#marvin is very good also 8)

[megamindsecretlair]

It Started With a Whisper - Chapter 8

Chapter 7 Chapter 9

Pairing: Sam Wilson x Black!Fem!reader / Plus Size reader

Warnings: 18+. Minors DNI. You are in charge of your own reading experience. Some sentences are intentional AAVE. Non-inclusive language. Cursing, Angst, mentions of violence, Hurt/Comfort, some fluff. Sorry if I missed some!

Summary: You are the front desk clerk who started a few months ago and you have a major crush on Sam Wilson, the handsome and sweet trauma counselor. Sam is released from the hospital, but you go with him to visit Steve. You have an uncomfortable talk.

Word Count: 3,120k

Masterlist

A/N: This is a little more or less a wrap up of CA: Winter Soldier. There had to be a clear break and it's wordy, but these two had to clear the air. Also, sorry babes! I'm going on vacation next week and would have liked to whip something up and save it to the drafts but no go, home life is too hectic. Plus, breaks are important! So, no new chapter next week. I tried not to leave it on a cliffhanger. You can however use this to tell me your theories! Likes are always awesome. Please consider commenting and reblogging to help support writers! I love hearing your thoughts!

Taglist: @multiversefanfics @chaos-4baby @leahnicole1219 @capswife @anghstybean

Over the next two days or so, Sam explained some of what was going on. The hospital released him with his assurances that he’d take it easy. You were there for that conversation so he couldn’t finagle his way into your pants. The disappointed look on his face had you ugly snorting when the doctor was out of the room. 

Your heart ached listening to him recount how Steve and Nat had stepped into something huge involving Hydra and he volunteered his services. No, you were definitely not happy to hear that. He told you about kidnapping a man but it was to make him tell the truth. How he was ambushed on the freeway by a freak with a metal arm. 

You thought he had to be lying about the man ripping the steering wheel out of the car. But nope. What you saw on the news were those Hydra agents taking him to be killed. You asked him not to spare any details and you almost wished you hadn’t. You had been so close to losing him, many times over.

Agent Maria Hill helped him, Steve, and Nastasha escape and he met some man named Nick Fury. That’s when they had the genius idea to have five people go up against an entire spy organization. It was frankly a wonder how they were still breathing. Sam got most of his injuries from the man you saw on TV, Rumlow, and Sam jumped out of a window.

You smacked him at that point. He chuckled and leaned away from you but you were walking down the narrow hospital hallway towards Steve’s room and he couldn’t get far. “A window, Sam?” 

He shrugged. He shrugged! Like it was no big deal. “The building was collapsing. Would you rather I stayed and get pancaked?” 

“That’s not funny, Sam,” you said.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. It was the only thing I could do,” he said. 

For the past week, you had been visiting Steve in his hospital room. Sam played Marvin Gaye for him while you curled in the corner to read. You found that you didn’t want Sam to go anywhere without you. It was silly. Oftentimes, you felt like you were intruding. But Sam never ordered you away. He stayed away from the Steve stuff. You suspected that he wanted to ask permission or something. 

In a short period of time, Sam had a real admiration and respect for Steve. It was obvious in the way that he insisted on coming back, hoping that today would be the day that Steve woke up. 

You caught Sam looking at Steve sometimes. Like he looked up to an older brother or like a well-respected mentor. Which was insane. They had to roughly be around the same age right? 

You mentally did the math. You weren’t very good at math. Point was, there was a bond there. You guessed being shot at, fighting alongside with, and battling for a common cause lended itself to a deep, quick bond. You supposed it was as close to having his wingman back as Sam was going to get.

So you’d keep your teasing down…at least a little. 

Sam read quietly and you looked at the healing cuts on his face. You looked at how content he looked sitting and reading. Listening to Marvin Gaye like an old man. You’d have to ask the story there eventually. 

“On your left,” a small, tired voice said. 

It took you a minute to look up and see Sam smiling at Steve. He looked at you and his smile got bigger, puffing out his high cheekbones. You got up and crossed the room. 

“Saving New York wasn’t enough for you, huh?” You asked.

Steve smiled softly. He was still having trouble keeping his eyes open. He finally managed and looked at you.

“Well, you know. Can’t seem to stop finding trouble,” he said. 

You slid your hands around Sam’s shoulder. Steve caught the action and you stood your ground, refusing to feel like you were talking to your parents. So embarrassing.

“Thank you, for looking out for him,” you said.

Sam looked at you but your eyes were on Steve. You weren’t quite brave enough to explain how much Sam meant to you or the secret boiling anger you felt. Steve should have known better. Sam was a grown man and you had a bone to pick with him too. However, Steve understood the score. He knew who he was up against. He knew that going up against Hydra was a big deal. A huge deal.

And from the battle that you saw on TV, they nearly lost. Sam still hadn’t shared everything. You wondered if you were even entitled to know everything. As long as Sam would have you, you’d be here. And that made him part of your circle. Part of those under your care that you would protect against Death itself. Protect against Steve if needed be. 

You hoped all of that flashed through your face. Steve seemed like the smart type. He sighed and rested his head back against his pillow. His face was cut up ten ways from Sunday. But he blinked those true blue eyes at you and subtly nodded.

Sam was lost and nudged you to tell him what he missed. You smiled at him and kissed his forehead. “I’ll leave you two to catch up. Coffee?” 

Sam still looked at you but it was clear you weren’t going to talk about it yet. It was too new. You hadn’t explained the whole protective bear thing you did and you weren’t sure how to do it. One thing you liked about Sam was his total honesty. The least you could do was be totally honest back. No matter how ugly.

You left the room and left them to talk. You took the long way down to the machine to get coffee. You passed by a small waiting room where there were a few family members sitting and shuffling amongst themselves. A TV played in the background. 

It was a replay of Natasha’s speech to Capitol Hill. She was so badass. She was one of the coolest people you’d ever met. She faced down aliens, Hydra, and the orange idiots down in government with a smirk on her face like she knew things. Like…knew things.

Her file got leaked to the world like everyone else’s. You weren’t sure if you wanted to spend time going through any of it. It was no secret to you that organizations and the US government were shady. But to White America, it was the second coming of Jesus. They just couldn’t believe it.

You stood and watched as Natasha told Capitol Hill to kiss her ass. Then she walked out as if she were walking away after an explosion. You grabbed the steaming cups of mysterious brown liquid and headed back to the room.

Sam was laughing at something and Steve groaned, trying not to laugh as well. He clutched his stomach and groaned faintly. You handed Sam his cup and he took a sip without complaint.

You were undecided but you braved it anyway. Hell, you paid for it.

“We’ll let you get some rest, man,” Sam said.

“Thanks, Sam,” Steve said. Steve looked at you and you seemed to be sizing each other up again. You were both protective of Sam and he had no clue. “Take care of this one, Sam.” 

“I plan on it,” Sam said. He stood up and slid his arm around you. You soaked up his warmth and hugged him a bit too hard. 

You smiled at Steve and nodded your head. He nodded his back.

Together, you and Sam left with Sam promising to return to see how Steve was doing. Steve nodded sleepily and went back to sleep. You left the room and headed down to the car, silent the whole way.

“You gonna tell me what that was?” Sam asked. He opened the car door for you and you got inside. Nervousness bubbled in your stomach. But you wanted the foundation of your relationship to be built on honesty.

You waited for Sam to climb in on his side and start up the car. This conversation needed to be in private, where you can see his face and gauge his reactions. “Let’s grab some food and head to your place. We have a lot to talk about it seems.”

Sam smiled softly and nodded. You talked about nonsense while he drove. You talked about what you and Ariel got into in his absence. How the people he counseled never stopped believing in him and his innocence. He was touched and you caught the smile on his face knowing that.

You grabbed food and soon you were at his place. The knots in your stomach were worse. You barely swallowed the drink in your hand as you walked into his apartment. You got settled at his dining room table while Sam piddled a little bit. You got the sense that he was stalling a bit. His shoulders were hunched and he kept finding little things to clean up.

“Sam, come here,” you said. 

Sam chuckled and sat beside you at his dining room table. You both opened the wrappers on your food but sat looking at each other. He was the more experienced one when it came to professionally talking but hard conversations were hard no matter what.

“I really like you. And it’s uncanny because I barely like people. No one has patience anymore. They want to know absolutely everything right this second. And people treat introverts like there’s something wrong with them to begin with. But you never have. You’ve always been patient and kind and sweet. You…put me at ease.”

Sam smiled and reached out to take your hand. You gripped his hand and marveled at the strength of him. Those hands were capable of tremendous pleasure and protection. But who defended him?

“You’ve heard about my hectic home life. It’s rare to feel…safe I guess is the word. You make me feel safe. And that makes me want to keep you safe. I will overstep. I will argue until I’m blue in the face that you need to look out for yourself. I will drive you crazy doing anything in my power to make sure you’re okay. You’re mine to protect now.” 

Sam looked down at your combined hands. “There’s nothing you can do that will make me not want to be with you. I will take your arguments, your nagging, your protectiveness. I’ll take anything you give me,” he said. He lifted your hand and kissed the back of it. His soft lips pressed gently against your hand. He lowered it back to the table but didn’t stop holding it.

“You’re mine to protect, mine to defend, and mine to hold.” 

You smiled. Those butterflies in your stomach took flight and warmth replaced it. Sam had no idea the amount of peace he brought you. There was no guessing with him. It was easy and breezy. 

You always thought that you wouldn’t find the type of love your parents found. Before your mom got sick, they were the standard that you set all relationships by. If a man looked at you funny, you dropped him and moved on. You refused to accept anything less. Looking back, you could see why your exes were vitriolic. They hated your high standards. They called you a delusional bitch. They called you bossy. 

At the time, you thought they were trippin’. Why was it that Black women were expected to accept the bare fuckin’ minimum? No one told other women to accept mistreatment, lack of help, and lack of support. Black women had to be surrogate mothers, sisters, best friends, doctors, maids, and therapists to their significant others and then berated when they couldn’t accomplish it all. Or dogged out, cheated on, and disrespected when asking for help. 

You could accept your part in those failed relationships. You never gave anyone a chance to be who you needed or wanted. You thought it was your divine comeuppance when your mom got sick and your prospects dried up like a shriveled prune. It was why you kept Sam at arm’s length. He needed someone without so much baggage.

Looking at him now, looking at the way he looked at you, you didn’t want him looking at anyone else like that. Possessiveness swept through you without mercy. He was yours. The Devil himself would have to drag you kicking and screaming from Sam. 

“You say that now…” You said, hoping to inject some playfulness in all this serious talk. “But that also means I get a little excited when I’m protecting what’s mine. I didn’t have to say the words to Steve, but he knows now that you’re mine and I’m going to protect you. Even from him. He should have known better than to let you get involved in this. This was a suicide mission, Sam.”

“I asked to be involved in this,” he said. 

“It doesn’t matter. He should’ve told you no,” you said.

Sam smiled. “I would’ve helped anyway. I…needed to help him. Does that make sense?” 

You sipped some of your drink and shook your head. No, you didn’t understand that at all. 

“The military trained me to be a soldier. To be useful. To give one hundred percent of myself to defending this country against threats. When my tour was over and I opted out…there was no way to adjust to civilian life. When you’re over there, you’re fighting for your life every second. You sleep with one eye open, you watch where you step, you keep your finger close to your trigger. You have to trust that the man behind you is watching your back. The military kicks you out with no tools to stop seeing danger everywhere. 

“And I learned to adjust but it doesn’t leave you. When Steve and Nat showed up, it was a way to feel useful again. To fight against an enemy to protect this country. Hell, the whole world. Hydra is a parasite and they were willing to wipe out millions of people if I didn’t help. There’s no way I could have sat that out.” 

You looked away from the raw honesty and contentment on his face. He’d do it again if he had that chance. You knew it down to your bones. But there was no turning away from that fact. To accept Sam was to accept this part of him as well. He was not going to stand by while injustice occurred. That was like asking the sun not to be hot. 

You nodded slowly. You still didn’t like it. You downright hated it. But you could accept it. For Sam, you’d accept just about anything. 

“Promise me that you’ll stay safe. I don’t care if it’s a lie.” 

Sam smiled and leaned forward to kiss your forehead. He placed his against yours and took a few deep breaths. Then he pulled back far enough to look at you. “I promise that I will always come home to you. It’s not a lie. You keep me going. You’re the one I thought about while I was up there. You kept me alive.” 

Dammit, Sam. He was breaking your heart and rebuilding it piece by piece. You kissed him, throwing all of your relief and frustration into the feel of your lips against his. 

“You better come home. Otherwise I’ll face Hydra myself and bring you home,” you said.

He chuckled. “I’d hate to see you go up against Hydra. They’d run screaming off of rooftops,” he said. 

“Damn, right,” you said. 

With that settled, you dug into your food. Sam told you that he got permission from Steve to tell you the rest. To tell you what the news didn’t know. He swore you to secrecy. He made it clear that you couldn’t tell anyone. Absolutely no one. You agreed, knowing that you’d now have this entire life separate from your family. You were in the know. You and Sam were building something between you that nearly no other couple could comprehend. 

He told you about the tragedy of James Barnes. It cleaved you into two pieces. There were some things Sam was missing. Some history between Steve and James that Steve hadn’t mentioned. But he was basically brainwashed into attacking them by Hydra soldiers. He was a veritable boogeyman of the spy world. And he was Steve’s best friend. 

“The lunatic with the metal arm who ripped the steering wheel out of the car?” 

Sam nodded. “It wasn’t right what was done to him. He should’ve died an old man by now. It wasn’t his fault, what happened.” 

You blew out a breath while you absently chewed your food. “Damn.” What exactly did someone say to that? The whole time Sam spoke, you couldn’t believe your ears. Brainwashing, mystical Nazi cults, spies, lions, and tigers, oh my! 

“Yeah. I don’t know what happened to him. He’s in the wind,” Sam said. 

“Still brainwashed? Like…is that safe?” 

Sam shrugged and chewed his own food. “I don’t know. Play it by ear, I’m assuming.” 

You nodded and wrapped up eating your food. When you were both done, you helped Sam clear the table and throw away the wrappers. Before Sam got any bright ideas in his head, you ordered him to get comfy on the couch. 

You draped a blanket over the both of you and snuggled into him. You mindlessly watched TV, laughed, and joked and pretended that he hadn’t just dropped a load of secrets at your feet.

You were nervous. Beyond nervous. You were afraid that even though he made that promise, he may not be able to keep it. You were acting like your mom again. Your faith in his capabilities is what helped you survive this whole ordeal. It would have to be strong enough to be okay with not knowing everything. Not knowing the outcome. 

