#if Arthur refuses to see the good and see how someone could change

[look-at-the-soul]

Every little thing you do- Part 7

Tommy Shelby x reader

Series master list

A/N:Sorry for not posting this part earlier! I’ve been sick all week but I’m finally functioning like a human again 🤭 you’ll see some references to what really happened in season 3, I just adapted it to this story. Anyways hope you enjoy it! 🥰 let me know in the comments xx

Word count: 3,964

Tommy felt his anger raising, but he needed to calm down and think.

Think straight, have a clear mind.

Father Hughes was the most irritating person on earth. He didn’t want him to be involved in his charity project, that man was far from being someone respectable and he only make him waste his time. Deep down, Tommy knew he must have a dark past, something that he did wrong… he just needed to find what was his weakness.

It was still early, but still he needed a drink. Taking a glass and a decanter, he poured himself some.

“Thomas.” Polly called from the door.

“I need you to take care of everything today, gotta go.”

“Where?”

“I’ve a meeting, will probably be back later tonight.” He took a long swing of his drink. “Arranged a meeting with Vicente Changretta, Arthur and John will be there.”

They needed to fix the relationship with the Italians, after burning down the restaurant. He already had enough trouble in his hands.

“Fine.” She looked at him intensely. “You know… I was talking to Lizzie yesterday.”

Tommy hummed unbothered.

“Has Y/N told you if Lizzie keeps pissing her off?”

“No. Why?” He moved to his desk to take a few things.

Polly shuddered, perhaps she understood Lizzie wrong, she seemed to feel embarrassed and refused to say anything else to her.

“She’s jealous.” Polly ran her fingers through her hair. “She thought Y/N’s baby was yours.”

Tommy’s head snapped towards his aunt. His eyes had closed in disbelief. “What the fuck?”

“Look, I’m not judging her, and you shouldn’t either.” Polly gave him a knowing glance, se had talked to the secretary and she seemed to be having a change of heart.

“She told me she’s willing to do anything to get you to trust her once more.”

Pondering on Polly’s words, Tommy thought for a couple of seconds. “Anything eh? Alright… she’s going to help us clean the mess she made.”

He’d try to push Lizzie’s buttons just to make sure how far she could go. The sudden change could’ve a reason behind.

Now it was Polly’s turn to squint her eyes. “What are you thinking of?”

“She’s going to break up this absurd romance with Angel Changretta. Very peacefully.”

“Isn’t that too much to ask?” She asked cautiously.

“Explain to Lizzie how life works, no matter what Angel says, he’ll always remind her of her past. If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll always have her desk available here as a secretary, but if she keeps this going, I’m going to be her worst nightmare.” He warned right before storming out his office.

First he’d stop by to pay Ada a visit, then off to the meeting with the Russian royalty.

***

Y/N thanked the two men carrying the last piece of furniture into the office, they previously brought in the small desk and chairs, the bookshelf and a file cabinet.

In the corner of the room, she kept a box full of folders, sheets and other office supplies she would distribute among the classrooms. Most of her days have been busy organizing the storage and after a while it seemed to be presentable.

“Miss Y/N Y/LN?” The gardener called, getting her attention. “Your presence is required outside.”

“Oh! Sure.”

The Shelby Institute might open its doors any moment now, she thought as she strolled through the long hall, her shoes clacked against the floor, the daily walks around the institute made her keep in a good shape, because her belly was becoming more prominent day by day, of course she got out of breath anyways.

“We just need you to check if it’s the right color.” Paul asked pointing at the wall.

Tommy made sure to hire Small Heath people, purchasing all the material from local and small businesses, he felt this urge to help as much as possible because he couldn’t stop thinking given different circumstances, it would be him instead of them struggling with money, not having enough in their pockets to feed their family.

“This looks amazing, thank you for all the hard work you’re doing.” Y/N praised.

It wasn’t her place to supervise, but Tommy officially let her decide everything that was needed; from the color, decoration, even the personnel. He just kept signing cheques.

“Am I still on time to enroll my children? Could you ask Mr. Shelby, Miss Y/LN?”

“Yes of course you can! Bring me the papers tomorrow morning and the authorization.”

It was Tommy’s wish, to help as much people as possible.

The man gave her an embarrassed glance. “I don’t want them to be like me, I want them to have an education.” He added with melancholy.

“There’s nothing wrong to work in construction Billy,” Y/N encouraged. “But it’s admirable that you want them to be better.”

“That wouldn’t be possible without Mr. Shelby’s generosity.”

Y/N smiled at him but before she could step inside the building again, she noticed a car parking behind. Squinting her eyes because of the sun, she could barely tell who was that.

“Is this the Institution that runs that gang leader?” The man asked, judging by his attire he was a priest, but there was some off about him that said otherwise.

An uneasy feeling made Y/N take a step back, she covered her bump with the folders in her hands in a protective motion.

“Who’s asking?”

Tommy would be the last person on earth to have something to do with a priest.

The man looked her up and down, giving her a nasty and dirty stare.

“Tell him I’ll supervise this place, once it’s open.”

When he left, his vehicle made a cloud of dust. He didn’t ask politely, no, he pretended to be in charge of the charity.

Y/N walked inside the Institute again, making a mental note to add a room for the children to read, and they might need a fountain in the patio. She chuckled to herself, realizing she started to sound like Tommy.

No long after honking loudly, Tommy announced his presence, Y/N saw him behind the window as he was strolling towards her.

“Pick up your stuff, we’re going.” He announced.

“Where?”

“Somewhere, don’t ask.”

Y/N frowned. “I’ve to ask, it’s going to be midday, there’s things that need to be done.”

Tommy stepped into her office, looking for her coat and handbag.

“Yeah I pay you a ridiculous amount of money it’s about time you hire an assistant.” He said with a wink.

“An assistant of an assistant. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.” She added, Tommy noticed she crossed her arms, not pleased by his interruption, she was always doing what she had to do and don’t you dare to move something from her things-to-do-list.

“It’s something good, trust me.”

“Can I ask where are we going?” Y/N asked enjoying the wind in her face.

“No.”

“What’s with all this secrecy?”

“If I tell you, you’re going to tell me no.”

“Well, you better include food because the baby is getting hungry.” Y/N smiled at her bump, while her hands caressed in a circle motion. Day by day she was getting fond of her baby.

“Oh I was counting you’d say that, lately you’re demanding more and more food.” He added in a light mood.

“Polly says I need to eat for two.” Y/N defended.

Tommy chuckled and in a blink, he was gone. He literally stormed into the library.

The little information she managed to get was that now she was reading out loud for Tommy a book about Russians that ran away from the revolution and opted to live exiled and from the Crown’s charity. Tommy assured her that way was practical.

Parking later after in front of a couple of shops, but she still knew so little about what was behind Tommy’s requests.

“I’ve a meeting around, it should be quick,” he explained helping Y/N out of the car, “but I thought it might be good if you start searching for some baby furniture, eh?”

“Tommy…” She covered her mouth with her hand.

“And don’t even start saying you don’t have money, I promised your grandma to look after the two of you, and that includes the things the baby will need.” Tommy used her shocked state to practically drag her inside the store, wining the argument way before it could start. “Hello, we would like to check out a moses, a rocking chair, a drawer…”

Y/N stared at him silently, Tommy thought of everything and even though his generosity wasn’t a surprise, it still came out of the blue, catching her off guard.

“Would you like us to open an account?” Asked the perplexed sales woman.

“Yes,” Tommy answered eyeing a catalog. “Everything she wants, a lamp, the carpet, the sheets… just put it into my account.” He handled a card with his company name and address. “Pick you up in about an hour?”

Y/N nodded, still trying to process everything.

“Leave something for the rest of the costumers ey!” Tommy shouted from the door before disappearing.

The woman started swooning immediately. “I hope the baby will get his eyes.” The woman admitted with a blush.

Y/N opened her mouth to correct her and tell her that Tommy wasn’t the father, but she closed it instead, remembering the advise her grandmother shared with her; don’t explain your situation to people you don’t know, let them believe their assumptions even if it’s incorrect. It will save you of uncomfortable explanations.

So Y/N gave the sales woman an awkward smile and followed her to the back of the store, this moment would arrive sooner or later and she was already here.

“We can make any piece you want in a variety of colors, there’s a trunk in the corner that goes well with this dresser…”

“Let me bring the fabric catalog for the carpets.” Added another woman, they obviously wanted to make a juicy sale.

Y/N felt like she was walking on a cloud, the smile on her face couldn’t get bigger. And now, she was the one swooning over the furniture, her imagination taking her to unknown places with images of her rocking her baby to sleep, or taking a look through the canopy at a small bundle of joy.

An excited gasp escaped her lips when she landed her eyes on a crib mobile. Her heart did this flip inside her chest and she could hardly hide her emotions.

“Should we add it?” The expert eye of the sales woman noticed her excitement. “Your baby will be fascinated and spend hours staring at it.”

The mobile had a handmade star and a sheep, a fluffy cloud and a small sun. It was adorable, she couldn’t wait for her baby to be born to use everything.

Y/N was allowed to sit on the rocking chairs to see which one felt more comfortable and the women showed her a few combinations to create a whole set of dresser, a small wardrobe, a bedside table and also the different colors they had to offer. The more she looked, the more confused she felt because everything was beautiful! She had never had the chance to purchase furniture, since her house was filled with her grandma’s possessions.

A fond memory of her grandmother knitting a blanket for one of her sisters filled her mind, her parents didn’t have enough money to buy fancy furniture, so they used a basket as a crib, she was just a girl but she remembered it clearly.

Both women shared endless recommendations for her baby arrival, and Y/N felt extremely grateful and was willing to take every little thing that could be helpful.

As she flicked another page of the catalog, she wondered how long would it take Tommy to pick her up, then her thoughts wandered towards her sister Lee-Anne, the last time she saw her, it was the day her father hit her. They couldn’t meet because their parents where so strict now, after what happened, they were trying to move under the radar according to her grandmother. There were so many things she wanted to tell Lee-Anne, firstly assure her that she was alright, she didn’t need to worry, then when the time is right, she would explain everything to her, so the younger girl wouldn’t make the same mistake as her.

Not that she thought her baby was a mistake, no. Those are two separate things. But the circumstances it’s what was wrong, she was aware that not all women had a Tommy Shelby around the corner to selflessly take care of everything.

If only she knew then, she’d do it differently.

“Y/N?” A gentle voice called for her, something squeezed her arm slightly.

Her eyes fluttered open and Y/N looked around confused.

“You fell asleep.” Tommy pointed out.

“It happens all the time.” The sales woman gave her a small glance. “We didn’t want to wake you up.”

“Goodness.” Y/N felt embarrassed and mortified, she felt tired.

“So, I think you found the perfect rocking chair then.” Tommy raised his eyebrows in amusement.

“We’ll have everything delivered in a couple of weeks.” Her smile couldn’t get bigger.

Thanking them, Tommy and Y/N stepped outside the boutique, she wanted to stretch her legs so bad.

“How did your meeting go?”

“Boring.”

He always had just a few words to say. But his eyes, said everything that was crossing his mind.

“Did you get to drink vodka and do the Russian dance?” Y/N teased.

Tommy scoffed at her sense of humor.

“He’s a liar, a buffer. He’s just a filthy lucky bastard with the right connections.”

He sighed loudly, but at least Tommy was sharing something with her. In that case it would be so easy for him to make that man show his true colors.

As he started the engine, Y/N started telling him of all the adorable things they showed her at the store, noticing the way her eyes were glowing. And he obviously preferred that kind of news instead of the one Polly was about to share.

“I’ll wait here by the fireplace.” Y/N announced, not wanting to get in the middle of the argument.

