#it really was like this homeless man cares for me more than anyone in this village

[ryllen]

this PSA is brought to u, by first year farmer ・゚ *✧

[the-cat-and-the-birdie]

Hey Writers of ATSV, STOP letting White Men off the hook and expecting me to clap.

The fact that Miguel is repeated dehumanized and called an animal even prior to him snapping but George Stacy's scenes are written completely sympathetic towards him -

It doesn't sit right with me. Look at this:

They call Miguel an animal in the opening scenes.

At this point, he's not a threat to anyone but Vulture. In this scene, Miguel is doing exactly what he's supposed to do as Spider-man.

He gets called an animal.

Two pages later it's literal George Stacy holding a gun to his daughters face, and yet it's written completely, 100% sympathetic towards him AND ONLY HIM.

Which like..... Girl... Let me adjust my spectacles because I cannot be reading this right.

He's pointing a loaded gun at his daughter. Gwen is undoubtedly more scared than she's even been in her entire life.

She's confused and desperate, one of our main characters is going through a traumatic event.

The script though? It only cares about George and how he was 'betrayed by his little girl'

As if Gwen isn't her own person.

As if Gwen didn't just save dozens of lives. In a situation where the police could do nothing.

Had Gwen not been there, the police would not have been able to handle Vulture. The threat is subdued - yet he still persists.

It doesn't matter that she just saved multiple lives. It doesn't matter that she's not a threat - or that she's his literal daughter.

What matters is how hard this is for the adult white man with the lethal weapon in his hands.

The scene SHOULD be written from Gwen's point of view. SHE'S the victim.

But no, the white male cop is going through it due to his own emotional incompetency so let's focus on that while calling Miguel an evil animal.

In ATSV both George AND Peter - the two white men in the movie - let Gwen down. They either put her in danger or do nothing as they watch.

George points a gun at her. Peter watches Miguel as he physically assaults Gwen and puts her in the machine, exiling her into homelessness.

Then, he gets to go home to his wife and kids, not even mention to MJ that Gwen and Miles were both assaulted and are now missing. And instead he whines about how he's 'not good at this mentor stuff'.

In ATSV the White Male characters repeatedly fail the people around them with no consequences at all - even from a lot of the audience.

And yeah - Peter Parker is completely neglectful.

To the point it's not okay whatsoever.

I've seen MULTIPLE people say that 'Peter is justified in not helping Gwen during the Go-Home scene. Because Miguel was obviously violent and he's probably scared of him plus he was holding MayDay.'

Which is an excuse that ignores the fact that it's pitiful that GWEN a teenage girl facing homelessness - who is likely weaker than both Peter and Miguel - is more willing to stand up to Miguel than PETER PARKER.

It ignores the fact Miguel would NOT attack a fucking baby. He's a FATHER.

But it's easier to assume the Latino man is a raging, angry, baby killer than to admit the white man is committing neglect.

It baffles me that people will really defend Peter saying 'he was scared - he didn't know what Miguel would do-'

Neither did Gwen. But she still did it.

Because she's a GOOD GUY. Because it mattered to her. Because the people she cared about were getting hurt.

She stood up to Miguel in the face of literal danger and homelessness.

Peter had nothing to lose. He make a joke and shut up when he was told.

Once again: If Gwen and Hobie hadn't come for Peter, we have NO IDEA how long he would've stayed with Miguel. We are given NO INDICATION prior to Gwen's arrival that Peter is actively going to change sides. Or is even really considering it in that moment.

Even in the script Peter shows no remorse or worry for Gwen or Miles at all.

It's as if they don't cross his mind. As if he doesn't care he led Miguel directly to Miles because he forgot he had on a tracking watch. As if what he just witnessed didn't disturb him, as if he isn't worried that Gwen is literally homeless.

All he cares about is him, and his image as mentor.

Like sir, I do not give a DAMN. I might not even give a fuck, if you will.

Shut the fuck up about that mentorship shit 😭😭😭😭 You tryna mentor niggas that's MISSING.

He's like that deadbeat dad that brought you a bike a decade ago at 6 and he still bringing it up asking you why you don't call him 'dad'. Like just because you taught Miles to swing over a year ago doesn't mean you're his mentor mfer. Miles would've learned to swing anyway cause it's literally instinctual and every person bitten eventually learns it by themselves so really Peter wtf 😐

People will scream 'But there's nothing he could do!! Miguel is too scary!!'

One: Peter is one of if not the Spider-person with the most experience. If we assume he was bitten at 18 and he's say 45 now, that's still over 25 years of experience. If he was bitten in high school, that's even more experience.

He has biological powers Miguel doesn't, plus he has years of experience over Miguel - who canonically got his powers as an adult. If anyone in that room can beat Miguel - it's him.

If you're telling me that Peter B. Parker is not only scared of Miguel but he's scared to the point he will not even attempt to question him, even though three people younger than him will - Gwen, Hobie, and Miles - that's pitiful. That's a sad excuse for a Spider-man.

Also He's Spider-Man. The whole point of Spider-man is he fights even if he isn't sure he can win.

Two: At the very least, he can show that he's genuinely concerned for the kids he wants to mentor so bad. But he doesn't even do that. Even bringing them up or saying their names doesn't cross his mind.

But once again, the white male character emotionally neglecting those around him - especially the children who depend on him - and both he are George are either shown as innocent, unwilling to act, or the script is outright sympathetic towards them.

It's easy to call the Latino man an animal but writing a scene in which a white cop is rightfully portrayed as selfish is too hard.

It's easy to call the Latino man a monster but writing Peter Parker as a heroic figure is too hard.

The racism is not just towards Miguel. It's also in the blatant favoritism the white male characters are given.

Both George and Peter actively endanger those around them and at no point do they do something on their own accord that helps anybody but themselves.

Gwen has to go to her father - by force. Gwen has to go to Peter - using Hobie's hard work.

What we NOT GONNA DO is give the white man praise when it's literally the black guy who did all the work.

Fuck - Hobie mentored Gwen TEN TIMES MORE than Peter ever did Miles. Hobie put a roof over Gwen's head and came to get her when no other person would.

Writers, stop trying to make me sympathetic towards the white men who actively hurt the people around them when there's good mentors like Hobie and good parents like Rio and Jeff.

I ain't with the shits'. If anyone is an animal in this script, it's the man who pointed a gun at his daughter.

I guess assaulting and mentally scaring children is only okay if you do it with a firearm? Or if you make this face while doing it 🥺*

(*coupon not available for the melinated)

I changed my mind i don't forgive Peter or George. Miguel who has a whole ass arc of life and death and loss gets called an animal while the white cop with six minutes of screentime gets shown as father of the year while holding a loaded gun to a child girl you must be kidding me

Maybe Gwen would be in a better mood if we let her kick their asses idk 🤷🏾

[twentyninth]

❝ 𝐢 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞. ❞

synopsis. hate sex w blade i guess idk

warnings. jalosi /j, jealous blade, hate sex, belly bulge, 18+, sex

author's name. release me from my shackles of writers' block please

pairing. blade x gn!reader

☆ kind of guy to just force your face into the pillows below as your ass is up in the air, for him just to go absolutely down on, and the belly bulge on your tummy was so noticeable :(( and he just kept going harder, after what seemed like your overstimulated hole was gonna finally rest from your loving and sworn rival since kids, this honestly was everything he was dreaming of, even since you both were children, he liked you, but you always competed with him, and that really is one reason why he likes to strive for a fight now, you like people that can put up a fight. and he did, just not in the way you thought. slowly his cock sinks in your hole again, just to look up and see he's put you in front of a mirror, just for you to see how messy he's made you, usually so calm and collected, playful and sarcastic. he loved and hated your attitude, but having such a smart babe, now dumb on his dick?? that's such a compliment. atleast to him. and every thrust was so harsh, and everytime he saw your scars, the ones that other people have had laid on you, made him just a little more jealous, but seeing the mark his cock has on your stomach makes it feel better. — whenever he sees you talking, or being flirty with anyone else, he can't stand it. he looks like he doesn't enjoy your flirting, but promise, he really enjoys it, takes care of himself better when he hears a compliment from you, and kafka notices that, "are you sure you both aren't anything more than.. friends?" ☆ his cock plunging into your hole that was so sensitive because of all the over rounds, his cold hands run over your chest, reaching for your nipples, tugging at them just for your reaction, he likes to think of this as payback and punishment for talking to people.. haven't you already understood you're his already?? the visible hickeys he's put on your collarbone throughout the night, the ones that everyone will see, and know that you belong to him, your childhood rival!! and can't help but kiss you everywhere after all is said and done. maybe even after finally getting showered, will eat you out, just for a bit, wash up again then go to bed. whenever he gives head though he gives it like a homeless man who hadn't eaten anything in days. that's it thanks for coming to my ted talk about blade fucking you and eating yo hole like a starved man.

dies

[kamariya]

i know the fandom loves to pretend that xie lian doesn't take care of himself but let's really think about it for a second. he doesn't have a penny to his name, he has no luck, no spiritual powers and no friends and family left in the mortal realm. how exactly should he take care of himself?

he eats food off the floor because it's better than going hungry. that's how many people in poverty live. he doesn't think twice before touching something that might poison him because when you don't receive medical attention for centuries, you're naturally going to adopt an "it is what it is" mentality about your health. he probably didn't get treated by a healer the first few times he got corpse poisoning because he didn't have enough (or any) money to pay them with. he's humble and ignores however which way he's slandered because what can he do? he's heard things like that and worse before.

800 years of poverty will teach anyone humility as well as strip them of it. 800 years of poverty and solitude can make anyone into a complete cynic, an abuser and/or worse.

but xie lian didnt break, not permanently. what jun wu put him through is nothing compared to what the world put him through. tell me this: is jun wu truly the real villain of the story? or is he a micro manifestation of all the other systematic issues in the TGCF universe, wrapped up into a shiny, evil package that's easier to hate, easier to digest and easier to fall for?

know that even though jun wu "set up" the fall of xianle, it was corruption and imperialism that truly brought the kingdom to its knees. know that teen xie lian truly fought for his people, be they patriots or rebels, and that the reason his efforts could never come to fruition was the corruption of the royals and the nobles.

in a world as systematically corrupt as that (much like our own), how easy do you think it would have been for a poor, homeless and friendless man to live a happy, fulfilling life (which he never lived)? and how much easier would it have been for him to gradually give away his morals and principles in favour of a better meal for once, for a better bed for the night? considering his martial skills and vast knowledge of cultivation, would it not have been easy for him to take a path like jun wu himself? like xue yang, even?

and do you think that xie lian did *not* do all these things just because he had "self-sacrificial" tendencies? after centuries of being only a little better than a beggar, do you think the reason he wants to help the common people is because he feels Rich Prince Guilt?

don't you think that the act of preserving oneself here, the act of not sacrificing onself for a cause, is actually whenever xie lian decides to keep following the path of justice, his Third Path? does self preservation only count when it's your body you're preserving, or your material wealth, or your name? surely your own principles matter more. surely you mean more than a fancy title on a tyrant's mouth.

place yourself in xie lian's shoes, and answer this: if you were to go through all that, even if you were to not become a horrible person, would have found and maintained the courage, time and time again, to keep being kind, to keep taking care of yourself, to not become heedlessly reckless, to not become a walking corpse with a noose (ruoye) wrapped around your neck?

in my opinion, xie lian is a hell of a lot positive for a man who's been through so much and never heard a "it's okay, you can rest now" once (until hua cheng came along, at least).

do you think xie lian doesn't feel bitterness towards lang qianqiu, who buried him with a stake through his heart for gods know how many years, because he just... hates himself? or do you think it's because he helped raise lang qianqiu since childhood and earned real respect and admiration from him, after so many years of being spat on, cursed and ultimately turned invisible? do you think he begged to be banished once again only because he felt guilty (although yes, he did feel very guilty) for the terrible fate that befell lqq's family, or because he also genuinely cares about what happens to his people --- he protected the xianle remnants by setting himself up as a cold-hearted murderer, and he protected lqq by refusing to fight him.

do you think that being so old and having seen so much, xie Lian can't tell danger when it's looking him in the eye? he's not stupid. he doesn't neglect his safety until and unless it's to protect someone he cares about. e.g., when he tried his level best to protect shi qingxuan during the Blackwater arc, knowing that he's fighting things and people beyond his control. my point: it didn't matter if he failed. he had to try, just like he tried with his kingdom, and the kingdom that came next. sqx was the first person after hua cheng to befriend and defend him in a long time, and he wanted to show him the same courtesy. can this be reduced to "self-sacrificing" tendencies or "playing the hero", too?

when xie lian stepped out of that bridal sedan, he knew he was playing with fire, but he's not stupid. if he hadn't stepped out, who is to say that crimson rain sought flower wouldn't have entered on his own, or dragged him out forcefully? xie lian isn't a "you only live once, let's make bad decisions" person. xie lian is a "no matter how many lives i live, i will not change" person.

