#i love some dark side fam shenanigans

[ifyoucandaniel]

once again nobody asked, but here is a comprehensive list of my favorite shorter Batman fics. my other list was mostly fics 50k and up, so this will be under 50k and oneshots :) i feel like most people have probably read a majority of these but! i love them all so much so here they are

In Love With Justice and Battling in the Wings by Jedi_olympian, 9k, 10k, T. literally who would i be if i didn't include my day one, my bbg: the justice league recruits nightwing and meets the batfam <3

Two Against the World by carolinaa, 36k, T, completed. i reread this all the time :') this is a "tim joins the batfam a little differently" fic as well as a "tim gets an emotional support dog and dick grayson won't leave the lonely kid next door alone" fic <3

Museum Mishap by prettymisskitty, 38k, T, completed. I love smart little stalker tim joining the fam in fun ways! jason and tim get kidnapped after jason tries to figure out if this scrawny jumpy kid knows batman and robins secret identities. shenanigans ensue

Jason Todd's terrible, horrible, no-good very bad week by slenderboo, 18k, T, completed. this is another one im sure everyone has read but!! it's my bbg!! hurt jason with some big brother nightwing and concerned little brothers AND its a batfam meets the justice league fic? say less.

Say Uncle by megaerakles, 46k, T, complete. this is so fun and i actually laughed so hard at jason having legal custody of tim at 19 by accident. "teen dad(?)" this is basically tim's fake uncle AU but he hires jason to be his uncle until he can figure out how to get him to go home to the bats <3

Doc Harley by starknjarvis, 15k, G, completed. this!! i love harley being friends with the bats sooo much and her slowly therapy-ing them all is so very good and perfect. harley and dick deserve to be best friends

Dangerous and Noble Things by Destiny919, 45k, T, completed. this one reminds me of hand in unloveable hand by britishparty, and in this one tim is abducted by ra's and then years later the batfam finds out and they bring him home :) cass and tim are a package deal, do not separate!! so good and i love robin jason so very much

Savior(s) of the broken by epistemology, 13k, T. this is just some good ol' jason and dick becoming brothers again and jason slowly getting to know his siblings again <3 the end maybe made me cry just a little... right in the brother feels

Living Dead Boy by terranpheum, 22k, T, completed. im actually rereading this right now! this is where tim is there when jason digs his way out of his grave and takes him home to rehabilitate him by making him play scrabble and eat with him :) so cute and very good

Even if I'm Erased by Darkness, I Will Definitely Save You by Kirazalea, 7k, T. okay so i LOVE battison fics especially ones that include dick and this one is from selina's pov so this is my bread and butter. if anyone has more battison fics send them to me i feel like ive been through the whole tag.....

of crime lords and literature by adelfie, 23k, T, completed. everyone loves some jason begrudgingly becoming protective of tim and the two of them bonding over hamlet. whats not to like :p

Juneberries by michaberry, 68k, M, completed. tim gets kidnapped and psychologically tortured while damian wrestles with his own demons and tries to bring his brother home :’) tim and damian learning how to be brothers and realizing they would do anything for their family is just <33

Robin is Magic by flames_dance, 15k, T, completed. the way my heart actually dropped to my ass when jason found out who tim was, you had to be there... very good jason and tim bonding with a side of trauma from titans tower <3

Around Red Hood's Barn by Tori1116, 24k, T, completed. jayroy where roy doesn't realize his crush red hood and his hooligan neighbor jay are one and the same and keeps ranting to his buddy hood about how annoying his neighbor is. single dad roy x jason wanting his brothers to leave him alone and stop causing misunderstandings <3

the butlers neighbor by deargalileo, 16k, G, completed. okay i almost never see fics from alfreds pov and this is even better because its alfred adopting tim into the family while bruce and jason are just in the background accepting they have another kid. 10/10 very cute bonding between alfred and tim

lashed with riot-red and black by lux_et_astra, 16k, T. yet another tim and jason becoming brothers fic <3 they start writing notes through their windows and become friends :) i think i’ve read every fic under the tim drake joins the batfam early tag

Panic Room by envysparkler, 15k, T, completed. jason being locked in a room with his trigger while actively trying not to kill him and then getting locked in a room with TWO of his triggers is insane lmao. i love damian in this actually :’) that boy needs so much love

also i realized again that these are mostly tim & jason centric so i’m very sorry damian, dick, duke, cass, babs, and steph, i do have fics for them i promise i just have so many tim and jason ones…. pls send recs for other batfam member focused fics!! <3 i feel like that tiktok that’s like I GOT LOVE FOR YOU TOO KEVIN but for the entire batfam because i just have 900 jason and tim centric fics 😭

[tan1shere]

heyyy i was wanting to request! where reader and ellie has a kid and its christmas night, yall are putting the presents up and yall can hear your kid moving around in their bed and yall run to yalls room to not get caught, just a silly fanfic really! 😊

Christmas Shenanigans

Ellie williams x fem reader!

A/n: yes my anon ! At your service ! I don't particularly like this but I hope you guys do :)

My masterlist!

Warnings: none, just pure fluffyness, maybe some language but not much, just slightly flirtatious Ellie.

The warmth from the fireplace is one of the things keeping you happy and content. You were currently sipping some hot cocoa, sitting on the couch as Ellie approaches you. "She's finally out, we can start whenever." It was currently Christmas eve and Ellie had just put your daughter down for bed. "Little mites incredibly excited." She says with a smile etched onto her face, plopping down on the couch, next to you. You smile also leaning into her touch. "When should we get the presents out here?" You look over at the tree, you guys were waiting for Autumn to fall asleep. "We could do it now, speedily." You nod, going to get up. "What time are we going to see Joel in the morning?" You inquire. She also gets up. "Well we would probably be there at around mid day, he's putting on a lunch for the fam."

She goes to your guys room which was thankfully on the other end of your daughter's bedroom. You follow after her. "Sounds like a plan." You go into the closet getting the already wrapped presents. You grab a few and so does Ellie. Quietly making your way down. "This kid is spoiled." You laugh out. "Dont talk like thatt. Only the best for my little princess." You laugh at her. "What am I then? Chopped liver." She let's out her own laugh. "Dont worry, you'll get the best present later on in the evening." She winks at you, and you just roll your eyes. Always gotta be joking about something.

You had finished not too long ago the room was dark as you were ready to go up, but you suddenly hear the floorboards in your daughters room creak. You and Ellie both look at one another, quietly but at a fast pace, going into your guys shared bedroom. Ellie plops on the bed with you hugging your form and smiling like crazy. "Well Mrs claws I think thats a job well done." Ellie says with a small smirk. "Oh, so you're Santa?" She nods, proudly. "Why ofcourse, and you're my little hoe." That cocky grin on her face says it all. "You're trouble williams." You push her off getting onto your side of the bed. "Uh uh, that's Santa. To you." She smirks going to her side of the bed. "Night you." She smiles. "Night my lil helper."

"Mama, mommy!" You've been awoken. Watching as Ellie fully awakens. "Hey lil munchkin." She helps Autumn up onto the bed. "Its Christmas!" She beams with excitement. "I know! I think someone's paid you a lil visit down stairs. Why don't you go check it out and me and mommy will be down soon yeah?" She nods her lil head, letting Ellie set her down. You then roll over to look at her. "Merry Christmas baby." She leans down to kiss you when you reply. "Merry Christmas Els." You smile at her. "Better get up huh." You say, beginning to sit up. "Yes, or else the little monkey will bother us more." You laugh gently. "But she is very adorable."

Ellie nods heading down there with you. "When are we seeing grandpa, mama?" She looks up at Ellie. "Soon, but first! Let's open some presents." "Yeahhhh." Your daughter jumps with excitement. You go into the kitchen to prepare some hot cocoa for the three of you, bringing it out once you're done. "Thank you mommy." Autumn smiles at you. "That's alright love. Right let's get to opening presents."

You all had a fun filled morning opening presents, spending time with one another. You arrived at Joel's not too long ago. "Grandpa!" Your daughter squeals going to hug him. He picks her up. "Hiya kiddo!" He smiles, hugging back. He smiles at you and Ellie. "She wake ya up early?" You laugh at how he just knew. "Did she what." He looks at her gently setting her down but going to bend down to her level. "I got you a lil somethin princess." He smiles at her gently poking her tummy. She giggles. "Yayyy." You shake your head with a big smile. "Aren't you lucky!" She nods. "Thanks grandpa!" He stands back up going upstairs.

"Good manners." Ellie smiles at the small girl. Joel soon after comes back down with a pretty pink wrapped box. "Here you are." He hands it to her, her face lit up as she opens it. It was a cute little t-shirt saying 'grandad's girl' It was adorable and it was obvious she loved it. "Can I put it on now?" She smiles wide. "Can't say no to that." He then smiles. She goes into the bathroom to do so, coming down. "Tadaaa." She twirls. "That shirt is very true." He winks at her as she giggles. "Actually she's mama's princess." Ellie punches Joel's arm lightly. "I think I've won her heart more." He ruffles Ellies hair, walking away. "I'm her parent!" She huffs, you rub her arm. "You're crazy." She laughs putting her arm around your shoulder. "Yeah but you love me." "That i do."

[waynetechdadoftheyear]

Words of love

Manic Panic- When I first found out I got you as my Secret Santa I was super stoked! I have fallen in love with your work time and time again as this past year has gone on through your drabbles, banter, and even our DND sessions. I am not always attentive and honestly, I have ADHD so bad that I'm not sure which browser in my head is running, how many, or where the music is coming from, but you never hesitate to welcome me into the fold and shenanigans that the Bat Fam is getting into. I value your friendship and I love how you encourage everyone's muse around you. You are such a bright light wrapped up into a Dark Knight here to save everyone from their writer's block and bullshit. I'm not the only one who feels this way and on down you will see the others that have reached out to add to my little love fest here! Happy Holidays Bat Dad. We love you and your brooding face!

J. -

God, I'm so not good at this mushy gushy stuff, BUT! It's Christmas, and part of a present, soooo…

I know I've told you time and time again how happy I am that we stumbled across each other, how grateful I am to have you as a writing partner and friend, and how incredible your writing is, but here I am, telling you one more time. (And I'll probably still tell you like a bajillion times more.) What you do? It's special. You really do have this innate ability to encapsulate Bruce's character— you give him life, and you bring a uniqueness to him through your words that cannot be replicated. And I think that comes from your own experiences on the other side of the screen. You're such a talent, and it doesn't hurt that you're so kind. And funny! That's always a win in my book.

Anyway, I don't want this to turn into a long, rambling tangent about how great you are, which it very well could, so let me just say that I adore you, I hope that you have an amazing Christmas, and I look forward to cooking up more stories with you.

Love, -J.

BOY WONDER - OKAY SO. I'M NOT SURE HOW I'M GONNA SUM UP HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU IN ONE PARAGRAPH, BUT WE'RE GONNA TRY. You are so special to me literally my best friend, the person who can make me laugh when I'm raging or wanna cry, and the one I know I can always count on to be in my corner no matter what. You're literally so talented like… sometimes I'm legit baffled by the beauty that is your writing. And now I'm not exaggerating No matter what character you're writing, whether it be a canon or oc you put every bit of that talent into them, and you dive in deep, getting to know them and expanding and it's just sdfjklsdf AWESOME okay. I love it. And I love every single connection we've ever made. Part of why I try to drag your ass around with me wherever I go but seriously. You do so much, not just for me but for everyone you come into contact with. You're generous and always quick to uplift and encourage people. And I for one would be completely lost without you. I'm pretty sure this is for your SS gift so MERRY CHRISTMAS and I love you and I can't wait to see your reaction to reading how much other people love you as well. xoxox GUNFIGHT - Bruce. Old Man. Your creativity is off the charts my guy. Reading your stuff is always an absolutely amazing experience no matter what character it is from. Your drabbles, to poetry, to replies, the writing always flows in a way no one else can match. Though some may try. But also your edits are cool af and bantering once in a blue moon is always fun. MEOWY CATMAS - Waynetech is one of the most supportive people I’ve met in this site, always encouraging others and sharing their work. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome and included and he’s even nice to people who write the same character he does. This community could use more people like him.

BELIEVES IN LOVE - What can I say about Wayne Tech? They're a beautiful writer that captures Bruce so fantastically. They truly build a world and suck you right into it making you feel every last emotion and allowing for you to see the scene so well it's like you're watching a movie. They are also such a lovely friend and I'm so grateful that I've met them.

[monst]

ya know... its almost new year... and theres no better way to spend the last moments of the decade than with the league of villains and our chaotic family! pretty please??

Well it is New year’s day so here ya go :P

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

A New kind of Madness:

Lov of villains that make an appearance – Shigaraki, Dabi, Toga, Spinner, Kurogiri, Twice, Compress, and you!

This probably won’t make sense if you haven’t read Thanksgiving with the LOV or Christmas with the LOV.

Warnings: More shenanigans, More crack, Suggestive comments? Cursing and crude/dark joke ^.^ dumbassery. I wonder will your family and league family start off right this year???

