty revenge, resulting in his mother’s insanity and removing her as a dragonrider/voice of reason/even ability to escape

Was the principal factor for the fall of King’s Landing for the Blacks. He led the gold cloaks decades before which inspired them so much they killed Alicent’s brother and turned the city over to Dæmon

Betrayed Rhànyra when she demanded Nettles be killed under guest right, allowing her to escape

Waited 2 weeks for Aemond to appear at Harrenhal; succeeded in killing him by driving Dark Sister into his eye, as well as the biggest dragon Vhagar. His body was never found, so it’s still speculated he lived to be with Nettles

Meanwhile, Rhànyra:

Sent Knights Inquisitor to pursue those who let Aegon II escape the capital, and apparently the spikes on the gates started to be filled with more fresh heads each day

Levied higher taxes on the peasants each day, turning them against her, especially when she made Joffrey her heir in an elaborate ceremony

After the Two Betrayers burned Tumbleton, irrationally decided that the other two loyal dragonseeds were also going to betray her, so sent warrants for both their deaths. She even tortured her former goodfather Corlys Velaryon because he’d helped Addam escape, making him defect to the greens. Her warrant for Nettles’ death under guest right (a sacred custom) led both Lord Mooton and her husband/chief supporter to turn on her as well

Fled King’s Landing after the Storming of the Dragonpit (originally breaking out because the smallfolk blamed her for the death of the beloved Queen Helaena) to Dragonstone

Was betrayed at Dragonstone by a senior member of her garrison, her remaining knights killed. Eventually, Aegon fed her to his dragon Sunfyre, who ate her in 6 bites in front of her son

Side by side like this, there’s no comparison. Dæmon, despite being characterized as belligerent, was able to win 3 victories with relatively little bloodshed thanks to his dragon/coolness, and gets a heroic death (but he might still be alive!) killing the biggest threat to the kingdoms but abandoning the Black cause to save an innocent girl. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra orders executions and high taxes and tortures, turns her biggest allies against her, is chased out of the city in 6 months, gets betrayed and eaten by a dragon (she’s definitely dead, since hundreds of people saw it). She doesn’t get a single success of her own (even Aegon managed that in getting Dragonstone to defect), while he gets several despite having someone kill a child. Caraxes is an “old, fast, clever dragon” who helps win Harrenhal without a fight and kill Vhagar, while Syrax is a lazy dragon who mainly exists to get Joffrey killed and then die in the dragonpit (even Sunfyre is better than her, essentially coming to Aegon’s rescue). It’s not necessarily that Rhaenyra’s cause fell apart when Dæmon abandoned her (though considering how he’s made so epic it’s a blow), it’s that her irrational, tyrannical actions caused nearly everyone to abandon her. If she hadn’t issued the warrant for Addam and Nettles’ deaths based on nothing but paranoia, then Daemon and Corlys wouldn’t have betrayed her, and considering the Dragonpit would’ve still happened, she’d at least have 3 dragonriders plus the wealth/loyalty of Driftmark on her side. Dæmon gets introduced as “made of lightness and darkness in equal parts” (though I don’t think the text backs this up) meanwhile Rhényra is written as one-sidedly incompetent and tyrannical (to the point that even Aegon outshines her sometimes). There’s no sense of balance to her, she does basically nothing but the wrong political moves, when she’s supposed to be the protagonist of this story.

[deathsplaything]

LOCATION: The Sugar Pot TIMING: Current PARTIES: Alistair (@deathsplaything) & Rosemary (@necrosemancy) SUMMARY: Rosemary goes looking for answers that lead right to Alistair's shop.

“My name is Alistair McKenzie. I am not Aleksander Nowak.”

Rosemary was done. Capital ‘d’, Done.

She had dealt with so much bullshit in her life, but this little stunt Aleks had pulled took the cake. 

Ghosting her and then pretending to be in Fiji? Having some random woman on the internet try to sell her on the idea of him having absconded to the tropics as well? It was low. Scratch that, it was lower than low. It was some middle school, adolescent bullshit. And Rosemary was not at all above being childish. She was certain somewhere beyond the veil, her mother was insisting that when others went low, she ought to go high. But at that moment, the woman decided she’s much rather descend even lower than he’d gone. She’d go as low as the depths of hell to be petty.

Burning Aleksander Nowak’s house down would have been frowned upon. Arson, in polite society, usually was. But light arson, she could get away with. So after a break in and a Taylor Swift fueled purging of every article of Aleks’ clothing from his closet, she delighted in nestling all of them neatly in the fire pit she’d purchased, dousing them with a generous dose of lighter fluid, and setting a match to every tie, shirt, and sock he owned.

Was it a bit much? Perhaps. Did she even remotely care? No. He had hurt her badly, and she’d relish every second of this petty revenge. 

When it was nothing but smoldering ash, she glanced down at her watch. Four-seventeen PM. She’d kept him waiting. Good. She put the lid atop the pit and made her way to her car. As she walked, Rosemary made a mental note to buy the largest container of pink glitter she could. She’d mix the ashes of his beloved ties with the glitter, and dump it in his bed. 

Twenty minutes later, she pulled up outside of the Sugar Pot. Why he’d picked a tea shop of all places as a meeting point was beyond her. Probably because he thought she wouldn’t make a scene. Rosemary laughed bitterly to herself as she walked up to the establishment. How wrong he’d be.

She let herself in, standing ramrod straight. “I deserve a hell of a lot better than what you’ve given me, you know that?”

—

The shop was closed, which meant that whatever happened, Alistair could handle it. They knew that telling this woman the truth was going to be a bad idea. From what they’d seen online, she was unhinged and simply put, a lot to handle. But they were a McKenzie. They were the middle child of seven children, they knew how to handle a lot. So as soon as the door to the shop flew open, Alistair waved their hand, and the door shut behind her, locking in place without even looking over their shoulder to look in the woman’s direction. She would expect them to look at her, but it wasn’t that easy. 