Sam snored softly next to you. You glanced at him. He was so adorable while he slept. His face was relaxed but with a hint of a smile because that was who Sam was. Mischievous, playful, and so damn brave. You snapped a quick picture of him. Then a funny one with the both of you while you stuck out your tongue to show him later. He really was an old man at heart. 

You laid your head on his shoulder and closed your eyes. Soon, the soft cadence of his snores and the peace he radiated lulled you into a blissful sleep.

Masterlist | Chapter 7 | Chapter 9

[huffle-dork]

Swap Across the CrystalVerse Chapter 8: PW Timeline

Read Swapboys | Crystal’s AUs | Read the PW Timeline

Read SITCV | SATCV Masterpost | AO3 Link

It's an awkward drive to Marvin's house, as Chase and Jackie are still silently digesting the idea of alternate universes, but thankfully, it's a short one. Chase soon pulls to the side of the road in front of an average-looking one-story blue suburban house. "Here we are," he says. "Alright. Out we go." 

Marvin is looking out his front window when they arrive. "Hey Alt? Are those your friends getting out of the car? I mean, I hope they are. If Chase and Jackie ended up picking up strangers it'd be fucking weird."

Alt almost glitches over to the window but restrains himself and peeks through it. He relaxes as he sees Bro and Jackie getting out of the car. "Y-Yeah that's them! Thank god..."

"Nice." Marvin walks over to the front door. "JJ, keep the cats distracted." 

Marvin doesn't need to tell him twice, as he's already busy dangling a cat toy on a string for Luna to play with. Ragamuffin sits in the chair nearby pretending to not be interested, but his eyes are following the toy. 

"Great," Marvin says, and opens the door. "Hey!" 

"Hey!" Chase waves. "Fucking crazy, right?!" 

"Fucking wild!" Marvin keeps the door open long enough for everyone to come inside and then quickly closes it.

Bro waves once inside, "Yo! How's it going?" 

"Thanks for letting us come over, makes this all easier-" Jackieboy says with a timid smile. 

"No problem," Marvin says. "Well... I don't usually like people coming over, but when the fuck am I gonna have the chance to talk to people from a parallel universe? This is probably, like, a one in a million years chance.  "Also, hey Jackie! Good to be out of the hospital?" 

"Oh god yes," Jackie says. "I was losing my mind in there. But I'm all good now!" He notices Alt, then. And he just... stares at him.

Alt blinks at Jackie's reaction and then finds himself glitching a bit around his shoulders. He hunches in his hoodie and then sheepishly waves. "Uh... hi? I'm Alt."

Jackie jumps a little at the glitching. Then he suddenly laughs. "Wow, you don't look anything like Anti. Hi, I'm Jackie." He smiles and holds his hand out for a handshake. 

Alt brightens quickly and grins, going to shake Jackie’s hand. Jackie can feel a bit of a buzz underneath Alt’s skin when they shake hands- like touching a recently on LCD TV. “thank god for that…” 

"Uh, I dunno if that comes across how you mean it to," Chase mutters. 

"Oh, uh..." Jackie’s hand wavers for a second. "I just mean that you're clearly not a bad guy. Does that make sense?" 

Alt laughs lightly, “no I got it. That actually… means a lot. Thanks.” 

"No problem." Jackie looks at his hand after they're done shaking. "Wow. You're... buzzing? That's weird. That's so weird." 

Alt flushes slightly and quickly puts his hands back in his pockets. “Uh… y-yeah I’m… k-kinda electric. Sorry I-it’s weird-“ 

He's very nice, JJ says from where he's sitting on the sofa. He looks at Bro and Jackieboy. He whistles You really do look just like Chase and Jackie. 

"I'm flattered that you think I'm as buff as this guy," Chase says.

Bro laughs, “It’s probably more in the face. I guess!” 

Jackieboy grins, “We’d look even more alike if I remembered my glasses.” 

“Dr. j is gonna scold you so hard for forgetting again.” Bro snickers. 

Jackie rolls his eyes. 

Marvin blinks. "Dr. J...?" He looks at JJ. "That... wouldn't happen to be... an alternate version of you, would it?" 

I can't imagine being a doctor, JJ says, frowning. Too much pressure. I always wanted to be an actor, actually, but stuff happens. 

"Oh, grand, maybe I can put in a good word for you at the theatre," Marvin says excitedly.

“Oh yeah! Dr. J’s our JJ!” Bro grins. 

“Henrik’s our actor,” Jackie smiles. “He’s very good too- despite being deaf.”

Chase's eyes widen. "Wait wait wait. You have a Henrik, too?" 

JJ blinks. And he's deaf?

Jackie nods, “Yeah! There’s… a reason for that but that might be a bit much to get into.” He smiles nervously. 

JJ nods. I understand. I'm similar. Not deaf, but still. The sign language probably gives away some stuff. 

“Where’s your Henrik?” Bro asks with a head tilt. “I don’t think I heard you all mention him yet.”

Chase coughs. "Bit of a sensitive subject. He's... in a hospital called Silver Hills. It's, a, um... special hospital..." 

"It's a psych ward," Marvin says bluntly. 

"Marvin!" Chase gasps. 

"What? You were getting nowhere tiptoeing around it! And everyone in the city knows Schneep's there, these guys might as well know, too." 

"It's not even a psych ward," Jackie mutters. "That's a department attached to a main hospital. Silver Hills is an... institution all its own." 

The swaps eyes all widen slowly. 

“…oh…” Bro says quietly. “Is he… okay?” 

“…sometimes going to a place like that is a good thing?” Jackie adds. 

Alt holds his arms, looking uncomfortable.

"He's, um... getting better," Chase says slowly. "H-he's had some problems for a while, but, uh... a year ago—two years ago now, actually—" 

"Seventeen months," Jackie corrected quietly. 

"—things got... a bit worse, a-a-and then he got..." Chase is noticably not looking at Alt. "...he disappeared... for a while... People thought he was killing people, b-but he wasn't. When they found him again he was... really out of it. A-and a whole bunch of stuff has happened since then that hasn't... helped with that." 

"But it's getting better," Marvin adds firmly. "I'm sure everything will be alright soon. The police just have to do their job." He huffs a little. "Competently, ideally."

“Oh man…” Bro whispers. “I’m… so sorry.” 

"Thanks, other me," Chase says. Then laughs. "God, the absurdity of saying that really does undermine the moment for me." 

“At least he’s getting better!” Jackie tries to add cheerfully. 

"Yeah, he's getting much better," Jackie agrees. "It's great to see, actually." He smiles a little. 

Alt, of course, noticed that Chase isnt looking at him. He grips his arms tighter and squeezes his eyes shut, trying to not let this random guilt eat him alive. He didn’t hurt this world’s Schneep- he wouldn’t. So why does it still feel like this…? 

JJ notices Alt's expression. He walks over and taps his arm, gently getting his attention. It's not your fault, he says. Aneirin is his own person who makes his own choices. Just because you are related to him does not make you the same. And it does not make you responsible for what he does. There's a fierce light in his eyes as he signs this.

Alt slightly glitches anyway, even if JJ is gentle. He watches his signs and feels his vision get a bit fuzzy as he wipes at his face. "...thanks... It's just hard seeing... so many versions of you do horrible things... universe after universe." He grips at his jacket over his heart and takes a shaky breath, "...but I'm trying to remember... I'm not him. I just... can't help... feeling bad. It's like hearing your twin did a killing spree and now you.. have to live with looking like him. Seeing the... fear in people's eyes." He shakes his head, "S-Sorry... that's probably too much... I..."

JJ smiles gently. No, it's fine. I know exactly what you mean. That's literally what happened to me. I mean, Aneirin is older than me, not my twin, but still. The first time I met Schneep, he thought I was him. But I'm not. And you're not, either. 

Alt returns JJ's small smile after a beat. He nods, "... yeah... Thank you JJ... that must be... really hard." 

"Oh shit!" Marvin suddenly shouts. He looks around. "Sorry. I just realized. Don't you guys pop up near, uh, parallels of people you know? That's what you said, right? Does, uh, does Schneep count in that list?"

Alt startles slightly and glitches, looking over at Marvin. Bro and Jackie look at each other. 

"...uh yeah? Probably-" Jackie says slowly. 

Bro goes pale, "...Mag-" 

Alt's eyes widen.

"YeahexactlythatswhatIwasworriedabout," Marvin says, voice squeaking. 

"What, uh, what sort of stuff does your 'Magnificent' guy do?" Chase asks nervously. "H-how worried should we be?"

"Very worried-" Alt says quickly. "He... He does mind games, hypnotism- he might try to-!" 

"Fuckkk that is not something good you should do to a psych ward patient!" Jackie squeaks. 

"Jesus fucking christ!" Jackie goes pale. "Yeah, no, other me is right, S-Schneep's not good with that sort of stuff." He shivers at the memories that come to mind. "A-and that's--that's without all the weird magic bullshit you guys have." 

Bro starts to race to the door.

"Whoa, hey, Chase!" Marvin shouts. "Other Chase! Do you know where you're even going?!" 

"No! But we should hurry! I could fly there and-" 

Jackie quickly grabs Bro and pulls him back , "You can't go flying here, Chase! You'll cause a panic!"

"I-I mean, go ahead and fly there if you want to be all over the news!" Marvin stammers. "But I don't think Chase wants to deal with the fallout of that, considering you two look so much alike." 

"Oh yeah, no, I don't even want to think about the drama that'd happen from that," Chase says. "I'm a, uh, semi-public figure." 

Bro pauses then nods, "Yeah I... I wouldn't want to do that to you... Okay."

Chase, do you think we can all fit in your car? JJ asks. 

"Uh--if you all squeeze in, probably. It won't be legal, but fuck it."

Alt then suddenly glitches as his phone starts to ring. He blinks and then looks down at it with surprise. 

Jackie and Bro give him a wary glance. 

When Alt checks the number- it's just static. He almost feels- drawn to it for a second before he shudders and tosses the phone to Bro. He nods. "...You know who it is." 

Bro nods gravelly and answers the call. It's a video call- of course and soon Mag's face appears. He frowns when he sees who's answering it. "Fantastic. Where is my cub?" 

"Not here, Mag, so just-" 

"Don't~ lie to me hero~! That's not in your moral handbook now, is it?" The mad magician cackles. 

As soon as the guys hear Magnificent's voice, they all cluster around Bro, trying to get a look at the screen. "What the fuck?!" Marvin gasps. "What's wrong with your fucking eyes?" 

"You have Schneep, don't you?" Bro spits. 

Mag gets very quiet at the other end before he sighs dramatically, "Why must you always ruin my fun, Brody?" 

"Fuck your fun!" Jackie bites at the camera. 

"Oh yes- you're here too." Mag drawls with a bored eye roll.

"Where's Schneep, you motherfucker?!" Jackie demands, pushing his other self aside. 

JJ studies the screen, trying to figure out what details he can gain from the background. A warehouse? he says, glancing at the others.

"Yeah that's like- one of his m-o's" Jackie mutters. 

"Oh hello, new kittens! Are you worried about your poor doctor? Well don't worry~ He's right here." He shifts the camera to show he's gripping up Schneep by his hair as he dangles entranced between his claws.

Jackie cries out, all his bravado instantly disappearing. "No! Schneep, no!" he screams. "H-hang on! Okay?!" He starts reaching for the phone but Chase pulls him back, knowing that there's nothing grabbing the phone will do. 

"What do you want?" Marvin asks. "People like you always want something." 

JJ steps out of sight of the camera. There's only one place in the city that has warehouses, he says. We can find him if he won't tell us where he is.

Jackie nods to JJ and Alt seems to pick this up as well- even if he stays away from the screen. 

Bro's eyes glow with anger as he yells out, "What the fuck, Mag! The people here have no magic! Nothing! Why are you doing this?" 

"Because there’s nothing here, hero! So- I want to leave and I need you goody-two-shoes not to get too chummy with your other selves so my cub can come here and take us somewhere better already!" Magnificent giggles. "As fun as it is to see this one so docile and helpless... there's not much here. It wouldn’t even be fun to kill my other self… way too easy. So- Alt, I know you're listening~ You should hurry on down here quickly... before I get bored of this snack of mine." 

Alt pales and curls his hands into fists at his side, shaking slightly. 

"Or you know what? This world's Jackie's screams were so delightful just now~! Why don't I get this started early and-" 

Alt yells and glitches to be in front of the phone, grabbing it from Bro, "Magnificent let him go or I swear I'll-!" 

But, Alt only sees Mag's smug face on the screen for a spilt second before the phone fills with spiralling magic. And Alt is caught right away. His angry expression falls scarily blank as the magic fills his eyes. 

"That's it, kitten. Come here." 

Alt's shoulders buzz with glitches and his hands start to turn to pixels, sinking into the phone- "NO!" Bro yells and tackles Alt to the ground, making the phone go flying. 

The guys from this world all reel back, stunned by what's happening. Chase scoops up the phone, covering the screen with his hand. "Y-you bastard!" he shouts, glaring at the camera. "I-I don't know anything about your magic shit but I know a dirty trick when I see one!" 

JJ crouches by Alt, shaking him, trying to snap him out of whatever this is. 

"You're gonna get what's fucking coming to you!" Marvin shouts.

Alt is weakly trying to fight Bro off him, trying to break into pixels but Bro keeps grabbing him before he can start to glitch. The static is so loud. 

Magnificent laughs loudly from the phone. “You’re only making this harder for Henrik, kittens! Come now, let’s not delay this hm?” 

“S-Shut off the phone!” Bro tries to shout, “Break it if you have to!”

Chase nods. He tries turning off the phone but it won't just shut off with the power button so he slams it against the wall until the screen goes black. He stands there, breathing heavily. There's a crack across the screen but it seems intact otherwise.

Mag’s laughter and the accompanying static cuts off and the room falls quiet. 

For a scary beat, Alt stares out with another blank expression. But then the magic stutters out and he quietly gasps before breathing heavily, looking around in panic. 

Bro slumps and sighs in relief. 

“God…” Jackie kneels down by Alt and pats his shoulder. “You okay?” 

“Y-Yeah… yeah I… fuck-“ Alt breathes.

JJ sighs once Alt comes back to himself. Take deep breaths. In for four, hold for seven, out for eight. 

Alt nods dazedly and follows JJ’s encouragement to breathe. His heart starts to calm down.

Marvin stares at the phone in Chase's hand. "Well. That whole thing was uh..." He hisses. "...bad." 

Jackie laughs. "Understatement of the year. We have to go get him!" 

Chase nods. "Um... Alt?" He holds the phone out to him. "S-sorry." 