                 To say you felt more deeply connected with the league was an understatement. After they had spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with you and your family it seemed as thought you guys were bonded intimately. And, everyone seemed to be in a much better mood. You thought it was because they we’re finally eating better as you had kept your end of the promise and, started making them food.

               Mr. Compress had managed to find your uncle a job and your Aunt… Well your aunt now loved to hang out at the pub with you all…. It was awkward at first. You saw a lot more of Spinner that was for sure. Dabi… Well after what happened with your female cousins’ friend you thought that they would never be down to fuck again. Apparently not... It was amusing how your villain family was mixing with your blood family.

               Things were running so smoothly that you actually didn’t mind them coming over for New Year’s Eve. But you wished they would have shown at least some enthusiasm about it. “So, Guys your all invited to my Fam’s apartment for New Year’s!” The responses were a combination of “We know” and “Your aunt already invited us” “I was gonna go anyways.” Yup they were very comfy with your family….

               When you got home that day you received the usual commentary. “Did you bring the weed?” For the last time no. “I keep telling you to dress sexier how are you going to attract the heir if you don’t use your assets!” I’m not trying to seduce the leader of the league of villains. LEAGUE OF VILLAINS DAMMIT!! We run serious business it’s not a fucking social club! “Ew your trying to attract that rat? Just spread yourself open I bet he’ll come running. No class, and fucking nasty, he’s perfect for you (Name)!” Fuck you, cheap ass whore.

               Just as you were removing your jacket the door was being knocked upon. It surprised you as the members had always arrived a bit late. You opened the door to see Toga, Twice, Dabi and Sinner. You had told them that they had arrived a bit early but none of them seemed to mind easily making themselves at home. Spinner went to sneak up on your male cousin who was playing a game on his phone.  When the lizard like man had kissed his cheek, your cousin let out a high-pitched shriek the likes man kind had never heard before. Spinner was then met with hostility from your flustered cousin who punched the cosplayer’s arm.

               Toga and Twice had already claimed the remote and were shifting through channels on the television. “Oooo Let’s watch this one~” “No I want to watch this one. You picked a shitty show.” There bickering was quickly settled when they saw a horror comedy start. Dabi on the other hand…. You looked round the apartment for him. You could hear that he wasn’t with your other cousin but that also meant you didn’t know where he was.

               It was then that you put two and two together. Your uncle was also missing. With an annoyed groan you called out your uncle’s name. He replied with a choked up ‘What?’. You really hoped that they weren’t doing what you thought they were doing. The noise had emanated from the fire escape and Lord knows you were a bit hesitant to peek outside. You didn’t want to be scarred. “W-what are you two doing out there?”

               “Smoking a blunt what else would we be doing?” Your uncle replied. “Yeah, He’s not my type.” Dabi puffed leaning his head inside the window to blow out a ring into your face. You waved it away with a frown. “I swear if the neighbors call the cops on you one more time!” You heard your aunt yell as she stomped her way over. She held up a spatula to their faces threatingly “If both of you don’t put that shit out right now, we’re going to have a problem.”

               “Shut the fuck up sis you never had a problem with it before.” You uncle scowled. “Didn’t we smoke one together three days ago.” “That’s different you buffoon, today we’re welcoming the New Year right!! That and we can’t have the place smelling like this when our esteemed RICH friends come over.” You did a double take on the word friends. You wanted to comment on how wrong that was, but you held your tongue. It seemed as though It hit Dabi different and he didn’t comment either.

               It was then that the door was knocked upon once more. And, when you opened it, it was your ‘esteemed rich’ Boss, his ward and the ‘fancy’ Mr. Compress. Needless to say, your aunt was catering to them immediately. She shot you a look and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. You wondered when they were going to break the façade and finally tell her that they weren’t wealthy. But, seeing the way Kurogiri and Mr. Compress basked in the praise you didn’t think they’d spill any time soon. -.-

               “So, when are we eating.” You couldn’t help the smile that touched your lips. Shiragaki always came for the food. Not that you were complaining as it was good to see him fill out some. He looked much healthier and, not that you were looking but was he getting even more attractive? You liked his nasty rat appearance but, his clean cut gentleman look was messing with your pulse….. You didn’t like your boss…. You wouldn’t give your aunt the satisfaction.

               Now that all of you were gathered your aunt called everyone for dinner. And, as usual Shiragaki sat next to you. You heart felt strange. And, your face felt hot. ‘I must be getting sick. Or is my body warning me of what’s to come’ You thought in horror your body tensing. ‘That must be it!’ You narrowed your eyes at the biggest troublemakers, Dabi and your Uncle.  They were eating in unnatural silence. Not a single word or snide comment..

               “(Name) dear are you alright?” Your aunt asked. Various pairs of eyes landed on your form. “You look a bit sick.” Spinner mused. “Big sis are you alright?” Toga asked in concern. “Your look a bit dizzy.” Mr. Compress added. “(Name).” You looked to Shiragaki who had addressed you and you noticed there were two of him…. Two? You groaned groggily clutching your head. You glared at your snickering cousin. “Seriously.” You seethed. “You two were in on this right!” You hissed glaring at the two figures of Dabi and your Uncle.

               “I’m gonna fucking kill you!” You raged grabbing your butter knife and lunging at him. Your feet stomped into the green salad on the table and you tripped. Landing face first into Twice’s lap. “Oh, shit are you okay! What the fuck are you doing!” Dabi and you uncle shared a look of confusion. And your uncle spoke “It wasn’t us. I don’t fuck with that hard shit.” Your attention fell on your female cousin as Twice helped you to your feet patting your head reasurringly.

               “It was you!” You hissed. “(Name)! please” Your aunt chided “Control yourself. I am so sorry for her behavior I don’t know what’s gotten into her!” You raised your fist but before you could land a hit on your cousin’s face your male cousin caught your arm and sighed. Your female cousin was lost in a fit of hysterics “You know exactly what’s going on.” She snickered looking to you and your male cousin. Your eyes widened in realization. “What’s going on?” Kurogiri asked. “(Name) just realized she has a crush on someone.” She smirked.

               Dabi snorted incredulously “So she acts batshit crazy when she’s got the hots for someone.” “Who is it!!” Toga chirped. It was then that you heard many shouts asking you who was the lucky person who made you ruin the salad. You grumbled in embarrassment. “Shut up and, let’s just eat.” You sighed. With great reluctance they stopped. Well they stopped because “I’m trying to eat in peace.” Yeah.. No one wanted to see Shigaraki turn everything and everyone into ash…. As for your family your aunt told them through a gritty smile “Respect the important company.”

               ….You couldn’t believe that you were the cause of chaos this time. After dinner everyone split off and you had decided to mope on the couch. “GUYS!!” Your female cousin yelled. “Were five minutes away!!”  “Seriously?!?!” You sputtered. “Duh?!?! Hurry up let’s all head to the roof!!” You let everyone go up before you so that you could lock the door. You were feeling better and you were excited that both of your families were here to celebrate. Just as you opened the door to the roof you felt someone tug you off to the side.

               “I’ve never celebrated New Year’s what do you do.” Shiragaki asked. “Uh well you just cheer?” Now that you thought of it New Year’s was kind of hard to explain. “It’s a New Year a chance for new things and we just celebrate that we get to see it. If that makes sense.” He didn’t look very into it but he stood by your side when your cousin squealed three minutes. “we should kiss.”

               You made a noise incomprehensible to man. You looked to Shigaraki your jaw on the ground. “W-what??” You squeaked. “Spinner said it’s something people do.” He shrugged. “B-but do you even know w-what that means??” “No. Did he lie to me is it not something people do.” He shrugged. “No, I mean yes I- Well yes people kiss on New Year’s but it’s only with people they like or their significant other.” You explained your heart racing a mile a minute. “Who do you have a crush on. Shouldn’t you be by their side when the clock strikes twelve.”

               “You know don’t you…” You sighed bringing your hands to cover your face. He didn’t reply as a matter of fact he didn’t think it was him, you had just told him, and he wasn’t sure how to respond. “Thirty seconds left!!!” Someone yelled. You both stood in awkward silence. “Ten seconds!!” He brought his hand up to your chin to turn you to his direction. Your eyes widened as he leaned in. “Five seconds!!” His nose brushed against yours. “Three.” Closer “Two” His scarred lips brushed against yours “One”

               “HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!”

               “Oh, Shit!! there fucking kissing!!!!” Twice yelled. “I knew she liked that ratty ass guy!” Your female cousin laughed. “Yes!!!!” Your aunt yelled. “You’re not gonna fuck on the roof right!??” And the moment was ruined……

[beaniegender]

Gen Tolkien fic recs

A Tolkien fic rec list? I guess so!! Written lovingly for @tolkiengenweek, here are my ten favorite gen fics in the fandom (a mix of Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion - The Hobbit is nearly unrepresented here, sorry). There’s a focus here on strong friendships and family love. List beneath the cut, from shortest to longest word count!

(If you know that any of these writers are on tumblr and I’ve failed to tag them, please let me know so I can properly credit them!)

1. Pilgrim Through This Barren Land by @naryaflame, 2064 words

Gandalf stays behind after Thorin's funeral to speak to an unexpected guest. 

It’s Gandalf & Maglor friendship (frenemies?) fic set at the end of The Hobbit! Both characters are appropriately badass, and Gandalf’s POV is great. It’s sort of a speculative Maglor-in-the-future fic, which you’ll see on this list that I love.

2. alive and richly colored by @captainelectroniccollectiondonut, 2600 words

Maedhros comes home to his family's house in Formenos after two years away for college. He comes bearing gifts.

I love this little modern AU in a pretty unique setting, and this is a great meditation on Maedhros’s thoughts about his different family members.

3. Throw the Fight if You Want To by..... me, 2722 words

“Doomed you were, and Doomed you are, and Doomed you shall ever be. You have spilled the blood of your kin a fourth time, and lost your right to change course and beg forgiveness. The Valar reject your petition to stand trial and consign you to Endor to find what peace or torment as you may. Go now from this camp; none shall stop you. Do not return.”

Or, Elrond and Elros are there with the host of Valinor when Maedhros and Maglor steal the last two Silmarils. It shakes Maglor enough that the whole plot gets shaken up. What’s a little eternal damnation if your brother and foster sons still love you?

The mortifying ordeal of putting your own fic on a rec list. It’s my contribution to the sappy kidnap fam hurt/comfort genre! (Although I personally see the focus as being Maedhros & Maglor.)

4. Lonely Watches by Canafinwe, 5056 words

Haunted by solitude outside of Archet, Aragorn finds respite unlooked-for in the company of a friend. 

My favorite of a quartet of Aragorn-centric Ranger fics. Gandalf  finds him in the wilds and offers him some sorely-needed friendship. Poor Aragorn, y’all.

5. Grey in the Dark by rhymer23, 11044 words

Fog has descended on the lower levels of Minas Tirith, and a killer stalks the streets. In the Citadel high above the fog, Aragorn wants the killer found. Down where the fog is thickest, a young man raised on the streets is trying to find him, too. These two men, whose lives are so very different, will end up being brought together by the fog. Because in the fog, everything looks different. Everything is changed. 

Minas Tirith murder mystery! The main characters are Aragorn and an OC who I love. It’s a fascinating look both at the beginning of Aragorn’s rule and how he handles it, and at what everyday life is like in very-recently-wartorn Minas Tirith.

6. Many-Colored and Splendid by @acommonanomaly 29839 words

Sometimes it's the people you meet when you're at the end of your rope who can change the course of your life forever.

Perhaps more so when that person is a mysterious stranger whose compassion seems to spring from a deeply troubled past.

Maglor in the modern age fic, baby!! Outsider POV from a New Yorker who meets Maglor at a crucial time in their life. Traces their lives and friendship for years from there. Bonus Finrod sucking at blending in in normal life, too. I love this fic and this OC so, so much.

7. Two Stars in Time by ArlenianChronicles, 43376 words and counting

While undergoing a hunting test, Elurín and Eluréd have a strange setback and wake up under the Two Trees. Lost in a land of old, there is only one person whom they can think of to search for: Adar Maedhros.

A time travel AU within my AU, In Elin Gelebrin, where Maedhros saves the twins after the Second Kinslaying.

We all agree that Eluréd and Elurín obviously deserved way, way better, right? Well now we get it. AU of an AU, so maybe you want to read the background about Maedhros and the Twin Princes of Doriath first, or maybe you want to skip right to the time travel shenanigans. Featuring vaguely sentient silmarils, badass Finwe, and two homesick children who have a chance to stop the darkening of Valinor. WIP, updating regularly.

8. The War of the Ring by morwen_of_gondor, 98904 words and counting

It was foretold in the First Age that Fëanor would never return to the world of the living until Dagor Dagorath. The same was not said of his sons.

At the beginning of The Lord of the Rings, there were few Elves left in Middle-Earth who could ride against the Nazgûl, let alone Sauron. Chief among those was Glorfindel, sent back after his death in the First Age to aid Middle-Earth in the Third. What if he was not the only one sent back? In the First Age, Fingolfin went toe-to-toe with Morgoth. Finrod did the same with Sauron. Neither of them was accounted the mightiest of the Noldor.