[pagannatural]

1.21 Salvation

-John finally, after some 22 years, lets his sons in on his plans and shows them everything he’s got on the demon that killed their mom and Jess.

-John is such a good character. I’m not really interested in liking or disliking him, I just love his part in this story. He reacted to an unimaginable situation in a human way. Who among us can say, really, how we would parent two small children if our wife was brutally murdered on the ceiling by a demon who then burned down our entire house? John truly thought the whole world was a war zone so he made his kids soldiers rather than getting them to safety. To understand John you have to understand that Safe and Normal as concepts were destroyed for him. He wanted to protect his boys so badly that he tried to prepare them and toughen them and train them but he also wanted to shield them so he hid as much as he could from them. He taught them that people were dying and they were responsible for stopping it. He put all of that on their way-too-young shoulders all while refusing to trust them or let them in.

Under all that pressure, Sam and Dean created their own world, their bubble of safety with each other. They give each what they need in the most vital and fundamental sense, nourishing each other in a hostile environment. They share something that no one else could ever understand.

So thanks, John.

-“It’s not your problem, it’s our problem” is an objectively kind and supportive thing to say so I’m proud of Dean for managing to shout it angrily at Sam. Such passion such energy

-Sam looks like a little kid this whole scene where Dean and John are arguing about parenting him. Dean stands up to John again and defends himself. He’s Sam’s daddy now (sorry)

-John tells Sam “I want you to go to school, I want Dean to have a home” which is hilarious to me because it implies that he thinks of Dean as a homeless man (which he is).

Dean glances at Sam when John says this and then hangs his head. Sam is his home. And he feels responsible for Sam leaving school (which he is).

-In the car Sam tells Dean “I want to thank you” but the you comes out as “ya”. This happens another time when Sam tells Dean “I still love you” (or something close to that) in s5e11. It’s unusual for Sam. He doesn’t ya his you’s regularly at the end of a sentence. Jared and Jensen both have typical midwestern accents on the show. Jared intentionally changes his speech pattern when he’s possessed, so that words like “wasn’t” or “doesn’t” are enunciated when normally Sam pronounces it like “wud’n” or “dud’n” with a very soft “d.”

Point being, something is causing Sam to shy off of saying these things and making them sound too serious so he says “I want to thank ya” which sounds more casual. When he’s lost in emotion (like later when he throws Dean against a wall and says “don’t you say that”), he enunciates his you’s. I think this is unintentional of Sam and intentional of Jared. Sam’s trying not to scare Dean off or sound too confessional- he’s seen how Dean reacts to that.

-Sam says “even when I couldn’t count on anyone”

Dean gave him consistency and safety and the knowledge that he was always loved. Dean’s his sanctuary.

-Dean says the house is “burning to the ground, it’s suicide”

“I don’t care” “I do”

Sam is reckless. He has a safe place to land, so he often acts without really thinking through the consequences, and Dean is always there for him. This is the THIRD house fire Dean has protected Sam from. Interesting that Sam asked Jessica, his Dean replacement, “what would I do without you?” in ep1 and she said “crash and burn.” Actually that’s what you would do without Dean :)

-Sam says killing the demon is “all we’ve ever cared about” he doesn’t realize that Dean has always cared more about him than about revenge or justice or whatever else. Dean would rather have Sam. Wild that Sam doesn’t know he’s Dean’s top priority yet. I wonder if he knew that pre-Stanford?

-Sam gets angry when Dean says they can’t bring Jessica or their mom back. It mirrors Dean slamming Sam against the wall in ep1 when he told Dean their mom is never coming back. Sam’s anger melts as soon as Dean speaks and he ends up just kind of grasping Dean’s shirt and pressing into him with this desperate look on his face. They look at each other’s mouths.

-Dean is accepting of Sam grabbing him and throwing him against a wall, just like Sam handles it in s2 when Dean punches him in the face. They have no normal way to express how intensely they feel about each other so it comes out as violence or care when one is injured. Love and need and pain are inextricable between them- they love each other in ways that are painful. So they just submit to each other like Yes, finally something that feels strong enough. It’s like it’s soothing to express and receive each other’s needs, even as pain. It has to come out somehow.

-Dean says that the three of them are all he has and “sometimes I feel like I’m barely holding it together” Dean doesn’t let himself fall apart, and he wants to fall apart with Sam here, begging Sam to be careful with his life, to understand that he needs Sam. He’s saying Please don’t get hurt, I need you, I’m falling apart.

Sam could kiss him right now. Dean’s not holding it together enough to try pushing Sam away or protecting him from their feelings.

-Dean says “without you and dad, I-” and I think that Dean obviously loves and cares about John but the real issue is that he couldn’t say “without you, I-” on network television because they would have just made out. The mention of their dad brings Sam back to himself. He turns away from Dean and lets go of him with what looks like some effort. Dean looks lost and he’s also still tilting his head up with his lips parted looking like Sam didn’t kiss him. Sam asks him to call John.

-This parallels when Dean told Sam to call Sarah in 1x19. Dean calls even though he’s still emotionally involved in the conversation with Sam and didn’t finish what he was saying. He’s just admitted something that was difficult for him, and Sam reacted by pulling away, distancing himself, exactly as Dean did when Sam admitted Jessica isn’t the main reason he’s not interested in anyone.

I’m a John-would-kill-Dean truther if he found out about anything untoward going on between his boys, so the mention of their Dad and the fact that he’s in danger would absolutely make Sam force himself away from Dean.

This specific dynamic of Sam pleading with Dean for something and Dean surrendering brokenly to Sam in a Please give it to me Please just take it loop where neither is willing to act makes me want to chew on my own ribcage.

[normoully]

no plz tell me all your thoughts about the gregory hate so I can reblog it💀

OHHH boy this is gonna be a long one buckle up

Ever since Gregory was first announced I believe most of the fandom have interpreted him as this frail child who was always on the verge of tears and needed G.Freddy’s protection (think C.C 2.0), but once the game came out most ppl were shocked to see this kid actually has a lot of bite to him and kicked ass (ppl’s first reactions to him destroying the animatronics still make me laugh).

This was MY first introduction to him, so I wasn’t completely taken aback but still pleasantly surprised. Most if not all his actions made sense or at least made sense for a 10yr boy to think/act. Giant robots coming after me with the intention to kill (and insulting me for no damn reason)? Yeah I’d probably add an extra kick in there for good measure. Then came the first repair scene, when Vanessa revealed the high possibility of Gregory being an homeless orphan everything just clicked into place for me.

OF COURSE that’s why Gregory was so aggressive, he had to learn how to fight on his own to survive he’d probably had to face even worse than this! He wasn’t going to let that all go to waste bc some weird murderous rabbit lady wanted to drag him into her plans. It explains why he brushed off G.Freddy’s worries about him bc he’s used to have to just keep moving and bare thru pain, especially in an environment where that’s really the ONLY thing you can do. It’s why he’s so blunt and can come off as rude bc he was most likely never taught how to behave “correctly” bc really who has the time?

He was just using all the knowledge he learned on how to survive from a cruel and harsh environment for another. But this time he has an ally for once, an adult (father) figure who actually cares about his wellbeing, it’s no wonder why he became so attached (but struggles to show it bc he’s not used to it). And through all that easily irritable aggression, there are moments to remind us he’s still a kid.

A useless fridge magnet? Yeah that is pretty lame man.

Now imagine my shock when I see others hating on him and calling him a villain. “How could he KILL the poor animatronics? He was so mean, he’s the true monster!” Wh- DID WE WATCH THE SAME GAME? You mean the same animatronics that says he doesn’t have anyone to care about him? Yeah real sweethearts they are. Gregory isn’t a damn monster, he’s a survivor! He’s doing what he only knows best, IT’S TO SURVIVE!

“How could he be so mean to G.Freddy??? Those are his friends! He made Freddy feel bad!” Trust me when I say that Gregory cares about G.Freddy ALOT, did you see his reactions whenever G.Freddy got hurt??? That’s his father thank you very much!

“How could he have killed Vanny in that one ending?! He’s the real villain!” …Do I even need to explain this one?

And ohhhhhh don’t get me started on the awful “bratty gremlin devil” Gregory HCs. Now this isn’t to say that Gregory can’t be a gremlin or whatever. He can be, he is a bit cheeky, but then some started to intensify it and made it his entire personality. No, Gregory wasn’t just itching to rip Roxy’s eyes out or do the next batshit insane thing, he noticed the other upgrades and put two and two together (It gets more weird and slightly disrespectful when they add in the homeless thing as if that automatically makes someone act “feral”….tiktok.)

And then we have the complete opposite where some portray him as what I mentioned in the first paragraph. The poor helpless child who cant handle anything by himself…even though that’s complete bullshit (he’s also usually portrayed to be obnoxiously sweet for some reason). I don’t think many ppl realize how often were not in G.Freddy during SB, and Gregory is described to be quick on his feet and wits (plus his tools) and he doing damn well by himself! [Obviously this isnt to say that he didnt need G.Freddy’s help and protection, ofc he did, he just didnt need to RELY on it like some ppl make it seem he did].

(I know we went a bit off-topic for the last two paragraphs, trust me it connects)

All of this comes down to simply that some just can’t accept the fact that Gregory isn’t their perfect victim. He doesn’t crumble to the floor and beg for G.Freddy to help him up like they want him too. He’s not shy and sheepishly asking for help like they think he’s supposed to. And when they realize that part they try to push him into the other far end where he’s crazy, cold, and cruel. But he’s not. He cares, and he cares deeply. He’s still a little boy, he cried and tried to cover his face when he saw Vanny die. He should be leaping in victory, he killed his killer after all right? But he didn’t, bc despite everything she was still a human being, and he was so scared.

He has complex trauma (duh), he’s not this way or that way, and I get it. It’s hard to write or draw that kind of trauma for Gregory, especially when SB didn’t really give us much. But the way ppl act as if that’s what he actually is is soooooo frustrating. In my opinion the fact that his trauma is so complex and the fact he’s not your typical written victim is what makes him so interesting! And I feel like a lot ppl were slowly getting around to it…

Until GGY and Ruin happened and the hate came back so much worse, Welcome to the real Freddy Hell.

[lottesreads]

Why Me? - Part 7

Pairing: Bob Floyd x Mitchell! Female Reader (Callsign Mantis)

Warnings: Mentions of past abuse, bruises, mentions of getting punched, details of panic attacks, swearing, mentions of being kicked out and homelessness, pining, smaller Rooster warning, mommy issues, mentions of death, insecurities, mentions of cheating

Word Count: 6900

Summary: The aftermath of your and Rooster's fight weighs heavily on your emotions and you turn to Bob once more. Plus, dinner with your dad, Penny, and Amelia can't possibly go wrong, right?

A/N: I apologize for lying to literally all of you three weeks ago... But it's finally here and I am so sorry!! Work got crazy around the holidays and ya girl got a little burnt out

Masterlist

Once your breathing had evened out, Bob continued to rub your back until you were ready to let him go. You wouldn’t say you were exactly ready, but if you didn’t pull back you knew you wouldn’t be able to eventually. He was so warm, and his arms provided a comfort you haven’t felt in a very long time. You felt safe, and seen, and it wasn’t just a hug for a hug's sake. It was something to show you that he cared, that he saw you, and he didn’t want you to feel this way anymore. You squeeze your arms around him once more before sliding them off his shoulders.

You spend the next few minutes diverting your attention back to Sylvia who has since been getting closer to you. It’s almost as if she can sense your sadness, and much like Bob, wants to make you feel better. Bob hasn’t moved back to his original seat, and your thighs touch as you move your good hand to gently caress Sylvia’s head and ears. Bob huffs out a small laugh as he watches the two of you, unable to hold back a smile.