Alt looks up at Chase and his phone and then he smiles had shakes his head. “No it’s… it’s okay. You helped me- mag would have…he was g-going to-“ 

“That motherfucker was gonna strand us here in this universe and just take you!” Jackie yells, throwing up his arms. “God he’s such a slimy bastard!!” 

Bro gets up and helps Alt up too, “…I guess we gotta drive to the warehouse district now… we gotta help Schneep.”

"Let's not waste any time then!" Jackie snaps. 

"No, let's waste some time so we can find stuff to beat that motherfucker to death with," Marvin says. 

"Not literally, right?" Chase says. 

"Course not." 

"Okay, in that case I have a tool kit in the trunk of my car, there's definitely a hammer, a wrench, and a tire iron in there." 

Are knives fair game? JJ asks. Can we use the knives from your kitchen, Marvin? 

"Hell yeah. Normally I'd be upset with people using my stuff for what it's not supposed to be for, but this is a special case." 

"JJ, you sit in the front and give Chase directions," Jackie says. "The rest of us gotta figure out places to fit."

The swaps all look to each other and nod. “We have to be careful though…” Alt says quietly, “Mag isn’t above trying to kill someone if he doesn’t get his way.” 

“Well… we’ve faced the threat of death before,” Jackie says. “Unfortunately. So we can deal with that.” 

“Who knows… maybe this’ll be over fast,” Bro shrugs, “Seems like he just wants out of here.” 

“Let’s just focus on getting to Schneep fast- being controlled like that is not easy on the mind…” Jackie mumbles. 

Alt perks up, “Oh- to fit and so… mag can’t get to me right away, I could hide in one of our phones. S’not the most pleasant but probably better than being squished in a car…”

“You can hide in… okay sure, guess this might as well happen,” Marvin says. “This day is already so god damn weird.” 

Alt looks almost embarrassed as he hunches in his hoodie. 

“Ha- John Malaney nice.” Jackie snickers.

“You can use mine, Alt,” Chase says. “Since I’ll be driving I won’t need to look at it. The other four of you can probably fit in the back seat.” 

JJ had briefly disappeared down the hallway and now returns with a pair of chef’s knives from the kitchen, which he shoves in his bag. 

Bro watches JJ and hums under his breath, “It’s always the JJs with a knife- maybe we need to teach Dr. j that…” 

Ready to go when you guys are. 

“Great,” Chase nods. “To the car, everyone. On the way there, tell us everything you know about this guy so we can prepare.” 

Alt nods, “We’ll catch you up.”

———— 

In the warehouse, Magnificent yells in frustration as he loses contact with the others and almost throws his phone but thinks better of it. He sighs dramatically then hangs on the stack of boxes he’s sitting on. “Godddss! It’s so dull here!” He whines. He eyes Schneep and hums in thought then slinks towards him. “Say, Henrik- I saw a most peculiar figure in that head of yours… the man with the dual colored eyes. Why don’t you tell me about him, hm?”

Schneep shudders. He doesn’t want to talk about him, but the hypnotism makes him do it anyway. “A-An… ti,” he whispers. “H-he tricks me, lied to me, pr-pretending to be more powerful than he is. F-forced me to take the blame for him hurting people. Or making me do it. J-Jackie… Jackie was… I-I didn’t want him to hurt Jackie. Or that other man, Jameson. How cruel is it, to hurt your own brother…? Th-they say Anti is gone now, i-is that true? Sometimes I do not remember…”

Magnificent hums in slight interest, “Really? Huh… so my cub is also not extraordinary here… just a delusional killer. Pity.” Mag shrugs, “I don’t know anything about your Anti. Cruelty is often a useful tool against the weak. At least he seems to use that well.” Mag sighs dramatically again. “Maybe I’ll just start taking life forces from sure boredom…”

"Not... extraordinary? S-so many people have died, that is u-unusual." Schneep pauses. "But not like you..."

Magnificent makes a flippant gesture with his hand, “Death means nothing. Human lives are just collateral. Power is the thing that matters most. But, I’m sure I’ve taken more lives than a lowly human has- if we must measure by lives.”

Schneep blinks. "Really? I... only know of the thirteen th-that he made me help with. But I know there were many more. S-Since he was very young." Fear flicker in his eyes. "He told me once he killed Marvin. That was a lie, but Marvin says he did try..."

“Hm- amusing.” Magnificent chuckles, “I’ve lost count. Could be more than that… could be less. Not that many of them mattered. They just got in my way.” He laughs, “The humans at least. Magicians I spare… in a sense, at least.” He eyes Schneep and hums, “I wonder if it would be worth it to kill you- or your friends. Maybe it’ll spare you all this pitiful existence.”

Schneep's eyes flicker, the magic hesitating. "I-I like my existence, I don't want to--please don't--"

Magnificent laughs, and with a quick flick of his finger, magic catches the front of Henrik’s shirt and pulls him closer. “Oh… it is always fun to hear you things beg.” He giggles madly. “But, tell me, Schneeplestein…. What is it that makes you want to continue, hm? You’ll been ostracized, villainized for something you didn’t do. Institutionalized. Deemed crazy. Sure, you might get out soon, but your mind is forever sullied. Is that worth it all?” Magnificent hums with false sympathy.

Schneep breathes heavily. "I-it is not just for me. I don't live just for me. I have friends--and more to do. More to give. I-I don't care what the world thinks, if I know the ones I care about are safe, I-I cannot leave them. If I have hurt them, I must make up for it. I can make a new life. I can make a new life."

Magnificent growls and pushes Schneep away. “Blargh. You’re as bad as my own annoyances. Such human attachments. Disgusting.”

Schneep stumbles backwards and falls to the floor. "Human... attachments? You are not... human?" He shivers. This is all too much. He can't handle this. His mind drifts off and he goes silent. 

Magnificent laughs, his burning green eye lingering in Schneep's mind as he drifts. 

"Oh no child, I am so much more~" 

----------- 

"All these warehouses look the same," Chase mutters. 

There are about six of them, and he drives down the road dividing them into two rows. "How are we supposed to know which one he's in? Not like this evil fucking magic guy has a car." 

"I don't know, do you guys have magic shit to help find him?" Marvin is understandably stressed out by this whole thing. Not only is their friend in danger, but four grown men sitting in the back seat of a car is very crowded, and he doesn't like being close to people.

"Mmm we might...? Honestly we kinda just- stumble into him usually." Jackie mumbles. 

"Or I fly around to look for signs of him. Like- green glowy shit-" Bro comments. 

Alt is lurking in Chase's phone, the screen buzzing with green and blue glitches as he listens. He tries to feel out for Mag's presence- "Maybe... nearer to the edge." He voices calls out, like he's on the other end of a phone call.

"Alright, got it," Chase says. "Near the edge. Hang on." He pushes the gas down, speeding up. "We'll start there. Other me can look around for stuff. I don't think people come out here that much so flying probably wouldn't attract that much attention." 

Soon, the car pulls to a stop and Chase parks it so everyone can get out. 

"You said you had a tool box in your trunk?" Jackie asks. 

"Yeah, go crazy."

"Ah- I hope someone gets Mag right in the face." Jackie laughs. 

Bro chuckles and hurries out of the car, hopping into the air to look around. He seems almost relieved to be back in the air. 

Alt buzzes anxiously and then glitches out of Chase's phone, his shoulders hunched as he tenses up in anticipation for danger. Where could Mag be...?

The others all pile out of the car, too. 

Does anyone want the second knife? JJ asks. 

"I'll take it," Marvin says, and JJ hands it over. 

Jackie opens the trunk of Chase's car. "What in here has the most reach?" he mutters, rummaging through the stuff. "Aha!" He grabs the tire iron. 

Chase joins him, taking a hammer from the box. "I wish Anti didn't take my gun," he mutters. 

"We still need to talk about how the fuck you got that into the country," Marvin calls. "Uhhh anyway let's start looking around." 

Alt starts to look around, keeping himself quiet as he prowls forward. Soon enough he shivers and hears static brimming in the air. He points towards the second to last warehouse. “…there. He’s in there-“ 

Jackieboy whistles for Bro who comes down to join them. He looks at the others and narrows his eyes in determination. “Alright- we out number him but let’s focus on getting Schneep out of there.” He braces himself in front of the door. “Ready?”

The others all quickly gather around.

 "Ready," Chase says. 

"Beyond ready," Jackie adds. 

"Let's kick his ass and get Schneep," Marvin says. 

JJ just grips his knife tight and nods.

Bro nods and then goes to burst open the door. 

Magnificent quickly grabs Schneep from wherever he was before and goes to grip him by his hair. “Ah! The Calvary arrives~!”

Jackie and Marvin are the first guys from this world to run in. 

"Schneep!" Jackie gasps. "I-it's going to be okay! It's going to be okay!" 

Schneep's eyes flicker a little. "Ja...ckie?" he croaks out. 

"Let him go you bastard!" Marvin shouts. Chase and JJ run up behind him. "I don't care what fucking magic you have, we'll take you out!" 

"Whoa, h-hey, don't be hasty, Marvin," Chase says hurriedly. "Just, um... just please put Schneep down, uh, Magnificent..." 

Magnificent looks bored as he sees the others file in. He throws Schneep at their feet with a huff of indifference. "I'm not even threatened by your pathetic bravado. Worst universe yet. Is my cub here? I want to leave." 

Bro growls and steps forward with burning blue eyes, "Stop calling him that! He's not just some tool you can boss around!" 

"Yeah and who died here to make you king, Mag, ya pompous asshole." Jackie snarls. 

Alt sees Schneep thrown and quickly glitches over to help him up- and get him away from Magnificent and towards the others. "H-Here- you're okay..."

The guys are not expecting Magnificent to just hand Schneep over, but they're all relieved. "Schneep, over here," Jackie says, reaching out for him. 

"J-Jackie...?" Schneep whispers. He blinks. "Chase? Marvin?" His eyes land on JJ and he stiffens slightly. "A-An--" JJ quickly moves out of sight. 

"No no, Anti's not here," Chase says quickly. "He's not even in the city. You're fine. This is fine." 

Jackie hugs Schneep tightly, glaring at Magnificent. "Yeah, we want you to leave, too," Marvin mutters. "Hurry up and get out of here." 

Alt moves back quickly, letting Schneep's friends help him. Then, a hand reaches out and grabs him and he yells out, squirming in Mag's grip. "There you are, kitten! Trying to hide from me~?" 

"Hey! Let him go!" Marvin shouts as Mag grabs Alt. 

Alt growls and tries to glitch out of Mag's grip but he digs his claws into his skin slightly, canceling them out with his own magical current. Alt shouts in pain and then slumps though he glares at Mag. 

Magnificent giggles and brings in Alt close. "Why are you fighting me so hard here, Alt? Can't you see someone like you isn't wanted here? You're only haunting these poor pathetic humans~" 

"No-! I...!" Alt tries to argue but quickly deflates. He looks at the crew that's surrounding Schneep and feels his heart clench slightly. The past couple worlds... they all started to feel like friends when they leave. But here... they're all too different, aren't they? He's never felt so detached from people who share the faces of his friends.

"Oh you shut the fuck up," Jackie hisses at Magnificent. "Your fucking bullshit word games and your fucking bullshit power plays. There are people like you everywhere, you're not special because you're magic. All that magic does is give you a chance to act out your worst desires." 

"You... i-if you guys want to leave... we won't stop you," Chase says slowly. "But... don't let him get to you, Alt. You're not 'haunting' us, or whatever." 

"And we're not pathetic," Marvin adds. 

JJ sighs. He rubs his eyes, looking tired. It's clear this man isn't worth our time, or yours. Don't indulge him.

"Yeah Mag! Just because they're human, doesn't mean they're worthless! You are not better than any of us cuz you sold your fucking soul to black magic! You're just a sad lonely loser who uses his power to bully people! Just so you have something to fill that empty void in your chest where your heart used to be!" Jackieboy shouts, and then breathes heavily afterwards. 

Bro looks at him with wide eyes. "... that was brewing for a while, wasn't it?" 

"Sooo fucking long." 

Magnificent growls, looking ready to blast Jackie for daring to speak like that to him but Alt grabs his arm and bites him, making the mad magician scream and let him go. 

Alt glitches away and back towards the others. He hesitates then looks to the side, not really wanting to look at their faces. "... I'm sorry for all the trouble we caused. But, thanks for... helping us. Even if it was strange." He says quietly. He looks to Bro and Jackie and tilts his head towards Mag. "...we should go. Before he somehow makes things worse."

The others glance between themselves, feeling vaguely uneasy. 

"Did we... do something wrong?" Chase asks.

 "I-I think it's just weird for them," Jackie says. "Being in a world without all their magic stuff." 

Alt's stomach drops as he looks up and he quickly shakes his head. "No no- you..." He knits his eyebrows together, seeming frustrated. "... I feel... bad. That we exposed all of this to you all. After all the things you went through and not havin' seen it before I... I just hope we... didn't make things worse... for you." 

Jackie smiles at Alt, Bro, and Jackieboy. "It's fine. It was nice to meet you. Worth all the strangeness, hah. Once Schneep gets back to himself he's gonna go insa—get really excited about the multiverse being real." 

Schneep glances towards the three of them as well. His eyes linger on Alt for a second, confused, but that fades away. "Th-thank you." 

Alt looks at Schneep and tries to give him a smile, but it looks sad. 

Bro puts his hand on Alt's shoulder and pulls him in, 

"Hey bro... we couldn't help it. They'll be okay- they're tough guys, even without all our shit. These guys were ready to beat the ever-loving shit out of Mag! Kinda wish we could have seen that-" He laughs. 

"Maybe--maybe you can come back sometime?" Marvin says, laughing a little. "I-I mean, I'd like to hear more about all your magic. But, uh, if you can't, or even don't want to, that's fine, too." 

JJ looks at Alt and nods sympathetically. Good luck. For what it's worth, I'm glad to have met you, if only briefly.

Alt is quiet for a second but does look a bit more hopeful at Marvin and JJ's goodbyes. "... it was nice to meet you all too. maybe... maybe one day we can come back. ...maybe." 

"We'll have to figure that out another day though cuz Mag is gonna have a conniption-" Jackie grumbles. 

"Heh." Chase gives them a small smile. "It's alright. This was... weird, but it's nothing we can't recover from." 

"Yeah, we've recovered from a lot." Jackie nods. "Least this time no one almost-died." 

"I... don't think I-I understand who you are," Schneep mumbles. "But... thank you for your worry. W-we will be okay. W-we are working on things." 

"We'll explain everything to you later, Schneep," Jackie promises. "I think you need to process it first." 

He laughs. "That is fair. I-I think I need to go back. They will be so worried where I went." 