In a world where the Sons of Fëanor, reincarnated, returned to Middle-Earth to atone for their crimes, The Lord of the Rings happened very differently. It began in the council of Elrond, but it did not stop there. This is that story.

Y’ALL. READ THIS ONE. Yes, LotR has sweeping, complex battle sequences, a great ensemble cast, a rich and heavily-referenced in-universe mythology, and meditations on the meaning of honor and bravery - but imagine how much more of all those things it could have with seven Fëanorians running around too! I’m in awe of how this author is weaving together so many plot lines, and every single POV has been believable so far. There’s lots of fun unexpected character interactions - who doesn’t want to see Pippin and Maedhros hanging out together? WIP, updating regularly.

9. The Ways of Paradox by naryaflame (again!), 133244 words

How do you pass the time when you know you're facing eternity?

Maglor agrees to appear in a student production of The Pirates of Penzance, and gets more than he bargained for.

This one far and away sets the bar for modern Maglor AUs, in my opinion. The setting (coastal Scotland) and the OCs are all really vivid. This fic fits really nicely with the “grey spaces” prompt for the week, cause the relationship between Maglor and the POV character really resists categorization. Something I love about this fic is that, although the mystery of who Maglor is is definitely a big deal, it’s ultimately the regular everyday characters who drive the plot and conflict. There’s so much more I could say, I LOVE this fic and it’s better than so many published novels that I’ve read!

10. The River by Indigo Bunting, 143512 words

The Fellowship must cross a river before it can enter the land of Hollin. When disaster strikes, Sam and Legolas find themselves trapped between the river, a party of malicious strangers, and each other. A story about friendship and sacrifice.

A cool side-story about the Fellowship as an ensemble, and Sam and Legolas specifically proving themselves to each other. I can always re-read this one for the tense plot and pacing!

[iphoenixrising]

Since the A/B/O verse is also set in Fracture, where are the kids? Like, Omega!Tim or Alpha!Tim being protective and cant-help-but-parent-even-more-than-before those babies is a beautiful, adorable, and hilarious imagery, I'm wondering why no one has asked?? Before??? In example, pre-heat Omega Tim cuddling Karmen, Caro, and Charlie with Leo sprawled on top of them is!! So!! Cute!! Dick and Jason would coo while the TT would take (blackmail)photos

You know, babe. This totally makes sense, so yes. I dunno why the kiddos (or as I call them, the future YJ with Dami and Jon as the older crime fighters on the team) never made it in the aob, but tbh, the beginnings were pretty angsty between Tim and the fam when he wasn’t sure how they were going to take the fact he’s an Omega. 

But once he’s good with the family, back in the Pack, he can claim a weekend with the kiddos, and take them to his side place in New York (the one he used the few times he had Heats back in his days wearing the R, before things went to hell. Days when he couldn’t be in the Tower for whatever reason) where he can be alone with them, explain why he never told them, told anybody, the truth. 

Of course, the kids know what an orientation is. They’ve heard it mentioned from scientists and was probably part of their education to re-introduce them to society. 

So they know what an Omega is, Tim. It means you can have babies someday. So can a lot of people? This doesn’t mean we see you any different? We still love you? Caro needs hugs, stat. 

As a matter of fact, no, we don’t want to go to Times Square to watch you and Charlie hack into the main grid (even though the Bat symbol on the biggest screen was pretty awesome last time) right now! We ALL need cuddles. 

So Tim wipes off the scent blockers, sprawls across the massive couch so he can pretty much be covered in children. 

They call out for pizza and Chinese, have stupid television playing in the background, board games scattered all over the place, blankets and Carl the Unicorn is one lumpy pile pushed out of the way. 

A Titan or two (or four) could mass text him after a day or so, and demand he brings the kiddos to Central Park because it’s time to play. And just! Shenanigans for the rest of the weekend. 

But after that, the kids start keeping better track of when their mentor seems to vanish for a few days, plans out when to get a shift in with him before he needs a few days off. Sometimes Cuddle Bug just calls up Bart and explains she wants to stay the night with Tim, so maybe he’ll actually get some sleep? Can he come pick her and Carl the Unicorn up? Pretty please?

Karmen reads while he works cases, bounce ideas off each other until Tim starts loosing focus and he smells really, really sweet. She’s the one that gets him to stop sometimes, makes him roll up in a blanket on the couch because she missed so many cartoons, Tim. Do you even know how amazing Hilda is??We’re watching a few episodes on Netflix.  (She’s the one that discreetly texts Dick, oh! Nightwing to let him know Tim’s getting kind of rundown at the Tower. It’s kind of sad because he looks just so tired, and maybe like he’s not feeling well. When she very well knows it’s Pre-Heat, and Tim’s going to feel kind of vulnerable. That’s why he likes to work cases instead of rest.) 

Charlie still smells like pup, so when the kids separate for a few days with different mentors, Charlie will hang out with Vic, Tim, and - hilariously - Booster Gold first. But when Charlie has cultivated more night hours, and he’s starting to slow down, and it’s going to be Tim’s Heat time soon, he calls for a ride and stumbles up into the Perch still in pajamas and climbs right into Tim’s bed. He probably does a blink and all the systems save progress and power down. Yup, Tim’s going to get some sleep.

Leo literally changes into a lion and just nudges Tim right out of his chair with weight and bulk, pushing him onto one of the couches in front of the television, nuzzling a big nose into him. They watch stupid shows, Glitch Techs, and talk about this year and the next, where they’re the most comfortable, where things are still kind of scary.   

It’s the kids really that plot against Tim and make sure their favorite vigilantes are on top of the game. 

Charlie sends a Snap to Dami with both him and Tim testing out the best filters. (They made a Robin one that gave you a domino, the tunic, and a cape – it’s fan–fuc...frickin–tastic. Dami still got the message, and a few hours later, Dick and Jay were gently picking him sleepily up out of Tim’s arms and hand him off to Clark or Kon to snuggle with before it’s time to meet back up with the others.)

Karm meets them at the window of the Perch. She’s made sure there’s plenty of water and groceries. Make sure to take care of him while he’s sick. Diana is hovering behind them already reaching for the young girl because they have a movie date. Out of the way, boys!

Cuddles is still kind of slow getting down the stairs, so she just takes them one at a time, holding on to the banister with one hand and Carl the Unicorn in the other. It’s probably late and her mermaid nightgown is bright teal against the dark wood of Wayne Manor. Her small fists wiping her eyes when she gets to the bottom of the massive staircase and there’s Dick and Jay coming up from the behind the grandfather clock. She’s so cutely kittenish, yawning loudly, getting scooped up in Jay’s big arms while the two vigilantes coo affectionately at her. She shushes them with a shake of Carl’s head and demand Jay take her to sleep in Dami’s room so they can take care of Tim’s fever. It’s too hot to keep sleeping in his room! (Because all she knows is that being an Omega means getting fevers once and a while, and Alphas help get the fever to go away.)

Dami huffs when she crawls up under his blanket and snuggles with Carl, a fumbling hand pats her head and they both go back to sleep.  

[bustin-a-hazelnut]

So basically @neopoliitan‘s last post has made me feel very strongly about the Amaranth family (the kids especially), so I now need my own post to sort out all the new information.

Let me begin by saying, I used to believe based off this post, that the Amaranth family only boasts five children; today’s comic proved me wrong. I went on to get some clarifications, and well...

Two times more kids - two times more fun, am I right?..

Needless to say, I did some further searching, and this post basically turned into my personal masterlist of Amaranth children. Those are mostly personal opinions and/or speculations, but again, my feelings in regards to them are strong & plentiful. Without further ado, naturally, the list opens with our beloved girl:

1. Akane Amaranth, 19

The oldest of the brood & really needs no introduction from me. A well-deserved favorite of Rain’s fanbase, among other things working on gradually rescuing her sister’s from their toxic household. As of late, her character arc has been (much to my joy) associated with William Lincoln’s, whom I assume will play a part in this encounter. The type of person he is, I wouldn’t put it past him to voice some unsavory truths to the face of Akane’s parents, with unpredictable consequences. With her own emotions & experiences in the mix, as well as the actual purpose of the visit, Akane’s got quite some development ahead of her. Not great for her - but a treat for us as viewers.

Her name in Japanese means “deep red, dye from the rubia plant”.

2. Miyako Amaranth, 18

Having been neither introduced nor mentioned in the actual comic, still a personal favorite Amaranth of mine. She’s gotten a great characterization from another Rain’s fan ( @infinitree )  here, which was approved by Neopoliitan. I don’t loose hope for her to make an appearance & shine somewhere in the future posts.

Even though she may not be too relevant for the plot right now, I see great potential for an inner, personal character arc with her. The idea for her character, from what I can tell, is that she’s always coped with her parents’ harshness & constant demands by becoming more withdrawn, apathetic, to the point of neglecting her own needs. Having gone so far down that path has damaged her in more subtle ways, than outright abuse - she’s basically traded it for neglect, and internalized it to the point of not caring enough to defend her needs & individuality, & eventually sorta loosing herself. This is actually rather dark, when you think about it, but I do believe there’s hope for Miyako. Her connection to her sisters, especially Ayano, whom she’s got a deep bond with, is a sliver of her identity that hasn’t been taken from her. It can also become the reason for her to find herself again & start caring more. She is in a strange place right now, and not in a good way, but I have faith in her.

Her name in Japanese means “beautiful” & “night”.

3. Nanako Amaranth, 17

Much like Akane, needs no introduction, having been a part of the plot for quite a while. Just as her elder sisters, this girl has all of my love, especially for her friendship with Tobin, even though the “wicked poo” line did play a part as well (which I Refuse to treat as anything other, than a reference to TTGOT S2 AU & Alanna Snow). It would be hard to guess by her upbeat personality, that she had to withstand more of her mother’s abuse, than possibly any of her siblings. This encounter is going to be a challenge for her, but I believe, that over the course of her life outside home, she’s gained the means to hold her own. She’s part of a team, a valued & great friend, a warrior, a huntressd & living proof, that neither what you’ve suffered, nor the people who’ve hurt you define you. She is going to overcome this, I have no doubt.

Her name in Japanese means "vegetables or greens".

4. Kasumi Amaranth, 16

A bit of a mystery at our hands, this one. No appearance or mention in the comic, no wiki page & the search through @neopoliitan came up dry. Her mention at Akane’s wiki page is the only indication of this girl’s very existence. There is little more to do than wait for further information on her, but as far as theories go - I wonder if she could exhibit a less positive personality, than her siblings? So far, all the Amaranth children we know of, that got somewhat characterized have exhibited different traits, yet, despite their home situation, I would describe all of them as well-meaning gals, even with their share of quirks & struggles. It’s not unreasonable to assume, that at least one of them would be affected more severely by their toxic parents - and have it shape them into a somewhat troubled person.

Her name in Japanese means “mist”.

5. Akiko Amaranth, 15

Her arrogant demeanor & the status of her father’s protege could lead to mistaking Akiko as someone who’s “sided with the abuser” in their family (a parallel to Whitley Schnee, someone who copes with abuse by submitting to his father). Another characterization post, however, suggests that she is actually far more than meets the eye. There’s this duality in her - outward brightness, determination & desire for leadership, wich is exactly what her parents expected; & hidden intent to use her future position for good, refusal to reject her sisters, who’ve been cast aside by her mother. This kind of characterization is an honest to god breath of fresh air - ambition & confidence, that is treated as a positive thing, not a sign of corruption. By Neo’s own words, she’s like a “good Whitley”, which is a fantastic character concept. I’m looking forward for anything she could have up her sleeve.

Her name in Japanese means “bright, sparkle” & “autumn”.

6. Sakura Amaranth, 14

Another kid we know virtually nothing about - and so far there isn’t much to theorize from. Sakura’s placed near her mother & appears relaxed, suggesting she isn’t in Yukiko’s bad graces. My two main guesses of why could that be are - either she’s just naturally inclined to obey & accept her parents’ way of seeing things; or she’s learned how to bypass them in her own ways. I find the second guess to be more interesting - while she can’t run away like Akane & Nanako, but can’t be up to her parent’s standards the way Akiko is or detach herself like Miyako, she could’ve developed a great ability to lie & manipulate, perhaps even in malicious ways, like shifting the blame onto her sisters in case of a screw up. I know this is really far-fetched, and I’m honestly just having fun coming up with those ideas at this point. One more option is her being a fave of Yukiko for some personal reason & therefore spared from mistreatment. 

I also find it interesting, that other than Nanako, who is shown gradually dyeing her hair throughout the comic, Sakura is the only one not to share the natural Amaranth hair color so far. Who knows if it’s just a reference to her name’s meaning, or some symbolism, like her not sharing the family values deep inside, but not letting it show in her demeanor... Idek, I honestly meant for this to be shorter.

Her name in Japanese means “cherry blossom”.