“What?”, you ask softly, looking back at him as Sylvia does the same.

“Nothing”, he shakes his head, “it’s just I’ve never seen her open up to someone so quickly.”

“Oh yeah? Who else have you introduced her to?”

“Just Phoenix and Fanboy. Nat’s only come over a couple times and she hasn’t approached her yet, but when Mickey comes over she won’t leave my side.” You look back down at the wide-eyed border collie and share a look with her.

“We just have a special bond then, don’t we Syl?” She moves her head further up your leg at your remark, causing your smile to widen. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

Unbeknownst to you, the two of you did share some similarities. There is a reason she’s hesitant to approach new people, afraid that they’ll do to her what her last owners did. Bob can’t help but think that Sylvia can feel a certain energy radiating off of you. The two of you unknowingly bring a sense of belonging and comfort to each other.

Noticing her dad staring at her, she moves over to rest her head atop both of your thighs as you readjust the ice pack Bob brought you earlier. You wince as you attempt to stretch your fingers out, immediately demanding Bob’s attention. Removing his hands from Sylvia he reaches over and touches the wrap around your own hand, “May I?” You nod as he takes the ice pack off, gingerly taking your injured hand in both of his. Even through the pain, you can’t help but admire the prominent veins tracking through his large hands. The rough pads of his fingers assess the damage, as you follow their path across your knuckles. It’s funny really, you didn’t think anyone, a man especially, could be so gentle. So thoughtful. That was Bob you supposed.

He turns your hand from side to side, checking for any real injuries other than tenderness or bruising while you stare at his face. His eyes are concentrated at the task at hand as he hums. “Just as I thought.”

“What?”

“I’m afraid we’re going to lose the hand” You scoff and lightly push his arm as a sly smirk crosses his face. “No, it’ll be fine, just sore and bruised for the next few days.”

“Is that your professional opinion Dr. Floyd?” Bob clears his throat at the remark, glancing back down to where he holds your hand, his thumb tenderly rubbing your fingers.

“That it is, Lieutenant Mitchell”, you look back at his head, bowing down as he continues to caress your hand. There’s a freckle that sits right beneath his hairline that you first noticed when he drove you home from the bar. You were so drunk you must have forgotten about it until now. The urge to brush the hair away from his forehead and kiss it is very hard to resist. But you resist nonetheless as your eyes are drawn to his as he looks up.

Your eyes are still a bit red and puffy from crying, but it doesn’t deter you from giving him a slight smile. There’s an underlying hint of sadness coming from it, but Bob doesn’t mention anything as a tear falls down your face, his thumb immediately moving to wipe it away. Your eyes flutter shut at his soft touch. He doesn’t tell you to stop crying, he doesn’t pester you to open up, he’s simply there for you.

You don’t even know why you started crying again. Maybe it’s the fact that you’ve never outright told anyone what your mom had done, or it’s been a long while since you were able to talk about Carole, but deep down you know it’s the fact that you feel safe telling Bob all of this. You feel comfortable. Something you have been without for too long.

The drive back to your house is quiet. Bob doesn’t bother turning on the radio in case you want to talk. You stare out the window the entire time, looking a lot more tired than you were when the day began, but the radio remains off anyway.

When his truck pulls up to the curb you don’t make any motion to move. You remain still, staring out the window at you and your father’s shared home. The tears have since dried up, but the close of Bob’s door jolts you out of your daze. He opens your door, helping you out while his other hand carries your bag. He follows you inside and notices the lack of lights and other life.

“Is your dad home?”, he says as he cranes his neck attempting to look to the kitchen.

“Uh”, you look around the house, “No, he’s probably with Penny or-”, the name gets caught in your throat, but you force it out anyway, “Rooster.” His eyes land back on you as you get quiet again.

“Hey”, you look up to meet his eyes, “are you gonna be ok by yourself?”

“Oh yeah”, you wave him off, “I think I need to be alone for a little bit. Thanks for- well thanks for everything you did today. I’m sorry to trauma dump on you.” You attempt to laugh the last half of the day off, but Bob’s not letting you let it go that easy.

“I don’t mind one bit. I gave you the penny, remember?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget that now”, you give him a small smile, resting your hand at your side and fiddling with the penny in your flight suit pocket. It’s hard to feel it under the material, but you know it’s there.

“If you ever need anything or want to talk, if you call I’ll pick up.” Your heart melts a bit at the sentiment.

“Thanks Bob, and I’d do the same for you. I hope you know that.” The want to hug you again is clawing at every fiber of his being, but before he’s able to make a move to soothe you, your phone is ringing in your pocket. You give Bob an apologetic smile and clear your throat to collect yourself before answering. “Hi dad”, your attempt to sound normal comes off as forced, at least Bob thinks so. “No, it’s ok I got a ride home. How was your meeting?” 

He nods and gives you a small smile before heading out the door. And there you are once again. Alone in your own home, this time with bruised knuckles and a penny in your pocket.

After Bob left you were too tired to do anything other than take a shower and lie in bed. Your phone occasionally dings with notifications from Phoenix checking in, and you just tell her you’re ok as she threatens Rooster’s life. It makes you crack a slight smile as you type out a response.

Not right now, but thank you. Stay on standby just in case I change my mind, though

With that you turn your phone to silent and close the blinds, succumbing to the darkness of your room. The day had been too damn long and you were ready for it to be over.

You didn’t even hear the light tap your dad left on your door as you were fast asleep. He peaked in just to see your chest lightly rising and falling, and he decided to let you get your rest.

The next day you awake to the sounds of pans clattering in the kitchen downstairs and the smell of fresh.. smoke? Just as you rise to your feet, the shrill sound of the smoke detector being set off  has you booking your way down the stairs. There you find your dad juggling a pan of burnt bacon as he attempts to open a window.

“What the hell is going on?” Walking up to him, you take the pan of bacon leaving him to open the windows while you set it in the sink.

“Well”, he responds, “I was trying to make breakfast.” He motions to the disarray of bowls with lumpy pancake batter, and multiple pans still sitting on the stovetop. You both take a second to look around and back to each other with matching exasperated looks as the alarm finally stops screaming at you. “How do you feel about cereal?”

“Cereal’s good”, you smile.

He grabs your favorite out of the pantry and pours the both of you bowls. You give him a small thank you before shoveling a spoonful into your mouth.

“I invited Penny and Amelia over for dinner tonight ”  You raise your brows and try to hide your smirk.

“You gonna make them your specialty cheerios?”

“Very funny. And no, I will be grilling.”

“Ah, I see. There’s no smoke detectors outside.” He laughs and shakes his head while you continue to eat.

“So, how did everything go yesterday at work?” He asks, leaning against the countertop behind him. You stop mid-chew and catch his eye.

“It was fine”. In the 10 minutes you’ve been awake you honestly forgot about yesterday. It was just you and your dad again. Like it was all those summers after Bradley left. Except for the ones where he was deployed of course and you were stuck with your mom for all four seasons. 

“Yeah?” You nod in response. “Good, I was worried about putting Hangman and Bradley in a group together, but I figured you’d work as a good buffer. Plus it doesn’t hurt that I think Bradley could give you a few good pointers.” Relief is immediately followed by a feeling that leaves your jaw clenching. Just at the mention of Bradley’s name you become angry then tired. Tired of everything to do with him and how your father places him on a pedestal. Tired that your dad is so blind to your feelings and how lonely you’ve been. 

You can’t blame Rooster entirely for your dad’s shortcomings. He’s splitting his time between him and Penny, and yeah you’re an adult, but it still hurts not being picked first. In fact, the only time you’ve felt really seen was when you received the Top Gun trophy for first place. That was something your dad couldn’t even say he accomplished. And you just wanted to make him proud, to make him see you. To not compare you to the kid he wished he had, the son he so desperately wanted. Your heart and head start to ache at the thought.

“Kiddo?” His voice breaks you out of your thoughts, realizing you’ve lost your appetite you push your bowl away.

“Yeah?” He places his own bowl in the sink and turns to you, leaning back against the countertop.

“Are you feeling ok?” Your stomach sinks as you hope he’s not going to bring up anything else about yesterday. If he didn’t know yet you weren’t going to be the one to tell him. You could deal with the repercussions on Monday at work, but right now you just wanted to forget about the entire day.

“Not really actually, I think I’m gonna go back to sleep”, you tell him as you wash your bowl out. He takes you by the shoulders, placing the back of his hand on your forehead.

“You coming down with something?”

“No”, you push his hand away, “I’ve just got a headache.” He lets you go, albeit very skeptically.

“Are you going to be ok for dinner later?”

“Yeah I’m- I’m fine”, you breathe out. He steps forward, kissing the top of your head before you head to your room and fall back into your bed. It doesn’t take long for you to fall back asleep, and when the buzzing from your phone awakes you it’s already noon.

Reaching out for your phone, you blindly tap the answer button and groggily ask, “Hello?”

“Mantis?” Rooster’s voice has you sitting up immediately. Taking the phone away from your face you squint at the unsaved number. “Mantis, I am so sorry-” Not granting him a response, you hang up and toss the phone on the pillow next to you. You stare at it for a couple more seconds before the same number appears on the screen. Out of pure anger you answer and speak before he can even get a word in.

“Rooster, I am going to say this once and it better stick. Do NOT call me or text me. I don’t want to talk to you.” You hang up without hearing any response, hoping for once he’ll listen. You stare at the blank screen for a minute, waiting to see if he’ll follow direction, and to your surprise he does.

How dare he try to call you now? The audacity of this man to call you up, no more than 24 hours after completely humiliating you. God, you need to get out of this house. Get some fresh air. Looking down at your pajamas, you come to the conclusion that you’re done moping. And on a whim you text the only person who you know can make you feel better.

Any chance you’re up to do something?

Bob: What did you have in mind?

Before you know it, you’re knocking on Bob’s door. The skitter of paws on the hardwood makes you laugh as the pounding of feet gets closer. Bob swings the door open as he ushers you inside.

“Sorry, give me two minutes and I’ll be good to go”, he says, trying to hide the fact that he’s out of breath, presumably from running to answer the door.

“No worries”, you wave him off. You take a peak around the house trying to find a blob of black and white fur, but to no avail you come up empty. Bob’s sat at the couch tying his shoes as you whisper, “Where is she?” He laughs and looks up at you, still bent over.

“Is that the only reason you wanted to see me today?”

“How dare you accuse me of such outlandish-” He cuts you off with a whistle that echoes throughout the house and in less than a second you hear paws bounding down the stairs while Sylvia runs to her dad. Of course you’re standing in between them, but you’re on your knees instantly. She comes to you first this time as your thumbs soothe over her ears. “Not so shy now are we?” You ask her.

Bob smiles as he looks at the two of you. Sylvia’s still way more energetic when Bob greets her, but she didn’t run and hide this time, in fact she leans into your ministrations. “What were you saying about outlandish accusations?” You just turn slightly to smirk at him while Sylvia vies for your attention.

The three of you start your trek to the beach, Bob’s house only sitting a little over a mile from the nearest pet friendly one. You pass small businesses and bungalows that get smaller and more colorful as you get closer. An ice cream shop catches your eye as you walk by, their unique flavors intriguing you.

He doesn't treat you like you're fragile whatsoever, like if he asks how you are you'll burst into tears or fall apart. Which you appreciate immensely. It's like Bob can sense you're looking for something to do, a distraction, and he will gladly be that for you.

“How often do you two go to the beach?”

“Not often. I’ll usually just take her on a walk around the block, but I figured since you’re here she’d be more comfortable venturing out a little bit more.” You smile, bending slightly to pet her black fur as you walk. “You wouldn’t guess by how she acts, but she is a ball of energy.”

“Is that something else you two have in common? Are you secretly a gym junkie or something?” He gives you a small laugh before staring ahead, the smile slightly slipping from his face.

“Nah”, he lets out, the beach now just ahead of you. “What ya see is what ya get with me.”

“That is not true”, you say, shaking your head. “When I first met you I would have never guessed you have a great sense of humor”, it’s his turn to shake his head, trying to hide the small laugh that leaves his nose, “Or that you know the greatest cure for hangovers, or-” the two of you finally stop at the short wall that separates you from the sand. You stop to turn, taking in Bob’s features as he gazes out at the ocean, “Or that you are one of the most kind and generous people I have ever met.” He meets your eyes and notices the genuine look in your face, but all too soon tears them away.