“You’re right, you are owed more.” Alistair said simply, putting the last of the items back on the shelf before turning around and looking past the woman’s shoulder rather than directly at her. “My name is Alistair McKenzie. I am not Aleksander Nowak.” They waved a hand in front of their face, indicating that they could not see. “Number one difference is that I’m blind.” 

They opened the back door to their shop, and gestured for her to follow. “You want answers? Good. So do I. Come with me.” They insisted, then disappeared behind the curtain and through the doorway. Connected to the back room was another door, one that Alistair didn’t yet open. Instead, they stood in the middle of their magic circle in the room full of magical items they used to cast their spells. “Like you, I am a necromancer. Like you, I once went through the steps of learning the craft.” They paused, looking through Brutus’s eyes (who had been in the back room the whole time, just in case) to look at the face of the bewildered woman. 

They took a deep breath, and started to explain. “I cast a resurrection spell on myself. If you know necromancy, you know how extremely difficult that spell is to get right. A reincarnation of sorts.” They shook their head, frown deepening. “Aleksander killed me for releasing supernatural prisoners that I helped to put away.” They finally said, bunching their hands into fists. “And when all hell broke loose, those supernatural prisoners killed him.” They paused again, waiting for her to speak. When she didn’t, they continued. “When the spell began to cast, it went wrong. Instead of going into the same body, it jumped to the nearest unoccupied corpse. His. I’m sorry. He’s gone, and until I’m back in the right body, he isn’t coming back.”

__

The door swung shut on its own. Rosemary tried not to look impressed. She couldn’t remember him ever showing off that particular trick before. Not that he’d bother teaching her anything fun, anyhow. He turned around and stared somewhere just past her as he spoke. 

She let out a noise that sounded somewhere between a wheeze and a laugh. If this was Aleksander’s attempt at humor after she’d spent days trying to make certain he wasn’t dead in a ditch somewhere, then she was glad she’d taken her petty revenge. Any lingering guilt fizzled out of existence. Claiming he was someone else entirely and then walking away expecting her to follow was the peak of either arrogance or idiocy, and Rosemary could not decide which.

She followed behind, silent as the grave. The absurdity of it all was not lost on her. The fact that he’d gone so far as to acquire a guide dog to sell this bit was excessive, but… Something she couldn’t place prickled the skin on the back of her neck, something dreadful that coiled in her chest and whispered What if he’s not lying?

Rosemary stared. If he was to be believed, Aleksander was dead. Aleksander was standing not ten feet away from her, and telling her that he was dead. It still looked like him. Same face, same hair… Different clothes. None of the hideous ties that she’d spent her afternoon torching like a jilted lover adorned him. The corner of her mouth ticked downward. Clothes were easy enough to replace. A different wardrobe proved nothing… The dog… Well he could have easily borrowed a well behaved dog… Or stolen it. She wouldn’t put it past him. But he wouldn’t have cared about what you thought enough to have bothered with a charade of this level. The thought settled on her like a piano being dropped from four stories above her. 

“Prove it.” A tremor of something shook her voice- fear, sorrow, guilt… she couldn’t say. Perhaps all three. “Prove it. Prove to me that he’s… that you’re not you.”

______

Raising their brows as they were asked to prove it, Alistair moved toward the side door. “Well if being blind isn’t enough for you, I can show you the next best thing,” they decided, opening the door and ushering her in. “In that freezer is my old body.” Alistair spoke simply, arms crossed over their chest as they held the door open for the woman. “In there is what I’m attempting to get back.” 

They didn’t move to opent he freezer, leaving that to the stranger if she decided to do so. “Believe me, the last thing I want is to be stuck in someone else’s body, especially the body of the man who bloody murdered me.” They rolled their eyes, then sighed. “That’s another thing you can pick up on, I’m Scottish, not American like Aleksander was.”

“Brutus,” Alistair called to the dog, who trotted up to his owner and sat at their feet, looking up expectantly. “This is Brutus, my guide dog and familiar.” They explained, doing a series of commands in Scots Gaelic that caused Brutus to stand, then walk to the corner of the room, then sit. “He doesn’t listen to just anyone. He listens to me, he listens to my magic.”

__

Rosemary blinked. She drifted through the door, and her eyes locked onto the freezer. Unease settled in her gut as she looked at Aleksander- Alistair’s hand on the door. He wasn’t opening it. It was as though he were asking her to simply believe him. Believe him. Trust that this was not a trick, that he was truly who he said. That all he said had come to pass had, in fact, occurred. Despite the fact that he- whoever he was or was not- had lied to her. Had had other people lie to her. 

But Rosemary had never been much for blind belief, especially when it was at the request of a liar. 

She brushed his hand aside and pulled the freezer door open. 

She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. Maybe she thought Ashton Kutcher would pop out and scream ‘Gotcha!’  Instead of discovering she was on an episode of Punk’d, she found a corpse. A man some years older than her, utterly devoid of life and frozen solid. Rosemary looked back at the man who stood beside her. She looked down at the dog. She looked back at the man. 

“What,” she breathed, “the fuck?!”

__

“That’s my body.” Alistair replied plainly. He knew she’d have to see it for herself. 

“You’re a necromancer, tell me. What can go wrong with a spell of this magnitude, has Aleksander bothered to teach you of consequences?” Alistair took a step back toward the door, arms clasped behind their back. “In our line of work, anything is possible. Playing with death can grant you the same thing back. It can destroy your sense of self in the process as well.” Alistair frowned, remembering that feeling of his whole self being ripped from him, how horrible and lifeless it felt. How relieved they’d been when they got their feeling back.

“Like I told you, I’m sorry about your mentor.” Alistair said again, frowning. “I’m sorry that he wasn’t the person you thought he was, because he was locking up supernatural creatures for things they’d done. I was complacent in it as well. It’s how I got people to heal others. That’s why I was a part in it. Aleksander did it because he thought that the undead deserved to be held captive until they died.” 