Sitting in one of the couches, she leaned her head back, rolling her feet meanwhile a few steps away, the Shelby family were discussing over whatever John had made.

“If you apologize once, you do it again and again…” Y/N heard Tommy say as she was drifting away to sleep. But she was far too gone and tired.

Feeling drained after all the things he got busy with, Tommy couldn’t wait to be home.

“You can stay over so you don’t have to drive back.” He proposed to his brother Finn, who would be driving.

But as Tommy stepped into the entry, he stopped abruptly when his eyes landed on Y/N. She was peacefully sleeping on the couch, the flames of the fireplace casting shadows over her features while one of her hands rested under her belly.

He didn’t have the heart to wake her up.

“Bring the car around.” He whispered Finn, trying to concede Y/N a few more minutes before starting the road back home.

Taking off his coat, he slid it over her frame to cover her from the cold. Tommy tried to call her in a low voice, but she only adjusted her shoulder as answer. Y/N should probably take things easier, but she was adamant to finish the charity project, she was pouring every fiber of her soul into it and wanted to make sure every single detail was perfect.

“Y/N… let’s go.” Tommy tried again softly.

Fluttering her eyes, she slowly opened them squinting in confusion by feeling Tommy touching her shoulder.

“C’mon let me help you.”

“Hmm.” She hummed barely cooperating.

She was beyond sleepy by the time they reached the car, settled taking the back seat by herself, she heard the Shelby brothers talking something about an Italian pub and a fight that would eventually happen. Tommy mentioned something about their fragile ego and sending flowers to a hospital, but Y/N couldn’t be sure because maybe it was part of her dream.

She moved across the room, smashing the fresh berries for the pie she was baking, the lovely smell feeling the small kitchen, it was a sunny day and she could hear the birds chirping, when suddenly a baby cry came to her attention. Y/N rushed then to get pick up her baby who was demanding her presence.

“It’s just fine, are you hungry?” She cooed to settle the lovely bundle wrapped in a blanket.

“How’s my ray of sunshine?” Asked her grandmother from behind, reaching over to caress the baby’s face.

“Woke up hungry.”

“You feed the baby while I finish the pie.”

When the car took a turn Y/N’s bumped something, she woke up disoriented.

“Finally I was tired of you snoring.” Tommy teased taking at look over his shoulder.

“Oh my God I don’t snore!”

“Loud and clear.” Tommy assured her. “Like a truck driver.”

Y/N gave Tommy a surprised and embarrassed look, awkwardly she tried to fix her hair since it was out of place.

Finn rushed upstairs while Mary greeted them by the door.

“Something important came up?” Tommy asked the maid.

“Just a few letters.” She gave him a nod.

“Oh, and maybe a couple of responses to the charity invitation.” Y/N wondered out loud.

“All correspondence arrived under Mr. Shelby’s name.” The maid explained, making a bit obvious that she wasn’t very fond of Y/N.

Y/N looked between Tommy and Mary, waiting.

“Go on, go check the mail.” He told her softly.

“Mr. Shelby.” Mary tried to get his attention. “The mailman thinks Miss Y/LN is Mrs. Shelby, he asked me if Mrs. Shelby had anymore invites to send off.” The maid voiced with concern.

Tommy noticed the offended tone in her voice.

“Let him think whatever he wants, Mary.” Tommy shuddered, not thinking it was important. “As long as he takes the mail.”

“But…” she tried again, then closed her mouth when Tommy gave her the look.

“That’s all, thank you Mary.” Tommy dismissed her just as Y/N entered the reading room skipping happily.

“Guess!”

Sitting, Tommy groaned. “Guess what?”

“He said yes!” Y/N explained excitedly.

“Who?” He chuckled at her happiness.

“He leader of the Birmingham City Council is going to attend the dinner.” Y/N showed him the letter back. “Everyone has said yes.”

Tommy dragged his eyes from the piece of paper, towards Y/N.

“Ah.” Suddenly she got the energy of a kid, it was the nap during the car ride did wonders to her.

“I keep changing the menu, do you think we should offer something else?” Y/N kept explaining how she needed to send a Thank you note back to the people who had confirmed their attendance.

The charity was clearly an excellent job for her. Keeping her busy with something good whilst helping people in need and he was glad to have someone he could trust to take care of that.

“You need to remember to take this slowly, write off those notes tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.” He suggested.

“But Tommy, these things can’t wait, it takes days for the letters to be delivered and-”

“Very well then, why don’t you use the typewriter I gave you.” He cleared his throat and took a sip of his drink.

“Tom!” She chuckled. “You don’t write letters of a social occasion on a typewriter.” Y/N explained him with a smile.

“Oh, forgive me.” He raised his eyebrows.

She then went on to show him another paper. “I’ve the drawings of what they plan to do with the grounds of the institute. There’ll be an area for the children to play. Look.” He hummed in response. “And the Birmingham Charity Commission have agreed to set aside their three rotten floorboards upstairs and grant us the license within a month.”

She finally took a deep breath after managing to explain him all in record time. There was a soft smile playing on his lips and she found tenderness in his eyes.

“You’re not listening to me.” Y/N sentenced.

Tommy leaned forwards. “Yes I am. I am.”

“You think I’m becoming obsessed?” Y/N stopped abruptly.

A chuckle escaped Tommy’s lips. “No, as a matter of fact, I love the passion you’ve put into this project.”

“This wouldn’t be possible without you.” Y/N expressed honestly.

Tommy gave Y/N a long look, studying her features, until he finally spoke.

“I’ve something for you.” Y/N frowned confused. “I know you’ll say it’s a bit too much, but still.”

“What did you get?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“Close your eyes.” Tommy encouraged.

“Tom.”

He fixed his eyes on her, not taking a no for as answer. So she gave in, turned around and closed her eyes.

Leaning back, Tommy got something out of his pocket, holding the chain between both hands, he presented Y/N the present.

Y/N felt lost for words when she saw the necklace. “What’s this?”

“A sapphire.” He explained calmly.

The cold stone sent a shiver down her spine when it made contact with her skin. It felt heavy and strange to have a stone that bug hanging from her neck.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“A simple thank you could work.” He winked. “And before you even start, you can either wear it or keep it in the box it’s your choice.”

Y/N was still trying to process the overpriced present, never in a million years she imagined to own something like that piece of expensive jewelry.

“This is insane, but thank you.” She chuckled nervously. “Where am I even supposed to wear something like this? The charity event?”

“You can wear it to church if you want, it’s yours Y/N.”

“Goodness.” She looked down at her chest and touched the cold gemstone. “You really look for any excuse to show off your wealth, damned bastard.”

Tommy laughed loudly. “You got me.”

“I wanted to ask you to be my baby’s godfather… but you’re going to spoil the poor child.”

“Oh I think I earned that right, so you better keep considering me.”

She slapped his arm playfully, earning another laugh from him. Tommy pulled her by the arm but the sharp move caught her off guard and made her loose her balance, landing on his chest. His arms came around her waist instantly in a protective motion, and their laughs subsided as soon as they realized how close they were to each other’s faces.

Something they both didn’t know how to name ignited in that moment, suddenly her warm hands felt like burning through the layers of his clothes, his deep blue sparkled in a way she had never seen before.

Struggling to form a coherent thought, Y/N used his chest to support her arms and move back. Tommy cleared his throat just as he was trying to clear his mind.

“Sorry… I stumbled.” She tried to smooth her clothes.

“Yeah.” He noticed the blush on her cheeks.

“Better go to get s-some rest.” The words rushed out of her lips. “Have a good night.”

“Good night, Y/N.” He replied more to himself, watching her leave the room.

Taking the remains of his drink in a swing, Tommy thought how close they were of crossing a line that would change everything.

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[dazednstoned]

Modern Rdr2 hcs:

-Abigail dresses like it's the 2000s (I'm talking miniskirts, low rise jeans, heeled flip flops w the fucking sparkles). She will never change too.

-Charles and Arthur go on dates to those adoption events to pet all the dogs and cats

-the whole gang frequently gathers for family bbqs. Every time someone ends up getting punched, passing out, or storming off

-Abigail puts Jack on one of those backpack leashes for kids (John too if we're being honest)

-Tilly, Karen, and Marybeth do full goodwill, garage sale, and vintage market days. They do not mess around either

-the only thing hosea knows how to do on his phone is play chess

-Sean still can't read in modern time

-john plays guitar and writes really horrible love songs for Abigail

-Javier and john r for sure in a band together, they're pretty good when they sing the songs Javier wrote

-Lenny and Sean co-parent an extremely neglected widgetable

-Arthur listens to facebook reels on full volume in public w no shame. Isaac is mortified every time

-john has various tattoos, half of them are god awful. He definitely got Abigail's name or initials tattooed somewhere and she was livid

-Karen gives herself piercings with a really shitty piercing gun

-arthur and John work together in construction, an auto shop, or in the equestrian field.

-Dutch has a very rigid and lengthy skincare routine

-john uses 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, but he says it's 3 in 1 bc it also counts as bodywash

-Tilly is the only one of her family to graduate college (Arthur dropped out of hs when Eliza got pregnant and john never went)

-Hosea is one of those old people you just see walking around the neighborhood at like 8am

-john and Arthur don't wear sunscreen or put on lotion. Abigail sometimes manages to force some sunscreen on John's face before he goes to work tho

-bill refuses to go to gay bars but uses Grindr

-Abigail cuts John and Jack's hair bc she refuses to pay for something she thinks she can do herself (she cannot do it herself)

-Kieran is a hair braiding god. I'm talking French braids, fish tails, you name it.

-john owns a really shitty pick up truck. Jack was either conceived or birthed in the backseat of it (maybe both)

-Sean falls for those free iPhone scams every time

-the only videogame charles plays is stardew valley. He thought it would be relaxing, it wasn't.

-Tilly and Mary Beth are in a book club together

-Abigail is the type of parent to not let her kid play w nerf guns or watch pg13 movies (John is the exact opposite)

-Sadie spends her weekends at rage rooms

-everyone's fridges are covered in drawings Jack made for them

-John, Javier, and Sean game together. Violence always ensues

-dutch does not tip waiters

-john tried to play catch w Jack once and ended up getting hit in the groin by a baseball. He didn't know 4 yr olds could throw that hard

-Abigail and Karen (& sometimes Charles) drink cheap wine together every Sunday and discuss the dumb things their boyfriends did that week

-Lenny and Hosea do the wordle everyday

-Jack is in little league soccer. John sits back drinking a beer as Abigail shouts at the referee

-Abigail got a tramp stamp of a little bow when she was 17 (she regrets it)

-Hosea exclusively sends emails

-Abigail hides John's weed socks bc she doesn't want Jack to see and "fall into a life of drugs" when he's older

-Arthur is a hiking dad through and through. While John is a sit on the couch drinking a beer w his kid in his lap kinda dad

-uncle is the old drunk that lived in the same trailer park as Abigail and John did when Jack was a baby. He kinda just stuck around after

-Miss Molly O'Shea would be a makeup god and u cannot convince me otherwise

I might do a pt 2 late in the future!

[arthur-lesters-tummy]

had some fic ideas for AUs of parts 21-23 but I just can't write them so I'll share them here.

version 1: (semi dark!)Arthur doesn't tell Yellow anything about John or the King in Yellow. Pretends to have no idea as to what happened. Lets Yellow think he's manipulating Arthur when really Arthur is coaching him to become his protege, to make Yellow trust him and be interested in the poetry John liked. A misguided attempt to create a Better John who doesn't have baggage.