“That is very kind of you to say.”

“Well it’s true.” He looks back for longer this time, and the smiles grow on both of your faces before Sylvia barks, disrupting the moment.

“Oh I’m so sorry”, he says to her, rolling his eyes. The two of you take off your shoes, placing them nearby on the sand while Bob reaches into his pocket to grab the ball he brought for Sylvia. “Is this what you wanted then?” Reaching his arm back, he extends and throws the ball far down the beach. Your eyes widen as you watch the ball fly through the air, all while Sylvia runs after it.

“What?” Bob asks, examining your features. You scoff at his cavalier question and motion to where Sylvia was retrieving the tennis ball.

“You just threw that like a mile down the beach!” He gives you a genuine laugh at your exaggeration and shrugs his shoulders.

“I played baseball in High School.”

“For who, the Orioles?” You gawk. He shakes his head and laughs while Sylvia runs back and drops the ball at his feet. He throws the ball once more, just as far.

“I played outfield in little league ‘cause I was terrified of the ball, but turns out I was good at throwing.” He shrugs once again while you shake your head and smile.

“Oh Bob”, you laugh, “You are just full of secrets.” He turns the ball over in his hand before throwing it and can’t help but think of how true that is. It may not be multiple but he has one big secret. The one that threatens to tear open his chest every time he’s with you. The one that causes his heart to beat faster every time you smile at him. The one that threatens to give way every time he dares to take a glance at you.

He continues throwing the ball to Sylvia while she chases it until she visibly slows down. He offers to let you throw, but you use your injured hand as an excuse not to embarrass yourself. Traveling further up the beach, shoes in hand, you find a taco truck and decide to stop while finding Sylvia some water.

You have an excuse to pay this time after ordering, all thanks to Bob’s hands literally being full. Smirking as you hand the cashier your card, he tries his best to look annoyed all while his lips betray him and twitch upward.

The two of you find a picnic bench to sit on while Sylvia laps up the water in the complimentary bowl. You can’t help but stare at Bob’s veiny forearms as he takes a bite of his food. Throwing the ball today had strained his muscles, and you weren’t mad at the view as he sits opposite you. You so desperately want to reach over and trace the veins from his arm to his hand, tracking each and every one… Shaking your head slightly, you remember where you are.

“So what position did you play in high school?” He takes a large gulp of water, clearing his throat before answering.

“I switched between left and centerfield, but was mostly left.”

“With a cannon like that, it makes sense.” He laughs and raises a brow, not disagreeing with you.

“Well, it’s what got me my first girlfriend.” He casually tells you while taking another bite.

“Oooh, you had a high school sweetheart?” He grimaces, wiping his hands on a napkin before responding.

“I wouldn’t call it that. We dated for three months senior year. She dumped me right before prom for our pitcher.”

“Like right before prom?” He nods, resting his elbows on the table.

“I went to her house to pick her up, her folks told me she had already left. I wore my brother's old tux and got a corsage and everything. I held out hope, but when I got to the school, I caught her with my teammate… in his truck.” Your mouth falls open.

“Oh Bobby, I am so sorry.”

“It’s fine”, he waves you off, “It was a long time ago.”

“Did you stay for the dance?”

“No”, he laughs, smiling at the memory, “I went home, but when my sister came back later she told me she caught them sneaking back into the gym and her and her friends slashed his tires.” You laugh with him, but that doesn’t stop your brain from imagining sweet baby-faced Bob driving all the way home from prom, wiping tears from behind his glasses. You give him a sad smile, and as if he can sense where your mind has gone, he coughs and changes the subject.

“How was your prom?” You scoff and give him a single laugh.

“Wouldn’t know, I didn’t go.” He raises his brows at your confession. He would have imagined people would have been begging you to go with them.

“Why not?”

“Well”, you swallow, “my mom was very strict-”, you give him a look, as if telling him he already knows what you’re implying, “and I didn’t have a lot of friends. Let alone people asking me to dances. And that definitely meant no sweethearts.” Glancing behind Bob at the orange tint of the sun, you think about the other reason. What was actually happening during your last months as a senior.

“I would have asked you.” He quietly responds, bringing your eyes back to his. They’re swimming with honesty, and it makes you wish you could have gone to high school with Bob Floyd.

“And I would have said yes, and we would have had the most fun on the dance floor.” You smile. “Although, I haven’t seen you dance before.”

“I don’t really dance”, he laughs out, “but with you I would.” Taking a deep breath in, your smile overtakes your face as Bob’s crooked one does his.

“I would have made you forget all about what’s-her-name.”

“Mandy”, he grimaces.

“Eugh, Mandy”, you remark in disdain. The two of you slip into laughter, the orange glow from the sunset creating a halo around Bob’s head. It’s fitting, you think. Bob is such an angel. Even if you prayed for whatever power above to send you a guardian one, you don’t think they’d do nearly as much.

With your food finished, and Sylvia all tired out after running down the beach some more, the three of you walk back to Bob’s small home. You pass the same bustling ice cream shop on the way back, and you tell Bob you’d like to try it next time. “Next time”, his heart beats a little faster at the thought.

Stepping through Bob’s front door, you follow him into the kitchen as he grabs Sylvia’s bowl.

“You want your dinner?”, he asks in that same baby voice he reserves just for her. She jumps up and down at his words while he fills her bowl. Oh shit, dinner.

“Shit, what time is it?”, you reach forward and grab Bob’s arm, turning it to check his watch. “Damn it!” You start putting your shoes back on as fast as you can, checking your phone and noticing the most recent missed texts from your dad.

“What’s going on?” Bob asks from behind you.

“I forgot that I’m supposed to be having dinner with my dad tonight.” You finish lacing up your shoe, and in a rush you kiss Bob’s cheek before running out the door. “Thank you so much for today, I’ll text you!” Bob is left reeling in his kitchen as his hand slowly makes its way up to his cheek where your lips had been seconds ago. He can feel the heat in his face as he puffs out a breath, staring down at Sylvia while she looks up at him. He gives the door you just left through one last glance.

“Daddy’s in trouble.”

The entire drive home you can't stop smiling. Maybe it was a bit bold for your situation and your body was running faster than your brain, but you could still feel Bob’s warm cheek against your lips.

You finally pull up to your house, throw the car in park and quite literally burst through the front door. Turning the corner you find Penny, Amelia, and your dad all sitting at the table looking at you with wide eyes.

“Hi”, you attempt to say, a little out of breath.

“So glad you could join us”, your dad offers, his tone dripping in sarcasm. “We were just about to start eating.”

“Oh good, I’m just in time then”, you say, taking the empty seat next to your dad. You look up and greet Penny and Amelia, the latter of which is very confused by your smiley and flushed face. “This looks great dad, a big step up from cheerios”, you joke. The table is full of steak, kebabs, potatoes, and surprisingly for your dad; a salad.

“Well thanks, proud to say I did it all by myself since my sous-chef was nowhere to be found when I got home from the store”, he chides. The four of you start filling up your plates as a knock comes from the door, your dad excuses himself to answer it. Reaching for a roll, you stop at the sound of Penny’s voice.

“What did you do to your hand?”, concern lacing her voice as she reaches out to hold it. Very slowly you pull it back and wiggle your fingers.

“Oh it’s nothing, I just accidentally slammed it in the car door.” The lie slips easily off of your tongue, just a little something to keep people from worrying or thinking about it too much. “You know how it is.” She gives you a look, one that says “I don’t believe you, but for your sake I’m going to pretend I do.” And you can’t thank her more in that moment.

“So how’s school going Amelia? You’re what, a sophomore now?” She gives you a nod, swallowing her bite of food before responding.

“Yeah, I’m a sophomore. And it’s good”, she shrugs, “school is school.”

“She just got asked to her homecoming”, Penny interjects with a coy smile on her face.

“Mom-”, Amelia groans, her face heating up.

“Oooh, who is it? Are they any cute?” She groans once more, covering her face in both of her hands.

“His name is Connor.. And yes”, she mutters. You share a look with Penny as the two of you stifle your giggles.

The sound of the door shutting has you turning your head in the direction of two pairs of feet making their way to the kitchen. Your dad enters the kitchen, followed by- of course, Rooster. You straighten up and clench your jaw at the sight of him. He’s wearing his aviators, but you can still see a shade of purple peeking out from beneath them.

“Look who I found on the front porch”, your dad jokes. You turn your back on the both of them as Rooster greets everyone else. Why would he show up unannounced? Or even if your dad invited him over, he knows you don’t want to see him, so why would he agree in the first place? Maverick ushers him to take the only empty seat… next to you, as you try your best to focus on the plate full of food in front of you that you’re not sure you’ll be able to stomach now.

He starts filling his own plate, noticeably only taking things from right in front of him. Your dad coughs in his direction, discreetly tapping the side of his face, asking him to take his sunglasses off. Hearing him sigh next to you, he reaches to take them off, pocketing them in the neck of his white undershirt. You cringe at the sound of your dad’s voice.

“Whoa, Bradley, what happened?” All eyes except for yours turn to take in his face. You’re honestly surprised he hadn’t run and told your dad you punched him immediately after it happened. But then again if he did, he’d have to tell him why you did it in the first place.

“It’s nothing, really-” Your heart rate is speeding up, anticipating the ultimate truth to come forward, “I tripped up the steps to my apartment and smacked my face on the stairs.”

Penny glances between your hand holding a spoon of mashed potatoes and back to Bradley’s cheek. She’s not buying this for one second.

“That looks pretty bad”, Mav assesses while tilting his head in Bradley’s direction.

“So Mantis, what were you up to today?”, Penny asks, changing the subject.

“Oh, I was just out with a friend. Spent some time at the beach.”

“Do I know them?” Your dad asks. Shuffling in your seat, you decide to respond truthfully. It’s not like you were doing anything wrong. Bob is your friend after all. And that’s all he is.

“Actually you do, it was uh- it was Bob.” Rooster chokes on his water next to you while your dad raises his brow in surprise.

“I know you wanted to get to know him better, but since when are you friends?”

“Probably since she got drunk and he had to drive her home”, Amelia comments from behind her fork.

“Amelia”, Penny chastises her.

“When did you get drunk?” You roll your eyes at your dads questioning, since when did he care?

“That was last weekend when you and Rooster were off doing god knows what at your hangar.” Your dad looks more confused than ever. “Thanks for the invite by the way.” It’s not like you even care anymore about not being invited, but Rooster showing up has you a little on edge. You start absentmindedly tapping your foot under the table at the building tension.

“I’m sure you and Bob had more fun than we did”, Rooster pipes up from beside you. “We were just cleaning stuff out.”

“Oh shut up, you knew what you were doing. And why the hell are you even here right now?”, you turn to face him this time. It’s the first time you’re seeing the damage you inflicted on him, and just before the large purple bruise fills you with regret, you stare at the rest of Rooster’s face and it makes you want to hit him again.

“Mav invited me in, I didn’t come here to crash your dinner. I came over to talk to you, actually.” He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, as he glances across the table.

“And I told you that I didn’t want to talk. So if you came here to rid yourself of guilt, go ahead and apologize. But after what you did I am way past accepting it at this point.” You grit out in his direction.

“Ok, wait a second. Time out”, Maverick interrupts. “What the hell is going on?”

“Mav, yesterday after you left-” Rooster starts.

“Rooster, don’t”, you grit out.

“Things got a little heated and I said something-”

“Stop it”

“Why are you protecting me?”

“I’m not protecting you, I am protecting myself!”, you emphasize pointing a finger to your chest. “Because nobody else did! And what you said was humiliating and I’m not gonna stick around and hear you repeat it, just to embarrass me all over again!” The seat slides out from underneath you as you retreat from the table. Pushing the back screen door open you let it slam behind you as you begin to take in deep breaths. Deep, calming breaths like Bob showed you yesterday. You place your own hand against your chest to feel your heart beating. You’re still here. You’re ok.

The sound of the screen door opening distracts you for a moment, but you already know who it is without having to look. They stay silent, waiting for you to either invite them to talk or curse them out.