Alistair watched the woman through Brutus’s eyes, unsure of what her next move would be. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me unless you saw it for yourself.” They said at last, voice softening. 

__

Rosemary closed the freezer door. She closed her eyes, trying to shut out the truth, but the image of the frozen body still haunted her from the dark of her mind. He wasn’t lying. This man had died. This stranger had taken Aleksander’s body. 

She needed air. 

The woman walked stiffly back in the direction of the door to the tea shop. She assumed Alistair was following her, not that she cared if he did or didn’t. She heard him talking, so she assumed he’d follow. 

Consequences had never been much of a topic of conversation. She’d not been doing anything that could have had much damage. Puppeting dead rats and skeletal dogs wasn’t particularly dangerous, and Aleksander seemed reluctant to begin teaching her anything beyond those parlor tricks. The worst she’d ever had was a few burns or cuts from unstable magic lashing out at minor spells. Nothing permanent. Nothing like this. She answered his question with a silent jerk of her head in the negative. 

Rosemary turned back to face them. She knew nothing about locking anyone up, supernatural or otherwise. It wouldn’t have surprised her, really. She’d seen him raise one man from the dead by capturing his murderer and exchanging their lives for one another. Of course she knew their magic held sway over creatures who no longer fell into the ‘living’ category. Was he keeping them for something? Why hadn’t he told her?

She was more questions than answers, and she had the startling realization that if he had been alive, Aleksander wouldn’t have told her anyway. “Son of a bitch,” she muttered to herself, hastily blinking back angry tears. Was it that he hadn’t trusted her? Hadn’t believed in her potential? Thought she was beyond teaching? What really bothered Rosemary was that there was no way to get answers to the questions that howled in her mind like a maelstrom. 

“Yeah, well.” She sniffed, pulling herself together. “Seeing is believing, or whatever the hell it is people say.”

-

As the woman walked out, Alistair shoved their hands into their pockets and followed her out. She was in shock. She was upset. They could understand that. It was probably made infinitely worse by having to stare into the eyes of a man she was just told was dead by that man. Everything about this was complicated and they both knew it. Magic was hard enough as it was, but necromancy? Even harder. 

Alistair thought about everything they’d been through to get where they were. They called themselves respectful of death when the opposite was true. They told themselves they were better than the others who practiced their magic when that wasn’t the case. They were just the same. They closed their eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. They were playing god, and this woman lost the teacher who was the key to her future success. He couldn’t let her go. 

“Listen, I know it’s a lot to take in. Do you have another teacher you can get?” Alistair asked, frown deepening. “You’re young for a necromancer, you need to keep learning. I… I can’t in good conscience let you walk away from this without a plan.” Alistair walked back over to the front door, and opened it. “Let me make you something to drink. We can talk,” they pleaded. He saw this woman’s potential, saw that she was a fiery spirit. He couldn’t let her give up, not now.

__

Rosemary laughed at the question. “Nope,” She said, popping the consonant for emphasis. “No, I am capital F Fucked.” She scrubbed at her face with her hands, willing herself to wake up. No one in her family would teach her, and her only option after YEARS of searching had gone and gotten himself irreparably dead. Perhaps her existence was just one large, cosmic joke. Her laugh turned into a sob, and she let out a string of frustrated swears. “God, I must seem like a psycho,” She sniffled, pulling her hair up into a ponytail to keep busy, and being sure to look anywhere but at the stranger wearing her friend’s face.

“I’ve got no plan. Maybe I’ll quit and actually go to Fiji. Change my name or something.” She meant it, too. She’d heard nothing but ‘no’ for years, and the one time she’d found someone who said ‘yes’, they went and got themselves murdered for secretly being way worse of a person than she had initially thought.

Looking wearily at the open door, she shrugged and shuffled back inside. “Please say you have something stronger than tea in here.”

__

Their heart went out to the woman, but knew better than to reach out and comfort. They were Aleksander in voice and body only, nothing else. “No plan,” Alistair echoed. She needed a mentor, she needed someone to show her how to be a proper necromancer lest she get herself killed in the process. For so long it has just been Aleksander that they knew in town, and now there was this woman. 

“I’ll do it.” They said after a moment of only Rosemary's sobs. “I’ll teach you what I know. I’m far more experienced than he was. I can’t let you walk out of here doing something dangerous.” Alistair frowned, crossing their arms over their chest as they stared blankly forward. “What’s your name?” They finally asked, walking over to the woman and stopping in front of her. 

“Start with telling me your name and I’ll teach you what I know.” They promised, expression growing sincere. “I want to help you become a practiced necromancer, I don’t want to be the only one that people rely on in town.” They cast their unseeing gaze down at the ground, then frowned. “It’d be nice to have someone that I can work with. Especially one with working eyes.”

__

She looked at him for a moment, and it dawned upon her that this person didn’t know her name. She’d been ranting and raving and crying, and this poor bastard didn’t have the foggiest idea of who she was. “Rosemary,” Her voice was heavy with acceptance. “My name is Rosemary Kane. You said your name was Alistair, right?”

“You don’t have to teach me because you feel obligated to,” She began. “But you’re really my last hope or I’m starting from scratch again. It took ages for me to find anyone who’d teach me and well… you know how that ended.”

__

“Well Rosemary,” Alistair spoke with a smile creeping  across his lips. “Consider yourself in the hands of a far better necromancer.” They shoved their hands into their pants pockets and sighed. “I’m doing it because it benefits both of us. I’m not alone as the only necromancer in town, and you get a teacher who will actually teach you.” 

Alistair motioned to the back room once again, Brutus waiting at the door. “That’s where I do everything. On Saturdays, you work for me here at the Sugar Pot. Think you can swing it?” Alistair’s brows rose in question, picking up Brutus’s lead once they reached their dog. “I’m sorry about your friend. I am. But I needed to cast that spell. My son…” Alistair pulled down the collar of their shirt to reveal a sigil that looked like a tattoo on their skin. Something that she would be familiar with. “He’s alive because I am. I couldn’t let myself die. He’s far too important to me.”