7. Natsuki Amaranth, 12 

She displays a strong, blunt personality from her first seconds on screen & strikes me as kind of a tomboy. I can’t imagine Yukiko being tolerant of such demeanor - and I can easily see Natsuki fighting back relentlessly against her reign. She probably took Nanako’s place as a punching bag not long after the latter left, and now her relationship with Akane parallels the one latter had with Nan. By the way Natsuki immediately gets to the subject of leaving, it’s clear how much this life affects her. It probably greatly exacerbates her naturally blunt personality - she’s got no time for affection or chatter, getting away is priority number one. I’m not sure how much of it is Natsuki’s “normal” character & how much - emotional damage from her parents, but at this point, it is hard not to assume the worst.

Her name in Japanse can mean “vegetables or greens” & “moon” or “summer” & “hope”. Interestingly, the name is considered unisex, though more commonly used by women.

8. Ayano Amaranth, 9

Getting close to the end here, and moving on to the actually small children of the fam, Ayano is a welcome change as an example of an Amaranth daughter, who’s actually getting to be a kid more (again, according to a previously established characterization). I particularly love the idea of her & Miyako being mutually close - it’s hard to tell which one of them needs it more. It’s also good to know, that Miyako’s efforts to shelter her haven’t been in vain & she actually seems to be okay around her mother, despite having a personality, that would naturally grate on her. Then again, kids can be rather perceptive, so maybe Ayano instinctively holds back her more unruly side in Yukiko’s presence & reserves poking & prodding for her sisters. She may know something isn’t right deep inside, and adjust her behavior, so as not to become another target for her mother.

Her name in Japanese means “of color; from love”.

9. Hana Amaranth, 6

Another mentioned-only character, with no face attached yet; at the age of six, I’d be glad to know that she is kept away from the family’s shenanigans & simply enjoys being a kid. Not much to theorize from here - will have to wait & see if she’ll make an appearance, and what her place in the family hierarchy is going to be. 

Her very existence to me raises a question of why Yukiko would choose to have another child, when there is no need for a specifically male heir, as Akiko has been selected for that role. We get to know, that she has no actual love for her children - so what could drive her to have more? Family’s reputation, desire for more control, or perhaps Aka Amaranth comes into play at last? He’s been barely mentioned here due to my lack of knowledge about him, but judging by his appearance on the poster, he is about to play a big role in this arc. Gonna have to wait and see. 

Her name in Japanese means “flower”.

10. Baby Amaranth, ~1

A literal baby, basically raising the same questions as Hana did a paragraph ago. I’m going to spare this one from my dark theories & let her chill for now, observing the reunion from a safe distance. Being a 10th child is no piece of cake even in most benevolent of families, so let’s all just give her a break for now. She’s still got all the time in the world to grow up & eventually develop her personal brand of the Amaranth Badassery. 

[amayapowell]

Powell Family Camping Trip

Chris drives down a dark narrow dirt road with the thick canopy of the forest surrounding either side of you and the full moon illuminating the lake in the distance as night starts to settle in around you.

“I’m so excited. I’ve never been camping.”

Chris laughs at her giddiness and takes her hand.

“I don’t think a cabin technically counts as camping.”

“Hey, there’re trees, a lake, marshmallows, a fire…This counts!”

He smiles, giving the back of her hand a kiss as he continues down the dark, gravely road.

“Well, I plan on giving you the most semi-authentic camping experience I can. I just hope we can sneak in a little Powell time.” He gives her a suggestive look while wagging his eyebrows.

“Love…this entire weekend is going to be full of Powell time”. She says with air quotes.

“Yes, but I mean these Powells.” He motions between them. “Not those Powells.”

She smiles back at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “I love when you call me a Powell.”

“And just think…in six months it’ll be official.” She leans over to the driver side to plant a kiss on his lips, temporarily blocking his view from the road as it opens up to a sleepy little cabin.

“Oh my gosh. An actual log cabin. I love it! How did your mom find this place?”

“Well don’t stop the kisses.” He says with a smile. “I don’t know. It belongs to someone she knows.” He gives her one last kiss on the nose before coming to stop on the gravel road. “You go on inside, I’ll get the bags.”

The cabin was nestled in lush verdant, surrounded by the smell of fresh pine. The front porch illuminates the old-timey rocking chairs and checkers table, setting the scene of a simpler time. She opens the front door and her senses are overwhelmed with cinnamon and Sinatra when she hears a familiar voice echoing from the kitchen.

“You guys made it! Amaya, you look so beautiful. Is that a pregnant glow I see?” Barb gives her a hopeful grin from the kitchen; wiping her floured hands down the front of her ‘Is that a tent, or are you just happy to see me’ apron.

Amaya laughs pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you, Barb, you look beautiful too. And no, not the last time I checked.”

“Well, it’s a long weekend.”

Amaya’s eyes widen and her jaw drops at the inappropriate insinuation coming from her future mother in law.

“What’s this glow I’m seeing on you though?”

Just then a tall, distinguished, handsome grey-haired man comes out from a back room behind them, holding a bottle of rum.

“Well, now I get it.” She gives her side a nudge, noticing that there’s now a clear blush to her face.

“Amaya this is-“

“Mom why is there only one car outside? Where’s AJ and Kyle?”  Chris interrupts their conversation, pushing the large wooden door open with his shoulder; freeing his hands to carry in their bags.

“Too cool to go camping with their mom. Kyle and his friends went skiing in Aspen.”

“That’s right and AJ’s with her boyfriend’s family in-…” Amaya tries to finish her thought.

“Boyfriend? Why am I always the last to know everything in this fam-…Who’s this?”

“Chris, Amaya, this is Rhett Adler.” Chris hugs his mom, skeptically eyeing the stranger being introduced to him.

“Addy, this is my first born and his wife Amaya.”

“Wow. It’s so nice to finally meet you both. Barbs told me so much about you.”

“Can’t say I can say the same.”

Amaya sharply elbows his side before reaching out to the handsome stranger. “Soon to be wife. It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Adler.”

“Please, call me Rhett. He bends down to kiss the back of her hand.

“Rhett…as in Butler?”

“My parents have a flair for the dramatic. And the pleasure is all mine. You are just as beautiful as Barb has described.”

“And just as charming as the original it seems…thank you, Rhett.”

Rhett turns his attention towards Chris and extends his hand enthusiastically.

“Chris man, I’m a huge fan! That was a hell of a game against The Astros at the end of the season. I’m originally from Texas so your mom and I were butting heads a little during that game.”

“Hum.” Chris sharply huffs, folding his arms; leaning up against the kitchen island, giving a backward nod in response.

Rhett lowers his extended hand when he realizes that it wasn’t going to be reciprocated and instead claps him on the back before walking back to Barb, resting his arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple.

“So! Dinner should be done in about 30. In the meantime, can I get you guys a drink? Or maybe you’d like to freshen up a bit? Your rooms just at the top of the stairs to the right, all ready for you.”

Amaya tries to ease the tension since Chris’ ridged expression didn’t look like it was going to ease up anytime soon.

“That sounds perfect! I think we’ll unpack and then I will absolutely take that drink.”

Chris grabs their bags and trudges up the old creaking staircase, looking back in their direction as Amaya follows; nudging him in the back to keep his forward motion. Meanwhile, Rhett turns his attention back to his leading lady.

“Well, that went well.”

She laughs into his hug.

“He’ll be fine. We all knew he’d be the stubborn one. Give him a little time. If not, he won’t get any cobbler.”

“Wow, you are one tough cookie, Barbra Powell. Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“And don’t you forget it. Now hand me the rum for the apples.” She says while playfully smacking his rear.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Amaya putts their things away, eyeing Chris over her shoulder; while he silently stares out the window.

“What’s the matter with you? You’re acting like a baby.”

“I don’t like this guy.”

She laughs at how cute and protective he is. “You just met him. And you barely did that.”

“I can tell. And what the hell kind of name is Rhett anyway?”

“Christopher Powell...you’re jealous.”

“Jealous?!”

“100 percent. You’ve been the man of the house for all these years and now you’re worried someone’s coming in and taking your place.”

He turns angerly back at her; resting his hands on his hips.

“That is not it at all. And you know it. But my mom is way too vulnerable. Especially after all my dad’s shenanigans. She’s not ready for a relationship or what the hell ever this is.”

She walks over to him, slipping her arms around his waist through his arms, leaning her body back slightly to look up at him. “Your moms a grown woman. She can take care of herself. She knows when and what she’s ready for. Besides, she deserves a little a lovin’ after all these years.”

“Ugh…please don’t.”

“You’re such a mama’s boy.” She says through her laughter, while he looks down at her, not at all amused by her ribs. “And I love it.” She raises to her toes to place a little peck on his lips.

“Your mom doesn’t love you any less, even though there’s a new man in her life. Besides. You’re the man of a new house, where no one will ever take your place.”

His arms are now around her, as he sighs resting his forehead against hers, groaning through his pouted pressed lips.

“Come on. You need to go back out there and be nice.” He lets his heads fall backward, whining at the mere thought.

After dinner, the four of them bundle up, gather their s'more fixin’s and sit around the fire pit, listening to Rhett strum lazily on his acoustic guitar.

“Rhett, Barb thank you so much for dinner and dessert. It was perfect. Barb I finally understand what Chris’ been raving about with that cobbler all these years. As your soon to be daughter, I hope I can get the recipe.”

“You don’t have to hope dear.” She looks down into her red wine glass, swirling it around as if she was carefully considering her next words. “You know what you have to to give me for it.”

“That’s extortion.”

“Such is life.” Bard shrugs carelessly.

“Wow. Well, now we know that I won't’ be the only one sass will be inherited from if we ever have a daughter.” Amaya laughs and shakes her head, turning her attention to their host. “Rhett, I am absolutely in love with your cabin.”

“Thank you. My grandfather built it as a wedding present for my grandmother and our family’s been vacationing here ever since.”

“That is the cutest, most romantic thing I have ever heard.”

“Oh, he’s pretty sugary.”

Amaya notices Rhett wink in Barbs direction and smiles at their cute exchange.

“I hope you’re mentally taking down some of these romantic notes over there Mr. Powell.” 

“Speaking of romance. How’s the wedding planning coming you two?”

Amaya looks over at Chris reaching for his hand, the thought at least breaks through his rigid expression, allowing him to crack a smile as he leans down kissing her hand in his.

“It’s going great. I think we’re pretty much done. Food and decorations are all chosen. We’ll be in New York next week; before we head home to meet with a local bakery to try some cakes. Aaannd I will have my final fitting in the next few months.” 

Still absorbed in his own thoughts of the situation playing out before him, Chris was oblivious to the less than subtle conspicuous look Amaya and Barb shared before him, but Rhett wasn’t going to let fly.

“What was that look for?”

“What look hun?”

“Uh oh Chris. I think you and I are going to have to ban together and batten down the hatches. These two together look like trouble to me, am I right?”

Chris remained stolid. His stare, cold as the air around them, slowly dragged up the neck of his beer bottle, fixated on this stranger trying to make a joke about the two most important woman in his life. And he wasn’t laughing.  Amaya couldn’t help but feel the tension continue to tighten, right along with the grip of Chris’ hand. 

“Anyway Rhett, what do you do for a living?”

“Nothing fancy like you two, that’s for sure. During the school year, I’m the high school shop teacher and outside of that, I help run the family carpentry business.”

“Well, I think I’m going to need to know how to get on the family discount plan. This place gives me so many ideas for our back yard. Maybe even our own vacation spot, huh babe?”

“I think if you give this woman some grandbabies soon, you’ll be on the lifetime preferred list. It’s all she can talk about. After the wedding that is.”

“Don’t I know it.”

The three of you share a laugh, but Chris keeps a stone face. Still determined, Rhett continues to try and break through. 

“Yeah Chris, the sayin’ is true. ‘Happy wife. Happy life.’ You’ll find out soon enough.” Rhett says followed by a deep, raspy Southern laugh.

“Not possible. This man could not make me happier if he tried.”

“Well on that note, I’m going to go grab some champagne to celebrate all this love in the air. Can I get anyone anything while I’m up? Chris, another beer?” Amaya squeezes his hand as a warning, but he only musters out a single word response.

“Nope.”

“He’d love one...thank you, Rhett.”

“Right. Back in a jiff!”

As soon as the screen door slams shut behind him, in one quick motion, Amaya swats his shoulder against the least insulated spot of his worn plaid vest, giving him a final warning.

“Ow!”

“Be. Nice.” She chided through gritted teeth and narrowed eyes.

“You’re being awfully rude son.”

“Sorry.” He answers in a snide tone, taking the last swig of his beer.

“Chris. This man has invited you into his home. And more importantly, he’s important...to me. So you better think long and hard about how you’re going to change your demeanor before he gets back.”

WIth his frustration finally reaching its peak, Chris stands ready to defend his actions.

“Mom, I will not sit around and pretend to be happy while this-” Before he could continue his retort, he’s cut off by the sound of  Rhett’s footsteps returning down the graveled pathway with a heavy sigh.

“Honey, I’m sorry I think I forgot the champagne at home.”

“Who’s home?”

Barb and Rhett eye each other before responding.

“Well, I guess now’s as good a time as any to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“That Rhett and I have moved in together.”

“That’s so great you guys, congratulations!”