“Why did you say it?”, you ask, trying to keep your voice even. “Out of everything you could have brought up.”

“I’m sorry”, Rooster speaks to the ground. Head hung in shame. “It’s no excuse, but I was angry.” A cricket chirps in the distance. “And I knew it would hurt”, he confesses.

“When Hangman brought up your dad, I was up immediately after you. Either to hold you back or help you I’m not quite sure. You haven’t seen it, but I have always been on your team, Bradley.” Turning to face him, he brings his head up. “Why haven’t you been on mine?”

“I got your voicemail.” Your heart feels as if it’s been dropped off a cliff.

The last voicemail you sent to Bradley consisted of you begging him to call you back. You needed him more than anything in that moment, and you thought he might understand where you were coming from. You sobbed through your words and pleaded with him to pick up the phone.

“I called you back, but by then you must have blocked me or something because it didn’t go through. Then I called your landline and your- your mom picked up. I asked how you were, and she told me you were on top of the world, and your dad must have been so proud of you, because you were just accepted into the Naval Academy.” He breathes a shaky breath through his nose, trying not to get too upset by the memory.

“Is that why you’re mad at me? You thought I was begging you to call me back so I could brag to you?” He furrows his brow, confused as he nods a couple times. Scoffing, you shake your head. Your heart aches at how much pain your mother caused and continues to cause in every person’s life she touches. There are tears starting to form in your eyes, ones that you’re sure you can’t control no matter how hard you try.

“Bradley,” you gasp, “She kicked me out. I wasn’t calling to brag, I was calling to ask for help.” His brow twitches as he looks at you.

“What?” he breathes out.

“She found my acceptance letter and we had a fight. I was scared if I told my dad he would do to me what he did to you, so I never told him. I was living out of my car when I graduated high school, up until it was time to move into my dorm.” Hot tears start to fall down your cheeks, but you’re quick to wipe them away this time. They’re more out of frustration than sadness. “She canceled my phone plan, that’s why I never answered. Thank god the car was in my name. I would have been homeless.”

“Oh my god”, Bradley rasps as he runs his hand through his hair.

“This entire time, you really thought I would have rubbed it in your face?”

“I don’t know. It had been six years since I last saw you, I thought maybe you were angry enough.” He shrugs.

“I didn’t have enough energy to be angry then. I’m angry now.” It’s quiet again. The two of you absorbing the explanations that were long overdue.

“You’re right you know”, Bradley breaks the silence.

“What?”

“My mom would be disappointed in me.”

“She’s not the only one”, you mutter.

“She explained to me pretty early on what your situation was. Cause she wanted me to watch out for you.” He swallows and takes in a large breath, attempting not to get choked up. For a moment you feel for him. Talking about Carole gets you the same way. But you are not about to comfort a man that has done nothing but bring you down. “Before she died- she told me the same thing. She said, ‘Watch out for Bug, and she’ll do the same for you. The two of you need each other.’”. You flinch at his use of Carole’s nickname for you. “I’m so sorry-”

“Just shut up for one goddamn second and let me think about this.” His mouth closes as you start pacing around the backyard, head in your hands. “So instead of using that information to keep me from getting hurt, you turn around and stab me in the back with it? And not to even mention my dad, but you seemed to have made up with him so easily after what he did. I didn’t even do anything to you Bradley! I was a literal child and had no clue what he did until YEARS later.” You pause, letting the weight of your words do their job. “So from where I’m standing you had no right to be mad at me in the first place, and you had absolutely no right hurting me the way you did when you know for a fact you were told that piece of information in confidence.”

He doesn’t respond for a brief moment, and you know he knows you’re right.

“How can I fix this, make it right?” Scoffing, you throw out your arms in disbelief.

“You can’t. It was broken a long time ago, and you’ve pulverized any chance of me believing you could be the person I thought you were.” He whispers your name as you wipe away the tears that have started falling again.

“Rooster”, the two of you look up to find your dad standing at the back door with his arms crossed against his chest. He takes in your tears and his face softens as you look away, embarrassed. Looking back to Bradley he hardens his gaze again, “I think it’s time for you to go.”

“Mav, I-” Realizing he has no real explanation he stops before he even starts. Bradley rings his hands out as he follows the door your dad has propped open with his body. But right before entering the house, he turns to you one last time. “For what it’s worth, if I could go back, I wouldn’t have done it.” Whether it being yesterday, or leaving you behind all those years ago, you’re not sure. “I’m sorry.”

You wipe your face of the straggling tears that continue to fall as your dad walks Rooster through the house, and before too soon he’s back as he softly says your name from across the yard.

“I’m fine”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Which part?”, you bite. He crosses the yard to reach you, but as he lays a gentle hand on your arm you shrug him off. “When would I have had the time to tell you? I swear you’re always off doing something with Rooster, or preoccupied with your newest project at your hangar or- or on a date or whatever with Penny.”

“I’m gonna rip that kid a new one, I swear-” “It doesn’t even matter. Cause he’s still a kid to you, your kid. He left us and after how many years you forgave him like it was nothing. So sorry dad, but forgive me for not telling you how he left me to fend for myself again. Because after a little bit of sweet talking I’m sure he’ll be right back at the top of your list.” He’s calling out your name as you storm back into the house and into your room. Penny and Amelia are long gone as you pass the kitchen on your way to the stairs and you couldn’t be more grateful. You just hope they didn’t stick around to hear too much.

Today was a good day. Up until you had to come back down to reality.

It’s almost like a dream every time you’re with Bob, and then you come home. Back to where the prodigal son gets praised at every turn while you work and work to be the kid your dad always wanted. But he already exists, and he’s made your life a living hell.

You went so many years trying to forget about how everyone left you behind, and you tried to make a name for yourself. You were successful for a bit, but even at the top Rooster’s already there, and he’s got your dad wrapped around his finger.

Taglist:

@lemmons1998

@itsmytimetoodream

@theamuz

@harrysgothicbitch

[gildeddlily]

needing a real backstory for kunikida

"he was a math teacher" it's the shadiest thing I've ever heard

saw a video with "christmas kids" by roar on my fyp, with basically traumatized ada and fukuzawa being the dad everybody headcanon him as, and all the comments were like "and then there's kunikida the ex math teacher"

... there are people out there who consider kunikida as the normal and non-mentally-ill detective? the "only normal one"? man's one of the less normal of the group, and the thing that helps making him so strange is his damned backstory

the non existing one, yeah

(and he wasn't really a math teacher, he dropped out of college and was a teacher like two days a week, it was just a side job)

he's the most passionate about protecting people and the one who most values their life (yes, the kids getting killed and bombed, yes. he is deeply traumatized, yes), and everyone thinks of him as the best person at the agency, Ranpo made it clear in season 3.

(his morals are... even if you don't like the concept of morals, he's a little fucked up like anyone else. he's the one who was ready to leave a homeless 18ys orphan on the streets cause he could have caused troubles to the agency (at the end he did but he deserved all the love in the world so nothing against him) and proceeded to attacked said orphan in a restaurant and in front of everyone when atsushi said he knew something about one of their cases. So yeah, just the way he's always screaming ab "the agency reputation" is kinda suspicious, especially when he doesn't consider asl something dangerous for their reputation tackling a teenager on the floor. he cares about the agency's reputation, but in his own personal way)

(he's about to break atsushi's arm like it's a spaghetto. even if he just wanted it to be an... incentive to talk, it was mad man. dazai osamu had to stop him)

(or the oh so famous mischaracterization where he's the most polite person in the world? he's there talking shit about dazai every two panels, and ends up being rude to almost everyone)

or just his relationship with dazai.

he hates the way dazai always tries new suicide methods and talks abou it while they're working (we all know he hates it cause he cares but let him think we believe he does it just "for the agency reputation") but he doesn't hate Dazai. one thing I hate is fanfictions where Kunikida is a fucking asshole who treats Dazai badly for no reason (the "stop nagging me" trend cause he tells dazai to work? that's literally the most normal thing ever happened in this story).

He respects him and recognise his intellect and EVIDENTLY trusts him. just this part up here, it's the first chapter and he has that look that just tells "im gonna trust for this" (we know you care for him stoop) (not comparing them to soukoku, that's another thing. stop talking shit about one of the two partnership just because you ignore the bond both chuuya and kunikida share with that lucky man) (wish I was him)

(and Dazai definitely has some sort of respect for him. Kunikida has been exposed, like everyone else, to some real atrocities and still respects his ideals in every way he can, and from Dazai perception he's the definition of human, just like Chuuya. I like to think that the years spent with Chuuya teached him a lot of things like this, and him more than anyone else would respect the strength Kunikida has. he probably still think of him as a little naive, but is our man really so innocent? he knows that his ideals cannot always be respected. he doesn't believe in a stupid utopia where the world he wish for is real, and he makes compromises with this truth)

(love the duo)

his respect for Fukuzawa is the thing (with his ability) that messes everything up even more. he hates authority (gonna kin him rn) and is something almost foregone, since he values so much human's life. it's impossible for him to enjoy something like politics and politicians with the way he lives, and at the same time he respects so deeply Fukuzawa, that is in fact authority to him.

so

some could say it's because Fukuzawa trained him so they know each other but than how did fukuzawa starts training a college student? how the hell did these two met?

I refuse to think it was something normal like idk, Kunikida was interested in martial arts and met him and they drank something together. and even if it was something "innocent", fukuzawa's history with dealing with teenagers (kunikida joined the agency before he was twenty) is "you're traumatized, I am too, let's become a family and heal each other" (not really but almost just trust me) so yes, he saw something in kunikida so he wasn't just a nobody who ended up here like nothing

maybe Fukuzawa knew that he was what the Agency needed, someone so strong and human, ready to die for what he believed in, working with people who all had a twisted sense of morality

he's so silly

and his ability.

just

yeah he has the "poor growing up" vibes (and I say it as someone who is definitely not rich and has had their bad months) and I believe in the "abilities generated from trauma" theory, so someone who can create small and daily things out of paper definitely had a problem having them in other ways, and used his ability to survive. so stop saying he's not traumatized, everybody in this manga is so shut up

(we need the real backstory) (we're not gonna get it cause Asagiri at the end of fifteen wrote a paragraph talking ab how he loves to see fans making headcanons. so yeah gonna headcanon his childhood till I'm dead)

(his relationship with Katai is suspicious, I'm not talking about our man obvious homosexuality but the bond itself. gotta work more ab them) (I'm joking) (or am I)

[lamija-v]

I just can’t fathom that a female would choose to be with someone that hunted her sister, an accidental accomplice to ending her human life, that still visits Tamlin, and lives in a house her exfinacee provides. That’s a lot. Especially the housing. How do you come back from that? I’m not trying to be all mean but I’m asking honestly how can someone come back from all that and be Elain’s love interest?

Usually I wouldn’t respond to this but here we are…

1) “hunted her sister” & “accidental accomplice to ending her human life”

You answered your own question – accidental. Lucien had no idea about the whole Hybern situation, and he did not approve of it when he found out but it was already too late. He couldn’t do anything at that point, and even if he tried to you do remember that the King was there? He would just lose his head.

In beginning of ACOMAF when Tamlin was starting to abuse Feyre, he tried to help. I don’t have the books right now to actually give citation needed for this so I looked on wiki:

“…he does what he can to alleviate some of that control, often at the expense of his own well-being. From providing her with weapons to hide on her person when Tamlin wouldn't, to begging Tamlin to allow Feyre to properly train and use her newfound powers, Lucien was seemingly the only member of the Spring Court to fight for her autonomy. When Tamlin locked her in his manor, Lucien urged her to be patient, promising to see what he could do in order to set her free, despite the threats on his life.”

I think you can see yourself that he tried. Tamlin obviously wasn’t listening to him anymore, and he is a High Lord – what do you think he could’ve done more? His entire life depends on the Spring Court as he has been welcomed to it after Beron murdered Jesminda, it’s the only place he could call home (at that point in the book). Tamlin was unstable, if he could’ve hurt Feyre he could’ve hurt Lucien too. He is a diplomat, not a warrior, and doesn’t have Rhys’ influence as a HL to do anything more.

Also: when he came for Feyre at Night Court you have to see things from his perspective. Feyre, in his eyes, was at the heart of enemy territory, in court of a man who he knows only as Amarantha’s whore for last 49 years, who murdered A LOT of people on Amarantha’s behalf, and who hurt Feyre too.