__

She ambled after Alistair as he headed toward the back room. “I might have to negotiate a shift or two with my job but I should be able to make that work….” Rosemary still hadn’t come to terms with the fact that she wasn’t simply dreaming all this. She was fairly certain she’d have a crisis over the entire matter at some point, but that was a problem for Future Rosemary.

The corner of her mouth tugged down in recognition- she knew a sigil when she saw one. She’d seen Aleksander at work. His arms and torso had been littered with the markings. She realized with a start, that the markings had died with Aleks. The souls that had been purchased more time from the necromancer had seen the sand in their hourglasses run out at the same instant that Aleks had. What was more, a child was hanging in the balance with this man. “I…” She paused. “I understand…” She thought she did, at least. She liked to imagine her father may have done the same, if her life had hung in the balance. 

Rosemary knew it wasn’t true, but it was alright to dream. “When do I start?”

__

“Well seeing as how I don’t know what you have been taught, I suppose we should start now so I know where to start on Saturday.” Alistair responded with a raised brow. “How many resurrections have you done successfully on animals and on humans? Can you heal without things going wrong? What’s your view on death as a whole?” The questions came out rapid fire, but Alistair needed to know these things to be able to create a basis on where to start. 

“You have strong emotions,” they noted with a frown. “That’s a problem when casting our form of magic.” Alistair narrowed their eyes. “The more out of control you feel, the more wrong your spell will go. Find an outlet for your negative emotions so you can go into a spell in control.” Alistair thought for a moment. “Second thing, even though we’re necromancers, we still respect the dead. That means no resurrecting corpses just for the fuck of it. No playing around with things just because it’s funny.” The narrowed their eyes. “I know your type, you make it hard for the rest of us to blend in. All I want is to blend in as much as possible, not attract unwanted attention from those who hate necromancers.”

__

Rosemary wasn’t typically very self conscious about her accomplishments. But she realized, as he began to list off types of spells, just how little Aleksander had managed to teach her. “None, yet.” She managed through gritted teeth. Admitting that fact was simply another suckerpunch on top of an already shit-tastic evening. “I can reanimate animal corpses practically without thinking.” Was that ability due to one too many nights alone and bored, attempting to entertain herself with dead rats dancing to nineties boy band hits? Perhaps. But this total stranger didn’t need to know that. “Rats mainly. And a skeletal dog. As for healing, I’ve been finding it… difficult, to say the least.” Her mind drifted to a woman who’d left practically meowing after one attempt.

Her view on death hadn’t been a question she had been anticipating. “It’s a friend. Its an inevitable, unavoidable friend. With a twisted sense of humor. We all end, one way or another, you may as well laugh about it. Or try and sway it to your advantage.” She said simply. “Make death your friend and get it to work for you.” 

She’d never viewed having strong emotions as a flaw. Rosemary frowned. “I make it hard to blend in? Excuse me, but have you seen me?” She gestured to herself. “I don’t tend to associate death and destruction with blonde pastel pink packaging. I think I’m actually incredibly subtle.” She crossed her arms over her chest as though it were armor “and I do have respect for the dead. What part of friend didn’t you get? Skeledog is how I got good at reanimation, I’m not going to just stop bringing him back.”

__

Reanimation. That was child’s play for Alistair. Okay, so there was a lot that needed to be done, a lot that needed to be taught. They tried not to let their doubt show on their face. She was able to reanimate, alright. And she had healed before, that’s better than never doing it at all. “Alright, so step one is having you shadow some healing sessions. We’ll start it simple using animals to heal, and yes there will continue to be less than desirable side effects from it, but that’s how we learn. Once you get better at it, we’ll move to humans.” 

Alistair raised a finger, then walked off the the back room, pulling out tomes they’d collected over the years. Some gifted from friends, some stolen from before they’d left home. They came back out with a large book on necromancers and healing. “I want you to start to read this, then come prepared to heal some animals on Saturday.” Alistair thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, that’s what we’ll do. Nothing better to teach than by getting into the thick of it, right?” 

The older necromancer flashed a smile, trying to be encouraging. “Death is indeed just that. It’s a friend that we can manipulate to our will. Perhaps we’ll even get you started on how to defend yourself from the undead as well. That’s a useful skill that we have in our arsenal as well. The problem is sometimes they’re strong enough to overcome our domination over their actions. We’ll start low, like with some wights at the local cemetery.” They tilted their head and raised a brow in the woman’s direction. “Sound like a good starting point?”

__

Her mind slowly but surely began to come down from the absolute tizzy she’d found herself in. Sure Aleksander was dead. That sucked, without a doubt. But when one door got itself fucking irreparably dead, another door opened. Or however the saying went.

Rosemary took the old book from him and began to flip through the pages. Healing was probably a better starting point that resurrection, despite her eagerness to dip her toes into the big ticket magical items. “I am a hands-on learner.” 

She let out a tiny sigh of relief, and said a silent prayer of thanks to whatever unhinged guardian angel had been looking out for her when this stranger had been attempting to claw his way back from the grave. Rosemary nodded in agreement, closing the book with a snap. “Sounds perfect.” This was panning out to be the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

[lazywolfwiccan]

Name: Beckett "Beck" O'Connor

Nickname: Little O'Connor

Age: 32

Hair Color: Blond

Eye Color: Blue

Psychical Appearance: Tall and blond with muscles and tattoos.