Alt nods and pulls out the TRVLR. He glares at the screen and whispers, "... let's hope this thing actually works..." 

Bro lets go of Alt and goes to grab Mag by the front of his shirt and drags him towards Alt and Jackie. Mag hisses like an offended cat.

Good luck, JJ signs again. And goodbye. 

"See you again, maybe," Marvin adds hopefully.

Alt nods and smiles a bit more. 

Jackie grins, "Good to meet some normal lads, you all stick in there, alright?" 

"Bye!" Bro waves with one hand. 

Alt grabs everyone and then, after checking again, presses the jump button.

And they fall, as they always do. But their troubles are not over. The ripple happens again, and their course is diverted. Like a hand reaching out and plucking a feather from the air.

[lemonlyman-dotcom]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thanks for the tags @iboatedhere @bonheur-cafe @alrightbuckaroo & @welcometololaland 💕

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Nine!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

48,025

3. What fandoms do you write for

911 Lonestar

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Make Me Laugh 'till I Die, I Stand Beside You With Pride - TK and Carlos discuss TK’s special relationship with Owen, and how previous boyfriends have been intimidated by it

getting past the wounds of love - Paul-centric fic for @guardian-angle22! Carlos attends his first 126 hang, Paul, TK & Marj go crate digging

Sunshine On My Body, Rainbows Bloomin' In My Skies - Tarlos goes hiking!!

TK Strand’s Sweet 16 (times 2) (minus 2) - TK’s 30th birthday party!! The Reyes family throws him a double sweet 16 party, the first family party since the loss of Gabriel.

Why Do You Think I Ran - TK & Carlos have a vulnerable conversation about the beginning of their relationship the night after Owen calls with his Huntingtons results.

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes! Always!! First, because I am so appreciative that anybody takes the time to read my stuff. But I know it’s only like one in every few hundred reader that bothers to leave a comment so why wouldn’t I return that energy with a response?

Second, I am first and foremost a reader. I put a lot of energy into writing thoughtful comments. So I know how nice it is to get a reply!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I don’t know if it’s angsty, per say, but maybe All Your Colors Make Me Feel Alive because they’re discussing the ways they’re grieving and remembering their lost parents.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

They’re all happy endings, generally. But maybe Call Me If You Get Lost because they’re in a hot tub and they’re bouts to get it on *sings Marvin Gaye*

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Very PG-R-rated so far

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I don’t but I have a couple ideas for using the plot lines of another show.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not plagiarized but I had someone take the plot idea of one of my fics. Doesn’t feel good, folks!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I haven’t, but I beta read which is definitely a collaboration

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

Tarlos

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I want to finish TK Strand’s day off (@carlos-in-glasses 👀)

16. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue, description and characterization. Also background for side characters.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Coming up with plots to go around the 1-2 scenes I’ve written 😂

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I love incorporating Spanish as much as I can. If I’m not 100% sure I’ll have a friend who is fluent read it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

911 Lonestar!

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

This is a tie!

Call Me If You Get Lost This one got a pretty low engagement, which was really disappointing for me because I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. It’s a whole, complete story with a beginning, a climax and and end. Its funny and heartfelt, and I think the characterizations are really well done. Basically Nancy tells TK she’s going on a romantic weekend by herself, it was a trip she’d booked at an estate in Hill Country with her ex for their anniversary before they broke up. TK is worried she’s having a crisis and forces Carlos to go to the estate so they can “be there for her,” but instead they catch Nancy in an awkward position with Mateo.

TK Strand’s Sweet 16 (times 2) (minus 2) this one was so much fun to write! It’s funny and sweet, there’s a lot of side plots going on with different characters. It not only shows us TK through Carlos’s eyes, and how much Carlos loves him and is completely in awe of him, but how TK gently cares for Carlos and has cemented his place in the Reyes family and helped hold them together through this loss. Also it’s the introduction of my Tía Lucy. The response to this one was really really lovely 💕

I’m knee-deep in a move right now so I’m not sure who’s already gone but tagging @chicgeekgirl89 @ladytessa74 @tarlosmalec @ithilien-writes @carlos-in-glasses @rosedavid @herefortarlos @freneticfloetry @thebumblecee @wandering-night19 @sanjuwrites @your-catfish-friend @im-overstimulated-and-im-sad @liminalmemories21 @never-blooms @ambiguouspenny & @theghostofashton and OPEN TAG 🏷️

[lostonehero]

My first fic for this Fandom I know I just finished season 3 but I hope you guys like it

JonMartian romance obviously

Web avatar Martin

:)

A voice if you could call it that sounded as if metal was grinding on metal combined with nails on a chalkboard. It wasn't loud, more so quiet, barely a whisper for one listener. "Gifts for you."

Martin yawns as he puts his book down, leaving a bookmark to mark his page. He rubs his eyes. "I keep telling them to leave, but they never stop." He stretches. "I'm not starting a cult in your name."

The voice makes what seems to be a noise of agreement.

"Do you want to share?" Martin hums, looking to a dark corner that seems to grow darker, and he knew that meant yes. "Alright, hopefully they brought tea and biscuits, and maybe enough I can share with my coworkers."

The voice lingers in the air. "Jon?"

Martin stiffens as he closes the front door. "No, I haven't asked yet. Things are not exactly good since everything. I also have to keep things distance due to Peter."

"Martin." The voice hisses louder.

"Right, sorry, rambling." Martin knew that isn't what he meant, but it was a reflex from his childhood.

"Tea?" The voice sounded lighter as if it was trying to comfort Martin.

"Oh yes, I think they brought over some fruit ones. Oh, they brought your favorite peach. Uh want... no, I know you don't like sweets." Martin frowns. "Do you mind if I close the blinds? My back is getting itchy, and my eyes are watering."

"Remeber your shirt." The voice hums, and the tea Martin holds vanishing and the sound of his kettle turning on filled the soft quiet.

"Oh right, thanks. I don't want to ruin this one." Martin removes his shirt and folds it neatly on the back of a chair. Soft creaks of bones stretching as he seems to grow taller as spider legs erupt from his back. His eyes multiply as he has eight on his face. His mouth stretches, and a pair of mandible grows and drips a green liquid. His hands closed, and a scale like armor is on his hands and in random splotches of his body. He returns to his human feet and sighs. "Forgot my socks, but they are easy to remake. Oh, thank you." He quietly walks back over to the table where a hot cup of tea rests at his spot on the table.

"Molting, you need vacation." The voice seems less harsh as the sound of sipping is heard.

"I have to ask Mr. Lucas for that, but I don't know if he'll approve it. I don't know if he figured out what I am. Things have been uh tense at work." Martin hums opening a tin of biscuit.

The voice pauses as another phantom sip is heard. "The beholder thinks you are a human. Not that it matters. They should be happy to have you on their side."

Martin blushes a grey against his pale skin. "Thank you, mom. I know you're neutral in this, but I'm glad you're with me."

The voice chitters happily. "Tell the archivist your story."

Martin huffs. "Mom, we've been over this." He relaxes and taps his legs against the floor. An empty mug appears in front of Marvin. "Oh, do you want another?"

The voice is quiet. Marvin knows this means his father has gone back.

........

It's been a while since Martin knew normalcy. He was 8 when he met the being, the god, the spider. He was a lonely child he liked spiders, and his mom seemed to always be sick, and he didn't know his father. He was curious he followed a thread to a place that seemed like it shouldn't exist, but he was a curious thing.

"Wow!" Martin was full of awe and curiosity. "You're very pretty."

There was a creature a spider like being. They were just going to eat their newest prey caught in their web, but they've never heard anything like that. A human willingly touched them. Small for a human as well.

The first meeting went well in Martin's mind he tried to tell other kids about his new friend, but that didn't go well. Bullys picked him, outed him out of everyone.

Martin led food to his better mother figure, but that was never their relationship. They never wanted to say that he didn't want a follower. He grew close to this human and gave him a gift. The boy grew into his gift.

Martin grew up, and he had to leave schooling for his mother. He didn't mind that, but they knew he did. When he got the job he was so excited and they applauded him for it was a highly regarded place to them.

The incident with the living hive, they were worried. If their little favorite being was killed, and then they weren't going to be neutral after that. They used their minions to find him, not the worms were an issue, but they took care of it to get in. The archivist did destroy his minon, but they couldn't fault him. He wasn't his Martin.

Martin was alive he came back. They understood why the beholder was enamored with stories as they listened to Martin rattle on about his adventures. There deaths seemed to concern their Martin, but they were able to soothe him.

Jon he was the new archivist, the new eye. They didn't have strong feelings about that, but they knew Martin was what mortals called love or a crush they didn't exactly know the correct term. However, they knew Martin just needed a push, so they tried to convince him to tell his story and reveal himself. If it meant they would have to take a side, so be it. They didn't like to see Martin struggle with his emotions it made them think about how his mother drained him.

Things were on edge, and they had been trying to convince Martin to push him to reveal himself to protect the object of his love. The beholder doesn't exactly protect as well as they do, so extra help would be for the best. Martin still isn't convinced, but to be fair, they haven't explained. Maybe they are being selfish keeping their Martin safe like a mother protecting its young. They didn't know when they became so protective but they don't think they want it to change.

.....

"Don't look at me like that. I tried! I don't like lying, you know that." Martin frowns, scratching at his arm. There's banging on the front door. "Oh.... I don't want to entertain..."

The door opens, well it's kicked open by two young adults dressed in pure black and has spider webs all over their bodies.

Martin sighs. "I told you guys to stop breaking my door down."

The two young adults bow in respect.

A voice creaks out. "Fix my Martin's door."

Martin frowns. "Don't scare them. Come on, I'll make some tea."

The two young adults are frozen in fear until Martin taps them.

"Come on. I'll get some water boiling. You two must be new, but I don't want a cult following me around, neither does... er Spider. However you two have to fix my door. I don't exactly have sick days I can use at work to stay and fix it myself. Oh, right, as I tell the others, I can make you each a sweater with silk and spider like peach things like flavored things that are peach. However, I like chocolate or coconut or like little sweets. I don't expect anything though, just relax." He turns on his kettle.

"Avatar Web." One speaks up.

"My name is Martin, I don't go by my title." Martin smiles. "I just want you guys to do nice things like charity or public services. However, sweets and teas are also nice, and please tell the higher-ups in your group, er cult, to stop sending you guys over here like this. I didn't mean to frighten you guys."

The two stare up in awe.

"Thank you for your mercy." The two say as they head to fix the door.

Martin groans. "No, I'm not.... do you want tea too?"

The corners grow dark as a yes.

"Ok." Martin smiles and picks up the boiling kettle. "Oh shoot, almost forgot I need to get new towels molting is annoying. You promised to remind me."

"Forgot list." The voice echos like rusted metal.

"Ah, I guess you're right. I could just make new ones, but they are never rough enough. Oh, right, I should ask what kind of tea they like as well." Martin hums but stops his door is fixed, and the two are gone. "It's a shame they never stay. I always offer."

The voice sighs like grinding metal and shattering glass.

"Oh well, I think I still have some preserved peaches for you." Martin hums going through the cabinets.

.......

His body felt wrong. He knew he shouldn't be here, and he knew well enough whatever brought him back... no, that thing that wretched thing grabbed him from his peace. He knew how he died it was that explosion. Did they win? Probably not since he's been dragged back. Was he still him?

The sound of the door opening pulled the man out of his thoughts, and he opened his eyes, and the bright sunlight burned his eyes. He didn't even look at himself till he heard a voice, a kind voice he knew all too well.

"I'm back." The cheery male voice seemed to echo in the quiet home. "The cult left some gifts but don't know how they know what today is, but I assume you have something to do with it. Granted, it's been decades now, so I really should be used to it."

He could hear the shuffling of feet until the voice he knew attached to the body came into view. He didn't know if he could talk, but he could move. He didn't have a chance to test his voice.

".... Tim?" The cheery voice seems to faulter.

A voice rough and screeching. "Happy birthday, Martin."

Martin groans and covers his face. "We talked about this. Tim, I'm so sorry." He sighs and smiles. "I uh I have a lot to explain. I should get your clothes first."

"Mar...tin?" Tim stopped his voice was the same he felt normal his body looked normal except for the tattoos the designs looked forgein and familiar at the same time.

Martin rushed out up the stairs.

"Martin, wait!" Tim got up his legs shaky and full of pins and needles like he sat on them too long. He stumbles forward but easily composes himself. He jumps back as Martin is suddenly back in front of him. "How?"

"It's a long story." Martin gives a nervous smile. "But uh, this will be complicated. It's been six months, give or take, Jon's been in a coma, but he's fine now, and uh, your funeral was nice."

"How? Are you one of them?" Tim cautiously takes the clothes they were big on his frame the belt helped.

"Well, I mean, I am an avatar. Uh, avatar of the spider or the web, but they prefer spider over web even though web is the term people cling to. I uh was 8 when I found them, and I guess we both got attached. It's not exactly important, but uh, my so-called god is neutral like really neutral so they don't enjoy a cult even if one exists and they prefer to enjoy peach things and uh watching over me I guess. I don't mean to be self-centered, but I guess they got attached when I was a child." Martin shifts and can hear the kettle being turned on. "Uh, well, you're not human anymore, uh The End owes the spider a lot never understood how or why, but uh, they have done this before for my birthday after my mother finally passed." He shakes his head. "Not important again, are you ok?"

"I was brought back from the dead, and you're not human. How do you think I feel?" Tim hugs his chest. "What now do I have to eat bugs and serve her?"

"N-no!" Martin motions to the table where three hot glasses of tea now sits. "Well, I mean you can eat live and do whatever you want. Fire will permanently destroy you if you want that. It is nice to see you again, but I won't force you to stay. I do have a spare room, and I maybe could get you some new papers if you want to leave that way."

Tim sits at the table, staring at the cup.

"It's not poisoned, but that wouldn't hurt you now anyway." Martin sits down as well. "I never wanted to tell any of you guys about this. Elias never looked into me beyond the surface level, so I don't actually know if he knows, but he's in jail now. I wanted to tell Jon since he's becoming an avatar of the eye, but he's been in a coma, and then things happened. He also doesn't like spiders. We have a new overseer since Elisa is in jail, but you probably don't care." He frowns. "I apologize. I'm rambling."

Tim shakes his head. "I don't know what I will do." He pauses, taking a sip of tea. The fruity drink was soothing his confused nerves. "Do you think I could go back to the archives? I don't think I could work any normal job again. It's not like I would be killed again."

"Fire would kill you." Martin pauses. "I can ask. I might as well reveal myself. Oh, the new director is Peter Lucas he's not so bad." He seems to wince at the last comment.