In ACOWAR, when he had to decide, he went with Feyre. He fought on NC’a behalf by finding Vassa and Father Archeron

Feyre considers him to be a friend.

2) still visits Tamlin

I mean….yeah? Tamlin was his best friend for hundreds of years, he gave him a home after the Autumn Court fiasco. It’s not easy to move on from that.

I do hope he moves on in next book because we know Tamlin hurts him too.

3) house Graysen provided

To be honest, I don’t really know what to say for this because I don’t see anything wrong with it.

In ACOFAS he said he has nowhere to go, him not being homeless is fine with me LOL.

Side note: him living in a house Graysen provided is by far the least concerning thing you mentioned

IN SHORT:

I explained to you my views, but I don’t expect you to like Lucien or Elucien. That’s not my job nor do I care. I have nothing against Elriel, Vassien, or any other ship. You can ship whatever you want, but I do not like people twisting characters to fit their ideals. I am just a teenage girl shipping words on paper, I do not hurt anyone

I do have to say tho, Rhys and Feyre had a rougher start than these two (UTM was HORRIFYING) yet they worked out. Peace out.

[razorblade180]

Home improvement

[Sumeru Tavern]

Dori:Aether! Have you seen Kaveh? It’s time for me to collect.

Aether:Uuuuhh-

Dori:Stop! You’ve said enough. That alone told me he’s here and told you to say “You didn’t see me.” Let me guess, men’s room?

Aether:….Am I allowed to speak know?

Dori: *sighs* To think a day early on payment has him shaking. I’d collect tomorrow but I have to go on a trip. Kaveh is an intelligent person. I know he’s saved the appropriate amount after his recent commission. What could be the hold up?

Aether:I think anyone would be slightly scared of the person who made them sell their home.

Dori:Kaveh is homeless?

Aether:What?

Dori:What?

………

Aether:Didn’t you…overprice Kaveh or something?

Dori:Overpri- KAVEH! YOU HAVE THREE-

The man already walks out before she could finish that probably real threat.

Kaveh:Stop shouting. You’ll cause a scene! Anyways I still have to cash in-

Dori:Do you have people believing I put you out of a home?

Kaveh:What? I never said that. The project crippled my finances and I owe you money but I never really said…hmm *rubs chin* Okay, I can see how that impression was made.

Dori:Kaveh! That’s slander!

Aether:Wait, Dori didn’t bankrupt you? I heard you had buy a bunch of stuff with your own expenses.

Dori:*slowly turns*…

Kaveh:Who told you that? The situation is more complicated than that. *rubs head* I guess that might be my problem. I tend to avoid topics about my living situation so someone got the wrong impression.

Aether:(Or you were drunk…)

Dori:I commissioned and paid for his work, like I was supposed to. How would I scam a person when I’m the consumer and could afford it!?

Aether:To be fair, you’d find a way.

Dori:Yeah, with haggling! That’s fair game and once again, I’m the consumer. Nobody knows a good deal like I know a good deal. I also know I wasn’t a fan of the location Kaveh wanted for my original house!

Kaveh:The cliff side was a gorgeous backdrop and you would’ve loved it!

Dori:It literally could’ve been anywhere and you insisted on the place that not only you liked, but The Withering loved!

Aether: Original house? It was ruined by The Withering!?

Kaveh:Roughly 70% in fact…

Dori:My hard earned mora, completely wasted! All the resources I bought were no longer good and my palace became a dream I was content with abandoning. I neither cared about it being built nor did I ask you to compensate me for it.

Aether:Wouldn’t have counted as a natural disaster?

Dori:An avoidable one if he had listened, but I let the artist have his way after obsessive insisting. Regardless, I was ready to wipe my hands of the situation, but it was Kaveh who couldn’t let it go!

Kaveh: Your alace is my Magnum Opus; the pinochle of my efforts in physical form. There’s no way any self respecting artist would let that go unfinished!

Aether:*eyes widened* So you paid out of pocket to redo it!?

Dori:Oh no, dear Kaveh did more than that. Like any crazy scholar graduate, he paid for the things he wanted, then pleaded for me to cover the rest of the finances he couldn’t afford in this project I had lost time, money, and interest in.

Aether:….Kaveh.

Kaveh:What!?

Dori:However, I’ll hand him a bit of credit. Despite the fact he was clearly doing this to satisfy his own ideals, I can respect a individual not willing to buckle for them. So yes, I paid the remaining costs of his pride, but not for free.

Aether:So that’s the debt. I can’t even say you got away with a free house, because you didn’t.

Dori:I’m a good talker, but nobody is that good. Anyways, it’s not like I didn’t give him anything worthless. Being your benefactor has introduced you to a several recommendations and work. Knowing you, it probably isn’t stable income because you continue to spend for your dream.

Kaveh:That’s…complicated as well. Putting that aside, I’m not advertising my situation and didn’t go spreading around false accusations.

Dori:Of course. You’re not the type. You would however make a complete mess out of a simple situation. I could refer you to a very savvy financial advisor if you’re-

Kaveh:Not a chance. It’s either you or a book of common sense.

Dori:And just like that, you’re a little sharper. Well I business to attend to. Kaveh, there’s a job regarding a fountain you may want when I get back. Until then, might as well enjoy a meal with Aether. He’s actually eating for free. *walks away*

Aether:(I am?)

Kaveh:*sits down* Sometimes I really can’t deal that woman. I’m drained! So, I can order anything?

Aether:Uh, knock yourself out. Get leftovers if you want. (She didn’t even mention the bill again. Maybe because she’s actually a day early?)

He glances towards the tavern owner as they take a bag of mora from Dori. Guess she has tab here and today it was used.

Aether:(Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given her discounts for me and her past- oh!) Kaveh, question. So clearly not everyone knows the extent of situation properly, yet you still work with Dori despite the drama.

Kaveh:No matter how you look at it, I could only build my dream because of her. She’s one of the few clients that allows nearly complete artistic freedom. I’ll always grateful for that. I just wished she cared about more than money!

Aether:….So why didn’t you just offer your future services for dirt cheap in exchange for living in the palace as a way of managing your debt, having a home, and keeping an eye on your art.

Kaveh:…..

Aether:It never crossed your mind, did it?

Kaveh:*puts head on table*

Aether:Hey Boss, give this man your finest wine!

[bridgeportbritt]

The Brown Residence | Brindleton Bay, Simerica

???: Hey, fam! I'm home!

???: Jenny! Hi, sweetness. How are you?

Jennifer: I'm good, mom. How are you? Where's Dad and Dennis?

Rainbow: I'm alright. They'll probably come down once they smell the food. Want to help me in the kitchen?

Jennifer: Yeah, sure.

Rainbow: So, what time is your friend coming over?

Jennifer: Pretty soon. He's coming straight from work.

Rainbow: Ah okay. Dennis spoke pretty highly of him.

Jennifer: Yeah, they seemed to hit it off at Halloween. Hopefully, you and Dad do too.

Rainbow: Hopefully, he's as great as ya'll say. Help me stir those veggies will you?

Jennifer: I think you will think so. He's got a good job, comes from a good family, plus he's really funny and thoughtful.

Rainbow: And where'd you meet him?

Jennifer: Remember when I was volunteering at the homeless shelter last summer? He was volunteering there, as well.

Rainbow: Okay, that's a good sign. 'Cause I have read some other things that-

???: Smells good in here! Must be a dynamic duo in the kitchen!

Jennifer: Hi, Dad!

Dennis Sr: Hi, baby girl. How are you?

Jennifer: I'm good. How are you?

Dennis Sr.: Well, I hear there's a boy coming over so I could be better.

Jennifer: Dad. He's great, I promise. You're going to love him.

Dennis Sr.: I hope so. Can't just let anyone snatch up my Baby Girl.

Jennifer: These are examples of things you all shouldn't say when my boyfriend is here.

DJ: Good luck, these two run away all my ladies.

Jennifer laughs: Hi, Dj.

Rainbow: And what ladies are these? The ones you have plastered all over your bedroom wall? Bring a real girl over here and then we'll talk.

DJ: Dang, mom. You stay cramping my style.

Jennifer chuckles: I'm sure the ladies love DJ.

Doorbell rings

The Browns in Unison: Come in!

Gianni: Hello, Brown family!

Jennifer: Hi, Gianni. You're just in time for dinner. You already know DJ, this is my mom, Rainbow, and my dad, Dennis.

Dennis Sr.: Hi there!

Rainbow: Welcome, Gianni.

Jennifer: Here. I'll take your coat. Have a seat.

Gianni: This food tastes amazing! You did a great job, J, Mrs. B.

Jennifer: Thanks, Gianni. I'm glad you like it.

Rainbow: Thank you. I'm guessing you don't have home cooking a lot with your parents away.

Gianni: Yeah, my mom wasn't much of a cook, but I can't complain. Always ate good.

Dennis Sr. laughs: I'm sure you did! I can't imagine food cooked by Royal chefs is all that bad!

Gianni chuckles: Yeah, it's alright.

Rainbow: And what about your dad's side? You know before he... went to jail.

DJ: Someone's been doing their homework...

Jennifer: Mom...

Rainbow: What? I'm just trying to get to know him. Isn't that what we're here for?

Gianni: It's okay! Really. I'm an open book.

Rainbow: Good. Because I read this article. Let me pull it up. Ah "New Flavor of the Week: Gianni Spotted with 5th Girl this Month." I'd love for you to be open about that.

Jennifer: Please excuse my mother. You don't have to answer these questions if you don't want to. You know I don't care about that kind of stuff.

Gianni: No, I don't want anyone to have any doubt about me. Yes, I used to... date around. You know, young, single, wealthy guy in Del Sol.

Rainbow: And what about now? Is Jennifer the new flavor of the week?

Gianni: No. Jennifer isn't a flavor. She's more like an enhancer. She makes everything better, including me. She's more than what I need or deserve. I'm really lucky to have her.

Jennifer: Aw, thanks, Gianni.

Rainbow: Mhmmm. Good answer.

DJ: That was smooth, man. I'm taking notes.

Rainbow: Maybe you should be taking notes, so you can finally bring home one of these ladies you keep talking about!

Laughter

DJ laughs: Why you keep coming for me, Ma?

Jennifer: Don't worry! We know your time is coming, DJ! But it might help if you left this house.

Dennis Sr.: House? Try his room!

Laughter

DJ: Alright, I'm eating upstairs.

Dennis Sr.: Well, it looks like you survived the interrogation portion of the evening, son. Now we've moved on to the roasting portion. You still interested in being involved with this family?

Gianni: Well... I imagine I can't take a roast to seriously from a family who still has their Halloween decorations up for some reason? It's nearly Spring!

Laughter

Jennifer: And they are so tacky, too!

DJ: The tackiest!

Rainbow: Tell that to that big hat you're wearing at the dinner table!

Laughter

[rebelspykatie]

that green light, i want it

Part 5

“It was the coven,” he whispers between them. He doesn’t want to bring Eddie into this, but he’s already in danger. They’re already in so deep and Steve’s scared and he doesn’t know what else to do but let it all out to this man who’s been more kind to him than anyone in his life recently. Even if it is out of stupidly naive curiosity. 

Eddie turns towards him on the bed, pulling one leg up, pressing it against Steve’s thigh and fully facing him. His face is so open, Steve can’t help the way the truth slides out of his mouth. 

“Herman said he was out patrolling when he heard someone coming through the woods, thought it was someone lost, like a kid or some out of towner passing through. Most homeless people in Hawkins stay away from this side of town, between the rich assholes getting them picked up by the cops and the stories surrounding the woods after Barb, it’s not really a safe place.”

“Yeah,” Eddie agrees, “Wayne warned me against dealing in the woods. It must be weird to have them in your backyard.” 

“I was taught the same lessons. Fear can do a lot to people.” He takes a deep breath, continuing, “When he heard noise, Herman got closer to the edge of the woods, waiting for someone to emerge, but nothing came. He saw a flash of light and heard a cut off scream that worried him. He said he’s always been good at working in the dark after years on the night shift, so he followed them.”

“At least you’ve met someone with less self preservation skills than me, now,” Eddie says with a sheepish grin. 

“That doesn’t make your behavior any less stupid, you know?” Steve rolls his eyes. 