Relationships

Natalie Hale (Wife)

Alexis Hale-O'Connor (Daughter)

Brian O'Connor (Older Brother)

Tess (Older Sister)

Eric Reisner/Little Nobody (Older Brother)

Frank Petty/Mr Nobody (Father)

Ms O'Connor (Mother)

Dominic Toretto (Brother in law)

Mia Toretto (Sister in law)

Letty Ortiz (Sister in law)

Jakob Toretto (Brother in law)

Jack O'Connor-Toretto (Nephew)

Brian Marcos Toretto (Nephew)

Cipher (Enemy, situational ally)

Roman (Ally)

Tej (Ally)

Suki (Ally)

Ramsey (Ally)

Gisele Yashar (Ally)

Han Lue (Ally)

Sean Boswell (Ally, rival)

Twinkie (Ally)

Earl (Ally)

Leon (Ally)

Jesse (Ally)

Vince (Ally)

Deckard Shaw (Enemy, situational ally)

Owen Shaw (Enemy, captor, situation ally)

Role in films

The Fast and the Furious

Beck is first mentioned when Brian tells Dom about him and how he would move heaven and hell for him

2 Fast 2 Furious

When Tej asks about him, Brian says he recently joined the special forces. Roman asks about him, Tess and Eric later.

Fast and Furious

Beck appears for the first time, having recently retired, with information on Letty's death for Brian. He also says that he can't hide his feelings for Dom forever.

Fast Five

Appears with his wife Natalie and daughter Alexis, gives the team info on Reyes and his money houses. Beck joins temporarily to help Brian. Natalie bonds with Dom over their love for their dumb blonds who get into trouble.

Fast and Furious 6

Now living in Brazil with Natalie and Alexis, he volunteers with Elena Neves, another ally, to keep watch on Mia and her son. Before Natalie leaves with the crew, Beck promises that this will be their final favor for Brian. When Vegh and Klaus are sent to kidnap Mia and Jack, he distracts them long enough to allow them to escape, being used as a hostage instead to control Brian. Natalie later helps her brother in law kill Vegh and reunites with her husband. Beck comforts her and asks if she is okay rather than him.

Furious 7

Like his brother, Beck has a hard time adjusting to regular life after his time in special forces and as a criminal. He relays to Dom that Brian told him he misses the violence. He and Natalie don't take part in the mission against Deckard Shaw but has to be physically held back by his brother from punching their father. He hugs Mia and Letty goodbye when they decide to retire, Letty having regained most of her memories. He celebrates after Dom proposes to Brian. Beck also urges them to adopt a child so he wasn't the only one who had one.

Fate of the Furious

Beck punches Eric upon reuniting with him, and also makes various gestures at Roman to stop mocking his brother. Due to his family and retirement, Beck reluctantly leaves. Natalie tells him to stop pretending that he doesn't miss being a member of the crew and that she loves him no matter what. He returns towards the end to help his brother. He decides to attempt a permanent retirement after Deckard saves Dom's son.

F9

Beck comes out of retirement to help his brother again. He asks Mia how Letty is handling babysitting his nephews and if her memory is better. Sean makes various jokes about him being dumb because he's blond, he asks if they can give Sean to Jakob. He retires again at the end, joking that it won't last long.

Fast X

Beck is mentioned by Tess when she explains to Aimes her family history. Eric asks Dom if he and his wife are safe, to which Brian says yes. However Beck and Natalie appear as targets on Dante's list.

Trivia:

Nicknamed Little O'Connor because of the age difference between him and his siblings, Brian being in his early fifties, Tess in her mid forties and Eric in his early forties.

He met Natalie sometime after he was discharged.

Despite not being biologically related, he's close with his nephew Jack.

His car is a Charger Hellcat.

Beck tried to stay away from the Agency's radar for years.

[redrobin-detective]

its not easy (to be me)

With his hearing, there was no way for Conner to escape the arguments. Especially when all the arguments were about him.

It had started two weeks ago with a question, a simple question but a big one. The Kid knew about the Batman of course. Seen him and his dorky sidekick in passing during battles. But they’d never, like talked. Bats had asked who was taking care of him, who was training him and frowned when he’d said no one. He asked about Superman, if he was helping. Kid had shrugged and told Batman the truth, that Superman hadn’t even given him a name much less any help.

Batman frowned in a way the Kid would soon learn was his Fixer Frown. A frown that said there was a problem in front of him and he would fix it however possible. His solution was to bring the Kid home and give him care, training, a name. A family. As much as the freedom of Metropolis and later Hawaii have been, the Kid was lonely. He loved his powers but wanted to belong somewhere, to someone, to be more than a gimmick in a leather jacket. He said yes.

And that’s when the arguments started.

“What the hell are you playing at, Bruce?” Superman yelled at Batman, who he now knows is Bruce Wayne. The man applying for custody of a recently invented, on paper and in reality, young orphan named Thomas Smith soon to be Wayne. The Kid mouthed the name to himself hundreds of times and it never fit quite right. He supposed he’d get used to it soon enough. They’re at the Watchtower while the Kid has been staying while they got all the paperwork settled. He’d been studying a map of Gotham when his ears picked up raised voices a few halls over.

“What do you think you’re doing? Do you think this is a game? That you can just steal any child that crosses paths with you?” Superman yelled

“He was living on his own in another state with only an unscrupulous manager and a reporter who made uncomfortable advances on him caring for him,” Bruce said in a clipped voice. “I understand the circumstances of his existence are uncomfortable to you-”

“Uncomfortable? Lex defiled my dead bodied and used it to make a- make a-”

“A child,” Bruce explained. “A child who is not at fault for the circumstances of his birth and deserves care, respect and a place to call home. I stayed my hand this long because I expected you to step in.”

“What? So I don’t get time to cope with coming back from the dead? I need to put my own life back together before I can handle this, Bruce!” Superman exclaimed.

“You had options, your mother has been fighting with Alfred on the phone for days to get Thomas to Smallville. But you didn’t, you left him alone.” Bruce said in a menacing tone, the Kid is kind of awestruck. He doesn’t know much about Batman but he does know the guy is human and he’s challenging Superman. For the Kid. Someone is defending him for the first time ever. It makes his chest hurt in a weird, but good, way.