"Bring me in with you." Tim was smiling at Martin's surprise expression.

"W-what?" Martin could hear eerie laughter like nails on a chalkboard.

"I want to make a grand entrance on my accord. I would like to see a look of shock on Elias's face, but he's in jail. I will accept the shock on everyone else, however." Tim smiles. "Besides, think of it as payback from you being too happy."

Martin huffs.

.......

A loud scream, well Tim wouldn't call it a scream that wouldn't be a proper word for it, but he did yell in shock and slight fear. "What did... who... i"

The spider creature humanoid seemed to step back. He seemed hurt by his reaction. "Tim...." That voice.

Tim swallows. "Martin?"

"I uh forgot you were here..." Martin hugs his chest. "I uh well uh... I told you I wasn't exactly human anymore." The spider legs seem to suck back in slowly, and the inhuman features melted from his features till he looked normal. "I have blackout curtains for a reason. I uh sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

Tim rubs the back of his neck he had a feeling of guilt in his chest bloom from embassment. "Well, I should apologize. I didn't mean to shout. I should have expected something like this, is uh will Jon be different?"

Martin shrugs. "I don't know. I haven't been with a full avatar of the eye, and Spider won't tell me." He sighs. "I uh, can I go back to that form? I'm uh molting, and it gets itchy until the skin flakes off."

"It's your home, and I am a guest. Go ahead." Tim shrugs. "I do have a question."

"Oh?" Martin stretches back out and rubs his now eight eyes. "I don't like lying."

Tim snickers. "That hasn't changed. Uh, right, does it hurt?"

"At first, but I was really young when I was given this. I didn't really know what was normal in my body or around me. My mother didn't help she was sick and didn't like that she could see my father in my face. I knew she resented me even if I cared for her until she checked herself into a home. Spider was kind to me even if I didn't understand that they shouldn't exist or that I should be scared. I loved spiders I still do. The molting doesn't hurt it just itches, and when I do go to this for long periods, my eyes get watery, and I get very itchy. I can't really explain it since it happens once a month, and explaining that I'm not Trans is kind of more frustrating than anything." Martin looks away. "Sorry, I tend to ramble."

Tim shakes his head, seemingly feeling more comfortable in his situation. It's only been a week, and he hasn't reintroduced himself, and this spider was unnerving but means no harm. Martin hasn't changed, or he has, but he feels normal like he has always been him. "I also have to ask why you get things delivered to your home so often."

"I don't actually order things. Spider has a cult even if they don't want one. I know I don't want it, but it's better than dead things, and spiders likes peach anything." Martin chuckles. "Don't mind them they are kind. It's the newbies that are the trouble." He sighs, looking at the growing pile. "You can take whatever you like they always give too much. Only can donate so much."

Tim frowns. "You don't encourage it?"

Martin shakes his head. "They started when I was 9. I was too frightened to say anything. I wasn't a brave child, and my mother didn't exactly help or know." He clicks his tongue. "No, that's enough of that. I'm sure you need rest or more time. I'll be in the bath helps with the molt."

Tim nods, realizing Martin always spoke more than he needed as if he was testing the person he was talking to. He didn't understand why, but he wanted to comfort him.

......

"Do they know?" Tim asks one day the question eating at his mind as he tries to grow more confident to send a letter to his parents.

Martin sighs. "The web is made for secrets unlike the beholder they have connections everywhere hidden and tucked away. Nobody notices the small spider in the corner." A mask seems to lift on his face. "Elias never figured it out he clung to my thoughts about my mother and underestimated me. Peter also doesn't realize he is trying to make me like him, but you can not change an avatar to another god. Like Jon, I do have other abilities that aren't just physical. Spider calls them commands, I don't use them. You've noticed how I have never told others what to do for the most part. Jon still hasn't entirely accepted his status yet, which is good for me because he doesn't know."

Tim swallows and looks away. "Are you keeping me here?"

The mask back on Martin looked offended and panicked. "No, never! I like you as a roommate. You're much more talkative than Spider, but I just thought you wanted to do this on your own time." He sighs.

Tim snickers. "I'm just fucking with you." He hums. "I'll come back on my own time, as you said. You're still pretending with Peter, so I think I'll rejoin after that. Or I will come back when I think it's the funniest."

Martin huffs. "Tim, be serious."

"I'm dead serious." Tim smirks

Martin groans. "I'm leaving."

......

"Martin!" It Jon, the smaller man, managed to corner him, it seems.

Martin looks down at the smaller man. "J-Jon I uh I told you not to find me." He swears he could hear his mom laugh in his head and see spiderwebs attached to himself to Jon. He knew she was getting annoyed with his slow behavior and complaints about Peter. However, the ability to affect the eye well their avatar to this extant, did she make a deal with the beholder?

"Martin, what..." Jon stops himself. Martin, of course, knew why.

"I'm Peter's assistant. I can't talk tight now." Martin stops he glances over to the corner. A spider sits in a fresh web in the shape of an eye. That confirms his suspicions, the Web and the Beholder have formed a bond or an alliance. He isn't surprised the Web is secrets and the Beholder wants all the knowledge like the hidden stuff. He didn't exactly know what it meant for the two of them. "I uh well tea!" He stutters out. "Tomorrow?"

Jon looks back surprised. "Tea... of course, yes, tomorrow."

"After work, Cafe by my home." Martin says too quickly as he rushes out.

.......

"Martin." There is static in the air as Peter comes up from behind.

Martin can feel his body move without his control. Shifting and contorting as he towers over Peter. He honestly never liked this form it's too big, and he feels bad about towering over everyone, but the best he can describe it as a spider centaur. He still has the extra eyes clawed hands and webs that flow like a cape behind him he tries his best to use as a shirt when he is like this. The extra arms aren't bad, persay he just thinks it's odd. He turns and faces Peter. "I think our game is over." His voice was not his own.

Peter steps back, startled and surprised. "You're the web?"

"We never liked the name. It's always a bit on the nose. Isolation, the money never liked your kind, but we mean no harm to you, unlike you to us." Not Martin hums. "I would tell you to stop, but unlike you, we like to keep to our shadows listening and collecting. We never needed anything like yours. We overindulge already in this world the way it is. However, I will keep this short. We've come to an understanding with the Beholder." They laugh like they knew a joke nobody else knew. "Leave our Martin alone they aren't your pawn."

Peter nods and vanishes. The Web and the Beholder formed an alliance he needed to figure this out. Did Elias even know that would happen?

.....

Martin groans and rubs his legs. The pins and needles are always a thing every time he fully transforms. He was tapping against the table in his home and nearly jumps when he hears someone behind him.

"Martin, we've been living together for three months at this point. Haven't you gotten used to the dead lingering." Tim snickers at his own joke.

Martin sighs. "Sorry, Tim. I did some er avatar things today, and uh, I think I asked Jon on a date."

"Did you kill someone?" Tim's voice now lacks the humor.

"No, Spider doesn't enjoy death. It doesn't get anything out of it unless it's a secret or other stuff. We aren't the end." Martin sighs. "They didn't like me working with Peter he's one of the lonely and well they stepped in. I'm sure Peter already told Elias."

"Ok, that makes me less concerned." Tim has his smirk back. "So a date with Jon? Fucking finally."

Martin huffs. "Oh shut it. I panicked, and I don't know it just happened." He frowns. "I should probably ask if Jon's ok with that. If he's ok in general."

"Alright." Tim pauses. "Could I ask something about this Web?"

"If you want, again, I don't like lying." Martin rubs the back of his neck.

"Do they get along with... uh, why the cult?" Tim switches his question quickly, and Martin knows, but he doesn't understand why.

"We don't actually need the cult, but they told me it always happens. The web has weved throughout the world. Secrets are easy to consume when you are everywhere and nobody notices. There's other stuff, but again, I really don't like commanding others." Martin sighs.

"Show me." Tim crossed his arms. "Show me what you can do. What do you even mean by commands?"

"I can show you my spider powers." Martin tries his best to derail Tim, but he knows it doesn't land. "Ok, fine. Tim, go to the kitchen and get me a jar of jam." He watches Tim's eyes glaze over as he heads to the kitchen and returns with a jar of jam.

"I..." Tim swallows. "I see."

Martin frowns. "Sorry. I don't like doing it when it isn't needed. I try not to do it at all."

"I get it." Tim pulls out a chair next to Martin. "So this date."

Martin gives a heavy sigh. "It's just tea. I mean, actually, do you mind if I tell you something regarding the beings?"

"I mean, I do plan on going back to the archives, so I might as well know." Tim raised his brow. "Does it have to do with the eyes in the webs around your home?"

"Eh?" Martin looks around at the cobwebs. "Y-yeah uh the beholder the one Jon is becoming an avatar for... I should check on him. I don't think he's ready for the body changes. The wait date we have a date. Uh, right off track. The Beholder has agreed to the Web, and they seemed to have an alliance, but I don't think that's the right term. Uh, maybe partnership that's closer, but I don't know. A pact of protection? I don't know, but we have come out of hiding. I don't know what that means for the future, but uh, yeah."

"So they want you to get freaky with Jon?" Tim wiggles his brows.

Martin groans. "No! I mean, I don't know. I hope not. I don't want our relationship built on er false pretenses."

"I can understand that, but would you consider soulmates like that?" Tim hums.

"I... I don't know." Martin has a puzzled look on his face.

.......

Georgie paused, staring at her ex blankly. "If you wanted to see the admiral, you could ask not just show up with... why is Melanie here?"

"The man has a date." Melanie chuckles. "The man has a date, and he panicked because he has no social skills."

A laugh rushed out of Georgie's mouth as she ushered the two inside. "So you came here."

"I know..." Jon covers his face. "I just I don't know I look awful and I know you're good at makeup and I don't want to frighten him off. I'm already not exactly entirely human anymore."

"Don't sell yourself short, Jon. Our time wasn't the worst." Georgie smiles, brushing his long hair back and frowns. "Did you develop a new allergy because of this watcher?"

"I don't think... I don't think so. Why?" Jon covers his mouth with an apologetic gaze.

"You have blisters on your neck and shoulders." Georgie walks around and pulls down his sweater. "There on your back, too."

"They don't look like an allergy. It kind of reminds me of burns but also like a bug bite." Melanie pauses. "Does it hurt?"

"No?" Jon frowns. "I mean, maybe, but I just thought it was from lack of sleep, I think. I haven't been eating great either, so I guess it's normal to ache and have pain."

"Ok, you need major help." Georgie sighs. "Makeup will help, but you seriously need a vacation."

"I don't know if that's possible." Jon jumps when Melanie grabs his shoulders.

"Ew, they feel gross. But I'm sure with enough concealer you can hide anything." Melanie wasn't confident, but she wanted to help him.

......

Martin raised his brow, staring at Tim. He got off early since Peter told him to. He knows they ruined whatever the lonely was planning to use him for. "Why are you here?"

"Undead support." Tim hums. "Also, I work here part time. Your patron helped me get paperwork, and I got bored of sitting around."

"Oh right... I didn't think I was keeping you." Martin pauses. "I uh sorry."

"Martin, you weren't, and neither was that. I told you I got bored and I don't exactly think going back suddenly would be good." Tim shrugs. "What are you looking to get?"

"I think I'll wait for Jon." Martin smiles softly. "Thank you, Tim."

"Don't, you've done for me then I could ever repay." Tim hums. "I'll be behind the counter."

Martin nods and smiles.

......

Jon walks in, pulling up his turtleneck. Even with the extra rest, he felt awful. The so-called blisters have started to hurt and felt like pressure was building, and he wanted to take a knife to his skin. He also had a new hunger. He knows he doesn't eat enough, but he never felt hunger like this he's craving meat. He's craving more statements. He wanted to ignore it he wanted to pretend it didn't bother him. He knew it had to do with the thing that owned him now. He knows it's turning him into a monster. He couldn't stop it, and it scared him. Makeup barely covered anything he probably looked awful.

"Oh Jon!" Martin waves from his seat.

Jon is pulled from his thoughts like a life preserver was thrown to him. "Martin, it's nice to see you."

"Come sit, they do lovely fruit teas here if you want to try one. You uh you look nice. I like your hair tied up." Martin rubs the back of his neck as a red blush goes across his features seemingly to highlight his freckles.

Jon shares his blush, and even if he felt awful, Martin was a glimmer of the safety of something happy. He pulls a chair out across from Martin and smiles. "I uh thank you for asking me on a date. I missed you."

Martin's smiles fade as he stares at Jon. He knows what is happening, and he knows Gertrude never did get this far in her own transformation even if she was considered by Elias as better suited. "Jon, are you alright?" He knew he would lie.

"I'm fine Martin, just a long day in the office." Jon smiles again, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

Martin remembers that when it happened to him, it took years his bones twisting and breaking to reform. Growing new organs was the worst. It started only a month after he met them bonded to them. He was the perfect fit, he guessed. The previous avatar tried to kill him as they were torn away from their purpose. They didn't like that. He frowns. "Jon, please don't..." He bites his tongue. "Jon, you have to sleep now."

Jon felt something, something pulled at his mind as if it flicked a switch. He couldn't fight it as the world went black.

......

"Why did you think this was a good idea?" A voice Jon knew was impossible to hear unless he was finally dead.

"He's changing, and we- I know he isn't taking care of himself enough to survive it. He's so thin, and I don't think uh." The voice Jon knew was Martin was speaking. "I covered him. They need to form, and it's a bit of a sensory overload having them all open at the same time."

"I was going to ask how you knew, but then again, that's a dead brained question."

"Tim, please." Martin sighs.

"....Tim?" Jon croaked out.

"Didn't you uh do your command thing?" Tim paused.

"Tim, it doesn't last forever it lasts as long as he needs to be asleep." Martin takes a breath. "Jon, don't take off the towels on your face."

Jon freezes his arms now stuck at his side. "Martin, what.... are you still Martin?"

"Of course I am." Martin groans. "I accidently commanded you. I'm sorry. I uh do the thing I can feed you, er you don't really understand that yet uhhhhh ask me for my statement." He winced another command.

"Martin, tell me what happened. What are you?" Jon spoke before he knew what he was saying what he was doing.

......

"I was 8, my father just left at the news of my mother getting sick. I, of course, didn't know at the time I don't really recall him either. I was a small kid who always looked Ober or bullied when noticed. My mother, well, she never helped or cared truly. So nobody noticed when I wandered off to somewhere that shouldn't exist."