Their relationship goes better in this au, with Yellow giving Arthur a heads up about not showing his money to the bartender or making him drink. But Arthur fucks up when he threatens to kill Larson and Yellow is like "who tf are you actually? that threat was far too quick to come from a normal person". John doesn't come back in this au. Arthur still doesn't tell Yellow the truth, kills Uncle, and Yellow refuses to trust Arthur and is a little scared of him.

version 2: (dark!)Arthur lies and says Yellow is the God of Art and Mania, Arthur tells him he went rouge and that being trapped in Arthur is his punishment. Yellow needs to be convinced bc he remembers things from before he went to the dark world. Arthur is just full on abusive because he's treating this fragment like it's the King, and crushes Yellow’s pride/ego.

When Arthur threatens to kill Larson, Yellow thinks his otherworldly influence made Arthur go crazy and blames himself for Arthur's outburst. Arthur uses this against him. John comes back -all 3 in the same mind - and is horrified at what Arthur did to Yellow. John and Yellow treat each other like brothers, united against Arthur and take over his body.  

version 3: a more lighthearted au in which Yellow remembers being the King in Yellow but doesn't tell Arthur. He wants to understand why this human doesn't see John as a monster or as someone deserving punishment. He asks about John, how he could act like him, though Arthur tells him he's his own person now. They have discussions about Yellow's self loathing and why changing behaviours/attitudes is worth the effort, again their relationship is better than in the original.

just before Larson throws them into the mines, Yellow reveals he remembers being the King and that the fact Arthur likes him means he likes the King, and that he really is mad. John comes back and Arthur is like. we need to find out why the King wanted to leave the Dreamlands I think he might be a good guy deep down. John says it's bullshit but Arthur goes on to have a few existential crises about how he feels towards the King now

[tumb1rprincess]

Okay, John sounded a little too wistful at the beginning, almost like he was envious that people were just living normal lives and heading home to their families and not knowing about all the horrors and monsters out there. And damn it, he's getting...I don't know if jealous or scared is the better word, but he's definitely feeling some way about Arthur trusting other people. But Arthur really wants to, especially with John spacing out and forgetting things, like, you can't blame him. But it just sounds painful, like they're starting to drift apart and you know it's only going to get worse.

Come on Arthur, learn to take a compliment, don't think I didn't notice you changing the subject when Oscar called you "heroic."

Damn, Oscar's backstory, I had to stop for a second and just process all of that. Jeez. But it does make me think about what John said, about how Arthur and Oscar both kind of had bad experiences with religion, and Arthur chose to get as far away from it as possible, but Oscar decided embrace it and become a priest to try and make things better. People who experience similar trauma don't always come out of it the same way. Also, Oscar is my baby now and I just want to protect him.

Oh, my heart, Arthur keeping Faroe’s photo even though he can’t see it, oh I teared up a little bit.

I get where John is coming from in suggesting finding a horrible person to pass the stone off to, but thinking like that is always a slippery slope. Different people have different definitions of what makes a horrible person and where you draw the line is very blurry. I don’t want John to start thinking like that.

How John was acting when Arthur asks Oscar to go through the book instead of him, oh man, he’s definitely jealous now.

The way my stomach dropped when Arthur found the keys where John said they weren’t a moment ago, oh god, it’s not just people he’s missing now, it’s objects too. How much worse is this going to get? And he’s still refusing to talk about it god damn it, use your words John, for fuck’s sake! And Arthur wants to trust him, but he has a point too. He’s relied on John to be his eyes so much for so long and not being able to trust him to do that must be terrifying.

Aaaaaagh, that scene with Oscar and Arthur at the bar. How Arthur could see Oscar was drowning like he used to, how he opened up about Faroe, how he sees himself in where Oscar is now and how he’s feeling and the thought that he needs to do good to make up for past mistakes, how he assures Oscar that he’s a good person like John has always told him, how he’s pulling Oscar out of that rut like Parker did for him, oh it was so heartfelt and emotional. And it hit close to home.

Depression and anxiety have always been a struggle for me, used to drink quite a bit because of it too, and when things get bad, I feel like I always have to get through it alone and it’s so hard to open up to anyone about it. I’ve been burned too many times when I’ve tried in the past. Can’t count how often I wish I had someone to pull me out, someone who would tell me that I was a good person and actually believe them. I’m ranting a bit, but yeah, that whole scene was just really, really relatable.

[mushrubes]

Cowboy

Masterlist | Red dead redemption masterlist |

Requested : no

Based on character ai { athur morgan by @/squishysushii }

(i'm spending too much time on that someone help)

Pairing : Arthur Morgan x female reader

Pronouns : she/shes

Type : fluff

Word count : 1.4k

Warnings : Swear words, friends to lovers, mutual pinning, slightly ooc <3

Have a great day !! <3

——————————–

They'd both stumbled into the hotel after hitching the horses in the newly built stables out the back of the hotel, trying to escape the snowstorm before the worst hit. They'd both had to share the only room left, too tired to worry about the single bed at that moment in time, wanting the heat to thaw their frozen bodies.

They'd both taken a steaming hot bath and gotten changed into clean, dry clothes - Arthur insisting on paying, saying it was on him. It must've been half an hour since then, she was sitting huddled by the fireplace, legs pressed to her chest as she tried to fight the shivering.

"Well isn't this just great?" she grumbled, feeling her heart skip a beat as she heard the familiar deep chuckle. He groaned, leaning forward in the chair as he set his hot coffee down on the table, sighing. "No denying it, but I'm not ready to trek back in that." he shrugged, shivering at the thought. "A nice place to spend some time, wouldn't you think?" he asked, looking around and admiring the room. It wasn't decorated to the max, but it was still nice and way warmer than back at camp.

"That is true, it could be worse." she admitted, sighing as she held her hands near the flame before rubbing them together. A small smile planted itself on Arthurs's face as he watched her, chuckling and looking out the window, seeing the snowstorm raging. "Definitely, we could be out there, in the middle of the woods with snow up to our ankles. Or some other unfortunate place. This's a godsend." he huffed, sitting back down on the sofa. "Or stuck with Micah." she suggested, knowing that he felt the same about that man.

He sighed, rubbing his face with his hand before picking his drink up and taking a gulp. "Just the thought of that makes me shudder. He'd probably have lost his cool from the snow and the cold by now and started ranting at us both. He's just unbearable." he claimed, recalling the time he was stuck with Micah and John in the snowy mountains a few months ago, due to a mistake Micah had made - he refused to take any accountability. She had moved into the armchair, stirring a spoon in her mug around. "Probably would've killed me, he's already mad at me." she stated, a deep sigh leaving her.

He looked up, meeting her eyes as a little concern was evident in his. "Mad at you? What on earth for? Surely he doesn't just hate you out of the blue. If he does, I'll have to give him what for." Arthur questioned, feeling his anger at the man grow with the news. It wasn't a secret that Arthur was slightly protective over her. She'd practically grown up with him and John, and the outlaw had grown to have a soft spot for her. He'd always look for her when returning to camp, bringing her back little presents or just checking she was okay. Whenever she was helping out with a robbery or raid, he'd always make sure to be near her, helping with shooting or covering her.

Darting between the floor and his eyes, she gave in, knowing he would not let it go anyway until he knew. "Rejected him." she started, a chuckle leaving her lips as he groaned, putting a hand over his face. "What's that fool gone and done now? He just can't take a no, no matter where it comes from or who it's directed at, can he?" Arthur grumbled, looking at her as he waited for the explanation. There was something different about his gaze but she couldn't figure out what.

"Asked me out, I said no. Proceeded to say he could 'show me a good time' and I called Dutch on him." she shrugged, a small grin on her face as she remembered how scared he looked. Arthur's eyebrows furrowed at her words, taking a deep breath. "Jesus Christ. Why does he think that's acceptable? To go and harass one of his own, and one of our two women in the camp no less?" he sighed, shaking his head. "But, to be fair, I'm not surprised. He's never shown his respect to the women in the gang, has he?..." Arthur trailed off, his face softening as he looked at her.

"Don't think he's capable." she grinned, earning a smile and a shake of the head from him. "No, I highly doubt it. It's like he lacks any human decency whatsoever. Maybe his mother dropped him as a child. That may explain some things." Arthur dug, chuckling as he heard her laugh, taking a sip of his coffee. "Maybe one of these days he'll get a smack across the face, if not worse." he commented, his tone dark as a glint of hatred was in his eyes. "Already one step ahead of you." she grinned, winking at him as he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Have you? Why, how did he react? Did he try and fight you?" Arthur interrogated, a small smile on his face as he seemed...proud of her? "He went to until he saw Dutch stood there." she smirked, Arthur nodding as he knew where it was going. "Ah, that makes sense. A bit of self-preservation on his part. Did Dutch get angry at him for disrespecting one of his own?" he made sure, his face softening as he saw her nod. "Had a whole go at him - never seen Micah so red." she giggled, missing how Arthur's eyes gleamed as he heard her melodic laugh.

He huffed, a small smile on his face as he hummed. "I'd like to have been there for that. Nothing pleases me more than to see him get his comeuppance. Hopefully, that'll be his last attempt to ask you out." he commented, clearing his throat as he fought the rush going to his cheeks. "Better be, told him I was interested in someone else." she mentioned, moving from the chair and sitting on the sofa next to him. Arthur raised an eyebrow at the words, curiosity taking over him. "Oh really? Who's that then?" he smiled curiously, her blush noticed by him.

"Just...someone else in camp." she tried to play off, silently hoping he couldn't notice her getting flustered. He chuckled at the reaction, nodding his head as he thought about it, deciding not to make it too obvious he knows. "Fair enough. But, if you don't mind me asking, what's his name?" he continued, a smug smile plastered on his face. She could tell he knew on his face, he just wanted to hear her say it out loud. "Don't think you know him." She joked, feeling her face heat up even more as he nodded, his smile growing and eyebrows raising even higher. "Tell me, missy. Come on, what's his name?" he asked.

She thought about it before responding, a playful grin on her lips. "Tacitus Kilgore." she confessed, Arthur's smile going even wider as he hears the confirmation he was looking for. "Tacitus Kilgore, eh? I've heard of him. You like him then, do you?" he wondered, eyes full of love as he looks at her. She grinned at him, face softened as she saw a different side to him, one that wasn't on show very often. "Very much, sir." she played along.

"A handsome man, he is. And a kind one, too. You've got a good taste in men, then, miss." he complimented, looking smug as he drank the rest of his coffee. She moved closer to him, the gap between them on the sofa now gone, thighs against one another. "What about you, cowboy?" she smirked, her voice soft as Arthur felt a fuzzy feeling in his head when he heard the nickname.

He chuckled, putting the mug down. "Me? Well, I'll tell you. I'm still tryna find a nice lady who might take notice of me. That said..." he paused. He leaned in closer, a smile plating on his lips. "I'm always open to suggestions from the most beautiful girl in the gang." he winked, his face only centimetres away from hers. "Are you a fan of cowboys, missy?" he asked, his hands pressed to her waist as he moved her into his lap. "Well, I am a fan of a certain one." she smirked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Oh really?" he raised an eyebrow, his voice now a whisper in her ear. "Care to tell me which one in particular?" he continued, making circles on her hips with his thumb. "The one right in front of me." she whispered back as he moved closer, leaning forward so his lips barely grazed hers.

"Prove it."

[olympeline]

(Part 6 of my Catch the Queen USUK omegaverse/cardverse AU!)