“Moved in? Mom, what do you even know about this guy? I hardly think you’re ready to date someone, let alone move in with them.”

She can only stare incredulously back at his abrasion. Amaya too stares blankly back at Chris but chooses not to address him.

“Rhett…why don’t you and I grab some more firewood? I think my fiancé some apologizing to do.”

Chris’ eyes widen, silently pleading to her. ‘Don’t go.’ While hers respond in just as much of a loud silence. ‘Don’t look at me. You made your bed.’

Rhett offers his arm to Amaya and they walk away to a nearby shed.

“Christopher Joseph Powell. I understand that this is a bit of a shock for you. But don’t you forget that I’m the mother in this situation, no matter how old you are. And you don’t presume to tell me what you think I can and cannot do, or who you think I should or shouldn’t do it with.”

“But mom!”

“No, but mom! I’m a grown woman and this man makes me happy. Something I didn’t think would happen again after your father. And with your brother and sister gone, that house got really lonely; really fast. I’m finally ready to live my life again. And like it or not, I don’t need your permission to do so.”

Still shocked by his mother’s admission, Chris slowly walks over to his mother.

“I’m sorry. Really. I just didn’t expect to ever see you with anyone else.”

“I know.”

“All I want is for you is to be happy though.”

“I know that too. I also know that it’s going to take some getting used to. But...you have no say in the matter. So, you might as well get used to it and mind your manners...otherwise, you’ll be grounded for the rest of the weekend.”

Chris chuckles.

“Don’t think for a minute that I won’t do it either.” She walks up to him, placing her hands on either side of this stubbled face. “Talk to him. Get to know him. He’s a good guy.”

“And what do Kyle and AJ have to say about all this?”

“They love him. Kyle’s the one who introduced us actually.”

“What?! Really, why am I literally that last to know everything.”

“Probably because we all know that you’ll act like this.”

She swats him on the behind before pulling him into a hug.

“I love you Chrissy Pooh Bear.”

“Mom?!”

She laughs as the two of them pull away to Rhett and Amaya approaching in the distance. Chris walks over to Rhett, hands in his pockets and head hung guilt.

“Rhett I’m sorry for the way I acted. Really, man. You clearly make my mother happy, I guess.” He says looking back at his mother who’s now hugging Amaya’s side. “So that’s all that matters to me.” Chris finally extends his hand.

Rhett sets his pile of wood down at the fire pit and reciprocates the gesture. “Apology accepted. That’s all I want is to make her happy.”

“I umm, I saw the fishing poles inside. Do you fish?”

“Every time I’m here. Actually, the catfish are great this time of year. Maybe we can do a little sunrise fishing and catch tomorrow night’s dinner for these lovely ladies?”

“I’d like that.  And I’d really like to get to know you better. Even if you are an Astros fan.” The four of you laugh.

“I’d like that too.”

After they shake hands Amaya walks over to her future husband, reaching up to pull him down for a warm kiss.

“That’s the man I love.”

“Well, she threatened to ground me.”

She heartily laughs out loud. “Is that all it takes? I’ll keep that in mind.”

After relaxing by the fire and listening to Rhett strum his guitar for a while longer, they all head inside as it starts to flurry. Preparing for bed, Amaya and Chris curl up together in their plush comforter admiring the light snowfall through the window; by the warm firelight of their room.

“That was a very nice thing you did for your mom.”

“I guess I was acting a little childish.”

“Really Chrissy Pooh Bear?”

Annoyed, he leans in tickling her sides only to end up pulling her in for a kiss.

“I guess I’m going to just have to get used to the fact that my mom has a…”

“A boyfriend?”

“Ugh…I don’t think I ready to say that yet.”

“A pretty sexy boyfriend at that.”

“Please do not call him sexy.”

“Why not? I can’t wait till you get a little more grey in this beard.” She says combing her fingers through his scruff.

Chris rests his hands beneath his head staring up at the ceiling. “If that’s what woman go for these days, I’m gonna shave tomorrow.”   

“You’re a sensitive soul Christopher Powell, who knew?”

“Yeah...yeah. Try not to spread it around will you, I have a rugged reputation to upkeep.”

He rolls over to his side to pull her in closer to him, laying her down further and kissing her neck in the process. Causing her to let out a soft moan in the process.

“Ummm…as nice as that feels, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Warming you up Mrs. Powell. How am I doing?”

“Don’t think you’re going to sweet talk me, after that whole display tonight. I can definitely tell what you’re trying to do. But we are not doing that. Not when your mother and her boyfriend are in the next room.”

“Please do not mention my mother and her boyfriend when I’m trying to get you in the mood?”

“Christopher Powell, we are...mmmm...absolutely, noaaahhht doing this.” Her words leave her mouth in a breathy airy whisper, encouraging him to continue despite her verbal protests. Taking the hint, slowly he continues his attempts to convince her as the fire slowly dims their room.

“Your body is telling me otherwise.”

“My body can’t think for itself.”

“That’s one of my favorite things about your body. Now let me show you another favorite.”

[tangerinechar]

MDZS ML au??

seeing as how I'm way deep in mdzs hell already, I came up with a MDZS miraculous ladybug au. As if I don't have enough fics to write already.

-wei ying as Blackie, the holder of the Black Cat miraculous and adopted son of the powerful Jiang family.

-lan zhan as Ladybug, the holder of the eponymous Ladybug miraculous, spare heir to the Lan Corporation and new kid in school.

-jiang cheng as Monarch, the holder of the Butterfly miraculous and heir to the Jiang family, and jiang yanli as Honeycomb, the holder of the Bee miraculous and the heart of their three-person team.

-nie huaisang as Kitsune, holder of the Fox miraculous and the biggest source of gossip at the Rich Kid(tm) academy they all attend.

+Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue as supportive older brothers who know their siblings' superhero identities

-Wen Ning as Tortoiseshell, the holder of the Turtle miraculous and the shyest theater kid you'll ever meet. Wen Qing as the one girl who knows everybody's identities.

-she acts as technical support and backup for the superheroes

-(and used to be their medical support, too, before Ladybug showed up)

-Jin Zixuan is given the Peacock miraculous by jiang yanli, much to wei ying and jiang cheng's amusement, and becomes Iridescent.

-Lan Xichen, Nie Mingjue, and Jin Guangyao form the Venerated Triad of the intersection of academics, arts, and athletics... they all attend the same college

-lan xichen as the prodigal student who's studying to become an international diplomat, nie mingjue as the captain of the martial arts team and future world champion, jin guangyao as the stunning musical talent (and holder of the rat miraculous.)

-some of the miraculouses are passed down by families, the jiang fam has the butterfly miraculous, the Jin family has the rat, etc.

-the Stunning Six (or the superhero seven, after lan zhan enters the picture) as they might be called, protect Shanghai and are pretty high-profile. Despite that, they manage to keep their identities well hidden.

-thanks to the magic of the miraculous, it'll stay that way

-nobody in the superhero group knows who Ladybug is

-except Wei Ying, who found out purely by accident

-aside from that, jiang yanli keeps her identity hidden from her teammates (except her brothers and Jin Zixuan) because she doesn't want word to get back to her parents

-Jiang Cheng uses his powers to create a body double of jiang yanli, because their parents would never allow her to moonlight as a superhero

-but everybody knows anyways, from how wei ying and jiang cheng are so protective of her.

-aside from jiang cheng, wen ning, and jin zixuan, the miraculouses were found hidden in their schoolbags or in their rooms one day.

-along with a note that warned them of unrest in shanghai and the danger to come, and a brief explanation of the miraculouses.

-everyone you meet either loves Ladybug or loves Blackie or both, and most everyone ships it too

-Ladybug is like

-the last person you'd imagine to be the co-leader of the superhero group, and so popular with the general public as well

-he's cold and stone-faced and super efficient, and has 0 tolerance for the media

-Blackie is charismatic and knows exactly what to say at all times and loves talking to his fans, on the other hand

-so they become the twin symbols of peace very quickly, Blackie being the sun, reassuring and comforting and confident, while Ladybug is the moon, scarily powerful and distant.

-jiang cheng, jiang yanli, wei ying, and lan zhan are the offensive

-nie huaisang, jin zixuan, and wen ning are the defensive

-out of all of them, Wen Qing, Nie huaisang, wei ying, and lan zhan end up doing the strategy and plans

-jiang yanli and wen ning provide moral support and food

-if anything goes wrong, the jiang family home is the unofficial meeting place for planning

-jin guangyao uses the miraculous of the rat

-he's the heir to the Jin family, but he has more nefarious plans in place to ensure his succession and consolidate his power

-the main superhero gang is in a rich kid high school

-can you imagine the efforts they go through to conceal their identities

-I mean, once things start going south they have to find a place to transform and deal with any new developments, trying to stop jin guangyao's underhanded plans

-all without skipping class or breaking any rules

-the place ends up being the empty science classroom on the second floor

-Blackie is the biggest flirt ever, but once Ladybug arrives he only has eyes for him

-half the net ships them ("look at how Done Monarch is with them! And how supportive honeycomb is being here! Don't you dare tell me they aren't trying to set Blackie up with LB.") And the other half is thoroughly convinced that they hate each other.

-But no matter what your view is, you can't deny that their teamwork is amazing

-Honeycomb is an actual goddess

-who knows, maybe lan xichen gets the dragon miraculous and nie mingjue gets the tiger, if they ever end up needing more backup

-Wei ying's costume is black with red accents around the ears, tail and gloves. Along with his baton, he carries a flute with him that, when used with his miraculous, can speak to animals. 

-Lan Zhan's costume is also mostly black, with red areas cut out on his sides, spirals decorating the legs and his neck. His hair gets tied up in a ponytail during the transformation, but he keeps the white and blue ribbon. his costume comes with a circular shield on the back that expands to become a pair of wings. his mask is black with red swirls.

-jiang cheng has a very practical outfit, with a violet tuxedo jacket that flares in the back, dark grey pants and fitted black boots, a sword at his side, a protective leather vest and a darker purple shirt with white tie. his hair is adorned with a braid and bun held in place by a butterfly clip.

-jiang yanli has a poofy sunflower yellow skirt that has two layers - a gauzy yellow layer and a solid black inner - along with a yellow top that has fluted quarter sleeves with black swirls, black gloves and leggings, and rusty golden boots. she also gets translucent wings that let her fly. Her mask has a honeycomb pattern.

-instead of a flute, nie huaisang gets a fan. he can attack with it, creating gusts of wind, and create illusions by flipping it. he gets decked out in full-on fantasy robes that vary from pale orange and yellow (outer robe and pants) to white (inner shirt and boots) to vivid sunset orange (inner robe). his mask has paw-prints under each eye.

-wen ning's costume is mainly a deep emerald green with lighter accents in shell patterns on the sides of his legs, arms, and stomach. His shield covers much of his back, like lan zhan's, and can be used to fly. His hair gets swept into a bun.

-jin zixuan's costume is much like nie huaisang's, except with a darker blue-green-brown color scheme and less inconvenient. his robes turn colorful as they reach the ground, and his mask fans out on the sides of his head like a peacock's tail.

-you can often spot Honeycomb and Ladybug soaring through the air at night, accompanied by Monarch and Blackie if you squint hard enough

-superhero gang getting up to shenanigans around the city and Nie Huaisang filming it all, uploading it to his weibo account

-Nie Huaisang, after videotaping a transformed jiang cheng falling into a river and Blackie hissing at it while Monarch yells for help: I have no regrets

-they all frequent this one tiny bubble tea shop, both as students and superheroes

-Wei Ying, uploading a group photo of them on a skyscraper at sunset, drinking bubble tea: the secret to gaining superpowers is good bubble tea

-Wen Qing doubles as their social media manager

-just, superhero!mdzs gang being happy

...my hand slipped.

[thesleepingbinch]

🥄🥄🥄

N O !

-Harrods? When? Have I, has the enterity of London – nay, the UK – unbeknowest of ourselves delighted in Certified Noob® Baked Goods? Världen är  p y t t e l i t e n  my fellow Barbarian. ‘Tis sad that you’re not there now.**    **(b/c #fikagoshdarnit!)

Ah, thanks a munch for clueing me in on The Spoon Theory as it applies here: units of energy-per-activity. Interesting. So, how many spoons do you have today? (And are they full of sugar, …or sourdough?) The whole low 🥄-status > doc > FK > managing basic life™ > lower 🥄-status > ♻ … Can’t imagine the added stress. Hopefully the doc<>FK correlation can solve that bit, at least (?). It should feel nice to know that you can start living and take steps forward in life, no?

Speaking of which; what would you like to do now moving forward (aside from nimble  b o i s)? You are obviously creative – and doing creative shenanigans should have positive effects on spoon status, right? Bonus: they are allowed to take however much time they take.

Getting out of your 🥄drawer now. Hope you’ve had a nice Midsommarhelg with the Noob Fam and given the chance to replenish the happy feels! :)

Love, W

*(Ps. did you get the card recs? No need to pub. Just checking, since Tumblr is a little godisgris, munching on asks & subs. Ds.)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ah, Raring Wemps! So I am finally sitting down to reply to this lovely master post after the longest wait in history! (I do feel better knowing you’ve been diving into the ocean and living in #smultronsnåret, can’t get better than that, can it?). Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable because this will be quite the long read (förlåt).

