#expect I guess. or maybe he just won't provide it because why would he?

[ketchup-chup]

What if I made a post about how Reborn is actually super observant and a really great communicator? What if I made a post about how Reborn's closed off nature and attitude is a deliberate choice on his part and not because he's emotionally stunted or unable to communicate his feelings? What if I said he's incredible at reading people, and providing guidance to his students and to the others outside of his "spartan training" or being a strict tutor? What if I said he's very capable of being a comforting and kind person (look at how he treats Yuni at anytime or the girls, especially during the future arc), and if he doesn't act this way it's for a reason (either because he doesn't want to comfort them (lambo) or it wouldn't be beneficial to their growth to coddle them (Tsuna)) What if I made a post about how Reborn isn't as simpleminded or one note as people write him?

[life-is-more-than-just-a-game]

♠️ How aib males comfort you having your period. ♠️

A/N: So, I got something in my mind because it's literally my time to shine ... maybe this makes me feel a little better. 🫠

Summary: You're fighting for life and death, nobody understands why the streets are empty or how you got to the Borderland in the first place, and as if all that wasn't stressful enough, you also get your period. It feels like anything is possible here, but your body is definitely no exception. On an evening when everyone at the beach is trying to have a good time, you prefer to stay in your room and snuggle up in your bed while you pout to yourself and don't feel like doing anything.

Characters: Aguni, Arisu, Chishiya, Karube & Niragi.

POV: fem!reader

Warnings: Not given.

A g u n i

Not gonna lie, I guess Aguni would be the man a woman would need the most in that time of the moth. I see him as someone who wouldn't be too intrusive but also doesn't make you feel like he doesn't care about you. He knows you well enough to know that chasing you out of bed or out of your room is pointless. As number one, he has to hold the position at the Beach, but that doesn't stop him from at least checking up on you.

And when he finds you in the room, as expected, he prefers to just stand at the door and look at you from there, asking something like:

"Do you need something?" "Are you in a lot of pain?" "Can I do something for you?" "Wanna be alone?"

Aguni is a man. He isn't just a boy anymore who would play down your suffering - your pain - or exaggerate it. Want him to leave? He will. Want him to join you for a moment? He will. Want some cookies or some other snacks and candies? He will bringt them to you.

It's that easy for him, there is nothing to discuss about.

A r i s u

Different from Aguni, Arisu would be the one who is the less experienced in that kind of topic. I can imagine he wouldn't even understand whats going on. So he asks you lots of questions, when he realizes you aren't with your and his own friends but instead lay in bed, impassive.

"Y/N, is something wrong?" "Did something happen?" "Has someone important-?" "I don't understand why you are in such a bad mood. Please, tell me, I can't help when I don't know what's wrong with you."

Let's be honest: yes, in the first place some of us girls and young women would feel a little annoyed by all his questions, but it's not his intention to! So, we shouldn't be such bitches and tell him at least the truth:

"I got my period today and ... yeah, that's it."

He may not have much experience with it, but we all know he's not stupid.

"Well ... I saw a plate of chocolate chip cookies in the lobby earlier. Shall I steal them and bring them up to you?"

Yes, king, please, steal the cookies ... ! 🫶🏻✨

C h i s h i y a

Definitely the most annoying and strenuous of all. Sorry, you know I love you, but you just know too much!

"From a medical point of view, physical activity relieves the pain of cramps." "Carbonated drinks should be avoided. The same goes for drinks with caffeine. This only exacerbates the pain." "Heat can help. And I'm not talking about the warmth provided by your comforter, but by hot water bottles or warm teas, for example - while we're on the subject of drinks."

Good tips, but nothing you want to hear in moments like these. No, really, we won't, darlin'.

"Don't you have anything better to do right now than bother me with your factual knowledge, Chishiya?"

He and Niragi would be the two most likely to awaken the monster in you.

"There are enough days left on my visa." "Means there is enough time to bother you with my factual knowledge."

... At least he takes his time for you and spends his day with you in bed, you can't deny you enjoy this a lot, honey. Neither can I ...

K a r u b e

A mixture of Aguni and Arisu, I think. I don't think he would be that calm like Aguni is and I don't think he would be as lost as Arisu is in that kind of topic. Karube knows that we normally get our period again every month, the only question is how long you've been a couple.

You have to get to know behaviors. Aguni is a man with a little more life experience than most. For him, all kinds of behavioral changes in women are not without reason and are often obvious- but for Karube? Hard to say, but as loyal and optimistic as he is, I think you will have good cards with him at your side.

At least he can see that you're not doing well. The reason doesn't matter at this point, only the fact counts for him and he automatically makes it his goal to see you laughing again, or at least smiling. So, Karube would stay with you in bed, no matter what. Except his visa says he will die tonight, then sorry, we have to let him go for a game ...

Time in bed includes much of cuddles, less talking but much little kisses all over your face, especially when it comes to your forehead and your cheeks. And when you look up to him, he will take the chance putting you a small kiss on the tip of your nose, finally making you giggle a little.

He loves hearing your laugh- most when he is the reason for it.

N i r a g i

I don't know why, but I just can't hate him, help.

The past often plays a major role in how a person develops over the course of their life. Niragi didn't have it easy back then and you are aware of that. But that's also why you're aware that he's not the best person to talk to in cases like this.

You can try to deal with it on your own, but that won't do you any good. And you can't hide anything from him either, which is why he will come up with the idea of visiting you in your room all by himself at some point. When he finds you, he just looks at you in irritation and says things that aren't bad, but in view of your situation … well, let's just say he is not that good with words and he can be happy that you know it.

"Laying in bed all day?" "What's that pout on your face, has someone upset you?" "Come on, let's get moving, the fun is just beginning."

And when you tell him, you are in a bad mood and he should just leave you alone, he is saying something he'll maye regret in just a few seconds ... or minutes ... or never.

"Why are you kicking me out now, are you on your period or-"

Believe me, Niragi IS regreting what he was saying. From that moment on, where you just sat up, gripping one of the pillows next to you, only to immediately throw it at him. Thanks to his reflexes, he is able to catch it- now he is just speechless, staring at you with his mouth, formed as an "o".

"I- ... Gotta get you some snacks."

"You better do, Suguru."

[somepsychopomp]

I love the idea that the Trojans pay closer attention to when Ody's heats are then Odysseus himself. They live in fear that one day he just rips the walls down with his bare hands. Everyone refuses to go fight by the fifth year. The Greeks have about five seconds to recognize what that means before they get jumped <3

Okay so I’m no longer asking- I’m telling y'all that if u leave me an idea or suggestion with no clear context clues/explanation as to what you’re talking about, I’m not going to answer 😭 Believe me, I love writing and answering prompts but if I have to treat it like a guessing game, its not nearly as fun for me anymore. Sorry to anon because I know that wasn't your intention, but I am simply not a mind reader

Like I know you’re talking about my omegaverse AU but I’m not sure if you’re referring to my actual AU or the Trojan spin-off. It sounds more like you’re referring to my side idea of omega Ody being kidnapped by Paris to Troy so okay-

I think Ody would actually be a lot more clever about his heats & would try to conceal them as much as possible, whether that be by frequently washing/changing his clothes and/or using copious perfume or ancient scent blockers.

And if not that, he could try prolonging his period of pre-heat to confuse the alphas in the Trojan palace as much as possible. Maybe he does this with herbal remedies that can partially suppress a heat, or he knows how to mimic the mannerisms of an omega approaching their heat- ex. increased purring & scent marking

Tricking the palace into thinking he’s near-heat has a few advantages. One, Odysseus can eavesdrop more easily because its Ancient Times and no one thinks a horny omega has even two brain cells to rub together. When they all think he's just a dumb himbo, Ody can steal supplies he needs more easily, or even seduce the palace guards into giving him access to places he shouldn't be in.

Cue Odysseus' many failed escape attempts from Troy. (Stealing a length of rope to scale the wall to freedom, stealing a knife and slitting a guard's throat so he can take a horse from the stable, seducing another to gain access to Troy's underground servant tunnels, etc.) The only reason why they're failed attempts is bc Priam is really smart and Hector is an extraordinarily talented warrior, and together they can just barely keep omega Ody in containment.

Omega Odysseus in heat is a different beast. If Ody in my actual AU has be to locked aboard one of his ships while in heat during the Trojan War, then he's 100% getting locked in Troy's dungeon while he's with them.

Granted, they prettied it up for him by cleaning the old blood and grime off the walls, giving him tons of soft bedding, keeping Paris far away from him, and providing him with a vast assortment of snacks and hand-carved dildos to bounce on.

Ody's horny phase lasts a few hours, maybe even a day if the Trojans are lucky. But once he begins to grow frustrated bc the dildos just can't satisfy him like his Penelope can, omega Odysseus is breaking out no matter how hard they try to barricade his cell. Somehow, perhaps with Athena's help, they always end up with a naked Odysseus running through the halls and ripping out throats with his bare teeth.

He won't rest until he either A) has his alpha back or B) has killed Paris. He would prefer both, but since Ody can probably only get B because Penelope is leading the forces from Ithaca outside of Troy's walls, he'll take it.

Whenever Ody escapes containment, which is quite often, Paris is told to hide while literally an entire battalion of fully-armored Trojan soldiers is sent to capture the omega. His heat doesn't make him the addled, boneless, whimpering pet that they expect an omega to be. He's quick and merciless, fueled by his instinctual rage at being separated from his mate and infant son.

Even when he's captured, Ody's still got a few tricks left. Sometimes, he'll cry out in pain and feign an injury. Since he's technically married to Paris and considered Trojan royalty, one of the guards or soldiers would have no choice but to venture closer to check on him.

From there, it's easy for Ody's canines to find flesh and for his nimble fingers to snatch the dagger or sword from the poor man's side.

After the Trojans start getting wise to Odysseus' ways, they basically form a union. They already have enemies at their gates, seemingly every able-bodied man in Greece (plus Penelope), but now they have a monster in their midst. One that is slowly killing them off from within their own palace.

Return the omega to his homeland, they say to their king. Or else they will simply refuse to fight any longer.

Bonus: If we're following my AU where Troy isn't sacked by the end of the war, then by the time Ody gets to leave, they'll have probably started to let omegas into their army. Something about viewing them as the most terrifying and ruthless warriors imaginable.

[five-rivers]

providence 5

[Prompts used are from @kinglazrus@lexiepiper and @ash-rabbit. Special thanks to @jackdaw-sprite@datawyrms and Lexie for beta and encouragement! You can read the full fic here.]