Last time a sickly young Arthur’s true identity was revealed to Alfred in a suitably (🥁) dramatic fashion. And as bad as his secret coming out was, at least Arthur could finally explain to Alfred why he was so terrified of being found out. Alfred had the Talk after he saw the family cat getting “friendly” with some of the neighbours’ kitties. So he knew what sex and heats were all about. He knew from school that the Queen of Spades was an omega and the King was an alpha and it was their job to rule and have lots of babies. Knew but never thought about it much. The fate of the throne-bound King and nest-bound Queen were just more Adult Things: boring to young Alfred.

Not any more. Not with Arthur clinging to him, near tears, and begging Alfred not to tell. Not to make him go back. Arthur had always been tough and fiery. He was a kid who lived in the woods by himself for months for Spades’ sake! To see him frightened like that had Alfred almost crying himself. But then Arthur fell into another choking fit, coughing up blood onto Alfred’s nightshirt until it’s splattered red, and as Alfred held him he felt something start to change deep inside. Arthur was someone he’d come to love, even if in just a childish, puppyish way. Alfred is a hero at heart. He wanted Arthur to be safe. He wanted to protect him. A little of his future second sex starting to show? Maybe. But that’s just how Alfred is anyway, you know? So he held Arthur close and rubbed his back until he stopped coughing - yeah the roles have really switched here lately, heh - and said he wouldn’t tell. Arthur made him promise, swear on his life, and only calmed down when Alfred said the words. Arthur trusted him: he knew his friend was honourable.

After Arthur fell into an exhausted sleep, Alfred lay awake thinking. Arthur needed a doctor but any doctor would obviously want to examine his chest. Yeah, no good. Big predicament there. Alfred could only think of one answer: he’d have to find a way to cure Arthur the way Arthur helped him. A magic cure for a magic illness. Alfred had no magic skills but Matthew was coming home and his brother had just started learning to be a mage. Maybe Mattie would have some ideas? It was a childish hope but what other option did Alfred have? When Matthew did come he was ecstatic to see his twin restored but surprised at how down Alfred was. Alfred explained the situation with as few details as he could, making it seem as if Arthur was a simple runaway rather than an escaped Queen. Matthew was suspicious because what ordinary nine year old runaway was that powerful? But he agreed to try and help anyway. Arthur still slept with Alfred most nights and Alfred had forced him to spend the rest of his time in the Jones family stables. Arthur refused to be in the manor house during the day while the servants were awake, so it was the best compromise they could come to. For a brief period Arthur lived up in a corner of the hayloft. It was risky - there were always stable hands around - but Arthur was beyond staying in the woods. He spent most of his time in feverish sleep, waking up to suffer through coughing fits or to eat whatever Alfred brought him. Fading fast but still so, so stubborn. That’s Arthur for you. He’s a proud, obstinate character at the best of times and always struck me as getting a hundred times more when he’s frightened. And he was more frightened of being the Queen of Spades than anything.

Alfred brought Mattie to see Arthur and it didn’t go well. Arthur was spitting mad from the moment Alfred woke him up and he saw his friend wasn’t alone. Alfred had taken his promise to mean not tell any adults who would take Arthur back to the palace. Arthur took it to mean not tell anyone about him, not even Alfred’s own twin. They had another bad fight (poor Matthew standing around in the background just so awkward oh god) and Arthur pushed himself too far for the last time. Had himself another fit and this time it just didn’t stop. Alfred held him as he vomited gouts of blood onto the stable floor but no, the voice was wrong. It was Matthew holding him - Arthur couldn’t tell at first as preoccupied with dying as he was - but Alfred had gone. Then suddenly he was back and not alone for the second time: he’d brought help in the form of their local doctor. Yes, Alfred broke his word. It killed him to do it but the writing was on the wall. There was no way Mattie could fix whatever this was, and Alfred wasn’t going to let Arthur die, promise or no promise.

Didn’t stop Alfred’s heart breaking at the sheer look of betrayal Arthur gave him as he was carried away. Alfred held his bloody hand as long as he could, tears falling the whole while. He wanted to keep his word, to protect Arthur, to be his hero. But how could he? He was too small. Just a frightened child, so far out of his depth.

“I’m sorry, Arthur. I’m so sorry…”

Those were Alfred’s last words to his best friend. Of course Arthur’s Mark of Spades was discovered and he was immediately taken back to the palace. The Jones family had been good to the doctor - who had treated the twins’ mother before she died - and he kept Alfred safe by lying and saying Arthur was found by chance. Fortunately the palace accepted this falsehood as the court officials were so distracted by their Queen-in-waiting being at death’s door. It took a full team of elite healers from the Kingdom of Hearts (the Suit with the most powerful restorative magic) to patch the tear in Arthur’s soul and save him. And even then, even with all their skills, the mages of Hearts couldn’t banish the after effects completely. Arthur grew up slighter than he should have and still spit blood on the anniversary of the day he healed Alfred, but these drawbacks were manageable. The greatest cost wasn’t physical but mental: Arthur lost his memory. Magical wounds are strange and, for whatever reason, healing this one robbed Arthur of all his months on the run. When he finally woke up, weak as a kitten, there was nothing but a grey fog. Maybe sometimes a fragment or two: golden hair, the scent of a sickroom, the feeling of someone holding him tight, bright, joyful laughter, but that was all. Arthur was saved and the price he paid was forgetting Alfred completely.

But Alfred never forgot Arthur. How could he? Arthur was his best and dearest friend. Since the day Arthur left, Alfred never stopped missing him. Never forgot that he had to break his word to save the boy he’d come to love. He heard about Queen Arthur’s amnesia through the local gossips but it didn’t dent Alfred’s desire to see him again. To someday get back to Arthur and help him. He never forgot how scared Arthur was, how much he wanted to escape the oppressive life of the Spade Queen. A life Alfred had returned him to. Matthew told his twin (correctly) a thousand times that he wasn’t to blame. Alfred was only a child when it all went down! Besides, his actions saved Arthur’s life. How could he have possibly done anything else? Any reasonable person would have done the same. Alfred heard him, accepted the logic of Matt’s words, but the guilt gnawed at him even so. So Alfred trained hard and, with the help of his super strength plus his own sheer grit and determination, became the heroic knight he always wanted to be. One who helped the helpless and defended the weak. One who would one day travel to the palace and see Arthur again.

And there you have it! That’s the USUK backstory of this AU. That sunshine knight who caught the undefeated dark Queen? Turns out the knight’s shock victory was only possible thanks to the two great gifts - health restored and unnatural strength - that the unknowing Queen had himself bestowed on him, years before. Not to mention the long buried feelings that made Arthur’s magic turn traitor and stopped him harming a hair on Alfred’s golden head. Even to save himself. How’s that for some bitter irony for you? Poor Arthur. No matter what the universe, his bad luck is truly in a class by itself 😂

(End of Part 6! Can you believe this was meant to be a short AU with like, two parts at most? Oh lord, lol. And if you’re wondering why Alfred chose to duel Arthur if he knew how much Arthur didn’t want to be a caught Queen? Well, fear not because all that and more will be explained. Next time 😉)

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

The Trouble with Morris

Okay so hi I’m the one who requested the George one and I was wondering if you could write one but with Morris instead? (He’s the guy arthur was throwing darts at) – anon

Read on Ao3

Warnings: past abuse by arthur (throwing daggers at)

Pairings: merthur I guess?

Word Count: 1432

Now, Arthur isn’t above a few cheap shots at Merlin, but he’s come a long way from throwing daggers recklessly at someone and only hoping they get the target up in time. So when he misses and nearly takes Merlin’s left ear off, he’s earnestly about to go and see if Merlin’s alright when something slams into him from the side.

Arthur may have changed a great deal—not that he’d care to admit it—since Merlin arrived, but the one thing he refuses to alter is his training schedule. Now, Merlin can throw a fit all he likes, but Arthur can see him get visibly brighter after they’ve spent an hour or two in the bright sun with a good breeze blowing across the fields.

Which means that no, Merlin, they can’t just skip a day when he decides he’d rather not stand there watching the knights ‘throw each other around like hay bales.’

Privately, he wonders if Merlin’s doing it on purpose, since Merlin saying not to do something is almost a guarantee that Arthur’s going to at least try it.

Whatever the case, they’re outside, working on accuracy over brute force—see, Merlin, he does take criticism, but only when it’s from someone he would otherwise go to for advice—when the knight he’s working with gets called away to do smoothing for the swordmaster. Arthur waves away his apologies.

“Believe me, I know how he is when he doesn’t get what he wants,” he mutters, and the knight laughs.

“I can’t tell if it’s reassuring or frightening that he treats you the same way he treats the rest of us.”

”Having some amount of fear for him is healthy.” He claps the knight on the shoulder and turns to Merlin, who’s just watching him. “Get off your backside and do something useful, would you?”

“Don’t much fancy it, thanks.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t have a choice. On your toes, go fetch the halberd.”

“You don’t even fight with a halberd,” as he goes to fetch it anyway.

“Well, then maybe I should start learning. Can’t give Hob anything else to brag about.”

“Who’s Hob?”

”Captain out in the north part of Camelot. Extremely honorable man.” He holds his hand out for the halberd, wincing when it overbalances almost immediately. “Careful.”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“You handed it to me wrong.”

“Really? Because it looked like I was holding it just fine and then you almost dropped it.”

He cuffs him upside the head for that. “Just go get one of the targets.”

”Can’t you get one of the other knights to do it?”

Arthur makes a show of turning around to look for another knight. Granted, he could probably ask one of them and they’d do it, but this is far more fun. Merlin, who looks at him like he knows exactly what Arthur’s doing, just rolls his eyes and goes to fetch a target. He slings it over one arm and tromps back, holding it at the ready.

“Not like that, hold it steady.” Merlin sort of braces his feet. “A stiff breeze could knock you over right now, stand properly.”

“Oh, are you going to come and show me how to stand, now?”

Arthur raises an eyebrow, puts down the halberd, and walks over. Merlin’s expression tightens in supervise, but he steels it back to something normal as Arthur comes to a stop in front of him. He puts his hands on the outsides of the target.

“Now, you need to have some weight behind it. I know that’s hard for you, you’re skinnier than the halberd, but—whoa!”

Merlin blinks innocently at him like he didn’t just shove Arthur over with the target. “What was that, sire?”

“Very funny,” Arthur grumbles as he gets to his feet, “just hold it, would you?”

Merlin snickers but holds the target still.

Now, Arthur isn’t above a few cheap shots at Merlin, but he’s come a long way from throwing daggers recklessly at someone and only hoping they get the target up in time. So when he misses and nearly takes Merlin’s left ear off, he’s earnestly about to go and see if Merlin’s alright when something slams into him from the side.

“Oi!”

There’s a shadow over him. A voice calls out: “Run! Just go!”

“I’m not going anywhere, what the hell’d you do that for?”

“He almost took your head off!” Arthur gives himself a shake and starts to sit up. The person over him startles. “How could you?”

Arthur blinks up. A scowling, panting face swims into view. Curly hair…green tunic…wait.

“…Morris?”

Morris scoffs. “Surprised you even remember me. What with how you used to throw those bloody daggers at me like I was your pincushion. You think it’s funny, do you? You could’ve killed him!”

Over his shoulder, Merlin’s mouth opens to make some snappy retort but Arthur holds his hand up. Merlin raises his eyebrows but stays quiet.

“You’re right,” Arthur says, looking up again, “that was wrong of me. You could’ve been seriously hurt. I’m sorry.”

Morris’s eyes widen in surprise, before he narrows them again. “You think that’s it, then? The Great Prince Arthur has deigned to apologize to me and I’m just supposed to go on with my life, eh? Never mind the scars I have, never mind the fact that I can’t get a decent job around here, that’s it?”

Arthur winces. “I didn’t know you—“

“Well, of course you didn’t! You were too busy throwing things at your new manservant, why would you spare a thought for me?” Morris throws his hands up. “Did you even wonder what happened?”