“Trusting you seems to be working out pretty well for me,” Eddie says, playfully nudging Steve. If Steve didn’t have better control, sparks might’ve lit up the tips of his fingers from the affection coursing through his veins at that sentiment. He hasn’t trusted anyone outside of Nancy in so long he barely knows what to do with someone putting any kind of faith in him. 

He decides to ignore it. “From what he described next, the coven were sacrificing her. He saw an altar of some kind with Barb laying on it unconscious. There were too many people for Herman to take down on his own, so he stayed hidden in the woods.”

“If you’re about to tell me this was a virginal sacrifice, I’m never going to take witches seriously.” 

Steve snorts, Eddie’s comment breaking the tension in the room. “If that’s what they were going for, no wonder it didn’t work.”

The bed shakes when Eddie’s head whips back, eyebrows rising comically on his forehead and leaning back on one arm to gawk at Steve. “Are you saying that Barbara Holland wasn’t a virgin?”

He ducks his head, smiling at the memory, “Nancy told me stories after she went missing. There was one about a sleep away camp that got interesting.” 

“Barb, you freak.” Eddie shakes his head, hair fanning out around him in a wild halo. “Good for her. Everyone always talked about how sweet and innocent she was. Didn’t know she had it in her.” 

“That must be why we couldn’t find a body. That’s why the spells kept leading us back to the woods,” Steve says, sifting through the information he got from Herman in his head. “It was leading us back to the last place she was seen because there’s no body to be found.” 

“Doesn’t it take a lot to like, completely incinerate a body?” Eddie’s face contorts, the thought of burning someone alive not sitting well. 

“Not when you have magic.” Steve holds out a hand and lights up his fingertips. “It doesn’t work the same way, the body could disappear in seconds.” He snaps, fire going out. “It wasn’t a natural fire. Herman saw colors and then she was gone.”

“So what were they sacrificing her for?” 

“I’m not sure,” Steve shrugs. “It could just be power. They’ve always come across as desperate. I knew pretty early on that they wanted my power. It’s why I decided we shouldn’t tell them the whole truth about our plans. Nancy wanted answers so bad she didn’t care how, but there was something off. Some gut feeling told me I shouldn’t trust them.”

“Looks like your gut was right,” Eddie leans forward until he’s eye level with Steve’s stomach. “Good work, buddy.” And then he pokes Steve in the belly.

It startles a laugh out of Steve. He’s never met anyone like Eddie. Someone who can make light hearted jokes even when they’re in danger. Someone that can make Steve laugh even when his brain is stuck on how Barb was senselessly sacrificed for nothing. Someone that’s sitting here listening to Steve’s insane stories, even though he didn’t need to get roped into this at all, but still trusts Steve to keep him safe. 

Eddie’s grinning a huge, dimpled smile at Steve that falls a bit as he leans back. “What do we do now?” 

“I think we need to warn Nancy. It won’t take long for the coven to figure out something is wrong. They have eyes and ears everywhere in those woods.” Steve stands up and zips the bag he was packing closed, shoving it at Eddie’s chest when he stands. “Take this to the car, I need to make a quick phone call. Don’t leave the property line, or I can’t guarantee protection, got it?” 

Eddie nods, saluting Steve like they’re in the military and Steve is once again gripped with that overly fond feeling. They grin at each other like two lovesick idiots, as if they’re not both in mortal danger. Steve shakes himself out of it. 

He follows Eddie down the stairs and waits until he’s out of range from hearing anything in the kitchen. 

Dialing a number he knows by heart, he wraps the cord around his fingers as he waits for someone to pick up. Finally, when the dial tone clicks and that gruff voice comes over the line, Steve says, “I know who did it.”

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Epilogue | AO3

[tsintotwo]

(Part 5/ Bonus part of 4)

Aight. After the last post I totally had to check myself because I was under the impression that Junkhearts was the only movie of Tom’s I hadn’t yet seen, but apparently there was another one called Three Way Junction, AND I found another cameo (someone add these and Hello Apartment on Tom’s wiki, I can’t figure out a way to edit tables on there) (Edit: Took care of it.) A few wonderful people got in touch with this info, PLUS a bootleg link to watch the 1984 production Tom was in!! Just, THANK YOU folks, and you bet your ass I watched everything. Let me talk a bit about that before I move on to the links.

Junkhearts (2011)- War vet very kindly offers homeless girl shelter in his house, but her bad crowd (including her bf, played by Tom) comes along and invades his life. Tom is a Northern Irish boy in this (complete with the accent) and is the kind of dude who would walk into a situation and abuse everyone and everything. It blows my mind that this irl smol bean did so many disturbing/disturbed characters and did them SO well. He really makes the angel-faced-devil thing work. This movie is dark, and deals with heavy matters like PTSD and drugs. Be advised. Good movie tho.

Double Date (2017)- Do NOT ask me anything about this one, man, idk. Tom in a beard, hat, eyes rimmed in black liner, and with a fake rhinestone tear for 1:30 mins. I didn’t even hear what he said.

Three Way Junction (2018)- English architect (Tom) goes soul searching to Namibia, everyone he meets acts wiser than him, then he gets stranded in the desert. I will call this movie formulaic, but before that, let me acknowledge I was just getting comfortable, then it stepped on my throat and left me agonizingly invested for a good amount of time. The desert-stranded scenes, Tom almost dying from thirst and hunger, body switching off, face peeling from the sun, hallucinating, all alone… it was hard to watch, y’all (in a good way, I suppose). Tom gives it his all and it pays off, because by the end I wanted to scream along with him. The very end is, again, formulaic.

1984 on Broadway (2017)- Winston in the book: I am a 39 y/o gray dude,  oppressed and depressed, listen to my musings and experience about politics

Me: Of course! I am intellectually stimulated!

Tom’s Winston: *spits aggressively*

Me: Fu** me, daddy

Trust Tom fuckin Sturridge to make Winston Smith SEXY I AM SO UPSET (AND HORNY) *deep breath* okay. Olivia Wilde broke Tom’s nose acting this, he broke her tailbone. People fainted, threw up, and left the theatre. Need I say more about how intense this production was? And I abfuckingsolutely loved it, oh my GOD. This was a brilliant adaptation of the classic George Orwell novel imo, the changes they made were very clever. Tom is the MC, and in the beginning, he is confused and is just reacting to things rather than acting. But he gets more and more into it and then comes the last act- graphic torture scene of him that they recreated from the book. I understand why people left the room, y’all. I mean, I KNEW what would happen and by the end even I was like ‘fuck me, fuck y’all, fuck this, what the fuck’, and I could PAUSE. But this is how 1984 should be, imo. I’m not saying this just because I’m a simp for Tom: the work he’s done for this is extraordinary. It takes a special kind of actor to even attempt something like it.

[Edit: I've discovered Tom also appeared in Brothers of the Head (2005), a mockumentary-movie about conjoined twins who became rockstars. Tom might be in it for just the ten seconds around 55:00 that I could find him in.]

Now that’s all done, let’s move on to the links. I know most people may have seen most of these, but still may be of help to a few? And I’m making this for my reference as much as for anyone else anyway, so.

Interviews/Being Filmed:

1. We all know there have been sooo many interviews from the Sandman junket. Some of my favorite moments:

a. Tom talking about his experience in the glass cage here (4:15), here (2:00) and here (4:12)

b. Tom shows us (11:34) his button brickphone. An aside: I think he at least had a smartphone at one point- you can see him tapping one here (:10) and he mentioned in the giggly Sea Wall interview that he browsed Wiki on his way there, so… anyway, point is tho, it’s none of our fuckin business

c. Vivienne praises Tom so much that he clenches his fists and is out of breath. Aside: When people he’s less familiar with drop praises, he has no reaction. Like, not even awkwardness, zero reaction except a half smile, e.g. here (4:43), here (4:04) and here (10:11). I just think it’s a funny shy boi thing XD

d. Totally RANDOM, but I love his eyeroll (9:00)

e. Unexpectedly deep and amazing answer to what nightmare Tom would give other people (plus everything else tbh)

f. Tom insisting that eating only within 4 out of 24 hrs and exercising for 5 hrs each day for 3 months was ‘easy’ compared to actually playing Morpheus. This man is insane.

g. Tom stole the sand pouch and is so shifty about it lmao

h. I said this before: Tom and Morpheus are still totally separate in my mind, so seeing this BTS when he’s dressed as Morpheus but speaks as Tom is a reality-shifting experience for me every time. Also, in natural light the subtle eye makeup is really popping. God, this man would KILL it with smokey eyes!

2. I love animated talkers who are also articulate, they tend to be the best storytellers. Tom being just that in these Orphans (5:12) and Sea Wall (37:26) interviews (I recommend watching Tom in both in full, tbh)

3. Linking this Orphans interview because a. His eloquence and wisdom shine through and b. He’s looking sort of devastatingly pretty

4. Tom can play the piano!

5. Never seen a Brit giggle so much (I know I already gif-ed this but you gotta hear the SOUNDS)

6. Englishman struggles to speak English for half a minute straight

7. Tom’s workout vid for Sandman. Not to ogle, to appreciate the unholy amount of effort. You can also see the inconspicuous S tattoo on his back (for his ex, I guess). This man is wearing a hat in the gym... hair too long?

8. Far from the Madding Crowd interview because I need y’all to see this look

9. I like this 1984 interview ‘cause it’s interesting, been edited in a creepy way matching the content they’re talking about +Tom talks about not using a smartphone

10. Adding this to show how much Tom has grown, as we all grow. The ‘romantic’ experience he describes here, while startlingly honest, I can’t see him talking about now. He was a bit rough around the edges, a little awkward with his presence. I find that endearing and relatable, honestly, ‘cause I am VERY different in the way I present myself, speak, communicate now from a few yrs ago. It’s a process.

Fanvids:

Some of my faves here: 

1.      Best Sandman/Morpheus tributes 1, 2, 3, 4. Angsty king Morpheus. Cool Morpheus. 

2.      AMAZING Morpheus x Jessamy 1, 2 and 3

3.      Morpheus x Johanna 1 and 2

4.      Morpheus x Calliope 1, 2 and 3

5.      Me: I ain’t no Twilight fan and watched TVD only for Damon, vampires can suck it away form me. Also me: Watches this 50 times in a row. Edward x Morpheus

6.      Bruce Wayne x Morpheus

7.      WTF is going on and why do I love it: AU/Crossovers/Fancasts with Morpheus- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

8.      Will x Emma, Waiting for Forever

9.      Best Jake x Tess, Sweetbitter, 1 , 2 , 3, 4

10.      Best Alex x Nigel, Like Minds, 1 and 2

11.      Effie Gray x John Everett Millais, 1 and 2

12. + Tom in Remainder 

13. Carlo Marx, Carl (3 Way Junction), King Henry VI, Danny (Junkhearts)

Voice Work:

1.      Sea Wall audio

2.      Someone isolated Tom’s voice from the music in the Netflix podcast

3.      Tom reading two letters. This one by Henry James is emotional and I expected his passionate reading, but this one by Mark Twain- Tom was HILARIOUS! Please make him do more comedy.

4. Tom reading Wordsworth’s ‘A Complaint’

5. Tom as Morpheus- playlist of his dialogues isolated for each episode 

Miscellaneous:

1.      1984 bootleg (480p)

2.      Context: Someone made a t-shirt with Tom’s head on the boobs and wore it, which RPatz saw and mentioned in an interview. The whole thing is bonkers. Maybe I was having a slow day but I laughed for a solid minute at this lmao (but I’m a whole adult-adult writing 1500+ words posts about Tom, so maybe I should shut my mouth).

3.   (Later addition): Masterlist of fics I wrote. The Sandman/Morpheus and Sweetbitter/Jake.

I might be adding more if I remember new things, but this is it for now. I actually enjoyed writing these posts. It’s been real, folks.

[awigglycultist]

NPMD thoughts

Omg Richie's screams

Poor Richie my beloved

He's dead <3

Oh wait Ruth's headgear is missing in this song

Grace covering her mouth!

STEPH! PETE! <3

WHAT A START

Sycamore! We really need to know more about them

Rip Peter

I love the running in Literal Monster

Out first Max saying Bitch incident!

Get him up! Get this fucker up!!