“... anyway, I was hoping that you could point me in the right direction to find these rivers,” said Danny.  “That’s all I really need.  I brought my own bottles and everything.”  He held up the pair of two-gallon jugs he’d brought from home.  They’d gone through a bunch of them last month, when the plumbing got contaminated with ectoplasm via a sample left in the kitchen sink.

Pandora frowned down at Danny from her throne, leaning forward slightly.  “Little warrior,” she said, “are those plastic?”

Danny, who hadn’t expected Pandora to know what plastic was, nodded.  “Yeah?  Is that a problem?”

“The Phlegethon is often called the River of Fire,” she said.  “That is because it burns.  Correct me if I am wrong–” she tapped one of the jugs with a nail that was very nearly the same diameter, “--but plastic melts.  As for the Styx…  No.  You require something more solid.”

“Oh,” said Danny.  “Well, maybe I’ll get some glass jars…”

Pandora snapped her fingers, and the Box Ghost appeared at one of her four elbows.  “YE-esss?” he said, modulating his volume halfway through the word.  “What do you require of the GREAT AND– Ahem.  The great and powerful Box Ghost?”

“Fetch two of the amphorae that were fired last week.  The larger ones, if you would.”

“The amphora, not the MIGHTY PYXI–”

“The amphora,” confirmed Pandora.  

“Okayyyy…”

“Pixie?” asked Danny, when the Box Ghost was gone.

“It is a type of box,” said Pandora.  

“That makes sense.”  He put the jugs back into his bag, then paused, looking up at Pandora.  “The Observants didn’t tell me much about why they wanted this stuff, or what they were making.  Frostbite said they’re reliable and they watch the timeline, but I don’t know much else about them.”

“Nor does anyone.  They do have a tendency to recruit seers and diviners.  All of Greek history to draw from, and I have only three oracles, thanks to their machinations.”  Pandora shook her head.  “I cannot say I care for them.  They hoard knowledge like a miser hoards coin, never mind that knowledge shared is often knowledge increased.  But I know that even Clockwork bows to their wisdom, at times.”

“What would it mean if he’s not bowing to their wisdom this time?” asked Danny.  

Pandora frowned.  “Nothing good.  But in what way, I could not guess.  If I thought this endeavor altogether unwise, I would not help you, but from your questions, I think you see something amiss.  A contradiction.”  

“Maybe,” said Danny, shrugging.  “I’m not sure.  I was kind of hoping you'd know more?  At least about what they're making.  They won't tell me anything, and neither will Clockwork.”  Although Clockwork had spent hours going over the basics of how the time viewers worked with him, so… maybe that was a hint?  Danny didn't know.  Clockwork already had time viewers, after all.

“Read your list to me again,” said Pandora.  She leaned back in her throne and closed her eyes as Danny rattled off the six entries.  “Hmm.  I am not well-versed enough in the mechanics of time to guess at the end goal.  However, between the Phlegethon, the Styx, and the metal…  I would presume they mean to forge something, using the fires of the Phlegethon, then douse it in the waters of the Styx.  Such a method often makes the materials more durable, and binds them to their task.  As for the time sand, I would expect them to use it to make something out of glass.  What, I couldn’t say.”  She smiled at Danny.  “If it were just the sand, I might suggest an hourglass.”

“That would make sense for fixing time, wouldn’t it?”

“But the other items suggest something more mechanical.  Perhaps a pocketwatch, or something that could prune away excess time.  Shears, perhaps.  Or a guillotine.  Although the former would not need chains, and the latter should not need glass.”

Danny would prefer it if it wasn’t a guillotine, all things considered.  That sounded disturbing.  On a number of levels.  

But if it was, what would it be used for?  Danny would like to say that he couldn’t imagine, but that would be untrue.  For something like that, the most obvious leap would be cutting a specific person out of the timeline.  Executing them and making it so they wouldn’t exist all at once.  

Pandora was right, though.  That wouldn’t explain the glass.  Unless the parts that were usually made of wood were made of glass instead?  That didn’t seem very robust, but Danny could make ice that didn’t melt, so he was sure ghosts could make glass that didn’t follow any of the usual rules of glass.  But Clockwork wouldn’t let Danny help the Observants, or anyone, make something like that.

Right?

(He didn’t need something like that, anyway.  He was perfectly capable of un-personing someone through the butterfly effect alone.)

(But, at least in Danny’s case, that didn’t kill the person at the same time.)

“Maybe it’s a clock,” said Danny, finally.  That was the only thing he could think of that needed metal, glass, and chains.

“That isn’t an impossibility,” said Pandora.  “But I cannot imagine that there is a clockmaker better than Clockwork.  Even among the Observants.”

That was true.  “A really big telescope?”  He made a face.  “Have the Observants ever had you–?”

“THE TERRIBLE AND AWFUL BOX GHOST HAS RETURNED!” 

He had.  And he was carrying two clay vases with stoppers.  Amphoras.  Amphorae?

“Thank you,” said Pandora.  She stood, and plucked them from the Box Ghost’s hands before passing them on to Danny.  “Come, let me lead you to the rivers.”

.

The Phlegethon was just as Danny had imagined it, when Pandora told him it was made of fire, except for one vital detail.  The Phlegethon had no banks.  Unlike an earthly river, it flowed through the air, twisting, spiraling, climbing, falling, flattening, and stretching, all without any regard for the laws of physics.  It looked almost as if someone had made a sculpture of wire, doused it in oil, and then lit it on fire.  

“It isn’t always like this,” said Pandora.  

“Do you mean on fire, or one of the other things it’s like?” asked Danny.  

Pandora chuckled.  “It does not always flow through the air.  There are several islands that it travels across, but this is closest.  And, in my opinion, the most interesting visually.”

“Well, I’d say it was really cool, but I don’t think that’s really appropriate right now…”  Smoking?  No, that had the same problems as ‘hot,’ and, despite being on fire, there wasn’t actually any smoke coming off of it.  

“And I would direct you to scoop up some of the flames, but you are a cold-cored ghost, yes?”  She held out one of her lower hands.  

“I can make fire,” said Danny, handing her one of the amphorae and pouting a little.  

“Yes, quite an unusual talent for a cold-cored ghost.”  She pulled out the stopper, then leaned forward to dip the vessel in the river.  The flames licked her fingertips, but did her no harm.  “But why risk harm when a fire-core is willing to do the job?”  She pressed the stopper back in, then handed the amphora off to Danny.  

Although the Phlegethon seemed to be made entirely of fire, the amphora was heavy, and when it moved Danny could both hear and feel the movement of water (or at least some kind of liquid) inside.  The clay sides of the amphora were warm.  Between the movement of the water and the warmth, it almost felt alive, like a heartbeat.  

“And now,” said Pandora.  “The Styx.”

.

Luckily for Danny (who was starting to feel very sensitive about the time and how much of it he’d have to sleep, even if it was the weekend), the Styx wasn’t far away.  That river, apparently, had the same headwaters as the Phlegethon, along with several others, although Danny was pretty sure that arrangement wouldn’t have been possible in the real world.  He wasn’t the best student when it came to geography (or anything else), but he did know that rivers tended to flow together rather than splitting up.

Then again, rivers in the real world generally weren’t made of fire.  They didn’t even catch on fire all that often anymore, even if Sam was prone to showing old video clips of rivers catching on fire to illustrate various points against pollution and big business.  

The Styx wasn’t on fire, but it did look like it was going to catch on fire.  The river was black.  Where it rippled, there were oily, iridescent rainbows.  Its path through the air and across the nearby small islands was much… calmer than that of the Phlegethon.  It flowed at a slight angle, except when it suddenly dropped in waterfalls or spiked upward in… water-rises?  Or were they just…  Well, gravity wasn’t only one way, here.  If Danny flipped upside down and stayed that way for a while, his sense of gravity would reorient.  

Danny wondered if ghosts had names for this stuff.  It would make things a lot easier to talk about.  

“Is this… safe to touch?”

“Compared to the Phlegethon, yes,” said Pandora.  “But I would advise against drinking it.  Or touching it more than necessary.”

“Wasn’t there a story,” said Danny, “about Achilles, I think?”

“There was a legend that Achilles’ mother dipped him in the Styx, granting him some measure of invulnerability, with the exception of his heel, which she dangled him by.  But you will notice that she did not touch it herself, even to dip her child in it more completely.  There is a seed of truth in the story, but there are risks to overexposure.  Too much honesty.  Difficulty with promises, or even changing one’s mind.”

“Oh,” said Danny.  “That doesn’t sound great.”  It was petty, but Danny had actually wanted to fill one of these up himself.  Getting some water sounded like such and easy thing, but he wasn’t even really doing it himself…

“But it should be safe enough for you to fill an amphora.”  She nudged him forward.  “Go ahead.”

Danny approached, and carefully dipped the jar into the river, making sure to keep the handle he was holding far away from the dark liquid.  He waited until it seemed to overflow, poured out a small amount, and equally carefully put the lid back on.  

“Very good,” said Pandora, giving his head a pat.  “That should be enough for whatever the Observants will make.”

“Really?”

Pandora shrugged.  “If it wasn’t, they should have written down an amount.”

.

Danny felt like lugging around two jugs of magic water (at least one type of which was flammable) for an indefinite period of time was a bad idea, so, before he returned home, he went to the Observant’s headquarters.  

(He didn’t remember the official name of the place, and he wasn’t going to ask.)

When he got within sight (well, his sight) of the place, he slowed.  He’d gotten the impression that the Observants didn’t like him being there all that much, and he didn’t want to give them any reason to take offense.  

(That he felt so… threatened… when he was just dropping off something they’d asked for wasn’t a good indicator of the Observants trustworthiness, but both Pandora and Frostbite said the Observants were legitimately interested in preserving the timeline, and Clockwork, well, Clockwork hadn’t said much about them at all.)

But before he could get very close at all, one Observant started to fly towards him.  As they grew closer, Danny could see that they were the same Observant that had first approached him.  Or, at least, they felt like the same Observant.  

They didn’t look happy to see him.  

“Phantom,” they said, folding their arms to hide their clawed hands in their sleeves, “you are aware that the fate of time itself is at stake.”

“Yeah,” said Danny, even though that had sounded more like a statement than a question.  He held out the amphorae.  “So, are you going to take these, or what?”