He swallows. “No.”

“Right, well. That’s it, then, is it? We only exist to serve you?”

“No.”

“No, that’s right. We don’t. And it’s high time you realized that instead of—“ he seems to struggle for words before flailing a hand in Merlin’s direction— “throwing halberds at people!”

“You’re right,” he says again, keeping himself low but sitting up properly, ”you’re right. I shouldn’t have thrown the halberd at Merlin and I was wrong to throw the daggers at you.”

“What is this,” Morris scoffs, but the irritation is giving way to actual confusion, “you just stalling until the guards come and arrest me or something?”

“No. I’m not having you arrested. I’m trying to apologize. If you’re still looking for work, we can find you something in the—“

”Shut up!”

The field goes quiet. Morris just stands there, panting at him. Arthur waits. And waits. And waits some more. After another long while, Morris glares and him and whirls around, stomping away.

Merlin sets down the target with a clatter and comes over, helping Arthur up. “You alright?”

“Fine.” He turns to look at him, hands on his shoulders, turning his head to the side. “Are you alright? I did almost hit you with that thing.”

“Luckily, your aim’s worse than you think it is,” Merlin jokes, softening when he sees Arthur’s genuine concern, “I’m good.”

“Good.”

He brushes Merlin’s tunic off—just in case—and ruffles his hair until Merlin squawks in protest. He looks off in the direction Morris went. It was true; he hadn’t thought about Morris in…well, in years. Not since Merlin had become his servant, not since everything had happened that changed him.

“Hey.” Merlin nudges him. “What is it?”

“I didn’t realize,” he says, still staring off, “that he couldn’t find work.”

Merlin hums. “That’s not your fault.”

”Isn’t it? I’m the one who threw the daggers. I’m the one who—who gave him those scars.”

”And I believe technically I’m the one who got him fired.” Merlin shoves his shoulder. “It’s been years. At this point I’m not sure what he’s tried.”

“I tried to apologize. Really, I meant it.”

“I know. I heard you.”

Arthur looks down, scuffing his toe along the grass. Merlin knocks their shoulders together.

“Not everyone will forgive you,” he says quietly after the wind has blown a leaf from one side of the field to another.

“I know.”

“That’s okay.”

“I know.”

“You were a massive prat.”

“I know.”

“Still are, to be honest.” Merlin laughs as Arthur shoves him. “But you’re better, and that’s what’s important.”

Arthur looks up at him. Merlin just grins and ruffles his hair, or at least tries to before Arthur catches him and puts him in a careful headlock, laughing as Merlin squawks and swats at him.

“Let me go, you prat!”

“Idiot.”

(Merlin does learn that Morris has gotten a job at one of the stables across the city from the castle. He also learns that Arthur is a rotten liar when it comes to pretending he didn’t do something.)

[jokeringcutio]

helloo, hope this return means things are looking up <3

reader on a blind date with arthur fleck imagine ? it could happen by gary speaking to arthur during work and they'd get onto the topic of women and gary would suggest arthur going out with a female friend (reader) of his who is currently looking for someone. the reader then gets a bit concerned for arthur (his weight, illness, how little money he has and age gap between the two) and starts to stick around him to make sure he's alright. could end with smut or fluff, whichever you prefer. sorry if this is asking for a lot, you could take your time or ignore it if you think its too much! no pressure

Nothing's too much! ♥ Here's a little imagine I just wrote for you. Enjoy:

(Story under cut)

Reader's Gary's friend and Arthur's Blind Date Imagine

Fandom: Joker (2019)

Reader x Arthur Fleck

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Mention of age difference, medicine, health issues, worries, smut.

When Gary comes to him to tell him he knows this sweet girl, Arthur thinks his colleague is just teasing him. Why would anyone try and set him up with a date? No one had cared about him being lonely before, least of all his day-to-day colleagues. But Gary was different, it seemed. He was the only one at work who didn’t seem eager to joke about all of Arthur’s shortcomings. So when he told Arthur that he had a friend and that the two of you should definitely meet, he accepted.

The little café where you are to meet is small and cheap. But it has a pleasant décor and atmosphere. Arthur’s leg jitters nervously, and then you come inside. At first, he thinks you made a mistake, and he says so.

“Excuse me, miss, but this seat is taken.”

“I know,” you say, looking intently at the man you knew had to be your blind date. He looks cute, your type, you realize. Where had Gary been hiding this man all this time, you wondered? You try to sit down but Arthur stops you again.

“No, I mean, I am waiting for someone.”

“Mind it if I were to be that someone?”

Arthur is left dumbfounded for quite a few minutes, merely capable of blabbering apologizes as you sit down, and staring at you as if he can’t believe his eyes. “So you are my blind date?” he eventually asks. “Gary-?”

“Yes,” you confirm, taking away all his doubt and fears. “Gary is a good friend of mine.”

Arthur had been scared to hope that you could be there for him. Scared that he would be disappointed to find out that you were here to meet someone else, afraid of getting his hopes up. But the moment you say Gary is a good friend of yours, his fears quiet down and his shoulders sag as his body starts to relax.

His whole demeanor changes. He becomes more confident, all smiles. He talks like a proper man on a date, moves the coaster around the table as he speaks. His leg still jitters somewhat, but it is no longer due to fear. It is excitement.

His attention is fully upon you. His green eyes follow your face all the time. He takes you in, the way you smile, the little crinkles near your eyes, the small lines, the imperfections. It is all perfect to him.

Nightmares come true. Not dreams. So how can you be real then?

It’s near the end of the date when it is time to pay that you ask Arthur if he really had enough. He hardly drank and didn’t eat at all. You figure he is just being polite, but wonder if he enjoyed the time he had spent with you. Had he just been sticking around so as not to offend you? Would there be a second date? You worry, internally, until the bill comes and Arthur insists he shall pay for you.

You see the contents of his wallet. It is nearly empty.

With a gasp, you offer to pay for him, but he refuses no matter what you try, even gets offended for trying to take this away from him. So chivalry isn’t dead yet.

You tell him you admire him.

The date ends with the two of you walking down the promenade. Talking. Arthur smiles sweetly at you. He tells you not to worry about him, and the two of you set up another date.

You know he has been lying to you. That he doesn’t have the money he claims he has or a nice apartment of his own. Gary tells you all about him. A forty-year-something-old man still living with his deranged mom. Gary tells you about the medicines he saw Arthur take and of the card that describes his ailment. Of how he never eats during the job – too busy, he said. He always said that according to Gary. And Gary's worried about him. But also about you. Should you truly continue dating this man, he wonders?

Gary is worried, but you are even more so. Arthur is your dream man. It becomes quite clear to you rather quickly, and as such, you can’t let his situation go. You worry about him. You care about him.

During your second date, Arthur has fully emerged in a tale of his own devising when you suddenly interrupt him by placing a gentle hand on his wrist. He looks shaken, green eyes upon you questioningly.

All you do is whisper he doesn’t need to hide.

“Don’t pretend, sweetheart, I am here for you. The real you.”

A soft breath leaves his lips, stuttering, shaking.

Then he places his warm hand upon yours, hot palm lightly resting against your skin. He gives your hand a gentle squeeze. And then a smile tugs the corner of his lips. Just a tiny one, like a hidden gem.

He shows you his apartment after. You meet his mom and examine his empty fridge. Determination fills your being.

The next time you are invited to come over to his place, you take along some home-cooked meal which you share with Arthur and his mom. He is reluctant to eat, as he isn’t hungry, but under the scrutinizing eyes of his mom, he knows it is the only polite thing to do. And so he tastes it. That night. And the night after. And all the nights that follow when you visit him and bring another home-cooked meal. He can’t refuse them, so he won’t.

Now that you have gotten him to eat, you start helping him do some chores around his house. You help his mother dress, clean the rooms, get rid of some of the mess. You sort through his medicines and get rid of the ones that have passed their dates. You bring in flowers and different drinks for Arthur to taste. His life quickly becomes less bland.

He’s a different man at work. More confident. Less caring about what others think of him.

This lasts for several weeks until one of his colleagues remarks that you are too young for him. Then Arthur breaks down.

You meet Arthur at his house but find him a wreck. Things had been looking up lately, so to find him in a mood is a surprise to you. Even more so when you see how he is chain-smoking, and how he sent his mom to her chamber.

He then tries to send you away.

“They’re right. Why would you stick with an old man like me, anyway? I am no good, can’t do anything good. No money, not a stable mind. Did you come here only out of pity?”

When he says it, he looks up at you with watery green eyes and you can’t help it. Your hands are upon his cheeks within an instant, his lips pressed against yours. You taste the nicotine on his tongue and allow it to sweep through your mouth. He eats you, ravishes you, his lithe body presses firmly against you and you can feel how eager he is for you.

You take the initiative, show him the ropes. He is hot and hard and eager for it. Every taste is a reminder that it isn’t enough, and his lips hungrily seek out yours. You guide him inside but he sets the pace. You moan his name, but he paints you white and claims you as his.

In his arms you shudder with the last of your orgasm. Against his chest, you come down from your high.

And by his teasing nimble fingers, you are teased into another round until your body is clamping down on his cock, hard. He groans in your ear and bestows you with another round of his cum. His heavy sack empties for a second time after having been denied the release so often before. It is like heaven to him, and he can’t get enough.

And you let him. Because you enjoy it.

You love him.

Next time he appears at work and someone comments about you being too young or too pretty for him, he retreats into his mind and feels you there, around his shaft, pulsing. Too young, perhaps. Too pretty, definitely. But you’re willing and you want him.  

No one will be able to take you away from him.

~ FIN ~

AN: Hope you enjoyed it. I'm ready to receive more prompts again as you can see.

[albentelisa]

Hi! So, was there any headcannon or theory you had of Merlin in Trollhunters while writing Mirrored Conviction's? Because he could easily be seen as the villain given how it looked like he manipulated Jim when he was trying to make him into a half troll if Wizards hadn't shown why he did that.

Hi, sorry for the delay with the response - I've been rather busy lately. So, without further ado let's proceed to the question.

Honestly, I've never viewed Merlin as a villain. Yes, he totally sucks as a person, and even the fact that he acknowledged Douxie in Wizards changes nothing. On the other hand, I find it interesting that a deeply flawed character like Merlin is one on the good side (and has always been).

And now to some headcanons (which I also use while writing my fics):

Merlin is commonly disliked in the magic community because he's arrogant and mostly acts according to what he considers the most beneficial to his goal (which is humanity's survival). Obviously, that led to countless situations where he outright abandoned his allies when there was an option to save them while jeopardizing the plan. The situation with Jim in Wizards proves it good enough and I feel that one wasn't the first or only time Merlin did that. And obviously, that wouldn't give him much love from everyone else (and Zoe hates him for a reason too).

Merlin led both Arthur and Morgana to their downfall or at least, partially responsible for that. Why do I think so? Let's start with Arthur. I believe that Merlin to Arthur was the same kind of figure Blinky was to Jim - a mentor, an older friend, and kind of a father. However, unlike Blinky who can always find the right words for Jim in his darkest and lowest moments, Merlin either didn't know what to do or outright ignored the problem (somehow, I more lean towards the latter). It seems like after Gwen's death, Morgana was the only one trying to reach her brother. If Merlin had joined her, everything might have ended differently.

As for Morgana, instead of leading her and helping to find control over her shadow magic, Merlin tried to correct her magic, most likely putting her within some strict regulations. He obviously finds shadow magic vile and corruptive, refusing to see that it might be not different from a knife - a tool that could be used both for good and evil. Obviously, Morgana lost all the respect for her master she had most likely possessed initially as Merlin had never listened to her or her opinion.