"It was a room, I think, to a home covered in webs. A woman welcomed me as if I were a sacrificial lamb. I was elated. I always loved spiders, and they were everywhere, and I know I made it known. She listened to me she listened to me a kid who just loved spiders, and for some reason, she let me go. I know why now, the Web, as you know, it took a liking to me. They made me an avatar. Like you're becoming. It was so painful, but I was young, and I didn't know any different. Nobody helped me. My mother didn't care, and the Web was like a new better mother who listened and cared they even helped feed me when mom tried to hurt me by not feeding me. I don't know why they care for me or why it's me, but it is. I was never scared, and that's probably why they were curious and eventually grew attached."

"Now I actually have three forms: human, obviously, the spider legs and eyes, and fully. I'm kind of like a spider centaur with extra eyes and arms. You'll have another form, too, but you're in that weird teenage phase kind of where your body is just getting used to change. I'll be here to help. The Beholder and the Web have formed a kin bond thing I don't know, but I'm here for you and again sorry about the commands. It's like how you ask questions, kind of, I guess."

......

Jon swallows. He feels full. He doesn't understand why he didn't eat, and he still feels hungry for actual food, but his mind feels calmer. "You're not human."

"Not anymore." Martin sighs. "Haven't been for a long time, but I'm still me."

Jon pauses. "Will I still be me?"

"You are you." Martin hums. "Extra bits and powers don't really mean much unless you reject it. That would kill you outright. However you did accept it, you came out of the coma. Can't stop it now." He pauses. "I uh can answer more questions, but I should make you something filling first, and no, I don't eat bugs. I'm actually allergic to crickets kind of weird considering. Anyway, you need statements old or new to sustain yourself and then actual food for your body, especially now with the changing. Don't worry. Your voice won't crack."

Jon actually smiles. He felt more at ease. Martin seemed to do that to him. "Can request something warm?"

"I will happily make that." Martin smiles, and somehow Jon knew he was smiling.

"Can I say something now?" Tim interrupts.

"You're dead." Jon swallows as a fear claws at him.

"Dead tired from work." Tim chuckles. "No, actually, this web patron pulls some web strings and brought me back. All joking aside, it's been three months since I came back. I'm free to do whatever I please with this second chance, but I'm aimless. I'm glad we won, and I'm glad I'm back, but I don't exactly have a plan yet."

"He keeps claiming he'll come back to the archive when it's the funniest." Martin sighs, and Jon can hear him walk off.

"And I will." Tim huffs.

Jon felt his fear drain, with a new one taking its place. How powerful is the Web? "...right."

"Glad to see you're still a downer, former boss man." Tim sighs. "Seriously, get some rest. You look like shit."

"I can't see that." Jon mumbles.

......

There was a soft knock followed by a rougher one. Martin got up and headed over. "Oh, hello, Daisy, Batista, and Melanie. Well, I guess you're coming in. Welcome."

"What did you do?" Batista scowls and spots Jon, who was nursing a cup of tea and had a blanket on.

"I didn't do anything." Martin frowns.

Jon sighs. "He's helping me with some changes."

Daisy grimaced. "You look awful."

Melanie frowns. "The blisters aren't blisters are they."

"I suppose not." Jon huffs, putting his cup aside.

"It's gross if you ask me." Tim sips his drink from his mug.

The three stare st the walking deadman.

Martin pinches his brow. "I can explain."

.......

The tension in the room is thick. Jon stared into his cup of tea as if it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen.

Martin clears his throat. "I mean, that's about it, I guess. I would rather not speak of my childhood before the Web."

Melanie speaks up first. "So Tim's back because your god wanted to wish you happy birthday?"

"I mean, they did it before with my mother." Martin looks away. "The End owes them many favors. Never asked why, nor do I want to know why."

"To be fair, Martin did give me a way out he explained how I would be gone for good with fire. I don't want to, but the choice is there." Tim shrugs. "Anyway, I have a shift at the cafe, and I really don't want to deal with any more well this."

Now, there were five left in the apartment. Martin hugged his chest. "Look, I'm just trying to stop Jon from dying through this. If he does, then another will take his place."

"What about the one before you?" Baisa glared at him.

"The Web took care of her." Martin frowns. "I really would not like to discuss what that did and what I had to do."

Melanie sighs. "Look, are you still that Martin? Are you still you?"

"I mean, I think I am." Martin shrugs. "I've been like this for so long I don't know different."

"Right." Daisy sighs. "Ok, I believe you, but you better hold your promise to keep that man alive."

Martin nods. "Of course I will."

Jon swallows. "Do I get a say?"

A glare answers that question.

[pilferingapples]

tagged by @earthly-apples to list my Top Ten musicals! thank you!

these are not the 10 I think are Objectively the Best in the World, just 10 of the ones I like most, For Reasons , and in no particular order:

1-Les Miserables, just getting this one done and cleared away bc everyone knows it's gonna be here anyway XD I am very aware of the problems it has (especially with Cammack happening to it over the years) but I also think it's genuinely one of the best musicals ever made. The musical paralleling? incredible, honestly never have heard it equaled.

2- Paint Your Wagon, Movie Version Only: I cannot even START to talk about this masterpiece or we'll be here all day. Every character in it is a terrible person. It's got an absolutely canon throuple. Both Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin sing. They are both bad at it. A deconstructed Western without making a big deal out of it, with Manifest Destiny being a not-even-thinly-veiled name for some of the worst excesses of colonization. This show is so much smarter than people want it to be. I have to shut up or this section will become an essay but anyway Watch Paint Your Wagon. 3-Newsies, stage version only: nothing but nonstop pro-union slam hits! And the choreo , holy crap! don't love the mandatory romance (romance has never felt mandatorier) but I do love Katherine herself and also everything else about this show, I have it on loop in my playlists and in my heart <3

4-Pirates of Penzance: gotta have a G&S musical here and this is my fave fave of theirs :D 5- Little Shop of Horrors, movie OR play, pure fun faustian plant bargain :D 6- Hello Dolly :dgkhsdlgh many of these are. Not cheery. But this one is! Sometimes I just like a bit of marshmallow fluff! and all the songs in this one are so fun and I love the various Levels of romances in it. 7- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying -on the one hand this is such a simple and even cliché little comedy and on the other holy shit it's so cynical , I love it

8-Titanic-*gross sobbing noises* 9- One Bite- gad I feel so hipster going with "limited run local apocalypse comedy musical about zombies taking over the world as part of an alien plan to reclaim earth for the dinosaurs" but it's TRUE, I play this soundtrack for myself so much, and it was so fun to watch! 10- Ernest Shackleton Loves Me -who amongst us has not sought inspiration from the reconstructed version of historical figures they carry in their heart. WHO. ON THIS SIDE OF TUMBLR. Tell me it's you and I'll call you a liar. I have a zillion things to say about it and like ten people have watched it lmao , but it got me through the Worst Week and I love it forever.

Honorable mention to Repo Man , as a representative of all the shows I enjoy only small bits of. Good? Arguably No! But it DOES feature Zydrate, which as we all know, comes in a little glass vial.

ETA: I forgot to tag people! Tagging @pureanonofficial, @bewareofitalics, @wilwywaylan, @alicedrawslesmis, @himitsusentaiblog, @excessively-english-jd annnnd oh geez that's already so many!! Play along if you feel like it!

[9800sblog]

Can you please do a reading on han sohee possibly featuring in jungkook's solo mv. Maybe how she feels about this project and their dynamic? Or why her (in a nice way) like is there a specific vision he had for his solo that she fits!

Thank you so muchh!!

hi sorry for the delay!!! ><

why her specifically?

2 of pentacles, 2 of cups reversed, 2 of wands, queen of cups

it's definitely because of the visuals and the dynamic they show on screen, he thinks she delivers the emotions that he's conveying through the song. I think the music video is a couple that looks very good together, but doesn't actually work out. it might be about heartbreak and she's really good at acting like that, she's just a really emotionally charged actress. and they look good together. it might be a bonnie and clyde thing or just two people who are so obsessed with each other that they can't let it go. it's hard to tell what's the concept, but he chose her very specifically because of the type of acting that she does and her aesthetic/beauty for sure, she fits the idea.

how does she feel about it

king of pentacles, temperance, 8 of pentacles, 10 of swords, page of cups

I heard "he's a smart kid", she really likes the finished work, she admires him as an artist and she's really satisfied with the project. i think it's different from what she's used to, so it was a good new experience for her, something new for her repertoire (idk if she's ever been in music videos, but I think that's what it's talking about). she's definitely being affected by the hate she is receiving and I think she feels it will get worse once it's released. nonetheless, it was a really good opportunity and business, she seemed to have gotten along easily with him, they have on screen chemistry, which is necessary. I think she admires him even more after seeing him working behind the scenes, cause she got to see the process.

how does he feel about it

ace of wands reversed, 6 of swords reversed, the empress, queen of wands reversed, ace of pentacles

I think this is obviously talking about fan treatments first of all, the queen of wands reversed is standing out to me as a bully and a condescending, jealous individual, I think he's unsatisfied with the response and is (again) expecting it to get worse after it's release. he may be feeling nervous of ruining her reputation and overthinking his idea to cast her. I wouldn't be surprised if the company has been preparing for this for a long time (aka the enhypen comeback). either way, he feels that he needs this, to free himself from the bts baggage, he's been in the same group since he was a kid, a child, he thought deeply about it. he's excited! this is his baby, he's never done anything like this, to be in control of your own art and work after so many years, it feels good. he also really admires her, or else he wouldn't have chosen her, right? she's the empress, she's making the song have actual legitimacy and professionalism, beauty, he feels that she's making the music video what it is, that she's the reason why it's so good (i mean, she is a hella good actress)

their dynamic

in the music video

(accidentally deleted the text with the cards)

they win through the odds, they may fight in the video, but they would make up. it's an expensive couple, maybe, who loves shiny and dangerous things, I think robbery might be involved. lavish shows of money. may be "us against the world" type of thing. I'm getting dangerously by charlie puth, 7 rings by ariana grande, ain't no mountain enough by marvin gaye.

irl

this is the least exciting part of this reading, it immediately felt so boring lmaoooo

6 of wands reversed, king of swords, the magician reversed, 3 of pentacles

if they're close they won't let anyone know because of public appearance. they're definitely friendly, they don't have any animosity, and they work well together. might be exclusively work thing.

[alollinglaughingcat]

i have so many kittens rn its silly so i made a gallery of some (some!) of my cats' ages XD

Frito is a bottlefed kitten I just picked up today, alongside their three siblings, Cheeto, Dorito, and Lay. They're 3 weeks old

Maya is a stray kitten my mom found outside three days ago, and she's a bit older than a month old, around 5-6 weeks old

Checkers is my long-term foster kitten, whom I've had since she was 2 months old, and she's now 8 months old about. I also fostered her sister, California, for a month. Checkers had a bad reaction to fluids (or the needle was contaminated) that caused her skin to split open, and she's got a few months left of healing to go!

Mac n Cheese is my wobbly syndrome cat, whom I've had since she was 6 weeks old and I swore was still under a year but she's actually a month over at 1 year, 1 month! :O time flies!!! my baby's so fat now!

Gizmo, not pictured, is another cat I have, who's about 2 years and a half now. Very smart and knows sit, high five, and spin! :) My mom also found him as a stray, same age as Maya, and he gave all my cats (and me) ringworm lmao

Princington and Battle Axel were two cats I also had who are now deceased and they were the same age, only about a week apart, and would both be 3 and a half years by now (Prince died at 1 year, Axel at ~2)

Tweetie aka Sweetie aka Angel is a cat I've had since childhood, so I can't remember her exact age. She was born on my grandma's farm, and we took her and Tommy aka Mustard (now deceased) when they were weaned off their mom, so about the 5-6 week mark

Sheldon is another cat I have, big fatto, and my mom fostered him since he was a bottle baby and kept him because he had anger issues and she feared no one would take him and he'd get euth'ed. He's about 9-11 years, I'm not sure of when he came into the picture even though I remember him as a kitten

Shadow is our old boy, somewhere in the 14-16 year old range. His ears are all fucked cause he got something like a hematoma in them and blood burst. He's a good boy but hell at the vet, so since the ears aren't lethal/painful, we didn't do much past give him meds for infection and clean his ears. He has a sister named Macaroni who is very chill and does not look as old as Shadow does lol

Also had a cat named Princess and another named Misty before them, but only faded memories :)

I had hamsters (Digger, Gumball) and guinea pigs (Marvin, Sweetflower) previously as well, had a rabbit (Cookie Dough aka NumNum) briefly, and currently have one some-months old hamster named Buster who loves biting people, and two gerbils, Gemini aged 1 year and Mama Virgo a few months older. Gemini had a sister named Libra that previously mentioned California ate. My mom also has ducks, chickens, and guineas

and not to mention our dogs! Shaggy is like a 4 months old sheep-a-doodle, then Adrian the mini pom is like 10 years old, Rocky the Shih Tzu is 12-14 years old, and Sonny the mutt is pushing 19 years old! We previously had a pom named Destiny who died at like 15 and PP aka Penelope the German Shephard mix who died young at 10 years old because of arthritis/other conditions

its going to be so strange going from so many animals to 2-3 cats, 3 critters when i move for college lol

[genderlessginger]

Buckle up: “Coming Up” music video insanity

This all began with this post on “Coming Up” by @thecoleopterawithana​ 

EDIT: This has been updated with new photos and extra info (w/in an hour of posting)

Read that post for a wonderful and in-depth song analysis that draws ties with the lyrics, but for me, I’m analyzing the music video alone. With a shit ton of screenshots.

I’m aware this video had a director and Paul isn’t T-Swift with the Easter eggs. This is reaching, a stupid opinion with lighthearted spin, this should be taken with a handful of salt. We’re just having fun here. Please don’t set me on fire.

…plus you guys told me to go insane so here we are.

The “Coming Up” music video was directed by Keith McMillain and features Paul McCartney dressed in ten roles and Linda McCartney playing two roles (herself singing as both a man and a woman). The video premiered in the UK on The Kenny Everett Video Show on 14 April 1980 and in the US on Saturday Night Live on 17 May 1980.

Refresh your memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzLQ63c9E

Paul’s Ten Characters

In the video edition of 2007′s “The McCartney Years” audio commentary, Paul named inspiration for some of the characters.

1. Paul as himself, 1979 

2. Paul as himself, 1964 (in the most ill-fitting suit, what the hell?)

3. Hank Marvin (guitarist from the Shadows)

Or Buddy Holly

Which could be an homage to John. BTW, what did they have to do to get John to fuckin’ pose for this??? 

And here’s Paul talking about John and Buddy Holly. 

4. Ron Mael of Sparks, keyboards

5. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, drums

6. “Rock Star” (his words in that audio commentary lol)

You mean Yoko? The shirt literally has Japanese on it. Paul also makes that face ^^ as that character the whole time. It’s definitely a Yoko thing. So while this is a pro-John situation, he’s still throwing shade. 