The Observant glared.  “You ought to be more prompt with your deliveries.  You delay our work.”

Danny sucked in his lower lip.  “I get that,” he said.  “I don’t want the timeline to be destroyed, either, but I really work better with a deadline, if you know what I mean.”

The glare intensified.  

“I’ll also work better if you take these,” said Danny.  “I might have ghostly strength, but I’m not a zombie.  I don’t want to hold my arms out like this for the rest of my afterlife.”

Grudgingly, the Observant unfolded their arms and took the amphorae, holding gingerly by the handles, as if Danny had somehow contaminated them.  Which, rude.  

“Seriously, if we have some kind of actual time limit or countdown or whatever, I’ll try to get you the stuff before then, but, otherwise, I do have other stuff to do.”

“None of which are more important than the preservation of the timeline itself.”

“Maybe not,” said Danny.  “But if we’re talking about priorities, feeding yourself is more important than cleaning your toilet, but if you don’t clean your toilet, things in your bathroom can get pretty dire.”

The Observant stared at him.  

“I can’t tell if that’s just your normal face or if you don’t understand something I said.  Are you not getting it because ghosts don’t eat, or because they don’t have bathrooms?  Because I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Technus in a bathrobe, and the Far Frozen definitely–”

“You ought to take this seriously,” said the Observant in a rather severe tone.  

“You should take it seriously and tell me if there is a deadline.”

“Do not make light of our oaths, child,” growled the Observant.  

“Are they heavier than, you know, the timeline collapsing?  Because that’s what you’re telling me here.”

Instead of answering, the Observant whirled and started flying back to the headquarters building.  

What a jerk.

[sansarawheelvictim]

FRIEND

To be honest, I had expected to be assigned a partner right away after transferring there. However, a small part of me kept hoping that I would be able to avoid this, especially considering my previous experience. But, as was expected, I’m always out of luck.

A guy was standing in front of me, holding out his hand for a handshake. Clear blue eyes, blonde, slightly tousled wavy hair and a gentle smile. The boss, looking from him to me, smiled lightly and nodded in approval.

- From today, you two will be working together.

I couldn’t stop myself from glaring at her after this.

- My name is Arion Devereux! It’s nice to meet and work with you! - the guy said, without stopping smiling and standing with his hand outstretched for a handshake... Frowning, I just nodded and hid my hands in the pockets of my coat, having no desire even just to touch him.

- Mhm... Hayden Blackwood. Sorry, ma'am, are you sure I can't work alone? - I immediately forgot about Arion's presence in the office and turned to my boss. The woman just shook her head, chuckling.

- Blackwood, surely, you know that I'm aware of your great skills, but hunters have to work together. You know that. You had a partner before, right? So what's the problem then?

- ...There's no problem, ma'am. I understand, - I said, barely hiding my anger, - I'm free to go?

- Of course, you will be provided with uniform and weapons later, - the woman mumbled and immediately lost interest in our dialogue, burying herself into the documents that were scattered all over her table. I exchanged glances with Arion, who was still smiling, but not as happily as before. Apparently, I offended him by ignoring his presence. Well, that's even better. Maybe he'll give up on our partnership if I keep going like this. At least I hope so.

- Understood, ma'am, thank you, - I replied and, without waiting for an answer, quickly left the office with footsteps following behind me. Arion caught up with me and actively tried to adjust to my pace. He kept glancing my way, but still didn't say anything.

- Why are you even following me? Don't you have anything better to do? Like your work? - I grumbled at him, not looking in man’s direction at all. I didn't even need to turn to feel how hurt he was by these words. Arion was silent for a while, probably, trying to collect his thoughts. Not that I wanted to listen to him, but it was still a long way to the elevator, and I guess I'll have to put up with an unwanted companion for now. And why is time passing so slowly at such moments?

- Well, we're partners now, at least... I would really like us to be. Maybe we should try to get to know each other better? Maybe we will end up being friends, you know? - Arion muttered with obvious uncertainty in his voice and immediately looked away when I finally glared at him. I exhaled. Compared to my first partner, Arion felt like a breath of fresh air, even though I didn't want to admit it to myself. Where are my guarantees that Arion won't stab me in the back? There were none.

- ... What for? - I could only ask this. After all, I didn't want any new contacts, new acquaintances. I just wanted to do my job, which I was good at. A job that kept me going, that gave me a motivation to wake up. A job that I was doing alone for a while, since my partner had decided that it would be better to betray me and leave organization. No, I won't let anyone spoil my routine, because my job was the only thing that kept me from breaking down.

Arion just blinked in confusion.

- What do you mean “what for”?

- Why should we get closer? You're doing your job, and I'm doing mine. Since we've been put in these stupid double shackles, we'll have to make the most of it. If you bother me while I'm working or hunting, I’ll make you pay. Everything is simple. Do we understand each other?

- Wait, wait, I don't think you quite understand the meaning of partnership... - Arion started to laugh nervously, but I suddenly raised my hand, silencing him.

- I don't need your lectures. The dialogue is over, - and without waiting for an answer, I sped up and ran into the elevator. The last thing I had seen before the doors closed was Arion's sad face. It was better this way.

But apparently only I thought so. Every morning at my workplace, I was greeted by a happily smiling Arion, who, despite all my complaints, continued trying to get closer. It was incredibly annoying. I wasn’t a supporter of violence. Well, in most cases I wasn’t! But this situation was an exception. My hands itched to physically remove Arion from myself, but the scolding from my superiors hung like a thundercloud. I didn't want to ruin my track record. That was the one and only reason that was stopping me. At least, that's what I wanted to believe…

***

- One coffee right away! - still smiling warmly, just like at that meeting in the boss's office before, a man put a cup on my table. The smell of coffee was pleasant. I looked at Arion, confused.

- I can see it, but why? I don’t remember asking you to do this, - I said, no longer trying to hide irritation in my voice. Arion just shrugged, still smiling.

- Who would refuse a refreshing cup of coffee in the morning? I definitely wouldn’t. And I saw you near the coffee machine, but you haven’t done any coffee till now… So...

- ...You shouldn't have bothered.

- Maybe, but the coffee there is damn good, and I want you to try it.

I didn't want to continue our dialogue. Pushing the coffee away, I barely suppressed my irritation and got to work in silence. Arion, satisfied that the mug hadn't gone into the trash, retreated to his seat.

- If you need any help, tell me. I will help.

Silence was the only answer for him.

***

- We had a plan! Why didn't you just follow it?! - Arion was furious, pressing his bleeding hand to his chest. I just shrugged without any care. The hunt was completed successfully only because of me. What's the point of shouting now?

- Because I did it faster than your plan would have,- I replied irritated, rolling my eyes. For the first time since our meeting, Arion frowned at me.

- No! That's not how things work, we're partners, whether you want to or not, and you have to trust me, we have to be a team, you know! – the guy screamed and slightly shaking, stepped towards me. His hand involuntarily tightened on the truncheon. Who is he to lecture me? I've done my job. That's all.

- What's your problem, did we complete our mission? Complete. Is it successful? Successful - I said and leaned over to Arion, looking down at him. My partner was taken aback.

- What's my problem? Mine? Maybe the partner who put me in harm's way? Or maybe…

- If you don't like it so much, then go ahead and give up on me. I won't hold onto you, and I don't advise you to hold onto me.

Arion suddenly stopped talking and looked down. An unpleasant feeling squeezed my chest. My gaze fell on the wound on his arm that was still bleeding slowly. That werewolf had hit him pretty hard. I sighed. Arion was still silent and did not move from his place. For a moment, I saw myself instead of him. And this made me feel sick.

- Come on, Arion,- I forced myself to reach out and gently put my hand on his shoulder. The guy flinched, but didn't move away. – You need to be bandaged, as soon as we get back, we'll go straight to the medical center. They will patch you up.

A slow nod... Arion allowed me to take his arm and lead him. On the way to IAOS, none of us said a word.

***

Locking myself in the media room, I half-dozed through our future tasks. Arion was in the infirmary. I didn't know what to do with myself, because of this sick feeling of guilt. Arion didn't deserve this kind of treatment, and we both knew it. But I didn't understand why he was so committed to this obviously disastrous partnership. Surely there were hunters in the organization with whom he would get along perfectly. However, he had the same luck as I did. This ridiculous thought made me smile.

- That's funny.

- What's funny? - Arion limped into the media room. I shook my head.

- Funny that you don't listen well to doctors' recommendations and wander around.

Arion laughed. Sitting down in front of me, he lowered his head onto the table, pressing his cheek against the table, and muttered:

- But Hayden, it's so-o-o-o boring out there.

- ...Boring or not, health is above all and doctors need to be listened to.

Even though I knew how disgusting my words sounded, because I was the cause of his injuries I couldn't help myself. I would also like to thank Arion for not commenting on this in any way.

- Maybe you're right.

- Maybe.

This time, the silence between us was really comfortable.

***

- And why did I have to drag you to the infirmary again? No, that's not important. What the hell are you doing, may I ask? - I ask, not without difficulty hiding the irritation in my voice, looking at Arion lying on the bed. - I could have dodged that blow without a problem!

- Yeah, I know, but I didn't want you to get hurt...- Arion replies with a smile, shrugging nonchalantly. – Plus, it was worth it, especially after you got that asshole on his back!

We both laugh at the same time. Almost a year has passed and I still can't believe that this man had become so close to me. It wasn't easy, for the most part for him, of course, who would want to have an outsider like me as a partner? But, day by day, I began to get used to him and my distrust gradually faded. Yes, there is still a part of me that was afraid of being stabbed in the back, but this time, for some reason, I want to bet everything I have on Arion. He is my friend… No, not just friend, but my best friend, perhaps. And also he is, as much as I hate that word - my partner. Partner. Now that he is with me, the word doesn't sound so bitter on my tongue. I want to believe that this is for the best, but alas, I've never been an optimist. Although, looking into these blue eyes, I want to be one.

- Hayden, is everything okay? You're spacing out again,- a warm hand touches my shoulder. This makes me smile warmly.

- Yes, everything is fine now.

[harryforvogue]

hello welcome back to me writing out some ideas that will never become actual full stories. this was super fun because i've never written the bodyguard trope. i won't be writing more for this, but isn't this so fun???? hope you like it! (if the French is wrong, that's on me) 2.5k idk

***

France, 1843.

The tavern will do for the night.