“You are allowed to see him, Thomas will need your help with his powers. But he will be my son, in my care not because of any petty reasons but because someone has to care about him. He doesn’t deserve to wait for you to decide if you’re ready to be a parent. I didn’t with my other two children and I won’t now.”

“Fine,” Superman huffed and a part of the Kid broke a bit. Some part of him still hoped that the man he was cloned from would fight for him but well, you can’t have everything. “You’re a good man, a good father, you just don’t have to be an ass about it. I’ll talk Ma down down but she’s insisting he visits the farm at least once a week.”

“Of course, he can come over this weekend and you, me and your mother can come to a workable arrangement.” Bruce nodded, “If you’ll excuse me. I’d like to check in on him. I’m sure he’s been listening in to this conversation.” The Kid yelped and ducked his head in guilt though Bat- Bruce- couldn’t see him.

“Oh, right, of course,” Superman said clearing his throat. “Thank you, for taking care of him.”

“He’s a good kid,” Batman replied. “We’ll be in touch.”

“I’m also glad to see you’re doing better,” Superman said suddenly. “After, well, you know died. I was really worried. Robin has really helped you, I uh, I hope you take care of that kid in kind. I mean with the all changes happening.”

“Robin will be fine, this adoption should not affect him.” That said, he left and his footsteps approached and the Kid went back to studying the map upside down.

                                                         XxX

“What’s your angle with this B, please explain it to me so the world starts making sense again!” The Kid tensed up at the sudden screaming coming from down in the Cave. He was hanging in his room, his real, proper, all to himself room when he was distracted.

“Nice to see you too, Dick,” Bruce said sarcastically.

“What the hell are you doing adopting another kid and a Super at that? Uncle Clark sounded miserable on the phone, what are you playing at?”

“Clark is wrestling with his guilt and sense of relief, he’ll get over it,” Bruce explained blandly. “The boy was in need of help no one was proving, I could walk away.”

“Of course you could have!” Dick yelled. “You don’t have to take in every sad story you come across! And you don’t but this one is special, isn’t he, Bruce?”

“Dick...”

“You’re still barely standing after Jason’s death and now the next kid you slot into place has super powers and is practically invulnerable. I bet you’re already cooking up excuses to oust Tim and put that brat into the Robin costume. No more worrying about taking your little bird out, no more chances of losing partners.” Dick scoffed.

“That is not true!” The Kid curled in on himself a bit on the bed. He put his hands over his ears to try and block out the fighting but his hearing was too good.

“Don’t bullshit me, Bruce, I’ve known you pretty much my whole life. I know how you think.” Dick sighed. “Look, you probably think you’re doing the right thing. You want to help this kid, that’s great but you can’t save everyone. Nothing’s official yet, you can send him to Smallville or the Fortress. I probably can swing to have Cy and Gar watch him at Titans Tower. You don’t... an invulnerable kid won’t bring back Jason or help Tim, who’s doing a great job as Robin and doesn’t deserve to be treated this way.”

The Kid had met Robin once or twice but he’d only heard about Tim. Tim hasn’t come over since this whole thing began. Tim probably hated him for replacing him even though that’s totally not what he was doing. He buried his head in his knees. He just wanted some place to belong.

“Thomas is staying Dick, he is my son as much as you and Jason are,” Bruce said sternly. “I know you admire Clark and I respect his right to admit this isn’t what he wants but Thomas still needs this. And he’s not going to be Robin, Tim earned that position and it will stay with him as long as he chooses.”

“Yeah, well, how much will he want it when you’re parading a newer, better model in front of him,” Dick grumbled. “You keep making the same mistakes, B. Lets hope this one doesn’t end with a body count. I’m headed back to the ‘haven. I’ll send a card when I read about your new addition in the newspaper.”

                                                        XxX

“Thomas? Dearie?” The Kid looked up to Martha, “call me Ma”, Kent. “You alright, son?”

“Yeah,” he mumbled, towing with the ends of the homemade sweater Mrs. Kent had given him. It’s warm but big in the shoulders and a bit itchy. He looked around the small but cozy kitchen. Looked past the walls to the sprawling farmland of Kansas and a little beyond that to the tiny specks of Bruce and Super- Clark- talking about him just out of earshot.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” he wriggled in his chair. “It’s just a lot to take in, y’know?”

“I do,” She sighed and pet his shoulder. “I know Bruce has a huge heart and I can see he already cares for you but it is your decision if you want to go with him. Living in his house means a lot of responsibility, both in public and private.”

“Yeah,” He shrugged.

“You could stay here,” she offered tentatively. “Smallville High is only a few miles down the road, lots of open space for a young boy to spread his wings.” He a second, he could almost see it. See himself helping out with chores, helping Ma cook, practicing moves at night in the empty fields. Maybe one time, but not now.

“I’ve had people give up on me, ignore me, use me but I’ve... only had one person fight for me and mean it. I appreciate it Mrs. Kent but I wanna go with Bruce.” She smiled and grabbed his hands to kiss.

“I understand but no matter what you are to Clark, you’re my grandbaby. No matter what happens going forward, you’ll always have a place here with me.”

“Thanks,” he sniffled and she patted his hands again before standing up and turning so he could collect himself.

“Now those cookies ought to be done by now. I know Alfred has been spoiling you but I make a mean snickerdoodle myself and you’re not leaving until you tell me who does it better.”

                                                          XxX

“Thomas?” The Kid jumped at the voice behind him. He’d been so busy focusing on Bruce’s aggressive argument in the study below with the adoption lawyers on the phone he’d missed the boy sneaking up on him. They were in the second floor family room where visitors weren’t allowed, how’d he even get in? “Hey sorry, I just uh assumed you heard me.”