It was a long time ago since I was in London. 2012 to be precise. It’s high up on my list of places to get back to (for living) once I get better and start getting all this illness stuff under control (DoucheDoc™ laughed when he asked me what my goal was and I bluntly said ‘To get good enough to get the fuck out of here and go back to exploring the world’. Admitting he couldn’t help me with that right now, he did say he appreciated the answer). However, my invitation for fresh sea delicacies if you���d ever come a little south of that N60° border is still open. 

Sadly the doc >> FK mess is getting even deeper. The “doctor” FK turns to for consultation when the medical issues exceed the normal levels they are used to seem to have absolutely no idea what ME/CFS is and is suggesting I am ill because I am inactive (while my specialist doctor think I am already almost doing too much for my condition before we have managed to find that fine line where it goes from being ok to too much), and need exercise therapy - something my specialist clinic doesn’t even offer because it has a higher rate of making people sicker than better. So things are gonna go further, we’re getting ready to make an appeal on their ruling, and I am just completely drained already. So things have not been looking great in this department - but I’ve managed to take some time off to be by the salty sea and watching horror movies until the morning light is coming up again with dear FreshNoob friends so even though one side of my life seem to be crashing and burning, it’s not all dark and dreadful! 

Creative things do have a MAJOR positive effect on both mood and in a sense my spoons as well (or rather, it is spoons well spent, if you catch my drift?). I am working on identifying what kind of things drain me of spoons and what could possibly give me some spoons or which - at the very least - give me a very positive emotional payoff doing. I am looking for ways to get my hands on an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil (my god why are they so expensive? :sweat: ), because that way I can bring my creative stuff with me everywhere and even do it on bed on the days when I am feeling too rough to do much. It could also serve as a smaller side income, selling prints and such, eventually ... so this is really an option I am looking into! 

Also, I absolutely LOVED your tarot suggestions, tack så hemskt mycket raring! And I did both laugh and get a little frustrated because the top deck you suggested (Jolandas) ... I already own. I just can’t find it. It’s a funny story, I went into her little shop in Gamla stan as a wee little 14-15ish year old Fresh Noob (so REALLY fresh) looking to dive into this mysterious world, and I got it and she signed the book for me (Krax pax!). I’ve been looking for this deck for months now, but I can’t find it. I’m scared one of my mum’s ex’s got it with him taking his stuff from the basement (a moment of silence, please ...). 

I’ve also already been throwing some serious eyes on The Wild Unknown deck, I love the colour bursts in it and the overall simple design is really appealing. I have had some mixed feelings wondering if perhaps it’s a little too simplistic and will be hard for someone new like me - but then, maybe I have enough creativity in my head to fill out the picture myself. A huge plus is that it’s fairly inexpensive to get as well (we really stan that at the moment with thet FK struggle!).

Scouting the vast interwebs trying to find a tarot deck for my dear Bästis after she expressed interest in getting one herself after seeing my deck on the table, I did stumble upon a real masterpiece though. I mean, it was love at first sight, I am obsessed. I check back at it like at least once a day and I am just like, ugh ... look at this thing! It’s the gilded Marigold Tarot deck. Quite a dark theme, but oh my, it’s absolutely gorgeous! I can’t get it out of my head! The $60-80 price tag is quite a hefty one though, at least for the time being. I can’t really justify spending that money on a tarot deck with the struggle currently going on with FK ... 

The deck I have right now is the Gateway to the Divine Tarot. It’s a really nice deck, very detailed and everything. But I just don’t vibe with it ... 😥😥😥 I pull cards, I look at them, and then I just sort of feel this ‘ugh’ feeling inside and shove them away. Because even though the imagery is really nice and eye-catching it doesn’t hold my attention and I just, ... I don’t like it? Does it make sense? Am I being a spoiled and difficult Fresh Noob here? lol 

Wemps raring, gosh, did that little mini forecast make me both happy and a little frustrated (I mean, the patience part ... I really have to work on that one, don’t I??). I did snort and laugh a little though when you said you got The Star, because ... lately I’ve been all surrounded by stars. My whole mantra/theme for July was in fact a star studded one! (And let’s not mention how my friend has been pushing for me to change camps and start rooting for a certain Star-named hockey team lately as well ...)

Also, a small story (because why not make this HUGE post even longer, right??) - I have a really special connection to the Sun card. Not particularly the meaning of it, but the name and the imagery. Darling Fresh Noob Granny passed away when I was a mere wee little girl of the small age of six. Way way too soon. We had quite a special bond, everyone always kept commenting on it, and she always called me her sun (and she was my moon). So whenever the sun card comes up (no matter what the position), Fresh Noob do get a little sappy and take it as a small nod from Granny. 

THAT’S IT. Gosh, what a lengthy blabbering drag this turned into. I’m sorry, raring Wempy. All the smultron and wienerbröd to you if you managed to stick through this all, you’ve earned them! Now, it’s time for this little one to get up and keep following her own star ... 

[head-and-heart]

The 100 Highlights - “How We Get To Peace” (5x08)

Hey everyone! Sorry for the long wait for this highlight post. I was out of town visiting family for a week and didn’t get a chance to rewatch the episode until today. And, unfortunately, I am about to be swapped for the next ten days (at least) so you can probably expect the 5x09 highlight post to be pretty late, too.

... And the 5x10 recap.

But anyway - super excited to get into this episode! Hope you enjoy my thoughts. :)

Feel free to read up on the previous posts in this series here. 

“I’ve seen the horrors we inflict on each other in the name of survival, colonel. God knows I’m as guilty as anyone, but we’re on the brink here - on the edge of an abyss I’ve stared into before - and I can tell you, having sacrificed the few to save the many more times than I care to admit, eventually, the few becomes the many. The ends don’t always justify the means and if you don’t know that by now, after everything you’ve been through, then you’re just as bad as Octavia, and we’re already lost.” 

At first I was a bit thrown by Kane’s speech here because Charmaine’s move was, objectively, very politically savvy (and it seemed a little out of place, considering Kane was the one who implied that if Charmaine got rid of McCreary she wouldn’t have to be concerned about resistance anymore but whatever) but - in retrospect - I do see the value in it. It seems to reflect what Bellamy and Clarke do later in the episode to Kara Cooper (which was honestly SO fucked up guys, like, holy shit). And the line was well delivered too. Very dramatic.

I kind of like this Vincent guy. Hm. Seems too nice to be a cannibal/serial killer. Speaking of which, are we ever going to see him snap? Maybe in 5x11 ... and that’s when we’ll get Abby telling the story of what happened in The Dark Year. :o I’ve cracked the code fam

Echo suggesting that they kill Zeke made her more familiar to me. Her character arc seems pretty on track (based on this episode) with what I have already speculated and I expect that we’re going to see her facing some issues with her old methods soon (maybe next episode?). I did like how they have set up her character arc in this episode.

I’m really enjoying that they have Indra teaming up with our mains this season. It’s an interesting dynamic, to see her interacting with characters besides Octavia and Kane this season and I am really enjoying it.

LEMME TAKE A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT ZEKE PUTTING HIS HAND IN FRONT OF RAVEN PROTECTIVELY K

Listen, I know that their relationship has no base to it and they barely know each other and their connection doesn’t even really make sense *realistically* but I really, really LOVE Raven and Zeke’s dynamic. Lindsey and Jordan have fantastic chemistry and they look so good together and Zeke and Raven’s personalities/intellect complement each other so well. Also, this is a television show so lack of development DOESN’T MATTER, especially considering Zeke hasn’t killed Raven’s family or ex boyfriend or anything which - if you ask me - is a definite bonus! I just loved that little detail of him looking out for her, despite being angry (and having every right to be) because he feels protective of her and can’t really explain why just yet.

Also, I am in no way delusional enough to believe that the writers intentionally paralleled Bellarke and Zaven in this episode but this moment was visually extremely reminiscent of Bellamy jumping in front of Clarke in 2x09 ... so that’s a plus.

Everything involving Raven and Abby in this episode was just the most gut-wrenching, fam. Raven’s concern over Abby being threatened by Diyoza and her determination to protect her and Abby lying was just ... a Lot. It shows how far gone Abby is and added some new stakes to her addiction. I think it was important to show how Abby and Raven’s relationship will be affected by this.

“Your mother would be proud, Monty.” I wonder if anyone has told Monty this before, and how much he probably needed to hear it. In all that had happened, I forgot that Kara Cooper and Monty come from the same station on the Ark, and that they have probably even known each other for a long time. I never would have guessed that I would love seeing them interact so much but their scenes in this episode were so cute? Cooper laughing at Monty’s jokes about getting lit was the scene I didn’t know I needed. Leave it to The 100 to humanize the Worst character in the episode they get killed

THE ORIGINAL MURDER TRIO IS BACK AND AT IT AGAIN

I have to admit, in a kind of sick way I liked that we had Monty, Clarke, and Bellamy back at their old shenanigans again? Like, this felt like an indirect callback to Mount Weather, where they all committed mass murder together. This time, they’re trying to prevent that from happening again. It’s weird to see how their old allegiances and perspectives have shifted from that moment - and yet, they all continue to cooperate with each other.

“What’s one more, right? We’re all murderers.” OOF MONTY I FELT THAT

“We’re talking about taking one life to save hundreds.” “Really? Then let’s kill Octavia.” I literally yelled DRAG HIM at my screen when he said this lmao. Monty had ALL the lines in this episode. Like, damn, I love that he is questioning Bellamy and Clarke’s decisions in this, how they just revert so easily back to their same old methods. It’s refreshing to see.

 And also, he’s RIGHT. What Bellamy and Clarke are doing is so fucking twisted. They are literally killing someone in the most grotesque manner and framing them for something they didn’t even do all in order to avoid killing someone else - the person who forced her to commit the atrocities she has in the first place. Let’s face it: Cooper is easy to hate but the only reason she is the way she is is because of the system that Octavia created, the game Octavia forced her to play. And yet, they won’t kill Octavia, because of their own selfish wishes. It is absolutely fucked up and I am so glad that Monty called them out on their bullshit.

I really loved Murphy looking at Clarke’s drawing of him and Emori chained to the rocket from 4x08. It was a nice detail (and parallel to Season 4′s corresponding episode) and callback to include. Here’s hoping that we get to see *cough* other characters looking at pictures of themselves that Clarke has drawn. You know ... no one in particular.

“Tell me what we’re looking at.” 

“I don’t think we’d see it the same way, but all right. That’s where the trading post will be. And next to it will be a farm, and a workshop, and a mill ... And a real medical center, for Abby. To the south, there’ll be homes dug out of the ground to preserve the trees, and at the center, there’ll be a well, a place for people to gather, talk, debate ideas.”

“And a school with a playground where kids can blow off steam and bitch about their teachers and kiss under the bleachers. My kid.”

LET ME TALK ABOUT THIS SCENE !!! I LOVED THIS SCENE. 

I think this is the very first time (with the exception of Briller and the chickens) where any character has explicitly voiced their greatest wishes for the future, how it looks in their mind. And it’s so fucking tragic because you can just visualize it so clearly, but it feels so far away. That future doesn’t seem possible. It’s so melancholy and I love how Ian and Ivana delivered their lines in this scene.

Also, soft!Charmaine is EVERYTHING. Her line about the school and the teenagers “bitching” and making out and doing regular teenage thing was just so ... normal, it was honestly startling to think about. That’s the life that the hundred should have had - that they’ll never get now. I love the baby storyline so much (and I never thought I would like a pregnancy storyline but I do) because it humanizes Diyoza in so many ways. 

The music in this scene was gorgeous and matched the tone so well, I honestly started tearing up a little bit don’t @ me. I have a really big feeling that this discussion will come up again - either because we’re going to see this vision completely destroyed, or because we’re going to see it come to fruition. With the space travel theory, I do kind of wonder if we might get an “epilogue” of sorts for the people who stay behind on Eden, where we see Kane and Diyoza’s vision has come true (and maybe they’ll both even be there). It would be like a farewell to the characters who remain on Earth. I think it would be beautiful. (But that’s all assuming that the space travel theory is correct.)

As mildly annoying as it was that Kane literally named Diyoza’s baby for her (wtf Kane???) I did appreciate the symbolic purpose of naming her child “Hope”, especially considering the episode title “Pandora’s Box”, in which hope (aka. Kane/Baby) was the last out of the bunker and then flew away with Eligius. It’s a nice follow up to that little piece of mythology.

In a way, Kane, Abby, and Charmaine are delivering Hope (literally and figuratively) to the people. Which is also why I believe that they may all remain behind in Eden at the end of this season as we see our mains (ie. Clarke, Bellamy, Raven, etc) take off into cryo sleep, officially saying goodbye to all of them forever. (Goddamn I’m already crying and the season finale hasn’t even aired yet? THe fuck)

Also side note to talk about how vindicating it was when Kane was judging Charmaine the entire episode about her damn notebook (”names of the people you killed?” stfu) and it turned out to just be a goddamn list of baby names and defense strategies. Sit the fuck down, Mark.