It’s inconspicuous, a perfect hiding spot. In fact, now that she’s been in her room for the past three hours, it’s safe to say that if anyone were to come looking for her, they’d be long gone by now. That’s why she changes into a fresh outfit (provided by the very nice hostess who got teary eyed by the story she made up.) She’s now in a simple dress, much better than the other outfit. After all, it would be weird to be traipsing around in a wedding dress.

Her family went all in for the dress too. She’s going to hold on to it, see how much money she can make from it.

She comes down the stairs quietly. At nearly sunset time, the bar is starting to get crowded. She can definitely get mixed into the wave of people, giving her more cover. She expected several people to come in around this time anyways. Despite it being 4 in the afternoon, the winter allows for the sun to retreat earlier. The visibility outside must be terrible, and with a snowstorm on top of that, the only people coming into the tavern will be loyal customers and those sheltering from the weather. 

Of course, her family is too highly opinionated to stop at a measly little tavern like this.

She skips off the last step and looks around. She's picked an excellent spot.

When she sits at the bar, it takes only a minute for the bartender to catch her eye. “Une bière.”

He retreats to pour her drink, and then slides it across the wooden bar.

She catches it and smiles sweetly at him. Then relaxes into her seat and listens to the music.

What a disaster of a day. The whole town will be talking about it tomorrow: the runaway bride. Well, maybe not this town. No, this place is smaller, and less wealthy. They care little for the problems of the rich folk.

The minutes pass by in silence and peace. That is, until the bartender comes by with another drink that she definitely did not ask for.

“Ça vient du monsieur,” the man says.

She looks over to where he's gesturing.

Sitting at the end of the bar is a man she’s all too familiar with. His curls aren’t wet with snow, nor are his clothes, which suggest he’s been here for a long time. Has he been waiting for her out? Did he follow her the moment she left the chapel, or was it that his guess was just correct? Pure luck maybe. Regardless of the how, what matters is that he knows where she is, and he answers her scowl with a smile of his own, lifting his glass in the air as if to toast her attempts at escaping him.

“Merci,” she grits to the bartender. She turns back to her drink, trying to come up with a plausible story before Harry makes his way over. The thirty seconds it takes Harry to show up, though, is simply not enough. 

He sits on the vacant seat beside her. He slides his mug over and lightly taps hers. “Fear not,” he says in English, grinning with his dimples on full display, “I’m here alone.”

Harry’s been her guard for several years. He’s young, barely 3 or 4 years older than her. He rarely speaks with her, but he’s always there when she goes out, even when she’s with her fiancé. He was posted with her years ago when her father gained some political opposition, out of fear she’d get in harm’s way. Thanks to Harry, that’s never happened.

Suffice to say, she’s less than happy to see him here.

Normally, he’s a nice face to look at. All handsome and diligent. He stands nearly half a foot taller than her, always dressed in nearly all black. He has women fainting over him. She, too, can admire his beauty. 

But she’s not going to tell him that.

“As if an army of my father’s men would frighten me,” she replies back.

“Aren’t you glad to see me? Out of all the guards that could have been here searching for the runaway bride, aren’t you happy that it’s me and not another?”

“I’d be more happy to see my fiancé.”

Harry raises an eyebrow. “Is he still your fiancé?”

“I mean, I still have the ring on my finger.”

“Would have figured you’d pawned it off by now.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “Are you going to force me to go back? Because let me tell you, I’m going to put up a fight. I will scream bloody murder if you touch me.”

Harry looks amused now. He rests his chin on his palm.

“That is quite a plan. It’s easy to see how you could be so creative about running away too. Let’s talk about it because I do feel the need to give you kudos, mademoiselle. Not only did you persuade your father to have a winter wedding, but you also picked out the most expensive fabrics and gems for your big day. You convince your fiancé that you love him and then leave him in the church where everyone is supposed to witness a holy union. You thoroughly humiliated him. Excellent scheming.”

He actually does seem impressed.

She doesn’t say anything.

“And to answer your question,” he continues. “I don’t plan on forcing you to go back. In fact, I was actually anticipating this.”

“Anticipating this, how?” She doesn’t want to be on the defense, but he’s acting strange. Too comfortable. 

He rolls his head back and looks at her incredulously. “You may not see me at all times, but as your guard, I do keep my eyes on you. And it’s a wonder how other people didn’t notice. The way your smile dropped at the mere mention of him, the way you had to leave the room with a pitiful excuse every time he showed up. The way you refused to let him kiss you after he very kindly walked you home all the time. Almost difficult to watch.”

She feels her face burn. “You’re not supposed to spy on me.”

“That is my job. I get paid for it, so I might as well be thorough, no?” He’s smiling again.

“All those things mean nothing. It was a last minute decision to run away.” She tilts her head back and finishes her ale.

“Ah, that I know. It was the most surprising part when you didn’t show up. I knew you would pull something like this, make an excuse of some kind. I anticipated that – but I didn’t anticipate it happening on your wedding day.”

“I wasn’t going to wait for an annulment. Don’t know if that would even be possible. And who'd want to marry me after that anyways. Running away was my best option.”

“He’s absolutely distraught, by the way. He’d be very unhappy if he knew we were talking like this. We’ve become friends of some sort.”

“Why would he be upset about us speaking?”

The incredulous look comes back. “It pains me that you don’t know how jealous your little fiancé is. You have such little awareness.”

“Jealous?” She suddenly laughs. “Oh please. As if he has anything to be jealous about.”

Harry finishes his drink and then orders another round for them. As he does, she takes him in. He’s in his black vest, white long sleeved shirt, with an undone white cravat, his jacket tucked away somewhere in the bar. He taps his perfectly polished boots against the floor, pristine black trousers fitting nicely around his strong thighs. His trousers are always perfectly fitted, unlike the rest of her guards. Or maybe she’s just spent a lot of time looking at him.

“He has plenty to be jealous about, mademoiselle.”

“All my attention has been on wedding planning and such for weeks now. I haven’t had the chance to even talk to another man.”

He glances back at her when she’s looking down at his thighs. He’s silent for a moment, but then says quietly, “Not all jealousy has to come from interacting with a man. It could just be from the way you look at one.”

Her eyes jump back to his face. His eyes are narrowed as if trying to figure her out. “He has nothing to be jealous about,” she repeats.

“He doesn’t?”

“As horrible of a woman I am for leaving a man at his own wedding, I’m not the type of woman to betray him, even though I don’t feel any particular affection for him. I respect him and myself.”

“I don’t think it has anything to do with respect, mademoiselle. It’s about desire. After all, you should desire the man you’re marrying, is that not true?”

“Yes, and that’s why I’ve run away.”

“And if you were to desire someone else, it wouldn’t be betrayal, given you’re no longer his intended.”

He says it so casually, but she sees the way his eyes slip down to her mouth for a brief second. 

“I still have the ring.”

He glances at her hand. “Will you keep it?”

“Not planning on it.”

“And until then, you’ll stay faithful to a man you have no intention of marrying? Forgive me, I can’t seem to make sense of this logic.”

She thinks about how much she should tell him. He’s had it figured out, it seems. Maybe she wasn’t as good at hiding her true feelings about the union. Or maybe Harry’s just watched her too closely.

She says, “Are you really not going to take me back?”

Harry shakes his head. “What good would that do?”

“My father would appreciate it.”

“Your father has overlooked many things that I think have been worth appreciating over the span of my career as your dutiful guard, mademoiselle.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Harry doesn’t say anything. He simply watches her, as if she’ll understand him just from his expression. She doesn’t.

“Tell me,” she demands.

“I’ve done things that deserve recognition, that is all.”

“Like what?”

He narrows his eyes. “Like keeping you alive for the past four years, you ungrateful wench. With all the stupid decisions you make on a daily basis, I should actually be getting a fucking medal for managing to keep all your limbs in tact.”

The way he says it is so sudden and harsh, she can’t help but laugh. 

“Funny, is it?” he grumbles.

“Hilarious. So, what type of recognition would you even have liked for keeping me alive?”

“It doesn't matter now, I think. Surely I’ll lose my job for not getting to you in time and bringing you back.”

She sits up straighter. “If I were to be brought back, what do you think you’d deserve for it?”

He sighs. “I shouldn't say.”

“I want to know.”

“You’ll hate me.”

She smiles real wide. “So what?"

He contemplates it for a moment. Finishes his second drink and then drums his fingers on the bar top. His knee gently brushes against her skirts beneath the table. “Did you know that before your father picked him to marry you, he had one of the other guards draft a list of eligible men?”

Her expression sours. “There was a list? How disappointing.”

“Mhm. It wasn’t a very long one.”

“What does this have to do with my question?”

He looks at her, unblinking. “If I were to bring you back to your father, and you still had to marry, I would like to be considered on that list.”

Everything falls away. Her smile drops, and her heart beats hard in her ears. Harry doesn’t look away from her, watching every expression take over her face. Surprise, worry, and then…

“Oh.”

The corner of his mouth twists. “Right. And a part of me wishes I’d throw you over my shoulder and drag you back to him. Just to be considered, even for a mere moment. Long enough for there to be a mental image of you and I at the altar in your father’s head. I’d be pleased with even a mere thought if it’s the only time we'd ever be together. But that wouldn’t be fair, would it?”

“No.” Though the thought of being draped over that shoulder is more than enough to get her knee bouncing under the table. Her leg jostles his.

“And of course,” he says, smiling tightly, “you are loyal to your man because of that ring.”

They both look down at the gem. It gleams in the light. 

Harry’s eyes dart back up to hers. He watches her for several long seconds before he reaches out.

With slow movements, he takes her hand. “Unless…” he murmurs, resting her hand on top of his knee. He gently twists the ring off her finger and drops it into his pocket. She keeps her hand on his leg.

Could he be trying to get her to make a move? She’ll be truly guilty if she advances first, but he doesn’t seem to be pulling away either. She holds her breath.

What she ends up saying is, “You said that as my guard, you’ve always needed to keep your eyes on me.”

“Yes.” His gaze is heavy. Dark.

“Even when I didn’t need you to?”

“I always looked out for you. I always will. It’s become second nature to me.”

That makes her feel a certain way. A way she’s never felt in her life. Her breath catches. 

"You do deserve something for that," she says softly. She carefully squeezes his leg, right above his knee.

His jaw visibly tenses.

Harry leans in, and this is when she realizes he’s moving first. He takes a hold of her chin and tilts it up, eyebrows drawn together as if he’s really trying his best to stay away but can’t. He brings his head down. He whispers her name and her body caves, leaning into him.