7, 8, 9, 10. Brass Section 

The breakdown, conspiracy to conspiracy, or noteworthy moment to noteworthy moment: 

1. The Plastic Macs 

This is Paul’s self-admitted take on the Plastic Ono Band, which is too obvious to deny anyway. I believe Paul chose the satirical version of John Bonham to lighten it up so it would clearly be a joke. 

It could also be an overture of peace between the Macs and Onos, so to speak. Not sure John would see it that way. 

2. “Like a flower” “Your Mother Should Know” 

It kept nagging at me, “What is this reminding me of??” And it was this. 

Not just the flower, but the suit. It’s a long blazer and he’s wearing a standard collared shirt but it’s kind of like the late-70s, relaxed, “I recorded this in a Scotland barn in a weekend,” vibe. But still, there’s the stairs, the production, the drama, the camp of Paul McCartney. And he’s playing (almost) all of the parts. 

3. “You want a friend you can rely on. One that will never fade away.” (:58) 

(this one is so stupid) 

Paul is kind of known for being the smiley, bop-y, bouncy bug. Take this still of him singing “Yesterday” with the same energy as “She Loves You.”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOpcwYwDxR4&ab_channel=Rinc%C3%B3nBeatleman%C3%ADaco

:52 But for this specific line, in a verified bop-of-a-song, Paul puts an emphasis on “never fade away.” It felt significant. He also does this in the first verse on “never” but it’s not *quite* the same. Sorry you guys asked for this. 

4. “And if you’re searchin’ for an answer” (:57)

As soon as I heard this line, I knew it was a reference to the old Cavern Club days, the good ‘ol days together. 

And here’s one of my favorites: “Sing Searchin’, Paul.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55He9B2TsXc&ab_channel=IsabeldeBorja

5. Beatle Paul is so happy

Ill-fitting jacket aside (I honestly can’t forgive it), out of all the characters, Paul is very, very happy as Beatle Paul. If he didn’t try to do it on purpose, he could have been just acting like he did during The Beatles’ times and he was happy then... so here’s happy here. Idk it’s an obvious one but it’s cute. 

6. “You want some peace and understanding.” (1:38)

I don’t need to explain this one, right? 

7. “You want some peace and understanding so everybody can be free.” (1:39)

I’mk gonna puke typing this up

In this bizarro world, Paul is saying, “John, you want peace, you want me to understand you and you want us all to be free (to be ourselves).” 

The immediate next shot is the first (and ONLY) shot of Paul’s hands close up on his bass or guitar, prominently showing his wedding ring. In this bizarro world, could this mean, “We can still be free, regardless of the rings?” ??? 

8. I mean I shouldn’t do our boy dirty like this but... (1:45)

It’s just the face. There’s nothing else here. 

9. “I feel it in my bones. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.” 

This one is stupid too. 

There’s something to the way he sings this and the way he performs it in the video, idk. I’m taking the stills but it’s good to go watch it. It always feels like he’s saying, “I feel it in my bones. We’re getting back together. It’s gonna happen.” 

10. “You want a better future, one that everyone can share.” (3:07)

Is this an open relationship thing???? Hey man, it’s all good. We can have a better future, we can all share. 

The camera cuts to Linda shortly after this and her face is crazy. In this bizarro world, she could be like, “hint, hint.” 

Yo is Linda good with an open relationship??? 

Well, let’s refer to genius @mclennonlgbt​ for that one. Linda might be more open than you’d think. 

11. Fuck a pig! That’s Paul! 

We all know “Coming Up” is the song that inspired John to get back into the studio, which is peak McLennon rivalry shit.

https://www.salon.com/2020/03/14/fk-a-pig-its-paul-this-mccartney-song-reignited-john-lennons-competitive-songwriting-drive/

I considered doing a ton of research but I thought it’d be funnier this way. I hope you enjoyed me spiraling. I’m sure it’ll help you feel normal.

[cherryberg]

Your top 3 musicals ever gogogo gogo ogo go

HEEEEELPPPPP HEEEEEEEEEEEEELPPPPPPP aough .... ardate please you have to understand that i Have to understand that my taste in musicals are very limited now. when you were a musical girlie in 2016, you leave that shit behind for a few hundred years and now have to rebuild all of that again from scratch with a new appreciation so...

this went longer than expected so the list goes Marvin Trilogy, Fun Home, School of Rock. more under the cut smiles

Marvin Trilogy

In Trousers, Falsettos [March of the Falsettos, Falsettoland]

Fav Songs, excluding obvious fan-favourites: Can't Sleep, How Marvin Eats His Breakfast, My Father's a Homo/Everyone Tells Jason to See a Psychiatrist, Round Tables Square Tables, etc

i don't know many, but man. i like a good sung-through musical. means i can listen to the whole soundtrack from start to finish and have cohesively consumed a whole narrative. and tbh? falsettos, but even in trousers too, don't really have Bad songs. i've listened to the falsettos 2016 revival and in trousers 1979 original cast soundtracks dozens of times (both separately and together). which, i mean. compared to the other musicals i have here, i haven't even listened to their whole soundtracks (which. to be fair i did see those live). and yeah you have the really good songs that Everyone likes. the Thrill of First Loves and the Whizzer Going Downs and what have you, but you listen to the tracks a second time, or maybe watch the proshot again, and you get the smaller less-appreciated songs in your head. not included in the fav songs list because that thing's long, but i love A Breakfast Over Sugar. i get Set Those Sails and A Marriage Proposal and Miracle of Judaism stuck in my head. and its great! not to mention just how good and how important the story is .. i could go on but aough ..... long

Fun Home

Fav Songs: Edges of the World, Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue, Telephone Wire, currently being annoying about Raincoat of Love

PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES WALL. PUNCHES

yeah man. saw this one for school. still have the ticket actually. but Because i did it for school, i have so much analysis and thoughts up here, it's maybe too long and specific. and also for like. a specific production that no one on tumblr would've watched. i would give anything to see that production again though. it wouldn't be the same as seeing it live, Especially during certain moments, but goodness gracious, man. the set design, the lighting, and that revolving stage? absolutely everything to me... so well integrated. just... mwah

School of Rock

Fav Songs: Stick It to the Man, Act 2 Scene 8: Dewey's Bedroom. You're in the Band .. mehbeh

Um... I don't really.. have a third that I can think of that's on par. But, it's School of Rock. It's awesome. my sibling had a track record of not liking musicals when they had to come and see it with me (when i still went out to watch musicals aough ...), but I think this was the first one they really liked - enough for me to get them a key ring of the show! (they cried during If Only You Would Listen too :]) It was a wonderful performance, and the kids were so good and coordinated too! They let us take pictures of the ending song ... which i just took a video of, so i still have that. I watched School of Rock during my ... hardcore theatre kid era though so.. i've got a few cringe worthy memories of it .. but yeah is good :]

I did see Moulin Rouge once as well, despite never having seen the movie, and that was very good as well. Though I'm not much for jukebox musicals (can't deny that Moulin Rouge tracks can be freakin' awesome though) and I think I was too busy ogling heehee

but yeah .. that's all :]

[falsettos-tight-knit-family]

30 Day Falsettos Challenge in 2 Days

I found this challenge on Google yesterday, but since I feel like answering a question a day isn't very interesting content, I'm just gonna split all of them up into 2 longer posts. I was planning on doing it all in one, but then realized how long some of my answers were and that you probably don't want to read all that. So here's the question list

And here's are my answers to the first 15 of them:

1) Favorite Character: Whizzer. This should come as no surprise, I love this man with all my heart

2) Least Favorite Character: Charlotte. Not because I like her less, I just wish we got to know her more. Since she and Cordelia only got one act, I feel like I didn't get to know them as well, especially in her case.

3) Most Overrated Character: Ngl i have no idea- It's a very character-based musical and I feel like they all deserve the hype they get from what I've seen

4) Most Underrated Character: Caroline /j But honestly, any of the women

5) Favorite Couple: I love them all, but I'd be lying if I said anything but Whizzvin

6) Favorite Song: Currently, probably The Thrill of First Love. What can I say, I'm attracted to both actors and love a good argument song

7) Least Favorite Song: Something Bad Is Happening Reprise. I appreciate the pain it brings through the implication of Marvin also having AIDS, but it's ultimately only a couple sentences long and doesn't impact me as much as Falsettoland Reprise.

8) Favorite Scene: Off the top of my head, probably the Racquetball scene from A Day in Falsettoland. To be able to see them genuinely happy and having fun together as a couple is so satisfying, and it just shows how much healthier their relationship is now.

9) Funniest Scene: Again, first thing I think of is "You are gonna kill your mother, don't feel guilty, kill your mother" "Everyone hates his parents, now I see why-"

10) Saddest Scene: Fuck man idk at this point- Unlikely Lovers gets me on a lot of levels though; Marvin refuses to leave Whizzer's side, Whizzer tells him to go home so he doesn't worry (even though Marvin by his side is probably the thing he wants most), and everyone trying to focus on happier things to distract from the fact one of them is about to die. Especially on Cordelia's part, up to this post, she's basically always been smiling no matter what, and I think this is the first time the smile starts slipping and it's so important to her character to me-

11) Best Character Development: I haven't delved too deep into the depths of their characters, so I'm gonna go with the most blatant change from Act 1 to Act 2, Marvin. He goes from a complete asshole whose internalized homophobia and misogyny fuck over everyone else in his life, to a genuinely good father and partner who has learned from his mistakes.

12) If You Could Change Something About The Musical, What Would It Be? I'm the worst critique, does it count if I say I wish they'd kept a lot of the lines from the original versions of the songs for the revival? Both ones for comedic value ("It's queer Mr. Marvin") and ones that give more depth and understanding to the characters (Can't find the exact quote, but there was a cut line from Trina explicitly about suicidal intentions)

13) A Moment That Made You Change Your Mind About A Character: I remember thinking Mendel was more annoying in the beginning and I'm not sure exactly when it changed. It might have been a Marriage Proposal when I got to see he and Trina's chemistry together that made me see him as less annoying and more just awkward and endearing.

14) A Song You'd Want To Be In: Either The Thrill Of First Love I'd just really like to be part of that choreography, or The Baseball Game because literally any role in it would be fun in my opinion. Either I'd be done with Marvin's bullshit or, in Cordelia's case, laughing my ass off at his antics.

15) A Character You'd Want To Play: Either Whizzer or Cordelia. Whizzer because he's dramatic and petty and I think he'd be fun, and Cordelia because she's just me as a girl so I think I could do her justice.

[fun-mad-ochouse]

Hi lol

You may know me from my main blog! If not, that's okay. I have been a creator (writer and artist) and OC enthusiast for roughly 8 years. I have a 'meet the artist' thing, but technically it's outdated (I am older now, the art is older and I look slightly different) so you can have my sona instead!

Its a puppet named Morgan. (It/it's and it/he pronouns!)

((Link to the picrew:

Morgan speaks through that parrot, named Bestie, and bc I have multiple other sonas, Morgan is kinda like the main one, has all the others inside of itself! He's got lore of his own, so he technically can and probably will be included in OC stuff here.

Speaking of OC stuff,

I have a kind of ludicrous number of OCs, who rotate and take turns consuming my attention. You can ask about ANY OC at ANY time, but I do have a few favorite favorites who I will list below, and the blog description will be updated to include whoever is on my mind at the current present!

Consistent Favorite Faves:

Jesse

Peek

Marvin

Friday

Robin

Reaper

Anything involving these guys will all have the tag '#top 6'. If the list ever changes, it'll stay consistent! As for other tags:

Genres:

'#whump' this will be anything dark or torturous, often involving physical or psychological abuse. If this isn't something you want to see as a whole, block that tag, but I'll put content warnings on specific subjects as well. Always feel free to ask me to tag something if you feel like I missed it! (Keep in mind that I don't have to say yes. I probably will, but I don't HAVE to.)

'#adventure' this covers journeys mostly. Characters going from one place to another to accomplish something and probably learning a thing or two along the way.

'#fluff' cotton candy shit. Gonna be honest you'll probably never see this from me (/hj), I'm not very good at being NICE to my characters. Encouragement is welcome. 💀

'#scifi' easy enough, anything involving futuristic tech, dystopian themes, etc...pretty self explanatory tbh. (Jesse is going to hog this tag /silly)

'#fantasy' also p easy. Backwards instead of forwards in time. Mythical creatures and magic being more prevalent than technology. I surprisingly don't use this a lot.

'#modern magic' I don't think I have a single world without magic, this is gonna be anything set in a modern era with whatever fantasy twist I've applied.

'#multiverse' this covers a LOT of my stories, I work with and within the multiverse a LOT and the lore behind it all is as much my pride and joy as any OC. I will scream for hours about it, please feel free to be curious! It'll come up a lot. ;D

'#nsft' OC stuff that's uhhh 18+. Lol.

Subjects:

'#oc lore' information that is specific to characters and how they respond to their environment!

'#worldbuilding' information that is specific to location (universe, country, city, street, house, etc) and the environment the characters are responding to!

'#story lore' information that is specific to character journeys and, y'know, stories.

'#magic lore' technically this could go under worldbuilding, but a lot of my worlds borrow ideas from each other, and I can talk about magic so much alone that it deserves its own tag!

Post Content:

'#oc game' I'll put this tag on any post I reblog with the intention of talking about OCs. Ask games for others to interact with, but also those "reblog with the OC that...." type things!

'#answered' asks I answer about my characters! Asks about my personal life outside of OCs should be directed to my main, by the by, please and thanks. Asks answered here are going to be solely about characters :]

'#ic' in character responses to asks or posts! These are going to be as frequent as I can manage /lh

'#ooc' out of character responses to asks or posts, or just rambling about OCs.... will probably end up being the majority of my content lol

'#sona stuff' the inclusion of OCs that are also me, lol

'#not mine' the inclusion of other people's OCs-!

'#art' I draw sometimes!! Really hoping to start posting art here, haven't done that on Tumblr in a good several years.

'#writing' same deal as with art, self explanatory really-

'#memes' this will include incorrect quotes, filled out meme templates, some shitpost art, all the sillies!

'#tag updates' for when I add any tags to this post! Mostly for the purpose of keeping track of that.

'#other' general tag for "no existing tag really fits rn so have this". Hopefully this will be sparsely used.

Ho boy, this is getting long.

Last little things you should know about me, boundaries and a DNI.

- I'm an adult

- I love to rp

- I'm in many fandoms, mostly BATIM (for years and years and years now)

- my favorite number is 6

- Boundaries are really no discourse and be respectful lol

- dni is just pro contact paraphiles, radqueer and transid, and other general creeps. I don't give a fuck what you do in your personal life, I don't condone anything that harms other people though! This is a fun space, keep it fun.