“No uh it’s okay I was uh-”

“Eavesdropping?” The other guy smiled, “You’ll fit right in.” The smile turned sad but reappearing. He stuck out his hand. “I’m uh Tim Drake. We’ve met technically but I was, you know,” he held his hands in front of his eyes miming a mask. “At work, I guess.”

“Oh!” The Kid lit up, “you’re Robin! That’s so cool. Sorry I was so rude that first time, I’ve been watching watching Youtube compilations to get a feel for Gotham and you have some sick moves. Good to finally meet ya, I’m uh Thomas I guess?”

“Bruce pick out the name?” Tim said with a grimace. The Kid shrugged. “No surprise there, kinda creepy to be honest. Plus you don’t even look like a Thomas.”

“I don’t?” the Kid moaned, Bruce gave him this name and if the name didn’t fit then maybe he didn’t fit.

“Nah,” Tim said thoughtfully, bringing his fingers to his chin in thought. “Thomas is kind of old fashioned, you need something cooler. Like Danny or Brad or uh,” he blushed. “Conner. That was my uh best friend when I was in elementary school. He moved to Canada the next year but I thought he was the coolest kid around.”

“Conner,” the Kid said, tasting the name. It sounded nice. It sounded right.

“Thomas Conner Wayne but because of the uncomfortable associations, you go by your middle name,” Tim smiled but once again it was kinda sad. “It sounds nice, I think you’ll be real happy here. Bruce was... struggling after Jason died, I think you’ll help him heal in a way I can’t.”

“What do you mean? You’re Robin dude!” Conner said incredulously.

“I’m the neighbor kid with weird hobbies who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer,” Tim deadpanned. “You’re the adopted kid with superpowers. You don’t need to be a genius to work that math out.” He ducked his head. “Look, sorry, that was rude. I get it, this is a good thing. I knew this gig was temporary, until Batman got himself together and now... now you can help him.”

“Tim, I’m gonna be straight with you, man,” Conner said, gripping Tim’s shoulders. “I’m happy to be here but I am also scared shitless. Your city is insane and Bruce gave me a gas mask the other day to carry when I’m out of the house. He asked if I wanted to learn to fight and that’d be wicked but I don’t know what it means and if I’ll still be able to be a hero if I gotta hide my powers and please.” He begged, “you can’t leave me alone. Superman doesn’t want me, Dick thinks I’m some sort of experiment and who knows with B. I need someone to help me. Please, Tim.”

“Oh I mean,” Tim blinked, “Of course yeah. I’ll show you what I know, I think you’ll be going to Gotham Academy same as me so I’ll help you there. Teach you how to live to Gotham. How to interpret B’s grunts and growls. And Dick is nice but he’s got a temper, you gotta know how to work around it.” He smiled, “as long as B lets me stay, we’ll be in it together.”

“Together,” Conner said with a smile feeling the tight ball in his chest start to relax. For the first time since this began, he finally felt heard. He grasped Tim’s hands and held tight. Tim seemed cool, willing to help someone he thought would replace him. He’d do anything to get Tim to stay, would beg B if he had to. Dick may not like him but Tim seems like he’d make a pretty awesome big brother. “

“Hey I found some secret passageways with my xray vision, wanna check them out?” Conner suggested.

“I think between Dick, Jason and I, not to mention baby Bruce, we’ve found them all but I’d be curious if you found an extra one. Let’s go, I’ll show you the squeaky floorboards to avoid when we’re sneaking around B.”

[qqchurch]

ngl, im kind of blown away at the sheer level of petty misogyny some writers have of their caricature of women for their incel slop fantasy

like, what do you mean this dude's wife cheated on him for eugenics (because she didn't want her baby to inherit his "average" qualities), got the entire family into huge amounts of debt but put it under his name without his knowledge, and even married him for the purpose of making him pay child support and have him work to the bone while she's living in luxury with her sidepiece, be for real now 😭

and then the entire set-up was for a demonic entity to see how far he would "fall" and tempt him to go into another world. c'mon now.

(relevant to this, the guy decides to become "evil" and asks to be reincarnated as an aristocrat so he could live in luxury and step all over people. you'd think this was a set-up to be a fall from grace as the average salaryman isn't really equipped to handle being royalty, but it's the usual "fail upwards into success while berating himself for being '''evil'''" kind of plot, so.)

[msbhagirathi]

The Angel That Set Them Free [TATSTF 6]

Hi. Welcome. Go on. Read it. :)

After several minutes of Arnav looking down fondly at the sleeping form of his daughter in his arms and of Khushi staring intently at him for all his minute reactions and movements.

He finally stepped out of his trance and, "Let's go home."

Truth be told, he wanted to leave this place oozing with the smell of chlorine, as soon as possible.

He said while handing back the baby to Khushi again, "How long have I been here? Are we in the next day already?"

To say that Khushi was flabbergasted would be an understatement.

And, to say that it had happened two times in a row within an hour of him waking up.

Excellent, Arnav.

Seems like you won't stop embarrassing yourself enough in front of her anytime soon.

But she recovered quickly. "Two days.", clipped as her reply was.

"WHAT?- HOW?- It was just a few minutes ago that I was trying to wake up but my arms wont help me and-"

"Well, you weren't in the best of condition when you were brought in, you know? With the amount of blood loss that you suffered you were this close to slipping into coma, had it not been for me to-"

She realized with a jolt, what she had let slip out from her mouth, in her anger, panic and worry for her husband.

She had decided to follow the doctor's instructions ~of not allowing him to think much about the incident that led him here or confront him and instead let him rest both physically and mentally for a while~ a bit too strictly.

And moreover, she was ~ofcourse~ worried for him. For his well-being. After all, he was her husband. Although, he had made no such attempts to claim the same. Yet, she had felt it, to be too petty of her, to hold it up against him, for his behavior when she clearly knew that he was at his lowest, and was fighting his own battles with his demons, those past few months.

Which had finally led to this. Him, in the scrubs, lying in the bed, unconscious for two days straight, in a hospital, closest to their penthouse. With a bandage wrapped around his wrist. She didn't even want to think about that evening.