For the first time in her life, she's excited about kissing a man. Her impatience suddenly surpasses the limit. She puts her other hand on his knee and pushes herself upwards to meet his kiss.

Just before his mouth touches hers, the bartender returns with a gruff, “Il est tout à fait inapproprié de le faire ici. Allez dans votre chambre.” 

Harry pulls away, just barely, and looks down at her through his eyelashes. He keeps a hold on her face. “Shall we?” he asks her, ignoring the bartender. 

She swallows roughly. His eyes are drenched with desire, her heart pounding away in her chest. She licks her lips, enjoying the way he follows the movement.

He whispers, “I’ll be nice, darling.”

Excitement spreads through her like wildfire. She balls her hands into fists and takes a deep breath. “Come.”

He smiles then, and it takes her aback. As he stands, he genuinely looks pleased. Relieved even. As if he’s been waiting for this chance. He takes her hand and tells her to lead him to her room. 

And when he presses her against her door, hands tangled in her hair, a searing kiss placed onto her mouth, she realizes this is what it’s supposed to feel like.

[mirikitakato]

[Translation] 4th Anni Card Episodes of Shino, Heathcliff and Oz.

Because they're nicely written by Bunta so I think I should translate them when I have them in hands. I also like the Oz's one a lot because it's funny but when you think about it, it's pretty wholesome in a very Northern way.

CARD EPISODE: SHINO AND THE DOOR OF DAYS BYGONE…

Akira: I heard that on the shores of Borda Isle, there is a door that allows you to see the past. Speaking of the past, when I first came to this world, I still had a lot of uneasiness in my heart. But when I recalled a certain memory, I felt at ease.

Shino: What memory?

Akira: The memory of a trusted adult reading a book to me as a child.

Shino: Is that so.

Akira: Is there any memories that would act like a talisman for you, Shino? Memories that provide comfort to you.

Shino:..... Somehow...

Akira: Yes?

Shino: I keep thinking about Heath.

Akira: Ah, I see. You two are childhood friends after all...

Shino: No, it's not good because I'm a servant. Memories of being with my master shouldn’t make me feel at ease. By the way, what did Heath say?

Akira: I haven't asked him anything yet.

Shino: What? Why didn't you?

Akira: S-sorry...

Shino: The feelings I had before were not for Heath, but for the time I spent with the master and mistress.

Akira: Would it make you feel at ease to remember that?

Shino: Guess so. Taking care of Heath is just a forced job.

Akira: You're saying that again...but your relationship isn't a forced one.

Shino: I know. Heath is my true master now. I can't allow myself to feel at ease when I think of my master.

Akira: I see...

Shino: I'll set an image for myself to remember. If I repeat it enough times, I can control these feelings.

Akira: Huh......!? Is that something you can control yourself?

Shino: If I have these feelings because a certain image comes to mind, then I can. Hmm, what kind of scene do I need to remember to feel at ease and become stronger?

Akira: (Even if you remember Heath, you won't become weaker though...)

Shino: Maybe Oz? After all, he's the strongest in the world. Hmm...? If I feel relieved when I see a strong guy come along, does that mean I'm weak?

Akira: It feels like a very random stream of consciousness, but thanks anyway...

CARD EPISODE: HEATHCLIFF AND THE DOOR OF DAYS BYGONE…

Akira: I heard that on the shores of Borda Isle, there is a door that allows you to see the past. Speaking of the past, when I first came to this world, I still had a lot of uneasiness in my heart. But when I recalled a certain memory, I felt at ease.

Heathcliff: A certain memory...Can I ask what it’s like?

Akira: The memory of a trusted adult reading a book to me as a child.

Heathcliff: Ah, I see. As a child, I was always drawn to the stories that adults would tell me.

Akira: Is there any memories that would act like a talisman for you? Memories that provide comfort to you.

Heathcliff: Hmm...well...there are many. Compared to other wizard children, my parents' love for me even made me feel guilty. They must have taken extra care of me so that I, who was born a wizard, wouldn't be in pain. My parents told me countless times how much they loved and cherished me. So...I've been living a peaceful life since then. Shino and the people who work at Blanchett also make me feel at ease. I'm so grateful to everyone for being able to live like this.

Akira: (Heath... Just listening to him makes me feel so happy...) (For some reason, he can't catch his breath. Is it because he’s suffocating or because he feels guilty?) (It's like he's talking to himself.) (Maybe because Heath is so sensitive, he knows that his parents and Shino want him to have a happy life.) (No matter what it is, if you're expected to do something, it's bound to put some pressure on you...) (...Heath has it tough too...)

Akira: I'm glad that Heath is surrounded by kind people. I also want Heath to live a peaceful and happy life.

Heath: Thank you, Sage.

Akira: But...I'm not saying I want you to live a perfect, ideal happy life. What I mean is that I want Heath to be able to live freely like everyone else, according to his own will. To enjoy happiness and sadness. Isn't that what everyone else wants?

Heath: Sage... I remember something. A scene that made me feel at ease when I was sad...

Akira: Please tell me about it. What kind of memory is it?

Heath: I may have mentioned this before, but... It's a memory of the orange tree in the greenhouse near Blanchett Castle.

CARD EPISODE: OZ AND THE DOOR OF DAYS BYGONE…

Akira: I heard that on the shores of Borda Isle, there is a door that allows you to see the past. Speaking of the past, when I first came to this world, I still had a lot of uneasiness in my heart. But when I recalled a certain memory, I felt at ease.

Oz: A certain memory...?

Akira: The memory of a trusted adult reading a book to me as a child.

Oz: ........

Akira: Is there any memories that would act like a talisman for you? Memories that provide comfort to you.

Oz: .....Making myself feel at ease with memories...?

Akira: I-is my question strange?

Oz: No... I always win against Mithra.

Akira: Yes.

Oz: I’ve never lost to Owen and Bradley. The same goes for the twins and Figaro, I won't lose to them now.

Akira: I know.

Oz: These memories and achievements make me feel at ease. It's not to the point of being relaxed, but just a statement of fact.

Akira: Okay...

Oz: Is this what you want to hear?

Akira: To be honest, that's not what I meant... It should be more heartwarming memories, right? The kind that can make people relax...

Oz: ......

Akira: (Oz and the Northern wizards, do they not have any memories that make them feel at ease, or any moments of relaxation?)

Oz: A long time ago, when I was still small and my power was far from what it is now... The twins and Figaro made me drink poison.

Akira: Eh??

Oz: Of course, I would never drink it obediently. I resisted with my life, and those guys were also seriously injured. After a few similar incidents, I understood. What they were giving me wasn't poison, but medicine.

Akira: (It's a little story about feeding medicine to a wild beast...)

Oz: I didn't know there was such a thing as medicine back then. I used magic to heal myself from minor and major injuries. And the medicine tasted terrible. But now, I can drink it without worry. Will a story like that do?

Akira: (It's barely heartwarming...)

[glitteringcrab]

Nip this in the bud (part 4)

Man I feel kinda dumb.

I kept trying to make sense of this phrase of the creators:

“There are parts of us that might cost us the things that we really want. There is an implicit choice there, where Evil Morty is giving Rick a decision where you can either stay here and beat the shit out of this guy until he’s dead, which is what you supposedly have always wanted, and while you’re doing that, that’s gonna be the reason why I’m walking away with the power to destroy everything you ever cared about.”

because I thought Rick C-137 was not initially aware that Eyepatch Morty had gotten the weapon plans, and had to be informed of it by Rick Prime who is, of course, untrustworthy.

Plus, you know, Eyepatch Morty stayed behind long enough to confirm to Rick C-137 that he got the weapon plans so really, where is the "choice"? What "decision"? As far as I could tell Eyepatch Morty made all the decisions for him.

Then I realized I was an idiot lol.

The show left us (or at least me) with the impression that Eyepatch Morty was afraid of being wiped out of existence by the Omega Device:

And I'm sure this fear indeed factored in his decision to participate in the Prime hunt, true, but...

...he had suggested from the very beginning that he was interested in the weapon itself:

(...I just forgot about it, heh)

Given that we know and that Rick C-137 knows that Eyepatch Morty was in the habit of stealing memories from Ricks, it becomes extremely obvious that when Eyepatch Morty presented to Rick C-137 Rick Prime on a platter, he had already gotten what he wanted:

(Of course, Rick Prime did not all know all that, so as far as he was concerned he likely did not expect his attempt to turn Rick C-137 against Eyepatch Morty would yield any short-term results so I think my previous assumption that Rick Prime aimed for delayed revenge probably still stands)

But yeah. I now get the "choice" part. Even without Rick Prime's input, Rick C-137 would totally assume that Eyepatch Morty already possessed the weapon plans, and Eyepatch Morty knew Rick C-137 would know he has the weapon plans...

...aaaaand Rick C-137 still prioritized killing Rick Prime over ensuring his family was safe from dying forever (I still think part of it, even a small one, was because he had just fought alongside Eyepatch Morty and because Eyepatch Morty had just saved his life. Or at least I hope so. It would be extremely underhanded of Rick to turn against him after all that).

As for Eyepatch Morty sticking long enough afterwards, making it possible, in theory, to get attacked, since with Rick Prime gone Rick C-137 was now free to follow the next set of priorities?

1. Eyepatch Morty might have been able to guess that Rick C-137's mental state after killing Rick Prime would leave no room for another battle.

2. He might be confident in his ability to escape in a moment's notice with a portal.

3. Aforementioned debt due to Rick C-137 having his life saved by him.

One final thing:

Since he knew that Rick C-137 could make an educated guess that he as of now possessed the weapon plans, his "threat" takes a completely different spin (maybe):

While he is, indeed, confirming that he got the weapon plans (and providing proof of it) I think Rick C-137 did not need that confirmation. I think if he exited that control room to find Eyepatch Morty gone, he would have assumed he got the weapon plans and skedaddled to safety just the same. He'd know his life and his family's lives might once again be at risk in the future and that he might one day be forced to do something about it.

So is it so much that Eyepatch Morty is threatening Rick C-137 to "stay away or else"...

...or is it that he's trying to placate him?

"Don't worry, I won't even build this unless you force me to. So stay away."

He's trying to reassure Rick that he won't kill him out of spite nor his family for the lulz the way Rick Prime did. He's trying to convince Rick to not try to pre-emptively hunt him down.