That all said:

Enjoy your stay!! Feel free to interact, I don't bite :D

[beautifulpersonpeach]

I'm listening to BTS albums in order and can't get over how good their discography is. Do you have a favorite BTS album BPP? Rather, can you rank songs in each album? I'm very curious to see how you will rank the songs in the Love Yourself album series.

In other news,

I MISS YOUR MUSIC POSTS BPP 😭😭😭

**

Hi Anon,

Thanks for the music ask! 💜

This will be a fun one because the Love Yourself series is easily one of BTS's most versatile album series after HYYH, and somewhat less pretentious than Map of the Soul: 7.

I'll rank my favourite songs in Love Yourself: Her and Tear, from least fave to most.

Love Yourself: Her

9. MIC Drop

8. Sea (hidden track)

7. DNA

6. Her

5. Dimple

4. Pied Piper

3. Serendipity

2. Go Go

Best of Me: Not only is this song the best example of Chainsmokers' brand of ditzy EDM, the choreo is also god tier - one of BTS's best. Hands down.

People always say the DNA era is when BTS broke out of the k-pop mold and left the rest of the industry in the dust. That's partly true, but something I think some people get wrong is ascribing all that viral success to DNA. As a noncommittal k-pop fan at the time, this album to me honestly felt like a honey trap. I remember I found Jimin's Serendipity intro cute, DNA was like a shiny new toy with all the bells and whistles (and college heartthrob Jungkook), but it was the sensory delight of all the b-sides that had me seriously looking at BTS as a group for the umpteenth time. I was scandalized by the lyrics of Pied Piper and couldn't stop laughing at the brilliance of that song. Jimin's vocals on Best of Me is some of his best work. Ever. Even if Jimin continues singing for 50+ years, his vocal delivery on Best of Me and Magic Shop will always be in the top 15.

Every song in this album I rank at least 7/10. It's a solid album.

*

Love Yourself: Tear

11. So What

10. The Truth Untold

9. Airplane Pt 2

8. 134340

7. Singularity

6. Anpanman

5. Paradise

4. Love Maze

3. Fake Love

2. Magic shop

Tear: Listen, this song is one of the greatest contributions to the genre in the history of k-pop. Scratch that. In the history of music. I'd place this song right up there with Pachelbel's Canon in D Major.

The first time I heard Tear, I felt like projectiles were hitting me at 140 bpm. The lyrics y'all. (Even Doolset's lyrics don't really do it justice but because I don't want to set a precedent here, that will have to do for now). People, BTS's music is a whole experience and for most BTS songs if you don't understand the lyrics you're missing out on like 80% of the beauty of the song. Tear is one such song. Because what they're saying in that song.. when I first heard it I thought this was the sickest break-up song I'd ever heard, and given this song has the same chord progression as Drake's Marvin's Room (Jojo's version is better), it was a near impossible feat to accomplish. When I later learned that BTS wrote that song to sing to each other (!)...

Y'ALL.

Okay I'm going to go on a tangent but bear with me here.

If you want to understand BTS, listen to their music. They write their own songs. That has to count for something. Listen to what the fuck they are saying. When Yoongi during the Festa 2022 dinner said the work of writing their music was difficult for him and every word felt like pulling teeth (paraphrasing here), how can you not listen to/read what their writing? Because I honestly think if more people did that, we'd see less nutjob theories in the fandom (and in fandom adjacent spaces). If more people actually listened to what the heck they're singing and rapping about, fans and antis wouldn't be surprised by Jin's comments on Youngji's show where he said they all constantly compromise on pursuing their own personal desires for each other and for the team. People wouldn't be shocked to hear Jin postponed his enlistment period from June to the winter season after discussing with the guys. We'd see less manti-lite theories about HYBE control over their artistic expression or their relationships with each other. We'd see less nonsense if more people actually took their music, this art they create, seriously.

Tear is in many ways the mirror track to Run BTS.

Every track on this album, with the exception of So What and The Truth Untold, I'd rate at least an 8/10.

[popentertainment-moviereviews]

80 FOR BRADY (2023)

Starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Tom Brady, Billy Porter, Rob Corddry, Alex Moffat, Guy Fieri, Harry Hamlin, Bob Balaban, Glynn Turman, Sara Gilbert, Jimmy O. Yang, Ron Funches, Matt Lauria, Sally Kirkland, Andy Richter, Alex Bentley, Patton Oswalt, Retta, Marc Rebillet, Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman.

Screenplay by  Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins.

Directed by Kyle Marvin.

Distributed by Paramount Pictures. 98 minutes. Rated PG-13.

Tom Brady has had a pretty bad year. First of all, after retiring from football on top of his game last year – having won the Super Bowl two years ago and easily made the playoffs in 2021 – he changed his mind at the last minute, came back and had his first losing season in a 23-season NFL career. However, because his division was so bad, his current team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, still won their division with an 8-9 record and snuck into the playoffs, only to be soundly thrashed by the Dallas Cowboys, in a game in which Brady looked decidedly shaky – and was fined by the NFL for a dirty play in which he tripped an opposing player.

At 45, Brady is musing (yet again) whether or not he’s planning on returning to the NFL next year. It seems pretty clear that the Buccaneers – his team for the past three years and the only team he’s played with other than his glory years with the New England Patriots – seem to have moved on, so if he decides to come back it will undoubtedly be with a new team.

(Ed. note: The morning after this article was written Brady announced again that he was retiring from football, this time claiming that it was for good. We’ll see. Then again, perhaps the announcement was just strategically timed to get a bit more promotion for this film’s opening, two days later.)

While all this is happening, Brady is in the middle of what seems to be a very contentious divorce with his supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen. His personal reputation has also taken a series of dings since he was one of the celebrities who endorsed the disgraced and bankrupted cryptocurrency firm FTX. And that is not even touching on his apparent ongoing friendship with one of the most divisive politicians in modern history.

It is in the midst of this colossal losing streak that Brady has decided to make his big leap into moviemaking, acting as one of the producers and playing himself in this vanity puff piece comedy celebrating aging, resilience and… umm… Tom Brady.

And while I don’t believe that 80 For Brady will turn around Tom Brady’s fortunes, the real losers in the film are Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sally Field and Rita Moreno – four entertainment legends who deserve much better than being stuck in this film. The fact is, despite the lack of help from the script, these four actresses almost make it worth sitting through. They certainly bring more to their roles than is really there, just through sheer acting charisma and chops.

They’re not enough to save 80 For Brady, but they are the reason that it is relatively bearable.

80 For Brady is loosely based on the “true” story of lifetime best friends in their 80s (well, technically, Sally Field’s character is 75 and Rita Moreno’s is in her 90s) who decide the only thing that can make their lives complete is to travel to see their favorite team The Patriots, and their hero, Tom Brady, play in the Super Bowl. (80 For Brady takes place at the time of Super Bowl LI, which was in 2017.)

All of the characters have one defining trait: the cancer survivor (Tomlin), the widow (Moreno), the bored wife (Field), the aging party girl (Fonda). They get – and lose – Super Bowl tickets for the big game through a series of sitcom-level complications and end up getting the full NFL treatment in Tampa, partying with b-celebrities like Billy Porter and Guy Fieri.

The script is lightly amusing, but rarely more. It also can’t seem to quite decide what it feels about its lead characters, sometimes embracing them and sometimes mocking them. (More than a little of the humor has a vaguely ageist slant, making fun of these women for their befuddlement and calling them things like “the golden girls.”)

But the film knows one thing for sure. Tom Brady is perfect. No one on screen questions that.

One plus, though, the football footage from the Super Bowl looks amazing on the big screen.

However, every time that the film seems to be flagging, the real all-stars of the film – Tomlin, Fonda, Field and Moreno – put the whole thing on their backs and drive out some much-needed yardage. And while in the end they cannot put 80 For Brady in the win column, they are responsible for it getting as close as it comes.

And Tom Brady, if you really want to give this acting thing a shot as your next chapter, try playing a character other than yourself.

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright ©2023 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: February 3, 2023.

[this-is-a-dystopian-parable]

what’s your ranking of the octet characters?

Okay this is hard because there's so many factors to consider, but this is how much I like them as characters and as stories, not how much I'd like them in person.

Like I mentioned, Ed. So beautifully portrayed. Also a very unconventional story you don't see humanized very often, and the little details of Adam's performance kill me every time. Plus he gets "I've got the best format for an opinion" and "I've got a black jpeg" he's got half of the best Fugue State bits.

2. Toby. See above and everything in my last post about Actually. "I don't trust myself anymore, and I don't love- fuck it." aaaah "I'm not completely here right now" yeah I love him.

3. Velma. Though just as much for her break time monologue than for Beautiful. I also "just want something that is pure and good" and to live in a world where things can be appreciated without having to constantly worry and deal with toxic communities. And I also infodump on whatever poor soul dares to ask. And of course everything in Beautiful.

3. Marvin. Also see my last post about Little God.

4. Henry. Besides Velma the only other one I would probably be friends with, if this guy plays board games (I feel like he could easily get sucked into MTG). The most comedic song but equally as heartbreaking.

6. Paula. I love her and I love Starr. I don't think I'd like her irl she's intimidating.

7. Karly. I really don't know that much about her!!! Idk I just don't feel like I know her like I know the rest of the crew.

8. Jessica. I'm sorry. But there's only 8 lol someone has to be last.

[youvereachedthebadend]

Hi Jack! How are things here? We just got back from the Place, here’s what we learned

1. They’re aware of this field as a place without electricity, but they don’t seem to suspect anything. Error suggested it as a potential place for meeting up with Chase

2. Whatever they’re planning needs a lot of people, or at least more than they were getting before. Error mentioned needing to work harder to get “enough people”

3. There’s a new division at the Place. That’s literally all we know regarding that, but it’s interesting

4. /He/ does not know where the resistance is, but he thinks he will soon and plans to immediately attack when he does. (Well, immediately do something. I’m just assuming it’s attack because that makes the most sense)

5. Cat is very confident we won’t be able to help him while he’s in the Place. Did you know he can’t be possessed? You should try possessing one of the magicians, see if magic is the reason. I’m sure someone would agree to that, learning more about your powers is learning more about his powers

6. Cat will be involved in whatever Anti has planned, and he said it might be soon. He said that’s when we’ll be able to help

7. He also said you could come visit in his mindscape, if you can get in without Anti noticing

8. Have we ever told you about the strings coming from /his/ chest? Maybe you already knew. When someone is uncorrupted we can see the strings and how one more isn’t attached to anything but him. The rest still seem to be attached to the corrupted

Jack is in a tent. It's not quite a normal tent, as it seems a lot bigger than your standard camping variety. Sunlight bleeds through the gray canvas walls, providing more than enough light to see by. The tent is absolutely filled with electronics. You see laptops stacked on tables, desktop computers in boxes, a basket full of phones of various makes and models, and all sorts of wires and cables everywhere. There are five different electric generators shoved against one wall. Jack is sitting in the middle of the tent, where there's a sort of clear spot. His body is fizzling in and out, white static passing through him like an old TV searching for a signal.

He blinks. 'Oh, hey guys. It's been a while.' Then he shakes his head, and the static fades away, leaving him to become as solid as he ever is. 'That's, uh...a lot of information. I don't know if you needed to tell me all of that, considering I can't do much with a lot of it. But thanks.' He pauses, then decides to address your talking points one by one:

'One, I can't do anything about. Same with two, three, and four. You should probably tell Stacy or the others about those. Five? Yeah, we did know that. He tried a couple times to possess all of us, back in 2017 before this all started. Never got Marvin. But I'm not gonna possess someone without them knowing or without an emergency. Maybe I could get one of the others to ask a magician to volunteer? Six...good to know. Again, tell the others about that. Seven, thanks. I-I'll try. Eight is...interesting. Very interesting. I'll...think about that.'

[myreygn]

7, 8, 15, 18, 22, 53 & 52 for the book ask thingy if that is okay? ^^ ♥️

yes ma'am thanks for asking! 💛

¸¸♬·¯·♩¸¸♪·¯·♫¸¸¸¸♫·¯·♪¸¸♩·¯·♬¸¸

7. a book you did not finish

the heir by kiera cass... i read the first three books of the selection series and was not impressed to put it nicely. i started reading the fourth one because i thought the romance wouldn't be as predictable but after reading two chapters i knew who it was gonna be so i said to myself "no miss you're not putting up with this shit again" and closed it forever lmao

8. a book you finished in one sitting

den schattenmann belügst du nicht ("you don't fool the shadow man") by marvin grauwolf, it's a german fantasy comedy murder mystery with ~280 pages and too hilarious to put down even once haha! the writing style was very terry pratchett whose books i LOVE so we were all good there

15. a book rec you really enjoyed

my friends recommended the song of achilles by madeline miller and while i was not head over heels (and will probably be slaughtered for some opinions i have lmao) i had a lot of fun with it and really loved the writing style

18. your least favorite book ever

mia i thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to hate on things <3 ahem. THE TOBACCONIST! THIS IS NOT A QUESTION! the tobacconist by robert seethaler is a book i had to read for german class and it was honestly the least enjoyable, most annoying and overall just worst reading experience i ever had in my life! it's about a young guy who comes to vienna shortly before ww2, meets the first love of his life (to have an insufferable romance with her), befriends dr sigmund fucking freud (barf.) and experiences the takeover of the nazis. that book won prices and i have no idea how tf it pulled that off because it's awful!!

22. your favorite thriller

tbh the only thriller i ever read was dear child by romy hausmann and it was pretty good so imma go with that lol

52. a popular book/series that you love

i don't really read a lot of books that are very popular with the mainstream but what is very popular amongst designated fantasy readers (such as yours sincerely) is the first law by joe abercrombie. i think i already said once that abercrombie is one of the best authors i ever read and i still stand by that, the first law is basically game of thrones but better (and speaking of which, a song of ice and fire by george r r martin is also a series i really love lol)

53. a popular book/series that your hate

omg. selection by kiera cass and mortal instruments by cassandra clare. one character is not enough to cancel out everything else which sucks but just for the record, mortal instrument's only plus is alec lightwood and selection's only plus is celeste. spoiler alert she dies and it's the only plottwist in all of the books and probably only there for the sake of having a plottwist because it contributes absolutely NOTHING to the story ("all of the books" she said when she only read the first 3. i assume the love interest for america's and maxon's daughter in book 4 was supposed to be a plottwist but as mentioned above, it was so painfully obvious by chapter 2(!!) that i could not have been suprised by it if my fucking life depended on it)