She had hardly taken a walk around the park and was returning to her home after regaining her rationale, her practical thinking, which she had often felt so proud of, to own.

She didn't know why but she felt oddly at unease, while climbing up the stairs to her floor. Her insides roiling in a strange and creepily weird anticipation, as if something horrific was waiting for her, to be discovered.

Nevertheless, she tried to calm her nerves, as she inserted the key only to find it already open.

'Okay so now, this is strange. Why the hell did he not lock the door?' She thought to herself.

As soon as she entered the apartment, her ears were already bleeding with the sheer force of the newborn cry, coming from inside their bedroom.

So, she slipped out of her flip flops. The lights were all off and the drawing and dinning halls weren't visible at all and the part of the kitchen that was usually visible from the entrance was dark too.

She walked up to the bedroom and even the bedroom lights were off. Turning on, she walked over and picked up the child carefully.

"Aww, you are crying?", she changed her voice pitch slightly, as she always did, to baby-talk, while handling newborns and asked rhetorically.

"Shhhhh. Ok. Now. Stop crying, dear."

"I am here, see? I am here. Shhhh."

"Or are you hungry? "

Hmmm. Yes that could be it.

"See? Now let's go to the kitchen and find something for you to fill up your belly again real quick, ok? "

"Come. Let's go.", she cooed her, slightly bouncing the baby in her arms to quieten her.

The results were immediate. The baby calmed down, considerably. As if relieved to be in someone's arms. Safe.

Khushi now walked out of the room smiling down at the little form. Maybe, she could actually be her mother someda-

She turned on the lights of the kitchen. What caught her sight, was something she was sure she wouldn't be able to forget for the next few lives.

A burst of horror, inside her, froze her legs and her limbs started shaking with panic.

A pool of red surrounding the left hand of her husband.

Blood.

A pool of blood.

His blood.

The man, himself, lying unconscious, on the floor, on his stomach, still in his office clothes.

By the looks of it, he was barely breathing.

Her entire being started trembling. Her mind went into a panic mode. She wanted to scream out loudly. She wanted to throw up. She wanted to run away from the penthouse and never come back to this place ever again. And yet, at the moment, the only way to be out of this mess, was to deal with the situation, at hand.

She realized with a thud, that she cannot let the baby see all of this, though she was already sleeping peacefully in her arms, her back facing the horrific condition her father was in.

And yet Khushi found herself clutching at the small form, a bit too tightly. She held the back of the child, so as to block the view that she could get to see, if she so happened to turn her face. Totally missing out on the fact that the newborn would hardly be able to see or comprehend anything that was happening around her at the moment.

She quickly ran up to the bedroom and placed the baby back to her cot carefully. She pulled herself into something more presentable and ran out about hunting for her phone.

At least as fast as her panic-stricken trembling legs could offer her to.

Phone.

'Where the fuck is my damned phone.'

She kept muttering under her breath continuously.

Quickly searching for the nearest hospital around the area, she informed them about her husband's condition.

In the meanwhile, she took out a clean kitchen cloth and bent down beside his unconscious form on the floor.

She picked up his bleeding hand. Droplets of blood streaming down his wrist towards the elbow seeping into the crisp white shirt staining it with its darkest shade. The dull, pungent and metallic smell of blood already starting to fill up her senses.

She felt like throwing up.

Never in her life had she ever seen such amount of blood freshly dripping from someone like this. And yet it had been her husband...

She felt tears pricking at the corner of her eyes and realized that she had to be strong. So steeling herself, she tied his wrist, with the kitchen cloth she had brought.

She cleaned his arm from the dripping blood and gently tugged at his shoulder to lay him on his back.

She looked at his face for any signs of movements or stirrings.

Nothing.

She slowly opened up all the buttons of the shirt to reveal a thin layer of cloth.

'Vest. He is in a vest. I can pull out the shirt. It's already stained of his bloo-'

She felt a lump on her throat. She couldn't even complete that thought. But nevertheless.

She slowly pulled the shirt out of his ~well built slightly muscled~ torso.

By the time, she was completed with all the first aid that she could give him. The hospital workers were already barging into their apartment, with a stretcher and carried him away in the ambulance.

She took out the baby from her cot and carried it with her to the hospital.

On reaching there, she was asked to fill out the formalities.

Just as she finished completing them and reached the ICU floor, the doctor approached her and called her inside his cabin.

"Is he your husband?"

"Uhhh....yes doctor, he is."

"So how did he....?"

"Errr.....doctor...I-"

"He ran out of a lot of blood. We need a donor for him immediately."

"He is an 'A' positive type, we need to find someon-"

"I will."

"Give", she uttered clutching at the baby in her arms, recalling herself as an 'O' positive type.

"Ok. Go get it done immediately."

"Sir....ummm.....will he be fine?"

"I can't say anything right now. If he doesn't wake up in the next ~forty eight or so~ hours, he might be in the risk of slipping into coma."

"Oh...k", she barely managed to whisper out as a lump was beginning to form at her throat again.

She went inside a room where a nurse was preparing for the blood withdrawal procedure.

After twenty minutes, Khushi stepped out of the room slightly dizzy with the sudden blood-loss in her own body, sat in one of the benches outside the ICU, her husband was in.

"I hope you wake up."

"I hope my blood is enough to help you revive your life back to normal."

She whispered to no-one in particular.

'I hope you don't slip into coma.'

'I hope god shows a little bit of mercy upon the three of us.'

Finally surrendering to the sobs she had been working so hard to keep at bay. She shook violently at the sheer force of the silent sobs breaking out from her petite form. She muffled her mouth with one hand while vehemently trying to brush away the memories continuously flashing in her mind of that horrific scene she had been left exposed of.

P.S.: So. Double update for y'all. Lucky you ;] Howazit. Do tell. Ok. Then. Bye. God bless you.

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