Plus if my theory that Eyepatch Morty is physically unable to fire the weapon against Ricks himself is correct, his options with the Omega Device are a lot more limited. He might be able to manipulate someone else to fire it in his stead, but that would probably take time to stage. Threatening to fire it is one of the best uses he can get out of the Omega Device, so he does precisely that. In this scenario, placating Rick is also very important because EM won't be able to use the weapon defensively if an angry Rick C-137 teleports at his doorstep. So he has to hit that spot where Rick C-137 is wary of him but not constantly terrified of him, and he goes for exactly that.

Interesting that Rick Prime tried to upset this balancing act and to push Rick C-137 firmly towards the "terrified" option.

(Man even with the strongest weapon in the world Eyepatch Morty still seems scared to me. Or maybe he ain't scared at all because of how successful he is in balancing everything, but I still feel like he's a lot more on the defensive than I initially thought)

[kauzebridgerton]

Kauze History.

Chapter 3: Sakamaki Mansion.

I stayed at Mr Karlheinz's mansion for two days, he gave me a pair of clothes, but they were a little big on me, and they smelled old, but at least I had something different to wear, and that made me happy! But... They weren't that pretty.

— Mr. Karlheinz, whose old man's clothes are these?

— They belonged to one of my sons, I believe that over time they will fit you completely. As you are in the development phase, I believe you should eat like a normal child until you gain more weight.

— Oh, is that why they're big on me?

— Exactly, but don't worry, I ordered my servants to provide you with new clothes.

—Oh! Oh! So.. I want something without it being yellow! I hate yellow!

— Huh, how curious, coming from someone who has hair that color.

—Exactly, this is my downfall, how can someone who has yellow hair wear yellow clothes? That would be so cheesy! Yuck!

— I understand, don't worry, I will pass this information on to them. — He put his hand on my back and started to lead me towards the exit. — Well, now I will take you to my children's mansion.

I nodded, but at the same time I was a little sad, since I didn't want to leave there, living with Mr. Karlheinz was really cool, he told me some things about the vampire universe, and he also told me about my parents

He had told me that he was a friend of my parents, and he told me that if it happened to them, he would take care of me, and that's exactly what happened, I think I'm very lucky that Mr. Karlheinz found me and I think my parents would be happy for him to be with me.

— Huh... I didn't want to go... — I said a little fearfully, as I sat in the limousine next to him. — What if they don't like me?

— They don't need to like you, just keep you alive and respect them, affection should come last, you hear?

I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, but then shrugged, if they don't like me, maybe I'll make other friends along the way.

— Huh, okay... But I like you!

— I am happy with that.

Well, this wasn't what I expected, but I guess Mr. Karlheinz is just a grumpy adult who doesn't talk about his feelings, so I made him a heart with my hands, and then I turned away from him and started looking to the window. I stayed like that for a while at the window, but soon fell asleep.

— Hey, Kauze. — I felt someone moving me, I opened my eyes, it was Mr. Karlheinz.

— Huuhh... — I ran my hand under my eyes and then stood up, picking up my Batman magazine. — Please don't leave me... I swear I won't bother you...

I said trying to convince him to stay with me, I didn't want to stay in the house of people I don't know, but as soon as I saw Mr. Karlheinz's irritated look, I immediately shut up and followed him to the entrance and then the door opened and we went to the entrance hall, there was a man with black hair and glasses, he smelled of tea and looked like he had drunk a very sour lemonade because of his angry face.

— So, this is the boy? — he looked at me, I quickly hid behind Mr. Karlheinz. — ... Apparently I'll have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'll do what you asked me to do, father.

— I know you will. — Mr. Karlheinz pulled me from behind him. — I'm leaving, remember what I asked you. I hope you behave, Kauze. And I want the boy alive, make that clear to your brothers.

And then Mr. Karlheinz disappeared, just like he did that day he found me, only this time he didn't take me with him, which made me very sad, but I didn't want to cry in front of this scary man.

— Hah... — I sighed sadly, but then looked at the man in front of me.

— You must be Kauze, right? Come with me. — He quickly started walking and I followed him. — We have rules in this house, so I hope you don't behave like a brat, otherwise I will punish you.

—...! — I looked at him scared, but then I shook my head. - I'll behave! I promise!

— Excellent.

He then opened the door to a room, it was quite large, but it looked like an adult's room, similar to the one I stayed in at Mr. Karlheinz's mansion, the difference was that the walls were in a lighter shade of blue.

— Yaaaay, there's no yellow! — I celebrated. - What is your name?

— Reiji Sakamaki. — He answered me. — I'm glad I don't need to tell you obvious things and you already understand what your room will be like, I want you to keep it organized. I'll take a look at it.

— Well, I don't have much to let him mess around with... — I shrugged and left a small suitcase next to the bed, inside it were my old clothes and my Batman magazine. — Hey, Reiji, are you the oldest?

— No, I'm the second son. The oldest is Shu, but he's a good-for-nothing, so he's not surprised that I have to do his job.

I raised my eyebrows and looked to the side, apparently they didn't get along at all, but I think it's better to stay out of it, as I wouldn't want to be in the middle of a fight between two adults.

—Hah, has the brat arrived yet?

Another man's voice appeared, and he had red hair and wore his clothes the wrong way, I quickly crossed my arms and pouted at him, who does this fool think he is?

—... — I looked at him sullenly.

— Frankly Ayato, you surpass yourself every day in terms of lack of education, but since you're here, I'll get on with my work. — Reiji looked at me. — This is Kauze, the boy Karlheinz mentioned.

— Heh, look at his clothes. — I felt him mocking me. — Hey, brat! I'm talking with you!

— Mr. Karlheinz told me that those clothes belonged to one of you, it's not my fault if you wore old people's clothes...

— Hah?! Wait! These clothes are Kanato's! — The silly redhead pointed at me. — You look ridiculous.

— I know! Do you think I like wearing this...?! I want more comfortable clothes.... Mr. Karlheinz said he would provide more clothes for me, but I'm afraid they'll be ugly too... — I lowered my head, already expecting my defeat.

—Heh, I was also trying to guess who they were. — Reiji looked at me too. — Still, they're pretty loose with you. You are certainly underweight. You should be grateful for these clothes, for a street kid you are demanding too much.

— I'm sorry, Reiji... — I said embarrassed, hugging my body so they wouldn't notice how thin I am. — Mr. Karlheinz told me I would gain weight if I ate enough food.

— Yes, that's obvious.

— Reiji, I'm not going to take care of this brat, you can get me out of this.

— Hey...! I know how to take care of myself very well, I just need help with adult things... — I said embarrassed.

Ayato was really annoying, why was he being so mean to me? I had just arrived! I didn't do anything that could make him mad at me, I moved a little away from him and approached Reiji, who didn't seem very nice either, but at least he wasn't talking bad about me.

[deviousdevilx]

Ugh I feel bad that my dad's relationships with his siblings (my aunt and uncles) is pretty much non-existent, and a lot has to do with the fact my dad isn't the easiest man to get along with, he's a man that requires a lot of patience and grace, and well his siblings are extremely judgmental people even towards each other besides my dad. Like NONE of them really get on, and after us kids, my cousins and I got to be adults, but still into our 20s, the effort of getting together over holidays or family suppers got less, and less. I think my one cousin's wedding was literally the last time we all were together!

And then when I moved to NZ in 2018 my dad's relationship got very more estranged with his own family. And I feel bad for my dad, but then again, he rarely texts or reaches out first, I doubt he remembers his siblings birthdays (he doesn't remember mine lol), and like, I've always wondered if my dad is neurodivergent because he lacks a lot of social awareness, and is very much a loner type. He struggles with social queues sometimes. My dad is not a bad or toxic person, he is just, well, who he is, and he ain't changing, and it's a struggle sometimes but I've come to terms he wasn't a good dad, he probably could never have been a good dad with just how he is. It is what it is, and I have formed a relationship with him in terms that work for me and him. I can only handle him for short periods, and see him maybe once a month, and he appreciates that (he's at least more vocal about saying I love you, and thanking me and my mom, his ex, for having him over etc which is something!)

I guess I have low expectations of my dad because I know that's all he can provide, and again, it is what it is, but sadly his own siblings aren't like that. They won't meet or understand my dad for where he is at in his life, and who he is. He's not malicious, cruel, or mean, he's stubborn as a mule(hates being told what to do which is has led to petty disputes with his one brother and sister), narrow minded in some ways, open in others, and lives his life his own way, which can be frustrating but he's an adult who can make his own choices even if I, or anyone else think they're not the best! I know for a fact one big issue with my one uncle, who I don't like myself, is he thinks my dad should be doing this, and that, and doesn't and that is unacceptable to my uncle, my aunt is similar but less so.

Yeah anyways, I just feel the need to get these thoughts out of my head. Like a diary lol

I just kinda wish at the very least my aunt would just have my dad over for a holiday or two, like again, as someone who can maybe see him once a month, spend a few hours over dinner, if I can handle that as an adult, why can't they?

[statisticalcats2]

"Did you remember me then too?"

Bucky blinked at the question. It seemed to come out of nowhere, nothing in recent conversation providing any hints to context.

His confusion apparently showed, as Steve clarified, "The helicarrier. When I fell into the river. You saved me. Was it because you remembered?"

"...You knew that was me?"

"Who else could it have been?"

Bucky gave a small shrug but still gave no answer.

"It's ok if you didn't. I just... wonder why you did it."

Bucky furrowed his brows, sorting through his thoughts and words.

"I... didn't. But I did?"

~

The Soldier had already had certain... imperfections programmed out of him. It had been many years since he had last hesitated, second-guessed, looked into a mission's face and felt anything other than firm determination to finish the job assigned to him.

But facing his new mission, Captain America.... was different. Old imperfections resurfaced but... sharper, stronger. It wasn't unknown for him to have strange flashes, little sparks of images flickering into his brain and leaving just as quickly. It only happened with some missions. Like other imperfections, it had been some time since it had happened.

And just like the others, Captain America brought it all back. But this time the flashes were clearer, longer. Images of a young blond man, smaller and shorter, sickly, but the link was there inexplicably. And those images... They brought warmth, a strange fuzzy feeling as he saw, from the perspective of some unknown person... touching the man. Clasping shoulders, hands, brief hugs... longer embraces in the privacy of some empty room. He could even swear he could feel it all himself.

Those images lingered, unlike the others, but they were still imperfections, and his handlers took care of it.