Merlin is also incredibly stubborn and frigid. He lacks adaptability and fails to either have some backup plans or adjust his plans on the spot. That one is his clear weakness.

And another of his problems is that he's a genius and has convinced himself that he knows better than everyone else. It led to the mindset that only his plans were right and everyone else just told him some unhinged and dumb stuff that would never work (which could be as far from the real state of things as possible). Merlin also genuinely believes that if he cannot do something, no one will be able to do a thing and that if something didn't work for him, it wouldn't work for someone else.

So? Merlin may be intelligent, but he isn't wise. He's too short-sighted to see the bigger picture and too stuck to his own beliefs to see alternatives.

There's some curious detail about Nari. It makes some sense that she came to Merlin after abandoning the Arcane Order because despite all his flaws he was probably the best when it came to giving her shelter. However, Nari also seemingly treats Merlin nicely, despite being his enemy for a long time before coming to him. It may have something to do with Nari's personality, but I also have a headcanon that Nari knew Merlin before he grew to become the unpleasant person he is now. Nari is hopeful, so, perhaps, she still believed he could change his ways.

And now, there's some heavy speculation part. The scene when Merlin manipulated Jim made me think that Merlin was projecting his own experiences there. He seems to be the kind of person who absolutely loathes their younger self. Most likely, Jim was unlucky enough to remind Merlin of his younger days.

I feel that Merlin lost some dear people during his young years, most likely because of his own reckless actions. He probably thought that if he took some precautions it might end differently. That is why he chose to force Jim to undergo the transformation. In Merlin's eyes that might even count as some kind of redemption for his youth's mistakes. He sees nothing wrong with that and believes it is a good thing and that Jim is simply too young and naive to understand and will come to appreciate it later. And obviously, Merlin believes that ruining Jim's everyday life wasn't a big deal. To his mind, it was an adequate sacrifice. Well, Merlin simply forgets that Jim is not him or even his younger self.

I had a discussion with a friend once, who claimed that younger Merlin was like Douxie, but personally, I feel that Douxie reminds Merlin of the close person he had lost in the past (best friend, perhaps?). That would explain why Merlin ordered Douxie to stay away from everything until he woke up - so that Douxie didn't end in some kind of trouble. I feel that Merlin was scared to lose Douxie, because it would be a second time for him.

[rosethreeart]

School of Punk Au fic :}

In which Arthur tries to make a really shitty decision and his eldest brother has to talk him out of it.

Angst :)

“Arthur, where the bloody fucking hell do you think you’re going?!” Alasdair shouted.

Arthur winced as came to a halt when he heard the sound of his eldest brother’s voice. He felt frozen in place, fear and guilt consuming his entire being. The only thing that got him to move was the harsh pull of his brother’s hand on his shoulder to make him face the other. His body, despite its stiffness, didn't fight against his forced movement.

“Arthur.” His brother said sternly.

The front porch needed to be swept, he thought to himself.

“Arthur.” 

He should have worn his thick winter jacket instead of his go-to leather one. The cold breeze of winter stung his eyes. He refused to believe or acknowledge any other reason for why his eye’s were watering.

“What the hell are you thinking?” Alasdair's words felt sharp despite his soft tone. 

Arthur’s throat was tight and his hands began to shake. This wasn’t how it was supposed to play out. He wasn't supposed to get caught. He was supposed to get away, live his life in denial, and pretend he wasn’t the worst person in the world until he died old and lonely. 

Alasdair held up his shitty letter filled with even shittier excuses, “I mean, are you bloody fucking serious? You’re just going to leave? Just like that? In the middle of night no less,” He let out a sharp and bitter bark, “Honestly, I don’t know why I expected differently from you…”

“I don’t know why I— you did either…” Arthur replied in a defeated manner, ignoring that Freudian slip of the tongue. 

“What changed?” His brother asked him tiredly. 

For the first time in what felt like several days, Arthur met his brother’s eyes, “Have you seen the way she looks at me?” he let out a laugh that was much more reminiscent of a sob, “She looks at me like—like I’m everything to her…”

“Arthur, You are everything to her!” 

“That’s the bloody fucking problem!” Arthur said in hysterics, “I mean look at me! I can’t— I’m not—”

“You’re not what, Arthur?” Alasdair said exasperated.

“Good enough!” He placed his head in his hands and drew a shaky breath, before pulling them apart to frame his face, “Abigail deserves someone better than me. I mean, what the hell kind of parent could I possibly be? I’m terrified…I’m terrified of—”

“Terrified of being like our father?” Alasdair said, finishing his younger brother’s statement.

Arthur just sobbed and nodded in confirmation, “I mean, wouldn’t our lives, especially yours, be so much better if he had left? What if she ends up feeling and thinking the same thing?”

“Arthur, you're not him. You aren’t going to be like him. I can see the way you look at her. You’re right, she does look at you like you’re her everything, but you look at her the exact same way.”

Arthur’s eyes widened,”I—”

“Yeah, you can be a shithead, and prick, and an absolute idiot,” Alasdair began not bothering to hide a small smirk on his face at his youngest brother’s displeasure,”But, I know you have a good head on your shoulders. It’s selfish, but it’s good. Don’t go.”

“I don’t know what to do, Alasdair...” Arthur admitted.

For the first time in years, Alasdair had seen a look of vulnerability and fear on the younger man’s face. All of a sudden, it was like Arthur was a small child again afraid of the passing thunder storm. 

“You’ll figure something out, Arthur; you always do.” The eldest said, “but for now let’s get you back inside, you’ll catch a cold standing out there.”

Arthur nodded letting his head drop as he was shepherded back into the warmth of the house. 

A light from down the hall turned on catching both men’s attention. Another figure appeared. It was his second eldest brother, Patrick, who seemed to be holding the source of all of Arthur’s grief, stress, and joy: Abigail. 

Patrick stumbled into the living room, “What the fuckin’ hell are you arses doing?”

Before Arthur could finish an embarrassing amount of stuttered and half finished sentences, Alasdair replied nonchalantly, “Having a small chat, nothing too big of a deal.”

Arthur hid the surprise he felt, he was sure his brother would have ratted him out at a moment's notice. He also didn’t fail to notice the sound of paper crumpling from behind the older man. 

“Can’t you shitheads wait till morning?” Patrick asked, rubbing his eyes with his freehand.

Arthur lost interest and focus on the conversation that his two siblings began to hold. Instead, he looked at the small little figure resting peacefully in his brother’s arms. He didn’t bother to try to hide or prevent the silent tears that ran down his face as he reached out for the little one. Wrapping his arms around her, he brought her to the crook of his neck and held her tightly.

‘His brother was right,’ Arthur thought to himself, ‘he was an idiot’. The realization that he almost walked away from her, made him loudly sob and collapse to the floor.

 He didn’t register the fact that he was being led to the couch. He didn’t register the comforting and soothing gestures and words coming from his siblings. He didn’t register the fact that he had awoken his other brother who had come down stairs to see what the noise was about. Nor did he register the soft blanket being draped over him or the scent of tea from the cup that was placed on the coffee table in front of him. The only thing he could focus on and feel was the warmth of his daughter who, despite the commotion, continued to sleep peacefully in his shaking arms. 

An idiot he was indeed...

[roundtabletea]

Day in the Life of King Arthur

This post will cover how Arthur’s authority impacts how he uses his masculinity in the Stanzaic Morte. It will cover the events leading up to Arthur's death and how his lack of backbone led to this–it will be a sort of play-by-play from event to event.

I just spent a few hours in bed with Guinveve today, and wow, she is still as beautiful as ever! She didn’t seem as into it as usual, but I still enjoyed myself. So when she suggested holding a tournament, how was I to refuse? Sure, as king, I should be the one making those kinds of decisions, but a good idea is a good idea, so I’ll just follow her suggestion. I mean, we all know Lancelot is going to win. He always does, which makes sense given he’s the greatest and most virtuous knight we’ve got. I can always count on Lancelot in a pinch, that’s for sure. 

The tournament started today and wow did my knights impress me! However, the winner was definitely that stranger with the red sleeve. I don’t know who he was, but he was by far the most powerful opponent the knights faced. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I bet he would be equally matched with Lancelot! I was upset to see the knight wounded and even more upset to see him flee. I plan to hold another tournament in a month’s time, though I doubt our strange knight will be able to attend with how badly he got hurt. I’m still wondering where Lancelot was in the tournament, though. Seeing the two of them fight would have been amazing! Well, maybe he’ll show up for the next one…

Well, the other tournament was a bust. I didn’t expect the stranger to attend, but Lancelot didn’t show up either. I was wondering where he was until Gawain showed up and told Guinevere and I about how the Maid of Ascalot had his shield. Imagine my surprise when Gawain told my queen and I how the two were lovers! I had always wondered if Lancelot had a lover, but the Maid of Ascalot would not have been my first guess! Guinevere seemed disturbed by the news and I couldn’t tell you why. She and Lancelot always seemed close, but I have to admit I’m not sure what the problem is. A man needs a woman in his life, after all. Maybe she’s just being moody.

Lancelot has returned and fled again, all thanks to Guinevere and her mood. I would reprimand her, but she’s in trouble enough as it is and I wouldn’t even know how to bring up Lancelot to her right now. I mean, a dead Scottish Knight was found with her and things really don’t look good, especially because Sir Mador, his brother, showed up to avenge him. I also found a boat with the Maid of Ascalot’s dead body and note condemning Lancelot for her death! I don’t even know what to believe anymore. I mean, Lancelot never confirmed nor denied his involvement with the Maid, but still, two accusations in the same period of time? Now Guinevere needs someone to defend her in a trial by combat and Lancelot is nowhere to be found. I wish I could change the laws to protect Guinevere, but what would people think of me if I defended a possible killer? At least Bors agreed to fight Sir Mador for her if Lancelot doesn’t show up. Who knows, maybe he’ll come back at the last second like always! We’ll just have to wait and hope.

Lancelot showed up! He was in a disguise for some strange reason (he’s always had a thing for them; it’s really weird if you ask me, but if it works, it works) and fought off Sir Mador. Now I’m hearing whispers of Guinevere being unfaithful from Agravaine and I just don’t know what to do. It’s probably just all talk. Guinevere would never sleep with another man! 

Agravaine was right! Not only have Lancelot and Guinevere been seeing each other behind my back, Lancelot slew all of the knights that tried to confront him! At least Mordred survived the slaughter Lancelot caused. Him, I know I can trust. Gawain was really upset to hear his brothers died and I have to say it hurts to have knights slaying each other, almost as much as Lancelot’s betrayal hurts. It was hard to sentence Guinevere to death and I’m almost grateful that Lancelot rescued her. However, I still want her back on our side. We begin marching to Joyous Gard tomorrow to take back Guinevere. Off to war!

The war has been going on for a few months now with neither side prevailing. Lancelot seems almost afraid to kill me and despite my best attempts, he’s too powerful for me to kill. I’m not sure what Lancelot was thinking when he gave me his horse to ride out of danger. This war isn’t going anywhere and we aren’t making any headway. I hear words of the Pope getting involved and it sounds like I’ll be getting Guinevere back at his command. Lancelot isn’t off the hook, though. Gawain still wants him dead and I have to agree. If Lancelot and Gawian fought at the right time, Gawain would have a chance at winning!

Guinevere has been returned to me, but Lancelot still must be dealt with. I plan on leaving in a few days to assault Lancelot in his land of exile. I’m leaving Mordred in charge as temporary king. I know I can trust him to watch after Guinevere without anything funny going on. Gawain is still out for blood and I’m still convinced he’ll have a shot if he and Lancelot fight. Only time will tell, though.