I present to you: the creepiest fucking shot this show has done. And yet, I really liked it? Showing Cooper’s reactions by shooting through her helmet was a really well done creative choice. It was so trippy and it made her death feel so visceral and real. It honestly kind of sickens me to watch this scene, tbh.

On another note, I cannot BELIEVE how many stomachs Jason has forced me to watch explode this season .. the audacity ...

Emori establishing healthy boundaries is ... EVERYTHING. It’s so important for the writers to have addressed the toxicity in their relationship in this way. 

“Trouble in paradise?” I kind of love that McCreary says this to Memori because it is exactly what Murphy said to Clarke and Finn in 5x06 after the massacre. That’s some sweet kind of karma right there

Everything about Raven and Abby in this episode was absolutely devastating. Lindsey and Paige both killed this scene - the emotions were so real. Lindsey did such an amazing job portraying Raven’s hurt and rage - I could feel her emotions so viscerally. 

“Don’t you talk to me about pain.” If anyone deserves that line, it is Raven. She has been through hell and back and has had to be so strong for so long. I really liked that line.

CLARKE SITTING ON BELLAMY’S BED IN HIS TENT. Man, I would LOVE to see how that scene went askskqisks

Also, Clarke comforting my poor baby just like old times ... *sigh*

Although I have some reservations with the dialogue in this scene, I do appreciate the sentiment. Despite everything that has happened, Bellamy and Clarke still have such an understanding of each other. They forgive so easily - it’s practically second nature at this point. While I hated how Jason Rothenberg-y Bellamy sounded when he called Clarke a “mama bear” it IS nice that he is acknowledging the role that Madi plays in Clarke’s life. I feel like he finally is starting to understand just how crucial she is to Clarke, and recognizing that he felt the same way about Octavia. It gives them something new to connect over. Also, I’ll never turn down Bellarke being soft with each other.

Plus, have you ever seen a softer smile than Clarke Griffin’s? Cause oh boy am I not over that. She looks so fucking bashful when she looks up at Bellamy I can’t deal gotDAMN

“The worms were already loaded in the rover, so. What was Cooper doing there?” Marie’s delivery in this episode was SO good. God, she’s so creepy and she’s Killing It.

“Careful, big brother, or I’ll think you helped her and we’d have enough prisoners to settle this in the ring.” LISTEN. I WANTED THE EVERLARK AU SO FREAKING BAD CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT NEW MEANING THE WORD “TOGETHER” WOULD HAVE HOLY SHIT

But also, Bellamy’s desperate looks/protests were A Lot in this scene. He really can’t fathom losing Clarke again. His and Clarke’s tragic looks towards each other just really fucking hurt - they’ve been here before. And last time, they didn’t see each other for six years. 

“Keep Madi safe. Promise me.” “I promise.”

GOD. CLARKE LITERALLY JUST GAVE HIM FUCKING CUSTODY OF HER CHILD UMMMMM HOW ONE DOES FUNCTION??? She trusts him so much i’mma cry. Also, his called out promise. He sounds so wrecked, but he needs her to know that he will keep Madi safe, needs her to have that comfort, just in case he never sees her again. Don’t Touch Me.

“Did he hurt you?” Protective!Zeke is always a plus but I’d be lying if I said that this scene didn’t immediately remind me of Bellamy asking Clarke the same damn question in 1x10. God, these unintentional Blarke parallels are really coming for my life huh

“Have you ever loved someone so much that no matter what they do to you, or themselves, you take it?” “Mom or dad?” “Mom. Drank herself to death.” I loved that Raven has finally found someone she can open up to. Feels Good, feels Organic. But also this scene came for my LIFE it was so angsty and so good. Raven breaking down absolutely ENDED me (and Zeke comforting her ... someone call 911). I really loved how they made the parallel between Raven’s mom and Abby - it just made the previous scene all the more devastating. So often it feels like the writers on this show forget about these characters backstory and I’m so happy to get these little callbacks every once in awhile.

“The answer is yes.” The fact that Raven and Zeke have this new unexpected thing to relate about is A Lot. I felt this scene deep in my bones. 

Plot twist: Abby dies because she is eaten by Vincent, and her withdrawal symptoms are just a red herring to keep us on our feet. ;)

“So much for The 100.” Hello, favourite line of this episode. Y’all have no idea (NO IDEA) how much it means to me to hear a reference to the heart of this show again, especially from Bellamy. He hasn’t forgotten, but it appears that Miller has. Wow. I felt that one.

“I can’t let you kill Clarke, O.” NO YOU CANNOT

“Here we go again. Pleading for the life of a traitor ... who you love.” DO I NEED TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THIS LINE HONESTLY Y’ALL ALREADY KNOW WHY IT ENDED ME

BELLAMY’S FUCKING FACE JOURNEY HOLY SHIT. THEY FOCUS ON HIS FACE FOR SO LONG AND YOU CAN JUST SEE - YOU CAN SEE - HIS INTERNAL STRUGGLE. GOD.

I totally overlooked this the first time I watched it but I love how Bellamy tells Octavia that HE made a deal with Diyoza. Clarke has already been sentenced to death and still, he’s protecting her. He won’t let Clarke get hurt for the deal she made - instead, he takes the blame. I just love him a lot fam.

Bob and Marie’s acting in that final scene was SO FREAKING GOOD. Both of them killed it. It was so devastating. 

“My sister, my responsibility.” While I was predicting before that this line would happen if Bellamy had to kill Octavia, the fact that it came back in the same context (with Bellamy having to protect others from Octavia, rather than the other way around) was so perfect. I love when writers take old lines and give them new meanings and that’s exactly what they did with Bellamy’s old mantra. It was so powerful.

AND HE DID IT ALL FOR CLARKE. HE CHOSE FUCKING CLARKE. I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY???

So. 

That was a wild ride.

Hope you enjoyed reading my take on 5x08 and my favourite parts! Looking forward to the next episode in a few days. See ya then! 

[sanjuno]

NRT+SW: That We Answer To Our Stars

Just remember that you people asked for this and if I end up posting a story concept that you love and want to see as a fic? Be well aware that all of these outlines only have one thing in common:

I HAVEN’T WRITTEN A SINGLE SCENE FOR THEM.

Which means I won’t be turning them into fic for a year at least so... *handwaves* Encourage me IRT your favourite WIP of mine, because finishing one of those will clear up space in the docket for a new story to get some attention.

Now, these outlines can get kinda disjointed but at least you’ll get to see a bit of how my brain works when I plot out stories.

THE SCENE!

>Kaguya’s multiverse trip goes wonky b/c best crossover fodder scene

>Uchiha Clan dumped wholesale on Rim World/Wild Space World in SW’verse. All the Uchiha Clan. All the Uchiha since ever.

->World is XL planetoid version of TG44, with added biome options b/c YOLO (unless you’re in the Uchiha Clan I guess b/c then you get to Live All The Times?)

>Indra, Madara, and Sasuke separate ppl w/ wiggy chakra resonance. V disorienting.

->Ninshu gets Dialled Up To Eleven = Force Bonds! Force Bonds everywhere!

-->Entire Clan gets Highlights Reel of Historically Important Memories (also so much purposely induced trauma wow WTF.)

--->Mass Meditation required to untangle/unfuck heads

>Entire Clan now Force Sensitive BTW

->WTF w/ crazy Nature Chakra infesting everyone? Uchiha are Not Pleased.

-->Upside: Force Bonds/Ninshu Super Connection can be used to awaken Sharingan w/out Psyche Destroying Trauma so yay for that

>All Uchiha now have Kaguya’s est. life span. Also nubbin horns and forehead sensory organ b/c aliens are a SW thing I can do this now (don't know if want full-on third eye or just funky Clan Marking thing? Hm...)

THE PLOT THICKENS/ACTUALLY STARTS BEING A THING!

>Sep. forces land on new Uchiha Homeworld b/c shenanigans and The Force Likes To Meddle

->Sasuke introduces said forces to Kirin b/c is reminded of T7 mission to Land of Iron? Or Snow? Dunno which but Naruto’verse says machines = bad juju so Sasuke is 100% justified ok thanks.

>212th follows. Obi-wan is v concerned by the Uchiha

->Entire Pop. of Planet is FS WTF is this nonsense?

-->Clones v impressed at least. Free-range jedi are badass why were they not informed of this being an option? (Clones made for jedi = have a hard time leaving GAR b/c existential dissonance when no jedi for retired soldiers? Also Kamino sucks and slavery sucks more but now the Clones who don’t want to be soldiers or recycled can Take A Third Option! So much Clone chatter about the Uchiha thing wow.)

>Madara is sent to be Senator b/c Jedi are Very Insistent that this Planet be part of the Republic.

->Madara terrifies all the politicians b/c Uchiha Hate Politics (they're too blunt and the see too much) but Madara is best at it v good at lying without saying anything untrue.

-->Madara knows Palpatine is skeevy b/c Uchiha See All The Things and You Can’t Fool Me With Such A Weak Illusion, Foolish Human and now there are clashing manipulators and Your Attachments Make You Weak and this is going to get out of hand so quickly I just know it. 

>Sasuke is apparently still best Prophecy Child Bait and Anakin is Conflicted b/c how can he be attracted to someone not Padme?

->501st would like to adopt b/c last time Anakin fucked off without backup Sasuke came back 5 minutes later with Anakin hogtied over his shoulder and the Seppie base on fire. Sasuke is so unimpressed b/c That’s Not How You Infiltrate Enemy Lines, You Moron

-->Sasuke is still 100% going to seduce Anakin and Padme b/c his life is Not Complete without an Idiot to yell at and a Crazy Berserker who likes to pretend she’s The Sane One to ride herd on.

--->Obi-wan is Done With All Of Them b/c Sasuke isn’t even pretending to try and hide his intentions b/c if they get fired Sasuke can just take them back home for a proper marriage. Mikoto is So Proud of her boy. 

>Madara and Mace have ‘sip and bitch’ IRT Palpatine being an evil fucker

->At some point Madara will wonder out loud what Palpatine is grooming Anakin for? Mace is Concerned by this revelation. Madera is not.

-->Sasuke had Issues IRT not sharing well with other children. BTW Mace Sasuke is planning to steal away Anakin and marry him. Don’t worry he will be returned eventually and so will his wife.

--->Mace thinks Anakin had it coming. WTF was the boy thinking? Did he really think he could hide anything from a temple containing several thousand telempaths? Jedi can get married, it’s just considered polite to ask first and go through the counselling with the Mind Healers beforehand. (Idea! Coruscaunti Jedi treat marriage the same way the Japanese treat Gun Control. Lots of paperwork and regular mandatory psyche evaluations and pervasive low-key terror at the idea of having one.)

->Madara will hear the “too much fear in him” story and cackles

-->Slaves have to please their Masters to survive. Anakin was freed to be a Jedi so if not a Jedi then he’s a slave again? No Fear = Be A Jedi (Not A Slave) and now Anakin is The Hero With No Fear

--->Therefore everything the Council dislikes about how Anakin acts was initialized by the Council. Mace hates Irony so much. Madara is still cackling in his face.

->Madara wants the aged out Initiates who still want to fight (or even just the Initiates who don’t suit the Jedi lifestyle)

-->He has a Clan to maintain! About 25% of the Uchiha never fell in love or fell in love with non-Uchiha so they need Marriage Options. (Uchiha don’t fall out of love easily either so new potential spouses need to be Impressive As Fuck and the jedi know how to be Impressive.)

--->Species doesn’t actually matter Uchiha’s Forest of Death planet has lots of different options despite being mostly Giant Fuck-Off Trees and the higher your Force Sensitivity the higher your chances are for successful cross-species hybrids. (Madara is planning to keep Obito and Itachi away from the aquatic species for a while b/c they have a concerning fondness for fishes.) Hybrids are viable though b/c The Force loves grand babies.

>Izuna is there as Madara’s Security Chief and he’s having Far Too Much Fun getting to be paranoid for a living. Plus all sorts of time to spend with his wife! (Need to pick name and develop Izuna’s wife beyond terrifying DFAB genderfluid interrogation specialist but at least they’re happy together.)

->Izunami (Izuna’s daughter) and Kagami are tiny children again b/c weird cross-dimensional space-time fuckery is like that

-->Shisui is super amused to be ‘older’ than his grandfather.

->Kagami approves mightily of Madara-shishou’s friendship with Mace (reminds him of Tobirama-sensei!)

->Izunami is 100% in favour of actually getting to ‘grow up’ with her Mom and Dad around this time (although she only really listens to Madara b/c he was her Parental Authority Figure and old habits don’t break) Jedi actually find this comforting b/c even if Uchiha crazy about attachments there are familiar bits there in how they arrange instruction even if the three students at a time thing is weird.

-->Both Izunami and Kagami are So Relieved that their Spouse is the same age as them b/c while they would be willing to wait until the other grew up this is much less creepy.

>Speaking of age fuckery Itachi is smol now and just about permanently leashed to Mikoto’s side.

->Sasuke is v amused b/c Aniki deserves this.