But it seemed like the images were unbreakingly tied to Captain America's visage. He couldn't look at the man and not encounter the images. And for the first time in a long time, the Winter Solider felt distressed.

~

"They could have gone away if you had let me die."

Bucky shot a horrified look at Steve's blunt statement and the other man gave a half-smile, half-grimace.

"I'm just trying to understand it. Or maybe to help you understand it. You... could have gotten rid of an imperfection yourself while also finishing your mi-"

"You're not an imperfection." Bucky abruptly cut him off, surprising himself with the ferocity in his tone.

Steve's eyes widened, startled by the sudden outburst, before his face settled into a softer expression. But he didn't continue his sentence, as if he expected Bucky to have more to say.

But Bucky didn't know what else to say. It all still felt unreal in a way, as if this was all just one really long and detailed flash of images. As if the next eye blink would open up to him back on his mission, filing away the imperfections and defects to be fixed.

He was pulled out of his thinking by the warm press of Steve laying his hand over Bucky's own. "We don't have to continue talking about it, I'm sorry if I upset you."

"You didn't. Not really." Bucky softly assured, staring at their touching hands. He could feel Steve. Stronger, realer than the feelings that lingered in the images.

"I won't leave you again, Bucky. No matter what. If I lose you again... I'll find you. I won't stop 'til I do."

Bucky looked up and met his eyes. "....'Til the end of the line, yeah?"

Steve smiled. "'Til the end of the line."

~

~

~

This is my work for @fandomtrumpshate 2023, made for @voxiferous

I hope you like it!

[smimon]

More questions to giant k

Fav season? Why?

Least fav season? Why?

Potato fan? 👀👀👀 i freaking love potatoes, especially fried 🤤🤤🤤.

Who was the first K called once he realised something was wrong? How did that go?

How was the adjustment phase?

Why is he so tall? Was there a reason and if so what was it? Is it permanent or temporary? Can it be undone? Who caused it? 👀👀👀 more backstory?

What influences his size? Can he get even taller? Will clothes given to him magically fit suddenly? Even if the item was standard size? Or does that not work?

He is tall yes but did he ever got lost?

Jay my friend saving the day again with a pile of nice questions 🥹💛

Fav season? Why?

Must be summer because he can just walk shirtless and not worry about wearing the same one t-shirt for the 100th time 😅

Least fav season? Why?

Was gonna say winter which is I guess true for irl Jere but actually giant K would enjoy the thought that he can serve as a portable heater for his friends and just shove them under his jacket in case they don't dress warm enough for the weather 🤭

So maybe it is autumn instead, when the weather forces him inside buildings more often than he would like :/

He still hasn't experienced spring as a giant so the ranking might still change 👀

Potato fan? 👀👀👀 i freaking love potatoes, especially fried 🤤🤤🤤.

He's probably enjoying baked potatoes more than fries, chasing each and every single fry through the plate must be irritating when they are so tiny to him, and cutlery won't make things any easier...

I bet he loves kumpir!

Who was the first K called once he realised something was wrong? How did that go?

🥹 This will be detailed in one episode but he did set up a group call thing with Häärijä and Jesse, asking them to come keep him company but still not quite understanding what happened.

Jesse was the first to arrive because Häärijä quickly went shopping for groceries (they thought he's sick or something). He and Jere first assumed they must be hallucinating, until they realized they are not 😅 and Häärijä never noticed something changed but still made sure his friend is being taken care of 💛

How was the adjustment phase?

Well, once he realized he is very likely not going to shrink anytime soon, he took extra effort to feel comfortable in his new shape as soon as possible.

So he did a lot of physical activity until the movements felt right again, like aerobics and swimming and zumba and Just Dance. And asked his gym to provide weights heavy enough for him to not go out of shape.

And definitely tried to squeeze on purpose into every hole and opening and space that seemed just barely big enough for him, so that he could learn his limits before he got stuck somewhere accidentally when least expecting it. Mostly places that are not meant for human presence at all. He would notice a wardrobe or a car trunk or two trees growing close to each other and go nyoom! without a single thought.

Why is he so tall? Was there a reason and if so what was it? Is it permanent or temporary? Can it be undone? Who caused it? 👀👀👀 more backstory?

Can't answer because spoilers for final episode 🥲

Can I say that he grew through the power of love like Clifford the big red dog? Would you accept such an answer? XD

Well there is one way it could go away with time, but it would take years and also it does not seem likely at this point (will be detailed in the finale). So it is permanent for now.

The magical forces that caused it technically could revert it if persuaded enough. But they are proud and stubborn magical beings who believe their actions were only good and right and mere mortals disagreeing with them is not enough to make them undo such a magical masterpiece! (The finale will be very fantasy genre haha)

What influences his size? Can he get even taller? Will clothes given to him magically fit suddenly? Even if the item was standard size? Or does that not work?

Oh he would never want to get so big that it would be impossible to hold hands with his friends 🥺 and the forces of magic are not cuel, they won't do this to him 💚

His current size is a result of a few coincidences and misunderstandings and some ignorance too 😅 once he and his friends learn the truth they will probably sit and stare in the void for a few hours

He needs his clothes tailor-made 🥺 everything he owned before the change also grew, but new clothes need to be specifically made for him. If he were to return to his previous size, the new bigger clothes would shrink too! Magic is so thoughtful!

He is tall yes but did he ever got lost?

Wouldn't it be the funniest thing 😂

Imagine Kä confidently going for a walk in an unknown neighbourhood believing he has a good sense of orientation since he can see so far. And five minutes later calling Jesse for help and unable to even describe where he is 👍

Thanks for asking 😊💛

[danthropologie]

I'm going to dump the most delulu thought that had, maybe, ever crossed your blog, but before you judge me, heart me out.

The AT seat negotiation is not for Daniel but for Sergio, and this is why I think it makes more sense.

1. The only reason why Sergio is still driving for RedBull now is because of Daniel. RB and Christian don't want to repeat the Alex and Pierre PR disasters and if they switch Daniel and Sergio mid season then people will say that RB gave Sergio a broken car to have Daniel back, etc.. etc.. etc... So going him a seat at the brand new team as 1st driver might placate some of that heart.

2. Sergio is a good driver with a lot of experience and he's still useful to the team, but the pressure and the weight of being Max's teammate isn't something that he can handle as it has been proven on multiple occasions, now imagine if at some point Mercedes or Aston Martin or even Ferrari add some upgrades that could compromise the second place in the driver's championship. Do you think that Sergio is going to be able to deal with Fernando? Lewis? George? Carlos? or Charles? As well as trying to keep up with Max? I personally think he won't. But him driving in the midfields with Alpine, McLaren might be more adequate to his style rather than dealing with Max and all the expectations that comes with being RB's second driver.

3. Some people say that RB only need a driver to keep the rest of the grid off Max, I think that that is no longer the case because you have Max saying that although he likes the sport he isn't that much interested in winning another championship that easily so if you want a driver to challenge and provide good and entertaining fights then Daniel is the right choice. No offense to Sergio but he "doesn't have that dig in him" and besides defending he isn't very skilled in overtaking, he just have a fast car.

In conclusion if Helmut wants to rebrand AT with a more experienced driver then Sergio is the right choice, he can be a the first driver with Yuki, almost as an experimental launch if you want.

you know what, it suits my agenda so i'm down for it. checo's midfield performances pre-red bull WERE good—that's what got him the red bull seat in the first place—so if you want someone who's a solid driver but maybe not a top tier, best of the best talent to lead your team back up to the midfield, it makes sense!! the only con against him and this whole plan is that he's not a red bull driver™. he's not someone that was brought up through the system and i think for that reason, he doesn't really garner the same amount of loyalty as someone like pierre or alex. i guess maybe if they need to ride out the rest of his contract that could be an option regardless, but at that point it's like....would he even WANT to do that or would he rather just go be at home with his family 😭 hopefully get a nice severance package instead 😭

[shelbbswrites]

I'm so worried for how ND will wrap up given the direction this season has gone 😬 it's not my favorite, and I don't see how we get a satisfying Nace endgame with Nancy and Ace being in the worst place they've ever been and Nancy kissing Tristan last episode... I'm praying for a time jump!! Otherwise it will feel cheap and unearned - like it was shoehorned in at the last minute just because the show got canceled. I don't want to see Ace's individual character sacrificed for a ship - he suffered a huge betrayal from Nancy, one that strikes deep at his core thinking she tried to change him (on of his biggest insecurities) - his feelings (and anger) are valid, and he needs time to heal and process and rebuild his relationship with Nancy. Nace's beautiful relationship was just utterly decimated this season and it makes me so sad. I'm still in denial that their touching phone call didn't actually happen and was a false memory (sigh). Oh, and I HATE that the show used the violent death of black woman just for angst for the white ship. Totally unnecessary and I don't understand why this was added so late in the game - it taints nace for me ngl. Nancy trying to cover it up after Ace hadn't even had time to sit and process anything for more than 10 minutes really feels OOC.

Oh and I guess fanson is dead since they both seemed to move on with other people. I don't know, I hope I'm not coming off as too negative, but this season has been rough and I'm bracing for the worst so I won't be too disappointed. I love this show so I'm hoping they can stick the ending, but I don't think they set themselves up for success. I'm gonna need fic writers to be ready to fix everything!

To me, being so nervous about how Nancy and Ace will end the show together makes me more excited to see the series finale.

Because, yes, they are in a fractured state, and, yes, Nancy and Tristan appear to be moving forward. With both elements working against Nancy and Ace's "happily ever after," I am EAGER to see what twists and turns await to bring Nancy and Ace together.

I am also expecting a time jump. If any shows are going to utilize one, it makes sense that a supernatural show would want to provide a new, stable ground for its characters after seasons of magical turbulence.

I agree that I want the best for Ace's character, and I agree his feelings are valid.

The promo video teases a highly emotional scene between Ace and Nancy, and I'm hoping THAT'S the scene where they finally talk about their feelings rather than fight about them. While a lot can be learned about the two characters' relationship by how they fight, the last few episodes feel like Nancy and Ace talking at each other rather than talking to each other. And if they're going to finally have that conversation, it's now or never.

While I disagree that this season decimated Nace, I agree that I wish we could have seen more of Alice outside of how she supports Nancy and Ace's arcs. I understand that learning more about her before the accident could've taken away from the heart-wrenching shock of learning about the fire. Nevertheless, Season 4 makes time for Tristan; I wish it could've for Alice, too — and maybe it would've if the season were longer or the show was renewed for another season.