What is it with me and traitors? Now Mordred has turned on me and threatens my kingdom! I hate to have to leave Lancelot, but I have a bigger threat to face. Besides, Gawain lost to Lancelot twice now and I can’t bear to see him wounded a third time. We’ll deal with Mordred and then come back for Lancelot. 

Gawain is dead! There have been two battles now with Mordred’s forces and Gawain was slain in the second one. It’s starting to look like we have no chance of defeating Mordred. I had a dream about the mysterious Wheel of Fortune and Gawain appeared in my other dream with some advice. He told me to wait for Lancelot’s army to come help and thus I have sent for Lancelot to aid us. We’re going to negotiate with Mordred, if the bastard can be reasoned with, but no swords must be drawn. That would spell disaster for any peace talks we might have.

So many knights have been slain now, all because of one snake! When trying to negotiate with Mordred, a snake appeared and one of my knights pulled his sword to slay it. That started the battle and now I am knee deep in loyal and disloyal knights’ bodies. Mordred is threatening me and I see no reason to deny him the fight he desires so badly. I will slay him!

Is this what death feels like? I am lying by the lakeside at this moment as a boat appears from the mist. I have already had Bedivere throw Excalibur into the water so the Lady of the Lake could reclaim what was her’s. It took three tries, but he finally obeyed his king. As I am helped into the boat, I can feel my life fading fast. I can only hope the powers of Avalon can save me…

[worlds-best-sippycup]

ASOIAF CLASSPECT POST

Hey, kids! Today I’m going to be talking to you about Homestuck. And also ASOIAF, I guess.

Classpect analysis is a form of analysis where we internet-bound losers look at characters through the lens of the Homestuck classpect system, which assigns every character an ‘Aspect’ that is a bit like a personality grid, and a ‘Class’ that determines their powers in the game SBURB, but more importantly for us, their place in the story.

Still here? OK.

JON SNOW – RAAAG- Oh, too much? Ok, ok.

Aspect: Rage. Rage players have an antagonistic role in HS itself, but those are destroyer classes. Rage is about, not just anger, but truth. Seeing the world for what it is, and breaking down lies and false systems until something better is achieved. Sound familiar? It’s an aspect that fits well with Jon’s sort-of proto-human-rights-activist story. For the class… Jon ultimately applies this change of ways to the world around him, and it’s not for his own benefit. His aspect is his downfall. Simultaneously, he’s really really good at what he does, and his sway and effects of his actions are vast. So, I might put him as Witch of Rage. (I prefer this because it gives Ghost a place as his familiar. Good wolf. Best friend.)

However, he’s also really overconfident that he knows what the truth is, despite, say it with me ‘you know nothing Jon Snow’. And his overconfidence does lead to his death in a way; where he is so focused on the right thing and the truth, that he misses the lies spreading around him. So Seer of Rage is also an appropriate option.

TYRION LANNISTER – Tyrion is a Hope player. Point-blank, he is the aspect of Hope. He’s got the privilege, the self-centredness, the ability to bounce back from the deepest shit like the world’s grossest morally-greyest phoenix, the sex-obsession… For the class, I’d say Maid, because of their tendency to fix themselves with their aspect. Tyrion’s Hope only really affects himself. I truly believe that hope is a key word in Tyrion’s arc, and his whole life. no matter how depressed he gets, it’s hope that pulls him out, and forwards.

CERSEI LANNISTER – Is a Void player. Her worldview is distorted, and she revels in lies without seeking out the truth. It’s not that she is an idiot, but her refusal to question things trips her up. She surrounds herself with toadies and shmucks, and she seems to genuinely believe that she did fine by Sansa.

She also has a lot of the same personality flaws as the other Thieves in HS (self-obsession, overt conviction in her own incorrect logic, utter and unbelievable selfishness), so I call her Thief of Void.

Although – Seer of Void works just as well, and has quite a vibe to it. Cersei being so self-assured, but seeing only irrelevance.

JAIME LANNISTER –

I think Jaime is a Heart player. Every action that he takes, even the most selfless, is self-centred. He never considered any reason to explain himself after Aerys, because he knew he was in the right, so what else could matter? Statistics would also imply that Heart players tend to have extremely strong relationships, and Jaime is very attached to Tyrion and Cersei and to his admiration for Arthur Dayne. He also does self-reflect a lot for someone… bad at it. Overall, I’d say… Page of Heart? For a character so badly in need of psychological growth, and so tied to the idea of Knighthood. Although, I’m not positive about him having the promised secret potential of Pages. Maybe Maid of Heart, for a man who has to change his self-image over the course to the series.

BRIENNE OF TARTH – Knight of Breath. This one was easy.

Breath is freedom. It is innocence, childlike idealism, and self-sufficiency. It is associated with the ‘Hero’s Journey’ and with the ‘forward momentum’ of the plot as opposed to the interpersonal relationships that fall under Blood.

Brienne is free. Even if she suffers horribly under the misogynistic state of Westeros, compared to so so many of her fellow women, she is almost unbelievably self-motivated. She’s a gnc female knight, come the fuck on. Her idealism defines her, her clinging to her morals in the face of everything is the core of ASOIAF, this dark, dark story. She is rarely seen (apart from the beginning, where she’s with Renly) in a city or even a building, she’s in constant motion. Also, she’s blue. Class-wise… Knights protect others in Homestuck, they serve under/with others with their Aspect powers just like Pages do, and they have the same self-esteem issues. Brienne, is a knight not only in the way she reforms that title from the dark definition it has through ASOIAF, but in the class sense. She serves Catelyn, she is underconfident and puts up a façade to help, she gives Breath to Jaime.

ARYA STARK -

She’s a Time player, for sure – never still, always running from/to something or another. The constant danger she’s in might be a part of that, sure, but even in AGOT, she is implacable, always seeking out a better place for herself. And although Doom is suffering and death, Time is the aspect of the dead. Arya’s story is about finding a place for a human girl among the dead and ghostly. She orders her friends around through her own vision, and seeing is another big motif for her – she sees her mother’s corpse, she loses her eyesight and sees through the eyes of a cat, and so on. Thus, I dub thee Mage of Time.

SAM TARLY – (my beloved my beloved my BELOV-) He was originally a tossup between Mind and Light, both being intelligence-based aspects, but the reading-people part of Mind and the cunning ruthlessness of Light neither fit him. I took a step back and thought, maybe Space. He is a protector of new life (with Gilly and her baby) and remarkably selfless. His intelligence allows him to see a bigger picture than most. While Mage (the active, less overconfident Seer class) does fit him, his tendencies towards cowardice and need for others’ help make me go for Page. So, Page of Space. My poor lonely son.

part 2>>

[queenofthearchipelago]

Hi~ Why do you love Merlin?

(also Merlin fan, just a brainrot opportunity hehe)

Now THIS is a big question. I hope you asked it knowing that I'd answer it with a small essay lol.

I suppose my answer to this has changed over the years. When I first watched the show when I was 14, I fell in love with the lighthearted and wholesome vibes the show had. I loved stories with magic where one character had too much on their shoulders and where I could watch them carry their burdens and achieve the impossible. I was intrigued by stories where one character in some way shape or form, is forced to be alone. It's a common theme across all my favorite stories from How to Train Your Dragon to Doctor Who to, now, Good Omens.

I also fell in love with the bromance, the costumes, the music, the legend they were weaving right in front of my eyes.

And while I still love all those aspects of Merlin, looking back on it now, I suppose none of those are the reason I kept rewatching the show.

I think I've watched Merlin all the way through about 8 times now. And now that many years have passed, I see what had me so hooked. I think it was the exploration of friendship between Merlin and Arthur.

When I first watched Merlin, I didn't have much in the way of properly good friends. So it was a comfort to me to watch this story where two people met, they didn't even like each other, but they grew to be the most important person in each other's lives and it had nothing to do with romance. (Which is not to erase the experiences of people who ship them in canon, I totally get it, I ship them in fanfic, but within the bounds of the show I see them as a platonic soulmate situation.) But the bond between Merlin and Arthur was always so steady, even when they weren't getting along.

Merlin always went back for Arthur and Arthur always went back for Merlin. And I admired this as someone who, when I missed an event I was supposed to be at, the next week someone would tell me they missed me and I knew they didn't mean it. "Missing me" was used to tell me that they noticed I was gone, not that they felt my absence. Like, there's a difference, ya know?

And so I think this is the story that taught me what I prioritize and value in my friendships. I value protecting each other and preserving each other in peace and joy. I value going back for them. I notice when they go out of their way for me, even with small things, so that I can be more comfortable. I notice and appreciate when they listen to me, when they refuse to judge me, when they reach out first.

In college I met some amazing friends who have went out of their way for me during times where my life was falling apart, and I'm so grateful that life brought me these people. And I look back at Merlin, at episodes like The Poisoned Chalice and A Servant of Two Masters, and I see my teenage self and the kind of friendship I wish I had, and would some day find, and that I hope to keep finding as I go about life and keep meeting new people.

Of course there's discussion to be had about whether or not Merlin went to far. If he should have maybe cared less about Arthur because then maybe he would have saved himself and Camelot. Maybe Merlin's dedication to Arthur wasn't healthy because of all he lost because of it. But I don't care about that. Merlin loved his friend and he acted like it every single day and that was something I wanted to be for other people, that was what I wanted to see in my life.

On a slightly smaller but still significant note, every time I watch Merlin, the more I love Arthur. I feel like the first two times I watched the show I was a Merlin girl, I didn't care much for Arthur, and then I started to notice just how big this boy's heart is and I realized that Arthur IS the heart of the show. I love him more every time I think about him. And sometimes I rewatch certain episodes just to see him again.

I feel like I've rambled on and I have no idea if I've made any sense but I tried lol. Thank you for giving me a reason to talk about it. Merlin is one of those stories I'll think about and love forever. And every time I rewatch it I learn something new about myself, so I'm sure it'll continue to be a story that has great meaning and impact on my life. (And of course, the fandom is immortal, so I'll always have fanfic to read and people to talk about it with too!)

Feel free to keep sending me asks about it! Or DM me! I always have time to talk about Merlin.

[khaleesiofalicante]

Now these are all random thoughts with no order, but I still need to get them out of my system (and my notes lol)

David's thoughts not appearing and him not having a POV makes me so fucking nervous, because the last time it happened it turned out to be the saddest shit ever 😭

WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN ARCAID ARE NOT A CANON EVENT???? AND THEY AREN'T TOGETHER IN IALS??? My mind refuses to accept that😤. Also the fact that Arthur said “We’re destined to be together, Kincaid.”, and they are the couple that is not canon is my 13th reason 🙂

The song rec in Lance's chapter being She by Dodie??? Haven't recovered yet, thanks :)

I remember Arthur saying in IALS that "You were bigger than the whole sky" was his favorite song from the midnights album and now I'm feeling Arcaid feels not in a good way😭😭

Everyone in this gen is a whore and I say good for them!! Theia literally using her travel year to go see Lance, Joan thirsting over Régine, Iris and Hermes, Arthur and Kincaid (both self explanatory), and don't get me started on Cami! I am proud of them😌

I'm still curious about what happened to David's book. I mean, I know it wasn't published, and Max was angry at Rafael about it, but what bullshit excuse did they used???

Rafael and Max's relationship 🥺🥺. Rafael being scared for Max, and Max wanting to protect his family and everything just going to shit because of the Clave... They better fix this relationship or I'm throwing hands!