I love being able to properly see everyone's facial expressions

I hate Solomon so much

Steph is very stupid for putting her hand above her phone as it's about to me smashed but also I'd probably do the same

"this projects on thermodynamics, what the fuck are you talking about?"

I literally love Ruth's, Pete's and Richie's friendship so much

"What was I like when she touched your arm? Did you cum!?"

"Pete silence your phone in the library!" you guys have been screaming this whole time but ok

NANI?

Ugh Pete you are cooler than you think you are!

Love Max finishing the "woah oh oh oh"

"Had to sell your bowtie to feed your fuckin family?"

Omg Pete's breathing and whining while Max is monologuing <3

"now say your fucking prayers bitch!" "-amen!" is still such a good transition

"mom will you pass the buttstuff?" "I just want some head and butter" "bread and buttstuff" still get me

"I love... Jesus <3 :)"

Dirty Girl should not be so good

"WHO ON OCCASION GETS DIRTY!"

Me trying to watch this and imagine watching with my dad to figure out the appropriateness and if gonna have to skip past parts

Ugh Pete <3

Ugh Steph caring about Pete so much despite knowing him for one day <3

Hatchettown notfi!

#pottypants let's get it trending

IT'S BULLY THE BULLY TIME!!!

Love hoe you can see Steph slowly getting into it

Beans cool? Excellent!

Pete's and Richie's finger fun moment!

"who was that?" "my boyfriend!" "sounded like a telemarketer" "okay my ex boyfriend"

Love the screams after "you kinda look like that homeless man from downtown"

"fucking useless Pete!"

"no he thinks the ghost is real he's just really fucking brave"

"I am Jägerman! I am God! Go Nighthawks!"

Skele'on

The little bit of info that Max's dad would call him a cuck and the fact that his bullying likely comes from a lot more trauma with his dad

It's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for him :(

Rip the glow in the dark skeleton costume

"this is Hatchetfield, people go missing everyday!"

Love Kyle and Brenda, what a supportive couple

"this is really your C+" "oh, Steph, you can keep it :)"

"with consent of cour cause we care!"

FUCK YOU CLIVESDALE!!!

Zeke the fighting Nighthawk like Ezekiel from Perky's Buds! Did Ekekiel name himself after Hatchetfield's mascot?

Love the audience cheering after "fuck Clivesdale fuck em straight to hell!"

Richie struggling with costume is so good

"I love being alive!"

God the costume and makeup up close! So good!!!

Smoke club!

Richie's fall is so good!!!

Jon's singing is seriously so good in npmd

And god Will is incredible

Yup Mark & Karen were just so wild at 18

"you don't say, you don't say. I'm be down there in a jiffy" "what'd they did dad?" "they didn't say"

Jeff voice over cameo!

Davis!

Love that Grace calls the cops pigs

Davis and Virginia!

Ziggy! Barry! Charlie!

Bryce's solo <3

Gerlad!

Love the cameos so much (but also rip Jerry, least it's preserved in the album

The bbq monologues bit is so stupid and so good and funny

Me Barbecue!

I love Trevor I hope we see him again

"I'm my dreams, it's my barbecue!"

Just For Once is so silly and so emotional love it it's underrated

"it fucking worked I'm fucking here he's fucking her!"

Lauren is so good!!

"take a bow, bitch"

"Every citizen of Clivesdale is guilty until proven innocent"

Shapiro saying she found the wwjd bracelet in the principal's office really got me the first time

"it's God plan! And now he's leaving me out to dry! Do something you son of a bitch!"

PAUL & EMMA!!!!

The knowledge of what card Jon hands Lauren makes this scene better

"I have been waiting for what feels like 5 fucking years and I still haven't gotten my hot chocolate!"

Emma spitting in the coffee!

Rip "women shoe"

AHHH IF I LOVED YOU!!!

"Leave room for Jesus!"

"she's bisexual and dead where else would she be!"

Rip Angela's fall

"get your hands out of your pocket! Put your hands down! He's going for a gun!"

The scream!

Also the audience screaming during this entire scene from Paul's & Emma's entrance to Emma screaming, so valid and great

"don't comfort her she's fucking weird"

I hate him but we absolutely need to know more about Solomon, how do the Mayor's learn so much

The black book! The nightmare time theme!

And another reason we need to know more about Solomon, why tf did he have the black book and what did he do with it

Max's one liners are so great

"on the ground bitch I'm a cop!"

"are you a women of faith?" "catholic" "I'll take that as a no"

"there's something deeply wrong with this whole town" yeah there sure is

Pete saying he has no idea what he's doing when he checks for Shapiro's pulse is such a great way of keeping it unknown if she's alive or dead

AAAHHHH THE SUMMONING

"t'noy karaxis" particularly scratches my brain

AHHH THE LORDS IN BLACK

I am a bit sad you can't see all the dance moves at the same time and you so you can't really see them changing dances with each other but also the close ups are so cool and very fitting for the scene!

Jon putting his fingers together so it's reminiscent of the doll only having three is such a cool choice

GOD FUCKING DAMMIT JOEY RICHTER WHY DO YOUR EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCES HAVE TO BE SO GOOD

I WAS RIGHT I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR CAITIA REPRISE

They both do a great job during this and I NOT OKAY

Max's fucking beat boxing

"so you do know the bible!"

This is scene is seriously so crazy

Graces entrance afterwards with the cigarette is so great and Max's entrances afterward laying on the bench is so great

The spin!

The lighting!!!

Homecoming time!

Someone remind me to add Joey in best of you to the air guitar thread

And that's it. That's where ends :)

Grace is so crazy and I love her

[the-whispers-of-death]

So I did get asked to expand more on the version of Stone who has a daughter and I'm a man who jumps on the first opportunity he gets to talk about his different AUs (someone please let me know if you all want to know about the AU where Stone still gets lent to the 141 but was previously in a squad called The Tigers, I don't care that it would make my OCs' count be 10 OCs,)

Anyways, so as previously stated in the dilf!reader post, this version of Stone got pregnant at sixteen because that's when he got kicked out by his father. So he gets kicked out on his sixteenth birthday, in November, and so he's in North Carolina now and he's living on the streets. (This is obviously before he transitions, since he does that when he enlists in the U.S. Navy two years later.)

He luckily manages to get a spot in the local youth homeless shelter and he spent quite a while there, and that's how he met the other dad. They were both sixteen, both kicked out and struggling to survive. It's important to note that Stone had barely any sex education due to previously being isolated and home-schooled by his father, so that's how he ended up getting pregnant because he didn't know any better.

The boy who impregnates him leaves the youth shelter before Stone finds out that he's pregnant and they never meet up again, because Stone was like "Why tell him something that would change his entire worldview?" And originally, Stone plans on putting his daughter up for adoption when she's born, because at this point in time he's planning to enlist in the U.S. Navy when he will turn seventeen.

But then he sees his daughter on the ultrasound and he just can't give her up, and he's now living in a Catholic church because a priest had taken him in when a staff of the youth shelter told said priest that Stone had gotten pregnant. The priest promises that the church will help him raise the child and so Stone keeps his daughter.

Flash-forward about nine months and Stone gives birth to his daughter, who he names Saira after his mother because while she did abandon him, the very few memories he has of her are better than the numerous memories he has of his father. He'll never admit this to anyone but Saira, but he cried for the first time in years (and honestly the only time after that) when he held her tiny baby form in his arms.

Stone and Saira both spend her first year of life in the church, due to the fact that Stone can't enlist in the U.S. Navy at seventeen because of there being no record of him having any education. So he's not only taking care of a child, he's also on a program that will give him his education so he can enlist when he's eighteen.

We're just going to condense everything that happens after he gets enlisted in the U.S. Navy because that's sixteen years. Saira grows up like any military brat, always on bases and in foreign countries. Despite how her father grew up, Stone made sure to give her as much freedom as he could while also making sure she was safe. He was heavy on making sure she grew up differently than how he did, so while he couldn't really express his emotions well, she knew he loved her.

He learned how to ride a bike so he could then teach her how to, he filled his entire house with children's books when she was younger, so he could read with her and help her improve on her reading comprehension (he refused to let her potentially be bullied about not being smart). He was so soft with her, kissing every boo-boo she got (every soldier who saw him do that was jealous because they wanted to get the same treatment when they were injured but they instead got his roughness) and he made sure she never got touch-starved.

Also in this AU, Kali spends way more time with Stone since he's Auntie Ashok here (though Saira tries several times over the years to set up her father and Kali) and he's part of the reason Saira knows how to smile and laugh (because poor Stone, even in this AU he can't manage to figure out to smile). He was the cool and fun uncle, helping Stone with anything he could help with.

And by the time Stone gets lent to the 141, she's about to be seventeen, obviously able to follow Stone to where the SAS base the 141 works out of, staying with an old Marine friend Stone served with who has a daughter Saira's age while Stone works. She's a senior and about to go to prom, which scares Stone so much because where did the time go by???

[anothermeforcompany]

Riwal x Yan!Leon S Kennedy (RE4 Remake)

Warning: TW! suicide-gore, typical resident evil stuff, MINORS DNI, yandere Leon

Leon looks at the injured teen in front of him, with bare feet and bandaged hands, but clear eyes full of wariness and fear. "You aren't infected ?"Leon asks, his gun lowered but not put away.

Riwal shakes his head, his black hair matted down by the rain. "I'm not 'infected', whatever that means, but if you have a chance, quickly get away from here"his right hand pointed out in the direction of the broken bridge, and Leon noticed a broken nail on one of his fingers. "Go through the bridge, as fast as you can"

That statement reassures Leon that Riwal isn't with those crazy villagers nor he mean anything bad, as he points out towards the known exit. "I can't, I'm here to find a girl, her name is Ashley" he takes out the picture to show to the teen that's as tall as Leon, maybe a few centis taller.

Riwal feels conflicted because he knows this girl and where she is, but if he answers honestly, he will send this man who has survived Raccoon City through another hell. "This is not a good place, you should leave," he said, taking a step back as he didn't want to lie outright to him, not him, not this man.

Leon realizes from the way this boy looks away that he knows something. "You know her, where is she ?"Leon caught his wrist before Riwal could get away. Despite being taller, he is skinny and injured, looking like a homeless person. When compared to Leon, Riwal is nothing.

Riwal looks into his eyes and lets out a stammered breath. "The castle..." he answers lowly. "They keep her there but more than that..."Riwal can't hold his gaze and look away, "There are mercenaries, peoples with guns, you have to be careful, if you need anything, go to the Merchant, he will sell you any medicine you need"

Leon looks at the trembling boy and notices how cold his skin feels. "What's your name? Why are you here ?" he asks pulling Riwal into one of the houses.

Riwal rubbed his palms together once Leon let him go. It's been quite cold lately and he has spent a long time outside to hide from those mercenaries. "I'm here looking for my uncle who went missing, this place is his last known location"he takes off his bag, a bit braver since it's Leon, he knows the man won't hurt him as long as he cooperates. "I'm Riwal, 16th years old"

Leon looks at him, "Do you know what happens around here ?" he ask

Riwal's breath hitches. He knows, but he doesn't want Leon to know that Riwal knows because he has experienced the same in Raccoon City, but worse than that, he is a born B.O.W., the thing that can ruin people, just like those undead turned his mom sick and makes his dad kills himself, leaving Riwal all alone. However, as his uncle said, Riwal is a good boy who just needs to shut up if he has to lie. "I-I..."Riwal feels really nervous, he doesn't want to lie to him, instead, he wants to help him, but Leon will hate him if he ever finds out.

Leon looks at the nervous young man. "Take your time"he patted his shoulder in comfort.

Riwal bites his lips to stifle his whines, flinching away from the touch but catching himself. "S-sorry..it's been some time since I met anyone who doesn't want to kill me at first sight"he tries to smile but it ends up with a grimace.

This reminds Leon of Raccoon City, the difference is that Riwal is a civilian and younger, and he clearly can't survive any longer here. He feels protective of this young man and wants to keep him safe, these feelings will grow into a need, but it's a story for later time. "It's alright, Riwal, I understand"Leon didn't touch him again, but he also didn't step away.

"Thank y-you and sorry..."Riwal feels more at ease.

Leon thought about it for some time and let out a sigh, "You know, I have a gun and you know this place better than I do, what do you say we work together ?" he offers