I can't imagine how difficult it is to wrap up a show that clearly has more gas in its tank in 13 episodes.

As for Nick and George, I don't mind that they're broken up. I actually like it. And that's not me telling you your opinion is wrong — just sharing mine.

I admire the heck out of the Nancy Drew writers, and I look forward to seeing how they bring this wild ride to a close tonight.

[merp-blerp]

My silly headcanons about what happened to the Beast/Adam's parents and Adam's childhood because I don't have enough material to write a fic for it (probably)

Adam's mom, let's call her Claire just because, is the queen of France. Solely, with no king by her side. Maybe she's similar to the real-life Elizabeth I, where she rules alone by choice for political reasons or trauma reasons.

However, like Elizabeth I was/is suspected to have had, Queen Claire has a lover in secret that she won't marry for those same political or trauma reasons. Let's call Claire's lover Henri.

Henri is probably not noble. Maybe he's in the palace staff, a soldier, or even a commoner. That could be part of why they can't be public (I think I like the commoner option the most because it parallels Belle and Adam a bit).

Either way, Queen Claire and Henri are in love. They get married in private without the citizens' knowledge (because we can't have Adam be a child out of wedlock in Disney, realistically).

Queen Claire becomes pregnant and hides herself away because her being pregnant without a publicly known husband would be a bad look. She decides that she's going to discreetly raise her child in the palace. Wouldn't feel too weird because that's what Mrs. Potts does later. She and Henri plan to let their child leave the palace as a "commoner" so they can go to school, make friends, and see the world (especially if Henri's a commoner), but at the end of the weekdays, their child will be covertly transported back to the palace and live there on the weekends.

Unfortunately, for this story to work, Henri has to die. If he's a commoner, maybe he gets sick, in an accident, or more interestingly, gets murdered. Maybe his relationship with the Queen is found out by someone and they kill Henri because they see him as, for lack of a better phrase I can think of, a golddigger who left his fellow commoners behind to live more lavishly than them (parallels how vain Belle's town can be). If he's a soldier, he most obviously could've died in battle. If he's in palace staff, an accident could've happened. He dies before Adam is born.

Left saddened by her lover's death, Queen Claire is taken care of by the palace staff; I like to imagine the same palace staff that Beast would confide in later, like Mrs. Pots and Cogsworth.

Eventually, the time for the baby's birth comes, but it comes earlier than expected due to the depression and stress on Claire by Henri's death (can that cause preemie births?). Queen Claire dies in the process of giving birth. The staff lie to the public that the Queen died of an unknown sickness to avoid telling them about the still publicly unknown baby.

The palace staff fear they will lose the baby too, as preemie babies didn't often survive in this time period. They wish upon a star to save their baby. Suddenly the palace is visited by *GASP* the Enchantress. Because they wished, she uses her magic to save the innocent baby, causing the baby to develop all his vitals he needs to live. She doesn't inform the staff, however, that she plans to test the boy one day to definitively decide if the baby was a waste of life-saving magic or not (which is messed up, and I'll get to my rationalization of the Enchantress soon enough).

Claire and Henri either never got to choose a name for the baby or simply didn't let the staff know of their planned name. The staff decides to name the baby Adam because it means "Son of red earth" and Adam has visible wisps of red hair (due to the magic I guess).

Not knowing of Queen Claire and Henri's plans on raising Adam with an almost double life as a commoner by day and hidden prince by night, the staff raise Adam like a typical prince, providing him with lavish clothes, making all of his schooling private in the castle done by them personally, and being his only real company, as they assume that's what his parents would've done.

I'm not sure how exactly monarchies work, but I know it's possible that a prince could be (one of) the primary ruler (i.e. Prince Philip with Queen Elizabeth II) so I think it makes sense that Adam's not a King and has no father who is one. As most know, Adam is only eleven when he becomes the Beast, so in real life when minors become head rulers, a “regent” is appointed to govern. I'd put my bets on Cogsworth being Adam's regent, as he seems to (try to) run the show in the og film.

Being so sheltered, Adam becomes lonely and easily angered, as even though the staff try their best to raise the boy, nothing can replace him making connections with kids his age. He's likely confused as to why he has to be alone, but the staff insists it'll save his mother's reputation with him being unknown. And even though the staff homeschooled him, they aren't noble, so they can't teach Adam to behave noblely. This is why he eats improperly like a child (which only gets worse when he becomes a beast and using human-made things gets harder), doesn't seem to know how to ballroom dance properly (Belle quickly teaches him during their dance), and can't correctly control his anger. By the time Adam is eleven, the staff’s hope of taming him begins to slowly drain, resulting in rules not being as heavily reinforceda before. Adam can act out easier without much consequence. Being raised as a prince and getting told that, regardless of whether the townspeople know it, he is the most important cog in the machine, makes Adam vain. I'd also imagine that, with all the books in the castle library, Adam could've grown up on several stories and poorly interpreted the common trope of ugly characters being evil and beautiful characters being the victors. He sees his own beauty and decides that he must also be the victor, but doesn't realize that goodness comes from actions and he hasn't done anything to warrant being so. Being isolated could also make it easy for him to be antisocial. He might even be trained to turn away people if they were to stop by because he’s the secret prince. So if he got a particularly ugly visitor, he'd likely turn them away (wink, wink). He's a bratty child and stays that way, emotionally stunted, till the events of the film.

The town however never learns of Adam's existence [till the end of the film, since people are invited to Belle and Adam’s celebration party (it's likely not their wedding, it doesn't look like one)]. The townspeople seem to not be very bright, so maybe they didn't think about why they don't seem to have a new monarch appointed after the Queen's death. Maybe they just assume the monarchy was abandoned, especially since the castle looks abandoned by the time the og film starts, so they go about their days living off their own rules. Maybe they’ve even made Gaston the de facto leader, since everyone follows his lead so willingly.

On that fateful night, the Enchantress disguised as a hag asks for shelter, but Adam turns her down. When the Enchantress reveals herself and turns him into the beast it is both to teach him a lesson and out of at least some malice. I theorize that the Enchantress is probably similar to Tinkerbell in the og Peter Pan, where she can do good, but also has a "mischievous" side. She knows it's not 100% ethical to turn an eleven-year-old Adam and his staff into a beast and objects, but a part of her likes seeing those she perceives as in the wrong, or in her way, suffering. She sees Adam's anger and vanity, along with the staff's inability to control it and decides that they deserve their fates. The act of turning them into those things feels like a joke about who they are on the inside from her perspective: a monster and objects to be used. As a fairy or fairy-like creature, she probably doesn't have human ethics and morals, such as it being improper to curse a child. I wouldn't say she's "evil", but she's not 100% pure either.

Once Adam is the beast, his anger, of course, rises. His staff lost all hope of calming his anger and no longer disciplined him (being objects also makes doing that a lot harder). It isn't until Belle enters the story that the staff are inspired to, not necessarily discipline the now adult Adam like a kid, but enforce that Adam try to be his own change so that he can deserve Belle through his own actions. Of course, he succeeds, gains Belle's love, and gets the curse lifted off of everyone.

Since Adam wants to be publicly romantic with someone of a lower station than himself, it is finally explained to the town that Queen Claire got married to and had a baby with Henri, and their family's honor isn't tarnished after all. I’d bet that after the death of Gaston and his lack of influence, the townspeople are shown the citizens that surface-level things don't matter.

[shummashum]

Klaus Goldstein Ch3 [1~5]

Previously on Ch2! Liz, who was summoned to the Headmaster's office at Remb's request, learned from him that an investigation team would be formed to retrieve the academy's stolen goods. Would this investigation proceed well?!

...attack?

okay… let me hear his lecture we already heard in Zeus' route though

those were the days alas, I'm already starting to hear that bgm

yes!! how on earth is he going to show up later during the romance session I'm fucking scared

but… that's true but the walkthrough says I have to choose the option of denial eeh,,

right right our mighty Emperor Klaus always has been nice and kind!!

…what? what did you say what you I think you've been out of your mind since yesterday you forgot? you forgot the Klaus Goldstein in K1 route?

erm… erm……… is this the correct interpretation? is this? the correct? interpretation??

He patted her on the head, saying he never expected to hear her say like that.

look look look look and you say he's a nice guy??

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of classes.

oh god it's history I'm already sleepy but if that's the topic of the class, I have to listen, because it's lore but history is a sleeping pill subject

all citizens are happy? I get it this kingdom is fucking sus all citizens are happy?? so fucking suspicious it can't be! it's clear that some trick was used maybe they were hypnotized on a national level

oh… they had enormous military strength they said that national power was based on military power no matter how much other kingdoms spent on the military budget, they couldn't compete? this is……

anyway now I figure out why the Daylight wage war they had no reason to sign a peace treaty with the Nighttime, they already had the upper hand

Black Dragons, huh it's just a name, right?

Overall Review: it was an ideal lecture! if a person like this teaches the class, the class will be enjoyable but now that the evaluation standards are tight and strict, he's suitable as a major professor… it would be better to take classes from more laid back one when it comes to liberal arts but honestly it was more fun that I expected

Liz sent words of admiration to Klaus, but he denied it.

I guess so it's not easy to provide understandable information to people with different levels of knowledge and perspectives besides Klaus is a genius, it won't be easy for someone like that to process information so that average students can understand it

Anyway they headed to the library. Al and Cae were already there waiting for everyone.

uh…… I got a feeling those nocturnal idiots will show themselves up late again this time

what you know it's not wrong

Anyway, she decided to look for books to find information about the Daylight before the agreed time.

I have no good memories of the library though you're not getting sucked in again, are you?

And here comes Cae

but well I'm a little reluctant to tell him the curse and labyrinth will be mentioned Inevitably because she investigated the Daylight for Luci's escape, and Cae had something to do with it somehow if she talks to him about something like this, he might get scratched?

As expected, Liz revealed all of her intentions to him, but surprisingly, Cae responded calmly.

ooh… technology

Anyway, he took out a book from there and handed it to her.

well there's no way he didn't read it anyway thank you! she'll use this well

this is a bit troublesome even though he didn't commit it, he got entangled just because he shared the same blood anyway, does feeling responsible, even when it's not essentially his duty, prove that he's a kind person but I know there's a curveball in his route… I know he's not the character who can be simply described as 'kind'

anyway he's throwing in bits and pieces of his backstory okay! you wait I guess I'll be able to play your route in the second half of this year