-->Mikoto and Fugaku are the first Uchiha couple to make a new baby and it’s Sarada b/c she’s the only good thing about the Next Gen (Except for Snake Fam but they aren’t a part of this fic boo)

>Obito is Madara’s primary assistant b/c some of the Uchiha are Not Over the whole Killing Us All Off thing.

->Obito runs into Quinlan Vos. Results are hilarious.

-->Brainwashing to the Dark Side ep. goes v differently. (Need to re-watch this ep for details but yes) Obito will rampage over everything b/c dude has No Chill

>Shisui is v jealous of his relatives b/c Itachi is too smol to play with and also has been hijacked by Isami (who will hold her death over Itachi for the rest of forever but again Uchiha don’t really fall out of love so she’s also learning Itachi wrangling skills from Mikoto now.)

->Everyone else is finding Jedi favourites and Shisui misses his ANBU team b/c it’s not like he really had time to make any other friends

-->Sulking Shisui trips over Feemor while waiting for Madara. Apparently Uchiha and Yoda’s Lineage have A Type. 

>BIG PLOT POINT: Uchiha Remember

->’Curse of Hatred’ spun by Madara as ‘plague’ caused by ‘non-native invasive plants’ (Blames it all on Zetsu and says plant was toxic to non-Uchiha) Says is why there are no non-Uchiha in TG44′s population despite stories otherwise.

>Uchiha think the Jedi Code is silly but the Clones are the Best Thing. All Clones look different to FS/Sharingan

>Uchiha have a habit of “stealing” spouses.

->BTW Shisui has No Patience

-->Upside: Feemor is v flattered by the attention and TG44 has a v interesting ecosystem. TF is in everything on this planet like WTF how does this work?

->Kagami is So Proud. Look at his Grandson, so proactive.

-->Starts to ‘hint’ that maybe Madara-shishou should think about settling down.

-->Mace has been meditating and consulting with the other Masters of the Order.

--->War changes everyone. Plus certain contracts between the Jedi Order and the Senate have been voided by the drafting of Jedi Generals. (Look up the details of the Ruusan Reformation for more info on disbandment of Jedi Military Powers and what it means when Senate gives them back the right to raise levy forces.)

-->Jedi don’t need to look harmless anymore just need to look less dangerous than the Seppies and the Sith.

>Uchiha Clan FB keep any of them from Falling to the Dark Side.

->Sasuke finally gets his hooks in Anakin and Padme. Notices the ‘nightmare vision’ problem first time he sleeps over.

-->Kidnaps Obi-wan to ‘repair’ the stress fracture in Anakin’s only familial FB b/c having his partner be so alone in his head is creeping Sasuke out and it’d only get worse if the bond to Obi-wan breaks completely.

--->Obi-wan is too tired to even object and now Anakin is freaking out b/c he’d been so focused on Padme maybe-dying in childbirth that he hadn’t even noticed how sick his Master looks.

---->Oh and also there is a Sith Energy Parasite attached to Anakin’s FS and it’s been poisoning his bonds. Sasuke just facepalms while the Jedi have panic attacks and drags in the genjutsu expert hostile deprogramming specialists.

----->Upside: Uchiha now know what Sith Master’s chakra signature is and can hunt him properly. Also help Mind Healers check all Jedi for similar problems, starting with Active Duty Generals. My the Council Chambers look so much Lighter now. 

>Then some stuff happens where Palpatine is exposed as the Sith Master and there are explosions.

>Plot Twist is that Madara and Mace have been banging and rewriting the Jedi Code of conduct since like their third date and no one picked up on it.

->Mace: *stares Anakin in the eyes* And that’s how you hide an affair, Skywalker.

*jazz hands* And this is how my fics look before I start writing them.

[thishasbeencary]

Tagged by @overcome-chihoko @kasumi-chou and @queenofaburiedkingdom

Do This: List all the things you’re currently working on in as much or as little detail as you’d like, then tag some friends to see what they are working on. This can be anything!

y’all are gonna shame me bc this is just (some) of my yoi fic ffs. i included links to my referenced stories. and some of these bullet points are super vague and have more than one thing in them bc i’m a #mess

the real viktor nikiforov - my beloved catfish au. almost over!! i think 3 more chapters (+ sidestories)

catfish surprise - real viknik verse crack fic. should have been done 2 weeks ago. i’ve been busy.

chaos theory - my jurassic world au. estimated 4 more chapters?

i will go down with this ship! - my fandom au. estimated 30000000 more chapters/sidestories/etc

fandom verse side stories - lily has prompted a few. i will write them. all cute.

the one i’ll slay; the other slayeth me - vyv 2.0 . my vikor/yuuri/viktor fic based on the official midsummers art. estimated 4 total chapters.

nesting - two is better than one verse pre-threesome preparations

chris and phichit are (the) best friends - nightblogger verse part 4 feat. chris and phichit being idiots that i love texting each other about viktuuri shenanigans

college verse - meetings, and another seungchuchu piece

seungchuchu airport fic. wow. i’m still gonna write my @yoificfridays airport fic one day. amazing.

hs/prom verse - first meeting and first dates are 2 planned drabbles. more may come? potentially write some of prom.

soulmate au feat. immortal viktor until he meets yuuri

bodyswap dark!viktor au with @pencilwalla

serial killer yuuri version of bodyswap dark!viktor

mermaid au 1 - http://felicitatem.tumblr.com/post/158825732118/yoi-mermaid-au (should be next fic i post)

mermaid au 2 - http://jellyfish--song.tumblr.com/post/157040871269/victuuri-week-day-4-smash-bros-voice-free-for

mermaid au 3 - viktor is a mermaid and yuuri is a marine biologist who finds him

mermaid au 4 - shit bang, no details disclosed

spn verse - why vik sold his soul, why yuri sould his soul, 3 (hopefully) part post deal or no deal?

single dad au - “”thirsty”” drabble, backstory for masha and akemi. first date feat. yurio and masha bonding

ace yuuri feat. shower nonsexual intimacy with viktor (should be finished soon)

yuuri/viktor/yuuri feat. pre-canon yuuri and post-canon viktuuri

ghost au - viktor is the ghost

time travel au where viktor goes back in time and meets a young yakov

yakov pov thing currently titled “how fragile viktor nikiforov is” and also titled “5 times yakov feltsman has to help viktor nikiforov with emotions, one time he lets viktor, and the thousand times he feels safe to let yuuri do it”

fake dating thing where yuuri has viktor as his phone background and then people think they’re dating and then they are

wrong number au - drunk viktor asks drunk chris for yuri (plisetsky)’s phone number, and is given yuuri (katsuki)’s. they fall in love eventually

otayuri version of something gold

a fic playing with some of their terrible sleeping habits currently titled “why sharing a bed with viktor nikiforov sucks and yuuri katuski is no better”

a (hopefully short) thing about clothes sharing

a fic about podium fam playing board games with @phoenixrei and @overcome-chihoko

a harry potter au one-shot series

5 times viktor is a shameless exhibitionist and 1 time yuuri is

maybe another breadstick fic

3 @catfishpromptparty prompts

12 ask prompts

guys this is just,, like,,, the ones i have docs for.

Tagging: @maximumhetalia i feel like everyone else i know who writes was already tagged so,,, feel free?

[theolivechickken]

Spring Break pt. 3

March 14

Paris (I left you at the Staaaation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q665OdfXHZM

Probably running on adrenaline (with >3 hours of sleep) but managed to stuff my backpack and rush out the door before being charged for a late check-out. Goodbye smelly room in Barcelona!

I really wanted to try and make it out to the beach before we hit the train but logistically it wasn't possible and probably more stressful since we would be cutting it close on time. So we stopped in a bakery to pick up some chocolate and cream pastries and went to the La Rambla street markets to pick up some seafood paella for the road (sorry everyone on the train who had to smell it or watch me eat this messy dish). Thank god we showed up to the train station when we did. So far this has been the only station where there's a security check (like TSA airport level). The line to board was also very long since passports and tickets were being checked for every individual. Our guy seriously questioned our Eurail since it was stamped that we left on March 2nd when in reality we left Berlin on March 3rd (the day we wrote down in our Eurail log). I guess it's human error and eventually he understood that, but it was still slightly stressful that we might not have been able to board.

Breezy train ride once we were on though. We arrived in Paris in the evening and tried to book our train tickets back to Salzburg, but had to come back the next day since the office was closed. We took the metro to our janky Peace and Love Hostel and climbed a tower of stairs to the 5th and 7th floors where we were staying. I don't think 3-person bunk beds should be a thing. You're either basically sleeping on the floor, have an inch of space before your nose hits the ceiling, or you're sandwiched in-between the two beds. I took the middle bunk (sorry Raine and Aubree but first come first dibs). Poor tall and lanky Patrick was on the top floor and top bunk, and his roommates were already sound asleep.

We decided it would probably be a good idea to get some food in our bellies. I'm horrible at giving directions (but also never said I was great at giving them. I'm directionally aware for myself but can't help others for the life of me) but happened to be the only one with access to the maps. We got turned around a couple times and walked down a sketchy street since we forgot our turn to cross the Seine river. Eventually we found Street Bangkok Local Food (which google lied about it being cheap but it was definitely filling and you got free water and your money's worth in my opinion). I had some grilled chicken skewers covered in peanut sauce, topped with cucumbers and red peppers, and served over a helping of white rice. Patrick ordered spicy beef pho.

At one point in the night, I looked out the window and saw a dog walking with his owner. Which lead to the conversation about animal intelligence, the food chain, and how we measure intelligence. We decided that leisure time correlates to intelligence because having more leisure time allows you to spend less time focusing on survival and more time doing self-fulfilling exercises or expanding your knowledge in different ways. Such a random/deep/fun/thoughtful conversation.

March 15

After sorting out train ticket shenanigans, Patrick and I met up with Aubree and Raine at a cafe near the Louvre. We ordered little baguette sandwiches for brunch and sat huddled near the outdoor heaters (trying not to get blown away by the cold wind). Yay again for free water and REFILLS.

We crossed the street, saw the beautiful glass pyramids calling our names, and dashed to them. We didn't (have the time to) see the actual inside of the museum, but we were able to take in the amazing architecture of the Louvre. From there, we walked through the hedges to the Carrousel Arc de Triomphe and continued wandering around the city.

Pat and I found an underground rail system and took it to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Such a completely different vibe from La Sagrada Familia. It was so dark inside, but also interesting to see this style of stained glass and architecture. There was also a service going on in the middle of the day.

We took the underground rail service thing again but somehow got lost trying to navigate where to go. Also, my phone was confused about my location because we were underground and the service was patchy. Eventually, we made it out and found the actual Arc de Triomphe. They really like their arcs here. We could see the Eiffel Tower peeping through the buildings, and made our way over to her.

She’s a beauty. Such a pretty sight both up close and personal, and from a distance. She stands tall and proud, glistens gold, and twinkles in the evening. For dinner, Pat, Aubree, Raine, and I had a janky little picnic on a patch of grass under the Eiffel Tower. The idea was cute, but the food was a little sus. The baguettes were packaged and not fresh, and the cheese was DEFINITELY expired. Both smelly and did not taste right at all. On the bright side, the salami, grapes, and wine we shared were bomb. I also wished that there weren’t so many salesmen approaching us every 5 seconds to try and sell souvenirs to us. Please make like a tree and LEAF. Later we tried to find a Jazz club but there was a birthday party happening inside and we didn’t want to crash it so we hung out at a little bar/restaurant and got french fries to end the night.

March 16

Couldn't really sleep since I was worried we might miss our train (also concerned that Pat wouldn't wake up in time since he didn't have a phone or alarm clock). Once again, adrenaline got me going in the morning. And a little ham and cheese croissant with a cup of coffee brought me to a functioning state of mind. Boarded the train from Paris to Mannheim, and then changed trains from Mannheim to Munich. I guess we got off the train too soon in Munich-Pasing (instead of at the München Hauptbahnhof) but before we could hop back on, the train departed from the stop. I guess it was a blessing in disguise that led us to the giant mall behind the stop. The signs were super confusing to find the restrooms, but eventually we found where they were hidden. We also stopped to get Five Guys for our train ride back home to Salzburg. Back on the platform, we were waiting for the right train to come along. Patrick and I made conversation with a girl who was also waiting for the same train as us. She's from a little village town in Austria and was completely awestruck to be talking to Americans. She never dreamed that she would ever meet people from the US and was so enthusiastic to learn about us. We also enjoyed getting to know her and invited her to sit with us on the train. She was telling us about her job and studies as a carpenter and also shared stories of her dog :) Such a ray of sunshine.

I think the worst part of traveling back home is knowing that you’re so close yet so far. You finally arrive at the train station or airport, but then there’s the ride back to your house. That part kills me. Being on the bus for that 15 minute bus and then climbing the thousand steps up the Mönchsberg was a beast. Finally plopped into my bed. HOME SWEET HOME.

March 17

Schleeep. And Chinese take-out. And going out to Murphy's Law and Shamrock's to reunite the Salzburg Fam, share spring break stories (or tragedies), and celebrate St. Patty's Day.