You should listen to "Fuiste tú" by Ricardo Arjona and "El triste" by José José. They give me IALS vibes. Funny thing is that those two are really famous in my country, and I've heard them a thousand times, but just recently I paid attention and I am heartbroken 🥰

I have a theory Max won't become Other Max after seeing all the damage it created. Like, seeing the consequences, and telling David he can't do it but feeling bad about it. Still not sure because that whore is capable of anything

And I have ANOTHER theory that David will die soon. Like, in a battle or in between the fight with Idris and that's why Max invented time travel. Because he never got to grow old (?) with him. But maybe that would also mean Lance activating the prophecy for him... Besides, Other Max said he took 720 years to figure it out, but he didn't said what year he is from... Idk, maybe it could be because you didn't want to do math but I don't trust you anymore😑

I love Rafael, Anjali and Cami but omfg they NEED TO CHIILL!!! I feel they would judge me so hard LMAO. I am that girl who's motto is "if tomorrow isn't the due date, today isn't the do date". And I procrastinate so much but the worst part is I know I can pull it off because I have done entire projects 20 minutes before they're due and I've gotten 10s, and studying for exams with time?? Nah, I like to study with someone's study cards 10 minutes before the exam AND I also pull that off so yeah... I love Cami but she would probably dislike me 😂

Every time I remember Other Max waited 720 years to see David again, I remember this scene of IALS and feel 80% worse 🥲 “Alec hasn’t spoken to me for two days and I already feel like I’m decaying,” bapak told him. “Decaying?” Max made a face. “Like a corpse?” The man clutched his face. “13 years, Max. 13 bloody years. How on earth did you manage that?”

I would sell a kidney to know why tf Other Max does the shit he does sigh

I'm really curious about the changes from Other Max's timeline and this because of the White Warlock thing Max has going on. Like, we've cleared that the money did have an impact on it, so not only does it affect keeping the institute, I guess it would affect Lance and AJ going to different schools, maybe Arthur not meeting Harry?

Arcaid are together (briefly) in IALS but they don't end up together rip.

She by Dodie is funnily enough a song that perfectly fits Lance and Kincaid - more reasons why they are alike!!!

We'll find out about David's book soon (I think).

Thank you thank you for your song recs. I love them. I haven't been the same since you recced me Tú sí sabes quererme. It's one of my fave songs ever - and so very blackbane too.

And yes, everything is literally because I don't wanna do math. DO NOT MAKE ME.

I guess we'll find out what Other Max does and why he does it when he return to the Other Timeline during the interlude.

And yes, it does affect the schools they go to. For instance, Arthur and Harry meet in a public school instead of Silverstone. You actually get a lil context about this in the next chapter :)

[koolkat9]

GerFra Week 2023: Day 6

@gerfraweek

Prompt: Jealousy || Drunkenness

Relationships: Setting up of Gerfruk, established Fruk and set up/focused on GerFra

Word Count: 834

Read on AO3

Happy for You

Ludwig was happy for them. He really was. Why wouldn’t he be when two of his friends had finally gotten together after years of confusing feelings and then even more years of pining because they were too stubborn to change things between them? But finally, someone took that crucial step, and Arthur and Francis were finally an official couple.

And as Ludwig watched his two friends laugh and bicker affectionately, the way Arthur tucked a piece of Francis's hair behind their ear, how Francis wrapped their hand around Arthur’s wrist and squeezed it lovingly, Ludwig’s chest burned with red hot... happiness. His grip tightened on the handle of his beer, and he clenched his teeth at the display.

Then the smiling stopped, and Arthur reached into his pocket. Ludwig usually condemned the practice of eavesdropping, but in his partially inebriated state, curiosity got the best of him.

“Wait…Berwald slow down,” Arthur hushed, “What?–Oh is that all?–No, it’s no trouble–Just give me an hour, and I’ll be there.” He stuffed the phone back in his pocket.

“What was that?” Francis asked.

“Berwald needs me to watch Peter for the night. Something is going on with Oskar, and they don’t want to worry Peter too much.”

“Ah, I understand. See you at the hotel?”

“Of course.”

With a quick peck to Francis’s lips, Arthur departed. Ludwig watched it all, knuckles white. Perhaps he needed to cut himself off.

Francis’s gaze drifted over to him, and Ludwig immediately turned back to his drink, cheeks burning.

Over the thrumming of his heart, he didn’t hear Francis approaching.

“Ludwig?” he called.

“Ah…Y-Yes. Good evening Francis um…How may I help you?” Ludwig tried to keep his words clear and concise, but he stumbled and slurred a few of them. He refused to meet Francis’s eyes.

“May I sit?”

“I-I guess.”

Ludwig sipped his drink anxiously, stomach flipping as he heard the chair scratch against the floor.

Francis ordered a glass of wine before getting down to business. “So…I can tell something’s eating at you. Don’t try to deny it. What’s wrong?”

Ludwig steeled his eyes on his drink before downing the last third of his glass. The amber liquid burned down his throat, and his cheeks flushed an even deeper red. He took a minute, letting the drink fog over his mind and loosen his lips.

“I like you okay?” Ludwig slurred, a little more aggressive in tone than he meant to, “A-And I like Arthur. B-B-But–Forget it, just forget it. You two are happy, I shouldn’t be talking like this.” He rose to his feet, swaying a lot, shaking his already twisted stomach. He needed to leave before he ruined the happiness of the two he loved so dearly.

But Francis grabbed his wrist, tentatively and pulled him close so he could keep Ludwig upright. Ludwig’s heart pounded in his ears.

“I had a hunch. I see the way you look at us. At first, I thought you were jealous of one of us, but recently I’ve noticed the fond look you give.” He smiled softly. “If I’m honest, before Arthur stopped dragging his feet, I was considering pursuing you instead.”

Ludwig felt his heart shatter. All he wanted to do was crumple to the floor. He had been so close, and he hadn’t even realized, and now it was too late. He had to leave before he said something stupid.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Francis hushed. Considering they were shorter and less muscled than Ludwig, Francis had a surprisingly tight grip. Or maybe Ludwig was just too drunk to put up a proper fight. “I’m not done.”

“Stop…Just stop. I’m happy if you two are happy. I-I just need some time to move on.”

“But what if we both liked you too, and wanted to ask you out?”

The room was spinning, and Ludwig’s stomach lurched. He needed to leave. Before his heart broke anymore. “N-No…You don’t need to spare my feelings.”

“I’m not!”

Ludwig pulled away and almost landed on his face. Everything was becoming blurry, and he couldn’t tell if it was from how drunk he was or if he was actually about to cry. Either way, he just wanted to curl into his bed and fall asleep. Hopefully, he’d forget this foolishness and pain tomorrow.

Francis sighed. “There is no getting through to you tonight I see. Come on then. We need to get you to your room.”

With some stumbling and a few more almost falls, somehow Ludwig arrived back at his hotel without too much fuss. Francis sat him on the bed. He flittered off to get a glass of water, and for the morning, he brought aspirin.

Ludwig tried to keep his eyes open until Francis returned, but by the time they returned, Ludwig had nodded off.

“You really are an adorable man,” Francis cooed, though his voice sounded distant, “Sleep well mon cher.”

And like that, Ludwig was out like a light.

[thirtecnth]

(Hamish Linklater) THE PROPHET. Please welcome FATHER JACOB KARRAS (HE/HIM) to Huntsville, WV. They are a 46-year-old RESIDENT who lives in TOWN. You may see them around working as a PRIEST AT HUNTSVILLE CHAPEL. Poor unfortunate soul. We’ll see if they survive.

( *tw - religious trauma, pregnancy mention )

GENERAL

FULL NAME: Jacob Arthur Karras NICKNAMES: Jake, Father Jacob, Mr. Karras AGE: 45 years old DATE OF BIRTH: May 30th SEXUALITY: Straight Questioning STATUS: Gatherer

APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 6′ 4″ HAIR: Black EYE COLOR: Brown

BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN: Huntsville, West Virginia INCOME STATUS: Lower Class FATHER: Damien Karras (deceased) MOTHER: Greta Karras (deceased) SIBLINGS: N/A SIGNIFICANT OTHER: N/A HOBBIES: Hiking, Gardening, Reading, Running, Wine, Carpentry

TRAITS

[+] Empathetic, Passionate, Protective [-] Withdrawn, Dishonest, Martyr

STORY POINTS

Jacob had a relatively normal childhood for someone in such a religious household. His parents were rather strict, but they tried their best-- it just took them being gone for him to realize it.

He grew up alongside Cabell McCay as childhood friends, someone of a different religion than his own, but gave him a better appreciation for others. They have remained good friends since.

On a seemingly random day, he was hit by a car while riding his bike to school and fell over the hood. His bike was done for, though he was left with only scratches... It was from that moment on that he believed he had a true calling from God.

As he became a teenager, he understood what it would take to become a priest, (or rather what he would have to give up), but he had a grand passion for God. He would do what it took to serve and made a commitment to remain pure.

It was all so easy until he fell in love with one of his childhood friends. He knew he could never have her, he had made a commitment to God and she had made a commitment to her boyfriend, but the last night he was in town before leaving for his education-- Things happened.

When he returned years later, he was almost heartbroken to find that the girl he loved so dearly was not only married now, but that she had a child... A child of the age of 8... Strange.

She said the child wasn't his and he chose never to speak of it. But that didn't mean he didn't have nightmares about how he believed the child looked more and more like him every day.

Regardless, he continued with his teachings and prepared lessons to prep for an eventual spot as the successor of the church... But then the storm happened.

Jacob was one of the first to offer the place of worship as a place to take refuge. He accepted all people and would be damned if anyone was left without a place to stay in this situation, but he was entirely lost on how to lead the church when such an unprecedented evil was afoot.

It took a very quick conversation between the two of them left to conclude that Absinthe should lead everyone over him. He was far more qualified in Jacob's opinion and with that, he would assist and help preach.

In the beginning, attendance was lower than it ever had been-- but he didn't take it personally. His faith had been tested as well when his parents had been torn to pieces in their own home. They had just refused to use any other symbol outside their door but the cross.

He came to the conclusion that God was finally punishing the town for their sins. Taking the good with him on the way out in the form of a rapture. That was why the cross hadn't protected his parents. Because the monsters must've been some kind of rapture angels.

This opinion changed in private discussions with Absinthe and inner thought. When new life kept occurring in Huntsville, he figured it could be the opposite... That these truly were creatures sent from Hell and they were there to help protect the people of Huntsville.

In the years since, Jacob has become a much more progressive priest. He was already very accepting of everyone, but he has very much settled into the belief that they were living in unprecedented times-- that called for kindness, acceptance, and understanding.

Today, Jacob still helps the needy and is one of the first to welcome new visitors with information. He offers guidance to those who seek it and never judges those who reject his faith. He would still throw himself at the danger before he allowed anyone to be in pain... Jacob only wishes he could get them all out.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

1. The One that Got Away: She might still go to the church, she might not. Either way, the connection might still be there beneath all the tension of their situation... If not, she might just miss the friendship they once had.

2. The Child: They would be around 27 at this point. Do they know the truth? Is there even a truth to find out? And what of their connection at all... They might try to see Jacob or be curious about him because of the pictures of her mother and him that the older woman had tried to hide away.

3. Childhood Friends: He's been in town for quite some time. It wouldn't be surprising that he had some friends still around! He always tried to be a friendly face to others.

4. Lost Souls: Maybe he sees them regularly to discuss addictions or immoral behavior... Or maybe they've just been discussing these things for years. Whatever the situation, he's there to listen. Even if they're not religious.

5. Gossips: He's annoyed by them and all their news around town. Pretending they "know the truth" doesn't mean anything to him. He's never lied in his life... And even if he had, they shouldn't know about it.

…More to come, I’m sure!